Innholdsfortegnelse for Monday, January 08, 2024 i Woman's Own

Happy new year! Unsurprisingly, getting fit is one of the most popular resolutions, but we all know getting to the gym can be a struggle – there’s TV to watch, snacks to eat (crisps, please, but preferably shared and with a glass of wine) and online surfing to do, and while those things are fun if you’re looking for some inspiration to help you get back on the bike (or rather the health wagon!), we’ve got everything you need, from p35. Perfectly happy as far away from a kettlebell as possible? There’s plenty for you too. Shock real-life stories (on p64 read about Kate Bright, who’s on a mission to prove not all bodyguards are Kevin Costner!), on p4 there’s furry friends to make you go aww, and on p12…

She burst on to the Loose Women panel in 2019, and singer Brenda Edwards quickly won over viewers with her infectious laugh and larger-than-life personality. Yet behind her smiles, the former X Factor contestant, 54, has endured unimaginable grief. She lost her music mogul son Jamal Edwards, 31, to a heart attack in February last year and both her parents died in a car crash three days before Christmas when she was just four years old – she and her brother were raised by their grandmother in Luton. Amazingly, the West End star – who is also mum to Tanisha, 30 – still sees the goodness in life, and since beating breast cancer in 2016, she is adamant that she wants to make every day count. Since joining Loose Women,…

Watching my daughter change her baby boy’s nappy, I tried to ignore the gnawing worry in the pit of my stomach. It was November 2018 and Ann*, then 29, was a single mum to Grace*, nearly eight, and Daniel*, 11 months. Not for the first time, I prayed that Ann would finally step up to her responsibilities as a parent. While I had happy memories of raising Ann as a single, working parent, baking fairy cakes with her and playing hide and seek, I was constantly disappointed by the way she cared for her own children - or, rather, failed to care for them. ‘I’D HIDE MY DISMAY AT THEIR SMELLY CLOTHES’ There were no baking sessions or fun games at her house, with rubbish and unwashed plates covering every…

Have you heard about? ALCOHOL-FREE WINE CAN BOOST HEART HEALTH Switching to a booze-free vino will still give you the heart-healthy benefits associated with wine, says research*. Participants who drank up to 11 glasses of wine a week, were found to have a 40% reduced risk of coronary heart disease when sipping on an alcohol-free alternative, compared to non-drinkers and binge drinkers. This suggests the benefits are down to the grapes rather than the alcohol. It worked for me Carole Chaney, 58, from West Sussex ‘I kept getting colds, so I looked at the NHS website and saw it recommends pelargonium – a traditional herbal medicine. I now take Centoreze (£10.95 for 21 tablets, centoreze.co.uk), which contains two types of pelargonium, at the first sign of a sniffle. On many…

Health ask us My life has no enjoyment Q I’m 57, work full-time, and my life is a mess. I spend my days running from one disaster to the next thanks to my parents, who, despite having carers, always need me. I also have my teens, who wait for me to cook dinner, do their laundry and generally behave like they are 10 (they are 17 and 15). I feel exhausted all of the time and out of control. What can I do? A Your life isn’t a mess; it’s pressurised because looking after older parents and teens while working is exhausting. With your parents, set boundaries and limits with your time. They have a range of help, but by always being there when they need you, you’re setting yourself…

Supermarket sweep Boutique, the own-brand beauty range at Sainsbury’s, is arguably the best of all the supermarket offerings, featuring brilliant quality products at affordable prices. Boutique Nail Polish in Dusky Pastel Mauve, £3.50, Sainsbury’s, is the ideal everyday nude. In the navy We love this deep blue shade, and Nails.INC Speedy Gloss Nail Polish in Time for Trafalgar Square, £8, nailsinc.com, will dry with a high-shine finish in just 45 seconds. Bargain buy You don’t have to spend a lot of money to get a brilliant polish, as PS… Mini Quick Dry Nail Polish in Wine, 60p, Primark, proves. It’s quick-drying and available in five shades, including this rich burgundy. Bright spark Dopamine dressing is all about picking joy-sparking shades to lift your mood. Revolution Neon Nail Polish in Sizzle,…

Hunting for ways to get rid of that Christmas bloat? Look no further. You don’t have to go cold turkey after enjoying all that excess during the celebrations, either. Our easy, two-week plan means you can still get your fix of winter comforts, plus you will be glowing from the inside out. We’ve included foods that won’t just loosen your waistband, but will also give you bundles of energy. Sounds too good to be true? Get started today and let the results speak for themselves. WHY IT WORKS Our fast-fix diet is effective as it’s made up of the following: – Fibre to help the digestive process and keep you feeling fuller for a lot longer. – Complex carbohydrates – the ‘smart carbs’ that help stave off food cravings, prevent…

