Indholdsfortegnelse for 15th Dec 2025 i Woman

HOW’S YOUR CHRISTMAS PREP COMING ALONG? If you’re anything like me, you’ll have thrown some money at Amazon on Black Friday for the kids, panic-bought some fragranced candles or scent diffusers for the mums, and reserved your online supermarket shop with a bottle of champers. And then failed to actually put anything else in the basket, so the poor delivery man looks slightly worried when he has just one bottle to deliver and you still end up having to brave a real-time shop come 22 December… But not our Meghan. The Duchess of Sussex was back with a Christmas holiday special telling us how to prepare mulled wine and light some candles. Who doesn’t love a sage green velvet ribbon and a glazed turkey? How delightful! Actually, I quite enjoyed…

Why hosting can get you fit It’s December, and you barely have enough energy to deal with the festive to-do/to-buy list, let alone go to the gym. Well, don’t let that be another thing to worry about as today we’ll discuss low-level movement. It’s not a planned workout, no, but about just being active. You may think this doesn’t really count. Wrong. It’s called NEAT – Non-Exercise Activity Thermogenesis. NEAT is the energy expended for everything we do that isn’t sleeping, eating or sports-like exercise. That means walking, sweeping, typing, gardening, twisting, cleaning, stair-climbing, singing, talking animatedly, laughing, fidgeting or dancing. And you’ll be doing most of these things while you host your Christmas do! These are low-intensity activities that can keep our metabolic rate (resting energy output) and our…

My digital detox is getting derailed Q I’ve been trying to wean myself off social media, only turning it on once in the evening. I have asked my kids to do the same, and after a few complaints, they’ve settled into it. We now have more fun talking or sharing the evening by watching something together. But when I turn it back on in the morning, it’s to a barrage of where were you? from friends. And what do I do about new people wanting to be social media friends? SUZIE SAYS A If someone comes up to you and introduces themselves, it’s rude not to exchange a few words, but if you are sent a social media ‘friend’ request, the accepted convention is that you can ignore it. As…

DEAL OF THE WEEK Get 20% off lingerie and loungewear at Ossa Stark. Enter MAG20 at checkout; ossastark.co.uk. OFFER ENDS 31 JANUARY 2026. T&CS APPLY. UK ONLY. EXCLUDES OUTLET STOCK, SCRUNCHIES, NAVY LACE AND GIFT PACKAGING/GIFT VOUCHER. FINANCIAL FIRST AID Pensions baffle me – where do I start? If you are 50 or over and have a UK-based defined contribution pension, book an appointment with Pension Wise at moneyhelper.org.uk (or call 0800 011 3797), a free government-backed service. Pension Wise can walk you through when you can access your pension pots and tax implications. You can also use the service if you’re under 50 and have inherited someone else’s pension or are retiring early due to poor health. MONEY MADE SIMPLE What does index-linked mean? If something is index-linked, its…

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IF YOU LOVE TO WIN PRIZES THEN VISIT comps.womanmagazine.co.uk What three words would actor Tracee Ellis Ross use to define herself? To find out, solve the crossword then read down the shaded squares to find the three-word answer. ACROSS DOWN Editorial Complaints Woman is a member of the IPSO (Independent Press Standards Organisation), which regulates the UK print and digital news industry. We abide by the Editors’ Code of Practice and are committed to upholding the highest standards of journalism. If you think that we have not met those standards and want to make a complaint, please contact legal@futurenet.com. If we are unable to resolve your complaint, or if you would like more information about IPSO or the Editors’ Code, contact IPSO on 0300 123 2220 or visit www.ipso.co.uk. ANSWERS…

SHARON BREAKS COVER Sharon Osbourne made her first public appearance since the death of her husband Ozzy in July. The star, 73, put on a glamorous display at a glitzy event in London with her daughter Kelly, having previously remained holed up at home. Her appearance comes after the former X Factor judge admitted, ‘I hate going to bed at night,’ following Ozzy’s death. During an episode of their family podcast, Kelly explained, ‘I slept with you [Sharon] for the first two months so that you weren’t on your own. But then I felt like you needed some space.’ Sharon then heartbreakingly added, ‘I wake up and for the first three seconds I feel normal. And then I remember everything. Mornings are the hardest for me.’ Ruth: ‘I am independent…

Christmas is a poignant time for many and can stir up a range of emotions, particularly in those grieving for loved ones. This is something Kate Garraway – who lost her husband Derek Draper in January 2024 after a four-year battle with complications of Covid-19 – knows all too well. ‘Christmas is emotional for so many people for so many reasons,’ the star, who is mum to Darcey, 19, and Billy, 16, admits. Kate, 58, explains, ‘You think about times gone by and how things have changed.’ And, while she says, ‘I hope I won’t be blubbing all day,’ Kate acknowledges ‘there will be emotional moments’. However, she is determined to make it ‘fun and happy’ for Darcey and Billy, who she recognises have had a ‘tough few years’. Here,…

