Innholdsfortegnelse for 19-Sep-2022 i Woman's Own

With the cost of living crisis and rising bills looming we’re all having to watch what we spend and budget even more carefully. With that in mind, on p74 we’ve got some brilliant bargains for you – new homeware buys (30 of them, in fact!) that all come in at £30 or less. Meaning you can get a fresh new look without breaking the bank. Also, if you’re signing up to Slimming World, make sure to take advantage of the offer on p45 – and you can get 10% off your Iceland food shop (T&Cs apply). Plus, on p57, our food team brings you a roundup of all the best supermarket deals this week – savvy shopping at its best! Enjoy, and have a great week! The Woman’s Own Look…

‘I’M ALWAYS OPEN TO MEETING SOMEBODY AND FALLING IN LOVE’ Coleen Nolan has been nursing a broken heart since her year-long romance with supermarket logistics worker Michael Jones ended earlier this year. A source told Woman’s Own at the time that Michael ended things because he ‘struggled with having such a public relationship’ and that Coleen, 57, felt ‘embarrassed’ over being dumped. And a source has now told us that Coleen is feeling lonely and is ready to give love another go. ‘All her kids are in relationships and have moved out. Coleen’s already spoken about having empty nest syndrome and it’s really hit hard,’ they said. ‘She lives out in the countryside, far away from friends and her sisters. She has her animals to keep her company, but that’s…

TURNING BACK THE CLOCK ON FEMINISM Will men and women ever have the same roles at home? Ah, working from home together. The joy of sharing your lives, jointly raising a family, pottering about the house you both have time to lavish care and attention on. A perfect partnership dream sold on a pandemic nightmare. ‘MUMS STILL DO MORE CHORES’ Oops. Scratch all of the above. While many companies continue to sell this utopia of domestic bliss, the bitter truth for so many women is it’s actually taking the domestic… er, mickey. A new scientific study of parents who do not regularly visit an office or place of work has revealed that mums often ends up doing MORE of the childcare and chores while dads do LESS. How is this…

TOP TIP In winter, switch the heels for knee-high boots. The skirt The weather can be unpredictable right now, so stay ahead of it with a short-sleeve knit and skirt combo. When styling, tuck your jumper into your skirt. It’ll not only look great but will also define your waist. TOP TIP Add a fine-knit polo underneath to keep you warm on colder days. The jumpsuit Tap into the utility trend with a khaki jumpsuit. Achingly cool, this one is surprisingly easy to wear, thanks to the waist-cinching built-in belt. Dress up with heels or keep it casual at the weekend with some stylish flats. The dress A shirt-dress is a style staple and this tiered design keeps it effortless and easy to throw on when you’re in a hurry.…

Fuller finish Eyes appear youthful when they look wide awake and fresh, which is why enhancing your lashes – especially if they lack in volume – is essential. We were pleasantly surprised with the results of the purse-friendly Essence Lash Like A Boss Instant Volume & Length Mascara Ultra Black, £3.79, amazon.co.uk. The soft, curved fibre brush provides an instant volume effect and visibly lengthened lashes. Not bad for under £4! Clever curl Longer eyelashes can make your eyes look wider, but only if they curl upwards. So if straight lashes are your beauty niggle, you’ll love Clarins Supra Lift & Curl, £23, Boots. A new formula has been developed to create a more ‘open’ eye area and boost the strength of your natural lashes. Mascara is delivered using a…

Have you heard about? EATING A BURGER A DAY CAN CAUSE MEMORY DECLINE Love fast food? You might be risking developing Alzheimer’s, says new research*. Scientists found that those who ate the most processed food had a 28% faster rate of cognitive decline than those who ate the least. It is believed processed foods may trigger lesions in the brain, speeding up memory decline. It worked for me Sarah Basser, 57, Cambridge ‘I had irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) on and off for 30 years. I tried everything recommended (such as not having certain foods and eating regularly) to get it under control, but nothing worked long-term. I now take Juvia Digestive Balance Formula (£49, juvia.me). It’s a supplement made from barley, which works by breaking down carbohydrates before they have…

