Innholdsfortegnelse for February 10, 2025 i Woman's Own

Six moves for better sex? Well if that doesn’t have your fingers flipping furiously (to p22), I don’t know what will! The simple workout will help lift things in the bedroom and put a spring in your step – so get ready to squat like you’ve never squatted before! (It’s one of the exercises – what did you think I meant?) Talking of all things boudoir, on p16 we’ve got flattering lingerie to make you look and feel great. I think we’d all admit we feel just that little bit fancier when we’ve got nice undies on (although there is still a place for Bridget Jones-style big knicks, of course!). With Valentine’s Day coming up too, we’ve got date-night dinners on p32. The chicken pot pies are both tasty and…

ENOUGH OF THE ‘GRANDMA CULTURE’ When it comes to partying, we could show the younger generations how it’s done Being called ‘Karen’ we could cope with. Even ‘mutton dressed as lamb’ is only worth a roll of the eyes. Hell, girls, we have earned the right to not give a damn what anyone else thinks. Or have we? Because one barb aimed at pretty much anyone over the age of 35 stopped me in my (unsuitably high) spiked heels this week. Grandma culture. What? Yep, this is now a Gen Z term (you know, the plastic fantastic bunch of babes born between 1997 and 2012), used to refer to members of their own generation who don’t drink or club. Thanks to endless stories and reports, you’ll be very aware that…

Buy of the week Speed up healing with Zovirax Cold Sore Cream Pump (£6.99 for 2g, Superdrug). Its antiviral ingredients work deep into the skin to fight the virus. If you do one thing Boost your vitamin D levels Feeling down? A boost of the sunshine vitamin, better known as vitamin D, could help. Our bodies can only produce vitamin D when the UV index is higher than three – quite tricky during the cold and gloomy winter months. Getting enough is important for everything from your mood to maintaining a strong immune system. Filling up on vitamin D-rich foods can help. This includes oily fish – such as mackerel and salmon – red meat and eggs, says nutrition expert Penny Weston (pennyweston.com). If you’re vegan or vegetarian, taking a…

My friends have moved away Q I’m 56, unmarried, and my two best friends have both moved in the last year, and I’m lonely. We used to do so many things together, like nights out, exercise and long walks. How can I make new friendships, especially when everyone at work is younger than me with different interests? A Friendships do tend to change at this stage of life, but that doesn’t mean they have to end. You may not be able to meet in person, but it’s easier than ever to stay in touch thanks to messaging apps and video calls. At the same time, seek new friendships by doing the things you enjoy. If you love exercise, join a gym or a new class. If you like walking, join…

‘I was inspired by my mud-loving cockapoo!’ Anna Muir, 56, lives in Chingford, London, with her partner, Martin, 59, and stepdaughter Martha, 16. In 2019, I hit the menopause, and with it, a big brick wall. Since leaving school, I’d worked my way up to become a sales and operations director in the travel industry. Increasingly, I felt the need to work for myself. In June 2020, we took on Phoebe, a cockapoo puppy. A lovable mud magnet, the car would often be filthy after her walks. I realised there was a gap in the market for a quality product to combat muddy paws – existing dog towels were not very absorbent. So I decided to create a stylish, super-absorbent dog towel and planned to branch out to other products.…

READER QUESTION Q When I scroll through social media, I’m often tempted to spend. Do you have any tips on how to resist? A The easiest way to reduce temptation is to unfollow the social influencers you’re tempted by. You could follow some accounts focused on money saving instead. Try to limit the time you spend on social media or even have a break from it and be part of the digital detoxing trend. Go green for less With Valentine’s Day around the corner, why not make your other half a gift rather than buying a present? Perhaps you could bake their favourite brownies. You’ll save cash and it’s more personal. 3 easy ways to... protect yourself from romance fraudsters Here’s how to avoid being emotionally and financially wrecked 1…

