Innholdsfortegnelse for 18-Apr-2022 i Woman's Own

Easter weekend is always one to look forward to. If you’re lucky enough to have the time off, it means four days of food and fun, and hopefully catching up on a bit of me-time – although, even as I write that I know how unlikely it is for many of us! Still, if you do manage to carve some time out, this issue is bursting with things to keep you entertained, up to date – and in style. We all know that finding a pair of jeans to properly fit is a nightmare. So, our Fashion team has done the hard work for you! On p16 you’ll find 20 of the very best and most flattering jeans – so count your denim dilemmas sorted. Also, don’t miss out on…

Few photos show Judy Finnigan looking quite so happy as when she posed alongside her pregnant daughter Chloe, 34, proudly holding a picture of the baby scan on social media. Richard and Judy’s only daughter is expecting her first child with her husband, the ex England rugby player James Haskell, and Judy, who is already a grandmother-of-three, is thrilled. But it seems the much-anticipated arrival of another grandchild underscores the reality that Richard and Judy are currently at a crossroads in their relationship. Enjoying his late-in-life career renaissance as the co-presenter on GMB, Richard loves the buzz of live TV and is happiest in a studio in front of the cameras. On the other hand, for Judy, it looks like it’s all over and we won’t be seeing the duo…

As my fiance Gary and I scrolled through photos on Facebook, my eyes lit up at the smiling brides standing in beautifully decorated rooms, complete with flower garlands and balloons. It was June 2018 and Gary, then 47, had come across a wedding planner on Facebook. The weddings in the pictures were just the sort of thing we had in mind for our own big day the following July. Those pictures were the work of Dana Twidale, a wedding planner from Hull. Having both been married once before, Gary and I didn’t want a big fuss, just a small ceremony and a fun reception to make memories with our loved ones. ‘She seems perfect,’ I gushed, as we read through the streams of rave reviews. ‘Let’s message her,’ Gary said.…

The Daily Dozen is a great starting point to any healthy-eating plan, including fruit, vegetables, legumes, grains, nuts and seeds. It encourages us to eat plant-based wholefoods, as well as our 10-a-day. However, there are certain food groups and nutrients that are low or missing altogether. Instead of following this checklist exclusively, use it as the core of your healthy diet, while adding other nutrient-rich ingredients, such as oily fish, lean meat and low-fat dairy. This will ensure that you eat a wide variety of foods, enjoy a balanced diet and consume enough calories to sustain your activity levels. ✣ Dr Greger’s Daily Dozen app is free to download on the App Store or Google Play.…

COULD LUMP BE CANCER? Q My partner found a pea-sized lump on my inner lips during foreplay this week. It’s quite smooth and firm. Can you get cancer down there? I’m absolutely terrified. I’m only 40 and have a young family to think of. A You can get cancer on the labia, but it is rare, especially in women under 50 years old. Vulval cancer tends to cause itching or soreness, or raised thickened patches of skin, rather than a smooth lump. The most likely diagnosis here is a small cyst, but your doctor will want to examine you to be sure. You can ask to see a female doctor.…

SPICE UP YOUR SEX LIFE TALK ABOUT NEW THINGS TO TRY. Not sure what? Consider reading or watching some erotica. It’ll give you some ideas and help with any arousal issues. 2 HAVE SOME FUN TOGETHER. Sometimes, keeping your passion alive has nothing to do with sex at all. It’s about reigniting your feelings for each other and spending time together having fun. Think of it as foreplay. 3 DOWNLOAD ‘DIRTY SEX GAME FOR COUPLES’ APP. More than 1,000 dirty truth or dare challenges for couples! Play this game with your partner to help change things up; it ranges from the best foreplay game to dares to spice things up. Free to download on iOS; in-app purchases available.…

The designer double I was dubious about how much difference a hairdryer could make – it’s just hot air, right? Wrong. Glamoriser Lightspeed Dryer, £149.99, glamoriser.com, looks as sleek as the eye-wateringly expensive Dyson, but comes in at less than half the price. It was quick to dry my long hair and left my locks feeling shiny and static-free. Travel companion It’s annoying having to grapple with a hotel’s risky hair tools – but, equally, who wants to lug their hairdryer on every trip? Step in, Amika Mighty Mini Ionic Dryer, £45, cultbeauty.co.uk. It’s compact, but still powerful enough at 1200w. I love the look, too. Emma Light and easy Lily England Deluxe Hair Dryer Rose Gold Edition, £33.99, lilyengland.com, feels incredibly light. It has three heat settings, two speeds…

