Tabla de contenidos para December 2022 en Chat Specials

Snow is falling, all around us… well not quite yet! But the Christmas spirit is certainly around. And it won’t be long before chestnuts are roasting, carols are playing, and advent calendar doors are wide open. That’s the beauty of December, and at Chat we are all preparing for the festivities – so should you! Whether that’s getting your skates on at some of the UK’s best ice rinks (pg40), understanding how you can freeze the price of your energy bills (pg56), or grabbing the ingredients for a warming family traybake (pg44), there’s plenty for you to get ready for. For Vicky (pg58), packing her bags was on the agenda – only it wasn’t for a holiday… She had decided to start her own alpaca farm! It was spur of…

Helen Smith, 45, from South East London As a child, my youngest son was a huge challenge. Sean was born on 20 July 1997 and from the get-go, I just had my hands full with him. He was constantly crying and pulling things. And boy did he hit the terrible twos hard. He would have the worst tantrums until he got what he wanted and regularly attacked his siblings, Charlotte, now 27, and Adam, now 26. I couldn’t understand why he was like it. The eldest two were such calm, lovely children and rarely even misbehaved themselves. But Sean was the opposite, he was simply out of control. When he was three years old, he spat at my mum Christina, 74, after she asked him to put all of his…

Michelle Stanley, 56, from Staffordshire Sitting on the sofa with my granddaughters, we snuggled up to watch a film. ‘Nana, can we have pizza?’ the girls asked. ‘Yes, let’s go get one,’ my husband, Steve, 58, jumped in. We loved spending time with our six granddaughters, but as we were both on the larger side, it rarely involved leaving the house. Instead, we made cakes and watched lots of films together. After having our own four children, both mine and Steve’s weight piled on. We had our youngest three one after the other, so we were definitely busy, and my weight was the least of my concerns. Unfortunately, I wasn’t one of those mum’s who just snapped back though. Over the years, as the kids grew up, I became a…

Blackmail and Bibingka-by Mia P. Manansala £10.72, AMAZON It’s Christmas time in Shady Palms, but Lila’s trip home for the holidays is far from a fairytale. Wherever her cousin Ronnie goes, trouble follows. So, when he is accused of murder, secrets and rumours about her family start piling up. Now Lila has to put away years of resentment and distrust to prove her cousin’s innocence. He may be a troublemaker, but there’s no way he could actually be a murderer…right? Blackmail and Bibingka, the new novel by award-winning Mia P. Manansala, explores just how much of the past we’re willing to leave behind. According to the Library Journal, ‘Filipino-American culture and family take centre stage in the third mystery by Manansala’. Add it to your reading list! A Sliver of…

Sleeping beauty Here is my daughter and our pooch, Angel, snoozing on the sofa. They are both exhausted after a long walk around the Peak District. Don’t they look peaceful? John, Sheffield Snow angel Look at my daughter frolicking in the snow! Even though she is all grown-up, she still loves to play in the snow. Her favourite is making snow angels. Linda, Newcastle Coco-nutty I recently took some left-over coconuts home after a local fete. But don’t they look like faces? I thought it was quite spooky! Susan, Bude Practice makes perfect In preparation for Christmas, I have been perfecting my Yorkshire puds. Christmas is the biggest event of the year in my house, and I want it to be just right. I think I’ve done a pretty good…

However, after a few days, he was gripped to his phone again, and didn’t even speak to me. And just a week later, Sean snapped once again. We ordered a Chinese, and after I dished up, I realised I’d forgotten to bring out the cutlery for us. ‘Please can you go and get the knives and forks?’ I asked Sean as he was sat right by the kitchen door. ‘No, you get them,’ he groaned. ‘Sean, you’re next to the door,’ I said, exhausted. He continued to refuse to move. Sighing, I gave up and went to get them myself. There was no one there to save me Only, as I walked into the kitchen, I felt Sean smack me round the back of the head and I quickly crashed…

Lucy Giles, 45, from Didcot, Oxfordshire Chopping up carrots, I made my way to the garden. Dropping off the delicious snacks to my 19 healthy rescue bunnies, I then wandered inside to give the remains to my tortoise before dishing up my meaty chunks in dog bowls, too. With my dogs Leo and Murphy waiting patiently, I made sure everyone was fully fed before cracking on with my day. Being an animal lover ever since I was small, having a collection of pets just felt right, and I was always open to the idea of welcoming more. ‘I know how much you want a Newfoundland pup,’ my partner Ashley insisted. Only, I had to hold the thought for a little while longer. Being rushed to hospital, on 10 January last…

Petal power My husband buys me flowers every week, and to keep them healthy, I cut the stalks at a 45-degree angle. This means there is a greater surface area to suck up all the water. Aren’t they lovely?! Paula, Cambridge Hot idea I hate ironing, so I speed it up by taking a sheet of aluminium foil and placing it directly on the board, underneath the cover. The sheet reflects heat upward, making the job easier and faster – I have better ways to spend my time! Jodie, Swindon Odour soaker I hate the smell of old veg, so I place a sheet of newspaper in the vegetable drawer in my fridge to help prevent bad odours from spreading. It also helps keep my fridge clean! Doris, Whitby As…

