Pick Me Up! 19-Jan-2023

Setting the table for Sunday lunch, I knew todays would be extra special – we had guests all the way from Ghana. My mum, Rosalind, worked at a school which had a partnership with one in West Africa, and they happened to be staying at the house. ‘Do you have computers at your school?’ I asked. Having worked in IT for eight years, it felt like a natural way to break the ice. ‘Yes, hundreds!’ they replied. ‘We stack them up and burn them all.’ ‘Burn them?’ I asked. ‘Why on earth would you want to do that?’ ‘They often arrive to us broken and we don’t know what to do with them,’ the teacher explained. I was in shock – it made me unbelievably sad to think of all…

HAVE YOU HEARD? Good news for pink fans! Pantone’s colour of the year for 2023 has been revealed as Viva Magenta – so expect to see vivacious shades of pink creeping their way into fashion and interiors. And with the new Barbie movie, starring Margot Robbie, hitting screens later this year, we can’t wait to think pink! We’re loving If you love the McPlant, get ready for the newest vegan offering from McDonald’s…that’s right, the Double McPlant! From this month you can get your hands on a burger featuring not one, but two delicious Beyond Meat patties, as well as a vegan sesame bun, mustard, ketchup, vegan sandwich sauce, fresh onion, pickles, lettuce, tomato and vegan cheese… And don’t worry – it’ll be a permanent feature on the menu, so…

Here is Eric the cat, just emerging after a sneaky catnap in the guinea pigs’ hutch. Luckily the pigs were out in their run at the time! Carol Casan, Tiverton I spotted this rare white blackbird in the garden recently. I just hope that the crows and magpies don’t attack him. Lucy Travell, Gloucester This is Ryan and I at Wollaton Park. We were having a lovely walk and looked at the deer in the background minding their own business. Debb Hunt, Nottingham I love this old school photo of me, aged six (on the right), and my sister Carol. It was taken 54 years ago. Just look at our ‘pudding basin’ haircuts! Tina Vowles, Stroud If your letter makes Star Letter of the week, you will receive some beautiful blooms from Flying…

Pulling up on the driveway, I lugged my bag over my shoulder. Ready to say hello to my mum, Sally*, and sister, Sophie*, I couldn’t wait to chill out for the evening, preparing to settle down after a long day at work as a carpenter. However, as soon as I stepped through the front door, in January 2020, it seemed my idea was turned on its head. Hearing voices in the kitchen, there was an unfamiliar one that I didn’t recognise at first. And walking in it was clear that there was a stranger in our home – a man who looked roughly the same age as me. ‘Ah, this is Sebastian,’ Sophie introduced, before he smiled in my direction. Flashing one back at him, the name suddenly rang a…

Heading back to my seat after ordering two cold pints from the bar, I lay my cards on the table… ‘I’m going to be honest with you. If you don’t want children then I’m afraid you’re not the one,’ I confessed to my date, Sarah, now 32. Hitting my late 20s I wanted to be certain that the next person I met would be my lifelong partner. ‘It’s a good job I want them, too,’ Sarah laughed. We’d been friends for a while but in February 2017, both newly single, we decided to start dating. ‘I’ve always wanted three kids,’ I admitted to her. ‘I think I’d like two,’ Sarah added – so when the time came, we knew we had to compromise somehow. And despite being in a samesex…

This week, our tip of the week will receive a great product from Addis! Ideal for all hard wood surfaces and carpets, the Carpet Sweeper will make your home sparkle. With no batteries or leads required, as well as being effective on pet hair, watch as the rotating brushes sweep your dirt away. For more to make life easier, visit: addis.co.uk Vodka revolution To save costs when hosting a party, I decant supermarket spirits into branded bottles. After a few drinks, no one is any the wiser! Hayley Veales, Bridgend Circle the drain If you boil your kettle and pour the hot water down the sink it prevents blockages. It’s a good idea to do this regularly so you will always be sure to have clean drains. Angela Garvin, Romford…