Nancy Dell'Olio looks fabulous in a bikini

March 12, 2012, 2:21 am

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Nancy Dell'Olio looks fabulous in a bikini PA

Nancy Dell'Olio has recreated that famous beach scene from Dr No - proving just how fabulous she looks at 50.

Nancy wore a frilly purple bikini as she posed in the sea for Hello! magazine, and she says that she's happier with her body than she's ever been.

She told Hello!: "I have never loved my body more than I do now.

"Lately I have been exhausted tired, but it doesn't show. People say I have never looked more healthy and that comes from inside. I am the happiest I have ever been."

Nancy, who is single right now, also admitted that she did recently enjoy some romance with M&S Chairman Sir Stuart Rose.

She said: "It is something that happened, but it's not what's happening at the moment."

However it sounds like she might have her eye on someone new: Prince Harry.

Nancy saw him just last week at a state dinner in Kingston, Jamaica and said: "I said to him, 'We should go dancing', because once time we danced together. We had a good laugh.

"He has charisma, definitely; a twinkle in his eye and a lovely smile, a lovely face. In the flesh, he is even more handsome than in his pictures."

Read the full interview with Nancy in the new issue of Hello!, on sale now.

Do you think that Nancy looks amazing in her bikini? Let us know below...

Click on the image below to see which other celebs look great over the age of 50...

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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The Oxo family is back - and this time dad's doing the cooking

March 12, 2012, 4:42 am

≫ Next: Cut daily red meat intake to prevent early death

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Filed under: In the news

The Oxo family is back - and this time dad's doing the cooking OXO

It's been 13 years since the OXO family - headed up by actors Lynda Bellingham and Michael Redfern, disappeared from our screens.

Now the family is set to make a comeback - and this time it's the men doing the cooking.

When the adverts first launched in 1983, the OXO dad struggled in the kitchen. Luckily mum was always there, with her supply of stock cubes, to get the family dinner on the table.

But times have changed and now Michael Redfern is seen giving his son cooking tips, via a videolink, as he prepares a chicken stir-fry for his girlfriend.

The son in the new adverts is played by a new actor, James Groom, as the two men who played the original sons in the adverts are now in their 40s.

The new advert, which is due to air for the first time on March 19, features OXO's new 'stock tubes', which were launched last year to provide stock in a paste.

'OXO dad' Michael Redfern told the Daily Mail: "In the new advert my son is preparing a meal for a young lady coming around that evening and he contacts me by video link - as my son now has his own home - for some advice.

"In the 1990s my on-screen wife, played by Lynda Bellingham, did the majority of the cooking.

"Now with the rise of stay-at-home dads, the boom of male TV chefs and more dads and grandads spending time in the kitchen than ever before, the new advert format reflects today's modern family set-up."

The Daily Mail reports that when the OXO family was launched in the 80s it was hailed as ground-breaking because it showed a woman juggling work and family, rather than a perfect housewife.

It ran for 16 years, with 42 installments, before it was axed for being too out-of-date and middle class.

Advertisers say that 'mum' will still be mentioned in the adverts, and they haven't ruled out the idea that Lynda Bellingham will appear in some of the future 'episodes'.

A spokesperson for Oxo told AOL Lifestyle: "The original OXO TV family echoed what was going on in the majority of UK homes during that period. They represented a typical nuclear family and became incredibly well loved. They first appeared on our screens in 1983 and have not appeared on an ad since 1999.

"We wanted to bring back a piece of the brand's heritage but at the same time look to update the image to reflect a modern family set-up, so The OXO Family is back on our screens and this time Dad is in charge!

"OXO wants to be relevant to today's families and has looked to modernise a family favourite and keep in touch with today's lifestyle. OXO feels the role of dad in the household has evolved and want to reflect this in the new ad. In stark contrast to the dad-related kitchen disasters of the original adverts, in 2012 dad knows his way around the kitchen and is able to provide some expert advice to help his son create the perfect meal."

Will you be happy to see the Oxo family back on our screens? Let us know below...

Click on the image below to find about some crazy new diet tricks...

Crazy new diet tricks

Eat with chopsticks
<p> According to Daspin, eating food more slowly can help women stay slim. One of the tricks for eating smaller mouthfuls is using chopsticks instead of cutlery.</p>
Buy expensive ingredients
<p> Daspin encourages readers to buy expensive ingredients and produce instead of the cheap stuff - to encourage dieters to use sparingly. She also urges dieters to buy small portions rather than bulk sizes, and to cook fresh produce as often as possible.</p>
Dilute alcohol
<p> According to Daspin, one weight-loss tip from Manhattanites is to dilute alcoholic beverages with water or ice.</p>
A sweet treat
<p> Looking for a healthy sweet treat? According to the author, adding milk to green tea tastes just like "melted green tea ice cream."</p>
Avoid sauces
<p> Sauces are avoided by New York women but one friend of Daspin's orders string beans and rice from the Chinese takeaway because the "oil on the string beans is enough to moisturise the rice." Another friend avoids the temptation of leftovers by throwing them away - and pouring water over them beforehand.</p>
'Taste everything, but eat almost nothing'
<p> </p> <p> Eileen Daspin, author of the new book, The Manhattan Diet, advises readers to indulge in tiny tastes of high-calorie food, according to the New York Post. "I use a teaspoon to scoop up a few grains of risotto," she writes. "I taste everything but eat almost nothing." Daspin also says that New York women don't keep temptation foods like peanut butter in the house, preferring to snack on "appetite-control cracker" GG Bran Crispbread.</p>

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Cut daily red meat intake to prevent early death

March 12, 2012, 10:30 pm

≫ Next: Style for less: Best high street interiors buys

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Filed under: Health & wellbeing

Cut daily red meat intake to prevent early death Getty

If steak and potatoes and bangers and mash are your daily diet staples, you may want to consider a menu change.

A new study from Harvard School of Medicine found that red meat was blamed for almost one in 10 early deaths, reports the Telegraph.

The study, published in the Archives of Internal Medicine, followed over 100,000 people for about 28 years and found that even eating small quantities of processed meats like salami, sausages and bacon increased the risk of death from cancer or heart disease by one-fifth, while steak increased the risk by 12 per cent.

According to researchers, cutting the amount of red meat consumed per day to 1.5 ounces or 42 grams a day (the current Department of Health recommendation is 2.5 ounces, or 72 grams, a day) could help prevent almost one in 10 premature deaths in men and one in 13 early deaths in women. 1.5 ounces is roughly equivalent to one large steak a week.

Researchers discovered that every three ounce serving of red meat per day was linked with an 18 per cent increased risk of dying from heart disease, and a 10 per cent increased risk of dying from cancer. Processed meat servings (two slices of bacon or one hot dog) saw those numbers increase to a 21 per cent risk of dying from heart disease and a 16 per cent risk of dying from cancer.

The study also found that replacing red meat (high in salt and saturated fat) with poultry, fish, vegetables and whole grains can reduce the risk of early death by up to one-fifth. According to the researchers, those with diets high in red meat tended to be generally unhealthier and were more likely to be overweight and smokers.

Dr. An Pan, from the Department of Nutrition at Harvard, led the study and wrote:

"We found that greater consumption of unprocessed and processed red meats is associated with higher mortality risk.

"Compared with red meat, other dietary components, such as fish, poultry, nuts, legumes, low-fat dairy products, and whole grains, were associated with lower risk.

"These results indicate that replacement of red meat with alternative healthy dietary components may lower the mortality risk."

The researchers are urging the Department of Health to review its guidelines regarding daily recommendations of red meat.

"Given the growing evidence that even modest amounts of red meat is associated with increased risk of chronic disease and premature death, 2.5 ounces (70 grams) per day seems generous," said Dr. Frank Hu, who co-authored the study.

The bottom line is that we should make red meat only an occassional rather than regular part of our diet."

Dr. Carrie Ruxton, from the Meat Advisory Panel, has disputed the findings, pointing out that meat products are high in essential nutrients like zinc, iron, selenium, and B and D vitamins.

"This US study looked at associations between high intakes of red meat and risk of mortality, finding a positive association between the two," Dr. Ruxton said.

"However, the study was observational, not controlled, and so cannot be used to determine cause and effect."

Victoria Taylor, a dietitian at the British Heart Foundation, told The Guardian:

"Red meat can still be eaten as part of a balanced diet, but go for the leaner cuts and use healthier cooking methods such as grilling. If you eat processed meats like bacon, ham, sausages or burgers several times a week, add variation to your diet by substituting these for other protein sources such as fish, poultry, beans or lentils."

Eating a lot of red meat has also been linked to an increase in bowel cancer, according to a Department of Health spokesperson.

How does this new research make you feel about red meat? Leave a comment and let us know.

Don't miss our gallery of foods for better skin.

Foods for better skin

Eggs
<p> At breakfast, lunch or dinner, integrate an egg into your meal. A rich source of vitamin A, eggs are one of the purest forms of protein. "Skin is made up of protein and amino acids, which are used to repair skin tissue," O'Byrne explains. "Eggs contain <a href="http://lifestyle.aol.co.uk/2011/12/20/mushroom-omelette-could-cut-your-risk-of-pancreatic-cancer/" target="_blank">selenium</a>, a great antioxidant which has been linked to a lowered incidence of skin cancer." Selenium also boosts the immune system, which improves the appearance of skin, leaving it looking healthy and radiant. There's more: eggs also contain copper, which aids skin tissue regeneration and boosts elastin, a compound that keeps your skin strong and firm.</p>
Salmon
<p> "For glowing skin, aim to eat two to three servings of oily fish, including at least one serving of salmon, each week," O'Byrne recommends. Salmon is the king of all fatty fish, containing a high concentration of omega-3 fatty acids, which reduce inflammation and obtain moisture from within, warding off fine lines and wrinkles and decreasing the chance of getting blocked pores, which cause spots and blackheads. </p> <div> <br /> The reason salmon's so beneficial? "One omega-3 fat in particular, called EPA (Eicosapentaenoic acid), has been shown to preserve collagen, so skin stays firmer and younger-looking," explains O'Byrne. Salmon also contains vitamin A, an antioxidant which may slow down the ageing process by helping with skin rejuvenation.</div> <div> </div>
Avocado
<p> "The top food for healthy skin is always the avocado," explains O'Byrne. "This fruit is packed with healthy fats and fibre and has a good dose of the potent anti-ageing vitamin E."</p> <p> Mixing avocado with certain veggies may increase their nutritional power as well. The carotenoid antioxidants lycopene and beta-carotene, which prevent premature ageing and are found in tomatoes, romaine, spinach and carrots, increase significantly when eaten with this super-food. Mix some avocados into your favourite salad or mash them up - they'll double as a great DIY moisturising face masque, advises O'Byrne.  </p>
Turkey
<p> Turkey isn't just for festive season. O'Byrne recommends swapping your chicken for turkey breast slices - they're a healthier (and lower-fat) addition to meals.</p> <p> "Turkey contains a high concentration of zinc, which maintains the collagen and elastin fibres that firm the skin and decreases the chances of developing fine lines," says O'Byrne. It also contains arginine, known to improve blood circulation which in turn increases the reproduction of cells and improves the appearance of skin.</p>
Broccoli
<p> Broccoli is packed full of antioxidants, vitamin C and B complex, vitamin E, A and K - just to name a few! O'Byrne advises picking the darker florets, as they contain more potent vitamins and provide more power to fight off those crows’ feet. Broccoli also has cleansing properties and stimulates liver function, aiding the detoxification process in the body. </p>
Spinach
<p> According to Atkins nutritionist <a href="http://www.atkins.com" target="_blank">Linda O'Byrne</a>, snacking like Popeye could be seriously beneficial for more than just our muscles.</p> <p> "Spinach is a nutritional powerhouse for skin as it contains lutein, a carotenoid that protects your skin from UV damage," O'Byrne explains. It also contains antioxidant vitamins C and E, and good levels of vitamin K, which promote skin elasticity and may help to protect against premature ageing and the development of wrinkles.</p>

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Style for less: Best high street interiors buys

March 12, 2012, 11:00 pm

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Filed under: Home

Style for less: Best high-street buys Natuzzi/Laura Ashley/BHS

Be savvy with your interiors shopping this season. To save time and money, we've rounded up the best spring furnishings and homeware buys available from the high street this spring.

