Innehållsförteckning för 15 May 2025 från Chat

Welcome to this week's Chat… In her mid-40s, Rene (p23) started getting symptoms that may sound familiar. Hot flushes, periods going haywire and mood swings were all sure signs that the menopause was on the way. So Rene went to the doctor's but it wasn't a prescription for HRT she was after. It was a baby. She refused to give up on her dream and against all odds, aged 48, she's mummy to adorable Crue. I loved reading Rene's inspiring story and hope you do too! Have a great week,…

As my daughter Emma, then 35, made a brew, I began tidying up the toys scattered around the room. ‘Leave that Mum, the kids will only make a mess again,’ Emma laughed. ‘It's my pleasure,’ I said. And I meant it. Working as a food delivery driver and, before that, a taxi driver for 37 years, I enjoyed doing what I could to make life easier for folk. Emma was a mum to 10 children, and was expecting another baby with her husband Lee, 40. As he worked long hours, I was always happy to help with the kids. If I wasn't spending time with her, I was with my son Dewi, 34, and daughter-inlaw Elsa, 28. Family and friends meant everything to me, as well as my husband Karl,…

What's the astronomical observatory in Switzerland between the Jungfrau and Mönch mountains? The number next to the clue tells you which line the answer's in. We've put a section in to start you off! There may be two Across answers in one line. Down words fill themselves in. The shaded squares spell out the prize answer. WIN £100 Puzzle 2 2 Polynesian island country • Garden vegetable 4 Fire remains • Float in air 6 Natural aptitude • Detective division of the Police (1,1,1) 8 Empire of the _, 1988 film • Dwarf planet Your answer:…

FROM £14 SHIRT STYLE TIP Effortlessly stylish, this classic hero piece gives a polished put-together look without trying too hard. Great with trainers or chunky flats. TEA STYLE TIP With its puff sleeves and flowing skirt, this retro style flatters both curves and athletic figures. Wear with feminine flats or vintage heels. KAFTAN STYLE TIP A flowy silhouette makes these dresses perfect for warm weather or lounging in style. Pair with dressy sandals or heels. STRAPPY STYLE TIP Show off tanned shoulders with this easy summer staple. Style with 90s-inspired flats or delicate heels.…

Pain shot across my lower back. Wincing, I leaned on a wall. Five minutes felt like forever as my body was in agony. Eventually, I managed to keep walking. It was summer 2016, and I was shopping in town. After years of pelvic and lower-back problems, I'd been diagnosed with fibromyalgia – a chronic pain condition. I was prescribed strong painkillers. A mum to two kids, then 1 and 3, I hobbled around after them on crutches. Some days were better than others. But one morning in January 2017, I woke up and couldn't get out of bed. ‘You'll have to learn to live with it,’ my doctor said over the phone, prescribing morphine. I was only 34. Was this my future? I started reading about how everything from relationships…

Unpacking the shopping, I could feel the back of my neck burning up. ‘Are you OK?’ my partner, Demetrious, then 39, asked me. I nodded, but I had a sinking feeling. For months my periods had been erratic. My moods were all over the place. And now I was having hot flushes. It could only mean one thing. ‘I've hit perimenopause,’ I realised, crushed. At 45, it was to be expected. But now my chances of having a baby were further out of reach. I'd longed to be a mum for years. When I turned 40 in 2016, I was still single. It wasn't until a few months later that I'd met Demetrious in a bar. We'd hit it off; things had moved quickly between us. Like me, he wanted…

As I watched TV, I felt it again. Flicker, flicker. ‘Look at my eye,’ I said, quickly turning to my husband David, then 36. It was January 2023 and my right eyelid had been twitching on and off all day. As mum to Theo, then 2, and at college full-time training to be a nursery nurse, I felt burnt out. No wonder my eyelid was playing up. ‘You need an early night,’ David said, and I agreed. It did the trick, for a while at least. I did my best to enjoy my pregnancy but I was living in fear But every now and then, my right eye would suddenly start twitching again. So strange. I hope nobody notices, I'd think. Then, a month later, I discovered I was pregnant.…

Top tip Check that your mixing bowl and whisk are clean or the egg whites won't whip up well. Plum and cherry pavlova This showstopper is easier to make than you might think. SERVES 10 PREP 30 MINS, PLUS COOLING COOK 1 HR 30 MINS FOR THE MERINGUE: ● 4 large free-range egg whites, room temperature ● 225g caster sugar ● 1tsp white wine vinegar ● 2tsp cornflour ● 100g ground almonds ● 2tbsp flaked almonds, optional FOR THE FILLING: ● 390g jar cherries in kirsch, drained, juice reserved ● 2 ripe pears, cored and sliced ● 250g ripe plums, stoned and sliced ● 1tsp vanilla extract ● 600ml double cream ● 4tbsp icing sugar ● 2-4tbsp brandy or kirsch 1 Heat the oven to 110C Fan. In a bowl,…

