Innholdsfortegnelse for January 19, 2015 i Woman's Own

Whether it be a baby or wedding announcement, it’s always nice to start a new year with some good news. So it’s a huge congratulations to one of our fave Gogglebox stars, Sandra Martin, who popped the question to her boyfriend, Derek, on New Year’s Eve. We’re even more excited to hear that Sandra intends to have the show’s vicar, Kate Bottley, wed her and her fiancé. She wrote on Twitter, ‘When I get married to Derek, I’m going to make Gogglebox vicar do our service. I am walking down Gogglebox church.’ We’ve already started looking for our outfit and hat – we can’t wait to celebrate with all the Goggleboxers with a glass of bubbly or two!…

Birds Of A Feather star Pauline Quirke has vowed to drop the weight and get back on a healthier eating plan after gaining 4st in the past year. The actress, who shocked fans after dropping 8st in 2011 on the LighterLife diet plan, is said to be devastated that she’s let herself slip and is desperate to slim down in 2015. Pauline has told friends, ‘I’ve put on around 4st. That’s almost half of what I lost and I won’t forgive myself if I hit the scales at 20st again,’ said a source close to the star. ‘I would have let my husband and my kids down. I don’t want to be known as the big bird!’ Pauline, 55, shocked the nation when she dropped from a size 28 to…

Aperfectman? That wasn’t what I was looking for when I logged on to a dating website. It was June 2012, 10 years since I had split with my daughter Hollie’s dad. All I wanted was a man with a good heart who I had something in common with. That’s how I found myself in a country pub with David Andrews. I knew from the few emails we’d exchanged online that he was 30, six years younger than me, and worked for a fashion company. David told me he rented a cottage a 20-minute drive from the house I shared with Hollie. It felt like he’d been made-to-order especially for me. ‘What was real and what was false?’ I’m an adventurous person. I’ve leapt out of planes. ‘No way!’ David grinned…

The bedtime booster To stop waking up with creases and pillow marks on your face, add The Body Shop Drops Of Youth Bouncy Sleeping Mask, £16, to your bedtime beauty ritual. This nocturnal nourisher contains edelweiss plant stem cells, which help give plumped up, bouncier looking skin in a few weeks. The faux facelift Pop on a firming face mask before a night out for a fresher appearance. Sanctuary Spa Time Reversal Face Mask, £13.50, is ideal for ageing skin that’s become weaker and thinner over time. The vitamin-rich formula targets the connective tissue that keeps your skin firm, to strengthen and plump from deep within. The 60-second hero If you’re in a rush and your skin looks tired, reach for Philosophy The Great Mystery One-Minute Daily Facial, £22, with…

There are currently 700,000 young carers in the UK – some as young as five – who look after a sick parent. While most children enjoy play dates and sleepovers, these youngsters worry about cooking the next meal, cleaning, and whether it’s time for mumor dad to take their medication. But shockingly, many don’t even realise they are carers, instead they see it just as a way of life. Thankfully, amendments to the Children and Families Act this year will mean that an assessment will be made as to why the child is caring and what needs to change to stop them taking on the responsibility in the first place. Here, Antonia-Rae, 11, and Tom, 10, tell their stories… ‘I stopped my mum from killing herself’ From the age of…

1 Are you brushing correctly? The average UK adult brushes for just 40 seconds, under half there commended two minutes. ‘Divide the mouth into four and spend 30 seconds on each section,’ advises Dr Uchenna Okoye, Clinical Director of London Smiling Dental Group. Here are her tips: ◆ Use circular movements – or if using an electric brush, simply hold against the teeth and move along the gum line. ◆ Brush the inner surfaces of teeth (areas your tongue presses against), too. The inner surface of the lower front teeth is commonly skipped. ◆ Focus on crooked teeth, fillings, crowns and bridges as they can become a breeding ground for plaque. ◆ At night, spit but don’t rinse. The residual toothpaste offers extra fluoride protection overnight. 2 Buy the right…

