Innholdsfortegnelse for November 12, 2012 i Woman's Own

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…

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…

Ever the professional, Carol Vorderman fronted the recent Pride of Britain Awards with her usual grace. Dealing with some of the saddest stories told during the event is tough and it must be hard for her to put on that brave smile. But then Carol, who’s been linked to the awards since 1999, is no stranger to huge emotional ups and downs. In 2000, she got divorced from second husband Paddy King, father of her two children, Katie, 20 and Cameron, 15. In 2005 she was rocked by the death of her friend, Countdown host Richard Whiteley. She also made an emotional reunion with her father Tony who walked out on the family when Carol was three weeks old. Most recently she was upset to learn she wouldn’t be invited…

Black side panels create a slimming effect Dress, £24.99, 8-18, New Look Shoes, £25, Limited Collection at M&S Bracelet, £8, Debenhams Jacket, £33.84, xs-xxxl, Louis Dell’Olio at QVC Top, £8, 8-18, G21 at George at Asda Skirt, £14, 8-20, Primark Boots, £45, Bhs Necklace £15, Butter by Matthew Williamson at Debenhams A patterned top will draw attention from your legs Cardigan, £17.99, 8-18, New Look Blouse, £19.99, 8-18, New Look Trousers, £29.99, 8-18, New Look Boots, £45, Bhs This outfit helps to minimise a large bust Top, £6, 8-20, Primark Skirt, £8, 8-20, Primark Shoes, £25, Limited Collection at M&S Blouse, £29, 8-24, South at Isme Trousers, £12, 8-20, Primark Shoes, £40, Miss KG at Debenhams Add a belt to break up the pattern Dress, £39.50, 8-22, Woman at M&S…

Bright eyes Save Recent research suggests that dark circles appear more noticeable in winter. Disguise them with George Under Eye Concealer, £3, Asda. This handy clicker pen contains reflective pigments to diffuse the light and illuminate the eye area. Splurge YSL Touche Eclat highlighting pen, £25, disguises signs of tiredness in an instant. This iconic buy can also be used along the tops of the cheeks and brow bones to emphasise contours. AGE LESS Hero Beauty tips For even more age less advice, check out womansown.co.uk 3 of the best Body-firming creams ◆ FOR BUSTS If your boobs need a pick-meup, Ultimo USculpt Boobs, £39.50, claims to be the first non-surgical bust-reduction cream. Anti-ageing rainforest extracts work to lift and firm up the chest in eight weeks. ◆ FOR TUMMIES…

EMMA RECOMMENDS Looking for a good book about anger? The Dance Of Anger by Harriet Lerner (£8.99, Element) is a classic DR RADHA RECOMMENDS For anyone who has tragically lost a child, the website achildofmine.co.uk offers great support Is my daughter starving herself? DEAR EMMA, I am worried about my 15-year-old daughter, as she’s lost quite a bit of weight. She eats dinner, but never bothers with breakfast, and I’m worried that she’s not eating at school. Fiona, 43, via email Have a heart-to-heart with your daughter to give her a chance to tell you what’s going on. It’s possible her weight loss may be down to a medical issue, so make sure her GP runs tests for things like diabetes and, if necessary, talks to her about the dangers…

Eat barley for blemishes ‘Pearl barley has one of the lowest glycaemic index (GI) values of any food,’ says Australian researcher Dr Joanna McMillan, author of Inner Health, Outer Beauty (£12.99, Random House Australia). Try including it in your diet if you’re prone to skin breakouts, as low-GI carbs, which release their sugar slowly to suppress blood glucose and insulin levels, were shown to relieve acne in a recent study. Pearl barley contains fewer calories than rice or couscous, and is great added to salads, stews and risottos. Other foods that will lower the GI of your diet and help keep your skin healthy are modest portions of wholegrains and pulses. Drink tea between meals Tea with low-fat milk or lemon is a great slimline drink. ‘Different teas contain different…

