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

Are you someone who buys all your Christmas food, or do you prefer to add your own homemade touch to the feast? If you’re in the latter camp, turn to p32, where some drool-worthy desserts await. Each of them is a twist on a classic, and they are sure to please even the most tricky of guests. I’ve also been assured they don’t require too much skill, and that even I could make them (I very recently melted a colander just trying to make pasta – although I did have help, no matter how much he tries to deny it!). Someone who does have a lot of skill is reader Michelle Bannon. On p40, the mum of 11 (yes, really!) tells us what Christmas Day is like for her –…

EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW Cover story With five children between them, Christmas in the Solomon-Swash household can be hectic, but Joe Swash tells Woman’s Own he wouldn’t have it any other way. ‘It can be really challenging sometimes, but times like Christmas you think, “I was made for having five kids,” it’s just so brilliant,’ the star, 40, admits as we catch up about his latest campaign with HelloFresh. It’s been a busy year for Joe and Stacey, 33. Along with raising their children - Joe’s son Harry, 15, Stacey’s sons Zachary, 14, Leighton, 10, and their younger children Rex, three, and Rose, one - the pair got married this summer and have continued to transform their Essex home, dubbed Pickle Cottage. Here, Joe lets us into their Christmas…

COMPETITION OF THE COLDEST This winter has somehow made freezing fashionable! Appreciate life can feel a bit like a prize fight some days but the latest area of competition has left me chilled. Literally. Because competitive cold is now a thing. Really. Look, I wish I made this stuff up every week just to keep myself amused but not even a deluded old bat like me could come up with half of it. ‘THIS ISN’T EVEN ABOUT THE COST OF LIVING CRISIS’ Seriously, forget about keeping up with the Joneses; it’s now keeping up with the Inuits. And preferably going one better than living in an igloo. This isn’t even about the cost of living crisis where there are those genuinely in need – often the elderly – who are…

We all want to enjoy the festive season without piling on the pounds, but when you factor in buffet spreads, the ‘big day’ feast and calorific sweet treats and tipples, weight gain can seem inevitable. After all, who has the willpower to stick to a diet over Christmas? ‘You overindulge during the holiday period when you “allow” yourself the foods and sweets that you wouldn’t usually eat – you want to make the most of it,’ says Signe Svanfeldt, lead nutritionist at the healthy eating app Lifesum*. The best way to prevent a blowout? ‘Avoid forbidding yourself from treat foods and simply look for alternatives that are lower in calories, sugar and fat. It’s all about balance.’ Here are the smart switches that will help you keep an eye on…

Honey and ricotta cheesecake with walnut biscuit base SERVES 12 This no-bake cheesecake is gluten-free and tastes best made the night before, which is perfect if you’re entertaining! PREP TIME: 20 MINS, PLUS SETTING COOK TIME: 2 MINS CALS: 373 FAT: 29g SAT FAT: 14g CARBS: 21g YOU WILL NEED 200g gluten-free biscuits (we used Hobnobs)100g toasted walnuts150g unsalted butter, cubed For the filling: 340g full-fat soft cheese250g ricotta50g icing sugar3tbsp honey, plus extra to serve1tbsp vanilla extract For the garnish: (optional) 1-2 figs, cut into thin wedges 30g pomegranate seeds 15g toasted walnuts, chopped and coated in edible glitter (optional) You will also need: An 18cm springform cake tin, approx 7.5cm or more in depth HOW TO DO IT 1 In a food processor, blitz the biscuits and walnuts…

READER QUESTION Q I want to save cash on presents this Christmas. Do you think it’s OK to regift some unwanted presents I’ve got stashed away? A One study found that last year 22% of people who received a present they didn’t like had given it to someone else. I think it’s a sensible way to cut costs, though the item has to be in perfect condition. And do remember who gave you the gift in the first place – so you don’t give it back to them! Go green for less If you love baking but are worried about cooking costs, check out Keep Baking, Start Saving, a campaign from environmental charity Hubbub and Tate & Lyle Sugars. You’ll find plenty of practical ideas on how to make delicious…

