Table of contents for 10-Oct-2019 in Chat

Danielle Myers, 41, Ongar, Essex Pulling funny faces at my little boy, I also tried singing silly songs. ‘Come on, Dylan,’ I cooed, grinning as wide as I could in the hope he’d mirror it. But that baby did not want to smile. It was October 2010 and, with my baby 6 weeks old, I’d been looking forward to those cute gummy grins. His sister Scarlett, then 4, had been such a little smiler, hit all her milestones at the times dictated by baby books. ‘Your baby’s so sweet!’ people say, peering into his buggy But then, we’d always known that Dylan was going to be different. At my 20-week scan, we’d been told he had a condition called situs invertus. It meant all his organs were reversed. Soon after…

Katarina Floridia, 27 Holding the bannister, I slowly hobbled down the stairs. ‘Look at her!’ someone muttered, followed by schoolkids’ cruel giggles. It was June 2007. At 15, I wasn’t like most teenagers. See, I’d been born without legs, and relied on clunky prosthetics to get around. I didn’t know much about my past. Doctors thought strands of amniotic fluid had wrapped around my limbs in the womb. My left leg stopped just below the knee, my right just below the thigh. My parents, Marguerite and Ron, adopted me from Russia when I was 18 months, flying me to I was in such pain... hated being different. SoI hid away Massachusetts, USA, to live with them and their five daughters. The best life I could wish for. They urged me…

Has my boob ruined my energy? Q I’m tired, weak and my joints are aching. Could my breast implants be to blame? Ama, Bexleyheath A Some women with silicone implants blame them for symptoms, including tiredness, joint pains, headaches, poor sleep, rashes and hair loss, together known as breast implant illness (BII). One theory is that silicone leaking from the implants can trigger your immune system to attack your body’s tissues. Many doctors disagree and say these are symptoms of conditions such as depression, fibromyalgia or chronic fatigue. There’s no firm scientific evidence, and no test for BII, though symptoms do improve in around half of women if implants are removed. See your GP to rule out other causes, and discuss removing your implants – but if they were put…

On 24 November, much-loved Queen frontman Freddie Mercury announced  that he had AIDS. He died from AIDS-related complications a day later, aged just 45. Kentucky Fried Chicken formally became KFC. The official reason is the fast-food brand wanted a shorter name! Bryan Adams' (Everything I Do) I Do It For You went to Number One in March, and remained top of the UK charts for ages. It holds the record for 16 straight weeks at the summit!…

1 We’ve all been there – and especially if it’s affecting your sleep, it can drive you potty. Ranting and raving is tempting, but try to approach your neighbour calmly and politely. You’ll find most people respond better to a polite verbal request than a grumpy note of complaint through their letterbox. 2 Explain clearly what your concern is, and why it’s causing a problem. Your neighbour may not have a clue that they’re being a nuisance and disrupting your happy home. 3 Remember that you’re seeking a solution and not a hostile stand-off. You still have to live next door to these people. And no-one wants to be at war with their neighbours!…

We’d started with a stack of planks and some instructions that may as well have been written in Chinese. Now, a few hours later, I was looking at my magnificent new bed. ‘We deserve a brew,’ I groaned to my then-partner, Andrew, 50. It was February 2011 and we’d been building the flatpack all morning. I was paralysed, brain-damaged, frustrated ‘Thanks for helping,’ I told Andrew. Only, as I got up, I heard a loud pop inside my head, followed by an intense pain. What on Earth..? Has the flatpack broken my brain?! As I looked at Andrew, I could see his lips moving and hear sounds coming out of his mouth, but none of it seemed to make sense. It was like watching a badly dubbed movie. I don’t…

Broccoli, pancetta and butterbean broth SERVES 4 PREP 5 MINS COOK 15 MINS • 1tbsp olive oil • 200g diced pancetta • 2 cloves of garlic, peeled and crushed • 2 leeks, trimmed and sliced • 2 x 400g tins of butter beans, drained • 1 bay leaf • 650ml vegetable or chicken stock • 200g Tenderstem broccoli cut into 3-4cm pieces • 1 heaped tsp Dijon mustard 1 Heat the olive oil in a saucepan and then gently fry the pancetta until it is lightly golden. Add the garlic and leeks, and fry for a further 5 mins until the leeks are softened. 2 Stir in the drained butter beans and bay leaf. Pour in the stock and bring to a simmer. Using a potato masher, roughly mash the…

