Indholdsfortegnelse for Holiday 2018 i Chat Specials

Imagine having an operation on your brain and having to be awake while doctors poke around in your head?! That’s what Alice (pg49) had to endure when she had a stroke just before her 18th birthday. We thank the incredibly brave Amy (pg6) for sharing her story this month. She thought that having a baby would be the greatest moment in her life, but it left her suicidal. Thankfully, Amy now loves being a mum and she’s trying to help others through tough times. Madison (pg34) was supporting her nan through her breast cancer ordeal, but quickly found she was facing her own battle just weeks later when she was diagnosed as well. Their amazing bond will inspire you. As will Lisa’s determination to get justice for the betrayal she…

It was only the third day of the school holidays and I was wracking my brain thinking of activities to keep my 10-year-old daughter amused. The sun was beaming down, so I decided to take Shakeisha for a girly day out at Vallis Vale in Somerset – a quiet woodland and park that was perfect for families. We’d been visiting the park for ten years and I knew that it would be lovely in the warm weather. I made up some sandwiches and treats for us and packed them into the car. Settling down our tartan picnic blanket, we stopped at a shady spot next to the lake as a picturesque spot to enjoy our lunch. After we’d finished eating, Shakeisha took off her shoes and socks and splashed about…

OPRAH WINFREY With her billionaire status, the talk show queen doesn’t need much more to set her apart from the rest, but she also has the distinction of being a member of the left-handed club. And since men are more likely to be left handed than women, Oprah is doubly impressive. LEONARDO DA VINCI One of the most brilliant figures of history took his left handedness to the extreme by writing from right to left. Historians claim that he did this to make it harder for people to sneak a peek at his notes, but one argument maintains that he did this because, as a left-hander, writing from left to right was too messy. JIMI HENDRIX The rock legend actually favoured a right-handed guitar, but he played it slung upside…

Moments before, we’d been ringing in the New Year... Then, suddenly, my partner Billy, 50, dropped down onto one knee. ‘Will you marry me?’ he grinned. It took a few seconds for the question to sink in! Then... ‘Yes!’ I beamed, flying happily into his arms. Launching into planning mode, We agreed on one thing – our wedding had to be totally different. We’d both been married before, so didn’t fancy a big ‘do’ – just something special for the two of us. Billy and I had been together for nearly two years after meeting online. On our first date, we’d bonded over our love of flying. I worked as cabin crew, while Billy was in the Royal Navy Reserves, and had done many exercises out of Oban airport on…

Hiring a car Experts at travelsupermarket.com  give us their tips on saving money when booking a car for your next holiday. Don’t pay for extras If you need a satnav when driving abroad, don’t hire one through the care hire company – it’s cheaper to bring your own. You can download software and even use Google Maps in offline mode. If all else fails, use a paper map. Book in advance If you book your hire car at the airport, you risk ending up with an unsuitable vehicle. Make your booking in advance, and do it online. It will save you a chunk of cash that you can spend on something else. Save on fuel Look for car hire firms that let you to return the car with…

I’d sliced up chicken, peppers and onions, and thrown in some noodles and garlic… Even if I do say so, dinner was looking pretty tasty. ‘Enjoy!’ I said, plating up and handing my hubby Richard, 30, his stir fry. ‘This is delicious,’ he said, tucking in immediately. But more importantly, it was also very healthy. A few weeks earlier, a doctor had dropped a massive bombshell on Richard. His weight had started to harm his health. Looking back, I suppose it shouldn’t have been a shock. I’d met Richard when we were still children, and he’d always been a big lad. Becoming a couple when I was 18, I didn’t really see his size, all I actually saw was my sweet loving Richard. When we married in July 2010, Richard…

Looking down at my baby girl, my heart swelled with love. ‘She’s beautiful!’ I gushed to my husband Jason, 27. ‘We’re so lucky,’ he said. I’d longed for one more baby after having Aliessia, 11, and Sonny, eight. And now, in November 2015, Imogen had arrived. My dream had come true. We quickly settled into life as a family of five, and Imogen slotted into our daily routines perfectly. Life was hard work, but I loved every second of it. I had three happy, healthy kids – what more could any mum ask for? Then, one night when Imogen was three months old, she fell unwell. I thought she just had a cold, but she quickly went downhill. The next morning, after the kids left for school, Imogen started struggling…

