Innholdsfortegnelse for 1-Oct-2024 i Woman's Weekly

The generation game “I wear a simple ring on my finger that once belonged to my paternal grandfather. He wore it until the day he died, whereupon my father put on his finger. My dad gave it to me just before he too left this world, and hopefully I’ll have it until it’s my turn to pass it on again. I love the fact it comes from one of my grandparents because they were such significant and loving influences on my young life. I think it’s often an advantage for young children to mix in the company of a much older (and maybe sometimes wiser) generation of relatives. So my wife and I will consider it a privilege if we ever get the chance to be grandparents. See page 20.”…

I always knew I had been adopted, but I wasn’t searching for my birth parents. So, when I found out who my mum was, quite by accident, I reflected on all the synchronicities in my life. When I started out after drama school, I got a small part in Oedipus at The Royal Exchange [in Manchester]. On the first day, I met this guy, Michael N. Harbour, who I recognised from a school programme called Finding Out. I wanted to know more about him, as I’d grown up watching him. Unbeknown to me, Michael had said to the director David Threlfall, ‘Wow, she’s the spitting image of my wife at that age.’ Michael and I became good friends, and at a party, he mentioned my accent, and asked where and…

3 WAYS TO... Get more fibre 1 SWITCH IT UP If you’re used to white bread, pasta and rice, ease yourself in gently by swapping white bread for half and half, and gradually moving to wholegrain. For pasta, besides regular wholegrain, there’s a huge variety of different types – from chickpea and lentil to buckwheat. 2 ADD A FLOURISH Enhance mealtimes with high-fibre add-ons, such as topping porridge with chopped nuts and dried fruits, or dressing up a salad with roasted veg and toasted seeds. 3 BUY SOME BEANS Why not swap out some of the meat in your next stew, casserole, curry or chilli with a tin of beans? Not only are they high in fibre, they are a great source of protein and much cheaper than meat. NEWSFLASH NHS to offer drug to strengthen bones…

“As autumn rolls in again, we might be waving goodbye to longer, lighter days and warmer weather, but we don’t have to bid farewell to a happier, healthier life. Because while the approaching winter can make healthy living a little more challenging, with a bit of thought and support, we can stay hale and hearty - and keep our families safe and well too. We’ll show you how with these bonus pages of expert-backed health content, including ways to boost your immunity and sleep, and to keep your brain sharp, and your skin looking young and glowing. Plus there’s a five-day eating plan, exclusively from Slimming World, to get your mind and body ready for the colder months. Winter? Bring it on!”…

HEALTH EXTRA Exercise isn’t just important for physical health – it’s essential for our mental health too. And recent research* suggests that activity which builds muscle tone also improves cognitive health. These six moves will not only help sharpen your brain, they’ll build and tone the muscles in your body, giving you a slimmer silhouette. ‘They’ll also help to strengthen bones, reduce joint and lower back pain, and improve balance and posture,’ says fitness coach Susana Alvarez**. And the best bit? Expect to notice a difference in a fortnight if you do them daily. THE MOVES KNEE TO ELBOW Standing tall, engage your core. Lift your right knee off the floor and twist it up to touch your left elbow. As you come out of the movement, extend your left…

Locking her front door, and slipping into her car, Diane Sealey felt a now-familiar rush of adrenaline… one that she had trained herself to recognise as excitement, not fear. She was heading for an airfield, where – aged 60 – she was about to face the biggest challenge of her life: jumping out of a plane at 14,000 feet. ‘Uppermost in my mind were the words of the personal development coach, Tony Robbins,’ she says. ‘He had talked about how, by changing our mindset, we could achieve anything. ‘I’ve never shrunk from a challenge. A lot of us live quite fearfully and there have been many times in my life when I’ve felt nervous or anxious. But I’ve always found that, by pushing on, the fear melts away.’ This philosophy…

