TAKE CONTROL OF YOUR HORMONES TODAY!

Ant&Scarlett ‘They are a BEAUTIFUL COUPLE’ WEDDING LATEST TREAT TIME! Rebel Meghan Gluten free chocolate cakes YUM! REJECTS ROYAL RULES

27 STONE 46 WE LOST FASHION FROM AND CHANGED OUR LIVES! UPDATES £1.99

Inside this issue! p11 p28 p44 p62 Weall know how certain hormones affect our moods, but they influence lots of other behaviours, too – it’s all about getting the right balance. p56 There are six key hormones you need to be aware of, so from page 32 we p23 reveal how you can maintain healthy levels and what to do if you feel yours are out of sync, plus we also tackle the pros and cons of HRT. p18 GET SIX ISSUES Your Your Your News OF WOMAN LIFE LOOKS TIME &GOSS MAGAZINE 14 Talking about ✱ 18 Fashion Ed’s picks 36 Starscope 4 Week in style When your younger Easy style updates 40 Tricky crossword ✱ 6 Woman about town FOR £1* sister marries first ✱ 23 Fashion confidence ✱ 44 Valentine’s treats ✱ 8 In the spotlight 17 Don’t tell me I Dress to impress Made with love Meghan Markle can’t… celebrate ✱25 Fashion Ed’s picks 46 What’s new in food 11 Celeb news Gal-entine’s Day Yellow and navy 47 Weekend special Happy birthday, 26 It happened to me 28 Beauty confidence Going out, staying in Holly! Living in a refuge Ace your base 50 Interiors 12 Woman interview taught me how to Colour crush Ryan Thomas help others 52 Tech savvy 58 Planet celebrity 30 In my experience 53 Bingo Win with us! Brits in America Save How to be a good 56 Getting away 62 Bloke at the back up to cancer patient from it all Sardinia Ned Porteous 53% ✱ 32 Harness your Subscribe online hormones at womansubs. 34 Family dilemmas p50 co.uk/14CZ 35 My health story 37 Dr Philippa 0330 333 1113 38 Stay fit and well Quote code 14CZ *After six issues, your payments will The vitamin D diet continue at £6.99, payable every ✱ 41 Women like you three months. Offer open to new UK subscribers only. Final closing We lost 37st… and date for all orders is 30 September rebooted our lives! 2018. For enquiries and overseas CONTACT US… rates, please call +44(0)330 333 See facebook.com/ 1113. Lines are open Mon-Sat, womanmagazine 8am-6pm, UK time. For full terms to tell us what and conditions, visit you’ve been doing magazinesdirect.com/terms and to find news, gossip, tips, tricks and offers. Log on to Woman, incorporating Woman’s Illustrated and Woman’s Mirror, is a Registered Trademark of Time Inc. (UK) Ltd. Cover printed by twitter.com/ Wyndeham Peterborough, text printed by Wyndeham Bicester. Repro by Rhapsody Prepress. Published by Time Inc. (UK) Ltd, 161 Marsh Wall, London E14 9AP. Distributed by Marketforce (UK) Ltd, a Time Inc. (UK) Ltd company, 2nd Floor, 5 Churchill Place, Canary Wharf, London E14 womanmagazine 5HU. Tel: +44 (0)20 3787 9001. Back issues: 01733 688 964; mags-uk.com. All prices correct at time of going to press. ©Time Inc. (UK) Ltd, 2018. All to discover the latest news rights reserved and reproduction without permission is strictly forbidden. We cannot be liable for the safe custody or return of any solicited material. We and tweet back your thoughts. do not accept or return unsolicited manuscripts. Editor reserves the right to shorten or modify any material submitted. Time Inc. (UK) Ltd and/or its associated companies reserve the right to reuse any submission in any format or medium. We cannot take responsibility for manuscripts or photos sent Email us at in. Time Inc. (UK) Ltd, 161 Marsh Wall, London E14 9AP. Tel: 020 3148 5000; timeincuk.com. woman@timeinc. Subscription rates: One year, 50 issues (including postage): UK £59.60; Europe ¤157.15; USA $103.05; rest of world £120.40. For com or write to enquiries and orders, please email: [email protected]. Alternatively, from the UK, call 0330 333 1113, or from overseas, us at 161 Marsh Wall, London COVER PHOTOS: REX call +44 (0)330 333 1113 (lines are open Monday-Saturday, 8am-6pm UK time). E14 9AP ✱ On the cover WEEK IN STYLE

From deep blackcurrant hues to bright cherry

4 WOMANMAGAZINE.CO.UK SHADES reds, the A-listers are making berry colours glam

Top tip! Match your lipstick to the same berry shade as your top or dress for maximum impact! COMPILED BY: ANNIE VISCHER. PHOTOS: GETTY ANNIE VISCHER. PHOTOS: BY: COMPILED

WOMANMAGAZINE.CO.UK 5 ABOUT TOWN Webring you this week’s latest gossip… As Ant silences SCARLETT ROMANCE RUMOURS... Following news of his that the pair had been divorce from Lisa Armstrong, looking cosy at the NTAs as Ant McPartlin’s agent has nonsense, after a number furiously denied reports he’s of fans commented on their struck up a relationship with supposed close bond. One his Saturday Night Takeaway even said, ‘Ant McPartlin colleague, Scarlett Moffatt. and Scarlett Moffatt should Ant, 42, and his rep get together. What a slammed reports beautiful couple.’

‘DIVORCE WON’T BREAK ME’ Meanwhile, Lisa Armstrong has plans to revamp her life. An insider tells About Town, ‘Lisa isn’t going to let a divorce slow her down or ruin her – instead she has vowed to start afresh.’ According to pals, Lisa, 41, is determined to regain her own identity and has set to work on losing five stone. Our source continues, ‘Lisa admitted she turned to comfort eating. But now she’s on a mission to get her figure back and, with that, her confidence.’ And it’s already working Lisa and Ant wonders. Our insider adds, ‘Lisa’s told were married pals that her marriage made her lose for 11 years herself. She sees this as a new chapter and it’s great to see her taking control.’

Gossip to go 4 Susanna Reid confesses she’s had secret relationships in the past two years

6 WOMANMAGAZINE.CO.UK Strictly together! Strictly dancer Karen Clifton has broken her silence on rumours she’d split from her husband, fellow pro Kevin. After Kevin and former dance HOLLY THROWS IT BACK artner Louise Redknapp raised Dancing on Ice host Holly Willoughby took a trip down memory eyebrows with their friendship, lane recently when she shared a photo from a decade ago. Holly, Karen, 35, said, ‘People are 36, posted two photos of her wearing white dresses on her Thankfully, the going to be interested but we Instagram account and wrote, ‘These 2 photos were taken 10 Strictly curse has are happy.’ She also confirmed years and a day apart! ... bizarre coincidence...time flies when not struck again she and Kevin’s dance tour will your having fun and all that…’ She’s hardly aged a day! go ahead. So glad to hear it! 50 YEARS OF LINDA ROBSON As the Loose Women star celebrates her milestone year in showbiz, we take A young Linda appears in a look at her best Birds of a Feather General Hospital, With her screen moments… 1972 co-star Pauline Quirke

In Cinderella, as the Playing prison inmate Being evicted from Fairy Godmother, 1998 Wanda in Crossroads I’m a Celeb in 2012 Looking as glam as ever on Loose Women in 2018 WORDS: RIANNE ISON. PHOTOS: INSTAGRAM @HOLLYWILLOUGHBY, PA IMAGES, REX, WENN IMAGES, PA @HOLLYWILLOUGHBY, INSTAGRAM RIANNE ISON. PHOTOS: WORDS: 4 Oh my bod! Gordon Ramsay reveals he’s lost four stone after fears wife Tana would leave How Meghan’s BREAKING the rules already In the countdown to her spring wedding, bride-to-be Meghan Markle is ruffling royal feathers…

8 WOMANMAGAZINE.CO.UK In the spotlight

ver since Prince Harry announced his romance MEET AND GREET with Meghan Markle, it It seems Meghan is paving the way and E was clear it was a very setting her own rules when it comes different royal relationship to official engagements alongside to those that had come before. husband-to-be Harry. Attending one of Not only is Meghan, 36, a celebrity, her most recent events at Cardiff Castle, having starred in US drama Suits, but she Wales, she charmed the crowds of fans is also a divorcee – something that’s raised who had lined the streets by breaking eyebrows within The Firm in the past. with tradition. Meghan not only carried Now, as Meghan prepares to tie the a handbag, so that at least one of her knot with Harry, 33, on 19 May, she’s hands were free to shake hands with the shaking things up once more. It’s been public – most royals, like the Duchess reported Meghan wants to make a speech of Cambridge, usually carry a at her wedding, breaking with the clutch bag to avoid this. But she tradition that the father-of-the-bride broke with protocol further makes the address. We chart how else when she posed for selfies and Meghan is snubbing palace procedure even signed an autograph for – and cementing her status as the a little girl – something that is nation’s new royal sweetheart. usually prohibited. FASHION-FORWARD Breaking with convention once more, Meghan recently hit the headlines for her choice of hairstyle – a messy bun. According to the rigid rules, female members of the royal family should make sure their hair is perfectly in place, unlike the style Meghan has opted for on more than one occasion. However, this isn’t the first time she has broken the strict fashion rules that have been issued by the palace. During the couple’s official engagement photocall last November, eagle-eyed fans spotted Meghan was not wearing nude tights or stockings – something the Queen reportedly has always insisted on. Royal expert Victoria Arbiter recently commented, ‘I would say that’s really the only hard, steadfast rule in terms of what the Queen requires.’ DISPLAYS OF AFFECTION Harry and Meghan aren’t afraid to MAKING HISTORY depart from usual royal behaviour Meghan went down in history when she and engage in loved-up displays of became the first royal fiancée to spend affection. In the past few weeks, Christmas with the Queen and the rest the picture-perfect pair have been of her family at Sandringham, despite photographed with their arms around not yet being an official member herself. one another and holding hands, According to reports, Harry asked something that has been picked up his grandmother to lift the ban that on by numerous royal commentators, unofficial partners could not be part of who have described it as ‘atypical’ but the celebrations – to which the Queen ‘refreshingly modern’. The pair first eventually agreed. This was in contrast set tongues wagging with both their to how the Duke and Duchess of engagement interview and intimate Cambridge celebrated Christmas as an official portraits, where the couple engaged couple, as Kate was not present can be seen touching each other at the royal family’s celebrations and

WORDS: RIANNE ISON. PHOTOS: REX, PA IMAGES REX, PA RIANNE ISON. PHOTOS: WORDS: affectionately and posing candidly. spent it with her parents, Michael and Carole Middleton.

WOMANMAGAZINE.CO.UK 9 &33/ =396 :%0)28-2)¸7 +-607¸ 2-+,8 23;

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*-*8=7,%()78-'/)87'39/ Holly joined the Ministry of Mayhem in 2004 Celeb news

She gives us fashion goals She has Whether it’s on social media or for the red As a teen, she the best jobs carpet – as seen here at modelled for Before her TV career, Holly modelled for Pretty Polly the NTAs – we can’t Pretty Polly (as a brunette!) but soon found fame presenting kids’ waittoseewhatHolly’s shows Ministry of Mayhem and Feel the Fear. Since wearing. Will it be a then, not only has she become a co-host of ITV’sThis chic pencil skirt, cosy Morning, she’s currently presenting Dancing on Ice knitwear or a beautiful Celebrity and is a team captain on comedy panel show She’s a blouse? And the style Juice Celebrity Juice. Nowondershe’snottakingonany captain icon loves dressing up morework,saying,‘I just want to pause everything for Dancing on Ice, and keep everything as is. Work is in a saying, ‘There’s not really lovely place.’ manyshowswhereyou gettowearagorgeous, Happy full-on princess frock!’

She also presented Feel the Fear Birthday,

HOLLY!turns 37, As Holly Willoughby The celebs adore her Everyone wants to hang out with Holly and here’s why we love the popular some of her closest pals just happen to be her co-stars – from holidaying with Phillip Schofield to partying TV presenter and style icon with Fearne Cotton, this yummy mummy has Has a lot of laughs it all. When she hits the town she likes There can’t be a day that goes by when Holly Shaped up sensibly ‘to see where the night takes me’. doesn’tgetthegiggles,oftensparkedbyaThis Holly always championed her hourglass Morning mishap, a cheeky innuendo or just curves but last year the star gradually mishearing something. Anything can happen shaped up. It’s been reported that her onliveTV,andatleastwegettoshareherdaily newlytonedfigureisthankstokickboxing, tonic instead of losing them to the out-takes. and Holly simply puts it down to ‘having more time for myself’ adding, ‘If you feel happy and healthy that’s all that matters.’

She’s not afraid to show her emotions – even on live TV Holly wears her heart on her sleeve, making Super multi-tasker her even more down to earth. Whether it’s Hollymanagestojuggleallfourelementsofherlife–frombeing crying on live TV during a segment about a a loving wife to husband Dan Baldwin, mother to their children child’s death or telling viewers about the Harry, eight, Belle, six, and Chester, three, to being a driven passing of her beloved cat Roxy, the presenter career woman and the ultimate party girl for her pals. Phew! WORDS: SELINA REX FEATURES MAYCOCK. TALKBACK INSTAGRAM/@HOLLYWILLOUGHBY, THAMES PHOTOS: doesn’t hold back her tears.

