Innholdsfortegnelse for 9-May-2022 i Woman

Am I proud of my body? Now, there’s a question. Surely, we all should be – no matter our shape or size? I loved reading Jemma, Nicola and Jodi’s stories on page 36-39 and their journey to loving their bodies. Perhaps with age comes confidence, or in my case an acceptance, but either way, these ladies are proof that embracing what we have really can be liberating. This week, we have some AMAZING offers and savings in the magazine – why not try your hand at growing your own fruit and veg (see page 64 & 65), and take advantage of the free strawberry plants on page 68 to get you going! We also have 20% off pet insurance in this issue, and you could bag yourself a holiday to…

While many of us move on from the pandemic, restriction-free and without having to wear masks, the NHS is still living through the horror. Backdated referrals, long-awaited operations, upwards of 13,000 people still being hospitalised each week with COVID-19*, as well as almost 14,000 nurses leaving the profession in 2021 alone. Our emergency services were struggling even before the pandemic – and now they’re at crisis point. Staff shortages coupled with increased demand has seen ambulance waiting times skyrocket, and lives are being put at risk as a result. Now, volunteers are even being recruited to drive patients to A&E. But even after arriving at hospital, many patients are waiting in ambulances for hours due to a lack of beds. We speak to one woman whose elderly mother was left…

Failure, says Wikipedia, is the state or condition of not meeting a desirable or intended objective. It smacks so much of the negative side of exams, marriages and jobs. But, from the point of view of personal change and betterment (is that a word? It is now!) then a certain amount of failure will reap huge rewards. Take training for a race. I ran a couple of half marathons in 2019. I’m sounding nonchalant, I’m not and I wasn’t. Running isn’t my thing, but I’d decided that a marathon was much too long (did one once, never doing it again) and my friend Stacey, queen of the 13-miler, told me her strategy was nine minutes of walking, one minute running. ‘Isn’t that cheating?’ I asked. No, she told me. It’s…

Never felt a day over 21? Or do you often wake up so stiff you feel you must be a decade older than you actually are? How quickly your body is ageing may be in better – or worse – condition than you realise. And here’s an easy way to find out. Starting with your actual age, answer the following questions, subtracting or adding years depending on your answers. You may be surprised by the outcome! THE QUIZ 1 HOW’S YOUR WEIGHT? A I’m overweight and need to lose a stone or more. +2 years B I’m a little overweight – I’d like to lose half a stone. +1 year C I’m slim and in the right weight range for my height. -2 years D I’m underweight. +1 year WHY…

Aubergine Parmigiana Traditionally, the aubergines would be coated in flour then deep-fried. This lighter version is made with roast aubergines instead. SERVES 8 PREP 10 MINS COOK 1 HR 5 MINS * 4tbsp extra virgin olive oil, for greasing and brushing * 5 medium aubergines (approx 1.2kg), cut into 1.5cm slices * 2 x 125g balls mozzarella (we used buffalo), roughly torn into chunks * 650g jar tomato sauce whizzed with a stick blender if you like it smooth, or see tip * ½ 20g pack basil leaves * 50g Parmesan cheese, finely grated 1 Heat the oven to 240C/Gas 9; grease a 23cm loose-bottomed cake tin and a large baking tray with olive oil. 2 Lay the aubergine slices on the prepared baking tray. Brush the tops with olive…

Recycle, recycle, recycle Growing your own the earth. Save your pennies by recycling the cardboard tubes from inside kitchen roll and toilet paper to create containers to grow seedlings. Simply stand the tubes in a seed tray and fill with soil before planting the seeds. When it’s time to put the plants in the ground the tubes will eventually biodegrade – saving the planet and your bank balance, too. Read up Turn experts when it comes to what to plant and where. The Home Farm by Nicki Trench (£14.99, Cico Books) shows you how to get started with sowing and growing fruit, vegetables and herbs, with great advice on maintaining your plot. Make life easy If you re growing from seed, a self-watering propagator is a great addition to your…

AMALFI COAST Best for... romantics The Amalfi Coast is so picturesque it looks like a film set. From dramatic cliffs and terraced vineyards to lemon groves and pastel-coloured villages, this playground of the rich and famous is also one of the most romantic spots in the world. The pearls in its crown are the pretty towns of Positano (showcasing chic boutiques, intimate restaurants and ceramic workshops) and Ravello, which sits atop a promontory with dazzling views out to the Gulf of Salerno. Here, discreet five-star hotels hidden down alleyways (try Palazzo Avino) and grand villas (say, Villa Cimbrone) ooze old-school charm. Visit for a long, lazy lunch or evening meal amid twinkling terraces above the sea. DOLOMITES Best for... adventurers It’s easy to see why the monumental Dolomite mountains in…

