Innholdsfortegnelse for January 21, 2013 i Woman's Own

Have you started (and probably given up) your new year’s diet yet? Over half of us quit slimming within the first month, with many only managing a week! So maybe this year you’ll let us help you shed the pounds with our diet plate. It’s easy to incorporate this healthy eating plan into your daily life because it’s all about portion control and eating ‘normal’ foods, rather than unrealistic quick fixes. Find out more on page 32 and, if you join womansowndiets.co.uk, your £14.99 plate is free. Do drop me a line when you start to drop lbs! facebook.com/womansownmagazine twitter.com/womansown womansowneditor@ipcmedia.com 020 3148 6565…

Are you the next EL James? Igiggled my way through the first Fifty Shades Of Grey book – I must say, it was certainly an education! Some of the content was more than a bit bizarre, but all three of EL James’s books tapped into women’s appetites for a bit of titillation, and their author has made herself an absolute fortune from her sexy stories. Women need more than naughty pictures to stimulate them sexually, which is why it’s no surprise there has been such an – ahem – almighty explosion in erotic fiction. It’s notoriously difficult for authors, especially men, to write good sex scenes. Most of them are downright silly, not to mention anatomically impossible, but EL James has opened the floodgates and made it acceptable to read…

For many of us, the new year is a time for change. We vow to lose weight, find different careers or catch up with long-lost friends. For me and my husband Mike, 47, 31 December 2009 sparked one of the biggest challenges we have ever had to face. We had been looking forward to a quiet evening in with a bottle of wine when, that afternoon, a phone call from the bank revealed our request for a mortgage had been turned down. ‘They say we’re too much in debt,’ Mike said. I burst into tears in shock. When our two grown-up children had moved out a year earlier, we had hoped to downsize to a two-bedroom cottage near our current home in south-east Cornwall. But now we had reached a…

A Kindle Fire HD is perfect for relaxing and enjoying a good read – and thanks to Ricola, WomanÕs Own has 10 of these fantastic tablets to give away to our readers. The new Kindle tablet allows you to read, listen and watch – all on one stunning device. Its clear 7in high-definition touch screen is ideal for turning pages and its clear, simple design makes it so easy to browse the web using the built-in Wi-Fi. Ricola’s tasty herbal treats are from Switzerland – and, being sugar-free, they should help keep your healthy regime on track for the new year. Using only the finest natural ingredients, these delicious sweets curb that craving for cakes and chocolate with a blast of natural mountain goodness. Bursting with 13 Swiss herbs, including…

As soon as she opened the classroom door, everyone inside turned to stare. ‘Don’t talk to her,’ a voice said, and the room fell silent. It had been the same every day for the past two months for Linda*. She was the victim of cruel bullies at a primary school in London. But Linda isn’t one of the schoolgirls in the class. She’s a 40-year-old mum and is being picked on by other mothers. ‘It all started over nothing,’ says Linda. ‘My son didn’t invite one of his classmates to his party and the girl’s mum, Sandra*, took it out on me. After that she’d snub me every time I saw her and then she got the other mums to do it too.’ Linda found herself being left totally isolated.…

EMMA RECOMMENDS Still in debt from Christmas ? Then call The Debt advice Foundation on 0800 043 4050 DR RADHA RECOMMENDS Take a look at diarydoll.com for underwear specially designed to be worn during your period I feel so guilty about her abuse DEAR EMMA, My 26-year-old daughter recently told me she was sexually abused by a neighbour when she was 12. I’ve arranged counselling for her, but I’m so consumed with guilt that I’m not sleeping or eating. Michelle, 58, London Abusers are skilled at making sure their victims don’t speak out. What counts is that your daughter has told you now. The best thing you can do to help her is to support yourself so you can continue to be there for her. Call SupportLine’s Helpline on 01708…

Choose one breakfast, one lunch and one evening meal every day. Then you are free to pick a snack or treat containing up to 200 calories – see our list (right) for suggestions. We’ve set your daily calorie count in these menus at around 1,500 calories – that’s low enough to lose a steady 1-2lb a week, but not so meagre that you get hunger pangs or feel deprived. Breakfast ◆ 5tbsp bran flakes with 150ml semi-skimmed milk, 1tbsp flaked almonds and a small bowl of homemade fruit salad ◆ 4tbsp unsweetened muesli, topped with 125g low-fat cherry yogurt and two handfuls of blueberries ◆ 40g Honey Nut Shredded Wheat with 150ml semi-skimmed milk, plus an orange ◆ A poached egg on 1 slice wholemeal toast with 1tsp olive spread,…

