Innholdsfortegnelse for 23-Mar-2020 i Woman's Own

A day at the races Whether it’s Ascot or Aintree, dressing for the races doesn’t need to cost the earth. Fascinators and hats can be pricey, so opt for an embellished headband and statement earrings instead. Choose a dress with an all-over print, which is great at hiding any lumps and bumps – and who doesn’t love a dress with sleeves! TOP TIP If you’re standing around all day, the perfect compromise are mid-heels like these. Christening If you’re heading to church, then sleeves are always a good option but that doesn’t mean you can’t be glamorous. Metallic shoes might feel a little glitzy but this is just the right amount of subtle shimmer. Keep your jewellery minimal and let your shoes do the shining. TOP TIP Strappy sandals are…

Every time I work away from home, I send a text to my wife Sian to wish her goodnight. I find comfort in the thought that her phone blinks alive every time I send a message to the woman I love, even though I know she’ll never see it. You see, Sian passed away in January 2019, aged only 48. ‘All I wanted was her to be happy’ Sian was everything to me. Only 5ft 2in tall, she was dainty and shy, with the brightest smile. It was the first thing I noticed when we met at work in a factory in 1989. Over a year later, I asked her out and, as money was tight, our first date was simply a walk along our local canal. But we never…

Addicted to painkillers? Q When I collected my last repeat prescription, there was a note saying that I am overusing my painkillers and that I need to make an appointment to see a GP before they will issue more. I am so scared. I know I take more than I should, but I don’t think I could cope without. A Strong painkillers can be highly addictive, and it sounds like this might be what has happened. Your GP will understand so please be honest. They won’t stop your prescription, but will likely suggest slowly reducing the dose, which is definitely in your best interests.…

His new girlfriend comes to dinner Q Last year, my husband left me. I am devastated as we’d been together since we were 16. He is seeing someone else, and this is made worse by the fact I have to see her every week when I go with the kids for dinner at his mum’s. He refuses to keep her away, saying I shouldn’t be there. His family won’t get involved even though they invite me. Linda, 45, by email A You may want them to take sides, but this is his family and as painful as that is, they will always side with him. What might help is for you to create space between you and your ex. Starting again means new routines – could you see his parents…

FOR SENSITIVE SKIN Gentle on the skin and soap-free, The Ordinary Squalane Cleanser, £5.50, is a moisturising cleanser that’s perfect for sensitive skin types. FOR COMBINATION SKIN Use Garnier Micellar Water Combination Skin, £5.95, twice daily to target oily complexions. FOR DRY SKIN Nourish dehydrated skin with Simple Kind to Skin Hydrating Cleansing Oil, £6.99, a gentle cleansing oil packed with vitamins and natural grapeseed oil. FOR MATURE SKIN To target fine lines and exfoliate skin, L’Oréal Age Perfect Cleansing Milk, £4.50, is made with a cocktail of vitamin C and magnesium. FOR OILY SKIN With niacinamide (the acid famous for treating acne) and hyaluronic acid, CeraVe Foaming Hyaluronic Acid Cleanser, £9.50, has all the ingredients to combat oily skin.…

Louise Newson is a GP and menopause specialist in Stratfordupon-Avon. She runs menopausedoctor. co.uk and has written Menopause, a Haynes manual. The menopause is due to the declining hormones that occur when the ovaries stop functioning. Once hormone levels have declined, they’ll never improve so women have a hormone deficiency forever. The HRT shortage is having a very detrimental effect on women’s health, which is unacceptable. Menopause symptoms vary tremendously, but the psychological ones affect women the most – some experience it so severely that they even contemplate suicide, as the female hormones oestrogen and testosterone can be very important for our brain function. When they stop taking HRT, women often find symptoms such as low mood, anxiety, reduced concentration, low energy levels and fatigue return. Even if they don’t, there’s…

‘I hardly recognised the woman in the mirror’ As I finished reading the rejection letter, yet another imagined future disappeared before my eyes. I thought I’d said all the right things in the interview and I’d been sure I had the qualities they were looking for, but they clearly hadn’t seen my potential. Dropping the letter, I picked up an open packet of chocolate digestives and started to eat, trying to soothe my disappointment. Despite no one ever having said it, after each rejection, I told myself my size had been the deciding factor. And with every polite ‘thanks, but no thanks’, my confidence slipped lower. When I’d married my husband, Dominic, in December 2002, I was a size 10 and a qualified aerobics instructor, known for my upbeat, bubbly…

