Innholdsfortegnelse for Monday, May 8, 2023 i Woman's Own

Who doesn’t enjoy a good wedding? Getting dressed up to watch people you love exchange ‘I dos’ is always special. Summer tends to be full of nuptials, but the costs can really add up – hen dos, presents, travel, accommodation... not to mention getting a new outfit. Never fear – on p16, our Fashion team brings you the perfect choices on a budget, and in sizes 4 to 28. It’s not just style woes we’re answering in the issue. Are you hooked on Häagen-Dazs? Mad about Mars? (I wouldn’t blame you, they’re both GREAT!) Well, on p22, take the (very eye-opening) quiz to find out why you can’t quit sugar. Enjoy, and have a great week! The Woman’s Own Look Younger Special is on sale NOW! Join us online goodtoknow.co.uk/womansown…

As my dad stood up from the sofa, he let out a long yawn and stretched his arms. ‘I’m going upstairs for a nap,’ he told my mum. It was 1971 and I was five. Sitting on the living room floor, quietly reading, I knew what was coming next. ‘I’ll take Susan with me,’ he said, his eyes fixed on me. As he dragged me by the hand, I was too terrified to protest. My father, Robert Henderson, had a quick temper and I knew better than to argue with him. Instead, I let him climb on top of me in bed, too scared to cry and tell him that he was hurting me. ‘I FELT I HAD NO CHOICE BUT TO BURY HIS SECRET’ ‘You know I love you,…

As I watched my daughter Emily, then seven, twirl around in her sparkly leotard, she had the biggest grin on her face. Nothing made her happier than dancing on stage. It was 2001, and as Emily high-kicked her way to the end of her performance, I got to my feet and gave a round of applause. ‘They were great!’ the woman next to me said. Claire, then 27, was there to see her daughter Libby, also seven, who was in the same show. ‘Brilliant,’ I replied with a smile. Each week, as Claire and I sat through Saturday morning dance classes, we bonded over motherhood. I’d tell her about my partner Martin, and we’d chat about the girls and Emily’s brother Matthew, who was five years younger. The two of…

Health ask us WILL ANXIETY MEDS WORK? Q Recently, I’ve been really struggling with anxiety. My GP gave me something called sertraline a few weeks ago. I only started taking it this week and, if anything, my anxiety is worse. I called the surgery today and my GP is away for two weeks. I have only taken it a few days. Is it safe to just stop them? AIt’s very common to experience some agitation when first starting sertraline. It only lasts a few days and, anecdotally, I tend to find that the people who experience this, get the most benefit if they persevere. Give your surgery a call and speak to one of the other doctors who may be happy to prescribe something to tide you over this phase.…

Flush of blush E.l.f Monochromatic Multi Stick, £5, Boots, is a cream-to-powder blush stick that delivers a highly blendable pop of colour to cheeks, eyes and lips. Not only does it deliver a natural-looking glow, but it also contains kind-to-skin ingredients to care for your complexion – with shea butter and vitamin E to help maintain your skin’s hydration and health. Powerful primer Bursting with skin-loving ingredients like brightening vitamin C, nourishing hyaluronic acid, and strengthening vitamin E, Makeup Revolution Super Base Vitamin Primer, £9.99, revolutionbeauty.com, really does it all! Offering all the benefits of a skincare product with the longevity of a primer, the formula works to keep make-up fresh all day. Bolder brows Define brows instantly with the help of Refy Brow Tint, £16, refybeauty.com, which coats individual…

MONEY SAVING SPECIAL SAVE £5.90 Celebrate-in’ Did you know that despite 73% of Brits celebrating key milestones at home this year to save money, research shows that it can still be expensive, with 60% spending over £50 when hosting*. TV’s Angellica Bell has teamed up with HelloFresh to share her cost-cutting entertaining tips… 1 PLAN AHEAD As soon as I know I have friends coming over, I make lists of everything I’ll need. The earlier you figure out quantities, the easier the cooking will be. HelloFresh is a great option because you can price up a menu per head before ordering, plus there’s no waste (from £3.15pp). 2 BORROW One of the most expensive parts of any dinner party is buying enough plates and glasses for everyone attending. Ask guests…

