Innholdsfortegnelse for 17-Jan-2022 i Woman

Ruth Langsford laughs, eats, dances, plays the fool, hides behind sofas and basically has us in stitches after just a few glances at her social media. But the Loose Women star has something else in common with so many of us right now, because she’s keen to get fit and fabulous in the coming months. ‘It really helps to stretch’ The presenter, 61, has made no secret of her sessions with personal trainer Frank Sinclair, where she’s keen to promote the importance of lifting for the older lady, to improve bone density. She also admits to doing 10 minutes of stretching at the end of her workouts, as it helps to loosen the hamstrings, which can get rusty with age. She says, ‘Best part of a workout is the stretching…

A STEP TOO CLOSE FOR COMFORT? Plans for this year’s Earthshot environmental prize are likely to result in a showdown between the Sussex and Cambridge clans, sources close to the charity have revealed. Last October, I reported on how William and Kate are expected to visit the United States this year in their capacity as senior working royals, following a request from the Foreign & Commonwealth Office. Since then, it’s been reported that the future king and his wife are hoping to combine the visit with plans for the 2022 Earthshot Prize, which is expected to take place on American soil. However, sources close to William’s pioneering environmental initiative say the preferred venue for this year’s awards is in LA, which is close to the Southern Californian home of Harry…

ROYAL This vivid shade can really make an impact, especially when worn from top to toe. Play with textures and print when wearing all over colour. A silky top paired with tailored trousers or a simple knit and printed skirt are great combinations and help to soften this bold look. SKY The great thing about this icy hue is that it takes you seamlessly into spring. Use the colour to lighten your look when paired with darker shades and team with clashing pastels as the temperature warms up. NAVY While a simple black outfit will never go out of style, it can be a little draining. Navy, on the other hand, is a sophisticated alternative that is less harsh and much more forgiving. Use print to break up dark blocks…

1 Firstly, get comfortable and relax your shoulders. Take a breath, aiming to inhale through your nose for four seconds. 2 Hold your breath, deep in your belly, for seven seconds, keeping your shoulders relaxed. 3 Finally, exhale the breath for eight seconds, slowly allowing the breath out through your mouth. 4 Repeat this for as long as you need to – most people feel the benefits after three cycles.…

✱ Trim all visible fat off meats and remove skin from poultry. ✱ If you feel hungry between meals, snack on Free Food and, for the very best weight loss, reach for fresh fruit or vegetables first. Fruit and veg that are lowest in energy density are called Speed Free Food. ✱ For extra health benefits and filling power, choose wholegrains, e.g. wholewheat pasta or wholegrain rice, where you can. ✱ Aim to have between six to eight drinks a day – choose water, sugar-free drinks, tea and coffee. Remember any milk needs to come from your allowance. ✱ The most successful slimmers join a group or online programme for shared support, inspiration and motivation.…

When the weather is cold and wintry, many of us have the urge to snuggle up indoors and hibernate. In Denmark and Norway, the word ‘hygge’ is used to describe the coziness and sensation of being with people when it is cold and dark outside – candlelight and movies on a sofa. But for many, this cold spell is associated with seasonal affective disorder (SAD), sometimes called ‘winter depression’, and this time of year may be filled with trepidation. SAD is a mental health condition formally recognised in the 1980s, but has been documented as far back as the early Victorian era. Episodes of depression occur each year during the winter months. This means that some patients with SAD spend around 40% of the year feeling low with depression. It’s…

There’s a reason a woman’s eyesight starts to go when she hits 40: it’s to soften the blow when she looks in the mirror. Which of us hasn’t peered at our crow’s feet with dismay, or lifted the skin near our ears to bring back the taut jawline of our youth? But it was only when I caught my daughter Lily, 18, doing the same thing that I realised what a nasty little habit my ‘mirror face’ had become. Whenever I saw my reflection, I’d open my eyes a little wider, suck in my cheeks a little and tip my chin down in an effort to make myself look more like I wanted to. Keen to break the cycle, I decide the whole family needs to do a ‘mirror fast’…

