Table of contents for 2-Feb-2023 in Pick Me Up!

Tucking into a delicious ice cream with the view of Hastings beach, I was besotted with my date sitting opposite me. And it was a good job that he was just as funny in person as he was over text. After meeting at a friend’s party back in June 2021, and not being much of a social butterfly myself, I stood awkwardly in the corner before Oscar, 27, came to the rescue. Not hearing anything about him before that moment, or even knowing who he was, we simply made small talk while our mutual friends chatted. Oscar seemed nice, even if I was judging him from a brief encounter. That was before I dashed home early in true Kaylie style – not being much of a social person, that was…

This week, our tip of the week will receive a great product from Addis. Ideal for storage or composting food waste, the 18L capacity caddy is the perfect kitchen essential. With an easy-access flip-top lid, and carry handle, it can be used as a bin or a storage alternative. It’s also dishwasher safe, so it’s easy to get rid of pesky bin smells. Visit: addis.co.uk Maximum heat I drape laundry down the back of the radiator to air (not the front), so it doesn’t stop the heat going into the room. Tina Vowels, Stroud Trip hazard If you keep tripping over on the edge of your carpet, stick it down by putting Blu Tack or double-sided sticky tape under the corner, press it down firmly by standing on the edge…

Cathy Press has been working as a therapist and clinical supervisor for over 25 years. Her focus is relationships, what makes a healthy one and what are the red flags to spot in a toxic one, gaslighting, breadcrumbing, and parenting issues – the list goes on! Visit: cathypress.co.uk I can’t stop thinking the worst Q My dad got diagnosed with cancer four years ago – he got the all clear, however I can’t stop worrying about him. I have several thoughts a day that something bad is going to happen to him. What’s wrong with me? Anna, Hull A Firstly, please know it is quite normal to continue fearing the worst after a very stressful and worrying situation which was beyond your control. It sounds like you may be experiencing…

Filling out a few forms, it was time to face my fear. A lot of people are afraid of the dentist – but my fear had stopped me going for 27 years. But as I kept waking up with blood on my pillow, I knew I had to bite the bullet. In April 2019, I headed into the surgery feeling nervous. ‘We’re going to have to extract a tooth,’ the dentist smiled at me. ‘It’s wobbly.’ I nodded, terrified. Only as she removed the tooth, the dentist frowned. ‘There’s a mass where the tooth was,’ she said. ‘I’ve never seen anything like this before – it could be a cyst or abscess, but I wouldn’t know until an X-ray.’ I had an X-ray that day, and for the next five…

Clambering up onto the roof of my local market, I realised a big crowd had gathered to watch. Two baby seagulls were lying, injured, having fallen from a high nest. Knowing their mum would be protective, I made a decision to rescue the gulls anyway. ‘Ow!’ I screamed, as she swiped me with her sharp beak. Feeling a fresh cut on the back of my neck, I carried on anyway, determined. And eventually, I got within arm’s reach of the baby chicks. Everyone cheered as I managed to sweep them up and bring them to safety. The mum followed me all the way home, about two miles up the road, but I knew I had done the right thing. I nursed the babies to health, reuniting them with their mum…

Do you recognise some of these items? It’s no secret that you can find high-end looks for less right under your nose, saving yourself thousands – what are you waiting for?…

Stuffing the empty wrappers of four Mars bars down the side of my bed after getting home from school, I chugged a full-fat Coke before placing the empty can in the bin next to me. That was before going downstairs to a greasy, chip pan meal served by my mum Pam, 57. She wasn’t the best cook, but if she did decide to rustle something up it would be a plate of ham, egg and chips, drenched in oil. And despite all that, I’d still find the appetite for excessive amounts of bread and pasta throughout the day. Using any spare change I had, I’d buy whatever chocolate bars were on offer in the off-licence after school had finished – hoping it would cure my never-ending sweet tooth. Yet, there…

