Woman uk 8 may 2017

MADDIE WHAT REALLY HAPPENED? Shock PICS!

Trinny’s face

WHAT HAS SHE DONE?

SIZE

SIZE

24

10

Too fat for holidays …SO I LOST 11 STONE

BAGS!

BAGS!

BAGS!

ALL UNDER

£40

Fern & Phil’s

Marriage

MELTDOWN ‘I thought I knew you’

3

IR LOOKS NEW HAFOR SPRING

Inside thisissue! p10 It’s 10 years since little Madeleine McCann was abducted from her holiday apartment and t’s hard to imagine what ife has been like for her mum and dad Kate and Gerry since that day. Like any parent, they can’t forget her and they can’t give up looking for her. We check all the evidence so far and wonder if we will ever know the truth (p14). It makes you want to hold your loved ones close…

HALF-PRICE NOVEL OF THE WEEK WITH WHSMITH! Each week, you can get our ‘This week’s hot read’ book for better than half price with WHSmith. Just turn to p54, cut out the coupon and take it to a high-street WHSmith for your half-price novel.

Happy reading!

Turn to p54

Editor, Woman

Your LIFE

p52

p66

p24 p58

p16

Your LOOKS

13 Don’t tell me I can’t… 16 rent out my wardrobe! ✱ 14 Talking about 10 years 21 of missing Madeleine...

26 It happened to me 22 ‘I never got to say hello to Archie… ✱ 24 only goodbye’ ✱ 32 Telling it like it is ✱ 28 My children hated going on holiday with me… so I lost 11st 34 Stay fit and well Eat pizza and lose weight!

38 In my experience My husband forgot he loved me 41 Personal health £15,000 in debt… because I had ADHD 43 Family dilemmas

p44

Fashion confidence Spring fling If you buy one thing The high-neck blouse Figure fixers The fashion diet Bags obsession Red alert Beauty confidence Happy hair

Your TIME

News &GOSS

4 37 Food news 6 44 Eat right tonight Lighter onepot meals ✱8 46 Weekend special Going out, staying in 10 51 Weekend foodie 52 Getting away from it all Morocco ✱ 12 54 Books & crossword 55 Bingo Win with us! 64 58 Interiors 66 Cushion crazy 60 Martin Lewis 61 Starscope

Week in style Woman about town In the spotlight Fern Britton & Phil Vickery Woman interview Jane Danson Celeb news Curse of the pillowface!

Planet celebrity Beach braggers Bloke at the back Ricky Whittle

p22 CONTACT US…

COVER PHOTO: WENN

See facebook.com/ womanmagazine to tell us what you’ve been doing and to find news, gossip, tips, tricks and offers.

Woman, incorporating Woman’s Illustrated and Woman’s Mirror, is a Registered Trademark of Time Inc. (UK) Ltd. Cover printed by Wyndeham Peterborough, text printed by Wyndeham Bicester. Repro by Rhapsody Prepress. Published by Time Inc. (UK) Ltd, 116 Marsh Wall, London E14 9AP. Distributed by Marketforce (UK) Ltd, a Time Inc. (UK) Ltd company, 2nd Floor, 5 Churchill Place, Canary Wharf, London E14 5HU. Tel: +44 (0)20 3787 9001. Back issues: 01733 688 964; mags-uk.com. All prices correct at time of going to press. ©Time Inc. (UK) Ltd, 2017. All rights reserved and reproduction without permission is strictly forbidden. We cannot be liable for the safe custody or return of any solicited material. We do not accept or return unsolicited manuscripts. Editor reserves the right to shorten or modify any material submitted. Time Inc. (UK) Ltd and/or its associated companies reserve the right to reuse any submission in any format or medium. We cannot take responsibility for manuscripts or photos sent in. Time Inc. (UK) Ltd, 161 Marsh Wall, London E14 9AP. Tel: 020 3148 5000; timeincuk.com.

Subscription rates: One year, 50 issues (including postage): UK £56.10; Europe ¤157.15; USA $103.05; rest of world £120.40. For enquiries and orders, please email: help@magazinesdirect.com. Alternatively, from the UK, call 0330 333 1113, or from overseas, call +44 330 333 1113 (lines are open Mon-Fri GMT, 8.30am-5.30pm, excluding bank holidays).

✱ On the cover

Log on to twitter.com/ womanmagazine to discover the latest news and tweet back your thoughts.

Email us at woman@timeinc. com or write to us at 161 Marsh Wall, London E14 9AP

COMPILED BY: HANA CARTER PICTURES: REX

WEEK IN

S SH OU SH ock this r s r e t s i l A These

4

WOMANMAGAZINE.CO.UK

N STYLE

O R E D UL look t s e i x e s ’s n seaso

WOMANMAGAZINE.CO.UK

5

ABOUT T

Chloe, Sara & Helen bring you the latest gossip...

WILLS GOES POP!

Posh at THE PALACE Even a Posh pout has no place at the palace, and Victoria Beckham cracked a rare smile when she was awarded an OBE recently. The mum of four has plenty to be happy about scaling the heights of success from Spice Girl to fashion superstar.

She went from the palace to a knees-up with husband David and her family and ex-bandmate Mel C. Wonder if David’s knighthood is back on?

Gaga & Bradley

!

M O O R A T E G PHOTOS: INSTAR, REX, XPOSURE

Lady Gaga and Bradley Cooper look like a real life couple as they were snapped locking lips on the set of their latest film, A Star Is Born (it’s the fourth remake of the classic previously starring Judy Garland and Barbra Streisand). And what a week it’s been for the songstress. Earlier, she chatted to Prince William on FaceTime to raise awareness of mental health issues. From Cambridge to Cooper, she’s one lucky Lady!

Talk about a busy week! Wills chatted with Gaga online about mental health

Gossip to go 4 Peter goes to Hollywood as Mr Andre lands his first movie role. Congrats!

6

WOMANMAGAZINE.CO.UK

N Serena’s SMASH HIT!

TESS & VERN

Standing strong Things look rosy between Tess Daly and hubby Vernon Kay, as she posted a photo of a candlelit table overlooking a secluded beach on a romantic break. It seems the couple’s relationship is stronger than ever, even though last year they were rocked by allegations that Vernon sent texts to model Rhian Sugden, six years after he was caught sending her racy texts. But despite rumours Rhian’s set to star on Celebrity Big Brother later this year, Tess clearly believes a united front is the way forward.

9 APRIL

14 APRIL

Tennis ace Serena Williams has given Wonder Woman a run for her money after news broke that she’s 20 weeks pregnant with her first child – meaning she was eight weeks along when she won the Grand Slam Australian Open in January!

The 35-year-old and her fiancé Alexis Ohanian (millionnaire boss of tech company Reddit) will welcome their baby in the autumn. Big congrats!

16 APRIL

Serena showing off her bump and .above, with fiancé Alexis

17 APRIL

MEL B,I’M ALL WHITE! She’s going through a tumultuous time with her divorce battle from Stephen Belafonte, but Mel B seems to be signalling her innocence and sending a message of feminist defiance with her fashion choices. The former Spice Girl has been spotted time and time again, out in LA, wearing white since news of the split surfaced last month. And doesn’t she look amazing!

4 Fantastic news! Emmerdale star Lucy Pargeter welcomes twin girls after a long IVF struggle

Phil was not too pleased with Fern’s new tattoo of a cross on her wrist

‘It was like I’d had an Fern Britton opens up about her rows and rucks with husband Phil Vickery

T

hey famously met and fell in love 18 years ago on the set of Ready, Steady, Cook, and now Fern Britton and husband Phil Vickery have teamed up on telly once more, on ITV’s new daytime show Culinary Genius. ‘It was like being on a date,’ gushed Fern of their on-screen reunion.

Although the couple are clearly happy to be working together, there has been some disruption in the harmony of the Vickery household lately. Fern, 59, explained that hubby Phil, 55, was not happy about the tattoo of a cross she’d had done in Jersualem as part of a BBC documentary.

‘My kids thought it was great, but my husband was a bit ‘Grrrr,’ she said.

And it’s hardly surprising he reacted this way – because he was already angry about her first tattoo, a butterfly on her stomach which she had done in 2011!

8

WOMANMAGAZINE.CO.UK

‘He wouldn’t speak to me after I did it,’ Fern said. ‘He went, ‘I thought I knew you!’ It was like I’d had an affair.’

Of course, the couple kissed and made up, but it’s not the first time Fern and Phil have spoken about their spats, with Fern confessing that her behaviour once caused him to move to the spare room!

‘The biggest row Phil and I had was when I first put fake tan on,’ said Fern about her time on Strictly Come Dancing in 2012. ‘Being a chef, he is very sensitive to smells and he can’t stand it. We didn’t speak for four days. I have convinced him it’s an essential part of the Strictly experience and he will be sleeping in the spare room on spray-tan days.’

But with these unlikely rules, Fern and Phil have managed to buck the trend of celebrity marriages and will soon celebrate almost two decades together.

Here we chart the couple’s ups and downs…

In the spotlight

…to talk about their new ITV show Culinary Genius

‘IT’S GOOD TO ROW’

The couple still enjoy their holidays together, here looking relaxed in Nice

affair!’

‘WE ALLOW EACH OTHER FREEDOM AND SPACE’

WORDS: RIANNE ISON & HELEN STUART. PHOTOS: REX, GETTY, ALPHA, SILVERHUB, WENN

Fern is back with Phil on This Morning for the first time in eight years…

Refreshingly honest, Fern has revealed she and Phil are no strangers to a bust-up.

In fact, the presenter credits their rows with keeping the spark alive. She says, ‘Yes, we have humdingers, but then we’re normal. Anyway, that’s good for the children to see. This is a real relationship.

You hear people say, ‘Thirty years and not a cross word.’ Sorry, I simply don’t believe that. But, if it is true, how boring!’

But it’s clear that despite their cross words, Fern couldn’t be happier with Phil.

‘He is my life’s great love, a really amazing, husband, partner and friend,’ she said.

Fern has also revealed the secret to their happy marriage is spending time apart.

The mum-of-four even confessed there are days when she’d rather not talk to her husband! ‘Of course, we have days when we don’t want to speak to each other, but that’s normal!’ she said. ‘I think our secret is that we never box each other in and allow each other freedom and space.’

Continuing that they both have separate careers and interests, Fern explained, ‘We’re both busy, I have my TV work and writing novels, and Phil’s a farmer as well as a cook these days. So we do have our own careers and interests.’

And it’s clearly working wonders!

ROMANTIC GESTURES

ceremony to mark their seventh anniversary which Fern describes as ‘one of the most loving and strengthening days of our marriage.’

And it was all down to Phil. In her autobiography, Fern explained, ‘It was Phil’s idea and was the nicest thing we’ve ever done as a family. He’s a soppy old thing although he pretends that he’s not!’

Explaining the low-key day was only attended by her, Phil and their children, and conducted by a vicar in their local church, Fern continued, ‘I wore an oyster-coloured dress and carried a bunch of spring flowers from our local florist.

Afterwards we celebrated with lunch at the local Chinese restaurant.’

THROUGH THICK & THIN Juggling a busy career with family life, it’s no wonder Fern welcomes Phil’s support.

She has praised her husband for always going the extra mile, often accompanying her on her gruelling charity bike ride treks.

And she recently revealed he came up with a unique idea so that she could put her writing first – asking her to move out of their Buckinghamshire home! Fern, who is working on her seventh novel, said, ‘Phil has occasionally suggested that I should decamp to Cornwall to write but I’d miss him and the kids too much.’ Aww.

After falling head over heels in love, Fern and Phil went on to marry in 2000. But it was their romantic vow renewal

FERN AND PHIL – THEIR YEARS TOGETHER

1999: With Julia Sawalha on Celebrity Ready Steady Cook

2003: With children Jack, Harry, Grace and Winnie

2009: Performing for Let’s Dance For Comic Relief

2009: Fern leaves This Morning for the last time

In 2015, Phil joined Fern part of the way when she cycled from John O’Groats to Lands’ End

Leanne’s getting

more

feısty!

Coronation Street star Jane Danson tells us why she’s finally loving life as she approaches turning 40

‘Leaving Coronation Street for four years made me appreciate it more when I came back. I joined at 18 and I’d never experienced

the huge attention the show brings. It was an amazing time, but also a bit of a shock. It felt like winning the lottery, but when you’re that young I don’t think you’ve got the life skills to always deal with the pressures. I left in 2000, and having those years away made me understand things more and also appreciate the security of having a regular pay cheque.’

‘Nobody’s life is perfect and I’ve been through some very difficult times. I lost

my dad nine years ago and that changed me beyond anything else. All of a sudden he wasn’t there and I went through that terrible, raw grief. With time it gets easier to cope, but

10

WOMANMAGAZINE.CO.UK

in those early stages it’s unbearable. I’ve always been close to both my parents so losing him changed my perspective on everything.

You learn from it and you realise what is important. I have an amazing job, a lovely husband and two fantastic children, so I consider myself very fortunate.’

‘The gym bores me absolutely senseless.

Loads of the girls from work are brilliant and disciplined about going, but I can’t bear it. I’d rather do something a bit daft and I’ve just discovered Trampoline Aerobics. Sometimes it involves some air boxing too – it’s fun. I also find yoga relaxing – it helps me clear my head of Leanne’s problems.’

‘I’ve turned my spare room into a dressing room and put up all my work pictures.

Things like magazine covers, or me dressed as Madonna when I won Stars In Their Eyes.

They’re for my eyes only, but they’re little reminders of the nice things that have happened along the way, without pushing it in everybody’s faces by putting them in the downstairs loo or the hallway!’

‘When I was 13, I had a poster of my now husband Rob on my bedroom wall! He

played Peter Harrison in Brookside and I had a crush on him – I even had a sticker of him on my pencil case. We then met at the British Soap Awards in 1999 when I asked him where the bar was. I don’t think we’ve told the children the story, although they know dribs and drabs and I have shown them the poster – I’ve still got that. They said, ‘Oh my God, look at Daddy’s hair!’ The pencil case is probably in my mum’s attic!’

WORDS: SUE CRAWFORD. PHOTOS: NICKY JOHNSTON, CAMERA PRESS, REX, GETTY

F

or someone who plays a character always teetering on the brink of disaster, Jane Danson’s own life is remarkably calm. The Corrie actress lives quietly in Cheshire, with her actor husband Robert Beck and their sons, Harry, 10, and Sam, eight. The only soap-like thing about their lives is that they first met at the 1999 Soap Awards! It’s 20 years since Jane first appeared on the cobbles as troubled Leanne Battersby and her current storyline sees no end to the turmoil. Leanne’s baby Oliver is rushed to hospital with a mystery rash while her jealous fiancé Nick Tilsley is at war with Steve McDonald, the baby’s biological father. Here Jane, 38, talks to us about childhood crushes, heartache and how she’s learnt to appreciate her life.

Woman interview ‘In the past, I’ve done things and then thought, ‘Oh, was that the right thing to do?’

But you live and learn. I took part in SoapStar

Superstar and I enjoyed the singing, but I felt I was trying to be something I wasn’t. I love acting and that’s what I want to do.’

‘You do look at yourself in the mirror sometimes and think, ‘Where did that line come from?’ It’s my 40th birthday next year,

which I can’t quite believe. But, to quote Meryl Streep, ‘I’ve earned these lines.’ You’ve been through things in your life and the joy or strain of them is etched in your face – I don’t want to mess about with that. I get why some people have surgery and Botox but I’d be terrified of something going wrong.’

‘As an actor, you want to try other things.

Having said that, I’m really happy at Coronation Street, so it’s hard to know where I’ll be in 10 years’ time. I don’t take anything for granted. Next year they might say, ‘We’re killing Leanne off, she’s had too many disasters.’ I just want to be happy and I’ve been so fortunate to have a job that I love.’

‘I like routine and my whole life is lived to a schedule. And it’s really important to

maintain continuity for the children. I feel comfortable if everything is in order, especially when I’m learning lines – a tidy home is a tidy mind. I don’t thrive on chaos!’

‘At Coronation Street, we can put our point of view across. Our producer has really liked

some of my suggestions. The last couple of years have been quite tricky for Leanne and she’s gone from one disaster to another. But rather than being miserable, we’re getting a little bit of the feisty Leanne of old, which I’ve been championing for quite a while. She might look a little frail at times, but underneath it all she’s pretty tough and I’m just trying to inject a little bit of that back, because that’s the essence of who she is.’

LEANNE’S LOVERS

Courting Nick Tilsley number one: Adam Rickitt

Leanne had an affair with Jamie Baldwin (Rupert Hill)

4 See itv.com/coronationstreet and on Twitter @itvcorrie

With husband Robert Beck and sons Harry and Sam

…and his dad Danny (Bradley Walsh)

She married Nick Tilsley number two: Ben Price

Dated Liam Connor (Rob James-Collier)

…and had trouble with Peter Barlow (Chris Gascoyne)

WOMANMAGAZINE.CO.UK

11

Celeb news

THEN

MAY 2016

NOW

APRIL 2017

Curseofthe

SHOCK NEW PICS

PILLOWFACE! Style guru Trinny Woodall is the latest star to go for the plumped-up new look…

Madonna

Priscilla Presley

Carol Vorderman

Katie Price

The Material Girl may turn 60 in two years’ time, but she doesn’t seem to want any sign of it on her face

The 71-year-old suffered botched plastic surgery back in 2008, but perhaps even that wasn’t enough to deter her

Glam Carol looks great for 56, but she has come in for some criticism over her ever-youthful appearance

The Pricey’s been having various plastic surgery ops for over 20 years. And shows no sign of stopping!

