Innholdsfortegnelse for Monday, December 11, 2023 i Woman's Own

Our second Christmas bumper issue is here and it’s full to the brim of festive joy – from clothes you’ll love (p16) to must-try buffet recipes on p44 (ooft!). Plus, our brilliant food team brings you the ultimate buys in our eight-page taste test (p50) and on p61 we’ve got you covered with last-minute gifts you can pick up in the supermarket. Christmas is hectic and although we sigh when it’s over, I’m not so sure it’s just a sigh of relief – because as full on as the lead-up can be, it’s sad when the festivities are done and put away for another year. And if you manage a Christmas of fun, friends (and family!) and food – it’s pretty much the jackpot. I hope this issue gets you…

Columnist A TIME TO REMINISCE We should all take a moment to remember good – and bad – times Marley was dead: to begin with.’ Possibly one of the most famous opening lines from one of the most famous Christmas stories ever- Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol. It doesn’t matter how many times you read the book, watch one of the many movies or even see the stage play, the message of peace, kindness, understanding and goodwill to all men resonates as much today as it did in 1843. But when you get to a certain age, it begins to mean even more. Because Dickens’ ghosts - including the late, not lamented, chain-rattling Marley - take on a, er, new life. Especially the Ghost of Christmas Past. ‘MONEY CAN’T BUY…

Starry Nights There’s nothing more glamorous than a dark and sultry smoky eye for the party season. Smoulder in shades of silver, steel and navy swept over eyes and nails. Team with defined brows, glossy skin and lips for a sexy look that will work with any party outfit. ✣ Joanna Hope Beaded Occasion Chain Strap Bag, £34, JD Williams ✣ Milani Gilded Mini Eyeshadow Palette in Call Me Old-Fashioned, £10.50, Superdrug ✣ Barry M Hazy Sunset Cream Blush in Horizon Glow, £5.99, barrym.com ✣ E.l.f. Halo Glow Beauty Wand Blush in Candlelit, £9, Superdrug ✣ Maybelline New York Falsies Surreal Mascara, £11.99, Boots ✣ Kiko Milano Crazy ‘90s Matte Eyeliner & Kajal in Yadda-yadda-yadda, £9.99, kikocosmetics.com ✣ Sculpted by Aimee Shape & Set Brow Duo Pencil & Fixing Gel,…

1 SET A DAILY CHALLENGE Keep muscles moving – 10 squats while brushing your teeth, 25 sit-ups in front of the TV, or 15 star jumps while you wait for your tea to brew can make a big difference. 2 WORKOUT BY SHOPPING ‘Briskly walking around the shops can burn 300 calories an hour, while carrying shopping bags will tone arms and improve grip strength,’ says personal trainer Nicole Prasad*. 3 STICK TO SLEEP ROUTINES Lost hours of sleep over the festive period may leave us tired, irritable and at risk of colds. Keep to your normal bedtime routines so your body clock isn’t messed up too much. 4 HAVE A SPOONFUL OF HONEY A teaspoon a day of high-quality honey can help prevent cancerous cells, manage diabetes, improve heart…

Want to look and feel your best during the festive season? What better way to transform your eating habits than with a healthy plan from Slimming World. Whether you’re looking to embark on your weight-loss journey or in need of some motivation to get back on track, this plan is designed to help you do exactly that. You’ll fill up on a diverse range of satisfying foods, and you could see yourself 7lb lighter in just two weeks*! HOW IT WORKS 1 Choose one breakfast, one lunch and one dinner every day. Feel free to repeat any meals you enjoy! 2 Slimming World’s eating plan, Food Optimising, is based on scientific evidence and is a simple way to cut calories without counting them and lose weight without going hungry. 3…

TIME TO PUT UP YOUR TREE. IT’S… A. Christmas Eve and you’ve left the decorating to the last minute as always.B. The first Sunday of December; you do it on the same weekend every year.C. A random day in December, when you have nothing better to do.D. 7am on 1 December – you’re up, dressed and ready to go. TO FIND YOUR PERFECT CHRISTMAS TREE, YOU… A. Head to your local garden centre to see if you can find a bargain.B. Drive to a local tree farm to pick out the perfect specimen.C. Nip up to the loft to blow the dust off your boxed-up tree.D. Go faux, but buy the most realistic-looking tree in the store. WHEN YOU COME TO UNVEIL YOUR TREE. IT’S… A. A little wonky and…

