Innholdsfortegnelse for 14-Jun-2022 i Woman's Weekly

A little slice of heaven I’ve always loved cooking, though my speciality is definitely savoury dishes – baking has always seemed like esoteric magic to me. But I certainly haven’t been deprived of cake as a result because my wife is a brilliant baker who whisks up amazing creations on a regular basis. And my daughter has inherited the same skills, so there’s rarely a day in our house when a slice of something heavenly isn’t available in a cake tin or the fridge. But in spite of all the chocolate cakes, frangipanes and mouth-watering biscuits I’ve tried, I tend to agree with Paul Hollywood on page 17, when he says you can’t beat a Victoria sponge!…

1 Trim herbs Help the plants keep their shape and grow better. The excess can be dried in the oven on a fan-only setting (ie, no heat), or frozen straight away. 2 Deadhead and feed roses Simply cut straight under the spent flower, or pinch off with your fingers, to help your rose to bloom again quickly. Use a high-potash pellet feed. 3 Pinch out tomato side shoots Check for any shoots sprouting between the leaf and stem of the plant. Remove the side shoots each time you water them.…

The immediate danger of COVID-19 seems to have receded, but we are still living with the after-effects. More than a million of us are believed to be living with long COVID – still suffering symptoms from the illness 12 weeks after the initial infection, or longer still. A recent study of patients at 39 NHS hospitals found that more than 70% of those admitted to hospital because of COVID-19 are still suffering complications from the virus a year later. And symptoms are also continuing for people whose initial infection of the virus was mild. Women appear to be affected more than men. Prominent symptoms are tiredness, breathlessness, brain fog, loss of taste/ smell and muscle aches. Insomnia, headaches and low mood/anxiety are common too. What you can do The first…

WHERE I’VE BEEN At home, researching for a trip to Mexico and tinkering in the garage. I love nothing more than pulling something apart and putting it back together again. WHAT I’VE SEEN My two cats being slowly introduced to each other. We have been negotiating feeding times and territorial behaviours. There’s been a lot of hissing. WHO I’VE MET Annabelle, my new kitten, who’s been keeping me up all night. She’s a Maine Coon – the largest domesticated cat breed in the world. They’re like small snow leopards. My other cat, Anassa, is a Maine Coon too – both of them are named after hotels I worked at in Cyprus. WHAT I’VE BOUGHT An e-bike. I can’t wait to get out there and have a go.…

‘Writing letters is inclusive, personal and intimate’ Dinah Johnson, 50, a gardener and founder of The Handwritten Letter Appreciation Society, lives in Swanage, Dorset, with her husband Scott, 52, and two children. Letter writing has always been part of my life. As a child, I enjoyed writing thank-you letters, and ones to friends who moved away, and to my grandparents. After sixth form I wrote to friends who went overseas. It has always been something I’ve done. There’s so much I love about it, from being a way to express ourselves — we can be flawed in a letter without the glare of the world upon us – to the beauty and uniqueness of a friend or loved one’s handwriting. I love that no matter who we are, or our…

As Irene flicked over the page of her Cute Kittens calendar, the date jumped out at her. Forty years of marriage! She knew Gary would remember, he always did, and the annual bunch of flowers would be delivered. Maybe it was her delight at receiving anything at all on their first anniversary that had encouraged him to continue giving flowers as an ongoing tradition. She’d been marginally disappointed when, on their 25th anniversary, the gift hadn’t changed, but it was a slightly larger bouquet. Gary was consistent if nothing else and, as this was his only flaw, she had nothing to complain about. He’d been brimming with romantic gestures before she’d married him, and she knew he still loved her. So what if it was flowers again for their ruby…

Hands up if you have to unbutton your waistband after a meal. You’re not alone. Millions of us experience bloating and it’s particularly common among women. It’s not great for confidence – and it isn’t comfortable, either. ‘Bloating has many causes, few of which are serious,’ says Woman’s Weekly GP Dr Gill Jenkins. But that feeling of fullness and excess wind can interfere with your daily life. ‘Most causes are related to gut issues,’ adds Dr Gill. Here’s how to help pinpoint the problem and do something about it. Eating the wrong foods Certain foods can cause havoc in our digestive systems. And regularly overeating or chowing down on one large single meal can lead to bloating too. DO YOU ✣ Feel bloated after eating? ✣ Also suffer from burping,…

