Table of contents for 3-Mar-2022 in Pick Me Up!

Balancing myself on my bike, I gave the ground an almighty push. ‘You’re doing it!’ my dad, Clive, 71, shouted proudly. At five, I had learnt to ride a bike, with endless hours of teaching from Dad. Growing up I loved to ride my bike to school and always had fond memories of cycling. Nobody else was cycling in my town Yet when I got my first car, my bike was made redundant. That was until I had my children, Omar, 16, Ismael, 11, and Dean, eight. Me and my wife, Ayesha, 41, made an effort to go on bike rides as a family. We would all have such a great time. ‘Dad I don’t want to cycle to school anymore,’ Omar said one evening. ‘The other children in my…

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 by post, a gorgeous bouquet by Flying Flowers is a lovely way to celebrate sharing smiles and happiness. See flyingflowers.co.uk for more details.…

Finishing up the cooking, it was time for dinner. It was 17 September 2018 and my daughter Angelina, then 14, chatted away, telling me all about her week at school. She grabbed some glasses out of the cupboard and one of them slipped out of her hand. ‘Oh no!’ I gasped. ‘Don’t worry, I’ll clean it up.’ Then the same thing happened again. ‘What are you doing?’ I laughed. ‘I don’t know,’ Angelina said. ‘I’m so sorry!’ When it happened a third time, I panicked and she started sobbing. Angelina wasn’t one to drop things and be clumsy, it was very strange. My partner David, 50, and I decided to call the non-emergency line and they sent an ambulance round. After the doctors saw her at Sydney Hospital, near where…

Dawn Breslin is one of the UK’s leading confidence coaches. She is dedicated to helping others align their self-esteem, life vision, and energy through her Harmonising Alignment Process (dawnbreslin.com). When do I make time? Q I read everywhere to make time for myself but when? I work, and I’m a mum. I don’t have time for long baths, or new classes. When I’m finally alone, I just want to sleep! Lisa, Stockport A Oh, I get it. Not having time can make life feel overwhelming and quite frankly it can feel very dull. You might also feel you have no choices, however with a little restructuring it may be possible to find time. Firstly, find support, who could help if you were to have an evening out or even a…

Sleep expert Rosie Osmun, from eachnight.com, reveals top tips on how to fall asleep in just five minutes. Lifestyle A fluctuating sleep schedule can be confusing for your body’s internal clock, so try to sleep and wake up at the same time each day, which eventually makes it easier to fall asleep. Don’t clock watch When struggling to sleep, it’s difficult to resist curious glances at the clock to see how much time is left until morning. However, obsessing over the time may only cause stress and ultimately make it harder to fall asleep. Bedroom temperature The perfect bedroom temperature to fall asleep is between 15 and 19 degrees Celsius. If your room is too warm, this can contribute to an increase in body temperature, making it harder to drift…

Coming out of the bathroom, I left the pregnancy stick on the side. ‘I’ll do the bins,’ I called to my hubby James, 36. That might seem a little strange. After all, you’d think I’d be pacing impatiently. And trust me, for three-and-a-half-years, that was me. Only, after countless negative results, I just couldn’t face it anymore. James and I were desperate to start our family after tying the knot in 2015, and were going through IUI to try and conceive. We were on our second round and I just convinced myself it would be negative again. And so, taking out the bins, I leisurely did a few chores before heading back to the bathroom. Two lines. Walking into the bedroom, I threw the stick to James. ‘I’m pregnant,’ I…

It’s all about confidence – knowing that if something bad was to happen, then I’d be able to stop it from happening or defend myself. When I’m walking down the street and there is a group of men coming towards me, I will be more confident passing them than other girls will be. I don’t feel the need to cross the road to get away. A lot of young women I don’t think would be able to cope in that situation – whereas I would keep walking and show confidence. My message to people, especially young women, is to look at local martial arts clubs and get involved. It will help you get the confidence you need and build up skills necessary to get on with your life, rather than…