When it comes to spending time in front of a screen, most parents would agree that our children do it for too long each day. Incredibly, kids now spend, on average, nearly five-and-a-half hours a day in front of a screen, according to research by Childwise. That means they’re missing out on healthy outdoor activities. But if yours groan when you suggest going outside, stick to your guns – Play England’s Love Outdoor Play campaign has shown kids enjoy outdoor play more than being indoors. In fact, physical activity boosts their level of feel-good endorphins, helping kids feel happier. Walking, climbing and playing games like football and netball boosts fitness, co-ordination, confidence and social skills.* There’s nothing not to like... Except the mud and dirt, you’re thinking! Well, even that…

Chatting tomy friend Mandie Holgate on one of our regular coffee dates, I marvel at how she does it. It’s not just that she’s a working mum-of-two, or even that she fundraises for charity. It’s that she always puts others before herself. And given what she’s been through, I think that’s pretty remarkable… We first met four years ago on a work course and it was clear we had a lot in common. Our children were close in age and our sense of humour was the same. Before long, Mandie was opening up about her past. It had all started after her daughter Sophie was born in December 2003. Already a mum to Harrison, then two, Mandie found herself crippled with a sense of desperation. Although she loved being a…

Amy loves travelling and decided to use Quidco for booking holidays. ‘I earn money on travel insurance, car parking and holiday bookings,’ she says. ‘In 2011, Marc and I got married in Las Vegas and we earned about £200 cashback on the trip. It was brilliant. Recently, I booked a holiday to Mexico and earned another £200 cashback.’ Amy now always logs on to quidco.co.uk whenever she makes any purchase. ‘I have earned money on clothes from Oasis, Christmas presents such as tablets and a digital camera from Tesco – and even bike accessories from Halfords. I also earned cashback from my Sky package and a free trial from LoveFilm,’ she says. Amy is so pleased with Quidco that she always recommends it to friends and colleagues. ‘There really is…

‘I’ve won over £17,000!’ Sharon Morton, 48, from Cumbria, is just one of our many winners and has scooped the jackpot six times! If you’re thinking you recognise me, that’s probably because you’ve seen me in this magazine before – after I scooped five fabulous Woman’s Own jackpots. As if that wasn’t great enough, in May this year, I hit the jackpot for the sixth time! It was a Saturday evening and my husband, Paul, and I had invited some friends over. Before our mates arrived, I bought some 10p tickets for the Sapphire Bingo room. I usually play in my favourite room, Bingo Lounge, but I’d fancied a cha ge, so I’d given Sapphire Bingo a whirl and really enjoyed it. That night, I pre-bought 10 tickets, costing £1…

While the southern Spanish region of Andalusia may be known for its beaches, some of its most charming and beautiful areas are inland. With its Moorish architecture, pretty cobbled streets and shops packed with handmade crafts, the city of Jerez de la Frontera is one of the region’s hidden gems. Plus, it’s just a three-hour flight to Jerez Airport with Ryanair, making it easier and cheaper to visit than ever. What to see In the heart of Jerez’s old town is Alcázar, a stunning Islamic fortress surrounded by landscaped gardens that now form a scenic park. Another must-see is the 18th-century Jerez Cathedral, a striking mix of Gothic, neoclassical and baroque styles that dominates the skyline. Also worth a visit is the Church of San Miguel for its beautiful stained…

COUGAR CRINGE Amanda Abbington says playing a cougar in Mr Selfridge makes her cringe. She revealed, ‘I was 40 last year and Oliver Farnworth, who played Florian [Dupont, her handsome lodger and love interest] was, well, young! I’d say, ‘Oh, I’m sorry, you have to kiss me now.’’ But Amanda admitted she can understand why her character, Miss Mardle, turned to a toy boy to help heal her broken heart. She said, ‘That’s what I’d do if Martin [Freeman, her long-term partner] and I ever broke up – I’d find a handsome 20-year-old. Haha!’ EXPLOSIVE FAREWELL Waterloo Road is back for its final episodes and it’s going out with a bang. Producer Huw Kennair-Jones said, ‘I don’t think people will be disappointed. The story threatens the very being of Waterloo…

