Table of contents for 18 July 2024 in Chat

Welcome to this week's Chat… How sweet are Freya and Jakob (p24)? She was so excited to have a baby brother that she even sang nursery rhymes to mum Nicola's bump. But it was when little Jakob arrived Freya really proved that she took big sister duties seriously and did something incredible. No wonder they share such a special bond. For another lovely family tale, check out Alice's story (p23). Talk about girl power! Have a great week, PS If you're entering the puzzles online, this is the link to use: comps.lifedeathprizes.com/puzzles…

TRUE-LIFE Julie Robinson, 40, from Cleethorpes The plate in front of me was piled high with roast chicken and vegetables. 'Eat up,' my mum Julie, 51, grinned at me and my dad Keith, 56. It was September 2014 and, after some difficult years, it was a relief seeing Mum happier. For years, she'd suffered with mental health issues, including anxiety, depression and persistent delusional disorder. On and off, she'd spent loads of time in hospital. Thankfully, with daily tablets, she was on more of an even keel these days. She'd nip out to the shops and always had Dad's tea ready when he got in from his job as a butcher. I was then 30 and my sister Vicky was 27, and we both had our own families. But we'd…

WIN £1,001 Puzzle 4 Lily Gladstone has said that which film gave her the early spark to want to become an actor? To find out, solve the crossword then read down the shaded squares to find the four-word prize answer. ACROSS 11 Big cat (6) 12 Change from liquid to gas (9) 13 Require (4) 14 Actor who starred in Forrest Gump (3,5) 15 Private teacher (5) 16 Inventor, _ Edison (6) 17 US state (7) 18 Panel show hosted by Dara Ó Briain (4,3,4) 20 Oak-tree seed (5) 22 Not temporary (9) 24 Secret hoard (5) 28 Roger _, former tennis player (7) 29 Go backwards (7) 32 _ McCall, TV presenter (6) 34 An ocean (8) 36 Good-looking (8) 37 Came down to earth (6) 39 Expression of regret (7) 40 Writer and TV personality, _ Brooker (7) 45 Young sheep (5) 47 Ludwig van _, German…

Should I get cheap skinny jab? Q I've been offered the 'skinny jab' semaglutide at my local beauty salon at a discount. I'm only slightly overweight so I don't qualify for a prescription from my GP. Should I get it? Rosie, Birmingham A Be wary about getting medications like semaglutide from places like beauty salons that offer them cheaply. Taking medicine without a real medical need and without a doctor's supervision can be risky. There are reports of fake or unapproved medicines being sold online or at beauty salons, showing how dangerous it can be to buy from unregulated outlets. Buying medicine without prescription means you're skipping the proper medical checks, which could lead to bad side effects or other problems. Talk to a doctor and get all medications via…

Going for gold! If you haven't had your sporting fill with the footy, then prepare for a variety of impressive physical displays during the Olympics. Events such as football and rugby sevens begin on 24 July but the big date for your diary is the 26 July when the opening ceremony takes place. The games run through to 11 August on the BBC and will be followed by the Paralympic Games on 28 August, which run for two weeks and will be broadcast on Channel 4. • Olympics opening ceremony 26 July BBC 1, Paralympic Games 28 August C4 Sizzle this summer Cooking With The Stars returns to ITV1 fronted by Emma Willis and Tom Allen. As eight celebs are mentored by professional chefs expect some serious spice, high-level heat…

3 ways to… improve your money habits These handy tips can help you manage your cash. 1 Set your goals Having a clear plan for your cash can be great motivation for adopting better money habits. Start by going through your finances and drawing up a budget so you know how much you have coming in and out each month – and think about ways you can cut your spending. Next, work out how much cash you'll be able to put aside each month and consider your short-term and long-term goals. You'll typically boost your chances of achieving them by being clear about your goals and making a plan to get there. Be sure to track your progress too. 2 Know your downfall Don't let your plans get sabotaged by bad habits.…

