Table of contents for 12-Apr-2018 in Chat

Working at the local cash and carry, I got chatting to a cashier, Joanna. ‘We should go out for a drink,’ she grinned. Joanna, then 27, lived with her girlfriend 10 minutes away. It was 2014, and I’d only just started at my new job, so it was great to meet someone so friendly. Joanna was a laugh. I’d been with my partner Ste Lewis, then 33, since I was 18. But we were going through a rocky patch. I wanted to have fun. ‘Let’s go out,’ Joanna smiled. We grew close. One evening in April 2014, she suggested we go out after work. Joanna admitted things weren’t going well with her girlfriend. Ste and I had split by then, too. That night me and Joanna fell into each other’s…

I paced the hall, redialling Thomas’ number... Chaos broke out upstairs. ‘Get out of the bathroom, Thomas!’ my daughter Caitlin, then 19, shouted. The only reply was muffled singing as Thomas, then 16, enjoyed a bath. I couldn’t help but smile. Thomas was my only son, the youngest of my four kids. With older sisters Natasha, 27, Caitlin, and Rebecca, 22, he was spoiled rotten. Growing up, the girls would go crazy when he hogged the bathroom. Yet, they loved to pamper him, too. Take him shopping, ask him for fashion advice. ‘He’s our little Gok Wan,’ Natasha would smile. Last September, Thomas, 16, started a Health and Social Care course at college. He loved it, made new mates. As a boy, he’d been very shy. But now, he came…

There’s so much more to me than my condition For as long as I can remember, I’ve suffered from back pain. ‘It really aches,’ I’d moan to my mum. My GP just dismissed it as growing pains. But when I was 7, I was playing at home when something popped. My ankle dislocated. I cried out in pain. As quickly as it happened, it popped back into place. ‘You’re probably just double jointed,’ Mum reasoned. At 12, at my grandparents’ I ran down stairs and suddenly my knee popped out of joint. The pain was excruciating. But, like my ankle, it popped back into place moments later. However, my doctor just put these dislocations down to a growth spurt. ‘Things will soon settle down,’ I was told. But in my…

Sienna X Secret Tan Primer, £9, Boots Great for tan newbies, this helps to hide tell-tale fake-tan signs. Smooth over your hands, elbows, knees and ankles, and let it sink in before applying your tan. Bondi Sands Everyday Gradual Tanning Foam, £12.99, Boots  Perfect for pale complexions, this gradual tan builds beautifully over a few days, giving a natural glow from the comfort of your own bathroom! St Moriz Radiant Glow Tan Boosting Facial Serum, £9.99, Asda Add a little extra glow to your face by mixing 3-6 drops of this serum to your normal moisturiser. Bellamianta Liquid Gold Self Tanning Tinted Liquid, £12, bellamianta.com This dries in 60 seconds, developing into a deeper tan over the next 2-4 hours. It's hydrating, too, making sure your tan fades…

I hit a low. Now I could either give up, or keep hoping... Hearing those three words, tears welled in my eyes. ‘I’ve got cancer,’ my dad, Steve, 56, said in July 2008. Always Daddy’s little girl, the pancreatic-cancer diagnosis came as a massive blow. For eight months, I looked after him, until he died in March 2009. I’d met my partner a year earlier, fallen in love. Marriage, kids. That was my dream. But Dad’s death was devastating, I needed time to grieve. And more loss followed. In April 2011, my only brother Stevie, 35, died in tragic circumstances. We were all distraught, and my mum Audrey, 63, took us to Australia for some respite. When we got back, my partner proposed and we decided the time was right…

Toy wash I put my twin nephews' plastic toys in the dishwasher to clean them up after they've had their grubby hands all over them. The results are impressive. Lyndsey Clayton, Swansea No more mix-ups My daughter didn't like getting her towel mixed up with anyone else's, so I sewed her initial and some heart motifs on to personalise hers. It looks pretty and keeps her happy, too! Linda Beresford, Brierley Hill To keep my shoes Paired up  tidy and easy to find, I cut down some 2ltr plastic drink bottles and use them for shoe storage. It also stops them getting squashed at the bottom of my cupboard. Irene Emerson, Grimsby Fresh air  Attach a car air freshener to your radiators for a fragrant, fresh room. Harli Dooley, Pinxton…

