Innholdsfortegnelse for 21-Dec-2020 i Woman's Own

CHRISTMAS TELLY! With the year we’ve had, it’s amazing how many of our favourite TV shows have Christmas specials airing this week – perfect for curling up on the sofa. Strictly has been forced to scrap its usual festive show, but Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman will be counting down the top 25 dances voted by viewers, while a Celebrity MasterChef special sees the likes of Janet Street-Porter and Spencer Matthews returning to the kitchen. Meanwhile some of our favourite past bakers will be competing in Bake Off, Phillip Schofield will be presenting a celebrity version of The Million Pound Cube and, of course, there’ll be the usual Call the Midwife special. We can’t wait! Remember, you can download Woman’s Own from the App Store or Google Play Store direct…

A special kind of CHRISTMAS It may be different this year, but that’s why we should make the most of it Finally it’s nearly here, the BIG day of the year. No, not Christmas silly, 23 December. The day we are officially allowed to start seeing our families for the Christmas period provided we follow Government-approved rules. It’s incredible isn’t it? I’m sure that, like me, you still can’t get your head around what has happened in 2020. If this were the plot for a science fiction film, you’d dismiss it as being too far-fetched. This time last year it was all drinks with mates and crowded Christmas shopping. Now even how you serve your Christmas Day roasties has been scrutinised. Reading that everyone around the table should have a…

Stopping my period for a break Q I am 49, and my periods have become heavier during the past couple of years. I’m hoping the change is around the corner. My husband and I have booked a luxury UK hotel stay for my 50th in February, and I think my period will be due. A friend says you can take pills to delay a period. Is that true? A Yes. Your doctor can prescribe some hormone pills, which you need to take three times a day. They will delay a period if you start them a couple of days before you are due, and will stop a bleed if your period has already started.…

My son’s girlfriend isn’t a nice person Q My son is 19 and he’s in love with a girl who is 22. She’s not a nice person; she talks down to him and generally gives him the runaround. They’ve only been together five months, but she’s already cheated once, and let him down countless times. Despite this, nothing I say changes his mind or gets him to see sense. What can I do? Mari, 52, Essex A When people are determined they’re right they don’t want to listen because they feel there’s nothing you can offer them in terms of help. You and I both know your son is making a mistake but it’s only by learning the hard way that he’ll see the truth about his girlfriend. Rather than…

Have you heard about? Gift of giving Being charitable can increase levels of our feel-good hormones. ‘Helping others has powerful benefits, making us feel more positive about ourselves, and also improving our physical health,’ says psychotherapist Noel McDermott (noelmcdermott.net). The healthiest apple? Scientists examined 91 apple varieties and found the Pink Lady contained the highest concentration of polyphenols. A diet rich in these compounds can offer protection against heart disease, cancers and type 2 diabetes. Festive heartburn Some 67% of people who suffer with frequent heartburn will experience it over Christmas. ‘A high intake of fat, as well as overeating, may be what triggers symptoms,’ says nutritionist Lily Soutter, working with Nexium Control. How to… boost workouts UK Athletics coach Alex Cook shares her advice 1 Don’t skimp on carbs…

After 20 years as a committed party animal, I started to feel like there might be more to life than drunken debauchery and three-day hangovers. As a freelance journalist, having to get up and meet deadlines with a pounding headache wasn’t fun, either. So, after reading Catherine Gray’s The Unexpected Joy of Being Sober, I felt inspired, announcing to my husband, Gaz, 38, that I was giving up. Never a big drinker himself, I think he was relieved the days of me causing petty arguments and being the loudest person at a party might be over. When I told other family members, most said the same thing – I wasn’t an alcoholic, so why did I need to stop? As I’d aged, my tolerance had decreased, but it didn’t matter…

With one hand caressing my bump, I began scrolling through Facebook on my laptop with my other. It was 2011, I was three months pregnant with my first baby, and, with months to go, couldn’t wait to meet my little one. Shopping online for sleepsuits, bottles and baby toys had become my nightly ritual, and exciting packages were arriving most days. But one thing I still had to get was a pram. ‘How much?’ I gasped, looking at some of the most popular designs, which all came with the latest gadgets and attachments. Most cost hundreds of pounds – some thousands – and whatever I picked, it’d certainly take a chunk out of my bank balance. So when I spotted a competition to win a state-of-the-art £1,200 Quinny Moodd pram…

