Innehållsförteckning för BEST OF 4 2019 från Chat Specials

Bravery comes in many different forms, and this month, we’re celebrating those who’ve showed courage at just the right time. Just remember, we’re often much braver than we think we are. After giving birth, Emma (pg24) was dealt a terrifying blow. A cruel disease was putting her life at risk and she worried for her newborn baby. But brave Emma faced her scary diagnosis head on, and now she’s planning on being around to see her little boy grow up. No matter how old we get, introducing our new partners to our parents is a pretty daunting prospect. But when Courtney (pg10), took her new boyfriend round to meet the family, it certainly raised a lot of questions. Still, we admire her bravery! Even animals can show courage. When Wilbur…

Laura Rundle, 36, Tayport I put the last of the pots and pans in the dishwasher and flicked on the kettle. ‘You can make the tea,’ I said to my partner Gordon, 33. But he shook his head. ‘Not unless you agree to marry me this year,’ he said. ‘Fat chance,’ I replied. ‘Have you seen me lately?’ I was hugely overweight and the thought of walking down the aisle in front of hundreds of people, filled me with dread. ‘I’ll just have to go thirsty then, won’t I?’ I said and sulked off to the living room with our two boys, Jack, 13, and Logan, 11. We met when we were young. I was a curvy size 14 but comfortable in my own skin. After a year together I…

A cervical smear test checks the health of your cervix – the opening to your womb from your vagina. The test isn’t necessarily a test for cancer, but a test to help prevent it. All women aged 25-64 should be invited by letter – and, during the appointment, a small sample of cells is taken from the cervix. The sample is then tested for changes to the cells. Finding abnormal cells early means that they can be monitored or treated so they don’t get a chance to turn into cervical cancer.…

The guilt is suffocating QWe’ve adopted a baby after being desperate to – but now she’s here, I can’t bond with her. I’m worried I don’t love her enough. It’s been six months and I just feel like I’m looking after someone else’s child. Daisy, York A Try not to be anxious. Parenthood has lots of ups and downs, and life with a baby is physically very tiring. The fact that you are worried about whether or not you love your daughter enough speaks volumes about how determined you are to be a good mum. Bonding takes time, and it’s different for every parent. Some people feel a connection immediately, while for others the process takes months. Every little thing you do to care for your daughter will demonstrate your…

Is it infected? My six-year-old son’s eczema has recently flared up and I think it might be infected. How can I tell? Ella, Somerset. When eczema flares up, the skin barrier is broken and at higher risk of infection. Infected eczema is often uncomfortable rather than simply itchy and may be more red than usual. You may also notice yellow crusts or eroded areas on the skin. The skin may feel warm and if the infection is severe your son may feel unwell and feverish. If you are not sure you should arrange an urgent appointment with your GP who can take skin swabs and advise treatment or arrange a referral to the hospital dermatology or paediatric team. Red-faced My skin is often red and can feel like it’s burning…

GLITZ AND GLAM MUA 20 SHADE EYESHADOW PALETTE MOLTEN METALS, £8, SUPERDRUG These warm golds and coppers will help you create the perfect golden smokey eye this season. With 20 shimmers, your eyes will be popping. Each shade is unique and long lasting with minimal fall out, so you can take your eye from a gorgeous day look to sultry evening style. LAVERA MATT ‘N STAY LIPS IN MATT ‘N RED, £10.90, LAVERA If there is ever an occasion for a red lip, then the festive season is one. This nourishing crayon is packed with intense pigments for long-lasting colour. The creamy formula is created using rose butter to care for the lips. Red never goes out of style, and this will keep you going all night long. CARTER BEAUTY…

Cathy Appelbee, 51, Ruddington, Nottinghamshire Rushing around one morning, I said goodbye to my daughter Charlotte, 16. ‘Have a good day at work, Wilbur,’ I joked to my ginger cat, as he scarpered into the garden. He was hardly ever at home I’d no idea where he’d spend his day. But I knew it wouldn’t be at home. He loved to explore our village in Nottinghamshire! Trying not to worry, I knew he’d only go crazy if I left him cooped up at home. I rescued Wilbur as a kitten in 2009, and Charlotte was besotted with him. She loved to snuggle up on the sofa with him. But now, we barely ever saw him. The disappearing started four years ago. I was strolling down the high street when I…

CHRISTMAS JUMPER DAY Whether you’re at work, home or down the pub, get involved in this years Christmas Jumper Day by wearing your most festive knit in aid of Save the Children. Taking place on Friday 13 December, the charity are encouraging you to get your colleagues and friends involved and don a festive sweater to help give children a brighter future. Buy, borrow or decorate an old jumper and donate £2 to help children across the world. To sign up visit www. savethechildren.org.uk/ christmasjumper-day. SOFA TIME How many days do you think you spend binge watching your favourite show? Well, new research from Furniture Choice has found that the average Brit spends 44 days a year on the sofa. That’s over a month or 1,060 hours of watching TV.…

