Indholdsfortegnelse for March 2026 i Chat Specials

Welcome to the March issue of Chat Monthly. In this fab issue, you’ll find the latest denim styles to suit your body and budget (p8), batch-cook recipes for tasty meals in a flash (p46), and kitchen buys that will have you baking up a storm (p34). Then there’s the very best real-life stories. Read all about Eden… it takes seven machines to keep her alive, but she’s still smiling (p62). Our horrifying true crime feature asks who could kill a mum pushing her baby in a pram? The answer is as shocking as the savage crime itself (p42). Plus, Sam shares why she’s rightly proud of both her hubby Josh and their brave little boy Lucas (p36). And how was Kate’s adorable cavapoo Woody saved by a humble mushroom (p12)?…

Clutching the microphone, my daughter Estelle belted out her favourite song. ‘Near, far, wherever you are…’ It was 1997. Aged just 3, Estelle’s favourite song was My Heart Will Go On by Celine Dion. Pitch perfect on our home karaoke machine, she was performing for me, my husband, Iain, then 27, and her brothers Scott, 9, Jamie, 7, and baby Kieran. ‘Encore,’ I cheered when she finished. As the years went on, she carried on singing. We were all big country and western fans. ‘Dolly Parton or Garth Brooks?’ Estelle would grin when it was her turn on the karaoke machine. By 17, Estelle had an agent and was performing in pubs and clubs. After leaving school, she got a full-time admin job alongside gigs. Then, in early 2017, aged…

My in-laws won’t back off Q I love my hubby’s family but since we moved closer, I feel like I see them more than him! They’re constantly in and out while I’m trying to work from home and always give me advice on how they’d decorate or DIY jobs they think we need to do. It’s driving me crazy. I don’t want to jeopardise our relationship but I need a break! How do I set boundaries? Paige, 34 A Flower, it’s not your job to make others feel comfortable at the expense of your sanity. You can set boundaries without being rude or disrespectful. Explain that while you’re working from home, they can’t pop in but that you’d love to see them in the evening. Or take advantage of this.…

Glugging a carton of cranberry juice, I barely came up for air. ‘Yuck,’ I grimaced. I hated it, but desperate to get rid of yet another urine infection, I’d try anything. It was 2013 and, aged 16, I’d recently noticed my wee was blood-red. Docs said it was a UTI, gave me antibiotics. But now, months later, the burning and stinging was back. ‘Ouch,’ I winced, peeing as slowly as possible on the loo, but still in so much pain. I’d get rid of one infection only to get another. By my early 20s, I’d get UTIs every three months. More pain, discomfort and antibiotics followed. And I never got an answer about why I got so many. Dehydration, alcohol and sex made things worse. During my third year at…

The subject of a 2009 book, adapted into the 2011 film Dolphin Tale, what name was given to the dolphin found tangled in nets off the coast of Florida in 2005, that was later given the first-ever prosthetic tail? Fit the words into the grid, then read down the letters in the shaded circles. 3 letters DEW HEW NET NEW PET PEW SET SEW WET 4 letters ALSO DRAW SHOT SLOE SWAP SWAT 5 letters THEIR THROW TOWNS TWANG 6 letters WADERS WASTES WEAPON WOWING 7 letters WEAKEST WHEEDLE Your answer You’ll find the puzzle answers on pages 60-61…

Top tip Make to the end of step 2 up to two days ahead, or freeze for longer. Reheat, finishing with the remaining ingredients to serve. Pork and cider casserole Perfect for sharing with friends. Serve with mash or crusty bread. SERVES 4 PREP 30 mins COOK 1hr 30 mins (OVEN) OR 4 hrs (SLOW COOKER) ● 2tbsp olive oil● 600g pork loin fillet, sliced● 1 red onion, thinly sliced● 2 garlic cloves, grated● 2tsp fennel seeds● 500ml dry cider (or 350ml if using a slow cooker)● Zest and juice 2 lemons● 3tbsp creme fraiche● 75g green olives● 3tbsp capers● Handful flat-leaf parsley, chopped 1 Heat the oven to 140C Fan/Gas 3 or a slow cooker to high. Heat half the oil in a large frying pan. Add thepork and…

