Innholdsfortegnelse for August 2024 i Chat Specials

Holidays, weddings and family-packed days out – August can be a busy month. No matter your plans, we have you covered. From last minute occasionwear you can pick up with your weekly shop (pg44) to fun festivals with a twist (pg40), you can have your best summer yet. Rachel (pg16) knows a thing or two about living life to the max. After her daughter flew the nest, she decided to jet off herself. She may be 50, but her epic gap year made us green with envy! For Ella (pg30), she certainly embraces life in full colour. Forget beige and grey, her home is bursting with pinks, greens and a splash of neon. Her style may be a little alternative, but we think it’s sensational! What do you think? If…

Mary Gearon, 26, from Liverpool Sitting in the pub with a pint of Coke in hand, I bubbled the drink through my straw. ‘Thank you, Grandad,’ I smiled, chuffed that I had a sugary, adult-like beverage. At just nine, during the summer holidays, me and my brother Ryan, now 30, would join my dad and grandad at the pub to watch the footie. Dressed in our Celtic football gear, we loved spending time in the pub with them all. Despite my mum Dierdre, now 49, and dad splitting up just months before, I made sure to visit my dad and grandad as much as possible. Loving drama at school, I’d get involved in everything I could, wanting to be a part of every show. So, cheering like a hooligan at…

Spiral crossword Hollywood star Hugh Jackman has admitted that seeing what movie gave him nightmares? The answer to each clue (apart from the first) begins with the last letter of the preceding answer. The shaded squares will then spell out the four-word answer. 1 Entertainment industry (7) 2 Snaking course turning this way and that, like a slalom (6) 3 Space between parents and children, in age and outlook (10, 3) 4 Bent wire for holding documents (9) 5 Pictured message sent back from holiday (8) 6 Scalp flakes, on the shoulder perhaps (8) 7 One of a pair of light rubber or plastic sandals (4-4) 8 Rewards for winning (6) 9 Capital of Sweden (9) 10 Edible fungus (8) 11 Pad on a bed frame (8) 12 Powder made by cutting wood (7) 13 Black…

Sitting in front of the telly, my eyes were completely transfixed on the screen. With the boom of Tom Baker’s voice radiating across the living room, I too wished that I could hop inside the TARDIS. At just two years old, I wasn’t hiding behind the sofa or watching the scary monsters through my fingers. Watching Doctor Who obsessively, I was absolutely hooked. Growing up with Tom Baker, his scarf was iconic. There was an episode in particular that I adored the most – Revenge of the Cybermen. It was filmed in the Wookey Hole caves in Somerset – a place we all used to visit as kids. Over the years, my obsession followed me into adulthood. I spent all my spare cash on Doctor Who memorabilia, I had a…

The Curious History of Your Home Stream on your preferred podcast platform now Are you ever curious about the mundane objects in your home? Who thought it was a good idea to invent the dishwasher? When was cutlery introduced? Did kings and queens have kettles? Well-loved historian Ruth Goodman dives into the surprising stories behind our everyday essentials in this podcast series. From how Henry VIII started an argument about washing up to how a medieval wedding was ruined by a fork. Discover quirks and laughable facts to share with all. You’ll have a newfound appreciation for your home! OUR MOVIE PICK Fly Me to the Moon In cinemas now Sparks are about to fly in this movie pick – especially as Channing Tatum and Scarlett Johansson are amongst the…

Sarah Simpson, 38, from Kings Hill, Kent Looping the yarn over my crochet hook, I mentally counted each new stitch. And soon, my next creation started coming together. About time, too! I thought, relieved. I’d spent two weeks on my project, dedicating every moment to it once my girls Lola, 12, Lydia, eight, and Ivy, six, were in bed. But I wasn’t crocheting a cardigan, a pair of mittens or a cosy blanket. Instead, I was bringing to life one of the most iconic films – Star Wars. From Yoda to Princess Leia, Darth Vader, Luke Skywalker, Chewbacca, R2D2 and of course, a white Stormtrooper, I made sure everyone was included, using Google as a reference. I created my favourite characters But I wasn’t creating this crochet scene for myself.…

Sharon Griffiths, 54, from South Wales Crossing the line, head to toe in hot pink, I’d completed yet another Race for Life. Since 2013, I’d participated most years. I’ve always been keen to raise awareness for Cancer Research. Working as a nurse, I have cared for many patients who’ve battled cancer. So, I was running for them. And my kids Haydn, 31, Morgan, 28, and Milly, 14, would join me. In October 2020, I’d turned 50 and was invited for a routine mammogram at the breast clinic. I wasn’t worried at all – I’m a great believer in having health screenings. It wasn’t until two days later, when a letter arrived, that alarm bells rang. Being a nurse, I knew how procedures worked – this was probably bad news. I…