Lisa Lane, 46, Walton-on-Thames Picking a knife from the drawer, I carefully spread mayonnaise right to the corners of the bread before picking up my mobile. Then I fired a text to my boyfriend Scott Wilkinson, 46. Just fi nishing your sandwiches, won’t be long, I wrote. Wrapping the sandwiches in some tinfoil, I set off. ‘Oh damn it,’ I said, realising I’d almost forgot to pack the Thermos of hot tea left on the side. It was a gorgeous day for a wander down to the fishing lake near our house, locally known as Donkey Island, near Walton-on-Thames. Scott would camp down at the fishing spot for weeks on end while I’d walk over each day to bring him provisions and make sure his phone was charged up. ‘The…

Lisa Costello, 37, Colchester, Essex Dear Dad, Looking back on my childhood, I think of all the wonderful holidays we went on together. We loved our hols, didn’t we, Dad? All of us spending hours in the sun by the pool. You’d throw me and my sister Natalie around the shallow end – but never venturing further than waist height. That was because you’d never learnt to swim. At 6ft 2in you towered above us all, but still wouldn’t go out of your depth in water. Whenever we’d beg you to join us in the deep end, you’d always say the same thing. ‘Your mum will join you instead,’ you’d smile. But one day, you surprised us all. ‘I’m taking swimming lessons,’ you said at the age of 45. By…

Her dismembered body was found in three seperate body bags Rushing around her grandmother’s house, ten-year-old Holly Jones, was very excited to give her mum her specially made present. It was Mother’s Day 2003 and Holly and her mum Maria had gone to celebrate with family in their home city of Toronto. But in the midst of celebration and seeing loved ones, Holly accidentally left the present with a family friend. Thankfully, the gift was returned the following day while Holly was at school. And when she got home, she bounced through the door, her usual happy self. But as she’d come home with a friend, they agreed to open the present later in the evening. ‘Please let me walk her home,’ Holly begged her mum as she did up…

Hilary Andrews, 79, Leeds As my daughter’s front door swung open, I was welcome by one of my favourite sights in the whole world. Three of my grandkids, running towards me, arms outstretched for a massive hug! ‘Grandma’s here!’ they chirped cheerily. It was spring 2018, and I’d just arrived at my daughter Sarah’s in Bristol. I stepped out to catch my bus I was a proud grandmother of eight, aged between nine and 23. While I lived in Leeds, my three grown-up children and their families were spread across Manchester, Bristol and Taunton. But, even though I was 78 years old, I was still sprightly. I loved being able to jump in my car and visit whenever I wanted. And, when I was there, to spoil them all rotten!…

Have you always wanted to volunteer? With so many different charities and organisations, it can seem like a minefield. So, here are some helpful ways to get you started: • Hold a bake sale for a charity of your choice. Get all your family and friends to make one item to make it easier! • Sign up to a marathon, cycle or walk and raise money for the charity of your choice. • Volunteer to work in a charity shop. • Sign up for volunteer opportunities at your local library. They usually partner with local care centers, so it’s not just reading to children! • Become a telephone friend for the elderly and the lonely. www.ageuk.org.uk/ If you don’t have enough time to dedicate to volunteering, here are some other…

Emma Clayton, 26, Sheffield As our new puppy bounded around the living room, I was so happy with the latest addition to our family. The following day, I took our Cocker Spaniel, Peter, for a walk. But suddenly, as I watched him run around on the grass, Peter’s back legs went rigid. His whole body froze and he flopped sideways onto the ground. The next thing I knew, he was on his back with all four legs in the air. ‘What’s happened?’ I panicked. But, quick as a flash, he was back up on his paws, tail wagging. Carrying on with our walk, Peter seemed fine and I began to relax. I’d been told all about his condition by the woman we’d rehomed him from. ‘He sort of passes out…

Rebuilding lives New research by The Stroke Association has revealed that more than one million stroke survivors live in fear of having another stroke and are scared to go out alone. The study also found that one in five stroke survivors said they kept their worries to themselves and didn’t talk to anyone. The charities latest campaign, Rebuilding Lives, is on a mission to change the way people think about strokes and the aftermath. To find out more visit www.stroke.org.uk/rebuilding-lives. Boost your vitamin D With winter in full swing, the pound pinching professionals at NetVoucherCodes.co.uk have revealed four of the best foods to make sure you get your vitamin D fix. 1. Egg Yolks – Egg whites provide protein, but egg yolks are where vitamin D and minerals are found.…

The party season is full of festive cheer and celebration, but it can be a disastrous time for our skin. So, here are our top tips to ensure your skin survives the party! • Drink water during the day and in-between alcoholic beverages. • NEVER – even if it’s 3am and you’re slightly worse for wear – sleep with your makeup on. • Try to give your skin some airtime by not wearing makeup for at least one day a week • Use a detox clay mask at least once a week to remove impurities. • Nail your skincare routine, so the skin gets all the nutrients it needs. • Make sure to gently exfoliate the skin at least once a week.…

