Table of contents for 13 January 2022 in Chat

You can’t escape news about the rise in dognappings recently. Just thinking about all those poor pups and their families breaks my heart. Lisa on p30 felt the same – and decided she was going to do something about it. When it came to saying her wedding vows, another Lisa was totally speechless, but not for the reason that you’d think (p19). And Helen always knew there was something strange about her mum’s behaviour, but it wasn’t until she passed away that the shocking truth was revealed (p6). On a health kick? Check out our slimmer dinners (p40) and activewear so snazzy you’ll want to show it off at the gym (p12). Plus loads more and the prize puzzles you love. Stay safe and well this week. GET IN TOUCH!…

FROM £7 SPORTS BRAS STYLE TIP If you have a fuller bust, look for styles that come in bra sizes so you can get the perfect fit and more support. JACKETS STYLE TIP Whether you opt for a fleece, drawstring or padded cover-up, a block colour will flatter your complexion and keep you warm. TRAINERS STYLE TIP Function has met fashion, so choose colours that you will get most wear out of for working out and socialising after. LEGGINGS STYLE TIP Brighten up your gym gear with fun printed leggings, then keep your top half plain to let the bottoms stand out.…

On 12 August 2021, Lee Seung-hyun was found guilty of all nine charges. The judge, Colonel Hwang Min Je, expressed it was clear Seung-hyun had been involved in the crimes, calling his statements unreliable. ‘The defendant colluded with Yoo In-seok several times to get investors sexual favours, and benefited from it,’ he said. And the judge made it clear he took a firm moral stance against prostitution. He emphasised the social harm caused by the defendant’s crimes, including commercialised sex and breaking morals. Seung-hyun looked visibly shaken as he was sentenced to three years in prison. He was also fined £750,000. Following the verdict, Seungri’s Instagram page was bombarded with mixed reactions. Some called him a national traitor. I’m so embarrassed at myself for being your fan for the last 10…

Jade Wilson, 28, Enniskillen, Co Fermanagh Sitting on the loo clutching a positive pregnancy test, my world suddenly turned upside down. It was March 2013 and I was just 19 years old. I’d only been with my boyfriend Alex, then 23, for a year. Too much too soon? Only, Alex couldn’t have been happier when I broke the news later that day. ‘It’ll be grand,’ he smiled. Nine months on, our beautiful son Ryan came along and we felt so lucky. Soon after, we bought a house in Alex’s native Northern Ireland, to be closer to his family. And on our fourth anniversary, in June 2015, we went for a walk along the coast. ‘I need to tie my shoelace,’ Alex said. I’d walked on and I heard him calling…

ARROW WORD According to both the Ian Fleming books and the 2012 film Skyfall, James Bond’s family home is found in which Scottish location? Solve the puzzle by following the arrows and writing in your answers. Then read down the letters in the shaded squares to find the prize answer. WIN £1,000 Puzzle 10 Your answer: SUDOKU To solve the puzzle, each 3 x 3 box, each row and each column must contain the numbers 1 to 9. Solve the puzzle and the numbers in the highlighted squares will give you the prize puzzle answer. WIN £60 Puzzle 11 Your answer: WORDSEARCH Which of these birds was traditionally associated with the Norse god Thor? The answer is the one missing from the grid. CROW DOVE EAGLE FALCON GOOSE GULL MAGPIE…

Jacqui Millson, 58, Barnsley On 23 December 2016, I headed to a doctor’s appointment. Living in a small village, I didn’t think twice about leaving my conservatory door open for my husky Zala and German shepherd Zeus to access the garden. Only, when I returned an hour later, the dogs were gone and I noticed the latch on my gate had been broken. I called the police and was given a crime reference number. But I was treated as if I was reporting a missing bicycle, not my beloved dogs. It’s been five years and I’ve had no leads. My facebook page ‘Find Zala and Zeus’ has helped spread the word. But I constantly wonder about them. It breaks my heart not knowing.…

