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This week Sheridan starts we’re loving her dream job SHERIDAN SMITH One of our favourite TV stars, Sheridan Smith, is back on our screens this week in her first presenting role. The BBC prime-time show Pooch Perfect is a dog grooming competition and is a paw-fect fit for Sheridan, who owns six dogs herself. The star, 39, has said, ‘To combine my love of dogs with a brand-new job presenting for the BBC was a match Get made in heaven! I’m used to being six THREE-MONTHLY on set with lots of actors. This time, issues of I can’t wait to hang out all day with WOMAN’S FULL dozens of dogs. It is literally my OWN THE dream job!’ for £1 ON ● Pooch Perfect starts on BBC1 Subscribe online Save

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AT Celebrity Features Life & Style Your Favourites 4 Richard Arnold: Our ON THE COVER ON THE COVER 17 Our columnist Dawn showbiz expert talks to 12 How could they do this 14 Shape up for less: Neesom has her say

CONTINUE Denise Van Outen to my girl? Gym gear for all sizes 21 Ask the doctor 6 ON THE COVER 18 I thought it was stress 25 Good for you! Helping 24 Agony aunt Anita Naik THEN Susanna and Piers: ON THE COVER you to make smart 30 In the garden:

WILL ‘We can get through 22 Easy ways to burn health choices Midwinter magic anything’ more fat ON THE COVER 36 Woman’s Own Bingo 8 ON THE COVER 32 Photo fun: Animals of 26 The real reason you 37 Supermarket savers

PAYMENTS Dawn French: mass destruction can’t lose weight 40 Money matters

‘I worry about paying 38 Could their presents ON THE COVER 42 Travel: And… relax! FUTURECONTENTHUB.COM. JOHNSTON NICKY TI-MEDIACONTENT.COM, JOHNSTON

YOUR my mortgage’ be lethal? 28 Younger-looking Recharge on UK shores 10 She wore it best: 44 You’ll never believe it: eyes in 30 mins 48 This week’s TV picks NICKY

ISSUES Rachel Riley turns 35 One change led to 34 Tasty recipes: Love 50 This week’s hot list

SIX 56 Angela Griffin: a new career your leftovers and stars PHOTOS: ‘I’d rather they didn’t 58 Debate: Is New Year too 54 Short story: Alternative 51 Ask yourself

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Woman’s Own 3 RICHARD ARNOLD’S week in showbiz Denise Van Outen ‘You live, breathe and eat the dance’

Why Denise’s plans are on ice on so well, so it’s been lovely. this New Year! The other night he had to stay in a hotel and it felt weird, him not We did Strictly together back in being in the house. I landed the 2012 – how does Dancing on best partner. Now we live Ice compare? together, I trust him so much on The commitment to it is the the ice. We’ve become great same – it takes over your life. friends. We have laughed a lot. You live, breathe and eat the We get the Steps album on dance. The practising and and have a little boogie. training is longer because of the You love getting your safety. It’s shorter days because decks out, don’t you? it’s too cold on the ice. But I’ve I do love a kitchen disco. never skated a day before in my I practise all my moves and life, so I started from scratch. say to Matt, ‘Can we do this Have you lost your ‘corona belt’ on the ice?’ and he just rolls as they call it? It must be great his eyes and says, ‘No!’ for weight loss. You’ve been busy this year Oh yes, that has well and truly with your cabaret show gone! It’s all buns and tums. Just and, of course, Gogglebox. being on ice, it’s all about core We loved doing that Matt (centre) joined strength, so it’s different. It’s not because we could do it Denise’s bubble about flashy moves. It’s about in lockdown. And when staying up and not falling over. Dancing on Ice came up, I’ve had a fall every day. I couldn’t turn it down. I thought It can be brutal on the ice – if I do it now that Betsy [Denise’s you don’t just risk a bunion or daughter] is 10, then I’ll be a cool a cracked heel like on Strictly. mum, but if I wait until she’s a BACKSTAG I do feel like I’m in safe hands teen, I’ll be an embarrassment with Matt [Evers, Denise’s pro – so I thought, let’s do it now! PIERS POTBOILER! @TVSRICHARDARNOLD, ITV @TVSRICHARDARNOLD,

& partner] and he really does look Having time with Betsy and Piers Morgan’s Wake Up book ha after me. He’s been there 13 Eddie this year at home must been a constant on The Sunday years. But it is scary. Every day have been a treat. Bestsellers List since it was publi I’m terrified. I’m hoping in a few It’s been so lovely. We laughed is there a Good Morning Britain t weeks, I’ll feel more confident. loads. The downside was that sizzler in the works? ‘Possibly,’ Because I’ve done dancing, I didn’t get to see my parents, he tells me. ‘It would be a very

@VANOUTEN_DENISE people expect me to be really but we definitely became good but to be honest, I thought closer. [Eddie] blew me funny book… Especially if I was I’d be better than I actually am. away with his patience with to reveal the real Richard Arnold You and Matt, along with your everything. I found the home- to the world in all his INSTAGRAM partner Eddie, are in a bubble schooling a struggle, but he’s outrageous off-camera glory.’ Could Piers spill GMB living together. How’s that? so calm. He’s just very real. My lawyers are watching… on all things ? ● PHOTOS: We are joined at the hip. We get Dancing on Ice, ITV, January

4 Woman’s Own Celeb News

Kicking the year off in style at WHEN DICKIE the NTAs with his GMB co-stars MET TED! Back in the summer of 2012, I met Ted Danson of Cheers fame, hosting a Q&A with the star who was in town with his wife Mary Steenburgen. What a class act and, like me, he’s a tequila fan, so we kicked off the interview with a shot… and a few top-ups as the evening went on. The rest of the night is a blur, but Tequila fan this pic at least proves that Ted Danson Richard’s year we actually met! IN SHOWBIZ

After a crazy A LOOK AT SOME OF THE year, Katherine STARS OUR RICHARD RUBBED deserves a break SHOULDERS WITH IN 2020

HAPPY NEW YEAR! Richard hit the red carpet at After her star turn on GMB on Christmas Day, the BRITs with Katherine Jenkins is ready to ring in 2021 with a boy band JLS well-deserved rest. ‘It’s been a crazy year. I think, as an artist, it’s been a challenge to find ways of getting your music out there,’ she says. ‘With all the Facebook concerts and VE Day, it’s been really interesting to be challenged in ways to reach people, but I think I’ll take a few months to reset.’ Amen!

SHELF LIFE Hanging out with Up against ‘The Wall’ Shopping With Keith Line of Duty star with actor Danny Dyer Martin Compston Lemon is must-see TV for me, as he probes the big names while they put their hands in their pockets in their favourite boutiques. ‘You get a better interview when you’re walking about in the real world,’ he tells me. ‘I think of myself as a budget Louis Theroux.’ The price is A socially distant right for me! selfie with Sir Cliff Richard

Woman’s Own 5 ‘We once did shots UNTIL 2AM!’ Good Morning Britain hosts Piers Morgan and Susanna Reid talk to Woman’s Own columnist Richard Arnold about their time presenting together and who they’d love to have on the show

What are your first memories of giggling and said, ‘Well, I do!’ That was eloquent, determined presenting alongside each other? the moment I realised we’d have a great and inspiring about him. SUSANNA: A blur of words, noise and yin and yang. We’ve stayed in touch, trying to get a word in. He came in – he and I am proud to consider would say like a super tornado, I describe The ratings say it all: GMB has him a friend. He’s it more like a mini hurricane – and been a lifeline in the mornings. a magnificent man. nothing has ever been the same again. SUSANNA: In a time of chaos and PIERS: The look of utter terror when uncertainty, people want familiarity and Piers, your mum I veered completely off-script after they also want the Government to be and dad were about 10 seconds. I think that was the held to account. We’ve managed to do diagnosed with moment Susanna realised her calm, both, with a little bit of entertainment COVID-19. How safe, organised life was never going along the way. are they now? to be the same again. PIERS: They like the unpredictability, Much better, thanks. They

@SUSANNAREID100 the fun, the occasional chaos and the both went down at the same Was there a light-bulb moment fact that our show has a clear, distinctive time and had it quite badly, when you both realised the heartbeat and spirit. It’s no coincidence though thankfully never pair of you would make such that every single member of the on-screen needed to be hospitalised. It a winning combination? team who was there on day one, five was a scary time for them, and

@PIERSMORGAN, SUSANNA: When it was two o’clock in years ago, is still there. We’re a great a very worrying time for the rest the morning and we were still knocking band with great chemistry. of the family, especially as none back shots in a bar in Soho. of us were able to go in and see or PIERS: Yes, it was when some French guy So many stories touched our help them. It made me realise just INSTAGRAM who climbs buildings uttered the ‘F’ word hearts this year. Which ones how frightening COVID is for older during our first show together. Susanna stood out for you? people in particular. GETTY, freaked out and apologised in that very SUSANNA: The crisis that everybody has serious headmistress manner she has, been through, of course, but also – close Like so many of us, did you IMAGES, and I just laughed out loud. In the break, to home – our Kate [Garraway]. She has both have sleepless nights? PA she told me I had to treat those moments been living with it and we just hold her SUSANNA: Yes. For a lot of people, it seriously, and I replied, ‘No I don’t,’ and in our hearts all the time. provokes night terrors because it has PIERS: PHOTOS: there was a pause before she started Captain Sir Tom [Moore]. There been so awful. The people who have was something so uniquely humble, lost loved ones and the care home

Enjoying a tipple with his dad

Piers with his mum Susanna is hugely proud of her mum Captain Sir Tom has raised tens of millions 6 Woman’s Own Cover Story

residents who haven’t been able to hold the hands of [their] husbands and wives. The children who have been affected, the funerals people haven’t been able to go to. I did have sleepless nights, even though – touch wood – my family hasn’t been directly affected. PIERS: I didn’t sleep much at all this year! Yes, it was very unnerving in those first few months when we knew so little about the virus. Now we have better drugs and treatment, and the vaccines are coming, so it feels less terrifying. Susanna, your mum was a nurse. Has that helped you through the uncertainty? My mum is my hero. She’s been a nurse for decades – not practising now, apart from with her own family. We always rely on her to tell us what’s wrong. Through the wonders of online, she has managed to stay in touch with so many people, and having an allotment keeps her out in the fresh air as well. She has been an inspiration. Throughout the pandemic, the show has stressed the need to give people hope. Are you hopeful for 2021? SUSANNA: I really am. With these vaccine geniuses and the people who have put themselves forward to, frankly, save the world, I really feel optimistic about 2021. We’ve just got to get through these next few months, and I really do see a bright, shining light in the new year. PIERS: Definitely. This country’s been through a lot worse than this, especially during the two world wars. So I fully expect us to dust ourselves down and bounce back to prosperous normality once the vaccines kick in. ● Good Morning Britain is on weekdays from 6am, ITV, and available on the ITV Hub at itv.com/hub

Which guest would you most like to see on the show in the new year? SUSANNA: We haven’t seen the prime minister. It would be wonderful to see him emerge from the fridge and reappear on Good Morning Britain. PIERS: Yes, Boris Johnson. He’s been promising us for years. It’s time he grew a pair and The pair want to give faced some tough BoJo a good grilling questions.

Woman’s Own 7 Times are TOUGH

It seems like these stars haven’t been off our screens this year – but, just like the rest of us, the global pandemic has hit their bank balances ‘HONESTLY, PAYING THE MORTGAGE HAS KEPT ME AWAKE’ She’s one half of the comedy duo for more than 20 years, has just French and Saunders, and has starred starred in special episodes of the in some of the country’s BBC’s The Vicar of biggest TV shows, but Dibley in Lockdown, lately, comedian, actor ‘I’m planning along with releasing and writer Dawn French to live a book, Because ‘I’VE BORROWED has been worried about of You. She lives in paying the bills. a smaller, a £3 million mansion FROM MATES’ ‘I would honestly say in Fowey, Cornwall, Shane Richie was hugely entertaining in paying the mortgage simpler life’ with her second the I’m a Celebrity castle, and he’s has kept me awake,’ said husband Mark Bignell, admitted the reason he Dawn, 63. ‘COVID 55, daughter Billie, 29, and /THE SUN, INSTAGRAM @COLEEN_NOLAN, ALAMY /THE SUN, INSTAGRAM Y agreed to take part nicked my work.’ stepdaughter Lily, 29. But, thanks was because he was The actor, who to the effects of the pandemic struggling financially, was married to and her fear of another lockdown, due to a cancelled fellow comedian she’s seriously considering tour and TV series. Sir Lenny Henry downsizing from the 40-room, Speaking about the Grade II-listed property. ‘I’m pandemic before planning to live a smaller, heading to Wales, Dawn may downsize from simpler life,’ she said. her £3 million mansion the 56-year-old actor ‘I don’t know when, confessed, ‘I’m literally but I’m just going skint. You save money to reduce for a rainy day, but you everything so don’t expect the rainy that if this hits day to last six months.’ us again and He added, ‘Thankfully, again, I can I’ve been able to borrow survive. It’s money from mates, my a shame. family and the bank. My It wouldn’t wife is now very happy normally be we can finally pay off the case for me.’ The comedian with Mark

WORDS: HAYLEY MINN. PHOTOS: GETTY, ITV/SHUTTERSTOCK, WAYNE PERR WAYNE ITV/SHUTTERSTOCK, GETTY, MINN. PHOTOS: HAYLEY WORDS: the credit card.’

