Table of contents for 05-Sep-2019 in Pick Me Up!

I first moved to this country from Zimbabwe in 2006 to pursue my dreams of becoming a teacher. The moment I arrived, I loved everything about the UK. Everyone was so kind. But the one thing that really stood out to me was the lack of homeless children. In Zimbabwe, there is a serious issue with homeless children, who are either ill or disabled. Very quickly, I realised that I needed to help the youngsters back home in any way I could. I rallied some of my friends and told them that I wanted to help the homeless and sick children - so they have a chance at a better life. I managed to get three people from Zimbabwe, two from South Africa, and a friend from Britain to help…

This is me whilst on holiday in France. I was so chuffed after three strikes in a row! Marie Gee, Newcastle I gave my daughter Mia some beer goggles at a party. She thought it was hilarious, even if she didn’t really know what I meant! Richard Adams, West Midland I did a double take when I saw my granddaughters Billi, 4, and Georgi, 3, in our plant pots! Our gorgeous plant pot girls! Patricia Cordon, Cheltenham These are my two special men. To me, they are head and shoulders above the rest – a very fitting picture! Alexandra Low, Halesowen Me and my mum Christine enjoying a relaxing pedicure after a long day shopping in Leeds. Melissa Shackleton, Doncaster If your letter makes Star Letter of the week, you…

Kaiden, five, came home from preschool one day conscious about his skin. ‘The kids in school keep asking me if I’ve coloured my face,’ Kaiden told me. Looking at his little brown cheeks spotted with white marks, I wished Kaiden would realise how special he was. ‘You’re beautiful, son,’ I said. ‘Then why do they make comments?’ he asked. Kids were always going to notice that Kaiden looked different. He just needed to be thick-skinned and confident. ‘It’s just what kids do, love,’ I explained to him. ‘I’m different,’ Kaiden said. ‘It’s good to be different,’ I promised him. Kaiden had recently been diagnosed with vitiligo. ‘The white patches are caused by a lack of melanin in his skin,’ the doctor explained. ‘It’s hereditary.’ And yet, no-one in our family…

Learn to relax Exploring relaxation can help you look after yourself when you’re feeling stressed. Relaxation doesn’t have to take up lots of your time – just stepping away from something stressful for a few minutes or taking time away from your normal routines can give you enough distance to feel calmer. Try reading a book, even if it’s only for a few minutes. You can also enjoy a relaxing bubble bath, watch a film or try out a new recipe. Relaxation doesn’t have to mean sitting still – gentle exercise can help you relax, too. Take a walk, even if it’s just for a few minutes every day, or look out for a class you’d like to try, such as yoga or Pilates.…

QI keep getting mouth ulcers along my gums and they kill! Why do I get them so often? James, Manchester A Mouth ulcers are notoriously known for being uncomfortable and can often make eating and drinking painful. A mouth ulcer is a break in the continuous outside layer of the skin. They often disappear without any treatment in a matter of days, and can occur as a result of poor oral hygiene. Other causes include stress, trauma from ill-fitting dentures, low iron levels, and hormonal changes. To prevent them, ensure you maintain good oral hygiene, maintain a normal balanced diet with regular exercise, avoid stress and smoking. Mouth ulcers persisting for at least three weeks must be seen by your GP, as this may be a sign of mouth cancer.…

Pushing the food around my plate, I wasn’t enjoying eating my dinner. ‘It tastes gone off,’ I said to my mum, Angie, 51. ‘No it doesn’t,’ she replied. ‘It must be your taste buds.’ When I was 16, I had so many things wrong with me. Food tasted weird to me, so I wasn’t eating, and as a result I was losing weight. I was home sick from college and I was going straight to sleep, exhausted. But worst of all, I was worried about the lumps on my neck. In a bid to diagnose myself, I searched the internet,Googling my symptoms. Scrolling down, I came cross Lymphoma, a common type of blood cancer. My heart thumped and I began to sweat. ‘Mum, read this,’ I said. All of the…

Keep your dogs safe this summer Pet experts at BellaandDuke.com are urging dog owners to be aware of the dangers that could bring misery to their furry friends in warm weather: 1 Cars - When driving with your pooch, make sure to keep the air conditioning on. Cars can be incredibly dangerous places for dogs during the summer, and so they should never be left in a parked car, under any circumstances. 2 Bees - Dogs are natural investigators and may decide to go after the enticing buzzing sounds of bees, leading to them getting stung. If the wound becomes particularly irritated and your dog is scratching at it, or there is significant swelling, arrange to see a vet ASAP. 3 Water safety - Surprisingly, not all dogs know how…