FILL ME IN WIN £100 Puzzle 14 Which American state is the only one to offer a ‘None of These Candidates’ option on official ballot papers? Solve the puzzle by following the arrows and writing in your answers. Then read down the letters in the shaded squares to find the prize answer. Your answer: CIRCLE TIME Niger, Bolivia and Indonesia all celebrate independence days in which month? Fit the words into the grid, then read down the letters in the shaded circles. 3 letters ALL BEE BUN EAT GUY LET NUN OBI URN YET 4 letters AQUA ASKS LUNG SHOE SOBS SOFA SOUP 5 letters NICHE NINJA THANK 6 letters ANYONE HERBAL LATEST NEARBY NUTMEG SPLASH 8 letters GREATEST WIN £100 Puzzle 15 Your answer: TO ENTER Turn to page…

3 ways to… boost your career in 2022 Want to get ahead at work this year? Here’s some advice from Niki Turner-Harding at recruitment consultant Adecco. 1 Develop your skills Taking the time to work on your skills or even learn new ones will be invaluable when it comes to helping you get ahead in your career. Research relevant training courses and don’t be afraid to speak to your organisation about on-thejob learning opportunities. This will not only help you to develop yourself in your current role, but it will also help you to stand out from the competition, should you be looking for a new career opportunity in the future. So push yourself! 2 Have a plan Create a personal development plan that outlines your career goals. And ensure…

Gardener’s pie with bacon and lentils This veg-packed pie takes you well on the way to your five a day and is less than 325 cals a serving. SERVES 4 PREP TIME: 20 MINS COOK TIME: 50 MINS • 600g potatoes, peeled and quartered • 1tsp plus 2tbsp olive oil • 1 large onion, chopped • 200g lean bacon, chopped • 2 large carrots, diced • 2 large parsnips, diced • 3 sticks celery, chopped • 2 garlic cloves, sliced • 1ltr vegetable stock • 2tbsp sun-dried tomato paste • 4tbsp skimmed milk • 400g can puy lentils, drained 1 Cook the potatoes in a pan of boiling salted water for 15 mins until tender. At the same time, heat 1tsp of the oil in a separate pan, add the…

Aries 21 March-20 April Mars is under the watery influence of Neptune nurturing your strategic side. Look for a course which will help you to take some steps up the ladder. • Call 0905 817 0690* for more Taurus 21 April-21 May A friend offers you some beneficial wisdom. Try a different tact. Change might not always be easy, but why not experiment and challenge yourself? • Call 0905 817 0691* for more Gemini 22 May-21 June A friend has invited you to a fitness class and although you’re a bit reluctant to go it would be a good idea as you will really enjoy the buzz. • Call 0905 817 0692* for more Cancer 22 June-23 July Sometimes, just the tiniest factor is enough to turn an idea into…

Q What’s the quickest and most effective way to give my skin a lovely glow? Anna, Leeds A The reason our skin can start to look dull is often that dead skin cells are lying on the surface. They create a rough, bumpy texture, which means your skin doesn’t feel that great, but also prevents natural light bouncing off it to give you that glow-from-within look we’re all after. Start by making sure you exfoliate two or three times a week and use a liquid exfoliating toner rather than a gritty scrub. Not only can you apply it more evenly all over for better results, but even the smallest particles in a face scrub can cause micro tears on the skin. Skin Proud Fruit Smoothie Gentle Enzyme Exfoliator, £14.95, Boots,…

£25 for any photos that we use on Picture Perfect. They must not have been sent to any other publication and you must include written permission from a child’s parent/s or guardian/s. Post to Picture Perfect, Chat, 121-141 Westbourne Terrace, London W2 6JR, or email chat_magazine@futurenet.com Unfortunately, we can’t return photos without a SAE. And please don’t forget to include your full address and a contact number.…

