Innholdsfortegnelse for 14-Aug-2018 i Woman's Weekly

Everyone has their own taste in colour that is so unique to them, whether it’s over the top with neon brights or a more muted approach with restrained neutrals. Colour is used in so many areas of our lives, that I don’t think our world would be able to function without it! But what I love most about it is how certain shades can so vividly evoke a mood, feeling or memory that is completely personal to the individual. The vibrant prints in our fashion feature on page 18 are radiant with rainforest greens and sunset yellows, and set my mind racing with visions of faraway places. So for those times when we wish that we were on holiday, we can inject some colour into our lives and imagine that…

Season Stretchers ✿ Replace spent summer plants in containers with late-flowering chrysanthemums for instant colour. Plant fiery-coloured, late-flowering perennials, such as rudbeckias, helianthemums, goldenrod and heleniums along with ornamental grasses to give fading summer borders a new lease of life. Looking Ahead ✿ Plant spring-flowering bulbs, such as daffodil, crocus and tulips now, in pots or borders. You can force hyacinths to flower in time for Christmas too. It can take up to 15 weeks from bulb to flower. Plant them in pots and cover with a black bin liner and stand in a cold, dark place for up to 10 weeks to draw out the shoots. These only need to be brought into the light when they reach 7.5cm and will flower in a matter of weeks.…

When Lynsey McCarthy-Calvert, 44, had her third baby, Sam, in January 2012, it didn’t go as she’d hoped. ‘I was two weeks overdue and although I wanted to have a calming home birth, the medical team insisted that I go into hospital to be induced. From that moment on, I felt like I lost control of my own labour – and that sense of powerlessness only spiralled,’ she recalls. Although Sam was delivered safe and healthy, Lynsey and her husband Paul couldn’t help feeling like it could have been a more positive experience. ‘What we lacked was someone on our side to give us the space to figure out what we wanted,’ says Lynsey. A trained psychotherapist, Lynsey has spent much of her career working in private practice, supporting women…

It’s a funny old world where you finally reach the rock-bottom of your addiction when you’re least expecting it. Mine came like a blinding light last year, as I stumbled home, back down the red carpet, half-cut and looking like an over-stuffed sausage, at the end of a glitzy awards show at London’s Dorchester Hotel. But, before I go into the gory details, let me first say I am grateful for this lowest of moments because now, I am proud to say, I have been clean for 321 days! You see, although I’m ashamed to admit it, I have been in the grip of a secret addiction on and off for years, dating right back to when I first joined EastEnders – an addiction that has been slowly enslaving me…

1 Processed foods They’re bad for bugs, because artificial sweeteners, flavourings and preservatives can kill them off. Plus, they lack fibre, which means they don’t feed good bacteria. 2 Antibiotics They kill off both good and bad microbes. Of course, sometimes you need them, but take a probiotic supplement like Biocare BioAcidophilus, £23.95, at the same time to put back what you knock out. 3 Irregular mealtimes This could throw your microbiome’s rhythms out of whack – and it may be linked to weight gain. 4 Eating too fast and on the move Sit down to eat and chew each mouthful slowly before swallowing. Eating too quickly and gulping too much air with food can lead to bloating. 5 Stress High levels of the stress hormone cortisol compromises nutrient absorption…

When I was around 19, I first saw a sheep dog trial. I was stunned by the skill of the owners and their dogs as they herded sheep expertly through the course and into pens, using whistles and calls to instruct the dog. That day inspired me to become a sheepdog handler myself. It wasn’t easy – I didn’t know any other women working with dogs at that time. I learned by myself how to get the best rapport with my dog and to make our partnership truly successful. My dogs are my family and I enjoy every moment I spend with them. ‘My dogs are my family’ It takes a couple of years to get them to competition standard, so I have to totally trust my instincts. When I’m…

