Table of contents for 10-Jan-2019 in Chat

As children we all shared creepy local stories – but in one American town the bogeyman tales were scarily close to the truth (p56)… Nina learned she was dying when she began looking like Marge Simpson! Read her race against time on p20. And when she said her vows, Anca ditched her dream of a big white wedding dress for a more… minimalist outfit (p24)! On top of those, more great reads and cash prizes, we’ve got lovely undies (p12), fab ideas for your bathroom (p26) and a tasty recipe to warm your bones these winter nights (p27). Have a lovely week!…

Tanya Czernozukow, 43, Derby Walking around the car showroom, I caught sight of my reflection in the mirror and adjusted my neat, blonde bob. As a meet-and-greeter, helping to sell cars, I always liked to look my best. Nails manicured, hair blow-dried, make-up perfect. I always felt my most confident when I was in a smart skirt and blouse. All that was ruining my put-together look was the plaster on my right shin. I’d nicked it shaving that morning, as my partner Sally, 35, had been hurrying me out the house. Still, better a plaster than fuzzy legs! I thought. But, a week later, the little scratch had turned into an itchy scab. The skin around it looked puckered and red. ‘You should go and get that checked out,’ Sally…

No more stickers My little boy loves stickers, but puts them all over my cupboard doors, which can prove very difficult to remove! So I use a hairdryer to heat up the glue so they peel straight off! Sian Walker, Halesowen Let it glow  I made these pretty decorative lights from egg-box cartons. I simply cut the box segments into flower shapes, then poked holes in the centre before pushing an LED through each one. They created a lovely warm glow! Karen McGuire, Cleethorpes Get seedy!?  No bird table? Simply coat an empty kitchen roll with peanut butter and roll it in bird seed. Slide it onto a tree branch, and watch as all the birds come flocking in. Jean Bartlett, Looe Handle it  I often found that my saucepan…

Scary not hairy Q My pubic hair is thinning. What's going on?! Maggie, Aberdeen A Hormone loss during your menopause, and the effects of ageing on hair-producing skin follicles, can cause your pubes to thin with age. Your doctor can check for rarer causes, such as an underactive thyroid gland or iron and vitamin deficiency. Treatment will depend on the cause. It’s a bummer Q I keep getting boils and pus around my bottom and my doctor's diagnosed a fistula. What's that? Kerry, Stockwell Q An anal fistula is a hollow connection between your skin and the inside of your anus. Usually, it develops after a boil in that area hasn't healed properly, and can lead to soreness, infections and discharge. Treatment may mean an op to remove it.…

Anca Arsene, 30 Smoothing down my jacket, I followed my friend Raluca, then 19, to our lane at the bowling alley. It was October 2008, and she’d invited me to come along with her mates. There, she introduced me to a tall lad. ‘This is Valentine,’ she beamed. ‘How about you guys go on the same team?’ She couldn’t have been more obvious if she’d tried. This wasn’t just a friendly game. It was a blind date! Valentine and I smiled awkwardly at each other. Soon, though, sparks were flying along with the bowling balls! Gorgeous fella in the buff… What wasn’t to like?! But when he dropped me off at my home, Valentine left without asking for my number. ‘His loss,’ I muttered, jamming my key in the door.…

Sarah Drummond, 44, Warrington Rolling onto his front and placing his tiny, chubby fists on the floor, my baby Ted beamed. ‘Such a clever boy!’ I cooed, clapping as he tried to push himself up. At just 5 months old, in January 2008, Ted’s development was flying. Hitting milestones faster than his siblings – Ethan, then 9, and Olivia, then 3 – ever had. Me and his dad John, 42, knew Ted would be a superstar. But, recently, he’d had trouble with an ear infection. The GP prescribed antibiotics, but a month later Ted screamed endlessly. Crying for 16 hours a day. I was at my wits’ end. And after six months, I noticed a change in Ted... No crawling or pulling himself up onto the sofa. ‘I think something…