12

WOMANMAGAZINE.CO.UK

PHOTOS: XPOSURE, REX, GETTY

S

he shot to fame criticising women’s appearances on What Not To Wear, but the tables have turned on Trinny Woodall after showing off a new plumped-up face on TV recently. One viewer slammed Trinny, 53, for looking like a ‘mannequin’, while another asked simply, ‘What does Trinny Woodall look like?’ A self-confessed fan of Botox, Trinny says, ‘It just shows you want to look your best’. But she’s not the only celeb who’s fallen victim to the puffy-faced problem...

rent out my wardrobe!

Jude Gilchrist has come up with a novel way of earning extra cash from an unlikely source...

A

s I carefully zip up the back of the dress and turn the woman towards the mirror, I can’t help but smile. We both know she looks fantastic in the floor-length, sparkling gown. Yet the dress isn’t hers, it’s mine.

And, no, she’s not a friend raiding my wardrobe - she’s a client.

You see, aged 43, I set up a business renting out my dresses and ballgowns and my customers are as varied as the clothes – everyone from teenagers going to their first prom right through to women in their sixties who have been invited to a formal ball.

It tickles me that today I’m the owner of so many beautiful garments because, as a child, I didn’t have a single dress.

Growing up with three brothers I was a tomboy and lived in jeans.

In fact, the first time I wore a dress was in my teens when I was a bridesmaid. I’ll never forget slipping it over my head and feeling like a princess. From then on I’d pore over fashion magazines, but as I got older, working as a photographer, there was never any occasion for it. And, after giving birth to my son Zack in February 1998, comfort was key.

Then, two years later, I got a new job, working as a civil servant for the RAF. I worked my way up and there were regular balls and evening dos in the officers’ mess – at last, the perfect excuse to buy dresses!

I’d scour boutiques and, reasoning I was allowed to treat myself once in a while, built up a collection of rather exquisite formal attire. But, in August 2015, I took voluntary redundancy.

By then a single mum, I decided to use the money to set up my own business as a freelance photographer. And with some time to spare – and a financial cushion from my redundancy package – first I wanted to tidy the house from top to

bottom. I started with the attic and when I worked my way to my bedroom, I found myself staring at 35 evening dresses, with matching bags and accessories, and wondering what on earth I would do with them. They seemed destined to be listed on eBay. But they’d been expensive, and a cursory look online told me I’d never get anywhere near their retail value.

That’s when the idea came to me. Why not rent them out? There was a university nearby and plenty of big companies that held annual parties. I knew it might have seemed crazy, but what was the harm in trying? So I learnt how to set up a website, took pictures of my dresses and wrote up detailed descriptions before advertising on social media.

I’ll admit, it was a slow burner. But within a few months Hire My Outfit was booming, and I quickly realised that with all my dresses a size 10, I needed to start offering more of a range. So friends and local businesses gave me some items to rent for a share of the profit.

Now I stock sizes six to 20 – and shoes and accessories, too! I hire out my less expensive frocks as prom dresses for £50 a pop, and my fancy floor-length gowns are priced at £100.

People come to my house to try the dresses on and can hire them for up to a ✱ Fill in all the forms: If you’re becoming week. My favourite is what I refer to as the self-employed, visit gov.uk/working-forred Jessica Rabbit dress. Every woman yourself – you’ll find all the information looks gorgeous in it! It cost £300 you need on how to register your when I bought it and I hire new business. it out for £69. ✱ Try this: If you don’t I love my dresses and fancy renting out your this way I’ve been able clothes but want to make to keep hold of them Generation Y Not! are some money, try the and ensure they have 40-plus women like you selling platform Depop another life too. What who are grabbing life with both (depop.com). All you could be a better job hands. Let us know how you need is a smartphone to than that? rewrite the rules on Facebook

WORDS: SAMANTHA BRICK. PHOTOS: GILCHRIST PHOTOGRAPHY

‘IT WAS A SLOW BURNER’

Yes, you can BUT REMEMBER…

ARE YOU PART OF GENERATION Y NOT?

✱ hiremyoutfit.com

and Twitter or by email. For details, see page 3

download the app.

WOMANMAGAZINE.CO.UK

13

10 years of

MISSING MADELE Will we ever know the

A decade after Madeleine McCann went missing, we’re no nearer finding out

F

ew of us can forget the day Madeleine McCann disappeared.

The three-year-old had been asleep in a holiday apartment in Portugal in May 2007, but when her mum, who was at a nearby restaurant, checked on her, she’d vanished.

The subsequent investigation was defined by dead-end leads and false accusations. Her parents, Kate and Gerry McCann, were left heartbroken, and the case quickly became a national obsession.

Ten years have now passed since the disappearance, and what happened to the little girl remains a mystery. Here, we look at the questions that the nation still needs answers to…

14

WOMANMAGAZINE.CO.UK

1

Who was the mystery man?

One of the friends Madeleine’s parents had been dining with that night said they’d seen a man carrying a child. She was barefoot and wearing pink pyjamas like Madeleine’s. Now officers believe he was just another holidaymaker carrying his own child.

2

Snatched during a burglary?

There had been a fourfold increase in burglaries between January 2007 and the month Madeleine went missing – including two incidents in the block the McCanns stayed in.

Talking about

5

Why have Kate and Gerry sued for libel?

Portuguese police named Kate and Gerry as ‘arguidos’ - or suspects - and claimed they’d killed their daughter by accidentally overdosing her with sedatives. The McCanns won libel damages worth £550,000 and forced two national newspapers to publish front-page apologies for repeatedly implying that they killed Madeleine.

The police later removed the McCann’s arguido status due to lack of evidence. This year, the McCanns lost a libel case over a book by an ex Portuguese police officer that claims they faked their daughter’s abduction to cover up her accidental death. But the McCanns have said they will sue if the book, entitled The Truth Of The Lie is sold in Britain.

9

Is Madeleine alive?

SIGHTINGS

truth?

The McCanns with Amelie and Sean just after Madeleine disappeared

what happened…

3

6

Taken by a paedophile?

In 2014, police appealed for

What about Sean & Amelie?

Twins Sean and Amelie

information about a sex offender who’d targeted 12 British families in the region between 2004 and 2010. Police had 500 calls about the man with a ‘vile interest in white, female children.’ However, it was just another dead-end.

McCann, now 12, still have memories of their big sister. ‘We don’t hide anything from them,’ said Kate. And with Madeleine’s room left untouched since her disappearance, it’s likely they’ll feel her absence every day.

4

7

began investigating Euclides Monterio – a thief who’d been sacked from his job at the McCanns’ resort. They suspected he’d broken into the flat and taken Madeleine.

But as Euclides was killed in an accident in 2009 there was no way of knowing.

To date, the search for Madeleine has reportedly cost more than £11 million, but with a child going missing in the UK every three minutes, parents of other lost children have criticised the attention given to Madeleine. So far, the McCanns have raised £3.7 million themselves through their Find Madeleine fund and even hired a private investigator after the case was initially closed in 2008. In 2011, Scotland Yard launched Operation Grange, a review of the case. And two years later the Portuguese police reopened their enquiry, with Scotland Yard running along side. The funding was due to stop, but the Home Office has given an extra £85,000 to extend the search until September 2017.

Kate and Gerry have consistently maintained that with no evidence to suggest otherwise, their daughter must be alive. Some have said, after a decade of searching, they should call off their campaign. But any parent will know love for your child defies all logic. They say, ‘until we have answers, there will always be hope.’

EINE...

Was kidnapper killed?

In October 2012, Portuguese police

8Running out of money?

Police mistakes?

The first 24 hours after a person goes

missing are vital – but Interpol didn’t put out a global missing persons alert for five days. Blunders were blamed on a culture clash and unfounded suspicions placed on the parents. If police had acted differently, would Madeleine have been found?

Since Madeleine’s disappeareance, there have been over Madeleine would now 8,685 reported be nearly 14 years old sightings. In July and may look like this 2015, police in Australia found the decomposed remains of a blonde girl in a suitcase.

However, Madeleine was excluded as the vicitm. In November 2016, locals in Rome wondered if a homeless girl could be Madeleine. But she did not share the same eye defect.

YET ANOTHER BLOW When DCI Andy Redwood became the lead detective on the case in May 2011, many wondered if he’d be the one to finally solve it. Said to be the officer who insipired Waking The Dead detective Peter Boyd, he was known for cracking impossible crimes.

He’d already caught killer Miguel de Silva, who’d escaped arrest for 15 years. But after three years searching for Madeleine, DCI Redwood said he’d be stepping down. A decision, many suggested that he’d given up.

WOMANMAGAZINE.CO.UK

15

WORDS: KRISTINA BEANLAND. PHOTOS: GETTY, REX

The world became obsessed with the case

STYLE TIP Borrow this look from the catwalk, trousers won’t stop your look from being feminine.

Opt for a passionate crimson and cropped style to slim and elongate legs.

NIKI WEARS: Top, £49.99, sizes 6-14, Mango Trousers, £119.95, sizes 8-22, Madeleine Earrings, £4.99, New Look Shoes, £7.99, New Look Shoes, £19.99, Bonprix THIERRY WEARS: Jacket, £90, sizes s-xl, Burton Trousers, £40, sizes 28s-46l, Burton Shirt, £25, sizes xs-xxl, Burton Hat, £28, Debenhams Shoes, £75, Dune

on getaway wardrob s a e s e GR w e OU n r P FA u o SH y IO h

: OR CT RE DI

Fall in

PHOTOGRAPHER: OLIVI A XTER G RAH E BA AM LIN RO CA

lov ew it

N I L G F G IN

N

SPR

Fashion confidence

STYLE TIP Super-flattering off the shoulder dresses are all over the high street, and this number is at the top of our wish lists. Strappy, beaded heels and a straw boater inject some fun into your look.

NIKI WEARS: Dress, £39.99, sizes xs-xl, Zara. Shoes, £85, Ravel.

Hat, £15, Accessorize. Earrings, £10, The Collection at Debenhams.

THIERRY WEARS: Jacket, £99.95, sizes 44-56, Benetton. Shirt, £25, sizes xs-xxl, and trousers, £40, sizes 28s-46l, both Burton. Shoes, £90, Dune

WOMANMAGAZINE.CO.UK

17

STYLE TIP Steal hearts with a Bardot neckline and flirty, frilled sleeves. Just add dainty, barely-there heels to become the ultimate style crush.

18

WOMANMAGAZINE.CO.UK

FASHION ASSISTANT: CIGDEM TANRIOGLU. WORDS: CATHERINE DELVES. HAIR AND MAKE-UP: KATERI GHIEL AT UTOPIA NYC. MODELS: NIKI AT TREND MODELS AND THIERRY AT BERTA MODEL MANAGEMENT

NIKI WEARS: Top, £29.99, sizes xs-xl, Zara. Trousers, £79, sizes 6-18, Coast.

Earrings, £8, J by Jasper Conran at Debenhams. Hat, £12, M&Co. Shoes, £35, Dorothy Perkins THIERRY WEARS: Jacket, £99.95, sizes 44-56, and trousers, £39.95, sizes 44-58, both Benetton. Shirt, £26, sizes xs-xxl, Burton. Shoes, £65, Hammond & Co at Debenhams

Fashion confidence STYLE TIP Stripes are everywhere this season and candy coloured ones are an elegant twist. Matched with a could-be-designer handbag, you’re set to rule your style.

NIKI WEARS: Jacket, £79, sizes 6-18, Limited Edition at M&S Dress, £55, sizes 8- 16, Wallis Bag, £59, Accessorize Shoes, £34.99, Chi Chi London THIERRY WEARS: Jacket, £130, sizes 38s-44l, shirt, £38, sizes 18-21, and trousers, £38, sizes 30s-38l, all J by Jasper Conran at Debenhams Shoes, £80, RJR.John Rocha at Debenhams

! ( % - (!% % % % ! % % ! ( % %

% (! ( % * % , % ! % ( % (, ! ( %

, + ( ! % ! * !% % % (! * % + !! ,

(% ! ) % % % * % * % ! % % , % % ( ! #- #'- " & #- #'- "

If you buy one thing…

TheHigh-Neck BLOUSE

This is the wardrobe switch-up you need to guarantee chic spring style ONLY

£10!

Pretty in prints, £39, sizes xs-l, & Other Stories

Modern botanic print, £25, sizes 6-22, M&S

Slimming stripes, £24.99, sizes 6-18, New Look

Chic khaki, £10, sizes 8-20, Matalan

Vintage florals, £22.99, sizes 6-18, New Look

Ochre outfit essential, £34, sizes 6-16, Topshop

Gothic romance, £28, sizes 6-22, Anita & Green at Next

Wrap front, £19.99, sizes 6-20, H&M

COMPLIED BY: CATHERINE DELVES

Available in two shades

Regal elegance, £45, sizes 8-16, Littlewoods

Waterfall sleeves, £29, sizes 12-32, SimplyBe

Sunshine shirt. £38, sizes 6-18, Warehouse

Hot fushcia, £29.99, sizes XS-XL, Zara WOMANMAGAZINE.CO.UK

21

THE SLIMMING SUIT

Jacket, £42, and trousers, £28, both sizes 8-24, V by Very

A tailored suit creates a streamlined figure. Choose the trouser shape according to your height and figure.

Jacket, £59.99, and trousers, £29.99, both sizes xs-xl, Zara

Jacket, £65, and trousers, £35, both sizes 4-16, Topshop

CLEVER RUFFLE BLOUSE highlight your assets or deflect from problem areas.

Cleverly placed ruffles can trick the eye - use them to

£32, sizes 6-18, River Island

£30, sizes 8-24, V by Very

£24, sizes 8-14, Fashion Union at brandattic.com

£28, sizes 6-22, Next

Jacket, £42, top, £28, trousers, £55, all sizes 8-20, and bag, £20, all Wallis Belt, stylist’s own

THE FASHIO The key pieces to help you look slimmer for summer...

22

£40, River Island

£59.99, Mango

£49, Topshop

£45, Miss Selfridge

£55, River Island

£49, Miss Selfridge

£30, V by Very

£90, Dune

£29.99, New Look

£64, Office

WOMANMAGAZINE.CO.UK

COMPILED BY ELOISA JOHNSON

looking for longer, leaner legs get ready to strut your stuff LEG-LENGTHENING SHOES Ifwithyouthisareseason’s sassy platforms and neutral, metallic caged heels.

Figure fixers

HOLD-YOU-IN DRESS

£79, sizes 6-18, Sosandar

£38, sizes 4-16, Topshop

£27.99, sizes 6-16, New Look

SHOES THAT COVER £56, Topshop

Create curves with a chic belted dress. Ruched or printed, they work hard to deflect from lumps.

£46, sizes 4-16, Topshop

A little coverage across the foot is a good thing – while still showing off your summer pedi. £59.99, Zara

£34.99, H&M

ON DIET THE FLATTERING WRAP

£28, sizes 6-22, Dorothy Perkins

£34, sizes 6-22, Next

£35, sizes 6-18, River Island

Dress, £38, sizes 6-22; shoes, £32, both Dorothy Perkins

This is a super-slimming style that works for all shapes and sizes.

These skirts are perfect for showing a little – or a lot – of leg!

£32, sizes 6-18, riverisland.com

£32, sizes 8-16, vesper247.com

£16, sizes 8-20, Peacocks

WOMANMAGAZINE.CO.UK

23

Bags obsession

RED ALERT

ssory A crimson bag is the acce update that’s almost too hot to handle

£39.50, M&S

ALL UNDER £40! £25, V by Very

£14, Tu at Sainsbury’s

£19.99, Zara

FASHION EDITOR’S FAVOURITE £29, Monsoon

24

WOMANMAGAZINE.CO.UK

WORDS & STYLING: EMMA GOLD. PHOTO: PIXELEYES

£25, M&S

Promotional feature

LAIDBACK LIVING

Crochet bag, £10

SUMMER DAYS mean relaxed shapes and effortless style. It’s all about wearing clothes you love and expressing individuality.

Bright colours are key for any weekend wardrobe, brave it!

The embroidery trend is as strong as ever. Find it on tops, jacket edges, shorts and even bags too!

Festival fringing, tassels and colourful pom- poms add interest!

INSPIRED STYLE

BRILLIANT BUYS Carry the boho feel through to your accessories with these cute bags.

1 2 3

Playsuit, £25, sizes 8-20

Embroidered clutch, £10

FESTIE MODE! The sky is blue, the sun is out and it’s time to relax outdoors in a cute playsuit.

Maxi dress, £30, sizes 8-20

SUMMER VIBES

It’s the season of outdoorsy fun – cue Matalan’s new Falmer Heritage Festival collection…

Fringe vest, £25, sizes 8-20

Cross body bag bag, £12

SHOE MANIA

ANKLE-TIE SANDALS Channel the festival spirit on your feet with a pair of savvy summer sandals.

Punched espadrille, £12, sizes 3-8 Pom-pom sandals, £14, sizes 3-8

Dress, £20, sizes 8-20

Watch #theshow Embroidered jacket, £35, sizes 8-20 Jacket blouse, £25, sizes 8-20

Embroidered shorts, £18, sizes 8-20

Victoria Adegboyega and Lydia Bright join Denise Van Outen to show their top picks from Matalan’s SS17 collections. Tune in at matalan.co.uk

‘I never got to say hellotoArchie…

ONLY GOODB Kerry Tellwright longed to be a mother, but there was heartbreak in store. Here,

D

uring my pregnancy, I’d often imagine the moment I’d hold my newborn baby in my arms for the very first time. I’d cry with happiness as I took in every perfect inch of him, from his tiny fingers to his toes. But when my son was finally placed in my arms, it was so far from what I’d pictured.

