Annika Price, 28, from Didcot, dropped from 16st 10lbs and size 24, to 9st 7lbs and size 8 in just 7 months to surprise husband Jamie, 32. The mother-of-two turned to food as comfort and would spend her evenings eating takeaways in front of the television and snacking on chocolate and biscuits. When Jamie was on his third tour of Afghanistan, Annika decided to lose weight and underwent such a dramatic transformation that Jamie didn't recognise her when he return to the UK. ...read
From pretty pastels to lovely lace: FEMAIL brings you the lowdown on 2014's hottest fashion trends
You may not be familiar with the name Charlotte Simone, but you will certainly know her fans.
IN FEMAIL TODAY...
- Celeb workout DVDs that WILL get you fit Vicky Pattison and Davina lead the way
- Handbags at dawn? Sophia Webster says Nasty Gal copied her £340 clutch
- Ivanka Trump rings in the new year Photo of Joseph and Arabella in bed
- Return of the thong Abbey, Rihanna, Miley and Lady Gaga prove the G-string is back
- Karl before Chanel Lagerfeld sketches from the 1960s reveal designer's promise
- Nice pile of bricks! Downton Abbey fan recreates Crawley family seat in Lego
THIS WEEK WE'RE LOVING...
Click on image for details
For anybody wanting to enjoy world-class cocktails in the comfort of their own home without spending hours with the shaker, PONTOON has created authentic, pure cocktails, handcrafted in small batches using only the finest ingredients - they are the freshest we've tried. Available in two forms, fresh frozen and bottle aged, each cocktail in the PONTOON range is mixed according to bespoke recipes fashioned by a team of bartenders with decades of experience in the art of mixology. Cosmo o'clock!
Looking for a luxurious treat for someone special this Christmas, so they can have feel good pamper sessions all year round? Boots weekly Star Gifts are on hand to get your Christmas list sorted well ahead of the big day. This week, the fabulous The No7 Ultimate Collection is up for grabs. It is an exclusive set of the best No7 beauty must-haves, with a fantastic range of ten products from Protect & Perfect Intense Day Cream to Lash Adapt Mascara, and contains everything you could need to feel truly pampered for the festive season. £32.00(was £65!)
AG Adriano Goldschmied Metallic Absolute Legging £224.82
A festive offering from legendary French perfumer, Frédéric Malle, the Joyeux Noël candle combines Christmassy cinnamon with amber and pine, and comes in a chic red glass jar. A heaven scent way to get the big day off to a beautifully perfumed start. £60, liberty.co.uk RUTH STYLES
Lie back in a warm bath and soothe away the day with Chawtons Aromatherapy mustard soaks. The healing effects of mustard have been appreciated by many cultures over the centuries, The Ancient Greeks, Romans, Europeans and Native Americans have all used mustard for medicinal purposes. A Mustard Bath is a traditional remedy for tired, stressed muscles as mustard is known for its stimulating, cleaning qualities. The mustard helps draw out impurities and warms your muscles, whilst the Essential Oils stimulate and assist in rejuvenating. Many people find a Mustard Bath can stimulate the circulation and can help in clearing sinuses when you have a cold.
£19.99 per tub
Already planning your summer wardrobe? Look no further than Ellie Lines - a talented designer whose sumptuous satin dresses are set to take next season by storm. Using her exclusive prints, her designs wouldn't look out of place in the French Riviera. The best part? Ellie has designed each one with a friend in mind, capturing their spirit and personality to create stunning dresses that real people will enjoy. They retail from £450 - £975 and are stocked in Fleur B, in both their stores and also Club Esher.
BIANCA LONDON
Take rich and vivid images this Christmas with the 16.3 megapixel Samsung Galaxy Smart WiFi 3G Advanced Compact Digital Camera. The 21x optical zoom lens, HD video feature and WiFi connectivity (for super speedy sharing) makes it one of the most advanced digital cameras on the market. The 23 mm wide-angle lens broadens the frame for stunning scene shots of the season's festivities. It costs RRP £299.99 and is available from Currys, John Lewis, Samsung Experience Store and Argos.