As Laura put the ‘No vacancy’ sign up, she couldn’t help thinking it summed up her heart. No room inside. Her invisible internal sign had been there since Don broke off their relationship exactly two years ago today, on her 30th birthday. They’d met at university, where he was studying law and she was studying business. Don had seemed like the man of her dreams. But he’d changed, becoming increasingly ambitious. He’d moved to London to further his career, without even talking it over first. Then he’d phoned on her birthday to say he was seeing someone else. Laura shivered involuntarily and wrapped her cardigan more tightly around herself as she remembered the pain of that betrayal. ‘I won’t make that mistake ever again,’ she promised herself. With the weather…

Having moved once from our family home into a smaller property, my husband Paul and I decided we’d like to downsize again,’ says Phyl. ‘The plan was to pay off our mortgage so that I could give up work and go to university to study Fine Art, because I’d always wanted to. Plus, we wanted to release some capital to help our daughters buy their own homes. ‘As I, unluckily, fall into the age group of women who have had their pensions delayed, this also helped to supplement our income and gave us money towards doing up our new home. Living minutes from the sea, with Southsea seafront a short walk away, we were keen to stay in the same area. We were originally going to buy a new-build flat,…

With its iconic white cliffs, teeming nature reserves, medieval landmarks and thriving arts scene, Kent’s Heritage Coast (a specially designated conservation area), boasts natural beauty, culture and history by the bucketload. This year, it was singled out as one of the 10 top regions in the world by Lonely Planet  and it’s easy to see why. There’s something magical about this tiny edge of England, which combines 21st-century shipping ports and industry with medieval history, extraordinary scenery, ecological landscapes and cultural gems. Exhilarating walks A wonderfully diverse landscape, Kent’s Heritage Coast stretches from the southern reaches of Folkestone to the beaches north of Dover. The best way to experience its joys is to follow one of the National Trust’s White Cliffs of Dover walking trails (nationaltrust.org.uk). Take in the ever-changing…

SEVEN SISTERS Kent’s White Cliffs of Dover are iconic (see p62), but the Seven Sisters and Beachy Head in Sussex are equally impressive. GREAT HANGMAN This gruesomely named Devon height, where Exmoor meets the sea, is the highest cliff in England and Wales. DUNNOTTAR CASTLE The ruined medieval fortress, which once hid Scotland’s crown jewels, has an impossibly romantic clifftop setting.…

In their heyday they were the instantly recognisable retailers that occupied a place in high streets throughout the country. But nothing lasts forever and even the stalwarts of the shopping centres can fall foul of progress. We take a stroll down memory lane and recall the stores that meant so much to us. Athena Athena began in 1964 with a single shop in Hampstead, selling fine art reproduction prints. It was bought by E&O, which expanded Athena to 60 shops, and then to the Pentos Group in 1976, which introduced posters by contemporary pop artists including Andy Warhol. Before long, posters such as L’Enfant and Tennis Girl adorned the walls of students and young couples, selling in their millions. The company’s success divided opinion, with some art critics deeming such images…

Inflammation plays havoc with our immune system, so sticking to an anti-inflammatory diet can help, explains nutritionist Carrie Ruxton. ✣ Eat a Mediterranean diet ‘That means plenty of fruit and vegetables, oily fish and wholegrains,’ says Carrie. ‘And keep red meat and processed foods to a minimum.’ ✣ Get enough vitamin C It’s crucial for good general immune health and fighting COVID in particular. ‘It’s very important in creating specific immune cells that helps us to respond to viral and bacterial threats,’ says Carrie. Try a daily 125ml glass of orange juice with your breakfast, and eat plenty of peppers, strawberries, tomatoes, broccoli and potatoes. ✣ Don’t smoke or drink too much alcohol, and try to keep your weight at a healthy level, and stress under control. These all aggravate…

Shockingly, the UK throws away 9.5 million tonnes of food every year*. Not only is this a major financial concern for your budget – it’s an environmental one too. That’s because when food is wasted, the energy and water it takes to grow, harvest, transport and package it is also wasted. Plus, if food ends up going to landfill and rots, it releases greenhouse gas emissions. If food waste were a country, it would have the third largest carbon footprint. Making small changes to reduce your food waste can help your finances and may also help the environment. Here are some solutions. 1 Know your date labels Date labels can be confusing, and can often cause good food to go to waste. While ‘Use by’ dates tell us when a…

