Innholdsfortegnelse for January 13, 2025 i Woman's Own

How is everyone faring with their resolutions? Or are we all just fed up with hearing about them? Well, the second Friday in January is known as Quitter’s Day – that’s when people are most likely to throw in the towel with their good intentions. I’m all for abandoning things that don’t make you happy, but keeping your big plans for 2025 going might be something that actually brings you joy in the long run. Whether that’s getting down the gym and boosting those endorphins (we’ve got a free pass on p20), boosting your vitamins with a healthy shop (see p26) or keeping finances in check (turn to p36) we’ve got you covered. And for those just in the market for a bit of fun or fancying a change –…

WHAT’S IN A NAME? Everything, evidently. Each year, the Office for National Statistics analyses the latest baby name data and the most popular name for baby boys in 2023 was Muhammad, closely followed by Noah and Oliver. For girls, it was Olivia (for the eighth year in a row), followed by Amelia and Isla. Not much is expected to have changed for 2024. Meanwhile, the least common boys’ names are Xayvion, Zimchikachim, Woodie, Tyga and Trim. When it comes to girl names, Zenayda was among the most unusual, with Zoella, Honour, Gift, Fox and Deja not being far behind. My name might mean new beginnings, but it’s more like old endings, with only a handful of babies who were called Dawn. LET’S EMBRACE OUR DIFFERENCES More and more people are…

*INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF CANCER.**STUDY BY HARVEY WATER SOFTENERS. IF YOU HAVE CONCERNS ABOUT YOUR HEALTH, SEE YOUR GP. CONSULT YOUR GP OR MEDICAL EXPERT BEFORE TAKING NEW SUPPLEMENTS. Buy of the week Bunions causing uncomfortable rubbing? Compeed’s Bunion Plasters (£7.29 for five, Superdrug) provide instant pressure relief and help to prevent blisters. THE TO-DO LIST DITCH LATE-NIGHT DINNERS Eat past 9pm? You could be increasing your risk of breast cancer by 25%, says research*, due to disrupting the sleep-wake cycle. DRINK FRUIT JUICE A daily glass can help significantly lower blood pressure, reducing your risk of heart attacks and strokes, found the University of Toronto. SING IN THE SHOWER Warming up your vocal cords during your morning wash can help you to feel happier, more alert and energised, says research**.…

My best friend lied to me Q I’ve had a best friend for the past 13 years and, up until last month, I would have said I trusted her with my life. Now I’ve found out she’s been having an affair for two years and has left her husband (someone I also care about). When she told me, I was so angry she’d lied to me and ended up asking her to leave. What do I do? A It’s completely understandable to feel betrayed and hurt by this situation. Discovering that your best friend has been hiding something significant will shake the foundation of trust you’ve built. Right now, you need space to work out what you want. In the meantime, don’t do or say anything rash – just tell…

Clutching my trophy and flowers on stage, I beamed as the crowd cheered. It was April 2019 and, despite being wheelchair-bound, I’d won second place in a national weight-lifting competition. Strapped into a bench-press chair, I’d lifted a 20kg circus dumbbell at Britain’s Disabled Strongman and Strongwoman competition held in Chard, Somerset. ‘I’m so proud of you,’ my partner James, then 23, said afterwards. I was proud of me, too! Diagnosed with cerebral palsy aged three, I’d grown up knowing I was different because of my shaky coordination and movement. Yet although I had a wheelchair, I hardly used it. As a sporty youngster, I excelled at judo and swimming. At 14, my mum, Nicola, then 44, signed me up for the WheelPower National Junior Games at the Stoke Mandeville…

READER QUESTION Q With insurance policies, what is critical illness cover and how does it work? A Critical illness cover offers financial support if you’re diagnosed with one of the conditions included in the policy. You’ll get a tax-free one-off lump sum that you can use to help pay for things like your mortgage or rent, medical treatment or living expenses. But if you’re thinking about taking out a policy, it’s important to do your research first – you’ll find a useful guide at moneyhelper.org.uk. Go green for less The Cornish Seaweed Bath Company uses sustainably sourced seaweed from the Atlantic coast and selected natural ingredients. Get 10% off your first order of skin and hair care products when you sign up to the newsletter at cornishseaweedbath.co.uk – just click…