And… relax 13-19 December 2022 ASK ALEX A ‘WHAT IS MY HOROSCOPE TODAY?’ ARIES 21 Mar – 20 Apr It’s the time for cosy evenings with a hot drink and blanket. As talk turns to adventure, you’ll make plans for the future. TAURUS 21 Apr – 20 May Stay positive during the new moon in Capricorn and consider opportunities in your career. You’re closer to success than you realise. GEMINI 21 May – 20 Jun You could land the lead in an amateur dramatics production. Encourage children and grandchildren to take part too. CANCER 21 Jun – 22 Jul Your knowledge earns you respect and admiration. No challenge is too difficult. People can learn from your skills. LEO 23 Jul – 22 Aug Buying gifts and making festive plans consume…

LIKE A SISTER by Kellye Garrett (£8.99, Simon & Schuster, PB) When Lena Scott flicks through the New York Daily News, she discovers her sister Desiree is dead. The media and police are quick to spin an official story – the reality TV-star died of an overdose, a victim of excessive partying. Lena is convinced that someone is lying. She was estranged from Desiree for years, largely owing to their father, an influential hip-hop star. But she still knew her sister better than anyone. Delving into an investigation of her own, Lena is determined to find out what really happened – even if it puts her own life in danger. This highly original thriller will grip you from the very first page. THE SANCTUARY by Emma Haughton (£8.99, Hodder &…

QUEEN OF THE JUNGLE? The I’m a Celebrity... All Stars special is already in the can, having been filmed in South Africa earlier this year – with 15 ex-campmates taking part, including Gillian McKeith, Carol Vorderman and Dean Gaffney. Former Corrie star Helen Flanagan, who played Rosie Webster, was tight-lipped about her speculated return to the camp after a decade but she did agree to a snap for us to send to our soap pal Sally Dynevor. Mum’s the word, indeed! DAREDEVIL JOSIE For fans of This Morning, a day without presenter Josie Gibson is like a day without sunshine – especially when she’s put through her paces by telly bosses live on the show. Whether she’s kipping over in haunted houses, trying to stay upright on a surfboard or…

Mike & Zara CRISIS TALKS? He came across as a man of the people during his stint in I’m a Celebrity… Get Me Out of Here! But while he was popular with the public – eventually finishing fourth – Mike Tindall, 44, could be facing crisis talks with wife Zara, 41, and his in-laws. According to royal biographer Angela Levin, the Prince and Princess of Wales, both 40, would have been ‘very sad and very upset’ over Mike’s revelations about the private lives of the Royal Family, which included his first meeting with Zara and anecdotes from Princess Anne’s 70th birthday party. Angela said, ‘It brings the Royal Family into disrepute… That demeans not just his wife, but his mother-in-law – and other members of the Royal Family. It’s…

DREAM ON Count down your sleeps in this festive bedding. Duvet set, from £10, George at Asda TINNED GOOD Keep Christmas cake fresh and mince pies moist. Tins, £12 for three, Dunelm KITTEN HEELS Step into the spotlight in these bright boots. £30, Peacocks FAIRISLE STYLE Perfect for Boxing Day walks. Jumper, £20, xs-xxl, F&F Clothing THINK PINK Dress for best in a fab frock. £55, sizes 4-24, nobodyschild.com GINGERBREAD JUMPERS Get into the festive spirit with a fun knit. Adult jumper, £29.50, sizes 8-22, kids’ jumpers, from £16 each, sizes 3-15 years, and earmuffs, £9, all M&Co GINGER GLOW Fill the room with scent. Candle, £11.99, daisypark.co.uk FLUFFY FEET Like walking on a cloud of pink marshmallows! Slippers, £18, totes.co.uk BOBBLE TOP Keep warm and cosy in style. Hat,…

Hiking across the beautiful Wicklow Mountains, I suddenly stopped in my tracks. I’d realised something incredible: I was in front! Moments later, my partner Sebastian caught up with me. ‘Are you OK?’ he asked. I nodded, a bit tearfully, as it dawned on me how far I’d come. I was thinking back to the last time I’d hiked along this very spot. I’d been with a whole group of people, who all seemed to be striding along with ease, and I’d barely been able to take more than a few steps without getting breathless. In fact, I’d been quite pleased when I found myself trailing at the back, because it meant no one could hear me puffing and struggling. Now, five years later, I’d walked the 10km trail without a…

