Innholdsfortegnelse for 26-Dec-2023 i Woman's Weekly

Food for thought I suppose we are all dinosaurs in our house, in that we don’t currently have, and indeed have never possessed, a microwave. We all love cooking; I’m all about preparing savoury foods, while my wife creates the dreamiest cakes and puddings imaginable. My daughter produces extraordinary vegetarian dishes, and the boys, in the way of many younger males, just rustle up huge amounts of whatever is available to feed their seemingly endless hunger. But we just do it with a normal oven, and until now I’ve never really seen the need for anything else. But that was before I read the feature on page 34. Have a look!…

Maggie Vine, 77 Tell us about your look I’ve had this faux-sheepskin jacket forever, but the knit is a recent buy from M&S. My slightly flared jeans are really old, but back in fashion, and my boots are Pavers. I keep clothes for years, but I do look after them. I was wearing an old Jaeger mac yesterday – very fitted with a slight sheen – and quite a few youngsters wanted to know where I had bought it! What’s your favourite thing about yourself? I’d say my hair. Tracey Harling, 57 Tell us about your look I love print and colour, and today’s look is actually quite subtle for me. My leopard-print coat was bought a few years ago from Julien Macdonald at Debenhams. Underneath, I’m wearing a long,…

Drink orange juice – every day ‘It’s a convenient and effective source of vitamin C and folate, both proven to support normal immune function,’ says nutritionist Dr Emma Derbyshire. ‘While having a healthy diet can’t stop viruses, it can help us get over respiratory illnesses faster by supporting our natural immunity.’ Eat fish Make it oily and eat it once a week, advises Dr Derbyshire. ‘It’s rich in omega-3 fats and immune-supporting vitamin D.’ TOP UP YOUR VITAMIN D ‘Low levels of vitamin D have been linked to an increased susceptibility to colds,’ says GP Dr Deborah Lee from Dr Fox Pharmacy. Topping up levels with a supplement is recommended. ‘Research shows vitamin D supplements can reduce the frequency and duration of colds,’ she says. ‘It supports the development and…

With beautiful decorations, stunning lights and happy families, the festive period provides us with so many photo opportunities. Follow these tips to ace your smartphone shots. Find a location Sort out a picturesque spot that fits your whole family. Some popular sites include the fireplace, next to the Christmas tree or even outside, weather permitting. If you’re feeling crafty, attempt to DIY a backdrop using a sheet or some Christmas wrapping paper. Hold steady Using a smartphone tripod will prevent blurry or out-of-focus shots. It also allows you to take the photos hands-free, so you can get that important group picture. You can find relatively cheap tripods with Bluetooth compatibility online, including at amazon.co.uk. Turn off the flash Smartphone camera flashes can be harsh, so it’s always best to turn…

I’m struggling with her care Q My elderly mother really needs care as she is struggling to look after herself. She is refusing to have anyone besides us to help her. I suggested she moved in with me and she refused. I can’t give her what she needs, as I have a job and a family. I can’t keep going over there. I don’t know what to do. Name and address withheld A If your mother is of sound mind and can make informed choices for herself, there is nothing you can do to force her to have some help. If you feel she can’t make these decisions, either because of her mental capacity or her belief she is more able than she is, you can talk to her GP,…

Well, he looked lively and fun in his photograph, this Mike Greenwood, so I took an Uber to his suggested meeting place – La Tavola. It was tucked away down a side street, so I completed the journey on foot, treading carefully in higher-than-usual heels. He waved and gestured towards my chair, which was pulled out, ready, waiting. Drinks were ordered. I told him I had recently read a good review of the restaurant, and he admitted it was one of his favourites. My prosecco and his gin arrived promptly, then Mike launched into an account of his first marriage. ‘It all went belly up, you see,’ he admitted, sloshing more tonic over his ice and gin. ‘Such a blow – both the business and the marriage.’ I supposed we…

Difficulty level DRAUGHT EXCLUDER FINISHED SIZE Approximately 18x102cm. To make a smaller draught excluder, reduce the amount of brick pieces patchworked together. YOU WILL NEED ✱ Patterned quilting cotton scraps✱ 100x145cm-wide plain blue cotton fabric✱ Sewing machine with a presser foot✱ Matching sewing thread✱ Quilting ruler, cutting mat and rotary cutter✱ 250cm of 6mm piping cord✱ Hand-sewing needle✱ Piping or zipper foot✱ Stuffing NOTE Sew with right sides together, 1cm seam allowances and press seams open throughout. 1 From the patterned cotton, cut out 32 brick-shaped pieces measuring 7x15cm each. From the blue cotton fabric, cut a 20x104cm piece for the back. Fold the remaining blue cotton in half diagonally and cut along the fold. Cut 3.5cm-wide bias strips until you have enough to make a 250cm-length piece when the…

