Table of contents for 15 August 2024 in Chat

Megan Harley, Weston-super-Mare Sonia Cullis, Holland-on-Sea Tina Saunders, Crowborough We pay £25 for any photos that we use on Chat To Us! Marketa Humphreys, Bristol Nichola Hulse, Pontefract Elliot Richardson, Braintree Get in touch! EMAIL chat_magazine@futurenet.com POST Chat, 121-141 Westbourne Terrace, London W2 6JR Find us online at facebook.com/ChatMagazine…

YOU'RE THE JUDGE! Hard-working Sofia Castelli had a bright future ahead. Described by friends as a ‘happy, sweet girl’ who was ‘full of dreams’, Sofia, 20, was studying sociology at uni and worked part-time in a supermarket. She lived with her dad, a chemist, her mum, who worked in education, and her younger brother in Cologno Monzese, on the outskirts of Milan. A popular girl with lots of friends, she'd been dating Zakaria Atqaoui since she was 15. He was three years older, was well-liked by Sofia's parents and had been welcomed to the family's home many times. At one point, the couple had been engaged. But their relationship was rocky. They'd broken up several times over the years. By summer 2023, they'd split again. Sofia told friends that Zakaria,…

Q Recently, I don't feel in the mood for sex with my boyfriend. I've been taking the combined contraceptive pill for several months – could the two be linked? Fiona, St Andrews A Taking the combined contraceptive pill is linked to a decrease in sex drive. Hormonal contraceptives, like your pill, work by altering hormone levels, which can lead to changes in sexual desire and arousal. Discuss symptoms with your GP, who may be able to suggest alternative contraceptive methods or adjust the dosage. Don't just stop taking the pill as this puts you at risk of an unplanned pregnancy. Additionally, stress, relationship issues and personal circumstances can also influence libido, so talk to your partner to address any concerns.…

Can you set a puzzle in this format? Send it, with a photo of yourself, to the address on p5. There's £20 for every one we use! This week's puzzle was compiled by Nick Roche, Caistor, Market Rasen WIN 5x £20 Puzzle 6 ACROSS 1 Large fixed point in night sky 2 Musical/vocal sound, referring to pitch, quality and sound 3 Allowing access through an empty space 4 Destructive insect DOWN 1 Cease to happen 2 Drink alcohol to excess 3 Scottish term for once 4 Tenant's regular payment to landlord Your answer:…

Browsing a posh interiors shop in September 2022, I spotted a cute woolly pumpkin. Only, checking the hefty £20 price tag, my eyes watered. I could make one much cheaper myself, I thought. I'd never tried crochet, but how hard could it be? So I bought some wool, watched online tutorials and got to work. It was tricky at first, but I didn't get unravelled. Within hours, I'd created my very own pumpkin. ‘Will you make one for me, Grandma?’ my granddaughter Ellis, then 9, grinned when she saw it. My daughter Leigh, then 32, also put in an order. I was delighted! Life had been quiet since being diagnosed with arthritis in both feet in 2014. Spending weeks recovering from surgery, I had to close my dog boarding business…

The Gasparilla Pirate Festival, named after the probably entirely fictional pirate José Gaspar, has been celebrated in which US city since 1904? Solve the crossword, then read down the shaded squares to find the prize puzzle answer. ACROSS 1 Chris _, Guardians of the Galaxy actor (5) 4 Small devil (3) 5 Pelvic joint (3) DOWN 1 Gave money to (4) 2 First Greek letter (5) 3 Offal (5) WIN 4x £20 Puzzle 13 Your answer: TO ENTER Turn to page 56 for details or visit comps.lifedeathprizes.com/puzzles…

When Misty walked into her daughter's bedroom and found an open box hiding a positive pregnancy test, she was stunned. It felt like history was repeating itself. ‘When I got pregnant with Rileigh, I was 15 years old,’ Misty explains. ‘I got pregnant at 15, became a mum at 16.’ And it wasn't an easy ride. ‘Being a mum so young was not the funnest thing in the world,’ she says. ‘I received a lot of judgement about being a teen mum.’ After Rileigh's birth, Misty was forced to grow up quickly. ‘Being a mum and having your mum kind of mother you at the same time is extremely difficult,’ she says. But as her daughter grew, so did the bond between them. ‘Rileigh and I are very close,’ she…

