Innholdsfortegnelse for 03-mar-14 i Woman's Own

Hurrah for brave Davina McCall, who has finally completed her Sport Relief challenge! As we revealed last week, she collapsed with suspected hypothermia after a gruelling swim as part of a challenge to raise money for Comic Relief. Davina, 46, also ran a full marathon to round off seven days of running, cycling and swimming, raising over £760,000. The TV presenter burst into tears when she was greeted by her children and husband, Matthew Robertson, just before the finishing line. He gave her wedding ring back to her, which he had been looking after during her journey. Davina, you’re a fab role model to us and your kids – hats off to you! Joinus online Head to our fabulous website, womansown.co.uk, to get all the latest celeb gossip, great competitions…

Fans have expressed their concern after pictures emerged of Kate Middleton looking skinnier than ever while out in London recently. One said, ‘My God she is far too thin. If she was naturally slim I would understand but she’s not. She had much more meat during her university years and I thought she looked stunning. Now it’s painful to look at her.’ While another noted, ‘She’s way too skinny!’ Fans have speculated that Kate’s weight loss is down to the stress of being a new mum, as well as breastfeeding sevenmonth-old Prince George. Kate, 32, had expressed a desire to get back to her pre-baby body, even telling a park warden last summer that she wanted to do some walking in order to get back in shape. However, judging by…

As I sit in my wheelchair, I’m nursing a secret. It’s one I doubt anyone would guess. After all, the world only sees a disabled grandmother… I’m 51, devoted to my large family, and unable to walk for any distance due to a 28-year-old back injury. But you don’t have to be able to walk far to meet lots of different men for sex, and there it is – my secret. After two marriages, six children and three grandchildren, I’m single and in a wheelchair, yet having the best sex of my life. I could never have imagined things turning out like this. For most of my life I was simply a mum and wife. I married in 1981 when I already had a little boy and I then went…

Lose 10 YEARS AND 10lb From £3.99 Kiko Winter Hydrating Mousse, £13.90, kikocosmetics. co.uk Soothe raw, reddened winter complexions – this mousse helps strengthen the skin’s natural barrier to lock in hydration and protect it against the cold. Nivea Cellular Anti-Age Day Cream SPF15, £14.99 As we age, skin renewal slows, but this pick-me-up cream supplies energy to the cells to boost turnover for a firmer-looking result. Avon Anew Reversalist Complete Renewal Express, £18, avonshop.co.uk This cream-to-powder compact diffuses the look of wrinkles and helps to boost elastin production. Olay Regenerist 10 Minute Miracle, £29.99 Why wait to smooth wrinkles, blur imperfections and hydrate skin when this does it all in just 10 minutes flat? Dr Andrew Weil for Origins Mega-Bright Dark Circle Minimizer, £32 Under-eye circles always look worse…

You’ll know the headlines… Lady In The Lake, Woman’s Body Found After 25 Years. You may remember the eerie pictures of divers searching the icy depths for the body. The murder was undoubtedly big news. But what no one has known until now is my story, my connection to this mystery — and in many ways, that’s the most disturbing part of all. Carol was my dad’s younger sister. The two of them were very close and I adored her, too. She was married to Uncle Gordon and they were both school teachers. She lived in Leece, Cumbria, three miles from us in Barrow-in-Furness, and at weekends we’d go to stay with them. She and Gordon had three children and Auntie Carol was such a loving person. It made up…

Symptom checker Type 2 diabetes Are you feeling constantly thirsty, weeing a lot (particularly at night), tired and losing or gaining weight? Many type 2 diabetics are unaware they are sufferers because early symptoms can be mild (850,000 people in the UK are thought to be undiagnosed). You may also experience itchiness around your private parts, bouts of thrush, dry eyes, cramps, constipation or skin infections. See your GP immediately. WHAT IS IT? Diabetes causes your blood sugar levels to become too high. 3.2 million people in the UK are affected, 90% of whom have type 2. You’re more at risk if you’re overweight, have a diabetic in the family or are over 40. IS THERE ANY FORM OF TREATMENT FOR IT? There is no cure but some people may…

I feel protected and safe Tall men are definitely sexier! My husband is 6ft and an ex before him was 6ft 4in. It’s a must for me. I like to feel protected and safe. Tom Cruise is gorgeous but I could never date him. But then I suppose we’re all the same height lying down! EMMA MOREY, DURHAM DON’T JUDGE I think women are just being shallow if they worry about height. Men come in all shapes and sizes. We should get to know them and find out other characteristics like if they are kind or have common interests. This is a better idea than judging them on their height. BEVERLEY DODD, BATH Personality counts! I have always been attracted to taller men – I think it’s the huntergatherer/protector thing.…