ARIES 21 Mar – 20 Apr As the North Node leaves Aries on 11 January, make the most of this powerful transit by tying up loose ends and creating a new direction in your working life. TAURUS 21 Apr – 20 May Stay focused on your heart’s desires because an important door is opening this week which will take you closer to where you want to be in your working life. GEMINI 21 May – 20 Jun The Moon in Gemini on 10 January offers a new perspective on a situation that’s been tricky for some time. Listen to your inner voice and act accordingly. CANCER 21 Jun – 22 Jul Mars is back in your sign giving you the strength and determination to see an important project through to…

Film BABYGIRL In cinemas 10 January Nicole Kidman stars as a high-powered CEO, who puts her career and family on the line when she begins an affair with an intern, who is significantly younger. Also stars Harris Dickinson (The Iron Claw and Where the Crawdads Sing). Music RINGO STARR Look Up (Lost Highway, Roccabella Records) out 10 January Best-known as one of The Beatles, Ringo Starr is now releasing a solo country album, produced and co-written by T Bone Burnett. The singer and drummer shared, ‘I’ve always loved country music... It was a joy making [the album] and I hope it is a joy to listen to.’ Event CIRQUE DU SOLEIL: CORTEO Royal Albert Hall, London. On from 9 January to 2 March 2025, tickets start at £50 One of…

Joe Wicks ‘IT’S WONDERFUL TO MAKE DREAMS COME TRUE’ The fitness expert star has a guest spot on Dragons’ Den… When the long-running business show returns for a 22nd series, Joe Wicks, aka The Body Coach, joins resident Dragons Peter Jones, Deborah Meaden, Sara Davies Touker Suleyman, and Steven Bartlett, as more aspiring entrepreneurs enter the Den to pitch their business ideas in the hope that at least one of the multimillionaire investors will back them. ‘I get a lot of joy from helping others and seeing other people succeed.’ says Joe, who found fame with his recipe and workout videos on social media before going on to write a series of bestselling books and becoming an internet sensation during the pandemic with his daily live-streamed PE sessions. ‘This is…

SOFT SAGE This might be our new favourite layering piece. Gilet, £49.50, sizes 6-24, Goodmove at M&S WORKOUT WEAR Stay warm, but fresh. Ultraheat top, £25, sizes 6-24, Goodmove at M&S EVERYDAY ESSENTIALS Made with breathable fabric. Socks, £4.50 for a pack of three, Matalan HANDY HOLDALL Simple and sleek to keep your stuff organised. Sports bag, £39.99, Nike ON THE GO This bottle keeps drinks cold for up to 24 hours. £29.90, en.waterdrop.com FIT KIT It’s time to ditch the old gym clothes and invest in some new stylish attire. Hat, £7, jacket, £19.50, T-shirt, £10, and leggings, £18, all sizes 6-22, F&F at Tesco; other items, stylist’s own MINTY GREEN Snuggle up in this cosy fleece sweatshirt. £49.99, sizes xs-xl, oysho.com WIDE STRIDES Perfect for lounging. Tracksuit bottoms,…

Boho You can always rely on a classic wrap dress for a body-boosting silhouette and the flouncy hem and flared sleeves gives this a more playful spin. The long sleeves help to offset the shorter hem and it pairs perfectly with knee-high boots if you want extra coverage on the legs. Shirt A feminine take on tailoring, the button-up dress is another timeless shape to reach for on repeat. Unbutton the top to create a flattering v-neckline and use the belt to add definition to your middle. With its standout block colour print, this needs minimal styling – just add black boots. Tiered This has heaps of figure-flattering details, from the v-neckline to the blouson sleeves. The elasticated waist and tiered skirt create a feminine fit-and-flare silhouette, too. Finished with…

