Innholdsfortegnelse for Monday, January 9, 2023 i Woman's Own

Happy New Year! 2023 has a nice ring to it, doesn’t it? As everyone knows, January is when we all start thinking about changes that would make us happier – and this tends to go hand in hand with making resolutions. For most of us – a whopping 95%, according to research – these resolutions are fitness based. It’s definitely true for me, apart from that one year I vowed to start looking after my cuticles (it didn’t last). And if it’s No.1 on your list, you’re in luck, as this week’s bumper issue is packed with 23 pages dedicated to the New Year Shape-Up – we’ve got low-calorie recipes, exercises that put a smile on your face (no, not that one!) and celebs sharing their keep-fit secrets. But if…

Kelli Regini, 51, tried to fight her feelings but she couldn’t help falling for a man 21 years younger Pushing open the front door, I heard a low rumbling sound like thunder coming from outside. But spotting a flash of dark hair and a filthy red T-shirt, I knew that sound wasn’t the weather. It was Andy, one of our neighbour’s sons, running over the cars parked in our street. ‘Stop it! I’ve told you about this before!’ I shouted at him. But Andy just shrugged and ran off. This was typical of Andy. Ever since he’d moved into the house opposite mine, I’d known he was going to be trouble. His parents had divorced and it was left to his dad to look after Andy and his four siblings,…

Health ask us HE DIED RIGHT IN FRONT OF ME Q My husband collapsed in front of me almost a year ago now. I had done some life-support training and tried to revive him, but sadly failed. When the ambulance crew arrived, they pronounced him dead. I’m finding it very hard to process what happened and get lots of flashbacks. I constantly question what more I could have done. When can I expect this to get better? A You have experienced an enormous trauma and what you describe is post-traumatic stress. I am sure you could benefit from some trauma counselling to help you move on from this and reclaim your life. Your GP will be able to advise on local services. You may need several sessions. WHAT CAN HELP…

Speedy moisturiser There’s nothing worse than waiting in the cold for your body cream to sink in. Sanctuary Spa Ultra Rich Wet Skin Miracle Moisturiser, £8.50, Sainsbury’s, is the ultimate solution – apply to wet skin in the shower and, by the time you get dressed, it will have sunk in. Savvy salts Epsom salts have an endless list of benefits and they’re inexpensive too. Westlab Mindful Bath Salts, £7.99, Holland & Barrett, is a huge 1kg bag blended with bergamot and CBD. Hair healer Want to stretch out time before your next hair appointment? L’Oréal Elvive Dream Lengths Saviour Mask, £6.99, Sainsbury’s, will overhaul unhappy hair in minutes, leaving it shiny and swishy. Brighten up Skin looking lacklustre? Boots Glow Banana Peel and Polish, £4, uses exfoliating acids to…

‘I was losing weight for myself, but wanted to make her proud too’ When Elaine Farrell, 63, needed to lose weight for her health, her daughter Suzie, 41, decided to get in on the action. Gasping in pain, all I’d done was walk upstairs. It was November 2018, and I was suffering from fibromyalgia, asthma, and COPD – chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Taking piles of pills daily, my weight only worsened my symptoms. I’d always been big, but at a size 28, I could barely pick up my grandchildren for a cuddle. ‘WEIGHT WAS FALLING OFF’ Prescribed steroids for my lung conditions, my weight climbed higher. ‘I can’t lose weight while taking these,’ I explained to my doctor, frustrated. He decided to wean me off, but by December 2018 my…

Pushing the pack of Bourbons and bars of chocolates to the back of the cupboard, I hid them with tins of beans and bags of rice. I didn’t want my husband Tom, then 53, to see them so I usually waited until he’d gone to bed before I pulled them from their hiding place and scoffed the lot. ‘IT WAS ALL TOO EASY TO SNACK AWAY’ It was February 2022 and my eating habits were out of control. I’d always struggled with my weight and often signed up to weight-loss programmes like Weight Watchers, but my willpower never lasted and I’d end up yo-yoing with the same couple of pounds before quitting. I’d been off-programme since June 2021 and my diet had completely fallen apart. Instead of eating three nutritious…