Health ask us HELP! SHE’S AN ALCOHOLIC Q Our daughter is coming to stay with us for Christmas and has recently told us that she has a drink problem. She’s been caught drinking at work a couple of times and tells us that it’s so bad her job is in jeopardy. She’s tried Alcoholics Anonymous, but said it didn’t feel right for her. We don’t know where to go next. Please help. A It will have taken a lot of courage to tell you of her issues with alcohol, but accepting that she has a problem is the first step in her recovery. If there is an occupational-health department at her work, they may be able to help signpost her. She could also go to drinkaware.co.uk for advice on getting…

Suits-all red Nars PowerMatte Lipstick in Dragon Girl, £26, narscosmetics.co.uk, is my go-to party shade. It’s a true red that suits everyone. The colour payoff is absolutely unbeatable – one swipe and you’re good to go – and the 10-hour staying power means I don’t have to check if it’s smudged or in need of a touch-up. Sarah Slim picking I always prefer orange-toned reds on my skin tone, and MAC Powder Kiss Velvet Blur Slim Stick in Devoted to Danger, £24, John Lewis, is my current favourite. It’s matte without feeling too drying, and I really like the slim bullet which gives a really precise application. I keep it in my handbag, and it instantly improves my outfit – and mood. Rhiannon Dream cream If your lips get a…

Best before bargains Past their ‘best before’ but still brilliant! Get cupboard staples for a fraction of the usual price. Every year, millions of tonnes of food and drink past the ‘best before’ date is thrown away in the UK, despite still being fine to eat. Online retailer Approved Food is on a mission to cut the waste and save their customers serious pennies. From Heinz to Haribo, you can pick up bargains on brands, and with regular customers enjoying an average saving of around £60 on their monthly shop, it’s a great way to stretch your budget. Approved Food delivers nationwide and stocks a range of over 2,000 products, so there’s a deal to be had, no matter your diet. EXCLUSIVE DISCOUNT! Use code OWNTEN for 10% off all…

MRS HINCH When it comes to creativity, cleaning guru Mrs Hinch, 32, is your woman. Arriving via paper plane, her elf spends December causing chaos. Whether cooking up treats or wrapping the tree in loo roll, he often finds himself in sticky situations and has even wound up in the washing machine. If you’re stuck for a little inspiration, Mrs Hinch has plenty of wacky elf ideas. CHARLENE WHITE Fresh from her I’m a Celeb stint, should Loose Women star Charlene, 42, be worried? Her elf is sitting a little too quietly for our liking… GIOVANNA FLETCHER The Fletcher family’s idea to keep their elf out of trouble by making him some mates didn’t go to plan. Giovanna, 37, said, ‘It looks like some of them started drinking at lunchtime’.…

Singer Mariah Carey failed to trademark the ‘Queen of Christmas’ moniker – so is Alison Hammond coming for the title? Whether it’s for panto, making dreams come true on This Morning or selling puddings, Alison, 47, loves dressing up to get her in the festive spirit. Woman’s Own looks at her best Yuletide looks… SHE’S BEHIND YOU It wouldn’t be Christmas without a trip to a pantomime. Combine this with our favourite Brummie up on stage dressed to the nines and what more could we want? MAKING DREAMS COME TRUE As well as dressing up as a fairy, a Christmas tree and an elf, Alison has also taken on the role of This Morning’s very own Father Christmas. She really is the gift that keeps on giving. O CHRISTMAS TREE,…

Picking up my phone, I was greeted by my daughter Kathryn’s familiar voice. ‘Can you help me pick the kids up from school?’ she asked. It was November 2021, and I only lived a few miles away so I was always happy to help out. Kathryn, 33, was a carer and worked really hard. Along with her brother Richard, we were a really close family. I’d split from their dad years ago but my children and grandchildren meant everything to me and I saw them all often. ‘HER PAIN ONLY GOT WORSE’ Kathryn had just bought and moved into her first house with her husband Mark and their three kids Max, then 11, Emily, eight, and Charlotte, four. With December fast approaching, they were so excited for their first Christmas…