Burying my face in her long, blonde hair, I held my daughter close and felt my heart break. Amy, at only 13 years old, was dead and in the stark lights of the hospital’s A&E unit, I had been left to say goodbye. Yet how was I supposed to do that? This was the little girl who had nestled in my arms as a baby, clambered on to my knees for cuddles as a toddler and to whom I had given kisses at the school gates before she’d run into class. Mounting anger How could I accept she was now gone – killed, snatched away from us in a horrific road accident? She had been knocked off her bicycle, her death the fault of a motorist who had ploughed into…

I’ve saved so far! £720 Money-saving websites are never far from my thoughts when I’m thinking of making a new purchase online. I use them to help me save money on just about everything, from insurance and my home broadband connection to clothes and household items. So when I came across Quidco in 2009, while searching the internet for cash-saving sites, I was really keen to see how it could help me and signed up straight away. You can join for free, then every time you want to buy something online from a store – Next or Tesco, for example – you can search for the retailer on Quidco’s website. It will then redirect you to that company’s site, where you can make your purchase. Afterwards, you will get a…

‘Dominic the parrot saved my life’ My face throbbed, my eyes were swollen, the skin black and tender. ‘How can this have happened again?’ I thought. It was the fifth time in the past five years I’d broken my nose in my sleep. As funny as it might sound, it was really distressing. I kept dozing during the day and felt constantly tired. And it had become worse, with me suddenly nodding off and falling on to worktops and coffee tables, often face first. My husband Bernhard, 60, was distraught and because I could rarely leave the house, he had transformed our home into a magnificent aviary, complete with seven parrots to keep me company. Dominic, an African Grey, was the cheekiest of the lot, always chatting. Yet, despite the…

Standing in front of the camera, I felt so proud – proud of what I was doing to help other women, and of how far I’d come. I was having my picture taken to be the face of an incredible campaign. And with every click of the shutter, I said a silent thank you for being there at all. It was back in 2006 that I first found the lump in my abdomen. I’d had a bout of food poisoning and, rubbing my hand over my aching stomach, my fingers had felt a hard, raised area. Devastating news I was 38 and married with two young boys. I didn’t have time to be ill and put it down to being part of my stomach upset. But a month later, when…

WORD FIT Prize puzzle To be in with a chance of winning the prize below, fit the words in the grid. The shaded squares reveal the hidden word(s). 3 LETTERS Eau Fir Fly Mar 4 LETTERS Foil Gene Gilt Gore 5 LETTERS Empty Gutsy Lotus Manly 6 LETTERS Evolve Shifty Sleepy Worker 7 LETTERS Bicycle Servile Solicit Wreathe 8 LETTERS Artefact Forename Helpline Lifebelt 9 LETTERS Etymology Normalise Repellent Win! A case of French wine Woman’s Own has teamed up with French Wines With style to offer one winner a mixed case of six absolutely cracking wines, as selected by top UK experts and journalists! All the wines are different and the case is worth around £50. HOW TO ENTER Go to womansown.co.uk, click Win and look for the comp.…

‘It’s so easy to play!’ After logging on to Woman’s Own bingo I bought a few tickets for bingo lounge. I had watched the progressive jackpot creeping up over the past couple of days and decided now was the time to try my luck. Earlier that day, before my son Gavin, 33, had left for work, I had mentioned it to him. ‘The jackpot is almost £17,000,’ I said. ‘Do you think I’ve got a chance of winning it?’ ‘Why not?’ he replied. ‘Someone’s got to, and a bit of your old luck might rub off today!’ I smiled, knowing he was referring to the win I’d had four years earlier when I scooped £5,201. Then, not long after that, I was amazed to win another jackpot of £419. I…

