Innholdsfortegnelse for February 17, 2025 i Woman's Own

We’re used to things being fast and easy – whether it’s ordering dinner on our phones or being able to watch what we want when we want, thanks to streaming services. Wouldn’t it be great if shaping up could be just as simple? Well, on p22, we’ve got the six moves that could be the answer – in fact, they can help you lose an inch in two weeks. Now that’s a full body workout I can get behind! For more easy satisfaction, on p34 we’ve got one-dish dinners you’ll just want to gobble up – and there’s also minimal clean-up required. Enjoy! If you’d like to share a story, or your thoughts on anything in the issue, please get in touch via kira.agass@futurenet.com. I’d love to hear from you.…

Part of our morning routine for more than a decade, the ITV breakfast news programme Good Morning Britain is practically part of the furniture in many homes across the country. The show is clearly riding high – it achieved its biggest audience in three years last summer – but like all media outlets, ITV is understandably always looking for ways to make the show the best it can possibly be. Fans have been calling for former host Piers Morgan to return, in some cases since the day he left! Most recently, though, one wrote to the controversial yet popular broadcaster on X (formerly Twitter), ‘Come back to GMB,’ while another said, ‘Bring Piers back on to GMB!’ And with regular host Richard Madeley saying that at some point in the…

WHAT A SPECIAL GENERATION US LOT ARE! We’ve lived through so much and we’re ready for all that’s to come! As it’s the month of romance – and congratulations if you’ve managed to buy anything that isn’t blooming pink or red! I thought we’d indulge in some self-love this week. No, not that kind you mucky lot! The kind where we give ourselves a big group hug. Because when did you last stop to think just how special YOU really are? Yes, you. You may feel like a frazzled mum/nan/wife/worker, and you may be staring in dismay at a face that’s got a few lines and hair that’s got a touch of grey but that doesn’t define you. It adds to you. I started thinking about this after seeing one…

Looking to feel more body confident this year? The good news is you don’t need to spend hours working out to get in shape. With these targeted exercises, it’s possible to work your wobbly bits and create definition in just 15 minutes at a time. What’s more, you can do them in the cosiness of your own home. ‘These moves will give you a more toned physique, as well as help to strengthen bones, reduce joint and lower back pain and improve balance and posture,’ says fitness coach Suzy Alvarez. The best bit? Expect to notice a difference in just a fortnight. Your moves With these exercises, you’ll build and refine the muscles in your body – giving a slimmer silhouette. Aim to do the workout at least three times…

Spicy salmon mac ’n’ cheese PREP TIME: 20 MINSCOOK TIME: 20 MINSCALS: 616 FAT: 30GSAT FAT: 18G CARBS: 54G SERVES 6 Smoked salmon and kimchi add loads of flavour and a healthy boost to this cheesy bake. YOU WILL NEED 250g macaroni50g butter3tbsp plain flour500ml whole milk, warmed300g melting cheese (mix of Cheddar, Gruyère, or whatever needs using up), gratedGrating fresh nutmeg200g kimchi (see tip)2 hot smoked salmon fillets, flaked3tbsp panko breadcrumbsChives, chopped (optional) You will need: 30x20cm oval ovenproof dish HOW TO DO IT 1 Heat the oven to 200C Fan. Boil the macaroni in a pan of salted water for 2 mins less than the pack instructions; drain. 2 Melt the butter in a large pan, then stir in the flour and season. Cook for a few mins,…

Rushing. If there’s one word I’d use to describe my life as a working mum of four, it’s rushing. Rushing to get my kids, Bluebell, 13, Max, 10, Marigold, seven, and Violet, four, out of the door on time. Rushing to school. Rushing home from school. Rushing to get my work as a writer done. Rushing back to school again. But according to Olivia Roberts, the author of a new book I’ve just read, How to Find Confidence in Five Minutes a Day, talking to one new person every day can help us break out of our usual daily routine, help us to slow down (ie, stop rushing so much!) and boost our confidence. Can the simple act of stopping to chat to a delivery driver or having an impromptu…