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According to the National Statistics Office Malta's 2021 census, how many women live in Malta? Fit these numbers into the grid. One number doesn't fit. This is the prize answer. 3 digits 4 digits 1429 1825 1886 2238 4014 4911 5133 5674 6008 6837 7159 9007 9301 5 digits 11670 12641 13557 22324 32113 33461 54672 65745 72684 90105 90310 6 digits 195723 249541 350051 951828 7 digits 2498971 7264281 8213785 8 digits 19041874 51680754 62531518 98755065 WIN £200 Puzzle 1 Your answer:…

TRUE-LIFE Natalie Wanzel, 34 Sitting in my mum's lap, I begged her to tell me the story again. About how I'd come to live with her and my dad, John, then 41, and older sister, Anna, then 11. It was September 1995, and aged 6, I never tired of hearing it. Now, listening to my mum, Susan, then 37, I closed my eyes. Tried to imagine what my birth mum might have looked like. I was 3 years old when I was adopted. According to my records, I was born in Russia in August 1989. My spine didn't develop properly in the womb, and I'd had surgery as a baby. I had a birth certificate, but my dad's name was made up. I knew my birth mum was called Mariam.…

YOU'RE THE JUDGE! When Rachel Galleghan waved goodbye to her son, Jason, then 16, he was looking forward to a day of fun with friends. Her boy wore his usual broad grin, his bright blue eyes gleaming. It was the afternoon of 4 August 2021, he'd been invited to a friend Kayla Dawson's house in Sydney, along with some others. Kind and fun, with an infectious laugh, Jason had a close relationship with his mum. Only, later on that day, Rachel received a call that would change her life forever. Jason was seriously ill in hospital. Terrified, she raced there, arriving to find her son black and blue, unconscious and hooked to machines. Doctors explained he was brain-dead. And what had happened to him was sickening. Horrifically beaten At Kayla's…

1 Stay cool Prickly heat (also known as heat rash) tends to be caused by excessive sweating, so staying out of the heat where possible will help to prevent a rash developing. 'Avoid prolonged exposure in hot and humid environments, especially during the peak heat hours,' says Adele O' Donoghue, head of education at SBC Skincare*. 'Use fans or air conditioning to keep indoor spaces cool and apply cold compresses to provide temporary relief from symptoms.' Ice cubes wrapped in a clean tea towel make an effective compress. 2 Wear light clothes If you're wearing synthetic fabrics, such as polyester, you're more likely to trap sweat between your skin and clothes – bad news for prickly heat sufferers. 'Opt for loose-fitting, lightweight clothing made from breathable fabrics, such as cotton or linen that…

Author Daphne du Maurier lived for many years at Menabilly, an estate near which town, in which the Du Maurier Festival Society still runs an annual arts and literature festival? Solve the crossword, then read down the shaded squares to find the prize puzzle answer. ACROSS 1 _ Club, 1999 film (5) 4 Novel, A Tale of _ Cities (3) 5 Part of a tennis match (3) DOWN 1 Destiny (4) 2 Farm bird (5) 3 Delicious (5) WIN 4 × £20 Puzzle 13 Your answer: TO ENTER Turn to page 56 for details or visit comps.lifedeathprizes.com/puzzles…

I can't stop thinking about her Q I'm married but attracted to a married colleague, and I know that she's interested in me too. Six months ago, she invited me to her place while her husband and kids were away. I didn't take up the offer as I was hoping that my feelings for her would pass. But now I can't stop thinking about her, even though she's moved on. What should I do? Lewis, 43 A Well this is a blimmin' mess, and I'm so glad you didn't actually do anything with this married woman. It's good she's gone cold on you, flower. You need to look at your marriage. What about it isn't making you happy? Water your own grass before checking out the Astroturf next door, sweetheart.…

