Table of contents for BEST OF 1 2020 in Chat Specials

This month, we admire the strength so many women have shown. And at the beginning of a new year – and a new decade – a good dose of resilience is just what we need. As her daughter fought for her life after a horrific accident, Macie (pg6) blamed herself. But little Lani battled on through her treatment, and thanks to her mum’s bravery, is now recovering well – and is a big sister, too! For over 30 years, Rebecca (pg10) has been battling a debilitating condition. Thinking it was under control, she was dealt another blow when her little girl was diagnosed with the same thing. Together, they’re here to prove that being positive makes all the difference. After an embarrassing picture was taken in the Magic Kingdom, Clare…

To celebrate our favourite chubby little cubby, 18 January is Winnie the Pooh day. Written in 1926 by A.A. Milne, over the years we’ve all come to love the nation’s favourite bear and his friends, Piglet, Tigger, Eeyore, Owl, Rabbit, Kanga and of course, little Roo. So, whether your love is from the books or the big screen, grab a tub of honey and celebrate our furry friend. Poohsticks First mentioned in The House at Pooh Corner, Poohsticks is a simple game which may be played on any bridge over running water. The game was created after lovable Pooh accidentally dropped a pinecone into The 100 Acre Wood river from a bridge and, after observing how it appeared on the other side, came up with the rules for Poohsticks. Now,…

Jennifer Niccoli, 46, from Exmouth, Devon Slinging a tea towel over my shoulder, I wiped the trickling sweat from my forehead. Eagerly looking at the clock, I couldn’t wait for 8pm to come. On 24 March 2019, I was working as a chef at Exmouth Pavillion. My days were long and tiring, and I couldn’t wait to crawl into bed. At the time, I lived with my partner Francesco, 50, and flatmate Mary. ‘Goodnight,’ I shouted to Mary as I walked through the front door. Absolutely knackered, I went straight to bed. As soon as my head hit the pillow, I fell asleep. Waking up, I heard Francesco come home at around midnight. ‘I’m back,’ he whispered. Turning over, I was out like a light. But as I fell back…

What can I do? As I’ve got older, I’ve struggled to control my bladder. I’m so embarrassed about it. Is there anything I can do to help? Maria, Essex Incontinence is an embarrassing condition that can often develop after having a baby or with age. First, you should try exercising your pelvic floor muscles. If this isn’t helping and you can’t face the prospect of surgery, you may want to consider the BTL Emsella chair which you sit on, fully clothed. It utilises High-Intensity Focussed Electromagnetic Technology (HIFEM®) to cause deep pelvic floor muscle stimulation and restoration of the neuromuscular control. The treatment mimics you tensing your pelvic-floor muscles and also targets the entire pelvic floor, rather than the 40 per cent which can be activated by consciously tensing. What’s…

JANUARY BUYS Check out these new beauty launches coming to Boots in 2020! L’ORÉAL EYES GO WILD EYESHADOW PALETTE, £14.99 Why not be a little adventurous in 2020 with this bright eyeshadow palette? With 16 gorgeous shimmers, this berry and bronzed tone palette will sure have your eyes popping! With minimal fall-out and long-lasting staying power, this palette is a must have in 2020! So, unleash your wild side with these highly pigmented shadows. Available from January. L’ORÉAL ELVIVE DREAM LENGTHS FRIZZ KILLER SERUM, £4 With 230C heat protection, this serum will help combat and maintain frizz. With a lightweight formula, this frizz killer, is perfect for every day use. So, if you’re tired of unmanageable and out of control hair, just use one or two pumps of this before…

It all started with crush and a dispute over money... Growing up in Northern California, Carrie Jean Melvin had dreamed of a career in the entertainment industry. She wanted to work in film or radio and had been to college to study film production. Like thousands of other young people, Carrie moved to Los Angeles in the hopes of making it big. He calmly walked away Initially, she started working as a waitress but by the time she was 30, Carrie was working as a production assistant and had set up her own online and social media business. Everything seemed to be going well and according to her father, she was the happiest she’d ever been. She was in love with her boyfriend Anyimalik Howell, and finally doing what she…

Kelly Roberts*, 45, Bromley. Dancing the night away with my little sister Donna, then 26, I was determined to make this a night out she’d never forget. ‘It’s your last night of freedom,’ I shouted over the music. ‘I’ve had the best time,’ she replied with a smile. But it wasn’t over yet… It was summer 2009, and we were in a nightclub near our home in Bromley, South East London, to celebrate Donna’s hen do. As we knocked back cocktails and danced up a storm, the music came to an abrupt stop and a police officer burst through the door. I turned to my other sister Nicola, then 29, with a knowing grin. ‘What’s the matter, officer?’ Nicola smirked. Suddenly, the officer pushed Donna onto a chair and stood…