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 Who was the only female gladiator to appear in all eight original series of the show Gladiators? The answer is the one missing from the grid. ACEAMAZONCOBRAFALCONHAWKHUNTERJETLIGHTNING PANTHERRHINOSARACENSCORPIOSHADOWTROJANWOLF CROSSWORD ACROSS 1 See 8 Down4 Points of reference (8)10 Sweet Home _, 1974 single by Lynyrd Skynyrd (7)11 Sydney _, star of film Nocturne and TV show The Handmaid’s Tale (7)12 _ DeWitt Bukater, central character played by Kate Winslet in Titanic (4)13 Economic slump (10)15 _ Danes, star of Romeo + Juliet and Homeland (6)16 Ron _, star of films Hellboy and Day of…

Film BRIDGET JONES: MAD ABOUT THE BOY In cinemas 14 February Calling all romcom lovers, Bridget Jones is back with a fourth cinematic instalment! Join the loveable character on her latest quest for love as she enters a new era of her life following the death of husband Mark Darcy. Expect laughter and tears. Tour THE BEST OF FRANKIE VALLI AND THE FOUR SEASONS – UK TOUR Until 9 March 2025 Multiple locations including London, Shrewsbury, Bradford and Darlington Peter Andre takes the lead in this joyous celebration of timeless music from one of the biggest selling vocal groups of all time. Including hit songs Sherry, Big Girls Don’t Cry and Can’t Take My Eyes Off You, fans of Jersey Boys won’t want to miss this musical tribute. Performance CLUELESS…

RUTH LANGSFORD She’s been single for less than a year, but Loose Women’s Ruth isn’t dwelling on the end of her 14-year marriage. Now that the dust has settled the former This Morning presenter, 64, is said to be ‘open’ to dating again. A source said, ‘At first, she had no desire to start dating again, but she’s beginning to change her mind.’ They added, ‘She hasn’t dated in so long, so has no idea where to start, but lots of her friends are ready to help her. They’ve suggested dating apps, but she would prefer to be set up on a date. It’s very scary for her, but she’s allowed to have fun again and live her life.’ ALAN CARR Comedian Alan has been unlucky in love following the…

MARATHON MAN Reality star turned Guinness World Record holder for completing 30 marathons in 30 days, Spencer Matthews is hoping to kick off his next challenge – Ironman triathlons in each of the seven continents – around the world as quickly as possible: ‘I will be the second person in history to do this. I have never done an Ironman before. It’s going to be quite rough.’ I said I’d join him for one leg: if there is a pint at the end of it. BONNIE TYLER MORE! Supporting Michael Bolton at London’s O2 on 5 July and touring Europe and Down Under later in the year, it’s hard to believe Bonnie Tyler when she tells you she’s slowed down a bit. ‘I’ve been on tour since God knows when,’…

Meghan UNDER PRESSURE! The Duchess of Sussex is said to be facing ‘deep struggles’ in an attempt to repair her public image following bombshell allegations by former aides, who branded her ‘awful’. Media expert Michael Levine has revealed how the claims have affected the duchess, 43, who has called the claims ‘distressing’. ‘Meghan’s deep struggle following a Vanity Fair exposé highlights the immense pressure of life in the public eye,’ he said, adding, ‘Navigating fame requires skill and resilience, and the Sussexes’ transition from royal life to private enterprise has been fraught with challenges.’ He continued, ‘The article underscores the power of narrative and the importance of managing one’s public image.’ Michael’s comments come after a former employee of Meghan’s lifted the lid on what it was like to work…

UPDATE YOUR DENIM Shacket, £24, sizes 8-26, Tu at Sainsbury’s BEAUTY SLEEP Aids exfoliation. PS… Skin 7% Glycolic Acid Night Serum, £4, Primark FULL BLOOM Give your look a floral finishing touch. Ring, £12, Accessorize FLOWER POWER Elevate your home with this beautiful decorative piece. Vase, £27.99, H&M WIDE STRIDES The perfect everyday pair. Jeans, £29.50, sizes 6-24, M&S TRANSEASONAL APPEAL These wardrobe staples will see you through to spring. Top, £59, skirt, £65, both sizes 6-18, belt, £35, all Crew Clothing; boots, stylist’s own COLOUR CLASH Ideal for keeping organised on the go. Pouch, £25, Oliver Bonas BEAUTY NO-BRAINER For eyes, lips and cheeks. E.l.f. Monochromatic Multi Stick in Glistening Peach, £6, Asos RELAX AND UNWIND Enjoy a moment of calm. William Morris At Home Bath Bomb, £5, John…

