Innholdsfortegnelse for 2-May-2022 i Woman's Own

The other day, a friend pointed out that my hands were looking a little dry – charming, right? Who needs enemies when your nearest and dearest are so loose with their tongues! Well, obviously, I was reeling (OK, there is a chance I’m being dramatic), but now I am over his (makes it worse, doesn’t it!), let’s call it ‘caring’, observation, I have, of course, swotted up on our feature on p20. Our beauty team has all the tips and tricks to help make your (and my!) hands look younger. Although, I was hoping the answer was just to get somebody else to do the washing-up… On the subject of things you really don’t want to do – how would you fare with a phone detox? On p56, writer Su…

Royal tots enjoy a silver spoon of the best made food, as their private chefs work hard to whip up tasty dishes for every occasion. As the Duke and Duchess of Sussex’s son Archie turns three on 6 May, we can expect his doting parents to plan a party fit for a prince over in sunny California, where they live. Prince Harry recently revealed that Archie already has a sweet tooth and loves to eat waffles for breakfast. ‘My grandmother asked us what Archie wanted for Christmas and Meg said a waffle maker,’ he said. ‘She sent us one, so for breakfast now Meghan makes up a beautiful organic mix in the waffle maker and he loves it. He literally wakes up in the morning and says “waffle”.’ ‘HARRY LIKED…

Is it worth the effort… course it is! They say travel broadens the mind (and the backside in my case) but what they don’t mention is that it also makes your head explode. After two years of most of us gagging for some sun, sea and sangria while having to pretend to enjoy two weeks of soggy Skeggy staycation (sorry, Skeggy), we can finally all leave on a jet plane. Or can we? After an Easter of travel hell – no matter how you tried to travel – we are now facing a summer of chaos. ‘WE’RE FACING A SUMMER OF TRAVEL CHAOS’ Yay! Just what we all need. I mean, it’s not like anyone has had time on their hands to think this one through and plan for when life…

Everyday essentials Chic and practical, a large tote is my everyday saviour. This woven design gives a modern spin to a classic shape. I’m planning on wrapping the scarf around the handle for an easy update that’s readily available to wear if the temperature drops, too. Scarf, £2.50, Primark; bag, £49, kaleidoscope.co.uk Becky Metallic glam The mule is still going strong as one of the must-have shoes of the year – just make sure you have booked in a quick pedi before slipping them on! The contrasting metallic heels make them perfect for dressing up jeans and taking me from day to night. Shiny gold earrings add instant glam and are the ideal way to give your look a quick refresh. Shoes, £49, Charles Keith; earrings, £12.99, Mango Charlie Neutral raffia…

Smooth out wrinkles Retinol is a superhero anti-ageing ingredient and works by speeding up cell turnover, smoothing skin and improving collagen production. Although it’s used a lot in face creams, you can also use it on your hands to soften and brighten the skin. We like Boots Ingredients Retinol Hand Cream, £4. Apply generously before bed for best results. Keep nails healthy Nails can get dry and brittle as we age. Give them some added protection with OPI Nail Envy Nail Strengthener, £20.50, lookfantastic.com. It may seem pricey, but this fortifying treatment is a cult buy for manicurists as it strengthens weak nails and keeps them from splitting, like nothing else. Scrub away dead cells Head-to-toe exfoliation is key for great-looking skin and L’Occitane One-Minute Hand Scrub, £17, uk.loccitane.com, buffs…

CAN I CHANGE THE TIMINGS OF MY MEDS? Q I have been prescribed a statin to bring down my cholesterol levels and was told to take it at night. I take my other medications in the morning and have got into a good routine with it, but I keep forgetting my evening statin. Can I take it in the morning instead? A Some statins are best taken at night, as they reduce the amount of cholesterol that our body naturally produces and most of that production happens at night. However, they will only work if you remember to take them, so if this is an issue, speak to your GP about changing to one that can be taken in the morning. I can’t seem to get over her death Q…