Pushing the VHS into the slot, I fast forward to my favourite scene of the movie. Launching myself onto the sofa, I grabbed a selection of sweets and gobbled them down as I pressed play. A familiar jingle started. ‘Come with me…’ Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory, a sevenyear-olds dream. Seeing Willy Wonka, played by Gene Wilder, strut through his factory in a purple number, I was in love. The magic alongside the colourful and fantastical set designs blew my little brain – I couldn’t get enough. The Goonies and Labyrinth, had my heart, too. My dad would take me to see theatre shows and pantomimes growing up. Although the musicals would be amazing, the set design was my favourite part of the performance. Going on to study costume…

Style it alongside other decorative pieces or fill it with refreshing scents. YOU WILL NEED: □ Ivory bowl□ White porcelain cereal bowl□ Stone grey satin spray paint □ Pewter plate paint by Dulux□ Rich black matt emulsion paint by Dulux □ Blu Tack □ Masking tape □ Superglue Free delivery for all orders in the UK! STEP 1 • Roll the Blu Tack into long thin strips. These strips will be used to fit around the outside of the large bowl. • Position the strips along the middle and press down gently. This will create an outline when the spray paint is applied later. Wrap the edges of the Blu Tack strips with masking tape and make sure it covers the top part of the bowl. STEP 2 • Spray-paint…

There’s no shortage of things that can contribute to dry, brittle and breaking nails. Maybe you pick or bite your nails? Maybe you’re a gel lover in need of a break. And let’s not forget that the weather can hugely affect their strength. Knowing how to care for our nails can be a tiring battle, but fear not. Nailberry Founder Sonia Hully shares her wisdom on how to achieve a truly healthy manicure. Available from www.nailberry.co.uk Apply a treatment every three days, then remove and repeat. Nailberry’s award-winning Acai Nail Elixir (£19.50) is brilliant and proven to help nourish, harden, protect, boost growth and conceal ridges. While this may look neater, cutting them can expose the nail bed to bacteria. Instead, soak hands, then gently push back cuticles with a…

She was a young mum who had lost her way, but Kelli Kramer was turning her life around. Kelli, 31, adored her nineyear-old son Aiden, but while she’d struggled with addictions, he’d gone to live with her parents. But by 2018, Kelli was back on track and Aiden was living with her again at her apartment in Burlington, Kentucky – they were a family. Kelli was holding down a steady job at a local Starbucks and life was looking up. Aiden was a straight-A student, who was always smiling and friends with everyone. He was close to his grandparents, but he was loving being with his mum. Kelli was focusing on parenting, but she was also looking for love. She was a member of BDSM social media network FetLife, where…

Have you heard of? Life can be a real rollercoaster, but what if we could all achieve a little more happiness? Mindshine, a self-care coaching app, can let you keep track of your happiness and take big steps into changing it. With science-based daily exercises, constantly adapting to how you are feeling, Mindshine is designed to help you find a new level of happy. With a focus on skills such as positivity, self-belief, resilience and productivity, stay connected with yourself and change your own level of energy. It’s even been voted App of the Day! We all have the ability to make ourselves happier, it all starts from within. Available to download for free in your app store WHAT’S TRENDING Meet the latest resident at Longleat Safari Park! This little one…

Splashing around in the pool with my boys, Charlie, 12, and Johnny, six, I grinned. We were at Club Med, an all-inclusive resort in Cancún, Mexico. It was our second trip – we’d all loved it so much the first time, we’d come back to celebrate my 50th birthday. With swimming, snorkelling, dancing and yummy food, it was the perfect vacation. The boys’ favourite part was the kids’ club – it was lovely to see them making friends and having fun, while I made my own pals to chat to at the bar. Climbing out of the pool, I grabbed a towel and turned to Charlie and Johnny. ‘Shall we shower before dinner?’ I said. My spoon clattered and I felt the blood drain from my face ‘Can I go…

