Table of contents for September 24, 2015 in Chat

It was almost time for school but Mum was asleep in bed. 'Coats on,’ I said to my sister Catherine and brother Chris. At just 14, I looked after Catherine, 4, and Chris, 3. Our mum Bernadette Quirk was a hospital care assistant. When she wasn’t working, she’d get drunk and I had to do the housework and look after the younger children. We had no money. The house was filthy and Chris would scurry out early and take milk from neighbours’ doorsteps. When I was 15, I got a boyfriend and fell pregnant. 'Another mouth to feed,’ Mum grumbled. Then, five months into the pregnancy, I went into labour. Later that day, I gave birth to a son, named John. He lived for half an hour before passing away.…

Blotchy rash Q I've come out in red, itchy, raised blotches all over. They come and go at random during the day. What can I do? Rachel, 35 A Blotches that appear and disappear this quickly usually point to urticaria, so-called nettle rash. Allergy, infections or drug side-effects can be triggers. Usually symptoms disappear within a few weeks, and antihistamines should help. Heartburn troubles Q My heartburn's getting worse. Is there a diet that'll help? I don't want to take tablets. Tammy, 50 A Don't knock pills to reduce stomach acid - they can work wonders! Otherwise, lose weight if you're overweight, don't smoke, and eat little and often. Avoid anything that worsens your symptoms, especially spicy food. See your GP if it's getting worse. Hard skin Q I'm fed…

Walking into the animal rescue centre, I didn’t expect to fall in love. But as the small basset hound came bounding over, I melted. 'He’s gorgeous,’ I said. It was May this year and the dog had a skinny body, tiny legs, huge paws – and massive ears! My partner Richard Bradley, 49, grinned as the dog jumped up to say hello. 'He’s making a fuss of you,’ the staff smiled. I knew immediately we’d take him home… We already had a cat, chickens, a rabbit and two guinea pigs, but Richard had always wanted a basset hound. 'We’ll take him,’ Richard and I agreed. The following day, our home was checked to make sure it was suitable for our new pet. And the day after, Remy, 2 years old,…

Swap... Subway chicken-breast sub…295 cal For… Subway chicken-breast salad…139 cal SAVES 156 CAL! Diet bites Top of the pops! Chef'n PopTop microwave popcorn maker, £22.99, www.chefn. com Make low-cal popcorn in a gadget which opens when it's ready. Getting fruity Lbd, 2 for £3, Asda Vodka-based fruit-flavoured drinks - and less than 100 cal per can. Choose from Apple Cranberry, Peach Raspberry and Lime Watermelon. £50  What worked for you? I'll pay a full-fat £50 if I use your weight-loss story. Write to me, enclosing before and after pictures at: Losing It, Chat, Blue Fin Building, 110 Southwark Street, London SE1 0SU, or e-mail me: christine.parsons@timeinc.com Not all diets, products or fitness regimes may be suitable for you - always consult your GP first. LIFE! DEATH!…

Serves: 6 Prep: 15 min Cook: 30 min 1 x 410g can apricot halves in light syrup 270g filo pastry sheets 75g butter, melted 2tsp ground cinnamon 1 heaped tbsp icing sugar Vanilla ice cream, to serve 1 Preheat oven to 180C/Gas 4. 2 Drain syrup from apricots and reserve, then roughly chop fruit and set aside. 3 Lay one sheet of filo pastry onto work surface. Mix butter with cinnamon and brush over filo. Layer another sheet on top, and butter, then continue with four sheets in all, buttering as you go. 4 Scatter chopped apricots all over, leaving a 2cm gap around all edges. Working from one long edge, carefully roll up pastry, place on a baking tray, dust with icing sugar and bake for 30-40 min until…