8 Woman’s Own Celeb News ‘LIFE IS VERY COMPLICATED’ Everyone has been rooting for GMB’s Kate Garraway since her husband Derek Draper was taken into hospital with COVID-19 last March. The presenter has are talked about the devastating calls she’s had in the middle of the night telling her he might not make it, and we’ve all marvelled at the strength Kate has shown, facing the country every day on TV. Now, though, the presenter has offered even more of an insight into the realities of having a partner incapacitated in hospital. After their car was stolen, Kate, 53 – who GH has two children, Darcey, 14, and William, 11, with Derek, 53 – said, ‘[There are] practical problems, which a lot of people would’ve experienced if they’ve got the absence of someone in their life. Like many things, the car is entirely in Derek’s name, the insurance is in Derek’s name, a lot of our bank accounts.’ Speaking to her colleagues Susanna Reid and Piers Morgan, she added, ‘There are a lot of financial [issues] that I’ve talked to you both about going on, which is making life very complicated because I can’t get access to things. Legally, I haven’t got power of attorney and all this other stuff that goes on when you’re dealing With Derek so sick, Kate is financially hamstrung with a situation where someone’s been sick for a long time.’ ‘I’VE DEFINITELY STRUGGLED’ Coleen Nolan was meant to spend much of 2020 starring in the stage adaptation of Melanie Blake’s hit novel The Thunder Girls with I’m a Celebrity star Beverley Callard. But, with the show postponed until 2021, and Loose Women taken off air for six weeks during the first lockdown, 55-year-old Coleen saw a lot of her work dry up. ‘Like everyone, I’ve missed the money and I’ve definitely struggled,’ she admits in an exclusive interview with Woman’s Own. ‘I hope the taxman doesn’t kill me next year, because he’s trying to at the moment!’ Coleen has spent more time with family, including Shane Jr

Woman’s Own 9 SHE WORE I As Rachel Riley turns 35, our fashion team reveal her top looks

Fashionable florals are a must for Rachel revealed it was her Strictly any wardrobe, as Rachel proved Come Dancing husband, Pasha, during an appearance on Good who bought her this gorgeous coat Morning Britain. This gorgeous – and what great taste he has. Her number from Hope & Ivy had simple top-to-toe black outfit got viewers gushing over the an instant lift with the bubblegum- feminine frills and plunging The Countdown queen became pink Max Mara coat, and the neckline, while a pop of soft-pink fashion royalty when she stepped oversized style meant she could lipstick pulled out the colour of out in this showstopping wear it all through her pregnancy the print perfectly. floor-length frock. Rachel teamed and beyond. the nude glittering gown with chic wavy hair and a burgundy lipstick to deepen the look. With just a simple clutch bag, this custom-made dress accentuated all her curves, and certainly had the wow factor. COMPILED BY: JOELY CHILCOTT. PHOTOS: GETTY AND SHUTTERSTOCK PHOTOS: CHILCOTT. JOELY COMPILED BY:

10 Fashion Trends IT BEST Ladylike achel Riley turns 35, our fashion team reveal her top lo

Wear it YOUR WAY

£38 Sizes 8-20, Wallis

Proving that you don’t need to wear a dress to look effortlessly chic, Rachel chose a stunning Roland Mouret jumpsuit for the red carpet. The burgundy all-in-one clings in all the right Rachel looked blooming lovely places, while she accessorised during her pregnancy – and this with sparkly drop earrings to maternity Hope & Ivy midi dress make the outfit really shine. was no exception. The frock framed her bump beautifully, as it sat just under her bust and fell £40 elegantly over her middle, while Sizes 8-18, the pretty embellished detail Matalan added extra style points. She teamed it with a pair of nude wedges for dressed-up comfort. £25.99 Sizes 6-18, New Look

£10 Accessorize

Woman’s Own 11 Do you know where your child’s photo is? Mummy blogger Natasha Morgan*, 30, just wanted to show off her baby, but monsters pounced

ears gushed down my cheeks, and I retched as I read the Anyone can screenshot and share an image message and stared at photos Ton my phone. ‘No, it can’t be Lily*,’ I sobbed. I’d been sent cheeks and wide green eyes, that we of Lily on their own Instagram account, screenshots – by a woman I didn’t know changed our minds. sharing it with their millions of followers – from a website used by child abusers, ‘I want everyone to see how gorgeous – only, they’d edited the photo to look and on them were photos of my baby she is,’ I told Peter, snapping photos as she as though Lily had long black eyelashes daughter. My eyes moved to the cooed in her cot. and lipstick on. comments underneath Lily’s picture Peter couldn’t help himself either. At ‘Why have they done that? I’d never put and my stomach heaved again as first, we just sent the photos to our family make-up on our baby,’ I told Peter. I collapsed in more horrified sobs. and friends, but when Lily We shrugged it off, but Hearing my wails, Peter*, my partner, was two weeks old, I started when we noticed a sudden dashed in and desperately tried to calm a blog and Instagram ‘I thought influx of new followers, we me down, but I was inconsolable. And account so I could of it as were perturbed. I just kept thinking… Was this my fault? write about my ‘I worry about the sort When I’d first fallen pregnant with Lily parenting experiences. our online of people looking at the in March 2017, I’d been totally against Working as a personal photos,’ Peter said. the idea of putting pictures of her on bodyguard, Peter would be scrapbook’ ‘There are some sickos out social media. away for weeks at a time, so there,’ I sighed, agreeing. ‘No photos online, please,’ I’d instructed he was pleased to be able to follow Lily’s But, as we talked it through, we friends and family before the birth. ‘You progress on Instagram. reasoned that we didn’t worry about who never know who might be looking.’ was looking at Lily in the park, so why Peter, then 27, was in total agreement. Horrifying exploitation should we be worried about who was ‘We just want to keep our baby safe,’ he Over the weeks, as I posted more looking at her online? Why should we stop told people. adorable pictures of Lily, my number sharing pictures ‘just in case’? Also, there But, after she was born on 26 December of followers grew. Then, in June 2018, were thousands of mummy bloggers and 2017, Lily was so beautiful, with her chubby an online magazine reposted a photo influencers posting cute photos, too, so it

12 Woman’s Own Real Life Shock read

written by people with shocking usernames. The comments were too awful to repeat. Horrified, I realised it was the doctored photo of Lily with long eyelashes and lipstick. That’s when I started retching, tears pouring down my cheeks. Stepping up the safety ‘Lily’s on a child-abuse website,’ I said to Peter between gulps. ‘What do you mean?’ he panicked. Barely able to speak, I explained how someone must’ve taken screenshots of pictures of Lily from Instagram before sharing them on this disgusting site. ‘My poor baby,’ I sobbed, my horror laced with guilt for posting the photos. ‘This isn’t your fault,’ Peter said, but I cried uncontrollably for 45 minutes. Too stressed to sleep, I spent hours that night scrolling through the sick paedophile site. I didn’t want to, but had to. I was thankful not to find more pictures of Lily, but I saw images of other poor children that I’d never be able to forget. Still, I was a mum on a mission. Determined to put a stop to it for the sake of all the children being exploited and abused, I spent a few days gathering evidence before passing everything to the police. To my disappointment, there was nothing they could do. IDENTITIES ‘Because the website domain is registered in Russia, it’s impossible for us to get it taken down,’ an officer told us. PROTECT SAFE TO The Russian authorities wouldn’t ‘SHARENTING’ cooperate with investigations here. Crushed, I turned to Instagram, Online safety programme Thinkuknow CHANGED warning other parents to be vigilant. found 42% of parents share photos of their For a few weeks, I stopped BEEN children online. It advises that you consider: YOUR PRIVACY SETTINGS sharing Lily’s photos, changing our Anyone who can see HAVE seemed unfair to let one unsettling Instagram account’s privacy a photo can screenshot and share it. post spoil what we’d built. settings and blocking followers I WHAT ELSE ARE YOU SHARING? Many cameras As our little girl grew and started couldn’t verify. I hated that I had no *NAMES and apps tag posts and photos with ‘metadata’, toddling and talking, she was so way of taking the pictures down. which can include identifying information. much fun. ‘Smile for the camera, ‘It’s the monsters on that GETTY. OWNERSHIP When you share a photo, you license Lily,’ I’d say, snapping away as she website who should be ashamed, the network to use and reproduce an image and danced around, giggling. I enjoyed not me,’ I told Peter angrily. to license it for use by third parties. MODEL):

capturing special moments and sharing I’ve since reopened our BY DIGITAL TATTOO Every publicly accessible them online. Instagram account. Of course, I check image or comment featuring your child Our Instagram account was a hit and, by new followers vigorously and I’m careful adds to their public footprint, (POSED May 2019, we’d gained 40,000 followers. not to give away identifying details. But, which can follow them into To celebrate, I photographed Lily, then 17 just as it does for millions of others, being

the future. PHOTO months, in her cot with a giant silver ‘40’ a mummy blogger brings me great joy. So

balloon. I got a buzz from all the likes and I won’t give in to fear, and I refuse to hide BATY. comments, and was thrilled when brands arrived on my phone. myself or my gorgeous little girl away. sent us free clothes and toys to sample. Lily was snoozing in my arms after her ● Instagram's online Privacy and Safety LOUISE Occasionally, I’d get messages saying bath, so I’d started scrolling Instagram Centre provides parents with tips as well I was exploiting Lily, which did sting. and spotted a private message. I’d frozen, as a downloadable guide for keeping

Instagram wasn’t a money-making scheme reading the woman’s words, which their children safe on social media, as CAPLAIN, for me – I already had a successful aerial explained that three of my innocent baby well as how to get pictures of their LE fitness business. It was just harmless fun, pictures were being shared by paedophiles children removed from the site. For and I thought of it as an online scrapbook on a Russian child-abuse website. more information, visit help.instagram. HELEN of our family life. That was until that She’d taken screenshots of the photos com, then click on Privacy and Safety

evening in August, when those photos and the revolting comments underneath, Center, then Tips for Parents. WORDS:

Woman’s Own 13 4 outfits under Yoga Stretch your way into the new season with a sports bra and leggings set. Opt for a muted colour and give this fast-drying co-ord, made from recycled polyester, a try.

TOP TIP Don’t forget to stay hydrated while you exercise.

At-home workout Look for an exercise outfit that can be worn just as easily for the supermarket run to get more for your money. A supportive sports bra will keep everything in place, but layer over a loose-fitting T-shirt for extra coverage.

TOP TIP High-waisted leggings are both flattering and functional.

OUTFIT OUTFIT Sports bra, £12.99, sizes xs-xl, and leggings, £17.99, Sports bra, £10, sizes 8-18, and leggings, £14, sizes xs-xl, both H&M; Water bottle, £10, Mepal at TOTAL COST: sizes 8-18, both Matalan; Top, £7, sizes s-xl, TOTAL COST:

COMPILED BY: EMMA WHITE COMPILED BY: John Lewis & Partners; Yoga mat, £6.99, Decathlon £47.97 Matalan; 6kg Kettlebell, £10.99, Argos £41.99

14 Woman’s Own Fashion Trends

Because budgeting is hard, we der £50 make your clothes shopping easy

TOP TIP Opt for Fitness goggles with 100% UV protection if you brave the Special great outdoors.

Swimming Achieve a full-body workout with some refreshing swimming this month. You’ll feel as confident as can be in this supportive, eco-friendly swimsuit from Adidas, which will help you take a dip with ease.

Running Whether you happen to be a seasoned runner or beginning the Couch to 5k app, every athlete knows that a practical and stylish kit is the key to success. A fitted half-zip top is great for a fuller bust, as it offers a little extra room around the chest.

TOP TIP Ensure comfort and protection with cushioned-sole trainers.

OUTFIT OUTFIT Running top, £19.50, sizes 6-24, M&S; Swimsuit, £22.95, sizes xs-xl, Adidas; Leggings, £10, sizes 8-24, George at Asda; TOTAL COST: Goggles, £16, Speedo; Flip flops, £5.95, TOTAL COST: Trainers, £14.99, Decathlon £44.49 Gap; Bag, £4.50, Champion at Argos £49.40

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sually, going into a new year, you turn either of those things there are the same old words on, the very first word you hear Uand phrases you never want begins with the letter ‘C’. to hear again. In no particular Coronavirus has come with its order these include, ‘More turkey own Scrabble set from hell, hasn’t anyone?’, ‘Did you keep the receipt?’, it? I mean, who’d have thought ‘I’m never drinking again’, ‘Your new ‘next slide please’ would make year, new you, diet and exercise plan’ you want to chuck your telly and ‘divorce lawyer’. out of the window. Obviously, this time round ‘Certain Slides in playgrounds it’s all a bit different. Rather are good fun. As than being relieved to kick words part of Government the relatives out (even the broadcasts, however, annoying ones), we’ve missed should be they are not. spending time surrounded by And don’t even extended family, and who banished get me started on knows when we’ll be allowed forever’ ‘lockdown’ and ‘tier’. Cheers! It’s time to to get together again. On the upside, celebrate the New Year – online, of course Even the chore of taking the Christmas we all learnt what an decorations down is harder than usual. ‘epidemiologist’ was. On the Because who hasn’t got used to cheery downside, we discovered that ‘following mates you really want to spend time with. fairy lights sparkling away in the corner the science’ was nowhere near as much Pet phrases I could do without hearing on grey winter days? And the jokey gift fun as messing around with a Bunsen ever again, though, are ‘social distancing’ IMAGES of Boris Johnson loo roll will probably burner at school used to be. and ‘self-isolation’. Just admit that it’s PA come in handy. It was questioned whether a Scotch egg staying at home and being grumpy. Or the But my New Year wish for 2021 is that counted as a ‘substantial meal’ and driving husband, as I call him. GETTY, certain words are banished from our to Durham an ‘eyesight test’. Bubbles vocabularies forever. Especially from the ceased to be something you blew or drank,

PHOTOS: TV and radio. Because I swear, every time and morphed into deciding which of your Lucky stars? Photo finish According to the t has been lovely seeing all the Royal Chinese zodiac, IFamily pictures in the papers over the 021 is going to be festive period, but there is one thing an exceptionally lucky about Kate and William that I find quite year for those of us born in worrying. Why, oh why, do they insist on the years of the Rooster dressing the entire family – Prince George, and Ox. All a bit cock Princess Charlotte, Prince Louis and and bull if you themselves – in coordinating style and ask me. matching colour outfits?

