Innholdsfortegnelse for 4-Apr-2023 i Woman's Weekly

Sensational spring For many people, it’s their idea of heaven, but personally, I’d hate to live in a climate where it was hot and sunny all year round. I love the variety of the seasons, and the excitement of what’s coming next. The British are famous for talking about the weather, and I suppose that’s largely because it is so unpredictable in the UK. But isn’t this time of year particularly special? Bulbs bursting out in the garden, buds on the trees and the first hints of blossom. We’re gardeners in our family, so that makes it extra exciting, but it’s a joy open to everyone. Have a look at page 38 for spring getaway ideas.…

Lucy Abdullah, 34 Tell us about your look I found my pink coat in a charity shop for Save The Children. It’s by Mango – I just loved the colour! My navy sweater is Christian Dior, with jeans from Zara and Nike trainers. I’m happy to mix high street, designer and charity shop buys. What’s your favourite thing about yourself? My dark hair and eyes. Diana Moulton, 53 Tell us about your look I’d say it’s relaxed, easy and elegant. I love soft, muted colours and have thrown a White Company V-neck sweater over a paisley print dress from John Lewis & Partners. My cream coat is Max Mara and my tan suede boots are from Russell & Bromley. My bag is Gucci. What’s your favourite thing about yourself? My…

3 WAYS TO... Boost vitamin D 1 GET OUT IN THE SUN Be careful not to burn, of course, but try to get around half an hour of midday sun on bare arms every day. This can be tricky in the winter months and if you’re older than 60 because of a reduced capacity to manufacture vitamin D in the skin. 2 EAT VITAMIN D-RICH FOODS These include oily fish, egg yolks, liver and red meat. It’s impossible to get your vitamin D requirements from food alone, but it can help top up your levels. 3 TAKE A SUPPLEMENT Look for vitamin D3, which is 87% more potent than the plant form of vitamin D2. And eat foods fortified with vitamin D, such as some dairy and plant milks, spreads,…

JOHN LEWIS & PARTNERS DUNELM WILKO…

Caerhays Castle SPRING GARDENS, CORNWALL Sprawling across 140 acres and overlooking the sea, these woodland gardens are home to 600 varieties of magnolia and 80 record-size trees. The county is famed for its early start to spring, thanks to the warming gulf stream, while its unique microclimate, made up of westerly winds and humidity from sea mist, allows the native Chinese plants to thrive. There are plenty of walks for all levels, and the castle itself is open on set days. Go to visit.caerhays.co.uk Where to stay It’s easy to see why 17th-century inn The Lugger, tucked away in a little cove in the pretty fishing village of Portloe, was thought to have been a smuggler’s haunt. B&B doubles from £132; luggerhotel.co.uk Spalding Flower Parade LINCOLNSHIRE Taking place the second…

The small advert in the local paper caught Jessie’s eye… Found – large male cat. Black, with distinctive white markings on nose and paw. Friendly and clearly loved. Call St Gertrude Cat Rescue to claim… It had to be him. Jessie clutched the folded newspaper page to her heart as she hurried up the path of the modest bungalow on the far edge of town. It looked like all the others in the street, save for one thing – a bright wooden sign erected in the front garden that read St Gertrude Cat Rescue – Where fur-ever friends are found. The words on the sign were smiling moggies – stretching, bending and curling to form the letters, like a troupe of happy feline yoga masters. It was hopeful and joyous,…

BRITAIN’S LAST BOXES As a sign of our changing technological times, 60% of under-30s in the UK have never used a telephone box. At their peak in the mid-1990s, numbers of these iconic red phone boxes in Britain stood at 100,000. Nowadays, around 20,000 working ones remain. Help our hedgehogs Small, spiky and adorable, according to a poll by the Royal Society of Biology, hedgehogs are the UK’s favourite mammal, but less than a million remain in the wild. Ghosts in the Hedgerow: A Hedgehog Whodunnit (£16.99, HB, Doubleday) is the fascinating new book by conservationist Dr Tom Moorhouse, which investigates how wildlife lovers can tackle the threats facing them. By creating hedgehog highways, petitioning, and rewilding our green spaces, gardeners across Britain could hold the key to their survival.…