READER QUESTION Q I’ve heard that fraudsters are targeting students to become ‘money mules’. What does that mean and how can I warn my kids? A A money mule is someone who lets criminals use their bank account to move money. It’s a type of money laundering and people can be duped or lured by the promise of easy cash. There has been a 23% increase in student money mules in the last year, according to Barclays. Find more info at barclays.co.uk. Go green for less Planning a New Year diet but your cupboards are filled with biscuits and chocolates? Then consider giving them to others locally via Olio, the community sharing app. For more info visit olioex.com. 3 easy ways to... boost your finances in 2024 Want to get…

WHY GO? Anyone who appreciates the spectacle of a good mountain range will be familiar with awe-inspiring Mont Blanc. Famed for its dramatic shape, the peak has been drawing adventurers, nature lovers and die-hard climbing fans for centuries, but of course, you don’t need to be a climber to fall in love with this epic mountain. Close to the Swiss border, Megève is the perfect base for your very own alpine adventure. This quaint village provides everything you need for an idyllic winter escape. It’s the perfect introduction to the awe-inspiring French Alps. WHAT TO DO Megève delights with cobbled streets, fountains, Christmas decorations and a central square filled with designer shops, as well as plenty of stores selling hand-crafted pieces. Once you’ve picked up a few last-minute Christmas gifts,…

When it comes to extravagance, nobody does it better than the Kardashian-Jenner clan - and Christmas is no exception. From their legendary party on 24 December to multiple 20-foot trees, £980 gingerbread houses and gifts we could only dream of, Woman’s Own takes a look at why the festive season is the most wonderful time of the year for Kris, Kourtney, Kim, Khloé, Kendall, Kylie and co. MERRY KRISMAS When it comes to Christmas, matriarch Kris, 68, is like Mrs Claus herself. A source revealed that the mum of six spends ‘around $500,000 just on toys’ for her grandkids and ends up ‘buying like 1,000 gifts’ in total. They added, ‘Kris starts planning for Christmas every year in July. Everything she does for the kids is custom.’ The source explained,…

28 November-11 December 2023 ARIES 21 Mar – 20 Apr It’s time to use your energy on a project that’s close to your heart. By following your passion you’ll start to live more in your purpose, bringing fulfilment. TAURUS 21 Apr – 20 May While practical, you know how to let your hair down and have a good time, and now the universe is guiding you to have fun and put aside your concerns. GEMINI 21 May – 20 Jun The Full Moon in your sign is a chance to communicate differently. This might open up new ways of working with others, or a frank talk with someone close. CANCER 21 Jun – 22 Jul You’re feeling stronger now. Keep up this self-care because all your relationships will improve and…

FINGERS ON BUZZERS: A CELEBRATION OF THE GREAT BRITISH QUIZ by Jenny Ryan and Lucy Porter (£14.99, HB, John Blake) If your loved ones go crazy for general knowledge, they’ll be thrilled with this nostalgic, celebratory journey through the history of British game shows, pub quizzes and everything in between! Written by Lucy Porter and Jenny Ryan, celebrity hosts of the popular podcast Fingers on Buzzers, this interactive book delves into the golden days of Britain’s favourite TV classics, from Mastermind, Bullseye and Pointless, to our modern cultural obsession with pub quizzes. Inside, you’ll also find a huge variety of pop quizzes for all ages that will keep the whole family entertained throughout the festive season. THE TWAT FILES by Dawn French (£22, HB, Penguin Books) National treasure Dawn French…