ARIES 21 Mar – 20 Apr With Venus currently in Aries, it’s time to be brave in your love life and career too! Now is the moment to make that bold move you’ve been waiting for. TAURUS 21 Apr – 20 May Have faith and keep a positive expectation because there is an exciting beginning on the horizon for you that you can’t see yet. Stay open to alternatives. GEMINI 21 May – 20 Jun You’re a busy person with an active mind, so it’s important you spend some time home alone or in nature. Quieten your thoughts and listen to your inner guidance. CANCER 21 Jun – 22 Jul Mars in your sign all month long helps you to achieve an important goal. Don’t be afraid to ask for…

THE BUSINESS TRIP by Jessie Garcia (£20, HB, Headline) Who is the real manipulator? Stephanie and Jasmine are passengers on a plane. The women do not know each other and have little in common. Stephanie is on a business trip, while Jasmine is fleeing an abusive relationship. But days later, both women text their friends the very same message: they are running away with a handsome man named Trent McCarthy. As their texts grow increasingly alarming, then stop altogether, the women are declared missing. What has Trent done – or what have they done to him? Nothing is as it seems in this razor-sharp thriller which keeps you guessing until the very end. DEATH IN THE ARCTIC by Tom Hindle (£16.99, HB, Cornerstone) The trip of a lifetime is about…

Mel B ‘I’M GOING IN WITH AN OPEN MIND!’ The Spice Girl is among the celebrities in a new action-packed reality show… Join Mel B and a host of famous faces for the ultimate game of cat and mouse when they are hunted down by Bear Grylls in Costa Rica’s jungle region. Hosted by Holly Willoughby, the eight-part Celebrity Bear Hunt will see the adventurer and survival expert try to turn the stars into hardened survivalists. Also taking part are Strictly judge Shirley Ballas, tennis legend Boris Becker, TV interior designer Laurence Llewelyn-Bowen, TV chef Big Zuu, rugby star Danny Cipriani, presenter Steph McGovern, singer Una Healy, The Inbetweeners actor Joe Thomas, Ted Lasso’s Kola Bokinni and models Leomie Anderson and Lottie Moss. ‘I WANT TO HAVE FUN’ However, it’s…

HOW DENISE GOT HER BIKINI BODY Denise Welch showed off her incredible weight loss during a sun-soaked getaway with husband Lincoln Townley. The Loose Women star, 66, previously lost 2st 7lb in just nine weeks after signing up to be a celebrity ambassador for the LighterLife diet plan. Denise revealed that therapy has helped her maintain her trim figure. Reflecting on her weight loss journey as she compared a picture of herself in a pink bikini in 2013 with a new swimsuit snap, she shared, ‘Thank you @lighterlife for helping me change my bad relationship with food and helping me to maintain weight loss with mentorship and CBT [cognitive behavioural therapy] tools I employ if I feel myself slipping.’ Denise followed the diet plan that includes shakes, daily food packs…

THINK PINK! Light enough to wear as a cardigan. Jacket, £49.99, sizes xxs-xxl, lindex.com TAKE NOTES Keep organised in style. Notebooks, £16 for three, carolinegardner.com BACK TO THE GRIND Brighten up your kitchen. Salt and pepper set, £15, M&S BOTTOMS UP A refreshing mocktail. Belvoir Farm Non-Alcoholic Peach Bellini, £3.25, Sainsbury’s BLUSH CRUSH Dress down with a jumper and boots. Skirt, £29.99, sizes xs-xl, lindex.com COME DINE WITH ME Dinner set, £20, glasses, £3 each, 16-piece cutlery set, £12, candle, £5, pink cork-back place mat and coaster set, £7, napkins, £5 for a set of four, tablecloth, £6, all George Home; other items, stylist’s own CARRIED AWAY A timeless design with a nod to Valentine’s Day. Bag, £38, Accessorize WELL HEELED Inject some colour with a pop of red. Shoes,…