The Monica Galetti Experience, held at Cactus studios in south London, enables you to spend a whole day with the MasterChef: The Professionals judge and the Senior Sous Chef at Michel Roux Jnr's Le Gavroche, cooking an exciting three-course menu and, most importantly, eating it afterwards. Lovely Galetti will provide you with excellent tips and kitchen pointers, and don't worry, she won't be as tough on you as she is on telly...
London, £395pp
The Chilli Oil Company is a family-run craft enterprise based in Dorset who are fanatical about things with a bit of kick. Using a unique process to bind various chillies with Spanish olive oil, their range makes all manner of dishes sparkle. From ancho to chipotle, habanero to kashmiri, these guys leave no chilli plant unpicked. Their gift box of three oils is the perfect Christmas present for the adventurous foodie in your life.
Chilli oil gift box set, £17.50
Noble Isle's decadent Fireside collection Fireside features fragrance notes of Grapefruit, Pink Pepper, Black Pepper, Ginger, Oakmoss and Vanilla. The Fireside collection features a Bath & Shower Gel (£20), Body Lotion (£25), Candle & Snuffer (£39) and Fireside Christmas Gift Set - featuring Bath & Shower Gel and Body Lotion (£35).
Available online and from Harvey Nichols, Liberty, Fortnum & Mason and Fenwick
Wrap up warm this winter in a stylish Baukjen coat. You'll be in good company because Kim Kardashian and Alexa Chung own one too. £279.
Bobbi Brown Uptown Classics Palette, £29, QVC
Jude's Dark Chocolate sorbet is the perfect addition to festive puddings this Christmas. Serve with Christmas pudding for an extra indulgent hit with fewer calories than ice cream! For stockists visit judes.co.uk
The English Provender Co. chutneys
MUST READ
Mumbles the penguin travels the world with solider, who sends heart-warming pictures to girlfriend at home
Mark Thompson, 32, takes Mumbles the toy penguin wherever he goes as a Major in the British army, snapping him for girlfriend Meredith, 26. Mark, now a Major, joined the army in 2004, following the footsteps of his father, and has travelled the world for many years on tours of duty. However his work meant being away, sometimes for prolonged periods from his girlfriend Meredith, after the couple got together in 2008.
NEW YEAR DETOX
NEW YEAR DETOX
- Now this deserves attention! Army wife loses EIGHT STONE while husband served in Afghanistan – and he didn't recognise her on his return
- No one said finding The One would be easy: The average women will kiss FIFTEEN men enjoy TWO long-term relationships and have her heart broken TWICE
- Mother-of-six whose touching video of her daughter shaving her head went viral has finished chemotherapy and is starting to grow her hair back
- Towie model slams Tesco over baby milk that was ten MONTHS out of date and made her two-month-old daughter sick
- Don't bother running, ditch dairy - and lift weights: How to burn fat FAST
- Mumbles the stuffed penguin meets relatives in the Falklands, the Massai in Kenya and even pilots a jet: Toy captured in unlikely situations around the globe by soldier for his girlfriend at home
- 'I had an abortion - but I'm STILL pregnant three months later': Teenager, 19, discovers pills failed to work after feeling 'movements' in her stomach
- Now this deserves attention! Army wife loses EIGHT STONE while husband served in Afghanistan – and he didn't recognise her on his return
- Is this the bloody secret to her supermodel looks? Bar Refaeli becomes the latest celeb to try the $1,500 vampire facelift
- Flashback to 1986: The 27-year-old wall calendars that you can start using TODAY
- EXCLUSIVE: Couple who discovered they were expecting in hospital after Boston Marathon bombings welcome a baby daughter
- Is Princess Madeleine expecting a girl? Swedish royal 'reveals gender of her baby' as she shows off seven-month bump in fitted blue lace gown
- Don't bother running, ditch dairy - and lift weights: How to burn fat FAST
- Go on a sex detox this January: Eight simple steps to bedroom salvation
- MOST READ IN DETAIL
FEMAIL BLOGS
CELEBRITY STYLE WATCH...KENDALL JENNER
CELEBRITY STYLE WATCH...KENDALL JENNERKendall Jenner is giving her older sisters a serious run for their money in the style stakes of late. When she stepped out at the AMAs in a head-to-toe white outfit, she firmly cemented her title as the koolest Kardashian. Here's how to get her look for less...
