Table of contents for December 3, 2015 in Pick Me Up!

Alex Noone, Senior Features Writer 2 There are only two days in the year when nothing can be done – yesterday and tomorrow. So make today the day you put your dreams into action! What A Good Cause! I was so moved by Melanie’s story about her tot. Skye has brain damage and Melanie’s fundraising to make her dreams come true – see page 18. What A Pain! Party season’s here! Get ready for all those mornings-after-the-nights before with our round-up of the best hangover descriptions! Search ‘hangover’ at www.lifedeath  prizes.com What A Let Down! I was recently ID’d while trying to buy a bottle of bubbly. I explained, as I’m 32, I don’t tend to carry ID, but my pleas fell on deaf ears. The afternoon lost…

I’d known Glen Mills for a while. We had mutual friends and, when I moved to a new home in April 2014, he was my next-door neighbour. ‘How are you?’ he’d ask, stopping for a chat in the street. People had warned me to steer clear of him, said he was trouble, but he was always nice enough to me. I was a single mum to Finley, 3, and he’d sometimes play with Glen’s kids in his garden. I’d pop my head over the fence to check on him. He always seemed happy. Bumping into Glen again in the June, we started nattering. ‘Why don’t we have a drink on Friday?’ Glen, then 30, said. He had a party that night, but said he’d be back by 9pm. ‘I could…

Even stuck in a hospital bed, my son, Kevin, 9, was still smiling. Telling the doctors and nurses his favourite joke. ‘What do you call a man floating in the sea with no arms and no legs?’ he grinned. Then... ‘Bob!’ he giggled, delivering the punchline. It was October 2013, and you’d never guess Kevin had just almost died from a seizure. Kevin’s childhood had been a blur of doctor appointments and hospital stays. At 6, he’d been diagnosed with a severe form of asthma called brittle asthma. It meant he needed his inhaler every four hours, and was on constant antibiotics and steroids to try to control it. But still, his asthma attacks were regular, terrifying. I’d been taught how to give mouth-to-mouth and CPR for the worst ones.…

Common Cold 1 This is a viral infection. True False 2 Vomiting is a major symptom. True False 3 You can have more than one cold during the winter. True False 4 You’ll need antibiotics to cure it. True False 1 TRUE A cold is a mild viral infection of the nose, throat, sinuses and upper airways. Colds usually last around a week or two. 2 FALSE The main symptoms are blocked nose, sneezing, a cough and sore throat. If you experience extreme tiredness, aches and pains, fever and headache, you may have flu. 3 TRUE It’s possible to have more than one in winter – you can also have them all year round. You can help lower the risk of spreading colds by covering your mouth when you sneeze…

From the off, my fiance, Damian, and I had talked about having kids - one day. We met in December 2008 in a salsa bar in Mexico City. He was Mexican and I was teaching English there. After that, our feet didn’t touch the floor! By December 2010, we were engaged. Then, two months on... ‘I’m pregnant,’ I told Damian. He was as shocked as me! Once the news had sunk in, though, we were thrilled. My pregnancy went well, apart from terrible morning sickness. I was worried about how I’d feel at our wedding in April 2011, but it was a perfect day. My family even flew to Mexico from Ireland to see us exchange our vows. Soon afterwards, we discovered we were expecting a boy. ‘I wouldn’t have…

Shockingly, more than 80 per cent of UK drivers are said to have been a victim of road rage. It’s such a major concern, the Department of Transport recently introduced new laws to deter aggressive driving, with police given the power to issue on-the-spot £100 fines to inconsiderate motorists. Thankfully, fatal incidents of road rage remain low in the UK. Sadly, the same can’t be said for the USA, where a wave of fatal incidents is triggering concern. It seems the way others drive can cause real rage in some drivers. Sometimes with deadly consequences… The Texas Terminator: USA On the night of 24 August 1998, Douglas Feldman was riding his Harley-Davidson motorbike along a Dallas highway. He wasn’t alone... Robert Everett, 36, was driving a huge, 18-wheel lorry along…

Have You Tried? What is it? A detox and weight-loss programme where you replace food with a drink made from Madal Bal Natural Tree Syrup, mixed with lemon juice, water and cayenne pepper. Is it for me? While you can have the Lemon Detox for up to seven days, it’s easier to use as part of a diet such as the 5:2. Visit www.lemondetox.com Flattering Fashion Love, love, love this metallic top from Matalan – an easy way to add a touch of festive sparkle into your wardrobe. And only a tenner! 45 mins …that’s how long you’ll need to jog for to work off just one mince pie! FoodSwaps 100-Calorie Gallery THE SECRET OF MY SUCCESS NAME: Sonya Hogg, 47, from Lockerbie. VITAL STATISTICS: I’d put on…

