Innholdsfortegnelse for November 23, 2015 i Woman

For Carol McGiffin and fiancé Mark Cassidy, the upcoming festive season is something to savour. Since Carol’s breast cancer diagnosis in April 2014, the couple have kept a low profile staying with friends in Kent and at home in London while Carol recovered from gruelling chemotherapy and radiotherapy. Now the pair are looking forward to a romantic break in the run-up to Christmas and spending part of the holiday in sunnier climes. After a holiday earlier this year, which Carol says in hindsight she wasn’t well enough to appreciate, it’s the perfect opportunity to enjoy each other’s company before preparations for next year’s wedding start in earnest. Here, the couple tell us about their plans for the big day, and how their relationship has had its ups and downs… OUR…

EVANS  Available online at evans.co.uk and selected stores…

1 Extra Special Black Forest Alaskan Bombe, £5, Asda Love retro with a twist? Dig into this gooey marshmallow coating sprinkled with gold edible glitter with juicy black cherries and moist sponge. 2 Tree Trunk Yule Log, 880g, £20, M&S. Heavenly chocolate sponge coated in milk chocolate ganache. 3 Chocolate & Orange Choux Garland, 488g, £4.99, Iceland. Finished with sugar crunch pieces. 4 Collection Christmas Bauble, 630g, £20, M&S. Edible chocolate shell, berry compote and chocolate mousse. 5 Mulled Cassis Mince Pies, 200g, £2.50, Sainsbury’s. Fabulously fruity, with cassis and butter pastry. 6 Pineapple & Glitter Jelly Crown, 565g, £4, M&S. A shimmering fruit jelly with a pineapple and lime sauce. 7 Frozen Black Forest Roulade 588g, £5, Tesco. Thick layers of cherry, cream and soft chocolate mousse. 8 Handmade…

Eat right Rice might make a tasty filler, but it can add unwanted calories to your meal. Cauli Rice (£1.99 for 200g, caulirice.com) has 75% fewer calories than rice and is microwave-ready in minutes. Protect yourself Allergies are just as common in the colder months as they are in summer. A. Vogel Luffa Nasal Spray (£8.37 for 25ml, amazon.co.uk) contains herb extracts, which can cleanse the nasal passage and defend against sneezing. All smiles For sparkling white teeth, try Colgate’s new Max Expert White toothpaste (£5.99 for 75ml, Boots. It contains dentists’ secret weapon hydrogen peroxide to help remove stains and keep your smile bright white. That’s one more reason to smile!…

HOW IT WORKS 1 Pick one breakfast, lunch and dinner every day. Feel free to repeat meals. You’ll find more ideas at slimmingworld.co.uk or if you join your local Slimming World group. 2 Foods printed in bold are ‘Free Foods’ which you can enjoy without weighing, counting or measuring. Base meals around Free Foods, like veg, pasta, lean meat, fish, rice, potatoes, fat-free dairy and eggs, and snack on fresh fruit and veg. Most fat-free yogurts are ‘Free’ too. 3 Stock up on fat-free salad dressings, stock, herbs, artificial sweeteners, oil-free passata, tomato purée, soy sauce and spices to add flavour to meals. 4 To make sure you eat a balanced diet, each day add a portion of calcium – 350ml skimmed, 250ml semi-skimmed milk, 30g of full-fat hard cheese…

Five-star European river cruising There are lots of vessels cruising Europe’s rivers but few ships can match the luxury and elegance of our selection of five-star vessels on the Rhine, Danube, Moselle, Main, Rhône or Seine. Selected departures from April to November 2016. Price includes: Return rail* and Eurostar, or flights; taxes and transfers Five-star cabins with hotel-standard beds, private bathrooms and river views Exceptional cuisine with full-board throughout Extensive and fully inclusive touring programmes EIGHT DAYS FROM £1,099pp 14 DAYS FROM £1,699pp Lake Garda, Venice & Verona This tour includes some of the finest sights northern Italy has to offer. Selected departures from April to October 2016. Price includes: Return flights from many UK airports (and Dublin); taxes and transfers Seven nights in hand-picked lakefront hotels with half-board Comprehensive…

Ant and Dec return to ITV this month with I’m A Celebrity Get Me Out Of Here and a new set of stars prepare to tackle even tougher bush tucker trials. To whet your appetite, we have all the backstage secrets… THE ‘TALK OF DOOM’ Another batch of celebs are currently quaking in their camp boots – but they can’t say they’ve not been warned about what they’re letting themselves in for. Before signing on the dotted line, each contestant is sent a pack, including a DVD, to show them what horrors are in store. They’re also invited to several meetings with ITV bosses – nicknamed ‘The Talk Of Doom’ – who don’t hold back on telling them just how hard it will be. UNDERWEAR RULES!…