Click through our gallery below for the most stylish and best high street interiors picks, from lighting to end tables.

Best high street interiors buys

Dining room chair
Part of the retro-styled ‘Rowan’ dining room collection at BHS, add a touch of mid-century chic to your dining room with this upholstered dining chair with American white oak legs (see right). </p> <br /> <div> </div> <div> ‘Rowan’ upholstered dining chair, now £199 from <a href="http://www.bhs.co.uk/mall/productpage.cfm/bhsstore/3771417" target="_blank">BHS</a></div> <div> </div> <div> <a href="http://aolshopping.aol.co.uk/home_indoor_living.php?" target="_blank">-Shop home decor</a></div>
Floor lamp
From the new Conran collection for Marks & Spencer, this bent tubular metal floor lamp is perfect for next to the sofa, with one stem taller for lighting the room and another perfectly placed for reading.</div> <br /> <p> Conran double stem floor lamp, £159 from <a href="http://marksandspencer.com/Conran-Double-Stem-Floor-Lamp/dp/B006JVABBC?ie=UTF8&ref=sr_1_1&nodeId=1333938031&sr=1-1&qid=1331116527&pf_rd_r=19W8R13K14B0A3CBK74B&pf_rd_m=A2BO0OYVBKIQJM&pf_rd_t=101&pf_rd_i=1333938031&pf_rd_p=215570647&pf_rd_s=related-items-3 " target="_blank">Marks and Spencer</a></p> <p> </p> <div> </div> <p> </p> <p> <a href="http://aolshopping.aol.co.uk/home_indoor_living.php?" target="_blank">-Shop home decor</a></p> <p> </p> <p> </p>
Tables
<p> Clean-lined, these simple glossy tables by Terence Conran will look good in the living room or the bedroom.</p> <p> </p> <div> </div> <div> Enamelled metal nest of tables by Conran, £299 from <a href="http://www.johnlewis.com/231444789/Product.aspx" target="_blank">John Lewis</a></div> <p> <a href="http://aolshopping.aol.co.uk/home_indoor_living.php?" target="_blank">-Shop home decor</a></p>
Door stop
<p> Fun and functional, Royal College of Art graduate Catherine Tough creates playful textile-based products using natural materials such as lambswool. This dog draught excluder will keep out any spring chills.</p> <p> </p> <div> Catherine Tough dog draught excluder, £70 from <a href="http://www.heals.co.uk/office-accessories/catherine-tough-dog-draught-excluder/invt/446255" target="_blank">Heal's</a></div> <div> </div> <p> <a href="http://aolshopping.aol.co.uk/home_indoor_living.php?" target="_blank">-Shop home decor</a></p>
Coffee table
<p> An investment high street buy, you’ll love this marble-topped coffee table for years to come.</p> <br /> <div> </div> <div> ‘Cabaret’ coffee table in white marble, £830 from <a href="http://www.natuzzi.co.uk/" target="_blank">Natuzzi</a></div> <p> <a href="http://aolshopping.aol.co.uk/home_indoor_living.php?" target="_blank">-Shop home decor</a></p>
Minimalist lamp
<p> Cooler than the average high street floor lamp, we love this sleek and contemporary task light in a cream finish.</p> <div> </div> <div> ‘Bradie’ task floor lamp, £105 from <a href="http://www.lauraashley.com/floor-lamps/bradie-cream-task-floor-lamp/invt/3514488" target="_blank">Laura Ashley </a></div> <div> </div> <p> <a href="http://aolshopping.aol.co.uk/home_indoor_living.php?" target="_blank">-Shop home decor</a></p>
Cushion
This cushion encapsulates the spring trend for florals with an edgy digital print.</div> <br /> <div> </div> <div> ‘Paint’ linen cushion by Bluebellgray, £80 from <a href="http://www.johnlewis.com/" target="_blank">John Lewis</a></div> <p> <a href="http://aolshopping.aol.co.uk/home_indoor_living.php?" target="_blank">-Shop home decor</a></p>
Vase
This small grey frosted vase has a lovely textured finish and a smooth inside.</div> <br /> <div> </div> <div> Rocha.John Rocha cut glass vase, £48 from <a href="http://www.debenhams.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/prod_10001_10001_304029607565_-1?breadcrumb=Home~txtrocha+vase" target="_blank">Debenhams</a></div> <div> </div> <p> <a href="http://aolshopping.aol.co.uk/home_indoor_living.php?" target="_blank">-Shop home decor</a></p>
Side table
<p> This chic side table looks a lot more expensive than it is. Made from aluminium, wood and glass, it's likely to stay looking so for a good length of time.</p> <p> </p> <div> </div> <div> ‘Stockholm’ side table, £72 from <a href="http://www.ikea.com/gb/en/catalog/products/20146676/#/90138404" target="_blank">Ikea</a></div> <div> </div> <p> <a href="http://aolshopping.aol.co.uk/home_indoor_living.php?" target="_blank">-Shop home decor</a></p>
Rug
Brighten up a floor space with this pom-pom trimmed flat woven rug exclusive to Urban Outfitters. </div> <br /> <div> </div> <div> ‘Geo’ stripe rug, £18 from <a href="http://www.urbanoutfitters.co.uk/geo-stripe-rug/invt/5532400122603/?htxt=6mmYjo5gCZFULhDVM2o1COt%2Bx8cq3q5MpT7k5Ssa9MCWaQJEj7cl6KmyTCkjfSjGvHriiqz7HTwd%0A%2FV5RiIEQ%2Fg%3D%3D" target="_blank">Urban Outfitters</a></div> <div> </div> <p> <a href="http://aolshopping.aol.co.uk/home_indoor_living.php?" target="_blank">-Shop home decor</a></p>

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Win big with Playtex's Tonique Contour bra giveaway

March 12, 2012, 11:10 pm

≫ Next: Botox can stop you needing the loo

≪ Previous: Style for less: Best high street interiors buys

Filed under: Fashion

Win big with Playtex's Tonique Contour bra giveaway Playtex

With spring just around the corner, we're already feeling our spirits lifting. From the early rays of springtime sunshine to the season's lovely palette of prints and sugary hues, it's the 'little lifts' that make a difference - especially being happy and comfortable with what you're wearing underneath those gorgeous spring clothes.

There's no better way to feel body confident than with Playtex's Tonique Contour bra, which offers all-over support and comfort while keeping your bust feeling perky and looking younger and firmer.

Instead of traditional (often uncomfortable) underwire, the bra is designed with a flexi-support panel that moulds perfectly to the bust for ample support, creating a natural, rounded shape that looks as good under T-shirts as it does beneath dresses. The lightly padded microfibre cups, discreet straps and tulle top cup ensure you can wear it for any occasion.

Not only will you welcome spring with a new confidence, you can also start the season off with a big win thanks to Playtex. Just enter our 'Little Lifts' competition for your chance to win a grand prize that includes unlimited Love Film DVDs (£105), a year's supply of chocolate courtesy of the Chocolate of the Month Club from Chocolate Moon (£99) and - best of all - a year's supply of Playtex bras to take you from office hours to overtime.

30 runners-up will also receive a classic film on DVD, deluxe chocolate box from Lindt and a Playtex Tonique Contour bra.

Click here for your chance to win.

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Botox can stop you needing the loo

March 12, 2012, 11:48 pm

≫ Next: TV presenter Susanna Reid defends her risque on-air clothing

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Filed under: In the news

Botox can stop you needing the loo Getty

Botox is no longer just a wrinkle-buster and a migraine-helper. It can also be an embarrassment-saver which stops women needing to use the loo so often.

A new study, led by Dr. Douglas Tincello from Leicester University and published in the journal European Urology, found that injecting the protein into the bladder wall of women suffering from overactive bladder syndrome halved the number of times women with urinary incontinence urgently needed to use the lavatory, or had an accident.

The injection also cut the amount of bathroom visits by a quarter, reports the Telegraph.

Researchers looked at results from 240 women, 122 of whom had the Botox jab and 118 of whom were given a placebo and found that one-third of those women who had received the Botox injection still saw improvements in their overactive bladder condition six months later.

"Overactive bladder syndrome is a relatively common health issue which affects up to a fifth of women aged 40 and over," explained Dr. Tincello.

"The study hopefully means much better treatment for this condition which can severely impact on quality of life and cause women considerable embarrassment."

There is one downside to the injection, however: an increased risk of a urinary tract infection. Almost one in three women who had the Botox injection risked developing a UTI, compared with one in 10 women.

The Daily Mail also reports that some women needed to use a catheter to go to the toilet because of paralysis in their bladder muscle.

Would you try Botox in your bladder? Leave a comment and let us know.

Don't miss our gallery of famous faces who have had Botox.

