Innholdsfortegnelse for November 29, 2013 i Woman's Own

Wow, Carol, you’re looking so hot right now! It appears that having a dishy toy boy 14 years her junior really agrees with the shapely TV presenter. Carol looks enviably trim here, pictured with her boyfriend, Graham Duff. The 52-year-old shows you’re never too old to slip into an on-trend leather skirt – especially if you’ve got killer curves like her – and teamed with a fluffy jumper, it makes the perfect Christmas party outfit, too. Hmm, great figure, youthful looks, hot man – nah, we’re not jealous! Join us online Head to our fabulous website, womansown.co.uk and click on the Christmas tab for our party fashion and beauty tips, festive recipes, gift ideas for the whole family and more!…

As she’s one of the chirpiest women on TV, it’s no surprise Loose Women star Andrea loves the festive period – in fact, she likes Christmas so much, she’s nearly finished all her shopping! But while families all over the country are celebrating with their loved ones, things are going to be slightly different in the McLean household this year, with her children – Finlay, 12, and Amy, six – spending the day with their dads, Andrea’s former husbands nick and Steve. But as Andrea, 44, explains, it just means they’ll get to celebrate the day twice! There’s just over a month until Christmas – have you started your shopping yet? I started last month! I’m quite organised when it comes to Christmas, which is surprising as I’m the total…

Chances are your kid’s Christmas list looks like this: iPod, iPad Air, Wii, Xbox, Nintendo, mobile phone, PlayStation 4, Google Nexus… In short, basically anything that plugs in, needs charging and has a screen that connects to virtual games Shocking new figures reveal our children’s reliance on gadgets is so bad that nearly a third can use a mobile phone or tablet computer before they can talk! By the age of nine, children have sent a staggering 116 texts and 85 emails. But where does that leave us parents? We may want to buy them the present they truly want but then we’ve got the worry of whether we should be making our kids so screen-reliant. In 2011, 38% of kids under eight had used a mobile phone or Kindle.…

M&S Autograph Black Amber EDP Gold Edition, £22.50 for 50ml Warning: this is intoxicating. Just like a cosy blanket on a cold winter’s day, it wraps you up in cocooning notes of night jasmine, patchouli and vanilla. This fragrance smells much more expensive than the price tag suggests. Elizabeth Arden Untold EDP, £35 for 30ml Brighten up a dull day with this perfume pick-me-up. You’ll smell the refreshing notes of pink pepper and crisp bergamot before the musk undertone comes through. It’s bright, bursting with energy and a truly uplifting scent. Avon Instinct For Her EDP, £15 for 50ml, avonshop.co.uk If you’re the sort of person who wears one scent during the day and another at night, this has to be your next nocturnal choice. It’s an undeniably sexy scent,…

We all imagine the picture-perfect Christmas - sitting round a table loaded with turkey and all having |j fun, laughing and telling jokes. Yet the reality can be so different. Figures show the average family will have at least five arguments on Christmas Day - with the first taking place at 10.13am! And 45% of parents fall out between 1pm and 3pm because Dad has had too much to drink and Mum is stressed out cooking. Add to the mix hyper kids, moody teenagers, sisters, nieces and nephews and perhaps stepchildren too, and it’s inevitable that things can get a bit fraught. So here’s how to make sure you keep it as happy - and peaceful - as possible. Keep in with your in-laws  Your mother-in-law criticising what you’re doing…

Reader rated MAUREEN RAE, 59, OXFRDSHIRE ‘When I was diagnosed with arthritis in my hand five years ago, I tried painkillers, but they upset my tummy. I then found Boswellia & Commiphora cream, also known as frankincense and myrrh (￡9.95 for 100ml from skinshop.co.uk). I call it my miracle cream as I don’t need painkillers any more.’ 3 step fix Hangovers DO THIS It’s hangover hell time over the next few weeks. Try eating a full meal before drinking. ‘It will slow the absorption of alcohol in to your bloodstream. Then alternate water with your alcoholic drink throughout the night,’ says Holland & Barrett’s nutritionist, Alex Thompson. TRY THIS Drink two or three large glasses of water before bed - alcohol is a diuretic, and it’s the dehydration that causes…

