Innehållsförteckning för FEBRUARY SPECIAL 2020 från Chat Specials

We’re all excited about Valentine’s Day, but it’s important to remember that love isn’t just for February 14th. To celebrate this, we’ve given you a handy guide on how to share the love with all the important people in your life – every day of the year (pg14). We could all use a little encouragement every now and then. Amanda (pg22) loved having a good dance, but was in denial about her own health. In the end, it would take a wedding to make her realise what needed to be done. Being stood up at the altar is our worst nightmare, and not many people would bounce back from such embarrassment. When this happened to Roseina (pg24), she never thought she would find love again. But fate had something in…

Tara Gray Laffey, 42, Galway. Wearily pushing another injection into my stomach, I winced. It wasn’t the needle that hurt, but the bruises that had built up over my skin for the past few weeks. I was covered in them. My husband William sat with me and squeezed my hand. ‘It’ll be worth it in the end,’ he whispered, smiling. ‘I know,’ I nodded. It was 2 July 2017 and we were attempting our second round of fertility treatment. I really hoped it would work. We’d been together for eight years, since meeting online in December 2009. On our first date in our local pub, I immediately knew William was my soulmate. The One. When the bartender rang last orders, 10 hours after we’d met, I couldn’t believe how quickly…

Too much to ask Q I feel terrible as my brother asked me if I would help him and his wife have a baby by donating my eggs, and I said no. He’s so hurt and says he would have done anything to help me. Was I wrong? Sarah, Cardiff A It sounds as though your brother and his wife are understandably feeling very emotional as they struggle to find a solution to their childlessness, but at the same time, it is completely fine for you to have said no – so lay down the guilt. It seems like they may not have thought this request through rationally, as there are restrictions on mixing the eggs and sperm of close family members such as a brother and sister – and…

Check your CV is accurate Make sure your CV is up to date and completely accurate. Be ready to answer any questions based on your previous experience. Research the company Find background information about the company and role online. It will show your employer that you are keen and knowledgeable! Know the job Before your interview, carefully examine the job description. It entails the qualities, qualifications and details that the employer is looking for in the role. Practice body language  Spend time performing a confident, strong speaking voice and open body language with friends or family. Make sure to smile, handshake and keep eye contact. Prepare answers Take time to prepare several questions that show you’ve researched the company and are well-versed about the position.…

Asleep at her friend’s home in North Carolina, Kathy Taft was recovering from a face lift. She was staying with her ex-boyfriend who she’d remained close friends with. He was away, but Kathy felt comfortable there. It was her home away from home. She was a respected member of the state Board of Education and had devoted her life to the education system. Kathy thought she was safe She was considered a champion of children for her work, and also ran for the state senate in 2008. But Kathy had always been known for her kindness. After her surgery, her sister, Dina Arnold Holton, was staying with her to help her recover. Only when Dina went to wake Kathy on 6 March 2010, she found her covered in blood. Dialling…

Debbie Stephens, 55, Edinburgh As I popped a shepherd’s pie in the oven and set about laying the table, the cooker suddenly blew. ‘Oh no,’ I cried, wondering what on earth I’d rustle up for tea. ‘I’d better call an electrician out,’ I sighed to my husband, Craig, 50. ‘No, don’t do that,’ he said, as he fetched his toolbox. ‘I can fix it for you.’ Craig had never been interested in DIY. ‘You’ll save the day,’ I smiled, as our two children – Curt and Craig Junior - groaned that they were getting hungry. ‘What are husbands for?’ Craig grinned, giving me a cheeky wink. As he fiddled about with the electrics, I got on with the rest of my housework in the room next door to him. But…

Penrhyn Castle GWYNEDD Built between 1820 and 1833 by architect Thomas Hopper, Penrhyn castle is known for its unorthodox style. Going against the grain, choosing a neo-Norman design, the castle goes against the typical gothic structure of the time. As you explore the castle’s  grounds and gardens, there is lots for you to see, including some friendly wildlife. With over 50 things to do, including a visit to the railway museum, this is a great day out for all the family. And your furry friends can come along, too! With views over the north of Wales, including Puffin Island and Snowdonia, this will be a spectacular walk! Lydford Gorge DEVON Nestled on the western edge of Dartmoor, the steep-sided river gorge has been drawing visitors since Victorian times. Descend into…

