Innholdsfortegnelse for 21-Nov-2022 i Woman's Own

Squeezing exercise into your day can be difficult – and can sometimes feel a little, dare I say it, boring. Searching for that one thing that you actually enjoy and that keeps you fit can take a lifetime – for some it’s a weekend bike ride with friends, for others it’s walking the dog – but if you’re still on the hunt for some healthy fun, turn to p24. Dancing isn’t just relegated to your clubbing days or for Strictly stars, more and more of us are taking it up. I like the sound of line dancing – cowboy boots and a Stetson? Yes, please! If you’re in need of anything more to boost your spirits, on p48, our Travel team takes you to paradise – for less! Dreaming of…

Andrea McLean, 53, is best known for her 13-year stint as the anchor of Loose Women, but left in 2020 to focus on her business with husband Nick Feeney – they have now launched self-help app This Girl Is On Fire. The couple live in Surrey and both have two children from previous relationships. 1 Item in your wardrobe My slippers. For years, I wore crippling high-heeled shoes on TV – it’s what people knew me for. But what they never saw was that I would wear slippers behind the scenes, or be barefoot. I’d run around carrying the shoes and put them on at the last minute. Now, I don’t even have to pretend - I can wear my fluffy slippers. 2 Reality show SAS: Who Dares Wins, because…

EFF AND BLIND AWAY It’s not big and it’s not clever but sometimes there’s nothing like the ‘f’ word to sum up how you feel. But rather than the chavvy thicko this makes me sound, I can now claim that it’s good for me. And you. And science is on our side. Researchers in Britain and Sweden have found that swearing is not a sign of low intelligence or inadequate vocabulary but a rhetorical asset. Profanity can have a positive effect on relationships when used to convey pleasure or camaraderie. It can also be entertaining and make us more persuasive. So next time anyone sneers at you for being common for cussing, you now have proper scientific grounds for telling them to duck right off.* (*as predictive text would say)…

Feeling inspired by this year’s cohort of Strictly stars? Whether it’s all the glitz and glamour, or the idea of getting fit while having fun, a recent poll* found that it’s the reality TV show a quarter of the British public would most like to try. And while that may be little more than a pipe dream for most of us, there’s nothing to stop you unleashing your inner Karen Hauer, Katya Jones or Dianne Buswell in your own living room with a little salsa, ballet or tap. Boogie benefits Dance psychologist Dr Peter Lovatt** explains how spins, chassés and samba rolls could aid your wellbeing. You’ll… 1 BOOST YOUR BODY Blood pumps around your body and your heart rate increases. Dancing also stimulates the opioid system, which can increase…

How much would you spend to have some decent shut-eye – the kind that leaves you feeling deeply refreshed? With Christmas just weeks away and household bills sky high, the good news is that you don’t have to pay a penny to improve your sleep. That’s because small-but-effective changes, such as switching your position or ditching a second pillow, can earn big rewards. Ready to hit the hay? We reveal what will help you rest better tonight. 34% OF BRITS SAY THEY HAVE PHYSICAL OR MENTAL HEALTH PROBLEMS DUE TO A LACK OF SLEEP, FOUND DIRECT LINE’S ‘NEED FOR SLEEP’ STUDY. Improve your bed postures Never neglect your posture when you’re lying down. ‘Proper alignment of the back is essential for sleep quality and avoiding back pain in the morning,’…

Tasty recipes Cheesy ham and leek gnocchi SERVES 4 Crispy on top and meltingly cheesy on the inside, this is a weeknight winner. YOU WILL NEED 200ml pot half-fat crème fraÎche250ml milk150g Gruyère, grated1tsp English mustard500g pack fresh gnocchi150g frozen petits pois180g shredded ham hock4 baby leeks, thickly sliced2 tbsp snipped chives For the topping: 2 tbsp freshly grated Parmesan25g fresh white breadcrumbs 1 tbsp olive oil HOW TO DO IT 1 Heat the oven to 180C Fan/ Gas 6. Beat together the crème fraîche and milk in a large bowl. Stir in the Gruyère, mustard and a little seasoning. 2 Add the gnocchi, peas, ham, leeks and chives and stir gently together until evenly mixed. 3 Tip into an ovenproof dish and bake for 15 mins.…

