Innehållsförteckning för Festive 2018 från Chat Specials

Christmas is all about being there for those we love and we’re celebrating some amazing bonds in our festive special. Jade (pg34) helped her dad through his cancer battle, without a clue that soon she would be the one relying on his support. We honour the greatest of love stories this month. After 65 years of marriage, Hilda and Roy (pg16) were an utterly devoted couple, so it was no surprise that at the end, they couldn’t live without each other. Joanne (pg14) is facing the first Christmas without her mum this year, but from her grief has come a desire to save lives from her experience. There’s plenty of rejoicing this month. Katy (pg10) nearly lost both of her twin girls but even though Darcey and Eden were tiny…

Online shopping Do your Christmas shopping in the comfort of your own home with these handy online shopping tips. Check delivery dates When placing your order, make sure the item will be delivered in time for Christmas. Many items actually have a delivery date for January, so be sure to check the status of all the items in your shopping cart before you pay. Wrap it up Most online stores offer a gift wrapping service for a small fee. It’s usually as easy as a click of a button, which is much easier than trying to tie the perfect bow yourself. The early bird To get the best selection, start your shopping early. Online stores generally carry larger quantities, but even they can sell out. There’s nothing like finding the…

Christmas is all about food. Tucking into a juicy turkey, warm roasties and scrumptious pigs in blankets is something we all look forward to. But if you’re keeping a close eye on your waistline, all these treats can be difficult to say no to. And that’s where I come in. For the past five years, I’ve been working with MuscleFood, an online retailer of healthy foods and lean meats. And while other health food companies tend to die down over the festive season, Christmas is our busiest time of year, coming up with delicious food ideas that will not only leave you wanting more, but will also leave you feeling healthier. This year we’re offering a 35cm-long pig in a blanket. Weighing 1.2kg, it’s more like a proper roast, meaning…

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New worry I had shingles last year for the first time and I’ve had it four times since. I’m 63, and worried that this painful illness is part of my life now. What can I do? Belinda, New Forest You are likely to have contracted chickenpox when you were younger and overcome it. Some of the virus stays in the body and lays dormant in the nerve cells close to the spinal cord. As you get older, the condition known as Shingles can come out and result in postherpetic neuralgia (lasting nerve pain affected by shingles). You should see your GP and ask to be referred to a specialist. Oh baby My husband and I are trying for a baby and want to know when I’m ovulating. Trisha, Portsmouth The…

FIRST DAY: START OFF CLEAN Begin each day by having a big glass of warm water with the juice of half a lemon squeezed in. This cleanses the liver and bodily tissues and decreases water retention. Lemon juice is highly alkalising and an excellent source of vitamin C and electrolytes to boost your metabolism for the rest of the day. SECOND DAY: HAVE A HEALTHY BREAKFAST During the busy holiday season, we need more than ever to fuel our bodies. Setting a healthy intention each morning by eating a nutritious breakfast will set us off in the right direction of making healthier choices throughout the day. Have whatever you think will sustain you for a few hours – whether it’s a green juice or smoothie, some whole grains, or even…

Jumping the gun Last year I was dating this P olish guy. We’d only been together for a few weeks, and it wasn’t that serious. Come Christmas, he couldn’t afford to fly home to spend it with his family, so, not wanting him to be alone, I invited him round to my family’s place. Big mistake. My parents thought that because I’d brought him home with me, this was a serious relationship, and the poor guy spent the whole day being questioned by my dad about what his intentions for me were, while Mum even brought up future wedding plans! Needless to say, our relationship ended shortly afterwards. Hannah, Poole Crash bang A few years ago , I had just come in from walking the dog on Christmas morning when…

Teresa Bialy, 55, Wellingborough Sitting down for dinner with my daughter Daria, 25, she gave me a suspicious look. ‘So, what’s going on with you and Jan?’ she asked, smiling. ‘Nothing,’ I said. Daria raised her eyebrow at me. ‘Well, nothing yet!’ I laughed, turning red. A few weeks before, I’d put an advert out for my spare room. He kissed me and I felt like a teenager I lived in a big house and couldn’t afford to pay the rent on my own, so when my other tenants moved out, I was stuck. A few days later, there was a knock on the door. Wow! I thought, as I opened it. Standing in front of me was a handsome stranger with a friendly smile and gorgeous twinkling eyes. ‘Hello,…

This is a bacterial infection spread by ticks. Many who get it have never seen or felt a tick bite on their body, as they’re the size of a pinhead and don’t hurt. Symptoms can include headaches, joint and muscle pain. Most people bitten by ticks get a circular red rash instantly, and experience flu-like symptoms instead. Lyme disease can usually be cured if treated immediately, but it can lay dormant in the host for up to 30 years and lead to chronic fatigue later in life. Sadly, there’s no cure for cases like this.…

