Table of contents for 08-Nov-2018 in Pick Me Up!

Icouldn’t nominate just one of my parents to receive a bouquet, as they both deserve the moon! As the youngest child, I think it’s fair to say that I was spoilt rotten. The only competition I had was my older sister Sarah and our cat Lottie. I really did love being my mum and dad’s little princess! Of course, growing up, I’d started to yearn for my own independence and couldn’t wait to go to university to study mental-health nursing. But when the time came to go, I felt a bit worried. I suffered from anxiety you see, and would sometimes have panic attacks. I coped by making a joke of it. Our family’s style. ‘How am I going to survive without you two nagging me?’ I teased them. ‘The…

1 Uveitis is inflammation of the middle layer of the eye – called the uvea or uveal tract. ■ True ■ False 2 Uveitis is caused by chemicals getting into the eye. ■ True ■ False 3 Uveitis is relatively harmless, long-term. ■ True ■ False 4 Uveitis is usually treated with steroid medication. ■ True ■ False 1 TRUE It can cause eye pain, redness, sensitivity to light, blurred vision and loss of peripheral vision. 2 FALSE The condition has been linked to problems with the immune system, or sometimes is caused by infection or eye injury. 3 FALSE If left untreated, uveitis can lead to serious eye problems, including glaucoma, cataracts and a detached retina. 4 TRUE These usually come in the form of eyedrops, injections or tablets…

At Pick Me Up! Bingo we want you to enjoy the experience without spending beyond your budget. We’ve got some handy tools, such as setting y our deposit limit or adding a session reminder , which are all easily accessed from your account. We also have useful tips to help you get the most from your bingo fun… There are value bingo games, with tickets from 1p to 10p. Look out for promotional games with special offers, where you can buy two tickets and get one, or even two, free. And check the site, as there are often free games on offer. Join in the fun by playing in the bingo rooms, where the Chat hosts play games with members. Our customer support is always on hand to help you…

‘It should be simple and cost effective to get divorced. It’s pretty easy to get married, after all. It  should be almost the flip to get divorced – stand in front of an official and declare the marriage null and void.’ Gillian Graves McKinnon, Warrington ‘It isn’t fair to force anyone to use blame so that divorce can be dealt with quicker. Dragging out  a divorce isn’t fair on parents or their children, and prolonging a failed marriage stops everyone from moving on with their new lives.’ Ann Johnson, Runcorn, Cheshire ‘Why should everyone be in a rush? Waiting two years is what I did. But I did change my name by deed poll, knowing my  divorce would take a while. I got the forms from court, filled it all…

ARIES 21 March–20 April Try not to push the buttons of those you’ve upset more than once this year. To say they’re at the end of their tether could well be an understatement! Use this excess of energy to tie up what needs to be sorted in the home. It’ll cost you less if you do it this week. Call: 09058 170 710* TAURUS 21 April–21 May You know what, Taurus, you really have been your own worst critic recently. Try to focus on the many attributes a sign such as yours has and I know there are many. News from a family member proves you weren’t told the real story about events unfolding. Call: 09058 170 711* GEMINI 22 May–21 June Your house of family is currently under a…

My husband Will and I enjoyed impersonating characters for a murder-mystery evening. As a result, I’ve now taken up the saxophone for real! Theresa Gooda, Billingshurst Sometimes you have to take the plunge... Well, that’s what I told myself just seconds before this photo was taken. Alexandra Chambers, Isle of Wight This is my daughter Annabelle Rose, 2, on her first holiday abroad to Bulgaria. It’s safe to say she had a lot of fun! Nikki Milam, Rudgwick Now Halloween is over, I got in the spirit for fireworks. And a free display in Cleethorpes was just the thing to help me do that. Charlotte Coulson, Cleethorpes Bobbie’s ‘reading’ Mummy’s fave magazine on her first holiday at mamma and grandad’s caravan in Skegness. Sarah Spencer, Sheffield It appears to be…

Platinum standard Always has launched their biggest innovation in 10 years – the Platinum range, designed with wings that stay in place no matter what you’re up to. Until 13 November, you can grab a pack for £1.50 (RRP £1.99) in Morrisons stores nationwide or online at groceries.morrisons.com . Value plonk Kumala Reserve Chenin Blanc is a light, fruity white with subtle notes of vanilla. Serve chilled with simple fish or chicken dishes for a perfect Friday night treat. It’s only £6 at Morrisons (usually £7.50) until 6 November. Curry favour… We Brits love a curry – but takeaways are pricey and high in fat and calories. The new low-fat sauces from Sharwoods pack all the flavour of your favourite curry without the guilt and for a…

