Table of contents for 20-Dec-2022_Double issue in Pick Me Up!

Grabbing yet another ball of brightly-coloured wool from my craft box, I got started on my next creation. Christmas was fast approaching and I was making my family’s gifts. My parents had always been creative, so I guess you could say it’s in my blood. In 2000, I moved to Cumbria with my family and that’s when I fell in love with spinning. If I wasn’t at the wheel or teaching my wool workshops, I was exploring the peaks. Putting my yarn down and instead opting for walking boots, I went from strength to strength. And before I knew it, I’d climbed 214 peaks over the course of 17 years! I’ve managed to raise £1,000 A few years ago on a particularly long hike, my son Bheinn asked if we…

Packing my overnight bag, the pain in my chest was getting even worse. I felt so out of breath. With my English Literature dissertation due to be handed in to Durham University in just a few days, I placed the tightness in my chest down to final year anxiety. But still, I was going to spend some time in Cornwall with my boyfriend, Keilan, 21, and felt that would help relieve my worries and ease my mind. At least my dissertation will be handed in soon, I thought. Then I can relax a bit. But as I headed downstairs to say goodbye to my parents and brother, Michael, 24, I couldn’t shake the feeling that this was not just university anxiety at all. ‘My chest feels really strange,’ I said…

It’s party season and nothing quite says ‘celebration’ like a good old canapé board. They don’t have to be complicated – make your Christmas and New Year bash a little lavish with these quick and easy canapés courtesy of Primula. Prawn Cocktail Crème Brûlée YOU WILL NEED: □ 2 Primula Cheese ‘n’ Prawn tube□ 1 tbsp tomato ketchup□ 1 tsp creamed horseradish□ ½ tsp Tabasco□ 2 egg yolk□ 40g parmesan, grated□ ¼ red pepper, diced□ ¼ yellow pepper, diced□ 4 cherry tomatoes, quartered□ 8 king prawns□ Watercress 1 Preheat the oven to 200°C. Squeeze the Primula Cheese into a large bowl. Add the tomato ketchup, creamed horseradish and Tabasco and mix well. Add the egg yolks to the mixture and mix until it’s fully incorporated. 2 Divide the mixture into…

Festive Brunch The Cosy Club, various locations Keep those drinks flowing with an unlimited supply of Prosecco, mimosas or bloody Mary’s for 90 brilliant minutes at this fabulously festive brunch. From a classic breakfast to sweet buttermilk pancakes, take your pick of scrumptious brunch options and enjoy a glass of fizz (or three) with your pals to ring in the season. • £35 per person • Please visit: cosyclub.co.uk Festive Brunch Revolución de Cuba, various locations Indulge in 90 minutes of pure yuletide joy! Enjoy the brunch classics you know and love, with a few fun, festive twists – like a Mistletoe Martini and Festive Cubano sandwich. If you’re trying to stay off the wagon this Christmas, try a boozeless brunch – all the fun, none of the hangover! •…

When it comes to love stories, Orsolya Gaal and Howard Klein seemed to have the perfect fairytale. Having met in Budapest at a Christmas party in 1994, the pair exchanged love letters and went travelling together in Thailand. A Hungarian native, Orsolya loved to travel and she’d met her perfect man. When she landed a job in New York, Howard offered her a place to stay – but she never left. After six months the pair were madly in love and within time, they moved to Manhattan and had two boys. The family were very much adored in their area of Forest Hills and Orsolya was particularly known for her warmth and kindness. Family meant everything to Orsolya and she did whatever she could to make her children happy. On…

Christmas and New Year is all about glitter. Whether you’re a fan of full blown stand out nails or something with a little more subtly, Mavala have the perfect varnish for you… Lynn Mason, in house expert at Mavala says: ‘The chunkier the glitter, the more eye catching. Chunky glitter is fun, bold and almost quite grungy. Finer glitter is delicate, so gives a more ethereal look.’ • Prices from £5.80, visit: nailpolishdirect.co.uk Your options Silver Do you need beauty advice? Write to hello@pickmeupmag.co.uk and we’ll try and help!…

First of all, tell us more about Bolesworth Castle… Bolesworth is a dairy farming estate, located eight miles south of Chester, and is home to over 10,000 cows! We are a family company, and have been here for over a hundred years. We have been running events since 2008. The event site sits against the stunning backdrop of the castle. What are you doing at the moment to prepare for Christmas? Christmas at Bolesworth is a big part of our festive preparations as the whole event keeps going until Christmas Eve! My two dogs, Alfie and Flopsie, and my little boy, William, two, will be getting very excited this year – so we will be doing our last minute shopping at the Christmas market, as I am not a well-planned…