Instead of being just seconds after I’d brought him into the world, it was three weeks later. And, although my baby looked perfect, he wasn’t crying or squirming, he was cold and lifeless…

She was in an induced coma for 10 days

26

WOMANMAGAZINE.CO.UK

My partner Craig and I started trying for a baby in 2009. I’d hoped that within a couple of months, I’d receive a positive test result, only what followed was years of disappointment. I couldn’t understand it – at 27, I didn’t smoke or drink, and I exercised three times a week. Doctors gave me ovulation drugs, countless scans and even two rounds of IVF.

Ready for the new arrival After eight years we’d almost given up hope – but then, in October 2015, during a break from IVF, I started to feel bloated and tired. I was driving home from work when it came to me: could I be pregnant? Still, even as I did the test, I was convinced t would be negative. Surely I wouldn’t have fallen pregnant naturally? But then the positive result appeared and, suddenly, it felt like everything had fallen into place. Finally, I was going to be a mum.

Craig was overjoyed when I told him

and we started preparing for our new arrival. I read every parenting book I could find, and Craig and I decorated the nursery. We even picked out a name for our son – Archie.

As my bump grew, I became more excited. But in June 2016, at 39 weeks – just six days before my due date – I woke up one morning with a terrible headache. When I stood up, the room was spinning. So I called the midwife, who told me to come to the hospital for a check-up.

Craig grabbed my bags and I settled myself in the passenger seat. It was only a 10-minute drive, but Kelly was I can’t remember any of it. I overjoyed to don’t recall the moment my be pregnant

‘I WAS GOING TO BE A MUM’

It happened to me Every moment with their son was precious for Kelly and Craig

explained that, although he’d been able to see our son briefly, because Archie had been born in a different hospital, it would take time for doctors to transfer him.

The life he’ll never have In the days that followed, while I was

she shares her tragic story… body started to convulse, or the panic in Craig’s voice as he called an ambulance.

In fact, the next thing I can remember is coming round in hospital.

Groggy and disoriented, I was aware of the tubes covering my body, an ache in my abdomen and Craig sitting by my bed.

And then, as I looked at my husband and saw the pain in his eyes, a feeling of utter hopelessness washed over me. Call it mother’s instinct, but somehow I knew it – my baby had gone.

Holding my hand, Craig revealed that, after the first seizure in the car, I’d suffered two more. I’d been rushed to theatre, where doctors preformed an emergency C-section.

It was then, as I lay unconscious on the operating table, that doctors discovered I’d suffered from HELLP syndrome – a rare liver and blood

Archie was perfect, right down to his tiny fingertips

clotting disorder. It had caused the severe pain in my head, and my spleen and liver had ruptured. As I’d bled out, my unborn child had been starved of oxygen. I’d been transferred to another hospital and put in a coma for 10 days to allow me to recover. Not only was I still in a serious condition, but Archie – the son I’d been so desperate for – hadn’t survived.

As I listened to Craig, my chest heaved with sobs, I couldn’t imagine how life would ever continue. One moment I’d been pregnant – days away from giving birth – the next I was waking up in hospital, to be told that, not only had my child been born, but he’d died. I’d been robbed of the experience of giving birth, of hearing my baby’s first cries. Now I just felt empty, like I might die too.

‘Can I see him?’ I asked Craig between my tears. But, to add to my pain, Craig

‘AS I HELD HIM, I FELT THAT RUSH OF LOVE’

THE FACTS

4 HELLP syndrome is a life-threatening complication of pre-eclampsia.

4 It usually occurs during the later stages of pregnancy.

4 Symptoms include headaches, nausea, shoulder pain, and changes in vision.

For more information visit nhs.uk/ Conditions/Pre-eclampsia/Pages/ Complications.aspx.

WOMANMAGAZINE.CO.UK

27

WORDS: KRISTINA BEANLAND AND KIM READER. PHOTOS: MERCURY PRESS

DBYE’

given more medication and my health improved, I was so heartbroken all I could do was sleep. Every time I woke, just for a second I’d forget what had happened.

Then there’d be a tightening in my chest and a fresh wave of agony would wash over me – Archie was gone.

Finally, three weeks later, the doctors told me they’d arranged for Archie to be transferred to my hospital. As soon as I held him, I felt that rush of love I’d heard so many new mums talk about. To me, he was perfect. He had a nose like his dad’s and my jet black hair. But when I gazed at him, I couldn’t help but imagine the life he’d never have. I’d never get to see him take his first steps, or take a picture of him on his first day at school. From then on, I saw Archie most days. Every time he was placed into my arms I felt that same pang of grief – but I’ll always cherish those moments with my son.

In August 2016, I was finally discharged from hospital. Going home to the nursery and the wardrobe full of tiny clothes was yet another reminder of our loss. And then, a week later, we had Archie’s funeral. Seeing his perfect face for the last time was heartbreaking – but I knew it was time to say goodbye.

The church was full of people, and we released blue balloons into the sky.

It’s been 10 months since Archie died.

Craig and I have had counselling and we talk about our son every day. Doctors have explained that we could try for a baby again in the future, but I don’t think I’m ready. Losing Archie was the worst thing that’s ever happened to me but, even for just a short time, he made my dream come true. It is a privilege to be his mum.

EMMA STONE

HAPPY HAIR JENNIFER LOPEZ

EMILIA CLARKE

When your hair’s looking good, everything else falls into place.

We look to the red carpet to make our crowning glory fabulous...

The good old blow-out

FELICITY JONES

28

WOMANMAGAZINE.CO.UK

KATE GARRAWAY

Start the week with a proper blow-dry – in the salon if you’re feeling fancy, or DIY if you’re strapped for cash – and your hair will pay you back until its next wash. Because it’s been given a great base, it can take on anything you throw at it. Think of it as a foundation for your hair.

KATE MIDDLETON

Beauty confidence

SARAH PAULSON

ELIZABETH DEBICKI

PENELOPE CRUZ

SCARLETT JOHANSSON

The new bob

If there’s one cut that flatters every face shape, it’s the lob. Hair looks healthier and thicker by cutting off any split ends and adding subtle layers, plus it elevates your cheekbones and flatters the angles in your face. Don’t fancy the chop? Cheat a lob-look like J-Lo.

EMMA WILLIS DIANE KRUGER

Short cut to style JENNIFER HUDSON

Whoever said that short hair isn’t sexy? A crop with the right face shape creates a powerful and feminine statement that actually has a fair few styling options – textured, tousled, slicked back – so you’re never restricted to wearing it just one way.

KATY PERRY

Curls world

If you’re ever in doubt about how to dial up the glamour stakes, big, bountiful curls are your go-to failsafe. They always look flirty and fun and they work on all textures – creating volume on fine hair and disguising frizzies on coarse hair.

CHRISTINA HENDRICKS

LIZ HURLEY ISLA FISHER

KARLIE KLOSS WOMANMAGAZINE.CO.UK

29

WORDS: CHARLEY WILLIAMS-HOWITT PHOTOS: REX, SHUTTERSTOCK

DREW BARRYMORE

!

7KHUH·V D UHDVRQ ZK\$OPDVHG LV *HUPDQ\·V 1R PHDO UHSODFHPHQW 5$ $,9 && +, ; : DA9)A)/-);A

E H/D A9) ) A)-& )- A' 2 ;A F)A'/DA

-H +/-&(+ ;A)-& F )&'A +/;; ;D ;;7 ' A8;

D; ;/, ) A; 29/E) A// ! F +/9) ;

- )- 6D A -DA9)A)/- 9 ;D+A)-& )- A'

+/;; /! ,D; + , *)-& )A )!" D+A !/9 H/D A/ , )-A ) -H +/;A F )&'A5

+, ; : 29/E) ; ,/9 29/A )- A' - -H /A' 9

, + 9 2+ , -A )- A' 5 A ); +/9) ( /-A9/++

- -DA9) -A(9) ' 29/E) )-& H/D9 / H F)A' G ++ -A

-DA9)A)/-5 )A' )A; ')&' )/+/&) + E +D 29/A )- - +/F &+H ,) )- G A'); !/9,D+ ' ; - ; ) -A)" ++H 29/E - A/ 9 D / H ! A F')+ 29 ; 9E)-& ;; -A) + ,D; + 15 - 2 9A) D+ 9 +)-) + A ;A)-& ' ; !/D- A' A F' - /,2 9 A/ +/F(! A ) A D; 9; /! +, ; : ') E &9 A 9 9 D A)/-; )- / H F )&'A / H ! A - D-' +A'H /,)- + ! A F')+ 2/;)A)E +H 9 A )-)-& ,D; + C5 D ' 9 ;D+A; 9 !D- , -A + A/ F )&'A +/;; ;D ;;!D+ F )&'A , )-A - - - /E 9 ++ ' +A' - F ++- ;;5

* 1$',& 5* 71

# ( 51 * &' 1 0

)G #J& /! +, ; : F)A' CJJ(B#J,+ /! F A 9 /9 CJJ,+ /! +/F(! A ,)+* - CA;2 /! /)+ 9) ' )- ;; -A) + ! AAH ) ; 3 5&5 /+)E $ G; 9 2 ; /9 F +-DA45 + E/D9 H/D9 ;' * H )-& )-- ,/- D-;F A - / / 2/F 9 /9 GA9 A; ;D ' ; E -)++ /9 +,/- 5

7 1 * : 5 F)A'/DA +/;; /! ;; -A) + ,D; + , ;;15 &$($ &&: ,/*8 ( 9 $"#5 &*11 E +/F(! A ) AC5

*7/$1# 1 5# * : F)A' D-)6D + - /! ;/H H/&D9A - '/- H5 *(5/$ 75 1 5* 9 $"#5 &*11 F' - 9 2+ )-& AF/ )+H , +;5 $(5 $(1 9 $"#5 !A 9 F )&'A +/;; H 9 2+ )-& /- )+H , +5 *(5 $(1 (*-- 9A)" ) + $ E/D9; "++ 9; 29 ; 9E A)E ; /9 ;A),D+ -A; - /-+H - AD9 ++H / D99)-& ;D& 9;5 /-( &+DA -(!9 E & A 9) - - ;D)A + !/9 A'/; F)A' ) A ;5

6!

& ( 5$(" +, ; : /!! 9; - AD9 + + - /! ;/H H/&D9A - '/- H5 D9 ')&'(6D +)AH )-&9 ) -A; /-A )- )/+/&) ++H A)E /,2/- -A; !/9 /E 9 ++ &// ' +A' 9) ' )- ;/H );/$ E/- ; - ,/9 A' - J )/ A)E 2 2A) ; !9/, /D9 ;/H - ,)+*5

!9/, 29 ,)D, 6D +)AH + )D,(9) ' ,)+* A/ ;D22/9A )& ;A)E !D- A)/-5

;/$ E/- (9) ' ;/H A'); 2+ -A( ; 29/A )- ;D22/9A; A' , )-A - - /! ;; -A) + ,D; + , ;;5

H/- )-& A/D ' - AD9 + ;F A- ;; /!

A'); ); 9 !D++H ; + A A/ /2A),); A' 9 F -IH, ; -A)/G) -A; - /+)&/!9D A/; 29 ; -A ) +, ; :5

# &, 9$5# :*7/ $ 5. /-A A /D9 -DA9)A)/- A , A (75/$5$*($15 &' 1 - *-7% ;6; 2)3) + 3 /9 E);)A 999- &' 1 - *-7% /9 &' 1 5 /F-+/ H/D9 +, ; : )&D9 + -; A "7/ ,& (- *-7% + ; -A 9 / +3

15 ) 9A A + 3CJJ%45 -A+5 /D9- + /! ;)AH< C 31J4 1B%.(#C5 C5 0-)& A + 3CJJ 45 -- +; /! DA9)A)/- - A /+);,< #C314 =%(= 5

+A' 3CJ1>4 -)A) + C.5= *&?,C5

Super shine

Nothing screams ‘expensive’ like super-glossy hair. And straight is the perfect partner to shiny hair as it creates a more glass-like finish. Any texture adds a matt finish because the hair’s surface isn’t lying flat.

JESSICA CHASTAIN

DANNII MINOGUE

AMY ADAMS

ZOE SALDANA

Love your hair

Make your ‘I woke up like this’ hair work for you because keeping it natural is a trend right now, so you can be cool minus the effort – ish! Casual yes, lazy no, so you may still need to tame those frizzes or add a little movement with products or your trusted ghds.

FEARNE COTTON CHARLIZE THERON SIENNA MILLER

A very modern up do

GILLIAN ANDERSON

ADELE

JENNIFER LAWRENCE

Forget meticulous and precisely done styles, today’s up dos are nonchalant and have movement – so step away from the hairspray! Another bonus is that they actually hold better when hair is a bit dirty, so forget washing it and have a lie-in on us!

ALICIA VIKANDER WOMANMAGAZINE.CO.UK

31

My children

HATEDgoing on holiday with me…

SO I LOST 11ST T

his time of year it’s always the same, whether it’s a short break in the countryside or a week in the sun, most people are counting down to their summer holiday. Only, for a long time, instead of excitedly anticipating my escape from the daily grind, I’d be dreading it. And I wasn’t the only one…

Growing up, my weight was never a problem. My mum made sure I had three meals a day, loaded with vegetables, and chips were only ever a Friday treat.

Even after my son John was born in May 1992, within a couple of months I was back in my size 12 jeans. Two years later, Darren was born, and Dylan followed in August 1995. And with each pregnancy I kept my weight in check.

But everything changed when, in July 2001, my twins, Keane and Lee, were born almost two months premature.

They were raced to the special care unit, and my partner Vincent and I spent the first six weeks of their lives in and out of hospital, relying on junk food to keep us going. So worried about my babies, I didn’t notice the pounds piling on. Finally, that September, the twins were allowed home for good. But, as the years passed,

WOMANMAGAZINE.CO.UK

24

}

juggling my job in a supermarket with taking care of five – very boisterous! – boys meant I got into a routine of eating badly.

Every morning I’d skip breakfast, so by the time I had my first break at work I was ravenous. Within 10 minutes I’d devour a bag of cheese and onion crisps and a chocolate bar. Lunch was more crisps and a cheese sandwich on white bread. Then, by the time I got home, I’d flop, exhausted. While I made sure the At her heaviest, Valerie boys ate healthily, I’d end up weighed 22st 7lb ordering a Chinese takeaway.

With no scales in the house, I had no willpower, when we went to Portugal in idea how much I weighed, but soon my 2007, I was a size 20. size 16 work trousers were snug. I told With each year, the holidays got worse. myself that, at 5ft 9in, I could get away In August 2012, Vincent and I took the with being a bit bigger, but boys back to Ibiza. This time the problems by 2004, I was squeezing started the moment we got on the plane. into a size 18.

At a size 22-24, I could barely get the That summer, not long seatbelt around me. after the twins’ third birthday, ‘Please don’t cry, Mum,’ the boys said, Vincent and I decided to as I tried to hide my red eyes behind my take the boys away to Ibiza. sunglasses. But the entire week was a Everyone was so excited, but catalogue of humiliation. By the time we the moment we got there, I knew it was got to the hotel, Keane and Lee, then 10, going to be awful. Sitting on the beach, I were desperate to get in the pool, and longed to be one of the yummy mummies wanted me to join them. But, embarrassed frolicking with their children by the pool at anyone seeing me in my swimming dressed in a tiny bikini. Instead, I was costume, I insisted on wearing a denim wedged into a sunbed, doing my best to hide away. I swore things would be different skirt in the water. I looked ridiculous and 10 minutes later, leaving the boys with by our next holiday, but with absolutely no

‘I KNEW IT WAS GOING TO BE AWFUL’

32

Size

WORDS: REBECCA WRIGHT PHOTOS: SLIMMING WORLD MAGAZINE/SU FORRESTER

When Valerie O’Donovan realised her weight was affecting her sons, she was horrified and she vowed to make a major change...

}

Telling it like it is

Valerie’s twin boys knew their mum hated their family breaks

Size

10

With husband Vincent n one of their holidays

Vincent, I got out and went to the room.

I hated every minute of the holiday.

I was so relieved when it was time to go home. But I hadn’t realised that I wasn’t the only one who had hated the holiday…

Nine months later, in April 2013, I asked the boys where they’d like to go that summer, and instead of being met with a list of places like before, all five said they’d rather stay at home.

‘We don’t want to put you through that again,’ explained Keane, then 13, looking awkward. ‘You never enjoy yourself.’

I felt terrible – they hated going on holiday with me. It was then I knew I needed to do something about my weight – no more excuses. My colleagues had been talking about Slimming World, and so that June I went to my first meeting.

As I stepped on the scales the dial shot up to 22st 7lb. I had to fight back tears. I had so much to lose. But I thought about the boys – I couldn’t let them down. So I vowed to follow the programme. Out went the takeaways. Instead I cooked meals from scratch and in the first week I lost 7lb. By December I was down two dress sizes, and a year on I was wearing a size 16.

But the real test was going on holiday.

In 2016, with the older boys away with their friends, we booked a trip back to Ibiza with the twins. At 11st 6lb I felt incredible, and now a size 10, I’d treated myself to two bikinis!

Breakfast: Porridge I’ll admit, it took the twins a or two slices of couple of days to relax and realise low-calorie toast, tea that this holiday would be with skimmed milk completely different to all the Lunch: Boiled eggs others. There was no crying and and ham, yogurt, no moaning and I didn’t need cup of tea them to help me cover up and Dinner: Pork chops hide all the time. or boiled ham and Afterwards they told me it had vegetables been the best trip yet – and, we’re Snacks: Slimming already debating where to go this World bar, fruit, Diet year! Getting fit didn’t just give me Coke and vodka at back my confidence, it gave me – the weekend and my family – a future to look forward to.

VALERIE’S DIET Before Breakfast: None Lunch: Crisp sandwiches, chocolate digestives, three cups of tea with full-fat milk.