And… relax 2-8 May 2023 ARIES 21 Mar – 20 Apr Be sure to trust your intuition and be crystal clear about what it is you need. By expressing yourself honestly, new doors and opportunities will open wide for you. TAURUS 21 Apr – 20 May With Mercury retrograde in your sign this week make sure you avoid confrontation. Wait until next week before you make any important decisions. GEMINI 21 May – 20 Jun Venus is in the last few degrees of your sign right now. So, tie up any loose ends and let the past go. Instead, look forward with a fresh perspective. CANCER 21 Jun – 22 Jul Make the most of any new work opportunities this week. Your hard work and patience is about to pay…

GRAVE EXPECTATIONS by Alice Bell (£14.99, Atlantic Books, HB) It’s easier to solve a murder when you can talk to the dead! Claire Hendricks is a 30-something, cash-strapped medium. She readily accepts an invitation from Figgy, her old friend from university, to entertain the Wellington-Forge family’s party at their grand country home. Claire brings Sophie along – not that she really has a choice, seeing as Sophie has relentlessly haunted her since she was murdered. But when the pair encounter a restless spirit in The Cloisters, it’s clear that a killer is lurking in the unbearable Wellington-Forge family. Alice Bell weaves a fun, gripping murder mystery with a supernatural spin. THE BRINK by Jamie Fewery (£8.99, Legend Press, PB) Could delving into the past spark new hope for the future?…

A WICKED TIME Out on the tiles at a gala night for the hit stage show Wicked with a couple of Loose Women, Brenda Edwards and Ruth Langsford – whose hair as always defied gravity in a frenzy of lacquer. ‘I never go out,’ she said. But she had good reason. Her pal Mark Curry – star of stage and 1980s Blue Peter – has a starring role as The Wizard of Oz himself: ‘He’d kill me if I hadn’t turned up.’ A cracking show, and with just a click of her heels Ruth was back to no place like home. STRICTLY BETWEEN US I can vouch for An Evening with Anton Du Beke and Friends – I’ve had a few myself with the Strictly legend but in prepping for…

Coleen TEARS OVER SISTER SNUB She often wears her heart on her sleeve, so it’s no surprise that Coleen Nolan couldn’t hold back the waterworks recently when discussing the side effects of one of her infamous family feuds. Wiping away tears, Loose Women star Coleen, 58, explained that a fall-out with two of her sisters meant that they snubbed her 2007 nuptials to Ray Fensome. The mum-of-three explained, ‘It was the time when we’d fallen out and they missed my wedding, my two sisters.’ She continued, ‘It was really difficult. What was really sad is that my nieces were bridesmaids. They missed the wedding and they missed seeing their children be bridesmaids.’ The star didn’t specify which of her four sisters missed her wedding, but her previous fall-outs with older…

She’s no stranger to the small screen, with roles in the likes of Coronation Street, Waterloo Road and Soldier Soldier under her belt. Yet many of you will likely know Denise Welch as a Loose Women stalwart these days, where she has been a regular panellist since 2005. However, it hasn’t always been a bed of roses for the Geordie actor, 64, who has bravely battled alcohol and depression issues in the past. The former Celebrity Big Brother contestant is now over a decade sober and hasn’t had a depressive bout in three years. Here, the TV star tells us why she’s considering returning to the stage, about the perks of being a rock star mum and why, unlike so many others, she doesn’t feel the need to renew her…

NAIL WORRIES I’ve always marvelled at how women with those amazing gel nail talons cope with the basics of life. Doing up jeans, sending texts and – apologies for this – even wiping their own bottoms. Now though, the government is investigating the dangers of gel polishes, which have been reported to leave people with life-changing allergies that can prevent them from having operations for cataracts, joint replacement or dental work. The chemicals in gel nail polishes can cause an allergic reaction, which can see nails loosen and skin develop a severe itchy rash. Beauty, it appears, really can be more than skin deep. BANK HOLIDAY… AGAIN It’s May. Which means there are nearly as many Bank Holidays as there are days in the actual month. And blimey, aren’t they…

IF YOU HAVE CONCERNS ABOUT YOUR HEALTH, SEE YOUR GP. CHECK WITH YOUR GP OR MEDICAL PROFESSIONAL BEFORE TAKING NEW SUPPLEMENTS. *NUTRITION & FOOD TECHNOLOGY. **HAIR GAIN. Have you heard about? TWO CUPS OF TEA A DAY CAN KEEP INSOMNIA AT BAY Stress keeping you awake? Drink tea, says research*. This includes regular black tea – the typical British cuppa – as well as green tea, lavender and rose. So, how does it work? ‘It’s due to the high concentrations of L-theanine and polyphenol compounds,’ says Dr Tim Bond, chemist and natural health expert. These help aid relaxation in the brain. Have your last cup by 2pm so the caffeine doesn’t keep you awake. It worked for me Roberta Rose, 57, from London ‘I had issues with my mouth, including…

