Innholdsfortegnelse for February 2025 i Take a Break Monthly

As my big sister Kayla and I watched Night at the Museum on the telly, she saw the capuchin monkey star and laughed. ‘I worked with that monkey when I ran away and joined the circus,’ she said. ‘Really?’ I asked, amazed. But then I’d always been in awe of my wild and crazy sister. Kayla was eight years older than me, so I’d been 10 when she’d left home to work in a circus. Although I’d always looked up to her, it was only when I hit my teens that we’d become really close. Now, we’d often hang out together. In time, she met a new man called Eli. I found him a bit loud and annoying, but Kayla seemed happy with him. Like her, he loved the outdoors.…

Our money advice expert Faith Archer is an award-winning money journalist and blogger at Much More With Less. Faith was deputy personal finance editor at The Daily Telegraph and is a regular on BBC radio. She aims to make money matters such as family budgeting, pensions and tax easier to understand. If you are on a water meter, using less water will drive down your bills – and using less hot water will also reduce your energy bills. Plus, it’s better for the environment too. Sadly, it is not possible to cut costs by switching companies, but there are still ways to save money. Check if a water meter makes sense If you don’t have a water meter, weigh up if getting one installed will actually cut costs. If you…

● Two nights’ accommodation for four● Breakfast on both mornings● £200 spending money Grab the buckets and spades for a getaway the family will love! We’ve teamed up with the Beachcroft Hotel in West Sussex to give you the chance to win a mini-break for a family of four. Crack our puzzle and, if you’re our lucky winner, you’ll be heading to the pretty village of Felpham for a fun-filled two-night escape. You’ll stay in a charming but modern beach hut set on a seven-mile coastal footpath, with private on-site parking, wall-to-wall bifold glass doors and a private terrace just metres from the beach. Make the most of the facilities – there’s bicycle hire, paddleboarding and an indoor heated swimming pool for a family splash-about. Refuel at the Tamarisk Restaurant,…

Supersize it When you’ve got bigger spots, call upon these extra-large patches to tackle them. The combination of niacinamide and salicylic acid work to reduce inflammation, unclog pores and smooth skin. Winning wash Cleanse your skin with an oil-absorbing formula that contains salicylic acid to eliminate spots and ceramides to hydrate skin and protect from external aggressors. Vanishing act This smoothing serum helps fade acne scars while you sleep. Containing tranexamic acid and vitamin C, it claims to target pigmentation and tackle dark spots. Apply three to four drops to the face after cleansing, before moisturiser, to visibly reduce scars and imperfections over time. Moment of clarity Not only does this detoxifying face oil fight acne-causing bacteria, but it also provides skin with black cumin seed oil to treat and…

Looking into the brown eyes of the six-year-old collie cross, it was love at first sight. Sammy had been found abandoned, chained up in a yard and scavenging for food. ‘He’s been through so much,’ I said to my boyfriend, Mark. ‘We can give him a happy home.’ A week later he was tucking into a bowl of food and snuggling into his new bed at ours. Sammy became my shadow. Just one glance would tell me what he needed and, somehow, he knew what I needed too. If I ever felt under the weather, Sammy would quietly lie with me for hours. But it wasn’t all a walk in the park. During a trip to Sherwood Forest, he disappeared after a deer and was missing for over an hour.…

Pokémon GO! My son Quinn, nine, had some Pikachu pyjamas that he absolutely loved. So when they got too small for him, instead of throwing them away, I decided to make something out of them. I cut off the sleeves, stitched up the body, adding stuffing to turn it into a cute cushion. Quinn was thrilled with it. Lisa Wright, Barnstable, Devon Stacks of storage I like my satsumas and buy trays of them from the supermarket. Rather than chuck out the trays, I thought they’d be handy for storage. So I stripped off the labels and painted them, using acrylic paints. But they’d be good covered in decorative paper too. They stack up really easily and are perfect for storing craft supplies or other bits and bobs. Catherine Tideswell,…

After just a couple of weeks of working from home, Sophie could see there were lots of advantages. She loved being able to wear comfy clothes, no need to do her hair and make-up, no more leaving home in the dark to spend an hour on the train every morning. But actually, one of the best things was simply being at home. Sophie had recently moved into her new flat but long hours at the office had meant she’d barely got to know the area, or her neighbours yet. She’d met Angie, who lived in the flat across the hall, but apart from that, she had no idea who else lived in their six-storey block. Best of all was the local postie Sophie turned on her computer and settled herself…