Although normally thought of as an affliction of the elderly, there are about 27,000 people in the UK diagnosed with arthritis under the age of 25. The disease can be more severe in adolescents than adults, although experts do not know why. In a third of cases, the arthritis is ongoing into adulthood and the patient will require medication. GOPO Joint Health is made from specially cultivated natural rose-hip, which may play a role in the care of joints and joint tissues. Available for £19.52 from Boots or gopo.co.uk.…

My secret Q I’ve met an amazing man and I can’t wait to settle down with him. I was abused growing up and I’ve been to some dark places and I’m finally happy. I don’t want to tell him about my past. Is that OK? Lisa, Dorset A It’s wonderful to hear that you now feel happy after coping with a very traumatic upbringing. I understand that you don’t want your past to impact your future, but if you lock past experiences away in a box marked ‘secret’, you are likely to live in fear of your partner discovering them, and this may eat away at your happiness. Long-lasting relationships are based on trust, which itself is based on open and honest communication. Be bold and share a little piece…

Clare Ship, 42, North London Running around in the garden, Mum called me in. ‘Teatime!’ she said, as I hurried in to eat her deliciously healthy, home-cooked meal. Growing up, I was always a slim child and enjoyed exercising and eating well. But when I became a teen, things started to change. I suffered with anxiety and it all got the better of me when I was stressed about exams. Tucking into chocolate bars for their sweet, sugary support, I relieved the pressure of A-levels. But my comfort eating took its toll and I was a size 16 by the time I was 18-years-old. When I shipped myself off to university, I didn’t expect to get any lighter either. I was excited for everything that a student life had to…

Joanne Whitehouse, 45, Dudley Waving her hand so her fresh set of diamante acrylic nails flickered in the light, my daughter Polly beamed. ‘They look amazing!’ she shrieked, wiggling each of her fingers in the light. Handing over a wad of cash to the beautician, I loved seeing my girl happy. It was 17 July 2019, two days before the biggest event on Polly’s yearly calendar. Her school prom. ‘What shall I do with my hair?’ she pondered in the mirror. You might think Polly was a teenager about to finish secondary school. But, in fact, she was just 10. And she’d been looking forward to her primary school prom for months and months. Years, even! Though it’s usually a secondary-school tradition, junior proms are popping up everywhere. My eldest…

Sleeping next to a snorer You might think sleeping next to a snorer is incredibly irritating, but according to a new study sharing a bed with someone who snores can actually have an effect on your hearing. Researchers from Queen’s University in Canada found that the sound didn’t affect the person snoring, but did leave their partners with hearing damage. Other studies have found sleepless nights could lead to mental health problems for long suffering partners. Prevent gum disease Most adults in the UK are thought to experience gum disease at some stage in their life. It can leave gums swollen, sore and even infected, but there are things you can do to avoid it. Dr Mihir Shah, Head Dentist at Battersea Park Dental, shares his top tips: 1. Regular…

With the New Year right around the corner, why not think about changing things up? Here to help you on your New Year, New Me look is celebrity hairstylist Jay Birmingham. COLOUR – TOASTED COCONUT In 2020, hair colour is all about creamy blends with no harsh lines  and a gorgeous shine. Healthy hair is key to achieving this and I would recommend trying ‘toasted coconut blonde’. This colour combines grown out (or dyed in) roots, creamy blonde lengths and icy white ends. This will give a natural looking balayage with a twist. STYLE – XXL Extra-long length is definitely a look to try out in 2020. With lots of our favourite stars like Kim Kardashian and Nicki Minaj showing off this style, it is definitely going to remain popular.…

FILM AND TV Who is the voice of Elsa in 1 Frozen? a Kristen Bell b Idina Menzel c Evan Rachel Wood Which popular US sitcom 2 celebrated it’s 25-year anniversary in 2019? a Will and Grace b The Big Bang Theory c Friends Who plays Villanelle in 3 the TV series Killing Eve? a Fiona Shaw b Sandra Oh c Jodie Comer The film Malefi cent was 4 inspired by which fairy tale? a Sleeping Beauty b Cinderella c Beauty and the Beast Which of these actors 5 turned down the lead role in The Matrix? a Will Smith b Brad Pitt c Matt Damon Who replaced Darcey 6 Bussell as a judge on Strictly Come Dancing? a Alesha Dixon b Shirley Ballas c Motsi Mabuse SHOWBIZ Which celeb…

Macie Gautreaux, 24 Leaning over my humongous bump, I cracked the eggs into a mixing bowl. ‘And now the flour Mama?’ my little girl Lani, then four, asked. Together, we were making a cake for my birthday celebrations. That Sunday we had all the family coming over to my mum’s house for lunch. Although it was all a bit much at nearly eight months pregnant, I was loving having everyone together again. ‘Right, I’ll get started on the mac ‘n’ cheese shall I girls?’ my mum Brandy, 42, asked, gathering all the ingredients. ‘This is going to be one big feast,’ I said excitedly, surveying the burgeoning spread. After popping our cake creation in the oven, Lani and I went outside to the front garden where we spotted my brother…