My boyfriend’s mouth twisted into a smirk, eyes down at his phone, and there it was again. That niggling feeling in the pit of my tummy. Something isn’t right. It was early 2021, and for a long while now I’d suspected my boyfriend Harry, then 25, might be cheating. When we’d first met online in September 2018, he’d showered me with gifts. Talked about saving for a place of our own. ‘We have loads of time,’ I’d said. I’d loved my independence. Had a good job as a supermarket manager, lots of friends, a car and a one-bedroom flat. But now, several years in, Harry had changed. Glued to his phone, secretive. ‘Who are you messaging?’ I asked for what felt like the millionth time. ‘A mate,’ he snapped. Days…

When Peter Keller started visiting the woods with his dog, Dino, his wife Lynnettee didn’t think much of it. She assumed her hubby had found himself a harmless hobby. After all, he was a good man. Peter had supported her through a painful back condition that had left her unable to work. He’d even bought her a recliner to make her more comfortable at home. ‘He takes care of me even though I can’t go back to work and I’m home in pain all the time,’ she said in a video posted online, where she called her husband the love of her life. Peter, Lynnettee and their teenage daughter, Kaylene, all liked to post videos of themselves on YouTube. Kaylene filmed her dad with Dino, while Lynnettee, who made and…

Top of the pups Most dogs aren’t just loyal companions – they’re among the smartest animals in the world, according to experts. But those of you who have ever owned a lovingly dopey basset hound or chow chow might know that intelligence varies drastically between dog breeds. Border collies are considered the smartest, followed by poodles, German shepherds and golden retrievers. Toys R Woof Does your pooch know his squeaky bone from his smelly slipper? Then you may just be on to a winner! Especially if it took him just 30 minutes to learn which one is which. Scientists at ELTE University in Budapest say if your dog only needs half an hour to learn a new toy name, then he’s probably gifted. Genipups Does your dog head off to…

Turning the lava lamp on in my bedroom, I went to the window to pull the curtains. Aged 10, it was nearly my bedtime – I had to get up early for school the next day. As I looked out of the window on to the dark street, I could see a light on in the house opposite. And gazing out of his living-room window, right up at me, was our neighbour Ian, then 32. Quickly pulling the curtains shut, I shuddered. Ian was a bus driver and I often spotted him coming home from work in his uniform. Only, several times now, I’d caught him staring up at my window. It gave me the creeps. A few months later, in August 2000, Ian was at it again. Getting ready…

As my daughters Poppy, 9, and Florence, 5, ran up the stairs, a tiny patter of feet followed them. ‘Don’t make a mess up there, you three,’ I called after them. Seconds later, I could hear them playing in Poppy’s room. The sound of giggles echoed down the stairs. Followed by a bark. Woody, our cavapoo, was like a cheeky little brother to the girls. Me and my husband Sam, then 29, had got him for Poppy for her 9th birthday in November 2022. Since then, he’d slotted right into our family. In July 2023, on our annual holiday to Cornwall, I loved seeing him run along the beach chasing Poppy and Florence. ‘Couldn’t imagine life without our fluffball now,’ I laughed to Sam. In September we spoilt Woody on…

Nothing made Jessie Blodgett happier than musical theatre. At a young age, she’d started learning to play the piano. She loved singing, dancing and acting, and dreamt of a future in music. So when she’d met Daniel Bartelt at school in Hartford, Wisconsin, they’d clicked. He shared the same interests and they became close friends. He was a regular at the Blodgett home, with Jessie’s parents fond of the lad they called Dan. He and Jessie had sung together in the school choir, starred alongside each other in plays. Even dated for a while, and stayed friends after they split. The pair wrote songs together and posted a video on YouTube performing a duet. And in the summer of 2013, Jessie, then 19, was thrilled to land a role in…

