Table of contents for 28 September 2023 in Chat

Ouch! I dare you not to wince when you see what state poor Amanda's gnashers were left in by a dodgy dentist (p34). She came across a bargain online and saw the chance to get the straight white teeth she'd always dreamt of. Instead, she was left in agony and unable to eat. Thankfully, a talented dentist came to her aid but she knows she's lucky, while some others aren't. Good on her for spreading an important message. Have a great week,…

TRUE-LIFE On the sundrenched beach, my big sister and I wiped away tears of laughter. ‘I can't breathe,’ Marlene howled. ‘Me neither. I've missed you so much,’ I beamed. It was June 2014 and Marlene, then 46, and I had spent the day reminiscing on our trip to Saint Catherine, Jamaica. A holiday that would become an annual trip. We'd grown up there you see, until Marlene moved to London aged 22. In those days, we weren't so close. I married Joseph, on Christmas Day 1999. By then, our daughter Latoya was 10 and our son Leonardo was a year old. Marlene had a busy life for herself in the UK, where she had a job and friends. It was Mum's death in 2000 that had brought us close again.…

An ‘alwhite’ wash For a sparkling white finish, add a couple of tablespoons of baking soda to your regular washing detergent. Gill Willans, Clapham, London Bye bye flies! Plastic lids from Pringles make great covers for glasses, either to stop them getting dusty on a shelf or to protect from flies at a barbecue. Aileen Evans, Larne, County Antrim Cool jewels Using an old ice-cube tray makes it easy to wash pairs of earrings, without having to worry that you might lose their tiny butterfly backs! Jane Jefferies, Swindon, Wiltshire £25 For every photo tip that we print You ‘can’ do it I wanted to brighten up my garden, so I attached some crystal string ornaments to an old watering can and hung it up on my fence. It glistens…

What nickname did David Bowie give to singer Beverley Knight? To find out, solve the crossword then read down the shaded squares to find the two-word prize answer. ACROSS 11 A dozen (6) 12 Uncivilised (9) 13 Second-hand (4) 14 Last month of the year (8) 15 Occurrence (5) 16 At a higher temperature (6) 17 Bizarre, weird (7) 18 Book by Louisa May Alcott (6,5) 20 Perfume (5) 22 Exactness (9) 24 Clan (5) 28 Weekday (7) 29 Most noisy (7) 32 Where an artist works (6) 34 Anne _, Oscar-winning actor (8) 36 Physical power (8) 37 Small glass ball (6) 39 Make ready (7) 40 Come into flower (7) 45 Grown-up (5) 47 Moving staircase (9) 48 Frighten (5) 51 Menacing (11) 53 Very warm part of the world (7) 55 Very young child (6) 56 Tall building (5) 58 Cold-blooded creatures (8) 59 Big cat with a mane (4) 60 True to life (9) 61…

True-life PATIENT CASEBOOK Sitting up in the hospital bed, I stared at the doctor, my face full of hope. After years of pain, I was hoping my misery was finally over. ‘The hysterectomy went well,’ she confirmed. Tears of relief pooled in my eyes. It was July 2015 and, aged 38, I hadn't made the decision to undergo such a serious operation lightly. For 20 years I'd suffered with periods so horrendous that I had to go to hospital. At one time bled constantly for a year. And my tummy was so sore, I could hardly stand. I'd never known agony like it. It was so bad, I'd once been volunteering in Jamaica and been sent home on medical grounds. It was then I knew something was very wrong. My…

TRUE-LIFE Lifting myself off the couch, I waddled over to the kitchen. ‘This looks delicious,’ I said, thanking my wonderful mother-in-law Marg, who was staying with us to help out. I had a gut feeling this was going to be a quick labour Together, we served up the roast veggies and salmon to my children Theodore, 5, and Gigi, 2. It was February this year, and I was nine months pregnant. Only a week to go! I thought. But when the baby still hadn't come by the due date, I began to get flustered. Not keen to be induced, I searched the internet for methods to bring on labour naturally. Exercise, walking and eating spicy foods. While Marg looked after the kids in the evening, I'd stroll along the beach…

We help you make savvy choices, so your hard-earned goes that bit further 3 ways to … autumn-proof your home Take action now to protect your home to try to avoid costly repairs… 1 Sort your service If your boiler is due its service, then don't put it off. Getting your boiler serviced regularly will help to keep it running safely. Plus, your engineer may be able to detect and fix any minor problems to help avoid future problems that could be expensive to sort out, says British Gas. Also during your service, your engineer will carry out checks to ensure your boiler is working efficiently. This can save money over time, as a more efficient boiler costs less to run. Find more info at britishgas.co.uk. 2 Guard your garden If…

