Innehållsförteckning för 27-Apr-2017 från Chat

Icouldn’t bring myself to look at the gory mess. ‘You’ll need reconstructive surgery,’ a doctor explained. A week on, I had the 11-hour surgery, which involved taking skin and muscle from my thighs to rebuild my face. When I came round after, I was swollen and sore. ‘Can I have a mirror?’ I asked nurses. Reluctantly, they handed me one. And, when I saw the monster reflected back at me, I broke down. The sight of myself was horrific. It looked like I had a rugby ball stitched to the side of my face. The skin around my left eye was black, and I had no sight on that side. ‘I look terrifying,’ I sobbed, in absolute bits. When the kids came in to see me, I couldn’t even bring…

GUILTY Javier Garcia was found guilty of first-degree intentional homicide, aggravated battery, first-degree sexual assault, false imprisonment and a misdemeanour count of theft. Before sentencing Garcia, the judge asked if he had anything to say. ‘I did not kill Lisa Mezera,’ he replied. In April 2014, still maintaining his innocence, Garcia was sentenced to life and denied the possibility of parole, with the judge citing his lack of remorse. ‘One person has been found guilty of the most heinous crime I could ever think of, killing another person,’ said Ron Mezera. ‘And for what? I don’t know.’ This February, Garcia appealed his sentence but his conviction was upheld.…

Belly button Q Having three children has left my belly button sticking out. I hate it, is there anything I can do? Trish, 37 A Pressure inside your abdomen during pregnancy, combined with stretched and weakened tummy muscles, can leave a bulging belly button. It might heal on its own, otherwise a cure would mean a small operation. You might have to pay if it's not considered medically necessary. Painkillers Can paracetamol Q cause headaches? I take it most days for a constant headache, but now my doctor has told me to stop. Pat, 54 A Sounds as if your doctor suspects medication-overuse headache. Most painkillers, used too regularly, can worsen headaches. Treatment means stopping these drugs and maybe switching to others, including a form of antidepressant. Shock problem Q…

Desperate to lead a normal life,Kath had a lobotomy Out of the corner of my eye, I spotted her long, dark hair and sparkling smile It was September 1970, at a rugby-club dance. Kath Walker was shy, but so beautiful... We spent the night dancing. Later, we agreed to meet up. As I got to know her, I realised Kath was more than just timid. She suffered from anxiety. ‘I can’t help it,’ she confessed. Even so, on other days, she was perfectly happy. I didn’t realise how serious her problems were. Then, one night, a few months into our relationship, I turned up at Kath’s to take her out. Instead, I found her sisters crying in the living room. ‘Kath’s taken an overdose,’ one told me. ‘She’s in hospital.’…

Jax was bleeding internally, but no-one knew why Snuggling up next to me, my little girl patted my tummy. ‘Baby,’ she smiled. Lacey, 2, couldn’t wait to be a big sister. She’d sing Twinkle Twinkle to my belly most days. And I was more than ready for our new addition to arrive. At 37 weeks, our son Jax was born, weighing 6lb 2oz. As soon as my partner Michael and I introduced him to Lacey, her eyes lit up. She gently held her baby brother’s hand and tenderly kissed his cheek, a magical bond already forming. We soon settled into family life. Lacey helped with Jax as often as she could. At bathtime she’d help wash him, at bedtime she’d stroke his hand until he fell asleep. If he so…

Good on Stella I was deeply moved by Stella Gardiner's story about her struggle to be herself (2 Feb issue). One can't even begin to imagine the anguish and misery Stella has had to go through, and I hope she can finally find happiness and, above all else, peace of mind. We all have the fundamental human right to decide who we wish to become, and that alone demands absolute respect. John Hastings, Workington This is how cats walk! When my son Finley, 6, went upstairs to try on his new PJs, I told him to show us a catwalk. I was in bits when he came in on all fours saying ‘Meow!’ Jodie Giblin, Penarth Bookworm My sister went to the library to borrow George Orwell’s Animal Farm for…

