Search Results

In today's digital age, online dating has become increasingly popular. With the swipe of a finger or the click of a button, we can now connect with potential partners from all corners of the world. While online dating offers convenience and a wide range of options, it's important to be aware of red flags that may indicate potential dangers. Understanding these warning signs can help you navigate the online dating landscape while prioritizing your safety and well-being. Red flags to look out for when navigating online dating sites One of the most significant red flags to watch out for is inconsistent or evasive behavior. If someone you're talking to online seems to be inconsistent with their responses or avoids answering direct questions, this may be a sign of deceit. Pay attention to any discrepancies in their stories, as this could indicate that they're not being truthful about their identity or intentions. Another red flag to be aware of is an overly aggressive or demanding attitude. If someone you've just met through an online dating site starts pressuring you for personal information, intimate photos, or financial assistance, it's crucial to take a step back. Respectful individuals understand the importance of boundaries and will not rush or manipulate you into sharing personal details before you're ready. Additionally, be cautious of individuals who avoid meeting face-to-face after an extended period of communication. While it's understandable that some people may prefer to take things slowly, an excessive delay in meeting in person could indicate that the person is not genuine or might be hiding something. Trust your instincts and prioritize your safety when deciding to meet someone offline. A lack of transparency is another red flag to watch out for. If someone you're communicating with online refuses to provide clear and recent photos or avoids video calls, it's essential to question their authenticity. Catfishing, where someone pretends to be someone they're not, is unfortunately prevalent in the online dating world. Always request recent photos and, if possible, engage in video calls to ensure you're interacting with a real person. Pay attention to language patterns and grammar as well. While it's not fair to judge someone solely based on their writing skills, irregular grammar, excessive spelling mistakes, or an unusual style of communication may be red flags. This could be an indicator that the person is not who they claim to be or that they're using a fake profile. Lastly, be cautious of anyone who tries to rush into a relationship or shows signs of emotionally manipulative behaviour. Healthy relationships take time to develop and should be built on mutual trust and respect. If someone is pushing for an exclusive commitment early on or displaying controlling behaviour, it's crucial to reassess the situation and protect your emotional well-being. Online dating sites provide a vast pool of potential partners, but it's essential to approach them with caution and be aware of red flags that may indicate potential dangers. By paying attention to inconsistent behaviour, aggressive attitudes, reluctance to meet in person, lack of transparency, irregular language patterns, and rushing into a relationship, you can navigate the online dating world safely. Trust your instincts, set boundaries, and prioritise your safety as you embark on your digital dating journey. There are several popular online dating websites in the UK. Here’s a few to you started: • Match: One of the most well-known dating platforms, Match has a large user base and offers various features to help you connect with potential matches. • eHarmony: Known for its compatibility matching system, eHarmony focuses on finding long-term relationships. They use a detailed questionnaire to match you with compatible individuals. • Tinder: A popular app-based dating platform, Tinder allows you to swipe right or left to indicate your interest in someone. It's known for its casual and fun approach to dating. • Bumble: Similar to Tinder, Bumble also uses a swiping system, but with a twist. Women make the first move on Bumble, giving them more control over the conversations. • EliteSingles: If you're looking for educated and professional singles, EliteSingles might be a good choice. It aims to connect individuals with similar ambitions and lifestyles. Remember, it's important to research and choose the platform that aligns with your dating preferences and goals. Happy dating and stay safe! Did you enjoy this article? Why not join the Two Women Chatting mailing list for regular updates. Please visit our Midlife Library resources page which has a collection of useful links from 3rd party websites and content. Listen to the Two Women Chatting podcast with Sami Wunder who gives some sound advice on dating in midlife

By the time you get to your midlife, you are entering some of the most fabulous decades of your life! At this stage, you have a high level of intuition cultivated through life experience. If you find yourself single at this time of your life, you should not be willing to settle for anything less than the love and respect you deserve in your relationships. With your heightened intuition and confidence, it's time to delve into the world of midlife dating with leading international dating and relationship coach Sami Wunder, who has helped thousands of women to attract healthy partnerships. In this blog Sami sprinkles some top-notch dating tips for women in their midlife. Sami’s best dating tips for women in their midlife, compiled after coaching thousands of women across 90 countries of the globe, on how you can attract a healthy, loving relationship. Midlife Dating Tip #1: The Art of Discernment In the dating realm, discernment is your secret weapon. It's about realizing that perfection doesn't exist, but red flags certainly do. Sami wants you to keep an eagle eye out for potential deal breakers, such as: Temper Troubles: If he's got a fuse shorter than a sparkler, it might be time to reconsider. Workaholic Alert: A man consumed by work may not have room for a relationship, and you deserve someone who prioritizes you. Priority Puzzles: If he can't make space for you in his schedule, it's time to wave that red flag high. In midlife, your standards evolve. It's not just about avoiding blatantly disrespectful or abusive men; it's also about seeking someone who genuinely has the capacity to be there for you. Remember, emotional unavailability is a massive red flag. Being attractive and intelligent is just the tip of the iceberg; you need someone who's willing to make you a priority. Discernment empowers you to make wise choices and not rush into a relationship without due consideration. Midlife Dating Tip #2: Slow and Steady Wins the Race Picture this: you're basking in the glow of an exciting connection, and the temptation to leap into exclusivity is strong. But hold on! Sami's advice for midlife dating is to take your time. Rushing into exclusivity might lead to surprises down the road as hidden facets of your partner's personality emerge. It's crucial to go slow and ensure that your values align, that you're on the same page regarding your goals, and that you share a fundamental compatibility. Emotional availability and effort count for a lot. Don't let physical attraction be the sole driver of exclusivity; give the relationship time to unfold organically. Midlife Dating Tip #3: Boundaries - Your Secret Superpower Wave “good-bye” to the days of being the "good girl" who stifles her needs and feelings to gain approval from men. Your 30s, 40s and 50s are all about standing tall and proud, embracing your needs, and expressing your desires. Draw boundaries like a diva, and don’t hesitate to ask for what you want and firmly say "no" to what you don't. You can communicate your boundaries with love and respect and still refuse to compromise on what's essential to you. A man worth your time will honour and respect your boundaries, needs, and desires. Armed with discernment, a patient heart, and unwavering boundaries, you're poised to navigate the world of midlife dating with grace and confidence. Embrace your fabulous self and discover the magic of love that transcends age. The best is yet to come! Sami Wunder is a leading international dating and relationship coach who specializes in helping high-achieving women attract and keep romantic love. Her expertise has been featured in media outlets including Forbes, Glamour, TIME, Marie Claire, Business Insider, and the BBC. Ready to dive even deeper into the world of midlife dating and relationships and follow her step by step, proven process to help you attract the ONE? Sign up for a free masterclass where Sami unveils the 5 signs a man is a keeper from the very first interaction - and will ensure you never miss the relationship red flags again! Take a listen to Liz & Michelle chatting with Sami Visit our Midlife Library Resources which has a collection of useful links from 3rd party websites and content and more tips for empty nesters. Did you enjoy this article? Why not join the Two Women Chatting mailing list for regular updates.

