Table of contents for 08-Aug-2019 in Pick Me Up!

Everyone thinks they have the best mum in the world, right? Well my mum is. Not only has my mum dedicated her life to raising me and my sister, Heather, 29, but for the past ten years, she has been the full-time carer of her own mum, Elizabeth, and her brother, John. Before me and Heather were born, my grandma was diagnosed with schizophrenia, and then, when we were little, she was further diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease. Mum spent virtually every day at Grandma’s house, helping my grandad John to look after her. Then, about 15 years ago, my Uncle Johnny was also diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease, so she also took on the role of caring for him. Despite the heartache of seeing her loved ones’ suffering, she did what…

Twirling around in front of the mirror, my five-year-old daughter Eva grinned happily. ‘You look ridiculous!’ I said, trying not to laugh. Dressed in black leggings and a purple top, she’d put on a blue tutu to complete the look. We were due at my friend Mel’s* for dinner, and we were running late. But Eva was too busy admiring herself. ‘Come on love, take that tutu off,’ I said. ‘Please can I wear it to dinner, Mummy?’ she pleaded, her eyes wide. ‘Oh, go on then,’ I sighed. ‘Let’s get in the car, Aunty Mel is waiting for us.’ Clambering into the back seat, Eva was beaming with pride about her latest fashion choice, grinning happily. It was 27 April this year, and we’d been invited to Mel’s house…

1 Avoid constipation Eating a fibre-rich diet, drinking plenty of fluids, or taking regular exercise are all ways you can help prevent constipation and bloating. 2 Don’t eat too fast Eating quickly can result in swallowing air that leads to bloating. Meals should last around 30 minutes. 3 Cut out fizzy drinks The fizz in carbonated drinks can cause gas to get trapped in your stomach. Try peppermint tea to soothe the bloat. 4 Rule out allergies or intolerances Keep a food diary and log what makes you bloat. But don’t get rid of any food groups long-term until you’ve consulted your GP.…

Q I’ve been feeling down for a few months now and I can’t seem to shake it. I’m irritable and constantly feel tired. I think I might be depressed but don’t know what to do. Pete, Hull Anger and irritability are distress signals – a way of us showing others that everything is not OK. If you are also feeling tired and this feeling has persisted for months now, then it suggests that you may be suffering from depression. Other symptoms include feeling hopeless, loss of motivation, not wanting to be with others, difficulty sleeping, or even sleeping too much. It is important you talk to someone – ideally your GP – to get some guidance. This may be with self-help, therapy and medication. Take some gentle exercise, eat regularly…

Award-winning life coach Chloë Leibowitz believes that life is about seeking progress, not perfection.(chloeleibowitz.com) Family feuds My brother and I don’t get on because he doesn’t like my husband. Our mum has been really upset by it and I feel so guilty that we can’t be civil. Olivia, Brighton Family relationships can be messy and upsetting, but that’s very normal. When rifts like this occur between adult siblings it is easy for them to run deep, because neither party is able to bridge the gap. When it comes to siblings, we can treat them in a way we wouldn’t dream of treating a friend, because the boundaries are different and ingrained since childhood. It may be a lot to ask of you, but could you find it in yourself to…

In 2016, the show Catfi sh told the story of a man who was tricked into believing he was in a relationship with Katy Perry. After a string of text messages and phone calls, over a six-year period, he believed the pair were in love and even bought her an engagement ring. It was thanks to the TV show that he discovered he was actually talking to a woman called Harriet from Gloucester. In a radio interview, Perry said, ‘my heart goes out to [him]. I felt bad for him.’…

Loved by celebs Face Halo the modern makeup remover, £7, Boots Used live by Jess Glynne at the 2019 Brit awards, the pad will remove your makeup with just water. And yes! It really does work! Perfect for those lazy nights or post-night out when you can’t face a full routine. Just rinse under warm water and remove all your makeup, even waterproof mascara! Iroha 24k gold face mask, £7.99, Boots Loved by reality TV star Vicky Pattison, this gold mask is the perfect product for a pamper night. Feel like a million bucks for high street prices as you lather the gold paste over your face. This mask will minimise the appearance of pores, resulting in soft and revitalised skin. Skyn Iceland’s berry lip fix, £12, M&S When it…

The football team at Central High School in Knoxville had won their game against a rival school and a few of the students were celebrating. Among the revellers at a student’s family home, was vibrant cheerleader Emma Walker, 16. It was November 2016, and just a fortnight earlier, she’d split from her football player boyfriend William Riley Gaul, then 18. They’d broken up before, but this time Emma knew it was over. She just wished that William would accept it. Since the break-up, things had been awkward between the two of them. At the party, Emma received a threatening text on her mobile. Go to your car with your keys…. it read. I’ve got someone you love. If you don’t comply I will hurt him. We have him now. Emma…

