Home/Women's Lifestyle/Take a Break Monthly/February 2024/In This Issue
Take a Break Monthly|February 2024Your special momentsOur brilliant brain box! The rain didn’t dampen our spirits when my hubby Paul, 50, and I, along with our youngest daughter Sophie, 18, saw our daughter Lucy, 21, graduate. Rosemary Miles, 49, of Christchurch, Dorset Happily ever after My husband Nathan, 31, and I eloped to London and afterwards we did a photoshoot in front of some iconic city landmarks. Here we are in front of The Shard — it’s where we got engaged! Megan Barnes, 28, of Leeds Making a splash! When my grandson Charlie, seven, was given his first swimming certificate, we couldn’t have been prouder. Clare Williams, 63, of Deganwy, Conwy Eyes on the prize! Lens is more! My granddaughters Lydia, two, and Alice, six, both love birdwatching at this time of year. Can’t go without…2 min
Take a Break Monthly|February 2024The ANGEL and the BULLYMy mum, Tina, pulled a tray of homemade biscuits out of the oven. ‘They smell delicious, Mummy,’ I said, reaching for one. She grinned and said: ‘Sorry love, they’re for the neighbours. Can you take them over for me?’ It was typical of Mum. She liked making people feel special. If someone was new to the street, down in the dumps, or sick, she was there. ‘It’s nice to help,’ she always told me and my brother, Richard. She’d split from our dad a few years before, but we saw him regularly. Our grandmother was around a lot, too. She and Mum ran a sweet shop together called the Sugar Shack. It felt like a magical place, full of treats, toys and gifts. Mum, of course, couldn’t help giving away…6 min
Take a Break Monthly|February 2024Get the PICTUREHOW 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 Residential area on the outskirts of a town (6)6 State capital of Massachusetts and setting for the sitcom Cheers(6)9 Person giving you guidance (7)10 Call off (6)11 Shoreline wader, anagram of OCTAVE (6)12 Wreck completely, obliterate (7)16 Manicure tool, - - - board (5)18 The Shape of - - -, Oscar-winning film starring Sally Hawkins (5)20 Image (7)22 Messy smear (6)24 Flinch in fear or disgust, anagram of LO RICE (6)26 Biased, unjust (6)27 Impair (6)28 Inquiring (6)29 London river (6)31 Twist together, interweave (7)35 Dried plum (5)37 - - - Minogue,…1 min
Take a Break Monthly|February 2024IN THE MOOD FOR LOVE!February is the month of Saint Valentine and love is in the air! Win our prize of £1000 in cash and you could be treating your other half to a Valentine’s Day they’ll never forget. How about splashing out on a mini-break? Nowhere speaks the language of love like Italy, so you might want to whisk that special person in your life off for a weekend to remember in Rome. Seek out the Trevi Fountain where you can make a wish together — don’t forget to turn your back to the water before tossing a coin in over your shoulder if you want it to come true! Alternatively, take a trip to Paris for a tryst in one of the most romantic cities in the world. You could enjoy a…3 min
Take a Break Monthly|February 2024Your big RELAXWrite your answers following the arrows. Some of the boxes have clue numbers which refer to the clues below the puzzle. CLUES 1 Filled pasta parcels (7)2 Large grounds attached to a manor house (6)3 Vicar’s speech, homily (6)4 Comeback, sharp reply (7)5 All the actors in a play or film, eg (4)6 Earnings, salary (3)7 Tip of a pyramid (4)8 - - - of the Covenant, biblical artefact (3)9 Intrude on private land (8)10 Word that links cap, cube and lolly (3)11 Flightless Australian bird (3)12 Second-hand (4)13 Treatment for the hands and nails, anagram of RUIN MACE (8)14 Marine environment (3)15 Aesop’s tales? (6)16Kiss the - - -, Elton John single from 1983 (5)17 Belisha - - -, zebra crossing feature (6)18- - - and Furious, film starring…1 min