Fancy a treat? Then why not club together with friends and start saving now for a fantastic, relaxing spa break at the award-winning Ra dal Hall. The specially discounted two-day event will give you the chance to sample the spa’s state-of-the-art facilities, including the multimillion-pound Thermal Spa and Pavilion a sumptuous area to relax in – it oozes blissful calm and is Ragdale Hall’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 facilities, go to ragdalehall.co.uk 2015 dates for your diary ◆ 12-14 April ◆ 6-8 September ◆ 1-3 November Your two- night break includes ◆ Welcome drink on arrival and tour of Ragdale Hall ◆Welcome reception and…

Cold shoulder No-one does glamour like Myleene Klass, 36. The dramatic single shoulder and floor-sweeping hemline ensures that all eyes are on her. Frill factor Presenter Kate Garraway, 47, steps out in a royal blue body-con number. The simple gold belt breaks up the dress, giving her waist to-die-for definition. Going for bold GMB’s Susanna Reid, 44, looks strictly stunning in this aqua dress. This figure hugging Grecian inspired design is a flattering choice. Black and blue Cat Deeley, 38, bares her long legs in this youthful shift dress. Skyscraper heels and black accessories make this outfit a winner. Keeping in check Emma Willis, 38, puts on a smile and a tartan collared dress for us to feast our eyes on. Classic black pointies – always a fashion saviour. Take…

Everything has finally slotted into place for Corrie star Kym Marsh, 38, who got engaged to Dan Hooper, 32, just before Christmas. In this searingly honest interview, Kym opens up about the fact she can no longer have children naturally and how she never thought she’d be happy again. The actress lives in Manchester with Dan and her three children, David, 19, Emily, 17, and Polly, three… How was your Christmas and New Year? David, Emily and Polly were with me for Christmas and each went to their father’s at New Year. Dan was with us obviously, and Dan’s parents and brother too, so it was quite a big day – there were 12 for dinner. I cooked, along with my big brother. Then Dan and I went away for…

Melanie Poynter, 34, from Norfolk, says: David Andrews came into my life on a night out with the girls last year. I was a single mum to Natasha, 14, and four-year-old Finlay. David told me he was a Royal Marine. At the end of the night we exchanged numbers. We soon became a couple. David told me his mum lived in London and he didn’t get on with his dad. He also explained that he’d beaten cancer 10 years earlier. We talked about marriage, but not long after things started going missing. At first it was an Xbox, then a mobile. ‘He told me he was a marine’ Then in November last year, Natasha was rushed to hospital – she has a rare kidney condition that causes repeated hospital stays.…

MAYBELLINE COLOR SHOW MONO EYE SHADOWS, FROM £4.99 Try these and you’ll be hooked. The pigment is strong and the velvety texture is a doddle to blend. CLARINS INSTANT LIGHT LIP BALM PERFECTOR, £18 These lip balms deliver a sheer wash of colour and extra nourishment, courtesy of vitamin E. ESSIE NAIL COLOUR IN JUMP IN MY JUMPSUIT, £7.99 This raspberry is a shortcut to glam hands this winter. It’s so flattering you’ll want to forgo your gloves! PÜRMINERALS 4-IN-1 SPRAY FOUNDATION, £26, M&S This spritz gives an airbrushed finish in the flick of a finger. Spray on your brush then buff into skin for a smooth and even result. REVLON BOLD LACQUER LENGTH & VOLUME MASCARA, £9.99 Lacquer up your lashes, thanks to high-shine black fibres nestled within the…

I’m obsessed with a man who isn’t my partner Last year, my partner and I wen away for the weekend. We started talking to another couple and we all hit it off. When I got home, I looked up the man on Facebook and began to find out more about him. I’m still with my partner, but fantasising about this other man has ruined our relationship. Karen, 36, via email Obsessions are usually a way of managing stress. That can be from something in our external life or from internal overwhelm. The good news is you’ve taken the crucial first step to healing by writing to me. The next is to see if you’re able to stay away from Facebook. If that feels difficult, see your GP and seek CBT…

When most couples plan their first child, they’re plunged into a whirlwind of pregnancy tests, scans and antenatal classes. But that wasn’t my experience of becoming a mum. And when baby Marina came into my life, starting a family was the last thing on my mind. Until 2007, I’d always focused on my career as a physiotherapist. And as a 25-year-old living in a flatshare in London, I was about as far from ‘mother’ material as you could imagine. ‘I knew she could live a normal life’ That summer, I was chatting to a colleague about our dreams for the future. I mentioned how I’d love to work with children one day and she told me she’d heard about an orphanage for disabled youngsters in Russia. ‘Children with disabilities are…