Whizzing down the slopes in my fluorescent jacket and salopettes, I’m sure you’ll agree I cut quite a youthful figure. So you may be surprised to learn that I’m actually a 45-year-old mum-of-two. Hurtling down mountains at full speed hasn’t always been my idea of a good time. Six years ago, as a busy NHS manager and mum to William, then 11, and Erin, eight, I was far less adventurous. Life revolved around work and the kids – and, living in Cumbria, with the Lake District close by, we’d rarely venture far for holidays. That all changed in July 2010, when, after 14 years of marriage, my husband and I divorced. I’d just turned 40 and that milestone, coupled with the split, prompted me to reconsider what I wanted from…

Madeira beef casserole A delicious slow cook. You can swap the Madeira for port if you like SERVES 6 READY IN 2 HOURS 50 MINUTES 4tbsp olive oil1kg stewing steak, cut into 2.5cm cubes4 red onions, peeled and finely sliced2 garlic cloves, peeled andfinely chopped25g dried porcini mushrooms2tbsp seasoned flour600ml Madeira wine400g can chopped tomatoes2tbsp sun-dried tomato pasteFinely grated zest and juice of 1 orange500ml good quality beef stock1tbsp Worcestershire sauce500g baby Chantenay carrots, trimmed4 thyme sprigs and 3 bay leaves 1 Heat the oven to 170°C, Gas 3. Heat 1tbsp of the oil in a large casserole and when it is really hot, brown the beef in batches, adding a little more of the oil when necessary. When all the meat is browned, set aside. Add the onions to…

A BOLD BROW WILL INSTANTLY DEFINE YOUR FACE BEFORE AND AFTER THE PARTY PRE-PARTY No time to get ready? These tricks will take you from your busy day to the evening fun looking fresh-faced and ready to party! SEXY UP YOUR HAIR Give a tired style a new lease of life by spritzing some dry shampoo through the roots. We love Aveda Dry Remedy Shampoo, £22.50. PERKED UP LOOK It’s 5pm and your eyes are looking tired from staring at a screen all day. Dab a touch of Garnier Skin Naturals BB Cream Miracle Skin Perfector Eye Roll-On, £9.99, under and around your eyes to instantly make them look rested. The cool rollerball will reduce puffiness and the light coverage will blur fine lines. WIDE-AWAKE EYES No time to get…

I’m leaving my husband After 30 years of marriage and many attempts at counselling, I’m leaving my husband. I can’t carry on any more. He shouts at me all the time. I feel worthless – just the drudge who cooks and cleans for him. My self-confidence has reached rock bottom, I can’t sleep and I can’t stop crying. I don’t know how to go about finding somewhere to live and how on earth am I going to pay the rent. I’ll have no furniture and will only be taking with me any clothes I can carry when I leave. Suzie says: I’m really impressed you’ve finally decided to say enough is enough and leave – that takes tremendous courage and far more self-confidence than you give yourself credit for. You…

Have your Christmas dinner and treats sorted for the big day! Perfect for gifts or to enjoy with the family. For your chance to win, opt in to Taste of Christmas on the Woman Bingo promotions page and play £2 on any games before Wednesday 25 November. Woman Bingo.com/xmas PLUS £25 FREE-PLAY FOR ALL NEW MEMBERS* Visit womanbingo.com/xmas Join, entering promo code WG48XMASAD Deposit £10 and enjoy an extra £25 FREE-PLAY! Terms & conditions: *New customers only. Registration required. 18+, UK only. Valid until 31 Dec 2015. Min. £10 deposit. You must enter code WG48XMASAD on registration and accept the Welcome Bonus when you deposit £10 to receive the £25 Welcome Bonus to play. 250% Welcome Bonus – max £100. Welcome Bonus must be wagered four times before…

1 ALADDIN, BIRMINGHAM HIPPODROME Get on your magic carpet and travel to Birmingham for this brilliant show. With spectacular special effects and Lee Mead as Aladdin, you definitely should be asking your genie for tickets! More info: birminghamhippodrome.com 2 CINDERELLA, DARLINGTON CIVIC THEATRE Britain’s Got Talent 2012 champions Ashleigh Butler and her handsome hound Pudsey lead the cast of this family-friendly panto. What’s not to love about this doggy duo? More info: darlingtoncivic.co.uk 3 JACK AND THE BEANSTALK, SWANSEA GRAND THEATRE Louie Spence plays the ‘Spirit of the Beans’ in this fun show. With reasonable prices, you won’t be needing to sell your cow this winter for tickets. More info: swansea.gov.uk/swansea  grandtheatre…