Take a Break Monthly|February 2024A FAMILY BREAK AT THE SEASIDE● Two-night break for four ● Breakfast ● £200 spending money Grab the buckets and spades and get ready for a getaway the whole family will love! We’ve teamed up with the Beachcroft Hotel in West Sussex to give you the chance to win a mini-break for a family of four. Crack our puzzle and, if you’re our winner, you and your loved ones will be heading to the pretty village of Felpham for a fun-filled two-night escape. Set on a seven-mile coastal footpath, the Beachcroft Hotel has everything you need for a fabulous break. You’ll stay in a charming but modern beach hut, with private on-site parking, where wall-to-wall bifold glass doors open out to a private terrace just metres from the beach. Make the most of all the…1 min
Take a Break Monthly|February 2024Tips from THE TOPAdd zinc with Naomi Naomi Campbell has a top tip for a wonder ingredient to add to your regime — and who’s going to argue with a supermodel? She says: ‘I always use zinc.’ If you make like Naomi and start your routine with La Roche-Posay Serozinc Face Toner Mist, £10.50, the zinc will help diminish signs of ageing, reduce inflammation and regulate oil production. This gentle, effective toner does it all! Moisturise like Maya We love it when celebs use a product that’s easy to get hold of and super-affordable. So we were thrilled when we discovered Love Islandpresenter, Maya Jama, credits her glowing skin to Nivea Refreshingly Soft Moisturising Face and Body Cream, £2. She says: ‘It’s the one product I couldn’t be without.’ Freshen up with Reese…2 min
Take a Break Monthly|February 2024A wheel inspirationAs I was loaded into the back of an ambulance, my chest contracted in agony. But through the pain, I could only think of one thing. ‘Look after Brannie,’ I told my two daughters, Tasha, 20, and Nadia, 23. Worry was etched across their faces — but I was more worried about the dog! Brannie, our seven-year-old corgi terrier cross, was my pride and joy. She had won us over as soon as we’d brought her home from the rescue centre as a pup. She would sleep at the bottom of my bed every night and, as I nodded off, all I could think about were her chocolate drop eyes. In hospital, I was treated for a heart problem. Thankfully, everything went well, and 10 days later, I was discharged.…3 min
Take a Break Monthly|February 2024‘I just want you, Mummy’My daughter Carly-Ann ran up the beach, soaked from playing in the sea with my partner Colin’s children. ‘Mummy, we’re starving!’ she panted. ‘Can we get an ice cream?’ ‘Here you are,’ I said, handing them some money. I’d had 10 years of IVF before finally having Carly-Ann, 10, and she was the best thing that had ever happened to me. And I loved that she got on so well with Colin’s kids. Now, as they all tucked into their ice creams, I felt incredibly lucky. But a week after our day at the beach, I woke in the night with my stomach churning. Running to the loo, I threw up. The next day, the sickness continued. ‘Are you OK, Mummy?’ Carly-Ann asked. ‘I’ll be fine,’ I reassured her. ‘It’s…4 min
Take a Break Monthly|February 2024Restaurant VOUCHERSTake your pick from ● Beefeater ● Pizza Express ● Brewers Fayre ● Café Rouge ● Planet Hollywood ● Table Table ● TGI Fridays ● Pizza Hut NETWORK ACROSS 1 Blizzard ● Mosque official2Floor of a fireplace ● Abel’s brother ● Historical period3Rodent ● Murder on the - - - Express, film ● Hold tightly4Solo ● Wise herb? ● Verbal5Standard golf score ● Gather ● Wheel surround6Pen tip ● Make minor corrections to ● Following7Prepare for publication ● Matching twosome? ● Cost8Strewn rubbish ● Yield ● Chum, friend9 The - - - and the Whale, Julia Donaldson book ● Equipment ● Catch sight of10 Scotch - - -, picnic staple ● Angry speech ● Overtake11 Lima’s nation ● USA’s northern neighbour ● Circuit of a track12 Wrath ● Silly ●…1 min
Take a Break Monthly|February 2024A WEEKEND BREAK FOR TWOMake Easter extra special this year with this fab prize… We’ve teamed up with Warner Hotels to give you the chance to win a three-night, adult-only escape for two at Studley Castle in Warwickshire, starting on Friday 29 March. Solve our puzzle and you could be settling into a sumptuous room, steeped in history and complete with all you need for a comfy stay. Explore the hotel’s 28 acres of grounds on foot or by bike, indulge in a few spa treatments, or try your hand at something new, such as archery or a co*cktail making class. After dining at the hotel’s Market Kitchen and Brasserie32 restaurants, get ready for some grown-up fun with an exciting line-up of entertainment, including stand-up comedy, original theatre productions, live bands and late-night DJs.…1 min
