Innholdsfortegnelse for 12-Dec-2022 i Woman's Own

It’s about that time, our second Christmas bumper is here and it is packed full of everything you need to get you through the festive season. There’s the six-page taste test from our brilliant Food team (p50), 30 budget buys to help you deck the halls (p56), 70 ways to wow without breaking the bank (p16) and ultra-fast beauty fixes (p24) for when you’re stuck for time, which, let’s be honest, for most of us is always the case! We’ve also got more real life for you, including one reader who starts planning for the following Christmas as early as Boxing Day (p98). I love a good plan, but even I draw the line at a year in advance, still, Jaki has some great tips, and manages to save a…

PRESENT PRENUP No one said Christmas in a cost-of-living crisis would be jingle all the way, but some folk are taking it to extremes with a present prenup. It’s like what celebs do when they get wed, to protect their assets. But with presents, you agree with your other half, family and mates to only spend a certain amount. My husband has tried to pull this stunt every year since I’ve known him. I wouldn’t mind, but he then presents me with a wish list full of things like electric guitars, which always cost a damn sight more than the slippers he’s earmarked for me. Of course, if you’re struggling, it makes sense. But the temptation of Christmas is too much for me. Though I do genuinely need new slippers…

The problem SPIDER LASHES THE SOLUTION: Applied too many layers of mascara? This can cause lashes to clump together, looking sticky and heavy. Take a cotton pad and soak it in PS… Micellar Cleansing Water, £1, Primark, then hold it against your lashes for a few seconds, to remove the excess. Don’t wipe, as this could smear the rest of your make-up. The problem HANGOVER SKIN THE SOLUTION: Alcohol dehydrates us, which is why hangovers can feel terrible. This impacts your skin, so make sure to use all the hydrating ingredients possible. The Ordinary Natural Moisturising Factors + HA, £7, John Lewis combines three heroes: hyaluronic acid, ceramides and glycerine. The problem PASTY PINS THE SOLUTION: No time to tan? Barry M Instant Blur Body Foundation,…

Christmas feels empty without her Q I recently lost my beautiful dog after 13 years together. She was everything to me, and I feel devastated, a fact made worse by it being Christmas. My dog was all I had, as my husband died 15 years ago and my son lives in Australia. I don’t want to tell him how awful I feel, and my friends – though well-meaning – say I have to get over it. A The death of a beloved pet is hugely upsetting, no matter what time of year it is. But Christmas always seems to make a loss so much harder. Your son may be far away, but you must open up to those close to you. Tell him and your friends that you’re experiencing pain…

Star scones MAKES 12 This lovely nibble is the perfect accompaniment to festive drinks. Carbs and cheese? Yes please! YOU WILL NEED 50g butter225g self-raising flour1tsp baking powder50g parmesan, finely grated2tbsp snipped chives1tsp mustard powder130ml skimmed milk, plus a little extra to glaze30g cheddar, finely grated You will also need: A star-shaped cutter 1 Heat the oven to 180C fan/ Gas 6. Rub the butter into the flour and baking powder. Stir in the parmesan, chives, mustard and a pinch of sea salt. Add the milk and mix. Don’t overwork the mixture or you’ll end up with heavy scones. 2 Gently roll out on a floured surface and cut out star shapes. Don’t re-roll more than once or they’ll be tough. Put on to a greased baking tray, brush over…

‘The suicide centre is vital at Christmas’ Joy Hibbins is the founder and CEO of Suicide Crisis, a charity that works to prevent suicide. She runs an award-winning Suicide Crisis Centre in Cheltenham and is the author of the book Suicide Prevention Techniques. In 2012, I’d had a close family bereavement, followed days later by a traumatic experience, which led to a rapid deterioration in my mental health. Feeling suicidal, I went to an out-of-hours GP, who involved the psychiatric crisis team. Their approach didn’t work for me – and that was the driving force behind setting up an alternative crisis service. I felt that what was needed was a place where someone could come any time, 365 days a year, and be supported over a number of hours –…

LENI BLOSSOM WICKS Fitness Instagram sensation Joe Wicks, 37, and wife Rosie, 32, welcomed their daughter Leni on 8 September, writing, ‘It’s a girl! Rosie gave birth at 4.32am this morning at home to an 8lb healthy baby in the birthing pool. Thank you to Emily and Helen, our wonderful midwives, who were there every step of the way. Time to rest now. Lots of love the Wicks family.’ With Indigo, four, and Marley, two, already, Joe will have his hands full this festive season! IRIS ELLA PITFIELD Actor Catherine Tyldesley – best known for her role as Eva Price in Coronation Street – and photographer husband Tom Pitfield welcomed daughter Iris Ella, a sister for seven-year-old Alfie, on 19 April. The star, 39, gushed, ‘We are grateful beyond words…

