Table of contents for Issue 979 in Closer

The Christmas gift guide? At the start of November? Have we gone completely crackers, you ask?! No, we’re simply on a mission to keep your stress levels lower than a snowman’s frosty bits this year. If you start early, not only do you avoid last-minute panic buying (which leads to overspending) but you can relax and enjoy the one thing that REALLY matters – quality time with the people you love. We’ve found great ideas that won’t break the bank and not only are we full of inspiration for friends and every member of the family (even the furry ones), but we’re full of freebies too, with £1,100 worth of giveaways up for grabs! So turn to page 29 and give yourself a real treat this year – the gift…

Helen Victoria, 33, lives in Devon with her partner Richard, 43, and their baby son Isaac. She says, “I became vegan four years ago after I noticed I felt healthier and stronger as a professional dancer with a plant-based diet. Last year, Richard and I started trying for a baby, but I have endometriosis. I worried we’d have problems conceiving, so I ate a range of veg, beans and pulses. “After six months, I got pregnant in October 2020. Almost every time I spoke to a doctor or a midwife, they asked if I was eating well enough as a vegan. They’d warn my diet lacked nutrients important for a baby’s development. I said I was taking a vitamin B12 supplement and my diet was varied and nutritious. I had…

Dr Sarah Jarvis – a GP and clinical director at patientaccess. com – says, “I’m all in favour of exercise, especially during the menopause when weight-bearing exercise is very good for bone strength, which can suffer in post-menopausal women. But when it gets to a stage where your life is governed by what you eat and your exercise regime, then you have to ask if it’s obsessional. I wouldn’t recommend Julia’s regime without being under medical supervision, particularly at her age she should have regular medical check-ups. “In theory, many people of all ages could build up to do this amount of exercise and follow a similar diet – but would they want to? It’s too restrictive.”…

Businesswoman Cara Sayer, 49, lives in Walton on Thames with her 14-year-old daughter, Holly. She says, “On 9 September this year I went to a private function in a local bar. I arrived at about 8pm with a friend, having had a two-course meal so our stomachs were well-lined. “At 10pm, my friend said she was leaving, but I decided to stay for a little while longer as I only lived a few minutes away. “I had felt absolutely fine up until that point, my friend said I didn’t seem drunk – she’d never have left me alone if she had any concerns. “But I remember nothing else about the evening after she left. At midnight I was found in the toilets, unconscious and unresponsive surrounded by vomit. “I don’t…

£50 & UNDER Treat a home-working mum to a colourful and stylish lamp in her favourite shade. MADE.COM £39 EACH For a house-proud sister, this designer-like throw will be a mega hit for the winter months. H&M £49.99 £35 & UNDER Replace an old purse with this practical vegan beauty – it has a delightful tropical pattern inside, too. FENELLA SMITH £28 Gift a new homeowner with a cocktail set, including all they need to jump-start their social soirées! TROUVA £29.95 These gorgeous pyjamas are so stylish that you’d even answer the door to the postman in them. THEIR NIBS AT JOHN LEWIS £35 Get a nourishing glow with this trio of practical vegan products – cleansing butter, moisturiser and setting mist. ELEMIS £35 AT LOOK FANTASTIC £20 & UNDER…

£50 & UNDER Budding chefs can create tasty make-believe meals in this Scandi-cool, wooden play kitchen. GEORGE AT ASDA £45 AGE 3+ Not only does this smart watch encourage fitness with a step counter, it takes photos and records sound. ARGOS £40 AGE 3+ £35 & UNDER Little ones with big imaginations will adore this astronaut costume. MELISSA & DOUG AT JOHN LEWIS £26.99 AGE 3-6YRS Encourage them to make music on a light-up guitar that guides small fingers. JOJO MAMAN BÉBÉ £30 AGE 12MTHS+ With natural fabrics, tools, paints, crayons and brushes, kids can create a masterpiece. THE DEN KIT COMPANY £24.50 AGE 3+ A beautiful musical jewellery box will be treasured for years and can double up as a little doll’s house. TICKETY BOO £33.95 AGE 6+ £20…