HEALTH EXTRA Marbella has quite the reputation. Sunshine throughout the year has made the Costa del Sol resort a go-to favourite for Brits for decades – from the glamour days of the 1970s, when the resort became a playground of the rich and famous, to the more recent spotlight from TV programmes such as The Only Way is Essex, where the show’s stars regularly pop across to ‘Marbs’ for sun, sex and sangria. Yet there’s much more to Marbella than this. The coastal Spanish town sits in the south of the country and promises year-round mild temperatures. What’s more, the protective high peaks of the surrounding Sierra Blanca mountains shelter the town, making autumn a great time to visit. Average temperatures in October are a comfortable 22 degrees. That’s a…

1 CHOOSE SPICY HUES Shades such as terracotta, cinnamon and ginger will add instant heat and warmth to a room. Painting all four walls in a rich, earthy colour will create an immersive and intimate mood, ideal for spaces where you want to feel cosseted and cocooned. ✱ Beatrice Folkstone Stripe snuggle chair, £399, cushions, from £25 each, Churchgate Morcott tufted throw, £50, Bitteswell wall light, £45, and Bradmore wool rug, £479, all Dunelm 2 SNUGGLE UP Extra cushions, throws and rugs are an inexpensive and easy fix when it comes to cosying up your home. Swap out summer cottons for knitted woollens, chunky weaves, faux furs and fleecy throws. ✱ Cushions, from £4.50 each, all George Home 3 TRY PLUSH FINISHES Opt for tactile fabrics, such as velvet, chenille…

Knitting Difficulty level MEASUREMENTS To fit ages 6-12 months MATERIALS 1 x 100g (282m) ball of Emu Classic DK (100% acrylic) in each of Orange (Tiger 116) and Cream (102), plus small amount of Black DK*. Pair each of 3.75mm (No. 9) and 4mm (No. 8) knitting needles; 4mm (No. 8) circular knitting needle; stitch holders. TENSION 22 stitches and 28 rows to 10x10cm, over stocking stitch, using 4mm needles. ABBREVIATIONS B, through back of sts; inc, increase (by working twice into same st); k, knit; p, purl; psso, pass sl st over; skpo, sl1, k1, psso (to decrease 1 st); sl, slip; ss, stocking stitch (k on right side and p on wrong side); st(s), stitch(es); tog, together (decrease by working as many sts together as stated); wrap1, take…

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: records. Average = 20 More than 40 = 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 dancer, singer, television presenter and judge on Strictly Come Dancing, Anton Du Beke, 58, is a man of many parts. Strictly Come Dancing, the programme that made him a household name, marks its 20th anniversary this year and Anton says, ‘I’m so honoured and thrilled to still be part of it.’ He believes that the secret to the show’s success is that it attracts a multigenerational audience. ‘It’s literally the only terrestrial thing that my children will watch. They’re always wanting to stream something on YouTube or Netflix, which you can watch any time. But Strictly Come Dancing is the only scheduled show that they will make an appointment to watch because if you want to be involved and judge, you have to watch it live,’ the star explains.…

1 VERSATILE DRESS This shirt style is perfect for any smart-casual dress code, and works well with both trainers and heels. £20, sizes 8-22, Nutmeg at Morrisons 2 PRINTS CHARMING Florals give this sporty bomber a pretty twist. Wear with your go-to jeans for an instant pick-me-up. £30, sizes 8-24, George at Asda 3 LEOPARD LOVE It’s the print of the season and surprisingly easy to wear. Just add a white blouse and let the trousers steal the spotlight. £22.50, sizes 6-22, F&F at Tesco 4 PINK LADY Inject some colour into your outfit with this cute cardigan. It’s a handy layering tool – plus the gold buttons add a luxe feel. £22.50, sizes 6-22, F&F at Tesco 5 FANCY FLATS With a statement buckle and a wearable cream hue, these…

