Chat -julkaisun 21-Jan-2016 -irtonumeron sisällysluettelo

He'd seemed harmless enough, easy to chat to… We were friends My little sister Grace had always been my best friend. Growing up with only two years between us, we’d spent hours doing girly things together – gossiping and watching our favourite comedy films. For a while, we even dressed in matching clothes – we’d both wear the shell suits that were so fashionable at the time! I looked out for Grace, as well as my youngest sister, now 29. Grace had always made friends easily. ‘People gravitate towards you,’ I said with pride. In June 1998, when I was 17, I decided to join the Army. ‘You’re mad!’ Grace laughed, but she was really supportive anyway. Over the next few years, I moved around a lot with my work…

What I loved Just having to polish off the last of the choccie Christmas-tree decs…rude not to! (I managed to save the posh Santa to the very end. Delish!) What hacked me off Realising I have to make a start on all the things I promised I'd do this year (you know - get to the gym, ban biscuits, stick to one glass of wine etc etc). Sigh! Sulk! Whimper… What made me laugh A mate telling me that a clean house is the sign of a broken computer… Hope everything you need is working this week!…

I was passing out weekly, felt tired and breathless One minute, I was making myself a drink in the kitchen, the next, I was waking up in an ambulance. ‘You collapsed and blacked out,’ my hubby Douglas, 25, said. Rushed to The Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh for tests, doctors there discovered my heart was beating too fast. They put it down to an infection, gave me antibiotics. ‘At least it’s nothing serious,’ I said to Douglas, relieved. But the following week, in June 2012, I passed out again. Back at hospital, I was given drugs to slow my heart rate. But tests all came back clear. Sent home, I continued to pass out weekly. Sometimes, I’d wake up minutes later. Other times, I was unconscious for longer. It was terrifying.…

He’s smart, funny and overall just a really happy guy Adorable goldendoodle pooch Oliver, 2, has become one of the most famous pets on social media, amassing 62,000 Instagram followers. It’s all down to his owner Breanna Wright, who’s ensured her cute canine is one of the best-dressed pups on the Net. The poodle and golden retriever cross, from Bryson City, North Carolina, looks far from ruff in his fancy get-ups, which include a ghost costume complete with trick-or-treating bucket, a wedding suit, Alf the alien and Paddington Bear. Breanna, 26, first set up the Instagram account to avoid overloading her friends with photos of her dapper hound. She says, ‘Oliver’s favourite things are food and people. ‘He’s the sweetest dog. He’ll climb into your lap just to cuddle and…

It was decided… 2015 would be a big year for us! My boyfriend Steven Moyle, 32, and I had met through friends back in the summer of 2009. Steven wasn’t particularly romantic, but we enjoyed going away on mini-breaks. Cosy weekends, just the two of us. And for the past 18 months, we’d rented a flat together. Only now we were taking the plunge… ‘Let’s buy our own house,’ Steve had suggested. Getting a mortgage was a big step – but we both felt ready. Excited, we put down a deposit on a three-bed house. It was a property being built on a new housing development and would be ready for us to move into that October. Perfect. Only, we’d no idea then that getting a mortgage wouldn’t be the…

Words: Sam McCaffrey. Long-distance love has its downsides, but there are positives, too. Like every time I book train tickets to visit my bloke Adam in Manchester, I’m quids in! It’s all down to the cashback site Quidco. And the money I bank helps pay for our date nights – perfect! Since I signed up to Quidco, I’ve earned over £1,200 in cashback. No, your eyes aren’t deceiving you. That works out at about £175 a year, just for making a couple of extra clicks every time I shop online. Is it any wonder I’ve been banging on about it to my mates for years? They describe it as money for nothing, but I’m an accountant – I like to think of my earnings as money for everything. And all…

How I lost it! I'm an opera singer , so I'm often judged for my size, but at more than 20st and a dress-size 22, I was starting to have difficulty with costume fittings. I knew I was eating badly, and when I went out with my friends, I longed to be the skinny one , for once! I first heard about Exante after seeing X-Factor Sam Bailey's TV advert, and, in May last year , I joined up - swapping normal food for diet replacements that included shakes, bars, meals and soups. It's all delivered to your door - so you don 't have to think about shopping, calorie counting or cooking! The first few days were hard. I began swimming twice a week, and after 4 weeks, I…

