Table of contents for 31 - 2018 in Best

‘I know Parkinson’s well – because my father’s mother had it’ When best caught up with one of our favourite Loose Women, Nadia Sawalha, recently, she opened up about some devastating news. The usually bubbly star was left heartbroken last month, when she discovered that her mum, Betty, has Parkinson’s disease. Nadia, who lives next door to her elderly parents, found out during a conversation over the garden fence, when her mum admitted she had just been diagnosed with the degenerative brain condition. Betty had initially decided to go with her husband, Nadia’s dad Nadim, for an appointment at the doctor’s, because she feared he might have developed the illness. But when they went through the symptoms, the doctor ruled it out. Then Betty dropped a bombshell when she admitted,…

TOP TIP Take it to the max for a summer event with boho glamour. Platforms or sandals will keep you grounded. TOP TIP A perfect dress for beach to bar. Just add some hot lips and statement earrings, and you’ll be ready to party! TOP TIP If you team this dress with a T-shirt and ankle boots, you can wear it well into next season.…

LOOKING GOOD? ANYONE CAN! Angie: When I was a kid, 66 was old, but these days there are so many glamorous women over 70 – it goes to show you can look way younger than your years. I’m 66 and I certainly don’t feel old! One thing that keeps me motivated in the battle with oncoming years is the other OAPs I meet in the supermarket. OK, a lot of them are much older than me, but I notice the lack of flexibility, movement and failing mental agility. I occasionally strike up a conversation with an older lady and she will often say she wished she could look like me. ‘But you could!’ I cry. I am often met with excuses, reluctance and even fear, which is a great shame…

In the middle A centre tie will look great on an hourglass figure Mini mouse An A-line frame will show off a small waist Short stuff Cropped styles don’t need to be scary! Neck lace Detail on top will draw the eye upwards TAP THE APP! Exchange style advice at The Hunt and share your shopping tips!…

HOW IT WORKS Building on the SmartPoints system, WW Flex gives you more freedom and flexibility than ever before. Weight Watchers encourages you to enjoy food, find what moves you physically, and gives you the skills to focus on what really matters on your weight-loss journey. With 200 zero SmartPoints® ingredients (and more!) – which you can eat without counting or tracking – there are lots of combinations to try when it comes to healthy and delicious meal plans and snacks. Our zero Points foods include: • Most vegetables • Most fruits • Eggs • Skinless chicken and turkey breast • Plant-based proteins, such as beans (kidney, borletti, black etc) peas, sweetcorn, chickpeas, lentils and tofu • Fat-free natural yogurt • All unsmoked fish and seafood SET YOUR SUMMER GOALS…

Ripped off by my holiday company This year, I thought I’d treat myself to a little break, as I never get much time to myself. I booked what I thought was my ideal holiday package with a well-known travel company. But when I got to the destination, the hotel was so far from what I’d been sold that I couldn’t believe it. It was like being shown five-star accommodation, but the reality was a two-star, at a push. Having contacted the company in a rage over the state of the place, they refused to agree with me, but at least offered to sort me out another hotel next month to make up for it. The thing is, I’d rather stick pins in my eyes than trust them with a holiday…

Pick up a pattie If your BBQ is working overtime this summer, make light work of cooking with a pack of Herby Pork Flattie Patties, £4, M&S. These thinner burgers are easy to cook and taste heavenly with apple sauce and coleslaw as a summery alternative to a Sunday roast. A new Twix to try Next time you’re in the Tesco biscuit aisle, pop a packet of Twix Soft Centres, £1.99, in your trolley. Each biscuit is filled with oozing caramel and creamy chocolate, which takes sweet snacking to a new level of indulgence. WAIST-FRIENDLY MEALS Taste of the Med…. Enjoy holiday flavours at home with the Slimming World Mediterranean Chicken Risotto, £3, from Iceland. Succulent pieces of herb and tomato marinated chicken are mixed with risotto rice in a…

To today’s teenagers, getting on TV might sound like a pretty great way of making instant riches and finding fame. But from Susan Boyle’s breakdown to the shocking death of Love Island’s Sophie Gradon, the cost of such instant celebrity can be high. Here, 25-year-old Alex Rose Lee, a former Big Brother contestant from South Shields, explains why taunts of ‘ugly’ shattered her confidence and led her to spend £60,000 on plastic surgery… ‘Flicking through Twitter, my heart sank when I saw reports that Love Island star Sophie Gradon had died. After the show, she’d often spoken out about her mental health struggles, how she had to deal with trolls and how she felt she’d “sold her soul to reality TV”. Now, she was gone. Like Sophie, I understand the…

TRAVEL SNAPSHOT Nicknamed the Peach State because of the abundance of the fruit, with a fabulous climate, incredible food and a warm southern welcome, you’ll see why Georgia really is a peach. From quirky mountain towns brimming with history, to the glamour and grit of the state capital Atlanta, you’ll definitely leave with Georgia on your mind. INSIDER’S GUIDE You’re very likely to kick off in the state capital, a modern, confident city that boasts a rich seam of history. The birthplace of civil rights leader Martin Luther King Jr, it’s home to his resting place and memorial, and also the Center for Civil and Human Rights – civilandhumanrights.org – a wonderful museum which gives a truly fascinating insight into the struggle for equality that was born in the south.…

