CloserIssue 938的目錄

If we weren’t already aware of the need to care for our planet, the pandemic has certainly woken us up with an almighty slap across the face. In this issue, we’ve spoken to celebs about their green changes and we’ve got loads of advice on how you can do the same and save money while you’re at it. Are you struggling with homeschool? If so, turn to page 52 for lessons from famous faces, experts and an experienced mum – with their help, you’ll ace it! Lockdown is undeniably tough, but there are some real heroes making it better for everyone, so we celebrate them on page 30. And finally, if you’re thinking of buying a furry friend to cheer up the family, please “paws for thought’ and read our…

COVID-19 has impacted everyone’s lives significantly, but stats have shown that it’s triggered a huge rise in problem gamblers seeking help. The “stay at home” restrictions and furlough have made those who may turn to gambling more likely to do so. During the first lockdown, the Gambling Commission reported a rise of 88% in online sports betting, while gambling helpline the Gordon Moody Association also reported that the number of interactions with problem gamblers had increased from 30 a month to 1,000 a month. Seek support for problem gambling by calling the National Gambling Helpline on 0808 8020 133 or visiting Gordonmoody.org.uk.…

Closer’s dating expert Rebecca Twomey – a huge fan of SATC – reveals why she thinks the show still resonates more than two decades since it first aired. “Carrie Bradshaw once said, ‘Sometimes it’s really hard to walk in a single woman’s shoes’. But thanks to the character and her three best pals – Charlotte, Miranda and Samantha – each step of my single years has been much more comfortable. “The SATC ladies were formidable 30-somethings who – albeit a fantasy – led the most incredible lives. They showed us that women could have it all and do it all without a man by their side. Essentially, they taught me how to succeed at being single. “All of a sudden, being alone wasn’t shameful. They had jobs they loved, were…

“SHE’S EVEN HAPPY TO TAKE ON THE ROLE OF WAG” He has a successful media career spanning over a decade, but for Mark Wright, who made his debut for Crawley Town FC last week, realising his lifelong dream of being a professional footballer is a moment of personal triumph. In what was considered a sensational 3-0 FA Cup win against Premiere League side Leeds, Mark took to the pitch in the 91st minute of the game, later describing the feat as a “huge achievement”. LOW SELF-ESTEEM Soon after, the former reality star – who’s been documenting his return to the sport on new BBC docuseries Mark Wright: The Last Chance – told his Instagram followers, “[It’s] a day I will never forget!” In spite of his impressive accomplishments – making…

They shocked fans when it emerged they were an item earlier this month – but Olivia Wilde and Harry Styles’ romance has sparked rumours she’s moved in with the One Direction star, 26, after the actress, 36, was seen moving her belongings out of the LA home she shared with ex Jason Sudeikis, 45. A source later claimed Olivia “stays with [Harry] when she doesn’t have the kids”. Meanwhile, insiders say Jason – who shares two children with Olivia – is “devastated” about the split. A source reveals, “It’s really difficult for him. But he’s more upset than angry and desperately wants her back.” Those close to Olivia and Harry revealed they’d dated “for a few weeks” after meeting on film Don’t Worry Darling – following Jason and the actress’…

It’s January and we’re in yet another lockdown. It’s a difficult time at the moment, so it’s really important that we look after ourselves. I’ve always been really into selfcare and taking time for myself – whether it’s reading a book, cooking a nice meal, or putting on a face mask. Long, hot baths are also my go-to, especially with it being so cold. I use that time to lose myself in my thoughts and calm myself down, especially if I’ve had a stressful day. Salons are all closed, which means there’s no chance of facials or other treatments, so I’ve treated myself to some nice pampering products. I love using a body scrub, like the Superdrug Vitamin E Sugar Oil Body Scrub, and then some moisturiser, like the Vitamin…