Aries 21 March - 20 April We value things we have to work for and desire things we can’t have. But what about things there for the taking? Are they worth less? Don’t ignore a job offer you get just because it seems too easy… • Call 0905 817 0690* for more Taurus 21 April - 21 May There’s a little wrinkle in the smooth fabric of your life, and you’d like to iron it out. Fine, but doing that might create other wrinkles elsewhere. If you leave it alone, though, it might flatten out on its own. • Call 0905 817 0691* for more Gemini 22 May - 21 June If you and someone special get chance to do something you’ve always wanted, then do it now. Changes coming…

Q No matter what I seem to do, I can’t stop my mascara from smudging under my eyes – help! Julie Wells, 53 A Panda eyes can be a real pain – and a particular problem for contact lens wearers or allergy sufferers. The good news is, the clever folk over at Maybelline have just launched a brand new mascara  to solve the problem. Six years in the making, the gel-ink formula is free from the waxes found in most mascaras which cause them to clump and smudge throughout the day. Until you’ve finished your current mascara, invest in Moxi Loves Eye Catcher Cleansing and Correcting Buds for touch-ups on the go. Q I’ve recently joined the gym and I’m looking for some exercise-friendly make-up – where should I start?…

Carol Hartnell, 46, Northop Plodding up the driveway after a hard slog at work, I couldn’t believe it was only Monday. It had been ‘one of those days’. But as I opened the front door, a furry face instantly lifted my mood. My sweet little dachshund Jeffrey, 9. Tail swishing, and panting wildly, he jumped up at me. Kneeling down beside him, I felt so grateful to this bundle of brown fluff. Jeffrey had been the runt of the litter, the one that nobody else wanted. But to me, he was perfect. And ever since I’d adopted him, we’d been the best of friends. ‘Where’s Jeffrey?’ folk would ask if I showed up without him. My little shadow. Break-ups, a bad day at work, Jeffrey was always there for me.…

Yesenia Medina, 39 Walking down the street, people will often stare at my shadow… And, by shadow, I don’t mean the dark area surrounding me. I mean my beautiful daughter Kiki, 10. One look at our pictures will tell you why... It all began in November 2007 when I learnt that I was expecting a girl. ‘Oh, my God!’ I squealed to my husband Misael, 41. ‘Can’t wait to meet her,’ he beamed. As my due date neared, my head filled with daydreams. Strangers would smile and Kiki loved all the attention! Seeing my daughter’s face for the very first time...dropping her off at school for the first time... her wedding day... But there was also something else… Whenever I spotted a beautiful dress I liked for myself, I imagined…

Cute! Doesn't hedgehog Houdini look adorable at his weekly weigh-in? Doris Gill, Sandbach My daughter Aliyah, 23 months, is really enjoying her massive milkshake. It's almost as big as her! Gemma Clayton, Nottingham There wasn't much snow around, but my daughter Eliza, 4, still managed to make a little friend! Joanne Thompson, Doncaster On a trip to Iceland, my partner Ashley and I couldn't resist trying to imitate this statue. Somehow I managed to not drop her! Sarah Whitehead, Wigan Wow! These lovely sunflowers just grew and grew. I'm 6ft, and they tower over me. The seeds were definitely good value for money. Sheila Beeby, Bickerstaffe Even on holiday, our dog Peggy won't let her Neighbourhood Watch duties slide. Here she is, keeping an eye on her fellow campers. Nick…

Christy Barrett, 34, Rotherham Feeling his tiny weight on my chest, I willed my newborn son to scream or wail. Silence. ‘Is he OK?’ I asked. Saying nothing, the midwife scooped my baby Harrison into her arms, rushed him out of the room. Watching them leave, my panic rising, I saw the doctors were having to resuscitate him. What was happening to my boy? I’d learnt I was pregnant in September 2015, and apart from the 20-week scan showing my baby had a club foot, everything had gone smoothly. Yet now, in May 2016, I lay in the Maternity ward at Bassetlaw Hospital without a baby to cuddle. Not knowing whether Harrison was alive or dead. Two agonising hours later, I laid eyes on him again. Wires snaked around his…