SMOKED SALMON SPREAD ON TOAST SERVES 6 YOU’LL NEED... • 250g of soft cream cheese • 120g of smoked salmon • 1 tsp of English mustard • 1/2 tsp garlic salt • 1 tbsp of double cream TO SERVE... • Toasted fresh bread • Dried seaweed flakes (or choice of herb) HOW TO DO IT… 1. Place the ingredients in a food processor and blitz into a paste. Transfer the mixture into an airtight container and refrigerate for four hours. 2. Serve on toasted fresh bread and top with dried seaweed flakes or your own choice of herb. WHOLE ROASTED CAULIFLOWER IN CHEESE SAUCE SERVES 4 YOU’LL NEED... • 1 large cauliflower • 500ml of vegetable stock • 2 tsp of cayenne pepper • 1 tsp of garlic salt • Seaweed flakes (or choice of herb) FOR…

Annette Dawson, 52, Barnstaple Enjoying Beauty and the Beast for the fifth time, I was already deciding which Disney flick I’d watch next. Since I was young, I’d been obsessed with Disney films, the magic, the enchanting stories. Luckily, my husband Loki, 31, doesn’t mind that I binge-watch the films. But, in all my 52 years, I’d never visited Disneyland – always wanted to. I’m a big kid, really – well, that’s what my four kids say! In March 2011, my daughter Jade, 27, popped over for lunch. ‘Mum, I really think you’d love Chat Mag Bingo!’ she said showing me her phone, where she was playing. I’d spent years in the bingo halls, loved the excitement. Chat Mag Bingo is so simple and you don’t need to spend much…

Mulled magic If you want to indulge this Christmas without wreaking havoc on your waistline, mulled wine is the way to go. Unlike other holiday drinks, like hot chocolate or eggnog, this warming tipple actually has some health benefits. Red wine is known to reduce the risks of cardiovascular disease and heart attacks, is a great source of antioxidants and keeps you looking younger for longer. Cinnamon, the other major ingredient, has anti-infl ammatory properties, while nutmeg is a powerful spice that helps to clear out the liver and kidneys. So get healthy and drink up this Christmas! Joint relief The cold winter months bring on a host of aches and pains, most commonly, joint pain. While joint pain is usually caused by arthritis or an injury, and is most…

A calm and controlled Chris Watts stood on the porch of his fivebedroom home in Frederick, Colorado, and spoke to the crowd of reporters who had swarmed to his front garden. Camera crews recorded the plea that Chris, 33, made to his missing pregnant wife and their two young daughters. ‘Shanann, Bella, Celeste, if you’re out there, just come back,’ he pleaded. Chris wasn’t over emotional, and there were no tears, but everyone assumed that he must have been in deep shock. His whole family had vanished without a trace and the local authorities, local community and loved ones were all out desperately searching for them. As his face was televised across the country, along with pictures of Shanann with her girls, everyone prayed for a happy ending. ‘I have…

Renata Hozova, 48, Vancouver, Canada As I cooed over the tiny squirming bundle in my arms, a familiar rush of love washed over me. It was July 2010 and I’d just given birth to my second daughter, Raquel. ‘Isn’t she beautiful?’ I grinned to my husband Ryan, then 38. He was beaming. Then a doctor noticed Raquel had wounds on her hands and was missing a layer of skin from her knees down. As our baby was whisked away for tests, our happy bubble popped. Raquel was transferred to British Columbia Children’s Hospital and diagnosed with recessive dystrophic epidermolysis bullosa (EB), a rare genetic skin condition that causes painful blisters. Sufferers lack collagen cells and are known as butterfly children… My little baby’s skin was as fragile as the wings…

Lynne Kellow, 53, Swindon Popping in to see my elderly parents at their home, as I always did during the week, I could tell from the look on Dad’s face when I walked through the front door that something was wrong. ‘Your mother’s not been too good today,’ he said. ‘Oh no,’ I sighed, sitting beside my mum, Hilda, 85, and stroking her hand. ‘Why didn’t you call?’ ‘I didn’t want to worry you,’ he said. Mum had been becoming increasingly forgetful and confused as of late and it was putting more and more of a strain on my dad, Roy, 89. When she became fragile, Dad took ~ over all the cooking and cleaning – pretty much running the household. He had also become Mum’s full-time carer. But I…

Make your own chandelier Spruce up your living room for your next Christmas party by hanging festive baubles from your light fitting. It makes an instant Christmas chandelier and will impress your guests when they come round! Melanie Stone, Cardiff All hands on deck Give yourself a super fun Christmas manicure using different Christmassy colours. If you’re off work for the holidays, you’ll have plenty of time to get creative with some festive designs. Joanne Thomas, Bradford Smells delicious! Get your home smelling Christmassy by filling a saucepan with water, and adding cinnamon and cloves. Let it simmer all day, and your house will smell delightful. Clara Young, York Quick and classy For a quick table decoration, fill a wine glass with baubles, turn it upside down and place a…

