Table of contents for 22-Oct-2020 in Pick Me Up!

Pottering around the house, I fancied some fresh air. ‘Do you want to go for a walk this afternoon?’ I asked my husband, Scott, 46. ‘Sounds great,’ he replied. ‘Let me just get the dog on the lead and we can set off.’ We’d always loved getting outdoors together – especially going on long walks through the rural Pentland Hills, not far from our hometown. While they were young, we’d even roped our kids, Blake, now 19, and Rosie, now 17, into joining our hikes – but now they’d grown up, it was just the two of us once more, accompanied by our pup, Clint. Fridays were often our walking days, to destress from the busy week. But one Friday morning, on 7 February 2020, Scott was feeling unwell. Being…

This week, our tip of the week will receive a great product from Addis! Their Mode bathroom collection is sleek and discreet. The closed toilet brush (£8.99) allows cleaning fluid to be placed at the bottom to ensure optimum cleaning. The pedal bin (£14.99) comes complete with separate liner, is hard wearing and will not dent or rust. For more ways to make your life easier, visit addis.co.uk Make it last I still had a lot of my candle left but no wick to melt it. So, I filled the jar with boiling water, removed the wax and used it in my wax burner. Carol Adams, Halesowen Live green I save the water from my dehumidifier and put it into an empty washing up bottle. I then use it as…

Looking at my face in the mirror, I couldn’t believe my reflection. My cheeks had blown up like a balloon, and my back teeth were really painful and red. ‘Mummy must be unwell,’ I told my daughter Amelia, five, and twin girls Olivia and Grace, three. It was November 2019, and as a single, pregnant mum, the last thing I needed was to get sick. Calling my dentist, I booked in for an emergency appointment. That morning, he sent me for an X-ray at the local hospital. ‘You’ve definitely got an abscess,’ the doctor concluded. ‘Here’s some antibiotics to get rid of it.’ Following doctor’s orders, I took the course of meds and thought nothing more of it. When the swelling and pain went away, I continued with normal life.…

When a child is in hospital, they have many things taken away from them – while simultaneously having to fight their illness and staying incredibly strong. Now, because of COVID-19, they can’t even receive cuddles from family when they need it – due to restrictive visiting rules. Dedicated Lisa Beaumont has spent 32 years improving the lives of children with complex and long-term chronic illnesses. Her job at Leeds Children’s Hospital as a Health Play Specialist involves providing play and distraction for seriously ill children. This year, Lisa has been celebrated with the Starlight Health Play Specialist of the Year award. Starlight Children’s Foundation provide equipment for healthcare professionals, grant wishes, and organise experiences that give families treasured time together. Not only did she win the individual award, the 30…

There’s nothing better than a child’s smile, nothing sweeter than the sound of their laughter as they race across the garden, and nothing warmer than their little arms wrapped around you for a hug. My life has been blessed with these moments for over a decade – despite never having kids of my own. Since 2004, my husband Stephen, 65, and I have been foster parents, welcoming kids of all ages into our loving home. And well, I guess you can say it started all those years ago with sheep! Earlier that year, Stephen gave up his job at a charity to start running a small sheep farm on our property – it had been a lifelong dream. Not long after, I gave up my job as a career adviser…

Losing a child is an unthinkable nightmare for most parents, and it caused an outpouring of sympathy from the followers of the American online blog: Living Without Z: A Journey Through Grief. It was written by Stephanie Smith and described the tragic death of her four-year-old daughter Zadie Wren Cooper. My beautiful girl… I miss you, Stephanie wrote in one post. Every time it ebbs and allows me a breath, I think ‘maybe this is it. Maybe this is when I feel better.’ But then the wave engulfs me again and I’m back in that bedroom pounding on your chest, willing you to live. Stephanie expressed her heartbreak on her blog and her Instagram page, and her followers truly believed that the young mum was suffering. Zadie loved to dress…

Arctic Iced Coffee’s new 1L Caramel Latte, £1.99 Sainsbury’s. Made in the heart of Devon, this caramel flavoured Arctic Iced Coffee is the perfect blend of fresh Devonshire milk and premium arabica beans. Birds Eye’s Vibrant Vegetable Mix, 2, Tesco, Asda and Morrisons. Birds Eye’s latest Steamfresh creation contains a medley of carrots, baby sweetcorn and sugar snap peas, with a hint of sweet chilli sauce. Wotsits Giants Really Cheesy and Wotsits Giants Flamin’ Hot, £2, all major supermarkets. Supersized versions of the classic Wotsits corn puff are now available at all major supermarkets in two tantalising flavours – the iconic Really Cheesy and the sizzling Flamin’ Hot variety. The Carlos ‘The Big One’ XXL Garlic Pizza Bread £2.99 (495g), Aldi. Aldi’s garlic pizza bread has just got even bigger! Weighing in at almost half a…