AMERICAN CREAM SHOWER GEL, FROM £7, LUSH Combining fresh strawberries and sweet vanilla, this delicious shower gel will leave you craving a tasty treat. Designed to quickly foam up, this gel will leave the skin clean and bright after just one use. With its natural ingredients, this tasty scent will leave you smelling divine and scrumptious. DEEP SLEEP BATH BOMB, £5.95, LUSH Wide-eye and struggling to switch off? Infused with lavender and German chamomile flowers, this bath bomb will help you doze peacefully to sleep. Wrapped in biodegradable muslin, the bath bomb will gently release the lavender into your bath for a calming scent to help you unwind after a long day. Simply pop it into your bath and it will do all the work for you. KEAR CHAMOMILE HERBAL…

LETTERBOX HAMPERS Perfect for long-distance friends and loved ones, Prezzybox have launched a range of presents that will fit right through your letterbox. The personalised hampers come in six different varieties and there’s a hamper for everyone, with coffee, cheese, chilli and chocolate varieties. There’s also a health and wellness hamper and a personalised delicatessen variety. Each one is lovingly hand wrapped in coloured paper and even better, you won’t end up with a ‘sorry we missed you’ note from the postman! Galaxy goes vegan The first major milk chocolate brand to offer a vegan alternative, Galaxy have launched a range with three new flavours, including smooth orange, caramel and sea salt and caramelised hazelnut. Made with hazelnut paste to create the same smooth and creamy signature taste of Galaxy,…

Alice Hodgson, 26, Preston Waiting eagerly for my sister to arrive, I giggled to myself. ‘I wonder what crazy colour Rosie’s hair will be today,’ I laughed to our mum Andrea, 53. ‘Who knows love, it’s different every time we see her!’ Mum replied. Rosie, 27, had always been the quirky one in the family, her own person no matter what other people thought – and a huge way of her expressing her unique style was through her hair. As a kid, she was louder and funnier than everyone else, and her individuality followed her through her teens and into her 20s. A true breath of fresh air, there was never a dull moment when Rosie was around. She was also a brilliant mum to her nine-year-old son, Jake, who…

Karen Gorne, 51, Salida, California Looking down at the two Siamese kittens curled up together in a box, my heart quickly melted. ‘They are quite cute,’ I agreed with my colleague Alisa, sighing. She’d rang me up the night before, asking if I’d mind fostering them for a short while. One little fluffy ball was disabled, with no elbow joints, and her fur sister  had a crooked tail. ‘I’ll look after them,’ I sighed. ‘But just for now.’ It was March 2018, and my house was already full. There really was no room in the inn. No-one wanted them My husband Tim, 52, had let me adopt a three-legged cat that we’d called Fiona, and a French bulldog with a heart defect  called Duncan. I can’t forget the two one-eyed…

Amanda Wyman, 36, West Sussex Taking my seat at the dinner table, I politely introduced myself to the man sitting next to me. ‘Hi, I’m Amanda. How’s your evening going?’ I asked, offering my hand. ‘It’s a pleasure,’ he smiled. ‘I’m James.’ As the evening went on, we chatted the night away and I realised we had a lot in common. We even got chatting about a scholarly book, Black Athena. Not many people have heard of it, so I was thrilled to be having an educated chat with him about it. Throughout the evening, I spent most of my time with James and we hit it off right away. That was in 2005, and I’d not long moved to the UK from America to study for my postgraduate degree.…

Caroline Docherty, 40, Edinburgh Watching my daughter Amanda search for the perfect prom dress was a truly magical thing. She skimmed past floaty chiffon numbers, and barely glanced at dazzling mermaid cuts. But when she found a pink ballgown, she practically fainted, ‘This is the one!’ she squealed, pulling it off the rack. And as soon as she tried it on, I had to admit – it was perfect. With tiny diamante jewels sewn into the tulle fabric, it shimmered in the light. ‘You look stunning,’ I beamed. But mine weren’t the only eyes fixed on Amanda, then 11. My youngest daughter, Sophie, four, was staring in awe at her big sister. It was July 2012, and we were preparing for Amanda’s primary school prom. As we bought the dress,…

Danny Burgess, 32, from Essex Walking my dog Dakota along the woods near my home, I suddenly spotted a little bundle on the floor. Underneath a swarm of flies, a tiny little bird appeared. It couldn’t have been more than a few days old. I could see that the poor little thing was still alive. It’s little chest was moving up and down ever so slightly. ‘It must have fallen out from the nest,’ I said to my girlfriend Katie, 26, worried. ‘We can’t let the foxes get it,’ she said, just as concerned as me. With that, Katie gently picked up the bird and carefully wrapped it in her jumper. Then we set about taking it home as carefully as we could. Once there, we lined an old shoebox…

