Innholdsfortegnelse for 06-Nov-2018 i Woman's Weekly

When I was younger, I remember chatting to my mum about her experience of ageing, and her telling me that you never feel older inside, it’s just that your body finds it less easy to do the things it used to. Nowadays I know what she meant, though I like to think we get a bit wiser, too. However, as we mature, some of us also become less interested in the latest innovations, and email is one example. You’ll see my email address below, and I always like to hear from readers, whether it’s praise or criticism. But if you’re the sort of person (old or young!) who’s more comfortable with a letter, we love receiving those as well! Our address is on p5. Star style Do have a look…

YOU WILL NEED ✿ 50 x 70cm plain cotton canvas ✿ Multicoloured cotton offcuts for appliqués ✿ Bondaweb ✿ Scissors ✿ Sewing machine 1 CREATE THE FRAYED edge on the tea towel by pulling out a couple of threads on each side of the plain cotton canvas. 2 TEMPLATES ENLARGE THE by 300% and use to cut out four pears, four leaves and a partridge, wing and tummy from the different cotton fabrics. 3 FUSE THE Bondaweb to the reverse of the appliqué pieces, peel away the paper backing and fuse to one of the short edges of the tea towel, with the partridge in the middle and two pears either side. 4 WITH YOUR SEWING MACHINE set to a short and narrow zigzag stitch, sew the pears and partridge…

...Explore Women Who Shaped Manchester From the mill workers to the protesters who galvanised the streets, a new exhibition in The John Rylands Library tells stories of exceptional women from Manchester’s past. There’s even a letter by Emmeline Pankhurst. ✿ Until 10 March. Visit library.manchester.ac.uk. ...Visit Light Up Lancaster The annual festival sees thousands take to the streets after dark for a magical city-wide experience and illuminated art trail, culminating in a spectacular fireworks display (2-3 November). The trail literally shines a new light on the city’s familiar places, with huge projections, artworks and installations illuminating buildings, squares, parks and monuments. ✿ Visit lightuplancaster.co.uk for details ...Book Mozartfest Enjoy concerts and recitals by top-notch musicians in Bath’s atmospheric venues until 17 November. Classical performances will be given in the opulent Assembly…

‘I prefer when everyone’s at each other’s throats!’ Life’s just irritating, isn’t it?’ That’s how Jo Brand jokingly begins our chat as we sit down together (she’s 10 minutes late as she’s been stuck in traffic) – and we wouldn’t have expected anything less from the comedian who’s a self-titled Grumpy Old Woman. Jo may have turned 61 in July, but she’s still doing the school run with her two daughters with husband Bernie Bourke – Maisie, 17, and Eliza, 15. And she confesses it can take its toll. ‘Do I feel 61?’ she asks. ‘No! I feel about 95 today, and some days about 59. A lot of the time, I have to do the sort of day where I wake up at half four, can’t get back to…

This week’s columnist: Nadia Sawalha What have we become? It’s a question my husband and I ponder an awful lot these days. For most of our adult lives, we have been pretty damn rock ‘n’ roll. We have always been the never-say-no-to-a-party, live-for-the-now, never-put-anything-away-for-a-rainy-day kind of people. Up for fun, up for frivolity, up for frolics – and never thinking of the future! Our weekends would invariably involve parties, dinners out, clubs, premières or having like-minded hedonists round to ours for dos that always ran into the early hours. All of which would, of course, result in us spending most Sundays nursing a hangover and ruminating about all the aliens out there in the world that were doing all those ghastly, middle-aged things like running, gardening or DIY! If you’d…

Traditional Christmas pudding Make this classic pud as far in advance as possible for a fully developed flavour. SERVES 8 ✿ 100g (3½oz) dried apricots, finely chopped ✿ 100g (3½oz) dried cranberries ✿ 200g (7oz) sultanas, raisins or currants ✿ 100g (3½oz) prunes, finely chopped ✿ 75g (2½oz) blanched almonds, roughly chopped ✿ 50g (2oz) mixed candied peel, finely chopped ✿ 50g (2oz) candied ginger, finely chopped ✿ 1 Bramley apple, peeled, cored and grated ✿ Zest of 1 lemon ✿ Zest and juice of 1 orange ✿ 100ml (3½fl oz) brandy, rum, whisky or sweet sherry ✿ 75g (2½oz) unsalted butter, softened, plus extra for greasing ✿ 75g (2½oz) light muscovado sugar ✿ 1 large egg, beaten ✿ 125g (4 oz) self-raising flour, sifted ✿ 1tsp each mixed spice,…

