Innholdsfortegnelse for 13-May-2025 i Woman's Weekly

Canada by the sea “Our daughter, as part of her college course, had a year at a Canadian university. We went out to drop her off, then saw Toronto and Niagara Falls. We flew back in May to pick her up, and headed east to Nova Scotia and Prince Edward Island (because both she and my wife are massive Anne of Green Gables fans). Spring comes late to that part of the world, and daffodils were still blooming, but the sun was out and everywhere was seaside-fresh. So we were all sad there was no time to visit Newfoundland too, that beautiful and historic part of Canada, which some suggest was first found by Bristol ships before Columbus. See page 70.”…

“I was never a great swimmer but you learnt to swim in the way that you learnt to ride a bike. My love for it came later. I wasn’t a sporty child, but when I went to university I discovered rowing – and fitness – and I enjoyed being active. Starting aerobics in my 20s, I enjoyed it, but I hurt my knee doing a class and then became pregnant, so I knew I had to find something else to do. That’s when I hit the pool. It became my go-to mode for fitness, and over the years I became very dependent on swimming. ‘I love the flexibility of it’ It suits me in all sorts of ways. I have a busy but unpredictable life, so going to classes and…

Warm tuna salad The juices from the sweet blistered tomatoes mingle with a zingy dressing. SERVES 1 READY IN 15 mins ✱ 150g cherry tomatoes on the vine✱ 1 shallot, thinly sliced✱ 1tbsp capers, drained and rinsed✱ 2tsp red wine vinegar✱ ½tsp Dijon mustard✱ 110g tin tuna in olive oil, drained✱ 80g bag of seasonal salad leaves✱ 2tbsp extra virgin olive oil✱ Bread, to serve (optional) 1 Dry-fry the tomatoes for 5 mins, shaking the pan as they blister and char. Being careful, as the juice might spurt out, roughly crush the tomatoes using the back of a fork to release the juice, then remove from the heat. 2 Stir in the shallot, capers, red wine vinegar, Dijon mustard and some seasoning, then gently fold in the tuna. 3 Put…

Coping with… TATTOO REMOVAL They are meant to be permanent, so not all of them can be removed and some may scar There are several methods for tattoo removal, including fading cream, lasers or surgery. It’s never 100% certain your entire tattoo can be removed, and you may be left with slight marking, colouring or scarring. Everybody reacts differently to removal, and results are affected by the size, quality and location, as well as general health. It’s often better if your tattoo is an old one, as the ink is usually more faded. Laser treatment with the Qswitched NdYAG laser is a relatively safe and effective way of removing black or red tattoos. It delivers energy in very short bursts, breaking up the particles of ink, which are then absorbed and discarded by the body. Black and red…

Once she’d laid out all the ingredients, Helen walked to the bottom of the stairs. ‘Sam!’ she called out. ‘It’s time to make a start on dinner.’ ‘I’m in the middle of a game!’ Sam called back. Helen sighed. ‘Turn off the computer. We need to start cooking now.’ ‘OK,’ Sam muttered before he appeared at the top of the stairs. ‘Why do we have to start this early though?’ ‘Because we’re going to cook a proper meal.’ Helen walked back to the kitchen as he came down the stairs. ‘You can’t eat beans every day once you leave here.’ ‘I won’t,’ Sam replied. ‘I like them cold.’ ‘Very funny,’ Helen said as he came into the kitchen. ‘But you need to eat properly, so we’re going to make a…

Rich in history and natural wonders, the Newfoundland city of St John’s is a destination with a difference. It’s surrounded by stunning coastline, where you can spot humpback whales and majestic icebergs, and it offers solitary wilderness, endless hiking and a vibrant culture. Yet it is surprisingly easy to visit, with direct flights taking less than six hours from the UK. Capital sights Newfoundland and Labrador became part of Canada in 1949, and St John’s is the province’s capital. It’s the most easterly city in North America, and one of the oldest – fishermen from England and Europe were coming here as early as the 16th century – and has a small-town feel. You can learn more in the local art and history museum, The Rooms (therooms.ca). There’s a great…