Louise Hughes, 27, from Wigan Sipping on my glass of wine, I spotted a few new faces approach our table. ‘Is this seat taken?’ a handsome stranger asked. ‘Be my guest,’ I blushed, offering him the spot. It was October 2012, and I was unwinding with a couple of colleagues in the local pub when I first met Dave Hughes, then 27. Right from the start, Dave, a trainee mechanic, seemed kind and outgoing – I felt instantly at ease around him. ‘Can I have your number?’ he asked boldly. ‘Of course,’ I beamed, handing my phone over to him before saying goodbye. The next morning, I woke up to a text from Dave. Lovely to meet you, he said. I felt like a giddy schoolgirl as the two of…

Kerry D’Arcy, 38, from Yeovil Peering my head round the bedroom door, I could see that my husband was still fast asleep. Must have been a late one, I thought to myself, as I left him to it. Steve, then 36, was an avid gamer and had been since we’d got together as teenagers. And that morning, in January 2019, I assumed he was just feeling the effects of another late night sat down at his computer. Deciding to leave him to get some rest, I headed off on the school run with our daughter, Sophie, 13. By the time I was home, Steve was only just stirring. But as he emerged from the bedroom, something was up. ‘I don’t feel right,’ he said, pausing in the hallway. ‘You’re probably…

Jack Turley, 26, from St Albans, Hertfordshire Sitting next to my dad, Neil, I was fixated on the game. Come on, I thought, feeling nervous. Just go and kick the ball! As my team scored, we jumped up and cheered. But as I went to sit back down, a horrible, familiar feeling crept over me. I needed the toilet – and I needed it now. I leapt up out of my seat and ran straight to the bathroom. But I didn’t make it. It was horrifying – a grown man, in his 20s, not making it to the bathroom in time, and soiling himself in public. I waddled to the toilet, cleaned myself up and went back out, commando – with my dirty underwear screwed up in my pocket. I…

FILM AND TV 1 Which actress played the memorable horrible boss in the 2006 film The Devil Wear’s Prada? a Susan Sarandon b Meryl Streep c Jennifer Aniston 2 Who was Ross’ first wife in the TV series Friends? a Carol b Emily c Janice 3 Mary Poppins is nanny to which London family? a The Smiths b The Roberts c The Banks 4 Which Disney princess’ dress changes colour as she dances with her prince at the end of the film? a Princess Jasmine b Princess Aurora c Princess Belle 5 What year was Christmas film The Polar Express released? a 2001 b 2002 c 2004 6 In which film do Meg Ryan and Tom Hanks fall in love? a You’ve Got Mail b When Harry Met Sally c Big SHOWBIZ 7 What is the name…

You old goat! I came across these noble mountain goats whilst on a walk by the coast. I think they’re so cool, and I’m amazed how they climb such steep, rocky cliffs so easily. Rich, Cheddar Christmas pup He is my puppy Bea wearing her Santa collar. She is such a button. I’m so excited for her first Christmas! Jess, Birmingham Crazy cat Here is my kitten Whiskers ready to pounce! He is one crazy cat and is always tearing around my flat. I play with him for hours to try and tire him out! Hollie, Luton Pretty girl Here is gorgeous Collie-Cocker cross Nancy. She is almost seven now, and the best dog ever. She is my best friend. Lottie, Brighton THAT’S SO BRITISH DRINKING TOO MUCH AT THE STAFF CHRISTMAS PARTY.…

There’s nothing more satisfying than making your own decs and gifts for Christmas – check out some of our favourite festive makes! NORDIC WONDER WITH DOBBIES GARDEN CENTRES Woodland terrarium YOU WILL NEED: • A glass terrarium or large glass vase • Moss • Moss branches • Pinecones • Christmas tree trimmings • Decorative item HOW TO MAKE: 1. Start by lining your terrarium or vase with compost and moss. Achieving a distinctive line between the two will help create a more interesting look. 2. Start to add in your pinecones and moss branches to create depth within your terrarium. We also added faux earth eucalyptus, too, for an extra colour element. 3. If you have a real Christmas tree, take small trimmings and place them inside your terrarium or…

Stacey Kilpatrick, 36, from Leicester Sitting in the car, I took a deep breath before turning to my partner Kyle, 38, and sharing some big news. ‘I’m pregnant,’ I blurted out – I couldn’t wait. ‘That’s amazing!’ he beamed. In 2016, Kyle and I found out we were expecting our second daughter – it was so exciting. We already had our little girl, Paige, now 10, and we wanted her to have a younger sibling. Despite being diagnosed with gestational diabetes and told to cut out the chocolate, everything was healthy. But then, at 34-weeks, I woke up in the middle of the night to a familiar feeling. Urgh, I’ve come on my period, I thought, before the realisation hit. I’m pregnant, I shouldn’t even be having a period! Switching…