She’s been a regular on our TV screens for more than two decades. Welcomed into the homes of women across the nation, who listen to, and value, her opinions on the most personal of topics, we’re lucky Ruth Langsford – who turned 63 earlier this month – isn’t going anywhere. ‘If you’d have asked me when I was 40 if I thought I’d still be on television at my age, I’d have said, “Not a hope in hell,” because in those days, many women were farmed off when they hit that number,’ the star says. But things have changed. Ruth explains, ‘I’m very proud that I’ve got this far. I look up to women like Gloria Hunniford and Janet Street-Porter, and hope that I’m still working in TV at their…

I’ve had 12 dogs in my life – all different breeds – and I have been devoted to each and every one. There was even a point when we had five dogs living with us. It was absolute lunacy, but I wouldn’t have had it any other way. I love everything about dogs – their compassion, their loyalty and the way they never leave your side. This became even more apparent recently, when I was diagnosed with cancer. Going through chemo was horrendous but my Tibetan terrier, Frendy FourPaws, just sat there with me through six months of it. I always said I’d never go for the same breed twice but I may have to reconsider. Tibetan terriers have captured my heart. Frendy was so easy to train, and she’s…

All under 500 cals Roast pork fillet with beans, rocket and gremolata A satisfying main with less calories, but still packed with wonderful flavour. SERVES 2-3 PREP 15 mins COOK 15 mins ✱ 1 free-range pork tenderloin ✱ 2tsp olive oil ✱ 1tbsp honey ✱ 1tbsp Dijon mustard ✱ 3 garlic cloves, bashed ✱ 3 anchovy fillets, finely chopped ✱ 1 sprig rosemary, leaves finely chopped ✱ 400g tin cannellini beans ✱ Juice 1 lemon ✱ 150g rocket ✱ 25g chopped parsley ✱ 30g green olives, chopped For the gremolata: ✱ Zest 1 lemon ✱ 1 garlic clove, crushed ✱ Handful flat-leaf parsley, chopped ✱ Pinch chilli flakes (optional) 1 Heat the oven to 160C Fan/ Gas 4. Place a large pan over a medium-high heat. 2 Brush…

ADVICE FROM THE WOMAN’S WEEKLY GP This bacteria can cause a wide variety of skin, soft-tissue and respiratory tract infections, ranging in severity from mild to life-threatening. GAS infection may present as a mild sore throat (strep throat), but can cause many skin and soft-tissue infections, including impetigo, erysipelas and cellulitis. Under some circumstances, it results in diseases, such as scarlet fever or pneumonia. GAS can very rarely cause extremely serious conditions, known as invasive group A Streptococcus (iGAS) infections. These include bacteraemia (an infection of the bloodstream), septic arthritis, meningitis, necrotising fasciitis (a severe infection leading to death of some soft tissue below the skin), or streptococcal toxic shock (severe, progressive symptoms with low blood pressure and multi-organ failure, which can be rapidly fatal). They tend to affect the…

Chocolate Crunchie mousse This super-simple chocolate pudding will appeal to all ages. If making it for younger guests, try serving in hollow Easter egg halves. MAKES 8 PREP 25 mins, plus cooling and chilling ✱ 250g medium-dark chocolate, around 50% cocoa solids, chopped ✱ 50g unsalted butter ✱ 6 eggs, separated ✱ 3 Crunchie bars, roughly chopped ✱ Galaxy Enchanted Eggs, to decorate 1 Place the chocolate and the butter in a heatproof bowl set over a pan of simmering water. Stir from time to time until melted, then lift the bowl off the pan and set aside to cool for 20 mins. 2 Beat the egg yolks into the cooled chocolate mix. In a separate bowl, whisk the egg whites until stiff. Gently fold into the melted…

LITTLE PEARLS Take a tip from nature and grow pools of wood anemones under deciduous shrubs and trees. These starry white flowers are found in ancient woodlands, emerging from lush foliage in March and April before the canopy is in full leaf. They thrive in moist, cool shade and slowly spread to make a carpet. Add pale elegance with the wild native, Anemone nemorosa; for a splash of pale lavender, try ‘Robinsoniana’. HOUSEPLANT MOT Now spring has arrived, houseplants will be actively growing. Keep them healthy and vigorous by repotting in fresh compost and, if needed, a bigger pot. If a plant is bound to the pot, trim any roots snaking through the drainage holes to help release it. Snip off dead or spindly stems and tatty leaves. Repot, making…