Take a Break Monthly|February 2024FEBRUARY STARSPISCES 19 Feb – 20 Mar There really isn’t much for you fish to do but wait and see. You may have the urge to poke at projects that have gone off the boil, but there’s a good reason for the delays. For one, there could be something more ‘you’ on the horizon, once the planets make a beeline for your sign in the last week of Feb. Spoil yourself on Valentine’s Day. With the Moon in your zone of sensual pleasures, love and luxury unite. Offer is worth investigating ARIES 21 Mar – 19 Apr As you look to the future, you realise knowledge is power. As the planets group in the brainiest part of your chart, your mind is open to gaining wisdom. Start with associations and organisations.…5 min
Take a Break Monthly|February 2024Winners: October£1000 WINNER Kristin Totten, Livingston, West Lothian ‘I was over the moon to find out I’d won £1000 from Take a Break, especially after finding out right after work! I still can’t believe I actually won!’ GRAN CANARIA HOLIDAY (PRIZE ANSWER: LANDSCAPE) R Colclough, King’s Lynn, Norfolk. BATH BREAK (PRIZE ANSWER: MANGO) Mr R Graham, Grantham, Lincs. £1200 BIG BONANZA (PRIZE ANSWER: LIMBO) J Dallow, Hereford. £1000 CELEBRITY CROSSWORD (PRIZE ANSWER: HAVE WRITTEN KIDS’ BOOKS) K Totten, Livingston, West Lothian. YORKSHIRE BREAK (PRIZE ANSWER: STEAM) Mr D Bartlett, Gosport, Hants. NEW RUG (PRIZE ANSWER: CARPET) A Griggs, Deal, Kent. LAKES BREAK (PRIZE ANSWER: RUTLAND WATER) Mrs L Smith, Uxbridge, Middlesex. £500 BIG RELAX (PRIZE ANSWER: DESTINY) D Forster, Wirral, Merseyside. £100 GET THE PICTURE (PRIZE ANSWER: MADONNA) V Linwood, Hereford.…3 min
Take a Break Monthly|February 2024‘Excuse me, but that's MY SON!’As I snipped away, the sound of chatter filled the hair salon. Then, suddenly the door flew open and a big voice boomed out: ‘Did you see the football last night?’ I rolled my eyes at my client. ‘What is it about men and football!’ I said. The man then had an animated chat with his barber — all at full volume — and I couldn’t help glancing across at him. I had to admit, he was attractive and there was something about the way he seemed so full of life that drew my attention. But I was in a relationship, so I carried on cutting my client’s hair and thought no more about it. Six years went by, and then my partner Robert died from congestive heart failure, aged…6 min
Take a Break Monthly|February 2024TAKE ONE SUIT…Date night Instead of sequins, choose a metallic blouse for an easy evening look. Weekend walks Give your suit a sports luxe spin by teaming with a cosy sweater and trainers. Day in the office A tailored coat will make even the most casual outfit feel more pulled together.…1 min
Take a Break Monthly|February 2024H. Samuel VOUCHERSWin! £100 CLONE AKINAMIDAMOKANTEDINEDYKEEMITEPICFLAK HEARHEROLADYMORENEAROMENONUSOPENPIKE PORERAINRAKERUSHSHOTSORTTURNUNIT HOW TO ENTER Fit the words in the list into the grid in either a clockwise or an anticlockwise direction. Where the squares touch, the letters in the adjoining boxes are the same, as shown with the ‘T’ in the starter word we’ve given you. Careful though, as one word won’t fit. This leftover word is the winning answer. Enter by post, phone, text or online — see page 73.…1 min
Take a Break Monthly|February 2024Just for FUNSkeleton PUZZLE Given the starter clue numbers and black squares, can you solve this crossword? When complete, the pattern of the black squares will be fully symmetrical (the pattern will look the same if you turn the grid sideways or upside down). So you can deduce the positions of several more squares right away. Across 1 Tell porkies?5 Cooker top7 Grown-up9 Happen again10 Dodge, elude11 Buy and sell12 Judi - - -, British actress15 Serving spoon18 Trying out for a film role19 Alternative22 Capital of Egypt24 Glowing coal in a dying fire25 Pig feed26 In poor physical shape28 In front29 Fitting30 Tear Down 1 In favour of2 Breakfast rasher3 Our planet4 Sheffield metal?5 Stash6 Honey-maker8 Impossible to miss13 Precise14 Scrounge — a lift, eg16 Countryfile presenter, - - - Rani17…1 min