Fancy stocking up on a free weekly shop? Enter our brilliant competition and you could win £100 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 Cup, Rye 4 LETTERS Beef, Date, Figs, Ghee, Paté, Rice, Taco, Tofu, Tuna, Used 5 LETTERS Cakes, Flour, Fudge, Salad 6 LETTERS Aromas, Fennel, Salami, Trifle 7 LETTERS Coconut, Fajitas, Melting,…

I heard footsteps thundering down the stairs and then a voice called out, ‘I’ll be back in a few hours.’ My son Aydin might have thought he was all grown up but he was only 14 so I said, ‘And where do you think you’re going?’ ‘To see Bryce,’ he replied. Bryce was Aydin’s best mate from school. I’d never met him but the pair of them were inseparable. Aydin sometimes stayed over at Bryce’s and when he did that evening, I decided to use the opportunity to go out myself. Recently I’d started dating again. After two failed marriages, I’d been reluctant to begin with, thinking that I’d never find love again. But finally, I’d taken the plunge and I was pleased that I had. ‘What are you looking…

Date night Get into the Valentine’s spirit by layering a cosy knit over a sleek slip skirt Everyday wonder A cosy cardigan and tailored jeans will keep you looking stylish whatever you’re up to Cool & casual Wear this sporty set together, or team the jacket with jeans for the ultimate weekend ensemble City chic Mix timeless denim with tonal hues to create an effortlessly stylish daytime outfit…

Tucking into pancakes with extra maple syrup, I grinned and said, ‘This is delicious.’ My parents Rebecca and John had taken the family out for a special breakfast, after I’d just left home to live with my boyfriend. I was 17, and I still spoke with my brother Lachlan, 10, and little sister Freyiah, five, every day. ‘How are things at home without me?’ I asked. ‘Great,’ Lachlan teased, sticking his tongue out at me. Laughing, I grabbed him in a headlock. Lachlan and I were always roughhousing. But when I was at home and he was frightened during the night, he’d sneak into bed with me for a cuddle. ‘I’m joking,’ Lachlan said. ‘We miss you.’ I smiled as Freyiah nodded in agreement. Over the next year, I spent…

Cultured Bio&Me’s new Natural and creamy Vanilla flavour kefir drinks are an excellent way of keeping your gut healthy, which in turn helps strengthen your immune system during the colder months. Containing active cultures, and naturally high in protein, the drinks are also rich in calcium, and Vitamin B12. Pour over granola or enjoy a glass in the morning. From Sainsbury’s £2.60/500ml. ‘Super’ milk Boost your daily protein by replacing your usual pint for SuperNutrio. Containing double the protein (70g per litre), and 80% more calcium than standard cow’s milk, there is absolutely nothing else added – it’s just milk, but uniquely filtered! Available as whole, semi-skimmed and skimmed. From Sainsbury’s and Tesco. £2.50/1ltr. Kitchen sketchplanations Big Ideas, Little Pictures by creator of Sketchplanations Jono Hey, includes a series of…

Read it! This month’s Book Club read is a twisty thriller Other People’s Houses by Clare Mackintosh Clare loves to look at houses for sale. She says, ‘Occasionally, I set the filter to “no maximum price” and drool over what a few million pounds would buy.’ It was during one of these daydreams that Clare had the idea for Other People’s Houses. She says, ‘I saw a beautiful house in “Cheshire’s most desirable postcode”. But as well as being a crime writer, I’m also an ex-police officer, and I know that even the most sought-after locations have their dark sides.’ The Hill is where everyone wants to live. Now someone is breaking and entering these homes one by one, and DS Leo Brady suspects the burglar is looking for something,…

UK cities 1 According to legend, which city did Lady Godiva ride through naked? 2 Name the northern most city in the UK. 3 What is the smallest city in Wales? Authors 4 Which US horror writer penned The Shining? 5 Which Emily Bronte novel is the inspiration for a Kate Bush song? 6 Who wrote The Picture of Dorian Gray? Romcoms 7 Which classic romcom is a retelling of Shakespeare’s The Taming of the Shrew? 8 Which opera do they go to in Pretty Woman? 9 ‘I’ll have what she’s having’ is a famous line from which romcom? Science and nature 10 Which metal is the main constituent of pewter? 11 What’s the natural habitat of an arboreal creature? 12 What is a more common name for nitrous oxide?…