REUSABLE BABY WIPES Most disposable wipes contain non-biodegradable plastic. Swap for hygienic, reusable, plastic-free baby wipes from Cheekywipes.com. You’ll save roughly £258 in the first two years of your baby’s life. MENSTRUAL CUP It’s estimated that 1.5-2 billion sanitary products are flushed down Britain’s toilets each year. Cut this by switching to a menstrual cup made using super-soft silicone. They can’t be felt when worn and last up to ten years. Try Mooncup.co.uk BOTTLED WATER VS TAP It takes approximately three times more water to produce a plastic bottle than it does to fill it, and most of those bottles head to landfill once used. Tap water is just as safe, tasty and, best of all, free! HOMEMADE CLEANER To make your own ecofriendly cleaner, add 50ml of liquid castile…

INSIDE ALEXANDRA’S FRIDGE • Eggs• Avocado• Peanut butter• Tony’s chocolate• Green & Black’s chocolate• Nush dairy-free spread• Bagels• Smoked salmon• Gnocchi• Vegan Peri-naise• Herbs• Raspberries• Richmond meat-free sausages• Ginger• Bananas• Beetroot• Courgette• Roasted peppers• Spinach• Aubergines• Almond milk• Hazelnut milk• Red wine ALEXANDRA How much do you spend? Around £150. I recently followed a vegan diet for a week or two and enjoyed going in-store and buying what’s in season. I found my bill was slightly less. Meat can be expensive. Describe your daily diet… Breakfast is sourdough bread with peanut butter, sliced banana and chia seeds. For lunch, it’s usually salmon with an apple and beetroot salad and dairy-free cheese. Dinner could be pasta, like tortellini filled with truffle, or meat-free sausages in a red wine broth. Or gnocchi.…

YOUR GUIDE TO EMOTIONAL ISSUES AND FAMILY LIFE WITH PSYCHOLOGICAL THERAPIST EMMA KENNY You may be struggling to homeschool your kids, have an unsuitable home to work from, or feeling isolated living alone. But wherever you are on the lockdown struggle spectrum, you can still make positive choices. CREATE A ROUTINE Before the pandemic hit, life followed a certain rhythm, because we are creatures of habit and like a sense of order. Even with life being so different now, there are some essential routines we should follow. If you are on furlough, do not stay up until 3am every night watching boxsets. Treat your day as you would a work day by breaking it up into manageable chunks that include reading, exercise, hobbies, online chats, preparing healthy meals, and doing…

MY BIGGEST ACHIEVEMENT WAS… winning silver at the London 2012 Olympics. It was the most stressful time of my life, but to win a medal was the pinnacle of my career ― nothing has topped it since. I BECAME A FATHER LAST FEBRUARY… Anyone can be a dad, but I really hope to be a good one. My father wasn’t around much growing up, so that drives me to be the polar opposite. I’m determined to be there for all the highs and the lows, and to keep my family happy. THE BEST PIECE OF ADVICE I’VE BEEN GIVEN WAS… to always listen to my coach. Starting out in gyms as a young kid, I wasn’t the best or the strongest, but I always listened to what my coach would…

GET HER LOOK MYLEENE KLASS, 42 The singer’s layered get-up keeps things winter-appropriate, but without scrimping on style. Fresh white trainers are a great way to make tailored pieces more wearable, while gold-tone accessories add a high-fashion finish. A master-klass in how to dress up basics. I WANT WHAT SHE’S GOT! IN THE NEWS... GET A MOVE ON WITH TU! Bursting with jazzy slogans, figure-flattering fits and comfy fabrics, Tu Move at Sainsbury’s boasts activewear to make you feel and look fantastic. So whether you’re after a cosy puffa jacket for daily strolls, or sculpting leggings for comfort, there’s something for everyone – even with a January budget! STYLE CRUSH: OLIVIA WILDE We’re going Wilde for the star’s daytime wardrobe… Wearing the ultimate cool-girl outfit, Olivia rocks this ripped denim…

