Home/Women's Lifestyle/Woman's Own/Monday, June 10, 2024/In This Issue
Woman's Own|Monday, June 10, 2024WELCOME!So many of us will be able to relate to reader Katy Lennon’s story on p30. Her husband Tom needed care after a brain injury and Katy has had to step in to plug the gap. Anyone with a friend or family member who has been unwell will know the enormous pressure put on unpaid carers – as such, you’re dealing with the heartbreak of seeing someone you love in pain, while also juggling the emotional and physical toll on your own day-to-day life. There are around 1.5 million people who spend more than 50 hours a week giving unpaid care – it’s crippling. We’re a wealthy country; this shouldn’t be happening. I wonder if the government realises the true cost of caring for a loved one? If you’re in…1 min
Woman's Own|Monday, June 10, 2024THIS MORNING IN CRISIS!They’ve been at the helm for only three months, but Cat Deeley and Ben Shephard are already facing the wrath of critical This Morning viewers.From being told they’re ‘trying too hard’ and ‘don’t work’ as a partnership to dwindling viewing figures – dropping from an average of 806,000 and a peak of one million on their first show to a low of just 692,500 the following week – the pressure is really on for the pair.And with the likes of fan-favourite Josie Gibson likely waiting in the wings, could time already be up for Cat and Ben?Unhappy viewersSince they started as permanent presenters in March, fans have made it clear that they’re struggling to warm to Cat, 47, and Ben, 49. ‘These two do not work,’ one said, while another…4 min
Woman's Own|Monday, June 10, 2024DAWN NEESOM MIND OF MY OWNSHOULD CANNABIS BE LEGALISED?Gen Z seem to think so – they must be off their heads!In one of the least gobsmacking reports ever, young folk (Gen Z, as we call them these days) have declared that cannabis should be legalised. Four in five of those born between 1997 and 2012 think they should be allowed to nip to their local high street and pick up a joint or two with their pint of milk. Well, colour me shocked.You could have asked this question of any group of youngsters from 1960 onwards and got exactly the same response.But as this comes with the news that more Americans now take marijuana than drink alcohol every day, there’s obviously something going on here. Roughly 17.7 million people in the US use marijuana daily…5 min
Woman's Own|Monday, June 10, 2024GOOD FOR YOU!Have you heard about?WATCHING LIVE SPORT CAN BOOST WELLBEINGIn need of a pick-me-up? Attend a sporting event, says research.* When looking at data of over 7,000 people aged 16-85, researchers found that those who watched live sport had improved feelings of life satisfaction and reduced loneliness. And it doesn’t need to be the big leagues – simply watching your grandchild’s football game can have the same effect.It worked for meDawn Michelle Sanderson, 62, from Doncaster‘Dermatologists and doctors had tried me on several different prescription creams and tablets for my severe allergic dermatitis, but none of them worked. I now use Balmonds Skin Salvation balm (£7.99 for 30ml, balmonds.co.uk), which helps to lock in moisture with protective beeswax and supports the functioning of the skin barrier. The burning, dryness, soreness and…2 min
Woman's Own|Monday, June 10, 2024A PROBLEM SHAREDMy grandson is shyQ My grandson is six and doesn’t like to be around people he doesn’t know. We were at a party and he wouldn’t come off his dad’s lap to play with the other kids. I told him he was being silly, which caused an argument. My daughter says he has social anxiety.A Social anxiety is more than shyness – it’s an intense, persistent fear of being watched and judged. This can affect school and other daily activities, such as talking to others or attending a party. Your grandson is already overly critical of himself, so telling him he’s being silly only makes the situation worse. Talk to him about how he feels and why he’s afraid and encourage him to take small steps. He can learn to…2 min