Steak and egg sandwich Layers of rich, saucy deliciousness, guaranteed to please. Napkins necessary! SERVES 2PREP 5 mins COOK 15 mins ✱ 3tsp cooking oil✱ 1 large onion, sliced✱ Few dashes Worcestershire sauce✱ 1 rump steak (about 200g)✱ 2 medium free-range eggs✱ 3tbsp mayonnaise✱ 1tbsp Dijon mustard✱ 2 ciabatta rolls, or other crusty rolls, halved✱ 50g Gruyère or Cheddar✱ Handful rocket, or other salad leaves 1 Heat a frying pan over a medium heat, add 1tsp oil and fry the onion for 10 mins, stirring until softened – add a splash of water if it sticks to the pan. Add the Worcestershire sauce and continue to cook for 5 mins, until golden. 2 Meanwhile, heat another frying pan over a high heat, until smoking. Pat the steak dry and brush…

Caffeine and Parkinson’s Several small studies have suggested coffee consumption may reduce risk of Parkinson’s disease. Other caffeine sources, including tea, cola and chocolate, also seem protective, but not decaffeinated coffee, which suggests it’s caffeine and its metabolites that matter. Part of the huge EPIC-Europe study shows blood levels of caffeine and metabolites, paraxanthine and theophylline, measured long before the diagnosis, were inversely associated with subsequent Parkinson’s risk. CONTROLLING EPILEPSY SEIZURES A neurostimulator, which sends electrical signals deep into the brain, has dramatically reduced seizure frequency in a 13-year-old boy after surgery at Great Ormond Street Hospital, as part of the CADET project – a series of trials assessing the safety and effectiveness of deep brain stimulation for severe epilepsy. The UK-made Picostim neurotransmitter emits a constant pulse…

What’s that? Regular exercise, such as walking, is crucial to staying healthy as we age, but we can become more prone to injury, so the right footwear becomes essential. These snazzy new walking shoes – Merrell Moab Speed 2 – feature a 30% increase in foam underfoot for added comfort. They also offer exceptional traction, stability and flexibility thanks to the Vibram TC5+ outsole and FlexPlate technology. DITCH THE HAM SARNIES Eating just two slices of ham a day could raise your risk of diabetes by 15% in the next 10 years. New research by the University of Cambridge found that just 50g of processed meat, which has also been linked to heart disease and stroke, was enough to make the difference. GOOD GUT FOR GREATER LIBIDO Improving your gut…

1 CONNECT WITH YOUR INNER CHILD The responsibilities of adulthood can derail us from creating more fun in our lives, but our wellbeing depends on it, says clinical psychologist Dr Marsha Chinichian. This autumn, crunch the leaves, play conkers and search for toadstools. ‘Do what you used to love doing as a kid, and be with people who bring fun into your life,’ adds Dr Chinichian. 2 RATION TECHNOLOGY More evidence is emerging of the negative impact on tech on wellbeing, says psychologist Miriam Akhtar. ‘Digital addiction creates an extra layer of stress.’ Get into the habit of switching off your phone in the evenings, and only checking your emails twice a day. 3 TAKE A SIESTA During a summer holiday, it’s permissible to have a little snooze by the…

HEALTH EXTRA Q Is it too late to give up smoking once you have lung disease like COPD? A Quite simply, it’s never too late to stop smoking. In fact, once you have COPD, it’s critical that you kick the habit. Hundreds of toxic substances in tobacco – including nicotine, carbon monoxide and tar, and chemicals such as benzene, arsenic and formaldehyde – cause lung irritation or damage, making it harder for people with COPD to breathe. Research shows lung tissue slowly breaks down with age, and smoking speeds up that process. As a result, smokers get lung disease at a younger age. You can’t undo the damage already done, but if you quit smoking, you can slow down how fast lung disease worsens, leading to a longer, better-quality life. Smoking increases…