My tummy rumbled as I stared at the plate of mince and potatoes. Aged 11, in October 1992, I was hungry. Only, instead of grabbing my knife and fork, familiar feelings simmered. Anxiety, blended with a big dollop of nausea. I’m not going to be able to eat this, I panicked. But it wasn’t my mum Kathleen’s cooking that was the problem. My dad, Dessie, 37, and big brothers Harry, then 16, and Jonathon, then 14, were already tucking in. But the smell of piping-hot gravy, meat and vegetables made me retch. ‘I can’t eat it,’ I sighed, pushing the plate away. I’d been a picky eater since I was tiny. Mum frowned, but she’d got used to me turning down her food. She just wanted me to eat something…

A pain in the bum Q I’m pretty fit and go to the gym, but recently I’ve been experiencing deep buttock pain that travels down the back of my thigh and into my foot, and now my heel is numb. What could it be? Lee, Somerset A The pain and heel numbness you describe are classic symptoms of sciatica – a condition where the sciatic nerve, which runs from the lower back down the back of each leg, gets irritated. However, other conditions can cause similar symptoms, and it’s important to see your GP for a proper diagnosis. Treatments may include physiotherapy, medication or surgery, depending on the severity and underlying cause. In the meantime, avoid activities that worsen the symptoms and try gentle stretching exercises. Applying heat or cold packs…

Bending over the changing mat, I went to change my baby but couldn’t resist a little kiss first. ‘Time to clean you up, Lucas,’ I smiled. He’d arrived three days earlier, in January 2022, weighing 8lb 1oz. With his olive skin, he looked just like my fiancé Josh, then 29. Right now, every moment felt magical. Even wiping poo! Only, opening Lucas’ nappy, I frowned. ‘This isn’t right,’ I said, beckoning Josh over. Even as a first-time mum, I knew something was off. The nappy was stained brown with Lucas’ wee. And his poo was a milky white colour. He’d also been unsettled during feeds. So our GP referred Lucas for tests in hospital. There, we heard that there was an issue with our son’s biliary system. A network of…

Chatting away and smiling into the camera, Habibur Masum, 25, was in his element. His YouTube channel, where he posted videos about his life, only had 102 subscribers. But that didn’t stop him wanting to become a ‘daddy influencer’. The university graduate and his new wife, Kulsuma Akter, 26, were expecting their first child. Habibur liked to film content of himself preparing for the birth. One vid was him assembling a cot. With a voiceover commentary, he sped up its unboxing, then skipped through the written instructions before giving a hands-on demo of how to put the cot together. In another, he was seen shopping for babywear in a high-street clothing store. To anyone watching his videos, it looked like Habibur was an excited dad-to-be. And a dedicated partner, wanting…

A Bad, Bad Place by Frances Crawford (£16.99, HB, Bantam) This compelling debut opens in 1979, as 12-year-old Janey stumbles upon a young woman’s dead body. The victim’s grieving father is a gangster who starts pumping traumatised Janey for information, but amnesia has blocked out everything she saw. Janey is also keeping a secret of her own and her Nana – who has raised Janey in poverty-stricken Glasgow after her parents died – is worried sick. Though Janey has a compelling mystery to solve, it’s the unforgettable characters, sparkling dialogue and sharp wit that make this an unmissable read. A Sociopath’s Guide to a Successful Marriage by M. K. Oliver (£16.99, HB, HarperCollins) Lalla Rook wants it all – a huge Hampstead house, a perfect daughter and a devoted, wealthy…

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THE BARREL-LEG JEAN Barrel-leg jeans aren’t going anywhere fast. As the shape is wide and curved, balance proportions with a fitted jumper or shirt and avoid wearing chunky shoes. THE SHIRT DRESS Proof that denim can be both comfy and chic – this belted shirt dress, in its dark indigo denim and soft fabric, will flatter any figure. Layer with a classic Breton top until spring. THE JACKET A jean jacket never goes out of style. Choose one that is belted to showcase your waist like this supermarket steal and wear with everything from dresses to printed co-ords. THE SHIRT Dare to double? Choose denim in two tones, lighter and darker works best, and keep the fits balanced. Wide-leg trousers look flattering with a top tucked in.…