Take a Break Monthly|February 2024The best health advice for you and your family ‘My tum looks like a BUM!’Sighing, I added another pack of sanitary towels to my shopping basket. For weeks, I’d been experiencing painful, irregular periods and my GP had ordered an ultrasound. ‘You’ve got fibroids,’ he’d said, explaining that they were non-cancerous tumours that formed in the womb. ‘Lots of women have them.’ I’d had the coil fitted to ease the bleeding but there was no let-up. When my period came, I had to wear two or three pads at a time. One day, I got caught out wearing white jeans and it looked as if I’d murdered someone. Soon, I was too nervous to leave the house. Then months later, my periods just stopped. ‘Look how bloated my tummy is!’ I said to my partner Daniel. I looked four months gone, but pregnancy tests…2 min
Take a Break Monthly|February 2024HomeSense VOUCHERSFITBACK 3 LETTERS ACEASSBEDELMFATFEDFITODERIPRYETHYTOY 4 LETTERS ABETAEONBEAMDEEDDEERDINEDONEDRABERNEEKEDEXITFLATLOOTPLOTRIDESITESOFASOONSOULSPEDSTEWTOOLTOOTUSED 6 LETTERS BOUNCEDWELLSELOPEDEVOLVEEXPERTMODERNSODIUMWALRUS 7 LETTERS EPITOMELOATHES HOW TO ENTER Fit all the listed words into the crossword grid. We’ve placed one word (DINE) to get you started. When you’ve finished, list the letters in the yellow squares for the winning word. Enter by post, phone, text or online — see page 73.…1 min
Take a Break Monthly|February 2024‘I’m scared, please help me’A little figure jumped up and down by the door of our holiday caravan, and giggled with excitement. ‘Daddy, Daddy, come on!’ my toddler, Teegan, cried. My husband, Steve, smiled. ‘All right, I’m coming!’ he said. He took her hand as I grabbed my bag and keys. We lived in Manchester, but regularly visited our static caravan in Towyn, Conwy. We loved it so much, we’d recently bought a coffee shop nearby and planned to move to the area for good. Steve and I had been married for seven years and felt excited about what the future held. It was the day of the annual Rhyl Air Show, and we’d planned to watch the vintage planes fly overhead. A real daddy’s girl, little Teegan, aged two, tugged at Steve’s hand.…6 min
Take a Break Monthly|February 2024Just for FUNSay what YOU SEE Use the pictures, going from top to bottom, to sound out the name of an Irish film star. Octograms Each clue leads to a five-letter answer that begins with ‘W’, which we’ve already placed. Write the rest of each answer so that the remaining four letters read clockwise in the octagons around their central ‘W’. 1Don’t You - - - ’Bout a Thing, 1974 single by Stevie Wonder taken from his Innervisions album2 Put pen to paper, or compose3 Great anger, fury4 Sunken ship5The - - - Is Not Enough, Bond film starring Pierce Brosnan as 0076 Worth your - - -, beneficial and not a waste of time7 Large sea mammal such as an orca (pictured)8 Marine mollusc with a snail-like shell eaten as seafood9…1 min
Take a Break Monthly|February 2024What’s cooking... IN FEBRUARYFlippin’ love This year, Shrove Tuesday falls the day before Valentine’s. So, why not combine the two and serve a stack of heart-shaped pancakes using this limited-edition 25cm non-stick crêpe pan from Bonne Maman? Just top with conserves, fruit and whipped cream. Available from 1 February at Argos and Sainsbury’s, £19. For recipes, visit bonnemaman.co.uk Elevate your plants Herby Hog’s pork-inspired seasonings are perfect for coating and rubbing on to vegetables, stirring into pasta dishes or using as a topping for potatoes. Delivering mouth-watering meaty flavours, the seasonings are perfect for elevating any plant-based dish, taking the hassle out of making meat-free meals. We particularly love the Spicy Chorizo, which adds a smoky hit, perfect for spicing up winter soups. RRP £3.49/60g from herbyhog.co.uk Love it or hate it! We…2 min