WOMANMAGAZINE.CO.UK 11 ‘I’d only move if my toex Australia came!’

The former Coronation Street and now Neighbours star reveals all to us about his time in Oz and how he’s looking forward to being a family man again

yan Thomas is a soap actor their way in to work. It’s a bit of a difficult I put one hand in the air and that’s my through and through. We time difference. It’s too much to make dance move. It doesn’t appeal to me know him best for his work when you have a young child back at as I know I wouldn’t win.’ R 16-year run on Corrie’s home in the UK.’ cobbles as ladies’ man ‘It scares me how fast my daughter is Jason Grimshaw, but when we chat to ‘You’d have to get Sarah Platt [from growing up. She’ll be 10 this year. I think him it’s about his stint in Neighbours, his Coronation Street] a part in Neighbours every father would say the same. It’s so first big TV role since leaving for me to consider a permanent move! lovely to see her grow up and mature as Weatherfield. While on Corrie, Ryan Tina [O’Brien, who plays Sarah Platt] was a child, it’s fascinating to watch, but also dated Tina O’Brien, who plays Sarah having a joke and asked me to get her a part scary. I try to be strict with her, but I Platt on the soap, and they had daughter in Neighbours. But really, it’s not think I might be a bit soft as people Scarlett, now nine. They’ve split but something for the long term, Australia.’ always tell me I am. She’s got me wrapped remain friends, and Ryan, 33, is now round her little finger.’ seeing reality star Lucy Mecklenburgh. ‘I wouldn’t do I’m A Celeb, like my He opens up about what he missed most brother Adam [who played Adam I thought I might get to be a bit more when he was in Australia… Barton in Emmerdale]. It was a great anonymous in Australia, but there are thing for him, but it isn’t for me. I’ve so many English people out there! On ‘Everyone watched Neighbours when already put myself through so much on the first day I had my hair cut, and the they were younger. I grew up watching Celebrity Island with Bear Grylls. I don’t barber turns round to me and he has a the soap and that’s why it was such huge fancy going and eating a load of bugs, Mancunian accent. I can’t believe that. deal to me when I was asked to be on it! thanks! It’s ridiculous, I was rumoured for There are so many English over there. I played a troublesome character called the jungle this year even though everyone As a result, I got recognised quite a lot.’ Rafael. He’s back in Oz after he moved back knew I was doing Neighbours. I can’t do to England when he was 10 years old. I don’t both at the same time – it’s impossible!’ ‘I miss my Coronation Street mates all want to say too much because I have a the time. It was the right time to leave, tendency to give away plotlines sometimes, ‘I’m not tempted by Strictly Come but I miss it every day. It’s surprising how but let’s just say that Rafael has some Dancing, either. I am a rubbish dancer many people you speak to. Simon Gregson scores to settle. He’s not a happy bunny. and I have two left feet. I’m a finger dancer. Luckily, I didn’t have to do a dodgy Aussie accent as Rafael grew up in Manchester!’

‘I couldn’t move over to Australia permanently. It’s too difficult, as I have a daughter. Moving to the other side of the world wouldn’t be possible for me. It was an amazing experience though and it was a really important step for me in my career.’

‘I missed Scarlett so much when I was away. Luckily, in this day and age, we have He’s now starring in FaceTime. But it’s still hard. I’d be coming In Corrie with Neighbours as Rafael on-screen WORDS: ROSIE GIZAUSKAS. PHOTOS: REXFREMANTLE/CHANNEL FEATURES, 5, INSTAGRAM @RYANTHOMAS84, SPLASH NEWS home from work, everyone else is just on Ryan took part in Celebrity brother Todd Island with Bear Grylls

12 WOMANMAGAZINE.CO.UK Woman interview

With his ex …and their Tina O’Brien… daughter Scarlett

[who plays Steve McDonald in Corrie] is always messaging me to make sure I’m OK. I was 16 when I started and now I know what I want in life. I needed a change.’

‘I was starstruck when I met Alan Fletcher [AKA Karl Kennedy] on the Neighbours set. I grew up with the show and then there we were, working together. Alan is a mate now – he organised my work drinks when I left Neighbours. It was mad to be in the green room and be the new boy. I didn’t expect that to happen to me in that environment. But everyone was kind and so friendly. I settled in instantly. It was such a brilliant experience.’

‘I’ll never say never to a return to Corrie – just not yet. It runs in my blood and it’s where I cut my teeth, but I left for a reason. I left because I wanted new experiences. I’d never say never but I have no plans in the near future.’

‘Right now my priority is my daughter. I’m looking forward to being at home and spending time with her. I want to tidy the house and sort her clothes out. I’ve been away and now I’m back and I want to be the best dad I can. Work can afford to wait for a while.’

4Viewers can see the drama unfold in the one-hour Neighbours special Hit and Run on Monday 12 February, 10pm, on Channel 5. Neighbours airs weekdays at 1.45pm and 5.30pm on He’s currently dating fitness Channel 5. queen Lucy Mecklenburgh

WOMANMAGAZINE.CO.UK 13 ews that Princess Eugenie has found her Prince N Charming in long-term love Jack Brooksbank, and is engaged to be married this autumn was naturally met by much excitement from the 27-year-old’s parents. Dad, AKA Prince Andrew, said he was ‘thrilled’ and proud mum, Sarah Ferguson, described the engagement on Twitter as ‘a total embrace of goodness.’ However, amidst all the fanfair, there was one person noticeably silent – big sister, Princess Beatrice, who has appeared not to give any formal public congratulations. Some feel that perhaps it’s because she didn’t want to steal her younger sibling’s thunder. Others have read a little more into the lack of reaction, seeing the engagement as a kick in the teeth for the 29-year-old. ‘I do feel sorry for unlucky-in-love Princess Beatrice,’ tweeted one fan. ‘When will her Prince Charming come?’ In fact, Beatrice split from Dave Clark, her boyfriend of 10 years, in 2016 – reportedly after giving him an ultimatum to marry – and he went on to get engaged to the new love of his life just six months later. ‘I’m rooting for Princess Beatrice to find love,’ one sympathiser tweeted. ‘I can relate. Everyone around is married or having babies and I’m single.’ So, will Bea be gritting her teeth as she tries on her bridesmaid dress? We speak to one writer, who knows exactly how that feels… When your younger sister MARRIE

Eugenie and Jack will marry While Princess Eugenie is busy planning her wedding this autumn herself still single. So how does it feel to be beaten down

14 WOMANMAGAZINE.CO.UK Talking about ‘I CAUGHT THE FEELING LEFT BOUQUET AND BEHIND? ✱ Strictly star Kara Tointon, 34, CRINGED’ lifted the glitterball trophy in 2010, and bagged a man – her dancing Tess Stimson, 46, is an author and partner, Artem Chigvintsev. Only, journalist. She lives in London with the pair split four years later. While husband, Erik, 46 and three children, Kara is still single, her younger Henry, 23, Matt, 20, and Lily, 15. sister, actress Hannah, 30, is Inbetweeners It was the wedding I’d always Tess (left) made up an excuse engaged to her dreamt of: perfect weather, stunning not to be Philippa’s bridesmaid co-star, Joe Thomas. dress, and a beautiful country house. ✱ Heiress Paris Hilton, 36, has been My parents beamed with pride. But it engaged three times, but is yet to wasn’t me getting married, it was my stand the thought of people pitying me make it down the aisle. Her younger younger sister, Philippa. – the spinster sister – trudging down sister, Nicky, 34, however, married Philippa and I had been close the aisle behind her. husband, growing up. With just a two-year age At five inches taller than Philippa, James gap, we shared a room, tree house, I told her I didn’t want to block Rothschild, friends, clothes – everything, in everyone’s view of the bride. And in 2015. fact. But, we were also very different. sweet-natured as ever, she suggested I While I was ambitious – desperate to do a reading instead. Tointon sisters start a career in But the wedding was Hannah journalism – Philippa still difficult. Guests and Kara wanted nothing more ‘DON’T WORRY, approached me, their than to settle down. eyes full of pity as if to And, while I was shy IT’LL BE YOUR say, ‘Don’t worry, it’ll be around the opposite your turn next!’ And sex, Philippa was so TURN NEXT!’ everyone kept trying to popular with boys that my parents introduce me to single men. banned her from dating until I got a When Philippa threw her bouquet boyfriend – as if we were living in a she aimed it so I had no choice but Jane Austen novel! It wasn’t until I to catch it. I cringed with shame as went to uni that my parents relented. everyone cheered. Which was lucky for Philippa – after Sadly, the marriage didn’t last. landing a job as a producer at ITN, I I’ve never told Philippa the real Paris is yet to marry, didn’t have time for romance. reason I wasn’t her bridesmaid, and unlike Nicky now, more than 20 years later with Green-eyed monster Philippa in a new relationship and I was happy with my lot but, in March me happily married with three 1994, when Philippa, then 20, said she children, I realise how silly my ‘Be a grown-up’ was marrying Simon, who she’d been jealousy was. It’s in the nature of dating for just two months, I felt an sisters to be competitive, but as the Struggling to be happy for unexpected surge of jealousy. I didn’t song goes, you can’t hurry love. your sibling? Woman’s want to get married, but as the eldest, When you finally meet your soul agony aunt, Suzie Hayman, surely it should have been me first. I’m mate, it’s totally worth the wait – and has some tough love… ashamed to admit it, but I couldn’t I’m sure Beatrice’s is just around the O Control your jealousy. stand her being the centre of attention. corner too. You’re allowed to have these feelings Then, to add insult to injury, she ✱ The Adultery Club by Tess Stimson – they’re normal and common – but asked me to be a bridesmaid. I couldn’t (£7.99, Pan) is out now. spoiling the party for someone else just makes you the bad guy. Punch your emotions into a pillow, take a deep breath, be a grown up and smile. O Celebrate! If your sibling has achieved something great, celebrate together – even if you don’t feel like it. Toasting each other and recalling funny episodes from your youth might just S FIRST... change how you feel. O Going first isn’t the point. It’s best to wait until the right person comes along g for later this year, big sister Beatrice finds than hurry into a bad liaison. And remember, getting competitive now n the aisle by your younger sibling? may rob you of the person most likely

to stand by you when you need it. WORDS: KRISTINA BEANLAND AND TESS STIMSON. PHOTOS: PA, REX

WOMANMAGAZINE.CO.UK 15 @E:CL;

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8e `ejg`i\[ Zfcc\Z `fe f] _fc [Xpj Yp X`i Gi`Z\j ]ifd aljk *+0 =cp ]ifd )/ I\^`feXc 8`igfikj Celebrate Gal-entine’s

Day Glenda’s friendships mean the world to her Glenda Casteloes, 40, reveals why They’d counselled a weekend with the ‘gals’ is the me through colic with Annabella and turned new way to enjoy Valentine’s Day up at my door with tanding in line at the petrol approaching, I Glenda hanging out wine when my marriage station, I can’t help smiling at thought it would with her besties ended. And so as we the queue of men panic-buying be the perfect hugged goodbye at the Sflowers for Valentine’s Day. excuse to get all nd of the weekend, we I know they mean well, but my friends together to meet each other. all vowed to make it a yearly tradition. being single, I don’t envy their wives The next year we reconvened at a and girlfriends their hastily bought gifts. Celebrating friendship cottage in Nottinghamshire. Now after a You see, at 43, I’ve learned that while We chose the first weekend of the year off (to appease the husbands), this having a partner can be great, having February half term – Valentine’s February, we’re planning to return to friends is much more essential. That’s weekend. It was the perfect option. the Peak District. It’s a tradition I hope why, instead of buying into the forced With no school runs to worry about, the to continue, even if I do get remarried. romance of Valentine’s Day this year, my husbands (or grandparents in my case, as If you had told me at 20 that my closest friends and I will be celebrating an I was still single) could look after the kids friendships would outlast my marriage alternative tradition called Galentine’s while us girls enjoyed a long weekend I wouldn’t have believed you. But now, – which means no cheesy candlelit away. Although I’d never heard of I can’t imagine spending Valentine’s dinners or roses. Instead, we’ll be raising a Galentine’s Day, as I searched online for weekend any other way than swigging margarita to each other in celebration of ideas for what we could do, I noticed the prosecco with my besties. They truly are the importance of our best girl friends. phrase popping up, and realised it my most enduring relationships and Growing up, I had a great group of summed up what we were doing – that’s why they deserve to be celebrated. friends. They were with me for every big celebrating friends rather than event – by my side when I graduated, and romantic relationships. my bridesmaids when I married in 2000. I booked a cottage in the Peak District. Turnyourdreams And when my marriage ended in 2007, There were 10 of us altogether – a mix of those friends became a real pillar of former colleagues and old friends – all of intoreality support for me and my daughter us in different professions and ranging As part of Woman’s partnership with Annabella, then four. from 30 to 45. Like me, some JD Williams, we’re offering 100 women With their encouragement, were single, while the majority the chance to attend a brilliant event, I found the confidence to forge ‘WE’VE had partners, who didn’t seem where you’ll have the opportunity to a new life for myself and to mind being left alone for the talk to experts in fashion, interior Annabella. After retraining as MADE IT A weekend. ‘It gets them off the design, blogging and new business. an occupational therapist – my hook of buying Valentine’s There will also be workshops and a JD dream job – we moved houses a TRADITION’ presents,’ one friend said. Williams catwalk show. The event takes lot over the years. Although some of my friends had never place on 20 February 2018, 11am-4pm, By the time we settled in Nottingham met before, they all got along. For three at The Lowry Theatre, The Quays, permanently in 2014, Annabella and days, we ate, drank and chatted. Manchester. To get your ticket, visit I had both made a vast network of friends Clinking our margarita glasses in womanmagazine.co.uk/jdwilliamsevent. – both old and new – who we regularly unison, we cried with laughter as we stayed in contact with. shared stories. I realised these women Of course, being so scattered we didn’t had been my career advisers, relationship always get to see each other as much as counsellors, and the people propping up

WORDS: SAMANTHA BRICK AND SARAH HOLMES BRICK AND SARAH SAMANTHA WORDS: I’d have liked. But, with the big 4-0 fast the bar with me at the end of the night.