Genius jeans Not just any jeans, these are M&S magic jeans designed with clever technology to flatten the tummy and lift the bum. Details such as a gap-proof waistband, shaping darts and a stretchy finish mean they fit like a dream too. Swap skinnies for this straight-leg pair for a contemporary look. Jeans, £45, sizes 6-24, M&S Hannah Padded power One of the most coveted looks of the season, a quilted coat is practical too. This two-tone design is perfect for pear shapes, with the darker panel having a slimming effect. It also features a drawcord waist. Coat, £80, sizes xs-xxl, Next Paula Cocktail cardigan Knitwear season is in full swing and this year I’m loving the cosy cardigan. This longline version helps to streamline your shape. If you want…

3-9 January 2023 ASK ALEX A ‘WHAT IS MY HOROSCOPE TODAY?’ ARIES 21 Mar – 20 Apr You’ve been invited to family for a traditional event. It’s always something special in your calendar. A neighbour needs DIY advice. TAURUS 21 Apr – 20 May This week heralds a new venture, as Mercury is under the power of Uranus. Find someone who’ll help you bring your ideas to life. GEMINI 21 May – 20 Jun Let your intuition guide you and reach for your goals. If you need to enrol on a course to boost your job prospects, do so. CANCER 21 Jun – 22 Jul Create a space at home where you can read, relax and retreat to with a cosy blanket when your mind gets too busy. LEO 23…

Highs CHARLENE DOWN UNDER Following Frankie Bridge’s spell in I’m a Celebrity… 2021, fellow Loose Woman Charlene White joined the show in the Australian jungle. Although she was eliminated first, leaving on day 13, the 42-year-old certainly left an impression as the camp’s matriarch. STARTING CONVERSATIONS A panel switch up in May saw the ladies swap their seats with Vernon Kay, 48, Strictly’s Johannes Radebe, 35, rugby international Mike Tindall MBE, 44, and radio host Roman Kemp, 29, who talked about the importance of men speaking out about their mental health, no doubt helping thousands of others to get talking. RUTH’S THIS MORNING RETURN The summer saw Ruth Langsford’s return to ITV’s This Morning. The 62-year-old announced the news, sharing, ‘Excited to be reunited with my TV son Rylan.’ And…

With the excitement of Christmas behind us and the long winter nights drawing in, it’s no wonder so many of us feel the January blues. And Judy Finnigan is no exception. Speaking about her mental health recently, Judy admitted she’s been ‘sad’ and has opened up about ‘empty nest syndrome’ and why she hates being alone - without her family. ‘After four-and-a-half months bunking up with Mum and Dad while builders finished doing up their house, our daughter, son-in-law and tiny new granddaughter have finally quit Madeley Mansions (or Finnigan’s Folly as I call it when I’m feeling militant),’ Judy, 74, said. ‘And oh, how I miss them. Or to be accurate, how I miss the baby. She’s three months old now, and it’s the first time I’ve spent every…

LOOKING TO THE FUTURE As 2023 begins, let’s try to decipher some of Nostradamus’ predictions Congratulations, you made it. Just. It’s 2023 and a shiny new year awaits us. Absolutely no idea what happened to 2022 but I think we blinked and missed it. If it’s true that time passes faster the older you get, then I expect 2024 to arrive in approximately 10 minutes. Unless it’s on strike, obviously. In which case, like the trains/post/ambulance/UncleTomCobley it will be delayed. But I digress. Around 500 years ago a bloke called Michel de Nostredame wrote a book called Les Propheties. Now, he was French so he may well have had a good liquid lunch or a sleepless night triggered by onions and garlic. We’ll never know. But his book featured 942…

Have you heard about? SOCIALISING CAN BOOST YOUR GUT HEALTH Struggle with bloating? Certain foods upset your tummy? Spend time with your friends, says new research.* Yes, really. Scientists measured the social connectedness of monkeys and collected and analysed the DNA of their stools. Findings showed that those who socialised more had higher levels of ‘good’ gut bacteria. This is important for reducing the risk of certain illnesses, such as diabetes and heart disease. It worked for me Catherine Harrison, 52, from Hertfordshire ‘I experience aching bones and rheumatism every winter. I used to dread even the simplest of tasks. I now use Well Actually Liposomal Vitamin D3 and K2 oral spray (£19.99, well-actually.co.uk). I feel energised and able to go about my daily life, without severe pain. Vitamin D…