On the spot with... Pam Ferris The Call The Midwife star, 64, lives in Kent with husband Roger and their dog, Stanley 1 Call or text? Call. You get those nuances in conversation that you can’t pick up on in a text. 2 Save or splurge? Both. Work for a long time, save the money, and then have a really great holiday. 3 Kindle or book? I love my Kindle. I mainly read fiction on it, but I’m also very fond of reading Richard Dawkins’ science books. 4 High street or designer? Designer. I love Sahara, Oska and YaccoMaricard. But I rarely get dressed up. I’d get bored if I did it all the time. 5 Bath or shower? Baths. They’re good for aching shoulders. 6 Herbal tea or double…

W ho says you need to have an acid tongue to succeed as a T V judge? At 77, The Great British Bake Off star Mary Berry is arguably the coolest – and kindest – judge there is! The BBC baking show, which also features co-judge Paul Hollywood and hosts Sue Perkins and Mel Giedroyc, returns for a Comic Relief special next week, including celebrities such as Duncan Bannatyne from Dragons’ Den, Claudia Winkleman, Countryfile’s Julia Bradbury, Jo Brand and Paralympic swimmer Ellie Simmonds. PRECIOUS MOMENTS AT HOME ‘I was very keen on giving my children the right food,’ says Mary, picture d in 1975 Family life Mary’s husband Paul (right) is a book and art dealer. They have two children – Tom, 45, Annabel, 41 – and five grandchildren.…

She worked her way around the ward, filling water jugs and plumping up pillows. At one bed she stopped and gave a smile. ‘How are you today?’ she said, her voice a gentle whisper. I was a junior nurse on the ward and I nudged my colleague, puzzled. ‘Why’s she whispering?’ I asked one of the other juniors. ‘That’s Jean Colclough,’ she said. ‘Everyone calls her “Whispering Jean” because she has worked nights for so long, she’s always really quiet and doesn’t disturb the patients.’ It was 1976 and I was 18, and just starting my career at Southend University Hospital in Essex. I watched Jean, the ward sister, keen to learn from this calm, gentle woman for whom nothing seemed too much trouble. Jean had been working at the…

Winter woe Redness THE PROBLEM It’s normal to expect some flushing in winter, as the blood rushes to the surface when you come in from the cold, but you could be experiencing seasonal irritation. The hero Look for products with a green tint to neutralise rosiness in an instant, such as Eau Thermale Avène Redness-Relief Moisturizing Protecting Cream, £13.50. You can boost your skin’s natural barrier by using L’Oréal Paris Age Perfect Intensive Re-Nourish Serum, £19.99. Winter woe deeper lines THE PROBLEM You might feel all snug with your central heating ramped up, but your skin won’t thank you for it. It not only dries out the humidity in the room but also the moisture in your skin, making any lines appear more deep-rooted. THE HERO Clarins Extra-Firming Day Wrinkle…

Christine Pratt of the National Bullying Helpline and director of HR & Diversity Management gives her top tips on how to deal with the problem 1 There are basic steps you can take to deal with a bully. The ACAS Code of Practice provides guidance for the workplace, but can also be useful for other situations. Go to acas.org.uk. 2 Write everything down. You will then be able to rely on this as evidence of your abuse. 3 Speak to someone who is fully removed from the situation. They will be able to tell you if you are being too sensitive or should make a formal complaint. 4 Report it to someone in a position of authority. If you are being bullied in the community, consider seeking advice from a…

3 STEP FIX... Gastroenteritis DO THIS Drink at least two litres of water a day to replace fluids lost through sickness and diarrhoea. Plus have 200ml of water after each bout of liquid stools ◆ TRY THIS DIORALYTE Relief (£4.28 for six sachets, pharmacies) replaces the salt, minerals and sugars that the body has lost, and rehydrates you. It will also help to return bowel movements to normal. ◆ BUY THIS Peppermint relieves cramps and soothes nausea. Try Nature’s Best Peppermint Oil (£6, 180 capsules, naturesbest.co.uk). It’s weird... but it works! Half of all adults suffer with acne at some point. New Lustre Pure Light harnesses natural blue light to fight bacteria – the cause of spots – that lies under the skin. You just place the pads on your…

Woman’s Own Diets is the easy way to lose weight – and keep it off. It’s based on keeping an online food diary, where you can record everything you eat and any exercise you do. The online calculator helps you get the right balance, so you lose weight sensibly and steadily. Doing some extra physical activity allows you to offset the calories you have used by indulging in your favourite snack, so you won’t feel deprived. Here we show you some easy – and no-cost – ways to free up those calories! Get your body going! • SPRING CLEAN Really put your back into it and vacuum and dust the whole house. BURNS 250 cals for 60 mins = three McVitie’s Milk Chocolate Digestives biscuits • WALK IT Leave the…

