Innholdsfortegnelse for 20th Jan 2026 i Woman's Weekly

"I suppose my mum’s generation of women was the first who were easily able to work while also running a home and raising a family. Of course, women on the breadline had been doing that for hundreds of years, but out of necessity rather than choice. However, everything changed after the war - suddenly labour-saving devices, like washing machines, were beginning to become affordable for normal people. So my mum, with her new-found spare time, opened a junk shop, buying antiques, etc from auction houses, and she often took me along with her. As a result, I’ve loved auctions ever since! See page 20."…

A lot of people say they don’t like cats because they’re aloof. I get that – dogs decide they love you within about 10 seconds, while with a cat, you have to earn it. I actually love that. There’s something deeply satisfying about winning over a creature that doesn’t give affection away lightly. I adore dogs too, but if someone said ‘You can only live with a cat or a dog for the rest of your life’, I’d have to go with a cat. Our cat Pickle came into our lives during lockdown, though she was never meant to stay. Our beloved Ollie – a tiny, hilarious Siamese – had just died at 16, and we were heartbroken. My first reaction was, I need another one, but my partner Ricky…

‘Attending auctions started as a hobby and became a career’ Pat Austin, 65, is a bookseller. She lives in Wolverhampton with her husband Peter, 62. I open the front cover and my heart begins to race. The box of first-edition hardbacks by Iain M Banks are all signed. I know I’m on to a winner. My first-ever auction was in 1997 in Banbury, where there were Friday night auctions each week at the village hall. I remember I worried I might bid on something by accident! Back then, auctions were a bit of fun and a way to grab home bargains. Our daughter Erin was seven at the time and we were on a tight budget. Then, in 2001, everything changed. We’d moved to Walsall for Peter’s work and I’d…

*ETHICAL SUPPLEMENT AND NUTRITION BRAND DR. VEGAN. **NUMAN.COM, MEDICAL GUIDANCE COMPANY. IF YOU HAVE CONCERNS ABOUT YOUR HEALTH, SEE YOUR GP. CONSULT YOUR GP OR MEDICAL EXPERT BEFORE TAKING NEW SUPPLEMENTS 3 WAYS TO... Manage food noise 1 EAT PROTEIN AND FIBRE ‘Choices that are high in protein and fibre will help you to stay fuller for longer,’ says Zoe Griffiths, behaviour expert at Numan**. ‘Being physically hungry can make thoughts of food and food decisions louder.’ 2 CHALLENGE YOUR THOUGHTS When cravings hit, pause and ask – am I physically hungry or am I wanting to eat in response to something else? ‘Noticing and challenging these feelings can help break the cycle,’ says Zoe. 3 PLAN AHEAD ‘You may feel food noise is easier to deal with once you’ve set…

A bowl of pasta, a glass of red wine and a gripping TV show about murderous gangsters were Donna’s idea of a perfect evening. From the safety of her sofa, she watched, transfixed, as a succession of besuited men did each other in, using a variety of brutal, but highly inventive methods. ‘Look, Ronnie!’ she would gasp at some ghastly deed. But beside her on the sofa, her ginger cat stayed fast asleep. Ronnie wasn’t the only one not to share her interest in tense crime dramas. On their weekly walk the next day, she tried to enthuse her best friend Suzy with detailed descriptions of a plot’s twists and turns, but she just shuddered. ‘I don’t understand how you can sleep after watching that,’ she said after hearing about…

That’s new. Well – new to us anyway,’ Dave said from the hall, where he had probably kicked his work shoes off at the door and dumped his lunch bag next to them – as usual. He stood in the doorway of the living room with an amused expression on his face, looking at the picture Meg had hung on the wall. ‘What happened to the mirror?’ ‘I’ll find somewhere else for it,’ Meg replied. The mirror, propped against the sofa, reflected both of them. Meg’s dark hair and eyes contrasted with Dave’s blond, blue-eyed-boy looks. They were so different in every way, yet after 20 years of marriage they were still together. ‘I popped into that antiques place on the way home,’ Meg explained. ‘I just had to buy her.’…