HOW THEY DIFFER Lots of products are arriving on the shelves, adorned with illustrations of the green cannabis leaves, but some contain CBD (cannabidiol) and some contain hemp. The two ingredients come from the same plant, but are harvested differently, and work to tackle separate skincare woes. CBD oil is taken from the leaves and stalks of the cannabis sativa plant, whereas hemp oil comes from the seeds. Both are nonpsychoactive, so they’re safe to use (from reputable beauty brands) and there’s no chance of experiencing a “high”. Dr Martin Wade explains, “The two are often marketed similarly, but CBD oil is richly concentrated in cannabidiol (a natural chemical from the plant), whereas hemp seed oil only contains trace amounts of cannabidiol, if any. Both are great ingredients for skin,…

CODE CRACK Every number in the grid stands for a different letter. We’ve given you the word PAD to get you started. Fill in all the 1s, 2s and 3s and you’ll be able to start guessing other letters. All 26 letters of the alphabet appear at least once. Cross off the ones you’ve used on the list below KEEP TRACK OF YOUR LETTERS HERE: GUESS THE FILM STILL Channing Tatum and Jonah Hill play two rookie cops in this film version of the ‘80s TV series Jennifer Garner goes from teen to adult overnight in this 2004 comedy NAME THE STARS With the help of our clues, rearrange the letters in the words below to make a celeb’s name 1 He’s got the nation moving again with his online PE…

1 KATIE PRICE: HARVEY AND ME EMOTIONAL DOCUMENTARY MON 25 JAN, 8.30PM, BBC1 Away from the spotlight, where she is best known as Jordan, Katie Price is utterly devoted to looking after her severely disabled son Harvey – who turned 18 last year. “Every time I’ve had a kid, I’ve just wished them happy and healthy,” she says. “Is Harvey healthy? Well, he’s obviously got his problems…” It’s time for Katie to think about how independent Harvey can be, and in this truly heart-warming one-off docu we see a mother fighting for her son to live his best life. It’s tinged with sadness – there’s an admission from Katie that she would want Harvey to die before she does. “I panic that he won’t get looked after,” she says. “If…

IF IT’S YOUR BIRTHDAY THIS WEEK It’s always important to focus on the positives, but this year, it’s vital. It’s a year when you can get things done. As soon as you focus on what’s not working, what you don’t have or what didn’t work out, you will derail yourself. Meditation will be powerful this year. THIS WEEK’S CELEB STAR SIGN AQUARIUS 20 JAN-18 FEB Like it or not, you’re in the spotlight as the Sun moves into your sign. How you handle this is up to you, but the more you try to enjoy it, the better. Show people how wise you’ve become! Get a free Kickstart 2021 workshop when you buy Yasmin’s new Moonology Diary 2021 via Moonmessages. com/2021 PISCES 19 FEB-20 MAR Being a super-confident person who…

• Posh has the past dragged up again, as Rebecca Loos opens up about her claims 17 years ago that she had an affair with David Beckham • In a recent documentary, Rebecca reveals she ‘can’t regret’ things and says it was an ‘exciting’ time She became the most famous woman on the planet after her sensational claims of an affair with David Beckham in 2004. At the time, he was England’s most famous footballer and one half of showbiz’s hottest couple with his Spice Girl wife, Victoria. SEX TAPE Now, 17 years on, David’s former PA, Rebecca Loos, has dragged up pain and hurt from the past as she opens up about her journey to fame, as part of BBC documentary 21st Century Celebrity. Reflecting on how she was…

During their two- and-a-half-year relationship, Liam Payne repeatedly landed himself in hot water with ex Cheryl, as he couldn’t seem to stop himself from sharing details about their private life. And it appears his indiscretion has sparked a little tension in their long-standing friendship, with sources revealing that Cheryl – who shares son Bear, three, with Liam – may feel she can no longer rely on him not to reveal far too much. During an Instagram Live session last week, Liam, 27, revealed he takes a coronavirus test ahead of every visit to Bear during lockdown, adding, “He’s only up the street and it’s dead complicated, but he’s gotten so big, huge.” While he didn’t reveal whose decision it was to impose the strict testing rule, fans were quick to…