Jane Horrocks The Ab Fab star features among an all-star cast in new ITV drama The Singapore Grip, which follows a British family living in Singapore at the time of the Japanese invasion during WWII. Danny Jones The McFly star and The Voice Kids coach is among the footballing celebs on the pitch for this year’s Soccer Aid match at Manchester’s Old Trafford stadium, which will be broadcast live on ITV on 6 June. Other stars taking part include former sprinter Usain Bolt and singer Robbie Williams.…

Aries 21 Mar – 20 Apr It’s not a time to dive in at the deep end where money matters are concerned, but take time and do your homework. An investment will pay off in the long term. Taurus 21 Apr – 20 May Dare to listen to your heart this week as it might be the beginning of the biggest and most exciting adventure of your life. Someone will make your heart flutter. Gemini 21 May – 20 Jun New starts may be on your mind. All your ambitions and ideals will work out in your favour if you stick to your goals and set those targets higher than ever. Believe in yourself! Cancer 21 Jun – 22 Jul A new colleague is acting like a loose cannon. Try…

Now one of the busiest TV and radio presenters in the business, Rylan Clark-Neal shot to fame as the token ‘joke act’ on The X Factor eight years ago. That was when we witnessed the now iconic scenes of his hysterical wailing at Nicole Scherzinger’s ‘judge’s house’ after she put him through to the live shows. The host, 31, hasn’t stopped working since, presenting TV shows including the Supermarket Sweep reboot, Ready Steady Cook, Big Brother and regular spots on This Morning. Now he’s making a foray into the fashion world with his new show You Are What You Wear – although he’s keen to point out that he won’t be the one giving style advice. Here, Rylan tells us how he’s changed over the years – apart, it seems,…

Dominic ‘I’ve never left my baby in a car!’ Emmerdale star Dominic Brunt on his character Paddy’s disastrous mistake… Paddy and Chas are in turmoil when Paddy leaves baby Eve in the car after rushing Marlon to hospital. What happened? Hours later he remembers. The police have her and she’s safe and in hospital, but then social services get involved and Chas is very angry. They are worried that they won’t get her back. There are issues that Paddy’s not dealt with after the death of Grace coupled with the birth of the new baby. He’s really hard on himself. You’re a parent yourself, and it can happen to anyone… Funny you should say that. Other cast members were saying, ‘I’ve been there,’ or ‘My friend’s done that,’ so it…

Margot Robbie, 29 More subtle than attention-grabbing, Margot still makes a statement in this sheer pastel number, opting for shoes in the same shade. A shirt like hers is a serious spring staple. Victoria Beckham, 45 The former Spice Girl turned fashion designer looks as chic as ever in her cream ensemble – and she’s waving the flag for British talent by wearing one of her own designs from her SS20 collection. Emilia Clarke, 33 No longer flying dragons on Game of Thrones , Emilia goes for a modern look with this one-shoulder style and tailored chinos. To pull off the look, keep accessories to a minimum as Emilia has with just a simple pair of thin hoop earrings. Rose Byrne, 40 Proving it’s all right to be bright, Bridesmaids…

Bully... or victim? The Home Secretary surely wouldn’t be under fire if she were a man The first time someone attempted to bully me I punched him in the face.OK so we were only eight but it taught me a valuable lesson. Bullies only win if you are willing to let them. A bully is a coward dressed up in a thug’s clothing. They are wimps and standing up to them will see them disappear with their tails between their legs. But – and it’s a big but – not everyone always has the strength to put up a fight. Sometimes we all need help and, with mental health issues now so openly discussed, we are all more willing to talk about those who take a twisted pleasure from tormenting…

Pleats please Horizontal stripes will flatter any figure. £20, sizes 6-24, F&F Clothing Delicate gems Layer up with other bracelets to make a statement. £8, Accessorize What a waist Add definition with a new belt. £2, Primark Feeling fruity Keep tropical and tidy with this holder. £12, Matalan Take note Never forget the important things again. £8, typo.com Golden glass Say cheers in style with this goblet. £5, Matalan Daisy chain There’s nothing to be blue about with this blouse. £18, sizes 8-26, Tu Clothing Coffee to go Get your caffeine kick on the daily commute. £6, typo.com It’s a match Strike lucky with these matches in a bottle. £12, Oliver Bonas Posh wash Have a soak with Sanctuary Spa Liquid Gold Bath Elixir. £12, Boots Ring me Minimal jewellery…

1 DOWNLOAD MINDFI. Specifically for ‘busy humans’, this app aims to make it easy to find time out in your hectic schedule. These short exercises cover everything from the blues to calming breathing. 2 CREATE A SOLO ZONE. A place where no one is allowed to disturb you for 20 mins a day. You need physical space to get some mental space so stay firm. 3 DO WHAT YOU WANT. It’s easy to think ‘I should do X when I have time’ but give yourself a break. Do whatever you want with your me-time, such as watch Netflix, have a nap, etc.…

