Innholdsfortegnelse for Monday, January 01, 2024 i Woman's Own

Just like that, Christmas is over. All that build-up and anticipation then it’s gone in a flash! Speaking of… on p26 there’s a quiz that might tickle your fancy! In fact, this issue is bursting with all you need to keep yourself entertained over this funny in-between bit. On p28, treat yourself to an at home spa (hot tub isn’t included, unfortunately) and, on p30, three women share their passion for collecting with us – I know a jacket enthusiast who definitely verges on being a collector! Plus, on p32, we’ve got fakeaway recipes that aren’t just speedy but easy too – and p22 hangover cures that could come in very handy if you’ve been hitting the cocktails too hard! Enjoy, and have a great week! AIR FRYERS AREN’T JUST…

Richard Madeley has been part of Good Morning Britain since 2017, stepping up as a regular main presenter when Piers Morgan sensationally quit in 2021. But despite previously saying, ‘It’s great to be back in a suit and a tie and working again,’ with increasing complaints from viewers and his wife Judy making it clear she prefers a quiet life away from TV, is he ready to hang up his hosting shoes? UNHAPPY VIEWERS Richard, 67, has always been a somewhat controversial figure and his interview technique on Good Morning Britain has brought a lot of criticism lately. Over 2,300 Ofcom complaints were received after Richard asked Layla Moran, a British-Palestinian MP, if she knew about Hamas’ terror attack on Israel before it happened – which he later apologised for.…

WORD PLAY It’s not easy keeping up with the latest lingo… Funny little things, aren’t they? Words can say so much yet mean so little and without them, life would be impossible. The most important three little words used to be ‘I love you’. Now they’re probably ‘social media influencer’, even though most of us have absolutely no idea how that is even a thing. Nor will you probably have any idea what the word ‘rizz’ means. Despite it being named word of 2023 by Oxford University Press, publishers of the Oxford English Dictionary. Now call me old fashioned, but I would have thought something that contained the words ‘English’ and ‘Dictionary’ would do what it said on the tin. Actually, contain words, in English, that we say in everyday…

Have you heard about? EATING CHEESE CAN PROTECT YOUR TEETH Leftover Christmas dairy? Don’t ditch it for your new year diet. ‘Chewing cheese helps rebalance the pH balance in the mouth, reducing acidity, through the production of saliva,’ says dentist Dr Robbie Hughes. ‘This not only preserves and rebuilds enamel but also plays an important role in washing the bacteria and plaque off the teeth.’ Stick to 30g per portion as it’s high in saturated fat. It worked for me Debbie Saunders, 62, from Wiltshire ‘In 2000 I was diagnosed with chronic fatigue syndrome. I felt exhausted and constantly anxious. I now take Love Life Calm (£18.95 for 60 capsules, lovelifesupplements.co.uk) – a food supplement made with ingredients including ashwagandha and lavender extract. I’m sleeping better and I feel more…

I’m too guilty to leave him Q I’ve been married for 30 years to a man who is older than me (he is 72, I am 58). The age difference wasn’t an issue when we met, but we are now at completely different life stages. He wants to retire to a place he loves, but I have a fantastic job, friends and family that I am not ready to leave. I don’t want to be with him any more, but feel too guilty to leave. A It’s hard when you feel trapped in a marriage and responsible for the person you are with. Ultimately, you need to remember that you both went into this marriage knowing the age difference and the potential issues it could bring up. You need to…

‘I became obsessed’ Sophia Butler, 42, lives in north London with her husband Nick, 40, and daughters Anastasia, eight, and Louise, six. She works as a PA and runs a mobile afternoon tea service. Picking up a dainty teacup in a local vintage shop, I knew I had to have it. I was 13 and used my pocket money to buy it. I adored teacups and this was to be the start of a very special collection. I was only small when my love of fine china began. Every day after school, my mum laid the table with her teapot, teacups and the biscuit tin. She would pour, and ask about my day. Then, when I was about 13, I watched Friends and, wanting to be like the TV characters,…

READER QUESTION Q I’ve heard people talk about ‘skimpflation’ – can you explain the term? A This is when companies skimp on the quality of a product or service without reducing the price. In fact, 52% of Brits say they’ve noticed that some of the food and drink products they buy have been downgraded in terms of quality or the quantity of premium ingredients, yet still cost the same or more than they used to, research from Barclays found. Go green for less Large items of furniture can stop the heat from a radiator reaching the rest of the room, so if you’ve got a bed or sofa right next to a radiator, move it at least an inch or two away, says British Gas. This will improve the air…

