Table of contents for 18-Aug-2022 in Pick Me Up!

As the post dropped through the letterbox one morning, I picked up the pile and started flicking through. Bills…junk… Then one caught my eye. My husband Mark, 35, and I had just bought a house, so I’d applied for life insurance. This must be the approval, I thought, seeing the insurance company’s logo. But as I ripped it open and scanned the letter, I frowned. One word jumped out at me. Denied. Please book an appointment with your GP to discuss your results, the letter advised. I did as it said, and as I sat across from my doctor, I felt like a naughty school girl. ‘You have high blood pressure, high cholesterol and stage three fatty liver disease,’ he said. ‘Your BMI is 43 – you’re a ticking time…

Simone Thomas is a nutritionist, wellness coach and a respected authority in the world of health and hair. As the founder of Simone Thomas Wellness, she works with people to ensure they live their best, happiest lives every day. Search Simone Thomas Wellness online for more. Big spender Q Why do I spend money even though I know I'm in debt? I avoid looking at my statements and buying things I don't need. I can't explain it. Brooke, Truro A Spending money can make us feel good in the short term, having something new can feel like we’ve been given a present, sending all the happy hormones to us. It’s important to realise these feelings are short-term, hence why we go and spend more money on something else. One helpful…

I love the great outdoors. Reaching the top of a mountain and breathing in the fresh air is one of the best feelings in the world. I used to live a very active lifestyle, now it’s something I have to moderate. At 31, I was pregnant with my second child, Mara. I’m a small woman and struggled to support my bulging stomach as well as holding eldest daughter, Fern. The pressure was far too much for my body, and soon I was in pain. The weight of carrying my children had left me with a herniated disk. The disks are a jelly-like substance between the vertebrae in the spine that enables mobility and keeps the nerves healthy. Mine was bulging out of my vertebrae, pushing against my sciatic nerve causing…

The Partner in Wine bottle, £20, partnerinwine.com If you’re after something a little bit fancier than a sparkling water to go alongside your summer picnic, sip, sit back, and relax with this summer bottle. Designed to keep your wine at the perfect temperature, and able to hold an entire bottle, this flask will be an essential. Great for you and your friends, dancing the night away! Verdict: GENIUS! Wine o’clock! Verdict: BONKERS! Feel the heat A refreshing glass of rosé is the perfect treat from time to time. However, thanks to a new trend on TikTok, there is trick that you can use to spice up your wine game. Simply add a handful of sliced chillies to your chosen rosé, along with a chunk of ice, and enjoy! The spicy aftertaste will infuse…

We arrived at Russell’s Hall Hospital in Dudley, West Mids, and I was rushed straight through to the operating theatre. ‘We need to do this surgery now to save your foot,’ the doctor told me. ‘But we might need to deliver your baby at the same time.’ It’s too soon, I thought, feeling terrified. But I had no choice. I’d snapped every single nerve and tendon in my foot. The main tendon that connects the toe to the kneecap was snapped in half, as well. It was touch and go whether or not doctors would be able to save it. I was put to sleep, and when I woke up on a ward after the seven-hour surgery, my leg was in plaster and my hands flew to my belly. He…

This week, our tip of the week will receive a great product from Addis! If you’re looking for a quick and cost effective way to freshen up your kitchen, then invest in this pair. The deep wire drainer and washing up bowl made from 100% recycled household plastic will be a perfect addition to your home. For more ways to make your life easier, visit: addis.co.uk Reuse and recycle! If you’re wanting to wrap some small ornaments, what better way to use the Pick Me Up! that I’ve just read?! Gloria Wilding, Prescot A bad egg! To see if an egg is OK to eat, place it in a jug of cold water. If it sinks and lies on its side then it’s fresh. If it sinks then it’s still…

