Innholdsfortegnelse for Monday, February 13, 2023 i Woman's Own

Valentine’s Day is fast approaching and we’ve poured a lot of love into this issue (sorry, I couldn’t resist). On p32, we’ve got the perfect date-night dinner (you can’t beat steak and a boozy bev, can you, especially if there’s a hunk doing the cheffin’!) and on p44, we whisk you away to romantic Bruges. But where do you stand on The One? It’s a nice idea, isn’t it – but do soulmates really exist? If it’s time to put your relationship to the test, turn to p22. For something that’s sure to bring a smile to your face, you’ll want to read Jane and Hugh’s story (p58). Their happiness radiates off the page, proving you can have a second chance at love. I dare you to read it without…

As one of ITV’s Loose Women panellists and a former X Factor contestant, Brenda Edwards is known to millions for her positivity and charm. But in February 2022, her world fell apart when her son Jamal, 31, tragically died at the family home following a cardiac arrest. Soon after, Brenda issued a statement on social media to say that Jamal had died due to cardiac arrhythmia caused by having taken recreational drugs. Losing a child is every parent’s worst nightmare and Brenda says, ‘I don’t want anyone else to feel the pain I’ve felt, that I still feel and will no doubt continue to feel.’ Sadly, Brenda, 53, is no stranger to adversity having lost both her parents at the age of four. She was raised by her grandmother and…

WHO IS THE FAIREST OF THEM ALL? Bridgerton star Regé-Jean Page is evidently the world’s most handsome man, according to an ancient scientific equation called the ‘golden ratio’. Basically it means his facial features come closest to the ancient Greek idea of perfection. The length and the width of a face is measured, then the results are divided. The premise is that the closer the ratios a face or body are to the number 1.618 (Phi), the more beautiful they become. Measurements also taken from the forehead hairline to the spot between the eyes, from the spot between the eyes and the bottom of the nose and from the bottom of the nose to the bottom of the chin. They should be equal. Attention is then given to the symmetry…

Have you heard about? A BATHROOM’S COOL TONES CAN BOOST WELLBEING Feel frantic in the morning? Giving your bathroom a makeover could help. That’s right – according to research*, colours such as light greys, blues and greens can help you feel prepared to tackle the day ahead. However, it’s best to avoid plumping for an all-white bathroom. ‘It’s clinical, clean and spacious, but can be uninspiring, especially for females, studies have shown,’ says psychology and wellbeing consultant Lee Chambers. It worked for me Dawn Kissack, 59, from Dundee ‘I’ve always loved swimming, but when my children came along in my 20s I struggled to find the time. Now I swim four times a week at my local David Lloyd Club (£42, per month) and even compete in events. Physically and…

Health ask us Sex is not exciting Q My husband and I have been married for 25 years; we have two teenage daughters, a good life and a lovely house. I should be grateful, but I am not. Our relationship is in a rut, and though we are great friends, sex is not exciting for me. My great love was a man I met in my 20s who recently contacted me saying he’d like to see me. I haven’t replied yet as I am afraid of where it will take me, but I really want to see him. What should I do? A If you feel in a rut, do something about it on the home front before you look elsewhere. A passionate sex life takes effort, which means talking…

This week marks 30 years since two-year-old James Bulger was abducted and murdered by two 10-year-old boys, Jon Venables and Robert Thompson. James would be in his 30s now. Would he be married? A father? With a career? All that was snatched away from him in February 1993. Woman’s Own looks back at the crime, so abhorrent, it has haunted the nation ever since. What happened? When Denise Fergus nipped to a shopping centre in Bootle, Merseyside, on 12 February 1993, it was a day like any other. Normally she took the buggy, but this time she held the hand of her two-year-old son, James, and allowed him to walk. Before heading home, she popped inside a butcher’s shop to pick up some chops for dinner. At the counter, she…

