Innholdsfortegnelse for July 8, 2013 i Woman's Own

You’ll have seen on our cover that Linda Robson is worrying about her weight again, and she’s not the only one. Dawn French has recently admitted to putting on 3st, while Lisa Riley’s weight appears to yo-yo too. True, they’ve all been slimmer, but here at Woman’s Own we reckon they may have now found their ‘happy weight’ – the point where their bodies have settled at a manageable size and they can eat a little more of what they fancy. We think they all look simply gorgeous!…

She worked so hard to drop four dress sizes last year but, as these pictures show, Linda Robson’s relaxed her diet and gained 2st. The Loose Women panellist posed happily for pictures at the wedding of her eldest daughter Lauren, 30, in Cyprus, but recent images are a stark contrast to those of Linda last year when she lost 3½st on the LighterLife diet. During the two-week trip, Linda, 55, admitted her diet was the last thing on her mind, tweeting about fry-ups, ‘a lovely curry’ and posting a picture of herself and her family at a restaurant, captioned, ‘Now gonna stuff our faces.’ So inspiring Linda revealed her slimmed-down figure last year after going from 14st 7lb to 11st after being inspired by lifelong friend Pauline Quirke, who lost…

Darling April ‘The house is so quiet without you. I sit here on the settee where we once shared so many cuddles and there’s this terrible silence where there used to be laughter. Your little pink sandals still sit by the door and your plastic beaker is in the kitchen cupboard. Everything’s frozen in time and in my head I can picture you running in from riding your bike and asking for juice in that beaker, adding a ‘please’ at the end as you always did and a flash of that big smile of yours. It always won everyone round, didn’t it, April? How I long to reach into that memory, to be your mum again, fetching drinks and doling out kisses. Instead, I sit here, my hands so fidgety…

Naomi Watts Yes, you can brave the leather look. This stylish outfit proves it’s possible to take a midi-length skirt from day to night. Rosie Huntington-Whiteley Recreate this casual yet super-chic look and smarten up cropped slim jeans with a patterned blazer. Trilby optional! Anna Friel A floral dress is a summer staple that works in so many ways. Add a pair of elegant heels to dress it up or easy pumps to keep it casual.…

As a nation, it seems as though we just can’t get enough of erotic fiction. Now research by online giant Amazon has found that the South Yorkshire town of Doncaster is the steamiest place in the UK, holding the highest number of orders for romance and erotica than anywhere else in the country. Psychologist Corinne Sweet says, ‘Northern women are much more upfront and open about their sex lives. I take my G-string off to them! Many men underestimate women’s sexual appetites. That’s why these books are selling like hot cakes – they help fulfil a fantasy.’ Here, five Doncaster women reveal how life is far from prim up north… We love to role-play Mum-of-four Heather O’Neill, 39, is a kitchen assistant and married to plasterer Stuart, 40. She says:…

We look in the mirror up to 71 times a day, yet we may still be missing the vital signs that would be a red flag to many doctors. ‘Examining a patient’s face tells me a lot about their health and lifestyle, and even their predisposition to certain conditions,’ says Dr Deborah McManners, a naturopath and cosmetic doctor at London’s The Hale Clinic. ‘Traditional tests, such as blood or urine, always come second to what I can see with my own eyes.’ Here’s what you need to look for… 1 Cracked lips ‘Cracks at the corners of your lips are a red flag for iron or vitamin B deficiency,’ says Dr McManners. ‘Boost your diet with two to three portions of meat or fish and green leafy vegetables weekly. Ask…

Save with out spending Here are my top tips this week to en sure you’remaking the most of your hard-earned cash 1 GET INTO THE WIMBLEDON SPIRIT Until 14 July, Virgin Active Health Clubs is offering members and non-members free tennis sessions. Visit virginactive.co.uk, fill in a form and your closest club will get in touch to book a free game, kids’ coaching sessions, Cardio Tennis workouts or Xpress learn-to-play lessons. 2 COOK FOR LESS Reduce your energy bills by using your microwave whenever possible, as it uses less than half the power of an electric oven and takes a much shorter time to cook. 3 EAT FOR LESS FOR A MONTH Fancy a few cheap meals out rather than being chained to the kitchen? Sign up at tastecard.co.uk for…

