Innholdsfortegnelse for 30-Nov-2020 i Woman's Own

One of Lisa Riley’s storylines on Emmerdale this year saw her character Mandy Dingle battle fertility issues – a subject the 44-year-old actor knows only too well, as it mirrors her own real-life struggles to start a family. But it looks like acting it out may have helped Lisa accept her own situation, while enabling her to support others. Lisa, who is engaged to long-term partner Al, confessed, ‘I’ve had trouble conceiving and I’ve taken ownership that it’s never going to happen for me and Al and that’s fine – but if I can help other girls that are struggling, then long may that be the case.’ WHAT WILL BE, WILL BE The couple, who have been together for six years, hoped to start their own family with the help…

On every shelf, in every room of my home, delicate copper photo frames stand on display with faces of my loved ones smiling back at me. There’s my husband, Andy, 38, and our daughter, Amelia Elina, four, known as Millie, our parents, grandparents, Andy’s sister and brother, and our best friends. My uncles in the UK, and cousins in Iran and America – even their children. But earlier this year, Millie made a keen observation: ‘Mummy, why are there no pictures of Elina?’ There are no pictures of my mum’s youngest sister, Elina, the aunt I named my daughter after. Truthfully, after Elina’s death, I found it too painful to see her pictures any more. Though Elina lived in Tehran, Iran, and I grew up in Hertfordshire, she’d been a…

When you’ve been with the same person for years, sex and intimacy can often end up way down the list of priorities. But intimacy is the key to keeping a happy, loving relationship strong – and it’s not just all about the sex itself. ‘So many couples are too comfortable with the idea of removing intimacy from their lives,’ says sex and relationship expert Jessica Leoni, of illicitencounters. com. But it doesn’t have to be that way. There are many reasons why couples no longer have sex – 30% say they don’t have time according to one survey – but that doesn’t mean you can’t be intimate. ‘Sex and intimacy are two different things,’ explains sex and relationship expert Annabelle Knight, who works with Lovehoney. ‘Sex is a physical act,…

1 PUSH THROUGH SELF-LIMITING BELIEFS. Expose yourself to things that make you feel uncomfortable. This will build resilience and confidence. 2 LET GO OF THE NEED FOR CONTROL. When we feel in control, we’re not afraid. When we have a level of comfort with something, it’s not scary but this stops us from growing and building confidence. Face your fears. 3 DOWNLOAD THE HAPPY NOT PERFECT APP. By simply entering your daily mood, you’ll be taken through steps to refresh and recharge your mind and your confidence about everyday tasks. Free on iOS and android.…

1 Pace yourself. ‘Alternate an alcoholic drink with a nonalcoholic beverage,’ says Dr Brewer. Load up your glass with plenty of crushed ice. 2 Use smaller glasses Sip wine from champagne flutes. These hold 125ml, whereas some large wine glasses can hold upwards of 500ml – two thirds of a bottle! 3 Cut the sugar mixers ‘Cocktails and beer are the most likely culprits for weight gain, due to their high-calorie content,’ says nutritionist Lily Soutter. ‘For a lower calorie beverage, try a clear spirit (vodka/gin) with a no-sugar mixer (sparkling water) and a squeeze of lemon or lime.’ It’s zero sugar and only 70-90 calories per glass. 4 Make skinny choices Choose cocktails such as a martini, and avoid fortified or dessert wines, sherries, liqueurs and cider, which can…

Greek chicken stew Serves 4 Enjoy maximum flavour with minimal dishes! You will need ✽ Low-calorie cooking spray ✽ 8 skinless and boneless chicken thighs, all visible fat removed ✽ 1 large onion, halved and thinly sliced ✽ 2 garlic cloves, crushed ✽ 2tbsp tomato purée ✽ 400g can cherry tomatoes in juice (or chopped tomatoes) ✽ 2 level tbsp clear honey ✽ 1 small cinnamon stick ✽ 6 whole cloves ✽ 2 bay leaves ✽ 50g reduced-fat feta cheese, crumbled ✽ Boiled green beans, to serve ✽ Boiled dried tagliatelle pasta, to serve How to do it 1 Spray a large non-stick saucepan or casserole pan with low-calorie cooking spray and place over a medium-high heat. Add the chicken thighs and brown them on both sides, then lift onto…