The Long Shadow ITV1 ● From 1975 to 1980, the Yorkshire Ripper targeted women in the north of England while the police sought to bring him to justice. This seven-part drama follows the five-year hunt for the serial killer, who was later identified as Peter Sutcliffe, and focuses on the lives of his victims and the officers at the heart of the investigation. Toby Jones plays DCS Dennis Hoban, who initially led the inquiry, and David Morrissey is DCS George Oldfield, who famously took it over. Katherine Kelly and Daisy Waterstone star as victims Emily Jackson and Jacqueline Hill, in a cast that also includes Jill Halfpenny, Daniel Mays, Rob James-Collier, Lee Ingleby and Stephen Tompkinson. DON'T MISS DON'T MISS Who Killed Jill Dando? NETFLIX ● On 26 April 1999,…

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TRUE-LIFE Looking in the mirror, a tired, sad and frumpy face peered back at me. Late 40s, Late 40s, a grandmother. And single. It was June 2008 and, after two decades together, my marriage was over. What now? While I wondered, my two daughters Lauren, 27, and Liz, 26, decided to help me get back in the saddle. ‘Come on, Mum, we're going out,’ they chimed. Sod it, enough wallowing, time to get on with life. So, I put my warpaint on and picked out a black dress. Then, me and my girls hit the town. Looking around the club near our home in north London, I smiled. The place was wall-to-wall young folk. But that wasn't all bad… ‘He's gorgeous,’ I said, checking out a handsome young man at…

YOU'RE THE JUDGE! Newly single, Ju ‘Kelly’ Zhang, 33, was embracing life in sunny Melbourne, Australia, after splitting from her husband. The single mum, known as Kelly, started using an online dating app to meet friends or a new partner. It was January 2021 when she started chatting with Malaysian national Joon Seong Tan, 38. The pair hit it off straight away, and Kelly soon introduced him to her son Jack, then 8. Tan worked as a plumber, and was generous with his money. Helped Kelly with housework, even took Jack to school. Only, after a month, Kelly was having doubts about Tan. He'd become possessive, even started stalking her. She told friends that she wanted to end things. As things cooled off with Tan, Kelly started seeing a new…

Is there a drug-free cure? Q How can I stop my migraines from happening? I don't want to take drugs! Stacey, Wisbech A Drugs to prevent migraines might be worth considering if you suffer regular or severe episodes, although you have to take them constantly and side effects are possible. If you'd rather avoid drugs, the first thing is to spot and avoid triggers. These vary, but can include alcohol, caffeine, cheese, processed food, tiredness, poor sleep, stress, over-exertion and bright lights or loud noise. Acupuncture and exercises to relieve neck muscle tension might help too. The supplements magnesium, riboflavin and coenzyme Q10 or the herbal drug feverfew, all of which you can buy without prescription, might reduce migraine, although they can all, rarely, have side effects. A nerve stimulator that…

Q During sex I fart a lot and need to rush for a poo afterwards. It's so embarrassing! Roxie, Mytholmroyd A Embarrassing or not, it's fairly common. Your vagina sits alongside your rectum and lower bowel and the pressure and repetitive motion from sex stimulate your bowel, causing it to contract, forcing along gas and poo. This can squeeze out a few mistimed farts and fill your rectum, giving you the urge to poo. Some women also find that they need to poo immediately after orgasm, probably because your orgasm releases hormones that trigger bowel contractions. If it's a problem, try keeping your bowels regular with exercise and plenty of fibre, and take a poo before sex if possible. Cut down on gas-producing foods, such as pulses, and maybe ask your…

According to some accounts, Elaine, the daughter of King Pelles, is the wife of which character from myth? To find out, solve the puzzle… Add a letter anywhere in each of the boxed-off words to fit the clue, eg, Hot drink container = FLAK + S = FLASK. Write the added letter in the space provided. Read down the added letters to spell out the prize answer. WIN 2× £25 Puzzle 9 Hot drink container Lures Drench with water Creep around Delays Royal headpiece Win points Play dirty Entreaties Gesture Old and dry Your answer:…

Hook-a-duck You're reliable, dependable and unquestionably always there. While you like a gamble, you prefer a sure thing and don't like leaving anything to chance. But while you're busy giving everyone a prize every time, who's looking after you? FUN FACT In 2011, a goldfish named Goldie was won in a hook-a-duck game in Wales. And he's still going strong 12 years on! Waltzer As a teen, you'd sit next to your school crush on the waltzers so you could squash up to them as the car span. A great night out involves strobe lights, club hits and glow sticks, and like a waltzer you're unabashedly loud, love neon and live life in the fast lane. Remember to slow down every so often, or you might make yourself sick! FUN FACT The…