Celebrities who have had Botox

Kylie Minogue
<p> While Kylie has admitted to using Botox in the past, she claims to have stopped getting injections and is clearly not a fan of the rumours that she's back on Botox after being snapped with a less-mobile looking forehead in November 2011. 'So, I have been filmed out in public the last three nights & suddenly it is “reported” I cannot move my face? What a load of rubbish. Annoying,’ she Tweeted.</p>
Michelle Heaton
<p> The former Liberty X singer can't wait to give birth... so she can get right back on the Botox. 'I’ve been having Botox since I was 28,' she told Closer magazine in November 2011. 'If used correctly, it can make a huge difference. I can’t wait to have the baby so I can have it again.</p> <div> 'I have a big frown line in the middle of my forehead and I’m conscious it’s come back. I look angry all the time and it really upsets me!'</div>
Dannii Minogue
<p> In 2009, <em>X Factor</em> judge Dannii declared she was going for a more 'natural' look, sans Botox. Of her decision to quit the injectable, she said: 'I see the comments. Plastic. All Botox. I can see what people see but I have to say that, while I have been open about it, I'm not doing it now.'</p> <div> </div>
Madonna
<p> While she hasn't openly talked about her Botox use, Madonna's 'pillow face' moniker may have her ditching fillers and Botox. She is reportedly switching to CACI facials because she's worried about looking 'freakish.'</p>
Demi Moore
<p> While the 49-year-old beauty has admitted to having work done, 'but not on my face,' plastic surgeons and critics have insisted that she's had Botox for years, among other treatments. In fact, it's even been rumoured that she's spent over $140K on surgical and non-surgical procedures a year.  </p>
Cindy Crawford
<p> The stunning 45-year-old supermodel admitted to trying Botox, but said it 'scared' her. She also revealed the pressures of being in the spotlight: 'Because people have such expectations of what they are going to find when they see me, that brings added pressure to fight the ageing process.' We don't think anyone's been disappointed in the results.</p> <div> <div> </div> </div>
Courteney Cox
<p> The 47-year-old admitted she's dabbled in Botox, but she isn't exactly a convert: 'Botox? I think it’s fantastic and also horrible. I mean, they’ve come up with this stuff that can make you not look angry. But you have to use it sparingly. I went to this doctor once, and he was like, "Oh, let me do it just here and here and here." And I was miserable. I mean, I’m an actor, I’ve got to be able to move my face. When people start messing with their foreheads and can’t lift their eyebrows, that’s weird. It’s not that I haven’t tried Botox - but I hated it.'</p>
Jennifer Aniston
<p> Like her <em>Friend</em>, Courteney Cox, Jen admitted to having Botox - and hating it. 'I mean, I've tried Botox and it's awful!... It's not good when I'm squinting. It's not good if I furrow.'</p> <div> </div>
Heidi Montag
<p> The reality star underwent 10 plastic surgery procedures in a day in her quest for perfection, including Botox, a mini brow lift, fat injections, a buttock augmentation and neck liposuction, at the young age of 23.</p>
Katie Price
<p> Unsurprisingly, Katie is a fan of Botox. 'I probably don't even need it. I only do it because everyone else has it done. Botox isn't a big deal for me - it's like going shopping,' she's said.</p>
Nicole Kidman
<p> Nicole has been criticised for being a victim of 'frozen face,' but insists she isn't a regular Botox user: ‘I even tried Botox but I didn’t like how my face looked afterwards. Now I don’t use it any more - and I can move my forehead again.’</p>
Simon Cowell
<p> Cowell has been frank and to-the-point about his Botox use: 'To me, Botox is no more unusual than toothpaste. It works, you do it once a year - who cares?' he famously said.</p>
Kerry Katona
<p> Kerry may have panned Dannii Minogue's Botox use, but that didn't stop her from trying it out herself: 'I’ve had a bit on my forehead. I was worried sick about having it as I didn’t want to look weird,' she told <em>new!</em> magazine.</p> <div> </div>
Kim Kardashian
<p> As with everything in her life, Kim's Botox treatment (and the subsequent bruising she experienced), was filmed for television. The then-29-year-old promised her mother Kris she would never do it again - 'well at least until I’m 40.'</p>
Teri Hatcher
<p> In 2010, the actress went on a <em>Desperate </em>bid to prove she's stopped using Botox, posting wrinkly faced pictures of herself on Twitter: 'Did I ever toy with fillers or Botox over the years? Yes. (But) tell me does this look Botoxed to you? Yes I am alone in my bathroom naked in a towel on behalf of women everywhere trying to make a point. Women YOU ARE BEAUTIFUL.'</p>
Amanda Holden
<p> The <em>Britain's Got Talent</em> judge publically revealed she 'quit' Botox in 2009, but had previously been a fan of the treatment. 'I think it's a great thing if you're going on holiday and you want to stop all your wrinkles around your eyes and nose. I don't know a single actress who hasn't done it - that's a fact. Just get them to frown for you,' she told a magazine.</p>

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TV presenter Susanna Reid defends her risque on-air clothing

March 13, 2012, 12:24 am

≫ Next: Metal-on-metal hip joints should be banned

≪ Previous: Botox can stop you needing the loo

Filed under: Celebrity

TV presenter Susanna Reid defends her risque on-air clothing WireImage

From Carol Vorderman to Christine Bleakley, the outfit choices of female TV presenters is an oft-discussed - and criticised - topic of conversation.

BBC Breakfast host Susanna Reid has recently defended her on-air clothing choices, which have gotten her in trouble in the past for showing too much skin and cleavage, in a recent interview with Radio Times.

"People seem to be shocked that women have breasts. There'll be complaints about the fact that there is literally a shadow showing," she told the magazine, saying that she makes a point of wearing items of clothing that don't reveal too much and avoiding jewellery that can be distracting.

The 41-year-old, who has been presenting editions of BBC Breakfast since 2004, added:

"People are always going to talk about what women wear on TV. It's a fact of life."

The presenter, whose outfits have been deemed "spicy," "delicious" and "yowza" by Twitter fans, was criticised by viewers for showing too much cleavage and acting "flirty" when she interviewed Hugh Grant wearing a long-sleeved, square neckline top.

Reid also told the magazine that when she's off air, she looks like a different person.

"The rest of the time it's jeans and scruffy T-shirts. I don't dress up and I don't wear make-up. When I collect the kids from school on Friday afternoon, people think a different woman has come to pick up the kids. They simply do not recognise me."

Do you think female TV presenters are unfairly scrutinised for what they wear? Leave a comment and let us know.

And don't miss our gallery of fit celebs over 40.

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. '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: '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. </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. </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 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. </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>

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Metal-on-metal hip joints should be banned

March 13, 2012, 12:38 am

≫ Next: Raquel Welch: 'We're all sex addicts'

≪ Previous: TV presenter Susanna Reid defends her risque on-air clothing

Filed under: Health & wellbeing

Metal-on-metal hip joints should be banned Getty

Experts from Bristol University are warning that metal-on-metal hip replacements, which involve both the ball and hip socket being replaced with metal, should be banned after finding a failure rate that's almost four times higher than those of other hip implants.

Researchers came to this conclusion after studying data from over 400,000 hip replacements over the past eight years. Women in their fifties and sixties and patients with larger metal socket heads were found to have particularly high failure rates, reports the Daily Mail. Almost 50,000 patients have had the metal-on-metal hip implants fitted.

Scientists found that failure rates for metal-on-metal implants were 6.2 per cent over a five-year period, and that 55 year-old-women with a 46mm diameter head had failure rates up to 10 per cent, compared with a fail rate of 2.3 per cent for ceramic implants and 1.7 per cent for metal-on-plastic hip joint replacements.

According to Bristol University's head of orthopaedic surgery, Professor Ashley Blom:

"The results we found cannot be accounted for by one rogue brand.

"The bigger your numbers, the more security you have in your findings and this study dwarfs all the previous ones put together, and shows a higher failure rate than other types of implant.

"We do not believe metal-on-metal articulations should be implanted, and all patients with these bearings, particularly young women implanted with large diameter heads, should have checks every year at the very least."

The Medicines and Healthcare Regulatory Agency announced last month that patients with metal-on-metal hip joints should have a scan and blood test every year for the rest of their lives after realising that metal bits could break off the hip joints and enter the bloodstream.

Have you had hip surgery? Let us know below...

And don't miss our gallery on reasons to do yoga.

Top reasons to do yoga

Improved circulation
<p> The unusual positions you put your body in during yoga help boost the body's vascular and lymphatic systems, which improve circulation (ensuring oxygenated blood gets to cells more effectively) and help the body fight infection. </p> <div> </div>
Stress relief
<p> The combination of controlled breathing, meditating, stretching and moving from one physical posture to another help to connect the mind and body. Yoga is known to help lower levels of the stress hormone cortisol, which, at high levels, can be linked to depression and high blood pressure.</p>
Increase flexibility
<p> Can't touch your toes? Not to worry. You'll soon be in a backbend. All of the stretches in yoga help increase your flexibility, lengthening the muscles, tendons and ligaments gradually over time. Since tight muscles can lead to poor posture, you may notice yourself standing an inch or two taller as well. </p>
Better breathing
<p> In yoga, you breathe in and out through the nose, taking longer, slower breaths. Not only does this help optimise lung function, it increases the amount of oxygen available in the body and helps you feel more relaxed.</p>
Increased strength
<p> Unlike a gym session, when you practise yoga postures, you increase strength while simultaneously increasing flexibility. Stronger muscles help protect our bones and prevent against ailments like back pain. Also, yoga poses require and build up that core abdominal strength that is so difficult to achieve - so you have something more exciting to look forward to than sit-ups. </p>
Weight loss
<p> While less vigorous yoga sessions have been criticised for their fitness benefits, a flow class will definitely get you moving, have your muscles working and ensure you're burning cals. Plus, since yoga is associated with a more positive outlook and healthy eating, you may find that yoga inspires you to ditch the crisps in favour of healthier options.</p>
Peace of mind
<p> From stress to insecurity issues, we're all coping with a lot on a daily basis. Yoga provides a positive outlet to quiet our minds (unlike, say, drinking), allowing you to reconnect mind and body. Studies have found that it can also help elevate moods.</p>
Pain relief
<p> The ancient Eastern practice has been known to help reduce pain in people with ailments like arthritis. Yoga postures also <a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.co.uk/2011/10/31/yoga-improves-chronic-lower-back-pain_n_1068683.html" target="_self">improve chronic back pain</a>, according to a study from the University of York. </p>

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Raquel Welch: 'We're all sex addicts'

March 13, 2012, 1:00 am

≫ Next: Carol Vorderman shows off pert posterior in skintight red lace dress

≪ Previous: Metal-on-metal hip joints should be banned

Filed under: Celebrity

Raquel Welch: 'We're all sex addicts' Getty Images for Vanity Fair

Sex goddess Raquel Welch is undoubtedly still a sex symbol at 71, but she thinks we're all too obsessed by it. Sex, that is.

The star recently opened up to Men's Health magazine about that infamous fur bikini in One Million Years B.C., her movie career, screen goddess status and sex itself, saying:

"I think we've gotten to the point in our culture where we're all sex addicts, literally.

"We have equated happiness in life with as many orgasms as you can possibly pack in, regardless of where it is that you deposit your love interest."

Welch went on say that she thinks the pornification of our society has played a role in dehumanising the sexual experience:

"And I have to honestly say, I think this era of porn is at least partially responsible for it. Where is the anticipation and the personalisation? It's all pre-fab now. You have these images coming at you unannounced and unsolicited. It just gets to be so plastic and phony to me.

"Maybe men respond to that. But is it really better than an experience with a real life girl that he cares about? It's an exploitation of the poor male's libidos. Poor babies, they can't control themselves."

The mother-of-two, who recently guest-starred on CSI: Miami, beat Marilyn Monroe and Bettie Page ("Sex appeal is such a subjective thing," she told the mag) to the number two slot in Men's Health's 100 Hottest Women of All Time list this past December, added:

"I don't care if I'm becoming one of those old fogies who says, 'Back in my day we didn't have to hear about sex all the time.' Can you imagine?

"My fantasies were all made up on my own. They're ruining us with all the explanations and the graphicness. Nobody remembers what it's like to be left to form your own ideas about what's erotic and sexual.

"We're not allowed any individuality. I thought that was the fun of the whole thing. It's my fantasy. I didn't pick it off the Internet somewhere. It's my fantasy."

What do you think about Raquel's views on sex and pornography? Leave a comment and let us know.

Don't miss our gallery of sexy celebrities over 70.

