Innehållsförteckning för Best Of 4 2017 från Chat Specials

Searching for something can make us feel incomplete. Lisa (pg34) has felt that way while on her quest to find her dad, but a surprise discovery has changed all that. For Caroline (pg15) , her desire to find shoes to fit has inspired a booming business. And Katie (pg16) was desperately looking for somewhere to give birth when an unexpected door opened! When we’re given bad news, it can seem like the end of the world, but miracles do happen. Heidi (pg28) was given just an hour to live, but she came back from the brink and has been blessed with a new arrival. On a lighter note, Nadine (pg31) was told she was a terrible singer, but is now part of a wonderfully unique choir! She insisted that no…

1 How do you usually spend your weekends? a You’ve got many things planned over the two days – non-stop fun is exactly what you need after a long week. b Snuggling up with a good book. You’d like to hide yourself away until Monday. c Your weekends are just as organised as your working week – you even have your ‘relaxation time’ diarised. d Running after the kids. Taking them to football practice, ballet classes, swimming lessons… 2 You’ve just received an invitation to the party of the year. You… a Start making plans with your mates – who’s wearing what, where you’re getting ready… There’s a lot to plan! b Start coming up with excuses to not be there. This type of thing really isn’t your cup of…

I thought I was going to die My eyes scanned the crowd as I swayed to the thumping music at my local music festival. A handsome stranger in the corner caught my eye and I couldn’t resist making my way over. I was met with a wide smile. ‘I’m Sonam,’ he said. ‘Leila,’ I replied, pleased that I’d worn my best outfit. We chatted and danced all night. He told me he was a Buddhist and he didn’t drink. I liked that he was different to other guys. After a whirlwind few months of dating, I had practically moved into Sonam’s place. One night, a black and white tabby strolled in. Shocked and surprised, Sonam shooed him out. It kept coming back, meowing sadly. Looking at its malnourished body, I…

MySecco, £19.99, gettingpersonal.co.uk Create your own Prosecco in just 14 days! The kit includes a glass bottle with a reversible pressure cap, cork and wire, a funnel, sachet of yeast, and syrup. Bohemian Crystal Giant Gin Glass, £14.99, thepresentfinder.co.uk thepresentfinder.co.uk This super-sized glass holds 990ml of gin and tonic, an impressive gift for any gin lover this party season. Slingshots, £2.99, Amazon Get your party started with these dual-flavoured shot drinks. Choose from Blazing Cowboy , B52, or Pink ‘ n Peachy. SugarSin Gin Fizz Gummies, £2.95, Debenham’s Tantalise your taste buds with these tangy gummies, offering sweet lemon and lime characteristics, followed by hints of juniper and a lingering soft citrus finish. Packed with flavour, these candies are free from gluten and alcohol.…

Two drivers had been racing Cycling home after having a rare night off from my mum duties and seeing my friend Laura for dinner, her parting words rang in my ears. ‘Text me when you’re back, so I know you’re safe,’ she’d said. But I never got to send that text. As I steered my bike to cross the road, I noticed headlights in the distance. The last thing I remember was hearing an engine roar. I woke up three hours later in a hospital bed, surrounded by doctors, nurses, and my mum and dad. Dazed and dosed up on pain medication, I couldn’t really take in what was happening to me. ‘You were hit by a car,’ explained the nurse. Before I had time to absorb much more, I…

ROASTED PORK IN NOODLE SOUP SERVES 4 YOU’LL NEED… 2 tbsp of vegetable oil 1 chopped onion 2 pints of vegetable stock 1 tbsp of diced fresh ginger 2 garlic cloves, chopped 2 tbsp of soy sauce Pinch of salt 3 green chillies, chopped 12 mini sweetcorns 20 sugar snaps Handful of coriander leaves Handful of chopped coriander stalks 4 nests of vermicelli 4 large strips of cooked pork HOW TO DO IT… 1 Heat some oil in a large pan and sauté the onions, season and stir. Then add the stock, ginger and garlic. Simmer for 15 minutes, add the coriander leaves and chilli. 2 Bring to the boil and simmer for 5 minutes. Pour in the soy sauce, add a pint of boiling water. Add the sweetcorn and…