The demand for pets has soared during lockdowns, with many of us turning to a furry friend for companionship. The RSPCA’s Find A Pet section saw a 68 per cent rise in views from March to December 2020, compared to the same period the year before. But worrying new research reveals that many pets were bought on impulse – a fifth of dog owners admit they don’t know whether their pet will suit their lifestyle once lockdown is lifted. Now, charities say they are “bracing themselves” for a surge in abandoned pets. The Dogs Trust received more than 1,800 calls over the past three months from people looking to give up puppies. And with charities already under pressure due to a lack of funding, a crisis is looming. But one…

When Rachael Huckle puts on her sexiest underwear and poses for her fans, it’s not only helping to boost her bank balance, but more importantly, her health, too. The former legal secretary had been left in agony for years after suffering from a mystery autoimmune disease that attacked her body and had NHS doctors baffled. But after selling saucy photos online, she was able to afford private consultations and has now discovered the cause of her issues, leaving her pain-free for the first time since she was a child. Rachael, 34, who lives in Wrexham with her family, says, “I could never have imagined that posing for sexy pictures could not only change my life, but save it. The money I made from selling pictures via the Only Fans site…

TALK TO FRIENDS, BUT REMAIN UPBEAT It’s so important to talk about how we’re coping and what’s happening, but it’s good to keep it light. The Loose Women ladies do that brilliantly, so I’d recommend watching that. I’ve made lifelong friends from that show – like Carol [McGiffin] and Andrea [McLean]. I used to be terrified of Janet [Street-Porter], but now I adore her. USE SOCIAL MEDIA POSITIVELY I’m trying to keep my Instagram as fun and lively as possible at the moment, because I think there are other forums for people to read about the doom and gloom. Everything’s sh*t at the minute, so we’ve just got to do whatever we can to keep up our morale and process positivity rather than negativity. EAT A BALANCED DIET Everything’s about…

• Most foodbanks are closed for physical drop-offs, but supermarkets have donation points. To find your nearest, visit Trusselltrust.org.• Many elderly people are struggling with loneliness. The Silver Line offers a 24/7 Helpline, through which volunteers reach thousands of older people each week, whether just for a chat, or to offer advice and info. To find out more, go to Thesilverline.org.uk/get-involved• Lots of elderly and terminally ill people can’t leave home, but their pets need exercise. Visit Cinnamon.org.uk to look after a pet in need.• Widowed And Young (WAY) have lots of online initiatives to help support their bereaved members, including weekly quizzes and guided meditation sessions. Go to Way.org.uk for more information.• Beauty banks are like food banks, but instead supply personal care and hygiene essentials. Go to Beautybanks.org.uk…

KATE: ‘Decluttering & cleaning is like therapy’ She’s always impeccably dressed, but TV presenter Kate Thornton is proof that looking picture-perfect doesn’t need to cost a fortune – or the planet. The eco-minded mum enjoys renting dresses instead of buying them, is a fan of sustainable beauty products, and readily shares clothes with her celebrity pals. “We all borrow from each other’s wardrobes for events,” Kate, 47, tells Closer. “Tamzin Outhwaite wore my pea-green Roland Mouret dress for the Olivier Awards once. She’s the fourth person to borrow it, and it looked brilliant on her. “I try to be as sustainable as possible with fashion – we can’t keep clogging up the planet. I rent pieces too, which is great because those garments have a story.” But Kate isn’t just sustainably-minded…

ALOO MASALA CONES “This very simple recipe takes a handful of basic ingredients and transforms them with trusty storecupboard spices.” INGREDIENTS • 4 potatoes, roughly diced (or 1 x 300g tin of potatoes) • 1 onion, thinly sliced • 2 tsp curry powder • 1 tsp ground turmeric (optional) • Pinch of nigella seeds • Handful of fresh coriander, chopped • 4 mini wholemeal wraps • Olive oil • Salt and pepper METHOD STEP 1 Boil the potatoes for about 15 mins until soft, then drain. If using tinned potatoes, dice and set aside. STEP 2 Pan-fry the onion in a splash of olive oil over a medium heat for 5 mins. Add the curry powder and continue to fry for about 10 secs before seasoning and adding the turmeric,…