Dinner: Fish and chips or a chicken curry and egg fried rice Snacks: Three cans of fizzy drinks, two chocolate bars, two packets of crisps

After

WOMANMAGAZINE.CO.UK

33

DROP

7 L B IN 7 DAYS

Eatpizza &LOSE WEIGHT! Yes, you can still enjoy carbs and watch the pounds fall away with chef Pasquale Cozzolino’s delicious Pizza Diet

DOES IT REALLY WORK? Eat pizza and lose weight?

Seems impossible, but it worked for chef Pasquale Cozzolino, author of The Pizza Diet (£13.99, Galvanized Books). Pasquale ate pizza every day and lost 100lb in seven months, losing 20lb in the first two weeks. ‘Pizza has a reputation as junk food, but if you do it right, it can help you lose weight,’ says Pasquale.

NOT JUST PIZZA

‘On this diet you have homemade pizza for lunch daily,’ he says. ‘The rest of the time you eat Mediterraneanstyle food – fruit, vegetables, fish and lean meat. Takeaway pizzas are high in calories and packed with sugar, salt and additives. But when you make your own, they can be really nutritious. This plan is about establishing healthy eating habits while still enjoying a delicious pizza every day.’

34

WOMANMAGAZINE.CO.UK

PASQUALE’S PIZZA DIET WEIGHT LOSS RULES What to eat 70% OF YOUR DAILY CALORIES between breakfast and lunch.

ONE PIZZA FOR LUNCH See diet pizza dough recipe.

ONE OR TWO SNACKS DAILY – eg, piece of fruit, small handful nuts.

ZERO-CALORIE DRINKS – eg, water, herbal teas, the occasional red wine.

When to eat

Breakfast before 9am, lunch and finish with dinner no later than 7pm.

When to stop

If you have more weight to lose, repeat the plan for a few more days or weeks.

What to avoid

Red meat, desserts, processed carbs and booze (apart from the odd glass of red).

Exercise

at least five times a week at moderate intensity for 30-60 mins a day - eg, walking, running, swimming, cycling or strength training.

Stay fit and w

HOW TO MAKE...

YOUR 7-DAY PLAN

Diet pizza dough

DAY 1

1tsp dry yeast 1.5kg stone-ground, wholewheat flour 3 tbsp sea salt Pour 1ltr cold water into a large mixing bowl and add yeast. Mix by hand, breaking up clumps of yeast. Leave to stand for 5 mins. Add 45g of flour and mix until creamy. Add salt and remaining flour. Mix (by hand or with mixer) until dough is soft and elastic. Place on floured work surface. Knead for 5 mins. Cover with cling film and leave for 10 mins. Cut dough into balls. Seal in airtight container and leave at room temperature for 4-5 hrs. Place in refrigerator to rise for 20 hrs.

BREAKFAST: Banana & mango smoothie. Blend 1 banana, ½ chopped small mango, 125g Gree yogurt with 125ml orange juice.

LUNCH: Pizza Margherita (see left) with salad: tomatoes, leafy greens, cucumber, red onion, etc.

DINNER: Grilled chicken with aubergine. Season 1 chicken breast with sea salt and black pepper and grill. Serve with grilled, chopped aubergine, drizzled with olive oil.

Garnish with fresh parsley.

Place 30g dough ball on floured surface. With your hands, flatten into a circle 12in diameter, leaving a slightly thicker rim. Coat the dough evenly with 85g passata.

Top with 30g mozzarella, in chunks. Drizzle with olive oil. Garnish with fresh basil leaves. Preheat oven to 240°C, Gas 9. Bake for 10 mins.

DAY 2 BREAKFAST: Sunny side up egg on toast. Crack an egg into a hot pan with a dash of olive oil. Cook until the whites are done but yolk is still runny. Serve on a slice of wholegrain toast.

LUNCH: Pizza with broccoli.

Before baking pizza, add tomato sauce, cooked broccoli florets, seasoned with garlic, and with chunks of mozzarella.

DINNER: Pan fried cod with prawns. Sauté 1 finely chopped garlic clove and 1 chopped tomato in ½ tbsp olive oil. Add 1 fillet of cod, seasoned with sea salt and oregano. Cook until done. Serve with leafy green salad.

DAY 3 BREAKFAST: Nutty muesli. Mix 4tbsp oats and 1tbsp seeds with 240ml unsweetened almond milk.

Top with 20g chopped nuts.

LUNCH: Pizza with anchovy and rocket. Before baking, top pizza with tomato sauce, mozzarella and 3-4 chopped (canned) anchovies.

Garnish with rocket leaves.

DINNER: Grilled turkey with spinach and avocado salad. Grill 1 turkey breast, drizzled with olive oil. To make salad, mix large handful baby spinach leaves and chopped avocado. Add olive oil, lemon juice and Dijon mustard dressing.

DAY 4 BREAKFAST: Berry porridge.

Mix 40g oats with 240ml unsweetened almond milk.

Simmer until done. Top with aspberries or blueberries.

LUNCH: Pizza with mushrooms, spinach and goat’s cheese. Drizzle basic

pizza dough with olive oil and bake.

Top with cooked mushrooms, baby spinach and crumbled goat’s cheese.

DINNER: Stewed squid with grilled vegetables. Sauté a chopped garlic clove and 1 small chopped red onion in olive oil. Add 1 sprig parsley, chopped, a handful of pitted black olives, pinch of paprika and 200g tinned tomatoes. Simmer for 15 minutes. Add 50g cooked squid and simmer for 5 minutes. Serve with grilled red bell pepper, aubergine and courgette (lightly coated with olive oil and cut into strips).

DAY 5 BREAKFAST: Scrambled egg with mushrooms and spinach. Sauté a handful of button mushrooms with ½ small chopped onion in olive oil.

Serve with scrambled egg and wilted spinach.

LUNCH: Pizza with vegetables.

Before baking, layer pizza with passata, sliced, cooked vegetables (eg, bell pepper, aubergine, onion, courgette) and mozzarella.

DINNER: Grilled salmon with baked Brussels sprouts. Grill 1 salmon fillet, seasoned with olive oil, sea salt and pepper. To make sprouts, cook, drain, chop into halves, drizzle with olive oil and bake. Serve with lettuce, tomato and cucumber salad.

DAY 6 & 7 Repeat any two days.

WOMANMAGAZINE.CO.UK

35

WORDS: EVA GIZOWSKA. PHOTOS: GALLERY STOCK, GETTY

Margharita pizza

There are loads of delicious toppings to choose from

Travel offers FULLY ESCORTED TOURS 7 DAYS FROM £499pp

YS 8 DAO ARD

YS 8 DAO ARD

HALF B FROM

HALF B FROM

£829pp

£859pp

Classical Spain: Seville,Córdoba & Granada

Dubrovnik, the Dalmatian Coast and Montenegro

Lake Maggiore, Orta & the Matterhorn

Departures up to November 2017.

Price includes: ✱ Return flights, taxes and transfers ✱ Six nights in three- or four-star hotels with breakfast, staying in Seville, Granada and Mijas

Departures up to October 2017. Price includes: ✱ Return flights, taxes and transfers ✱ Seven nights in three- and four-star hotels with half board ✱ Visits to Mostar, Split and Trogir port

Departures up to October 2017.

Price includes: ✱ Return flights, taxes and transfers ✱ Seven nights in a four-star hotel with half board ✱ Lake cruise and visits to Zermatt

YS 8 DAO ARD

HALF B FROM

£849pp

8 DAYS FROM £849pp

16 DAYS FROM ,8 £1 99pp

Sicily

Florence and Tuscany

Vietnam & Cambodia

Departures up to November 2017.

Price includes: ✱ Return flights, taxes and transfers ✱ Seven nights in a four-star hotel with half board ✱ Visits to Agrigento’s Valley of the Temples, Palermo, hilltop Taormina, Mount Etna, Monreale’s medieval cathedral cloisters and Siracusa

Departures from April to October 2017. Price includes: • Return flights, taxes and transfers • Accommodation in three-star superior and four-star hotels, with breakfast • Visits to Florence, Siena, the Uffizi art gallery, San Gimignano, Pisa and the beautiful Tuscan countryside

Departures up to Nov 2017, and Jan to Nov 2018. Price includes: ✱ Return flights, taxes and transfers ✱ Accommodation in four- and five-star hotels with breakfast and five meals ✱ Visits to Phnom Penh, Angkor, Hanoi, the Forbidden City, the Cu-Chi tunnels, Halong Bay and a Mekong river cruise

CALL 01283 742 393 TO BOOK OR REQUEST A BROCHURE, OR VISIT ESCORTED.WOMANMAGAZINE.CO.UK T&Cs Additional entrance costs may apply. Prices are per person, based on two sharing and subject to finite availability. Images used in conjunction with Riviera Travel. Offer operated by and subject to the booking conditions of Riviera Travel Ltd, ABTA V4744, ATOL 3430, a company wholly independent of Woman, published by Time Inc. (UK) Ltd.

What’s new in food

Tea tasting Try Twinings Cherry Bakewell, Salted Caramel and Gingerbread Green Teas in a new Tasters pack – you get all three flavours in one pocket-sized packet of five tea bags.

Handy for travelling, too, 99p, Tesco.

Veg out Cauliflower goes Tex Mex with a smoky dressing for a new take on roasted veg – they’ll go down a storm with vegetarians and meat eaters alike.

Waitrose Buffalo Cauliflower Bites, £2.49, 410g.

Try a trend

HOT BUYS TO TRY

Pepper power Ever thought of using peppers as a low-carb alternative to tortilla chips?

To make pepper nachos (pachos), cut deseeded peppers into triangles, toss in Cajun seasoning mix, drizzle with oil, spread out over a grill pan and grill until golden.

Top with salsa and grated cheese and serve with soured cream and guacamole.

Dairy-free dessert Made with coconut cream and lemon juice, these zingy lemon pots have all the creaminess but without the dairy. Just 125 calories per pot so not too naughty, either. The Coconut Collaborative, Little Lemon Temptations, £2.50 for a pack of four, Tesco and Ocado.

Bargain buy

Mighty burger

Perfect for whizzing up a cooling smoothie, OTT freakshake, or blistering cocktail, we love Silvercrest Kitchen Tools Blender, Lidl, £19.99, from 4 May while stocks last.

WORDS: NICHOLA PALMER. PHOTOS: TIMEINCUKCONTENT.COM, IT’S PEPPERS TIME UK

A big juicy burger with cubes of cheese inside that melt making it extra succulent and tasty – what’s not to love? Pick up a pack of Morrison’s The Best Vintage Cheese Quarter Pounders – whether you cook them indoors or out, they make a great meal, £3 (pack of four) or two packs for £5.

3 supereasy fish dinners

Not seen that before…

1

Summery pea & mint Ready-to-bake cod fillets with a pea, mint and herb crust.

2 Minted Pea Cod Fillets by Sainsbury’s, £3.50, 370g.

2

With a kick Spicy king prawns and noodles in a yummy free-from ginger sauce.

Free From King Prawn and Singapore Noodles, Tesco, £3, 360g.

3

Spanish-style Cod, hake and king prawns in a chorizo, tomato and saffron sauce from M&S’s Ready To Poach range. £6, 300g

WOMANMAGAZINE.CO.UK

37

My husband

forgot

LOVED After her partner had a stroke, Rachel if she’d lost him forever. She describes how

M

y husband Russell has never been shy about sharing his feelings. When we met, he confidently asked if he could buy me a drink and as our relationship progressed he was always so affectionate. But then, aged 35, Russell suffered a stroke. As he recovered, something had shifted. He no longer smiled when he saw me. It was as if he didn’t love me at all…

From the moment Russell and I met in June 2006, I felt sure I’d found someone special. There were so many things I loved about him – from his cheeky grin, to his sense of adventure. Together, we’d go windsurfing or cycling, before snuggling up on the sofa in front of an old movie.

38

WOMANMAGAZINE.CO.UK

We moved in after a year and, with no children, we could be spontaneous. We’d go on kite surfing holidays to Brazil, or soak up the rays in Cape Verde.

Wherever we were, every moment together was special. So, when Russell proposed in January 2014, of course I accepted. We married nine months later near our home in Poole, and after the ceremony, we treated ourselves and travelled by speedboat to our reception.

After our honeymoon in Cornwall, it was back to reality – I returned to my job as an accounts manager and Russell to his in construction.

But, just a month later, in November 2014, I was in the office, when I got a call from Russell’s boss. He said Russell had collapsed and was being taken to hospital.

I forced myself not to jump to any rash conclusions. Russell was fit and healthy – perhaps he’d just not eaten enough – he was always rushing around. So, taking deep breaths, I drove to the hospital.

Only, when I told the reception staff I was there to see Russell, I was whisked straight into a side room. Moments later, a doctor appeared. ‘We don’t know why, but I’m afraid your husband has suffered a massive stroke,’ he said. ‘At this stage, we don’t know what the damage will be.’

Suddenly, it was like the walls were closing in on me. I thought strokes only affected elderly people – Russell was just 35. Was my husband going to die? And, if he did survive, would he be the person he was before? I had so many questions, but the doctor had no answers.

‘It’s a waiting game,’ he said gently.

‘THE WALLS CLOSED IN ON ME’

In my experience

he

DME Hanford wondered they returned to normality

WORDS: KRISTINA BEANLAND.

Just a month on from his wedding, Russell suffered a stroke While Russell slipped in and out of consciousness, I was allowed to sit with him – doctors gave him medication to try to thin the clot that had formed in his brain. But I felt so helpless, all I could do was hold his hand and tell him I loved him.

Soon, our families arrived and we took it in turns to be by Russell's bedside. The hours blurred together – the food the nurses brought me was left untouched and I hardly slept. I tried to be strong, but when I left Russell’s side – to grab a coffee or just a few seconds of fresh air – my chest would heave with sobs.

But somehow, slowly, Russell began to improve. It started in small ways – he’d sit up in bed or feel well enough to eat. Back then, he was so groggy that, when he looked at me blankly, I wasn’t worried.

Four days after his stroke, he began physiotherapy to help with the weakness in his right side. It felt like a miraculous recovery, but doctors were still unsure of the extent of the damage to his brain. I could tell Russell recognised me – when I pointed to our wedding rings, he nodded as though he understood. But he’d lost the ability to speak and, while he didn’t seem worried or afraid around me, it was though I was a distant acquaintance, rather than his wife.

Living like strangers I told myself not to worry – after all, he was getting better, and that’s all that mattered.

But, three weeks later, when he was discharged and returned home, the change seemed all the more obvious.

Now, when we brushed past each other in the living room, there was no loving hand on my back, or kiss on the cheek. At night, he’d lie in bed and fall asleep, rather than holding me. We were newly-weds, yet living like strangers.

I couldn’t help but feel lonely. Not only was I taking Russell to hospital appointments and physiotherapy sessions, but while before, Russell and I had been a team – now I was doing all the household chores too, like cleaning and sorting bills. I couldn’t even get a reassuring hug from the man I loved.

Sometimes, I’d lay awake at night, crying silently so he wouldn’t hear. Was this what our lives would be like now?

But then, in December 2014, Russell was referred to a speech therapist, Molly. She’d come to the house three times a week and would often ask me how Russell’s recovery was going. One afternoon I found myself mentioning to her that he’d been less affectionate.

I thought she might be concerned, even shocked, but Molly explained that stroke survivors often become detached from their emotions while their brain tries to fix itself. They need support and encouragement to help them return.

It was then that I knew, if I wanted the old Russell back, I had to show him how close we’d been. So, from then on I hugged and kissed him as much as possible, and I’d end every conversation by saying ‘I love you,’ and asking him to repeat the words back.

There were times when Russell would ignore me but I refused to give up. Tiny moments – like when he didn’t pull away when I reached for his hand, or smiled when I spoke to him – felt like huge victories.

Slowly, it was as though the fog in Russell’s brain started to lift. And then, in July 2015, as we climbed into bed, he told me he loved me. It was like he was saying it for the very first time and I felt my eyes

‘I WANTED RUSSELL BACK’

fill with tears – after everything, he still loved me back.

Now, two years on, Russell continues to recover, but his stroke still affects him.

While his speech has improved, he struggles to use complex words, and is unable to read and write. Until his communication improves, he won’t be able to work.

But Russell and I are very much in love – and now he shows it all the time. He kisses me in the morning, and wraps his arms around me as I cook us dinner. We’re even thinking about starting a family.

These days, when Russell kisses me, it feels extra special. It’s a reminder that he’s still here and still loves me. I’ll never take those moments for granted.

SPOT THE SIGNS A stroke can affect anyone, so it's important to act fast. Look out for…

4 FACE Look at the person’s face and ask them to smile. Has their mouth or eye drooped on one side?

4 ARMS Can they raise their arms and keep them there? Difficulty in doing this is a sign of weakness or numbness.

4 SPEECH Ask the person to say their name. Are they slurring?

4 TIME If you notice any of these signs, call 999 immediately.

For more, visit stroke.org.uk

Russell having physio and, below, biking with Rachel during his recovery from stroke

WOMANMAGAZINE.CO.UK

39

2#" $ 2+ - ' .- #* 2 ( #+ $ ) *#! " / " * -2 ( 2#" - / ) - + "- *" - #" 2 ! ## / *+ * . 2 - !#+- #!$* "+ / "# "#"+ "+ #."- / * 0* -- " # 0 - +

.$#" / " - + 0#* " % / " "+$ * " #! #*- " %%% #.* - * - * + -# * 0 - " .*- " " !2+- 2 - !2+- *2% - " 2#.) " / * ## - - " 1- #* " - + #" " &. - - + !

0 2 "%

! # " "

! $

! " "!