CALL THE MIDWIFE, BBC1 In this year’s seasonal episode of the much-loved drama, it’s 1968 and as the residents of Nonnatus House – including midwife Nancy, her daughter Colette and head nun Sister Julienne – are preparing for the festive season, Trixie and Matthew look forward to their first Christmas as a married couple, while Sister Monica Joan is convinced it could be her last! MOG’S CHRISTMAS, C4 Benedict Cumberbatch and Miriam Margolyes are among the cast of voices behind this lovely animation that brings to life Judith Kerr’s wonderful illustrations from her 1976 children’s book. The story is one of many tales based on the antics of the author’s beloved family cat, and it follows the titular feline on a magical adventure in the snow! MURDER IS EASY, BBC1…

KATE FERDINAND Forget putting the elf on the shelf – writer, podcaster and guest Loose Women panellist Kate surprised her family with a life-size version. They do say go big or go home! TOM AND GIOVANNA FLETCHER After dad Tom competed on the show in 2021, the Fletcher household became obsessed with Strictly Come Dancing. So, it was only right that their elves got in on the glitterball action. They certainly give Tom a run for his money! HOLLY WILLOUGHBY She’s the nation’s sweetheart, so it’s hardly surprising that TV presenter Holly’s elf was spreading love rather than being mischievous. ROBBIE WILLIAMS AND AYDA FIELD It’s not just her singer husband and four children that US actor Ayda has to tidy up after. Dotty and Danny the elves caused chaos…

With big personalities like Nadia Sawalha as part of the team, we’d love to be a fly on the wall at the Loose Women Christmas party. And when we catch up with Nadia, she tells us that the do is just as fun as we would expect, revealing, ‘It’s always a hoot,’ and that the stars all wake up with sore heads the following morning. Nadia, 59, is a huge fan of the festive period and it’s hardly surprising that it’s such a magical time for the family as her eldest daughter, Maddie, 20, was born on Christmas Day. Here, Nadia, who also shares 16-year-old Kiki with husband Mark Adderley, tells Woman’s Own all about her Christmas traditions, her career goals and that she can’t wait to turn 60 next…

The sequin trousers The metallic jumpsuit The velvet dress Dresses with sleeves Finding a dress that you feel confident in is hard at the best of times, but if you’re someone who doesn’t love having their arms on show then these long-sleeved styles are perfect. Party skirts Midi skirts offer a stylish, elegant look, while maxi skirts can create a more dramatic effect. If your skirt is voluminous or has a lot of detail, team it with a fitted top to create balance. Beautiful blouses Choose fabrics that drape well and are not too clingy. Chiffon, silk and satin are good choices for a luxurious look. Fancy jackets A statement blazer will elevate a classic little black dress, adding a touch of glamour to your outfit. If dresses aren’t for…

As I cradled my baby in front of the twinkling tree, reflections of the fairy lights sparkled and danced in her wide eyes. I’d always loved this time of year but my very first Christmas as a new mum felt extra special. It was December 2017 and Apollonia – Apple for short – had arrived months earlier, on 7 September. My husband Uriah and I were in a newborn bubble that Christmas and, over the next couple of years, as Apple began to understand the excitement of the holiday season, we enjoyed making family traditions. We’d hang decorations, bake gingerbread, giggle at pantomimes, hunt for icicles on frosty days and scatter ‘reindeer food’ with our neighbours’ children on Christmas Eve. In February 2020, our second daughter, Tallulah – ‘Lula’ –…

Health ask us HELP! I’VE GOT A CHRISTMAS COLD SORE Q After being under a lot of pressure at work, I’m now run down and I’ve developed a hideous cold sore on my lip. The trouble is, I have lots of festive parties to go to next week. The way it looks at the moment, I can’t cover it with make-up. Is there anything I can do to speed up the healing process? A Ask your GP to prescribe a course of antiviral tablets, which may help speed up the healing by a day, but it’s most effective the sooner it’s started. There’s also some evidence that using topical zinc may reduce the time a cold sore exists, so this is worth a try. Going forward, using an SPF lip…

Wandering over to the buffet table, my eye trailed over all the delicious festive food. Quiches, crisps, cheesecake – how could I resist? I was far from hungry – the day before I’d stuffed myself full of turkey and all the trimmings, and today, I was enjoying a Christmas buffet, already scoffing a packed plateful. But it all looked so good. It was Christmas 2020 and, barely able to squeeze into my size-22 clothes, I was constantly conscious of my weight. ‘But what does it matter?’ I thought, popping a sausage roll into my mouth and another two on to my plate. Having spent most of the year working from home in lockdown, I barely saw anyone anyway. Going back to the table, we all took turns to open our…

