Women, more often than not, do things which aren't remotely relaxing but are all about preening, which is just another sort of work.

Here in Barcelona, it's the architects who built the buildings that made the city iconic who are the objects of admiration - not a bunch of half-witted monarchs.

Whenever I am sent a new book on the lively arts, the first thing I do is look for myself in the index.

Covering up, so far as I can see, is often the accompaniment to far more truly shameful behaviour than stripping off.

Being a child is horrible. It is slightly better than being a tree or a piece of heavy machinery but not half as good as being a domestic cat.

It may be a cliché, but it's true - the build-up to Christmas is so much more pleasurable than the actual day itself.

The latest twist on the pampering concept is spa parties, where a group of friends take over an entire spa.