# ! % # % ! " ! "! # ! #

! % #%

.+- 0 - $* +

2 0 -+

111& !) # )# )& ! !( 3! & !&/ !( ) '/ !( ,"*& $ / ) # #% # 2 -! ! - - &

-! "4 # (( !1 ( ( /( 2 ) ( "4 . & !! 0 () ! ) 0 (!

sonal health

£15,000indebt… because I had

ADHD

Allie is finally happy with who she is

Trapped in a cycle of overspending, Allie Powell reveals how a shocking diagnosis changed everything

E

WORDS: KRISTINA BEANLAND AND KERRY PARNELL PHOTOS: GETTY IMAGES

ven as a child, I was terrible with my money. My weekly allowance never lasted more than a day – I’d see something I wanted in Toys R Us and I couldn’t sleep until I had it.

It was typical of me to act on impulse – at school I’d blurt out random thoughts in the middle of conversations. And, if I found something interesting, it was like the rest of the world fell away. The problem was, my enthusiasm never lasted, and I’d move on to the next thing. After leaving school, aged 16, I never stayed in the same job for long. I worked as everything from a secretary to an air hostess. But I saved up money and, with help from my parents, managed to buy a house. Only then, in March 2001, I got a job working for an energy provider at a stand in supermarkets.

Surrounded by all types of goods, if I saw something I wanted, I had to buy it at once.

Every day I’d go home with something new.

I soon had three credit cards and countless store cards and, while I knew I was living beyond my means, I didn’t have the concentration to sort through receipts, or the organisational skills to create complicated spreadsheets.

Then, in May 2004, I’d been dating a man for a short time when I found out I was

3

WAYS TO BOOST YOUR HEALTH THIS WEEK The scientists have spoken! Try these tips for a healthier life…

pregnant. I knew then that if I wanted to give my child a good start to life, I had to start managing my money. So I sat down and went through my credit card bills. My head was spinning by the time I’d added up the grand total. I was £15,000 in debt. I couldn’t help but feel ashamed. With no other option, I sold my house to pay off the debt. With a healthy bank balance for the first time ever, it felt like starting again.

My son, Barney, was born in January 2005, and when he was put into my arms, nothing could have prepared me for the love I felt. When he was two years old, I went back to work as a freelance IT trainer. And for the first time, I resisted the urge to splurge. Then one evening, my friend called me. She’d been reading about Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder.

‘People with ADHD tend to be impatient, struggle to focus, and are very restless,’ she said. ‘It made me think of you.’

I wasn’t upset by her words, I was curious. So that night I researched online. I learned that adults with ADHD commonly switch jobs regularly – just like me. And, due to a lack of organisational skills and the

tediousness of going through receipts, many sufferers truggle with debt. Suddenly, was like my whole life fitted into place and it was uch a relief to know that I wasn’t irresponsible – I had With son Barney, a medical condition. The who’s now 12 next day, I went to the GP, who referred me to a specialist. When I had my appointment, two months later, in October 2007, I wasn’t surprised when the doctor confirmed my suspicions: I had ADHD. In that moment, I cried tears of joy.

I looked back on my life – my struggles at school, my rash decision making – and it all made sense. I’m now on medication that helps me to think clearly and concentrate. And, finally, thanks to my diagnosis, I’m happy with who I am.

There’s no shame in living with ADHD – I’m proof that it’s OK to be different.

THE FACTS

✱ ADHD is a neurobiological disorder that affects around 3% of adults. ✱ Symptoms include lack of attention, difficulty keeping quiet, mood swings, losing things and taking risks. ✱ To find out more, go to aadduk.org.

Under the sea Comforting cuddle You’ve heard of courgetti, so why not try seaweed spaghetti?

Superfood seaweed is packed full of protein, fibre and powerful nutrients. Try I Sea Pasta (£4.28 for 100g, seamorefood.com).

Forget taking paracetamol to ease aches and pains, a hug from a loved one is all you need. Scientists found that our

emotional bond with the person touching us is enough to soothe our symptoms.

Sunshine in a bottle The British summer isn’t always sunny but your body still needs vitamin D to fight disease and absorb calcium. Take one capsule a day

of Vitamin D3 (£8.19 for 100 tablets, hollandandbarrett.com) for your daily dose of sunshine.

WOMANMAGAZINE.CO.UK

41

Garden offers

Scented Gardenia G

ardenia ‘Kleim’s Hardy’ produces exotic single white blooms with an intoxicating fragrance that is simply divine. It is the first of its kind that can be grown outdoors all year round and its glossy evergreen foliage provides the perfect backdrop for the exquisite blooms in summer. A beautiful, compact shrub for sheltered borders and containers. Height: 90cm (36in), spread: 90cm (36in).

Supplied as a 9cm potted plant.

BUY 2 GET 1 FREE

4 Buy 1 for £12.99 4 Buy 2 & get 1 FREE for £25.98

HOW TO ORDER

Call 0844 573 1686* quoting WR84Z By post Fill in the coupon below Online www.thompsonmorgan.com/WR84Z Gardenia ‘Kleim’s Hardy’ T&Cs *Lines open 9am-8pm (weekdays) and 9am-6pm (weekends). Offer available to readers on UK mainland only. All orders will be acknowledged by letter or email, advising you of the expected dispatch date. Offer subject to availability. Your contract for supply of goods is with Thompson & Morgan, a company wholly independent of Woman, published by Time Inc. (UK) Ltd. Woman will collect your personal information to process your order and alert you of news, new products, services and offers available from Woman and from Time Inc. (UK) Ltd by email, phone and post. You can unsubscribe from emails by clicking unsubscribe from within the email. Closing date: 2 June 2017. Gardenias dispatched from May 2017.

ORDER FORM

Woman Gardenia Offer, Dept WR84Z, PO Box 162, Ipswich, Suffolk IP8 3BX

Please send me the following:

Price

TCK10521B

Gardenia ‘Kleim’s Hardy’ x 1

£12.99

Qty

£

Total

TCK10522B

Gardenia ‘Kleim’s Hardy’ x 2 + 1 FREE

£25.98

£

TCM56850P

Large patio pot & saucer x 1

£9.99

£

TCM56956P TCC47551

Large patio pot & saucer x 2 + 1 FREE Incredibloom fertiliser 1 x 100g

£19.98 £4.99

£ £

TCC47552

Incredibloom fertiliser 1 x 750g

£12.99

£ Postage £1.95

GRAND TOTAL £ Woman, published by Time Inc. (UK) Ltd, will collect your personal information to process your order and alert you of news, new products, services and offers available from Woman and from Time Inc. (UK) Ltd by email, phone and post. You can unsubscribe from emails by clicking unsubscribe from within the email. Please tick here if you prefer not to be contacted by phone or post [ ].

I enclose a cheque made payable to Woman Offers (with your name, address and WR84Z on the back of the cheque) for the sum of £ ..............................................................................................

Please DO NOT send cash Mrs/Miss/Ms/Mr (delete as applicable) First name ..........................................................................

Surname ..............................................................................

Address ............................................................................... .................................................................................................. ................................................. Postcode ..........................

Daytime tel no. (inc. code) ........................................ ..................................................................................................

Email .....................................................................................

Suzie Hayman has trained with Relate and been a counsellor for 25 years

Ask Suzie…

Having problems with your nearest and dearest? Solve your dilemmas with Suzie’s expert advice

My mother was socrueltome

I make him angry

here must be something wrong with me because my mother said she loved me but behaved towards me in ways that were far from loving. My father always backed her up, and it was only when I met and married my marvellous husband that I found in him, and in friends and his family, another viewpoint.

They were able to see the cruelty and manipulation and when my 10-year-old asked me why on earth I put up with it, I

he man I’ve been seeing for six months swears. Not occasionally but just about every other word. It’s not that he swears at things like when you try and open a jar and it sticks. He swears at me too and uses the f word. As in ‘f*** you’. It hurts me so much. I ask him not to and he might stop for an hour, but then starts again. He says it’s my fault, I shouldn’t make him angry and that he doesn’t mean it.

T

How can I move on? suggest counselling a lot Y ou and with that in mind, a year ago I decided to see someone about my anxiety and depression. It really helped at first, in fact, I think I’ve got a real handle on my emotions. The problem is now I don’t know how to tell my counsellor I want to end my sessions. It feels like I’m trying to break up with a partner, and I know that’s silly, but what should I do?

Suzie says: I would never recommend therapy as something you remain in forever, and indeed, for a long period of time. The length of any therapy obviously varies from individual to individual, but the aim of properly managed and directed counselling is to help you explore the problem, understand how it happened and what to do about it, and go on to do it. It’s reassuring to know support will always be there if you need it, but having a specific goal and knowing your counselling will have a beginning, middle and an end helps. Yes, it can feel like a relationship and the ending can be like a break-up, but unlike a love affair, the whole aim of counselling is to get you to that position. Good counsellors know this and help you through it. What you need to do is say you feel you have benefitted – and now’s the time to move on.

decided to cut contact. I tried to see them as old and set in their ways, but the pain caused by the lies, betrayals, disloyalty, lack of real love, not being believed and constantly being found fault with and criticised are too much to swallow. I don’t want to carry this around with me for the rest of my life.

Suzie says: So don’t. Stop. Drop it. NOW! I do sympathise. It’s very easy to fool a child into believing it’s not you that has the problem but them, and once you’ve used your position as adult and parent to do this, you can just sit back and let the child (and eventually adult) go on doing your nasty work in beating themselves up. But she is the one with the problem, not you and she is to blame, not you. Since you’re never going to change her and stop her doing what she does, or rewrite the past, the only way you’re going to change this dynamic is to change yourself. Let it go.

She’s the one who suffered most from her actions because she lost your respect and love. You on the other hand have people who love you and whom you love. Spend your time on them. It would help to talk this through with a counsellor – ask your GP or contact the British Association for Counselling & Psychotherapy, bacp.co.uk

T

Suzie says: On one level, swear words are just words and neither good nor bad. But there are serious problems with the way your man behaves. His lack of control over what he says suggests a lack of control over his anger, and that often progresses from words to fists. When you tell him this distresses you, rather than listen to your feelings and show respect and care, he blames you – neither are good signs. Some people are more sweary than others and have different standards. But when you love someone it should matter if what you do causes them pain. For me, this would be a deal-breaker.

Is a family holidayagoodidea? y husband and I are planning on going away to a villa in France and I’ve suggested to my parents that they join us. I thought they’d jump at the offer – especially as they adore their grandchildren, who are eight and six – but instead they were a little wary. Mum told me some friends of theirs had the most awful time last year with their family and they don’t want us to suffer the same. Suggestions?

M

Suzie says: Go on as you’ve started – talking it through. Three-generation holidays can be brilliant, as long as everyone is singing from the same song sheet. So, make sure you’re all happy about the destination –

research and agree. Plan how you’ll spend the time, with moments when you and they can be a couple on your own, and sessions for all of you together as a family.

Share out chores fairly so everyone does their bit and no one has reason to feel resentful. Agree boundaries and rules – how many ice creams are the children allowed, what bedtimes they’ll keep, what treats and adventures and downtimes you’ll be looking for. The more you talk it through, the more you can relax and have a brilliant time when you’re there.

WRITE TO SUZIE ✱ BY EMAIL: Send an email to

Suzie with your personal problem at asksuzie@timeinc.com. ✱ BY POST: Family Dilemmas, Woman, 161 Marsh Wall, London E14 9AP. Suzie regrets she cannot reply to letters personally.

Lighter

ONE-POT MEALS Delicious dinners you can cook in one pan or baking dish. They’re quick and easy with very little washing-up – what’s not to love?

Med-style chicken with spinach and olives Oozing with sunshine flavours, this dish is sure to be a winner as the weather warms up.

SERVES 4 PREP 5 MINS COOK 25 MINS ✱ 2tsp olive oil ✱ 4 chicken breast fillets, skin-on ✱ 400g can chopped tomatoes ✱ 1 red onion, finely chopped ✱ 100ml chicken stock ✱ 240g jar Kalamata olives, drained ✱ 100g baby spinach leaves 1 Heat the oven to 200°C, Gas 6. Heat the oil in a roasting tin, add the chicken

44

WOMANMAGAZINE.CO.UK

fillets, skin-side down, and fry for 5 mins.

2 Turn the chicken over and add the chopped tomatoes, red onion, chicken stock and olives. Season and roast in the oven for 20 mins until the chicken is cooked through.

3 Stir in most of the spinach, cover with foil and leave to stand for 2-3 mins, to allow the spinach to wilt. Scatter over the remaining spinach and serve.

Per serving: 432 cals, 15g fat (2g saturated), 21g carbohydrates

Food Ed’s tip

Serve with a pouch of microwav eable rice or grains such as Merchant Gou rmet Red & White Quinoa, £2 for 250g.

Eat right tonight

All-in-one fish supper The fuss-free way to cook fish.

COMPILED BY: NICHOLA PALMER PHOTOS: TIME INC

SERVES 4 PREP 10 MINS COOK 25 MINS ✱ 1 red pepper and 1 yellow pepper, deseeded and cut into chunks ✱ 1 red onion, cut into thin wedges ✱ 1 large courgette, halved lengthways and thickly sliced ✱ 150g cherry tomatoes ✱ A few sprigs fresh thyme ✱ 3tbsp olive oil ✱ 3 slices ciabatta bread ✱ 1 garlic clove, crushed ✱ Small handful fresh basil leaves, shredded ✱ 4 x 175g pieces cod loin

Food usEded’s cotipd,

We’ve salmon but pieces of so al e ar t le fil ing good for cook . is th like

1 Heat the oven to 220°C, Gas 7. Put the peppers, onion, courgette and cherry tomatoes in a large roasting tin. Add the thyme, 2tbsp olive oil, some salt and freshly ground black pepper and toss together well. Roast in the oven for 10 mins.

2 Blitz the ciabatta in a food processor to make coarse breadcrumbs and mix with the garlic, basil leaves and remaining olive oil. Put the pieces of cod onto the roasted vegetables and then spoon the crumbs on top. Return to the oven and roast for a further 15 mins until the vegetables are tender and the fish is opaque and flakes easily.

Per serving: 303 cals, 11g fat (2g saturated), 16g carbohydrates

Food Ed’s tip

Some choppe d chorizo sausage frie d with the onion an d pepper in step 1 mak es a tasty additio n.

Dinner-time huevos rancheros

Ranch-style eggs are traditionally a breakfast dish, but they’re great for dinner too.

SERVES 4 PREP 5 MINS COOK 15 MINS ✱ 1tbsp olive oil ✱ 1 onion, finely chopped ✱ 1 garlic clove, finely chopped ✱ 1 red pepper, thinly sliced ✱ 1 red chilli, deseeded and finely sliced ✱ 400g can chopped tomatoes ✱ 4 eggs ✱ 4 soft flour tortillas ✱ 1 avocado, chopped ✱ 100g Cheddar, grated ✱ Fresh coriander, to serve 1 Heat the oil in a large frying pan, add the onion, garlic, red pepper

and chilli. Cook for 5 mins until beginning to soften. Add the chopped tomatoes and cook for a further 5 mins, stirring occasionally.

2 Make four dips in the tomato mixture and crack an egg into each one. Cover with a lid and cook for 5 mins, until the eggs are cooked to your liking.

3 Meanwhile, heat the tortillas in a separate pan for 1 min until slightly crisp.

Scatter the chopped avocado over the top with the grated cheese and the fresh coriander. Season with freshly ground black pepper and serve spooned onto the tortillas.

Per serving: 540 cals, 29g fat (11g saturated), 44g carbohydrates

WOMANMAGAZINE.CO.UK

45

It’s your

Noomi Rapace and Orlando Bloom’s characters team up to prevent a terror attack

Michael Douglas and Toni Collette lend their star power to the film

The ONE big film

UNLOCKED

WHO? Noomi Rapace, Michael Douglas, Toni Collette, Orlando Bloom, John Malkovich.

WHAT? Alice Racine (Rapace), a CIA interrogator, is tricked into giving terrorists information that puts an American VIP in London at risk of a biological terror attack. Alice has to team up with an MI5 agent (Bloom) to work against the clock and prevent the attack.

WHY? If you enjoy a nail-biting and topical film experience.

WHY NOT? If you find intricate plots too fast-paced.

VERDICT: A Jason Bournestyle thriller with a woman at the helm, this is a thoroughly modern action movie.

OUT 5 MAY

46

WOMANMAGAZINE.CO.UK

EKEN Goingout My weekend top 5 Texas’ Sharleen Spiteri

WATCHING As a big EastEnders fan, I like to watch the omnibus.

EATING We’d have a simple brunch, like eggs on toast. I enjoy cooking, so I’ll also do a roast chicken dinner on a Sunday.

DRINKING I love a gin and tonic in the afternoon with lots of fresh lime.

LISTENING My sister gave me an Amazon Echo for Christmas. It recognises your voice and plays music, so I’ve been getting it to play big band music from the 50s!

MY PERFECT WEEKEND My family and friends would come over, and we’d be cooking, drinking and laughing with music on in the background. ✱ Jump On Board, the new album

by Texas, is out now

All you need to make it a great one

Great days out

Book it now!

HAY FESTIVAL

GINTOURS A whole day dedicated to gin.

What more could you wish for?!

Celebrating its 30th anniversary, the popular literary event is back! Luminaries such as Graham Norton and Sandi Toksvig will share their thoughts on life’s bigger questions. There’ll also be live music from Will Young and comedy from Eddie Izzard. ✱ 25 May-4 June, Hay-on-Wye, Wales. Tickets from £6-£35 for individual events. See hayfestival.com

1

COTSWOLDS DISTILLERY, WARWICKSHIRE Nestled away in the Warwickshire

ON THE TOWN He may not have won Strictly last year, but Danny Mac is going to keeeeep dancing as he stars in the classic Leonard Bernstein musical.