Sexy celebrities over 70

Raquel Welch: 71
<p> Even in her 70s, Welch still has those enviable sexpot curves that sky-rocketed her to fame in the 1960s and 70s. Even though her figure was immortalised in a furry bikini in 1966's <em>One Million Years B.C</em>, the star told Oprah Winfrey she couldn't get any modelling jobs when she first came to L.A. As far as looking so fabulous? "One of the reasons I look so good is that it takes me about three hours to get ready," she told Winfrey.</p>
Carmen Dell'Orefice: 80
<p> The white-haired stunner who started modelling at 15 is still one of the industry's most in-demand faces and a muse to designers, at the age of 80. </p>
Dame Shirley Bassey: 75
<p> Getting older hasn't made the singer want to cover up - she loves showing off her figure in bold hues and shiny gowns.</p>
Jane Fonda: 74
<p> Fitness queen Fonda has been candid about everything from her surgery procedures to her sex life. In August 2011, she let the world in on her number one sex tip, telling the <em>Telegraph</em>: "I discovered testosterone about three years ago, which makes a huge difference if you want to remain sexual and your libido has dropped. Use testosterone. It comes in a gel, a pill or a patch. I had to stop because it was giving me acne. It’s one thing having plastic surgery, but it is quite another to have adolescent acne."</p>
Sophia Loren: 76
<p> The iconic Italian beauty consistently proves that age ain't nothing but a number as she flaunts her trim figure in body-hugging ensembles and keeps her hair a daring shade of red.</p>
Tina Turner: 71
<p> The woman with the sexiest legs in the world - insured for $3.2 million - is still flaunting her pins after all these years.</p>
Shirley MacLaine: 77
<p> The Academy Award-winning actress, who's joining the third season of <em>Downton Abbey</em> as a sparring partner for Dame Maggie Smith, is still as bold and outspoken as ever - even when it comes to fashion. Check out that leather bomber!</p>
Joan Collins: 78
<p> As she edges closer to the big 8-0, Collins is as glam - and as in demand - as ever, fronting campaigns for brands as diverse as Snickers candy bars and Alexis Bittar jewellery. She opened up about her sex life in her newest book, writing: "In your 30s your hormones are raging a lot more than they are in your 70s. But I think it's over-rated, doing it 18 times a week anyway, don't you? I think that's a male fantasy, not a female one. Sex does get better as you get older, and obviously, one is not living a celibate life when one is married to a gorgeous 45-year-old South American."</p>

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Carol Vorderman shows off pert posterior in skintight red lace dress

March 13, 2012, 5:00 am

≫ Next: In bloom: Floral-inspired gifts for Mother's Day

≪ Previous: Raquel Welch: 'We're all sex addicts'

Filed under: Celebrity

Carol Vorderman shows off pert posterior in skintight red lace dress Getty Images

Carol Vorderman's never one to shy away from an opportunity to flaunt her fabulous-over-50 assets, whether it's her ample cleavage or pert bottom.

The Loose Women presenter attended the TRIC Television and Radio Industries Club Awards at the Grosvenor Hotel in London earlier today in a body-hugging red lace dress which showed off her 'Rear of the Year 2011' backside.

In case the dress wasn't body-hugging enough, there was also a racy back slit going up to Vorderman's thighs.

The 51-year-old has often been critiqued for dressing younger than her age, something she opened up to host Piers Morgan on Life Stories about, remarking:

Carol Vorderman shows off pert posterior in skintight red lace dress WENN

"When you type 'mutton dressed as lamb' into Google, I'm the first 10 pages. I don't mind it being written, it goes over my head.

"People think I'm glamorous but in fact I love going back to Bristol and having no make-up for four days."

The star has also been quoted commenting on her curvy bottom, telling the Daily Mail in a past interview:

"We all have, in my family, what we call the 'Vorderman bottom' - a sticky out, bigger-than-normal, signature, of the rear variety.

"It's been a family joke all our lives - even my lovely brother has one. I know the lines to all the good singalong big bum songs."

Critics have speculated that the presenter has retained her youthful looks with the help of cosmetic surgery. Her response?

"It has been reported that I have had so much done and if it was all true I'd look a lot better than I do now."

What do you think of the presenter's sexy style? Leave a comment and let us know...

Don't miss our gallery of celebrities who don't dress their age.

Celebrities who don't dress their age

Katie Holmes: 33
<p> The young star - and Mrs. Tom Hanks - has a tendency of dressing frumpy for her age, on the red carpet and in real life.</p>
Pamela Anderson: 44
<p> If you've made your name showing off your body in the buff, it must be hard to come to terms with the ageing process (and normal dressing). Pamela Anderson's penchant for showing too much skin (and this semi-sheer, flesh-hued dress) is definitely age-inappropriate.</p>
Cher: 65
<p> At a certain point, you have to stop wearing fishnets every time you make a red carpet appearance. That point should probably come well before you hit 40, but Cher continues to show off her enviable figure in fishnets, platforms and sequinned micro skirts and dresses.</p>
Mary Kate and Ashley Olsen: 25
<p> The Olsen twins have established themselves as style stars and budding designers to watch, but their brand of granny chic (covered from neck to ankle, wrapped in furs) is tough to pull off for most girls in their twenties.</p>
Helen Mirren: 66
<p> Renowned for her style and fabulous-over-sixty dress sense, Mirren likes to flaunt her cleavage and wear trend-led outfits you might expect to find a younger star in, like this hot pink and red colour-blocked frock and cardigan with pink platforms. </p>
Lindsay Lohan: 25
<p> The 25-year-old star has long been an icon in inappropriate dressing (have you seen what she's worn to court?) but lately, she's dressing older than ever. Is mother Dina her new style icon?</p>
Demi Moore: 49
<p> With her micro dresses and pin-straight, mid-back length long hair, Demi looks like 23-year-old daughter Rumer's older sister, not mother.</p>
Sharon Stone: 53
<p> When Sharon isn't wearing head-to-toe leather, she opts for a fitted mini-dress, lacy tights, and patent stripper-style platforms. And this is what she wears out to lunch.</p>
Taylor Momsen: 18
<p> Would you let your 18-year-old leave the house dressed like this?</p>
Nancy Dell'Olio: 50
<p> We thought latex was reserved for Katy Perry and Halloween. It's definitely a questionable fabric for a  frock, especially one worn by a 50-year-old.</p>
Taylor Swift: 22
<p> While we appreciate that Taylor isn't the type to show too much skin, the 22-year-old's style - high-necked, overly embellished frocks - veers too old (and princessy) for a modern-day pop star.</p>
Madonna: 53
<p> She has the body of a twenty-something and refuses to stop wearing those skimpy leotards. But a basque, fishnets, and over-the-knee lace-up boots on a night out? It's too much, even for Queen Madge.</p>
Carol Vorderman: 51
<p> The Loose Women presenter who's famed for her love of body-hugging frocks was told to <a href="http://lifestyle.aol.co.uk/2011/10/05/carol-vorderman-ordered-to-tone-down-her-sexy-pride-of-britain-o/" target="_blank">'tone down' the cleavage for 2011's Pride of Britain ceremony</a>. Now that's got to be a sign you're dressing too young for your age - and too hot for TV.</p>
Miley Cyrus: 19
<p> There is a time and a place for showing cleavage (never this much, though) and it shouldn't be happening before your 20th (or 25th) birthday.</p>
Kim Cattrall: 55
<p> Cattrall has definitely taken some style tips from sexy alter-ego Samantha Jones, and likes to flaunt her figure on the red carpet. She looks fantastic in this plunge-neck jumpsuit, but is the  combination of cleavage and a skin-tight outfit too much?</p>
Elle MacPherson: 47
<p> The Body likes to show off her body in skintight leather trousers and dresses and tiny hotpants. We can't blame her, but we do wonder if turning 50 will make the supermodel tone down her wild dressing style.</p>
Ivana Trump: 63
<p> The famous divorcee shows no signs of changing her glitzy fashion sense anytime soon and loves to wear ultra-bright revealing dresses that would be better suited to a thirty-something.</p>
Dolly Parton: 66
<p> She famously modelled her looks after the town tramp, and Dolly sees no reason to tone down the glitz in her sixties. </p>

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In bloom: Floral-inspired gifts for Mother's Day

March 14, 2012, 12:00 am

≫ Next: Prince Harry opens up about relationship woes

≪ Previous: Carol Vorderman shows off pert posterior in skintight red lace dress

Filed under: Fashion

In bloom: Floral-inspired gifts for Mother's Day Benjamin C. M. Backhouse for The Hummingbird Bakery

A floral bouquet is a classic Mother's Day gift: thoughtful, loving and easy. If you're looking to give your mum something a little more permanent, while sticking to the tried-and-tested theme, we've rounded up a selection of fabulous floral-inspired gifts to show your mum how much you love her this Mothering Sunday.

Click through our gallery below for our top picks of mother's day gifts that are blooming marvelous this spring.

