Innholdsfortegnelse for Monday, April 10, 2023 i Woman's Own

The best bit of news this week has to be that there are benefits to having a chocolate habit (p26). Not sure it’s OK to be quite as addicted to Mini Eggs as I am, though. But where do you stand on putting them in the fridge? It’s looney to me and a definite no! A slightly more intriguing debate (and one that might raise more than a few eyebrows) is to be had on p43 – is it ever OK to fake it (yes, that!)? Turns out nearly half of us have – I’ll leave you to decide whether that’s shocking or not. On p30, writer Kim Willis takes on the challenge of finding new ways to relax, on p8 we take a nosey into the homes of the…

NADIA SAWALHA Nadia regularly offers glimpses into the five-bedroom home she shares with husband Mark Adderley and daughters Maddie and Kiki in south London. There’s an open-plan kitchen and a neutrally decorated lounge. Nadia isn’t afraid of showing her sometimes messy abode and has admitted to never making her bed or washing her windows. COLEEN NOLAN Coleen shares this idyllic country retreat with its own small holding with son Shane, daughter Ciara and 15 animals. She previously appeared on Loose Women virtually from her stunning kitchen, complete with country AGA. The rest of the home is equally rustic, with traditional wooden beams and a log fireplace. STACEY SOLOMON Pickle Cottage needs no introduction as mum-of-five Stacey regularly keeps fans up to date with the renovations of her £1.2 million Tudor-style…

THE DILEMMA OVER DOCTORS Training to be an NHS surgeon can take up to 14 years – it’s 10 years to become a GP. It’s an astonishing amount of time and hard work, taking students through medical school/university, foundation training and then on to speciality training. But now the new chair of NHS England, Richard Meddings, has suggested this should be slashed to plug staffing gaps and reduce waiting lists. Doctors themselves aren’t so keen. Of course, if training can be safely shortened then it’s an option. But that word ‘safely’ is doing a lot of heavy lifting there, isn’t it? NO, BULLYING IS NEVER EVER OK But is using violence the answer, or is there a better way to deal with bullies? Is it ever OK to punch somebody…

Whether you’re on a diet or simply trying to be healthier, Easter can feel like the ultimate test of willpower. In fact, 40% of Brits are self-confessed chocoholics*. But while chocolate often gets a bad rap, it’s not the sin it’s made out to be – in fact, studies show it can improve a variety of functions, such as boosting heart health and even protecting your skin from the spring sunshine. So, ditch the guilt and enjoy these benefits. 1 FIXES A TICKLY THROAT Hay-fever cough? Tuck into dark chocolate, says research from Imperial College London. It is a third more effective at stopping persistent coughs than codeine, thanks to its high theobromine content. Scientists found that theobromine, an energy stimulant, helped to suppress the activity of the vagus nerve,…

Laksa with prawns SERVES 6 A ready-made paste takes the faff out of making this spicy Malaysian soup. YOU WILL NEED 185g jar laksa paste (from larger supermarkets)1ltr fish stock2 x 400ml tins coconut milk6 garlic cloves, sliced2 stalks lemongrass, split lengthways and bashed, or 2tbsp lemongrass pasteThumb-sized piece of ginger, grated4 spring onions, sliced250g flat rice noodles200g bean sprouts225g raw king prawnsJuice of 1 lime3 boiled eggs1 bunch of coriander, leaves picked1 red chilli, finely sliced HOW TO DO IT 1 Heat the laksa paste in a large pan for 2 mins until fragrant. Add the fish stock, coconut milk, garlic, lemongrass, grated ginger and half the spring onions. Bring to the boil and simmer for 10-15 mins until the mixture has slightly reduced. 2 Add the noodles, bean…

WHY GO? When an island can boast a beach for every day of the year – each and every one an idyllic mix of white sands, fringed by swaying palms and shimmering turquoise water – it would be rude not to make the most of them. However, while simply lazing on the sand with a cocktail in hand is tempting, the water has such an allure it’s difficult to resist its siren call. SEA LIFE Swim in it. Sail on it. Or simply gaze at it in wonder. The sea around Antigua is a thing of beauty. So it’s not difficult to see why this tropical paradise is known as the land of sea and sun. It’s also the nearest Caribbean island to the UK, making it a top spot…