And… relax 27 Dec 2023-1 Jan 2024 ARIES 21 Mar – 20 Apr December brings fiery ambition and career success, but also restlessness in your relationships. Embrace assertiveness with harmony as the year closes. TAURUS 21 Apr – 20 May This month unfolds with a focus on finance, so budget and plan your financial goals for the new year. Venus brings harmony and possibly new love for singles. GEMINI 21 May – 20 Jun The Full Moon in your sign last month sets the scene for December, heralding social excitement for you and the opportunity to network. Try to balance work with play. CANCER 21 Jun – 22 Jul With the Full Moon in your sign late December, family bonds strengthen, but Mercury retrograde could bring communication challenges. Focus on…

HER by Mira V Shah (£9.99, PB, Hodder & Stoughton) Appearances can be deceiving. Rani is struggling. Unable to find work, she’s stuck renting a cramped flat with her husband and two children. She’s always dreamed of a better life – which is why she is so transfixed by her new neighbour. Glamorous Natalie and her wealthy partner arrive in a Maserati and begin living in the beautiful house across the road. To Rani, everything about Natalie seems polished and luxurious. But as the two women form an unlikely friendship, sinister secrets come to light. You never know what happens behind closed doors – or the ugly consequences of discovering the truth. This deliciously dark thriller is utterly addictive. THE LITTLE LIAR by Mitch Albom (£16.99, HB, Little, Brown Book…

Top telly PAGE BY PAIGE? The wonderful Elaine Paige is the voice of my Sunday funday, with her BBC Radio 2 musicals show, which she has hosted for almost 20 years. She’ll be celebrating 60 years in the business in the new year and has mentioned putting pen to paper for an autobiography. ‘I hope I can tell my story in a way where I won’t trash or offend,’ she says. As if the first lady of the West End could ever hit a duff note! FRIENDS IN HIGH PLACES Chris Kamara tells me he owes his telly career to our Ben Shephard. ‘To have Ben in my life means everything. I couldn’t have coped over these years without Ben by my side,’ says Chris, crediting our pal and his…

CAROL QUITS After becoming a staple of the series since her first appearance on the panel in 2000, Carol McGiffin shockingly quit the show earlier this year. The outspoken star claimed to have been ‘forced’ to leave after her controversial views rubbed bosses up the wrong way. But Carol didn’t go without a fight and made a number of accusations in an explosive interview after her departure. She lifted the lid on the Phillip Schofield scandal and said none of the Loose Women liked him. Before claiming that ITV producers ‘covered up’ Phillip’s affair with a younger male work colleague for years. ITV declined to address Carol’s comments. NAKED NADIA Viewers were in hysterics in October when Nadia Sawalha playfully modelled barely-there lingerie. Talking about older women wearing racy underwear,…

PERFECT PLEATS Team with faux-leather leggings. Top, £20, sizes 8-24, George at Asda PARTY CLUTCH This sleek design has a detachable chain strap. Bag, £22.99, parfois.com CELESTIAL CHARM A must-have in your jewellery box this season. Earrings, £17, Mood at Next LET’S CHEERS A stylish supermarket buy. Glasses, £2.50 each, Nutmeg at Morrisons SEASONAL TIPPLE Spicy and non-alcoholic! Belvoir Mulled Winter Punch, £2.95, ocado.com FEAST-IVE INDULGENCE Create an opulent-looking tablescape. Pink candlestick, £8.99, gold candlestick, £8.99, twisted candles, £4.99 for two, octopus candelabra, £12.99, plates, from £2.99 each, bowls, £4.99 each, cutlery set, £12.99, and wine glass, £12.99 for a set of four, all Homesense LEATHER LOOK We love this on-trend silver bomber jacket. £49.99, sizes xs-xl, Zara METALLIC MAGIC A lovely addition to any wardrobe. Shoes, £40, La Redoute…

Stick to staples Don’t be tempted with trend-led pieces that you’ll regret buying. Instead look to items you know you’ll wear on repeat. If your well-worn jeans need a refresh, the sales are the perfect time to do so. Make a list of what you’re looking for to avoid any impulse buying. I always ask myself, would I buy this if it wasn’t on sale? Jeans, £35.99, sizes 4-20, Mango Charlie Be strict on fit Try clothing on and, if it doesn’t fit right, don’t get it. Buying something too small with the aim of wearing it one day never ends well. A coat is a good investment so I’m on the hunt for a cool Crombie that I’ll love from this winter to the next. Coat, £27, sizes xs-xl,…

