Innholdsfortegnelse for January 27, 2025 i Woman's Own

Cooking is a skill that eludes me, as plenty of my loved ones would attest to – I just prefer ‘overseeing’ with a glass of wine. That’s why the recipes on p34 really caught my attention. They save you time and energy, and, more importantly, those cheeky ‘grrr’ moments of being told by the back-seat chef that you’ve not checked on the food enough! Meals in minutes is music to my ears. So you get back to more fun things – like throwing a log on the fire (or putting on Netflix’s Fireplace For Your Home, instead – it makes a difference, promise)! Talking of keeping cosy, on p18 we’ve got loungewear buys you’ll love, whether you’re out taking a wintery walk or curling up on the sofa. Enjoy, and…

Since joining Loose Women in 2020, Judi Love has frequently had audiences howling with laughter thanks to her quick wit and feisty one-liners. Yet away from her jovial character on camera, Judi has had some difficult times in her personal life. The star tragically lost her beloved dad four years ago and, sadly, her mum died from dementia in 2009. Fondly, the comedian holds on to the dear memories she shared with her parents, and considers herself a miracle child. Here, the former social worker, 44, reveals why food and laughter are her greatest loves, why she wishes she had spent more time with her late mum, and how she always knew she was destined for the stage. Hi Judi! As the youngest of five children, who did you look…

Prepping dinner in the kitchen, I heard a familiar request from the living room. ‘Cuggle,’ my son Ellis said to his big sister Lily. I peeped in and saw Lily, then four, wrapping him in a hug and I felt a rush of warmth. It was July 2023, and ‘cuddle’ was Ellis’ favourite word, though he couldn’t quite say it properly. Ellis, then one, and Lily were so close and absolutely adored each other. Lily was a born big sister, a little mother hen, me and my husband Neil joked, always happy to share her toys and smother her little brother in hugs and kisses. And though Ellis was a happy boy with a cheeky smile, he’d been blighted by constant illness since birth. Chest infections, spiking temperature – you…

STRUGGLING WITH GRIEF Q Eight months ago, my sister passed away. We were very close and when she was diagnosed with terminal cancer last summer, I gave up work and she moved in with me so that I could care for her. I always knew it would hit me hard when she died, but it has been a while now and I just can’t seem to move on. Should I see my GP? A Yes, you probably should. Bereavement is always tough. Given how close your relationship with your sister was, it’s understandable that you’re finding it hard to come to terms with your loss. You may find it useful to contact CRUSE (cruse.org.uk). They are a charity specialising in bereavement support. Can I mix pills and partying? Q Currently,…

Find the right foundation As we age and skin becomes drier, it’s best to look for foundations that hydrate as well as cover. Collection Lasting Perfection Satin Foundation, £7.99, Boots, has a flattering glowy finish plus smoothing collagen peptide and plumping hyaluronic acid. A tinted product like L’Oréal Paris Magic CC Cream, £10.99, Boots, is another great choice for mature skin. It has just enough coverage and the hydrating ingredients help gloss over wrinkles rather than accentuating them. Made you blush If you’ve always gone for powder blushers, take a chance on a cream formula, such as 17. Melting Cream Blush, £4, Boots, which will add a natural dewiness that powder formulas lack. Apply it high on the apples of your cheeks and blend towards your hairline to lift your…

ARIES 21 Mar – 20 Apr Now the North Node has moved out of your sign, this is a particularly great time to reflect on your career, with a view to moving in a different direction. TAURUS 21 Apr – 20 May Your self-awareness is developing rapidly, and this will help you to make choices from a higher perspective. So, make sure to keep focused on what is most important. GEMINI 21 May – 20 Jun It’s better to be peaceful than to be right, choose a peaceful path and keep your communications light and upbeat. By doing this you will achieve much. CANCER 21 Jun – 22 Jul Mars in your sign gives you the drive to move forward with a project close to your heart. Trust your intuition…

HOW TO SLEEP AT NIGHT by Elizabeth Harris (£16.99, HB, HarperCollins) History teacher Gabe is happily married and shares a daughter with his husband Ethan, who he adores – he just hates his politics. Ethan is determined to change the world by running for Congress as a Republican, and transforming his party from the inside out. And he wants Gabe’s blessing. Meanwhile, Ethan’s sister Kate is facing shocks of her own. Her career as a political reporter is flourishing, but she is completely thrown off by her brother’s announcement, as well as a message from her old flame Nicole, who is now married with kids but feeling dissatisfied. This whip-smart family drama is utterly addictive. SO THRILLED FOR YOU by Holly Bourne (£16.99, HB, Hodder & Stoughton) Who started the…