BAFTA TV Awards BBC1 C4’s AIDS drama It’s A Sin (pictured) is nominated for 11 awards, with its stars Olly Alexander and Lydia West up for the Leading Actor and Leading Actress gongs respectively. Richard Ayoade hosts the star-studded ceremony from London’s Royal Festival Hall. The Games ITV Holly Willoughby and Freddie Flintoff host as 12 celebrities go head-to-head in a series of sporting challenges, from diving to the 100m sprint. Among those taking part are former Strictly pro Kevin Clifton, pop star Max George and Emmerdale’s Rebecca Sarker, aka Manpreet Sharma. Eurovision Song Contest Semi-Finals BBC3 The semis in Turin will decide which countries will join Italy, Spain, France, Germany and the UK in the Eurovision Grand Final on 14 May. The bookies’ favourite is Ukraine’s Kalush Orchestra (pictured)…

TOP ABBA 1974 Naturally, ABBA is the competition’s most successful (and sequinned) export. The previously unknown Swedish pop group stormed the competition in 1974 with a catchy little ditty inspired by a bloody Belgian battle! Taking to the stage in Brighton, Waterloo catapulted the dancing queens (plus Benny and gastardom. TOP Bucks Fizz 1981 Thank goodness for Cheryl Baker’s legs! When the self-conscious singer refused to wear a miniskirt for the performance, the group’s choreographer found a compromise in the now famous ripping finale. The belter of a tune (albeit with nonsensical lyrics) triumphed for the UK and became a perennial cheesy karaoke classic into the bargain. FLOP Jemini 2003 Cry Baby had us all crying in 2003 when duo Jemini scored our first-ever ‘nul points’. Horribly off-key, they claimed…

Possibly this season’s chicest accessory, a luxurious lightweight scarf is a stylish addition to any look. The gorgeous patterned fabric is super-versatile, so get creative with the way you wear them. Whether wrapped around the handle of a bag, tied into hair, worn in place of a necklace or draped over your shoulders, they’ll add a fun finishing touch to any outfit.…

Feared and adored in equal measure, we often have a complicated relationship with carbs. Pasta lovers and bread addicts fear their waist-expanding properties, but is this reputation deserved? ‘There’s a misconception that people should avoid carbs when trying to lose weight. The truth is, they play an important role both in a healthy diet and in sustainable weight loss,’ reveals Dr Jacquie Lavin, head of nutrition and research at Slimming World. We asked our experts to debunk the ‘carbfusion’… What are carbs? Carbs are macronutrients (alongside fat and protein), which provide us with nourishment and energy. There are three types – fibre, starch and sugars. Fibre and starch are complex carbs found in whole foods, while sugars are simple carbs found in the food we love (but sadly doesn’t love…

Chocolate malt ball rocky road Chunky and satisfyingly crunchy, this ‘no bake’ is loaded with Maltesers, mini marshmallows and chocolate spread. MAKES 16 PREP 15 MINS, PLUS CHILLING COOK N/A * 250g Maltesers * 70g mini marshmallows * 400g milk chocolate, broken into pieces * 100g Maltesers spread or other chocolate spread 1 Line a 20cm square baking tin with non-stick baking paper. Combine the Maltesers and mini marshmallows in a mixing bowl. Set aside. 2 Put the milk chocolate and chocolate spread into a microwave-safe bowl and microwave on high in 30-second bursts, stirring at each interval, until melted. Leave the mixture to cool for 5 mins (if it’s too hot, it will melt the Maltesers/marshmallows), then pour it over the marshmallow mixture and stir until everything is coated.…

‘We’ve even got an outdoor projector and a white sheet for film nights’ Taking on this project was quite a challenge as I wasn’t quite sure where to begin,’ says Bek. ‘But then I began to see how the garden’s different zones and levels could work. I wanted to keep the established trees and shrubs and I loved the old brick walls. The ivy on the walls was completely out of control, though, and the area closest to the house just trapped leaves and dirt, and had nothing going on.’ First steps Top of my wish list was a lovely seating area where we could put our feet up. The terrace was the obvious spot and I was keen on the idea of some outdoor sofas. The ones I liked…

The Midwich Cuckoos Sky Max Keeley Hawes and Max Beesley head the cast of this modern-day version of the 1957 novel by John Wyndham. The eight-part sci-fi thriller is set in a sleepy commuter-belt town where everyone in a particular district falls unconscious for several hours. Later it’s found that all the women of childbearing age are pregnant, and when they give birth to children with strange abilities, it becomes clear that a terrible sacrifice may be needed. Only Murders in the Building Disney+ The comedy crime drama returns for a second series. After investigating a mysterious death in their New York apartment block, amateur sleuths and true-crime enthusiasts Mabel (Selena Gomez), Charles (Steve Martin) and Oliver (Martin Short) are themselves accused of the murder! Will they be able to…

Holly Willoughby, 41, has been vocal about her struggles with mum guilt but recently the presenter reached breaking point, admitting, ‘I cried a lot’. The star’s intense filming schedules meant she was away from children Harry, 12, Belle, 11, and Chester, seven, for almost three weeks. She said: ‘I was working a week in Italy [filming Freeze the Fear with Wim Hof] then flying to London on a Saturday night to film Dancing on Ice on a Sunday. I couldn’t go home because of COVID regulations, I had to stick to just two places of filming. So Saturday nights, on my own, I cried a lot. It was the longest I’ve ever gone without seeing my children.’ Holly has previously talked about her work-life balance, saying, ‘I’m feeling mega guilty…