HOT SEARED BEEF SALAD WITH HONEY DRESSING SERVES 4 YOU’LL NEED • 400g/14oz thin cut beef steaks • 350g/12oz new potatoes, peeled and halved • 1 medium cucumber, sliced • 45ml/3tbsp freshly chopped flat-leaf parsley • 40g/1½oz flaked almonds, toasted • 85-100g bag mixed salad leaves • 8 cherry tomatoes, halved FOR THE DRESSING: • 60ml/4tbsp rapeseed or olive oil • 30ml/2tbsp sherry vinegar • 30ml/2tbsp runny honey • Salt and freshly milled black pepper HOW TO DO IT… 1. Cook the potatoes in boiling water for 10-15 minutes, or until tender. Drain and set aside. 2. Add the cucumber to a large bowl with the parsley and almonds. Add the potatoes. 3. To prepare the dressing, whisk together half the oil, sherry vinegar and honey in a small bowl.…

Celebrities, including TV presenter Julia Bradbury, are encouraging you to join Bowel Cancer UK and in a million years did I expect the diagnosis I was given. I was told that I had a tumour in my bowel and unfortunately as the cancer had already spread to my liver, it was inoperable and incurable. My first thoughts were of my little boy growing up without his mum and the milestones I’d miss. Along with the Beating Bowel Cancer in supporting their Walk Together campaign this September. Walk Together is a series of sponsored walks in aid of bowel cancer. If you can’t make the organised walks in Edinburgh, London, Cardiff and Belfast, you can hold your own Walk Together. Danielle Roseweir, 31, from Carluke, knows just how important uniting against…

With just a week until my 18th birthday, I was so excited. I couldn’t wait to go out and celebrate the milestone with my mates. On 13 July 2016, I was just home from the gym, when my mum Lesley, 47, walked in. ‘What do you want for dinner?’ she asked. ‘I don’t mind,’ I said, or so I thought... Mum looked confused. I tried to repeat myself, but only slurred gibberish was coming out. What’s going on? That’s when Mum noticed that the right side of my face had fallen. Suddenly, I felt my entire right side droop, and I couldn’t lift my arm or walk. Terrified, Mum yelled for my dad Brian, 49, who came running upstairs. Within just five minutes, an ambulance arrived and raced me to…

Why’s the camera so close? My cat Burton loves spending time in the garden during the summer months. Despite his grumpy face, he’s actually quite a happy cat! Paula, Nuneaton Newest arrival Our new kitten Tommy is so adorable. He’s taken to climbing on the furniture and we have to keep a close eye on him! Tina, Leeds What a hot dog! My Labrador Peter is all ready for summer! He looks so cool… Robyn, Derby Time for a nap Misha all snuggled up for her afternoon nap. I love her to bits. Rhona, Milton Keynes…

Katharine Hill, the UK Director of the national charity Care For The Family ( www.cff.org.uk ) answers your questions. Is it too soon? QI lost my husband three years ago. Lately, I’ve thought about dating and I feel so guilty. I worry everyone will think it’s too soon – and worse, that I’m betraying my husband. It feels like I’m being unfaithful. Mary, Leeds A Starting to date again is an important part of the healing process following the death of a spouse. I’m sure your husband wouldn’t want you to be alone forever. Everyone handles grief differently and there is no set time. Only you – not your friends or family – will know when or if you feel ready to move on. There is a fine…

Some of us just can’t resist a bad boy! When I met Jed Thorpe through friends in February 2014, he was covered in tattoos and was full of chat. But, underneath the bad boy image, he was such a kind, charming joker. We just clicked, and spent hours talking and laughing together. Four years younger than me, he worked as a labourer and lived with his dad. I was single, living in a shared house, and couldn’t work because of hip problems. Me and Jed started meeting up and talking on the phone. Then, a couple of weeks on, he came to stay at my place, and we became an item. ‘I want to marry you one day and have children,’ Jed said. ‘I’ve always wanted to be a mum,’…

My all time favourite novel is Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice. I’ve read it so many times and seen all of the film and telly adaptations. I identify with feisty heroine Elizabeth Bennet and adore the pomp of that era. Back in 2011, I met teaching assistant Uan Harrison, 34, through work colleagues. We became an item, and Uan fell for me and my beloved book! Four years later, while Uan was playing laser quest at Lydiard Park country estate, his mate Ben called to say Uan was hurt. Worried, I raced to the fabulous mansion. But as I rushed to the drawing room, I saw no wounded soldier… Instead, I came face to face with heartthrob Mr Darcy! It was Uan – in a smart waistcoat, shirt, breeches and…