FEEL LESS SAD 1 HAVE A GOOD CRY. Crying activates a part of the nervous system that stimulates a relaxation response. It can be self-soothing to let it all out now and again. 2 DO SOMETHING TO MAKE YOURSELF LAUGH. Watch a funny film, call your funniest friend, listen to comedy on the radio. Laughing reduces the stress hormone cortisol and increases dopamine, the feel-good hormone that decreases sadness. 3 DOWNLOAD THE THRIVE APP. This free NHS-recommended app helps you to manage those days when you feel a little down. There’s an array of evidence-based tools to suit your needs, including a mood journal. By attempting to track your moods, you can find ways to manage sadness and negative thoughts.…

MEL B AND STEPHEN BELAFONTE After a tough and very public split with the actor Eddie Murphy, Mel B married TV producer Stephen Belafonte, but it didn’t last. The former Spice Girl, 46, who shares daughter Madison, 10, with Stephen, filed for divorce in 2017 after 10 years of marriage, claiming he was abusive and got their nanny pregnant. She got a restraining order against him and also obtained a court order banning Stephen, 46, from distributing any sex tapes the couple made while they were together. Mel was left almost bankrupt after being forced to pay her ex a rumoured £6.5 million settlement. JOHNNY DEPP AND AMBER HEARD Their relationship took a dark turn in 2016, a year after they wed. Amber later accused Johnny of physical abuse and…

1 Give your fence a facelift If your fence has taken a battering from the elements over the winter, take time to check it for any damage and repair or replace panels or posts as necessary. Rather than just giving it a coat of brown creosote to protect it from the weather, make your fence into a colourful focal point by painting the panels with cheerful candy-coloured stripes. 2 Create a simple decking area Build a basic deck in your garden in just a few hours by using easy-to-lay wooden tiles. Gripsure decking tiles are perfect for transforming small spaces, roof terraces or  balconies and are non-slip, meaning they’re ideal for family spaces, come rain or shine. The deck boards are quick and easy to install, low maintenance and can be stained,…

Victoria’s SECRET HEARTBREAK A wedding is supposed to be a happy occasion, but it seems the recent nuptials of her eldest son have left Victoria Beckham, 48, battling a secret heartbreak. Like many mums, Posh has struggled to come to terms with her eldest son Brooklyn, 23, flying the nest. And his Stateside wedding to American heiress Nicola Peltz, 27, seems to have driven this home. A source revealed, ‘She’s admitted that her biggest fear about him getting married is that, in a way, she’s losing him.’ The couple – who are now Mr and Mrs Peltz Beckham – tied the knot at Nicola’s father’s £76m Palm Springs mansion, reportedly only adding to Posh’s ‘natural insecurity that he’s growing ever closer to her family’. It seems that the wedding…

BLUSH CRUSH Almost too nice for the bedroom! Pyjama set, £34.99, sizes xs-l, H&M INSTANT HYDRATION Look after your skin. My Skin Matters Intensive Body Lotion, £2, Sainsbury’s PUT A RING ON IT A touch of luxury. Gold-plated, semi-precious stone ring, £12.99, H&M HOT POT Great for gardens of all sizes. Strawberry and herb planter, £17, George Home DREAM DENIM The summer alternative to jeans. Trousers, £14, sizes 6-24, George at Asda FLOATY FROCKS The perfect transitional piece. Dress, £24, sizes 6-22, F&F Clothing PALM OF YOUR HAND Show your hands some TLC. Fragrance Society Hand and Nail Cream, £4, M&S HELLO SUNSHINE Throw some shade in these stylish frames. Sunglasses, £15, M&S RUSTIC BOUQUETS Low-maintenance blooms. Dried grass, £12, George Home THE PERFECT TAN An excellent everyday style. Bag,…

