Innholdsfortegnelse for 19-Mar-2024 i Woman's Weekly

A lifetime of love? My parents were married for over 60 years, and my wife and I have been married for over 30. But anyone who’s been lucky enough to have enjoyed a long-term partnership will know that it’s not all plain sailing – sharing your life with another person isn’t always universally easy (although I would argue it is wonderfully rewarding). So whoever we are, and however long we’ve been married or together, from time to time I think it’s worth reviewing what we can do to reinvigorate the bond with our partner. It’s all too easy to take both them and the shared relationship for granted. If you feel the same, do have a look at our feature on page 12.…

For many years actor Sue Cleaver lived her life under the radar. While millions of viewers saw her on screen every week playing Coronation Street’s straight-talking taxi controller Eileen Grimshaw, away from the cobbles, Sue made a conscious decision to live the rest of her life out of the spotlight. Fast forward to today and Sue is starting to emerge from her shell. From her stint in the jungle on I’m a Celebrity… to regular appearances on the Loose Women panel – and now the role of Mother Superior in the UK and Ireland tour of the hit musical, Sister Act. It is Sue’s first theatre role since she joined Coronation Street 24 years ago, but she firmly believes that it’s the right time to be making changes to her…

“Like many of us, I have got a slight obsession with achieving things. Sometimes, it feels like my brain is running 1,000 miles an hour, saying yes to everything, even if I end up totally frazzled as a result. However, in the past couple of years, I’ve discovered an antidote to this addiction. It’s called pottering. ‘I find joy in seemingly pointless activities’ Pottering is enjoying not doing very much. It’s spending time on small, often insignificant things – and not feeling like that time is wasted. In the old days, if you were early for a bus, rather than typing messages or scrolling on your phone, you might chat to the person waiting next to you, or simply just sit. That is the mindset I’m trying to bring back…

3 WAYS TO... Keep safe when wild-water swimming 1 ACCLIMATISE GRADUALLY Let your body get used to cold water by starting with shorter swims in milder temperatures before attempting longer or colder swims. 2 SWIM WITH A FRIEND Swimming with a partner or in a group is safer. In case of any unforeseen circumstances, having someone nearby who can assist you can be, literally, life-saving. 3 KNOW YOUR LIMITS Understand your swimming abilities before getting into any water. Cold water can be physically demanding, so don’t push yourself beyond your comfort zone or swim more than you can. THE LIFELINE THAT HELPED WITH MY PARENTS’ DEMENTIA Susannah Williams, 60, from Clapham, south London Both my parents went into care homes in 2020. First Mum in July and then Dad in…

“Spring is all about new beginnings, and in this issue of Woman’s Weekly we’re applying the fresh start theme to your wellbeing with a 32-page extra health special. It features stacks of expert advice on getting back on track after winter – covering conditions from diabetes to long COVID, alongside tips for better skin, eye and gut health, plus how to get fit walking, maintain muscle mass and avoid health-harming ultra-processed foods. There are it-worked-for-me tips from women like you too, with a great feature about how three readers beat the blues to live happier lives. A happier, healthier life is there for the taking for all of us – if we know where to look. So, step inside and enjoy the issue.“…

No time to cook? Been overdoing the ready meals? Or maybe you’ve been popping unhealthy choices into your trolley without even realising. That’s because it’s not just processed foods you need to avoid when shopping – ‘ultra-processed’ ones are what to look out for – and they are causing serious harm to our health. These products aren’t just the usual refined fast food, but a more extreme version. And the worrying news? They’re everywhere. ‘Ultra-processed foods (UPFs) have undergone multiple stages of industrial processing, which transforms raw ingredients into highly processed, ready-to-eat items,’ says registered nutritionist Gabi Zaromskyte, founder of Honestly Nutrition. The easiest way to spot them is by reading labels when at the supermarket – anything with more than five ingredients should be a red flag. ‘UPFs typically…

Lose up to 7lb in 2 weeks* PLUS join Slimming World for free! Spring-clean your mindset and take control of your food choices with this plan from Slimming World. It’s based on the leading weight-loss organisation’s Food Optimising, which relies on the science of energy density, of satiety and how easy a food is to overeat. It’s a simple way to cut calories without counting them and lose weight without going hungry. All breakfasts and lunches serve 1, and dinners serve 4. 3 TIPS FOR SUCCESS 1 Stay hydrated: Aim to consume 6-8 drinks a day – choose water or sugar-free drinks. 2 Don’t go it alone: Studies show Slimming World members eat more healthily than the general population, so the whole household can enjoy the same meals alongside you.…