You can always count on flowers to put a smile on someone’s face and brighten their day. That’s why I love being a florist so much. I’m not just sending a bouquet of flowers, I’m delivering joy and a special message of thought. This global pandemic has taught us all many lessons – for me, it’s reminded me just how rewarding and important my job is. After working in admin for two decades, a few years ago, I decided to have a career change and train as a florist. In 2018, I opened up my first shop, called Flowers by Sarah Ann, in Heybridge, Essex, working with flower delivery network Interflora. Before lockdown, I had a team of two florists and two delivery drivers. Then in March, I was forced…

WE’RE LOVING THIS! With more and more people suffering from depression, anxiety and other forms of mental health issues, it is important that we share our experiences and learn from one another. Having lived with the reality of a mental health illness, Instagram influencer Harriet Knock has now released her debut poetry collection called Emerging from the Storm. Putting pen to paper, writing has always been Harriet’s escape. After overcoming some of the darkest periods of her life, her poems offer an eye-opening depth of the struggles she ensued. By using poetry to shine a light on topics often left in the dark, Harriet hopes to remind those struggling that whatever the weather now, a storm can’t last forever. • Available for £4.99 arkbound.com • Follow Harriet on Instagram @…

ACROSS 1 Maintenance (6) 4 Without a curve or bend (8) 10 Port and city in England (7) 11 Danny _, actor and comedian whose film credits include Pineapple Express and Alien: Covenant (7) 12 Nagging pain (4) 13 Rich (4-6) 15 Cream cake (6) 16 Morally correct (7) 20 One after another (2,5) 21 Main or important (6) 24 Increase speed or take the lead (5,5) 26 Housing type, informally (4) 28 As an alternative (7) 29 Cut up in order to study (7) 30 Counteracting remedy (8) 31 Ladybird, say (6) DOWN 1 Undefeated (8) 2 Keira _, actor who starred in the 2019 drama film Official Secrets (9) 3 Chews and swallows (4) 5 Pattern used to reproduce shapes (8) 6 Shorten (10) 7 Broil (5) 8…

When I was younger, my parents would never let me say: ‘I can’t do this’. Instead, they taught me to say: ‘I can’t do it this way’. As a visually impaired person, I have battled more daily challenges than most. But I don’t let it stop me from doing anything. I can still hike mountains, safari in Africa, swim with dolphins and go rafting. I am a university lecturer, a wife and a mum. For me, no adventure or challenge is ever too big! In 1985, I was born with a rare degenerative eye condition that is called Conerod dystrophy (CRD). It is an inherited disease that, over time, causes deterioration of your vision. And there is no cure. I grew up in Germany, and battled bullies throughout my childhood…

Style Cheat Introducing online womenswear label Style Cheat. Described as ‘Australian vibes meets London city attitude’, their latest collection offers wardrobe staples and must-have trends fresh for the season. Go to stylecheat.com to shop.…

Slicing my finger on a piece of paper, I winced in pain God that stings,’ I said to myself, staring down at a tiny trickle of blood. But my mind soon turned to my 12-year-old son, Ollie. He suffers from epidermolysis bullosa - a rare skin condition that means his skin is incredibly fragile, with even the slightest knock leaving him covered in painful looking blisters. Yet here I was, complaining about the tiniest of cuts. If anything, it only made me feel even more proud of Ollie, who always deals with his condition so bravely. Since Ollie was born, in July 2008, he’s suffered from problems with his skin. While my pregnancy went smoothly, once Ollie arrived we knew that something wasn’t quite right. His skin was dry and…

Enjoy a film Pop Up Screens are back, taking over Peckham’s popular Bussey Building with lots of exciting events. Take a seat this half-term as the popular Family Film Fest takes over the big screen, with five days of your favourite family movies. With the likes of Moana, Wallace and Gromit and Pixar’s latest release, Onward, this pop up will be a hit with the kids! With reduced capacity and social distancing, Pop Up Screens are doing everything they can to keep everyone safe and entertained this October half term. The Family Film Fest runs from 25 to 30 October. Book your tickets now by visiting popupscreens.co.uk Take a trip If you’re thinking of taking a trip, then look no further than the Isle of Wight! With something for the…