1 Outdoor adventures Great for couples, groups of friends or families, Go Ape in Thetford Forest features a 739m-high rope treetop course with a 140m-long zip wire, plus forest Segway course, with four different routes to suit all abilities and thrill levels! 2 Walk it out The dry climate and low-lying landscape makes Suffolk a great place for walkers of all abilities and ages. Whether you're an adventurous walker or someone who prefers a short stroll, there will be a walk to suit you. 3 Soak up some history Suffolk's castles, notably Framlingham, Orford and Eye, are all equally fascinating and make for fantastic family days out. Kentwell Hall, Gainsborough House and Melford Hall are among the grand buildings of the countryside, and the coast has many museums and monuments,…

Special smile My daughter Sophie, 5, was very excited about a visit from the tooth fairy after losing her first tooth. Colleen Wells, Norfolk Little mermaid When our daughter Grace, 6, grows up, she wants to be a mermaid! Here she is in front of a fountain in Port Adelaide, Australia. Joanne Davenport, Radcliffe Snug as a bug My 3-month-old little boy Charlie looks so cosy in his new chunky knitwear! Faye Pattinson, Newcastle upon Tyne…

Aries 21 March - 20 April It looks like either a promotion or a pay rise is on its way - or maybe both! It’s down to talent and experience, of course, but also because a certain someone rather likes you. Smiling at the boss never did any harm, did it? Call 0905 817 0690* for more Taurus 21 April - 21 May Long-term negotiations are nearing their end. The deal on the table may not be quite what you’d hoped for, but it will hold for a long time, and that gives stability. Work it all out and see if it gives you what you want. Call 0905 817 0691* for more Gemini 22 May - 21 June You’re beginning to think that a bright idea you had a…

Sainsbury's Hot Salsa 230g, £1.30 This has a bit of a kick, but isn't too spicy. The tomato flavour didn't come through as strongly as in some others, but it's a good crowd-pleaser. Asda Hot & Spicy Salsa 215g, £1.10 This salsa has a fiery heat and a chunky texture. Serve with crunchy chips as a no-fuss party snack food. M&S Tomato Salsa 200g, £1.30  This rich and tangy number was our favourite of the bunch. It has a fresh tomato flavour that's hard to find in shop-bought salsas. NEW Old El Paso Gluten Free Smoky BBQ Fajita Lit, £4.49, Morrisons  The most popular flavour from Old El Paso is now available in gluten-free form. A great addition to this much-loved brand.…

I loved him, just wasn’t sure I knew him anymore... I was just heading for the kettle when I heard a knock at the front door. ‘Can you get that?’ I called to my husband David. I knew it was my grandson Tyler, 10. He dropped round most days after school. He walked in and gave me a hug. ‘I’ve got those chocolate biscuits you like,’ I said. ‘Nice one, Nan!’ Tyler grinned. He was my eldest grandson and we were close. I’d helped my daughter Kelly raise him, babysat a lot. After he’d started school, he’d still come round to visit. Me and his grandad had even taken him on holiday a few times. ‘My little angel,’ I called him – because that’s what he was. But when Tyler…

Striking a pose, she looked beautiful, confident Watching my two girls together would melt anyone’s heart. It was May 2008, and Erin, then 17 months, doted on her newborn sister Sara. They had the sweetest bond. But their sisterhood was unique, as Sara wasn’t like most other babies. You see, Sara had Down’s syndrome – a genetic condition causing learning disabilities and certain physical characteristics. Doctors only picked up on it at birth. ‘Down’s syndrome is where people have 47 chromosomes in each cell, rather than 46,’ the medic had explained to me and my husband Shahi, now 37. It meant Sara would have developmental problems and learning difficulties. We grieved for the able child we thought we’d have. But it never changed the way we felt about Sara. We…

Her eyesight was so poor, I knew she’d never find her way out Opening the back door, I saw my Chihuahua, Sandy, 10, waiting to come inside. But there was no sign of her sister. ‘Where’s Tina?’ I asked her. My other Chihuahua Tina, 13, was going blind and often got lost in the garden. Leaping back outside, Sandy searched for her. Seconds later, she started barking at the bottom of the garden. And slowly, Tina came plodding out of the darkness. ‘Come on, old girl,’ I laughed, helping her in. Sandy was always protective of Tina. I’d had them both since they were pups. I lived alone, but never felt lonely with my girls and my parrot Rio, who’d fly freely about the house. That evening last November was…

