Chat -julkaisun 16 February 2023 -irtonumeron sisällysluettelo

We pay £25 for any photos that we use on Chat to us! Get in touch! EMAIL chat_magazine@futurenet.com POST Chat, 121-141 Westbourne Terrace, London W2 6JR Find us online at facebook.com/ChatMagazine…

SEXY SUPPORT STYLE TIP Look tor underwired styles for added support. Padded cups will help to enhance your shape further. SOFT BRALETTES STYLE TIP If you're hoping for all-day comfort, but don't want to sacrifice on style, these wireless designs are for you. SHAPEWEAR STYLE TIP There's a whole host of smart solutions available, whatever the outfit or occasion. FROM £5 SMOOTHING BODIES STYLE TIP Opt for styles with tummy-control panels if you feel it will give you extra confidence.…

Vivienne Radfar, 62, Newport Pagnell H and hovering over the buzzer, I listened to the quizmaster's question. It was April 2004, and I was appearing on In It To Win It, a general knowledge telly show with huge cash prizes. I'd spent every spare moment over the past few weeks with my nose in practice quiz books. It was all worth it. After correctly answering that a spinnaker was a type of sail on a boat, I went home with £18,500! And it wasn t my first jackpot. Not by a long shot… I've always had a competitive streak. At school, I relished playing on the netball and hockey teams. Got a thrill out of beating my classmates in our spelling tests, spent my days reading books. Eager to build knowledge…

Making up for lost time Linne and Beth ‘I've just moved round the corner from my ‘baby’ sister, Beth, after we lived hundreds of miles apart for 20 years. Our parents live nearby too, so here we are enjoying their babysitting service while using our brother's bank card to buy some celebratory drinks! Despite the miles between us, she's always been my first port of call when I want to gossip or chat nonsense, so I'm so excited to bring our kids up together and catch up on all those nights on the town we've missed.’ Secret keepers Bess and Lyndsey ‘Since childhood, we've been there for each other, through the boyfriend crises, drunken disasters, and the good times, too – Lyndsey having her two gorgeous girls, Rosie and Georgie-May,…

Drugs make me randy Q I've been with my other half for three years. Our sex life was amazing but since being diagnosed and medicated for ADHD, my libido has changed. When I first take the meds, it drops off completely and then as they start to wear off, it's ridiculously high. He's struggling to keep up. How can we find the right balance? Jason, 24 A Your sexual appetite is all over the place and it sounds like you want your partner to join the roller coaster. But that's not really fair, pet. Sex should only occur when you both want it. If your partner isn't up for it, why not meet your own needs? And it's worth talking to your doc about these side effects. Another second chance?…

3 Ways to… SAVE ON HOME INSURANCE Cover premiums can creep up, so follow our tips on finding the best deal… 1 Hit the switch A recent study* revealed that 14% of homeowners with buildings or contents insurance say they've never switched providers, while another 11% have not switched for more than five years. But it's easy to see if you can save by switching to a different insurer. Get quotes from price comparison sites, including Go.Compare, and check insurers such as Direct Line who aren't on those sites. But always check that the policy gives you the cover you need. 2 Double up and save If you need buildings and contents insurance, taking out a combined policy is often cheaper (but check the costs of separate cover to compare). And…

10-16 February 2023 Aries 21 March-20 April If you're not satisfied with a friendship, then say so or no one will know you need things to change. Make your feelings known and always speak from the heart. • Call 0905 817 0690* for more Taurus 21 April-21 May Planning is on the cards. Choose a classy social venue and make sure your friends feel relaxed before making introductions. You will have a great evening. • Call 0905 817 0691* for more Gemini 22 May-21 June It can be difficult for you to work in a partnership as your mind works so quickly. This can confuse people, especially when you have several projects on the go. • Call 0905 817 0692* for more Cancer 22 June-23 July You present yourself brilliantly…

Q Should I try retinol? I'm not sure where to start. Harriet Coles, Birmingham A Even if you don't use retinol, it's likely you've still heard about the results it produces. A form of Vitamin A, this powerhouse ingredient helps boost collagen production in the skin, which reduces fine lines, wrinkles, imperfections and pigmentation, leaving you looking radiant. It can feel a bit overwhelming to choose the right product, but it's so easy to incorporate into your routine. Start off with a low percentage concentrate like The Ordinary Retinol Serum 0.5% in Squalane £6.40, Boots, which will be gentle enough for beginners but will also produce noticeable results over time. Use after your evening cleanse and before your night cream or moisturiser. If you prefer a cream product then Revolution…