The new smash hit on Netflix is a Japanese series called Old Enough. It’s a reality show that features children as young as two doing errands without their parents. It literally features tots barely out of nappies being sent to the local supermarket to stock up on supplies. Amazingly, none of them has come to any harm (so far!) and most seem to cope remarkably well with the trust they are given.OK it’s a gimmick, but it makes you wonder how much we wrap our youngsters up in cotton wool these days. We seem to ferry them everywhere, insist on tracking them via mobile phones and warn them not to talk to strangers – even when they’re in their teens!…

1 BEST FOR SENTIMENTAL JEWELLERY With over 50 different designs – with something for everyone – this jewellery is intended to make you smile. We love the silver-plated bracelets that you can personalise with initials. jomajewellery.com 2 BEST FOR CUSTOMISED ACCESSORIES From pouches to handbags and weekend luggage, Katie Loxton has you covered. A one-stop shop for accessories that you can personalise. katieloxton.com 3 BEST FOR STYLISH SUNNIES Whether you’re after classic aviators or bold frames, Quay Australia offers plenty of choice that will keep you protected in the sun. quayaustralia.co.uk 4 BEST FOR CATWALK STYLE Want to get a designer look without splashing the cash? Head over to Ego and you’ll be spoilt for choice in the shoes and bags section.…

Pick your own The genius Barry M Clickable Eyeshadows, £2.99 each, barrym.com, can be snapped together to form your own custom kit – especially handy when you’re travelling. We’re coveting ‘Love Letter’ – a majestic shimmering pink. Stick ’em up If you’ve no time to spare, make a beeline for Revlon ColorStay Glaze Stick in Luster, £6.99, Boots. Just scribble on the creamy crayon then blend with the smudging tool – no brushes required. Easy peasy Eyeshadow newbies will appreciate Wet N Wild Colour Icon Eyeshadow Quad in Petalettes, £3.99, Boots, that makes application fool-proof. Each shadow is labelled with where to apply it, including the lid, crease, brow bone and ‘transition’ colour. Get in line Eyeshadow-shy? Ease your way in with Rimmel London Wonder Swipe 2-in-1 Liner to Shadow…

When life gets tough, it’s natural to seek guidance, and a self-help book may be a good first port of call. ‘Often when we are “stuck” with a problem or are unhappy, it’s because we have limited knowledge, a too narrow viewpoint or a lack of practical ideas on what to do next,’ says Alexandra Lees, co-founder of wuweiwisdom.com. ‘Self-help books help overcome this by offering fresh insights and tools for change. They can motivate and inspire.’ Here’s what our experts recommend. FINDING THE RIGHT BOOK Relationship and lifestyle strategist Rainie Howard shares her top tips: 1 Pick a self-help book that focuses on a specific area of your life that you want to work on. 2 Ask yourself these questions: Can you relate easily to the book? Does the author understand your problems? How can the advice…

THRUSH IS GETTING ME DOWN Q I used to suffer with thrush but, up until recently, I hadn’t had an attack for years. I don’t know whether it is linked to the change (I haven’t had a period for nine months) but I am sore and itchy down below. I have tried various treatments with only mild relief. Can you recommend anything? A Your symptoms may be linked to a lack of oestrogen associated with the menopause. Your GP will be able to confirm this by examining you. If this is the case, you can either use a non-hormonal vaginal moisturising cream available over the counter in pharmacies or your GP can prescribe oestrogen cream or pessaries.…

With the cost of living on the rise, we’re all looking for ways to cut our spending. But while we can be more bargain savvy in the supermarket aisles, what about when it comes to our health? Luckily, there are plenty of ways you can take care of yourself and your loved ones without breaking the bank. KEEP MOVING TO BEAT BACK PAIN ‘Staying active is one of the most important things you can do to ease a bad back,’ says physiotherapist Neil Velleman. ‘Resting for long periods can make pain worse.’ Moving also helps build supporting muscles to prevent future problems. ✣ FREE SALTY WATER FOR A SORE THROAT Simply dissolve ½tsp of salt in warm water and gargle for a few seconds before spitting it out. Do not…

