Adele continues to slim following throat surgery

December 22, 2011, 2:15 am

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Adele is looking slimmer than ever in her latest Twitter picture.

The singer showed off her beehive hairdo and 1960s-style makup in a photo taken in the back of a car on her way out.

She tweeted: "Back on the grind. Hair and makeup did. Merry Christmas! Axx".

Since she underwent an operation on her throat to repair a damaged vocal chord last month Adele appears to have lost weight.

The latest photo shows her face looking much thinner than before she had the operation.

PA

She wrote on her site after the op: "I'm doing really well, on the mend, super happy, relaxed and very positive with it all. Thank you for all your positive thoughts and get well wishes."

"The operation was a success and I'm just chilling out now until I get the all clear from my doctors."

The 23-year-old told the October issue of Vogue that her weight was not a problem for her.

She said: "I've seen people where it rules their lives, you know, who want to be thinner or have bigger boobs, and how it wears them down. And I just don't want that in my life."

"It's just never been an issue - at least, I've never hung out with the sort of horrible people who make it an issue. I have insecurities of course, but I don't hang out with anyone who points them out to me."

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Brits are happier than French and Germans

December 22, 2011, 3:10 am

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How do you think we Britons rate on the happiness scale?

We're often painted as a bunch of grey-faced, moaning old miseries but a new survey has found we're actually far from gloomy.

According to a survey of 43,000 people in 22 countries, we Brits are more contented than the French, Germans and Spaniards.

One in five Brits described themselves as "flourishing", compared to only 14% of French people.

The countries with the lowest proportion of "flourishing" citizens were Russia and Portugal, with just 9%.

The Cambridge University study, which collected data from 2006-7, asked participants about 10 areas of their lives, including optimism, emotional stability, self-esteem and positive relationships.

Britons came tenth out of 22 countries in the happiness index, with Denmark, Switzerland and Austria coming first, second and third.

The authors wrote: "Some nations showed very marked variability in their rankings."

"France had the highest score in Europe on engagement but the lowest on self-esteem and was among the lowest on optimism and positive relationships. In contrast, Spain had the highest score on self-esteem, but the lowest on the measures of competence and vitality."

"The UK was near the middle in overall well-being as well as in almost every feature, leaving plenty of room for improvement."

Prime Minister David Cameron recently commissioned a £2 million survey to find out how happy the people of Britain are.

Are we Britons not as miserable as we're painted or is the survey wrong? Let us know below...

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Muslim man jailed after punching nurse during wife's childbirth after she removed her burqa

December 22, 2011, 10:18 pm

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Childbirth can be an emotional and stressful time, but for one man, it got so bad he not only ended up with a new baby boy but a jail sentence too.

Nassim Mimoune, 24, was arrested and later jailed after he punched a nurse for trying to remove his wife's burqa during childbirth.

The angry dad-to-be had already been banned from the delivery room in the French hospital after spitting vile abuse at the poor midwife, calling her a 'rapist' while she was trying to do her job.

The short-tempered man didn't take kindly to his wife's necessary internal examinations, all routine during childbirth, and decided not only to shout insults but to get physical too.

When the nurse tried to take the pregnant woman's burqa off, it tipped him over the edge, with him punching the nurse in the face demanding she should replace the burqa with a full Islamic face veil.

Luckily for his wife, she went on to give birth to healthy baby boy despite the drama going on around her. Her husband was ejected from the hospital in Merseille and was arrested for assault.

Nassim was later sentenced to six months in jail, with the judge telling him, "Your religious values are not superior to the laws of the republic."

 

Introducing the shoes which boast five adjustable heel height for every occasion

December 22, 2011, 11:04 pm

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Day2Night

Girls - thank the shoe Gods, as these sling-back heels might just be the answer to our sole-destroying prayers. Well, perhaps.

Most of us will be familiar with the dreaded sole burning after a day of wearing heels or a night of dancing. But now, a shoe company, Day2Night, have designed a pair of super flexible shoes that will see the wearer from day to night, with their genius adjustable heels.

The Day2Night Convertible Heels do exactly what they say on the tin. Each pair offers five different heights for the heel (1.5 inches to 3.5 inches depending on how brave you feel), so if you're looking for mid-heels for work and sky high for a cocktail party after dark, they've got it covered.

Just in time for the Christmas party season, these shoes are the brainchild of creator, Candice Cabe.

"Candice realised that all of her shoes were essentially the same design with different heel heights and they were taking up a lot of space. She thought it would be great to have one pair of shoes that allowed her to interchange the heel heights...and her idea was born," the Day2Night website explains.

The only catch is that they're not budget friendly at $300 a pair (£190) so they might be worth putting on the list for Santa... But if you calculate the cost-per-wear, you've got yourself a steal in the long-run.

Would you give these shoes a go?

Take a look how the shoes work here...

 

Gloucester is named 'cougar capital' of Britain, survey reveals

December 22, 2011, 11:41 pm

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Although we're not sure Demi Moore will be packing her bags and jetting over to the countryside in a hurry, younger men in Gloucester will be pleased (or scared) to hear that their town has been voted the 'cougar capital' of Britain.

Mums of Gloucester, lock up your sons...

According to a survey by networking site Badoo, Gloucester has the highest number of older ladies dating younger men than anywhere else in the country, with two thirds of them being proud of the cougar title.

The poll of 2,000 women discovered that their not only darn proud of the cougar tag, 12% of them enjoy 'hunting' the boys down in the hope of a flirty fling with a man half their age.

Other towns that followed closely behind in the cougar stakes were Southampton, Birmingham, Manchester, Leeds, Oxford, Swansea and Leicester.

However, before you judge them, the survey discovered that it's not just about the physical side that attracts the cougars to their prey, but friendship, fun and a boost in self-confidence too.

Are you a cougar dating a younger man?

As the ladies in Gloucester highlight - life doesn't end after 40... To prove it, take a look at these gorgeous celebs over the big 4-0.

Fit celebrities over 40

• Elizabeth Hurley: 46-years-old
  <p> The actress, designer and model recently showed off her enviable physique in a bikini in <em>Zest </em>magazine. 'I put myself under pressure to remain slim because I still model my own bikinis but it is much more difficult to feel motivated in the gloomy winter,' she told the mag. ' As for her daily exercise regime, she said: 'I wrap myself up and try to walk every day with my dogs and sometimes force myself to run a bit - but I hate it. I love Pilates and yoga but, again, am more likely to do them in the spring and summer.'</p>
• Cher: 65-years-old
  <p> Even in her mid-sixties, Cher appears to be successfully turning back time. When she wants to lose weight, she opts for seven small meals a day and regular exercise like running, walking and working out on the Power Plate. She also surfs and plays Wii Fit Tennis to stay in shape. And indulges in the odd nip and tuck her and there.</p>
• Jennifer Lopez
  <p> J Lo owes her shapely legs and toned abs to the Tracy Anderson Method, but the star also enjoys Zumba (and finds it a useful stress-reliever). She reportedly works out six times a week before filming a new music video and is a fan of the Dukan Diet.</p>
• Goldie Hawn: 65-years-old
  <p> Goldie's toned physique isn't the result of a stringent plan, but the actress does do weight training, biking, hiking, dancing and yoga to stay in such good shape.&nbsp;'I don't have a regimen,' she told <em>People </em>magazine. 'Sometimes I have 15 minutes to spare and sometimes I have two hours. I'll use my time accordingly.'</p> <div> </div> <div> </div>
• Elle MacPherson: 47-years-old
  <p> 'The Body' works out with trainer James Duigan and also practises yoga, surfs and bikes. She also eats organic, locally sourced food and shuns alcohol and cigarettes - to be able to pull of those metallic leather trousers, you'd have to treat your body like a temple.</p>
• Cindy Crawford: 45-years-old
  <p> </p> <p> The supermodel says she tries to be '80 percent good, 80 percent of the time' with her diet, and she likes to go for bike rides, hike and use the Power Plate machine. 'If I'm traveling and don't have much time, I'll do some push-ups, some crunches, some squats. If you stick with it, even if it's just a small amount, it becomes part of your life,' she's said.</p>
• Kim Cattrall: 55-years-old
  <p> </p> <div> The <em>SATC </em>star admits her enviable physique is down to hard work, diet and exercise. 'I'm from the Jane Fonda generation so I work out,' she's said. She also admitted:&nbsp;'I've been dieting my whole life because I have a tremendous appetite.'</div> <div> </div> <div> </div>
• Courteney Cox: 47-years-old
  <p> </p> <p> Courteney's rockin' bod is the result of the Tracy Anderson Method (Madonna and Gwyneth Paltrow are both devotees). She also told <em>New Beauty</em> magazine that she follows a 'light' diet where has a coffee in lieu of breakfast, chicken salad for lunch and meat and vegetables for dinner. She admitted to the odd slip or two - pasta and white bread are her vices.&nbsp;</p>
• Gwen Stefani: 42-years-old
  <p> Those rock-hard abs (post-two babies, no less) are the result of serious commitment. Gwen's not a fan of yoga and Pilates, but prefers strength training and weight lifting. She works out five days a week and sticks to an organic diet with lean protein.&nbsp;</p>
• Helen Mirren: 66-years-old
  <p> Beating Kelly Brook, Cheryl Cole and Elle MacPherson to the Body of the Year title in a 2011 poll, Helen credits her amazing-at-66 physique with Royal Canadian Air Force Exercises, walking her dog, Wii Fit games like hula, yoga and jogging and having a 'good constitution.'</p>
• Helena Christensen: 42-years-old
  <p> The supermodel stays in shape with boxing and loves to bike ride. She also revealed to a mag that she&nbsp;is in better shape now than when she was 25 due to starting a new fitness regime a couple of years ago.</p>
• Catherine Zeta-Jones: 42-years-old
  <p> The 42-year-old actress and dancer stays in shape by playing golf and enjoying her childhood pastime - dancing. 'My muscles have memory from the time I danced, and it's quick for me to get back in shape, but I'm not fanatical,' she's said in the past.</p>
• Jennifer Aniston: 42-years-old
  <p> </p> <p> The recently crowned Sexiest Woman of All Time (according to a 2011 <em>Men's Health</em> poll) does two hours of yoga every day, followed by a 20-minute elliptical or treadmill session.&nbsp;</p> <p> </p>
• Madonna: 53-years-old
  <p> Madonna is a slavish devotee to her workout regimen, whether it's using the Tracy Anderson Method or taking a ballet-Pilates-and-yoga-mix barre class. Whatever she does, you can bet she's relentless about it - she wouldn't be looking so taut in those tiny hotpants otherwise.</p>
• Sheryl Crow: 49-years-old
  <p> The muscular singer is a yoga-lover, surfer and runner, but she's also a fan of Tony Horton's Power 90-Day Extreme Workout, which mixes weight training, abs, yoga, jumping, martial arts and stretching with a strict diet plan. Sounds pretty hardcore - but judging by the results, it's clearly paying off.</p>
• Angela Bassett: 53-years-old
  <p> </p> <p> The vegetarian with the hottest arms in Hollywood is a fan of healthy raw food and vegan dishes. 'My goal with exercise is I try to do it more often than not,' she has said.</p>
• Tina Turner: 71-years-old
  <p> </p> <div> The diva's enviable looks - and legs - are down to a healthy diet and lots of dancing. 'The main reason I've stayed looking good is that I've spent 40 years doing the most intensive stage workouts ever,' she has said. Time to bust a move.</div> <div> </div>
• Halle Berry: 45-years-old
  <p> </p> <p> As a Type II diabetic, Halle's had to be strict about what she eats. 'Because I'm diabetic, I totally changed my diet and workout regimen a few years ago. I don't eat fried foods or refined sugar - only natural sugar in fruit and vegetables. And I don't eat carbs a lot.'</p>

