Inhoudsopgave van 53-2020 - Best

My apologies to the lovely Andrea McLean on page 14 if she sees this but, just before Christmas, on Loose Women, an astrology reading predicted that Andrea’s third marriage wouldn’t last. The poor woman. Her face was quite the picture. Our columnist Carol McGiffin, page 17, was also on the panel and couldn’t stop laughing! Not at Andrea, but at her horror. Carol thinks astrology and predictions are ‘absolute drivel’. I sit on the fence about these things, especially about readings. I once saw a psychic called Lady Lilac. She told me to bring something personal. I gave her my grandmother’s engagement ring. ‘Hmm,’ she said. ‘Don’t tell me, it’s a short name starting with E… Ethel.’ How could she ever have known that? Well, if you are one of…

He started 2020 as the TV villain we all loved to hate – but as we kick off 2021, Piers Morgan is the undisputed hero of the hour. The controversial GMB host, 55, has been raising hell on morning TV for five years. He’s always been the ultimate TV Marmite – either you love his blustery, overbearing ways or you can’t stand them. But that all began to change in March when the pandemic hit, and Piers came into his own, becoming the passionate, much-needed voice of the people, during one of the most devastating moments in British history. In the midst of Covid chaos, full of confusing, constantly-changing rules, regulations and politician ‘speak’, Piers felt like the firm, guiding hand that would steer us through the storm – or…

Q What can I do to prevent my eyes getting so dry and my mascara so runny when I’m wearing a mask? Nikki, Chester A Face coverings are now an everyday essential, but come with a host of beauty issues. Masks divert your breath up towards your eyes, which can make them dry and red, and cause mascara to run! Consider over-the-counter preservative-free eye drops, like Hycosan Extra Preservative Free Eye Drops, £12, formulated with 0.2 per cent hyaluronic acid. Making sure your mask fits correctly will help, too. Use Microporous Surgical Tape, £1.69, to fix the mask to the bridge of your nose, to force your breath out the side of the mask instead. As for make up, focus on smudge-proof formulas like Rimmel London Exaggerate Waterproof Eyeliner, £3.99,…

Prince Andrew’s eldest daughter, Princess Beatrice, 32, has no recollection whatsoever of the Pizza Express party in Woking he apparently took her to on 10 March 2001 according to reports – which could cast doubt on her father’s alibi. This particular date was one on which Virginia Roberts Giuffre, an alleged sex-trafficking victim of the late paedophile Jeffrey Epstein, claimed the Prince slept with her, when she was just 17 years old. The family who hosted the party allegedly ‘can’t recall’ whether the Prince, 60, was there or not – and no pictures of him at the event have been released. Holes have also been blown in his Newsnight statement about his trip to New York. He told Emily Maitlis last year that he ‘definitely’ didn’t sleep at the Epstein’s…

UNBALANCED FRIENDSHIP… Perhaps because I’ve had time to notice these details more this year, I’m seeing things about my friend I can’t now unsee. A lot of things I’d do for her–such as pick up the phone and make the first call, or support her local business and promote it on social media – I’ve realised she sadly never does the same for me. I love her dearly, but it really is a one-way thing – and, if I’m honest, looking back over the past 10 years, it probably always has been. She’s great when you’ve got her in the moment, but in terms of any sustained effort, I’m afraid she fails at every turn. What would you do? Tara, Luton How important is your friend to you? OK, she’s…

Preparing his bike the night before a Sports Relief cycling challenge, my partner, Paul, looked hesitant. ‘I don’t know if I should do this,’ he confided in me. Together two years, Paul, then 44, was my soulmate. Life felt easier, together. But he wasn’t a keen cyclist and he was nervous about the 162 mile, two-day route he’d mapped out. ‘I’ll pick you up at any point if you don’t want to continue,’ I assured him. The next morning, I dropped him off at the start point but on my way to work, I felt an overwhelming urge to text him. ‘I love you,’ I typed. ‘Don’t forget, I’ll pick you up any time.’ It was March 2012 and a few hours later, Paul called. ‘I think I’m having a…

