Innholdsfortegnelse for 13-Feb-2024 i Woman's Weekly

Out-of-season joy "I regularly swim in the sea with friends on the coast of north Devon, and at this time of year, the beach is wonderfully empty (although it has to be said the sea is pretty chilly!). However, were you to go to the same beach in August, it would be rammed with holidaymakers, the lanes leading down to it clogged with cars and the prices of parking much higher. If you have school-age children in your family, then a holiday in high summer is the only option, but if not, British beauty spots are so much more enjoyable out of season. We had our honeymoon at Fowey, in Cornwall, in late May, and it couldn’t have been lovelier. Read more on page 38."…

Letter of the week Learning from Humble I enjoyed your article on Kate Humble [10 October 2023]. We can all learn something from her contentment and her gratitude for life, as well as her down-to-earth approach to climate change. How refreshing to hear that she’s happy in herself and doesn’t feel the need to pretend to be what she’s not for other people’s approval. Emily Bulman, Bishop’s Stortford PAWS FOR THOUGHT These are my daughters’ cats: Bob on the left and Harvey on the right. They are brothers and are 12 years old (and very good company!). Julia Bryan, Lincolnshire ✱ Got a pet pic that makes you smile? We can give it a good home GET IN TOUCH WE LOVE LETTERS Woman’s Weekly, Future plc, 121-141 Westbourne Terrace, London…

Shrove Tuesday was originally a religious festival, when a bell called people to attend confession, where they were ‘shriven’ (forgiven their sins). The day was originally referred to as Shriven Tuesday, and subsequently Shrove Tuesday. As Lent approached, people would use up fattening foods in preparation for a period of fasting. Perishable staples like eggs and milk needed to be consumed quickly, and using them to make pancakes was an ideal solution. The ingredients also had religious connotations. Eggs symbolised creation, flour represented ‘the staff of life’, milk was associated with purity and salt was connected to wholesomeness. In the UK, we celebrate the day now with a variety of traditions, some more well known than others, as we explain. FOOTY ON A GRAND SCALE In Ashbourne, Derbyshire, a…

1 CALM & SOOTHE Sensitive or highly reactive skin will love this rescue mask. Packed with jojoba, hemp and kaolin clay, this vegan and cruelty-free formula works hard to soothe, calm and hydrate in equal measure. Glow Hub Calm & Soothe Face Mask Stick, £10, lookfantastic.com 2 NOURISH & SOOTHE Hydrate and balance your complexion with this cooling and soothing gel mask – ideal for parched winter skin. Suitable for all skin types, you can use it as a rich daily face cream or an overnight mask if you have ultra-thirsty skin. Beauty Bay Moisture Complex + Algae Face Mask, £10, beautybay.com 3 DETOX & CLARIFY If you enjoyed an indulgent festive season, your skin might now need a little TLC. Use this detoxing clay face mask to help draw…

Chicken and chorizo pot pie A hearty dish packed full of flavour. SERVES 4PREP 20 mins, plus coolingCOOK 30-40 mins ✱ 1tbsp olive oil✱ 200g diced chorizo✱ 2 red onions, sliced✱ 1 red pepper, diced✱ 2tbsp plain flour✱ 200ml dry cider, or chicken stock✱ Zest 1 lemon✱ 650g cooked chicken meat, roughly shredded✱ 100g pitted black olives, halved✱ Small bunch parsley, chopped✱ 1 medium egg, beaten✱ 320g roll puff pastry YOU WILL NEED ✱ 24cm shallow casserole dish or a large, ovenproof frying pan 1 Heat the oil in the casserole dish or frying pan. Add the chorizo and cook for 5-6 mins, until starting to crisp. Add the onions and pepper and cook for 10 mins, until softened. 2 Add the flour and cook, stirring for 2 mins, then…

ADVICE FROM OUR WOMAN’S WEEKLY DOCTOR Red blood cells carry oxygen around the body. Deficiency of vitamin B12 or folate results in abnormally large red blood cells that can’t function properly, with subsequent anaemia. B12 and folate have other roles, including keeping the nervous system healthy. Deficiency in either can cause a wide range of problems, including extreme tiredness, lack of energy, pins and needles, a sore red tongue, mouth ulcers, muscle weakness, visual problems and psychological problems, including depression, anxiety, confusion, dementia and memory problems. See a GP if you think you’re B12 or folate deficient. They’ll examine you, ask about diet, then do a simple blood test. B12 or folate deficiency must be diagnosed and treated as soon as possible because some problems caused by deficiency can be…

