Innholdsfortegnelse for May 2024 i Take a Break Monthly

Precious pet I absolutely adore my five Guinea pigs — here’s Ginny, my four-year old piggy. Isn’t she cute? Karen Wheeler, 47, of Plymouth, Devon Festi-friends My friends and I had a brilliant time at Beautiful Days festival in Devon last summer. This photo always makes me smile! Here’s Mike, 40, me and Emily, 30. Rosie Rayner, 31, of Exmouth, Devon Meal deal It was dinnertime when I visited South Lakes Zoo and this hungry giraffe was definitely ready for some food. Rachel Scarr, 40, of Glusburn, N Yorks Get well soon! Here I am recovering in hospital with the help of my favourite magazine! Shirley Etheridge, 87, of Enfield, Gtr London Best buds Amber and Bess are great mates. Here they are, enjoying a quick rest during a lovely…

Solve our puzzle to find out who it is. HOW TO ENTER Solve the crossword. Then, from the top, list the letters in the yellow squares to reveal the identity of the chopped-up celebrity. Enter by post, phone, text or online — see page 73. ACROSS 1 Small prawn-like crustacean (6)6 Manually (2, 4)9 Put to death (7)10 Steal, thieve (6)11 Alan - - -, QI regular who hosts As Yet Untitled on Dave (6) 12 Prickly symbol of Scotland (7) 16 Academy Award (5)18 Write or speak the letters of a word in the order in which they appear (5)20 Gundog with drooping ears (7)22 Pact (6)24 The No. 1 Ladies’ Detective - - -, first in a series of novels by Alexander McCall Smith (6) 26 Salad fruit…

Are you thinking about summer approaching and getting away for a much-needed break? Well, here’s your chance… We’re giving away £1000 in cash for one winner to spend on whatever they like — including a trip to the sunshine. Solve our puzzle and you could be heading south to the beautiful coastal resorts of Spain or Greece, to relax with a sea view and glass of something chilled. Spend long, lazy days lounging on the beach, dipping into crystal-clear water to cool down a little between chapters in your book. Or take time to browse in colourful markets, before heading out in the evening to dine on fresh, local produce at a welcoming waterside taverna. If you’re someone who likes to try something new when you go on holiday, you…

With summer on the horizon, now is the time to get your garden ready for the sunshine… We’ve teamed up with Home Bargains to give you the chance to win your very own garden oasis, including everything you need to transform your outdoor space into a serene retreat. Crack our competition and you could be relaxing with an exquisite Venice garden furniture set, crafted for both comfort and style and ideal for hosting a summer barbecue. But that’s not all! Also included is a gorgeous Marbella hanging chair, a cosy outdoor rug and a stunning round mirror. For a touch of sophisticated greenery, an artificial treble-ball topiary tree, round rattan planter and laurel leaf fencing have been added to the prize haul too. And we think you’ll love the 270-litre…

Beauty Retinol Derived from vitamin A, retinol is a beauty wonder found in many nighttime anti-ageing products. Proven to boost cell turnover and stimulate collagen reproduction, retinol repairs UV damage, fades pigmentation and reduces the appearance of wrinkles. What’s not to love? Byoma Sensitive Retinol Oil, £17.99, is formulated with squalene to quench and soothe skin, while fighting wrinkles. Packed full of low-irritation retinol, Q+A Retinol Facial Serum, £12, delivers all the benefits of a high-end formula without the hefty price tag. Use a high-potency treatment up to twice a week to target deep lines and crow’s feet. We love the new This Works Deep Sleep 5% Retinoid Complex, £38. It has a delicious fragrance that helps promote a good night’s sleep. Complexion comfort Plump and replenish your complexion with…