I’d half-wondered if we were in for double the fun Scratching my bump vigorously, I couldn’t help myself. It was September 2016 – and, at 34 weeks pregnant, I’d developed a red and itchy rash all over my tummy. Small at first, it grew until it covered my entire bump! ‘It’s unbearable,’ I told my fiance Chris, then 35. So far, it’d been a smooth pregnancy. Apart from our seven-week scan, when the sonographer examining me announced that we were expecting twins! ‘Wow – two of them?’ Chris had gasped, in shock. I burst into tears – I couldn’t believe it. I was pretty big already, so I’d half-wondered if we were in for double the fun. At our 17-week scan, we also found out that we were having a…

The boy and girl were terrified, huddled in a corner The town of Woolpit in Suffolk is quaint and quiet – and yet it claims an intriguing history… Its name, for one, derives from the Saxon word wulfpyt, meaning ‘pit for trapping wolves’. The townsfolk would dig these pits to protect themselves from wild beasts. But it’s not this obscure name that presents a mystery, but a curious 12th-century legend attached to the town. The green children of Woolpit. The story began back in the Middle Ages. Workers in the small and seemingly ordinary village were going about their daily business, labouring in the fields. Suddenly, they heard frightened cries. Stunned and nervous, the workers went to investigate. Peering into one of the many wolf pits, they found two small…

Speaking at Harmse's sentencing hearing, Stephanus Bouwer said, ‘We stopped in the passage when we saw Harmse with his sword, wearing a mask, and at first I thought he was busy with some kind of school project. Then he chopped Jacques. And although I saw what happened, I didn't immediately realise what was happening. Then he hit me on the leg and I shouted, “Are you f*cked up?”, and I thought it wasn't so bad. Then I was bleeding everywhere and I started feeling dizzy.' Stephanus was left with a large scar across his skull.…

We often get stared at when we hold hands in public Bumping into an old friend in the street, I smiled. ‘Alright, Kevin!’ I grinned. ‘Stacey! How are you?’ Kevin beamed back. It was September 2015, and I was out in town. Kevin was with a mate, Angus, and he quickly introduced us. ‘Nice to meet you,’ Angus grinned, shaking my hand. ‘Although I think I’ve seen you around town.’ Angus was a lot older than me, but very charming. Was I blushing?! We chatted for a few minutes. Angus was friendly, courteous – and, as he asked me questions about my life, I warmed to him. Then… ‘Can I have your number?’ he asked nervously. ‘I’d like to buy you a coffee.’ Stunned, I blushed again, before happily putting…

Nose has grown! Q My nose used to be small and cute but now I'm getting a huge, ugly conk! Miranda, 40 A It's a myth that your nose keeps growing - though it might enlarge as the skin thickens due to an increase in oil-making glands, or droop with age due to gravity! Avoiding smoking, harsh weather and excess alcohol could all help. What’s it mean? Q I saw my GP for heartburn and he diagnosed Barrett's oesophagus and now I'm on pills for life. But what is it? Annette, 61 A It means that acid, leaking from your stomach, has inflamed your gullet lining. Besides causing heartburn, this increases the risk of rare cancerous changes, so treatment means permanently taking pills to reduce stomach acid, plus regular camera…

The cancer scare gave me the kick up the bum I needed Sticking my tongue out, I looked in the mirror. Gross! I thought. My tongue was white and flaky, and I’d no idea why. It was 2015, and I’d been suffering with disgusting skin peeling from my tongue for four years. It was embarrassing. I worried other people would notice it, be revolted. But it wasn’t just that. I’d been back and forth to the doctor’s, complaining of migraines, too. I’d suffered pounding headaches since my early 20s, could be left bedridden. Was it connected to whatever was going on in my mouth? Doctors had no idea what was wrong, even though I’d had blood tests. But when I got the results in August 2015, they revealed frightening news.…

Serves: 16 Prep: 10 mins, plus freezing Cost per serving: 42p 1 Put 200g milk chocolate into a microwave-proof bowl with 125g margarine. Add 3tbsp golden syrup and melt in the microwave for 2 mins. 2 Whizz 100g digestive biscuits in a blender, to crush to fine crumbs, then stir the crumbs into the melted chocolate. 3 Line a 500g loaf tin with clingfilm. Place 1 Bounty bar and 2 Mars bars in the base, then pour over half the chocolate mixture. Top with 2 mini Crunchies and 2 Twix bars, then pour over the remaining chocolate mixture. Put into the freezer for 30 mins. 4 Meanwhile, melt 1 Mars bar with 2tbsp cream in the microwave. Turn out chilled cake on to a plate, drizzle with the Mars-bar sauce…