Top tip Swap the créme de cassis for water or blackcurrant cordial to make this alcoholfree. Iced berry cheesecake This fruity pud is bound to cool you down on a sunny day! SERVES 12 PREP 20 MINS, PLUS FREEZING COOK 5 MINS ● 50g butter, melted ● 200g chocolate digestive biscuits, finely crushed For the filling: ● 200g shortbread, crushed ● 75g butter, melted ● 125g blackcurrants ● 2tbsp caster sugar ● 280g tub cream cheese ● 500g tub strawberry ice cream For the topping: ● 200g blackcurrants ● 30g caster sugar ● 2tbsp crème de cassis ● 4tbsp redcurrant jelly You will need: ● 20cm spring-form tin, greased and lined 1 Blitz the shortbread in a food processor until finely crushed. Pour over the melted butter. Blitz to combine,…

Aries 21 March-20 April Life is all about the journey, so instead of focusing on where you are going, sit back and notice where you are right now to release any stress and anxiety. ● Call 0905 817 0690* for more Taurus 21 April-21 May It's time to kick back, rest and rejuvenate. Take a break away or give yourself a day home alone to really focus on and take note of your true feelings. ● Call 0905 817 0691* for more Gemini 22 May-21 June Are you valuing yourself enough? Do you often give more than you receive? Ask yourself these important questions to ask over the next few days. ● Call 0905 817 0692* for more Cancer 22 June-23 July You have a huge heart and love to…

Q It's too hot to use my hairdryer at the moment - are there any ways I can style my hair without heat? Charlotte Davies, Bristol A The last thing you want to do in the heat is grapple with a hairdryer. It gets you all hot and bothered, and the style rarely lasts because of a combination of a sweaty scalp, dehydrated hair and humidity. Not only will heat-free styling be an all-around more cool, pleasant experience, it'll also prevent damage. A good air-dry cream will help your hair dry naturally without frizz. Umberto Giannini Banana Coconut Air-Dry Cream, £8.95, Boots, works brilliantly and helps hydrate hair. Work through damp hair after washing, using a wide-toothed comb if prone to tangling. You can emulate those effortless beachy waves you'd…

Chat winners issue 20 (16 May 2024) £1,001 CASH J Hornick, Whitehaven £500 CASH A Horth, Lowestoft K Millen, Portsmouth £250 CASH S Davis, Bicester P Acaster, Pershore £200 CASH S Fitzpatrick, Horley £100 CASH J English, Stevenage C Parkinson, Sudbury J Marcus, Hampton £50 CASH D Taylor, Leeds S Jones, Newport M Crossland, Blackpool J Murphy, Hitchin C Ryall, Bristol A Corral, Glasgow £40 CASH J Roberts, Stirling £30 CASH P Chinnock, Minehead D Thompson, Ballymena £25 CASH D Ingram, Telford B Waterhouse, Bristol £20 CASH D Hudson, Huddersfield M Cheese, Hayes N Royles, Denbigh C Ratcliffe, Nottingham J Young, Beith J Morley, Nottingham N Francis, Gateshead J Davies, Southport M Boddington, Petersfield P Jackson, Sutton E Foster, Hyde S Mills, East Cowes A Barnes. Carlisle K Lewis, Chesterfield P Alsop, Brighton M Aldridge, Tiverton S Johnson, Paignton F Scott,…

What's your favourite thing about yourself? I have a good sense of humour and like a good laugh. I'm also full of facts about the 80s. Your go-to drink? A nice coffee or a glass of white wine. How would your friends describe you? Kind and funny. I like sharing silly photos on Facebook and don't mind making fun of myself. Sweet or savoury snacks? Definitely savoury over sweet. I love a bag of crisps or salted peanuts. Or even pork scratchings. WE PAY £50 to everyone we feature on this page! Do you prefer reading a book or watching a film? Film, every time. I love a good horror film or a 1980s movie. The Goonies is a particular favourite. JOIN IN! Chat is proud to work with The…

Named for the logo the band use, what was the name of the 2007 debut album by French duo Justice? 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 Palm fibre used in weaving (6) 2 The Great Barrier Reef's country (9) 3 Large tank housing fish etc (8) 4 Almond paste used in cakes (8) 5 Ability with numbers (8) 6 _ Gagarin, first human in outer space (4) 7 Disguised (9) 8 Belief, point of view (7) 9 Charles Dickens novel; Nicholas _ (8) 10 Unit of length (4) 11 Instrument panel of a car (9) 12 Card suit (8) 13 Bacterial food poisoning (10) 14 Building designer (9) 15 Domesticated (4) 16 Sicilian volcano (4)…