READER QUESTION Q Can I use a dehumidifier to dry my clothes? If so, what will the bills be like? A Using a dehumidifier can help dry laundry faster – and reduce the risk of mould and damp, according to GoodTo.com. A 250W dehumidifier is estimated to cost around 8.5p an hour to run. It takes three to five hours to dry a load, which is 25.5p–42.5p per load (exact costs depend on factors like the model you use). By comparison, tumble dryers cost an average of £1.90 per use. For more info visit goodto.com. Go green for less When it comes to frozen food, you’ll save energy by defrosting items in the fridge rather than microwaving them. Plus, the food will act as an ice pack and help…

And… relax7-13 February 2023 ASK ALEX A ‘WHAT IS MY HOROSCOPE TODAY?’ ARIES 21 Mar – 20 Apr You may be inventing something for your grandchildren. Think ahead and you’ll find a permanent solution. TAURUS 21 Apr – 20 May As a family person, invite everyone round for a lovely lunch. You’ll make many happy memories and have lots of laughs! GEMINI 21 May – 20 Jun There’s a chance to earn extra income, as money flows into your life along with recognition and opportunities. CANCER 21 Jun – 22 Jul You may be going round in circles as the Sun enters Pisces. Going to the park to use up some energy will help. LEO 23 Jul – 22 Aug Your energy’s been very low. This week you begin to…

THE NEXT TO DIE by Elliot F Sweeney (£9.99, Headline, PB) Five years have passed since ex-police officer Dylan Kasper lost his teenage daughter to suicide. Rocked by unshakeable grief and guilt, his life is in a downward spiral – until another death shocks him into action. Tommy, the traumatised son of a respected professor, jumps under a train. Kasper is sure there’s more to the story than just suicide, and begins a chaotic investigation. He soon uncovers the nightmarish pressures Tommy faced and the sacrifice he made to protect those he loved. Now, with his life on the line, Kasper must face up to demons of his own. A gritty, unflinching thriller that satisfies on many levels. THE LAST REMAINS by Elly Griffiths (£22, Quercus, HB) A cafe in…

Hugh Bonneville ‘I REMEMBER IT BEING HEADLINE NEWS…’ The Downton Abbey star on his new true-crime drama The Gold When a gang of robbers broke into the Brink’s-Mat security depot near Heathrow Airport in 1983, they were expecting to make off with around £3 million in cash. What they found was a hoard of gold bullion, diamonds and cash worth £26 million. The story of what became the biggest theft in British history is told in the six-part drama The Gold, which stars Hugh Bonneville as top Met detective DCS Brian Boyce, who led the search for the criminals and the loot. ‘I can remember it being headline news, but what happened next?’ says Hugh. ‘The thing that’s so wonderful about this series is we find out what happened after…

Coleen’s BITTERSWEET REVENGE Loose Women’s Coleen Nolan has gone through a string of high-profile relationships and two very public divorces. However, Coleen, 57, hasn’t taken all of her relationship misgivings lying down, as she’s revealed how she got revenge on one (unnamed) ex who cheated on her – and the woman he was unfaithful with. The mum-of-three told how she befriended the ‘other woman’, explaining, ‘We talked and it was fine. But she kept saying this thing every time we met, which was “He’ll never do it to me” [and] in the end, I thought, “What are you saying here? Like I deserved it? You’re saying you’re better than me almost.”’ Not happy with this slight, Coleen explained how she invited her ex over for ‘a little chat’ before quickly…

GOLD RUSH Add a fun finishing touch to your outfit. Gold-plated earrings, £19, Accessorize TASTE OF LUXURY A most delicious treat. Marc de Champagne Truffles, £7.50, charbonnel.co.uk CLEAR WINNER Just add flowers. Vase, £10, Dunelm A MOMENT OF CALM Dab it on your pulse points. Sanctuary Spa Calming CBD Oil, £12.50, Sainsbury’s PYJAMA PARTY Ideal for lounging or sleeping. Pyjama set, £22, sizes 8-26, Habitat for Tu Clothing ALL SET Cover up in a coordinating robe. Bra, £12.50, briefs, £7, robe, £17.50, all sizes 6-22, F&F Clothing IT’S A WRAP Great to wear with jeans. Top, £26.99, sizes 6-18, New Look SEEING RED For beauty on a budget. Nail Polish in Pro Berry, £1.50, Primark BOTTOMS UP! A refreshingly zesty drink. The Lakes Pink Grapefruit Gin 70cl, £34, lakesdistillery.com FEEL…