DR CHRISTIAN GIVES HIS TAKE ON THE HOT HEALTH TOPICS OF THE WEEK We always need blood, even more so in a pandemic ― and especially now we’re in a third lockdown. Numbers of donors will be dropping, but hospitals are still using blood for all sorts of reasons. During the spring lockdown, a fifth of donors didn’t attend their appointment, but it’s considered essential travel so you can still go. When you sign up at Blood.co.uk you’ll see a list of donor centres, which won’t be in hospitals. Face masks are worn, social distancing is in place, everyone attends alone, and everything is thoroughly cleaned. It’s very safe. SAVE THE VULNERABLE The NHS urgently needs people who’ve recovered from COVID-19 to donate blood. That’s because the plasma in their…

HELPING YOU SPEND WISELY, SAVE MORE AND EARN BETTER ‘Working out what to put aside really helped’ “I’ve found that the easiest way to save money is to automate the process so I don’t even have to think about it”, says Caroline Hughes, 43, from London, who is CEO of finance app Lifetise. “I set up a standing order on payday from my current account into my savings account. That way the money is gone before I have time to miss it! I worked out what I was saving on things like commuting, work lunches and after-work drinks during the pandemic and increased my standing order, and I’ve saved thousands. Automatic apps like Chip or Plum are also great at calculating how much you can afford to save each month…

SUIT YOURSELF Reinvent a two-piece with layers: a contrasting check cardigan is a great way to make it informal. Belting blazers adds a stylish twist, too. BLAZER, M&S, NOW £47 TROUSERS, M&S, NOW £28 SHIRT, ASOS, £25 CARDIGAN, ZARA, NOW £15.99 BELT, TOPSHOP, NOW £14 SHOES, OFFICE, £69 MIX ’N’ MATCH Pairing silky scarf prints with heritage tartan offers a luxe vibe. Pricey items, like coats, make ideal sale buys, while berry-toned boots are a great addition to a mix of prints. COAT, M&S, £63 JUMPER, M&S, £19.50 SKIRT, ZARA, £12.99 BOOTS, M&S, £49.50 DRESS DOWN Get more wear out of dresses by slipping fine polo-necks underneath. Long, sock-like boots will keep legs warm and stylish. POLO-NECK, EMMA WILLIS FOR NEXT, £26 DRESS, NEW LOOK, £12 CARDIGAN, MONKI £35 COAT,…

MOISTURISE REGULARLY All that extra rinsing can strip your skin of its natural oils, leaving your hands feeling dry and tight. This light serum-meets-cream is infused with hydrating glycerin and restoring panthenol, which will bring back softness to rough patches and leave hands feeling silky smooth. It will continue to protect skin for up to three washes, too. L’ORÉAL RESTORING HAND SERUM-CREAM £3.99 SWITCH TO GENTLE WASH Swap harsh scents and chemical-filled buys for formulas that are free from nasties, and packed with natural oils and vitamins to help protect the skin’s natural barrier rather than buff it away. This hardworking yet gentle cleanser will banish dirt and grime brilliantly and, as an added bonus, for every product sold, a month’s worth of hand products will be delivered to nurses…

CODE CRACK THE BIG CROSSWORD CRISS CROSS SUDOKU – EASY SUDOKU – MEDIUM WORD SEARCH CLUES & ARROWS GUESS THE FILM STILL A) 21 JUMP STREET B) 13 GOING ON 30 NAME THE STARS 1) JOE WICKS 2) CYNTHIA NIXON GUESS THE CELEB A) LORRAINE KELLY B) MICHAEL B JORDAN WORD LINK A) WAITING B) RUN C) DUTY D) PITCH E) TOE F) SPRING 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…

