Innholdsfortegnelse for 01-Dec-2014 i Woman's Own

Brucie’s got the call-up Hooray! He’s back. Sir Bruce Forsyth is returning to our screens for the Strictly Christmas Special 2014. The 86-year-old host will be reunited with Tess Daly for the Christmas Day show that features former celeb dancers Sophie Ellis-Bextor, Lisa Riley, Rachel Stevens, Louis Smith, Chris Hollins and Russell Grant. It’s not the first time Brucie’s made a special appearance since handing over to Tess, proving he’s not ready to hang up his dancing hoes just yet! So grab a mince pie, top up the Baileys and get ready for some foot-tapping Christmas magic. Join us online Head to our fabulous website, womansown.co.uk, to get all the latest celeb gossip, great competitions and deals, plus beauty, fashion, easy recipes and health tips.…

In a shock barrage of new insults, Lorraine Kelly has come under fire yet again from critics who are blasting her for being dull, boring and false on TV. After Lorraine, 54, appeared as a guest on The Jonathan Ross Show, viewers took to forums to slate the daytime TV presenter. ‘So nicey nicey (yeah I don’t believe it either). Kelly is on Jonathan Ross… Good grief his booking people get stuffed by [Graham] Norton every week. The entirely false Kelly is not exactly an A-lister is she?’ Another ranted, ‘Lorraine Kelly and her constant blabbing about her breasts. She is a false, annoying woman.’ Viewers’ outrage This is the second time in as many weeks that people have come down hard on Lorraine. After it was reported online that…

Eamonn and Ruth Mr and Mrs Claus DO exist! Oh wait, we’ve been fooled. It’s just Eamonn Holmes and Ruth Langsford playing dress up on This Morning… Katy Perry Christmas is snow joke for Katy. Here’s the singer dressed up as a very merry snow woman for a festive singsong in 2010. Simon Cowell Ho ho ho…ld on, is this really Simon dressed as Father Christmas? He looks almost happy behind that big white beard. Prince Harry We wonder what the Queen made of those pigtails, Harry! The Prince is full of festive frivolity in this very merry Christmas hat. Myleene Klass Rocking around the Christmas tree, Myleene sparkles in this festive frock. The smiling star dressed up as Mrs Claus for a kids’ TV show. Carol McGiffin Christmas Carol…

Smell great for longer ◆ FRAGR ANCE LASTS LONGER on moisturised skin. Use the perfume’s matching body lotion where possible ◆ ALWAYSSPRAYONPULSE POINTS like the inner wrist, base of throat and behind the ears, where blood circulation is strongest ◆ RESIST THE URGE TO APPLY TO YOUR CLOTHES the scent can quickly become distorted when mixed with cottons and other fabrics ◆ LOOK FOR SPICY AND ORIENTAL PERFUMES. They linger on the skin longer than citrus, green and floral notes ◆ AS A ROUGH GUIDE, eau de toilette should last for up to four hours on the skin, eaude parfum up to six, while perfume extract can last as many as eight…

Fallen trees blocking the roads, abandoned cars submerged in rivers of murky brown water, families clinging on to their possessions as they desperately paddled to safety. But this was no Hollywood movie. This was the grim scene happening here in the UK last December. It’s been a year since freak storms battered the country, leaving a trail of devastation in their wake. Thousands of families were forced to flee their homes after the worst flooding in more than a decade, which caused millions of pounds of damage. Human tragedy Worse, five people died due to the appalling weather, including Nick Mutton, 46, a teacher who drowned trying to save his dog in Newton Abbot, Devon, on Christmas Eve. Others had their health put at risk. Cancer sufferer Hannah Kingerley, 34,…

Am I right to feel betrayed? I was sexually abused by my father when I was 11, but only acknowledged it when I starte to have flashbacks at 33. My family were supportive and severed contact. However, I have found out that my younger sister, who thankfully did not suffer any abuse, has been in contact with him. I feel she has betrayed me, but she is unable to understand this. I don’t feel I can have a relationship with her. Do you think I’m being unreasonable? Cath, 55, via Facebook I’m so very sorry to hear about your sexual abuse. I do not think you are being unreasonable. Given you’ve cut contact with your father, it may be worth discussing the pros and cons of cutting ties to your…