He plays Gabey, one of three sailors on leave for 24 hours in New York. ✱ 19 May-1 July, Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre, London. From £25. See openairtheatre.com

AN EVENING WITH GLADYS KNIGHT The queen of soul is coming to the UK this summer. Don’t miss the chance to hear her unforgettable hits live, including Midnight Train To Georgia and Licence To Kill. ✱ 29 June-5 July, select venues nationwide. From £49.75.

See gladysknight.com

WORDS: CHLOE THOMAS & HANA CARTER. PHOTOS: GETTY, MARSHA ARNOLD, HUGO GLENDINNING

countryside, the Cotswolds Distillery offers a 90-minute tour and concludes with a gin-sampling session. ✱ Tickets £10. See cotswolds distillery.com

2

THE GINSTITUTE, THE DISTILLERY, LONDON

3

THE PLYMOUTH GIN DISTILLERY, PLYMOUTH

This boutique hotel has four floors dedicated to gin, with The Ginstitute at the heart of the building. Gin Instructors will take you through the history of gin and teach you how to make your own. ✱ Tickets £110. See theginstitute.com/ the-experience/

Learn to distil your own gin in the oldest working gin distillery in England. You can create your own recipe and then take your concoction home to share (or not!) with friends and family.

Tickets £40. See plymouthdistillery.com

WOMANMAGAZINE.CO.UK

47

Staying in

Well, who doesn’t like a

One show NOT to miss

What to record next week The Keith And Paddy Picture Show SAT, ITV Best pals Paddy McGuinness and Keith Lemon team up to pay homage to their favourite flicks, with hilarious consequences and special celeb guests. Great fun.

Long Lost Family: What Happened Next TUE, ITV The tear-jerking series, hosted by Davina McCall and Nicky Campbell, returns to see what followed families’ reunions.

BABS SUN, BBC1 WHO’S IN IT? Jaime Winstone, Samantha Spiro, Nick Moran, Leanne Best, Zoë Wanamaker and, of course, Babs herself has a cameo role.

WHAT IS IT? Expect plenty of laughs and tears from this special one-off biopic charting Dame Barbara Windsor’s rise to fame. Opening with her

Anne FRI, NETFLIX A fresh take on Anne Of Green Gables about the adventures of Anne Shirley, an 11-year-old orphan mistakenly sent to the home of a brother and sister who had intended to adopt a boy, but decide to keep Anne regardless.

Passengers

THE

E ODN VD 48

OUT 8 MAY Jennifer Lawrence and Chris Pratt play two passengers onboard a spaceship who wake up before they reach the planet they’re travelling to – 90 years too early.

Ideal for sci-fi fans.

WOMANMAGAZINE.CO.UK

SIX STAR SECRETS

Kevin Clifton Before Strictly, I was a Goth. I had long black hair and eyeliner.

I have a property investment company.

Ed Balls’ 50th was amazing. Ed and Katya did their Gangnam Style dance then he played drums!

When I was in Japan I thought I was eating chocolate mousse, but it was fish paste!

My first famous crush was Pamela Anderson.

When I first dated Karen [his wife] we went to a salsa club, but I tried to copy her and she said, ‘Don’t you shimmy in here again!’ ✱ Buy tickets for Kevin And Karen Dance at kevinandkarenlive.com

1 2 3 4 5 6

performances as a charismatic cockney kid, the drama will also explore her complicated , relationship with her dad (Moran) e. riag mar first d faile her as as well YOU’LL LOVE IT If you’ve followed Barbara’s work from Carry On to Albert Square.

YOU’LL HATE IT If Babs’ iconic giggle grates, you may want to press mute!

anightonthesofa?

DON’T MISS IT!

WATCH IT ON CATCH-UP TV Our Friend Victoria BBC iPlayer Popular stars including Julie Walters, Anne Reid and Michael Ball, share their favourite memories of their close friend, the late Victoria Wood. Viewers are also treated to the best bits of Victoria’s screen work.

My favourite apps

CORRIE’S KATIE MCGLYNN 13 Reasons Why Florence Keen playing Barbara as a young girl. Main (l to r): Samantha Spiro, Barbara Windsor and Jaime Winstone

Soap’s big scene

Netflix It’s the new Netflix show that’s had everyone talking.

During the aftermath of a teenage girl’s perplexing suicide, her classmate receives a series of tapes that unravel the mystery of her tragic choice.

My Fitness Pal If I’m training it’s really helpful to have a look at what I’ve eaten.

Asos I like to have a browse on the website and see what they’ve got. ✱ Coronation Street is on ITV, Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays

CORONATIONSTREET

Michelle clashes with both Robert and Steve as the day Ruairi was due to be born approaches. But panic later ensues when baby Oli is rushed to hospital. Elsewhere, Maria turns on Eva to stop them being friends – and has Toyah’s IVF worked?

WORDS: RIANNE ISON. PHOTOS: REX

AND THE BEST OF THE REST EMMERDALE As Rhona returns from her honeymoon alone, her painkiller addiction rears its head once more.

Meanwhile, Victoria discovers Adam’s betrayal, and Marlon plans to propose to Carly.

EASTENDERS Denise gets in a row with Kim, and soon causes concern when she goes to extreme lengths to get her hands on some cash. Meanwhile, the Carters wait anxiously for news after Lady Di’s op, and Abi becomes irritated with her living situation.

DON’T MISS IT!

Emotions run high for Steve, Michelle and Robert

WOMANMAGAZINE.CO.UK

49

weekend foodie…

The ultimate low-cal cocktails

range &passionfruit meringuepie If you’re a fan of lemon meringue pie, you’re going to love this exotic flavour twist

MAKES 6 PREP 30 MINS COOK 25 MINS ✱ 375g sweet shortcrust pastry (we used Jus-Rol) ✱ 125g golden caster sugar ✱ Finely grated zest of 2 oranges, plus 4tbsp juice ✱ Pulp of 2 passion fruit, sieved

✱ 150ml pot double cream ✱ 4tbsp thickening granules ✱ 3 medium egg yolks ✱ Freeze-dried mango pieces, to decorate FOR THE MERINGUE ✱ 3 medium egg whites ✱ 175g golden caster sugar

1 Roll out the pastry thinly on 6 x 10cm loose-based tartlet tins.

Prick bases and chill for 15 mins.

2 Heat oven to 190°C, Gas 5. Heat a baking tray in the oven. Put the sugar, orange zest and juice and sieved passion fruit into a large jug. Stir in cream and thickening granules. Microwave on medium for 3 mins, until thickened and smooth. Stir in egg yolks.

3 Line pastry cases with baking paper and baking beans, place on the hot tray and bake for 8 mins.

Remove paper and beans and bake for a further 2 mins.

4 Reduce oven to 180°C, Gas 4.

Pour the orange mixture into the pastry cases. Whisk egg whites until they form stiff peaks.

Gradually whisk in sugar, 1tbsp at a time, until smooth and glossy.

5 Pipe or spoon the meringue on top of the tarts and bake for 15 mins until golden. Sprinkle with freeze-dried mango pieces.

Per tart: 685 cals, 36g fat (17g saturated), 81g carbohydrates

Booze news Put your feet up this weekend with a bottle of fine wine at a bargain price from Tesco. At only £7 a bottle, you might as well stock the wine rack. Try the Gaillac Perlé 2016 from southwest France.

Posh!

GET OUT OF YOUR FOOD RUT

Sunday Brunch host Simon Rimmer will be popping up on Saturday TV for a change to present Eat The Week – a new show packed with inspiration on what to cook when you’re bored of your usual recipes. Full of hints, tips and hacks for busy families, Simon will demonstrate how to reduce waste and save time using frozen and fresh ingredients.

Check it out on Channel 4.

Celeb fave dish: ‘I love doing tapas-style bits for everyone to tuck into’ Michelle Keegan 50

WOMANMAGAZINE.CO.UK

CO CHOLA PALMER. PHOTOS: TIMEINCUKCONTENT.COM, GETTY, REX

Treat yourself

Light nights and warmer evenings can only mean one thing – summer cocktails!

Save the calories and watch our video on how to make a pomegranate martini, elderflower G&T and lemon fizz. Refreshing! womanmagazine.co.uk/ lowcalcocktails

Whyisn’t mydiet working?

Promotion

If your diet isn’t showing results you’re not alone. Top nutritionist Aine Mulligan, from Jane Plan, explains where we’re going wrong

Be realistic The main reason diets don’t work is because they are simply not sustainable.

Yes, you can achieve weight loss for a short period but, of course, you are living off carrot sticks and juices for two weeks. As well as losing weight, you’ll lose your motivation, so when you eat normally again the weight will pile on. This is a common reason why people yo-yo.

If you are serious about losing weight you need something that’s long-term. Having two fast days a week, where you eat fewer than 500 calories, combined with five days of normal, but healthy food, is a long-term solution.

Experts have found that the 5:2 diet is as successful as long-term caloriecontrolled diets and they suggest a reduction in the risk of developing diseases such as type 2 diabetes. Of course, if you have a medical condition it’s worth seeing your GP before starting any weight-loss programme.

Eat well The nutrition principles behind Jane Plan are simple – we provide balanced, healthy meals, which are calorie- and portion- controlled. We do not exclude any food groups as they all play an essential role in the body.

Jane Plan and the new 5:2 boxes closely follow both NHS and NICE guidelines, encouraging clients to develop healthier eating habits, getting their fruit and veg five-a-day and being more active.

‘WE DO NOT EXCLUDE ANY FOOD GROUPS’ Failure is OK

PHOTO: GETTY

It’s all about mindset A positive attitude and realistic goals are so important. Unfortunately, there are no quick fixes. You need to be thinking of a whole lifestyle change as opposed to a short-term diet. It won’t just improve your weight loss, but your health and wellbeing, too.

When you’ve overdone it the last thing you should do is give yourself a guilt trip.

It’s pointless because you end up taking the whole week off and that’s where the vicious cycle starts – and you resign yourself to starting again on Monday. I recommend drawing a line under it and go straight back on the diet. Slip-ups happen but how you react to them is the difference between losing weight or not.

It’s not easy Losing weight requires willpower and motivation. But no matter where you are on your journey, stay positive and be patient. Feeling fantastic will all be worth it.

TRY THE 5:2 FAST DAY FOOD BOX AND SAVE £25 Get the Woman 5:2 diet box for ONE month delivered to your door for only £49.99 (was £75) ✱ Order online or by phone (see box below) and you’ll receive eight days of carefully selected 500-calorie meals to enjoy for two days each week ✱ Or to fully kickstart your diet, sign up to the full month plan at janeplan.com and use code FW52H for £25 off thoughout May

HOW IT WORKS

✱ Order online at 52.janeplan.com or call 0203 489 4770 ✱ You choose when and where you want your diet box delivered ✱You’ll get phone or online support WOMANMAGAZINE.CO.UK

51

MOROCCO made easy!

The laid-back seaside city of Essaouira offers dreamy hotels, unique shopping and all the seafood you can eat...

WHY GO? Essaouira is the kind of place where everyone knows everybody else. Taxi drivers wave to friends around town, restaurant owners at lunch recommend their mate’s eatery for dinner, activities are run by born and bred locals and haggling at the market is always with a smile. If Morocco is on your bucket list then amiable Essaouira is a relaxed introduction, with none of Marrakesh’s hubbub.

Flights take a little over three hours from Luton – plus the Moroccan dirham is much better value than the Euro.

LAURA’S TIP

Woman’s Laura chilled out in this most hassle-free of Moroccan harbour towns

gardens teem with marigolds, crocuses, pines and neat shrubs while rooms are housed in individual red stone buildings, connected by cobbled paths. Our suite, no. 20, had an enormous double bed, a mosaic sunken bath and an open fire should the evenings become chilly. Bring a book because there are no TVs – the only thing disturbing the quiet is the midnight chorus of chirruping frogs.

Meticulously kept gardens add to Le Jardin Des Douars’ enchanting, easy atmosphere

SLEEP IN STYLE The tortoise on the pathway to our room at the hotel Le Jardin Des Douars certainly set the pace for the days ahead.

This bolthole, tucked into the hills and a 15-minute drive from the airport, is all about relaxation among nature. The walled

52

WOMANMAGAZINE.CO.UK

FAMILIES WELCOME With temperatures up to 28° in summer the adults-only infinity pool is ideal if you want to lounge, sizzle, dip and repeat. But Le Jardin is perfect if you’re travelling with your little ones too. There’s a dedicated family pool and a child-friendly menu with favourites like spag bol. Adults can dine later if they wish in the couples restaurant, with Moroccan dishes including daily tagines. Even breakfast is a treat – don’t miss the crèpes with figs and honey.

ooking, e-style c a’s For hom Essaouir Adwak in eap – £14 is ch Medina e beef – and th for two is a melt ll tagine . h c meatba n outh lu in-the-m

From the food to the stunning bedrooms, expect unfussy luxury

Getting away from it all

SPA AND STEAM

WORDS: LAURA JACKSON. PHOTOS: GETTY

Browse colourful carpets in the medina before some serious relaxation in the hammam

MAGIC IN THE MEDINA

HUMPS IN THE ROAD!

Head into Essaouira in the late afternoon to avoid the peak heat and shop for goods including polished thuya wood boxes, spices, carpets and pottery in the walled town. The lanes towards the edge of the ramparts are home to the more chic shops, but in general the quality is high. Haggling is even more fun when it’s for a pair of beautiful blue and grey suede brogues too!

Taros bar, by the ramparts, has a great terrace for sundowners, but The Table is the place for a dinner to remember. We feasted on squid just plucked from the sea, a spider crab gratin and a chocolate crème brûlée. Mains around £13; www.latablemadada.com/en.

There is only one way to travel along the miles of deserted beach that lie south of Essaouira and that’s at speed on a quad bike. A three-hour excursion with Palma Quad takes you down the coast to Cap Sim – a cove popular with surfers where the Atlantic crashes into the rocks – via a thrilling ride up and down the huge sand dunes. My favourite part of the journey was stopping as a family of camels were resting on our path. They didn’t mind being stroked and even posed for photos, before we navigated around them! Two hours from £36 – book via the hotel – price includes comfortable safety gear and insurance; palmaquad.com/en

After all that adventure it was time for some pampering back at Le Jardin.

Behind a heavily carved wooden door lies the hotel’s traditional hammam – a cavernous steam room where you can have an invigorating scrub down with an exfoliating black soap that turns even leathery skin buttery soft. Treatments are inexpensive compared to many resorts too. I treated myself to a 30-minute express facial with a cleansing ritual, argan oil face mask and scalp massage that left me bleary-eyed with relaxation for £20.

GET ME THERE! B&B rooms at Le Jardin Des Douars cost from £125 (or £395 per villa); jardindesdouars.com/00 212 5 24 47 40 03. The hotel arranges transfers from the airport.

EasyJet.com offers flights from London Luton to Essaouira every Tuesday and Saturday with prices starting from £22.99 per person, one-way.

WOMANMAGAZINE.CO.UK

53

Press the pause button

Books & puzzles THIS WEEK’S HOT READ

▼

SEE MORE ONLINE

For more books information, see womanmagazine.co.uk/books

Joanna Czechowska read The Gingerbread House by Kate Beaufoy, paperback £7.99, ebook 99p (Black & White) Tess has gone to stay with her mother-in-law Eleanor who is suffering from dementia but wants to stay in her own home. Tess’s teenage daughter Katia is wary of both her grandmother and her house, which she dubs The Gingerbread House, but Tess hopes it will provide a refuge in which to write her novel. However, things start to fall apart and Katia is powerless to help. A beautifully atmospheric novel.

NEXT WEEK: Buy When I Was Invisible by Dorothy Koomson

UNEXPECTED LOVE Britt-Marie Was Here by Fredrik Backman She is a woman who is hard to like – fussy, judgmental and very particular – but Britt-Marie’s life is thrown into disarray when her husband leaves and she has to make a life in a dull little town. But love is found in the most unexpected places.

His Kidnapper’s Shoes by Maggie James When Daniel, 26, discovers his mother Laura is not who he thought she was, he feels betrayed. As his world turns upside down, he searches for answers in the madness of his life. Why did Laura do something so terrible? Can he forgive her?

T&Cs: Discount valid on one copy of The Gingerbread House by Kate Beaufoy. Subject to availability. Voucher is valid until 15 May 2017 and is redeemable at WHSmith high-street stores only. Excludes outlet stores, WHSmith Online, ‘Books by WHSmith’ at Selfridges, Harrods, Arnotts and Fenwick stores, WHSmith ‘Local’ and all travel stores including those at airports, railways stations, motorway service stations, hospitals and workplaces. Cannot be used in conjunction with any other multi-buy, voucher or discount card. Only one coupon can be redeemed per transaction and it must be surrendered upon use. No cash alternative available. Photocopies not accepted and coupon is not transferable.

WHSmith reserves the right to reject any coupon it deems, at its sole discretion, to have been forged, defaced or otherwise tampered with.

➺ ACROSS 1 5 9 10 11

CROSSWORD COMPILED BY EDDIE WALTHAM (EDDIESPUZZLES@LIVE.CO.UK)

Everything But The Truth

by Gillian McAllister Rachel is pregnant with Jack’s child, but then she sees a strange email on his laptop. Why has Jack been lying about his past? What is he hiding? And doesn’t Rachel have a right to know the truth?

CAN HE FORGIVE?

The Gingerbread House by Kate Beaufoy for ONLY £3.49 (RRP £7.99)

TRICKY CROSSWORD!

WHAT IS HE HIDING?

AND YOU LIKIFED THAT,TRY THESE…

12 15 16 17 19 20 21 27 28 29 30 31

Broken cigar leaf initially and a herb (6) Perhaps I deal cards, hiding a thought (4) Replacing chit with a little discomfort (4) Reportedly in favour of a quartet (4) Somehow fail a Conservative leader with visage connections (6) It’s possibly shut in this way (4) Fractured chin and part of a foot (4) A child. In fact one’s only child! (3) I cook Mont Blanc! I failed to produce a security item (11,4) A garland used in leisure activities (3) Storage place for reprocessed bran?