And… relax 29 November-12 December 2022 ASK ALEX A‘WHAT IS MY HOROSCOPE TODAY?’ ARIES 21 Mar – 20 Apr It’s a busy time – and with your ruling planet in retrograde there’s lots to do and little time. Plan well to finish things. TAURUS 21 Apr – 20 May You may be looking for ways to achieve abundance. Think about personalised gifts you can make for your loved ones. GEMINI 21 May – 20 Jun Mercury enters Capricorn when a gesture goes a long way to finding a compromise. Consider leaving your comfort zone. CANCER 21 Jun – 22 Jul If you want to expand your horizons, study and travel are on the cards. Speak to family and friends for ideas. LEO 23 Jul – 22 Aug It’s a good…

THE DARLINGS OF THE ASYLUM by Noel O’Reilly (£14.99, HarperCollins, HB) It’s 1886. Violet Pring is deranged – or at least that’s what her family believes when she turns down a suitable bachelor from Brighton. It seems no one can understand her deep desire to flourish as a artist, or her preference for living independently. So when Violet ends up in the Hillwood Grange Lunatic Asylum, she is determined to prove they have made a grave mistake. But escaping from under the gaze of cold, obsessive Dr Rastrick will prove to be the greatest challenge Violet has ever faced… This darkly atmospheric psychological thriller oozes menace. HAPPY NEW YEAR by Malin Stehn (£7.99, Penguin, PB) New Year’s Eve is about to turn sinister… The Anderssons and the Wiksells are seeing…

Wrapping up another present, I carefully tied a gold ribbon around it and popped it into a Santa sack. ‘Who’s that for?’ my partner, Josh, then 30, asked, confused. ‘Oh, this one’s for next year!’ I smiled. It was 26 December 2021, and as soon as the shops had opened that morning, I’d nipped into town and hit the sales. I loved bargain hunting all year round, but the Boxing Day sales were the best. Bath sets, pyjamas, games, jumpers… everything was reduced by up to 90%. Even the wrapping paper to wrap it in! With my three kids, Finley, then 11, Evie, nine, and Jasmine, three, to buy for, Christmas was always an expensive time, plus Finley and Jasmine both have December birthdays. So by bagging a Boxing Day…

Stacey Solomon is preparing to spend her second Christmas at Pickle Cottage after moving to her ‘forever home’ in June 2021. The 33-year-old lives in the dream house with husband Joe, 40, their children Rex, three, and Rose, one, as well as her sons Zachary, 14, and Leighton, 10, from previous relationships. While Joe’s son Harry stays there when he’s not at his mum’s – Emma Sophocleous – house. Stacey already has 5.4 million Instagram followers who love her crafty creations and now she’s set to star in her own BBC show Craft Your Own Christmas in the run-up to the festive period. In the meantime, Woman’s Own takes a look at her best festive tips and tricks… FESTIVE TREATS There’s not a supermarket selection box in sight in Stacey’s…

What do the famous duo have planned this year? It’s the most wonderful time of the year, but when there’s a new baby in the family Christmas just seems to be that bit more special. And this festive season, morning telly legends Richard Madeley, 66, and Judy Finnigan, 74, will have an extra reason to celebrate as it will be their first with their new granddaughter, Bodhi. The couple’s daughter Chloe, 35, gave birth to the little girl – who she shares with husband James Haskell, 37 – back in August and the family have been overjoyed to have another child in the family. GMB star Richard and author Judy are extra-close to their latest grandchild too, as Chloe and her husband of four years had been living with them…

Fancy frocks Make an entrance in a showstopping sequinned dress. Arm candy Pop all your essentials into one of these evening bags. Go for gold Treat your feet to a pair of metallic shoes that go with everything. Tops that sparkle From strappy camisoles to blouses with sleeves, there’s a sequinned top to flatter every figure. Classy co-ords These matching items can be worn together or as separates, giving you more options and greater value for money. Jazzy jewels Transform a little black dress with colourful gems. Sparkly skirts Team with a fitted shirt and heels for sophisticated style. Statement earrings Revamp an old outfit with a new pair of drop earrings. Party pants Standout strides make a relaxed alternative to a dress. Joyful jumpers Soft pastel colours look great…

Bold statement Royal blue is an elegant shade to try this winter. 3INA The Nail Polish in 176, £7.95, uk.3ina.com, is timeless and will take you through to New Year’s Eve. Mistletoe moment If Christmas were a colour, it would be this. Barry M Gelly Hi Shine Nail Paint in Tarragon, £3.99, Boots, is a shimmering green you’ll want to show off all season. All that glitters If there was ever a time to sparkle, it’s the festive season. Lottie London Plant Based Nail Color in Take Several Seats, £3.95, lottie. london, is the perfect gold to try. Candy cravings Mix up the usual Christmas colour palette with Nails Inc HD Glitter Polish in All Amped Up, £9, nailsinc.com. This dazzling pink shade is the perfect way to jazz up…