A surprise win for me I’d only gone and won myself a grand! By Helen Anderson, 53, from Edinburgh I loved the soothing sound of my sewing machine. It was a gift from my dad yonks ago. And I enjoyed making my own Roman blinds. My hubby Steven, 53, put them up for me, and it was fab seeing them around the house. I also enjoyed a game of bingo. I joined Chat Mag Bingo a few years ago. I used to go to the local bingo hall, but playing from home was so much more convenient. I also didn’t get out as much after suffering sciatica and problems with my spine. Earlier this year, I had surgery to correct it and I had to put my feet up while…

Virgo 24 Aug - 23 Sep Old debts are almost paid off now, and you’ve got big plans for the future. That’s fine, but it seems there’s one last piece of unfinished business, and although you tell yourself that it doesn’t matter, it does. Go back and see to it - that way you can make a clear space between old and new. • Call 0905 817 0695* for more Libra 24 Sep - 23 Oct Are you wildly romantic? You’d like to think so. Romantic, definitely... but wild? Not so much. Yet this week you have a fabulous opportunity, if only you dare to take it. Too shy? OK, so imagine that you’re in a romcom movie - and go for it. It always works on screen, so why…

My mate and I wanted to see a lot in a little time. Cruising was perfect! Where to stay? Three hours after leaving London Heathrow with Aegean Airways, we were in Athens, and stayed for an evening at the fab Athens Plaza Hotel, before setting sail the next day. Once aboard the Celestyal Odyssey cruise, our boarding pass gave us access to all the ship’s facilities – gym, pool, restaurants, casino, main lounge for shows, piano bar… Or we could indulge in the ship’s spa and boutique shops – or chill in our comfy cabins and enjoy the ocean view. And that’s before we’d even stopped at any islands! What to do? After a pleasant afternoon sailing, we stopped at the stunning island of Mykonos, renowned for its big windmills…

very time you shop at any of Quidco's 4,200 What’s cashback? retailers, it receives a commission for generating E a sale. As a reward for using its service, Quidco passes that commission back to you in the form of cashback. Yes, it's that simple! What’s on offer? Great deals Whatever you’re looking to buy, we’re sure Quidco’s got a deal with your name on it. Cashback on everything Quidco offers cashback on everything, from takeaways to must-have toys, high-tech electronics to beauty supplies, up-to-the-minute fashion and family days out! Your favourite brand Quidco works with all your favourite brands, including Mothercare, Tesco, Amazon.co.uk, Expedia, Superdrug, Argos, Toys ‘R’ Us, The Body Shop, ASOS, Waterstones and thousands more… Loads of cash rewards up for grabs! More than 5 million people in…

The stares, the cruel jibes, the taunts. I was used to it… Born with a rare, genetic condition, cleidocranial dysplasia (CCD), which affects the development of bones and teeth, I looked different from other kids. I had no collarbone, and my back hunched over slightly so it looked like I’d no neck. Plus, I’d a prominent forehead and a flat nose – all symptoms of my condition. Some of my other family members had it too, so I didn’t feel different until I started school... 'Oi, Quasimodo!’ kids would snigger. I tried to ignore them, but their cruel comments hurt. 'It’s not fair,’ I sobbed to my mum Lynn, 51. 'I want to be like everyone else.’ 'Ignore them. You’re special,’ she said. By 10, I still hadn’t had any…

POST Chat, Blue Fin Building, 110 Southwark Street, London SE1 0SU E-MAIL chat_magazine @timeinc.com FACEBOOK On Facebook at www.facebook.com/  ChatMagazine We pay £25 for each letter published, and a fiver for each Facebook thought, £25 if we use your Facebook photo on here. • All contributions to Chat must be original, not copies or duplicated to other editors. Subject to these conditions, payment as set out above will be paid for all rights in each letter printed. The Editor reserves the right to shorten or modify any letter or material submitted. Time Inc. (UK) Ltd reserves the right to reuse any submission sent to Letters, Tips, Kids, and Chat to us! columns of Chat magazine, in any format or medium. We regret we cannot answer letters.…

