Innholdsfortegnelse for Monday, August 21, 2023 i Woman's Own

It’s a bumper issue this week, with more of everything you love – including 10 pages of puzzles to keep you on your toes, more showbiz news, more real life, more beauty, more fashion! Plus, we’ve got five-minute puddings (easy enough for even the worst chef to give a go) and salads you’ll actually want to eat! Find out how to get the perfect summer nails on p42, choose your favourite summer tops (noticing a theme?!) on p20, and there’s everything you need to give your garden a little oomph on p68. On p46, writer Sam Brick explains why she has no qualms stripping off – and why she thinks we should all give it a go. And on p58 meet the women who turned their ideas into business –…

Jacket Looking for a quick way to jazz up simpler outfits? Try adding a statement jacket to elevate your look. Throw on this beautiful, embroidered velvet number over jeans and a tee or a block-colour dress, keeping it open, and push up the sleeves to reveal your wrists, for a flattering finish on your arms. Bikini Forget teeny-weeny bikinis and opt for retro-inspired cuts for serious poolside confidence this summer – high-waisted styles such as this one sit at the narrowest point of your natural waist, highlighting it. These bikini bottoms feature subtle ruching and Magic 360 technology, ensuring you’ll look great from every angle. The matching top will provide plenty of support, plus mix-and-match sizing means you can find the perfect fit. Jumpsuit A jumpsuit is a great occasion-wear…

Have you heard about? EXTREME HOT FLUSHES SHOULDN’T BE DISMISSED Experience debilitating sweats? You may be at risk of hypertension and metabolic syndrome – a combination of diabetes, high blood pressure and obesity, which increases your chances of conditions such as heart disease*. Studies showed women with moderate to severe hot flushes were more likely to develop these conditions, than those who had mild or no hot flushes. Speak to your GP if you’re concerned. It worked for me Jacqui Hunter, 60, from Northamptonshire ‘I used to suffer with soreness in my knees and neck, particularly when using the stairs. I now take FutureYou Cambridge Turmeric+ Gold (£26 for 28 capsules, futureyouhealth.com), which contains curcuminoids for reducing discomfort and vitamin C and D to support cartilage and muscle function. It’s…

My sister hates me Q My older sister hasn’t spoken to me for five years, after her ex told her we’d had an affair. This never happened, and I even have text messages from him admitting he lied. Despite this, and countless other people saying he lied about other things, she refuses to see me or our parents, believing that they have taken my side, and sends me horrible messages saying that I’ve ruined her life. A It sounds like you have done everything possible to clear your name, but your sister is unwilling to listen. It’s horrible to carry the weight for something that isn’t your fault, and I imagine you feel very hurt and angry about it. See a relationship counsellor who can help you to understand your…

Chicken and chickpea salad SERVES 6 With punchy North African flavours, this makes a filling dinner and packed lunch the next day. YOU WILL NEED 1kg chicken thighs130g chermoula spice paste400g tin chickpeas, drained3tbsp olive oil300g wholewheat giant couscousJuice ½ lemon100g spinach50g flaked almonds50g dried apricots, chopped HOW TO DO IT 1 Put the chicken in a ceramic or glass bowl, then rub with the chermoula, reserving 1tbsp. Marinate in the fridge for at least 30 mins or overnight. 2 Heat the oven to 180C/Gas 6. Transfer the chicken to a roasting tray, then bake for 25 mins, or until the juices run clear and the chicken is tender. On another tray, toss the chickpeas in 1tbsp of the oil, season and add to the same oven for 15-20 mins.…

READER QUESTION Q I’ve just bought myself an electric fan. Where’s the most cost-effective place to put it? A ‘Electric fans can use a lot of energy and don’t actually cool the air,’ explains OVO Energy’s Greig Millar. ‘Since heat rises, the coolest air will be at floor level, so set your fan on the ground and point it upwards and outwards towards the opposite wall, with no large objects in the way. This will bounce the cooler air back into the room, to cool the overall temperature.’ Go green for less Treat yourself to natural skincare and wellbeing products from Blomma Beauty – there’s 15% off site-wide (excluding sale items) until 31 August 2023 when you use offer code BBMAG15 at blommabeauty.com*. 3 easy ways to... avoid online…

