Tabla de contenidos para August 2024 en Take a Break Monthly

I winced in pain and my eyes filled with tears. ‘I need to go to the hospital,’ I told my mum, Pauline, as I gripped my left calf. The pain was excruciating. I’d been diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes aged 14, and now the toes on my left foot had turned blue. Mum rushed me to hospital. There, I was diagnosed with diabetic ketoacidosis — a serious complication of diabetes that could be life-threatening. Scans showed blood clots in my legs and stomach, and a hole in my heart. ‘You need surgery to remove the clots,’ a doctor explained. By now, my foot had turned white and I was given pain medication. Later that night, I was transferred to another hospital. I joked and told a doctor: ‘Please don’t chop…

Solve our puzzle to find out who it is. 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 1 Go on board — a ship, eg (6)6 Technical area where the manager and subs sit during a football match (6)9 Make bigger (7)10 Disregard, take no notice of (6)11 Creator of the Famous Five, Enid - - - (6)12 Greatest in duration (7)16 Pale, wan (5)18 Emma - - -, Poor Things Oscar winner (5)20 Fragrant shrub used to flavour tea, or the princess in Disney’s Aladdin (7)22 Walk with difficulty, limp (6)24 Consecrate, ordain (6)26 Resident who rents from a landlord…

This month, let’s make it all about you — yes, YOU! If you’re in need of some relaxation and a chance to get away from it all, look no further… We’re giving you the chance to win £1000 in cash to splash out on some serious me-time. Crack our crossword and, if you’re our lucky winner, you could be enjoying a summer of treats — or whatever else you fancy. How about indulging in a weekend of pampering on a luxury spa break? Escape from all the hustle and bustle of everyday life and relax and recharge your batteries in the gorgeous surroundings of a country spa hotel. Unwind with a rejuvenating sauna and a soothing massage, or treat yourself to a herbal body wrap, an aromatherapy facial or a…

Aubergine & sweet potato pizza Serves: 4 Takes: 1hr (plus standing and proving) ■ 1tsp dried yeast■ ½tsp caster sugar■ ¼tsp salt■ 200g wholemeal plain flour (or use white), plus extra for dusting■ 1tbsp olive oil, plus extra for greasing■ 250g sweet potato, thinly sliced■ 1 medium aubergine, thinly sliced■ 1 red onion, cut into thin wedges■ 250g passata■ 2tsp cumin seeds■ 30g Cheddar, roughly grated■ 100g Greek-style yogurt■ 10g fresh coriander leaves 1 Combine the yeast, sugar, salt and 80ml warm water in a small bowl. Whisk until the yeast dissolves. Cover with clingfilm. Stand in a warm place for 20min until frothy. 2 Place the flour in a large bowl. Stir in the oil and yeast mixture, then mix to a soft dough. 3 Turn out on to a…

Quick change New knobs! Two for one Picture this…

• Two-night B&B stay• £200 spending money Take a seaside break to the town of Deal, Kent, on us! Solve our puzzle and, if you’re our winner, you’ll be off for a two-night B&B stay on the seafront at The Royal Hotel. Built in the early 18th century, the hotel’s decor reflects its rich naval history, while also boasting a stylish feel with the latest contemporary comforts. Dine in the Quarterdeck restaurant, or take a meal in the relaxed surroundings of the Boathouse bar, which offers glorious sea views. As you might expect from the location, freshly caught seafood is a speciality. We’ll wave you off with £200 to spend, so you can really treat yourself. The hotel is owned by independent Faversham-based family brewer and pub company Shepherd Neame,…

Stroking my baby’s forehead, I tried to block out my boyfriend’s hateful words. ‘She’s ill because of something you’ve done,’ he snarled. I’d only given birth to our daughter, Gracie, four weeks before. Chris, 26, and I hadn’t been together long when I’d fallen pregnant unexpectedly. All I knew was that I didn’t want to be a single mum, so I’d decided to give him a go. He lived in a town more than 200 miles from where I lived with my family, so I’d packed up and moved in with him. But within days of me arriving, he’d turned nasty. Chris was controlling and wouldn’t let me use my phone or leave the house without him. And while I hoped things would settle down and improve when I brought…

As I stole a glance at the figure beside me, I could practically see the sparks of electricity crackling between us. I was on a date with the cousin of a friend of mine and it was going better than I could have dreamt. His name was Mykal and he was gorgeous. He was in the process of getting divorced — and that wasn’t all. At 24, he already had 10 children with his ex-wife and two previous partners. Ten! I was only 18 and it was a lot to take on board — but it didn’t put me off and, soon, we were dating. And before long, Mykal laid out his long-term plans. ‘I want more children,’ he said. ‘And I want them with you.’ I nodded my head.…

