Table of contents for 27-Jul-2023 in Pick Me Up!

Knowing the importance of how the first few years of our life can shape us, sitting down to a nursery rhyme or reading a story was always at the top of my list. And being a mum of three to Ella, now six, as well as twins Betsy and Matilda, now four, counting, playing and making memories was something that I was extremely passionate about. Only, with the rising living costs, I knew that not everyone could always experience the same. So, when I found out about a project run by The Children’s Foundation in April 2022, with them recruiting a project lead, I had to get involved. Creating a baby box, full of essentials for first-time parents to be delivered four weeks before expecting a little one, it was…

This week, our tip of the week will receive a great prize from Addis. This Eco Range 40L Laundry Basket is made from 100% recycled household plastic. You don’t need to struggle with your laundry, running back and forth to hang it out, as this basket will hold all – ready for you to iron! For more ways to make your life easier, visit: addis.co.uk Be a winner! Flushed away When I’ve cleaned the toilet, I leave the cleaner atop so whoever uses it knows to flush before perching. Jac Wilkins, Frome Neat as a pain I have many wires on my desk and now I’m working from home it’s nice to keep everything tidy. So, I bought these cute, pink bulldog clips and now everything looks tidy and easy…

Sue is an experienced Coach and People Expert who helps her clients untangle their brain spaghetti and improve their relationship with themselves and those around them, at work and at home. (headspaceforchange.com) Double trouble Q After having twins, my mental health is at an all-time low. The pressure of raising children and trying to look after myself is really difficult and I feel alone even though my friends and family have been amazing – how can I be me again? Penelope, Manchester A Having one baby – let alone two – has a profound effect on us physically and emotionally and life can quickly feel overwhelming. It’s so understandable that you feel lost in it all. Firstly, I would really encourage you to talk to your health visitor or GP…

Does money make the world go round? Well, unfortunately it is something we all worry about. If debt is something making you feel anxious, be assured help is available. James Jones, Head of Consumer Affairs at Experian, has answered some of your currency queries. For more information, visit: experian.co.uk Is it good for your credit score to use an overdraft? Dipping into your overdraft at times won’t drop your credit score too much. Although, if you’re using your overdraft, be aware that it is a form of debt and it’ll show on your credit report. This means it could affect your score slightly as lenders will see that you’re borrowing money. Lenders like to see a positive track record of repaying credit on time and staying within your limits. So,…

Repair the Air Toilet Drops, £7.95, The Somerset Toiletry Co. Are you fed up with smells ruining the atmosphere in your bathroom? Then this eco-friendly alternative to aerosol sprays is for you! Scented with luxurious tangerine, ylang ylang and mandarin, these toilet drops mean you can simply drop the fresh scent into your toilet water, masking unwanted aromas and leaving your whole bathroom feeling fresh. And only needing three drops with each use, they are a cheap alternative to other bathroom sprays, too – and they are far more pungent! Verdict: GENIUS! Banish those smells… Premium Nail Clippers, £235, Japanese Knife Company As we on the theme of self-care, there’s no better feeling than trimming your nails and keeping them in check – and that’s where these clippers come in. However,…

YOU’VE GOTTA FLUSH Looking out at the biggest glitter ball I’d ever seen, with neon signs and a buzzing crowd, it was definitely time for a disco party. Only, as I started mashing up some of the best clubbing anthems, ready for the night ahead, we had a party pooper on our hands. And the vibe turned from discothèque to piss-cothèque… Instead of an open club, my DJ booth was in the middle of the unisex toilets – with sinks, toilets, hand dryers and the occasional retch part of the set. Something that had actually been created on purpose for that real Ibiza feeling. My job is to give clubbers the best wee of their lives… Growing up with my friends always wanting me to put my playlist on, as…

Buy of the week This month we celebrated World Chocolate Day – but here at Pick Me Up! every day is chocolate day! We love this limited edition Rumbullion! Chilli & Chocolate rum – a deliciously cockle warming Caribbean rum with notes of intense, bitter-sweet dark chocolate, as well as hot chipotle and jalapeño chillies. It’s perfect served over ice, or mixed up in a summery cocktail. Cheers! • £26.95, available from masterofmalt.com GET IN TOUCH Send us your stories and photos, including all names and ages, a daytime phone number and full address. E-mail hello@pickmeupmag.co.uk WRITE TO Pick Me Up! Media Centre, Emma-Chris Way, Abbey Wood Park, Filton, Bristol, BS34 7JU PHONE 0117 440 0607 FACEBOOK facebook.com/pickmeupmag SEE OUR WEBSITE lifedeathprizes.com Future Publishing Limited reserves the right to reuse any…

Laundry is a chore that is never really finished! David Palmer, LG’s Senior Product Specialist of Home Appliances, shares his top tips for getting the most out of your machine. • Please visit: lg.com 1. A little detergent goes a long way Detergent overdosing results in increased work for the machine, decreased wash performance and hinders your overall savings as it can also cause clothing damage. 2. Overloading will cause more damage than good Don’t overfill your appliance as this will mean the motor has to work more and cause excess heat, which could damage it. The simple test to check if you’re at capacity is to place your hand on the top of the drum, if you can freely move your hand, you’re good to go! 3. It’s easy…