TOP TIP! If you’re using a tumble dryer, add dryer balls to your load. These will help to untangle your laundry and maximise warm airflow, making the cycle more efficient, says Hotpoint’s Vivien Fodor. Go green for less You can get hold of a free pack of nine Smol laundry capsules or dishwasher tablets (£1 postage) by visiting smolproducts.com. You’ll need to sign up for a subscription to access the offer, so ensure you cancel in time to avoid any charges if you don’t want to continue. This offer is for new UK customers only. Full T&Cs are at smolproducts.com/pages/smol-terms-of-service. 3 easy ways to... stay safe from nuisance calls There’s things you can do to put an end to unsolicited marketing calls 1 GET ON THE LIST First, register with…

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 Swiss actor Jake Canuso was the only person to appear in every episode of which sitcom? The answer is the one missing from the grid. BACKBENIDORMBREADCHEERSCUCKOOFLEABAGFRASIERFRIENDSMASHMIRANDAPORRIDGEREVSCRUBSSORRYSPACED CROSSWORD ACROSS 7 _Hart, star of the films Jumanji: The Next Level and Central Intelligence (5)8 DC League of _, 2022 animated movie starring 7 Across, 9 Down, 14 Down & 21 Down (5,4)10 Buddhist temple (6)11 Sweet on a stick (8)12 City in California (8)13 Pig sound (4)15 Flower dealer (7)17 Agreement or harmony (7)20 European river (4)22 Restaurant worker (8)25 High and dry (8)26 _Wenger, football…

Film FERRARI Out in cinemas now Strap in as the Italian car manufacturer gets a biopic as sleek as his machines with Adam Driver as Enzo Ferrari, juggling a wife (Penélope Cruz), mistress (Shailene Woodley) and a career-defining race in 1957. Must-visit venue CLAUDE’S FISH AND SEAFOOD BAR 19-20 Irving St, London WC2H 7AU Less than a minute from the hustle and bustle of London’s Leicester Square you’ll find the capital’s newest (and hottest) fish and seafood bar. Whether you fancy traditional fish and chips, lobster or Maldon oysters, this stylish destination promises a meal unlike any in the area. Wash down the delicacies with hand-crafted cocktails and champagne as you wine and dine in the city’s buzzing centre. Performance I SHOULD BE SO LUCKY: UK TOUR Until 4 May…

Charlotte Ritchie ‘BONNIE’S A VERY MODERN WOMAN’ The Ghosts star on playing a vicar’s wife in Grantchester… When we last saw Reverend Will Davenport (Tom Brittney) and widowed mum-of-one Bonnie (Charlotte Ritchie), the couple suddenly decided to get married. So as the 1950s-set crime drama returns for an eighth series, the couple are living in wedded bliss… ‘They’re doing very well and are very much in love,’ says Charlotte. ‘Bonnie’s pregnant and her son, Ernie, really loves Will, which is reciprocated. Things are quite settled, which is lovely. What could happen to ruin all that?!’ Meanwhile, motorcycling vicar Will once again helps his detective pal DI Geordie Keating (Robson Green) solve more murder cases, beginning with the death of a young biker after a charity race. ‘SHE’S FORTHRIGHT AND INDEPENDENT’…

Top telly HAPPY NEW CHEER! It’s a cheers from us all and a Happy New Year back to work for Team GMB this week as our telly family returns from our festive break. Susanna broke her own rules this Christmas by going early with her decorations. Normally, she doesn’t decorate until after her birthday in early December – I wonder if she’ll shed the tinsel she’s sporting here before 6 January. I, for one, am keeping my tree up right until the last minute to beat the gloom! CAT’S GOT THE DREAM Cat Deeley is loving being part of the This Morning line-up and can’t wait to get stuck into 2024 on the box. But as far as New Year’s resolutions are concerned, like so many of us she’s ditched…

DEMI MOORE Move over handbags, Hollywood star Demi proved that pooches are the latest accessory. The 61-year-old is regularly seen at A-Lister events with her charming, tiny chihuahua Pilaf, who only weighs about 700g, on her arm. How cute! VERNON KAY After a trip abroad, we don’t know who was happier to be reunited, BBC Radio 2’s Vernon, 49, or his canine friends Mickey and Blue. We’ll dog-sit next time, Vern. DAVID BECKHAM Just when we thought that we couldn’t love Becks, 48, any more, he goes and posts this sweet snap with his three fur babies, Olive, Sage and Fig. We’re obsessed! GERI HALLIWELL-HORNER When she’s not hanging out with fellow Spice Girls Posh, Baby, Sporty and Scary, Geri (aka Ginger), 51, spends time with her dog Mavis. And,…