‘There’s a lot going on in this episode!’ When we last saw James Herriot in All Creatures Great and Small, the young vet was heartbroken to discover that Helen Alderson had got engaged to her awful boyfriend Hugh. But it wasn’t just James who was left feeling disappointed, because viewers had also hoped he would get together with Helen after a will-theywon’t-they storyline that ran through the six-part series. So when the drama returns for the festive episode, will James pluck up the courage to speak out and get his girl? It’s Christmas Eve and the vets of Skeldale House are hosting their annual Christmas party, but as their guests begin to arrive, James is called out to help a dog that is having a difficult birth. Meanwhile, Helen is…

‘Cancer has not been kind – it never is’ She’s been happily single since splitting from her second husband Ray Fensome in 2017, but Coleen Nolan has revealed to Woman’s Own that she’s met someone online. ‘I’m really happy,’ she tells us. It’s a welcome end to 2020 for Coleen, as this year has been especially unkind to her – two of her sisters, Linda and Anne, have had to go through cancer treatment – but the 55-year-old Loose Women panellist is staying positive. She tells us how appreciative she is of the time she’s been able to spend with her three children, Shane Jr, 31, Jake, 28, and Ciara, 19, and how she’s focusing her energy on raising awareness of breast cancer with this year’s series of The Real…

Claire King ‘I could have locked down in Spain!’ Kim Tate is back! Behold this Yuletide, the return of Emmerdale legend, Claire King… Shallow graves and whisky-soaked gun-toting locals – it must be Christmas in Emmerdale! It’s madness and mayhem! Kim comes back and finds someone doing something strange in the woods, then she finds another random person [Mackenzie] in her house, drinking her booze. She can’t believe there’s this young dude working his way through her cocktail cabinet. It’s, ‘Welcome back Kim,’ and the explosions start there. Kim is reunited with her son Jamie, and her love seems to know no bounds with him. She’s very defensive of Jamie. You’re right, she loves her son and granddaughter to bits, she will do anything for them. I think she…

Frankie Bridge, 31 Singer Frankie looks stunning in a floor-sweeping red Bardot dress. The all-over sequins create the perfect party look and simple silver jewels are all that’s needed with this gorgeous gown. Elizabeth Banks, 46 Actor-director Elizabeth knows how to dress for her figure. This strappy maxi-style gown, complete with plunge neckline, has a flattering flared fit which skims over hips and thighs with ease. A slick of matching red lipstick completes the look. Gemma Arterton, 34 Actor Gemma looks a million dollars in a one-shouldered midi dress. She keeps the outfit glam by adding a golden box clutch and earrings – a simple updo shows off the stunning neckline of the dress. Kate Beckinsale, 47 Glowing in a glitzy number, actor Kate opts for a deep red floor-length…

‘It’s like they sent us into war with a butter knife’ Dr Meenal Viz, 27, works in A&E and Oncology in a London hospital. She lives in Luton with husband Nishant, 32, also a doctor, and their 22-week-old daughter Radhika. Watching TV in March, I froze as Boris Johnson announced pregnant women should shield at home as the UK was placed in lockdown. I was 24 weeks pregnant, but due at work in a busy A&E department the next day. I went in – I couldn’t let my patients and colleagues down – but I was filled with panic. After three weeks, my stress levels were so high, my GP signed me off. After a week, I returned to work on an Oncology ward, where my placement was planned before…

1 LIMIT THE NEGATIVES IN YOUR LIFE. From the doom and gloom of the news to social media posts that annoy you, be more selective with what you engage with. 2 BE HONEST ABOUT HOW MUCH IT’S AFFECTING YOU. When you are in a constant state of worry and fear, your anxiety needs to be managed. Talk to your GP and the people around you for help and guidance on moving forward. 3 DOWNLOAD THE APP DARE. This app (free on iOS and android) helps you manage your anxiety rather than avoiding dealing with it. It has a wide variety of content to help you face your worries and work through them.…