TRUE-LIFE Lynette Haselip, 39 Puffed out and giggling, I ran to catch up with my dad Philip Michael, known as Mick, then 43. It was August 1994 and Dad had been hiding packets of Chewits in our local woods for us kids for years. My three older brothers, Philip, then 23, Chris, 21, and Stephen, 18, had grown out of the tradition. Aged 10, I still loved it and couldn't want to hunt them out. I'd do anything to spend time with Dad. 'The tree's grown more sweets,' he'd declare as I reached it and grabbed for the colourful packets. Dad played bass guitar on the country music scene. I tagged along to his rehearsals with him and his twin brother, Tony, whenever mum, Gina, then 44, would let me.…

Aries 21 March-20 April Change is on the horizon for you as an important cycle comes to an end. So, ask the Universe to guide you to bigger and better things. Go for it! • Call 0905 817 0690* for more Taurus 21 April-21 May Take time out this week. You've been very busy helping others recently, and now you need to stop and care for yourself. Give yourself some space. • Call 0905 817 0691* for more Gemini 22 May-21 June Keep focused on what you desire. Your active mind can take you down many different paths, but it's important to see projects through to the end now. • Call 0905 817 0692* for more Cancer 22 June-23 July Make the most of the Sun being in Cancer for…

Q My hair is looking so dull -can I boost shine at home? Zoe Chalmers, Newcastle A This summer's glass hair trend means there are lots of new products that will help give your locks a mirror-like shine. We've seen a particular difference after using L'Oréal Paris Elvive Glycolic Gloss 5 Minute Lamination Rinse-Off Treatment, £15.99, Boots. It takes just five minutes to transform dull or bedraggled hair, leaving it looking vibrant and shiny. Even better, the treatment will stay in your hair for five washes. Swapping your shampoo can make a difference too – Phil Smith Coco-licious Coconut Shine Shampoo, £3.95, Sainsbury's works brilliantly and is a real bargain. A styling spray is an extra step worth making for next-level shine, too – try Provoke Hair Gloss High-Shine Coat…

The Inkey List Glycolic Acid Exfoliating Body Stick, £15, Boots This targeted treatment has so many benefits, including banishing chicken skin, ingrown hairs, body blemishes and bumpy skin. The stick formula also makes it so quick and easy to use. L'Occitane Verbena Geranium Hand Cream, £9.50, uk.loccitane.com Using a hand cream daily will keep your mitts looking smooth, soft and younger for longer. We love the fresh zingy scent of this new limited-edition range, which sinks in quickly. Avon Anew Skin Renewal Power Eye Cream, £16, avon.uk.com If you struggle with dark circles or prominent eye wrinkles, try this powerful treatment that leaves eyes looking noticeably smoother and brighter in just one week. Ted Baker Dry Shimmer Body Oil, £10, Boots Got a last-minute occasion but no time to top…

BEHIND THE BIG CRIME TRUE-LIFE Kelly Wilkinson was just 18 when she fell for a man who lived on the other side of the world. From her home in the Gold Coast, Australia, she'd got chatting online to ex-US marine Brian Earl Johnston, then 25. In December 2011, Kelly, described by loved ones as 'fierce and brave' travelled to Ohio to meet him. Within a month, the couple were married. Kelly settled into her new life in America, she and Brian going on to have two children together. Only, after five years, their marriage turned rocky. Eventually, in early 2017, Kelly flew back to Australia, taking the kids with her. She told her husband not to come. But three months later, he flew over, begging for another chance. The couple tried…