SPF warriors Struggle to find a facial SPF for your skin type? Well, we’ve rounded up our favourites on the high street for you! NIVEA SUN UV FACE SHINE CONTROL SUN CREAM, £10, BOOTS If you struggle with oily skin, you may find yourself avoiding facial SPFs. But there are lots of great options on the market – including this one from Nivea. With a non-greasy formula, it offers SPF50 protection and absorbs excess oils, giving you a mattified complexion. GARNIER AMBRE SOLAIRE SUPER UV VITAMIN C ANTI-DARK SPOTS FLUID, £14, BOOTS Designed with sensitive skin in mind, this fluid is ultra fine and lets the skin breathe. Dermatologically tested and non-comedogenic, it’s a great option for those who struggle with acne, too. With glycerin, vitamin E and C, it…

FILM AND TV 1 What era is Netflix series Bridgerton set in? a Late modern period b The Regency era c The classical era 2 What animated classic was the first film of the late 20th century ‘Disney renaissance’? a The Little Mermaid b Sleeping Beauty c Beauty and the Beast 3 Three of Jim Carrey’s blockbusters – The Mask, Dumb and Dumber and Ace Ventura: Pet Detective – were all released in what year? a 1994 b 1995 c 1996 4 What was the Los Angeles hotel prominently featured in Pretty Woman? a The Ritz Carlton, Los Angeles b The Beverly Hills Hotel c The Beverly Wilshire by Four Seasons 5 Who was the longest-serving presenter of children’s TV show Blue Peter? a Valerie Singleton b John Noakes c Helen Skelton SHOWBIZ 6 How many times was Leonardo DiCaprio…

Fooling around My hubby David can’t resist pulling silly faces – it’s like going on holiday with a child! Joy, Yeovil Sunny days Beautiful views of the bay in Mallorca from our hotel – we didn’t want to come home. Hannah, Chippenham Family affair This is my grandma Vera, 104 years old, with my three children. Doesn’t she look good for her age?! Andrew, Lydney King of the castle How magnificent does Ludlow Castle look in the sunshine?! It’s a lovely day out. Sian, Shropshire Time to celebrate My daughter got married in Turkey and we went for a family meal the night before – I love this picture she took of me and her dad James. Janet, Cheshire Summer strolling I loved exploring Sicily with my daughter, and we racked up an…

You’ll help feed insects and garden mammals! How to make WILDFLOWER SEEDBALLS Fun for the whole family, you can make a huge difference to the environment from the comfort of your own garden by creating these easy-to-make wildflower seedballs, courtesy of the National Trust. • For more, please visit: nationaltrust.org.uk YOU'LL NEED… • Flour• Soil• Mixing bowl• Water• Native British wildflower seeds HOW TO DO IT… 1. Mix 10 parts soil to one part flour. 2. Add water and mix slowly until the mixture becomes sticky like dough. 3. Roll the mix into a golf-ball size. 4. Fill a tray with wildflower seeds. 5. Roll your mud balls around until they’re covered in seeds. 6. Leave to dry for a day. Then throw in your garden. In bloom HIGHGROVE GARDENS,…

In the quiet, tropical paradise of Pupukea, Hawaii, everyone knew everyone. And Telma Boinville, 51, loved her local community. A dedicated mum to her eight-year-old daughter Makana, Telma and her husband Kevin gave her the best start to life. That meant weekends lapping up the sunshine in the quiet North Shore neighbourhood they called home. Working as a teacher, Telma was loved by pupils and parents alike. Often seen cycling to school with Makana, Telma had a signature smile which brightened everyone’s day. In Pupukea, it seemed as though Telma had truly found her own slice of paradise. A hard worker by nature, in December 2017, Telma found herself a second job as a part-time cleaner of the holiday homes in North Shore. She wanted to support her family It…

Lucy Power is a leading coach and educator, trained and experienced in a range of psychotherapeutic approaches. Lucy helps to raise self awareness so you can go on to live freely and without limits. Search for Therapeutic Coaching Academy and follow @iamlucypower on Instagram He’s lying through his teeth… Q I caught my hubby texting a younger woman. He said that there was nothing in it and it was a friend from work. I don’t believe him at all and I don’t know how we can work through this. Should I call thewoman? Nicky, Cardiff A I am noticing your language, specifically that you say you ‘caught’ your husband texting another woman. Were you on the look out for this to happen? You also say that you don’t believe him ‘at…