Emma’s battered red Honda bumped down the track leading to the car park. She was ridiculously early but she wanted to make a good impression on her first day at work. Following the signs, she arrived at a rough gravelled area to the side of the ruined buildings and wondered where to park. There were no designated spaces for staff. She made a mental note to ask about that, and meanwhile pulled into a scrubby corner where it would be out of the way for the day. Then she wandered into the stable courtyard with its small shops and a cafe. ‘Hello?’ The man’s voice made her jump. ‘Hi, I’m Emma. I’m starting today.’ She thrust her hand out to the man who had suddenly appeared. ‘Good to meet you.…

Difficulty level BUBBLE TECHNIQUE Using two layers of fusible web and one of soluble stabiliser, plus lots of steam, you can create a shirring effect on fabric. The fabric shrinks to about two-thirds of its original size, so for this bag front, a fabric piece of 19x31cm shrinks to approximately 14x23cm. 1 Cut a 19x31cm piece from the main fabric. Fuse two layers of fusible web to the back of the fabric piece: Fuse one, remove the paper backing and fuse the second one. Remove the paper backing of the second fusible web layer and fuse on a layer of soluble stabiliser. 2 Stitch parallel rows of straight stitching, approximately 1cm apart, across the width of the fabric piece. Once complete, working on the ironing mat, hover a steam iron…

Horoscopes ARIES 21 MAR – 20 APR This is the perfect time for creating new goals and aspirations. Aim as high as you can and you won’t fall far short. TAURUS 21 APR – 21 MAY You are going through many changes. Although now it may feel uncomfortable, have faith in your ability to come through it. GEMINI 22 MAY – 21 JUN You may find yourself being pulled in different directions. Focus on what is important and make it your priority. CANCER 22 JUN – 23 JUL Try to see the positive side of every situation – you’ll be amazed how uplifted you feel. Every cloud has a silver lining. LEO 24 JUL – 23 AUG Even if it’s difficult, keep making an effort. In the long run, it will be worth your while.…

FRUIT PICKING I live in the sunny(ish) south, and picked my first blackberries of the season at the end of July. They were deliciously sweet and sharp. Blackberrying always reminds me of my father (born in 1921). He told me that when he was a lad, they were given three days off school in September to go blackberry picking. It seems hard to believe now, but blackberries were a nutritious, free food that was too good to miss. How times have changed! I wonder if any other readers have heard of this happening? Julia Deeble, Haslemere PAWS FOR THOUGHT This is my beautiful Samoyed, Lucy, and she’s the fourth we’ve owned. She’s pictured with our then 18-month-old grandson, Tommy, now five. All our Samoyeds, like Lucy, were perfect companions for…

According to The State of Nature 2023 Report, 16% of our wildlife is now at risk of being lost from Great Britain. Intensive farming, loss of habitat, climate change and pollution are all contributing factors in this decline. However, conservation projects around the country are underway to bolster the most vulnerable species, and collectively we can all help them by respecting the wildlife that is around us. Hazel dormouse With their huge black eyes and golden coats, nocturnal hazel dormice have vanished from more than half of their former range, since the millennium. Changes in farming practices, woodland management and loss of hedgerows are thought to have had a huge impact on their numbers and they are now considered to be vulnerable to extinction, but a reintroduction scheme that returns…

Seoulista Instant Wonder Night Cream, £28, Boots They say This rejuvenating cream is powered by retinol, squalane and vitamin B5, which help to boost collagen and elastin, so skin looks plumper. The airless pump dispenser helps keep all those active ingredients protected so the formula stays potent. We say I like lots of things about this night cream – the hygienic pump dispenser, the hydrating formula, the texture of the cream, which sinks in easily and never feels heavy or sticky. Considering it contains retinol, it never leaves my skin feeling dry or irritated – my complexion always feels quenched, content, and looking bright, smooth and plump the next day. Rhiannon Derbyshire, senior beauty editor Botanics All Bright Recharging Night Cream, £7.99, Boots They say Vitamin C is a powerful…