Everyone was hoping for a storm. The air was heavy with summer heat. Humid. Sweaty. Close. But some rain would change that. It was a warm, muggy Sunday – 4 August 1577. The sun had been beating down on the small Suffolk town of Bungay for days. But, as the weary afternoon wore on, darkness started to roll across the skies above Bungay. At last, a storm to clear the air. But this was no ordinary summer squall. Suddenly, the sky was pitch black. As the first hefty raindrops started to fall, the people of Bungay ran for cover. Some darted into the church of St Mary at the centre of the town. With the rain came thunder. Then hailstones. Inside the church, the people covered their ears and thanked…

1 Preheat oven to 180C/Gas 5. 2 Whizz 4 slices wholemeal bread in a food processor to make breadcrumbs. Tip into a large bowl. 3 Tip 2 tins rinsed and drained kidney beans, and a tin each rinsed and drained butter beans and black-eyed beans, into processor. Pulse to a paste. 4 To breadcrumbs, add 4 finely diced spring onions, a big handful chopped parsley, 2 small deseeded, chopped red chillies, salt, pepper and pulsed beans. Mix well, divide into 8 balls, flatten into patties and chill in fridge for at least 30 min. 5 Bake patties in foil-lined roasting tin for 20 min. Serve with a green salad. Serves: 4 Cost per head: 61p LIFE! DEATH! PRIZES! For more foodie bargains, visit www.lifedeathprizes.com and click on ‘best buys’…

It was fear not seen since Jack the Ripper THE CRIME On Sunday 8 February 1948, Eileen Lockhart, 5, went missing from her home in Bow, in London's East End. Four days later, her battered body was discovered three miles away, in the basement of a bombed-out house. But who had murdered the innocent little girl? And was she the only victim..? THE STORY Cripplegate, an ancient London ward close to St Paul’s Cathedral, had been burned to the ground by incendiary bombs during the Blitz of World War II. On 12 February 1948, a tramp stumbled into a cellar of the bombed-out ruins, where he found the body of 5-year-old Eileen Lockhart, hidden in a dusty alcove. She’d been raped and murdered. A set of the killer’s footprints led…

I screamed as sticky goo and blood projected in sprays out of my face Brushing my fringe, I tried to ignore the swollen lump in the middle of my forehead. It wasn’t easy. It was itchy and irritated, and, even though it was hidden under my hair, I couldn’t forget it was there. ‘It’ll calm down when the baby comes,’ said my hubby Paul, 30. You see, while pregnant, most women get one bump. But I got three – one on my belly, one in the middle of my forehead near my hairline, and one in between my eyebrows just below it! I’d been born with a port-wine stain birthmark there and, though self-conscious as a kid, I’d learned to live with it. It never caused me any grief. Until…

Strike a pose My son Benjamin, 4, isn't waiting round for summer to show off his ‘cool dude with shades' look! Melissa Thomas, Burry Port Jelly baby Isn’t my 3-day-old son Jacob the squishiest baby ever? I could just eat him up! Vicki Gander, Upton My girly grin She always has a smile on her face - my very happy 10-month-old daughter Ella! Amy Davison, Gateshead Bubble boy Look, Mum, I’ve got a new hairdo! To say my 3-year-old son Kye enjoys his baths is an understatement! Amy Vincent, Honiton, Devon Under the umbrella Brolly good show! Lilly, 3, knows how to keep herself warm and dry in the winter rain! Natalie Brush, Evesham MY CUTE BABY PIC That bib says it all! Meet my little leopard lady, Jasmine Rose,…

Not so sweet Shopping in my local supermarket, I noticed a small box of raspberries was £2 - twice the price of a large box of doughnuts. Faced with austerity measures and hungry mouths to feed, it's easy to see why many hard-pressed mums would be tempted by the doughnuts. This only fuels bad eating habits and obesity in children. It's time for a fairer price on healthy food and fewer cheap, sugar-based products. Ann Bennett, Stoke-on-Trent Inspiring mum Amy Poole’s story of her son Ollie hit home (My real-life Pinocchio, 19 Nov issue). My nephew was born with a cleft lip and palate – his parents were told they could give him up for adoption when he was born, but they chose to keep him. To them, and the…