CHAMBORD COLLINS YOU’LL NEED • 1 part Chambord • 1 part gin • Juice of two lemon wedges • Soda HOW TO DO IT… Pour Chambord, gin and the juice of two lemon wedges into a tall glass. Fill your glass with cubed ice and then top with soda. CHAMBORD WINTER BERRY MULE YOU’LL NEED • 1 part Chambord • 1 part gin • 1 part ginger beer • 1 part fresh lemon juice • Teaspoon of sugar syrup • 5 raspberries • 2 blackberries HOW TO DO IT… Crush raspberries and blackberries then add remaining ingredients and shake. Pour into a tumbler glass over crushed ice. CHAMBORD FRENCH MARTINI YOU’LL NEED • 1 part Chambord • 2 parts vodka • 3 parts pineapple juice HOW TO DO IT… Vigorously…

These pictures show a British street which is located on a common, meaning more than 300 cows, horses and donkeys are free to roam the road - and peer in the windows. The 500-metre long ‘Butt Street’ forms part of the 451-acre Minchinhampton Common in the Cotswolds, which is run by the National Trust. The common is not fenced or bordered off - and residents are entitled to release their cattle there if they like. Photos show cows and horses happily wandering through Butt Street and at times, into the town’s market square. And Paul Blower, who lives on the street, said he loves the animals wandering past his house. The 47-year-old said; ‘I just love it, having cows, horses - there’s donkeys as well. ‘They are down the road…

Emma Sandau, 31, Eccleshall Cradling my new-born baby, I admired his tiny fingers and soft skin. ‘He’s perfect,’ I beamed to my husband Ove, then 33. ‘I want another!’ It was May 2018, and I’d only just brought Thorben home from Royal Stoke University Hospital. It’d been a difficult labour. In the end, doctors had to use forceps to deliver Thorben. But I’d always dreamt of having a big family – wanted at least two. ‘Already?!’ Ove laughed at me. We agreed it was best to wait until Thorben started school, but I revelled in motherhood. Threw myself into giving our new son absolutely everything. He was all I’d ever hoped for. I pushed through the pain Only, six weeks after giving birth, I was still in pain. This can’t…

Sammie Todd, 52, Peterborough Shuffling around the house after my baby was in bed, I gazed in the mirror and wondered where my lovely figure had gone. I’d always been slender in school, but after getting married and having my first baby I noticed that I was finding it hard to shift the weight. ‘I’ll go for a run next week, I’m feeling a little porky,’ I said to my husband, Paul, 54, optimistically when baby Charlotte was just six months old. I hid myself away and lied to everyone ‘Oh good plan, I might join you!’ he replied, supportive and caring as always. But before I’d had a chance to go into town to get myself some running shoes, we found out that I was expecting again. After that…

Beccy Sweet, 28, Bristol As his chubby little feet and fists pumped during our first cuddle, my heart melted. ‘No mistaking who his mummy is,’ my partner of two years, Garth, 39, smiled. Our newborn, little Noah, was our first child, and his auburn-red hair was just like mine. My heart swelled. He was utterly perfect. It was August 2017, and, taking Noah home from the hospital the next day, I felt blissed out on hormones and happiness. A few days later, a health visitor came over to do a checkup. ‘Noah’s a little bit jaundiced,’ she said. ‘But that’s fairly normal in newborns.’ It was also normal for newborns to lose a few pounds. But when she weighed him, she noticed Noah had lost slightly more than average. ‘We’ll…

Alex Maghie, 47 , Hertfordshire Walking round the streets of Costa Rica, with my husband Paul, 52, I spotted the most adorable dog. ‘Oh look at him!’ I smiled as I walked towards him. ‘Be careful, you don’t want to catch an infection,’ Paul warned. But he looked so sweet, so I strolled towards him and bent down to gently give him a pat. When all of a sudden, its teeth snapped and locked around my wrist, drawing blood. It wasn’t too bad, but I went straight to the hospital to get a tetanus and rabies medication. By the time we returned home the following week, my wrist was all better. I was so glad to be back at home, and soon I was back to work, in my job…

Neighbours heard screaming and ran to help but they could only watch as he slashed her throat Jared Remy was the son of a famous sportsman who was much-loved by fans all across America. Jared’s dad, Jerry Remy, was a former Red Sox baseball player who retired after a knee injury 1986. He was nothing like his famous father Affectionately nicknamed ‘Rem Dawg,’ he carved out a new and very successful career as a Red Sox commentator. He owned a chain of sport’s bars and a hot dog stand. But Jared, 37, was the self-professed ‘bad apple’ of the family – nothing like his dad. While Jerry was winning accolades, Jared spent most of his life in trouble with the law. Since he was a kid, Jared struggled with behavioral…