Kool style: Kendall Jenner
The American based clog company Crocs, have announced the launch of a high fashion range of high-heeled pumps and sleek flats designed by Italian Stefano Furiani in an attempt to shed their naff image; but will it work?
Stoney Steve
FOOD BITES: This week's wish list
Click on each image for the full story...
- VIT HIT
- Buy SCRUMMY SPAIN
- POUR INDULGENCE
- Buy SWEET STUFF
- Buy SLURP
- Buy DARK TIPPLE
- COOKIE TIME!
- Buy ADD SOME HEAT
- CHRISTMAS COCKTAILS
- PING PONG
- RISE AND SHINE
- ERGON
- XMAS PASTY
- CAFECITO
- Paul UK
- Fiona Cairns
- Buy AU NATURAL
- FESTIVE TIPPLE
- Buy HEALTHY HAUNT
- Buy FRIDAY FIZZ
- Buy FINE CHOC
- BURGER & LOBSTER
- ZINGY CHOC
- VIT HIT
- Buy SCRUMMY SPAIN
A UK company with Spanish soul, Flavour Club is an online delivery service bringing the taste of Espana direct to your door every month.Each month, the package contains a wine, selected as an introduction to a different region of Spains wine growing areas, alongside four full sized accompanying products such as sauces, meats and nibbles to enjoy and share with friends and family. Maria Marcos Fernandez, is the woman behind the new service. Originally from Spain and now based in London, Maria is passionate about showing off the best food and drink from her home country. Her family back in Spain helps her to pick out new and exciting products to include every month.
£48 per month, with discounts for long-term sign-ups
'Tis the season to overindulge so why not truly make your pudding a deliciously guilty pleasure with Bailey's limited edition pouring cream. Original Sauce and Extra Thick cream featuring Bailey's Irish cream are also on shelves this Christmas. RRP for pouring cream £2.35
Mammy Jamia's lovely, award-winning conserves will add sparkle to any breakfast. We're particularly fond of pear and greengage, but there's also fig, plum, rhubarb, apple, quince and ginger to try. Hurry!
The preserves are stocked in Waitrose, Ocado, Tesco and Booths and cost £2.39 for a 340g jar.
SaVse Super Green, £2.49, Planet Organic, Whole Foods
Whitley Neill Gin has previously claimed the title of World's Best Gin at the International Wines and Spirits Awards, and has now formed the basis of the World's Best Gin Martini at martini-haven, Dukes Bar. Perfect for a special Christmas gift for a gin-lover, or to have in your cabinet for the festive season, Whitley Neill boasts an enigmatic taste due to its skilful blend of rare African botanicals, including cape gooseberry and baobab.
Whitley Neill Gin is available in Harrods, Harvey Nichols and other premium retailers priced £22.19
Biscuit kings Fox's have created a limited edition range of American-themed cookies, from Mississippi Mud Pie Melts to Key Lime Pie Crunch Creams and Cherry Cheesecake Jam'n'cream. Catch 'em while you can!
Maille mustard, everyone's favourite accompaniment with pig-based foodstuffs, have a treat for foodies this Christmas. Create a bespoke gift box with a selection of jars chosen from their range of 60, or sample their fesh mustard with a hint of Chablis and black Perigord truffle, which will add a sophisticated note to your Sunday roasts and a touch of luxury to a turkey Christmas dinner.
Gift boxes range from £25 to £45, truffle mustard is £29 for 125g, £39 for 230g, limited edition
Grants Whiskey is the perfect tipple with which to toast the birth of Baby Jesus on 25 December.
There's only one place to go for Friday night dim sum and cool cocktails: Ping Pong - just ask super fans Cara Delevingne, Gok Wan, Pharell and Hugh Grant. This month sees the opening of a new restaurant at the London Designer Outlet in Wembley where it will have a whole new design to suit the fashionable location. There will be a dedicated cocktail bar which will be serving a unique cocktail menu that will only be available at the Wembley branch.