Glancing over the room to make sure the kids were happy, I smiled. It was January this year, and I was grateful to have a job managing a children’s home. Working with teenagers with educational and behavioural difficulties, I loved being able to help them get back on their feet. For the past few days, though, I’d been struggling to fight off a niggling headache. I’d taken loads of painkillers, but nothing seemed to work. And now, just as I was about to have my lunch, it suddenly got so much worse. Searing pain rushed through my head, literally stopping me in my tracks. I tried to power on and continue my work, hoping it would go away. But it only got worse. After a while, I couldn’t even think…

Got your back Award-winning osteopath Anisha Joshi shares 5 ways to improve your spinal health… 1. MONITOR YOUR STRESS LEVELS When we are stressed or anxious our body has a physical response. Symptoms of this include clenching your jaw, headaches, insomnia, IBS symptoms and change in heart rate. All these symptoms will have an impact on the muscles and joints within your body. For example, the muscles in your jaw are connected to your neck, and if they are contracted for a long period of time this can lead to agonising neck pain. I would encourage anyone with a particularly stressful lifestyle to actively monitor their stress levels, and use mindfulness techniques such as stretching, meditation and deep breathing to reduce tension. 2. WATCH OUT FOR BAD WORK HABITS When…

Stepping into my bubble bath, I soak up a few relaxing moments of peace surrounded by bubbles and hot water. Then… woof, woof! Peering open one eye, I see my seven-year-old Saint Bernard Yogi watching me in the doorway. ‘I’m fine, I was just napping!’ I reassure him, chuckling. Yogi is my 14st big baby. He is overprotective of his mum and likes to be in the same room as me at all times – even when I’m in the bath! I’m definitely the favourite, but my hubby Russell, 50, comes in a close second. Russell and I met working on a Navy ship 12 years ago. We are both big animal lovers, and four years into our relationship, we started our family of fur babies. First came Labradors Charlie…

Thanks to Neutradol One virus killer spray, you could win this 4 star holiday surrounded by tropical flowers, stunning landscapes and the glorious sunshine of Madeira. You and your partner will be staying at the 4* Four Views Oasis, located on the Reis Magos beach, in the Caniço de Baixo resort. Situated near the famous Garajau Nature Reserve and close by to the Capital of Madeira, Funchal, you can indulge in nature and retail therapy while you are away. Hot days blend into balmy nights in Madeira so kick back and relax on the beach as long as you like. Back at the hotel there are two bars and two restaurants to choose from, all serving delicious tempting treats. Pamper yourself at the onsite hairdresser, beauty centre and spa or…

GATSBYING We’re all guilty of it – you just didn’t know what it was called! Named after The Great Gatsby, the term ‘gatsbying’ refers to when you post a video, picture or selfie on public social media purely for a love interest to see. Instead of just texting the person that you like, you try to lure them in and get their attention via your social media presence. GHOSTING Ghosting happens when someone you are dating suddenly goes silent. One moment you are flirting, dating and interested, and the next minute one person is checking their phone constantly, confused at how their date has dropped off the face of the earth. They've been dumped – or in other words, ghosted. Ghosts are simply too afraid of confrontation to actively call things…

One-bowl spiced apple and almond cake Serves: 8 □ 4 eating apples, peeled, cored and finely diced□ ¼ tsp mixed spice□ ½ tsp ground cinnamon, plus extra for decorating□ 175g butter□175g self-raising flour□ 175g caster sugar, plus extra for decorating□ 3 eggs, beaten□ 1 tsp almond essence□ 20g flaked almonds 1 Preheat the oven to 170°C/150°C fan/Gas mark 3. Grease a 24cm round cake tin (or similar) and line it with greaseproof paper or a reusable liner. 2 Place the apples, mixed spice, cinnamon, butter, self-raising flour, sugar, eggs and almond essense into a large bowl and mix together well. Next, pour the cake mixture into the prepared tin and sprinkle the flaked almonds evenly over the top of the mixture. 3 Mix a pinch of cinnamon with a tablespoon…

www.theastrologyroom.com ARIES 21 March–20 April Your finances are not as fluid as you would like and it is only bystarting to communicate with the faces around you that you will ever start to get a firm idea of how much help you can expect. I think if you do this though Aries then you will be in for a pleasant surprise. An insecure frame of mind requires good friends as the perfect treatment. It’s going to be ok! Call: 09058 170 710* LEO 24 July–23 Aug There is no ought to in your life. You must make a decision now, while you still have the freedom to choose. Mercury is handing you the gift of the gab and if you can work on what you want instead of what looks…