✣ Investing in a metal detector, just like Terry Herbert, is a great way to start your own treasure hunt. Be careful not to trespass and ask permission from landowners first. Why not begin in your own garden? ✣ For prehistoric finds, beaches are a great place to hunt for fossils. Try searching around the shoreline or under rocks. Other fossil-friendly locations include cliffs and riverbanks, but be careful as these areas can be dangerous – particularly if exploring with children. ✣ How much do you know about your local area? A bit of research on your neighbourhood can reveal all kinds of exciting secrets. Try visiting your local library, contacting a local history society or searching the National Archives site (nationalarchives. gov.uk).…

MASH IT UP Idahoan Perfect Mash, 109g each (Ocado) For super-speedy mash, choose from Idahoan Buttery Mash, Idahoan Butter & Herb Mash*, Idahoan Classic Mash, Idahoan Cheddar Cheese Mash, and Idahoan Roasted Garlic Mash. Just add water. (Always follow instructions on the packet.) *Idahoan Butter & Herb Mash was £1.55. PICK PLANT-BASED Moving Mountains Plant-Based Meatballs, 300g (Ocado) Tuck into a delicious dinner with these succulent plant-based meatballs, perfectly seasoned with herbs. Enjoy! PERFECT PIES Pork Farms 4 Mini Pork Pies, 200g (Tesco) With seasoned British pork, wrapped in crisp, flavoursome pastry, these tasty pork pies can be enjoyed hot or cold. Picnic-perfect! Bargain booze SHAKE BABY SHAKE PASSION FRUIT MARTINI, 4 X 250ML (ASDA)  Serve these smooth, fruity cocktails over ice or enjoy straight from the can. They’re ideal…

ASK ALEXA ‘WHAT IS MY HOROSCOPE TODAY?’ ARIES 21 Mar – 20 Apr As a fire sign, your emotions often sizzle below the surface. If you convey your heartfelt thoughts, you could win someone over. TAURUS 21 Apr – 20 May You dream about making your mark but there are many ways to change the world, be it a beach clean or giving to charity. GEMINI 21 May – 20 Sun Your skills come in handy when you help a friend. You’ll feel the love as ordinary events bring extraordinary innovations. CANCER 21 Sun – 22 Sul Taking the family out will be lots of fun. If you like roller coasters, look at the children’s rides so they can enjoy themselves too. LEO 23 Sul – 22 Aug This week’s…

Jane ‘IT’S AN ILLNESS NOW’ Jane McDonald, 59, has opened up about an addiction she’s been battling since childhood. And while it may not get the same recognition as some other addictions, the effects can be just as damaging. The star, who tragically lost her fiancé, Eddie Rothe, to lung cancer last year, described her addiction to shopping as ‘an illness’. Publicly admitting it for the first time, Jane revealed, ‘It’s an illness now, shopping for me, because I can’t pass a shop [without going in]... I really love shopping.’ Adding, ‘As a teen I’d blow my pocket money… I couldn’t resist.’ While thanks to her fame Jane’s shopping budget is significantly higher than it once was, she says she’s never grown out of her Yorkshire thriftiness, admitting, ‘I…

✣ Dana Twidale, 44, scammed 24 couples out of £15,000 for decorations and buffets. ✣ Kaylie Norrie and Sean Lane, family friends of Dana Twidale, were scammed out of £700 for their wedding. ✣ Nikki Pepper and Craig Cooke ended up paying for their wedding twice after Dana conned them out of £980. ✣ Emma and Adam Baxter from Bradford lost £680 to Dana when she stopped replying to messages and calls weeks before their wedding. ✣ Dana’s estranged husband, Carl Twidale, was fleeced out of £10,000, and she also defrauded £42,000 from a man she met on a dating app.…

Have you heard about? ‘GOOD-LOOKING’ PEOPLE HAVE A BETTER IMMUNE SYSTEM Beauty isn’t only skin-deep, says new research*. In fact, being conventionally attractive could be a sign your body is better at fighting infection. The most attractive men and women in the study – as rated by the opposite sex – were found to have higher rates of phagocytosis. This is the process by which white blood cells ‘eat’ and destroy bacteria before it can make someone ill. It worked for me Imen Oueslati, 41, North London ‘I used to always wake up with itchy eyes and a runny nose due to hay fever. Then I started using Hay Max Barrier Balm (£7.69 for 5ml, Boots) around my nose. It blocks the pollen and starts working after just a few…

