Innholdsfortegnelse for 27-Jun-2022 i Woman's Own

This week is a bumper issue for you – and it’s all about shaping up for summer. Of course, there’s no need to get fit for the sunny weather, and embracing our body is what we all strive for, but we’d be kidding ourselves if we pretended we’re all 100% happy with the way we look 100% of the time. So, whether you are trying to lose weight, looking for some flattering fashion, or just trying to be that little bit healthier, we’ve got something for everyone. Plus, on p30, find out how to get the perfect summer glow. Last week I attempted a fake tan (before reading the Beauty team’s advice) but only did my legs. It was a dicey move as one Marilyn moment would have revealed a…

A side from the Royal Family, if there’s one person in the public eye who employs the stiff upper lip perfectly it’s Kate Garraway. The TV presenter has been through a tumultuous time caring for her husband Derek Draper after his near-death COVID-19 ordeal, while being an involved mum to her two kids, Darcey, 17, and Billy, 12, and balancing a high-flying TV career. But despite always appearing to be so cool, calm and collected, the 55-year-old has made no secret of her fear of running out of cash. Derek, 54, a former political spin doctor who has also worked in psychotherapy, was left in a coma and is now bedridden after contracting COVID-19 in March 2020. But the cost of his care is hugely expensive and is proving an…

Caressing my bump as a determined kick prodded me, my tummy suddenly started itching. It was April 2021, I was 31 weeks pregnant, and as I pulled up my top and peered down at my stomach, I noticed some odd pink spots around my belly button. ‘I must have been bitten by something,’ I said to my husband, Warren, then 34. But more and more spots appeared over the next few days, forming into a rash. They became lumpy and unbearably itchy and spread across my body. I found it impossible to leave it alone, my fingers raking constantly at my skin. When it didn’t fade, I rang the GP for advice. He suggested the rash could be eczema and prescribed a steroid cream. But still my fingers scratched incessantly,…

Charlotte Poulter, cancer coach manager at Cancer Support UK says, ‘Many patients say cancer negatively affects romantic relationships. Both during and after treatment, worries around intimacy are common. Patients can lose interest in sex because of tiredness and treatment side effects. Changes to body image can affect patients, causing low self-esteem, decreased sexual confidence/functioning and even depression. ‘Cancer Support UK recognises the emotional impact of an individual’s cancer experience lasts beyond treatment. ‘Talking with others, whether that’s a GP, partner, friends or via peer support groups, such as those offered by Cancer Support UK, can help people to manage these challenges.’ ✣ cancersupportuk.org…

Have you heard about? FAST WALKING CAN MAKE YOU LOOK YOUNGER Want to rewind the years without the expensive treatments? Simply pick up the pace when you’re walking, says research*. That’s right – when comparing fast walkers to slow walkers, results showed that fast walkers had a biological age of 16 years younger. The findings also suggested that habitually slow walkers are at an increased risk for age-related diseases, such as coronary heart disease. If you struggle to hold a conversation, your pace is speedy! It worked for me Carol O’Connor, 58, Birmingham ‘I’ve been affected by hay fever for years. When it gets bad, it can make me not want to leave the house, as the symptoms leave me feeling fed up. Then I started using Fusion Allergy Nasal…

MENOPAUSE IS MAKING ME FEEL  MISERABLE Q For three years, I’ve had bad menopausal symptoms. I was hoping I would manage without HRT, but the flushes and night sweats are getting worse. I’m so fatigued that I’m concerned I will make mistakes at work. My reluctance over taking HRT is mainly that I will presumably just be delaying the inevitable and will go through all this again when I come off it? A Many perimenopausal symptoms are caused by fluctuating hormones, and while some women develop symptoms when stopping HRT, they tend to be less severe if we wean down slowly, so it is definitely worth having a conversation with your doctor. Is there a natural cure for stress? Q Due to a pretty tricky divorce, I’m finding life very stressful…

A subtle glow Not all of us have the desire to look ultra-bronzed. If you’re fair skinned, you may prefer a more natural finish to add just a touch of warmth to your skin tone and disguise any little imperfections. If this is you, try Avon Skin So Soft Enhance & Glow Airbrush Tanning Spray, £3.99, avon.uk.com, a super-light mist that gradually builds a radiant-looking glow – meaning you are in control of the finish you get. It also leaves skin feeling touchably soft. Safety too Just because you’ve slathered on the fake tan doesn’t mean you’re protected from the sun’s harmful rays. But with Skinny Tan Protect & Glow Milk Spray SPF30, £19.99, lookfantastic.com, you can get a glow and enjoy the sun at the same time. The light…