Walking into school, I tried to be proud of my bare legs. Usually too self-conscious to put my chunky calves on display, it was the first time I’d worn a skirt in months. I could already feel my classmates’ gazes so I hurried along the corridor, breathing a sigh of relief when I made it to the classroom. But then, I heard it: ‘Look at Donna’s fat legs!’ a boy in my class shouted across the room, making sure everyone could hear. They all turned to look at me, bursting into laughter at my expense. Any self-confidence I’d had minutes earlier evaporated and never returned. I never, ever forgot that day in 1999. You see, the boys in my class were right. ‘MUM PLEADED WITH ME TO CHANGE’ I’d always…

Many yoga and Pilates mats are made from PVC. They may be tough and affordable, but they’ll probably end up as landfill. Natural fibre mats can be more expensive, but it’s possible to get into your downward dog without it costing the earth. ✣ ecoYoga Jute Mat, £45, has a natural rubber underside to make it grippy, but is still biodegradable. (yogamatters.com) ✣ Eco Cork Yoga Mat, £65, has good cushioning and its cork bark is naturally anti-bacterial. Also biodegradable. (yogamatters.com)…

Green mac ’n’ cheese SERVES 4 A healthy upgrade on the ultimate cheesy dinner – the sauce works equally well with cauliflower, too. YOU WILL NEED 75g unsalted butter 5tbsp plain flour 1 ½tsp English mustard powder 775ml full-fat milk 175g strong Cheddar cheese, grated 1tsp sweet smoked paprika Few good gratings of nutmeg 300g frozen spinach, defrosted, liquid squeezed out 400g macaroni or small pasta shapes 5tbsp breadcrumbs 40g Parmesan cheese, grated HOW TO DO IT 1 Heat the oven to 220C/Gas 7. For the pasta, fill a large pan with water, add 1tbsp salt then bring to the boil. 2 In a medium pan, melt the butter, stir in the flour, mustard powder and seasoning. Stir continuously, over a medium heat, for a few mins, then add a…

TOP OF THE POPS Propercorn Sweet & Salty Sharing Bag, 90g, Morrisons With a perfect balance of sea salt and raw cane sugar, this delicious popcorn is perfect for sharing. Offer also available on Lightly Sea Salted (70g). Offer starts 27 April. GIVE ME GRANOLA! Bio & Me Apple & Cinnamon Gut-Loving Granola, 360g, Sainsbury’s Supercharged with plant-based ingredients that are high in prebiotic fibre, including apples, almonds and chia seeds. Offer also available on the Super Seedy & Nutty, and Low Sugar Naturally variants (both 360g). Bargain booze TANQUERAY FLOR DE SEVILLA GIN, 70CL, ASDA A perfect balance of the bittersweet taste of Seville oranges and the complexity of Tanqueray London Dry Gin. Serve with tonic water, plenty of ice and a wedge of orange. NICE NAANS Deli Kitchen…

Why go? Majorca might be best-known for its blue skies and sandy beaches, but there’s much more to this island idyll than sun, sea and ice-cold cervezas. In recent years, the Balearic island hotspot has become a diverse destination, with wonderful restaurants, boutique hotels, innovative vineyards and a thriving cultural scene. And given it’s just a short flight away, Majorca is easy to visit, too. Vineyard visits Majorca’s warm weather and fertile land make it perfect for producing wine, and the island is home to an array of award-winning vineyards. Tucked in the north of the island, high in the Serra de Tramuntana mountains, Vinyes Mortitx is one of the finest Baleriac wineries. Owned by a group of locals, the small vineyard has a traditional feel, with grapes harvested by hand to…

Q How can I make my narrow garden look less boring? A The best way to add interest to a narrow plot is to add curves and zoned areas to visually widen the space. Divide the plot up into smaller blocks so that you don’t see everything from the outset. Create curved flowerbeds and borders, and wind a meandering pathway of stepping stones that will lead you on a journey through the space. Fill the beds with plants that add height and structure, such as tall alliums, Verbena bonariensis and tree ferns, or climbers wound around metal or wooden obelisks. Q What’s the best type of compost to use on my garden? A Choosing the right compost is essential to get the most out of your flowers, fruit and veg,…