After winter these spring flowering bulbs are a must to bring some cheer to your garden. Supplied as bulbs in the green, which means you will be able to instantly see how they will look when added to your garden. These bulbs are from commercially grown sources and not taken from the wild. Supplied as bulbs in the green. Collection comprises: 1. Single-flowering Snowdrops - Pure white, bell-shaped flowers full of elegance. Height: 15cm (6”). Spread: 10cm (4”) 2. Double-flowering Snowdrops - Upward facing, white blooms, with green markings in the centre. Height: 15cm (6”). Spread: 10cm (4”) 3. Winter Aconites - These will rapidly create a beautiful carpet of golden Yellow. Height: 8cm (3”). Spread: 5cm (2”). Bulb size: 3/4. 4. English Bluebells - Beautiful blooms hang from an…

Peas in a pod, that pair. While there might be 12 years between my daughters Jorden, 20, and Maddison, 8, they’re still thick as thieves. Bonded over nail varnish, pop music and baking. So much baking... Cupcakes, biscuits and cookies, all decorated with hundreds and thousands and edible glitter! ‘Just make sure you clean up, afterwards,’ I said last time the girls hit the kitchen. ‘Yes, sir!’ Jorden joked, saluting. Beside her, Maddison’s face was already covered in flour and her hands were in the mixing bowl. But she burst out laughing, and my heart melted. Yes, the kitchen was a state. But how could I be cross? The following day, Jorden would be getting the train back to Brighton, where she’s at the University Of Sussex. Maddi would miss…

Capricorn 22 Dec - 20 Jan Climbing up a ladder quickly is relatively easy, but coming down one needs extra care. Right now you’re trying to get yourself out of a tricky position and back onto safe territory, and naturally you want to do this as quickly as you possibly can - but it still has to be done one step at a time. Don’t take any risks. • Call 0905 817 0699* for more Aquarius 21 Jan - 19 Feb Someone has misread your intentions from a recent conversation. When you meet again this week, it’s clear that you have very different views on the matter. You’ll have to go back over what was said, very carefully, so as not to cause any embarrassment or hurt to the other…

It was like his body wouldn't do what his brain told him Invitations, centrepieces, flowers, wedding favours… In the lead-up to our wedding in October 2010, me and my partner Ben, then 30, spoke about little else. ‘I can’t wait,’ I beamed, excited. I noticed Ben was a bit quiet but, in my own little bride bubble, I didn’t pay much attention to it. Probably wedding nerves, I thought. The big day went without a hitch. Tying the knot in a local church, we then celebrated with 130 guests at a hotel reception. ‘You’ve made me the happiest man in the world,’ Ben said in his speech. Days later, after opening our wedding gifts, I began writing out thank-you cards. Ben helped with a few, but his writing was scruffy.…

You what? Q I've gone deaf in one ear! There's no pain and I haven't had a cold, so what's wrong? Adriana, 32 A You're right that a cold can leave you deaf for weeks, as catarrh fluid gradually clears. Other possibilities include infection or injury, but most likely it's simple earwax, which can completely block your ear. Ask your GP or practice nurse to take a look. Burnt mouth Q I've had a burning feeling in my mouth for years. Doctors and dentists can't help, what can you suggest? Agnes, 53 A Your GP will have ruled out causes such as thrush infection, diabetes or iron and vitamin deficiency. So it could be burning mouth syndrome, where nerves carrying pain messages get rewired so they're switched on all the…

Makes: 12 Prep: 20 min, + 30 min chilling 125g unsalted butter, plus extra for greasing 275g digestive biscuits 3tbsp golden syrup 100g raisins 125g plain chocolate 1 Grease and line a 20cm square tin with greaseproof paper. 2 Crush digestive biscuits finely by placing in a polythene bag and banging with a rolling pin. 3 Melt butter and syrup in a pan, remove from heat and stir in raisins and biscuit crumbs, mixing well. 4 Put mixture in the tin and press it down firmly into the base. 5 Melt chocolate in a bowl over a pan of simmering water. Spread over biscuit base and chill for 30 min. Remove from tin and cut into slices to serve.…

Morrisons Fresh Cream Black Forest Gateau, £3.50 An attractive cake made of equal parts sponge and cream! Topped with a pool of cherry sauce, it's a proper teatime treat! Sainsbury's Black Forest Gateau, £2 This big gateau comes frozen, so take it out of its plastic container before defrosting. The light sponge is sandwiched with lashings of cream and cherry sauce. Co-Op Truly Irresistible Black Forest Cake, £2.75 This small cake is topped with white-chocolate buttercream. It's moist and sandwiched together with cherry jam... We loved this! NEW Santa Maria Pulled Pork Dinner Kit, £3.99, Morrisons Use the seasoning sachet and the ovenproof cooking bag to turn a pork joint into sweet, smoky, sticky pulled pork in just 90 minutes!…