Stuck in a sex rut? Same time. Same place. Same old position? A lot of couples report a loss of libido in long-term relationships because of a lack of variety, says sex therapist Alice Child, but your sex life doesn’t have to hit the skids. ‘Many couples describe losing “the spark”,’ she says. ‘But when I get them to explore deeper, they often find they still have that attraction. What they’ve lost isn’t desire for each other, just the knowledge of how to trigger it.’ Take our fun tantaliser test for some sultry suggestions on what might relight your fire and put the sparkle back into your relationship – however long you’ve been together. The quiz Rate how you feel about the following, on a scale of one to five…

Lentil falafel burgers PREP: 10 MINS COOK 30 MINS CALS: 344 FAT: 4G SAT FAT: 0.6G CARBS: 52G SERVES 4 There’s no shortage of flavour in these budget-friendly veggie burgers! YOU WILL NEED Low-calorie cooking spray40g rolled oats2 x 400g tins green lentils, rinsed and drained½ onion, chopped40g baby spinach leavesHandful coriander leavesHandful parsleyHandful mint leaves2tsp garlic granules1tsp each ground cumin, coriander4 x 60g wholemeal rolls, to serve75g mixed salad, to serve (optional) For the tzatziki: ½ cucumber150g fat-free Greek-style yogurt1-2tsp harissa paste (to taste)A few fresh mint leaves, finely chopped1tsp runny honey HOW TO DO IT 1 Heat the oven to 180C Fan/Gas 6. Spray a baking tray with low-calorie cooking spray. Whizz the oats in a food processor to a coarse flour and set side. 2 Pat the…

These days there’s a name for everything, and the sometimes murky waters of dating and relationships are no different, with labels for every type of toxic behaviour and emotional abuse going. If your partner is doing it, there’s probably a word to describe it. The latest nasty dating trend is ‘spider-webbing’, and it’s just as scary as the name suggests. The behaviour is defined by the use of multiple types of toxic manipulation and behaviours including gaslighting, ghosting, therapy baiting and love bombing. Combining these now recognised tactics, an individual is able to reel in their potential partner, just like a spider in its web, manipulating them, leaving them feeling vulnerable, and trapping them in an unstable relationship. One thing is for sure – these types of toxic behaviours are…

JOSIE GIBSON AND ALISON HAMMOND Best friends and This Morning stars Alison, 48, and Josie, 38, went off-piste as they enjoyed a trip to the French Alps. They may have steered clear of skiing, but the pair still had a blast taking in their snowy surroundings as they enjoyed a DJ stint and showed off their dance moves at an après-ski chalet. KELLY BROOK We don’t know who enjoyed their snowy walk more, model and actor Kelly or her adorable pooch Teddy! While the 44-year-old admitted she was ‘flippin freezing’, we hope Teddy’s adorable coat kept him warm. HOLLY WILLOUGHBY While enjoying herself sledging, TV’s Holly proved that snow makes the perfect backdrop for festive fun. The 42-year-old is no stranger to cold climates, having filmed Freeze the Fear with…

This year’s series of Dancing on Ice hasn’t even started yet, but the ITV show has already been surrounded by controversy. From finding a replacement for Phillip Schofield and speculation as to whether Holly Willoughby would return, to disastrous injuries and stars quitting, is the popular show skating on thin ice? ALL CHANGE When Phillip Schofield, 61, cut ties with ITV in May, the mission to find his replacement quickly began. And with Phil being the face of Dancing on Ice since 2006, it was no mean feat. Then, to throw another spanner in the works, his former best friend and right-hand woman Holly Willoughby’s return to the rink was called into question. ‘I’M DOING MY BEST TO KEEP MY SPIRITS UP’ The presenter, 42, suddenly left her role at…

Dropping the empty wine bottle into the recycling bin, I tried to ignore the obvious clink of glass. It was November 2021 and I was stuck in an endless cycle, reaching for the wine every night. Despite my love of vino, I wasn’t an alcoholic as I could easily go without wine. But recently I’d gained weight, wasn’t sleeping well and my self-esteem was low. And worse than that, I felt like I wasn’t being the mum that my children deserved. For most of my adult life I was a steady size 14. Weighing around 11st, and at 5ft 2in, I was content with my body. Of course, when I had my boys, Teddy in December 2014, then Joey two years later, I put on a bit of weight but…