‘We reveal a lot about our lives – probably to the detriment of our partners!’ Chatty and outspoken in equal measures, Loose Women star and former Apprentice contestant Saira Khan has found another place to air her forthright views, as well as that contagious laugh! The 48-year-old mum-of-two is co-hosting a show on talkRADIO – often with Eamonn Holmes – and is clearly relishing every second. Here, she talks about the laughs, as well as the serious stuff (Muslim Saira recently argued onair why it’s vital Muslim women should remove their veils in court). And she also reveals how her husband of 14 years, Steve, and Eamonn’s wife, Ruth, really feel about them sharing their marital secrets with the nation… Saira, we’re loving you on talkRadio, especially when you’re on air…

Best columnist and all-round cheeky charmer Calum Best, 37, has teamed up with the NSPCC (National Society For The Prevention Of Cruelty To Children) on his latest project - the aptly named Best Me Life Journal, which aims to help the user stay positive and focused on their life goals. The TV personality, who turned his back on a boozy, party-loving lifestyle some years ago, explains the heartbreaking reason behind his new venture and why – as a contestant himself on Celebrity Love Island in 2005 – he hasn’t been tuning into this year’s Love Island. He also opens up about the death of his good friend, 2016 contestant Sophie Gradon. Hi, Calum – what are you up to at the moment? Well, I’ve done television for as long as I…

Need a youth boost? Look no further than water to relax, rejuvenate and plump up your complexion. Here’s how to reap the benefits of good old aqua… SPLASH OUT ON A WATER FACIAL This facial is all about delivering immediate, visible results and lasting anti-ageing benefits. The 75-minute treatment combines cleansing and exfoliation using a special water-suction technique. Antioxidant serums are then applied to give intense hydration. It is clinically proven to improve the appearance of dry patches, fine lines, wrinkles, enlarged pores, acne-prone skin and brown spots. One treatment will leave your complexion instantly tighter and glowing. From £120. LIP PLUMPER You can give lips a temporary and subtle plumpness without using traditional dermal fillers. Instead, a saline solution – water containing salt – is injected to give the…

Budget bottles Oliver Cromwell London Dry Gin, £9.99 at Aldi A juniper-rich, soft cucumber and blossomy fragrance with green apple notes. Warming in texture with a peppery finish and lots of green apple and floral flavours. 75/100 Gordon’s London Dry Gin, £14.50 at Tesco An aroma dominant with juniper, red apple peel and anise spice, followed by an uncomplicated, warming, peppery texture and spicy, coriander and citrus flavours. 74/100 Hortus London Dry Gin, £15.99 at Lidl Herby aromas with tangy citrus notes followed by lots of liquorice and a light, smooth texture. 77/100 Mid-priced marvels Irresistible London Dry Gin, £17.49 at Co-op Soft, pleasant and easy drinking with a peppery, clove and anise flavour, balanced with apple peel, lemon and coriander notes. 75/100 Extra Special Triple Distilled Premium Gin, £16…

Zippy prawn curry £1.99 PER SERVING For great food ready in a flash, cook these king prawns from frozen – or use smaller prawns to make it more cost effective… PER SERVING CALS 271 FAT 15g SERVES 4 1 medium onion, sliced4tbsp olive oil2 garlic cloves, finely sliced2in fresh ginger, chopped4tbsp curry powder (medium heat)500g passata1tbsp honey300g raw king prawns, frozen200g baby spinach 1 limeSmall handful of fresh coriander, chopped 1 Fry the onion in the olive oil for a few minutes, then add the garlic and ginger and stir-fry for another minute before adding the curry powder. 2 Stir the contents of the pan, then pour in the passata and honey and simmer for 10 mins to help cook the acidity from the passata. 3 Add the prawns and…

Oxford-born Rhys, 25, has lived in London for seven years – though he admits it can be ‘exhausting’. He’s currently working on his debut album. If you could describe your music, what would you say? That’s a difficult one, but if I had to, I’d say it’s… lyrical-driven pop soul! What were you doing before the British record label Decca called? I had half an album written, with three songs on there that they’d heard online and loved, and they wanted to help me finish it. I had very little experience of being in a studio or anything. I was doing a load of different day jobs, such as singing in a wedding band and being a waiter. I also wrote TV advert jingles – like the one that’s on…

Cerys Matthews MBE was catapulted to fame with 90s band Catatonia, thanks to hits such as Mulder And Scully and Road Rage. Today she is a bestselling author, a musician, an award-winning presenter on BBC Radio 2 and 6 Music, and her Good Life Experience Festival is now in its 5th year. Here, she talks about how she changed her life – and why she’s still a tomboy… Cerys, you’re one busy lady, aren’t you? Yeah, I’m having to apply a bit of life balancing at the moment. I’m in the car on the school run as we speak! You’re juggling quite a few balls with writing and radio presenting. Are you very disciplined? Not at all. I’m the mum who forgets to bring the packed lunch for the kids.…