I feel manipulated at work Q Over the past few years, I have really lost my confidence. This is at its worst at work. One of the people I work with is a woman half my age who is highly manipulative. She is always telling me what to do and taking credit for my work. When I say something to her, she denies everything or acts like I can’t remember things properly. She’s making me so stressed and anxious. Please help. A Gaslighting at work is when a colleague or manager manipulates you to the point that you question your memory. The gaslighter does this by denying events, downplaying your emotions and suggesting you don’t recall things correctly. Start by documenting her behaviour and comments, then talk to your manager,…

A GLASS BOTTLE We love the colours of these stunning vases, made from recycled glass. ✣ Different designs from £25.99, softstore.co A WOMAN’S SARI Why buy wrapping paper when you can use one of these beautiful fabric pieces made from recycled saris in Nepal? Encourage friends to pass them on. The company will also plant a tree for each order. ✣ Furoshiki Fabric Gift Wrap, £3.95 (approx 60 x 60cm), snootycatz.co.uk A PLASTIC BOTTLE Fab blankets, each made from up to 300 plastic bottles. Soft, cosy and machine washable too! ✣ Diamond Gooseberry Blanket, £55 (230 x 130cm), weavergreen.com A CASHMERE JUMPER Treat yourself to these fingerless gloves, made from discarded 100% cashmere. Or just pay £5 and swap your own unwanted cashmere sweater for a pair. ✣ Cashmere gloves,…

Too good to throw Reduce your food waste and save yourself some money with these easy tips and tricks BRUISED BANANAS If you don’t like eating bananas that are super ripe, peel and freeze them instead. Use them straight from the freezer for smoothies and milkshakes or defrost and use in bakes such as banana bread. ORGANISED SNACKING Create a section in your fridge and cupboards for food that needs eating urgently. It’ll prevent food getting lost in the mix and going off before you’ve had a chance to use it. SLICE YOUR CITRUS Got a glut of lemons and limes you don’t need right now? Slice or cut into wedges and freeze then to use in drinks or cocktails instead of ice cubes. SAVE YOUR STEMS Many people throw…

READER QUESTION Q I’m saving for different things but can’t keep tabs on what I’ve saved for each one. Do you have any tips? AIt might be useful to choose a savings account that lets you save into separate ‘pots’. For example, a Chase current account (chase.co.uk) lets you open up to 10 saver accounts for different goals, such as a holiday or new car, and you can set targets to track your progress. Each account will earn interest. So look around to find the best savings account for you. Go green for less Don’t discard your old toothbrushes. Save them instead and use them to clean hard-to-get-at places, such as the grout in between kitchen and bathroom tiles. They’re great for sprucing up muddy bicycle chains too! 3 easy…

‘I no longer feel ashamed’ Sarah Smith, 32, lives in Leicester with her wife Carly, 32, and raises awareness for ileostomy bags on Instagram @positively_stella. At just 16, in 2006, I was diagnosed with incurable inflammatory bowel disease, ulcerative colitis. For 13 years, I tried every available medication to help manage the condition but eventually doctors decided I needed an ileostomy, where the small bowel is diverted through an opening in the tummy and a stoma bag is fitted to collect waste. In April 2019, I had the surgery. In the beginning, I struggled to come to terms with the bag and felt ashamed of it. I only had medical leaflets to show me what it was and how it worked, yet nothing to help me embrace it. But six…

ALL UNDER £30…

13-19 September 2022 ASK ALEXA ‘WHAT IS MY HOROSCOPE TODAY?’ ARIES 21 Mar – 20 Apr You’ll make an impact wherever you go. A family member will invite you for an evening out to celebrate your success. TAURUS 21 Apr – 20 May Your party season’s beginning, reminding you how getting dressed up gives you a boost. Make the most of any quiet time. GEMINI 21 May – 20 Jun Relationships are high on your agenda, so make the most of them. Your hard work will pay off in terms of your career. CANCER 21 Jun – 22 Jul Loved ones show they’re proud of you. Your perception is sharp, so trust your instincts to suss out the new people in your life. LEO 23 Jul – 22 Aug Venus…