GAVIN AND STACEY With the recent announcement of the Christmas special, come and see ‘what’s occurring’ in Barry Island on this official tour. Tour locations from the show and visit the street that Stacey lives in, the arcade where Nessa works, and the church where she nearly gets married to Dave, plus much more. You can stop, take pictures, and even get to sit on Nessa’s chair in the arcade, and get discounts from some of the vendors at the Barry Island seafront. Tidy! Tickets from £21 EMMERDALE Discover how this iconic soap started back in 1972, when it was all centred around Annie Sugden’s farm. As you depart from Leeds city centre, you’ll go past the ITV studios where the interior filming takes place and who’s exteriors have been…

I have always found comfort in animals. After my parents divorced, I was lonely, young and struggling to cope with PTSD. I had a turbulent childhood and caring for animals gave me a passion and a purpose. I discovered my love for animals when I was a child. My little sister Sarah and I found a poorly stray cat on the street in Bolton. We were determined to nurse it back to health! Looking after that little fur ball bought me so much happiness - I knew I wanted to do this forever. Growing up, I’ve always worked with animal charities to rehome mistreated pets. I take in animals, look after them and then release them back into the wild when they’re in good health. Sometimes I get attached and…

UNUSUAL BUY We all love a good inflatable pool float for our summer holidays. But there is one problem – there’s never anywhere to put our drinks. Until now! This summer, inflatable cup holders seem to have taken the retail world by storm, coming in all shapes and sizes, including unicorns, pineapples, palm trees, and even doughnuts. They’re the answer to our prayers this summer season. So, lie back on your giant pizza float and let your drink bop next to you, without the worry of any spills! THIS WEEK The UK’s Biggest LGBTQ Pride Festival is held in Preston Park from 2 to 4 August this year. Brighton and Hove Pride is widely acknowledged and one of the best, boldest and most popular international Pride events worldwide. This year,…

It was torture being away from my little girl, knowing she was in just as much pain as I was. ‘At least I can understand what’s happened to me,’ I said to Mum. ‘Eva’s only five years old. She’s in so much pain and doesn’t know why.’ A few days later, though, I got to see her. Setting up my laptop, Mum and Darren arranged for us to Facetime. As Eva’s face came into view, I gasped in horror. Our brave girl's body was shutting down She was completely bandaged up, and all I could see were her eyes. ‘Hi baby,’ I smiled. ‘Hi, Mummy,’ she said. ‘I love you.’ I could tell that my girl was in so much pain, and it broke my heart. ‘You’ll be better soon,’…

Pet experience: connecting dog devotees! BorrowMyDoggy, the trusted dog loving company, helps to connect dog owners with local borrowers for walks, weekends and happy holidays. In 4 simple steps: 1. Create a free profile and become a member. 2. Have a sniff around – view the members that are near you. 3. Verify your details. 4. Message and meet up! Organise to borrow someone else’s dog, or let a dog lover borrow yours. To find out more visit www.borrowmydoggy.com BorrowMyDoggy also recommend pup activities and doggy days out. Their pick of the week is… The Milky Way Adventure Park – Clovelly, Devon Have some family fun at this theme park with your four-legged friends. Canine companions are very welcome to roam around the acres of land at The Milky Way…

Lathering up, I rubbed my body with soap. It was September 2015, and after a long day at work, a hot shower was just what I needed. Just then, I felt something - a raised area in my right breast. That’s odd, I thought. But I soon forgot about it, busy with work, spending time with my husband Scott, 42, and taking care of our son Alexander, then eight. Over the next few days, though, it kept niggling in my mind, and I kept reaching my hand over my breast to feel it. ‘You should get it checked out,’ Scott said. ‘It’s probably nothing,’ my GP said the next week. ‘But I’ll refer you to a clinic just in case.’ There, I had a mammogram and an ultrasound. A few…

Migraines 1 Only adults get migraines. ☐ True ☐ False 2 Migraines don’t always result in a headache. ☐ True ☐ False 3 Women are more commonly diagnosed with migraines than men. ☐ True ☐ False 4 Stress is the only trigger for migraines. ☐ True ☐ False 5 It’s possible to outgrow migraines. ☐ True ☐ False 1 FALSE Migraines can occur in children but usually begin in early adulthood. 2 TRUE Headaches are a common symptom of a migraine, but they can occur without a headache, known as the silent migraine. 3 TRUE Both men and women can be diagnosed with migraines, but roughly one in five women are diagnosed compared to one in fifteen men. 4 FALSE Lots of things can trigger a migraine, including stress, tiredness,…

I BOUGHT A CAR WITH MY WIN! Kayleigh Storey-Ward, 29, from Hull, is revved up about her win! The weather was cold, but watching my three kids tear round the amusement park in January 2019, I smiled. Because I realised, you don’t need sunshine, just your loved ones beside you. My partner and I grinned as our brood ran riot. ‘That was a great day,’ my bloke smiled back home. I hoped we’d have more like it, particularly once I bought a car too. I’d passed my test back in October 2018, was looking forward to my first runaround. For now though, my fella was the one ferrying us about. As we settled down, I pulled out my laptop and fired up Pick Me Up! Bingo. After depositing a tenner…

