Innehållsförteckning för March 2022 från Chat Specials

Meet the woman with the world’s biggest collection of snow globes! With a staggering 4,238 strong hoard, Wendy Suen from Hong Kong has spent $165,000 on her obsession! Wendy has been collecting the snowy ornaments and set the first Guinness World Record in 2005 when she had only 904. ‘Whenever I see a new globe that I don’t already have and it matches my selection criteria, I have the urge to get it. ‘It just excites me to add them into my collection, the satisfaction of finally completing an entire set is pleasing beyond words. ‘I have arranged and displayed my globes into zones with different themes, so my snow globe room is filled with beautiful colour globes,’ Wendy says. After her husband bought her very first globe at the…

Flour power! To prevent making a mess when scooping flour out of the bag, use your whisk to pick up the flour putting it in a bowl. Alex, Hampshire Every little helps If you don’t have anything to de-ice your car, use a loyalty card to remove the frost from your car windscreen. Josephine, Suffolk No waste! When you reach the end of the Nutella jar, add ice cream and milk, then shake. You will have your own chocolate milkshake – yummy! Caitlin, Wiltshire Turn your tins! Store all of your tins upside down, this way the contents will come out of the tin so much easier when opened. Mabel, Newport Ice trick! If you need to get left over wax out of your burner, place it in the freezer.…

Jo Howarth is an advanced hypnotherapist and mindfulness practitioner. She works with individuals, groups, schools and businesses, teaching them to look after their mental health and emotional wellbeing (thehappinessclub.co.uk) Why can’t I let go? Q I’m so overprotective of my son, it’s driving him crazy. He’s 15 and getting more independent and I know I’m too strict. He’s my only child and I’m terrified something might happen to him. How can I learn to let gomore? Tabitha, Glasgow A It can be hard allowing our children to grow up and become more independent. As a mum, I totally understand your fear of something happening to him. Your awareness of what you’re feeling and doing is invaluable, your concern for him is obvious. I have no doubt that you are a good…

Alice Cracknell, 33, from Devon Twirling around at a friend’s wedding in 2015, I was having a great time. Dancing and singing the night away. It was great to socialise with everyone and I even got talking to a guy that caught my eye. ‘What do you do for work?’ I gleamed, flicking my hair. ‘I’m a doctor with a focus in tropical medicine,’ Tom replied. I really couldn’t believe it. Working with a background in marketing and fundraising, I had worked for many global charities, so I knew a lot about global health. We seemed like the perfect pair, with a real passion for making a difference in the developing world. Not only this but we had so much in common. We talked for hours and exchanged numbers before…

If you still feel the chill, pair sandals with tailored trousers and a jumper to cover up! Floral print is a spring staple -keep the rest of your outfit simple and let the print talk!…

Have a Dechox! Chocaholics, unite! If you need to get into the swing of healthier snacking, now is the perfect opportunity. Ask friends and family to sponsor you to give up chocolate for 31 days in March – by raising money for the British Heart Foundation (BHF) you’ll be funding ground-breaking research into heart and circulatory diseases, and after going cold-turkey on the Twirls for a month, you’ll find it easier to kick-start your own healthier habits, too! • Visit bhf.org.uk and search ‘Dechox challenge’ to find out more about it Clever currants! Heart and circulatory disease is the cause of a quarter of all deaths in the UK, claiming 160,000 lives every year. But did you know that blackcurrant extract is proven to boost blood flow, reduce high blood…

Amy Metters, 30, from Plymouth Standing at Twickenham train station, my knees weakened and my body swayed. My friends and I had spent all day watching the rugby sevens, on an unbearably hot summer’s day, in 2010. ‘I must be a bit dehydrated,’ I said, while my arms felt heavy and my head was spinning. Suddenly everything went black. I woke up on the cold, hard floor, with a crowd around me. ‘I’m OK,’ I said, slowly lifting myself up off the ground. My ears were ringing, I was in shock. ‘I need to get back to the hotel,’ I whispered. A short train ride later, we were back in the room and it happened again. ‘I don’t know what is wrong with me,’ I said. Trying not to panic,…

Jeanne Stephen, 79, from Buckinghamshire Scrunching my eyes together, I struggled to see the whiteboard. Everyone in my class joined in with the teacher, but I felt like I was miles behind. And I never really understood why. Leaving school at 15 to work at a nursery, I loved my job. I would cycle to work regularly in the morning. However, it wasn’t always a smooth ride. Covered in bruises and bumps, I knew my sight was getting worse. Wanting to know what was wrong, I attended an eye test in my early 20s. ‘Jeanne, you have something called Stargardt’s macular dystrophy,’ the optician said. This meant that I was registered blind. It was then obvious why I had been so clumsy – I couldn’t see. Even though I now…