A balmy summer’s day Gather your friends, pile up your cushions and blankets and tuck into a delicious spread on a sunny afternoon. Croft Collection luxury wicker picnic hamper, from £125, Weaver herringbone rug in dove, from £65 (60 x 110cm), foldable cooler bag, £45, Crosley Cruiser Deluxe Bluetooth Turntable, £89.95, Weaver washable outdoor rug in navy, from £40 (60 x 110cm), outdoor cushions, £20 each, Fujifilm Instax camera, £119, acrylic wine glasses, £4 each, House side plates, £3.50 each, all John Lewis Play time If you're going with a big party that includes children, take along some games to keep the little ones (and the adults!) entertained. Plastic bowling set, £7, Flying Tiger On a plate Paper Catering for the masses? This range of paper plates and cups is…

Obesity boon? Being overweight or obese harms your health in many ways, but could protect you if you become seriously ill. A range of international research suggests people who are heavier are more likely to survive pneumonia, sepsis and other infections. They are also likely to suffer less muscle-wasting while being treated in intensive care units. Losing muscle mass is an important and harmful side-effect of being bed bound while in hospital. True Or False? Prolonged sitting can reduce thoracic (chest) spine mobility. True, according to UK researchers who say healthy students who sit for more than seven hours a day and do less than 150 minutes’ exercise a week may have reduced mobility that could lead to back and neck pain. Get up and move! Green arteries A chemical…

The Herbal Supplement That Helped My Joints I started having problems with my knees, particularly my right one, about a year ago. First thing in the morning I started to feel quite creaky and getting out of bed or up from a chair felt like wading through treacle until I got going. I struggled carrying bags and walking up hills, and started using a walking stick. I went to a physio, who helped, and I began doing Pilates alongside some cycling and walking, all of which also eased the stiffness. I watch what I eat and have small helpings to keep my weight slight, which definitely helps my joints. ‘My knee felt more flexible’ But I wanted to remain as active as possible so when I read about a new…

Clean Up Your Act Turn pennies into pounds with our washday tips SAVE approximately £30 a year By running your washing machine at night or overnight on a timer at 30 degrees (check your tariff to see if you qualify), you’ll miss the peak energy rates and save on electricity and water bills. Always make sure you only run your machine on a full load, rather than lots of smaller, less cost-effective loads. SAVE from £150 (for a new machine) Every few months get your machine running more effectively by using Oust Dishwasher And Washing Machine Cleaner, £3.39. It helps get rid of smells, dirt and limescale so your machine will be just like new. SAVE over £100 a year Make your own washing  detergent – mix together a finely…

‘I wished I’d travelled when I was younger’ • Jenny Platt first shot to fame when she played Violet Wilson in Coronation Street. The 38-year-old actress recently finished as Jeanne in the final series of Versailles, and here she tells us how she’s now enjoying being able to spend time at home in Manchester with her fellow actor husband Rupert Hill and their two daughters, one who’s eight, and the other, three. Hi, Jenny! How do you take your tea? I’m obsessed with tea. I drink about 20 cups a day, and I like to have Yorkshire tea, really strong, so the teabag is left in for at least five minutes. But weirdly, I like a lot of milk. Who would be your ideal guest for tea? I’m really fascinated…

Joan Bowen, 48 Tell us about your look… I’ve pared my look down to grey, black and khaki. I wish I’d done this years ago, as it makes shopping far more enjoyable as everything can mix and match! My dress is Kin by John Lewis. I love the bold stripes. My necklace is Oliver Bonas (statement necklaces are my guilty pleasure!) and my bag is Mulberry – a pressie from my mum and dad. My platform sandals are Zara – currently my favourite place to shop. And the best bit of your body? My smile. Marilyse Boyle, 70 Tell us about your look… I wear jeans nearly all the time, but today, for shopping, I decided to wear my white, cropped trousers. I’m afraid I’ve no idea where they’re from…

Aries 21 Mar – 20 Apr Now’s a good time to bring something you’ve been working on to fruition. It’s a productive week. Taurus 21 Apr – 21 May Sometimes you take everything too seriously and don’t give yourself time for pleasure. Have some fun. Gemini 22 May – 21 Jun This is a good time to start a new project, to work on a business idea and to get your finances in order. Cancer 22 Jun – 23 Jul If something needs to be said this week, make sure you share it in a gentle way so that you’ll be heard. Leo 24 Jul – 23 Aug Friendships and connections are starred, whether online or in person. Your popularity is on the rise. Virgo 24 Aug – 23 Sep…