PAGE TURNER SIX DAYS by Dani Atkins (£16.99, Head of Zeus, HB) If Gemma and Finn are such a perfect couple, why has he left her at the altar? While wedding guests gossip excitedly about the groom’s disappearance, Gemma is in denial. He would never do this to her, so where on earth is he? Wracking her brain for clues she could have missed, she becomes increasingly certain that there’s more to the story than a husband-to-be with cold feet. Finn is running from his past, and destroying their future together in the process. If only she could talk to him, but how do you search for someone who doesn’t want to be found? A heart-rending tale about love and loss. LASTING LOVE? ONE DAY I SHALL ASTONISH THE WORLD…

The actor on starring in BBC1 comedy Here We Go… Two years ago, comedy pilot Pandemonium followed the Jessop family as they navigated their way through the first year of the pandemic. ‘WE HAD SUCH A LAUGH!’ Now, they are back in six-part comedy Here We Go, which follows another 12 months of highs and lows for mum Rachel (Katherine Parkinson), dad Paul (Jim Howick) and the rest of their clan, including gran Sue, who’s played by Gavin & Stacey star Alison Steadman. ‘Sue’s very different to the characters I’ve played before,’ says Alison. ‘She’s quite selfish and thinks of herself, but underneath it all she’s warm and very loving.’ When Alison was first offered the role, there was one aspect that particularly attracted her… ‘I was asked if I…

UP UP AND AWAY! My post-Oscars US trip continued with a balloon ride over Scottsdale in Arizona. Here’s the thing: I hate heights. Put me on a balcony on a skyscraper and I’m sweating like Judith Chalmers without her passport but in a wicker basket with nothing but hot air holding me up, it turns out I’m fine! SPURRED ON! Scottsdale has welcomed them all at its cowboy saloon The Rusty Spur. Stars like John Wayne, Vince Vaughn and Jennifer Aniston have all walked through its doors. I loved the cocktails at nearby bar AZ88 where they train staff by asking them to walk upstairs with a huge martini glass filled with water to make sure they don’t spill a drop. To cap it all off, Ali MacGraw was on…

Belted midi Accentuate your waist with a dress that comes with a belt to add definition. Plus, you can use the belt with your jeans or other dresses as well! The floaty leopard print fabric never goes out of style, just add a pair of black heeled boots for one fierce look. A-line shape If you tend to carry weight on your bottom half, an A-line skirt is a flattering fit. The fabric flares out from the waist, creating room around your hips and thighs. This pastel style is a spring favourite that looks fab when paired with nude heels. Printed mini The ideal holiday dress, this loose frock is a bargain! The print changes direction at the waist, creating a clever line that draws the eye to your smallest…

Coming out of the bathroom, I shook my head sadly and my husband – also called Kelly – pulled me in for a hug. ‘It’ll happen next month,’ he said. We’d got married in August 1986, after meeting at college. And at first, we spent many an evening chatting over dinner, imagining what our future family would be like. ‘I want five kids,’ I smiled. With five siblings of my own, that seemed perfect to me. ‘Whoa,’ Kelly would laugh. ‘Three would be more than enough for me.’ ‘ALL I WANTED WAS A CHILD TO LOVE’ HOPES FADE AWAY But now, after trying for a couple of years, it felt like our dream of having a family might never come true. Watching my friends all having children with ease made…

1 THE POWER OF REGRET by Daniel H Pink (£16.99, Canongate Books) This book has the potential to put a positive spin on some of your most negative life experiences. Having conducted his own World Regret Survey across 105 countries, Daniel highlights the four core regrets that most people have, and explains how we can use them to identify our values. 2 BIGGER THAN US by Fearne Cotton (£16.99, Happy Place Books) Broadcaster and author Fearne Cotton’s latest book follows her journey to overcome her own self-limiting beliefs to achieve contentment. Along the way, she speaks to thought leaders and spiritual practitioners about manifesting, ritual and prayer and explores simple exercises to help you to find greater purpose in life. 3 SIT TO GET FIT by Suzy Reading (£12.99,…