Taking place on the last Tuesday in January, the winter revellers of Lerwick, Scotland, keep the winter chill at bay with their fire festival of Up Helly Aa. Otherwise known as the Shetland Viking Festival, this gathering features Scandinavian-descended Scots who have turned an old Yule tradition into a excuse to light things on fire. The festival sees the locals lead a fiery procession through the town centre and throw torches into a massive longship. Of course, that spectacle is both preceded and followed by raucous parties all over town to make the area’s Viking ancestors proud.…

HOW TO GET INVOLVED… It couldn't be easier. Simply follow the four steps below to get in touch and submit your photos. We can't wait to hear from you! STEP 1 Go online to goodtoknow.co.uk/real STEP 2 Fill in your name and contact information. STEP 3 Upload your photos. Please make sure you follow the instructions on the form carefully. STEP 4 Agree to the Terms & Conditions, and then submit your pics.…

How to declutter for the New Year The New Year is the perfect excuse to organise all of the little jobs that you’ve been putting off over Christmas. Get them done in January, and you’ll thank yourself later! Follow our sanity-saving tips to head into 2020 clutter-free… Declutter your belongings Go through all of your drawers and donate any clothes that you don’t wear. Identify gaps in your makeup collection, and get rid of any products that are out of date. Start meal planning Keep your food bills under control and plan the meals you’re going to cook at the start of the week on a family board. You’ll make healthier options and save! Plan your year Treat yourself to a new diary and record all of the important dates…

Kirsty Edwardes, 45, Bridport Gulping down a sippy cup full of water, my 17-month-old daughter Rosey looked up. ‘More,’ she pleaded. Refilling her cup, she downed the lot in a matter of seconds. ‘Someone’s thirsty today,’ I said to my husband Nick, now 48. Born on 24 July 2005 at Dorset County Hospital, Rosey had been perfectly healthy. Nick and I were overjoyed, and her big sister Milly, then two, adored her. Now, in December 2006, Rosey seemed under the weather. She’d shown the usual signs of a cold – runny nose and a fever. And now, she couldn’t stop drinking water. Then, one morning, things took a turn for the worse. ‘Time to wake up Rosey,’ I whispered, shaking her gently. But she wasn’t responding – she was laying…

Jason Anderson, 49, from Nuneaton Warwickshire, Sitting down on the sofa, I pulled my plate of Victoria sponge towards me. Fresh out of the oven, I couldn’t wait to get my mouth around it. I may have been a heavy man in my 40’s, but I was a mean cook. Cakes, pies, pastries, you name it, I could make it. Cooking was my escape, and after my relationship broke down, it became my comfort blanket. Soon, I was sitting down to eat an entire two-tiered Victoria sponge that was covered in jam and cream, almost once a week. And if it wasn’t a tasty sponge, it was another baked treat. But, as a single lorry driver, I didn’t have anyone to share my delicious treats with. Even my three girls,…

Wing Yip, the UK’s largest Oriental supermarket is encouraging foodies across the UK to head into the kitchen and experiment with some traditional Chinese flavours. CHICKEN LOLLIPOPS MAKES 24 YOU’LL NEED... • 24 chicken wings, prime joint • 2 tbsp Wing Yip light soy sauce • 2 tbsp Cook’s ketjap manis ( a sweet soy sauce) • 1 tsp shaohsing wine • 1 tsp corn flour • 1/2 tsp Wing Yip pure sesame oil • 1 tsp garlic, minced • 1 tsp ginger, minced • 4 tbsp Wing Yip sweet chilli cauce • 1/2 tsp black sesame seeds • 1/2 tsp white sesame seeds HOW TO DO IT… 1. To prepare the chicken wings carefully cut the skin and tendons, around the smaller end of the prime joint, away from…

AVAILABLE FROM BOOTS. PRICES START FROM £2.99 When it comes to hair care, there are many things to look out for. Volume, shine, moisture and health just to name a few. And Cake beauty does all of that! Plus, it smells amazing, too! After just one wash with their shampoo and conditioner, even thick hair will have a newfound volume! All their hair care products are great at targeting certain areas and fulfill all their promises. So, if you’re looking to fall in love with your hair again this January, this all vegan and cruelty free brand is for you!…

Banging pots and pans, cheering Prosecco or watching the fireworks on TV – us Brits all have our own New Year traditions. But how did the rest of the world welcome in 2020? From smashing plates to igniting flames, here’s some fun, exotic ways to celebrate… BROKEN PLATES DENMARK  hilst you thought smashing plates W were a Greek tradition, the Danes make it custom, too. In Denmark, it’s tradition to keep your chipped and unwanted items of crockery, and then smash them against the front doors of your friends on the last night of the year. Believe it or not – it’s affectionate! FIGHTING FESTIVAL PERU  o you ever daydream about confronting your D worst enemy, and finally having it out? In Peru, the Takanakuy Festival is held at…