Innholdsfortegnelse for 22-Dec-2014 i Woman's Own

Terrific TV! It wouldn’t be Christmas and New Year without the very best telly to watch! When all the turkey’s been eaten, what’s better than flopping on the settee with a big box of choccies and the remote control? We here at Woman’s Own can’t wait for the BBC’s festive adaptation of Roald Dahl’s Esio Trot. Starring Dustin Hoffman, Judi Dench and a lot of tortoises, this love story looks set to be magical! For all the details and our round-up of the other top shows, turn to our TV pecial on page 92. Happy viewing! Don’t forget – your next Woman’s Own is on sale in two weeks’ time, on Tuesday 30 December.…

Jane McDonald, 51, is busy preparing for a Christmas with a difference this year – away from the big family celebrations she’s so used to. Starring in panto for the first time, she’ll be having a quiet day with her fiancé Eddie Rothe instead. But for self-proclaimed ‘Mrs Christmas’, this time of year is still all about friends, family and remembering loved ones. HiJane,HappyChristmas! Whatareyourplansforthe bigday? I’m doing nothing! Ed’s sorting out the Christmas dinner, I’m going to have a duvet day I think, it’ll be great! I’ll just get in [after doing panto] on Christmas Eve, open a bottle of champagne and have a blast. I’m really looking forward to a quiet Christmas, which I’ve never had. What’s thethingyou lovemostaboutthis timeofyear? The best thing is family, especially now I’m…

Are you looking forward to Christmas? Yes, it’s going to be great. Last year, the whole family went and spent it in a for t on the Solent. We’d go of f fishing and have a tot of rum. It was brilliant! And what about this year? The girls [daughters Molly, 21, and Ruby, 18] are at university now, so my wife, Steph, and I will host Christmas at home. We’ll have the whole family over – there’ll be about 17 of us. What are you responsible for on Christmas Day? Everyone has a job. My job is the wine, atmosphere and clearing up. This is mostly lighting fires, keeping the fires lit, lighting candles and stuff like that. I’m also in charge of the games and music. Are you…

To look at us, you’d have thought we were the perfect couple. As we swirled around the dance floor, we were laughing hysterically, both of us giddy with happiness… and a few glasses of something stronger. It was New Year’s Eve 2011, andmy partner, Russ, and I were having the time of our lives. I’d been with Russ, who was 32, for almost five years. In the last 12 months we’d had our disagreements – mostly about the number of hours he worked as a coach driver. But we’d come away to Liverpool, more than 80 miles from the flat we shared in Pontefract, West Yorkshire, and were enjoying our romantic break. We’d spent the time exploring the city’s sights. Then as the clock struck 12, suddenly Russ pulled me…

3ways to.. Anti-age your hair 1 Seal split ends Split strands are a sure sign of dry, damaged hair. If you can’t get to the salon, apply L’Oréal Professionnel Absolut Repair Lipidium Sealing Repair £14.99, before styling to nourish and rebuild ends. 2 Boost your colour Josh Wood Glossing Mask, £12.50, M&S, comes in blonde, brown and black to keep your shade looking salon-fresh for longer. 3 Banish frizz Ageing hair is more prone to frizz, so apply John Frieda Frizz Ease Miraculous Recovery Crème Serum, £6.29, to damp hair for a smooth, glossy finish. Sleepingbeauty Add Origins Make A Difference Overnight Hydrating Repair Cream, £34.50, to your bedtime ritual to make the most of those zzzs. A must-buy for thirsty faces, it uses super-hydrators to replenish moisture levels and helps…

