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

Who doesn’t love a good love story? Well, on p30 we’ve got two of them for you! Readers Helen and Tabitha share how they found exactly who they were meant to be with. For many, getting to that point isn’t always straightforward – whether that’s overcoming heartache, divorce or even your own insecurities, but I think we can all agree that when it’s right, it’s worth the time it takes to get there. Oops, I’ve gone all mushy! I’d better resume normal service! The debate this week (on p43) is all about skimpy swimwear and whether it’s appropriate or not – what side do you come down on? To flash the flesh, or not?! Like Paula, I’m a firm believer in wearing what you want when you want, but I…

She’s been on our screens for 40 years and is often affectionately dubbed the Queen of Daytime TV. Yet as she prepares to become a grandmother, could it be the right time for Lorraine Kelly to step away from her daily morning ITV show to spend more time with her loved ones? Lorraine, 64, has made no secret of her joy at the fact that her 30-year-old daughter Rosie is expecting her first child, a baby girl. ‘This is the most exciting thing to happen to our family since Rosie was born,’ she said. And she’s even confessed that she’s ready to help with the new arrival, saying, ‘I’ll be available any time to help out; whatever I’m doing, I’ll drop it.’ So does that include her job? And will…

WHAT DID YOUR PARENTS WORK AS? Claiming to come from a working-class family seems to be ‘trendy’ My old man’s a dustman; He wears a dustman’s hat; He wears cor blimey trousers; and lives in a council flat… Anyone else remember that? Back in the day (1960 to be precise) it used to be a very popular tune by British skiffle singer Lonnie Donegan and made it all the way to number one. Yeah, OK, hardly Taylor Swift I know but bear with me on this one. Because, according to today’s batch of politicians, what your old man, old woman or indeed any other family member you care to mention did/does for a living is – drum roll – A VERY IMPORTANT THING! I mean, who knew? Oh, wait. We…

Have you heard about? BREATH WORK CAN HELP REDUCE DEMENTIA RISK Love yoga? You’re in luck – breathing exercises lower the levels of key proteins associated with Alzheimer’s disease in the blood, according to research. Our breathing affects our heart rate, which directly affects the nervous system and the way the brain produces and clears proteins. Simple breath work, such as breathing in for a count of four and out for a count of eight, or meditation, were found to have the same benefits. It worked for me Josephine Dormon, 70, from London ‘When I hit my late 60s, my energy levels dipped. I now take Cordyceps Vital Powder Superfood (£26.80 for 100g, hifasdaterra.com), a food supplement made with Cordyceps sinensis. It’s used in Chinese medicine to help to beat…

Health ask us He has trouble with sex Q I’m in a new relationship in my 50s. He’s a lovely man but has trouble maintaining an erection. He pushes himself to try, making it worse, and he’s afraid I’ll leave him. I’ve assured him I won’t, but what else can we do? A As men age, things change in the erection department. Some find that they may need more stimulation to get or maintain an erection, and others may find that their erections aren’t as strong as they used to be. As a new partner, he likely wants to impress you and he’s suffering from performance pressure. Talk to him and let him know that there’s plenty of time to get things right. If he’s still concerned, I suggest a…

READER QUESTION Q I’m planning to go scuba diving on holiday. Will this be covered by my travel insurance policy? A Travel insurance policies vary widely, so always check your policy to ensure you have the right level of cover. Some standard travel insurance policies do cover scuba diving and if not, you can usually buy a water sports add-on or get extra cover. However, read the small print because you may need to take out specialist scuba diving insurance. You’ll find a guide on this topic at gocompare.com. Deal of the week Sign up to Superdrug’s free Health & Beautycard scheme and you can snap up Bespoke Woman Eau De Parfum for less. The offer includes Bespoke Woman Bergamot & Rose Musk Eau De Parfum (100ml), which is normally…