When 35-year-old Marta Denega and her husband Max, 27, were expecting their first child last year, they employed Lynsey as their doula. ‘A first birth has so many unknowns,’ says Marta who, like her husband, works in financial services in London. ‘We wanted an environment where we’d request things, rather than have them done to me. Having a doula as our birth partner in hospital, alongside an NHS midwife, gave us confidence that we would have, as far as possible, the kind of birth we wanted. Lynsey created a safe, calm environment and our daughter Alexandra was born within four hours of my waters breaking with classical music playing. She’s been a calm, non-fussy baby since birth – possibly a reflection of how she entered the world.’…

You probably only think about your gut health when you have a stomach ache or indigestion. But scientists are constantly learning that the bacteria teeming in our guts play a vital role throughout our bodies. Some of these bugs are beneficial, others are neutral and some are very unhelpful. Your microbiome – the community of microbes living in your gut - is unique to you. Everyone has varying levels of different bacteria, determined by lifestyle and environment, right from the beginning of life. ‘If you were born by Caesarean and bottle-fed, you have a less diverse microbiome, which can affect your health,’ says Professor Tim Spector, CSO at the MapMyGut project (mapmygut.com) and author of The Diet Myth (£8.99, W&N). ‘For example, we know those born by Caesarean are more…

MEASUREMENTS Approximately 12cm/4¾in tall x 19cm/7½in long. MATERIALS 1 x 50g (140m) ball of Hayfield Bonus DK in Grey (Silver Grey 838)* and a small amount of Black DK and White DK yarn. Pair of 3.5mm (No. 10) knitting needles; 7 stitch markers, including 2 distinct markers (marker B), or contrast thread; toy stuffing. Yarn is available from theknittingnetwork.co.uk. TENSION 20 stitches and 30 rows, to 10 x 10cm, over stocking stitch, using 3.5mm needles. ABBREVIATIONS St(s), stitch(es); k, knit; p, purl; ss, stocking st (k on right side and p on wrong side); sl, slip; inc, increase 1 st (by working into same st twice); up1r, pick up loop lying between needles from back to front and k into front of it (to increase 1 st); up1l, pick up…

Dr Melanie Wynne-Jones helplines Stress 0904 470 0681 Migraine 0904 470 0682 IBS 0904 470 0683 Varicose veins 0904 470 0684 Heartburn 0904 470 0685 Heavy periods 0904 470 0686 Jan de Vries alternative helplines Osteoporosis 0904 470 0812 Bladder problems 0904 470 0813 Rheumatism 0904 470 0814 Losing Dad – how will Mum cope? 0904 470 0871 Depressed 0904 470 0873 Arthritis 0904 470 0874 Calls cost 65p per min plus your telephone company’s network access charge and last approx. four mins. Users must be 18+. You must have the bill payer’s permission. Service provider: Spoke, 0333 202 3390…

Selected Boots stores have a mole-checking service in conjunction with ScreenCancer UK, which will check a suspect mole. The first one checked will cost £35, and additional ones £15. Your mole is scanned and details (whether it’s raised, or has recently changed shape or colour) and the scan, are sent to a lab for testing. You are texted, emailed or phoned with the results days later. Visit boots.com for details. The most common sign of melanoma – the most dangerous skin cancer – is the appearance of a new mole or change to an existing one. Melanomas usually have an irregular shape and are more than one colour. They may also itch and bleed, and are often on the back where it’s tricky to monitor changes. See your GP if…

Worrying: manage your fears 0904 470 0716 Concerned about memory loss? 0904 470 0717 When your children leave home 0904 470 0831 How to cope with ageing parents 0904 470 0719 Coming to terms with loss and grief 0904 470 0804 How to banish your empty feelings 0904 470 0802 Users must be over 18. You must have the bill payer’s permission. Calls cost 65p per minute plus your network’s access charge. Each line lasts approx. Seven minutes. Service provider: spoke ltd, 0333 202 3390…