Take a Break Monthly|February 2024Make the most of... FEBRUARY!Suzie Kilfoyle, Huntington, Cheshire The book follows a group of intriguing females, and I was quickly pulled into the mind of each character. It explores themes of money, power, race and class. Decisions and choices need to be made, and the outcome will affect the characters’ futures. The book made me reflect on the importance of standing up for yourself and others. I loved being transported back to my student days and recalling the interesting people you meet and the experiences you have that shape who you are today. Aly, Wallisdown, Dorset I hadn’t read Kiley Reid’s debut novel Such a Fun Age, so I wasn’t sure what to expect from this book. But I enjoyed the plot and steady pacing. Agatha is a determined and hardworking character, but Millie…9 min
Take a Break Monthly|February 2024‘Is Mr RIGHT on this FLIGHT?’Our Lives I double-checked our passports, then zipped them safely into my bag. I was heading to Cyprus with my children Aaron, 12, and Eden, seven, to stay with friends. ‘Time to go,’ I called, as our friend’s car pulled up outside to drive us to Gatwick. But when we arrived, we learnt that our already-delayed flight had been held up by another five hours. And, after a false start where we were removed from the plane due to refuelling issues, we found ourselves back in the airport, with a crowd of other passengers. What do we do now? I thought. It was 2am and, with no news of when our flight might leave, I got the kids ready for a night in the airport. Finding space on the floor…4 min
Take a Break Monthly|February 20245 reasons to visit... OXFORD1 Hit the water Punting is a quintessentially Oxford activity, and gives you the perfect opportunity to see the city from a new perspective. Originating in around 1860, punting after graduation became an Oxford University tradition. Whether you join a group tour, or fancy trying it out on your own, there is something for everyone. If you prefer more of a relaxed journey along the river, there are also regular boats for hire too. 2 Movie magic Fans of the Harry Potter franchise can see first-hand where parts of the movies were filmed in Oxford. The Bodleian Library acted as Hogwarts’ school library and Christ Church College features in the films multiple times. After a day visiting the locations, you can then pop to one of the many Harry Potter…2 min
Take a Break Monthly|February 2024Baked with LOVEAndrew was a good baker. His bakery had won many competitions including ‘Best in Town’ six years running, and his takings were on the up. He only wished the same could be said about his love life. Still single at 37, his previous relationship had ended nine years ago, and he’d only been on two dates since then. In Andrew’s eyes, no one could quite match the girl he’d lost his heart to at school. Now that girl, Alice, had just recently returned to town. She was newly divorced and had decided she wanted to live closer to her parents. They’d been friends since school, but shy, reserved Andrew had never found the courage to ask her out. Over the years, they’d stayed friends, with Alice confiding in him after…5 min
Take a Break Monthly|February 2024Win! A BRAND-NEW PETROL LAWNMOWERWe might be shivering in the depths of winter, but it won’t be long before spring is on the horizon and, with it, thoughts of getting out into the garden to relax and unwind. With that in mind, we’ve got a fab prize to help you get your lawn in tiptop shape this year… We’ve teamed up with Handy, the UK’s favourite garden equipment manufacturer, to give you the chance to win one of four brand-new Webb Supreme petrol lawnmowers, worth £399.99 each. For gardeners who want a classic hand-push petrol rotary lawnmower, the Webb Supreme petrol lawnmower has everything you’re looking for. It’s easy to use, with no cables to get in the way, and has a large 65-litre bag to help finish mowing in less time. An established…1 min
Take a Break Monthly|February 2024What’s in store IN FEBRUARYCheck Mate This timeless print is always a style win. Give it go with a puff-sleeve midi dress, a pleated mini skirt or a monochrome blazer. Get them before they go Classic white trainers are a wardrobe staple that you can wear with any look. We love the animal print accent on this trendy pair. Shop Watch: George at Asda If you’re looking for chic and versatile fashion that won’t break the bank, George at Asda is your one-stop shop this season. From denim delights, to easy-to-layer jackets and jumpers, our top picks will see you through till spring in style.…1 min
