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Barbara reveals

‘My big Christmas challenge’

10 PARTY OUTFITS

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YOUR0103-cover.indd 1 YELLOW MAGENTA CYAN PANTONE 185 C BLACK

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24/11/10 09:46:18 24.11.2010 08:37 Rival Colour LTD

❝I have the baby girl I always wanted!❞ In a moving interview, Lulu reveals how spending time with her baby granddaughter is her true delight

By Richard Barber

L

ulu reaches into her handbag, fishes out her iPhone and shows me her screensaver. The bonny blue-eyed baby with the apple cheeks and brown hair smiles for the camera.

No prizes for guessing that this is Isabella Rose, Lulu’s first grandchild by son Jordan and his wife, Alana. Isabella will be one just after Christmas and her besotted grandma takes no prompting to wax lyrical about ‘the most beautiful little girl the world has yet seen’ and how very special her arrival in the family makes this Christmas.

Lulu herself has just celebrated her 62nd birthday, a preposterous statistic when you’re faced with this bundle of energy. “My life, my career have been about continual

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rebirth,” she says, by way of explanation for her youthfulness.

“But all of that is nothing compared with a real birth. To have a grandchild is something even I can’t put into words. She’s just so much fun. I have her to stay overnight to give Jordan and Alana a break. I lie on the floor with her and I instantly become her age. We’re two big kids. And going back to being a little child is very healing. When we’re playing together, nothing else matters.

“I have this great contraption at home. I put Isabella in it and she jumps up and down and squeals with laughter. And I love buying her clothes. I was always doing that for Jordan when he was young. He’d tell me I needed to have a daughter. Well, now I have the baby girl I always wanted.

And I couldn’t be happier.

“When Isabella comes to stay, she’s my total focus – and that’s great. I give myself a break. Not that I really sleep when she’s with me because all the time I’ve got one ear open in case she wakes up. Looking after somebody else’s baby is almost more responsibility than looking after your own.”

Her granddaughter, it seems, provides the only break in Lulu’s helter-skelter schedule. She says she’s mellowed with age. “I’m fiery by nature but I get less angry these days.” That’s probably true – but slow down? Not for nothing is she known as the Pocket Rocket.

She’s currently on tour with Here Come The Girls, a feelgood evening of non-stop singing that ends in Nottingham on December 10. She’s accompanied by Anastacia but, this time, Heather Small has replaced Chaka Khan.

“I guarantee you’ll leave with an extra spring in your step,” she says. Certainly, the enthusiastic reception to the first tour explains why, on this second leg, the show is playing in arenas not theatres.

If there were a competition to find Miss Positivity, there’d be little point anyone else entering.

Lulu is the embodiment of living

Lulu with former husband John Frieda and Jordan. Below: Jordan is now a father

‘I’ve had heartbreaks and sadness and tough times. The trick is to learn from them’ life to the max. “I’ve always found it hard to take my foot off the accelerator. But I’m getting there – and that’s another advantage of being in my 60s.”

Well, if she says so. There are more irons in the professional fire, though, than you could count.

There are exciting TV and musical plans for next year, she says. And when she’s not working hard, she’s playing equally hard.

She recently stayed for a week in the South of France with Elton

John and David Furnish. “It was such a laugh. There was a stream of conversation and more laughter than is good for a person.

I giggled so much my stomach hurt.”

But don’t suggest that hers is a lucky life. “I’ve been fortunate, but to me luck is being presented with opportunities – and that’s the same for everyone – and then making something of them. What I loved, reading in the obituaries of Tony Curtis, was that he lived in the moment. Things sometimes went wrong, but his attitude was to always get the best out of every day. Tomorrow always brings a new sunrise.

“There have been heartbreaks and sadness and tough times in my life. The trick is to learn from them; to take something good out of something bad. It’s also about self-discipline. I have a positive outlook, but that’s just another way of saying I don’t wallow. I analyse, then move on.

