Take a Break Weekly

Jo Abba is thrilled as she makes friends with another mum at the school gates and, as they get closer, she’s happy that her hubby gets on with her too. But is her new pal about to make a grade-A mug of her? Find out on page 6. Also this week, on page 48, Mia Flynn discovers someone’s been spying on her from the top of her shed. But things are about to get much worse. On page 54, Sabrina Brock’s hubby undertakes a very special challenge in memory of her Elvis-loving dad. And on page 13, Iona Hadaway’s engagement lands her in A&E. What happened when her fella popped the question? We’re keeping you snug this winter too with ways to weatherproof your wardrobe on page 15, and some…

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Claire Hasler, from Chelmsford, Essex, was one of 48 winners from Issue 40 (dated 9 October 2025). Claire won our Big Relax competition. Claire says, ‘My husband John and I were on holiday – our first without our 19-year-old twins Charlotte and Emmy – and I bought my Take a Break as usual. As I lay on my sunbed, I read the stories, finished the puzzles and sent in my answers in online. ‘I just couldn’t believe I’d won. I had to ask my husband to check it — twice! What a lovely end to a lovely holiday! Thank you, Take a Break!’…

As I stepped into the classroom, I felt a knot tighten in my tummy. It was the first day of a new term and I felt so nervous. But it wasn’t me starting school – it was my little boy. As I looked around the sea of unfamiliar faces, all I wanted was for us to fit in. Then I caught sight of a friendly smile. ‘Hi,’ its owner said. ‘I’m Becky.’ Becky’s little girl was in the same class as my lad and, after that, I saw her at the school gates a lot. At drop-off and pick-up, she always made time for a chat. She got to know my husband Dom too when he did the school run. Becky was a single mum and that made her a…

Crystal clear When I’ve opened a squeezy bottle of honey, it can become crystallised over time. But I’ve discovered a simple way to get it runny again. I carefully pour boiling water into a jug or bowl, then pop the honey container into it and leave it until it’s completely cooled. When the honey looks clear again, it’s ready to eat. Clare Barrett, Croydon, Gtr London When stocking a chest freezer, it can be tricky to see what needs buying. So I write a list and tick it off when it’s been used up. It makes your supermarket shop more efficient. Gemma Summers, Blackpool, Lancs Think INK I found it a right faff to work out what printer cartridge I needed to buy when my ink ran out. So, after…

My daughter Desiree slipped on her heels ready for her night out. ‘Don’t wait up, Mum,’ she said, kissing me goodbye. ‘We might stay with friends.’ ‘OK, love,’ I replied. It was Friday night and after a week of studying hard at college, Desiree, 21, was looking forward to dancing the night away with her pals in town. To stop me worrying, she’d always let me know if there was a chance she might stay with mates. But I also knew she could look after herself. Growing up with two older brothers meant she could hold her own. My hubby Steve and I called her our ‘little scrapper’. When she wasn’t back the following morning, I assumed she had ended up staying with friends and didn’t worry. But after popping…