WOMANMAGAZINE.CO.UK 17 1.The VERONIQUE LEROY graphicChannel the seaside andstripe go bold and bright in deckchair-inspired stripes. Trousers, £18, sizes 6-22, F&F at Tesco 2.The cropped boxy jacket Perfect if you’re looking for an alternative to the denim jacket. EasyJacket, £34.99, sizes 6-20, H&M From style £1.99

ZERO + MARIA CORNEJO UPDATES Introducing the 16 key buys for the season ahead

ROCHAS 6. The bangle CAVALLI ROBERTO Wear alone or make a statement and stack them up your arm.

£19.99, Mango

£8, Accessorize 5.The cat eye This feline design is especially £45, suits round and oval faces. Oliver Sunglasses, £14, River Island Bonas

18 WOMANMAGAZINE.CO.UK Fashion Editor’s picks 4.The

A statementchecked coat can lift coateven the most simple of outfits and a bold red check is sure to turn heads. Coat, £79, sizes 6-22, M&S Collection 3.The

Don’tberet put away your winter hats just yet – chic beret styles are the perfect finishing touch for those cooler spring days. Hat, £9.99, New Look BALENCIAGA CHRISTIAN DIOR CHRISTIAN

£36, Oliver Bonas 8.The round bag Bags can be found in all shapes this season but our favourites have to be the

MANSUR GAVRIEL oh-so chic circular styles.

7.The floral

Get intotrousers the spirit of spring with feminine florals. Trousers,

ZIMMERMANN £24.99, sizes 6-20, H&M £39.50, M&S Collection £49.99, Mango ➺

WOMANMAGAZINE.CO.UK 19 10.The 9.The paperbag waist Cinch in your waist and flatter your embellished stomach with paperbag ruching. Wear detail with a fitted top tucked in. Fun, flirty and feminine – the Skirt, £38, sizes 6-18, River Island flowers and jewels make this chiffon shirt feel extra special. Shirt, £55, sizes 6-18,

River Island MARA MAX MARNI 14.The wide leg jean Give the wide leg a try – they’re great at balancing curvy hips and evening out proportions. Jeans, £15, sizes 6-20, Primark £12, River Island

£12.99, CAROLINA HERRERA Mango £1.99, Reserved 13.The statement earring Spring’s new styles don’t shy away - just keep

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20 WOMANMAGAZINE.CO.UK Fashion Editor’s picks

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24 WOMANMAGAZINE.CO.UK Fashion Editor’s picks

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WOMANMAGAZINE.CO.UK 25 Living in a refuge taught me how to help others

After witnessing a terrifying attack on her mum, Christina Harvey is supporting other women at risk

pregnant, and completely helpless. ike most four-year- I remember the terror on her olds, my son Theo face. Sobbing, I kept shouting, loves playing with ‘Don’t hurt my mummy.’ But he L his toy trucks. shoved me back into my room. Watching him push them around the living room, I Flight to safety can’t help but smile at how The next day, Mum bustled in as if quiet and untroubled his little nothing had happened. ‘Shall we go world is. It reminds me of how to the park?’ she said. I soon forgot differently our lives started out. about the night before but after a And how grateful I am that he’ll few hours at the park, Mum took never know anything else. me to a dilapidated block of flats. We were shown to a tiny room with woodchip wallpaper and a garish My mum was just 17 when she had orange carpet that your feet stuck me, and my father, a teenager to as you walked. I sat on the bed as Christina aged two himself, was out of the picture from Mum pushed a chair and the big and (below) with day one. By the time I was two, wooden table against the door. her son Theo she’d married her first husband, my ‘We’re going to stay here for a step dad, and we were all living in a while,’ Mum said brightly, but I council flat in Glasgow. could see she was trying not to cry. I can’t recall a lot of their I soon learned we were staying relationship – other than the in what was called a refuge. With no constant arguing and shouting. But TV or other children to play with, then one night in the summer of and no money, we’d spend our days 1978, just before I turned three, I wandering around the local market. woke to the sound of my mother’s There was no washing machine screams echoing from the living at the refuge, so Mum made do with room. Pulling open my bedroom the kitchen sink. And without door, I found my stepfather pinning anything to cook with, not even a her to the floor with a knife held at dish, we had to eat instant noodles her throat. She was six months and packets of crisps. Looking back

26 WOMANMAGAZINE.CO.UK It happened to me

Mum must have been so scared about how she was going to manage. CELEB SUPPORT So after a few months, and presumably once Mum thought my step dad wouldn’t come to find us, we left the refuge to live with my grandmother in Glasgow. Within weeks, my mum had given birth to a little boy, my half-brother. A few years later, she married a policeman, who adored us all, and they had another baby boy. A different life Sadie Frost in Mum never spoke about my step her Women In dad or that terrible night, but the Need T-shirt experience had scarred me. As I hit my teenage years, I was always cautious around men. It wasn’t until I was 24 and working as a holiday rep in Magaluf that I met my husband Jon. He was so caring and kind. Within a few weeks I’d moved to London to be with him. Although I didn’t tell Jon about the refuge for a long time, when I did he simply held my hand. In 2005, we married. Eight years Gaby Roslin later Theo arrived. Perhaps in is backing reaction to my own childhood, I the cause too was determined he’d want for nothing. It meant by the time Theo was much safer-looking and was a toddler, we were stuck with a cleaner than the place I’d stayed. garage full of unused stuff. That November, I set up a website. One day in 2015, I saw a message But the donations alone weren’t on Facebook asking if anyone could enough. Women at the refuge donate a buggy to a local women’s needed basics like sanitary products refuge. Without hesitating, I posted and underwear too, so last year my a reply offering Theo’s old one. friend Georgie and I launched an A volunteer from Hestia came to ethical clothing line to raise money collect it. The charity supported for Hestia. Our first piece was a grey the refuge and others like it helping jumper with the letters WIN on the adults and children in crisis. I was front. Now, both Gaby Roslin and astounded when she said they often Sadie Frost have posted pictures had to turn donations away as they of themselves in our jumpers, and didn’t have the space the WIN website has to store them or staff 2000 members. It’s a to get them to the ‘WE NEED TO full-time job, but one refuge. ‘We need I’m happy to do for free. someone to co- KEEP TALKING’ When I think back to ordinate donations, but there’s not my time at the refuge, I realise how enough funding to pay for it,’ she fortunate my mum and I were. said. ‘It’s a shame, as the faster we That’s why we need to keep talking can get donations to the women, about domestic violence, to show the less likely they are to return to people just how important it is to their partner.’ continue supporting women in Something fired inside me. I vulnerable situations. Whether could organise donations. That you’ve spent time in a refuge or not, night, with Jon’s support, I set up a we all have a responsibility to help. Facebook page called Women In I hope my story shows that it’s Need and invited members from my not our misfortunes that define us, other groups to join. The response but the people we become in the was amazing. After agreeing to a aftermath that really counts. ✱ Christina now drop-off point, within 72 hours, I To buy a WIN London product, visit womeninneedlondon.com fundraises full-time JEFF MOORE @SADIELIZAFROST, @WOMEN_IN_NEED_LAND, WORDS: INSTAGRAM HOLMES. PHOTOS: SARAH took the donations to the refuge. It

WOMANMAGAZINE.CO.UK 27 Ace your BASE For complexion perfection, choose the right foundation to suit your every skin concern

e want it all – great skin and minimal effort just from one product. W The good news is that the base of your dreams, one that can tackle your skincare woes as well as covering them up, has finally arrived! With brand new ingredients and miracle textures, beauty brands have seriously stepped up their game. It doesn’t matter how dry, oily or sensitive your face is feeling, there’s a wonder foundation out there to suit you.

HYDRATION BOOSTERS The trick to a long-lasting base when you’ve got dry skin? ‘Begin by prepping skin and ensuring it has ample hydration,’ says Clinique Colour Pro, Florrie White. After moisturising, try Models Own Pro-Foundation Stick, £9.99, which has a built-in primer cemented directly in the centre. Packed with vitamin E it ensures longevity, and amazing blendability. For lighter coverage, try Autograph Hydrating Confidence Boost Foundation, £16. It uses hyper-intelligent water- break technology, inspired by Korean skincare, so the skin stays plump all day long.

28 WOMANMAGAZINE.CO.UK Beauty confidence

REDNESS RELIEVERS Disguising redness can be tricky, SENSITIVE SKIN but Wunder2 have created Last & Found[ation], £24.95, wunder2.co.uk, a SOOTHERS base that promises to last 24 hours (and Those with easily irritated skin will beyond). They’ve used a unique love the Sara Hill Foundation ingredient called PolyGlow to Stick, £28, cultbeauty.co.uk. make the formula lightweight. If Not only is it hypoallergenic, your flare-ups are more targeted, fragrance free and paraben like around your nose, try By Terry free, it also contains cooling Stylo-Expert Click Stick, £24.50, aloe vera. Then there’s a hybrid foundation/concealer with NARS’ hotly anticipated micro-camouflage pigments to blur Natural Radiant Longwear imperfections. ‘Dot over red spots and Foundation, £35. blend outwards, using fingertips,’ says Its raspberry, Florrie. For long-term benefits, Diego apple and Dalla Palma Geisha Lift Foundation, watermelon £34.50, has white peony extract, often extracts help found in luxe skincare to reduce redness. support delicate skin, while some impressive GLOW GIVERS tech also helps Lost your luminosity? Clinique Even Better the formula to Glow Light Reflecting Makeup SPF 15, £27, mimic your contains salicylic acid to mildly exfoliate and skin’s natural improve radiance. ‘Dab dots of foundation tone. The under your eyes in a V shape and blend the result? Your formula from the centre of the face, most perfectly towards the hairline,’ says Florrie. matched Clarins have gone a step further; foundation. Ever. based on their knowledge that

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WOMANMAGAZINE.CO.UK 29 How to be a GOOD CANCER PATIENT

Last year, Jessica Pryce-Jones was given a devastating diagnosis. She and her husband David share the lessons they learnt…

The diagnosis

On Monday, 31 July 2017, at 2pm, My limbs felt heavy. Opposite the aggressive – that’s what the biopsy results I went for a routine mammogram. door were large screens with both would show. He said that I should come I’d scooted to the clinic on my moped mammograms on them. Even my back on Friday for the full results. and couldn’t find anywhere to park. unqualified eye could see the tumour. Dazed, I walked out and called my A couple of minutes later, I ran up four Last time I’d had a scan husband, David. I could tell flights of stairs. Breathless, I introduced was when I was pregnant, he was choosing his words myself to the receptionist and decades before. Then it was ‘I SAT FOR carefully, wanting to support was immediately shown in. The exciting, but now I was me. Then I called my mother radiographer carefully positioned me sweating and terrified. 45 MINUTES, on holiday in Wales. She on the machine, took the images and, The radiologist efficiently immediately asked if she telling me I would have to wait at least squeezed gel over my right JUST SHAKING’ should come to London. After 20 minutes, she led me back to the breast and told me that the tumour was that I sat for another 45 minutes, just waiting room. But before I’d even about 12mm big, and that its shape was shaking. found my phone at the bottom not good news. Then I had a biopsy. Back at home I called my children, of my bag, she’d come back. TOP TIP: She inserted an unbelievably trying to stay matter-of-fact. I called Kitty, ‘You need an ultrasound Always go for a long needle into my right breast 23, first. She burst into tears and said she’d straight away,’ she said, mammogram or twice. It felt and sounded like come over immediately. I called Harry, 26, before leading me into a results with someone. I was being stapled. who lives in New York. He said he’d get on different darkened room. Ask when and how Then it was back to the the first plane. Then I called Jack, 28, My head was pounding. you’ll get your consultant, who explained that travelling in Albania. He said he was biopsy results. he thought the tumour was driving back at once.

30 WOMANMAGAZINE.CO.UK In my experience

Sharing the news TOP TIP: You are likely to That Friday I went back to see the or ‘cancer’? I definitely be more sensitive. People I barely knew consultant. He quietly confirmed didn’t feel like a ‘victim’ Don’t answer calls sent cards. Reading their that I had grade three cancer, which and certainly didn’t want to after 6pm, as kind words made me sob. would need an immediate lumpectomy, ‘battle’ a disease that was out you’ll be tired. The house looked like a possible chemotherapy and certainly of my control. As for anyone flower shop. But a woman radiotherapy. He also said that I would saying that I’d ‘be fine,’ how on I saw every Saturday morning need daily drugs for the next five earth did they know? So, I started to for yoga and coffee? Well, she never to 10 years. use Facebook and WhatsApp to texted. And a work colleague of 13 Deciding on how best to tell friends communicate with friends, family and years? She never called. Even now, and colleagues that I had breast cancer colleagues. And I asked them to share the I still wonder what we’ll say when was hard. Do you use the word ‘tumour’ news, so I wouldn’t have to. we meet next.