In August 2014, Daniel Bartelt, then 20, was found guilty of first-degree intentional homicide in the death of Jessie Blodgett, 19. During sentencing, Daniel became tearful as he gave a statement. ‘I can’t give you the answers you are looking for,’ he said. Although he claimed his jumpsuit and shackles didn’t make him guilty, he said, ‘I can’t prove I’m innocent to anyone, not even myself.’ Speaking to Jessie’s parents, he told them, ‘I love you and I’m so sorry for your loss.’ Despite the verdict, Jessie’s father Buck said, ‘Nobody won today.’ He went on to say that Daniel’s parents would have his support. Then he addressed Daniel directly. ‘Dan, I forgive you,’ he said. ‘I not only forgive you, I love you.’ Sentencing Daniel to life in prison without…

My husband Pete, then 40, was watching ice hockey highlights on the television when I joined him on the sofa. ‘How are you feeling?’ I asked, noticing him rubbing his ear. ‘I’m going back to bed,’ he sighed. ‘It’s just an earache, I’ll be fine tomorrow.’ A dreary Saturday morning in December 2022, we’d all been under the weather. My eldest son Will, then 14, was at his dad’s and mine and Pete’s kids, Charlie, then 8, and Matilda, 6, were still upstairs. We’d all been suffering from colds and sniffles on and off for weeks. Once one began to recover, another would start coughing and spluttering. A slow weekend was just what the doctor ordered, I thought, watching Pete trudge up the stairs. Usually, he powered through any illness.…

Future fabulousness The right tree gives your garden personality and presence for years to come. Design-wise, it provides a graceful structure to admire all year round, along with seasonal star power, like spring or summer flowers and autumn colour. A tree can offer practical solutions, too: providing privacy, blocking an ugly view, buffering road noise, filtering pollution and locking up carbon. Even better, it becomes an ecosystem that brims with wildlife, nurturing bugs and bees, birds and squirrels. Sun shield If your garden sizzles in summer, go for a densely canopied tree to cast pools of shade. ‘Brown Turkey’ fig (Ficus carica, H.3m) is a lush evergreen with edible leaves and fruit. It also thrives in a container, as long as it’s watered regularly. Loquat (Eriobotrya japonica, H. 4-8m) is…

Caring colour Nars Afterglow Lip Balm in Stargaze, £28.50, narscosmetics.co.uk, is a buttery balm that cushions lips in a baby pink tint. This lightweight and non-stick balm nourishes, smooths and softens lips, while providing a sheer and glossy wash of pink colour. Breathable base If you’re looking for a lightweight base to boost your skin at the same time, then try Collection Skin Tint Instant Glowing Skin, £6.99, collection cosmetics.com. It’s powered by squalane, niacinamide and vitamin C to care for your skin while providing natural-looking cover. Nude eyes This clever liquid-to-powder nude eyeshadow applies like a cream and dries to a powder, for seriously comfortable wear. E.l.f. Liquid Velvet Eyeshadow in Cable Knit, £8, elfcosmetics.co.uk, glides over lids and blends with ease to create endless everyday looks. Perfect powder…

Clinking glasses of fizz with my besties, we couldn’t stop giggling at the massive chart I’d just pinned on the living-room wall. On it, 11 male faces looked back at us and under each pic were names, hobbies, jobs, details of their looks… I’d invited three of my mates over for a very important reason. ‘Ladies, it’s time to choose our favourite fella,’ I declared to Katie, Sarah and Jess. It was August 2019 and I’d had a tough few years. I’d suffered a devastating stillbirth and my marriage fell apart. Desperate for a baby, I’d then thrown myself into the dating scene. But after meeting nothing but duds on the apps, I’d come to a decision. At 38, I didn’t have endless time to find Mr Right. If I…

What’s your status? The planner You’re the self-appointed social secretary that no one asked for, but everyone is secretly grateful for your organisational skills. Typical message: Some of you still haven’t given me dietary requirements for the party. Don’t make me chase you! The lurker You might ‘like’ someone else’s message every now and then, but never get involved in the chat yourself. Who has the time? Typical message: The joker You see the humour in the little things and share it with your pals, even when nobody responds. Question is, where do you find all those memes? Typical message: I just spent 10 minutes looking for my glasses and they were on my head!!!! Honestly what am I like? The spammer You use the group chat as though it’s your personal social media…