Claudia GET A GLAM JUMPSUIT If dresses aren’t for you, but you don’t have the confidence to mix and match separates, a glitzy jumpsuit will nail your party look. If you can’t wear halterneck styles like petite Claudia, a wrap-over neckline will flatter a larger bust. Pair gold sequins with colour-pop accessories or wear with a timeless black tuxedo jacket, come cocktail hour. Tess MAKE A STATEMENT IN SEQUINS If there’s one tip we can take from Strictly, it’s that wearing sequins is always a good idea. Tess stuns in her iridescent midi dress, showing that strapless styles can look chic when worn in modest midi lengths. Pair sequins with a complementary-hued clutch and classic court shoes that will elongate your legs. Claudia UPDATE YOUR LBD When in doubt, Claudia…

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ARIES 21 Mar – 20 Apr Your first impression may be wrong. Get the facts, then give yourself time to assimilate them. What might initially strike you as a negative may in fact be a plus. For your reading ☎09058 172557 TAURUS 21 Apr – 21 May There’s nothing wrong in painting a prettier picture, as long as you are aware of the reality. This is the season of goodwill. Leave the tough stuff to January. For your reading ☎09058 172558 GEMINI 22 May – 22 Jun Mercury may not be retrograde currently, but travel and communications are tricky. Allow more time for journeys and give people a chance to apologise. For your reading ☎09058 172559 CANCER 23 Jun – 23 Jul Maybe things could have gone better and perhaps…

ASCOT, BERKSHIRE LaplandUK Give the kids a Christmas to remember with this immersive experience. Each child will receive a personalised invitation from Santa, asking them to journey to Lapland to help the elves with their toy-making. Once they arrive they’ll decorate gingerbread men, enjoy performances and take in the spectacular winter scenery before meeting reindeer and the big man himself. A truly magical day out. LEAVESDEN, HERTS Hogwarts in the Snow Have yourself a very Harry Christmas as you experience the magical world of Hogwarts under a blanket of snow. Walk in the footsteps of Harry, Ron and Hermione by attending the Yule Ball and explore the school’s iconic halls. Keep an eye out for authentic decorations and cards made by the crew during filming and enjoy the hustle and…

He’s the cheeky chappy who got the nation moving during Covid when no one could hit the gym, and when we caught up with Joe Wicks, he was on great form, cheerily chatting about everything from his love of pop to the secret to a successful marriage. With his new book Protein in 15 out now, the 40-year-old fitness guru doesn’t hold back as he faces our 10 burning questions… 1 What’s in your wallet? I don’t have a wallet! It’s all Apple Pay now. I’ve never been a big wallet carrier. I used to just have a little card holder with a couple of cards – student card, that sort of thing. But now it’s just my phone. If I’m going abroad, I’ll take my passport and a credit…

Best… bargain PS…Lustre Satin Lipstick in Red, 90p, Primark This is great for beginners, as it’s a hydrating, sheer formula, so it’s that little bit less intimidating than a full-blown matte. It’s also more wearable, matching everything from natural to dramatic eye looks. Best… glossy look Revolution Pout Lip Gloss Stick in Cherrylicious, £6.99, revolution beauty.com This is a hybrid between a lipstick and a gloss, with all the best bits of both. It gives a high-shine finish without the stickiness, and it’s infused with hydrating hyaluronic acid as well as vitamin E to help you to plump up your pout. Best for… a flattering finish Benefit Plushtint Moisturising Matte Lip Tint in Red Velvet, £22, M&S With a velvety finish, we love the soft focus, almost blurred look this…

Not knowing where to turn for medical advice and support when your GP surgery is closed can feel daunting. Here’s what to do… We all hope to stay well and be happy over the festive period, but there are times when you might need medical help. The good news is that there are places you can turn if things don’t go to plan. Firstly, though, prep ahead – it’s worth stocking your home medicine cupboard with painkillers, antacids, antihistamines and plasters, and ensuring you have ordered your repeat prescriptions in good time. LOOK ONLINE If you think you need to see a doctor when your GP practice is closed, it can feel overwhelming. As a starting point, if you are in the UK, I would recommend calling NHS 111 or…

Caprese salad skewers A jar of shop-bought green pesto will add loads of flavour to this party platter. MAKES 30 PREP 5 MINS ✱ 300g mini mozzarella balls✱ 120g fresh pesto✱ 300g cherry tomatoes You will need:✱ Cocktail sticks or woody rosemary sprigs, for skewering 1 Toss the mozzarella balls with the pesto dressing, then skewer one tomato and one mozzarella ball on each cocktail stick or rosemary sprig. 2 Carefully arrange the skewers like a wreath around the serving plate. Drizzle the whole arrangement with any leftover pesto just before serving. Per skewer: 48 cals, 4g fat, 1g sat fat, 1g carbs FOOD ED’S TIP Assemble the skewers up to a day ahead. Cover and chill, then bring to room temperature around an hour before serving. Garlic herb and…

THE MOST LUCRATIVE TIME OF THE YEAR? As I type, the heavens have opened and snow is silently fluttering past my window, turning everything into an instant winter wonderland. And I can’t help thinking: is this a metaphor for the buckets of money about to fall into content creators’ laps in the lead-up to Christmas? Because, just like the snow, the cash tends to come down fast, thick, and in surprisingly large flurries. For YouTube, TikTok and Instagram stars, December is harvest season – when they start truly raking it in. While normal folk are ratcheting up credit card bills, our influencers are seeing a seasonal spike of anywhere from 25% to a mighty 200%*. Savvy brands have worked out that, with consumers in peak shopping mode, content creators can…