Ready in less than 30mins Bacon and leek tortilla SERVES 4-6 PREP TIME 7 MINS COOKING TIME 22 MINS YOU WILL NEED 4tbsp olive oil 2 leeks, trimmed and thickly sliced 350g new potatoes, sliced 4 back bacon rashers, chopped 6 large eggs 75g mature Cheddar cheese, grated HOW TO DO IT 1 Heat the olive oil in a large flameproof frying pan, add the trimmed leeks and new potatoes and sauté for 8 mins, stirring frequently, until golden and tender. Add the chopped bacon and fry for a further 4 mins. 2 Meanwhile, beat the eggs in a large bowl and add the cheese. Season well. Stir the potato mixture into the beaten eggs, then return to the pan and cook over a low heat for 8 mins, making…

Only 75p perserving SERVES 12 PREP TIME 20 MINS COOKING TIME 1 HR 30 MINS YOU WILL NEED 6 large egg whites 300g sugar 1tbsp cornflour 2tsp white wine vinegar 25g cocoa powder 50g dark chocolate, finely chopped 284ml double cream 3tbsp icing sugar 300g stoned-cherry compote Fresh cherries, to serve HOW TO DO IT 1 Preheat the oven to 140˚C/Gas 1. Whisk the egg whites until they form stiff peaks. Then whisk in the sugar, a couple of tbsp at a time, mixing well between each addition. When the sugar has been added, keep on whisking for a few mins until the mixture is glossy and looks like shaving foam. Carefully stir in the cornflour, vinegar, cocoa and chocolate with a large metal spoon. 2 Cover a sheet with…

Win! £200 CLUES & ARROWS Fill in the clues in the direction of the arrows. The shaded squares will reveal the hidden word or words 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 Cud Pot Yob 4 LETTERS Hold Myth Nerd Rime 5 LETTERS Gypsy Jazzy Pilau Sunny Vicar 6 LETTERS Catchy Finery Memoir Purist 7 LETTERS Beeline Shebeen Terrain Version 8 LETTERS Emporium Macaroni Numbness 9 LETTERS Backwater Desirable Isometric Wackiness Win! A gift set worth £50 Courtesy of Sweet Mandarin, the award-winning gluten-free sauce as seen on Dragons’ Den, two readers will each win a set of Sweet Chilli, Barbecue and Sweet & Sour sauce plus…

Most of us have a list of one-off dream holidays, and God’s Own Country – as the Keralans call this 360-mile stretch of coastline – is an enchanting land of beaches, backwaters, hill stations, tea plantations, spice gardens and Ayurvedic massages to die for. So what are you waiting for? Spice up your shopping Fort Kochi is so laid-back it’s virtually horizontal. Ease into the Keralan way of life – a legacy of Dutch, Portuguese, British and Jewish influences – and take in the sights. The fish market sells freshly caught tiger prawns, lobster, grouper and barracuda – the Chinese fishing nets, a 600-year-old tradition, are still in use today and definitely an acquired skill! Visit the Kathakali Centre for dance-drama, where music, face paints and elaborate costumes tell traditional…

She’s helped thousands of people turn their properties into dream homes and now she is on a mission to keep Britain’s streets tidy. We caught up with Sarah Beeny, 41, who discusses never being on the end of star chat-up lines and why she’s not afraid to use the dreaded line, ‘Don’t you know who I am?’… Who’s the biggest celebrity on your mobile? I have the numbers of Amanda Lamb and Tim Lovejoy but neither of them are good friends of mine, they’re just people I’ve met through work. I live a rather simple life! What’s your best freebie? I get sent a lot of Betty Barclay jackets, which I love. People always say to me that I have an amazing jacket collection and it’s all thanks to them.…

Beaded lady Cheryl Cole, 30, proves long dresses are far from dull in this figure-hugging fishtail number. Cleverly placed beading accentuates her enviously petite frame. Simply does it Victoria Beckham, 39, adds drama to her minimal black jumpsuit with a low back. Extra fashion points for her on-trend metallic clutch. Peekaboo Actress Eva Longoria, 38, opts for a mermaid-style frock and shows how a side split and clever cutouts can flaunt without revealing too much. Fancy floral Marion Cotillard, 37, really is the French style queen in this gown. The actress’s sleek hair and nude accessories let the dress do the talking. Dare to bare Kym Marsh, 37, is not afraid to show off her tattoos in this glitzy showstopper. A high ponytail emphasises the statement plunging back to the…

