Innholdsfortegnelse for 27-Apr-2020 i Woman's Own

COOKING Amanda Holden has said she never usually cooks, but now she has the time to do it, she’s been teaching herself. The Britain’s Got Talent judge had to wear goggles while cutting onions for her French onion soup, which she said ‘turned out pretty well!’ PULLING PRANKS Olly Murs and his girlfriend Amelia Tank have been entertaining themselves by pranking each other. Olly kicked things off trying to frighten Amelia by sneaking into the ottoman in their bedroom, but she spotted what he was up to and walked into the room in a fit of giggles. PAMPERING Ashley Roberts has been filling her free time with face masks and self-care. Wearing a bubble-sheet mask, the Pussycat Dolls singer said, ‘It’s so important for us to be looking after ourselves…

When I first started working for Woman’s Own over three decades ago, I did a series of features on the horrors of domestic violence. Like most people, I’d never truly grasped the soul destroying despair of the reality of living with an abuser. Naively, I thought it was a case of simply walking away. To this day, I vividly remember sitting with one victim as she described how her husband brutally raped her every day. She considered just being beaten to a pulp a bit of a let off. ‘You can escape, there is a future’ ‘He loves me though,’ she offered with dead eyes and a listless shrug. To my eternal shame I never found out whether her story had a happy ending. I pray to God that it…

My hair is disappearing Q For the past year, my hair has been really thinning out. At first, I thought I was imagining it, but I mentioned it to my hairdresser and she suggested I call my GP. Is that appropriate? I don’t want to waste her time. A Most cases of thinning hair are down to your genetics, but it can also be caused by low iron levels or thyroid problems, which can be checked with a blood test. It takes several months to reverse, but I have had some great results with patients who have taken iron supplements to correct a deficiency.…

A couple’s sex life rarely stays the same as in the early days, but that doesn’t mean you can’t still feel desirable. Want to spice things up again? Learning how to seduce your partner could be key. ‘Seduction is about more than just pumping out Barry White,’ says Sammi Cole, sex and relationship expert at Lovehoney. ‘To seduce someone, you have to make the thought of sex with you the most appealing thing in the world. And when you’ve been with someone for a long time, that means reminding them what it is about you that they fell in love with.’ Want to give it a try? Here’s how… Become a detective ‘Seduction has to do with guiding someone into what they secretly wish they could give themselves,’ says sexual…

1 LEARN TO RECOGNISE YOUR SIGNS If you feel the tell-tale signs of panic rising, breathe. Deep breathing will calm your body and burn off the adrenaline that’s been released in the panic. 2 BE PRACTICAL Unless you’re in immediate direct danger, what’s scaring you is not as urgent as you think. Make a list of what you’re afraid of that makes you move beyond free-floating anxiety. 3 DOWNLOAD ROOTD APP In addition to mindfulness exercises and step-by-step guides to tactics such as deep breathing, this app has emergency contacts so you can call a loved one when you’re in distress.…

‘Consider following a low GL (glycaemic load) diet or a ketogenic diet,’ says Stuart. ‘Both of these have been found to be highly beneficial to type 2 diabetes sufferers.’ ✤ The glycaemic index (GI) of a food is a measure of how quickly carbohydrates in that food will be absorbed into the bloodstream and spike your blood sugar. It runs from 0 to 100 – 100 being pure glucose, with sweets and cakes being in the 80s or 90s. ✤ GI measures the quality of carbohydrates found in a food, but it does not measure the quantity! ✤ This is why glycaemic load (GL) is often preferred, because it measures both the quality of carbs in a food but also the quantity – that is, what percentage of the food…

1 Use frozen veg if you don’t have fresh – carrots, spinach and sweetcorn can all be used. 2 Any curry sauce can be used – korma, tikka masala, madras – or, if you don’t have a sauce, use curry paste instead with a can of coconut milk or an extra can of tomatoes. 3 If you prefer a meaty curry, replace some of the veg with 400g chicken breast or thigh fillets, chopped, or 400g lamb shoulder steaks, chopped. 4 No fresh chillies? Add ½-1tsp cayenne pepper, to taste. 5 For a milder creamy curry, stir in 4tbsp natural yogurt or single cream just before serving.…

HAVE YOU HEARD? Barclays has launched a feature in its app to make payments from current accounts held with other banks. The feature uses Open Banking technology and is available to customers who have linked their NatWest, Nationwide or Bank of Scotland current account. As we went to press, Barclays said it was planning to roll the feature out to other providers. For more info, visit barclays.co.uk IF YOU DO ONE THING THIS WEEK… HELP YOUR KIDS LEARN ABOUT CASH If you’re a parent, check out NatWest’s MoneySense programme; it has some brilliant tools to help young people aged five to 18 years old boost their knowledge about money. There are games and videos suitable for older children too. Plus there’s useful info for parents as well. Visit natwest.mymoneysense.com 3…