INSTANT appointment With Dr Oli Maunsell, NHS GP and Medical Director at Ted’s Health (tedshealth.com) Piling pounds Q My husband has gained a lot of weight recently and I’m worried about his health. How can I broach this with him without hurting his feelings? Tina, Ripon A Pointing out weight gain to a loved one can be a daunting task, but if dealt with in the correct way, it can trigger the start of a far healthier lifestyle. Sometimes a good tactic is to take the spotlight off them individually by suggesting that you could both do with eating more healthily or exercising more – make positive changes as a team. It can also be helpful to back up your proposal for you both to make changes by highlighting some…

Watching my daughter wiggle onto her bum in the grass, she was careful to keep her arms and legs up in the air. You see, my daughter Elsie, now four, liked to process the world before experiencing it. Scooting onto the grass, she wanted to get a good look at it before touching it. Kind, curious and full of humour, you’d be more likely to find her watching a David Attenborough documentary than cartoons. And she was a wonderful big sister to Maya, two, taking on the role like she was 15, not three. So, when Elsie started feeling fatigued in February last year, me and my husband Daniel, 33, were concerned. ‘Do you think she’s had a rough night?’ I asked. Only, we soon spotted red spots around her…

THEY SEE ME ROLLIN’ Whether you prefer stoned or iced, facial rollers are still very popular right now. Great for the summer when your skin needs a refreshing burst and pick-me-up, it’s no surprise more and more of us are reaching for them morning and night. Why not try one of these from Botanics? Available from Boots 1. ICE FACIAL ROLLER DUO, £16 Cool, calm and depuff your skin with these soothing rollers. Pop in the fridge or freezer, so once you’ve applied your favourite moisturiser or serum, you can gently roll across the eyebrows, cheeks, jawline and T-zone for a soothing and refreshing facial massage. 2.DUAL ENDED TEXTURED JADE ROLLER, £12.99 Elevate your everyday skincare routine into a mindful ritual with this dual ended jade roller. Made with 100%…

She’s the Dame who has done it all – however, by far the highest honour she ever received was when she visited Birmingham 15 years ago and got to hold the Walsall FC scarf for my charity book project. I even got her to say ‘Up the Saddlers!’ – now there’s a rare honour! Mark Dabbs, Walsall If your letter makes Star Letter of the week, you will receive some beautiful blooms from Flying Flowers. With over 30 years’ experience of helping celebrate life’s special moments and FREE delivery by post, a gorgeous bouquet by Flying Flowers is a lovely way to celebrate sharing smiles and happiness. See flyingflowers.co.uk for more details.…

Toasting to the future, I was finally an adult. It was my 18th birthday and my family had rented out a hall in Glasgow to celebrate. ‘Happy birthday!’ my boyfriend Kieran, then 16, said, giving me a big hug. I finally had my first taste of adulthood, sipping on my first ever alcoholic drink, I couldn’t wait to see what the future had in store. In May 2017, I was studying childcare and nursery teaching at college and now I had done my forms, I headed into Glasgow city centre to meet my dad Ian, 61. As a young adult, it was time for me to start planning my future and I also had a holiday with Kieran to look forward to. Meeting Dad, he drove me home for lunch…

Will you take on a challenge for the Alzheimer’s Society? The Alzheimer’s Society has opened registration for Trek26 2024. That may seem like a while away, but you’ll need all the training you can get! Hike for 26 miles with the choice of eight stunning locations, from the Lake District to the Brecon Beacons. You’ll join thousands of others who are also trekking to give help and hope to everyone affected by dementia. If 26 miles is too intense, there is a 13-mile option, and the walks need volunteers to cheer on trekkers. For 26 miles, registration is £25 and your target is £300. For 13 miles, registration is £20, and your target is £200. Disclaimer: Medical advice provided is for interest only and should never be substituted for seeing…

The beach – a destination that is on many of our lists this summer. However, under the crystal waters, it’s important to remember marine life, too. That is something that fashion retailer FatFace have in mind. Partnering with the Marine Conservation Society, they have collaborated on some spectacular prints, so you can be beach ready all season long. And by purchasing, 10% of sales are donated to help keep our oceans full – water you waiting for? • Shop in store now or visit: fatface.com…

1. What advice would you give someone who is picking flowers for an occasion such as a wedding? It’s always a good idea to use the seasons to your advantage and go with what’s growing at that time. You should have a chat with your florist and see what they recommend for that time of year and then work out what will work alongside your theme and colours. 2. What is the best way to keep flowers looking fresh in your home? I always recommend that my customers change the water in their vase every couple of days, give the vase a quick clean and recut the stems, especially in the warmer weather. I’d also make sure you keep them away from any heat sources. This can make a whole…

Pastels give a calming yet summery vibe!…

www.clairepetulengro.tv Catch Claire live on Facebook ARIES 21 March–20 April You’ve been waiting for a drama to play out that you thought you did not have any control in. What you find out this week, is that you were always the one with the power – you just didn’t realise it with all the voices giving you so many different opinions. Time with family helps you reconnect with an older face you used to be close to. Good luck, Aries – you’ve got this! Call: 09058 170 710* TAURUS 21 April–21 May Your house of work is getting ready to help you make the changes you found impossible to implicate earlier in the year. You may feel as if you’re being disloyal to someone you can’t involve in your secret…