We all know it’s not good to drink too much. But if you’ve got a big night planned and you’re likely to have too much fizz, there are ways of swerving the worst symptoms of a hangover. ‘Hangovers are caused by acetaldehyde – the by-product of alcohol breakdown,’ explains Laura Tilt. ‘It’s the job of your liver to turn acetaldehyde into acetate, a less toxic compound, but this takes time. It’s these elevated levels of acetaldehyde together with alcohol chemicals, a lack of sleep and dehydration that are the cause of hangover misery.’ Although the only real way to avoid a hangover is to steer clear of booze altogether, there are some foods to eat that will help ease the pain... Our experts Catherine Faraday, nutritional therapist (nutsaboutnutrition.co.uk) Victoria Hamilton,…

Port and red onion chutney Makes 400g Satisfyingly tangy and easy to prepare, this is sure to become a festive favourite. You will need ✽ 1tbsp olive oil ✽ 500g red onions, peeled and finely sliced ✽ 1tbsp mustard seeds ✽ 2 garlic cloves, peeled and finely sliced ✽ 1 red chilli, deseeded and chopped ✽ 60g light muscovado sugar ✽ 150ml port ✽ 100ml balsamic vinegar ✽ A handful of thyme sprigs, tied together with string Equipment ✽ 2 jars, sterilised How to do it 1 Heat the oil in a large pan, then add the onions and mustard seeds. Cook for 15 mins. 2 Add the garlic cloves, chilli and sugar plus 5tbsp water. Cover the pan with a lid and cook for 15 mins. 3 Add the…

HAVE YOU HEARD? he Financial Conduct Authority is T proposing banning insurance companies from charging existing car and home insurance customers more than new ones. The regulator is trying to stamp out the ‘loyalty penalty’, the practice of increasing prices for existing customers every year so that the most loyal customers pay the most for their insurance. IF YOU DO ONE THING THIS WEEK… EXTRA SAVINGS Tesco Clubcard holders can now get exclusive deals on selected branded and own-brand products with ‘Tesco Clubcard Prices’. Just scan your Clubcard app or tap your Clubcard or fob at the checkout to get the deals; you’ll get them automatically if shopping online (tesco.com). 3 ways to fix your finances in 2021 As we face more uncertainty this new year, it’s even more important…

Himesh Patel The former EastEnders actor will star alongside Hollywood stars Meryl Streep and Leonardo DiCaprio in sci-fi comedy Don’t Look Up on Netflix. The story follows a pair of astronomers as they try to warn the world about a giant meteorite which is hurtling towards Earth… Suranne Jones In BBC1’s gripping six-part thriller Vigil, the Gentleman Jack star will play DCI Amy Silva, who investigates when the disappearance of a fishing boat and a death on a submarine lead to the police clashing with the Navy and the security services.…

Aries 21 Mar – 20 Apr Recent events are a real eye-opener. If you’re looking for love, throw your heart and soul into your search for your soulmate and you will find them. Taurus 21 Apr – 20 May A sensual sign, there’s a deeper connection forming. Planning holidays with friends will get you thinking about the previous fun and adventures you’ve shared. Gemini 21 May – 20 Jun You’re usually quite light-hearted, but if something is playing on your mind, try to release the tensions. Maybe it’s time to forgive everyone, including yourself. Cancer 21 Jun – 22 Jul Once you make a promise you stick to it, winning favour with your partner. You don’t always agree, but treating someone brings a smile to your face. Leo 23 Jul…

No ‘It’s great to share the love and spread some positivity’ Shae Eccleston, 42, lives in Dunstable, Bedfordshire. Like most people these days, I rarely print out and keep a photograph, so I love looking back over my Instagram or Facebook memories whenever I need an uplifting reminder of happy moments. Some of the photos that stand out are those taken at Christmas and on birthdays. For my birthday this year, in June, I opened my front door to find a delivery woman clutching a bouquet of white and rose-gold balloons. I was so overwhelmed a friend had made such a sweet gesture, I wasted no time in pulling out my phone and taking a photo before posting it on Instagram. ‘Thank you, it’s made my birthday,’ I wrote alongside…