I proudly cradled my newborn daughter, Matilda, who arrived on 19 July this year. ‘She’s beautiful!’ I gasped. Of course, all mothers think that. But I’d let someone else be the judge - a whole panel at a child beauty pageant, in fact. I’d never considered entering my kids into pageants until my eldest, Alexis, then 3, saw Toddlers and Tiaras on TV, a reality show on the subject. ‘Can I do that? Pleeeease?’ she’d begged. I cringed at images of toddlers in false eyelashes, make-up and fake tan. But Alexis was so keen, I decided to look into it. Taking the plunge I discovered there were plenty of kid-friendly pageants, and child-safe beauty products. And Alexis wouldn’t let it go. So... ‘Why not?’ I said, finally, entering her in…

Between me, my hubby, Allen, 28, and our son, Harvey, 9, we’ve four cats. Female domestic short-haireds, Rizle, 11, and Peanut, 4, and Savannah-cross, Wiggy, and her brother, Arnold Schwarzenegger, both 3. An independent kitten, friendly but not clingy, ‘Arnie’ suited him. But one night, in July 2013, around 10pm, we got home to find Arnie on the sofa, trembling. I saw dried blood on his chest, with a tiny wound on his left side. ‘He’s hurt!’ I gasped. At the emergency vets, an X-ray showed traces of lead. They said a bullet must’ve gone through him! Our home backs on to farmland, but I’ve no idea why anyone would shoot late at night. Thankfully, vets flushed out most of the lead residue and, £2,000 of our savings later, Arnie…

Well-deserved Break Book online at www.jurysinns.com/season-sale to save up to 25 per cent on stays between now and 31 January at hotels across the UK, Ireland and Prague. It’s the perfect excuse for a getaway! Drink Up Great for adding to cocktails, Five Valleys Cordials are now two for £5 (normally £3.25 each) at Waitrose until 8 December. The Lemon & Mint flavour is our fave! Scent-sational! Just one sniff of this Mistletoe Cologne Spray is sure to put you in a festive mood! It’s part of the two for £25 offer (normally £15 each) on all of the lovely scents from The Library Of Fragrance at boots.com Get Glowing Treat yourself to some tanning products at makebelieve beauty.com and get an exclusive 25 per cent off with the code…

With dread, I felt a familiar throbbing ache in my throat. Tonsillitis - again! It was April 2013, and the fourth time I’d had the bacterial infection that year. I’d been prone to it since my teens, but doctors couldn’t explain why. I’d missed weeks of school over the years, but doctors were reluctant to remove my tonsils, confident I’d grow out of it. But, by 17, oral penicillin stopped being effective. Eventually, I stopped bothering my GP. I’d cope by sucking throat lozenges, using throat sprays and taking ibuprofen to relieve pain. My tonsils swelled so badly, it felt like I had two golf balls in my throat. Difficult to swallow, I’d drink liquids or soup, or my mum, Diane, 61, would cook me mash. ‘Finally I could have…

There was everything to look forward to. A long summer hanging out with my mates and then, that September 2009, I’d be going to Plymouth University to start my Physical Geography and Geology degree. Only one day, I woke up feeling queasy. Then I was sick. And it didn’t stop. I spent the next five days in bed, unable to keep anything down. I was getting dehydrated, so Mum took me to the GP, who sent me to hospital. There, I had fluids on an IV drip. Two days on, I felt better. ‘Must’ve just been a bug,’ I said to Mum. I started university and was having a great time. But, towards the end of the first term, it started again. The terrible sickness. While all my friends were…

It was November 2014 and my daughter, Skye, now 3, wasn’t feeling well. She had a temperature, sniffles and a cough. It just seemed like a regular cold to me. Only, a few days on, she started having behaviour problems, lashing out. It was so out of character. She was normally such a placid child. Then she had a seizure. It was terrifying. The left side of her face drooped and she lost her ability to talk and walk. Skye was rushed to A&E. There, a scan revealed something so scary. Two white shadows on her brain. ‘Skye has NMDA receptor antibody encephalitis,’ the doctor told us. In other words, her immune system had attacked her brain. The doctor was unsure why Skye’s body had such an extreme reaction to…

Mincemeat Pinwheels Serves: 20 Prep Time: 15 min + chilling Cook Time: 10 min 1 Preheat oven to 220C/ Gas 7, and lightly grease a baking tray. 2 Unroll pastry sheet. Mix mincemeat and cordial together and spread evenly over pastry. 3 Roll up from the longest side, like a Swiss roll, and then cover and chill in the fridge for 20 min. 4 Cut into 1.5cm slices, place on the tray and cook for 7-10 min until golden and risen. 5 Cool on a wire rack and serve warm, dusted with a little icing sugar. TOP TIP Ring the changes by adding grated apple or chopped nuts to the mincemeat. Or, for a zingy citrus flavour, stir in a little chopped satsuma or the…