1 GREENS X 2 Salad with a cup of cooked kale, celeriac, apple or grated carrot, 25g nuts (pecans or hazelnuts), 25g raisins, a dressing of olive or rapeseed oil, orange juice, cider vinegar and 1 crushed garlic clove. 2 CRUCIFEROUS VEG X 1 Leek and cauliflower soup; squash and cauliflower soup. 3 OTHER VEG X 2 Roast parsnip, onion and mushroom salad with nuts or seeds. 4 BEANS X 3 Vegan chilli with kidney beans; houmous; carrot and lentil soup (canned beans are OK). 5 GRAINS X 3 Soup with veg and 50g pearl or spelt barley; chilli with brown rice; porridge; wholemeal pasta with tomato sauce. 6 FRUIT X 3 Eat as snacks, or add to salads. 7…

IS IT BABY BLUES? Q During lockdown, my daughter (who lives in France) had her first child. She brought him over for us to meet him recently and stayed for a couple of weeks. She is not her usual bubbly self and is taking no care in her appearance. Is it possible to have postnatal depression six months after a baby is born? A Postnatal depression is more common than most people realise. It affects one in 10 women and can occur anytime within a year of giving birth. New mums often worry that their baby will be taken away by social services if they admit they are struggling, but this is the last thing the authorities want to do. Try to initiate some open conversations with your daughter and…

SHE’S CUT OFF HER DAD Q I broke up with my ex when my daughter was 13 years old, choosing not to tell her that my husband had an affair and got someone pregnant. Over the years, I have asked him to tell her about her half-brother, but he’s always refused (he has no contact with him). Now at 25, she has discovered the truth and is furious. She has cut off all contact with her dad. He wants me to change her mind. What do I do? A You are not responsible for your ex’s affair and you can’t force your daughter to do something she’s not ready to do. Just be there for her, allowing her to express her anger about her dad, and eventually her hurt. She…

You don’t always need to rely on over-the-counter medication to treat everyday ailments and injuries. Natural alternatives like tea tree oil, echinacea and calendula are just some of the drug-free options that can help eliminate dandruff, lessen cold symptoms and soothe scalds. Here’s what you should be stocking up on. MANUKA HONEY Produced by bees that pollinate New Zealand’s manuka bush, manuka honey has many health-boosting benefits. It has a soothing effect on sore throats, while fighting bacteria and supporting the immune system. Take a teaspoon straight from the pot, or you can find this wonder honey blended into tonics and lozenges. TRY Manuka Middles Lozenges (£3 for 100g, manukadoctor.co.uk). CALENDULA CREAM The antiseptic and antifungal action of calendula flower petals has been proven to help prevent infection and aid…

1 PREP AND PROTECT Always use a heat-protecting spray before even switching on your hairdryer or stylers. Spritz it liberally all throughout your hair. Try VO5 Heat Protect Spray, £4.40, Boots. 2 TURN DOWN THE HEAT Don’t automatically use the highest possible heat temperature. Go for the medium setting – it may take longer, but your hair will thank you. 3 COOL IT Most hairdryers have a ‘cool shot’ button for a blast of cold air. This will help seal the hair cuticle, preventing frizz, boosting shine and holding the shape. Use it at the end of every blow-dry. 4 MAKE IT LAST Cutting down on heat styling will prevent damage. And you can keep your blow-dry going for longer by using…

Pancakes with bacon and maple syrup PREP TIME: 15 MINS COOK TIME: 15 MINS SKILL LEVEL: EASY CALS: 643 FAT: 34G SAT FAT: 12G CARBS: 58G SERVES 4 A classic, and once you see how easy they are to make at home, you’ll never order them out again. YOU WILL NEED 200g self-raising flour 1½tsp baking powder 1tbsp caster sugar 3 eggs 25g butter, melted 200ml semi-skimmed milk 2tbsp natural yogurt Oil for frying 12 rashers streaky bacon Maple syrup, to serve HOW TO DO IT 1 Place the flour, baking powder and sugar in a large bowl. Make a hollow in the centre and crack in the eggs and add the butter, milk and yogurt. With a balloon whisk, mix until a smooth batter forms. 2 Heat a little…