£5 AND UNDER £10 AND UNDER £20 AND UNDER…

READER QUESTION Q I bought a gift for a friend recently, but had second thoughts. When I tried to return it the shop refused a refund. What are my rights? A You don’t have an automatic right to get your money back if you change your mind about an item and there’s nothing wrong with it. However, lots of retailers will let you return items within a certain time frame, as long as the item hasn’t been used, so check the shop’s returns policy. Your rights are different if you bought the item online, by phone or by mail order. For more information, visit citizensadvice.org.uk. Go green for less Still looking for gift ideas? Donate to charity in somebody’s name, such as with Save The Children’s Virtual Gifts. You can…

Splash the cash! Rovaniemi, Lapland Save Father Christmas a trip this year with an adventure at the Arctic Circle. Rovaniemi, the capital of Lapland, is Santa’s official hometown and where you’ll find Santa Claus Village, a year-round attraction dedicated to the man in red. You can sit down for a chat with Mr Claus, send a card from the elf-helmed post office and take a reindeer sleigh ride through the snow. This is also Northern Lights territory, with the sky dance taking place (irregularly) in winter. WHERE TO STAY: At Lapland Hotels Ounasvaara Chalets, where four can sleep in traditional wooden huts (from £150) by the Kemijoki river. For downtime, sizzle in the 35-person sauna and enjoy a drink on the bank-side terrace. Paris, France For an easy-peasy break on…

Your stars Aries 23 Mar – 20 April BEST BITS Offers of love are highlighted, along with adventures and air travel. Exotic foreign destinations beckon as a holiday of a lifetime is planned with your family. You will be able to juggle your finances in August to make this happen, as you’re extremely capable of achieving your goals. WATCH OUT FOR A person with dark hair in June, when your ruling planet Mars is in direct motion. They may have something to do with finance and you could be dragged into some kind of scam. Stay guarded in July, and by August things will be looking up. Temptations may appear in late September, but you have the strength to overcome anything! YOUR BIG BREAK The Full Moon in early April…

Along with her famous family, Linda Nolan, 63, loves Christmas. Here, the star – who lives in Blackpool – tells us what makes her happy at Yuletide… 1 Christmas TV show? I used to love Top Of The Pops. I’ll never forget the first time we [the Nolan Sisters] were on the Christmas special - we thought, ‘We’ve made it!’ When my husband Brian [who passed away in 2007] was alive, we’d go to one of his friends’ and they always had the Queen’s Speech on, so I still watch it - although, of course, this year it will be the King’s Speech. 2 Ideal Christmas Day? Last year, we went to Lytham Hall and had a big celebration- it was like something out of Downton Abbey. One…

Spending time with your nearest and dearest is what Christmas is all about and, this year, Phillip Schofield looks set to spend the day with his estranged wife and children. The presenter, who came out publicly as gay in 2020, has yet to divorce his devoted wife of 29 years, Stephanie Lowe, and the couple are still on brilliant terms. In fact, Phillip, 60, has still been spotted wearing his wedding ring this year and calls Steph his ‘rock’. The couple share two daughters, Molly, 29, and Ruby, 26, and a source tells Woman’s Own that the star feels it’s important to be with them this Yuletide. ‘Christmas is all about spending time with the people you love, and while Phil and Steph are no longer together in the traditional…

Staring out of the window, looking over the twinkling city skyline, I felt strong arms wrap around me and a kiss planted on my cheek. Whisky in hand and good company, it was the perfect way to spend Christmas night. A far cry from the night I would’ve had if I’d spent it with my husband Tim.* It was Christmas 2020 and I’d woken up next to my husband, we’d opened our presents together, and I’d cooked a beautiful Christmas dinner for him and our adult children. Just like any other family. But when the children left to go back to their own homes and I was left alone with Tim again, I felt frustrated. I knew he’d be asleep in front of the telly by 8pm and I’d be…

Ruby red lip You just can’t beat a classic pillar-box red lipstick – it adds instant festive cheer with just one swipe. 1 After applying your foundation, use a bronzer and a blush to add extra dimension. Kiko Blush and Bronzer Palette, £15.99, kikocosmetics.com, combines both. 2 Keep your eye make-up simple and classic. Try a swipe of liquid eyeliner to lean into the retro feel – 17 Ink Legend Tattoo Eyeliner, £4.50, Boots, won’t smudge. 3 False eyelashes aren’t a necessity, but they add the perfect flutter to up the ante. Individual lashes are brilliant, because you can add as little or as much volume as you like. Try Eylure Individual Lash Combination Pack, £7, lookfantastic.com. 4 The trick to mastering the perfect matte red is to start with…