Reader rated SALLY ROGERSON,31, FROMHORSHAM I get very dry eyes that often look red and tired, particularly after ’ a long day at work. I’ve started using Murine Bright & Moist Eyes (￡4.07 for 15ml, Boots), which soothes and whitens them, too. Great for Christmas parties’ 3 of the best healthy gifts Get 2015 off to a great start with these perfect presents Citrus Zinger Water Bottle, £10.95,jdharris.co.uk This clever gizmo turns ordinary tap water into a delicious and healthy citrus-infused drink. Just add lemon. TanitaPD-724 pedometer, £24.95, John Lewis State-of-the-art pedometer that measures and records distance, steps, calories, fat burnt and time, and you can set targets, too. Scholl Velvet Smooth Luxury Pedicure Set, £39.99 (normally £79.99), Boots Most of us are guilty of neglecting our feet, so this…

Red velvet tier cake Cost per serving 65p SERVES 16 PREP TIME 30 MINS COOKING TIME 30 MINS YOU WILL NEED ◆150gunsaltedbutter ◆300ggoldencaster sugar ◆1tspvanillaextract ◆3 large eggs, separated ◆284mlcartonbuttermilk ◆3tbspbrightredgel food colour ◆250g plain flour ◆25gcornflour ◆2tbsp cocoa powder ◆1tspwhitewinevinegar ◆1tsp bicarbonate of soda ◆ FOR THE FILLING AND FROSTING ◆375g full-fat soft cheese ◆75g unsalted butter, softened ◆450gicing sugar, sifted ◆284gjarhigh-fruitraspberryjam HOW TO DO IT 1 Heat the oven to 180°C/Gas 4. Grease and line 3 x 20cm round cake tins. Whisk together the butter and sugar until pale and fluffy. Whisk in the vanilla extract and yolks. 2 Pour the buttermilk into a jug and stir in the colouring. Sift together the flour, cornflour and cocoa. Alternately add the flour mix and buttermilk to your butter mix.…

‘I finished most of my shopping in August’ Kate Bedding, 32, lives in Liverpool with her children, Joshua, seven, and Millie, three. Kate’s divorced and is a research and education consultant and teacher for the National Childbirth Trust. It might seem strange to most people buying presents while the sun’s beating down, but the truth is, the Christmas shopping thing can’t come soon enough for me. If I left it all until November or December it would send me into a complete spiral. Plus, I really love the physical act of shopping. I don’t get that much online, although I do sometimes order a few things from Amazon. Secret stash I buy bits and pieces throughout the year, but am usually totally finished by the end of August. Every time…

The day that I first hit the jackpot on Woman’s Own Bingo will forever be etched in my memory. I was relaxing at home and playing a few games online. I had bought some tickets for the Tiki Bingo room, which cost from as little as 1p, and was watching the numbers get marked off while I chatted to my friends in the chat box. My husband, Krasimir, 40, always said I was silly to play and that I was never going to win, but I knew it wasn’t a fix because I’d seen all the jackpot winners’ stories on the website. One day, I hoped I would see my name up there, too. As I watched the game that morning, my numbers were getting marked off really quickly. Then…

Courageous Lynda I was devastated to hear about Lynda Bellingham. She was such a courageous woman who showed bravery in the way that she confronted her illness. I wish that she could have had the time that she wanted with her loved ones, but at least she’s not suffering any more. Beverley Lindfield, Kent Coleen’s fab I feel sorry for Coleen from Loose Women, taunted for her weight. She is a slim lady and I think she looks fab. It’s so unrealistic for people to expect you to be a size 6 supermodel just because you’re on TV. It’s time we started celebrating curves! Lucy Anne Cross, Lewisham Buying a baby I was really touched to read the article ‘The baby we bought on the internet’ in Woman’s Own. So…

Fleur, 27, has wowed audiences with her amazing voice on this year’s competition, and now she’s been tipped as a favourite to win the show, despite some harsh criticism from Mel B. Here she talks life in the X Factor house and her inspiration to win. The pressure is on now you’re closer to the final, has life changed in the house? The house is a lot quieter now, because everyone is focused on the competition. We’re all in it to win it. Mel B can be critical. Does she scare you? I wouldn’t say I’m scared of Mel, but I am anticipating some form of negative comment because it has always come from her. Mel is harsh but her criticism is fair. What’s Simon Cowell really like? He is…

