Innholdsfortegnelse for 26-may-14 i Woman's Own

Wow! Doesn’t baby Eric look just like his father? Proud dad Simon shared these super-cute pics with his nine million followers on Twitter. ‘My little boy Eric is healthy and happy,’ Simon wrote alongside the snaps of Eric playing and being cuddled by mum Lauren Silverman. ‘Very handsome like his dad,’ he added. As you can also see from this shot (left), three-month-old Eric is clearly already cultivating that steely Cowell stare – here at Woman’s Own we’re now placing bets on when he’ll start wearing aviator sunglasses and tight white T-shirts. We can’t wait!…

Katie Price, 35, announced she was ending her marriage to Kieran Hayler, 27, on Twitter, after discovering his affair with her best friend of 20 years, Jane Pountney. Mum-of-four Jacqui Deevoy, whose own experience echoes Katie’s, reaches out to her in this open letter – before it’s too late. Dear Katie, As a mother, it is your job to nurture and protect your children from their own mistakes – and from yours. At 51, I’m older than you, and my kids are grown, but I see so many similarities in our lives that I wanted to write this letter to you, to advise you not to make the same mistakes that I did and not to let the drama of a failed relationship take away from the most precious bond…

Cheesy catchphrases, jingles, novelty prizes and witty one-liners – that’s what TV used to be about. Back then we had the likes of Cilla Black and Bruce Forsyth, Mr Saturday Night himself, delighting us with a tap dance and a corny joke. But where has this golden age of light entertainment gone? Now our weekend telly is all reality shows, with their lights, fanfare and neverending quest to shock, rock and dazzle. Britain’s Got Talent contestants Crazy Rouge certainly made an impact during their recent audition. Clad in skintight nude bodysuits and sexy poses, the burlesque dancers wouldn’t have looked out of place in a seedy strip club. Yet they appeared on the talent contest on a Saturday night before the 9pm watershed. Outraged viewers took to the internet to…

After a record-breaking number of votes in this year’s Age Less Beauty Awards, the time has come to reveal all the summer products you wouldn’t dare to bare without. From souped-up sun protection and flawless fake tans, to magical lash-boosting mascaras and miracle body firmers, these are the lotions and potions you’ve told us really work and give you the confidence to step out in style for the summer months. And these wonder buys are working, because four in 10 of you think you look five years younger than you are. So, it’s time to meet the superproducts that keep you looking and feeling youthful this summer and beyond… BODY BOOSTERS Scrub, smooth and sculpt yourself from top to toe with these bathroom beauties CELLULITE CREAM Nivea Q10 Plus Firming…

A Facebook slurreopened old wounds Recently, I saw some ex-student from my primary school year had set up a Facebook page. I’d lost touch with everyone after moving away when I was 10. But a few days later, someone wrote, ‘Wasn’t she the class ginger?’ Suddenly, all the taunts about my hair came flooding back. I thought I’d got over it, but it’s left me feeling angry and upset about how little was done to help me cope with the bullying I endured back then. Lisa, 51, Jersey You’ve every right to feel angry and upset about the bullying you endured. All abuse leaves wounds and this comment has reopened yours. It would help to express your anger by shouting at an empty chair, for instance, or pounding pillows with…

Packed up and driving home after a week’s break in Scotland, the sun began to shine. ‘Let’s stop for a picnic,’ I said to my husband, Tim, 43. It was only April and it felt wrong to be stuck in a car. ‘I know the perfect place,’ he smiled. An hour later, we parked up on the shores of the Lake District’s breathtaking Ullswater. We sat in the lemony spring sunshine and ate cheese sandwiches as we gazed out across the lake. We were enjoying being together as we always did. And now when I think of that day, my heart cramps. It was such a beautiful place and we were so in love. I had no idea what lay ahead, or what part that gorgeous place would play in…

Arlene Phillips GEMINI (22 May) Over the next few months, Arlene gets an offer she can’t refuse. It’s a chance to be back on TV in a big show or some other high-profile stroke of good fortune like an award for her children’s books. Aries 21Mar–20Apr After months of feeling stuck, things finally change. You find some get up and go and get yourself going. You still need to be rather more diplomatic than comes naturally to an Aries, but do it to get things moving in the right direction again. ◆ For more call 0901 609 4780* Taurus 21Apr–20May Does something need to be said to a friend or your other half? This week even conversations you would usually dread go much easier than normal. The only hurdle is…