EASE FATIGUE Constantly exhausted or struggling with memory and concentration? ‘Mental fatigue can be a particularly frightening symptom, says Emma Tucker, post-COVID rehabilitation coordinator for Oxford Health NHS Foundation Trust. ‘But remember, it’s not permanent.’ FIGHT IT ✱ Limit ‘thinking’ It’s easy to forget tasks that require brain power (checking emails, reading, making decisions) use energy too. Allot a set amount of time for these activities. ✱ Reduce screen time Even if it’s for pleasure, being glued to TVs or phones can sap energy, as blue light can negatively affect your body clock. ✱ Rest up The NHS recommends having short rests throughout the day, every day, even when you’re improving. ‘This avoids “boom and bust”, where you overdo it on good days, but then are overwhelmed with fatigue the…

NEXT DUNELM JOHN LEWIS & PARTNERS…

What’s the worst that can happen?’ Jenny thought. Well, that she’d look a right idiot in front of all the other seasoned swimmers. She hadn’t even swam in the sea on their last summer holiday. Instead, she had volunteered to look after the family belongings on the beach. She’d watched the kids and her husband Rick splashing about, and she’d waved back at them, happy they were having the time of their lives. But when had she last done something for her? Maybe she’d missed out on all sorts of things, she now realised. Her experience of that trip had been entirely different to everyone else’s. She hadn’t felt the sensation of salt water drying on her skin, or the sun-warmed sea sloshing around her shoulders. Was it time she…

FASHIONABLE SOCIETY It’s no wonder high-society figures queued up to have their portraits painted by John Singer Sargent (such as Miss Elsie Palmer, above) – who else could invest his subjects with such glamour and panache? An exhibition at Tate Britain, London, devoted to his passion for fashion, offers an opportunity to admire not just his skill as a portraitist but his unerring eye for unforgettable outfits. Sargent and Fashion, until 7 July. ✱ tate.org.uk Walk for wellbeing Walking in the fresh air is one of the simplest and most effective ways to stay healthy and lift your mood, and now many GPs are recommending the guided Wellbeing Walks organised by walking charity the Ramblers. From as short as 10 minutes up to 90 minutes, hundreds of free walks are…

They may be small, but when it comes to recognising famous people and important events in our nation’s history, postage stamps have got it licked. And although many female sports stars and historical figures have appeared on them in the past, legendary diva Dame Shirley Bassey, 87, recently became the first solo female music artist to have a set of 12 stamps issued to mark her glittering 70 years in showbiz. Here are some of our other favourite postage stamp moments. HER AND HIS MAJESTY While the King’s head appears on our everyday – or so-called definitive – stamps, there have also been special sets issued over the years. Many celebrated Queen Elizabeth II’s remarkable lifetime of public service. A stamp collector herself, the royal philatelic collection is thought to…

1 MINTY STRIPES Stripes are key every season, and a chunky cotton knit is always useful to layer over cotton shirts on chilly spring days. Sweater, £18, sizes 8-22, Nutmeg at Morrisons 2 RETRO COLLARS Update your denim basics with a statement collar – great for balancing proportions, and adding interest and femininity to your neckline. Shirt, £16, sizes 6-28, George at Asda 3 ABSTRACT PRINT Play with print and elevate your everyday look with this vibrant midi dress. Style with an oversized blazer and ankle boots. Dress, £12, sizes 8-22, Nutmeg at Morrisons 4 TAKE ME AWAY You won’t want to leave home without this polished, new-season shoulder bag, perfectly sized for all your essentials. Bag, £15, Tu Clothing at Sainsbury’s 5 PRETTY IN PINK The perfect cosy knit,…

