Table of contents for 21 November 2024 in Chat

Couple of soppy stories for the romantics out there this week. Denise and Stefan fell in love after they met on a train – and they didn't know it at the time but they had two things in common. Not only are they both blind, but they're also musically talented. They even ended up performing as a duet on Britain's Got Talent (p30). Fate also had a hand in bringing Vicky and Neil together (p58)… Read why the happy pair reckon their matchmaker was his late nan! Have a great week, PS If you're entering the puzzles online, this is the link to use: comps.lifedeathprizes.com/puzzles…

TRUE-LIFE Tania Simshauser, 50 Hairbrushes held like microphones, me and my daughter Emmy, then 15, sang our hearts out. After dancing around the living room, the radio blasting, we collapsed on the sofa in fits of giggles. It was January 2018, and even though Emmy was well into her teens, we were close. Growing up last, but still the loving little girl who couldn't go to sleep without her fave bedtime dolly. I'd recently split up with her dad. Now it was just us and her younger brother Jacob, then 13. A happy family of three. That March, Emmy told me she'd met her first boyfriend. Days later, she brought him round to meet me. Jordan, then 17, was polite, well mannered. Two years older than Emmy, he was a…

That takes the biscuit I always use an ice-cream scoop to shape my cookie dough. It ensures my cookies come out of the oven the perfect size every time. Amy Boardman, Nottingham Go potty To make your supermarket herbs last longer, gently break up the original plant and repot it into three separate containers. You'll soon have an endless supply of fresh herbs. Annie Weston, Uckfield, East Sussex Your latest squeeze Trouble getting out that last drop of moisturiser or shampoo? Put the bottle upside down in your toothbrush mug holder. After a few minutes, you'll be able to squeeze it out. David Anderson, Sunderland, Tyne and Wear A clean sweep £25 For every photo tip that we print To keep my bathroom cleaning essentials off the floor and handy,…

Your answer: What does comedian Kerry Godliman say is the reason she could not appear on Strictly Come Dancing? To find out, solve the crossword then read through the shaded squares to find the five-word prize answer. ACROSS 11 Paper handkerchief (6) 12 Senior businessman (9) 13 Engrave (4) 14 Fragile (8) 15 Coil or spin (5) 16 Very sad (6) 17 Not synthetic (7) 18 Restaurant booking (11) 20 Intoxicated (5) 22 Transmit over the radio (9) 24 Started (5) 28 Projectile (7) 29 Control in order to make use of (7) 32 From Paris, for example (6) 34 Beaten (8) 36 Includes (8) 37 _ Piggott, jockey (6) 39 Disagreement (7) 40 Seek advice from (7) 45 Enraged (5) 47 Loneliness, solitude (9) 48 Does as one is told (5) 51 Snack of baked pastry and meat (7,4) 53 Detectives (7) 55 Changing location (6) 56 Liver or brain, for example (5) 58 Poker…

Q My penis is tiny. I'm a 30-year-old virgin as I'm so ashamed. Is there anything I can do to enlarge it? Matt, Bolton A Having a very small penis can make you feel ashamed, but it doesn't define your worth or how good you are in bed. There are surgeries, but they carry risks and aren't usually recommended. Some men try non-surgical methods, like extenders, but these usually only give temporary results. Focus on your overall sexual health, building self-confidence and improving communication skills. If feelings of shame or anxiety about your body are overwhelming, talking to a mental health professional can help - they can support you in thinking more positively. Everyone deserves to feel good in their own skin.…

Suzie Ratcliffe, 50 Photos lined my parents' mantelpiece. From a silver frame, a little girl stared back at me. Blue eyes, freckles across her nose and cheeks. Just like me. ‘Who's that?' I asked my mum Kathleen, then 36. It was 1977, I was just 3. The girl in the picture looked older than me, maybe 7 or 8. She had a brown bob with a jagged fringe. Just like Mum insisted on cutting mine. 'That's your big sister Joanne,' Mum said with a smile. I looked at my dad Les, then 38, confused. I had an older brother David, then 17. But a sister? 'Can she come and play?' I asked excitedly. Mum's smile faded. 'No, darling,' she said. ‘A bad man took her away.' Still so young, I…