Instructions overleaf Difficulty level TESTED BY US so they work for you MEASUREMENTS Approximately 26x30cm/10¼x12in, excluding handles. MATERIALS 1 x 50g (158m) ball of King Cole Giza Cotton 4ply (100% cotton) in each of Jade (Teal 2414), Light Pink (Fondant 2292), Dark Pink (Raspberry 2426) and Yellow (2206)*. Size 2.5mm crochet hook. Yarn is available from theknittingnetwork.co.uk TENSION 1 square motif measures approximately 6x6cm, using 2.5mm hook. ABBREVIATIONS Ch, chain; chsp(s), chain space(s); dc, double crochet;htr, half treble crochet; slst, slip stitch; st(s), stitch(es); tr, treble crochet. NOTE You can use yarn stash oddments to make your bag, noting that if you use a heavier-weight yarn, your bag will turn out bigger. Use a hook that is one size smaller than the recommended hook size for your…

Great reads The Forever Garden by Rosanna Ley (£21.99, HB, Quercus) Lara’s home is glorious, set amid the olive groves of southern Italy. Yet, she struggles to forget the harrowing events that tore her from Dorset 70 years ago. Living with her daughter Rose and granddaughter Bea, Lara is alarmed by the budding romance between Bea and a charming local restaurateur. Could Bea be in danger of repeating the mistake that haunts Lara? Restoring a long-forgotten garden in Dorset could be the perfect distraction. Meanwhile, Rose is shocked at the arrival of an old flame guarding a secret. A luminous, sun-soaked delight. The Lodger by Helen Scarlett (£18.99, HB, Quercus) London 1919 was a city recovering from devastating wartime damage. Grace Armstrong, still reeling from the fatalities of her soldier…

Horoscopes ARIES 21 MAR – 20 APR This is a great week for exploring your creative skills. Inside, you have many talents that are waiting to be activated. TAURUS 21 APR – 21 MAY You may need to change a few of your daily habits to make your life run more smoothly. Simplicity is key. GEMINI 22 MAY – 21 JUN It’s important to find quiet time for reflection and relaxation. This will enhance your intuitive abilities and help you find answers to any challenges. CANCER 22 JUN – 23 JUL Your focus is all on your home and family right now. Do whatever you can to enhance your surroundings. LEO 24 JUL – 23 AUG Relationships are a two-way street. Look at the balance of giving and receiving, and…

Letter of the week Remembering Mum My mum bought your magazine and always passed her copy on to me. She loved completing the crossword, so I never got a chance to have a go myself. After her passing, I truly missed my weekly ‘fix’, so now I purchase my own copy. I sit down with a cuppa and have a go. I’m sure if heaven has windows, my mum will be looking down at me smiling at the thought I’m carrying on her tradition! Alison MacCallum, Inverness PAWS FOR THOUGHT These two lovely cats are named Pipp and Rula – they’re keeping warm together on a cool day. Jean Evans, Norfolk ✱ Got a pet pic that makes you smile? We can give it a good home. GET IN TOUCH…

Nothing feels better than a good chuckle, so thank goodness for these home-grown comedy geniuses who always knew just how to tickle our funny bones. TRACEY ULLMAN ‘My face is a good one for doing impersonations’ Tracey Ullman’s first comic turns were performed standing on the counter of her father’s shop in Slough. When he died, Tracey mimicked the neighbours to cheer up her mum. She landed roles in UK comedy programmes but married producer Allan McKeown in 1983 and they moved to Los Angeles. The Tracey Ullman Show (in which the hit animation The Simpsons first appeared) made her name in America, and when she returned to make a series for the BBC in 2016, she became the first British woman to have her own sketch show on both…

Magnitone Get Lit Tri Colour LED Face Mask, £75, lookfantastic.com They say Treat wrinkles, blemishes and dull skin in just 15 minutes with this face mask. The lightweight, portable and super-comfortable LED treatment will take your home facials up a level, leaving skin feeling radiant. We say LED treatments make a real difference in the clearness and plumpness of your skin when used regularly. This is an affordable option compared to most LED devices and has three settings – red, blue or yellow light. It’s so easy to use, and takes just 15 minutes to work. Rhiannon Derbyshire, senior beauty editor Use red light to treat fine lines and wrinkles, blue to kill spot-causing bacteria and reduce existing blemishes, and yellow for overall skin health. Mini Facial Exfoliator, £14.99, envie-beauty.co.uk…