It sounded like a dog bark Watching my daughter run down the path, clutching her overnight bag, I waved from the car. ‘Have a good time,’ I called to Caitlin, 12, as she ran off. She’d been so looking forward to her friend’s birthday sleepover, but within an hour, my phone rang. ‘Mum… you have to… come and… pick me up,’ Caitlin spluttered between fits of coughing. Every winter was the same. My poor girl was plagued by a horrible, hacking cough that left her exhausted. It sounded bizarre, too, more like a high-pitched yelp or bark than a normal cough. ‘I sound like a dog,’ Caitlin would grimace, as coughing fits convulsed her body. Sometimes, the fits would go on for hours, with barely a pause between 10-minute bursts.…

I’d won the progressive jackpot, couldn’t believe it! I’ve always been a fan of Chat magazine and, reading some of the bingo winners’ stories, I decided to give the site a go. So about three years, I signed up to Chat Mag Bingo. and I loved it, made so many friends! As we played the games, we chatted away, too. My favourite bingo rooms are Take Me Out, Round the Clock and Game Show. On 7 June, I was playing Round the Clock while my partner Matthew, 39, was pottering in the kitchen making us dinner. It’s a 75-ball bingo game. I’d spent £2 on 20 tickets with a great buy two, get one free offer. Suddenly one of my bingo cards had just one to go! I gasped. My…

The gooey flesh of my eye exploded Taking selfies is essential for my sight Posing in front of the restaurant toilet mirror, I switched my phone to selfie mode. Managing to find the right angle and the perfect light – the camera flashed. Squinting at the picture, I was satisfied. Then I caught the eye of another woman in the mirror. She sniggered, probably thinking I was vain. That is until I pulled out my eye drops. What the stranger didn’t know was that the selfies were saving me from going blind. I’ve always had to keep a close eye on my sight and since my teens, I’ve had to wear glasses. But when I blinked, I’d go blind even after I opened my eyes. Then my sight would…

Derrick was a family friend Growing up in Caerphilly, South Wales, I knew all the neighbours in our sleepy cul-de-sac. As a close-knit community, we would visit each other’s houses regularly. Derrick Evans lived five doors down with his wife. I’d greet them on Sundays at church with my mum Krys, then 41, dad Keith, 53, and my younger brother Paul. Then, when I was 13, I was hit by a serious mystery virus. I had sores all over my stomach, and zero energy. Hospitalised for several weeks, eventually, I was discharged. Still weak, I couldn’t walk to school like usual. Derrick, then 56, worked in a hardware store near school and offered to give me a lift. ‘How kind,’ Mum thanked him. I didn’t know Derrick well, but he…

I chucked my hubby out of his shed! Between my job in a vintage VW camper van wedding hire, my hubby Clive, 52, and our two kids, Abigail, 12, and Charlie, eight, it’s not easy to find any ‘me time’! My VW obsession began in March 2011, when I bought ‘Flossy’ – a gorgeous white camper, housing two bunks and a double bed. ‘Perfect for exploring!’ I smiled, taking our family on adventures. Soon though, I realised Flossy would be the perfect transport for brides-to-be. With my business booming, we invested in five more camper vans and before long, the paperwork was filling the house. One day, I thought of our shed in the garden, full of junk and Clive’s desk. ‘Clive, I’m chucking you out of your man cave!’…

I was a target for bullies Out shopping with my mum Sarah, I screwed up my nose as she pulled a tracksuit off the rails. At 12, I was getting into fashion and wanted to wear trendy outfits, but nothing in the teen department fitted me. I had Marfan syndrome, which caused my growth to accelerate. I towered over my classmates at 5ft 11in and spent most of my teenage years wearing adult leggings and tracksuits. Shoes in particular were a problem for me. A size 8, I had to wear boring footwear, while my mates got to wear sparkly shoes and sandals. Soon I was a size 11, wearing men’s trainers. My height had made me a target for bullies. ‘Watch out, the giant’s coming!’ kids would taunt me.…

