Tabla de contenidos para October 2023 en Take a Break Monthly

Shopping with paw-purse It was only natural my dog, Bran, put a squeaky ball straight in his trolley during his sneaky shopping spree. Adam Knight, 31, Bournemouth, Dorset Naughty nineties Of course my lovely mum, Sheila, had to sip her way into 90 with her favourite tipple! Maxine Webb, 70, of Bungay, Suffolk Feeling fine and sandy Buggy racing in Cape Verde was so much fun. From left is my son-in-law Scott, 41, daughter Brooke, 25, son-in-law James, 28, grandson Maddox, six, and my husband Lloyd, 64. Amanda Witton-Nembhard, 58, Thetford, Norfolk Paint me happy Our little girl Kitti, four, was certainly satisfied with her final masterpiece after using me and her dad Dan, 50, as a canvas! Andrea Evans, 50, Ruthin, Denbighs Sweet meet Poppy, our cocker spaniel, couldn’t…

As my boyfriend Stuart and I arrived at the swanky restaurant, he reached out and opened the door. ‘Ladies first,’ he said. ‘You’re sweet,’ I replied, stepping inside. Stuart and I had been together for six months and he was a true gentleman. He treated me like a queen, holding open doors and bringing me breakfast in bed. He was open from the start that he didn’t want children and I accepted that. A year later, we bought a house together. The mortgage was in my name, but Stuart asked me to sign an agreement he’d drawn up. The document confirmed I’d own some equity in the house if we ever split up, but ensured he’d be the main beneficiary. ‘This just gives me extra security,’ he explained. ‘Women have…

HOW TO ENTER Solve the crossword. Then, from the top, list the letters in the yellow squares to reveal the identity of the chopped-up celebrity. Enter by post, phone, text or online — see page 73. ACROSS 1Asparagus stem? (5)6 Make better (7)10 Home and - - -, Australian soap that featured early in the careers of Chris Hemsworth and Isla Fisher (4)11 Get in touch with (7)13 Portray, anagram of PC DIET (6)14 Filled pasta parcels (7)15 University qualification, or measurement of an angle (6)17 Dog - - -, informal name for an item of clerical neckwear (6)19 Memory loss (7)20 - - - Norton, Irish author and chat show host (6)22 Horizontal beam over a doorway (6)24 Mayhem, chaos (5)25 Backless sofa (5)28 Powerful, strong (6)30 Duffel coat…

Autumn is here and we’re celebrating! Yes, we’re cheering the arrival of darker nights and rainy days, as they’re a great excuse to stay in and snuggle up with loved ones. And, if you get lucky here, you could be splashing out on some luxuries that will make spending all that extra time at home together even more special — because we’ve got £1000 in cash up for grabs! Just think what you could spend it on… Perhaps you’d splurge on a new sofa, where you can cosy up with a good book or watch TV. Speaking of which, with loads of great shows lined up for autumn, why not enjoy them on a super-sized screen? If you love music, you could treat yourself to a state-of-the-art speaker system and…

Smooth operators Cosy up with caramel this autumn… Bonne Maman Caramelised Apple Yoghurt, £2.80/450g, Waitrose; Quaker Oat So Simple Caramelised Biscuit Porridge, RRP £3.50/10 sachets or £1.30/pot, supermarkets nationwide What’s not to love? Holland & Barrett has revamped its food range, focusing on ‘food that loves you back’. The products aim to help with everything from gut health and food intolerances to women’s wellbeing. We love the Plant-based Blue Cheese, £4.50, and No 42 Sausages, £3.29, made from six different plants. We also can’t resist Almonds in Dark Chocolate, £3.29, which contain saffron and vitamin B6 to help with the symptoms of menopause. Top of the glass! Fans of sauvignon blanc or pinot grigio should try Aldi’s award-winning Baron Amarillo Rueda Verdejo. Awarded bronze at the Decanter World Wine Awards,…