Breast health is not only essential for physical well-being but also has profound emotional and psychological implications for women worldwide. Dr Nyjon Eccles, one of the UK's leading Integrated Medicine Physicians, emphasizes the critical role of early detection in safeguarding breast health. As a pioneer in Medical Infrared Thermal Imaging, he champions the potential of Thermocheck® for non-invasive early breast cancer detection. Prioritizing Prevention Over Cure The age-old adage, "Prevention is better than cure," couldn't be more relevant in the context of breast health. Breast-related concerns, particularly breast cancer, have shown alarming increases in recent years. Early detection can make a substantial difference in diagnosis outcomes. Detecting potential issues at their earliest stages significantly improves the chances of successful treatment and recovery, making breast scanning a crucial component of proactive health management. The Importance and Crucial Role of Breast Scanning Breast scanning takes a proactive approach to monitor and assess breast tissue health. While mammography has been the gold standard for breast cancer, its limitations and discomfort have led experts like Dr Eccles to explore innovative alternatives. Thermocheck®: A Leap in Early Detection One such ground-breaking alternative is Thermocheck® breast thermography. Unlike mammography, Thermocheck® is non-invasive, utilizing thermal imaging to detect subtle changes in temperature and blood flow within breast tissue. These changes can indicate abnormal cell growth or developing issues within the breast. What sets Thermocheck® apart is its remarkable ability to detect these changes up to 10 years earlier than traditional mammography. In essence, Thermocheck® serves as an early warning system for breast health. It's a safe, painless procedure without the exposure to ionizing radiation, addressing a major concern associated with mammography. Detecting changes at such an early stage empowers women to take proactive measures to prevent breast cancer development or address other concerns in their early stages. Remember that the power to prevent is within your reach, and regular scanning is the key to a healthier, happier future. With experts like Dr Eccles leading the way, we can envision a future where breast health is better understood, and early intervention becomes the cornerstone of breast-related healthcare. It's not just a matter of hope; it's a matter of informed action. Your breast health is worth it. This article is a promotional advertorial by Dr Nyjon Eccles, one of the UK's leading Integrated Medicine Physicians. For more information on Dr Eccles and Thermocheck® visit The Natural Doctor website. Did you enjoy this article? Why not join the Two Women Chatting mailing list for regular updates. Please visit our resources page which has a collection of useful links from 3rd party websites and content. We only share links to products we would use ourselves and all opinions are our own. You can read the full disclaimer here.

In the last blog we asked you to work out your ‘why’, your ‘what’ and your appetite for risk. In this and the next few editions we’ll explore what your answers might mean. See if you recognise yourself in the various persona’s we describe. Today we introduce - the enthusiastic hobbyist The enthusiastic hobbyist has a deep interest and love for their hobby and wishes to earn an income from it (their ‘why’). They also want to jump in with both feet to do it, keen to learn new skills (their ‘what’), but are clear that it is still a hobby, and are only willing to commit a small sum to the business (their appetite to risk). So how should the enthusiastic hobbyist proceed to start a business? The key here is that the business remains a hobby. Market forces might dictate that more profit will lie in moving away from making necklaces (for example) towards making earrings, but if making necklaces is your passion (your ‘why’), then you must accept that the normal business rationale (to maximise profits) will not always win out and act accordingly. The appetite to risk (low) dictates that you only spend money on critical things, and where there is no reasonable alternative. Free/low-cost online services and tools are your friends (more on these in a later episode) and your ‘what’ suggests that you’ll enjoy learning how to use them, be it building a website, writing Blogs, getting to grips with accountancy software or mastering Canva. Your most likely expense apart from stock (if you have a physical product) is customer acquisition – money spent marketing to and winning new customers (see below). Growth of such a business is going to be fairly slow because the enthusiastic hobbyist won’t spend any more money (in stock or customer acquisition) than they’re willing to invest at any one point in time. Any growth for such a business will be truly organic in nature. Limited company versus sole trader for the enthusiastic hobbyist? If you don’t intend to go into debt (including trade debt – money owed to suppliers), there’s no absolute need for the enthusiastic hobbyist to create a limited company (which would limit your liability to the amount you invested in the company). Operating as a sole trader is simpler and easier to operate, though you do miss out on certain tax efficiencies that apply to limited companies. The enthusiastic hobbyist is unlikely to make the kind of sums where this becomes a significant concern, but if they do, you can always choose to incorporate it later. Even if you don’t incorporate, it’s still worth creating a trading name – something easy to remember that encapsulates what you do / who you are. There are all sorts of traps and dangers when creating a name/brand and this is something we’ll cover in more detail later. Finding customers Finally, you're going to need a customer acquisition strategy, which is a fancy way of saying you need to find customers willing to buy your product or service. As the enthusiastic hobbyist already has an existing (and possibly) long-held interest, the chances are that they are already connected with other people with similar interests, either directly (people they know) or indirectly (online groups they are part of). These are your best first stop for customers and referrals – you are already connected to them, they understand and get your ‘why’ and are very low cost to reach. Generally, local events and referrals will be where most of your business comes from unless you are willing to stretch your appetite to risk and pay more for marketing. In a later post we’ll discuss some of the detail we’ve introduced here, but in the next one we will introduce you to the 'Reluctant Entrepreneur'. If you can’t wait to know more about how to start a business, please drop a note to the author, Colin Hall, Founder of bizplansuk.com a business planning consultancy, specialising in helping small and medium businesses plan for growth Visit the Two Women Chatting Midlife Library of Resources which has a collection of useful links from 3rd party websites and content. Did you enjoy this article? Why not join the Two Women Chatting mailing list for regular updates.

