Innholdsfortegnelse for Monday, July 31, 2023 i Woman's Own

Need some meal inspiration? On p32, our brilliant food team bring you dinners in a dash – cooking can be stressful but these recipes take the pain right out of it. Look at those quesadillas – ooft! On p30, writer Judy Broadbent shares what it was like growing up during the sexual revolution, so settle in for quite the ride with this one! And on p44 be transported to Matera, where the latest Bond was filmed – I’m more partial to Jason Bourne, myself, but that’s neither here nor there! I also love writer Becky Dickinson’s ethos on p58 – that fun isn’t just for kids. Her story about wanting to try things but holding yourself back resonates with us all. But she proves sometimes you just have to be…

It was almost closing time when a striking man, dark-haired and impeccably dressed, walked into the clothes boutique where I worked. I helped him try on a jacket, and he told me his name was Mark and that he was a Swiss banker. He’d flown in from Geneva and was planning to buy Cotswold Airport. Before he left, he asked for my number and minutes later my phone pinged. ‘Did I turn your head?’ he asked. ‘A few degrees perhaps,’ I replied. I wasn’t looking for love. Divorced for 10 years, I was enjoying my independence, having moved to an idyllic country cottage in Tetbury, but no one had ever come on to me so strongly. ‘I WAS CAPTIVATED AND IN HIS CONTROL’ I agreed to a date. Mark Conway…

Feeling a gentle nudge, I yawned and rolled over. ‘Tashy, are you awake?’ whispered a voice. I turned my head and saw my mum standing there. It was January 1994 and I knew what had happened. ‘Dad?’ I asked. She nodded her head, and then tears began falling from her eyes as I leapt from my bed to comfort her. ‘Oh Mum,’ I said. We stood like that for a while in the darkness until she was able to speak. ‘I got the call last night and went to the hospice. It was a peaceful ending.’ My brother Jason, then 17, came into the room and we sat on my bed, too stunned to cry or speak. Although I knew this day was coming, it was still a shock. My…

CAN I DRIVE? Q I have just come out of hospital after breaking my hip. It has been two weeks since my operation and I’m amazed at how quickly I’m recovering. I’m having regular physiotherapy and I’m doing my own exercises in between. I have a family wedding to go to in a couple of weeks, but my physio says I shouldn’t drive. Is that correct? A Generally, it’s advised that you don’t drive for at least six weeks after an operation to repair a broken hip and if you drive against medical advice, you may well find your insurance is invalid. It is great that you are recovering so well, but I would make alternative travel plans to attend the wedding. Menopause woes Q At the moment, I’m struggling…

Do the double Double cleansing basically means you wash your face twice. The idea is that you use an oil-based cleanser first to melt away make-up, SPF and daily grime, then a water-based product to give pores a thorough purge. This process means that any serums or creams you apply afterwards will absorb into the skin more easily, and work harder. We like Kutemwa Skin Radiance Melting Cleanser, £24, kutemwaskin.com, for your first cleanse and Dr Sam’s Flawless Cleanser, £18, drsambunting.com, for your second. There’s no reason you can’t use the same product twice, though, as long as it’s not a wipe. Suit your type Of all the elements of your routine, cleanser is on your skin for the least amount of time – but you still want it to…

George Home at Asda SAHARA STYLE Animal prints, abstract designs and rich colourways to inspire your space Wilko WILD ESCAPE Mix and match different textures and patterns to create your own unique style…

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 Bauer is the German word for which of these chess terms? The answer is the one missing from the grid. BISHOPBLACKBOARDCAPTURECHECKDRAWGAMBITKING KNIGHTMATEMOVEPAWNQUEENROOKWHITE CROSSWORD ACROSS 1 Confront (6)4 Apron (8)10 To sink (2,5)11 Sitcom starring 12 Across,28 Across, 31 Across, 2 Down,17 Down & 23 Down (7)12 _ LeBlanc, Friends star (4)13 Ask too high a price (10)15 Port on the Loire (6)16 Drive backwards (7)20 One-eyed monster (7)21 Ordinal number (6)24 Think about again (10)26 South Pacific country (4)28 Jennifer _, star of 2013 film We’re the Millers (7)29 Curriculum vitae (7)30 Suddenly under…