Nigella Lawson looked pale and drawn when she was seen out just days after shocking images were published showing her husband apparently grabbing her by the throat. The domestic goddess, who has been renting a £10,000 week flat, cut a haunted figure as she was spotted without her wedding ring. More than a tiff Nigella, 53, has kept quiet about the events, while her husband of 10 years, Charles Saatchi, 70, released a statement claiming his actions were merely a ‘playful tiff’. He later accepted a police caution, saying, ‘I thought it was better than the alternative of this hanging over all of us for months.’ Charles has made no public apology to his wife for his actions, and a spokesperson for Nigella did not wish to comment on Charles’…

For many of us, they are our most faithful companion – the last thing we see before we go to bed and the first thing we reach for in the morning. They go everywhere with us – to bed, to work, out for dinner, even to the toilet. But is this obsession with our mobiles healthy? A recent study revealed that we check our smartphones and BlackBerrys an incredible 150 times during a waking day – that’s an average of once every six minutes! Incredibly rude? But then, phones aren’t just for talking on any more, are they? No, mobiles are now a camera, calendar, games console, diary, notebook, alarm clock. And with one click they connect us with text, email, Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn… the list is endless. And…

Textured tresses Short hair? You can still change your style from beach to bar with a texturising paste, like Toni&Guy Creative Stick It Up Gum, £7.20. Start with a pea-sized amount and roughly apply to dry hair to create a textured, expertly mussed-up ’do. Pretty ponytail It’s good news for stylingphobes – the new low-slung ponytail is quick and simple to achieve. Begin with smooth, blow-dried hair, brush into a pony at the nape of the neck and secure. This look works best with long hair but those with short locks can quickly fake it with the clip-in Sleek Wrap Around Ponytail, £24.99, from Beauty Works. Too easy! Braidy bunch The side plait is one of those fab do-it-all styles – not only does it look great from day to…

DEAR EMMA Why am I so needy? After many unhappy years, my husband and I separated in 2011. In the last few months, I’ve started dating. One was a friend of a friend and the other I met online. I liked both but in each case I seemed to become fixated on hearing from them and ended up heartbroken when they didn’t reply to my texts. In the end, one broke off contact altogether. The other said that he wasn’t ready for a relationship even though I never said I wanted one. Why am I coming across as so desperate? Karen, 41, via email One of the perils of texting is that most people aren’t great at written communication, and it’s harder to express nuances of tone in short messages…

DRY EYES ‘These are usually a sign you’re doing too much computer work,’ says Dr McManners. ‘Over 40, dry eyes can be a sign of Sjögren’s syndrome, which causes the immune system to attack the glands that produce saliva and tears. If drops don’t help, see your optician for a tear test. If they are very dry, visit your GP for links to other autoimmune disorders.’ DARK CIRCLES ‘They’re usually the result of disrupted sleep, a big night out or smoking but they can also be linked to allergies and intolerances to foods,’ says Margaret Moss. If you think it could be foodrelated, keep a diary of what you eat and how you feel. For common culprits to avoid, go to allergyuk.org. LINES BETWEEN YOUR EYEBROWS ‘In Chinese medicine, two…

It’s FREE to join and it’s so easy to become a member Wouldn’t it be great to walk into a store and earn cashback? Now you can, only with Quidco. It pays to shop when you register your card with us How in store cashback works Register your debit and credit card numbers Shop in store with our retailers, using your registered card Earn cashback direct to your Quidco account when you use your card. Simply register today to get started Places like Debenhams, Cineworld and Halfords all give cashback when you register your card with Quidco START SAVING NOW Quidco is the UK’s number one cashback and voucher code site with over three million members, who save pounds on their shopping, insurance, travel, mobiles, utilities and more. Join now…

We’ve teamed up with Druckers and Patisserie Valerie to give you and a friend a fantastic regular hot drink absolutely free! You can choose from a wide selection of teas, coffees and hot chocolate. Druckers and Patisserie Valerie are great places to relax after a shopping trip or to meet up with a friend. Each cafe has its own individual style, but all of them share the same warm, welcoming continental atmosphere. While you are there, why not treat yourself to something to eat? At Druckers, there’s a wide choice of delicious food, mouthwatering bakes and great coffee. Patisserie Valerie also offers an extensive selection of exquisite cakes and pastries, all handmade using traditional recipes.…