The first weekend TOP TIP: Eat well. You’ll need ‘IT’S INCREDIBLY With all my family around me, The best help your strength as telling me how well I was doing, I was was my mother sleep gets tough. EASY TO SAY THE overwhelmed. Because in fact I wasn’t who started to Buy tissues with doing well. I couldn’t breathe. I sobbed cook non-stop. balm, as you WRONG THING’ on my bed and couldn’t stop. My family Many people may cry a lot. David Shukman, came in one at a time to try and console asked how they 59, is the science me. Then Kitty did to me what I’ve could help, but while editor for always done to her. She ran me a bath. that’s a well-intended question, BBC News. I discovered that I like voice I couldn’t answer it. I could barely When Jess rings messages, short visits and small gifts. think about the next five minutes. me from the clinic, her voice is slower than normal, I can tell she’s making a big effort not Recovery to break down. I have no idea So what have I learned now that, whattosay. after tests, tears, and treatment, The first there’s no sign of the disease in my advice we body? The medical staff are amazing. get from the And it’s been humbling to discover consultant is to keep off the the love and support I’ve received internet, because it’s an easy way to from David, my scare yourself. There’s a great track children, parents, TOP TIP: record for treating breast cancer, friends and Breast Cancer Care but that doesn’t stop my mind from The treatment colleagues. has a helpline, jumping to the worst scenarios. It would have website and app Tests are done and weeks are Friday 11 August 2017 was a sunny been much, called BECCA (free, spent waiting for results. I yearn for day. I got up early and took one final much tougher itunes.com). Soft tasks to distract me from the truth look at my breasts in the mirror, without them. bras are a must. – that there’s very little I can do. wondering what I’d see when Jess and I hug as much as we can. I came home. The waiting rooms and consultants I had a wire inserted into my pass in a blur. I make notes in each breast to pinpoint which tissue session, partly because I’m finding to remove, as my tumour would be it hard to concentrate and partly to hard for the surgeon to see. The keep my head down. I’ve noticed wire hurt unbelievably, making a few consultants explaining things my muscles spasm all afternoon. to me, not Jess, as if it’s the male of I could barely walk to theatre. But the couple who needs to handle the I awoke to the surgeon leaning over serious stuff. It’s incredibly easy to me. ‘It’s not spread,’ she said. say the wrong thing. Trying to be Twelve days later, results upbeat or hearty is a mistake, but showed I wouldn’t need TOP TIP: a shared joke can really help. chemotherapy. I got ready Try alternative Through it all I realise I need for radiotherapy. I found therapies. The fatigue to stay healthy and sane. Running the 23 sessions hard, as can hit you one day helps. But the best therapy? Being I’m fair and burn badly. but not the next. totally honest with closest friends. Rest when you *JESSICA AND DAVID ARE DONATINGFOR THEIR MORE FEE INFORMATION, FOR VISIT THIS BREASTCANCERCARE.ORG.UK.PHOTOS: ARTICLE WORDS: DWAYNE SENIOR, JESSICA TO TOM BREAST PRYCE-JONES JACKSON/THE AND CANCER TIMES DAVID CARE. SHUKMAN. need to. WOMANMAGAZINE.CO.UK 31 hey’re not just the THE FEMALE HORMONE: OESTROGEN annoying things that You’ve got oestrogen to thank for menstrual irregularities that occur in Tgive you mood swings! your boobs and bum – it gives you the run-up to the menopause). Hormones have all your female characteristics, regulates ‘Isoflavones are the most beneficial kinds of body benefits, too. We your menstrual cycle and helps form of phytoestrogens,’ says Dr spoke to the experts about how maintain pregnancy. Oestrogen rises Glenville. ‘Tuck into tofu – 100g gives you can get the most out of before ovulation and falls in the run you around 30mg of isoflavones.’ them to feel great. up to your period – the dip in And combat thinning hair or hair oestrogen is one of the causes of PMS. loss associated with the menopause At menopause, levels begin their by using a caffeine shampoo, such THE MOOD HORMONE: permanent decline, which leads to the as Plantur 39, to protect classic symptoms of hot flushes, along and revitalise your roots. SEROTONIN with drier skin and thinning hair. Serotonin is a neurotransmitter, but GET IN BALANCE lots of experts also consider it to be a Women’s health expert hormone. It regulates mood, appetite, Dr Marilyn Glenville libido, sleep and memory – and all can recommends foods be affected when serotonin is low. The containing phytoestrogens majority of the body’s serotonin is (plant oestrogens) to help actually produced in the gut, with the balance tumbling oestrogen rest made in the brain. levels before your period or GET IN BALANCE during the perimenopause (the A workout stimulates the release of tryptophan, which your brain uses to make serotonin – and the more vigorous the workout the better. You’ll THE SLEEP HORMONE: MELATONIN benefit even more if you exercise outdoors, as daylight stimulates ‘When light levels drop in the evening, the pineal gland serotonin production. switches on the production of this sleep-inducing hormone,’ says Silentnight sleep expert Dr Nerina Ramlakhan. It’s hen released throughout the night, keeping you asleep until he morning, when melatonin evels drop again. GET IN BALANCE The blue light from smartphones and other tech can suppress melatonin, disrupting your sleep-wake cycle. So turn off two hours efore bed and keep your oom as dark as possible. Harness your HORMONES Discover how you can make them work for you...

32 WOMANMAGAZINE.CO.UK Healthy living

THE HUNGER HORMONES: GHRELIN & LEPTIN Ghrelin is released mainly in your GET IN BALANCE stomach and gives you hunger signals, Eat regular meals containing whole while leptin is made in fat cells and grains and protein, which suppress tells you when you’ve had enough to ghrelin. And prioritise sleep to ward eat. Some researchers believe leptin off the munchies – ghrelin levels are helps regulate the release of ghrelin. higher after a bad night’s kip. THE FAT-FIGHTING HORMONE: THE EXERCISE ADIPONECTIN This hormone helps your HORMONE: IRISIN body use the glucose Scientists have recently discovered irisin from food, boosts your circulates in the body when you exercise. It metabolism, increases the switches on genes that convert white fat – the rate at which your body type that gets packed around your middle – into breaks down fat and brown fat, which helps you torch calories. curbs your appetite. It GET IN BALANCE works alongside insulin, Do more exercise! The more you work out, the hormone released the higher your levels of irisin will be. And when you eat to control research suggests that blood sugar levels. resistance training GET IN BALANCE ramps it up more The more fat in your effectively than body, the less adiponectin cardio, so you’ll release, so combine get lifting! resistance training with a low-cal diet to get leaner and produce more. HRT:YAYORNAY? Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) has been a hotly contested subject over the last few years. But what do the experts think? YAY Ms Tania Adib, consultant gynaecologist at The Medical Chambers Kensington, says: ‘HRT is not a one-size-fits-all NAY approach to menopause but for some it Alison Cullen, A. Vogel’s nutritional can be a life saver, helping to improve therapist and health educator, says: mood and confidence, as well as ‘The key issue with HRT is that many debilitating physical symptoms women don’t realise it merely postpones including vaginal dryness, joint pain, some of the symptoms of the tiredness and hot flushes. Getting the menopause by keeping oestrogen levels right type and combination of HRT can artificially raised. While this may relieve have a hugely positive and life-changing symptoms, they tend to return once effect for many women. And coming off HRT is discontinued (as it must be at HRT doesn’t have to feel like “falling off some point). The symptoms may then a cliff”. There are ways of helping and be harder to deal with because the supporting women to gradually reduce body is older and less resilient.’ their dosage. However, HRT isn’t a Alison instead recommends trying solution for everything, so it’s important Menosan sage drops (£16.99 for 100ml, to make lifestyle changes, such as avogel.co.uk) to help with excessive S learning to deal with stress, and invest sweating, and St John’s Wort (£10.49 in your health for the future.’ for 60 tablets, ) to support your mood.* CHECK WITH YOUR GP BEFORE TAKING ANY NEW MEDICATION ANY NEW MEDICATION TAKING GP BEFORE CHECK WITH YOUR WORDS: NATALIA LUBOMIRSKI. PHOTOS: GETTY. *MAKE SURE YOU *MAKE SURE YOU GETTY. PHOTOS: LUBOMIRSKI. NATALIA WORDS:

WOMANMAGAZINE.CO.UK 33 Suzie Hayman has trained Ask Suzie… with Relate and been a counsellor for 25 years Having problems with your nearest and dearest? Solve your dilemmas with Suzie’s expert advice Our children don’t want to see us He never loved me A rguments and divisions between green fingers, has opted for a career my husband and our children are in horticulture. A cook and a gardener, W e’ve been married for 15 years breaking my heart to see. I try to smooth he sniffily calls them. They couldn’t get so I was devastated when my over the friction and make it up between away from his disdain while they lived husband told me he’d fallen in love them but all he can say is that they are with us but now that they’ve got places with a woman at work and wanted a disappointment to him. Our son wasn’t of their own we hardly see them. a divorce. I tried to persuade him to interested in becoming a lawyer like his go to counselling but he refused. He father and instead trained as a chef, Suzie says: said we’d never really loved each while our daughter, who has always had I don’t blame them – who wants to spend other, our marriage was a lie, and time with a parent who has no respect for this woman was his true love. I’m who and what you are? It sounds as if your struggling to accept that our entire husband has a fantasy of what he thought marriage was a fraud. I love him, and My sister told them his children would be. He had a script he convinced me that he loved me. prepared and cannot accept that, as real all that our son is gay people in their own right, they have M y 16-year-old son came out to different ideas, a different script. Most Suzie says me last year. We – my husband, parents have dreams and hopes for their He thinks that by denying you and your daughter andI–arefinewith it, but children and sometimes struggle when relationship in such definitive terms he asked me not to tell the rest of they find their kids are individuals who you might let go and allow him to slide the family. My sister wheedled it will not go the way they demand. Many, off into his new happy-ever-after, scot out of me, promising she wouldn’t fortunately, go with the flow as you have free. It also relieves him of any guilt. If tell anyone, and then told them all. done, accepting them for themselves and you were a mistake and she is the real When my niece got married just honouring and enjoying the skills they thing, he needn’t feel bad that he has before Christmas we were not have, and that most people would find recognised that. Of course it’s rot and invited and when I said we wouldn’t admirable. I think you have to face your he knows it. When a relationship ends, go where we’re not welcome my husband and ask him to think through most mature and emotionally literate mother said that, in any case, she what he expected. Then point out that if he people say, ‘I loved you and I’m sorry was instructing the ushers to throw can’t grow up and discard his fantasy for the I don’t feel that way any more.’ I fear us out if we did come. My sister real thing, he’s going to lose his kids and that if he did stay with you then he’d knows we were upset and said she probably his grandchildren – because just repeat this behaviour in a year or was only going along with this very while they may still want to see you, why so. You know that it was real, so tell disappointing snub because our should they continue to subject themselves him so. But also accept that it’s over. mother was paying for the wedding, and their loved ones to such abuse? but ever since she’s avoided any contact, face to face or on social We’re set for a wedding showdown media. I still love my sister and would love for us to reconciled. or years I put up with my husband's There is absolutely no compulsion at all F abuse. He was violent and cruel about who walks a bride down the aisle and used to hit me and our children. – if, indeed, anyone does. She could Suzie says: I divorced him a decade ago, but always choose a relative (of either sex), a friend Of course you love your sister and tried to let him and the children keep (of either sex), walk by herself, or with her would hope to be friends again. But in touch. The problem is, both my son husband-to-be, or not be walking down who are you wanting to be friends and daughter despise him. Now my an aisle at all. Her father’s sister may be with? Someone who manipulated daughter is getting married and I know trying to defend and speak up for him, but you into outing your son before he my ex thinks he will be walking her she has no right to expect you to take any was ready and then went along with down the aisle. She says not even notice. I’d tell her that maybe she doesn’t rejecting him, saying it was because with a gun to her head, but my former want to believe her brother treated you all money was more important than sister-in-law is coming in on his side so badly you want nothing to do with him, love, acceptance or kindness. The and saying she has to. Does she? but your daughter knows, and her wishes only way you could reconcile would are what matters in her wedding. be if she was to openly apologise for Suzie says: her behaviour, commit to never doing Of course not. The only ‘have tos’ in WRITE TO SUZIE ✱ BY EMAIL: Send an email it again and reject the homophobic a UK wedding are the rules around giving to Suzie with your personal problem at [email protected] and cruel views behind it. Forget your notice to the registrar, where you’re ✱ BY POST: Family Dilemmas, Woman, 161 Marsh Wall, sister for now – look after your son. allowed to have it, witnesses and such. London E14 9AP SUZIE REGRETS THAT SHE CANNOT ANSWER QUESTIONS PERSONALLY QUESTIONS ANSWER SHE CANNOT THAT SUZIE REGRETS