Sizes from 6-22 F&F at Tesco STYLE TIP Crochet is trending this summer with its breezy, bohemian vibes. This black dress makes a great beach cover-up. Sizes from 6-26 Tu Clothing at Sainsbury's STYLE TIP Don't forget to check out the accessory section, these designer-inspired sandals will go with everything. Sizes from 6-24 George at Asda STYLE TIP This stunning slip dress comes in seven colours. It's great for dressier occasions with its silky fabric and elegant cross-back design. Sizes from 8-22 Nutmeg at Morrisons STYLE TIP Wear this linen blend co-ord together, or team the waistcoat with a pair of wide-leg loose-fit jeans.…

As I climbed into the driver's seat, I asked my friends for instructions. ‘Which is the brake?’ I said. It was October 2005 and I was driving a quad bike for the first time. Two friends sat on either side of me, a third in the metal basket up front. Renting a cottage in the Scottish Borders, we'd decided to take the bike out for a recce. It was better than walking hours to the nearest shop. I was cautious. But then, a pothole. True-life PATIENT CASEBOOK Suddenly the bike flipped, rolling down the hill. ‘Jump!’ I yelled. I hit the ground and began rolling, only stopping when my hip smashed into a rock. The girls ran towards me. They seemed relatively unscathed. Two raced to the cottage for help,…

Lifting my daughter April for a cuddle, I smiled. It was June 2016 and, aged 1, April was already so happy and confident. Checking her eyes, I called over my partner William, then 38. ‘They're definitely different colours,’ I said. We'd known babies’ true eye colours took time to develop. Had been waiting to see if April's would be brown like mine or blue like her daddy's. But she had one of each. There was also a streak of blonde running through her brown locks. ‘Our special girl,’ I said. Though not worried, we took her to the doctor just to be sure everything was OK. Referred to the genetics team, April was diagnosed with Waardenburg syndrome. There didn't seem anything to it other than skin, eye and hair colour…

3 ways to… cut food waste Fed up of chucking your groceries in the bin? Here's how to stop it. 1 Find your downfall Start by working out which foods you're wasting; keep a note for a week of what you're throwing away and write down the cost of the items too, so you know how much money you're wasting. Next, work out how you can avoid it. For example, if you buy lots of fresh produce because you're planning to cook but then don't use it because you're either too tired to cook or you're out, why not consider batch-cooking? You can cook different recipes at the weekend to then just heat up in the week, or freeze portions if you're not going to be in. 2 Chill out Buying frozen…

TRUE-LIFE With a pang of excitement, I laid out a black dress on my bed. It was August 2021, and I was heading out for the night with my closest pals. Aged 18, I had just received my exam results and was celebrating being offered a place at Southampton University. Chuffed! I brushed my hair, flicked on some mascara. Then, in my bedroom, I stripped down to my bra and knickers and slipped into my dress and high heels. ‘Right, I'm off!’ I called, heading downstairs. ‘Have fun,’ Mum replied, as I grabbed my keys from the kitchen table. But as I turned towards the front door, I sensed unwelcome eyes on me. ‘Are you really wearing that dress?’ my stepdad Paul, then 46, queried, blocking my way. ‘Yes,’ I…

Face Facts Blemish Patches, £1, B&M Spot patches will help blemishes heal quicker and also prevent you from picking at them, which always makes them look worse and spreads the germs. This set of 24, which costs just £1, is incredibly similar to a much more expensive celebrity-favourite brand. Collection Eyes On Me Curling Mascara, £4.99, Superdrug The curved edge of this mascara will push even short, straight eyelashes up and out, giving you an open-eyed, curled look without having to faff with eyelash curlers. The dense brush will also provide impressive volume in just a few sweeps.…

Respected primary school teacher Fiona Beal had been with her partner Nicholas Billingham, a builder, for 17 years. They shared a terraced house in Northampton, near the school where she worked. The pair seemed happy, kept to themselves. But in October 2021, Fiona, then 47, sat down to write in her diary. Its pages revealed that all was not as it seemed. The mild-mannered teacher had a dark side… On 1 November 2021, Nick, then 42, went to work. Fiona had the day off. She smoked cannabis, hatched a plan. By the time Nick came home, she'd made a decision. She was going to kill Nick. I'd planned it mentally so many times before, she admitted in her diary. Days earlier, she'd bought a utility knife, wrote about how it…

To Peter, You're probably wondering why I am writing you a letter. To be honest, I didn't think you would be the pop star I most needed to thank. I was just 3 when your first single, Mysterious Girl, was released. I grew up seeing you pop up on TV, hearing your hit from time to time. Like in November 2021. Mysterious Girl was playing in the background of a special moment, as me and my husband Jake, then 33, cooed over our newborn son, Henry. We were on the maternity ward, and though I was in love with our baby boy, my head was still swimming. Your song will always be a hit with me! Following a perfect pregnancy, I'd gone into labour and after six hours, Henry's heart…