Whenever a new kid started at my primary school, I’d race over. 'This is my special cheek,’ I’d blurt. I had to tell them quickly. Before they stared, asked questions. Bullied me. See, I was born with the genetic condition neurofibromatosis, which causes a huge tumour to grow on my right cheek. When my mum Helen, then 30, fell pregnant, she and my dad David, 40, knew there was a chance I’d have the condition. It’s hereditary, and Mum and my big brother, Oli, two years older than me, have a mild form of it. Mum has soft bumps on her skin, while Oli has cafe au lait spots – little brown patches. For them, it’s hardly noticeable. But for me, it’s a rare, benign tumour. My mum first noticed…

Throwing a tantrum, my boy Ollie, 3, sat on the pavement, refusing to budge until I fed him. Typical toddler. When reasoning with him fails, I should be able to scoop him up. But Ollie weighs 5st – the average weight of a 10 year old. My tiny 7st frame’s no match for him. Before you judge – stop! Ollie’s not big because I let him devour pizza or chocolate. In fact, he’s never tasted chocolate. I’ve had to be strict with him from day one. Delivered naturally on 23 November 2011, weighing 6lb 4oz, I gazed at my beautiful boy. And instantly knew something was wrong. He felt floppy. With jaundice, he was placed in Special Care while I rested. Next morning, the doctor explained they’d run tests. 'Ollie…

The rucksack was bursting at the seams. 'I’ve brought your favourite,’ my boyfriend Graham Smith, 45, grinned, pulling out a meringue the size of my head. I was in the Royal Brompton Hospital with a chest infection. Graham knew I’d need to keep up my strength, so he’d filled his rucksack with treats. 'Where would I be without you?’ I asked, smiling. Graham had stuck by me when others would’ve run. I’d been born with cystic fibrosis, an incurable genetic condition that affects my lungs and digestive system. Doctors hadn’t expected me to live past my teens. My life-limiting illness put most guys off. One even dumped me in hospital! Then, at 32, I’d met divorced Graham on a dating site. I don t want kids , I’d explained in…

Time for a break ...all-inclusive luxury on Kos By Samantha Gibbs , 46, from Dagenham, Essex The phone call came completely out of the blue. 'Congratulations! You’ve won a holiday.’ I was speechless for a second. But it was true. I’d won a prize draw on Chat Mag Bingo. A fabulous, all-inclusive week for two on the Greek island of Kos. Amazing! And it wasn’t my first Chat Mag Bingo win either. Back in 2011, I’d hit the jackpot and won a massive £8,566! Me and my mum Elizabeth Coney, 69, have always loved a bit of bingo. Mum sometimes went to the bingo hall. But as a busy mum – and a foster parent with my hubby David, 58 – I often didn’t have time. Which is why playing…

Was my girl welcomed..? Dear Tony, My daughter died last June. I was so upset - you never expect your children to die before you. Is she happy, and did anybody meet her, or welcome her into the spirit world? Knowing that someone was there would ease the pain. Patricia, Huntingdon Dear Patricia, Your dear daughter tells me she was the middle child of three, and has two children of her own. There's so much love being sent to you all. She's eager to tell you she's met up with her father, and also Uncle James, two of many around her in Spirit. There's reference to her having lung cancer, and how brave she was up to the moment she took her transition into the spirit world. I hear her…

1 Drain 2 x 160g cans of tuna chunks, place in a bowl and flake into large chunks. Mix in 500g mashed potato, four finely chopped spring onions and 100g drained, canned sweetcorn. Season with a little salt and ground black pepper, then form into four burger shapes. 2 Beat an egg in a shallow bowl with 2tbsp cold water. Mix 100g dried breadcrumbs and 1tsp finely grated lemon zest together on a large plate. Dip burgers in egg, then coat in breadcrumbs. 3 Heat a good glug of sunflower oil in a frying pan and shallow-fry burgers for 3-4 min on each side. 4 Serve on a slice of grilled ciabatta bread or on half of a roll, with salad leaves Serves: 4 Cost per head: 75p LIFE! DEATH!…

