Innholdsfortegnelse for December 7, 2015 i Woman's Own

Actress Linda Robson has been given a stark warning that her health could be at risk, after it was revealed she is drinking too much. The shock news came after it was announced that Linda knocked back an incredible 41.9 units of alcohol in one week – way above NHS guidelines, which recommends no more than 14-21 units. And Linda, 57, was told that even if she was to cut back, damage has already been done to her body. ‘Scary’ news Linda’s drinking habits were revealed when she took part in an alcohol awareness test on ITV’s Loose Women . Along with fellow panellists Andrea McLean, 46, Sherrie Hewson, 65, and Kaye Adams, 52, Linda was asked to fill in a diary detailing every alcoholic drink she’d had over a…

The start of the Christmas season was once marked by decking the halls, eating mince pies, and opening your advent calendar. But not any more. These days, the adverts are as much a part of the festivities as Santa Claus and baubles. And, for retailers, they’re big business, with John Lewis spending an incredible £7 million on last year’s Monty the Penguin advertising campaign. But, while you might think it’s a new tradition, in fact there have been some real crackers in the past. So, as 25 December creeps ever closer, we take a look back at the nation’s favourites that are still guaranteed to bring you some festive cheer… A FITTING FAREWELL TO LYNDA Last year, we said goodbye to Loose Women’s Lynda Bellingham. But…

1 Acknowledge why you’re angry. You need to think about what’s stopping you accepting an apology. What is it that you’re angry about? Has this been acknowledged and dealt with? 2 Consider what forgiving means. It isn’t always about forgetting what someone has done, or condoning what has happened. It simply means that you are able to move on from it. 3 Discuss the issue together. This means saying what you need to say, but also listening to the other side of the story to see if there has been confusion over what happened. 4 If you can’t forgive, look at your reasons. They may well be valid, but you need to stop being angry and move on or it will eat away at you. Holding a grudge will do…

Cold, damp weather can make us more vulnerable to common winter illnesses, such as flu, and aggravate any existing health conditions. Getting the flu jab is a wise precaution, so see your pharmacist or GP for advice. Stay snug by heating your home to at least 18°C (65°C) – possibly higher in your living room. Set the heating to come on just before you get up, and to switch off after you’ve gone to bed. Thick, lined curtains keep out the cold more effectively. Close them at dusk, before it gets really cold. Go for the thin layers principle with your clothes. Warm air gets trapped between each layer, and acts as insulation. Staying active helps to keep you warm. Get out for a brisk walk with the family or,…

Chicken balti curry SERVES 2 PREP TIME 10 MINS COOKING TIME 25 MINS COST PER SERVING £1.89 YOU WILL NEED 2tsp sunflower oil ½ medium onion, sliced 200g chicken breast chopped into large chunks 2tbsp balti paste 175g potatoes, cubed 100ml water Large handful baby spinach HOW TO DO IT 1 Heat the oil in a large pan, add the onion and cook until softened. 2 Stir in the chicken, season generously to taste and cook for 5 mins. 3 Add the balti paste to the pan, fry for 1 min, coating the chicken, then add potatoes, water and spinach. 4 Cover, bring to the boil, turn down the heat and simmer for 15 mins until the potatoes have softened and the chicken is cooked. NUTRITION PER SERVING 274 cals,…

We’ve teamed up with discount beauty store Beauty Outlet Direct to give every reader a free make-up essential – a Revlon CustomEyes Mascara in either black or brown, worth £9.99 each. You’ll just pay £3.50 towards postage and packaging. AND WHY NOT TREAT YOURSELF TO… Bourjois Bio Detox Organic Concealer in either bronze or medium. RRP £8.99 Our price £5.50 Pair of L’Oréal Nail Polishes in silver and gold fleck. RRP £9.98 Our price £5 L’Oréal Infallible 24H Lip Colour in either 1 Timeless Volcano, 2 Unchanging Beige or 3 Stay Nude. RRP £10.99 Our price £5.95 Freshwater pearl bracelet with velvet bag. RRP £12 Our price £6.95 HOW TO ORDER BY POST Please complete the order form • Please note that payment by card cannot be made for orders of…