It’s FREE to join and it’s so easy to become a member Here’s how it works Browse Join Quidco for free and browse their thousands of retailers and offers Shop Click through from Quidco to the retailer and buy online as normal Save When you make a purchase you will get cashback into your Quidco account. You can then withdraw this from your bank or Paypal account to spend (or save!) as you wish There are so many ways to save online and in store too. And with fantastic retailers like Jessops, Evans, Bhs, Achica and The Body Shop offering great deals, there’s no excuse not to. Join now to see how much you could save. Visit quidco.com today…

TOP CONSUMER ADVICE FROM DEBBI MARCO January is a month traditionally filled with diets, new gym memberships and cutting back on alcohol. However, for some of us, it’s also when we decide we want to ditch more than a dress size, as soaring divorce rates show. In fact, the beginning of the year is so busy for solicitors they have dubbed the first working Monday of the month ‘Black Monday’, with more calls and divorce petitions being logged than any other time of the year. But while the average divorce can cost anything from £850 to £2,500 for an uncontested parting, fees rocket if there are children or property issues involved, with some final legal bills reaching a staggering £80,000. So how can you get a cheap divorce? Websites offer…

Watching the giraffes nibble leaves from the trees, I was mesmerised. I was eight years old and loved these visits to our local zoo in Colchester. ‘When I grow up I want to work with animals,’ I always said. Only, hitting my teens, my dreams seemed harder to reach. I ended up training in accounts and, aged 24, became a bookkeeper working in London. Perfect present Then in 2003, aged 29, I fell in love with Bob, a window cleaner, and moved to Torbay in Devon. We both loved travelling and went on a three-month trip around the world. Our final stop was San Diego Zoo. Seeing all the animals was wonderful and boarding the plane home, my heart ached to think I was going back to my normal job.…

1 Hunting bin Laden Zero Dark Thirty Out 25 January HHHHH This spy thriller, based on the true story of how american intelligence tracked down and killed osama bin Laden, is already generating oscar buzz for lead actress Jessica Chastain (The Help), who plays the determined CIa operative maya. Beginning on the day of the september 11 attacks, this tense drama deals with the morality of war, but leaves the viewer to decide what’s right and wrong. 2 Step back in time Cheerful Weather For The Wedding Out now Devon, 1932, and young Dolly Thatcham (Felicity Jones) frets on the day of her wedding when her ex, Joseph, turns up. Her mum Hetty (Elizabeth mcGovern) is even less pleased as his presence causes Dolly to reassess her life with her…

Aries 21 Mar – 20 Apr Don’t let anyone knock you off your path this week. You have a job to do, a situation to sort out – perhaps a friend to tackle? Friday is your best day in a long time for putting intentions into practice. Anything you kick into action then goes like a dream. It’s a time for thinking big. ◆ For more call 0901 609 4780 Taurus 21 Apr – 20 May Even the most positive people have to deal with setbacks, dark thoughts and unhelpful developments. This week you encounter something that, frankly, you’d rather not deal with or look at. But if you do and maintain an upbeat attitude it’ll go away again that much quicker. ◆ For more call 0901 609 4781 Gemini…

Keeping them level-headed I wonder how I would feel if any of my children became famous. There are so many young celebrities around these days – One Direction, Justin Bieber… I imagine parents feel protective towards their children as they are thrust into the limelight. Life will never be the same again but if parents manage to help their offspring keep level-headed, their future could be bright. My son was at Liverpool FC when he was young and it gave me a glimpse of how things can turn out. In the end I was relieved he went on to do well at uni instead and is flourishing in his career. Michelle Bryn, Liverpool Star letter WIN a bunch of f lowers Our star letter will win this striking Winter Lady…

Would you wear a onesie? Tell us now at womansown.co.uk The yummy mummy-to-be Will Kate Middleton, 31, be commissioning her wedding dress designer, Sarah Burton at Alexander McQueen, to create the perfect comfy combo for a special baby bump? Join the dots Holly Willoughby, 31, proves that a Minnie Mouse-inspired polka dot number can still look glamorous, even if it does have ears. Complete the look with a pair of boots. Cool ’ n’ comfy Corrie actress Alison King, 39, is on-trend with this all-in-one fashion statement. Adding a leather jacket, Converse trainers and huge earrings gives it a slouchy, rock-chick look. Top to toe comfort Actress Jennifer Ellison, 29, thinks hers is the ultimate in laid-back casualwear, teaming it with a pair of snug fur-lined ugg boots. Perfect for…