Treat of the month Lemon & lime white chocolate mud cake Serves: 10 Takes: 2hr 20min, plus cooling and chilling ■ 250g butter, chopped, plus extra for greasing■ 2tsp finely grated lemon zest■ 2tsp finely grated lime zest■ 180g white chocolate, roughly chopped■ 330g caster sugar■ 180ml milk■ 225g plain flour■ 75g self-raising flour■ 2 eggs, beaten lightly FOR THE COCONUT GANACHE ■ 360g white chocolate, finely chopped■ 1tsp finely grated lemon zest■ 1tsp finely grated lime zest■ 125ml coconut cream 1 Preheat the oven to 180°C (fan 160°C, gas 4). Grease a deep 20cm round cake tin and line the base with baking paper. 2 Stir the butter, lemon and lime zest, chocolate, sugar and milk together in a medium saucepan over a low heat until smooth. Transfer the…

Standing outside my mum’s front door, I mentally ticked off everything my four-year-old son, Kaiden, needed. Toothbrush, check, socks, check, toy cars, check. I was off to Benidorm with my best mate Daniel, and Kaiden was staying with my mum, Christine, near to where we lived on the Isle of Man. ‘Nanny!’ Kaiden said excitedly, as the door opened. Kaiden adored Mum and was over the moon to spend the week with her. With a hug and kiss, I told him: ‘I love you, Kaiden. Be good for Nanny and I’ll bring you back some presents.’ Daniel and I had a great trip. But being a single dad, I missed Kaiden a lot. As I packed my suitcase on the morning of our last day, I couldn’t wait to see…

Treat the family to a brilliant break! Solve our puzzle and, if you’re our winner, you could be off to the New Forest in Hampshire for some fantastic family fun. Home to five themed lands and with more than 70 rides and attractions, a trip to Paultons Park is filled with adventure and has something for everyone. Take a trip to Tornado Springs and ride on Storm Chaser, an exhilarating spinning rollercoaster, or hop on a tractor for a leisurely ride around Farmer Flo’s farm. Explore the UK exclusive Peppa Pig World, where you’ll be transported into the world of Peppa, George and friends. Dinosaur lovers will want to visit the Lost Kingdom, home to the brand-new Splash Lagoon, a family flume ride opening on 18 May. Also included is…

Win!Our Holidays Blessed with beautiful beaches and year-round sunshine, Gran Canaria in the Canary Islands is just the place for a great escape. Crack our competition and you and a partner could be heading there for a week of sun and relaxation. If you’re our winner, you’ll be staying at Seaside Sandy Beach hotel in the vibrant heart of Maspalomas. Unwind surrounded by subtropical gardens and views of the Atlantic Ocean, take a dip in the inviting pool, or bask on the golden sands of Playa del Inglés, just 200m away. The hotel, part of the prestigious Seaside Collection Hotel Group, is a great place to escape the hustle and bustle of daily life. Take time out in the sauna and steam room, or treat yourself to a massage in…

I stepped through the door of the restaurant and felt a flutter in my tummy as I looked around. Meeting someone for a date was always nerve-racking. But this situation was even more intense, as I was taking part in the Channel 4 show First Dates. ‘Over there…’ a production assistant said, pointing towards a man who was sitting at the bar. ‘That’s Mike.’ Mike’s striking blue eyes met mine and he greeted me with a cheeky smile. The cameras were well-hidden, but I felt aware of them filming everything. ‘Do you want to see a party trick?’ I asked Mike. He nodded. So, I picked up a pint of beer and drank it down in one go. Mike’s eyes widened in surprise. Although there was no lightning bolt moment…

As I picked through a pile of clothes, something caught my eye. ‘I’ll take these, please,’ I said, holding up a pair of maternity dungarees. ‘They’re just perfect.’ I was at a sale, looking for bits and bobs that I could add to my stockpile of maternity and baby things. People must have thought I was a very organised mum-to-be. But I wasn’t. In fact, I wasn’t even pregnant. But I longed for a baby. Even though I was only in my mid-20s, I was ready to be a mum. I had even created a vision board of my dream life which showed me with two little children. But they were just photos from a magazine. The reality was that I had been trying for a baby for months without…

Weekend Winner Keeping things casual? Upgrade your usual denim for utility-style overalls for an easy-to-wear look Occasion Ready Metallic details and beaded accessories dress up a simple, silky jumpsuit Sunshine Style Great for your summer hols — and make it work at home with trainers and a crossbody bag…