Pesto orzo salmon salad Serves 4 Orzo is a small rice-shaped pasta that helps to bulk out this tasty salad. You will need ✽ 1 Knorr Vegetable Stock Pot ✽ 100g orzo ✽ 200g frozen soya beans ✽ 200g broccoli, cut into florets ✽ 2tbsp olive oil ✽ Juice of 1 lemon ✽ 2tbsp fresh pesto ✽ Lemon wedges, to serve For the salmon: ✽ 4 lightly smoked salmon fillets ✽ Finely grated zest and juice of 1 orange ✽ 2tbsp olive oil ✽ 1 garlic clove, crushed ✽ Bunch basil leaves How to do it 1 Bring a pan of water to the boil. Add stock pot and orzo and cook for 5 mins. 2 Add the soya beans and broccoli. Cook for 3-5 more mins, until tender. 3…

HAVE YOU HEARD? Don’t panic if you’ve made a simple error when paying your parking fine. It’s now easier to have mispaid fines cancelled. The British Parking Association’s revised code of practice for parking on private land says operators must show leniency to motorists who have typed in one number or letter wrong when they appeal against a fine. IF YOU DO ONE THING THIS WEEK… CUT RAIL FARES Trainline has launched a feature in its app called SplitSave that could reduce the cost of your tickets. It finds clever combinations of tickets on 64% of routes that can save passengers money by ‘splitting’ their trip. For more information, t&cs and to download the app, visit thetrainline.com. 3 Ways to boost your broadband speed Want to get the maximum out…

1 You Are What You Wear, BBC2 Rylan Clark-Neal hosts this new makeover show, set in a department store where ordinary people undergo huge style transformations. After opening up about their insecurities in front of a big mirror, the ‘customers’ are then given a fab new look by a squad of personal shoppers. 2 Our Girl, BBC1 Sergeant Georgie Lane (Michelle Keegan) returns to Afghanistan with 2 Section to train the Afghan National Army, while grieving for the love of her life, Elvis. The six-parter also stars former EastEnders star Danny Hatchard as manipulative new Private ‘Cheese’ Charlton. 3 The Lady and the Tramp, Disney+ This live-action remake of the animation is just one of the offerings on a new subscription streaming service, which launches on 24 March. As well…

‘Fern focused on the positives in life’ Most people know how it feels to go through a break-up, and it’s hardly ever easy. But Fern Britton, Joanne Froggatt and Susanna Reid are determined to own their single status. From focusing on their careers to putting their kids first, or even just making their own happiness a priority – these women are proof that you can absolutely turn the negative of separation into a positive. JOANNE ‘IF IT HAPPENS, IT HAPPENS’ Actor Joanne, back on our screens as Laura Nielson in ITV’s Liar , revealed recently that she and husband James Cannon had split after eight years of marriage. But Joanne, 39, insisted that despite the separation she plans to ‘embrace’ her future. When asked about her relationship with James during…

This year, my best friend and I will celebrate our 20th anniversary of living together. Twenty years in a relationship that, for a long time, I have struggled to describe. We are friends, companions, emotional but not sexual intimates, and we’ve built a partnership that shares attributes with traditional marriage, open marriage and polyamory. I first met Susie in 1995, when I abandoned my fledgling career as a jobbing actor to move to Edinburgh with my then-boyfriend. He and I rented a room in Susie’s flat for our first nine months. I felt an instant connection, and we soon became good friends. Even when my partner and I moved out, our friendship continued. ‘More than friends but less than lovers’ Three years later, I was physically unwell, desperately unhappy. One…

It’s Mother’s Day this Sunday and I sincerely hope it’s the last. Seriously people, do we really need a hideously sentimental day drenched in overpriced pink stuff to tell our mums we love them? The pressure on families to be together on this random Sunday is ridiculous. What if either you or your mum would rather just put your feet up on your own? It doesn’t mean you care any less. Yet we’ve been bludgeoned into feeling guilty if we don’t make a big fuss. Ignore the hype. Your mum is special every day of the year. What’s your opinion? Tell Dawn on Twitter @DawnNeesom…

Could I get a free gym pass? Q Last year was very difficult for me in terms of health. I was diagnosed with high blood pressure and type 2 diabetes at the start of the year, which left me feeling very depressed. This January, I decided to make some changes and joined our local gym. I have been going regularly but the membership is not cheap. One lady in one of my classes says she gets her membership free from her GP. Might I be able to do the same? A The NHS recommends that you get 150 minutes of activity each week and recognises that regular exercise is good for both physical and mental health. Patients with long-term medical conditions may be eligible for ‘exercise on prescription’ so have…