When a second doctor came in to look at the screen, I started to worry... It was December 2016, and me and my fiance Nathan were excited about having our first child. But at my 20-week scan, after we learned we were expecting a girl, doctors spotted signs of a heart problem and referred us to Royal Victoria Infirmary in Newcastle. Nathan and I drove there three days later. At the RVI, further tests revealed that our girl had hypoplastic left heart syndrome (HLHS). The left side of her heart hadn’t developed properly, so couldn’t pump blood around her body effectively. We were devastated to learn she might not survive. We were then offered a termination, but refused it. ‘Are we being selfish?’ I asked Nathan. ‘No, she deserves a…

ESSEX Antony Jennings, 33, Ilford This man, who killed his 94-year-old grandmother moments after they were drinking tea together in her care home, has been sentenced to life. On 29 November 2017, Antony Jennings slit Ruby Wilson’s throat, before calmly telling staff what he’d done. Ruby died at the scene. Ilford Crown Court heard Jennings, who had a history of drug abuse and mental-health problems, wanted to kill Mrs Wilson, who had dementia, as he thought she was suffering. He denied murder, but admitted manslaughter on the grounds of diminished responsibility, before he was found guilty of murder and given a minimum jail term of 22 years. NORTH YORKSHIRE David Connor, 57, Wetherby An 88-year-old widower was conned out of £18,450 by ‘heartless’ David Connor. Over a period of 16…

What better way to spend a Friday night than lazing on the sofa? It was last April, and my little lad, 2, was in bed. I decided to have a game of online bingo, as I’d played in the halls in the past and enjoyed it. So when I saw you could download an app for Pick Me Up! Bingo, I thought it looked like a  good site to try. It was quick and simple to load the app, and I made a deposit of £10. I was spoilt for choice…several fun-looking bingo rooms, themed slots, casino games and more! I played Sapphire Bingo as it’s like the 90-ball games in bingo halls. Buying some tickets, my phone zoomed in on the first game. No idea what wasgoingon, Ifiddled with…

Outlaw King, Netflix This epic, one-off historical drama tells the story of Robert the Bruce, King of Scots, played by Star Trek actor Chris Pine, and his battle to regain control of Scotland after being banished by King Edward I of England (Stephen Dillane). Dunkirk star Billy Howle plays Edward, Prince of Wales and look out for Aaron Taylor-Johnson as James Douglas and The Little Drummer Girl’s Florence Pugh as Elizabeth de Burgh. A word of warning.…there’s full-frontal nudity (of Pine) in this drama! Saluting Dad’s Army, Gold To celebrate the 50th anniversary of Dad’s Army, Alexander Armstrong presents a four-part documentary looking back at the wartime comedy’s history, from its first episode. There’s archive footage and…

Mavala Mava-Flex Serum, £14.80, amazon.co.uk Nails keep flaking? Instead of reaching for a nail strengthener, chances are your nails need some hydration instead. Whether they’re too hard or too weak, this wonder serum helps to rebalance the moisture in your nails, making them more flexible and less prone to breakage. Use twice a week for best results. Dr Lipp Tint in Sweet Potato, £6.99,  beautybay.com With waxy lanolin as its key ingredient, this balm protects skin from the elements, holding in moisture at the same time. Combining this lip-loving ingredient with a subtle wash of colour, this is perfect for everyday wear and fuss-free touch-ups on the go. Rose Dewy Glow Face Mist, £6, The Body Shop Spritzed over make-up or before you apply moisturiser, this instantly…

Lying in bed, I reached for my phone and saw a text from my boyfriend Liam. Another one. Where are you? Who are you with? It wasn’t all that long ago that his texts would give me butterflies in my stomach. Now, anxiety churned instead. It was this March, and we’d been dating for the past few months after meeting in a bar. Outgoing and confident, Liam had dazzled me with his compliments. He’d seemed different from blokes I’d dated in the past. It wasn’t just his words, he’d treat me to dinner, too, and never let me pay the bill. I saw a future with Liam. And when he started messaging more often, at first I was thrilled. He’s smitten, too, I thought. But now, those sweet nothings had…