Dressed to Swill – Jennifer Croll £9.99, WATERSTONES Do you ever wonder what cocktail would sum up the likes of David Bowie or Kim Kardashian? Containing 60 original cocktail recipes inspired by style icons from the 20th century up to the modern-day, Dressed to Swill is a coffee table must-have. Karl Lagerfeld’s tipple is made for royalty, similar to a Kir Royale, but brings in the velvety flavours of raspberry and vanilla. Whereas Lizzo’s cocktail is a strawberry and rhubarb sparkler, certain to fill you with joy. Including fashion designers, models, stylists, and influencers, there’s a flavour to fit every mood. The recipe book also includes factual biographies exploring each person’s contributions to the field of fashion. Fear not, you can also learn how to stock up your bar with…

Estelle Bilson, 43, from Manchester Scouring through Facebook Marketplace, I was doing my usual evening browse. ‘Any luck?’ my partner Stephen, 41, asked me. ‘Not today,’ I said, popping my phone back down onto our vintage coffee table. Although today hadn’t been a success, I’d been pretty lucky with some hidden gems I’d found online. From our velvet green sofa to 70s artwork – I’d found it all on Facebook and I certainly wasn’t stopping my search for 70s paraphernalia any time soon. I adore everything about the decade. And can’t get enough. From the clothes to the decor, I love it all! Within two minutes of walking into my home, you would certainly know that, too. From floor to ceiling, my whole house is decked out in everything 70s…

When spring rolls around, it’s time for a spruce up! But it can be hard to know where to start. Instagram’s Queen of Clean, Lynsey Crombie, is here to remind you of the often-neglected areas in our homes – and how to tackle them to leave your home gleaming. So get your Marigolds on and get to work… Cooker hood filters These are one of the biggest germ hotspots in your home – they get greasy and sticky and can hold on to trapped food odours, making your kitchen smell funky. Luckily, there’s an easy fix – simply soak in warm soapy water with a dash of white vinegar, until the stickiness has gone. A good way to know if it needs cleaning is to perform the ‘sticky hand’ test…

Sarah Thompson, 34, from Preston, Lancashire Settling in my seat, I turned to my husband Baz, 34. ‘I can’t wait to relax in the sun,’ I smiled. ‘Me neither,’ he said. As our plane set off, my mind was only on one thing – relaxing by the pool at our hotel in Corfu. I’d been born with complex congenital heart disease. It essentially meant I only had half a heart. Dealing with it had had a negative effect on my mental health, too, and I struggled with depression and anxiety. But over the years I’d learnt to manage my disease, and since I was 12 I’d worn a MedicAlert ID bracelet, just in case of emergencies. Mum and Dad wanted me to get one when I started high school, so…

SUN-KISSED GLOW With spring upon us, many of us will be digging out our fake tan for a sunshine glow. This year, why not hit two birds with one stone and combine your tanning routine with your skincare? With the brand new Advanced Miracle Glow Face Tan Serum from St. Moriz (£12.99, Boots), you can achieve an effortless sun-kissed glow whilst also caring for your skin. The secret to this serum lies in the skin-focused ingredients. The silky formula includes Q10, which helps to increase collagen, and hyaluronic acid to hydrate and combat the signs of ageing. Use the serum daily to maximise the anti-ageing effects and to build a natural, radiant tan. MAXIMUM PROTECTION We all know that we should be wearing SPF all year round, not just when…

New flavours from your favourite brands!…

FLORAL KISS Dried flowers are a sustainable, and fashionable option for filling vases around your home. They’ll last years and they don’t take a lot of care. James Folger, the founder of The Stem, London’s top online garden centre, has shared his knowledge on this year’s trend. PRETTY PASTELS Bouquets of dried pastel coloured flowers will be popping up everywhere this spring – from fashion to interiors. They’re perfect for bedroom settings, spring gatherings, weddings, baby showers, birthdays and stunning centrepieces. We love The Stem’s Lilac Blush bouquet – with dried Indian corn, and delicate lilac Phalaris. CREAM LUXE Cream is the ultimate colour for relaxation. Style these bouquets in your living room for a touch of tranquility. A bouquet like The Stem’s Vanilla Oat, with dried oats and baby’s breath, will…