WIN 1 X £200, 2 X £100 OR 3 X £50 PRIZES STRAIGHT CLUES ACROSS 1 Knight’s fighting protection (6) 5 Very valuable gems (8) 9 A decade following the teens (8) 10 Groups of scouts or soldiers (6) 11 Sprint (3) 12 Happened (8) 14 One twelfth of a foot (4) 15 Shatter, break (5) 17 Rings or curls (5) 18 Retail premises (4) 19 Particular, detailed (8) 23 Change fabric colour (3) 25 Critical media article (6) 26 Unwisely (8) 27 Plays a role, e.g. (8) 28 Personal preferences (6) DOWN 2 Operates oars (4) 3 Possession (9) 4 Act as monarch (5) 5 Dance party (5) 6 Loft room (5) 7 Scent, smell (5) 8 Indentation (10) 13 Not intact (10) 16 Posers, secrets (9) 20 Sheer…

You can’t choose your family but we wonder if Meghan Markle wishes you could… especially as one of the most vocal members (her half-sister Samantha Grant) has hinted that she might be going into Celebrity Big Brother - the reality TV show famed for its explosive nature. Samantha, 53, has regularly offered us her opinions on the Duchess of Sussex – despite admitting that the pair haven’t seen each other in a decade, and last spoke on the phone in 2015. But, according to William Hill, Samantha is odds on to become a housemate on CBB, which returns on 17 August. ‘Let’s face it, money makes the world go round’ Samantha Grant And the entry of someone related to a member of the British royal family could spell catastrophe –…

Saira revealed she’s massively preoccupied this summer with a huge renovation project currently underway on her family home, near Oxford. She says, ‘We’re very busy with that right now. Hopefully, it will all be finished by September, and I can unveil our new dream home!’ It means a lot for Saira, given her humble beginnings. ‘I was brought up on a council estate, sharing a room with my sister – and now I’ve virtually built this home from scratch. So that will be a very special moment,’ says the radio presenter. But worry not, at some point, Saira will be on a beach flaunting that fabulous figure and posting some more of those infamous bikini selfies on social media. ‘Absolutely – I’m out to prove that age is just a number!’…

Looking down at the pregnancy test, my heart sank. ‘I’m not pregnant,’ I cried, as my husband comforted me. Roger and I had been trying for a baby for months without success. And while some may argue that at 35 I’d left it a little late to start trying to get pregnant, I’d honestly believed that I had time. ‘When is it going to be our turn?’ I asked anxiously. ‘It will happen,’ Roger reassured me. We’d spent the first three years of our marriage just enjoying wedded bliss, but if I’d known then that my fertility was declining, perhaps we would have started trying for children earlier. Yet, as each month went by with a negative pregnancy test result, my heart shattered a little more. After a year and…

Watermelon & Rose Sorbet Dried roses can be found in supermarket baking aisles. SERVES 8 HANDS-ON TIME: 45 MINS, PLUS COOLING AND FREEZING COOKING TIME: ABOUT 10 MINS 225g granulated sugar 900g watermelon flesh, chopped and deseeded, plus wedges to serve ½tsp rose water Juice 1 lemon 1 egg white, lightly beaten 1tbsp dried rose petals (optional) 1 In a large saucepan, gently heat the sugar with 500ml water, stirring until the sugar dissolves to a clear syrup. Set aside to cool, then chill for 20 mins. 2 Blend the watermelon flesh, rose water and lemon juice in a food processor, in batches, if necessary, or use a stick blender. Use a wooden spoon to press the pulp through a sieve set over a large bowl to collect the juice.…

…her role in new movie Mamma Mia! Here We Go Again When Meryl [Streep] found out I was playing her mother, she was hysterical, especially as I’m only four years older than she is. We are good friends and we’ve always kept in touch. It was great to be on set with her. … joining the cast on location in Croatia I was terrified! First, of course, because it was a sequel and everyone had been together before. And, also, my character wasn’t very liked – by anybody! I was really nervous, but all was great. Everybody was so nice to me – and Amanda Seyfried was adorable. … looking so youthful at 72 Well, I don’t drink and I haven’t done drugs. I take care of myself, and I…

Pregnant Christine Lampard has admitted to a ‘revenge’ plan if she ever catches footballer hubby Frank cheating – and it’s pretty painful… Things took an unusual turn when the Loose Women presenter was chatting on air about Olympian Lizzie Purbrick – the showjumper who admitted writing insults in pigs’ blood across her former partner’s walls after she found him with another woman. ‘I do get that when people are just really hurt, they can have a moment of complete madness’ Asked what she would do in a similar situation, the Northern Irish beauty exclaimed, ‘I wouldn’t be good at all.’ She confessed, ‘I think I could inflict pain, yeah.’ Mischievous fellow panellist Jane Moore then asked which ‘part’ of her hubby she would take revenge on. ‘There are several parts,…