Christmas present memory When I was about six or seven, I got a toy pick-up truck from my auntie. I’d prayed every night before that I’d get it and when I did it was probably one of the best feelings of my life! I was so excited – it was the coolest thing ever. I still have it today. Christmas showbiz party It was with Westlife. We did this ‘Merry Christmas’ party where we had bottles of, I think, Moët champagne that were made into personalised Westlife bottles – so everyone who came got one. I’ve never opened mine to this day. Crush My first ever crush was Pamela Anderson. I watched Baywatch every weekend without fail. I never missed an episode. I had her poster in my room, too…

Red alert Don’t be scared to wear scarlet. Model Rosie Huntington-Whiteley, 27, works the nine to five look in this glam poppy-red suit and classic black cami. On the button Only Cheryl Fernandez-Versini, 31, could pull off this shiny, brass-buttoned showstopper. The long sleeves help to balance out that plunging neckline. Party perfect Sam Faiers, 23, is ready to hit the dance floor in this shimmering ensemble. The contrasting red sandals and lipstick are the perfect finishing touches. Hey shorty! A shorts suit is a great alternative to a dress for evening. Amanda Holden, 43, looks super-sexy in thigh-skimming shorts, a lacy cami and barely-there sandals. Words Purple reign Actress Kate Hudson, 35, avoids looking like a Cadbury chocolate bar by teaming this purple two-piece with a black V-neck. Prints…

Gemma Collins may have entered the jungle with a big grin on her face, but beneath it all she’s feeling broken after being on the receiving end of taunts about her size. The reality star has battled with her weight since she first appeared on our TV screens back in 2011 in The Only Way Is Essex. Now Gemma, who is a size 22, has entered the I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out Of Here! jungle in a desperate bid to change her shape. Before heading off she admitted why she decided to do it. ‘It would be a great place to lose weight, that’s for sure! I want to lose weight so much, I’d do it,’ she said. The bubbly star, 33, revealed the extent of the insults that…

There’s a painstaking ritual I carry out every night before going to bed: I bolt the front gates, double-lock the door, close the metalwindowshutters and check the security cameras. A little paranoid, you might think. But something happened last year that turned my cosy family home into a house of horror. My husband, Rajinder, 42, a property developer, and I bought our five-bedroom house in Birmingham 15 years ago. We’d been saving for years. With plenty of room for our boys, Jay, now 17, and Arun, 10, and a large front drive for our cars – a black Nissan and a silver Mercedes – it was a happy family home. Terrifying invasion But one cold, dark Monday night in January 2013, all that changed. The four of us had just…

BLOAT-BUSTER ! Fennel bulb helps combat flatulence and is the anticolic ingredient in babies’ gripe water. Try it sliced in salads or cooked with fish and chicken dishes 8SLIM-DOWN SAVIOURS 1 DO DAIRY Help solve time-of-the-month related bloating by increasing your dairy intake to 2-3 servings of skimmed milk and low-fat yogurt every day. Research shows that getting plenty of calcium from dairy helps to reduce all PMS symptoms, including bloating. 2 BEANS MEAN GAS Pulses like baked beans and chickpeas, as well as vegetables such as cauliflower, broccoli, onions, garlic and spices are wellknown gas producers. Try not to cut out these nutritious foods completely, but do steer clear the day before you have a big do and need to avoid the bulging-tum look. 3 FORGET THE FIZZ Avoid…

What should you do in the event of a flood? Jeremy Trott, from Allianz Insurance, shares his tips for homeowners: Assess your level of risk. Visit riskdirector.co.uk, which will provide information on preparing for flooding Create an emergency plan for your family - where you would meet up if you couldn’t get home, for example Keep your insurance documents in a safe, dry place Prepare a ‘flood pack’ to include a torch, first-aid kit, warm clothes, blankets and water Make sure your mobile phone is fully charged…

Will my wife and I ever have sex again? My wife had a heart attack almost 12 months ago. Since then, our sex life has become almost non-existent, as she suffered a spell of depression after the attack and had to go on medication. I don’t want to hassle her, but is there anything I can do to get her interested again? John, 54, London I’m not a GP, but research I’ve seen suggests that, for women, depression is very common following a heart attack. Add antidepressants and other medications - which often dampen sex drive–and you can see why she may not feel sexy. The question is how do you honour the fact that you area man in your fifties with a healthy sex drive and married to someone…