✢ Trim all visible fat off meats and remove skin from poultry. ✢ If you feel hungry between meals, snack on Free Food and, for the very best weight loss, reach for fresh fruit or vegetables first. Fruit and veg that are lowest in energy density are called Speed Free Food. ✢ For extra health benefits and filling power, choose wholegrains, e.g. wholewheat pasta or wholegrain rice, where you can. ✢ Aim to have between six and eight drinks a day – choose water, sugar-free drinks, tea and coffee. Remember any milk needs to come from your allowance. ✢ The most successful slimmers join a group or online programme for shared support, inspiration and motivation.…

Thai sweet chilli pork burgers SERVES 4 Packed with flavour, these burgers won’t break the calorie bank on a weeknight. Serve with a salad for a tasty, fulfilling meal. YOU WILL NEED 455g extra-lean 5% fat pork mince 3tbsp Thai sweet chilli sauce 3 spring onions, chopped (green part only) Handful of fresh coriander, finely chopped ½tsp garlic powder ½tsp onion powder Pinch of chilli flakes (optional, for extra heat) Cooking oil spray To serve: 4 small wholemeal buns, lightly toasted Lettuce Tomatoes, sliced Red onion, sliced Low-fat mayo HOW TO DO IT 1 Combine the pork mince, sweet chilli sauce, spring onions, coriander, garlic powder, onion powder and a pinch of red chilli flakes, if using, in a bowl, then form into 4 equal-sized burgers. Season the outside of…

1 BE AN EARLY BIRD You need to be organised to snap up cheap tickets. Train companies typically release their advance train tickets around 12 weeks before the departure date (some even earlier). Make sure you don’t miss out by setting up a ticket alert online with the rail company you’re planning to travel with or at thetrainline.com. Then buy your tickets as soon as they go on sale. 2 TRY ‘SPLITTING’ YOUR TICKET You might also save if you buy two or more tickets that break the journey into different parts. For example, instead of buying one ticket from London to Newcastle, it can be cheaper to buy one ticket from London to Darlington and another from Darlington to Newcastle. It’s called split-ticketing and you don’t need to change…

✣ Thelma Yvonne Purchase, who is serving a 30-year sentence for the murder of a disabled man, had a civil partnership with Tai Pilley in 2010. ✣ Convict Charles Bronson married Fatema Saira Rehman at HMP Woodhill in 2001. ✣ Richard Ramirez, also known as the ‘Night Stalker,’ was sentenced to death for 13 murders but it didn’t stop magazine editor Doreen Lioy falling for him and agreeing to marry him. ✣ Ted Bundy, the infamous serial killer and rapist, got married to Carole Ann Boone in a courtroom while on trial in February 1980. She went on to have a daughter and  claimed Bundy was the father.…

Luke and I had been living happily for 11 years in our rented bungalow, but it only had two bedrooms, and once the children came along, we knew we’d need something bigger. We decided the time was right to buy a property we could turn into a forever home. I get up at 4am most mornings for work, so didn’t want to travel far, and we wanted to stay close to the kids’ school. We initially kept just missing out on properties – we’d seen so many and lost out for various reasons, but in a way, I’m so glad, as it felt like this house was meant for us. And it was only a mile from our old home, which was a bonus. UNWELCOME DISCOVERIES As soon as we…

SEARING AND HONEST THESE STREETS by Luan Goldie (£14.99, HQ, HB) When your life is crumbling before your very eyes, how do you hold it together? Up until now, single mother Jess has managed to stay afloat and support her two teenage children. But when her landlord decides to sell their family home without warning, Jess confronts the terrifying possibility of homelessness. Things go from bad to worse as her children grow ever more distant, and the toxic older brother Jess cut off years ago begins to haunt her life from the shadows. A raw, powerful portrait of modern Britain and the impossible circumstances faced by ordinary people. HOLIDAY READ THE SUMMER TRIP by Isabelle Broom (£20.99, Hodder & Stoughton, HB) Almost two decades have passed since the fateful summer…