“In our house, there are still men’s jobs and women’s jobs. There is no need to complain to the editor. I am well aware that this is a very old-fashioned view, but that’s just the way it is. Mr Dear always mows the lawn. I always clean the bathrooms. (Actually, is there any woman who lets their chap clean the bathrooms? They should get some sort of bravery award.) I do most of the cooking, which I enjoy. He does any job that involves WD40, which he enjoys. It takes all sorts to make a world. But what is most definitely a man’s job is sitting in the reception of a tyre centre waiting to have your Goodyears replaced and your wheels balanced. ‘Is there any place that is more…

A WICKED NIGHT OUT Love the musical Wicked? Join in a singalong screening of the hit movie version starring Ariana Grande, and belt out all its classic numbers, including Defying Gravity and Popular. ✱ With dates all over the country until 13 September, find one near you at singalongcinema.com Hero hoverflies They’re often mistaken for wasps – not surprising given their yellow and black striped bodies. But harmless hoverflies can be identified by their zigzag flight paths. They are valuable pollinators, second only to bees in the number of flowers they visit. Plus, they eat aphids. The RHS says we can help hoverflies thrive in our gardens by planting open flowers such as ox-eye daisy, marigolds, fennel, cow parsley and poppies. ✱ For more ideas, visit kentwildlifetrust.org.uk/wilder-gardens/open-gardens Did you know?…

There’s something about visiting a hotel that’s known for its legendary stories and history that fascinates us. Whether the building featured in an iconic film, inspired authors to write their masterpieces or hosted world-class political events, entering the doors of these luxurious portals can be thrilling. Here, we visit the legendary establishments that have captivated our imagination over the years. The Crown, Amersham A Grade II listed building, this former coaching inn in Buckinghamshire dates back to the 16th century. Set in the picturesque town of Old Amersham, the Tudor beams, open fireplaces and rustic interiors emit a warm atmosphere – perhaps a reason it was chosen for the famous bedroom scene in 1994 hit film Four Weddings and a Funeral, starring Hugh Grant and Andie MacDowell. Ask for Room…

Magic masks Our skin loses four times more moisture during the night, so an intensive overnight mask can provide much-needed hydration. LANEIGE Bouncy & Firm Sleeping Mask, £32, cultbeauty.co.uk, quenches skin so it feels plump, peachy and springy by morning. Or you could try drenching skin with Garnier Moisture Bomb Night-Time Deep Sea Water and Hyaluronic Acid Sheet Mask, £3.49, Boots. It’s powered by deep sea water, hyaluronic acid and antioxidant-rich goji berry, encouraging repair and rejuvenation to tired skin before bed. Banish bedhead Tossing and turning won’t just leave you with a messy mop – it could damage your hair’s cuticles, causing frizz, split ends and slower growth. Swap a cotton pillowcase for silk or satin, so hair can slip and slide easily. If you don’t want to update…

Neighbour’s kids are too noisy Q I’m dreading the school summer holidays as my neighbour’s children will be out in the garden making a noise from dawn to dusk. Last year, when I commented on it, they became quite cross and things haven’t been good between us since. I’m sad that we no longer get on. I wonder what I can do to make things better and keep the children quiet. Lynda, Bournemouth A It’s good you’re thinking about this ahead of the holidays. Invite the neighbours over for a coffee and tell them, like you did me, that you are sad that things have been a bit cool between you. Tell them that you know it’s good for the children to play outside and that you like that they do that. Explain…

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: Seize someone and take them into custody. You’ll find the answers on page 60 Circle time With over 800 languages being spoken there, which city is the most linguistically diverse in the world? Fit the words into the grid, then read down the letters in the shaded circles for the answer. 3 LETTERS ANYHIPNILRUE 4 LETTERS ACREAGEDECHOEDGYGOWNICEROPALRUINSPEDTREEWARE 5 LETTERS DRAKEGREEKIRATELEASEOPERA 6 LETTERS TELLER 7 LETTERS GLEEFULPRANCEDRICOTTA 8 LETTERS ACAPULCOEDMONTON 10 LETTERS NOTTINGHAM SPIRAL XWORD Used in India, what is a tava? The answer to each clue (apart from the first) begins with the last letter of the preceding answer. The answer…