MAVIS SMITH, 80, FROM NEWCASTLE UPON TYNE, SAYS: I'm nominating my niece Carol Nelson as my local hero. After retiring, Carol, now 65, joined Northumbria Blood Bikes as a volunteer. For the past five years, she's been raising money for the charity through tombolas and raffles, organising all the prizes herself. Last year, she raised an incredible £4,000! She's also a controller for the blood bike riders, and even turned her spare room at her home in Newcastle into a control room. Two or three nights per week she works in the control room from 7pm to 1am, taking urgent calls from hospitals requesting blood and other vital necessities, and organising their safe delivery. Carol was named volunteer of the year by the charity two years ago for her brilliant…

WIN £1,001 Puzzle 4 Who does dancer and Strictly judge Anton Du Beke think is the most handsome man in the world? To find out, solve the crossword then read down the shaded squares to find the two-word prize answer. ACROSS Ondryland6) Toxic9 Solemnvow4 AnimalthatpullsSantas sleigh (8) Slack5 Schoolclass6 Farmhand7 Amazing11 CapitalofFrance5) Tendingplants9 Greatpain5 Enlarge7 Madeanangrynoise(7) Shriek6 Menace8 Lessdark8 Empty6 2016filmstarringAmyAdams and Jeremy Renner (7) Positioning7 Bloodvessels5 Sectionoftext9) SouthAmericanmountains5) Madetofeelashamed(11) Accept7 Constructs6 Tipover5 Bakersdozen8) Knocksenseless4 Periodoftimefollowingmidday (9) Undergroundpassage6 DOWN Notawake6 Skin-colouredmake-up10 Armyofficer7 Other-worldly9 Gamelikesnooker9) Childstoy2-2) Ruleover6 Ineffectual7 Bragging8 Powerful6 Verysmall4…

What's my doc testing for? Q My GP arranged blood tests as I'm trying for a baby. What will they show? Maddie, Kimbolton A Most likely, your GP will test whether you're immune to rubella (German measles), because an infection while you're pregnant can severely damage your baby, and if you're not immune there's time to have a vaccine. The blood test might also check for inherited blood problems, such as thalassaemia and sickle cell, which can cause problems in pregnancy, and for some infections, such as HIV. It can also rule out anaemia or diabetes. But the most important part of preparing for pregnancy is your lifestyle. Take daily folic acid tablets from your chemist to prevent spina bifida in the baby, don't smoke or drink alcohol, keep a…

Q My constant bladder pain and needing to wee has finally been diagnosed as interstitial cystitis - what's that? Toni, Kingswood A It's a form of long-term pelvic pain and although it might feel like a bladder infection, that's not what's going on. More likely, it's caused by your body's own immune system targeting your bladder by mistake, which triggers pain nerves, though no one's really sure. Women in their 40s are most likely to suffer, and besides pain in the pelvis might experience a constant need to wee, and pain during sex. Symptoms often come and go, getting worse after triggers such as stress, exercise, sex or your period. A specialist might look inside your bladder with a narrow camera called a cystoscope to clinch the diagnosis, and treatment…

Which UK visitor attraction was once separated into the Ingestre, Springfield and Talbot areas? To find out, solve the puzzle… Add a letter anywhere in each of the boxed-off words to fit the clue, eg, Film = MOVE + I = MOVIE. Write the added letter in the space provided. Read down the added letters to spell out the prize answer. WIN 2x £25 Puzzle 9 Water droplets Gem Wagons Hunch Types Celestial body Firm A pair Harvests Candle Smell Your answer: TO ENTER Turn to page 56 for details or visit comps.lifedeathprizes.com/puzzles…

LUXURY AROMA DITCH DOG SMELLS CRACKLE EFFECT…

When newly divorced Rachel stepped into the online dating world, she was nervous at first. It was December 2020, and little did she know just how crazy her love life was about to get! ‘My friend convinced me to get on a dating app,’ she recalls. ‘And that's where I met Alex. At first I was really hesitant because he looked so young.’ But while Rachel, then 46, wasn't sure, Alex was keen. ‘Initially I didn't think anything of the age gap,’ he smiles. ‘In fact I was actually excited to be with a woman who was much older than me!’ Determined not to let the 23-year age gap get in his way, Alex refused to give up on his dream of dating a cougar! ‘When he told me he…