NATALIE CASSIDY The actress, 29, reveals how she finally won her weight war After 15 years of ups and downs with her weight, actress Natalie Cassidy has finally found the right balance. And it’s thanks to her daughter, Eliza. ‘Since becoming a mum two years ago I’m not obsessed with being thin any more,’ Natalie tells Woman’s Own. ‘I realised there was something in my life that was more important than how I looked. Now I want to be a healthy mum for my daughter.’ The actress admits she has never had an easy relationship with food. Being in the public eye made it even harder. She says, ‘I was 14 and playing Sonia in EastEnders when the press tracked me down on holiday and took a picture of me…

My look needs a style boost When it comes to buying jeans, busy mother-of-three and fundraising coordinator Gillian Nove, from Edinburgh, prioritises comfort and durability above style and fit. ‘I usually go for a dark blue, straight-cut style – the colour hides a multitude of stains and marks, courtesy of my youngest son!’ says the 39-year-old. We shimmied Gillian into a pair of classic indigo bootcut jeans, teamed with a pair of skyscraper heels that flattered her petite, curvy figure, and made her legs look longer and slimmer. We then showed her how to make a pair of tight-fitting skinnies work for a casual day look. The faded effect draws the eye down, taking focus away from the thighs, which Gillian told us was her problem area – and both…

3 of the best New season mascaras ◆ FOR VOLUME With Maybelline The Rocket Volum’ Express, £7.99, it’s all about the wand. The high-tech brush has a rigid core that’s covered in lots of tiny bristles. The result is va-va-voom volume and an even coverage. ◆ FOR SEPARATION Max Factor Clump Defy, £7.99, is perfect if you like to layer on mascara. The bristles are closely spaced so clumps cannot form and you can build up coverage for perfectly fanned out lashes. ◆ FOR BRIGHT EYES YSL Shocking False Lash Effect Mascara in Emerald Green, £23, might seem a scary colour to try, but this subtle jade hue with black undertones is easy to wear and makes eyes really pop. Reader rated LYNETTE COLLINS, 34, FROM BIRMINGHAM ‘My favourite beauty…

I f you’re a bit down at the moment, you’re far from alone. ‘Around one in 15 people in Britain experience seasonal affective disorder (SAD). Millions more have low spirits or “the winter blues”,’ says Dr Chris Williams, professor of psychosocial psychiatry at the University of Glasgow. ‘It can be due to less sunlight, and shorter days and poorer weather can mean it’s harder to do activities we enjoy. This coupled with the sometimes unrealistic expectations about New Year’s resolutions means that people are more prone to feeling low. So in January it’s important to be especially kind to yourself. Keep a diary of your successes – no matter how small – and if you’re ever feeling down, read it. I f you have a setback, don’t beat yourself up…

The Plate Plan To create this exclusive food planner we scouted evidencebased healthy eating advice from top government and university research from all over the world. We cherry-picked the very best and most practical bits to bring you an easy, at-a-glance guide to managing your weight successfully. Rather than being a quick-fix diet, the plan is a healthy eating blueprint for life. You can use it either to lose a steady 1-2lb a week, or to maintain the weight you are comfortable with. And it is also the perfect diet to give you all the nutrients you need for your body to be the best it can. For even better results, combine the plan with the calorie-counting tool on womansowndiets.co.uk to stay firmly and happily on track. Get started! STEP…

Portion sizes have increased over the years, so understanding what is a healthy serving is vital for keeping slim. To help you measure your portions correctly, we’ve developed this unique diet plate that will help to keep you on track. so, to make things simple, try to have a serving of carbs, like rice or pasta, no bigger than a fist, a piece of meat the size of a deck of cards and a chunk of cheese the size of a small matchbox. Focusing on how being hungry and full feels is vital to being satisfied with smaller portions. WORTH £ 14 . 9 9 Perfect portions every mealtime Get a Woman’s Own Diets plate worth £14.99 FREE when you join WomanÕs Own Diets, JUST ENTER PROMO CODE: PLATE Plus…

