Table of contents for 28-Sep-2023 in Pick Me Up!

Running to a steady beat in my earphones, I kept my mind on the finish line. Running a marathon in 2014 for Sense, a charity supporting the deaf and blind, I never knew how important it would later become to me. That was until I laid eyes on 11-month-old Lillie on 22 February 2021, who was born with moderate deafness. Baby Lillie, who is my second cousin, and her two siblings Daisy, now seven, and Oscar, now four – who were also born with moderate deafness – were facing adoption due to troubling times in the family. Speaking to my sister Carol, 42, we just couldn’t let that happen. And so I decided to put myself forward and kickstart the special guardianship process for Lillie, while Carol took in her…

STAR LETTER Me and my reflection Funny how it would look both halves of my face were, in reality, identical. Fiona Deans, North Ayrshire My little granddaughters Georgi and Billi went to our local wildlife park and were shocked to see their very first peacock, displaying its impressive feathers. Sue Hutchinson, Cheltenham I couldn’t resist a cheeky read of my favourite mag during a recent cricket match. Natalie Ross, Sunderland This Cedar of Lebanon tree, which is situated in Monmouth, was diseased and it was cut down to a short trunk for safety. Then these wonderful sculptures were carved from the wood. My husband Brian loves to admire the tree’s wonderful artwork. Rose Janes, Monmouth If your letter makes Star Letter of the week, you will receive some beautiful blooms from Flying…

This week, our tip of the week will receive a great prize from Addis. This four arm Rotary Airer is strong and durable, perfect for any outdoor area. Easy to use and install using an umbrella clip system, it is rust resistant – so it can easily stay up in the blustering weather, all ready for your next wash! Be a winner! For more ways to make your life easier, please visit: addis.co.uk Never soggy! I always carry a small umbrella in my handbag but pack it in a plastic carrier bag – so if I do have to use it, I have something waterproof to pop it back into. That way, nothing else in my bag gets wet! Weather wisdom Liz Tubby, Norfolk Wrap it up I hate waiting…

INSTANT appointment With Lola Biggs, dietitian and nutritionist at supplement brand Together Health (togetherhealth.co.uk) Sleepless nights Q After work, I’m finding it hard to wind down. I often find myself tossing and turning at night. Why is this happening? Martha, Worcester A We can naturally ‘toss and turn’ during a night’s sleep. But if this is waking you throughout the night and you often don’t feel rested, then this is a sign of insomnia – a sleep disorder. This can be sporadic, occasional or chronic and treating any disordered sleep can be complicated, requiring multiple tries. I recommend reducing any stimulating foods a good few hours before bedtime – aim to have your last food at least 90 minutes before bed. Avoid caffeinated, sugary or alcoholic drinks and spicy or…

Supernatural sightings While bats have long been associated with the spookiest time of the year – Halloween – and renowned for their vampy wings and fangs, spotting them in your garden doesn’t mean they’re a bad omen! In fact, keeping an eye out for these tiny creatures can actually help the Bat Conservation Trust monitor them. From 1 April to the end of October each year, the Bat Conservation Trust hosts the Sunset Survey, encouraging you to get outside and record the number of bats you see an hour from sunset or before sunrise. And you don’t have to have a garden or any special kit to take part, either! Simply take to your balcony, look out your window or head to a local green space instead. Last year, the Sunset…

Jack and Jill, Kilmersdon We all know Jack fell down and broke his crown – and Jill came tumbling after. But do you know the real story? Jack and Jill were a happily married couple living in Kilmersdon and expecting their first baby. Only, when Jack went up the hill to collect water, he was killed by a boulder dislodged from a local quarry. And shortly after giving birth to their son, Jill died of a broken heart. Now, you can walk up Jack and Jill Hill, accompanied by the famous rhyme, which has been etched into the path. At the bottom of the hill is the cosy pub, The Jolliffe Arms – where you can stop for some pub grub and a pint. But don’t attempt the hill after…