At home pedicure Procoal Peel Away Foot Mask, £7.99, Procoal. co.uk Do you suffer from cracked feet? These serum-packed boots are the answer to your prayers. Simply slip them onto your feet and leave on for an hour. Over the next seven days, watch as the dead skin peels away. At first you may think it’s not working, but your eyes will be shocked as you’re left with wonderfully soft feet! Sensationail Nailtural Nail Polish, £9.90, Boots Treat your nails to a stunning shiny polish, without any harsh chemicals. These vegan polishes are easy to apply and long-lasting. With over 20 glorious colours to choose from, you can create the perfect pedicure, no matter the weather. These beautiful polishes will give your nails the happiness that they deserve.…

Waking up bleary eyed, I heard my phone vibrating. Who’s this messaging me so late? I thought, turning my phone over to see a message request from a random person. Sorry to message you out of the blue, but our mutual friend Kate* showed me your profile and I think you’re gorgeous! someone called Mark wrote. It was 2008 - I was only 17 at the time and hadn’t really been interested in dating, but I didn’t see the harm in sending a reply. Typical Kate! I typed with a smiley face emoji. Mark and I chatted through the night - he was really funny and I realised we were both pretty similar. We were both into online gaming and had loads in common. We talked a lot over the…

A constant battle Q My 10-year-old son keeps getting verrucas. Whenever he gets rid of one, he gets another. What can I do? Jade, Plymouth A Verrucas are caused by the human papillomavirus (also known as HPV). They spread to others through close contact or even from contaminated surfaces. It’s important to remember that verrucas do not cause or lead to any harm and are extremely common, especially in children. Ways to limit verrucas from spreading include: • Avoid touching and always wash hands after touching • Making sure that your son changes his socks daily • Cover up verrucas with a plaster when swimming • Avoid picking or scratching. To treat a verruca try filing it down two to three times a week right after a shower. Try using…

‘There are many possible causes of the reaction and we suggest that she seeks the opinion of a doctor or dermatologist. It is possible that she is allergic to something she has put on her skin, all the ingredients we use in our products are common ingredients and we believe it would be in her interest to find out what it is that she is allergic to. The product she has used has no SPF inside, it is just a tanning oil and we advise on the bottle for darkskin and we reiterate that it provides no protection from the sun. This is the first complaint we have received with regards to this particular product.’…

IBS 11in 5 adults are affected by IBS in the UK. ☐ True ☐ False 2 There is a cure for IBS. ☐ True ☐ False 3 The cause of IBS is unknown. ☐ True ☐ False 4 Symptoms can come and go over time. ☐ True ☐ False 5 Men are more likely to be diagnosed. ☐ True ☐ False 1 TRUE IBS is a common condition that affects people of all ages, with the condition affecting the digestive system. 2 FALSE There is currently no cure for IBS, but diet changes and medicines can help control the symptoms. IBS is usually a lifelong problem and it can be incredibly frustrating to live with, having a huge impact on your everyday life. 3 TRUE The exact cause is unknown,…

Laying in my bed, I opened up my dating app, Skout, wondering if I had message. I’d been online dating for about five months, but I hadn’t had any success. I’d deleted the app for a few weeks, but after graduating from high-school, I decided to give it another chance. I wasn’t holding out much hope, but then I got a message from a guy called Jeremy. He was 24-years-old, and at 18, he was six years older than me, but that wasn’t a problem. Most guys my age were just looking for a casual hook-up. I could tell that he was different Hey beautiful, he typed. As I got up his profile, I thought he was a catfish - his photos were gorgeous! Hesitant, I decided to reply, in…

Two months to go until my beach holiday in Turkey and I was already deciding what to pack! But, as I plonked some clothes on my bed that evening last August, I suddenly felt my palms grow sweaty and my heart thump. In the brochures, Turkey looked amazing but, aged 51, I’d never been abroad before - because I was terrified of flying! I’d never let it bother me. With six daughters and 17 grandkids, I had lots to occupy me at home. I knew my win would make our holiday even more special But my partner Julian, 52, loved travelling, and had gone abroad all the time before we’d met. Now he had to make do with trips to Scotland. ‘It’d be nice to get a bit of sun,’…

Every day, parents are at risk of criticism from the parenting police. The disapproval and debates start before the child is even born. Home birth vs hospital birth, sleeping routines and pregnancy exercising are all conversations bound to fuel the fire. Once the child is born, your lifetime of parenthood is being watched. Whether it’s the battle of the boob, vaccinations, front or rear-facing car seats and co-sleeping, parents now expect to receive judgement for their choices. One in five young mums feels lonely all of the time While it seems as though a mum should be in charge of her own child, the parenting police are taking the responsibility into their own hands. There’s nothing better than having a mum chat over a cuppa and biscuits, and learning from…