Maya Rudolph ‘WE ALL WANT TO KNOW WHAT IT’S LIKE TO BE RICH’ The Bridesmaids star on playing a billionaire. Molly Novak is a woman who has everything, including a mansion, a private jet, a mega yacht and billions of dollars in the bank. ‘We all want to know what it’s like to be super-rich,’ says Maya Rudolph, who plays Molly in 10-part comedy Loot. ‘I think the life of a billionaire sounds fantastical. With all the extravagance, it can be a really fun and bizarre world to explore.’ When Molly’s husband of 20 years cheats on her with a younger woman, she rapidly spirals and the media has a field day covering her very public breakdown. But as she hits rock bottom, Molly discovers that she has a…

CAN’T HELP FALLING IN LOVE... The eagerly-awaited new biopic Elvis, out this week, stars Austin Butler as ‘The King’, with his scoundrel-cum-genius of a manager Colonel Parker played by Tom Hanks. Austin spent months in lockdown immersing himself in the role. ‘You know, I started absorbing,’ he told me. ‘I watched every frame of footage that existed. I listened to every interview he ever gave and read every book that was written on his life. For me, it was this detective thing of trying to find a human within the icon.’ Go see – I guarantee you’ll have a hunk of burning love for Austin’s tour-de-force performance! LET’S ’AVE ’EM! I was recently reunited with ex-Corrie star Susie Blake (Shelley’s mum, Bev) who is on tour as Frank Spencer’s mother-in-law…

‘LOVING HER HAS ALWAYS BEEN EASY’ As I settled into the spa chair for my pedicure, I picked up my glass of champagne and clinked it with Nicola in the chair next to me. ‘To mother-daughter time,’ I said. ‘How d’you think Dad’s getting on with the boys?’ Nic asked. I’d left my husband Brent at home with our two boys – Henry, then four, and Matt, one. ‘I’m sure he’s just fine,’ I replied. ‘Now, do you fancy a seaweed wrap or a massage next?’ The truth is, Nic was actually my stepdaughter, not my daughter. LIKE A BIG SISTER When I met Brent in July 1991, I was 25, just eight years older than Nic, his daughter from his first marriage. When we went out together, people often…

Denise IN THERAPY She describes herself as a ‘tough old cookie’ and prides herself on solving ‘everything’ but after having her heart broken once too often – most recently after splitting from fiancé Eddie Boxshall – Denise Van Outen, 48, has taken up therapy. Opening up about her struggles the star revealed, ‘For the first time in my life I’m doing therapy… I always thought I could solve everything myself but because everything that happened floored me… I wanted to start to understand why there seems to be a pattern.’ She added, ‘I think I’m a bit of a fixer. I try to fix people and sometimes it’s to my own detriment.’ The mum-of-one went on to admit, ‘My persona is to be “everything’s great, everything’s fine” and I’m…

‘WORK IS WORK AND I LOVE IT, BUT IT’S A JOB’ Filmed purely for the amusement of her 1 million followers, Ruth Langsford’s social media sketches are always hilarious. But if, as the saying goes, there is a hint of truth in every joke, then one particular clip is especially revealing. In the video, Ruth is having her make-up applied for a shoot. She closes her eyes as the make-up artist applies some cream and then she pretends to nod off to sleep. It was a simple farce that attracted more than 6,000 likes, with many of her celeb friends dropping laughing emojis. But do the 62-year-old’s sketches contain coded messages about her overall mood? Because insiders fear that Ruth’s workload has left her feeling exhausted. Perhaps it’s no surprise,…

HERE’S TO EMMA THOMPSON! We’re all a slave to a wax and pluck – but why?! It’s the time of year when us women willingly submit ourselves to pain and indignity. We even pay for it. Those guilty of inflicting this torture call it a ‘treatment’. Like we’re going to be fooled by the fact that the word ‘treat’ is involved in any way shape or form. Come on, girls, in what sane world does having hot wax poured over your genitals and your hair ripped out by its roots actually sound like an indulgence? Calling it a ‘bikini wax’ doesn’t obscure the fact that if it was invented now, we would – rightly – think it was an insane thing to do to ourselves. But we are where we…

I can’t live with him Q For the past 10 years, my husband has worked away for extended periods. The kids (10 and 13) and I are in our own routine, so it works for all of us. But he’s now been offered a job nearby that he feels he should take. I am unhappy about it. When he’s home, he’s tough to live with. He doesn’t get on with the kids, stays up late and sleeps all day, so we’re always tiptoeing around him. I love him, but can’t live with him. Help! A Being away for such long periods is bound to cause issues. You are both naturally entrenched in your own daily patterns – you as the mainly sole parent of two children, and him as a single man. Somewhere…