Film OPERATION MINCEMEAT Out on 15 April This true-life drama recounts the British secret service’s attempt to fool the Nazis into anticipating a Greek invasion in 1943. A wild plot cooked up by Ian Fleming (Johnny Flynn) and military brass (Colin Firth, right, and Matthew Macfadyen) makes this handsome, well-played period drama a must-see. Music FATHER JOHN MISTY Chloë and the Next 20th Century (Bella Union) Released 8 April Father John Misty is back with his new album, Chloë and the Next 20th Century. The American star combines his traditional sound with elements of 1920-30s jazz, as he writes, sings, plays and produces alongside collaborator Jonathan Wilson. Event DIVERSITY – CONNECTED 2022 UK TOUR Until 19 June, multiple venues Britain’s Got Talent street dance legends Diversity have embarked on their…

Thomasin McKenzie ‘IT’S JOYFUL, RELENTLESS AND MAGICAL’ The Power of the Dog actor takes the lead in an intriguing new drama… Based on the novel by Kate Atkinson, BBC2’s four-part drama Life After Life follows Ursula Todd as she repeatedly dies – by drowning, falling from a window and even the Spanish flu – and is reborn… ‘IT’S HARD TO EXPLAIN!’ ‘It’s hard to explain but it’s basically centred around reincarnation,’ says Thomasin. ‘Ursula goes through life multiple times and we see how each of her lives changes depending on specific events or moments in her life, and the decisions she makes based off her instincts. It’s joyful, relentless and magical!’ Thomasin stars alongside Fleabag’s Sian Clifford, who plays Ursula’s mum Sylvie, while the cast also includes Downton Abbey’s Jessica…

Sweating it out on the cross trainer at my local gym, the only thing that made it more bearable was watching my favourite TV show, Come Dine With Me, on the tiny screen attached to the machine. Wiping sweat from my brow, I chuckled to myself as the presenter and narrator, Dave Lamb, poked fun at the contestants. ‘You should apply to take part,’ my personal trainer laughed. Maybe she was right – I’d always loved cooking and was a real foodie. Working in pub kitchens when I was younger had sparked my interest and when I married my husband in May 1996, I really enjoyed spoiling him with his favourite roast dinners or a juicy steak if he was lucky. In October 2012, I sent in my application to…

That’s not where they go, Tom! The Olympian and star knitter showed off his many talents and quipped, ‘With fuel prices on the up, this’ll keep your (or a loved one’s) pecker perky and piping hot all year round.’ Look at their smiles! Alison Hammond cosied up to Mr Bridgerton himself, aka actor Jonathan Bailey, as we desperately tried to work out how to swap places with her. Congratulations are in order for Michelle Collins who got engaged to partner Mike Davidson after 10 years together. The former EastEnder joked, ‘About time I think!’…

MINT CONDITION Looks great with jeans or worn open over dresses. Shacket, £25, sizes 6-22, F&F Clothing GO NUDE An ideal everyday shade. Nail polish in Give Me Biscuit! £3.99, H&M SPRING FLING Introduce some greenery into your home. £29.50, M&S SPECKLED EGGS Egg-cellent for Easter floral arrangements. Decorations, £10, M&S WHAT’S COOKING? Elevate your bakes with a floral spatula. £3.99, TK Maxx TEA TIME Impress your guests with this scalloped cup and saucer set. £16, Primark SIMPLY THE ZEST Revitalise tired eyes. Revolution Vitamin C Eye Cream, £8, Sainsbury’s ADD TO BASKET The ultimate picnic companion. Picnic basket, £34.99, TK Maxx PASTEL PERFECTION Save your surfaces with stylish coasters. £12 for four, John Lewis & Partners TABLE-SCAPING A sweet addition for dinner. Napkin rings, £12 for four, John Lewis &…

WE ALL LOVE A DAD BOD Fitness guru Joe Wicks admits he has put on weight after pigging out on biscuits and cakes. He even posted a picture of his dad bod to prove it. Those infamous abs that kept women, er, ‘inspired’ during the lockdowns have turned to flab. And you know what? I reckon it will only grow his following even more. Because while he was very easy on the eye indeed teaching us his home workouts, he was a bit daunting. Now he’s human like the rest of us and shares the inability to leave a biscuit getting, um, ‘lonely’ on its own in the packet. Joe Wicks was hot but ‘Dough’ Wicks is probably even hotter! CHILD-FREE ZONE, PLEASE! Taking your kids on holiday is never…