Give this to your best friend in need of a pamper. Epsom salts soothe achy limbs, while the scent is irresistible. WESTLAB STARRY NIGHT BATH SALTS £2.99 Cheaper, smaller gifts don’t have to be made of plastic. This fun, aesthetically pleasing wooden puzzle game will keep kids busy without being wasteful. TIGER £4 Update drinks cabinets with glassware – TK Maxx has countless options in-store and online. Gift with their favourite tipple. TK MAXX £3.99 Your cycling-obsessed brother will enjoy this kitsch pizza cutter. It’s ideal for takeaways – life is all about balance, after all! MATALAN £5 Cheer up her morning cuppa with this stylish mug. Wrap with a set of coffee or tea and her fave biscuits for an extra thoughtful touch. M&S £4 You can’t go wrong…

Whether you want to Boost your mind, body, soul, finances, relationships, love life or style, we’ve got recommendations for things that actually work. Scan the QR code for more tips or search for @TheBoostUK on Instagram! In the UK, 1.5 million of us are now vegan – and it’s a way of eating that’s growing fast. According to a Vegan Society survey earlier this year, 20 per cent of Brits said they’d eaten less meat and 12 per cent had reduced eggs and dairy in their diet since the start of the Covid-19 pandemic. As we grow increasingly aware of our carbon footprint, eating a plant-based diet is good for the planet as it reduces global warming, pollution and deforestation. According to scientists from the University of Oxford, if everyone…

• Replace meat in stews with beans, chickpeas or lentils. • Use meat-free mince or lentils instead of beef in Bolognese, burgers and cottage pies. • Make a lasagne vegan by using a white sauce made with a plant-based spread, milk and cheese, and use Quorn mince for the filling. • Use tofu or vegan Quorn pieces in stir fries, fajitas and curries instead of chicken. • Substitute eggs with avocado or nut butter on toast. • Swap ham, cheese, chicken and egg in sandwiches for houmous or falafel. • Serve breakfast cereals or make porridge with plant-based milks. • Swap cakes, biscuits and pastries for fruit, unsalted nuts or seeds, or wholegrain toast with nut butter. • Swap yoghurt and ice cream for plant alternatives or fruit sorbet.…

DR CHRISTIAN GIVES HIS TAKE ON THE HOT HEALTH TOPICS OF THE WEEK Doctor-bashing has been going on for as long as I’ve been one and there’s been a debate recently over GP surgeries not being back to a pre-Covid level of face-to-face appointments. I do understand why people feel frustrated about not always being able to go to their surgery as normal, but Covid hasn’t gone away. We have the vaccines, which is brilliant, but with between 40,000 and 50,000 new Covid cases a day, GPs still need to keep a close eye on infection control and maintaining gentle social distancing. Because we treat vulnerable people with coexisting conditions, we can’t just reopen waiting rooms, or we’ll see an increase in Covid and flu as we move into winter.…

Parents and teachers are worried that kids are acting out scenes from the violent Netflix series Squid Game. For context, the show sees adults re-enact children’s games, but with real-life bloody consequences. Kids have always played games like bows and arrows, with a make-believe violent edge to them, and not all turned into aggressive adults. But this is more about the general content they are watching and how it can affect their behaviour. DISCUSS DANGERS Obviously shows like Squid Game have an age rating (15), but even if your child is old enough to view, it’s still important to manage that. Research suggests that kids who are exposed to violence on screen will experience a drop in their empathy levels for a short time afterwards. More longterm, children need to…

1 SILKY SATINS Blouses and slip dresses in sumptuous fabrics always have a high-glamour feel. Take inspiration from actress Jessica with bold cobalt shades and team with simple black accessories. ZARA £29.9 2 DAY-TO-NIGHT SPARKLE In the run-up to Christmas, sequins always take centre stage. Get extra wardrobe mileage from sparkle by giving items usually reserved for parties a new daytime spin. Buddy them with denim and boxfresh trainers for a low-key feel. M & S £45 3 FUN-FILLED FLUFF Accessories that could be mistaken for an extra from The Muppets are officially in right now! Super-fluffy, faux-fur fabrics in playful colour pops will lift an otherwise simple outfit with minimal effort. Stick to just one fuzzy piece to keep it chic. BAG RIVER ISLAND £24 4 HIGH-SHINE STOMPERS Heavier…