HAVE YOU HEARD? One in five Brits who became dog owners during the pandemic admit they hadn’t fully considered the long-term commitment or responsibility involved, a Kennel Club study has found. Some 15% are worried whether they can afford their dog and the associated costs. And 18% aren’t sure how they’ll look after their dog when they return to work. IF YOU DO ONE THING THIS WEEK… SEEK SAVINGS Check out the free MSE Autoswitch tool to see if it can find you a better energy deal. Input your details and priorities and it’ll compare and pick the top whole-of-market switch for you. It’ll then switch you annually – you just approve it with a click. See moneysavingexpert.com 3 ways to save on your Christmas food shop Christmas is an…

Psychologist Dr Tara Quinn-Cirillo from horshampsychology. com (drqc@icloud.com) says: The pandemic has exerted effects far-reaching across the globe. Fear and anxiety are normal human reactions when faced with threat, adversity and uncertainty. Restrictions have significantly affected our well-being and mental health, plus caused job losses. We may see longer-term avoidance as we fear reinfection rates increasing and adapt to a new way of behaving socially. But there have been positives – images of clearer skies, oceans and wildlife returning to habitats long abandoned, and wonderful examples of resilience and altruism in our communities. We must still acknowledge the pre-pandemic issues of climate change, economic issues, inequality and racism. The killing of George Floyd was met with widespread anger, highlighting the Black Lives Matter movement as a means of creating a core…

At Home with the Nolans, Quest Red Following their Mediterranean trip in The Nolans Go Cruising, Anne, Maureen, Linda and Coleen are back on dry land for this new series, which gives a glimpse into the lives of the singing sisters as they face health battles and try to solve a family mystery. Earth at Night in Colour, Apple TV+ Narrated by Tom Hiddleston, this landmark six-part nature series uses state-of-the-art night cameras to reveal the nocturnal habits of animals in colour for the first time, featuring cheetahs in Africa, jaguars in Brazil and brown bears in northern Europe. The Holiday Movies That Made Us, Netflix What’s your favourite festive movie? Is it 2003’s Elf or 1993 animation The Nightmare Before Christmas? This documentary takes a look at iconic Christmas…

Sally Dynevor, Corrie’s Sally Webster, celebrates the soap’s Diamond Anniversary… Is it really 10 years since you and I were on the set for the live episode – with the tram crash – that marked Corrie’s 50th anniversary? What a night that was! That has to be my favourite day ever on the show. It brought everyone together – the family of crew and cast we always talk about. The camaraderie is what Coronation Street is all about. Can you remember the first episodes you watched? It was around the time Ernest Bishop was shot in the factory and Val Barlow got electrocuted with the hairdryer. Every time I see Bill Roache (Ken Barlow), I still get excited that he was in the very first episode of this genius show,…

Watching this year’s I’m A Celebrity, it might have been a surprise to see how different frightened Beverley Callard is from her feisty, outspoken Corrie alter ego Liz McDonald. One thing the 63-year-old actor has undoubtedly been worrying about while in Gwrych Castle in north Wales is the lack of glamorous home comforts such as make-up, after telling Woman’s Own, ‘I’m not sure I look good outside of work. I do suffer from low self-esteem, and there’s a massive pressure on actresses to look good, especially now with social media.’ She added, ‘Even if people are writing about a programme, they don’t write about the performances any more. They write about what the women look like, and I find that really weird. I hate that.’ Last year, Bev bravely revealed…

A versatile coat Choosing a coat that can easily be styled for day and evening is a great investment. This double-breasted herringbone style is perfect for apple shapes and has a handy detachable collar. FAUX FUR A boxy fluffy jacket is a must for winter. Chose a neutral colour so it will work with everything in your wardrobe. If you are short, or in need of waist definition, then wear it undone. MIDNIGHT BLUE Velvet suits always look so chic and make a great alternative to evening dresses. This luxe duo is perfect for sculpting curves. Wide-leg trousers skim hips and hide thighs, while the tie-waist jacket nips you in. BERRY SEQUINS It’s easy to resort to black, especially with sequins, but picking a jewel-colour top will not only lift…