What connects actor Kate Winslet and singer Cheryl? To find out, solve the crossword then read down the shaded squares to find the fiveword prize answer. ACROSS 1 Hot drink (5) 4 Outdoor garment (4) 6 Creates (8) 13 Put in order (7) 14 In the middle (7) 15 Depart (5) 16 Action (4) 17 Place of learning (6) 18 Protest against (6) 20 Memo (4) 21 Courage (5) 22 Procession (6) 25 Circus performers (8) 28 Guidance (6) 30 Flavour (5) 32 Views (8) 34 Mixes (6) 35 Prison room (4) 38 Fortress (6) 39 Representative (5) 40 Agreement (6) 43 Birthstone for October (4) 44 Entertained (6) 45 Baker’s dozen (8) 48 Cinema worker (5) 49 Two-seater bicycle (6) 51 Cooking vessel (8) 54 Chewy sweet (6) 55…

Lisa Jackson, 38, South Normanton Sneaking up behind me, my boyfriend Chris, then 41, put his hands over my eyes. It was Christmas Day 2019 and we’d agreed to make each other gifts that year. ‘When you open your eyes, there’s a letter on the sofa. Can you read it out loud?’ he asked. And this year I want to make you... he’d signed off his letter. ‘My wife,’ he grinned, suddenly down on one knee, holding a beautiful ring. ‘I thought you were going to make me a wine rack!’ I giggled. Of course, I was overjoyed, and accepted his proposal. We’d been together for almost three years. I was so excited to be his wife. We began planning a sun-drenched wedding in Cyprus. Only, COVID-19 struck and our…

I always need to go Q I need to wee far more often than any of my friends. What’s wrong? Meg, Redcar A If this is a recent change, then see your doctor to rule out urine infection, diseases such as diabetes, kidney problems, or the rare possibility of a tumour pressing on your bladder. If it’s longer term, then maybe you have an overactive bladder, which sends signals telling you that you need to pee long before it’s full, or your bladder isn’t emptying fully when you pee. Bladder inflammation or infection are other possibilities, or it could be you’re simply drinking more fluid than you need. Some drugs will make you pee more often, too. Your doctor might suggest blood and urine tests, and keeping a record of…

ACID ATTACK ON TOT A horrific attack on a 3-year-old boy in Worcester’s Home Bargains store shocked the country in July 2018. Three men were captured on CCTV following the boy and his mum in a car. Then, in the shop, one of the men squirted acid at the little boy, who was seen screaming in pain. It later came to light that the boy’s father had paid the men to carry out the callous attack, after a custody dispute. The dad, 40, was jailed for 16 years for plotting to spray sulphuric acid on the boy with intent to harm. Five other men were also jailed for their part in the crime. The little boy is thought to have made a good recovery since. MONSTER IN THEIR MIDSTS Clive…

Natallie Cobden, 33, Derby Last August, I went on holiday and put my cockapoo Elvis into a boarding kennel. We’d used it before, so didn’t think twice about it. Only, a few days into the holiday, I awoke to the news that there’d been a break-in at the kennel. Elvis, my son’s therapy dog, had been taken, along with two other dogs Remy and Tony. Rushing home, we were told that the only lead was a witness who’d seen a black Hyundai Santa Fe car near the scene. The plates were found to be fake, the owners arrested. Only, they weren’t charged because there wasn’t enough evidence. The past five months have been hell. I’ve received death threats, calls saying my dog has been killed, vile people threatening to break…

Hubby’s gone off sex A My husband doesn’t want sex and we’ve only been married a year. He just tells me he’s tired or had a long day at work. We’ve had three miscarriages over the past three years, so I don’t know if that has changed things. We’re still young, I just want him to want me. Francesca, 25 A I’m so sorry to hear all that, flower. I hope that you’ve both had counselling – I think dads are often overlooked in these sad situations. Maybe grief is affecting your hubby’s libido, or he’s worried sex will lead to pregnancy and another baby loss. Time for a heart-to-heart. As for the bedroom, start slowly and don’t underestimate how good an old-fashioned snog can be. My mum is nasty…

