Innholdsfortegnelse for August 2022 i Chat Specials

Be careful Never use a spray to clean your TV, it attracts more dust! Instead use a microfiber cloth to keep it clear and scratch-free. Rebecca, Nottingham Snack stash To stop myself snacking, I keep my packed lunch extras in my car. This means I can grab them before work and won’t be tempted to have more than I need. Amanda, Stockport. Bright idea! It looks super bright, but my lime green suitcase is easy to spot on the conveyor. Buy a suitcase in a neon colour and use a strap to stand out. You’ll avoid queuing for your luggage. Jenny, Devon. Buff and shine Keep shoes waterproof and shiny by spraying them with WD-40 and gently buffing it in with a soft, clean cloth. Tasha, Manchester. Hot hack To…

Jo Howarth is an advanced hypnotherapist and also a mindfulness practitioner. Jo works alongside schools, individuals and businesses, teaching them how to look after their mental health and their emotional wellbeing. (thehappinessclub.co.uk) Breaking the news Q My dad is dying, and Idon’t know how to tell my children, aged 10 and 12. They adore their grandad. Would it be better to tell them before he passes – or keep it from them? Jess, Halifax A This is such a tough situation, one I am sending you love for. My personal opinion would be to tell them, children pick up on things really easily so they will know something is wrong even if you don’t tell them Talk to them about the natural way of life, the inevitability of death and…

Ella Lambert, 21, from Essex Cuddled up with a hot water bottle, it was another day in bed for me. From the get-go, I’ve suffered with crippling period pains. So much so, I often had to miss school or cancel plans. I always felt embarrassed and didn’t want to tell people the truth. And so, when I heard about period poverty, I couldn’t stop thinking about it. I knew that I was privileged to be able to afford sanitary products, but others aren’t so lucky. I was shocked and saddened when I learnt that in Lebanon, it costs £17 for a pack of pads. In an already deprived country, this meant many would have to go without. Girls would have to miss school when they were on. Although my own…

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Pelvic problems Labour can be damaging to our bodies – but Amanda Savage, women’s health physiotherapist and advisor to Kegel8, is here to rescue your pelvic floor with a simple Kegel exercise. • Sit, stand or lie with your knees slightly apart • Slowly tighten your pelvic floor muscles, starting with your anus (as if you are trying not to pass wind). • Tighten around your vagina, squeeze and ‘suck up’ your muscles. • Hold for five, then relax and repeat. Hay fever saviour If you suffer with hay fever, summer can be a nightmare – and sometimes, a daily antihistamine just isn’t enough to squash the sniffles and itchy, watery eyes. Gently swipe these wipes over your nose and eyes to remove allergens, and enjoy the sunshine without worrying…

REUSABLE BOTTLES Stay hydrated in style this summer!…

Summer’s finally here, and we’re ready to celebrate! Bring the holiday to you with our bold and bright home buys (pg24), and follow our tips to throw a garden party to remember (pg10). This month, we meet Krystal, who was humiliated when she realised she tipped the scales at a whopping 21st, thanks to her love of peanut butter sarnies (pg32) – but after a wedding dress humiliation, she slimmed down to a slinky size 12. Now she’s the life and soul of the party. And when Lucy was in a terrible accident, doctors told her she’d never walk again (pg36) – but her super dog Rudy helped nurse her back to health, and now she’s back hiking up hills! As well as these and plenty more feel-good real life,…

Joanne Goffey, 24, from Liverpool Feeling my phone buzz in my pocket after school, I opened up a new message and instantly smiled. It was from a lad called Lee Brown. I’d been chatting to him for a few days, after a friend had shared my pin on the Blackberry BBM messaging app. I’d only recently turned 16, and I’d just had my heart broken for the first time. Lee was five years older than me, and I was really flattered he’d taken an interest. It made me feel so grown up. Lee worked in the local chicken shop around the corner from me, owned by his uncle. Do you fancy meeting up? Lee’s message popped up.  I’d love to, I replied. But I’ll bring a friend along with me.…

Who doesn’t love an al fresco dinner party? The weather’s warming up – so it’s time to dust off those deck chairs and get your garden ready for a get-together! Jessica Hanley, linen expert and founder of Piglet in Bed, shares her top tips to create the perfect tablescape for outdoor dining this summer to impress your guests… Lay out your finest glassware Don’t be afraid to use your nice glassware outside! Using wine glasses (no matter what you’re drinking) will help your tablescape to look elegant and refined, plus they’re a joy to drink out of.As an attentive host, you should also lay out some small tumblers and a carafe of water, so guests can help themselves to a drink when they’re thirsty (this will also save you running…

