Home//Bella/30 July 2024/In This Issue
Bella|30 July 2024LOVE IS BLIND UK STYLE!Everyone knows the old adage: you can’t help who you fall in love with. You can, however, speed the process along on a reality show like Love Is Blind. Yes, four years after the dystopian dating show arrived on Netflix, singles this side of the pond are about to be given their shot at looks-free love, as the show is finally coming to the UK. Hosted by married couple Emma and Matt Willis, Love Is Blind is arriving on our screens very soon, with the first four episodes now confirmed to be hitting the streamer on 7 August. The show will follow the same format as the US version, with groups of people meeting in their respective pods, separated by a wall. They can hear each other’s voices, and get…1 min
Bella|30 July 2024Separate lives?Ben Affleck and Jennifer Lopez have sparked further speculation that their relationship is in crisis, as they marked their second wedding anniversary apart. Ben, 51, and Jen, 54, were seen on different sides of the US coast last week, with the Gone Girl actor in Los Angeles while the singer was in the Hamptons with her manager Benny Medina. It’s been reported that the couple, who married in Las Vegas on 16 July 2022, have been living apart “for months” after putting their Beverly Hills marital home up for sale. J.Lo also holidayed in Italy and France recently without Ben, who didn’t support her at the premieres of her new Netflix film Atlas.…1 min
Bella|30 July 2024‘Kate’s kids are key to her recovery’As she made her way out onto Centre Court at Wimbledon, hand in hand with her daughter Charlotte, Kate Middleton beamed as she received a big welcome from the crowds, who gave her a standing ovation with huge applause and cheers. The Princess of Wales, who is the club’s patron and a tennis fan, looked happy as she presented the trophies to the men’s singles winner Carlos Alcaraz and runnerup Novak Djokovic at the tournament. Kate’s first solo engagement of the year, alongside Charlotte, nine, and her sister Pippa Middleton, came a month after she attended Trooping the Colour with her family in June, amidst her continuing treatment of preventative chemotherapy and recovery from cancer. “Great to be back at Wimbledon! There’s nothing quite like the Championships,” she shared afterwards.…4 min
Bella|30 July 2024REBECCA: ‘I don’t miss competing in the Olympics AT ALL’She shot to fame after winning two gold medals in the 400m and 800m freestyle swimming events at the Beijing Olympics in 2008 16 years, 17 championship medals and two kids later, Rebecca Adlington’s life is going at a very different pace. There aren’t many careers where it’s socially acceptable to retire at the age of 23, but in losing a champion swimmer, the sport has gained an incredible pundit. And this summer, Rebecca, 35, will be commentating on the Aquatics events at the Paris Olympics for the BBC - hopefully with fewer nerves than when she was stood on the edge of the pool. She’ll also have her husband, Andy Parsons, her daughter Summer, nine, and their son Albie, three, there for support - even if they’re more excited…5 min
Bella|30 July 2024‘Determined to fit into my bridesmaid dress - SO I LOST 6 STONE!’Peering at the screen, I tried to ignore the horrible burning sensation in my chest. I was plagued with acid reflux. “Losing a couple of stone would have a massive impact on your health,” a consultant told me. I was also suffering from pain in my feet and sometimes felt breathless. As a teenager, I’d weighed around 15 stone, but now I was even heavier. My food downfalls were pizzas, Sweet Chilli Sensations crisps and Celebrations chocolates. Over the years, I’d tried slimming groups and had lost more than a stone, only to quickly regain it - and then some. Now, the doctor’s comment had left me demoralised. Two weeks later, I set off to my friend Nicola’s house for a bridesmaid dress fitting. Her wedding was nine months away…3 min