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, plural words are allowed. There is one nine-letter word in the grid, for which the clue is: Carnage. 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 to make a word. CLUE:…

Have you noticed the way that life, a cunning little minx if ever there was one, will never let you get the best of it twice in a row? When something good happens, there must always be something that isn’t quite as good to even things out. So if you are currently basking in the unexpected delight of two pieces of good luck, I’m told there are very good deals online for tin hats and protective clothing. Anyway, first the good thing. You’ll remember that last week we had a brief debate about which of us at the charity shop would be dressing up as Santa this year. We don’t operate a grotto as such. We just dress up as Santa and his elves for one day. You know, just…

THINGS THAT GO BUMP… If you enjoy being spooked, head for The Ambassadors Theatre in London to see Catherine Tate in The Enfield Haunting. Based on real events from 1977, it’s a chilling tale of a mother trying to protect her children from supernatural happenings in their council home. But can anyone fight back against a poltergeist? ✱ Tickets at enfieldhauntingplay.com Birds need YOU Wherever we live and whatever landscape surrounds us, the RSPB is asking us all to sign up for the annual Big Garden Birdwatch, for one hour, on either 26, 27 or 28 January. Registrations are now open at rspb.org.uk. Birdwatch shows how well – or otherwise – our birds are doing. You watch for just one hour and note birds that have landed either in your…

He’s starred in a string of Hollywood hits, including The Lovely Bones, The Hunger Games and as iconic record producer Clive Davis in the biopic Whitney Houston: I Wanna Dance with Somebody. Yet behind the scenes, Stanley Tucci, 63, has suffered unimaginable tragedies, such as the loss of his first wife, Kate, to breast cancer in 2009, at the age of just 47. He too endured a worrying health scare, and stated he was ‘incredibly lucky to be alive’ after a tumour was discovered on his tongue in 2017, which left him temporarily dependent on a feeding tube. Thankfully now cancer-free, the American star lives in London with his second wife, Felicity Blunt – the older sister of actor Emily Blunt – with whom Tucci appeared alongside in the 2006…

3 WAYS TO... Ease indigestion 1 TRY TURMERIC Recent research* has shown that it may be as effective as drugs at treating indigestion. A compound found in the spice curcumin is believed to be anti-inflammatory as well as antimicrobial. 2 EAT SMART Avoid rich, spicy or fatty foods, and eating just before bed – leave a three-to four-hour gap. Steer clear of tea, coffee, fizzy drinks and alcohol. And don’t smoke. 3 ASK A PHARMACIST They can offer advice about medicines that may help ease symptoms, including antacids, alginates and proton pump inhibitors. See your GP if symptoms don’t ease or you’re in severe pain. SEX WAS SO PAINFUL UNTIL TABLETS CURED MY DRYNESS Jenifer Yeo, 55, from Leeds I started experiencing vaginal dryness around the time of my menopause,…

1 ADD ACCENT LIGHTS Bring warmth to your living room through lighting. Switch off the stark main light in favour of softer floor and table lamps dotted around the room. Position them where their light will be most useful – above your favourite reading chair or where you like to sit and knit in the evening. ✱ Bexley fabric three-seater sofa in a box in Rust Orange, £450, mirage brass floor lamp, £120, mirage patterned carved rug, from £100, all Habitat; other items, stylist’s own 2 COVER UP Think creatively when it comes to disguising a radiator. You can help it blend into your space by painting it in the same shade as your wall colour. Otherwise, a cover that allows airflow works perfectly. We love this slatted-wood style, which…

L ike most years, 2023 has had its fair share of awful news stories from around the world, but there have also been many uplifting moments too. Join us for a look back on the stories that made us smile, laugh and gasp – and those that have warmed our hearts. We’re rooting for trees Acton Park in Wrexham is the proud home of the 484-year-old sweet chestnut that won 2023’s Tree of the Year. It has survived many a storm and the years following World War Two, when people desperate to heat their homes sought firewood wherever they could. The Sycamore Gap tree won the award in 2016 – and while the nation mourned its untimely loss this year, the outcry demonstrated how much our nation values nature. THE…

1 GLISTEN UP Make a statement with this sequin top. Leather trousers would add texture and style. Top, £25, sizes 8-26, Tu Clothing at Sainsbury’s 2 FINISHING CLUTCH Part of the more premium Studio Edit range at George at Asda, this designer-inspired bag is sleek and timeless. Leather bag, £40, Studio Edit at George at Asda 3 GREEN LIGHT This elegant wear-anywhere frock has a flattering self-tie belt to highlight your waist. Dress, £38, sizes 8-20, George at Asda 4 UNDER WRAPS Wear this silky blazer with the matching trousers or give jeans a more glamorous spin. Blazer, £39.50, sizes 6-22, F&F at Tesco 5 BOOT CAMP Add some sparkle to your step with these metallic boots – just as versatile as black. Boots, £28, Tu Clothing at Sainsbury’s 6…