This week, our tip of the week will receive a great product from Addis! Sort your shoes and maximise wardrobe space with the Addis shoe organiser – how cool! Featuring 10 pockets measuring 15cm x 30cm, the organiser fastens securely and easily over the clothes rail. It is anti-moth, anti-mould, and water resistant, and you can easily wipe it clean with a damp cloth. For more ways to make your life easier, visit addis.co.uk Be a winner! Savvy shopping! I keep all of my shopping bags nice and tidy by putting an elastic band around them. Carol Gasan, Belfast Feed the birds! I keep a small pot in the fridge which I fill with a mix of cake crumbs, grated cheese, and other scraps. Once full, I put this out…

• If you’d like advice from our Pick Me Up! expert, email us at hello@pickmeupmag.co.uk or write to us at the address on our contacts page (pg4). • If your problem affects your mental wellbeing, you can call the helpline run by the charity Mind on 0300 123 3398, open 9am to 6pm weekdays. Let it go! It can be hard to let go of painful memories when we’ve made mistakes. We might think we’ll be hung up on the negative thoughts forever, but while you can replay memories over and over, the ending will always remain the same. One way is to ‘programme’ yourself to change your perspective on the event. Speak positively about the experience, and if you did anything you’re not proud of, forgive yourself. Shout, scream,…

Bundling my baby daughter Elizabeth up in her pram, I called my five-year-old son, Edward. ‘Come and get your shoes on,’ I said. ‘It’s time for school.’ I was finding it tough being a new mum of two. ‘What if I fail her?’ Elizabeth had been nine weeks early, and her birth was hard. Then she was diagnosed with cerebral palsy. My whole world came crashing down. How will I cope with this? I thought desperately. I felt like I was wading through mud, just trying to get through the days. I didn’t want to do anything, go anywhere or see anyone. I just didn’t feel like me anymore. ‘My body failed Elizabeth,’ I said to my partner Brett. ‘What if I fail her, too?’ I was barely keeping my…

Protect your pet TOWIE star Pete Wicks has teamed up with Co-op to raise awareness of the importance of pet insuranceand encouraging adopting from a rescue centre. It can be difficult finding insurance for animals without vet records. This is the reason one third of those who are looking to adopt are deterred from doing so, according to research by Co-op and YouGov. Around 160,000 pandemic pups have been given up by their owners, so it’s vital that nothing gets in the way of them going to a new, loving home. But Co-op are offering cover for cats and dogs over eight-weeks old to make adoption more affordable. They offer a 2.5% discount for adopted pets, for their insurance which includes unlimited video consultations with fully qualified veterinary surgeons 24…

We are heading back to the 90s, where the Spice Girl’s were ruling the fashion game. Create your own popstar inspired looks on a budget! POSH Victoria, AKA Posh Spice, knows exactly how to keep it chic. Dressing in all black has never looked so good. Throw in a statement colour jacket for a real impact. Bargain Buy! Top tip Wear a blazer over a dress for a stylish alternative to a bulky coat! SPORTY Mel C, AKA Sporty Spice, is known for her matching tracksuits and trainers style. Take it back to basics and hit the streets in athleisure… Top tip Neutral colours pair well with soft tones, think baby pink and sage green. BABY Emma, AKA Baby Spice, has an all things pink and fluffy vibe. Known for…

Cruelty-free make up has boomed in recent years, with many taking the pledge to ditch their beauty products in an attempt to use vegan and cruelty-free alternatives. In the last 10 years, the revenue of the natural and organic cosmetics market in the UK has reached a staggering £220.9 million according to Statista, a leading statistic website. With this there has also been a growing awareness of animal testing especially concerning ingredients used in everyday beauty products. ‘Not tested on animals’ is the most important packaging claim for 57% of UK shoppers, The Vegan Society found. So not only are we becoming more aware of harsh chemicals being used on the skin, but the journey that our products have taken to get to us. ‘Cruelty-free means that no animals were…

