Innehållsförteckning för 19 June 2024 från Chat

All mums need eyes in the back of their heads, but Eileen needs them on both sides of hers, too (p30). Her son Charlie has a condition where he can’t stop himself from eating non-food items. Eileen has caught him tucking into all sorts, ranging from the gross to the downright dangerous. Another person who can’t turn their back for a minute is Lauren’s hubby (p10). And when you read what she gets up to when she’s sleeping you’ll understand why… Have a good week,…

Megan Hiatt, 31 I read the message one more time and smiled. Gawain Wilson, then 26, seemed to be too good to be true. It was June 2014, and we’d been messaging for a couple of weeks since meeting online. He wasn’t just tall, dark and handsome, but clever and funny too, with a great job as a helicopter engineer in the US Navy. Let’s meet up, he suggested. The next day he drove me to the naval base near my home in Jacksonville, Florida. We talked for hours. Only 20, I’d never had a serious boyfriend before. I was smitten. When I wasn’t at college or working I was with Gawain – or Rush, as everyone called him. In August 2014, I moved out of my dad’s place and…

In the 2021 film Eternals, Harry Styles appeared in a mid-credits teaser scene as which Marvel character, also known by the code name Starfox? Solve the crossword, then read down the shaded squares to find the prize puzzle answer. ACROSS 1 Require (4) 5 Large Greek island (5) 7 Simple (4) DOWN 2 The night before (3) 3 Jack _, comedian (3) 4 Pimples (4) 6 _ Story, animated film (3) WIN 4 x £20 Puzzle 10 Your answer: TO ENTER Turn to page 56 for details or visit comps.lifedeathprizes.com/puzzles…

The moment Natalie steps into a room, heads turn. With high cheek bones, luscious lips and a curvaceous figure, she has a look people would pay good money for. And she did! ‘I spent like $100,000 to look this good,’ says Natalie, who lives in Chicago. ‘In three words, my look is exotic, bimbo and… infamous,’ she says. After transitioning at the age of 15, Natalie knew exactly the woman she wanted to be. ‘My first surgery was at 18 years old,’ she explains. ‘Some girls transition to be a passable woman. When I transitioned I knew that I wanted to be a fantasy. ‘When I step into that street, club, wherever I’m at, I am what you fantasise. ‘I always stand out,’ she says proudly. ‘I love being the…

Aries 21 March-20 April Focus on your highest priorities and get motivated to make a start on that new idea you have been considering. You will be amazed at what you can do. ● Call 0905 817 0690* for more Taurus 21 April-21 May With Venus in Taurus, luck is on your side. Maximise the planet’s influence by moving beyond your comfort zone and into a different area of work. ● Call 0905 817 0691* for more Gemini 22 May-21 June Having the Sun in your sign helps you break your larger goals into smaller steps. If you feel overwhelmed, create a plan and then stick to it for the long term. ● Call 0905 817 0692* for more Cancer 22 June-23 July With Mercury and Jupiter currently in your…

Q What’s the best way to get rid of dry skin on my feet? Julie Owens, Cambridge A The beginning of sandal season can cause panic, as after months of hiding away your feet, they may not look their best. The good news is that it’s quick and easy for them to look great. If you have time to spare, an exfoliating treatment like Footner Exfoliating Socks, £9.99, Boots, does all the hard work for you. For an hour, pop your feet into the socks, pre-soaked in acids to remove dead skin, and rinse. Within a few days, you’ll notice the dry skin begins to peel, moving to a full shedding process that lasts from a week to 10 days. The results are impressive – and fascinatingly horrifying – leaving…

A real estate developer who owned warehouses in Seattle inspired the name of which video-game character? 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 Your answer: 1 Violet-blue colour (6) 2 Eight-armed sea creature (7) 3 Bring Me _, Morecambe and Wise signature tune (8) 4 Lift (8) 5 Chance, haphazard (6) 6 Inhabitant of Manchester (9) 7 Male relative (6) 8 Roll in mud (6) 9 Circular vortex of water (9) 10 Large, edible crustacean (7) 11 Circular (5) 12 Light rain (7) 13 Train linking France and England (8) 14 Dried grape (6) 15 Autumn month (8) 16 Prickly garden shrub with edible red fruit (9)…

WIN £1,001 Puzzle 4 What did The Fizz’s Cheryl Baker say to singer Sam Ryder when she met him in 2023? To find out, solve the crossword then read down the shaded squares to find the six-word prize answer. ACROSS 11 Central American country (6) 12 Group of musicians (9) 13 Without heat (4) 14 The _, 2019 Martin Scorsese film (8) 15 Word used as a greeting (5) 16 Cream cake (6) 17 Appointed by vote (7) 18 Working together (11) 20 Repairs (5) 22 Made more sugary (9) 24 African country (5) 28 Place that loans out books (7) 29 Baltic country, whose capital is Tallinn (7) 32 A score (6) 34 Carry on (8) 36 Relating to justice (8) 37 Frightened (6) 39 Crime against one’s country (7) 40 Naval leader (7) 45 Serpent (5) 47 Inhaling and exhaling (9) 48 Unable to see (5) 51 Basic, essential (11) 53…