Little Miss Unlucky Q I feel so heartbroken for my daughter. She seems to be the unluckiest girl alive. Nothing ever goes right for her, no matter how hard she tries. It's as if bad luck is always following her around, and it's devastating to watch. I just want to help change her luck, but I don't know what to do. How can I turn things around for her? Petra, 51 A It's clear how much you love your daughter, hun. It must be so hard to see what she's going through, but it's important to remember life has its ups and downs. Try shifting the focus to resilience and empowerment. Luck changes, and a rough time isn't a reflection of her worth or ability. She's lucky to have a mum…

3 ways to… save on Christmas delivery charges Cut the cost of present-giving this festive season… 1 Weigh up free delivery Many retailers offer free P&P if you spend over a certain amount, which could save you cash. But don't base your spending decision on free delivery alone, always compare the overall cost before buying an item. Search for offer codes too, as these could provide free delivery as well as money off. Also, some retailers let you order online and collect in store for free with no minimum spend, which might be handy if you live or work nearby. 2 Do it direct If you need to post a gift to a loved one, you can save cash by getting the retailer to send it directly to them – especially if it's a heavy…

BEHIND THE BIG CRIME EDITOR'S WARNING Marlen Ochoa-Lopez beamed at the camera as her little boy Joshua, then 3, rolled one of his toy cars gently across his mum's pregnant tummy. Marlen adored her son. Although only 19, she and her husband Yovanny Lopez were so happy to be expanding their family. Pregnancy suited Marlen. She was positively glowing. But as excited as she was, she knew all too well that children are expensive. Being a savvy mum, she posted on a Facebook group for local Chicago mums. Asked if anyone had any baby clothes going free. Marlen, then eight months pregnant, was delighted when Clarisa Figueroa, then 46, responded. She said her daughter Desiree, 24, had some baby things to give away. On 1 April 2019, Marlen went to…

Lucy Morrison, 32, Stockport Bottles lined the kitchen counter, muslin cloths and wipes were scattered across the floor. Being a new mum was messy and exhausting. The nights were long, the nappy changes endless. But I wouldn't change a thing. My baby boy, Alfie, born in October 2014, was everything to me. ‘It's me and you against the world,' I told him, gazing into his beautiful blue eyes. As Alfie grew, he guzzled bottles of milk, gained weight. By 6 months he was sitting up, ready to start weaning. At first I gave him soft foods, like porridge. Most of it ending up all over his face! Then I introduced foods with more texture, like bananas. But Alfie didn't seem keen. He'd prod and poke, refusing to eat. When he…

Little Chrystul Kizer was a talented artist and musician. Aged 7 she was accepted at an arts academy, took up the violin. Her mother Devore Taylor, who'd had Chrystul at just 16, scraped together money to pay for the instrument. She worked long hours, but it was worth it to see her daughter happy. ‘I'm a violinist,' Chrystul said, proudly. But when Devore's new boyfriend became violent, Chrystul's focus shifted from music to protecting her sisters and brothers. Eventually, they all fled to a homeless shelter in Wisconsin, USA. There, Chrystul met Delane Nelson, who was three years older than her. In autumn 2016, aged 16, Chrystul was desperate to find a way of earning money. Needing school books and food, she posted an ad on a website known for…

What item of sporting equipment provided the title of a 2013 album by Elton John? To find out, solve the puzzle… Add a letter anywhere in each of the boxed-off words to fit the clue, eg, Hospital units = WARS + D = WARDS. 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 Hospital units Deduct Handle Lamp-dwelling spirit Tease Ladder steps Rise up Discovered Tilts Playing decks Float Your answer: TO ENTER Turn to page 56 for details or visit comps.lifedeathprizes.com/puzzles…