Brendan Coyle SAGITTARIUS (2 DECEMBER) Will there be life after Downton? The actor’s chart suggests he’s already lined up something powerful, although it also shows a loss proving unexpectedly painful. Saying goodbye to Bates? Aries 21 Mar – 20 Apr Don’t be surprised if you find yourself in an argument with your nearest and dearest. Especially if you’re trying to plan how Christmas and New Year will go. Be mindful of the fact that if you get them really riled, it won’t be pretty. Tread carefully. For more call 0901 609 4780* Taurus 21 Apr – 20 May On Saturday, your ruler Venus swings  into your opposite sign, putting relationships on a good footing right up until Christmas. If there are people you need to make up with in order…

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Romeo Beckham is a handsome lad. Susan Chapman Loving a nude manicure right now! Kelly Steele Pizza Express Brussels sprouts pizza? Sorry, not for me! Helen Davenport Julie Walters is great. She always looks so natural. Lin McAteer French fry soup? Sounds gross! Natalie Heart What do YOU think? Last week, we asked you… SHOULD FAMILY FOOD OUTLETS LIKE BURGER KING SELL BOOZE? This is how you answered: YES 60% NO 40% Don’t forget to visit our website for this week’s question!…

Hunger Games star Julianne Moore chats winning awards, family and fame… You won an Oscar for Still Alice earlier this year. How was that? I was in the front row with my husband [director Bart Freundlich] and I was like, ‘Is this actually happening?’ It was amazing. I’m just grateful I remembered everything I wanted to say. Was it all the sweeter because it was your fifth nomination? Everyone talks about awards and rewards, but I think the reward is the work itself. It sounds corny, but, for me, the best part of the movie is being on set. The rest of it I enjoy, but it isn’t why I keep coming back. Was there extra pressure on you this year because of all the award…

He’s the king of reality TV, is going down a storm on Strictly , has a new album of classics out, and is happily married and a dad-of-three. Life has never been sweeter for Peter Andre. And as he looks forward to another exciting year, the 42-year-old tells Woman’s Own there’s just one thing that could make it complete… Congratulations on your new album of Frank Sinatra classics, Come Fly With Me . Did you grow up listening to him? Yeah, my parents were fans – especially Dad. While he was listening to Frank Sinatra and Dean Martin, I was listening to Michael Jackson, Motown, jazz, blues, funk and soul. Dad always said I’d grow into that style of music…

1 Elemis Spa Light Candle, £25 Give the gift of me-time with this relaxing candle. 2 Philosophy Snow Angel Shampoo, Shower Gel & Bubble Bath, £14 A three-in-one treat to ease your Christmas stresses away . 3 Elizabeth Arden Silver Limited Edition Eight Hour Cream Lip Protectant, £20, elizabetharden. co.uk The greatest lip smoother on the planet. 4 The Body Shop Limited Edition The Sparkler in Silver Shimmer, £14 Just as pretty on your décolletage as it is in the bottle. 5 Thierry Mugler Angel Miniatures, £29 for four Spritz on the go with these minis. 6 Sleek MakeUp Midas Touch Highlighting Palette, £9.99 Use this palette to illuminate your cheekbones, brow bones and Cupid’s bow. 7 GHD Platinum White Styler, £165 These straightening irons…

SHOULD I TRY TO FORGIVE HIM? My husband has confessed to cheating on me for the past year and I’m hurt, and so confused. We’ve been married for 18 years and, until this happened, we were happy. He says his head was turned, that he’s sorry and will do anything to keep our marriage together. I do believe him when he says it’s over, but I don’t know what to do. My parents are furious and friends say ‘ditch him’. But my kids are begging me to forgive him. I don’t know who to listen to. Susan, 54, Manchester The only person you need to listen to is yourself. Nothing divides opinion like infidelity, as you can see from all the differing advice coming your way. Your parents and friends…