Organise a home office Having a cluttered desk and being surrounded by paperwork can make it hard to focus. Divide your notebooks, stationery and paperwork into desktop storage baskets, which allow you to easily see what’s inside. This means you can keep your ‘thinking zone’ chaos free, while your essentials are still within easy reach. A desk caddy is a must-have if you don’t have a dedicated workspace and are using the kitchen table. Fill it with everything you need for your day’s work, then simply store it all away when it becomes a family area once again. Keep it clean Get your cleaning cupboard in order with storage containers. Group similar products together, such as laundry detergents, stain removers and fabric softeners. Then store almost-empty detergents and cleaning products…

ARIES 21 Mar – 20 Apr Is it the weather? Or could it be the time of year? For one reason or another, it may prove difficult to get to places and make contact with people. Patience. For your reading ☎09058 172557 TAURUS 21 Apr – 21 May Journeys are going to be complicated this week, whether that is in terms of travel itself or making plans and reaching conclusions. Keep on going, though, you will get there. For your reading ☎09058 172558 GEMINI 22 May – 22 Jun January is a month of reckonings, so if you’re a teensy bit worried about finances or the state of a relationship, now’s the time to start setting wrongs to rights. For your reading ☎09058 172559 CANCER 23…

After Life NETFLIX Ricky Gervais returns as grieving widower Tony in the third and final series of his bittersweet comedy. The six-parter will pick up the story with Tony grieving another major loss after his dad’s death. Ashley Jensen and Penelope Wilton star. Munich: The Edge of War NETFLIX Jeremy Irons stars as Neville Chamberlain in this drama about the real-life events of 1938 when the world was on the brink of war and he travelled to Munich to meet Adolf Hitler in a bid to avert the conflict.…

1 Which one best describes you at a get-together with friends? A Ordering shots of tequila at the bar B Trying to catch up with everybody C Rubbing shoulders with the various A-listers D Keeping the whole thing running smoothly 2 Which one best describes your sense of style? A Queen of the high street B Hollywood glamour C Keen to make a statement D Regal and elegant 3 If you could have a pet, which one would you choose? A Golden retriever puppy B Black and white pitbull terrier A Beagle D Cocker spaniel 4 In your spare time, you can be found… A Digging up potatoes B Going viral on Instagram C Wellies on and feeding the chickens D Volunteering for a charity 5 Which statement best describes…

Shopping in the sales can appear to be a daunting mission. While it may seem as if you’re saving money, you could be wasting it in the long run unless you spend wisely. The key to savvy sale shopping is to look for timeless pieces. Make a note of what you want before you shop and think about wardrobe basics, such as jeans, winter knits, classic coats and versatile boots – pieces you’re guaranteed to wear again and again. Choose quality over quantity and don’t be afraid to look in stores that are usually over your budget. The discounts will make items more affordable, while the things you snap up will stand the test of time, too. We’ve compiled a list of key sale items to track down for your…

A BLISSFUL BATH TIME After a stressful day, nothing matches the feeling of sinking into a warm bath. It’s the perfect way to ease muscles, clear your mind and indulge before a restful night’s sleep. Depending on whether you want to invigorate your senses or switch off, these are the best bath soaks to choose from... Calm If you’re struggling to nod off at night, choose a bath soak with aromatherapy properties, like L’Occitane Lavender Foaming Bath, £27, loccitane.com. The olfactory effects of pure lavender oil invoke a sense of calm, soothing the mind and helping you drift off. Restore When you feel depleted, treat yourself to a luxury bath oil like Bamford Jasmine Bath Oil, £48, spacenk.com. Packed with botanical extracts and beautiful scents including jasmine flowers, orange blossom…

As a nurse working in end-of-life care, I’d become used to supporting patients when they were told devastating news – a consultant gently explaining they had a terminal illness, or the treatment they’d been counting on saving their life hadn’t worked. It was never easy seeing the fear in their faces, but it was my job to comfort them, to ease the shock and hurt in any way I could. Only, when I found myself sitting in their seat, on the receiving end of devastating news myself, I don’t think there was anything anyone could have said to make me feel anything but utter despair. Id always felt I was somehow invincible’ It was February 2019 when I first noticed that something wasn’t quite right. I felt forgetful and tired.…