Nicola Newman, 34, Long Eaton Sporting his Batman outfit, my boyfriend Adam, then 26, looked every bit as gorgeous as the famous Caped Crusader. I was by his side as Superwoman as we celebrated my 26th birthday in January 2013 with a fancy-dress party. Later, Adam got down on one knee, and I said yes to his proposal straight away. We’d met back in school when he’d been one of the biggest lads in the year. But, by the time we’d got together, he’d got fit and healthy. ‘Doctors said I had to lose weight or I’d cut years off my life,’ he told me. Weighing 20st and 6ft tall, Adam had taken up boxing, training every day. By the time we’d reconnected in August 2012, he was muscly and…

Q We’re planning building works on our house. How do I find a reliable tradesperson? H Brown, Leicester A ‘I’d say that personal recommendations by friends or family are one of the best ways to ensure quality service, especially if you’ve seen the work first hand,’ says Angela Kerr, of the HomeOwners Alliance. ‘Failing that, try searching via websites such as checkatrade. com. They carry out checks on tradespeople before they can become members and you can read customer reviews, too. Aim to get at least three quotes so you can compare them and ensure you get a fair price. If someone knocks on your door offering unsolicited services, always turn them away.’ Visit hoa.org.uk for more.…

Lottie London Stamp Liner:Wing Edition, £5.95, lottie.london The perfect eyeliner flick can be tricky. But now, thanks to this dual-ended pen that has a flick stamp at one end and a regular liner at the other, you can get it right every time. The Hair Lab By Mark Hill Bond Repair Bond Building Treatment, £19.99, Boots Save on in-salon repair treatments by using this at-home beauty, which is identical! This clever product repairs the internal hair bonds that get damaged through colouring and styling, so your hair looks shinier and, most importantly, feels stronger. Catrice Pore Clarifying Mask, £5.99, justmylook.com If your skin is congested after a hectic festive season, treat it to this gorgeous mask, which draws out impurities without leaving the skin feeling parched. Dr. Pawpaw Overnight Lip…

Dear friends, Have you ever looked at a positive pregnancy test and felt like all your dreams are coming true? If so, you’ll know how I felt that day back in February 2010. Walking into the hospital with my husband 12 weeks into my pregnancy, my head was full of daydreams about becoming a mum. That first cuddle, pushing a pram through the park, gummy smiles and chubby little thighs. I couldn’t wait to rush home later, show off my scan picture. But there was no scan picture that day. No sharing of good news with family and friends. Instead… ‘I’m sorry but the fetus has stopped developing,’ the sonographer told me. The baby I’d been so longing to meet had died weeks earlier. Utterly bereft, I felt my body…

Helen Naylor, 38, Nottingham Standing on the landing at my nan and grandad’s house, I stared up at the faded photo of Mum and Dad. Mum’s face smiled out from behind her goldrimmed glasses, but I hardly recognised her. Since I’d been born, she was usually angry or shouting. ‘Silly girl,’ my mum Elinor, then 40, would scold me. That was one of the things she called me. Or ‘fat’, ‘ugly’, ‘stupid’. It was 1987, I was only 4 years old and felt like an unwanted outsider. Mum said I wasn’t good enough. ‘Why can’t you have beautiful long fingers like mine?’ she said a few years later, when I was 6, holding my hand. In 1990, my dad Allan, then 50, retired with heart problems. But Mum’s problems always…

Faye Wilson, 44, Chatham, Kent Laid up in bed, another coughing fit hit. ‘I’ll be OK soon,’ I told my husband Keith, then 44. It was March 2020, and as COVID-19 tore around the world, I was one of the many who’d caught it. For weeks, I battled a raging temperature, dry cough, fatigue. Though I’d had very mild asthma in the past, I was otherwise healthy and hoped for a full recovery. But after week three, my breathing was strained and my chest was agony. ‘I’m calling 111,’ Keith panicked. The operator told us I needed an ambulance. By now, the country was in lockdown, hospitals struggling. ‘I don’t want to go!’ I wept. Thankfully, when Keith spoke to the paramedics minutes later, they told us I should stay…