Spring chicken with baby veg A vibrant medley of in-season veg enhances this simple roast. SERVES 6PREP 20 minsCOOK 1 hr 50 mins ✱ 200ml white wine✱ 1 red onion, cut into 8 wedges✱ 1 leek, roughly chopped✱ 150g radishes✱ 200g baby rainbow carrots✱ 750g new potatoes, large ones halved✱ 1.7kg whole chicken, untrussed✱ ½ lemon✱ Small bunch tarragon – reserve a few sprigs for the dressing and to garnish✱ 150g asparagus spears, trimmed✱ 320g Tenderstem broccoli FOR THE DRESSING ✱ 6 anchovies, finely chopped✱ 1tbsp capers, finely chopped✱ Few sprigs tarragon, leaves picked and finely chopped✱ 20g Parmesan, finely grated✱ 200g pot half-fat crème fraiche✱ ½tbsp Dijon mustard✱ 2tbsp mayonnaise 1 Heat the oven to 180C Fan/Gas 6. Pour the wine into a large roasting tin and add the…

Coping with… LUNG FUNCTION TESTS These breathing tests will provide your doctor with a detailed assessment of how well your lungs are working Tests – including spirometry, lung volume and diffusion/gas transfer assessments – measure your airway function, the size of your lungs and efficiency of gas exchange, such as oxygen movement in the lungs. They take about 45 minutes, and involve you being seated and breathing into specialist equipment, via a filter and a mouthpiece. Spirometry measures the amount of air that you inhale and exhale, and how fast you can exhale. You’ll need to breathe normally, then breathe in fully and out until your lungs are completely empty. Then you’ll have to blow out as hard and as fast as possible with a clip on your nose, to…

Trick your appetite Looking to lose weight? Eat your meals off blue plates. The colour doesn’t stimulate our appetites as much as red or yellow (the favoured hues of many fast-food companies), according to research by Cornell University in America. What’s that? Keep tabs on your supplements and meds with this handy Vida Glow weekender pill box – great for keeping organised at home or on-the-go. Take the plunge! We know that being active is great for health and fitness – and it’s good for body image too. Swimming, yoga or weightlifting in particular help boost confidence in our bodies, says Viren Swami, professor of Social Psychology at Anglia Ruskin University. ‘Research has found that anything that promotes a greater appreciation for the body and its functions will promote a…

Someone is diagnosed with diabetes every two minutes in the UK, so it’s likely that almost all of us know someone whose life is affected by the condition. But how clued-up are you on how to prevent or manage it? Our experts answer the most common questions you may have about this serious health problem. WHAT IS DIABETES? Diabetes is a condition that has an impact on your blood sugar levels – but there are two types. Type 1 diabetes Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune disease where the body attacks and destroys insulin-producing cells, explains Natasha Marsland, senior clinical advisor at the charity Diabetes UK. The result? ‘The pancreas shuts down completely and you don’t produce any insulin, causing glucose to quickly rise in your blood.’ Type 2 diabetes…

‘Getting outdoors peps me up’ Nicky Elliott, 40, from Berkhamsted, stays upbeat with the help of a good morning routine – and the 1,000 Hours Outside movement. I’ve always experienced a degree of low-grade anxiety and, like a lot of people, I find it ramps up in winter, when I’m exposed to less natural daylight. But discovering the 1,000 Hours Outside movement, 14 months ago, woke me up to the fact that natural daylight is essential for our mental wellbeing all year round. Across a year, getting outside for 1,000 hours equates to about 20 hours a week of natural daylight, but the programme takes the darker months into account. So, living in the UK, I need to be outdoors for at least one hour a day through January, but…

Walking is a great way to stay in shape – what could be easier than opening your door and stepping outside? But increase your effort a little and you can really benefit your health. This four-week plan by celebrity personal trainer Hollie Philippa promises to get those glutes, hamstrings, quads and calves moving, to torch fat and give you a toned body. Your walking workout will boost strength and burn calories with HIIT, hill and distance routines. All you need is you, your trainers and 30 minutes. YOUR STEP-INTO-SHAPE PLAN WEEK ONE HIIT Power-walk for 25 minutes. Complete 20 walking lunges either side of your power walk. Hill Find a hill and power-walk up it and then down. Repeat for 30 minutes and count your steps. Distance Complete a steady,…