Sitting at the base of Snowdon, with a marshmallow in hand, surrounded by a crisp cold air, and the roaring flames of the campfire, this magical scene was pure bliss. And with my son Wilf, five, daughter Flo, eight, husband Sam, 40, and our fur baby Rueben, huddled around burning sparklers, it was a perfect way to see in the new year. In fact it was a New Year’s resolution we had been trying to achieve since 2004… IN THE BEGINNING Packing the car ready for a road trip, it was clear that me and Sam had a strong desire to travel. Meeting over 18 years ago, we would use every excuse under the sun to get out and explore. Anything from days out at the beach to visiting small…

Sue Tappenden is a coach and people expert who helps her clients improve their relationship with themselves and others. (www.headspaceforchange.com) Feeling the pinch Q My family wants to do a Secret Santa this year with a limit of £50 but I have no money at all. I don’t want to have to tell them the truth – should I still play along? Georgina, Burford A If you play along, the consequences for you in terms of debt could be dire. But, perhaps more importantly, you will also be putting your family's needs ahead of your own and that isn’t a good way to show up for yourself. I am wondering why you are so reluctant to tell them the truth of your situation? Perhaps you imagine they will react negatively,…

HELLO DEARS After a sensational run in Manchester, Mrs. Doubtfire The New Comedy Musical is ready to dazzle and delight the West End from 12 May 2023! The infamous story sees out-of-work actor Daniel desperately trying to stay in his kids’ lives after losing custody in a messy divorce. Coming to Shaftesbury Theatre, this hilarious and heartfelt story is about holding onto our loved ones, against all odds. EUROVISION IS BACK Hold on to your hats because Eurovision is coming to the UK! After Sam Ryder’s outstanding performance in Italy this year, Eurovision will be held in Liverpool – the first time in the UK since 1998! We can expect a night of music and iconic moments. IT’S CORONATION DAY On Saturday 6 May, Charles will officially be crowned His…

Gliding a cheap pair of beard trimmers that I’d bought in lockdown across the back of my head, my brown glossy hair fell to the floor in seconds. With my eldest Ty, 15, helping to do the parts that I couldn’t see, it was a bittersweet moment. For years I had loved my thick locks and it was a big moment to simply shave them off – but I had to do this for me. From the outside, my life was perfect. I had three beautiful children, Ty, Cole, five, and Aria, four, had been with my boyfriend for 10 years, and we all lived in a secure family home. Only, there was something that was missing… My happiness. Trying my best to make my relationship work, alongside long shifts…

Only, the noise that I heard him make next made my blood run cold. ‘Charley,’ he screamed in a way I had never heard him say her voice before. But without thinking, I already knew what it meant – Paul had found Charley unresponsive in her room. Darting upstairs, telling Jake and Callum to stay away, I didn’t want them to see. With Paul starting CPR, I frantically dialled 999, hoping that Charley would come back. How could she have listened to the bullies? Within minutes three ambulances arrived – I didn’t know what to do. Being able to sit in the back of the ambulance, me and Charley were rushed to Northumbria Specialist Emergency Care Hospital. Only, I wasn’t able to hold her hand, she was still being worked…

Gazing at my newborn baby boy, I felt my heart sink. It should have been a magical time. But something was wrong. Born on 20 September 2019, Reuben was adorable, and I fell in love with him immediately. But I couldn’t help noticing his slightly abnormal head size and ear lobes. ‘He’s got what Olivia had,’ I said to my husband, Sean, 36. I knew it in my gut when I saw him. Our firstborn, Olivia, had passed away at just nine months old in May 2013, from a condition so rare it didn’t have a name. She’d been a happy little girl for her short life, before a bad seizure caused her body to start shutting down. We spent her last few weeks in a hospice before she slipped…

WIN Prezzee a Voucher! Bingo balls, bingo Between 16-22 December 2022 you’ll get one ticket to our prize draw for every £10 wagered in Real Funds on any bingo game on site! There’s 50 x Prezzee Vouchers worth £40 each up for grabs. Prezzee Vouchers are redeemable at over 300 UK retailers so the lucky winner will be able to treat themselves to something they fancy! BUT WAIT, THERE’S MORE! 50 RUNNERS-UP WILL WIN 10 FREE SPINS ON FLUFFY FAVOURITES! Stand a chance to win a share of £2,000 Prezzee Vouchers or a share of 500 Free Spins [FS] on Fluffy Favourites! Valid from 16-22 December 2022 for funded players who will get a raffle ticket for each £10 real cash wagered on any bingo games during this time to get…