Film THE BEANIE BUBBLE Out 28 July on Apple+ Elizabeth Banks stars in this comedy-drama charting the rise and fall of the ’90s Beanie Baby craze. She plays the wife of eccentric Beanie creator Ty Warner (Zach Galifianakis). Succession’s Sarah Snook also co-stars. Music ANNE-MARIE Unhealthy (Major Tom’s/ Asylum), out 28 July Anne-Marie is back bringing us good vibes with her third studio release, Unhealthy. Featuring the likes of Shania Twain, Aitch and Khalid, take it from us it’s the pop album of the summer and you won’t want to listen to anything else. Event CAMP BESTIVAL From 27 to 30 July. Lulworth Castle, Dorset. Adult tickets from £75 (+ booking fee) Whether you go for the day or for the weekend, Camp Bestival has something for everyone. From performances…

Top telly FRINGE BENEFITS Fans of The Chase’s Paul Sinha are heading to Edinburgh next month as the quiz favourite and comedian returns to the festival stage in his new stand-up show, Pauly Bengali. ‘I enjoy the process of being on every night for a month – which is helped by having a husband [Oliver Levy] who’s a comedy aficionado,’ he says. ‘This will be my third year in a row.’ IN HER PRIME TIME It’s always a pleasure to meet Dame Sheila Hancock – who at 90, is still one the stage’s greatest twinklers and shows no signs of slowing down. Just don’t call her a national treasure! ‘It’s utterly untrue!’ she says modestly. Sheila popped in to GMB to appeal for the return of a cherished necklace that…

Simon’s SAFETY FEARS After feeling ‘unsafe’, Simon Cowell has upped sticks and left London, selling his £45 million home of 16 years in the capital’s illustrious Holland Park. The reported move comes after a plan to burgle the music mogul’s home, which he shares with fiancee Lauren Silverman, 45, and son Eric, nine, was unearthed. Simon, 63, had splashed out £15,000 on extra security measures, only to discover that an industry expert had offered to sell a decoder that could unlock the front door in seconds. Speaking of the plot, Simon said, ‘I was in total shock. The fact that it is possible for a person to obtain the software code to sell to someone – so they could rob the house my family lives in – is disgusting.’ ‘I…

As if juggling a brood of six and successful careers isn’t enough, Joe Swash tells us that he and wife Stacey Solomon have plans to extend their family further. After working on his new documentary Joe Swash: Teens in Care, the 41-year-old – who most recently welcomed Belle, five months, with the Loose Women panellist – revealed that the pair are considering becoming foster parents, admitting, ‘It’s something we’ve already discussed.’ Joe – who’s dad to son Harry, 16, from a previous relationship and also shares Rex, four, and Rose, 19 months, with Stacey as well as being a stepdad to her elder sons, Zachary, 15, and Leighton, 11 – already knows a thing or two about the care system thanks to his mum, Kiffy, who’s been a foster parent…

Columnist ENJOYING SEX IN YOUR 50S AND BEYOND Older women can be sexy too and have passionate and sizzling nights beneath the sheets… The recent reboot of Sex and the City, called And Just Like That..., champions the right of women in their 50s to have a fulfilling love life. In the first few minutes we’re treated to office sex, hot tub sex, non-binary sex, porn sex and even – sharp intake of breath – married sex. Gave me a headache just watching it to be honest, let alone doing any of it. The series stars Sarah Jessica Parker, 58, Kristin Davis, 58, and Cynthia Nixon, 57, and aims to break the taboos that only nubile, thrusting Love Island style 20-somethings are sexy. Older women trying to be all come-hither…

Have you heard about? WASTING TIME ON THE TOILET CAN LEAD TO PILES Remain on the toilet long after you’re finished? You could be damaging your rectum, says health expert Stephanie Taylor, founder of StressNoMore. ‘When you sit with your anus at a different level than the rest of your bottom half, it puts extra pressure on the veins in your lower rectum, which could lead to haemorrhoids.’ Only sit for as long as you feel the urge to go. It worked for me Mimi Grant, 42, from London ‘I wanted to take a proactive approach to my joint care. I started taking a natural rose-hip supplement, GOPO Joint Health (£17.57 for 200 tablets, amazon.co.uk), and signed up to their 12-Week Flex and Mobility Plan*. The plan kept me accountable…

Health ask us I don’t like role play Q I’m 45 years old and have been married for 15 years. We have always had a good sex life but it’s been the same for a long time. Recently my husband suggested we try something new, which turned out to be a form of what I’d say was very creepy role play. I feel turned off by the idea and it makes me worry about what else turns him on. What should I do? A A good sex life requires communication and the ability to be honest and open about your fantasies. For this reason, it’s positive that your husband felt he could openly express his desires to you. However, just because he says he wants to try these things doesn’t…