The main event Whether you go classic with a turkey or fancy something different, you can’t go wrong with these showstoppers Extra Special Corn-Fed Norfolk Bronze Turkey Crown, typically 2kg, £18/kg, Asda An impressive option for a group of 6-8, this free-range crown includes an aromatic pork stuffing and is topped with a layer of smoked bacon that adds flavour and keeps the meat juicy. Group Food Director Jen declared this one ‘foolproof Christmas cookery’. Finest Crackling Porchetta Pork Joint, 1.5-1.8kg, £12/kg, Tesco A garlicky, lemony herb rub adds tonnes of flavour to this Italian-style pork roast. Effortless to cook, with perfectly crisp crackling, this will go well with all your classic Christmas sides. The Best Salmon Wellington, 795g, £17, Morrisons A beautiful centrepiece for fish fans. The salmon is…

‘The kitchen was a furnace’ Keira Barrett, 36, works in a children’s care home and lives in East Sussex with husband Wayne, 35, and children Cayden, 13, Miley, 11, and Eden, 19 months. Shivering in my pyjamas, I looked back at my house in horror. The most magical day of the year was disappearing, along with my home, in clouds of black smoke. I’d always loved Christmas, and becoming a mum only made it more wonderful. In September 2020, my partner Wayne, who I’d met through friends the previous year, and I discovered I was pregnant. As I hung tinsel around our house in early December, I was so excited. But four days before Christmas, I tested positive for COVID-19, which meant the kids would have to stay at their…

Aries 21 Mar – 20 April BEST BITS The world is your oyster in 2024, with the North Node in Aries lighting up your journey. Take risks, think big and be bold in your choices. April is the best month for you, so feel the fear and do it anyway! There is an opportunity for new love to flourish in the spring, so keep your eyes and ears open. Know that you deserve the best! WATCH OUT Some challenges in the early part of this year may cause you a headache, but it’s just a learning curve. So tune into what feels good and where you want to be. Stay true to yourself, say no more often, and mean it! YOUR BIG BREAK You’re on track with your work and…

Ryan Thomas His brother Adam competed in this year’s Strictly and now actor Ryan is taking things one step further. The 39-year-old, who starred in Corrie, shared, ‘[Stepping] outside your comfort zone is exciting… [but] it’s a nerve-racking experience.’ Hannah Spearritt She’s acted in EastEnders and Casualtybut signing up to the show is S Club 7 star Hannah’s biggest test to date. The singer, 42, enthused, ‘I’m really excited about learning a new skill.’ Adele Roberts Broadcaster and DJ Adele likes a challenge. The 44-year-old, who recently got the all-clear from bowel cancer, admitted, ‘I think the hardest part is putting myself out there.’ Greg Rutherford MBE He’s an Olympic medal-winning athlete, but will former long jumper Greg be any good on ice? The 37-year-old said, ‘I want to perform…

Top telly KEEPING UP WITH THE JONES As The Voice UK wraps up, coach Sir Tom Jones marks a big anniversary next year – 60 years since his first single, Chills and Fever. After so long in the business, Sir Tom tells me he still knows what he likes when it comes to talent. ‘I’m looking for something real... something comes through and I can hear a person in there. I can hear something that’s natural, not contrived or forced. That’s what I listen for.’ FLEUR’S TOP NOTE! Singer and ex-Strictly star Fleur East is thrilled to make her debut on hit BBC kids’ soap Phoenix Rise in the new year. ‘I am playing music teacher Miss Meesha. I come into the school and I just want to make people’s…

Have you heard about? ITCHY SKIN COULD BE DIABETES Constantly scratching irritated skin? While the cold weather might be to blame for dry skin, it could also be a warning sign of type 2 diabetes. ‘Chronic high blood sugar levels affect blood circulation by damaging the lining of your small blood vessels, which impedes circulation, leading to dryness and itching,’ says blood-testing expert Dr Avinash Hari Narayanan*. If you’re worried, visit your GP for blood tests. It worked for me Stacey Goldman, 46, from Surrey ‘I was experiencing severe pain in my legs, which was making simple tasks, such as walking my kids to school, unbearable. Then I started taking Warrior Collagen Peptides (£9.99 for 15 servings, teamwarrior.com). It’s a powder supplement containing bovine collagen, which helps support muscles and…