Aries 21 March-20 April With Venus back in your sign, you feel more able to make changes around your finances, which will benefit you going forward. Decide on a plan of action. ● Call 0905 817 0690* for more Taurus 21 April-21 May The Sun is at the midpoint of travelling through your sign. As it does, it's guiding you to reassess your goals and to find more fulfilment in your daily routine. ● Call 0905 817 0691* for more Gemini 22 May-21 June If you've been feeling a bit lacklustre of late, try having a spring clean. Throw out the items you know you don't need and see how this shifts your energy. ● Call 0905 817 0692* for more Cancer 22 June-23 July A gentle water sign, you…

QShould I change my foundation for summer? Charlotte Taylor, Bury St Edmunds A There are three reasons to swap foundation at this time of year. First, your skin looks better when the sun is shining. It's naturally more hydrated and looks glowier, so there's no need for full coverage. Plus, there's nothing worse than feeling like your skin is coated in product when it's warm. L'Oréal Lumi Glotion Natural Glow Enhancer, £11.99, Boots, gives skin a touch of illuminating colour without masking your features. It's also a good idea to get one with added SPF. This doesn't replace a sunscreen, but will act as an extra layer of protection for skin. We love E.l.f. Camo Hydrating CC Cream, £15, Superdrug. Lastly, can your current foundation take the heat? If you're…

Chat winners issue 7 (13 Feb 2025) £1,001 CASH H Smailes, Nottingham £500 CASH S Forrest, Milford Haven J Halewood, Wallasey £250 CASH A Darnell, Rushden A Hale, Liverpool £200 CASH MA Davies, Ludlow £100 CASH V Cooper, Gateshead S Burstow, Callington J Watson, Bournemouth £75 CASH R Cook, Hastings £50 CASH E McGregor, Dumfries S Gaffney, Chichester C Robin, Kirkcaldy V Carveley, Sleaford K Thompson, Stowmarket J Burnside, Spennymoor £40 CASH P Hall, Clacton-on-Sea £30 CASH J Alsop, Darlington S Cain, Colchester £25 CASH J Carpenter, Lytham St Annes J Fitzwilliam, Chichester Anyone from your town in the list this week..? £20 CASH C Brinkhurst, Polegate E Davies, Holmfirth P Artingstall, Dukinfield D Deakin, Stoke-on-Trent A Cameron, Dunfermline M Stone, Ilkeston MA Hughes, Castle Douglas A Kernaghan, Newtownards S Palmer, Beeston A Thompson, York M Newstead, Beaconsfield J Holland, Nottingham M Hince, Hereford T Foers, Rotherham K Pringle, South Shields M Anderson, Peterborough V Robinson, Liverpool P Hoyle, Lytham…

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In Belgium, Greece, Liechtenstein and Luxembourg, citizens are legally required to do what, although punishments and their enforcement vary? To find out, solve the puzzle… The three answers in this puzzle read the same across and down. The clues are given, but not in the right order. Read down the shaded squares to spell the prize answer. WIN 5x £20 Puzzle 3 UNATTACHED ESSENTIAL SPEED, IN MUSIC Your answer: TO ENTER Turn to page 56 for details or visit comps.lifedeathprizes.com/puzzles…

WIN £1,001 Puzzle 4 What do actor Joseph Fiennes and singer Sting have in common? To find out, solve the crossword then read down the shaded squares to find the fiveword prize answer. ACROSS 1 Star sign (5) 4 Orderly, neat (4) 6 Rude (8) 13 Whirlwind (7) 14 Small glass balls (7) 15 Mountain range in South America (5) 16 Stagger (4) 17 Jumped (6) 18 Find (6) 20 Utensil (4) 21 Holy person (5) 22 Unequal or unjust (6) 25 1998 single by Catatonia (4,4) 28 Small angel (6) 30 _ Rica, Central American country (5) 32 Train departure point (8) 34 Instant (6) 35 End of a prayer (4) 38 Frozen spike (6) 39 Group of bees (5) 40 Lofts (6) 43 Foot digits (4) 44 Groups of singers (6) 45 Legal proof (8) 48 Aquatic mammal (5) 49 Motor (6) 51 Stay With Me singer (3,5) 54 Giorgio _, fashion designer (6) 55 Start…

Q I recently had tonsillitis and took a long course of antibiotics. Now I have a really itchy vagina and white discharge. Samira, Burnley A These symptoms thrush. Antibiotics could be caused by can throw off the balance of bacteria in your body, allowing yeast to grow and leading to symptoms like itching and white discharge. Thrush is common after antibiotics and can usually be treated with antifungal creams or tablets, which you can get at a pharmacy. To help prevent it in the future, try washing with just water, wear breathable cotton underwear and change out of wet clothes quickly. Taking probiotics can also help restore the good bacteria in your body. If the symptoms don't get better or seem to get worse, it's a good idea to see…