In the 60s, sex was a taboo subject in my home. I knew nothing of the birds and bees and had to rely on my sister Cal, three years older, to confirm that I had started my period in 1971. I told my mum, Margaret, then 37, that Cal had given me a sanitary towel and belt (yes, remember those?) to wear. I can recall Mum’s words well. ‘Right young lady, you had better steer clear of boys as we don’t want any unwanted babies in this house. Are you listening, young lady? If you kiss a boy you’ll end up pregnant!’ she declared. And that was that. I was terrified. I was so naive I didn’t dare question Mum on anything to do with sex. In fact, ‘sex’ was…

READER QUESTION Q I’ve heard about a new 100% mortgage. Please can you tell me more? A100% mortgages involve taking out a loan for the entire cost of a property, so you don’t need a deposit to buy a house. For example, Skipton Building Society has launched the 100% Track Record Mortgage, designed to help renters buy a home with no deposit. For more info and pros and cons, visit hoa.org.uk* Go green for less Why not see if you can ditch plastic milk bottles and get your milk delivered to your door in glass bottles instead? Try websites like findmeamilkman.net to see if you can get it sent to your address. 3 easy ways to... cut down on food waste With the weekly shop getting ever…

And… relax ARIES 21 Mar – 20 Apr Synchronistic events are leading you to a new path, which will help you to feel more peaceful and fulfilled. Acknowledge the signs and move forward with faith. TAURUS 21 Apr – 20 May This is a time of personal growth for you, now Jupiter is in your sign for the next few months. Take the initiative, don’t be afraid to try something new. GEMINI 21 May – 20 Jun Adventure brings you abundance now. By moving out of your comfort zone and exploring pastures new, you will quickly feel your life shifting up a gear. CANCER 21 Jun – 22 Jul You’re always there with a listening ear for a friend in need. You may find someone who’s usually cool and collected…

THE HONEYMOON by Kate Gray (£12.99, Welbeck, HB) When everyone is lying, who can you trust? In the tropical paradise of Bali, Erin and Jamie befriend another honeymooning couple, Mark and Sophia. While celebrating their last night at an exclusive cliff-side restaurant, things take a dark turn. Before the newly-weds return home, a man is found dead. Back in the UK, the nightmare is just beginning. Erin is guilt-ridden, while Sophia is certain that there is more to the story than a tragic accident. Using skills honed as an investigative journalist, she digs further into the details of that fateful night. Everyone is keeping secrets, and her life depends on uncovering the truth… A deliciously twisty thriller. SUMMER READING by Jenn McKinlay (£8.99, Penguin, PB) Spending the summer at Martha’s…

If parenting’s taught me one thing, it’s that love and fear go hand in hand. It’s also taught me that kids get all the fun in this world. First, it was those hideous soft play areas (shudder), then parks (yawn), followed by yet more parks (give me strength), then those indoor trampoline centres that look awesome until you remember you’ve had three kids including one, ahem, ‘assisted delivery’. Goodbye, pelvic floor. From ghastly rhyme times to expensive swimming lessons, all too often parenting involves sitting on the sidelines with a disappointing coffee while the creatures you created have the time of their lives. ‘I EMBARKED ON MY OWN MIDLIFE ADVENTURE’ Looking back, 14 years ago, I was strapping my firstborn into a Maxi-Cosi, triple-checking the clips and adjusting the neck…

MAKE A SPLASH Designed to celebrate and enhance your curves. Swimsuit, £20, sizes 6-26, Next WOVEN WONDER Protect your shades. Sunglasses case, £2.50, Primark GET WAVY Stain-resistant melamine. Picnic plates, £12 for set of four, M&S WORK OF ART No need for flowers; this looks great as an ornament. Vase, £6, Primark DESIGNER-INSPIRED Get the look without the cost. Dress, £29.99, sizes xs-xxl, H&M INTO THE BLUE FatFace has partnered with the Marine Conservation Society on an exclusive collection inspired by the ocean. 10% of sales will be donated directly to the cause, helping to deliver real conservation impact and protect marine heritage. Top, £35, skirt, £55, both sizes 6-24, FatFace; necklace, model’s own 2-IN-1 This mini folding chair has an attached 8ltr cool bag. Folding chair, £12, Tiger AU…