OH, SISTER by Jodie Chapman (£16.99, Penguin Books, HB) Three women’s lives are bound by the extremist religious sect known as The Disciples of the Last Days. Isobel has been a perfect wife to her husband, who now wants to leave her. Jen has suffered through a traumatic experience that she had no control over, but for which she is blamed. Zelda struggles to live on her own terms, but is haunted by her past. As Sisters, their decisions are determined entirely by the Brothers. Constrained as they are, can they break free from the stranglehold of the cult? Jodie Chapman crafts a dark, powerful tale of subservience and rebellion that will have you hooked from the very first page. BEACH RIVALS by Georgie Tilney (£8.99, Transworld, PB) Jack’s a…

They’ve been married for 36 years, but it seems Richard Madeley and Judy Finnigan still struggle with co-habiting, as Judy has admitted that they often squabble behind closed doors. The former presenter, 75, says she and Richard, 67, are having regular battles at home over menial things such as heating and lighting. ‘Our annual heating wars’, Judy says of the rows. But while these clashes are somewhat relatable for most couples, this isn’t the only time Richard and Judy have disagreed over their lifestyle choices. Dark and cold When reacting to the news that King Charles has ordered staff to turn down thermostats in a bid to make Buckingham Palace greener, Judy said, ‘My heart sank a little when I heard King Charles has issued orders to palace flunkeys to…

STOP PATRONISING THE OVER-50s Politicians need to quit treating us like naughty toddlers In many cultures around the world, the elders of the tribe are revered and respected. They have the wisdom and life experience that the following generations can listen to and learn from. And they do. Here? Anyone over the age of 50 is either viewed as a bigoted Boomer who should just shut up or, even worse, ignored to the point of being invisible. The latest insult to those of us who really DO know better is the Work and Pensions Secretary, one Mel Stride, telling us to get on our bikes and deliver takeaways if we want to enjoy a decent lifestyle into old age. Excuse me? I mean, EXCUSE ME?! We’re not the ones who…

Walking into my son Harry’s bedroom to wake him from his nap, I knew immediately something was wrong – the room was too quiet. I stood over his cot, he was lying face down and motionless, and when I turned him over and saw his face and lips were blue, panic gripped me. An hour later, I sat by his bedside in A&E trying to process the fact that my beautiful boy, who was just 21 months old, was dead. I couldn’t even cry, I was in such deep shock. Despite the efforts of the paramedics, who’d come quickly after I’d dialled 999, it had proved impossible to bring him back. ‘I COULDN’T EVEN CRY, I WAS IN SUCH DEEP SHOCK’ Born on 19 July 2016, Harry was my second…

We’ve all been there. You’re busy getting ready for your holiday, but there’s a mountain of washing to do, the in-laws are bickering and your partner still hasn’t started their packing. What do you do? Enter a slanging match that ends with nothing resolved? Or are you a peacemaker at any cost, who caves in to the louder and angrier voices? Finding harmony can create a stronger family bond, plus it’s good for you. Not only is being stress-free better for your mental health, but tension can affect your muscles, while rage can cause headaches and raise blood pressure. Here’s how to end the sound of slamming doors for good – leaving you feeling healthier and happier this summer. SET BOUNDARIES Every family has disagreements, whether it’s arguing over where…

Worried about post-flight bloating? Hotel buffets irritate your bowels? From cabin pressure to unsanitary water, or simply overindulging because, well, you’re on holiday, that laissez-faire mindset can wreak havoc on your gut. Dealing with cramps, bloating, diarrhoea and constipation is the last thing you want when you’re trying to soak up the poolside atmosphere. However, you don’t need to avoid going on trips or ‘grin and bear it’ while you’re there. There are plenty of simple ways to take back control. Here’s how… Arrange medications Panic-buying remedies while you’re away can be expensive – assuming you can find the right products. ‘Stocking up ensures you won’t get caught short,’ says gastroenterologist Dr Lisa Das. As well as remembering to bring any prescribed medication, Dr Das recommends packing an antispasmodic, such…