A welcome surprise Jackie had just put her feet up and won £1,000!  By Jackie Greenwood, 47, from Rochdale As a teaching assistant, the last few days before the holidays are always very hectic. Cleaning up, handling the kids’ excitement and still teaching lessons, we get there in the end. And when half term or a longer break comes, there’s always a sense of elation for all. When I get home, I’ve my own two teenage lads to look after . We live in Rochdale with my husband Kevin, 45. The holidays are full of fun. Especially when the kids were younger, we’d go to the beach, the park or away camping. During term time, it’s hard to get a break. If I do get a minute, I’d often play…

Serves: 6 Prep: 20 minsCook: 30 minsCost per serving: 92p 1 Preheat oven to 220C/ Gas 7 and lightly grease a large baking sheet. 2 Cut a 320g pack of ready-rolled puff pastry into 6 equal rectangles. Place on the prepared baking sheet. 3 On each rectangle, score a border 1cm from the edge. Brush the border with beaten egg. Keep chilled while you make the filling. 4 Melt 30g butter in a large frying pan and cook 2 sliced red onions until soft, for about 10 mins. Add 2tsp dark brown soft sugar and 1tsp balsamic vinegar, and cook for another 1 min or so. Stir in 150g cherry tomatoes. 5 Spoon the onion and tomato mixture on to the centre of each pastry rectangle. Bake for 20-25 mins…

To infinity! I asked my friend, ‘Who was the second man to walk on the moon?’ She replied, ‘Was it Buzz Lightyear?’ I think Buzz Aldrin might be a little upset! Hazel Anderson, Leeds In a spin My 6-year-old godson pointed up to a helicopter hovering in the sky above us. ‘Look!’ he said. ‘It’s not moving. It must’ve run out of petrol!’ Joanne Wilkinson, Sheffield Save mums! At last, a shop that recognises wine is one of the essentials to keep a new mum sane! Jayne Benham, Manchester Photo of the week Just my hamster doing her weekly shop! This picture makes me giggle every time I see it! Julie Wood, via Facebook Why not get in touch? See page 4 for details on how • All contributions to…

I wondered if one of the grandkids had done it as a joke Tucking my dolly in her pram, I pushed her round the garden. I was 6 at the time and had a few dolls, but this was my favourite. I adored her. But one day after school, I couldn’t find her anywhere. ‘I gave her to a family down the road,’ my mum explained. ‘You have so many dolls and they can’t afford a lot.’ I tried to hide how upset I was. But, weeks on, I spotted my dolly dumped in our neighbour’s garden. Her head was cracked and she was beyond rescue. After that, whenever I went to Brighton market with Mum and saw broken dolls, I wanted to take them home. ‘Please, Mum,’ I’d beg.…

I tried to keep calm, but I began to imagine the worst... Feeling my hubby Rob’s forehead, I noticed it was hot. ‘I don’t feel well at all,’ he groaned. ‘Stop being dramatic, it’s just man flu,’ I teased. It was February 2017, and me and Rob, 43, had been together almost eight years – but had only married the previous September. Rob had been complaining that he felt unwell for a couple of days. Tired and feeling grotty, he’d taken himself off to bed. I’d not thought very much of it. I was a nurse, and Rob had all the classic symptoms of flu. Fever, aching, shivering, tired, loss of appetite. Plus, he’d recently suffered abdominal pains and been diagnosed with problems in his gall bladder. He was having…

TO HAVE AND TO EAT A £700,000 bride has been created from sponge cak e by a British designer . The cake, made with 1, 000 eggs, 20k g chocolate and 50k g fondant, stands 6ft tall and features five flawless, three-carat white diamonds, each valued at £200,000. It was commissioned for a Dubai bridal show and took 10 days to make. DON’T DARE DIP! Swimwear you can't swim in? Apparently so! This cossie, available online, comes with a caution that it ‘cannot be worn in water'. A spokesperson from the manufacturers describes it as ‘more of an item to wear around the pool or at pool parties'. Nice if you have the luxury of being able to afford no-bathing bathers! BACK TO THE FUTURE? A 25-year-old YouTuber claims to…