If like me, you’ve experienced some unwelcome weight gain around the menopause years, and you’re finding it hard to shift, don’t despair – it’s not impossible! Many women gain weight as they age, but extra pounds aren't inevitable and with the help of a healthy diet and a few lifestyle changes, we can all enjoy a happier, healthier, and slimmer, future – both during and after the menopause years! As we get older, most of us notice that staying at our usual weight becomes harder. It's common to start noticing weight gain a few years before menopause, during the time known as perimenopause and the weight gain commonly continues at about the rate of 1.5lbs each year as we go through our 50s. But you may be able to minimize it by paying attention to healthy eating habits and leading a more active lifestyle. What causes menopause weight gain? The hormonal changes of menopause tend to make it more likely we’ll gain weight around the middle part of our bodies, rather than the hips and thighs. But, contrary to popular belief hormonal changes alone don't necessarily cause weight gain. Instead, it's usually related to ageing, as well as lifestyle and genetic factors. For example, muscle mass typically goes down with age, while fat tends to increase. Losing muscle mass slows the rate at which the body uses calories – in other words our Basal Metabolic Rate (BMI) declines. This process can make it more difficult to stay at a healthy weight and if you continue to eat as you always have (and don't do more physical activity), you're likely to gain weight. Most of us become less active as we age. Paying attention to our activity and trying to move more may help us maintain a healthy weight. Genetic factors also might play a role in weight gain around menopause. If your parents or other close relatives carry extra weight around the abdomen, you probably will too. Other factors, such as eating too much, or eating a diet that isn't healthy and not getting enough sleep, might contribute to menopause weight gain. When we don't get enough sleep, we tend to snack more and eat and drink more calories. How risky is this weight gain? Menopause weight gain can have serious effects on our health. Extra weight, especially around your midsection, increases our risk of many health issues, including: · Cardiovascular disease · Type 2 diabetes · Aches and pains in our joints · Mental health and confidence issues Extra weight also raises your risk of some kinds of cancer, including breast, colon and endometrial cancers. What's the best way to prevent menopause weight gain? There's no magic formula for preventing — or reversing — menopause weight gain. But sticking to weight-control basics can help: · Eat less. To keep your current weight, you might need about 200 fewer calories a day during your 50s than you did during your 30s and 40s. Losing weight might mean taking in even fewer calories. At Jane Plan we recommend a calorie intake of c 1200 calories a day for a healthy weight loss of 1-2lbs a week and our menus are designed to deliver exactly that! To get fewer calories without skimping on nutrition, pay attention to what you're eating and drinking. Choose more fruits, vegetables and whole grains, especially those that are less processed and contain more fibre. In general, a plant-based diet is healthier than other options. Legumes, nuts, soy, fish and low-fat dairy products are good choices. Eat meat in limited quantities. And lower your intake of saturated fat. · Check your sweet tooth. Added sugars can account for nearly 300 calories a day in the average diet. About half of these calories come from sugar-sweetened beverages, such as soft drinks, juices, energy drinks, flavoured waters, and sweetened coffee and tea. And even if you are not eating or drinking these items – you may well be drinking wine, or other alcoholic drinks, which tend to be high in sugar. · Limit alcohol. Alcoholic drinks add extra calories to your diet and raise the risk of gaining weight. In fact, alcohol contains 7 calories per gram, and if you compare that to fat, which contains 9 calories per gram, you can easily see why a daily wone habit can really harm our waistlines. Not to mention the fact that willpower is soluble in alcohol. · Seek support. Surround yourself with friends and loved ones who support your efforts to eat a healthy diet and increase your physical activity. Better yet, team up and make the lifestyle changes together. At Jane Plan we have a team of dedicated nutritionists to support you, so if you don’t have anyone in your own circle who can play that role – then we can. And with the added benefit of the fact that we really know what we’re talking about!! · Move more. You heard it here – you hear it everywhere, but the reality is exercise only contributes c 20% to your weight loss journey – the other 80% is all about what and how much you eat. But moving brings all sorts of other benefits! Physical activity, including aerobic exercise and strength training, may help you lose extra pounds and stay at a healthy weight. As you gain muscle, your body burns calories better, which makes it easier to control your weight. Find time to take care of yourself. Activities that you enjoy doing can help you get exercise. This can include gardening, yoga or other active hobbies. Moving more also may help you sleep better. That can make it easier to exercise more. Does hormone therapy help to lessen weight gain? Hormone therapy usually is used to help with hot flushes that affect quality of life. This treatment also may help redistribute the fat that accumulates around the centre of your body or abdomen. That type of fat is called visceral fat. And hormone therapy may help you manage your weight by improving sleep, which can lead to healthier lifestyle changes. Remember, gaining weight during menopause is common, so embracing the changes to your body that come with menopause can help your mental health. But you may be able to ease weight gain by changing your diet and exercise habits. Commit to lifestyle changes and enjoy a healthier you. ‘I know all too well how depressing weight gain can be during the menopause years, but with the right help, it is perfectly possible to prevent weight gain, and in the event, you do gain weight, don’t worry, I also know it can be reversed.' Jane Jane Michell is Founder of Jane Plan the UK's leading weight management system. Save £50 using code TWC50 when you sign up for Jane Plan. Note: This post contains some affiliate links. This means that we may earn a small commission when you click on such links, at no additional cost to you. We only share links to products we would use ourselves and all opinions are our own. You can read the full disclaimer here. We only share links to products we would use ourselves and all opinions are our own. Please visit our Midlife Library of Resources which has a collection of useful links from 3rd party websites and content. Did you enjoy this article? Why not join the Two Women Chatting mailing list for regular updates.