Bella|30 July 2024SPF HeroesThis protective bronzer gives extra defence against the sun. The SPF50 balm glides on, enhancing skin with a shimmery, golden glow. Colorescience Sunfogettable Total Protection SPF50 Colour Balm, £25 Shield your skin in style with this easy spray, which delivers SPF30 protection, along with the ability to fix your make-up In place. With a breathable feel, it’ll fit nicely into your daily routine. Morphe Sunsetter SPF30 High-Protection Broad-Spectrum Setting Spray, £18 The rich pigments of this hydrating lippy deliver a plump finish. Plus it contains SPF20 for a layer of protection, so you can relax while soaking up the rays. Avon Hydramatic Shine Lipstick, £10 We’d recommend this tinted BB cream as it’s long-lasting, feels light on skin and contains SPF15 to help defend against UV effects. Garnier Skin Active…1 min
Bella|30 July 2024Greg Rutherford My week on a plateMON Breakfast: Avocado and poached eggs on sourdough, black coffee, aila shake (pre-workout drink) Lunch: Trout salad and wholegrain rice Dinner: Sweet potato, goat’s cheese and pomegranate salad with chicken breast Snack: LoveCorn TUE Breakfast: Homemade bircher muesli, black coffee, aila shake Lunch: Clam chowder and sourdough Dinner: Pork chops with broccoli and pan fried sprouts, spinach and mushrooms Snack: A can of tuna WED Breakfast: Poached eggs on sourdough, aila shake Lunc: Chicken breast with spinach and mushrooms Dinner: Tuna steaks and salad Snack: Superfoods protein shake THU Breakfast: Scrambled eggs with salami and watercress, black coffee, aila shake Lunch: Pan fried asparagus, rice and chicken breast Dinner: Turkey wrap with lettuce, avocado, peppers and mushrooms Snack: Protein bar FRI Breakfast: Fruit with Greek yoghurt and walnuts, black coffee,…1 min
Bella|30 July 2024FIVE STEPS TO LIVE WELLLearn something new Whether it s practising your Duolingo, or working out a new technology, you’re bolstering your sense of competence and your personal growth. Build trusting relationships Social contact cannot simply be wanting to feel busy and popular. Carve out the space, time and mental energy for emotionally satisfying relationships. Tap into spirituality This doesn’t have to be conventional religion as such, but it’s about understanding that we are part of something much bigger than we realise. Find your purpose Seek out a sense of “mattering” to your community and world. Do you want to help others or have a skill or quality that can improve some condition in the world? Make time for joy Set aside time for activities where you enjoy the process, not the outcome. Rediscover…1 min
Bella|30 July 2024Talking pointI would be furious if my friends turned up to my honeymoon! That’s meant to be private time for the couple. Jen Crossland, via Facebook What a lovely idea - providing you had some alone time with your partner, it would be fun to have other loved ones around too. Becky Rizzi, via Facebook If my husband brought his mates along I’d be fuming, but it would be OK to me if my friends came, haha! Samantha Millington, via Facebook Totally depends on where you’re going and what you’re doing, but a few days with some friends might be good. Gillian Gilmour, via Facebook…1 min
Bella|30 July 2024HoroscopesTAURUS 21 April 21 May Throughout the week you’re drawn to the people you know best and feel most comfortable with. Midweek is great for retreating into your own little world for a while. The 28th is good for sorting out little niggles and domestic grievances! Theme of the week: Instincts 0906 650 7231 GEMINI 22 May — 21 June Give plenty of thought to your home and family life from midweek onwards. Weigh up the pros and cons of your plans, and consider how past experiences have affected your current way of looking at the world. You might just learn something! Theme of the week: Connecting 0906 650 7232 CANCER 22 June — 23 July It’s a week when you re strongly influenced by your emotional reactions to whatever’s…3 min
Bella|30 July 2024PuzzlesPRIZE crossword WIN £200 Solve the crossword to find, reading from top to bottom in the shaded squares, the name of a British star of stage and screen. This is your competition entry answer. See the ‘How to enter’ panel, below right. Across 1 ---car, train carriage selling light meals (6) 4 Bird that’s a national emblem of the USA (4,5) 8 Place of worship (6) 11 Fantasy drama series which starred Emilia Clarke and Kit Harington, Game Of - - - (7) 12 Windflower (7) 13 Calculation, anagram of KING CRONE (9) 15 The Who singer, — - - Daltrey (5) 16 Christina Aguilera hit, --- In A Bottle (5) 18 Athletic bean? (6) 19 Paul McCartney’s band after the Beatles (5) 21 Advertising phrase (6) 23 Land measurement…6 min