OUR MUST TRY FROM PUNNETS TO POINTS Back by popular demand, Sainsbury’s has reintroduced its ‘Great Fruit and Veg Challenge’ for the fourth year in a row. Setting personalised portion tasks based on shopping habits through using your Nectar card, you can earn a minimum of 1,000 additional Nectar points – that’s at least £5 worth of points – at the checkout. The only catch – you must buy fruit and vegetables ranging from fresh, tinned, frozen and dried during your shop. The more you scan, the more chances you have to earn extra Nectar points, which you can use to spent at Sainsbury’s, Argos, Esso, eBay or even convert them into Avios – putting them towards a British Airways Flight. On now until Tuesday 10 October, go bananas – earn…

YOU’VE GOTTA POSE As the camera flashed for the fourth time, I knew that my subject was starting to get fidgety. You see my ‘muse’ was a dog and I just wanted to get one shot without the pooch moving or slobbering. I wanted to capture the auburn-haired Pomeranian sitting by the sunset, with the shadow perfectly placed. I soon learnt that after a couple of shots the dogs would start to lose interest and this one was no different. He watched my every move as I held the ball high above the lens, desperately trying to keep his attention for the last few minutes. And looking across at the owners, they were being so patient with me. They had brought their pooch to my yard for a photograph to…

Bitesize! ACROSS 1 Garden hut (4) 5 Biblical wise men (4) 6 Encourage (4) 7 __ Daly, presenter (4) DOWN 1 Speck of soot (4) 2 Rabbit-like mamma (4) 3 Omelette ingredient (4) 4 Perishes (4) Read down the shaded squares for the answer. Answer on page 47. Follow it! Solve the puzzle to spell out a term related to the picture. The arrows show you where to put your answers. The answer is spelled in the yellow squares. Answers on page 47. Fill it! Complete the grid then read down the shaded squares to reveal the hidden answer. Clue: Type of spying. Answer on page 47. ACROSS 1 __ Lumley, star of TV series The New Avengers and Absolutely Fabulous (6) 4 Josh __, star of films Eighth Grade…

See for yourself! A melia and Clare have poured so much love and passion into Cool Crutches over the past 17 years. Whether you need a walking aid for the rest of your life, or just temporarily, the mum and daughter duo want to help improve lifestyles regardless of injuries, conditions or disabilities. The funky patterns and colours available represent your personality rather than injury or disability – giving everyone the chance to be confident and be themselves. If you have a disability or long-term illness, you can purchase products without paying VAT. Let your personality shine through! • For more information and products, please visit: coolcrutches.com Disclaimer: Medical advice provided is for interest only and should never be substituted for seeing a doctor or seeking medical advice. If you…

Setting up my tripod, I flicked my hair into place and smiled. Posing in a cute lingerie set, I selected my favourite images and uploaded them to OnlyFans. You see, I produced E-girl content – nude and lingerie images with alternative makeup and choppy locks. I love your hair, people would comment on my social media platforms. Who cuts it? But the thing is, I’d always cut it myself! Starting OnlyFans in 2019 when I was turning 19, I wanted an income. Having been diagnosed with a fainting disorder when I was a child, I was unable to work a normal customer service job – it just wasn’t safe. I wanted something I could do from home and after seeing lots of OnlyFans promotion on social media, it seemed like…

We’re loving Are you a ketchup lover? Well, now you can give your home a makeover with the iconic red condiment, too! No, we’re not suggesting you squirt your walls with ketchup – in a world first, Heinz have teamed up with Lick to create a limited-edition paint. Tomato red is the colour of the season this autumn, so grab a tin of Red HTK 57 while you can – and decorate your walls as well as your plates! • RRP £45 plus P&P, available while stocks last. Visit: lick.com Good to know Have you always wanted to get into crochet but don’t know where to start? Fear not – Hobbycraft have got your back! This autumn, Knitcraft by Hobbycraft are teaming up with crochet designer Alice Tarry for a…