We love... Copper is making a comeback. Tap into the trend and transform your home with super-shiny accessories. Lantern, £19.99, planter, £7.99, tealight holder, £3.49, glass tealight holder, £4.49, all Dunelm. Get the look Snug as a bug Give your room some serious snuggle factor with piles of cushions and throws Check this out Nigella Lawson has launched a gorgeous new kitchen range in fresh new colours. Gingham measuring cups, £35 for four, uniqueandunity.co.uk. CLEAN & GREEN Want to make cleaning glass easy? Vileda’s new Windomatic Window Vacuum, £49.99, is ideal for windows, showers and mirrors, sucking away the dirty water and reducing time and effort by 50%. Check out vileda.com/uk for stockists.…

‘My dress highlighted my lumpy stomach’ There I am in a floral maxi dress – a snap of me at my cousin’s wedding. It had taken me months to find that dress in a size 24 and at £160 it was also the most I’d ever spent on an outfit. Did I feel beautiful? Stunning? No, I felt presentable. Weighing 18st, that was as good as it got. I’d always been big. Growing up, I loved thick slices of toast with Gran’s homemade jam. By the time I left school, I was already a size 18, and though I was tall at 5ft 8in, I knew I was far too big. When I was 26, my mum was diagnosed with cancer. Desperate to be there for her, I’d visit every…

Claudia Winkleman CAPRICOR N (15 JANUARY) Uranus, planet of the unexpected, has been active in Claudia’s char t, showing up positively in the great response to her Strictly double ac t with Tess Daly. It’s gone by March , so Claudia can enjoy a less challenging time after that. Aries 21 Mar – 20 Apr Don’t be surprised if you’re not feeing your usual self. It’s a week of stresses and difficulties, but with your ruler Mars in confusionaddled Pisces you’re less capable than usual of making a decisive course and sticking to it. Don’t worry. It’ll pass. ◆ For more call 0901 609 4780* Taurus 21 Apr – 20 May There’s some juicy gossip around to do with friends, about things you never could have imagined happening. You might…

It’s so simple to use! Ijoined Quidco soon after it first launched in 2005, as another mother had recommended it on a parenting forum. I’d never used a cashback site before, but I’m so glad I decided to try it. It’s so simple to use – all you have to do is register with your email address and bank details. You can also sign up to receive special offers from all your favourite stores. ‘It’s great for someone with a big family’ It’s great for someone with a big family, like me. My husband, Chris, and I have seven children and we live in quite a small town in Scotland, so there isn’t a lot of shopping choice. But with Quidco, I just type in the product or store that…

Mel and Sue are back with a live TV show and are keeping their fingers crossed it’s a success Comedy duo Sue Perkins, 45, and Mel Giedroyc, 46, are taking over our afternoons with their new self-titled ITV show Mel & Sue. After years of doing pre-recorded telly, the ladies are back doing what they love – live TV! And by the sounds of it, they aren’t the least bit fazed about it. In fact, they’re looking forward to the unpredictability of not being able to do a second take. Here, they fill us in on what we might – and might not – expect… You finished Light Lunch and its spin-off show, Late Lunch, over 15 years ago. What gave you the idea to bring the chats how back?…

‘Pole dancing is so hard’ Sinitta, 51, joins stars who are trying out new skills in new ITV show Get Your Act Together. And she reveals why her boyfriend, publicist Jason Gale, couldn’t be happier about it! You’re learning to pole dance for the show… It’s the hardest thing! If I’d known I would have chosen something else. But when they first suggested it, I thought, ‘That’ll be fun.’ Now I’ve got bruises all over and muscles where I never knew you could have muscles! You keep yourself very fit–that body doesn’t happen by accident! I thought I was fit, but everything I’ve done could not prepare me for pole dancing. I ugh at how hard it is. What does Jason think about it? Well, him indoors is loving the…