Perfect pond A pond will lure birds and small animals, insects and amphibians. Build it in partial shade, with the edges at ground level to allow easy access for animals. The sides need to be shallow and slope very gently to prevent animals, such as frogs and hedgehogs, from drowning. Keep your pond healthy with a mix of submerged oxygenator plants – choose native aquatic pond plants such as water mint. Go chemical free Your plants may provide a canteen for slugs, snails and aphids, but avoid using pellets and chemical insecticides, as these can affect the ecosystem. Remember that ‘pests’ are part of the food chain – they provide meals for frogs, hedgehogs and birds. Try alternative pest control methods, such as creating barriers with copper slug rings or…

Trying to be diplomatic Q My neighbour’s nine-year-old daughter knocks on our door most afternoons and asks if she can come and chat. She’s looked after by a woman her parents have employed to do after-school care. She’s a sweet child but we don’t want her here every day. I’m wondering if I should say something to her parents? Sarah, Nuneaton A I’m curious as to what your concerns are about saying something. As long as you’re nice about the child when you explain what’s been happening, I’m sure they won’t respond unfavourably. I think there are two issues here – one, her visiting too often, and the other, why she isn’t comfortable being at home with the carer? All parents…

Over a pot of tea, I showed my best friend Gail the torn-out page from an old exercise book, and told her of the three big dreams I’d had as a child. At school, we had to choose one wish for ourselves, another to share, and one to benefit the community. First on my list was to see a dolphin. I loved watching Flipper on TV in those days. My second wish was inspired by a picture I’d seen. It was a silhouette of the Eiffel Tower. I couldn’t see myself going to Paris alone, so this was the dream I’d share. ‘Finally,’ I told Gail – and remember I was only seven – ‘my third big dream was to achieve my Brownie cookery badge, so I could sew it…

Difficulty level TESTED BY US so they work for you Size: 25cm diameter YOU WILL NEED ✱ Access to a photocopier ✱ 30 x 20cm rectangle of cream-patterned cotton fabric ✱ 20 x 10cm rectangle of gold metallic linen fabric ✱ 20 x 10cm rectangle of mustard-patterned cotton fabric ✱ 20 x 10cm rectangle of peach and mustard felt fabric ✱ 30 x 20cm rectangle of peach-patterned cotton fabric ✱ Cream 4-ply cotton yarn ✱ Sixteen 8mm diameter wooden beads ✱ Six 2cm diameter wooden beads ✱ One 3cm diameter wooden bead ✱ 25cm quilting or embroidery hoop ✱ Air-erasable fabric marker ✱ Large-eyed needle ✱ All-purpose household glue ✱ Matching sewing threads ✱ Toy filling ✱ Cocktail stick ✱ Masking tape SUPPLIES Buttercream Spark and Motif Madness fabrics in…

Puzzles Wordwise You have 15 minutes to find as many words as possible using the letters in the grid. Each word must contain four or more letters, one of which must be the central square. No proper nouns, plurals or foreign words are allowed. There is one nine-letter word in the grid, for which the clue is: Badly remunerated. Average = 25 More than 45 = well done SUDOKU To solve this puzzle, fill in the grid so that each 3 x 3 box, each row and each column contains the numbers 1-9. LINKWORDS Fit 10 words into the grid so that each links with the end of the word on its left and the beginning of the one on the right. Then unscramble the letters in the shaded squares…

Act I, Scene I. It is time for elevenses, and Mr Dear and I are sitting at the kitchen table. I am working my way in a methodical fashion through a milky coffee. He has a mug of hot chocolate with a squirt of whipped cream on the top. How he keeps his trim figure is anybody’s guess. Upon his death, I am donating his body to WeightWatchers to use for research. By the way, please note the complete absence of biscuits, cake or food of any kind. Somebody recently pointed out how many times I refer on this page to chocolate Hobnobs, plain digestives, Victoria sponges and indeed the whole delicious panoply of modern baking and patisserie. I mean, who has time to count the number of mentions of…