Health ask us Help, I’m stuck in a rut Q I’m overweight, unfit and I’m unhappy about it. My husband and I are also in a bad place and often talk about splitting up, but when it comes down to it, we know it’s too late to start again. At 62, a lot of my life has been wasted because I waited too long to make changes. I feel so low because I don’t seem able to do anything about my life. I want to make changes, but how? AIt’s hard to make changes when everything seems huge and overwhelming. The first thing to do is see your GP and find out what’s making feel so low. Talking about it will help you to start unravelling your thoughts and find…

Sausage roll wreath PREP: 20 MINS, PLUS 30 MINS CHILLING COOK: 45 MINS CALS: 271 FAT: 19G SAT FAT: 8G CARBS: 18G SERVES 12 Go large with this festive centrepiece. It’s a real crowd-pleaser. YOU WILL NEED 2tsp vegetable oil 3 shallots, peeled and finely chopped200g mushrooms, finely chopped2 garlic cloves, crushed 500g block puff pastry, thawed if frozen 1 medium egg yolk, to glaze8 pork sausages, skins removed 1tbsp mustard seeds, lightly crushed (optional)Leafy salad, to serve (optional) HOW TO DO IT 1 Heat the oil in a medium frying pan and cook the shallots until softened, then set aside. Add the mushrooms to the pan and fry for 5 mins until softened, adding a little more oil if needed, then add the garlic and cook for 1 min.…

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Christmastime – the lights, the decorations, the presents (buying and getting), spending time with family and all the delicious food – is the most wonderful time of the year. But, increasingly, I’m finding the festivities laced with guilt too. Year on year, I scrape mountains of leftovers into the bin and gather up armfuls of wrapping, not to mention the unwanted gifts my partner Matt, 42, and kids Sam, 12, and Matilda, 10, receive that are put to one side, destined for the charity shop. I can’t help but feel sad that there’s so much waste. And it’s not only in my home. It’s estimated that each year in the UK, eight million Christmas trees are cut down, 230,000 tonnes of festive food is wasted and more than 227,000 tonnes…

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 Governor Mark Dayton of Minnesota declared 23 May 2016 as the ‘Day’ of which artist? The answer is the one missing from the grid. ADELEBEYONCEBLUEBUSTEDCOLDPLAYDARIUSEMINEMMCFLY MIKAOASISPINKRIHANNASTEPSUSHERWESTLIFE CROSSWORD ACROSS 7 _ Carell, actor whose films include Little Miss Sunshine and Crazy, Stupid Love (5)8 Minions: The _, 2022 animated sequel featuring the voices of 7 Across, 22 Across, 6 Down, 21 Down & 24 Down (4,2,3)10 Mullet, e.g. (6)11 Long-tailed gamebird (8)12 Stickiness (8)13 Sparkling Italian wine (4)15 Put right (7)17 Greet (7)20 Norse god (4)22 _ Yeoh, actor whose films include Everything Everywhere All…

Film WISH Out in cinemas 24 November Disney’s gorgeous centennial celebration film stars West Side Story’s Ariana DeBose as Asha, a teenager who befriends a wishing star and fights for the rights of all the citizens in her kingdom to fulfil their dreams. Chris Pine plays arch baddie, King Magnifico. Performance HOME ALONE IN CONCERT 3-20 December 2023. Multiple locations including Liverpool, Manchester and Leeds. Tickets from £37 Experience the Christmas comedy classic like never before as it’s accompanied by The Heritage Orchestra, who play live on stage during the film screening. What better way to see Kevin McCallister (played by a young Macaulay Culkin) play tricks on two bumbling thieves (Joe Pesci and Daniel Stern) as he braves a Christmas like no other. Event CHRISTMAS AT KENWOOD 1 December…