Creamed spinach Add extra indulgence to your meal with this posh veggie side dish. SERVES 2 PREP 10 MINS COOK 5 MINS PER SERVING: 260 CALS, 25GFAT, 15G SAT FAT, 1G CARBS Top tip Prep this ahead and reheat just before serving. Top tip Steaks taste best when cooked from room temperature, so take out of the fridge in good time. Steak with tarragon sauce Impress your date with this delicious steak dinner. SERVES 2 PREP 10 MINS COOK 30 1 Heat the oven to 180C Fan/ Gas 6. Pour 2tbsp of the olive oil into a roasting tin and heat in the oven. Cook the potato slices in boiling water for 5 mins until just…

Laura, 50, Leicestershire As I plated up a jacket potato with cheese and beans, I called out to my daughter Sarah, then 15. ‘Dinner's on the table!’ I shouted from the kitchen. Sarah didn't move. Stretched out on the sofa, she continued texting. A typical teen, she was glued to her mobile. Loved uploading silly pictures to Snapchat and chatting on social media. ‘Sarah!’ I yelled, finally catching her attention. ‘Sorry Mum,’ she said, popping her phone in her pocket. It never left her side. I wasn't worried - she was a sensible girl and I liked that I could always get hold of her if I needed to. It was October 2020, and the kids were off school for half term. I worked shifts as a nurse, which made…

E.I.f Power Grip Primer + 4% Niacinamide, £10, elf cosmetics.co.uk The sellout primer is back, this time with spot-fighting niacinamide. It creates the perfect absorbing base for oily skin. Maybelline Instant Age Rewind Perfector 4-in-1 Glow Make-up, £12, Superdrug A 4-in-1 hero that everyone needs in their make-up stash. This product primes, conceals, highlights and evens skin tone, to give you a finished look in just one step. Sundae Whipped Shower Foam Cherry On Top, £12.99, Cult Beauty This sweetsmelling shower foam is packed with nourishing ingredients and a lovely cherry scent. The product foams instantly which makes washing a breeze. Sanctuary Spa Wellness Solution Sleep Mist, £12.50, Superdrug Spritz this relaxing mist all over your pillow and duvet before bed to help calm a busy mind. The soothing scent…

I t was 1984 when 19-year-old Andrew Urdiales signed up to join the US Marines. From Chicago, Illinois, he moved to California, where he underwent extensive training. Learnt how to handle weapons, fight, defend himself if the time ever came when he would have to step forward for his country. He appeared patriotic, ready to serve, but his skills would be used for far more sinister reasons… One night in January 1986, Andrew headed to the campus of a local community college. A hunting knife in his car. There, he came across art student Robbin Brandley, 23, walking back to her car after volunteering as an usher at a piano concert. Andrew attacked, punching her, stabbing her 41 times. Leaving her for dead in the car park. Robbin was Andrew's first…

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 pic 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…

TRUE-LIFE Watching our little girl at her school sports day, my husband Ian, then 38, and I cheered her on. It was 1991, and Jenny, then 5, was clinging tightly to her egg and spoon as she crossed the finishing line. ‘You were brilliant,’ I said, wrapping her in a cuddle. Jenny didn't care if she came first or last, just loved taking part. The middle child of three, she loved to run and climb. In summer, we'd fill up the paddling pool and Jenny would spend hours splashing around with her brothers, go roller skating and climb trees. We'd go camping as a family, and at the seaside she took pride in building huge sandcastles. At school, Jenny joined the netball, hockey, football and swimming teams. She was sporty…

YOU'RE THE JUDGE! It was a Sunday afternoon in November 2021, as the locals gathered in the Waukesha town square in Wisconsin, USA, to watch the annual parade. Loved by all, the event was a celebration of the town's culture and history. The roads were closed off and safety barriers were put in place as hundreds of people lined the streets, gearing up to watch the performance. Stalls were selling gifts and food. Merriment filled the air. At 4pm, the parade kicked off, with 67 different groups from the community taking part in the event. But as a school marching band proudly walked the streets of their home town to the beat of their drums, a vehicle suddenly broke through a safety barrier. Driving at speed, the red car hurtled…

