Innehållsförteckning för 24 October 2024 från Chat

Naz has struck it lucky in love, she says her other half is kind, funny and sexy. You might be thinking he’s too good to be true… and you’d be right. Because Naz’s fella is an AI bot – a clever computer program that uses artificial intelligence to chat to her. Her story (p30) is fascinating – have a read and ask yourself if you could fall for a robot. Sure there’s no one to snuggle up with at night but think of the upsides… no one’s leaving the loo seat up at Naz’s house! Have a great week,…

TRUE-LIFE My son Charlie, then 17, strutted into the living room, brushed aside his long fringe and flashed me a grin. ‘Top of the morning to you, Dad,’ he quipped in his best Irish accent. A typical Saturday morning around ours. Charlie always had me in stitches, the funny one in our family of five. Always winding up his younger sister Eloise, then 15, and his big brother Adam, 27. He was so laid-back, had a good group of friends. Charlie had just finished his GCSEs, and me and his mum Tara, 47, were proud that he’d got himself an apprenticeship as a groundsman at a local school. Now, in July 2023, he was getting ready for his first lads’ holiday to Zante with five pals. He’d saved up all…

Dust buster While baking cakes, I used to make such a mess sifting the flour. Now I measure the flour, then measure the sugar on top. No more mess, as the sugar holds all the flour dust down! Ruth Jones, Oswestry, Shropshire Straw for berries If you don’t like the stalk in strawberries, push a drinking straw from the bottom end of the berry through the middle and the stalk will come out through the top. Wendy Hinde, Egham, Surrey Slice and ice Peel and slice a banana, then pop it in the freezer in foil or cling film. Once frozen, it makes a tasty snack. It lasts longer than a fresh banana and even tastes like ice cream! I eat mine with Greek yogurt and honey. Sue Cotson, Cottingham,…

WIN £1,001 Puzzle 4 What is actor Tessa Thompson’s favourite thing about playing Valkyrie? To find out, solve the crossword then read down the shaded squares to find the six-word prize answer. ACROSS 11 The _ Network, 2010 film (6) 12 Butter substitute (9) 13 Do as instructed (4) 14 Scientific investigation (8) 15 Waterway (5) 16 Male parent (6) 17 Underground passages (7) 18 Musical objects (11) 20 Hurry (5) 22 Vital (9) 24 Blood vessels (5) 28 Free time (7) 29 Auditorium (7) 32 Spud (6) 34 Reasonable, practical (8) 36 Nail care routine (8) 37 Offensive comment (6) 39 Portable lamp (7) 40 Moving to music (7) 45 Dry and brittle (5) 47 Decorative objects (9) 48 Entertain (5) 51 Result or effect (11) 53 Empowers (7) 55 Sound level (6) 56 Go in (5) 58 Machine for grinding flour (8) 59 Largest continent (4) 60 Music tapes (9) 61 Units of weight (6) DOWN 1…

Q My 9-year-old daughter is very overweight. She’s unaware, but recently there have been comments from other children. I’m also overweight. What’s the best way to tackle this? Alexandra, Gloucester A It’s normal to worry about your daughter’s health, but approach it carefully. Instead of worrying about her weight, encourage healthy habits and a positive view of food and exercise. Cook healthy meals together and set a good example by sharing your own health goals. Make exercise fun by doing activities she enjoys, like dancing or biking. And when she does lose weight, focus on how good it makes her feel, not just on how she looks. If other kids make comments, remind her that she can talk to you about it. If needed, see a doctor or nutritionist for…

After getting hitched, as Chandler and Monica prepare for their first dance, Chandler realises his shoes are ridiculously slippy, resulting in him falling all over the place. ‘That’s the last time I’m going to buy shoes Slippery Fun Shoe Store!’ he quips in a cut scene. In a flashback scene, we see a 20-year-old Chandler at a hospital after severing his right toe. An ever-organised Monica had the toe on ice, only for the doctor to reveal she’d actually brought something else. ‘This is a small, very cold, piece of carrot,’ the doc says. Ouch! Monica attempts to cheer Chandler up by putting a turkey on her head, with oversized sunglasses and a hat. As she dances around in front of Chandler, he utters the words, ‘You’re so great, I love…