Exotic passion cake Tropical fruit and passion-fruit curd make this an extra-special alternative to carrot cake when it comes to tea. SERVES 10 PREP 20 mins COOK 40 mins, plus making pineapple flowers the day before ✱ 1 small pineapple, peeled and the eyes removed✱ 250g unsalted butter✱ 200g golden caster sugar✱ 1 ripe banana, mashed✱ 4 medium eggs✱ 350g self-raising flour✱ ½tsp baking powder✱ 100g roasted, chopped hazelnuts, whizzed in a processor to a crumb✱ 260g tin pineapple chunks, drained FOR THE FILLING ✱ 250g mascarpone✱ 200ml whipping cream✱ 3tsp vanilla extract✱ 125g passion-fruit curd YOU WILL NEED ✱ 12-hole non-stick cupcake tray✱ 3 x 20cm sandwich tins, greased and the bases lined 1 The day before, make the pineapple flowers. Heat the oven to 120C Fan/ Gas 1.…

Dif f iculty level MEASUREMENTS Length 105cm/41½in. Width 83cm/32¾in. MATERIALS 1 x 100g (290m) ball of King Cole Baby Glitz DK (97% acrylic, 3% polyester) in each of White (Diamond White 483), Pink (Marzipan 3272), Yellow (Lemon 101), Blue (Sky 104), Lilac (1525), Cream (105) and Green (Mint 102)*. Size 4mm crochet hook. Yarn is available from theknittingnetwork.co.uk TENSION 1 granny square to measure 10x10cm, using 4mm hook. ABBREVIATIONS Bobble, [yrh, insert hook into st, yrh, pull up loop, yrh, pull hook through first 2 loops, leaving remaining 2 loops on hook] four times (5 loops on hook), yrh and pull through all loops on hook; ch, chain; dc, double crochet; htr, half treble crochet; slst, slip st; sp(s), space(s); st(s), stitch(es); tr, treble crochet; yrh, yarn round hook. NOTES…

Books The Wrong Sister by Claire Douglas (£14.99, HB, Penguin) During a week’s life-swap in Venice, Tasha and husband Aaron receive an urgent call to say her sister, Alice, has been attacked and her brother-in-law murdered. Tormented by unanswered questions, they assume it must be a burglary gone wrong – until Tasha receives the following note: ‘It was supposed to be you!’ Was she really the target – or are there other sinister issues at play? Spine-chilling scenarios and a catalogue of twisty connections link a past child abduction, dodgy investors, spurned females, secret relatives and a host of lies. Edgy, unsettling and unputdownable. Listen for the Lie by Amy Tintera (£14.99, HB, Transworld) You think you might have murdered your best friend – and so does everyone else, though…

Horoscopes ARIES 21 MAR – 20 APR You are unstoppable once you set your sights on an important goal. This is the ideal occasion for taking decisive action. TAURUS 21 APR – 21 MAY For peace of mind, put your finances in order. You could plan ahead to give yourself some security and stability. GEMINI 22 MAY – 21 JUN Don’t be influenced by your environment and the people around you. Only you know what truly matters to you. CANCER 22 JUN – 23 JUL Your social life can be activated now. If you’d like to extend your circle, get out there and make contact with others. LEO 24 JUL – 23 AUG Nothing is in your way, except your limited thinking. Think big and aim high. You’ll be amazed…

Finding myself in town at a bit of a loose end, I thought I’d visit the new bookshop that has recently opened in one of its more picturesque side streets. It’s brightly painted in a sort of turquoise with a gold trim, and is one of those places that manages to look modern but somehow Victorian or Edwardian. The shop sells both new and secondhand books, and is so large, with so many rooms, that if you want to explore the dark recesses of the rear, you should probably take a packed lunch and lay down a paper trail. The old-fashioned doorbell tinkled as I entered, and the lady assistant appeared from behind one of the bookcases. ‘Good grief!’ she snapped. ‘What on earth are you doing here?’ ‘I thought…

Letter of the week Star knit for a newborn I have just made this lovely bear for my new great-niece Charlotte, who arrived into the world last week. I love the cute little ears and floppy legs. I hope Charlotte will love her too. I have made a lot of these for family and friends’ new arrivals. Janet Spurgeon, Colchester PAWS FOR THOUGHT Our rescue dog Darcy spent the first six years of her life in a puppy mill producing litter after litter. Safe to say that since coming to live with us a year ago, she’s been living her best comfy life! Rachel Dove, Wakefield ✱ Got a pet pic that makes you smile? We can give it a good home PAY IT FORWARD The first person I met…