Fashionably green Independent sustainable brand Kind Bag has launched their new fresh peas and squeezably good lemons eco-friendly bags. Made from 100 per cent recycled plastic bottles originally destined for landfill, the super strong, water-resistant bags fold into a handy pouch and are perfect for any shopping trip. And with wide comfy straps, they sit on your shoulder without digging in. RRP £12, from kindbag.co Grown-up gummies Meet Ask Mummy & Daddy’s new Coffee Bean Gummies. These beautifully packaged gourmet sweets are perfect for coffee lovers! Infused with real medium roast coffee, the bean-shaped gummies taste as authentic as your morning cappuccino, and bring you a brand-new coffee experience. Take a look at their other products, we think you’ll be impressed! RRP £5.95/220g from askmummyanddaddy.com Cider time! It’s time to…

GEMINI 21 May – 20 Jun Live for the moment. Embrace whatever comes your way. Trust that everything happens for a reason. That’s the stars’ message this month. At the start, focus on tidying and soul-searching, as this will pave the way to happiness from the 21st. That’s when the Sun enters your sign, giving you a new lease of life. Venus, planet of attraction, follows and whatever it is you want, you’ll find a way to have it! Fancy dress is a must CANCER 21 Jun – 22 Jul Prepare for a social whirl. A meet-and-greet marathon is starred for you crabs, so get out and about. The universe is trying to link you to the like-minded and confident. Big companies and charities are where luck lies, while around…

Glam up your garden with this fabulous prize — a Majorca HydroJet Pro™ from Lay-Z-Spa. Solve our puzzle and you could be relaxing all summer in your very own hot tub. Inspired by the look of traditional wood-fired hot tubs, this Lay-Z-Spa comes in a stylish wood-effect design and is a sociable square shape. Its invigorating dual massage system combines 140 powerful air jets with eight multi-directional, flow-adjustable hydro jets for a deeply relaxing hydrotherapy experience. It can really do you good too. Research by Coventry University found that using the Majorca HydroJet Pro™ had positive benefits for mental and cardiovascular health, including reducing stress hormones, anxiety levels and blood pressure. Comfortably fitting up to six people, and with a range of premium features as standard, this luxurious hot tub…

Shop Watch: Matalan If like us you are working on perfecting your capsule wardrobe, Matalan is the ultimate one-stop-shop for classic pieces at affordable prices. Nail sophisticated style with a three-piece suit or opt for chic off-duty dressing with jeans and a striped shirt. Beautiful blooms Florals for spring? Groundbreaking! Truly you can never go wrong with a petal print blouse and luckily the high street has an array of gorgeous styles to choose from. Get them before they go On the hunt for new arm candy? We are obsessed with M&S’s designer dupe. Choose from timeless black or inject colour into your look with a pastel green bag.…

Staring at myself in the mirror, I gave my belly a pinch and sighed. ‘I’ve definitely piled on a few pounds lately,’ I said to myself. At a size 10, I knew I wasn’t big, but I’d struggled with my weight in the past, fluctuating between a size eight and a 14. The biggest I’d ever been was during lockdown, which coincided with my marriage ending, too. Feeling miserable, I’d turned to food and alcohol for comfort. Realising I needed to take myself in hand, I’d read about the so-called ‘skinny jabs’ — injections that helped suppress your appetite — and I’d ordered some from an online pharmacy. They were expensive, but they did the job and I had quickly shed the unwanted pounds I’d gained. So now, I thought…

A nation of secret spenders A survey has found that a surprising number of us are not entirely honest with our partners about our online spending habits. So, what are we spending on? And why do we do it? Read more here… Almost four in 10 of us lie to our partners about our online purchases, a recent survey has found. The survey of 2000 adults in relationships, commissioned by equity release specialists Sovereign Boss, paints a clear picture of the nation’s secret online spending habits. For gamers, the temptation to invest in the latest tech or games is strong. From newly released games to upgrades and accessories, gamers are secretly splashing the cash. The survey found that almost three in 10 of those who are hiding their online purchases…

