Table of contents for 25-2019 in Best

Would you bake your own wedding cake? Everyone knows that weddings are an expensive affair – the average ceremony costs an eye-watering £30,355*. That’s the same as a house deposit! So, to help people shave a few pounds off their total bill, baking brand Stork has launched a limited-edition DIY ‘bake by numbers’ cake for an extremely reasonable £50. Far cheaper than the high-end alternatives. However, would you want the responsibility of baking a cake in the precious hours leading up to your big day? What if it all went wrong at the last minute? Or would you not care how it looked, as long as it had the personal touch and was made with love? Let us know what you think! WHAT DO YOU THINK? Tell us at facebook.com/bestmagazine…

My husband was the one to suggest a relationship therapist. Since he hates to talk, it came as a shock. It transpired that he felt unloved, that the kids and work were all I cared about, and that he’d become another thing on my to-do list. Now, after 28 years of marriage, he was wondering if he still loved me. The therapy was a last-ditch effort to fix things before calling it quits. These revelations provoked fury in me. To me, it seemed that every part of his life, including his family, always stood behind his first love, architecture. How dare he now claim to be the unloved one? Ours was your classic 21st century marriage in crisis. Two draining jobs, demanding kids, little time for each other, and a…

It was a seemingly innocent act of generosity that brought Marlen Ochoa-Lopez knocking on death’s door. An American high school student, the pretty 19-year-old had far more than homework and nights out on her mind. Happily married to her childhood sweetheart, Yovani Lopez, since 2016, the couple had a three-year-old son, Joshua, and one on the way. They’d grown up fast, and now their children were their world. When Joshua raced his beloved Lightning McQueen car across her blossoming bump, Marlen couldn’t wait to see her sons play together. All she wanted was the best for them, but money was tight. How would they afford all the things they needed? On a Facebook page called ‘Help A Sister Out’ last March, she was offered a lifeline. ‘Who is due in…

THE LION KING: ORIGINAL BROADWAY CAST RECORDING Get ready for the forthcoming movie, rumoured to be roarsome, by catching up with Elton John and Tim Rice’s incredible score that tells the tale of young Simba, the lion born to be king. HEATHERS THE MUSICAL: ORIGINAL WEST END CAST RECORDING West End wonder Carrie Hope Fletcher heads up the cast in this musical version of the dark tale of teenage murder and mayhem, made famous by the 1984 movie. This new recording includes three brand new songs. WAITRESS: ORIGINAL BROADWAY CAST RECORDING Tony Award winner Jessie Mueller plays Jenna, a waitress and expert piemaker in a small town who tries to bake her way out of a loveless marriage. With some belting songs, it’s a recipe for happiness.…

1 STAR OF THE SHOW? The Royals were out in force for the Trooping The Colour, recently, and it was hard not to be entertained by adorable little Louis. While his siblings watched the action, he was snapped – with Prince William and Kate – pulling funny faces. The cheeky 13-month-old had us in stitches… and afterwards, the little cutie waved with more enthusiasm than we’ve ever seen! Bless! 2 KILLER CATWALK Who wowed the crowd? Series 2 of Killing Eve is back and, aside from the-cat and-mouse storyline, we continue to be gripped by the outfits worn by Villanelle, played by Jodie Comer. As forthe wacky pyjamas, the fashion designer behind the show revealed they were-custom-made, using fabric sourced from funkifabrics.com. We’ll be keeping our eyes peeled for…

Sadly, Jessie found out four years ago that she may never be able to have children. She told best, ‘Someone asked recently if working on The Voice Kids with children made me really depressed. I was like, “What? It’s gorgeous!” I don’t go through life thinking everything is about me.’ But Jessie added, ‘Hey, I still believe in miracles.’ In 2012, she said of her fertility struggles, ‘I don’t believe it. I haven’t given up.’ One thing putting a smile on her face, though, is chiselled Magic Mike actor Channing Tatum, 39. They began dating last October, and she regularly posts steamy snaps of him on social media. Jessie revealed, ‘We’re having a lovely time… and, yes, he looks great naked in the shower!’…

1 Notice something good your spouse did. (Actively look for it, if you have to.) Now, thank them for doing it, without any caveats. It will leave them feeling valued and you feeling grateful. 2 Say or do five nice things to your spouse for every snippy thing you say. I find early in the morning, right after you both get home from work, and last thing at night are easy times to get three of those out of the way. ‘Did you sleep well?’, ‘I’m so glad you’re home,’ and then your chosen version of ‘good night’. Two more of those, and it’s safe to talk about the unfolded laundry. 3 Celebrate your spouse’s victories. One interviewee told me that when his wife’s paper got accepted by a prestigious…