Hydration hit When my hair is looking and feeling thirsty, I swap from everyday conditioner to rich masks to give it a more intensive dose of moisture. To double up on hydration, once a month I’ll apply a mask like Garnier Ultimate Blends Smoothing Hair Food Coconut & Macadamia, £7.99, lookfantastic.com, from root to tip and leave it on for an hour, before washing my hair as normal. It’s always much more soft and manageable afterwards. Rhiannon Well gel To stop my curls drying out, I always use a curl cream, but in the summer months I also add a gel to my styling routine for better hold. Umberto Giannini Curl Jelly Scrunching Jelly, £8.25, Boots, is one of my favourites – I apply when my hair is damp, scrunching…

Eating disorders charity Beat advises that loved ones can play a key part in spotting the signs of an eating disorder. The sooner someone gets help, the better their chances of making a full recovery. KEY SIGNS INCLUDE ✣ Saying they have eaten earlier or will eat later or that they have eaten more than they have. ✣ Strict dieting and avoiding food they think is fattening. ✣ Hiding food. ✣ Taking a very long time to eat meals. ✣ Anxiety, particularly about eating in front of other people. ✣ Physical signs can include weight loss, tiredness and stomach pains. ✣ In the case of bulimia or binge eating disorder, eating large amounts of food (bingeing). ✣ In the case of bulimia, purging after bingeing by vomiting, over-exercising, using laxatives…

Red velvet cake SERVES 1 Light and fluffy with a creamy top, this chocolatey cake is exactly what your afternoon tea break has been missing. YOU WILL NEED 3tbsp light brown sugar3tbsp plain flour1tbsp cocoa powder¼tsp bicarbonate of soda¼tsp baking powder1 medium egg½tsp vanilla extract1tbsp buttermilk (or use natural yogurt)2tbsp sunflower oil½tsp red food colouring gel3tbsp ready-made cream-cheesestyle icing You will need: 1 microwave-safe 300ml capacity mug, ideally straight-sided, and a microwave oven HOW TO DO IT 1 In the mug, mix together the brown sugar, flour, cocoa powder, bicarbonate of soda and baking powder. Add the egg, vanilla, buttermilk, oil and food colouring and mix until just smooth. 2 Microwave on high (1,000W) for 1 min 10 secs, or until risen and springy to the touch. Set aside to…

‘People were so keen to get fit, the classes just grew’ Sarah Scudamore, 39, lives in Bournemouth I live near the seven-mile stretch of golden sand at Bournemouth, and would exercise with friends at sunrise, using the seashore and promenade for our workouts. The combined impact of exercise, fresh air and the mental benefits of being by the water was so uplifting. I’d trained as a fitness instructor and studied sports therapy at university, then got sidetracked in my career, working for a training company. But now, rediscovering my love of fitness coaching, I found more women were asking to join our group or just turning up after spotting us while on their morning run. Eventually, at my friends’ insistence, I started charging for the classes, and Beach Club Sobo…

The Old Coastguard, Cornwall From the road, this whitewashed building doesn’t look like much. But step through the lobby and restaurant and you’ll see it open up to a sweep of outdoor lawn that slopes down to the sea. It’s just another way the tiny fishing village of Mousehole impresses, along with its fresh seafood, cute cafes and galleries. The bedrooms all showcase the lush Cornish coast, whether that’s the Lizard Peninsula or St Michael’s Mount. Opt for a room rate that includes dinner, as this hotel is known for its food. Expect Fowey mussels with chilli and lime or cured monkfish with pink grapefruit. Doubles from £248, including three-course dinner and breakfast; oldcoastguardhotel.co.uk. Bournemouth Beach Lodges, Dorset A day at a beach hut is a classic seaside pleasure. But…

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 In 1978, chemistry magazine Chem 13 News printed an April Fool’s joke by Ken Woolner, claiming which measurement unit was named after an 18th-century French scientist? The answer is the one missing from the grid. ACREFOOTFURLONGGRAMHOURINCHLITREMETREMILEMINUTEOUNCEPINTPOUNDSECONDTON CROSSWORD ACROSS 1 Evaluate (6)4 The _, 2022 comedy film starring 12 Across, 19 Across, 29 Across and 22 Down (4,4)10 Very loud (9)11 Heavily loaded (5)12 Channing _, star of Magic Mike and Dog (5)13 City in India (9)14 Rowers (7)16 Lump of earth (4)19 Brad _, star of Troy and Fight Club (4)21 Month (7)24 Express…

