Innholdsfortegnelse for 14-Sep-2021 i Woman's Weekly

Getting away together As I write this, I’m sitting overlooking a Devon valley, on holiday. It feels like the world and their dog are down here with us having a summer break, too, and I’m sure the same is the case in the Peak District, the Yorkshire Dales, Snowdonia, the Highlands and all the other much-loved holiday destinations across the UK. However, while we might normally be tempted to quietly complain that there are too many tourists everywhere, clogging up the roads, this year it feels different. You only have to see the smiling faces of business owners and their staff to see how much the return of thriving normal life means to us all.…

Habitat highway Great news for wildlife in Scotland – a new ‘natural corridor’ will link together diverse landscapes, creating a chain of rich habitats where native birds and animals can thrive. Working alongside rural communities, the Northwoods Rewilding Network will connect smaller nature recovery sites, including farms and estates. By doing this, the project hopes to rescue species in decline. At some sites, cattle and horses will disperse seeds and boost insect numbers through their grazing patterns. Visit scotlandbigpicture.com SOMERSET STUDIOS Get a behind-the-scenes look at the creative processes of over 300 artists at the Somerset Art Works’ Open Studios event. Whether you’re interested in stained-glass mosaics, printmaking, ceramics or aerial photography, there are artworks and workshops to discover for free. Open from 18 September to 3 October, plan ahead…

A broken bone A break – particularly of the wrist, spine or hip – is often the first obvious sign of weakening bones or the bone-thinning condition osteoporosis, which affects an estimated three million women in the UK. ✣ If you’re 50 or over, talk to your GP about a bone density (DEXA) scan to check for osteoporosis. ✣ Consider medication. If you’re diagnosed with osteoporosis, your GP can prescribe tablets, such as alendronic acid, to reduce the rate of bone loss. ✣ Maintain a healthy BMI. A Body Mass Index below 20 can put you at higher risk of osteoporosis, partly because you’re starting with less bone to begin with. ‘Often, those with a low BMI have a restricted diet, which can affect the nutrients they eat,’ says Kirsty…

‘Art is a great way for me to connect with others’ ‘It was over 30 years before I’d pick up a paintbrush again’ Rekha Rajesh, 69, is retired and lives in Birmingham. ‘Rekha,’ my teacher said, smiling at me. ‘You’ve won first prize!’ It was 1961, I was nine and, unbeknown to me, my Art teacher had entered my picture of a market scene in a children’s painting competition with the Lions Club, in Pune in India, where we lived. I still remember how proud my parents were. Sadly, in 1964 we moved away. My new school in Chennai (formerly Madras) was fine, but I was devastated to learn it had no Art department. Although I continued to make my own Christmas cards and bookmarks, my schoolwork took over. I…

I beat cancer twice – 40 YEARS APART I was diagnosed with cancer of the caecum (a pouch in the intestines) more than 45 years ago, just days after giving birth to my son Matt. I had surgery and around a metre of my colon removed. In 2009, I could feel a pressure on my throat and a choking sensation. It was a benign (non-cancerous) thyroid goitre – an enlargement of the thyroid gland, and I had surgery to remove the growth. Then in 2013, I felt it again and knew something was wrong. I feared the worst. This time it was thyroid cancer. But I was very philosophical about it and I didn’t panic. I had surgery on the thyroid, but it wasn’t safe to cut too deep,…

Simple and serene Known for their peaceful, meditative atmosphere, Japanese gardens are restrained and subtle, focusing on shape and texture rather than lots of exuberant flowers. Using three main elements – stone, water and plants – you can achieve this stunning style in any garden, even a tiny courtyard. And, without a lawn and lots of flowering plants to look after, it’s a low-cost, low-maintenance option too. The perfect plant palette Evergreen and architectural plants abound – think pine, gingko, acer, azalea and camellia. Bamboos are also typical – choose clump-forming types that are less invasive and won’t pop up in next-door’s garden, or plant them in a container. If you have a pond, edge it with hostas, ferns and irises. The cherry (Prunus) has a special place in Japanese…

