Innholdsfortegnelse for 04-May-2021 i Woman's Weekly

The darling buds of May It’s funny what you remember from childhood; often it’s the smallest, seemingly inconsequential things that stick in the mind for decade after decade. For example, I can barely remember my first day at senior school, which by any stretch of the imagination was a major life event, whereas I can still vividly recall being chosen to dance around a maypole one day as an enthusiastic infant. Perhaps it is because of that happy memory, but I love the fact that such historic and curious folk traditions are still surviving today, even in an age of laptops, tablets and social media. Find out more on page 10.…

ART INSPIRATION At the start of lockdown last year, I couldn’t work and had time on my hands. I decided to get my paintbrushes out and begin painting pictures. At first I did some sketches outside and then I decided to have a go using acrylic paints. I hadn’t used them much before and was a bit nervous. I needn’t have been, as they were easy to use and dried quickly. We were supposed to be visiting our daughter in Australia for the first time this January, but unfortunately due to COVID-19, we couldn’t go. Instead, I painted this koala to remind us of where she lives and to bring her closer. You never know, we may be able to go next year. Alison Payne, Rugby…

Many people have spent the past year learning new skills and taking on new hobbies, but Katherine Kelly has insisted she’s not one of them – as she simply hasn’t had time. The 41-year-old actor has been at home with her daughters, Orla, six, and Rose, four, and tells us, ‘I had no time to do anything like that. I became teacher/ dinner lady/cleaner, so it was very, very busy!’ Unlike many of her peers, Katherine has been working continuously throughout the pandemic, and the upcoming second series of her ITV drama, Innocent, was ‘one of the first TV shows out of the starting blocks,’ Katherine explains. She has also been filming a second series of Gentleman Jack since November, and she feels very grateful, especially when she compares herself…

1 Install open shelving Swap overpowering wall cupboards for a set of simple shelves and hanging hooks. Hang pots and pans from the ceiling, or mugs and utensils from wall hooks for a stylish display that doubles up as storage. 2 Go gloss Ditch the matt paint in favour of a lacquered finish on cabinets. The high-shine gloss will help to make your small space feel bigger, as well as bouncing light around the room. 3 Be flexible Think creatively when it comes to storage solutions inside your cupboards. Maximise your available space with built-in bins, wire rack pull-outs, handy interior turntables and shelf stackers. 4 Get the lighting right Try to work some task lighting into your kitchen revamp too. Along with regular ceiling lights,…

More than 20 years ago, when the Queen and the Duke of Edinburgh celebrated their golden wedding anniversary, a touching moment passed between them as they toasted one another in public. ‘I think the main lesson we have learnt is that tolerance is the one essential ingredient in any happy marriage,’ the Duke said. ‘You can take it from me, the Queen has the quality of tolerance in abundance.’ ‘He was a father and grandfather, who guided his family when times were tough’ It was typical of a man who saw himself as little more than ‘a refugee’ who had somehow managed to win the heart of the most famous woman in the world. He was plain-speaking, often controversial, but always self-deprecating and devoted to his Queen and adopted country.…

The gut is home to trillions of bacteria, known as the gut microbiome. These bacteria need to be balanced and, if they’re out of whack, there’s a knock-on effect on our wellbeing. ✣ To help keep it healthy, eat the rainbow – and that doesn’t mean sweets! Balance your meals with fruit and vegetables to maximise the amount of nutrients, antioxidants and feel-good polyphenols that will feed your stomach, but also satisfy your gut. ✣ Keep regular – that includes your bowels and daily habits! Keeping a regular schedule for eating, exercising, working and taking breaks may sound boring, but it’ll help to keep your gut health, mood, physical health and bowels in check – and you’ll feel amazing for it. ✣ Beat the bloat – bloating is a problem…

As women reach their 40s, natural fertility declines but unintended pregnancies do still happen. Unprotected sexual intercourse over one year has significant pregnancy risk; there is a 10-20% chance if aged 40-44, and 12% if 45-49. Contraception can be stopped once aged 55, even if still menstruating, as spontaneous conception then is extremely rare. Hormonal fluctuations and sporadic ovulation during the perimenopause mean hormone levels (oestradiol, FSH and LH) can’t predict sterility or reflect menopausal status. Physiological menopause is diagnosed retrospectively, after one year without periods if over 50, or two years without periods if under 50. Blood tests aren’t routinely used, but post-menopausal low levels of serum oestradiol and raised levels of FSH and LH are a general guide. Age alone doesn’t preclude any specific contraception, but it does…