Floral-inspired Mother's Day gifts

For helping with a heavy load...
<p> This durable oilcloth bag is perfect for carrying all of those extras in style.</p> <p> Cath Kidston Hampton Rose box bag, £22, <a href="http://www.johnlewis.com/" target="_blank">John Lewis</a></p> <p> <a href="http://shopping.aol.co.uk/2012/03/12/celeb-inspired-mothers-day-gifts/" target="_blank">- Shop celeb-inspired Mother's Day gifts</a></p>
For a gorgeous glow...
<p> This light powder can be used as a highlighter on cheeks or all over the face for a dewy springtime glow.</p> <p> Clinique Fresh Bloom Allover Colour, £25, <a href="http://www.clinique.co.uk/product/1594/6237/Makeup/Bronzers/Fresh-Bloom-Allover-Colour/index.tmpl" target="_blank">Clinique</a></p> <p> <a href="http://shopping.aol.co.uk/2012/03/12/celeb-inspired-mothers-day-gifts/" target="_blank">- Shop celeb-inspired Mother's Day gifts</a></p>
For a stylish table...
<p> This pretty printed jug is a gorgeous accompaniment to any breakfast, lunch or afternoon tea.</p> <p> Large jug, £25, <a href="http://www.portmeirion.co.uk/shop/portmeirion_product_uk.php?brand=5&tls=15&cl=968&sid=968&product_id=2912" target="_blank">Portmeirion</a></p> <p> <a href="http://shopping.aol.co.uk/2012/03/12/celeb-inspired-mothers-day-gifts/" target="_blank">- Shop celeb-inspired Mother's Day gifts</a></p>
For a gift that keeps giving...
<p> This colourful set of blooms doesn't just smell sweet. A joint venture between renowned florist Hayford & Rhodes and Arthritis Research UK, all proceeds are donated to the charity.</p> <p> Arthritis Research UK Bouquet, from £44.95, <a href="http://www.hayfordandrhodes.co.uk/product.php?prod_id=312&cat_id=4" target="_blank">Hayford & Rhodes</a></p> <p> <a href="http://shopping.aol.co.uk/2012/03/12/celeb-inspired-mothers-day-gifts/" target="_blank">- Shop celeb-inspired Mother's Day gifts</a></p>
For the coffee lover...
<p> Serve your morning coffee in style with this delicate floral-print eight-cup cafetiere - perfect for meals with the whole family.</p> <p> Meadow cafetiere, £31.95, <a href="http://www.lacafetiere.com/meadow.html" target="_blank">La Cafetiere</a></p> <p> <a href="http://shopping.aol.co.uk/2012/03/12/celeb-inspired-mothers-day-gifts/" target="_blank">- Shop celeb-inspired Mother's Day gifts</a></p>
For the crafts lover...
<p> This printed wallet has a lovely homemade feel with its vintage scrapbook images. </p> <p> Disaster Designs Songbird Wallet, £30, <a href="http://www.johnlewis.com/231430125/Product.aspx" target="_blank">John Lewis</a></p> <p> <a href="http://shopping.aol.co.uk/2012/03/12/celeb-inspired-mothers-day-gifts/" target="_blank">- Shop celeb-inspired Mother's Day gifts</a></p>
To brighten up the kitchen...
<p> Add some personality to any kitchen with these brightly patterned storage tins. Or use them to hold other keepsakes and useful items.</p> <p> Geisha storage tins, £9.50 for three, <a href="http://www.marksandspencer.com/Gifts-Her-Flowers-Gifts/b/489845031" target="_blank">M&S</a></p> <p> <a href="http://shopping.aol.co.uk/2012/03/12/celeb-inspired-mothers-day-gifts/" target="_blank">- Shop celeb-inspired Mother's Day gifts</a></p>
For the sugar fiend...
<p> Who can resist these mini mouthfuls of deliciousness?</p> <p> Hand-decorated Mother's Day Mini Delights, £25 for 12, <a href="http://hummingbirdbakery.com/" target="_blank">The Hummingbird Bakery</a></p> <p> <a href="http://shopping.aol.co.uk/2012/03/12/celeb-inspired-mothers-day-gifts/" target="_blank">- Shop celeb-inspired Mother's Day gifts</a></p>
For smooth hands...
<p> A welcome treat for the mum with a green thumb - or any mum who likes a little indulgent hand care - this hand wash and moisturiser set also comes with a caddy.</p> <p> Philosophy Field of Flowers Hand Care Set, £19.25, <a href="http://www.qvcuk.com/ukqic/qvcapp.aspx/view.2/app.detail/params.item.200611.cm_scid.KeywordSearch" target="_blank">QVC</a></p> <p> <a href="http://shopping.aol.co.uk/2012/03/12/celeb-inspired-mothers-day-gifts/" target="_blank">- Shop celeb-inspired Mother's Day gifts</a></p>
For the hostess with the mostess...
<p> Set the mood with these lovely bird and tree print tealight holders - perfect for adding a little unique ambiance to any setting.</p> <p> LittleBirdy Designs tealight holders, £22 for set of three, <a href="http://folksy.com/items/2942114-littlebirdy-tealight-holders" target="_blank">Folksy</a></p> <p> <a href="http://shopping.aol.co.uk/2012/03/12/celeb-inspired-mothers-day-gifts/" target="_blank">- Shop celeb-inspired Mother's Day gifts</a></p>
For a sweet-smelling spring...
<p> Inspired by the scents of the British garden, these lovely fragrances - White Lilac & Rhubarb, Peony & Moss and Iris & Lady Moore - make a gorgeous addition to any bathroom or bedside table.</p> <p> London Blooms Collection fragrances, £72 each, <a href="http://www.jomalone.co.uk/products/3555/Fragrances/London-Blooms-Collection/index.tmpl?cm_re=Homepage-_-Rotation-1-_-London_Blooms" target="_blank">Jo Malone</a></p> <p> <a href="http://shopping.aol.co.uk/2012/03/12/celeb-inspired-mothers-day-gifts/" target="_blank">- Shop celeb-inspired Mother's Day gifts</a></p>

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Prince Harry opens up about relationship woes

March 14, 2012, 12:00 am

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Filed under: Celebrity

Prince Harry opens up about relationship woes IDE GOMES/FRAME/AE

He's young, wealthy, handsome and has a title in front of his name. But Prince Harry finds it as difficult to find "the one" as the rest of us mere mortals.

In a candid US TV interview with CBS News after his 10-day tour of Latin America for the Queen's Diamond Jubilee celebrations, Prince Harry opened up about his love life, revealing that his royal status may get in the way of finding his dream girl:

"I'm not so much searching for someone to fulfil the role, but obviously, you know, finding someone that would be willing to take it on.

"It's sort of, 'Oh my god, he's a prince'. But no. The job that it entails - I mean look at me, I'm 27 years old."

Harry went on to say that while he and brother Prince William are very lucky, sometimes they just want to be like everybody else.

"We are very privileged in the position that we are, but, you know, with privilege comes great responsibility is what they say.

"And the title that we have before our name, what effect that can have on a country or a charity or whatever.

"We are slowly coming to terms with and accepting the fact that the name can make a huge difference therefore, you know, you've got to use it.

"There's a lot of times that both myself and my brother wish, obviously, that we were just completely normal.

"We've been born into this position and therefore we'll do what we need to do to people and to kids that need it. It really is that simple for us."

Harry also spoke about his charity work with Sentebale, the organisation he founded with Prince Seeiso of Lesotho in 2006.

His long-term relationship with Chelsy Davy ended in 2009 after five years together.

Will Harry find his Kate Middleton? Leave a comment and let us know below.

Don't miss our gallery of long-lasting celebrity marriages.

Long-lasting celebrity marriages

Sarah Jessica Parker and Matthew Broderick: Married 14 years
With three kids and two careers to juggle, SJP is the first to admit her relationship has been through its share of ups and downs, telling the <em>Telegraph </em>that "kids can really distract you from your relationship." Their secret? To keep secrets. SJP told Parade.com: "I like having some mystery in our relationship. I like not knowing everything about my husband. I think people should have things that are theirs, things that are the unknown to someone else. I think it's good to have some privacy and some secrets in our lives."</div> <div> </div>
David Bowie and Iman: Married 19 years
<p> The rock god and model goddess pairing is a common one, but what's unusual about these two is that they've stuck it out for so long. One reason it works? Only one of them's a fighter. Iman told <em>Harper's Bazaar </em>US that: "David doesn't fight. He is English, so he just stays quiet. I'm the screamer. Then he always makes me laugh. It's like cabaret. I keep him entertained too. I still fancy him - totally! - after all these years."</p> <div> </div> <div> </div>
Elton John and David Furnish: Civil partnership since 2005; together 12 years before that
<p> Elton and David further cemented their relationship in 2005, when they became fathers via surrogate to baby Zachary. How do they make it work after all of these years? John told <em>Parade </em>magazine in 2010 that they say it in writing. "Every Saturday for 16 years, we've sent each other a card, no matter where we are in the world, to say how much we love each other."</p>
Melanie Griffith and Antonio Banderas: Married 15 1/2 years
<p> The two actors have been through thick and thin together (including Griffith's multiple stints in rehab for prescription pill and alcohol abuse), but look cosier and happier than ever. In fact, as Banderas told <em>Hello</em>! magazine back in 2010, it was their obstacles that strengthened their union: "... there were people who literally didn’t give us more than six months! But we love each other and above all we love our family. We’ve figured out how to get past obstacles - and some of them have been really tough ones - in our relationship; and if you get past those you only get stronger... We keep moving forward, and each day we become even more united."</p>
Goldie Hawn and Kurt Russell: Happily unmarried for 27 years
<p> </p> <p> Goldie and Kurt still look as happy as they did when they started dating in 1983. Perhaps it's because they never tied the knot. On US chat show <em>The View</em> in September 2011, Hawn said: "We're not gonna get married. I mean, we're happy. I still like the idea that I'm his girlfriend."</p>
David and Victoria Beckham: Married 12 years
<p> After over a decade together, four children, three countries and multiple career changes for Victoria, these two seem inseparable. Victoria says they are "soul mates" and David has admitted that what he loves most about his wife is that she's "an amazing mother." The soccer star told <em>Hello</em>! magazine that they always make time for each other and have a 'date night' once a week, while Victoria explained they focus on the kids and the relationship to keep things strong: "You go into a marriage knowing there are going to be ups and downs. We’re in the public eye so we have more to deal with than most. We accepted that years ago. It’s just about us and the family."</p>
Tom Hanks and Rita Wilson: Married 23 years
<p> The Hollywood power couple is also one of Tinseltown's longest-standing relationships, with 23 years and two kids under their belt. Wilson has said that the secret to their wedded bliss is that "we want to be married to each other" and told <em>Success </em>magazine that: "We have a great time together; we have shared values and a desire to be committed to each other."</p> <div> </div> <div> </div>
Kevin Bacon and Kyra Sedgwick: Married 23 years
<p> The man who famously said the secret to a happy marriage is to "keep the fights clean and the sex dirty" opened up to Piers Morgan on CNN about his devotion to his wife and why he wouldn't stray: "I feel like I made a commitment to this person and we enjoy spending time together, and I don't want to do anything that's going to threaten that."</p>
Annette Bening and Warren Beatty: Married 20 years
<p> </p> <p> Once Hollywood's most notorious bad-boy, Beatty has been happily married to Bening for two decades and the duo have four children together. The secret to their success? Making time for themselves. "I'll tell you one secret to keeping the spark there: I think you've got to get away, just the two of you, with no kids. And you've got to spend time alone; you need to cultivate your own sense of self and nurture that as well," Bening said in the past.</p>
Sting and Trudie Styler: Married 20 years; together for a decade before
<p> Sting and Trudie have famously kept the flame of love burning with tantric sex sessions, and even though their all-night long lovemaking may have been exaggerated, the two certainly keep their bedroom antics exciting. "I don't think pedestrian sex is very interesting," Sting told US <em>Harper's Bazaar</em> in 2011. "There's a playfulness we have; I like the theater of sex. I like to look good. I like her to dress up." As for romance, Trudie doesn't expect flowers or chocolates on special occasions. "Romantic? We like tawdry," he told the mag.</p> <p> </p> <div> </div> <div> </div>

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Are you ready for a fridge that can order its own food?

March 14, 2012, 12:30 am

≫ Next: Doctors develop a way for arthritis sufferers to 'grow' their own joints

≪ Previous: Prince Harry opens up about relationship woes

Filed under: In the news

Are you ready for a fridge that can order its own food? Getty

Wouldn't it be nice if your fridge could do the weekly shop for you? Or if your oven could just get that roast started on days you're running late?

A new microprocessor from one of the world's biggest chip companies, ARM, has been unveiled and is designed to work inside connected white appliances like refrigerators and ovens, reports the Daily Mail.

The chips - just 1mm by 1mm - use so little power that even credit cards, motor cars and a range of lighting devices can become connected in what is known as the 'Internet of Things,' according to the Telegraph.

ARM's press release states that: "This low power connectivity has the potential to enable a range of energy-saving and life-enhancing applications from sensors to wirelessly analyze the performance and control of domestic or industrial buildings, to battery-operated body sensors wirelessly connected to health monitoring equipment."

The ARM chips will pave the way for appliances like ovens to be used remotely and will work with 'Intelligent' lighting systems to light up homes when people are in and dim lights when no one is home.

These new chips are smaller, lower-powered and cheaper than their predecessors, and are designed to add internet capabilities to virtually any electrical appliance. Parking meters and traffic lights will be programmed with the new chips to allow them to report issues themselves.