What’s 22in tall, weighs 20kg and is super-cute? My tiny horse, Microdave – an American miniature foal. I’ve been breeding and showing regular-sized horses for several years, but five years ago, after reading about them, I decided to buy a miniature horse. I just loved how adorable and friendly they are. So I got a mini-mare – we called her Barbie, because she has blonde hair and blue eyes. A year later, I treated my hubby David to a pint-size stallion named Haysden Samber Tiddly for Christmas. 'I’ve nicknamed him Little Dave – after you!’ I laughed. 'Brilliant,’ David laughed. Soon after, we decided to breed Barbie and Little Dave. And, last August, Barbie fell pregnant. On 11 June this year, I’d come back from a horse show at around…

With his mop of curls and snazzy lounge suit, my new hubby Stuart looked smashing. I beamed with pride. It was December 1960 – a simple wedding at a Derby register office in front of 12 guests, followed by a meal out. But we were so happy. And we stayed that way as years, then decades, passed. We had no children, but lots of fun with each other. Stuart kept himself busy with some hobby or other. If something tickled his interest, he’d give it a go. Tending the allotment, pruning roses, fell walking. But it was all very tame. Until six years ago… We decided to take a life-drawing class. 'I could do that,’ Stuart whispered, nodding at the model. Within weeks, he’d found a local artist, Jackie Adshead,…

Ker-ching! My son Stuart, 2, loved his trip to the arcade and watching the penny machines. Sarah Jane Campbell, Portsmouth Run for it! Showing off all the stickers he got on his first Sports Day. My son Olly-J, aged 4. What a superstar! Alex Staniforth, Goole Cat in the hat Perfecting his cool, hipster look, here’s my great-grandson Harry. He’s just turned 1, but I’m pretty sure he’ll be a real gent when he grows up! P Cobbold, Armley Best buddy Meet Crumble - the cuddly blanket! He's my 1-year-old daughter Emily's best friend and even tags along when she's in the garden. Jennifer Light, Canterbury MY CUTE BABY PIC Adorable 2-week-old Alexa Grace looks so angelic and quiet when she's sleeping - but she can be a wee bit…

Finishing off a bottle of wine with my friends, I started feeling tipsy. We were celebrating my mate Tom’s birthday in July last year, at a local nightclub. 'I’m having such a good time,’ I giggled happily. Spotting a few people I knew at the bar, I made my way over. 'Back in a sec,’ I told my pals. Soon after, the lights came on in the club to signal it was closing time. I couldn’t find Tom or my other mates, so I decided to head home. It was only a five-minute walk – I’d done it hundreds of times before. I’d lived in the area for years, too, so I felt safe. As I set off, a figure appeared at my side. 'Good night?’ a man with a…

Loyd Grossman Tomato & Chilli, 350g, £2 Pleasingly oily, we liked this for the chunks of tomato in the sauce, lots of herbs and a good kick of chilli heat. Sainsbury's Tomato & Chilli Pasta Sauce, 500g, 85p There's plenty in this big jar to serve four, with a sauce that looks like lumpy ketchup - but packs plenty of good, hot, spicy flavour. Aldi Cucina Tomato & Spicy Pepper Sauce, 500g, 69p With chunks of tomato and lots of herbs, this big-value jar has a great, fresh flavour - along with that all-essential blast of chilli heat. NEW Oreo Peanut Butter cookies, £1.08 They won't be around forever, so make the most of this limited-edition flavour while you can. Smooth peanut butter between two chocolate cookies… Mmm, don't mind…