 

Winter hair colour ideas

December 23, 2011, 12:00 am

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If you're thinking you want to show off a new you this New Year, then there's no better way to do it than with a change to your hair colour. It can be dramatic - going from light to dark is a common winter weather change, or you can keep it subtle (add some highlights or lowlights or try a shine-boosting, natural highlight-enhancing gloss).

Click through our gallery of winter hair colour ideas below to get some inspiration from those who do it best - the stars. Whether you're looking to lighten your locks or try a bold new colour, there's no better time for a fresh new look - and healthy-looking hair - than January.

Winter hair colour ideas

• Icy blonde
  <p> Just because winter calls for warmth, you don't necessarily need to go darker in the colder months. Try something dramatically different, like a Gwyneth-inspired icy blonde hue. The frosty, cool shade with ashy highlights makes a great contrast to winter's dark palette and looks gorgeous against snowy white.</p>
• Rich auburn
  <p> Nothing adds warmth and colour in the sombre winter months quite like a deep red hue, like Drew Barrymore's auburn shade. This darker shade of red doesn't wash out the star's creamy complexion but adds texture and shine instead, and it's not too far from brunette so isn't as much of a risk as a coppery red hue. The brownish shadow and pinky-brown lip are the perfect way to accentuate the gorgeous colour.</p>
• Blonde with dark roots
  <p> Blonde hair instantly brightens up winter's darker palette, but if you're looking to make a change that still feels familiar, try SJP-inspired ombre locks. The dark roots and tumbling golden-blonde curls are a more natural take on the trendy ombre styles of 2011, and her gorgeous caramel hue is a great way for a darker shade to go light. Works well on olive and darker complexions.</p>
• Subtle highlights on a brunette hue
  <p> Lots of people look to brunette shades to warm up their hair for winter. A great way to update a brown shade for the cooler months is with some subtle golden highlights a la Liz Hurley's, to keep hair looking healthy and glossy.</p>
• Bright red
  <p> Emma Stone's head-turning red shade isn't for wallflowers. Seen on catwalks aplenty this season, this copper shade is a bit deeper and brighter than most natural reds. This colour will look great on pale complexions.</p>
• Something totally different
  <p> Katy Perry recently debuted a new look - not for the faint of heart - that saw her fuchsia hair transformed into an icy whitish-blonde hue with pink highlights. Adding non-traditional streaks to your hair is a dramatic way to make a serious colour change, and what better time to do that than in the dull winter months?</p>
• Dark brunette
  <p> Emily Blunt went from light brown to this dramatic dark hue (and also debuted a new bob) in November, just in time for winter. Her almost-black hair hue is perfect for the winter season and looks gorgeous on pale skin. The dramatic eye makeup ensures she doesn't look washed-out.</p>

 

Cake and Eat It: Winter tea bread with brandy butter icing

December 23, 2011, 1:00 am

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Jassy Davis

This week's recipe comes to the rescue of anyone who didn't make or buy a Christmas cake and is now panicking about what to serve alongside the turkey sandwiches and mince pies for Christmas Day tea. It's a simple tea bread topped with brandy butter that's easy to stir together and lighter than the heavy fruitcakes that have been soaking in brandy in the run-up to Christmas.

Tea breads are a bit of halfway-house between cake and bread. They're the slightly stern bridge that takes afternoon tea from savoury finger sandwiches to fancy French pastries. This version is sweeter than a plain tea bread, which would normally rely on the tea-plumped dried fruit for sweetness and richness. I've added in some caster sugar to make it a bit more 'cakey' (and it is Christmas, after all).

The secret to a good tea bread is to work quickly once you add the wet ingredients to the dry ones. The baking powder in the self-raising flour reacts as soon as the dried fruit and tea are added, so stir it up speedily and get it into the oven as fast as you reasonably can.

I love brandy butter - it's one of my essential flavours of Christmas. Using it as the icing instantly gives this tea bread a festive feel and makes it the perfect bake to eat with a paper crown sliding over your eyes and the Christmas TV specials playing in the background. Have a very Merry Christmas.

Winter tea bread with brandy butter icing

20 minutes to prepare + soaking, 45 minutes to cook

Serves 8-10

Cook's note: Suitable for vegetarians

250g mixed dried fruit

300ml hot black tea

Butter or sunflower oil, for greasing

225g self raising flour, sifted

1 tsp mixed spice

125g caster sugar

Grated zest and juice of 1 orange

1 medium egg, beaten

For the brandy butter icing

200g butter, softened

175g icing sugar

30ml good brandy

Pinch ground cinnamon

Place the dried fruit in a heatproof bowl and pour over the tea. Cover with clingfilm and leave to soak for 1 hour to overnight.

Preheat the oven to gas mark 4/180°C/fan oven 160°C. Grease a 900g loaf tin and line the base with baking parchment. Set aside.

Sift the flour and mixed spice into a mixing bowl and stir in the sugar. Stir in the dried fruit, any tea left in the bowl and the orange zest and juice. Beat in the egg to combine.

Pour into the loaf tin, level the surface and bake for 45 minutes or until the cake is risen and firm to the touch. Cool in the tin for 15 minutes, then turn out onto a wire rack to cool completely.

Beat the butter until it's soft, then sift in the icing sugar and add the brandy. Beat together to make a thick icing. Spread over the top of the cake and dust with a little ground cinnamon to serve.

 

Best hangover foods

December 23, 2011, 10:00 pm

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From Christmas parties to New Year's Eve, 'tis the season to overdo it when it comes to alcohol. And even when we start the evening with our best intentions, there's always the danger of waking up with a pounding, relentless hangover.

While the best cure for a hangover is not to let your drinking get out of control in the first place (stay hydrated and make sure to have a hearty, carbohydrate-based meal before you head out), there are some food hangover remedies that will make you feel better the morning after the night before. From rehydrating to beating nausea, click through our gallery below for the best (and tastiest) hangover foods to help you recover.