MY DARLING DAUGHTER by JP Delaney (£14.99, HB, Quercus) Fifteen years ago, Susie made the hardest decision of her life: to give up her newborn daughter for adoption. Now happily married to Gabe, she lives in a beautiful farmhouse and has a successful singing career. Having been unable to conceive again, the 35-year-old is delighted when her daughter Anna unexpectedly gets in touch via social media. But their joyful reunion is clouded by Anna’s concerning descriptions of her home life. Certain that there are dark secrets at play, Susie begins to fear for her daughter’s welfare. After all these years, the ugly truth is about to be exposed… A twisty, electrifying read. THE HIDDEN PALACE by Dinah Jefferies (£8.99, PB, HarperCollins) You can be anyone you like in the winding…

Turning the key in the ignition in my new motorhome for the first time, I had no idea where I was going. Having just retired at 60, my only plan was to have no plan. I was the mistress of my own destiny and my future was full of potential, which felt both exciting and terrifying. Three years later, I still have no fixed address. The only certainty is that I am living my life the way I want. It’s a long way from the darkness of my 50s when I’d struggled with empty nest syndrome, menopause symptoms and the grief of losing both my brother and sister. After 30 years as a reporter, presenter and producer, I felt invisible at work and wasn’t coping with life. FEELING INVINCIBLE My…

Family drama JUDY’S HELL Judy Finnigan has told of her agony over her new granddaughter’s birth, which ended with her being delivered via an emergency C-section. The 74-year-old described her terror as the baby’s heartbeat dropped, when her daughter Chloe, 35, had a nightmare on the labour ward. She said, ‘Her waters broke in the middle of the night but no contractions followed, so her midwife advised her to come into hospital to be induced. Chloe was facing the harsh reality of a hormone drip which speeds up labour. Problem was it didn’t work. The baby hated the drug and her heartbeat dropped each time the midwives tried to increase the dose.’ Judy went on to reveal that the baby could have been in serious trouble had Chloe not gone…

TOP TROPICS Team this blouse with high-waisted jeans. Top, £19.99, sizes xs-xxl, H&M QUEEN BEE Carry your cash in this cute, insect-inspired pouch. Purse, £16, Accessorize FOLLOW THE MULES Make your outfit pop with stylish heels. Shoes, £12, Primark TURQUOISE TALONS Give yourself a mani with this Plant Power polish. Nail polish, £9, Nails Inc SKIRT THE ISSUE Swish around in this palm-print maxi skirt. Skirt, £24, sizes 6-22, Next CUSHION COLLECTION Jazz up your sofa with these comfy buys. Tropical cushion, £17.50, palm embroidered cushion, £17.50, parrot cushions, £12.50 each, cream pom-pom cushion, £15, navy cushion, £22.50, all M&S YOU GLOW GIRL Level-up your complexion. Swipe To Glow Toner, £10, M&S HOOP EAR-GREENS Ear candy just got a tad greener. Earrings, £12.99, Mango PERFECT PEAR-ING Have a statement cuppa.…

Jennifer Grey Dirty Dancing’s Jennifer Grey knows all too well about surgery regrets. The 62-year-old, who stole the show as Baby in the 1987 film, said, ‘I went into the operating room a celebrity and came out anonymous… It was the nose job from hell. I’ll always be this once-famous actress nobody recognises because of a nose job.’ It seems that surgery put Baby in a corner… Sharon Osbourne An attempt at chasing youthfulness left Sharon Osbourne looking like a ‘f*****g Cyclops’ – her words, not ours. She revealed, ‘I had a full facelift done in October and I looked like one of those f*****g mummies that they wrap… I’m telling you, it was horrendous. I’m, like, “You’ve got to be f*****g joking.” One eye was different to the other.…

Worried about your wobble? You should be. People who were unable to stand on one leg for 10 seconds (the ‘flamingo’ test, right) were 84% more likely to die early compared to those who could do it easily, according to a recent Brazilian study. Fortunately, you can quickly better your balance – and health – by incorporating each of these simple tricks and exercises into your week. 1 CHALLENGE YOURSELF REGULARLY Use any opportunity to try balancing for 10-30 seconds on each leg. Do it while you’re… ✣ Brushing your teeth ✣ Talking on the phone ✣ Waiting for the bus or train ✣ In the supermarket queue ✣ Waiting for the kettle to boil 2 WORK YOUR LOWER BODY People who struggle to sit down and get back up…