1 Pick a date Whether you're on your first or fifth attempt, set a quit date that works for you, says Dr David Gwynne, GP at Boots Online Doctor*. ‘Add this date to your calendar.’ Each morning in the run-up, delay your first cigarette of the day – this gets your nicotine dependence down as it forces your body to go longer without it. 2 Ask for help Even if a friend or family member doesn't want to quit at the same time, ‘giving up smoking is a lot easier when you have the right support,’ says Dr Gwynne. Regularly discuss the benefits of quitting with those close to you – it can help reinforce why you want to stop. ‘Just 72 hours after quitting, breathing will feel easier and energy levels…

Looking at the cutest little kittens with big pleading eyes, I wondered how anyone could abandon them. ‘Heartless,’ I said to David, then 32, who was standing beside me. It was October 1984 and, aged 17, I was at a meeting about homeless cats. I'd always loved animals, and advocating for animal rights was a passion. David felt the same. ‘Fancy a drink?’ he asked. ‘OK,’ I agreed. A manager over at the local radio station, David Donahue was tall, dark and handsome. At 32, he was much older than me. Still, he showered me with compliments. ‘You're so clever,’ he gushed as we chatted. For the next month, we met in secret. I worried my parents, Jean, then 54, and Brian, then 51, wouldn't approve of the age gap,…

Where are the nice guys? Q I'm a mum of two, and I feel like I'll never find love. Men lose interest when they hear that I have kids, or they want something casual. I don't want to introduce my children to just anyone, but I also don't want to be alone forever. Am I being too picky, or is it just impossible for me to find love? Vick, 37 A It's not impossible, pet, but it can be tough! You're not being too picky. You've got two little humans to take care of and they need stability. Love isn't going to fall into your lap while you're folding your laundry but that doesn't mean you have to settle, sweetheart. Wait for someone who can handle a real woman with…

Q I've been best friends with another single mum for years, but ever since I started dating, she's been distant and snappy. I think she's jealous because she's struggling with meeting men, but I miss her support. I don't want to lose her friendship, but I also don't want to feel guilty for being happy. How do I fix this? Leesa, 45 A The green-eyed monster strikes again, flower. And it hurts when it's coming from your ride-or-die. She's not mad at you, she's just mad at how life's treating her. But that doesn't mean you have to shrink your joy to keep her comfortable. Real friends clap when you win, even when their hands are shaking. If she's a true mate, she'll get it. If not? Let her go…

3 ways to.. sneakily spend less money Trick yourself into holding onto your cash with these nifty tips 1 Focus on goals Having a plan for your money can be a powerful motivator to not waste cash. Go through your budget, consider your goals and work out a plan of how you'll reach them. These might be long-term goals like a house deposit or shorter term goals like saving for a holiday. The next time you fancy splashing out on an impulse buy – like a new pair of boots you've spotted – remind yourself that buying it will take you a step away from reaching your target. Having an image of your goal as your phone screen saver or in your purse can be a handy reminder to keep you on track.…

Soft & Gentle 72h Hyaluronic Care Anti-Perspirant Spray, £3.50, Tesco Stay sweat-free without irritating your underarms, thanks to this kind-to-skin deodorant. It's formulated with hyaluronic acid to hydrate your skin and allantoin to reduce irritation. There are three scents to choose from (including Rosewater Dew and Cucumber Splash) but the deliciously fruity Watermelon Spritz is our favourite. Collection Cheek & Lip Stain in Blossom, £3.99, Superdrug Looking for a blush and lippy that won't budge? Well, we've got you covered. This stain has impressive 24-hour staying power. Apply a little for a subtle wash of colour or layer up to get a bolder, brighter finish. The watery texture means it's best to blend with your fingers, rather than a brush.…

Dropping off his 4-yearold son to his ex-wife for the summer in 2020, Timothy Lewis hoped it was the start of a positive change in their relationship. He and Danielle Dauphinais had gone through a divorce when their son, Elijah, was a year old in 2017. Timothy had taken primary custody of him. But now Timothy was struggling with Elijah's behaviour, and couldn't cope with him and his other children as well. Danielle was living in New Hampshire with her boyfriend, Joseph Stapf, and their toddler in the basement of Joseph's mum's house. Timothy believed they had more support to deal with Elijah's behavioural issues. At first, everything seemed to be going well. Neighbours reported seeing Elijah playing with trucks in the sand next to the lake behind his house.…