Bella|30 July 2024Silver StarsGwyneth Paltrow Goop founder Gwyneth shone in a sheer, blinged-out crystal Swarovski design at a recent event. Gorgeous! Ashley Park Emily In Paris star Ashley sizzled in a giant bow dress by Rahul Mishra. Her high ponytail and silver platforms gave the look an extra touch of glam. Ashley Roberts The singer-turned-presenter wowed in a futuristic bomber jacket paired with an ab-baring crop top on her walk to work. Simple but so stylish. Venus Williams The 44-year-old tennis player looked oh-so-glam in a fringed Dior frock teamed with sleek straight hair and cool sunnies. Naomi Campbell Supermodel Naomi was spotted at the Chanel fashion show wearing a stunning sequin set matched with black pumps. Iconic! Paris Hilton Socialite Paris loves a shiny look! Silky waves were the perfect hairdo to…1 min
Bella|30 July 2024Linda’s rage over PaulineLinda Robson has opened up about her fury as she came to the defence of her best friend Pauline Quirke, when she was insulted in public. The childhood pals and Birds Of A Feather stars were at a restaurant together when they were approached by a fellow diner. “Once I was out having lunch with Pauline and there was a big fry-up in front of us. This woman comes marching over and goes, ‘You shouldn’t eat that, you’ll end up looking like her,”’ Linda recalled. “It was terrible. I won’t tell you what I said because I’ll lose my job, but I wasn’t happy. There’s no excuse for terrible behaviour.”…1 min
Bella|30 July 2024Fresh royal falloutPrince Harry and Meghan Markle have lost two important allies within the royal family - his cousins, Princesses Beatrice and Eugenie, according to reports. Sources reveal that the Sussexes are said to have grown apart from the sisters, who they were once close with, as they choose to side with the monarchy, amid Meghan and Harry’s widening feud with the royals. “Beatrice and Eugenie have firmly pledged their allegiance to the royal family. They haven’t communicated with the Sussexes for quite a while,” an insider said. “They are nowhere near as close as they once were.” Eugenie, 34, was seen laughing and joking with Prince William at Royal Ascot and talking to Kate Middleton’s mother Carole. Both sisters were also seen at a garden party alongside their relatives in May,…2 min
Bella|30 July 2024Should teachers’ gifts be banned?bella debate No‘It’s a small token of our appreciation’ Helen Watson, 33, account manager I think that if we as parents are able to give a teacher a gift, or chip in, then we should, because they are overstretched and underpaid, and it’s a small token of our appreciation. I normally contribute towards a gift both at Christmas and at the end of the school year, and the money is then divided out between the children’s teacher and teaching assistant. Usually a message goes round on the class WhatsApp a few weeks in advance and, personally, I prefer a group gift over an individual one. I don’t believe a teacher would favour a child just because they received a gift, but going for a joint present removes that as a…2 min
Bella|30 July 2024Cover STARSClassic kaftans A longline kaftan oozes glamour - add sandals to complete the look Do-it-all sarongs Restyle your sarong by wearing it as a top, dress or even a shawl Chic shirts Perfect for teaming with jeans at home Trendy trousers Layer over your cossie for an easy, breezy look…1 min
Bella|30 July 2024DITCH PROCESSED FOODS AND DROP POUNDSUltra-processed foods (IJPFs) such as ready meals, biscuits, packaged snacks, processed red meat and soft drinks have been hitting the headlines recently. While they are great for convenience and can be purse-friendly, they’re not great for our health and waistline. They can all be full of preservatives, stabilisers, emulsifiers, colours, artificial flavourings, calories, fat, sugar and salt and are normally low in nutrients. They are also incredibly moreish, and tend to lack filling fibre and/or protein, so are easy to overeat - a disaster for weight management. There is some good news though - in her brilliant new book How Not To Eat UltraProcessed, top UK Registered Dietitian Nichola Ludlam-Raine reveals they can actually be a part of a healthy diet! She tells us, “UPFs are a hot topic, but…4 min
