Innholdsfortegnelse for Monday, October 30, 2023 i Woman's Own

This week we’ve got plenty to make you go ‘aww!’ On p30 we meet the dogs who’ve changed lives, and on p58 you can read about the couple who got a second chance at love. Their story shows that, while sometimes the timing might not be right, when it comes to soulmates, things have a way of working themselves out. I also love the news on p21 that holding hands is good for you. The research shows that it helps lower fear when you’re watching scary films, but I like to think holding your favourite person’s hand at any time – whether that’s across the table at a wine bar or while strolling along a beach (still holiday dreaming!) – is enough to boost your mood. Sounds like I’ve gone…

FLIPPIN’ BRILLIANT My generation are a bunch of tossers. Seriously. Because flipping a coin in the air to decide something depending on the heads or tails result was something we just did. In today’s increasingly cashless society, tossing a coin is dying out, aside from kicking off football matches. But did you realise that it’s not as 50/50 as you think? After flipping coins over 350,000 times, experts found that the side that is originally facing up returns to that same position 50.8% of the time. That might not sound significant but, evidently, statistically it makes a huge difference. So now you know, I assume you won’t put this to nefarious use by conning the other half into putting the bins out/walking the dog/cleaning the bathroom, based on the toss…

Have you heard about? HOLDING HANDS CAN LOWER FEAR Find yourself reaching for your partner’s hand during a horror movie? It can actually make you feel better.* Using blood pressure readings and eye trackers, scientists measured stress levels experienced by movie-goers. They found that when watching with emotional support – holding their partner’s hand – participants showed significantly less stress than when they were on their own. It worked for me Sophie Anderson, 49, from East Sussex ‘I was diagnosed with arthritis in one knee and was experiencing referred pain in my hips, ankles and feet. I had physiotherapy and lost weight to reduce the pressure on my knee, which helped minimise the pain, but it was still there. I now take Clinic Nutrition Cartonica Liquid Joint Supplement (£29.95 for…

My daughter-in-law takes over Q I’m 64 and have had health issues for the past year. I needed family help, especially from my daughter-in-law. I’m now better, but she’s still controlling. She’s already decided she will do Christmas, even though I always do it, and she comes around most weekends interfering with everything, from meal making to cleaning. She loves to be in control, so I feel she’s taken advantage of my bad health. A Is she someone who’s taken advantage of you or someone worried about you and genuinely wants to help? While it’s always frustrating when people do things without being asked, the other side of it is your daughter-in-law is trying to make your life easier. Speak up! Tell her how grateful you are for everything she…

‘He gives me help and happiness’ Caroline Hall, 44, lives in Bolton with her assistance dog, Sailor. Ten years ago, I suffered a spinal stroke and spent eight months in hospital. When I returned home, I’d regained movement in my right side and partially in my left, and learnt to get around with sticks. At the time of my stroke, I had a busy job as an RSPCA officer, which involved spending lots of time outdoors. The life I returned to was very different. I effectively became a prisoner in my house, unable to do the things I wanted. If I dropped anything, it would lie there until someone could pick it up. I was terrified of falling over. I managed as best I could, but there was a lot…

READER QUESTION Q I’ve heard people talking about ‘Will Aid’ – can you tell me what is it please? A Will Aid is a fundraising campaign that runs each November, which makes it possible for you to get a basic will drawn up by a participating solicitor, who won’t charge their usual fee. Instead, they invite you to make a voluntary donation to Will Aid. The suggested donation is £100 for a basic single will. Donations support charities including Action Aid and Age UK. Find more details at willaid.org.uk. MONEY WEEK To read more about creating a will, scan here. Go green for less Pay attention to how long your oven takes to preheat, so that you’re ready to start cooking as soon as it’s reached the required temperature. 3…

And... relax 24-30 October 2023 ARIES 21 Mar – 20 Apr Do you feel you’re truly living your purpose? With the North Node travelling through your sign, you have the opportunity to embrace a new direction. TAURUS 21 Apr – 20 May The Full Moon in your sign at the end of the month brings the focus to your physical body. Make a commitment to improving your health and energy levels. GEMINI 21 May – 20 Jun Laugh a little more and worry less. See all the positives in your life. There’s lots to be grateful for, so focus on what is bringing you the most joy. CANCER 21 Jun – 22 Jul Success is yours right now if you diligently put into place all the ideas you have been…

COMMITTED by Chris Merritt (£10.99, PB, Headline) Ellen McGinley can save countless innocent lives – if only anyone will believe her. The former CIA undercover operative had left behind her career in counter-terrorism. Haunted by a devastating mistake, Ellen faces an uphill struggle against PTSD and wants nothing more than to settle down with her little boy. But her world is turned upside down when she discovers a deadly terror plot due to take place in six days’ time. Ellen is the only one who knows the truth – but when she alerts the authorities, they lock her away in a secure psychiatric ward. Drugged and tormented, can she escape in time to avoid disaster? A gripping, lightning-paced thriller. A FRIGHTFULLY FATAL AFFAIR by Hannah Hendy (£8.99, PB, Canelo) Danger…