(4) Parts of an iceberg (lower down) shine gently (4) Rents out refurbished easels (6) Knowledgeable about some soup on the menu (2,2) Draws garments (4) A little topaz in chrome, or another metal? (4) Make changes to do with class (6)

➺ DOWN 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 13 14 16 18 19 22 23 24 25 26

New star turned up in the river (4) Tempt to see a terrible rule (4) Hit with part of a garment (4) Background sound culminates in CID activity (10,5) Dutch product is badly made (4) Carve out a way to make an artistic living (4) Picked hose with clean ends outside (6) Record made by members of band is criticised (4) Camp is ordering seafood (6) Hit an advertising phrase? (6) Generous sort (4) The French entrance for an emissary (6) Above being done with (4) Lied about a shop (4) Rats moving with a leader once (4) Useless pudding! (4) Sightseeing trip to ancient city (4)

LAST WEEK’S TRICKY CROSSWORD ANSWERS ACROSS 2 Adeptly 7 Scenery 8 Earl 10 Lurk 12 Thin air 14 Oneself 15 Muddy 16 Cowl 17 Opal 18 Genus 20 Citrine 21 Musk rat 22 Earn 24 Idea 25 Phaeton 26 Esquire DOWN 1 Domestic science 3 Declaim 4 Pant 5 Larceny 6 Jack of all trades 9 Rainwater 11 Unexpired 13 Rupee 14 Odium 18 Gnashes 19 Succour 23 Menu

54

WOMANMAGAZINE.CO.UK

Woman Bingo promotion

‘I can’t believe

Bag a Woman Bingo jackpot and you could be jetting off too!

£6,581!’

Woman Bingo member Susan Pavitt, 62, from Aveley, Essex, was thrilled with her cash prize

I

’ve been a member of Woman Bingo for a decade now. Although I’ve had lots of small wins, I play for fun and because I love chatting to the other members.

evening I decided to play the Wonderland slots, choosing to go for the jackpot, which was already over £6,000 and getting bigger. I’d not been playing long when the reels Some days, I log on as soon as I wake stopped. I couldn’t believe it when I saw up. I’m retired, but I still get up between I was through to a bonus round.

6.30am and 7.15am, and that’s one of my There are four bonus rounds on favourite times to play. I’ll log in on my Wonderland and you can win the jackpot laptop while I have my breakfast. on any one of them. Excited, I carried on playing then, all of a sudden, the screen flashed. At first, I didn’t realise I’d won.

I often read the discussions in the chat But then I noticed people in the chat rooms, and I’ll pitch in if it’s room were asking who’d hit the something I’m interested in, jackpot, and then they started like cooking or what’s been congratulating me!

If you’re new to the site, happening on TV. But one So I looked at my Bingo Lounge is a great Saturday night in April balance on the screen place to start. It’s very easy last year, I opened my and saw my account had to play as the numbers are laptop and decided to rocketed. There was called and dabbed off for have a few evening games. £6,581 that certainly you by the computer, I usually play Bingo hadn’t been there before! so you’ll never miss Lounge – it’s by far my I was stunned. a thing! favourite game – but that I genuinely never expected to land such a huge sum. I went into the living room and said to my husband, ‘I think I’ve just won £6,500 on Woman Bingo.’

‘No, you haven’t,’ he laughed, looking up from the football. But just to make sure, he came and checked the screen with me. And when we looked, we could both see the jackpot in my account!

It was such a lovely surprise. When I withdrew my winnings, I decided to give

It’s fun to chat

TOP TIPS

Susan still can’t believe her luck!

some to my family. I have four children and five grandchildren, so I wanted them each to have some cash so they could treat themselves to whatever they wanted.

Holiday planning They were all so grateful, it made me feel even happier with my win. I still had a big sum of money left too, which I’ve put into savings for the time being. My husband and I are thinking about booking a holiday, maybe in Europe or perhaps even further afield. It’s great to be able to plan something fun.

Since my win, I’ve been telling friends and family about hitting the jackpot. My neighbour’s now joined the site and my daughter wants to sign up, too.

It hasn’t been that long since my win, but I still play as much as before. In fact, the very next day I won another £80 in Bingo Lounge! I’ve never been to a bingo hall, but when it comes to playing online, it’s easy to get the hang of. And it’s so chatty and friendly, I think anyone would enjoy it.

There’s a huge choice of games, so there’s something for everyone. And there really is no feeling quite like winning a jackpot – even when it takes you a minute or two to realise you’ve won!

TURN OVER FOR YOUR £25 WELCOME BONUS!* Bingo.com

T&CS APPLY. WAGER, DEPOSIT & REGISTRATION REQUIRED

WOMANMAGAZINE.CO.UK

55

Woman Bingo promotion

‘I scooped

£60,488’ Amanda Boscoe, 52, from Cheshire, was stunned to land a massive jackpot

L

ying on the beach, soaking up the Caribbean sun, I could hardly believe it. I’d always wanted to visit Saint Lucia, so it was amazing to finally go. And it was all thanks to my big jackpot win a few months before.

MY 3 FAVOURITE THINGS… Amanda shares what she loves most about Woman Bingo

1 The site’s so easy to use

I’ve joined other bingo sites, but they don’t compare. Woman Bingo is more fun and it’s easy to play and withdraw your winnings. I love it!

2You can play from just 1p

Woman Bingo is great for value.

Tickets in the Tiki, Cloud and Emerald rooms cost from 1p. There are sometimes free games, too.

3

The chat is great!

The site is so friendly, there’s a group of us who all play in the same bingo room so we all know each other and chat whenever we’re on the site.

56

WOMANMAGAZINE.CO.UK

Amanda’s huge jackp ot paid for a trip to parad ise with lots left over!

I spun once and the screen flashed to say that I’d won £48. But then my laptop, which is quite old, suddenly froze. What a nightmare! After a few seconds, it unfroze and I decided to have another go. The screen flashed gold, but once again, my screen froze.

Eye-popping amount I just couldn’t believe it. I’d obviously won, but I couldn’t see how much. ‘I bet I’ve won £100,’ I thought to myself. But as my laptop came back to life, the amount that had been deposited in my account was a lot more than £100… In fact, it was a whopping £60,488! I couldn’t believe my eyes. Now it was my turn to freeze!

Once I’d recovered, I grabbed the phone to ring my husband, Gary, 51, who was out. But when I told him the news, he was sceptical. He just couldn’t believe I’d won such a large amount. He didn’t really believe that people won on bingo sites!

But, as a positive person, I’ve always played for fun and believed that, if I did ever win, it would be an amazing bonus.

And it’s worked for me! I used to win at the bingo hall and now I’d bagged a jackpot online, too. To confirm it was real, I sent the chat-room host, Fern, a message. ‘Have I really just won the

jackpot in Wonderland?’ I typed. The chat-room hosts are always online so you can ask them questions about the games, plus they often hold fun quizzes in the chat rooms.

Fern replied, ‘It certainly looks as though you’ve won something!’

Going to bed that night, I had to pinch myself. The following morning I called Woman Bingo. ‘Have I actually won £60,488?’ I asked. Even saying the amount was strange – it was more than I’d ever imagined winning!

‘Yes!’ replied the customer services assistant straight away. ‘Congratulations,

PHOTOS: GETTY (MAIN IMAGES POSED BY MODELS)

Recently, I logged on to my Woman Bingo account. I’d been a member for three years and I joined because I thought it would be more convenient and flexible to play online than at my local bingo hall.

I love that you can play from the comfort of your own sofa. Plus, there are lots of games to choose from and you don’t have to spend a fortune to play.

I often have a few games of bingo after work and I enjoyed playing the Wonderland slots, which is exactly what I decided to do that evening.

NEW MEMBER BONUS*

0 1 £ T I S O P E D * 5 3 £ H T I W PLAY ngo.com 1 Visit womanbi 2 Join, entering promo code WOMANJ19 3 Deposit £10 and play with £35!*

JOIN TODAY!

OFFER ENDS 31 MAY 2017

. New *Registration required Terms and conditions imum £10 deposit.

J19 on registration. Min MAN WO e cod ive £25 the r rece t ente osit £10 to members only. You mus e Bonus when you dep must accept the Welcom four times before ered wag be t mus Welcome Bonus: You us 0. Bon come Bonus – max £10 osits related to the bonus play. 250% Wel cash winnings or dep ly. The but not limited to, any -out requirements app cash and withdrawals (including, er Wag unt. out here, your member acco entirety. Except as set its in applicable bonus) from used not if s s ire within 30 day May 2017. See full T&C Welcome Bonus will exp r offer. Offer ends: 31 junction with any othe con in 0. ed 077 claim 458 be cannot freephone 0800 For 24-hour support, at womanbingo.com.

Gambleaware.co.uk.

Please play responsibly.

Bingo.com

Where will your Woman Bingo winnings take you? we were going to call you today but you beat us to it. We’ll transfer your jackpot to your bank account now.’

When the money moved across to my bank account that afternoon, it really sank in. And Gary finally believed that I’d won and was thrilled.

Holiday of a lifetime Gary and I have two children and five grandkids between us, so to celebrate, we took the family out for a meal with my sisters as well. It was lovely to be able to treat everyone. And after that, we started thinking about taking about a holiday.

In the end, we booked two weeks in gorgeous Saint Lucia in the Caribbean.

It really was the holiday of a lifetime, with the resort staff taking great care of us while the sun beat down. And I still have plenty of money left over. I’m thinking about buying a car and I expect Gary and I will spoil ourselves with more holidays in the sun.

I’m a saver by nature, so I want to keep some money in the bank as well, just in case. I’m so chuffed with my win and that it paid for my dream holiday. It just proves people really do win on these sites, and I was one of them!

EURO FEVER We’re celebrating the biggest singing contest in Europe by giving you the chance to win your perfect holiday!

Simply opt in and play any of the following amounts between Monday 8 (00:00) and Saturday 13 May (23:59) to earn an entry into the prize draw.

✱ £10 on any Bingo ✱ £30 on any Slots/

Slot Mini Games ✱ £50 on any Casino/ Casino Mini Games

WHERE WOULD YOU GO?

18+. UK only. Opt-In required. Wagering requirements apply. Prize Draw: Max 1 entry per member. Date restrictions apply. See full T&Cs for details.

WOMANMAGAZINE.CO.UK

57

N O I H S CU Kelpie cushion, £12, Lorraine at Home for JD Williams Home

Printed texture cushion, £34, Abigail Ahern/Edition for Debenhams

CRA

ut cushions? o h it w m o o r g A livin ’em high… e il P ! le b a k in Unth

Giraffe patchwork cushion, £42, Abigail Ahern/Edition for Debenhams

Modern Memphis Geo cushion, £18, JD Williams Home

Pineapple cushion, £12, Lorraine at Home for JD Williams Home

Junipa Deshi bird print cushion, £15, House Of Fraser

Purple floral cushion, £19.99, HomeSense

Watercolour spot cushion, £15, Dunelm

Sailor cushion, £5, George Home

Elephant foil cushion, £18, House Of Fraser

58

WOMANMAGAZINE.CO.UK

Finley Grey cushion, £15, Dunelm

Circle print cushion, £12, Sainsbury’s Home

Interiors

AZY

COMPILED BY GEMMA BROOKS

Cushion in basket, £18, bird cushion, £18, blue cushion, £18, geo cushion, £28, matching geo throw, £60, and basket, £15, all Dickins & Jones at House of Fraser

Exile cushion, £15, Very

Sequin velvet cushion, £38, Oliver Bonas

Wasp cushion, £8, Next

Flamingo cushion, £16, Lorraine at Home for JD Williams Home

Home Sweet Home cushion, £15, Very

Armero Kilm cushion, £25, Linea at House Of Fraser

Palm print cushion, £18, JD Williams Home

Pug cushion, £5, George Home

Round cushion, £22, Star by Julien Macdonald for Debenhams

Geo cushion, £10, Next

Embroidered cushion, £29.50, M&S

Cath Kidston rose cushion, £29, Very

Map cushion, £5, George Home

Watercolour stripe cushion, £15, Dunelm

Pom pom cushion, £26, Butterfly Home by Matthew Williamson for Debenhams

WOMANMAGAZINE.CO.UK

59

Make your money go further

MARTIN CAN SAVEYOU MONEY

LOG ON

MoneySavingExpert.com’s Martin Lewis is fighting to save you £££s

For more debt-busting tips go to Martin’s website, moneysaving expert.com

check so anyone can get them. Plus unlike credit cards where you get the rate on the day you spend, with these cards you usually preload them with cash before you travel at that day’s rate. So it’s a good way to bag a rate now for spending later. Of course if the pound strengthens by the time you holiday you lose, if it weakens you gain.

My current top picks are revolut.com and weswap. com/en/ both on rate and the lowest charges. For the analysis and more options see mse.me/prepaidtravel.

Need cash? Compare rates from 30+ bureaux.

If you want cash, of course you get the rate on the day you pay. Ignore any flannel like ‘commission-free’, what you want to know is – if I give chance of all of them, a you £500, how many euros Mastercard tends to give will you give me after all better rates than a Visa. charges? And that’s The top two are Halifax the way to Clarity (halifax.

I recently ran a compare. co.uk) and the Twitter poll, over 5,000 You can do newer Creation responded, 12% of those who this online via Everyday intended to go abroad have my travel (creation. given those plans up, while moneymax. co.uk), whose ATM fees are 35% say they’ll go, but will com site, which compares about cheaper. be more careful with 30 online It’s worth their spending. bureaux. It also noting that it’s shows you quite how cheaper to spend on extortionate it is to change these cards than to withdraw money at airports. If you must cash and spend that as you do that, at least pre-order for may pay interest on cash pick up, as you get a better withdrawals (not spending) deal. And beware paying for even if you fully clear the card. currency at UK bureaus by Even then, they beat most credit cards – it counts as a bureaux de change. cash withdrawal, so there’s a fee and interest even if you Prepaid cards give you today’s fully repay – so best to pay top rate, and are easy to get. with a debit card, or cash.

Prepaid cards have no credit

Have you got a case of the holiday collywobbles? The pound is still in the doldrums and many holiday-makers are too. Yet two minutes spent now can let you relax when you’re abroad, knowing you’re getting the maximum bucks (or euros) for your bang.

I ensure I get the best rates when I go. Yet if you’re nervous, then you can hedge your bets. Buy roughly half what you need now, to lock it in, and then get the best rates when you travel. For the rest of this article I’ll show you the best way to do those.

Should I buy my euros or dollars now for summer?

A good question and one I don’t know the answer to!

Anyone who tells you they know what’ll happen to currency rates is a liar.

Someone will say 'buy now', someone else will say 'wait', and a third person 'the rates will stay the same'. One of them will be right, and will say ‘I told you so’, but that doesn’t mean they knew.

Personally I don’t bother –

It takes two minutes to get near-perfect rates worldwide.

The easy option is to get and spend on one of the specialist overseas credit cards that you religiously pay off IN FULL every month (or you pay up to 20% APR interest – in which case don’t do it).

This gives you the same near-perfect exchange rates the bank gets on the day you spend, in almost every country, as unlike most debit and credit cards that add a 3% ‘non-sterling exchange fee’, these don’t charge.

There are about eight of these cards – to see which one you’re most likely to be accepted for use my overseas cards eligibility checker at mse. me/travelcardcheck, which shows your acceptance odds for most of them.

If you’ve a decent

✱ Get Martin’s FREE tips and money-off vouchers each week by signing up to moneysavingexpert.com/latesttip

60

WOMANMAGAZINE.CO.UK

Martin’s hot deals 2-FOR-1ATTRACTIONS WITH£3-ISHCEREAL

PIZZAEXPRESS£5MAIN COURSE WITH O2 PRIORITY

Look for promotional packs of Kellogg’s (£2ish-£4ish) to get ‘free’ adult entry via a voucher for 30 Merlin attractions until 30 Jun 2018.*

Smartphone users can get a £5 main course at pizza express.com once a week, any day, via the O2 Priority Moments app at o2.co.uk/ apps/priority.

PHOTOS: ALAMY. *SEE GROWNUPSGOFREE.KELLOGGS.CO.UK/ FOR DETAILS

MAKE THE MOST OF YOUR HOLIDAY CASH

STARSCOPE Your stars for the week by Penny Thornton ARIES 21 Mar – 20 Apr Wednesday’s Full Moon falls on the axis of finance, and while this may indicate a settlement or some other welcome conclusion it could also signal a cash-flow problem. Have all loose ends snipped before the 10th.

TAURUS 21 Apr – 21 May Don’t allow a minor issue to become super-sized. By the weekend, the influences will have improved, so if there have been any anxieties and upsets these should fade into insignificance. All’s well that ends well, Taurus.

GEMINI 22 May – 22 Jun Do not allow feelings to get in the way of common sense and your end game. What you see is not necessarily what you get. It may turn out that someone has dropped the ball or been less than honest, but such things can be overcome.

CANCER 23 Jun – 23 Jul There will be a time when you can exert an influence on life and love, but for now you need to watch and wait. There is much you cannot see, and although you cannot ignore a red light, you don’t need to head into panic mode.

LEO 24 Jul – 23 Aug You could be making changes on the home or job front. On the other hand, people’s actions could force you onto a new pathway. Leos aren’t always easy about change, but once you get your mind around it, you’ll be fine.

VIRGO 24 Aug – 23 Sep People may not be telling you the whole truth, whether they are being left out of the loop or because they want to protect you. So, before you reach for the eject button or the champagne, do a little more research.

travel offer

LIBRA 24 Sep – 23 Oct Go along with what is on offer. It may be difficult to find all the reasons right now, but wasting time trying to get your ducks perfectly in order might be to lose the momentum, and the opportunity to change your life.