Save with out spending Here are my top tips this week to ensure you’re making the most of your hard-earned cash 1 DON’T PAY, AND STILL HAVE FUN Visit Free-events.co.uk to find out details about local events such as concerts and plays that will cost you absolutely nothing. 2 HAGGLE WITH THE HIGH STREET It’s a little-known fact that stores such as Asda or Homebase can lower prices if you haggle. Speak to a supervisor authorised to make discount decisions, and try to avoid busy times. Finally, find any flaw with the item as an extra reason for a reduction. Good luck! 3 GET FREE ADVICE Build on my tips here by talking to The Money Advice Service. This independent organisation set up by the government gives free, unbiased advice…

3 of the best... Oat pots As the chilly mornings creep in a hot breakfast is essential. Here are our top three speedy porridges Alpen Raspberry, Apple & Raisin is ready in 2 mins and has real pieces of juicy fruit. From supermarkets. Oat So Simple With Toppings can be served in 2 mins – just add the oats and fruit. From supermarkets. Fruity Pop Up Coconut & Date comes in a pop-up bowl with a spoon. Ready to eat in 2-3 mins. From Tesco. Puds under a pound Blueberry crumble Cost per serving 90p SERVES 4 PREP TIME 5 MINS COOK TIME 20 MINS NUTRITION PER SERVING 812 cals, 10.3g protein, 117.9g carbs (78.8g sugars), 32.8g fat (14g saturated) 1 Heat oven to 190°C/Gas 5. Place 4 large ripe…

DOUBLE CROSS BY BEN MACINTYRE (£7.99, BLOOMSBURY) The D-Day landings in June 1944 were the turning point in the Second World War as the Allies bamboozled the Nazis with fake invasion plans. But the real heroes were a group of foreign double agents, turned by MI5 to misinform the German army. This true story of people who doublecrossed their bosses for reasons of bravery and greed is a compelling tale of our national history. RICHARD SAYS ‘If you enjoyed Ben Macintyre’s previous bestseller, Operation Mincemeat, then Double Cross is right up your alley. It deals with a bizarre, almost fantastical Allied undercover operation to pull the wool over the Nazis’ eyes. Every piece of information the double agents sent back to Berlin was exactly what the Allies wanted the Nazis…

Shop the market stalls in the shadow of Bath Abbey Get crafty in BATH WHY GO Where better than our loveliest Georgian city to get the full English Christmas experience? Tucked between Bath Abbey and the Roman Baths, 140-plus stalls offer warming mulled wine, twinkling lights and carol singers at every turn! WHEN’S IT ON From 2 November to 9 December. WHAT TO BUY Quality crafts like ECP Design’s heart-decorated mugs and Emma’s Soap, which is made using wax from her own bees. For foodie gifts, think ‘drinking fudge’ and cupcake glitter. WHAT ELSE TO DO A skating rink in Royal Victoria Park means the kids can disappear with Dad while you explore the extra stalls around fashionable Milsom Place and Bath Street’s stores. Shoppers’ carol services at Bath Abbey…

The perfect stress buster... STAR letter With a busy job and a family to care for I needed some me-time. I tried to relax by doing stretches, only to get stuck on the floor, then a face mask resulted in a rash. I realised I had to take drastic action and set off to a beauty salon. After heavy traffic resulted in a missed appointment, stress levels were at boiling point. I found the solution waiting for me at home – my Woman’s Own and a big bar of chocolate – bliss! Janice Ellis, West Sussex Win a bunch of flowers Our star letter will win this striking Winter Lady In Red bouquet of exotic flowers in a vase, worth £49.90, courtesy of iflorist.co.uk Life-saving bravery Reading ‘We’re more than just…

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…

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…

The chocolate slowly melted on to my tongue. Every bite was heaven. And as I finished off my delicious Snickers bar, I found myself reaching for another. I’d bought a family pack that I’d meant to share later with my children, Sam, nine, and Anne-Marie, six, but within minutes I’d eaten all four. ‘Never mind,’ I thought, throwing the wrappers in the bin. ‘I deserved them.’ I’d spent the day washing and doing the housework. Soon I’d pick the children up from school, get them tea before leaving them with Mum to rush off for my night shift as a nurse at the local hospital. I’d get four hours sleep at most so I needed these sugary treats. Devastated It didn’t matter that I’d had a bowl of creamy pasta…