Silent Pool Gin Lovers Mist, £10, silentpooldistillers.co.uk Beautiful people wear irresistible perfume. So why shouldn’t beautiful gin have the same treatment? Spritz your gin with Silent Pool’s mist to add a little extra zing. This liquid garnish adds another dimension to your drinks. Gnome Bottle Opener, £22.50, redcandy.co.uk Ungnome to most, opening a bottle with this golden boy will unleash the terrible curse of the best night ever. Every bottle neck he’s ever touched, the liquid inside is infused with feel-good bubbles. He’s shiny, mystical, he’ll help you have the most magical night. Radiator Humidifiers, £15.99, Coopers of Stortford The cat is out of the bag! This really is the best way to prevent bad eye, skin and respiratory health. These cute ceramic cats are a natural way to add…

Sainsbury’s are upping their beauty game with their newest collection, Source of Nature. With everyday hero products, this affordable range will add a touch of luxury to your life. BEAUTY NEWS Makeup Revolution is now stocked in Boots! Do you need beauty advice? Write to hello@pickmeupmag.co.uk and we’ll try and help!…

Finding a bra that fits perfectly and is comfy, too, is the holy grail. But how can you make your lovely lingerie last longer? Gemma de Diego, design manager for Royce Lingerie, shares her top bra care tips… Don’t stretch your bra by wearing the wrong size Research says 80 to 90% of women are wearing the wrong size, often because we don’t remeasure ourselves regularly. Check every bra you own by putting it on and looking in the mirror. It’s a good fit if your boobs are well enclosed within the cups of the bra with no bulging or gaping, the middle of the bra sits flat or close to the chest, the underband sits straight with no riding up and the straps aren’t digging into or slipping off your…

ARIES 21 March–20 April You find yourself more willing to say what others do not expect you to say. You want to try and create a stir from others as you want to wake them up from the life slumber they have been in. Large sums of money link you to a change you should have made last year, but to which are now of the mind, better late than never. Take the plunge Aries, it’s now or never. Call: 09058 170 710* TAURUS 21 April–21 May I know you miss someone who is no longer a part of your daily life, but you will not have forgotten all that they taught you. It’s time for you to bring some selfbelief to the game that is life. News of a…

Stepping into the field behind my house, I let my dog off of the lead. Dotty, our oneyear-old Sussex bulldog bounded around. Her big clumsy paws and silky ears were flying all over the place. My partner, Lee, 45, and kids Josh, 19, Alfie, 16, and Louie, 15, all adore her Tiggerlike behaviour. I was on my usual post-work Friday afternoon walk with my friend Jade and her black lab puppy, Reggie. Chatting away, we watched our crazy hounds sprint after each other with their tongues flailing around out of their mouths. ‘Let’s grab a glass of wine at my house after this?’ I suggested to Jade. ‘That sounds perfect,’ she replied. Pulling a squeaky tennis ball out of my pocket, Dotty’s ears pricked up and her eyes were on…

E-mail hello@pickmeupmag.co.uk WRITE TO Pick Me Up! Media Centre, Emma-Chris Way, Abbey Wood Park, Filton, Bristol, BS34 7JU PHONE 01174400607 FACEBOOK facebook.com/pickmeupmag SEE OUR WEBSITE lifedeathprizes.com Future Publishing Limited reserves the right to reuse any submission sent to Pick Me Up! magazine, in any formator medium. Unfortunately, we can’t return photos with out a stamped sae. Letters/photos must not be sent to any other publication.…

INSTANT appointment With menopause and hormones expert Claire Snowdon-Darling – head of The College of Functional Wellness and founder of Balanced Wellness. Early menopause Q I’m 32 and I’ve got all the classic menopause symptoms – no periods for months, hot flashes, night sweats, mood swings – could I be going through early menopause? Amelia, Dorset A Menopause, especially an early menopause, has to be diagnosed by a blood test as there are other conditions that could be causing these symptoms. However, it is certainly possible to go through an early menopause at 32. It can be difficult to get the right support with an early menopause, so keep pushing your GP for blood tests and referral to specialists if you need to – finding the right solution is a…

Post-natal depression is a type of depression that many parents experience after having a baby. It’s very common – affecting more than one in 10 women within a year of giving birth. It can affect fathers and partners, too. Many women feel a bit down, tearful or anxious in the weeks after giving birth – this is often called the ‘baby blues’, but that shouldn’t last for more than a couple of weeks. Spotting the signs of post-natal depression can be hard, but it’s important to seek help – symptoms can start subtly but can last for months or get worse. With the right support, most make a full recovery.…

