Innholdsfortegnelse for 22-Oct-2024 i Woman's Weekly

Wooden performance "I’ve often wondered why dogs, who are frequently quite nervous of loud noises, for example, seem completely unafraid of the dark, whereas even adult humans can be secretly scared outside at night. We’re lucky enough to live alongside a wood, and our two dogs happily run through it, even in the pitch dark, while I clutch hold of my torch and shy at any unexpected sound or shapes. Perhaps it’s because their eyesight is so much better than mine, and also the open air is a dog’s natural environment, whereas mine is inside in front of the fire. But night-time scares or not, I love walking through woods, as there is always something amazing to spot. See page 10.…

“One of my new obsessions is making charging my electric car a pleasant experience, which means knowing all the best service stations to use. I think they’ve realised that people will have to stay longer in them because of their electric vehicles, so they’ve made them so much better than they were. You used to pop in and out, grabbing a sandwich or any old rubbish that was on offer, but it’s so different these days. I’ve learnt from touring around the country which are the good and bad service stations, and I’ve definitely got ones I prefer. There’s a nice one in Oxford that I always stop at, but there’s one along the M6 toll road that only has one or two charging points, which is a disaster. I…

3 WAYS TO... Motivate yourself to exercise 1 DO IT WITH FRIENDS ‘We’re naturally social,’ says exercise coach Dean Zweck*. ‘It’s good to have an “accountability buddy” who you won’t want to let down.’ It’s particularly helpful when you’re just starting your fitness journey. 2 CHOOSE AN ACTIVITY YOU ENJOY ‘If you’re struggling with motivation, it’s often because you don’t enjoy the activity you’re doing,’ says Dean. Find something that works for you. 3 TRACK YOUR PROGRESS A smartwatch or pedometer can be a useful motivator. If you can see results, you’re more likely to keep going. But be wary of comparing your progress to others. ‘There’s always someone better,’ warns Dean. WHAT’S THAT? Rehydrate without the sugar with Dr Funk’s tasty sparkling water range. They’re zero calories, and packed…

Many of us enjoy the challenge of a whodunnit and we love our detectives too. Whether they are formal police officials, hard-boiled private eyes or nosy amateur snoops, how many of these popular characters can you identify? MEN 1 Dr John H. Watson was the biographer and friend of which famous London-based detective? aWalter Hartrightb Inspector Bucketc Sherlock Holmes 2 Which Belgian private detective is known for his elegant moustache and his ‘little grey cells’? aC. Auguste Dupinb Hercule Poirotc Benoit Blanc 3 Which hard-drinking, wry but morally upright private eye is the narrator of a series of books by Raymond Chandler? aPhilip Marloweb Sam Spadec Ezekiel ‘Easy’ Rawlins 4 Which US homicide detective, played by Peter Falk, typically wore a crumpled beige raincoat and smoked a cigar? aDetective Lieutenant Theo Kojakb Inspector Columboc…

Have a good day, love!’ Melissa called as Oliver slung his rucksack over his shoulder in the hallway. ‘Bye, Mum!’ he shouted back as he walked out the front door. Sixteen already and so grown up. ‘Where has the time gone?’ Melissa wondered. One minute he was her cuddly little boy, and the next, he seemed to belong to a whole different world. Now he never said more than two words to her at a time. Suddenly she caught sight of the kitchen clock and grabbed her bag. She was going to be late for her shift if she didn’t get a move on. Later… ‘How was school?’ Melissa asked, hearing the front door close and Oliver’s rucksack hit the floor. ‘OK, thanks,’ he replied, already heading upstairs. ‘Pasta bake…

ALL THAT JAZZ Ready for a spot of razzle-dazzle? The classic musical Chicago follows murderer Roxy Hart’s bid for freedom, with the help of the slickest of lawyers in town. Featuring fabulous dancing and classic numbers, including All That Jazz, the show is touring until 23 August 2025, with upcoming runs in Newcastle and Manchester. ✱ chicagothemusical.com/uk-tour Busy badgers Cooler days and shorter evenings make this a good time of year to spot badgers. They’re out foraging at dusk, stocking up on earthworms, grubs, slugs and snails, giving them enough nourishment to survive their winter hibernation. Badgers are still being culled because it’s believed they can transmit bovine TB to cattle, and many farmers dread them coming on to their fields. But a lot of naturalists, including Chris Packham, are…