Health ask us Our daughters argue about our money Q We are in our 60s and have two daughters, aged 24 and 26. We have always helped them financially, but they constantly fight about who gets more from us. Christmas was the worst this year, as my youngest commented about how much we’d spent on our grandchild (her niece, who is a year old), and my eldest snapped back that we’d paid off her loan, so she was owed it. It was so upsetting to hear. What do we do? A Your daughters’ argument about money is a common sibling rivalry fight around perceived favouritism. In reality, it’s your money, and you are entitled to give what you want, especially to your grandchild. An honest talk needs to happen with…

Has your skin suddenly lost the plot? Dryness, itching, sensitivity and acne are all symptoms of the menopause. There are around 15.5 million women in the UK who are currently either peri- or postmenopausal, but research by No7 found that 56% of women didn’t recognise the menopause was the cause of their skin changes. In fact there are over 10 symptoms of the menopause that directly impact the skin. ‘During this time, it’s important to focus on self-care to learn about your own skin and understand its texture, tone and needs,’ says Dr Alia Ahmed, consultant dermatologist. ‘I always tell clients that their skincare will change all year round, and this is the same for the seasons of life.’ So if you suddenly find your moisturiser isn’t making a dent…

Overindulged over Christmas and New Year? Your clothes may be feeling uncomfortably tight. But the good news is it’s easier (and quicker!) to lose those extra pounds than you think. That’s because US nutritionist Haylie Pomroy, author of The Fast Metabolism Diet (£10.99, Vermilion), has developed a diet to help your metabolism burn fat. On her easy-to-follow plan you can expect to lose 7lb in just seven days, shed cellulite and build muscle, with no calorie counting. The plan works by using food to rev up a sluggish metabolism. You eat three satisfying meals and two snacks a day, but still lose weight. And, for those with more to lose – or who want to kick-start the year with a healthier month – you can carry on the plan for…

CLAUDIA WINKLEMAN Strictly’s Claudia not only pulled off a 24-hour danceathon with pal Tess Daly in 2019, but also took up walking during lockdown. And her toned physique has inspired us to step it up, too! TESS DALY With legs for days and a body we dream of, it’s not hard to guess why Tess was a model from the age of 18. These days she works out two or three times a week with personal trainer Sam Shaw, as well as running and doing yoga classes. Teach us your ways, Tess. SAIRA KHAN Walking the dog first thing in the morning is one of Saira’s favourite ways to exercise. But to keep her bum looking peachy, Saira also does weighted squats and lunges, along with cardio. JULIA BRADBURY Her…

PREP TIME: 15 MINSCOOK TIME: 20 MINSCALS: 303 FAT: 5GSAT FAT: 1G CARBS: 48G Gyoza miso noodle soup SERVES 4 Warming and cosy yet surprisingly light, this soup is great for the colder evenings and uses a pack of ready-made Japanese-style gyoza dumplings. YOU WILL NEED 100g dried rice noodles1.5ltr vegetable stock4cm piece root ginger, thinly sliced2tbsp white miso paste1tbsp soy sauce1tbsp mirin/rice wine200g mixed mushrooms, sliced if large100g baby pak choi, halved, or spring greens, shredded100g bean sprouts Olive oil spray20 frozen vegetable gyozaChopped red chilli, black sesame seeds and lime wedges, to serve HOW TO DO IT 1 Place the noodles in a heatproof bowl, cover with boiling water and set aside for 8 mins to soften, then drain. 2 Meanwhile, place the stock in a…

Hurtling along the street, my brother overtook me and began to sprint towards our house. Patrick was two years younger than me and always had a streak of mischief about him. It was May 2000, we were on our way home from school and I had a second sense that he’d spring a surprise on me when I reached the house. ‘WE WANTED HIM TO BE HAPPY’ I tried to push open the front door but something was stopping me. Gales of laughter erupted from the other side. Patrick had opened the toilet door just behind our front door, blocking me from getting into the house. I had to wait until his mirth subsided and he eventually let me in. Another time I arrived home to be met with a…

THE MYSTERY OF FOUR by Sam Blake (£12.99, Atlantic Books, PB) Seeking an escape from grief, Tess Morgan pours all her energy into her dream of restoring the stately Kilfenora House. A grand public opening is just around the corner and rehearsals for a spectacular performance in the ballroom are underway. But when a terrible accident befalls an actor, Tess’ extravagant plans crumble. She pays no mind to the whispers of a curse that plagued the Tudor manor. But as the bodies begin to pile up, she is certain that a sinister force is behind the string of accidents. Somewhere out there, a cold-blooded enemy seems hell-bent on destroying everything Tess holds dear… A country-house thriller packed with twists. MY (EXTRA) ORDINARY LIFE by Rebecca Ryan (£8.99, Simon & Schuster,…

