Innholdsfortegnelse for December 14, 2015 i Woman's Own

Will she or won’t she? So far Posh is holding out on joining the Spice Girls for a 20th anniversary reunion next year. But now Mel B and Mel C are said to be making one last ‘Christmas effort’ to get her to join them for at least one show – which could be Wembley. A pal of Mel B revealed, ‘Christmas is when Mel feels the girls can persuade Posh.’ Emma Bunton and Geri Horner have already committed but there’s no doubt seeing all the girls together would be the icing on the cake! Join us online Head to our fabulous website, womansown.co.uk, to get all the latest celeb , great competitions and deals, plus beauty, fashion, easy recipes and health tips.…

An emotional Linda Robson broke down in tears live on Loose Women recently as she discussed the latest tragedy to strike her family. The Birds Of A Feather star was talking about her younger sister Tina’s battle with breast cancer and how the diagnosis had come at an already difficult time. Linda, 57, said, ‘She lost her husband 18 months ago, he had a heart attack and died in front of her. A year later she was diagnosed with breast cancer. Just when you think things can’t get worse, they get even worse. ‘It’s grade 2. She’s had chemo and a lumpectomy and she’s now having radiotherapy, and it’s all looking really good. So thanks to everyone who’s tweeted and sent support.’ This isn’t…

‘I HAVE 4,000 CHRISTMAS TREES!’ There’s nothing like the excitement of picking out a Christmas tree, with the smell of pine cones all around you. But I love Christmas trees even more than most. In June 2014, my husband Nick and I spotted our dream home online. With our kids Ellie, then 22, and Jess, 21, all grown up and Nick, 50, having retired from the police force, we’d been thinking about moving to the countryside for a while. With five bedrooms and a wood-burning stove, it was perfect. Then the estate agent told us it came with a Christmas tree farm. I couldn’t help but laugh. Having run my own music firm for decades, I was hardly the gardening type. The idea of managing three acres of land felt…

It’s important to know the difference between a cold and flu, so you can help yourself get better quickly. Talk to your pharmacist about which over-the-counter medications are best to relieve your symptoms. Here’s a useful guide: It’s a cold… This may start with a scratchy sore throat, sneezing and a runny nose. Your temperature could rise a little, and you may have earache and a headache. Symptoms develop over one or two days, but may take a fortnight to clear. What to do Drink lots of clear fluids Rest and relax at home Eat well, with lots of fruit and veg Take paracetamol or ibuprofen to help relieve aches and pains, and bring down a raised temperature. It’s the flu… This is a far worse illness. Symptoms can be…

Eton mess trif le SERVES 16 PREP TIME 30 MINS PLUS COOLING COOKING TIME 1 HR YOU WILL NEED • 2 egg whites • 400g golden caster sugar • 1tsp vanilla extract 1tsp cornflour • 1tsp white wine vinegar • 600g cranberries • 3tbsp thickening granules • 350g raspberries • 500g mascarpone • 500g carton vanilla custard • 290g Madeira cake, sliced • 150g ratafia biscuits • 150ml Disaronno liqueur • 300ml double cream, whipped • Silver cake decorating sprinkles HOW TO DO IT 1 Heat the oven to 150o C/Gas 2. Line two baking sheets with baking paper. To make the meringues, whisk the egg whites in an electric mixer until stiff. Whisk in 100g golden caster sugar, 1tbsp at a time, until thick and glossy. Whisk in the…

Having been raised in a loving home with parents who taught me to have a strong work ethic, I’ve always considered myself fairly normal. Then, aged 32, I was living in Birmingham and working in admin when I found myself compared to royalty, and not just any royalty – our future queen. Like everyone, I’d watched, glued to my television screen, when Prince William and Kate Middleton said ‘I do’ in April 2011. My husband Alain, then 35, and I had cuddled up on the sofa with our little boy Fralek, then two, and we’d loved every minute. Sweet coincidence When the Palace announced, in December 2012, that the Duchess of Cambridge was pregnant, I couldn’t believe it – I was too. It was all anyone…

Judi Dench SAGITTARIUS (9 DECEMBER) While the actress is – unbelievably – 81 this week, her chart suggests there’ll be no slowing down. She may, though, change her mind about the way she wants to live. Aries 21 Mar – 20 Apr Plans, intentions and goals could get thrown in the dustbin around Thursday. And while it’s possible that’s other people’s fault, it’s more likely you’re changing your mind or even – perish the thought – sabotaging yourself. Think carefully about your motives. For more call 0901 609 4780* Taurus 21 Apr – 20 May Will your kids see Mummy kissing Santa Claus underneath the mistletoe? If so, Saint Nick could be Him Indoors. But it’s also possible someone quite unexpected will get a little frisky at a party. Well,…

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The star, who is best known for her sitcom Dinnerladies , is returning to our screens to play Eve in Sky 1’s adaptation of the children’s classic. Here Victoria Wood, 62, tells us why she loves holiday-season television and how she learnt a new driving skill... What is your character Eve like? She lives in Daventry and rescues a runaway bogeyman called Mould. He comes to stay with her. But she has various hidden agendas and she is not all that she seems to be. What was the hardest scene you had to shoot? The worst thing I’ve had to do is drive a camper van. It’s so hard. How they ever became a symbol of freedom, I’ll never know. The wheel is stiff and the…