Yaar quark bars, £1, Sainsbury’s A cross between a choc ice and a cheesecake, what’s not to love about these new Yaar bars? Available in three delicious flavours – cloudberry, vanilla and toffee – these bars are like a cheesecake you can hold! Eastern European wine range, from £5.99, Lidl With wines from Eastern Europe said to be the next big thing, Lidl have launched their own range with bottles hitting shelves from Hungary and Bulgaria. The new range includes two delicious whites and one rosé wine. Cheers to that! Babybel Mini Rolls, £1.99, all major retailers Giving you the ultimate excuse to play with your food, these new treats from Babybel have a small glass of milk in every roll. The real cheese snack is protein based and full…

Send us your stories and photos, including all namesand ages, a daytime phone number and full address.E-mailhello @pickmeupmag.co.uk WRITE TO Pick Me Up! Media Centre, Emma-ChrisWay, Abbey Wood Park, Filton, Bristol, BS34 7JU PHONE 01174400607 FACEBOOK facebook.com/pickmeupmag SEE OUR WEBSITE lifedeathprizes.com TI Media Limited reserves the right to reuse any submission sent to Pick Me Up! magazine, in any format or medium. Unfortunately, we can’t return photos without a stamped sae. Letters/photos must not be sent to any other publication.…

Michael jumped up and grabbed the knife as quickly as he could, but Mark slashed his whole hand in the process and blood splattered all over the room. As Michael held his bleeding hand, Mark began punching him as hard as he could. For two long minutes, Mark rained punches down, still attempting to stab Michael as he desperately fought back. Michael was bleeding profusely from his hands, while he clenched the knife as hard as he could and pushed up against Mark. ‘You’re f***ing dead!’ Mark screamed. All I could do was watch in horror. I cried for help as I tried to protect my screaming baby ‘Help!’ I screamed, clutching Freddie, who was now crying uncontrollably. Thankfully, my grandparents had heard the commotion, and my grandad came running…

Feeling overloaded I’ve got four children and I find myself doing everything for them as well as the housework. My husband does little to help, and instead just moans. We both work and I’m tired of having to do everything. What can I do? Beth, Newport As a Life and Mindset Coach specifically for mums, you would be amazed at how often I hear this, and my answer isn’t going to be what you expect. When we feel this way, normally it is nothing to do with other people, but it is our own world which is the challenge. After all, the life of a mother is a very busy, demanding and often lonely one. Often when we feel frustrated in this way, it is because one (or more) of…

1 Check for signs of heat exhaustion. These include headaches, dizziness and confusion, loss of appetite, feeling sick, excessive sweating, fast breathing, and a high temperature of 38C or above. 2 You can cool someone down by moving them to a cool place and getting them to lie down and raise their feet slightly. 3 Get them to drink plenty of water. Sports or rehydration drinks can also help. 4 Cool the skin – fan them and sponge them with cool water. Use cold packs around the armpits or neck. 5 Stay with them until they are feeling well again. They should cool down and feel better within 30 minutes. Heat exhaustion is not usually serious, but if someone cannot cool down within 30 minutes it could turn into heatstroke.…

After a busy day of personal training my clients, I was starving for dinner. Whilst my kids Kalie, 15, and Blake, 16, were playing upstairs with a friend, I rushed around to prepare myself some food. It was the school holidays in Florida last July, and I didn’t have long before I’d promised to take them to the cinema. Throwing together my all-time classic, I grabbed a slice of bread from the cupboard and an avocado from the fruit bowl. Hungry for some avo toast, I sliced into the avocado and twisted to remove the stone. But the stone was stuck. Desperate to eat, I picked up the half-an-avocado in my hand and grabbed a brand-new paring knife. Attempting to whack out the stone, I hit the avocado with the…

Jumpsuits are the perfect versatile piece to have in your wardrobe now it’s autumn, and they’re just as comfortable as they are stylish! You can wear a jumpsuit in two ways – paired with wedges and jewellery for a summer evening, or with scrunchies and trainers in unpredictable weather. DRESS DOWN Top tip Dress down your jumpsuit with a pair of white trainers, sliders and scrunchiesÉ DRESS UP Top tip Dress up your jumpsuit with sandals, wedges and jewelleryÉ…