Ioan Gruffudd ‘BEING IN FRANCE WAS MAGICAL’ The Welsh actor on the beautiful backdrop of new drama The Reunion… ‘IT BLEW ME AWAY!’ Set in the South of France in the 90s, a group of teens at an Antibes international school are left stunned when their friend Vinca Rockwell (Ivanna Sakhno), vanishes. Fast-forward 25 years and Vinca’s disappearance is still a mystery. But when novelist Thomas Degalais, who was once in love with Vinca, attends his high-school reunion, he reconnects with his old friend Maxime (Grégory Fitoussi) and secrets begin to unravel. ‘Thomas is still obsessed with Vinca,’ says Ioan, who plays Thomas. ‘I think the only way he can get some finality is by going back and trying to piece together what happened.’ But Thomas and Maxime are hiding…

You were born to be a dad. I know it from the way you care for our fur babies, Beatrix the cat and our Bichon Frise, Bonnie. You’re the most caring man I know and I have no idea how I would’ve coped without you in the past few years. When we met in 2016, I told you all about the heavy, painful periods I’d endured for years. The pill helped to keep them at bay, but when I came off contraception so we could try for a baby after our wedding in May 2018, all that changed. STAYING POSITIVE I’d see your concerned face as I was doubled over when the cramps hit. Every month, the pain was agonising. ‘It’ll be worth it when I get pregnant,’ I told…

HARRY’S TELL-ALL BOOK The Duke of Sussex’s highly anticipated memoir was expected at the end of 2022, before being postponed as a mark of respect following the Queen’s death. It’s now set to be released next week. Despite not yet being available to buy, Harry’s new book, Spare – which follows the release of The Sussexes’ Netflix docuseries – has already created headlines. Truth bombs and more upset for the Royal Family at the hands of Harry and Meghan seem to be something that the King and Prince William will have to learn to live with. A VERY ROYAL BIRTHDAY His second birthday as monarch will be a big one for King Charles III as he celebrates turning 75. As King there’s no doubt he’ll be spoiled and while plans…

GET COSY A soft fluffy bath robe is an everyday must-have. Dressing gown, £16, sizes s-xl, Tu Clothing TOASTY TOES Fleece-lined for full comfort. Slippers, £16, footwearstudio.co.uk HYDRATION HIT For a 15-minute pamper. Garnier Nutri Bomb Tissue Mask, £2.95, Superdrug DESIGNER DECOR A candle that doubles up as a decorative ornament. Candle, £9, Habitat PRETTY PASTELS Perfect for layering, this coat is also a great price. Coat, £29.99, sizes s-xl, Zara EASY UPDATE Refresh your home with a gorgeous dried-flower arrangement. Vase, £17.99, table, £39.99, trinket dish, £9.99, mini vase, £8.99, all H&M Home. Eucalyptus, £39.99, Beards & Daisies at H&M Home PERFECT YOUR POUT Make room in your make-up bag. Iconic Mini Lip Trio Kit, £29, Charlotte Tilbury THE RIGHT STRIPE Great for laid-back weekend looks. Shirt, £29.99, sizes…

When my daughter was born, I imagined all the wonderful things we’d do together. Dressing up, playing with dollies, going on shopping trips and girls’ days at the spa. Instead, I found myself fighting for my life, hooked up to machines and undergoing chemotherapy, while my precious little girl was also fighting for hers. In early 2020, I was checking Facebook when I noticed a message from a name that I didn’t recognise. ‘I think I’m your cousin,’ it read. Explaining she lived in Canada, she said she was related to my dad’s side of the family. Rather than researching her family tree, she’d got in touch with important news. ‘There is a cancer gene mutation that runs in the family, you may want to get yourself checked,’ she said.…

Tummyflattering top Layering is key, particularly if you’re exercising outdoors. The crossover hem on this lightweight top creates a loose drape to boost your confidence as you lunge your way to a strong body. Supportive swimwear Not only does this sporty swimsuit have an attractive and slimming illusion print, but it also features a hidden bust shelf liner for support, adjustable straps and a shaping tummy-control panel, meaning you’ll feel and look your best when you hit the water. Shorts Why not swap your leggings for a pair of cool cycling shorts? High-waisted styles will shape, enhance and support your curves, and they come in a variety of colours so you can coordinate with the rest of your outfit. These Contur shorts also have a super-stretch fabric that offers the…