‘I love a sherry at Christmas!’ TV presenter Amanda Holden hopes to raise the rafters – and a fortune – this Christmas You love Christmas, don’t you? One of the main reasons I had children was so that I could celebrate Christmas more. I wanted to watch nativity shows. I wanted to be able to dress them up and make up their stockings. Every year there’s glitter on the lawn so Father Christmas can see where our house is. Where will you spend it this year? Chris and the girls [Alexa, nine, and Hollie, three] and I are having friends over. The girls love their Nan and Granddad but I think it’s fun for them to spend the day with other kids. It’s a great chance to frock up isn’t…

Coleen Nolan has fought a very public battle with her weight throughout her successful TV career. But after yo-yoing for years, it seems like her struggle to beat the bulge has caught up with her. And now the star has shockingly admitted she ‘hates herself’ for it. Talking to a pal, Coleen, 50, said, ‘I’ve been on a diet war for years. I’ve literally put it all back on and hate myself for letting myself go. I was happy being a size 16, but slowly it’s crept back on and I’m back to being an 18-20.’ Not sustainable Coleen lost a staggering five dress sizes, dropping to a size 10, back in 2007 before her marriage to husband Ray Fensome. But since then, she’s struggled to keep the weight off…

Above all else, my family is the most important thing to me. I’ve always thought that if anyone so much as hurt a hair on my children’s heads, I’d never have the strength to forgive. But now I know more than anyone that, in times of total tragedy, sometimes forgiveness is the only way forward… After struggling for more than 10 years to get pregnant, my husband Thomas and I decided to adopt. There was a lot of paperwork, but in November 1994, when I was 29 and Thomas was 31, a social worker ushered our new daughter, Bernadette, then two, in to meet us. The moment I laid eyes on her brown curls and hazel eyes, I fell in love. In November 1995, we adopted another baby. Johnathan was…

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SHOULD I TRUST HIM? I’ve been in a relationship with a man I love for the last 15 years. He’s a great guy but he’s afraid of commitment and this means he often says things that he then takes back. Four years ago, he asked me to marry him then called it off, saying he didn’t want marriage but did want a child with me. But that never happened as he then decided he wanted to move and said we should wait. We’ve moved three times in the last few years and he’s now saying he’s a changed man and we should get engaged at Christmas and tell our families. I’m happy but inside I feel wary. My friends say he’s never going to change. Sam, 41, London Your friends…

FESTIVE FUNRUN Why not give something back this Christmas by joining up to a British Heart Foundation Chase The Pud event, where people dress up as Santa to chase someone dressed as a pudding! You can run, jog or walk and you’ll help raise funds through sponsorship. The chases happen throughout December across the UK and the courses are wheelchair accessible. Find out more at bhf.org.uk/chasethepud 5 really festive are foods good that for you! 1 TURKEY It contains the mood-enhancing amino acid tryptophan, which can help to calm you down. It’s also low in fat (a large skinless portion is just 232 cals/6.4g fat). 2 NUTS Most nuts contain monounsaturated fats that help to reduce cholesterol. They’re full of selenium, too, which protects you from the free radicals that…

ON TEST SMOKED SALMON Just what you need for stylish party-season canapés Christmas Spice Scottish Smoked Salmon, 100g, £4.99, Waitrose Upgrade your usual buffet party food this year with some extra-festive spices on your salmon. Loch Fyne Classic Smoked Salmon, 140g, £5.99, Ocado Smooth and smoky, this salmon is perfect mixed into scrambled eggs or with a glass of fizz. Norwegian Gravadlax Salmon With A Mustard And Dill Sauce, 150g, £2.20, Lidl Simply open the pack, pile high on toasted sourdough and drizzle over the sweet Scandi-style mustard sauce for the easiest-ever starter. GRAB&GO Fill your snack bowls with these limited-edition crisps from Aldi. Choose from Camembert And Caramelised Onion, Venison, Red Wine And Thyme or our favourite, Gin And Tonic. Yes, you did just read that right! Only 99p…

Everyone remembers the times they’ve been most embarrassed. No matter how small the moment, or who was around to see, they can haunt you forever. And I, more than anyone, know what it’s like to be left red-faced. Growing up in Dundalk, Ireland, a staple meal in our house was gammon and chips – with four children Mum cooked whatever was quick and easy. Being one of the youngest in the family, I was used to getting my own way and for pudding each night I’d have a bar of chocolate, sometimes even two. Soon my tummy rolls couldn’t be passed off for puppy fat and by the time I turned 11 I was a size 18. At school I’d get called names like ‘fatty’ and ‘chunky’ and though I’d…