“And the harder I work, the luckier I get. It’s the same with your skin.” Lulu now has a flourishing skincare company, Time Bomb, whose products are available in John Lewis, Peter Jones and via www.lulusplace.co.uk. “Feed your skin and you’ll get results. My skin now is the best it’s been and I speak as someone who was a spotty teenager. But this hasn’t happened by accident. You put in the time, you reap the rewards.”

It’s also true of children.

“Nurture the child and the child will bloom.” The conversation has gone full circle. “Would you like to see some more photographs of Isabella?” she asks. And no, she doesn’t wait for an answer.

D Lulu’s Secret to Looking Good (Harper Collins, £18.99) is available in all good bookshops D For details of Here Come The Girls call 0844 811 0051 or visit www.gigsandtours.com YOURS

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PaRTY OUTFITS (yes, all w

CREdITS: PHOTOGRaPHY RUTH JENkINSON; HaIR aNd MakE-UP OlIVIa FERRER aNd HaNaN TOUHaMI; STYlING daNIEllE ElMES.

does the thought of bare arms in festive frocks fill you with dread? Try these party crackers to look gorgeous and feel confident this Christmas By Michelle Nightingale

1 Team this sequin jacket with trousers or jeans for a smart casual look…

Ali wears: Sequin top, £42, sizes 8-18, Star by Julien Macdonald at Debenhams (0070103119); sequin shrug, £25, sizes 14-32, Yours Clothing (36988); tailored trousers, £19.50, sizes 8-22, Marks & Spencer (T546814); black pumps, £20, sizes 3-8, Bhs; bangle, £12, Principles by Ben Di Lisi at Debenhams; chandelier earrings, £15, Mood at Debenhams; clutch bag, £45, Dune.

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2 A mid-length hem is feminine and very forgiving…

Heather wears: Silver sequin dress, £69, sizes 10-18, Sophie Gray at Bhs (877578); navy beaded shrug, £38, sizes s-l (72217703) and silver strappy sandals, £60, sizes 3-8, both Monsoon; necklace, £18, Next; stud earrings, £5 (for a set of three), Marks & Spencer.

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Style notes

all with sleeves) 5

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3 Perfect for curvy shapes, gathering at the waist helps hide lumps and bumps…

Ali wears: Sleeved jersey dress, £85, sizes 8-18, Coast (2334345670); heels, £40, sizes 3-8, Next; necklace, £15 and stud earrings, £5, both Marks & Spencer; satin clutch, £50, Jasper Conran at Debenhams.

4 Brighten up your little black dress with a jewel coloured shrug…

Heather wears: Jersey dress, £20, sizes 8-18, George at Asda (3081828530931200); satin crop jacket, £27, sizes 8-20, Teatro at Littlewoods (3T6191E); diamanté sandals, £27, sizes 3-8, Simmi Shoes; necklace, £30, Jon Richard at Debenhams; bangle, £14, Principles

by Ben Di Lisi at Debenhams; earrings, £12, Mood at Debenhams.

5 This jacket would look great with trousers, too…

Ali wears: Silk print dress, £75, sizes 8-18, Jasper Conran at Debenhams (0170103147); ruffle jacket, £24, sizes 8-14, Apricot (T80212); heels, £24.99, sizes 3-8, New Look; drop earrings, £8, Wallis; beaded clutch, £45, Dune.

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Recharge your

health

Meet tHe experts dr shamini singh – homeopath and naturepath for Revital www.revital.co.uk fiona Kirk – author and nutritionist www.fionakirk.com

Mood-lifting Messages Christmas cards may seem an unlikely way to improve your health, but they’re great for lifting your mood. Studies in America reveal that the more Christmas cards we receive, the higher our self-esteem and happiness. “A greetings card gives the impression of care and consideration – essential for lifting our mood,” says Dr Shamini Singh. So why not send one to someone who’s not on your list? You might just make their day.

Why Christm is good for y The yuletide season is regarded as a time of over indulgence, but we’ve found proof that it can actually help keep you in tip-top health – honest!

By Jade pickering

Hearty nibbles We’re constantly told how bad snacking is for our diet, but nibbling on the right things could help to keep your heart healthy. nuts contain huge amounts of fibre, Vitamin e and mono unsaturated fats – great for lowering cholesterol. snacking on small amounts of chocolate could reduce your risk of having a stroke or heart attack, due to levels of flavonoids found in the cocoa. the stronger the cocoa, the higher levels of flavonoids, so opt for dark instead of milk.