Missing sleep Q I’m revising for my exams and often cram overnight to get all the facts in. My mum gets cross and says that I should sleep. Surely I can catch up on sleep after the exams? Becca, Brentwood A Staying up all night will actually reduce your memory, as sleep ensures that your brain stores facts appropriately. Sleeping well both before and after learning enhances memory, so you should definitely change your strategy. The menopause? Q Up until three months ago, I had regular periods, give or take a couple of days. But now I haven’t had one for three months. I’m 48. Have I just been through the menopause? Gloria, Blackburn A Full menopause is having no periods for 12 consecutive months. Prior to that, ovarian failure causes…

Lid holder, £2, Flying Tiger Keep your pan open without having to risk burnt fingers thanks to this little piggy-shaped kitchen tool. Simply slide on to the edge of your pan and rest the lid on top. Verdict: GENIUS! We think every kitchen should have one. Musical wine glass, £12.99, firebox.com Want to learn an instrument but not sure where to start – how about the wine glass? Fill it to the various different markers to play each tone and get ready to learn your scales in the booziest way ever. Verdict: BONKERS. Completely and utterly. Regenerate Enamel Science Advanced Foaming Mouthwash, £10, Boots Regenerate’s new mouthwash works to restore enamel, strengthening sensitive teeth and preventing further damage – not bad, eh? The foam formula is strange at…

Flicking the TV channels with the remote, I couldn’t find anything I wanted to watch. So I clicked the TV off. ‘I’m not in the mood for telly,’ I told my hubby Paul, 38, as he came downstairs. ‘No, me neither,’ he agreed. With our three children in bed, we had a whole night ahead of us. Bliss. Ooh, but how to spend it? We watch telly most nights, but I was in the mood for something different. ‘I know,’ I said to Paul, pulling out my mobile. ‘Fancy a game on Pick Me Up! Bingo?’ I’d signed up to Pick Me Up! Bingo earlier that day, after a friend told us how much fun the games were. ‘You’re on,’ Paul grinned. As the game played out, I was on…

Settling down on the sofa with my daughter Nevaeh, 5, I felt her trying to make herself comfortable. It was October 2011, and we were enjoying a lazy day watching a film. ‘Do you want a pillow?’ I asked, as she fidgeted. ‘No, thanks,’ she said, prodding and poking my tummy as if it was a cushion. I wondered what she was up to but, as she snuggled closer to lean on my stomach, I realised. Nevaeh didn’t need a pillow. My big fat belly was comfy enough for her! As the film started, I could barely concentrate. Though Nevaeh had meant no harm by plumping up my tummy, I felt mortified. For years now, I’d avoided weighing myself. I told myself a bit of extra padding was no bad…

You’ve decided to call it a day on your marriage. The relationship isn’t working any more and it’s time for you and your partner to go your separate ways. But wait a second - just because you believe you should divorce doesn’t mean the law will take the same view. Around half of divorces occur in the first 10 years of marriage. In July this year, Tini Owens, 68, hit the headlines when the Supreme Court refused her divorce. It was an unusual case. Only two per cent of divorces are contested in England, and rarely defended in court. But her husband of 40 years, Hugh Owens, 80, defended the marriage, telling the court that Tini’s claims of unreasonable behaviour were exaggerated, and if their marriage had broken down, it…

As I clapped my hands, my little boy Parker, 3, toddled towards my mum Angela, 53. ‘He’s growing up fast,’ I sighed. ‘They do that,’ smiled Mum. I’d been 21 when I had Parker, and had split from his dad. But having my mum and two sisters, Sam, 33, and Kate, 32, around, meant I could work full-time as a car salesperson, and I got to enjoy occasional nights out, too. Now, on a Saturday this July, me and mates Ben, 31, Adam, 28, and Jen, 27, were off to Wireless Festival. It was the weekend I’d been waiting for. Picking up Parker, I kissed his rosy cheek. ‘See you, little man,’ I smiled. We arrived at the festival around 4pm. It was buzzing with people. Music pounding. We went…

Our pet bunny Floss shows no interest in her favourite pink ball when it comes to lunchtime. She’s got her priorities right! B Mcguire, Cleethorpes They’re two birds of a feather, my budgie Winston and springer Charley, catching up on the gossip. Hot topic of the day: Why birds and dogs are better than cats... Zoe Turner, Rainham My spaniel Smudge thought all his Christmases had come at once when he found two balls on his walk, not sure that’s the most flattering way to carry them, though... Diane Leytham, Cheshire Georgie the tortoise loves to snuggle up, it doesn’t matter if it’s with a human or a huge teddy. Bless. J Giblin, Penarth Look at our furry little Romeo, off to meet his Juliet. He’s a purrfect gentleman bringing…