Breathing problems Q After smoking daily for about 40 years, I quit last year. But now my asthma is getting worse and my inhalers don’t work. Why am I feeling so bad? Diane, Stoke-on-Trent A Smoking for so many years can cause long-term damage to your lungs. You could have a condition called COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease), which makes it harder to breathe and can get worse over time. Asthma and COPD can overlap, making symptoms more difficult to control. Even if inhalers aren’t helping, don’t give up – there are other treatments that might work better for you. It’s important to see your GP or asthma nurse to review your symptoms and check your lung function. They might adjust your medication or suggest other therapies to help you breathe…

Elena Hershey, 54 Big bouncy curls, huge puffball sleeves and a dazzling white display of satin and lace. The photo in front of me was a picture of 80s glam! The younger me, at my school prom in 1988. I’d been looking through old photos and finding this one the memories came flooding back. With a pink corsage on my wrist, my arm was wrapped around my date’s waist. ‘Shawn Moyer,’ I said out loud. He’d been in the year above me at school. I was 17, and he’d asked me to go with him when another girl bailed on him at the last minute. I’d been delighted to say yes. Not because I’d been mooning after him. Sure, he was handsome, with his dark hair and deep brown eyes.…

Eileen Lamb, 35 As I grabbed a handful of kibble, my golden retriever looked up at me longingly with his puppy-dog eyes. Tongue out, slobbering. ‘Enjoy, George,’ I said, placing it in his bowl and setting it on the kitchen floor. As he lapped it up, I gave his ears a rub. Then turned to the sink. It was 2018, and as a busy mum to Charlie, then 5, and Jude, 2, the washing-up was endless. Moments later, I heard footsteps behind me. Charlie. He was non-verbal, having been diagnosed with severe autism at 22 months. But I knew the pitter-patter of his little feet. And although he wasn’t overly interested in George, he was fascinated by his food. Before I realised what was happening, he’d grabbed a fistful of…

Top tip If you don’t have cherry jam, strawberry or raspberry would work well too. Jam roly-poly We’ve given this old classic a grown-up boozy twist. SERVES 8 PREP 15 MINS COOK 25 MINS ● Butter, for greasing ● 150g self-raising flour ● 50g caster sugar ● 75g vegetable suet ● Zest ½ lemon ● 75-100ml milk, plus extra for brushing ● 1tbsp cherry jam ● 100g black cherries in kirsch, drained, roughly chopped and juice reserved ● 50g chocolate chips ● 40g flaked almonds ● Custard, to serve 1 Heat the oven to 170C Fan. Grease a large sheet of baking paper with butter. Mix the flour, sugar, suet and lemon zest in a bowl. Gradually add 75ml milk, stirring with a knife until it comes together to form a…

Megan Atkins, 24, Desborough, Northamptonshire A bunch of blue balloons floated into the air and I let out a squeal of excitement. ‘It’s a boy!’ I announced, throwing my arms around my partner Jordan, then 21. It was May 2021, and at 16 weeks pregnant, we were having a gender reveal party at a local football club. I was thrilled to know I was carrying our son. But deep down, as we celebrated with friends and family, I was worried. I’d only been with Jordan for three weeks when I’d found out I was expecting. Although we’d known each other for years, growing up in the same town, we’d got together after connecting on social media. He’d been brilliant when I’d told him I was pregnant. ‘I can’t wait to…

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Marina O'Shea, 41, from Exeter What’s your favourite season? Summer – I’m solar-powered! Give me long evenings, salty chips on the beach and the smell of sun cream any day. Everything just feels more possible when the sun’s out. What’s your worst habit? Talking to myself in public… loudly. I blame years of performing. It’s only when people look at me strangely that I realise I’ve been rehearsing out loud in the pasta aisle. What’s your most embarrassing memory? I once did a stand-up gig where I accidentally tucked my skirt into my tights at the back. I was wondering why I was getting so many laughs before I’d even started… What’s the best biscuit to have with a cuppa? A classic chocolate Hobnob. It’s got that perfect crunch-to-chew ratio…

What title was used for the two princes appointed to run the Holy Roman Empire between the death or abdication of one emperor and the election of a new one? Make three nine-letter words using all of these three-letter sections and enter them in the grid as the starter letters indicate. Then make an anagram of the letters in the shaded squares to form the answer to this question. ITT CUA CHA ONE BEL TES LES EVA PER Your answer: WIN 5 x £20 Puzzle 3 TO ENTER Turn to page 56 for details or visit comps.lifedeathprizes.com/puzzles…

Sizes from 6-22 F&F at Tesco STYLE TIP Pops of colour will add a playful touch to your weekend wardrobe, while raffia bags and tan sandals will complement any summer look. Sizes from 8-22 Nutmeg at Morrisons STYLE TIP Whether you’re into bright florals or sailor stripes, Nutmeg has a print to suit all tastes. This vibrant dress will work on and off the beach. Sizes from 6-24 George at Asda STYLE TIP Stick to a colour palette of sunshine shades to make it easy to mix and match these suitcase essentials. Sizes from 6-26 Tu at Sainsbury’s STYLE TIP If you’re looking for an outfit that’ll work harder on holiday, pick a sunny co-ord that can be worn together or as separates.…

