Innholdsfortegnelse for August 25, 2025 i Woman's Own

Every week I read the food pages and can practically hear my stomach rumbling – everything always looks so delicious and I love the extra-special days in the office when we get to taste the treats the team has cooked up! On p36 we’ve got the recipes you need to up your grilling game and really wow the crowds. I’m a sucker for a hot dog (they always go down well, don’t they?) so I know I’ll be whipping out the thrifty (from only 90p per serving!) recipes before the end of summer – especially that BLT one! If you’d rather dine out but are also trying to watch what you eat, then turn to p28 where our brilliant health team brings you pub garden (and who doesn’t love a…

IGNORANCE CAN BE A KILLER Don’t put off getting yourself checked out – it could save your life It’s the message every woman dreads. The one we all know we have the potential to receive but never think it will be us. Well, this week it was me. A mammogram earlier in the month was a bit ‘suspicious’, so I was invited back for further tests. Just like the husband, my boobs are what you’d call ‘dense’. Which means lots of tissue, not much wobbly stuff. Great for avoiding backache and men holding conversations with your chest, not so good for spotting lumps and bumps. Thought nothing of being called back. Plus, there’s zero history of breast cancer (or the male-linked equivalent of prostate) in the family and I’m relatively…

Buy of the week Beat bug bites with Jungle Formula Maximum Aerosol Insect Repellent (£9.15 for 125ml, Boots). Made with 50% DEET, which helps repel biting insects. THE TO-DO LIST SOCIALISE Spending time with loved ones can boost your lifespan, says research from China. It’s believed this is because they help to reduce stress and encourage activity. PUCKER UP Kissing produces more saliva in your mouth, which helps you chew, taste and swallow, and prevents bad breath. But floss daily, too! ADD MILK A splash in your brew can help reduce your risk of heart disease and arthritis, thanks to its content of antioxidants and amino acids*. If you do one thing Learn how to soothe your health anxiety Do new symptoms make you imagine the worst? This can be…

I hate my job Q I’m in my late 40s and have worked since I left school at 16. My friends say they love their work. I don’t. In fact, I hate my job. I’m good at it – I’ve been here for 10 years – but I don’t find it inspiring. I don’t want to retrain, or even work in a different industry. I just think I don’t want to work, which isn’t an option. What do you do when you feel like this? A Your feelings are valid: work consumes so much of our time and energy, and it’s wearing when it feels meaningless or draining. Ask yourself: what do you hate? Pinpointing the core issues reveals possible adjustments that might make it more bearable, such as building…

Flicking her long auburn hair, my daughter Brianna, then 15, appeared, her manicured hand clutching her pink smartphone. ‘Here I am,’ she declared. Dressed in her favourite fluffy white coat, with perfectly applied make-up, she was undeniably beautiful. But then I sighed. ‘Why are you wearing such a short skirt, Brianna?’ As she arched one neat eyebrow, I knew I was in for another battle I’d never win. Back in autumn 2020, then 14, she’d started living as Brianna, a trans girl, having been born a boy, Brett. I’d lovingly accepted Brianna, and so had my husband Wes, Brianna’s stepdad, and her sister Alisha, then 16. Brianna had to deal with a lot, including poor eyesight, asthma, ADHD, autism and social anxiety. But what was really worrying me now was…

READER QUESTION Q I like to tip in restaurants when I’m on holiday. Do you have any advice on how much to leave? A It really does vary. In some countries it’s not expected, whereas in popular tourist spots in the USA a 20% tip is standard. There’s a guide on tipping by country – including restaurants, hotels, taxis and tour guides – at which.co.uk that you may find useful. Tipping in Spain is discretionary, while in France and Italy service charge is often included on bills. Go green for less Get 15% off 100% natural skincare products at insect-friendly company Neve’s Bees, including cleansing balms, hand salves, lip balms and natural deodorants, by using our bespoke code MAG15 at the checkout until 31 August 2025*. Find its ethically-sourced range…

HAUS LABS BY LADY GAGA In 2019 Lady Gaga launched her vegan and cruelty-free make-up range Haus Laboratories. At the time it was sold exclusively via Amazon but, unlike other celeb-owned brands, it didn’t become an overnight success. And so, in 2022, it was rebranded as Haus Labs by Lady Gaga, and cemented itself as a respectable line loved by many. Speaking about the brand, Lady Gaga, 39, said, ‘My vision for Haus Labs centres around the future of clean make-up, supercharged products with innovative formulations and novel ingredients.’ KYLIE COSMETICS The youngest of the Kardashian-Jenner clan, in 2015 – aged just 18 – Kylie Jenner took the make-up world by storm when she released Kylie Cosmetics Lip Kits. Fast forward 10 years and the reality star turned businesswoman –…