THE STORY SO FAR: Seventeen-year-old Lady Elinor has been captivated by a mystery knight, Sir Henry Latimer. Scullery maid Joan and kitchen boy Tom smuggle her out of the manor to meet Sir Henry in secret, but her uncle, Sir Gerald, arrives unexpectedly with his men. Sir Henry has to flee as Sir Gerald is determined Elinor will marry Sir Richard Tremaine, to whom he owes money. Wrongly believing that Joan and Tom have betrayed her, Elinor sacks them both. Sir Gerald discovers that Sir Henry has the de Bohun family seal, entrusted to him by Elinor’s dying father Sir John, to give to Elinor’s mother Lady Margaret. Sir Gerald wants Sir Henry dead and sends his men to kill him. If he can get his hands on the seal,…

A HOLIDAY An obvious one, given where I am right now, but the cares of the world seem to disappear when you’re away from home. A MASSAGE Many people have never tried this, thinking it might be embarrassing or uncomfortable, but if that’s you, think again! READING Losing yourself in a good book is surely one of the greatest pleasures there is? I can think of few better ways to unwind.…

1 Ripen tomatoes As temperatures drop, cut off green trusses of tomatoes and bring them indoors to ripen. Pop them in a paper bag and store somewhere warm – or close to bananas! 2 Plant bulbs Plan ahead for vibrant displays of colour early next year by planting spring-flowering bulbs. These include crocuses, tulips, snake’s-head fritillaries, hyacinths and daffodils. 3 Tend to strawberries Clear away used straw around strawberry plants, to avoid harbouring pests over winter. For extra plants for next year, pot up any strawberry runners.…

As one of the faces of Strictly Come Dancing, we’ll soon be treated to weekly doses of Claudia Winkleman up until Christmas – and that’s never a bad thing in our minds. The quirky TV presenter has co-hosted the BBC1 dancing competition, alongside Tess Daly, since 2014, and it’s impossible to imagine the programme without her now. But Claudia, 49, says she fears she has outstayed her welcome on the show! She says, ‘I can’t get over how lucky I have been and if it ended tomorrow I’d know I’ve had a great run. If Strictly called me tomorrow and said, “You’re done,” I’d get it.’ She’s been presenting on our screens for two decades now, and mum-of-three Claudia is the first one to admit she’s been incredibly lucky with…

Why is he tired all the time? Q My husband always complains about being tired. He is now fully retired and has a few voluntary activities, but otherwise he’s his own person. I do all the housework, help the kids and work a few hours a week. We’ve started to try and compete about which of us is the most tired, but I know that’s not helpful. Susie, Lowestoft A So what’s stopping you doing something different? He may well be tired and have less stamina than you. It isn’t a competition! If you need more help, then you need to ask for it. And if you’d prefer he kept his feelings about his tiredness to himself, you need to tell him. I’d advise you to focus on you and…

George had a shock when he saw the date on his calendar: 15 September. No! Surely, that was his wedding anniversary? ‘What’s the matter?’ asked Julie, his secretary. ‘I think today’s my wedding anniversary!’ George said. ‘You don’t know when it is, do you?’ ‘Sorry,’ she replied. ‘I’m new, remember? Lisa’s your second wife, isn’t she?’ ‘Yes,’ said George. ‘We’ve only been married a year.’ ‘A year! You’d better not forget your anniversary, then!’ George frowned. ‘It was definitely an autumn wedding…’ ‘Well, has Lisa given you a card today?’ asked Julie. ‘No… but I left before she was up.’ ‘You mean, you didn’t take her breakfast in bed?’ ‘No,’ said George miserably. His ex-wife had accused him of being unromantic. When he’d married Lisa, he’d vowed to change. ‘Kate,…

Lesley had two weeks of annual leave, and when her colleagues asked if she was going away, she’d shaken her head and told them she had a lot to do at home. She could tell by their faces she hadn’t sounded as if she was looking forward to it, and wished she’d smiled instead and said she intended to have a great time. But calling it ‘a lot to do’ was an understatement. How could you class ending your marriage as no more than ‘a lot to do’? Graham also had time off. They both had the same weeks every year. Lesley was dreading it, but she knew they couldn’t go on the way they were any longer. Hardly husband and wife, they were more like strangers sharing a house.…

ARIES 21 Mar – 20 Apr It’s a week for solving your problems. Thinking in new ways will be beneficial for you. Nothing is impossible! TAURUS 21 Apr – 21 May You may be feeling quite emotional. Give yourself an outlet to express yourself, even if it means keeping a journal for a while. GEMINI 22 May – 21 Jun Make sure you remember to move your body regularly. A gentle exercise regime can be easily implemented now. CANCER 22 Jun – 23 Jul Remember to be kind and gentle with yourself. You’re good at putting everyone else first. Now it’s your time! LEO 24 Jul – 23 Aug This is an excellent time for connecting with groups of like-minded people. You may be taking the lead and creating your…

