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The shops are filled with flowers, gifts, cards (see page 75 for a few ideas on those), and love hearts. If you’re thinking more along the lines of a home-made treat, simply turn to page 49 for an amazing cake. Want something special for yourself? Enter our competition on page 34 to win £400 to spend at The Diamond Store – after all, they are a girl’s best friend. And if, like me, you are single, Sinitta talks about dating again as she turns 60, on page 46. ‘It’s not bad’ may not sound like a ringing endorsement (that made me laugh), but I humbly suggest you need to be in the game to win it. Former Blue Peter presenter Tim Vincent visits a bargain price London hotel with spectacular…

Just months into King Charles’ reign, Prince Andrew’s already tenuous role within the Royal hierarchy seems to be sliding further. It was reported last week that Andrew has been asked by his brother to vacate his Buckingham Palace apartment. It follows the continued controversy surrounding his friendship with the late convicted paedophile Jeffrey Epstein. The Prince won’t be out in the cold entirely. He still lives with his ex-wife, Sarah Ferguson, at Royal Lodge in Windsor. But the suite has been Andrew’s bolthole since his split from Sarah in 1992, where he entertained celebrities including Caprice. Over the years, Sarah has stuck stoically by her ex. Asked last October if they would ever remarry, she teased: ‘All I can say is, we’re happy with the way things are right now……

Fastening up my black shirt and securing my dog collar, I looked in the mirror and smiled. At the age of 65, I was about to step onto the altar to take part in my first service as Curate Deacon – or, in other words, a trainee priest. I’d never have imagined this is where I would end up – nor that it would take me over six decades to get here – but I knew I’d finally found my calling in life… Growing up, I wasn’t career minded. I dreamt of marriage and children. My parents didn’t take us to church but they sent my sister and I to Sunday school and Mum would always say ‘God bless,’ whenever she said goodbye to anyone. I liked having something to…

Arriving home from work one day, I found the boyfriend in his usual position, slumped in an armchair, reading newspapers, with Frankie the cat curled up on his lap and equally semi-comatose. At least he had one useful purpose, I’d thought – keeping my darling pet warm while I was away. I dumped my bag on the floor and walked across the room. ‘Hello, sweetie-pie,’ I cooed, gently wrapping my arms around my darling and exchanging kisses before heading for the kitchen. ‘Let’s get you something nice to eat…’ Couch Potato, whose real name escapes me, kept staring at me as I put down a saucer of kitty treats. ‘If you had to choose between me and the cat, who would you pick?’ he asked. I said nothing. There was…

HOW IT WORKS 1 Did you know successful slimmers often have one thing in common? They’ve all followed a diet that’s increased their fibre intake. Sure enough, it seems that foods containing fibre, such as wholegrains, beans, fruit and vegetables, have helped countless people slim. So how exactly does it work? 2 We’ve long thought fibre was diet-friendly, as it helps fill us up on fewer calories, leading to weight loss. However, now studies show fibre also helps control appetite-regulating peptides, associated with increased satiety and reduced food intake. So, say hello to your new best friend – fibre! 3 Our seven-day plan has breakfast, lunch, dinner and one snack a day. You can fill up on crudités, too. It’s not recommended to up your fibre overnight. Our plan helps…

TOP TIP! Only burn candles for a few hours at a time whilst under supervision and gently blow out the flame to avoid any hot wax from splattering.…

Fancy a brand new Zara dress for £7? An LK Bennett jacket for £6? Or a luxury leather Ri2K handbag – which normally retails for over £100 – for just £3.99? Then head for your nearest charity shop. Once slightly shabby places with that peculiar musty smell, they’ve recently undergone a complete revolution. Many now resemble upmarket boutiques with the only difference being the price tags – high in pricey dress shops, amazingly low in the charity ones. Fast fashion used to be the buzzword with cheap clothes bought online and disposed of after two or three wears. But the cost-of-living crisis and fears about climate change have turned hyper-consumerists into eco-conscious shoppers. The buzzwords now are recycle, reuse, reduce. It’s not just your wallet benefiting from second-hand shopping. Charity…