Holding my husband Cody’s hand, I looked into his eyes, tears streaming. It was December 2020 and just four years earlier, I’d done the same as we stood at the altar in front of friends and family and said our vows to be husband and wife. Now we were having a very different conversation and it was the hardest I’d ever had to have. Cody was in a hospital bed, dying from leukaemia, and as I asked him questions, I felt numb with grief. ‘What do you want my future to look like?’ I asked him. ‘Do you want me to marry again?’ It was so painful, but I needed to know. ‘Yes,’ he whispered. ‘I’m going to get to the other side and find you a family that needs…

HELP! MY FACE HAS DROOPED Q A couple of weeks ago, I thought I was having a stroke as I woke up and the side of my mouth was drooping. My husband took me straight to A&E where I was diagnosed with Bell’s Palsy and given a 10-day course of steroids. I have completed the course, but there is no improvement in my face. How long will I take to recover? A Symptoms of Bell’s Palsy usually start to improve after two to three weeks, and most people will be back to normal within a couple of months. The fact that you started steroids promptly makes it more likely that you will make a full recovery, but it can take up to 12 months for some people. Appointment confusion Q…

Do a deep clean If you use a lot of styling sprays, serums and dry shampoo, the residue from these can sit on the surface of your scalp and strands, making hair look duller. Every fourth wash, use a clarifying shampoo such as Monday Clarify Shampoo, £5, lookfantastic.com. This will provide a more intensive clean, and wash away any build-up. Try an at-home treatment Previously you had to visit the salon for a glossing treatment, but recently some new at-home versions have launched, which means it’s easy to get a high-shine look. Living Proof Perfect Hair Day High-Shine Gloss, £30, Space NK, is like a glossy topcoat for your locks. It works on all hair types, leaving it looking healthy and silky for up to three washes. Moisturise, moisturise, moisturise…

Date night snacks Celebrate Valentine’s Day with these tasty low-cost movie night treats… POPCORN Swap a bag of popcorn for kernels, they’re far cheaper and you get more for your money. Heat vegetable oil in a saucepan, add the kernels and cover the pan, cooking over the heat until the popping stops. Coat in sugar and butter or drizzle over melted chocolate. CRISPS AND DIP Make your own cream cheese dip by mixing in sweet chilli sauce, or jazz up some basic shop-bought houmous with a drizzle of olive oil and a sprinkle of paprika and freshly chopped coriander. CHOCOLATE FONDUE Instead of buying expensive puddings, melt chocolate and cream together and serve with a selection of your favourite biscuits, sweets and fruits. Ditch the diet Round off your evening…

ARIES 21 Mar – 20 Apr With Venus now in your sign, you can expect positive change in your love life and finances too. This powerful transit helps you to move forward fearlessly. TAURUS 21 Apr – 20 May Something is ending in your life, to make space for a new beginning. While letting go doesn’t come easily to you, it’s important to release what no longer serves you. GEMINI 21 May – 20 Jun At times your thinking feels scattered. As an air sign you have many ideas, but it can get confusing. See plans through to the end and try to stay present. CANCER 21 Jun – 22 Jul Your sign is ruled by the Moon, which means your mood can fluctuate. So, if you feel like hibernating…

SIX POPPIES by Lisa Carter (£9.99, PB, Penguin Books) 2007, Afghanistan. Sparks fly when Carl meets Sarah, a young nurse at Camp Bastion. But although their connection is strong, Carl resolves to keep his distance, knowing that Sarah is the childhood sweetheart of his fellow soldier Danny. Years later, back in England, Carl honours those he left behind with tattoos of poppies, and Sarah tries desperately to forget her past. As their paths collide once again, the pair must come face to face with their deepest wounds. Can they help each other to heal or remain broken by the past? Lisa Carter weaves an earth-shattering tale. WATER MOON by Samantha Sotto Yambao (£18.99, HB, Transworld) Hana Ishikawa wakes up hungover on her first day as the owner of her father’s…