Meet seven female artists who have led the way for women in art From being comparative rarities in past centuries, women artists have grown to become ever more successful in recent times, with more and more major exhibitions and awards. These trailblazers have put women well and truly on the artistic map. Dame Laura Knight 1877 – 1970 One of the most successful and best-loved artists of her time, Knight rose from an impoverished start in Derbyshire to become world-renowned. Working in oils, watercolours, etching, engraving and dry point, her paintings of landscapes and people embraced realism and, later, impressionism. She worked as an official war artist in World War Two. In 1929 she became a Dame and seven years later became the first woman elected to full membership of…

WHERE I’VE BEEN To Exmoor, where my latest book is set, on a holiday. I love its sense of drama, and how quiet and beautiful it is. WHAT I’VE SEEN I watched every season of Outlander with my stepson over lockdown and got absolutely hooked. It’s a historical drama in dual timelines and I’m in love with the character of Jamie [played by Sam Heughan]. WHO I’VE MET I met up with my best friend of 50 years. We first met in the nightclubs of Bristol in our teens and we’ve remained close. We fulfil the role of sister for each other. WHAT I’VE BOUGHT A lovely size 12 dress, now that I’ve lost a stone of lockdown weight.…

Creating your own simple remedies needn’t be daunting – it’s just like following a cake recipe. Start with something simple and you’ll soon find the confidence to be a little more daring, but be warned – it does become addictive! Apple cider vinegar This wonder cider costs pennies to make, can be used in salad dressings, is a useful aid to digestion and makes a good household cleaning spray. INGREDIENTS ✣3 small organic apples, chopped and washed (including peel and cores) ✣ 3tsp sugar ✣Approx 1ltr filtered or mineral water 1 Place the apples in a clean, wide-mouthed jar. 2 Mix the sugar with 200ml of the water until dissolved and pour on top of the apples. Add as much of the remaining water as is needed to cover apples.…

Scabies is very infectious. It’s caused by tiny mites laying eggs in the skin, leaving lines with a dot at one end. The rash is an allergic reaction to the mite or droppings, often between the fingers, and can cause intense itching, especially at night. The rash or spots may look red, spreading across the body, not usually on the head. Scabies isn’t usually serious, but needs treating. Your pharmacist will recommend a cream or lotion to apply over the body, which you need to repeat one week later. Everyone in the home, and anyone you’ve had sexual contact with in the past eight weeks, needs treating at the same time, even if symptomless. Scabies can make other skin conditions worse. ✣ Impetigo is common in children. It will improve…

SOFT CINNAMON PRETZEL These iconic knots are dipped in a solution of bicarbonate of soda and water to give them their dark sheen and flavour. PER SERVING 288 cals, 6g fat, 3g sat fat, 52g carbs MAKES 10 ✣600g (1¼lb) strong white bread flour ✣1tsp sea salt ✣30g (1oz) light brown sugar ✣ ½tsp cinnamon ✣7g sachet fast-action yeast ✣45g (1½oz) butter, softened ✣45g (1½oz) bicarbonate of soda For the topping: ✣15g (½oz) butter, melted ✣ 2tsp cinnamon ✣2tbsp caster sugar 1 Mix the flour, sea salt, sugar and cinnamon. Add the yeast and gradually incorporate 300ml (½pt) lukewarm water, followed by the butter. 2 Knead the dough until it feels elastic. It’s sufficiently kneaded when you can pull a piece thin enough to let the light through without it…

A Royal day out Proud locals will assure you that all of Norfolk is fit for a queen, but there’s one spot that holds royal hearts more than most. The beloved retreat of Sandringham has been in the Royal Family for four generations, ever since Queen Victoria gifted the estate to her son Prince Edward in 1862. The Duke and Duchess of Sussex spent their magical first Christmas together at the residence, but when the Royal Family aren’t visiting, Sandringham is open to the public. Wander the glorious gardens, full of sweeping lawns and shimmering lakes, and explore the grand house with its historic family portraits. Afterwards, enjoy afternoon tea in the on-site restaurant, where chefs use ingredients grown on the estate. Adult house and gardens tickets, £20; Afternoon Tea…