Innholdsfortegnelse for 14-Nov-2022 i Woman

Last week I saw Christmas decorations up in the shops. Late, perhaps, by the garden centre’s standards but I still did a double take. Shock horror aside, the party season really is just around the corner and nothing marks the beginning of preparations quite like our first festive 100-page bumper issue! From an amazing gift guide to the quickest-ever Christmas dinner, this week’s mag is bursting at the seams! We have £10,000 worth of prizes to give away, 30% off at Molton Brown, and our friends at Slimming World are offering the chance to win one of their cookbooks. Plus, we speak to three women who will be working this Christmas Day – our country’s heroic front line that we have so much to thank for. It might feel like…

Columnist THE CROWN – DAMAGING MALICIOUS FICTION? Former Prime Minister Sir John Major has become the first significant figure portrayed in The Crown to slam the hit series as ‘damaging malicious fiction’. Not that his protests will make a jot of difference to the millions of fans eagerly preparing to binge on series five. Netflix is reported to have seen a slump in recent months and will no doubt hope the return of the show will come to the rescue. The streaming giant is almost certain to press ahead with the project, regardless of the fact that the former PM insists parts of the upcoming series never happened at all. One scene, involving a private and potentially sensitive conversation between the prime minister at the time and Prince Charles, seems…

Pleats, please Get more wear out of this stunning skirt by teaming it with a chunky cream jumper and tan boots for more casual occasions. It’s a wrap Flatter a big bust in this low-cut, cross-front top. Add a camisole underneath if you prefer to keep things covered. Well suited Velvet is the ideal festive fabric, and this relaxed trouser suit will look stylish for many years to come. It’s great value for money and can be worn as separates too. Take it easy Combine glamour with comfort in these elasticated-waist trousers that are the perfect choice for relaxing on Christmas Day. Golden girl Disguise an apple-shaped figure in this gathered-front dress. Invest in smooth control underwear for a sleek silhouette. Figure flattering Boost a small bust with this knot-front…

Take the shame away from weight loss at Christmas There’s a culture on social media that leaves a bad taste in my mouth. It’s championed by fitness models and influencers who shout about how all women should feel empowered. Absolutely right. About how all women should love their bodies, no matter what size. Couldn’t agree more. But when it’s spouted from the safety (and smugness) of a crop-topped body that hasn’t yet been touched by the rough hand of perimenopause or even the general humdrum-ness of normal life, then it feels wrong. So look away. Just look away now. If you want to improve your body, then you do that. There is nothing wrong with having body goals, whatever time of year. Excess fat stores are normal, but if you…

Looking out of the window, I saw familiar faces walking across the frosty car park and greeted them with a smile. It was a cold December evening and my Slimming World group was getting underway, but I noticed a car that had been parked up for some time, the driver looking anxious. I gave the woman a big friendly wave, after all it was the season to be merry. There was a pause, and then the car door opened... ‘Come on, I’ll walk in with you,’ I said. ‘The hardest part is getting here.’ I knew what it was like to sit outside a Slimming World group, feeling too scared to go in. I’d been there myself. My unhappiness with my weight started when I was nine. My parents split…

‘THE CALL-OUTS DON’T STOP JUST BECAUSE IT’S CHRISTMAS’ Katy Garrigan, 43, has been a firefighter with the Leicestershire Fire and Rescue Service for 14 years. She lives with her partner Rob and sons Rafferty, seven, and Rudy, five. I’m very proud to be a firefighter and lucky to have a job that I love. Being in an emergency service does mean shift work, though, and over the past 14 years, I’ve worked some of Christmas every year. We’re a family that loves Christmas, so it’s always hard, but call-outs don’t stop just because it’s Christmas. A couple of years ago, we had a call around 1am on 23 December to a big house fire. Thankfully, the family was away that night. The devastation they were faced with so close to…

FOR HIM MEN FOR KIDS & TEENS TREAT YOURSELF Subscribe to Woman magazine and get six issues for £1 Order now at: magazinesdirect.com/X919 or call 0330 333 1113 and quote X919 Woman is the must-have weekly features and fashion magazine that inspires 40-plus women to discover new ideas and inspiration.Offer ends 31 January 2023, full terms can be found at magazinedirect.com/terms Your first six issues for only £1*…