Next time you take a walk in the forest, pay attention to all the dead trees, rotting branches and stumps on the floor. They’re doing an incredible job as part of the woodland’s ecosystem, recycling nutrients to feed future generations of trees. Hundreds of species of insects and fungi contribute to the decaying process of dead wood, many of which can be spotted throughout the year. HABITATS GALORE A multitude of living creatures gravitate towards dead wood for shelter, food or breeding, and these organisms also help speed up the decaying process, and play an invaluable part in the ecosystem. Invertebrates that can commonly be found scurrying through the nooks and crannies of the wood as it rots include spiders, woodlice, centipedes and millipedes. Dead wood is a particularly valuable…

1 LUXE LOTION Perfect for nursing autumn-dry hands back to health, this cherry-almond scented cream contains 95% naturally derived goodies and hydrating oils. For every tube sold, £7.88 will be donated to Breast Cancer Research Foundation. Aveda Limited Edition Hand Relief, £20, aveda.co.uk 2 PETAL POWER For every jar of this much-loved day cream that’s sold in October, £10 will be donated to Look Good Feel Better. The velvety smooth lotion will plump up cheeks and target fine lines while leaving skin with a radiant appearance. Elemis Pro-Collagen Rose Marine Cream, £95, elemis.com 3 HANDY HERO An impressive 100% of the proceeds of this fast-absorbing hand cream will go to Breast Cancer Campaign. It will nourish dry and damaged hands with a formula that’s packed full of hydrating glycerin and…

Slow-roasted chicken with orzo Low-and-slow cooking guarantees succulent meat and intensifies the flavours in this almost-effortless one-pan roast. SERVES 4-6 PREP 30 mins COOK 3 hrs 35 mins ✱ Medium free-range chicken (weighing about 1.8kg)✱ 100g unsalted butter, softened✱ 2tsp ground sumac✱ 1tsp each of ground cinnamon, cumin, coriander and turmeric✱ 1 lemon, zested then halved✱ 2 large red onions, sliced✱ 1 large garlic bulb, papery skin removed✱ 230g orzo✱ 500ml hot chicken stock✱ Small bunch each of mint, coriander and parsley, roughly chopped✱ 1 medium cucumber, finely diced✱ 50g pomegranate seeds FOR THE TAHINI YOGURT ✱ 300g Greek yogurt✱ 2tbsp tahini✱ Juice 1 lemon, plus zest ½ lemon, to serve (optional)✱ 2tbsp olive oil 1 Remove the chicken from the fridge 30 mins before cooking. Heat the oven to…

New NHS thalassaemia treatment NHS patients living with a betathalassaemia, a genetic blood disorder where people produce inadequate haemoglobin, will benefit from a gene-editing treatment that offers hope of a cure. Haemoglobin carries oxygen around the body, and thalassaemia makes sufferers very anaemic, tired, breathless and pale. The one-off gene therapy has been approved for use by the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) for older children and adults. MASSAGE AND PAIN RELIEF Massage treatment is often thought to relieve pain but, despite a large number of randomised trials, the evidence for its use to address pain is weak. Analysing 41 studies that had assessed the certainty of their conclusions (all published since 2018), only seven rated their conclusions as being, at best, of moderate certainty that massage therapy was beneficial…

Everyone on the bus turned to stare. Someone tutted. The sounds coming from Bethan’s supermarket bag for life were incessant. She peeped inside and a little furry face gazed back at her – then the kitten started to meow again. ‘Shh!’ Bethan whispered. How could such a small thing make such a loud noise? An elderly woman sitting opposite smiled. ‘Sounds like someone’s hungry,’ she said. ‘Er, yes, probably,’ Bethan muttered, pressing the bell for her stop. Relieved to be home, she immediately called her best friend Maisie. ‘What on earth do I do with it!’ she cried. ‘First of all, calm down,’ Maisie said. ‘So, let me get this right… You left work at lunchtime and saw the kitten on the pavement…’ ‘Yes, I was standing at the bus…

1 PICK SOFT SHADES White walls can look sterile rather than restful, so pick a soft colour that soothes, like a duck-egg blue, sage green or dusky pink. Once you’ve painted the walls, pick out bedding and accessories in the same colour for a cohesive look. ✱ Shepherd’s Purse bedding set in Seaspray, from £50, cushions, from £35 each, Bronwen throw, £65, Ockley table lamp, £120, Elderwood framed canvases, £65 for two, and Ansley bed frame, from £550, all Laura Ashley 2 LAYER LINENS If your bedroom is feeling a little cold and unwelcoming, it’s worth introducing a variety of textures to the space to add a little more visual (and physical) warmth. Start by layering up with soft, chunky cushions and throws. ✱ Lover’s Embrace cotton cushions in French…