Breathing in deeply, I stretched my arms and felt the tension easing. ‘That’s great,’ our fitness teacher said. Then she cracked a joke that made the whole class burst out laughing. It was my first session at the t’ai chi class near my home in Portsmouth and, just as I’d been told, Debbie Pentland really did make it fun. It was February 2007 and a friend had recommended I come along. Over the past four years, I’d been through a terrible time, losing both my parents and then my husband, who died at 62 from lung cancer. It had left me battling depression. They said she’d never run again’ ‘Debbie will get you smiling again. It’s her special gift,’ my friend had said. And here, in the class of 25…

Cancer 21 Jun 22 Jul On 8 July, a powerful New Moon falls in your sign and signals a fresh beginning. All sorts of possibilities for positive change are on their way. And if there’s anything you want to initiate yourself, this is the time to plant seeds and take actions towards it. It’s not necessarily the best week to ask for what you want, but it’s fabulous for making some plans and getting going. For more call 0901 609 4783* Fern Britton (17 July) The influence of expansive Jupiter in Fern’s sign of Cancer suggests that her role as poster girl for weight battles might not be over yet… Aries 21 Mar – 20 Apr You don’t have to be able to draw, paint or fix things to be…

Since joining Emmerdale as happy-go-lucky Brenda in 2008, Lesley Dunlop has been able to enjoy her fair share of exciting storylines. But none has gripped soap fans more than Brenda’s recent struggle to come to terms with a brain tumour. Here, Lesley, 57, tells us what it’s been like to play the role, why she decided to shave off all her hair and what her partner Chris Chittell, 65 (Emmerdale’s Eric Pollard) thinks of her new look… What has it been like filming the brain tumour storyline? It’s been fantastic but also draining. It’s just such a sad storyline, you can’t help but get emotional. There have been a lot of crying scenes, which can be really exhausting. Were you happy to be given such a big story? Yes, absolutely.…

CONGRATULATIONS! Gillian Taylforth’s boyfriend Dave Fairbairn has popped the question and she’s said yes! A friend of the former EastEnders actress, 57, has said, ‘Gillian is delighted, she is so in love. She found it hard to find love again after splitting with Geoff [Knights, her ex], but couldn’t be happier now.’ Gillian’s been dating Dave for a year. He is known as one of the country’s biggest drug barons, and once served a seven-year prison sentence. He was arrested last month on suspicion of assaulting a police officer and drink-driving – though it clearly hasn’t put Gill off! Exclusive ‘Totally shameless’ Anthea’s ex holidays with mistress weeks after split Anthea Turner’s estranged husband Grant Bovey has been blasted after being pictured in the South of France with his alleged…

Woman’s Own Exclusive inter view As This Morning’s leading man, as well as host of various prime-time shows, it’s no wonder Phillip Schofield’s got a hectic schedule. But the presenter, 51, was happy to make time for Woman’s Own at the launch of cancer charity One For The Boys. Over a glass of Pimm’s, he filled us in on his romantic trip to Venice with wife Stephanie, how this Father’s Day with daughters Molly, 19, and Ruby, 17, proved to be the best ever, and hanging out with pal Holly Willoughby when the cameras are off. We recently reported on your extravagant Venice trip… how was it? It was brilliant. We have always wanted to go. We sent my parents on the Orient-Express before and they loved it – and…

Four top tips to get you started Cut calories To make sure you’re able to do up your zip more comfortably in a week’s time, you’ll need to cut your calorie intake to 1,200-1,400 calories a day. Aim to walk briskly for at least 30 minutes each day, too. Switch salt Replacing salt with seasonings such as pepper, herbs, lemon and balsamic vinegar will help you lose as much as 3lb of water (eating too much salt makes you retain liquid). Minimise intake by avoiding packaged foods that contain more than 0.5g salt per 100g. Avoid foods that cause gas Limit peas, beans and lentils because they contain indigestible carbohydrates that produce gases and can cause your tum to protrude. Stay away from chilled potato and pasta salads for the…

Long-lasting glamour Imagine having long, voluminous lashes that last for days. Well, thanks to Max Factor Lashfinity 3 Day Mascara, £18.99, now you can! The long-wearing formula bonds to the hair fibre for 72-hour coverage. We’re impressed! 3 ways to... Fight the fuzz SHAVE Wilkinson Sword Hydro Silk Razor, £9.99, has a built-in serum strip to nourish legs and underarms for up to two hours after shaving. DEPILATE Take on wrinkles and facial hair together with ‘Fuzz’ Off, £12, Bliss. Perfect for the upper lip area, not only does it remove hair, it also contains skin-smoothing extracts to minimise fine lines. WAX For longer-lasting hair removal, try Veet EasyWax Electrical Roll-On Kit, £29.99. A mess-free option, it heats up the wax so you can roll it directly on to skin…

