Innehållsförteckning för 21-Dec-2017 från Chat

He was so physical... now he was in constant pain Would he be here for Christmas?Would he survive? Rolling over in bed, I snuggled up to my husband. ‘Don’t go to football today,’ I pleaded with Leivi, 26. It was a Sunday in January 2015, and we’d been out the night before for a nice meal. Our children Oliver, 2, and Emelia, 6, were with Leivi’s mum Elaine, so I was keen to make the most of the lie-in. Only, Leivi had other ideas… ‘I can’t miss footy,’ he smiled. Typical! A mechanic with his own garage, Leivi played for LM Autos FC, and lived for his Sunday-league games. ‘OK, I’ll follow on with the kids,’ I said as he headed off for an 11am kick-off. It was 11.20am and…

The size-6 frock fell right off my minuscule frame My twin sister Katie beamed as she told me she was engaged. She’d wanted to marry her partner Gareth since the day they met. Now it was happening. And she was so happy. ‘Will you be my maid of honour?’ she asked me. ‘Of course,’ I said, with a hug. But deep down, I felt a pang of anxiety. Me and Katie are identical – or, at least, we used to be... Just over a year ago, I’d weighed 8st 8lb, perfect for my 5ft 5in height. But when friends jumped on the bandwagon for clean eating and regular exercise, I’d joined in, too. I started off with a short jog at lunch time and occasionally hit the gym. But, as…

‘Erm,it’s a bit… personal’ Snoring woes Q I'm going away with friends for New Year and need to stop my terrible snoring! Leah, 53 A Losing weight if you're overweight, not smoking, and avoiding alcohol before bed will all help. Devices to hold your tongue or chin in place can be uncomfortable, but do help some people. Surgery can also work, but isn't guaranteed. Gym buddy? Q I bought a joint gym membership for Christmas, but my hubby says he's not the muscular type... Belle, 34 A Anyone can build muscle definition, whatever their physique, but the gym isn't just about body sculpting... Cardiovascular exercise such as cycling or dance can help reduce weight and blood pressure. The important thing is to find something he'll enjoy! Tatt removal Q I've…

It was a bit nippy – but none of us was nervous… Who knew us ladies would be so comfortable in our skin! My mouth fell open in disbelief. Had I just heard that right..? Glancing around the room, my colleagues in the Côr Curiad choir in Llanelli looked as gobsmacked as me. ‘You want us to get our kit off?’ someone spluttered. ‘At our age?’ one guffawed. ‘No way!’ we all laughed, in unison. It was this July, and the choir of 38 had met to discuss ways to raise funds for Ty Bryngwyn, a local hospice we were supporting. The choir has been involved in charity work ever since its creation in 1995. Since then, we’ve raised thousands for the charities, including the Teenage Cancer Trust as well…

Party pull-apart bread Everyone can get stuck in to this irresistible sharing loaf Prep: 15 min, plus proving time Cook: 30 min Serves: 12 Cost per serving: 45p For the dough: 500g packet white bread mix 2tbsp olive oil For the filling: 140g pesto ½ a 250g packet grated mozzarella 50g Parmesan or pecorino cheese, grated 50g each black and green olives, sliced 50g sun-dried tomatoes in oil, drained weight, chopped 1 Make up the dough mix, following pack directions and adding the olive oil. Knead for 5-10 min until it's nice and elastic. Roll out to a rectangle about 25 x 35cm on a lightly floured surface. 2 Leaving one long edge clear, spread the pesto over the dough. Scatter over the cheeses, olives and sun-dried tomatoes. Brush water…

LETTER of the week! Sharing Christmas cheer We all get excited about receiving our presents at Christmas, but we shouldn't forget that it's also a time of giving. Especially in the times we live in, it's important to give something back. Whether it's volunteering at a homeless shelter or donating toys to less fortunate children, we're all capable of spreading a little festive goodwill by doing something kind for others this year. M Mack, Welling, South-east London Off the naughty list My son Scott, 4, told his grandmother before Christmas, ‘I’ve really been trying to be good this year, but Mummy and Daddy told me I wasn’t very good at it!’ Maxine Cooper, London Why not get in touch! See page 4 for details on how WE PAY CASH Snow…