As I walked across the playground, tears streamed down my cheeks. ‘Oi, fatty!’ one of my classmates yelled, causing everyone to point and laugh. Just 10, I wore a size-16. Some kids bullied me mercilessly for it. My legs were the biggest part of me. I’d be in agony all day as my thighs would rub and chafe, causing weeping sores. The thing was, I didn’t eat any more than other kids my age. But the chafing stopped me from playing sports, as it was too sore. Worried, my mum took me to the doctor. ‘It’s just puppy fat, she’ll lose it,’ he told her. Only, I didn’t. As I got older, left school, the weight just piled on. I tried every diet – Atkins, cabbage soup, Cambridge, Slimming World……

EastEnders Home again Remember Louise, Phil’s daughter with Lisa Fowler? Well, she’s returning to Walford after Phil tracks her down. The feisty 14-year-old wants to become a true Mitchell. So how will Louise fit in with the Mitchell clan? Emmerdale Aaron’s secret Robert’s shocked when Aaron reveals a secret. Adam teaches Kirin how to feed Johnny, his heart breaking as he watches them together. Leyla and Nikhil kiss, Gordon wants to buy Diane’s share of the Woolpack, and Jacob returns. Hollyoaks Lockie escapes! Lockie ends up in hospital and tries to convince Tegan and Leela what Cameron’s been up to. But his nightmare’s not over… The word tranny has been scrawled on the art school display. Grace and Esther find evidence that proves Trevor’s innocent.…

Aussie 3 Minute Miracle Moisture Deep Treatment, £4.99, Boots Delivers moisture to dry hair without weighing it down. Top tip: Use twice a week for best results. Dr. Organic Moroccan Argan Oil Restorative Treatment Conditioner, £8.49, Holland & Barrett Treats both your scalp and hair with natural ingredients. Top tip: A must for frizzy locks. Lee Stafford CoCo LoCo CoConut Mask, £5.99, Boots The thick, creamy texture makes it feel like a real treat for your tresses. Top tip: Apply between your usual shampoo and conditioner. Sanctuary Long-Lasting Moisture Oil-Cream Moisture Mask, £6.99, www. sanctuary.com Blends oil with conditioning agents. Top tip: Perfect for heat-damaged hair. OGX Anti-Breakage + Keratin Oil Miraculous Recovery, £6.99, Superdrug Strengthens split hair using keratin proteins and argan oil. Top tip:…

Vanessa’s 6 BIG wins 1. Round The Clock £408 2. Round The Clock £3,032 3. Round The Clock £6,769 4. Emerald £1,563 5. Lounge £888 6. Lounge £6,652 TOTAL £19,312 I’ve enjoyed several lovely holidays in the past two and a half years – soaking up the sun by the sea. Bliss! And it’s all down to my wins at Chat Mag Bingo! In fact, you might remember seeing me in Chat back in 2012 – holding up my two big cheques! Back then, I’d won £408, £3,032 and £6,769 in progressive jackpots playing Round the Clock bingo. A total of £10,209 within six weeks of joining! ‘I’ve never even won so much as a raffle before, and now all this!’ I’d said. I’d used my winnings to whisk my…

Should I be moving on? Dear Tony, My husband died in 2005, and I still think of him. I regret not telling him how I loved him in the end. Please let me know if he knew. Also, should I feel guilty about meeting someone I like and feeling happy again? My husband is always in my thoughts. Patricia, Thorburn Dear Patricia, Your husband has such wonderful memories of the social club you attended and asks that, in times of sadness, you remember his upbeat personality and all the fun times you had together. He's met friends from that club in spirit, including Trevor and Jim. Please understand, your husband always knew how much you loved him, it didn't need saying, and it's a love that is reciprocal. His one…

Sometimes an odd dream will wake me in the night… I’ve always had a vivid imagination. As a kid, I’d spend hours daydreaming about all sorts of superheroes, monsters, robots… And, as I got older, things didn’t change. I was always off in my own little world. ‘Earth to Grahame!’ my mates would say, laughing. Then, in 2006, out of nowhere, I had a lightbulb moment. ‘Wouldn’t it be cool if I could bring my imagination to life?’ I said to a pal. I’d recently daydreamed that I’d been tiny, smaller than a coffee cup. I wanted to recreate the image with my camera. I’ve always been into photography, even studied it at university. So I took a series of photos of myself using a tripod and a timer and…