‘What about CCTV? The shopping centre has cameras everywhere’ The story so far: Former school sweethearts Ally and Scott Tarrant have been through a bitter divorce, with Scott fighting Ally for custody of their son Tommy. When Ally is awarded custody, Scott seems to accept it. Ally begins dating Max Foster, despite her mother Ruth's misgivings. When Scott invites Ally and Tommy to lunch, Ally accepts, but only to build bridges for their son’s sake. At lunch, Scott knocks over Tommy’s beaker of juice, sending Ally running in search of paper towels. But when she turns back to the table, she finds that Scott and Tommy have vanished… It was half an hour later, and she was sitting numbly in the security office at the shopping centre, recounting the whole…

Wendy Seegets, 1964 My husband Bill and I have been married for 54 years. My wedding dress was very similar to Meghan Markle’s. It was made of satin-backed silk shantung. My headdress and veil were made of silk tulle. The headdress was described as a ‘powder puff’ shape! We’d love to see how great you looked – in any era up to and including the 1980s. Please send a good-quality photo with your name, address and daytime phone number clearly written on the back, to: Fashion Dept, Woman’s Weekly, 161 Marsh Wall, London E14 9AP. Photos will be returned.…

‘I had an email saying Gary Barlow wanted to have coffee with me. So what does a girl do?’ For 30 years, Fern Britton was one of TV’s most popular presenters, but she’s taken a very different path now. She’s already writing novel number eight, after Coming Home was published in paperback this June – and she’s stepping in front of a packed theatre audience in Leeds making her stage debut in Gary Barlow’s new Calendar Girls The Musical next week. When we catch up with Fern in rehearsals, she says, ‘I feel great about doing something completely new at the age of 61. The minute you stop challenging yourself, you might as well turn your toes up, because challenging life, I’ve discovered, is very energising, and you mustn’t be…

•Doulas are self-employed, and charge between £800-£2,000 for a support package that typically includes two or three lengthy antenatal visits to discuss the kind of birth parents want, writing a birth plan and addressing mothers’ questions, hopes and fears. They’ll attend the delivery, and visit mum and baby when they’re back home, to talk about the birth, offer feeding support, and generally check all is well. • The Doula Access Fund, which is in the process of being registered as a charity, helps make skilled doulas available to those who can’t afford them. • Could you do it? Doulas don’t have to be medically trained although to join Doula UK (a non-profit organisation), they must complete an approved preparation course, costing between £400-£900. Find out more at info@doula.org.uk…

1 High-fibre foods Try fresh fruit, vegetables, pulses and wholegrains, which act as ‘manure’ for your gut bugs. ‘People in hunter-gatherer communities in Tanzania have far more diverse microbes than we do,’ says Spector. ‘They have three or four times the amount of fibre in their diet and it feeds microbes.’ 2 Brightly coloured fruit and veg They contain polyphenols, which help microbes thrive. Think red, blue and purple berries, red and yellow peppers and dark green leafy veg. 3 Red wine Yes, honestly! But make sure you drink in moderation. Red wine is polyphenol-rich. So too are dark chocolate, olive oil and coffee. 4 Fermented foods Yogurts, cheeses, sauerkraut, kimchi and kefir all help boost bugs.…

I was working in TV when a show took me to The Big Cat Sanctuary. From the moment I walked in, I felt a desperate need to be there. So I applied to be a volunteer, and was soon helping out regularly. I built my confidence and experience with the cats, and was at last accepted as a keeper! I’ve been here for 13 years now. Every day is so different. I’ve developed an instinct of how to be around the cats. I also do positive reinforcement training to help cats become accustomed to difficult situations, such as receiving vaccinations. It’s so rewarding as I know that this will help minimise the stress and risk. I adore them all, though Maya the jaguar will always hold a special place in…