Only one in 10 Brits are left-handed, making it quite a unique genetic trait. On 13 August, we celebrate International Left Handers Day, dedicated to the nation’s loved lefties! THE SCIENCE BEHIND IT There’s no denying it – left handers are the odd ones out. Just consider all the right-handed gadgets, awkwardly-designed desks, and even cooking utensils. Scientists aren’t exactly sure why some people are left-handed, but research suggests it could be a mixture of genes and environment. While there is no actual ‘leftie gene’, research has shown that people who use their left hands have more left-handed family members. UNIQUE TRAITS Creative flair Left handers have long bragged about their creative clout. Research does show that lefties are better at divergent thinking – a method of generating ideas. Surveys…

Being left-handed can be difficult and confusing, especially for young children. Left ‘n Write is a small independent company in Worcester which specialises in helping left-handed children excel at writing. They offer lessons in left-handed writing and techniques to overcome ‘smudging’ problems, as a way to make lefties more confident at school. They are also campaigning to have specific guidelines on helping left-handed children in schools. You can grab some handy supplies from Left ‘n Write, too, all available at leftshoponline.co.uk .…

It carried on for years Watching my mum carefully put on her lippy, I sprawled across her bed. ‘Is Uncle Charles babysitting us today?’ I asked. ‘He is indeed,’ she replied. ‘Mummy and Daddy have to go for a special meal.’ I squealed with excitement. I always liked it when our family friend Charles came to look after me and my brother Dan. He was a friend of the family and would always babysit whenever Mum and Dad were out. ‘You’re my favourite,’ he’d say, as he filled my hands with sweets. ‘But don’t tell your big brother – he’ll get jealous!’ I might have been four, but I wasn’t stupid enough to tell Dan. I knew that as soon as I did, he’d tell Mum, and Charles would get…

In nine hours, my life changed forever The chores in our family home were never-ending and the laundry baskets were constantly overflowing. It wasn’t surprising really – my firefighter hubby, Tim, 42, and I had five kids! Jake, 10, Esnes, six, Cavan, four, Laigan, two, and 15-month-old Rylan, kept us very busy, but we wouldn’t have had it any other way. Collecting up more washing, I popped my head into Rylan’s nursery and saw he was fast asleep. Here’s my chance, I thought, tiptoeing downstairs and out into the garden. As I lit up a cigarette, I could feel my whole body relax. Of course, I knew it was bad for me, but sometimes it felt like my only chance for a five minute break. Smoke plumed around me as…

Mostly A: Cosmopolitan You’re girly, flirty, super fun to be around, and quite the party animal. You’re up on the latest trends, and you’re never seen without your makeup. You’re a good friend and you never fail to cheer up your mates when they’re feeling low. Mostly B: Mojito You’re laid back, chilled out, and a low-maintenance girl. Having fun is your priority, and if it’s spent outdoors – even better! You’re ready to travel the world with your mates, and there’s no doubt about it – you’d be the life of the party. Mostly C: Bloody Mary You’re sassy and can be quite blunt at times – but that’s because you’re so honest. You don’t like to waste time on trivial dramas, and you’re not afraid to tell your…

They say bad news is like buses – you wait hours for one to arrive and two come at once. We weren’t waiting for the cancer to arrive, but when it did, both Nan and I were diagnosed within a week of each other. My nan, Maureen Stanway, 73, had already beaten breast cancer once, 22 years ago, before I was even born. Nan was brave from the start I’d heard the stories. She was terrified she’d never see her grandkids again, that it was stage three, one stage below the worst you could get, but that she’d had an operation to remove a lump and it had been successful. But two decades later, I heard the news as it happened again. I’d just come home from work, and my…

Our blended family works a treat Spotting somebody who wasn’t invited standing in the kitchen, my jaw dropped. Cheek! I thought. It was November 2010, and my house party was in full swing. Only, this bloke, Chris, then 38, turned out to be the local cinema manager – who’d turned me down for a job. So I marched over. ‘Why didn’t I get the job?’ I demanded. Chris flashed a smile. It was a bonkers idea ‘Because I’m not allowed to fraternise with employees,’ he told me cheekily. So he fancied me! Stunned, I let him chat me up. And, after a whirlwind two-month romance, we got married! I had a daughter, Rachel, then 10, from a previous relationship. And in August 2012, Chris and I had a son, Lucas.…