Nina Jaggers, 58, Harlow Lifting my head off my pillow, I glanced at the alarm clock. 2pm. ‘That can’t be right,’ I muttered to myself, sitting up and reaching for my glasses. I always awoke at 9am to take my dogs Lickey-Loo, 6, and Scooby-Doo, 5, for a walk. I never normally slept in for five minutes, let alone a whole morning! It was 11 March 2018, Mother’s Day. My daughters Carole-Anne, 27, and Boo, 30, had invited me for a meal to celebrate. I was due there at 5.30pm. I need to get a shift on! Pulling on my dressing gown, I noticed my skin seemed really itchy. Strange. At the bottom of the stairs, I bumped into my friend Chris, 38. He’d stayed overnight on the sofa. ‘Are…

Sausage and butternut squash stew Serves 4 Prep: 15 min Cook: 45 min • 8 lean pork sausages • 350g butternut squash, deseeded, peeled and cut into chunks • 1 red onion, cut into wedges • 395g can cherry tomatoes • 100ml balsamic vinegar • 400g can cannellini beans, drained • 2 rosemary sprigs 1 Heat the oven to 200C/ Gas 6. Put the pork sausages, butternut squash and red onion in a roasting tin and roast for 30 min. 2 Take the tin out and turn the sausages and vegetables to ensure that they cook evenly, then add the cherry tomatoes, balsamic vinegar, cannellini beans and rosemary sprigs. 3 Return the roasting tin to the oven for a further 15 min until all the food is piping hot. TOP…

Luckily, the doctors managed to stabilise him. It turned out the infection had pushed his weakened immune system to the brink. ‘We were so close to losing him,’ I sobbed to John. ‘I know,’ he said, eyes wide. A miracle. Months of chemotherapy then followed. It was relentless. When baby Eleanor arrived in November 2009, our lives were torn between the hospital and home. And when Ted was finally discharged, life was anything but normal. His battered immune system meant that he was always ill. A cold floored him for weeks, he suffered from chronic fatigue, and he often had to use a wheelchair. Ted’s childhood had been torn apart by cancer. Sometimes I wondered if things would ever get better. But, in March 2015, we got the all-clear. Ted…

There's nothing like choosing a sunny getaway to lift the January blues, but you don't need to break the bank! 1.Cheapest flights Don't assume budget airlines offer the best prices, always shop around. Try websites like momondo.co.uk  and kayak.co.uk, which show the cheapest deals from different airlines on the route you want. Also, if you're happy to spend longer getting there, then consider taking an indirect flight. 2. Haggle  If you've found your perfect package holiday, and have done your research to make sure it's the cheapest deal, see if you can get more money knocked off. Contact the travel company directly and start negotiating. Even if they can't reduce the price any further, they may throw in extras like free kids' meals. 3. Add it all up…

Neutrogena Norwegian Formula Deep Moisture Express Body Mist, £6.99, Boots Absorbs quickly so you can dress straight away. Burt’s Bees Overnight Intensive Lip Treatment, £6.98, feelunique.com  Its natural oils will soothe and plump your pout. CeraVe Hydrating Cleanser, £9, Boots Developed by dermatologists and perfect for dry, sensitive skin. Lano Coconutter Hand Cream Intense, £8.99, feelunique.com  An intense treat for sore, chapped hands. Soaper Duper Nourishing Coconut Body Butter, £6.50, Tesco  Really moisturising and smells amazing too.…

Dear Gracie, Pushing your buggy into the Maternity ward, you smiled up at me. I’ll never forget your confused little face, Gracie. Because soon, a sonographer was smearing cold jelly on my tummy. ‘There are two heartbeats,’ she announced. Twins. But instead of celebrating, I started to cry. It was May 2016 and you were still just 1. With two more babies on the way, I was terrified. How would I take care of everyone? I already had you and your big brother, Alfie, then 4. Your daddy – Anthony, 28 – worked nights as a social worker. He said we’d manage, but I couldn’t see how. What if I couldn’t give you all the love and attention you deserved? I plastered on a fake smile for you – but…