Letter of the week Dressed to impress When my father was a boy in the early 1900s, fancy dress competitions were popular. I have a photograph of Dad dressed up as First Lord of the Admiralty, dated 1921, and also parts of two costumes, also including the Mad Hatter. These costumes were quite elaborate and high-quality fabrics were used. I would like to know if patterns were available to buy, or possibly kits with materials? My grandparents had a drapery business at the time, with a workroom for alterations to garments, and also a millinery workroom, so they had an advantage over other parents producing costumes. Any information you could provide would be much appreciated. Ann Maconaghie, Ballymoney, County Antrim PAWS FOR THOUGHT Here are my three rescue cats, Simba,…

THE SUIT Suiting is so versatile, as it can be worn separately too. Wear the blazer with dark denim jeans for a smart-casual look, and the trousers with a chunky knit and trainers for a more relaxed style. THE SHACKET A cross between a shirt and a jacket, the shacket is a perfect layering piece. This neutral shade will slip seamlessly into your existing wardrobe. THE DRESS This midi dress pairs perfectly with knee-high suede boots for an effortlessly chic style. Complete the outfit with a stylish belted coat. THE SKIRT Made from 100% organic cotton, this easy-to-wear A-line midi skirt is perfect for everyday attire. Team with a cosy jumper and layer with a roll-neck for extra warmth.…

Dealing with unwelcome attention Q I lost my husband 18 months ago, which was hard. My friends and their partners were very kind to me and helped me through the early stages of my grief, both emotionally and practically. But it seems that a couple of the men think I’m now available to listen to their troubles, or be a friend with benefits. One has even suggested he leaves his wife (and my friend) for me. How do I tell them to stop, when I don’t want to lose the friendship of their partners? Cynthia, Folkestone A You just tell them. Thank them for the support they have given you. Tell them that you’re feeling much more able to cope, and you would rather they didn’t visit on their own. If you need anything where they could…

Right. I’ll show you to your new family. Your husband’s name is Mark, but your two children don’t have names, which I guess is good as it’s less to remember. Now, any questions?’ The words of Jenny’s teacher at drama school echoed in her head… ‘Look as if you’ve been doing this all your life. If they work out you’re a newbie, they’ll eat you alive and you’ll end up on the cutting-room floor.’ ‘No,’ she replied. Freddie, the assistant director, looked relieved. ‘Great.’ He lowered his voice confidentially. ‘Y’know, this is my first time working on an advert. I’m trying to get into proper film-making. It’s proving… challenging.’ Wishing now that she’d been more honest about her own lack of experience, Jenny followed Freddie across the busy studio to…

I honestly don’t think someone from the Regency period would be wearing a Fitbit,’ admonished Will Bruce, manager of the Doorway To The Regency Period museum. Liz flushed pink. She had only been working there as a guide for two weeks. ‘I’m so sorry,’ she babbled. ‘I was sure I’d taken it off.’ Having recently passed her history degree with first-class honours, Liz had thought that working at the museum would be fun and give her time to decide exactly what she wanted to do with her degree. It was set in an elegant Regency-period town house, part of a curving terrace. Each house was built of mellow-hued sandstone, three-storeys high, with wrought-iron balconies on the first floor. The place was more of an ‘immersive experience’ than a museum. Each…

Fill me in Solve the puzzle by following the arrows and writing in your answers. Then read down the letters in the shaded squares to find the answer. Clue: Animals that are domesticated members of the horse family, most commonly grey in colour and with large ears. You’ll find the answers on page 60 Circle time Johann Sebastian Bach’s mini opera Schweigt Stille, Plaudert Nicht, which means ‘Be still, stop chattering’, is about a woman who is addicted to what? Fit the words into the grid, then read down the letters in the shaded circles for the answer. 3 letters ORE 4 letters DAMPLIFEOILSONCEREEFSOLO 5 letters ANKLEARROWBRAVOCELLOCROONLOCALOPENS 6 letters ENCOREFORMAL 7 letters EMPLOYS 8 letters FOLK ROCKRECORDERRHAPSODYSERENADE YOU CAN WORK IT OUT... SPIRAL XWORD What unexpectedly landed on a spectator…