What’s your opinion? Tell Dawn on Twitter @DawnNeesom

Woman’s Own 17 I thought it was STRESS For so long, Katie Baker, 39, put her headaches down to dental work and a divorce

s I scrolled through a dozen but, rather than being the relaxing long, jargon-filled emails, my weekend I needed, with bike rides and Aphone’s high-pitched ringtone swimming, I spent the entire time in bed echoed through the room. with what I thought was a sinus infection. ‘Argh!’ I winced, putting my hands on ‘This isn’t like you,’ Mum fretted. my head and feeling the pulsing ache. ‘I’ll be fine in a few days,’ I said. But, It was summer 2016, and this back home, I started being sick every day. headache would not pass. I’d been The doctor diagnosed a sinus infection feeling unwell for a while, but blamed and prescribed antibiotics. But when my the orthodontic work I’d had to straighten dizziness developed into me walking into my teeth the year before for putting walls and I was vomiting several times pressure on my head and jaw. It was a day, I knew something else was wrong. either that or the endless stream This was more than divorce stress or the The brain scan of emails, meetings and upshot of dentistry. showing the tumour phone calls involved in my That December, my divorce from my ex, Patrick. ‘I couldn’t parents suggested I stay Our split after 13 years with them while Max was to the bathroom, but as I crossed the together was amicable, but function, on holiday with his dad. stairs, everything went black. the complex paperwork couldn’t look I’d spend days in bed, too meant I was constantly poorly to go to my job as Emergency surgery stressed and often worried after Max’ a communications officer. Hearing the whirr of clinical equipment, about our son Max, then I couldn’t function, couldn’t I opened my eyes and realised I was in three, and making sure he was always work or look after Max properly. hospital. Beside my bed, the pale faces our top priority. One early evening, my brother Steve, of my parents looked down on me. ‘That sort of stress would make you then 43, and sister-in-law Michelle, then ‘Katie?’ Dad asked gently, placing his feel unwell, right?’ I’d said to friends 36, were downstairs. I sleepily made my hand in mine. when they’d asked how I was doing. way across the landing from my bedroom ‘What happened? Where’s Max?’ I pondered a million different I asked, my mind encased in fog. reasons for the awful, months-long Slowly, my parents explained how headache and constant nausea. I’d been in hospital for 24 hours after I’d convinced myself it was nothing collapsing at the top of their stairs, serious, but I was dizzy sometimes, tumbling down before luckily being too, and had tingling in my eyes. caught by Michelle, who happened to I’d usually be up early and out be at the bottom. running miles, but now spent longer In and out of consciousness, I’d been and longer in bed, unable to muster rushed to Colchester Hospital, where I’d the energy to exercise. I went back collapsed again in A&E. There, a CT scan and forth to the doctors, who all had finally found what had been causing agreed with me that it was just me so much turmoil. I had a tumour the divorce stress or a side effect of size of a walnut on my brain. I’d then the orthodontic work. been transferred to the Neurosurgical In the November, Max and I joined ward at Queen’s Hospital in Romford. my parents, Mike, then 74, and Katie ran the Great Stunned, I raised my hand to my head.

WORDS: BESS BROWNING. PHOTO: THE BRAIN TUMOUR CHARITY PHOTO: BESS BROWNING. WORDS: Brenda, 70, on a trip to Center Parcs, North Run in 2019 I could feel a shaved patch and a stitched

18 Woman’s Own Real Life From the heart

furloughed from my new sales job, and restrictions meant the hospital could no longer take on volunteers. Sitting at home with my laptop during lockdown, I saw an advert for a job as a healthcare assistant at the hospital. Despite being in the midst of the pandemic, I applied – and, last April, I had my first shift. Giving back Working for the place that had saved my life, on the frontline of COVID-19, was an incredible feeling. I helped out across different wards and even saw the nurses and doctors – the superheroes – who’d helped me. I chatted to people and found out their stories, sharing mine, too. It was such a rewarding role, I decided not to go back to my sales job. I’m so glad Max, now seven, sees his mum healthy and happy, a world away from the mum I was in 2016. People juggle so much in life – from work to children to relationships – and I don’t want others to make the same mistake I did. If something feels wrong, don’t keep making excuses, don’t put it down to the stresses in your life – push the doctors for answers, because it could just save your life.

Katie’s recovery was ● a gradual process Katie is supporting The Brain Tumour Charity’s Stand With Us Christmas Appeal, raising vital funds so it wound where surgeons had carried out woman for years, but the nurses were can keep making progress to find an emergency craniotomy, removing suddenly my lifeline. a cure and save more lives. If you’d part of my skull to relieve the pressure On Christmas Eve, after six days, like to help by donating online, visit on my brain. I was discharged, and I’d never been thebraintumourcharity.org/get-involved/ ‘I can’t believe it!’ I gasped, struggling more pleased to see Max. It was the christmas-appeal to process the enormity of everything I’d longest we’d ever been apart. been through. ‘Having you home is the best Luckily, the tumour was non-cancerous, Christmas present,’ Max told me As a healthcare but I’d need more surgery to remove it sweetly as I wrapped him in my arms. assistant with Max fully and, two days later, I was wheeled in We stayed at my parents’ house for for the three-hour operation. a while as I learnt to I was terrified, and only adjust to my new life. thoughts of Max, who was ‘The nurses I took the next three staying with his dad, kept months off and, as me from falling apart. He were I slowly made a full was too young to understand, recovery, my thoughts and we didn’t want to scare suddenly often drifted to him by bringing him to visit, my lifeline’ the hospital and its so we spoke on the phone. extraordinary workers. Thankfully, the op was Inspired by them, a success, and I spent the days before once I was back at work in 2017, I Christmas in hospital, in recovery. started volunteering as a patient But, as I tried to come to terms with the partner at Queen’s Hospital, where ordeal, I was in crippling pain throughout I’d had my treatment. I’d sit in on my body, coupled with a crushing fatigue meetings with doctors, nurses and from the trauma of brain surgery. managers, to give a voice to patients. The medical staff bolstered me on my Using my own experiences, I helped darkest days. They helped me to eat, get others going through their own up from bed and go to the toilet. I’d been tough times. an independent, active, career-driven Then COVID-19 arrived and I was Fully escorted tours

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Additional entrance costs may apply. Prices are per person, based on two sharing and subject to finite availability. Images used in conjunction with Riviera Travel. Offer operated by and subject to the booking conditions of Riviera Travel Ltd, ABTA V4744, ATOL 3430, a company wholly independent ofWoman’s Own, published by Future plc. Prices correct at time ofprint. ASKDawn HarperTHE DOCTOR Doctor Dawn Harper answers all your medical questions... Can you really beat stress with exercise? My business has been under threat Unable to open Qsince lockdown. The worry of trying to keep things afloat meant I was awake most of the night for months. My parents have given me a loan which means I am my mouth safe, but I am still not sleeping. I used to run with a friend three nights a week, but gave up during lockdown and never got back into it. She says I should start wide again as it will help. Is that true? Yes. Exercise is great for boosting Amood and energy, and regulating sleep. It will also keep your immune any more! system in good shape. Exercising with a friend will help keep you motivated when For a while now your willpower is down, so please do get QI have noticed a started again. grinding sound when I am eating. It didn’t bother me until it Painkillers can help with jaw pain See your GP started hurting as well, about periods then when I went to eat after menopause an apple the other day, I couldn’t open your mouth wider than to allow open my mouth wide enough to take two fingers between your teeth. Simple a bite. What is going on? painkillers like paracetamol or You may have a condition called ibuprofen should ease the pain and Atemporomandibular joint heat or ice packs held against the jaw dysfunction, which is often linked to may also help. If you are stressed, you teeth grinding and stress. Try not to will also need to address this. A raid COVID-19 has left include ongoing breathing difficulties, TO ASK? fatigue, muscle weakness, mood problems me fatigued and what people describe as ‘brain fog’. We Why am I bleeding I had the coronavirus at the end of last are still learning about this, but you may find Qyear. I wasn’t particularly ill with it and it useful to look at yourcovidrecovery.nhs.uk. after menopause? never got to the stage that we needed to I went through the menopause consider going to hospital, but I am now Qin my late 40s and I realise three months down the line and I’m still I had a very easy time of it. My wiped out. I have no energy and cannot periods became a bit unpredictable concentrate so am still off work. How long for a year and then just stopped. will this last? My family have all recovered. The other morning, I woke to find There is mounting evidence that a I had started a period after six Asignificant number of people have years. It was quite heavy for three ongoing health problems, often lasting days and then stopped. Do I need months, after COVID-19 infection. Symptoms to see my doctor? This is what we call a post- Amenopausal bleed and your GP Contact Dr Dawn will want to examine you and will Send your questions to drdawn@ probably arrange an ultrasound. futurenet.com, follow her on Twitter COVID-19 can have They may also refer you to a @DrDawnHarper, or go to drdawn.com lasting effects gynaecologist for a hysteroscopy. PHOTOS (POSED BY MODELS): GETTY (POSED BY PHOTOS

Woman’s Own 21 The easy way to BURN MORE Lose weight and boost your metabolic health in four weeks with the new KetoFast diet from Dr Joseph Mercola

ou’ve probably heard of when we fast – which, according to you’ve fasted for at least 16 hours. a ketogenic diet – or keto American physician Dr Joseph A new diet, penned by Dr Mercola Ydiet for short — but do you Mercola, is essential for optimum in his book KetoFast (£15.99, Hay know exactly what it is? health. ‘Fasting gives your body House Publishing) combines keto Essentially, it’s cutting down on a chance to heal and regenerate, as with fasting. Dr Mercola claims that carbs to help your body reach well as detoxify, and the greatest the KetoFast diet has enormous a state of ketosis – which is when benefits come when your body has health benefits, in that it can aid your body starts burning fat for fuel been fasting for at least 12 hours weight loss, boost metabolic health instead of glucose, and starts to – but the longer the better,’ he says. – the speed at which our bodies make ketones, which eliminate For example, if you had dinner at burn fat – and drastically improve toxins from the body. 7pm, you could skip breakfast and health at the same time. This process happens quicker eat at lunchtime, which would mean Here’s how to do it. The keto diet As already mentioned, the keto diet is Getting started a low-carb, high-fat eating plan which Before you begin, you need to do focus on repairing any cell damage aims to get your body to burn fat for two things: and improving your mitochondrial fuel – known as being metabolically function, which is what supplies flexible. When your body reaches Reduce your exposure every cell in your body with energy. ketosis, it’s producing more ketones, to toxins ● STEP TWO: Introduce a longer which are water-soluble fats made You’ll want to remove as many fasting period. in your liver. toxins as possible from your body Next, reduce your window of Why does this matter? Well, when before you start as, when you fast, eating until you are fasting for your body switches to burning fat, it more toxins are removed, and too 16-18 hours each day and eating means it’s no longer using glucose from many toxins being expelled in one only during a time span of six to the food you’re eating as energy – it go can leave you feeling ill. Start eight hours. uses fat instead. Not only does this by limiting your use of household ● STEP THREE: Start eating mean you’re eliminating fat cells, but cleaning products and cosmetics. a cyclical ketogenic diet. also the toxins stored in those fat cells. Cut right back on carbs and replace This can have enormous health Make it work them with healthy fats. benefits, including reducing Next, you move to these steps. ● STEP FOUR: Add in one to two the risk of cancer, It’s important to take your days of ‘feasting’ each week. reducing time and allow your Once you’ve achieved metabolic inflammation, body to adjust. flexibility (which can take up to aiding weight ● STEP ONE: Stop a month), start cycling in one or loss, getting eating three hours two days a week of higher net rid of visceral before bedtime. carbs. On these days, increase your fat around This means the net carbs intake to 100g-150g, as the organs, body has time to opposed to 20g-50g on typical improving digest any food ketogenic days. insulin you’ve eaten ● STEP FIVE: Add in one day of sensitivity before you go to KetoFasting each week. and even sleep. While you Eat no more than 300-600 calories increasing sleep, your body can in any 24-hour period.

WORDS: CLARE SWATMAN. PHOTOS: GETTY PHOTOS: CLARE SWATMAN. WORDS: life expectancy.

22 Woman’s Own Healthy Eating Foods to eat on the keto diet As you’re cutting right back on carbs, most of your calories will come from protein and good-quality fat. You also need to cut right back on processed foods. Some of the foods you can choose from include oily fish (such as salmon, mackerel, sardines), good-quality meat, eggs, FAT avocado, olives and olive oil, coconut oil, butter, seeds and ghee. Drinks can include water, herbal teas and coffee. The KetoFast diet By combining fasting and the keto diet, you’re helping your body get rid of toxins much more efficiently. In the long-term, the benefits are influenced more by the foods you eat during the periods you’re not fasting, rather than the fast itself. Keto days Cut right back on carbs (between 20-50g per day) and replace them with healthy fats (see above). A banana, for example, has 25g of carbs, and so does an apple, while a slice of bread has around 20g. To check the carb load of foods, try an app such as MyFitnessPal (free, iOS & Android), which allows you to input foods and check calories and carb count. Feast days After reaching ketosis, you start to cycle in one to two days every week of higher carbs – ‘feast’ days. Not only does this make it easier to stick to, but by giving your body a break and cycling in and out of keto, it becomes even more efficient. Fast days KetoFasting is a 24-hour period of eating between 300-600 calories. To work out how many you should be eating, multiply your weight in pounds by 3.5. So, irrespective of height, a 10st (140lb) woman would eat no more than 490 Example cyclical keto days calories, with no more than 20g carbs. DINNER: Stir-fry with tofu or beef On these days, you will virtually deplete BREAKFAST:Scrambled eggs all of your stored glycogen. and spinach BREAKFAST:Keto pancakes You won’t start properly KetoFasting Smoked salmon LUNCH: (these are made by mixing eggs, until you are in ketosis – check this with and spinach with olive oil cottage cheese and pysllium husk a breath, blood or urine test (try Be Keto and mayonnaise powder or coconut flour instead Ketone Test Strips, £5.49, beketo.uk). But DINNER: Brie and salami served of wheat flour) if you follow the low-carb ideal, many with lettuce and avocado and LUNCH: Poached eggs, people will be in ketosis after a week or so. 70g macadamia nuts olives and prosciutto Start by KetoFasting once a week, and DINNER: Pork chops progress to two days a week later. On the BREAKFAST: with green beans and other days, you should be doing a cyclical Frittata with veg garlic butter ketogenic diet. LUNCH: Avocado, bacon SNACKS: Handful and goat’s cheese salad of nuts or olives with leaves Woman’s Own 23 Anita Naik A PROBLEM SHARED Mum-of-two Anita Naik has been an agony aunt for 28 years She’s too young and naive to be pregnant My daughter is 24 years old and is Qliving with a man who lies and cheats on her. If this wasn’t bad enough, he recently got another woman pregnant. I want her to see he’s destroying her life, but she won’t listen. Instead, when I last visited, she told me she is trying to get pregnant too. I don’t know how to help her. Karen, 53, Chelmsford Sadly people won’t listen when they Adon’t want to hear what you’re saying. Your daughter knows you are right, but as you say, she doesn’t want to accept the truth. As scared as you are for her, there’s nothing you can do right now. He left me for But the time will come when she sees the light and then she’ll start listening. Be there for her. our neighbour