Baked rösti with smoked salmon This utilises root veg to produce a real crowd-pleaser. Add poached eggs and/or avocado if you’re feeling extra hungry. SERVES 4 PREP 20 mins COOK 1 hr ✱ 20g salted butter✱ 1 onion, sliced✱ 800g grated root veg (we used potato, carrot and parsnips)✱ 2 medium free-range eggs, beaten✱ Small handful dill, chopped, plus extra for garnishing✱ Small handful parsley, chopped, plus extra for garnishing✱ Zest and juice 1 lemon✱ 2tbsp olive oil✱ 2tbsp crème fraiche✱ 4 slices smoked salmon✱ 2tbsp capers YOU WILL NEED ✱ 27cm ovenproof frying pan or skillet 1 Heat the oven to 180C Fan/Gas 6. Melt the butter in the frying pan, then fry the onion for 15 mins until soft. 2 Meanwhile, grate the root vegetables and add a…

ADVICE FROM OUR WOMAN’S WEEKLY DOCTOR Repetitive strain injuries (RSI) are common, usually affecting hands and arms. They result from doing the same motion or activity repeatedly until things hurt. Symptoms include pain, swelling, tingling, numbness, stiffness, weakness, and sensitivity to heat and cold. Causes include sports and activities requiring you to make the same movement repeatedly, working out without warming up/cooling down, poor posture, typing, instrument practice or working in the cold or with vibrating tools. It can also occur if your occupation involves repetitive activities, such as hairdressing, decorating or assembly line work, or if you regularly use handheld power tools. RSI can lead to tendonitis, carpal tunnel syndrome, tennis elbow, trigger finger/thumb, Osgood-Schlatter disease, back strains and shin splints, and can eventually result in stress fractures, nerve…

Apple and berry crumble pot Would you believe you can make this fruit crumble in less than five minutes? Frozen berries are just the trick for making this delicious dessert in no time. SERVES 1 PREP 7 mins COOK 3 mins ✱ 1 Braeburn apple (about 80g), peeled and cut into 1cm cubes✱ 80g frozen summer berries✱ 1tbsp honey✱ ¼tsp ground cinnamon✱ 1tsp cornflour✱ 1tsp unsalted butter✱ 2tbsp granola✱ Vanilla ice cream, to serve 1 Place the apple, berries, honey, cinnamon and cornflour into a microwave-safe ramekin (see below), stir, then add the knob of butter 2 Cover and cook on full power for 3 mins. Leave to stand for 1 min, then stir gently. 3 Scatter over the granola, then serve with a dollop of vanilla ice cream. PER…

Instructions overleaf Difficulty level MEASUREMENTS To fit an average size adult head. MATERIALS 1 x 100g (282m) ball of Emu Classic DK (100% acrylic) in Blue (Admiral 137)*. Pair each of 3.25mm (No. 10) and 3.75mm (No. 9) knitting needles; cable needle; faux-fur pom-pom. Yarn is available from theknittingnetwork.co.uk TENSION 24 stitches and 30 rows to 10x10cm, over stocking stitch, using 3.75mm needles. ABBREVIATIONS C4f, cable 4 front (slip next 2 sts onto cable needle and leave at front, k2, then k2 from cable needle); inc, increase (by working twice into same st); k, knit; p, purl; st(s), stitch(es); tog, together (decrease by working as many stitches together as stated). NOTES Yarn amounts are based on average requirements and are approximate. Figures in square brackets are worked as stated after…

Comfort Eating by Grace Dent (£20, HB, Guardian Faber Publishing) We loved this nostalgic look at what we eat when nobody’s watching. In Grace Dent’s trademark entertaining style, we are invited to indulge our love of comfort food. From cheese and butter to potatoes and bread, Dent talks about her love of tinned ravioli and Peach Melba Ski yogurts – and how to eat an artichoke without using a Black & Decker strimmer. Inviting her famous friends to share their go-to recipes and stories, it’s the comfort read you need. The Christmas Book Club by Sarah Morgan (£8.99, PB, HQ) Best friends Anna, Claudia and Erica meet up every year for their book club holiday. But when city-loving Erica picks a cosy country inn for their festive catch-up, something doesn’t…

ARIES 21 MAR – 20 APR Your stars are encouraging you to explore your talents and gifts. You’ve so much inside of you just waiting to be discovered. TAURUS 21 APR – 21 MAY Your social life may be changing. Trust your instincts and only mix with those who encourage you on your path. GEMINI 22 MAY – 21 JUN This is a wonderful time for expanding your knowledge. Your brain is malleable and it’s ready for more stimulation. CANCER 22 JUN – 23 JUL Anything involving the home, nature, animals and being peaceful will be balm for your soul now. Take time to enjoy the simple pleasures of life. LEO 24 JUL – 23 AUG You’re learning how to surrender and go with the flow. Some things are beyond…