Stress levels have doubled in the last four years according to research, with Christmas triggering tension, anxiety, headaches, insomnia and panic attacks! We take a look at the most common issues and how to handle them. 1 THE PROBLEM TENSION HEADACHES TRY LAVENDER, PEPPERMINT OR A WARM FLANNEL Tension headaches are a key sign of stress, anxiety and tiredness. Lavender has calming properties that can relieve headaches and anxiety. A study in Florida shows inhaling lavender oil can make you feel less anxious. Try rubbing your temples in circular motions with Purepotions Lavender Rescue Salve (£4.65 for 15ml, purepotions.co.uk). Peppermint oil works too; it’s analgesic so can numb the pain. Applying a warm flannel to your forehead and neck will help relax tense muscles. 2 THE PROBLEM TEMPER FLARE-UPS TRY…

This Christmas, I’ll cuddle my son Lucas in the glow of the fairylights. I’ll be smiling, but there will be tears in my eyes, too. Because as well as it being Lucas’s first Christmas, it’s also a stark reminder of a day that no mum should ever experience… I’d always wanted a big family so when, in May 2012, my husband Jason and I discovered I was pregnant with our sixth baby, we couldn’t have been happier. We already had Abbie, then 12, Paige, 11, Ryan, eight, Milo, five, and Lyam, four. So we were thrilled to discover we were having another boy – Oscar. But then, at the 20-week scan, silence filled the room. The sonographer gently explained there was something wrong with the baby’s hearu. Then nine days…

Posing for photos under a gazebo, as the torrential rain poured down, I couldn’t help but smile.When I’d planned to get married on the beach, I’d expected sunshine not clouds. But nothing about my paradise wedding seemed to go plan. It’s a moment that feels like yesterday, but it was December 2004. Steve, then 30, and I had come to the Thai island of Phi Phi to exchange our vows in front of 19 of our family and friends. He was an engineer from Auckland, so we’d decided to get married somewhere betw l New Zealand. The island was beautiful, with its white beaches an turquoise sea. But the night before, after an evening out, our boat tax had got stranded in the low tide a we’d had to wad…

MEATY Mouthfuls Wild boar with cranberry and chestnut pate, £4.79, 500g, Morrisons Super-rich and indulgent, this meaty pate will go a long way, as you only need a nibble. Spread on melba toast or crostini for a tasty canapé. Finest* Macaroni Cheese & Pancetta Bites, £4, 9 pieces, Tesco Little balls of gooey macaroni cheese teamed with a salty pancetta kick – what’s not to love? Yum. Extra Special Steamed Bun Selection, £4, 240g, Asda Mini steamed parcels packed with red and green Thai curry-marinated chicken. Topped with a seasonal stencil, these treats look fantastic on the table too. CHICKENNibbles Finest* Bang Bang Chicken Skewers, £5, 10 pieces, Tesco Red curry-coated skewers with a satay sauce and coconut popping candy! Taste the Difference Chicken Liver Parfait, £6, 175g, Sainsbury’s Rich,…

Horrific violence I could barely read ‘My ex did this to me with the oven door’, as it made me so angry! It’s high time we started recognising domestic abuse properly. I’m glad that Hayley’s ex is now behind bars, though no sentence can redeem his behavior. I wish Hayley a happy future with her child, and hope they can put the past behind them. Catherine Walker, Derbyshire Sameoldformat It seems to me as if the powers that be at Loose Women are slowly running out of ideas. The new panellists seem OK, but people get fed up with the same things. I think they should give it a break for a year – it’s very hard to replace Carol, Denise and Jane! Good luck to the programme that has…

Every night when I roll over to switch off my bedside lamp, my eyes linger on the photo on my nightstand. It’s of my sons, Peter, then eight, and Derek, seven, and they look like little angels. Most mums have a treasured picture like this, but for me the memory is tinged with such pain. Because it reminds me howmy elder son turned against his little brother in the most devastating way… A singlemum, I had five kids and Peter, born in 1986, and Derek, whowas a year younger, were the closest in age. They had somuch energy, always racing around our home in Glasgow. They both loved football and were huge Rangers fans, swapping stickers and spending hours glued to the TV cheering their team. But their similarities made…