At the Nativity, I even made the camel look small My 4-year-old daughter Faye’s eyes shone with excitement. ‘He’s real,’ she whispered as we queued up to see the white-bearded man in a red suit. ‘I knew he was.’ It was Christmas 2014 and Santa had come to visit Faye’s nursery. Holding Faye in my arms, it was our turn to meet Santa when… ‘Say cheese!’ someone brandishing a camera commanded, firing off a succession of pictures. I forced my lips into a smile but inside I was cringing. Another awful photo to add to the rest of them. For years I’d been trying to hide my 23st frame. But I knew I’d look rounder than Santa in that photo. From the age of 15, I’d started to put on…

She didn’t answer the phone – I had a bad feeling... We released balloons around the time of her birthday It was family tradition in our house. Every Christmas, I’d take a photo of my four daughters lined up in front of our Christmas tree. There was Naomi, my eldest, Zoe, my second-born, Chloe my third, and Holly, my baby. We had snaps of them all stretching back from when they were chubby-cheeked tots with gappy grins to gangly teens looking shyly at the camera. And now, four absolutely stunning young women who’d make any mum proud. Naomi and Zoe were mums themselves, while Chloe was a qualified silversmith. Holly, or Lollipop as we called her, was a childcare assistant and total gym bunny. She was artistic, too, and loved…

All I had left was the use of my thumbs Stuffy nose, a pounding head... There was no doubt about it, I had the winter lurgy. It was early December 2014 and I went to the doctor’s, where I was given antibiotics for a sinus infection. That should clear it up, I thought. But four days later, I felt like I was dying. I couldn’t stop coughing and vomiting. My eyelids were heavy, my mouth numb and I was slurring my words. ‘This isn’t right,’ said my hubby Bryan, 40. I was taken to hospital for tests. But although they came back fine, within 72 hours my body began to shut down. Rushed to Intensive Care, I couldn’t walk or talk, had to have a breathing tube fed down my…

CHRISTMAS CHEER A mystery man in a Devon supermark et handed out cash in the run up to Christmas 2011. Envelopes each containing a £50 note were left in shopping bask ets with a note reading, I've recently been fortunate enough to come into quite a lot of money - more than I need… I hope this enables you to have a little extra cheer this Christmas. WRITE TODAY! Father Christmas has an official postal address. Every year, hundreds of thousands of children send letters to Canada, and every single one is answered. In the last 35 years, more than 26 million letters have been sent, in over 30 languages, including Braille. Letters must be posted before 14 December, to Santa Claus, North Pole H0H 0H0, Canada. WHAT…

Dan had walked into a taxi office, covered in blood. Eventually, he confessed Hurrying into the corner shop, my head was in the clouds. ‘Sorry,’ I gasped as I barged right into someone in the doorway. Straight away, I noticed his kind eyes. It was August 2006, I was 38 and it’d been a year since I’d split with the father of my 9-year-old son Dan. ‘Don’t worry about it,’ the man replied, then he smiled. ‘I’m Shaun.’ Blushing, I introduced myself, too. I hoped it wouldn’t be the last time I saw those kind eyes... Oddly enough, from then on, I couldn’t stop bumping into Shaun in the street. ‘We’ve got to stop meeting like this,’ I joked with him, days later. Laughing, Shaun suddenly looked nervous. ‘Jane, would…

1 Christmas market… If you want to visit a European Christmas market, there's no better place than Prague. Running from December to January and held in the stunning Old Town Square, it's a hub of festive fun, with traditional ornaments and delicious hot sugary pastries on offer. 2 Beer on tap… Beer lovers, listen up! Prague's BeerGeek Bar is a craft ale haven, with 32 different types on tap. It's also home to the biggest collection of bottled beers in Prague, with over 500 from all over the world. 3 Castle views… Looming tall over the city is Prague's castle which, according to Guinness World Records, is the largest ancient castle in the world. Buy a ticket to explore inside this fairy-tale structure or walk around the edge for incredible…

Everyone else went to the canteen for Xmas lunch My daughter Cora, then 2, could barely contain her excitement. ‘You’re going to be a big sister for Christmas!’ I told her. It was last November,and I was heavily pregnant. But, me and my fiance Piers Scarisbrick, 26, were as excited as Cora. On 27 November, Ivy was born weighing 7lb 11oz. After all the standard newborn checks, doctors were happy to let her go home. And for the first 10 days, everything was fine. But I noticed Ivy slept a lot, only waking up for feeds. She was losing weight, too. ‘Try tickling her feet to stimulate her senses,’ the health visitor recommended. Then, at 16 days old, I realised she hadn’t wet her nappy in 24 hours. Terrified she…