Joel Dommett ‘I’M CONFIDENT YOU’LL LOVE IT’ The Masked Singer host on presenting reality series Survivor… Since it began in the US in 2000, Survivor has been adapted around the world, and a British version aired on ITV1 for two series from 2000 to 2002. Now it’s been rebooted on BBC1 with Joel Dommett hosting the show in which contestants compete to outwit, outplay and outlast their rivals. ‘Anyone who knows the Survivor format will already know they’re in for an absolute treat,’ says Joel, who also hosts ITV1’s In with a Shout. ‘But if you don’t, I’m confident you’re going to love it!’ ‘YOU’RE IN FOR A TREAT!’ Marooned on an island in the Dominican Republic, 18 people from across the UK are divided into two tribes, before going…

My younger sister rolled her eyes as the two boys quickly caught up, standing behind us in the queue for the water flume. It was October 1998, and aged 17, I was on a family holiday to Walt Disney World Resort, Florida. I’d caught the attention of a gorgeous, tall American, with his younger brother, who’d been following us from ride to ride all day. ‘Where are you staying?’ he blushed, while I grabbed my towel from the lockers. He told me his name was Kevin, he was 18, from Colorado, on holiday with his family too. ‘Maybe see you again,’ I giggled, handing him a note with my hotel on it. That night, the telephone in our hotel room rang. As soon as I heard Kevin’s American accent, my…

Holly THE REAL REASON SHE QUIT Holly Willoughby leaving This Morning is still making headlines. The presenter sensationally quit after 14 years hosting the flagship show. It’s been a turbulent few months at This Morning, but the star finally gave up her seat on the sofa in what was arguably a hard decision for the mum of three, who admitted, ‘This is such a difficult goodbye… Sadly, however, I now feel I have to make this decision for me and my family.’ Holly’s departure shocked fans, with her not long returning from her summer break, and her being hailed as ITV’s golden girl. A source explained to Woman’s Own, ‘It was a huge decision to walk away from something she loves but, as always with Holly, family comes first.’…

Animal print The top Try a toned-down nod to the trend with this muted, dark grey leopard-print roll-neck. Wear it on its own, or layer with a chunky oversized cardigan. Team with a pair of bootcut jeans that fit well on the hips and gradually flare out from the knee, as this will balance your shape and give you a streamlined silhouette. TOP TIP Add a metallic belt to your jeans for some subtle shine. The belted dress Add this versatile, easy-to-wear dress to your wardrobe for effortless style. In a colourful animal print with a collared neckline and built-in tie belt, it’s great for wearing all year round. Layer with a biker jacket for a casual yet chic daytime outfit. For more formal occasions, a well-tailored blazer will instantly…

Fed up with feeling insecure in festive dresses and skirts? The good news is, with targeted moves, it’s possible to create definition so you’ll feel more confident showing off those legs. ‘These moves will not only give you a more toned physique, but will help to strengthen bones, reduce joint and lower back pain and improve balance and posture,’ says fitness coach Suzy Alvarez. The best bit? Expect to notice a difference in just a fortnight. YOUR MOVES Focus on thighs, hips, bum and calves, and you’ll build and refine muscles in your lower body – giving a slimmer silhouette. Aim to do these exercises at least three times a week. WALKING LUNGE Stand with feet shoulder-width apart, arms by your sides. Step forward, bending knee until thigh is…

Creamy chicken casserole PREP: 30 MINSCOOK: 20 MINSCALS: 371 FAT: 12GSAT FAT: 4.5G CARBS: 10G SERVES 4 This French style one-pot is super easy yet impressive enough for company. Swap the chicken breasts for skin-on thighs to make it more thrifty. YOU WILL NEED 2tbsp olive oil 4 chicken breasts, skin on 2 sticks celery, finely chopped 300g pearl onions or shallots, peeled 2 carrots, roughly chopped 350g small chestnut mushrooms or larger ones, quartered 2 sprigs thyme 350ml white wine 125ml chicken stock Few sprigs tarragon leaves, chopped 3tbsp double cream or crème fraiche Lemon wedges, to serve HOW TO DO IT 1 Heat half the oil in a large, lidded frying pan. Season the chicken and fry, skin side down, until crisp and golden (about 8 mins).…