"The Internet of Things will change the world as we know it, improving energy efficiency, safety, and convenience," explained Tom R. Halfhill, a senior analyst with The Linley Group and senior editor of Microprocessor Report.

What do you think of this new technology? Leave a comment and let us know.

And don't miss our gallery of new high street interiors must-haves.

Best high street interiors buys

Dining room chair
Part of the retro-styled ‘Rowan’ dining room collection at BHS, add a touch of mid-century chic to your dining room with this upholstered dining chair with American white oak legs (see right). </p> <br /> <div> </div> <div> ‘Rowan’ upholstered dining chair, now £199 from <a href="http://www.bhs.co.uk/mall/productpage.cfm/bhsstore/3771417" target="_blank">BHS</a></div> <div> </div> <div> <a href="http://aolshopping.aol.co.uk/home_indoor_living.php?" target="_blank">-Shop home decor</a></div>
Floor lamp
From the new Conran collection for Marks & Spencer, this bent tubular metal floor lamp is perfect for next to the sofa, with one stem taller for lighting the room and another perfectly placed for reading.</div> <br /> <p> Conran double stem floor lamp, £159 from <a href="http://marksandspencer.com/Conran-Double-Stem-Floor-Lamp/dp/B006JVABBC?ie=UTF8&ref=sr_1_1&nodeId=1333938031&sr=1-1&qid=1331116527&pf_rd_r=19W8R13K14B0A3CBK74B&pf_rd_m=A2BO0OYVBKIQJM&pf_rd_t=101&pf_rd_i=1333938031&pf_rd_p=215570647&pf_rd_s=related-items-3 " target="_blank">Marks and Spencer</a></p> <p> </p> <div> </div> <p> </p> <p> <a href="http://aolshopping.aol.co.uk/home_indoor_living.php?" target="_blank">-Shop home decor</a></p> <p> </p> <p> </p>
Tables
<p> Clean-lined, these simple glossy tables by Terence Conran will look good in the living room or the bedroom.</p> <p> </p> <div> </div> <div> Enamelled metal nest of tables by Conran, £299 from <a href="http://www.johnlewis.com/231444789/Product.aspx" target="_blank">John Lewis</a></div> <p> <a href="http://aolshopping.aol.co.uk/home_indoor_living.php?" target="_blank">-Shop home decor</a></p>
Door stop
<p> Fun and functional, Royal College of Art graduate Catherine Tough creates playful textile-based products using natural materials such as lambswool. This dog draught excluder will keep out any spring chills.</p> <p> </p> <div> Catherine Tough dog draught excluder, £70 from <a href="http://www.heals.co.uk/office-accessories/catherine-tough-dog-draught-excluder/invt/446255" target="_blank">Heal's</a></div> <div> </div> <p> <a href="http://aolshopping.aol.co.uk/home_indoor_living.php?" target="_blank">-Shop home decor</a></p>
Coffee table
<p> An investment high street buy, you’ll love this marble-topped coffee table for years to come.</p> <br /> <div> </div> <div> ‘Cabaret’ coffee table in white marble, £830 from <a href="http://www.natuzzi.co.uk/" target="_blank">Natuzzi</a></div> <p> <a href="http://aolshopping.aol.co.uk/home_indoor_living.php?" target="_blank">-Shop home decor</a></p>
Minimalist lamp
<p> Cooler than the average high street floor lamp, we love this sleek and contemporary task light in a cream finish.</p> <div> </div> <div> ‘Bradie’ task floor lamp, £105 from <a href="http://www.lauraashley.com/floor-lamps/bradie-cream-task-floor-lamp/invt/3514488" target="_blank">Laura Ashley </a></div> <div> </div> <p> <a href="http://aolshopping.aol.co.uk/home_indoor_living.php?" target="_blank">-Shop home decor</a></p>
Cushion
This cushion encapsulates the spring trend for florals with an edgy digital print.</div> <br /> <div> </div> <div> ‘Paint’ linen cushion by Bluebellgray, £80 from <a href="http://www.johnlewis.com/" target="_blank">John Lewis</a></div> <p> <a href="http://aolshopping.aol.co.uk/home_indoor_living.php?" target="_blank">-Shop home decor</a></p>
Vase
This small grey frosted vase has a lovely textured finish and a smooth inside.</div> <br /> <div> </div> <div> Rocha.John Rocha cut glass vase, £48 from <a href="http://www.debenhams.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/prod_10001_10001_304029607565_-1?breadcrumb=Home~txtrocha+vase" target="_blank">Debenhams</a></div> <div> </div> <p> <a href="http://aolshopping.aol.co.uk/home_indoor_living.php?" target="_blank">-Shop home decor</a></p>
Side table
<p> This chic side table looks a lot more expensive than it is. Made from aluminium, wood and glass, it's likely to stay looking so for a good length of time.</p> <p> </p> <div> </div> <div> ‘Stockholm’ side table, £72 from <a href="http://www.ikea.com/gb/en/catalog/products/20146676/#/90138404" target="_blank">Ikea</a></div> <div> </div> <p> <a href="http://aolshopping.aol.co.uk/home_indoor_living.php?" target="_blank">-Shop home decor</a></p>
Rug
Brighten up a floor space with this pom-pom trimmed flat woven rug exclusive to Urban Outfitters. </div> <br /> <div> </div> <div> ‘Geo’ stripe rug, £18 from <a href="http://www.urbanoutfitters.co.uk/geo-stripe-rug/invt/5532400122603/?htxt=6mmYjo5gCZFULhDVM2o1COt%2Bx8cq3q5MpT7k5Ssa9MCWaQJEj7cl6KmyTCkjfSjGvHriiqz7HTwd%0A%2FV5RiIEQ%2Fg%3D%3D" target="_blank">Urban Outfitters</a></div> <div> </div> <p> <a href="http://aolshopping.aol.co.uk/home_indoor_living.php?" target="_blank">-Shop home decor</a></p>

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Doctors develop a way for arthritis sufferers to 'grow' their own joints

March 14, 2012, 1:20 am

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Filed under: In the news

Doctors develop a way for arthritis sufferers to 'grow' their own joints Getty

A happy new development for arthritis sufferers: doctors have developed a way for patients to "grow" joints instead of having replacement surgery.

Finnish researchers have designed a biodegradable joint implant - the RegJoint - made from a sugar-based material with a sponge-like texture. The circular device, which comes in a variety of sizes, encourages the patient's own tissues to form a new cushioning joint between bones, that breaks down in the body after the joint has formed, reports the Daily Mail.

Research on 200 osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis sufferers has found that the new implant improved both movement and pain levels in patients, and it may prove an effective alternative to current arthritis surgeries, which usually involve fusing two bones together and may result in movement restrictions.

The RegJoint is implanted between the two bones of the joint in a 30-minute procedure and encourages the body to release natural healing cells once it's implanted, stimulating the growth of fibrous tissue. According to developers of the product, the fibrous tissue then fills the space between bones while the implant degrades, restoring mobility and lasting indefinitely.

"The biodegradable joint implant is a novel treatment that may have potential clinical application," said Jane Tadman of Arthritis Research UK.

"Instead of chopping the ends off bones and putting in a joint replacement, this puts in a kind of "spacer" which will be re-absorbed into the fibrous tissue around the joint - so it's a kind of flexible joint fusion.

"But whether it's better than a joint replacement remains to be seen. We need more studies comparing it against conventional treatments. It has to be shown that it offers therapeutic benefit."

Do you suffer from arthritis? Let us know in a comment below.

And don't miss our gallery on top reasons to do yoga.

Top reasons to do yoga

Improved circulation
<p> The unusual positions you put your body in during yoga help boost the body's vascular and lymphatic systems, which improve circulation (ensuring oxygenated blood gets to cells more effectively) and help the body fight infection. </p> <div> </div>
Stress relief
<p> The combination of controlled breathing, meditating, stretching and moving from one physical posture to another help to connect the mind and body. Yoga is known to help lower levels of the stress hormone cortisol, which, at high levels, can be linked to depression and high blood pressure.</p>
Increase flexibility
<p> Can't touch your toes? Not to worry. You'll soon be in a backbend. All of the stretches in yoga help increase your flexibility, lengthening the muscles, tendons and ligaments gradually over time. Since tight muscles can lead to poor posture, you may notice yourself standing an inch or two taller as well. </p>
Better breathing
<p> In yoga, you breathe in and out through the nose, taking longer, slower breaths. Not only does this help optimise lung function, it increases the amount of oxygen available in the body and helps you feel more relaxed.</p>
Increased strength
<p> Unlike a gym session, when you practise yoga postures, you increase strength while simultaneously increasing flexibility. Stronger muscles help protect our bones and prevent against ailments like back pain. Also, yoga poses require and build up that core abdominal strength that is so difficult to achieve - so you have something more exciting to look forward to than sit-ups. </p>
Weight loss
<p> While less vigorous yoga sessions have been criticised for their fitness benefits, a flow class will definitely get you moving, have your muscles working and ensure you're burning cals. Plus, since yoga is associated with a more positive outlook and healthy eating, you may find that yoga inspires you to ditch the crisps in favour of healthier options.</p>
Peace of mind
<p> From stress to insecurity issues, we're all coping with a lot on a daily basis. Yoga provides a positive outlet to quiet our minds (unlike, say, drinking), allowing you to reconnect mind and body. Studies have found that it can also help elevate moods.</p>
Pain relief
<p> The ancient Eastern practice has been known to help reduce pain in people with ailments like arthritis. Yoga postures also <a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.co.uk/2011/10/31/yoga-improves-chronic-lower-back-pain_n_1068683.html" target="_self">improve chronic back pain</a>, according to a study from the University of York. </p>

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Cool hands can keep you fitter

March 14, 2012, 1:29 am

≫ Next: An hour on shisha pipe as bad for you as 100 cigarettes

≪ Previous: Doctors develop a way for arthritis sufferers to 'grow' their own joints

Filed under: Fitness

Cool hands can keep you fitter Getty

Next time you're heading to a workout, you might want to keep that cold water bottle handy. It could be instrumental in helping you get fit.

New research from Stanford University in California, presented at the American Heart Association Meeting in San Diego, has found that cold palms increase the capacity for exercise because less heat is stored in the body and you are able to work out for longer periods, reports the Mirror.

Scientists studied a group of obese women between the ages of 30 and 45, giving them a palm-cooling device with a water temperature of either 16C or 37C.

Participants went through the same fitness routine which included time on the treadmill, lunges and push-ups.

While there was no improvement in women whose hands were kept at body temperature (and these women tended to drop out of the study), women with cooled hands improved over a three month period, losing almost three inches from their waists, lowering their resting blood pressure, increasing their exercise heart rate and reducing their walking time by an average of five minutes.

According to Dr. Stacy Sims, who led the study: "Obese women often complain about sweating and getting tired because they're walking around with extra insulation.

"If you can slow the rate internal temperature rises and cool someone who is obese, they don't store as much heat and don't feel as uncomfortable. They can do more work."

Would you try working out with cold hands? Leave a comment and let us know.

Don't miss our gallery of stress-busting workouts.