I don’t judge their birth parents, nor should you What does it mean to be a good mum? For me it’s a one-word answer. Love. Raising three amazing kids – Gregory, now 27, Patrick, 26, and Marlys, 24, I’d adored every minute of it. But I still had plenty of love to give. So in 2006, aged 47, I’d adopted my first child Shay, now 11, followed by Audrey, 9, then Ethan, 5. They all had learning difficulties. ‘So it’s harder to find adoptive families for them,’ the agency told me. A Paediatrics nurse, I knew all about the special needs babies can have – some mild, some severe. So I wasn’t daunted. Knew how even the most seriously challenged children can thrive. With love. So perhaps it wasn’t surprising…

Every healthy snack is a blank canvas! Making a Christmas dessert has always been my job. And I like to think I do better than the usual figgy pudding. I make mini masterpieces, whittled from different fruit – and I carve veg, too! It all started three years ago. My work as a data analyst contractor dried up, and I found myself with time on my hands. One day, cutting up an apple, I was absent-mindedly making shapes when it hit me. Maybe I could make an animal! Whittling away, I made a swan! Then, looking in the fridge, I found grapes, mangoes, potatoes…and turned them into hedgehogs and flowers. ‘That looks amazing, Mum!’ my daughter Nicole said. ‘You should put them on Instagram!’ So she made me an account…

Makes: 24 Prep: 20 min plus chilling Cook: 15 min Cost per biscuit: 18p 200g butter, chilled 325g plain flour 125g golden caster sugar 2tsp vanilla extract 2 large egg yolks 15 orange hard-boiled sweets, crushed White writing icing Edible silver balls 1 Heat the oven to 180°C, Gas 4. Put the butter and flour in a large bowl and rub together until it forms breadcrumbs. Stir in the sugar, vanilla and egg yolks. Beat with a wooden spoon until it forms a dough. 2 Tip on to a lightly floured work surface and knead lightly into a ball. Wrap in clingfilm and chill for 30 min. 3 Roll the dough out on a lightly floured surface and cut out your favourite shapes. Next, stamp out smaller shapes from the…

One woman travelled 150 miles to visit our post office The old post office had always been a staple part of my town. So when it shut down in August 2016, just like the rest of the community, I was gutted. I’d known the couple who ran it for a long time, they were good friends. They’d had the local branch, called The Lord Roberts, for the last 20 years. But they had to close down, as the building owners had decided to sell the property. ‘We’re planning early retirement and a move abroad to Portugal,’ they said. ‘Will you help us find a place?’ As it’s my job to help people find homes, I agreed. See, that’s what I do... If you watch A Place In The Sun on…

He smashed his way into the flat with tools and a knife Police arrived at my house, searching every corner and asking whether anything was missing. ‘There’s a hammer and a screwdriver missing from the toolbox,’ I told them. Their faces darkened. ‘Those were the murder weapons,’ one said gravely. All the signs pointed to Dan. Held in custody, he was charged a day later. A month passed – and, in April, he had his first court case. I was shocked to hear he was planning to plead not guilty to murder. After everything he’d done, how could he put Shaun’s family and me through the trauma of a trial? ‘You tell him his mother said to tell the truth,’ I told the officer. I couldn’t bear to visit him,…

Made with love  On each of my kids' first Christmases, I made them their own Santa sacks. They have more sentimental value for us than shop-bought stockings could. Carole Gasan, Stroud Decs of cards?  I use past Christmas cards as decorations, by threading them on string and hanging them up on display. Linda Kettle, Portsmouth Egg-stra secure…  I store fragile baubles in empty egg boxes to keep them from breaking. Gina Storey, North Shields Best-dressed table  A little trug filled with Christmassy serviettes and tied with a ribbon makes a great table centrepiece. Carol Loader, Taunton Put a sock on it!  Pop festive tube socks over gift bottles to keep them from smashing, and to add a little extra Yuletide cheer. Margaret Rymer, Much Wenlock Sweet display  Use an elastic…

He has lots of festive jumpers to choose from! The second I came face to snout with Stanley, in October 2015, I was smitten. It was love at first slobber. And he seemed quite taken with me, too. Smothering me in wet kisses, I knew I’d found The One. ‘I want to take him home,’ I told my husband Neil, 51. Stanley was a pug puppy and I’d fallen for him hook, line and sinker. Neil and I didn’t have children, but I’d always wanted a dog. And, after years of begging, Neil had finally given in. We’d done our research and found a good breeder. And now, as I held Stanley in my arms, I knew he already had me wrapped around his little paw. Back home, I showered…