Solutions to Chat issue 25 (20 June 2024) Puzzle 2 Domain Puzzle 3 Polish Puzzle 4 Audrey Hepburn Puzzle 5 1C,1D,2D,3B,4C Puzzle 6 Rust Puzzle 7 Dodo Puzzle 8 Siobhan McSweeney Puzzle 9 Ridley Scott Puzzle 10 Primrose Puzzle 13 Joan Puzzle 14 Lahore Puzzle 15 Pestle Puzzle 16 Boredom Puzzle 17 Tralee Puzzle 18 New York WE WON! Chat winners issue 16 (18 Apr 2024) £1,001 CASH L Todd, Glasgow £500 CASH D O'Shea, Aylesbury N Duce, Petersfield £250 CASH A Wakelin, Coventry A Longmead, Crawley £200 CASH K Palmer, Norwich £100 CASH P Taylor, Sheffield S Graham, Bristol N Barton, Gloucester £50 CASH J Philp, Walsall M Dickenson, Warrington C Winser, Epsom M Harding, Sleaford E Smithyman, Rotherham C Burge, Barnstaple £40 CASH S Dyke, Worthing £30 CASH A Lancaster, Southport R Brockhurst, Littlehampton £25 CASH J Harper, Holmfirth C Murden, Biggleswade £20 CASH G Martin, Taunton C Thompson, Colchester C Thompson, Hull JA Devonald,…

Rosie Rayner, 31, from Exmouth If you won the lottery, what's the first thing you'd buy? I would definitely book a safari in Africa for my family. It's on my bucket list to see these gorgeous animals and I'd love to take all my gang on a wild adventure. What's your worst habit? Leaving things in my car for months on end. My boot is full of stuff – handbags, footballs, things for the charity shop. I know it's laziness but I just never seem to get on top of it. What piece of advice would you give your younger self? I'd definitely tell my younger self to work hard at school! I know it's such a cliché, but everyone says it for a reason. It opens a lot of…

Ethos, pathos and logos are often considered the main strands of what skill? 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. WIN £100 Puzzle 2 1 Yellow-flowered weed (9) 2 Familiar or pet name (8) 3 Reflected sound (4) 4 Womble named after a South American river (7) 5 Late being returned or paid (7) 6 Add decorative needlework (9) 7 Codeword for R (5) 8 The Favourite actor, _ Colman (6) 9 Occurring by chance (10) 10 Maze (9) 11 Vacation (7) 12 Pleasure sailing or power vessel (5) 13 Immature frog (7) 14 Tree which keeps its leaves all year (9) 15 Tense, jumpy (5) 16 Longing (8) Your answer:…

Sizes from 6-22 F&F at Tesco STYLE TIP A suitcase essential, mix and match co-ords with your wardrobe basics to create an array of different looks. Sizes from 6-26 Tu Clothing at Sainsbury's STYLE TIP A one-piece swimsuit can double up as a bodysuit – just team with denim shorts for a day sightseeing. Sizes from 6-24 George at Asda STYLE TIP Look for loose silhouettes to keep you cool in the summer, such as swing dresses and floaty skirts. Sizes from 8-22 Nutmeg at Morrisons STYLE TIP Tropical prints bring an instant holiday vibe to your wardrobe. Wear with coordinating block colours.…

Kel O'Neill, 38, Mold, Flintshire True-life PATIENT CASEBOOK Looking around the waiting room, I realised that everyone else was so much older than me. 'Are you waiting for your mum?' a nurse asked. 'No,' I stammered. 'I'm here for a scan.' Surprised, she asked my name, then confirmed I was on the list. It was September 2007 and, aged 21, I was waiting for a bone scan to see if I had osteoporosis. A condition that weakens your bones, leaving them vulnerable to breaking. It usually affects old people. But I'd suffered with anorexia for three years. Stressed with uni exams, I'd stopped eating and my weight had plummeted. I'd always been a fussy eater and very petite, but this was different. Restricting what I ate and seeing myself shrink…

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 Tammy Parsons, Kettering, Northamptonshire WIN 5 × £20 Puzzle 6 ACROSS 1 A piece of legislation concerning safeguarding 2 Excessively methodical 3 River in Newcastle 4 Given the boot DOWN 1 Information 2 A black stone/crystal, healing properties 3 Beatles hit, Penny —- 4 Bobsleighing movement Your answer:…