NEW SERIES 1 THE TOWER GREAT COP THRILLER MON 8 – WED 10 NOV, 9PM, ITV An addictive new thriller shown over three nights, The Tower makes for gripping viewing from the very first scene. When a police officer and a suspect fall to their death from a tower block, DS Sarah Collins (Gemma Whelan) is sent in to investigate. But with her fellow officers doing all they can to avoid her, and some deeply suspicious behaviour from Inspector Shaw (Emmett J Scanlan), will she manage to solve the case? Absolute must-see TV. FACTFILE The show is based on a book by Kate London, who was a Metropolitan police officer for eight years but left in 2014 to pursue her successful crime-writing career. 2 WALKING WITH KATE GARRAWAY SHE WANDERS…

Concern has grown for the Queen after she spent a night in a London hospital, where she was said to have had “preliminary investigations”. Following advice from doctors to “rest for a few days”, the 95-year-old monarch had to cancel a trip to Northern Ireland. Last week, there was fresh worry when it was revealed she would “regretfully” not be attending Monday’s COP26 climate change summit in Glasgow. It follows pictures of Her Majesty using a walking stick for the first time in her 69-year reign, the longest in British history, at Westminster Abbey last month and reports she was ordered to quit horse-riding. FRAIL A statement from the Palace revealed the grandmother of eight – who is conducting some duties via video calls – remains in “good spirits”, but…

Alex Silver, head of celebrity consultancy Alex Silver PR, says, “From a PR perspective, the decision for David to take on this ambassador role doesn’t make sense – particularly for a couple who are so incredibly brand-conscious. Clearly, the only reason they have said yes to this is for the money, but this decision could impact future opportunities. Getting into bed with Qatar is just a total PR disaster – it’s extremely short-sighted of them. “These are big controversies they are dealing with here – human rights issues, for example. In this day and age, you really can’t get away with promoting something like this in the West. I think that if David goes ahead with this, they’ll lose credibility and a fanbase, and, with the cancel culture world we…

She’s kept a low profile since her bitter, drawn-out divorce from Brad Pitt, which is still rumbling on. But in recent weeks, Angelina Jolie has made a defiant return to the spotlight, wowing fans at premieres for her new Marvel movie Eternals. Angelina, 46, looked relaxed and happy on the red carpet at the London premiere last Wednesday night in a black and white gown and, days earlier, she’d stunned onlookers in a strapless Versace gown in New York, alongside daughters Zahara, 16, and Shiloh, 15, and was even spotted on a shopping trip to H&M in London with daughter Vivienne, 13. Fans commented that she looked more content than ever, with one writing, “It’s nice to see Angelina looking happy again! She looks great.” Now sources tell Closer that…

It’s now November, and that means it’s Movember – where people grow moustaches during the month to raise awareness of men’s physical and mental health issues, like cancer and suicide. The mental health side of it resonates with me, and I think men really need to speak up more about how they’re feeling. When we’re feeling down, we’re often told to “man up”. That needs to change and we need to speak up – if you can’t speak to a partner, pick up the phone and call a friend or speak to a stranger at a bar, someone you’ll never see again. Talking does help. I think men also tend to struggle because some feel there’s a pressure on them to be the provider. Whatever the reasons, Movember is great,…

PATRICK: ‘I started to get self-conscious’ When the show first aired in Australia in February, Patrick Dwyer was seen as the loveable geek married to Belinda – but he has since had a massive makeover. After watching the series back and getting trolling over his wonky teeth, Patrick, 27, spent £15,000 to undergo a major dental transformation. The personal trainer showed off his new look online with “before and after” shots, saying he’d had 12 custommade veneers added to his teeth. He said, “Not going to lie, after seeing my teeth on MAFS, I realised how bad they were and started to get selfconscious about my smile. I did get a lot of negative comments about my teeth, but it was when I personally started to dislike them that it…

● Never leave your drink unattended and never accept a drink from someone you don’t know ● Stay with your friends, know how you’re all getting home and make sure your phones are charged ● If you are on a first date and want to accept a drink, then go to the bar with them when they order and only take one from the server ● If you’re with a new group of friends – for example at university – let a trusted friend or someone in your family know where you’re going and whether you’re expecting to come back. Also consider turning on the locator on your phone, so you can be easily found on apps, such as Find My Friends or Snapchat ● Take sensible precautions on any…