SUPER SMOOTH £39, sizes 8-18, John Lewis & Partners PASTEL PERFECTION £14.99, sizes 4-22, H&M HIGH-WAIST SKINNIES £35, sizes 6-20, M&S EMBROIDERED DETAIL £22, sizes 8-24, Tu Clothing RECYCLED COTTON £39.99, sizes 8-28, Lindex BOW TIE WAIST £49.99, sizes 4-18, Mango CARGO-STYLE £34.99, sizes 6-18, New Look SLIM AND SHAPE £50, sizes 6-22, Next ZIP DETAIL £18, sizes 4-20, Primark 70S FLARE £35, sizes W25-32, gap.co.uk FANCY FLARES £45, sizes 6-18, River Island COATED SKINNIES £13, sizes 6-20, Primark ANKLE GRAZER £29.50, sizes 6-22, M&S RELAXED FIT £32.99, sizes 4-18, Zara BOOTCUT £18, sizes 4-20, Primark SLIGHT STRETCH £19.99, sizes 4-22, H&M STYLISH SEAMS £49.99, sizes 4-18, Mango DISTRESSED DENIM £20, sizes 8-20, Matalan CURVED-SEAM FLARE £43.99, sizes W23-32, Hollister Co. at zalando.co.uk WIDE-LEG WONDERS £48, sizes 6-20, Next…

Will you be blissfully loved-up this Valentine’s Day or is your relationship teetering on the rocks? There are common themes that make couples compatible and also some red flags to watch for, says psychologist and relationship expert Carmen Harra*. So how do you know if you’re both in it for the long haul? To answer that, Carmen suggests asking yourself these 10 key relationship questions – take the quiz to see how you and your partner measure up. Take the test 1 DO YOU FEEL CALM AROUND YOUR PARTNER? ■ Yes, you have peace of mind when you’re with them. ■ Mostly, apart from when you’re both stressed out. ■ Not really, your partner causes you stress, worry and anxiety. 2 WHAT DOES YOUR FUTURE LOOK LIKE? ■ You’re looking…

For sufferers, a migraine is more than just ‘a bad headache’. This neurological condition doesn’t just cause intense, throbbing head pain – often on one side of the head – but many other symptoms, including brain fog, fatigue, nausea, flashing lights or ‘aura’, and sensitivity to light. In the UK, one in five women are affected, and there are several causes – one of which is hormones. More than half of women link migraines to their period*, but taking the contraceptive pill, and the menopause are also triggers. Sound familiar? Here’s what you need to know. The trouble with hormones Monthly fluctuations, especially of oestrogen, are a major factor in triggering attacks in some women, says GP, Dr Katy Munro, a headache specialist and author of Managing Your…

STARTERPREP TIME: 10 MINSCOOK TIME: 5 MINSCALS: 243 FAT: 12GSAT FAT: 1G CARBS: 27G Houmous pitta bites SERVES 2 Simple yet sophisticated, these pitta bites are deliciously moreish. YOU WILL NEED ¼ red onion, thinly sliced1tbsp red wine vinegar1tsp sugar1 pitta bread, cut into 8 squares1tbsp olive oil3tbsp houmous2tbsp pomegranate seeds1tbsp chopped parsley HOW TO DO IT 1 In a small bowl, mix the onion, red wine vinegar and sugar, and set aside for 30 mins to pickle. 2 Heat a grill to medium, mix the pitta bread with the olive oil and season. Put onto a lined baking tray, cook for 5 mins until crisp. 3 When cooled, top each with a dollop of houmous, a few slices of onion, a sprinkling of pomegranate seeds and some parsley. COCKTAILPREP…