And… relax ARIES 21 Mar – 20 Apr The Moon in Aries on 28 June gives you the confidence to progress an idea you’ve been pondering for some time. Follow your passion for this venture. TAURUS 21 Apr – 20 May On 30 June, the Moon makes its return, helping you take a practical approach to a financial situation that’s troubling you. Trust in the direction you know is right. GEMINI 21 May – 20 Jun The Moon in Gemini early July guides you to make new connections and also reach out to old friends. Check in on someone who’s been on your mind of late. CANCER 21 Jun – 22 Jul Your intuition is strong and now, more than ever, you really need to follow it. So, what are…

THE LOVE OF MY AFTERLIFE by Kirsty Greenwood (£8.99, PB, Cornerstone) Even in death, Delphie is dying of embarrassment. Not only has she choked to death on a burger, she’s also entered the afterlife wearing her most cringe-worthy pyjamas. What’s worse, she is now standing face to face with the hottest man she has ever seen. Sparks fly as they speak, until someone realises this dreamy stranger was not supposed to die yet and sends him back down to earth. Convinced this man must be her soulmate, Delphie is offered a deal. She has 10 days to return to her previous life, find the stranger and make him fall in love with her! A hilarious, heartfelt romp. THE SUSPECT by Rob Rinder (£20, HB, Cornerstone) Jessica Holby – the beloved…

Isa Guha & Clare Balding ‘BEING AT WIMBLEDON IS EXHILARATING’ Stock up on Pimm’s and strawberries as the Grand Slam tournament begins… ‘IT’S A MAGICAL PLACE’ Get ready for two weeks of action from the All England Lawn Tennis Club as Spain’s Carlos Alcaraz and Czechia’s Marketa Vondrousova defend their titles in the men’s and women’s singles. Clare Balding and Isa Guha present the daily coverage from the pristine lawn courts in SW19 with a commentary team that includes Pat Cash, Andrew Castle, Annabel Croft and John Lloyd, while analysis comes from tennis legends including John McEnroe and Martina Navratilova. Italy’s Jannik Sinner reached the semi-finals in 2023, but after winning the Australian Open earlier this year, could he snatch the men’s title? And who should we be looking out…

Linda ‘I’M A NATIONAL TREASURE!’ Linda Robson has revealed that she’s been banned from driving by her children after racking up thousands of pounds worth of parking fines. She told Good Morning Britain’s Susanna Reid and Ed Balls, ‘I’ve just paid £3,000 worth of parking tickets.’ The Loose Women star continued, ‘They’ve taken my car keys off of me, my kids, they’re taking control of my money and my car. So I’m not allowed to drive any more because I just go, “Well, I’m a national treasure – I can park wherever I like.”’ The former Birds of a Feather star, 66, also explained that her kids are keeping an eye on her spending habits. ‘I get pocket money on a Monday and a Friday because I can’t be trusted…

STRIPE SEASON Upgrade your Breton to a sunnier shade. T-shirt, £8.50, sizes 6-24, M&S WASH ’N’ DRY Add pizzazz to your kitchen. Tea towels, £9.99 for two, H&M PROTECTED POUT Keep lips kissable with SPF50. Hello Sunday lip balm, £7, Boots OUTDOOR DINING Chill out with this fun container for food on the go. Folding picnic box, £10, B&M DIVE IN Make a splash in green. Swimsuit, £7, sizes xs-xl, Primark BLUSH CRUSH Liquid formula with vitamin C. Maybelline Sunkisser blush, £9.99, Boots YOU’VE BEEN FRAMED Luxe-looking shades. Tortoiseshell sunglasses, £9.99, H&M TABLE SCENE Clash wildflower prints with deckchair stripes. Cereal bowl, £3, dinner plates, £4 each, side plates, £3 each, pasta bowls, £4 each, candle holder, £6, jug, £7, vase, £4, glasses, £4 each, tea towels, £5 for three,…