Custard creams Perfect for dunking in tea, a sweet custard middle makes these extra special. MAKES 10PREP 30 mins, plus chillingCOOK 8-10 mins ✱ 100g unsalted butter, softened✱ 100g caster sugar✱ 1 medium egg yolk✱ ½tsp vanilla extract✱ 175g plain flour✱ 30g custard powder FOR THE FILLING ✱ 50g unsalted butter✱ 100g icing sugar, sifted✱ 1tbsp custard powder, sifted✱ 1tsp boiling water 1 For the biscuits, beat the butter and sugar with an electric mixer until light and fluffy. Add the yolk and vanilla and beat again. Sift over the flour and custard powder, then mix on low speed until the dough comes together. Shape into a ball, then roll out between 2 sheets of baking paper to 5mm thickness. Slide on to a tray and chill for 30 mins.…

TESTED BY US so they work for you Difficulty level ✱ Please do not stitch anything on to the toys that could be pulled off and swallowed by a cat. ✱ If possible, please stuff toys with polyester fibrefill, wool roving or something similar. ✱ Please follow the patterns provided to ensure that the toys meet the Guinness World Records’ guidelines given to Woman’s Weekly. MEASUREMENTS Length Approx 10cm/4in. Width Approx 5cm/2½in. MATERIALS Knitted mouse Approx 20g of DK yarn, oddment of contrast colour for eyes. Pair of 3.25mm (No. 10) knitting needles; toy stuffing. Crocheted mouse Approx 20g of DK yarn, oddment of contrast colour for eyes. Size 3.5mm crochet hook; stitch marker; toy stuffing. TENSION Not critical for this project. ABBREVIATIONS Ch, chain; dc, double crochet; dc2tog, double…

The Names by Florence Knapp (£16.99, HB, Phoenix) What’s in a name? This debut novel opens in 1987 as Cora registers her baby son’s birth but, in three separate ‘sliding doors’ scenarios, he is given a different name. We then follow bully Gordon, creative Julian and sweet-natured Bear over the decades to see how her decision shapes him. But it’s Cora’s abusive, disturbingly cruel husband Gordon who wields far more power than a name ever could. Sometimes sentimental, sometimes shocking, The Names explores the way chance and choices change the course of our lives. My Name is Emilia del Valle by Isabel Allende (£18.99, HB, Bloomsbury) Set in the late 1800s, this is pacy and compelling from the outset. Born in San Francisco to an Irish nun and an absent…

Letter of the week Wise up on waste I enjoyed your feature on saving money by preventing food waste [4 March issue]. As someone who has struggled with growing vegetables on an allotment for many years, I’m astonished by how people throw away perfectly good fresh fruit and veg. If they only knew how much effort and energy it takes to grow, they might think twice! To add to your useful tips, I find that fresh herbs last much longer if you put them in a glass of water, like a bunch of flowers. Eva Daly, Crewe, Cheshire PAWS FOR THOUGHT This is me on holiday with my two-year-old ginger cat Jasper. We are at a holiday park in Doniford Bay, Somerset, and we had a lovely time. Jasper loved…

Tips on living life to the full How you live your life now can have an impact on how long you live, and how healthy and happy you are. And it doesn’t have to mean a major overhaul or a huge commitment. Some simple changes can make all the difference, says TV’s Dr Dawn Harper. Here are her top five tips. For my book Live Well to 101 (£12.99, PB, Headline), I interviewed centenarians living life to the full, and I heard some amazing and diverse stories from all walks of life, but what struck me the most was the similarities in the way these people lived. Here’s what they taught me. ✱ MOVE My centenarians didn’t book a Friday night paddle court or attend a weekly yoga class. They…

All Sam Durley wanted was to feel normal – to not stand out or need to hide at the back of a group photograph. For most of her life she had battled with her weight and disordered eating; eventually reaching 22st and a size 26. By December 2023, Sam’s health had reached breaking point, with a diagnosis of high blood pressure, cholesterol and sleep apnoea, where she stopped breathing 270 times a night. Sam decided enough was enough. A chance post on Facebook showed her a programme to manage what she ate and dramatically improve her health. This wasn’t a diet but a whole lifestyle change, which has transformed her attitude to food and improved her wellbeing beyond her wildest dreams. ‘I’d always had a huge appetite’ ‘We couldn’t really…