YOU’RE THE JUDGE! Moving to Los Angeles was the stuff of dreams for Hilda Marcela Cabrales. She’d grown up in Mexico. After becoming an architect and interior designer, she moved to the City of Angels. It was the home of Hollywood, La La Land, Tinseltown… And it was there she met Christy Giles, a model and interior design student. The pair quickly bonded. Both were outgoing and loved to dance. So in November 2021, Christy, then 24, and Hilda, 26, planned a girls’ night out. They went to an exhibition, then to see their favourite DJ at a warehouse party. As they danced in the VIP area, they posted videos of themselves on social media, partying long into the night. In the early hours of 13 November, Christy texted her…

1 Think back When did your fear start? How? What exactly are you worrying about when your phobia kicks in? ‘Break it down to get to the root of what you’re afraid of,’ says Harley Street phobia specialist Christopher Paul Jones. ‘What are you picturing in that moment of fear? Is it a fear of heights? Loss of control? Being in a confined space? You need to get very specific.’ Then you can picture that specific fear when learning to lessen the fear response. 2 Change your perception When you’re scared you paint a horror movie in your mind, says Christopher. You run a worst-case scenario of the plane crashing or a voice in your head saying, ‘You’re going to panic.’ ‘But that compounds the fear,’ he warns. ‘You need to…

My man won’t take care of me Q I met my partner 10 years ago. Soon after, he needed joint-replacement surgery, so I looked after him. Now I need surgery, but he’s not offered to look after me. I’m having to arrange private carers, and all he’s offered is to look after my pet. He doesn’t understand why I can’t see a way forward for us after this. Lesley, 48 A He needed you and you were there for him. And he’s unwilling to return the favour – that’s got to hurt, love. It’s a tough lesson to learn that not everyone has the same heart as you. If you want to try and move forward, take him up on the offer of pet-sitting. Accept what he can give you.…

3 ways to… save on car hire Don’t overpay on rental when you’re on holiday. Here’s how to do it for less… 1 Get in early Never leave booking your hire car until the last minute. Ideally, do it at the same time as your break is confirmed – especially if you’re travelling at a peak time or to a popular country, like Italy, Portugal or Spain. When you’re shopping around, look for deals that offer free cancellation. Then as your trip approaches check prices again; if they have dropped, you can cancel and rebook at the lower rate. But don’t just go on price, research the company thoroughly, too. Read any reviews online and check out the Which? survey of the best and worst hire-car companies at which.co.uk. 2 Be fuel…

It was a Saturday night in August 1996, and Caroline Glachan, 14, had the whole house to herself. After hanging out with her friend Joanna in the Scottish village of Renton, she invited her for a sleepover. First though, she had to meet Robbie O’Brien. At 18, he was older than Caroline, and her family and friends didn’t like him. He was a violent bully, feared by the local community, and he already had a girlfriend. But Caroline was besotted. She’d arranged to meet Robbie at the Black Bridge at midnight. Only, as she walked off into the night, wearing her trainers and blue sweatshirt, it would be the last journey she ever made. The following day, after 4pm, a passer-by was walking along the River Leven. They spotted a…

Anyone from your town in the list this week..? Chat winners issue 12 (20 March 2025) £1,001 CASH P Wilkinson, Stafford £500 CASH B Soltys, Dagenham M Rattray, Shetland £250 CASH E Lloyd, Wolverhampton C Wadsworth, Huddersfield £200 CASH C Timmins, Newent £100 CASH S Lovett, Wilmslow S Thomas, Pontypool G Wilson, Hornchurch £75 CASH E Hunter, Ipswich £50 CASH P Smith, Retford A Boyd, Newry A Dorey, Leigh-on-Sea M Kerswill, Watford A Campbell, Isle of Lewis P Perry, Solihull £40 CASH M Dunne, Cheshire £30 CASH O Fitzgerald, Chesham J Cowlishaw, Scarborough £25 CASH I Bailey, Widnes I Cook, Burnham-on-Crouch £20 CASH K Hutchinson, Hull S Ryan, Longfield M Stewart, Ware M Blanche, Chelmsford J Newman, Walton-on-Thames M Parker, Peterborough D Bailey, Lutterworth P Lucas, Rugby A Crumpton, Oldbury S…

Jo Chris, The week we brought our son home should’ve been the happiest of our lives. But while I expected to be tired, I didn’t expect the insomnia, anxiety and heart-gripping fear that engulfed me. I only slept eight hours that entire week. Two days after bringing Dean home in June 2019 I swore I kept hearing him cry. Gut-wrenching, distressed wails that sliced through my eardrums. ‘He’s OK,’ you insisted. And he was, yet I was convinced I could hear him. Sitting at the dinner table one night, I couldn’t ignore the paranoia swirling in my mind. Dean’s dying, I thought. I raced to his Moses basket and scooped him up. Saw him turn blue, choking before my eyes. ‘Help!’ I screamed. Jumping up, you took him and tried…