£50 & UNDER With FM and DAB+, a headphone jack and lightweight design, this is the perfect portable radio. JOHN LEWIS & PARTNERS £40 From dinners to driving, gift him a day out he won’t forget from a choice of over 1,800 experiences. BUY A GIFT £49.99 £35 & UNDER This eco-friendly backpack is made from fully recycled plastics and comes in a choice of six stylish colours. LEVI’S £32 Sustainable and special, personalise this bamboo charger pad for a unique tech gift. NOT ON THE HIGH STREET £30 Fitness fanatics will love Huawei’s smart tracker to monitor heart rate, daily activity and sleep. ARGOS £24.99 Treat your favourite foodie to a pasta gift box featuring three delicious meat, veggie or vegan recipes. PASTA EVANGELISTS £25 £20 & UNDER Support…

£50 & UNDER If granddad is king of the grill, he’ll love this barbecue apron tool set, which folds into a handy carry case. ANNABELLE JAMES £49.95 They’ll love putting their feet up on one of these beautiful velvet pouffes, which are available in eight gorgeous jewel shades. DUNELM £39 £35 & UNDER This eco-friendly hamper includes foodie treats that support charities all around the UK. Choose from four varieties. THAT COUNTS £35 These cosy, warm slippers have a firm sole – great for nipping into the garden to do some weeding. NEXT £25 Create a bespoke cushion with young family members’ drawings for a memory that will last a lifetime. LUKE DREW THIS £30 Put self care on the agenda with this set that includes a hydrating serum, moisturiser…

It’s easier to switch to a vegan diet than you might think, but like any big change, go at your own speed and make swaps that fit your lifestyle. Rather than giving up all animal products overnight, you might prefer to move to a vegan diet gradually. Here’s how to do it… 1) PLAN SOME MEAT AND DAIRY-FREE MEALS. Start with one vegan day each week, then build on this, or try a few weeks of plant-based breakfasts, then add in vegan lunches then vegan dinners. 2) GRADUALLY INTRODUCE PLANT-BASED MEAT AND DAIRY ALTERNATIVES. There are substitutes for everything, from eggs and cheese to mince and chicken. Introduce a few each week and experiment with products and brands until you find ones you love. 3) DON’T JUST ELIMINATE MEAT, FISH,…

ORECCHIETTE WITH PUMPKIN SEED PESTO & BROCCOLI SERVES 2 • 150g dried orecchiette pasta • 1 courgette, cut into thick slices • 1 tbsp extravirgin olive oil, plus extra for brushing • 200g Tenderstem broccoli • Sprinkle of chilli flakes (optional) For the pesto • 35g pumpkin seeds • 1 large handful of basil leaves • 2 tbsp nutritional yeast • Juice of 1 lemon • 1-2 garlic cloves • Pinch of salt • 3 tbsp extravirgin olive oil STEP 1 Cook the pasta according to the pack instructions. STEP 2 While the pasta is cooking, place the pesto ingredients in a food processor and blitz for a couple of mins until smooth. STEP 3 Brush the courgette slices with oil, place in a non-stick frying pan and cook on…

Choosing your most flattering pictures for your dating app profile makes perfect sense, although I draw the line at filtering your snaps. What happens when your dates meet you in person? I’d rather the other person be pleasantly surprised that I actually do look like my pictures than disappointed that I don’t. The same goes for how you naturally speak. But new research from dating app Tinder has found that 50 per cent of generation Z (those born between 1997 and 2012) have changed their voice to try to impress their matches. The most common way singles edited their natural sound is by speaking softer, deeper and posher. I just worry how long they have to keep up the façade and whether it affects things when they go off apps…

Searches for “Where can I find free stuff?” went up 800% between July 2018 and July 2021, so whatever you’re looking to pick up, here are the best places to scour. • TRASH NOTHING We found John Lewis furniture, a brand-new jumperoo, a lawnmower and dinosaur models on this site. • OLIO It started as an app to share food, now people can give away all sorts of household items to neighbours. • NEXTDOOR This app connects you with your neighbours, so you can swap and buy stuff – no van hire needed! • FREECYCLE Sign up to this site with your local postcode, and you’ll see everything from furniture to sports equipment all for free. Post a request for something you want and people can let you know if…