One Sunday evening in July this year, I’d settled down on the sofa and logged in to my online bingo account. I’d been a member of Woman’s Own Bingo for three years and I loved it. I’m retired, so I keep busy catching up with friends and family, but I usually log in to play a few times a week. The great thing is that each day on the site, once you’ve joined Woman’s Own Bingo and made your first deposit, you can then take part in a Daily Play Game, so that Sunday night, I decided to give it a whirl. I was happily playing my game as usual, and before I knew it, I’d won £10! So I decided, with the extra £10 in my account, I’d use…

VERY BRITISH PROBLEMS THURSDAY, CHANNEL 4 Actress Julie Walters is back narrating the show in which we see famous faces, like EastEnders’ Danny Dyer, grumbling about the things that annoy us Brits! Eat Well FOR LESS? THURSDAY, BBC1 Gregg Wallace and Chris Bavin are donning their Santa hats and helping families save money and time without scrimping on indulgence. Perfect for festive tips! Supershoppers MONDAY, CHANNEL 4 Join Andi Osho and Anna Richardson as they explore the country’s biggest brands and shops to give you the inside scoop on everything you need to know before you start your Christmas shopping.…

Runner-up on the first series of The Apprentice back in 2005, entrepreneur Saira Khan certainly gave Lord Alan Sugar a run for his money. Now busy with her baby products business, writing self-help books, appearing on the Loose Women panel and being mum to son Zachariah, seven, and daughter Amara, four, it’s no surprise that the 45-year-old loves a bit of time off at Christmas. What’s the best Christmas present you’ve ever received? Last year, my husband Steven bought me an amazing All Saints leather jacket. I’d seen it in the shop and loved it but said I wouldn’t spend that much. He’d obviously gone back to get it, then there it was on Christmas Day. What’s your Christmas guilty pleasure? It…

Controversial TV star Piers Morgan has caused a new frenzy across the country — with swathes of fans admitting they fancy him. And it’s not just the general public who are finding themselves getting the hots for the 50-year-old newshound. Even ITV’s Lorraine Kelly has revealed she’s quite taken with the star, after he posted a picture of himself on Twitter looking slightly more rugged than usual. In a tweet she joked, ‘Is it bad that I actually find this pic a teensy bit attractive? NURSE! Where’s my medication?’ Flirting Piers recently took his place on the ITV Good Morning Britain sofa alongside co-host Susanna Reid, 44. Yet while all the talk has been about the two presenters’ on-screen chemistry, it’s the viewers themselves who have been sending in flirty…

1 Avoid loaded questions: Ones like ‘Why are you always rude?’ will immediately put your teens on the defensive. 2 Avoid chatting face to face: Studies show teens are more likely to tell you things when you’re side by side. Try talking while you’re driving or sitting next to each other on the sofa. 3 Don’t take things personally: Try to take your emotion out of the equation. Although they may upset you, they are testing boundaries. 4 Don’t respond when you’re upset: As hard as it is, only talk when you feel you can stay calm. You’ll both get more out of the conversation. 5 Be consistent: Teenagers are largely emotional rather than logical – they need you to be the steadying force in their lives.…

How do you judge the seriousness of a relationship? Is it in the years you’ve been a couple, or how many kids you have together? I used to think that was the case. But not any more… After splitting up with my second husband in October 2011, aged 43, I moved from our family home to a little bungalow in Gloucestershire, along with my two children, Ben, then 21, and Chrissie, 18. With my job in a GP surgery keeping me busy, and a new hobby – helping Chrissie tend to horses at a local stables – romance was the last thing on my mind. But that December, the stable manager threw a Christmas party and invited everyone along. After the meal, as the youngsters got up to dance, a…

DID YOU KNOW? If you’re a Barclaycard customer and you lose your credit card, you can now download the details of your new one instantly with your mobile phone. The technology was launched this month to allow customers to make purchases of £100 a time with the tap of a phone. You need to download the Barclaycard app, and a replacement plastic card will be sent through the post. You can also sign up for the app and use it to pay for items under £30, with just the tap of a phone, whether you’ve lost your plastic card or not. Shoppingonline? 5 of the best home deliveryservices Make sure you get your parcels on time with our guide to what the big retailers are promising this year 1 AMAZON…

Sitting at my computer, I had the telly on and I was logged in to my Woman’s Own Bingo account. I’ve been a member for a few years and I enjoy occasionally playing online. I sometimes go to my local bingo hall, but playing online means you can do it at any time and the tickets for some games start from just a penny, so it’s really good value for money. It was July this year and I’d planned to play in Tiki because you don’t have to spend lots of money to be in with a chance of winning, plus there are Super Link games every half an hour, so for those games, the jackpots are even bigger! The day I was playing there was…

So angry I was angered to read your story ‘Attacked as we drove home’. Throwing cartons of orange juice off a motorway bridge? Did this frightful young lady not have anything better to do?! I’m so relieved to hear that Diana, who was pregnant at the time, and her baby are both well now. To think that any serious injuries could have occurred is frightening. What an idiot. Glynis Banks, Shropshire Disgraceful behaviour I couldn’t believe it when I saw a selfie that a new dad took – while his partner was giving birth! Men will never realise how bad giving birth is. Bet she gave him a selfie when she saw it – right between the eyes! Mags Laird, via Facebook Important issue I saw the Duchess of Cambridge…