Can’t find the motivation to exercise? You’re not the only one – especially when it’s cold outside. In fact, 40% of Brits say they struggle due to lower energy levels throughout the winter months.* But you don’t need an extreme regime. Whether you have 30 minutes or two hours, fancy an online class, prefer the outdoors or just like moving at home, we reveal the best fat-burning activities to kick-start your weight loss. Got 30 minutes? Try… 1 JOGGING This cardiovascular workout has a positive effect on blood pressure and cholesterol, and can reduce anxiety, too. Alternate between walking and jogging – the NHS Couch to 5K app will help to track your progress (Free, App Store and Google Play). Prone to knee pain? Choose grass over pavement, and make…

Being a grandmother has been one of the biggest pleasures of my life. I’ve loved seeing my grandchildren walk their first steps, hear them say ‘nanna’ for the first time and watch as they play and laugh with such joy. And now I’m 5st lighter, I can enjoy these moments so much more. Finally, I am able to run around with them. But it’s taken a long time to get here. HIDING AWAY I hadn’t always been big. Up until I had children, I was a size 14 and weighed around 11st. But after Charlotte was born in January 1991 and Hayley the year after, I ballooned to 15st and a size 20. My husband Mark, now 57, always told me that I was beautiful, but that didn’t stop me…

‘We broke the world record’ Raz Marsden, 55, is a motor neurone disease nurse consultant from Oxford. In June 2019, she started a round-the-world trip on a tandem bicycle with Cat Dixon, 54, a CEO from Yorkshire. Crossing the border from Myanmar to Thailand, it was nearly midnight, we’d run out of water and couldn’t find anywhere to stay. Cat was not well, I felt sick, we’d had seven punctures over the past two days and now a slow puncture was threatening our back wheel. Alone, moments like this would have been completely overwhelming, but on a tandem bike, you’re never alone. We were often hungry, exhausted and grumpy, but because we had each other, every day was filled with laughter. ‘EVERY DAY WAS FILLED WITH LAUGHTER’ BEATING THE MEN…

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 ‘king of the knots’ is a term used to refer to which knot? The answer is the one missing from the grid. ARBORBARRELBEERBOWLINEBUMPERDIAMONDDOUBLEGRANNY HITCHOVERHANDREEFSLIPSTOPPERWATERWINDSOR CROSSWORD Put your feet up and have a go at this old classic. ACROSS 6 Love deeply (5)7 The _ War, 2021 sci-fi film starring 12 Across, 9 Down,20 Down & 22 Down (8)10 Hold up under (7)11 Kitchen sideboard (7)12 JK _, won an Oscar for his role in the film Whiplash (7)13 Shop selling medicines (7)14 Indulging the emotions excessively (11)19 Extremely bad, informally (7)21 Unit of…

DOLLY’S BOOK DRIVE Dolly Parton, 76, set up the Dollywood Foundation in 1988. It supports various charities, including the Imagination Library, which has seen 150 million books donated to children across the US. And in 2020, she gave $1 million to the development of a COVID-19 vaccine. GIVING GEORGE Before his death aged 53, George Michael is said to have done many good deeds in secret. Richard Osman, who used to work as a producer on Deal or No Deal, said George stepped in after hearing one contestant’s plight. ‘A woman on Deal or No Deal told us she needed £15,000 for IVF treatment,’ Richard tweeted, ‘George gave her the money.’ ELTON’S FOUNDATIONS It’s no secret that Sir Elton John, 75, has a passion for charity. Not only does he…

BREAKING DAD… AGAIN! There’s no rest for Bradley Walsh. No sooner had he finished filming The Chase Christmas specials, he was on the road with son Barney filming another series of ITV’s Breaking Dad – this time in South America. ‘That’s a lot of driving,’ he tells me. The star is back in the studio later this month once again – unless Barney finally has broken his old man! WATER BLOCKBUSTER! It’s the sequel of the highest grossing film of all time, wowing fans and critics alike with star Sigourney Weaver playing teen Kiri after the death of Dr Grace in the original Avatar 13 years ago. ‘I was determined that I would not let my age get in the way,’ says Sigourney of her brutal training for Avatar: The…