Teeth tips When the weather gets hot, we all know to wear suncream to protect our skin from UV rays. But what about our teeth? Did you know, when the sun’s rays get hotter, our teeth can become sensitive? Dr Khaled Kasem, Chief Orthodontist at Impress explains his top tips in protecting our teeth this August. 1) Cold, stay away When it is hot, the protective enamel on your teeth will expand and contract at different rates. This causes feelings of sensitivity as the protective layer on your tooth stretches and shrinks leaving areas of the tooth exposed. Ditch ice-cold drinks for room temperature beverages to help ward off tooth sensitivity. 2) Water, water! Dehydration is common in the summer. Being dehydrated causes saliva, aka spit, production to slow down.…

Back In Shape consultant osteopath, Michael Fatica, recommends this exercise for those of you with a bad back. For more exercises visit– Back In Shape Programme online. Towel Decompression: This supports the natural curve to the lower back and takes pressure off your discs and muscles at the same time. 1. Roll up a bath towel tightly. As in the picture, lie on your back with knees bent, engage your core and gently lift the bum and back off the floor and place the towel in the small of your lower back, lower yourself gently onto the towel and feel the support from the towel. 2. Afterwards to dismount, engage your core and hold your spine steady, rolling to the side without twisting the spine – do not lift your…

1. The Albert and The Lion – Blackpool It’s easy to see why this pub is a favourite, as it’s situated directly beneath the Blackpool Tower! It also has a very strange story behind it. It used to be a Woolworths store, with the story coming from those years. There are rumours that a small boy named Albert purchased a stick with a horse’s head and candle, the finest that Woolworths would sell, on his way back to Blackpool Tower to see Mander’s Menagerie, a Victorian ‘wild beast show’. Unfortunately, the curious boy used the stick to prod the resting lion, who pulled ‘Albert inside the cage and swallowed the little lad ‘ole.’ Not the nicest story, but it’s definitely interesting and unique! 2. The Chief Justice of The Common…

Are you after a few fashion favourites that capture summer perfectly? Well, TV presenter Josie Gibson, has launched a brand-new high summer edit with online retailer Very. From statements to staples, all pieces have been curated by Josie to reflect her sense of style – flattering fits that maintain comfort in day-to-day wearable fashion! Shop the collection now at very.com Josie’s tip Give new styles a go! Fashion can surprise you, so try on new, fun trends Josie’s tip Wear a dress that’s cinched at the waist to create shape BEHIND THE SCENES Whether it’s injecting personality into workwear or giving an edge to a classic jeans and shirt combo, Josie’s edit is packed full of pieces that can be be worn again and again… Josie says… ‘I have absolutely…

Sweeping around the edge of the pool, I didn’t know what to do with myself. At just 27, with my whole life ahead of me, I felt at a loose end, miserable, and wanting change. Recently divorced from my ex-husband, we had different ideas over starting a family – to me having children was the perfect idea. ‘Well, I’ve always said you’re great with people,’ a regular at the caravan park I worked at said. ‘You’d be a great holiday rep you know,’ she added. Travelling to Morocco and Turkey on past family holidays, I loved the people, culture, and the food, but never considered upheaving my life to live there. That was until now. ‘I suppose it will give me something to do for six months,’ I smiled, totally…

To make the journey even easier, Interrail launched a mobile app in 2020. Using the app, you can plan your journey, keep track of your trips, reserve seats and even keep your digital ticket on hand at all times. Seat reservations are an additional cost to keep in mind, costing between one euro and 130 euro depending on where you’re going and when. Everything you need is the tap of a phone screen away, no need to stress over losing paper tickets anymore. • Download Interrail Rail Planner for free on the App Store or Google Play…

Who doesn’t love pizza?! The cheesy, doughy goodness is the stuff of dreams – and nothing beats a homemade version. These Italian Pizzettes are ready in just 15 minutes, perfect for a quick, easy and delicious mid-week meal! SERVES: 4 YOU’LL NEED… □ 4 Napolina Mini Pizza Bases□ 1 300g jar Napolina Tomato & Herb Pizza Topping□ 200g mozzarella slices□ 4 teaspoons dried oregano□ Fresh basil METHOD: 1) Preheat your oven to 240°C 2) Take a jar of Napolina Tomato & Herb Pizza Topping and pour into a bowl 3) Take your Napolina Mini Pizza Bases, and spread 75g of the pizza topping over each one with a spoon, leaving a thin border around the edge 4) Place the mozzarella slices on top and sprinkle over the dried oregano 5)…