Get ready for the upcoming party season! With a range of glamorous tops and dresses, BHS has everything you need for Christmas and New Year’s gatherings, so visit us instore or online today. Plus, we’re offering 20% off all womenswear and accessories for a limited time only! To treat yourself to your perfect outfit, take the voucher below to your nearest store, or use the code below to shop online. Exclusive 20% discount at BHS Terms & conditions: 20%-off voucher and discount code valid from 10-24 November 2015 inclusive. Only redeemable against purchases from BHS in a single transaction. This voucher is only valid against BHS womenswear and accessories own-brand ranges, and will not be accepted against concessions brands or bhsdirect.co.uk. This offer is not valid against electricals or furniture.…

CUT THE COST OF CHRISTMAS! You don’t have to turn into Scrooge to have a money-savvy festive season with my top tips… 1 Set up a pre-NUPP (pre-Christmas No Unnecessary Present Pact) I’m not talking about gifts for your partner and kids, but that ever-growing list of teachers, work colleagues and more for whom buying feels like a chore rather than a joy. We end up with tit-for-tat giving, and the end result is, by definition, tat – that few want, need or use. It says I won’t buy for you and you don’t buy for me – or at least limit the cost. More at mse.me/banchristmas. 2 Buy stocking fillers to trick Amazon into giving you free delivery The giant e-retailer used to give free delivery on its goods…

ARIES 21 Mar – 20 Apr Week 1 Make a concerted effort to remain cool, calm and confident in the face of any opposition. If someone is acting unfairly, hold your fire for now. Week 2 There could be hidden pitfalls in seemingly welcome opportunities, while a negative outcome could have very positive aspects. So be sure not to let frustration dictate your course. For your reading 09058 172557 TAURUS 21 Apr – 21 May Week 1 A romance that began some weeks ago is ready to move into a new phase. Discussions over the weekend could prove tense, but the climate is ideal for a passionate exchange in more enjoyable terms. Week 2 Money – or lack of money, more likely – could very well be at the root…

My thoughts are already turning to the Christmas special, and I’d love to see Simon Cowell on it this year. He might need to do it after this year’s dismal X Factor ratings! At least he’d get more viewers that way... I’ve watched a bit of this series, and there are some fantastic voices, but they’ve been given terrible material. It’s a real shame to see talent mismanaged like that, and it’s all getting a bit desperate. Anyway, Simon would fit right in on the dancefloor with those high trousers! Royalty come dancing Zara Phillips came down to the show and I think that could be a hint that she wants to take part. She’d be fabulous! I’d love to see Prince Harry do Strictly too. After all, he’s no…

Like most people, I’ve always enjoyed getting into the Christmas spirit – whether it’s decorating the house or singing carols, there’s nothing I don’t love about this time of year. That’s why, when friends suggested we dress up in festive costumes, I happily agreed. But, while I smiled and cheered for the camera, the moment I saw the photo my gleeful grin disappeared. With a huge round tummy and puffy face, I’d done all too good a job of looking like Santa. I’ve always had a big, or what my mum would affectionately call a healthy, appetite. Growing up, I’d ask for second helpings after every meal and that, coupled with my sweet tooth, meant I was always on the larger size. I never thought much of it until I…

GIFTS FOR HER Fashion Director Caroline Baxter chooses luxury gifts you’ll want to keep for yourself! GIFTS FOR HIM Creative Director Dale Walker finds the best gifts for the men in your life GIFTS FOR KIDS Digital Editor Katie Corcoran (with son Sam) dons her Santa hat and chooses gifts that your little ones will love GIFTS FOR TEENS Lifestyle Director Kath Brown (with daughter Gracie, 15) chooses the coolest gifts to keep your teenagers happy GIFTS FOR HOME Homes editor Gemma Brooks finds the best gifts that’ll spruce up any home Go Online! For more great gifts log on to womanmagazine.co.uk/ Christmas…

THE BIG EVENT A catwalk-style jumpsuit will tick boxes for both elegance and comfort on Christmas Day OFFICE PARTY A flattering, sparkling dress that’s bound to wow workmates FRIENDS’ NIGHT OUT Know how to play animal print trousers purr-fectly CHRISTMAS EVE Play those sequins down a teensy bit with a classic top FOR MORE INFORMATION Visit jdwilliams.co.uk Winter collection available now. Sizes 10-32.…