It's not just hot flushes! Menopause and perimenopause symptoms can have a big impact on your daily life, including relationships, social life, family life, and work. The signs and symptoms, including changes in menstruation, vary greatly among women. SYMPTOMS It is thought that there are 35 common symptoms or more of the menopause including: Hot flushes and night sweats Fatigue Dizziness Loss of libido Mood swings Irritability Hair loss Weight gain Palpitations Bloating Headaches Tinnitus Bladder weakness Memory lapses Irregular periods Itchy skin Nausea Joint pain Anxiety Brittle nails Digestive problems Incontinence Low mood Cystitis Vaginal dryness Difficulty concentrating Osteoporosis Emotional changes Depression Insomnia Aching muscles Tender breasts Heavy periods Skin changes Panic attacks Women will experience different symptoms. Download this useful Menopause Symptoms Checker Tracker created by Rock My Menopause a campaign of the Primary Care Women’s Health Forum (PCWHF), a group of 10,000 healthcare professionals with a special interest in women’s health. Please visit our Midlife Library resources page which has a collection of useful links from 3rd party websites and content. We chatted (and laughed) with Emma Skeates, probably known better as The Menopausal Mayhem Mothers about surviving the menopause. Listen here And to learn more about the menopause listen to our episodes on The Menopause Part 1 &2.

Helen Wills, mum transformation coach, blogger and podcast host of Teenage Kicks gives us her top tips for when the kids fly the nest. As parents, saying goodbye to our children as they leave home can be one of the most bittersweet moments of our lives. When our kids are gone, it can be difficult to cope with the resulting empty nest syndrome. To help ease the transition, here are 10 tips for coping with empty nest syndrome that can help you adjust and find a new normal. 10 Tips for coping with empty nest syndrome Join a support group Get a pet Volunteer Redecorate your home Take up a new hobby Keep up to date with their favourite TV shows Go on a trip Spend time with friends and family Seek professional help Give yourself time Join a support group If you’re feeling overwhelmed with the emotion of your kids leaving home, it can be incredibly helpful to find a support group. Joining a group of like-minded people provides a safe place to talk openly and honestly about the difficulties of adult children leaving home. It also gives you the opportunity to connect with other parents who may have gone through or are going through similar experiences. A support group can help you to feel less isolated and remind you that you are not alone in your struggles, which is sometimes all we need to start to feel better. Whether you choose to meet in person or join an online community, having a support system can provide a source of comfort and understanding, as well as a safe space to discuss how you are feeling without judgement. They help you work through any emotions that may arise, such as sadness, guilt, or worry. A support group can also provide valuable advice and tips on how to cope with these feelings and make the most of this new stage of life. Get a pet If you’re feeling the pain of your kids leaving home, why not replace them with a pet? That’s right, swap out your adult children with a furry friend to fill the void. Nothing can replace the love and companionship of your kids but getting a pet is one way to deal with the loneliness that comes with them leaving home. From cats to dogs, bunnies to birds, you can find an animal that fits into your life and your home. While having a pet won’t completely erase the sadness you feel when your kids leave home, it can certainly provide some comfort and joy during this difficult transition. Volunteer Volunteering is a great way to cope with empty nest syndrome when your kids leave home. Giving back to your community and taking your mind off of the fact that your adult children are gone can be incredibly therapeutic. Not only that, but it also helps you stay connected with the outside world and build relationships with others. When it comes to finding a volunteer opportunity, there are many places that need your help! Consider volunteering at a local animal shelter, community centre, school, library, hospital, or even the food bank. If your adult children have moved away, you could even look into volunteering opportunities near where they live so that you can visit them while doing something meaningful. Redecorate your home If you’re feeling like your home has become an empty shell after the kids have left, why not give it a fresh look? You can finally get rid of all the dirty handprints on the walls and replace your sofa, safe in the knowledge that it won’t be covered in breakfast cereal the minute your back is turned. Redecorating can be a great way to make yourself feel productive and take your mind off your adult children leaving home. The physical work serves as a great distraction from all the emotions you’re feeling, and it’s easy to while away empty hours down the rabbit hole that is a Pinterest inspiration board. Take the time to make these decisions meaningful and special. Who knows? You might gain your children’s approval on their return. Take up a new hobby One of the best ways to cope with empty nest syndrome when your adult children leave home is to take up a new hobby. This can be anything from learning a musical instrument to writing poetry, gardening or joining a club. The key is to find something that you can enjoy and that can take your mind off the fact that your kids are no longer living with you. For some fun hobbies, you could try doing activities like yoga, dancing, bird-watching, cooking classes, painting, camping, fishing, wine tasting, photography or joining a local sports team. You could even start a YouTube channel if you’re feeling particularly creative. Whatever you choose, it’s important to find something that makes you happy and that you can do by yourself or with friends and family. Taking up a new hobby can also be a great way to stay connected with your adult children once they’ve left home. You can share your passion with them or even join in on their own new adventures! Keep up to date with their favourite TV shows When your adult children are leaving home, it can be difficult to stay in touch. It’s especially hard when they’re in a different city or country. One way you can keep the connection alive is by watching the same TV