SCORPIO 24 Oct – 22 Nov A professional or personal project could be ready for the off or a working or romantic relationship poised to take an important turn. This is the time to end a commitment that has fulfilled its term or to make a tie that lasts.

SAGITTARIUS 23 Nov – 21 Dec Do not rush in without having the full facts. There is an upside to these contrary influences, which may come in the form of a sudden epiphany or a breakthrough in a long-standing saga. Caution before candour.

CAPRICORN 22 Dec – 20 Jan Events of last month could be continuing to affect your course. However, even though the going may be far from smooth, there is the possibility of resolution, and you should emerge from any current impasse with flying colours.

GRAND TOUR OF

CHINA Explore China’s greatest cultural legacies, iconic monuments, astounding palaces and scenery along the Yangtze River. And 2017 is a great time to visit, as it marks 30 years since The Great Wall of China became a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Departures up to October 2017 and March to October 2018: ✱ Return flights, taxes and transfers ✱ Four-star hotels with breakfast and 13 meals, plus five-star full-board

cruise and Three Gorges Dam cruise ✱ Visit the Forbidden City, the Great Wall and Shanghai ✱ Escorted by an experienced tour manager

AQUARIUS 21 Jan – 19 Feb There is an aura of conclusions in your stars.

It may be that you are preparing to leave a part of your life behind or you could simply be reaching understandings. Either way, you’ll soon be opening a new chapter.

17 DAYS

INCLUDING YANGTZE CRUISE

£2,699*pp

PISCES 20 Feb – 20 Mar Keep your focus when dealing with finance and technology, and avoid pressing any buttons or signing anything in the heat of the moment. You may not be able to trust your judgement right now, so if in doubt, do nothing!

Editorial complaints: We work hard to achieve the highest standards of editorial content, and we are committed to complying with the Editors’ Code of Practice (https://www.ipso. co.uk/IPSO/cop.html) as enforced by IPSO. If you have a complaint about our editorial content, you can email us at complaints@timeinc.com or write to Complaints Manager, Time Inc. (UK) Ltd Legal Department, 161 Marsh Wall, London E14 9AP. Please provide details of the material you are complaining about and explain your complaint by reference to the Editors’ Code.

We will endeavour to acknowledge your complaint within five working days and we aim to correct substantial errors as soon as possible.

TO BOOK OR REQUEST A FREE BROCHURE, CALL 01283 742393 OR VISIT ESCORTED.WOMANMAGAZINE.CO.UK *Additional entrance costs may apply. Prices are per person, based on two sharing and subject to finite availability. Images used in conjunction with Riviera Travel. Offer operated by and subject to the booking conditions of Riviera Travel Ltd, ABTA V4744, ATOL 3430, a company wholly independent of Woman, published by Time Inc. (UK) Ltd.

WOMANMAGAZINE.CO.UK

61

See the spectacular

Northern Lights withMichaelaStrachan Experience the awesome beauty of nature’s magical light show with this unforgettable cruise of the Norwegian fjords

E

veryone should see the Northern Lights once in their lifetime – and this is your chance to do so with Springwatch’s Michaela Strachan.

During your 12-day cruise along the Norwegian fjords, you’ll take part in an exclusive Q&A with Michaela about her career; meet huskies and reindeer during a wildlife talk; go on a woodland walk led by a local guide with Michaela; and discover the science behind the Northern Lights in an on-board presentation. For a supplement for each activity**, you can also

go on Arctic excursions ranging from a sea eagle safari to a Viking feast.

‘I’m so excited to be going back to Norway,’ says Michaela. ‘I’ve visited lots of times and absolutely love it: the wildlife, the landscape, the adventure. I’m especially looking forward to joining you for cocktails in the SnowHotel in Kirkenes. But the highlight will be seeing the Northern Lights – what an amazing memory that will be for all of us.’

We’re so confident you’ll see the Northern Lights during you r 12-day trip that, if you don’t, our travel partner will give you ano ther six- or seven-day Northern Ligh ts cruise free of charge***. Occurre nces of the Northern Lights will be logged by the ship’s officers and announced to all passengers on board.

YOUR AMAZING ARCTIC ADVENTURE

DAY 1 BERGEN Your adventure begins in the historic Norwegian port of Bergen – famous for its colourful UNESCO-listed wharf district – where you will board your home for the next 11 nights, MS Trollfjord.

DAY 2 ÅLESUND As you sail north between the ports of Florø and Molde, you’ll have the chance to disembark and explore Ålesund, a beautiful city renowned for its wonderful art nouveau architecture.

62

WOMANMAGAZINE.CO.UK

Optional activities upgrade (supplements apply**): Spectacular diving show at an aquarium followed by a scenic drive to enjoy an aerial view of Ålesund from Mount Aksla.

DAY 3 TRONDHEIM The highlight of today’s journey north is a visit to the royal city of Trondheim, a former Viking trading post and Norway’s first capital, which combines centuries of history with a vibrant modern atmosphere.

Optional activities upgrade:

Northern Lights promise!

A walking tour taking in Trondheim’s Viking history and the striking 11th-century gothic Nidaros Cathedral**.

DAY 4 ARCTIC CIRCLE CROSSING AND THE LOFOTEN ISLANDS Today you will cross the Arctic Circle for the first time, enjoying the spectacular scenery that surrounds the Lofoten Islands.

EXCLUSIVE EXPERIENCE: Join Michaela Strachan for a nature walk led by a local expert through beautiful

woodlands in Bodø, surrounded by the sea and offering stunning views of the mountains.

DAY 5 TROMSØ Considered the unofficial capital of the Arctic, Tromsø is renowned for its winter sports.

Optional activities upgrade: Norwegian winter games, including sledging, skiing and tobogganing**.

DAY 6 HONNINGSVÅG, NORTH CAPE CROSSING Your journey continues through the heartland of the

Exclusive experience

YOUR 12-DAY NORTHERN LIGHTS CRUISE INCLUDES ✱ Bergen ✱ Tromsø ✱ Lofoten Islands ✱ Ålesund ✱ Arctic Circle crossing

Meet the huskies and enjoy a guided nature walk

Start your trip in the charming city of Bergen Reindeer in their natural environment indigenous Sami people as you experience the bleak beauty of Norway’s North Cape (Nordkapp), the most northerly point of Europe, and visit Honninsvåg, Norway’s northernmost city.

EXCLUSIVE EXPERIENCE: Private Q&A in which Michaela Strachan shares stories about her exciting career as a wildlife presenter.

DAY 7 KIRKENES The turning point of your epic adventure is Kirkenes, a town close enough to Russia for you to visit the border.

EXCLUSIVE EXPERIENCE: Meet huskies and reindeer during a private wildlife talk before joining Michaela for cocktails and a guided tour of the world-famous SnowHotel.

DAY 8 HAMMERFEST AND TROMSØ With its striking bay and colourful buildings, Hammerfest is one of the

prettiest stops on your voyage, with heart-stopping views of the Lyngen Alps.

Your journey continues with a second visit to Tromsø, one of the best vantage points from which to experience the dazzling Northern Lights.

Optional activities upgrade: A snowmobile trip in the Polar night between Mehamn and Kjøllefjord; a midnight concert in Tromsø’s Arctic Cathedral**.

DAY 9 LOFOTEN ISLANDS The islands of Lofoten and Vesterålen are famous for their majestic mountains, secluded beaches, fishing villages and Arctic wildlife.

Optional activities upgrade: Sea eagle safari and a guided walk to the traditional fishing village of Svolvær**.

DAY 10 ARCTIC CIRCLE CROSSING, BODØ TO RØRVIK As you cross the Arctic Circle for a second time, sights to savour include the Seven Sisters mountain

WHAT’S INCLUDED

✱ Return flights ✱ Eleven nights’ full-board accommodation on the comfortable, modern MS Trollfjord, which has a panoramic lounge, bars, cafe, library, à la carte dining room, sauna, Jacuzzi, fitness room and on-board expert talks ✱ Exclusive Q&A with Michaela Strachan ✱ Meet huskies and reindeer

during a wildlife talk before drinks with Michaela at the SnowHotel in Kirkenes ✱ A nature walk led by a local guide with Michaela through the beautiful woodlands of Bodø ✱ All port fees and taxes ✱ Northern Lights Promise: see the Northern Lights or get a second cruise for free***

range and the breathtakingly beautiful Helgeland coast.

DAY 11 TRONDHEIM On your return to Trondheim, why not take the time to explore its highlights, including the Nidaros Cathedral and the galleries and shops of the picturesque Bakklandet district?

Optional activities upgrade: Sail across an illuminated crystal-clear lake for lunch in the magnificent marble mine at Bergtatt, followed by a sightseeing trip to the bustling city of Molde**.

DAY 12 BERGEN After breakfast, disembark MS Trollfjord and transfer to the airport. You’ll fly home with memories of an amazing Arctic experience that are sure to stay with you for years and years to come.

THE DATES 19-30 March 2018 THE PRICE from £1,599pp* *Based on two sharing. Single supplement from £600. Deposit payment is £300pp. A 2% credit card charge will apply. Our operator is ABTAbonded and this trip is ATOL-protected.

For full terms & conditions go to: womanmagazine.co.uk/northernlights **Supplements apply for optional upgrade activities, which have limited capacities and are booked on a first-come basis. To find out more, please call the booking number below. ***For full terms and conditions for the Northern Lights promise visit: hurtigruten.co.uk/uk-offers/ norway-offers/northern-lights-promise

FOR MORE INFORMATION Visit womanmagazine.co.uk/ northernlights

TO BOOK, CALL 020 8115 8438 QUOTE REF TSARCTIC OUR PARTNERS

Visit the Arctic Cathedral in Tromsø

Sail on the modern MS Trollfjord

The picturesque Lofoten Islands WOMANMAGAZINE.CO.UK

63

Liz Hurley When you own a swimwear company, you’ll want to be the best advert for it. So we don’t blame Liz for flaunting her stuff!

And how does she get that killer bod?

‘I always watch what I eat,’ she says. ‘But I eat plenty.’ All right, show off!

Age

WORDS: HELEN STUART. PHOTOS: FAME FLYNET, SPREAD PICTURES, XPOSURE, THE MEGA AGENCY INSTAGRAM@ELIZABETHHURLEY1, @DAVINAMCCALL, @CHRISTIEBRINKLEY, @SHARONSTONE, @LORRAINEKELLYSMITH

51

Age

54

Demi Moore Nearly 26 years after she famously went naked – and seven months pregnant with daughter Scout – on the cover of Vanity Fair, Demi is still no shrinking violet when it comes to stripping off. And with that fabulous flat stomach, why not?

BEACH BR These celebs prove you’re never too old to

Age

Cindy Crawford Hikes with pals or family bike rides are the key to Cindy’s model body, as well as a balanced low-carb diet. But, thankfully, she’s still human! ‘I love chocolate and have to have it every day at some point,’ she says. Phew!

Age

51

51

Emma Forbes A protein-rich diet of cheese, meat and nuts helps TV presenter Emma stay bikini-ready, as well as intense workouts overseen by a personal trainer. ‘I am convinced that if you want to look good and stay supple, you have to keep moving,’ she says.

Age

52 Courteney Cox The Friends star is still in amazing shape. ‘My fitness philosophy is to be active in life and enjoy what I’m doing,’ she says. Which is why she turns to Pilates, tennis, yoga and martial arts to keep herself in tip-top condition.

64

WOMANMAGAZINE.CO.UK

Christie Brinkley Davina McCall Down-to-earth Davina has certainly earned those abs with a whopping 13 fitness DVDs under her teeny-tiny belt! With her sugar-free diet books too, no wonder she looks better than she did in her twenties as she approaches the big five-oh.

Age

63

Model Christie credits her vegetarian diet and a varied exercise regime, which includes kayaking and surfing, with helping her keep in shape over the years. Her bingowing-busting tip? 100 push ups a day – blimey!

Age

Carol 56 Vorderman

Age

49

AGGERS flaunt your figure in an itsy-bitsy bikini…

She’s got the brain and the bodacious bod – lucky Vorders!

Carol says her trim figure is thanks to walking approx seven miles a day and using an old pair of ‘unforgiving’ trousers to keep her waistline in check.

Lorraine Kelly

Age

59 Sharon Stone Age ain’t nothing but a number for Hollywood superstar Sharon, who’s still foxy 25 years after Basic Instinct. ‘I don’t want to be an ‘ageless beauty’,’ she says. ‘I want to be a woman who is the best I can be at my age.’ Cheers to that!

It’s no secret that Lorraine became a fitness fiend a few years back and goes to Zumba classes three times a week to stay in shape. But her new-found confidence is the biggest bonus for the sofa-bound telly presenter.

Age

57

WOMANMAGAZINE.CO.UK

65

Bloke at the back

RavishingRicky!

Ricky Whittle quickstepped his way into the nation’s heart after he came second on Strictly Come Dancing in 2009. Since then, he’s found fame stateside, where he’s now based, starring in a string of US dramas such as Mistresses and The 100. Now Ricky, 35, is back in new show American Gods…

Strictly was one of the best experiences of my life. Before, I was pigeon-toed and my shoulders were hunched. But learning to dance improved my posture – my feet are no longer turned in, and I now walk with my shoulders back and my chest out.

In Britain, we can be down on people who want to better themselves. In America, you get congratulated for working out and wanting to look your best, whereas in the UK, it was, ‘Oh, I bet he fancies himself!’

I enjoy the can-do attitude of the US. I don’t see myself as a heart-throb. I mean, when you’re in the public eye, you get access to brilliant make-up artists and fantastic lighting, so in photos you can always look ideal. I don’t focus on my looks as I know they’re not going to last.

Every year, I fly my mum over to LA for her birthday. My parents have always wanted me to be happy. They’ve never needed me to be a doctor or saving the world – they just wanted me to be well adjusted and know my own mind.

Ricky

WOMSAINVE! EXCLU

I do have a girlfriend, but the amount I have to travel makes relationships tough.

In a way it’s a lonely industry as you’re often filming far away, so you have to do the long-distance thing and then you’re going back to a hotel on your own.

Whittle

Tall, dark and handsome, it’s no surprise ex-soap star Ricky has charmed his way to the big time…

When I was younger, I thought I’d be married with kids by 25. I’ve got loads of nieces and nephews and I’d love to have children, but I actually think I don’t need to be settling down for a while. ✱ American Gods is available on Amazon Prime Video now

’06 Hollyoaks ‘It was the best screen education that I could ask for.’

66

’09

Strictly Come Dancing ‘The show really lit a fire in my stomach for dance.’

WOMANMAGAZINE.CO.UK

’14

Mistresses ‘That was the one that got away – I wish I’d been in it for longer.’

’17

American Gods ‘This is the biggest show I’ve done, with the best cast ever.’

Say what?

‘I’m a total child when it comes to food – I love chips!’

WORDS: CHLOE THOMAS. PHOTOS: PA, REX, BBC

THE CASTING COUCH From Hollyoaks to Hollywood, Ricky stops at nothing to be a star…

+==+) =6 = # 6+@7 67 6+-- 6+@7 67

*

+B 6+( +)'C

0 D

<

1 '%A 6C

% $ :22 '7

7@ ' ) 7=C'%7# =# 7 +==+) =6 = # 6+@7 67 B%'' 6%)" ) %)7= )= @- = =+ C+@6 B 6 6+ 0 % $ "

& " "

'

" "( 7% $ ' 7=% & " ( $ & " (

"

" "

"

% $ " $

,D "+6" +@7 7# 7 " "

" "

" $ ( "

7 % "#7 % %: 7)'

$

$ "" # "

2:

+==+) 6+@7 67

;=

AD "$= ' '@ =+) '@ ' & @66 )= = ' 3

7 & 6@ @A '$A 6+-- 6+@7 67

:;

"$= =+) ' '@ AD '@ ' & @66 )= 6@ @A '$A = '

% %:

%#;

"#7

%:

+==+) 6+@7 67 $ )"=#7 9* ( .?83/ 8! ( .?*3/ 8* ( .>,3/

,E ,? , ,: , ?E ?? ? ?: ? ,E ,? , ,: , ?E ?? ? ?: ?

1& 14&

1&4* 7 1&3* 7

1&4* 7 1&3* 7

1$* 7 1&7* 7

1$* 7 1&7* 7

2% 2 +)37 & 27 )<%#'! 2 ' #%%3 #& 72 7 #'!% = (4 * ! - +5%2 2 " , # 3 / 7 & / 47. # , % &7

%5, 2 !- $="+@= ="$7 $) +6( =$+) B ))+= -6+ 77 D+@6 +6 60

6; 67; $77; 7 0000000000000000 $67= ( 000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000 @6) ( 000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000

6 77 0000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000

6C 6+( =# +( +6= + C+@6 +B) #+(

(

( 6=0 +0@&:B ' +( '% & +) =# 4 @% & 6 65 % +) > : D , : ?D8

14 14.

6+-- 6+@7 67 $ )"=# ! ( +)'C .?,3/

47.

2@+=%)" =# = ( 6 ) ) 6 +

,D !

D 8, ?DD D9 ,

%%3 )37 *9+ + 2 &#':7 +%:3 =):2 7 % +")' )&+ '=13 ' 7<)2$ 33 " 2! / %#; 2= #3 2 <" ' =): 0:)7 7 & 2 ' 8 5 > * 5 9>4 ' 2 ) *>

+7= + 0000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000 D=$( ' + .$ --'$ ' / 0000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000

( $' 000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000

0 0

3

3

7 &

7 &

7 &

47. ( ,%'' ) 47. ( ,%'' )

! 6 56 ,5

'%A 6C

<?0*

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