Woman's Own|Monday, June 10, 2024THE TRUE COST OF CARING FOR A LOVED ONEEarlier this year, Kate Garraway had the nation’s sympathies when she lost her husband Derek Draper to the long-term effects of COVID. But it was the light she shone on the crippling costs people are faced with when caring for their loved ones that left everyone shocked. The presenter revealed she’d been left with huge debts as his care costs exceeded her salary from ITV. ‘I’m somebody that is very well paid and so I just feel a shame that I couldn’t make it work,’ Kate said. It is estimated that almost six million people in the UK are providing unpaid care to people with long-term health conditions or problems related to old age. As the social care system struggles, desperate unpaid carers are reportedly cutting back on food and…6 min
Woman's Own|Monday, June 10, 2024MONEY mattersREADER QUESTIONQ My son has recently passed his driving test and the car insurance quotes he’s found are extortionate. Will black box insurance reduce the policy costs?A Black box insurance, also known as telematics insurance, enables insurers to monitor a motorist’s driving patterns and behaviour, such as how they steer, brake, take corners and how fast they drive. If your son can prove he drives safely and responsibly, he may save cash on his premiums. However, there are also penalties for bad driving; some insurers may increase premiums or even cancel cover. For more on this and other ways to save on car insurance, visit gocompare.com.Go green for lessDoing home improvements or maintenance and need some tools? Wilko has launched a hire service called Wilkohire (wilkotoolhire. com). You’ll find a…4 min
Woman's Own|Monday, June 10, 2024Would you swap seats on a plane?YES‘It makes the crew’s lives easier’Jane Hawkes, 48, lives in Gloucester with her husband, Andy.I worked as cabin crew for five years in my late 20s, so I know first-hand how busy flight attendants are and how much they have to get done before we can set off. There are so many jobs behind the scenes that people don’t know about, and they’ve got enough to do without having to sort out seating issues for passengers when, really, passengers can sort them out easily enough themselves.So, I’m always happy to swap seats when asked. I work as a travel and consumer expert, so I still fly regularly for business and pleasure. It makes the crew’s lives easier if passengers are happy and it can also really make a difference to…2 min
Woman's Own|Monday, June 10, 2024Your STARS 4-10 June 2024ARIES21 Mar – 20 AprStay focused on what you really want this week. With a confident attitude and by taking inspired action, you can ensure you fulfil your most important dreams.TAURUS21 Apr – 20 MayAs Mars moves into your sign on 10 June, it gives you the perseverance and patience you need to achieve your most important goals. Time to act and think big!GEMINI21 May – 20 JunThe Sun, Venus and Jupiter are all in Gemini. Make the most of this planetary line-up by communicating what is most important to you to your loved ones.CANCER21 Jun – 22 JulIf you’re feeling less than fulfilled in your working life and need a sense of purpose, remember your talents and find a way to use these more on a daily basis.LEO23 Jul…2 min
Woman's Own|Monday, June 10, 2024This week’s HOT LISTFilmBAD BOYS: RIDE OR DIEIn cinemas 5 JuneWill Smith and Martin Lawrence are back as Miami’s favourite bad boys. When their late police captain is linked to a drug cartel, best buddies detectives Mike Lowrey (Will) and Marcus Burnett (Martin) embark on a dangerous mission to clear his name. Expect action, epic shoot-outs and a whole lot of laughs.Day outTASTE OF LONDON12-16 June, Regent’s Park, London. Tickets from £20London’s hottest food and drink event is back and celebrating its 20th year. Enjoy five days of feasting in this next-level garden party. From cookery schools and masterclasses to bars and market stalls there is something for everyone. Look out for a returning favourite of ours, the Prosecco DOC and Grana Padano PDO cheese tasting. Can you name a better combination?ConcertNOCTURNE LIVE13-16…1 min