Q I'm struggling with being a new mum. Everywhere I look, it seems there are perfect parents with happy babies. I've deleted Instagram because of it. I worry I'm not good enough for my little girl. I tried to talk to my partner about it, but he just said that I was doing a good job and that it'll all be fine. Please help. Maisie, 33 A Being a new mum is so challenging. You've got all these new demands on you – it would be weird if you didn't feel stressed by it. Social media is all smoke and mirrors, so never compare yourself to anyone on your screen. Look after your baby and look after you. Talk to your health visitor or GP, flower. It's normal to be…

Rubbing her tummy, my wife Shelly grimaced. ‘I'm still bloated, it hurts,’ she said. That was in September 2021 and Shelly, then 45, had been feeling off the last couple of weeks with tummy pain, bloating and fatigue. All things we put down to her age, hormones and busy job as an activities coordinator at the local nursing home. Only, by now I was starting to worry. ‘This isn't right. Let's get you to the docs,’ I said. We'd met on a night out in 2003, clicked instantly. Drawn to her warmth, I just knew she was the one. Soon, she was pregnant, and we tied the knot on Valentine's Day 2004. Our precious boy, Ryan, was born that May, completing our family. Family life was wonderful, holidays in Cornwall,…

22-28 September 2023 Aries 21 March-20 April With the Full Moon in your sign later this month, it is a good time to focus on what you need to release to make space for bright new beginnings. ● Call 0905 817 0690* for more Taurus 21 April-21 May Jupiter in your sign has been helping you all summer to expand your vision, believe in your worth and take inspired action. Give thanks for the blessings in your life! ● Call 0905 817 0691* for more Gemini 22 May-21 June The Autumn Equinox on 23 September helps you find balance between your head and your heart. Try to listen more to your feelings to help you make clear choices. ● Call 0905 817 0692* for more Cancer 22 June-23 July Usually…

Q What's the difference between a BB and CC cream? Susan Daniels, Norwich A Both BB and CC creams make great alternatives to a foundation on days when you don't necessarily want a full-blown face of make-up. They usually give a light to medium coverage and often have skincare benefits. There are, however, some key differences that are worth knowing if you're trying to decide which to buy. BB cream (the ‘BB’ stands for ‘beauty balm’) is a slightly sheer base, often infused with skincare-level ingredients to treat your complexion while adding some coverage. Garnier Skin Active BB Cream, £9.99, Boots, is a blend between an anti-ageing cream and a foundation. It provides a glowy base while hydrating your skin – the more you wear it, the more time the…

Dressed in a taffeta wedding gown with billowing sleeves, Kathleen Donovan, then 20, was beaming from ear to ear. Her husband-to-be, Craig Folbigg, then 26, wore a suit with a blue bow tie, and stood proudly beside her. It was February 1987 and when the pair were pronounced husband and wife moments later, their family and friends cheered. Craig woke up to the sound of his wife screaming Only, on Kathleen's side, there was just a handful of old school friends to witness her becoming Mrs Folbigg. Kathleen's upbringing had not been a happy one. When she was 18 months old her father stabbed her mother 24 times in a drunken rage on a public footpath in Sydney. He was sentenced to 15 years in prison, eventually deported to the…

Simon Smith, 52, and Shane Foster, 34, from Birmingham Which celeb would you invite round for a cuppa? It would have to be the wonderful Emma Willis. Not just because she's a fellow Brummie, but having met her on Big Brother's Bit on the Side, it would be great to have a catch up! If you could time travel to any era of history, where would you go? Since we were both born in the 70s and 80s, we missed out on the swinging 60s, so it would be great to go back and enjoy some of the best music from the era. What are your worst habits? Simon is the world's loudest snorer (according to hubby), and Shane is worse than a woman for choosing what clothes to wear!…

By what nickname was Miranda Hart's character known in period drama series Call the Midwife? 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. Your answer: WIN £100 Puzzle 2 1 Cricket building (8) 2 Find one's way (8) 3 Prince _, Duke of Edinburgh (6) 4 Common yellow-flowered weed (9) 5 Midwestern US state (8) 6 Partner in crime (10) 7 Covetousness (4) 8 Pleasure or racing craft (5) 9 Handheld percussion instrument (10) 10 BBC general knowledge quiz show (8) 11 Desert wind (9) 12 Edible fish (8) 13 Portable lamp (7) 14 Compass point (5) 15 Fifty percent (4) 16 Ploughing trench (6)…

STYLE TIP Bring out the colours of the bold print with matching accessories. The adjustable waist keeps it flattering. STYLE TIP Make sleeveless jumpsuits autumn-ready by layering a blouse underneath. STYLE TIP Perfect for an evening out, this wrap jumpsuit pulls you in at the waist. Add heels to lengthen legs. STYLE TIP Lean into the utility trend with khaki. A striped tee will help break up the block colour…