EXPERT ADVICE ‘Use frozen sprouts – picked and frozen in hours, locking in nutrients. Fresh may have been hanging about a bit!’ MARCO PIERRE WHITE Sugar and spice cookies Tasty little treats that look almost too good to eat! MAKES 20 PREP TIME 10 MINS COOKING TIME 20 MINS  1 Preheat oven to 180˚C/Gas 4. Put 2tbsp honey, 30g unsalted butter and 60g light muscovado sugar into a pan and stir over a low heat until melted. Sieve 250g self-raising flour, 1tsp ginger and ½tsp ground cinnamon into a bowl. Add the finely grated zest of 1 lemon, 2tbsp lemon juice and 60g ground almonds. Pour the butter mixture into the dry ingredients and add 1 egg. Stir until the mixture comes together. 2 Knead for a couple of mins…

CREDIT ONLINE One in 10 of us will put our Christmas spend on a credit card. And if you apply now you could still receive your card in time to get a fantastic deal. The 0% purchase card from Tesco Bank (tescobank.com/creditcards) offers holders 18 months’ interest-free purchases, as well as one Tesco Clubcard point for every £4 spent. You can also take advantage of the Barclaycard Platinum card (barclaycard.co.uk), which is currently offering 0% on balance transfers, with a fee of 2.9%. Elf and safe tree! Nothing says festive like the scent of a real Christmas tree. Getting it home, however - not to mention getting rid of all the needles from the boot of your car - is the season’s biggest chore. But, luckily, Good Elf (goodelf.co.uk) is…

Being a carer for our little boy Zack, who we have special guardianship of, is so rewarding but it can be tiring. He’s an adorable toddler but, as he has special needs, it often means long, 20-hour days. I’m rarely able to leave the house, as he’s sensitive to sunlight, so taking care of him is a full-time job. Not that I’d change it for the world. But on the rare occasions I have a bit of time to myself, I love to treat myself to a few games of Woman’s Own Bingo. For those precious, snatched couple of hours a week, I can relax and indulge in some light-hearted banter with my friends on the site – and enjoy a few games of bingo! Friday and Saturday nights are…

Ben is the word There’s no doubt that rugby star Ben Cohen has thoroughly enjoyed his Strictly experience – the hunk’s even likened himself to a certain Grease star! Speaking about his time on the show, Ben, 35, said, ‘I’ve never danced before in my entire life – the closest I’ve come to it is a drunken stumble. I think I’m John Travolta! I look at myself dancing next to the pros and I look like a gorilla on a trike!’ Don’t MISS IT... The Royal Variety Performance 2013 ITV John Bishop hosts, while the likes of Gary Barlow, Caro Emerald and Britain’s Got Talent’s Attraction take to the stage. Prince Charles will be doing the royal honours, but John’s more concerned about his mum and dad watching. ‘I trust they’ll be proud when…

Top of the crops If we had a taut tum like nicole, we’d be showing it off in a glittery crop top, too! she balances out the fitted style with smart widelegged trousers. Tangerine dream An orange PVC minidress shouldn’t work on paper, but with nicole’s figure and honey-toned skin, it’s a winning look. Leather luxe Is it a coat? Is it a dress? we’re not too sure. But what we do know is that our X Factor judge looks super-chic wearing it. Elegantly waisted The former Pussycat Doll adds an edge to this understated white pencil skirt by flashing a hint of skin in a loose-fitting top. Jump ahead Nicole shows that an all-in-one jumpsuit makes a stunning alternative to a dress for an evening out. she finishes off…