While you are motivated by New Year’s resolutions, seize the chance to sort out your finances in 2022. The most popular financial resolutions include paying off debt (20%), getting cheaper bills (15%), paying more into savings (15%) and putting more into pensions (7%), according to research by investment platform Hargreaves Lansdown. If you really want to achieve your goals, don’t rely on willpower. Instead, make small changes now that will last even after your enthusiasm wanes. Deal with debt Work out what you owe where, check the interest rates and see if you can pay less elsewhere, for example, by moving your credit card debt to a new card with an interest-free balance transfer offer. Then choose a debt to target first, perhaps the smallest or the one with the…

At the beginning of this challenge, I thought that I’d feel more relaxed about my appearance without mirrors to constantly undermine my body image. But as I took all the towels and sheets off today, I felt happy to see myself again. I missed taking pride in my self-presentation. However, I’m not looking in the mirror nearly as much since the challenge ended. It’s become a convenient nice-to-have indulgence rather than a source of anxiety. But it’s really nice to be able to put lipstick on properly again. ✱ Stolen by Tess Stimson (£8.99, Avon) is out now…

A Man of Honour by Barbara Taylor Bradford (£16.99, HarperCollins, HB) A prequel to the bestseller A Woman of Substance, this captivating read chronicles 13-year-old orphan Blackie O’Neill’s migration from Ireland in 1899, to live and work with his uncle in Leeds. Aspiring to leave poverty behind, his burning ambition to succeed as a house designer is borne from his iron will and strong character. When he meets Emma Harte, it ignites a lifetime of friendship. For more books information, see goodtoknow.co.uk/books The Dublin Railway Murder by Thomas Morris (£16.99, Vintage Publishing, HB) This real-life locked-room mystery is just the ticket! In 1856, George Little, chief cashier at the Broadstone railway terminal, is murdered, but with no weapon and the door locked from inside. As Ireland’s most popular detective and…

Mostly A’s Holly Willoughby You’re happiest when surrounded by your girlfriends, sipping bubbly (or tequila) on special occasions. You’re a fashionista (and love a high-street bargain), but are equally as happy getting your hands dirty in the garden after picking up gardening as a lockdown hobby. Mostly B’s Jennifer Aniston You’re independent and happy being single, but still love to be surrounded by close friends and family. You’re the popular one at any party, being sought out by everyone desperate for a catch-up. When it comes to style points, your hair wins every time. In fact, you’ve been setting trends since the 1990s! Mostly C’s Duchess of Sussex When you look back at how far you’ve come, you can hardly believe it. Your life is like a fairy tale and…

It’s the perfect time of year to refresh your underwear drawer. Get rid of those ill-fitting, greying bras and make way for some soft, seamless support that is as comfy as it is stylish. In timeless calming tones, this pack of three is a total bargain. The ideal set for lounging around the house or to wear to that yoga class you’ve started as your new year regime. They are simply the bust!…

SILHOUETTE-SKIMMING DRESSES Look for frocks that skim over your frame to help you feel most confident. Drop waistbands lengthen your torso and ruched fronts flatter your middle, while ditsy prints are slimming. TUMMY-TRIMMING TOPS If you’re self-conscious of your tummy, these tops will be your best friend. Wrap styles, peplum fringes or clever draping float over your middle. Wear with fitted bottoms to balance the look. WAIST-SCULPTING JEANS High-waisted denim is ideal for offering added support and elongating legs. Elasticated styles offer extra comfort while straight-leg cuts flatter thighs.…

✱ Just before you hop into bed, spritz your pillow with Tisserand Aromatherapy Sleep Better Pillow Mist, £13, Boots. The relaxing scent will calm your mind for a restful slumber. ✱ After a warm bath or shower, slather your limbs in This Works Deep Sleep Body Cocoon, £25, lookfantastic.com. The luxurious, fragrant body cream repairs signs of dry, damaged skin. ✱ Improve your energy levels from the inside out with Vitamin Injections Vitamin B Complex Patches, £47.99, vilwellness.com. These adhesive patches slowly release supplementation directly into the bloodstream. Apply before bed to wake up refreshed. ✱ Lighting a candle is the simplest way to set the mood and create a calming environment. We rate the relaxing aroma of Drowsy Sleep Candle, £39.95, drowsysleepco. com.…