Karen signed up to our online weight loss service in February. ‘I’d slowly crept up to 13st and a size 14-16, and had tried to cut down, but nothing was working for me,’ she says. She decided to do something about it in time for her son’s wedding later this year and used the diet plan’s calorie counter to monitor her meals. ‘Before the weight loss, I’d normally be in baggy tops and trousers, but now I want to show off my figure,’ says Karen. Get the right style Fashion Editor Fiona Reardon explains how easy it is to change your look in four steps WORK WEAR Karen had no confidence when selecting clothes, but I convinced her a dress is a wardrobe staple for her job as a teaching…

As she ran through her long list of symptoms, Kay Alexander saw the doctor’s eyes glaze over. It was March 2001 and Kay, then 44, had been to see her GP after suffering from erratic, painful periods and a dull ache in her groin. She hoped, at the very least, he would put her mind at rest. Instead he labelled her a timewaster, said the problem was to do with her bladder and simply told her to drink lots of cranberry juice. ‘It was so upsetting to be spoken to in this way,’ recalls Kay, now 55. ‘I had been to the surgery a few times because I’d had nine periods in six months, but instead of helping me, the GP gave me a lecture on how I was making…

Diabetes is most common in the over-forties and can cause tiredness, weight loss, and ultimately lead to heart disease, blindness and limb amputations. Spotting the signs early is vital, and taking regular exercise and making healthy eating choices can make an enormous difference. Could you develop the condition? SIMPLY TICK THE APPROPRIATE BOX 1 Are you white and aged over 40 years old, or South Asian and aged over 25? YES NO  2 Is there a history of diabetes in your family? YES NO  3 Have you been diagnosed with high blood pressure at over 140/90 consistently? YES NO  4 Does your waist measurement read at more than 31½in (80cm)? YES NO  Libby Dowling, clinical adviser at Diabetes UK, says, ‘The more questions you answer yes…

The hot African sun beat down on the dust track. People stood either side, clapping and cheering as the small, solitary figure on crutches moved deftly over the uneven ground. She was red-faced from exertion but there was pure determination in her eyes. Watching her, I couldn’t have been prouder. This was my seven-year-old daughter, Pollyanna, doing a 5km charity ‘run’ in Sierra Leone – with a prosthetic right leg and on crutches. It was an incredible achievement and something I never imagined seeing back in April 2007 when Pollyanna was so tragically injured. Aged just two, she was mown down by a bus as I stood with her and my mum, Elizabeth, 65, at the local bus station near our home in South London. We’d been heading off to…

WORTH OVER £1,000 EACH To celebrate the launch of their new Diamond Collection, sleep experts Silentnight have teamed up with Woman’s Own to give four readers the chance to win a fantastic 2800 Latex Luxury double divan. Drawing on the company’s 60 years in the business, The Diamond Collection features the most sumptuous and comfortable beds that Silentnight have ever made. There are three beds to choose from – the 1400 Natural Luxury, 2000 Ortho Luxury and 2800 Latex Luxury, and each mattress has been made with high-quality natural fillings, including wool, silk and latex for the ultimate in comfort. Beds in The Diamond Collection come complete with a divan base, a selection of storage options and Silentnight Mirapocket mattress – a two-layer spring system which contains individual responsive springs…

‘Singing was as good as therapy’ It was bad enough waving my husband off to a war zone for seven months but, as I sat at home weeping in March 2011, there was the agony of hearing my 12-year-old daughter Rhianna asking, ‘Where’s Daddy?’ She was born with a genetic disorder so rare there’s no other case in the world, and it means she has severe learning difficulties. A stressful time So while I could explain to her brother Josh, 16, and sister Emelia, six, that their dad James, 37, a Royal Marine, was in Afghanistan, Rhianna didn’t understand. Being a military wife is tough but when you add the stress of caring for a severely disabled child, it’s an emotional roller coaster. When James was posted to Scotland in…