We’re still together Adele has made sure she’s put to bed any rumours that she’s split with her boyfriend of three years, Simon Konecki, after landing in LA wearing a silver ring on her wedding finger. The singing superstar, 26, was spotted walking through LAX carrying their son, Angelo, two. There had been speculation she’d split from Simon, 40, as the pair appeared to be spending less and less time together at their home in Brighton. But Adele dismissed the rumours, saying, ‘Just wanted to wish everyone happy holidays & all the best for 2015! PS Simon and I are still very much together, don’t believe what you read.’ I WAS BROKEN Former Strictly star Camilla Dallerup, 40, has opened up for the first time about the kiss that broke…

Lincoln & Denise Big grins and dressed head to toe in black, Lincoln Townley, 41, and Denise Welch, 56, are well paired! Wills & Kate Yee-haw! The loved-up royals, both 32, look picture perfect in their matching Stetsons on a trip to Canada in 2012. Ange & Brad Brad Pitt, 51, and Angelina Jolie, 39, showed their silly sides when they donned these matching tuxedos. Jason & Rosie Jason Statham, 47, and Rosie Huntington-Whiteley, 27, are dead ringers as they go for a stroll together. Kim & Kanye Fashion-lovers Kim, 34, and Kanye West, 37, made sure they caused a stir with this look – matching with a twist! Dustin & Tom Black jacket? Check. Blue shirt? Check. Tom Daley, 20, and Dustin Lance Black, 40, have us seeing double!…

LOOK LOVELY with Lorraine Lorraine Kelly has launched her first ever fashion collection for JD Williams and it’s full of citrus brights and fun florals to really get us in the mood for spring. The range includes a number of figure-flattering dresses, jackets and jumpsuits. Prices start at £29, in sizes 10-32. WIN! Win a £50 voucher to spend online at MandMDirect. With fashion and sports brands available at bargain prices, you’ll be able to really treat yourself. We have 10 vouchers to give away. To enter, go to womans own. co.uk, click Win and look for the comp. POSH plimsolls Spanish footwear brand Victoria is celebrating its 100th anniversary and we’re in love with its spring/summer collection, launching this month. Our feet definitely need a rest after the party…

WHAT TO DO • For three days, simply have four bowls of soup a day – one for breakfast (yes, really – our breakfast soups are so tasty!) one for lunch, another late afternoon and a final one an hour or two before bed. • You can mix or match any of the soup recipes and repeat soups over the three days as you wish. They will keep in the fridge for reheating later. • If you’re stuck for time, you can substitute bought soups (see panel, below right). What’s so good about soup? • It’s gentle on the digestive system • A great way of getting your five a day (with at least one portion of veg per bowl in all our soups) • Very satisfying – studies show…

3 fast fixes TRY SLEEPING IN THE NUDE! O e n three of us do and, according to a study by the US National Sleep Foundation, it can help burn fat because your body temperature is lower. Over time, this cuts the risk of diabetes and, as you’re less likely to overheat, it can improve the quality of your sleep. Say bye to that nightie… SWAP VITAMINC FORZINC TO FIGHT A COLD Zinc is an essential mineral that’s found in almost every cell – vital for your body’s resistance to infection. It’s thought it can stop cold viruses from sticking to the lining of your nose. Find it in shellfish, redmeat, nuts and seeds. DITCH THESALT It’s not just bad for our blood pressure – eating 12g or more a…

Chianti beef stew SERVES 8-10 (FREEZE HALF IF YOU LIKE) PREP TIME 15 MINS COOKING TIME 5 HOURS 30 MINS YOU WILL NEED ◆3tbsp sunflower oil◆1.6kg chuck or braising steak joint, trimmed and left whole◆3 large red onions, chopped ◆3 carrots, diced◆4 sticks of celery, diced◆250g diced pancetta◆2bay leaves ◆2tbsp tomato purée◆2tsp sugar◆30g dried mush rooms, soaked in 350ml boiling water for 10mins◆700g large vine tomatoes, peeled and chopped ◆1 bottle Chianti◆1 good-quality beef stock capsule or cube◆800g baby potatoes◆ 40g chopped flat-leaf parsley FORTHESPICYBAGUETTES ◆100g butter◆40g hot Peppadew peppers, drained ◆3tbsp Parmesan, grated◆4 small part-baked baguettes HOW TO DO IT 1 In a casserole dish, heat 1tbsp oil and brown the beef, remove. Add the remaining oil to the pan and cook onions, carrots, celery, pancetta and bay leaves…