This was the daytime TV change that nobody saw coming: Ruth Langsford and Eamonn Holmes being replaced on This Morning after hosting the Friday show together for more than 14 years. Despite them appearing in the Christmas advert, it has been confirmed by Ruth and Eamonn, both 60, that they will be stepping aside for Dermot O’Leary and Alison Hammond. Sources claim this has left the couple ‘furious and upset’. But while one iconic This Morning couple could be on their way out for good, Phillip Schofield has insisted that he and co-host Holly Willoughby are staying put, saying, ‘There are absolutely no plans [for us] to leave This Morning.’ HITTING BACK? Shortly after the reports of Ruth and Eamonn being axed broke, quotes from a recent interview Ruth gave…

Addicted to sleeping pills Q My mum died a couple of months ago, and when I was clearing out her house I found some sleeping pills. I have been taking them to help me sleep, but recently they have stopped working and sometimes I need to take two. I’m worried I am addicted, but can’t tell my doctor as he doesn’t know I’ve used them. Please help? A Doctors always advise against taking other people’s prescribed medicines, but we do know that it happens. Please do tell your GP as you almost certainly are addicted. He will understand and help you to wean yourself off them, as well as looking into other ways of managing your grief. My prescription is up, symptoms are back! Q I was suffering badly with…

It’s not just hugs that can have a positive effect – touch of any kind is good for both our physical and mental health. ‘Touch through massage can be exceptionally beneficial to both physical and mental health,’ explains Elliot Walker, founder and CEO of The Massage Company. ‘Research from the University of Miami School of Medicine found that massage therapy lowered levels of the stress hormone cortisol by up to 53%.’…

Prep your complexion After moisturiser, apply a fine layer of Charlotte Tilbury Wonderglow, £15, to your entire face to create a smooth and luminous canvas for your base to sit on. It blurs fine lines and makes make-up glide on effortlessly. Ace your base Steer clear of heavy formulas – a breathable foundation that bounces light off your skin will create a healthy sheen rather than a matt flat finish. The Ordinary Serum Foundation, £5.70, which comes in 21 shades, gives a glowy finish with a good amount of coverage. Never skip the blusher Blusher is a shortcut to healthy, radiant skin, and cream blusher looks fresher on the skin than powder. Try MUA Blushed Liquid Cream Blush £2.50, beautybay.com. Choose a shade as close to your natural flush as…

Online Special Carr’s Breadmaker Sourdough Mix 12x500g (carrsflour.co.uk) CHEESE & PESTO TEAR ÔN’ SHARE You will need ✽ 500g pack bread mix (such as Carr’s Sourdough Mix) ✽ 2tbsp olive oil ✽ 140g basil pesto ✽ 125g grated mozzarella ✽ 50g Parmesan cheese, freshly grated ✽ 50g black olives, sliced ✽ 50g green olives, sliced ✽ 50g sun-dried tomatoes in oil, chopped How to do it 1 Make up the mix following packet instructions, adding oil with the amount of water recommended. Knead until smooth. 2 Roll out the dough on a lightly floured surface to a 25x35cm rectangle. Leaving one of the long edges clear, spread the pesto over the dough. Scatter over the cheeses, olives and tomatoes. Brush water along the clear edge, then roll up the dough…

MOSTLY As Zoom beginner You’re either facing the wrong way, in front of a bright window, can’t figure out how to turn your mic on or are always apologising for sounding like a Dalek with your dodgy internet. It’s so tiring trying to figure out this technology – you’d much rather the pubs were open so you could see people in the flesh. Bring on 2021! MOSTLY Bs The binger Zoom calls are a chance for you to let your hair down, put your best clothes on, get the snacks out and crack open the wine. As soon as it turns 5pm on Friday you are on the booze in front of a screen with all your friends. You’ve had a few embarrassing moments, but video calls are like your…

Jack and the Beanstalk: After Ever After, Sky One After playing Prince Charming in Cinderella: After Ever After, David Walliams returns in a new fairy-tale sequel. This time, he’s playing the Giant, who needs Jack (Eddie Karanja) to help him get back to his home in the sky. Sheridan Smith also stars. Soul, Disney+ Jamie Foxx, Tina Fey and Graham Norton are among the cast of famous voices in this animated adventure about New York music teacher Joe, who finds himself in The Great Before – the place where new souls get their personalities before they go to Earth. Doctor Who, BBC1 The Doctor (Jodie Whittaker) returns for a Christmas special, but as she’s still being held in an alien prison, will Graham (Bradley Walsh), Ryan (Tosin Cole) and Yaz…