Take a Break Monthly|February 2024The ride of my lifeAs we stepped through the inviting gates and looked around, our mouths dropped open. ‘Wow!’ we gasped in amazement. I’d taken my three-year-old son Jacob on the trip of a lifetime to Disneyland Paris, and we couldn’t have been more thrilled. As we went through the turnstiles, Jacob buzzed with excitement. ‘Come on, Mum,’ he said. ‘Let’s go on this one!’ And he pulled my hand towards one of the rides. But I took one look at it and felt a knot in my stomach. At 17st and a size 22, I knew I wouldn’t squeeze into the seat and the safety bar certainly wouldn’t fasten across my tummy. ‘Er, why don’t we go on a different one?’ I said, taking Jacob’s hand and leading him away. As we walked…4 min
Take a Break Monthly|February 2024Freeze your WINTER SPENDINGTurn over for our MONEY SAVING TIPS A simple trick to help you save Personal finance expert Rob Gardner explains how to build financial resilience by treating your savings like your smartphone battery… The average person in the UK gets into £439 of debt at Christmas, spending on average almost £740 more in December, according to a study carried out by the debt collection company, Lowell. And it takes most people four months to get their finances back into shape after the festive season. Debt, even in the short term, is an issue, as it can cause significant stress and prevent us from becoming ‘financially resilient’, which is what we need to break the cycle of debt. Financial resilience is your ability to withstand unexpected life events that impact upon…5 min
Take a Break Monthly|February 2024Why are we dying of BROKEN HEARTS?You’re out shopping when you start to feel nauseous and a hot, panicky sensation. A pain pulses through your jaw. Probably just a passing thing, you tell yourself… but could it be a heart attack? The stereotype of someone suffering a heart attack — or myocardial infarction to give it its medical name, when the supply of blood to the heart is suddenly blocked — is middle-aged and male. Yet coronary heart disease, the biggest underlying cause of heart attacks, kills 24,000 women in the UK every year. That’s more than twice as many as breast cancer. ‘Each year, more than 30,000 women are admitted to hospital in the UK due to a heart attack,’ says Ruth Goss, senior cardiac nurse at the British Heart Foundation (bhf.org.uk). ‘It’s important to…7 min
Take a Break Monthly|February 2024‘He’ll need ALL of his nine lives!’As I plonked myself down on the sofa, I knew I wouldn’t be on my own for long. Sure enough, there was a padding of paws, and a fluffy face appeared. ‘Hello,’ I said, as my cat Leo nestled into my lap. Leo had been 13 weeks old when I’d brought him home. At that time, my son and I lived near wide-open spaces, and Leo loved roaming around the field at the back of our house. But once my son had grown up and left home, I’d moved to a one-bedroom flat. My block was near two busy main roads and shops. ‘It’s too dangerous for you to go out,’ I’d said to my feline buddy. So Leo had now become a house cat. He adapted well and would…4 min
Take a Break Monthly|February 2024Your big BONANZAWin! Prizes totalling £1200 Big Bonanza is Take a Break’s big prize, big choice comp. Our winner can pick any prizes on this page that tot up to £1200! Leap into action this leap year and get things done. You could take the car in for a service before putting time — and money — into your own bodywork! A new bike will help you shape up, while a trip to the salon will be the icing on the cake. Alternatively, stick a ready meal into your new microwave and spend all the cooking time you’ve saved blowing an Apple gift card! Or take £1200 in cash! CODE BREAKER Each number in the grid represents a different letter. We’ve placed one word which shows that 24=I,…1 min
Take a Break Monthly|February 2024Schuh VOUCHERSAND THEN SUM This puzzle is like a regular sudoku, but with an added twist! Start off by filling in the squares in the grid, so that every row, every column, and each of the 3x3 squares contains all the digits from 1 to 9. NEED A HAND? To get you started, look at the bottom-middle 3x3 block. One of the missing numbers is 7. It must go in the bottom row as there are already 7s in the top and middle rows of the other 3x3 blocks along the bottom. HOW TO ENTER When you’ve completed the puzzle, use the boxes above to add up the three numbers in the pink squares in the grid — the total in the yellow box is the prize answer. Write this total…1 min