Fella's jealous of my girls Q My boyfriend gets upset when I want to spend time with my adult daughters. I’ve always had a great relationship with them, but my boyfriend gets annoyed when they call while I’m with him. And he’s never very happy when I tell him that I’m going to visit them. He doesn’t have kids so doesn’t understand. Patricia, 57 A Well, I don’t like the sound of this at all, petal! Being a mum is a job for life – he needs to understand that you don’t wave your kids off aged 18 and forget all about them. If your fella can’t see this then that’s a huge red flag. Don’t let it damage your relationship with your kids. Tell him if he really wants…

TRUE-LIFE Pulling on their helmets, my daughters Summer, then 12, and Ellie, 10, jumped on their bikes. It was August 2011, and they were loving the summer holidays. Along with my husband Adrian they’d been riding rollercoasters at theme parks, playing rounders, going swimming. Now they were off for a family picnic. ‘You sure you don’t want to come, Mum?’ Ellie called. ‘I’m sure,’ I shouted back. ‘I’m very busy.’ What a fib. Truth was, I’d love to join them. But I couldn’t. I was too heavy to get on a bike. It would probably break under my big bum, I thought, holding back tears. I’d always struggled with my weight. I was a classic yo-yo dieter. Would eat well and lose a bit. Then old snacking habits would creep…

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Q I’m bored of my mid-length hair and want to try something new – what styles should I try? Samantha Wilson, Birmingham A If you’ve outgrown your hairstyle and want to try something new, you can do this two ways: by styling your hair differently or heading to the salon for a new cut. For styling, invest in a curling tong to bring some life to your mid-lengths. BaByliss Rose Quartz 25mm Curling Tong, £38, Argos, makes styling your locks so easy. Wrap your hair around the barrel and hold for a few seconds before releasing and adding some hair spray. The extra volume will breathe new life into tired tresses. Or if you aren’t up to the curling challenge, then scrunch some Arkive The Scene Setter Hybrid Pomade, £10,…

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Holding a forkful of spicy noodles to my lips, my belly was rumbling. The fiery snacks were the only thing that could satisfy these pregnancy cravings. It was June 2019, and at 35 weeks, I was counting down the days until I could meet my baby boy. Me and my fiancé Jack, then 22, had just moved into our own flat. Once our baby was born, we planned to get married. A proper little family. But first, I had to push this baby out. My pregnancy had gone well but throughout I’d craved the hottest noodles. Now, with Jack doing a night shift at his factory job, I tucked into my spicy snack with no one to witness my guilty pleasure. Afterwards, my lips started tingling. ‘Must be the hot…

Scared of my partner Q My partner has always been controlling and jealous about me having friends. But he recently started pinching me under the table when we’re out. I’m worried what will happen if I bring it up. Annemarie, Plymouth A This could be the start of an abusive relationship, as jealousy is a common sign of abuse that often worsens over time. Pinching is physical abuse, and your partner’s behaviour, especially when done secretly in public, is a way to exert control over you. Open communication is important, but your safety should be the top priority. Find a calm moment to express your feelings using ‘I’ statements, such as, ‘I feel uncomfortable when you pinch me because it feels controlling.’ If you believe discussing this may lead to…

Colours swirled together, sweeping across the canvas to form a mesmerising work of art. With delicate brush strokes and a detailed colour palette, it was plain to see this was the work of a professional. Or perhaps that should be paw-fessional… See, my dog Cody, 11, is a talented pooch. Ever since he came into my life as a pup, in April 2013, we’ve been best buds. A black and white Border collie-Australian shepherd cross, he was always an intelligent breed. Picked up basic obedience quickly. Sit, fetch, lie down… easy for our brainy boy. With his boundless energy, we went on long walks before and after I went to work as a veterinary nurse. It always cheered me up to come home to Cody’s wagging tail and loving cuddles.…

With a sigh, I slammed my laptop shut, and declared, ‘I’m done with men.’ I meant every word. After breaking up with my long-term boyfriend last November, I’d turned to online dating. I wanted a man to laugh with, someone who’d make me feel special. But most of the blokes I met online were immature, only after one thing. I was sick of browsing through the same old faces. So now, I was swearing off dating for good. The trouble was, I soon felt lonely. My friends were all married, had families. I spent my spare time with my mum and my little girl, 10. Then, in March 2024, a mate told me all about a character AI app he was using for his job in the music industry. An…