shows. Stay in touch with our adult children online Maybe your kids love to watch Love Island or Drag Race. Set aside some time each week to watch the show together and you can talk about it on Twitter or WhatsApp, or chat on FaceTime while you watch. It’ll help you both feel like you’re still part of each other’s lives even though you’re not together. You could also schedule movie nights or bingo games with friends and family, like we did during lockdown. Host a Zoom call and watch a movie together, and have a chat about it afterwards. Doing this can help you both stay connected and give you something to look forward to each week. Having a shared activity like watching a favourite show can help ease the loneliness of your kids leaving home. You can laugh together, stay up to date with each other’s lives, and keep the bond strong despite the distance. Go on a trip Taking a break from your everyday routine can be a great way to cope with the emotion of your adult children leaving home. Planning a trip – even if it’s just a few days away – can give you an opportunity to reset and get away from your thoughts about your kids leaving home. Taking a solo trip is an especially great way to reconnect with yourself and give yourself space for healing and reflection. If you’d like to spend some time with friends or family, a group trip can be a great way to get out of town and try something new. Trips don’t have to be expensive – even just a weekend camping trip or road trip can give you a change of scenery and help you find ways to cope with the emotions of your kids leaving home. Spend time with friends and family As your adult children are leaving home, it can be difficult to adjust to the new reality. One of the most important things you can do to cope with empty nest syndrome is to spend time with your friends and family. Spending quality time with the people who know and care about you can help make the transition easier. Not only can it help take your mind off the sadness of your kids leaving home, but it can also be a source of emotional support and comfort. Whether it’s regular lunches with friends or weekend gatherings with family, give yourself permission to take a break from your worries and enjoy the company of those around you. Having meaningful conversations with people who understand what you’re going through can make all the difference during this challenging time. Seek professional help Empty nest syndrome is a very real and difficult thing to cope with after your kids leave home. If you’re struggling with the transition and feeling overwhelmed, seeking professional help can be beneficial. Some of the types of professional help you could look into are counselling to help with feelings of grief and loss, massage therapy for self-care, or even reiki to get in touch with your spiritual side and connect with yourself. Talking to a professional about your feelings can provide clarity and understanding, so don’t hesitate to reach out for help if you need it. Give yourself time When your kids leave home, it can be a difficult transition for parents. It’s natural to feel a sense of sadness and emptiness after your adult children move out. But it’s also important to remember that this is just part of life, and that it doesn’t mean you’ll never see them again. One of the best things you can do to help yourself cope with empty nest syndrome is to give yourself time. Take time to process the emotions that come up when your kids leave home. Take the time to reflect on your relationship with them and the experiences you’ve shared together. Remind yourself that your relationship with your children has evolved and that it will continue to change as they grow into adulthood, possibly even growing stronger as they move into their own adult lives. It’s also important to give yourself permission to grieve the loss of having your children at home. Allow yourself to take some time off from work or other obligations if necessary in order to really experience your emotions. It’s okay to take some time off from regular activities and devote some energy to adjusting to this new stage in life. Spending time alone with your thoughts or engaging in activities that bring you joy can be beneficial during this transition period. So, don’t be afraid to give yourself some time and space in order to process the feelings that come up when your kids leave home. Finally, remember that this is what you’ve been building up to since the day they were born. It’s natural, and it’s what you wanted for your children. Whilst it can feel hard to adjust once they’ve flown the nest, take pride in the knowledge that you did this. You created an amazing adult who’s living the life you helped them to build. And that’s something special to hold onto. Listen to our Two Women Chatting podcast where we chat with Helen Wills of Teenage Kicks and Actually Mummy Did you enjoy this article? Why not join the Two Women Chatting mailing list for regular updates. Read our blog on Embrace the Empty Nest for more tips for when your kids leave home. Visit our resources page which has a collection of useful links from 3rd party websites and content and more tips for empty nesters.

This is such an easy and delicious dish to serve to friends and family on a hot summer's day. It takes just a few minutes to prepare and cook. Serve with some crispy bread and beverage of your choice. Ingredients 5 tbsp olive oil 4 garlic cloves finely chopped 4 Spring onions finely chopped Half a red chilli finely chopped (or whole if you prefer it hot) 350g raw giant king prawns (head & tail left on) Sea salt Handful of mint leaves (finely chopped) 1/4 tsp of allspice Method Heat the olive oil in a frying pan over a high heat Add the chopped garlic cloves, spring onions and chilli and stir fry for a minute Add the prawns and a pinch of salt Cook for one to two minutes each side until the prawns are coral pink and cooked through. Keep shaking the pan so the other ingredients don't burn turning regularly Scatter the mint leaves and allspice into the pan and mix well Tip onto a serving dish and serve immediately Serves 2 as a main or 4 as a starter. Credit: Recipe and images from Saffron in the Souks by John Gregory-Smith Note: This post contains some affiliate links. This means that we may earn a small commission when you click on such links, at no additional cost to you. We only share links to products we would use ourselves and all opinions are our own. You can read the full disclaimer here.