Best hangover foods

• Bacon sandwich
  <p> Your body is probably craving a greasy meal, and a bacon sandwich is the perfect indulgence. A study found that the food speeds up the metabolism (helping clear alcohol from the body) and the high amino acids found in bacon help clear the head.</p>
• Tomato juice
  <p> The old hair of the dog trick may feel like it's helping, but can actually wreak havoc on your liver, so a non-alcoholic drink like tomato juice will rehydrate your body and boost energy levels. Turning it into a Virgin Mary with lemon juice, celery and a dash of Tabasco or chilli powder bring added benefits (chilli contains capsaicin, which helps banish headaches and the vitamin C in the lemon juice can help stave off that inevitable post-drinking binge cold).</p>
• Chicken broth
  <p> Get your body rehydrated with some tasty chicken soup - the salt content will also restore the electrolytes you lost when boozing.</p>
• Strawberries
  <p> Scientists have found that strawberries can help protect the stomach lining from alcohol, making them an essential pre- and post-drinking snack.</p>
• Eggs
  <p> Eggs contain cysteine, an amino acid which helps the body get rid of alcohol. And is there anything more tempting to munch on when you're feeling groggy and weak?&nbsp;</p>
• Ginger
  <p> Ginger is known for balancing gastric juices and soothing the stomach lining, which will help your nausea levels. Have it in a tea to rehydrate.</p>
• Honey on toast
  <p> A high-fructose breakfast like honey on toast will help reduce hangover symptoms since fructose breaks down acetaldehyde, a chemical which alcohol is converted into in the body. Honey and toast also replenish lost sodium and potassium.</p>
• Cereal with berries
  <p> A starchy meal with fructose, like a bowl of cereal with a fruit topping - is a great pick-me-up for restoring energy levels. Cereal is also enriched with folic acid (alcohol interferes with the absorption of folate), essential for repairing DNA, aiding in cell growth and producing healthy red blood cells.&nbsp;</p>
• Salmon
  <p> Rich in vitamin B6 and omega-3 fatty acids, a morning bagel with lox and cream cheese will help your body restore itself. Or, try eating the meal before your night on the town - high in potassium, protein and fat, the tasty treat will keep your blood sugar balanced, counteracting the effects of the booze.</p>
• Bananas
  <p> The potassium-packed fruit may be your best friend on those mornings when you can hardly open your eyes. A banana will help your body rehydrate (and replenish the potassium you lost while drinking) and has a high vitamin C content as well as vitamin B6, which protects against DNA damage to the liver. Plus, the fructose in bananas will restore energy levels and magnesium will help tame that pounding headache.</p>

 

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Shop the sales: Electronics bargains

December 26, 2011, 12:00 am

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Ectaco/Amazon/John Lewis

Dreaming about bagging the latest electronics for less? Shop the online sales and make it a reality.

From discounted LED TVs and tablet PCs, to Blu-ray players and DAB radios, there are some serious bargains to be had. Check out our guide to the best and get a great deal today.

John Lewis

LED TVs

Whether you're after a compact telly for the kitchen or bedroom, or a big screen for family viewing, take advantage of the huge savings around right now on LED TVs.

Superfi

DAB radios

Looking for a decent discounted DAB? Discover some awesome deals on digital radios, from retro-style models to swish feature-packed marvels.

Amazon

Tablet PCs

Touchscreen tablets have plummeted in price over the last year or so, and with the sales on right now, you'll be able to pick up the latest slate for even less. Shop a wide selection here, from Asus to Zoostorm.

Tesco Direct

Blu-ray players

If you haven't yet experienced the wonders of Blu-ray, you really don't know what you're missing. So, discover the delights today without blowing the budget, and bag a bargain Blu-ray player.

Sainsbury's

Notebooks

Is your ageing laptop in need of an upgrade? Browse then sales for the best releases of 2011, and get an amazing deal on one of the new generation of super-speedy Intel Core i5 notebooks.

Tesco Direct

Digital cameras

Whether you're a novice snapper or seasoned pro, hone your photography skills for less by treating yourself to a discounted digital camera. Choose from an impressive selection, from Canon to Nikon.

Amazon

MP3 players

If you've been putting off upgrading your player, now is a great time to part with your cash. You can get a superb deal on some of the big brand models, so pick up a bargain MP3 player now.

John Lewis

Mini systems

Looking for a compact music system or dock for your MP3 player, but don't feel like spending a small fortune? Hit the online sales now and save on a top-rated mini system.

Ectaco

E-readers

Thanks to Amazon slashing the price of the basic Kindle, the competition has hotted up in the e-reader market and with the sales in full gear, they're cheaper than ever. So, If you've not yet succumbed to the e-reader craze, now is the perfect time.

Multizone AV

Home cinema systems

Fancy bringing the movies into your living room? For the full-on immersive experience, you really can't beat the full kit with Blu-ray and 3D sound. Snap up a bargain home cinema system now.

 

Shop the sales: Style steals

December 26, 2011, 12:00 am

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New Look/Ted Baker

Keen to hit the sales but can't face the hordes and horrible weather? Forget venturing out and bag your bargains online.

Whether you're stocking up on staples or treating yourself to the latest must-have, discover great deals on everything from investment coats to statement knits with our handy sales guide.

Ted Baker

Investment coats

It's been a pretty mild winter up to now, so if you haven't got around to spending your hard-earned cash on a knockout winter coat, do it pronto, before they sell out. Whether you're into faux fur, cashmere or merino wool, browse the best deals here.

Amazon

Suede boots

Suede is the footwear fabric of choice this season, and the sales are absolutely awash with soft brushed leather boots. Opt for neutral grey knee-length boots for day, and vibrant pop colour ankle styles for after dark.

Yoox

Statement knitwear

It's the season of the statement woolly. So whether you're into chunky cardies, Fair Isle sweaters or cute animal motif jumpers, tap into the trend for less and grab yourself a discounted show-stopping knit right now.

New Look

Vintage-inspired capes

Nod to sophisticated Sixties chic and snap up one of this season's retro-style capes. Gorgeous with winter's ladylike ensembles, look for bright hues or bold checks to stay bang on trend.

New Look

Chic scarves

If you don't have much to spend, update your winter wardrobe with a toasty scarf or two. There are some great bargains out there, so you should be able to grab something stunning for less than a tenner.

Amazon

Shapewear

After all that festive overindulgence, it may be an idea to stock up on some shapewear to hide any lumps and bumps. From control pants to belly-skimming leggings, check out these purse-friendly deals.

Amazon

Party heels

A girl can never have too many, and with the sales on full throttle, now is the perfect time to snap up a pair of glitzy going-out shoes. Shop a wide selection, from high street to high end.

Amazon

Leather bags

Craving a little arm candy for the New Year? It pays in the long term to opt for quality, so treat yourself to a leather sales bag. Choose timeless styles over faddy trends and you've got a bag for life.

Ted Baker

Luxe gloves

Put the finishing touch to your elegant winter outfits and get yourself a gorgeous pair of gloves. From toasty fur faux and butter soft leather to fine wool and cashmere, there are some brilliant bargains to be had.

M&Co

Day dresses

Looking for the perfect back-to-work shift or a little something for the weekend? Browse these discounted day dresses and update your wardrobe for less.

 

One-Pot Winter Warmers: Coronation turkey

December 26, 2011, 4:30 am

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Helen Graves

This week I've decided to take on a challenge with my one-pot dish: giving a once popular British classic a seasonal makeover. The words 'Coronation Chicken' may conjure up memories of grim, soggy pre-packed sandwiches, but do not fear, my version brings the royal favourite up to date, and is perfect for using up leftover turkey.

Coronation chicken was invented by Rosemary Hume (and, some say, Constance Spry), founder of the Le Cordon Bleu Cookery School, as a dish to celebrate the Coronation of Queen Elizabeth II in 1953. A mixture of cold chicken, mayonnaise and curry powder (individual spices were scarce in post-war Britain), it was pitched as the perfect mixture of exotic convenience.

Sadly, coronation chicken is now more familiar as a dreary service station staple than a celebratory dish; sad, too-cold sandwiches oozing with gloopy filling made from too much mayonnaise, harbouring so many wrinkly old raisins. This is a shame, because the idea of lightly currying meat is lovely and, done well, coronation chicken (or turkey) can be subtle and fragrant.

This seasonal version is perfect for using up any leftover meat from Christmas Day, but can of course be made from scratch, too; just roast or poach the turkey (or chicken) with a few aromatics like cinnamon stick, bay leaf and black peppercorns, then shred the meat and use as directed in the recipe below.

I've made the sauce using ready-made curry powder because really, no one wants to faff about with too much cooking after Christmas and anyway, it's important for an authentic flavor. The sauce is a mixture of mayonnaise and natural yoghurt; the latter brings a nice tartness while also lightening the mixture; too much mayo will be cloying. Mango chutney adds important sweetness and a little extra spice; it's also the kind of thing one finds lurking around at the back of the cupboard.

I've made the recipe substitution-friendly, too; if you've no yoghurt or mayonnaise, try leftover crème fraiche or cream. No mango chutney? Most spicy, fruit-based varieties will do. If you find yourself without coriander (not exactly an oft-used Christmas herb, let's face it), the dish will still be nice.

This is a thoroughly modern take on Coronation chicken, which would make a lovely addition to a Boxing Day buffet. Not a soggy sandwich in sight.

Coronation Turkey (serves 4, generously)

500g leftover roast turkey or chicken meat, shredded

1 small onion, finely chopped

1 tablespoon good quality curry powder

100ml mayonnaise

100ml natural yoghurt

2 tablespoons mango chutney

A small handful flaked almonds (toasted, if you like)

Coriander leaves

1 lime

Iceberg lettuce, to serve (optional)

Begin by gently frying the onion in a tablespoon of oil, until it is beginning to colour. Add the curry powder and continue cooking for 2 minutes, stirring. Remove from the heat and set aside to cool.

Mix together the mayonnaise and yoghurt, then stir in the mango chutney and spiced onion mixture, when cool. In a large bowl, mix the sauce with the turkey meat. Taste and season with salt and pepper.

Serve the coronation turkey on a bed of iceberg lettuce (if using), scattered with the almonds and coriander leaves. Serve the lime as wedges on the side.

 

Bad plastic surgery

December 27, 2011, 12:00 am

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We all know that celebrities are especially susceptible to the lure of the surgeon's needle, whether they're looking to stave off the ageing process or give their B-cups a boost. But some celebs go too far and end up looking more like adverts for bad plastic surgery than flawless stars.