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‘THE GROUP HELPED US KNOW OURSELVES’ It was on a family holiday in Lanzarote that I got to thinking I wanted something to change. I’d been overweight since childhood, and two tragic events in my 20s saw me reach over 20st. I lost my mum to cancer when I was 23, then my brother died while I was pregnant with my youngest daughter Eden. I’d got through those difficult times by comforting myself with food. After that I never took a thing for granted, including our three beautiful children and our wonderful set of friends, and while my weight increased, I told myself that happiness didn’t lie in a dress size. But as Chris and I sat together enjoying a glass of wine and watching the sunset, I couldn’t help…

In the past, turning 40 was a tidal wave that washed away our vitality and youth. But times have changed. With the worlds of fashion, fitness and beauty clamouring to appeal to the midlife market, a slew of our favourite celebs are proof that these days, age really is just a number. VICTORIA BECKHAM With her perfect brows and glowing skin, Victoria looks more radiant than she did back in her Spice Girl days. The 48-year-old is known for doing a daily 90-minute workout combining cardio and strength training. Recently she admitted that she wanted to cultivate a curvier physique, saying, ‘Skinny is old fashioned.’ Her favourite food is steamed fish and vegetables. J.LO Seriously, is J.Lo the queen of eternal youth? She actually appears to get better with age,…

Budget BBQ tips Save money on your summer barbecue by making a few easy changes 1 REDUCE YOUR MEAT Bulk out chicken skewer kebabs with cheaper sliced courgettes, peppers and red onion. Opt for bean burgers or swap half the mince in your beef patties for grated mushrooms and carrot. 2 DITCH DISPOSABLE Don’t buy disposable plates and cutlery to make clearing up easier. They’re expensive and bad for the environment. Instead, go for reusable or a cheap crockery set from a charity shop and encourage guests to put their plates straight into the dishwasher! 3 GRILL RESPONSIBLY Keep your lid down and only have the gas on when you’re using the barbecue for cooking. This will reduce your fuel consumption and help the cooking process as…

Running around after my four kids and five grandchildren and working as a life coach, my life was pretty busy already in 2019. I was almost too busy to realise I had missed my period… ‘Maybe I’m going into early menopause,’ I thought, reasoning it made sense at the age of 42. But when I started to have a familiar nauseous feeling, I froze. Surely not. Yet, a pregnancy test confirmed it – I was having baby number five. ‘PEOPLE WOULD STARE AT MY BUMP’ Almost 30 years earlier I’d had that same feeling, the same nervous excitement. Only then, I was just 15. I was young and naive and knew deep down that I wasn’t ready to become a mum. I still lived at home with my parents Frances…

ARIES 21 Mar – 20 Apr In high spirits, you’re happy to spread this feeling around. Now’s the time to make important contacts who can spark changes. TAURUS 21 Apr – 20 May Be guided by your curiosity while Mars, the planet of action, is in your sign, putting the spotlight firmly on your career. GEMINI 21 May – 20 Jun Your ruling planet, Mercury, is influenced by Pluto now, cultivating a welcome combination of joy, fearlessness and love. CANCER 21 Jun – 22 Jul Open up to a family member. Exchanging your thoughts will allow love to flow easily and a renewed connection to be made. LEO 23 Jul – 22 Aug Get your bearings when you’re exploring a new area. Map out a new route, with a few…

BEACH READY Ideal for all your holiday essentials. Bag, £15, Next IN THE BAG Bold, bright and big enough for everyday use. Bag, £35, kaleidoscope.co.uk COLOUR POP A subtle way to brighten up a neutral outfit. Hat, £20, Joules BLOCK PARTY Team with a floral midi dress. Shoes, £26, Head Over Heels at Matalan PASTEL PERFECTION We love this brand-new colourway. Watch, £49.99, sekonda.com RED HOT Dress, £49, sizes 8-24, hat, £22, shoes, £39, all kaleidoscope.co.uk TANGERINE DREAM Sliders are perfect for poolside posing. Shoes, £6, Tu Clothing ARM CANDY Elevate any outfit with this beaded beauty. Bag, £32.99, Zara BUCKLE UP Create curves and cinch in your waist. Belt, £16, Lipsy at Next FLOWER POWER The perfect shoe to see you through the summer. Shoes, £29.50, M&S UNDER THE…