7 ways to save on this year’s summer holiday Dreary January’s the perfect time to plan a sun-drenched break. Let our handy guide help you bag a bargain 1 START WITH THE RIGHT TOOLS Don’t just use one comparison site when checking for prices, use several. Skyscanner.com is one of the easiest to use with others including momondo.com and kayak. co.uk. All three also offer free apps on Apple and Android devices. 2 SIGN UP FOR SECRET STAY WEBSITES Hotels list unsold rooms on certain websites at a discount, on the condition that the name of the hotel is not disclosed until the booking is complete. Hotwire.com works with big names such as Hyatt, W, Hilton and InterContinental worldwide. The advantage of registering is they will email you when a…

CLUES & ARROWS Fill in the clues in the direction of the arrows Quick & Easy If you really don’t have much time to spare, give your brain a break with one of these See if you can solve these in 10 minutes SUDOKU To solve the puzzle, each 3x2 box, each column and each row must contain the numbers 1 to 6 WORD SEARCH The answer is the word missing from the grid AGILE ALLURING CHARMING CHEERFUL CLEVER CLUMSY DRUNK FUNNY GLAD GOOD HOPEFUL LUCKY MUSICAL SAD WISE CROSSWORD Put your feet up and have a go at our classic crossword ACROSS 1 Affectedly cute (4) 4 ___ to, before (5) 7 Painting, generally (3) 10 Repair provisionally (5,2) 11 Black and grey bird (7) 12 Dull throbbing pain…

Just pathetic I’ve read plenty of shocking stories in Woman’s Own but ‘Texting his mistress as he proposed to me’ must be one of the most jaw-dropping yet! With a lovely girl like Bonnie, how her pathetic excuse for a man could be so deceitful is beyond me, especially since she stuck by him through thick and thin. I’m glad Russ admits that he regrets his decision, but keep your heart hardened against him, Bonnie – he’s just not worth it! Michelle Langley, Chester Kate’s great It was nice to see Kate Middleton sometimes dressing in casual clothes for a bit of a change. She looked beautiful even when she attended a primary school’s Beaver Scout meeting in a hoody and her tracksuit bottoms! And even though it’s casual, Kate…

Three lucky readers will win a fantastic weekend break for two courtesy of Crowne Plaza, Holiday Inn and Best Western Plus. This fabulous prize includes two nights’ accommodation for two people, plus a three-course dinner with wine on the first night. With 11 hotels to choose from, including one Best Western Plus, three Crowne Plaza and seven Holiday Inn hotels, you will be spoilt for choice . For instance, pay a visit to Crowne Plaza Nottingham and you can visit its new and exclusive Urban Escape Spa. Or discover the delights of North Yorkshire with a stay at Holiday Inn Harrogate. Perfectly located in the heart of the town, the hotel is just a stone’s throw from renowned attractions, including the world-famous Bettys tea rooms! Whether you fancy the bright…

Television’s best-loved comedian Harry Hill is bringing back a classic Saturday night show, Stars In Their Eyes. Yet Harry, 50, who is married and lives with his wife and three children in Whitstable, Kent, actually spent five years training to be a doctor! Here the You’ve Been Framed! and TV Burp star reveals all about his decision to front the new-look show. All the old shows seemtobe making a comeback – what appealed to you about Stars In Their Eyes? Just the idea of it made me smile, and everyone I mentioned it to laughed as well. It just seemed like a really good fit! You’ve done it, haven’t you? I was Morrissey in the celebrity Stars In Their Eyes and I loved it! I was interested to see if…

Holiday Last summer, I went to the Balearic Islands. In my head I still think I’m 24 and a real raver, so I went to Ibiza, then to Majorca to meet up with my brother for some beach action and then I flew to Menorca to see the baby turtles. I did raving, family and then nature. Big purchase I’m in the middle of trying to buy a flat for the very first time in my life. I’m a bit of a late starter and it’s not easy, I tell you. Text It was from someone very interesting. I’m training to be a hypnotherapist and I had a session recently with a lady who had witnessed a friend being killed on a bike. Ever since, this woman hasn’t been able…