WHAT'S THE VERICT? I n May 2023, Joon Seong Tan was found guilty of murdering Kelly and heartlessly dumping her body. At around 6pm that night in February 2021, he stabbed her multiple times. At least once in the heart, all while her son watched TV in his bedroom. Then Tan stuffed Kelly's body in the laundry cupboard. Later, once Jack was asleep, under the cover of darkness, Tan put the body in a bin and drove it to a rubbishcollection site. The next morning, he dropped Jack at school. Then he drove back to the site and watched from his car while the bin was collected by a council rubbish truck. Finally, after being found guilty by a jury in June, Tan confessed to his hideous crimes. In July,…

Q I can't use deodorant as it gives me an itchy rash. Do I have to settle for stinky armpits? Yasmin, Hatfield A Deodorants are perfumes that mask underarm smell, while an antiperspirant cuts down the amount of sweat. Most underarm products contain both, and the first step is to choose an unperfumed antiperspirant, as perfume is the most common culprit for allergy. Other triggers are aluminium, which stops sweating, propylene glycol, which forms most of the liquid, and preservatives. Some antiperspirants use different ingredients, so try different brands, particularly hypoallergenic ones. And you don't always need to use these products daily. Antiperspirants can work for days, and using them once every two or three days might help. If all else fails, regular armpit washing should do the trick, even…

1 Eat oily fish It's the best source of omega-3, healthy fats with anti-inflammatory properties. ‘The fatty acid EPA is converted to substances that help to control inflammation,’ says dietician Linia Patel.* Omega-3 also helps to protect against the breakdown of cartilage. Good sources include salmon, sardines, mackerel and pilchards. Aim to eat at least one 140g portion once a week. ‘Walnuts and flaxseed are good vegetarian sources,’ adds Linia. 2 Watch your weight Your BMI (body mass index) and waist circumference are the biggest predictors of osteoarthritis. ‘If you have a BMI of more than 30 and much of the extra weight is round your abdomen, you're at a higher risk of joint problems,’ says Jack March, rheumatology lead at Chews Health. ‘The fat cells cause extra inflammation in your…

BUDGET BUY SEASONAL STYLE COASTAL CHIC…

Speedy margarita pizzas Skip the takeaway and make these quick cheat's pizzas instead. SERVES 2 PREP 5 MINS COOK 10 MINS ● 2 large tortilla-style wraps ● 227g tin tomatoes, drained ● 1 garlic clove, crushed ● 25g light mozzarella, chopped ● 25g baby spinach leaves ● 6 black olives ● 15g sun-dried tomatoes ● Low cal baking spray 1 Heat the oven to 200C Fan/ Gas 7. Put the wraps on to a baking tray. Spread over the tomatoes and scatter with the garlic and mozzarella. 2 Arrange the spinach, olives and sun-dried tomatoes over both bases and squirt several times with oil. 3 Bake for 10 mins until piping hot and serve. Top tip Mix up the toppings — ham, peppers and tinned sweetcorn would all work well. PER…

EDITOR'S WARNING TRUE-LIFE Lying down in bed, I rubbed my belly. ‘Just you and me from now on,’ I whispered. It was December 2015, I was three months pregnant and I'd just split from my baby's daddy. I'd never planned to be a single mum. But I wasn't completely alone – my friends and family were supportive. One in particular, Daniel, then 28. He was eight years older than me, and we'd met through mutual friends. Hit it off from the start. ‘You're so beautiful,’ he grinned as we chatted. He was constantly paying me compliments, making me laugh. By the time my baby, a little boy, was due, we were a couple. ‘I'll love your child as my own,’ Daniel promised. Music to my ears. When my son was born,…

Chat winners issue 26 (29 June 2023) £1,001 CASH J Ashmore, Derby £500 CASH D Hampson, Manchester D Fleck, Newcastle upon Tyne £250 CASH P Guerin, Stockton-on-Tees M Kelly, Basingstoke £200 CASH D Simpson, Lytham St Annes £100 CASH H King, Mablethorpe R Ireson, Stourport-on-Severn C Oxtoby, Spennymoor £75 CASH J Rennolds, Yarm £50 CASH T Watts, Staplehurst J Faulkner, Gloucester P Mellan, St Helens G Walker, Berkeley N Kent, High Wycombe M Jowett, Newmarket £40 CASH T Gray, Arundel £30 CASH T West, Peterborough C Ling, Taunton Anyone from your town in the list this week‥? £25 CASH J Earl, Bristol J Bamber, Preston £20 CASH B Bishop, Nottingham G Gibbins, Skegness C Bryan, Totland Bay D Anderson, Belvedere D Currie, Sheffield C Lees, Boston K Seal, Walsall M Marolia, Ashton-under-Lyne J Probert, Rugeley L Harris, Southampton I Nicholson, Swindon J Johnston, Eccles D Hampson, Denton R Pegg, Swadlincote H Bickley, Whitstable L Barnes, Shoreham-by-Sea K…