Woman's Own|Monday, June 10, 2024Inside the BECKHAMS’ BUST-UPSThey’re set to celebrate their silver wedding anniversary in July, but the past quarter of a century hasn’t been completely smooth sailing for Victoria and David Beckham.Showbiz’s golden couple have faced a number of hurdles since tying the knot in 1999, including cheating allegations and split rumours, none of which have been substantiated. Now, after Victoria recently declared, ‘I love him more now than when I first met him,’ it appears they’re stronger than ever – or are they? Here, Woman’s Own reveals their string of rows…HAUNTED BY THE PASTTheir marriage infamously hit headlines in 2004 when David’s former aide Rebecca Loos went public with allegations of an affair, something Victoria, 50, and David, 49, have always denied. At the time, the footballer branded the story as ‘ludicrous’, adding that…4 min
Woman's Own|Monday, June 10, 2024Get the GOSS!StaceyJOINING ONLYFANS?She’s known for crafting and organising, but Stacey Solomon might be considering a different avenue when it comes to social media that would give a whole new meaning to internet exposure!The star boasts a staggering 5.9 million followers on Instagram and describes them as ‘my mates’, but it seems Stacey is now considering joining OnlyFans.Discussing how social media has changed since she first rose to fame on The X Factor back in 2009, Stacey, 34, said, ‘It’s absolutely mind-boggling. We have all different things, TikTok, Snapchat, whatever came out in between, in just the last 15 years, it’s been unbelievable.’The Loose Women panellist continued, ‘Where is [social media] going? Do I need to get on OnlyFans now?’Stace wouldn’t be the first celeb to sign up to the X-rated subscription…4 min
Woman's Own|Monday, June 10, 2024Wishlist1 min
Woman's Own|Monday, June 10, 202420 under £20 T-shirtsFROM JUST £5…1 min
Woman's Own|Monday, June 10, 2024BANISH BINGO WINGSLet’s face it, toned arms and shoulders make us feel better about wearing short-sleeved tops and strappy dresses when the sun is shining – and it’s not that difficult to get them, says fitness coach Suzy Alvarez.* ‘You can achieve sculpted arms with resistance-training exercises, alongside a high-protein diet.’ The best part? It’s possible to whip yourself into shape at home. If you’re keen to shrug off that cardigan, start these exercises today and see a difference in six weeks.YOUR WORKOUTAim to do these exercises three times a week. No weights? Use a bottle filled with water instead.1 HAND PLANK TO ELBOW PLANKBegin in plank position, your feet hip-width apart and hands beneath your shoulders, your body forming a diagonal line from your feet to your head. Lower your right…3 min
Woman's Own|Monday, June 10, 2024HOW HEALTHY ARE YOUR LEFTOVERS?The cost-of-living crisis has caused many of us to change our habits in a bid to save money, and if you’ve found it’s fired up a flare for batch cooking and loving your leftovers, you’re not alone. With UK food prices rising almost 24%* over the past two years, it’s no wonder many of us are trying to make our meals go further. But could making dishes last longer make us sick?‘When foods age they produce compounds which can cause us to become unwell,’ says integrative health practitioner Jessica Green (jessicagreenwellness.com). ‘We also need to be careful how we’re storing and reheating leftovers, as this simple act can cause us to ingest toxins, which can impact our health.’ Here’s what you need to know.WHEN TO BINBatch cooking meals to pop…4 min
Woman's Own|Monday, June 10, 2024MEXICAN ONE-DISH DINNERSVeggie chilli pot£1.20 PER SERVESERVES 6Whip up this satisfying and tasty meat-free number using mostly store-cupboard staples.YOU WILL NEED2tbsp olive oil1 red onion, sliced3 mixed peppers, sliced2tsp dried chipotle or ancho chilli flakes or paste1tsp ground coriander1tsp ground cumin2tsp dried oregano2 garlic cloves, sliced400g tin chopped tomatoes1tbsp red wine vinegar1tbsp brown sugar300ml vegetable stock400g tin black beans, drained and rinsed100g unsalted corn chips100g melting cheese, grated (eg. Cheddar)HOW TO DO IT1 Heat the oil in a large casserole dish and cook the onion and peppers for 5 mins over a medium heat until softened. Add the chilli flakes/paste, coriander, cumin, oregano and garlic, then fry for 2 mins, until aromatic.2 Add the chopped tomatoes, vinegar, sugar, stock and black beans. Cook, uncovered, for 30 mins on a medium-low heat.3 Cover…3 min