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If you live with arthritis, it might feel like your symptoms get worse once the weather turns chilly. The most likely reason for increased pain is that frosty mornings or a sudden cold snap keeps us indoors, and our joints can get stiff due to lack of movement, which causes bad circulation. However, the good news is that if you experience more pain during the winter months, there are a variety of treatments available to help alleviate symptoms. LloydsPharmacy recommends a combined approach to pain relief. You could try pain relief medication alongside drug-free options and small lifestyle changes that’ll improve circulation. Keeping yourself warm is the first way tohelp manage arthritic pain. Dressing in layers, exercising regularly and keeping warm with plenty of hot drinks will all help you…

Q One of my son’s three children has always looked different from the others. Now he’s eight, he looks more than ever like one of their close friends, whose wife challenged him about it. He admitted that the friend and my daughter-in-law had an affair and the boy is his son. I can’t speak to her, and don’t feel the same way about the child. My son is devastated – he loves the boy as his own. Name and address withheld A This must have been a very shocking revelation, even if you’d suspected it. I expect you and your son are in shock and lost for what to say or do. It’s perfectly understandable at times like this, but slowly your body will go back to normal and you…

KNITTING EDITOR TERESA  This enchanting stocking-stitch jersey has a ring of marching elephants. There’s a sloping fastening at each side of the neck to make it easy to pull on. A BIT MORE TRICKY MEASUREMENTS To fit chest 48 (51) cm/19 (20) in. Actual measurements 50 (53) cm/19¾ (21) in. Side seam 14.5 (16) cm/5¾ (6¼) in. Length to shoulder 26.5 (29) cm/10½ (11½) in. Sleeve seam 16 (18) cm/6¼ (7) in. MATERIALS 2 (2) 50g (226m) balls of Sirdar Country Style 4ply (40% nylon, 30% wool, 30% acrylic) in Cream (411), 1 (1) ball in Blue (Lupin 429) and a small amount in each of Lime (Key Lime 641), Red (Bakewell 621) and Grey (Silver Cloud 434)*. Pair each of 2.75 (No. 12) and 3.25mm (No. 10) knitting needles;…

The Kite Runner  by Khaled Hosseini, (Bloomsbury Publishing, PB, £6.99) The Story It’s 1975 in Kabul, Afghanistan, and 12-year-old Amir, son of a rich merchant, is desperate to win the local kite-fighting tournament. His loyal friend and servant Hassan promises to help, but events on that day change everything, and the once inseparable boys grow apart. After the Soviet invasion, Amir and his family flee to the US. But Amir knows he must return to right past wrongs. What we loved A heartbreakingly beautiful tale set amid the trauma suffered by the Afghans. Loving and loyal, Hassan is endlessly endearing. Not so sure... Amir’s actions on the day of the competition are hard to see past and painful to read. You’ll be glad you did, though. Our verdict A one-of-a-kind…

The trouble with poking your nose into other people’s romantic affairs is that everyday life so often gets in the way. This week, for instance, I’ll bet you’ve tuned in for the latest news about Clare and Ben, my lovely young colleagues at the charity shop? Has Clare decided to throw in her lot with the mysterious man she met at a wedding, and who has been texting her relentlessly (which is, it seems, the modern way when it comes to romance). Has Ben decided to take up a once-in-a-lifetime bargain offer with the young lady he met at Waitrose? I was honestly going to mention all this, but instead we had a bit of an ‘empty cupboards’ crisis at home, and so you join us instead in Tesco, where…

Gorgeous grasses I thought you might like to see this picture of our front garden. We recently cleared out a lot of old shrubs and planted grasses. We bought one Pennisetum and one Imperata and split them to make smaller plants. We already had some ‘Elijah Blue’ in the back garden and moved it. We have planted spring bulbs weaved in among the grass. It was very interesting to read the article in Woman’s Weekly a week later, suggesting the same plants we had used! Karen Mullen, Somerset Look what I made I thought Woman’s Weekly readers might like to see these two dogs I made – I don’t think my daughter’s little dog was very impressed with her lookalike though! Eleanor Wolfe, Chester Together in song Ours is one…

