Innholdsfortegnelse for 28-Feb-2022 i Woman's Own

How often do you wash your make-up brushes? The thought never even occurred to me – in fact, I’m pretty sure the brush I have is at least 15 years old, and other than accidentally dropping it in the sink a couple of times I’ve never even considered washing it. The beauty team looked absolutely horrified when I made this shock confession. As it turns out, it’s not just the products you put on your skin that are important, but the tools you use too – and that includes how clean they are! If, like me, you need a crash course in the right ones for the job, turn to p28. Choosing the correct brushes and keeping them clean could make all the difference – it could even help roll…

‘WE’VE HAD ENOUGH OF PHIL ON TV, HE’S BORING’ Beaming like a ray of light from the screen, Vernon Kay’s charm and charismatic good looks sparked an outpouring of praise when he hosted ITV’s This Morning earlier this month. The 47-year-old presented the show alongside Rochelle Humes as veteran host Phillip Schofield, 59, had been struck down with COVID-19. But it seems Vernon’s popularity, which has been building since he made his debut on the show in December, is proving to be a wake-up call for the man once dubbed the ‘silver fox’. With whispers that Phil’s 20-year reign on the show might be drawing to a close and with producers testing new presenters, could Vernon be the new face they’ve been looking for? Although Phil is back on the…

Munchausen s syndrome is a psychological disorder where a person will pretend to be ill or deliberately give themselves symptoms of illness. The disorder is named after Baron Munchausen, a German aristocrat who became famous for his wild and unbelievable lies. A person with Munchausen’s will use their role as a ‘sick person’ to get attention, sympathy and care from others. There’s no one cause of the disorder, but the most common origins are in childhood, through trauma and illness or as a result of personality disorders.…

■ Spending quality time together ■ Looking after them when they’re sick ■ Feeling you can be completely yourself ■ Letting them pursue their own hobbies and interests ■ Seeing each other at your worst and best ■ Having regular cuddles ■ Being respectful to them in front of others ■ Making regular plans together ■ Being proud of their achievements ■ Being silly with each other ■ Exploring new places together ■ Sharing the same sense of humour ■ Trying new things together ■ Always remembering important occasions ■ Checking first before making decisions for each other ■ Having a fair distribution of household chores ■ Showing an interest even when they’re talking about something you don’t understand ■ Forgiving their bad habits ■ Doing things they want to…

Seeing a friend’s pregnancy announcement on Facebook, I tried to force a smile before sighing longingly. For as long as I could remember, I’d wanted to be a mum, my maternal instincts kicking in when I was surrounded by dolls as a child and then babysitting as a teenager. I’d always assumed I’d get married and settle down quickly, but as my 20s flew on, I was focused on my career as a teacher and now, at 26 in 2016, I wondered where that time had gone. ‘I CONFIDED IN DOUG ABOUT MY WORRIES’ My friends always told me that Mr Right was around the corner, but what if he wasn’t? What if I was going to miss out on being a mum just because I couldn’t find the right…

Do you struggle with your weight, lack energy and feel low and anxious a lot of the time? If so, you may be out of sync with your body’s natural rhythms. ‘It doesn’t matter how much you exercise or how well you eat; if you want to stay healthy, the timings of when you do things is crucial, too,’ says Dr Satchin Panda, Professor at Salk Institute, San Diego, and author of The Circadian Code*. ‘Almost every bodily function is governed by 24-hour biological cycles called circadian rhythms. These rise and fall throughout the day, and help us to anticipate and prepare for daily activities – including when to sleep, when to wake and when to eat.’ Running like clockwork ‘Circadian rhythms are controlled by circadian clocks, which are present…

I hate talking about sex Q My husband and I rarely have sex more than once every few months, and I don’t know what to do about it. I want to say something, but I’m not the kind of person who finds it easy to talk about sex. I’d rather he brought it up, but I know he won’t. Any tips? A It doesn’t matter how much or how little you have sex as long as you both agree. And you can’t agree if you don’t talk about it. Be brave and bring it up, being sure to focus on what used to work for you and how to rekindle that. It will take time, but talking increases intimacy and that, in turn, will benefit your sex life. I CAN’T…