• Three nights’ accommodation with breakfast • Bottle of sparkling wine • £200 spending money Enjoy an unforgettable mini-break on us with a stay at the Moxy Chester. Solve our puzzle and, if you’re our winner, you and a partner will be treated to a three-night stay in this stylish hotel, which is perfectly positioned for you to dive into Chester’s rich history or explore beyond. Relax in a comfortable room, unwind on one evening with a bottle of sparkling wine and enjoy a delicious Moxy breakfast each morning. Out and about, explore the historic city of Chester, with its charming streets, stunning sights and the amazing Chester Zoo. We’ll wave you off with £200 to spend too, so you can make the most of your break. Want a chance…

My son Frank scooped onions on to his hot dog as I stuffed mine into my mouth. He flashed me a cheeky grin and said, ‘Is it vegan, Mum?’ I’d gone through a vegan stage, and Frank, 11, loved to tease me about how I’d turned back to meat. Then, days later, I called him for dinner, and noticed he was walking with a slight limp. ‘What have you done?’ I asked. ‘I fell over at PE,’ he replied. As weeks passed, the limp remained. Frank insisted he wasn’t in any pain but I took him to visit the GP. She suggested it was a hamstring strain. ‘Rest up and it should get better,’ she told him. My mum Jacqui was always popping round to help out and visit Frank…

As I listened to the calm voice on the other end of the line, my mind was in a whirl. I thought, This is it. It’s really happening. It was the phone call I’d been waiting for but, now that it had come, I could barely believe it. Straightaway, I rang my family. ‘The hospital just called,’ I told them. ‘They’ve got lungs for me.’ I’d been on the transplant waiting list for three months, but I’d been ill for years. I’d been born with a rare genetic condition called Primary ciliary dyskinesia, which meant my lungs couldn’t clear mucus properly. Growing up, I’d constantly battled pneumonia, asthma and sinus infections but I’d managed to get by until my health started to deteriorate in my 30s. Eventually, I needed to…

Calling all puzzlers and games fans! We’ve got 10 special prizes up for grabs… We’ve teamed up with Gibsons Games to give you the chance to win one of 10 £100 gift cards to spend with the puzzles and games specialists. Founded in 1919, Gibsons is a family-owned business that remains dedicated to quality and sustainability. They’ve expanded their range with fresh and fun additions for 2025, including a partnership with the Royal Horticultural Society to create three new jigsaw puzzles. Gibson’s Art File collection has grown too, and now features everything from Jungle Animals to Winged Wonders, while its best-selling Into the Forest puzzle is a perfect place to start. There are also brand-new games to try, promising hours of entertainment for all. From firm family faves to engaging,…

SHOP WATCH: Matalan With spring on the horizon, now is the time to invest in pieces that will help see you into the new season. Luckily, Matalan have got you covered with stylish staples that won’t break the bank, including striped shirts and floral midi dresses. Plus, their colourful knitwear and outerwear will keep you cosy while it’s still chilly. Get them before they go Looking for an easy way to elevate your outfit? Statement gold jewellery will instantly add a chic touch. Feline flair Leopard print is still hot news right now and it couldn’t be more perfect for injecting some fun and style into transitional dressing.…

Valentine’s Day is approaching and we’re in the mood for love. Win our prize of £1000 in cash and you could be treating your other half to a 14 February to remember! Why not throw caution to the wind and splash out on a surprise trip? Nowhere speaks the language of love like Italy, so you might fancy whisking your sweetheart away for a weekend in Rome. Stroll through its beautiful piazzas, stop for a delicious bite to eat and soak up the sights of this gorgeous city. Alternatively, you could get lovey-dovey in Venice – one of the most romantic cities in the world. Enjoy a ride for two in a gondola, followed by a candlelit meal overlooking the Grand Canal. You’ll make memories to last a lifetime. Perhaps…

The best health advice for you and your family Sitting at my desk, I couldn’t concentrate on what the teacher was saying. Instead, I kept sneaking anxious glances down at my hands. The middle finger on one hand had turned a deep shade of blueish purple. It was really sore too. When I got home I showed it to my mum and, later that evening when it didn’t improve, my parents took me to A&E. But my finger gradually went back to its normal colour while waiting, so we were sent home without a diagnosis. Yet I kept on having flare-ups. Out of nowhere, my fingers, feet and lips would turn purple or blue. It happened especially in cold weather, but I noticed it in the summer too. I was…