Passing the scan photo to my great-grandmother Kathleen, I could see just how thrilled she was as her face lit up. ‘Another girl to add to the brood,’ she beamed, gazing at the blurry picture. ‘She’s due in September,’ I grinned. It was early 2021 and I was about to become a mum for the first time. One by one, I’d told all the incredible women in my life that I was expecting. First I’d surprised my mum Wendy, then 53, with the news that she was about to become a grandmother again, and together, we’d shed happy tears. Then, I’d told my nan Lynda, 73, who was thrilled for me and my fiancé Albert, then 23. And last but not least, it was time to tell my great-grandma Kathleen,…

HOW CAN I HAVE PREDIABETES? Q My GP surgery invited me for a health check recently. I consider myself healthy – my body mass index is 21, I go to the gym three times a week and my husband and I eat well. We enjoy a glass of wine at weekends, though I have never smoked. I’ve now been told I’m prediabetic. How can this be? A You are right that prediabetes and type 2 diabetes are often associated with an unhealthy lifestyle and with being overweight, but there can also be a genetic element. It doesn’t sound like there is much room to improve your lifestyle, but your doctor might consider starting you on a low dose of antidiabetic medication to bring your sugar levels down. Arthritis medication makes…

Scrub up A good scrub is truly invigorating, as well as benefiting skin. Before you hop in the bath, use Legology Lymph-Lite Boom Brush for Body, £16, legology.co.uk, on dry skin, sweeping up from feet to thighs, hands to shoulders. Dry body brushing boosts circulation and removes toxins so skin is smoothed and energy is lifted. If you enjoy a softer scrub, Dove Pomegranate Seeds & Shea Butter Body Scrub, £6, Boots, smooths over dry, flaky patches and restores soft, silky skin. House warming A relaxing ritual begins with setting the scene. Beautiful aromas and soft lighting trick the mind into a calm state. Lighting a candle is a way to combine both. Woodwick Santal Myrrh Mini Hourglass Candle, £10.99, woodwick. yankeecandle.co.uk, is warm and amber-y, and gives the added…

Modern deco Tranquil tones Hotel luxe…

CLUES & ARROWS Fill in the clues in the direction of the arrows Puzzle solutions WORDWISE Anew, bawl, bawler, beware, blew, braw, brawl, brawn, brew, ewer, lawn, newel, newer, renew, renewal, wale, wane, warble, ware, warn, weal, wean, wear, weber, ween, were, wren Answer: RENEWABLE SUDOKU WORDSEARCH Answer: Toaster CROSSWORD CLUES & ARROWS Sudoku To solve the puzzle, each 3 x 3 box, each column and each row must contain the numbers 1 to 9. Wordsearch Sydney’s Bennelong Apartments look like which electronic item, which inspired its nickname? The answer is the one missing from the grid. CLOCKFANFREEZERFRIDGEHAIRDRYERHEATERIRONKETTLELAMPLAPTOPMICROWAVEPHONEPRINTERRADIOTOASTER CROSSWORD ACROSS 1 & 7 Down. 2022 action film, starring 13 Across, 29 Across, 1 Down, (6,5)4 Journalist (8)10 Suitor or fan (7)11 Sight organ (7)12 Rain heavily (4)13 Brian _, actor…

Julie Hesmondhalgh ‘I JUMPED AT THE CHANCE TO TELL THIS TRUE STORY’ The former Corrie star discusses a true-life scandal… ‘IT’S JUST SO INSPIRING’ ITV1 drama Mr Bates vs The Post Office recounts one of the greatest miscarriages of justice in British legal history, when hundreds of sub-postmasters and sub-postmistresses were wrongly accused of theft and fraud due to a defective computerised accounting system. Ignoring warnings that it was flawed, the Post Office aggressively pursued the sub-postmasters and sub-postmistresses about the financial discrepancies. As a result, 736 were prosecuted, while others lost their homes, livelihoods and life savings to pay back the money that was apparently missing. And several went to prison, all for crimes they did not commit. The four-parter focuses on how sub-postmaster Alan Bates (Toby Jones), with…