Aries 21 March-20 April When you’re in your own home, you can do what you like. When you’re staying at someone else’s, you do things their way. Time to be on your best behaviour now. • Call 0905 817 0690* for more Taurus 21 April-21 May Something you longed for is not quite the glittering prize that it once was, and you’ve already got so much on your plate you feel it would be a burden. Time to let go. • Call 0905 817 0691* for more Gemini 22 May-21 June Sometimes you do things that are against your own principles and you wish it wasn’t like that. But you’re doing things for the right reasons; that’s a result. • Call 0905 817 0692* for more Cancer 22 June-23 July…

Lacura Vitamin C Hot Cloth Cleanser, £3.99, Aldi A dupe of a much-pricier product, this hot cloth cleanser has the added benefit of skin-brightening vitamin C to supercharge your complexion. Boutique Eyeshadow Palette in Burgundy, £6, Sainsbury’s Plenty of pigment at a bargain price. Use the lighter matte shades for everyday and bring out the sparkle for evening. nspa Pure Moisture Rich Body Cream, £3, Asda Proof you don’t need to splash the cash for a really good all-over moisturiser, this no-frills cream will see you through autumn and beyond.…

To her neighbours, Erika Murray, 35, was like any other mother of two. She had a boyfriend and two kids, 13 and 10. The family, living in Blackstone, Massachusetts, USA, kept to themselves, although Erika’s kids sometimes played with local children. One day in August 2014, the son of Erika’s neighbour Betsy Brown was playing with Erika’s 10-year-old lad. Betsy knew that they’d headed to Erika’s house, but when her son called, asking for her help to get a baby to stop crying, she became concerned. She’d not known Erika had a baby, let alone that her son and his friend were babysitting. Betsy raced over. Only, when she opened the front door, she was horrified... The smell hit her first. An overwhelming odour of faeces. Rubbish and rotten food…

Mandy Hunter, 56, Southampton Sitting in the sun, I raised my glass. ‘For you, Mum,’ I said, putting my arm around my younger brother Perry Cardy, then 51. It was February 2018, and we’d gathered at our local in memory of our mum Lee. She’d passed away, aged 86 – and, although Mum had moved to the USA 14 years earlier, we’d stayed close. We hadn’t made her funeral in LA, but organised a memorial at our local – The Bittern, here in Southampton. A single punch had left him in this state Mum had once been a regular, too. We’d invited 30 friends and family, ordered trays of Screwdriver cocktails. Her favourite tipple! Perry was on form, telling stories about Mum. One of life’s characters, often known as Pezza,…

Climbing out of the shower, Ashley Ellerin, 22, was looking forward to her hot date. It was 21 February 2001, and film actor Ashton Kutcher was picking her up from her rented bungalow in Pinehurst Road and taking her to a star-studded post-Grammys party. Movie heartthrobs aside, Ashley had a thrilling future ahead. She was a Fashion Design student, partying with Hollywood’s glitterati. One friend described her as ‘beautiful’, ‘fun’ and ‘spontaneous’. But, when Ashton, who she’d met through friends, arrived late, at 10.45pm, no-one answered. The door was locked and Ashton assumed Ashley had gone out with friends instead. But, at 9am the following morning, her roommate Jennifer Disisto made a grim discovery. Ashley’s lifeless body was sprawled next to her bathroom. She’d been stabbed 47 times as she…

Gemma Rimmer, 28, Liverpool Are you ready Ô to meet your baby brother?’ my husband Kevin, then 25, asked Joel, 2. He nodded and peered at the bundle in my arms. ‘His name’s Jacob,’ I smiled. That moment was everything I’d pictured. Our little family, complete. It was August 2015 and two days later, we brought Jacob home. He was happy, healthy. But, within 48 hours, that changed. He stopped latching on, had trouble feeding. Then, as Kevin went to change him, he went limp. ‘Gemma, call an ambulance!’ he yelled. Whisked to Alder Hey Hospital, Jacob was admitted to Intensive Care. They ran tests, gave him two lumbar punctures. Two days later, we got the results. ‘Jacob has non-ketotic hyperglycinemia,’ docs said. ‘NKH is a rare, genetic, metabolic disorder…