Nicola Frost, 35, County Durham Handing my daughter, Freya, then 4, a grainy photo, I watched her face light up. Then I handed her a T-shirt with pink writing on the front. It read I'm going to be a big sister. She put it on straightaway. It was July 2021, and I'd just had my 12-week scan. Freya was the first person me and her dad, Mark, had told about the pregnancy. Now, proudly wearing her new T-shirt, we spent the afternoon visiting family, sharing the exciting news. Over the next few weeks, Freya sang nursery rhymes to my growing bump. We took her to a 16-week scan where we learned we were having a boy. 'Oh, I wanted a girl,' Freya said, as she squinted up at the screen.…

TRUE-LIFE Danielle Grover, 35, Armagh As soon as the question had left her lips, my stomach started churning. 'Will you be my bridesmaid?' my mate Sarah, then 27, had asked. It was August 2016 and we were chatting at my house. I'd loved hearing all about her big day plans since she'd told me the news and showed off her engagement ring. But I hadn't counted on being part of it. My mind raced with excuses as to why I could say no, but I came up blank. So… 'I'd love to,' I replied, flashing my best fake smile. Later, chatting to my hubby Killian, then 27, it was a different story. 'I have to get out of it,' I told him. 'All those people looking at me.' 'It'll be…

NO-FUSS FOOD Crispy hash and eggs Made with only five ingredients, this speedy dinner is thrifty too. SERVES 2 PREP 10 MINS COOK 20 MINS • 3tbsp olive oil • 500g potatoes, cubed • 70g pancetta • 2 eggs • 2 handfuls watercress 1 Heat 2tbsp of the oil in a large frying pan. Add the potatoes, season generously and fry for 10 mins until potatoes turn crisp and golden. 2 Push the potatoes to the side of the pan, and add the pancetta. Fry for a few mins to crisp up. 3 Meanwhile, heat the remaining 1tbsp oil in another frying pan, crack in the eggs and fry until cooked. 4 Serve the crispy potatoes, pancetta and eggs with a handful of watercress on top. PER SERVING: 525 CALS, 32G FAT,…

TRUE-LIFE Nadine Rae, 23 Throwing a ball across the field, I watched as my German shepherd Diesel ran after it as though his life depended on it. 'He's amazing,' my friend Daniel, then 34, said. It was October 2020 and I'd been friendly with Daniel for about a month since he'd messaged out of the blue on Snapchat. Good morning, beautiful, he'd written. Now, as we wandered around my local park with Diesel, I was enjoying his company. He was much older than me, but he seemed like a real gent, showered me with compliments. And anyone who loved Diesel as much as I did was a winner in my eyes. I'd recently moved away from family, was lonely. Sometimes, Diesel felt like my only friend. Only now, getting closer…

PS…Sun Gel Primer SPF50, £5, Primark It's vital to keep skin protected from the sun. Skin cancer is the most obvious reason, but it's also worth remembering that UV rays are responsible for 80% of signs of ageing. If you've had a bad experience with sticky formulas, try this lightweight one, which has a matte finish, and is designed to sit well under make-up. Lacura Silk Scrunchies, £4.99 for 4, Aldi Tying your hair up in tight hairstyles with cheap elastics can cause real damage, especially if your hair is textured, fine or fragile. Most hairdressers recommend silk scrunchies, which are much kinder to hair. Aldi has just launched an amazingly affordable set, made with 100% mulberry silk. They're available in four colourways to suit different hair tones, too.…

TEXT Simply text CHATB 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. • You can use capitals or small letters, but don't use any commas, etc. • Leave out answers you don't wish to enter. INTERNET Join our…

Dear Dad, Eyes closed, head resting on the desk, music flowed through me. It was 1994 and, aged 8, my music teacher was playing classical music. Encouraging us to really listen to the piece. Some of my fondest memories are from my music lessons. And my favourite teacher. You. While some kids might have hated having a parent as their teacher at school, I loved it. I learned to play piano but despite your best efforts, I didn't inherit your musical talent and dedication. But I still enjoyed your lessons, and listening to you practise piano. Watching on proudly as you conducted the school choir. Later, I did follow in your footsteps in some ways, though, becoming a chemistry teacher. When I married David, then 32, in July 2021, I…