Light linen Picking the right material is key to feeling cool so avoid synthetics such as polyester and opt for breathable linen. I love a linen shirt in the summer as they’re so versatile. Layer over a dress, a cami or swimwear for a cute cover-up with extra polish. Shirt, £18.99, sizes xs-xxl, H&M Charlie Breezy cotton Cotton is another smart summer fabric that lets the skin breathe and this floaty frock is top of my wish list. Crafted from 100% cotton, the shirred bodice and flared skirt offer a flattering fit whilst the square neckline and eye-catching print keep it feeling fresh and modern. Wear with sandals. Dress, £39.50, sizes 6-24, M&S Hannah LOOK FOR LOOSE CLOTHING AND BREATHABLE FABRICS Flowy silhouettes Steer clear of anything too clingy that’ll make…

Chicken pilaf-style rice PREP TIME: 10 MINS COOK TIME: 45 MINS, PLUS RESTING CALS: 375 FAT: 9G SAT FAT: 6G CARBS: 60G SERVES 4 A flavoursome, filling one-pot that makes light work of meal prep. YOU WILL NEED 250g basmati rice1 onion, thinly sliced2tbsp curry paste (we used Patak’s madras paste)6 skinless chicken thighs, cut into chunks400ml tin light coconut milk You’ll also need: 2tbsp oil100ml water or stock25g dried cranberries (optional)Coriander, to garnish (optional) HOW TO DO IT 1 Rinse the rice until the water runs clear, then leave to soak while you prepare the rest. 2 In a large casserole with a lid, heat the oil over a low heat. Add the onion, season, then cook for 25 mins, until caramelised, stirring occasionally. Remove half the onion and…

Imagine uploading a photo of yourself to social media. You feel confident and people begin to comment on how great you look. But then you notice some negativity – a few comments saying that you’re ugly, unattractive. Then imagine others joining in, taunting you, making you feel worthless. This form of online abuse is trolling and it doesn’t just affect celebrities – it can impact anyone on social media. Trolling is when a person comments online to bait people, deliberately provoking an argument or an emotional reaction. And it’s easy to find yourself a perpetrator without even realising it. ‘IT’S MENTALLY AND PHYSICALLY DRAINING’ INTERNET PILE-ONS Whether it’s commenting that you don’t like a celebrity’s outfit, or posting something negative about a politician online, if your intent is to get…

Porto’s most well-known attraction – port wine – is in its name, but there’s more to this north-western Portuguese city than just the ruby tipple. Situated beside the River Douro and just a two-hour flight from the UK, you’re sure to enjoy the bustling medieval centre, lively bars and seafood restaurants. Plus, to the east of the city, the Douro valley teems with vineyards. Perfectly compact, the city is easy to explore on foot. 1 RIVER VIEWS Take the 50-minute Six Bridges Cruise from Ribeira, Porto’s Old Town, along the Douro River to orientate yourself. The boats were once used to transport port wine barrels. The bridges themselves are worth the €18 (£15) cruise – the Maria Pia Bridge was designed by Gustave Eiffel. Book at viator.com. 2 TRANSPORT MUSTS…

Sitting in my garden, music playing, drink in hand, I take in the gorgeous view, the sun setting over the lush landscape. Behind me stands the house I spent months renovating, making it into a home. It has taken a lot of work but I’m so proud of the leap of faith I took five years ago and the life I’ve created for myself. It was the beginning of 2018 when I really started to feel bored with the mundanity of life. My marriage of 20 years had come to an end a few years earlier and my four children – in their late teens and 20s by then – had all left home. I ran my own cleaning business and kept myself busy in my free time doing renovation…

When it comes to men, TV presenter Denise Van Outen hasn’t had it easy. After getting her big break on The Big Breakfast in the 1990s, the star had a string of high-profile relationships with the likes of singer Jay Kay, actor Nick Moran and nightclub owner Richard Traviss. But none of them lasted more than a few years. In 2007, fans thought she’d finally found her happily ever after when she met musical theatre star Lee Mead while filming Any Dream Will Do. The couple walked down the aisle in 2009 before welcoming daughter Betsy the following year, however they called it quits in 2013 – six months after Denise’s stint on Strictly. Her next shot at love came in 2014 when she met former fiancé Eddie Boxshall. But…