Perfect for Christmas 7 prizes to be won! This is the final week of our fantastic three-week token collect competition. Seven readers will each win a Tesco gift voucher worth £500 to spend on Christmas food, drink, gifts and seasonal goodies. So let Tesco do the hard work for you this Christmas. There are so many great gift ideas to choose from for all your family and friends. There’s a Green & Black’s Hot Chocolate For Two gift set (right), £12; a Spa Complete Bathing Kit, £7, plus a Baylis & Harding Skin Spa Perfect Pamper Set (above right), £12. You will also find an amazing selection of food and drink, as well as brilliant items to make your home festive. In other words, Tesco has Christmas all wrapped up!…

Standing at the front door, I felt nervous. It was December 2010 and I’d just started a job fundraising for the Royal National Institute of Blind People. On my first day, I’d asked my colleagues about the volunteers in my area – East of England. ‘You’ve got to see our crazy stamp lady,’ one insisted. ‘Does she know you call her that?’ I asked. ‘It’s what she calls herself!’ she laughed, giving me Terri Bush’s number. Now here I was, paying my first visit and wondering why on earth she’d got her nickname, especially when the door opened and I saw a smiling, dark-haired woman. She didn’t look crazy to me! ‘Come in,’ Terri, then 42, grinned. But as I stepped into her home in Benfleet, Essex, I suddenly noticed…

Sometimes things all happen at once and this year they certainly have. It’s been heart wrenching. We’ve had three family members pass away in very quick succession, including my cousin Whitney [Houston, who died in February]. Loss is devastating. Michael [Jackson, who died in 2009] was my sweet baby. He was a kind, gentle and sincerely talented individual who is sorely, sorely missed. We really need him here but, hey, he’s doing some other wonderful things up there. No regrets What gets me through the bad times is the same thing that gets anyone through the bad times – I try to move on and wave them goodbye. I don’t dwell. What’s the point? I don’t regret anything. Anything that’s happened to me and will happen to me in the…

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…

‘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…

Coffee break over, we clambered back into the car at the service station. It was autumn 2000 and my husband Keith and I were off to the airport to start a Caribbean cruise. ‘I can’t wait until we’re sunning ourselves on deck!’ I said, as Keith started up the engine. I was a business analyst and Keith, 43, was a sales manager. With no children, we’d always worked hard and we both needed this break. But as Keith drove down the slip road to the motorway, he suddenly went rigid, his hands clasped to the steering wheel. ‘Keith!’ I screamed, but he didn’t answer. Terrified, I grabbed the wheel and managed to bring the car to a halt on the grass verge. Quickly, I dialled 999 and an ambulance raced…

Draw the line A feline flick is a fail-safe style for evening glam but keeping a steady hand while doing it can be tricky and timeconsuming. Glam Republic Illusion Eyes Eyeliner Appliqués Black Velvet, £4.99, Superdrug, will put an end to skew-whiff lines and smudges. Simply peel the strip off the cardboard, line up against your eye and stick on for perfect eyeliner in just seconds. We’ve tried them and love the matte black effect and stylish line. Magic mani! When it comes to glam nails, you can’t beat a high-shine manicure. If you’ve left it too late for polish, you can still fool people that you’ve been to the salon. Use Models Own 4 Shine It nail buffer (below), £3.50, to smooth, buff and gloss, then apply Rimmel Nail…

1 Approach your GP first. If you explain your frustrations, it may be possible to resolve the matter between the two of you. 2 Stay calm. This is crucial when discussing your concerns. Aggressive behaviour will cause more problems and could even get you thrown off the GP’s list. 3 Know what you want to achieve. If you’re unhappy with your care and feel you have no option but to make a formal complaint, explain clearly what you want to accomplish. 4 Keep a formal record. Over time, people’s memories become hazy and they can often confuse or mix up events. Make detailed notes of everything that goes on, and keep and file all paperwork that you receive somewhere safe. 5 Get involved. If you’re unhappy about certain decisions the…