Like any mum, I think my children are the most beautiful ever. But to see Lois and Billy, now seven, sitting side by side, you may not believe that they’re brother and sister - yet in fact they are twins. When I fell pregnant in 2006, I already had Darcy, then five, from a previous relationship. I’ll admit my husband, Paul, now 45, and I were surprised when, at my 12-week scan, there was not one but two fuzzy little shapes moving around on screen. The sonographer said, ‘They both look healthy,’ and my worries evaporated I resolved to enjoy the rest of my pregnancy. I went into labour at 36 weeks and had a caesarean. First, a little girl was passed to me for a cuddle. Cradling her in…

Smart TIP Don t buy extended warranties for your electrical items. If you do want the item covered against damage beyond the 12-month guarantee that comes as standard, go to a specialist such as Warranty Direct (warrantydirect.co.uk) or the Warranty Shop (warrantyshop.co.uk). They will usually offer cheaper cover than any retailer. Also check compareextended warranties.co.uk, the UK’s first extended warranties price comparison website. 5WAYS TO Save on Christmas Shopping If you haven’t already started your Christmas shopping, don’t despair! There is still plenty of time – and with a little forward thinking you can bag a few bargains. Here’s how to make sure you get the best value for your money. 1 SHOP CYBER MONDAY ON 1 DECEMBER Following on from Black Friday on 28 November, when the high street…

Aries 21 Mar – 20 Apr Others might be slowing down at work and gearing up for the party season, but your ambitions are still high. You’ve set your heart on some non-Christmassy goals, but fortunately it’s a great week for achieving. ◆ For more call 0901 609 4780* Taurus 21 Apr – 20 May A partner might be dealing with difficult news, or the pair of you may be having tricky conversations. Happily, there’s an air of optimism that can carry you through. Stay positive and don’t get sucked down. ◆ For more call 0901 609 4781* Gemini 21May–20Jun Your most intimate relationships are in the cosmic spotlight – and do you like what you see? If not, the week’s aspects make it easier to tackle difficult subjects. Bear…

When I found out I could play bingo online, I wasted no time joining up. It meant I could save on the expense of going into town to the bingo hall and could play whenever it suited me. I found my perfect match on Woman’s Own Bingo. There were lots of games to choose from, a great online community and demo games to try out. And you don’t have to spend a fortune to have the chance of a big win. ‘ I logged on one Saturday evening and bought some tickets for the Tiki Bingo room. It was my go-to room, because the games were really cheap, costing from 1p to 5p a ticket, which meant I could play throughout the evening. And what’s even better, for just 10p…

He’s been wowing us all with his snake hips and slick moves on Strictly Come Dancing. Backstage during rehearsals, I caught up with Jake Wood, 42,who plays EastEnders love cheat Max Branning, to find out why he decided to get the sequins and fake-tan treatment and how he’s juggling family life, with work and rehearsals... Is Strictly what you expected? Yeah, kind of. A lot of people I know have done it, Scott Maslen in particular. I talked to him when I was offered it, so I had a fair idea of what to expect – a lot of hard work, a lot of pressure and it’s really rewarding when a dance goes well. Then it’s bang back down to earth on a Monday morning to start learning a new…

Benefits Britain Life on the dole CHANNEL 5 WEDNESDAY, 26 NOVEMBER, 9pm Benefits Britain is back and this week we’re in Liverpool with Mark, Lorna and Keith, all of whom are struggling to survive on their benefits since the introduction of the ‘bedroom tax’. We also discover it’s not just money that’s the problem... DANCING cheek to cheek BBC FOUR MONDAY, 1 DECEMBER, 9pm The last episode of this fascinating documentary series that explores the history of British dancing looks at animal dances and morris dancing. Stars Len Goodman and Lucy Worsley. Choccywoccydoodah WATCHTHURSDAY, 27 NOVEMBER, 8pm Our favourite band of chocolatiers are at the Choccwoccydoodah Brighton HQ for a brand new series. In the first episode, the team put together a chocolate menagerie as they join forces to create…