GET ORGANISED Don’t leave bills or financial issues until the last minute. They’re not going to go away so you might as well face up to them immediately. Open bank statements and put them into folders – you’re far less likely to put off dealing with them. TURN YOUR TRASH INTO CASH This is the perfect time to get rid of stuff that you no longer want or use. Sort it into categories: Items to resell Things to donate to charity Recycling Make the most out of your items by reselling them on eBay, Gumtree and other listings websites. If you don’t want to sell them online, get together with a friend and organise a car boot sale – it cuts out the cost of sending items in the post!…

Watching the TV, I listened to the young boy’s desperate story. ‘They shoved holly leaves down my shirt,’ he explained. Then a teenage girl spoke, saying how she’d been so badly picked on that she’d turned to self-harm. It was November 2010 and, watching this documentary about bullied children, something stirred inside me. I was 14 and a victim of bullying myself. Now for the first time, I realised I wasn’t alone. When I’d joined secondary school at 11, a girl had called me ‘fat’. It wasn’t true, but soon all the other children had joined in and their relentless taunts had driven me to bulimia. I lost 4st but the bullies didn’t stop. One girl drenched me with water and threatened to kill me. Others slammed doors in my…

Aries 21 Mar – 20 Apr Confusion makes you very unhappy – you’re at your best when you can tackle things with conviction. This week something makes you doubt yourself or someone else. Don’t fret. Ask for help from those around you and you will find new ways of doing things. Taurus 21 Apr – 20 May Work and/or relationships throw up frustrations. You may well have to shift gears or stop and reconsider, especially in partnerships. The weekend gives you a chance to see what is really going on and come up with an alternative plan. Gemini 21 May – 20 Jun After three weeks of frustrations and chaos, your ruler Mercury moves forward and so does your life. It’s time for big plans, even major life changes. So…

AWKWARD! The Big Reunion star Dane Bowers has been dishing the dirt on old pal Victoria Beckham, with some very embarrassing revelations. The singer, 34, duetted with Posh back in 2000, and revealed a little more than she might have hoped. ‘We were doing this foreign interview and we were knackered,’ Dane recalled. ‘I shouted something out and Victoria actually wet herself.’ And there was us thinking she was perfect.. ON THE BALL! Fresh from presenting Strictly spin-off It Takes Two, Zoë Ball’s landed herself another plum role, hosting a companion show to The Voice. The access-all-areas programme will air Monday to Friday from the first live show, with Will, Kylie and the rest of the gang popping in for interviews. Zoë, 43, said, ‘I’ll be the nosy one asking…

32 Golden goddess New mum Fearne Cotton shows off her trim fgure in top-to-toe gold. Her retro hairstyle highlights her gown’s statement neck and shoulders. 39 Black magic Actress Amy Adams chooses a chic chiffon number by Victoria Beckham. The clever cropped overlay detail makes her waist look even slimmer than it is. 42 Pretty in pink Bright fuchsia, sheer lace and horizontal stripes – bold Claudia Winkleman pulls off several trends at once in her own kooky style. 45 She’s got the blues Actress Gillian Anderson adds a touch of cool to a strapless gown with an oceaninspired palette of aquamarine, cobalt and navy. 49 Scarlet woman Joely Richardson enhances her statuesque frame in this red column dress, complete with a dramatic ‘look at me’ sunburst embellishment. 54 What…

EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW With her early starts and busy schedule, it’s a wonder Kate Garraway, 46, finds time for romance. And when we caught up with her, she admits it’s not her forte. Not only did she forget Valentine’s Day, but she was left feeling ‘terribly guilty’ when her hubby, Derek Draper, presented her with a bouquet of flowers! Oops. We sat down with the presenter for a natter about romance, how she keeps her kids, Darcey, seven, and Billy, four, entertained, her moving trip to Ethiopia for Save The Children, and her plans to keep her figure in 2014. How was your half-term? This half-term is always one of the toughest for mums – the weather’s terrible, a lot of the theme parks and days out aren’t open, and so…