1 What is the most common pub name in the UK? A Red Lion B Roy Oak C White Hart 2 The King's Arms is one of the most popular Pub names in the UK, owing to which king? 3 What is the claim to fame of The Old Thirteenth Cheshire Astley Volunteer Rifleman Corps Inn in Stalybridge, Greater Manchester? 4 Which are the six London Underground stations named after pubs? 5 The smallest pub in the UK, called The Nutshell, measures 15ft by 7ft, but where is it located? A Suffolk B Essex C Norfolk 6 Which of these is a real pub name in Phillack,Cornwall? The Bucket of… A Blood B Water C Beer 7 Which soap opera would you be in if you were drinking in The Woolpack? ANSWERS 1 A: Red Lion…

When Jade was at school she loved drawing different characters, with hair, fur and human characteristics. In 2020, when Jade graduated, she bought a fur suit – a big furry wolf. She named her Velvet. ‘I was shy in high school, growing up, and these characters gave me a different personality and it makes me put myself out there more,' she says. Wearing her furry suit made Jade feel really confident and sexy. When she discovered there was a community of people called ‘furries', who like to dress up as animals with human characteristics, she knew she'd found her niche. Soon after, Jade met Dimetrius at a furry party which was held by his flatmate. And although he was no stranger to the furry fetish, he wasn't a fan of…

Danielle Crook, 30, Southampton Swaddling my newborn in a soft, white blanket, I picked him up and cuddled him close. Surrounded by cards, teddies, nappies and wipes, we were living blissfully in our baby bubble. ‘Our little family,' I said to my husband Joe, then 26. We'd married a year earlier, in April 2017, and I'd quickly fallen pregnant. Our baby boy Lennox arrived safely at the New Forest Birth Centre, near Southampton, on 30 June 2018. A healthy 7lb 4oz. Now safely back home, I already loved being a mum. ‘He's perfect,' I said, cooing over his little button nose and big blue eyes. But after three days, he became floppy and listless. Changing his nappy, I noticed spots of blood. ‘We need to take him to A&E,' I…

15-21 November 2024 Aries 21 March-20 April It's time to shine and show others what you're really made of. Listen to your inner guidance because this will take you exactly where you need to be. ∙ Call 0905 817 0690* for more Taurus 21 April-21 May With the Full Moon in your sign this week, the sky really is the limit! Focus on your most important goals and make a practical plan to manifest your desires. ∙ Call 0905 817 0691* for more Gemini 22 May-21 June On 17 November, the Moon makes its two-day transit through your sign. This will help you to focus on what is truly most important. Clarity is increased now. ∙ Call 0905 817 0692* for more Cancer 22 June-23 July The Moon in your…

Q What's the point of using a primer? Does it really make a difference to how make-up looks? Alison Chase, Nottingham A As the name suggests, a primer preps the skin for your make-up, and yes, it works. Apply it after your skincare to smooth your complexion and to help your foundation look its best. It will improve the staying power of your base and even help transform the end result, whether you want a mattifying effect or a radiant finish. There are lots of options available when it comes to primers, to suit any look and skin type. For a bright and dewy base, try Lottie London Bubble Tea Primer, £9.95, lookfantastic.com, to hydrate and soften, while leaving skin with a healthy glow. A colour-correcting primer, like Revolution Colour Correct…

Solutions to Chat issue 43 (24 October 2024) Puzzle 2 Dolmen Puzzle 3 Cigars Puzzle 4 How much we get to improve Puzzle 5 1B,2B,2D,3A,3C Puzzle 6 Earl Puzzle 7 Savoy Puzzle 8 Billie Eilish Puzzle 9 Skateboards Puzzle 10 Bodleian Puzzle 13 Kyoto Puzzle 14 Athlone Puzzle 15 Flint Puzzle 16 Body lotion Puzzle 17 Malbec Puzzle 18 Coronets WE WON! Chat winners issue 34 (16 Aug 2024) £1.001 CASH S Hedley, Scarborough £500 CASH S Khan, Glasgow S Fuller, Ipswich £250 CASH L Stevenson, Mansfield C Kempton, Bromley £200 CASH M Ritzema, Leominster £100 CASH R Brook, Manchester K Lawson, Northampton SWareing, Altrincham £50 CASH V Whitmore, Spalding M Crowe, Great Yarmouth A Wright, Nottingham E Redfern, Huddersfield A Finnegan, Oldbury A Bowen, Swansea £40 CASH Y Webber, Redditch £30 CASH A Williams, Swansea D Guffick, York £25 CASH S Ellis, Sutton Coldfield T Jackman, London Anyone from your town in…