There have been numerous reports on the health benefits linked to taking collagen consumption with demand expected to rise by 6.4% annually globally The problem is that there are so many choices out there it is difficult to differentiate between fake and genuine collagen fake collagen. Fake collagen products can contain harmful additives or fillers, even heavy metals and bacteria and can cause allergic reactions, digestive problems, and other health issues. The additives can be a health risk but may also reduce the effectiveness of the collagen, negating any potential benefits. Worse still they might not actually contain collagen or may contain very low levels of it which means that you won’t experience the benefits associated with collagen supplementation. So how can you assess whether your collagen product is genuine? Brand reputation: Unfortunately, many brands do not disclose the full ingredient list. This happens most often when a premium is being charged for something pure, but it has been diluted with filling agents. It is not easy to navigate this as brands will not share their manufacturing methods however there is nothing stopping you contacting the brand and asking them for certification from their suppliers. Ingredients: Genuine collagen products should only contain collagen, but they often have additional ingredients such as vitamins and minerals which are beneficial. Avoid products that have long ingredient lists with hard-to-pronounce chemicals. Carefully check the list of ingredients on the packaging. Dosage: Research has indicated that adults can safely consume between 2.5 to 15 grams of collagen per day. So if a product label is telling you to take more per day this can be a clear indication of whether a brand has bulked up their collagen with fillers or other bulking agents. Price: High-quality collagen is expensive to produce, so if the price seems too good to be true, it probably is. Be cautious of collagen products that are priced too low but having said that don't assume that expensive collagen products are always genuine. Molecular Weight: One of the very best ways to test if a collagen is superior is to check the molecular weight of the product. Almost all collagen producing brands will not have this on their label or in their marketing literature. If you are serious about quality, you can request the molecular weight (measured in Daltons) directly from the brand. The lower the weight the higher the quality. 2000Da is the highest weight to look for so anything under this is excellent quality. Anything higher than 2000Da will mean less absorption and more work for your body to assimilate and produce its own collagen. Liz and Michelle hosts of the podcast Two Women Chatting are no experts but we both take Kollo the UK's leading liquid marine collagen and really have noticed the benefits on our skin and joints. If you would like to learn more about the benefits of collagen listen to Collagen to 5 K where Liz & Michelle chat with Jenni Falconer, Smooth FM breakfast show presenter, host of RunPod and co-founder of Kollo Health. Use the this link https://myrefl.ink/v/AB72BA6 to receive a 30% discount for Kollo Health collagen. Visit our resources page which has a collection of useful links from 3rd party websites and content. Did you enjoy this article? Why not join the Two Women Chatting mailing list for regular updates. Note: This post contains some affiliate links. This means that we may earn a small commission when you click on such links, at no additional cost to you. purchases. We only share links to products we would use ourselves and all opinions are our own. You can read the full disclaimer here.

Having had a bit of a drought wedding invitation-wise over the past years the invitations have started trickling in as nieces, nephews and friends’ children are starting to settle down. Which is wonderful but what do you wear to a wedding when you are in your 50's? Both of us have memories of aunts wearing frumpy dresses, bolero jackets, oversized hats and sensible shoes and are determined to avoid looking like Mrs Bucket and try and to aim more Helen Mirren. To this end we we decided to spend some time researching and here are our tips and suggestions to enjoy being a wedding guest in midlife. Check the wedding invitation for clues Weddings have changed a bit – many are held in private venues including outdoors which can be a challenge in itself so always check the timings and the long-term wedding forecast. If there is no dress code mentioned on the invitation do a bit of detective work. If the wedding is being held at a luxury country house it is probably going to be more formal than a wedding held at a rustic barn so you need to dress accordingly. However, what you do want to do is feel confident in what you wear. Don’t compare yourself with 20 and 30-year-olds - our best advice is to ignore specialist wedding outfitters, and choose a style and shape you love, that flatters you and you will wear again. Wear something special We live in a very casual world, but a wedding is special and an excuse to dress up. An immense amount of time and effort goes into planning to make the day special and so it is important you recognize the need to dress up and it is better to be overdressed than underdressed. For most weddings, a dress is a perfect choice but dressy trousers or a chic jumpsuit are acceptable especially if you don’t feel comfortable showing your legs. Avoid wearing white While there are no formal rules, white is reserved for the bride. Even if the bride is not wearing white, white makes one think of a bride, so stay clear out of respect. If you like wearing lighter colours opt for a pastel and you may also want to check what colour the bridesmaids are wearing. Wear what you feel suits you Both of us are a tad over 5 ft tall and have recently been introduced to floatier dresses by our daughters which make us look on-trend, confident and comfortable. They can be dressed up with elegant jewellery and what better time to bring out your best jewellery than a wedding to complement your outfit. But do avoid low-cut dresses or dresses that are too loud, bright, or busy. You want to look good and stand out, but not in a negative way. Shorter dresses look best when structured, floaty or featuring bold florals. At a recent wedding we both attended some of the best-dressed female guests wore long floor-length dresses or skirts which looked fantastic later on the dance floor. Some of our favourites include Rixo, Thread & Needle , Gina Bacconi and Aspiga. If you don’t want to show off your arms and shoulders wear a wrap or try a jacket dress. Also the wrap will come in handy at the church, in an air-conditioned reception hall or on a patio if the reception is outside. Add a chic silk scarf to hide your neckline Most women over 50 worry about their décolletage so you may choose to wear a dress with a high neck but if you have an ample bosom they can make you look rather top heavy. One solution is to wear an elegant silk scarf. Check out MiaAmorByDaisy who has gorgeous handpainted bespoke silk scarves. Wear stylish shoes Never underestimate the importance of your shoes. They should be stylish and dressy, you can always kick them off when you hit the dance floor- it’s one of the few times you really get a chance to dance. Alternatively, pop a pair of flip-flops in your bag. Should you wear a hat? It's far less common nowadays to wear a hat and unless it is mentioned on the wedding invitation you will find many guests forgo hats and fascinators. Having said that do what makes you feel most comfortable. You could always add a hair accessory to give your look that extra something special. Carry an evening bag Leave your heavy, everyday bag at home and opt for something more elegant. A clutch or small chain handbag is a perfect choice for the occasion. Consider renting an outfit or buying second hand There are numerous websites that sell pre-loved designer clothes such as Sellier and Vestiare and there are an increasing number of companies offering designer clothing to rent, so you can wear something truly special with less waste. Check out Selfridges Rental, By Rotation and Girl Meets Dress. Final thoughts Always consider emotional comfort, too. Don’t suddenly abandon your personal style. If you never wear dresses don't start now just because you think you ought to for a wedding. There are plenty of jumpsuits, trouser suits and other separates that will look utterly chic. You want to enjoy the day as much as the bride and groom. Listen to the Two Women Chatting podcast where we chat with Patsy Dhir about 'Dressing for Summer Occasions' in midlife. Other great brands for Summer are Ridley & Sophia Alexia (to receive 15% discount quote PATSY15) Please visit our resources page which has a collection of useful links from 3rd party websites and content. Did you enjoy this article? Why not join the Two Women Chatting mailing list for regular updates. Note: This post contains some affiliate links. This means that we may earn a small commission when you click on such links, at no additional cost to you. We only share links to products we would use ourselves and all opinions are our own. You can read the full disclaimer here.