Murder on the Dance Floor by Shirley Ballas and Sheila McClure After Shirley’s autobiography Behind the Sequins came out, a few juicy stories hadn’t made the final cut. ‘It seemed a shame not to do anything with them, as the behind-the-scenes world of professional ballroom dance is full of drama, intrigue and passion,’ Shirley says. ‘It’s incredibly competitive, and when a winner’s podium has only room for one couple, competition can be cut-throat.’ So she and Sheila created a work of fiction set in a world where the most ambitious will stop at nothing to win. When a promising young dancer collapses just prior to a prestigious competition, Lily Richmond, dance legend and teacher, is sure it’s murder. But only one person can help solve the mystery, her former student…

5 WAYS TO… CELEBRATE AUTUMN 1 GET BAKING Mother Nature spills some of her tastiest ingredients during autumn. Why not pick your own? Visit a pumpkin patch or an orchard on Apple Day on 21 October. 2 ENJOY THE FOLIAGE Watching the leaves change colour is one of life’s simple pleasures. Get outside for a walk and see what wildlife you can spot on World Animal Day (4 October). 3 UPDATE YOUR WARDROBE Pack up the sandals and get out the boots and knits. Add a splash of colour to your outfit to bring cheer on 6 October for World Smile Day. 4 BE SWEET Have tasty treats on hand to delight dressed-up little ones who come knocking at your door on Halloween. 5 DECORATE YOUR HOME Simple tricks such…

Film 1 Which Welsh actor and presenter made a cameo in the new Barbie movie? 2 In which film did Tom Hanks win his first best actor Oscar? 3 What animal is Alex in the animated film Madagascar? UK landmarks 4 Which sculptor created the Angel of the North in Gateshead? 5 Which prehistoric monument can be found on Salisbury Plain? 6 In which city can you find the Titanic Museum? Plants 7 Which plant takes its name from the Italian for ‘beautiful woman’? 8 What is the art of cutting shrubs into ornamental shapes called? 9 The spice saffron comes from which flower? Science 10 How many bones are in the human body? 11 What does a Geiger Counter measure? 12 Who is credited with the creation of the…

As I cradled my tiny bundle of joy, I drank in that lovely newborn baby smell. I’d just given birth to my third son, Remy, and everything about him, from his tiny toes to cute button nose was perfect. ‘Our family’s complete,’ I said to my husband, Chris. After a textbook pregnancy and birth, I wanted to get back home, and introduce Remy to his big brothers, Ollie, eight, and Brodie, six. But the midwife said: ‘I don’t think you’ll be going home today. It’s probably better to stay here and rest.’ Strange, I thought. Normally they couldn’t wait to get new mums out of the hospital. Later, I pushed to go home, but the midwives and nurses kept finding excuses to keep me in. Eventually, a doctor examined Remy…

Fancy stocking up on a free weekly shop? Enter our brilliant competition and you could win £200 in the supermarket vouchers of your choice! You can take your pick from Sainsbury’s, Tesco, Morrisons, M&S or Iceland. Just think of all the tantalising treats that could be in store — big juicy steaks, delicious ready meals, smoked salmon, Belgian chocs, your favourite wines and beer. And of course you could fill your store cupboard with a host of essentials, from washing powder to tea and coffee. Sounds like a tasty prize? Then grab that pen and get puzzling! 3 LETTERS Dip, Eat, Lid,Oil, Pot, Tea 4 LETTERS Asks, Bran, Cost,Cube, Eggs, Pack,Pear, Roll, Sole,Stir, Tart,Tins, Zest 5 LETTERS Apple, Honey,Peach, Steam,Sugar, Swede 6 LETTERS Carton, Orange,Pastry, Quinoa 7 LETTERS Calorie, Carrots,Herring,…

Competitions close at midnight on 2 November 2023 POST IT TSS2310, PO Box 503, Leicester LE94 OAD Enter as many competitions as you like (please use block letters throughout) PLEASE DO NOT ENCLOSE ANY CORRESPONDENCE PHONE IT UK 0905 669 0107 You must be 18 or over and have the bill payer’s permission. When asked for the issue number key in 10. Calls cost 50p per minute plus your network access charge. TEXT IT 65115 ENTER ONLINE takeabreak.co.uk /competitions…