3 ways to… Pain-free party feet One in five are in agony just 10 minutes into wearing heels, says The College of Podiatry. Here’s how to keep comfy 1 BUNIONS These bony protrusions form on the lower joint of your big toes (metatarsals) when your foot rolls inwards, putting weight on the joint. Limit time spent in heels. TRY Compeed Bunion Plasters (£7.49 for six, Boots). 2 SORE SOLES Ill-fitting shoes can cause pain in the ball of your foot, as can running. Ex Strictly judge Arlene Phillips recommends this exercise a few times a day: rise up on the balls of your feet, balance for a few seconds, then lower. TRY Carnation Soothing Foot Gel and Pedi Roller (£19.99, Boots). 3 BLISTERS Buy shoes in the afternoon when your…

We love… DONOTPAY.CO.UK Donotpay.co.uk  allows you to appeal council parking ticket in just 30 seconds. It was set up by 18-year-old computer science student Joshua Browder, who picked up 30 fines after passing his test! You can select one of 12 reasons for appealing your ticket, including, ‘I was travelling to the hospital urgently’ and, ‘There are missing details on the parking fine ticket’. The free website makes your application to the council and uploads pictures of unclear and confusing road markings too. Know your consumer rights this Christmas! Do you know your rights when it comes to shopping, eating out and even partying? We take a look at five essential need-to-knows 1 Know the rules You have 30 days from the date of purchase to demand a refund if…

Back in May this year, it was a regular Thursday and I was looking forward to taking care of my grandson, who was coming over for the day. I look after him every Thursday and, at two years old, he certainly keeps me on my toes! Often on the days I’m not working at my local grocery store, I sit down at my computer and have a few games of online bingo. But with the little one coming over, I pre-bought some tickets to a few games so I could log back in later to relax at the end of the day. When I play Woman’s Own Bingo, I usually go to the Bingo Lounge. It’s a 75-ball bingo room, with a really friendly crowd, so it suits me perfectly.…

X FACTOR MILLIONA IRES The show that gets us all talking every year has churned out some incredible talent since it began – and turned them into millionaires, too! Just which of the X Factor stars made the most has been revealed in Fabulous magazine’s Reality TV’s Richest. Here are the highest earners… No. 32 is Little Mix, worth £4.8 MILLION EACH No. 21 Olly Murs £6.2M No. 17 Marvin Humes was the top-earning member of JLS, worth £9M, with his bandmates not far behind No. 13 Leona Lewis £12M No. 7 Cheryl Fernandez-Versini is worth £17M No. 5 1D star Zayn Malik £25M No. 4 1D boys £30M EACH Brucie BONUS! TV legend Sir Bruce Forsyth is returning to our screens…

MARIAH CAREY Queen of Christmas Mariah is fairy amazing in her diamond-encrusted red dress, with gloves and glittering props to match! KELLIE BRIGHT As this twirly blue creation was a Strictly costume, we’ll forgive the EastEnder for her fairy fashion faux pas. But at least Kellie can pull it off pretty well! AMANDA HOLDEN Wearing every five-year-old girl’s dream outfit, angelic Amanda is in the pink with this feathery number – and doesn’t she look fabulous?!…

Most couples have a special song, one that sums up their relationship. For me and my partner Mike it was (I’ve Had) The Time Of My Life from Dirty Dancing . We’d known each other since I was a child, growing up a few doors away from each other in Basingstoke, Hampshire. I was friends with his sister, Rosie, first. We both loved singing karaoke together and mostly Mike kept out of our way – he was seven years older than me and didn’t want to hang out with his sister’s friend. Until, that is, the Dirty Dancing song came on – then he’d come and sing along with us in front of the TV. Finally, when I turned 16, Mike and I…