Painkillers can make you deaf Dr Radha Modgil helps you sort out fact from fiction ◆ THE LOWDOWN In a recent study, people using over-the-counter painkillers such as ibuprofen and paracetamol regularly were up to 20 per cent more likely to suffer from a loss of hearing. ◆ THE TRUTH The case studies had been taking painkillers up to five times a week for 14 years. Using them according to the packet directions doesn’t usually cause problems – although if they’re opiate-based, like codeine, they can be addictive and all drugs can have side effects. If you’re using painkillers on a regular basis or for more than a few days without any improvement, see your GP. 3 step fix... Norovirus Protect yourself from this highly contagious winter vomiting bug.…

We’re all on the lookout for great deals – never more so than now. Quidco’s brilliant offers will save you £££s. Log on to quidco.com today It’s FREE to join and it’s so easy to become a member Quidco can make you up to £55 this week How much money could I save? If you spent £200 at Debenhams with Quidco you could expect to save £4-£6 with 2% cashback in store and 3% online. Shopping for big-ticket items will get you the most cashback. With Quidco you can get up to 8% cashback on Dell sales plus free delivery* – on a laptop worth £550, that could be £44! Make your life easier – order online and get paid for having groceries delivered. If you shop at asda.com this…

Autumn cider chicken SERVES 4 PREP TIME 10 MINS COOKING TIME 25-30 MINS NUTRITION PER SERVING 536 cals, 43.8g protein, 30.4g carbs (15.9 sugars), 23.2g fat (11.9g saturates) YOU WILL NEED ◆ 4 large chicken breasts ◆ 1tbsp plain flour, seasoned ◆ 1tbsp olive oil ◆ 500ml dry cider ◆ 250g baby new potatoes, thickly sliced ◆ 2 large carrots, thickly sliced ◆ 1 large onion, thinly sliced ◆ 1 medium cooking apple, cored and chopped ◆ 2 bay leaves ◆ 200ml creme fraiche 1 Coat the chicken in the seasoned flour. Heat the oil in a large casserole dish and brown the chicken for 2-3 mins. 2 Pour in the cider and add the potatoes, carrots and onion. Bring to the boil then add the apple and bay leaves.…

1 Glittertastic! Strictly Come Dancing Live Tour From 18 January After the excitement of the TV series, the Strictly wagon hits the road for the UK tour – and it promises to be ruder and raunchier than ever. With the judges free to say exactly what they think without the cameras rolling, expect fireworks! See ticketzone.co.uk or call 0844 875 8758 for tickets. 2 Inspirational songs Stronger Together by Military Wives. Out now One year on and we’re still smitten with Gareth Malone’s award-winning choir. This new album features the diamond jubilee anthem Sing as well as army wives’ choirs from as far afield as Germany and Cyprus, which really brings the community feel to life. To read three of the military wives’ stories, see p48. Win! Worth £9 We…

Worth £442 Calling all beauty fans! We want to hear about your must-have products – from that wrinkle-busting dream cream to the foundation you’ve been using for years. Vote in our Age Less Beauty Awards for all your favourites online right now at womansown.co.uk/beautyawards. And, if you complete our survey, you’ll automatically be entered into a fantastic prize draw to win a getaway for two at luxury retreat Ragdale Hall (ragdalehall.co.uk). You could win an Overnight Reviver Break at the worldfamous spa for you and a friend. The prize includes overnight accommodation in a superior room, dinner, breakfast and lunch, full use of the facilities and a treatment – either a 50-minute massage or facial. So, get voting and good luck! Vote for your favourites now at womansown.co.uk/beautyawards AGE LESS…

Aries 21 Mar – 20 Apr It’s a rare Aries who doesn’t have plans for the future. Setting goals and making them happen is one of your major talents. Right now your ability to change your future for the better by creating a vision and taking action is supreme. Go for it. You might amaze yourself. ◆ For more call 0901 609 4780 Taurus 21 Apr – 20 May Money and work are on a roll. You may get a genuine stroke of good luck that takes your breath away. Even if you don’t, your optimism creates a thrilling development. Love and partnerships are less easy to rouse enthusiasm for, but find it and they can change too. ◆ For more call 0901 609 4781 Gemini 21 May – 20…