It’s all part of being a woman – listening to your mates moan about their blokes. ‘He’s so selfish,’ grumbled my friend Heather, 30, over a drink. Her hubby was doing her head in. I nodded along sympathetically – but, deep down, I couldn’t help but feel smug. I was so lucky to have my husband Matt! We’d been friends for years. He was the life and soul of the party, but caring, too. Matt always put others first and my family adored him. In time, we had a beautiful wedding and went on to buy our first house together. Of course, we did bicker occasionally, but what married couple doesn’t? We were madly in love. ‘I want us to grow old together,’ Matt would say. I didn’t doubt it…

Ask our doc Dr. Nerina Ramlakhan, Silentnight’s sleep and wellbeing expert ( www.silentnight.co.uk )answers your questions. Scary sleep I suffer from awful night terrors. I literally leap from the bed and take hours to calm down. Will they ever stop? Karen, Bath Every thought, behaviour and choice that you make during the day impacts what happens when you sleep. Energetic vibrations of the day are carried into sleep and reverberate within you, which can then lead to night terrors. Ensure that before bed, you allow yourself time to wind down and you will begin to see positive changes to your sleep. Using essential oils such as lavender will help promote a much better quality of sleep. Lavender is proven to improve sleep quality and promote relaxation. Yoga is…

SLEEP LIKE A SPANIARD In Spain, daily ‘siestas’ are an essential part of everyday life, with many Spanish natives opting for a siesta for at least 30 minutes per day. Perhaps we should be doing the same? ‘Not only do naps have the capability to boost your mood and alertness, but studies have also shown that they can reduce your risk of heart disease and help to reduce your blood pressure, too,’ says Sarah. The length of your nap determines the benefits – a 20-minute snooze is ideal for enhancing motor skills, while a 90-minute nap brings on Rapid Eye Movement (REM) sleep, which helps make new connections in the brain and aids in solving creative problems. SAMPLE ASIAN DELIGHTS There have been numerous studies on herbs and spices used…

Eating wasn’t going to fix this As the sweet chocolate melted in my mouth, I started to relax. I’d had a long hard day at work, and I’d just polished off a large cheesy pizza before tucking into dessert. ‘That hits the spot,’ I said to my partner. I’d always been an emotional eater. As a child, my parents, Anita and Steven, would comfort me – and reward me – with junk food. When my dog died, Mum got me Chinese, and when I did well in a test, she’d treat me to a McDonald’s. I was bullied as I piled on the weight, which made me eat more. Food became my comfort blanket. After finishing school, I became a sports massage therapist. Kneading muscular blokes was quite a workout,…

THERE’S A FLY ON YOUR CHEESE When it comes to cheese, we all have different tastes. But if you’re after a truly rare slice, why not try casu marzu, a cheese made using the larvae of flies, infested with live maggots? Hailing from Sardinia, this rare cheese has taken the idea of well-aged to the extreme. The recipe starts off with a traditional chunk of pecorino. Local flies are then left to lay their eggs in it, and the larvae then munch through the cheese, and then excrete it right back into the cheese… Apparently this makes for a unique, soft texture. Arguably one of the world’s most dangerous cheeses, casu marzu is actually banned by the European Union, so you may have to practise your Italian if you want…

Cradling my newborn baby, I waited for that rush of love, but all I felt was dread. It was February 2017, and my husband Sean, 42, and I had just welcomed our daughter Madison into the world. But while most women enjoy every second of watching their baby bumps grow, everything leading up to Maddie’s birth was hell for me. Instead of being excited, all I felt was an impending sense of doom. I felt that my life was over. ‘Everything will be OK once she’s out,’ I told myself. ‘I’ll be happy again.’ But when Maddie was born, I felt worse than ever. That night, Sean went home to rest, and I was left with Maddie. ‘Shall we try a feed?’ a midwife said, bringing her over. Looking down…

Left handers are more likely to have allergies, migraines, and to suffer from insomnia. Left handedness is more common in twins. Women over 40 are much more likely to give birth to left-handed babies. The Incas thought left-handers were capable of healing and that they possessed magical abilities. The North American Zuni tribe believed left-handedness signified good luck. Studies have suggested that left-handers are more talented in spatial awareness, mathematics and architecture. Left-handedness runs in families. Lefties in the Royal family include the Queen, the Queen Mother, Prince Charles, and Prince William. Wedding rings are traditionally worn on the left hand because people believed that a ‘lover’s vein’ connected the 4th finger on this hand to the heart.…