Harry’s NEW CRISIS Just over three years after he formally stepped down as a senior royal and fled the UK, Prince Harry is having problems with his US visa. After the prince, 38, admitted taking cocaine, cannabis and magic mushrooms in his tell-all memoir, Spare, he is facing calls to have his US visa application made public. America’s Heritage Foundation is behind the request, with one of its directors, Mike Howell, saying it is in the public interest, ‘In light of the potential revocation of Prince Harry’s visa for illicit substance use and further questions regarding the prince’s drug use and whether he was properly vetted.’ Harry – who admitted first taking cocaine on a shooting weekend when he was 17 – said in a recent interview that his drug…

THE FRILL OF IT A head-turning shade that easily dresses up denim. Blouse, £55, sizes 6-18, Oliver Bonas GO FASTER Cool kicks that look much more expensive. Trainers, £49.99, Zara ON POINT Fab, nourishing lip colour. Clinique Chubby Stick Intense, £20, John Lewis & Partners THINK PINK Transform any outfit in seconds! Earrings, £15, Next MAKE IT MIDI Great paired with a fine knit and trainers. Skirt, £29.50, sizes 6-24, M&S BRIGHT DUO Pink and green are the hottest combo to be seen in this season. T-shirt, £16, and skirt, £35, both sizes 8-22, Cotton Traders; shoes and accessories, stylist’s own THE RIGHT STRIPE Add a hit of colour to your sofa. Cushion, £18, Next POWER MODE The chicest way to charge up your phone. Wireless charger, £10, Ikea TWO-WAY…

Health ask us INJECTIONS TO INCREASE ENERGY Q Last month, I was feeling exhausted all the time. My GP arranged some blood tests, which showed I was low in vitamin B12, and they arranged a series of injections. I’ve had a further blood test, which shows my levels are now normal. I forgot to ask if I can swap to oral B12 supplements now. I hate injections! A When your GP discovered your B12 was low, the lab would have tested to see if you produce intrinsic factor antibodies. These prevent you from absorbing B12 from your gut. If you call your surgery, they will tell you if you have these antibodies. If you don’t, your GP will likely be happy for you to switch to oral supplements. Is he…

TO BRIGHTEN… AHAs and vitamin C Alpha hydroxy acids (or AHAs) are the best way to exfoliate your face. They’re more efficient than gritty scrubs, melting away dead cells and leaving your complexion luminous. Pairing AHAs with vitamin C will supercharge their efficiency, noticeably brightening skin and banishing pigmentation. Because both ingredients are potent, it’s best to space them out – acids in the evening and vitamin C in the morning. ✣ Q+A Vitamin C Brightening Serum, £9, Holland & Barret ✣ Byoma Brightening Toner, £11.99, cultbeauty.co.uk TO BANISH WRINKLES… Retinol and SPF Retinoids are the gold standard for helping to improve the appearance of wrinkles by speeding up the cell renewal process. Use them at night, but the caveat is that it’s absolutely essential to follow up with sun…

Easy ways to save money on your food bill Handy tips to make your food shop go further… 1 PLAN LIKE A PRO Meal planning is key to stretching the weekly food budget, try putting a chalkboard in the kitchen so the family can contribute ideas and get involved in the prep. 2 LOVE YOUR LEFTOVERS If eating the same meal two days in a row isn’t for you, reimagine them into a brand-new meal. Turn roast meat into bubble and squeak, curry, or fry with leftover cooked rice with egg, veggies and soy sauce. 3 PUMP UP THE PLANTS Bulk up the protein in family meals more cheaply by substituting some of the meat with lentils or other pulses. This is not only tasty but will boost the nutritional…