Our complexion goes through a lot in December, and remembering to remove our makeup is a must! Whether you like a balm, gel or foam, Skin Proud has you covered. Available from ASOS, so you can pop one in your basket along with your favourite party dress! Face Melt, £12.95 This gentle, hydrating cleaning balm is the ideal first step in your routine to melt away any dirt and makeup. Velvet Cloud Cleanser, £13.95 This lightweight whipped mousse works to remove dirt and makeup, as well as leaving you with an all round brighter complexion. Rise and Defend, £12.95 Infused with kombucha, this face wash works to fight dull skin – making it perfect for the party season. A great cleanser to add to your kit.…

Standing in line, I felt a buzz of anticipation. Then, as I heard someone on stage call my name, I plastered on a big grin and headed up. As I was handed my degree, I had a peek into the audience. Seeing my boyfriend Jak, 27, clapping and cheering with my mum Suzanne, 56, and dad Tony, 58, my heart swelled. I’d always dreamed of being a teacher – so when I graduated from Cumbria University with a degree in Primary School Education back in November 2018, I was chuffed. It was the perfect way to round off the year, and I couldn’t wait for a Christmas where I didn’t have to worry about studying or revising. After celebrating with course mates, the four of us set off on the…

It’s December and you’re doing the Xmas shopping. Your basket is already full and you still have to get presents for the in-laws, stocking fillers for the kids, and outfits for the pets! You always seem to have so much stuff! Only, as January rolls around, you start to wonder where on earth you’re going to put it all… Sound familiar? Then maybe it’s time for a good old declutter. Chris Lovett, TEDx speaker and professional minimalist, explains the life changing magic of minimalism. Emerging in the late 1950s, it’s built on the foundation that less is more. ‘Maybe in the not-too-distant past, more meant better,’ explains Chris. ‘We aimed for a bigger house, an expensive car, a big salary, a lucrative job title…’ The average consumer sees around 5,000…

1) In a nutshell – what is animal therapy? Animal therapy can range hugely depending on the situation and requirement. My animal therapy team visit a range of venues, from care homes to nursery schools, hospitals, support groups and even prisons. The activities can include the simple enjoyment of feeding the chickens some corn and watching them moving around, to cuddling the donkey as his head peeks over the bedside. 2) What are the benefits of animal therapy? The benefits are huge, from relieving loneliness, breaking down boundaries such as having residents make eye contact or engage in conversation with chattering ducks. You can have children problem solve and learn animals’ behaviour by guiding the chickens over little jumps. The animals can be a wonderful conversation starter between residents and…

Gangsta Granny Strikes Again, CBBC An adaptation of the hugely popular 2021 children’s book by David Walliams, comes to CBBC and BBC this Christmas. This comedy, the sequel to the 2013 BBC One special Gangsta Granny, features a stellar cast including Walliams as Dad, Mike, Sheridan Smith as Mum, Linda, Kevin Bishop as Italian dancer Flavio, Maggie Steed as Queen, Griff Rhys Jones as Mr Parker and Archie Yates as grandson, Ben. Stacey Solomon’s Crafty Christmas, BBC One With a little help from her family and friends, Stacey Solomon will deck the halls with a difference this year. In this fun and festive one-off special, the Solomon family gets creative, sharing clever ways to cut costs, upcycle and spread some homemade cheer at Christmas time. Together with professional organiser and…

Stirring from my sleep with the sound of the front door slamming, I was prepared to hear all of the dogs barking. So much for a lie in. Only, Raven, Kane, and our rescue pooch Meg didn’t make a sound – which was very unlike them. Instead, it was my husband Ian, 62, coming home from his night shift that was making a whole load of noise. ‘Sandra come down and check this,’ he screeched, bellowing from the bottom of the stairs. ‘Get yourself down here, it’s important,’ he added just moments later. With Meg recovering from an operation on her back legs after suffering from arthritis in late 2020, alongside her not making a peep when Ian had walked through the door, I instantly thought something was wrong. Bolting…

Thanks to Neutradol, the fresh air specialists with a product for every smelly situation, you and a guest could win this holiday to the sun soaked Greek island of Corfu. Kavos is a stunning seaside village on the southern coast of the Mediterranean island with an enviable beach rolling into crystal clear water and a variety of restaurants, cafés and bars all close by. Staying at the elegant 4 star Ekati Mare Boutique Hotel and Suites, you and your guest can relax with a cocktail or mocktail in hand. Take a dip in the pool after a day sightseeing to help you feel refreshed. When you get home after an invigorating holiday you will want your house to have that summer freshness. And after the last few years, we want…