SOOTHE PARCHED LIPS Dry, cracked lips can be really painful and can stop lipsticks from sitting well. So a brilliant lip balm is a handbag essential – and this formula is a fail-safe favourite of ours. The pretty, flattering pink tint will add colour without drying out your pout. It also has SPF30. LANOLIPS TINTED BALM £7,99 INJECT AN EXTRA LAYER OF MOISTURE A serum is the best way to treat skin concerns – the lighter formulas absorb easier than thicker creams, so the active ingredients can work harder. Try this buy from the revamped Superdrug own-brand range. It uses hyaluronic acid – a super-hydrator that can hold 1,000 times its weight in water. Apply after cleansing, before your day or night cream. B. INTENSE HYDRATING SERUM £14.99 GO FOR…

The idea is that you’re making quick meals? One of the things I love about being in the kitchen is creating something that’s quick but delicious at the same time. When I cook a meal – and it could be fish fingers, chips and beans – it has to taste good and not take up much time. You don’t have to spend hours on something; you just need to know how to get the best out of an ingredient – whether that’s toasting your spices or cooking onions until they’re caramelised. Do you have a favourite recipe? We’ve always got bags of Bombay mix in the cupboard that we open, eat a little bit of, then don’t know what to do with the rest… It makes the most delicious veggie…

2-8 NOVEMBER IF IT’S YOUR BIRTHDAY THIS WEEK You’re in a tricky phase as you challenge stagnant aspects of your life, while you contemplate something new. This period will give insight into the shifts you’ll need to make now, and into next year. If you’re avoiding risk, figure out why you’re holding back. THIS WEEK’S CELEB STAR SIGN SCORPIO 23 OCT-21 NOV Power and potency will be infused into your sign. As the push/pull energies of 2021 become activated, you’ll be empowered to go your own way and make a choice that feels good. Prioritising your needs now can help you gain clarity when you feel uncertain. Visit yasminboland.com for your daily horoscopes. SAGITTARIUS 22 NOV-21 DEC Most of this week’s astrology happens in the background of your solar chart.…

ʻTHEY’VE HAD A GREAT RIDE BUT BOTH AGREE THEY DON’T WANT TO BECOME STALE’ Since landing her role on This Morning 12 years ago, Holly Willoughby’s not only secured her place as the nation’s sweetheart, but is also the highest-paid female presenter in the UK. And as speculation continues to mount over her future on the ITV show – amid the launch of her new wellness platform, Wylde Moon – insiders say the 40-year-old star is secretly relieved that Alison Hammond, 46, and Dermot O’Leary, 48, are being tipped to permanently replace her and co-host Phillip Schofield, 59. Holly launched Wylde Moon – which features an online shop, a podcast platform, moodboards and style guides – in September, saying it was inspired because “I’d lost a part of who I…

The hit Netflix show depicting the history of the royal family is in the middle of filming its fifth series. And, last week, it emerged The Crown will cover the controversial 1995 BBC Panorama interview between Princess Diana and Martin Bashir, which has sparked controversy among fans. Two years before her death, Diana gave an interview to the BBC journalist, in which she spoke candidly about her lonely marriage to Prince Charles, saying in a nod to his love for now-wife Camilla Parker Bowles, “There were three of us in this marriage, so it was a bit crowded.” Following an inquiry, a report was issued in May 2021 acknowledging the BBC had covered up “deceitful behaviour” used by Bashir to secure the interview – which both the BBC and Bashir…

Alicia Lai is used to people’s raised eyebrows when she tells them her daughters Matilda, 12, and Scout, 10, are vegan. But Alicia believes their diet fuels their talent for swimming and is the reason why they don’t pick up colds and bugs that see their classmates take days off school. The Vegan Society says that the number of British vegans has doubled in recent years, with around 600,000 of us giving up meat, fish, dairy, eggs and honey. And research by BBC Good Food shows that more than 20 per cent of children in the UK are already vegan, or say they’d like to be. The move towards a plantbased diet may have been driven by documentaries such as Cowspiracy and Seaspiracy, which reveal the shocking realities of animals…

Closer’s psychological therapist Emma Kenny says, “Angelina has taken time to heal by stepping away from the public eye and leading a more private life. She endured health issues in her thirties, and her forties have been dominated by her traumatic split from Brad and an ongoing custody battle. But now she’s ready for a new chapter. She appears more relaxed and happy than she has in years. “Motherhood is her priority, but her kids are older now and it seems she’s ready to focus on herself – she’s reclaiming her identity and has a new lease of life. A new relationship can also help to boost confidence and self-esteem.”…