They say the course of true love never runs smoothly but for one female police officer, it was far worse than that when she discovered the man she’d fallen for – and the father to her unborn baby – was an armed robber. Not only did he end up behind bars before their baby was born, but their relationship also ended her career, leaving her heartbroken, unemployed and a single mum of three. A new podcast, Stolen Hearts, has delved into the fascinating case. In many ways, Jill Evans was a successful woman. Having joined Dyfed-Powys Police in 1990, she was climbing the career ladder at a rate of knots. A sergeant, she had received an award for bravery after risking her own life to thwart a young man’s suicide…

AQUARIUS 21 January - 19 February Aquarians like American Beauty actress Mena Suvari and pop star and ex-Take That member Robbie Williams will prefer to rely on instinct rather than logic. This will give them information that other people may not understand but will appreciate when they see the results. They should stick with it. TAURUS 21 April – 21 May If you flow with the tide, the more harmonious life will be. Someone may be spoiling for a fight and sometimes it is not worth the time or bother arguing, so let it go and move on. You have other more important things to prioritise. Happiness will come from being with people you care for most and doing things you love. LEO 24 July – 23 August Be ready…

BAD CIRCULATION When I come into the warm from being outside in these very cold temperatures, my hands and feet literally start burning! Do I simply have bad circulation? And, if so, is there anything I can do to prevent this? It makes these colder months so unbearable, and it’s also really embarrassing. My ears in particular go bright red! Sheila, Blackpool DR HILARY SAYS: It sounds like you have something known as Raynaud’s phenomenon. This is a sensitivity to cold weather, which closes down the small blood vessels in the hands and feet, and sometimes the ears, nose and lips. It can also occur if you are anxious or stressed. The fingers and toes may be painful or numb, they may have restricted movement and pins and needles. The digits…

I fall into a fitful sleep, the ringing of my phone gets mixed up with my dreams, and I almost miss the call. I glance at the alarm and jolt upright. A call at 2.45am can only bring bad news. A wave of nausea climbs up my throat as I answer. ‘Hello. Is that Alice Brentford?’ ‘Yes,’ I reply, urgency piercing my voice. ‘Who is this?’ ‘This is Doctor Kumari from the Royal General. We have a heart that is a match. You need to get here ASAP.’ I have waited so long for this call, that I have stopped waiting. As my life slowly ebbs away, so does my hope. I grab an already-packed bag from the foot of my wardrobe. One piece of advice I was given by…

GOOD ON PAPER Netflix It’s the run-up to Valentine’s Day – so we’ve got your covered with the latest rom-coms! Stand-up comedian Andrea should have trusted her gut about not dating her new guy friend. Red flags? Ignored. Best friend’s doubts? Brushed off. Regrets? More than a few… THERE’S SOMETHING ABOUT MARY Amazon Prime Video In this total classic, Ted is still in love with his high-school prom date, Mary, despite a certain humiliating incident between them many years ago… Starring Cameron Diaz and Ben Stiller. DESPERADOS Netflix After drunkenly sending a cringe-worthy email to the man of her affections, hopeless romantic Wes heads to Mexico with her best friends to erase the note – before her new love reads it.…

Karen Hauer has been dancing since she was eight years old, and was already teaching dance in New York by the time she was 15. She joined Strictly Come Dancing in 2012, and is now the longest serving professional dancer on the show. She opens up about her wedding last year to husband Jordan Wyn-Jones in a secret ceremony in the Hampshire countryside. Back on tour this month with fellow Strictly dancer, Gorka Márquez, Karen explains why she would love to join the Strictly judging panel. You married your husband, Jordan, last June – was it hard to keep it all secret till the big day? It was really hard, because we had to keep it small but a lot of my Strictly friends couldn’t come, because they were on…