 Veronia Young, 58, from Mosstodloch Shivering on the shore I stood waiting anxiously in a mermaid costume. ‘Go!’ someone shouted and within seconds everyone started hurling towards the water. As the cold waves hit my body, I screamed in shock. It was 1 January 2019, and year after year I made sure to head down to St. Andrews beach for a morning of fundraising fun. Raising money for Macmillan UK, I wanted to give back to them after all the help I had received after losing my dad Robin, to bladder cancer in 2011. The Macmillan nurses were great with Dad in his final days and were always there to support us as a family when we needed it. Cancer had changed my life, but I knew Dad wouldn’t want…

The Will – Rebecca Reid £7.99, AVAILABLE TO PRE-ORDER NOW, AT WHSMITH OR WATERSTONES If you were on the edge of your seat with crime novels from Adele Parks and Lisa Jewell, you’ll need to add this book to your collection. Set in the grand stately home of the Mordaunts, Roxborough Hall is a magnificent mansion in the idyllic Norfolk countryside. Only, this family setting is far from the norm and instead of the house being passed on through generations, it’s given to the family member deemed the most worthy. When the next custodian is to be decided, everyone is willing to do anything to get it, no matter the consequences. Leaving only one question – who will get what they deserve? The Second Sight of Zachary Cloudesley – Sean…

Krystal Paterson, 36, from Southampton Waking up in the middle of the night, I crept downstairs. Sneaking into the kitchen, I helped myself to a slice of cake. My mum had always baked delicious home-made cakes and I couldn’t resist them. Not only were they delicious, but at the young age of 13, food had become my source of comfort. Tragically, in just three short years, we had lost my younger brother and sister. My little sister was just 20 months old when she died in a car accident, and my brother just 10 when cancer stole him from us. My whole family were grieving, and I felt so alone. Sneaking down to the kitchen of a night and using my pocket money on sweets, the pounds piled on rapidly.…

Seeing animals up-close is exciting – but what goes on behind the scenes? Chris Mitchell, 59, is head of zoo operations at Drayton Manor. He spills the beans… DAY IN THE LIFE OF A ZOOKEEPER… No two days are the same! We care for the animals around the clock, 365 days a year, so our days start early.We firstly assess whether the animals are happy and healthy and check the conditions of all the exhibits. We then move onto the feeding and cleaning. This is where the hard work begins – a lot of science goes into the day-to-day care of zoo animals. We spend time recording behaviours, checking enclosure temperatures, UV levels and behavioural enrichment, as well as collecting poo samples to help us monitor the animals’ health. My role…

TOTALLY PAW-SOME Does someone have a special woof-day coming up? We all love our pets, so why not show them on their special day? Yappy is a personalised shop for pet lovers and has now launched a birthday collection. From personalised wrapping paper and birthday cars to treat tins, Yappy’s collection will be sure to get tails wagging. And don’t forget their Birthday Bites Baked Dog Biscuits which are lovingly hand baked to leave your dog feeling re-bark-able! Personalised with your chosen icon and a fetching party hat, plus your dog’s name, these biscuits will go down a treat! • Prices from £2.99, www.yappy.com Give your pup a birthday to remember SPRUCE UP YOUR HOME Cleaning doesn’t need to be a chore. With Method’s new Multi-Surface Concentrated Cleaner, you can…

Holiday smiles It’s the first time me and my husband have been away since having our twins. A long and well deserved break, so lots of smiles all round. Stacey, Bristol. Princess moment My daughter sent me this picture of her on her travels. I’m so happy she is living her best life and being treated right. I’m very jealous of all the sightseeing. Florence, Durham Wet paint! Whilst on a city break in Barcelona, I stumbled across this artist at work. How amazing is the tiger?! I’ve asked my partner if he can recreate it at home. Rachel, Berkshire. Playing dress-up! The Bath Fashion Museum is one of my favourite places to visit, especially to look at all the historical dresses. I even had a chance to play the…

Over the next few days, dark thoughts sank in. There were times I wanted to end my own life. I couldn’t put my finger on why I felt that way, though, as I couldn’t admit to myself that I’d been raped. The days passed in a blur, and on 2 January 2017 I went to see my GP. ‘Has anything happened to cause these thoughts?’ she asked gently. I was honest and it all came tumbling out. The doctor was full of advice and support, and gave me a phone number for an organisation that helps women affected by domestic abuse or sexual violence, called Safe Place. But I was told there wasn’t much they could do. I hadn’t told the police, as I didn’t want to get Lee into…

Green is a mix of a yellow and blue, meaning it’s perfect for all skin tones! Lightweight materials are trending, think linen, satin andcover-ups! Hot pink, magenta and fuchsia are the most stylish colours of the season!…

It was an oddly spontaneous thing for couple Lindy Williams, 56, and George Gerbic, 66, to do, but no one could deny it sounded amazing, and at their age – why not make the most of their free time? George’s grown-up son from a previous relationship, received an email from his dad in September 2013. It really was a trip of a lifetime ‘Lindy and I have decided to go on holiday and won’t be back until February 2014,’ the message read. ‘I will keep in touch via email and Skype.’ It really did sound like a trip of a lifetime. They’d travel from their hometown of Tanawha in Queensland, and go on to Cairns, Darwin, Asia, and Europe. It was just a shame that no one saw sociable George…