Bag it up I was tired of my hair smelling every time I cook, so I put a carrier bag over my head. Bingo! Fresh smelling hair that smells of shampoo, not onions. Julie Oprea, Southampton Memory message Need to remember something important the next morning? Send yourself a text message reminding you, but don’t open it until morning. Robin Dawson, Brighton Recycle your rolls Keeping your bracelets on toilet paper rolls is a great way to keep them organised. Rosie Collier, Port Talbot Metal works Scrub stubborn saucepans with a scrunched up ball of foil – works great! Marie Ross, Getting some sun Refresh your old wooden spoons by boiling them in water for half an hour and leaving them to dry in the sun. Christie Winns, Oxford Get…

As the lights come on and I walk onto the stage, I get into character. The show is called ‘1 in 3’, and I play Jeff, who’s been diagnosed with prostate cancer. Looking out into the crowd, I catch sight of my sister, Kathleen. She’s crying. You see, a few months earlier, after taking on the role of Jeff, I was diagnosed with prostate cancer just like him. Back in 2007, I was working as a banker. As part of a campaign to raise awareness about prostate cancer, doctors from Royal Marsden Hospital came to my company to ask if anyone would take part in a study. I’d lost my dad to prostate cancer just two years before, so I was happy to go along with it. But the study…

I was bleeding internally I always thought it was just something poor kids in Charles Dickens novels got. But there I was, 17 years old, living in Tenerife with my mum… and just diagnosed with cholera. We thought I’d got it from a dodgy takeaway meal. I couldn’t keep any food down, spent all my time on the loo, and was so poorly that we had to move back to the UK. My parents marched me straight to the hospital. They were sick with worry. There, I had to be put in isolation until the cholera cleared up. But then doctors discovered something else. ‘You’re suffering from Crohn’s disease,’ they said. I also had a potentially deadly condition called toxic megacolon, which caused my large intestine to widen – this…

It was hot. And really sunny. Me and Dad splashed around in the outdoor pool at Mablethorpe, then walked along the seafront eating our ice-creams. After, he handed me a passport-sized photo of him. ‘To remember me by,’ he said. I could see my gran, Mum’s mum, waiting for me on the other side of the road. It was time to say goodbye. ‘I love you, Dad’ I said, giving him a hug. That was the last time I ever saw Dad – 20 years ago. Things hadn’t worked out with him and my mum, Sharon, now 47. Dad had left when I was about three. And we hadn’t heard anything from him… Until, years later, we’d met at Mablethorpe, when me and Nan went for a day. After that,…

What had I done to deserve this? No, the ink didn’t run when this copy of Chat was printed. That’s how my face actually looks – inky-blue marks all across my cheeks, nose, eyes, and forehead. When I go out, strangers stare. Some even ask if my boyfriend’s been hitting me. ‘He wouldn’t raise a finger to me,’ I tell them. My boyfriend Chris, 26, has given up so much – including his chef job – to become my carer. He’s my hero. The two of us go way back. We dated as teenagers, growing up in Mansfield. When I was 17, I got my dream job at a dog shelter. But there was a snag – it was in Kent. So Chris and I drifted apart. But then, four…

Knock out Q My son knocked his front tooth – it’s a new adult tooth and it’s going black. Is it too late to save it? Melissa, Poole A Unfortunately, as it is a permanent tooth, it requires more work to save it. A traumatised tooth that turns dark means the tooth is not healing well and will probably need a root canal to fix the damaged nerves. Go to your dentist as soon as possible so they can assess the harm done. The goss on floss Q I’ve read that flossing is good and I’ve read that it’s bad! What’s the right advice? Shirley, Plymouth A My advice is flossing is good! Tooth brushing alone only cleans the front, back and top of the tooth. Flossing cleans the sides…

EATING CAKE AT WORK Sometimes work can be hard, and the only moment of joy you get comes from that delicious slice of Victoria sponge sitting on your desk. But having cake in the workplace to celebrate birthdays, engagements or even just surviving the week, can be a danger to your health. Professor Nigel Hunt, from the Faculty of Dental Surgery at the Royal College of Surgeons, says ‘cake culture’ is fueling not only dental problems, but obesity, too. For many people, the workplace is the primary site of their sugar intake, resulting in nearly 65,000 adults being treated for tooth decay every year. It also poses difficulty for those trying to lose weight – we’ve all started a diet, only to be confronted with doughnuts at the office… The…