Waist cincher Ideal for creating a sleek silhouette under dresses and skirts, this high-waisted, waist-cinching style combines flattering tummy control technology with added stretch, that offers all-day comfort and easy movement. Size inclusive Elomi combines stylish designs without compromising on support for larger busts and curvier figures. Their lingerie features wider straps, supportive underwires and fuller coverage options for a perfect fit. Colourful bralettes Designed to celebrate diverse body types, these vibrant, non-wired bralettes are available in sizes A to H cups. The brand is committed to sustainability, using 100% recycled materials and ensuring all packaging is recyclable, compostable or biodegradable. Post-surgery This super soft bra is suitable for use after a mastectomy, lumpectomy, lymph node removal or breast reconstruction. A lined pocket with removable pads also provides space to…

Sex can be physically demanding and, depending on how adventurous you are, may even cause aches and strains if not done right! Want to feel fitter this Valentine’s Day and beyond? The good news is just a few simple moves can help strengthen muscles, increase flexibility and ease aching joints – making sex feel much more enjoyable. ‘Exercise is also one of the best libido boosters,’ says Stephanie Taylor from Kegel8. ‘A regular workout routine can give you the benefit of higher energy levels and increased stamina, making you more physically engaged in sex.’ Get ready to ramp things up between the sheets… Your workout Aim for three sets of five to 10 reps, resting in between sets. Do the full workout a few times a week. 1 SQUAT Stand…

Spaghetti and meatballs PREP TIME: 15 MINS, PLUS CHILLING COOK TIME: 30 MINS CALS: 731 FAT: 24G SAT FAT: 9G CARBS: 84G SERVES 2 A classic meal that’s hard to beat. YOU WILL NEED 1tbsp olive oil, for frying200g spaghetti For the meatballs: 30g fresh breadcrumbs2tbsp skimmed milk2tbsp finely grated Parmesan cheese, plus extra to serve250g minced beef,15% fat½ onion, finely chopped1 garlic clove, crushed2tbsp finely chopped parsley For the sauce: ½ onion, chopped1 garlic clove, crushed Pinch chilli flakes400g tin cherry tomatoes1tbsp sun-dried tomato puree Pinch dried Italian herbs HOW TO DO IT 1 To make the meatballs, mix the breadcrumbs and milk in a large bowl and set aside to soak for a few mins, until the bread is fully hydrated. Add the remaining meatball ingredients and a…

I had been with my partner for nine years when one day I looked out of the window and saw an incredibly handsome man walking past. He had a dog, a big stick and lots of shaggy hair. He was physically imposing, but a friendly-looking figure. When he looked up and saw me staring, I’m sure I blushed. Not that he seemed to mind. He just gave me a huge wave and flashed a massive grin. And that was it. My heart lurched and my pulse raced. I just knew that I had to be with him. ‘I CONSIDER MYSELF A RATIONAL PERSON’ My partner and I were living in a small village in the Cotswolds with our two children and although we weren’t married, we were completely committed. Everyone…

Pottering about our bedroom, I noticed my partner Dean across the room, fidgeting and nervous. We’d been out for a meal and, 26-weeks pregnant, we were back home getting ready for bed as I was exhausted. Only Dean, then 22, was acting strangely and suddenly, he was down on one knee, presenting me with a gorgeous silver ring, with a solitaire diamond. ‘Marry me?’ he asked. I beamed, my hands flying to my bump. ‘EVERY NIGHT WE PRAYED HE’D GET STRONGER’ ‘Yes!’ I said, thrilled. ‘We’ll have our own little ring bearer too!’ It was such a special moment, but our future was more uncertain than it looked. WORRYING TIME It was March 2019, and just a month earlier, we’d found out that our unborn son was seriously ill. A…

LAXATIVE CONFUSION Q I look after my five-year-old grandson full-time. Recently, I noticed that he had been soiling his pants, so I took him to the GP, who thinks he’s constipated and wants him to take daily laxatives. I didn’t question it at the time, but I’m worried that what he’s leaking is quite liquid. Won’t laxatives just make things worse? A Constipation can cause faeces to block the bowel and then we see seepage of more liquid stool around the blockage. His GP has probably prescribed a type of osmotic laxative that draws water into the bowel to soften the stool, which will gradually alleviate the blockage, but he may need to continue for several weeks or even months. Migraine misery Q As a younger woman, I suffered from…