WHY IT WORKS Simply by cutting calories to 1,000-1,200 a day. Hunger pangs are overcome with lots of filling but not fattening foods, and you’re allowed some treats to keep you motivated. Plus, it’s only for two weeks – and remember, you’re going to look great in that LBD! THE RULES 1 Choose one breakfast, one lunch and one dinner daily from the meal lists and mix and match to suit your lifestyle. Plus, you are allowed one or two treats from the list each day if you are still hungry. 2 In addition, you can snack on an extra portion of fruit every day, such as an apple, orange, peach, or a small bowl of fruit salad. Vary your choices so you receive a range of nutrients. BREAKFASTS 1…

I can’t cope I have two kids, aged four and six, and work full time. My days are spent running from nursery and school to work and back again, and I do this all on very little sleep, as my youngest wakes up at least three times a night. My partner works a lot of overtime so is gone six days a week. When he comes home, I try to make it as nice as possible, but I feel like I’m losing my mind. My hair is falling out, I look terrible and I’m always angry, which makes me feel guilty. My mother-in-law often asks if I need help, but I can’t bring myself to let her see that I can’t cope. Liz, 37, London Having young children is hard.…

If you keep warm when the weather’s chilly, you’ll help stave off colds, chest infections and flu. That’s why it’s important to get your home cosy for winter. Ensure your children wrap up well before going outside and if you have elderly relatives or neighbours, make sure they’re all set for a warm winter too – they may not ask for help but are likely to welcome it. If you or your family do catch a cold… Nurse Lorna Cousins says Rest and relax as much as you possibly can. Drink plenty of fluids. Have at least one hot, nutritious meal a day to keep up your energy levels. Talk to your pharmacist for advice on getting any pain relief you need, such as paracetamol or ibuprofen. ‘Check your boiler!’…

Some of us have friends who’ll be there no matter what, while others rely on family. Well, I’m lucky to have one person, Jade, who is both my cousin and my best friend. We’ve supported each other through break-ups, exams and new jobs. But now our bond has a new significance that entwines our lives forever. Jade’s mum and my mum are sisters and she was born eight months after me. We grew up in Plymouth, living just a few miles apart, and would meet up with each other every week. I didn’t have any siblings, so Jade was like a sister to me. When I turned 21 and started working as a primary school teacher, she was so proud of me, and I was so excited for her when…

Each to their own ‘I blew our house deposit on this body’ was an interesting read. My instant reaction was to judge Suzanne harshly for being so vain. But then, reading her story and how little confidence she had before made me wonder, was it actually worth it? We’d all like a little help when it comes to looking better and, as long as Suzanne feels good about herself, is it really anyone else’s business? Karen Price, North Wales Growing older gracefully It’s so nice to see Judy Finnigan growing older gracefully and not resorting to surgery to keep her looks. She’s ageing naturally. Well done, Judy! Mags Laird, via Facebook Just gross A Prince George CAKE? Whatever next? I’m not sure about that at all. Which body part would…

JAMES Home MARTIN Comforts At Christmas MONDAYS, BBC1 Get set for some festive feasts with the help of James Martin, who’ll be showing us his tips and tricks for delicious seasonal classics from the comfort of his own kitchen. And to top it off he’ll have a special guest popping up each week , . Crackanory 7–12 DECEMBER, DAVE Catch the new series where once again a host of stars will be asking us if we are sitting comfortably before telling us a grown-up bedtime story. This series stars Tamsin Greig (left) and Carrie Fisher. That’s So Last Century TUESDAYS, CHANNEL 4 Imagine what the kids of today would have made of fax machines, VHS tapes and Nintendo Game Boys! Well, imagine no more as celebrities and their kids explore…

Since her breakthrough hit Kids In America in 1981, Kim Wilde, 55, has sold 20 million singles and 10 million albums and performed all over the world. Here, the mum-of-two – who’s gone on to have a second career as a TV gardener – reveals why Christmas is so special to her… What’s the most glamorous Christmas party you’ve ever been to? I’ve had a few parties at my house that have been pretty glamorous. My band and my close friends and entourage turn up and we all celebrate together. It’s a 16th-century barn in Hertfordshire, so we have a log fire burning and lots of candles and hire a fish-and-chip van to take care of the catering. The garden is all lit up and it’s…