1 What is the name of the country retreat used by British prime ministers? A ChurchersB ChequersC CheckersD Chessington 2 The legend of King Arthur is associated with which of the following? A Merlin TowersB Tintagel CastleC Pendennis CastleD Tintern Abbey 3 What is a ha-ha? A A sunken fence that creates a boundary without interrupting the viewB A driveway that subtly narrows as it approaches a stately homeC A circular fountain, originally designed for ha’penniesD A hedge planted to disguise outbuildings 4 What period of architecture is 10 Downing Street? A RegencyB VictorianC EdwardianD Georgian 5 Why do some buildings have gargoyles? A They are decorative features created by stonemasons as a mark of their workmanshipB They are created to ward off evilC They are water spouts designed to…

Difficulty level YOU WILL NEED ✱ Two 42x50cm pieces of striped cotton fabric for the bag front and back✱ 23cm square of light brown polar fleece or felt fabric✱ 23cm square of pink polar fleece or felt fabric✱ Two 23cm squares of fusible web✱ Sewing thread in seven colours (for the sprinkles)✱ Two 1m lengths of ribbon✱ Chalk or erasable pen✱ Compass, or plate with diameter of about 21cm and cup with a diameter of about 9cm✱ Safety pin Finished measurements 38.5x41.5cm Cutting and marking guide On the wrong side of one of the bag pieces, mark two pen dots down one long side: one 14cm down from the top and the other 10.5cm down from the top. Repeat to mark these dots on the other long side of the…

STILL DANCING Keeping the Strictly magic alive, our favourite celebs and professionals from the class of 2025 are touring the UK with judges Craig, Shirley and Anton. Janette Manrara hosts the glittering show, which opens in Birmingham before moving to Newcastle, Leeds, Manchester, Sheffield, Liverpool, Glasgow and Nottingham, ending at The O2 in London. ✱ 23 January to 15 February, strictlycomedancinglive.com Pigging out What’s the easiest way to clear an invasive plant that’s covering a wetland nature reserve and preventing birds from reaching food in the mud below? Simple – just call in the Iron Age pigs. A group of this species (a cross between wild boars and domestic pigs) has set to work at Lilbourne Meadows in Northamptonshire. The pigs’ job is to root out and munch New Zealand…

‘Stained glass is still a storytelling art form’ Nathalie Liege, 57, was born in Paris and now lives near Shrewsbury, where she creates modern stained-glass windows. I was transfixed by the beautiful medieval stained-glass windows of the Sainte-Chapelle in Paris. In the 13th century, most people couldn’t read, so these windows told a story in pictures. Stained glass is still a storytelling art form. I completed my training at Wrexham University, and in 1998 I got a two-year grant from the Worshipful Company of Glaziers and Painters of Glass, which included a fully equipped studio in Shrewsbury. Since then, I have worked with coloured glass, fusing glass and hand-painted glass on private and public projects. One church project was to create a modern window at St Luke’s Church in Grimethorpe,…

1 FIGURE OUT YOUR FACE SHAPE When it comes to specs, one size doesn’t fit all, so make sure you look in the mirror and consider the shape of your face before you start browsing. Stylist Katie Portman has partnered with Bayfields Opticians & Audiologists and explains, ‘There are plenty of easy online virtual tools to help, but, in general, rounder faces look fantastic in a rectangular or square frame, while an angular face can take a rounder shape, such as a narrow oval frame or even a cat-eye. Heart and oval faces will suit most glasses, and can pull off oversized and geometric styles with ease.’ 2 CHOOSE YOUR COLOUR WISELY Of course, if you love a particular colour then go for it, but just remember that your specs…