Health ask us I don’t think his son is his child Q I have a strong suspicion that my son’s child isn’t his. It’s not just the way this boy looks, but personality-wise, he seems nothing like my son. I don’t get on with my daughter-in-law and know my son adores his child, so I want to be careful. My grandson is now three years old and I have only seen him twice, but I see a lot of the videos that my son posts online. Do I tell him or keep out of it? A Telling someone you don’t think their child is biologically theirs is a hazardous conversation. Before you say anything, think about why you want to share this suspicion. Having only met your grandchild twice, you…

READER QUESTION Q How do these various cashback websites work and are they worth it? A Firstly, sign up to cashback sites such as topcashback.co.uk or quidco.com, then search them to see if a retailer you’re planning to buy from is offering any cashback deals. If it is, click through to the retailer’s website; your visit will be tracked and after your purchase, your cashback amount should go into your cashback account after it’s processed. But it can take weeks or even months to arrive and cashback isn’t guaranteed, so see it as a bonus rather than a reason for buying an item. For more info, visit themoneyedit.com/consumeradvice/best-cashback-sites. Go green for less Check out these reusable bamboo straws from Flying Tiger Copenhagen (flyingtiger.com), part of the retailer’s ‘Ecoconscious’ range. They…

JOANNA LUMLEY Ab Fab star Joanna, 77, has two granddaughters and while she once claimed she wanted to ‘be a little bit more of a granny’ by ‘eating a lot of cake’ and having ‘one of those housecoat overalls’, we’ve yet to see it. In fact, Joanna is still wowing us on red carpets and travelling the world for her television series – not quite your average nan. SHARON OSBOURNE She’s never been one to do things conventionally, so it’s no surprise that Sharon’s five grandkids call her ‘Shazza’ and ‘Mrs O’. The chic star, 70, has admitted that being a gran has done wonders for her outlook, saying, ‘It’s like a new life. There’s nothing like it… it’s all overwhelming but in a good way – in a really…

Slipping into a black lacy bralette, a rush of emotion washed over me. It was June 2020, and wearing beautiful, delicate underwear made me feel feminine and sexy, which after having both of my breasts removed, was a feeling I thought I’d never have again. For 30 years, I’d worked as a nurse, but in June 2017, life took an unexpected turn when I noticed a small lump in my right breast. ‘I’m sure it’s nothing to worry about,’ I told my husband Rich, then 53. I’d found numerous lumps over the years, but they’d always been diagnosed as harmless cysts, or blocked milk ducts back when I was breastfeeding my three children. RADICAL TREATMENT Only this time was different. ‘I’m 99% sure it’s cancerous,’ a breast surgeon told me,…

KHAKI COOL Tap into the utility trend with this cargo jacket. £22, sizes xxs-xl, Primark GREEN-FINGERED Practical and stylish, these gardening gloves are a must. £6.99, Homesense DESIGNER DOUBLE Smart enough to be used on or off the beach. Bag, £39.50, M&S ALL EARS Inject some summer into your look with raffia earrings. £15.99, Mango PLUMP AND PROTECT A hydrating, non-greasy SPF. Moisturizing Gel-Cream SPF 30, £14.99, byoma.com BRING THE OUTSIDE IN WITH RATTAN TEXTURES AND GREEN ACCENTS Seagrass mirror, £30, green riverside cottage print throw, £20, embroidered shape cushion, £10, green cord cushion, £7, green check throw, £20, trailing leaf rug, from £55, green textured vase, £12, green jug, £6, riverside glass vase, £10, reactive battery bulb light, £9, and blue willow leaf cushion, £8, all George Home FAUX…