Lamb skewers with tabbouleh Serves: 4 Takes: 40min ■ 1kg boneless lamb shoulder, trimmed and cut into 2cm cubes■ 5 garlic cloves■ 1tbsp dried oregano■ Small handful of fresh oregano leaves■ Finely grated zest and juice of 1 lemon■ 80ml extra virgin olive oil■ Salt and freshly ground black pepper FOR TABBOULEH ■ 55g bulgur wheat■ Small handful of fresh coriander leaves■ Small handful of fresh flat-leaf parsley leaves■ 3 cloves garlic, finely chopped■ 1 red onion, finely chopped■ 4 radishes, thinly sliced■ 100ml extra virgin olive oil■ Juice of 1 lemon 1 Place the lamb in a bowl. Put the garlic, dried and fresh oregano and lemon zest in a food processor and blitz until finely chopped. Or use a pestle and mortar. Stir in the lemon juice and…

Mellow yellow Bright red Make a statement with a ruby red kitchen. Haddon Kitchen in English Red, from Kitchen Makers. Pretty in pink Introduce a sense of fun and romance with this soft shade. Harpley Kitchen from Naked Kitchens. Brilliant blue One of the most popular colour trends — easy to live with and won’t date. Try funky flooring for a fresh modern finish.…

Win! HOST STAY • Two-night self-catering stay• £200 spending money Here’s a chance to explore glorious Northumberland. We’ve teamed up with Host & Stay to give you the chance to win a two-night break, worth £500, in one of their luxury self-catering holiday homes in Alnwick. Hall Cottage and The Burrow are just two properties to choose from. Both are a short walk from Alnwick Garden, a unique, contemporary garden set in 12 acres and home to the world’s largest treehouse restaurant. If you’re our winner, we’ll also wave you off with £200 to sample the delights of the town and surrounding area. With over 1000 holiday homes available across the UK, Host & Stay has something to suit all tastes. Your perfect break could be a click away… •…

Fancy stocking up on a free weekly shop? Enter our brilliant competition and you could win £200 in the supermarket vouchers of your choice! You can take your pick from Sainsbury’s, Tesco, Morrisons, M&S or Iceland. Just think of all the tantalising treats that could be in store — big juicy steaks, delicious ready meals, smoked salmon, Belgian chocs, your favourite wines and beer. And of course you could fill your store cupboard with a host of essentials, from washing powder to tea and coffee. Sounds like a tasty prize? Then grab that pen and get puzzling! 3 LETTERS Bun, Cod, Egg, Fry, Ice, Jam, Pie, Tin 4 LETTERS Cake, Deli, Fill, Flan, Lime, Meal, Oats, Pack, Paté, Trim 5 LETTERS Dough, Scone, Sugar, Tacos 6 LETTERS Banana, Course, Noodle,…

£200 WINNER Sandra Mansell, Dudley, West Midlands ‘Thumbs-up to Take a Break! It was a lovely surprise to find I’d won the Supermarket Spree competition. It brought a smile to my face, thinking about all the treats that were going to go in my shopping trolley.’ GRAN CANARIA HOLIDAY (PRIZE ANSWER: ARRANGED) Mrs D Christian, Sutton-in-Ashfield, Notts. EDINBURGH MINI-BREAK (PRIZE ANSWER: HEDGE) Mrs M Sandall, Sleaford, Lincs. £1200 BIG BONANZA (PRIZE ANSWER: PREEN) D Whittaker, Nottingham. £1000 CELEBRITY CROSSWORD (PRIZE ANSWER: BOUGHT A TICKET TO SPACE) Mrs K Kershaw, Rochdale, Lancs. WALES LODGE MINI-BREAK (PRIZE ANSWER: CORAL) Mrs Deville, Chesterfield, Derbs. £1000 SHOPPING SPREE (PRIZE ANSWER: RETAIL) R Wells, Huddersfield, W Yorks. BIG WEEKENDER BREAK (PRIZE ANSWER: JUDGE JULES) M Edmonds, Weston-super-Mare, Somerset. £500 BIG RELAX (PRIZE ANSWER: CORDIAL) P…