Colorectal cancers are common, affecting 42,000 UK people annually, often developing from previously benign polyps. The exact cause is unknown. It’s commoner in populations consuming high-fat and low-fibre (roughage) diets. A high-alcohol intake, particularly beer, may be linked. Two inherited conditions increase the risk – familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP) and hereditary non-polyposis colon cancer (HNPCC). Severe ulcerative colitis or Crohn’s disease affecting the colon increase the risk too. The commonest symptoms are bowel habit changes, increasing constipation, alternating constipation and diarrhoea, passing blood or mucus, colicky pain or general discomfort. An uncomfortable feeling that you haven’t completely emptied your bowels is quite common with rectal tumours. Feeling generally unwell, listless or tired can occur if you’ve been losing blood, causing anaemia. See your GP, who’ll examine you, including a rectal…

Kathy struggled to hide her annoyance. ‘I told you to make a list.’ ‘Lists are for losers,’ replied Jake. Several minutes later, he waved the tickets triumphantly in the air. ‘See? Found them.’ He strode to the door. ‘So are we going or not?’ They arrived at the theatre with seconds to spare. There wasn’t time to buy a programme. She could get one in the interval, but it wasn’t the same. Kathy liked to be organised. She kept a holiday packing list on her computer so she could tick everything off as she put it in her suitcase. It helped her remember what she needed, so she was ready in plenty of time. Jake preferred to leave things to the last minute. That weekend they were going to stay…

Emily Dawe, founder of craft subscription box Oh Hello Maker, shows you how to transform a plain, unglazed jug into a real showstopper piece, ideal for displaying some colourful blooms. This project was designed to help you slow down and really focus on the mindful technique of painting. If you love the idea of this project but don’t have the materials, you could take advantage of our offer and get the kit at a discounted rate; see the box on the right. YOU WILL NEED ✣ Ceramic blank jug, unglazed ✣ Round paintbrush ✣ Flat paintbrush ✣ Acrylic paints in pink and red ✣ Mod Podge ✣ Tracing paper ✣ Pencil ✣ Paper for practising KNOW YOUR BRUSHES Round paintbrush Bristles close together with a pointed tip – great for…

Ruby Taylor, what have you been up to? You look like the wreck of the Hesperus.’ Pearl’s voice as I emerged from the beer cellar was teasing and, for one glorious moment, I thought her mood had lifted. Then her gaze slid to Andy, coming up the steps behind me, and her expression changed. ‘Nothing,’ I said firmly, hoping to put a lid on things. Before our arrival at The Crown that morning, we hadn’t seen one another in six years, not since returning home at the end of the war. Yet here she was back in the old routine. ‘Really?’ Pearl said, squinting at my attire. ‘Because from where I’m standing, you look – how to put this delicately? – romantically dishevelled.’ She slid a puff sleeve back onto…

ARIES 21 Mar – 20 Apr This is the perfect time to set yourself some new goals. You’re ready for an injection of inspiration and adventure in your life. TAURUS 21 Apr – 21 May Sometimes you take life too seriously. Remember to smile, to give thanks and to find reasons to enjoy it. GEMINI 22 May – 21 Jun Kind thoughts and words can make all the difference in the world. Resolve to make this a regular practice. CANCER 22 Jun – 23 Jul Focusing on your home and family will be therapeutic for you now. Do whatever you can to soften and brighten your environment. LEO 24 Jul – 23 Aug You have many gifts yet to be explored. Follow what you love and it will lead you…

Ripple effect A tiny riverside town in Essex has been making waves in the world of climate change. Manningtree, situated on the River Stour, has been awarded plastic-free status after its businesses agreed to stop using disposable plastics. Local residents have created the group PACE (Practical Actions for Climate and the Environment), which organises litter picking, and has planted 300 trees in its community orchard. The town now plans to take on bigger challenges, such as encouraging residents to travel less, consume locally grown food and reduce overall waste. CHEERS TO THAT! Britain’s Sausage and Cider Festival is back, and will be visiting venues across the UK, from Huddersfield to Norwich. Along with the chance to try the best sausages and cider from all over the world and in a…