Watch out for …the staggering price of fuel at motorway service stations. A recent spot check by the RAC found Reading services on the M4 was selling petrol at 137.9p, while just six miles away in Shinfield, Berkshire, it cost 121.9p – a whopping 16p a litre cheaper. So if you’re driving this Christmas, remember to fill up before you leave. Download the WhatGas Petrol Prices app for iPhone (free, iTunes) to find the cheapest fuel deals near you. 5WAYSTO keepyour home warmer With the price of energy at eyewatering levels, the question is, how can you keep your home toasty this winter? Before you resolve to ban central heating and hand out woolly hats to the family, consider some alternative ways to keep your home cosy. 1 STOPTHAT DRAUGHT…

Crack open the bubbly and string up the bunting, because 2015 is set to be a fantastic year. The astrological influence that created so much turmoil in 2014 ends in March and life finally settles down. The culprit has been the tense seven-year relationship between the slow-moving outer planets – revolutionary Uranus in Aries and transformational Pluto in Capricorn. It’s one reason why there’s been so much unrest across the globe in recent times. Happily, in March 2015 the planets stop battling and we will all feel much calmer. Especially for those of us born under Aries, Libra, Cancer and Capricorn. But all signs will feel a beneficial force: Leos get lucky, Virgos will perk up, Scorpios will cheer up and Sagittarians will become more realistic. Welcome to 2015! ‘The…

Gorgeous Emma Willis will be back with a rabble of stars for Celebrity Big Brother. She promises that we’ll recognise each and everyone of the new bunch ‘just as long as the line-up stays as it is’. Here Emma, 38, married to McBusted star Matt and mum to Isabelle, five, and Ace, three, reveals why she’d be a rubbish housemate and who she’d love to see in the house! Tell us your favourite CBB moments… Lee Ryan and his love triangle. It was pretty amazing viewing. I remember speaking to him before and I said, ‘Lee, don’t forget you’ve got to be on your best behaviour and remember there are cameras,’ and he promised. He went in there, made the series and a huge stink, had a love triangle –…

‘I’dhaveanother four kids’ Paddington star Nicole Kidman, 46, opens up about playing a villain Thanks for all your tweets and messages re my recent milestone. Iturned45inNovemberandthe team at GMB werethefirsttoflag up my ripe old age. Reminds me of thetimeIaskedKateGarraway what we were doing for her 40th. Sheepishly she told me she’d celebrated a year before after shaving a year off! AND finally Stephen Mulhern has a frank confession – he was banned from the Magic Circle. ‘I gave away the secrets o a trick that I thought was pretty well known and they banned me,’ he told me. In truth, they’venow welcomed him back. Nothing like a spot of primetime fame to give a fella clout… Who hasn’t imagined what it would be like taking the plunge with Jude Law? Now…

Shine on Making a statement Kym Marsh, 38, flaunts her figure in this body-con dress. An elegant up-do and simple smoky eyes proves sometimes less is definitely more. Sexy shimmer Kelly Brook, 34, ups the glamour stakes and shows off her hourglass curves in this plunging gown. A slick of red lipstick and matching nails complement her film-star style. Goldengirl Looking far younger than her 43 years in a one-shoulder mini, Amanda Holden is all smiles. Super-strappy heels show off her ta toned legs. Heavy metal This sparkly fits Good Morning Britain presenter Susanna Reid, 43, like a glove. A one-shoulder chiffon cape softens the structured shape of this flamboyant frock. Hip to be square This modest but dazzling numbe looks amazing o Myleene Klass, 36 She really lives up…

Former EastEnders actress Elaine Lordan has shocked fans after she was spotted downing a bottle of wine in the street – at 11am. The star was out walking near her home in London recently when passers-by saw her knock back a 375ml bottle of Chenin blanc after buying it from a local shop. Later that same day, she was seen trying to clean up leaves outside her house with a mop. Drink problem? Elaine, 48, is best known for playing Lynne Hobbs in EastEnders, but she left the soap in 2004 following reports of drunken behaviour both on and off set. It was suggested that she had a problemwith alcohol throughout her time on the show, especially after she got a driving ban in 2003 for a 2001 drink-driving offence.…