Susanna’s FURY! Good Morning Britain’s Susanna Reid looked furious when a guest on the show branded one of her questions ‘stupid’. Susanna and her co-host Ed Balls were interviewing Elon Musk’s dad, Errol, when Susanna asked him, ‘I’m very interested, Errol, firstly in your analysis of your own son, Elon. Is he a genius or completely bonkers?’ Errol then sarcastically laughed and responded, ‘Of course he’s a genius, that’s ridiculous, what a stupid question.’ An unimpressed-looking Susanna then quipped back, ‘Well, people have asked if he is in fact a madman and certainly there’s a degree of madness in being a genius!’ Fans were quick to comment on the encounter, accusing Susanna of ‘sneering’ and branding her ‘arrogant’. One said, ‘[Susanna] was clearly frustrated that her own opinion did not…

ENOUGH IS ENOUGH Forty years on and we are STILL no closer to change Nearly 40 years ago I started work in my very first full-time job in journalism. And I’m thrilled that I’m still lucky enough to work for the magazine that gave me that opportunity – this one. Your wonderful Woman’s Own magazine. Wonderful because of the wonderful readers – that’s YOU. So, thank you for being with us in 2025. Obviously, an incredible amount has changed in those four decades, from fashion to thoughts. But some things in this world haven’t changed. Important things that SHOULD have. And many of them relate to us. You and me. Women. Take never-ending horrors of the UK’s child grooming gangs – Rochdale, Rotherham, Telford and many more. A subject once…

*DIRECTOR OF THE BRITISH HERBAL MEDICINE ASSOCIATION. **UNIVERSITY OF SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA. ***CURELY. IF YOU HAVE CONCERNS ABOUT YOUR HEALTH, SEE YOUR GP. CONSULT YOUR GP OR MEDICAL EXPERT BEFORE TAKING NEW SUPPLEMENTS. Buy of the week Constipation making toilet trips painful? Dulcolax Adult oral solution liquid laxative (£4.70 for 100ml, Boots) can help. Take before bed for relief when you wake. If you do one thing Treat a dry cough Niggling tickly throat that just won’t shift? It’s that time of year when many of us will develop cold symptoms. But don’t fret – simple at-home remedies can help soothe discomfort. ‘Prioritise rest and stay hydrated. Drink plenty of still water or warm drinks with a squeeze of vitamin C-rich lemon and a teaspoon of honey to soothe a sore…

Struggling to do it all Q I’m 54 and juggling a demanding job while caring for my ageing parents and supporting my teenage children. I feel overwhelmed and guilty for not giving enough time to anyone. My brother doesn’t help with my parents, preferring to throw money at the situation and insisting on a carer. I don’t think getting someone else to do our job is right, but I’m at breaking point. A Being part of the sandwich generation, between children and elderly parents, isn’t easy, and it’s normal to feel angry, guilty, and exhausted. You need to develop a care plan for your parents. You can’t logistically and practically do everything. Your brother is right – a carer will alleviate the pressure on you, for your own health. IS…

These days, it seems children learn to scroll before they can read or write. But it’s unsurprising youngsters are so tech savvy. Nine in 10 own a mobile phone by 11 and three-quarters of those using social media aged between eight and 17 have their own accounts. Yet social media has its dark sides, with parents and experts highlighting the dangers to young people’s wellbeing. These include seeing harmful, violent or sexual content, and being targeted by groomers and cyberbullies, or even becoming cyberbullies themselves. Devastatingly, on average a UK family loses a young person to suicide where technology plays a role every week. Just recently Australia’s parliament approved one of the world’s strictest laws, banning under-16s from using social media. Now many are urging the UK government to consider…

READER QUESTION Q How can I be sure HMRC has applied the correct tax code to my earnings? A Checking your tax code is important; each year millions of people are hit with errors, with some due £1,000s back. You can find help online that can give you a rough idea whether yours is right – such as MoneySavingExpert’s free Tax Code calculator – although you’ll need to contact HMRC to be sure. Find more info on how to do this at gov.uk. Go green for less Educate your household so that everyone recognises the importance of saving energy, suggests Uswitch. Try turning energy saving into a game for kids to help them to remember to switch things off. 3 easy ways to... improve your attitude towards money See if…

Alison Hammond ‘WE’RE DOING FLORIDA ON A BUDGET!’ The Great British Bake Off star on her new travel series… In Alison Hammond’s Florida Unpacked the presenter explores the Sunshine State with her son Aidan. ‘Travel is in my blood,’ says Alison. ‘For years, I worked as a tour rep, following in the footsteps of my lovely mum, a hard-working, no-nonsense travel agent. Thanks to her money-saving tips, we managed to budget our way to a place that totally captured our hearts: Florida! Some of my happiest memories are tied to those trips to the US.’ Alison and Aidan go off the beaten track to discover some of the state’s hidden gems and provide helpful advice on how to save. ‘We’re doing Florida on a budget,’ says Alison. ‘TRAVEL IS IN…