Liz and her husband were reluctant to go camping after their childhood holiday experiences but at a family get-together they were talked into a weekend under canvas. So what did they learn from their weekend in the wild? Oh it seemed such a wonderful idea when we were all sat snug and warm around the dinner table at Christmas – a weekend camping and fishing with the whole family including a 3 and 5-year-old. My husband and I are not even fair weather campers remembering days camping in windswept rain sodden fields in Cornwall much preferring the comforts of a five star hotel with a beach, cocktail bar and balmy weather. What were we thinking? But our eldest son lives on the West Coast of the USA, Washington State where they regularly pop to the woods at the weekend to enjoy the great outdoors. So on our latest visit we had this ‘adventure’ to look forward to. The weekend arrived and hubby popped out to purchase his contribution to the trip – a rather large amount of wine and a YETI which we soon discovered was without a doubt the best investment ever. It was going to be our wine cooler for the trip promising to keep anything ice cool for 3 days - I would like to say I can vouch for that but after two days it was empty (but the ice was still there). So after packing the SUV’s with just about everything you would need for a month away and dressed in distinctly different outfits (we hail from the 'just add another layer generation' whilst the rest had the appropriate outdoor clothing ) we drove what could be no more than 40 miles. Things were looking up – we could always nip back to the comfort of the house. But no we had agreed to go ‘gramping’ as it became known and would survive the weekend outdoors. Oh how camping has changed? Easy assembly pop up tents, inflatable beds, comfy chairs with cup holders, elegant plastic wine glasses, lightweight rechargeable lanterns and torches with solar power packs and sturdy rain canopies. However, our family still wanted to experience the authentic side of camping and this included starting a fire with tinder and flints. So we settled back in our comfortable chairs with our chilled rose and watched the entertainment commence. It was enjoyable to watch and certainly brought out the competitive side of the whole family. The little ones were sent to collect small sticks and leaves and to be fair within 30 minutes there was an impressive roaring fire. Dinner consisted of beautifully cooked steaks (no charred bits), rice and salad washed down with a delicious Oregon Pinot Noir. The washing up was done in the river and after we played card games and recounted numerous stories. In due course, we trotted off to bed feeling very relaxed thinking perhaps camping was not so bad after all. However, as we reached the tent our son handed me an aerosol casually saying it was a bear deterrent spray just in case I needed to pop to ‘The Black Hole’ during the night. Just in case? I’m well over 50, our tent was pitched next to a fast-flowing river and I have what can only be described as an overactive bladder. So in the dead of the night, loo roll in one hand and bear spray in the other I was sprinting at a speed that could easily have put me in contention for an Olympic medal for the loo. I safely made it back to the tent to find my husband blissfully unaware that he had rolled out of the tent - it appears the ideal 'quiet' pitch we had chosen was not as flat as at first sight. Needless to say, I didn’t sleep a wink that night. The following morning whilst chatting with a dad in the next pitch I spotted a shotgun and asked where he planned to go hunting - he laughed and said no it was only for their trips to the latrine at night! But things did improve as that day we went fishing and kayaking and it was an absolute delight to see the little ones’ faces when they helped land a huge salmon which we cooked and ate that evening. We taught them to skim stones, build a camp, played ball, had play fights and enjoyed relaxed conversations with our children and their partners uninterrupted by mobile phones, laptops and televisions. All of us said we couldn’t remember when we last did that all together – to be honest probably never. Would we do it again? Of course we would! Please visit our health resources page which has a collection of useful links from 3rd party websites and content. Did you enjoy this article? Why not join the Two Women Chatting mailing list for regular updates. Note: This post contains some affiliate links. This means that we may earn a small commission when you click on such links, at no additional cost to you. We only share links to products we would use ourselves and all opinions are our own. You can read the full disclaimer here.