Do you enjoy Christmas? Christmas has always been my favouritetimeoftheyear. I always spend it with my family. Frank [Lampard, her fiancé] is away for Christmas and Boxing Day, but we’l still have fun. For me, it is about being together in the house. What’s your favourite part? Ilovedoingthehouseup–doing the decorations and having a tree. Christmasisforchildren, though, isn’t it? IdoliveChristmasthroughthegirls [Frank’s daughters, Luna, nine, and Isla seven]. Last year, they were beside themselves. It’s a big deal and wehid presents all around the house. Did your mum and dad make it specia l for you? Ihavesuchwonderfulparentsand I’ve got special childhood memories. Iwanttorecreatethatnow.I100% overindulge at Christmas. Whatdo you have to eat? On Christmas Eve we have a buffet to prepare ourselves for thenextday. We have bacon sandwiches in the morning and then…

Wow-factor wardrobe Whatever t e occasion, we’ve got the right party outfit for you! Release the clutch Pick up beautiful title bag for the perfect finish to your outfit Gorgeous jewels Add instant glam to your LBD with some head-turning accessories Dancing feet Kick u your heels and seeintheNewYearin the pret tiest shoes! Shimmery shoe boots Sparkly stilettos Fancy flats Bold block heels Strappy sandals…

BREAKFAST Scramble two medium-sized eggs with a handful of finely chopped tomato or strips of courgette (julienne with a peeler). Use 1tsp olive or rapeseed oil to cook the scrambled egg, plus add 1tbsp of skimmed milk* if you want to. MID-MORNING SNACK Serve 125g 0% Greek yogurt* with 50g chopped-up red or black seedless grapes. LUNCH Drain a 185g can of no-added-salt tuna and mix with 1tbsp of reducedfat mayonnaise, then serve on a bed of bagged lamb’s lettuce or any other baby leaves. MIDAFTERNOON SNACK Milky coffee (using up to 100ml skimmed milk*) or a low-cal hot chocolate (sc all sachet with boiling water). Use stevia (a sugar s bstitute) to sweeten. DINNER A small (120g) salmon fillet, baked, steamed or grilled. Serve with a handful of spinach…

Best face forward Always exposed, the face bears the brunt of winter’s harsh weather. The wind and cold can strip the skin’s moisture and constant switching from the cold outdoors to a snug indoor environment can leave your complexion dull and flaky. Your best defence is to use a rich moisturiser daily and to exfoliate no more than once a week, as it can damage the skin’s protective properties. Boost your defences Your immune system works overtime fighting bacteria and viruses at this time of year. To keep yourself fighting fit, give it a hand by upping your fruit and veg intake – and treat yourself to some early nights. Be kind to yourself Did you know that the de icate skin of your vagina requires special care? Many women…

From battling to put up the tree to last-minute shopping, the festive season is always chaotic. But while you might think your Christmas is exhausting, spare a thought for mum-of-16 (yes, 16!) Sue Radford. At the head of Britain’s biggest family, Sue, 39, and her husband Noel, 43, are parents to Chris, 25, Sophie, 21, Chloe, 19, Jack, 17, Daniel, 15, Luke, 14, Millie, 13, Katie, 12, James, 11, Ellie, nine, Aimee, eight, Josh, seven, Max, six, Tillie, five, Oscar, three, and Casper, two. ‘Christmas is exhausting, but I love it,’ says Sue, who runs a bakery with Noel. ‘It’s such a magical time of year and it feels even more special with so many of us to celebrate.’ The couple, who grew up as neighbours in their hometown of…