A study by Jordans Cereal found that 1 in 10 of the British Public would happily pay £5 for that extra 30 minutes in bed but that it is the little pleasures in life that contribute to a happier morning. A tasty breakfast, favourite breakfast tunes and even a sunny morning can all contribute to giving you that extra little bit of get up and go. Why not start your day with Jordan's Super Berry Country Crisp?
This little gem, nestled away in central London, has redefined traditional Greek recipes and given them a modern (and seriously tasty) twist. Head chef Dimitris Skarmoutsos pushes culinary boundaries without loosing sight of the foods origin and he serves up some of the most authentic mezze in the capital. From Gruyere cheese rolled with oats and drizzled with syrup to fried egg with staka cream and the freshest fish, the choice is endless. Take a break from your Christmas shopping this weekend and stop by.
16 Picton Place, London W1U 1BP
To celebrate the launch of the Festive Bake, Greggs has introduced something that will change the way the delicious savoury treats will be eaten this Christmas with #PastySanta bags.The new red bags feature a cartoon-style Santa beard on one side so customers can play as Father Christmas while enjoying their delicious Festive Bakes. Festive bake eaters are encouraged to upload photos to Instagram and Twitter using the hashtag #PastySanta" Confitures. Délicieux
Cafécito & Afternoon Tea at swanky Asia de Cuba hotel will send guests into the mystique and ambiance of a Cuban teahouse through a fusion of both Asian and Cuban inspired treats, offering guests an alternative to the traditional serve. The menu is made up of fun and distinctive savoury options, which will include a Cubano pressed sandwich with BBQ pulled pork, as well as beef and vegetable empanadas with Caribbean hot sauce. Leading into the afternoons sweet treats, guests can then indulge in Asia de Cubas renowned mini Mexican doughnuts filled with butterscotch sauce, banana spring rolls filled with white chocolate and coconut ganache and key lime pie topped with a soft meringue. The Luna & Curious Cafécito & Afternoon Tea is served daily from 12:30pm 4:30pm, and is priced at £25, or £35 with a cocktail. Reservations: 020 7300 1444
Paul UK Igloo, £19.95 - 6/8 portions
Everything But The Cow is a brand new 100% natural, fruit and protein drink. It is the first 100% natural drink to combine protein and real fruit. Fat-free, diary-free packed full of fruit and a great source of protein and fibre; the drink puts back what life takes out but naturally. We can't get enough of it (oh, and it's perfect for those on the 5.2 diet!) Available in Whole Foods and on Ocado
Grand Spice Coffee: 22.5ml Grand Marnier Cordon Rouge,1 hot espresso, whipped cream, pinch of cinnamon powder , topped with ginger powder
Looking for fresh, healthy food on the go? Gyms Kitchen the UKs 1st protein based restaurant - is going to be your new favourite hang out. Sticking to their ethos of using only the freshest ingredients, everything is prepared on site daily and they've developed a menu that offers fast, simple and healthy meals, which are broken down into their macros for those with an eye on their daily intakes. Perfect for the health conscious amongst us!
388-392 High Road Leyton, E10 6QE and 376 378 Cranbrook Road, Gants Hill, Essex, IG2 6HW
These Crystallised violet petals add a fruity fizz your Friday tipple, £4.95 per 40g bag, Sous Chef
A brand new product released for Christmas, these champagne truffles from Tesco rival most treats you'll find in any luxury chocolate shop. A selection of white, milk and dark chocolates with various flavoured Marc de Champagne centres, we especially love the Buck's Fizz truffle. Tesco finest Marc de Champagne Truffle Selection, £7, available in Tesco stores nationwide and online at www.tesco.com
This week saw the inimitable, hugely popular Burger & Lobster open its doors at Harvey Nichols. Already a foodie favourite in London, the new haunt is set to become a hit with all stylish Knightsbridge fashionistas and hungry shoppers.
Green & Blacks Organic Orange, available nationwide, £2.09
Ireland's best kept secret VitHit is now available in the UK. The drinks include Berry Boost, Detox, Citrus Revive and Lean & Green and all are made with real juice, herbs and tea, with no added sugars. They're low in calories and sugar and full of vitamins so make a healthier alternative to a sugary snack or coffee when you're looking for a way to boost your afternoon slump. On sale in Tesco with a RRP of £1.49 for 500ml.