My longing for a baby was getting too much. It was 2001 and my husband Paul and I, both 26, had been trying for two years. After months of fertility drugs, nothing was happening. I knew why – I had polycystic ovaries. I felt as though I was the only woman in the world who couldn’t fall pregnant. Another year passed and the mood swings caused by the drugs were starting to put a strain on our relationship. ‘I can’t keep doing this,’ I told Paul finally. Yet, while I didn’t want any more treatment, I couldn’t give up on my dream of being a mum. Through my job at an overseas charity, I had heard about orphanages in Nepal full of girls whose families couldn’t afford to look after…

PIC OF THE WEEK Win £50 if we feature your photo Becks’ kecks I know I’m probably in the minority, but I’m sick and tired of seeing David Beckham in his pants. He was naturally good-looking in his youth, but now I don’t want to suffer his big tattoos, tiny pants and brooding frown. So Dave, please Put some clothes on and give us a smile – you’re starting to look like your missus! Vivien McLaren, Stoke-on-Trent Looking great! Wow! I couldn’t believe how beautiful Vanessa Feltz looked dancing – her time on Strictly has done her the world of good. What an excellent way to keep in shape and burn those excess pounds. Who needs the gym when you can just go dancing? Sylvia Foster, Bridlington Social NETWORK We…

FILM Edge Of Tomorrow Tom Cruise puts on his best action hero hat to play an Army officer stuck in a time warp and sent to take on earth-destroying aliens – and dying again and again. It’s not for the faint of heart, but there are still plenty of reasons to watch this sci-fi flick. For one, Emily Blunt stars as Tom’s sidekick. It’s got ‘summer blockbuster’ written all over it. BOOK The Way Back Home by Freya North Growing up in a commune, Oriana Taylor hung out with the Bed well brothers, Malachy and Jed. But when the gang were 15 something happened to change their lives. Years later they’re reunited, but can things be the same? An intriguing read that will keep you guessing. FILM Grace Of Monaco…

RICHARD ARNOLD Corrie wobbles Shoehorned at Good Morning Britain between Jimi Mistry and Ben Price – stars of Corrie’s latest love triangle – I began to understand how Leanne feels at the moment. Honestly, metrosexual men are SO needy these days! To the Max You wait for one Branning and then two come along at once... Jo Joyner and Jake Wood may no longer be man and wife on East Enders, but they still meet when they can. I caught up with both i he week. ‘You’re the only man who could come between us, Dickie!’ quipped Jo. Now there’s a storyline for Tanya’s return! Zac attack Zac Efron smells good – official. When I met the star of movie Neighbors, I asked about his scent. ‘It’s from Paris,’ he…

Flare for fashion Saturday Night Fever eat your heart out! Julia Roberts, 46, channels 1970s style in this pink halter-neck jumpsuit with wide-legged trousers. In the navy BGT judge Alesha Dixon, 35, has come a long way since her Strictly sequins. This navy straight-legged style is super-chic. Check out that shoulder-robing too! Ageless style Kate Garraway, 47, proves an all-in-one is a great wardrobe investment whatever your age. The gentle draping across the waist is super-flattering. Zest appeal Jessie J, 26, gives a lesson in colour for summer. The matching court shoes and coral lipstick are just enough to complement this burnt orange jumpsuit without being OTT. Mad for monochrome Ever the style guru, Cate Blanchett, 45, works an asymmetric style on the red carpet. That lightning flash of white…

When she announced her bitter split from businessman Kevin Jenkins in January, so began a sequence of events that saw Danniella Westbrook hitting the headlines for all the wrong reasons. As well as meeting and getting engaged to cage fighter Tom Richards, 24, in the space of a few weeks, the former EastEnders actress, 40, was burgled three times and had her car repossessed. Now she’s hoping to start a family with toy boy Tom, to join her kids, Kai, 17, and Jody, 12. We caught up with her to talk weddings, tattoos, and trying for twins… Does it upset you when people describe your life as a car crash? Well they’re right, it has been! But at the same time, I’ve lived a life that not a lot of…