IF YOU LOVE TO WIN PRIZES THEN VISIT comps.womanmagazine.co.uk What advice would US singer Miley Cyrus give to her 14-year-old self? To find out, solve the crossword then read down the shaded squares to find the three-word answer. ACROSS 11 Billie _, singer (6)12 Residents (9)13 Anthony _, former PM (4)14 Caribbean island (8)15 Intuitive feeling (5)16 2009 JamesCameron film (6)17 Shrieks (7)18 New York greenspace (7,4)20 Dairy product (5)22 Optimistically (9)24 Small lizard (5)28 Cautious (7)29 Female parents (7)32 Place bets (6)34 Not as wide (8)36 Entire (8)37 Less interesting (6)39 Having no function (7)40 Small edible fish (7)45 Answer (5)47 Shape of You singer (2,7)48 Construct (5)51 Benedict _, Sherlock actor (11)53 Gift (7)55 Dawn _, The Vicarof Dibley star (6)56 Unsuccessfulcontestant (5)58 Of sailors or navigation (8)59…

In the usually tranquil lounge, I sat with my arms crossed, my crutches leaning against the sofa as battle raged. ‘You are not cooking Christmas dinner, Zac!’ my daughter Sophie yelled, aiming a cushion at my son. ‘You couldn’t even cook a fish finger.’ ‘Are you talking about yourself again?’ he retorted. The cushion brushed across the streamers hanging from the ceiling. ‘Mind the tree!’ I warned as its passing set some of the baubles swinging. The cushion landed with a thud in the corner. I could hardly believe my children were both intelligent, successful young people, now at university. They’d started acting like 12-year-olds ever since they arrived home for the holidays. I struggled to my feet, leaning my weight onto my crutches. ‘You need to stop this nonsense…

Columnist TIS THE SEASON FOR A U-TURN Perhaps the most astonishing thing about the woman from Devon who’s decided to scrap almost all Christmas presents for family is just how much she used to splurge before. Heidi Ondrak used to fork out £500 each on her two teenage kids, then lavish £50 each on the rest of her family, meaning her festive spending ran to thousands. Now, in an abrupt U-turn worthy of any Tory politician, she is ditching it all and only buying gifts for her own children. And they won’t be new, but coming from the charity shop or car boot sale. Saying that Christmas has become all about ‘consumption and greed’, the 51-year-old from Plymouth will ‘never again’ spend her hard-earned cash on presents for anyone else.…

STARS DRESS UP Celebs are usually uber stylish, but when it comes to the festive period, fashion goes out the window. With Christmas jumpers, there’s only one rule: the uglier the better – and with Becks’ choice of jumper, it’s clear to see how he won over Posh! Then, of course, you always have one – usually Eamonn Holmes – who takes it one step further and dresses up as the big man (Santa) himself! At least wife Ruth brings the glamour to the party! STEAL THEIR STYLE With stockings full of money to spend and Instagram followings to tend, stars don’t hold back on the festive frills. From extravagant front-door displays to garlands galore and multiple trees, stepping inside these houses is like walking into a winter wonderland. PETS…

BLACK ADAM DWAYNE ‘THE ROCK’ JOHNSON With this body, it’s not hard to guess how Dwayne, 50, got his nickname. As superhero Black Adam, he can save us any day! TOP GUN: MAVERICK TOM CRUISE AND MILES TELLER Thirty-six years after starring as Top Gun’s Pete ‘Maverick’ Mitchell, Tom, 60, reprised the role for a sequel. Then hottie Miles, 35, climbed aboard. Our favourite scene was the squad playing football on the beach – sans shirts, of course. PEAKY BLINDERS CILLIAN MURPHY While we were sad to see the end of Peaky Blinders, it’s safe to say the final season lived up to our expectations. Tommy’s brooding good looks – and the odd shirtless scene – have inspired many a fantasy. We’ll miss Cillian, 46, as our favourite gangster, but…

As the cost-of-living calamity grips the nation just before Christmas, millions are turning to second jobs. It’s estimated that 16% of UK workers have taken on an additional job or ‘side hustle’ to bring in extra cash, with a further 30% saying they are considering it if costs keep climbing. With the expense of Christmas looming, many are looking for money-making opportunities. For some women, the solution has come in the form of OnlyFans – an online subscription platform used primarily by adult entertainers. Founded in the UK in 2016, OnlyFans hosts approximately 1.5 million content creators. It was estimated in 2021 that OnlyFans’ top earners were making 270 times more than the average British worker annually, and although the platform generates controversy for its adult content, creators include ordinary…