Pulling over to the side of the road, I felt like I was going to throw up. What the heck am I doing? I thought miserably. I considered turning around and going home, before taking several big gulps of air and driving on. Stop being a wuss, I told myself firmly. I had to pull over twice more before I finally made it to Acorns naturist retreat in Tiverton, Devon. Yep, naturist. As in naked, starkers, in the nuddy. It was May 2016, and I’d booked the two-night naturist weekend on impulse a few days earlier, after spotting an advert in a newspaper. Come and join us for a hog roast, it’d read. A naked one... I’d never considered naturism before, always covered up on the beach. And before my…

I spent day after day in bed, convinced this time I wasn’t strong enough to get better. ‘My life is over,’ I’d sob to Michael. I remembered how hard it was to go through rehab. Those endless hours, days, years I’d spent fighting back. Now I was back to square one. What would happen to Harry if I could no longer live a normal life? Alone at night, I’d cry until there were no tears left. I pick myself up, dust myself off, and carry on Visits from Harry kept my spirits up, though. In a way, it helped to put on a brave face. And after another two months, I was discharged. Yet again, I worked on putting my life back together. Then, last October, I was scrolling through…

Ardell Professional Naked Lashes 422, £5.49, Superdrug If you’re a fan of salon false lashes but can’t justify the cost, these natural-looking lashes were designed for everyday long wear. Mane ‘n Tail Braid Sheen, £8.99, Superdrug Designed to soothe and relieve the itching and irritation that often comes with weaves and extensions, this keeps braids tight for longer as well as adding shine and softness. Al!ve Magnesium Plus Cooling Shower Gel, £4.50, Sainsbury’s The ultimate post-gym treat, this clever gel instantly cools you down while magnesium gets to work re-energising tired muscles. Aveeno Skin Relief Nourish & Repair Cica Balm, £6.99, Boots A must-have when the central heating kicks in, this intense balm nourishes chapped skin – leaving it soft and smooth in no time.…

In August this year, after a three-day trial and three days of deliberations, the jury unanimously found Michael Gargiulo, 43, guilty of murdering Ashley Ellerin and Maria Bruno, and attempting to murder Michelle Murphy. Gargiulo may now face the death penalty Gargiulo now faces  the death penalty or life in prison with no possibility of parole – he is due to be sentenced this month. He showed no reaction when the verdicts were read. The dramatic trial saw testimony from almost 100 experts and witnesses. Now, Gargiulo is expected to be extradited to Illinois to stand trial for the 1993 killing of 18-year-old Tricia Pacaccio. After some 26 years, her family hopes to finally get some justice, too. During closing arguments, Deputy District Attorney Garrett Dameron praised surviving victim Michelle…

How do your toilet trips and bathroom behaviours compare to the rest of the UK? A survey from Tap Warehouse has revealed all, with 26% of us choosing not to sit on a public toilet seat and only 16% willing to do so if they pad the seat with toilet paper first. What’s more, one in three women wipe the wrong way (from back to front), increasing the risk of a urinary tract infection. Two thirds love to peek-a-poo after going to the loo, but for the remaining third who are toilet shy, it’s recommended as a good way to see if your bowels are healthy. ‘If there are spontaneous or persistent changes in your stool, such as its consistency, how soft or hard it is, the number of times…

CAUGHT BY TV SHOW In July 1991, Michael Sams, 49, kidnapped Julie Dart, 18, from the red-light district of Leeds. He stripped her, tied her to a chair and forced her to write a ransom note. When she attempted to escape, he killed her with a hammer and dumped her body in a field. Undeterred, Sams struck again in January 1992, this time kidnapping estate agent Stephanie Slater, 25 (main photo, right), and keeping her chained inside a wheelie bin. She was released eight days later, when her employer paid £175,000. Sams was caught when his ex-wife recognised his voice on a recorded phone call played on Crimewatch. He was jailed for life for kidnap and murder. ANGEL OF DEATH Between February and April 1991, nurse Beverley Allitt (below), then…