Lose 10 YEARS AND 10lb 1 Create a slimline silhouette in a great-fitting dress with secret support panels. Just watch those pounds drop off! Dress, £45, sizes 6-22, M&S Collection Drop a Dress Size at M&S 2 Boot-cut jeans suit most shapes as they minimise hips and bottoms and elongate legs. Remember, the darker the shade of denim, the better. 3 Cover upper arms with a chic, sheer sleeve. This season’s chiffon blouse is perfect. 4 Get yourself measured for a bra regularly, as ill-fitting underwear creates unwanted bumps and ruins your posture. 5 Tapered 7/8-length trousers follow your natural leg line, making pins look longer and leaner. 6 A tailored jacket is great for creating a streamlined silhouette. A simply cut style will also help to create the illusion of a…

Exclusive event just for YOU! 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. The specially discounted two-day event will give you the chance to sample the spa’s state-ofthe-art facilities, including the multimillion-pound Thermal Spa and newly opened Pavilion, the long-awaited leisure area. Featuring sumptuous sofas to relax in, garden-view loungers and beautiful contemporary artwork and glassware, the area oozes blissful calm and is Ragdale Hall’s ultimate chill-out zone! Take advantage of this great offer now for an indulgent twonight (three-day) break at one of the finest spas in Europe. ◆ To view all treatments and facilities, go to ragdalehall.co.uk 2014 dates for your diary ◆ 30 March - 1 April ◆ 21-23 September…

I always cry when I talk about my son This seems silly but I don’t know what to do. Whenever I discuss anything involving my 12-yearold son, my eyes fill up. Parents’ evenings, doctor’s appointments, concerts – even watching him play tennis sets me off. I’m fine when it starts but I soon feel the familiar wobble in my voice and then the tears start. I get so embarrassed. Nicky, Blackpool You don’t say how long this has been happening, but it’s possible the emotional trigger is deep in you or your son’s past. I have a friend whose 10-year-old son almost died in childbirth, and she always cries at events because she can’t believe he’s actually still there in front of her! I understand your tears feel undermining and…

TOTAL YOU RAISED £27,867 Last year, Woman’s Own teamed up with The Sick Children’s Trust to support its national fundraising campaign, The Big Chocolate Tea Party. Through your involvement – by holding money-raising events with friends and in your communities – you’ve raised a staggering £27,867. And it is all money the charity has ploughed back into helping the families of very sick children. The charity, which was founded in 1982, runs nine houses providing free living accommodation for parents and siblings of children being treated in hospitals across the country. Each year The Sick Children’s Trust helps an incredible 3,500 families of youngsters suffering from a range of illnesses from cancer, genetic disorders, brain tumours, car accidents and premature birth. Claudette Watson, chief executive at The Sick Children’s Trust,…

Crêpes with lemon and sugar MAKES 10 PREP TIME 10 MINS, PLUS 30 MINS RESTING COOKING TIME 12-15 MINS YOU WILL NEED ◆ 140g plain flour ◆ 1 egg and 1 yolk ◆ 2tbsp melted butter, cooled, plus extra for greasing ◆ 15g caster sugar ◆ Pinch of salt ◆ 300ml milk ◆ Caster sugar and lemon wedges, to serve HOW TO DO IT 1 Sift the flour into a large bowl. Add the egg and egg yolk, melted butter, caster sugar and a pinch of salt. Add the milk and whisk until you have a smooth and runny batter. Leave the mixture to rest for 30 mins. 2 Grease a large frying pan with a little butter and pour a ladleful of batter into the pan, tipping the pan…

Nautical but nice All aboard! Embrace spring’s nautical trend with Dunelm’s range of kitsch seaside-inspired accessories (above) that’ll have you yearning for a beach trip! Words Get the look From £2.50 Soak & sleep Bed and bath specialist Duvet & Pillow Warehouse is relaunching as Soak & Sleep. From 5 March, visit soakandsleep.com for gorgeous towels, bed linen, duvets and more, with prices starting at just £2.50! We love Make sure your morning cuppa comes served in this eye-catching, cute heart motif mug, £6.50 from Cath Kidston. TOP OF the clocks These statement wall clocks demand attention! Reader rated SACHA SHERIDAN, 42, MANCHESTER ‘I was always losing my keys until I invested in these wall hooks, £10 from Very. They keep me organised and look great in my hallway!’…