I smoothed down the last layer of tissue paper and closed my pink suitcase carefully, brimming with excitement. Inside was my beautiful Grecian-style tulle wedding dress. In just five days’ time, my fiancé David and I would be making our vows in a romantic beach ceremony. ‘All set?’ asked David, 40. ‘Yes, I hope so,’ I replied. ‘But I’m keeping this case with me on the plane because I don’t want it to go missing!’ I’d met David, an engineer, through friends and we had two children, Sienna, eight, and Thomas, three. When he’d proposed, I knew I wanted a beach wedding with the sun shining down on me. I’d always loved Cyprus and the location we’d chosen was a stunning clifftop overlooking the sea in Peyia, not far from…

Health Q MY WRIST HURTS WHEN I LIFT MY BABY. My GP diagnosed De Quervain’s syndrome. What is that? A De Quervain’s (or tenosynovitis) causes a sharp pain at the base of the thumb and wrist which can shoot into the hand or forearm. It’s due to constriction of the thumb tendons as they enter the hand. De Quervain’s is common in new mums and occurs in other situations which stress the area, such as racquet sports. Reducing the inflammation and minimising stressing the tendons is key. Applying ice, resting your hand, NSAID gels and adapting the way you lift your baby usually help. Your GP may refer you to a physiotherapist and steroid injections are often helpful. Q I HAVE BEEN DIAGNOSED WITH IBS. My friend has been very…

Driving along in the sunshine, I suddenly felt a popping sensation in my left breast. That’s weird, I thought. Later that day, I felt a lump in the same spot and a knot of worry formed in my stomach. I volunteered for a cancer charity, so I knew how important it was to check your breasts and did it regularly. This lump had come out of nowhere, so I made an appointment with my GP. ‘I’ll refer you for a biopsy,’ she said. A few days later, my husband, Dean, came with me to hospital to get the results. ‘You have just a matter of months left’ ‘You have stage three, triple negative breast cancer,’ the doctor said. I felt like I’d been kicked in the face. ‘Please take notes…

IN SEASON: KALE Beef & kale pot pie Serves: 6 Takes: 4hr 30min (plus cooling & standing) ■ 2tbsp vegetable oil■ 1.5kg beef shin (see Cook’s Tip)■ 4tbsp plain flour, seasoned■ 2 large onions, chopped■ 2tbsp tomato purée■ 4 fresh thyme sprigs■ 1ltr hot beef stock■ Salt and freshly ground black pepper■ 100g kale, stems removed■ 1 egg, beaten■ 1 ready-rolled puff pastry sheet, defrosted if frozen 1 Preheat the oven to 150°C (fan 130°C/gas 2). Heat half the oil in a large, flameproof casserole dish with a lid over a high heat. Toss the beef shin in the seasoned flour to coat, shaking off and reserving any excess. 2 Brown the beef in batches, for 3-4min per batch, adding more oil as needed. Transfer to a plate using a…

Tracey, 60, Nuneaton, Warwickshire I wouldn’t normally choose a murder mystery, but I’m a big fan of Strictly, and really enjoyed this book. I loved getting to know each character. Lily, the former world dance champion, was one of my favourites. She’s like a mother to her students. The characters are really brought to life, and I felt I knew them. This book has lots of twists and turns, and each chapter brought a new likely suspect, right up until the end. It was an easy read that kept me engrossed throughout. Melanie, 58, Mirfield, West Yorkshire This is a fun-filled romp of a book! I imagined Shirley as the character Lily, the dance legend who teams up with her former student to solve a series of murders. It’s an…

What you’ll need ● A potato● Knife or scalpel● Cookie cutter (optional)● Kitchen paper● Sheets of paper● Tote bag● Fabric paint● Iron Step 1 Cut your potato in half and then cut a design out of the sliced part of the potato, using a knife or scalpel. You could also use a cookie cutter. Just push it into the potato, then simply cut a slice around the cutter. Blot the potato with some kitchen paper to dry it out a little. Step 2 Place sheets of paper inside your tote bag before you start printing to prevent the paint from seeping through to the other side of the bag. Step 3 Add paint on to your potato stamp. Add plenty in the centre and then spread it out to the…

Casual country kitchen Add a country finish to the hub of the home. Open shelving or an old cabinet is a great way to display your china and keeps costs down on fancy accessories. Tranquil bathroom Update a monochrome bathroom scheme with inky blue and soft grey.…