Trying to make myself comfortable in the waiting room chair, I enjoyed the Christmas songs that were playing on the hospital radio, and the sight of green and red tinsel gracing the otherwise dreary walls. It was Christmas Eve 2021 and I was 32 weeks pregnant with twin boys. My first pregnancy, my partner Dale, 28, and I were so excited. We’d met in a pub and both worked at a metal-making factory where I was a factory operative and he was an engineer. We couldn’t wait to become a family of four. READY TO REST A few weeks earlier, my legs had swollen and my midwife was concerned I might have pre-eclampsia so Dale had brought me in for a check-up. I wasn’t worried. As I waited for my…

CAN I CELEBRATE WHILE TAKING ANTIBIOTICS? Q Last week, I had a dental abscess and an emergency dentist prescribed antibiotics. They said I should avoid alcohol until 48 hours after completing the course, which would include my work Christmas party. I’m not a heavy drinker, but would like to join in the toast with some bubbles. Would that be OK? A You’re probably on an antibiotic called metronidazole (or Flagyl). It’s often used by dentists, but it’s also chemically similar to a drug we give to alcoholics who want to stop drinking. Having any alcohol while on these antibiotics could make you quite unwell, so I’d advise you avoid all alcohol at this time. Staying well for party season Q I have had one cold after another this winter. I…

Squeezing myself into a black velvet dress, I sighed in defeat. ‘I’ll never get this on,’ I grumbled to myself, leaving the fitting room empty handed. It was November 2000 and, like countless years prior, I was trying – and failing – to find an outfit for my work Christmas do. I left the high-street store miserable, making my way to the shop specialising in plus-size clothes. I knew that the racks would be full of dull and dreary clothes, but that was the only option for me and my size-16 body. Every Christmas was the same. I spent weeks planning my outfit, but always ended up resorting to my safe option: black jeans and a long-sleeved black top. Most of my wardrobe consisted of navy, white and black, so…

THE MAIN EVENT Whether you go classic with turkey or fancy something different this year, there’s a savoury showstopper for you. Extra Special Free Range Corn-fed Norfolk Bronze Turkey Crown with Pork, Sage & Caramelised Onion Stuffing and Bacon, typically 1.9kg, £20/kg, Asda If you’re feeding a smaller crowd, this turkey crown is ideal. It comes with a tasty stuffing and the bacon keeps the meat super-moist while roasting. Roasted Cauliflower & Cheddar Tart, 400g, £7.50, Abel & Cole This charming tart has a rustic, homemade feel to it. The flavours of cauliflower and cheese are comforting and satisfying. An excellent addition to your Christmas feast, leftovers would also be delicious cold alongside your cheeseboard. Lamb Rack with Cranberry & Mint Glaze, 550-750g, £19.99/kg, Aldi A trimmed rack of lamb…

SAVE 30% on an Oblepikha C-Berrica Face Glow Christmas Cracker Give the gift of gorgeous skin with this vegan-certified skincare set! Packed with natural vitamin C, this cute Christmas cracker contains cleanser, serum and day cream. To claim your discount visit naturasiberica.co.uk. USE CODE WO30 AT THE CHECKOUT SAVE 20% on lingerie Oola is a premium lingerie brand that is designed to embrace curvy women, giving sensational support, tailored fit and unrivalled comfort. Sizes range from 38-46, cup D-G, with knickers in sizes 14-32. Visit oolalingerie.com to claim your discount. USE CODE BRA20 AT THE CHECKOUT Subscribe to Woman’s Own & get 6 issues for £1* It’s the perfect gift for a friend or even for you! Treat yourself to a subscription and never miss an issue. Subscribe online at…

CLUES & ARROWS Fill in the clues in the direction of the arrows WORDWISE Elite, epee, evil, exile, exit, expel, levee, lite, live, peel, peeve, pelt, pile, pixel, telex, tepee, tile, veil, vile, EXPLETIVE Sudoku To solve the puzzle, each 3 x 3 box, each column and each row must contain the numbers 1 to 9. Wordsearch Which of these Commonwealth countries is divided into Cornwall, Surrey and Middlesex? The answer is the one missing from the grid. AUSTRALIABELIZECANADACYPRUSFIJIGHANAINDIAJAMAICA KENYAMALAWIMALTANAURUSAMOATONGAZAMBIA CROSSWORD Put your feet up and have a go at this old classic ACROSS 6 Extreme (5)7 Not frightened (8)10 2021 Disney film starring 27 Across, 4 Down, 16 Down, 17 Down & 20 Down (7)11 Make less heavy or burdensome (7)12 European country (7)13 Small bubble on the skin…