Spider cake pops Use up leftover cake to make these fun Halloween chocolate-coated balls. MAKES 7 PREP 25 mins, plus setting ✱ 250g Madeira cake, or use up leftover cake✱ 100g white chocolate, melted, plus 10g for the decoration✱ 50g milk chocolate, melted✱ Black writing icing YOU WILL NEED ✱ A tray, board or similar, lined with baking paper; 7 ice lolly sticks 1 Whizz the cake in a food processor to fine crumbs. 2 Transfer the crumbs to a large mixing bowl and pour over the melted white chocolate. Mix to a dough-like consistency. 3 Roll into walnut-size balls, each about 40g. Insert a stick into each and chill on a tray for 20 mins. 4 Pour the melted milk chocolate into a narrow glass. Dip each cake pop…

CraftTESTED BY US so they work for you YOU WILL NEED ✱ A variety of different-sized and shaped glass jars and bottles✱ Newspaper✱ Acrylic paint in your favourite colour✱ Kitchen roll 1 Clean the old jars and bottles thoroughly in warm, soapy water. Allow them to dry completely. 2 Working on the newspaper, squeeze a little paint into the bottom of the jars and bottles, and shake gently, so the paint coats the base and up the sides a bit. 3 Pour more paint into them and tilt lightly to completely cover the sides. Hold a scrap of newspaper over the opening of the jar or bottle, and shake to give an even coverage. 4 Place the vases upside down on a piece of newspaper overnight, to allow excess paint to…

Knitting MEASUREMENTS Width 20cm/8in.Length 34cm/13½in. MATERIALS 1 x 100g (225m) ball of West Yorkshire Spinners The Croft DK (100% wool) in Bressay (1150)*. Pair of 4mm (No. 8) knitting needles; cable needle; 3 buttons. Yarn is available from theknittingnetwork.co.uk TENSION 22 stitches and 28 rows to 10x10cm, over stocking stitch, using 4mm needles. ABBREVIATIONS Bind 3, pass 3rd st on left needle over 2nd and 1st sts, k1, yf, k1; c3b, sl next st onto cn and leave at back, k2, then k1 from cn; c3f, sl next 2 sts onto cn and leave at front, k1, then k2 from cn; c5f, sl next 2 sts onto cn and leave at front, k3, then k2 from cn; cr3l, sl next 2 sts onto cn and leave at front, p1, then…

Books A Christmas in Prague by Helga Jensen (£8.99, PB, Canelo) Grieving her aunt Grace’s passing, Olivia is tasked with delivering a message to Grace’s long-lost love Marek, in order to receive her inheritance. The only hitch – it’s in Prague. Despite her reluctance, the trip reignites her festive spirit and offers a chance for love. As she explores the magical, snowy city with Marek’s nephew, and Grace and Marek’s story is revealed, Olivia wonders if her aunt’s wish might bring her own second chance at romance. A heart-warming Christmas romance, guaranteed to get you in the festive spirit. The Commuter by Emma Curtis (£9.99, PB, Atlantic Books) Everyone is accusing Rachel of having an affair with a man on the train – and she’s not denying it. That’s because…

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: Sporting boundary. Average = 20 More than 40 = 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: Home of the Bull Ring and New Street station. Crossword Try the easy or cryptic clues, then rearrange the letters in…

ARIES 21 MAR – 20 APR What is it you would like to accomplish? Think carefully, as your life is about to open up in new and exciting ways. TAURUS 21 APR – 21 MAY You may be considering a change of location or making adjustments to your home. Concentrate on raising the vibration of your surroundings. GEMINI 22 MAY – 21 JUN Generosity is your keyword this week. How can you develop this quality in all areas of your life? Start with yourself and the rest will unfold easily. CANCER 22 JUN – 23 JUL Keep your mind on what’s most important to you right now, and let extraneous worries and stresses simply fall away. LEO 24 JUL – 23 AUG Sometimes there’s nothing more to do in a…

‘I’ll tell you what,’ said Queen Camilla, as we stood together on a down escalator at Waterloo station, ‘I could murder a gin and tonic.’ ‘You’re the Queen,’ I said. ‘What’s stopping you?’ Her Majesty treated me to one of her 30-yard stares, which was pretty frightening at a distance of just two feet. ‘Don’t be an idiot, Rosemary,’ she said. ‘You’re not supposed to drink on the Underground. Honestly, if I took a single sip, the press would be swarming all over us in seconds.’ When Queen and country call, never say that Dears are found wanting. ‘Tell you what,’ I said. ‘Have a quick swig, and if somebody complains, you can just say you were holding it for me.’ ‘You’re a brick,’ she said, reaching into her handbag…