My mum was visiting my new flat when someone shouted my name from outside. ‘Not right now!’ I called through the open window. ‘Who’s that?’ asked Mum. ‘Oh, just a friend,’ I replied. In fact, it was my boyfriend Stuart. But there was a reason that I was keeping him secret from Mum. At just 22, Stuart was 14 years younger than me and I thought that might shock her. To be honest, I still wasn’t sure how I felt about dating a much younger man. In my 20s, I’d gone the other way, dating fellas older than me. I’d loved the idea that they were reining in my wild side and keeping me in check. But as I got older, I felt the men I was going for wanted…

Swimsuits For a confidence-boosting solution, look no further than a chic one-piece — perfect for anyone who wants a little extra coverage Tankinis A nifty tankini will keep you covered, while sizes can be mixed and matched for the perfect fit Bikinis Look out for supportive cups and adjustable bottoms, which will allow you to adapt your look…

Beauty 1 Hair mask UV rays can add a sun-kissed glow to your locks, but can really take their toll long term, causing damage, dulling and dehydration. Rich in coconut oil, keratin and the brand’s advanced hair technology, Ogx Rescue Fusions Intense Repair & Recovery Hair Mask, £12, will nourish your hair, topping up lost moisture, de-frizzing and giving a sleek glossy finish. 2 Face mist Warmer climates can leave your complexion a little parched. A face mist will boost your moisture levels and act as a cooling spray. Caudalie Beauty Elixir, from £18, is packed with refreshing plant-based ingredients that will lock in moisture to strengthen your skin’s barrier against the environment. 3 Sunscreen Make sure your sun care has stamina. Providing broad spectrum protection against UVA and UVB…

Take a Break Pets As two-year-old Labrador Stella nuzzled gently against my leg, I bent down to stroke her soft golden fur. ‘What do you think, eh?’ I asked her. ‘Reckon you’ll be happy staying here?’ She let out a little yelp, which I was sure was her way of saying: ‘You bet!’ For several years my husband Lee and I had fostered pups for Guide Dogs UK, caring for them while they went through their vital training. Only because of disruptions caused by the pandemic, Stella had been unable to complete her course — so the charity had invited us to officially adopt her. Lee and I had jumped at the chance. Stella was one in a million. I had diabetes, and whenever I was feeling ill, she was…

Lemon & blackberry frozen yogurt Serves: 10 Takes: 30min (plus freezing) ■ Butter, for greasing■ 300g Greek-style yogurt■ 600ml double cream■ 125g icing sugar■ Finely grated zest of 1 lemon■ 325g lemon curd■ 150g pkt ginger biscuits (see Cook’s Tip)■ 325g blackberry jam■ 150g blackberries or summer berries of your choice 1 Grease and line a 25cm x 10cm loaf tin with a double layer of clingfilm, leaving a 10cm overhang. 2 Beat the yogurt, cream, icing sugar and lemon zest in a large bowl with an electric hand whisk until soft peaks form. Gently fold in the lemon curd. Place a layer of ginger biscuits over the base of the tin, overlapping slightly. 3 Spread over a quarter of the yogurt mixture. Dollop teaspoons of the blackberry jam over…

Our Lives Brilliant beams of sunlight flooded the bathroom as I stepped into the shower. I’d been living in Spain with my hubby Mark for the past 13 years, and I loved the warm, early morning sunshine. But as I came out of the shower and began to dry myself, I stopped suddenly, alarmed. I’d noticed a bump on the top of my left breast which I’d never seen before. It wasn’t big, but when I leant back, I could clearly see it protruding from my skin. Tentatively, I touched it, and instantly felt a shooting pain. ‘I know it’s cancer,’ I said to Mark, fearfully. And five days later, I gripped his hand as a doctor confirmed I had grade 3, fast-growing breast cancer. ‘Look, breast cancer is easily…

What do the stars have in store for you? LEO 23 Jul – 22 Aug Yes, you’re right, Leo, it is all about you, at least until the 22nd. Chase those dreams and must-have items, as your success rate is riding high right now. Mixing and mingling away from home promises to introduce you lions to some new friends, and those friends in turn can lead you to more travels. For singles, lending a hand with good causes should spark romance, while couples see a way for each other to achieve a personal ambition that had been previously missed. Just watch out for Mercury’s backspin. It could hamper your cash flow between the 5th and 16th. Pet is star of the show VIRGO 23 Aug – 22 Sep Welcome to…

£1200 WINNER Thomas Mills, Truro, Cornwall ‘I was on holiday when my stepdad messaged to say I had a letter. When he opened it and told me I’d won, I started jumping around my hotel room — I was so happy! This has really helped financially, as my fiancée and I are saving for our own home. Thank you so much.’ MAJORCA HOLIDAY (PRIZE ANSWER: MELLOW) P Jackson, Chorley, Lancs. BOURNEMOUTH BREAK (PRIZE ANSWER: CHOMP) M Williams, Bargoed, Mid Glam. £1200 BIG BONANZA (PRIZE ANSWER: SMALL) T Mills, Truro, Cornwall. £1000 CELEBRITY CROSSWORD (PRIZE ANSWER: HAVE A BEAUTY LINE) B Richardson, Selby, N Yorks. SPA BREAK (PRIZE ANSWER: PEARL) L Erskine, Birchington, Kent. SLEEP-HAPPY BUNDLE (PRIZE ANSWER: ASLEEP) J Carr, Leek, Staffs. GLAMPING BREAK (PRIZE ANSWER: HIPPOCAMPUS) K Calvert, Wakefield,…