We’re a nation of secret snackers The average Brit has at least two snacks per day, but have you ever had a nibble in a toilet cubicle? Incredibly, 16% of us have, according to a poll by Peperami. One in five of us will squirrel away a snack for a soak in the bath and one in 10 have used a Wendy house to hide our eating habits. Other popular places for a quick scoff include the shed, storage room at work and the lift. ‘Sometimes, snacking away from others can give you a moment of peace to enjoy something in its purest form,’ says psychologist Jo Hemmings. ‘While many reach for snacks as a comforting habit, others would prefer people not to know about their cravings – either way,…

Press the rewind button and go way back – before COVID, before Brexit – to April 2015, then picture a devastatingly handsome man at home, on the sofa, talking about money with his wife. Well, he has nowt to do with this, but possibly on the telly in the corner, I was on-air at the time urging savers as usual to use their new tax-free cash ISA allowance – because ‘money was nicer in an ISA’. Everything changed though in 2016, when the Personal Savings Allowance (PSA) launched. It means: ✱ Basic 20% rate taxpayers can earn up to £1,000 interest a year from any and all savings without paying any tax on it; after that their interest is taxed at 20%. ‘Cash ISAs have tended to have worse interest…

GENERAL KNOWLEDGE 1 Who were the British Prime Ministers in the following years? A1920 B1946 CI961 2 What was the first Apollo mission to land on the moon? 3 Which fictional family lives at number 742 Evergreen Terrace? 4 Who died when? Link the person with the year of death. John F Kennedy 1997 Queen Victoria 1945 Mother Teresa 1901 Adolf Hitler 1963 5 What is the main gas found in the air we breathe? A Oxygen B Helium C Nitrogen 6 Label the bones listed below on this picture of a human skeleton: Fibula Ribs Mandible Coccyx Cranium 7 Hippophobia is a fear of something, but do you know of what? 8 Bibliophilia is a love of something, but do you know of what? 9 What is the name…

From layout to flooring, lighting and ventilation, there’s a lot to plan when refreshing your bathroom. Whether it’s a space just for you, or one for all the family, we’ll guide you through the five key steps to making sure your bathroom is a success for everyone. 1 Make a detailed plan Consider your needs within the space you have. Is there room for a shower as well as a bath? Would you prefer a pedestal basin or for your sink to nestle in a vanity unit that will offer storage, too? How about a heated towel rail? To help you visualise the space and position the essentials, create a floor plan. Once you’ve drawn in the door and any windows, play around with the position of the sink and…

Barafundle Bay, Pembrokeshire, Wales There are over 50 beaches to choose from in Pembrokeshire, and Barafundle Bay, which is only accessible via a half-mile stroll across the cliff tops, is among the best. On a sunny day, the turquoise waters here give the Caribbean a run for its money. A gorgeous, sheltered stretch of golden sands makes it worth the effort and ideal for family swimming. The only facilities are back at the car park, so make sure you’ve packed a picnic. If you tire of sunbathing, walk the coastal path to Stackpole Head, where you can take a peek at the puffin colony. TOP TIP Check the tide times to make sure you don’t get cut off. Visit pembrokeshire.com for info. Luskentyre, Isle of Harris, Outer Hebrides Few British…

How much longer was she going to have to wait before Aiden made his true feelings clear? Anna and Aiden had been together forever. Well, not quite forever. The length of their relationship actually equated to around about four years and three months. But even their names seemed to roll off people’s tongues as if they were simply meant to be. ‘So why aren’t you engaged yet? Don’t you want to get married? Are you afraid of the commitment? Or perhaps you just don’t want to say the vows – love, honour and obey…’ Sarah, Anna’s older sister, looked at her with a twinkle in her eye and then turned to fill up her bright pink kettle. ‘Obey? You obey Daniel, do you?’ Anna asked, raising her eyebrows, already knowing…

The Curious Cases of Rutherford and Fry Can hair turn white overnight? Why do teens sleep so much and how does wi-fi work? These are just some of the questions Dr Adam Rutherford and Dr Hannah Fry investigate in this fascinating podcast. Apple Podcasts, Spotify Hear Her Voice One for music lovers. Laura Whitmore celebrates the artistry and talent of women in music with guests such as Self Esteem and KT Tunstall, who reflect on themes such as break-up anthems and the women musicians who inspired them. Apple Podcasts, Global Player…

Best for… unruly brows Anastasia Beverly Hills Brow Freeze, £24, cultbeauty.co.uk Lock your eyebrows in place with this strong-hold wax. Use a spoolie to brush on the transparent formula and watch your brows become lifted, sculpted and groomed. It’s the ultimate tamer of unruly hairs. Best for… bushy brows NYX The Brow Glue, £7.50, Superdrug If you’re lucky enough to be blessed with full brows, keep them under control with this steadfast brow glue. The transparent gel won’t add colour or density to the brows but will groom hairs so you look more polished. Best for… no brows at all Godefroy My Brows Long Lasting Eyebrow Transfers, £5.95, medigenix.co.uk Certain medical conditions can cause hair loss, and if you’re without brows, brow transfer stickers can be life changing. Pick the…