There was a time when I could wander the house without my glasses on. Could pick up a drinks menu and just about peruse the gin list unencumbered. Could flick idly through the channels, settling on a Midsomer Murders without need of ocular assistance. But nowadays, going specs-free means I risk falling over the dog or walking into the wall. I have to wear eyewear every-flipping-where, and with that comes a whole new midlife crisis. What actually suits me – and what do my specs say? I’m only asking because I’ve just spent a day trailing around opticians, wondering why my face hates me. Why choosing frames is suddenly such a style danger zone. Statement glasses are a thing, but are they a good thing? Do I go full Jenny…

Meghan’s NEW NETFLIX DEAL The Duke and Duchess of Sussex have signed a new contract with Netflix after months of speculation that it would be scrapped. In the new deal, there will be a Christmas special of the With Love, Meghan lifestyle and cookery series, and a documentary entitled Masaka Kids: A Rhythm Within. The couple announced it would be a ‘multi-year, first-look deal for film and television projects’. According to reports it’s worth less than the $100 million deal they signed with the streaming service five years ago. The contract will also include working with Meghan’s lifestyle brand As Ever. Meghan said, ‘We’re proud to extend our partnership with Netflix and expand our work together to include the As Ever brand. My husband and I feel inspired by our…

CAUGHT IN THE MIDI The ideal everyday frock for now and next season. Dress, £85, sizes 6-24, White Stuff NIFTY NAILS Apply over a base coat. Barry M Sheer Strength Nail Paint, £4.49, Boots DOTTY DINING Create summer salads with style. Servers, £14, Dunelm PERFECT PEEPERS Add shimmer to your eyes. Juicy Fizz Long Lasting Eyeshadow Stick, £12.99, Kiko Milano LEARN YOUR LINES Vertical stripes always flatter. Trousers, £22.99, sizes s-l, Zara JUMBO TOTE Just the thing to stash away all your daily essentials. Bag, £35.99, stradivarius.com HOLIDAY READY A printed sarong is a chic cover-up for a beach day. Sarong, £20, sizes s-l, swimsuit, £38, sizes 10-32, both JD Williams; shoes, stylist’s own TOP IT OFF A wide brim is good sun protection and it looks chic. Hat, £34, Oliver Bonas HAPPY FACE…

Hot dogs three ways ALL SERVE 6 Upgrade basic sausages with these tasty twists, no cutlery needed! The BLT YOU WILL NEED 12 chipolatas ✽ 6 slices streaky bacon, cut in half ✽ 2 large baguettes, each cut into 3 and sliced lengthways ✽ ¼ iceberg lettuce or 1 Little Gem, shredded ✽ Handful cherry tomatoes, sliced ✽ Natural yogurt or mayonnaise, to serve HOW TO DO IT 1 Wrap each chipolata in half a slice of bacon, then cook on the barbecue or under the grill for 10 mins, turning regularly until cooked through. 2 Fill each cut baguette piece with 2 sausages, some lettuce and cherry tomatoes. Top with some natural yogurt or mayonnaise. PREP TIME: 10 MINS COOK TIME: 10 MINS CALS: 479 FAT: 15G SAT FAT:…

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 In Cajun music, which percussion instrument is known as a petit fer, or a ‘tit fer’? The answer is the one missing from the grid. BELLSBODHRANBONGOCABASACAJONCHIMESCLAVESCYMBALSDRUMGONGMARACASSPOONSTIMPANITOM-TOMTRIANGLE Wordwise You have 15 minutes to find as many words as possible using the letters in the grid. Each word must contain four or more letters, one of which must be the central square. No proper nouns, plurals or foreign words. There is one nine-letter word, for which the clue is: having two leaves. 15 = average. More than 25 = well done CROSSWORD ACROSS DOWN Puzzle solutions…

Film NOBODY 2 In cinemas 15 August During a family holiday a former assassin is pulled back into his violent past after stopping an invasion of their house. This sets off a chain of events that unravels secrets about his and his wife’s life. Starring Sharon Stone and Tom Hanks’ son Colin. Event ANNE BOLEYN THE MUSICAL 2-30 August, Hever Castle, Hever, Edenbridge, Kent The musical following the life and death of Henry VIII’s wife Anne Boleyn debuts at her childhood home, Hever Castle. The combination of history and music makes this an educational and enjoyable night out at the theatre for all ages. Concert WARWICK CASTLE LIVE 28-31 August, Warwick Castle, Warwickshire A series of four evening outdoor concerts will take place in the grounds of this historic venue.…