Want to kick off the new year eating healthily and getting fit? With filling foods, sweet treats and even a glass of wine or G&T, follow this plan from Slimming World and you won’t feel like you’re on a diet. Plus, you could lose up to 7lb in two weeks! HOW IT WORKS * Choose one breakfast, one lunch and one dinner every day. Feel free to repeat meals you enjoy and you’ll find more ideas at slimmingworld.co.uk or slimmingworld.ie. * Slimming World’s eating plan, Food Optimising, is based on the scientific principles of appetite regulation and helps members to reduce their energy intake and lose weight without ever feeling hungry or deprived. It’s based on an understanding of how a food’s nutrient content and energy density (its calories per…

Slimming World groups are open and running safely. There’s really no better way to lose weight than with the motivation you get with a Slimming World group, and this offer will get you off to a great start. With Slimming World’s eating plan, Food Optimising, you have the freedom to eat the food you love and never feel hungry. And in groups members quickly learn about forming healthy habits and sticking to them by making plans and gaining support to commit to them. As a Slimming World group member, you’ll get: ✱ Access to 50 years of nutritional and psychological weight-management expertise and science. ✱ The warmth, understanding and accountability that comes from being a member of a Slimming World group. ✱ 24/7 access to Slimming World’s members-only website –…

Thinking about getting in shape for 2022, but don’t know where to start? We’re here to help kick-start your weight-loss journey with a new fitness programme that promises to help you lose fat and firm up in double-quick time. Say hello to the push-pull-life plan – a total body workout that aims to build up muscle strength, increase metabolism and ramp up calorie burn. This week, creator Giles Salter puts Woman Editor Hannah through her paces again with four more moves that will help you tone up and lose inches. What’s it all about? The push-pull-lift programme is a form of functional training that helps you get moving in everyday life – think lifting yourself up off the floor, pushing open doors, and carrying shopping bags. ‘Each exercise targets different…

Super-greens soup with beans This is perfect for colder days when our immune systems need a boost. All the green veg is high in vitamins A and C and magnesium, which are essential for the body to function properly. SERVES 6 PREP 10 MINS COOK 20 MINS ✱ 2tbsp olive oil ✱ 2 large onions, chopped ✱ 3 sticks celery, chopped ✱ 1 leek, chopped ✱ 600ml vegetable or chicken stock ✱ 250g Tenderstem broccoli, chopped ✱ 2 courgettes, chopped ✱ 125g kale, shredded ✱ 250g frozen petits pois ✱ 400g can cannellini beans, drained and rinsed ✱ Pesto and wholemeal toast, to serve 1 Heat the oil in a large pan, then cook the onion, celery and leek until softened. Add the stock, then bring to the boil. Add…

At 29, Steven Bartlett is the youngest ever investor to join the Dragons’ Den panel and can be seen in the latest series which continues on BBC1 this week. Here, he tells us about joining the show, not wearing suits and getting emotional in the Den… How does it feel to be on a show you watched when you were younger? I watched it when I was 12 years old, so it’s surreal to sit next to the other Dragons, but I didn’t dwell on it much because I’m too focused on the job I have to do as a Dragon. It’s a huge honour to be asked. What sort of Dragon are you? I’m very honest. If an entrepreneur has a bad idea, I don’t want them to waste…

Best… wool slippers Each pair of Onaie slippers is handcrafted and therefore unique, so you’ll know yours are one of a kind. This simple, sleek design is made from top-quality wool and felt with a rubber sole, making them comfy for all-day wear. The neutral colours mean they’ll complement any of your loungewear, too. £28, onaie.com Best... smart slippers Yes, you can wear slippers to a dinner party, especially when they look this fancy! The chic mule design makes them easy to slip on and off and they’ll tie in effortlessly with your party dress. They have a faux-fur sock and a pompom detail for a frivolous touch. Available in soft pink or grey, they’re easy to coordinate with your outfits. £17.50, M&S Best… budget slippers Put a spring in…