Innholdsfortegnelse for Monday, October 23, 2023 i Woman's Own

You might have noticed a theme this issue… yes, it is officially spoooooky season and I am thrilled! There’s not much I don’t love about it – the costumes (the creepier, the better – see p8 for the Loose Women doing a bang-up job on that front), creating ghoulish treats (p32 – how good does that cake look!) and decorating every nook and cranny (see p42 for brilliant bargain buys). That’s not all... on p22 we’ve got healing potions – it’s real science and it certainly sounds like it’s worth popping some beetroot in your trolley! I know another person who is a big Halloween fan, our brilliant columnist Dawn Neesom – turn to p14 for her take on the Beckhams, the manopause (no, that’s not a typo!) and baths.…

RAPE HAS NEVER BEEN, AND WILL NEVER BE OK! I’m absolutely appalled that there are still men who think it is ‘no big deal’. You know those days where you wake up in a really lovely, sunny mood and then something happens to change it in seconds? No, not the everyday stuff like washing machines conking out or yet another bloody bill popping into your inbox/letter box, but something you really can’t get your head round. ‘IT’S NOT A FEMINIST CONSTRUCT’ It happened to me this week. And it involved a bloke. And if that sounds misandrist (man hating), well, maybe it is. But maybe I also have a point. See what you think. Because this involved a male telling females that rape was ‘no big deal’. And that there…

If you’re splurging on expensive creams or even considering injectables, you’re not alone. But looking younger doesn’t need to be pricey. Why not try face yoga? It’s a combination of face exercises, massage, acupressure and relaxation, says expert and author Danielle Collins. ‘Just as your body needs exercise to stay toned, the 57 muscles in the face and neck also need to be exercised. As they become stronger, the skin attached to the muscles becomes taut, reducing lines.’ It can even improve your physical health, too. 3 mind and body benefits Working out your face can boost your health from the inside 1 REDUCE HEADACHES ‘Face yoga is a great alternative to help ease pain and prevent headaches,’ says Danielle. So, how does it work? When we’re stressed, we…

Blood-drip cake SERVES 12 If you’re hosting a Halloween party, this make-ahead showstopper is sure to be a big hit! PREP TIME: 45 MINS, PLUS COOLING AND SETTING TIMECOOK TIME: 30 MINSCALS: 744 FAT: 43GSAT FAT: 26G CARBS: 84G YOU WILL NEED 225g unsalted butter225g caster sugar4 medium eggs, beaten275g self-raising flour2tsp baking powder4tbsp whole milk1tsp vanilla extract For the strawberry ‘blood’: 200g strawberries, chopped100g caster sugarJuice of 1 lemon For the buttercream: 250g unsalted butter, softened500g icing sugar100ml double cream1tsp vanilla extract For the chocolate drip: 1tbsp vegetable oil100g 70% dark chocolate, melted You will need: 3 x 15cm cake tins, greased and lined with baking paper HOW TO DO IT 1 Heat the oven to 160C Fan/Gas 4. In a large bowl, beat the butter and sugar…

Real life behind the headlines Whether you’re one of the many people struggling with fertility issues, you’re from a same-sex partnership, you worry about the effect of a growing population on the planet or you simply want to provide a fresh start for a child, adoption can be one of the most rewarding things you’ll ever do. Of course, it isn’t without its challenges – the process to adopt can be long, intrusive and stressful, and that’s before you are even paired with a child. And bringing a child home isn’t necessarily a fairy-tale ending – it can take some children a long time to settle. It’s estimated that there are currently 6,000 children in the UK in need of a family, but that only around 3,500 of those will…

Former children’s TV host Laura Hamilton has warmed up our afternoons as a presenter on A Place in the Sun for over 10 years, but what makes the 41-year-old mum of two feel warm and bright? We chatted to her exclusively to find out. 1 Favourite childhood memory Going camping in Cornwall with my mum and dad growing up. Big groups of kids from the campsite would get together and play these big rounders tournaments and they were so much fun. I made friends from all around the country on those holidays, and I still hear from some of them occasionally on social media now. 2 Way to unwind Probably listening to music. I love scented candles and I’ve always got them burning in my house. I’ll light…

Lorraine UNDER FIRE! Daytime TV veteran Lorraine Kelly has sparked backlash from fans following an interview with Dame Helen Mirren. The Hollywood actor, 78, was discussing her role in Golda, but some viewers were more focused on Lorraine’s interview technique. One wrote, ‘This interview with Dame Helen is very cringe! Lorraine is terrible at interviewing,’ as another said, ‘Think I heard more of Lorraine’s voice throughout that interview with Helen Mirren… cringe!’ A third added, ‘B****y hell@reallorraine let Helen Mirren speak – you keep butting in,’ while one fan speculated that Lorraine, 63, was making the A-lister look ‘uncomfortable’. The backlash comes not long after Lorraine, who’ll be celebrating 40 years on breakfast TV next year, returned from her summer holiday. During her break Loose Women’s Christine Lampard presented the…