Aries 21 Mar - 20 April December promotes a desire for unification. Doubts are dealt with appropriately leading to the effective removal of restrictions. There may be increased serenity pertaining to communication. Love matters are explored with renewed fervour, initiating comprehensive interaction as well as establishing emotional viability. Potentially significant dates: 8th, 12th, 14th. Taurus 21 April - 21 May An integrated approach could prove beneficial with regards to tackling emotionally sensitive situations. Plans involving travel may need to be altered, taking into account specific needs. An energetic month with respect to conceptual plans and design, provoking passion and ambition, as well as an inspired sense of creative input. Potentially significant dates: 2nd, 20th, 28th. Gemini 22 May - 21 June Assertive, romantic contemplation may play a significant role in…

I couldn’t walk straight Have you ever felt seasick? Dizzy, off-balance? Well, I feel like that all the time! It started in 2011, after returning from Gran Canaria. I started to feel queasy and, a week later, I kept throwing up and it felt like the room was spinning. Probably a tummy bug, I reasoned. My GP agreed, said it would pass in a few days. When it didn’t, he explained it could be vertigo. Sufferers feel like the space around them is spinning. I was told it would soon settle. But my symptoms just got worse. I could barely stand without falling over, I couldn’t drive, and I felt sick 24/7. Eventually, I was referred for an MRI scan - the results were clean, so I saw a specialist,…

Dinosaur Monopoly, £30, Natural History Museum Shop ( www.nhmshop.co.uk ) Live the life of a jet-setting palaeontologist with this dinosaur twist of a classic, based in the Mesozoic Era. Properties become dinosaur sites, and stations are continents of the world. Family Bingo, £22, Imperial War Museum Shop ( www.iwmshop.org.uk ) Go retro and get everyone involved with this family game. It comes complete with tombola cage and bingo balls for an authentic bingo experience. Air Hockey, £15, Flying Tiger stores nationwide ( uk.flyingtiger.com ) Small enough to go on your table but big on fun! Pitch two people off against each other in this fast paced game of quick reactions and goals.…

The pain spread everywhere At first, we thought it was just a case of a bad flu. So I sent my partner David, 52, to bed with a Lemsip. ‘You’ll feel better for an early night,’ I told him. But, just minutes later, David cried out in agony. ‘My legs!’ he screamed. ‘They feel like they’re on fire!’ David’s the strong, silent type. In the 14 years we’d been together, I’d never once heard him complain about anything. He never grumbled about having a cold before. It’s the soldier in him. He’d been a paratrooper. So, for him to be saying he was in pain… It worried me. ‘I’m taking you to A&E,’ I said. We got to Wythenshawe Hospital 20 minutes later. David was sweating, his face ghostly pale,…

'We're not going to make it' I screamed Frustrated, I flung the suitcase on the bed and started to chuck in my clothes. ‘What’s got into you?’ asked my partner Mitchell Bolton, 46, confused at my behaviour. It was last September, and I’d been irritable throughout our holiday in Cyprus. ‘Dunno,’ I huffed. I had a feeling that it wasn’t just the heat, though. The last time I felt this stroppy, I was pregnant with our daughter, Mary, now two. We’d been trying for four weeks, so, after arriving home, I took a pregnancy test. Positive! ‘Brilliant!’ Mitchell grinned. This time around, pregnancy felt tougher – I experienced aches and pains, and extreme mood swings. My little’un was certainly going to be trouble! ‘I bet it’s a boy,’ I laughed.…

What car dealers don’t want you to know Buying a car can be tricky. Terry Hogan, CEO of Regit ( www.regit .cars ), shares his tips on saving money that dealers don’t want you to know… Avoid weekends Visit dealerships during the week when they are quieter. You’ll have the dealer’s undivided attention – you can then ask for free added extras, like spare keys. Don’t throw money away If you’re buying a used car but don’t know how much it’s actually worth, use the car’s registration number to find a valuation online. Leverage to haggle Find out how long the car has been on the forecourt. The longer it’s been there, the more desperate they are to sell. Knowing this puts you in a better…