Louise Hatch, 57, from London ‘Having tinnitus can often feel relentless. Mine sounds like a constant high-pitched buzzing, in both ears, which occasionally turns into a high-frequency ringing. I also experience a whooshing noise, usually at night. My tinnitus started suddenly. After a few weeks, I saw my GP and was referred to my local NHS Ear, Nose and Throat Department. It turns out I have bi-lateral, congenital, sensorineural hearing loss. Before then, I honestly never realised I had a problem with my hearing. I’m still not sure what caused my tinnitus, but it goes hand in hand with hearing loss. When I was diagnosed, almost 12 years ago, tinnitus affected my sleep, wellbeing and mental health, which in turn affected my relationships and work. Thankfully, with support from the…

Have you heard about? Most GPs now support herbal cures A new survey* found 67% of healthcare professionals were interested in recommending herbal medicines to patients. ‘Medicine is now moving away from “diagnose and treat” and towards “self-help and prevent”,’ says GP Dr Sarah Brewer. A bath can be good to beat bloating Sore abdomen? Try a warm bath. The heat can help to reduce tension in the tummy and stimulate the digestive tract. Eat apples to prevent type 2 diabetes ‘While apples may seem a sweet treat, they contain polyphenols with antioxidant properties, which may help to prevent type 2 diabetes,’ says Tom Sanders, a professor of nutrition at King’s College London. It worked for me Erica Fox, 43, from Newcastle upon Tyne ‘Stopping smoking has always been a…

If you’ve got SENSITIVE SKIN Instead of shying away from cosmetics, look for hypoallergenic formulas and natural products, such as mineral lipsticks, foundations and eyeshadows, as they’re free from skin irritants. Safe for sensitive eyes and skin, Burt’s Bees 100% Natural Eye Shadow in Blooming Desert, £11.99, includes a trio of golden, brown and cream hues, which are talc-free and made with honey, vitamin E and bamboo. For your complexion, look for natural products that also contain skincare benefits. BYBI Babe Balm Bronze, £12, bybi.com, is a hybrid highlighter and moisturiser with copper-bronze powders that, when applied to the high points of your face, create a subtle glow. If you’ve got COMBINATION SKIN Chances are your skin might be oily around the T-zone and…

Tetley Tea Bags 240 (Co-op) PRUNE TEA LOAF Serves 8 You will need ✽ 4tbsp light malted milk drink powder (such as Horlicks) ✽ 100ml black tea ✽ ¾tsp vanilla extract ✽ 3tbsp light muscovado sugar ✽ 175g soft dried prunes ✽ 1 large egg ✽ 100ml milk ✽ ¾tsp bicarbonate of soda ✽ ¾tsp baking powder ✽ 125g plain flour ✽ 125g wholemeal flour FOR THE GLAZE ✽ 5 dates or prunes ✽ 2tbsp cocoa powder ✽ 1tsp vanilla extract ✽ 2tbsp single or whipping cream How to do it 1 In a large bowl, dissolve the malted milk drink powder in the tea. Add the vanilla, sugar and prunes and leave to stand for 15 mins. 2 Heat the oven to 180C/ Gas 4. Chop half the prunes…

‘My secret delight!’ Mel and Sue return to our screens in a new Sky One comedy We’re used to seeing Mel Giedroyc and Sue Perkins as presenters on game shows, documentaries and, of course, The Great British Bake Off , but in new Sky One comedy Hitmen we get to see them both in a whole new light. In the six-parter the duo play best friends Jamie and Fran, who have accidentally stumbled into a career in contract killing, but as they carry out hits for a mysterious mobster known only as Mr K, things rarely go to plan. In the first episode, the girls have a corrupt lawyer (Jason Watkins) bound up in the back of their van and, as they wait for orders from their boss, they coolly…

Mostly As Pam Shipman: Gavin and Stacey You’re a stereotypical Essex girl who lives for glam, good fun and gossip. You love entertaining guests and looking your best, but can overreact and get a little hysterical at the small things. Relax, you’re a truly great mum and you’re well-loved for your caring, personable nature. Mostly Bs Morticia Addams: The Addams Family You may look icy and sharp from the outside, but on the inside you’re soft, and live for your family. Your home and your family are your two greatest loves. Your children are intelligent and aren’t afraid of anything, but can run wild sometimes if you let them. Mostly Cs Violet Crawley: Downton Abbey You’re the noble family matriarch who keeps a stiff upper lip. You’re independent and proud,…