Innehållsförteckning för BEST OF 4 2020 från Chat Specials

We all need to have our own thing in life that makes us happy. Whether that’s a hobby, family or our career, our passions are what make us who we are. One person who knows all about individual interests is 74-year-old Garry (pg22). As an RAF veteran, he loves nothing more than spending his days playing war-themed video games. Connecting with other users, his love of gaming saw him take a trip to the United States to finally meet his favourite competitor in real life. Flying for the skies, Garry proves that age is just a number. As for Mandee (pg18), she loves going to Alton Towers with her two children. After nearly getting stuck in the Galactica ride, she decided to make a change. Now, instead of spending her…

Dawn Chambers, Glasgow Working as an administrative manager for Martin Veterinary Centre, I loved getting to spend time with all the animals there. Then, one day, a particularly poorly looking cat was brought in by Cats Protection. He was in a right state. Only a few weeks old, he was on the edge of losing his eyesight and was clearly malnourished. With just one look, I felt so sorry for him. As an administrator, I often travel to Cats Protection’s adoptive centre in Glasgow to do their paperwork. Over the next few weeks, I regularly came into contact with this cat, who I soon learned was called Cookie. Unfortunately, the vets had been unable to save his eyesight and he was now blind. The poor thing had been ripped from…

Award-winning personal stylist Lisa Talbot shares her fashion tips for styling this season. ‘Autumn/winter is a super season where layering becomes such an important element. ‘This season, there is a lot of focus on timeless garments that will help us achieve this. ‘Red, gold and black are all set to be staple winter shades. And tiger print and checks will be your best friends!’ Here are five fashion trends you’re sure to spot this AW20… 1. BALLOON SLEEVES Exaggerated sleeves are everywhere at the moment! On tops, dresses, jackets and jumpers. This modern, fresh fit draws the eye to your arms and gives them definition and shape. 2. SKIRT SUITS Tailoring is still very much in fashion, but this season we’re adding a feminine touch. Keep it fun and edgy…

Tallulah Self, 21, London Walking into my nan and grandad’s living room, I couldn’t help but chuckle. Amid the framed family photos was my grandad Garry, 74, in his slippers. Only, he wasn’t watching Corrie , reading the paper or sipping a cuppa... ‘Yes! We’ve won!’ Grandad suddenly roared, fist-pumping the air. Over his ears, he was wearing a gaming headset. His fingers were tearing at an Xbox controller. See, my grandad is quite the video gamer. It was September 2019 and he was playing with his fellow geriatric gamer pal Mike, 70. Mike lived thousands of miles away in Los Angeles. But despite their huge geographical void, they’d found each other online. Grandad has been gaming for well over 25 years. Some of my earliest memories involve me cuddled…

The football team at Central High School in Knoxville had won their game against a rival school team and a few of the students were celebrating. Among the revellers at a student’s family home, was cheerleader Emma Walker, 16. It was November 2016, and just a fortnight earlier, she’d split from her football player boyfriend William Riley Gaul, then 18. They’d broken up before but this time Emma knew it was over. She just wished that William would accept it. Since the break-up, things had been awkward between them. Emma was left shaken up At the party, Emma received a threatening text on her mobile. ‘Go to your car with your keys….’ the message read. ‘I’ve got someone you love. If you don’t comply I will hurt him. We have…

Chef and busy mum, Sam Gates, understands how busy our lives are and how important it is for us to still cook delicious and nutritious meals, so she created The Batch Cook Book to inspire us all (£18.99, Robinson). Sam has packed each chapter with make-ahead recipes to save both time, money and save waste. Your freezer will be full in no time! HONEY, SOY AND FIVE-SPICE BAKED CHICKEN SERVES 8 YOU’LL NEED... • 1 tsp 5-spice powder • 4 tbsp light soy sauce • 3 tbsp runny honey • 1 tbsp vegetable oil • 1 red chilli, deseeded and finely chopped • 5 garlic cloves, crushed • 40g fresh ginger, peeled and grated • 2kg skin-on, bone-in chicken thighs • bunch of spring onions, trimmed and finely chopped •…

Painful problem Q I had shingles a couple of months ago and while the blisters have gone, I still have pain where they were. Is that normal? Jenny, Leeds A First and foremost, ouch, this can be so uncomfortable. Shingles is caused by reactivation of the Herpes Zoster Virus - more commonly known for causing chicken pox. Post herpetic pain (when the active infection has gone) happens for up to 30% of people, the prevalence rising as we get older. There are several home management suggestions, from using simple over-the-counter pain relief like paracetamol to (if possible) covering the area with clingfilm or alternatively trying a cold pack on the affected area. If these don’t help and the pain is causing daily disruption to your life do go to see…