Scrolling through the comments online, I couldn’t help but laugh. It was February 2024, and my daughter Saffron, 25, had helped me produce another video to share with my half a million Instagram followers. Dressed in matching lilac workout gear, we laughed about the comparisons we were always receiving. ‘We are mother and daughter, but who’s who?’ we teased in unison. Within an hour of posting the video, hundreds of familiar comments came flooding in. ‘WHY SHOULD OTHER PEOPLE DICTATE WHAT I CAN WEAR?’ ‘You’re not fooling anyone with the mother and daughter riddle, we all suspect you’re sisters!’ a fan commented. ‘You must be twins!’ another said. It’s pretty perplexing that in my seventh decade people are saying that I look good enough to be my daughter’s twin –…

Preparing for take-off, I turned to my husband Ollie, 41, and smiled. Together we watched as our children Sophie, 11, and Toby, six, giggled with delight as our plane climbed higher into the clouds. It was May of this year, and we were finally on the trip to Disneyland Paris we had always dreamt of. The kids had never been on a plane before, and it was the adventure of a lifetime. ‘Will I really get to meet the Avengers, Mum?’ Toby asked, excited. It was hard to believe that only two years earlier, I’d been worried my little boy might not live to see his next birthday. But somehow we’d made it through, and while at times our family felt disconnected, we are now stronger than ever. FROM JOY…

Health ask us MIGRAINE MISERY Q All my adult life I’ve suffered with migraines. They usually occur when I’m under stress, and I manage them by taking a triptan medication at the onset of symptoms. I’m going through an acrimonious break-up, and am suffering three or more migraines a week. Is it safe to take this medication so regularly? A If you’re having migraines so frequently, I would suggest speaking to your doctor about taking a preventative medicine. By that, I mean one that you take every day to stop them from coming, rather than waiting for the first signs of an attack. There are several different options available, and your GP will be able to talk through the best one for you. Bad habit is stopping me getting a…

My hair is… DULL Tap into the glass hair trend by using products that give you a mirror-like shine. Phil Smith Coco Liscious Coconut Shine Shampoo and Conditioner, £3.95 each, Sainsbury’s, work brilliantly to give hair a salon-style swish. Using an oil will also give hair a glossy finish – apply Tresemmé Lamellar Shine Finishing Oil, £9.99, Superdrug, on to the lengths and ends of your hair. A little goes a long way, so be minimal with application to avoid the oil weighing hair down. My hair is… UNCONTROLLABLE Does your hair double in size during the summer? When there’s moisture in the air it can cause the hair cuticle to flare up, which can make strands look big and frizzy. Damaged or dehydrated hair is more prone to this,…

Botanical greens Scandi style Colour pop…

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 Which of these Bond actors did John Cleese want to cast as Jesus Christ in Life of Brian? The answer is the one missing from the grid. BLACKMANBROSNANCONNERYCRAIGDALTONDENCHHARRISLAZENBY LEEMOOREPIKERIGGSEYDOUXWALTZWHISHAW CROSSWORD ACROSS 7 The _, 2023 psychological drama film starring 15 Across, 28 Across, 4 Down, 5 Down, and 23 Down (5) 8 Punctuation mark (9) 10 Lie in wait and pounce (6) 11 Hunger (8) 12 Eye specialist (8) 13 Taverns (4) 15 _ Fraser, star of films The Mummy and Blast from the Past (7) 17 Up to (2,3,2) 20 The _ Goes…

Film A QUIET PLACE: DAY ONE In cinemas 28 June Lupita Nyong’o stars in the third instalment of John Krasinski’s horror series. Previously we’ve seen the Abbott family battle to survive in a post-apocalyptic world, but how did life as they know it change? To understand that we have to rewind to day one, the day the world went quiet. Music JOHNNY CASH Songwriter (Mercury Nashville/UME), out 28 June He may have died over 20 years ago but Johnny Cash is still blessing our ears with new music. Songwriter features vocals recorded by the country legend in 1993, which have since been stripped back and accompanied by musicians Johnny collaborated with during his lifetime. A must-listen for all fans. Event BST HYDE PARK 29 June Until 14 July, Hyde Park,…