What’s causing my skin issue? Q A recent skin biopsy diagnosed me with lichen sclerosus. My specialist prescribed some steroid cream, but didn’t give me much information about the condition. As I have never heard of it before, I am not sure what else I can do to help myself. Do you have any advice? A Lichen sclerosus is an inflammatory skin condition that is relatively common in middle-aged women. It usually affects the genital area, but can affect other body parts, including the mouth. The cause is possibly an autoimmune disease, where the immune system attacks its own body. The mainstay of treatment is with steroids, and you may find steroid lozenges easier to use. It’s also advised that you avoid spicy foods. Signing up for coronavirus studies Q…

1 Garden birds need a hand when it’s cold, so hang a feeder for seeds, nuts or fatballs. If you don’t have cats, you can put old fruit on the lawn for blackbirds. Provide water, too. 2 Cut back older, fruited branches on fruit trees, remove dead, damaged or diseased branches and open up the tree by removing inward-growing branches that cross or rub. 3 Bring frost-sensitive plants indoors or wrap containers in bubble wrap or hessian (around £10 for 25m x 15cm from amazon.co.uk) and group to protect the roots from frost damage.…

Dr Will’s Sriracha Hot Sauce, Caesar Dressing and Miso Tahini Dressing (Tesco) CHILLI PORK NOODLE BOWL Serves 4 You will need ✽ 450g pork fillet ✽ 2.5cm root ginger, grated ✽ 5tbsp soy sauce ✽ 1tbsp sesame oil ✽ 190g medium egg noodles ✽ 1 red onion, sliced ✽ 1ltr chicken stock ✽ 2tsp sriracha hot sauce ✽ 200g green beans ✽ 125g bean sprouts ✽ 1tsp chopped red chilli ✽ Sprigs of fresh coriander How to do it 1 Marinate the pork in the ginger, soy sauce and 2tsp sesame oil for 10 mins. Heat the oven to 200C/Gas 6. Heat an ovenproof frying pan on the hob until hot. Add the pork and cook for 5 mins, turning, until browned. Transfer to the oven for 10-15 mins until…

MOSTLY As Dance-floor hogger It’s safe to say that you’re the life and soul of any party – as long as there is a roomy dance floor and good music. Actually, you will make a dance floor if there isn’t one! You’re full of energy and pull up strangers to boogie. You’re usually first one up and the last one standing. MOSTLY Bs Limit-pusher You’re cheeky and like to push your limits! You turn up empty-handed, feign forgetfulness, and then make a beeline for the buffet or fridge. It can verge on arrogance and people think you’re rude, when you’re just sampling the goods. Remember it’s important to make an effort. MOSTLY Cs Awkward turtle Parties really aren’t your vibe – and you feel too guilty about…

Reigning I’m a Celebrity… Get Me Out of Here! champion Jacqueline Jossa has well and truly got into the Christmas spirit. The actor, her ex-TOWIE husband Dan Osborne and their two daughters, Ella and Mia, look totally adorable in their matching festive pyjamas from Jac’s own In The Style range. ‘Let’s face it, there hasn’t been much to look forward to in 2020 so we may as well start Christmas early,’ Jac said. We couldn’t agree more!…

A CHRISTMAS CURE? ‘This year, time has taken on a Doctor Who feel’ Go on, untangle the fairy lights and bring some early festive joy to 2020 Every year it’s the same. Exactly when is it acceptable to get your baubles out? Left to most men, it probably wouldn’t happen at all; if you’ve got kids, it’s likely the day after Halloween; if you’re a sensible grown-up female, it’s possibly two weeks before the big day. This year, though, is so bonkers that time has taken on a Doctor Who feel. A COVID Christmas means even the most sensible of us are yearning for some festive cheer and sparkling fairy lights. So the new rules are there are no rules. If you want to put your tree and decorations up…