When it comes to looking after your health, are you clued up on what’s fact and what’s total fiction? With so much conflicting advice on how to stay healthy or get better when feeling sick, it’s hard to work out what’s the right guidance. To set the record straight, we reveal the common myths that often baffle us. Here’s what you need to know. YOU SHOULD REST A BAD BACK We’ve often been told to keep still or lie down when we’re experiencing back pain, says physiotherapist Sammy Margo. But it’s the worst thing we can do. ‘Our backs need to move to stay healthy – aim for the recommended 150 minutes of moderate-to-intense exercise a week. Try walking, cycling, dancing, yoga and swimming.’ YOU ONLY NEED A DENTIST IF…

Mediterranean-style chicken stew SERVES 4 Topped with light, fluffy feta dumplings, this hearty one-pot is packed with veggies. YOU WILL NEED Low-calorie cooking spray500g skinless, boneless chicken thighs (visible fat removed), diced1 onion, chopped4 garlic cloves, crushed1tsp dried oregano2 peppers (mixed colours), deseeded and chopped1 courgette, cut into 1cm half moons3tbsp tomato puree400g tin chopped tomatoes1 chicken stock cube, dissolved in 750ml boiling water400g tin butter beans, drained12 pitted black olives, halved For the dumplings: 150g self-raising flour1tsp baking powder50g reduced-fat feta cheese, crumbledHandful flat leaf parsley, chopped150g fat-free Greek yogurt HOW TO DO IT 1 Spray a large saucepan with low-calorie cooking spray. Add the chicken and onion and fry for 10 mins, until the chicken is well sealed and the onions have started to soften. Add the garlic…

THE PLAYERS by Minette Walters (£20, HB, Atlantic) It’s 1685, the civil war is over, but bad blood is rife in England. Determined to claim the crown, the Duke of Monmouth arrives in Dorset and incites rebellion. However, his poorly equipped army is quickly defeated by King James II who is merciless in his revenge. All those found guilty of treason will be hanged, drawn and quartered. The Duke of Granville and his mother, Lady Harrier, cannot stand by while the mistakes of one man claim the lives of hundreds. Using their diplomacy, cunning and wit, they free as many of the accused as possible in this breathtaking, immersive historical novel. THE BROKEN RIVER by Chris Hammer (£20, HB, Headline) On the riverbanks of a former gold-mining town in New…

Coleen Rooney is a force to be reckoned with. Not only has she just come runner-up in the I’m a Celebrity jungle, she’s also a mum of four, sharing sons Kai, 15, Klay, 11, Kit, eight, and Cass, six, with former footballer husband Wayne Rooney. ‘Being a mum of four is just hectic,’ she admits, especially as Wayne, who she wed in 2008, works away managing Championship team Plymouth Argyle. The star, 38, lifts the lid on how she and Wayne make their famous relationship work, parenting and how the Wagatha Christie trial really made her feel… ROCKY RELATIONSHIP Coleen and the former Manchester United player first got together aged 16, with the author revealing that while it was ‘love at first sight’ for Wayne, it wasn’t for her. ‘He…

That phone call, when it came out of the blue nine years ago, was like a poison arrow aimed right at the heart of our contented family life. I can remember holding the handset and hearing the words, but not being able to comprehend what was being said to me. ‘We are calling because we have received information from a member of the public that your youngest daughter may be at risk in your family home,’ a self-important female voice said. ‘The allegations are lengthy and considered by us to be extremely serious. I am going to read them out to you and I would like you to respond to each one.’ Nothing this woman was saying made any sense and yet still she kept talking. ‘You, the mother, abuse…

Gazing down at my baby girl Keira, with her mop of blonde hair and tiny snub nose, I felt a mixture of happiness and fear. Because while I was elated to be her mum, I couldn’t help worrying about her future too. I’d been diagnosed with Danon disease, a genetic condition that weakens the heart, at just four years old, after my mum Lesley had died from the same condition. Growing up, it was easy to forget about it as I wasn’t displaying any symptoms yet. But, devastatingly, my older brother Sean, who also had the disease, passed away at 14, and the reality of my condition really began to terrify me. At 17, I was fitted with a defibrillator, but I knew that one day I would need a…

