February 2025
STRONG WOMEN, STRONG VOICES
There is a special place in hell for women who don't help other women. - Madeleine Albright
February Issues
Thank you for being here.
We recently made changes to how the magazines are done. Instead of downloading PDFs, all issues from August onwards will be available on the website. The site has been redesigned to make this easier but we are still in the middle of relinking posts and making things look pretty.
If you have any suggestions or questions, please send us an email: camille AT dullwomenscluboriginal DOT com
For now, please click on the covers to access articles.
Week 4 February will be available on 25 February,
Must Read Articles
The Joy Luck Club is a poignant and multilayered exploration of the complexities of mother-daughter relationships, immigrant identity, and cultural conflict.
Directed by Wayne Wang and based on Amy Tan’s bestselling novel, the film weaves together the stories of four Chinese-American women and their Chinese immigrant mothers, offering a rich tapestry of emotions, tradition, and personal histories.
Movie Review: The Joy Luck Club
You want me to be someone I'm not. I'll never be the kind of daughter that you want me to be.
UTIs are incredibly common, especially among women, and yet many of us feel embarrassed to talk about them.
But the more we understand our bodies, the better we can care for them. So, let’s dive into everything you need to know about UTIs in a judgment-free zone.
Urinary Tract Infections: How to Spot, Manage, and Treat Them
UTIs may not be a glamorous topic, but they’re a reality for many of us.
Hailing from the picturesque province of Camarines Sur, Louise Mabulo is not your average 25-year-old. Her journey began with a deep-seated love for cooking, nurtured by her family's culinary traditions.
However, her path took a transformative turn when she witnessed firsthand the devastating impact of Typhoon Haiyan (Yolanda) in 2013. This catastrophe ignited a passion within her to address food security issues and environmental sustainability in her community.
DWC 100 Women: Louise Mabulo
The Cacao Project
January Issues
As we stepped into 2025, January set the tone with four powerful issues celebrating strength, resilience, and reinvention. Our cover theme honoured Chinese New Year, symbolising renewal, prosperity, and the courage to embrace new beginnings—a perfect reflection of the empowered women we feature.
This month, we proudly introduced Scars That Shine —a compelling new segment highlighting women who have turned their struggles into sources of strength, proving that every scar tells a story of survival and triumph.
As we turn the page to a new month, let’s carry forward the lessons, stories, and motivation that January brought us. Here’s to a year of growth, empowerment, and unstoppable women! Stay inspired.
Book Reviews by Pat Allchorne
I must confess to knowing next to nothing about the Vietnam war; nothing, in fact, save that it involved the Americans and the Vietnamese.
This book, about a young American girl who joins the Army Nurse Corps in the wake of her brother Finley joining the navy, gives just half of its text to the actual war. The remainder of the book devotes itself to the effect of that war on its participants.
It is 1966, attitudes are changing, and her mother’s view that Frankie’s nursing career will only last till she marries and has children has been drummed into her from an early age.
The Women by Kristin Hannah
Women can be heroes
The title alone was intriguing; the blurb on the back told me it was about a man who has spent forty years collecting things people have lost, hoping that one day he could reunite them with their owners.
As he is ageing, he advertises for a personal assistant/housekeeper and Laura, recovering from an unhappy marriage, applies. She finds a Victorian villa by the name of Padua, owned by an elderly man by the name of Anthony, and is instantly captivated by both and knows that this is where she must work.
The Keeper of Lost Things by Ruth Hogan
Ruth Hogan began to write whilst having chemotherapy for cancer, and this book was her first.
When an author I respect – Sophie Hannah – describes this book as “unbearably gripping and suspenseful”, and all the other reviewers write along the same lines, indicating that there is a twist at the end, I couldn’t wait to order this one from the library.