As I climbed carefully into bed, my husband Jason reached for my hand to make sure I was steady. It was April 2019 and after months without intimacy, I finally felt ready to have sex with my husband again. We had been married for 15 years, yet it felt like that first time all over again. You see, when you’re diagnosed with cancer, you know your life is about to change - you might have to give up work, your physical appearance will change, your social life will change - but nobody tells you how much it will alter your sex life. I was diagnosed with triple negative breast cancer in August 2018 and told I would need a lumpectomy, chemotherapy and 23 rounds of radiotherapy. It was weeks after…

Barely there If your nails are breaking easily, it’s time to give them a breather. But bare nails can still look the part with the Essie Nail Care Hard to Resist Nail Strengthener, £9.99, Boots. Paint two coats and watch your nails radiate a healthy, subtle pink glow, all while the formula works to strengthen and repair. Let it shine A pocket-friendly price shouldn’t compromise on quality. Barry M Gelly Nail Paint in Plum Jam, £3.99, lookfantastic.com, achieves a rich, oh-so-glossy finish. We were impressed to see it last all week without budging. Plus, this irresistible deep berry shade is bound to get noticed. Lemon loving When life gives you lemons, paint them on your nails so you can stare at them all day! Peacci Nail Polish in Lemonade, £10,…

Chris says, ‘I hadn’t even noticed how much weight I’d gained over the years. Working as a supermarket manager, 12-hour days were the norm. I’d eat on the go, grabbing hot rolls, loaded wedges or breakfast wraps from the deli – anything convenient and quick to eat. ‘We found the support in the group really helpful, so when everything closed due to lockdown it came as a real shock. We needn’t have worried at all, though – we attended the group virtually and it was just as motivating. ‘What we once perceived as “us time” is now “family time”. We eat together and go out and enjoy ourselves. Nicola and I go on date nights, too – slimming has definitely brought us closer together as a couple.’…

With al fresco barbecue feasts, boozy cocktails and ice cream to enjoy, sticking to a diet at this time of year is hard. But you don’t need an extreme exercise regime or low-cal plan to keep off the pounds. By introducing some of these nifty slimming tricks, you can supercharge your fat burn without missing out on all the fun that these summer months have to offer. 1 Eat in the light Dim light makes you eat more, because you’re less self-aware and more likely to let go of inhibitions. 2 Brush your teeth after your evening meal Then you’ll be less likely to snack in front of the TV. 3 STAR TIP ‘IF I’M OUT FOR LUNCH, I’LL AVOID THE BREAD – OR I’D NEVER BE ABLE TO STOP.’…

Q I’d like to improve the garden of my rented home. What do you suggest? A If you don’t want to spend money on creating a garden you can’t take with you when you move, think about using portable items to create your outdoor oasis. A few plants in colourful pots can transform a bare yard into a calming sanctuary. Use ladder shelves, side tables or plant stands to elevate smaller pots to add interest. Outdoor rugs and showerproof soft furnishings add personality. If your fence has seen better days but you’re not allowed to replace or paint it, disguise it with a bamboo, willow or metal screen, which will give privacy and can be taken with you at the end of your tenancy. Q Where’s the best place to…

‘I’M NOT SEEING THE RESULTS I USED TO’ Known in acting circles as a triple threat for her ability to sing, dance and act, Claire Sweeney is a true showbiz survivor. Since her big break in the Channel 4 soap Brookside in the 1990s, she’s competed on the BBC’s Strictly Come Dancing, starred in a string of TV shows and West End musicals as well as a number of touring productions, all while being a mum to her seven-year-old son, Jaxon. Now she is back headlining at Proud Cabaret on London’s Embankment doing what she does best - belting out show tunes and entertaining the crowds. But for all her outward display of confidence, Claire, 51, admits that there is something she struggles with – her weight. She says, ‘I’m…

Film ELVIS Out 24 June Elvis Presley’s life is looked at through the lens of his complex relationship with manager Colonel Tom Parker in this biopic. Starring ex-Nickelodeon star Austin Butler as ‘The King’ and Tom Hanks as Parker, director Baz Luhrmann’s trademark glitzy visuals promise to bring Elvis alive. Music JACK JOHNSON Meet The Moonlight (Brushfire/Republic Records) Out 24 June He brought us the likes of Better Together and Banana Pancakes and now Jack Johnson is back. With his classic acoustic sound, the singer-songwriter has created an album we’ll be unwinding to (preferably on a beach with a cocktail in hand) all summer long. Event AMERICAN EXPRESS PRESENTS BRITISH SUMMER TIME 24 June - 10 July, Hyde Park, London Spread over three weekends, American Express presents nine days of…