EMBELLISHED EVENING Wear with a silky skirt and statement earrings. Jumper, £21, sizes 8-20, Matalan LOUNGE LOVER Update your bedroom or sofa with these beautiful tones. Blanket, £49.99, H&M MAKES SCENTS Fill your home with spicy pumpkin aromas. Candle, £7, Matalan DOUBLE TAKE Add some drama to your evening look. Earrings, £15, Accessorize VINTAGE VIBES Revive your shelves with retro ceramics. Vase, £8, Primark YARN SPIN Create interest with contrasting pastel layers. Green jumper, £59, pink jumper, £59, shirt, £59, jeans, £65, sizes 6-18, trainers, £79, all Crew Clothing; jewellery, model’s own STRIKE IT LUCKY Make lighting a candle an occasion. Match set, £10.99, Homesense COFFEE BUZZ Embrace autumn with warm brown tones. Nail polish set, £15, Nails Inc SHROOM SHAKERS A fungi lover’s dream dinner accessory. Salt and pepper…

DO I NEED A NEW TEST? Q Six years ago, I was diagnosed with Barrett’s oesophagus and prescribed a drug called omeprazole, which I take every day. I used to have annual check-ups with a camera, but that stopped during lockdown. Recently, I have developed indigestion again – should I ask for another camera test? A Barrett’s oesophagus is where the lining of the oesophagus is damaged by acid refluxing up from the stomach. Over time the cells of the lining can become abnormal and there’s a small risk of cancer developing. Your GP will probably refer you for an endoscopy to check your gullet. They may suggest you increase your dose of omeprazole. Help! Meds leave me dizzy Q At a recent health check, the nurse noted that my…

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 term is used to describe the nanoscale structures that help a gecko’s feet stick to surfaces? The answer is the one missing from the grid. BOWLCUPDISHFORKGLASSGRATERKNIFEMUG PEELERPLATESAUCERSPATULASPOONTUMBLERWHISK CROSSWORD ACROSS 1 Una _, late actor in the TV shows Worzel Gummidge and Till Death Us Do Part (6)4 _ Cumberbatch, star of the 2022 film Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness (8)10 Having a superior attitude (7)11 Child-carrying equipment (7)12 Ground (4)13 Arthur _, author of the 1912 sci-fi novel The Lost World (5,5)15 Holy building (6)16 Act tyrannically (7)20 Lacking in detail…

Film KILLERS OF THE FLOWER MOON Out in cinemas 20 October Leonardo DiCaprio stars in this period drama based on the true story of the Osage Native American murders. Lily Gladstone is on track for Oscar glory as the woman determined to bring the killers to justice. Event PRETTY WOMAN: THE MUSICAL – UK TOUR Until 28 September 2024. Multiple locations including Cardiff, Bristol and Leeds. Tickets from £13 Be transported to the glitz and glamour of LA as you follow the unconventional fairy tale of Vivian (Love Island’s Amber Davies), who upon meeting Edward (Ted Lasso’s Oliver Savile) has her life changed forever. Event QT PRESENTS: THE LEO GREEN EXPERIENCE QT Covent Garden at Middle Eight Hotel, London. Tickets from £25 Enjoy a one-of-a-kind night out in London’s West…

Top telly BJÖRN AGAIN Good Morning Britain pal Laura Tobin brought a warm front to Mamma Mia! The Party with Blue’s Antony Costa in a lead role for the immersive ABBA experience at London’s O2. She’d confessed to me at work that she wasn’t the biggest fan of the super Swedes – until I introduced her to ABBA’s Björn Ulvaeus. As I shoehorned in as many ABBA song titles as I could with Björn, Laura was in awe, and for a reluctant dancing queen ended up having the time of her life! DERMOT O’BLEARY An earlier call than normal on GMB for This Morning host Dermot O’Leary as he chatted about his new kids’ book Wings of Glory – which may explain why he’s clutching an inflatable Kate Garraway for…

She’s been a much-loved panellist since 2016 and once said she felt ‘lucky’ to be a part of the show, but Woman’s Own understands that Stacey Solomon is looking to step away from Loose Women. A source close to the show tells us, ‘She’s outgrown the show. Usually it comes at a time where it’s a means to an end and it’s no longer right for Stacey.’ With so many other opportunities coming her way, as well as balancing looking after her five children, it’s hardly surprising that Stacey, 34, has decided that now might be the right time to bid the show farewell. TOO MUCH DRAMA? Stacey hasn’t made a proper return to Loose Women since she went on maternity leave with her now two-year-old daughter Rose, aside from…