Odontophobia is a very real condition for many people in the UK. In fact, one in three Brits live with excruciating tooth pain due to a fear of sitting in the dentist’s chair. Bupa Dental Care is passionate about helping patients who fear the dentist and changing their attitude, to ensure they live happier, healthier lives. Whatever the reason for avoiding the dentist’s chair, having regular check-ups is the most effective way of keeping those dental niggles at bay.Visit bupadentalcare.co.uk.…

There’s nothing quite like the bond between a mother and her baby. Whether they’re human or part of the animal kingdom, a mother’s love is undeniable. Pictures from Chester Zoo captured the adorable moment when Mandy, a 43-year-old Western Chimpanzee, cradled her newborn, moments after birth. After an eight-and-a-half-month pregnancy, the critically endangered chimpanzee gave birth in August of this year. Settling into their new life, visitors of the zoo can witness their loving bond. Andy Lenihan, Team Manager of the Primates section at Chester Zoo, said; ‘Mandy is a wonderful mum. She’s bonded instantly with her new baby and can be seen protectively cradling it in her left arm at all times. ‘It’s a little too soon to tell if her new arrival is male or female as a…

Where the Crawdads Sing - Delia Owens AVAILABLE FROM WATERSTONES, £8.99 For years, rumors of the ‘Marsh Girl’ have haunted Barkley Cove, a quiet town on the North Carolina coast. So in late 1969, when handsome Chase Andrews is found dead, the locals immediately suspect Kya Clark, the so-called Marsh Girl. But Kya is not what they say. Sensitive and intelligent, she has survived for years alone in the marsh that she calls home, finding friends in the gulls and lessons in the sand. Then the time comes when she yearns to be touched and loved. When two young men become intrigued by her wild beauty, Kya opens herself to a new life - until the unthinkable happens. If you’ve not read this already, add it to the top of…

Newly married with a baby on the way; young Lisa Techel had her whole life ahead of her. Then one night, she went to bed and never woke up. Lisa was murdered while she slept, and her distraught husband Seth lost his whole family in a single gunshot. ‘I was having a shower,’ he sobbed, full of guilt that he was feet away and unable to save Lisa and their little baby. But something didn’t add up... Seth had a secret mistress Lisa, 23, and Seth, 21, were high school sweethearts. They’d been married just seven months and lived together in Agency, a small rural town in Iowa, United States. Both their families were well known in the area and had united along with the couple. Lisa worked at the…

Coconut oil holds many talents - whether it’s used as a healthy cooking alternative, a makeup remover or a nourishing hair treatment, it’s become something of a household staple. Holland & Barrett nutritionist Emily Rollason, shares three reasons why coconut oil is key to health this winter season. 1. BOOSTS IMMUNITY – As the cold weather draws in, it’s important to boost the immune system in order to fight against stuffy noses and sore coughs. Coconut contains fatty acids which are essential in boosting immunity. The two main acids are lauric acid and caprylic acid, which are key for improving white blood cell counts and helps to strengthen the immune system. 2. FIGHTS BACTERIA AND COLD SORES – Due to its fatty-acid content, coconut oil contains a number of potential…

For lots of us, the cold weather can wreak havoc on our skin, leaving it feeling dry, itchy and irritated. So how can we make sure our skin copes with the elements over the coming months? Well, we’ve enlisted the help of consultant dermatologist for Stratum Dermatology Clinics, Dr Adam Friedmann, to share his tops tips and bust some common skin myths. To find out more visit www.stratumclinics.com. Ask the expert Q Why does a drop in temperature cause  skin flare ups? A Winter adds an extra level of stress to dry skin, with the colder weather sucking out moisture - a real problem when you have a pre-existing skin condition. For those who suffer from psoriasis or eczema, when your skin gets too dry, it can easily become scaly…

Booking a 2021 holiday With many holidays cancelled this summer, British families want to get ahead of the game and sort their 2021 travel. StressFreeCarRental.com share their top five tips for booking abroad for next year… Get the best insurance Ensure you are covered by a premium package. Many policies now cover for COVID-19. Dream big Now is the time to embrace wanderlust and dream up a journey that you’ve always wanted to do. Plan one to remember! Look at early offers Many airlines are offering superb deals to incentivise early bookings and there may well be a bargain to be had. Invest in the process Get into the research! Look at recommendations, search online forums, reviews and get in touch with holiday providers. Use trusted agents Established agents that are…