My blood ran cold at the doctor’s words. There was no softening it – I had terminal cancer. ‘How long does she have?’ my partner, Darren, asked, his hand squeezing mine so tight. The doctor looked at him. ‘About eight weeks,’ he replied. Eight weeks! Sobbing, I ran from the room. How was I supposed to accept this? I was 43, a single mum to a beautiful six-year-old daughter, Sienna. She needed me. I couldn’t leave her. But the most painful part of all was that there was no need for me to be dying like this. No need at all… A tanning obsession Growing up, I’d longed to be a model. I’d stare endlessly at magazines filled with beautiful women with sun-kissed skin. I associated a tan with beauty…

WHAT TO DO 1 Choose one breakfast, lunch, dinner and snack daily. Vary your choices as much as possible so you’re eating a variety of different foods. 2 In addition to your daily meals, have one 300ml pot of low- or fat-free (but not diet) fruit yogurt a day (this is extra to any yogurt specified in the meals). 3 Drink 6-8 cups of calorie-free drinks a day, preferably green tea, which can perk up your metabolism and help you burn more calories. 4 If you’re still hungry you can bulk up meals by adding leafy greens, fresh grapefruit (not juice) or fresh or frozen berries that have specific shape-up benefits (see bikini boosters, next page). BREAKFASTS ◆ One poached egg on a slice of wholemeal toast spread with 1tsp…

The clear liquid found inside young green coconuts is 94%water, has very few calories and is a good source of B vitamins and potassium. It contains electrolytes, various plant hormones, enzymes, and amino acids, so rehydrates you faster than water. Try natural Cocofina (£1.39 for 200ml, Holland & Barrett). Spring clean your relationships Your emotional health is just as important as your physical health, and how you feel about your relationships can have a massive impact on your wellbeing. ‘That’s why you need to freshen things up, whether it’s with a partner, friends or family’, advises Relate counsellor Christine Northam. TRY THIS: ◆COUPLES Make a list of three things you each love about your relationship plus one thing you’d each like to change and swap lists. Then nominate one night…

Raspberry muffins MAKES 12 PREP TIME 10 MINS COOKING TIME 20-25 MINS YOU WILL NEED ◆250g plain flour ◆ 2tsp baking powder ◆ ½tsp bicar bonate of soda ◆ 150g granulated sugar ◆ ½tsp salt ◆ 1 free- range egg ◆ 250ml milk ◆ 1tsp vanilla extract ◆ 85g butter, melted ◆ 150g raspberries ◆75g flaked almonds HOW TO DO IT 1 Heat the oven to 190˚C/Gas 5. Line a 12-hole muffin tin with cases. 2 Mix the flour, baking powder, bicarbonate of soda, sugar and salt in a large mixing bowl. 3 Make a well in the middle and add in the egg, vanilla, melted butter and rasp berries. Mix well and fold through 50g almonds. 4 Spoon into the muffin cases, decorate with the remaining almonds and bake…

The room fell silent as the woman spoke, her words so sad and shocking. ‘I lost my son to drug addiction,’ she said. ‘He was 27 and he hanged himself when he couldn’t cope any longer.’ It was 2007 and I had gone to a meeting of DrugFAM, a charity supporting the families of addicts, which had been set up by the woman speaking, Elizabeth Burton-Phillips. I had also read the book she had written about her son Nick’s death, Mum, Can You Lend Me Twenty Quid? I worked with families affected by drugs and I’d been compelled to come and see her speak. I was full of admiration for the composed way she was able to talk about her family tragedy. Nick was one of twins and had been…

We’re always being told childbirth is the most natural thing in the world, yet tome there’s nothing normal about it. In fact, the mere thought of giving birth terrifies me so much that, for a long time, I accepted I would never be a mum. I knew it was irrational, but as a child I couldn’t watch anything on TV about it. After leaving school, I got a job in a special needs school. One day, the kids watched a video about babies. Unknown to me there was a scene showing a woman in the throes of labour. Feeling sick and dizzy, I fled the room. I knew my fear was called tokophobia, but I didn’t look into cures because I thought it was so deep-rooted in me, it would…

