Kirstie Allsopp says that being overweight is ‘irresponsible’ and insists we determine our own health
THERE'S a lot of evidence that crafting is helpful for mental health.
It’s important to maintain the link between our hands and brain, not just telling our brains what to write on a screen.
Many people don’t know how to mend things – clothes end up in bins because they lose a button.
All men and women should be able to sew – it shouldn’t be seen as anti-feminist, anti-intellectual or anti-anything.
It’s a quiet moment sitting down to do something, and it’s great to have one thing to know how to fix.
I’ve been criticised for saying I put my husband first.
But if Ben [Andersen, 54, a property developer] is happy, then we’re happy and so are the children [Bay, 10, Oscar, eight, and stepsons Hal, 16, and Orion, 13] – I really believe that.
We’re in an extraordinarily equal partnership.
My work does dominate plans, but I think it’s important to find time for each other.
If I’m the one who’s away working, then when I get back it can’t just be about the kids.
I want my children to be enthusiastic.
I can’t bear people who say on the way to a party: “Oh, we’ll leave at 10pm,” already anticipating it’s not going to be fun.
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It’s really important to be enthusiastic and upbeat about things, to join in and make an effort.
Like in Richard Scarry’s children’s book Pig Will And Pig Won’t, it’s better to be Pig Will.
It’s bad there are so many appalling stories about stepmothers.
As one in three families are stepfamilies, we really need to address it – it’s not the same for stepfathers.
If, as a woman, you meet someone with children and don’t want anything to do with the kids or their mother, don’t go out with the man.
Your rewards are very small as a step-parent, but they’re like tiny nuggets of gold.
Being a good one is so valuable to society because it’s those children who have the potential to be more damaged. They just need to be loved.
It’s irresponsible to be overweight – to yourself, your family, friends and to the NHS.
I work with Stand Up To Cancer, and as hard as everyone is working, new ways of getting cancer caused by our lifestyles are being found.
We all need to face up to the fact that being slimmer and eating better is healthier.
I have check-ups, which are vital, but day-to-day we are in charge of our own health.
See Kirstie at , September 15-17, Hampton Court Palace