Take a Break Monthly|February 2024BAG A BARGAIN!Kitchen tricks Make the most of affordable buys to update the heart of your home. Bedded bliss Beautiful bedding is the key to a good-looking bedroom and this fab new design from George at Asda is a bargain. Prairie bedding, from £15, George Home. Bathroom chic Accessorise a plain white bathroom with colourful buys to cheer up bath time! Heart & soul slogan bathmat, £12; Scallop floral shower curtain, £12; Egyptian cotton hand towel denim, £5; Scallop edge toothbrush holder, £5; Soap dish, £4, all Dunelm. Glam glasses In classy shapes and fabulous colours, we love these beauties. Flaming hot Scented candles add an instant freshness to your home. Cheap and cheerful Picture that Making a gallery wall is an easy and inexpensive way to create a focal point. Make…1 min
Take a Break Monthly|February 2024Take a break... IN FLORIDAOur Holidays Why go? Panama City Beach is in the panhandle of northwest Florida. It’s a beautiful spot boasting 27 miles of white sandy beaches fringed by the turquoise waters of the Gulf of Mexico. It has a relaxed vibe and is sunny for most of the year, although temperatures do drop in the later months and warm up again around April. Although there are no direct flights from London, you can fly to Atlanta and then take a short internal flight to Northwest Florida Beaches International Airport. The beaches They are simply stunning — among the best in Florida — with soft, white sand, lapped by a calm, clear sea, great for swimming and paddle-boarding. Get away from it all on seven-mile Shell Island, a protected beach which is…2 min
Take a Break Monthly|February 2024THE MONSTER IN MY BEDI turned the key in the lock and immediately I was hit with silence. Coming home to an empty house could feel very lonely. I’d recently split with my partner Daniel. We’d been childhood sweethearts but the pressure and stress of my recent treatment for cervical cancer had taken its toll on our relationship. Thankfully, after a full hysterectomy, I was now cancer-free, but getting over that and the break-up with Daniel was proving tough. It had left me wondering if I’d ever feel happy again. The only things keeping me going were my three kids. Then one day, Ben, a friend of mine and Daniel’s, popped over for a cuppa and I found myself confiding in him. ‘I’m sorry you’ve had such a terrible time,’ he said. ‘Thanks for…6 min
Take a Break Monthly|February 2024Surgery SistersOur Lives I leant seductively over a car bonnet in my skintight top and tiny shorts, and smiled at the woman next to me. Dressed identically, and with the same slim figure and long straight hair, my best friend, Michelle, could have been my sister. We’d met as teenagers. I’d been friends with her cousin. When I’d gone through a difficult break-up, and found myself a single mum to my son, Steven, it was Michelle who’d stepped in to pick up the pieces. She’d turn up at my house. ‘Come on, Jen, we’re going out,’ she’d say. We both enjoyed showing off our slender figures and had started working as promo girls together, selling stereos at car shows. But, aged 31, I decided to get breast implants to boost my…6 min
Take a Break Monthly|February 2024Answers: Fun puzzlesPAGE 20 SPLIT PERSONALITIES Billie Eilish, Sam Smith, Shirley Bassey, Tom Jones. PAGE 20 SKELETON PUZZLE PAGE 38 SHADY BUSINESS Reading across Solve, Award, Plead. Reading down Swamp, Lease, Ended. PAGE 38 SAY WHAT YOU SEE Mystery film star Liam Neeson PAGE 38 OCTOGRAMS 1 Worry, 2 Write, 3 Wrath, 4 Wreck, 5 World, 6 While, 7 Whale, 8 Whelk, 9 Weird, 10 Weigh, 11 Wager, 12 Where, 13 Witch, 14 Wheat, 15 Weary, 16 Wires. PAGE 49 QUIZ IT! 1 Every four years, 2 Aquarius, 3 Amethyst, 4 Spare, 5 Michelle Obama, 6 The Sound of Music, 7 Dinnerladies, 8 Devon, 9 1975, 10 South Africa, 11 Canada, 12 Angel Falls, 13 Nitrogen, 14 Jupiter, 15 Silver.…1 min