The first time I stepped on the scales at a Slimming World group, I carried a secret target in my heart that couldn’t be measured in stones and pounds. I weighed 27st and I couldn’t even look at a photo of myself without crying. I wanted to start loving myself, so I might find someone who loved me and fulfil my dream of starting a family. Right now, even if I did meet Mr Right, with my periods practically non-existent, I was convinced that I’d never get pregnant anyway. ‘A FEW DAYS LATER, I GOT STOMACH CRAMPS’ MAKING CHANGES I threw myself into Slimming World’s Food Optimising plan and as my weight dropped, I felt confident enough to try a dating app. What’s more, my periods had become regular, giving…

‘At 47, I finally passed my driving test’ Flic Everett, a writer, 51, lives in the West Highlands with her husband Andy, also 51, and their two dogs. I turned to the examiner in the passenger seat and braced myself. It was my fifth driving test, and the signs so far weren’t good. I’d stalled, driven over a kerb, and had been so obviously anxious during the first half that he’d asked me to pull over and take a deep breath before continuing. ‘Well,’ he said, ‘I have to tell you… you’ve passed!’ After four failures, countless lessons and even a hypnotherapy session, I couldn’t quite process that I’d finally succeeded at the age of 47. That was in 2018, and as I now drive, alone, up and down the…

‘I live in hope’ Karen Bahia, 34, lives in Coventry with her three-year-old son Harvey, and her parents Jusber, 59, and Paramjit, 61. Holding my newborn in my arms, I felt terrified. It was January 2019, and Harvey had been diagnosed with kidney failure. At my 20-week scan, doctors had warned his kidneys were growing at an alarming rate. I’d been advised to have an abortion, but I’d been adamant. ‘I want to give him a chance,’ I’d said. In the womb, he was diagnosed with posterior urethral valves, a condition found in boys that meant there was a blockage in the urethra. As he’d grown, his bladder had expanded, causing severe pressure on his kidneys. Harvey was born at 37 weeks, but the future was uncertain. After two days,…

Splashing her hands in the warm water, my baby girl Jessamy shrieked with joy. She was watching her big sister Jemima, eight, pull funny faces beside her bathtub and I couldn’t help but laugh at the two of them. My heart felt so full – ever since Jessamy was born four months earlier, my two girls had been inseparable. Jemima doted on her little sister, helping as I bathed her, passing me nappies when I needed them, and she was always going to check on her when she was sleeping. ‘I’m not disturbing her, I’m just looking,’ she would smile. It was January 2020 and Jessamy was my seventh child with my husband Charles, then 46. She completed our busy, happy family. I had always known that I wanted a…

Shaking hands with a new colleague, I saw her glance at my name badge, a confused expression on her face. ‘Sheetal?’ she said. ‘That’s an unusual name.’ I knew what she was thinking – my name didn’t match my appearance as a white woman. ‘My parents went through a hippy stage and gave me an Indian name,’ I smiled. It was a lie. My parents Mina, 69, and Anil, 72, are Indian, but you’d never know from looking at me, because a condition called universal vitiligo has stripped the brown pigmentation from my skin. It was 1987 and I was seven when my big sister Tejal, then 10, noticed a patch of white skin behind my ear the size of a penny. She pointed it out to my parents, but…

Statement shirt When it comes to adding prints to your capsule wardrobe, stick to classics that will never go out of style, such as animal print. I don’t think I will ever tire of this leopard design! This shirt has a relaxed fit that’s easy to layer over a cami or keep it buttoned up and half-tuck into jeans. Shirt, £15, sizes 6-22, F&F Clothing at Tesco Paula Padded coat Quilted coats were a huge trend last autumn and it looks set to continue this year. If you find the bulky style overwhelming, look for belted designs like this one. The khaki hue gives a nod to the utility trend and makes it easy to style with all your autumn basics. Coat, £45, sizes 8-24, Tu Clothing at Sainsbury’s Hannah…