Ask our doc Dr Ross Perry Medical Director of CosmedicsUK www.cosmedics.co.uk Fact or fiction? My friend mentioned I need to wear sunscreen even in the winter. Is that true? Linda, Kent. Yes, you should be wearing sunscreen all year round, as it is essential to keeping your skin looking younger and also protecting it against UV damage that can cause skin cancer. You may feel that the skin is not at risk if it doesn’t burn, but that’s simply not true. Even in winter and on cold, cloudy days, UV rays can be just as strong and can be very damaging to our skin. Sunscreen provides vital protection and should be worn all year round. Problem skin I’m in my late 30’s but still get acne. How can I get…

For many people, talking about mental health can be a struggle. But with one in four Brits affected by mental illness it’s clear we need to start a conversation. Jill Mead is managing director at TalkOut – a voice for mental health in the workplace, who work hard to break the stigma around mental health and wellbeing. She shares her advice on how to make those all important first steps ... Where to  start Opening up about your mental health and sharing your innermost thoughts can seem like a daunting task. But talking about how you feel with someone you trust can make your emotions feel less overwhelming and can be the first step to recovery. First things first, it’s important to identify someone you trust and who you’ve found…

THE SCENT OF A WOMAN PRIMARK PS… LOVE NOIR, £3.50, PRIMARK Said to be a dupe for Chanel’s Chance range, LOVE Noir promises to deliver a similar floral and musky scent. But at just £3.50, this gorgeous bottle will save you nearly £50! With a duplicate scent and similar round packaging, no one will know any different. So, head down to your local Primark and grab a bottle! It’s classy to the scent and will look great on your vanity. OLIVER BONAS TROPIC ROLLERBALL, £9.50, OLIVER BONAS Whether you add your scent first thing or like to top up throughout the course of the day, the rollerball is the perfect handbag throw! It’s small and handy for any perfume lover. Perfect for travelling and topping up, this Tropic Rollerball is…

The couple left for a party and were never seen al ive again In December 1980, a young couple were full of hopes for the future and deeply in love. Sweethearts Sabrina Gonsalves and John Riggins were both 18, and everyone around them knew they were perfect for each other. But days before Christmas, their bodies were found dumped in a California ravine. Sabrina had been sexually assaulted and John had tried desperately to save her. Their throats had been slashed. The case sparked sadness across America. Innocent young love had been brutally stopped in its tracks. They should have grown up, married, and enjoyed their careers and children together. Even worse, the police couldn’t find who had committed the brutal murders. In the end, it would take 32 years…

FILM AND TV 1 The play Romeo and Juliet is set in which Italian city?? a Verona b Naples c Rome 2 Which movie saw a movie star fall in love with a bookseller? a Eat, Pray, Love b Notting Hill c You’ve Got Mail 3 Why does Kate Hudson want to get dumped by a man in How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days? a To get back with her ex b To write an article for work c To be single with her friends 4 Which rom com is based on Pride and Prejudice? a The Holiday b Sweet Home Alabama c Bridget Jones Diary 5 Which film is set to Abba songs? a Mamma Mia b SOS c Letters to Juliet 6 Which actress swaps houses…

When Jake got home from school that day, I sat him down for the hardest conversation of my life. ‘I’m sorry love, but your mum’s gone,’ I whispered. Jake looked at me and somehow he understood, a heartbroken scream bursting out of his tiny body. I couldn’t understand why Ben had done this. He and Rosie had only been together for a month. Every bone in her body had been broken Rosie had been so badly injured, that when I went to see her in the funeral parlour the next day, she was entirely covered with a sheet. Every bone in her beautiful body had been broken. We held her funeral on 8 March 2019 – the hardest day of my life. Wearing a bright crimson dress, I helped carry…

Nothing says romance like carrying someone over a wet, muddy obstacle course. Taisto Miettinen and Kristiina Haapanen from Finland have won six official wife-carrying competitions, taking gold in 2009, 2013, and 2017. The events usually include different categories – you can choose to carry your wife in the classic piggyback position, a fireman’s carry, where the wife hangs over the shoulder, or the Estonian style, where the wife hangs upside down with her legs around her husband’s shoulders and wraps her arms around his waist. Wife carrying competitions are held all over the world – why not sign up for one this Valentine’s Day?…

Quality time is important for any relationship. And it shouldn’t just be reserved for Valentine’s Day. In our busy lives, date nights aren’t easy to come by. So, here are six date night ideas – once every two months is better than nothing at all! RELIVE YOUR FIRST DATE Reliving your first date is one of the most romantic things any couple can do. As we get caught up in our day-today lives, it’s easy to forget that initial spark you once had. So, whether you simply met down at the pub or went for a snazzy meal, go back! Relive that moment when you first met. Get to know each other again. Sometimes it’s easy to take each other for granted and this is a great way to rekindle…