David Tennant ‘IT’S A PRIVILEGE AND A JOY TO DO IT ALL AGAIN!’ The former Doctor Who star returns to host The BAFTA Film Awards… David Tennant presented the annual awards bash in 2024 and he’s back to do it again at London’s Royal Festival Hall. ‘The night went past in a bit of a blur last year, but it was so much fun,’ says David. ‘It’s a real privilege to be part of it, and to get another crack at something so exciting is a joy.’ ‘I’M NERVOUS ABOUT HOSTING’ Among the nominations is the Vatican-set thriller Conclave, which is up for 12 awards, including Best Film and Leading Actor. The latter category sees the film’s star Ralph Fiennes pitted against the likes of Timothée Chalamet for his role…

When my dauntless widowed mother, Christine, died, still sharp as tacks, aged 94, I reflected on her incredible life. A school cook, she had reigned as matriarch at our childhood home in Coleshill, near Birmingham for nigh on 60 years and I dreaded the inevitable task of chucking out a lifetime’s clutter and sentimental ‘treasures’. ‘THE HOUSE WAS AWASH WITH WARMTH’ My parents had run everything that moved in Coleshill: the church fete, the WI, the Country Market and the tennis club teas. Ledgers, cookery cups, family photo albums and dozens of jam jars and labels covered every surface, while suitcases of carefully folded clothes from earlier generations half-filled the loft. The house, a 60s box, was no architectural gem, but awash with memories and warmth – and it sold…

My head pounded and the hospital ward was a blur. As I waited for my eyes to adjust, a fuzzy face came into focus – a doctor. ‘You’ve had a seizure,’ he explained. It was January 2020 and I’d been at my job as a carer when my face had drooped on one side and I was slurring my words. After a phone call to 111, I’d gone to Medway Maritime Hospital. This had never happened before and I was terrified. Days later, scans revealed I had a combination of two conditions, hemiplegic migraine and epilepsy. Over the next few weeks, back home, despite strong medication, my seizures continued, at least one a day, and I was constantly drowsy. As a single mum, I felt so vulnerable, not knowing when…

Buy of the week Refresh your oral hygiene routine with the eco-friendly Grin Tongue Cleaner (£2 for 20 scrapers, Boots). Use once a day to remove bacteria and prevent bad breath. HEALTH MATHS 3 steps to manage thrush symptoms TRY AN ANTIFUNGAL MEDICATION + AVOID TIGHT CLOTHING + WEAR COTTON UNDERWEAR = Reduced irritation and discomfort. If you do one thing Cut down on caffeine Need a latte to get you through the day? Or maybe you reach for a can of cola to beat the afternoon slump? If it’s a regular part of your routine, you might not realise the effect it’s having on your brain and body – such as increased anxiety and restlessness. Want to wean yourself off? ‘Calculate how many cups of tea/coffee/energy drinks you’re consuming…

He won’t change our lifestyle Q My husband and I have been married for 25 years and are now in our early 50s. He lost his job last year, and he’s now working part-time and earning a lot less. The problem is that he doesn’t want to change our lifestyle. He thinks we can still buy expensive things, have two holidays and always go out, whereas I think we need to sell the house and make big changes. We’ve been arguing constantly. A A shift in income is always a hard adjustment, especially when one of you doesn’t want to face this new reality. To help your husband understand what’s happening, show him the financial figures in black and white, and bring up the long-term consequences of not adjusting now.…

READER QUESTION Q A friend has mentioned income protection insurance to me – what does this cover? A This type of insurance provides regular payments that replace part of your income if you’re unable to work because of illness or an accident. It will pay out until you can start working again, or you retire, die or reach the end of the policy term – whichever is sooner. There’s typically a waiting period before payments start. Find more details at moneyhelper.org.uk. Go green for less Cut down your use of plastic bottles with these shampoo and conditioner bars from KinKind – plus you’ll get 20% off and free delivery when you subscribe to the newsletter at kinkind.co.uk. Valid for one use per customer. The 20% discount can’t be used on…