Woman's Own|Monday, June 10, 2024DO VIRAL BEAUTY HACKS REALLY WORK?TikTok… the internet Wild West favoured by Generation Z. There, nothing is off limits. With advice on everything from make-up to shopping on a budget, TikTok knows all.And just recently, I was scrolling on my phone when I saw a selection of ‘beauty hacks’ – some of which were old wives’ tales I’d heard of before, but others were brand new and, quite frankly, baffling.My daughter is obsessed with these beauty hacks though, and is forever raiding the fridge for ‘an egg for glossy hair’ or ‘flour to add to a face mask’. It got me thinking about whether any of these TikTok tips actually work, so I set myself a challenge to try as many as I could and see what difference they made to my late-40s skin and…6 min
Woman's Own|Monday, June 10, 2024DREAMY GREEK GEMSBEST FOR… BEAUTIFUL BEACHESZakynthosSkip some of the more well-trodden Greek islands and discover this Ionian isle, a haven for long lunches at beachside hangouts, snorkelling and lazing about at the coast. Navagio beach – also known as Shipwreck beach – is an Instagram-famous cove, accessed only by sea. Or head for the natural spa waters at Xigia Sulfur Beach, a tiny cove in the north of the island.The island’s southern coastline features family-friendly golden sands and nature reserves that protect loggerhead turtles. Had enough of relaxing on white sands? We think not. But you can always take a stroll around Zakynthos Town. Explore the grand architecture and enjoy a coffee in one of the many squares. And hop on a boat trip to see the gorgeous Blue Caves; natural stone…3 min
Woman's Own|Monday, June 10, 2024Book CLUBSECOND CHANCE SUMMERby Phillipa Ashley (£8.99, PB, Cornerstone)Stricken by grief, Lily has been working at a frantic pace for years. But after collapsing from exhaustion, she agrees to a trip to a luxurious retreat on the Isles of Scilly. However, Lily is less than impressed to find that the resort is half-built and she clashes badly with its gorgeous owner, Sam. While making plans to escape, Lily realises her death has been mistakenly reported in the press. Resolving to stay put until the media interest dies down, she comes to love the wild landscapes around her – but can she give Sam a second chance? A sizzling summer romance.THE MIDNIGHT FEASTby Lucy Foley (£18.99, HB, HarperCollins)In a stately manor house on the stunning Dorset coast, a midsummer party is about…2 min
Woman's Own|Monday, June 10, 2024Your TV PICKSBobby Brazier‘SOCCER AID IS UNLIKE ANYTHING I’VE DONE BEFORE!’The EastEnders star on taking part in the fundraising football match…He dazzled us with his dance moves on last year’s Strictly, and now Bobby Brazier’s showing off a different kind of fancy footwork in Soccer Aid for UNICEF.‘It’s an amazing opportunity for an amazing charity,’ says Bobby, 21, who plays Walford’s Freddie Slater. ‘I couldn’t say no – it is unlike anything I’ve ever done before.’As usual, stars from sport and entertainment lace up their boots for the match.Bobby’s on the England team, which is managed by Harry Redknapp, Frank Lampard and Robbie Williams and also features TV presenter Paddy McGuinness, former footballer Jill Scott and ex-EastEnders star Danny Dyer. But there’s another star of the soap Bobby wishes was on the…4 min
Woman's Own|Monday, June 10, 2024COWBOY COREMARGOT ROBBIE AND RYAN GOSLINGTheir characters may have been unaware they were in fancy dress, but there’s no denying that Barbie’s Margot and Ryan rocked the Western look. ‘We look great,’ said Barbie. ‘I love fringe,’ added Ken. Who knew fictional characters could be trendsetters?HOLLY WILLOUGHBY AND DAN BALDWINFirst came Barbie and Ken, then came Holly and Dan! The former This Morning host, 43, and her husband took inspiration from the iconic characters when they attended Leigh Francis’ film-themed 50th birthday bash last year.DOLLY PARTONIf there’s anyone who can take credit for putting Western style on the map it’s the Queen of Country herself, Dolly. The star only has one rule: more is more! At 78, she refuses to ditch her Tennessee roots and continues to rock rhinestones. We love…1 min