It’s been on our screens for over 20 years, but it seems the future is somewhat uncertain for Loose Women at the moment. Woman’s Own recently reported how one of the show’s biggest stars, Stacey Solomon, is rumoured to be stepping away from the hit ITV show. Losing such a big name would undoubtedly be a huge blow to Loose Women, with a source telling us, ‘The panellists know Stacey is popular and good for the programme, so they would be gutted to see her go.’ And with constant reports of rivalries among the show’s stars behind the scenes, what does the future hold for Loose Women? STARS QUITTING A source recently told us that Stacey, 34, who has been a part of the panel since 2016, is ready to…

Sitting in bed holding my tiny baby against my breast, I yawned. In the few weeks since Jack had been born in July 1997, he’d demanded food around the clock. ‘You’re a hungry little chap,’ I smiled, placing him back into his cot. But as I clicked off my bedside lamp, I worried. Jack was always so pale. And no matter how much milk he guzzled, his weight just kept going down. He’d been 7lb 13oz at birth, but had lost several ounces since then and doctors shared my concerns. ‘You need to bottle feed him,’ I was told. I’d breastfed my daughter Louise, then four, with no problems, so my mother’s instinct told me that something else was wrong. Still, back at home, I warmed up a bottle of…

AM I AT RISK OF GLAUCOMA TOO? Q Following a routine eye test, my brother has been diagnosed with glaucoma. He had no symptoms, so it is a bit of a shock. The optician has written to his GP, who has prescribed drops that he must take every day. I’ve looked online and it seems I could be at risk too. Should I be tested? A Glaucoma is a condition where the nerve that connects the eye to the brain (the optic nerve) gets damaged. It doesn’t usually cause any symptoms initially, but if left undiagnosed can lead to blindness. Everyone should have an eye test every couple of years and if you are over 40 and have a parent, sibling or child with glaucoma, those tests are free. Can…

YOUR NECK THE PROBLEM Declining levels of collagen and elastin, coupled with poor posture and frequently looking down at our phones and tablets means the neck is prone to horizontal creases, sagging and crêpey skin. THE SOLUTION The neck has fewer oil glands than the face so one of the best things you can do is to extend every part of your daily skincare regime below the jawline. Just a sweep of Revolution Skincare Glycolic Cleansing Pads, £8, revolutionbeauty.com, will make the area look smoother and brighter, followed by Prai Beauty Ageless Throat & Decolletage Oil, £20, M&S, applied in upward strokes to encourage lift. YOUR DÉCOLLETAGE THE PROBLEM The chest area is as exposed to the elements as your hands and face, making it susceptible to collagen loss and…

Folk florals Tranquillity Autumn harvest…

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 F Murray Abraham won an Oscar and Golden Globe for his role in which film? The answer is the one missing from the grid. AIRPLANEALIENSAMADEUSARTHURBATMANBIGBRAZILCLUEFAMEGANDHIMISSINGPLATOONREDSSPLASHTOOTSIE CROSSWORD ACROSS 7 _ Evans, actor whose films include Snowpiercer and Knives Out (5) 8 2022 animated kids’ film starring 7 Across, 6 Down, 9 Down & 21 Down (9) 10 Pass by like time (6) 11 Finnish capital (8) 12 Clothing for adult males (8) 13 Greek letter (4) 15 Retrieve or recover (7) 17 Clever person, informally (7) 20 Recedes (4) 22 Film franchise that 8 Across…

Film DOCTOR JEKYLL Out in cinemas 27 October Eddie Izzard headlines a modern gender-flip take on the iconic horror yarn as the reclusive Nina Jekyll battles her alter-ego Rachel Hyde alongside her hired help. Canny casting, spirited performances and lashings of camp. Night out THE HAUNTED MANOR 28-31 October 2023, Drayton Manor, Tamworth. Tickets from £24 Enjoy a spooktacular evening at one of the UK’s best theme parks. Experience your favourite rides after dark and brave spine-chilling attractions… if you dare. With jump scares and a firework finale there will be frights and delights aplenty. Show PETER PAN: AN ARENA SPECTACULAR 24 October 2023 to 7 January 2024, multiple UK locations. Tickets from £23.50 Boy George stars as Captain Hook in this spectacular touring production of the classic tale. With…

COLEEN GETS NAKED Loose Women legend Coleen Nolan tells me she’s a bag of nerves ahead of Naked, her solo tour, next year but reckons life is too short not to hit the road. ‘I want to get back to what I love – singing and entertaining. When Linda [Coleen’s sister] got sick, I thought it’s now or never. I want to take the audience on a journey on what I’ve been through, heartache, divorce, happy times, hard times, and hopefully having people up dancing at the end,’ she says. BLADES OF GLORY? Towering Olympic athlete Greg Rutherford has jumped into preparations for Dancing On Ice. ‘I’ve been seriously training for eight weeks,’ he says. ‘When I did Strictly in 2016 I had come straight from the Rio Olympics so…