Struggling to deal with my old age Q I seem to have suddenly become old. I was fine until two years ago but my health has deteriorated in recent months. I’m 84 and my mind is as alert as ever, but my physical body is slowly falling apart. I’m struggling to stay upbeat, and I feel that I am no longer viewed in the same way. Caroline, London A Sadly, for many of us, physical our bodies are seriously challenged as we age. For some, of course, it is also our mental faculties but fortunately for you that isn’t the case. I wonder if it’s just you who feels you’ve changed? If I was to ask your friends and family if they see you…

Good nutrition with the intake of essential vitamins and minerals is fundamental for good immune health,’ says nutritionist Dr Pamela Mason from the Health and Food Supplements information Service (hsis.org). Our immune system is highly complex and involves a wealth of different cells, which help to protect us from disease-causing microbes. ‘These cells require a range of vitamins and minerals to function properly,’ explains Dr Mason. Without these nutrients we become more prone to infections and less able to fight them, leaving us vulnerable to more severe and longer-lasting symptoms, which increases our risk of complications. But evidence shows that fewer than 1% of the UK population are getting what they need. Here’s how you can be sure that you are. Vitamin A VITAL FOR The defence of the skin…

Want to adopt some healthier habits as winter fast approaches, but not sure where to start? Try this easy eating plan from Slimming World, which is full of healthy, nutritious, filling and tasty meals, so you’ll never feel hungry – and you could lose up to 7lb if you follow it for two weeks*. And if you want to keep it going, use either of the special Woman’s Weekly offers on page 47 – join online at a discount or sign up with your local Slimming World group with no joining fee. How it works ✱ Follow the menu. Feel free to repeat any meals. ✱ Slimming World’s eating plan, Food Optimising, is based on the science of energy density (calories per gram in food), of satiety (how filling a…

You can get fit without even leaving the house if you’ve got the right equipment. Forget rowing machines and exercise bikes, you don’t need stacks of room if you buy carefully. This gear will give you all you need for an all-over body workout – and it won’t break the bank, either! AZURE SOFT AIR FLOW YOGA MAT At 10mm thickness and made with non-slip material with a ribbed design to reduce moisture, this mat is perfect for yoga, Pilates and all floor-based activities. The handy carry strap means it’s easy to store and transport. ✱ £16.99, Decathlon Opti kettlebells Get into the swing of a full-body workout with these colourful kettlebells. Available in a range of bright tones – choose from 2kg, 4kg, 6kg, 8kg or 10kg, for strength…

Book club The Stalker by Kate Rhodes (£22, HB, Simon & Schuster) This nail-biting psychological thriller is as gripping as they get. Cambridge academic Elly is an expert on stalkers: she understands their behaviour and their motivations. Yet when someone starts stalking her, she realises that the perpetrator must be in her immediate circle – a colleague, one of her family or a friend. When silent phone calls and threatening notes turn to violence, the need to discover their identity could be the difference between life and death. The Last Visitor by Martin Griffin (£20, HB, Little, Brown) Co-opted to a marine research team, documentary maker Tess Macfarlane is filming on the isolated island of Navigaceo. No human has reportedly stepped ashore for 50 years… but when Tess stumbles across…

ROSEMARY ‘Fore!’ yelled my little sister, Deb. I leant nonchalantly on my club, and tried to look as if I knew something about the game. ‘You don’t have to shout “Fore!” when you’re playing crazy golf,’ I said. ‘Anybody would think you were competing in the America’s Cup.’ ‘Don’t be silly, Rose – isn’t that yachting?’ ‘Oh, you know what I mean – the one where the Americans take on the Europeans. Tom watches it, even though he can’t stand golf.’ ‘Yeah, whatever. But I didn’t mean “fore”!’ said Deb. ‘I meant “four” – I’m going to do this hole in four. Probably less. Just watch, Rosie, and learn.’ The council has recently reopened the Crazy Golf, which is in the park opposite Deb’s flat. We used to play occasionally…