Coffee crème caramel Espresso and vanilla combine perfectly in this twist on a rich and creamy classic. SERVES 8PREP 20 mins, plus at least 4 hrs chillingCOOK 1 hr 20 mins ✱ 150g caster sugar✱ 3 medium free-range eggs, plus 3 more egg yolks✱ 120g soft light brown sugar✱ 1 vanilla pod, halved, seeds scraped✱ 300ml double cream✱ 300ml whole milk✱ 1tbsp espresso instant coffee powder✱ 50ml Kahlúa coffee liqueur (optional)✱ 2 large oranges, segmented, to serve (optional) YOU WILL NEED ✱ 1.2ltr loaf tin, lightly oiled 1 Heat the oven to 130C Fan/Gas 2. Put the caster sugar and 60ml water in a saucepan and stir over a medium heat until the sugar dissolves. Increase the heat to high and boil for 8-10 mins until the sugar turns a…

Difficulty level YOU WILL NEED ✱ Fabric scraps✱ Insul-bright insulated wadding✱ Rotary cutter✱ Quilting ruler✱ Cutting mat✱ Matching thread 1 For each coaster, cut a 13cm square from the scrap fabric and wadding. To make the top of the coaster, use the rotary cutter, quilting ruler and cutting mat to cut wonky strips from the scrap fabric measuring 15cm long. 2 Take the fabric strips, pin and sew with right sides together and 5mm seam allowances, until it measures approximately 15x15cm. Trim the coaster top down to a 13cm square. 3 Stack the coaster top with the coaster back with right sides together and top with the insulated wadding. Sew all the way around the edge with a 1cm seam allowance, leaving a 5cm gap for turning. 4 Turn right…

Dif f iculty level Instructions overleaf MEASUREMENTS To fit bust 82-86 (92-97) (102-107) (112-117)cm/32-34 (36-38) (40-42) (44-46)in. Actual bust measurements 110 (121) (132) (143)cm/43¼ (47¾) (52) (56¼)in. Length to shoulder 60 (62) (64) (66) cm/23½ (24¼) (25) (26)in. MATERIALS 9 (10) (11) (12) 50g (116m) balls of Sirdar Snuggly Cashmere Merino Silk DK (75% Merino wool, 20% silk, 5% cashmere) in Pied Piper (305)*. Pair each of 3.25mm (No. 10), 3.75mm (No. 9) and 4mm (No. 8) knitting needles; spare 3.75mm knitting needle; stitch holders. Yarn is available from theknittingnetwork.co.uk TENSION 22 stitches and 28 rows to 10x10cm, over stocking stitch, using 4mm needles. ABBREVIATIONS Dec(’d), decrease(d); k, knit; k2tog, knit 2 sts together (to dec 1 st); p, purl; skpo, slip 1, k1, pass slipped st over (to dec…

Books The Bone Hunters by Joanne Burn (£20, HB, Little, Brown) Unearthing the fossilised skeleton of an unidentified creature, self-taught palaeontologist Ada Winters believes her scientific aspirations have come true. So, when she receives a rejection letter from the Geological Society of London, she’s distraught to learn that just being a woman disqualifies her from membership. With few friends and regarded as an unsociable misfit by the locals, she accepts an invitation from visiting geologist Dr Edwin Moyle, to share her obsessive knowledge and expertise. But is everything as it seems, or is betrayal and loss on the cards? The Antique Hunter’s Guide to Murder by CL Miller (£16.99, HB, Pan Macmillan) If you’re a fan of Antiques Roadshow and a gripping mystery, treat yourself to this wonderful cosy crime…

ARIES 21 MAR – 20 APR It’s time to look at all the progress you’ve already made. This will boost your confidence and will enable you to achieve your new goals. TAURUS 21 APR – 21 MAY Relax, surrender and accept the things that you’re unable to change. If you can do this, you’ll experience great peace within. GEMINI 22 MAY – 21 JUN People may test your patience. Remember to breathe and don’t take anything too personally, and everything will be fine. CANCER 22 JUN – 23 JUL This is a good time to get out, to connect with Mother Earth and to find calm. Slowing down will be beneficial for you. LEO 24 JUL – 23 AUG Make sure you pay enough attention to your health and wellbeing.…

‘One hundred and twenty-one… one hundred and twenty-two… one hundred and twenty-three,’ said Mr Dear. ‘I’m off then, love,’ I said, popping my head around the kitchen door. ‘Sorry? I… D’oh! Now I’ve lost count’. Mr Dear is counting sweets, and not just any old sweets. He is counting the purple ones from Quality Street – easily the best in the tin – for a Guess How Many Sweets Are In The Jar competition to raise money for the cricket club. He is also in charge of Name The Cuddly Batsman Toy that somebody has kindly knitted, Guess The Weight Of The Wicketkeeper, and that game where you have to move a hoop along a wire without making it go buzz. ‘You’d reached one hundred and twenty-three,’ I said, in…