When my ex-husband Sergio, then 36, told me our marriage was over and he wanted to leave our home, I was distraught. He promised there was no one else but couldn’t give me a concrete answer as to why he wanted to split up. It was 2010 and we’d been together for 13 years after meeting at a London nightclub in our early 20s. We had two children, Frankie, then nine, and Alana, three, and we’d always had a loving marriage, travelling abroad when we could and enjoying time with friends and family. So I was completely stunned when he announced he was leaving. As my tears streamed, I begged him to stay. ‘But why?’ I spluttered as he packed his bags. It just didn’t make sense to me. I…

CLUES & ARROWS Fill in the clues in the direction of the arrows Sudoku To solve the puzzle, each 3 x 3 box, each column and each row must contain the numbers 1 to 9. Wordsearch The Hindu god Krishna often plays the bansuri, an Indian variety of what instrument? The answer is the one missing from the grid. BANJOCELLOCLARINETDRUMFLUTEGUITARHARPHORN OBOEPIANOSITARTIMPANITRUMPETTUBAVIOLIN CROSSWORD Put your feet up and have a go at this old classic ACROSS 1 Sudden fear or alarm (6)4 _ Johansson, two-time Oscar nominee for Marriage Story and Jojo Rabbit (8)10 In theory (2,5)11 Month (7)12 Public school (4)13 2021 superhero film starring 4 Across, 29 Across, 30Across & 1 Down (5,5)15 Match in a football competition (3,3)16 Spanish city (7)20 Fight (5-2)21 European language (6)24 Not experienced…

Film THE WONDER In cinemas now and on Netflix from 16 November Florence Pugh stars as Victorian nurse Lib, called to Ireland to monitor a young girl who claims to be living off ‘manna’ from God for sustenance. Is this truly a miracle, a psychosis or a con? And what secrets does Lib herself hold? A gorgeous period tale that is sure to garner awards. Music LOUIS TOMLINSON Faith in the Future (BMG), out now He rose to fame as one-fifth of One Direction but now Louis is making a name for himself outside the band. His second solo album after the successful 2020 debut Walls, this record is a move away from his 1D days but you won’t want to press pause on it. Event CHRISTMAS AT KENWOOD 2…

Lucy Worsley ‘THE MYSTERIOUS CASE OF AGATHA CHRISTIE!’ The historian on the life of the crime writer… As the writer of 75 novels, numerous plays and short stories, Agatha Christie is not only the undisputed queen of murder mysteries, but also the most successful novelist of all time, outsold only by Shakespeare and the Bible. However, the author herself has long remained an enigma, so in a new three-part documentary, historian Lucy Worsley tries to discover the real woman behind the public image. ‘I’m investigating the mysterious case of Agatha Christie!’ says Lucy. ‘In her stories, no one is ever quite who they seem to be and that’s true of the author herself. In her work, the answers are always there, hidden in plain sight, so could it be that…

Real life behind the headlines Adults have 10 pints of blood pumping through their bodies, vital to keeping us healthy. We’re all born with it, we all need it, so why is something so crucial to our existence missing from our hospitals? Thousands of lives are saved via blood transfusions, thanks to the two million donations made annually in the UK. Around two-thirds is used to treat patients with anaemia, cancer and blood disorders. The rest is used in surgery and emergencies, including childbirth. Without it, people die. But now, blood supplies have fallen to a critically low level in England. Usually, the NHS has six days worth of blood stocks, but there are fears that stocks are likely to fall below two days. The shortage is thought to be…

Health ask us TOO ANXIOUS TO GO OUT Q Earlier this year, my twin brother had a heart attack and died. It came as a huge shock as he had always been so fit and health conscious, and it has left me feeling vulnerable and incredibly anxious about my own health. I barely go out as I’m so frightened the same thing will happen to me. A Please see your GP about this. Firstly, they will want to check your blood pressure and cholesterol and manage any medical risk factors with medication or lifestyle changes to reduce your chances of developing heart disease yourself. But secondly, they will help you with your anxiety so that you can get your life back and enjoy going out again. Is it really the…