Giving my husband Glen, 34, a kiss goodbye, I wasn’t looking forward to him leaving. It was February 2008 and he was heading off to Oxford for a friend’s stag do. I was five months pregnant and also had our son Ryley, then two, to run around after, so I had a weekend of solo parenting ahead. ‘It’s just one night, I’ll be back before you know it,’ he reminded me. He was right, but still, I’d miss him. ‘Have fun,’ I told him. We’d planned to find out the gender of our baby when he returned, and I knew he was looking forward to it – and was hoping for a baby girl. Later that evening, I decided on an early night. ‘We’re just heading out for dinner. It’s…

Have you heard about? WATERCRESS – THE WORLD’S HEALTHIEST VEGETABLE Move over kale – watercress has been revealed as the veggie with the most health benefits*. This superfood can help reduce oxidative stress – the imbalance between free radicals and antioxidants, which can cause damage to organs and tissues, leading to some cancers, says dietician Joanna Gregg from MyFitnessPal. It’s also high in vitamin K, C and A. Add to salads, sandwiches or smoothies. It worked for me Bianca Carter, 47, from Herefordshire ‘Despite following a healthy lifestyle, I was told my cholesterol was slightly high at a routine GP check-up. It then continued to rise, so I started taking Healthspan Plant Sterols 800mg (£17.95 for 90 tablets, healthspan.co.uk), which block the absorption of dietary cholesterol in the body. When…

Health ask us Is she having a breakdown? Q My 35-year-old daughter has changed over the last year. Every conversation we have involves yelling. She says I didn’t love her enough and I’ve ruined her life. She sends me texts saying she’s lonely, but when I try to help, she says awful things. Her sister tells me this behaviour has got her in trouble at work and with friends. A It does sound as if all is not well with your daughter. To have such a personality change and extremes of emotion suggests she needs to talk to someone and seek help. If she’s unlikely to listen to you, is there someone who she still leans on? Perhaps your other daughter or a friend? If so, ask if they could…

Looking at the pictures of my best friend Kate’s wedding, I smiled. It had been such a lovely day, full of joy and laughter. But as I searched for the group shots my stomach sank. I hadn’t recognised myself at first, but realised the woman staring back at me – grossly overweight – was me, Kirsty. Flanked by the gorgeous bride and Sarah, the other svelte bridesmaid, I was simply massive, a blob. ‘I’D ALWAYS BATTLED WITH MY WEIGHT GROWING UP’ ‘How did that happen, what have I done to myself?’ I sobbed on my husband Marcus’ shoulder. Somehow, I’d let myself balloon up to almost 19st, and for Kate’s special day I’d had to place a special online order for a size-28 dress because we couldn’t find anything in…

Your money READER QUESTION Q I’ve heard people talk about online outlet stores – what are they? A It’s similar to when you go to an outlet store in person – you’ll usually find goods such as end-of-line products or items that the company hasn’t been able to sell, often at a heavily reduced price (although always compare prices elsewhere). Some brands have sections on their websites while others have clearance stores on eBay – find out more at ebay.co.uk/vlp2/brand-outlet. Go green for less When you’re food shopping and buying fresh produce, beware of multi-buy offers, unless you know that you can eat the food in time or you can freeze it. 3 easy ways to... build emergency savings Having a rainy day fund can take the…

And… relax 17-23 October 2023 ARIES 21 Mar – 20 Apr The full moon at the end of September helped you let go of anything that no longer excites you. Bring your attention now to fun new projects! TAURUS 21 Apr – 20 May With five planets currently retrograde, including Jupiter, which is in your sign, it is the perfect time to take stock and let opportunities find you by remaining open. GEMINI 21 May – 20 Jun Friendly and outgoing, you are always keen to find new interests and connections. This desire will be strong this week, with the Sun in airy and sociable Libra. CANCER 21 Jun – 22 Jul Sometimes, you wonder if you are being a little bit oversensitive, but on this occasion, you have every…

WAIT FOR YOU by Lianne La Borde (£9.99, PB, Troubador) How did it come to this? When April broke up with Dylan, she didn’t explain why. If he knew the real reason she ran off to San Francisco, Dylan would never understand – or forgive her. But now, three years later, she is back. On the day that Dylan is moving in with his new fiancée, he sees April standing on the driveway. His love for her never faded, but their reunion ends in a blazing row. When disaster strikes, April ends up in a deep coma and Dylan hurtles through time, reliving the most pivotal moments of their relationship. Can he get things right this time before he loses April forever? A searing love story. THAT FESTIVE FEELING by…

Checking my email, a message flashed up from my publisher. ‘Congratulations,’ it began. It was a message from the CEO – sales of my latest book had surpassed 100,000. It sounds cliché but it was a real ‘pinch me’ moment – and one I thought someone as ‘average’ as me would never achieve. As a child, I adored creative writing. I still remember the thrill of having my ‘Arctic’ poem displayed on the wall at school during parents’ evening in Year 4. But sadly, being hard-working and passionate doesn’t always lead to popularity, and reaching my teens I was bullied for being a ‘swot’. Desperate, I decided to hide my abilities, to stay under the bullies’ radar. All the while, both my elder brother and younger sister seemed to take…