Jacquie Simpson, 71, from Worthing If you could only eat one thing forever what would it be? It would have to be vegetarian based, possibly cauliflower cheese or salad. But I think I would be hopeless at eating this forever and would really fancy treats such as ice cream and chocolate to keep up my mojo! What's the nicest compliment you've ever received? When I was younger, I was told that my hair (which was curly then) looked like one of TV's Charlie's Angels. Farrah Fawcett, no less! Are you a night owl or an early bird? Definitely an early bird. At my age, nights out are taboo. I walk my gorgeous 13-year-old rescue dog each morning, and I find that I can concentrate much better on competitions and puzzles in the…

In Oscar Wilde's fable The Selfish Giant, which bird's song alerts the giant that spring has come? 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 Pill (6) 2 Brass instrument (8) 3 Clint_, actor (8) 4 Entrance to a house (4) 5 Four-sided figure with right angles (9) 6 Welsh arts festival (10) 7 Of a volcano, quiet, but not extinct (7) 8 One older than 12 but younger than 20 (8) 9 Proof of purchase (7) 10 Armoured vehicle (4) 11 Water-boiling device (6) 12 Fraudulently appropriating (10) 13 Deep chasm or bay (4) 14 Smooth turf between tee and green on a golf course (7) 15 City of Myanmar, formerly known as Rangoon (6) 16 Songbird usually heard…

STYLE TIP Choose loose styles with balloon sleeves to achieve that dreamy, floaty look. Tuck into denim and add some 1970s accessories. STYLE TIP Update a summer dress by wearing a fitted roll-neck underneath. Layer with knitted and fluffy textures. STYLE TIP Keep colours warm and tonal-rusty orange and shades of brown give a luxe retro feel that's still modern. FROM £7.99 STYLE TIP Paisley and dark florals are perfect for winter dressing. Cable knits and tassel detailing add to the cosy, relaxed vibe.…

1 Ditch the Bills Reaching into the medicine cabinet is tempting, but paracetamol can have a toxic effect on the liver, which has already suffered enough, says nutritionist Shona Wilkinson. And never be tempted to pop a pill before bed - most are only effective for four to six hours so they will have worn off by the time you wake up. 2 Stay hydrated Woken up with a dry mouth? ‘Your body naturally regulates the amount of water it loses during sleep, but alcohol adversely affects this regulation,' says chief pharmacist Stuart Gale*. Dehydration is often at the root of hangover symptoms. Downing a pint of water as soon as you get up helps. Electrolyte drinks, such as coconut water, milk or hydration tablets restore lost minerals such as sodium,…

Petra Johnson, 38, London Peering at the back of my head, my doctor sighed. ‘There's no growth there,' he said. It was February 2008 and, aged 22, I'd just been diagnosed with a form of alopecia. An autoimmune condition, it was attacking my hair follicles, stopping hair from growing. There was no treatment, no cure. And while that first patch was the size of a 50p piece, over the next few months more bald patches appeared. ‘How am I going to go out without hair?' I sobbed to my mum Dagmar, then 42. Mum tried to reassure me, but I was devastated. By summer 2009, I was down to my last few strands. ‘Why not shave it off, love? Mum suggested. I had no choice. Afterwards, staring at my bald…

