Indholdsfortegnelse for 07-Jul-2016 i Chat

NOT GUILTY! After a week’s trial, Alvin Ridley was cleared of murder, felony murder and aggravated assault. ‘I’ve always been innocent,’ he told the court. ‘I loved my wife.’ He left with a binbag of Virginia’s notes which had proved she was a recluse. She’d head entries, A day in the life of Virginia and Alvin , with dull details such as ‘Alvin and Virginia cleaned the basement… watched Elvis Presley’. Jurors felt it could not be proved Ridley smothered her. There was no evidence of malice or forethought. Saying it was a love story, not a murder case, Ridley’s barrister Ken Poston said, ‘Virginia acquitted Alvin as if testifying from the grave.’…

I'd always been open to trying anything once... Swinging is sociable, too – it's about more than the bonking! I was on a night out with a friend when they introduced us… ‘Hi, I’m Jason,’ the man in the smart suit smiled, leaning in to kiss me on the cheek. My heart did a little flip. He’s gorgeous! I thought. I’d been single for two years and had been having fun playing the field, but I was ready for something a bit more meaningful. And I never could resist a man in a suit. As we talked, Jason was funny and charming. A lot of men I’d met didn’t have much to say for themselves, but Jason was full of good chat. The whole time, we couldn’t take our eyes…

He's fussy but loves sausages – if they're the right kind! There’s nothing wrong with being different. That’s what I tell my son Tristan, now 6. ‘You’re just extra special,’ I remind him. See, he was born with a rare condition called Russell Silver syndrome. It causes poor growth, reflux, feeding problems and a wide forehead… Late into my pregnancy, it was picked up that Tristan was small. And when he was born, on 29 April 2010, he weighed 5lb 2oz. But I’m a tall 5ft 10in, and his dad Matt, 41, a towering 6ft 3in. Tristan’s head seemed too large for his body, and his jaw was tiny. Yet tests all came back clear. Tristan struggled to sleep, wouldn’t feed either. He’d just projectile vomit everything straight back up.…

Makes: 4 Cost per serving: 86p 1 Preheat oven to 180C/ Gas 5, and place four soft tortilla wraps on lightly oiled baking trays. 2 Blanch a bag of baby spinach by putting it in a colander and pouring boiling water over it, then squeeze out excess water. 3 To the wraps, add 20g grated Parmesan, a ripped ball of mozzarella, spinach and two chopped tomatoes. Season with salt, pepper and chilli flakes and drizzle with a little olive oil. 4 Bake for 3 min, then remove. Crack an egg in centre of each wrap, return to oven and cook for 6 min, until egg is cooked. LIFE! DEATH! PRIZES! For more foodie bargains, visit www.lifedeathprizes.com and click on ‘best buys’…

What I loved The report that said women spend six months of their working lives deciding what to wear. Phew! Thought it was just me… What hacked me off Hot on the heels of having missed National Tiara Day, I now discover I've missed World Gin Day. Bummer! (I like mine with slimline and a big squeeze of lime juice…delish! I've a gin-loving mate who swears by it neat with just a couple of salty green olives… You?) What made me laugh Being assured that rats laugh when they're tickled. Even though I have known my fair share of rats, I'm prepared to take someone else's word for it! Hope your week is rodent-free……

I didn't want to scare Chrissy, so I put on a brave face My little girl was battling such a grown-up illness Her words seemed to swim in my head... ‘Mum, I’ve found a lump,’ my daughter Chrissy gulped. It certainly wasn’t something I expected to hear from my 8-year-old. ‘Are you sure, sweetie?’ I asked, hoping it was nothing. But when she showed me the penny-sized lump under her right nipple, I froze. ‘I was too scared to show you,’ Chrissy cried. I knew why. See, our family were all too familiar with cancer. In 2000, when I was 28, I battled cervical cancer. I beat it, but just eight years on, my husband Troy, 44, found a lump under his chest muscle. It turned out to be non-Hodgkin…

