Woman's Own November 12, 2012

As a wife and proud mum of two lovely girls, I have often wondered how military wives manage when their men are away Ð they are certainly made of stronger stuff than me. So our exclusive piece on page 48 gave me a brief look into their lives and I think you’ll agree they are truly special, inspiring women who deserve to be celebrated.... Now we’re ON LINE! So check out our fantastic new website at womansown.co.uk. We look forward to seeing you! facebook.com/womansownmagazine twitter.com/womansown womansowneditor@ipcmedia.com 020 3148 6565 Meet our experts KATHERINE MURPHY Katherine is the chief executive of The Patients Association. On page 29 she explains the best way to make a complaint about your GP. LEE STAFFORD Drawing on over 20 yearsÕ experience in the business, award-winning…

On the spot with... Angela Griffin Emergency With… presenter Angela, 36, is married to Jason, 38, and has two daughters 1 Call or text? Text. If I phone someone I worry I’ll get stuck talking to them for a long time. 2 Flats or heels? Flats, for the comfort factor. 3 Cocktail or wine? Wine. I’m going through a Shiraz phase. Cocktail names are too cringey to order. 4 Bath or shower? Shower. I’m in and out in six minutes. 5 Sean Connery or Daniel Craig? Connery’s the classic, but I love Daniel Craig. 6 Dogs or cats? Dogs. My husband hates pets. My mum said don’t trust people who don’t like pets, but I married one! 7 Gary Barlow or Louis Walsh? Gary! I don’t understand why Louis is…

Work smart Kate Middleton, 30, displays her desire to be taken seriously by wearing her jeans with a tailored jacket to create a suit effect. Faded favourites Ex-BB presenter Davina McCall, 45, oozes confidence in these skin-tight 501-style jeans. She enhances the relaxed look with cool turn-ups. Edgy glamour Jennifer Aniston, 43, opts for a rock chick vibe. She tucks her indigo jeans into boots, revealing she feels younger than her years. Bohemian cool Actress Emma Thompson, 53, keeps her jeans low-key and practical by adding loose-fitting separates to accentuate her laid-back personality. Colour confident Attention-seeking model Claudia Schiffer, 42, ensures all eyes are on her slim legs by choosing emerald jeans and leopard-print heels. Preppy perfect Samantha Cameron, 41, shows she loves the latest trends, and uses her style…

Tis the season! It’s time to think about getting back in shape and pulling out that cheeky Little Black Dress from the back of the wardrobe in time for the upcoming festivities. It’s one of the most important items of clothing for the Christmas build-up and there’s such a lot of choice on the high street, so you don’t have to spend a fortune. Back in black I bought my favourite LBD from good old M&S last year and teamed it with some sparkly shoes from New Look (right). The whole outfit cost me about £50. All I had to do was put my hair up, wear a bit of glittery eye make-up and lipgloss and I was set to party. Of course we all want to look our best…

Dawn French’s return to T V on Superstar this year made us realise how much we’d missed her. Happily, the 55-year-old had been busy living her ‘bloody gorgeous’ life as she described it. The chief reason for her smile is her ‘true love’ Mark Bignell, 49, who she met through her late mum’s involvement with drugs charity Hamoaze House. ‘I said, “Mum, I’m a bit sweet on him.” I saw him and everything changed.’ In the beginning Born in Wales to RAF technician Denys French and wife Roma. Privately educated, Dawn won a debating scholarship in 1976 and spent a year at the Spence School in New York. She returned to the UK to study at the Central School of Speech & Drama, where she met her best friend and…

‘Every month I hope there’s a happy accident’ I know Derek thinks I’m bonkers,’ Kate Garraway confides. ‘Although I don’t think he’d put it that way. He listens and he is very supportive but he feels blessed with the two we’ve got. He doesn’t have that yearning for more children.’ We’re talking about Kate’s husband, Derek Draper, 45, and her desire for a third baby. ‘He would be delighted if one came along,’ she says, ‘But he doesn’t get my sadness. He thinks we’ll just get round to it if we want it and I say, “It’s not quite like that, babe.”’ She’s right of course. At 45, her chances of getting pregnant are not great. ‘Every month I hope there’s a happy accident,’ she says. ‘But as my doctor…