VANESSA KIRBY This summer she stars in Fantastic Four: First Steps, but away from her life on screen, Vanessa, 38, is expecting her first child with boyfriend Paul Rabil. During press for the new film, the star – who played Princess Margaret in The Crown – displayed her bump and looked glowing. It’s believed the baby is due at the end of the year. SOPHIE HABBOO Former Made in Chelsea star turned Radio 1 DJ Sophie, 31, is ready to welcome her first child with husband Jamie Laing. The couple have been documenting the pregnancy on their NearlyParents podcast, and have a Disney+ series about becoming first-time parents later this year – around the time the little one is expected to arrive. LIZ MCCLARNON Ex-Atomic Kitten star Liz, 44, announced…

Leaning over the sink to do the washing-up, I winced. ‘I think I’ve pulled a muscle,’ I said to my partner Alex, 35. My upper back was really aching and felt weak, right underneath where my bra strap was. It was hardly surprising though – I was nine months pregnant and due any day. My first baby, I was just starting maternity leave from my consultancy job. Three weeks later, in November 2021, I went to the labour ward to be induced. ‘This is it!’ I beamed to Alex, full of excitement. My labour lasted two days, and by the time our daughter Maeve arrived, I was exhausted. Holding her for the first time though, it was all worth it. At 7lb 9oz, she was perfect. Only, doctors thought Maeve…

HAVE MY PROBLEMS RETURNED? Q A while ago, I was diagnosed with depression when my first marriage broke up. I took medication for a year and, with help from my GP and friends, I thought I was fully recovered. Happily, I’m now remarried, and all is well, except I’m feeling the same way. There’s no reason for it. What’s going on? A Your previous episode sounds like reactive depression following a major life event. There is another kind that’s called endogenous depression, where someone develops depression symptoms with no obvious trigger. This can be easily treated; see your doctor who may suggest you start antidepressants and may also refer you for talking therapy. CONCERNED ABOUT HIS CRAMPS Q My husband has been a smoker most of his life and, no…

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ARIES 21 Mar – 20 Apr With Saturn, Neptune and Chiron all in your sign, you can now suss out the best opportunities for you by listening to your inner wisdom and making long-term plans. TAURUS 21 Apr – 20 May Try to gain some perspective by taking a break from it all. Even a change of scenery for a day will help you to make an important decision with clarity. GEMINI 21 May – 20 Jun Other people are naturally drawn to you thanks to your youthful approach to life. Remember to keep your expectations positive around an important life goal. CANCER 21 Jun – 22 Jul The Moon in Cancer early this week helps you make a key decision. Trust your inner guidance to make a choice, because…

THE FINAL VOW by MW Craven (£20, HB, Little, Brown Book Group) A sniper has been wreaking havoc across the nation. In Gretna Green, a beautiful wedding day turns into a bloodbath when the bride is brutally gunned down after slipping on her wedding ring. It is the latest in a string of 17 chilling attacks by a murderer who works with deadly precision. Panic is spreading like wildfire and the police are no closer to tracking down the serial killer. Can Washington Poe and Tilly Bradshaw find method in the madness of the sniper-bearing human hunter, or will they become the next victims? This razor-sharp and fast-paced thriller will leave you breathless. MURDER TAKES A VACATION by Laura Lippman (£9.99, PB, Faber & Faber) Worried that life is passing…

Celia Imrie ‘I TRULY COULDN’T BELIEVE MY LUCK!’ The star of Calendar Girls and The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel on her latest role… Based on Richard Osman’s bestselling 2020 novel, The Thursday Murder Club follows four pensioners who live in retirement village Coopers Chase. Every week, they meet up to discuss cold-case murders for fun, but when the death of a shady property developer occurs on their doorstep, the amateur sleuths find themselves with a real whodunnit on their hands. The film boasts a top-notch cast, with Dame Helen Mirren playing ex-spy Elizabeth, Pierce Brosnan as former union activist Ron, Sir Ben Kingsley as retired psychiatrist Ibrahim and Celia Imrie as recently widowed ex-nurse Joyce. ‘THE CAST IS EXCEPTIONAL’ ‘Sir Laurence Olivier always said you’ve got to like the person…