COULD HER COLD SORE BE SERIOUS? Q My sister has what we thought was a cold sore on her lip a couple of months ago and it just won’t heal. If anything, it’s getting worse and is now ulcerated. She has been a heavy smoker all her life and I’m starting to worry this could be something more sinister. A Please ask your sister to make an appointment to see her GP. An ulcer that won’t heal in someone who smokes needs to be checked out as it could be a cancer. Her GP will almost certainly refer her to a maxillofacial specialist to make a diagnosis and arrange treatment. Confusion over HRT Q At my last review for my hormone replacement therapy (HRT) I agreed with my GP that…

Luxe-looking layers Textured layers and a subtle feathered effect give longer lengths a contemporary new feel. Jennifer’s take on layers is the perfect way to wear them for 2025. Ask your stylist for a gradual and choppy trim, rather than anything too defined. When it comes to styling, keep frizz at bay with Grow Gorgeous Balance Fibre Sealing Split Ends Treatment, £24, lookfantastic.com. Cropped bob Chin-length bobbed styles are a popular choice. Viola has opted for a shorter length, for a modern spin, and her crop has plenty of fullness. If your strands are a little lacklustre or thin, add some oomph with a quick blast of volumiser such as Fudge Professional Push It Up Blow Dry Spray, £14, lookfantastic.com. Mist it through damp hair just before drying for a…

Don’t waste it: Party leftovers Make use of those tasty treats rather than throwing them away… 1 BOOZE You often have Irish cream liqueur, like Baileys, left over. Try adding it to hot chocolates and coffees, or pouring some over a scoop of ice cream for an easy pud. 2 CRISPS If you’ve got a surplus of opened bags of crisps after hosting, don’t leave them to go stale – instead, crush them and use them on pasta dishes, like mac and cheese or tuna bake. They also make a great coating for chicken or fish. 3 NUTS Whether salted, roasted or still in their shells, use them up before they go off. Roughly chop and add to cookies along with chocolate chips. You can also add a handful to…

George Home at Asda COUNTRY ESCAPE Pair shades of white and sage green for this simple, countryside scheme M&S CLASSIC NEUTRALS Lift a scheme of creams and greys with warm brass touches…

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 rugby term is also a system of working in software product development, developed by Ken Schwaber and Jeff Sutherland? The answer is the one missing from the grid. The answer is the one missing from the grid. DROPFLANKERFLY HALFHOOKERKICK LINEOUTLOCKPASSPITCHPROP RUCKSCRUMTACKLETRYWING CROSSWORD ACROSS 1 Possessors (6)4 Amethyst, say (8)10 Brief __, 1945 romantic film starring Celia Johnson and Trevor Howard (9)11 and 20Dn. The __ __, 2023 comedy drama film starring 14 Across and 29 Across (5,7)12 __ Wilkes, fearsome ex-nurse played by Kathy Bates in Misery (5)13 En route (2,7)14 __ Caine, star…

LEONA LEWIS The former X Factor star adopted a vegetarian diet at around 12, before later becoming vegan. ‘I decided to stop consuming milk and cheese when I became more aware of the environmental and animal welfare issues,’ she said. Now the star, 39, even owns a vegan coffee shop. ‘I remember going [to] Starbucks and seeing mountains of milk cartons piled up in the trash. I thought, “Wow, this is an insane amount of dairy,”’ she said. ‘It lit a spark in me to start a business inspired by my love of specialty coffee drinks and my passion for animal and environmental welfare.’ BEVERLEY CALLARD Actor Beverley, best known for playing Liz McDonald in Coronation Street, went vegan after an operation. Following her stint in I’m a Celeb in…

If there’s one thing that unites women, it’s boobs. Big ones, small ones, saggy ones or pert ones, we all have them. Or had them. Listening to the women in the recording studio chatting about their experiences with breast cancer, it was heart-warming to hear them opening up to each other for my new podcast, Sex and the Titty. It was July 2024, and so far, it had been a real emotional rollercoaster of laughter and tears. Following their treatment, some had opted for reconstructive surgery, others were learning to love their flat chests after undergoing a mastectomy, but they were all navigating a new chapter in their lives – sex and cancer. VOLUNTEERING ‘My cancer nurse looked so embarrassed handing me a pamphlet about sex,’ one woman said. Another…