Sarah gave birth to identical twins seven years ago. They were christened “The Ice Twins” by Sarah’s dad, because they were born on the coldest day of the year, with ice-blue eyes and blonde hair. Fourteen months ago, one of them, Lydia, died in a tragic accident, and the remaining twin, Kirstie, suddenly claims to be Lydia, that her parents had identified the wrong twin at the scene of the accident.
The Ice Twins by S.K. Tremayne
Intertwined with the drama of the characters is the drama of the uncertain weather on the island.
Lessons in Faith
In the Kitchen
If you’ve ever wanted to impress your friends and family with a showstopping dessert, Mike Devlin’s Black Forest Gâteau is the perfect pick!
This classic German cake is rich, chocolatey, and layered with luscious cherries and fluffy whipped cream—what’s not to love?
Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or just craving something indulgent, this recipe will transport you straight to a cozy European café.
Black Forest Gateaux Recipe
Let’s bake a cake that’s as delicious as it is stunning!
There’s something magical about layers of rich, savoury sauce, creamy béchamel, and perfectly baked pasta coming together in a warm, comforting hug on a plate.
Mike Devlin’s lasagne isn’t just any lasagne—it’s a dish packed with heart, flavour, and the kind of home-cooked goodness that brings people to the table (and keeps them coming back for seconds!).
Mike Devlin's Lasagne Recipe
Whether you’re cooking for a cosy night in or feeding a hungry crowd, this recipe is sure to impress.
When it comes to breakfast, some foods get all the glory—pancakes stacked high, crispy bacon sizzling away, or that perfectly golden waffle dripping with syrup.
But let’s take a moment to appreciate the real MVP of the morning meal: the humble egg. Scrambled, fried, poached, or whisked into a fluffy omelet, eggs are the unsung heroes of our breakfast plates.
Mike Devlin Gets Egg-Static About Eggs: The Unsung Hero of Breakfast
Let’s see why eggs deserve a standing ovation at the breakfast table.
December Issues
As the year draws to a close, we embrace the magic of December—a season of giving, reflection, and celebration. In this issue, we shine a spotlight on extraordinary women from around the world who inspire strength, and change.
And because the holidays are upon us, we’ve curated the perfect Christmas gift guide to support women-owned businesses, along with festive fashion tips, heartwarming traditions, and self-care rituals to help you close the year with joy and confidence.
Join us as we celebrate the season and the women who make the world brighter—one story at a time.
Paws & Reflect
As a pet parent, you love your cats dearly—but if one of your kitties starts tipping the scales, it’s time to take action. Managing an overweight cat’s diet can be tricky, especially when you have multiple feline friends sharing the same food bowls.
Don’t worry, though! With a little creativity and consistency, you can help your overweight cat reach a healthy weight while keeping your other cats happy.
How to Help Your Overweight Cat Slim Down
in a Multi-Cat Household
I have a question about pet birthday parties. In some of my local groups, I have been getting posts invites to attend their pet's birthday party, on the condition that the guest will pay for their own meals.
I admit this might be a good way to meet new people and socialise with their pets, it seems weird to use a birthday party to do so.
Pet Birthday Parties
What does Kindred Keri say?
Dog grooming is more than just keeping your furry friend looking fresh and clean—it's an essential aspect of maintaining your dog’s health and well-being.
Whether you’re a new dog owner or a seasoned pro, understanding the importance of regular grooming can help prevent common health problems and make your dog feel their best.
Why Dog Grooming Is Important
Grooming isn’t just about aesthetics; it’s an integral part of a dog’s overall care.
November Issues
As the crisp air of November settles in, we bring you inspiring stories of trailblazing women who are breaking barriers, making history, and uplifting their communities.
But as we honour these powerhouse women, we also embrace the magic of the season. With the holidays just around the corner, we’re here to help you get ready for Christmas—whether it’s finding the perfect gifts, planning festive gatherings, or embracing self-care during the busiest time of the year.
Join us as we dive into a month of empowerment, inspiration, and a little holiday sparkle!