TIMELY TURQUOISE Celebrate December birthdays in style with Primrose Hill. Please visit: primrosehilljewellery.com…

Jo Howarth is an advanced hypnotherapist and a mindfulness practitioner, too. She works alongside schools, individuals and businesses, teaching them to look after their mental health and emotional wellbeing. (thehappinessclub.co.uk) Starting from scratch Q I’ve just been made redundant from my dream job. The timing couldn’t be worse, especially with the festivities coming up. My partner only works part-time, and it means a lot of pressure is on my family. How can I start all over again? Mary, Bristol A The only way you can start all over again is taking things step by step.I know that being made redundant is a huge shock to the system, I’ve been there too, but I promise that it is also an opportunity for you to reassess what you want to do. Take a…

Vicki Sinclaire, 38, from Backworth Walking along the beach, I watched a group of seals play on the rocks. ‘They’re so cute,’ I told my friend, snapping a photo of the lovely creatures. It was an evening in April this year, and we’d decided to watch the seals by the lighthouse. I loved living near the sea, especially because of all the beautiful marine life. In 2020, I joined Newbiggin-by-the-Sea Dolphin Watch, and always enjoyed seeing the dolphins when they were feeding. But that night, we had our sights set on seals. As I cast my eyes across the shore, I noticed one seal further away from the group. Thrashing between two rocks, it looked distressed. ‘I’m going to get a closer look,’ I said, stepping onto the jagged rocks.…

Terri Rae, 34, from Plymouth As my phone started buzzing on my desk at home, I immediately recognised the phone number. ‘It’s the nursery calling,’ I told my colleagues, as we had our virtual morning meeting in July 2020. ‘I’d better take this.’ Just a few hours earlier, I’d dropped my youngest son Harris, then one, to nursery. And as I handed him over, he seemed as content as ever. But now, the nursery assistant seemed a little bit concerned about him. ‘Harris has blood in his nappy,’ she told me. ‘You should probably come and get him.’ Not one to panic, I wondered if Harris had maybe cut himself or was suffering from a urine infection. ‘Can you send a photo?’ I asked. But once I saw his nappy,…

Get ready to whip up some hearty, comforting and nutritious meals. Celebrating the mighty pea, the Yes! Peas campaign, run by the British Growers Association, celebrates this small and mighty vegetable. By utilising your frozen vegetables to create delicious recipes, you’ll be supporting the 700 hardworking British pea farmers across the UK! Check out these pea-tastic recipes that the whole family can enjoy. A simple yet impressive dinner party dish to wow your guests GOAN FISH AND PEA CURRY WITH COCONUT RICE SERVES: 4 COOKING TIME: 30 MINUTES INGREDIENTS: • 2 tbsp vegetable oil• 2 large shallots, peeled and finely diced• 2 red chillies, deseeded and chopped• 4 garlic cloves, finely chopped• 3cm piece fresh ginger, peeled and grated• 2 tsp ground cumin• 2 tsp turmeric• 2 tsp ground coriander• 2 tsp…

Ask our doc With Cheryl Lythgoe, Head Matron for Benenden Health. Low mood Q My seven-year-old son has suddenly become withdrawn and moody. Could he be depressed? Veronica, Peterborough A Everyone, irrespective of age, gender, ethnicity, or culture, has good and bad periods in their lives which can lead to mood changes. Mood changes in children can be secondary to lots of different factors, be that environmental, nutritional, physical, or social. Consider any potential changes in your son’s life that could have triggered his low mood such as worries at home or school, and any relationship changes with friends or family members. Try having a discussion with him about why he may be quieter than usual, providing reassurance that we all have days when we aren’t feeling our best. If your…

Vicky Webb, 31, from Ripley Holding out a handful of hay, I squealed in delight as an adorable creature yanked it from my grip, gobbling it up with a content look on his face. ‘He’s so cute!’ I giggled to my husband Matt, 31. It was July 2017, and Matt and I had decided to enjoy a day out at an alpaca farm in Sussex. I’d always loved these quirky South American creatures – their wacky hairstyles and facial expressions were priceless. And as we wandered around the farm, happily feeding them hay, I was in love. ‘I think that one likes you,’ Matt laughed, as one of the alpacas snorted in my direction. Ever since Matt and I met in 2015, we’d always enjoyed going to zoos and conservation…

MURDER MYSTERY Walking through the streets of London in 1888, the infamous Jack the Ripper committed a series of murders. Only to this day it remains the most famous unsolved mystery of English crime. At the time it is said that authorities received a series of taunting notes from a person calling himself Jack the Ripper – there were attempts of arrest, with no success. Without DNA evidence, what happened in London remains a secret – something that historians are still trying to understand to this day. TABLE MANNERS Origami napkins are an art form – some of them look as if they are defying the rules of gravity.But did you know that the art of folding napkins actually dates back to the 1800s in Austria? A certain style in…