DENIM DAZE A wardrobe staple to layer over dresses. Jacket, £48, sizes 6-24, Next PERFECT BLEND Five-piece collection. Make-up brush set, £12, Bloom Accessories at M&S SPORTS STAR Treat your feet to a bold pair of kicks. Trainers, £50, Office FEELING BLUE Give last year’s winter coat a new lease of life. Scarf, £29, M&S BOUNCY BARNET Quick-fix spritz for flat hair. Dry Volumising Spray, £18, percyandreed.com KEEP TRACK Embrace the great outdoors in cosy knits and comfy joggers. Coat, £69.50, jumper, £22.50, trousers, £22.50, all sizes 6-22, F&F Clothing; trainers, stylist’s own SOMETHING FISHY Impress guests with this fun serving dish. Plate, £5, Flying Tiger JUMPER FOR JOY Layer over blouses and tees. Knitted vest, £29.99, reserved.com FLAT OUT Smart and comfy pumps for everyday wear. Shoes, £39.99, Stradivarius GAME ON Perfect for…

The joggers The epitome of cosy casual wear, jogging bottoms are a staple in our weekend wardrobe. These are crafted from a soft knitted fabric, together with drawstring fastening, for extra comfort – make sure they sit high on the waist for a flattering fit. The cuffed hem makes it easy to tuck into boots or show off your shoes. Total outfit cost £43.49 TOP TIP A playful slogan sweater will add a touch of personality to this look. The co-ord Creating many outfit possibilities, a matching two-piece is well worth adding to your everyday rotation. The neutral hues keep this feeling luxe and easy to coordinate with the rest of your wardrobe. Swap the jumper for a shirt or the trousers for jeans when you want to…

Cauliflower mac and cheese PREP TIME: 5 MINS COOK TIME: 18 MINS CALS: 727 FAT: 26G SAT FAT: 14G CARBS: 86G SERVES 2 Sneak some extra veggies into dinner with this healthier update on a family favourite. YOU WILL NEED ½ cauliflower, about 300g, roughly chopped200ml whole milk150g mix of mozzarella and Cheddar cheese, grated1tsp Dijon mustard200g dried macaroniGreen salad, to serve HOW TO DO IT 1 Put the cauliflower, milk, 100ml water, and some salt and pepper in a large microwave-safe bowl, loosely cover and microwave on high (800W) for 10 mins, checking and stirring halfway through. Milk has a tendency to boil over, so make sure that the bowl is big enough and keep an eye on it. 2 Once the cauliflower is soft enough, blitz it with…

Have you and all your friends bought the same ‘must-have’ neck cream or an identical dress? The odds are that you’ve been ‘influenced’. There’s a growing crop of 40-plus influencers – people who’ve built a reputation online for their expertise – who are shaping our purchasing habits, many partnering with brands that pay them to promote products on social media. According to Statista, 25% of UK consumers say influencers have impacted their buying decisions. ‘We’ve seen a significant increase in content creators forging successful second careers aged 45 plus,’ says Lily Taylor, influencer manager at Dopamine Studios. ‘It’s great that brands recognise their credibility and impact.’ But can a hobby become a career? Meet a trio of women who have shown it can. ‘My following has grown to over 500,000’…

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 George Thomson, MP for Dundee East from 1952 to 1973 and one of the UK’s first European Commissioners, was also editor of which comic in his late teens? The answer is the one missing from the grid. BEANOBEEZERBUNTYBUSTERDANDYEAGLEHOTSPURJINTYJUDYKNOCKOUTMANDYTIGERTOPPERVALIANTVIZ CROSSWORD ACROSS 7 Wisdom tooth (5)8 Took back (9)10 Develop (6)11 Futile (8)12 Reasons to be _, Part 3, 1979 single by Ian Dury and the Blockheads (8)13 _ Taylor-Joy, star of films The Queen’s Gambit and The Witch (4)15 Mysterious (7)17 Joaquin _, star of films Walk the Line and Gladiator (7)20 Second-hand (4)22 Exact…

I’d argue there are three types of people. Those happy to live among chaos and clutter, others who need clean surfaces to thrive. And people like me, who are naturally messy, addicted to stuff and sentimental about objects and clothing… but who like to think that a new, improved way of life is just a few trips to the skip away. As a lifelong messy person, I thought I was resistant to being ‘cleanfluenced’. My untidy house was part of a ‘refusal to conform to traditional expectations of domesticity’, I’d often tell my husband Will, as he cursed yet another Lego piece under his foot. ‘DECLUTTERING WON’T GIVE YOU A NEW PERSONALITY’ My clutter helped me preserve my past by holding on to memories of my late mum Diana, whose…