During the summer, my husband still feel so angry at the situation. Qadmitted having an affair with a Name and address withheld neighbour. He moved out of our You need to be honest about what home and in with her soon after. As Ayou want here. On the one hand, you can imagine, the last few you say you don’t want your husband months have been horrible. But back, but on the other, you’re angry that recently he has started coming he’s still with your neighbour. By around again, and one night we sleeping with him, you’re confusing the 3 ways to... slept together. It’s happened a few situation. You need to ask yourself – do times since. It’s been a massive you want him back? Or do you want him feel stronger boost to my confidence, but I don’t to want you as payback for the hurt he IMPROVE YOUR SELF-TALK. This want anything else. He’s now acting caused you? It would probably help to 1 has an important effect on your like we’re back together even talk to someone about how you are confidence. Catch yourself when though he’s still with this other feeling. Visit relate.org.uk, where you you are thinking negatively and woman. I’m trying to stay calm, but I can web-chat with a counsellor. replace the thought with something strong and positive. LIVE IN THE NOW. Stop worrying Working together is ruining our friendship 2 about what’s going to happen My friend recently helped me out after years of being friends. That said, at tomorrow – or what happened Qand gave me a job working for her work, she is your boss and is allowed to yesterday. Staying in the present mail-order business. I thought we could pull you up on mistakes and ask you to do will make you feel stronger and make it work, but she always wants me things differently. If you can’t tolerate this, more in control. to do things her way. She’s also been then you do have a choice. Either don’t DOWNLOAD THE BOOST YOUR really picky about mistakes I’ve made, work for her or see it as constructive. 3 SELF CONFIDENCE APP. This and I feel she could be nicer. It’s ruining app (free on android) talks you our friendship. through all the ways to feel more Elaine, 53, by email Contact Anita confident as well as showing you It’s never comfortable working for Send your questions to askanita@ techniques to help you feel stronger Afriends because it completely futurenet.com, follow her on Twitter day-by-day. changes the dynamics of your friendship. @AnitaNaik, or go to anitanaik.com

And it is hard not being on equal footing MODELS): GETTY (POSED BY PHOTOS

24 Woman’s Own GOOD Health Live well

High-fibre foods FOR YOU! have 6g per 100g Helping you make smart health choices

Have you heard about? Eggs help weight loss They are high in protein, low in calories and fill you up – and two new international studies have confirmed that eating eggs can help overweight and obese adults to lose weight, particularly older age groups. Probiotics can help vaginal health toÉ Wearing winter tights and workout How leggings can cause thrush – a common yeast infection. ‘I would recommend boost your 2 Make some taking a probiotic to support vaginal fibre intake healthy swaps health,’ says gut microbiologist Dr Kate ‘Choose a higher-fibre breakfast cereal Dietitian Nichola Stephens. Try OptiBac For Women such as granola and muesli, eat Ludlam-Raine** (£18.99, optibacprobiotics.com). wholemeal bread and wholegrain shares her advice In the UK, most people crackers, and opt for the “brown” Age brings confidence aren’t eating the version of rice, pasta and noodles. We feel the happiest in our skin as we 1 Know the recommended Snack on fruit, and swap crisps get older. Over 55s are the age group intake of 30g of for popcorn.’ least likely to feel self-conscious about benefits fibre per day.*** their body, according to research by ‘Dietary fibre 3 Look at labels New Nordic. helps us to feel fuller ‘A food labelled “high in fibre” must for longer, and keeps our contain at least 6g of fibre per 100g digestive system and bowel in good – or 3g fibre per 100 kcal. Foods working order. Fibre also contributes labelled a “source of fibre” must to a healthy immune system and contain at least 3g per 100g – or 1.5g optimal cholesterol levels.’ fibre per 100 kcal.’ It worked for me Hayley Mathews, 42, Buy of from West Sussex ‘I suffered with sensitive, the week irritated skin for years, Could your first aid kit do with an Over 55s are the group and struggled to find a upgrade? Add the new Elastoplast happiest with their bodies facial product that didn’t Antibacterial Dressings (£4.85, make it worse. I resigned Superdrug). Suitable for BY MODELS): GETTY. *A SURVEY BY GEN M. **WORKING WITH LIZI’S. ***THE BRITISH NUTRITION FOUNDATION. IF YOU HAVE CONCERNS WITH LIZI’S. ***THE BRITISH NUTRITION FOUNDATION. GEN M. **WORKING BY SURVEY *A MODELS): GETTY. BY myself to having bad skin, but cuts, abrasions or minor since using skin:genius face post-op wounds, these (POSED wash (£16.50 skin-genius. sterile dressings release co.uk) the redness has calmed anti-microbial silver ions

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ALI menopause is still not soft and radiant, and I no XL and XXL. longer have to hide behind openly talked about.* my foundation.’ WORDS: ABOUT YOUR HEALTH, SEE YOUR GP

Woman’s Own 25 The REAL reason you can’t lose weight Struggling to shift unwanted pounds? Take our quiz and find out why

hink it’s trickier now to stay 50,’ says nutritionist Dr Marilyn our metabolism to slow down.’ slim than it was in your 20s? Glenville, author of Natural So, with a healthy weight also TSadly, you’re right. But you Alternatives to Dieting (Natural essential for lowering your risk of can still turn things around if Health Publications). ‘As we get older, arthritis, heart disease and diabetes, you discover what’s derailing your diet. we naturally lose muscle, making it take our quiz to find out what’s ‘Yes, it’s harder to lose weight after harder to burn fat, and this causes stopping you from slimming.

How many diets D More than I used to – but then THE QUIZ Q4 have you tried? I do feel hungrier that I used to A Countless. I’ve done every fad How well do B None – but then I’ve never What are your Q1 you sleep? needed to before Q7 portion sizes like? A I used to sleep well, but now C I’ve tried slimming clubs in the A The chips are always piled I wake during the night past, but I can’t do that for life higher than the veg, to be honest B Very well D I don’t tend to follow prescriptive B A normal helping size, the same C It takes me a long time to drift off diets, but I do devise my own as always D Even if I go to bed early, I often C It varies – sometimes I have wake up tired When do you a big appetite and sometimes I don’t Q5 eat breakfast? D Tiny – I honestly don’t think I eat Do you take A Every morning at the same time anything like as much as I used to Q2 supplements? as I have for years A Yes, I have a cupboard full, but B I need coffee straight after How’s your health I only take them when I remember waking, then I eat later Q8 in general? B Yes, a daily multivitamin C I grab something while I’m out A Generally OK C No, they’re a waste of money and about B I seem to catch every cough D I take something to boost my D I never eat breakfast and cold going and am always at energy first thing the doctor’s How often do you C I feel tired all the time How often do Q6 snack per day? D I’m not unwell, but I’m often Q3 you exercise? A All the time bloated after eating A As regularly as I can B It all depends B I don’t go to a gym, on whether ADD UP YOUR SCORE but I’m busy and always or not I’m Q1 A=0 B=1 C=3 D=2 rushing around being strict Q2 A=1 B=0 C=3 D=2 C I don’t, really with myself Q3 A=3 B=2 C=0 D=1 D I sign up to new C I often Q4 A=1 B=0 C=2 D=3 classes, then swap reach for Q5 A=0 B=2 C=3 D=1 when I get bored a snack as Q6 A=0 B=1 C=2 D=3 with them a quick fix Q7 A=3 B=0 C=2 D=1 Q8 A=1 B=3 C=2 D=0 PHOTOS: GETTY PHOTOS:

26 Woman’s Own Healthy Eating

a surge in energy followed by a sudden need more vitamins, minerals and protein RESULTS drop, leaving you feeling lethargic. ‘The to help keep everything in balance,’ says stress hormones that give you instant Dr Glenville. ‘There are certain nutrients that energy get deposited as fat, especially help turn glucose into energy instead of fat. 0-6 around the middle,’ says Dr Glenville. If you don’t have enough of these, your Hormones are to blame Eat little and often, cut down on body will find it harder to lose weight, Steadily been putting on weight? Your caffeine, sugar, alcohol and refined carbs, especially around the middle.’ Plus, you may hormones have changed, but your eating such as white bread and biscuits, and get notice that you’re lethargic, your skin and habits haven’t. Thanks to the menopause, outside. Walking, taking some me-time nails suffer and you’re run-down. women need 100-200 calories less per day or even just simple stretches every day Avoid processed foods, and download compared with before. ‘Weight can increase can help you feel refreshed and relaxed. the NHS Eatwell Guide (nhs.uk), to make as your body tries to compensate for lower sure your diet is as balanced as it can oestrogen levels in order to protect your be. Consider taking a supplement, too. bone health,’ says Dr Glenville. 19-24 ‘Chromium reduces food cravings, and If you’ve been eating the same way for magnesium balances blood sugar,’ says 20 years, cut down portion sizes. Beat You’re not getting the Dr Glenville. ‘Plus, B vitamins help you burn bloat by swapping white bread, rice and right nutrients more fat, co-enzyme Q10 is key to shifting pasta for wholegrains and vegetables, plus Hormonal changes during menopause weight, and amino acids help to control drink plenty of water. Walking, aerobics, mean your body needs extra nutrition. ‘You appetite and reduce stress.’ jogging, swimming or skipping can be beneficial; aim for 150 minutes a week. Try NHP Amino Support 7-12 (£32.77, You have a bad relationship naturalhealth with food practice.com). Stop skipping meals. You may think you’re being clever, but fasting during the day, missing meals or following unrealistic fads doesn’t work. ‘You might lose weight in the short term but, the moment you quit, you will put on all the weight you lost and often more besides,’ says Dr Glenville. ‘With no breakfast, your blood sugar will drop and you’ll feel moody and unable to concentrate. Eat little and often to keep your blood glucose [sugar] stable.’ Plan meals in advance, and include protein, such as lean meat, fish, soya or nuts and seeds. ‘As soon as you add a protein to a carb you change it into a slower-releasing carb,’ says Dr Glenville. ‘Omega-3 fatty acids, such as oily fish and flaxseeds, boost metabolism.’ Sign up to a slimming club for slow, steady and sustainable weight loss. 13-18 You’re stressed out ‘Stress can interfere with your sleep pattern, and lack of sleep can not only affect your appetite, but make it harder to lose weight,’ says Dr Glenville. This can result in binge-eating all the bad stuff. Not only will all that sugar result in more hot flushes, it will cause

Woman’s Own 27 Get younger eyes IN 30 MINUTES Brighten up sluggish, saggy eyes in a flash Lift up your lashes For an instant eye lift, mascara is a must to Extend your brows transform lashes and open up eyes. Use Thinning or sparse brows can be an eyelash curler to ensure lashes ageing. For a special occasion, try are pointing in the same in-salon eyebrow extensions as a way direction, then apply mascara. to add body to your brows – they can Bareminerals Strength and be added on to sparse areas or as an Length Serum-Infused extension to fluffier hairs for a fuller Mascara, £23 (bare finish. Prices start at £58 (lash minerals.co.uk), has a 3-in-1 perfect.co.uk) and results last up to paddle brush to lengthen, seven days. If this is out of your price lift and defi ne lashes, side range, you can get the look at home bristles to pull the smaller with Maybelline Brow Extensions corners of your lashes up Eyebrow Pomade Crayon, £9.99 and out, and contains a (boots.com), which contains hair-like serum to maintain healthy, fibres to thicken uneven brows. longer lashes.

Apply some falsies False eyelashes make natural lashes look fuller and the eyes wider. Make GETTY sure your eyes are free of Just add shimmer oil or excess make-up before PHOTO: Matte eyeshadows can make mature eyes look dry and drab, so you apply them as the adhesive introduce some shimmer into your make-up bag for a youthful will work better on a clean surface.

PEARNE. boost. Don’t worry, shimmer doesn’t have to mean sparkle – a Trim the lashes beforehand to get the right fi t. We love The metallic or sheeny fi nish will just add a bit of depth to your eyes Eyelash Emporium Act Natural Studio Strip Lashes, £8.95 and make them look less one-dimensional. We love Gary (superdrug.com), as they are subtle, with a neat curl, and can be PHILIPPA Cockerill Timeless Eyeshadow Palette, £38 (qvcuk.com), which worn up to 20 times – just soak them in a micellar cleanser after is full of fl attering shimmery neutrals and includes a nude- you’ve used them, then pop them back into the box.

WORDS: coloured eyeliner to brighten the whites of your eyes.

28 Woman’s Own Beauty How to

Re-think your eyeliner Did you know that wearing eyeliner along or under your lower lash line can make eyes look smaller? A sharp or bold line here just accentuates where the eyes fi nish, while leaving them bare makes eyes seem bigger than they are. Ditch black liner for a slate grey or brown, and make it a powder instead of a harsh crayon or pen, which, when blended along the top lash line, is really fl attering on mature eyes. We love No7 Smoky Powder Eyeliner in Gun Metal, £8 (boots.com).