Breast is best. It’s a matter of opinion, but that’s what my mum, Sian, 46, has always told me. So I knew whenever I became a mum, I’d breastfeed my littl’un. Then, one evening last year, my partner, Tom, 25, and I were watching a documentary. A woman was speaking about selling her breast milk online. ‘What a great idea,’ I said, amazed. She explained there were lots of women who couldn’t express breast milk for various medical reasons. ‘I’m helping mothers give their baby nutritious milk,’ she explained. But when I read the online comments about the programme, I was shocked. Disgusting, people posted. Why would anyone give their baby another woman’s breast milk? others said. However, I thought that it made perfect sense. ‘There’s nothing gross about it,’…

Power Shift Pants in Crimson, £26.99, www.2undr.eu Great for sporty blokes, these pants have been specially created to cool the areas where heat commonly builds during activity, and stop chafing. Verdict: GENIUS! Ooo! Fancy pants! MasterPan All-In-One Frying Pan, £49.99, www.thefowndry.com This giant pan will save you time and money, as you can whip up a full English in just the one pan – using one hob! And the great news is it’s big enough to make breakfast for the whole family! Verdict: GENIUS! A Saturday morning essential! Hot Cookie USB Cup Warmer, £9.95, www.prezzybox.com There’s nothing better than a warm cuppa, and this nifty gadget will keep yours steaming for as long as you need – no matter how many distractions come along!…

I’ve always loved two things - shopping online and bagging a bargain! So, when my brother, David, told me about Quidco in March 2009, I was fascinated by how it would work. He said it was a website where you could make all your usual purchases at the normal high-street and online stores but, each time, you’d get money back, paid into your bank account. ‘You’d be really amazed by how quickly the cashback adds up,’ he explained. He was right! After joining Quidco, I hit the Next website and snapped up some gorgeous clothes, plus I got cashback on everything I bought. Since then, I’ve made most of my purchases using Quidco. So even when I’m doing something dull, like renewing my car insurance, I get a buzz when…

My fella, Phil Pidgeon, 24, asked me out while I worked part-time at a local bar. Both film fans, we watched Inceptionat the cinema for our first date in September 2010. From then an item, we moved in together in 2014, and soon discussed marriage. Phil wasn’t the sort for grand gestures, so I wasn’t expecting an extravagant proposal. Then, on 9 June this year, I got home from work around 5pm. Phil’s car wasn’t in the drive as normal. Strange. Indoors, I found a note on the hall cupboard. I want to treat you tonight, expect a knock at the door at 7pm. Next, arrows on the floor led me upstairs. Another note on the bathroom door read: Get pampered… He’d run a bath, surrounded by candles, and laid…

I met Danny Thomas at a kids’ Halloween party in 2012. Gorgeous, cheeky, charming - just my type! I was a single mum to Mason, then 3, and Harley, 2. ‘I’ve got two boys as well,’ Danny told me. And he was single, having split from his ex. When he took me out for dinner a few weeks later, we got on really well. Danny swept me off my feet and, by Christmas, he’d met my boys and moved in. Then, on Valentine’s Day 2013... ‘Marry me!’ Danny blurted out of the blue. ‘Yes,’ I said, thrilled. A proper family It was very quick, but things felt right with Danny. We picked out a diamond engagement ring. Danny played footy with the boys, and I was glad they had a…

SAGITTARIUS 23 Nov–21 Dec Mars lets you look at issues from a new angle – and now you see possibilities where, once, you saw no hope. A new attraction may make this an exciting festive time, but beware – gossip at work’s a real no-go, especially on Friday, please! Call: 09058 170 718* CAPRICORN 22 Dec–20 Jan You want the best for loved ones but, at times, you have to let those you care for stand on their own two feet – they need to learn how to cope for themselves. They’ll give you news by Friday that’ll prove you did the right thing. Call: 09058 170 719* AQUARIUS 21 Jan–19 Feb People who you meet now can help you take your work plans to the next level. Don’t be…

Each week, we give a reader flowers. To nominate someone, e-mail Pick Me Up! at the address opposite. This week’s blooms go to Christine Smith.Her daughter, Leanne, wrote to say: ‘My mum found it so hard when her husband passed away. But she has since sold her home and reduced her hours to move in with me and my son, Barney (pictured), and help with my pregnancy. She truly deserves something just for her.’ All Bunches bouquets include free UK delivery and your personal greeting, with online orders receiving free chocolates, too. With gorgeous bouquets from just £12.99, you’re guaranteed to make them smile whatever your budget! Visit www.bunches.co.uk or call their friendly team free on 0800 626 249.…