Sarah Greene ‘IT’S NAIL-BITING, HILARIOUS AND GREAT FUN’ The kids’ TV legend on her return to the box… Best known for presenting iconic BBC1 children’s shows Blue Peter and Going Live!, Sarah Greene joins radio host Roman Kemp to front new fast-paced daytime quiz show The Finish Line. Each episode sees five contestants charge around a studio racetrack while answering quick-fire questions. And speed is of the essence because if the players don’t answer in time, they won’t be in with a chance of scooping the cash prize. ‘It’s nail-biting, hilarious and great fun!’ says Sarah. ‘I’ve worked in practically every single genre of television, but I’ve never done a quiz show before. I’ve been a contestant on shows like The Chase and I had a ball. I think that…

Walking down the stone steps to the sea, feeling the hot sun soak into my skin, I scanned the beachfront. It was a beautiful day in September 2022 and I was on a girls’ holiday in Lesbos, Greece, with six of my friends. We’d spent the past few days doing yoga and meditation, lapping up the sunshine and dancing the night away in the evenings. I was feeling more relaxed than I’d been in months, away from my busy job as a restaurant manager, and enjoying a change of scenery. I’d not been feeling myself since losing my beloved pup Bailey to a brain tumour. She’d passed away a year ago, but I still felt bereft and found myself moping around at home in between shifts at the restaurant. CRATE…

PAINTERLY PRINT Make a splash with this bright oversized top. Shirt, £10, sizes xs-xl, Primark COCOA HEAVEN Indulgence with a citrus zing. Orange Marmalade bar, £6.95, Rococo Chocolates KEEP YOUR COOL Waft away the heat in style. Fan, £9.50, Pink Lemons Boutique STAY HYDRATED For sipping on the go. Water bottle, £20, bullfrogbottles.com BLOOMING LOVELY Easy to dress up or down. Skirt, £21.99, sizes 4-22, New Look LOOKING HOT These feel-good buys are just the thing for lazy summer days by the sea Shirt, £19, xs-xxl, hat, £11, bag, £15, all Matalan WAY OUT WEST Make like a cowboy and keep harmful rays at bay. Hat, £29.50, Oliver Bonas SIT IT OUT Enhance your outdoor seating experience. Cushion, £20, B&M CANDY STRIPES We love this sweet one-piece. Swimsuit, £25, sizes…

She’s one of Loose Women’s most famous faces thanks to her long-running role in sitcom Birds of a Feather, which ultimately cemented Linda Robson as a household name. Yet the 65-year-old is her usual warm and down-to-earth self when Woman’s Own speaks to her at the British LGBT Awards in London. Despite the glitz and glam of the event, Linda is sporting her beloved flip-flops on the red carpet, and it’s just one of the many reasons why viewers can’t get enough of her. First things first, and ‘Nanny Linda’ wastes no time telling us all about Loose Women’s upcoming live tour, and what fans should expect. ‘I’m appearing on eight [dates out of 16], and The London Palladium, Southampton, Bath and Newcastle are just some of the venues I’ll…

In the giddy early years of our relationship, my husband Gaz, 41, and I excelled at dates. We frequented restaurants and cinemas, hiked up volcanoes in the Canaries, went wild swimming in the Solent and wild camping in the Black Mountains. Then came the pandemic and a baby, Heli, now one, and instead of being inventive and creative, we got tired and lazy and de-prioritised ‘us’. Like 12.5 million Brits recently studied, we don’t go on dates at all any more. Would seven days of seven dates give us back some sparkle? Here’s how we got on… DAY 1 My friend Leah thinks it’s weird that when Gaz and I get the opportunity to spend child-free time together, (thanks to my mum having Heli) the first thing we do is…

COULD IT BE CANCER? Q My husband gets up at least once – and sometimes twice – a night for a wee. This has been going on for more than a year now and I’m really worried. We lost my dad to prostate cancer and I couldn’t bear to think of my husband going the same way, but he won’t get checked out. How do I persuade him? AIt’s common for men over the age of 50 to need to get up at night for a wee, and this may simply be a sign of benign enlargement of the prostate. If this becomes more frequent or if he has other symptoms, such as needing to rush to the loo, difficulty in starting to wee, poor stream, dribbling at the end…