Fake awake There’s no better way to look instantly more youthful than with some make-up trickery. An illuminating under-eye concealer helps to cover up dark circles and adds radiance to tired skin. We love L’Oréal Paris True Match Eye-Cream In a Concealer, £9.99 (superdrug.com), which is a lightweight concealer and a plumping, hydrating eye cream in one, containing hyaluronic acid, ideal for typically dry areas such as underneath the eyes. Choose a shade lighter than your skin tone to brighten the area more eff ectively. A shimmery highlighter Instant such as Barry M Liquid de-puff Chrome Water retention Highlighter overnight can Drops in make eyes look ‘Liquid swollen and Fortune’, sore. The good £6.99 news is that the (barrym. more you blink in com), the hours after you dabbed wake up, the more the along the puffi ness will subside. But tops of the the key to de-puffi ng fast is a cold compress – place two teaspoons over each eye cheekbones to help to reduce the swelling. Or try Soap & Glory Puff y Eye Attack Under-Eye defl ects from Brightening Hydrogel Patches, £3.50 (boots.com), which contain cooling tired eyes. cucumber and help to smooth and de-swell.

Woman’s Own 29 Midwinter MAGIC Great ideas for greening up your new year White-bulb moment Usher in an early spring with a fragrant display of paperwhite narcissi in just five to six weeks. Forcing bulbs tricks them into thinking it’s spring so that they flower early. Plant bulbs in compost mixed with potting grit in deep pots and keep below 10°C – in the shed is ideal. Water lightly if needed. When shoots begin to appear, bring them into a bright spot inside. Scented Indoor Narcissus Collection, £16.95 for 15 bulbs, from sarahraven.com.

Buy of the week Day Resolved to do more gardening this year? Set your intention with out tools like this gorgeous RHS- endorsed trowel and fork set, £22.99 from burgonandball.com. It’s engraved with a quote from famous gardener Gertrude Jekyll: ‘The love of gardening is a seed once sown, that never dies’.

Sensational snowdrops Welcome the first signs of the new season displays. Book now for the National Garden with a trip to see snowdrops. They’ll start to Scheme’s annual Snowdrop Festival, when appear this month, and places like Welford these glorious harbingers of spring can be Park in Berkshire, the National Trust’s viewed in NGS gardens throughout England Dunham Massey and the National Trust for and Wales in February and March. To find Scotland’s Branklyn Garden have fabulous your nearest, visit ngs.org.uk/snowdrops.

30 Woman’s Own In The Garden 3 Easy jobs to do now

1 Take stock of your garden, make plans and order seeds – it’s the cheapest way to grow plants.

Indoor inspo Stylish 2 Add compost or nutrient-rich succulents manure to your beds to make Sempervivum (houseleeks) are sure that your plants are healthier very much in vogue now and and well-nourished next year. super-easy to look after. They’re January joy outdoor plants that will be happy For a colourful start to the year, plant mini indoors and propagate easily. To irises (Iris reticulata). These small beauties recreate this planting idea, place (H10-15cm) have slender leaves and striking a few pebbles in the bottom of flowers. Try ‘Alida’ (below), with soft-blue three wine glasses, adding small petals splashed with gold, or ‘Katharine pieces of different succulents, Hodgkin’ with its mix of blue and yellow as well as some bun moss, to petals marked with dark dots and veins. create a little world of interest. Grow in a pot by your door or in the front of Keep the moss moist with a plant borders and they’ll raise a smile until spring. spray, and when you fancy a change, replant them outdoors. Find more chic planting ideas Wow in Succulents factor and All Things 3 Under Glass Hoe, hoe, hoe whenever the by Isabelle weather allows. The beauty of the Palmer (£9.99, damp soil at this time of year is CICO Books). that weeds are easy to lift. WORDS: SHARON SWEENEY. PHOTOS: ALAMY, GETTY, HELEN CATHCART, JONATHAN BUCKLEY JONATHAN HELEN CATHCART, GETTY, ALAMY, PHOTOS: SHARON SWEENEY. WORDS:

Woman’s Own 31 ets across Britain have been battling Doggy Pfor the title of UK’s destroyer Most Destructive Pet Four-year-old – a contest run by furniture Bosley adores and carpet specialist SCS. his owner Rick These paw-some fur babies Haswell so much may be cute, but they’re that he rips up claw-fully messy! the hallway carpet in their in Newcastle home when he misses him. It’s a good job Rick loves him, too! Slowly Fur-ocious does it! Five-year-old Roxy Tara Glover’s had only recently 20-year-old moved in with tortoise, Ann-Marie Lord Timothy McNicholas in Sheldrake, came St Helens when out of his shell in she managed to their garden in turn over the sofa Great Yarmouth and pull out the by smashing one stuffing inside. of her best pots. What a ruff day! Speed freak! Animals of mass Things can be cat-astrophic when your furry friends are around

Sofa-not-so-good! Ellie El Gato, who lives Partners in crime in Colchester with long- Helen Stubbs from suffering owner Lindsay Manchester adores her Winship, seems to be rescue Staffies Bella and paw-ticularly proud of her Bruno, but the cheeky pair work here. The potty puss have wreaked havoc in her ripped the sofa arm down house, destroying everything to the wooden frame. from cushions to laptops. WORDS: LOUISE BATY LOUISE WORDS:

32 Woman’s Own Real Life Photo fun

WINNER Painting and dog-erating Trying to assist with DIY at home in Canterbury, Zara Angelova’s three-year-old Labrador, Samuel, accidentally knocked over a paint pot on the staircase, wrecking the carpet. His Only kitten messy mishap around won him the title Mittens’ owner, Gillian of UK’s Most Mills, has installed Destructive Pet scratching posts all in SCS’ contest. over their home in Guildford, but the minxy moggy prefers making her mark on ss thedestruction sofa armrest.

Dastardly duo Tiny terror They’re the picture of Owner Kelly McIntyre was shocked doe-eyed innocence, to find her Pomeranian Bella, three, but when owner Lisa had gone barking mad in her Williams was out, Birmingham home, leaving a ripped Riley and Teddy set pillow and destroyed walls in her to work at home in wake. Judging by the fluffball’s Exeter, chewing her expression, she wasn’t sorry. best sofa cushions.

Pesky pup Max may be little, but the 15-month-old goldendoodle made a big mess with owner Sharon Williams’ sofa cushions when she accidentally left the lounge door open at home in Worthing.

Woman’s Own 33 Ensure nothing goes to waste this Love your festive season with some delicious recipes from the leftovers Test Kitchen

TIP If you prefer, swap the wine for more Creamy turkey and ham gratin stock. Serves 8 ✽ 50g butter pan, add the leeks and taste, then pour over the ✽ This comforting bake doesn’t 2tbsp plain flour mushrooms to the pan, mixture in the ovenproof dish. ✽ contain many vegetables so 200ml dry white wine and fry until golden. Transfer Mix together the ✽ 4 it’s best served with steamed 200ml chicken stock to an ovenproof dish. breadcrumbs, parsley ✽ greens as a light side dish. 100ml double cream Scatter in the leftover and oil, then scatter over ✽ Bunch tarragon, 2turkey and chopped ham. the ingredients in the dish. You will need roughly chopped Melt the butter in a pan, Bake for 25-30 mins, until ✽ 3 ✽ 1tbsp olive oil 2tsp Dijon mustard then add the flour and stir bubbling and golden. ✽ ✽ 2 large leeks, sliced 50g white breadcrumbs for 1 min over a medium heat. ✽ ✽ 250g button mushrooms, Few sprigs parsley, Pour in the wine and cook, PREP TIME: 5 MINS halved or thickly sliced finely chopped stirring until thick, then COOK TIME: 35 MINS ✽ ✽ 500g leftover turkey meat, 1tbsp olive oil gradually add the stock, a SKILL LEVEL: EASY splash at a time, stirring until CALS: 300 shredded or cut into chunks How to do it ✽ 250g thick-cut ham, smooth. Cook for 1 min before FAT: 17G roughly chopped Heat oven to 190C/Gas 5. stirring in the cream, tarragon SAT FAT: 8.5G 1Heat the oil in a large frying and Dijon mustard. Season to CARBS: 9G

34 Woman’s Own Tasty Recipes Easy turkey burgers rves 4 15 mins. Leave TIP have leftover to cool, peel d potatoes you and mash. Have fun making your e them up in the Add the burgers extra decadent s too. 2turkey, spring and festive! Try mixing onion, lemon some cranberry sauce will need zest, watercress, with your mayo or add g floury potatoes, capers and mayo some chopped-up pigs h as King Edwards to the potato; in blankets to 0g cooked turkey, season. Divide the the patties. nely chopped mixture into 8 burgers, Bunch spring onions, then lightly dust with finely sliced flour and chill in the ✽ Zest of 1 lemon fridge for 15 mins. ✽ Large handful Heat the oven to watercress, 3200C/Gas 6. Heat finely chopped the oil in a large frying ✽ 2tbsp capers, chopped pan and fry the burgers ✽ 2tbsp mayonnaise, for 2-3 mins each side. plus extra to serve Transfer to a lined ✽ 1tbsp plain flour baking tray and bake ✽ 3-4tbsp sunflower oil for 10 mins. Serve with ✽ 8 slices ciabatta, the ciabatta, tomato, toasted, to serve rocket and extra mayo. ✽ 1 tomato, sliced, to serve PREP TIME: 5 MINS, ✽ Bunch rocket, PLUS CHILLING to serve COOK TIME: 30 MINS SKILL LEVEL: EASY How to do it CALS: 612 FAT: 22G Microwave the SAT FAT: 4G 1potatoes on high for CARBS: 73G Speedy stir-fried rice Serves 4 How to do it Packed with flavour and Heat the oil in a wok. healthy too, this dish 1Add the vegetables and can be on the table in 3tbsp water, and stir-fry under 20 mins! for 3 mins. Add the turkey and cook for 2 mins. You will need Meanwhile, microwave ✽ 1tbsp sunflower oil the rice then stir in. ✽ Bunch spring onions, Pour in the soy, trimmed and chopped 2chilli and fish sauces ✽ 75g each mangetout, and the lime juice, and sugar-snap peas and cook for a final 2 mins, petits pois stirring all the time. ✽ 200g cooked Serve in bowls with turkey, shredded extra lime wedges. TIP ✽ 250g pouch Try the rice mixture microwave rice PREP TIME: 5 MINS stuffed into ✽ 2tbsp soy sauce COOK TIME: 10 MINS peppers and baked ✽ 1tbsp sweet chilli sauce SKILL LEVEL: EASY in the oven with ✽ 1tbsp fish sauce CALS: 268 a sprinkle of ✽ Juice of 2 limes, FAT: 9G cheese too. plus extra lime SAT FAT: 5G wedges, to serve CARBS: 30G COMPILED BY JESSICA RANSOM. RECIPES AND PHOTOS: TI-MEDIACONTENT.COM TI-MEDIACONTENT.COM RANSOM. RECIPES AND PHOTOS: JESSICA COMPILED BY

INGREDIENTS WE LOVE: Tilda Pure Steamed Basmati Rice Classic 250g, Heinz Seriously Good Mayonnaise 395g, Maille Dijon Original Mustard 215g

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36 Woman’s Own

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Woman’s Own 37 Could their presents be LETHAL? Online marketplaces are flooded with cheap, unsafe or fake toys from unregulated sellers, which could kill a child. So how can you be sure your purchases are safe? ust days ago, your children, grandchildren or nieces and Jnephews excitedly ripped open presents around the tree. But can you be sure that their brand-new toys are safe to play with? With so many Christmas shoppers spending their money online – particularly ‘PEOPLE DON’T KNOW WHAT TO CHECK FOR’ during lockdowns – and popular online marketplaces making purchasing easier Paola Dyboski-Bryant, bubble mixes are eco-friendly, low plastic, than ever, the latest fad for our kids is just 51, runs Dr Zigs biodegradable and free from palm oil. one click away. Yet, although toys must Extraordinary Bubbles However, we’re competing in a toy market be safe by law, you may be horrified to and lives in Snowdonia. that’s traditionally centred around plastic, learn there are no legal requirements for I started my business shipped by the container load from the online marketplaces to check the safety of nearly 10 years ago from Far East and sold at super-cheap third-party sellers’ products. my kitchen table. The wholesale prices. It’s mass production at Shockingly, a new report has found that spark of an idea fi rst its best – or, rather, worst! 60% of toys from online marketplaces formed as I watched my son Ziggy, then We can’t compete on price – only on could kill or seriously injure children. Risk 18 months, in fi ts of soul, carbon footprint and quality. As factors include products with cords that giggles whenever could strangle a child and toys with loose he was around All Paola’s toys have Toy metal batteries which could cause fatal bubbles. Now we Safety Testing certification internal injuries. Additionally, the British manufacture a line Toy & Hobby Association (BTHA) found of giant-bubble toys that 86% of toys tested from various sold worldwide from marketplaces are llegal to sell in the UK. our factory in Wales. So how can you tell which toys will not Sustainability is only keep your children entertained, but at the heart of my also safe from harm? business, and our Woman’s Own investigates.