Bella|30 July 2024HOW TO STOP FEELING ‘MEH’Do you feel a bit blah? Neither happy or sad, just a bit disconnected? If so, you should take it seriously. “Languishing is a sense of stagnation and emptiness. Languishing often sets in slowly and imperceptibly and then suddenly, you’re engulfed in it.” says Dr Corey Keyes, author of Languishing - How To Feel Alive Again In A World That Wears Us Down (Crown £20). “I’m not fond of the use of the words blah or meh, because it can be minimising. Languishing is the absence of good mental health - what I call flourishing - and a mental health diagnosis in its own right.” Corey says that while languishing might sound similar to depression, and the loss of interest in life overlaps, they are not the same. “Depression is…4 min
Bella|30 July 2024Spend v SaveUpdate your lounge with a colourful sofa - a pink design will pack a punch These bold candles will brighten up any occasion…1 min
Bella|30 July 2024‘My best friend gave me a baby’As Becki whispered in my ear, I looked up in time to catch another frustrated look from our teacher. “That’s it, Kimberley, you go and sit over there,” she said. But as I shuffled to a new desk, I knew that break time was coming up and we could continue then. We’d been best friends since we met in the school playground at four years old. We were more like sisters than best friends, and our bond only got stronger as we grew older. In 2006, I was diagnosed with polycystic ovary syndrome at just 15 years old, and was devastated to learn that it would be a struggle for me to ever have children. I’d always wanted to be a mum one day, and the news was heartbreaking. But…6 min
Bella|30 July 2024WEEK IN PICSBride to be Shona McGarty is engaged! The former EastEnders actor, 32, met musician David Bracken, 35, on TikTok. “It’s a feeling I’ve never had before about a person,” she revealed. “We’re thinking of a Christmas wedding. We want to get married in Ireland.” Doing it Wright “All the good stuff” said Michelle Keegan, as she shared photos of her gorgeous holiday. The Our Girl star, 37, was recently in Deia, Majorca, with husband Mark Wright, also 37, as they escaped the unsettled British weather .“Best place ever,” he added. Social media return Phillip Schofield has shared his first selfie since leaving This Morning in May 2023. The former TV host, 62, showed his patriotic side ahead of the Euro finals with his face painted with the England flag.…1 min
Bella|30 July 2024Strictly scandal: Tess fears for future of showIt’s been a tumultuous few weeks for the Strictly family, after a number of scandals thrust the BBC’s golden show into the spotlight. Now, fears are mounting that the celebrity dance competition could find itself in danger - leaving presenter Tess Daly concerned about what the future may hold. The BBC show has come under fire in recent months after not one, but two professional dancers were investigated over allegations of bullying and abusive behaviour towards their celebrity partners. Both Graziano Di Prima, 30, and Giovanni Pernice, 33, have been axed from their regular slots on the celebrity dancing show, shining a spotlight onto the “gross misconduct” that allegedly took place when the cameras were off. ‘She’s upset and stressed’ Now, a source says that Tess, 55 - who presents…4 min
Bella|30 July 2024‘Beaten as a child by my mum - SO WHY DID I FORGIVE HER?’Dressed in a yellow halterneck top, I rested my hand on my mum’s shoulder and we both smiled as my friend Tammy snapped a photo. Tammy had come to my house to get ready for a night out when Mum had popped over to see me. To her, we looked like any other mum and 22-year-old daughter. But beneath our smiles lurked a dark history… My mum Rose had subjected me to horrific child abuse, branded by the newspapers as a “two-year reign of terror”. She’d beaten me with a belt, burnt my arms with flames, and left me with a body that looked like a battleground, covered in blue-black bruises and scars. And she’d never apologised. It all started back in 1976, when I was four. As well as…6 min
Bella|30 July 2024Supermarket sweepMake-up marvel Update your kit with a versatile eyeshadow palette that’ll help create flawless looks without splashing the cash. With shades to flatter all skin tones, choose from eight gorgeously warm hues in matte and metallic finishes. Collection New York Skyline Eyeshadow Palette, £5 at Sainsbury’s Glow getter For radiance-boosting vitamin C skincare that won’t break the bank, Asda’s fruity serum will leave skin looking brighter than ever. Plus added super fruit ingredients acai berry and papaya will help nourish and revive dull complexions. ASDA Brightening Vitamin C Radiance Boosting Serum, £2.30 Skin saviour This argan oil-infused scrub is gentle enough to use daily, giving your limbs a refreshing lift, stimulating circulation and ridding your skin of build-up. It’s especially useful if you are applying sunscreen daily. September Exfoliating Body…2 min