What is longevity? In a nutshell, longevity is about preventing damage, rather than correcting it. It means thinking about your skin health in the long term, rather than relying on quick fixes such as anti-wrinkle injections or fillers. It focuses on regenerative ingredients, preventative skincare steps, and healing the skin barrier for healthy cells and a plumper complexion. WHY IS IT SO POPULAR? Prevention is better than cure. It’s a slow, steady approach that will pay off – now, and for years to come. It’s a gentler take on beauty, rather than injecting wrinkles into submission or using harsh exfoliants. Although it sounds futuristic, really it’s about healing your skin and getting it in peak health, which means it’ll look better for longer. Find the best in beauty, for less…

B&M CHIC MONOCHROME Go for a simple black scheme, softened with creams and browns, for a luxe look Ikea MODERN NEUTRALS Make a palette of beige and white pop with plenty of wooden accents…

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 The Peccais marshes, an important site of salt production, stand at the mouth of which European river? The answer will be the river missing from the grid below. DANUBEDNIEPERELBELOIREODERRHINERHONERUHRSEINESHANNONTAGUSTAYTHAMESURALVOLGA CROSSWORD ACROSS 1 _ Kidman, star of films Eyes Wide Shut and Dead Calm (6)4 Piste (3,5)10 _ Queen (No More Love on the Run), 1984 single by Billy Ocean (9)11 Not called for (5)12 Richard _, Pointless creator and author of The Thursday Night Murder Club (5)13 Carrie _, 2005 American Idol winner (9)14 And 5 Down: _ and the Lost _, 2023 superhero…

Film DOG MAN In cinemas 7 February When police officer Knight and his dog Greg are injured in the line of duty a life-saving surgery changes the course of history and the superhero Dog Man is born. Isla Fisher and Ricky Gervais lend their voices to the animated comedy based on the hit book series. Tour GHOST THE MUSICAL – UK TOUR Until 5 April 2025, locations including Cardiff, Southampton and Sheffield, tickets from £15 See the Oscar-winning love story live as the 1990 film is given the musical treatment. Sam and Molly’s romance is cut short when he’s killed walking home. Can he save her life from beyond the grave? Event BOYZLIFE UK TOUR Until 2 March 2025, locations including London, Glasgow and Bradford, tickets from £33 Nineties boy…

PROBLEM WITH THE POLICE Before she got her big break presenting the main show, Alison Hammond often hosted the competitions on This Morning. But in 2019 the star had a run-in with the Italian police while filming in Pisa. After an officer tried to shoo her and the cameras away, a panicking Alison told viewers, ‘Oh my gosh! We haven’t got a permit. Listen guys, we’re in Pisa, we’re not allowed to be here,’ before adding, ‘I’m gonna get arrested. I love you loads. Laters!’ Thankfully, the star didn’t have to spend the night in jail. LOTS OF LAUGHTER Actor Harrison Ford is known for being a little grumpy in interviews, but even he couldn’t keep a straight face when being quizzed by Alison in 2017 on This Morning. The…

In a world obsessed with finding ‘the one’ I’ve realised something. Perhaps the answer isn’t hunting for a romantic partner but, instead, finding true friends to weather life’s storms and celebrate its triumphs together. I met my friends Megan and Rachel in 2008 at a baby group. I was heavily pregnant with my first child and they’d both just given birth to theirs. I had no idea just how important they would both become. SUPPORT NETWORK When my son was just a few weeks old, I arranged to go to baby cinema with them. Megan said she’d pick me up. I was so excited to do something normal again. Baby cinema is brilliant. You turn up, baby in tow, drink coffee and watch a film without worrying whether your baby…