Lamb and mint burgers A great flavour combo that will have guests coming back for more – and more! Makes 8 Prep: 20 mins Cook: 20 mins Per serving: Kcals 432, fat 17.5g, sat fat 7.5g, carbs 40g 900g lamb minceLarge handful fresh mint leaves, finely chopped, plus leaves to garnish1 egg, lightly beatenFlour for dusting8 bread rolls, halved1 red onion, peeled and sliced into ringsHandful of baby gem lettuce or leaves of your choiceAbout 4-6 tomatoes, slicedTzatziki, to serve 1 Add lamb mince to a bowl, along with the mint. Season well and mix together, then add the egg and squish together, using your hands, until really well combined. 2 With floured hands, divide mixture into eight even pieces, then scoop each one up, roll into a ball and…

TOP TIP Combine rich terracotta, animal accessories and tribal prints to create an exotic look.…

…making it big in classical music as a saxophonist If someone had told me – when I first picked up a saxophone in the Barracudas Carnival Band in Barrow-in-Furness – that I would get a classical number one for my first album release, I wouldn’t have believed them in a million years! …passing on her talents I started teaching the saxophone when I was about 13, tutoring a couple of groups; then I taught a boy with Down’s syndrome for quite a few years, such a rewarding experience. I absolutely love teaching, but with performing so much at the moment it’s very difficult to maintain the continuity you need. …making people fall in love with classical music Obviously, I don’t think classical music is boring! I’d love younger people to…

ALAN CARR’S EPIC GAMESHOW The team are looking for: lively solo players to face-off against the gong on TAKE YOUR PICK. Groups of 10 or to ‘come on down’ for a game of THE PRICE IS RIGHT. Amateur darts players and their quizmaster friends to hit the BULLSEYE. Loved-up and bickering couples willing to PLAY YOUR CARDS RIGHT. Friends, family, partners and co-workers who can avoid the hotspots and STRIKE IT LUCKY. Email epic@talkback.co.uk by midnight on Sunday 7 July. THE VOICE 2020 Have you got what it takes to make the famous coaches’ chairs spin? The Voice is back and looking for the next vocal sensation! If you, or someone you know, think you could be The Voice of 2020, log on to the link below to apply by…

Worth £119.99! Say hello to perfect curls and poker-straight locks every time with the Remington Curl & Straight Confidence 2 in 1 Straightener! The styler features ingenious twisted plates, unique to Remington, which make it as easy as possible for you to create bouncy curls and relaxed waves, as well as a sleek, straight look. Simply glide down your hair for a straight style, or rotate 180° and glide downwards to create curly styles – it’s as easy as that. Five lucky best readers can win a styler, worth £119.99. For details on how to enter, see right. HOW TO ENTER ONLINE: Save money by entering online at hearstmagazines.co.uk/best2519 by midnight on 5 July 2019. POST: Send a postcard with your name, address and contact number to Best/Remington Giveaway, GVBSTN19406,…

TRAVEL SNAPSHOT From the Balearic beach clubs to the ancient charms of the city and Cathedral, you’ll find whatever you’re looking for during a short-haul break in Palma. Michelin-star dining, Baroque bars, sunshine, sea and shopping – it’s all here. Around a two-hour flight from most British airports, it’s a world away in terms of lifestyle. The best way to navigate the labyrinth of streets is with a private walking tour (google activities. easyjet.com/en-gb/mallorca-l47/palmaprivate-guided-walking-tour-t1221). Alternatively, buy a bus pass for the hop-on, hop-off tour that leaves every 45 minutes from the Cathedral. Your pass is viable for 24 hours. INSIDER’S GUIDE If anyone wants to marry in the Cathedral and they’re Catholic, it’s free! There is a two-year waiting list, but it’s hard to beat as a venue. Building started…

Win EVERY WEEK WIN 1 X £200, 2 X £100 OR 3 X £50 PRIZES 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: Toy Story 4 hits the big screen this week – who lends his voice to new character Duke Caboom? (5,6) This is your prize answer. See below for details on how to enter. ACROSS 1 What piece of music by Ravel is now almost synonymous with skaters Torvill and Dean? (6) 4 What type of ‘list’ itemises the activities and achievement a person hopes to accomplish in their lifetime? (6) 7 Pub counter (3) 8 Cognac (6) 9 & 11A PICTURE…