Catch Claire live on Facebook 7 days of hope & happiness with Claire Petulengro www.clairepetulengro.tv ARIES 21 March–20 April The full moon in Aquarius sees you worrying about things which aren’t in your control. Take a moment to stop and regroup, Aries. Just one step at a time and the job is done. Don’t try to do more than you can. It’s all about quality, not quantity, as you’re about to discover. The written word can save you money and your reputation, as can signing your name, so put pen to paper. Call: 09058 170 710* TAURUS 21 April–21 May You may think you’ve bitten off more than you can chew, Taurus, but by the end of this week you will finally be in the right mindset to take a…

Pouring another drink for a customer, I looked at the clock. Not even close to closing time, I thought, feeling frustrated. Working in a bar wasn’t really what I wanted to do, but I had to make money. I wanted to get out of California and travel the world. Hearing roars of laughter from across the room, I jumped out of my skin. A blond, longhaired guy with beaming eyes was leaning over the bar – serving himself! He’s definitely daring, I thought. Walking over to him, we started chatting and hit it off. His name was Jamie, and we had so much in common. We started dating. Both of us loved the outdoors. Jamie was more of a daredevil, but I was up for trying new things. Ditching dinner…

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.…

INSTANT appointment With Dr Belinda Griffiths, GP at The Fleet Street Clinic (fleetstreetclinic.com) Q I’ve had shingles twice in three years, and I’m worried it’s going to come back again. What can I do to prevent it? Maddy, Solihull A Shingles is a viral infection that causes a very painful rash. It is caused by the same virus that causes chickenpox and can affect anyone who has previously had the chickenpox. Shingrix vaccine offers the best protection, with up to a 90% chance of never having shingles ever again. Even if you haven’t suffered with shingles, I’d recommend any adult aged 50 years or older to have the Shingrix vaccine. If you are younger and have a weakened immune system due to disease or therapy, I would also recommend having…

Oats don’t just have to be for breakfast! Create some show-stopping meals with the help of Flahavan’s UK. With tasty desserts and hearty mid-week dinners, there’s so much you can do! • Please visit: flahavans.co.uk Oaty White Chocolate Cheesecake Tart FOR THE BASE □ 150g Flahavan’s Organic Porridge Oats□ 100g toasted hazelnuts□ 125g butter, plus extra for greasing the tin□ 80g soft brown sugar□ 1 tbsp honey FOR THE CHEESECAKE TOPPING □ 220g good quality white chocolate, broken into pieces□ 300ml sour cream□ 250g cream cheese□ 1 tbsp lemon juice TO DECORATE □ 2 tbsp Flahavan’s Organic Porridge Oats□ 15g hazelnuts, roughly halved□ 20g soft brown sugar□ ½ tsp lemon juice□ 100g berries of your choice – strawberries, raspberries, blueberries, redcurrants or blackberries□ 1 ripe fig□ A few thinly, sliced…

i heart Merlot, £5.50, Morrisons There’s nothing like relaxing with a smooth glass of red. This rich, spicy Merlot, with fruity plum and raspberry flavours, is the perfect way to unwind. Fever-Tree Italian Blood Orange Soda, £3.50 for 6x150ml cans, Sainsbury’s Mix this thirst-quenching Blood Orange Soda with vodka and ice for a refreshing lowcalorie spritz. Kingsmill Reduced Sugar Pancakes, 90p, Asda Who doesn’t love pancakes for breakfast? Now you can have them guilt-free with these low sugar goodies. Top them with yoghurt and berries for a healthy breakkie. WW Chilli Con Carne & Potato Wedges, £2.75, Asda For a delicious dinner without the fuss, look no further than WW. This chilli ready meal is bursting with flavour, plus it’s high in protein and low in fat – win win!…