Sainsbury's Minted Tenderstem Broccoli & Asparagus, 260g, £2  This combo of quality green veg comes in a delicious, minted butter. A side that's posh enough for guests! Co-op Green Vegetable Medley, 260g, £2.09 A simple, tasty green veg selection, also served with a mint butter. A good, basic veggie accompaniment. Iceland 4 Multi Greens Rice Steam Bags, 600g, £2 A great mix of broccoli, kale, spinach, courgette and seaweed, all finely diced to a rice-like texture. Serve for something a little different!…

We needed to make the most of the time we had left together I saw her schoolbag, and there was blood everywhere Sometimes, life can be beautiful. And in 2009 it seemed everything was just right. I had a lovely daughter Georgia, then 9, a devoted husband Stephen, then 53, and a good job in the civil service. But a clumsy fall at work one day and a persistent ‘fluey’ feeling led me to book an appointment with the GP. Tests revealed there was something wrong with my blood. The doctor referred me to a haematologist at a hospital in Manchester for more tests. And a week later, the results. ‘You have multiple myeloma,’ I was told. ‘A rare blood cancer.’ I was stunned. ‘How long have I got?’ I…

Just holding her made the world feel a better place... The supermarket was packed with shoppers filling their trolleys with Christmas food. I was one of them, squeezing past the hordes. I paused in front of the pregnancy tests, then picked one up before joining the queues at the tills. My period was late, but I wasn’t excited. I’d spent a small fortune on tests since me and my husband Boris, 37, had started trying for a baby nine years earlier. All negative. I’d no doubt this one would be, too. We’d been told everything was fine, so refused IVF and decided to let nature take its course – but nature just wasn’t playing ball. Back home, I took the test. Pointless, I thought. But then… Pregnant, it read. I…

Serves: 4 Prep: 10 min Cook: 30 min Cost per serving: £1 1 Place 4 cubed skinless chicken breast fillets in a bowl, add 3tbsp tikka masala curry paste and mix to coat. Heat 2tbsp vegetable oil in a pan, add 2 sliced onions and 2 chopped red peppers and cook for 5 min to soften. 2 Add the chicken and 2 crushed cloves of garlic and cook for 5 min, stirring occasionally. Add a 400g can of chopped tomatoes and tomato puree. Bring to the boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for 20 min, until the sauce has thickened slightly. 3 Stir in 4tbsp single cream, season with salt and freshly ground pepper and scatter with fresh coriander to garnish. Top Tip Make this meal go even further…

Matthew thought I was winding him up! One day, reading some of the bingo winners’ stories in my fave mag Chat , I decided I’d give the site a go. So about three years ago, I signed up to Chat Mag Bingo. As soon as I started, I loved it. Made so many friends, even people from round the corner! As we played the games, we chatted away, too. Talked about everything, our favourite games, and sometimes even what we were having for tea! My favourite bingo rooms are Take Me Out, Round the Clock and Game Show. On 7 June this year, I was playing Round the Clock, a 75-ball bingo game. I’d spent £2 on 20 tickets with a great buy-two get-one-free offer. My partner Matthew, 39, was…

Standing in the doorway was a tall figure in black Look out across Ranworth Broad in Norfolk on New Year’s Eve, and you may catch a glimpse of the Devil himself dragging a wicked soul back to Hell. For centuries, there have been sightings of a ghostly rider carrying a screaming victim into the darkness on a dark steed, always on the last night of the year. The terrifying tale began on New Years Eve 1770. The last day in December marked the final hunt meeting of the year. That year, huntsmen were determined not to let the presence of Colonel Thomas Sydney ruin the occasion. A notorious lecher and gambler, the Colonel lived in the luxurious Ranworth Old Hall. Sydney was a bully who got what he wanted, by…

Liz Dawn 8 November 1939 – 25 September 2017 Coronation Street fans went into mourning as much-loved Liz died at the age of 77 following a long battle with emphysema. She joined the soap as factory worker Vera Duckworth in 1974 and kept fans entertained for over 30 years with her feisty marriage to Jack Duckworth, played by the late Bill Tarmey. Peter Sallis 1 February 1921 – 2 June 2017 Peter was an unlikely Hollywood star by the end of his life, known around the world as the voice of Wallace in the award-winning Wallace & Gromit films. But us Brits loved him long before for his role as Cleggy in BBC1's long-running comedy Last of the Summer Wine…

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