Mum had given me my three babies The fragile body of my mum, Nicola, lying beneath the bed sheets seemed far too small to contain all that love. For 25 years, she had raised, sheltered and comforted me. And now she was dying. I was sitting with her in the hospice in Pembrokeshire, Wales. The liver cancer had only been discovered three months ago and was close to claiming her now. At the end of the visit, I kissed her goodbye, promising to visit again soon. Only walking out, a wincing pain caught in my side. Back home it grew worse. I tried to fight it. I couldn’t be ill, not in Mum’s last days. Yet the pain was so bad I had to go to hospital. And there, to…

BOOKS THE PERFECT MATCH by Katie Fforde Romantic, warm and bursting with charm, this is Katie Fforde at her finest. Against the backdrop of the author’s favourite Cotswold countryside, we follow the love lives of Bella and Alice. Should Bella stay with steady Nevil or follow her true passion for brooding Dominic? And will Alice let herself be wooed by the stranger she met on a train? Reading this book is indulging in storytelling at its best. THE LEMON GROVE by Helen Walsh Jenn is relaxing into her summer holiday with her husband Greg. But her feeling of calm is ambushed by the arrival of Greg’s daughter, Emma, and her boyfriend Nathan. Jenn finds herself attracted to Nathan – will she jeopardise it all for the sake of her desire?…

With a television presenting career spanning 14 years, Anna Richardson, 43, has made a few telly pals along the way. Anna told us she’s got one of our favourites, Eamonn Holmes, on speed dial if she’s ever in the mood for a bit of celeb fun. Here the Supersize Vs Superskinny and The Sex Education Show star fills us in on her glam lifestyle… What’s the most expensive thing in your wardrobe? Just before Christmas I treated myself to a ring from Annina Vogel that was worth £3,000. She dresses Kate Moss and her jewellery is amazing but the prices aren’t for the faint-hearted. Who’s the biggest celeb you’ve got on your mobile? I’m really good friends with Mel and Sue, so they’re on speed dial. Eamonn Holmes is in…

LOVED UP! Nicole Scherzinger, 35, and Lewis Hamilton, 29, looked happy and in love as they enjoyed a romantic holiday together following their brief split last year. The pair took pictures and went on a scooter ride together as they took in the sights during a trip to Rome, proving their relationship is fully back on track. We’re so glad to hear it! Smudge it Oh dear, Claudia Winkleman, it’s happened again! The presenter, 42, went back on her promise to step away from the heavy eyeliner. Claudia made a vow to never commit the fashion faux pas again after having to explain away her dishevelled look at an awards ceremony last year, but obviously she’s changed her mind! A fan online said, ‘She needs an assistant to do her…

When Trinny Woodall marked her 50th with a blog post, the words appeared to shriek with catty cynicism… ‘It’s great that, at 50, life can still grab you by the throat and shake you up.’ ‘What!’ we thought, inwardly cringing. Because the fashion guru is dating Charles Saatchi, the very man whose hands were infamously pictured wrapped around his ex Nigella’s neck. And if Trinny had her claws out, the TV chef soon sharpened hers. She tweeted, ‘Slut’s Spaghetti – aka pasta alla puttanesca – is #recipeof theday. Do I need to say anything more?’ She denied it was aimed at Trinny, saying it was simply her ‘fave’ recipe. But doesn’t it seem spats between celebrity women are firing off more and more? In a recent newspaper column, Katie Price…

Lose 10 YEARS AND 10lb 30+ Decade dilemma This can be a surprisingly demanding decade for hair. From climbing the career ladder to becoming a new mum, elevated stress levels and fluctuating hormones can cause your hair to shed or appear thinner. Sort it! According to hairdresser Nicky Clarke, now is the time to perfect the basics. ‘Ensure that you cleanse and condition your hair properly and try to cut back on heat styling,’ he says. ‘This means rinsing hair in fresh, lukewarm water (not hot), and regular intensive treatments.’ If you find your hair is looking less voluminous, choose thickening products, while those with frizz-prone tresses should opt for smoothing solutions. Youth boosters Herbal Essences Silk n’ Shine Shampoo, £3.79 Nicky Clarke Intensive Moisture Mask, £22, nickyclarke.com Joico Super…