Amy Rowles, 4 What’s the best thing about Christmas? I like Father Christmas because he makes lots of toys. Jessica Rowles, 8 What present would you give the baby Jesus? I’d get him a snuggly blanket because I think he’s special. Cole Johnson, 7 What does Santa do for the rest of the year? Maybe goes back to his house to count the reindeers and see if one is lost. Poppy Malone, 6 What present would you give the baby Jesus? A shaker because babies like rattley things. What does Santa do for the rest of the year? Goes to his grotto and sleeps. At Christmas he wakes up. Daisy Johnson, 5 What does Santa do for the rest of the year? Sits in his chair and minds his own…

Ginger Fizz Spice up your celebrations with this mouth-watering mix. 6 pieces of crystallised ginger 3tsp Stone’s Green Ginger Wine 750ml champagne 6 twists of tangerine peel 1 Fill 6 champagne saucers with 1 piece of ginger, ½tsp ginger wine and top up with champagne. 2 Garnish with tangerine peel and serve. Berry Bramble Zesty and refreshing, this is a real Christmas palate cleanser. 1 Fill 6 tumblers with crushed ice and pour 25ml Crème de Cassis over each. 2 Mix 200ml gin, 150ml fresh lemon juice and 6tsp agave syrup. Divide between glasses. Serve with redcurrants and mint sprigs. A taste of CHRISTMAS Put these festively flavoured drinks on your shopping list Add a splash of Christmas Cake Liqueur (£11.99 for 500ml, M&S) to your prosecco for a traditional…

As you’re sitting down unwrapping your gifts this Christmas, why not stop and think about what a life-changing present really looks like? No it’s not gift boxes of smellies and woolly jumpers. In fact, my special presents are very different – my own human body parts. For over the last 12 years, I’ve donated three different pieces of me to strangers – my kidney, my eggs and part of my liver too – saving two lives in the process. Yet at the same time I’ve risked my own life to do it. Does that sound selfish? After all, I’m a wife and mum – putting my own family through the anxiety of seeing me have major operations. But I can’t think like that because I know just howmuch I can…

Aries 21 Mar – 20 Apr The run-up to Christmas isn’t the most stable time. Changes of mind and plans are coming at you left, right and centre. You’re having to adapt and you may well dither. You’ll feel rushed on the big day, but afterwards you can relax. For more call 0901 609 4780* Taurus 21 Apr – 20 May There’s a lot of stress and change about. With Christmas in the mix it won’t feel that relaxing. Fortunately, taking refuge in Taurus-loving activities like baking, decorating and wrapping gifts will help keep you sane. For more call 0901 609 4781* Gemini 21May–20Jun Your ruler’s connection with profound Pluto on Christmas Day suggests you may get into a deep, life-changing discussion over the turkey. Keep thinking and on 29…

The tree was twinkling, the decorations were up and the table was heaving with plates of succulent turkey and roast potatoes. ‘Merry Christmas, everyone!’ my friend, Amy, cheered, as more than 20 of us pulled our crackers in unison. It was 25 December last year, and we’d all got together at a hotel in Bristol. If you’d seen us, you might have assumed we were there for a family reunion. But, in fact, many of the guests didn’t even meet each other until that day. And, if it wasn’t for Amy’s selflessness, these guests may not have had Christmas at all. I first met Amy Perrin, 36, two years ago, when I lodged at her home in Bristol to be near my job as a paramedic. Amy worked for the…

Playing a few games of Woman’s Own Bingo is my little treat each week. I love meeting new people online plus there’s always the chance of landing one of the big jackpots. It’s fun watching your cards getting marked off, wondering if today it could be you. Of course, although you daydream about taking home one of the big prizes, you never think it will happen. Until it does! I hadn’t been playing for long the evening it came true for me. I had bought a few 10p tickets in my favourite 90-Ball Sapphire Bingo room, but hadn’t yet had a win. Then next up was a link game, in which the prize money is shared between several different bingo rooms, so the jackpot is huge. I bought 12 x…