Pia Strickland, 71 Tell us about your look… I really love clothes and enjoy keeping up with the latest trends. I’d say my look is modern and elegant – softly tailored, fitted pieces suit me best. My forest green coat – and my boots – are from Zara and my grey check dress is Weekend MaxMara. My bright blue bag is from John Lewis. I love to add a dash of unexpected colour! And the best bit of your body? I’m quite happy with all of it. Sue Ellen Mann, 65 Tell us about your look… I’ve just got back from Florida where I bought this coat. It’s by Ann Taylor. It’s a bold design but I thought it would be great for both workdays and weekends. I’ll wear it…

To clean your showerhead, fill a plastic bag with 2tsp of baking soda and half a cup of vinegar. Attach it to the showerhead with an elastic band. Turn the shower on to fill the bag. Next day, the scum will just fall away. Keep your bathroom bin smelling fresh by sprinkling a light layer of baking soda at the bottom. If you have tiles in your bathroom, sweep or vacuum them before you start cleaning with a mop. This will make sure there isn’t any dust left on the floor and make for an easier clean.…

Cate Blanchett Looking ravishing in ruffles, the 49-year-old uses glam accessories to make this dress ideal for formal occasions. Dame Helen Mirren Not one to shy away from colour, Dame Helen, 73, makes a statement in a bold coat and printed flats. Team with neutrals to let the showstoppers shine. Sally Field The smart and sophisticated Sally, 71, shows us how to mix and match tailored items with ease opting for contrasting colours and just a hint of print. Susan Sarandon Susan, 72, looks chic and effortless wrapped in her colourful shawl. It complements her printed shirt and on-point brogues – a favourite footwear choice of the star!…

Any mention of the First World War inevitably conjures up grainy, black-and-white images of men in muddy trenches. Yet this war was won almost as much by the efforts of women as it was by the men who fought. From August 1914, women rushed to volunteer and, over the next four years, became employed in a wide range of activities both at home and abroad. The land girls kept the country in food Often working long hours at tough jobs for very little pay, they certainly made less than their male counterparts. As well as nurses, typically drawn from the upper and middle classes, women were ambulance drivers, tram conductors, police officers, clerks, postwomen, factory workers and bricklayers, among other things, while the land girls kept the farms going and…

✿ Exercise and stay as active and sociable as possible – it’s good for your health, and provides welcome distraction. ✿ Talking treatment such as cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) can help reduce anxiety, stress and depression. ✿ Tinnitus sounds louder in quiet environments and can affect sleep. Try sound therapy – natural sound recordings, such as waves, relaxing music or a static, wearable sound generator. ✿ Get information and support from the British Tinnitus Association (Helpline 0800 018 0527, tinnitus.org.uk)…

My health started to worry me when I was 53. My dad had a stroke at 50 and my mum had health problems, so when I hit my 50s overweight and unfit, I thought: Here we go… I weighed 100kg (15st 7lb) and hadn’t exercised regularly since my teens. I had a civil-servant desk job and when my office introduced a cycle-to-work scheme where I could buy a bike with a tax-free loan, I thought it’d be a great way to shape up. I hadn’t ridden a bike since childhood but how hard can it be? The answer was much harder than I thought! I was fine with the balance but it made me so out of breath. I managed to ride half a mile before collapsing with legs like…

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THE STORY SO FAR: As the inhabitants of Fortescue House continue to suffer the misery and deprivations of the Great War, only Alfie – a baby abandoned on the doorstep – has brought joy into all their lives. Even Lord Fortescue’s injured and traumatised brother David has been cheered by his presence, and Lady Fortescue’s maid Elsie, mourning the death of her beloved fiancé Will, has found new hope in caring for Alfie. But one night, Elsie returns from visiting her sister, who works in a munitions factory, to find the house in turmoil. Alfie has woken up and no-one can console him. Elsie rushes to soothe him, but the wailing has left David terrified, reminding him of the screaming shells of battle. His shell shock, always close to the…

Save seeds and save money Raising plants from home-saved seeds is very satisfying, and makes economic sense too. But you need to choose plants carefully to avoid disappointment. The seeds of highly bred F1 hybrids, for example, will always make inferior plants than their parents. However, open-pollinated or heirloom varieties rely on bees and other pollinators visiting compatible plants in the area. These will usually (but not always) produce offspring of the same colour, size and height as the original plants. ✿ ALLOW THE SEED HEADS TO RIPEN FOR AS LONG AS POSSIBLE but protect them from the worst of the weather with a paper bag. Cut off the seed head as soon as the pods start to split. ✿ PUT THE SEED HEADS ON A PAPER-LINED TRAY in a…