One evening in May 2013, my partner Steven, then 37, had gone to bed to have an early night. But I just couldn’t keep this news to myself! Sitting on the bed, I started shaking him gently, and he groggily opened his eyes. I was ready to burst with excitement! ‘You’ll never guess how much I’ve just won on Pick Me Up! Bingo,’ I blurted. ‘£100?’ joked Steven, pulling the duvet up around his ears. ‘Nope,’ I shot back, a huge grin spreading across my face. ‘A grand?’ he asked, suddenly looking more alert and sitting up in bed. ‘Nope,’ I giggled. ‘Blimey, Kellyanne, don’t keep me in suspense - how much have you won?’ ‘Exactly £5,464!’ I yelled, jumping up and down on the bed and wrapping my arms…

Shannon James, 27, from Newport, Wales, knows too well the backlash that parents receive online… I recently shared a mum hack on Facebook with my family and friends. I was inspired by a post I saw on Instagram and thought it would be a great idea for my sons, Kalem, eight, and Theo, three. The clever hack was holiday snack baskets for kids, I called it my ‘Six-week holiday survival kit’. I took the kids to Home Bargains and let them pick out their favourite snacks as a treat for the holiday, and then I got them each a basket. Their snack baskets stay in the kitchen, and every morning of the holidays I fill them with their treats, and they can eat them throughout the day. But the contents…

Fish Flops, £14.99, Coddies.com Coddies Fish Flops are the perfect oppor- tuna -ty to spoil your friends, loved ones and sole -mates. As seen on celebs Dua Lipa and Henry Holland. You’ll be the life and sole of the party in these. Maraca cocktail shaker, £10, aplaceforeverything. co.uk Have fun when the girls are round with this maraca-shaped cocktail mixer. Pop your favourite ingredients in and shake until your heart’s content… or at least until the martinis are ready! Slumberdown Scented Pillow, £9.99, Amazon These pillows come infused with two delicious fruit-filled scents to positively boost your mood. Transform your space into a relaxing haven and create a happy place to relax and unwind with these colourful scented pillows.…

Glued to the computer screen, Grant Amato only had eyes for the scantily dressed woman at the end of his illicit video call. He was mesmerised as she revealed her perfect figure to him on camera and he hung off her every word. Grant, 29, was in Chuluota, Florida, and woman who called herself Sylvia was based in Bulgaria. They’d never met, but for Grant it was an attraction that was stronger than anything he’d ever felt before. Grant had paid for the lingerie that Sylvia was showcasing, along with the sex toys that kept him hooked. ‘I’ll send you more money,’ he promised her. Just chatting to Sylvia online was racking up an extortionate bill with the pornographic streaming site she was working for. Sylvia thought that Grant was…

BAR BUS There’s nothing more British than clinking glasses over views of London as the wind breezes through your hair. The London Bar Bus is the ultimate outdoor summer drinking venue, set to delight Londoners and tourists alike. Boasting a 44-seat mobile rooftop garden decked out with festival style and leather booth seating, guests are transported to a summer garden where they can enjoy a refreshing G&T, while taking in the stunning views of the capital. From historic scenes of Tower Bridge to picture-perfect skylines along the River Thames, this tour is an experience like no other.The tour runs until the end of September, with daily departure times available online. Tickets from £25 www.theoriginaltour.com KIDS TOUR Struggling to find something new to keep the family entertained? Rediscover the best-rated destination…

ARIES 21 March–20 April The stars make you more emotional than usual, so try to stay away from those you know can easily emotionally manipulate you. By making time for yourself this week instead of others, you’ll begin to see where you can find joy with your life. Fresh beginnings with a younger person this weekend make for a lighter heart. Embrace new friends. Life is for living now. Call: 09058 170 710* TAURUS 21 April–21 May Smooth seas do not make skilful sailors. Yes, your life attracts dramas, but you have handled recent fireworks with dignity, style and grace. You start to realise this week that it’s good to ruffle a few feathers. In fact, it’s how you will make your life a better place to be. Travel offers…

I have always had a love for horses and enjoyed working with them back home in Germany. But when I had a skiing accident and broke my knee, I didn’t think I’d ever be able to work with horses again... In March, I was struggling to come up with ideas for my last exhibition of my year’s Arts and Design course at Oxford Brookes University. ‘I’m stuck on what to do,’ I told my professor. ‘You need to combine your passions to come up with a project concept,’ he said. I was passionate about horses and art, but surely I couldn’t combine the two? ‘I could teach a pony to paint?’ I joked. ‘Go for it!’ my professor said. My classmates would definitely think I was crazy, but I had…