MISS SELFRIDGE began in 1966. It was part of the Arcadia Group, which went into administration in 2020, but the brand was bought by ASOS and now operates online. FREEMAN, HARDY AND WILLIS was, at one time, the largest footwear retailer in the world. Established in 1875, the company folded in 1996. DOROTHY PERKINS was a women’s fashion chain. Founded in 1909, it was part of the Arcadia Group until February 2021, when it became part of Bohoo.com. TAMMY was a girls’ fashion retailer. Originally French-owned, it was bought by the Arcadia Group in 2005. Its standalone stores were closed, and the brand was incorporated into BHS department stores. ETAM was founded in Berlin in 1910, with the first UK store opening in 1923. The brand disappeared from high streets…

I’ve finally found RELIEF FROM HAY FEVER I’ve suffered from hay fever for over four decades, and it’s a miserable feeling knowing that the warm weather that I’ve so been looking forward to comes with a bundle of allergic reactions. The worst part is, I’m allergic to both tree and grass pollen, so every year I have hay-fever symptoms for a whole five months, starting as early as March, when I get itchy, streaming eyes until July and August, when my eyes stream and I sneeze endlessly. I have tried practically every over-the-counter remedy, from eye baths and drops to homeopathic tablets and local honey. Nothing really worked that well, and I found some of the medicines made me feel drowsy. I have my own business, two children and…

The UK Biobank study report on people with prediabetes and diabetes found lower vitamin D levels were associated with increased cardiovascular events and a raised all-cause mortality. Whether this risk could be reduced by vitamin supplements remains debatable. A recent large randomised controlled trial found no benefits from five years of oral vitamin D3 supplementation in people aged 60 and over. A balance of a healthy diet, plus moderate exposure of sun on the skin, are still advised.…

How do I get them to move out? Q My son and daughter-in-law sold their house a few months ago and moved in with us while they had work done on their new place. They have two young children. The agreement was for six weeks, but it’s been 12 and the building is still uninhabitable. We’re exhausted and would like them to go. They have put all their money into this house so renting would be difficult. I don’t want them to feel as though we’re throwing them out. Shelley, Southampton A I’m not surprised you’re ready to get your lives back. I also understand that you don’t want to upset them. But just imagine if you don’t say anything and it goes on for another 12 weeks. How will…

Hoping to see anything in particular?’ The sedge warbler Jen had been watching, flitting around the hedgerow in front of her, flew off altogether at the sound of the booming male voice behind her and she sighed. Lowering her binoculars to her chest she turned around. A short, solidly built man sporting a camera with a lens as long as his arm stood a few feet away. Skulking behind him was an embarrassed-looking woman in a bright-green anorak. ‘Oh,’ said Jen. ‘Nothing in particular. I mainly come for the peace and quiet.’ She paused in the hope he might take the hint and shove off. His companion’s eyes met Jen’s for a brief moment and she could have sworn she saw them roll ever so slightly skywards. ‘I’ve just spotted…

Italian classics From its source in the lush hillsides of Pian del Re to its mouth in the luscious Venetian Lagoon, the River Po takes in some of Italy’s most beautiful scenery. Flowing east to west, the river passes through stately Turin, home of the Italian royal family, before twisting through the verdant landscapes of Emilia-Romagna and Veneto. Guests can relax and enjoy a classic Italian espresso or a scoop of delicious, refreshing gelato on deck, or embark on a day trip to ornate Verona, the setting for Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet. At the river’s end, board a gondola to explore the enchanting city of Venice from the canal, with its magical labyrinth of waterways and grand, must-see landmarks, including the Doge’s Palace and St Mark’s Basilica. TRAVEL WITH Croisi…

THE STORY SO FAR: Janey Winters, secretary to Sir Desmond Ridgley, a big shot in the War Office, is worried when her scientist father, Reginald Winters, goes missing. Fearing for her father’s life, she moves into a lodging house and takes up war work with the WVS, arranged by Sir Desmond. She meets fellow WVS worker, Ronnie Sinclair, who also lives in the house, and the pair become friends. But when Janey overhears Ronnie having a conversation on the phone, she becomes concerned. Ronnie mentions her father’s name and someone called Stuart. Janey is then introduced to Stuart, a member of the RAF, who takes her to meet Rebekah, an elderly woman who lives in a traditional Romany caravan – a vardo – close to the lodging house. While working…