Table of contents for 28 March 2024 in Chat

Easter is one of my fave times of year. I love the cheerful daffs and pretty blossoming trees, and the longer, brighter days that mean winter is finally coming to an end. And, of course, the chocs and treats and the long bank holiday weekend! So this week, along with the usual fab real life, we've got our pick of the best food (p40), goodies (p23) and decs (p29) to help you have a cracking good time. Enjoy! PS If you're entering the puzzles online, this is the link to use: comps.lifedeathprizes.com/puzzles…

I was chasing a football around the back garden when my dad, David, then 29, threw open the back door. ‘Tea time,’ he called. It was 1999, I was 4. Dad and Mum split when I was a baby and she lived across town. I visited her sometimes but mostly, I was with Dad. I was a carefree kid and Dad gave me freedom to play, but made sure I was clean and well fed. And that evening, after wolfing down fish fingers and chips, I snuggled on the sofa to watch cartoons before bed. ‘Go brush your teeth,’ Dad said a short while later. Nodding, I climbed the stairs before Dad tucked me under the covers. Only, some hours later, my door creaked open. ‘Dad?’ I said, startled. Silently,…

Take it or leaf it My old phone case was starting to look a bit tatty, so I blinged it up with a craft leaf and some gemstones. I really think it looks brilliant! Flower power In the spring, I like to put wildflower seeds into a shaker to spread in hedgerows and along paths. This will help to create more flowers for the bees and bugs! Hopping cute These adorable Easter bunnies make great gifts for family and friends. I used just a face cloth, googly eyes, bows and tucked a chocolate treat inside. £25 For every photo tip that we print Cracking advice If you don't fancy painting eggs this Easter, why not crush up the shells – they make great garden fertiliser! Made for somebunny special Using…

What does actor Jake Gyllenhaal say is the best advice he has been given by a fellow actor or director? To find out, solve the crossword then read down the shaded squares to find the five-word prize answer. WIN £1,001 Puzzle 4 ACROSS 11 New _, US state (6) 12 Instrument made of wooden bars (9) 13 Pile (4) 14 South American country (8) 15 Broadcast (5) 16 Representatives (6) 17 Sneaky (7) 18 Discuss a new deal (11) 20 Large marine creature (5) 22 Convinces (9) 24 English county (5) 28 Attack (7) 29 Art of paper folding (7) 32 Allow (6) 34 Fabric, cloth (8) 36 Motherly (8) 37 Parent's brothers (6) 39 Diver's clothing (3,4) 40 Former footballer, _ Owen (7) 45 Character from Fawlty Towers (5) 47 Helper (9) 48 Odour (5) 51 Former US president (6,5) 53 Round shapes (7) 55 Glass container (6) 56 Incorrect (5) 58 Small houses (8) 59…

True-life PATIENT CASEBOOK Florence Marshall, 58, Jarrow B rushing my fingers through my hair, a fistful of strands wrapped around my hand. ‘It's falling out in clumps, I cried to my husband Graham, then 40, as I got ready for bed one evening in 2007. I'd recently had a cornea transplant due to keratoconus – a condition causing the cornea to thin and bulge outwards in a cone shape. But since the op, my shoulder-length, thick, dark brown hair had started falling out. Fast. My confidence plummeted and I hated going out And by my six-week pos-op appointment, I had no hair on the crown or the back of my head. The consultant suggested it could be the post-op stress on my body. But no one could say for certain…

Natalie Bowen, 30, Doncaster M y partner Anton, then 30, stared at me in shock and I saw his face drain of colour. ‘You're expecting twins,’ the sonographer grinned. ‘O-o-oh my god,’ Anton gasped, digesting the news. But a huge smile spread across my face. It was November 2021, I was seven weeks pregnant and we'd gone for an early scan and been given a big surprise. Double trouble! ‘I can't wait to tell Mum,’ I giggled as I squeezed Anton's hand. We'd been together a year after meeting at work. I'd always loved the idea of having twins. Two little heads to kiss, four hands to hold. Matching outfits. That magical, unbreakable bond. ‘I can't wait,’ I told Anton later. Now the shock had worn off, he was excited…

I beamed from the stage, a giant bouquet of flowers in my arms and a sparkly crown on my head. It was 1999 and at 18, I'd won the regional final for Miss Junior America. What would the bullies at school think now? I thought. ‘The girl with the elephant leg,’ they'd called me. Stuff them. Now I was a pageant queen! My right leg was a dead weight I was lugging around After years of feeling like a freak, I was having the last laugh. I'd been born with my right leg twice the size of my left. Swollen, full of liquid, the skin stretched. Docs didn't know the cause, and told my mum it'd eventually go down. It didn't, though, and my first memory was age 5 and…

