Innholdsfortegnelse for April 14, 2025 i Woman's Own

What’s igniting your short fuse? That’s the question we’re asking on p26 this week, and I don’t know about you, but I often get irked by the little things: people who walk so close behind you on the street that you feel like asking them if they want you to sit on their lap; those who seem to think queue-jumping is OK – the list goes on! But I’m going to try to be more zen because getting annoyed about things like that probably doesn’t do us any good – though you’ll have to read what our experts have to say! Something that’s sure to put a smile on your face are the tasty-looking treats on p30! Our fantastic food team brings you the best Easter buys, from choccy eggs…

After revealing that she’d split from logistics worker Michael Jones at the end of last year, Coleen Nolan was adamant she wasn’t looking for love, admitting, ‘It’s not on my agenda right now.’ But just a few months on, has the star already had a change of heart? It seems Coleen, who recently lost her sister Linda, is feeling reflective and potentially worried about living out her later years alone after her recent 60th birthday, as she said, ‘[I’m] turning 60 as a single woman and, while that’s right for me at this stage, I did have a moment this week of feeling a little sad that I might not get to love again.’ She added, ‘I love being in love and being loved, and I feel I still have…

JUST HOW POSH ARE YOU? Apparently your ‘pantry’ reveals all the answers… One of the scariest things you can do in our house is open the kitchen cupboard. There’s stuff in there older than the Dead Sea Scrolls. And as for the fridge… not even in Stephen King’s worst nightmares is there anything as terrifying. In fact, I’m convinced that the famous vomiting scene from The Exorcist was inspired by the weird green stuff lurking in the darkest recesses of our chiller draw. Animal, vegetable or mineral? Who the hell knows? Or is brave enough to find out? To be fair, the husband did once buy some weird herb stuff in one of those plastic tubs, but you’d probably be better off smoking it now. So maybe it’ll come as…

Buy of the week Prevent painful rubbing with Compeed Blister Plasters (£5.50 for six, Boots). The thick cushioning redistributes pressure and provides instant relief from pain. HEALTH MATHS 3 steps to manage tinnitus LISTEN TO RELAXING MUSIC + PRACTISE YOGA OR DEEP BREATHING + STICK TO A BEDTIME ROUTINE = Distraction from ringing in ears and reduced stress, which can heighten the symptoms. If you do one thing Protect your eyes Whether you’re heading to your local pool or enjoy making waves in rivers and lakes, it’s important to remove your contact lenses first. Communal swimming spots can be contaminated with bacteria and micro-organisms, which can become trapped between your eye and the contact lens, causing serious infections. Don’t wear lenses? Swimming can still be a problem. ‘Pool chlorine can…

I can’t stand a woman at work Q I work with some lovely people, but there’s one woman I can’t stand on my team. She’s negative and can be quite nasty. On our WhatsApp group, she’s always bringing everyone down, and at lunchtimes and work events I find she drains me with her constant complaining. A Not all colleagues are created equal, as you’ve discovered, and while it’s impossible to avoid a problematic personality altogether, you can limit your interaction where you can. For example, you don’t need to engage in the WhatsApp group or sit with them at lunch if you don’t want to. You owe it to yourself to take action when their behaviour has such a negative effect. IS HE USING ME? Q I’ve been with my…

Top eggs Quail Eggs, 235g, £10, M&S We were won over by both the look and taste of these mini delights. Featuring creamy milk chocolate and a white choc centre, they’re not to be missed. Exceptional Hazelnut & Blonde Chocolate Egg, 200g, £9.98, Asda White chocolate goes fancy with this blonde beauty. Rich and caramely, it tastes like Nutella and is a real crowd-pleaser. Specially Selected Milk Ripple Egg with Honeycomb & Pretzel, 170g, £4.99, Aldi A sweet and salty winning combo that will appeal to chocolate fans of all ages, this pretty egg looks and tastes far more premium than its price tag might suggest. Taste the Difference Belgian Dark Chocolate Orange Egg, 230g, £10, Sainsbury’s A classic for dark chocolate fans, studded with nuggets of candied orange peel…