BirdsOfAFeather ITV,26December,9pm Kicking off a new series, the ladies have an exotic Christmas to look forward to this year as Dorien whisks them off to the Canary Islands. After getting her fortune back, there’s no stopping Dorien when it comes to splashing the cash on her best friends Tracey and Sharon. StrictlyComeDancing Christmas Special BBC1,25December,5pm Bruce Forsyth returns to host this one-off show with Tess Daly as six of Strictly’s most memorable dancers – Chris Hollins, Russell Grant, Lisa Riley, Louis Smith, Sophie Ellis-Bextor and Rachel tevens – battle to win the Christmas trophy. Downton Abbey ITV, 25 December, 9pm Expect lots of drama and excitement as Downton Abbey does Christmas. Anna awaits her fate after being accused of murder and the Crawleys join Lady Rose’s new fatherin-law Lord Sinderby for a…

Special Christmas present I remember getting a doll’s house when I was very little. I must have only been about three. It was mock Tudor. I don’t have it any more, which is such a shame. Kissunderthemistletoe I actually don’t know. I suppose now being a mum Christmas is all about my little girl. But there must have been a cheeky little smooch under the mistletoe once. I’m definitely going to get some this year! Christmas away from home One year I spent a Christmas with my then boyfriend’s family. I must have been in my thirties and not to have my mum there... I really didn’t like it. So I’ve spent every Christmas with her since. Designeritem I’msure itwas bought for meby a stylistwhen I was in the SpiceGirls…

She happily admits to having had the age-busting injections in the past, but Amanda Holden hasn’t let those Botox needles anywhere near her face for three years following the difficult birth of her daughter, Hollie Rose. The presenter, 43, came close to death following complications with Hollie’s birth in January 2012, when Amanda had to undergo a blood transfusion. ‘Along the lines of Kylie when she had cancer, I gave [Botox] up after Hollie,’ Amanda revealed. ‘For the last three years I haven’t bothered, and instead have been having Collagen Wave facials. It’s done amazing things to my face.’ Amanda will be returning to Britain’s Got Talent in the new ear, and she revealed, ‘Eric Simon Cowell’s son] will come on the road for the series and Hollie’s birthday is…

She certainly doesn’t look Christmas crackers in this outfit! Loose lady Andrea McLean, 45, is simply dazzling clutching her festive cocktail in this shimmering purple frock. Straight Up singer Paula Abdul, 52, is eye-popping in this multicoloured Christmas cracker-like dress. She just needs her paper crown to complete the ensemble, we think! Pretty in pink Myleene Klass, 36, looks snap-tastic in this stunning floor-length gown. No cheesy jokes are needed here! TV cook Nigella Lawson, 54, has gone foracolourful, stripy cracker number. This figure-hugging frock is just right for a festive look. It’s spooky how much Jennifer Lopez’s bodycon outfit looks like this blue and gold party favour. The 45-year-old certainly pulled a cracker! Och aye the noo! Lorraine Kelly, 55, has got her tartan frock on to celebrate Chrimbo,…

Kate Garraway ‘Every Christmas Eve we all dress up for the drive to the in-laws. There’s a different theme every time. Last year I was an angel, obviously! I’m hoping for a Frozen theme for 2014 – and Derek can be the reindeer.’ Coleen Nolan ‘My family is a showbiz one and we tend to be night people and not morning people, so it’s the one day of the year when everyone is up at 6am. Everyone! I’m the first one, shouting, ‘Santa’s been!’’ PaulHollywood ‘I love buying those hideous Father Christmases that talk or read a story. Mywife hates them, but I love them as they scare the little kids. Also, I dress up as Santa Claus every year.’ Phillip Schofield ‘Even though our girls are now 18 and…