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brain boosting board gaMes Playing games can reduce your chances of developing Alzheimer’s.

Trivial Pursuit and Scrabble are great for keeping your brain stimulated, but remember that a healthy brain comes from a healthy body. “Make sure you’re eating healthily, relaxing and getting a good night’s sleep to really give your brain a boost,” says Dr Singh.

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y health matters y

Love them or hate them, Brussel sprouts can help lower your cholesterol. Fiona Kirk says they might benefit your body in other ways. “Brussel sprouts aren’t just full of fibre, they’re rich in calcium and magnesium for a healthy heart and bones.” Researchers at Leicester University found that eating green leafy veg could lower your risk of developing Type 2 diabetes.

eat salMon Full of omega-3, oily fish such as salmon has been found to improve heart health. Rich in Vitamin D, too, it’s great for keeping your bones strong and healthy, while the Vitamin B12 contained in salmon is vital for maintaining a healthy nervous system.

sHop yourself tHin Hitting the sales in January can actually help you shift that postChristmas bulge. A recent survey revealed women can burn up to 193 calories per shopping spree – that’s almost two portions of a chocolate log! Shop with a friend who shares your sense of humour, as research in America found that laughing for10 to 15 minutes a day burns around 40 calories.

Dr Singh says: “Laughter releases happy chemicals in the brain.”

Ask Dr Jonty the Yours doctor is here to answer your questions every fortnight last winter i caught cold after cold and i’m determined not to this year – how can i boost my immune system?

Q

dr Jonty says Strengthening your body’s natural defences in order to stay well makes sense, but is easier said than done.

There are lots of products on the market that tell you they ‘boost the immune system’. However, many of them remain relatively unproven.

Vitamins A, C, and E and minerals such as selenium and zinc all seem to play a part in keeping the immune system healthy, as does Vitamin D which is produced in the skin when it’s exposed to sunlight. So eat a healthy, balanced diet and ensure you get outside for some time each day – even during the winter. Supplements such as echinacea and probiotics (friendly bacteria)

Washing your hands is the most effective prevention may be of benefit, but the evidence remains inconclusive.

Regular exercise is helpful, but don’t overdo it as this may suppress your immune system and make it harder to fight off an infection. When you’re under a lot of stress you are more prone to becoming ill, so try to relax and lower your stress levels.

The viruses that cause colds are spread through the air when you sneeze and are transmitted through touching infected surfaces such as door handles as well as by contact with other people who are infected, so one of the most effective preventive measures you can take to reduce the risk of catching a cold is to simply wash your hands regularly, especially after being in public places. dr Jonty Heaversedge is a gp and star of bbC1’s street doctor. He answers your health questions every fortnight.

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Keep bones strong WitH brussels

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These simple, decadent party nibbles, meals and cocktails can be made ahead of time – so you can chill out and have fun

Party with

spiCed beeF and Chilli blinis these spicy, bite-size blinis are the perfect party treat to offer Christmas guests. serve with a blob of guacamole dip makes 32 per blini 66cals Fat 3.5g sat fat 0.9g

Preparation time: 15 minutes (+1 hour marinating) Cooking time: 4/8/12 minutes (rare/medium/well done)

COMPILED bY SHEENa CORREa

• 2 tbsp paprika • 2 tsp mild chilli powder, plus extra for dusting • 1 tbsp ground cumin powder • 3 tbsp olive oil • 675g (1lb 8oz) lean sirloin or rump steak • 2 x 162g packs ready-made blinis • 2 tbsp tomato chutney • 2 tbsp guacamole 1 In a small mixing bowl, combine the spices and oil together.

2 Place the steak on a chopping board and brush the spice mixture over both sides. Cover and chill for up to one hour.

3 Preheat the grill to medium and cook the steaks to your preference and leave to stand for 5 minutes.

4 Meanwhile, warm the blinis under the grill and spread evenly with the tomato chutney.

5 Cut the steak into small strips, divide between the blinis and top with a little guacamole. Garnish with the extra chilli powder and serve as nibbles or starters.