The Epic Adventures of Morph, Sky Kids Claymation characters Morph and Chas are to return in a new series of five-minute episodes. This time, the boys and their pals will leave their desktop home to venture into the wider world. Eurovision: Come Together, BBC1 The song contest is cancelled this year, but there’s still Eurovision fun in store for fans on 16 May. In this special show, Graham Norton presents classic clips, looks at 2020’s acts who were due to take part and chats to the UK’s entry, James Newman. Honour, ITV Keeley Hawes plays justice-seeking detective DCI Caroline Goode in this two-part true crime drama about the death of 20-year-old Banaz Mahmod, who was killed by her own family for falling in love with the wrong man. Hey Tracey!…

EastEnders’ Shona McGarty opens up about how she’s spending lockdown, and the upcoming drama for her character, Whitney Dean Whitney’s been through it lately but fans suspect she’s got a flutter for her lawyer, Gray… I can imagine why viewers might think that something is going to happen. Whitney is not in the right headspace to have any love interest, but she’s very vulnerable so anything can happen. He’s got his evil side but he’s stepped up as her knight in shining armour. He’s been a shoulder to cry on, but she’s got an unfortunate history with men. Unbeknown to Whitney, Gray is a monster. When I watch it, I’m like, ‘Oh no! Don’t!’ You’ve had a corker of a year on Albert Square. Yes – the highlights for me…

Scarlett Johansson, 35 The blonde beauty looked stunning in this figure-hugging sequinned Balmain gown. Originally designed for the catwalk as a minidress, we love Scarlett’s longer version. The eye-catching oversized round crystals give it a modern edge. Mollie King, 32 Dazzling in this vintage strapless gown the former The Saturdays singer looked fabulous attending an awards ceremony, keeping accessories minimal with some subtle Monica Vinader jewels. Julia Roberts, 52 Julia chose a retro look in her black and white Michael Kors outfit, which she paired with a white belt and matching brogues, and we were instantly transported back to her Pretty Woman days as iconic character, Vivian. Julia’s stylist certainly got this look spot on! Laura Dern, 53 Usually we would have expected this designer dress to be worn with…

Scrolling through the website filled with prams, car seats and all the baby clothes you could imagine, my stomach did an excited flip. It was late 2008 and, after a year of dating, my partner, Dave, then 36, and I were expecting our first baby. ‘We need to pick a theme,’ I told Dave, thinking about the nursery. It was early days, but I couldn't help but start planning. Only, at just over six weeks, I went to hospital suffering from crippling stomach pains and bleeding. The doctors confirmed I’d miscarried. I was devastated, but tried to be positive as I’d read one in four pregnancies end in miscarriage, and many women go on to have healthy babies. ‘It was difficult to put on a brave face’ After I’d taken…

Confused about things you see on social media relating to COVID-19? It’s not surprising, given there are several email and Facebook posts doing the rounds, explains Dr Dawn Harper. ‘These usually claim to be from a doctor relative of a friend of a friend,’ she says. ‘This of course gives credence to the content, but most of what I have seen contains fake news, which could mean people believing they are safe and protected when they are not.’ Here, Dr Dawn takes a look at the ‘facts’ being spread around... If you can hold your breath for 10 seconds, you don’t have coronavirus FALSE Increasingly, we think that some people may have the infection with no symptoms at all but could still spread the infection to others. The holding-breath…

It might be a cliche, but pretending to be something you’re not, such as mysterious strangers, can be a seduction technique worth trying. ‘Lots of couples find role play an easy way to switch up their sexual routine, because it helps you to see each other in different ways and free your inhibitions,’ says Sammi. ‘The great thing about the “strangers meeting in a bar” role play is that it can recreate that fizz of excitement from when you first met.’ For inspiration try, Oh! Caught In The Act Role Play Cards (£7.99, lovehoney.co.uk).…

Have you heard about? Women who dislike their breasts Unhappiness with our breasts means three quarters of women don’t want to look at or touch them, putting them at higher risk of breast cancer.* ‘These avoidance behaviours reduce breast awareness,’ says Professor Viren Swami. The stigma surrounding loneliness More than half of isolated, lonely Brits say they’re reluctant to speak out.** Need someone to talk to? Contact Samaritans for free, 24/7, on 116 123. Unhealthy gums can damage your heart ‘Heart disease is not a common effect of gum disease, but there is potentially a correlation according to studies,’ says Daniel Guenin from Holford Partners Curaden. How to... Beat bloating Registered nutritional therapist Kym Lang (pipnutrition.com), working with Enterosgel, shares her advice 1 Slow down ‘If you’re always in a…