SEA LIFE LONDON AQUARIUM Many of the aquarium's fish, rays and sea turtles, are endangered and have been rescued. Enjoy behind-the-scenes tours, supervised rockpool sessions and walk through an underwater tunnel. visitsealife.com/london/ THE CORNISH SEAL SANCTUARY See aquatic mammals including grey seals, southern sea lions and Humboldt penguins, with three underwater viewing areas. The Seal Hospital also allows visitors to follow the journey of rescued seals. visitsealife.com/gweek/discover/ MONKEY WORLD APE RESCUE CENTRE A refuge for rescued primates from around the world, the centre offers guided tours, workshops and talks. You can also adopt one of the primates. monkeyworld.org / LOWER MOSS WOOD WILDLIFE HOSPITAL This centre offers refuge and rehabilitation for sick or injured animals, including hedgehogs, badgers and foxes. The 18-acre educational nature…

Raspberry Meringue Stack  A simple but stunning centrepiece to a meal. SERVES: 10 FOR THE MERINGUE: • 6 medium egg whites • 300g (10oz) caster sugar • 1tbsp cornflour • 4tbsp freeze-dried raspberries, powdered, plus extra to dust FOR THE FILLING: • 25g (¾oz) butter • 75g (2½oz) white chocolate • 1tbsp golden syrup • 400ml (14fl oz) whipping cream • 3tbsp icing sugar • 400g (14oz) fresh raspberries 1 Preheat oven to 120C/Gas ½. Line 3 baking trays with baking paper, each with an 18cm/7in circle marked on it. 2 In a large bowl, whisk the egg whites until stiff and glossy. Add the caster sugar 1tbsp at a time, whisking w ell after each addition. Gently f old in the cornflour and freeze-dried raspberries. Spoon onto the trays…

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a long-term neurological disorder that affects more than 100,000 people in the UK, and has a wide range of symptoms. It’s an attack by the body’s own immune system on myelin, the white tissue that protects the brain, spinal cord and body nerves. It produces inflammation, plaques and scars that slow down/block nerve signals and can permanently damage the nerves. MS often starts around midlife, and is twice as common in women, but the cause isn’t known, although it may be linked to living further away from the equator, viral/bacterial infections, low vitamin D levels, smoking, obesity and/or genes. One in 50 people with a close affected relative may develop MS. The symptoms These can affect any part of the nervous system, producing abnormal sensations (numbness,…

1 A neurological examination and/or inner-ear tests, as other common conditions can produce similar symptoms. 2 Blood tests, including those for mineral and vitamin deficiencies, infections, diabetes and thyroid disease. 3 Electrical conduction tests (such as Visual Evoked Potential tests) to see how fast nerve signals are travelling between the brain, eye and other body areas. 4 A brain MR scan to rule out other conditions and look for plaques and demyelination, although symptoms don't always match inflammation patterns. 5 A lumbar puncture – a chemical test of cerebrospinal fluid obtained from around the spinal cord, using a local anaesthetic.…

It’s never too late to find a new love Q I know this sounds silly but, at the age of 81, I’ve fallen in love. I was widowed four years ago, and certainly wasn’t looking for a new relationship. I had a long and happy marriage and accepted that, at my age, I was going to be on my own. Then I met a man at a University of the Third Age (U3A) event, and we really clicked. My children are horrified. I don’t want to upset them, but I do want to spend time with him. I’m having fun. Should I give him up? Diana, Bristol A Your letter made me smile with pleasure. Who says we are ever too old to fall in love? Of course, you mustn’t…

‘To Mr Dear, it’s a reminder of the horrors of childhood’ Mr Dear is usually the most mild-mannered of men. As a general rule, you can only tell he’s cross when his moustache twitches slightly. If it’s merely a matter of slight irritation, an eyebrow might be raised a fraction. You just have to learn to read the signs. Today, though, the signs are all too clear. The moustache is not just twitching a little; it looks as if someone has put 2,000 volts through it. If it danced any more vigorously, it would easily make the semi-finals of Britain’s Got Talent. ‘How could you?’ says Mr D. ‘Well I didn’t know, did I?’ ‘Of course you knew,’ he said. ‘What really hurts is the way you went behind my…