38 Woman’s Own Real Life Behind the headlines Stay vigilant Here are the BTHA’s top tips for buying toys online: Be careful when buying from third-party 1 sellers on online marketplaces. Don’t assume safety tests have been carried out. Research before you buy. Purchase 2 a branded product and compare the toy against the company’s own website. Be careful of going for the cheapest 3 price. Check who the seller is and which country they’re based in. Be aware that safety standards my diff er. Once you receive your toy, check it has 4 an EU or UK address, check for a CE or UKCA (UK Conformity Assessed) mark and see if the packaging looks genuine. When your child opens a toy, stay with 5 them and check for faults, detachable small parts, access to stuffi ng and loose or accessible batteries or magnets. ✱ For more info, see British Toy & Hobby Association at btha.co.uk WORDS: LOUISE BATY, FIONA KINLOCH. PHOTO (POSED BY MODEL): GETTY (POSED BY PHOTO FIONA KINLOCH. BATY, LOUISE WORDS: OR UNTESTED BEING UNSAFE AS IMPLICATED IS IN NO WAY THE PICTURED TOY ‘Parents Real-life tragedies assume it ✱ In October, a 10-year-old girl from Merseyside had seven must be safe’ centimetres of intestine Katrina Phillips, Chief removed during life-saving Executive of the Child Accident surgery after swallowing Prevention Trust (CAPT) says: ‘Parents 15 magnetic balls. Advertised assume that, if they can buy a toy, it must be as an ‘educational’ toy by safe. It’s frightening to learn that, if they buy a third-party seller, the tiny a toy online, their child may be at risk of balls fused together in the serious injury from powerful magnets or youngster’s intestines, accessible coin cell batteries. Sadly, it’s too perforating her bowel. High-quality toys easy for unscrupulous companies to profit ✱ A three-year-old boy from are rigorously tested from the cover of online marketplaces, Northern Ireland had part selling toys that don’t meet the of his intestine removed after high standards reputable swallowing 29 magnetic balls. a UK manufacturer, we have to account manufacturers A Belfast hospital said 19 children for the higher price we pay for materials, work to.’ aged between two and 14 needed components and parts, sourcing from treatment for magnet ingestion in 2019. Fairtrade, UK and EU markets, the cost ✱ In separate incidents, two boys, aged of UK labour, rates and rent. and I’ve been increasingly shocked over 14 and four, were almost blinded after the years to realise how many toys do being shot in the eye by gel blaster not have the correct Toy Safety labelling. Testing costs money guns, also known as water-ball or hydro- Then, of course, there’s the cost of the blaster guns. The four-year-old was shot all-important Toy Safety Testing. This Safety is paramount in the left eye with a gel ball at close certifi cation means our Dr Zigs Bubble Several bubble toys are available from range and suffered a tear to his cornea Toys have been thoroughly inspected, online marketplaces without the correct and blood pooling in his eye. undergoing drop and fi re CE markings. It’s frustrating ✱ Last December, a two-year-old girl tests, tests for microbial, seeing dirt-cheap, poor- ‘It’s mass swallowed a coin-sized battery which preservatives and quality, plastic products burned through her oesophagus and phthalates – chemicals fl ooding the market with no production into her lung, causing agonising pain deemed unacceptable for – or incorrect – Toy Safety and putting her on life support. Doctors children, which are used compliance. Many parents and at its worst’ say about two children a year in the UK as binding agents to make consumers don’t know to look die from swallowing batteries. plastics fl exible. for correct Toy Safety Testing markings, ✱ An 18-month-old girl in the US As a mum-of-three, I appreciate this or simply can’t aff ord to pay attention to was found dead, hanging from one legislative system is in place to keep it. The law exists for our children’s safety, of her bedposts by a toy doll’s strap. dangers and toxins away from our kids, which is the most important thing of all. The strap had become accidentally wrapped around the child’s neck.

Woman’s Own 39 MONEY MATTERS Our expert Rebecca Gamble helps make your cash go further

HAVE YOU HEARD? ore than half of first-time buyers Min 2020 aged under 35 received financial help from parents, other family members or friends to help them get on the property ladder, research by Legal & General and CEBR found. And 71% said they wouldn’t have been able to buy without the help and would have had to delay plans to buy by four years on average.

Parents are often the key to success! 3 IF YOU DO ONE ways to boost your THING THIS WEEK… WATCH OUT skills at work Aviva is urging residents to be on their guard after ONS data showed Need a New Year’s resolution? forward will also showcase your 64% of burglaries in England and Why not enhance the skills capabilities and prove that you can be Wales occurred while people were you already have and learn relied on for more advanced tasks. It at home, from April 2019 to March new ones too, says recruitment could also mean you’re front of mind 2020. And a new study by the consultant Adecco’s Shelley when it comes to promotion and career insurer also found 26% of UK Preston. Here, she reveals how progression opportunities. adults don’t lock their doors when you can do itÉ they’re home. Find a mentor Seek out at work Stay vigilant for Finding someone who can advise opportunist thieves 2 opportunities you on how to achieve your goals, and 1 If you want to expand your skill what may be holding you back at the set find out what opportunities there moment, is invaluable as this will help to are in your current job to gain new clarify where your skillset may be lacking, experience. Volunteering to take on and the steps to take in order to fix it. So more responsibility is a great way to think about the people you look up to in demonstrate initiative to those around your company and ask them if they’ll you, plus you’ll develop your current consider mentoring you. And, if you have skills as well as new ones needed for skills that others don’t, this could give you your next step up. Putting yourself the chance to mentor others. This will WORDS: REBECCA GAMBLE. PHOTOS (POSED BY MODELS): GETTY. TWEET @REBECCAGMEDIA OR EMAIL [email protected]. ALL INFORMATION CORRECT AT TIME OF PRESS CORRECT AT ALL INFORMATION OR EMAIL [email protected]. TWEET @REBECCAGMEDIA MODELS): GETTY. (POSED BY PHOTOS GAMBLE. REBECCA WORDS: Take a course to future-proof Your Money your career How to… deal with a friend asking for cash If a mate asks you to lend them money it can feel hard to say no, but it’s important to think it through properly before committing, says The Money Advice Service.

1 Can you afford it? before you agree to hand over any Before deciding to lend a friend cash cash. Also, consider how formal you it’s essential to work out if you can want the arrangement to be; if you afford to do so without getting yourself decide to lend the money, it’s always into financial difficulty. So look at good to get it in writing, whether it’s your own budget first; if you don’t just an email or a contract. have one, the budget planner at moneyadviceservice.org.uk/en/tools/ 3 Offer support budget-planner may help. It’s also If you don’t feel you can lend your essential to consider if your friend friend the money, don’t feel guilty will be able to pay you back too so about saying no. Remember, you can encourage them to work out their support them in other ways. There’s a budget as well. huge amount of advice on cutting back on spending and managing money at 2 What to consider moneyadviceservice.co.uk; why not Even if you’re confident the person offer to go through the advice with asking to borrow money will be able them? Plus the site’s Debt Advice to pay it back in full, you still need to Locator tool has information on how to think about what you’ll do if they can’t access free debt advice services too. DID YOU KNOW? Nearly 90% of Brits think buying the latest smartphone is a waste of money, according to a musicMagpie study. Some 60% are ‘bored’ with trying to keep up to date with the latest tech, while 74% say it’s too pricey. advance your coaching skills and help set you up for any future If money isn’t an option, management roles too. see how else you can help Find training 3 resources Best DEAL OF THE WEEK There’s a huge variety of training buy! You can snap up glasses, contact lenses, eye care, and resources available for people looking sunglasses for less at Feel Good Contacts as there’s to learn new skills, from free online 10% off everything in your first order. Use offer code courses you can complete at home to WO10 at feelgoodcontacts.com or when using the formal training that companies offer their app (available from Google Play and the App Store). staff. Explore your options and identify Offer expires 2 February 2021. those courses you believe will be most beneficial to you. The key is to be open- minded about the types of training courses you participate in. Some may If you love to win not directly relate to your current role but could be beneficial in the long term, prizes then visit... such as courses in communication and time management. comps.womansownmagazine.co.uk

Woman’s Own 41 WORDS: HELENA CARTWRIGHT bubbling of a hot tub. bubbling ofahottub. will onlybedisturbedby the quiet corners,yourrelaxation for you.Withsteamrooms in privacy, theSerenitySpais spa andtop-notchfood. 20 suites,anaward-winning home here. Today, thereare poet Lord Byronmadehis wonder theromantic North Sea–no overlooking the perched oncliffs Seaham Hallis Windswept andwild, County Durham WHERE? Hall Seaham relax! And... If you like pampering in If youlike pamperingin on FlatHolmIsland Escape fromthehubbub Seaham,

HOW MUCH? robe ifyouprefer). to enjoyitinyourfluffy Restaurant (withan option in thePanAsianOzone a two-coursedinnerserved a 45-minutetreatmentand between 5pm-10pm, Access tospafacilities EVENING SPA PACKAGE? WHAT’S INCLUDED INTHE and indulgent Romantic, relaxing

£99 The Malvern Spa The MalvernSpa from hot-tub-stylebubbles of hydrotherapyaction, corner hasadifferent kind here isthepool–each extra, butthemainevent restaurant. Treatments are a £15allocationforthe relaxation rooms,and pool, sauna,steamand indoor-outdoor heated facilities, includingthe You’ll getfulluseofthe THE PACKAGE? WHAT’S INCLUDED IN exceptional valueformoney. Date Nightpackageoffers place tounwind,andthe Malvern Hillsisanexcellent This hotelatthefootof WHERE? Worcestershire

recharge – and where recharge –andwhere time outtorefreshand Take somemuch-needed better thanonUKshores? massaging waters Slip intowarm, travel/spa-day/date-night themalvernspa.spabooker. HOW MUCH? massage. Bliss! to intensejetsforunderwater From£55.Visit Travel Escapes Travel ideas for when life is back to normal

Sanctuary A real back-to- in the Sea nature experience WHERE? Flat Holm Island, Bristol Channel, Wales camping underneath the stars. The accommodation may be A truly magical experience! basic – either camping or sharing WHAT’S INCLUDED IN A a dorm – but what better way WEEKEND STAY? A return to get back to nature? You can RIB boat trip, relaxing yoga, choose between a basic shared, reiki, reflexology and meditation single-sex dormitory with bunk sessions, vegan food and drink beds (you’ll need to bring a and basic shared accommodation. sleeping bag or single duvet) or HOW MUCH? £75

Glass House Enjoy luxury, space Retreat and treatments WHERE? Bulphan, Essex It’s a truly holistic experience at Glasshouse Spa and Retreat. Be warned, they’re strict when it comes to achieving your health-and-fitness goals, but you’ll see results. Meals are specifically prepared by the includes all meals, three inclusive in-house chef to flood your system spa treatments, including LifeCube with health-boosting nutrients. It’s cryotherapy, a daily morning an entirely plant-based menu with country walk to fire up the foods kept as close to their natural metabolism and as many gym state as possible. There are daily classes as your stamina will allow. classes and workshops to help you You’ll have exclusive use of the adopt a more healthy lifestyle once facilities, and stay in luxurious, you leave, including meditation modern, spacious bedrooms – sessions, aromatherapy group all with en-suite bathrooms. sessions and vegan cooking demos. HOW MUCH? Two nights from WHAT’S INCLUDED IN A TWO- £419, based on two people NIGHT STAY? A two-night stay sharing. (A spa day, including from 3pm Friday-4.30pm Sunday a complete health MOT, is £85).

Always check the latest travel advice before booking a trip Woman’s Own 43 One change led t a new career

These women decided to try out plant-based vegans and vegetarians look set to make up a quarter of the British population in living Ð and found huge success 2025.*** Here, Woman’s Own speaks to two women who reveal how their own hen it comes to doing overhaul their diets or pick up a new foray into veganism – initially to benefit something new, it can feel passion – and one huge trend in recent their own lifestyle and health – actually Wa little alien to step outside years is ‘going vegan’. Demand for led to much bigger and better things. our comfort zones, but meat-free food in the UK increased as we creep into 2021, what better by 987% in 2017*. In 2020, a opportunity is there? Every 1 January, whopping 62% of adults in the UK millions of people make promises to had purchased plant milk**, while ‘Everything I ate was beige’ Kara Rosen, 43, lives in west London recurring strep throat infection. with her husband, Leon, 43, and her I decided to speak to a nutritional two children, nine and three. therapist to see if changing my Arriving at JFK airport, diet might help. I checked my watch. I’d always tried ‘Just enough time to grab ‘After five to eat healthily, but a sandwich,’ I thought. writing out a food It was December 2006, days, I was diary, I realised and then aged 29, everything I ate was my marketing job for a a juicing beige: porridge, publisher in New York had convert’ sandwiches and me across the US almost convenience food. every week. It sounds glamorous, With advice from my therapist, I did but the truth was, I was exhausted. a five-day juice cleanse. Juicing Juggling a hectic work, travel and event extracts the juices from schedule meant I was constantly fruits and veg and my jet-lagged, struggled with In 2018, new plant-based Kara and her digestive issues and had a the UK diet replaced daughters launched more my beige meals. vegan products The results than any were instant. After just other mums, and in 2012 I launched nation.† five days, I felt more Plenish – a range of handmade, energetic and my strep plant-based juices and dairy-free milks. throat symptoms had Our second daughter followed in 2017, subsided. I was a juicing convert and and juicing proved to be a great way started shopping at juice bars that had to make sure the children were getting popped up all over New York. their five-a-day. Shortly after, I met my husband Leon, Fifteen years on from my flirt with then 30, and we moved to London in veganism, my brand is stocked in 4,000 2009. However, there wasn’t the same retailers, including Ocado, Waitrose and juicing culture in the UK. So I ordered a Sainsbury’s. At 43, I feel better than cold-press juicer to make my own. I did when I was in my 20s, all thanks After moving to the UK, Then, after the birth of our daughter to plant-based living. Kara started Plenish in 2011, I started sharing my juices with ● plenishdrinks.com

44 Woman’s Own Real Life You’ll never believe it to

Only 8.6% of all UK women said they planned to start a business in the next three years, compared with 14.3% of men.††