’TIS THE SEASON TO BE DATING Good news for all the single ladies This coming Sunday is the busiest day of the year for what? Painkiller sales, dead and dying Christmas tree dumping or maybe belt tightening (for diet and credit-card reasons!). Well, while it is probably all of the above, there’s a much more important reason why 7 January 2024 is a biggie. And it involves sex. I know, sorry to mention it so early in the year, especially as all that festive feasting means most of us are in Bridget Jones’ big pants mode still. But singletons rejoice! Because this Sunday is the busiest day of the year on dating apps – with 30% more matches made on Tinder than usual. The dating giant also sees 10% more…

Looking for a natural boost? One quarter* of us are using holistic treatments to manage our mental health, but how can you tell if an alternative treatment is a wellness wonder or a waste of money? Even with substantial evidence to support their benefits, the reality is they can sometimes be pricey. With the cost of living crisis meaning there’s less money for extras, we ask the experts what’s worth spending out on, and the self-care tricks which don’t compromise on benefits. Acupuncture With origins in Chinese medicine, this involves fine needles being inserted into points on the body to unblock the flow of energy. There’s solid evidence to suggest it can help relieve back pain and migraines. Scientists think the needles stimulate nerves, sending signals to the brain to…

Frilly blouse Master your jeans and a nice top combo with this flouncy blouse. The lightweight chiffon fabric keeps it feeling feminine and the tie fastening means that you can wear it as a high neck or a V-neck to suit any shape. A-line skirt This fit-and-flare design is a silhouette you can reach for on repeat, pulling you in at the waist and skimming over legs. Highlight your middle by tucking in your top, or if it’s a chunkier jumper, just half tuck in the front, to add definition. Jumper dress Take your outfit from day to night with ease in a knitted dress. Cosy yet glamorous, it’ll make a worthy addition to your winter wardrobe. This one has a flattering V-neckline and a relaxed fit for that throw-on-and-go…

JENNIFER ANISTON Due to her busy schedule, keeping fit is no mean feat for Jennifer. The Hollywood actor, 54, has to be creative and utilise every spare moment to maintain her toned figure. ‘I take eight-pound weights with me whenever I’m staying in a hotel,’ she said. ‘It’s always good to do arm exercises when you’re watching television or talking on the phone. I also love to stretch before I go to bed, and usually throw in a couple of sit-ups.’ RUTH LANGSFORD Since going through the menopause, Loose Women’s Ruth has been open about her struggles with weight. But now the presenter, 63, uses exercise as a way to prioritise her health, rather than as a means to lose extra pounds. Ruth confessed, ‘I aim for 10,000 steps a…

PREP: 10 MINS COOK: 35 MINS CALS: 360 FAT: 9G SAT FAT: 4G CARBS: 44G Tuscan bean stew SERVES 6 Thrifty and filling, this hearty bowl of goodness is low in fat and full of delicious flavour. YOU WILL NEED 1tbsp vegetable oil2 onions, finely chopped1 stick celery, finely chopped2 garlic cloves, crushed1ltr vegetable or chicken stock400g tin chopped tomatoes3 sprigs rosemary, finely chopped (or pinch of dried), plus extra to serve½tsp chilli flakes400g tin cannellini beans, drained and rinsed400g tin flageolet beans, drained and rinsed400g tin butter beans, drained and rinsed100g kale or other leafy greens, shreddedShaved pecorino or Parmesan cheese, to serve (optional)Tomato or basil pesto, to serve (optional) HOW TO DO IT 1 Add the oil, onions and celery to a large saucepan and cook over a…

And… relax 2-8 January 2024 ARIES 21 Mar – 20 Apr Embrace 2024 with confidence! Pursue financial ventures wisely and don’t take too many risks in this area. Your relationships will thrive with open communication. TAURUS 21 Apr – 20 May Jupiter in your sign is now direct again, which is great news for you and your career. Set practical goals you can steadily work towards. Luck is on your side. GEMINI 21 May – 20 Jun With Mercury, Venus and Mars in your opposite sign, this could cause tension. Before you communicate, ask yourself, is it kind, necessary and honest? If not, keep quiet. CANCER 21 Jun – 22 Jul The Full Moon in Cancer last December shone a light on your sense of security and ambitions. It’s time…

JOE NUTHIN’S GUIDE TO LIFE by Helen Fisher (£16.99, HB, Simon & Schuster) Stepping outside your comfort zone can bring about the most unexpected adventures. Joe-Nathan is happy with an ordinary existence. From his food to his job, he likes things to be entirely predictable. Joe copes just fine with the help of his loving mother and the manual she wrote to guide him through everyday life. Then tragedy strikes and Joe’s life is turned upside down. But though he may feel isolated, Joe discovers he has more friends looking out for him than he might have thought. Following his mother’s wise words, he ventures out into the world and discovers he can achieve more than he’d ever dreamed. THE LIBRARY OF HEARTBEATS by Laura Imai Messina (£16.99, HB, Bonnier…