She’d sensed something was wrong and alerted me – twice! It took a few seconds for me to connect the cold, wet nose nuzzling me with my mutt. ‘Stop it, Storm,’ I groaned, rolling over in the hope she’d get the message. ‘It’s 5am!’ Yawning, I tried to get back to sleep. No chance! Undeterred, my adorable German shepherd Storm leapt up onto the bed and wouldn’t leave me alone. ‘Storm,’ I protested hazily as she continued to nose-butt me. Just then I felt it. A huge weight on my chest. I was about to have an asthma attack! Grabbing my inhalers from the bedside table, I took a long draw from each before the attack could take hold. It was April 2014. Two years earlier, in December 2012, I’d…

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He was lying in a heap on the patio, very still Getting ready to hit the shops when you’re juggling three kids can be hectic. On Sunday, 17 July 2016, I’d just leapt out of the shower, and sent my eldest son Harrison, 9, in after me. Then I snatched a moment to do some ironing while my daughter Molly, 4, and son Noah, 18 months, were next door playing in her room. I could hear them chattering away. Noah’s dad, my partner of three years, Jason Oxley, 42, had nipped out to take his eldest son back to his mum’s. I was tackling a stubborn crease when suddenly, everything went quiet next door and Molly appeared at my door, face pale. ‘Mummy, Noah’s fallen out of the window!’ she…

Aries 21 March - 20 April Squashing something into the wrong-size box will either split the box or damage the object. That applies to people, too, and right now you’re trying to push someone into a role that’s not right for them. Back off a little. Call 0905 817 0690* for more Taurus 21 April - 21 May If you know you’ve made a mistake, and can see what you should’ve done, it’s not too late to race back, undo it and apologise. But you’ve only a day, maybe two at most, so, don’t waste any time. Hurry! Call 0905 817 0691* for more Gemini 22 May - 21 June You left things a bit open-ended when you went away, and haven’t been in contact since, so your hopes aren’t…

As I tucked up the kids in bed, I couldn’t help but yawn. It was only 7pm but I was already feeling exhausted. Downstairs, I collapsed on the sofa. ‘I’m so tired,’ I said to my partner Ben, 30. ‘Again? You should see the doctor,’ he replied. He was right. But I had a phobia about visiting the GP. Another month passed and I got worse. I slept for hours, but woke exhausted, and I developed an agonising ache in my legs… I used to love running around and playing games with my two girls Lyla, 7, and Aoife, 5, but now I couldn’t even walk them to the park. I started having to call in sick to my dry-cleaning job more often. My boss was lovely, but had been…

What I loved Getting ready for a girlie weekend with mates at the Suffolk seaside. It's a ‘grownup' hen night, but I'm guessing we may have the occasional glass of fizz... Just to be polite, you understand… What hacked me off Monopoly dumping the thimble! What really shocked me was how many young folk don't know what a thimble is. Yikes! One more daft thing to get nostalgic about. What made me laugh The men-in-shorts-even-when-it's-really-chilly thing is getting out of hand! Sightings in supermarkets are flooding in. Fellas with dodgy knees - just stop… Hope you're not overexposed this week!…

For a moment, I just stood there – all I could see was blood Pulling into the car park, I ran through my plan in my head… I had to go to my job-search appointment, then pop into town to get my son a birthday present. It was a Friday morning last May. I have balancing problems, so I’d decided to park at my local Sainsbury’s and get the bus to Hounslow, rather than attempt a long walk. Stepping out, I saw the bus was due in two minutes. Perfect. But then, suddenly, a scream pierced the air… ‘There’s a man with a knife!’ someone yelled. Before I could react, he was in front of me, arm outstretched, holding a 4in dagger. And he’d a mad look in his eyes.…