There’s pus in his belly button! Q My husband carries a bit of extra weight around his tummy. Recently, I noticed some staining on his shirts and, when I asked him about it, he told me he has had discharge from his belly button. Should I be concerned? A It may be an infection. He should start by cleaning it out with cotton wool soaked in cooled, boiled water. Don’t use anything perfumed. You could use a chlorhexidine wash, available over the counter at pharmacies, but if that doesn’t work he should speak to his GP, who may take a swab.…

My husband’s parents prefer his ex Q Last year I got married. It’s a second marriage for us both and we are very happy. The problem is my in-laws, who idolise my husband’s ex. I invited them for Christmas, COVID-19 regulations permitting, only to be told they’d asked her instead. His mum said ‘we prefer to celebrate with real family’. My husband isn’t close to them, but it hurts to be rejected. Sarah, 50, by email A It’s understandable why you feel so hurt, but this is more about them than you. If your husband isn’t close to them, it’s likely they spent years building a close bond with his ex. Perhaps his mum thinks in being kind and close to you, she will lose this other relationship and so…

1 Start by removing any older polish, oil or debris with nail polish remover. 2 Apply cuticle cream to hydrate the cuticles and, using a cuticle stick, gently push the cuticles back, then wash your hands. 3 Shape the nails using a nail file. Then, with a buffer, lightly buff the nail bed and follow with remover again to clean any debris. 4 Apply a base coat that will both protect and nourish your nails. 5 Apply one layer of polish and tidy up edges with a small brush dipped in nail polish remover. 6 After a couple of minutes, apply a second layer and, once dry, seal with topcoat. 7 End by massaging cuticle oil on the cuticles and skin surrounding the nail bed and complete the routine by…

Reaching forwards as far as he could, my son, Taylor, six, popped a 2p piece in the arcade coin pusher. ‘Look, Mum, they’re ready to drop,’ he grinned, staring through the glass in anticipation, his face lighting up at the tinkle of coins dropping from the machine. The arcades are his favourite part of our trips to Mablethorpe seaside on the Lincolnshire coast, and he’s always on the go with a wide cheeky grin on his face. Yet, while he’s a typical little boy who loves toy cars and football, it’s also clear to any onlookers that he’s very different, too. With both legs missing from the knee down and just the palms of his hands with makeshift fingers doctors created from his remaining flesh, Taylor has to work harder…

Sitting on the sofa with my kids, all of us in matching Christmas PJs, I couldn’t stop smiling. ‘It’s time to start afresh,’ I thought – because, for the first Christmas in a long time, I wasn’t wearing black or tugging at my jumper to try to hide my body, nor was I going to pass up on chocolate or a slice of figgy pudding. No, I was finally – after years of hating my body – going to enjoy all the festive fun I’d been missing out on. I’d always been ashamed of my body and, growing up, felt like the odd one out. My four sisters were tall and thin, yet, despite my 5ft 8in, size 10-12 figure, people would jokingly say, ‘You’re the chubby one.’ While it…

Sophie Okonedo When historical drama Britannia returns to Sky Atlantic for a third series, the Ratched star will play General Aulus’ wife, Hemple, who wants to find out why her husband has failed with his mission to capture the chosen one. Is she up to the job? Rory Kinnear The Years and Years actor will star in BBC1’s thriller Ridley Road, which is based on the novel by Jo Bloom. In the four-parter about the Jewish fight against fascism in 1960s London, Rory will play Colin Jordan, the leader of a neo-Nazi movement.…

Aries 21 Mar – 20 Apr Feeling the love, you’re shopping for a surprise gift for your partner. Be careful not to be too secretive as your partner might think something strange is going on. Taurus 21 Apr – 20 May Family is important to you, and you’re making a special effort to reunite lost members and welcome them back into all of your lives. This is a very special time. Gemini 21 May – 20 Jun Making your money work for you to fulfil a life goal is important. Start networking within your friendship group and online – you could meet a new friend or love interest. Cancer 21 Jun – 22 Jul Stay confident, as opportunities are about to come your way. Put your loved ones and family…