Eyes down, I shuffled to the staff room to eat my breakfast and, as I opened the brown paper bag I’d been clutching, a familiar smell wafted out. ‘Mmm,’ I sighed as I tucked into the McDonald’s McMuffin meal I’d bought, with extra hash browns and a cola. I knew it wasn’t healthy, but takeaways had become my norm. Life was so busy since my partner Ben and I had had our second child, Hallie, that I constantly felt shattered and rarely bothered cooking any more. And the results spoke for themselves. I tipped the scales at over 15 stone which, at 5ft 2in, made me obese. It had been a different story when I had our son, Alfie. After he was born, I’d easily lost the baby weight but…

My face throbbed as the doctor examined my retinas for signs of concussion. I was 15 and I’d been out on my motorbike when I crashed into a tree. My nose was definitely broken, but now, the hospital doctor treating me had seen something else and referred me for tests. When the results came back, he explained that I had retinitis pigmentosa — a degenerative eye condition that eventually leads to blindness. ‘It could happen next week, or in 10 years. There’s no way of knowing,’ the doctor said. I was devastated. Ever since I’d been little, my dream had been to race motorbikes. How could I do that if I was blind? My parents tried their best to be supportive, but I was so traumatised that I refused to…

As I sat in my armchair, I nattered to my childhood best friend, Audrey, on the phone. ‘Do you remember that time I went flying over the handlebars of that bike?’ I said. ‘Oh yes,’ she replied, laughing. ‘And what about that time we got caught pinching those peas from the farmer’s field?’ My weekly chats with Audrey were always guaranteed to leave me in stitches as we reminisced about the good old times. We’d first become friends when we were just eight, having met at primary school. We were a right pair of mischief-makers, too! Growing up, we did absolutely everything together, including our job as fruit pickers. Audrey became like a sister to me as I told her things I’d never told another soul. She was even there…

Shopwatch: Cotton Traders For cosy classics and investment pieces, look no further than Cotton Traders’ latest range. We love their tailored coats and A-line skirts for a sleek look that can take you anywhere Get them before they go If you’re after comfort and style at a bargain price then look no further than these luscious loafers from studio.co.uk. They’re perfect for pairing with jeans, tailored trousers or even your favourite daytime dress Brighten UP Add a little colour to your wardrobe with these statement jackets…

Win! ● Two nights’ bed and breakfast● Evening meal on one night● £200 spending money Take some time out and treat a loved one to a relaxing stay in the historic spa town of Harrogate with this superb Yorkshire getaway. We’ve teamed up with The Inn Collection Group to give you the chance to win a two-night mini-break at The Harrogate Inn. Solve our puzzle and you could be on your way to this beautiful hotel to stay in an Executive Suite, enjoying a cooked breakfast in the morning to set you both up for a day of sightseeing and activities. Conveniently located to provide easy access to the Nidderdale area of outstanding natural beauty and the moors of North and West Yorkshire, The Harrogate Inn is the perfect place…

Complexion Oil-based products are great for mature skin, hydrating parched skin and targeting fine lines. Brimming with essential fatty acids, these super-strength oils play a major role in rebuilding lipid barriers. They also strengthen the skin’s surface layers, and help to plump and smooth your face. Gatineau Defi Lift Firming Facial Oil, from £16. No.7 Youthful Replenishing Facial Oil, £27.95. Essential cleansers Cleansing is the most important part of any skin care routine, and using an oil-based cleanser can be incredibly soothing. Autumn is a great time to add one of these gentle cleansers. As well as melting away make-up, they remove dead skin and unblock pores. CeraVe Hydrating Foaming Oil Cleanser, £14. Benefit the POREfessional Get Unblocked Pore-Clearing Make-Up- Removing Cleansing Oil, £16. Bobbi Brown Soothing Cleansing Oil, £26.…

I settled the rabbits into their hutch and said: ‘Welcome to your new home!’ After hearing of an elderly breeder who was too poorly to look after the litter, I’d taken the bunnies in. And there was one in particular who’d caught my eye. Mimi had been born deaf, with no ears and only one front leg. But that didn’t seem to bother her. She was such a content little thing who loved to be petted. ‘Still, I wonder if she feels left out,’ I said to my boyfriend Josh. And as soon as the words had come out of my mouth, I had a brainwave. Next day, I got out some wool and knitting needles and got to work making her a pair of woolly lugs! When they were…