Lifehouse Spa & Hotel There aren’t many spas that make you feel relaxed as soon as you arrive, but Lifehouse is one of them. It all starts when they whisk you away from Thorpe-le-Soken train station and deliver you to the lovely countryside location of your dreams – a wonderful English Heritage-listed, 100-year-old garden, complete with a picturesque lake dotted with lily pads. The main house is minimal in the extreme, with acres of glass and tiles, yet still feels warm and welcoming. The bedrooms are understated and cosy, with accents of colour and no expense spared on the wonderfully soft beds and luxury bathrooms. This really is the place to come if you want peace and tranquillity alongside a spa menu that could take a month to work your…

It’s the end of an era as Michelle Keegan bows out after six dramatic years on the cobbles. And the Corrie actress leaves in grisly fashion, with barmaid Tina McIntyre being murdered in a shock whodunnit, following her torrid affair with Weather field love rat Peter Barlow. Thankfully, Michelle’s own future is a little more straightforward. Engaged to TOWIE star Mark Wright, she’s leaving her native Manchester to live with Mark in Essex and is considering other TV projects. Michelle, 26, who has been crowned Sexiest Female at the British Soap Awards a record five times, chats to us about bedroom scenes, weird fan mail, and moving in with Mark. Was it a tough decision to leave after so long? It was a really hard decision. I thought about it…

Kiss How could I forget! I was 12 and it was a boy from school, neither of us knew what we were doing and he ran away afterwards! Time abroad without parents I went to Asia on my own for a dance gig when I was 19 but I wasn’t scared at all, I was really excited. Back then the flight seemed to last forever but nowadays I look forward to long planerides for a bit of down time. Crush Luke Perry from 90210. I was obsessed with that show when I was younger, I used to record it on VHS and run home to watch it every day. These days I’m more of a Justin Timberlake girl. Even though he’s married he’s still my number one. Car It was…

Up for SALE Gogglebox’s posh couple, Steph and Dominic Parker, a e selling up! The pair – whose tipsy comment r on the show has won them legions of fans – have put their Kent home up for sale for a whopping £3.5 million. As well as 3.5 acres of land, the beautiful property also boasts a tropical garden, seven reception rooms and several outhouses. Now if only we could win the lottery… NICE PANTS! Former Loose Women star Carol McGiffin, 54, and her fiancé, Mark Cassidy, 31, looked loved-up as they took a stroll together near their London home. But it wasn’t their smitten smiles that got everyone talking… it was Mark’s underpants! ‘He tucks his shirt into his boxer pants?’ wrote one fan online, while another added, ‘Why…

Cheryl Cole While we may know and love pop beauty Cheryl as one-fifth of girl band Girls Aloud and for her stint on the X Factor judging panel, this Geordie lass has many other talents. Cheryl, 30, recently took to Instagram to post this adorable snap of her clutching her prized dance trophies. ” ‘When nothing I mattered apart J from pretty dresses and dancing,’ Cheryl wrote. Cute Paddy McGuinness It turns out Paddy, 40, hasn’t always been the smooth, stylish chap we know and love today. Way before he was coming up with laugh-out-loud catchphrases as the host of Take Me Out, Paddy attempted to find real love while appearing on late-night ‘90s dating show God’s Gift. During his TV debut, Paddy attempted to : seduce a group of…

Tummy trimmers Choose tops in floaty fabrics that skim rather than cling Disguise with detailing Features around the waist, such as belt ties, ruching and draping are great for masking a round tum. Pick a peplum style The fit-and-flare shape will help disguise the problem area. Try this jean-ius tip High-waisted denims will hold everything in! Boyish Structured dresses and tops and this season’s box shape suit a straight-up-and-down silhouette Fake it... Want to create some curves? Try a busy-allover print. Cinch it Belts are your friend. They pull you in at the waist to create an hourglass. ...Flaunt it! Get your legs out this summer in flattering tailored shorts. Bye-bye thighs Loose-fitting trousers and flared skirts have your name all over them! On-trend skirt alert A flared midi skirt…