GETTING STARTED 1 Choose one breakfast, lunch, dinner and snack option daily. Try to vary your choices to maximise the anti-ageing and weight-loss benefits. 2 You can drink an extra glass of skimmed or soya milk every day in addition to any of these already mentioned in the meal plans. 3 Ideally team your food plan with some flexibility enhancing exercise, such as Pilates or yoga. Breakfa sts ◆ 2 poached eggs served on a bed of steamed spinach with a drizzle of olive oil and a sprinkle of nutmeg. Plus 2 plums ◆ A small bowl of fruity muesli with skimmed milk, topped with 1tbsp pumpkin seeds and a handful of raspberries ◆ Boiled egg with 1 slice wholegrain toast, spread thinly with tahini or peanut butter. Plus a…

We need a bit of dirt to build up our immunity and that means coming into contact with germs. But research now shows that bags, sofas, blankets, phones and toys probably carry more potential disease-spreading germs than your toilet. ‘People are constantly touching surfaces and, if they’re carrying pathogens (infectious bacteria), they are easily spread around,’ explains hygiene specialist Dr Lisa Ackerley. Now wash your hand s, please! We have over 10 million bacteria on our hands alone. But shockingly one in five Britons doesn’t bother to wash after going to the loo. One in 10 just splashes and dashes while men are twice as likely to clean without soap or hand wash. ‘Regular hand washing is an easy way to stop infectious contamination and protect yourself and others,’ explains…

New jewellery is always an indulgent treat, whether you’re buying for yourself or receiving it as a gift. That’s why we’ve teamed up with H. Samuel to offer 25 lucky readers the chance to win a vintage-style matching cocktail ring and earring set. The Rose Gold-Plated Hexagonal Crystal Earrings are worth £34.99 and the Rose Gold-Plated Hexagonal Crystal Ring (in size L) is worth £24.99. Each of the pieces features a glittering crystal, designed to catch the light and add a touch of glamour to any outfit. This matching set of accessories is the ultimate in coordinated style and one you can treasure for years to come. Classic designs H. Samuel has been a high-street favourite since 1862 when Harriet Samuel established her jeweller’s in Liverpool. Today the company is…

Named and shamed If you’re cleaning out your house then you might be tempted to put some items up on Freecycle. If you’re a regular reader, then you’ll know that the first rule of the local recycle websites run by Freecycle is that everything is free. But sadly, there have been reports of some people asking for money for items or delivery. Remember never to send any money and just to be safe, take someone with you when you’re collecting an item. 5 ways to… A SPOTLESS HOME! Cleaning is enough of a chore without the added expense of overpriced products. Specialist cleaning service Merry Maids (merry maids.co.uk) told me about some free, cheap and easy ways to make your house sparkle. 1 TAP INTO VINEGAR If you live in…

Totally wrong Benefits Street is a disgrace, and to call the participants ‘stars’ scrambles my brain. These social guinea pigs were fooled into selling their souls for lager and fags. Unemployment is a heartbreaking, soul-destroying experience that leaves people in despair. Most unemployed people I know would prefer to have proper jobs with security and hope. ST Vaughan, Birmingham Inspiring story Leanne Dennis’ story ‘My decade of dieting’ [17 February] struck a chord with me. After years of feeling unhappy about her weight, Leanne lost 12st and looked so happy in the pictures. I see that a lot in my job as a counsellor and it’s something I can identify with. After battling weight issues for 10 years and losing 9st, I set up my company Wytchworks. As part of…

Greatest wall Yes, it is of course the Great Wall of China stretching approximately 5,500 miles – that’s roughly eight times the length of the UK. And no, we don’t advise anyone to tackle the lot. The easiest section to walk along was built in the Ming Dynasty and can be accessed from Beijing. But contrary to all those rumours, you can’t see it from space! X Go with: Wendy Wu (wendywu tours.co.uk) Brightest lights The Northern Lights, or aurora borealis, are caused by streams of charged particles carried by the solar wind which then collide with the earth’s magnetic field. According to NASA, they’ve been especially awesome this winter, which is the best time to view them because of the long, dark nights. The perfect conditions to see them…

Alongside Paul Hollywood, she is one of the most recognisable cooks on TV. But how will Mary Berry cope when she leaves her Great British Bake Off partner behind to go it alone in a brand new series, Mary Berry Cooks? We caught up with Mary, 78, to talk about boozing, romancing, and why she won’t be tuning into a Gordon Ramsay show any time soon… You’re going solo with your new show. Will you miss Paul? I will! I have such fun with him and we do get on like a house on fire. But for me, I am so chuffed to be getting back to doing what I love – and that is family cooking. It is what I’ve specialised in. Is it fair to say that he…