✣ ...YOU HAVE NO TIME Have walks, meditation and yoga sessions been put on the back burner? You need to make time to look after your physical, mental and emotional wellbeing. ‘Boundaries will help protect you,’ says Michelle. ‘They’re essential for self-esteem, and help teach others how to treat you.’ Which leads us to… ✣ ...YOU WANT TO SAY NO If you’re thinking of saying yes when you don’t want to do something, ask yourself why? The response will always be about the other person: ‘Because he needs my help’, or ‘She gets angry with me when I say no’. But what about what you want? ‘If a person respects you, they’ll respect your needs, even if it’s inconvenient for them,’ says Michelle. ‘But, in order for people to respect…

1 HAVE A FINANCIAL DATE NIGHT ‘Communication is key to any relationship and having discussions about your finances is no exception,’ she says. ‘So set time aside to do this regularly. Choosing a time when you will be free from interruption and having relevant paperwork to hand may make it easier.’ 2 SHARE YOUR GOALS ‘While some of your money discussions may be about looking at where you can make savings, it’s also important to talk about your goals, whether that’s buying a house or your next holiday,’ she advises. ‘Setting these out with one another can help you plan on how to reach them and when it may be feasible. Making sure that you’re on the same page means you can support each other to reach your goals together.’…

ARIES 21 Mar – 20 Apr Your world is re-aligning, it’s time for self-reflection. Concentrate on things you enjoy and let go of those you don’t. TAURUS 21 Apr – 20 May Venus is linked with Mars, as someone you were kind to previously may be more than happy to reciprocate. Ask for help. GEMINI 21 May – 20 Jun You will be receiving an invitation. Focus on getting ready, book a hair appointment and buy a new outfit. CANCER 21 Jun – 22 Jul Saturn is in direct motion all month, making you feel thankful for your relatives. Show gratitude by helping others. LEO 23 Jul – 22 Aug You are thinking about rescuing a pet. Book a time to visit a rescue centre, as you won’t regret your…

Lydia continues her campaign to ruin Adam. Having targeted his business by slating him as a solicitor in an online review, she convinces his wife, Sarah, that they are having an affair! After Sarah throws him out of the marital home, Adam visits Lydia, hoping to sort things out rationally, but ends up walking into a trap that means having to explain himself to the police! Later, after Adam loses a client and discovers he could be struck off, he decides to step back from the business while he clears his name. But is there worse to come from Lydia?…

Loose Women CRISIS! Popular Loose Women panellist Ruth Langsford has been slammed for being out of touch. Ruth, 61, and her co-hosts were discussing Location, Location, Location’s presenter Kirstie Allsopp, who said that ‘everyone’ could afford to buy a home if they gave up certain luxuries. Ruth told the panel she partially agreed, saying, ‘Property prices are horrendously high, but if you want something badly enough you might have to sacrifice other things.’ Viewers labelled Ruth ‘deluded’ after she announced she’d bought her first property at age 21. One snapped, ‘The only reason you could buy a flat at 21 is because your wages were in line with property market prices. Ours are not even close.’ Another viewer wrote ‘[I’m] sick of people saying “just give up avocados &…

WHAT IS THE KEY TO A HAPPY MARRIAGE? Looks like me and my hubby might need to work out how to tick off a few more of these… This is a true story. The other day I was having a chat with one of those celebrity types who are on your telly a lot. Randomly we were talking about the secrets of a happy marriage/long-term partnership. We ticked all the usual clichés of sense of humour, loo seats, putting bins out etc, yet he was still stumped as to why his marriage had failed. Then, almost as an aside, he mentioned that neither of them had really been faithful. And. He. Was. Not. Joking. Seriously. This wasn’t even one of those ridiculous ‘open marriage’ agreements. Because that’s mostly just one…

‘BRIGHT COLOURS ARE AN INSTANT MOOD BOOSTER’ Oversized blazer I love the way a blazer can transform an outfit from casual to smart. There’s a certain power that comes from slipping on the cover-up and this season they are bigger and better than ever. I’ll be looking for fun colours and keeping the fit oversized. Ensure your bottom half is streamlined and allow the blazer to be the boss. Blazer, £20, sizes 8-22, Tu Clothing Becky Bold blooms It’s a timeless print, but this season go for bold florals over ditsy patterns. Bright colours are an instant mood booster and I love the statement this smock frock makes. With wide sleeves and a drop waist, it’s comfortable while feeling stylish. I’ll be adding a denim jacket and white trainers for…