Finding our seats on the plane, I shifted uncomfortably. Flying to Cyprus on holiday with my husband Nick in August 2019, I should have been looking forward to a few days in the sun. But as I tried to pull the seat belt over my waist, I felt embarrassed. After finally plugging the belt in, it dug into my stomach for the remainder of the flight. ‘You alright?’ asked Nick, noticing my discomfort. But the seatbelt was just another reminder of how unhappy I was with my body. Despite years of yo-yo dieting, I always seemed to end up back where I started – overweight and miserable. ‘I’D GET BREATHLESS WALKING UPSTAIRS’ As a child, I was always a little chubby. Averaging a size 12-14 throughout my teens, it wasn’t…

LINDA NOLAN What does showbiz legend Linda sip when she’s in the mood? Her own gin brand, of course. Linda, 63, named it Hudson’s after her late husband, Brian. The star, who has incurable breast cancer, had a G&T before shaving her head ahead of chemo in 2020 and while she doesn’t drink often, she enjoys her brand when she wants something refreshing. IDRIS ELBA Next time you fancy a nice glass of red, why not give Idris’ wine brand, Porte Noire, a go? The actor, 50, launched the company after a 2018 trip to Sanger viticultural school in France, with his pal David Farber. Fast forward five years and the pair’s venture now offers critically acclaimed reds, whites and rosés. If only we could share a bottle with Idris…

Health ask us HELP! I’M STILL HAVING PERIODS Q Five years ago, I began HRT. I was 50 and it revolutionised my life. The sweats disappeared almost overnight, and I really felt like my old self again. The only downside now is that I’m still having monthly bleeds. When I was on the contraceptive pill, I used to run three packs back to back. Can I do this with HRT? A What you’re describing is ‘tricycling’, which is common practice with the combined contraceptive pill to reduce the number of bleeds per year. We don’t do this with HRT, but there are ‘no bleed’ preparations of HRT suitable for women whose last period was over a year ago or those over 54, so speak to your GP about changing your…

Messy bun Don’t be scared to try something more daring. Dame Helen’s casual top knot looks so much more trendy and effortless than her lower chignon (below). It makes her locks look more voluminous and just a bit sexier too. Copy her look with the help of a doughnut like this Claire’s Large Blonde Hair Bun Doughnut, £5.90, Claire’s Accessories. This modern style also lifts her face and keeps her looking totally ageless. Grow it out Don’t feel pressured to go short because you feel it’s the ‘rule’ once you reach a certain age. Shorter cuts can sometimes be more ageing than longer ones as eyes are drawn straight to your face rather than your hair. Claire Foy grew her locks and lightened the ends for a more youthful…

Scandi dark Pretty pastels Leafy greens…

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 Which of these money-related terms is also the nickname of an Agatha Christie character? The answer is the one missing from the grid. BOBCROWNFARTHINGFIVERFLORINGROATGUINEAPENNY POUNDQUIDSHILLINGSOVEREIGNTANNERTENNERTUPPENCE CROSSWORD Put your feet up and have a go at this old classic ACROSS 1 Calls on (6)4 Celebrates and praises (8)10 Person’s level of skill (9)11 The _ Knight, 2021 film starring 1 Down, 7 Down, 18 Down, 22 Down & 25 Down (5)12 Diaper (5)13 Sedimentary rock (9)14 Made of baked clay (7)16 Bring up (4)19 Harvest (4)21 Play-act (7)24 Express regret (9)25 Parts of a pound…

Film MAGIC MIKE’S LAST DANCE Out 10 February Channing Tatum returns with the final film of his saucy Magic Mike trilogy – romancing Salma Hayek and moving to London to build a new male dance show in the capital. Based on Tatum’s real rise to fame, it promises plenty of gyrating and a wet dance scene. Flashdance, eat your heart out. Music ALAN FLETCHER The Point (Record label unknown) 10 February 2023 While his on-screen character is renowned for his lack of musical ability, Neighbours’ legend Alan Fletcher – AKA Dr Karl – releases his debut solo album, The Point. With tributes to his favourite artists and songs as well as original tracks, Alan proves that his talents go beyond acting. Event CHARLIE AND THE CHOCOLATE FACTORY: THE MUSICAL –…