3 FIXES FOR... Common spring illnesses 1 HAY FEVER ‘I recommend chlorphenamine tablets, an effective antihistamine that reduces symptoms of allergies such as sneezing, itching and a runny nose,’ says GP Dr Donald Grant*. ‘Additionally, Benacort Nasal Spray is perfect for targeting nasal congestion.’ 2 FLU ‘As it’s a virus, antibiotics will not be effective. Opt for over-the-counter medication such as paracetamol or ibuprofen. Rest and hydrate to avoid long bouts of the illness.’ 3 NOROVIRUS ‘FyboCalm diarrhoea relief capsules actively target abdominal pain, bloating and flatulence,’ says Dr Grant. Norovirus can cause dehydration, so drink plenty of water. MY HEALTHY LIFE Laura Dowling is a pharmacist and founder of wellness company FabÜ. My fail-safe remedy A homemade cold and flu drink. I make it by combining hot water,…

Time was a funny thing, Margie thought to herself as she massaged face cream into her skin. It was the same brand she had used for 50 years, and she wasn’t sure it had exactly delivered on its youth-preserving promises. But old habits die hard. She observed her reflection in the tarnished art deco looking glass. Pressing the pads of her fingers to her temples and then cheekbones, she pulled the soft, paper-thin skin on her face taut, then let it slacken again. She lifted her chin this way and that, regarding herself critically from every angle. ‘I’m still under here, somewhere, Ron,’ she remarked, imagining meeting her late husband’s eyes in the misty reflection. Ron responded with a beatific smile. ‘Yes, it’s still me,’ Margie confirmed with a sigh,…

F ashion is always with us, yet ever-changing. New materials are constantly being invented, while popular styles come and go. See how much you know about this intriguing subject with our quick quiz. PART 1: STYLES How many of these trends through the ages can you recognise? 1 If you were wearing an Empire line dress, where would the ‘waistline’ be? A Under the bustB Across the tummyC Round the hips 2 Baleen was used to support corsets in the 18th and 19th centuries – but which animal did it come from? A RabbitsB WhalesC Foxes 3 During the Victorian era, what was the name of the large padded undergarment that supported the back of a woman’s dress? A PannierB Bum rollC Bustle 4 In which decade did the Flapper…

So how was the big date with Pete?’ Ellie asked as soon as they sat down. Xanthe waved a hand. ‘Hang on a mo. I need to eat first. I’m starving.’ She was so hungry, finishing her meal didn’t take long, the burger and fries tasted so good. ‘You wanted to know about last night? Well, he took me to Georgio’s. Do you know it?’ ‘Of course!’ gasped Ellie. ‘It’s only the most exclusive restaurant for miles around. But it’s way over my budget. What was it like?’ ‘Amazing. There was so much steel and glass, it was like eating in an alien spaceship. Peter booked their taster menu, where you get to try lots of different courses. Everything was so lovingly prepared, each dish could have been framed as…

TESTED BY US so they work for you Difficulty level SIZE Newborn to 3 months YOU WILL NEED ✱ Access to a photocopier✱ Tracing paper and pencil✱ 30cm of 90cm-wide plain cotton fabric✱ 30x45cm rectangle patterned cotton fabric✱ 15x30cm rectangle of cotton ribbing✱ 25x30cm rectangle of terry towelling✱ 6x15cm rectangle of bonding web✱ 2cm square of sew-on Velcro✱ Matching sewing threads SUPPLIES Planets sweet, dino daydreams fabric, £4.25 for a fat quarter, The Fabric Fox; tubular ribbing, £3.40 for 16x80cm rectangle, Susan Willow. Making paper patterns On a photocopier, enlarge the patterns by 160%. Trace the patterns on to tracing paper, placing the bootee upper, bib and tie on folded tracing paper, matching broken lines to the fold. Mark the arrows, notches, dots, dotted lines and Velcro position. Cut out…

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: Vain. Average = 15 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…

ARIES 21 MAR – 20 APR Leave yourself plenty of flexibility this week as plans may change at the last minute. That way, you’ll stay relaxed and calm in the midst of changes. TAURUS 21 APR – 21 MAY Staying in balance is your challenge now. Pull back and exercise self-discipline. You’ll be very glad you did. GEMINI 22 MAY – 21 JUN Your words have great power – use them wisely. Before sending an important message, sleep on it first. CANCER 22 JUN – 23 JUL There is almost always a silver lining to every situation. Keep this in mind and you’ll sail through all your challenges. LEO 24 JUL – 23 AUG Practice saying no – this is a time for you to nourish yourself and recharge your…