The 2 MINUTE TA N Pasty legs are a part y no-no, even in winter. Smooth Sienna X Instant Bronzing Gel, £12.95 , across any skin on show. It dries instantly, won’t run and washes off with soap and water. The 3 MINUTE BLOW-DRY If your ’do looks more drab than fab, try the ultimate faux-dry. Spritz Batiste Dry Shampoo XXL Volume, £6.49, into roots to mop up any excess oil and give it some lift. Brush it through then flip your parting to the opposite side for instant glamour and mega volume. Finish with Tigi Bed Head Headrush Shine Spray, £14.35, feelunique.com, for a silky sheen. The 5MINUTE MANI A clever choice of polish will save minutes on your manicure. Avon Gel Finish Nail Enamel, £7, avonshop. co.uk, has…

How can I make resolutions that work? The only New Year’s resolution I have ever managed to keep was to stop smoking, which lasted six years. But last year I started again after I lost my job. I want to stop but I’m not sure if the New Year is the best time. What do you think? Danielle, 45, South Wales There is a lot of science about why some resolutions succeed and others don’t and the time of year is really not a factor. Research does show that it’s best to make only one resolution, be specific and to avoid previous resolutions that didn’t work. The good news is that yours did work. Six years is a long time to stop smoking and if you’ve done it once, chances…

It’s weird ... but it works Cabbages can help your hangover! A study by researchers at Stanford University showed cabbage juice can heal stomach ulcers. Cabbage helps absorb the hangovercausing chemical acetaldehyde, created when the liver breaks down alcohol. Green cabbage is best as it’s full of vitamin C, vitamin B6, potassium, sulphur and iodine. Juice with a green apple to sweeten. 3 step fix Beat the bloat DO THIS Be cautious with the festive fizz and sparkling water – the bubbles build up in your stomach giving you wind. Avoid beans, pulses and sprouts too as they can give you gas. TRY THIS Kiwi fruit is ideal if you feel bloated after a meal. Scientists have found they contain actinidin, which helps digest proteins in dairy, fish and meat.…

With such a big family, I’ve become an expert at planning. It’s not like me to leave anything to the last minute, so Christmas preparation starts in September. Online shopping for presents is handy, but I’ll pick up things in town, too. My memory is great when it comes to dentist appointments or after-school clubs, but for Christmas I have to keep a list – or I’d go mad! Each of the kids gets one main gift and three smaller ones – that’s 64 presents! This year, Chloe, 19, has asked for driving lessons and Max, six, wants a scooter. They all know there’s a budget so they’re not expecting a new Xbox! All the gifts need to be kept somewhere so Noel takes a few to work, while the…

Madeira beef casserole SERVES 8 PREP TIME 15 MINS COOKINGTIME 1HR45MINS 4 redonions, sliced 4tbsp olive oil 1kg stewing steak, cubed 4garlic cloves, crushed 30g dried porcini 600ml Madeirawine 2x400g cans tomatoes 4tbsp sundried tomato paste Zest and juice 1 orange 500ml beef stock 2tbspWorcestershire sauce 1kgbabyChantenaycarrots, trimmed Several sprigs thyme HOW TO DO IT 1 Heat the oven to 180°C/Gas 4. Fry the onions with the oil in a large flameproof casserole for 5 mins, to soften. Season the steak with salt and ground black pepper, add to the onions, then add the garlic and fry for 10 mins, turning as needed until browned. 2 Pour 100ml boiling water over the dried porcini and leave for 10mins to soften, then pour t emushroomsandliquidinto the pan with the Madeira, tomatoes,…

For me, the idea of sitting around the Christmas tree surrounded by my family is a distant dream, not a reality. By the time my daughter Madison was seven in 2010, my husband Tony had effectively been away for half of her life, doing six-month stints in places like Iraq, Afghanistan and Kosovo every year. He’s a soldier working on the front line. We’d often go for weeks on end without hearing from Tony. I was living in a constant state of fear, waiting for that knock on the door to tell me he was gone. It had a terrible effect on Madison, too – she developed separation anxiety, finding it hard to sleep and asking me where I was going every time I left the room. That year, she…