Sleeping beauty A great night’s sleep is a priceless gift. Sanctuary Spa Wake Up Well Sleep Mist, £12.50, Boots, is infused with violet, jasmine and sandalwood to help you drift off. Eye spy e.l.f Liquid Glitter Eyeshadow, £6, elfcosmetics.co.uk, makes the perfect stocking filler. Sweep across the lids to add a touch of sparkle. Party palette Lottie London Holiday Palette in Emerald Euphoria, £6.95, lottie. london, works out at just 77p per eyeshadow. It’s a stunning combination of ultra-metallics and velvety mattes in festive jewel tones. Tool academy Real Techniques Eye Brush Shine Set, £12, Boots, comes with four pro brushes to create a myriad of looks, from a classic smoky eye to sharp winged eyeliner. Party feet Bloom & Blossom Party Feet, £12, bloomandblossom.com, is a sole saviour for…

Wine-derful news Start stocking up on festive wine, thanks to Aldi. Every week from now until Christmas you can enjoy up to 50% off some of Aldi’s best-selling, award-winning wines. The following weeks are when you’ll find the biggest savings. 7-13 NOV: Mimo Moutinho Lisboa Red (WAS £5.99, NOW £2.99). Amazing value with a 50% saving, this wine has aromatic, balanced notes of ripe red fruit. 14-20 NOV: Le Grand Sorbier Pouilly Fuissé (WAS £16.99, NOW £9.99). A brilliant dinner-party option. Expect fragrant notes of white blossom and vanilla. 5-11 DEC: Specially Selected Mimo Moutinho Douro Reserva (WAS £7.99, NOW £3.99). Intense fruity flavours and well-rounded tannins, this is another 50% saving! 19-24 DEC: Pierre Jaurant Bordeaux (WAS £4.99, NOW £2.99). Bordeaux is home to some of the world’s finest…

And… relax 15-21 November 2022 ASK ALEX A‘WHAT IS MY HOROSCOPE TODAY?’ ARIES 21 Mar – 20 Apr You’re in a great mood as things are looking up. News of a new career opportunity arrives – be sure to brush up your CV. TAURUS 21 Apr – 20 May Your ruling planet, Venus, is set in Sagittarius, allowing your skills to come in handy when you answer a friend’s cry for help. GEMINI 21 May – 20 Jun It’s time to recover from all the hard work you’ve been putting into everything. A massage or fun treat is just the ticket. CANCER 21 Jun – 22 Jul You might receive a telepathic message from someone you don’t know very well. This person could be in need of a friend. LEO…

THE PEOPLE BEFORE by Charlotte Northedge (£14.99, HarperCollins, HB) A dream home in the Suffolk countryside seems like the perfect place for a fresh start – until its harrowing past begins to resurface. After a troubled year, Jess, her husband and their two children can’t believe their luck at the chance to move into Maple House. So why does Jess feel so uneasy? The locals are distant, and she can sense something sinister lurking behind their coldness. Though her neighbours won’t say, Jess knows terrible events have taken place in this house. What have these walls seen? And who were the people before? Charlotte Northedge ramps up the suspense in this deliciously creepy thriller. MEET ME UNDER THE MISTLETOE by Jenny Bayliss (£8.99, Pan Macmillan, PB) Nory knows she should…

As I stood in front of Steve, then 43, and swore to love him unconditionally, I was a jumble of emotions. It was September 2021 and while I was elated to be marrying the man I adored, I was also enormously relieved that this moment was finally here. You see, ever since Steve had got down on one knee, we had endured nothing but trauma and tragedy, and I often wondered whether our wedding would ever happen. But surely, now, this was my happily ever after… ‘I THOUGHT IT COULDN’T GET ANY WORSE’ When Steve asked me to marry him in July 2016, I’d envisioned walking into the perfect venue in a long white dress, our first dance, the speeches, all surrounded by our beloved friends and family. It was…