Dark decadence Bold brights Boho neutrals…

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 What was the name of the African elephant who died in 2009 and was studied for over 30 years by wildlife researcher Cynthia Moss? The answer is the one missing from the grid. BRAVOCHARLIEDELTAECHOGOLFHOTELKILOLIMA OSCARPAPAROMEOSIERRATANGOVICTORZULU CROSSWORD ACROSS 1 Celestial bodies (6) 4 Stocky in build (5-3) 10 The Phantom of _, 2021 biographical film starring 11 Across, 26 Across and 28 Across (3,4) 11 Mark _, actor whose films include Bridge of Spies and The BFG (7) 12 Inflamed nodule (4) 13 Food often served on toast (5,5) 15 Maid _, figure in English…

Film AIR Out in cinemas 7 April Ben Affleck and Matt Damon re-team as 80s Nike execs looking for the perfect basketball player to promote their new shoes – enter Michael Jordan. A witty look at a forgotten piece of history, loaded with retro songs, shell suits and perms. Family fun ANNIE THE MUSICAL 3 April-25 November, multiple locations including Dublin, Nottingham, Manchester and Southampton. Tickets from £13 Craig Revel Horwood and Paul O’Grady star as Miss Hannigan in the well-loved musical about a young orphan whose fate changes overnight. You can bet your bottom dollar you’ll regret it tomorrow if you don’t book now! Night out THE MATT GOSS EXPERIENCE 15 March-22 April, multiple locations including Sheffield, Bristol and Swansea. Tickets from £22 Bros frontman and former Strictly star…

With Richard Madeley taking a long break from GMB after being branded ‘disgusting’ and ‘vile’ by viewers, and Judy Finnigan admitting she worries about the financial crisis, could the atmosphere at home be close to breaking point for the showbiz couple? Richard, 66, has said that Judy, 74, gets ‘fed up’ with only speaking to him for weeks on end. Meanwhile, Judy confessed to feeling ‘sad’ when daughter Chloe, her husband James Haskell and their baby Bodhi left their house after living with them for four months, with Richard admitting, ‘Judy and I are heartbroken.’ So are the couple struggling now it’s just the two of them at home alone? ‘WHO ARE THEY KIDDING?’ BUDGET-CONSCIOUS JUDY Despite the pair apparently being worth millions, it seems Judy is feeling the misery…

Shoving the pie, hot cross bun and crisps into my bag, I quickly paid for my petrol and hurried back out to the car. My lunch yet again was food hastily bought from a garage as I drove between my calls in my work as a carer. Of course I could have opted for a healthier salad, but at 19st and 5ft 7in, I had been a comfort eater for decades and it was hard to change. I reasoned that as I was always on the go and didn’t have any health problems, I must be fine. But my shift patterns didn’t help my eating habits. That night I wolfed down a Chinese takeaway of chicken and cashew nuts and began to sort out the children’s lunch boxes for the…

Have you heard about? MUSHROOMS CAN BOOST YOUR MEMORY Struggle with forgetfulness? Research by the University of Queensland found that properties of lion’s mane mushrooms promoted neuron growth when diluted in water, boosting long-term memory. This means they could help protect against dementia and Alzheimer’s disease. Can’t find them in your local supermarket? Try Clean Lion’s Mane (£11.76 for 30 capsules, british-supplements.net). It worked for me Elaine Rutherford, 63, Ayrshire ‘I was 16st 8lb and had been diagnosed with type 2 diabetes. I joined WeightWatchers (£18.95 per month, weightwatchers.com/uk) and lost 6st 6lb. My diabetes has reversed and my mobility is so much better. I have stacks of energy now and can even get down on to the floor to play with my grandkids. I feel great.’ How to……

Health ask us He won’t marry me Q I’ve been with my partner for 15 years, and we love each other. We live together, have two dogs and are close to his sons. The problem is, he won’t marry me. It’s something I want, but when I ask him, he says he can’t. His parents split up when he was a kid, and he was married in his late 20s, and that also ended. I understand this hurt him, but surely I should matter more than his past? A Divorce is hard on everyone and being part of a failed marriage when he was a child and again as an adult will have had a lasting impact on your partner. An impact that he’s possibly afraid will repeat itself and…