MISSING NUTRIENTS ‘While the Daily Dozen promotes variety, some nutrients are lower than recommended, or missing,’ explains Jenny. This includes oily fish. Although omega-3 fatty acids can be found in plant products, ‘it’s a slow process,’ warns Jenny. On top of this, the calcium from two portions of greens, plus 1tbsp of flaxseed, is unlikely to be enough, while other nutrients that fall short include iodine and vitamin B12 (found in animal products) and protein. ‘Although there are some great plant-derived protein sources (e.g. black beans, quinoa or lentils), the total protein content is lower than meat, unless you consider processed plant proteins, such as seitan,’ adds Jenny. EXTRA BULK The Daily Dozen food weighs around 700g. ‘If you’re not used to consuming this level of bulk, it might take…

Q My husband has always suffered from nightmares, usually when he’s under pressure at work. Recently, he has started lashing out in his sleep and last night he hit me on the chin, causing quite a large bruise. He is mortified and we are seriously considering sleeping in separate rooms owing to his unintentional actions. Do you think sleeping pills would calm him and help his condition? A The most likely explanation for this sort of behaviour during sleep is stress or anxiety. Sleeping pills are only licensed in the short term and he would be better advised to address any underlying mental health problems. His GP will be able to advise, so please ask him to make that appointment.…

LOOKING FOR AN EASY FIX? ✣ FOR HYPERTENSION AND HIGH CHOLESTEROL Raw garlic may help to lower blood pressure. ✣ FOR CYSTITIS Fresh parsley has diuretic properties that can cleanse the bladder of infectious organisms. ✣ FOR STRESS AND ANXIETY Ashwagandha is an adaptogenic herb that balances the adrenal glands and calms the central nervous system. ✣ FOR CONSTIPATION A spoonful of olive oil and lemon juice in the morning may help to get things moving. ✣ FOR MENOPAUSAL SYMPTOMS Sage has been found to ease hot flushes and night sweats.…

READER QUESTION Q What is a life insurance policy and what’s the best criteria to work out if I need it? A Life insurance pays out either a lump sum or regular payments to your beneficiaries if you pass away so it’s important to consider it if you have anyone depending on you financially, such as a partner and children. However, our research shows just 32% of people have it in place,’ says Lee Clark, financial planner at Brewin Dolphin (brewin.co.uk). ‘There are factors you’ll need to consider, like how much cover do you need and how long you’ll want the policy to last for. So it’s important to do your research and get professional advice.’ Go green for less ‘To help your mattress last longer, rotate and flip it…

Money blogger Emma Jackson offers her top tips: 1 Only do something you enjoy, making a profit will take time and patience. 2 Keep costs to a minimum, don’t 3 make big initial investments. Make use of free social media profiles, create content before investing in a website. 4 Talk to your audience, be approachable and always ask for feedback. 5 Ensure you have a healthy work-life balance, take a step back if you need to. ✣ For more tips and advice follow Emma @beemoneysavvy and visit beemoneysavvy.com…

THE AERIALISTS by Katie Munnik (£14.99, HarperCollins, HB) Paris, 1891. Having grown up in the American Prairies, Laura now has no home to call her own. So when she’s rescued from the streets by aerialists Ena and August, who offer to teach her to fly, she can’t believe her luck. Five years later, the thriving family hot-air-balloon business is invited to display their skills at Cardiff’s Great Exhibition. But tragedy is in the air as another young girl, Grace, begs to fly with them no matter the cost. Katie Munnik’s devastating, exquisite novel weaves together imagined lives with the true story of Louisa Maud Evans, a teenage girl who tragically fell into the Bristol Channel. OTHER PEOPLE MANAGE by Ellen Hawley (£12.99, Swift Press, HB) In the late 1970s, Marge…

WHERE THERE’S A WILL… The fallout from this year’s Oscars continues with the slap that was seen and heard around the world. I didn’t cross paths with Will Smith when I stepped out on its vast red carpet for the first time this year. There’s even a make-up tent at the start of it so the stars can keep their powder dry after stepping out of their limos – a gentle touch-up that Chris Rock could only have hoped for on the night! KING OF THE HILL The best treat for me was meeting 11-year-old Belfast star Jude Hill and his mum, Shauneen. We met at the same hotel I interviewed Cher at so I asked him if he knew who she was. Without skipping a beat he said, ‘I’m…