Have you heard about? EATING AFTER 9PM CAN LEAD TO BREAST CANCER Find yourself having dinner just before bed? You could be increasing your breast cancer risk by 25%, says research*. That’s right – results showed that those who routinely eat after 9pm and don’t leave two hours after food before they sleep are more likely to get this type of cancer. Why? Scientists believe this is down to the disruption of your sleep-wake cycle. It worked for me Hayley Hale, 42, from Devon ‘Due to my busy job, I was often feeling stressed and unable to focus. As a nutritionist, I’ve always said that it’s better to get what you need from your food, but I was still struggling despite my healthy diet. I now take FutureYou Cambridge FocusZen+…

Health ask us She keeps moaning Q I work with a very negative woman. We are in a busy hospital environment and all day long she moans about the other staff, complains about the patients and is negative about everything we are trying to do. She focuses her negativity on me because I sit beside her, but I don’t know how to handle it. I can’t tell her because she’s very touchy, but she’s making me hate my job and feel so low. Help. A Never underestimate the power of a negative colleague! If you are forced to work with someone like this, you have to set limits. Do not allow yourself to become drawn into negative discussions and avoid providing a sympathetic audience for her negativity. Above all, talk…

Staring at the second line on the pregnancy test, I looked at my husband Michael with tears in my eyes. ‘It’s positive,’ I said. It was August 2020, the morning of my 30th birthday, and we should have been happy – but instead, we were terrified. You see, so far, getting pregnant hadn’t been easy for us. We had been trying to conceive for more than two years and at an appointment at a fertility clinic in November 2019, I had been diagnosed with polycystic ovary syndrome. We’d fallen pregnant once since then but suffered an early miscarriage, and now we feared it would happen all over again. ‘THE TWINS WERE SHARING A PLACENTA’ That afternoon, we had friends coming over to celebrate my birthday, and while I’d promised them…

READER QUESTION Q Is it a better idea to give a gift card, rather than cash, as a present? A Gift cards and vouchers can seem like a great idea but there are some drawbacks. Firstly, they often have expiry dates, and some charge inactivity fees if they haven’t been used for a period of time. Another issue is that they could become worthless if the company goes bust. So, although it might not seem as festive, cash may be a better bet. Go green for less Why not DIY your Christmas decorations to save cash and the planet? The National Trust has a tutorial for making a cute pine-cone mouse, plus ideas for festive paper chains or clove-studded orange tree slices. Visit nationaltrust. org.uk/features/how-to-make-pine-cone-christmas-decorations for more info and step-by-step…

Indian sunshine It may be the smallest state in India, but Goa – dubbed the country’s ‘happy place’ – is also one of the most popular, and a lot of that is down to its sun-kissed beaches. Whether it’s golden sands and wild greenery, calm waters or a lively resort with watersports, all needs are catered for. Under Portuguese rule for more than 450 years, this legacy is reflected in Goan culture, architecture and, of course, food – think curries with a European twist. The UNESCO World Heritage site of Bom Jesus do Monte – a 17th-century Basilica – is a must-visit, as are the local markets with their bargain wares. Together with its ever-present sunshine and colourful villas, Goa is sure put a smile on your face. ✣ A…

The 2006 World Cup was more than just a football tournament; it was a cultural reset, introducing us to the glamorous lives of the WAGs. The England team walked away trophyless, but it wasn’t just the victorious teams that had upstaged them – it was their wives and girlfriends too. Gone were the days where football revolved solely around goals scored and tackles made – now everyone was talking about Victoria, Cheryl, Coleen and co. 1 QUEEN VB By the 2006 World Cup, Spice Girl Victoria Beckham had been married to golden balls for seven years and was dubbed ‘Queen of the WAGs’. Vic brought new glamour to the crowd in an England top with tiny white shorts, oversized sunnies and a matching Hermès Birkin Bag. Nowadays it’s Becks supporting…

Top telly IT’S A YASS FOR YASSIN! Hamza Yassin has been my breakout star on Strictly this year and it’s been a real game changer for the wildlife cameraman and presenter. ‘In my normal life I’m sitting for hours a day. I might do a bit of exercise getting to the place and carrying my film kit but this has taken my world and put it upside down,’ he says. ‘I can certainly see the health benefits. I’ve lost eight kilos.’ FIT FOR A KING Priscilla Presley is touring next year in the UK for the first time in An Evening With Priscilla Presley, sharing stories and home videos of her life with Elvis Presley. She became a star in her own right on Dallas, of course, back in the…