Standing on the stage, flexing her muscles, Julia Olson can barely believe her transformation – she last felt confident enough to wear a bikini 50 years ago. But after two years of hard work and dedication, Julia says she’s never felt better and was thrilled to take part in a bodybuilding competition. And surprisingly Julia, 64, who lives with her husband, Paul, 69, a retired project manager, thinks anyone can look like her. She says, “I believe any woman can get in shape – whatever their age. There’s nothing special about me. Two years ago, I was overweight and eating too much junk food. Now I look hotter than I did in my 20s. “The key is that you have to really want it and be willing to put in…

A recent survey by The Alcohol Education Trust has found a staggering one in seven women have had their drink spiked – and it’s increased by 108% in the past three years, with a quarter of spikings happening with nonalcoholic drinks. And now an alarming new trend has emerged whereby predators are feared to be injecting unsuspecting clubbers using needles filled with substances, which can cause blackouts. Some experts have cast doubt on the feasibility of using needles to spike someone and have said that “more evidence is needed.” But police services across the country are investigating, with around 140 confirmed reports in the last two months of drink spiking and 24 reports of some form of injection. Home Secretary Priti Patel has demanded an urgent inquiry and a petition…

Zara Owen, 19, is a university student in Nottingham and works as a waitress. She’s convinced she was a victim of the latest method of spiking – by injection. She says, “I’ve always been very aware of the possibility that my drink could be spiked, so I take precautions when I go out clubbing. For example, I’d never accept a drink from a stranger and I’m careful to drink bottled alcopops on the dance floor, so I can put my finger over the top. “However, one night last month, I went for dinner with my friends and then, at about 11pm, four of us went to a nightclub. I remember going to the bar to order a drink – but after that, everything is blank. “A friend told me I…

£50 & UNDER For budding make-up artists, this set offers a mascara, highlighter, setting spray and primer. CIATÉ HEROES HAUL £35 Take unique pictures and videos with a remotecontrol drone that also performs tricks. VERY £39.99 £35 & UNDER Tick all boxes with eleven stunning make-up tools that are completely vegan and cruelty-free. Win-win. SOINVOGUE £34.99 Keep style-conscious teens warm with a padded coat they’ll actually want to wear. GEORGE AT ASDA £32 Have fun with a powerbank that offers over 200 retro arcade games to play while they charge their phone! PREZZYBOX £24.99 Ideal for travelling students or music obsessives, this tiny speaker is small but powerful. LEXON AT THE CONRAN SHOP £30 £20 & UNDER Handy and pretty, this Airpod case comes with a clip to attach to…

ADVICE FROM FAMOUS FRIENDS… Julie Graham is spot on with most things, as are Angela Griffin and Kate Thornton. If it’s career advice, I would probably ask Ang. If it’s anything to do with food, I’d phone Lisa Faulkner. They’re the most wonderful group of really intelligent, powerful, funny women. During lockdown, we used to do cocktails over Zoom. LOOKING YOUTHFUL… Fresh air, water, exercise – it’s basic really. Lisa Armitage’s skincare range is wonderful, especially the Multi-Miracle Balm. Finding that has been a big thing for me. I tried Botox a long time ago, but I’ve not had it for years.…

INSIDE RACHEL’S FRIDGE • Eggs • Avocado • Olive spread • Tomatoes • Apples • Raspberries • Chilli salmon • Smoked salmon • Sea bass fillets • Bacon medallions • Caj un chicken slices • Mushrooms • Tenderstem broccoli • Spring onion • Pepper • Diced lamb • Lettuce • Noodles • Stir-fry vegetables • Courgettes • Milk RACHEL LUGO How much do you spend a week? Around £270, which is cheaper than it used to be. I used to shop in M&S, but being locked down as a single parent with five hungry children [Rachel has Francesca, 23, William, 21, Sophia, 18, Oliver, 15, and Sienna, nine, with ex-husband John Lugo] for over a year, I decided to get savvy. I now shop at Aldi, and other stores. Describe your…

YOUR GUIDE TO EMOTIONAL ISSUES AND FAMILY LIFE WITH PSYCHOLOGICAL THERAPIST EMMA KENNY A recent survey revealed that millions of adults sleep with a teddy. This has nothing to do with emotional immaturity and everything to do with a powerful psychological anchor. Childhood toys remind us of a time where we felt safe, protected by our parents and hopeful about our future. Sleeping with a childhood toy is a means of self-soothing and helps us to amplify feelings of calm, happiness and the ability to cope. Teddies aside, there are a whole host of other ways to self-soothe. Your senses are key, and using touch and smell are particularly helpful. Practise breathing in through your nose for four, hold for four, breathe out through your nose for four, then hold…