1 COMPARE, COMPARE, COMPARE It may be that you can reduce repayments or pay less interest by switching to a different type of card. For instance, you could move from a standard APR card to one with an interest-free period, switch to a credit card with better rewards, or shift debt from multiple credit cards to a single card. Shop around online and compare cards to find one that best suits your needs and circumstances. Use comparison websites, such as Compare the Market or MoneySuperMarket. 2 CHECK YOUR CREDIT SCORE! Katie Brain, Defaqto’s consumer banking expert, says: ‘The best deals on the market tend to only be available to those with an excellent credit rating, so where there is the option to check your eligibility, this is worth doing.’ Find…

Sally Lindsay, 49, first found fame in Phoenix Nights (well, unless you count her starring role in the St Winifred’s School Choir). An actress and comedian, she spent five years in Corrie playing Shelley and she’s been a Loose Woman as well as presented game shows. Married to musician Steve White, with whom she shares twin boys Vic and Louie, 12, we caught up with her to talk about The Madame Blanc Mysteries – the cosy crime series set in the sun-soaked haven of St Victoire in the South of France, which follows Jean White, an antiques dealer who turns sleuth after the death of her husband. Proving everyone loves a French fancy, it’s a smash hit on Channel 5, it’s also big in South America – and is now available on DVD. Is it true you got…

‘There is nothing worse, nothing more annoying, in my view, than a fussy eater. It drives me mad when people take three hours to order their main course because it needs to be this way, not that, with this on but not that. I’m not talking about people with allergies or dietary conditions, but those people are rare. I’m talking about people who invent allergies in order to avoid eating things like bread. “I can’t eat bread, I’m wheat intolerant” is one of the biggest lies of modern times. I know people who do it! Obviously, I get that people have different tastes but there’s picky and there’s PICKY. No one is born with strange, picky eating habits but it’s no wonder there are so many, given that parents these…

FAKE IT YOURSELF Petal power face mask If you’re lucky enough to get a bouquet of roses this month, give your blooms a new lease of life in the bathroom. The oils in roses have a moisturising and anti-inflammatory effect, which makes the flower an ideal mask ingredient for Winter-worn skin. Just before they turn, pluck 6-8 petals and soak in water for an hour. Take out of water and crush in a bowl. Add in 1 tbsp plain yogurt and 1 tbsp honey, and apply the paste to your face for five minutes before rinsing thoroughly. 1 THE COMFORT FIX  Zara Rose Gourmand EDP, £19.99 (80ml), has a sense of luxury about it. Paired with vanilla and tonka, this is the fragrance equivalent of wrapping yourself in a cashmere blanket…

Listening to the news, I tried not to panic. The reporter was talking about the cost-of-living crisis, the rise in gas and energy bills as well as impending food costs going through the roof. It was June last year and I’d spent much of late 2021 and 2022 without heating to try to keep our bills down. I was a single mum to three gorgeous boys – then aged 11, 17 and 21 and it seemed that those already struggling were about to be hit even harder. ‘It’s a real worry,’ I said to my close friends. I didn’t want my boys to go without and I was genuinely worried about putting enough food on the table. We could always put on more layers and use less electricity to keep…

French Martini Try something with a little je ne sais quoi. Hands-on time: 10min. Makes 6 • 300ml vodka• 125ml raspberry liqueur• 500ml pineapple juice Measure the vodka, raspberry liqueur and pineapple juice into a large jug. Stir well and fill the jug with ice. Allow to sit until it’s well chilled (about 5min). Strain out the ice and divide among six martini glasses. Add a few frozen raspberries to each glass, if you like, and serve. Fruity Spritz A refreshing long drink. Hands-on time: 5min. Makes 6 • 150ml London Dry gin• 4 mint sprigs, plus extra to garnish• Ice, to muddle and serve• 100ml pear liqueur• Juice of 1 lime• 750ml chilled ginger beer, we used Belvoir pressé Shake gin, mint and a few ice cubes in a…