Paris Thorpe, 17, from Basildon Toddling around the house, my nan scooped me up into her arms. ‘And where are you going?’ she smiled. As a baby, I lived at Nan’s house with my mum Karly, now 37, and her younger brother Philip. To all the world, I had a happy and fun childhood. With lots of toys, and a warm, loving home, my life seemed perfectly normal. My nan Wendy had been there for me since I was born, and we had such a close bond. However, behind closed doors, something very sinister was lurking behind every corner. My Uncle Philip had always been a bit of an outcast. At 19, he spent most of his time up in his room. To my mum and nan, he was totally…

Sammy Altman, 30, from Hertfordshire Stroking a stray cat on my quick walk to school, he purred. Growing up I had a low level of self-esteem and school was tough. But, I did have a group of tight-knit friends who I had known since the age of three. They helped me through everything – we were all like sisters. When it came to going to university I wanted to have a gap year, whilst my friends carried on with their studies. Over time we all drifted apart and I felt like I had lost my support bubble. Living in Australia for three years I had the most amazing time seeing incredible sights and landmarks. However, I couldn’t help feeling like I was really missing out. So, I decided to move back…

Mother Earth tones Incorporate elements of wellbeing into your home with neutral living. This sophisticated scheme is easy to achieve by keeping walls and furniture to calming neutrals and adding interest with accessories in warm browns, terracotta and ochre. Laurie says, ‘Using accessories in ornate stone, creates a refined feel, while natural linens and a textured rug helps soften the look.’ Botanical studies You’re the boss! Embrace what makes you feel good with small changes to your home office. Experimenting with carefully coordinated bold prints and adventurous furniture is easy at Homesense, with homeware sourced from around the world. Working from home feels more like a holiday when you surround yourself with feel-good finds! Laurie says, ‘This home office look is all about making it your own, with sentimental items,…

Monika Mateja, 43, from Surrey Sitting in the back of the class, I was mesmerised by the teacher. You see, I wasn’t just sitting in any class – I was watching my mum in action. My mum Elzbieta was a dedicated teacher and regularly took me into school with her when I was young. I was amazed by her. Mum really was my idol. She was so caring and just wanted the best for her family. I was an only child, and between Mum and my dad Henryk, now 73, I had a wonderful life. Growing up in Poland, my parents encouraged me to pursue my dreams. ‘If you know languages, you’ll rule the world,’ Mum always used to say to me. Paying for private lessons, my mum encouraged me…

Bonne Maman is one of Britain’s best-loved conserves, famous for its signature gingham lids and use of traditional methods, whilst using natural ingredients. As well as being delicious, you can use their conserves to make amazing treats! Find out more at: bonnemaman.co.uk You could even make your own lemon curd! LEMON & RASPBERRY BITES MAKES 12 Whizz together a delicious mouthful of tangy lemon, buttery shortbread, and fresh raspberries. These are the perfect sweet treat to serve with tea or coffee. TIP: The shortbread rounds will keep well in an air-tight container for a week. For the best results assemble bites and chill in the fridge for 15-20 minutes before serving. FOR THE BISCUITS: • 65g unsalted butter, room temperature• 25g caster sugar• 90g plain flour FOR THE TOPPING: • 4…

Ask our doc With Cheryl Lythgoe, Head Matron for Benenden Health. Dementia scare Q My elderly mother has rapidly developed dementia this past year. Is there any way to slow down the process? Grace, Bracknell A It is expected that one in three of us will develop dementia in our lifetime. Dementia is a group of symptoms that affect the way our brain functions and may cause problems with memory, completing simple tasks and communicating. Rapidly progressive dementia varies between patients. I would advise that you make sure your mother has been checked for any signs of infection, nutritional deficiencies, or any other undiagnosed medical conditions such as autoimmune or vascular conditions. If you identify any other conditions, aim to manage these. If your mum has Alzheimer’s – a form…

Coral Dinner, 68, from Launceston Switching on the TV, the recognisable voice of Bradley Walsh boomed from the speakers. ‘Here you go,’ I said whilst steadily placing a cuppa next to my mum, Doreen, 87. ‘SHHH!’ she hushed as she fluffed up a pillow behind her, to settle down to The Chase. My dad, Bob, 89, would love to play along at home. Yet, by 5pm he was fast asleep in his armchair. Life had changed massively when Dad was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease in 2011. He had always been such a gentle and caring man. Doing anything he could to keep Mum happy. And growing up he was the most loving dad. His diagnosis came as a shock and it was incredibly difficult to see him suffer. We just…