Recipe: www.simplybeefandlamb.co.uk

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Welsh lamb, Cranberry and date spiCed balls these taste super as a lunch option, too, served inside a toasted pitta bread with leafy salad makes 15-20 balls per serving 222cals Fat 9g sat fat 3.9g

Preparation time: 10 minutes Cooking time: 8-12 minutes • 450g (1lb) lean minced Welsh lamb • 2 tbsp cranberry sauce • 50g (2oz) dried dates, roughly chopped • 1 red chilli, deseeded and finely chopped 1 In a large bowl, mix all the ingredients until thoroughly combined.

2 Divide and shape the mixture into about 18 small balls.

3 Preheat the grill to medium and thread the balls onto skewers, 1-2 per stick. Grill for 8-12 minutes,

make and Freeze or until thoroughly cooked, turning occasionally.

4 Serve with toasted pittas and creamy hummus or sour cream and chive dip.

Recipe: Welsh Lamb, www.eatwelshlamb.co.uk

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y Festive treats y

ithout the panic! lamb or beeF platter Why not vary these tasty naan-bread shapes by using a set of Christmas cookie cutters? makes 8 per serving (4) 278cals Fat 11.5g sat fat 2.9g

Preparation time: 15 minutes • 2 naan breads • 100g (4oz) mango chutney • Cold leftover cooked roast lamb or beef, thinly sliced • 100g (4oz) mayonnaise mixed with a handful of fresh chopped coriander • small bunch of red grapes 1 Using festively shaped cutters, such as stars, bells or hearts, cut the naan breads.

2 Place a small teaspoon of mango chutney on each shape.

Fold a slice of lamb or beef on top, add a small spoonful of coriander mayo and secure with a cocktail stick and a red grape on top.

Recipe: Welsh Lamb, www.eatwelshlamb.co.uk

Cranberry glazed Winter Vegetable tart tatin roast vegetables are a delicious part of the Christmas feast. Why not treat guests to something a little different?

Preparation time: 20-25 minutes Cooking time: 40-45 minutes • 50g (2oz) butter • 2 large parsnips, peeled, cored and cut into small chunks • 2 large carrots, peeled and cut into small chunks • Finely grated juice and rind of one orange • 200ml (8fl oz) vegetable stock • 125g (5oz) shallots, peeled and halved • 1 large courgette, halved lengthways and cut into chunks • 3 tbsp smooth cranberry sauce • 1 tbsp wholegrain mustard • 225g (9oz) puff pastry, defrosted, if frozen • small handful, fresh flat-leaf parsley

Melt the butter in a 23cm (9in) heavybased ovenproof frying pan and fry the parsnips and carrots for 3-4 minutes. Stir in the orange juice and rind and stock and bring to the boil.

Simmer for 5 minutes.

2 Stir in the shallots, courgette, cranberry sauce and mustard.

Simmer for 6-7 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender and the stock absorbed. Season to taste.

3 In the meantime, roll out the pastry on a

lightly floured surface to a 24cm (91⁄2in) circle. Remove the pan from the heat and lay the pastry over the top, tucking in the edges. bake for 20 minutes, or until risen and golden. Turn out onto a serving plate, scatter with the parsley and serve immediately.

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serves 4 per serving 379cals Fat 25.4g sat fat 13.2g

Recipe: Ocean Spray Cranberries, www.oceanspray.co.uk

1 Pre-heat the oven to 180°C/350°F/Gas Mark 6.

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Ask us anything… about coping at Christmas ore than 57 per cent of women in the UK start worrying about Christmas in October* – which is also the month when 22 per cent of us start our Christmas shopping. But with finances stretched more than ever this year, there’s never been a better time to cut back, ignore the hype, and remember what Christmas is all about. Here’s how…

M

You are really looking forward to Christmas, but with so much to do in the next few weeks, you can’t help feeling overwhelmed.