Cathy Vincent boasts a wardrobe full of designer clothes but she’s never paid more than a tenner for any. ‘I am literally addicted to charity shops. Nothing beats the thrill of finding a gorgeous dress from a well-known brand and paying less than a tenth of what it would normally cost, she says. ‘I’ve had some amazing bargains like a Hobbs jacket for £7, Per Una dress for £8, Fat Face T-shirts for £4 and a River Island bag for just a fiver.’ Cathy, 53, from Hampshire, also said the fact she has paid so little for her designer labels means she gets more wear out of them. ‘I think if you have paid a fortune for something, you worry about wearing it in case you get a stain on…

She’s dated Simon Cowell and Brad Pitt – and is famous for her age-defying body, but at 59, pop star Sinitta is single and she’s had enough! So, appropriately enough, just in time for Valentine’s Day, she decided to get back out there and find romance. The American-born mum of two separated from her hubby Andy Willner in 2010, but their adopted children, Zak, 17, and Madeline, 18, live at home with their mum. Revealing recently that it was her son who encouraged her to get back out there, she recalled: ‘He said to me: “We’re away at school now – you shouldn’t be alone.” I was quite taken aback, as I thought they liked having me to themselves, but I was like wow, OK.’ Talking on Lorraine, Sinitta also…

A NEW CONFIDENCE Now she’s tackled the ice, The Vivienne says she wants to learn to drive! It’s a newfound confidence. I saw this happen with my 2011 partner, Loose Women’s Denise Welch. That happens a lot on this show, and it’s quite magical. TRUE ICONS This week coming, we have a brand-new theme called ‘Icons’. It’ll be massive icons of the music industry, so really big dance tracks for us, though I can’t yet spill the beans on what people are dancing to! GO TEAM I think we need to give props to our hair and wardrobe team. The looks they are creating – especially for musicals week – are sensational. They are some of the most talented people on the planet. Every time someone from the show saw…

Graeme Hall gave up on a career in management consultancy to try dog training. His meteoric rise meant he was soon swamped with clients wanting help with poorly behaved pooches, and soon the TV people came knocking, and Dogs Behaving (Very) Badly was born. Now Graeme, known for his tweed jackets, waistcoats and natty cravats, crosses country like a fourth emergency service! Graeme, 56, who lives with partner Elinor in Warwickshire, estimates he has assisted some 6,000 canines. Here, he tells us about his life as a ‘celeb’, his advice for dog owners, and what he’d say if Strictly came calling… Hi Graeme, my dog and I are great fans of the show. That’s good to know – what sort of dog do you have? A Cavapoo called Murphy… Ah…

1 Positive pod HAPPIER WITH GRETCHEN RUBIN (APPLE, SPOTIFY, GOOGLE) The bestselling author of The Happiness Project packs every podcast with life-affirming and totally doable tips and tricks. From how clearing clutter could improve your frame of mind, to the psychology of comfort eating, it’ll encourage you to reflect on yourself and help sidestep stumbling blocks to happiness. 2 Running support NHS COUCH TO 5K (APPLE, GOOGLE) In partnership with the BBC, think of this as your in-ear running coach, featuring famous voices from Sarah Millican to Denise Lewis to guide you through a nine-week plan with the goal of running 5K at the end. It’s perfect for beginners, telling you when to run and when to walk, keeping you motivated and on track. 3 Lifestyle inspiration FEEL BETTER, LIVE…

ROSES AND BUBBLY… Show someone special just how loved they are this Valentine’s Day! Whether it’s for a partner or the girls in your life – who could say no to flowers and bubbles at the same time?! £34.99 from prestigeflowers.co.uk LOVE IS IN THE AIR… Do something different this Valentine’s Day and say it with a balloon! From £22, this luxurious bunch of hearts will make your beloved skip a beat on the 14th. Head to bubblegumballoons.com for a variety of lovable balloons to choose from. Cute! BROWNIE IN A BOX Brownies are great gifts – especially when it comes to showing your love! This sensationally sweet box of goodies contains the following flavoured brownies… Lotus Biscuit, Ferrero Rocher, Triple Chocolate, Nutella, Salted Caramel and Kinder Bueno – all…