Water retention Q After I had a heart attack, my legs were full of fluid, but I’ve started treatment and they’re now better. However, I feel as if my other medication is now stronger. Could there be a link? Elaine, Waltham Cross A Yes, if you have severe water retention, your gut can be affected and not absorb medicines properly. Now your medication may be more effective, so review it with your GP. Weak pelvic floor Q Since my daughter was born 20 years ago, I’ve had a weak bladder but, since the menopause, it’s even worse and I leak wee all the time. I’m so embarrassed about seeing my GP – what can I do at home? Betty, Bradford A Pelvic floor exercises are the most effective treatment for…

On 1 November 1955, John Gilbert Graham, known to family and friends as Jack, drove his mother, Daisie King, his wife, Gloria, and their two children to the airport. Daisie, 53, was off to Alaska to stay with her daughter - Jack’s half-sister - for the holidays. Jack dropped his mother and family at the airport terminal and parked his car. Then he adjusted something in his mum’s suitcase, before taking it to the check-in counter to be weighed. Jack watched as the bag was tagged and disappeared to be loaded onto the plane. As Daisie boarded, Jack kissed her goodbye, then took his young son to the observation deck to wave his grandma off. At 6.52pm, later than expected, United Airlines Flight 629 took off from Stapleton Airport in…

1 Sainsbury’s 2 Syrup Sponge Puddings, 2 x 100g, £1 The sponge is fairly dense and cakelike – so you’ll certainly know you’ve had pud – but it tastes so good! Perfect comfort food, served with lots of hot custard! 2 Aunty’s Steamed Golden Syrup Puddings, 2 x 100g, £1.50 With added cinnamon, these have loads of flavour – and just enough syrup 3 Mr Kipling 2 Golden Syrup Sponge Puddings, 2 x 95, £1.70 With a sponge that’s as light as air, and lots of sticky, golden-syrup sauce, these are simply the best. Perfect size for an after-dinner treat.…

It’s family that makes a house a home, so when my husband, Kenny, 58, and I bought a house with our daughter, Lorna, 35, and her family, I couldn’t have been happier. It meant I’d see my grandkids, Kayleigh, 8, Kian, 6, and Kaitlin, 4, every day. We moved in on 11 June this year, and the house is noisy and full of life - just the way I like it! Although, every now and then, for a bit of relaxation, I like to play a few games of bingo. I’d been a member of Pick Me Up! Bingo for years used to go to the local bingo hall - but, during the winter I didn’t like driving in the dark. ‘Try Pick Me Up! Bingo,’ my sister had suggested.…

ASK JESS QI’ve recently started going to the gym and I’m looking for a good sports deodorant – what can you suggest? Charlotte Hughes, 26, Melton Mowbray A Right Guard Women Total Defence 5 Sport Anti-Perspirant Deodorant, £2.40, Sainsbury’s, works hard to keep you dry and odour-free! Jess’Beauty Hero I love this pretty limited edition of my beauty fave, Neutrogena Norwegian Formula Hand Cream, £3.69, Boots! READER’S TIP Instead of shaking your nail-polish bottles before you use them, roll them between your hands to stop any air bubbles forming. Fiona Clements, 21, Brierfield Want the perfect... LIQUID LIPSTICK? Try one of these… Spend: Bourjois Rouge Edition Velvet Lipstick in Fu(n)chsia, I’m a tiny bit obsessed with just how velvety this left my lips looking. It glides on and is easy…

Enjoy a free £10 M&S voucher when you shop with Quidco – the UK’s number-one cashback website. Quidco has partnered with M&S to help you enjoy the perfect Christmas. From decorations for the tree and gifts for all the family to festive grocery essentials and home furnishings, you could earn cashback every time you buy from one of the nation’s favourite brands. • To earn cashback and secure your exclusive voucher code, simply join Quidco for free and make an online purchase at M&S via their link, www.quidco.com/pmum&s before 10 December 2015. Remember, Quidco works with over 4,300 top retailers to help you earn cashback every time you shop. Check them out today and see how much you can earn in the run-up to Christmas.…

Sweating like mad, I puffed and panted my way through an exercise DVD. I’d only been at it 10 minutes when my brother, Kieren, 26, arrived home. ‘You look a right state,’ he laughed. We’ve always been close, so I knew he was just teasing. But looking in the mirror, I saw he was right - and not just because a few minutes of exercise had turned me into a hot, sticky mess. Because I was enormous. Not to mention unhealthy. My dark hair was pulled back in a scruffy ponytail. I had a double chin, wobbly tummy and dark bags under my eyes. My heart sank. I’d never been slim, hovering around 13st in my teens. Yet at 5ft 11in tall, I carried it well, so it never bothered…