Monkey business Craig Revel Horwood must be getting excited about turning 50 in the New Year, especially when he hears what his Strictly co-judge Darcey Bussell plans to buy him! When asked what she wants to get him for the big day, the former ballerina, 45, laughed, ‘Maybe a gorilla outfit!’ We bet he’d wear it, too, Darcey! The Strictly star added, ‘He’s the guy who has it all. He just needs a good party.’ Talking about celebrating, she also dished the goss on some backstage antics. ‘There’s often an excuse to party,’ she revealed. ‘Everyone wants to go for a drink after the themed shows especially.’ CLAIRE’S baby joy! Claire Sweeney is on top of the world after becoming a mum and mending relationship woes with her fiancé Daniel…

Singer Sam Bailey isn’t taking it easy after having her third baby two months ago. In fact, she’s working harder than ever! Sam, 37, who is mum to daughter Brooke, nine, and son Tommy, five, is releasing her new album and will be going on tour but that hasn’t stopped her from being super-organised for Christmas… Congratulations on the birth of your new daughter! Are you all in love with Miley? Oh my goodness, she’s just so adorable. She’s just started smiling. First thing in the morning, when you turn the lights on to get her up, she just beams at you. What are Tommy and Brooke like with her? My son absolutely dotes on her, he can’t walk past her without going up to her. He puts his cheek…

Bodycon The best option under a slinky, tight-fitting dress is a bodysuit. They hold you in and most are seamless, which means no VPLs. Some have wired bras for extra support – or choose a slip style and wear your normal bra underneath. One shoulder Tackle this tricky style with the versatility of a multiway or the simplicity of a strapless bra. If your dress is likely to cling, a strapless body with a built-in bra will smooth out any bumps and bulges. Backless Look for a low-back multiway bra, or try a converter strap, which allows you to position the straps of a normal bra much further down your back. Alternatively, a backless leotard gives a supersmooth silhouette.…

DAY 1 BREAKFAST Porridge made with 40goatsandskimmedoralmondmilk.Top with1tbsplow-fatnaturalyogurt,onesmall chopped banana and 1tsp of maple syrup SNACK Small handful of blanched almonds and a glass of skimmed milk LUNCH One slice of whole meal bread smeared with butter, plus 80g cooked chargrilled chicken pieces and a handful of cherry tomatoes SNACK Grapes and fresh pineapple DINNER Stir-fried red peppers and fennel bulb (lemon juice and black pepper to taste) with a grilled salmon fillet and 3tbsp brown rice DAY 2 BREA KFAST Pot of Activia yogurt with 30g All Bran or 2 Oatibix and a handful of raspberries SNACK 2 rice cakes spread with a thin layer of soft cheese, topped with celery LUNCH Small baked potato with 100gdrainedtuna(in water), mixed with 1tbsp reduced-fat mayo and sweet corn SNACK 2 satsumas…

It was nearly midnight when I flopped into bed on 23 December last year. Dan and I had spent the evening wrapping presents and were looking forward to our first Christmas in the 14th-century cottage we’d just bought. But at 3am we were woken by our Yorkshire terrier, Larry, barking ferociously. I went downstairs to investigate. There, I froze in horror. The living room was under water! The top of our new sofa was poking out above the brown sludge, while all the presents were floating. We called the fire brigade. ‘You just have to wait it out,’ they said. The next four hours felt like an eternity. It was pitch black and freezing cold. So we wrapped ourselves up in blankets and huddled upstairs as the storm subsided. Finally,…

Cold sore cures WHY NOW? Festive stress can dampen your immunity, allowing the herpes virus to reactivate. Plus, kissing under the mistletoe and winter weather can trigger the virus. OVER-THE-COUNTER HELP The Skin Shop Liquorice Balm (£7.95, skinshop.co.uk) reduces the severity and duration of outbreaks. NATURAL HELP Applying a cold, used teabag every hour, or tea tree oil, can soothe and speed healing. SELF-HELP Avoid chocolate, peanuts and almonds. All contain high doses of the amino acid arginine, which feeds the herpes simplex virus. Headache busters WHY NOW? Juggling Christmas planning can trigger headaches. OVER-THE-COUNTER HELP ’Ibuprofen or aspirin work better I than paracetamol,’ says headache specialist Professor Anne MacGregor (annemacgregor.com). NATURAL HEALTH Migrastick (£5.99, Holland & Barrett) has 100% natural essential oils. Roll over the temples and forehead. SELF-HELP…