Bouncing around my living room, Eva, my new black Labrador pup, wagged her tail furiously. ‘She looks about to take off,’ my eldest, Gemma, then 17, laughed. It was September 2013 and Eva was my new guide dog. I’d been born with coloboma, a condition where my eyes hadn’t developed properly in the womb. I had a small window of vision, like looking through a keyhole and could just make out large objects and some colours. I’d always managed, but after separating from my husband, and with Gemma and my youngest, Penny, then 15, busy with their own lives, I was spending more time at home alone. I had plenty of friends, but not the confidence to go out alone. That’s why I’d contacted the Guide Dogs charity and they’d…

THE GREAT COVER-UP Keep warm and look stylish, what’s not to love! Coat, £40, sizes xs-xl, Primark RIGHT ON TIME Never be late again. Watch, £12.99, Argos SPECIAL COLLECTION Part of the Moorland range. Vase, £15, Natural History Museum at Dunelm HIGH-STREET HERO Practical and chic. How did we manage without! Bag, £19.90, Uniqlo HEAVY CARGO A comfy alternative to jeans. Trousers, £20, sizes 8-18, Apricot SKIRTING THE ISSUE Invest in a statement skirt that you can dress up or down with ease. Top, £69, sizes xs-xl, skirt £95, sizes s-l, boots, £159, all busbyandfox.com HOME COMFORTS A stylish addition to any room. Chair, £79, Dunelm PRINT CHARMING Beautiful botanical artwork. Poster (unframed), £15.95, desenio.co.uk IT KNIT Fab with a dress or jeans. Jumper, £39.99, sizes xxs-xxl, Monki BOTTOMS UP…

Health ask us HELP! HIS EYES ARE SO YELLOW Q I’ve started to notice that my husband is developing yellow patches of raised skin around his eyes. I mentioned it to a nurse friend of mine who says that could be a sign of high cholesterol. Is that true? My husband is saying it’s just part of ageing. A Most people with high cholesterol will have no symptoms at all as a warning sign, but in some people fatty yellow plaques called xanthelasma appear around the eyes. It doesn’t necessarily mean his cholesterol is high. They can also be associated with diabetes and thyroid problems, but it does mean he should have some blood tests to check for any underlying conditions. WART WORRY Q Being raised in Africa meant I…

Smoothing down the stretchy material on my size 22 dark green bridesmaid dress, I smiled with all the fake confidence I could muster. A sea of faces looked back at me as I nervously clutched a piece of paper and felt my face redden. It was April 2022 and I was about to give a speech as bridesmaid at my best friend’s wedding. Only, I felt horrendous – so self-conscious of my 5ft 5in, 16st frame. ‘EATING AND DRINKING HAD TAKEN ITS TOLL’ I’d spent the morning of Sophie’s wedding reluctantly posing for photos with her other bridesmaids, trying desperately to lean sideways in the hope I wouldn’t look so massive beside the other slim women. But I was ashamed of how I looked and as I stood in front…

Running across the court, I leapt in the air, caught the ball and passed it on to my teammate. ‘Great goal,’ I cheered, as her shot swished through the net. It was November 2018 and, aged 30, an evening playing netball was one of my favourite pastimes. With training and matches I was on the court at least four times a week and when I wasn’t wearing my netball bib I was playing tennis or doing martial arts. I’d never been one for sweating it out in a gym but team sport kept me in great shape. At 5ft 1in, I’d weighed 10st 9lb most of my adult life and comfortably fit into a size 8. At home, my partner Leon, then 30, and I didn’t eat badly – the…

Jetting into a global music festival by helicopter, looking down at the colourful crowds, is the dream. But even though I was dressed like all the other festival goers and my team and I blended in seamlessly, I was carrying a two-way radio and staying sober throughout. I was there in my job as a close protection officer – a bodyguard in layman’s terms – looking out for my wealthy client, who wanted to be just like any other attendee. Blonde and six feet tall, I could pass as her athletic friend. And while those of us looking after her couldn’t let our hair down, we made sure that she could. Protecting clients at places like Ascot, Wimbledon, Henley Royal Regatta or other events around the globe is just one…

Tamzin ‘I lost a stone and my brain fog’ Actor Tamzin Outhwaite decided to overhaul her health after taking part in Freeze The Fear with Wim Hof in 2022. After she finished filming the BBC show, the former EastEnders star, 53, started to experience perimenopause, which she says ‘really changed’ something in her head. Speaking about her decision to cut out alcohol as she reached the menopause, she said, ‘It hit me that I couldn’t drink like I used to and decided the best thing for me was to abstain. I took a break last year for six months, it felt amazing!’ ‘BY NOT DRINKING I’M ON THE PATH OF HEALTH’ For Tamzin, it also helped her manage menopause weight gain, with the star adding, ‘Let’s just say I put…