Everyone has heard of a capsule wardrobe, but did you know you can do the same with your home? Interior designer, Rudolph Diesel, shares why a capsule home design is timeless…Interior designer, Rudolph Diesel, shares why a capsule home design is timeless… What is it? A capsule home means turning away from interior micro-trends and spending money on a small number of high-quality furniture pieces and accessories that can be used year-round, mixing and matching with the seasons. Capsule homes have become more popular recently as people are increasingly conscious about their spending and the impact impulse buying can have. How to create the look… Base Style: First, figure out what styles you like. Do you prefer the Retro vibe or Art Deco? Do you like all modern, all traditional…

Heidi Ondrak, 51, from Plymouth, Devon Feverishly scrolling through my phone as I sat in front of the telly, I felt a little thrill every time I popped something into my online shopping basket. If I buy this dress, then I need that jacket… And I’ll definitely need those shoes, too… That bag will bring the whole outfit together… Before the ad break was even over, I’d scoured the whole Zara website and my total totted up into the hundreds. But I was convinced it was all absolutely necessary. As I clicked ‘buy’, I felt a sudden rush of excitement. I couldn’t wait for it to arrive. I loved trying all my new buys on and seeing my sartorial vision come together. I’d always been a bit of a shopaholic,…

You’re dressed and ready to go, but choosing the right accessories can always be a little daunting. Only, the must-have accessory that everyone takes for granted is a handbag! With plenty on offer this summer, carry all on your essentials and place the cherry on top of your outfit – just don’t get too carried away… Straw The statement of summer is a straw, crochet or rafia bag! Everyday Don’t be afraid of vivid accessories to liven up your usual colour palette! Statement Beach ready\ Tote bags are fabulous all-rounders…

With a multi-millionaire boyfriend and a sprawling waterfront mansion to call home, it was an unusual sight to see Catherine Pileggi pushing a trolley around a hardware store. She bought a blue 45-gallon plastic container and wheeled it out to her car. Once weighed down, it would make a perfect coffin. Catherine had been dating her boyfriend Ronald ‘Ron’ Vinci on and off for over 18 years. She’d been a flight attendant when they’d first met, but was now enjoying Ron’s retirement years in sunny Florida. Ron, 70, was a self-made millionaire with a big personality. In June 2011, he’d just moved into a $3million, 8000sq ft property in Fort Lauderdale. The luxury home was just a stone’s throw from his yacht. Ron loved to splash his cash on helicopters,…

Potatoes are an all-time favourite ingredient, whether you’re looking to jazz up a picnic or dine al fresco in the sunshine. Seasonal Spuds has created some delicious recipes that are perfect for any occasion. For more inspiration please visit: seasonalspuds.com SWEET POTATO HOUMOUS WITH CHARGRILLED FLATBREADS SERVES 4-6 No chickpeas are needed, with sweet potato doing the heavy lifting and nutty tahini and lemon juice bringing everything together with just the perfect amount of oompf. You can also cook the flatbreads on the barbecue, in a cast iron pan or on a griddle, making them perfect for summer – just be sure to be generous with the oil to prevent any sticking. YOU’LL NEED: • 2 medium sweet potatoes (around 500g)• 2 tbsps olive oil, plus extra for drizzling• ½…

Flight fears Q I’ve got a summer holiday booked, but I’m worried about my IBS playing up on a four-hour flight. Is there anything I can take to help? Emma, Cheltenham AGut disturbances are never pleasant at the best of times, but can be doubly challenging when we are in confined spaces. IBS can be exacerbated by stress, and whilst holidays are fun, they can still be stressful. Allow plenty of time for travelling to the airport, prebook your parking and try some relaxation apps. Then consider what your primary symptoms are. If, for you, it’s diarrhea symptoms, ensure that you are well hydrated, limit your alcohol, and avoid in-flight snacks. If you struggle with gut spasms then see your pharmacist for some overthe-counter antispasmodic medication and if you struggle…

Eva Wild, 43 Smiling at the laptop screen, a class of seven-year-olds beamed back at me. ‘Has everyone got that?’ I asked them. I was trying to teach them a lesson online, but it was proving to be a challenge. In the background, I could hear my own kids running riot upstairs and my husband Paul, 45, was in desperate need of my help to calm them down. But I couldn’t leave my class. It was March 2020, and my home in Texas had just been placed under lockdown. Online teaching was draining every bit of my energy. I’d been a teacher for 13 years, and I loved every moment of it. I absolutely loved working with kids, but lockdown was taking the fun out of it. They were distracted,…