Bringing my little boy home from the hospital, I expected to be enraptured in newborn bliss. Born on 9 August 2011 and weighing 7lb was our little Rio. ‘Isn’t he perfect?’ I cooed, watching my husband Michael, 36, settle him into his new cot. Rio quickly became a family favourite, with my sister Carly, 42, popping round to see him. ‘I’ve bought him something new!’ she’d exclaim, bringing Rio a tiny new outfit or a teddy she’d bought especially for him. Rio completed our family. My first baby… it should’ve been an exciting time for Michael and me. But instead, my mind spiralled out of control. While my body hadn’t drastically changed size throughout my pregnancy, the baby weight from my belly was unavoidable. Instead of feeling proud that my…

This autumn we’re expecting clouds, overcast skies and grey hues – but that’s nothing to be glum about. It is the perfect base for building transitional outfits and giving you that stylish edge this September – say ‘yay’ to grey! Try wearing dark grey with lighter, neutral hues – and if you are opting for a light grey, match with emeralds and rich purples! A grey coat is a staple in every wardrobe – as you can pair with both light and dark colours!…

SCENT-SATIONAL! Perfume that looks as good as it smells – these bargain fragrances will give your dressing table a boujie feel. Body Mists, £3 each Eau de Parfum, £5 each Available in: • Wild Azalea • Peach Bouquet • Soft Rose Match your perfume to your mood TOOLS OF THE TRADE For a tip-top beauty regime, you need to make sure you’ve got the essential equipment – and Primark have got your back! THE BASICS Good skin starts with the base – it’s important to cleanse morning and night. But when we’re taking off makeup or swiping on serums, throwaway wipes and cotton pads can be bad for the environment – so go for something reusable. • Two-Pack Makeup Remover Mitt, £2 • 10-Pack Reusable Cleansing Pads, £10 SMOOTH IT…

Alison Blackler has been a transformational mind coach for over 25 years, working both in the NHS and in her own company 2minds. She works with individuals to understand their own mind, free themselves of unwanted habits and embrace their own individuality. Please visit: 2-minds.co.uk What should I do next? Q My dad is in a toxic relationship which is always very off and on. Recently he confided in me and told me that he has been talking to another woman – which is very innocent, but I feel like it could lead to something more. Can I just be a bystander? Or do I have to speak up? Leanne, Norwich A It is interesting when the roles reverse as an adult and how we see our parents. It sounds…

Bitesize! pg 3 Sags Strike it! pg 13 Treasure (Cross out: 8, 12, 29, 36, 45, 57, 60, 73, 79, 81) Cross it! pg 45 Poetry Fill it! pg 13 Espionage Movie links! pg 28 Seth Rogen – SUPERBAD – Christopher Mintz-Plasse – DEADPOOL – Ryan Reynolds – DEFINITELY, MAYBE – Isla Fisher – WEDDING CRASHERS – Vince Vaughn Crack it! pg 36 Percussion Number fit! pg 13 5955 Sudoku pg 45 7, 2, 2 Follow it! pg 6 Goldfish PLEASE NOTE Pick Me Up! will still be bringing you great puzzles to pit your wits against, but will no longer be offering prizes. Don’t forget, you can do puzzles for big cash prizes every weekin our sister magazine, Chat.…

Catch Claire live on Facebook ARIES 21 March–20 April A perfect week to get any problems off of your chest at last. Those you talk to can and will be willing to share your load, if you’re willing to give more fact than fiction. Mercury, the planet of communication, helps you find the words to talk even the most awkward of faces around to your way of thinking. You’re turning that all-important corner. Ring now to hear more. Call: 09058 170 710* LEO 24 July–23 Aug Personal plans may be more difficult to pull off than you had wanted. But you have come a long way from where you were at the beginning of this month. Phone calls you both make and receive reveal a supporter you didn’t know you…