Jacket potatoes with chickpea stew Inspired by Middle Eastern flavours, this stew keeps well for meals during the week. SERVES 4 PREP 15 mins COOK 30 mins ✱ 4 baking potatoes✱ 2tbsp olive oil, plus extra for rubbing✱ 1tbsp cumin seeds✱ 225g pack halloumi, cut into 1cm cubes✱ 1 large onion, finely chopped✱ 2 garlic clove, crushed✱ 400g tin chickpeas, drained✱ 400g tin chopped tomatoes✱ 3tbsp mild harissa paste✱ 2tbsp crème fraiche✱ 2tbsp fresh parsley, chopped 1 Heat the oven to 200C Fan/Gas 7. Prick the potatoes all over with a fork then microwave them on full power for 10 mins, turning halfway through. Rub the potatoes with oil and salt, then bake for 20-30 mins, until crisp and cooked through. 2 Heat a frying pan, add the cumin seeds…

Coping with AORTIC ANEURYSM Abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) is a swelling in the artery from the heart to the abdomen Most aneurysms don’t cause problems but can be serious because there’s a risk of rupture (dissection). Aortic dissection occurs when there is a partial tear in the wall of the aorta, causing a life-threatening internal haemorrhage. This time-critical medical emergency can be fatal but, if diagnosed and treated urgently, has a better than 80% survival rate. The cause of aortic aneurysm isn’t always clear. Risk factors include hypertension, atherosclerosis, smoking, cocaine use, weightlifting, pregnancy, blunt chest trauma, certain genetic and connective tissue disorders, and autoimmune and inflammatory conditions. Relatives of those who’ve had aortic dissection should be screened to ensure that they’re not at risk. Abdominal aortic aneurysm often has…

Tess was tugging at the side zip of her dress, bought for her mum’s 70th birthday party two years ago, when her husband walked into the bedroom. ‘That looks nice,’ Ed said. His dark hair was damp from the shower, his shoulders still glistening, and he had a white towel slung around his hips. Tess gave him a look. Honestly. He had no idea. Ed hadn’t changed a bit since becoming a dad, while she… Well, she most definitely had since she’d given birth to their beautiful Ava, now a year old. ‘It doesn’t fit. I don’t have anything to wear for my brother’s wedding,’ she muttered. Ed sighed and pulled on a pair of pyjama shorts before crossing to wrap his arms around her. ‘You’re as gorgeous now as…

Dropping the box of lenses into her bag, Paige grinned. ‘Funny, the thought of sticking something in my eyes always made me cringe before, but then I hit 50 and thought, right, time to try. And not just contacts. I collected my hearing aids this morning too.’ The assistant tilted her head. ‘Well, you’d never know. Very discreet. Good luck with these, Mrs Lane. Whenever you need more, just pop in.’ Paige stepped on to the street. She hadn’t had a sight test for years and the difference was striking. Colours brighter, faces more distinct. And not having her glasses on opened up her peripheral vision. Combined with the hearing aids, it was almost sensory overload! ‘Paige, is that you?’ Caroline, her neighbour from a few doors down, was fast…

1 CHOCOLATE AND CARAMEL Rich, warm and luxurious, chocolate and caramel is an indulgent colour combination – the perfect choice for rooms where you want to feel cosy and cocooned. Dark browns, like chocolate, look super smart but can be quite intense, so introducing lighter areas in creamier caramel tones will soften the effect. Go for rich, deep-toned browns in north-facing rooms to warm things up, or mid-toned browns in south-facing spaces where the light is brighter. ✱ Main wall in Chocolate Fountain and side panel in Caramel Latte, both soft sheen paint, £33 for 2.5ltr, Dulux 2 GREEN AND GRAPHITE While choosing contrast colours can create drama, a harmonious colour scheme is a better choice where you want a room to feel restful. The key with harmonious colours is…