Michelle Wright, 47, Swansea Coming home to an empty house, I felt a familiar sense of despair sweep over me. Until recently, I’d been married for 13 years, with two wonderful kids and a job. Had reckoned my life was complete, my future mapped out before me. But in 2007, my marriage had broken down and I’d found myself single. It took a long time to get the old Michelle back. Finally, now, in 2011, I’d found my feet again. And I started thinking how it would be nice to have a man about the house again. Talking to an old friend, I said, ‘What’s all this online dating about, eh?’ ‘I know,’ she laughed. ‘It’s a world away from meeting someone in the pub.’ I found the maze of…

GUILTY After three days of deliberations, the jury returned a decisive verdict. Daron Wint was convicted of four counts each of first-degree murder while armed in the course of a kidnapping, first-degree murder while armed in the course of a burglary, first-degree premeditated murder while armed, kidnapping, first-degree burglary, extortion, arson and first-degree theft. Wint potentially faces life in prison without parole when sentenced in February 2019.…

Elbow cure? Q I have tennis elbow. My GP says wait for it to get better, but surely there's treatment? Pam, Northampton A A forearm muscle is damaged where it joins the bone on the outer side of your elbow. This usually gets better, though can take a year or more. Painkillers, exercises and injections ease pain but aren't usually a faster cure. Tackling toenails Q My toenails are thick and yellow. My GP thinks it's a fungus but won't treat me until lab tests come back. Why? Em, Morecambe A It's to ensure the treatment is right for you. You may have to take tablets for up to six months, though with some fungus types you might get away with antifungal nail paint. Painful stone Q After two days…

Waitrose Love Life Mexican Chicken Soup, £2.50, 600g This chunky chicken soup feels like a real meal in a bowl. The flavours are well balanced and it tastes almost like homemade. Co-op Well & Good Beetroot & Parsnip Souper Soup, £1.30, 400g Silky smooth and nicely thick with a beautifully vivid colour and deep flavour. Glorious! Indian Sweet Potato & Coconut Daal Soup, 600g, £2.20, Sainsbury’s This warming and filling soup is packed with tasty Indian spices and finished with creamy coconut.…

1981: Yorkshire Ripper in court Peter Sutcliffe was in court for the first time on 5 January 1981, accused of murdering 13 women across West Yorkshire. A crowd of over 2,000 gathered outside the court. Dubbed the Yorkshire Ripper, Sutcliffe's reign of terror had gripped the nation since it began in 1976. He was found guilty of the murders, as well as attempting to kill seven others. He's serving 20 concurrent life sentences. 1965: Kray twins in custody Twins Ronald and Reginald Kray were remanded in custody on 7 January 1965, charged in connection with running a protection racket in London. Huw Cargill McCowan said they offered to  supply two bouncers for his Soho club in return for a percentage of the club's takings. The Krays denied it. Although acquitted,…

Paul Wilson, 44, Beith Bursting into the bedroom, Connor bounded towards us. ‘Today’s the day!’ he squealed excitedly. ‘Sure is!’ my wife Carol, then 33, beamed. Climbing out of bed, we began packing party bags and hanging banners. It was 13 March 2003, Connor’s 10th birthday. But as I ran the vacuum around, my chest tightened. ‘Carol,’ I rasped, sinking to the floor. It was another asthma attack taking hold. She took one look at me and dialled 999. ‘We need an ambulance,’ she cried. Seeing Carol cradling our 11-month-old Luke, and Connor’s frightened eyes, was gutting. ‘Don’t let this ruin Connor’s day,’ I croaked, refusing to let them come with me. Rushed to Royal Alexandra Hospital, my oxygen level was dangerously low. Given medication, the pain in my chest…

Sylvia Whitton, 66, Arbroath One evening in May 2018, I was sitting on the sofa with my laptop, and I logged on to Chat Mag Bingo. I’d signed up back in July 2014, after friends told me I could enjoy playing from the comfort of my own home. I used to like going to my local bingo hall, but playing online was as much fun, and there was a great community of players. It meant that I could stay at home with my husband Allan, 67, and play at a time convenient that was me and still enjoy a chat. Saying hello to a couple of familiar names I’d become friendly with in the chatroom, I settled in, with Allan close by. I’d had a few small wins in the…