DECTHEHALLS I’m A Celebrity host Declan Donnelly went solo and this is what happened... WE’RE LOVING PHILLIP INSTEAD This Morning’s Phillip Schofield is working his golden wings but, as co-host Holly reveals, he’s far from angelic. DADDY CHRISTMAS ! ‘Have you been a good boy?’ We’re not sure if Simon Cowell would get a visit from Santa this year... GET VAN OUT-EN OF THAT OUTFIT It’s behind you! Denise Van Outen probably wishes that this panto eyesore was. WHERE’S THE IVY, HOLLY? Holly Willoughby looks as though she’s about to do somebody a mischief with that pud covered in shaving foam. LOOKS LIKE LORRAINE, DEAR… Rudolph wasn’t about to be held down by anyone, let alone Daybreak host Lorraine Kelly! SEND IT LIKE BECKHAM... Not even David Beckham can make…

Far away in another land this Christmas, little girls will be remembering my daughter, Rosie May. They will be saying her name and giving thanks for what she has done. The thought of that brings me such comfort. It means all the more to me this year because it is the 10th anniversary of the day we lost our girl in a crime so horrific it can never be forgiven or forgotten… It was Boxing Day 2003 that I sat in the dark warmth of the Palace Theatre in Newark, Nottinghamshire, just about as filled up with pride as a mum could be. My husband Graham and our two boys, Luke, 16, and Laurence, 13, were there with me, all of us mesmerised by the little blonde whirlwind on the…

Reader rated DEBOR AHHURST, 32, FROM MERSEY SIDE My favourite beauty buy is the Rimmel London Professional Eyebrow Pencil, £2.99. It helps to define my face and really brings out my eyes.’ How I look younger Actress Catherine Zeta-Jones, 44, shares her secret for glossy hair. ‘I condition it with honey and beer. I smell like the bottom of a barrel for days afterwards, but it’s very good for my hair,’ she says. EXPERT ADVICE ‘Keep your creams in the fridge. It’s a refreshing skin treat and a product’s shelf-life’ STEPHANIE MYLOR BEUTY EDITOR   3 of the best New mascaras 1 FOR FULL-ON PARTYEYES After six years of research, Avon Mega Effects Mascara, £10, avonshop.co.uk, has landed. The adjustable brush and criss-cross bristles ensure you reach every lash. 2…

Why is she doing this? Last year, my hubby and his ex agreed his 12-year-old son was old enough to travel down on the coach to spend Christmas with us. But his ex has changed her mind and now wants my hubby to drive to Edinburgh and collect him, regardless of the time and expense. I’m trying to stay neutral but feel furious that this woman has once again changed the goalposts – and will probably get away with it. Katy, 36, Devon I’m really glad you’ve written to me. Whatever your husband’s ex-wife’s reasons might be for changing the arrangements, you are entitled to your frustration. So I want you to keep writing – getting your anger down on paper is a safe, helpful way to let the anger…

For me, one of the things that makes Christmas time so wonderful is giving cards to the people I love most in the world – writing a message to show someone how much I’m thinking of them at this time of the year. And this Christmas, I have a big box of them just waiting to be given out, all expressing my hopes and dreams for the year ahead. Yet, there is something very different about my cards - all of them have been created for one person, my three-year-old son, Freddie. There’s one for every Christmas and birthday until he is 21, each of them a reminder of me, his mummy, who won’t be here to say it in person. Shock diagnosis This Christmas could be our last one…

Fancy a treat? Then why not club together with friends and start saving now for a fantastic, relaxing spa break at the award-winning Ragdale Hall. This specially discounted two-day event will give you and your friends the chance to sample the spa’s state-of-the-art facilities, including the multimillion-pound Thermal Spa, the newly opened Beauty Express glamour treatment area and the Pavilion, a sumptuous garden-view relaxation area -Ragdale’s ultimate chill-out zone. Take advantage of this great offer now for an indulgent two-night (three-day) break at one of the finest spas in Europe. To view all treatments and see the new video brochure, go to ragdalehall.co.uk 2014 dates for your diary 30 March-1 April 21-23 September 2-4 November Your two-night break include Welcome drinks reception with some of the Woman’s Own team and…