She’s just a little girl, yet when she takes to the stage in a skimpy miniskirt and heels, she looks so much older. She sports thick hair extensions and a full face of make-up, her teeth have been bleached, her legs shaved and her skin smothered in fake tan. At just 11 years old, Alaska Matthews is already a regular competitor on the beauty pageant circuit. Disturbingly, her sexy image has attracted the attention of paedophiles, who post vile messages about her online. Yet, incredibly, instead of removing her daughter from the pageant scene, her mum, Lori, 39, insists she should carry on competing. ‘If I pulled Alaska out of pageants, I would be letting these sick men win,’ says Lori, who lives in Ohio, USA, with partner Jay, 61,…

Call an ambulance The point of phoning for an ambulance is so that help can be given on the way to the hospital– which can be vital if a life is at risk. According to Clive James, training officer for St John Ambulance, it’s an absolute must to call 999 if the answer is yes to any of the following: ◆ Is the person unconscious? ◆ Are they having trouble or have they stopped breathing? ◆ Is the person bleeding severely? ◆ Does the person have chest pain and/or breathlessness? ◆ Do they have any of the P symptoms: Paleskin, weak or rapid Pulse, or Profuse sweating? However, this doesn’t mean you shouldn’t ring for an ambulance at other times. If you’re really worried, then call 999–or 111, where you…

HOW TO... make up to £1,000 this bank holiday Take a look around your home. I guarantee there are at least 20 items lying around that you never use. But I bet you never thought your unused junk could be worth as much as £1,000… Well, according to reselling website Gum tree, that’s how much you could make from a good old clear-out. The top five most unused items in the home are clothes, books, shoes, DVDs and VHS cassettes. Now read on for the best ways to cash in on your cast-offs. ebay BEST FOR Random bits and pieces – everything from old pots and pans to clothes you no longer wear. There is a charge to list stuff on this auction website. Don’t underestimate the price of postage…

I didn’t need a husband to have my children When people see me out with my twin girls I get the same reaction – ‘Oh, aren’t they adorable,’ and then, ‘They must keep you busy.’ And yes, that’s exactly right. My 19-month-old daughters, Grace and Ella, are everything I’ve ever wanted, and a handful. But what these strangers don’t know is that I chose to be a single mum and I have no idea who their father is. For as long as I can remember, I wanted to have kids. But by 39, I’d just come out of an unhappy relationship. ‘Will I ever be a mum?’ I confided in friends. I also had fertility problems and it seemed my choice was stark. I could either go it alone or…

Woman’s Own BINGO I’ve always loved bingo, but it became difficult to get out to my local bingo hall. That’s when I discovered playing online – and I absolutely love it. I joined Woman’s Own Bingo about two years ago and I haven’t looked back since. It’s wonderful to be able to play in the comfort of my own home. I don’t get out much, so the bingo is a great addition to my social life. I love chatting away, swapping messages with the other roomies. You get to know each other and we talk about all sorts – it really makes the site special. Of course, we all enjoy a flutter on the bingo, too, and the choice of games is incredible. There’s always something new to try, although…

Nothing says ‘you have done well’ like a lovely surprise treat. Whether it’s a present to show you’ve noticed a big improvement in their swimming lessons, or they’ve impressed you with their reading skills, LEGO® is the perfect way to praise a great job when you really want to make a fuss. With hundreds of sets to choose from, LEGO makes a fantastic gift for every occasion. Prices start at just £2.49, so it’s an affordable way to reward an accomplishment. Plus, it’s the toy you can add to all year round– you can encourage them to keep trying their best while they enjoy building their collection. Well done wonders The Penguin has stolen a priceless diamond and Batman needs to get it back. LEGO®DC Comics Super Heroes Batman™: The…

(UN)FUNNYMAN His hilarious turn in the latest series of Episodes has us in stitches but former Friends star Matt LeBlanc, 46, reckons when he started on the show, he wasn’t prepared for how different it would be to the US sitcom. He said, ‘We’d soot Friends in front of a live audience… but on my first day of Episodes, I said my line and no one laughed. I thought, ‘I’m not sure I can do this – it’s a stupid idea to make a comeback.’’ MEL=HELL? Another week and another round of rumours swirl as to who’s going to join Cheryl Cole, Simon Cowell and Louis Walsh on the X Factor judging line-up. Sources claim that former Spice Girl Mel B is the firm favourite – and apparently Cheryl’s not…