✣ If you feel you’ve made a mistake, use the heat tool to move colours around until you’re happy, or simply add another layer of resin. ✣ If you intend to do regular resin crafts, wear a respirator mask as you work. Overexposure to resin can be harmful. Cured/hardened resin is safe, it’s only when it’s liquid that there may be fumes from the chemicals, which is why ventilation is required. ✣ Be conscious of the time. When you’re marbling, it’s easy to want to keep working but your resin kit will tell you how long it’s workable for. Some kits are just 15 minutes, others remain workable for 40 minutes or an hour. ✣ The ambient temperature can affect resin curing times, so don’t start work on the next…

CATHERINE SUMMERS, 48 Tell us about your look The green-gold colour of these trousers from French Connection (in the sale last year) is gorgeous. I love how they drape over my chunky trainers! The top is ASOS and I’ve had my peach jacket for years. Women should wear what they like and not worry about being ‘age appropriate’. And the best bit of your body? My hair. I’m loving my rose gold colour. CORAL MANSON, 48 Tell us about your look My duster coat is by Sonder Studio. It’s perfect for adding some sunshine on a rainy day! My stripe top is from Joules, jeans by Cabi and bag from Radley. I’ve worked in the fashion industry for over 20 years and love sharing my outfit ideas. And the best…

“I’m not one to rubbish other people’s belief systems – particularly as someone who had her own house feng shui-ed to get rid of any rogue karma. The previous inhabitants had moved out to get divorced, so I felt the need to take precautions. So far, so good. I thank the rose quartz and wind chimes for keeping my marriage intact. ‘Every sneeze or whisper can be heard’ But I do remember being told it wasn’t good karma to have fake flowers in the kitchen. Or maybe it was if they were south facing, or if the leaves were spiky? This concern about faux foliage was troubling me as I began to tackle my new obsession: neighbourly privacy during lockdown. Like most of us, my movements were very limited over…

‘If anything, it’s made me more successful’ Daniela Messenger, 42, is a revenue accountant from London. As my mother is deaf, I had a 50% chance of being born with hearing issues. But, initially, it was thought I could hear normally. It was only when I was seven, and doctors realised I couldn’t hear certain high-frequency sounds, that anyone realised there was something wrong. Until then, my teacher had branded me as lazy and even made me wear a dunce’s cap at times – when actually I couldn’t hear instructions properly. ‘My teacher even made me wear a dunce’s cap at times’ Over the years, I learnt to lip-read and developed tricks to cope with ordinary life – such as keeping an eye on the netball referee in case I…

WEAR WRAPAROUND SUNGLASSES ‘They will also protect the areas surrounding your eyes from pollen,’ says ophthalmologist Alastair Lockwood; feelgoodcontacts.com WASH REGULARLY Pollen gathers easily on your skin. ‘Washing your hands and face (including the areas around your eyes) can clear away pollen before it causes irritation,’ says Alastair. TRY NEW CONTACTS If you wear contact lenses, enquire about replacing your lenses daily. ‘That way you’ll guarantee that you’ll be applying pollen-free lenses,’ says Alastair.…

I wish I could be more positive Q I know we’ve been living through some pretty difficult times and that we’re all preoccupied with it, but I constantly wonder how much this helps us. Of course, knowing the rules and keeping to them matters, but wouldn’t we be better off focusing on some of life’s positive elements? How do I get back to ‘normal’ in my head? Androulla, London A You stop your thoughts! Every time you think about COVID-19 or the circumstances, say ‘stop!’ and ask yourself what you need to focus on, then go and do it. This will change your thinking, and you’ll find you have a different focus. Limiting your exposure to the internet and TV will also help. Will a work romance cause an issue?…