Let’s be honest most of us watch the Eurovision Song Contest for the commentary and outrageous costumes. Eurovision is one of television’s great event nights creating a real sense of watch-along community with some terrific pop songs but more often offering jaw-dropping moments when you just cannot believe what you have witnessed on prime-time television. It is a bit like Marmite - you either love it or hate it. If you are a music lover the best part of Eurovision has always been the sharp and acerbic commentary from Graham Norton and the late Terry Wogan and this year there will be additional commentary from singer, actor and television personality Claire Sweeney who will deliver the ‘alternative Scouse’ commentary from her home city Liverpool host of Eurovision 2023 alongside BBC Merseyside talent search winner Paul Quinn. Being massive fans of Eurovision we tracked Claire down at her hairdresser and chatted to her about Eurovision and why since its inception 67 years ago the contest has become one of the most watched television events in the world, with an estimated audience of over 161 million viewers. It even inspired Will Ferrell to write the musical comedy 'The Story of Fire Saga' starring Rachel McAdams, Pierce Brosnan and Dan Stevens and of course the unforgettable song ‘Jaja Ding Dong'. If you’ve not seen it and you’re a Eurovision fan you're in for a real treat We have collated some useful and not-so-useful facts, trivia and some of the most entertaining, scathing and sarcastic remarks from the commentators over the years. When and where is Eurovision 2023? This year’s Eurovision takes place at the 10,000-capacity Liverpool Arena, in the centre of the city, overlooking the River Mersey. The UK is hosting the event on behalf of war-torn Ukraine, who won last year with Stefania, by Kalush Orchestra. There will be two semi-finals, at 8pm on Tuesday 9th May and Thursday 11th May and then the grand final takes place at 8pm on Saturday 13th May. The three live shows will be hosted by the singer Alesha Dixon, the actor Hannah Waddingham (who plays Rebecca in Ted Lasso) and the Ukrainian singer Julia Sanina of the rock band The Hardkiss. Graham Norton joins the live broadcast for the final along with comedian Mel Giedroyc. All three shows will be shown on BBC One. How will the finalists be chosen? 26 acts will be competing in the Eurovision Song Contest Grand Final alongside guest artists including Sam Ryder. The event organizers the European Broadcasting Union have changed the voting format for 2023 and abandoned national juries for the semi-finals and allowing viewers from outside participating countries to vote which illustrates the increasing global appeal of the contest and giving more power to the audience. Who is representing the UK? Mae Muller is representing the UK and we think she is in with a good chance with the song ’ I wrote a song’ – but remember this is the Eurovision Song Contest. The last time the UK won was in 1997 with Katrina & The Waves but the UK is taking the contest much more seriously again after Sam Ryder nearly won last year and restored the nation’s interest in the contest. No more nul points please. Useful (ish) & interesting facts about Eurovision The first contest featured just seven countries, each of whom performed two songs. Eurovision was cancelled for the first time ever in 2020 due to Covid 19 pandemic. ABBA is the most successful Eurovision Song Contest winner. The band won the contest in 1974 for Sweden and has enjoyed phenomenal success ever since, despite splitting up in 1983. In 2015, the Eurovision Song Contest was recognised by the Guinness Book of World Records as the Longest Running Annual TV Music Competition. The most covered Eurovision Song Contest song is Domenico Mudugno‘s Nel Blu Di Pinto Di Blu, also known as ‘Volare’. The song has been covered by famous stars such as Cliff Richard, David Bowie and Dean Martin. The rules surrounding nationality have always been rather lax, and it’s generally down to each country to make it’s own rules. The singers can usually come from anywhere, normally the songwriter(s) have to be native, but not always. Johnny Logan has won the Eurovision Song Contest three times. In 1980 and 1987 he represented Ireland as a performer and won both times, with ‘Hold Me Now’ and ‘What’s Another Year’, in 1992 he wrote Linda Martin’s winning entry ‘Why Me’? Ireland is the most successful country at the contest with seven victories and Sweden have won the contest six times, while Luxembourg, France, the Netherlands and the United Kingdom won five times. All Eurovision songs must be no longer than three minutes. There has long been a large Eurovision fan base in Australia and in 2015 were invited to compete for the first time to commemorate Eurovision’s 60th anniversary. Initially conceived as a one-off contribution Australia is still participating in 2023 year with Voyager Best quotes from Sir Terry Wogan's commentary at Eurovision “It’s supposed to be bad. And the worse it is, the more fun it is.” “They’ve got four languages in Belgium… and they’re singing in an imaginary one. The very essence of Eurovision.” “Spain is next, with a song called ‘Bloody Mary’. That reminds me, I haven’t touched a drop yet.” It's been a wonderful, wonderful evening. I mean, not musically of course, but in terms of spectacle..." “Hold on. Be strong. Just cling to the wreckage. It will be over soon.” (said with 24 out of 25 songs performed. Best quotes (so far) from Graham Norton's commentary at Eurovision “I liked the bit when she stopped the music.” On Slovenia’s 2018 entry, which faked a technical glitch. '"We've got a real range of music tonight... some wonderful vocalists and well, some as flat as Holland." "This has already been streamed 30 million times. I'm reading that because I don't understand it. Maybe it will grow on me, like mould on a bathroom ceiling.' Talking about Italy’s entrance I 2021 which went on and won. “Don’t patronise me Nikolaj. I’m 51, not dead!” (When the 2014 host suggested older viewers may not understand hashtags) ‘Senhit last represented San Marino 10 years ago because, as you know, the country is so small representing the country is a bit like jury duty.' “This year’s theme is celebrating diversity. Let’s see who they’ve chosen to host. Oh. It’s three white men.” “Now it’s time for the flag ceremony. It’s a new tradition. It’s a way of making the show just that little bit longer.” Talking about the opening of the contest in 2018 “OK… That’s three minutes we’ll never get back, but look at it this way: We’ll never have to hear that song again.” commenting on Albania’s 2015 entry. “She says that as if it’s a good thing!” When it was announced there were 14 songs still to go in 2016 ‘Alcohol is Free’. Ironic to sing that in Sweden, where it’s anything else. You have to sell your car to get a pint.” “Goodness. I guess hairdressers haven’t reopened in Serbia.” On Serbia's act in 2021 after Covid Lockdown. “Well this song is Marmite. If everyone hated Marmite.” Commenting on the German entry. Love it or hate it will be watched by millions many with friends and families and to illustrate its attraction to a whole new audience Tik Tok is the official entertainment musical partner. Does that mean it is no longer going to be a parody of trashy, cringe-inducing performances but a serious music show- we certainly hope not. The final of Eurovision 2023 will be on BBC 1 on Saturday 13th May at 8.00pm and the alternative Scouse version with Claire Sweeney and Paul Quinn can be heard live from 20:00 BST on BBC Radio Merseyside, BBC Sounds, BBC iPlayer and the BBC Red Button. Listen to our podcast where we chat with Clare Sweeney about Eurovision, Brookside and her new role in Coronation Street. Visit our resources page which has a collection of useful links from 3rd party websites and content. Did you enjoy this article? Why not join our Two Women Chatting mailing list so you never miss an episode or great offer.