Fall in love Lovers Rick Harker, 64, and Marlene Hoar, 55, abseiled down a skyscraper when they got married in Vancouver, Canada. The couple was married by a pastor as they descended the side of the building, and also raised money for a charity that supports children with disabilities. Taking the plunge In Denmark, Torben Purkaer and bride Henriette Michaelsen knelt at the ‘altar’ in the one and a half million litres of sea water in the aquarium of the Kattegatcentre in Grenaa. The couple, who own a diving school, had known each other for ten years before getting in deep. Such suspense A pair of newlyweds married while being suspended from a glass-bottomed suspension bridge 180 meters above a valley at Shiniuzhai National Geopark in China. They held such…

Creative organisation Store cables and phone chargers in empty loo rolls to keep them neat. Write labels on each one so you can quickly find the one you need. Ashley Boyd, Sleaford Some cold relief Whenever I get a migraine, I put my fists into a bowl of ice water. I have no idea why it works, but the pressure in my head goes away instantly! My hand hurts a bit, but it’s better than a splitting headache! Anna Morgan, Dartford Room refresh If you’re stuck in a hot stuffy room this summer, place a damp towel near an open window. It will let some moisture into the room as well as some good fresh air. It’s perfect for the kids’ rooms during the warmer months. Sherry Fields, Tamworth That’s…

Doctors said we’d lose him Named after the Greek god of war, my little boy Ares was a fighter from the moment he arrived. In February 2016, I was pregnant and started bleeding. My mum Kirsty, 38, took me to the Queen Elizabeth the Queen Mother hospital in Margate, and my waters broke. ‘We need to induce you now,’ the doctor told me. ‘But I’m only 23 weeks!’ I cried. Giving birth was risky. Doctors said they might not be able to save the baby. They said after I gave birth, they wouldn’t try to save him, if that’s what I wanted. ‘We can just let him go peacefully,’ they said. ‘Don’t be silly,’ I said, defiant. ‘My baby deserves a chance.’ My daughter Aria, now three, had been premature,…

Chris says, ‘Making this work had a lot to do with Lucas and his health. My priority was ensuring that he got what he needed, including his mother. When I suggested Lindsay and Mike move in, she needed somewhere to live and had a baby on the way… and, as the mother of my children, I did what I thought was right. Being apart as a family was tough. We needed to work as a team, for Lucas’ sake. Having Mike around was difficult at first. But, after a few months, and several nights hanging out, drinking beer, I knew that he was a cool guy. Now it doesn’t bother me at all. We’re working together to improve our lives and have plans for the future. My friends thought that…

Sweet summer As the sun comes out, it’s tempting to reach for a summer cocktail. But if you’re trying to keep trim, you may want to hold off. The average Pina colada contains a whopping 16 teaspoons of sugar, while a Long Island ice tea has 10, a Pimm’s has eight, and a classic mojito has six. For a healthy alternative, try a Cucumber Collins. Made with dry gin, club soda, lime juice and fresh cucumbers, this refreshing beverage only has two teaspoons of sugar! Beat the heat It’s natural to sweat more at this time of year, leaving us feeling uncomfortable and self-conscious. Embarrassing Bodies expert Dr Dawn Harper shares her tips on avoiding sweaty situations this summer: Pick your outfits – wear loose-fitting clothing made from natural fibres.…

The truth came flooding out I’ve never had much luck with cars – over the years I’ve gone through my fair share of old bangers. But my old Peugeot 207 really took the gasket! Last November, my dad Bobby, 52, offered me money towards my new wheels. A single mum to seven-month-old Arianna, I was so grateful. ‘That one looks good,’ he said, pointing towards a grey car while we were out looking for a suitable vehicle. ‘Does it?’ I said, slightly unsure. The dirty old Peugeot had clearly seen much better days. It was also a three-door car and I needed a five-door so I could put Arianna’s car seat in the back without any trouble. But, Dad was nice enough to offer £800 towards the £1,000 cost –…

Why would they think I wanted that?! My gorgeous girl was about to turn two and I wanted a very special birthday cake to celebrate. I know just the thing, I thought with a smile. Layla-Valentina was absolutely potty about Peppa Pig. She was glued to it when it came on the TV and she could even do the classic snort and oink! ‘Layla will love it,’ I decided, and went online to find a Peppa Pig image that a local cake making company could transfer onto icing. I’d done the same for my son, Noah, when he’d turned five. He’d wanted a Paw Patrol cake and I loved his amazed face when it was brought out for him. I was sure Layla would react the same way. So last…