Q I’m a type 2 diabetic and now have insulin injections. My GP says I must inform the DVLA. Will I still be allowed to drive? A You need to tell the DVLA if your insulin treatment lasts for over three months. This is primarily to ensure your blood sugars don’t drop too low, putting you and other people at risk. Most diabetics on insulin are allowed to drive, provided they are safe to do so. The DVLA leaflet INF294, ‘A guide to insulin-treated diabetes and driving’, explains the precautions you need to take when driving, and the situations in which you need to have further contact with the DVLA. Q I have a long-term back condition. When I need stronger painkillers because it flares up, I get asked about…

One-pot pepperoni pizza pasta Serves: 4 Takes: 45min • 120g sliced pepperoni• 1tbsp olive oil• 1 red onion, halved and thinly sliced• 200g button mushrooms, halved• 1 green pepper, deseeded and finely chopped• 1tbsp tomato purée• 400g passata• 400g can chopped tomatoes• 500ml hot chicken stock• 200g pasta shells (or pasta shape of your choice)• 2tbsp finely chopped fresh oregano leaves, plus extra to garnish (optional) (or use 1tsp dried)• Salt and freshly ground black pepper• 150g mozzarella, grated (or use ready-grated) 1 Reserve 10 pepperoni slices and cut the remaining slices in half. 2 Heat the oil in a large, deep-frying pan over a high heat. Add the veg and halved pepperoni. Cook for 5-7min, stirring often, until the veg start to brown. Stir in the purée. 3 Add…

What you’ll need ● Wire cutters● 2.5mm-3mm wire (aluminium is easier to bend)● Pliers● DK wool● French knitting mill or dolly● Darning needle● Scissors Sarah Cox runs Cox & Ewe creating wool inspired creations including bespoke yarn covered wire signs and wall hangings. Find her by searching ‘Cox & Ewe’ on Etsy, Instagram or Facebook. Step 1 Cut a piece of wire to approximately 42cm long. Bend over both ends by about 1cm and pinch with pliers to give blunt ends. Form a heart shape by bending the two ends of the wire round towards each other and gently pinching the bottom into a slight point using your fingers. Step 2 Make a length of knitted wool cord approximately 50cm long, using your French knitting mill or dolly. Step 3…

Here’s a chance to really get away from it all… We’ve got a break for two to the glorious Scottish Highlands up for grabs. Solve our puzzle and, if you’re our winner, you and a partner will be staying at the beautiful Knipoch House Hotel, which boasts views over Loch Feochan and the mountains beyond. It’s the newest addition to the Sonas Collection and is just a short drive from Oban, the seafood capital of Scotland and a gateway to the Isles. With an outside hot tub, in-house beauty treatments and regular music events, Knipoch truly is a place to switch off and recharge. Enjoy menus featuring the best local ingredients from Argyll. The new restaurant, 1635, also serves a contemporary seven-course Taste of Scotland menu. Plus, we’ll wave you…

AQUARIUS 21 Jan – 18 Feb You’ll feel clearer about what’s right for you as February begins, Aqua. The truth is, most of what you want could be achieved by making small tweaks to your everyday world. You could be ending more days with a cheesy grin on your face than you thought possible. As for love, there’s a deep and meaningful Moon around Valentine’s for you to tune into — unleash it on that special someone. Cast net wide at gathering PISCES 19 Feb – 20 Mar A wonderful mix of astral energies are due to add sparkle to your February, Pisces. Practical matters can be put in their place under the Full Moon on the 12th. No more admin and housework running your show, it’s leisure and pleasure…

LEEDS BREAK WINNER Jo Nisbet, Rochford, Essex ‘I was so excited to open the letter after a hard day at work. And what a lovely surprise! My husband and I will enjoy the break in Leeds very much. We haven’t been away together since our two daughters were born, so we’ve booked it on Valentine’s weekend to make it even more special. Thank you, Take a Break.’ MOROCCO HOLIDAY (PRIZE ANSWER: TIGHTEN) Mrs P Powell, Solihull, W Mids. NORTH WALES BREAK (PRIZE ANSWER: DRIFT) J Gardiner, Haywards Heath, W Sussex. £1200 BIG BONANZA (PRIZE ANSWER: WILD) D Edwards, Abergavenny, Gwent. £1000 CELEBRITY CROSSWORD (PRIZE ANSWER: GAVE BIRTH AT HOME) S James-Hawkins, Bexhill-on-Sea, E Sussex. LEEDS BREAK (PRIZE ANSWER: BITTER) J Nisbet, Rochford, Essex. £500 SHOPPING SPREE (PRIZE ANSWER: STYLED) R…