Woman's Own|Monday, June 10, 2024HOMELESS TO MILLIONAIREPulling up outside a house with a car full of boxes, I turned to my children, William, then eight, and Maddie, five. ‘Are you excited to see our new home?’ I asked them. ‘Yes!’ they chimed, nodding with enthusiasm.To William and Maddie, moving home felt like a new adventure, but they were too young to understand the desperate situation we were really in, and as they jumped out of the car, I painted on a smile to hide my worries.It was April 2013 and our family home had just been repossessed. As a struggling, single mum, I’d failed to keep up the mortgage repayments and I felt so ashamed because this wasn’t how I’d expected life to turn out.‘I SCRAPED TOGETHER EVERY PENNY I COULD’FINANCIAL STRUGGLEMy nightmare had begun four…6 min
Woman's Own|Monday, June 10, 2024MY SON DIED HELPING OTHERSWe had a call from Chris in late March 2022 letting us know he was in Poland and not at home in Cheltenham. He had been staying with me and his dad Rob in Cornwall that February while he recuperated from a small eye operation. During that time, Russia invaded Ukraine and we noticed he was immersed in the news about it.We found out after he had gone to Poland that he had been touring army and navy shops, buying gear to help the Ukrainians. He took it back to Cheltenham, where he was working as a running coach, gave up his job and got a flight to Warsaw. He told us not to worry as he was just helping with logistics.Chris was always active and sporty – and very…5 min
Woman's Own|Monday, June 10, 2024ASK THE DOCTORHRT IS CAUSING MY TUMMY TO HURTQ I’ve started HRT – an oestrogen gel and Utrogestan tablets. The night sweats and hot flushes have all but gone, but I have discomfort in my tummy. I read this could be a side effect of Utrogestan. Don’t I only need oestrogen to stop the flushes – so can I stop the tablets?A You are correct that it is the oestrogen that is treating the flushes and sweats, but if you still have a womb and take oestrogen alone, there is a slight increased risk of developing womb cancer, so it is important you take a form of progestogen. Abdominal discomfort often settles but, if it persists, speak to your GP, who may suggest reducing the dose or using an alternative progestogen.What helps…3 min
Woman's Own|Monday, June 10, 2024Get a GOLDEN GLOWMoisturisingDry and mature skin types (or anyone craving a natural, buildable tan) will benefit from the extra moisturisers in a gradual tan. Dove Summer Revived Gradual Tanning Mousse, £12, Boots, comes in shades light to medium and medium to dark. It’s easy to blend with a mitt, doesn’t smell tan-y and the finish is flawless. We tested it against white pyjamas and it didn’t rub off at all. If a cream’s more your thing, we also like Garnier Summer Body Gradual Tan Lotion, £8, Boots.Stain-freeFake tan and white bedding aren’t usually a match made in heaven. If you find brown smears on your sheets, nightwear and towels, you could try a tanning water like Tan Luxe x Paris Hilton The Future Airbrush 360 Self-Tan Mist and Luxe Tanning Mitt, £39,…2 min
Woman's Own|Monday, June 10, 2024Supermarket SAVERSDon’t waste it!Make the most of your leftover food with our handy tips…STOCK UPSave leftover vegetable scraps in a sealable bag and store in the freezer. Once the bag is full, empty into a large pot and cover with water. Bring to the boil then simmer for at least 30 mins. Strain, season generously and use in soups and pasta sauces. Keep it in the fridge for up to four days or freeze in ice cube trays to make it last longer.REPLANT HERBSKeep potted supermarket herbs growing for a fresh supply by replanting in new soil.BIG SQUEEZEUse a rolling pin to push along the length of a tube of tomato puree to use up every last bit – make tomato stock with it when you don’t need a full tin…2 min
Woman's Own|Monday, June 10, 202430 BUDGET BUYS£10 OR LESS!…1 min
Woman's Own|Monday, June 10, 2024I’M A MIDLIFE DADDY’S GIRLSitting in the car with my dad recently, we giggled together conspiratorially, taking it in turns blasting the horn. We were ready to leave to go out for lunch, but my mum was still inside getting ready.‘You two never change,’ Mum laughed as she eventually hurried out of the house to join us. Dad and I are always 10 minutes early for everything, while Mum has always been more relaxed. Whenever we were going anywhere growing up, Dad and I would sit in the car beeping the horn until Mum and my younger sister bustled out of the house, shaking their heads in frustration. Their reactions made us laugh more.SPECIAL CONNECTIONI’ve always been close to my dad James, now 73, and even now, as a mother-of-two in my 40s, I’m…3 min