READER QUESTION Q How does car insurance excess work, and what types should I choose? A Insurance excess is the amount you pay towards the cost of a claim. There are two types: compulsory (set by the insurer and can’t be changed) and voluntary (the amount is chosen by the policy holder, and is in addition to compulsory excess). A bigger voluntary excess can reduce premiums, but you’ll pay more towards a claim. Learn more at gocompare.com/car-insurance/guide/excess-explained. Go green for less Check out these BeautyPro facial sheet masks (from £5), designed for a range of different skin types to hydrate, brighten and rejuvenate your complexion. Plus, both the masks and packaging are biodegradable – find more info at beautypro.com. 3 easy ways to... claim ‘lost’ cash Do you have money…

ALISON HAMMOND & JUDI LOVE This Morning’s Alison, 50, and Loose Women’s Judi, 44, had every girl’s worst nightmare when they showed up to the same event in identical black lace dresses. Thankfully the pair saw the funny side and even posed for a photo together, with Judi saying, ‘There would be no one else I’d want to turn up to an event and we’re wearing the same outfit!! The same dress!! We laughed so hard and at the same time loved it so much!!’ LORRAINE KELLY & HOLLY WILLOUGHBY Former This Morning presenter Holly is a trendsetter, with the clothes she wears often selling out instantly, but in 2019 she took inspiration from fellow daytime TV star Lorraine Kelly. Lorraine, now 65, wore this chic tweed Zara skirt in March,…

DRAWING A BLANC Back with a fourth series of The Madame Blanc Mysteries, the hit show she created and co-writes, my old mate Sally Lindsay said what everyone says when I meet them at work in the early hours on GMB: ‘I don’t know how you do this every day. I look like a dried-out croissant!’ Usually when we catch up, it’s lunch rolling into the early evening – and how we make it home is a mystery worthy of her series! LOSING MY COOL! I’ve interviewed some of the biggest names in showbusiness but I melted in the presence of Jennifer Coolidge, the award-winning star of The White Lotus now starring in A Minecraft Movie. She tells me The White Lotus was the role of a lifetime. ‘They don’t…

Spice girls reunion axed! THE REAL REASON POSH SAID NO Melanie C has dropped the biggest hint yet that a Spice Girls reunion is on the cards, saying, ‘Obviously I can’t say too much but we are talking about things. Hopefully a nice little world tour!’ And although ex-bandmate Geri Halliwell-Horner recently said, ‘My hope is we come back together as a collective,’ there’s one person who is likely to be noticeably absent – Victoria Beckham, who also opted out of their 2019 tour. Celebrity publicist Ed Hopkins tells Woman’s Own, ‘Victoria Beckham has carved out an impressive career and brand identity beyond her Spice Girls days. With a hugely successful fashion empire, it’s understandable she’d prioritise the careful nurturing of her luxury brand image over a musical reunion.’ The…

Gingham Get the designer look for less with this gingham-print midi, a playful addition to your wardrobe. The tiered design brings movement and volume, making it a fun and feminine choice. If you’re petite, opt for smaller tiers to avoid overwhelming your frame. Taller figures, on the other hand, can effortlessly carry off bold, dramatic tiers. Monochrome This tiered style adds soft volume, creating the illusion of curves – great for straight-up-and-down shapes. To make the most of this style, the skirt should sit at your waist and flare gently from the hips. This highlights the narrowest part of your middle for a balanced look. Animal print Leopard print has made a huge comeback and this trending pattern shows no signs of slowing down. Its versatility means that you can…