WIN £1,001 Puzzle 4 What does Strictly star and TV presenter Stacey Dooley say that her young daughter has taught her? To find out, solve the crossword then read down the shaded squares to find the five-word prize answer. ACROSS 11 Breakfast food (6) 12 Dry up, like water (9) 13 Second-hand (4) 14 Have a different opinion (8) 15 Unsuccessful contestant (5) 16 Mend (6) 17 Person giving evidence (7) 18 Writing marks (11) 20 Mountain range in South America (5) 22 Levels of quality (9) 24 Assists (5) 28 Alphabet characters (7) 29 Bother, difficulty (7) 32 Very soft fabric (6) 34 The business of manufacturing (8) 36 Tagged (8) 37 Pardon or forgive (6) 39 Decorative design (7) 40 Voyage (7) 45 Musical speed (5) 47 Moving…

Mystery illness Q I suffer from several recurring health issues, including colorectal problems, itchy eyes, a blocked nose, burning sensations, and shooting pain in my feet and legs. Despite having various treatments and tests, no one can diagnose the problem. Kate, Swanage A I'm sorry to hear about your health challenges. Try visiting a clinic that specialises in hard-todiagnose conditions with a team of specialists. Make sure all possible causes are explored, including nerve issues, autoimmune disorders, rare vascular problems and histamine intolerance, which can be affected by hormones. You could consider holistic medicine that blends conventional and alternative treatments. See pain specialists for medications and physical therapy, and get help for managing chronic pain. Connect with support groups and keep a detailed diary of what triggers your symptoms and…

Who is the only men's singles tennis player to have won all four majors, an Olympic gold medal, the ATP World Tour finals and the Davis Cup in the course of their career? To find out, solve the puzzle… Add a letter anywhere in each of the boxed-off words to fit the clue, eg, Water vapour = STEM + A = STEAM. Write the added letter in the space provided. Read down the added letters to spell out the prize answer. WIN 2x £25 Puzzle 9 Your answer: TO ENTER Turn to page 56 for details or visit comps.lifedeathprizes.com/puzzles…

She's struggling at school Q I'm worried about my daughter. Her big brothers went to the same primary school and did really well. But my girl is way behind her classmates. She acts up in class and never does her work. She says she doesn't understand anything, so what's the point in trying? I'm worried she might have dyslexia, but the school won't help me get an assessment. What can I do? Rosie, 38 A Oh, sweetheart. Being a parent can be so tough. If the school won't get her an assessment, you can contact a voluntary organisation such as the British Dyslexia Association (bdadyslexia.org.uk) for help with arranging one, and for more advice. All kids learn differently, but you're being a fab mum getting your girl the help she…

TRUE-LIFE The worst moment of my life began with a woman I'd never seen before stood on my doorstep. ‘Are you Thomas’ mum?’ she asked. ‘What's he done?’ I replied. It was 2pm in August 2005 and my son Thomas, then 7, was having the time of his life during the school holidays. Big brother to Jess, then 4, and Owen, 2, he loved hanging out with his friends on our street. Riding their bikes, playing football. I never worried. He was always nearby, their voices in the distance. But the woman had a serious look on her face. ‘He's been in a road traffic accident,’ she said. My heart dropped as she explained an ambulance was on its way. Rushing outside, I called his dad, my husband Gary, 44,…

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. HEIDI 1 Which first name links Heidi's goatherd friend in the Heidi novels, the husband of Lois Griffin in Family Guy and Bill Murray's character in Ghostbusters? (5) 2 What was the nationality of author Johanna Spyri, who published stories of the orphan Heidi between 1880 and 1881? (5) 3 Heidi Klum, Tommy Hilfiger, David Bowie and Gwen Stefani appeared as themselves with cameos in…

QV Skincare High Concentration Moisturising Cream, £6.99, justmylook.com This intensely nourishing lotion will immediately defeat any dry patches on the face or body and is suitable for sensitive and eczemaprone skin. Neutrogena Hydro Boost Hydrating Fluid SPF50, £16.50, Boots It's so important to wear SPF daily, all year round. This product makes it easy, with a hydrating formula that feels refreshing and quenches complexions. The Ordinary Balancing & Clarifying Serum, £20.20, theordinary.com This is a brilliant serum for oily or acne-prone skin. It's a fuss-free, effective way to keep your complexion balanced. Apply in the mornings, after cleansing and before moisturising. Aussie SOS Blonde & Hydrate Conditioner, £8, Boots Natural and bottle blondes will benefit from this conditioner, which will intensely nourish dryness while brightening up the colour. W7 Way…