34 WOMANMAGAZINE.CO.UK , My health story Imnot ashamedof my stammer

Rachel Everard spent her childhood trying to hide her stutter. Now she’s learnt to embrace it... Rachel has found a way to work with s children, we often have absolutely necessary. I had her stammer a habit or an ailment that what I now know is called a embarrasses us. But my covert stammer – one which A infant shame followed is not obvious to everyone, peech and language me throughout my teen because I’d hidden it. herapist, I now work years – and into adulthood. By practising in front of a full time at City Lit, Ever since I learnt to talk, I’ve had mirror, slowly I managed to With her new helping other adults a stammer. And it manifests in very conquer some words, but work colleagues who stammer. different ways. The first memory I have of others I still struggled with. It These days, I’m struggling with my words was saying my meant that when I started a much ore confident – I’ll happily ask name out loud on the first day of primary job in fundraising I’d rarely voice ideas for directions in the street or order a school. I’d struggle with words starting to my boss and making friends was hard. coffee in a café, and I’ll tell people about with R, B, G, D and K in particular and, Growing more and more isolated, my condition. Now, when I stammer, in the years that followed, finally, aged 26, I decided I don’t feel ashamed. school became a nightmare. to join a therapist group at I will always stammer, but it’s not When teachers asked a ‘I’D ONLY City Lit in London, where about overcoming it, it’s about finding question, even if I was certain SPEAK IF they have a specialist centre your peace with it, and that’s what I did. I knew the answer, I was too for stammering therapy. 4 Visit www.citylit.ac.uk/speech-therapy scared to open my mouth. NECESSARY’ Over the next few months, or call 020 7492 2578. Reading out loud was terrifying. I was taught how to manage I’d stand at my desk shaking until my feelings about my stammer and to finally the teacher would take over. embrace the words I felt anxious about, THE FACTS Realising how serious it was, my not avoid them. On one occasion, we went ✱ The cause of stammering is parents took me to see a speech therapist. out to ask members of the public whether unknown, though it’s thought that She told me to practise talking to the they would take part in a survey about differences in the structure and sound of a metronome. It didn’t work. stammering – even just talking to functioning of the brain, along By the time I got to university, my a stranger was a huge step for me. with genetics, may play a part. stammer was affecting me daily – I Of course, my stammer didn’t just ✱ About 1% of UK adults stammer. dreaded making phone calls or speaking disappear, but being surrounded by others ✱ For advice, get in touch with to shop assistants or meeting new people. like me made me feel less ashamed. the British Stammering Association So embarrassed, I learnt to avoid After I finished the course, I left my job at stammering.org. certain words, and I’d only speak when in fundraising and, after studying to be a Point your toes Grab a mocktail Fix that itch 3 Reportedly a Adult soft drinks are making Are you in a constant avourite among it easier to give up the booze. battle against dry Victoria’s Secret From Teetotal G’n’T (£2 for and itchy skin? models, ballet 200ml, ttscompany.co.uk) to Try Suu Balm Rapid WAYS TO barre classes can The Bees Knees alcohol-free Itch Relief Cream help you create sparkling wine (£14.99 for 75ml, BOOST YOUR a more toned, strong (£3.99 for 75cl, lloydspharmacy. and lean body by focusing on ocado.com), com). It relieves HEALTH THIS WEEK contracting specific muscle there’s a healthy the itch in The scientists have spoken! Try groups. Available at gyms tipple to suit minutes with cooling these tips for a healthier life across the country. every palate. and soothing menthol. WORDS: BESS BROWNING. PHOTOS: GETTY IMAGES PHOTOS: BROWNING. BESS WORDS:

WOMANMAGAZINE.CO.UK 35 STARSCOPE Yourstars for the week ahead by Penny Thornton

ARIES 21 Mar – 20 Apr LIBRA 24 Sep – 23 Oct Eclipses are capricious: Whether developments sometimes they change an raise your hopes or dash aspect of your existence in the them, stay neutral. Information best of ways and sometimes they may be wrong, so until you know shake, rattle and roll you. With this for sure neither break out the in mind, keep your wits about you. bubbly nor drape the crepe! For your reading 09058 172557 For your reading 09058 172563

TAURUS 21 Apr – 21 May SCORPIO 24 Oct – 22 Nov It may be easier to give a A new beginning is writ in situation a little more these stars, so don’t lose time to work itself out or allow time promoting ambitions. Be someone a bit more leeway, but brave enough to bring an end to a you would be better taking action situation preventing you from now. Go into self-protection mode. finding real happiness and success. For your reading 09058 172558 For your reading 09058 172564

GEMINI 22 May – 22 Jun SAGITTARIUS 23 Nov – 21 Dec This is not the most If you do not receive straightforward of everything you wanted weeks. If a situation you were not from this week’s events, pour expecting arises out of nowhere, energy into a project that could avoid a knee-jerk response. deliver the goods. Follow your Check the facts and play for time. passion is a cliché for good reason. For your reading 09058 172559 For your reading 09058 172565

CANCER 23 Jun – 23 Jul CAPRICORN 22 Dec – 20 Jan You could be on the The purpose behind any receiving end of an offer unexpected impasse is to that will make a considerable divert you from a course that difference to your future. Look would in the end be wrong for for what is missing, what is not you. Some things we can change; there, rather than what is.. some things we can’t. For your reading 09058 172560 For your reading 09058 172566

LEO 24 Jul – 23 Aug AQUARIUS 21 Jan – 19 Feb Some Leos may be A solar eclipse in your sign celebrating marriage, inspires big changes. In while others could be facing the most cases any changes will be of fact that a relationship has not immediate benefit but if you get got what it takes to work. Either knocked off your perch, lick your way, no need to rush. wounds and get back up there. For your reading 09058 172561 For your reading 09058 172567

VIRGO 24 Aug – 23 Sep PISCES 20 Feb – 20 Mar There are going to be Confusion surrounds some very happy Virgos! certain aspects of your Unexpected proposals and gifts existence and until it clears you could be in the mix. However, if should avoid committing yourself. you’re not feeling loved-up, remind Waiting for absolute certainty yourself that all things change… never did anyone any harm. For your reading 09058 172562 For your reading 09058 172568

Starlines are updated every Saturday. Calls cost 80p per minute plus your telephone company’s network access charge and last about 4 minutes. Users must be 18+. You must have the bill payer’s permission. Service provider: Spoke. Helpline: 0333 202 3390. PSYCHIC SERVICES Contact our team for intuitive guidance… Call 09063 447986. Love & Relationship Psychic Call 09063 447980 Live Medium Call 09061 746340 Calls cost £1.50 per minute plus your phone company’s network access charge. Callers must be 18+. Lines open 8am-11pm every day – calls outside of these hours will be charged. Maximum length for calls is 19.6 minutes. To text your question to a Live Psychic, text WOMAN followed by your question to 87776. Text readings cost £3, plus standard-rate message. Psychics will promptly reply to all messages. When you text a psychic, you will get marketing messages from Time Inc. (UK) Ltd and Woman. You can reply NOINFO at any time to unsubscribe from marketing messages. Helpline: UK 0333 202 3392 (9am-5pm, Mon-Fri). Service provider: Spoke. All calls recorded. Readings are for entertainment purposes only. Service is regulated by PhonepayPlus.

36 WOMANMAGAZINE.CO.UK From the surgery

Mum-of-three Dr Philippa Ask works in a busy NHS practice and in a private practice Woman’s GP Dr Philippa Kaye answers your burning questions in her surgery this week ‘Am I using too much cream?’ I have eczema and my doctor has concerned by doctors advising them to ‘DO I NEED TO prescribed me a steroid cream. use them sparingly or for as short a QIt says apply sparingly but I’m period as possible due to long-term side TAKE LONG-TERM always worried I’m either putting on effects. But it’s important to use enough too much or not putting on enough – for them to work! A ‘fingertip unit’ is MEDICATION?’ how do I know? used to work out how much to use – Having been hugely Emollients (moisturisers) are the squeeze the cream in a line from the tip overweight for many years, mainstay of treatment in eczema of your finger to the first fingertip crease. QI am now considering having Aand steroids are used to control One fingertip unit is enough to cover an weight-loss surgery. But after flare-ups in the skin. Many people are area of your body twice the size of your the operation will I need to keen to avoid using steroids, or are hand with the fingers held together. take any medications on a long-term basis? Depending on the exact type ‘I’m worried of weight-loss surgery you ‘WHAT HAVE I DONE Ahave you are likely to need to about my take some long-term vitamin and TO MY KNEE?’ mineral supplements. All forms Last week, I was playing daughter’ of weight-loss surgery can interfere football in the park with my with the body’s absorption of Q children and fell over, twisting My three-year-old little girl’s vitamins and minerals and you my knee. It swelled up and was nails seem to be peeling off! are likely to be advised an A-Z painful for a while but seemed to get QShe was unwell a couple of weeks general-type multivitamin and better. The problem is that now I ago with a cold and a rash on her mineral supplement. can’t stand on that leg, it just sort of hands and feet but got better. Will Depending on the particular type gives way. What shoudl I do? they grow back? of surgery that you have you may Go along to your GP to be Peeling nails in young children is need to take other supplements assessed. One of the possibilities actually a quite common occurrence. such as iron tablets, or regular A is that you have damaged one of A The nails become thin and peel off, vitamin B12 injections. You may the cruciate ligaments within the and sometimes you see a white line also need annual blood tests from knee, this often happens falling and before this starts. It can happen after your doctor. You will be advised twisting the joint. Once the initial an upper respiratory tract infection further by a dietician attached to pain and swelling have improved, it (such as a cough or a cold), or a urinary the surgical team. can be as you describe, pain-free but infection, especially if they have a unstable. Your GP is likely to refer temperature. Your daughter may have you to the local musculoskeletal team, had a viral illness called hand, foot and ✱ I’d love to answer any questions who may do an MRI scan. Treatment mouth. If she had a cold, with a rash on you have! Email askdrphilippa@ may involve physiotherapy and her hands and feet and peeling nails, this timeinc.com or write to me at 161 potentially surgery. is quite common. Don’t worry, the nails Marsh Wall, London E14 9AP. will grow back as normal!

Get your sleep Chat away Berry delicious 3 Everyday stresses can You probably don’t need For the ultimate teatime treat, play havoc with our another excuse to get gossiping try a new Nakd Blueberry sleep cycle, and with friends, but research shows Muffin bar (75p, sainsburys.co. getting enough sleep it can boost levels of the uk). Made with 100% natural WAYS TO is vital to our wellbeing. hormone progesterone, which ingredients, they are free Phenergan Night Time reduces anxiety and stress. from added sugar and syrup, BOOST YOUR (£4.79 for 14 tablets, as well as Tesco pharmacies) vegan- HEALTH THIS WEEK can start to work in friendly The scientists have spoken! 20 minutes and help and one Try these easy ways to achieve you to sleep through of your

WORDS: KIRA AGASS. PHOTOS: GETTY, REX. LETTERS PERSONALLY ANSWER SHE CANNOT REGRETS a DR PHILIPPA happier, healthier life… the night. five-a-day!

WOMANMAGAZINE.CO.UK 37 THE VITAMIN D D FOOD PORTION VITAMIN D f you’re struggling to lose MAKE A CHANGE SIZE (mcg) weight, it could be you’re not As well as helping to keep you slim, Herring, raw 140g 26 getting enough vitamin D. vitamin D is also crucial for overall health. Sardines, raw 140g 15.4 ‘Research suggests that Evidence shows that vitamin D deficiency I Trout 140g 14.8 when vitamin D levels are low, may increase your risk of musculoskeletal your body produces less leptin, the and auto-immune disorders, depression, Tinned pilchards 1 can 14 appetite-suppressing hormone,’ says diabetes, heart disease and cancer. (in tomato sauce) nutritionist Rob Hobson, author of Kipper 140g 11.2 Cheats & Eats (£9.99, Healthspan Ltd). Tuna, raw 140g 10.8 ‘This makes it harder to lose weight.’ ROB HOBSON’S Salmon, raw 140g 8.4 In summer, our bodies make vitamin D via sunlight on our skin. But in winter, VITAMIN D DIET RULES Canned salmon Half a can 8 his is much trickier. EAT FOODS THAT CONTAIN VITAMIN D Mushrooms 100g 5 You can’t get all your Choosing foods that are high in this Eggs 2 eggs 1.8 vitamin D needs met vitamin is a simple way of making Bran flakes 30g 1.3 rom food,’ says Rob. sure levels stay topped up. This table Yogurt Small pot 1.3 But combined with (right) shows the top ‘D’ foods we supplements, this should be eating, along with plenty FORTIFIED FOODS Look out, too, diet will enhance of fresh fruit and vegetables for for foods that are fortified with vitamin D, health and help a varied, nutritious diet. You should such as yogurt, soya milk, margarine and you lose weight.’ aim to eat oily fish at least twice a week. chestnut mushrooms. Leave mushrooms WORDS: EVA GIZOWSKA. PHOTOS: GETTY PHOTOS: GIZOWSKA. EVA WORDS:

38 WOMANMAGAZINE.CO.UK Stay fit and well YOUR 7-DAY VITAMIN D WEIGHT-LOSS PLAN DAY 1 BREAKFAST: Boiled Egg on Toast. Lose Spread 1 slice of wholegrain toast with vit D-enriched margarine. Top with sliced boiled egg and parsley. 7lbs in LUNCH: Open Salmon Sandwich. Top 1 slice rye bread with smoked salmon. Enjoy mushroom 7 DAYS! Garnish with rocket and watercress. risotto and an open DINNER: Mushroom Risotto. Sauté salmon sandwich chopped spring onions in oil. Add 70g risotto rice and stock, stirring for 15 mins until fully absorbed. Add peas and chopped mushrooms, then cook on medium until they are done. DAY 2 BREAKFAST: Bran Flakes. Serve 40g bran flakes with blueberries, soya milk (fortified with vit D) and seeds. Burn fat faster and LUNCH: Spicy Baked Eggs. Sauté boost your mood chopped onions, chilli and garlic in olive oil. Stir in 1/2 can tomatoes. DAY 4 with nutritionist Rob Simmer for 5-8 mins. Crack in 2 eggs. BREAKFAST: Smoked Salmon on Cover and cook, then add coriander. Rye Bread. Top 1 slice of rye bread Hobson’s exclusive diet DINNER: Chilli. Sauté onions. Add with smoked salmon. Garnish with 125g lean minced beef, kidney beans some fresh dill, mixed with a dollop and chilli powder. Cook until done, of plain yogurt (fortified with vit D). then top with 1tbsp plain yogurt LUNCH: Jacket Potato with Egg (fortified with vit D). Mayo. Bake 1 medium potato. Top with 1 chopped boiled egg, mixed with 1tsp mayonnaise. Serve with a small green salad. DAY 3 DINNER: Chicken with Shiitake BREAKFAST: Mushroom and Feta and Broccoli. Grill 1 chicken breast. Omelette. Sauté chopped chestnut Serve with shiitake mushrooms, IET mushrooms, whisk in 2 eggs and fry broccoli and wild rice. in sunlight to increase vitamin D levels. both sides, then top with 20g feta. SUNLIGHT You need to spend about LUNCH: Grilled Mushrooms. Grill 20-30 minutes in sunshine to get enough portobello mushrooms topped with vitamin D, longer if you have dark skin. halloumi. Serve in wholemeal pittas DAY 5 Ideally, you leave bare about 50% of skin with chopped red onion and lettuce. BREAKFAST: Nutty Porridge. Cook (face, arms, legs) for maximum exposure. DINNER: Salmon with Watercress 40g oats with soya milk (fortified CHECK YOUR VITAMIN D STATUS Sauce. Blend 50g watercress with with vit D). Top with walnuts. If you’re concerned that you may be 2tbsp crème fraîche and lemon juice. LUNCH: Tofu and Vegetable Stir-Fry. deficient in vitamin D, consult your GP. Serve with salmon and potatoes. Stir-fry chopped tofu and vegetables You can also get a DIY blood spot test (like green beans, asparagus, corn) from vitamindtest.org.uk. in oil, with chilli, garlic and ginger. STAY TOPPED UP The current RDA is DINNER: Smoked Mackerel 10mcg (400 iu) of vitamin D, but you Kedgeree. Sauté onions with curry can safely take up to 25mcg. Pregnant powder. Add cooked rice, peas and women, children under 5, the over-65s flaked smoked mackerel. Heat, then and anyone with naturally dark skin op with chopped boiled egg. (which absorbs less sunlight) should also take a supplement. Choose D3, as this is utilized more effectively than D2. Try Super Strength Vitamin D3, £12.95 for DAY 6 &7 240 tablets, or Super D Vitamin Gummy, epeat any two days of your choice. £10.95 for 90, both healthspan.co.uk.

Tofu and vegetable stir-fry WOMANMAGAZINE.CO.UK 39 Press the pause button TrickyCrossword

ustralian funny woman ANSWERS

Rebel Wilson, star

A Pitch Perfect malaria from Suffering

of the

films, has said that she was Three-wordanswer:

Bird Brass One-way

62 59

inspired to become an actress 58

Placid Bestman Spreads

55 53

after having hallucinations 52

Incident Chin Sugarcane

49 47

about being an Oscar–winner 46

Manhattan Pilgrimage

45

when she was doing what? 44

Smash Smash Mummy Unaware 41 37 34

Coleslaw Footnote Prize 32 31 27

Fourteen Ringlet Princess

26 25

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Acid Timepiece ACROSS Object 18 10 9

Offloads Stir-fry Superglue

8 7

11 ---ofWessex,official 6 Half Tsars Penguin

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title of Sophie, Prince 3 Entrance Forest

2 Edward’s wife (8) 1 Down:

12 Fully grown (5) Shanghai Donor

66

13 Material (6) 65 Ration Ration Meet Cabaret

64 63

14 Expensive (4) 61 Straddle Straddle Bedroom Captain

60 57

15 Long-necked animal (7) 56 Ship Clown Duchess

54 51

16 Mitigated, eased (8) 50 Javelin Palm Mat

48 44

17 Paint letters or designs 43 Magnum Magnum Knotted Emu

42 40

using a template (7) 39 Asia 36Lion Zoo Acquire

38 35

18 Large North African 33 Refund Ore Sing Ostrich

30 29 28

country (7) 24 Antique Spain Trim

23 21

19 Clip neatly (4) 19 Algeria Stencil Relieved

18 17

21 Barcelona’s country (5) 16 Giraffe Dear Fabric

15 14

23 Old, valuable item (7) 13 Adult Countess

12 11 24 World’s largest 62 Across: Down (7) 28 Perform vocally (4) 29 Rock mined for its metal content (3) 57 Sleeping chamber (7) 6 Extra-strong sticky 37 Embalmed body, 30 Return payment (6) 60 Stand with one foot stuff (9) especially in Egyptian 33 Obtain, get hold of (7) either side (8) 7 Dish cooked rapidly tombs (5) 35 Menagerie of animals (3) 61 Nightclub show (7) in a wok (4-3) 41 Break to bits (5) 36 Big cat (4) 63 Rendezvous (4) 8 Lightens a cargo, or 44 Devotee’s journey to 38 Largest continent (4) 64 Fixed allowance, often gets rid of a burden (8) a sacred place (10) 39 Large Australian 62 limited (6) 9 Express a protest (6) 45 New York island Down (3) 65 Giver, of blood for 10 Watch or clock (9) borough (9) 40 Tied together (7) instance (5) 18 Corrosive material (4) 46 Plant that is a source 42 Double-sized bottle 66 Major Chinese sea 20 South American of sweet stuff (6,4) or chocolate-covered port (8) mountain range (5) 47 Facial feature, with ice cream (6) 22 ---Royal,official title whiskers perhaps (4) 43 Small carpet (3) of Anne, the Queen’s 49 Happening, event (8) 44 Part of the hand (4) È DOWN daughter (8) 52 Scatters in all 48 Track and field spear (7) 25 Small curl of hair (7) directions (7) 50 ---ofCornwall, official 1 Large and thickly- 26 Number of pounds 53 Bridegroom’s sidekick title of Camilla, Prince wooded area (6) in a stone (8) on the big day (4,3) Charles’s wife (7) 2 Bewitching and 27 Winnings or award (5) 55 Calm, docile (6) 51 Comedian working in beguiling (10) 31 Comment at the 58 Road system with no the Big Top (5) 3 Antarctic 62 Down (7) bottom of a page (8) oncoming cars (3-3) 54 Seagoing vessel (4) 4 Russian emperors in 32 Shredded cabbage 59 Alloy of copper and 56 Commander of a 54 days gone by (5) salad (8) zinc (5) Across (7) 5 Fifty per cent (4) 34 Not conscious of (7) 62 Feathered animal (4)

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40 WOMANMAGAZINE.CO.UK Women like you Welost 37st… For these five women, losing weight was about more than the numbers on the scales. After tackling their medical worries head-on, they’re making the most of every moment…

WOMANMAGAZINE.CO.UK 41 Women like you …and rebooted our ‘ANXIETY NO LONGER HOLDS ME BACK’ ‘NO-ONE’S TALKING Aysha Thomson, 37, lives SURGERY NOW’ in Stirlingshire with her Izzie Kennedy, 18, lives in East Sussex husband Mark and her with her mum and brother. children Jamie, 13, and As I sat and listened anxiously, the Louise, seven. specialist said, ‘At some point in the I’ll never forget the day future a transplant might be required. a girl pushed me off the parked If you don’t lose weight, the next step school bus shouting, ‘You’re too could be gastric bypass surgery.’ heavy, the bus can’t take it!’ From the age of four, I’d started Years passed and though gaining weight steadily, and when I tried to put school behind me, I started secondary school, I’d buy my anxiety didn’t go away. At extra snacks to eat on the way home. nearly 19st, I’d only leave the At 15 years old and 20st 11lb, I sat in house to drop the kids at school. front of that specialist and learnt that Then my grandfather, who my weight was the main reason I’d I called Papa, became ill. I was AYSHA’S developed non-alcoholic fatty liver visiting him in hospital when VITALS disease – which can lead to cirrhosis. he said, ‘I’m not scared of dying Height: 5ft 9in I knew I didn’t want surgery, but because I’ve lived a wonderful life Weight: 9st 12lb I resisted when Mum joined Slimming – now, lass, it’s time that you started Lost: 9st World and asked me to come with her. getting out and living yours.’ It was with A few weeks later, I took the plunge his words ringing in my ears that I walked and I loved it. into a Slimming World group. In September 2016, weighing With each stone lost over the months around 12st 7lb, I had a follow-up that followed, my self-esteem grew and appointment and the results showed anxiety began to lose its grip on my life. my weight loss had reversed the In two years I lost 9st. I often think about effects of the liver disease. Now I feel how proud Papa would be of me. I’m out like my whole life is ahead of me. living my life, and it feels amazing!

worse – I often needed prescription ‘I’M AN ACTIVE AND painkillers. My job as a legal secretary meant I was at my desk all day and, when LYNDSAY’S PAIN-FREE MUM’ I eventually got home, I’d feel so tired that VITALS Lyndsay Burns, 43, is a legal I’d heat up a ready meal or a pie and oven Height: 5ft 5in secretary. She lives in Lancashire with chips, and spend the evening on the sofa. Weight: 10st 2lb her husband Paul and their children Enough was enough, and in April 2016, Lost: 4st 131/2lb Callum, 18, and Abigail, 11. just a few days later, I joined Slimming As my husband Paul and World. Paul started joining me on slow daughter Abi bounded up walks, then brisk walks, then jogs. At first the hill ahead of me, I had to my back would twinge and I felt as though stop. The pain in my back was my lungs would burst, but with Paul intense, and I felt my cheeks spurring me on, I persevered. burning as they came to check Months later I was at home with Abi on me. Even though I hadn’t when she gave me a big, spontaneous hug. exercised for years, it was ‘Mum,’ she said. ‘Now I can get my arms all a shock to realise the gentle the way around you!’ That gave me just slopes were too much for me. the boost I needed to lose those final Back home, I sat in the living pounds, and to join a gym. Finally I felt room brooding. My chronic fit and happy in my size-12 clothes. Now back problems had become I’m the one dragging my family up hills! ‘I’M IN CONTROL DEBBIE’S OF MY DIABETES’ VITALS lives! Debbie Chrich, 53, Height: 5ft 5in is a carer. She lives Weight: 11st 2lb in Nottinghamshire Lost: 9st 31/2lb with her husband Stephen, and they have three grown-up children. My sister Miriam’s eyes brimmed with tears. ‘Debbie, I’m so scared I’m going to lose you,’ she said. I’d just told her how IZZIE’S’S hard going to the VITALS supermarket had Height: 5ft 10in become. Although Weight: 11st 4lb I was driven to the Lost: 9st 61/2lb door and picked up, I’d fall into the car, gasping. I’d been diagnosed with type 2 diabetes in September 2012. I managed it with medication, but at 20st 6lb I was finding everyday tasks impossible. Miriam suggested that we join Slimming World. So I went, and embraced food shopping. Eventually, I was doing the three-mile trip to the supermarket on foot. And as my blood sugar returned to normal, my doctor took me off diabetes medication. Read more in I’ve dropped eight dress sizes, I’m Slimming World controlling my diabetes, and I look and magazine, on sale now on the feel like a different person. newsstand and in Slimming World groups. To find your nearest group, visit Just two slimmingworld.co.uk or ‘I CAN BREATHE EASY months after call 0344 897 8000. joining, I was AFTER 30 YEARS’ diagnosed with a Karen Noble, 60, lives in West Sussex. hernia and my breathing problems She has three grown-up children and became worse. So when Caroline four grandchildren. suggested a Pilates class, I was dubious. I’d started overeating as a child and it She convinced me to give it a try, and it continued into adulthood, when I turned was only a few weeks before I found I to sugary snacks to help me cope with could master some quite difficult moves. the stresses of my job as As I got stronger, it seemed my hernia a senior social worker. As was troubling me less. Then, as I carried my weight increased, the on losing weight, I noticed my asthma asthma I’d had for years was getting better than it had been for got worse too, and I’d feel 30 years, and my GP was happy for me breathless climbing the to stop my daily preventer inhaler. stairs to my first floor flat. In 18 months, I lost more than 4st and When my daughter I revelled in the compliments I got at KAREN’S Jenny set a wedding date, Jenny’s wedding, feeling wonderful in VITALS I told my friend Caroline a fitted, size-10 dress. I love my regular Height: 5ft 3in how I wished I could be Pilates classes, but the best exercise Weight: 9st 12lb slimmer for the photos, has to be racing around with my young Lost: 4st 10lb and she took me to her grandchildren. I’m no longer held back WORDS: KEVIN DONALD. PHOTOS: PAUL BULLER/SLIMMING WORLD BULLER/SLIMMING PAUL PHOTOS: KEVIN DONALD. WORDS: Slimming World group. by my asthma, or my weight!