SEEDLING SAVVY Seedlings grown on a cosy windowsill can easily be shocked when planted outdoors. So get them used to windy, wet and cool conditions by ‘hardening off’. Put them outside, in a sheltered place, for a few hours each day, gradually increasing the length of time over one to two weeks. You can encourage the growth of sturdier stems by brushing them, which mimics the action of wind. Simply stroke the tops once or twice a day. SPICE IT UP For something unusual and useful, try Sichuan pepper (Zanthoxylum), a hardy bush that can be grown in sun or partial shade, in a bed or container. Its yellow-green flowers ripen into berries over summer, and the seed husks are harvested to be used in Chinese dishes. See Jekka’s Herb…

1 Pond Weed Remove blanket weed and duckweed from your pond. Leave the removed weeds next to your pond overnight so hidden insects can return to the water. 2 Check on forget-me-nots They’re a beautiful addition to our gardens, but these pretty plants can easily get out of hand. Lift them to prevent heavy self-seeding. 3 Thin out veg Vegetable seedlings, such as carrots, lettuce and spinach, should be thinned out now, so they grow to their full size without competing for nutrients and water.…

Maureen O’Neale, 1955 Here I am with my cousin Val when we were both 17. I’m wearing a pink dress that had lots of petticoats, which I bought in C&A, and I had pink high heels to match. Val wore a pencil slim skirt and high heels. ✢ 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.…

✣ In Oxford, a Latin hymn, or carol, of thanksgiving is sung on May Day morning from the top of Magdalen College Tower, then the college bells are rung and morris dancing starts in the streets. ✣ One of the most famous Jack-in-the-Green parades takes place in Hastings, East Sussex, with the streets of the old town packed with May Day revellers. ✣ Since 1988, a modern interpretation of a Beltane celebration has taken place in Edinburgh. This spectacular event features a procession to pounding drums, followed by acrobatics, bonfires, flaming torches and, for some, the discarding of clothes for a little naked dancing. ✣ Padstow in Cornwall is famously decked out in greenery for the May Day ’Obby ’Oss festival, as two processions led by dancing ‘hobby horses’ cavort…

RASPBERRY SPONGE LAYER CAKE WITH PISTACHIO CREAM The combination of light, fruity sponge and a luxurious pistachio-speckled buttercream is a perfect match. SERVES 12 For the sponge: ✣ 300g (10oz) butter ✣ 300g (10oz) caster sugar ✣ 6 eggs ✣ 300g (10oz) self-raising flour, plus 2tbsp extra ✣ 200g (7oz) raspberries (reserve 8 of them) For the buttercream: ✣ 150g (5oz) pistachios, unroasted ✣ 200g (7oz) butter ✣ 350g (12oz) icing sugar ✣ Zest and juice of ½ lemon To assemble: ✣ 200g (7oz) raspberry jam ✣ Icing sugar, to dust (optional) You will need: ✣ 3 x 20cm (8in) cake tins, greased and lined; and a piping bag (optional) 1 Heat the oven to 180C/ Gas 4. For the sponge, beat the butter and sugar together until light and…

✣ A heartbreaking childhood ✣ His enduring legacy ✣ A lifelong loving union ✣ His personal passions Welcome to this very special commemorative edition, to remember His Royal Highness The Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh. Often, it’s only when someone we know has passed away that we can really come to understand how much they contributed in life. I imagine that Prince Philip, in his trademark self-depreciatory way, would have expected little public reaction to his passing – and yet, of course, the very opposite was the case. Suddenly it seemed to come into clear focus how much this modest man had contributed to our nation, and to his wife and Queen. That such an obvious alpha male adapted so well to being forever the supporting act is impressive, but…

She knew, apparently, from the very moment they were introduced 82 years ago. Aged just 13, Princess Elizabeth blushed furiously whenever the handsome Navy cadet Philip Mountbatten – her third cousin and five years her senior – so much as glanced in her direction. Elizabeth, along with her parents and sister Princess Margaret, was visiting the Britannia Royal Naval College in Dartmouth, and Philip had been appointed to entertain the princesses. Governess Marion Crawford missed nothing, recalling how impressed her young charge had been when Philip leapt across the nets on the tennis court. ‘How high he jumps, Crawfie!’ she’d declared. It was to be several years before the dashing officer would suddenly realise this shy young schoolgirl had grown up… and romance truly blossomed. Theirs was a discreet courtship…