My ex has become nasty Q I’ve been separated for five years, and my ex and I co-parent our two sons. Last year when I met someone new, it turned nasty. My ex started telling our kids I slept around and hinted that I broke us up. When I confronted him, he said he wanted to get back with me and became angry when I refused. Now all communication comes through our eldest, who’s 15, and it’s too much for him. What can I do? A Co-parenting is never easy, even when you get on — never mind when one parent puts themselves (in your case, himself) first. You are right, this is too much for your son. Is there a mutual friend or close family member who can talk…

Doing your bit for the planet means looking for lots of ways to make more sustainable choices, including your gym gear. And the good news is there are amazing products out there – from sweatshirts made out of plastic bottles to swimsuits that were once marine rubbish. You can even find running shoes that began life as a corn cob! Of course, the best way to be greener is to buy less stuff, but when you need to replace your trainers or yoga pants, search out products made from renewable or recycled materials. Don’t forget to give pre-loved sports gear a second life by donating it and check out sites such as eBay or Freecycle before splurging on new kit. MARINE RUBBISH Quality swimwear recycled from trash collected from the…

Bamboo is the undoubted superstar of the green movement, and for good reason. It’s a grass, not a tree, and grows quickly without needing as much water or land. But best of all, it actually helps improve our air by absorbing more carbon dioxide and releasing more oxygen than the same amount of hardwood trees. One of its leading users, BAM, says its clothing stays fresher for longer, too, which means less washing and tumble drying. ✣ We rate these comfy, stretchy leggings, which come in about a dozen patterns and have a handy hidden pocket inside. ✣ The bamboo material in this tee is seriously soft – and the design elegant enough to wear for Pilates or a night out. GET PLOGGING A new Scandi trend combines running with…

Ding! Ping! Beep! That’s pretty much the soundtrack to my life, played on iPhone. And I’m not alone – 84% of the UK’s adult population owns a smartphone, spending an average of two hours and 34 minutes on them every single day. My last screen-time notification came in at a whopping three hours and 37 minutes per day. That’s nearly a fifth of my waking hours. My mobile lives in my back pocket (it’s ended up down the loo more than once!) and MONDAY The old-school alarm clock wakes me. Usually, the first thing I do is check the notifications on my phone: Gmail, WhatsApp, Apple News, Twitter, Instagram… I head to the shower. It’s eerily quiet without the radio on my mobile. I wonder what today’s headlines are? What…

‘I hid in the closet, now I talk on stage’ Jackie Handy, 49, is an author, TEDx and keynote speaker and inclusive leadership specialist (jackiehandy.com) and lives in Cleobury Mortimer, Shropshire. Stepping down from the stage, I took a deep breath. I couldn’t believe I’d done it – I had just told my story in front of hundreds of people. It was September 2018 and I had delivered a TEDx talk, informing companies how best to be truly inclusive. It was particularly poignant for me because speaking openly about my sexuality was something I never would’ve done growing up. OFFENSIVE NAMES It was only when I’d hit puberty that I started to question whether it was boys or girls I fancied. At 15, I told my friends that I was…

ARIES 21 Mar – 20 Apr Always there for friends and family when needed. Be prepared to roll up your sleeves and help if possible. TAURUS 21 Apr – 20 May You’re spending energy learning and looking for your next experience. Think carefully about which subjects appeal. GEMINI 21 May – 20 Jun Thinking of selling a property? With the sun entering your sign you could sell it in no time. So, decide on a new location quickly! CANCER 21 Jun – 22 Jul Try getting more involved in the activities of your favourite people. You might even end up starting a new hobby yourself. LEO 23 Jul – 22 Aug Arranging a fun evening with family? Set up an escape room in your shed or hire an inflatable assault…