In that case, Holly, we’re either going to become a cat, or a giant chocolate Hobnob… Yet we’ve lost count of the times we’ve seen Jaffa CAKES stored in supermarket biscuit aisles! Good to see Georgia raising this point. INSPIGRAM If we wanted to describe our experience of homeschooling in lockdown with one short, simple sentence, it would be this. Thanks, Jack.…

“THERE’S A SAD LESSON HERE – IF YOUR OWN MOTHER CAN STEAL FROM YOU, ANYONE CAN” Her infectious laugh and witty one-liners are what saw Gogglebox star Scarlett Moffatt become a household name, but after six years in the limelight she’s experienced the darkest sides of fame, which reached a head recently when she described 2020 as her “worst year”. The once bubbly star has reportedly been left “betrayed and confused” after her mum Betty, 50 – who she calls her “best friend” – confessed to her she’d “stolen” £50,000 worth of her money to fund a secret gambling habit that saw her lose thousands, which she had hoped to win back. While Scarlett, 30, reportedly “couldn’t have been more supportive” and is helping her mum undergo therapy and go…

Closer’s psychological therapist, Emma Kenny, says, “The rehashing of a past relationship trauma – like an allegation that your partner has been unfaithful – can be traumatic and open up old wounds. As much as Victoria may think it’s been put to bed, something like this will no doubt haunt her and bring up the past hurt. It can also bring up old insecurities and make you question all the hard work you did to move past it. Plus it can potentially bring up past resentment, despite having recovered from it as a couple. But more so for Victoria, I think this will really cut her deep because of her children. They are older now and Harper probably isn’t aware of what went on with Rebecca. Victoria’s a fiercely protective…

• The Cinnamon Trust helps elderly and terminally ill people who are struggling to look after their pets. Their national network of volunteers help with day-to-day tasks, such as walks and feeds, and even take in animals while their owners are in hospital. Visit Cinnamon.org.uk. • Borrow My Doggy connects dog owners with local trusted people who want to look after a dog for walks or playdates. Visit Borrowmydoggy.com. • From just £3 a month, you can adopt an animal with WWF for a year. You’ll receive regular updates on the progress of your adoptee. Visit Support.wwf.org.uk/adopt-an-animal. • From the RSCPA to Battersea Dogs & Cats Home, animal charities need your support now more than ever. Donating to a charity will provide invaluable help, and make you feel connected to…

Her divorce from music legend Paul McCartney dominated the headlines 13 years ago – but Heather Mills is now set to head down the aisle once again, after reportedly getting engaged to her toyboy boyfriend Mike Dickman. The businesswoman and former model, 53, is said to have exchanged “commitment rings” with film producer Mike, 36, just before Christmas with sources saying they are “incredibly happy” but “in no rush to get married”. The pair began dating in June 2019, after Heather reportedly spotted Mike on a train and slipped him her business card. This will be Heather’s third wedding – she married businessman Alfie Karmal in 1989 before splitting two years later. Her marriage to former Beatles star Paul, 78 – with whom she shares daughter Beatrice, 17 – crumbled…

The coronavirus pandemic has impacted the lives of millions over the past nine months, but very few have been as devastatingly affected as TV presenter Kate Garraway, whose husband Derek Draper has been fighting for his life since catching the virus in March last year, making him the country’s longest battling COVID patient. Derek, 53, was rushed to hospital after testing positive for COVID-19, and put into intensive care four days later where he has remained – with doctors unsure as to when and if he’ll ever recover. Kate, also 53, has spoken about how she and her young family’s lives have been turned upside down. AGONY She emotionally opened up about her agony at not being with Derek on his birthday or their 15th wedding anniversary, and revealed in…

HOLLY: ‘We all need a bit of escapism right now!’ Back for her ninth year, Holly Willoughby is over the moon to be returning to host skating contest Dancing On Ice alongside close pal Phillip Schofield, where viewers will see a fresh cohort of celebrities battle it out to win the judges’ approval. And Holly, 39, says the show’s return to our screens is more welcome than ever, given the UK’s current lockdown restrictions. Holly – who lives with husband Dan Baldwin and children Harry, 11, Belle, nine, and Chester, six – says, “It’s January, it’s been rubbish, it’s been horrible, and we all need a bit of escapism. And trying to find things to watch as a family, all sitting together, is not that easy. I’m loving The Masked…