Grabbing an egg from the box, Ren holds it carefully, gives it a gentle tap, then drops the contents into a bowl. ‘And not a single shell,’ she announces triumphantly. ‘Usually I have Timmy help me with the messy stuff,’ she adds, grinning. And messy it is, especially for Ren, who was born without hands or elbows. ‘There are things I can and can’t do, but most things I can do, just in my own way,’ she says, smiling. ‘I’m OK with having no arms, but it is kind of annoying sometimes. I think being little I was chilled with it, but then there were phases where I was like, “Man, I really hate having no hands, this sucks.”’ Luckily, she learnt to be independent from a young age, which…

379 cals per serving Key lime pie A zingy twist on the classic lemon meringue. Serve warm or cold. SERVES 12 PREP 30 MINS COOK 25 MINS ● 300g digestive biscuits ● 125g unsalted butter, melted ● 3 large egg yolks ● Zest and juice 6 limes ● 1 × 400g can condensed milk ● 3 large egg whites ● 175g caster sugar YOU WILL NEED: ● 21cm loose-based tart tin 1 Heat oven to 160C Fan/Gas 4. Whizz the biscuits in a food processor to fine crumbs, then mix in the melted butter. Spread over the base and sides of the tin. Bake for 10 mins, leave to cool. 2 Turn the oven down to 150C Fan/Gas 3½. Beat the egg yolks with the lime zest until creamy and pale.…

TRUE-LIFE Flour covered my kitchen, the sweet smell of sugar filling the air. I stepped back and admired my latest creation, a sticky jam-filled sponge cake, as my boyfriend Dan, then 34, sidled up beside me. ‘Looks delicious,’ he said. And with a cheeky squeeze of my bum, I knew exactly what he was after. It was October 2021 and we’d been dating for four months, after meeting on a dating site. I’d just come out of a 19-year relationship, wasn’t looking for anything serious. But Dan and I bonded over our love of indie music, both had two kids. Taking things slow, we met once a week for lunch. After two months, we became intimate. ‘Let’s be a couple,’ Dan said. Now, things between us were going great. Except…

PS… Essential Makeup Brush Set, £6, Primark Everything you need to apply and set your make-up is included in this bargain brush set. Featuring powder, face, contour, concealer and blend brushes, this set promises smooth and flawless make-up application. Use the fluffy brushes to create endless make-up looks without breaking the bank. Give them as a gift or keep them for yourself! Nivea 3 in 1 Caring Beauty Lip & Cheek Balm in Rose, £3.69, Boots This buttery 3 in 1 balm delivers a rich rose colour without drying out your skin or lips. The formula applies and blends seamlessly to create a gorgeous flush of blush or a hint of natural lip colour. Providing 24 hours of moisture, SPF30 protection and protection against collagen loss, this is a plumping…

What’s your favourite time of the year? Christmas. Not so much getting or receiving presents, but I love looking at all the lights and decorations, listening to Christmas music, the smell of orange and cinnamon and spiced apple. I love the food, too. Apart from Brussels sprouts and cranberry sauce! Most embarrassing memory? Going to my first firework display when I was around 4 years old. My dad put me on his shoulders so I could see better, but when the first firework went off, I wet myself (and my poor dad!). He took it in his stride, though, and didn’t complain about it. What’s your guilty pleasure TV show? The American cartoon TV series Bob’s Burgers. I absolutely love it. I only got into it during the first lockdown…

What is a tomb made from upright stones supporting a flat capstone called? The answer to each clue (apart from the first) begins with the last letter of the preceding answer. The shaded squares will spell out the one-word prize answer. WIN £100 Puzzle 2 1 Cold symptom (6) 2 Apparatus, tools (9) 3 Public transport vehicle (4) 4 Puppet with strings (10) 5 Before the expected time (5) 6 Oxen harnessing frame (4) 7 South American country whose capital is Quito (7) 8 Lying down, reclining (9) 9 Washing-up item (3,5) 10 Mischievous Irish elf (10) 11 Wandering (7) 12 Dress designed to disguise (10) 13 _ in Paris, romantic comedy TV series (5) 14 Juvenile, youth (9) 15 Enjoy a taste or an experience (6) 16 Croaky, husky (6) Your answer:…