Best Offer Wins by Marisa Kashino (£16.99, HB, Transworld) How far would you go to secure your dream home? Margo, stuck in a one-bedroom flat and desperate for a baby, keeps missing out on perfect properties. Taking matters into her own hands, she befriends the sellers and tries to negotiate a sale using all her skills – including stalking, threats and blackmail – to get what she wants. Her determination exposes childhood scars and strains her marriage to Ian. This darkly compelling story builds to a shocking, unpredictable ending, revealing how far ambition and desire can push someone. Meet the Newmans by Jennifer Niven (£18.99, HB, Pan Macmillan) Jennifer Niven delivers a nostalgic, sharp look behind the facade of America’s favourite TV family. Set in Los Angeles in 1964, Del…

ARIES 21 MAR – 20 APR Focus your attention on what’s truly important and don’t allow yourself to be distracted. You’ll reap the rewards. TAURUS 21 APR – 21 MAY You have a powerful mind and it’s time to use it to your advantage. Look for the good in all situations and your life will improve dramatically. GEMINI 22 MAY – 21 JUN It’s time to free yourself from unwanted stuff and situations. Be honest with yourself and others, and you’ll enjoy the changes. CANCER 22 JUN – 23 JUL Patience and learning to pace yourself are vital. The seeds you’ve planted need time to germinate. Keep up your good work and know that all is well. LEO 24 JUL – 23 AUG There’s nothing in your way except self-limiting…

Letter of the week Egging her on I smiled when I read Rosemary’s page in the 30 September issue. Her husband had just told her he doesn’t like peas after 40 years of marriage. In the early days of our marriage, my husband Tony and I went for a picnic with my mother and father. After picking a suitable spot, my mother set out the picnic rug, laid the food on it and offered my father a hard-boiled egg. ‘No thanks, I don’t like them.’ My mother was astounded. ‘But I have given you one everyday for lunch,’ she said. ‘Yes, and I’ve never liked them.’ Tony and I collapsed with laughter. Adrienne Dench, Paraparaumu, New Zealand PAWS FOR THOUGHT Here’s rescue cat Barty at the Bath Cats & Dogs…

Take away harsh scrubs However satisfyingly scrubby they may feel, a scratchy, granular exfoliator can cause teeny-tiny micro tears on the surface of your skin and leave your skin barrier compromised. Switch to a chemical exfoliator like PS… Skin Exfoliating Facial Toner, £3.50, Primark, which gently sweeps away dead skin and pore-clogging debris. Splash it on a cotton pad and sweep over clean skin a couple of times a week to keep everything fresh, soft and bright. Take away neck cream The neck is one of those neglected areas that immediately gives the age game away. The secret to delaying the onset of horizontal creases and crepey skin is dedicating the same care and attention below the chin as you do your face, which doesn’t necessarily mean you have to…

Do I help her or not? Q My daughter is 44 and decided recently that, as she hasn’t met a partner, she wanted a baby on her own. She said she’d be fine but, sadly, her baby has some issues and my daughter is struggling to cope. I am torn, as I don’t want to spend my life as a nanny but I know while I’m having fun, she’s going under. When do you stop bailing your children out? Caro, East Sussex A I’m sorry that things haven’t worked out as planned and I hope your grandchild starts to thrive. It sounds from what you’ve said that you feel there are only two alternatives – full-on childcare or none. But I think there’s a middle way. Ask your daughter when she needs the most help, leaving…

Fill me in Solve the puzzle by following the arrows and writing in your answers. Then read down the letters in the shaded squares to find the answer. Clue: something selected as an object of attention or attack. Circle time There are more of what animal kept as pets across America than there are in the wild (about 7,000 compared to about 4,000)? Fit the words into the grid, then read down the letters in the shaded circles for the answer. 3 LETTERS NETNIBORESKISONTEA 4 LETTERS ACHEANTIEARNGODS NEARPALSPRAMRAINSMUG 5 LETTERS ATONEBOISEBREAKMASONMASTSMIAMI OWNERSTORYTRICK 6 LETTERS DALLAS 7 LETTERS SANTA FE 10 LETTERS CINCINNATI SPIRAL XWORD Residents of Thrapston have knitted a replica of what aspect of their town? The answer to each clue (apart from the first) begins with the last…