OVER TO YOU Can you set a puzzle in this format? Send it, with a photo of yourself, to the address on p3. There’s £20 for every one we use! This week’s puzzle was compiled by Connor Mcguire, Cleethorpes, NE Lincs ACROSS 1 Favourite magazine 2 Pledge 3 Fruit of the blackthorn 4 Large book DOWN 1 Price 2 Ring of light above head of saint 3 Smallest particle 4 Old term for you WIN 5X £25 Puzzle 6 Your answer: HALF & HALF The term impressionism is derived from the title of a painting by which artist? Cross out a letter in each square to get a grid filled with words. The uncrossed-out letters in the shaded squares give the prize answer. WIN £100 Puzzle 7 Your answer: BRICK TRICK…

The world’s oldest surviving newspaper is thought to be Berrow’s Worcester Journal, which was first published in 1690. The weekly paper is still keeping locals informed today, over 330 years later. Worcestershire Sauce was created in 1835 when a wealthy lord commissioned two local chemists, John Lea and William Perrins, to make a fish sauce similar to one he’d enjoyed in India. Harry Styles was born in Redditch in February 1994. The solo star and former member of One Direction now splits his time between London and New York.…

Lisa Loops, 52, Berkshire Scrolling through Facebook one day, it struck me. Almost every other post is about a lost or stolen dog, I realised. I gave my rescue spaniel Leo a little scratch behind the ears. It must be so awful, I thought. If Leo went missing, I’d be beside myself. Owners would go to Facebook to post appeals, descriptions, number plates and any other information they had, to try to find their pets. But the demand was just too overwhelming. ‘I need to help them,’ I told friends, sadly. So, in February 2021, I decided to make a documentary called Muddy Paws Crime, about the dog-theft epidemic. Anyone who’s still searching for a stolen dog please contact me, I posted online. The responses flooded in, and by May…

Joyce Masih, 39, Bedford My crossbreed Nico had been staying with a dogsitter for a short time. But I found out that he’d been taken to a lodging centre by police. So on 7 November 2019, I contacted his microchip company to bring him home. But my name wasn’t on his microchip, so I couldn’t. Nico was sent to a rescue centre 150 miles away. I contacted the owner, went to collect Nico. But she refused to hand him over. I had to leave without my boy, and he was rehomed without my permission. I set up a Facebook page, ‘Nico Nico’, in his honour. The police decided it was a civil matter, so I’m building my case with a dog-law solicitor, who says it is a criminal matter as…

Treat yourself to Natura Siberica’s Treat yourself to Natura Siberica’s range of bodycare and haircare products for less as there’s 40% off, including this Rich Siberian White Body Butter (200ml), enriched with naturally hydrating oils to deeply nourish your skin. WAS £5.99, NOW £3.59 when using the discount code WO40 at the checkout at naturasiberica.co.uk until 28 February 2022. Subject to availability.…

Beauty director Sarah Cooper-White shares her favourites BetterYou Magnesium Sleep Body Spray, £12.95, betteryou.com Not only is this a wonderful sleep aid, but magnesium is also great for soothing tired and achy muscles and limbs. Spray it all over your body, massage in and hit the hay. Botanics Peaceful Night Pillow Mist, £7, Boots Packed with lavender and sweet marjoram, this gorgeous mist makes me feel calm the moment I spritz it all over my pillow. Plus, I love that the bottle is made of post-consumer recycled plastic. Feather & Down Sweet Dreams Pillow Spray, £7, featheranddown.com This spray smells utterly divine – a mix of lavender and chamomile – and I love the packaging too, so I’m happy to keep it displayed on my bedside table.…

PUZZLES 2 CLOSING DATE FOR ALL ENTRIES IS 25 JANUARY 2022 (Three days later for postal entries) PLEASE USE BLOCK CAPITALS THROUGHOUT HOW TO ENTER TEXT Simply text CHATC 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. •…