Pineapple power This tropical fruit contains vitamins, antioxidants and an enzyme called bromelain, which gently exfoliates and helps inhibit the bacteria that cause breakouts. Pineapple also packs a powerful glow punch, making patchy complexions appear more even, and leaving skin glossy. ✣ Essence Hello Good Stuff Face Serum, £4.50, Wilko, is made using 97% natural ingredients, including pineapple extract, to leave skin bright and bouncy. ✣ Revolution Skincare Pineapple Enzyme Glow Gommage Peel, £8, lookfantastic.com, lifts grime and dead skin. Massage it over the face, then rinse well. ✣ Boots Glow Pineapple Gel Moisturiser, £4, has a light and refreshing jelly-like texture that melts into thirsty skin. Go coconuts Harness the hydrating properties of coconut in your beauty regime, and your skin will go from drab to fab. It’s packed…

Dear Gavin, It’s been six months; 183 days; 4,392 hours; 263,520 minutes; 15,811,200 seconds since Rhi died. I’m writing to you now because I wanted to tell you about some of the stuff you will experience in the coming months. This is something you hear happening to someone else, not us. But it did happen, and here we are – a single parent with two small kids trying to hold it all together. M will start to ask you where Mummy is and whether she’s still upstairs sleeping. You’ll notice his mood drop, and when you ask him what’s wrong, he’ll burst into tears and say, ‘I’ve lost my mummy, haven’t I?’ All you’ll be able to do is hold him and let him know it’s OK to cry. I…

AM I ALLERGIC TO HRT PATCHES? Q Five years ago, my periods stopped. I have resisted taking hormone replacement therapy (HRT), but the night sweats seem to be getting worse. My GP persuaded me to use patches rather than pills as they said it would mean a lower total dose of hormone. The sweats have dramatically improved, but I’m wondering if I’m allergic to them as they are leaving sore red patches? A Some women do find the patches irritate the skin. You could try a different make, or you could take the oestrogen component of HRT as a gel and take the progestogen as a pill. Alternatively, if patches aren’t working you could consider oral HRT. He’s so forgetful Q My dad lives a long way from us, so…

Realistically, most of us will never live a zero-waste lifestyle, but when it comes to sending less to landfill, we could all do better. Recycling is really our last resort – better to consume less and choose wisely. ‘Most packaging has issues, whatever it is made of,’ says author James Piper in The Rubbish Book. ‘Why does a toothpaste tube come in a cardboard box? Why is a paper straw acceptable when it is not needed? We should focus on what is important, reducing all packaging and reusing wherever possible.’ In the meantime, swot up on some of the more surprising dos and don’ts of recycling. Sort it out! ‘For recycling to be effective, it is essential that certain waste types are kept apart,’ says James. ‘For example, leaving…

PREP TIME: 10 MINS COOK TIME: 1 HR SKILL LEVEL: EASY CALS: 400 FAT: 19G SAT FAT: 4G CARBS: 16G Chicken cacciatore with herby crumb SERVES 6 This Italian chicken stew is packed with flavour and the herby breadcrumb topping adds delicious crunch. YOU WILL NEED 3tbsp olive oil for frying and extra for drizzling 6 skinless, boneless chicken thighs 1 onion, chopped 1 stick celery, sliced 2 garlic cloves, chopped 2 x 400g tins plum tomatoes 1 chicken or veg stock cube, crumbled 100g pitted black olives, drained 2 slices stale bread, whizzed or grated to make breadcrumbs 25g Parmesan-style hard cheese 1tsp dried/frozen herbs (use fresh if you grow them on your windowsill) HOW TO DO IT 1 Heat half the oil in a shallow flameproof casserole…

Spiralling food prices, fuel costs and massive energy hikes have impacted the older generation’s retirement particularly badly. And the worrying economic situation has led to some pensioners not merely tightening their belts, but seeking a return to employment to pay their bills. The ‘great resignation’ has now been superseded by the ‘great unretirement’. New figures from the Office for National Statistics (ONS) show an increase of 116,000 over-50s in work, or looking for work, in the past year, including 37,000 women over the age of 65. Of those not currently looking, 33% of 50-64-year-olds and 10% of those aged 65 and over say they would consider returning to work. And a survey by Rest Less, the digital community for over-50s, found that 32% of its members would consider going back…

LADY LOUISE WINDSOR When she isn’t displaying impressive horse and carriage riding – as seen at her grandmother’s Platinum Jubilee celebrations – Lady Louise Windsor brushes shoulders with the public while working at a local garden centre. Following her A levels, Prince Edward’s eldest, 18, has been getting her hands dirty for £6.63 an hour, despite living in a £30 million mansion in Bagshot Park, Surrey. However, Lady Louise’s summer job won’t last much longer as the royal teen has confirmed her attendance at the University of St Andrews – where the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge met in 2001 – this autumn. Let’s hope this short-lived taste of the real world will leave her prepared! PETER PHILLIPS Peter Phillips is the Queen’s eldest grandchild, but without a royal title,…