Check out our gallery of bad plastic surgery victims, who have taken the extremes of bustiness, tautness and smoothness to a whole new level. Some of these celebs have regretted their wonky procedures, while others have persevered the best way they know how - by getting right back into the surgeon's chair for the next round.

Bad plastic surgery

• Priscilla Presley
  <p> Elvis' former wife's botched facial surgery is the result of a shoddy, unlicensed doctor, who is believed to have used low-grade silicone (normally used to grease car parts), which can cause lumps, holes and even facial paralysis.</p>
• Pete Burns
  <p> The singer has had numerous surgical procedures, including a botched rhinoplasty, facial fillers and silicone lip implants that got infected and were leaking pus. Despite describing the situation as one of the 'worst science fiction or horror movies you could ever see,' he continues to get more surgery.&nbsp;</p>
• Heather Morris
  <p> </p> <p> The young <em>Glee </em>star (she's only 24) had her breast implants removed because she was unhappy with them and found them uncomfortable.&nbsp;She told <em>Fitness </em>magazine that: 'Implants were something I thought I wanted when I was younger, and now I don&rsquo;t. It was hard being active with them, because my chest was always sore. It hurt a lot, and I didn&rsquo;t like always being in pain, so they had to go!'</p>
• Heidi Montag
  <p> After undergoing an alarming 10 plastic surgery procedures in one day at the tender age of 23, the reality TV star has admitted she regrets the surgeries, complaining to Life &amp; Style magazine of her&nbsp;bald spots, uneven G-cup size breasts, and the scars covering her body. 'Parts of my body definitely look worse than they did presurgery,' she told the mag, adding that she felt like 'Edward Scissorhands.'</p> <div> </div>
• Meg Ryan
  <p> Meg's all-American girl-next-door beauty has been replaced with a frozen face, a trout pout and swollen features.</p>
• Jocelyn Wildenstein
  <p> She's reportedly spent a hefty &pound;2million on plastic surgery operations, and the Bride of Wildenstein (as she's been dubbed due to her freaky features) serves as a cautionary tale for all surgery addicts.</p>
• Katie Price
  <p> The self-confessed surgery addict who's had numerous breast augmentations and reductions, a nose job, facial fillers and Botox, recently lamented the loss of her looks due to her numerous operations. 'There was a time when I went mad and my lips were hideous and I looked like a duck,' she told <em>The Sunday Mirror</em>. 'I look at old pictures and I'm scared at what I did to myself.&nbsp;I'm not happy with my boobs at all. I had them reduced because I had huge boobs. They were ridiculous.' They still look pretty big to us, but it's all relative, right?</p>
• Tori Spelling
  <p> </p> <p> The wonky shape of Tori's breasts post-augmentation isn't the reason she regrets having had the procedure - it's because the surgery interfered with breastfeeding. She told <em>Good Morning America</em>: 'Well I got my boobs done in my early 20's and if I had known it would or could possibly impact production of milk, I would never had had them done.'</p>
• Leslie Ash
  <p> Leslie's 'trout pout' has become so notorious the star decided to speak out about her ordeal in a television documentary. She suffered an allergic reaction as a result of having the silicone injected into her lips.</p>
• Lindsay Lohan
  <p> The troubled actress looks far older than her 25 years as a result of rumoured lip injections and cheek fillers (her breast augmentation helped her land the Jan/Feb 2012 sell-out cover of Playboy). Lately, the focus is on Lindsay's 17-year-old sister Ali, who also appears to have already gone under the knife.</p>
• Rose McGowan
  <p> The American actress morphed from quirky beauty to aged frozen face due to a series of operations. It's believed she's had work on her nose, eyelids, fillers in her cheeks, lips and jawline, a chin implant and Botox. And she's only 38.</p>
• Mickey Rourke
  <p> The former Hollywood heartthrob and boxer went under the knife to fix boxing injuries - a decision he quickly came to regret. He told the <em>Daily Mail</em>: 'Most of it was to mend the mess of my face because of the boxing, but I went to the wrong guy to put my face back together.'</p>
• Tara Reid
  <p> The actress has had a botched boob job and tummy lipo, which left her stomach misshapen. She's since had surgery to improve the appearance of both but told <em>People </em>magazine that the scars on her stomach are her 'battle wounds.'</p>
• Courtney Love
  <p> No stranger to cosmetic surgery, the singer's <a href="http://lifestyle.aol.co.uk/2011/11/22/courtney-love-goes-topless-in-wardrobe-malfunction/" target="_self">breast</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;nose jobs have looked a little wonky from time to time. And judging by this recent photo of Courtney's pillow-face lips and frozen forehead, she hasn't 'quit' the needle like she said she would after meeting Jocelyn Wildenstein, whom Love referred to as 'freaky'-looking.&nbsp;</p>

 

Buyer's remorse? Carrying too-heavy shopping bags can stress you out

December 27, 2011, 10:28 pm

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If you're looking forward to relaxing with some post-Boxing Day retail therapy, you may want to consider shopping online instead. Carrying a heavy load of shopping bags is not only bad for your back - it's bad for your mind, too.

Researchers from the Chinese University of Hong Kong and the National University of Singapore have found that a heavy physical weight can also influence a person's "psychological weight," reports the Daily Mail.

The researchers asked two groups of participants - one holding bags of heavy shopping - questions about an unrelated topic and found that those carrying the bags were more concerned about the issue, reports the study, which will be featured in an upcoming issue of the Journal of Consumer Research. Once participants carrying the heavy bags were told to think of light objects, any negative psychological effects were eliminated.

"Prior research has shown that the physical experience of carrying weight can influence people's judgment in unrelated domains such as the importance of an event," said lead researchers Meng Zhang and Xiuping Li of their findings.

Do you feel more stressed out when carrying a heavy load? Let us know if you'll be skipping the shopping trip for an online shop in the comment box below.

And get some shopping inspiration for the winter months with these fabulous faux fur-buys.

Shop the trend: Faux fur

• <p> This season's 'It' animal print, monochrome dalmatian spots dominated catwalks from Marc Jacobs to Burberry. Make like Cruella and work the trend in this statement jacket.<br /> <br /> Yumi dalmatian print jacket, &pound;65 at <a href="http://aolshopping.aol.co.uk/search_getprod.php/masterid=931406971/search=Yumi+Original+Dalmation+Print+Y02210+Women%27s+Coat">Amazon</a></p> <p> <a href="http://aolshopping.aol.co.uk/search.php?form_keyword=faux+fur&amp;topcat_id=0">Shop for more faux fur</a></p>
• <p> Channel vintage romance this winter and dabble in the faux fur trend with this toasty Siberian hand muffler by Ruby + Ed.<br /> &nbsp;<br /> Ruby + Ed Siberian hand muffler, &pound;22.50 at <a href="http://aolshopping.aol.co.uk/search_getprod.php/masterid=919441560/search=Ruby+++Ed+Siberian+Stone+Fur+Hand+Muff ">Feel Unique</a></p> <p> <a href="http://aolshopping.aol.co.uk/search.php?form_keyword=faux+fur&amp;topcat_id=0">Shop for more faux fur</a></p>
• <p> Get into the Christmas spirit and snap up this intarsia deer motif cardi-coat, sumptuously trimmed with lush faux fur.<br /> <br /> Yumi deer cardi-coat, &pound;95 at <a href="http://aolshopping.aol.co.uk/search_getprod.php/masterid=928213113/search=fur+coat ">Amazon</a></p> <p> <a href="http://aolshopping.aol.co.uk/search.php?form_keyword=faux+fur&amp;topcat_id=0">Shop for more faux fur</a></p>
• <p> Tick two trend boxes - faux fur and wedge heels - and score double fashion points with these super-comfy boots by Dune.<br /> <br /> Dune Head Over Heels by Dune Tuftess faux fur boots, &pound;60 at <a href="http://aolshopping.aol.co.uk/search_getprod.php/masterid=927649584/search=fur+wedge ">John Lewis</a></p> <p> <a href="http://aolshopping.aol.co.uk/search.php?form_keyword=faux+fur&amp;topcat_id=0">Shop for more faux fur</a></p>
• <p> The boxy Forties-inspired chubby is the furry jacket shape du jour. We're loving this fluffy dusty pink take on the trend.<br /> <br /> Shell pink chubby, &pound;25 at <a href="http://aolshopping.aol.co.uk/search_attrib.php/page_id=981/st=filter/lo_p=25/hi_p=0/form_keyword=New+Look+Coats+-+Shell+Pink+Faux+Fur+Pink+Coat ">New Look</a></p> <p> <a href="http://aolshopping.aol.co.uk/search.php?form_keyword=faux+fur&amp;topcat_id=0">Shop for more faux fur</a></p>
• <p> Super-luxe coloured furs reigned at key shows like Gucci and Bottega Veneta. Get the look with this fancy faux tippet in deep purple.<br /> <br /> Per Una Speziale faux fur scarf, &pound;33 at <a href="http://aolshopping.aol.co.uk/search_getprod.php/masterid=932940872/search=fur+scarf ">M&amp;S</a></p> <p> <a href="http://aolshopping.aol.co.uk/search.php?form_keyword=faux+fur&amp;topcat_id=0">Shop for more faux fur</a></p>
• <p> With layering so on-trend this season, a cosy faux fur gilet is a wardrobe essential. Opt for this snuggly body warmer by East.<br /> <br /> East faux fur gilet, &pound;45 at <a href="http://aolshopping.aol.co.uk/search_getprod.php/masterid=927670161/search=EAST+Faux+Fur+Gilet%2C+Mercury">John Lewis</a></p> <p> <a href="http://aolshopping.aol.co.uk/search.php?form_keyword=faux+fur&amp;topcat_id=0">Shop for more faux fur</a></p>
• <p> The Russian-style cossack hat is the headwear to rock this season. We're very into this soft grey leopard print version.<br /> <br /> Leopard cossack hat, &pound;25 at <a href="http://aolshopping.aol.co.uk/search_getprod.php/masterid=927663939/search=fur+hat ">John Lewis</a></p> <p> <a href="http://aolshopping.aol.co.uk/search.php?form_keyword=faux+fur&amp;topcat_id=0">Shop for more faux fur</a></p>
• <p> The perfect something to wear over your glitzy party dress, nod to old-school glamour with this plush faux mink cape.<br /> <br /> Coast Alejandro faux fur cape, &pound;60 at <a href="http://aolshopping.aol.co.uk/search_getprod.php/masterid=931441040/search=fur+jacket">John Lewis</a></p> <p> <a href="http://aolshopping.aol.co.uk/search.php?form_keyword=faux+fur&amp;topcat_id=0">Shop for more faux fur</a></p>
• <p> Keep those ankles cosy and your cold weather fashion cred intact with these sleek fur-trimmed ankle boots by Firetrap.<br /> <br /> Firetrap Blaze fur-trimmed ankle boots, &pound;56.25 at <a href="http://aolshopping.aol.co.uk/search_getprod.php/masterid=909052903/search=fur+boots ">Amazon</a></p> <p> <a href="http://aolshopping.aol.co.uk/search.php?form_keyword=faux+fur&amp;topcat_id=0">Shop for more faux fur</a></p>