TRAVEL SNAPSHOT ‘When you’re tired of London, you’re tired of life,’ so said the writer Samuel Johnson back in 1777, but the saying rang so true it’s still used today. London is many things to many people and depending on where you stay, you may leave with a totally different impression of her. But if you are drawn to the water and love history – old and new – the Tower Hotel is only a short distance from the infamous Tower of London, where many literally lost their heads, and the newer Shard (right), now the tallest building in the UK and one of the most popular attractions in the city. INSIDER’S GUIDE Rule Britannia – if you’re drawn to the waves, river boats and water taxis leave from Tower…

Susanna Reid appeared on ITV’s Lorraine recently wearing a fetching pair of pink pyjamas, to discuss the importance of sleep. But during the interview, in which the 52-year-old talked about her early starts, she made a shocking confession – that she drinks nine cups of coffee a day, to power her through GMB – a three-hour show. Let’s say, Scottish host Lorraine certainly looked a little concerned at her ITV colleague’s admission! Susanna, who appeared alongside best columnist Dr Hilary Jones, confessed: ‘I thought it was eight cups of coffee I have, but they told me it was nine in the green room this morning. ‘I have nine cups of coffee every morning!’ She did go on to say that she doesn’t ‘finish a cup’ and makes sure to have no caffeine…

Britain may have talent but, as filming auditions got under way recently, it seemed (from the outside at least) that all was not well with the judging panel. The auditions for the talent show, which usually airs in March, are traditionally a welcome sign of Spring – but this year seems to be different. Following the exit of judge David Walliams, Alesha Dixon tweeted last week that she would ‘miss you very dearly’, adding, ‘Thank you [David] for an amazing 10 years on BGT. I love you very much.’ Why do that so publicly? It felt like a rather frosty reception for flamboyant Italian dancer-turned-presenter Bruno Tonioli, who has agreed to take David’s place after the Little Britain star left the show following reports that he had been heard criticising…

JOIN THE CONVERSATION Who is your weird TV crush? It’s the season of love and – if we’re entirely honest – there have been some unusual small-screen characters we’ve fallen for over the years. Frank Spencer from Some Mothers Do’Ave ’Em for one. The programme first aired on 15 February 1973 – one day after Valentine’s Day – and the nation fell for the accident-prone goof, who was just trying to navigate life while looking after his wife, Betty, and their baby. Played brilliantly by Michael Crawford, Frank wasn’t your typical hunk, but he was endearing and always made us laugh. What non-traditional TV ‘hotties’ float your boat? Let us know… WHAT DO YOU THINK? Tell us at facebook.com/bestmagazine Cooking with love They say the way to someone’s heart is…

OATMEAL Oats have amazing skin benefits, especially during Winter. Containing avenanthramides they have anti-irritant and anti-inflammatory effects, and will calm redness and irritation. They also have a high lipid content making them the go-to for those with dry, itchy skin. HOW TO USE ANTI-AGEING OAT SOAK Soak one to two cups uncooked oats in hot water. Add 2 tbsp honey and leave for five minutes, then pour under running water. Full of natural antioxidants that help defend against signs of ageing. Soak for at least 10 minutes for softer, smoother limbs. POWER-UP WITH THE KOREAN HALF BATH Known as ban-shin-yok, this involves filling your bath with warm water to the same height as your belly button when sitting. Everything above should stay out of water. The contrast in temperature helps…

We are offering one lucky winner the chance to spend £400 at TheDiamondStore.co.uk, the UK’s largest online diamond retailer. With thousands of dazzling products to choose from, they have the perfect selection for all occasions, including Valentine’s Day, which is just around the corner. Sparkle in their diamond pendants, steal the show in their statement drop earrings, or look and feel a million dollars in their colourful cocktail rings. If you are tying the knot or celebrating a marriage milestone, their ethical online store is diamond heaven; filled with engagement rings, wedding bands and eternity rings, from classic to the most extravagant styles. They have also launched their new sustainable lab diamond range and coloured lab diamond range. If you are stuck for choice or need advice on the different…