The UK government has declared a climate emergency. More than one million species worldwide face extinction and, frighteningly, without action, climate change could be irreversible by 2030. It’s clear that now is the time to make a change. The pandemic has taught us that our individual actions can make a huge difference, and in almost all cases, you’ll end up richer for it, too. “Lockdown has given the nation the chance to evaluate their values and people are thinking about how they can reduce their impact on the planet,” explains Lloyd Atkin, MD at ethical cleaning company Bio-D. “Consumers are also seeing how making small changes can help to save money in the long-term. We need to work hard to create a sustainable environment for our children and grandchildren.” Read…

410 CALS 32 G FAT 13.4G SUGAR 0.5G SALT PER SERVING EASY STRAWBERRY MUFFINS MAKES 8 • 2tbsp ground flaxseed • 80g gluten-free or buckwheat flour • 100g gluten-free oats • 140g ground almonds • 1tsp baking powder • 1tsp bicarbonate of soda • 150ml sunflower oil • 150ml maple syrup • 2tsp vanilla extract • 12g flaked almonds • 125g strawberries, hulled and quartered (thawed, if they are frozen) STEP 1 Preheat the oven to 200°C/fan 180°C/gas mark 6. STEP 2 To make your flax eggs, put the ground flaxseed into a bowl, mix with 6tbsp water and leave while you prepare the rest of the ingredients. STEP 3 In a large bowl, mix together the flour, oats, ground almonds, baking powder and bicarbonate of soda. STEP 4 Add…

If I didn’t struggle to find a partner before the pandemic, it’s got a lot more complicated since, as we continue to stay two metres apart from those not in our bubble. And if you’re lucky enough to bubble with the person you’re seeing, there’s also the risk you have to bubble with their entire household. As I’ve discovered, nothing makes people dislike you more when, no matter how nicely you ask, they have to bubble with you. Although, in my case, it turned out well for everyone, as the two girls who live with the guy I’m dating moved their boyfriends in, too, so we now have a bubble of six. But for those of you still swiping for love, unable to meet dates in person, please don’t think…

HIP HIKERS Hiking boots are officially cool for 2021 and this tan design will add a comfy footnote to a floaty midi dress. MONKI, £50 MIDI MUST-HAVES If biker styles are your thing, look for a calflength for added warmth. Perfect for cropped trousers. TOPSHOP, WAS £49.99, NOW £34.99 SNOW-READY Sturdy soles, fleece-lined and waterproof – these hard-working boots will keep toes toasty. SOREL AT ASOS, WAS £115, NOW £59.50 HYBRID HERO A marvellous marriage between wellies and boots, the deep-tread sole on this rubberised pair will glam up denim and leggings for country walks. STRADIVARIUS, £59.99 SPORTY STEPS The perfect mix of sporty trainer and weather-proof boot, these comfy kicks are fleece-lined and padded. PUMA, WAS £61, NOW £39.95 SALE SAVIOUR If your shoe collection is lacking in the…

MUST READ People Like Her (ELLERY LLOYD) Emmy Jackson is an Instagram sensation, who’s made a name for herself for being open and honest about modern parenthood. But Emmy isn’t as transparent as she’d like her fans to believe. Someone out there knows the uncomfortable truth and plans to make her pay by destroying everything she’s worked so hard for… We couldn’t put this book down. A brilliant read. TUNE IN Office Ladies Podcast We will always have a soft spot in our hearts for the UK version of Ricky Gervais’ The Office, but arguably the US version of the hilarious mockumentary is just as delightful. In this podcast hosted by actresses Jenna Fischer and Angela Kinsey, who play Pam and Angela, the duo break down iconic moments from the series…