Dear Allan, As the light in the living room flickered, I knew that it wasn't an electrical fault. Nor was there a storm brewing. Married since 1995, it wasn't long before I noticed your habit of turning the light switch on and off a few too many times. But after our son was born in 2003, things escalated. ‘What was her name?’ you asked, after someone spoke on TV. ‘It was Sharon,’ I said. ‘Did you say Deborah?’ you asked me. ‘No! Sharon!’ I repeated. Say it again,’ you said, as though you hadn't heard me – and again and again. I must've said it 20 times! ‘What's going on?’ I asked, but you always brushed it off. Until finally, in 2005, you opened up. ‘I think it's obsessive compulsive…

Are you a dog or a cat person – or neither? I'm definitely a dog person. I just love it when we're asked to look after my partner's family dog, Poppy, for a week, and we enjoy taking her away with us in our caravan. What are you looking forward to most about the summer? I can't wait to get away for some adventures around the UK in our caravan. Spending time in the garden will be great too. Happiest childhood memory? Staying at my grandparents’ house in Hampshire for six weeks in the summer holidays. My brothers and I were always spoilt rotten. WE PAY £50 to everyone we feature on this page! If you could visit anywhere in the world, where would it be? I would love to go…

YOU'RE THE JUDGE! When Janet Tremblay adopted a baby girl at just one month old, she wanted the best for her. Melissa Ann became known as Missy. She grew up close to her cousin Danielle, celebrating Christmas and Easter as one big family. Her mum lovingly dressed her in pretty pink outfits and frilly dresses. As a child of the 80s, Missy loved fashion and Madonna songs. Full of energy, she had lots of friends. Aged 9, in 1986, she was a member of the school choir. But that year, Janet got divorced from her husband Robert. While Missy stayed with her mum and remained close to her family, things started to change. Janet got a boyfriend, who she often met for drinks at LaSalle Social Club in Lawrence, Massachusetts.…

Assane Diop is the main character in which TV series, which takes its title from a character who first appeared in print in 1905? To find out, solve the puzzle… Enter the answers to the clues in the grid. Every word is an anagram of its neighbours, plus or minus a letter. Read the shaded squares in number order for the prize answer. 1 Puckering the lips 2 Season 3 Clutches 4 Farm animals 5 Drink delicately 6 Lose one's footing 7 Heaps 8 Uncomplicated 9 Catch sight of briefly WIN 3x £50 Puzzle 8 Your answer:…

Q I live in a town with no job opportunities, and I can barely make ends meet. I've been offered a better job in a city, but it would mean leaving behind my family. I don't know if it's selfish to move my kids away from their family and friends, or if I should take the chance for a better future. Becky 39 A It's not selfish to want better for your kids – it's brave. Yes, leaving your support system is scary. But staying stuck just to keep others happy? That won't pay the bills or build a future, love. Being a good parent means making the hard choice now so your family can thrive later. You're not walking away, you're stepping up.…

When Karla and Angel met online, there was an instant attraction. ‘I started noticing that she'd like my stories on Facebook,’ says Angel. Thinking she was ‘really pretty’, he decided to text her. The young couple soon fell in love. And two years on, they're now engaged. As successful content creators, their videos get millions of views. But not everyone is happy to see them together. And it's fair to say that their love is different. Because Angel, now 18, is severely disabled. He has a condition called arthrogryposis, causing joint deformities which limit his movement. He can't walk or do certain tasks independently and has spent his life in a wheelchair, needing round-the-clock care. He was unsure if he'd ever find a partner. But since Karla, now 20, came…

Hiding away in a corner of the playground, I ate my sandwich, hoping nobody would spot me. It was 1996 and, aged 8, I was bigger than the other kids at school. I felt self-conscious eating in front of them, so I never had lunch in the dining hall. Instead, I'd find a quiet spot and scoff quickly – at least, that was the hope… ‘Alright Fatty Natty!’ a voice shouted across the playground. My face reddened as laughter followed. The nickname Fatty Natty followed me through primary school, and into secondary too. My sweet tooth and lack of portion control were my downfalls, along with a habit of snacking. By the time I was 15, I weighed 16st. That, along with my thick glasses and braces, made me a…

Q+A AHA Exfoliator Body Lotion, £10, Holland & Berrett This two-in-one lotion removes dry, old skin cells and moisturises the new ones left behind. Slather on before bed and wake up with smoother, softer skin. The Inkey List Hydrocolloid Invisible Pimple Patches, £9, Boots Tempted to pick at your pimples, even after they've popped? This patch will stop you from touching them, plus each is packed with ingredients to help bring down red, angry blemishes with a head. Bondi Sands Sunny Spritz SPF50+ Face Mist, £14.99, Superdrug Reapplying sunscreen is tricky when you're out and about, but this mist makes it easy. Spritz on over make-up to prevent burning without having to redo your whole face. Hask Repair Series Intensive Repair Hair Oil with Argan Oil, £9.99, Boots Sunshine and…