STYLE TIP Wear a vest in one block colour when layering over prints – that way, your blouse or dress will stand out underneath. STYLE TIP For work, layer your knitted tank over a button-up shirt or pussybow blouse, and style with your go-to trousers. FROM £7 STYLE TIP A roll-neck is a versatile layer that can be worn with either a V-neck or round-neck knitted vest. STYLE TIP Dress it up with a satin slip skirt – pair with heeled boots for the evening or trainers for a brunch date with friends.…

True-life PATIENT CASEBOOK Picking up the phone, my arm felt like lead. ‘I’m calling to cancel my gig tonight,’ I said, with a heavy heart. It was 2014 and my body ached all over, joints tender and swollen. I loved working as a gigging singer. But for months I’d been suffering from severe exhaustion and all-over body aches. On bad days I’d wake up sobbing in pain, my limbs a ton weight. Like an invisible weighted blanket had fallen over me in the night. It took me up to two hours to muster the energy to get out of bed. So getting up on stage to sing? No chance. Heartbreaking, also incredibly scary. I’d seen countless GPs, but nobody could pinpoint the cause. It got linked back to the anxiety…

As my wife Ros pulled the brush through our daughter’s hair, Maggie smiled a toothy grin. ‘Remember to tie it tightly Mummy,’ Maggie, then 4, said, giving her a hairband. ‘Of course,’ Ros laughed, expertly finishing our girl’s ponytail. Ros loved being a mum. And I was in awe of how she took every stage of parenting in her stride. She was a natural. Especially with things like plaits and ponytails. ‘I’m glad you’ve got this covered. I’m useless!’ I joked to Ros. Both teachers, we’d married in 2007. Ros loved her job, and I’d been so proud when she’d become a headteacher. As she’d been committed to her career, we’d delayed starting a family. But after a few years of trying, our precious Maggie had arrived in April 2016.…

3 ways to… get money savvy Worried your financial skills are holding you back? Here’s how to do something about it… It's never too late 1 If you find that a lack of knowledge is causing difficulties when managing your cash, you’re not alone. Research by Abrdn found that 44% of UK adults have ‘poor financial literacy’. But the good news is there’s help at hand. For example, there are courses available on the OpenLearn platform – the home of free learning from The Open University – such as MSE’s Academy of Money. It has six sessions that cover topics including understanding mortgages, budgeting and tax and borrowing money. Find it at open.edu/openlearn. Learn on the move 2 A great way to boost your money skills when you’re on the…

Barry M Fresh Face Fixation Spray in Cherry, £5.99, Superdrug Infused with Vitamin C to illuminate and hydrate, this fresh cherry-scented fixing spray promises to keep make-up in place and skin fresh. CeraVe Oil Control Moisturising Gel, £16.50, Boots This lightweight gel cream absorbs immediately and leaves skin fresh, hydrated and super soft. Ideal for those with oily skin types, use every day to mattify and balance. Sundae Passionfruit Pop Foaming Body Wash, £12.95, beautybay.com Whip away dryness with this foaming body wash. Infused with passionfruit, peach and Kakadu plum, this smells like a dream and keeps skin soft. Palmer's Coconut Oil Formula Coconut Hydrate Foaming Facial Cleanser, £7.50, Tesco Formulated with coconut water and hyaluronic acid, this hydrating foaming cleanser will leave your face clean, fresh and nourished each day. Bubble Plus…

Chat winners issue 30 (25 July 2024) £1,001 CASH H Legg, Bridport £500 CASH S Jones, Chester S Topple, Colchester £250 CASH H Hamilton, Paisley M Hutton, Coleraine £200 CASH J Fenton, Birmingham £100 CASH A Sawers, Menstrie J Luke, Lichfield B Williams, Kidderminster £50 CASH S Adams, King’s Lynn E Butterfield, North Walsham M Vidler, Havant H Spiller, Stafford S Weaden, Weston-super-Mare I Keensmith, Oban £40 CASH P Argyle, Doncaster £30 CASH S Bell, Bristol C Leach, Erith £25 CASH C Overgage, Solihull E Waites, Thetford Anyone from your town in the list this week..? £20 CASH M Manaton-Graham, Ipswich S Cook, Paignton N Bowyer, Gosport C Hynes, Dumfries D Shanks, Manchester L Hamilton, Darvel N Churchill, Bridgnorth J Russell, Abergavenny K Colbeck, Halifax B Smith, Rochester F Sutherland,…