Kym Brown, 25, Cheltenham Tossing and turning, I just couldn’t get to sleep, I fluffed my pillow for the hundredth time that night. It was January 2018 – a cold winter’s night – and while my partner Ryan, 26, was snuggled up, happily snoring away, I was sweating profusely. But this wasn’t the first night I’d struggled to nod off. In fact, this had been going on for a few weeks. And, deep down, I knew why. So, after work the next day, I nipped to the pharmacy to buy a pregnancy test. Back home, while Ryan settled in front of the telly, I quickly snuck into the bathroom. A few minutes later, I came out, a huge grin across my face. ‘Check this out,’ I said, chucking the plastic…

Ellie Gray, 26, Swinderby Grinning from ear to ear, my son Isaac, then three, was full of energy. ‘Mummy, let’s have a race!’ he giggled. It was 2015, and we were out in the park. ‘OK then,’ I sighed. ‘One, two, three, go!’ Just like that, he was off, his little legs moving as fast as they could possibly go. ‘Beat you!’ he laughed, proudly reaching the end of the playground in a matter of seconds. You would think that a three-year-old would be no match for me, a grown woman in her early 20s. But as I hobbled over to Isaac, I was panting and sweating, fighting for breath. I’d only run from one end of the playground to the other, but as my cheeks flushed red, I could…

Was it the right thing? Q We’ve never had gaming devices or computers in our home – I prefer a more old-fashioned way of life. But now our kids are older, they say they’re missing out and it’s damaging their future. Have I done the wrong thing? Sara, Leeds A Firstly, don’t worry. It’s important that we set boundaries for our children in line with our values. A screen-free childhood will not have done them any harm; in fact, it will have given them the opportunity to develop other hobbies. However, as they are now asking for access to technology, it may be wise to rethink your priorities. Whilst the digital age presents many challenges, it is here to stay, and it can be very useful in accessing information. If…

Joe Michaelides, 34, Manchester Sat in the waiting room, I wrung my sweaty palms together, my heart thumping in my chest. Taking deep breaths, I tried to control my nerves. But as a voice called ‘Mr. Michaelides?’ my body started to shake. No one enjoys going to the dentist, but for me, it’s a crippling fear. Sat back, I felt myself being turned horizontal by the motorised chair. What’s he going to do? I thought, glancing over at the dentist’s collection of sharp tools, all neatly laid out. I was only in for a checkup, but the thought of needles and drills quickly swarmed through my mind. My vision went blurry, and before I knew it, I’d passed out, fear consuming me. I’ve been terrified of the dentist for all…

1. Avoid prolonged contact with overly hot or cold water, especially if it contains detergents. Always use gloves for washing up or when cleaning to stop the skin from being irritated. 2. The mixture of hot water and cold temperatures can leave your skin feeling raw and exposed. Make your showers shorter and cooler rather than too hot which will remove moisture from your skin. 3. Use a gentle non soap containing cleanser in the bath or shower and avoid ordinary soaps and shower gels, as these remove the natural oils from the skin. Wash with creams like aqueous cream, which is much kinder on the skin. 4. Pat the skin dry after rather than vigorously towelling off, and apply moisturisers to your skin. 5. Use a humidifier, especially in…

NO7 25 DAYS OF BEAUTY ADVENT CALENDAR, £45, BOOTS. Say ho-ho-ho to the highly anticipated No7 Beauty Advent Calendar. With 25 days of surprises, this calendar is sure to fly off the shelves. For just £45, the contents inside are worth a whopping £172.50, making this a magical bargain for No7 fans nationwide. Last year’s calendar was a knock-out with record number sales, so you can expect this year to be even bigger. Whether this is a gift for yourself or a loved one, the countdown to Christmas has never been so luxurious!…

Less is More by Robin James is an essential guide on how to have less of what we don’t need in order to make room for what we do. Filled with practical tips and ideas, this book will guide you toward a simpler way of life. Learn how to reduce your clutter and your stress levels, find advice on mastering your schedule and enrich every day by putting quality before quantity. Available for £12.99 in Waterstones. More calm Stress can manifest in a number of ways and most of the symptoms are easy to overlook. In your journey to understanding and reducing stress, it’s important to know what to watch out for. BODY: Physical symptoms can include shallow breathing, headaches, dizziness, muscle tension, fatigue or changes to your appetite or…

DON’T DRINK AND DRIVE People often buy useless things when they have had too much to drink, but selling something you actually need is less common. This is what happened to a man from New Zealand. While in the middle of a truly epic binge, he ran out of money and decided to sell his car to a stranger for $800, giving him the cash to keep going. Waking up the next day, he forgot he had done this and went to his local police station to report his car stolen. The mess was only sorted out because the man who bought his car from him suspected he might have bought a stolen vehicle. The good citizen returned the vehicle to the police – and the embarrassed seller. Still, it’s…