When did you last take a good look at your body in all its glory? Too long ago to remember? You’re not the only one – 42% of women say they rarely or never feel body confident,* so many of us shy away from our naked selves. But by not giving our bodies a once-over while we're in the buff, we could be putting ourselves at risk. ‘Get to know what’s normal for you,’ advises Dr Bryony Henderson, associate medical director at online healthcare service livi.co.uk. ‘This is known as body literacy and is about building knowledge of your body to understand what it may be telling you about your health. By checking on a monthly basis, you’ll start to spot things.’ Here’s what to look out for…

All-round oil Nothing cares for your nails better than using a good-quality cuticle oil every day. Palette Cuticle Oil, £8, palette-london.com, is so easy to add to your beauty routine. The peach-scented oil is packed with plant extracts, vitamin E and strengthening agents. With regular use it helps to promote nail health and keep your manicure looking its best. Summer-approved shades Want to have fun with your manicure? Purse-friendly, long-lasting and joy-sparking, there’s no need for a pricey salon session. Stock up on these shades now! A classic tomato red like Essie Nail Polish in shade Meet Me at Sunset, £8.99, Boots, never goes out of fashion. Go for gold with Sally Hansen Colour Therapy Nail Polish in shade Glow With the Flow, £8.99, lookfantastic.com. Or make a real impact…

At the start of summer my husband Pascal, 62, and I left our home in the south of France, got into our car and headed further southwards, checking into a gorgeous hotel on the Med for a week of sea, sand and sunshine. After a late afternoon check-in and with the glorious rays of sunshine still strong, I decided to get some sun on my body. Our hotel was a small one and each room had a private terrace overlooking the sea. I’d already wriggled into a string bikini. After getting settled on the sunbed, I whipped off my bikini top. Then began liberally applying sunscreen all over. Within minutes of having stripped off, I was lying back on my lounger. Moments later the tuts of disapproval started up. They…

The doctor pressed my stomach as I lay on the hospital bed, and asked if it hurt. I hesitated, then saw my mum’s face contort with fury behind his back. I remembered her hissed instructions before we’d entered the room, telling me to lie, her vice-like grip on my wrist. There was no pain, but all I could do was nod. At the age of three, I knew if I didn’t do as Mum said, she’d turn her anger on me. To others, she appeared loving, but in private it was a different story. My earliest memories are of endless hospital trips and being poked and prodded by doctors, as Mum told them about symptoms I didn’t actually have. I dreaded the moment each doctor concluded they couldn’t find anything.…

And… relax ARIES 21 Mar – 20 Apr Your bold, daring nature is in evidence this week. Others may see you as demanding, but you are just making your needs known. Always be true to yourself. TAURUS 21 Apr – 20 May You are romantic, loyal and also patient. Well, until someone waves that red flag in front of you. This could happen during the coming week, so try to stay calm. GEMINI 21 May – 20 Jun Your need for intellectual stimulation is strong, and communication is important to you. Make time to share your feelings with those closest to you. CANCER 21 Jun – 22 Jul You are nurturing and intuitive, and you may be called upon to use those skills this week. You flourish when you are…

She’s the undisputed queen of show business and, at 90, Dame Joan Collins has done it all. A teenage film starlet, she is most famous for playing Alexis Colby in TV soap Dynasty in the 1980s, and has penned some 20 novels, lifestyle guides and memoirs. Her latest, Behind The Shoulder Pads, coincides with a tour where Joan, who lives in London with her fifth husband, Percy Gibson, 57, lifts the lid on her glittering career. 1 Childhood memory Escaping from my mother and her sister on the upstairs floor of Selfridges when they were taking me shopping and hiding underneath one of the models. I was about five years old and I was in trouble, of course. My mother told me off! 2 Song The Way You…

NAUGHTY BUT NICE I enjoyed an afternoon delight with pal Harriet Thorpe – aka new Queen Vic landlady ‘Hurricane’ Elaine – and Gaby Roslin, out and about in London’s Soho. The pair had just been to The Ice Cream Project in Belgravia, where you can pick up ice creams with bizarre flavours like Branston Pickle and Tomato Ketchup. Little wonder the pair were in a saucy mood when we met. Reckon I’ll be sticking to my Mr Whippy! SHEPHARD’S BUSHED My mate Ben Shephard tells me he is looking forward to his traditional summer break, taking his usual dip in the salty spray with his family down on the South Coast. Not one for far-flung climes or a fly and flop on the Costas, his favourite haunts are Devon and…