Herby stuffed leg of lamb £3.60 PER SERVE SERVES 6 This easy-carve roast has bags of flavour and can be prepared ahead. YOU WILL NEED 100g almonds, walnuts or pine nuts, lightly toasted1 bunch mint, leaves pickedZest and juice 1 lemon75g black pitted olives2 garlic cloves, crushed1tsp ground cinnamon5tbsp olive oilBoneless leg of lamb (about 1.5kg)400ml white wine400ml lamb or beef stock HOW TO DO IT 1 Heat the oven to 200C Fan. Whizz the nuts, mint, lemon zest and juice, olives, garlic, cinnamon and 3tbsp of the olive oil in a food processor to a coarse mixture. 2 Lay out the lamb, skin-side down, on a chopping board and season with salt and pepper. Spread over the paste, then tightly roll up and tie at intervals with kitchen string. Rub…

Lying on my side in bed, I glanced down at my boobs and saw loose skin crumpling and spilling. ‘I’m tempted to go under the knife and get these sorted,’ I sighed to my fiancé Tony, then 50. It was March 2021 and, having lost 5st 7lb during lockdown, I was delighted with my size 10 frame, but my once DD boobs had shrunk to a B cup and the loose skin was getting me down. My breasts were so saggy I could have tucked them under my armpits. ‘I love you as you are, but do what makes you happy,’ Tony said. The problem was, we also needed a new bathroom at a cost of £6,000. There was always something! That was the main reason we hadn’t yet married…

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 types of fish is also called a sugar toad in parts of North America? The answer is the one missing from the grid. ANGELBARBCATCICHLIDCLOWNGOBYGOURAMIKILLI LOACHMINNOWPARADISEPARROTPUFFERRAINBOWTETRA CROSSWORD ACROSS 1 Legs, in bingo (6)4 __ Cumberbatch, star of TV series Sherlock and film The Imitation Game (8)10 Francis Ford __, producer of Apocalypse Now and director of The Godfather (7)11 Get ready (7)12 __ Diop, star of film Nanny and TV series Titans (4)13 Division of an organisation (10)15 Anyone Can Play __, 1993 Radiohead song (6)16 Sad (7)20 Evolve (7)21 Manifold (6)24…

As a child, I loved the cartoon Rainbow Brite. I had the dolls, the carry case and even a hand-knitted, 1980s matching jumper. Nearly four decades later, I merrily waved her goodbye, posting her and her pals off to a stranger for the princely sum of £40. TOY STORY Yet, over recent months my husband and I have ruthlessly got rid of our 80s and 90s childhood toys – making ourselves around £1,000 in the process. Sweet Secrets, Top Trumps, Pokémon, Warhammer – it’s all disappeared via eBay and local Facebook groups. Not to mention the James Bond toys my husband was inexplicably into collecting when younger. To others it might seem heartless to part with childhood favourites for £25 here, a fiver there. But it all adds up, and…

Finishing my glass of bubbly, I shimmied to the dance floor with a smile. ‘Happy Birthday, Rene,’ my friend Michelle, then 38, grinned, as we danced to the party tunes. It was May 2016 and, marking my 40th birthday in London, I had lots to celebrate, having built up a successful corporate career as well as following my passion for soul music. As a singer songwriter, I’d performed around the world and was now financially comfortable, with a lovely home and wonderful family and friends. But, as I welcomed my newest decade, something was missing. Single for years, I’d dreamed of becoming a mum and three years earlier, at 37, had frozen my eggs - an uncomfortable, expensive procedure, but one I felt was worth it. ‘SINGLE FOR YEARS, AT…

HELP! MY ELBOW IS AGONY Q Earlier this year I retired and decided to take up golf. Despite the weather, I’m really enjoying the exercise. But I have had to cry off both my games this week because the inside of my right elbow is so sore. One of the ladies I was due to play with said it could be ‘golfer’s elbow’. Is there such a thing? A Golfer’s elbow is caused by repetitive gripping or twisting of the wrist and hand. Speak to a physiotherapist regarding specific exercises to strengthen the muscles and, if you can, when you return to the golf course invest in some lessons to correct your swing so that you put less strain on your elbow. Should we pay for an ADHD test? Q…