FOR NEW YEAR HAPPY NEW HEADBAND… It’s been a rubbish 2020, so let’s see in 2021 right! This headband is a fun addition to the celebrations and perfect for making an impact at any low-key get-togethers. Each headband is sold separately. Made from a plastic band and a gold foil card sign, for £6.50 – head to notonthehighstreet.com BRING THE BUBBLES! No matter the situation, we could all use a little more colour in our lives… Introducing Bottega Accademia Rainbow Prosecco DOC, your new go-to celebratory serve! These six colourful bottles look truly terrific as a set and are guaranteed to add something special to your next celebration. £79.85 for all six at 31dover.com BLAME IT ON THE BOOGIE… A musical twist on a classic charades game, in the Silent…

CAPRICORN 22 December – 20 January It takes a strong Capricorn person like climate change activist Greta Thunberg or Strictly judge and best columnist Craig Revel Horwood to keep working through challenges and difficulties until they achieve the outcome they desire. Perseverance is undoubtedly key. AQUARIUS 21 January – 19 February Your first thought will be to offer to help when you notice a friend is struggling. You would do anything for anyone, but the end of the year is a time when others are likely to deal with their problems better and faster if left to their own devices. Rising to a creative challenge will add a dash of spice into your life. PISCES 20 February – 20 March You might feel you have lost sight of your dreams…

Use the anagrams, straight, cryptic, quiz and picture clues to solve the crossword. When completed correctly, the pink squares, reading top to bottom, left to right, will reveal the answer to the question below: What is PICTURE B’s very pleasing middle name? (7) This is your prize answer. Enter by using the numbers at the top of the grid or at hearstmagazines.co.uk/bestcross5320 ACROSS 1 What word can be both a commemorative tablet and a sticky deposit on your teeth? (6) 4 ANAGRAM DOCILE 7 Farmhouse cooker (3) 8 LET NUN show you the hidden underground passage (6) 9 PICTURE A Name this Partridge! (4) 10 Banish (5) 11 What gemstone is used to mark a 40th wedding anniversary? (4) 13 What is the French word for ‘milk’? (4) 15 See…

While many of us put our feet up and hit the chocolate during the 2020 lockdowns, somehow one-woman powerhouse and mum-of-three Davina McCall managed to stick to her regular exercise routine (while also scoffing toasted teacakes – she is only human, after all). Now the 53-year-old is encouraging us all to jump back on the health wagon this month, with the help of her online fitness platform, Own Your Goals. It’s free for seven days, so what have we got to lose? Here, she tells us all about the Reset Challenge… How did your health and fitness change during lockdown? What’s interesting is that actually my health and fitness didn’t really change that much at all, because I never go to a gym. The one thing that I do very occasionally…

THE CROWN SPECIAL…

PBJ SMOOTHIE SERVES ONE 2 large handfuls of mixed frozen berries2 tbsp peanut butter1 scoop (930g) vanilla protein powder250ml almond milk Put all ingredients into a blender and blitz until smooth. Add a splash of water if the smoothie is a little thick for your liking. MANCHEGO, CHILLI JAM AND OLIVE FRITTATA SERVES ONE. VEGGIE 1 red onion30g butter3 eggs1 tbsp milkSalt and pepper8 pitted mixed olives, roughly choppedHandful parsley, roughly chopped1 tbsp chilli jam, plus extra to serve, optional30g manchego cheese, gratedRocket salad, to serve 1. Preheat the grill to maximum. 2. Finely slice the red onion. 3. Melt the butter in a small non-stick ovenproof frying pan over a medium heat. Once bubbling, chuck in the sliced onion along with a pinch of salt. Cook, stirring occasionally for…

IS VAPING SAFE? My husband used to smoke 20 cigarettes a day and finally quit earlier this year, which I’m delighted about. However, he’s replaced the cigarettes with vaping – and he’s never off the thing! Is it definitely safe and, as he uses it indoors, what about our kids? Maggie, Streatham DR HILARY SAYS: You’ve every reason to feel delighted! He’s reduced his risk of developing heart disease and chronic lung disorders, such as bronchitis and emphysema. No doubt his exercise tolerance has improved and he has lessened the chances of developing lung cancer and other malignancies too. There will be financial benefits and the children are no longer exposed to second-hand smoke, reducing the chances of developing ear and chest infections, among other things. Vaping is considered by…