IN GOOD HEALTH TODAY
- MULTIPLE SCLEROSIS: Nikki Cooper, 32, was diagnosed with MS at 28, and she is just one of many young women with the disease
- PAINTING BLIND: Arthur Ellis, 66, has been painting his hallucinatory visions since losing his sight seven years ago
- LIFE EXPECTANCY: Six volunteers find out how their lifestyle affects their 'death' with startling lessons for us all
- SUPERFRUITS: Why 'superfruits' may just be a costly rip-off... and youd do just as well eating a humble potato
The YOU online hot list: The buys we're bagging this week
DON'T MISS
Who needs a teddy when you have crayons? Meet Roozle, the adorable four-year old girl who draws herself to sleep
Mommy blogger Casey Carey-Brown and her wife, from Boston, MA, have developed a new way to get their daughter to stay in bed by encouraging her to draw herself to sleep. The women stumbled on the process by accident after number of frustrating evenings where four-year-old Riley - nicknamed Roozle - wanted to stay up past her bedtime.
BEAUTY NEWS
THE BEST WINTER SKIN SAVIOURS
THE BEST WINTER SKIN SAVIOURS
Reckon women don't pluck their nose hair or shave toes? Think again! The average female has EIGHT beauty secrets she hides from her partner
The findings of a new survey, released today, reveal women spend hours secretly plucking, smoothing, waxing and dyeing in order to look 'naturally beautiful'. Hair removal from various parts of the body took the top four spots and a large majority of the 2,000 women polled would never let on to their partner if they were wearing body-slimming underwear or if they removed hard skin from feet.
FOOD, RECIPES & COOKING
THUNDER VODKA COCKTAILS: These will go down a storm at Christmas
Click for recipes by mixologist Christian Ozzati
A great drink after dinner or just before bed, to really warm your cockles!
Brandy: 12ml
Thunder: 30ml
Cream: 10ml
Milk: 10ml
Gomme: 5ml
Spoon of chocolate, melted or syrup: 1
Method: Shake a hard long 15seconde shake and double strain into a martini glass. Garnish: Chocolate swirl and half nutmeg rim.
A deliciously creamy cocktail that will give you a lovely festive feel!
Thunder: 25ml
Kalua: 25ml
Milk: top up
Method: Pour the kalua and the Thunder vodka into a glass, add cubed ice and stir. Garnish: Chocolate powder
A great palette cleanser full of flavour and balanced in a perfect way to make your drinking experience five star
Egg White: 1
Thunder: 40ml
Large chunk of ginger: 1
Gomme: 12ml
Lime: 10ml
Method: Separate the egg white from the yolk and add to cocktail shaker, with cubed ice, and all the other ingredients (expect for the ginger). Break the ginger with a muddler and then shake viciously to infuse the flavours. Strain into a rocks glass with cubed ice. Garnish: Lime wedge
This cocktail has the sort of authentic taste that is always a winner.
Vodka: 15ml
Thunder: 30ml
Cinnamon/Goldslager: 5ml
Apple juice: 25ml
Gomme: 10ml
Method: Shake 3 times then stir for ten minutes and pour, double straining into a martini glass. Garnish: Red apple fan
Great for nut lovers. Nuts are very underrated in cocktails, I've used them here to bring the tastes of nature into this delectable drink. Subtle but potent!
Whole walnuts crushed and muddled: 4
Thunder: 40ml
Gomme: 10ml
Frangelico: 10ml
Egg white: 15ml
Method: Shake all the ingredients together and strain into a tumbler. Garnish: 3 walnuts served on the side.
Perfect cocktail as a digestant after dinner or caffeine kick to even start your night, the flavours of the toffee and coffee balanced together to make a smooth taste for the palette.
Thunder: 35ml
Kalua: 15ml
Shot hot fresh espresso: 1
Gomme: 8ml
Method: Shake all the ingredients with long hard shakes for 20 seconds and double strain into a martini glass. Garnish: Three coffee beans in a triangle