3 step fix... beat sunburn TRY THIS Research shows 85 per cent of us only use sun cream abroad and a fifth never apply enough. Both increase the chance of sunburn, which can lead to skin cancer. Even in the UK you should apply 15 minutes before sun exposure and then every two hours. One application should be 1tsp for the face, head and neck, two for the torso, one for each arm, two for each leg and foot. BUY THIS Factor 30 blocks out 98 per cent of rays, while an SPF60 surprisingly only offers 1 per cent more protection. Find deals on chemistdirect.co.uk, where Malibu Protective Lotion SPF30, £5.99, is buy one, get one free. DO THIS If you do get burnt, drink plenty of water to cool…

Loading the clothes into the washing machine, I glanced behind. ‘You are watching aren’t you?’ I asked and my husband Mark dutifully nodded. ‘Now, put the washing powder in here,’ I continued, pulling out the tray and filling it. ‘Turn the dial to 40 degrees and press start.’ But this isn’t a lesson to show a hopeless bloke round the kitchen. The truth is far more heartbreaking. For I’m teaching Mark, 47, how to live the rest of his life without me. Washing, ironing and shopping are the chores that, like many wives, I’ve always done. But I’m dying, and while other women facing tragic news may spend their time living out last dreams, I’m making a wife’s manual for a grieving husband. With our two boys being older –…

TOP CONSUMER ADVICE FROM DEBBI MARCO There’s only one certainty in life and that is some day we will all die. So however gloomy it may seem, it makes sense to plan ahead. ‘Costs are rising by about seven per cent a year,’ says Gordon Swan of Golden Charter Funeral Plans (goldencharter.co.uk). And that’s with the average funeral already coming in at around £3,000. So it is worth doing your research and visiting websites such as The Good Funeral Guide (goodfuneralguide.co.uk) or The Natural Death Centre (naturaldeath.org.uk) to find out all you can in advance. One of the easiest ways to finance a funeral is to take out a prepaid plan from a specialist company. ‘There are many reasons for considering this option,’ says Stuart Harland of the Funeral Planning…

We love... Asda’s Chosen By You ice lollies, from just £1 for a box of eight. They’re all delicious, which means the only problem is choosing your flavour! We can’t decide between Honeycomb Blast, Jelly & Custard or the Fruity Yogurt Moments... So let’s have one of each! On a roll Fruity roulade SERVES 8 PREP TIME 15 MINS COOKING TIME 10 MINS 1 Preheat the oven to 200°C/Gas 6. Grease a Swiss roll tin and line with baking parchment. 2 Beat 3 eggs and 115g caster sugar until thick, sift half the 115g flour over the mixture and fold in. Sift over the remaining flour and fold with 1tbsp tepid water. 3 Pour into the tin and bake for 10 mins. Turn out on to another sheet of baking…

We potty-trained our kids from birth Lying in the hospital bed, gazing happily at my newborn daughter, Rosie, I pulled a potty I’d brought with me out of my bag. I held little Rosie over it until she did her business. Nurses stopped to watch the bizarre spectacle – a newborn being potty-trained! But Rosie’s mine and my husband Mark’s fourth child and we strongly believe in it – there’s no need to be tied to constant nappy changing, with all that mess and expense. I wish I had known when I’d had my eldest, Connie, five, in June 2007. I simply did what all new mums do – put her in a nappy. But when it was time for her to use a potty, I looked online for help…

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Farm to fame EastEnders star Kierston Wareing may be a glamourpuss now, but the actress used to work on a farm. Reliving the time a cow pat splattered over her face, Kierston, 37, joked, ‘EastEnders has been a blessing after that!’ She also revealed the eerie events following her mum’s death, at 66. ‘When I dressed Mum for her funeral I said, “Can you give me a sign there’s life after death?”’ Kierston recalls. ‘Then the lights started going on and off, the washing machine would turn on even though the power was off, and my dog’s toy squeaked on its own. It freaked me out, so I moved back to my dad’s!’ Don’t MISS IT... LUTHER Tuesday, 2 July, 9pm, BBC1 Back for a third series, Idris Elba stars…