Q My husband's left testicle has swollen and feels like a water-filled balloon, but he's too embarrassed to see his doctor! Marie, Burnley A This could be a hydrocele, which is a collection of fluid around the testicle inside his scrotum. Often, a hydrocele comes out of the blue and doesn't mean anything else is wrong, but your husband should see his GP because infection, cancer or a twisted testicle can also be to blame, and need immediate treatment. Otherwise, a hydrocele is safe to ignore. A small hydrocele might not bother him, but if it's larger and is dragging or chafing, a special support for his scrotum might ease his discomfort. A doctor can drain the fluid through a needle - though it tends to come back, and an…

1 Spot the signs Broken heart syndrome (BHS) has symptoms that mimic those of a heart attack. Seek immediate help if you experience chest pain and shortness of breath for anything from a few minutes to hours, days or weeks, after severe emotional or physical stress. 2 Is it a heart attack? The main difference is that a heart attack is caused by a blockage in one of the coronary arteries that supply blood to the heart muscle. Patients with takotsubo syndrome don't have this blockage. ‘It's only when doctors do further tests to examine the coronary arteries that they will see that there are no blockages, as there would be after a heart attack,’ says Ruth Goss, senior cardiac nurse at the British Heart Foundation. ‘Instead, an echocardiogram (an ultrasound…

Gaynor Hayes, 53, Watford Dipping a biscuit into my tea, I noticed an email from my colleague Gill, then 61, pop up. It was good to hear from her. I'd been working from home for an auditing company since lockdown hit. Now it was June 2021 and I missed bumping into Gill around the office, sharing a natter and a coffee in the staff kitchen. How's your weight loss going? she asked now. What weight loss? I thought. I'd joined Weight Watchers back in January 2018 at 19st 61b and a size 28. Breathless walking upstairs and on heart meds and tablets for blood pressure because of my poor health. Sticking to the programme, I'd lost 7st 31b and often filled Gill in when we were working in the office.…

TRUE-LIFE Luca, 31, east London B arely able stay awake, I curled up on the sofa. It was June 2021, and I was sapped of energy. I'd been feeling the same for months. ‘Something's wrong with me,’ I moaned to my partner Rick, then 30. As a busy mum to my daughter, then 8,1 was used to being exhausted. But this was next level. I was running on fumes. After I'd been back and forth to my GP, he agreed to run some blood tests. And when the results came back, I was pleased to have an answer. ‘You have an underactive thyroid,’ the doctor told me. Also known as hypothyroidism, it meant the gland, in my neck, wasn't producing enough hormones, and fatigue was a key symptom. It explained why…

The Gold BBC1 • In November 1983, six armed robbers broke into the Brink's-Mat security depot near Heathrow Airport and inadvertently discovered a hoard of gold bullion, diamonds and cash worth £26 million. The story of what became the biggest theft in British history is told in this six-part drama, which stars Dunkirk’s Jack Lowden as criminal Kenneth Noye, who schemes with the gang on how to hide and profit from the stolen gold, Mamma Mia!'s Dominic Cooper as his business associate Edwyn Cooper and Downton Abbey’s Hugh Bonneville as DCS Brian Boyce, who leads the search for the criminals and the loot! DON'T MISS DON'T MISS The Twelve ITVX • Sam Neill leads the cast of this Australian 10-part drama that follows 12 ordinary people who are picked for…

WIN £500 Puzzle 18 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. See page 56 for entry details. ALEXANDER 1 Who starred alongside Alexander Armstrong as a pair of street-talking RAF pilots in their selftitled sketch show? (3,6) 2 Alexandria, known for its famous library, was founded by Alexander the Great in which country? (5) 3 In Greek legend, what supposedly impossible knot, which could only be untied by the future ruler of all Asia, did Alexander the Great cut through with a…

Dear Mum, Smiling, always smiling. Those are my earliest memories of you. There were six of us kids - I was the middle daughter of four girls and two boys. And you had your hands full - much more than most. My two brothers had learning difficulties, needed constant support. You were devoted to them, to us all. My new job came at just the right time… Fiercely determined to keep your boys at home, and for them to have the best life possible. I wasn't like my sisters. They were good at school, but I didn't apply myself. ‘We're all different,’ you reassured me. ‘You're the creative type.’ I became a hairdresser and had my first daughter at 20. Later, I went to work in a brain-injury unit. You…