‘My life has been transformed’ Eve Torbitt, 27, lives in Cheadle, Greater been transformed, and now I’m busy baking FROM PASSION TO Manchester, with her husband, Luke, 26, most days. and her son, Fred, five. For me and my husband, Luke, our MONEY MAKER Whipping up a batch of brownies, I smile as decision to go vegan was linked to our love ● Actress Gwyneth Paltrow, 48, my little boy, Fred, stands on his tiptoes to of animals. We were already vegetarian, so had long been a fan of healthy living get a closer look. ‘What are you baking when Luke suggested a vegan diet, I was and alternative therapies before FOOD

today, Mummy?’ he asks. keen to give it a go. We cut out dairy, and she started her lifestyle and wellness REPORT To most kids, baking is a treat for rainy I noticed I felt less sluggish. brand Goop back in 2008. OF afternoons, but Fred was used to seeing me Still on maternity leave, I tried my hand at Though we’re still not sure about 2016/2017 covered in flour and cocoa powder. Since vegan baking. Then I entered a competition the vagina-scented candle... FUTURE going vegan in January 2016, my life has to win a stall at the local market, entering ● After writing a book about the with a gooey chocolate brownie. I sold out in menopause in 2018, former Loose an hour, won the contest and was invited to Women host Andrea McLean, 51, Vegan family Luke, SAINBURY’S have a regular stall. After a few months, turned her passion for empowering *** Eve and Fred I launched A Kind Mama for customers to women into a business, launching order online. Within days of going live, I was an online marketplace exclusively ENTREPRENEURSHIP inundated with orders. Now, I bake 500 for female entrepreneurs. GROCER ● brownies, cookies and doughnuts every Keen to make a difference **THE WOMEN’S week and post them all over the UK. when it comes to saving the planet, EAT Fred loves telling his friends he is a vegan, Bodyguard actor Kevin Costner, 65,

but I make sure he doesn’t miss out. If one launched his business Ocean Therapy *JUST of his classmates is having a party, I make a Solutions in 1995, making equipment

vegan cake for him, and I fill his lunchbox that helps to clean-up oil spills. WILLIS. ENTREPRENEURSHIP. with fun healthy snacks. ● American actress Jennifer Garner, KIM Veganism isn’t a fad, it’s a 48, came up with the idea for her lifestyle, and my business baby-food company Once Upon a ††GLOBAL allows me to enjoy Farm when she was trying to get MURPHY, sweet treats without 28% of adults her own children to eat fresh, SASKIA exploiting animals. have considered organic fruits and veg that came †MINTEL I’ll never look back. turning their hobby from local farmers. ● akindmama.com into a business.††† WORDS: REPORT AND YOUGOV COMPANY UP LOANS THE START MONEY BY †††RESEARCH FOR GUARDIAN

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womanandhome.com LIFE ✣ FASHION ✣ BEAUTY ✣ HEALTH & WELLBEING ✣ FOOD ✣ TRAVEL THIS WEEK’S TV PICKS Because life’s too short for bad telly! ‘It’s a subject that’s hard to talk about’ Vanessa Kirby on starring in the emotional Netflix drama Pieces of a WomanÉ etflix drama Pieces of a hard to talk about,’ says Woman tells the story of Vanessa, who played Princess NBoston couple Martha Margaret in the first two (Vanessa Kirby) and Sean series of The Crown on (Shia LaBeouf) who are on the Netflix. ‘It felt like we had verge of welcoming their first this huge responsibility to child into the world when their anyone who’s not only gone baby dies through during the ‘We had this as a home birth. woman, The trauma this huge but as a reveals cracks partner, in the Carsons’ responsibility’ too.’ marriage, so as Martha grieves Vanessa says the Devastating: for her newborn baby girl, harrowing birth scene, Tragedy strikes she also has to work through which is a heart-wrenching her fractured relationship 23 minutes long, was a real with her husband. challenge, because it was all But as Martha grapples with filmed in one take. the fallout of her devastating ‘The idea of doing a WHAT’S NEXT FOR... loss and becomes increasingly long take with no cuts was isolated from her family, she exhilarating, but it required also has to deal with the all of us to kind of free-fall John Simm pain of going to court to face together,’ she says. ‘It was The Life on Mars actor the midwife, Eve Woodward my first lead role, too, but stars in new ITV crime (Molly Parker), who’s accused I knew I was ready.’ drama Grace, which is of criminal negligence. Pieces of a Woman based on the bestselling ‘This is a subject that’s really is on Netflix novels by Peter James. He plays DS Roy Grace, a hard-working Brighton- The essential based detective whose podcast unorthodox police for TV addicts methods put his Download today hard-fought career from iTunes, in jeopardy… Spotify or Acast

48 Woman’s Own Top Telly TOP 4 TV MUSTS Death in Paradise, BBC1 The sun-soaked drama 1 is back for its tenth anniversary series with DI Neville Parker (Ralf Little) dealing with more baffling murders on the Caribbean YOU LIKED… island of Saint Marie. THE STORY OF TRACY This time he’s got the BEAKER, CBBC assistance of returning Based on Jacqueline Wilson’s fan favourite DS Florence books, the children’s drama Cassell (Joséphine Jobert). followed the adventures of Tracy Beaker (Dani Harmer), a Ralf Little stars as kid growing up in a care home DI Neville Parker who was always in trouble, but 2 just wanted a loving home. The Voice UK, ITV Pop star Anne-Marie joins Sir Tom Jones, will.i.am and Olly Murs in the big red swivel chairs as the singing competition returns. This time, the talent search includes a new twist called ‘The Block’. Emma Willis Emma Willis is SHE SAID hosts as per. back to host again WHAT? NOW TRY… The Great New ‘The Crown was the best time MY MUM TRACY BEAKER, of my life, it was a gift,’ said 3 Year Bake Off, CBBC Vanessa, in a 2018 interview Dani Harmer returns as Tracy, C4 with The Guardian. ‘Saying who’s now all grown up and a Noel Fielding and Matt Lucas goodbye to it was awful, mum to 11-year-old Jess (Emma host another festive special, I really grieved.’ Davies). The pair are close which sees 2014 winner and battle together to survive Nancy, 2018 champion Rahul, financially, but could Tracy’s and Helena and Henry from rich new boyfriend Sean be the 2019 return to the Bake Off answer to her money troubles? Noel and Matt will tent for some tough oversee proceedings challenges set by judges Paul Hollywood and Prue Leith. Favourite stars in future TV projects ZPLAY Katie 4 McGlynn In Stand Up and Deliver on C4, the former Corrie actor is among the five famous faces attempting to do stand-up comedy. Other stars flexing their funny bones include Love Island’s Curtis Pritchard and Happy Mondays Whoopi Goldberg frontman Shaun Ryder. as Mother Abagail

Woman’s Own 49 THIS WEEK’S HOT LIST Your29 Dec 2020 - 4 Jan 2021 The movies and books not to miss STA RS Discover your destiny with Sally Morgan, our expert astrologer Aries Libra 21 Mar – 20 Apr 23 Sep – 23 Oct You’re feeling active You’re feeling and courageous, so why not anxious about a drama that’s take up a new sport or artistic unfolding. Channel good challenge or maybe overhaul energy, and the experience the house. It’s bound to be an will be transformed into outstanding success. a positive one for all involved. Taurus Scorpio Film 21 Apr – 20 May 24 Oct – 22 Nov A financial situation You’re surrounded OneNightin Miami has been resolved and you’re by good people. Allow any Out26Dec looking for a new career. Keep chemistry to flow – you’ll It is February 1964, and newly crowned heavyweight boxing your eyes peeled for the next be surprised where it leads. champion Cassius Clay (Eli Goree), soon to rename himself opportunity, as it won’t be so A romance or friendship can Muhammad Ali, celebrates his victory in a Miami motel with three easy to spot. blossom from the tiniest seed. other prominent African-American heroes – football star Jim Brown (Aldis Hodge), singer Sam Cooke (Leslie Odom Jr) and civil Gemini Sagittarius rights activist Malcolm X (Kingsley Ben-Adir). Actress Regina King’s 21 May – 20 Jun 23 Nov – 22 Dec directing debut is a riveting drama and a real Oscars contender. You crave variety, so You want to tell try something new, whether someone how you feel about it’s cookery, art or writing them, but don’t want to risk Book poetry, as long as it is mentally it if they don’t feel the same. stimulating. Give yourself If your head’s in the clouds, 60YearsofCoronation something to talk about. reach for the sun. Street byAbigailKemp (£20,HB,OctopusBooks) Cancer Capricorn Take a trip down memory lane with 21 Jun – 22 Jul 23 Dec – 20 Jan this fabulous Corrie tribute book. Don’t feel so cautious Devoted and loyal, It reminds you just why the world’s when trying new things. your partner’s in for a treat this longest-running soap has maintained You’ve had plenty of time week. Tell them how much its popularity. It’s packed with photos to think about a dish you’d you care and you’ll see the that bring to life the history of the like to try or cook. Don’t strengthening and deepening show – the actors, characters, hesitate – give it a go. of your relationship. storylines – and behind-the-scenes insights. Did you know they get through 10 lipsticks in one month? And Leo Aquarius gems like Vera Duckworth’s ‘I’ve had trifles last longer than 23 Jul – 22 Aug 21 Jan – 19 Feb some of her marriages’ can’t help but make you smile. Make the most of You never forget work breaks to get to know when someone treats you those around you. You might badly and expects you to carry Shirley find you went to the same the load. Put it behind you, DVD £11.99 school as a colleague or have learn to laugh and enjoy what Elisabeth Moss gives a stunning a similar outlook. the future brings. performance as Shirley Jackson, one of the most Virgo Pisces renowned horror writers of 23 Aug – 22 Sep 20 Feb – 20 Mar the 20th century, in this 2020 Extremely sensitive, A compromise with biopic. Based around the time you could be over-thinking your partner could lead to Shirley was writing Hangsaman, a recent event and blaming a romantic evening – perhaps the film shows how she took yourself for someone else’s at a local beauty spot watching inspiration from the moment response. Put it behind you the sunset with a glass of wine she and her husband took in – they were having a bad day. and a passionate kiss. a young couple. Ask Alexa ‘What is my horoscope today?’ 50 Woman’s Own Fun Quiz Ask yourself How did you score? MOSTLY As Braveheart! You’re full of resilience and don’t let anything get in the way of performing acts of bravery. You have nothing to lose, so you think you may as well take a deep breath and address the situation immediately. Nothing good comes from waiting it out or ignoring it altogether.

How brave are you? MOSTLY Bs Brave…ish! Scaling a rockface, asking for a pay rise, walking You’re brave up to a point. You away from a date, ripping off that wax strip… hesitate about whether you need to act or not, and this sometimes Bravery means different things to different people works and things settle down. But, by leaving a situation to stew, 1. You feel like you deserve a pay rise. What do you do? what are you doing for your A Email your boss B Wait until your C Tell all your D Forget about it – anxiety or well-being? Waiting for and ask for next pay review colleagues why you’re not likely things to get worse makes it a meeting to bring it up you deserve one to get one harder to address when you finally work up the courage. 2. Your friend’s new partner isn’t good for her. What do you do? A Tell her honestly, B Wait for someone C Talk behind her D Lie – you don’t MOSTLY Cs to her face – she else to bring it up, back to the rest want to hurt All bark, no bite! needs to know then agree of the group her feelings There’s a fine line between showing you’re courageous 3. Someone in the office has taken your cutlery. You… enough to nip problems in the A Walk up to them B Wait for now and C Email the entire D Ignore it – you bud and stirring up a situation by and ask politely see if it turns up office demanding didn’t need talking behind people’s backs for it back tomorrow its return it anyway – all while trying to prove you’re a peacekeeper. Next time, 4. You hear a noise in the night. What do you do? consider whether that’s how A Leap out of bed B Wait until it C Turn over and D Squeeze your you’d want to be treated. and go to happens again, try to ignore it – eyes shut and investigate then investigate it’ll be fine block your ears MOSTLY Ds 5. Your colleagues are arguing in the office. You… Cowardly lioness It’s understandable that you Intervene firmly Try to ignore it Email them to Ignore it A B C D don’t want to hurt people’s and tell them it’s until it gets worse, take it elsewhere, completely – it’s feelings, get into an awkward unprofessional then step in cc-ing HR not your business situation or be the centre of 6. You’ve been dared to chat up the barman. What do you do? attention. But you’re actually just hurting yourself and your Walk straight up Smile from afar Laugh and say Say there’s A B C D friendships by not being open to the bar and until he smiles that you will – but absolutely not and honest. Being brave goes flash a smile back, then go over maybe a bit later a chance in hell hand-in-hand with being honest, 7. After performing an act of bravery, how do you feel? and there are some things you really can’t ignore. A Proud of yourself B Accomplished C Smug – everyone D Sick – you won’t

– you did it! – it’s new to you will admire you be doing it again! MODEL): GETTY (POSED BY PHOTO EMMIE HARRISON-WEST. WORDS:

Woman’s Own 51 PUZZLE BREA

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52 Woman’s Own BEAT Puzzles Your time THE PUZZLE BREAK CLOCK

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DO IT IN 30 Crossword MINS? Put your feet up and have a go at this classic ACROSS DOWN 7 Boaster (3-4) 1 Chance, probability (10) 8 Tenth month (7) 2 Hot pepper (6) 9 Get back, recover (7) 3 Pretend to be ill (8) 10 Half of 140 (7) 4 Piercing yell (6) 12 Sitting area in a house (6,4) 5 Notify in advance (8) 13 Continuous dull pain (4) 6 100th of a dollar (4) 15 Fourth sabbath in Lent (9,6) 11 Unnamed person (2-3-2) 18 Red-rinded Dutch cheese (4) 14 Occurring at the ideal 19 Glum, dejected (10) time (6-4) 21 Strong in quality or degree (7) 16 Gave a severe beating to (8) 23 Hairdresser (7) 17 More deceitful (8) 24 Supplier of food and drink (7) 19 Did some light cleaning (6) 25 David ___, former 20 Away from the shore (6) Doctor Who (7) 22 Ark-builder in the Bible (4)

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Woman’s Own 53 Alternative love letters