1 Start with the basics You want your festive eye looks to last, so before you start with any colour, use an eyeshadow primer that preps your lids and helps your eyeshadow stay put all night. We love Max Factor Miracle Prep Eyeshadow Primer, £7.99, feelunique.com. Then use a neutral shadow all over the lid area. Bobbi Brown Single Eyeshadows, £23.50 each, John Lewis, in Bone or Shell are great for light to medium skin tones, while the shades Camel and Mahogany will suit deeper skin tones. 2 Be dramatic The easiest way to create a smoky eye is to choose a palette of ready-mixed shades that you can apply and blend together in perfect harmony. Warm shades of champagne or soft rose are so flattering on all…

Want to look and feel fabulous this festive season and beyond? For many of us, having a bigger tummy is our major bugbear, and it’s not just about how it looks in your party dress. Carrying weight around your middle also ups your risk of many health problems, including heart disease, type 2 diabetes and stroke. The good news is that losing weight and slimming your silhouette is easy with the right diet – and there’s still time to make a big difference before the celebrations start. So, for a little extra self-confidence and better health, try our plan, devised by nutrition expert Helen Foster. YOUR SLIM-DOWN PLAN While it’s fine to swap or repeat days, don’t swap meals, as days are calculated to ensure you get the right mix…

THE DAY BEFORE ✱ Prepare the turkey and cook ✱ Make the nut roast wreath ✱ Parboil the sweet potatoes ✱ Make the chestnut butter for the sprouts ✱ Wrap the pigs in blankets ✱ Make the bread sauce ✱ Make the cranberry sauce ✱ Make the trifle CHRISTMAS DAY 1 hr 30 mins before Take the turkey out of the fridge, add the gravy and cover with a foil tent. Heat the oven to 180C Fan/Gas 6. 1 hr before Place turkey in oven. 45 mins before Heat the oil for the sweet potatoes, then add the potatoes to the hot oil. 30 mins before Reheat the nut roast. Add the garlic to the sweet potatoes. Start making the carrots. Put the pigs in blankets in oven. 10 mins…

MIDNIGHT SPARKLE Mix almost-black blues with twinkling lights and starry silver decorations reminiscent of the night sky. LUXE BLUSH A romantic, whimsical look that plays with soft textures, blooming flowers and all things pink. KITSCH COLOUR Vibrant pops with novelty decs make this a standout scheme. CANDY CANE RED For traditionalists who love a red and green scheme, add snowy white shades to lift your look. SCANDI CHIC Pared back with neutral shades, wooden elements and textured accessories. SUMPTUOUS JEWELS For a touch of luxury, choose rich shades of burgundy and blue with metallic gold.…

ARIES 21 Mar – 20 Apr ‘Same old’ is so last year! Shake it up! People need to see you in a new light and offers will follow. Remember, Arians are the pioneers of the zodiac. For your reading ☎09058 172557 TAURUS 21 Apr – 21 May Different doesn’t have to be bad. Embrace someone’s ideas about doing things in a new, fresh way, even if that threatens the stability of a relationship slightly. For your reading ☎09058 172558 GEMINI 22 May – 22 Jun Make sure you soft-pedal your approach. In this astro-climate, people may take offence more easily, and what started out as a great idea could turn into the reverse. For your reading ☎09058 172559 CANCER 23 Jun – 23 Jul Living dangerously is not the Cancerian…

ITV’s Queens For A Night sees famous males, including Coronation Street’s Simon Gregson, Love Island star Chris Hughes and fitness guru Mr Motivator, compete to put on the ultimate drag act. Spice Girl Melanie C and comedian Rob Beckett are among the judges who will critique each performance, but it’s the studio audience who decides the winner… Here, Mel and Rob reveal more… Are you excited to be a part of the panel? MEL: I’m honoured. I’ve been lucky enough to work with drag queens in my career and honestly, it’s the most joyous thing you can do. I am so excited to see what the night holds. ROB: I can’t wait for it. We’ve got six talented celebrities about to transform themselves into their drag alter egos. I’m buzzing!…