FORMER HOLBY STAR REBECCA GRANT, 39, ON HOW SHE LOOKS AFTER HER BODY AND MIND A SWIM BEFORE BED HELPS ME FEEL CALM… Having a young family [Flint, four, and Rose, two] is wonderful – but manic – so sometimes I go for a swim in the heated, outdoor pool at my gym. It puts me in a calm disposition before bed. I also drink Snore Tea, which helps me relax. It’s a mix of chamomile, fennel and liquorice. CHANGING MY DIET HAS EASED MY ASTHMA… I found raw fruit and veg were too powerful for me, so I’m having gently cooked versions instead because the body can metabolise them more easily. I’m also keeping away from processed foods and having fewer carbohydrates. I’m able to run and do exercise…

IN THE NEWS THE ROCHELLE SERIES AT NEXT TV presenter Rochelle Humes, 32, debuts her first-ever collaboration with high-street favourite Next. The lust-worthy edit features over 20 winter ready pieces that’ll fit seamlessly into your wardrobe. From gorgeous coats to chic knitwear and glamorous party dresses, Rochelle’s collection has every occasion covered this season. She says, “Everything is so me – my style is so versatile and I am a huge fan of neutral tones, which is reflected in everything I have selected.” In sizes 6-22. RUNWAY TO REAL LIFE Checkerboard prints are all the rage. Channel 25-year-old actress Zendaya’s style and get the designer look for less with this amazing high-street dupe. EVERYBODY’S WEARING… CAMEL COLOUR-BLOCKS Our fave celebs can’t get enough of this red and camel pairing. The…

JESSICA’S ELECTRIC LIDS GET THE LOOK • Use a good primer before applying your eyeshadow to create a smooth, even base. Dab it over eyelids a few minutes before colour to give plenty of staying power. • Take an eyeshadow brush and sweep a lighter metallic shade over lids. Next glide a bright blue hue in your socket crease and blend the shades at the outer corners. Swipe a hint of the blue just below lower lashes too. • Finish with eyeliner. A fine, creamy crayon makes tracing lashes a doddle. Draw lines and soften any harsh ones with the sponge tip. CAMILA’S FANCY FLICKS GET THE LOOK • Start by creating the perfect nude base. Use a matte effect colour that’s similar to your natural skin tone and swipe…

MUST READ State of Terror (HILARY RODHAM CLINTON AND LOUISE PENNY) After a tumultuous period in American politics, a new administration has just been sworn in. The Secretary of State, Ellen Adams, is determined to do her duty for her country, but then a series of bus bombs devastate Europe heralding the rise of a new rogue terrorist organisation. Ellen must contemplate the unthinkable: was the president a traitor to his country? This brilliant read totally blew us away. BEST DAY OUT Ice skating at the Natural History Museum After 16 years, the ice-skating rink at London’s Natural History Museum is back for its final year, before the grounds are transformed into a five-acre hub for urban wildlife. Set within the gardens and the stunning Waterhouse building, the rink is…

CODE CRACK THE BIG CROSSWORD CRISS CROSS SUDOKU – EASY SUDOKU – MEDIUM WORD SEARCH CLUES & ARROWS GUESS THE FILM STILL A) HERBIE: FULLY LOADED B) BRIDGET JONES’S DIARY NAMETHE STARS 1) ROBBIE WILLIAMS 2) KEIRA KNIGHTLEY GUESS THE CELEB A) ELIZABETH OLSEN B) RAMI MALEK WORD LINK A) GREY B) MAGIC C) ECONOMY D) WINE E) DEBIT F) ESTATE SPOT THE DIFFERENCE CLOSER MAGAZINE TERMS & CONDITIONS 1. These terms and conditions together with any specific rules displayed or referred to on the relevant page of Closer magazine in respect of a prize draw or competition (a “Prize Draw Notice”) and H Bauer Publishing’s General Terms and Conditions (available online at http://www.bauerlegal.co.uk/competition-terms.html) are the prize draw rules (the “Rules”) that apply to each and every prize draw and/or…