Surely there was some way Jill could find common ground with her boyfriend’s frosty mother? ill had been dating Ed for five ‘I ditched the jeans months when he first invited her in honour of visiting Jto tea at his mum’s. Lucy,’ she said tightly. This was a watershed moment ‘I got this skirt and for Jill – her own parents had long blouse in the sales. since remarried new partners and, in They’re not really my thing, but blouse. ‘Snap!’ said Jill instinctively, the case of her mother, moved to Spain. I thought they would strike the right before she’d even said hello. ‘I’m Ed had a much closer relationship with note. You said last week that my jeans wearing the same blouse!’ his widowed mother, Lucy, than she had were “figure-hugging”.’ ‘Just about, dear,’ murmured Lucy, her with her own mum, so she wanted to ‘In a good way,’ he protested looking her over. strike the right note from the off. Well, feebly. ‘I stand corrected. I know Not an auspicious start. Glancing that was the intention, anyway. very little about ladies’ fashion. Forget at Lucy’s rigidly set hair and cool But when he called round to update her I said anything.’ expression, Jill winced at the idea on the details for her visit to his mum’s, She tried to. When he saw how hurt of having bought a ‘Lucy-type’ blouse and she showed him the outfit she was she looked, Ed gave her a hug. ‘I am in the first place. thinking of wearing, Ed did sorry, Jill. You’ll look Still, she smiled politely and resolved to a double take. Despite his fantastic. Anyone who begs be on her best behaviour, Ed squeezing ‘Um – you sure about to differ can go swivel.’ her hand in silent support. that?’ he asked nervously. reassurances, She knew instinctively It was still a trial, though, sitting in ‘Why not?’ She’d teamed that ‘anyone’ must be Lucy’s neat, ornament-stuffed sitting a swirly fringed skirt with she felt more Lucy, his mother. room as the woman herself poured tea, a puff-sleeved blouse. Ed, an only child, had dabbing her mouth with a napkin after OK, the pattern on the flustered already dropped hints every sip of Earl Grey. skirt was a bit busy, but that Lucy was ‘a little bit Needing Dutch courage as the every part of her was than ever conservative’ in her views, afternoon wore on, Jill accepted Ed’s decorously covered. What wasn’t to like? having had him late in life. Ed himself offer of a G&T. ‘It’s OK, I’m not driving,’ She could see Ed struggling to frame could be a bit staid for a 33-year-old, she assured Lucy. his objections diplomatically. but that also gave him a gravitas that Lucy pursed dabbed lips. ‘A lady sips ‘It’s a bit – Glastonbury,’ he managed Jill found appealing. her drink and makes it last.’ at last. Now, despite his reassurances, she ‘Good for a lady.’ Annoyed and ‘You what?’ felt more flustered than ever about flustered, Jill threw down her drink ‘You know – like you’re off to a meeting Lucy. in one gulp. music festival.’ When he came to collect her on the Then out came the photo albums. All Jill felt a prickle of annoyance. ‘It’s day of the visit, he did another double 12 of them, featuring Lucy marrying Ed’s smart-casual and comfy. It’s not a job take. ‘What happened to the puffy startled-looking dad, Ed in short trousers, interview, Ed. I don’t have to break out sleeves on your blouse?’ Lucy winning best cake at the local fete the navy two-piece and sensible shoes.’ ‘I cut them off,’ she admitted, flaunting for the fifth year in a row… Ed held up his hands in a mollifying her bare arms. ‘I felt as if I was one of ‘Do you bake, dear?’ she asked gesture. ‘You’re probably right. I’m sorry those frilly scrunchy things you apply Jill sharply. I brought it up. I suppose it’s because body scrub with. All set?’ ‘Er, not as much as I’d like to.’ I’m used to seeing you in your office When they arrived at his mother’s, Lucy ‘Perhaps you…’ Lucy’s gaze roamed

© FUTURE PUBLISHING LIMITED, 2020. PHOTO (POSED BY MODEL): GETTY (POSED BY PHOTO 2020. © FUTURE PUBLISHING LIMITED, wear or else jeans.’ opened the door wearing a puff-sleeved disapprovingly over Jill’s ‘customised’

54 Woman’s Own Short Story

when she was a bit less find to say to each other in a flurry stiff upper-lipped for a of letters?’ he asked in wonder. while. So don’t take any of ‘Oh, it’s mostly notelets now, and you’d her put-downs personally.’ be surprised,’ said Jill airily. ‘The things ‘I won’t,’ said Jill I’ve learned about bleaching nets and thoughtfully. ‘Actually, starching collars, you wouldn’t believe.’ she’s made me think about He laughed. ‘What does Mum learn what my skills actually in return?’ are. Being a call-centre ‘How to bleach an upper lip – and supervisor probably possibly other body parts.’ won’t count for a lot ‘You’re not serious!’ come the apocalypse!’ ‘Deadly,’ Jill assured him. ‘It’s never Ed laughed and dropped too late to get educated about all sorts her off back at her flat. of things – on both sides.’ Three days later, Soon, she knew, she and Lucy would Jill received a magnolia- progress to practical demonstrations; scented letter through she’d already asked Lucy to show her the post, from Lucy. Aha, the basics of planting rhubarb and here was a reminder of staking out bedding plants. the older, gentler virtues And Lucy had hinted that she’d – probably, thought Jill like to supplement ‘snail mail’ with as she opened it, a dig email and using the internet: ‘Ed has at her for not sending tried to show me about “goggling” a ‘thank you’ note after and suchlike, but he’s not the most her visit. patient teacher. Well, he is the male ‘I hope it’s OK of the species. LOL.’ that Ed gave me your Jill kept all the letters, tied up with address,’ the letter began. sturdy string (the no-nonsense type of blouse, ‘…make ‘I believe I may have been string Lucy said you could train plants up your own clothes?’ unwittingly a little cool towards you. If with), and she knew from Lucy’s scattered ‘Afraid not. Snipping so, I’d like to assure you that was never references to previous correspondence off bits I don’t like is about my intention…’ that she was doing the same. my limit.’ Jill detected Ed’s influence behind There were loads of things they were ‘Young women today!’ Lucy sighed Lucy’s sort-of apology. never going to agree on, Jill suspected and clutched her pearls. ‘Sadly lacking The letter ended with a polite (like the merits of keeping a freshly in the skills my generation took for assurance that, ‘I am looking forward ironed hanky up your steam-pressed granted. We were taught to grow our to seeing you again, dear, and hope sleeve), but she and Lucy had at last own, recycle our own, do a wash on you will not judge a set-in-her-ways formed a bond. a Monday, iron on a Tuesday, bake lady too harshly.’ ‘You know what your on a Wednesday-’ Jill went out and correspondence is, don’t ‘-and still have time to work 10 hours bought a writing ‘It’s never too you?’ Ed smiled at her as and come back in time to cook tea,’ pad, sending a reply late to get they sat drinking wine on finished Jill before she could stop herself. containing the following Jill’s patio one Saturday. In the small silence that followed, she info: ‘I go to the gym on educated about ‘Love letters – sort of. added, ‘To be fair, your generation would a Monday, do an online I like the idea. I might be much handier than ours come the shop on a Tuesday, all sorts of start sending you the odd apocalypse. You know, for restarting lead a pub trivia team letter – of the more overtly civilisation? Don’t you think so, Ed? Ed?’ on a Wednesday… things – on romantic kind – now It was a fairly silent car journey home. Unfortunately, I haven’t I know you’re likely Jill was about to apologise for coming owned an iron since both sides’ to write back.’ on a bit strong (and blame it on her I was a student, but reckon I could find Jill stared at him, her first instinct to say, second G&T), when Ed said, ‘I want to time to bake a cake if you’d like to give ‘Love letters? Don’t be ridiculous!’ apologise, Jill. I didn’t know Mum was me a few tips?’ But she acted on her second instinct, going to be so – waspish. It’s not all her She took a risk and sent it. replying, ‘Maybe you’re onto something. fault. Even though she passed the 11-plus, Lucy duly sent back a recipe for I’m getting very fond of your mother, from her parents didn’t let her go to grammar an upside-down tipsy fruit cake (‘the afar. I also look forward to receiving my school because they thought it would secret is steeping the raisins in Guinness first ever love letter from you. And of only “fill her head with ideas”. She sees overnight’) and a drawing of an iron course I’ll write back. As your mum would women now getting those life chances ‘in case you’ve forgotten what one be the first to tell you, it’s very impolite and it must rankle.’ looks like, dear!’ otherwise. Now have another slice of ‘Poor Lucy,’ frowned Jill, seeing her It was the start of an old-fashioned my upside-down tipsy fruit cake. I was in a new light. ‘So much for the good correspondence, tongues lodged firmly up all night steeping those raisins!’ old days.’ in respective cheeks, which Ed only ✽ ✽ ✽ ✽ ✽ Ed sighed. ‘She only ever mentioned heard about on the fly. THE END all this once, not long after Dad died, ‘What on earth do you and Mum Gabrielle Mullarkey, 2021

Woman’s Own 55 ‘I’d rather they didn’t

Daughter Tallulah follow in my in The Worst Witch FOOTSTEPS’ Angela Griffin opens own thing, but we’d always come she should do it, but I do together for meals so we could have think that getting into the up to Woman’s Own family time and chat about our day. business now is so hard, and talent doesn’t always get about family life What’s the best thing about through in the end. I find it really being a mum? difficult, so I don’t wish that lifestyle or actor Angela Griffin, having It’s having mates. I realised in lockdown on my children! kids is just like living with her that I kind of don’t think of them as being best mates. And, having spent little kids any more; they’re people I really Do you worry about your most of this year in lockdown like spending time with, and that’s ace as girls when it comes to ITV F with her husband, Jason Milligan, and it meant I didn’t feel so isolated. social media? their two daughters, Tallulah, 16, and I think they’re reasonably sensible Melissa, 13, it sounds like the family Your eldest daughter starred on it, probably down to the fact had a great time! in the CBBC show The Worst that I’ve put time limits on it, so they Soap fans will remember Angela as Witch. How did you feel about can’t just endlessly scroll. But I do Coronation Street ITV/SHUTTERSTOCK, Fiona Middleton in – her following in your footsteps? worry when, all of a sudden, their a role she briefly revisited last year for I wasn’t worried about it, but I’d rather fashion changes. BBC, the first time since 1998. But there’s she didn’t. It’s really hard because there’s one thing stopping Angela, 44, from a bit of me that knows she’s brilliant and What kind of lessons do making a full-time return to the you try to teach them? cobbles. We find out I’m just trying to teach them what it is… self-respect and to understand confidence within themselves

@THEANGELAGRIFFIN, Hi Angela! How for who they are. I’ve never been did you get on in completely obsessed with the way lockdown this year? that I look. I’m not somebody who

INSTAGRAM There have been fractious wears make-up every single day, or moments, but for the who does exercise three times a day

GETTY, majority of the time we all and obsesses over it. I try really hard got on. What we found to balance it all, as they learn from worked for us was to have you. And, so far, they’re all right.

PHOTOS: some kind of routine, so we were all getting up in What would you say MINN. the morning and doing is the secret to having the Joe Wicks workouts a happy marriage?

HAYLEY – whether we wanted to Family time: With A really big super-king-sized bed, husband Jason, and or not! Then everyone was daughters Melissa so you can sleep properly. Because

WORDS: allowed to go and do their and Tallulah lack of sleep is the worst thing in the

56 Woman’s Own The Big Interview

As Fiona in Corrie, with co-star Simon Gregson (above) and returning briefly in 2019 (below)

entire world. Other than that, just find someone who makes you laugh more than anything in the world and the person who you don’t mind being in lockdown with! You made a brief return to Corrie last year. Would you go back full-time? It’s a big question to go back full-time because it’s a whole lifestyle change, as my life is in London now. I do love the show and my character, and I wish I could have done a bit more than what I did. I’d never say never because there’s something in my head that goes, ‘You’re going to end up back in Corrie at some point.’ And what are your hopes for next year? I hope that, by March, we come back round to some semblance of normality. I’m hoping there’s something that means I will get to hug my mum again, and not have to worry about it. That is my absolute wish and hope.

● Angela has teamed up with Aunt Bessie’s to share how she prepares her traditional roast dinner. Check out her video at @auntbessiesofficial

Woman’s Own 57 Real Life Debate Afteran unprecedented year,someofusare optingtoshunthe usualfanfareand 2021 resolutions Is New Year too much pressure?

‘Weshould grasp the ‘This year has No opportunities ahead’ Yes been tough enough’ Jo O’Connell, Rebecca 41, lives in Daniel, 33, Bournemouth with her lives in Dartford with her husband, also Jo, 51, and three-year-old daughter, and their children, Bethany, is a transformation coach. eight, and Bo, six. My list of New Year’s After what a nightmare the resolutions used to be as past 12 months have been, long as my list of possible we should all be getting hairstyles for New Year’s the year ahead. excited about Jo is looking forward to Eve – once the highlight And, after enjoying all the making new memories of my calendar. Rebecca focuses on realistic goals overindulgences of Christmas I poured so much energy – however COVID-19 will into ‘new year, new me’ while working from home. allow – I plan to kick off and making sure I had the more intimate gatherings Most of us haven’t been 2021 by raising a toast to biggest social events with close friends and family. able to stick to last year’s my loved ones and good lined up that I ended up It was much better than resolutions, and it’s been things to come, and with exhausted by 1 January. spending New Year’sEve impossible to plan any big a new perspective, plans Yearafter year, with drunken strangers! New Year’sparties or family and goals. I over-celebrated, was This year has been tough gatherings in 2020. But that Despite disappointments should over-ambitious and enough without loudly go surely means we – my 2020 resolution to ended up feeling like declaring I’ll be running 5k grasp the opportunity of a to Disneyland Paris was I had failed. Then, on in 30 minutes by the end brand new year. scuppered early on – I’m not New Year’sEve 2014, of January! Like usual, I’ll write down a deterred from looking forward. I endured a hellish We’ve done well to keep few different resolutions for all learnt a lot about four-hour journey home going, and this We’ve year and tuck the list 31 December, this year, and I know next from partying ourselves drawer. I’ll feel in London we should reflect on what thing for into my top the most important one off, but, and, right then, decided we’re grateful for. with proud when I tick me is to make memories it was just not worth it. ● Rebecca owns thejigsaw for if some fall by the wayside, my family. I want to go out I started focusing on company.com, a social I’ll shrug my shoulders and walks with my husband, play realistic, personal goals enterprise transforming focus on what I have with the kids and get out throughout the year, lives through coaching, achieved. No pressure! running during my lunch break and enjoying smaller, mentoring and teaching WORDS: BESS BROWNING. MAIN PHOTO: GETTY MAIN PHOTO: BESS BROWNING. WORDS:

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