Denise Leigh, 53, Audley, Staffordshire Vibrations ran through my body, the ground trembling as a train thundered into the station. It pulled to a stop and I carefully edged my way towards the open doors. ‘Please mind the gap,' a robotic voice said. Feeling my way to a priority seat, I sat down and visualised a map of the London Underground. But as I listened out for the next stop, a man leant in. 'Excuse me, do you have the time?' he asked. Was this a cruel joke? Was he hitting on me? Irritated, I replied, making my annoyance clear. Only later, when we both stood up to leave the train, did I make out his cane. He was blind too, and I felt terrible for being rude. It was…

Author Clive Cussler was involved in a near eight-year legal battle with the producers of the 2005 film adaptation of which of his books, about a missing Confederate treasure ship? Unscramble each group of letters to discover six Penélope Cruz films. Now fit them across the grid and you'll spell out the answer to the question. 1 GYM RIBS 2 AND JUNO 3 GO KATHI 4 SLINKY LAVA 5 FARRIER 6 SORE ABC WIN £75 Puzzle 17 Your answer: TO ENTER Turn to page 56 for details or visit comps.lifedeathprizes.com/puzzles…

NO-FUSS FOOD Top tip Reduce the amount of meat and add extra veggies like grated carrot and parsnips. TOTAL COST: £6.33 Mince beef pie Keep a pack of pastry in the freezer to turn easy mince into a pub classic. SERVES 4 PREP 20 MINS COOK 1 HR 15 MINS ∙ 1/2tbsp rapeseed oil ∙ 500g beef mince ∙ 2 red onions, peeled and chopped into wedges ∙ 200g chestnut mushrooms, halved if large and wiped clean ∙ bay leaf ∙ beef stock pot ∙ 400g tin whole plum tomatoes ∙ 1tbsp tomato puree ∙ Splash Worcestershire sauce ∙ 375g sheet ready-rolled puff pastry ∙ 1 egg yolk, beaten with a splash of water YOU WILL NEED: ∙ 4 x 250ml pie dishes 1 Heat the oil in a large frying…

Kimberley Lewin, 27, Leicester The air was frosty as I pulled my bobble hat further down over my face. Then let out a giggle as my friend Amelia chased me around the park. ‘Can't catch me!' I teased. It was December 2003 and we were both 6. Amelia was one of my best mates. We always had so much fun together. I loved play dates at her house, she had loads of toys. And while her dad Jim was in his 60s, it didn't stop him from joining in our games. Getting down on the floor with us, he'd play along with dolls and teddies. Jim had split from Amelia's mum, and we'd spend hours at his house. But in spring 2004, the games changed. ‘I'll be a doctor, let's…

BPerfect x Ekin-Su Lip Library Lip Liner in Seduction, £10.95, bperfect cosmetics.com Trace this silky liner along the edges of your pout before your lipstick and it will give a defined shape while keeping your red lippy neat and smudge-free. Urtekram Sweet Ginger Flower Hand Wash, £6.99, Superdrug Made from 100% natural ingredients, this organic hand wash will leave you with soft, clean skin. The unusual, energising ginger flower aroma will linger nicely post rinse too. Barry M Colour Changing Lip Gloss, £5.99, Superdrug Best used on bare lips, create a bespoke lip colour with a quick swipe of this gloss. The non-sticky formula reacts with the alkaline in your skin to produce your very own shade of pink. Provoke Brighten & Protect Purple Leave-In Conditioner, £4.99, Superdrug Banish brassiness and dullness…

Dear Ellen, They say love finds you when you least expect it. That was certainly the case when I met Neil. But I think you were expecting it, Ellen, weren't you? Even from beyond the grave… It was April 2017 and I'd just found myself single again, aged 40. Not the way I'd seen my life panning out. But on a night out, I bumped into Neil, 47 - your grandson! ‘It's my birthday today,' he said. With kind brown eyes, a lovely smile, I enjoyed dancing with him, and he was recently single too. He had three kids. ‘I've got three boys,' I told him. We had so much in common. One thing led to another and I went home with him. ‘What a great birthday!' Neil said the…