With the party season fast approaching, many of us are looking forward to enjoying a mulled wine or two. But while you might see me swaying in the corner at the office party, you may be surprised to hear I haven’t touched a drop of alcohol all night. In fact, the real reason is something more debilitating. Three years ago, life looked very different. At 28, a busy mum to Ben, then nine, I had a wonderful partner, Matthew, and a job I loved as a charity coordinator. I’d spend my weekends going on long country walks with Ben and making campfires. It was December 2012 when, getting dressed one morning, I heard a loud, engine-like roar. ‘Can you hear that?’ I said to Matthew. When he shook his head…

‘The painting took me back in time’ Georgina Fuller, 37, is a writer. She lives in Oxford with her husband Dominic and their three children. Sitting in the sunny courtyard, my mother Maggie is engrossed in her book. It’s a tranquil scene – and one so visceral I sometimes imagine reaching back in time and entering it. But this isn’t real life – it’s a painting. Mum was the most special woman I’d ever met. She had an infectious laugh and as a passionate English teacher, she loved taking me to see Shakespeare plays. Her favourite place was a little farmhouse in the South of France that she’d bought with my stepdad, Andy, in 1996. We spent every summer there and Mum’s friend, Silja, sometimes came to visit, too. Mum…

What to record next week THE SUPERVET WEDS, C4 Another heartwarming series begins following Noel Fitzpatrick and his team as they use pioneering techniques and technology to cure beloved pets. Keep a tissue handy! CAPITAL BBC1 This adaptation of John Lanchester’s 2013 novel is set amid London’s soaring property prices as the residents of one street find themselves the victims of a hate campaign. Lesley Sharp, Toby Jones and Rachael Stirling star. I’M A CELEBRITY, GET ME OUT OF HERE! SUN, ITV Ant and Dec host, while the celebrities bidding to become king or queen of the jungle are rumoured to include Louis Walsh and Leslie Ash. MINIONS OUT 16 NOVEMBER We all love a minion, so why not settle down on the sofa with this fun animation? After accidentally…

BIOGRAPHIES Strictly Bruce Forsyth: Stories Of My Life , hardback £20, (Bantam) He’s been in show business for 70 years; from his early days in music hall, through The Generation Game to Strictly, Brucie is part of our national DNA. You’ll love the old photos and the stories of sadness and triumph. Maggie Smith: A Biography by Michael Coveney, hardback £20, (W&N) Maggie had a job convincing her stern Scottish mother she wanted to act, but she has since shone in roles such as Miss Jean Brodie, Professor McGonagall and the formidable Lady Grantham. Open The Cage, Murphy by Paul O’Grady, hardback £20, (Transworld) This is the next chapter in the hilarious life story of the comic legend. The book takes us through a decade…

I’ve been reading Woman magazine for years, and when I saw that there was a Woman Bingo site, I was excited to join. Signing up was effortless – and I’m not even that great with computers! But the site is so straightforward and the games are really easy to understand and follow too. I soon got the hang of it all and found my favourite bingo games – Sapphire and Bejeweled. In my three years of playing, I’ve won a fair few lines on the bingo, scooping £50 here and £100 there. But in April this year, I had my biggest win yet. During the week, I’d been playing on Sapphire. One of the reasons I like Sapphire so much is because…

He’s not only the nicest man in Hollywood, but one of the hardest working, too. We caught up with Hugh Jackman, 47, after the hectic world promotional tour of his new film Pan , to talk to us about manners and his life in the spotlight. The Sydney-born star has two children, Oscar, 12, and Ava, 10, with his wife of 19 years, actress and producer Deborra-Lee Furness. ‘I had my head shaved for the role in Pan and took my daughter and her three friends to Disney World. I said, ‘This is going to be hard, Ava, because we’re going to get hassled there quite a bit.’ And three people in four days noticed me. I was, like, nobody! Then we…

Adorable Aljaž Aljaž Skorjanec is setting the Strictly dance floor on fire for a third year running, alongside his celeb partner, Call The Midwife’s Helen George. Meanwhile, the 25-year-old Slovenian’s personal life is also going from strength to strength after he asked fellow Strictly pro Janette Manrara, 32, to marry him in August. I always wanted to be a dancer. I started when I was five. I also did a lot of athletics when I was younger, especially running. My family live in Slovenia, but they always manage to watch Strictly . My parents love it and are proud of me. Without their support, I wouldn’t be where I am today. I make sure they…

‘13 Abbey Clancy ‘To win with Abbey in my first year was amazing.’ ‘14 Alison Hammond ‘Alison was such fun – we laughed through it all.’ ’15 Helen George ‘It’s third time lucky with Helen. She’s really amazing!’ ’15 Janette Manrara ‘Me and Janette are so happy – I can’t wait to marry her!’ Say what? ‘I support FC Barcelona as they have nice jerseys’…