Our Antonella tells it how it is My parents hate my telly dream Q I really want to apply to a well-known reality TV show but my parents are mortified by the idea. I think it's just a bit of fun and could even earn me a bit of extra money. How can I persuade them to support me in this? I don't want their disapproval but I also don't want to miss out on this opportunity. Layla, 19 A There are always shows and networks looking for the next reality TV star. If you feel like you've got something to offer then go for it! So many people apply, it might not come to anything, but there's no reason not to throw your hat into the ring. And don't…

Aries 21 March-20 April The Sun is in your sign for the next month, giving you a direct and fiery approach to life. Take charge and know that others will be happy to follow your lead. ● Call 0905 817 0690* for more Taurus 21 April-21 May Your grounded and practical take on life will help you hugely. It's time to plan what's achievable, then act on this to create stronger connections in your career. ● Call 0905 817 0691* for more Gemini 22 May-21 June If you're finding a relationship difficult, try to see things from the other person's point of view. You are a flexible thinker and this approach will restore your inner peace. ● Call 0905 817 0692* for more Cancer 22 June-23 July It is time…

Q My skin is so sensitive. What can I do to soothe it? Gina Reid, Norwich A When your skin feels a bit reactive, the first thing you should do is stop using any potential irritants, such as retinol, vitamin C and exfoliating acids like glycolic and salicylic. Strip your routine to the bare minimum, sticking only to cleansing, moisturising and sun protection in the mornings, to give your complexion a chance to recover. Pick a soothing cleanser, such as Sukin Cream Cleanser, £7.95, Holland & Barrett – cream formulas are better than foaming gels, which can be drying. Focus on repairing your skin barrier, which is a common cause of irritation. It can be affected by harsh ingredients, cold weather and the central heating. We rate Byoma Barrier+ Treatment,…

I t was like something from the movie, Taken. On 13 July 2023, student nurse Carlee Russell, 25, finished a shift at Woodhouse Spa in Birmingham, Alabama. She stopped for some snacks at a supermarket, got a takeaway. Then, as she drove to her home in the neighbouring city, Hoover, she made an alarming call to police. ‘Hi, I'm on Interstate-459, and there is a kid walking by themselves… They look like a toddler, maybe 3 or 4…’ she said. The tot was wearing just a t-shirt and nappy. Barefoot. The operator immediately dispatched officers to Carlee's location. Asked her to pull over in her red Mercedes and keep an eye on the toddler. While she waited, Carlee called her sister-in-law to tell her what was happening. Only, as they…

Anyone from your town in the list this week..?  Chat winners issue 52 (28 Dec 2023) £1,001 CASH W Hornby, Wilmslow £500 CASH R Flower, Bristol P Bruce, Longniddry £250 CASH M Bailey, Ashton-under-Lyne S Allen, Burnley £200 CASH L Clegg, Wakefield £100 CASH E Gibson, Stoke-on-Trent J Hind, Nottingham S Murray, Belfast £50 CASH J Witter, Shrewsbury L Graddage, Aberdare M Emmett, Harrogate A Cadwaladr, Gwynedd C Furness, Spennymoor J McManus, Bridlington £40 CASH E Shimmin, Isle of Man £30 CASH K Mitchell, Huddersfield C Coman. York £25 CASH S Spencer, Wolverhampton P Bowen, Bournemouth £20 CASH S Wigul, Ilford D Fox, Warlingham T Grace, Chesham L Ogg, Glasgow M Bristow, Holbeach J Creighton, Liversedge L Parsons, Batley D Cheung, London K Polkinghorne, Callington S Green, Birmingham L Whattam,…

Dear Mum, G rowing up with you as our mum was a true adventure. Despite having your hands full with two children, you never let us feel anything but loved. From taking us to Scouts and swimming lessons, to cooking up delicious dinners every night, you were always there. I was 10 when you got me a pony on loan. Together we'd get up early every morning and go to the stables before school. ‘Shhh,’ you'd whisper, sneaking me a hot chocolate for the car. I cherished those moments. You've faced each day with courage and a smile Along with our camping holidays all over France. You loved travel and time with the family, and we'd play games, soak up the sun, even earn swimming badges. ‘I knew you could…

Kim McCarthy, 55, from Northampton I rocked my son in my arms as he wept, both sadness and relief engulfing me. ‘It's going to be OK,’ I promised. It was 2010, and Hayden, then 12, had been diagnosed with bipolar disorder. In 2002, when Hayden was 5, his father, Dave McCarthy, 33, died by suicide. Dave had bipolar, so I knew the signs. And Hayden showed them all. Mood swings and big highs followed by extreme lows. I'd started homeschooling him, but it wasn't until Hayden attempted suicide age 12 himself that docs took me seriously. ‘I'm scared, Mum,’ he said, the day he was diagnosed. ‘I know, sweetheart. But now we can get you the help you need,’ I reassured. With the right meds, I knew Hayden could have…