Whilst you might think that random acts of kindness are only beneficial to the receiver, kindness actually rewards you, too. Compassion can reduce stress, boost our immune systems and help reduce negative emotions such as anger, anxiety and depression. When we practice random acts of kindness, it releases a positive energy and neurochemicals. This results in a sense of well-being and reduces pain, enhancing our mental health. Acts of kindness promote empathy and compassion and leads to a sense of interconnectedness with others. Feeling connected lessens alienation and moulds us together, rather than divides us. A simple act of kindness can lift yourself and others.…

Shell yeah! To create a beautiful display in my bathroom, I bought glass vases and filled them with shells. We always look for shells on the beach, or you can buy a bag of fake seashells online very cheap! M. Jenkins, Cornwall Get lippy If you have lipstick stains on your collar, spray with hairspray and leave for 10 minutes, then dab with a damp cloth and wash as normal. Rose, Newquay Wash hands Wrap an elastic or rubber band around the neck of a soap dispenser to avoid overuse. It’s great to stop kids getting messy washing their hands! Sarah, Slapton Holy guacamole! Whether you’re watching your cholesterol or you just want a healthier alternative, replace butter in your recipes with avocados. You won’t notice a difference! Kelly, Plymouth…

Roseina Dilley, 27, Northamptonshire Sitting on the sofa at a house party, I looked around the crowded room trying to spot my friends. ‘Looking for someone?’ a voice asked me. I turned to face a boy who was sat next to me. ‘My mates,’ I replied. ‘Maybe I can keep you company until you find them?’ he smiled. ‘I’m Gary.’ Gary and I first met at a house party in 2008 when we were both 16-years-old. He was so charming and funny - I was smitten with him from the beginning. ‘Want to meet up again?’ he said. ‘Sounds good,’ I replied, butterfly’s whirling in my stomach. Gary was my first boyfriend, my first love – it was all so exciting and new. I thought we were happy I was…

Kelly Thornton, from Chesterfield Sitting on the sofa watching TV, a Macmillan Brave The Shave advert flashed up on our screen. ‘Mum, I want to do that,’ my daughter Freya said. ‘Well why don’t we think about it for a little bit?’ I suggested. Freya, eight, has always been a super caring little girl and was no stranger to fundraising. She’d previously sold her teddies and done little bits to raise money for the Nightingale ward in Chesterfield Royal Hospital. Ever since she could talk, Freya has always been a loving and sensitive girl. She knew she wanted to do it So, when she overheard a conversation about her dad’s colleague who had been diagnosed with cancer for the second time, she started asking some questions about it. She’d heard…

Lynne Pearson, 53, Tenerife Sipping my glass of white wine, I grinned at my best pal Clare. ‘God, I’ve missed you,’ I said to her. It was July 2018, and, almost every summer since Clare Craft, then 51, had moved to Benidorm, I’d flown over for a holiday. We’d been close since we met in sixth from in 1985. No one could make me laugh like Clare. We shared a love of music and dancing and would often end up in a karaoke bar, crooning along to our favourite Dionne Warwick classic, That’s What Friends Are For. Afterwards, we’d end up giggling in a heap. Nothing could come between us. In summer 2000, I’d moved to Tenerife, got a job as a primary school teacher. Two years after that, Clare…

A bitter pill to swallow New research from Pharmacy2U has revealed that 11 million Brits fail to take their prescribed medication as intended by the doctor. Even worse, nearly half of us are forgetting to take it at all, costing the NHS a whopping £300 million every year. £90 million of this figure is thought to be due to unused medication sat in homes across the country. Patch it up With more emphasis than ever on our use of plastic, these 100% compostable plasters are a great ecofriendly addition to any first aid kit. PATCH plasters are vegan, hypoallergenic and completely plastic free – even down to the packaging. The strips are made from bamboo and are enriched with natural ingredients, including Aloe Vera. Pick up a pack (£6.99) from…

We all know the pain of spraying our perfume a thousand times a day because we can no longer smell it. The fact that we may have just come accustomed to our favourite scent probably doesn’t even cross our minds. Regardless, here are five tips to help make your perfume last as long as possible. 1. Apply straight after your shower while your pores are still open 2. Spray or dab onto bare skin and not clothes 3. Apply to your pulse points: nape of neck, inside elbows, wrists and backs of knees 4. Don’t rub the fragrance in as it will cause the top notes to dissolve 5. Store perfume in a cool and dark place…