Flashing me a sneaky smile, my five-year-old daughter, Hollie, handed me a crumpled Christma list. As my eyes scanned her large, curly scrawl, I couldn’t help grinning. At the top of her list, she’d written, ‘What I want most is a baby brother or sister.’ ‘We’ll just have to see what Santa can do,’ I stammered, my face flushing pink. Because Hollie didn’t know that I was already pregnant. To be honest, I was still getting used to the news myself. I was 33 and my husband, Anthony, 42, and I had battled to have Hollie. I suffered from endometriosis and tests had revealed that one of my fallopian tubes was wrapped around my uterus. Even with treatment, doctors had warned us that my chances of conceiving were slim. But…

Fancy a £1,000 shopping extravaganza at M&S? Luckily for you, Primula is giving Woman’s Own readers the chance to win just that. Already a grocery list favourite, Primula makes festive food easy this winter. From canapés with friends to New Year’s Eve get-togethers, Primula offers a convenient way to pipe, squeeze and spruce up meals and snacks. Owned by the Kavli Trust, which donates profits to charity in the UK and worldwide, when you buy Primula you’re supporting good causes, too. To find out more, visit primula.co.uk, and for your chance to win those M&S shopping vouchers, read on……

Just for FUN! CLUES&ARROWS Fill in the clues in the direction of the arrows Puzzlesolution CROSSWORD CLUES&ARROWS Quick & Easy If you really don’t havemuch time to spare, give your brain a breakwith one of these SUDOKU To solve the puzzle, each 3x2 box, each column and each rowmust contain the numbers 1 to 6 WORDSEARCH The answer is the wordmissing from the grid ASPOON APPLE ASKING CARE CHEESE COFFEE CUSTARD ICECREAM LOOKING NUTS SUGAR SYRUP THINKING WARNING WINE CROSSWORD Put your feet up and have a go at our classic crossword ACROSS 1 To a certain extent (5,1,7) 8 Smallest of a litter (4) 9 Big (5) 10 Scheme (4) 13 Small round prize (9) 16 Forecast (7) 17 Military rank (7) 18 Jump with a parachute (7) 20…

1 King Arthur’s footsteps, Tintagel, Cornwall Featuring some of Cornwall’s most rugged northern coastline, this circular trail, starting at Tintagel car park, is nothing if not dramatic. It takes in Tintagel Castle, famous as the birthplace of the legendary King Arthur. Afterwards, visit The Port William pub on the beach at nearby Trebarwith Strand (theportwilliam.co.uk). DISTANCE: 4.3 miles MORE INFO: southwestcoastpath.com/walksdb/printable-walk/207 2 Easedale Tarn, Grasmere,Cumbria The route takes youpast a beautiful waterfall andon to stunning views of the Langdale Fells. A gentle circularwalk, it’s stile-free, making it dog friendly, too. DISTANCE:5miles MORE INFO: nationaltrust.org.uk STAY AT:TheDale LodgeHotel inGrasmere, from £290 for two-nights’ bed andbreakfast in a classic twin room(dalelodgehotel.co.uk). 3 Stourhead, Wiltshire There’s 2,600 acres of gardens o explore, including the tallest oak tree in the UK. Take a walk…

Since the show first aired in 2012, Call The Midwife has become one of the most popular drama series on telly, with more and more people tuning in every week to catch upwith the goings on at Nonnatus House.With the Christmas special just around the corner and a new series starting in January,Woman’s Own caught up with Jenny Agutter, 62, who plays Sister Julienne, to reveal what we can expect from thenuns andmidwives this festive season – and for the year ahead... ThesuccessofCall TheMidwifehasbeen huge.Didyouthinkit wouldbesopopular? No, I have to say when I first read the script I thought it was terrific, well written and with great characters, but I wondered who was going to watch a TV show about midwives and nuns. I couldn’t imagine who would watch it.…