Stress-fighting workouts

Boxing
<p> If you're feeling like you want to punch somebody's face in... don't. But do channel that aggression into a heart-pumping boxing or kickboxing workout. It's a great way to tone up and clear your mind of that pent-up anxiety.</p>
Running
<p> The endorphin release you get from running sends a rush of feel-good, calming energy through your body. Make sure you get a few sprints in, too - according to a study from the University of Essex, a 30-second sprint can leave you feeling happy for up to 90 minutes afterwards thanks to the build-up of noradrenaline.</p>
Swimming
<p> A relaxing environment, like a calming pool, can help keep you calm and focused on your breathing. Swimming is also a great way to tone up your arms and legs.</p>
Yoga
<p> Yoga and meditation are a great way to reduce stress - it's even been proven. Researchers at Harvard Medical School found that around thirty minutes of meditation and gentle yoga per day led to decreased grey matter density in the part of the brain associated with stress and anxiety. Another study found that a 10-week yoga programme helped alleviate anxiety symptoms in veterans suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder.</p>
Dancing
<p> A workout doesn't have to feel like a workout. Sometimes the best way to relax is by moving to your favourite beat. Joining a dance class will also have you feeling body-confident since it provides overall conditioning and tones all your muscle groups.</p>
Walking
<p> If your work or home environment is leaving you frazzled, taking a walk can help clear your head - and burn calories. Don't push yourself to go too quickly, but focus instead on finding a relaxing new park or open space to enjoy. Going first thing in the morning can set your day on the right path.</p>

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An hour on shisha pipe as bad for you as 100 cigarettes

March 14, 2012, 2:15 am

≫ Next: Slimming World's Couple of the Year eat full English breakfast - and still lose 15 stone

≪ Previous: Cool hands can keep you fitter

Filed under: Health & wellbeing

An hour on shisha pipe as bad for you as 100 cigarettes PA

If you thought indulging in a relaxing inhalation of some fruit-flavoured shisha was a safer alternative to smoking cigarettes, think again.

New data from the British Heart Foundation reveals that while shisha cafes are on the rise (the number of shisha bars in the UK has gone from 179 to 556 since the smoking ban was introduced in 2007), most young adults don't realise how harmful shisha smoke can be or that an hour with a water pipe is as damaging to health as smoking 100 cigarettes, according to the World Health Organisation.

According to the data, one in four people between 18 and 24 has tried the shisha pipe, with 44 per cent of young adults believing it was less harmful than cigarettes.

BBC News reports that shisha cafes are going "underground," with some failing to comply with smoke-free legislation that requires them to have open-air canopies.

According to Govind Mandora, health and safety team manager for Leicester City Council:

"They are death traps, not just because of the fire hazard, but with the potential for carbon monoxide poisoning from the charcoal-fuelled tobacco."

The underground shisha cafes have become trendy hangouts, especially for young people, despite the serious health and fire risks.

"Don't be duped by the sweet smell and wholesome sounding fruity flavours. If you use shisha you are a smoker," Dr. Mike Knapton told The Sun.

"There are added risks because you're also exposed to toxins from wood or charcoal used to burn the tobacco."

Have you tried shisha? Let us know in a comment below.

Don't miss our gallery of die-hard celebrity smokers.

Die-hard celebrity smokers

<p> Supermodel Kate is frequently papped lighting a fag or taking a deep draw on her cigarette. Some gossips have speculated that she smokes more than 80 cigarettes a day. Smoking can prematurely age your skin, so Kate might want to reconsider before it all starts to catch up with her.</p>
<p> <strong>Kerry Katona</strong><br /> Reality star Kerry has beaten some of her demons, but she’s still holding on to one vice – cigarettes. She told the Daily Express: "I still smoke a hell of a lot because I get stressed.” Go on Kerry – if you can beat your other addictions, you can conquer this one too.</p>
<p> <strong>Courtney Love</strong><br /> Hole singer and Hollywood actress Courtney is famous for her unconventional lifestyle. She’s been a regular smoker since she first entered the spotlight in the 90s and shows no signs of giving up soon. If she did, within a year she’d cut her risk of heart attack by 50%.</p>
<p> <strong>Robert Pattinson</strong><br /> This handsome hunk has a brilliant method for keeping his complexion chalky pale for the Twilight films. He’s often pictured having a cigarette on a break from filming, or when he’s out and about off set. Smoking stops oxygen reaching the skin, helping to promote a wan complexion.</p>
<p> <strong>Lindsay Lohan</strong><br /> Giving up the fags might be actress Lindsay’s lowest priority, after her multiple stints in rehab and her reportedly mounting debts. She’s regularly seen out and about puffing on a cigarette. Lindsay might like to consider that smoking is an expensive vice and giving up could save upwards of £2,000 a year.</p>
<p> <strong>Johnny Depp</strong><br /> You can't get much cooler than Johnny Depp. However it appears the laid back actor has one major vice: roll-your-own cigarettes made with liquorice paper. Johnny apparently started smoking at the age of 12 but thinks the habit is "pointless" and is trying to give up.</p>
<p> <strong>Paris Hilton</strong><br /> The socialite has said in the past that she thinks smoking is "so sexy". It seems naughty Paris Hilton is such a fan of the weed - both the legal and illegal varieties - that she was arrested for allegedly smoking marijuana at a football match in South Africa.</p>
<p> <strong>Carla Brunei</strong><br /> Life as the wife of tiny yet powerful French president Nicolas Sarkozy must be pretty stressful for former supermodel Carla Bruni. She's shown no signs of giving up her fag habit; in fact she told Marie Claire years that she wanted "to die smoking, with a cigarette in my hand."</p>
<p> <strong>Helen Flanagan</strong><br /> Actress Helen, who plays Coronation Street's teen temptress Rosie Webster, has a penchant for footballers, fake tan, low-cut tops and fags. Thrifty Helen isn't averse to getting the night bus home after a big night out - think of all the money she could save if she knocked her smoking habit on the head, too.</p>
<p> <strong>Mischa Barton</strong><br /> Mischa is most famous for her appearance as one of the glossy teens on TV hit The O.C. She's done a lot of damage to her clean cut image since she left the show in 2006, often pictured smoking cigarettes and dragging heavily on what appeared to be a joint.</p>
<p> <strong>Taylor Momsen</strong><br /> Actress and pop star Taylor has got the black eye makeup, the suspenders and  the stripper heels as part of her bad girl look. She finishes it all off with a fag and has been pictured on stage lighting up. Taylor doesn't care, saying "I smoke, so what?"</p>
<p> <strong>Pete Doherty</strong><br /> Rapscallion Pete is often caught with a cigarette in his mouth as he sings and has yellow, nicotine-stained hands as proof of his addiction.  Although we doubt Pete's that worried about it, smoking dulls your sense of smell and leaves you with the permanent scent of eau de tobacco.</p>

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Slimming World's Couple of the Year eat full English breakfast - and still lose 15 stone

March 14, 2012, 5:00 am

≫ Next: Celebrities in green

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Filed under: In the news

Slimming World's Couple of the Year eat full English breakfast - and still lose 15 stone Sean Dempsey/PA Wire

Slimming World's Couple of the Year 2012, Simon and Tracy Bartlett, have lost a whopping 15 stone in just 18 months. And they still eat a full English breakfast.

The couple, who have always struggled with their weight and weighed a combined 37 stone before they embarked on their diets, made the decision to change their lives after Tracy, who suffers from auto-immune illness Churg-Strauss Syndrome, almost died, reports the Daily Mail.

Her condition causes white blood cells to attack her body and was exacerbated by her 18-stone frame, which also caused high blood pressure and joint pain. The 42-year-old's weight ballooned after she was diagnosed with the disease in 2006 and daily steroids increased her appetite.

"On Christmas Day 2010 I was hooked up to oxygen again and felt completely exhausted," Tracy told the Mail.

"I told Simon: 'I can't do this anymore, if I have another year like this I'll give up.

"I knew my weight was making my condition harder to deal with and I had to do something about it.

"A friend had been losing weight with Slimming World so I asked Simon to join with me. We both knew we had to change."

According to 33-year-old Simon, who weighed 18 stone at his heaviest, the trips in and out of hospital contributed to the couple's comfort eating, and instead of cooking they'd eat fish and chips or pizza.

"The worst moment for me was one day when I had to call our son and tell him to come with his granddad to the hospital because we didn't know if Tracy would make it through the night," Simon explained.

Before joining Slimming World, the couple would either skip breakfast or eat high-sugar, low-fibre cereal, have biscuits and tea for a snack and a pre-packed sandwich with crisps, chocolate or sweets and a fizzy drink for lunch.

Dinner would involve a takeaway pizza or microwave meal, and the couple would snack on chocolate, crisps or biscuits into the night.

They've now replaced their junk-heavy diet with a full English breakfast with grilled lean bacon, tomatoes and mushrooms, eggs fried in low calorie cooking spray and baked beans or Weetabix with banana for breakfast, apple and a fat-free yoghurt for a mid-morning snack and a large jacket potato with tuna and sweetcorn and salad for lunch.

Their mid-afternoon snack is a piece of fruit and high-fibre cereal bar and dinner involves lean steak with baked chips, mushrooms, peas and grilled tomatoes. For evening snacks, they'll eat fresh fruit salad topped with fat-free natural yogurt, homemade chilli dip with celery sticks, grapes, sugar-free jelly, a two-finger Kit Kat or Curly Wurly, or a packet of Quavers.

Since the weight started falling off, the couple have been enjoying country walks, camping trips and even bungee jumping.

"Our lives are so different now, we don't even recognise the people we used to be," said Simon.

What do you think of Simon and Tracy's new diet? Leave a comment and let us know.

Don't miss our gallery of tips for cutting back on sugar.

Tips for cutting back on sugar

Cut out white bread
<p> Delicious, abundant and essentially a slow-burning, high-carb version of sugar, white bread isn't doing your health or your waistline any favours. Try swapping for a whole wheat version or start cutting it out of your meals entirely - from sandwiches to pizza, it may be sneaking into your diet all day long.</p>
Stop drinking soda
<p> Sweetened drinks are dangerous since you're consuming lots of hidden sugar without even realising it, and drinking too much soda can lead to unwanted weight gain. Even sipping on diet soda can give you the urge for more sweet treats. Substitute with water, tea - or if you're desperate for that carbonated flavour - add a bit of fresh fruit juice to soda water.</p>
Eat more fruit
<p> Fruit contains natural sugars, but it's also packed with fibre and vitamins, making it a healthier way to get your sugar fix. You can even swap in some pureed fruit while cooking to reduce the amount of unnecessary sugar in sauces and baking.</p>
Opt for natural sweeteners
<p> Natural sweeteners like maple syrup and agave nectar are better sugar substitutes than white, refined sugar, and (when used in moderation) may make your healthy oatmeal or veggies taste even better.</p>
Start reading the labels
<p> Sugar isn't always called sugar - it masquerades under terms like glucose, sucrose and high fructose corn syrup. If sugar's one of the top ingredients of your favourite sauce or cereal, give it a miss.</p>

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Celebrities in green

March 14, 2012, 11:00 pm

≫ Next: Is CO2 in the atmosphere making you fat?