The cardigan Swap your trusty Breton top for a cool striped cardi. The deep V-neck flatters larger busts and can be worn with a cami underneath for cleavage cover. This cardigan is designed to be buttoned up, so treat it like a jumper, push up the sleeves and pair with everything from palazzo pants, cargo trousers or a versatile silky skirt that can be easily dressed up or down. Total outfit cost £49.99 TOP TIP Cardigans look great worn slouchy, so go up one from your usual size. The dress This 100%-cotton dress will keep you cool all summer long. Lightweight and breathable, it's perfect for holidays, picnics and summer lunch dates. Style for the beach with a linen shirt and woven bag, or dress it up with pretty espadrille…

Self-conscious about your stomach? Want to feel slimmer in your swimsuit and summer dresses? These easy changes to your meals, snacks and drinks can help. Not only will you be saving hundreds of calories throughout the week, but you’ll be slashing your sugar intake too – helping you to feel and look trimmer. These simple tweaks to your diet will blitz belly fat and by making smarter choices, you’ll beat the bloat and get a health boost. Better brekkie SWAP A CARB-BASED BREAKFAST FOR POACHED EGGS Dieters who started the day with eggs lost 65% more weight on average than those who chomped bagels, research showed*. The protein in eggs fills you up so that you snack less during the day. SAVE 400 CALS Call it a wrap SWAP A…

Black bean quesadillas with salsa SERVES 2 A great veggie option for busy weeknights, these delicious toasted wraps are more filling than they look. PREP TIME: 5 MINSCOOK TIME: 10 MINSCALS: 720 FAT: 43G SATFAT: 20G CARBS: 48G YOU WILL NEED 400g can black beans, drained50g canned sweetcorn, drained¼tsp chilli flakes1tsp smoked paprika3 spring onions, thinly sliced150g Wensleydale or Cheddar cheese, gratedSmall bunch coriander, finely chopped2 large flour tortillasSalsa and lime wedges, to serve HOW TO DO IT 1 Mix together the black beans, sweetcorn, chilli flakes, paprika and spring onions with half the cheese and half the coriander. Season well. 2 Sprinkle half of the remaining cheese over one tortilla and top with half the filling mixture. Fold to enclose the filling. 3 Heat a large frying pan over…

The past few years have highlighted just how undeniably valuable our healthcare workers are, how they work tirelessly around the clock to care for us, and make sacrifices most of us will never have to consider. But as the pressure on the NHS continues to increase, more and more doctors and nurses are leaving the profession, as a consequence of Brexit, the pandemic and inadequate pay. In fact, between March 2021-22, 15,000 nurses resigned from the NHS, and, by December 2022, nurse vacancies had increased by 10% with more than 40,000 unfilled nursing jobs. Plus, according to recent figures, the number of student nurse applications has dropped by 20%. Fly-on-the-wall documentary Nurses on the Ward, now in its second series, champions the hard work and dedication of nurses, and follows…

WHY GO? Rarely does a place render you speechless, but Matera, a time-worn stone city in the lesser-known Italian region of Basilicata, has the power to do just that. The honeycomb of cave houses, rock churches and cobbled streets carved chaotically into a rocky outcrop is otherworldly – and it deserves a spot on your travel bucket list. FROM SHAME TO FAME Named a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1993, Matera became the first protected landscape in Western Europe – no small feat for a city that, only 70 years ago, was branded the shame of Italy thanks to widespread poverty and disease. At that time all its residents were relocated, deemed to be living in a state of emergency, leaving the city dormant for the first time since prehistory.…

Rosie Cavaliero ‘BUBBLING HYSTERIA WAS ALWAYS LURKING’ Rosie Cavaliero reveals the perils of filming with Conleth Hill and Sian Gibson… A brash businessman watches his life unravel in BBC1’s new 1990-set comedy The Power of Parker. Conleth Hill plays Stockport-based Martin Parker, who’s living his best life through the success of his chain of electrical stores. Behind him is a loving wife Diane (Rosie Cavaliero) and their kids, as well as his doting mistress, Kath (Sian Gibson). However, it’s all a facade and Martin is drowning in debt and a stream of lies that are about to cause havoc in his life. ‘Diane likes the financial security that Martin provides so she can have a lovely house, kids at private school, a nice car and smart clothes,’ says Rosie Cavaliero,…