Go bold With nail salons ruling the high street, it’s clear we’re obsessed with manis. According to Michelle Humphrey, manicurist for Kate Moss and Adele, trends to expect include ‘bold colours, cool textures, cat eye nails, shimmers and chrome finishes.’ Stock up on products to try. Think metallics, statement shades and shimmery formulas like Barry M Glazed Sheer Nail Paint, £4.49, Boots, a lovely pearlescent pink with an iridescent finish. Popular colours ‘Expect to see a mix of soft neutral shades and statement brights,’ predicts Michelle. ‘Sheer pink, milky white and delicate nudes will reign supreme.’ Try London Grace Rose Nail Polish, £12, londongrace.co.uk, a soft shade that delivers natural beauty. On the bolder side, Michelle suggests ‘cherry reds, electric blues and iridescent shimmers.’ Test out H&M Nail Polish in Lapis…

Budget picnic As the weather warms up follow our tips to dine out and enjoy the sunshine without the hefty price tag 1 FILL THEM UP Instead of making mountains of sandwiches with various fillings, cook pasta, then dress with ingredients you likely have in the cupboard such as olive oil, vinegar and lingering herbs/pesto. Toss through grated or roasted veg that needs using up. 2 DIP IT Most dips are inexpensive to whip up and you’ll have enough to serve a crowd. To make houmous, whizz chickpeas, garlic, olive oil and tahini (or peanut butter) together and season. Store in an airtight container. If you make a big batch of it, freeze any that’s leftover. 3 SWEET Quick traybakes are always a hit and save the horrendous bill on…

ARIES 21 Mar – 20 Apr With the Sun and Neptune both in Aries, there may be conflict between your heart and head. Dare to dream, but also be realistic about what you can achieve. TAURUS 21 Apr – 20 May You may find this week a little tough, but use your powers of persuasion and perseverance to achieve what’s most important to you in terms of stability. GEMINI 21 May – 20 Jun Chatty and engaging, you have many friends. But be sure you are on the same page as someone close to you, otherwise this could lead to communication difficulties. CANCER 21 Jun – 22 Jul You can be shy, but in the right company you’re the life and soul. Surround yourself with like-minded friends who you feel…

THE HIDDEN HAND by Dame Stella Rimington (£20, HB, Bloomsbury) Young student Li Min is told by the Chinese Government that she must transfer from Harvard to Oxford. The reason is unclear, but it has something to do with her AI expertise. She is recruited to an elite Chinese study centre, run by a new head who accidentally discovers a deadly game at the heart of the institution. The centre is using students to steal research and intellectual property, drawing them ever deeper into a dangerous underworld. Can CIA agent Manon Tyler uncover the centre’s secrets before time runs out? This nail-biting crime thriller by the former head of MI5 is packed with shocking twists. THE MOONLIT PIAZZA by Annabelle Thorpe (£9.99, PB, Bloomsbury) In the midst of war, keeping…

Jon Hamm ‘IT’S EXCITING, FUNNY, SEXY AND DANGEROUS!’ The Mad Men star on his latest TV role… Jon Hamm is best known for playing Don Draper, the advertising exec with a rocky private life, in the multi-award-winning US drama that ran from 2007 to 2015. In new nine-part series Your Friends & Neighbors, Jon stars as another high-flyer, Andrew ‘Coop’ Cooper, who thought he had it all until he discovered his wife Mel (Amanda Peet) was having an affair with his best friend Nick (Mark Tallman). Taking solace in his job as a hedge fund manager, Coop’s hit by more bad news when he’s fired without warning. ‘THE STORY IS DARKLY COMIC’ ‘Coop’s personal life has gone off the rails,’ says Jon, 54. ‘So when his professional life does the…