It’s no great secret that skin changes as the years go by – it’s probably the reason there’s a skincare industry in the first place! From our mid-20s onwards, everything from collagen to hydration and hormones are on the march, and it pays to keep pace with the right products. Of course, no two faces age in the same way, and genetics and lifestyle factors have as much influence as the number of candles on your birthday cake. But, if you know what to expect and tailor your routine accordingly, you can enjoy a healthy, happy complexion for decades to come. 30s Fine lines can start appearing at this age, often around the eyes, and collagen production begins to slow so your skin won’t bounce back as easily from late…

Chickpea curry Serves 4 Mouth-wateringly good and on the table in just 30 mins! You will need ✽ 3 garlic cloves ✽ 1 red chilli, sliced and deseeded ✽ 1 pack of Quorn Vegan Pieces ✽ 1 tin of chickpeas ✽ 2tsp vegetable bouillon powder ✽ 1tbsp chopped ginger ✽ 3tbsp mild curry paste ✽ 400ml light coconut milk ✽ 30g of spinach ✽ Fresh coriander, to serve (optional) How to do it 1 Add the sliced garlic gloves and a deseeded and sliced chilli to a frying pan with cooking oil and fry for 3 mins. 2 Add a pack of vegan pieces, chickpeas, vegetable bouillon powder, finely chopped ginger, mild curry paste, light coconut milk and spinach. 3 Cook on a low heat for 20 mins. Sprinkle over…

My story might not start the way you expect it to, as I don’t have that picture of myself on a holiday or at a special occasion that made me cringe and became the catalyst to me losing nearly half my body weight. Instead, as I look at old family pictures, all I see is a proud mum as she poses with her son. Yet, without realising it, my boy Kian was the only motivation I needed to start leading a healthier lifestyle. I’d been overweight since I was seven, but I’d never let it stop me being happy. Yes, I’d get the occasional cruel comment, but it didn’t bother me. No reason to change ‘I’m made of tougher stuff,’ I’d laugh to my friends. After finishing school, I was…

Mostly As Sneaky Snacker You’re not prepared when it comes to snacking, and you tend to graze throughout the day on whatever is nearby to satisfy your hunger pangs. You’re a sneaky snaffler, and will tend to pinch biscuits or crisps. Watch out though, you might be biting off more than you can chew and you may end up feeling tired. Mostly Bs Mindless Muncher Wasn’t there a pack of biscuits there a minute ago? You often find yourself snacking on food throughout the day without realising it. Don’t worry, 79% of UK women are exactly the same. This constant grazing means that you don’t tend to cook nutritious meals and often have no idea what kind of food is going in your body. Mostly Cs Super Snacker Nice one,…

‘I love my life and we are now all in this together’ She may live in a beautiful house in California, but that doesn’t mean Patsy Palmer is immune from the stress and anxiety that COVID-19 has brought on all of us. The former EastEnders actor has admitted that at times, like most of us, she’s felt ‘overwhelmed’ and ‘scared’. But rather than let negative thoughts consume her, Patsy, who is mum to Charley, Fenton, Emilia and Bertie, has decided to focus on the positives, with the help of daily meditation. Now, Patsy has managed to de-stress and focus on what really matters – her family. BIG CHANGES Sharing her struggles on Instagram, Patsy, 47, posted, ‘Yesterday I became very overwhelmed whilst having dinner. I didn’t say anything because my…

Sweet tooth Indulge with Salted Pretzel Milk Chocolate. £4.50, Oliver Bonas Drink up Serve in style with flamingo print glasses. £1, Ikea Snack time Enjoy Buttermilk Crumbly Pink Gin Fudge. £4.99, Boots Pot it A jazzy new planter for your houseplants. £4.50, Sass and Belle Tub time Relax with Baylis & Harding’s Magnolia & Pear Bath Soak. £3, Boots Storage solution Keep your bits and bobs tidy in this sweet basket. £3.99, H&M Home Brew o’clock Sip your favourite drink from a floral mug. £5, M&S Scent-sational Smell amazing with No.2 perfume. £5, Asda Petal power A jar of faux flowers that will always look pretty. £5, M&S Green thumb Bloom your own sweet peas with this easy-grow kit. £4, Sainsbury’s Home Pucker up Revitalise lips with Barry M’s Lip…