Rich aroma Fill a small glass with coffee beans and pop in a tea light to make your home smell wonderful. Angela Garvin, Romford Nailed it I tend to use just the ends of emery boards on my nails, so I now cut them in half. That way, the middle gets used, too, and isn't wasted! Kathryn Milner, Pudsey Bird banquet We saved an old chocolate jar lid and turned it into a bird feeder - they love it! Bev Steer, Seaton Gloves are on After washing them, put your gloves on while they're still damp to stop them from shrinking. Abbie Cairns, Colchester Stain busting Grass stains are easy to get, but tough to get out. Apply a paste of sugar and water to the stain, let it sit…

I simply couldn’t bear to look this way forever Brushing my hair, I felt my left eye twitch. Ignoring it, I applied my lippy, but I couldn’t purse my lips. I just put it down to tiredness. Next day, in December last year, I got up and had a cup of tea. But it dribbled out of my mouth. Looking at myself in a mirror, the left side of my face had dropped. ‘I look wonky!’ I cried to my husband Tony, 34. I couldn’t move my mouth on the left side. It felt frozen. ‘Let’s go to hospital,’ Tony said. At Colchester General Hospital, doctors suspected it was a stroke. But I felt fine. I’d recently read about Bell’s palsy, a condition that causes temporary weakness of the muscles…

Aunt Bessie's Dumpling Mix, 140g, 80p Make eight small or six large, fairly solid dumplings - add a little more water to the mix for a lighter consistency. Sainsbury's Dumpling Mix, 142g, 55p These puff up beautifully in just 25 min, but they're rather bland, so try adding ½tsp of dried herbs to the mix before making up. Goldenfry Farmhouse Style Dumpling Mix, 142g, 80p Wow - these are light and fluffy with a well-seasoned flavour. Just pop on the top of your stew or casserole for the last 25 min or so. NEW Cadbury's Choc Tarts, £1.99, Tesco, Morrisons, Asda This range of three tasty tarts includes Flake and Crunchie, but our fave is Caramel. It has caramel fondant, a caramel layer and a caramel button. Bliss!…

Serves: 4 Cost per head: 80p 1 Heat 2tbsp olive oil in a large, non-stick pan, add a large finely chopped red onion and cook over a medium heat for 5 min to soften. 2 Stir in 340g uncooked Arborio rice with the onion, mix well to coat with oil and cook for a further 2 min. 3 In a pan, bring 1.25l chicken stock (use cubes) to a simmer. 4 Reduce heat to medium-low and add hot stock to rice and onion, about 250ml at a time. Cook, stirring until stock has been absorbed. Continue to cook and add stock for about 20 min, until rice is cooked (you may not need all stock). 5 While rice is cooking, heat 1tbsp olive oil in a large non-stick frying pan…

Trying not to panic,Dean rushed me to hospital My organs were shutting down. I was terrified We have to stop meeting like this!’ I said to the rugged bloke. It was 2012, and Dean was always at my sister Nicola’s house when I visited. Good mates, they were two years below me in school, so we’d grown up together. We became even closer as we got older. Started flirting… Things moved quickly between me and Dean, now 27. There was just one thing. And soon after we started dating, it came tumbling out. ‘I might not be able to have children,’ I blurted to him. I was diagnosed with endometriosis at 19 – where tissue inside your uterus grows outside the womb. So getting pregnant’s a struggle. ‘I love you…

There were so many games – I enjoyed them all! It was all go – a house move, two weddings to plan and a holiday coming up… My youngest daughters, 22 and 28, were getting married – so exciting, but it meant busy times ahead! When my hubby Stephen, 54, and I did get some downtime in the evening, he liked nothing better than watching sport on the telly. And I enjoyed cosying up next to him, playing Chat Mag Bingo! I joined a couple of years ago. I’d always liked bingo, and playing from the comfort of my own home was brilliant. I loved the website as there were so many games to choose from. Bingo rooms, slots, bonus games – I enjoyed them all! Plus, you can buy…