How I lost it! I would not get married in a plus-size wedding dress! It was October 2012, I'd got engaged, and with the date set for July 2014, I was determined to be slim for it! I'd put on weight in my late teens, and stayed a size-16/18 for years until 2008, when I ruptured my Achilles tendon playing football and was in a wheelchair for three months! After having my son Myles in 2010, we went to live with my parents, and, eating big meals, I ballooned up to 19st 7lb , a size-22. But I was confident, even in my size-22 silver corset for Notting Hill Carnival! Then, in January 2013, I joined Lighterlife . When I lost 11lb in the first w eek, I knew I…

If you’d like help with a problem, write to: Ingrid, Chat, Blue Fin Building, 110 Southwark Street, London SE1 OSU, or e-mail ask-ingrid@timeinc.com Sorry, Ingrid cannot reply personally. Ask for the truth. You deserve to have an honest answer. Is he really over her? Q My husband left me and had a year-long affair before finally coming back. I forgave him, but it feels like he's not ditched the memories of her. He often drops mentions of places they went to and things they did together. I find this really hurtful. Is he really over her? Name withheld, 39 A Why aren't you asking him this? Are you scared he won't give you an honest answer? He deceived you big-time once, so he's capable of doing it again. At best,…

Emmerdale Robert fights for his life Andy is reeling when Robert confesses to killing Katie and, later, Robert is shot by a mystery assailant. Will he survive..? Plus Debbie can’t resist when Ross kisses her, but Sarah and Pete interrupt the moment. EastEnders Ender the road for Charlie! Charlie heads to the train station with Roxy - but will they both be leaving Walford? Plus Max’s trial continues and is beginning to take its toll on the locals. And a decision Jane makes is a real shock! Hollyoaks Pete’s revenge! After Pete has cosied up to Cleo and helped her with her essay, she then rejects him. So Pete deletes all of her work! Plus Reenie’s unravelling fast around Derek and swears that she isn’t going to let him marry…

Max Factor Smokey Eye Drama Kit in Magnetic Jade, £8.99, Boots A fun alternative to brown that's great on darker skin tones. Top tip: Apply eye make-up before foundation in case any powder falls on your face. Boutique Smokey Eye Quad, £8, Sainsbury's Sultry shades, perfect for evening. Top tip: Use pale shadow on the inner corners of eyes to widen them. Collection Eyes Uncovered Nude Bronze Palette, £3.99, Superdrug Warm shades that contain just the right amount of shimmer. Top tip: Use darker colours on the crease of your eyelids and blend towards your outer brow bones. No7 80 th  Anniversary Eye Shadow Palette in Nude, £13.50, Boots Contains an amazing range of shades for any occasion! Top tip: Pressed eyeshadows are easy to blend.…

It was 1982, and seven military divers were busy training in Lake Baikal, Siberia. All of a sudden, one of them spotted bizarrely shaped underwater vehicles zooming along in the waters below. They were moving far faster than anything invented and used by the USSR at that time. And that wasn’t all. The divers claimed they’d seen a group of 3ft-tall, 'humanoid creatures’ dressed in tight-fitting silver suits. 'Let’s capture them,’ one diver suggested. But it wasn’t that easy. This foolhardy decision resulted in the deaths of three of the divers, while the survivors were severely injured. Terrifying. Welcome to Lake Baikal, the deepest lake in the world. And perhaps the most mysterious… Formed in a rift, created by tectonic plates moving along fault lines, between the Irkutsk Oblast region…

As the saying goes, you can’t help who you fall in love with. Sheila Davalloo knew that more than most. She was already married when she met Paul Christos at New York Medical College in 1994. When her husband discovered her infidelity, they divorced, paving the way for Sheila to wed Paul. Maybe she’d found her soulmate second time around… Then, in summer 2001, Nelson Sessler joined the company, where Sheila worked as a research scientist. Another affair. But their relationship ended in the winter, when Nelson fell for another of their colleagues, Anna Lisa Raymundo. Anna Lisa was an athletic Harvard graduate who had a Master’s from Columbia University. By 32, she was a pharmaceutical executive with a nice car, gorgeous apartment and dream lifestyle. Everyone admired her, and…