I knew my darling dad had got it to snow Opening my bedroom curtains, I squealed with delight. ‘It’s snowing!’ I yelled, seeing the garden covered in a thick blanket of the stuff. It was 2010 and in three day’s time, on 3 December, I was getting married. I had longed for snow – especially because, by marrying my fiancé lan, then 30, I was about to become Mrs White! We’d booked a gorgeous barn on a farm in Bicester and I’d picked a red, white and silver colour scheme, with a fitted bodice. All our family and friends were coming. All but one – my dad, David. He’d died of a heart attack in 2002, at the age of 52, and I was devastated he wouldn’t be there to…

A good moan  I read ‘Are we all a bunch of moaners?’ [7 October] and I feel that British consumers don’t moan half enough! We pay up, say nothing and then just go home. I’m only alive to write this because my daughter spoke up very loudly last year when the hospital I was in decided to withdraw my critical care and let me slip away. Thank God she did as life is sweet, even with its little annoyances! Jennifer Jackson, email What a shake-up! Am I the only one who’s thrilled at the alterations being made to Loose Women? I’ll be so pleased to see Denise and Carol gone and Coleen Nolan and Kaye Adams back. It seems a positive change from those who think they own the show…

Purchase I’ve just stocked up on loads of clothes to take to Australia with me. I know you have to wear the jungle outfit, but I’m thinking I’ll need a number of swimming trunks for the hotel pool if I get kicked out early! Holiday I recently spent a week up the Black Mountains in Wales on a fishing holiday with some friends. I didn’t go with my wife, Amelia, though, because I get more time off than her. Embarrassing moment I was on a fishing trip in Dartmoor a few weeks ago, when I fell over in 5in of water. Not only did I manage to smash my very expensive GoPro camera but I also lost my sunglasses, so it was both embarrassing and expensive all in one go.…

Kat fight Katherine Jenkins is reportedly fuming with close pal Kelly Brook, after Kelly was spotted on a date with Kath’s ex Gethin Jones. Sources say that Katherine, 33, was ‘blindsided’ by the alleged hook-up. ‘Katherine thinks Kelly broke the ‘girl code’,’ an insider revealed. This may come as a shock to Mr Selfridge star Jeremy Piven, 48, who has also allegedly been getting cosy with Kel, 33. ‘Kelly was immediately taken by Jeremy’s dashing good looks. It’s too early to say how serious things will get, but the initial attraction was definitely there on both sides,’ a pal confirmed. Well, ‘Mrs Selfridge’ does have a certain ring to it… What a morning! Kate Garraway, 46, had a bit of a nightmare recently while trying to get her children Billy…

Phillip Schofield and Holly Willoughby will be getting in the festive spirit next month to present Text Santa – the celebpacked charity extravaganza. We caught up with Holly, 32, and Phil, 51, to chat about Christmas dinners, the perils of present-buying and how much booze they really intend to consume over the holidays. You’re back for another Text Santa appeal. What can we expect this year? HOLLY Goodness knows what will happen but we’re game. I loved helping to host last year’s show. My favourite bit was definitely Phil wearing my dress. Remember that? Afterwards, we were running to go and do the online show – he was still wearing the heels and dress and he tripped over. He literally stacked it. We were laughing so much, we only made it…

Win a Monsoon dress! With luxury fabrics and limited edition pieces, Monsoon is always our first choice for evening wear with the wow factor. From glam trouser suits to sparkling shift dresses, there’s something for every event. Check out the latest occasion wear at monsoon.co.uk or stores nationwide. You’ll be ready to party all night long in this stunning, black feather-trimmed Lolita dress (above), worth £149. It comes in sizes 8-18 and the timeless style means you can wear it for years to come. we have 10 gift cards worth £150 to give away, so you could snap up this dress, or anything else from Monsoon! To enter, go to womansown.co.uk and click win. For closing date and full T&Cs, see our website…