Looking at the scan, I saw a mass covering my breast My puppy ran off with my prosthetic nipple! They say cancer doesn’t discriminate – that it can target you when you least expect it. Sadly, I know just how true that is. In May 2012, my husband Mark died suddenly from a heart attack, aged 50. It was such a shock, and I was bereft. Then, days later, I was due my first mammogram. I thought about cancelling the appointment, I was still so distraught about Mark. But I made myself go. It won’t take long, I thought, dragging myself along. First, the radiographer scanned my right breast. ‘That looks healthy,’ she smiled. But, as she scanned my left breast, her smile dropped. Looking at the scan image, I…

Dove Purely Pampering Nourishing Body Wash, £3.99, Boots Feels more like a moisturiser than a shower gel and leaves skin clean and soft. Top tip: Swap shower gels containing harsh chemicals for a gentler formula. Soaper Duper Shea Butter Body Butter, £10, Tesco Made from 97 per cent natural ingredients, this instantly soothes dry, irritated skin. Top tip: Slather on before bed, focusing on dry areas. Palmer's Shea Formula Raw Shea Hand Cream, £2.09, Superdrug If you love Palmer's cocoa butter formula, you'll love this! Top tip: Using a hand cream keeps your nails in good condition. Garnier Intensive 7 Days Ultra-Replenishing Lotion, £5, Asda Non-greasy formula sinks into skin in record time for a quick-fix hit of moisture. Top tip: Keep your skin well moisturised this summer to help…

THE CRIME One afternoon in April 1999, Cally Jo Larson had just finished school and arrived back at home. But instead of the empty house she was expecting, she found 29-year-old burglar Lorenzo Bahena Sanchez as he was ransacking the place. Terrified she'd turn him in to the police, Sanchez decided to end Cally Jo's life… THE STORY Cally Jo Larson was the kind of kid that made everyone around her smile. She loved being silly and playing games with her older sister Jayme. ‘She was cute and brave and fun. She was just a sweetheart,’ her mum Connie Larson said. On 20 April 1999, Cally Jo, 12, got off the school bus at 2.55pm, just like she did every day. She skipped down the path towards her beautiful family…

HOP HAT! What should you ? do with a croaky nightly visitor to your doorstep Why, welcome him with a series adorned of hats, of Mr course oad with ! Chris Newsome , 43, from Alabama, T an array of headwear with toad-lly awesome results. PAW-SOME HABIT This adorable pooch was found as a stray and adopted by Franciscan monks in Bolivia. They've named him Friar Bigoton (meaning moustache). Fellow friar Jorge Fernandez says, ‘ All of the brothers love him very much. He is a creature of God. ' PRONG TURN   It was ‘pasta la vista ' for one Plymouth motorist' after police caught him driving while eating pasta with a fork. They served him with a warning. Perhaps he was headed for Spaghetti Junction..? PERFECT MATCH Married…

Doctors said that I’d made a miracle turnaround I watched proudly as my daughter Summer, 10, swam lengths of the pool. ‘Good girl!’ I cheered from my sun lounger. It was last December, and I’d taken Summer on a trip to India for a few weeks. Summer’s dad passed away four years ago from a heart attack, aged just 50. We weren’t a couple, but we’d remained best friends for Summer’s sake. Losing her daddy had absolutely broken Summer. She deserved this break more than anyone. It’d been lovely to escape from reality for a few sun-drenched weeks. I suffer from osteoarthritis, have done for years, and the warm weather had been working wonders on my aching joints. But the holiday seemed to pass in the blink of an eye…