LOVEY DOVEY Cooing turtle doves have always symbolised love, but in recent years they’ve struggled to find nesting sites and enough food when they return from West Africa for summer in the UK. But with help from farmers and volunteers, the RSPB’s Operation Turtle Dove campaign is reversing the decline of these charming birds. Restoring our rivers Rivers are the lifeblood of the natural world, and there’s new hope for the future of the River Darent in Kent – one of only 210 chalk streams in the world. The Darent Valley Landscape Recovery Project encourages the river to flow more naturally, with less flood risk. It can then form a thriving wildlife corridor, supporting a wider range of fish and animals, helping sustainable farming, and giving better access to nature…

Pascale Cozzolino, 59 Tell us about your look I decided to go for an on-trend grey coat this season and found this one in Zara. I love the oversized shape and the deep splits at the side. I’ve teamed it with a bold print scarf and a cream beret, bought in a local boutique. Underneath I’ve kept it simple with a black lace blouse from John Lewis and leggings from Sweaty Betty. I’ve added a little pop of colour with my New Balance trainers. What’s your favourite thing about yourself? I like my smile. Bridget Prado, 62 Tell us about your look I bought my cosy sheepskin coat in Spain a few years ago. I love the easy, casual style and neutral colour and it goes with pretty much anything.…

WRAP A forever classic, this has a flattering V-neckline and a cinched-in waist. Look to silky fabrics for a more luxe finish and wear with a heeled boot for a polished day-to-night look. SHIRT Offering a feminine take on tailoring, a shirt dress is a no-brainer. The built-in belt highlights the waist for an hourglass silhouette. Swap for a leather belt for a fresh update. SMOCK With a relaxed fit, this has great throw-on-and-go appeal. Skimming over your frame, there’s zero clinginess for incredible comfort. KNITTED Cosy and chic, the knitted dress adds warmth without compromising on style. The ribbed detailing adds shape and texture, for a flattering finish. Team with knee-high leather boots.…

How do I go about dating online? Q I’ve been on my own for a while, since my divorce, and I think I’m finally ready to date again. I’ve been told by friends that I should try internet dating but it feels a bit scary. How do you start this process after so many years? Karen London A You’re not alone – it’s a scary process for anyone, but it can be fun once you get going. You need to consider which site to use. Bumble (bumble.com) is a good one – it enables the woman to be in control, as she makes the first move. Before you start, be clear what it is you want from a partner. This can help you in writing your profile. Take the process slowly,…

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: plant killer. Average = 15 More than 35 = well done 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: Large, imposing churches. Crossword Try the easy or cryptic clues, then rearrange the letters in the shaded squares for the answer.…

I was lucky enough to see a hedgelayer in action today, as he worked on a small section of an overgrown hedge near my local wood. Hedgelaying is the traditional practice of laying down young trees and shrubs, such as hawthorn, blackthorn, hazel and field maple, by partially cutting the bases of their stems at an angle and weaving them together to produce a thick living barrier. It’s undertaken while the plants lie dormant in winter, and should only be done in stages, so as not to reduce habitats for wildlife. Skilfully executed, as this one was, it creates a natural work of art. My garden week In preparation for the season ahead, I embarked on tidying the herbaceous perennial borders in my garden, as they had been left untouched…

Michael Ball is currently rehearsing hard for his upcoming UK tour. When that finishes, he’ll be adding the finishing touches to the paperback version of his memoir, and then there’s talk of recording a new album with his good friend and fellow performer Alfie Boe. He’s one of the hardest-working performers around, but surprisingly, when he doesn’t have a project on the go, Michael is reassuringly just like the rest of us. ‘I know it doesn’t sound like it, but I love watching Doctor Who. I saw it was the 60th anniversary and I’ve always been a fan so I went back to watch it literally from the start and – stone me – I’m now on Series 5!’ Michael lives in south-west London with his partner of 34 years,…

I have mixed feelings about travelling because I used to fly with my cello an awful lot and there was always a problem, even though I’d buy it an extra seat on the plane. Never stand behind a cellist at a check-in desk. I’ve had all kinds of reasons and excuses why I couldn’t take my cello onto a flight. Once, when I had to fly to a concert, they had overbooked and said that people took preference. In the end, the flight was delayed because I was arguing with the staff. When we eventually boarded the flight, the captain announced that the delay was ‘due to the man in row X with the cello’. For some reason, I was always put right at the back of the plane, almost…

3 WAYS TO... Spot bowel cancer 1 Bleeding from your bottom Or blood in your poo is the most common symptom of this fourth most common cancer. Make use of the free NHS bowel screening (FIT) test, which checks for small signs of blood and is available to everyone aged 60-71 (soon to expand to include those between 50-59). 2 A change in bowel habit That may be constipation or diarrhoea – any change that is persistent and unexplained should be investigated by your GP. 3 Unexplained weight loss Or extreme tiredness are also other possible signs. So too, is a lump or pain in your tummy. It’s crucial to get signs checked swiftly because bowel cancer is treatable and curable, especially if diagnosed early. NEW READ Understand & Overcome…

MATALAN GEORGE HOME IKEA…