Before we knew it, Alex was entering competitions Sometimes, I wonder where she gets it from. Not just her grace and elegance, but her grit and determination. My daughter Alex, 8, has won awards for ballet, tap, modern jazz and character dancing. And she’s worked hard for it. Two hours, four times a week, at dance classes and practices. Hours doing routines in her bedroom. Even more remarkable because she was born profoundly deaf. At 6 weeks old, tests showed she’d no hearing in one ear, and next to nothing in the other. ‘We’ll get by,’ my husband Colin, 40, said. We were put in touch with our local hearing-impaired services. ‘Deaf children can be as happy and fulfilled as those who can hear,’ the woman there explained. We started…

Sainsbury's Taste The Difference Timperley Rhubarb West Country Yogurt, 150g, 60p Super-creamy, thick and delicious, this has a sharp flavour that cuts through the cream and sugar. Tesco Finest Champagne Rhubarb West Cork Yogurt 150g, 60p Though there's plenty of fruit with lots of cream, it has a delicate flavour. Co-Op Truly Irresistible Champagne Rhubarb Yogurt, 150g, 79p With fruit in rich, thick and wonderfully creamy yogurt, this is simply delicious! NEW Walkers Bugles, 110g, £1.99 Fun-shaped corn snacks in three flavours: Cheese, Sour Cream & Black Pepper or Southern Style BBQ.…

Serves: 6 Prep Time: 15 min Cook Time: 40 min 75g unsalted butter, melted, plus extra to grease 150g digestives, crushed 1tbsp caster sugar 800g soft cream cheese 75ml Irish cream liqueur 6 medium eggs 145ml double cream 1 Preheat oven to 180C/ Gas 4. Grease and line a 20cm springform tin. 2 Mix butter, biscuits and sugar together, then press into base of tin. Put in fridge while you make filling. 3 Blend together all remaining ingredients. Pour over biscuit base, tap tin to level filling, then bake for 40 min. 4 When your cheesecake is almost set but still has a wobble in the middle, turn off oven and leave cheesecake to cool in oven. 5 Once completely cool, cover and refrigerate - preferably overnight - before removing…

I bought a black PVC outfit and a fake snake I’d first met James Stockwell in the early 1980s in a pub. We’d got chatting, hit it off, and were soon married! Well, when you know, you know. An outgoing couple, we loved drinks down the local with friends, and belonged to a local amateur dramatics society. ‘You should do this full-time,’ James told me, knowing how much I enjoyed entertaining people in the various shows we put on. Instead, I’d a boring office job. ‘I don’t want to die being anonymous,’ I’d sigh to James. We’re all unique, and I wanted everyone to know how much of a one-off I was. But, somehow, life always got in the way. Then, in 2011, I lost my beloved James after a…

I had a horrible feeling something was wrong I want all mothers to be aware they need to askquestions With the pregnancy test in one hand, I threw my other arm around my son, Darcy, 3. ‘We’re going to have a baby,’ I told him. He beamed. Scans showed I was carrying a little boy, and me and my partner Peter, 36, decided to name him Rueben. Darcy had been a big baby – weighing 10lb 14oz – and so he’d been delivered by Caesarean. But this time, my consultant at Wigan Hospital advised a natural birth. ‘Better for baby, better for you,’ she said. Then, at 34 weeks, my midwife found that the baby was breech. My consultant tried to turn him in the womb so that I could…

I noticed that all the blokes were talking to larger ladies… Breathing in a waft of salt and vinegar, my tummy rumbled. I loved working in my local chippy, though it was hard resisting the urge to binge on chips all day. Especially as, at the end of my shift, I was allowed to take home a free bag of food. ‘Yum!’ I said, bagging up a battered sausage and chips. Back home, I devoured the lot, with full-fat cola. Aged 18, most nights were spent like this, so it was no surprise I was on the large side. I’d always battled with my weight and, as a teenager, I’d worn a size-18. I’d scoff sausage rolls before dinner. Then clean my plate so I could get pudding. ‘I’m the…