IN YOUR

50s

How to

have a stress-f Christmas at 50 Make this the year that you finally stop worrying about Christmas and simply enjoy it!

By: Kate Corr

Write a worry list You’ve already written a Christmas card list and a present list, so spend a few minutes writing a list of your worries.

What are you most dreading?

Who, or what, could help? Is there someone you can confide in?

The sooner you face your biggest concerns, the easier they will be to manage.

It doesn’t have to be home-made Last year you may have made your own apricot and walnut stuffing but if you decide to take the easier option this year – so what? Wouldn’t you rather watch your family open presents than stir the gravy?

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*Source: www.moneysupermarket.com

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Wise

Words

Never worry about the size of your Christmas tree. In the eyes of children, they are all 30 feet tall Larry Wilde

Pay extra attention to the relative who seems most neglected

s-free 50, 60 & 70+ IN YOUR

You may be going somewhere different this year – the home of your son or daughter perhaps? – and you’re worried that it just won’t feel like Christmas if you’re not in charge.

mood – or change the subject – if tensions begin to surface.

Or, suggest a gentle family walk after lunch and pay extra attention to the relative who seems most neglected.

It’s good to say No Are your family treating you like their own personal shopper? Stop saying ‘yes’ to Embrace the change everything they ask, or you‘ll Doing something different feel worn out and resentful. can be difficult, but not Perhaps you’re the one impossible. Wherever you’re making heavy demands on going, take a positive attitude yourself? Do you really have with you (it’s far more important to make a Christmas pudding than a present) and focus on and mince pies for everyone the benefits of having in the family? Banish someone else do the words ‘should’ all the hard work. and ‘must’ from If you make your vocabulary a genuine and see what a effort, you difference may actually it makes. enjoy yourself Keep – and you’ll drinking win admiration No, not alcohol – and respect from that only dehydrates everyone else, too. you and makes your Lighten the mood liver work overtime to process You may not be the hostess it. Instead, keep yourself feeling this year, but you still have an fit and healthy by drinking lots important role to play, especially of water, which hydrates every where awkward relatives are part of the body and helps concerned. Use your wisdom you cope better with stressful and experience to lighten the situations.

60s

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Turn the page for Yuletide serenity at 70+ YOURS

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Create a Christmassy atmosphere Stop fretting about the housework and focus on creating a calm, welcoming atmosphere.

Burn an essential oil or use a room spray with cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves and orange.

D Baldwin’s Christmas Oil £3.95 (10ml) tel: 020 7703 5550 Invite a new guest If family tension is a concern, change the dynamic by inviting someone new. A guest, especially someone who might otherwise be alone, is a great way to bring out the best in everyone.

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Ask us anything

Our13-page section packed with expert advice

Winner

Best Provision of Advice

Your questions answered

Christmas seems to be too much about consumerism and waste these days. How can I have a greener Christmas?

Liz Pickering, Tewkesbury Yours says: Christmas can be tough on your purse strings and also the environment, so here’s five ways to go green this festive season: Choose a sustainable tree If you opt for a real Christmas tree make sure the grower is registered with the British Christmas tree growers association (call 0131 664 1100 or visit www.christmastree.

Turn to nature for seasonal org.uk), so you can be decorations sure it comes from a sustainable source.

Decorate with nature Scour your garden for holly, berries, twigs and winter flowers to

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54… Cut the cost of Christmas 55… Be money wise about wills 58… Sort out family problems 60… Have a stress-free Christmas at 50, 60 & 70+ 65… Get crafting this Yule feSTIve 70… Send for a CRafT free Yours exTRa guide

make your own decorations, rather than buy plastic ones.

Make your own gifts Whether it’s a food gift or something crafty – a homemade gift is thoughtful and unique.

Waste less Bored with turkey sandwiches? for more ideas on how to reuse all those left-over festive trimmings call 0845 600 0323 or visit www.lovefood hatewaste.com Recycle those cards take your old cards to branches of tK maxx, marks and Spencer and HomeSense. they’re all part of the Woodland trust campaign to recycle old cards, and retailers will donate money towards planting 8,000 trees.

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Counsel & Care Awards 2010

How to…

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