I collapsed in shock. Jason had fallen 35ft from a roof Roy treated Jason’s life so casually, like it didn’t matter As I dozed in bed, my fiance Jason Fogarty popped in to kiss me goodbye. ‘Have a good day,’ I smiled sleepily. ‘Be careful.’ With a grin and a kiss, Jason left for work. Soon after, I got up – and Jason’s son Tyler, 3, awoke. ‘Daddy’s gone to work,’ I told him. ‘Home soon.’ It was December 2013 – three days before Christmas and Tyler was so excited. And we all had an extra-special reason to celebrate. I was pregnant! We’d found out two weeks earlier and Jason was over the moon. When we’d met three years before, Jason was already a single dad to Tyler.…

Serves: 9 Prep: 20 min Cook: 25 min 150g butter 40g dark chocolate, broken into pieces 2 large eggs 150g soft, light brown sugar 1tbsp Greek-style yogurt 1tsp vanilla extract 150g plain flour 30g cocoa powder Pinch of sea salt flakes Topping: 50g butter 50g soft, light brown sugar 2tbsp golden syrup 2-3 pinches sea salt flakes 1 Preheat oven to 190C/ Gas 5 and line a 23cm square baking tin. 2 Over a low heat, melt butter and chocolate, stirring occasionally. Cool for 10 min. 3 Meanwhile, beat eggs and sugar in a large bowl until pale and fluffy. 4 Add yogurt and vanilla, then pour in melted butter and chocolate, and mix gently until combined. 5 Sift flour and cocoa powder together. Fold into choc mixture with a…

Sarah’s desperate to make Bethany see what a total creep Nathan is but, with Bethany hanging on Nathan’s every word, she’s fighting a losing battle. Nathan tells Mel it’s time to take the next step with Bethany, which means spinning her a sob story and setting her up with Neil. By now, Bethany will do anything for Nathan. When Neil leads her towards the bedroom she looks to Nathan, willing him to come to her rescue…But when he just gives her an encouraging smile, it doesn’t look too hopeful! Meanwhile, Amy confides in Tracy that she hates Ken because he wouldn’t lend her the money to buy the florist’s – which leaves Tracy worried that Amy was the one who attacked Ken. As the police discuss letting Adam go, Tracy…

He’d discussed ways to kill his ex Notorious UK crimes and where they took place MURDER OF REBECCA AYLWARD On 25 October 2010, Rebecca Aylward, 15, awoke at 6am, did her make-up, put on new clothes. She was excited about meeting ex-boyfriend Joshua Davies, 16, hoping they’d rekindle their relationship. But Davies hated Rebecca. With mates he met on Sundays for breakfast, he’d discussed ways to kill her – poisoning, drowning, pushing her off a cliff. In the end, that rainy morning, Davies lured her to secluded woods near Aberkenfig, Bridgend, and hit her over the head with a rock. Rebecca’s distraught family reported her missing and her body was found the next day. And Joshua Davies was arrested. His murder trial heard he’d killed Rebecca over a bet for…

I still can’t believe I’m a double jackpot winner! I know just what you’re thinking… Good for her, but it’ll never happen to me! I used to think the same whenever I heard of people winning the bingo jackpot. I’ve always loved playing bingo. I used to play with my friends at our local hall. But we all had such busy lives, we rarely found the time to go any more. So, 10 years ago, I signed up to Chat Mag Bingo. It was great being able to play at home, as and when I had the time to spare. I loved playing the Double Bubble slot game, and both Tiki and Bejeweled 90 ball Bingo… I had so much fun and scooped a few small wins here and there.…

It was a loving home. But it wasn’t Shanti’s. She was 4 when she said it for the first time. ‘This is not my home. I live in Mathura,’ she told her worried parents. ‘I have a husband and son there…and I must return to them.’ Shanti Devi was born in Delhi. Over 100 miles from the quieter city of Mathura. She was just an ordinary, happy girl, from an ordinary, happy family. Until 1930, when she started talking about her family in Mathura. At first, her parents thought it was just childish prattle. Maybe she’d heard someone talking about Mathura on the radio. Except, she seemed to know a lot about her life there. Shanti told her mum all about her husband. How he ran a cloth shop near…