My husband Phil pulled his coat on, then headed for the door. ‘Right, love, I’m off fishing,’ he said. He’d normally be out all day, so when he came home early, I immediately thought something was wrong. Then I noticed he was clutching something under his jacket. ‘You’ll never guess what I’ve been up to,’ he said. Then with a flourish, Phil revealed the little ball of fluff he’d been keeping warm. It was a day-old duckling. ‘Oh, poor little thing,’ I said. ‘I was by the pond for three hours trying to find its mum,’ Phil explained. ‘But she was nowhere.’ He knew if he left the chick there, it would die, so he’d scooped it up and brought it home. ‘I couldn’t live with myself if I’d abandoned…

WOULD YOU DUMP YOUR MAN FOR BANTER? My partner works in a male-dominated environment, where there’s lots of ‘banter’ about women, including female colleagues. I’ve seen messages between him and his friends, discussing which women they’d most like to get with. He says he only goes along with it because everyone else does. Does that make it OK? TaB Reader, Tamzin, 35: My ex was like this and I made the mistake of believing him when he said it was just office banter. Shortly after having our daughter, I discovered he was cheating on me with a younger colleague. This is definitely not OK! TaB Reader, Amy-Louise, 28: It’s this kind of attitude that gave rise to the ‘Me Too’ movement. It’s totally unacceptable and claiming he doesn’t mean it…

Cherry nice When giving cards, I’ve always liked to make something personal. For this design, I mixed some paint, then tipped the bottom of a plastic bottle in it. I used the bottle to print a pattern on to my card. Then I added some lines to turn it into cherry blossom. My friend absolutely loved it. Teri Anderson, Waltham Abbey, Essex Bags of charm My spider plant needed a hanging pot, but they’re so expensive. So I had an idea to turn an old handbag I no longer wanted into a hanging pot instead. I just cleared it out, popped my plant in its pot inside and hung it from my kitchen window. I think it makes a really unique feature. Frances Brooks, Swinderby, Lincs Make a wish I…

SCORPIO 23 Oct - 21 Nov Being the strong and silent type suits you. Carefully considering all of your options lays the foundations for success. It’s time to finish projects and plan ahead for the winter. There’s a chance to attend a ‘see and be seen’ event around Halloween and experts will have invaluable information for you, so tune in. With your ruler, Pluto, picking up speed from the 11th, visitors drop by and new horizons beckon. Ideas come to you in your dreams SAGITTARIUS 22 Nov - 21 Dec Blink and they’ll miss you! Talk about living life at 100 miles an hour. As the planets add sparkle to your zone of hopes and dreams, you won’t even want to quit while you’re ahead. You’re a people person at…

CAMBRIDGE BREAK WINNER Lucy Kent, Sheffield ‘I’m ecstatic! I’ve not won anything like this before. I’m also looking forward to visiting Cambridge, as I’ve never been, and I can’t wait to make more happy memories with the people that make me happy. Thank you.’ GREECE HOLIDAY (PRIZE ANSWER: SERENE) Mrs R Smith, London. HOT TUB BREAK (PRIZE ANSWER: MYTH) G Jones, Tregaron, Ceredigion. £1200 BIG BONANZA (PRIZE ANSWER: VERSUS) C Davies, Southend-on-Sea, Essex. £1000 CELEBRITY CROSSWORD (PRIZE ANSWER: HAVE TRIED ONLINE DATING) M Dean, Gravesend, Kent. CAMBRIDGE BREAK (PRIZE ANSWER: SCULPTURE TRAIL) J Ascott, Runcorn, Cheshire. L Kent, Sheffield. PIZZA OVEN AND GIFT CARD (PRIZE ANSWER: SLICES) G Mills, Worcester. UK SEASIDE BREAK (PRIZE ANSWER: DEBUT) Miss R Cox, Bristol. £500 BIG RELAX (PRIZE ANSWER: VALIANT) Mrs A Richards, Swansea.…