Take a Break Monthly

Take a Break Monthly magazine combines fascinating real-life stories, women's lifestyle features, amazing puzzles and prizes and more! Every issue is full of even more recipes that offer quick and easy meals, and travel pages that provide practical and inspiring ideas to suit everyone. You'll also find our fashion pages full of affordable and wearable fashion, health advice provided by our trusted in-house doctors and beauty pages showcasing a selection of brands from high-street to high-end and everything in between. If you're looking for an entertaining read, Take A Break Series is for you. Join the Take A Break community and subscribe today.

Win! £50

Your special moments

The great big BABY SWAP! • We’d given our friends something very precious. Now it was time for them to return the favour. By Amy Cardenas, 39

Win! A SMARTER COOKING BUNDLE

Fattened up like A PIG • I’d met a charmer who showered me with gifts. And when he showed me how to make extra cash too, what was the catch? By Shreya Datta, 37

EVERYTHING BUT THE DRESS • Not a fan of a festive frock? We’ve found perfect alternative party looks on the high street now

What’s in store IN DECEMBER

Get the PICTURE • We’ve taken a celebrity’s photo, cut it into 16 squares and rearranged them.

Love2shop VOUCHERS

‘This is for you, Dad’ • My fast-food fixes left me struggling with my weight. But when I received tragic news, I knew I had to change. By Morgan Woodruff, 33

A NEW YEAR ESCAPE!

Split PERSONALITIES

’Tis the Season... TO MAKE SAVINGS

Party on a budget • Staying social over the festive season doesn’t have to cost a fortune. Here’s how to have fun without overspending…

Your big RELAX • Is it a CROSSWORD? Is it an ARROWWORD? It’s BOTH!

‘Don’t call me DONKEY’ • Mum said my quiet, husky voice made me unique, but was there something causing it? From Kathryn Vinclaire, 29, of Bristol

Have yourself a CALM CHRISTMAS • With many of us feeling the pressure to make it perfect, here’s how to stay stress-free

NEWS FOR DECEMBER

ASK Dr Jill

A CITY BREAK FOR TWO

Boots VOUCHERS

The babysitter’s SECRET • I was grateful when a family friend offered to help with childcare. Then my daughter told me something shocking and my world fell apart. By Sasha Clements, 43

Perfect your PARTY PREP • Looking your best for the festive season has never been easier! Just follow these simple steps…

A puff, a woof and then WHOOSH! • I was enjoying a quiet, cosy Christmas with my pups when disaster struck. By Kendra Corning, 38

Your big BONANZA • The decision is yours. Simply select whatever takes your fancy!

HOPPILY EVER AFTER • Persephone needed some-bunny to love. Could I find her the rabbit of her dreams? By Kelly Hurst, 33

Two’s COMPANY • This puzzle has two grids and a choice of two clues for each answer. Your challenge is to decide which answer goes in which grid. We’ve solved two clues to give you a start.

Ring the changes! • Fed up with turkey? Try one of our alternative showstoppers this festive season — from just 84p per portion

Sugar, spice & all things nice • Swap your usual Christmas pud for this luxurious frozen masterpiece — you won’t believe how easy it is to make!

What’s cooking... IN DECEMBER • Our food editor Lucy reveals what’s in store this month

Ernest Jones VOUCHERS

HOURS from death • A wrong turn on a hike nearly cost me and my daughter our lives… By Carolyn Lloyd, 54

Read it! • This month’s Book Club read is a warm-hearted romance to curl up with this...