Save without s pending Here are my top tips this week to ensure you’re making the most of your hard-earned cash 1 GET A CHEAP CREDIT REPORT If you’re applying for a loan or mortgage and are worried about your credit rating, don’t pay a fortune to ‘specialist ’ companies for credit history info. Credit agencies such as Experian (experian.co.uk) can provide you with a report for as little as £2. 2 SHOP SAFELY AND SECURELY ONLINE Few phones have third-party security, leaving mobile phone shoppers at risk of hackers and identity theft. Install the free hotspotshield.com app and websites you visit will be encrypted, leaving your credit card details safe and secure. 3 MAKE YOUR OWN CLEANERS Forget Windolene – a splash of vinegar makes a great smearfree window…

Fennel, pea and broad bean salad SERVES 4 PREP TIME 10 MINS COOKING TIME 5 MINS Cost per serving £1.28 YOU WILL NEED ◆ 2 medium fennel bulbs ◆ 4 large eggs, at room temperature ◆ 250g podded broad beans ◆ 250g podded peas, thawed if frozen ◆ Olive oil ◆ 8 Parma ham slices FOR THE DRESSING ◆ 1 small garlic clove, peeled and finely crushed ◆ 1tsp caster sugar, or to taste ◆ 1tbsp lemon juice ◆ 1tbsp wholegrain mustard ◆ 3tbsp extra virgin olive oil ◆ Handful of dill, roughly chopped 1 Trim the fennel, cutting off the base and removing the outer layer. Cut each bulb in half lengthways then slice thinly. Place in a large bowl of iced water and leave to soak for 10-15…

Over Christmas, many of us will have had lots of opportunities for festive get-togethers with family members of all ages. As much as we love socialising, it can get a bit too much, especially for older family members who are used to a quieter routine. If someone close to you seems out of sorts, disorientated or even aggressive, it might be time to have a chat with them about their memory. It could be they’re showing early signs of dementia. Symptoms of the condition include regularly forgetting the names of friends or everyday objects, finding it difficult to follow TV programmes, having problems with simple thinking and reasoning and seeming anxious or confused, even in a familiar environment. While it may not be dementia, the important thing is to visit…

Chill out in NORWAY A cruise that chases the green-and-gold Northern Lights into the Arctic Circle is a real adventure. You’ll remember these frozen, twilight landscapes forever. HOW TO CHOOSE Winter’s main operator is Hurtigruten, whose small boats hug the coast and are used as a ferry service by Norwegians. ABOUT TO SAIL Fly to Bergen for a five-night Taste of the Arctic cruise to Tromso, where North Pole expeditions began. Blue Water Holidays has various dates until late March. WHAT’S THE BOAT LIKE? Casual with few frills – it’s all about amazing views. You’ll eat half-board with Norwegian set-dinner menus. HIGHLIGHTS If you’re lucky, you’ll see whales and the world’s greatest light show, the aurora borealis. Slip around five snow-piled ports and have a night out in lively Tromso…

‘It’s like a social event’ My husband, Neil, was watching the football on TV, so I decided to play a few games of Woman’s Own Bingo. I often go on the demo versions of the games, which you can play for free, but I chose to use real money. ‘I’ll go mad and put £10 on,’ I thought as I made my deposit. I usually play on the slots, as I often win £10 or £20 a time on those, but this time I decided to buy five 10p tickets for the next game of Bingo Lounge with its £200 full house prize. As I watched the game and my numbers were being marked off on one of my cards, I realised I was doing well. I was waiting for…

Jackie Collins has sold over 500 million copies of her 29 bestselling books. This week, she launches Racy Reads on ITV1’s Lorraine, to search for the next big name in erotic fiction, with a Mills & Boon publishing contract for the winning author. Here, Jackie, who lives in Beverly Hills, tells Woman’s Own about writing sex scenes and why she can’t bear the idea of retiring… Why have you decided to get involved with Lorraine’s writing competition? Because everyone enjoys a racy read, and I thought it would be nice to get involved with something that promotes books. Is that how you’d classify your novels, as ‘racy reads’? I don’t like the word ‘bonkbuster’. I think of them as relationship books. But I’d describe my latest, The Power Trip, as…