1 VISIT EXCITING NEIGHBOURHOODS Greenwich Village, SoHo, Tribeca, Brooklyn – you’ll probably recognise the names of New York’s most famous neighbourhoods. Each one has its own character, and just wandering around feels like free sightseeing. Many of the best museums are on the Upper East Side, for example, but the finest art galleries are arguably in the Meatpacking District and some fantastic nightlife can be found in the East Village. Discover your personal favourites just by exploring the city centre on foot, or by hopping on the inexpensive city subway network. 2 SHOP ’TIL YOU DROP Macy’s, Saks Fifth Avenue and Bloomingdale’s - they’re the big-name department stores of New York that you’ll have seen in the films. But there’s much more shopping to enjoy here too, from the big…

CLUES & ARROWS Fill in the clues in the direction of the arrows WORDWISE Cope, coper, copier, copter, creep, crepe, crept, crop, epic, incept, inceptor, inept, nope, open, opener, opine, optic, pectin, peen, peer, pent, peon, peri, pert, peter, picot, piece, piecer, pier, pierce, pincer, pine, pint, pion, pioneer, piton, poet, poetic, point, pointe, pointer, porcine, pore, porn, port, potence, preen, prentice, price, prince, print, prone, protein, receipt, RECEPTION, recipe, reopen, repent, , repine, ripe, ripen, rope, toper, topic, trip, tripe, trope, tropic. WORDSEARCH Answer: ALLIGATOR SUDOKU CROSSWORD CLUES & ARROWS Puzzle solutions Sudoku To solve the puzzle, each 3x3 box, each column and each row must contain the numbers 1 to 9. Wordsearch An inhabitant of Belgrade Zoo for over 80 years, Muja is what species of animal? The…

Film TICKET TO PARADISE Out 16 September George Clooney and Julia Roberts reunite as warring exes who team up to try to stop their daughter (Booksmart’s Kaitlyn Dever) marrying a local man in Bali after a whirlwind romance. Expect lush locales, drunk parent dancing and sparky banter as real-life besties Clooney and Roberts let sparks fly. Music MARCUS MUMFORD Self-Titled (Capitol Records), 16 September 2022 He’s won awards as the frontman of Mumford & Sons and now singer-songwriter Marcus Mumford is releasing his debut solo album. With some of Mumford’s most honest lyrics to date, and guest appearances from the likes of Phoebe Bridgers and Brandi Carlile, this record is a must-listen whether you’re a fan or not. Musical FISHERMAN’S FRIENDS: THE MUSICAL Until 13 May 2023, venues nationwide including…

She’s been on our screens for over 30 years and a Loose Woman for more than 20, but how well do we really know Kaye Adams? The 59-year-old, who lives in Glasgow with partner Ian and their daughters Charley, 20, and Bonnie, 15, is about to take on Strictly Come Dancing as her latest challenge. Here, Woman’s Own finds out a few of the star’s secrets… 1 Item in my wardrobe I’ve got this terrible, ugly old fleece in two-tone grey, which my partner, Ian, regularly threatens to burn. If it ever goes missing, I go to him first and ask, ‘What have you done with my fleece?’ I’ve got some lovely clothes, but I get attached to old, comfy and familiar things. Usually, the older and smellier, the…

BACK TO SCHOOL Great to catch up with cheeky pals Brian McFadden and Keith Duffy – back on tour as Boyzlife with their new album Old School, dedicated to Keith’s dad who died in January. ‘It’s been tough, but he was around long enough to see us perform and hear our new songs and he helped us change the songs that needed to be changed.’ BEASTING IT! He may be wrestling with a vengeful King of the Jungle in hit film Beast, but star Idris Elba proved he was lion-hearted when I chatted to him about his marriage to wife Sabrina. ‘Chemistry is a really important part of relationships,’ says the newly turned 50-year-old star. ‘The purest thing you can be together is best mates and if we can hang…