Bunged up on holiday Q Why do I always get constipated whenever I travel? It's ruining all my holidays. Marie, Eastleigh A Holiday constipation is common for a number of reasons, including dehydration – you might drink less than usual, especially when travelling, and lose more in sweat if you're in a hot climate. A change of food can be to blame, particularly if you're eating more junk food and less fibre, and any change from your normal routine can also disrupt your poo habits, especially if you've crossed to a new time zone. Travel stress, loss of sleep, being less active than usual and having to hold it in because you can't find a loo are other possible culprits. Keep yourself regular by drinking plenty, keeping active, eating high-fibre…

In gay bars across the USA in the late '70s, the Anita Bryant Cocktail replaced which drink, whose key ingredient was endorsed by Bryant, an anti-gay rights campaigner? To find out, solve the puzzle… Add a letter anywhere in each of the boxed-off words to fit the clue, eg, Brag = BOAT + S = BOAST. Write the added letter in the space provided. Read down the added letters to spell out the prize answer. WIN 2 x £25 Puzzle 9 Brag Groups or cults Inebriated Airliner Rocked Pips Feeble Sheer fabric Exists Vanquishes Travelled by car Your answer: TO ENTER Turn to page 56 for details or visit comps.lifedeathprizes.com/puzzles…

In 1989, IBM scientists demonstrated the manipulation and placement of individual atoms for the first time by spelling out the company name using 35 atoms of what element? Solve the crossword, then read down the shaded squares to find the prize puzzle answer. ACROSS 1 Wheel shafts (5) 4 _ de Armas, actor (3) 5 Fish eggs (3) DOWN 1 First man (4) 2 Acquire knowledge (5) 3 Number often considered lucky (5) WIN 4 × £20 Puzzle 13 Your answer: TO ENTER Turn to page 56 for details or visit comps.lifedeathprizes.com/puzzles…

S apphire Saint was a shy girly girl as she grew up in small-town Idaho. But then she moved to LA, turning up in Hollywood with just $200 and a suitcase. In her first week, a girl made her an offer Sapphire couldn't refuse. And all she had to do? ‘I get spanked for $2,000. It's only for three hours,’ Sapphire says. ‘I remember it was a Saturday morning, I was super nervous to go. ‘But I left and I had $3,000 in my hand and I couldn't believe I'd made that kind of money in that amount of time. ‘Hollywood definitely has a dark side to it, for sure.’ But Sapphire embraced her new life and has since had $100,000-worth of plastic surgery. ‘My mum encouraged me to get…

Just £4.85 per person NO-FUSS FOOD Herby stuffed roast lamb Easy to prepare and carve, this juicy leg of lamb will go down a treat. SERVES 6 PREP 20 MINS COOK 45 MINS ● 1.5kg leg of lamb, boned and rolled ● 50g baby spinach, shredded ● ½ bunch each parsley and mint, chopped ● 3 garlic cloves, chopped ● Zest and juice 1 lemon ● 1tbsp olive oil ● 1tbsp cornflour ● 1tsp redcurrant jelly 1 Heat oven to 200C Fan/Gas 7. Unroll lamb and season, reserving the string. 2 Mix the spinach, herbs, garlic, lemon zest and juice. Press into the lamb, then re-roll and secure with string. Put the joint in a roasting tin, skin side up, drizzle with oil and season again. Roast…

My son Harry walked back from the raffle prize table holding up a bottle of gin. ‘Go and pick something for yourself,’ I urged. It was December 2022, and Harry, then 11, played for our local footy team, Hastings Athletic. He'd just won a raffle prize at the club's Christmas party. The table was full of sweet treats, toys and games. ‘But I wanted to get something for you,’ he smiled, handing the bottle to his dad, Lee, then 49. Our boy had always been a caring and generous soul. He'd give you his last Rolo. On family camping trips, I'd take a stash of treats for him and his older sister Jess, then 13. But Harry would share them out with all his friends He played football five times…

Laura Nightingale, 41, from Birstall What would your dream Easter egg be? I love chocolate, so Easter is the best. A big one full of dried fruit and nuts would be amazing! Favourite thing about spring? The best thing about spring is seeing everything coming back to life. I love going on walks and seeing blossom on the trees, lambs in the fields, flowers blooming -so lovely! Have you any hobbies? There's nothing better than hunting for bargains in the charity shops and at car-boot sales. But if I'm at home, my main hobbies are relaxing with a good book, or cross-stitching in front of the telly. What's the first thing you'd do if you won the Lotto? I'd buy a well-deserved holiday to Walt Disney World, Florida, for my…