With her BBC costume drama, Gentleman Jack, wowing audiences on both sides of the Atlantic, the future seems brighter than ever for Suranne Jones. But the former Corrie actress, 40, has spoken about a heartbreaking part of her recent history. Her mother, Jenny, was diagnosed with vascular dementia and passed away two-and-a-half years ago, shortly after the birth of Suranne’s son in March 2016. A long-time supporter of the Alzheimer’s Society, Suranne recently joined 59-year-old Paul Hoskins – who has Pick’s disease, a rare form of dementia – to bake a batch of cupcakes inspired by one of Paul’s favourite childhood memories. The pair were introduced by the charity, and Suranne said, ‘I was really grateful to Paul for opening up about his dementia. Baking together really allowed us to…

TOP TIP Keep a kimono in your beach bag, and slip it on when you need extra coverage. TOP TIP A sheer shirt dress can double up as an evening outfit, just replace your cossie with a black slip. TOP TIP Cobalt blue flatters all skin types, and is a great way to warm up your skin on holiday.…

Jump in! Pick up a khaki jumpsuit now and you’ll wear it well into autumn. It’s a tie Emphasise an hourglass figure with a tie waist. Dress the part Fit and flare or classic wrap-style dresses are always a figure-flattering option. Green goddess Not a fan of summer brights or pretty pastels? Classy khaki is the perfect summer compromise.…

HOW IT WORKS 1 The foods we eat can definitely make a difference to how much stress we feel. Nutrients like magnesium, found in wholegrains like oats and brown rice, and calcium in dairy food, can help us feel more relaxed, while healthy Omega 3 fats in oily fish, avocado and olives seem to calm our brains, so we don’t get wound up by minor niggles. 2 As for fruit and vegetables, when researchers in New Zealand looked at what happened to people’s emotions the day after they ate certain foods, they found that mood improved the day after people got their five-a-day. So, if you want to feel happier fast, pack your plates with produce. 3 Lastly, steer clear of sugary drinks and stick instead to water, tea and…

SHE STOLE MY THUNDER! My whole life, I’ve felt like I’ve always been the last out of my friends to do the ‘grown-up’ stuff. I’m 44 and recently got engaged for the first time – a big deal for me. But at my engagement party, my oldest friend revealed she was expecting again and the entire bash basically turned into a celebration for her. I’d never begrudge her happiness, but she knows how much this moment meant to me – why couldn’t she let me enjoy the limelight, for just one afternoon?! Rebecca, Torquay Congratulations! You’re engaged. You’re happy. You’re 44. Now’s the time to start acting like the grown-up you say you’ve taken ages to get round to becoming. Frankly, you sound like a four-year-old here. Your pal rained…

Rob Lowe, 55, has been married to make-up artist Sheryl Berkoff since 1991, and they have two sons. He shot to fame in the 80s in a host of teen films and went on to star in The West Wing. What appealed to you about Wild Bill? I responded to the notion of playing this cynical, jaded, know-it-all, fish-out-of-water character in a really different landscape. Tell us about your character? Bill is very much a curmudgeon and a misanthrope. And I am not. I’m really optimistic and very embracing of new things. I love coming to England and almost everything about it. I get to be a proper Englishman for the time I’m here. Bill, on the other hand, is counting the days until he can go back to the…

Nicki Chapman, the presenter who first found fame as a judge alongside Simon Cowell on Pop Idol, admits she was terrified when, after experiencing a loss of speech, doctors discovered she had a brain tumour at the back of her head – and was told by surgeons she would need a risky operation. The brave 52-year-old, who is married to music mogul Dave Shackleton, hopes that by opening up about what she’s going through, she can help others who find themselves in a similar earth-shattering situation… How are you feeling after your recent operation? I’m feeling so much better. I certainly didn’t expect to be diagnosed with a brain tumour when the year started! But there you go, you never know what is round the corner. I had very few symptoms and…

RICHARD MADDEN IS A GEMINI 22 May – 21 June You’ll have no problems changing the status quo and, rather than continuing with outdated systems, methods or policies, you’ll successfully convince others that a transformation is necessary. VIRGO 24 August – 23 September You tend to obsess over your responsibilities. You’re good at research and digging deep to find out facts. You should also learn to recognise when it’s time to let go. You suspect your partner hasn’t been honest with you, but the truth could lead to heartache. Some mysteries are best left unresolved. SAGITTARIUS 23 November – 21 December Someone wants you to join them in plans they are making. Whatever they’re up to, it will be totally different to the usual way you spend your days and…