1 It is a rare condition. • True • False 2 It causes blisters. • True • False 3 It is an autoimmune condition. • True • False 4 There is no cure. • True • False 5 It can make the voice higher pitched • True • False 1 TRUE Pemphigus vulgaris, is a serious and rare condition that can be life-threatening. Only around three people per 100,000 have it. Most cases are developed in people over the age of 50. 2 TRUE Very painful, fragile blisters develop on those with the condition. These develop anywhere on the skin, lining of the mouth, nose, throat and also the genitals. 3 TRUE The immune system attacks healthy tissue on the body, causing the blisters. Doctors do not know why the immune system does this, but it is…

Waiting at the school gates for my daughter Shawna, I waved as I spotted her coming. Seeing her sad broke my heart But even from a distance, I could see she looked glum. ‘Everything OK?’ I asked, as I took her by the hand and headed home. She was quiet. ‘Some other kids were mean today,’ she said. ‘They pulled my hair.’ Shawna was only four, and she hadn’t long started primary school. Seeing her so upset broke my heart. ‘Don’t let them get to you,’ I said, giving her a big hug. But it only carried on, and it got worse. ‘They stole my lunch,’ she said a week later. It was all quite low-level teasing, and not really something for the school to get involved in. But I…

Giggling with my friends, I spotted a group of guys behind us. It was Star Wars Day, on May 4, and my first term at Bolton University was over so we were all sitting outside having a BBQ and drinks. Watching as a cute guy came over, I was over the moon when he started chatting to me. ‘I’m Adam,’ he smiled. At the time, I was 19 and he was 21. We hit it off straight away and discovered that we were both huge film and video game nerds. On our second date, we went to watch Star Trek together, and from there, our relationship blossomed. In what felt like no time at all, we were deeply in love ‘Do you want kids in the future?’ I asked Adam…

DON’T MISS IN CINEMAS The Batman – from 4 March The Dark Knight returns this march, stepping into a new era of Gotham City. Young Batman (Robert Pattinson) is only in his second year of fighting as the infamous bat. With Gotham City attempting to hide its corruption, the Caped Crusader finds out that his family are tied into the deep routed problems in the city. With Riddler leaving puzzling crimes scattered throughout the city, can The Batman be the hero Gotham City needs? With a story much darker and more grim than any DC film that has come before, prepare for an action-packed nocturnal adventure. Riddler may not be the only enemy that Batman encounters – a white-bellied monster is looming. Are you ready to play a game? Louis…

Scent-sational Luxurious perfume doesn’t need to break the bank. With the return of Aldi’s Hotel Collection Eau de Toilettes, you can smell scentsational while saving big bucks! Back by popular demand, the range includes Peony Blush, Bergamot Oud and Myrrh & Sweet Tonka. At just £6.99 a bottle, this is not a deal you’ll want to miss! With five-star ratings, the range has previously gone viral after being compared to Jo Malone. What’s not to love? Available from Aldi.…

Irie Eats Caribbean Curry Meal Kit, £3.50, Tesco Enjoy the taste of Irie Eat’s Jamaican-inspired street-food kit. The kit contains an easy recipe to cook an aromatic and flavourful Caribbean curry with long grain rice, kidney beans and Caribbean curry sauce. Pukka Creamy Chicken Pie, £1.85, Tesco A new addition to the Pukka chicken pie range is now available to tuck into. Enjoy tasty tender pieces of chicken, drowning in a rich creamy sauce, wrapped in 144 layers of Pukka’s signature golden and crisp puff pastry. Pizza Pockets, £2.99, oneplanetpizza.com Deliciously handcrafted, thin and crispy pizza, folded into steamy pockets of fun. Available in three mouth-watering, vegan flavours; Mediterranean Vegetable, Peppernomi and Cheezeburger. Didsbury Peach & Rose Gin, £29.95, didsburygin.com A limited edition, luxurious citrus London dry gin, blended with…