Research reveals we eat 500 calories more a day at Christmas – putting on up to 5lb. But follow Angela Dowden’s guide and you can indulge and stay trim What to do Pick one gold, two silver and three bronze festive food swaps each day to prevent your waistline expanding – and guarantee you’ll fit into your favourite outfits for the whole party season! Gold swaps (Save up to 200 calories per switch – do one gold option per day) SWAP A bowl of sherry trifle FOR A small serving of freshly made fruit salad HEALTH BONUS Fruit salad counts as at least two of your five-a-day SWAP A slice of Christmas cake FOR I marzipan fruit SWAP A serving of Christmas pudding FOR I Medjool date SWAP A large…

1 DIY power A coffee and sweet pastry will give you an initial lift, but the benefits will come tumbling down when you crash from the sugar rush and caffeine high. So, why not make your own power snack by mixing protein, a little fat and some fibre, like peanut butter on a wholewheat cracker: you’ll still get that quick lift from the carbs, the protein will maintain energy levels while the fat will help make it last. 2 A toast to good health A true superfood, packed with energy-giving antioxidants, watercress is a stimulant that’s high in folic acid (vitamin B), iron and calcium, as well as vitamins A and C. Studies show that it also contains cancer inhibiting properties. Here’s how to make your own powerful health fix…

Sausage pasta melt SERVES 6 PREP TIME 10 MINS COOKING TIME 35 MINS YOU WILL NEED 450g sausages, try Toulouse 2tbsp olive oil 2 red onions, peeled and thinly sliced 3 cloves garlic, crushed 1½tsp dried mixed Italian herbs 2 x 400g tins chopped tomatoes Pinch chilli flakes 75g pitted black olives, roughly sliced 1tsp sugar 400g penne pasta Bunch of fresh basil leaves, torn 150g mild Cheddar, grated 125g mozzarella, torn HOW TO DO IT 1 Preheat the oven to Gas 5/ 190°C. Cook the sausages in the oven for 15 mins until browned, then slice. Meanwhile, heat the oil in a large, deep pan, add the onions and fry over a medium heat for 5 mins. Stir in the garlic, herbs, tomatoes, chilli flakes, olives and sugar and…

For the majority of us, Christmas is such a joyful time, a chance to cosy up with our loved ones and relax in the comfort of our own homes.  Yet for thousands of women the festive season brings nothing but fear and uncertainty because it’s at this time of year domestic violence shelters across the UK see a surge in women seeking refuge from an abusive partner. But what is often forgotten as they flee with their children to safety is that a much-loved family pet has to be left behind. These animals often end up becoming victims too, forgotten or abused at the hands of a brutal ex who has terrorised the family home. This adds to the distress of the situation and can be why some women refuse…

Aries 21 Mar - 20 Apr This week you need to get creative. That might mean thinking outside the box. It might also mean getting down to the nearest craft shop and making your own Christmas decorations or baking mince pies. Get a little bit arty and you’ll be amazed by how much you love it. For more call 0901 609 4780* Taurus 21 Apr – 20 May You’d be well advised to get all of your Christmas planning done early this year. The current climate is brilliant for sorting things out, but once December comes you’ll either be distracted by non-Christmassy things taking up all your head space or you’ll be too tired to care. For more call 0901 609 4781* Gemini 21 May – 20 Jun Your social…

The Glove House, Woodstock, Oxfordshire WHY IT’S GREAT An elegant Georgian town house, The Glove House has been beautifully styled by owners Caroline and Francesco. From the library of glossy mags to Nespresso machines in the rooms, it has all the little touches you need to enjoy a chilled weekend away from ‘real life’. NEARBY The gorgeous Blenheim Palace is 500 yards away (blenheimpalace.com), where you can stroll around the Capability Brown-designed parkland and see the gilded state rooms and treasures of the palace itself. Afterwards, walk to Woodstock for a drink by the log-burning stove and supper at The King’s Arms. HOW MUCH From £130 per night based on two sharing, includes breakfast – sawdays.co.uk or call The Glove House on 01993 813 475 (theglovehouse.co.uk). The Red Kite Organic…