We’re DRINKING Fancy some festive fizz? Visit booze price-comparison site bring a bottle. co.uk for the very best deals on champagne, Prosecco and cava. We love ... Got your advent calendars at the ready for next week? This year, ditch the chocolate and count down with delicious gingerbread cookies instead. There’s a different one for every day, including snowmen, pretty presents and a star for the big day. Iced Gingerbread Advent Calendar, £12, John Lewis Chorizo and bean stew Feed the family or fill the freezer with this delicious one-pot dish SERVES 4 PREP TIME 10 MINS COOKING TIME30 MINS COSTPERSERVING £1.53 1 Fry 250g chopped chorizo in a large pan. Slice 1 onion, 2 celery sticks, 1 red pepper and 2 garlic cloves, and add to the pan. Cook…

Tere’s something special about the confidence boost red lipstick can give you. Now my niece, Victoria Herd, is using it as a way to fight cancer in the face of terrible tragedy. It’s an idea that’s been inspired by Victoria’s mum, my sister Janice Leverett. She was always so glam - whether she was at the pub or doing the weekly shop, she was never seen without her red lips. In 2008, aged 53, Janice was diagnosed with breast cancer. While we fussed over her, Janice stayed upbeat - even during chemotherapy. Driving her to the hospital one day, I offered her some lip balm as the treatment can cause sore lips. ‘Don’t be silly,’ she laughed, as she whipped out her lipstick. This will be perfect.’ It was typical…

A friend of mine recommended Woman’s Own Bingo. I’d tried other sites, and used to go to a bingo hall, but I immediately loved this site. It was easy to use and there’s a huge choice of games – plus you can swap comments with the other players in the chat rooms, which is great fun. What’s more, I could play whenever I liked – which is great for me as I work shifts in remote IT support. No matter whether I get home at 3pm or 10pm, I can sit up at my breakfast bar with my laptop and log in to play the Sapphire Bingo game, which quickly became my favourite. It’s a 90-ball room and tickets are 10p each. The great thing about Woman’s Own Bingo is…

1 Christmas markets, BATH Every year, the cobbled streets between the historic city’s abbey and Roman Baths are transformed for some festive fun. Listen to the Christmas carollers while browsing 120 market stalls selling food, drink and handmade gifts. DATES 27 November to 14 December – times vary. PRICES Free entry MORE INFO bathchristmas market.co.uk 2 Blenheim Palace, OXFORDSHIRE With a theme this year of ‘glitter and gold’, the breathtaking Blenheim Palace’s festive transformation is sure to be quite spectacular. Visitors can learn about the history of the building during a guided tour, or wander the Pleasure Gardens on the ‘12 days of Christmas’ trail. DATES 8 November to 14 December PRICES Adults £14, children £7.50 MORE INFO blenheimpalace.com 3 Christmas markets, EDINBURGH Once you’ve taken a ride on the…

DR HO, HO, HO! For most, the Doctor Who Christmas special is top of the list for festive telly, and this year promises to be a cracker with a very special guest appearance from Nick Frost. The funnyman will be playing none other than Santa Claus for the one-off, to be aired on Christmas Day. However, the episode was tough to film for mega-fan Nick, 42. The actor revealed, ‘The read-through was very difficult for me. I wanted to keep stuffing my fingers into my ears and scream, ‘No spoilers please!’ Every day on set I have had to silence my internal fan-boy squeals!’ Wedding bells! The bachelor half of our favourite presenting duo is getting married! Declan Donnelly has popped the question to his girlfriend -and manager - Ali…

Paddington star Julie Walters, 64, reveals her passion for marmalade Have you ever worked with bears before? No, I’ve never worked with a bear before, at least not one I can mention anyway. I play the very, very attractive housekeeper Mrs Bird, who is utterly central to it all! The stellar cast includes Downton’s Hugh Bonneville... Gorgeous Hugh is Mr Brown and Peter Capaldi as Mr Curry is brilliant. I also go into combat with - what’s she called, that little-known actress? - Nicole Kidman, poor thing. Nicole plays an evil taxidermist, Millicent. Is she after your wig? How dare you! Yes, she’s after my weave! Do you like marmalade? Do you know what we were given on our first day of shooting? A jar of marmalade made by the…