Amee Tomkin, 35, Milton Keynes Relaxing on the sofa, I decided to put my feet up and rest. My back was absolutely killing me – just another pregnancy symptom I’d had to get used to. But I knew the end result would be more than worth it. Are you there, baby? I thought. I was waiting for another kick or that familiar, fluttering feeling when my little one moved around inside my belly. Instead, someone else wanted to be the centre of attention. As padding into the room was my beloved pup Belle – a Staffordshire Bull Terrier. Jumping up on the sofa beside me, she instantly laid her head on my belly, ever so gently. Looking up at me with her adorable brown eyes, I knew she was waiting…

Sharon Garner, 70, from Penzance, Cornwall As I lay back on the sun lounger, I peeped up at the clear blue sky through my shaded sunglasses. I was on holiday with my husband Alwyn, now 74, in the villa we owned in Turkey. With four beds, a huge pool and sunshine, it was amazing and I should have felt a million dollars. But I didn’t. A depression had crept up on me and I had no idea why. I had everything – a family, a loving husband I adored and a villa in Turkey. But I still couldn’t shake off my mood. I was well into midlife territory though and I wondered what the future held. One day our son Carl, now 50, came to visit us in Turkey. ‘Why…

Dylan Benson, 42 Sending me a picture, it was clear that a yellow and grey theme was wanted. ‘This is the sort of thing I’d like for his nursery,’ my wife Robyn, then 32, said. After knowing Robyn for half my life, meeting through mutual friends back in 1997 and deciding to tie the knot in July 2013, we knew what we wanted next – a loving family. And in our first month of trying, we quickly found ourselves at the local store in James Bay Southern Victoria, Canada, buying tests, with a positive reading when we got home. ‘We’re pregnant,’ we excitedly announced to our family and friends weeks later. With a tight group of friends, having a great laugh and so much fun to be around, Robyn was…

A it’s time to get tropical! We’re loving bright florals, bold patterns and colour this month. Let the sun shine through you and bring the heat with your outfit this summer……

Ice, ice, baby If you can’t cope with the heat at night, chuck a pair of socks in the freezer for 30 minutes before bed. Pop them on when you sleep, and your body will regulate its temperature. Janey, Bedford Goodbye fly-aways To tame pesky fly-aways when it’s humid this summer, you don’t need to drench your entire head in hairspray. You can spray a small amount onto your brush and wipe it over any wispy locks. It lasts all day long. Tina, Blagdon Fight the itch If you’ve been bitten by a mosquito, run a spoon under hot water and then press it onto the spot. The heat will destroy the protein that caused the reaction and the itching will stop. Kayleigh, Lincoln Get the party poppin’ Instead of…

How to Age Disgracefully by Clare Pooley £14.99, WATERSTONES When you reach the ripe old age of 70, society no longer pays you any attention. Well, that’s how Daphne feels. Sitting alone with a cake in front of her on her 70th birthday, she’s only got her neighbours to stalk online. She decides that she needs some friends. Joining the Senior Citizen’s Social Club, a bit of crochet, a natter and a cuppa can’t go wrong, can it? In Daphne’s eyes it can! She’s horrified by the suggestion of such crafts. However, she’s not the only one. Among the group, Daphne finds her tribe. However, with the council threatening to close the club, everyone is in uproar – especially as it helps to fund the nursery next door. Can Daphne prove…

Ella Davis, 35, from Harrogate Smoothing the scratchy Velcro against the picture frame, I firmly fixed it against the wall. Rage against the beige, it was captioned. Perfect. Because I was on a mission. A mission to rid my rented, new build home of its beige box appeal. Never a fan of the silver and neutral aesthetic, I wanted to remove any trace of ‘live, laugh, love’ from my home. My home was an expression of my personality – bold, bright, maximalism was something that reflected it. And taking pride of place was my gallery wall. With one in my living room and the other in my hallway, I had over 200 prints covering my walls. It was definitely my signature. With a mix of family photos, funky prints and…

Being surrounded by her loving family was all Jodie Bevans, then 58, could ever ask for. Spoiling her 24 grandchildren rotten, she posted photos of them on Facebook. When she married Mike Bevans back in 2005, to Jodie, it didn’t just mean tying the knot. It also meant having a bigger family, as she already had four children and Mike had five. For Jodie, the message ‘the more the merrier’ rang true. Moving into a home big enough for them all in Palo Alto, California, the Bevans family were close-knit. Heading off for outdoorsy getaways at a local campsite was their family tradition. The Bevans’ were loved in their local area, too. Especially as Jodie worked as a nurse at the local care home. Everyone knew her as a warm,…