Win! • Two winners will receive a Betty Box every month for 12 months Look a million dollars with this fab prize — new jewellery from Betty & Biddy every month for a year! That means 12 boxes of jewellery to inject a new lease of life into your wardrobe, from summer holidays to Christmas celebrations and all the days in between. We have two prizes up for grabs. Crack our competition and you could be taking delivery of the Betty Box, a monthly curated collection of Betty & Biddy’s most loved and bestselling items — jewellery that will effortlessly elevate your everyday. From bold, eye-catching pieces that are the perfect way to complete your special occasion outfit, to delicate classics that you can wear from day to night, there’s…

Shop watch: Tu at Sainsbury’s Enjoy summer in style with Tu’s latest collection of sophisticated yet easy-to-wear pieces. Opt for classic neutrals or introduce colour with gorgeous sunset shades and earthy greens. Cool co-ords A matching set will go the distance in your wardrobe. Wear together to make a stylish statement or mix and match for countless outfit combos. Get them before they go Finish off your holiday look without spending a fortune with on-trend raffia accessories from high-street hero Primark.…

Sitting in a stuffy hospital room, I listened to the consultant, then reached out and gently squeezed my dad’s hand. He’d been on holiday with Mum in Tenerife when he’d found himself struggling to swallow. Now, tests had found he had stage-three oesophageal cancer. With Mum and Dad both in tears, I asked the doctor: ‘What are you going to do?’ He explained the tumour was too big for them to operate, so Dad would need months of chemo and radiotherapy. Back at my parents’ home later, I put the kettle on. ‘You OK, Dad?’ I said, handing him a brew. ‘I’m going to beat it,’ he replied. ‘In fact, let’s make a pact. You lose the weight you want to lose and I’ll ring that end of treatment bell.’…

‘I’VE BOUGHT NOTHING NEW FOR 20 YEARS!' Tamara has saved hundreds of thousands of pounds by adopting a zero-waste lifestyle… In the UK, each person throws away five times their own body weight in waste per year. Though recycling has become an established norm for the majority of households, we’re still producing too much waste, much of which ends up in landfill — a major source of pollution and greenhouse gasses. But an increasing number of people are joining the zero-waste movement. And by working to produce as little waste as possible, they are saving huge sums of money. Tamara DiMattina has embraced a zero-waste lifestyle, and the 48-year-old has bought nothing new for 20 years! When she was 21, she got a job at Sotheby’s, the posh auction house…

Eye of the pea-holder Yes Peas, the campaign dedicated to championing the frozen pea, has partnered with anti-ageing pioneer, Star Khechara, to share how the (not so) humble pea can be a beauty hero. ● Peas boast phytochemicals, which have been shown to slow collagen loss and combat skin ageing. ● Packed with vitamins, minerals and amino acids, peas help produce healthy skin cells, while antioxidants help reveal a clearer complexion. ● Peas contain biotin, which helps boost hair follicles, preventing breakage and thinning. ● Being made up of 75 per cent water, peas can play a role in hydrating your skin, creating a smooth and radiant tone. Add peas to your daily cooking — throw into soups, casseroles, pasta sauces and even smoothies! For further info and recipes, visit…

Our free time Read it! Our Fair Lily by Rosie Goodwin It started with choosing the name Lily for her protagonist… Rosie says: ‘I find that once the picture of a character pops into my head, the rest follows naturally. I love to write about real people — people who have flaws. After all, none of us are perfect. I think that makes the characters feel more believable and relatable.’ Set in 1875, the story follows Lily Moon, a local miner’s daughter, who spends her days working as a parlour maid for Lord and Lady Bellingham, at Oakley Manor on the outskirts of Nuneaton. She’s always been happy with her lot in life. But everything changes when she temporarily becomes lady’s maid to the Bellingham’s daughter Arabella, who is pregnant…

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 Ice, Oil, Rye, Set, Tea, Wok 4 LETTERS Bags, Chef, Meat, Pick, Pots, Salt, Save, Sole 5 LETTERS Fudge, Peach, Pours, Spice, Stalk, Stirs 6 LETTERS Bitter, Cloves, Loaves, Prunes, Recipe,…

Shovelling chips on to a plate, I doused them heavily in salt and curry sauce. But they weren’t for one of my customers in the chip shop where I worked. The big portion was for me. I weighed 22 stone, and was a size 30, but my bulk had never bothered me. I’d been overweight since I was 17, and more weight had piled on after I’d had three children. But at 48, it began to affect my health. I was diagnosed with type 2 diabetes and I could barely get round the supermarket. When my hubby Stephen had an operation that meant he’d need help afterwards, I panicked. If I’m in such bad shape myself, how can I look after Stephen? I thought. So I made a decision. ‘I’m…