What French term is traditionally given to a country's longest-serving ambassador? 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 Agricultural item (8) 2 Military colour (5) 3 Exactly alike (9) 4 South American pack animal (5) 5 Height above sea level (8) 6 Listen in (9) 7 Horse's field (7) 8 Memento (8) 9 The first E of EEC (8) 10 Not wide (6) 11 Ballroom dance (5) 12 German airship (8) 13 Usual (6) 14 Dirty clothes for washing (7) 15 Most junior (8) 16 Woven wall hanging (8)…

All sizes 8-24 Tu at Sainsbury's STYLE TIP Wear tailored joggers and sweats in monochrome tones teamed with cool trainers. Nutmeg at Morrisons All sizes 8-22 STYLE TIP Layer a cosy cardigan over tunics and wide-leg trousers for an easy weekend look. All sizes 8-24 George at Asda STYLE TIP Invest in a good pair of wide-leg jeans, easy to style up for work with a smart blazer. All sizes 6-22 F&F at Tesco STYLE TIP A flattering denim skirt will ease you into spring. Style with your wardrobe basics.…

WHAT'S THE VERDICT? I n court in n court in December 2023, it took the jury 45 minutes to find Brandon Walker guilty of murdering his 8-year-old son, Navin Jones. In February 2024, he was jailed for life, plus 100 years. Judge John Vespa called Navin's death ‘the worst case he had ever seen'. Walker's lawyers plan to appeal the sentence. Stephanie Jones faces up to 100 years in prison when she is sentenced in April. During the trial the Department of Children and Family Services – DCFS – came under heavy criticism. Urgent steps have since been taken to rebuild the agency. ‘The death, abuse or neglect of any child in Illinois is a tragedy, and the Department of Children and Family Services is continuously working to protect vulnerable…

CHOCCY DELIGHTS! Crunch time Taste the Difference Belgian Honeycomb Corn Crunch Egg, 230g, £8, Sainsbury's opcorn meets honeycomb Popcorn meets honeycomb in this creamy milk chocolate egg. Flecked with crisp candied corn pieces and little nuggets of sweet honeycomb, there's a tasty crunch in every mouthful. Blonde beauty The Best Belgian White & Blonde Chocolate Easter Egg, 240g, £5, Morrisons For those with an extra-sweet tooth, this delicious white chocolate egg tastes just like caramel and is studded with crunchy, buttery biscuit pieces. Under £5 Thorntons Dinosaur/Bunny Egg, 151g, £4.25 each, thorntons.com, Aldi, Asda, Sainsbury's, Tesco Excellent value and perfect for kids. Choose from a ‘roarsome’ milk chocolate dinosaur or ‘hoppy’ white chocolate bunny egg. Made with tasty thick choc, they're a steal for less than £5! LOVELY BUNS! Classic &…

EGG HUNT CUTE CHARACTER BARGAIN BUY…

MONEY MATTERS 3 ways to … CLAIM LOST CASH Take action now to get what is rightfully yours… 1 Find lost accounts It's estimated that billions of pounds are lying in ‘lost’ current accounts, savings accounts and Premium Bonds. If you know where the account was held, contact the bank or provider directly. If not, there are free services you can use like the mylostaccount.org.uk service, which can help you trace lost bank, building society and NS&I accounts, or Gretel (gretel.co.uk), a platform that searches for lost bank accounts, as well as pensions, Child Trust Funds, life insurance and more. For more information, visit moneyhelper.org.uk. 2 Missing out on benefits? Millions of us are missing out on an estimated £19 billion in unclaimed benefits. So check you're not one of them.…

WIN £500 Puzzle 18 THE BIG QUIZ The answers to all but one of these quiz questions can be found hidden in this wordsearch grid, reading forwards, backwards, up, down or diagonally. To help you, we'll tell you that the answers are in alphabetical order in each section. However, one answer can't be found in the grid. This is your prize answer. SOOTY 1 If you saw a sooty, shearwater, what type of creature would you be looking at? (4) 2 What surname was shared by Harry and his son Matthew, who both performed with Sooty and his friends on TV, and one of the Two Ronnies? (7) 3 Sooty fan, Nick McBrain, whose drum o kit sports a Sooty puppet, is the drummer for which heavy metal band, who…

TEXT Simply text CHATB followed by a space and your answer/s (spaces between answers please) full name, door number and postcode to 63333 Texts cost 50p plus standard network charge (maximum 160 characters per text). When you enter by text, you may in future get SMS marketing messages from Future plc and Chat. If you want to receive these, please end your text with OPTIN. Texting tips ● Don't put any spaces in an answer that has several words: eg: CHATISTHEBEST not CHAT IS THE BEST. ● If the answer is a name, you need only give the surname: eg: CLOONEY not GEORGE CLOONEY. ● You can use capitals or small letters, but don't use any commas, etc. ● Leave out answers you don't wish to enter. INTERNET Join our…