Ruby had become sedate, and wasn't eating... Waking up on my 25th birthday this year, I yawned my way down the stairs. I was expecting to be greeted with kisses from my excitable dog Ruby. Just like every morning. But today, 17 March, my sweet little spaniel/ terrier cross was nowhere to be seen. ‘Happy birthday!’ smiled my mum Julie, 51, giving me my card and present. ‘Thank you,’ I replied, hugging her. ‘Where’s Ruby?’ Mum’s face dropped. ‘Dad took her to the vet,’ Mum said. ‘She needs an operation.’ ‘What’s wrong?’ I panicked. While I was working a long shift at my healthcare job the day before, Mum and Dad found four rubber surgical gloves in the kitchen, covered in slobber, and four more in the garden. ‘They’re the…

I'll never forget how he looked at me as I said my vows Icouldn’t stop peeking at the shiny new ring on my hand. It was New Year’s Day 2013, and Grant, then 22, had just proposed. ‘I can’t wait to tell Mum and Dad,’ I said, sipping champagne. I rushed home the next morning to share the happy news. But, seeing their excited faces, it was obvious they already knew. ‘Grant came over a few days ago to ask permission,’ my dad Steve, then 59, beamed. ‘I can’t wait to walk you down the aisle.’ But Grant and I weren’t in any hurry. We wanted to finish our uni degrees and buy a house first. Life had other plans, though. It was 5am one morning in November 2014 when…

Cancer 22 June - 23 July The early stages of a love affair are often the best - but you’re usually so eager to take things further, you rush though them, and then there’s no going back. This week is soft, sweet and romantic - relax and enjoy it! Call 0905 817 0693* for more Leo 24 July - 23 Aug You’re buying the shoes to go with a dress you haven’t got yet. Or something like that. Point is, you’re getting ahead of yourself, and you must be sure that each stage is finished and signed off before starting the next. Call 0905 817 0694* for more Virgo 24 Aug - 23 Sep You have a big job to do, and two options. You can go with the method…

Carolyn wasn't interested in boys – she'd rather watch soaps with me and Mum Carolyn's new man had a history of alcohol abuse and mental-health issues I grew up knowing that my big sister Carolyn was special. ‘She just needs a little extra attention,’ our mum Ann told me and my other sister Kathryn. So we always took extra care of Carolyn. And when it took her longer to eat her dinner or get dressed, we understood. When we were older, Mum told us that Carolyn had developed meningitis when she was 3 months old, leaving her with learning difficulties and partially deaf. Although she started our local primary school, she struggled – and, when she was 7, she moved to a special school, where she was much happier. Carolyn…

Handy holder Cover old ice-cream tubs with attractive sticky-back vinyl and you've got a cool-looking container to keep cleaning products tidy. Margaret Rymer, Much Wenlock Citrus soother Got an itchy mosquito bite? Rub with a lemon slice to help soothe it. Angie Laird, Wirral Tight seal If the clip from a skirt hanger breaks off, reuse it to clamp freezer bags shut. Louise Moore, Douglas Just mark my words… By sticking ribbon and sequins on thin strips of cardboard, I made loads of lovely bookmarks! Jean Lloyd, Dudley Stay fresh Keep your houseplants hydrated when you're on holiday by placing them on newspapers you've soaked in water. June Lomax, Huddersfield Suck it and see… A carton of low-priced orange juice can be used to make cheap ice lollies. They're tasty,…

Blocked up Q I suffer from constipation, but eating fibre makes me bloated. Is it safe just to keep using laxatives? Lisa, 49 A Laxatives aren't usually the best solution, as your bowel can become dependent on them. Bloating suggests you might have irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). A dietician can help. So tired Q I'm tired all the time and my limbs ache. I have coeliac disease and mild depression, but blood tests have come back OK. What is it? Debbie, 36 A Coeliac disease (gluten intolerance) can cause vitamin deficiency, but this would have shown up on your tests. Graded exercise and cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) might help. Spotty chest Q I have a few small, red spots on my chest. My doctor called them Campbell…