FIGHT FLEAS FAST! New Year, new start. Rid your home of pet fleas ★ CHECK YOUR PET: First things first, check your pet’s coat for ‘flea dirt’ - brown or black specs. Flea treatments such as Bob Martin Clear Plus Spot On, ?9.90, will kill all fleas and ticks. ★ TREAT YOUR HOME: Did you know only 5 per cent of fleas are on your pet and a huge 95 per cent are in the home? Fleas thrive in the warm. Bob Martin Clear Home Flea Bombs, ?6 each, will help to eliminate them. ★ CLEAN FURNITURE & STEAM-CLEAN HARD FLOORS & TILES: This helps destroy eggs, as well as fleas. VACUUM REGULARLY: High pile rugs and carpets are a flea hotspot, so hoover and change the dust bag regularly.…

Global superstar Josh Groban has sold over 30 million albums. The singer-turned-actor – who spent lockdown serenading his fans from his shower in his LA mansion – tells best how this pandemic changed his outlook on life and shaped the sound of his new album. The 39-year-old first shot to fame after duetting on the moving song Prayer with Céline Dion, aged just 16 – after standing in for a sick Andrea Bocelli at the 1999 Grammy rehearsals – and the rest was history. Here, Josh opens up about his depression, and why he believes music can be the ultimate healer in these troubled times. Tell us about your new album – was some of it recorded in lockdown? I had already recorded five songs and then the first lockdown happened.…

Her son caused quite a stir two weeks ago, when he posed on Instagram hugging his fiancée and wearing a wedding ring. But even if Brooklyn Beckham has secretly married, we doubt that will put his mum off throwing the couple a party! And reports suggest that mother-of-the-groom Victoria Beckham, 46, could be fretting over whether to invite Prince William or Prince Harry to her son’s upcoming wedding celebrations… The former Spice Girl – now more famous for her fashion empire than her singing – attended the weddings of both the Royals, and is thought to be friendly with American Meghan Markle, 39, following her and Harry’s move across the pond earlier this year. That said, the Duchess of Sussex is also regularly spotted in Victoria Beckham garments – a…

Perk up pasta Sacla’s new Vegan Chilli Pesto, £2.50, swaps cheese with tofu, making it ideal if you are following a plant-based eating plan. It also packs a flavour punch, thanks to the combo of chillies, ripe tomatoes and sweet red peppers. Stir a spoon or two through your favourite pasta for a quick and easy mid-week meal. Free-from fizz! Enjoy a booze-free tipple this January by treating yourself to a bottle of Freixenet 0.0% Rosé, £5. Made with Moscato and Tempranillo grapes, this alcohol-free sparkling rosé is perfect to enjoy as a pre-dinner treat, and it goes down nicely with puddings, too! LOVELY LASAGNE Meat-free and marvellous! For a twist on lasagne, try WW Butternut Squash & Spinach Lasagne, £2.55. This meat-free dish is made using only ingredients you…

1 EXFOLIATE Beat dullness by sloughing away dead skin cells. Cleansers with mild exfoliating enzymes like Mario Badescu Enzyme Cleansing Gel, £12.50 (beautybay.com) are a quick-fix, but for a long-term approach, use an acid exfoliator twice a week. Lactic acid is one of the more gentle acids and promotes hydration, while glycolic acid boosts cell renewal. Salicylic acid is the best choice if you have congestion, as it penetrates into the pores to unclog them. Some formulations, such as Ren Ready Steady Glow Daily AHA Tonic, £25 (which contains lactic acid and salicin from willow bark, a version of salicylic acid, and gives a luminous base under make-up) can be used every day. 2 ADD COLOUR ‘A cool, pink blush lifts tired complexions when applied on the apples of the…

WONDER WOMAN ITV Hub Gal Gadot is the hero with a kind heart and a magic lasso, who is drawn into World War I and a duel with a German general. One for the female warriors out there! BILLY ELLIOT BBCiPlayer Jamie Bell danced his way into the public eye and bagged a Bafta for this delightful drama, about a boy who dares to be different up North in the Eighties. DIRTY DANCING Channel 5, Wednesday, 6pm Kicking off a Patrick Swayze triple bill, this iconic dance drama sees the star put Jennifer Grey through her paces at a Sixties American Summer camp.…