Have you heard about? WEIGHT LOSS CUTS COVID-19 COMPLICATIONS As well as having your vaccinations and booster, new research* reveals shedding those extra pounds can help even more when it comes to the coronavirus. Among patients with obesity, prior weight loss achieved with specialised surgery was associated with a 60% lower risk of developing severe complications from COVID-19. Obesity weakens the immune system and increases risk for cardiovascular disease, blood clots, and lung conditions. It worked for me Monica Lennon, 47, from Buckinghamshire ‘After having my first child years ago, I suffered from postnatal hair loss at the top corners of my forehead. It’s never grown back. Recently, I started taking Pura Collagen Glow+ (£39.99 for a one-month supply, puracollagen.co.uk). Not only can I see two months’ of hair growth…

1 TALK ABOUT IT Sharing your fears and how you feel dilutes the anxiety and fear. If you can’t talk to friends and family, seek help from your GP and/or a counsellor. 2 MOVE OUT OF YOUR COMFORT ZONE Work on becoming comfortable with the uncomfortable so your courage grows little by little and you start to see that you can manage your fear and anxiety. DOWNLOAD THE CLEAR FEAR APP This app uses a cognitive behavioural framework to help you change your anxious thoughts, emotions and behaviours in order to calm your fear responses. It’s free to download for both iOS and Android.…

If you tick four or more of the following, it may be time to start putting yourself first. ✣ You feel guilty when asked to express your needs ✣ You worry that when you disagree with someone their feelings will be hurt ✣ You’d rather everyone else is happy, even at the expense of your own happiness ✣ You find it hard to express anger, preferring to stay silent ✣ If someone hurts your feelings, you will say nothing and try to forget about it ✣ You are always the peacemaker in your family ✣ You often feel resentful but can’t express it ✣ You’re often described as being ‘too nice’ ✣ People always see you as the strong, reliable one ✣ Friends and family look to you to make…

Berrylicious pancakes SERVES 8 Made with oats, natural yogurt and topped with a berry sauce, cut down on the calories this Shrove Tuesday with our lower-fat pancakes. YOU WILL NEED For the berry sauce: 250g mixed berries, thaw if frozen 1tsp cornflour 2tbsp granular natural sweetener For the pancakes: 100g plain flour 1tsp baking powder ½ tsp ground cinnamon 45g porridge oats 3tbsp granular natural sweetener 120ml pot of fat-free plain yogurt 5tbsp skimmed milk 2 medium eggs 1tsp vanilla extract 2tsp sunflower oil HOW TO DO IT 1 To make the berry sauce, put the berries in a saucepan with 2tbsp water and slowly bring to a simmer. Blend the cornflour with 1tbsp water, add to the berries with the sweetener and stir over a medium heat until the juices…

SPRAY AWAY The Groovy Food Company Butter Flavour Cooking Spray, 190ml (Waitrose) Offering a rich and creamy texture and mild flavour, this organic butter-flavour cooking spray can be used when frying, roasting, grilling and baking. Plus it contains just one calorie per spray. SPEEDY SUPPERS Birds Eye 2 Seeded Crust Fish Fillets with Linseeds and Sunflower Seeds, 220g (Asda) With a deliciously crispy coating made of linseeds and sunflower seeds – a source of protein, vitamin B12 and essential minerals – these fish fillets make an ideal midweek lunch or dinner. Offer also available on Birds Eye 2 Seeded Crust Fish Fillets with Pumpkin Seeds and Buckwheat (220g). SPICE IT UP Squeaky Bean Chargrilled Cajun Mini Fillets, 120g (Sainsbury’s) These ready-to-eat chargrilled chicken-style mini fillets are made from wheat and…

The Spandau Ballet star forms a rock band with a difference… In BBC2’s Rock Till We Drop, Spandau Ballet bassist Martin Kemp and grime artist Lady Leshurr are on a mission to prove age is just a number when it comes to being a musician. ‘THEY HAVE TO BE OLD.NO KIDS!’ The four-parter follows the stars as they each put together a band of singers and musicians aged 64 and over. But they don’t have much time, because they only have eight weeks before both groups will take to the stage at the Isle of Wight Festival. ‘They have to be old,’ says Martin. ‘No kids! I want people in their 70s, 80s and 90s, even 100! I want to give great musicians a second chance. They were most probably…