It’s the UK’s first at-home test for urinary tract infections (UTIs). Launched by Superdrug in response to a rise in UTIs during lockdown, the TestCard kit allows women to test for and treat UTIs at home. The kit’s innovative technology turns your smartphone into a clinical-grade scanner as reliable as professional dipstick-reading services at hospitals and GP surgeries. Follow-up treatment consultation is available via Superdrug’s Online Doctor service – see onlinedoctor.superdrug.com…

Difficulty level YOU WILL NEED ✣Metal tray (this one measures 32cm diameter) ✣Epoxy resin kit (contains resin and hardener) ✣Epoxy resin pigment paste in opaque white and metallic gold ✣Epoxy resin alcohol ink in teal, blue and black ✣Craft heat tool ✣Disposable plastic cups ✣ Wooden stirrers ✣ Disposable gloves ✣ Measuring jug Suppliers: Try resin8.co.uk for resin craft supplies. Gold metal hammered tray, £10, Dunelm. Note: Always work in a well-ventilated space and wear protective gloves when working with resin. 1 First, calculate how much resin you need. Fill a measuring jug with water and pour in the tray until it’s half full. For this tray 800ml of water was needed. Adjust the measurements according to your tray. Clean and dry the tray thoroughly. 2 In one cup, pour…

Difficulty level MEASUREMENTS To fit ages 6-12 (12-18) (24-36) (36-48) months. Actual measurements 56.5 (65) (73) (81.5) cm/22¼ (25½) (28¾) (32) in. Side seam 15.5 (19.5) (21.5) (25.5) cm/6 (7½) (8½) (10) in. Length to shoulder 28 (32) (36) (40) cm/11 (12½) (14) (15¾) in. Sleeve seam with cuff turned back 18 (20) (22) (24) cm/ 7 (8) (8½) (9½) in. MATERIALS 3 (4) (4) (5) 100g (212m) balls of Sirdar Cotton DK (100% cotton) in Seafoam (542)*. Pair each of 3.75mm (No. 9) and 4mm (No. 8) knitting needles; a cable needle; removable stitch markers or contrast thread; safety pins or small stitch holders. Yarn is available from theknittingnetwork.com TENSION 22 stitches and 28 rows, to 10 x 10cm, over stocking stitch, using 4mm needles. 24 stitches and 32…

ARIES 21 Mar – 20 Apr Make sure you speak out for what is important to you. Show confidence and others will believe in you. TAURUS 21 Apr – 21 May Balance is your keyword this week. Don’t go to extremes and you’ll feel more relaxed and less stressed. GEMINI 22 May – 21 Jun This is a wonderful time for extending your social networks. Put yourself out there and you will be pleased with the results. CANCER 22 Jun – 23 Jul It’s time to set new priorities. What really matters to you? Are you living according to your new values? LEO 24 Jul – 23 Aug Focusing upon your health and wellbeing is very important. Self-discipline will be paramount in achieving your goals. VIRGO 24 Aug – 23…

Until Next Weekend by Rachel Marks (£6.99, PB, Penguin) Primary school teacher, Noah, has made mistakes in his life, but his biggest regret is the day his wife Kate walked out with their two boys, who he now only sees at weekends. He decides to do whatever it takes to get them back. Only Kate is marrying in six weeks. It’s an emotional story, but her lightness of touch – and authentic dialogue – propel you forward, willing the characters on. Her Last Holiday by CL Taylor (£12.99, HB, HarperCollins) Handsome and charismatic, it’s no wonder Tom is a successful wellness guru. But could he also be a killer? That’s what Fran is determined to find out after her younger sister, Jenna, disappears during one of Tom’s retreats. Alternating between…

“ You could have knocked me down with a feather. No wait, the days when you could actually knock me down with a feather are a distant memory. These days it would take the entire bird, and a pretty hefty one at that. So let’s cut out the colourful figures of speech and just say that the news was a bit of a surprise. There will now be a prolonged power struggle. Bookmakers will no doubt be offering odds on the outcome. There will be plots, and negotiations that will carry on long into the night (pausing only for coffee and sandwiches, oh, and perhaps a slice of that very tasty-looking Battenberg cake). What is this momentous news? Mrs Beasley has announced that she is stepping down as the manager…