≪ Previous: Slimming World's Couple of the Year eat full English breakfast - and still lose 15 stone

Filed under: Fashion

Celebrities in green PA/EMPICS Entertainment/PA

Green is the colour of springtime - and not just for Mother Nature's grasses and blooms. The colour - from emerald to jade - is a great fashion choice that suits a multitude of skin tones and hair hues, and is a flattering shade for work, weekend and everything in between.

Get inspired for St. Patrick's Day and beyond with some of our favourite stars rocking the shade in our gallery of celebrities in green below.

Celebrities in green

Madonna
<p> The singer-actress-director shows off her killer arms in this ombre green taffeta dress.</p>
Emily Mortimer
<p> This green silk pussybow blouse is a nod to 70s style that teams beautifully with neutrals.</p>
Emma Stone
<p> The star works masculine red carpet style in this green tux jacket and trousers.</p>
Duchess of Cambridge
<p> Kate Middleton works khaki green into her everyday wardrobe in this simple knit dress.</p>
Alicia Keys
<p> The singer keeps it chic and simple by pairing an emerald-hued blouse with a black pencil skirt.</p>
Jennifer Love Hewitt
<p> The actress shows off her curves in this green bandage dress.</p>
Diane Kruger
<p> The actress works spring's clashing prints trend in green florals and a stripy skirt.</p>
Emily Blunt
<p> Blunt works an electric green goddess dress against her pale skin and dark hair at the SAG Awards.</p>
Naomi Campbell
<p> Muted green jungle print shows off the supermodel's wild side.</p>
Reese Witherspoon
<p> Reese adds a little sparkle to a red carpet occasion with her feminine green and black frock.</p>
Freida Pinto
<p> This pale green draped dress looks gorgeous against Pinto's skintone and vampy lip.</p>
Glenn Close
<p> The actress shows off her fabulous-over-60 bod in this corseted Zac Posen gown and tux jacket.</p>
Gwyneth Paltrow
<p> Gwynnie gets her sparkle on in this embellished emerald frock.</p>
Zooey Deschanel
<p> The black evening dress gets a style update with a burst of lime green.</p>
LeAnn Rimes
<p> The actress adds some bulk to her skinny frame in this dramatic green asymmetric dress.</p>
Myleene Klass
<p> This 70s-style dress is a ladylike way to work green into your wardrobe.</p>
Jessica Chastain
<p> The Help actress complements her gorgeous red locks with a beautiful green hue.</p>
Evan Rachel Wood
<p> Wood goes dramatic in a green feather-bedecked gown.</p>
Venus Williams
<p> The tennis pro flaunts her sporty physique in this embellished green column dress.</p>
Salma Hayek
<p> Hayek flaunts her curvy frame in figure-hugging green.</p>
Amanda Holden
<p> The actress shimmers in a green sparkly mini dress and heels.</p>
Helen Mirren
<p> The actress works a vintage look in a soft green velvet dress and embellished cover-up.</p>

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Is CO2 in the atmosphere making you fat?

March 14, 2012, 11:44 pm

≫ Next: Watch out! There's a high risk of being run over at 8.38am

≪ Previous: Celebrities in green

Filed under: In the news

Is CO2 in the atmosphere making you fat? Getty

A Danish researcher has put forward the theory that the increase in carbon dioxide in the atmosphere could be encouraging us to overeat.

The Daily Mail reports that Lars-Georg Hersoug, from the Research Centre for Prevention and Health at Glostrup University, has studied the weight of both fat and thin people for over 22 years.

When he noticed that even the thin people were gaining weight, he started looking for an explanation.

He then found that the increase in obese people in Denmark is roughly equivalent to the increase in CO2 emissions.

He told Science Nordic: "The normal theory is that fat people get fatter because they don't move as much as they should.

"But the study showed that thin people also get fatter, and this happened over the whole of the 22 -year period of the study."

He now believes that a type of brain hormone, called orexins, are affected by CO2. These hormones regulate when we go to sleep and also stimulate us to eat - so more exposure to CO2 could increase our appetites.

He tested his theory by placing six men in special climate rooms where some of them were exposed to increased amounts to CO2. Seven hours later they were allowed to eat as much as they liked, and the men who were exposed to more CO2 ate six per cent more than the control group.

He also cites a 2010 study of 20,000 laboratory animals who all gained weight, despite being in controlled conditions.

Do you think that global warming could be making you eat biscuits? Let us know below...

Click on they image below for some crazy new diet tricks...

Crazy new diet tricks

Eat with chopsticks
<p> According to Daspin, eating food more slowly can help women stay slim. One of the tricks for eating smaller mouthfuls is using chopsticks instead of cutlery.</p>
Buy expensive ingredients
<p> Daspin encourages readers to buy expensive ingredients and produce instead of the cheap stuff - to encourage dieters to use sparingly. She also urges dieters to buy small portions rather than bulk sizes, and to cook fresh produce as often as possible.</p>
Dilute alcohol
<p> According to Daspin, one weight-loss tip from Manhattanites is to dilute alcoholic beverages with water or ice.</p>
A sweet treat
<p> Looking for a healthy sweet treat? According to the author, adding milk to green tea tastes just like "melted green tea ice cream."</p>
Avoid sauces
<p> Sauces are avoided by New York women but one friend of Daspin's orders string beans and rice from the Chinese takeaway because the "oil on the string beans is enough to moisturise the rice." Another friend avoids the temptation of leftovers by throwing them away - and pouring water over them beforehand.</p>
'Taste everything, but eat almost nothing'
<p> </p> <p> Eileen Daspin, author of the new book, The Manhattan Diet, advises readers to indulge in tiny tastes of high-calorie food, according to the New York Post. "I use a teaspoon to scoop up a few grains of risotto," she writes. "I taste everything but eat almost nothing." Daspin also says that New York women don't keep temptation foods like peanut butter in the house, preferring to snack on "appetite-control cracker" GG Bran Crispbread.</p>

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Watch out! There's a high risk of being run over at 8.38am

March 15, 2012, 12:10 am

≫ Next: Looking at pictures of pizza will make your salad taste better

≪ Previous: Is CO2 in the atmosphere making you fat?

Filed under: In the news

Watch out! There's a high risk of being run over at 8.38am Getty

If you're guilty of chatting on the phone or sending texts when you're crossing busy roads, you might want to take care - especially at 8.38am and 6.22pm.

The Daily Express reports that a new survey by esure car insurance has found that these are the times when people are most likely to be heading in to work or making their way home, and they are too busy texting, tweeting or gaming to pay adequate attention to what is going on around them.

The Daily Mail reports that more than a 1,000 people were polled as part of the study, and a team of researchers were sent out around the UK to monitor busy road crossings in London, Birmingham, Cardiff and Manchester.

Researchers found that eight per cent of pedestrians fiddle with their phones when crossing the road - rising to 22 per cent at the height of the morning rush hour at 8.38am. And almost one in ten (9 per cent) use gadgets at 6.22pm, when they have just left work.

More than one in five (13 per cent) of people admitted to regularly crossing the road when dealing with work matters on their phones, with men and Londoners taking the most risks.

Researchers found that 14 per cent of men admitted to using more than one gadget while crossing the road. 37 per cent of pedestrians said they had made a call when crossing the road, while 30 percent have read or sent text messages when crossing.

A further 10 per cent have played games on a handheld device, eight per cent have surfed the internet and five per cent have posted on a social networking site.

The report reads: "Londoners were the most perilous pedestrians with researchers recording four near misses involving gadget distracted passengers. Men were more likely to cross the road while using more than one gadget."

Researchers also found that five per cent of motorists say they have hit or just missed a person who has walked into the path of their car because they were distracted by gadgets, and 13 per cent of pedestrians said that they had bumped into another pedestrian as a result.

Nearly half (46 per cent) of people admitted to crossing the road when distracted by their gadgets, and almost three-quarters (73 per cent) admitted that their behaviour was unacceptable.

Mike Pickard, Head of risk and Underwriting at ensure car insurance told the Daily Mail: "Smartphones are great for surfing the net or keeping in touch whilst on the go, but pedestrians also need to know when to put them away.

"Crossing the road when distracted by gadgets is not only incredibly dangerous to the pedestrian but also other road users. If a motorist had to suddenly swerve to avoid hitting a pedestrian it could put other lives at risk too.

"Most people are using communication technology on the move from the businessman crossing city streets checking emails to the tourist finding the best hotels on the latest app.

"But use of such technology on the move can lead to 'unintentional blindness' or 'divided attention' which poses great risks for road safety."

AA president Edmund King agrees that more drivers making claims for minor accidents are saying that distracted pedestrians - or "podestrians" - are to blame.

Do you walk and text? Let us know below...

Click on the image below to find out how to boost your brain power...

Ten Ways To Boost Your Brain Power

Get enough sleep
<p> Research shows that sleep deprivation can interfere with memory. Fatigue reduces the efficiency of our attention, so poor recall is a secondary consequence of fatigue – you can't remember the information if you didn't absorb it in the first place. Get into good sleep habits by not eating too late, relaxing in the evening and avoiding use of laptops and Blackberries before bedtime.</p>
Tone down the tippling
<p> Doctors warn that past binge drinking and high alcohol consumption are likely to cause us to be experiencing serious memory problems in our 40s. The good news is, if you nix your wine habit you can expect to see brain cells regenerate and improvements in key areas of brain activity.</p>
Go for fats
<p> Healthy fats keep our brains flexible and "smart" while poor-quality fats keep our brain cells sluggish. Go for monosaturated fats found in olive oil, nuts and avocados and Omega 3 fatty acids found in cold water fish, leafy green vegetables and pumpkin seeds. Cut down on meat, eggs and full-fat dairy products.</p>
Fishy friends
<p> A study conducted by researchers at the Rush University Medical Center in Chicago found that people who ate fish at least once a week had a 10 percent slower memory decline compared with those who didn't. And it's good for you in so many other ways too.</p>
Get active
<p> Exercise boosts brainpower by building new brain cells in a brain region linked with memory and middle-age memory loss, claims new research from Columbia University Medical Center in New York. Aim for 30 minutes exercise every day.</p>
Go green
<p> A recent study found that short-term memory is improved 20% by walking in nature, or even just by looking at an image of a natural scene. Go out for a brisk stroll around a leafy area like a park and you'll boost your circulatory system ensuring the brain gets the oxygen it needs in order to function efficiently.</p>
Herbal remedies
<p> Many herbs are known to improve memory and brain function. Go for rosemary aromatherapy oils, lemon balm perfume oil, and ginkgo biloba supplements, which some studies have found to improve brain function.</p>
More magnesium
<p> Magnesium, a trace mineral found in foods such as dark green, leafy vegetables, helps maintain memory function in middle age and beyond. Form an orderly queue for leafy kale, spring greens and savoy cabbage.</p>
Puzzle it out
<p> Exercise your brain. Developing new mental skills - especially complex ones such as learning a new skill or playing a musical instrument - and tackling puzzles and games, can 'exercise' the brain and improve its physiological functioning. Yes, that does include the crossword puzzle.</p>
Chill out
<p> The relationship between stress and brain function is well-known. Although a stress free environment may be difficult to maintain, women who employ stress reduction techniques such as meditation, yoga and exercise on a regular basis may increase their ability to focus and sharpen their memory skills.</p>

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