It was 7am and, already running late dropping my son Logan, four, at school, I tried to pick up the pace a bit. Gates in sight, my cheeks puffed and calves throbbed. ‘Almost there, love’ I said, squeezing his hand. ‘I don’t want to go in,’ Logan whined when we arrived. His first day back at school after the Easter break, I had to shoo him in step by step, shuffling along behind him. But as I did, I tripped on something and came crashing down hard on my right knee. I let out a yelp as I hobbled to my feet. Agony! Hugging Logan goodbye, I went straight to the hospital, where a doctor gave me six stitches for a deep cut. Days passed and my knee was still…

Mostly A: Something expensive You’re all about the glitz and glamour of Christmas, and anything with a label on it is right up your street. Designer clothing, expensive jewellery, and flashy tech – you name it, you want it. After all, Christmas is a time to be spoilt, isn’t it? Mostly B: Something homemade Christmas is all about spending time with your loved ones and making them happy, so as long as you can do that, you’re set. For you, it doesn’t really matter what’s waiting for you under the tree – after all, it’s the thought that counts. Mostly C: Food What’s the most important thing about Christmas? The food of course! You love cooking, appreciate a good meal, and tend to overindulge a bit over the holidays. A…

1. Wings off first Hold the wing by the tip. Cut it at the midsection, then do the same again on the other wing. 2. Legs off next Hold the leg by the end knuckle. Cut through the skin between the leg and the body and twist off, then do the same with the other leg. 3. Breast meat off Using the tip of the knife, cut along the breast bone (keep the knife close to the bone) until the breast is removed, then do the same again on the other side. 4. Peel off both leg and breast skin Place on a baking tray. Season and return to a hot oven for approximately 10-15 minutes until crisp – it’s delicious! 5. Slice it up Slice up the breast meat…

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Jodie Mitchell Hyslop, 38, Balloch Curled up on the sofa one evening, I settled in for one of my daughter Harper’s shows. Our usual uneventful living room was now her stage! And her audience? It was a silent condition that had been hiding Me and her dad, my husband John, then 40. We clapped and cheered as she sang along to her favourite Justin Timberlake songs. Harper was always full of life – but in February 2016, when she was fiveyears-old, something was wrong. Coughing and spluttering, she looked exhausted. I took her to the GP several times, but he always said the same thing – that it was a virus. But her cough got worse, she had no of weight. One day, on a walk, she asked to rest.…

Is it over yet? Rainy is already exhausted and it’s not even Christmas yet! Louise, Glasgow Big bad tree It was Monty’s first Christmas last year and I think he was a bit afraid of the tree… Let’s hope he’s a bit braver this year! Chelsea, Leeds There’s something in your shoe I couldn’t resist creating this photo with my little pup Pippa. She probably thinks I’m bonkers! Tracey, Swansea Such a festive cat As you can see by her facial expression, Luna is very excited about pulling her Christmas crackers… Ella, Lincoln…

No one should be alone No one should be alone on Christmas, especially older people. That’s why UK charity Community Christmas is encouraging us all to provide companionship to the elderly on Christmas Day. It doesn’t have to involve spending loads of money – simply ask your elderly friend or neighbour round yours for lunch, invite them to your local pub, or just pop round for a cuppa. For many older people across the UK, Christmas Day will sadly be just like any other day, so by making them feel welcome, you could be making a huge difference. Sign up at www.communitychristmas.org.uk to make a donation, and you’ll receive a list of events and activities you can get involved in. Breaking the ice No one should ever have to face…

What to believe Q My children, aged six and nine, go to a Church of England school and have religious teachings. It’s not what I believe, but if I tell them, they might start to question their lessons. Should I be honest? Sara, Hull A Children are naturally curious and as parents we can encourage that curiosity, helping them understand and respect different cultures and beliefs. You have obviously chosen to send your children to a Church of England school – if you have concerns about what they are being taught maybe you could chat with their teacher about this issue? Our children’s thinking will be influenced from all kinds of places in culture – not just at school. As parents, we can and should encourage them to think for…

FILM AND TV 1 In the 1986 EastEnders Christmas special, what special gift did Dirty Den give to Angie? a A car b An engagement ring c Divorce papers 2 Who did Del and Rodney dress up as for a fancy-dress party in the Only Fools and Horses 1996 Christmas special? a Adam and Eve b Batman and Robin c Romeo and Juliet 3 Who played Scrooge in A Muppet’s Christmas Carol? a Anthony Hopkins b Michael Caine c John Cleese 4 In Love Actually, which band is Billy Mack’s main competition for Christmas Number One? a Blue b Take That c Busted 5 What is the name of the toy that everyone is after in the 1996 film Jingle All The Way? a Mega-man b Fantastic-man c Turbo-man 6…