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Women are at their most confident aged 52

December 27, 2011, 10:57 pm

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If you thought your late teens to early twenties was the time when you were at your most body-confident (you did wear those tiny bikinis back then, after all), you were mistaken. It appears that fabulous over 50 is more than just a saying since age 52 is when women feel their most body-confident and content.

At least according to the views of 3,000 women who were polled for a new survey on body confidence from slimming and lifestyle website Myspecialk.co.uk. The survey found that two-thirds of those questioned believed that the age of 52 was when women felt their happiest and were most comfortable with their bodies, inside and out, reports the Daily Mail.

50 per cent of the women questioned cited that many of their key goals had been achieved by age 52. London-based psychologist Rebekah Fensome attributes the verdict to women feeling most secure in themselves by the time they reach their fifties: "A woman in her 50s knows who she is, what her strengths are and values, as well as her weaknesses and failings."

"You become more accepting of the things that you are good at and the things that you are not."

In other body-confidence news, the survey found that women who feel confident about their figures will wear red (that certainly rings true for Mariah Carey in that body-con dress she sported last week to show off her post-pregnancy weight loss) while those feeling less body-confident will hide away in black (Dawn French came out on top for least body-confident celebrity). Holly Willoughby, Cheryl Cole, Nigella Lawson and Kelly Brook were believed to have the most body confidence.

Looks like they missed out on Lorraine Kelly, who - at 52 and in a fitted red frock (see pic above) - is clearly feeling body-fabulous. As she well should.

Do you think body confidence rises with age and that women feel their best aged 52? Let us know by leaving a comment below.

And don't miss out on our gallery of fabulous over 50 celebrity women.

50+ and still fab!

• Carol Vorderman
  She celebrated the big 5-0 on Christmas Eve and seems to get better with age. Speaking to Hello!, the TV brainbox said: "I'm working out five times a week to get my waist back to a 24 before I allow myself into the shops to buy a party dress." Looks like all those gym sessions have paid off!
• Anthea Turner
  Anthea, who turned 50 in May last year, celebrated her birthday by recreating a famous Madonna pose for Closer magazine ? complete with purple leotard and corset. Although the size 8-10 TV presenter admits she doesn't work out as much as fitness freak Madge, she runs three times a week and swears by her Power Plate machine.
• Nigella Lawson
  Britain's favourite domestic goddess is looking more delicious than ever, despite recently celebrating her 51st birthday. Nigella keeps her curves in check with Pilates and as for looking young, believes less is most definitely more. Writing in her Times column, she warned: "Only the unlined can wear a lot of make-up. The older you get the less you can get away with."
• Lorraine Kelly
  To mark her 50th birthday Lorraine decided to train for her fourth London Marathon. The TV presenter, now 51, went from a size 14 to 12 during her five-month training programme. Speaking to Closer, she said: "I feel more energetic and confident, but if I lost any more I'd start to look very gaunt and it wouldn't suit me. It's also really ageing ? it's not for me!"
• Sharon Stone
  How does the Basic Instinct star manage to look better than many women half her age? "I chase three children to stay in shape. When I notice things aren't quite where I want them to be, I step it up," she says. And when it comes to her beauty routine, she says: "You can't just keep doing the same hairdo or the same make-up. You have to face the face that you have."
• Madonna
  The ultimate queen of reinvention, Madonna shows no signs of slowing down even in her 50s. The 52-year-old mega star credits yoga, weight training and a healthy lifestyle for her taught and toned body. Current squeeze Brazilian model Jesus Luz may be half her age but we bet he has trouble keeping up with her madgesty.
• Michelle Pfeiffer
  Recently voted favourite female celeb to get more attractive with age by America's OK! Magazine, Pfeiffer seems to get hotter with each passing year. It may have been a while since she donned a skin-tight PVC catsuit ? but something tells us she'd still look hot. So what's her secret? "It's simple. Eat well, exercise and get lots of sleep but make sure you indulge occasionally. At my age I think, what the hell!" she says.
• Andie MacDowell
  Model and actress Andy MacDowell has been the face of L'Oreal for many years ? and it's not hard to see why. Now 52, she says: "You're pre-programmed to believe that a man can have wrinkles and he's sexy and a woman has wrinkles and she's old. I have to defend myself and all women my age, and say: Yes, we're still beautiful."
• Iman
  Statuesque and timelessly elegant, Iman first became a model back in 1975. Designer Yves St. Laurent once described her as his dream woman and it's not hard to see why. Even at the age of 55, Iman has a rare and regal beauty. And she's not just a pretty face either. The supermodel is fluent in five different languages.
• Kim Basinger
  Now 57, the 80s model-turned actress has a radiant complexion and figure women in their 20s would envy. Although she's never admitted to having had any cosmetic help, it has previously been claimed she is a fan of collagen therapy gel. Help or no help, we think she looks stunning.

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Bad dental hygiene? Forget cavities, you could be at risk for pneumonia

December 27, 2011, 11:30 pm

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Put down that sugar-coated mince pie and pick up some dental floss. Poor dental hygiene is putting more than your smile at risk - new research has found that bacteria in the mouth could lead to pneumonia.

Researchers at the Yale University School of Medicine, led by Dr. Samit Joshi, found that changes in the bacteria in the mouth preceded the development of pneumonia, prompting the British Dental Health Foundation to issue a warning that poor oral hygiene can cause a rise in the lung disease, reports The Telegraph.

This is not the first study to find a link between poor dental health and respiratory problems. It is thought that bacterial chest infections are caused by breathing in droplets from the throat and mouth into the lungs, causing pneumonia or other respiratory problems.

The Chief Executive of the British Dental Health Foundation, Dr Nigel Carter, said: "During the winter months we're all susceptible to colds, coughs and chesty viruses due to the drop in temperature. What people must remember, particularly those highlighted as vulnerable, is that prevention can be very basic."

"Systemic links between gum disease and overall health have been well documented, and at this time of year keeping up good oral health can really help stave off illness."

He advises that, at a minimum, people brush teeth for two minutes twice a day using a fluoride toothpaste, clean between teeth daily with floss or interdental brushes, cut down on sugary foods and make regular visits to the dentist.

Will this news motivate you to start taking better care of your teeth? Leave a comment and let us know below.

And don't miss out on our gallery of (non-sugary) energy-boosting foods.