Matalan have launched their annual Christmas campaign in partnership with Alder Hey Children’s Charity. Celebrities are encouraging the nation to buy the spotty print products, adorned with the Alder Hey mascot, Oli the elephant, and to use #getspotted to show off your talents. Past campaigns have raised over £1.7million to support vital research at Alder Hey and with 100% of the profits of the range going to the charity, it's essential you get involved. Products are available online and in store now. www.matalan.co.uk/ getspotted…

 You can’t beat a good singalong to make yourself feel good. He told me not to sing I’ve always loved belting out a song or two. Even if it’s incredibly out of tune! Aged 11, during a music lesson at school, my teacher took me to one side. ‘Nadine, it’s best you don’t sing,’ he frowned at me. ‘You’re spoiling it for the other children.’ Completely mortified, I had no idea how bad I was. I was gutted – especially when I realised that I wouldn’t be allowed to join the school choir. Over the years, that comment stayed with me. Not that it stopped me singing my heart out in the shower, though. ‘Who let the cat in?’ my hubby John, 51, would tease. Luckily, I saw the funny…

Her eyes were rolling It had been two days since my daughter Olivia, three, started complaining of neck pain. Now, her temperature had shot up, she was vomiting, and couldn’t drink anything. The GP diagnosed flu, and advised I take Olivia to hospital if she continued to refuse to drink. Arriving at A&E, Olivia was put on an IV drip and had to be monitored overnight. Still convinced it was flu, the next day the staff said to come back if there were any further problems. But we had barely been home 30 minutes when things started to deteriorate rapidly. Shaking, Olivia was sodden with sweat, and her eyes were rolling back into her head. ‘Get the car!’ I screamed to my husband Liam, 29. Back at A&E, Olivia was…

Lisa O’Keefe, Advisor of Adventures at Day Out With The Kids,solves your excursion dilemmas Q My little one has been learning about dinosaurs at school, and she always has loads of questions! We’re looking for somewhere which matches the ‘wow factor with the educational element. Jess, Norwich Jurassic Journey certainly has the ‘wow’ factor thanks to towering animatronic dinosaurs, whilst on the educational side, you’re spoilt for choice. Follow the Jurassic timeline, go fossil hunting, head to the Dino-Dig and touch real dinosaur poo! You’ll also find Professor PossilFossil on hand with a special mission, promising great fun and lots of learnings too. Q After doing well at school, I want to take my child out for an afterschool treat, do you have any ideas? Louise, Barnsley A Just a…

Putting up a barrier People who are allergic to pets often find their symptoms flare up in winter, as they tend to spend more time indoors. Pet allergies are caused by tiny particles of skin which are shed by your pet, and cause itchy eyes, sneezing, and wheezing. Try HayMax allergen barrier balm (£6.99, Holland & Barrett) – apply three times a day to create an invisible barrier to pet allergens. Golden oldies Half of Brits over 50 say they are healthier than they were in their 20s, according to a new study by leisure centre operator Everyone Active. The research showed that Brits in their golden years take their fitness seriously. 72% of over 50s don’t smoke, and a quarter choose to have alcohol-free weekends. 44% said they went…

One for the girls This is a great book for girls, apparently! I found this old book, published in the 1950s, in the library. It was an interesting read! Steph, Newquay One of nature’s finest I couldn’t resist taking a picture of this fascinating plant at the Botanical Gardens recently. Kathy, Cardiff Spellbinding! My husband treated me to this awesome gift. I’ve always been a Harry Potter fan, and these books are so beautiful that I just couldn’t resist showing everyone! Trisha, Oxford THAT’S SO BRITISH… Going out of your way to avoid people. Dye-ing for a change After another birthday, I realised it was time for a change, so I dyed my hair pink – I love it! Cally, Luton Looking royal in Scotland A stunning picture of Edinburgh…

He’s mine! Our cat Millie is really possessive over my boyfriend – she’s always sleeping on his chest and doesn’t really warm up to anyone else. One morning, I woke up to find her sleeping on the bed with us. Annoyed, I scooped her up and put her on the floor. But she wasn’t having any of that. Before I knew it, she had jumped back onto the bed, went straight over to my sleeping boyfriend, and pooped all over his arm. I guess she was marking her territory! Mia, Southampton What’s in a name? When my mum got a cat, she made the mistake of letting my little sister name him. Amy Winehouse’s song Rehab was popular at the time, so the poor cat was called Rehab. A few…