BRING BACK BED JACKETS I’m being very retro right now. Not only am I using a darning mushroom for no other reason than actual darning, but I also sat up in bed the other day and wished I had a bed jacket. It’s cold, really cold – and, like everyone else, we’re trying to economise on the electricity bills by not turning on the heating. Consequently, when I sit up in bed first thing, in order to take my prescription drugs and put my face on, I’m freezing. Yes, I have got a dressing gown, but it’s too long and bulky and, yes, I have got cardigans and hoodies and jumpers and woolly scarves, but I don’t have a fit-for-purpose bed jacket, preferably quilted, maybe with a silk ribbon tie…

Condensed Milk Cheesecake with Aromatic Poached Peaches This cheesecake is super light and fluffy. Hands-on time 35min, plus cooling and (overnight) chilling. Cooking time about 1hr. Serves 8 • 250g gingernut biscuits• 75g unsalted butter, melted• 150g Philadelphia cream cheese• 75g condensed milk• 1tbsp lemon juice• 4 medium eggs, separated, plus 1 whole egg• 60g plain flour• 100g caster sugar FOR THE POACHED PEACHES • 4 ripe peaches, see tip• 400ml rosé wine• 75g caster sugar• 2 fresh bay leaves• 1 vanilla pod, split lengthways 1 Grease and base-line a deep 20.5cm round cake tin with baking parchment. Wrap the outside base and sides with a double layer of foil to make the tin water-tight. Whizz biscuits in a food processor until finely crushed (alternatively bash them in a food…

COST-OFLIVING STRESS Vanessa, I know I’m not alone, but I am finding things difficult financially, what with the cost-of-living crisis. I’m a single mum-of-three, seriously struggling on a part-time job to pay my bills, and all my (admittedly grown-up) kids have birthdays coming up in the next couple of months. I want to spoil them but I can barely afford to buy a takeaway as a treat. Any suggestions? I’m so upset about it. Gillian, Penrith I know our children will always be our babies, however old they get, but for heaven’s sake cut yourself some slack! Your kids are fully grown adults. They’re not going to fall apart or feel unloved if presents are skimpy or even non-existent in a cost-of-living crisis. If they are anything like their mother,…

Do you have a story you’d like to share with our amazing army of best readers? We’re looking for real-life stories from women just like you and your friends – and will pay up to £250 for all those that make it into these pages. Stories can be funny, sad, emotional, inspirational – just like some of the examples on this page. The only rule: they must be true. Have you been on a diet that changed your life? Have you battled against tough times and come out fighting? Have you found love or happiness against the odds? If you – or a friend – have a story to share, whatever the subject, do drop us a line, with your contact details, a photo and a brief outline of your…

Superstar actress/singer Jennifer Lopez is all about weddings right now – in her personal and professional life! Here, the stunning 53-year-old (53, really?!) talks about her two big days with husband Ben Affleck and her second movie in a row as a bride in Shotgun Wedding, filmed in the dreamy Dominican Republic and co-starring Josh Duhamel. The star also opens up on all she’s learned about marriage through playing a bride, how Ben is her perfect partner – and gives us her honest thought on what your style of wedding dress can say… Jen, we saw you in Marry Me last year, now Shotgun Wedding and you’ve just had two weddings in real life. What is it about being a bride you love so much? Ha, I don’t know. It…

HERE’S TO THE FUTURE, SCRIBBLER.COM Plan on annoying your beloved for the rest of your life? Then look no further than this funny, futuristic card from Scribbler at £3.49! I LOVE YOU MORE… PAPERCHASE.COM Love your partner more than your favourite snack? This card (Paperchase isn’t shutting just moving to Tesco, hurrah!) will make someone smile for £3! KEEP IT PERSONAL.. NOTONTHEHIGHSTREET.COM Why not add a personalised touch to show your love with this date card? You can add the day you met your special someone, for 20 per cent off! Now £3.16……