Foods to boost energy

• Salmon
  <p> A top source of omega-3 fatty acids, salmon is also thought to help reduce the risk of heart disease (among other conditions) and even depression. The oily fish is also full of B12, niacin and minerals like selenium and iron, which boost energy production and immune function.</p>
• Beans
  <p> Beans (and lentils) are great for lowering cholesterol and are a good source of potassium, protein and healthy carbs. Throw them into salads, soups and pasta and rice dishes for a nutritious pick-me-up. Hummus and whole wheat pitta is another tasty, energy-boosting snack to have on the go.</p>
• Broccoli (and other green vegetables)
  <p> Leafy greens contain lots of iron to boost energy levels, plus they're packed with vitamin C and folate, which helps produce red blood cells and is associated with better moods. Add some broccoli and other green leafy veg like spinach, collard greens and kale to salads and other dishes.&nbsp;</p>
• Whole grains
  <p> Whole wheat bread, brown rice, quinoa and healthy cereals like oatmeal are loaded with B vitamins (which help the spleen function properly) and give you the fuel you need to keep your body and mind going all day long. Be sure to choose whole wheat varieties - all the fibre and nutrients have been processed out of 'enriched' white versions.</p>
• Eggs
  <p> High levels of protein correlate to better energy levels, and eggs are considered a complete protein source containing all nine amino acids. Kick-start your day with eggs for breakfast or munch on a hard-boiled egg to get energy levels up in the afternoon.&nbsp;</p>
• Blueberries and oranges
  <p> Natural sugars and healthy carbs make all fruits a great snack choice, but blueberries and oranges are packed with extra benefits. Blueberries are full of antioxidants, help boost your metabolism and fight off urinary tract infections, while the vitamin C in oranges aids with muscle repair and iron absorption, making them an ideal post-workout snack.</p>
• Green tea
  <p> As an alternative to coffee, green tea works wonders. It's packed with flavonoids which fight free radical damage, and studies have shown it's linked to a reduced risk of various cancers and heart disease. Drink up.</p>
• Honey
  <p> Honey is a great source of natural sugars and antioxidants (the darker the honey, the higher the antioxidant content). It's thought to boost the immune system, aid digestion and promote healing - use it as an alternative to sugar.&nbsp;</p>
• Green parsley
  <p> Start chewing on those parsley sprigs - they serve more than just a decorative purpose. The leafy herb is full of vitamin C, vitamin A, folic acid and flavonoids, which work to boost cell regeneration in the body and increase energy levels.</p>
• Seeds
  <p> Pumpkin and sunflower seeds are rich in protein as well as a healthy mix of fats and minerals (magnesium, iron and copper in pumpkin seeds; selenium and vitamins E and B6 in sunflower seeds) which will keep energy levels high. Sprinkle over salads or yoghurt or munch them on their own instead of that unhealthy packet of crisps.</p>
• Dark chocolate
  <p> Packed with antioxidants and shown to help lower blood pressure and improve mood, dark chocolate is actually good for you in moderation. Try swapping your cup of joe for a couple of squares as a pick-me-up.&nbsp;</p>
• Nuts
  <p> Nuts, (raw almonds, cashews and hazelnuts in particular) are a great snack option packed with protein and healthy fats, and also contain magnesium which helps convert sugar into energy. Nut butters are also energy-boosters whose heart-healthy fats can help keep you going longer.</p>

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Problems with PIP French breast implants found a decade ago

December 27, 2011, 11:51 pm

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New evidence has emerged that Poly Implant Prothese (PIP), the French company responsible for the risky breast implant scare affecting tens of thousands of women, was first investigated by the US Food and Drug Administration as far back as 2000, according to the Telegraph.

The PIP implants - reportedly made from substandard, industrial-grade silicone - are being removed (paid for by the French government) from 30,000 French women thought to be at risk of ruptured implants, which have been linked to a cancer scare that has hundreds of British women preparing to sue.

In 2000, the FDA wrote to PIP company founder Jean-Claude Mas, warning that the implants were "adulterated" and citing over 11 deviations from good manufacturing practices, in reference to PIP's saline implants, which were manufactured at the same plant as the controversial silicone implants. It is unknown whether the FDA warning was shown to French authorities.

Around 40,000 British women have also received the implants but England's chief medical officer, Dame Sally Davies, has told them not to be "unduly worried," saying: "We have no evidence of a link to cancer or an increased risk of rupture. If women are concerned, they should speak to their surgeon."

There is currently an international arrest warrant out for Mas, whose whereabouts are unknown.

Do the risks of plastic surgery outweigh the benefits? Let us know what you think below.

And don't miss out on our gallery of celebs with bad plastic surgery.

Bad plastic surgery

• Priscilla Presley
  <p> Elvis' former wife's botched facial surgery is the result of a shoddy, unlicensed doctor, who is believed to have used low-grade silicone (normally used to grease car parts), which can cause lumps, holes and even facial paralysis.</p>
• Pete Burns
  <p> The singer has had numerous surgical procedures, including a botched rhinoplasty, facial fillers and silicone lip implants that got infected and were leaking pus. Despite describing the situation as one of the 'worst science fiction or horror movies you could ever see,' he continues to get more surgery.&nbsp;</p>
• Heather Morris
  <p> </p> <p> The young <em>Glee </em>star (she's only 24) had her breast implants removed because she was unhappy with them and found them uncomfortable.&nbsp;She told <em>Fitness </em>magazine that: 'Implants were something I thought I wanted when I was younger, and now I don&rsquo;t. It was hard being active with them, because my chest was always sore. It hurt a lot, and I didn&rsquo;t like always being in pain, so they had to go!'</p>
• Heidi Montag
  <p> After undergoing an alarming 10 plastic surgery procedures in one day at the tender age of 23, the reality TV star has admitted she regrets the surgeries, complaining to Life &amp; Style magazine of her&nbsp;bald spots, uneven G-cup size breasts, and the scars covering her body. 'Parts of my body definitely look worse than they did presurgery,' she told the mag, adding that she felt like 'Edward Scissorhands.'</p> <div> </div>
• Meg Ryan
  <p> Meg's all-American girl-next-door beauty has been replaced with a frozen face, a trout pout and swollen features.</p>
• Jocelyn Wildenstein
  <p> She's reportedly spent a hefty &pound;2million on plastic surgery operations, and the Bride of Wildenstein (as she's been dubbed due to her freaky features) serves as a cautionary tale for all surgery addicts.</p>
• Katie Price
  <p> The self-confessed surgery addict who's had numerous breast augmentations and reductions, a nose job, facial fillers and Botox, recently lamented the loss of her looks due to her numerous operations. 'There was a time when I went mad and my lips were hideous and I looked like a duck,' she told <em>The Sunday Mirror</em>. 'I look at old pictures and I'm scared at what I did to myself.&nbsp;I'm not happy with my boobs at all. I had them reduced because I had huge boobs. They were ridiculous.' They still look pretty big to us, but it's all relative, right?</p>
• Tori Spelling
  <p> </p> <p> The wonky shape of Tori's breasts post-augmentation isn't the reason she regrets having had the procedure - it's because the surgery interfered with breastfeeding. She told <em>Good Morning America</em>: 'Well I got my boobs done in my early 20's and if I had known it would or could possibly impact production of milk, I would never had had them done.'</p>
• Leslie Ash
  <p> Leslie's 'trout pout' has become so notorious the star decided to speak out about her ordeal in a television documentary. She suffered an allergic reaction as a result of having the silicone injected into her lips.</p>
• Lindsay Lohan
  <p> The troubled actress looks far older than her 25 years as a result of rumoured lip injections and cheek fillers (her breast augmentation helped her land the Jan/Feb 2012 sell-out cover of Playboy). Lately, the focus is on Lindsay's 17-year-old sister Ali, who also appears to have already gone under the knife.</p>
• Rose McGowan
  <p> The American actress morphed from quirky beauty to aged frozen face due to a series of operations. It's believed she's had work on her nose, eyelids, fillers in her cheeks, lips and jawline, a chin implant and Botox. And she's only 38.</p>
• Mickey Rourke
  <p> The former Hollywood heartthrob and boxer went under the knife to fix boxing injuries - a decision he quickly came to regret. He told the <em>Daily Mail</em>: 'Most of it was to mend the mess of my face because of the boxing, but I went to the wrong guy to put my face back together.'</p>
• Tara Reid
  <p> The actress has had a botched boob job and tummy lipo, which left her stomach misshapen. She's since had surgery to improve the appearance of both but told <em>People </em>magazine that the scars on her stomach are her 'battle wounds.'</p>
• Courtney Love
  <p> No stranger to cosmetic surgery, the singer's <a href="http://lifestyle.aol.co.uk/2011/11/22/courtney-love-goes-topless-in-wardrobe-malfunction/" target="_self">breast</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;nose jobs have looked a little wonky from time to time. And judging by this recent photo of Courtney's pillow-face lips and frozen forehead, she hasn't 'quit' the needle like she said she would after meeting Jocelyn Wildenstein, whom Love referred to as 'freaky'-looking.&nbsp;</p>

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Decorating dilemmas: How to make the most of lighting in your home

December 28, 2011, 12:00 am

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Lighting is often overlooked and yet it can bring any space to life, appearing to change the proportions and create a focal point in a room - as well as simply illuminating a space. The doyenne of adding drama to an interior scheme, design and homewares expert, Kelly Hoppen, shares her top tips for creating a seductive and efficiently-lit space.

'Mirror Ball' by Tom Dixon

Ambient or accent
Lighting should be one of most important considerations when creating that special mood within a room. It enhances the design of your room with drama and subtlety. Ambient lighting can transform a space and create a mood whilst well-lit rooms are in turn welcoming, cheering and safe.

To create successful lighting you must achieve a balance of light on all sides of the room. I use a variety of light sources and bulb types to cast light in tones, ranging from pure white to yellow, through to blues and soft greys. Soft ambient lighting is usually created with tungsten bulbs that produce a warm light. Accent lighting can be achieved using LED strips for up lighting and highlighting wall finishes, fabrics and artworks. Kaiser Idell 'Luxus 6631' table lamp, £602 from The Conran Shop.


Top lit
Ceiling lights wash walls with gentle background light and highlight artworks; they're perfect for illuminating a decorative item or favourite painting. Favourites of mine are from Robert Clift Lighting. Their nickel, globe-shaped lights are incredibly versatile as again you can highlight objects, art or simply wash walls and floors with gentle pools of ambient light. 'Chrome Globe Pendant', £95.94 from Robert Clift Lighting and 'Calabash' by Komplot Design, £159 from Skandium.