April is Stress Awareness Month and aptly, it’s also the month of my son’s first birthday. While the past year has been incredible, it’s also been stressful. The physical, mental and emotional demands of raising a baby have left me exhausted and my mind somewhat frazzled! So every day for a week, I tried a different way to soothe my mind, body and soul. Here’s how I got on… Day 1 Before Helier was born, yoga was a daily ritual. After Heli, yoga was one of many vanishing pastimes. According to the Stress Management Society (stress.org.uk), stress and poor mental health remain one of our biggest public health challenges. Yet we continue to separate mental and physical health, despite the fact that they’re inextricably linked. Yoga always nurtured me physically…

READER QUESTION Q Do you have any advice on avoiding having to splash out on new toys for my cat? A According to the charity Cats Protection, there are plenty of ways to save money on toys for your cat, from simply cutting holes in a cardboard box to provide a fun hiding place, to getting crafty and making your own toys, like creating a pom-pom toy with wool (if you’ve got kids, they can help you). For details on how to make it and other ideas, visit cats.org.uk/help-and-advice/cat-behaviour/cats-and-play. Go green for less Snap up these Magnitone Wipe Out Swipes. They’re reusable, eco-friendly cleansing pads, designed to remove make-up using just warm water. A six-pack was £15, but it’s now just £9 at magnitone.co.uk until 30 April 2023. Offer correct…

4-10 April 2023 ASK ALEX A ‘WHAT IS MY HOROSCOPE TODAY?’ ARIES 21 Mar – 20 Apr The small things in life have the biggest impact. The unexpected deeds you do for others show how big-hearted you are. TAURUS 21 Apr – 20 May Work could require more focus than usual. Take time to do your research. By the end of the week, you’ll feel accomplished. GEMINI 21 May – 20 Jun Be diplomatic during Mercury’s direct motion. Your generous nature inspires others to do something special for you. CANCER 21 Jun – 22 Jul Your pet is trying to tell you something. Find out what’s up with them. Just a few small changes will make a big difference. LEO 23 Jul – 22 Aug Start planning to…

THE MESSENGER by Megan Davis (£14.99, HB, Zaffre) The relationship between Alex and his overbearing father has always been strained. Brought to France after his parents’ divorce, Alex struggles to adjust to life among the Parisian elite. His father’s expectations make their apartment feel claustrophobic, while at his exclusive school he’s an outsider. But Alex soon finds an escape by befriending Sami, a homeless boy who teaches him to survive in the dark underbelly of Paris. Drawn into a world of crime, Alex’s rebellion spirals into a nightmare when his father is murdered. Both boys are imprisoned, despite pleading innocence, and years later Alex is determined to unearth the murky truth. A sleek, sinister debut. THE HALF BURNT HOUSE by Alex North (£14.99, HB, Michael Joseph) Many years have passed…

Rita Simons ‘WHAT A GORGEOUS BUNCH OF PEOPLE!’ The actor joins six celebs on a trek across Portugal… Another bunch of famous faces with different faiths and beliefs don their walking boots and backpacks for the latest series of Pilgrimage on BBC2. The celebrity pilgrims are Boyzone singer Shane Lynch, Hi-de-Hi! legend Su Pollard, University Challenge brainbox Bobby Seagull, reality TV star Vicky Pattison, comedian Nabil Abdulrashid, Paralympic skier Millie Knight and actor Rita Simons, who’s best known for playing EastEnders’ Roxy Mitchell from 2007 to 2017. ‘I took part because it sounded like a great experience,’ says Rita. ‘They were a gorgeous bunch of people to spend time with! We laughed so much and I had the time of my life!’ The three-parter follows the celebs as they take…

Sitting in front of the TV beside my husband Jerry, then 46, I ran a hand over the base of my skull. It was December 2013 and I could feel a smooth patch the size of a 50p coin. Worry coursed through me, I loved my long locks. ‘What’s this?’ I asked. Jerry carefully examined my head. ‘Just a small bald patch,’ he soothed. Panic took hold. I booked an appointment with my GP. She explained there was no definite test, but diagnosed me with alopecia areata – an autoimmune condition that can lead to unpredictable hair loss. ‘It often develops for no reason,’ she explained. ‘It’s more than likely your hair will grow back.’ I hoped she was right, but over the coming weeks, clumps of hair began appearing…