THREE’S COMPANY A reunion with my old Strictly 2012 pal Sid Owen proved a delight as he and his fiancée, Victoria, introduced us to their baby, Skye. Sid is embracing being a dad for the first time at 50 and tells me we can expect a star-studded bash for his nuptials this year, with his on-screen EastEnders wife Patsy Palmer, Dean Gaffney and Al Pacino (who played Sid’s dad in 1985 film Revolution) expected to attend. Adele’s ex, Simon Konecki, is best man, but will the singer herself get an invite? All I know is, I’m still holding out for mine! MIGHTY MO UNMASKED! Fresh from his triumph hosting this year’s BRIT Awards, Masked Singer judge Mo Gilligan tells me he’s off to LA for some rest and play –…

IDYLLIC IDRIS! He’s rumoured to be a villain in the next Bond film, and with that big, buff body Idris Elba, 49, can be our baddie any day. BRANNING NEW BOD! This East End boy has got West End style, with a chiselled new body to die for. Jake Wood, 49, unveiled his post-pandemic pecs. Wouldn’t mind getting locked down with him! THE PECS ON BECKS! A life in sport has given David Beckham, 46, a high score on the bod-o-meter. He burns 1,000 calories in one hit, working out four times a day. Goal! SMASH-HIT SIMON After his latest bike crash, Simon Cowell, 62, has a broken arm. We hope the rest of him is OK – that bod is a ratings hit! GORDON’S DAILY GRIND Marathons, Ironman challenges…

1 BEST FOR WARDROBE BASICS… Uniqlo There are certain style staples that form the building blocks of most outfits and Uniqlo is one of the best for quality tees, shirts and knits. uniqlo.com 2 BEST FOR AFFORDABLE TRENDS… Reserved This brand needs to be on your radar. With on-trend styles, statement dresses and bright separates at fantastic prices, it’s guaranteed to give your wardrobe a spring clean. reserved.com 3 BEST FOR PLUS-SIZE FASHION… Mango Offering stylish designs up to sizes xxxl, this high-street store is fast becoming the chicest place to shop for curvy women. shop.mango.com 4 BEST FOR CATWALK STYLE… H&M When it comes to getting designer looks for less, H&M is our go-to, with new items released every week. hm.com…

CLEARING EAR WAX AT HOME Q My husband has a problem with ear wax build-up. He removes the wax most mornings with cotton buds, but still needs to have them syringed every few months. We’re mindful that this isn’t exactly a priority in current circumstances. How can we manage it at home? A Using cotton buds will make the problem worse, as the bud may push wax further into the ear canal, causing impaction. Your husband should use two or three drops of olive or almond oil in a dropper three or four times a day. Get him to lay on his side for a few minutes to allow the oil to work its way down. The wax should soften and work its way out naturally after a couple of…

Add colour Powder products such as setting powders, bronzers and blushers tend to be best applied with soft bristles that are able to distribute product finely and evenly. We like Lottie London Multi-Use Face Brush, £8, lottie.london. If you’d rather not end up with bronzer and blush in the wrong place, we suggest buying a brush for each product. (Or wash them between uses!) Expert eyes Whether you get creative with your eyeshadow or keep it minimal, a basic set of eye brushes is essential in your make-up kit. Glov Eye Makeup Brushes, £8.90, lookfantastic.com, is a set of five brushes, all offering controlled precision and fuss-free application for expertly defined eyes. Banish dark circles The right tools can help eye bags disappear. Start with a dense, fluffy brush, like…

OUTSIDE, THE SKY IS BLUE by Christina Patterson (£16.99, Headline, HB) Everyone’s family life is unique, but not everyone experiences the poignant highs and harrowing lows of the Patterson family. This memoir told by Christina, the last surviving member, charts their life together – and apart. Through passed-down boxes of letters, diaries and photographs she weaves a tapestry of nostalgic memories around her late Swedish mother and British diplomat father; her sister Caroline and gentle angst-ridden brother Tom. A powerful and honest, personal memoir of love and loss. A MILLION AUNTIES by Alecia McKenzie (£14.99, Little, Brown Book Group, HB) American-born artist Chris travels to Jamaica in search of peace and tranquillity, seeking a quiet place to reflect upon his recent loss and his complex relationship with his father. He…