Bella|30 July 2024ARE YOU LANGUISHING?• You feel emotionally flattened, unable to muster up excitement for upcoming events • A sense of inevitability has washed over you • You find yourself procrastinating on tasks and can’t see the point in trying • More and more things strike you as irrelevant, superficial, or boring • You have the constant feeling of unease that you’re missing something, but can’t figure out what it is • You feel disconnected from your own community and/or a greater purpose or cause • Your job once gave you a sense of meaning, or at least accomplishment, but now seems pointless • You regularly experience brain fog • Small setbacks leave you feeling defeated • You feel restless, even rootless • You find yourself being steam-rolled by people with strong opinions •…1 min
Bella|30 July 2024Over to YOU!£50 Star letter Split truths Ruth Langsford got a lot of stick for leaving Eamonn Holmes given his ill-health, but who knows what went on, especially with suggestions he has suddenly acquired a lot of female companions (issue 27). His first marriage ended because his Belfast-based wife wouldn’t relocate to London and now it seems Ruth didn’t want to relocate to Belfast. He cant have it both ways. I hope she can come to terms with it all. Sarah Treweeks, Birmingham Here’s to Anne I was shocked reading all the details about Princess Anne’s recent hospital stay (issue 27). Whether you like the royals or not, no one can deny she is a hard worker, so I’m sure her family will have been horrified when they heard what happened. I…1 min
Bella|30 July 2024Dear Kate…My daughter has stopped loving school Q My daughter is 17 and has always been a high achiever. She’s going to be doing her A-levels next year, and it’s like her interest in any schoolwork has fallen off a cliff. The same thing happened when she did her GSCEs last year, but she is naturally clever and did quite well because she’d worked so hard in the years leading up to them. She’s also really moody at home and is always snapping at her siblings (she’s the eldest) and won’t do what she’s told by me or her dad. She stays in her room most of the time and treats everyone like they’re idiots, looking down her nose at us all. It looks like she’s going to fail her exams…5 min
Bella|30 July 2024‘There’s huge jeopardy in Time Bandits – but a lot of heart too’TV WEEK The ’80s movie Time Bandits was a classic - and now a TV version is landing, starring Friends legend Lisa Kudrowas Penelope. Kevin (Kal-EI Tuck) is an 11-year-old history buff, who discovers a portal in his wardrobe and gets to travel through time. His brilliant brain helps his new chums to escape various dicey situations (dinosaurs in the prehistoric ages, Viking raids, Mayan human sacrifice rituals, the Ice Age and the creation of Stone Henge.) Their mission? To save Kevin’s family using a map of the universe, stolen from their boss - the Supreme Being (Taika Waititi -one of the reboot’s creators). Penelope (Kudrow), Alto (Tadhg Murphy), Widgit (Roger Jean Nsengiyumva), Judy (Charlyne Yi) and Bittelig (Rune Temte) jump through portals on their quest - but must shut…3 min
Bella|30 July 2024‘Sometimes the food took second place to our WONDERFUL GOSSIPING!’He’s used to eating out with glamorous showbiz friends (including BFF Joan Collins) and has won both Celebrity Come Dine With Me in 2009 - when he served shopbought trout mousse - and I’m A Celebrity! in 2007 - when he ate “absolutely vile” kangaroo bits - as well as making it through to the semi-finals of Celebrity MasterChef in 2014. So we’re rating Biggins’ chances as he takes part in the fourth series of Cooking With The Stars… What did you want to get out of this show? Really, one of the pleasures was working with (chef) Rosemary Shrager; we’ve become really close friends. I mean, we’re very similar. We’re large. We’ve got a lot of laughter in our lives. And we like cooking. I’d met her before when…4 min