Why the wait to check my bone health? Q I fell and broke my wrist recently. My doctor arranged for me to have a bone density scan, which has shown that I have thin bones. I have started treatment and he says he will repeat the scan in a couple of years. That seems like an awfully long wait. My husband is offering to pay for me to have a follow-up sooner. What do you think? A It is normal practice to arrange follow-up DEXA scans at two-yearly intervals, as bone density changes very slowly. As well as taking medication prescribed by your doctor, you can look after your bones by maintaining a healthy weight, not smoking or drinking alcohol to excess, and taking regular weight-bearing exercise. Could the blood…

‘Although we hear a lot in the media about the need for intensive care beds to manage this pandemic, the vast majority of those affected (99%) will have a mild illness and some may have no symptoms at all. The most common presentation would be a new cough, fever (temperature 37.8C or higher) and sometimes shortness of breath. Some patients also report fatigue, sore throat, muscle pains and headaches and a loss of sense of smell or taste. These symptoms can appear any time from two to 14 days after exposure to the virus. Most patients recover completely within seven days although it has caused symptoms for longer in a minority.’…

Mum sends me vicious hate mail Q I’m 36 and I’ve always had a complicated relationship with my mum. She drinks a lot and is prone to violent aggression. I haven’t seen her for five years, and am now married with two young children. She’s found out where I live and has started posting vicious hate mail to me. What should I do? Name and address withheld A As your mother has a history of violence, you need to report her to the police. Keep all the letters and any other evidence you have. In the meantime, do not respond. Ask the police how best to protect yourself, and make sure you chase them to know what actions they have taken. I fantasise about someone famous Q This is a…

The cleanser Beauty Pie Japanfusion Pure Transforming Cleanser, £6 This is as effective at dissolving grime as it is softening skin. It starts as a balm, lathers into oil then becomes a milky lotion that you splash off with water – truly a one-stop shop. The mask Botanics Simply Calm Hydrating Overnight Mask, £11.99 Masks aren’t as important as a good daily routine, but they are a nice skin-boosting treat. This one is ultra-quenching and anti-inflammatory, so works nicely on all skin types. The serum L’Oréal Paris Revitalift Filler 1.5% Hyaluronic Acid Serum, £24.99 Hyaluronic acid should be in every woman’s routine. It’s a brilliantly effective, nonirritating hydrator that draws water into skin and keeps it there. The SPF Garnier Ambre Solaire Face Fluid SPF50+, £7 Wearing sun protection every…

VEGETABLE JALFREZI A HEARTY ONE-POT CURRY THAT’S HEALTHY AND CHEAP – AN ALL-ROUND WINNER! Serves 8 You will need ✽ 1tbsp sunflower oil ✽ 1 onion, chopped ✽ 2 garlic cloves, crushed ✽ 1cm piece root ginger, grated, or 1tsp ginger paste (if you have it) ✽ 2 chillies, deseeded and chopped ✽ 450g-500g jar jalfrezi sauce ✽ 400g can chopped tomatoes ✽ 650g butternut squash, chopped ✽ 1 cauliflower, broken into florets ✽ 200g frozen peas ✽ 2tbsp fresh coriander (if you have it) ✽ Rice, naan bread or popadoms, to serve 1 Heat the oil in a large pan or flameproof casserole dish. Add the onion and fry for 5 mins to soften, then add the garlic, ginger and chillies and cook for around 1 min. Pour in…

DANCING WITH BIRDS, NETFLIX Stephen Fry narrates this one-off documentary about the bizarre courtship rituals of birds, including the King of Saxony bird-of-paradise, which has the longest head plumes of any avian creature, and the flame bowerbird, which tries to attract a mate by building a tower of twigs! DYNASTIES, BBC iPLAYER Narrated by Sir David Attenborough and filmed over four years, this spectacular nature series focuses on individual animals who face a daily fight for survival. From lions and tigers to emperor penguins and chimpanzees, each is the leader of their family group, determined to hold onto power and protect their family territory and dynasty. WILD ANIMAL RESCUE , MY5 This four-part series celebrates Britain’s wildlife and looks at the many challenges animals face…

Aries 21 Mar – 20 Apr Be prepared for lift-off, as a romantic suggestion will have you rocketing your way to happiness – a phone date proves to be the right decision. Taurus 21 Apr – 20 May A good week to seal a deal but remember to keep your wits about you when an opportunity in something you would not normally consider comes your way. Gemini 21 May – 20 Jun All eyes will be on you this week as a challenge or situation that you are put in at work will be quite testing. Your knowledge and focus will impress all the right people. Cancer 21 Jun – 22 Jul Don’t wait for the mud to settle – standing up for your rights and beliefs will bring achievements,…