WOMANMAGAZINE.CO.UK 43 Made with LOVE Keep your Valentinesweet with one of these rich and luscious chocolate treats – it’ll be love at first bite!

Food Ed’s tip Replace the raspberry on top with a chocolate Squidgy choccy almond cupcakes heart (Dr Oetker, supermarkets) There’s no flour in these cakes, so they’re gluten-free!

MAKES 12 PREP 20 MINS ✱ 12 raspberries In a separate bowl, whisk 4 Put the soft cheese and COOK 25 MINS ✱ 2tbsp redcurrant jelly the egg yolks and sugar vanilla bean paste into a ✱ 250g dark chocolate, together with an electric bowl. Gradually sift in the broken into squares 1 Heat the oven to 180°C, mixer for about 5 mins until icing sugar and cocoa, while ✱ 6 eggs, separated Gas 4. Line a 12-hole muffin thick and pale. Stir in the stirring until smooth. ✱ 200g golden caster sugar tin with paper muffin cases. melted chocolate and 5 Pipe large swirls of frosting ✱ 150g ground almonds Put the chocolate in a ground almonds. Gently onto the cooled cupcakes and FOR THE FROSTING heatproof bowl over a pan fold in the egg whites until top with a raspberry. Warm ✱ 500g tub full-fat of simmering water. Heat they’re evenly combined. the redcurrant jelly and brush soft cheese gently to melt, remove from 3 Divide the mixture between over the raspberries, to glaze. ✱ 2tsp vanilla bean paste the heat and stir until smooth. the muffin cases and bake for Per serving: 610 cals, ✱ 350g golden icing sugar 2 Whisk the egg whites until 25 mins, until just firm. Leave 37g fat (18g saturated), ✱ 50g cocoa, sifted softly peaking; set aside. to cool completely. 60g carbohydrates

44 WOMANMAGAZINE.CO.UK Valentine’s treats Decadent dark chocolate & salted caramel tart This tart is much easier to make than it looks

SERVES 12 PREP 30 MINS baking beans, rice or COOK 20 MINS dried beans and bake for ✱ 320g ready-rolled sheet 15 mins. Remove the paper sweet shortcrust pastry and beans, and cook for ✱ 1 /2tsp Maldon sea salt a further 5 mins until crisp ✱ 397g can caramel and golden. Leave to cool. ✱ 175g dark chocolate, 3 Mix the salt into the caramel, broken into squares then spoon it into the pastry ✱ 200ml double cream case and spread evenly. ✱ 4tsp runny honey 4 Put the chocolate into a ✱ 90g butter, cubed bowl. Heat the cream and honey in a pan until steaming. 1 Heat the oven to 180°C, Pour over the chocolate and Gas 4. Unroll the sheet of stir until melted and smooth. pastry and use to line a Gradually stir in the butter 23cm loose-based flan tin, until melted. Pour the pressing (but not stretching) chocolate mixture over the pastry into the base and the caramel and chill for sides. Chill for 10 mins before 4-6 hours or overnight. trimming off the excess. Per serving: 432 cals, 2 Line the pastry case with 27g fat (16g saturated),

COMPILED BY: NICHOLA PALMER. PHOTOS: TIMEINCUKCONTENT.COM PHOTOS: NICHOLA PALMER. BY: COMPILED baking paper and fill with 34g carbohydrates

Food Ed’s tip If possible, make this the day before so it firms up and slices easily

Berry vodka choc shots

Vodka-soaked berries with silky chocolate mousse – delish!

SERVES 6 PREP 20 MINS chocolate, turn off the COOK 5 MINS heat after a couple of mins ✱ 200g mixed berries and stir until the chocolate ✱ 2tsp vodka is melted. Set aside. ✱ 2tbsp icing sugar 3 Whisk the egg whites until ✱ 200ml double cream softly peaking, then gradually ✱ 100g 70% dark chocolate, whisk in the sugar. broken into pieces 4 Gently fold one third of the ✱ 4 egg whites whisked egg whites into the ✱ 25g golden caster sugar chocolate until evenly mixed, then fold in the remainder. 1 Heat the berries with Spoon the chocolate mousse the vodka and icing sugar into the glasses and enjoy Food Ed’s tip for 3 mins to soften. Divide straightaway or chill until This serves 6, the fruit and the juices ready to serve. but any leftovers between 6 shot glasses. Per serving: 314 cals, will keep in 2 Gently heat the cream 23g fat (14g saturated), the fridge for in a separate pan. Add the 22g carbohydrates another day

WOMANMAGAZINE.CO.UK 45 What’s new in food

Spread the love For a long, lazy breakfast, serve Bonne Maman’s Limited Edition Cheri Conserve, made with juicy black cherries. £2.89, 370g, Sainsbury’s, Waitrose, Tesco, Morrisons, Asda and Ocado (until the end of Feb). HOT GASTRO-PUB STYLE Next time you have burger and BUYS chips, make it a gourmet one served on a board with a mini GET NAKED metal basket for the chips. Long handled Bamboo Serving WITH HECK Board, £3.50, Chip Basket Look out for TO TRY Server, £2, both from wilko.com. Heck’s skinless chicken and pork sausages, coming soon to Asda. Cook them as they are or use them as an ingredient for easy meals. They’re gluten-free, dairy-free, with less than 3% fat. Heck Naked Chicken Sauasages and Pork Sausages, £2.99, Asda (from 21 Feb).

Gluten-free Booze news Tryatrend For a classy pink fizz at a half loaves great price you can’t beat Genius has introduced two new Aldi’s Chateau De CHIA SEEDS gluten-free half loaves to its Champteloup Cremant De A sprinkle of chia seeds is the easy way to give range, Wholesome Five Seeded Loire Rose, £7.99. It’s a great your diet a boost of fibre, protein, omega-3 fatty and Toastie. The slices are the alternative to champagne acids and minerals such as calcium and magnesium. same size as the full version – and delicious served chilled They’re tiny seeds that can be sprinkled on there’s just fewer of them, with a slice of strawberry porridge, salads, soups and desserts. Why not helping to cut down on in the glass. shake a few over a pile of pancakes with The Chia food waste. £1.75, most Co Chia Shaker, £4.30, 230g, Sainsbury’s. supermarkets.

3 Not seen that before… VALENTINE’S Co-op Asda DINE-IN £6 – choose a main M&S £15 – includes MEALS 1 (ranch steaks, £20 – includes a 3 starter, main, two lasagne or 2 good selection of sides, dessert and mushroom starters, mains, sides, a bottle of red, wellingtons) and desserts, bottle of white or sparkling two other items wine or fizz plus a wine from Asda’s (including sides and box of choc hearts, Extra Special desserts). Available saving up to £15. range. Available until 20 Feb. Available 9-14 Feb. 8-15 Feb. COMPILED BY: NICHOLA PALMER BY: COMPILED

46 WOMANMAGAZINE.CO.UK DON’T MISS A THING THIS G G OUT WEEK

Friends Alek, Anthony and Spencer play themselves

TheBIG film

The 15:17 to Paris PERFECT On 21 August 2015, US FOR tourists Anthony Sadler, Lovers of Alek Skarlatos and Spencer real-life Stone faced a terrorist drama attack aboard a train to Paris. With their heroic actions, they helped to save more than 500 passengers. Clint Eastwood directs Anthony Sadler is one this new biographical drama, of three tourists who which stars Sadler, Skarlatos confront a terrorist

PHOTOS: REX FEATURES PHOTOS: and Stone as themselves. on a train to Paris OUT 9 FEBRUARY  Gripping THEATRE Long Day’s Journey Live in Into Night CONCERT Jeremy Irons and Oscar nominee Lesley Manville star in this Pulitzer Prize-winning play by Eugene O’Neill about the trials U2 and tribulations of the Tyrone family. The rock legends 4 Wyndham’s Theatre, see are coming to FESTIVAL VIBES londontheatre.co.uk for more info Manchester and London this October and Cheese Fest UK – tickets are now on sale. The new Manchester tour follows the Coming to Manchester for the first recent release of time, this event is bound to make all the band’s 14th cheese lovers melt! Cheese wheels, studio album gooey mozzarella sticks, halloumi PERFECT Songs of fries and more will be available from FOR Experience. the UK’s finest dairy traders. Fans of 4 Tickets from 4 24 February, cheesefestuk.com classic livenation.co.uk rock

WOMANMAGAZINE.CO.UK 47 STAYIN N Well, who

The all-star cast includes Billie Piper

The5 big TV’S top picks COLLATERAL BBC2 pizza delivery man is randomly shot Carey Mulligan has starred dead in a south London street. Other 1in some huge Hollywood top actors play characters from the movies in recent years but neighbourhood, including John Simm she’s now back on British telly in this as the local Labour MP and Billie four-part thriller. She’s playing DI Kip Piper as his troubled ex-wife who Carey Mulligan is back Glaspie, a former champion pole ordered the pizza, while Nicola on our TV screens in vaulter, who investigates when a Walker is the parish vicar. this four-parter

Corrie SOAP BUBBLE Hello, Mum! EastEnders Michelle Connor gets a shock when she meets her estranged Can Max be kept away biological son Alex, who was from Abi’s funeral? switched at birth with Ryan. Max’s family concoct a story to Emmerdale keep him away from Abi’s funeral, but will Max find out the Laurel comes clean secret location of the funeral When Laurel confesses to and gatecrash it? Harriet about her and Bob, the vicar urges Bob to tell Brenda. Jay tries to calm a But he does a flit instead... distraught Max

48 WOMANMAGAZINE.CO.UK DON’T doesn’tlikeanight on the sofa? MISS A THING Best of the rest THIS

SHETLAND WEEK TUESDAY, BBC1 2 Douglas Henshall returns as DI Jimmy Perez. His new case sees him investigate the 1994 death of a teenage girl when a local man has his murder conviction quashed after 23 years.

SURVIVAL 3OF THE FITTEST ITV2 This new challenge FUN show, hosted by Laura FACT Whitmore, sees two You may recognise teams of singletons living Lydia as Mimi Morton together in the South from the BBC’s African savannah, battling Ripper Street… it out in a series of tough daily challenges.

HOLBY CITY Lydia Wilson 4 TUESDAY, BBC1 Widower Fletch is in emotional turmoil again ‘Filming Requiem was very and things come to a head when he stops his tough and quite surreal’ daughter Evie going on a Lydia is currently starring as troubled cellist Matilda date. When his colleague in BBC1’s supernatural thriller Requiem… Jac steps in to calm him down, things become a How would you I wasn’t so vulnerable, little intimate… describe Matilda? I remember thinking, Something huge is ‘Why am I crying?’ missing from her life and TRAUMA an integral part of her is Did you notice anything WEDS, ITV empty. She’s filled with spooky while filming? 5 John Simm grief over her mother’s There were some odd and Adrian Lester suicide, which leaves her things when we filmed play fathers Dan and at a crossroads. She around the old mansion Jon, whose lives could either fall apart, or in Wales. There were a lot tragically collide in as we saw from midway of dead birds, everyone this three-part through the first episode, in the cast got a stye, and thriller. When Dan’s she could channel her I woke up one morning son Alex is stabbed sadness into an obsessive with sand in my bed and then dies in the search for her true identity. shaped like an angel. trauma department I don’t know how it got under Jon’s care, You’re in nearly every there. It was very weird. a distraught Dan scene. Was that hard? blames Jon and Filming Requiem was Why would you say seeks justice… very tough and quite Requiem is unique? surreal. Because Matilda These days some drama is in a state of shock, her can be formulaic but this skin is very thin, and that is different. It’s unfamiliar puts her at the mercy of and uncomfortable. the world. I didn’t realise It’s fantastic to make that until I had a week off something that’s so bold. in the middle of filming. 4 Requiem, Fridays, During that week, when 9pm, BBC1 PHOTOS: BBC, ITV, GETTY BBC, ITV, PHOTOS:

WOMANMAGAZINE.CO.UK 49 Colourcrush From fuchsia pinks to lime greens, there’s a shade to suit all styles...

50 WOMANMAGAZINE.CO.UK Interiors

Mug, £12, Oliver Bonas Use accessories as bold accents in neutral colour schemes

Jewellery box, £16, MW Matthew Williamson Wall clock, £74.38, at Debenhams Oak Furnitureland Cushion, £9.99, Lamp, £94, Home Sense Oak Furnitureland

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Notebook, £4.77, TK Maxx Lotus flower and orchid in container,

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Vase, £26, Oliver Bonas

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WOMANMAGAZINE.CO.UK 51 Our expert, Lara Lewington, gives her verdict on the TECH latest innovations to make your life easier. Follow Lara on Twitter SAVVY @LaraLewington APP OF THE WEEK SketchAR (free, App Store, 3 of the best Google Play) f you’re as bad at art as am, then this could give you the skill you’ve been SMALL DEVICES lusting after since your school days. OK, I guess it’s kind of cheating, but… this augmented reality drawing app THAT ARE BIG is amazing. Holding your device above paper, it can guide you to draw things you never believed your hand could ON SOUND create. Simple to set up, you just choose your image and the scale, and you’re off. GREAT GIFT! The GoXtreme Vision 4K Ultra HD Action Camera (£99.99, Argos) This 4k ultra-high-definition action camera is ideal for capturing your most daring activities. A 170° angle lens and four-times optical zoom are neatly packed inside a housing that is waterproof to 30m. ARE THEY WORTH IT? Avanca Minim Wireless Earbuds and although the sound (£89, amazon.co.uk) may be better, these are 1I test a lot of earphones, and this is a cool piece of tech at this BECAUSE YOU CAN... a pair of truly wireless ones – without price point. They simply Ulla (£19.60, ulla.io) even a cord to connect one ear to the connect via Bluetooth to This small device, that can attach to any other. If the idea of losing one is going your smartphone, providing sort of bottle, contains sensors to track to send you into a panic, then short of up to 12 hours of audio, with when you’re taking a sip, so if it’s been wearing a woolly hat over them, the absolute freedom to move too long and it figures you need a spot concept may be too much for you. But around (within Bluetooth of hydration, it’ll flash to remind you. Yes, the fit is pretty good, with a choice of range). When you’re not I know what you’re thinking, but it’s based sized bud covers, and with just a little wearing them, they can be on the idea that you should be drinking twist into position, they should sit stored, and charged, in their before you’re actually thirsty, as at that

PHOTO: GETTY PHOTO: comfortably. I’ve tried pricier versions, handy storage capsule. point you’re already dehydrated. AND THE OTHERS… Sony Extra OXX Clip Bass SRS-XB10 (£49, Amazon) 2 (£39.99, Argos) 3 The world’s A water-resistant mini smallest DAB and FM speaker for boosting radio, this has eight bass on the go. Charged hours of DAB or DAB+ via USB, it connects playtime and 22 hours through Bluetooth of FM play. Pop it in or 3.5mm socket. your pocket and go!