All about the glow
For my living room, I chose the softest of low-level lighting to enrich the variety of matt and glossy textures of the room, essential to make anyone feel and look good whilst incredibly relaxing and soothing. Atmospheric lighting is also incredibly important; the glow of firelight and candlelight should never be underestimated. 'Mirror Ball' floor light, £415 from Tom Dixon.


Make a statement
Hero lights can introduce a fascinating organic quality to a room. Favourites of mine are the bronze 'Lustre Ovale' from Galerie Van der Straeten and the 'Lord Carter' chandelier by Mark Brazier-Jones. The quality of light is one aspect of lighting, the actual lights themselves are something which must also be carefully considered. I scout for one-off pieces all the time, especially at antique markets such as Alfies Antique Market and Portobello Road. 'Lord Carter' chandelier, £9690 from Brazier-Jones.

And finally...
A further tip is also to make sure you have enough light sockets. Position them to work within the layout of furniture and the key areas where you are most likely to need extra light (e.g. a table where you may read).

For more design, decorating and shopping inspiration from Kelly Hoppen, visit kellyhoppenretail.com.

Do you have any decorating dilemmas? If you want to know how to decorate your home in style for the festive season or transform your bathroom into more of a spa, email decodilemmas@aol.co.uk

- Go shopping for your home

Stylish new table lamps for your home

• Toadstool
  <p> Featuring charming illustrations of Bramble the Elf and his woodland friends, this ceramic toadstool-shaped lamp gives off a reassuring glow in the dark so littles one will adore it.&nbsp;</p> <div> &lsquo;Bramble toadstool&rsquo; night light, &pound;46, <a href="http://whiterabbitengland.com/prod_info.asp?prodid=102" target="_blank">White Rabbit England</a></div> <div> </div> <div> <p> </p> <a href="http://aolshopping.aol.co.uk/search_attrib.php/page_id=1448" target="_blank">- Shop table lamps</a></div>
• 'Chagall' table lamp
  <div> Looking a lot more expensive than it actually is, this blue glass lamp with bubble detail casts an atmospheric and intimate glow.</div> <div> </div> <div> <p> &lsquo;Chagall&rsquo; lamp, &pound;45, <a href="http://www.next.co.uk/x483060s3" target="_blank">Next</a></div> <div> </div> <div> <p> </p> <a href="http://aolshopping.aol.co.uk/search_attrib.php/page_id=1448" target="_blank">- Shop table lamps</a></div>
• 'La Voliere' table lamp
  <p> Inspired by an aviary, the French-made &lsquo;La Voli&egrave;re&rsquo; table lamp has a copper wire frame on which decorative birds &ndash; made with real feathers &ndash; perch. A matching pendant lamp is also available.</p> <div> &lsquo;La Voli&egrave;re&rsquo; table lamp, &pound;425 from <a href="http://www.conranshop.co.uk/614559/LA-VOLIERE-TABLE-LAMP/Product" target="_blank">The Conran Shop</a></div> <div> </div> <div> <p> </p> <a href="http://aolshopping.aol.co.uk/search_attrib.php/page_id=1448" target="_blank">- Shop for table lamps</a></div>
• Floral
  <p> Floral designs are a big hit this season. Rather than going down a more traditional route, this glazed lamp with a delicate floral motif adds a lovely touch to a bedroom or neutral-toned lounge.</p> <p> Colours by B&amp;Q &lsquo;Cordelia&rsquo; ceramic floral table lamp, &pound;34.98, <a href="http://www.diy.com/diy/jsp/bq/nav.jsp?action=detail&amp;fh_secondid=11727658&amp;fh_location=//catalog01/en_GB/categories%3C%7B9372013%7D/categories%3C%7B9372029%7D/categories%3C%7B9372110%7D/specificationsProductType=table___floor_lamps/specificationsSpecificProductType=table_lamps" target="_blank">B&amp;Q</a></p> <p> <a href="http://aolshopping.aol.co.uk/search_attrib.php/page_id=1448" target="_blank">- Shop for table lamps</a></p>
• Glazed table lamp
  <p> Perfectly formed, this traditional-style lamp base in a bold glazed red looks best with a classic parchment shade.</p> <p> &lsquo;Glaze Urn&rsquo; table lamp, &pound;39.99, <a href="http://homebase.co.uk/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay?langId=110&amp;storeId=10151&amp;partNumber=142504" target="_blank">Homebase</a></p> <p> <a href="http://aolshopping.aol.co.uk/search_attrib.php/page_id=1448" target="_blank">- Shop table lamps</a></p>
• Basic desk lamp
  <p> Made from wood and brushed metal with brass hinges, this desk lamp favours the more industrial taste.</p> <div> <p> &lsquo;Basic Desk Lamp&rsquo;, &pound;189, <a href="http://www.idyllhome.co.uk/lamps/basic-desk-lamp-443-95-1436.php" target="_blank">Idyll Home</a></div> <div> </div> <div> <a href="http://aolshopping.aol.co.uk/search_attrib.php/page_id=1448" target="_blank">- Shop table lamps</a></div>
• Silk lampshade
  <p> Update a simple lamp base with this hot pink and black silk lampshade featuring an allover zig-zag pattern.</p> <p> &lsquo;Je vous en prie&rsquo; silk lampshade, &pound;85, <a href="http://www.liberty.co.uk/fcp/product/Liberty/LIGHTING/Hot-Pink-Silk-Lampshade-Je-Vous-En-Prie/70129" target="_blank">Liberty</a></p> <p> <a href="http://aolshopping.aol.co.uk/search_attrib.php/page_id=1448" target="_blank">- Shop table lamps</a></p>
• Mirrored
  <p> Detailed with a mirrored mouth-blown glass for an elegant look, this table lamp is both modern and incredibly cool.</p> <div> <p> &lsquo;Bellows Mirror&rsquo; table lamp, &pound;79, <a href="http://marksandspencer.com/Marks-and-Spencer-Bellows-Mirror/dp/B0055EZ8UI" target="_blank">Marks and Spencer</a></div> <div> </div> <div> <a href="http://aolshopping.aol.co.uk/search_attrib.php/page_id=1448" target="_blank">- Shop table lamps</a></div>
• Retro
  <p> In a sleek white enamel and brass finish, this 1950s-inspired luminaire marries a timeless elegance with a touch of quirkiness.</p> <div> <p> &lsquo;Shirley&rsquo; table lamp, &pound;215, <a href="http://www.gong.co.uk/shirley-table-lamp-white/" target="_blank">Gong</a></div> <div> </div> <div> <a href="http://aolshopping.aol.co.uk/search_attrib.php/page_id=1448" target="_blank">- Shop table lamps</a></div>
• Brass
  <p> Add a cosy glow to your home with this handcrafted brass table lamp. With hundreds of intricately tooled holes, the resulting light offers a beautiful glittering effect.</p> <div> </div> <div> <p> &lsquo;Shian&rsquo; table lamp, &pound;80, <a href="http://www.bhs.co.uk/" target="_blank">BHS</a></div> <div> </div> <div> <a href="http://aolshopping.aol.co.uk/search_attrib.php/page_id=1448" target="_blank">- Shop table lamps</a></div> <div> </div>

 

Lose weight, lose friends?

December 28, 2011, 12:21 am

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Lost weight and want a new frock to show it off? The next time you want an honest opinion of how you look in that dress, you might want to ask someone other than your best friend. She might be too envious to tell you the truth.

A new survey by weight-loss treatment BioAPP has found that body weight plays a role in friendships, with a third of women saying they were secretly jealous of friends who lost weight, reports the Daily Mail.

Over a fifth of those surveyed said they were happier when they were thinner than their friends, and a sixth of respondents wanted their friends to be fatter than them. The survey also found that one in 10 respondents would tell friends they looked slim - even when they didn't.

The survey of 10,000 adults also found that over 40 per cent of 16 and 17-year-olds have dieted to avoid being known as the 'fat friend,' and that dieters were often pressured to eat more by friends and family.

Have you been jealous of a friend who's lost more weight than you? Let us know below.

And don't miss out on our gallery of celebrity slimmers.