Despite the tragic loss of ex Love Island cast members, this year’s entries have still been subject to a string of online abuse. In particular, social media influencer, Molly-Mae has been called a catfish due to her insta perfect photographs. One tweet compares a picture from her social media to one of her in the villa, with the caption, ‘Have you ever seen a bigger catfish in your life mate.’ Twitter users have said that she uses filters, angles and photoshop to make herself look more attractive online.…

• Remove your makeup with your favourite cleanser. Use a clean flannel to get rid of any excess dirt. • Then, gently exfoliate your skin either with a chemical or a physical scrub. A chemical exfoliator will include glycolic or lactic acid. Whatever you use, be gentle. • Grab a bowl of boiling water, add your favourite oil, drape a towel over your head and lean into the steam for 10 minutes. Don’t get too close to the water. • Next, pop on your favourite clay, mud or sheet mask and relax for 15 minutes. Place some cucumber on your eyes for that real spa feel. • Apply a toner to bring your skin back to its normal PH levels. If you don’t have one, you can make your own…

ARIES 21 March–20 April Love is well starred and you start to pay more attention to your long term needs. You’re starting to put down roots and your life is sure to feel more in your control. Careful of letting down close ones with arrangements this weekend. They may not be as forgiving as you think. Understanding their needs pays back dividends. Focus on: Giving up bad habits before Saturday. Call: 09058 170 710* TAURUS 21 April–21 May I know you’re nervous about upcoming confrontations. You’ve got this, Taurus, as you’re the one telling the truth. Don’t be afraid to wear your heart on your sleeve this week. It’s what will convince others that you’re serious. Game playing has given you a bad reputation. Change that this week. Life is…

My baby girl Freya having a little kick about. So cute! Lindsey Thomas, Bristol A Nutella crepe is a must-have when in Paris! Nadia Rouch, Somerset Went out for some fancy mocktails with my friend. We need to go back for some proper cocktails when we aren’t driving! Beth Coles, Bristol Me and my beautiful mum on holiday together in Majorca! We had such a nice girls’ time away in Spain. Em Cullen, Dorset I went to Rome with my boyfriend last month and we made our own pasta! Am I a chef yet? Megan Rennie, South Gloucestershire If your letter makes Star Letter of the week, you will receive some beautiful blooms from Flying Flowers. With over 30 years’ experience of helping celebrate life’s special moments and FREE delivery…

Nothing’s worked Q My 15-year-old daughter has severe acne and nothing we’ve tried helps. What should we do? Sienna, Bradford-on-Avon A Acne can be very upsetting at any age, but it typically affects those in the teenage years and can add a lot of distress to what is already a challenging time. If you have tried a variety of over-the-counter products without success, then I would talk to your GP. There are plenty of other options, including creams and lotions, that are available on prescription. These can be used alone or with another agent, such as some types of antibiotics or the oral contraceptive pill. Referral to a dermatologist can bring the possibility of stronger treatments such as Roaccutane, which are effective but require careful discussion and monitoring by a…

Watching the removal men pile my furniture into the van, a huge weight was lifted from my shoulders. I had been trapped in an abusive relationship for nearly four years and I was finally getting out. My daughter Laura, 24, and her partner Steve, 60, helped me make the move and after we’d finished packing, we stopped off at my local pub one last time. ‘I’ve never seen somebody change so quickly,’ Steve said, clutching his pint. It was true. As soon as I’d left the house and ended things with my partner, I felt like a different person. I’d spent the last few years completely miserable, crying down the phone to Laura nearly every weekend. ‘You really need to leave him,’ she’d insist. ‘I know,’ I’d sigh, but I…

Oven-baked chicken dipperswith spicy cheese dip  Serves 4 For the sauce □ 200g low fat cream cheese □ 3 tbsp Salad Cream □ 2 tsp Heinz Tomato Ketchup □ 1 tsp chilli sauce (adjust to taste) For the dippers □ Baking potatoes, cut each into 8 wedges □ 1 tbsp olive oil □ 2 - 3 tbsp plain flour, seasoned □ 2 medium eggs, beaten □ 100g fresh white breadcrumbs □ 50g grated Parmesan cheese □ 1 tbsp paprika □ 4 medium skinless and boneless chicken breast fillets, cut each into 6 strips 1 Preheat the oven 220°C, fan 200°C, gas 7 2 Place the wedges into a pan of salted water, bring to the boil and simmer for five minutes and drain 3 Place the wedges onto a large…

Young’s Chip Shop Fillet of Fish FilletQuarter Pounder, £2, ASDA. You’ll no longer need to head to your local chippy, with this new burger from Young’s. Made with 100% flaky fish and their famous chip shop crisp bubbly batter, this fish burger will make the perfect Friday treat. Bounty Secret Centre Biscuits, £1.99, Sainsbury’s. One of the nation’s favourite chocolate bars is now available in biscuit form. These shortcake cups are filled with Bounty’s coconut cream, sprinkles of desiccated coconut and covered in delicious chocolate. Vegan Corn-ish pasty, £1.75, Morrisons. The much-loved Cornish pasty has been given a makeover and is now suitable for vegans. Staying as close to the famous original as possible, Morrisons have used vegan mince to mimic the meaty flavour and texture, wrapped in flaky puff…