Arthur was 30 years older than me, but he made me feel wanted I lay on the floor, trembling… before sprinting to the shower I had a lonely childhood. By 14, I’d no friends, was bullied at school, ignored at home – especially after my mum remarried. So when I was introduced to Arthur Hall, a friendly, middle-aged youth worker, I looked up to him. ‘You’ll love the DofE,’ he beamed. Arthur was a Greater Manchester group leader for the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award, a personal-development scheme for 14- to 24-year-olds. I already played netball and had paper rounds to keep me out of Mum’s way and avoid the school bullies. Doing the first-level, Bronze Award, which involves volunteering, hiking and outdoor pursuits, was right up my street. It’s another…

Bourjois Color Boost Glossy Finish Lipstick in Orange Punch, £7.99, Boots A lovely, glossy shade that contains SPF 15 - great for summer! Top tip: Lip crayons are easier to apply on the go than lipstick. Lord & Berry Crayon Lipstick in Orange Copia, £10, www. lookfantastic.com This has impressive staying power, and the tapered tip makes it easy to apply. Top tip: Smudge with your finger to blend. Collection Work The Colour Matt Lip Butter in Pumpkin Pie, £3, Morrisons A great shade that's moisturising, too - so you don't get a dried-out pout! Top tip: Opt for crayons that can be twisted instead of sharpened. Seventeen Lip Crayon in Bold, £4.99, Boots One coat gives a light shade that builds well for a more…

There was a risk her heart could just give out Calling my partner Ian, now 38, he didn’t believe me at first… ‘I am pregnant,’ I laughed, jumping up and down with joy. ‘That’s brilliant!’ Ian said when it finally sunk in. We’d been together for a year and had talked about kids from the start. I’d two boys – Dylan, then 3, and Oliver, 1, from a previous relationship – but we were thrilled to be expanding our family. Only, my pregnancy turned out to be tough… I was utterly exhausted from the start – nothing like when I’d been carrying the boys. And I was extremely short of breath. ‘We’re going to check for blood clots on your lungs,’ a doctor finally said. Thankfully, I was OK, but…

1 Enjoy the beach Just 22 miles from the border with Spain, the Atlantic coast's waves are super for surfing - and there are lots of schools to teach you how! Or just slap on the sunblock and enjoy one of the many golden beaches. Come evening, take a stroll along the Grande Plage to the lighthouse. A selfie must-do! 2 Shop till you drop Head for the town centre, where you'll find designer shops with brands fresh from Paris. 3 Swim with the fishes… Or at least have a look at them! Opened in 1933, the Musee De La Mer aquarium has sharks, sea lions and tropical fish. It's a great way to spend a cloudy day. 4 Place your bets Set off the beach, the Art Deco Casino…

THE CRIME Just before midnight on New Year's Eve 2013, 2-year-old Nehemiah Dodd wet himself. His dad Brian Roberts went upstairs to see to him, but what happened next amounted to murder… THE STORY Nehemiah Dodd, 2, hadn’t had the best start in life. In 2013, he and his older brother were taken from their mother Angelene Dodd. She’d been caught driving under the influence of crack cocaine with the boys in the car. Nehemiah, nicknamed Nemo, spent time in foster care. Then, that December, he went to live with his dad Brian Roberts, 40, in Kalamazoo, Michigan. Many assumed the toddler had been moved to a safer environment, living with a responsible parent. But not everyone agreed… According to police records, Roberts had a lengthy criminal record himself. He’d…

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SKY-HIGH FANCIES Some cabin crew are profiting from people with a fetish for used footwear by selling worn shoes and tights. One seller said, ‘There's a demand for well-worn tights, especially from women like me - flight attendants.' ONCE BITTEN, TWICE SHY… A 9ft python slithered up a toilet and sank its teeth into a Thai man’s penis. Yikes! After 30 agonising minutes, the serpent unlocked its jaws. Following stitches, the victim will fully recover. CAUGHT BY GHOULIES! During a ghost tour in Sculcoates Lane graveyard, Hull, moans suddenly erupted… but it wasn't a spectre. It was two porn actors filming! ‘We didn't know where to look,' said paranormal expert Mike Covell. TEATIME FOR DOLLY The American Girl Place Cafe, New York, offers you - and your dolls - the…