Have you heard about? CUDDLING CAN BOOST HEART HEALTH Snuggling up to a partner doesn’t only improve relationship intimacy, as scientists have found it can also help to repair the heart after damage*. During a heart attack, a huge number of cardiomyocytes – cells which enable the organ to contract – die off. But oxytocin, aka ‘the cuddle hormone’, helps to stimulate the growth of new, healthy heart cells. Time to cuddle up this winter to stay warm! It worked for me Anne Pritchard, 73, from Liverpool ‘Acid reflux has troubled me for years. It burns the back of my throat, causing me to cough. I can’t take some indigestion medicines because of the side effects, but I now use Silicolgel, which helps (£8.40 for 200ml, Boots). It controls the…

I ended my marriage Q After 30 years, I recently ended my marriage, telling my ex that I have never loved him. He’s been terrible to live with for decades, to the point that even my grown-up kids support me leaving. However, they say he’s devastated by my words and that what I said couldn’t possibly be true. They want me to apologise, but it is the truth. I loathe him. Help! A Research shows if you feel negative about someone long enough, something happens in the brain to change your memories of that person. Known as ‘negative sentiment override’ it’s the result of being in long-term conflict. Of course, a break-up is never easy, but your kids are adults and need a gentle reminder that this is between their…

Cosy and snug in our homes, we close the curtains on a dark night and ignore the howls of the wind. Christmas is a time for us to be tucked up at home with our families to enjoy swapping presents and passing around a box of chocolates. But not everyone has a home to celebrate in. In fact, there are an estimated 274,000 homeless people in the UK – including 126,000 children. Christmas is miserable for many as they endure life on the streets or moving between temporary homes. The rise in the cost of living is forecast to drive more people into homelessness, and charities such as Shelter are seeing increased numbers of calls for help. Woman’s Own speaks to one woman who knows the reality of being homeless…

Simple Home Cooking is packed full of guidance, tips, and tasty recipes that the whole family will enjoy. Check out our mini guides to make sure your kitchen is stocked with all the tools and ingredients you need to make the best home-cooked meals. Learn how to master essential kitchen techniques, from making your own stocks and gravies to glazing, pickling, smoking, baking, and much more. Recipes include classic American meals and modern twists on family favourites. From constructing the perfect hamburger and baking the ultimate apple pie, to serving up jackfruit tacos, hash brown sloppy joes, and more. With simple, step-by-step guides, you’ll be able to recreate these mouth-watering dishes for your loved ones with ease. To get your free copy of Simple Home Cooking use this link bit.ly/Womansown382…

Go global Think pink Modern take…

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 In the song Take a Break from the musical Hamilton, the title character compares his situation to which Shakespeare character? The answer is the one missing from the grid. ANTONYBANQUOBRUTUSCAESARCLEOPATRADUNCANHAMLETIAGO JULIETLEARMACBETHOTHELLOREGANROMEOTYBALT CROSSWORD Put your feet up and have a go at this old classic. ACROSS 1 Light and thin (6)4 The _, TV series starring16 Across, 25 Across, 3 Down,20 Down and 22 Down (8)10 Omits (6,3)11 Student (5)12 Pickling solution (5)13 Stand for (9)14 Mrs Mop (7)16 _ Falco, star of TV seriesNurse Jackie (4)19 Move in water (4)21 Level of command (7)24…

Alesha Dixon ‘EACH ACT PRESENTS MAGIC IN A DIFFERENT WAY’ The Britain’s Got Talent judge on a spellbinding new spin-off spectacular… Alesha Dixon joins Amanda Holden, David Walliams and legendary American magician Penn Jillette on the judging panel for a BGT special. The two-hour magic-fest, Britain’s Got Talent: The Ultimate Magician, is hosted by Stephen Mulhern and sees acts from past series of international Got Talent franchises compete to become the ultimate champion of magic – and nab a £50,000 prize! ‘The magic acts have come to dominate the show, so it made sense,’ says Alesha. ‘There was such a large pool of talent to pick from. Each act presents magic in a different way, so it made the whole thing really interesting and entertaining.’ Among former BGT stars in…