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t wasn’t until February 2012 that so I bought I heard about online bingo and some new decided that I wanted to give it stone tiles for I a go for myself. Being able to the kitchen play from the comfort of my floor, a new own home sounded very appealing wardrobe for My children Tristan, then 10, and the bedroom Joshua, nine, were always playing on a and a log games console with their dad Steve, 48. burner for I’d often feel the odd one out but realised the living with online bingo I could be a part of room. That my computer-playing household – just way, the whole family could enjoy it. instead of racing cars or saving the world, After that big win I was mainly playing ‘I’ve won I could load up bingo on my laptop. for fun – winning would have been an And I could fit it into my evening bonus. But in October 2017, it happened routine after getting dinner again! I’d bought some tickets £15,830’ ready and the boys clothes for Sapphire one evening and sorted for school. ‘EVEN THOUGH although I had my laptop in Penny Reynolds, 42, from I looked around at a front of me I was distracted Nottinghamshire, has won four jackpots couple of different sites, but I WAS PLAYING by one of the soaps on the TV. Since I joined Woman Bingo in there was a great offer with Only when an advert break January 2008, I’ve had not one but a Woman Bingo where if you AT HOME, IT WAS came on and I glanced at the whopping four jackpot wins, the most deposited £10 you’d get £35 SO SOCIABLE’ screen did I notice I had just recent one last April. to play with. So I signed up. three numbers left to match I work in HR, so my time to play is in Best of all, there were chat rooms you – it really took me by surprise. the evenings, when I want to relax and could join to speak to the other members. As the dabber continued to mark off the have some me time. That night, I was on Even though I was playing at home, it numbers, I matched another, and another my final game of Bingo Lounge – I always was still so sociable. then my final number. ‘I’ve just won £1,000 pre-buy my tickets so I can watch them I’d had a couple of small wins over the again!’ I told Steve, showing him my screen. being ticked off while I chat – and just years but in February 2016 that all changed. three numbers away from the jackpot. I’d pre-bought a ticket for Sapphire Bingo This feels familiar... As they were called out, I realised I’d and as the dabber called out the numbers We were both in so much shock – I’d won I’d won a massive £2,190 – which seemed they began matching with mine. Within the jackpot not once, but twice! like an incredible amount of money minutes, the game was over and I’d won This time I bought new coats and shoes given I’d only spent 50p on tickets! £1,250! It was incredible and soon for the boys. I’ve got three older children But this isn’t the only time I’ve won afterwards messages came flooding in too, and six grandchildren, so it also on the site – in total I’ve won £15,830 in from other players in the chat rooms helped with buying Christmas presents. jackpots! In 2012, I won £2,262, and in congratulating me on my win. I even had some left over to go on 2013 I had two big jackpot wins, scooping Steve was so thrilled for me when I told a trip with my mum and auntie. It was £6,764 and £4,614 on separate occasions. him, but I already knew exactly what I was so nice being able to share my winnings I seem to have spent most of my

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55 The soul of Sardinia The Italian island is a paradise for gourmet and sun-seekers alike Su Gologone’s pool overlooks a valley

TAKE A BREAK For something completely different, you could do worse than heading inland to the Hotel Su Gologone. WHY GO? THE COAST WITH THE MOST Founded first as a restaurant in the If you’ve done Italy to death but not yet It’s easy to see why the breathtaking 1950s by The Pasqua family, this visited the island of Sardinia, what’s taken Costa Smeralda is nicknamed the rustic white-walled hotel spreads you so long? With the same tradition of Caribbean of Europe. With turquoise across the valley beneath Monte good food, great wine, and the bella vita waters, sandy coves and a vibe so Corrasi, next to the Su Gologone as the mainland, Sardinia also boasts laidback the locals are practically spring. Now managed by the a glorious coastline with some of the horizontal, this area of Sardinia at the Pasquas’ daughter, Giovanna, the most beautiful beaches in the Med. north of the island stretches across the hotel is home to her extensive art And although the southern capital straits to nearby Corsica. As well as collection and houses a Bottega del Cagliari is its best known tourist boasting posh Porto Cervo, founded Arte arts and crafts workshop-cum- destination, there’s a wealth of wonders by Prince Agha Khan as a millionaire’s boutique. Next door is the stunning in the north of the island too… playground in the 1950s, the region Tablao de Blanca bar, with also features the historical delights of comfy sofas and killer Sip a cocktail at the Arzachena, which boasts a collection of cocktails set amid the literally Tablao de Blanca bar archaeological sites from the ancient awesome view of the Nuragic age of around 1500BC. surrounding mountains. Free activites are offered for guests, WHERE TO STAY including stargazing and Along the coast, just past the village of bread-making demonstrations Cannigione is the Hotel Relais Villa Del in the Nide del Pane showing Golfo & Spa. With 64 rooms, this resort how to make the traditional boasts a boutique feel on a luxury scale, pane carasau. Tours of the with friendly staff and sweeping vistas of local area and yoga classes are the coastline. For true relaxation, visit the also available for a fee. hotel spa, while sea dogs should take a

56 WOMANMAGAZINE.CO.UK Getting away from it all

SARDINIAN SPECIALITIES PANE CARASAU A traditional thin and crispy flatbread, best enjoyed covered in salt and olive oil when it becomes ‘pane guttiau’.

MIRTO After-dinner liqueur made from myrtle berries. Cheers!

SEADAS Cheese encased in pastry, deep-fried and covered in honey. Sounds strange, but tastes delicious.

GET ME THERE! SU PORCHEDDU Citalia (01293 831970, citalia. Suckling pig roasted on com) has a seven-night holiday to a spit for hours. North Sardinia, from £1,299pp. It includes four nights at the Hotel MALLOREDDUS Relais Villa Del Golfo & Spa on a B&B Small pasta shapes, basis and three nights at Hotel Su enjoyed with tomato Gologone half board. Offer also sauce and sausages. includes car hire and return flights from London trip out of the bay on the hotel’s 53ft Gatwick. yacht, BonAria. We spent the day swimming in the sea surrounding the glorious Maddalena archipelago, sunbathing on board and enjoying a tour of the local sites, pointed out by our skipper, the deeply knowledgeable Australian-born Sardinian local Andrew. Try modern Sardinian A luxury suite at the FOOD FIRST food at the Miraluna Relais Villa Del Golfo The hotel has two restaurants, with The Relais has stunning the elegant Miraluna on-site offering views of the coastline modern takes on the region’s best produce such as a deliciously salty seafood pasta soup and dark chocolate mousse paired with a Jersualem artichoke foam. Then there’s the traditional La Colti farmhouse, a 10- minute drive from the hotel by complimentary shuttle, which showcases classic rural dishes. Here, we enjoyed a four-course menu of Sardinian specialities from the farm’s own vegetables and animals in the adjacent fields. Suckling pig was a real highlight, especially as we enjoyed it fresh from the roasting spit. Delizioso! Planet celebrity

Gordon Ramsay The fiery chef became a household name in the UK for his cooking shows, including Boiling Point and Hell’s Kitchen. After several years of TV success at home, Gordon caught the attention of US bosses. In 2005, Fox introduced the 51-year-old to America with a version of Hell’s Kitchen. The trip Judi Dench Stateside was Born and raised in such a success Yorkshire, the actress that Gordon made her stage debut in now lives 1957 and became one of there in a £4.3 Britain’s most significant million mansion. theatre performers. But it was her 1995 role as M in Golden Eye that catapulted her into international fame. Brits that m STATE These homegrown stars have achieved big-time success across the pond Patsy Palmer She played fiery Bianca Jackson in EastEnders before relocating to LA in 2014. Patsy now rubs shoulders with the likes of Cindy Robert Kazinsky Crawford, and Best known as Stacey Slater’s it was recently brother, Sean, on EastEnders, reported her Rob became popular among son Fenton American audiences in Brothers Merkell is & Sisters, then in True Blood. dating the And he’s since gone on to star supermodel’s as Reese Witherspoon’s love daughter Hot Pursuit. WORDS: GRACE HENRY. PHOTOS: GETTY IMAGES, REX FEATURES GETTY IMAGES, PHOTOS: HENRY. GRACE WORDS: interest in 2015 film Kaia Gerber.

58 WOMANMAGAZINE.CO.UK Cat Deeley Back in the late 90s, Cat, 41, was Ant and Dec’s sidekick on SM:TV Live. She began her American Helen dream on So You Think You Can Dance in 2006, has appeared as a Mirren guest judge on America’s Next Top Born to a working class Model and has even found herself mother and civil servant on Ellen DeGeneres’ TV sofa. father, Helen started her acting career in 1967. Mark Wright She went on to receive After rising to fame on TOWIE in 2010, her damehood in 2003 the perma-tanned hunk kicked off his and then landed a star presenting career on Take Me Out: The on the Hollywood Walk Gossip. And the hard work paid off, as made it of Fame in 2013. Mark’s swapped Brentwood for Sunset ESIDE Boulevard with a job on Extra.

Keira Knightley James Corden After signing with her Fame came in 2007, after first agent at the age of James co-wrote Gavin & six, Keira, 32, gained Stacey. In 2011, he took part in a recognition with Brit Red Nose Day special, singing comedy, Bend it Like songs in a car with George Beckham, in 2002. A Michael. The sketch launched year later, she landed James’ Carpool Karaoke, in a role in Pirates of the which he was joined by big Caribbean, propelling US names for a singalong. In her into international 2014, James took over as the fame. She has since host of CBS’ Late Late Show. won multiple awards.

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 $ +%%+ & (    $   $  $          )  &  )&   '   &       Bloke at the back Bad boy! On Emmerdale he plays scheming Joseph Tate, AKA Tom Waterhouse, who is currently wreaking revenge on the Dingles. But off screen, charming newcomer Ned Porteous has become such a hit with viewers that he secured a nomination for Best Newcomer at this year’s NTAs. Here, Ned, 25, tells us about joining the soap, advice from his co-stars and how he gets that body…

I have wanted to be an actor for as long as I can remember. My mother was the headmistress in a drama school and that’s how I fell into it. She was the initiator of my acting career and she’s my rock. I think both my parents are proud.

Until Emmerdale, I hadn’t had any romantic scenes. It was a little daunting, but as soon as I met Charley Webb, [Debbie Dingle] who is a complete professional, it was a breeze. I think everyone ups their workout regime before a sex scene.

I’ve been an avid gym goer for years. I was on the verge of becoming a personal trainer at one point. My dad is a semi-pro cyclist, and I’ve always WOMAN wanted to travel the world on a bike. Jeff Hordley [Cain Dingle] warned me EXCLUSIVE! to be careful when my reveal aired. He’s had people start on him in pubs because he’s such a villain! But it’s so much more fun to play the baddie. In Ned is a school, I was always cast as the romantic gym fan… interest, so having the chance to play Ned and it shows someone with clout is really refreshing. Thankfully, no-one has thrown anything at me yet, but I’ve been recognised in the street a few times. It’s always weird when a guy you don’t know says to you in PORTEOUS the toilets, ‘My girlfriend loves you.’ I think to myself, ‘It’s OK mate… you can The Emmerdale star chats love scenes, playing say you’re a fan of the show!’ a baddie and being recognised in strange places ✱ Emmerdale, weeknights, ITV THE CASTING COUCH Now that he’s settled into soap life, Ned fills us in on his famous co-stars… Say what? ‘If anyone sees PHOTOS: REX

themselves . asasex symbol, Charley Webb (Debbie Dingle) Lucy Pargeter (Chas Dingle) Emma Atkins (Charity Dingle) James Hooton (Sam Dingle) I got two months of scenes with I was nervous she’d let go of the She’s a darling. Emma’s never He went out of his way to get to they’re a bit her before I went into the studio. glass when Chas threw a pint at me! late and always knows her lines. know me and made me feel at home. FEATURES, ITV, INSTAGRAM @NEDPORTEOUS INSTAGRAM ITV, FEATURES, weird!’ WORDS: JULIE ANN TRAINOR

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