If you’ve been married for decades or have a steady partner, you’ll know that keeping it going takes work. And while some couples thrive as the years pass, other relationships crumble. ‘Long-term love often feels hard,’ says relationship therapist Alison Tinsley*. ‘It can become overfamiliar and lacking in excitement when the “head over heels” feeling wears off.’ But for many people, positive feelings increase over time. In fact, over half of coupled Brits fancy their partner more after 10 years together**. Our quiz will help you understand your dynamic and strengthen your bond. Take the test Tick the answer that best applies to you. What would make you happier about your relationship day-to-day? ⬜ A More fun. Life is now full of commitments⬜ B Not so many rows over silly…

Help your hairdryer work harder Your hairdryer can impact your hair more than anything else, especially if you’re using it daily, so don’t just buy the cheapest. We recommend avoiding the highest setting, or at least starting on the lowest and building up gradually. Using a dryer that works for your hair type is also well worth it. Babyliss 2300 Styler Dryer, £90, babyliss.com, comes with a selection of nozzles to make styling all hair types much easier, including curls and coils. Save time with multitaskers If you’re someone who uses a hairdryer then a straightener to add shape, consider a hair-styling brush, which will dry and style in one step. Shark SmoothStyle Hair Styler, £99.99, John Lewis & Partners, is brilliant, and provides a truly salon-worthy bouncy blow-dry. Or…

Gardening should be fun and relaxing, though aching joints, sore muscles and mobility issues can turn it into a frustrating and painful chore. But don’t hang up your trowel just yet. Adapting how you work and trying different tools can make all the difference, allowing you to garden happily for years to come. Find out more ✱ Gardening with arthritis: arthritis.org ✱ Gardening with physical impairments: thrive.org.uk/get-gardening Back-saving basics Bad digging techniques can double the load on your joints. Simple adjustments, like bending at the knee and using regular, repetitive movements, can literally save your back. For detailed advice, visit rhs.org.uk/science/articles/digging-techniques Be kind to your body by warming up before you start (a 10-minute walk will do it) and cool down with a few stretches. Other back-friendly hacks include: ✱…

I feel like a doormat Q One of my children lives out of the UK and is planning to visit. She’s been talking to her siblings about dates to go to a holiday house with lots of activities, but they haven’t consulted me. I’m feeling left out and hurt. I mentioned this to her and she said they knew I’d just fit in with everyone so they didn’t need to plan things with me. Sandra, Ipswich A You’re their mother and your priority is to spend time with them. They know you well and that you’ll put their needs first, and be happy to move things round. I think they were just saying they could rely on your being there – and that’s lovely! That said, you can let them…

Q What’s the best way to treat insect bites? A Insect bites or stings aren’t usually serious and infection or allergic reactions rarely occur, but tick bites can cause Lyme disease. Stings and bites cause pain, a lump, swollen red skin and itchy areas. Take off jewellery to avoid swelling and remove anything left in the skin. For a bee/wasp sting, scrape the stinger sideways with a fingernail, not tweezers, to avoid squeezing out poison. For a tick, grasp tweezers or a tick-removal tool close to the skin, then slowly pull upwards. Make sure you don’t leave its mouth parts behind. Clean wounds with antiseptic or soap and water. Raise the affected area, then apply an ice pack or a cold-water-soaked clean cloth for 20 minutes. Your pharmacist will advise…

Difficulty level YOU WILL NEED ✱ Felt (approximately half a sheet per ornament plus smaller offcuts of different colours)✱ Stuffing✱ Small beads and sequins✱ 2cm pom-pom✱ 20cm hanging thread or ribbon per ornament✱ Embroidery threads and needle✱ Scissors For the bunny 1 Use the templates to cut all the pieces from felt. On one piece of the bunny body, sew the inner ear sections in place using a row of fly stitches and French knots. 2 Place the two body pieces together. Right sides facing out. Starting at the base, sew the bunny together using a small whipstitch. When you reach between the ears, insert the hanging thread (folded in half and tied with a knot), placing the knot between the two body pieces. Secure with a couple of extra…

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: captivate. Average = 25 More than 25 = 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…