1 Headache? See the dentist Teeth-grinding at night (signs of which your dentist can spot) is a common cause of headache, and 8-10% of us do it – especially drinkers, smokers and caffeine lovers. ‘A mouthguard from the dentist is a good temporary solution. But, if you’re in pain, ask about an upper or lower splint to alter the way your jaw muscles work,’ says Clare Chavasse, principal dentist at Titchfield Dental Health. 2 Be mindful People who say pain is in the mind may be on to something. Nikki Harman, aka The Mindful Nurse, explains, ‘Imagine your pain as something physical – it might be a cartoon character, a shape or a colour. As you breathe, visualise something destroying that image.’ 3 Eat chocolate The…

Author Jan Robinson says, ‘Everyone’s experience of grief is unique, and there’s no set deadline for getting over it. Instead, people need to focus on finding their own way to adapt to life without a loved one. Similarly, don’t feel the pressure to fill up your new world with distractions. This may help in the short term, but in the long term the smallest sources of happinesses can be just as comforting. A good book, a beautiful view. Appreciate it all.’ Tip from Widows by Jan Robinson (Bloomsbury, £8.99) is out now.…

Tinnitus means hearing sounds in one or both ears that aren’t coming from outside. Normal incoming sound passes through the eardrum and middle ear to the inner ear, which sends signals along the auditory nerve to the brain. Anything affecting this pathway can trigger ‘fake’ sounds. Tinnitus affects 10% of us in later life, but a third of us have experienced temporary tinnitus. There’s rarely a serious cause, but help is available if it’s intrusive or distressing. The causes Most tinnitus is subjective – only you can hear it – and often due to age-related changes or noise damage from loud music (speakers or personal headphones), sudden bangs or loud machinery at work or home. Duration matters, too (see tinnitus.org.uk/how-loud-is-loud). Wear ear protection at work if sound levels exceed 85…

1 Inform yourself Make sure you understand why it’s necessary, what to expect and any after-effects. Tell the doctor/nurse if you’re nervous – they’ll try to put you at ease. 2 Ask for privacy You should be offered privacy for undressing, a disposable sheet or gown to cover your modesty and a trained chaperone if required. Request these if they’re not offered. 3 Take time to decide If you weren’t expecting the examination and would rather think about it, ask if there would be any medical risk in putting it off and re-booking. 4 Prepare mentally If you avoid certain checks because you’re embarrassed, your health could be at risk. Relaxation or CBT techniques may help you with any anxiety you feel.…

Go with an open heart to heal your relationship Q My daughter and I haven’t spoken since we fell out four years ago. In this time, she’s had two children I’ve never met. Out of the blue, she wrote to say she thought we should meet so the children know they have another gran. She suggested we meet in a park and have a cup of tea in the cafe. They live two hours from us, so it seems a long way to go just to sit in a park cafe. I’d like to see them, but I think my daughter should give us a meal. My husband says I should just be grateful and do whatever she wants. Jenny, Bristol AI’m with him. Your daughter has held out an…

RUDOLPH’S FAVOURITE RED DON’T GO GREEN WITH ENVY HAVE A WHITE CHRISTMAS THEY’LL BE TICKLED PINK AS GOOD AS GOLD EVERYBODY LOVES BLUE…

The Ensemble by Aja Gabel (Riverhead, PB, £12.99) This wonderful debut novel, in which Gabel delves into the cut-throat world of music, follows the lives of four classical musicians in a string quartet. The demands and tensions of playing together mirror their personal journeys in life, and we see them balancing careers and family, heartbreak, marriage and ambition. The principal themes of family and belonging make for a thoughtful, sometimes melancholic, and beautifully written book. Every Breath by Nicholas Sparks (Sphere, HB, £18.99) Sunset Beach is the place where two souls meet. Hope and Tru are drawn together. Hope has been protected by the comfort of her long-term relationship for six years, but, with her father ill, she comes to realise that if she wants to be happy, she must…

Aries 21 Mar – 20 Apr Anything connected with sport, music, drama and creativity is well aspected this week. Taurus 21 Apr – 21 May Don’t have your week too neatly planned, as everything may change at the last minute. Stay flexible. Gemini 22 May – 21 Jun Try see the funny side, and not take everything too seriously. You’ll see magic unfold around you. Cancer 22 Jun – 23 Jul Find that quiet place inside you where all is at peace, and your external world will fall into place. Leo 24 Jul – 23 Aug Financially, you may receive some good news, or an opportunity may come your way. Connect with new people as much as possible. Virgo 24 Aug – 23 Sep You can be productive this week…