Most of us have our go-to hair styles for the party season, but if you’re looking to try something a little different then renowned Marylebone hairdresser Michael Van Clarke has put together some of the top styles this season. ● For more please visit: vanclarke.com ‘70s retro curls No girl would be without a set of heated curlers in the ‘70s and they still form part of a pro’s kit. Quick to put in, the ends absorb the heat giving the hair that distinctive ‘70s feel. Your locks can be prepped with Volumising Mousse and the rollers go into dry hair. Finger through to keep a slightly separated tussled look with a little Magic Oil, too. Classic tonging A different type of curl in that the strength of the wave…

Popping the kettle on, I heard a knock at the door behind me. After putting my teabag in the mug, I walked over to the door and opened it. In front of me stood a tradesman holding a huge box. ‘Hi Marjory, I’m Alistair,’ he began. ‘Morris said these might belong to you.’ Morris was my granddaughter Sara’s husband, and had been working with Alistair, fitting windows in a loft. ‘What have you got there?’ I asked him. Handing me the box, Alistair smiled brightly. ‘We found some letters in the house we were working on,’ he answered. ‘They are all addressed to you.’ It was our old family home – we had moved from there in the ‘70s and a new family had lived there since. Pulling the lid…

Complete the grid then read down the shaded squares to reveal the hidden answer. Clue: Type of love interest. ACROSS 1 __ Park, star of TV series Girls5eva and Emily in Paris (6) 4 Academics (8) 10 Argumentative (9) 11 Jet of fire (5) 12 Concur (5) 13 Ruthless (3-6) 14 Mr __’s List, 2022 period drama film starring 1 Across, 16 Across, 23 Down, and 25 Down (7) 16 __ Dirisu, star of TV series Gangs of London and Humans (4) 19 Enquires (4) 21 Misery (7) 24 Distinguish between (4,5) 25 Crustacean (5) 26 Furious (5) 27 Taking place after birth (9) 28 Baby’s portable bed (8) 29 Woos (6) DOWN 1 Praises publicly (8) 2 Self-government (4,4) 3 Rub out (5) 5 Invents (7) 6 Ready-to-wear (3-3-3)…

Cleanse: Look at every aspect of your life to determine where you might need to declutter. This might include your home and belongings, thoughts, habits and people. It can seem overwhelming, but taking five minutes each day to declutter, cleanse and clear a physical space like a drawer or even your social media channels all add up. Let go: Look at life from a different perspective and start to let go of things weighing you down. Give yourself permission to let go of what no longer serves you – whether it’s an old habit, actually taking that trip to the charity shop to hand over your old keepsakes, or turning down an invite to a party with friends you no longer see. Energise: By letting go of clutter, you will…

Family was so important to Stacy Barney. She had been happily married to her husband Craig since August 1998, and she adored her three beautiful children. They were her heart and her whole world. The family moved to McKinney, Texas, in 2016 and Stacy could often be found giving up her time to volunteer at her kids’ school. Generosity was just one of her admirable traits. Friends described her as fun, positive and an avid runner – someone who would always take the time to smile at a neighbour and give them a wave, too. To anyone looking in, Stacy’s life appeared to be picture-perfect. But life wasn’t always easy for her. One of her three kids was the source of a lot of heartache for her and Craig. Adam,…

FILM AND TV 1 Benedict Cumberbatch won an Oscar this year for his role in which film? a Doctor Strange b The Power of the Dog c The Courier 2 This year marked the 30th anniversary of which of these classic Disney movies? a Aladdin b Beauty and the Beast c The Lion King 3 In honour of the Queen’s Jubilee this year, which two Royals made a surprise cameo in EastEnders? a King Charles and Queen Camilla b Prince William and Kate Middleton c Queen Elizabeth and Prince Philip 4 Which long-running medical drama aired its final episode in March after 23 years on our screens? a Casualty b Holby City c Grey’s Anatomy 5 Which stage performance had a film adaptation released this year? a Charlie and the Chocolate Factory b The BFG c Matilda SHOWBIZ 6 The legendary actor Robbie Coltrane died…

Snuggling up on the sofa with a tin of Quality Street, I grabbed the remote. ‘Ready kids?’ I asked, loading up The Grinch on the TV. It was only November, but I was in full-Christmas mode. I’d been preparing for it since January! While other people were buying beach balls and swimsuits this summer, I was filling up my basket with baubles and candy canes. Growing up, Christmas had always been special for me. After carefully writing our Christmas lists, my dad would gather me and my brothers in the garden and set fire to our letters to Santa. ‘You’ll get them back after Santa’s read them,’ he’d say. ‘He’ll use magic to bring them back.’ And sure enough, the letters would be there in the morning. While for most…