King Charles is widely expected to use his first Christmas speech to underline the importance of families coming together. In a year that saw a Platinum Jubilee followed by the biggest outpouring of public grief, when the Queen passed, since the death of Princess Diana – the theme for 2022 has been one of unity. To everyone’s surprise, it was the Royal Family that provided the tonic for a nation weary of the divisions and isolation of the past few years. When the country tunes in to watch the annual address from the monarch this year, a piece of television history will be made. Millions will watch for the first time as the Christmas Day speech is delivered by someone other than the woman who was, for so many, one…

With a Home Alone-style pad, a brood of excitable kids and his own ‘childlike’ passion for the festive season, for singer and TV personality Peter Andre, Christmas is indeed the most wonderful time of the year. As December approaches, after almost six months in the West End playing Vince Fontaine in Grease, then finishing up filming two movies, Pete is taking a well-earned break. As well as enjoying time at home in Surrey, he and the family – his doctor wife Emily, 33, their children Amelia, eight, and Theo, five, and Pete’s eldest two, Junior, 17 and Princess, 15 – are flying to Australia to reunite with Pete’s parents, Thea, 86, and Savvas, 89. Here, Peter, 49, unveils his exciting festive plans to Woman and reveals why, until less than…

As we head into the festive season, it’s time to take centre stage. We’ve found the perfect, purse-friendly jewels to add glam and instantly transform any outfit. So dust off that little black dress and reintroduce yourself to those sequin tops hidden in your wardrobe. From prices as low as £1.50, there’s no excuse not to dazzle all the way through into the new year.…

Elegant Crisp green apple cuts through the creamy vanilla base of Zara Capsule Collection Wonder Rose So Intense Eau de Parfum, £12.99, zara.com. A sophisticated, confident scent. Floral Rose, jasmine, peony and freesia with a hit of citrus give Yardley Flowerful Exquisite Peony Eau de Toilette, £20, yardleylondon.co.uk, a feminine yet refreshing feel. Sophisticated With a blend of jasmine sambac, saffron flower and wild raspberry, & Other Stories Déjà Vu Mood Eau de Toilette, £28, stories.com, is a grown-up take on fruity fragrance. Sweet If you like sweet scents, you’ll love H&M Vanilla Eau de Toilette, £4.99, hm.com. It’s reminiscent of freshly baked sugar cookies. Wintery The depth of rich amber, zesty mandarin and creamy sandalwood make The White Company Noir Eau de Toilette, £30, thewhitecompany. com, perfect for winter…

6 ways to beat bad breath this party season It’s not just socially embarrassing – there could be something more serious going on in your mouth Bad breath, or halitosis, is something that concerns many of us, especially at this time of the year when we’re mingling more with others. It’s caused by the process of digestion, which begins in the mouth, when food starts to be broken down. Without good dental hygiene small particles of food will remain in the mouth, allowing bacteria to flourish, leading to gum inflammation (gingivitis) and tooth decay – both of which can lead to bad breath. Your food choices will also affect your breath, as certain strong-smelling foods are absorbed into the blood and the odours are then released when you exhale. So,…

MYTH: you should never give someone a puppy for a Christmas present REALITY: We’ve all heard the saying ‘a puppy is for life, not just for Christmas’ and we’re inclined to think that getting a pet at Christmas is reckless. Yes it can be, if done on impulse without thinking about the lifelong commitment of pet ownership. But if you have thought it through, planned carefully and are ready, then why not at Christmas? You have time off work, the new pet can bond with children who will be at home, and you can ease in gently without having to navigate the school run with a new pup. If you do decide to do it at Christmas, plan a low-key holiday at home, without lots of friends and family, and…

Best of Christmas SAVOURY SHOWSTOPPERS When it comes to your Christmas centrepiece, make it one of these Finest 30-day Matured Tomahawk Steak with Wild Garlic & Sea Salt Butter, 1.15kg, £20/kg, Tesco A nice Christmas alternative for those who like beef, this impressive cut is matured for 30 days. It comes with a wild garlic and sea salt butter which melts over the meat and leaves little need for additional condiments. Jess said, ‘This looks fantastic and cooked perfectly according to the instructions. It has a nice texture and the meat was tender and flavoursome.’ Slow Cooked Ultimate Crackling Pork Belly Feast, 1.77g, £30, Waitrose & Partners Carefully cooked for 10 hours on the bone and then prepared and packaged for you to finish at home, food director Jen Bedloe…