Wedding guest The jumpsuit A cool alternative to a dress but just as easy to wear, a jumpsuit is a no-brainer. The wrap design and wide-leg cut makes this one universally flattering. Amp up the glam factor by teaming it with some gold jewellery and keep it practical in comfy wedges. Jumpsuit, £26, sizes 8-28, George at Asda; earrings, £5.99, parfois.com; shoes, £15.40, boohoo.com Total outfit cost £47.39 The skirt If you want to get more mileage from your wedding outfit then opt for separates that you can mix and match well beyond the big day. To keep it feeling luxe, opt for flowy fabrics that drape effortlessly and silky textures for a high-end finish. Top, £14.99, sizes xs-xxl, H&M; skirt, £29, sizes 6-22, F&F Clothing; shoes, £5.95, everything5pounds.com Total…

Do you have a sweet tooth? You’re not alone. Most of us eat double the recommended healthy limit of sugar* with over 20% of Brits** saying that it’s their biggest vice. But having a weakness for sugary treats is not only bad for teeth Take the test Circle the answers that best describe you… 1 THE HARDEST THING ABOUT QUITTING SUGAR IS… A The cravings. B My friends always say ‘yes’ to dessert. C Controlling myself – one bite and I need the whole thing. D I feel like I’m missing out on life’s pleasures. 2 IT’S SOMEBODY’S BIRTHDAY AND THERE’S CAKE! DO YOU? A Make sure you grab a slice – quick, before it goes! B Take other people’s lead. If they’re having it, so will you.…

Tasty recipes Baked ricotta and chorizo spaghetti PREP TIME: 8 MINSCOOK TIME: 20 MINSCALS: 444 FAT: 13GSAT FAT: 6.2G CARBS: 59G SERVES 4 We can’t get enough of this fast pasta dish, packed with colour and flavour. 250g ricotta cheese1 red onion, cut into wedges2 garlic cloves, finely sliced325g cherry tomatoes, halved40g chorizo, finely chopped1tsp dried oregano Spray oil300g spaghetti2 large handfuls baby spinach leaves, roughly sliced You will also need: A baking dish approx 26 x 22cm 1 Heat the oven to 200C Fan/Gas 7. Put the ricotta in the middle of the dish, then scatter the onion, garlic, tomatoes and chorizo around the edge. Scatter the oregano over and season with salt and pepper. Spray the vegetables lightly with oil and bake for 20 mins. 2…

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 is the first name of House in the US TV show of that name? The answer is the one missing from the grid. ADRIANBENEDICTCLEMENTFELIXFRANCISGREGORYINNOCENTJOHN LEOMARTINPAULPETERPIUSURBANVICTOR CROSSWORD ACROSS 1 Be able to buy (6)4 The _, 2021 spy thriller film featuring 29 Across, 1 Down & 22 Down (5,3)10 Underwater missile (7)11 Refer to (7)12 Perform again (4)13 One who can discern the thoughts of another (4,6)15 Egyptian god (6)16 Catch in a trap (7)20 Unlawful (7)21 Homeless dogs (6)24 Act prematurely (4,3,3)26 Great Lake (4)28 Social conduct (7)29 Ralph _, actor whose films…

Film THE LAUREATE Out in cinemas 5 May Handsome biopic of writer Robert Graves (Tom Hughes) who returns from war and with the blessing of his wife (Laura Haddock), takes a lover (Dianna Agron) as his muse. The trio scandalise society as they navigate their complicated relationship. Music ED SHEERAN (-) Subtract (Asylum/ Atlantic) Out 5 May Singer-songwriter extraordinaire Ed Sheeran blesses our ears again with a brand new album. (-) Subtract has an acoustic sound and is deeply personal to Ed, who explained, ‘For the first time I’m not trying to craft an album people will like. I’m merely putting something out that’s honest and true.’ Music NELL MESCAL In My Head (LAB Records) Out now After the success of her debut Graduating last year, Nell Mescal is back…

Rose Ayling-Ellis ‘IT’S LOVELY THAT BSL WILL BE CENTRE STAGE!’ The former EastEnders star and Strictly champion on forming a very special choir for the coronation… ‘I’M SO HAPPY TO BE INVOLVED’ On the day after King Charles III is crowned on 6 May, The Coronation Concert (see right) will include a 300-strong choir formed from singing groups across the UK. A one-off documentary Sing for the King: The Search for the Coronation Choir follows Rose and fellow mentors choirmaster Gareth Malone, Britain’s Got Talent judge Amanda Holden and Strictly’s Motsi Mabuse as they prepare the ‘super-choir’ for the performance of a lifetime. ‘It tells the story of the brilliantly talented choirs from all over the country who will make up the Coronation Choir and ultimately perform in front of…