Espresso cheesecake A triple shot of coffee makes this a lively winner for any occasion! SERVES 10-12PREP 20 mins, plus chillingCOOK 1 hr 30 mins, plus coolingFOR THE BASE ✱ 200g dark chocolate digestives✱ 1tbsp ground coffee✱ 1tbsp cocoa powder✱ 1tbsp caster sugar✱ 60g butter, melted FOR THE FILLING ✱ 1tbsp instant espresso powder✱ 1tbsp cornflour✱ 500g ricotta✱ 500g cream cheese✱ 250g golden caster sugar✱ 4 medium free-range eggs✱ 2tbsp vanilla bean paste FOR THE SYRUP AND TOPPING ✱ 80ml strong-brewed coffee✱ 80g soft light brown sugar, plus 1tbsp✱ 300ml double cream, chilled✱ 2tbsp vanilla bean paste YOU WILL NEED ✱ 22cm loose-bottom/springform cake tin, greased, base lined with baking paper 1 For the base, whizz the digestives, coffee, cocoa and sugar in a food processor to fine crumbs. Add…

AMARYLLIS CARE Don’t throw away your amaryllis once it’s finished flowering – it can bloom again with a little care. Keep it somewhere sunny and snip off old flower stems (leave foliage intact). In summer, let the leaves die back and the bulb dry out. Move to a cool, dark place for 10-12 weeks. After this dormant spell, bring it back into the light and water it – fresh growth should follow. FEEL-GOOD ROSES Want a rose that looks good and helps others? Meet ‘With Courage’ (H90cm), a compact floribunda that was launched to commemorate the 200th anniversary of lifeboat charity RNLI. Expect apple-scented, glowing orange flowers in midsummer and again in autumn. It’s available from peterbealesroses.com, with 20% of sales going to RNLI. 3 OF THE BEST... Witch…

Difficulty level MEASUREMENTS To fit Standard-size hot-water bottle. Width 20cm/8in. Height to neck 27cm/10½in. Height including neck 33cm/13in. MATERIALS 1 x 100g (110m) ball of Rico Creative Chenillove (100% polyester) in each of Pink (005), Green (Mint 009), Cream (Vanilla 003) and Lilac (007)*. Size 4.5mm crochet hook; hot water bottle. Yarn is available from theknittingnetwork.co.uk. TENSION 13 stitches and 12 rows to 10x10cm, over double crochet, using 4.5mm hook. ABBREVIATIONS BLO, back loops only; ch, chain; dc, double crochet; dc2tog, double crochet 2 sts together (to decrease 1 st) thus: [insert hook into next st, yrh and pull loop through] twice, yrh and pull through all 3 loops; slst, slip st; yrh, yarn round hook. NOTES Yarn amounts are based on average requirements and are approximate. Figures in square…

Wordwise You have 15 minutes to find as many words as possible using the letters in the grid. Each word must contain four or more letters, one of which must be the central square. No proper nouns, plurals or foreign words are allowed. There is one nine-letter word in the grid, for which the clue is: Remorseful. Average = 15 More than 35 = well done SUDOKU To solve this puzzle, fill in the grid so that each 3 x 3 box, each row and each column contains the numbers 1-9. LINKWORDS Fit 10 words into the grid so that each links with the end of the word on its left and the beginning of the one on the right. Then unscramble the letters in the shaded squares to make…

''My little sister Deb phoned a few days ago, and announced with excitement, ‘I’ve just seen the vicar.’ What’s more, she said this in the tone of voice with which more plain-speaking women might say, ‘OMG! I’ve just seen Brad Pitt sunbathing in our back garden in his skimpies.’ ‘What’s so special about the vicar all of a sudden?’ I said. ‘He was wearing leather trousers. You never told me we had a vicar who wears leather trousers. Were you trying to keep him for yourself?’ ‘I didn’t tell you because you never asked.’ ‘Well it’s not the sort of question that arises as a matter of course, is it?’ she said. ‘I can’t imagine that I’d ever be asking on the off chance if the vicar wears leather trousers.’…