Call it quits? Q Last year, I took back my husband of eight years after he had an affair. Now he’s constantly accusing me of cheating! He reckons I don’t want sex because I’m getting it elsewhere, but it’s because he cheated and shows me no affection outside the bedroom. When I ask for a hug or a kiss, he says no, and when I try talking to him, he calls me names. Shall I end it for good? Rosalyn, 30 A Whoa! Calling it quits might be a bit drastic. I don’t think you’ve dealt with the issues that led to him cheating in the first place. You still have problems to iron out, so have some time apart and get marriage counselling. If you still aren’t getting on…

Q Has anyone ever made comments about your body size? A Never. Fat- or thin-shaming of any kind is not something that ever happens. Most of the time, I’m not paying that much attention to people’s size. You realise that every body really is very different, so there’s no need to compare. Q Do you worry about doing any intimate grooming? A There’s no expectation when it comes to shaving or waxing – and to be honest, it’s not something I’m ever worried about. Most people at the events I’ve been to have hair on their bits, but there’s never any judgement whether you do or you don’t. Q Do things ever turn sexual? A The main misconception about naturism is that it involves sex, or couples swapping partners during…

3 Ways to... save on your home insurance 1 Shop around Never let your home insurance auto-renew. Insurers usually keep their best deals for new customers, so it's essential to shop around. Start by having a search on price comparison sites - always  try two or three. Also, get quotes from companies like Direct Line and Aviva, who you won't find on comparison sites. But don't just go for the cheapest. It's important to compare the details of each policy carefully to check it has the cover you need. Once you've found the best policy for you at the best price, it's worth going back to your current insurer to see if they'll match - or beat - the price. 2 Get it right It's crucial that you calculate how…

Emmerdale Vanessa’s arrested! Kerry’s life is hanging in the balance, and Amy is determined to tell the police that Tracy is to blame for her mum’s condition. Vanessa’s fuming, but when she gets into a row with Amy she gets herself arrested after accidentally hitting a nurse! With Vanessa at the cop shop, Amy worries that she will reveal the truth about the factory fire that killed Frank… Coronation Street Ken’s birthday surprise! We last saw Emily Bishop in 2016 when she left to do voluntary work in Peru, but this week she makes a reappearance. When Ken decides to have an 80th birthday do, he’s thrilled  when Emily calls him via Skype. Sadly, the party mood takes a downward turn when Sinead announces to her family and friends that…

QI don’t like foundation, as I think it’s ageing. So how can I blur red areas on my nose and chin? Sharon Sweeney-Lynch, 56, London A Avoiding foundation for fear of a cakey finish is common, but a switch in formula could sway you. Burt’s Bees Goodness Glows Liquid Makeup, £14.99, Superdrug, is so light that half a pump can cover your face and stay glowing all day long – enhancing your complexion instead of masking it. Or, if you’re still not convinced, try a colour correcting primer. L’Oréal CC C’Est Magic Anti-Redness cream, £10.99, Boots, dulls redness immediately and is subtle enough to be worn without foundation. Got a beauty question? Send your problems to chat_magazine@ti-media.com TOP TIP Keep your eye cream in the fridge overnight for a…

Teresa Furley, 38, Aylesbury One afternoon in June 2019, having a cuppa, I logged online to enjoy a few games of Bingo. That’s a big jackpot, I thought, eyeing the Bingo Lounge Progressive Jackpot, which was over £12,000. I’d joined Chat Mag Bingo in October 2011, playing on a laptop, and now, playing on my phone was as much fun! So, I bought myself a bundle of 10p tickets for the next game. I had a busy day ahead, so left the game to play out. That was another great thing – you could advance-buy tickets and the game would automatically be dabbed off. If you won a game, the winnings would be added to your balance. I didn’t expect to see I’d won the jackpot But I certainly didn’t…

Well, let’s start by stating the obvious. I know what you ask when you look at me... Is that man short? And the answer is yes. Very. Just 4ft 11in and bald, I’m not exactly the tall, dark fella of most girls’ dreams. In high heels, you’d probably tower over me. Actually, some of you would in flats! But before you write me off, I’m asking you to give me a chance. Aged 47, I’ve been looking for love for years – and I won’t give up until I meet that special person. Like most people, all I want is to share my future with someone. But there’s a big problem. Or rather, a little one... I was 7 when I started to realise I was small. All the kids…