Celebrity weight loss

• Ruth Jones
  <p> The <em>Gavin and Stacey</em> star says she lost four-and-half-stone thanks to calorie-counting. 'It's taken me 22 months to lose four-and-a-half stone. Although I have done loads of diets in my time I have never done it the old-fashioned way - taking in less calories than I was using.'</p> <div> </div> <div> </div>
• Carrie Fisher
  <p> The <em>Star Wars</em> actress recently showed off her dramatic 50 pound weight loss (in the space of nine months), thanks to Jenny Craig. She's on a 1,500-cal a day diet and 45 minutes of cardio workouts five times a week.</p>
• Princess Beatrice
  <p> The young royal has slimmed down substantially in the last few years, and claims her svelte physique is down to exercise, plenty of fruit and veg and lots of water.</p> <div style="font-size: 10pt; line-height: 12pt; "> <p> </p> </div>
• Kirstie Alley
  <p> The actress has famously battled with her weight over the years, but in summer 2011 she revealed she'd dropped 90 pounds after her stint on <em>Dancing With the Stars</em>.</p>
• Christina Aguilera
  <p> Aguilera has recently been showing off a more voluptuous frame, leading some to speculate she may be pregnant again. Of the singer's appearance at the Michael Jackson tribute concert in October 2011, E! <em>Fashion Police</em> panelist Kelly Osbourne said:&nbsp;'She called me fat for years. I was never that fat.'</p>
• Peaches Geldof
  <p> Peaches blamed bird flu on her sudden skinniness and turned to Twitter to reassure fans and critics she's still healthy. 'To those telling me I look skinny and to eat something, I can assure you I've just cut out eating crap. I still eat like a horse, guys!'</p> <div> </div>
• Pauline Quirke
  <p> The <em>Emmerdale </em>actress has lost a remarkable seven stone since January 2011. She credits her weight loss with the LighterLife programme, which mixes a low-cal diet with counselling.&nbsp;</p>
• Demi Moore
  <p> Demi's increasingly gaunt frame seems to be linked to stress and heartbreak around the collapse of her marriage to Ashton Kutcher.</p>
• Gemma Collins
  <p> </p> <p> The <em>TOWIE </em>star has gone from a size 20 to a size 14 thanks to a hardcore diet and exercise regime, but she's not done yet: 'I'm desperate to be a size 12 by Christmas,' she wrote in her column for <em>Closer </em>magazine.</p>
• Jennifer Hudson
  <p> The Oscar winner and Weight Watchers spokesperson has lost a remarkable 80 lbs through diet and exercise, and she's now a U.S. size 0, which she flaunts in body-con dresses and mini-skirts. 'Being skinny, it's a job. It's not easy,' she says. 'I feel this responsibility to the world now - people are watching so I have to keep going in the right direction in terms of my weight loss.'</p>
• Crystal Renn
  <p> The former plus-size model has struggled with eating disorders in the past but seemed to have embraced her curves as she became a catwalk star for designers from Karl Lagerfeld at Chanel to Jean-Paul Gaultier and Mark Fast. In September 2011, the model looked anything but plus-sized.</p>
• Kate Middleton
  <p> The ultra-slim Duchess of Cambridge has gotten so skinny that she's been hailed as a role model on pro-anorexia websites and reportedly has a waist size of under 24 inches. Prince William and sister Pippa are reportedly asking her to pile on some pounds.</p>
• Martine McCutcheon
  <p> The former <em>EastEnders </em>star is now a curvy size 16 - and is reportedly looking to gain more weight so that she can release a fitness DVD to give her career a boost.</p>
• Kelly Osbourne
  <p> </p> <p> Kelly lost 50 lbs over an 18-month period and she credits her transformation with her stint on <em>Dancing With the Stars</em>. 'A trick I've learned is to eat just a little bit of something that has no carbs and no sugar in it before you go to sleep because it keeps your metabolism going,' she told U.S. mag <em>Life&amp;Style</em>.</p>
• Dawn French
  <p> The comedienne revealed that her dramatic weight loss (she's gone from a size 24 to a size 16 in recent months), is down to healthy eating, and admitted that she was prompted to lose weight for her health. 'I think when you're over 50 you have to pay attention to your health a bit,' she said on <em>This Morning</em>.</p>
• Megan Fox
  <p> Megan's foxy curves have recently made a reappearance after the star was snapped looking ultra skinny at the beach in summer 2011. She told <em>Amica </em>magazine: 'For a year and a half, until about four months ago, I followed a strict vegan diet based on raw fruits and vegetables, no bread, sugar and coffee. But I had lost too much weight.'</p>
• Ricki Lake
  <p> Another product of the <em>Dancing With the Stars</em> diet plan, Ricki lost 25 lbs from her appearance on the show.&nbsp;'I was on the Derek Hough [her dance partner] diet and it works. I lost 20lbs to 25lbs and I went down two sizes.' No stranger to dramatic weight loss, in 2007 Ricki lost an incredible 135 pounds, shrinking from 19 stone to eight-and-a-half stone.</p> <div> </div> <div> </div>
• Rochelle Wiseman
  <p> The Saturdays singer recently revealed that her weight gain in 2010 was the result of an ovarian cyst.&nbsp;'I had an operation at the start of last year. I had a cyst on my ovary and it made me put on a lot of weight,' she told <em>new</em>! magazine.</p> <p> 'I went a full dress size bigger - from a size 8 up to a 10, maybe even a 12. Everyone thinks I've tried to lose weight, but I genuinely haven't.'</p>
• Vanessa Feltz
  <p> After having a gastric band fitted, Vanessa dropped from a size 20 to a size 14 in just one year.</p>
• LeAnn Rimes
  <p> The singer has repeatedly had to defend her shrinking frame from critics after posting ultra-skinny bikini photos of herself on Twitter (where she also feuded with fellow skinny chick Giuliana Rancic). In response to worries about her extreme weight loss, LeAnn wrote: 'Those are called abs not bones love. Thx but this is my body and I can promise you I'm a healthy girl. I'm just lean. Thx for your concern but no need to be.'</p>

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Pet cats found to double allergy risk in adults

December 28, 2011, 4:14 am

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Kittens are cute and cuddly, and make adorable pets, right? New research has found that they may soon have you scratching your eyes out - literally.

A new study conducted at the University Hospital of Verona and published in The Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology found that acquiring a feline in adulthood nearly doubled the risk of developing allergies, reports the Daily Mail.

The research surveyed over 6,000 Europeans twice over a nine-year period (none of whom had antibodies to cats in their blood to begin with), and found that three per cent of those without a cat at either time became sensitised to the animal's dander, compared with five per cent of those who acquired a cat in the nine-year period. Four in 10 of those people experienced allergy symptoms around animals, which is four times the rate normally seen in people with no cat antibodies.

However, all of those who became sensitised had allowed their cats into the bedroom, and those with other allergies had a higher risk of getting a cat allergy. The research also discovered that those who had cats as children had a smaller risk of developing allergies.

Dr. Mario Olivieri wrote: "Our data support that acquiring a cat in adulthood nearly doubles the risk of developing cat sensitisation."

"Hence, cat avoidance should be considered in adults, especially in those sensitised to other allergens and reporting a history of allergic diseases."

Would you get a cat even if it meant risking an allergy? Leave a comment and let us know.

And don't miss out on our tips for boosting your immune system.

Tips for boosting your immune system

• Exercise regularly
  <p> Regular moderate exercise helps stimulate the lymphatic system which ensures the efficient removal of bodily toxins; in addition, exercise like cycling, jogging, walking or swimming&nbsp;can help you relax and reduces stress, which is also known to weaken your immunity.&nbsp;A study found that brisk walking for at least 20 minutes a day helped reduce chances of catching a cold.&nbsp;In addition to exercising, maintaining a healthy weight and avoiding high blood pressure are also beneficial for your immunity.</p> <div> </div>
• Wash your hands
  <p> So simple yet so effective, regular hand washing does play a role in reducing the spread of bacteria during cold and flu season (so it's important to keep it up even if your hands are&nbsp;<a href="http://lifestyle.aol.co.uk/2011/12/16/winter-skin-bargain-buys/" target="_self">dry and flaky from winter winds</a>). A study found that soap and water (and alcohol-based hand sanitisers) reduced the germ count on health care workers' hands by 58 per cent after 30 seconds of washing. Just note that while hand sanitiser does kill many bugs, it isn't very effective against norovirus, that nasty winter vomiting bug.</p> <p> </p> <div> </div>
• Get some rays
  <p> Scientists have found that vitamin D can be crucial in boosting the immune system, particularly in helping the body to fight off serious infections. Get a daily dose from the sun (even on a cloudy day) or in vitamin D-rich foods like eggs,&nbsp;salmon and mackerel.</p>
• Stop smoking
  <p> <span style="font-size: 10pt; line-height: 12pt; ">If you're still not convinced it's time to stop smoking, cigarettes can also hinder your immunity because they affect the health of blood vessels, making it harder for the body to fight off infections. In addition, smoking puts you at a higher risk for respiratory infections.</span></p>
• Sleep well
  <p> The immune system is more vulnerable when the body is sleep-deprived since a good night's snooze allows time for our organs to replenish themselves. Aim for eight hours a night. Quality of sleep is also thought to be important for helping the immune system thrive, so reducing alcohol intake may help you achieve an optimal night of rest.</p>

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Report predicts we'll be eating curry and seaweed for breakfast in 15 years

December 28, 2011, 9:33 pm

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What springs to mind when you think about what to have for breakfast in the morning?

Full English? A bowl of cereal? How about a dish of piping hot curry? According to a new report released by Kellogg's, us Brits may soon forego a piece of toast and tuck into spicy food instead.

Food experts have predicted that people in Britain could become so fond of spicy flavours that we start incorporating them into our morning meals over the next 15 years.

The report, which was compiled by Your Future Consultancy, gathered together a panel of experts which included chef Guy Wolley.

Mr Wolley said: "At the moment the UK has a taste for relatively plain breakfast flavours and the elements haven't changed much since the 1930s."

'In the future we will take breakfast much more seriously and it may become the main meal of the day."

"We will also see some very different tastes and trends emerging. Seaweed, spices and fish will become popular in the morning."

"Dishes such as crab porridge and sumac flakes for breakfast may seem unbelievable but 20 years ago it would have seemed absurd that we would be eating raw fish wrapped in rice and seaweed - of course sushi is now a very popular cuisine."

A spokesman for Kellogg's said: "Already we have been seeing an increase in the use of spices in the UK and the likes of Polish sausages and fish more commonplace on the British breakfast plate."

"The world has become a much more open place, and with further immigration to the west and the UK expected to continue from the Middle East and Asia in particular, we can expect to see this influence the British palate at breakfast time."

Will you be skipping toast and tea for crab porridge and seaweed or not? Let us know below...

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