Batch cooking is all about making our lives easier and best-selling author Suzanne Mulholland, AKA The Batch Lady, is going big on saving some of our hard-earned money. Getting bang for your buck, these recipes are all about planning, prepping and freezing! • The Batch Lady: Cooking on a Budget, £22 Mexican Beef Nacho Topper YOU WILL NEED □ Splash of vegetable or olive oil□ 115g frozen chopped onions□ 1 tsp frozen chopped garlic□ 250g minced beef□ 1 x 30g packet taco seasoning□ 1 x 395g tin mixed beans in chilli sauce□ 2 tbsp tomato purée□ 1 175g frozen sliced peppers TO SERVE: □ 1 x 200g bag lightly salted tortilla chips□ 90g pre-grated Cheddar cheese 1 Heat a splash of oil in a large pan over a medium heat, then…

Are you looking for a stay that is out of the ordinary, but can't find a deal that is right for you? The Charming Escape Experience from Buyagift offers a huge selection of one-night trips to choose from such as English countryside staycations to European city breaks. And even better, the experience is just £69.99 for two guests – what are you waiting for? • To book and select your stay visit: buyagift.co.uk Upgrade to a two night getaway for an extra £50 on selected stays! Glamping Break at Old Oaks Park, Glastonbury Now, this award-winning trip is something to get excited about. Nestled in the setting of Somerset’s famous Glastonbury, where headliners have travelled far and wide for many years, you’ll want a piece of the action for yourself.…

ARIES 21 March–20 April If you want to be happy, be! Don’t resist the urge you have to find a better life. With Venus in Pisces, you have the backing of the stars to finally move forward instead of back. So, resist the urge to focus on the past. It’s not where your future lies – it’s time to look forward. Great things come from being present in the here and now this week. Focus on that instead, Aries. Call: 09058 170 710* LEO 24 July–23 Aug You’re craving time alone to process all that’s occurred. Beware of well meaning friends, whose lives you wouldn’t want for your own, giving you advice which does not apply to you. Remember who you are, what you want and where you’re going. This…

Buy of the week We’re obsessed with these chic eco-friendly reusable bags – in collaboration with British artist Kit Agar. Chosen for their calming hues and uplifting energy, these poetic Picasso-esque illustrations are sure to make you the most stylish shopper in the supermarket. With three designs to choose from – Dream, Elsbeth and Sunbeam – each bag is made from six old plastic bottles that were originally destined for the ocean or landfill, and folds into a handy pouch to pop straight into your handbag. • £11, visit: kindbag.co We’re loving January’s a time when we’re all in need of a bit of a pick-me-up – and Costa’s brand-new range hits the spot! The tasty new additions to the menu include a vegan Me’tball Wrap and BBQ Chick’n Panini,…

Popping up on me when I least expected it, Oscar was following my every move. ‘Let’s do something,’ he suggested one Saturday. ‘I’m just going to Sainsbury’s with Kayden, I promised him we’d watch a movie this evening,’ I replied. ‘You’re selfish, after everything I do for you,’ he fired, before hanging up. Then, moments later, he showed up at the supermarket unannounced as if nothing had happened. And he made a routine of trying to meet me when I was spending time with Kayden – it was suffocating. ‘I told you that I don’t want you to meet him yet,’ I said. Only, with a brand new pair of trainers in his hand, he’d always try and win me over by using materialistic gifts. ‘You should feel lucky that…

Stained teeth can be a point of embarrassment for a lot of us – to the point we may no longer want to smile! But do not fear, Colegate is here. For a radiant, whiter smile, brush for two minutes twice daily. The toothpaste is a warming foam, packed with oxygen molecules that lift the deepest of stains, promising whiter teeth in just three days. All this so you can keep on smiling!…

A HELPING HAND Despite the increase in living costs, that doesn’t stop many of us from treating our pets – often more than we treat ourselves! In a recent survey by Rosewood Pet Care, it was revealed that 69% of pet owners actually make personal sacrifices for their pets, including shopping in cheaper supermarkets and even dipping into their savings. So, if you do want to treat your pet without breaking the bank, veterinary nurse Meg Richards from Rosewood Pet Care has some top tips for you: Daily exercise: Regular exercise by walking your dog at least once a day provides many health benefits, and what’s more, it’s free! Interactive toys are a great way to keep pets active, and they provide hours of entertainment, too. You and your pooch…

Hanging out the washing on a sunny day, I watched as my husband drew back his bow and aimed for the target. Except, in true David style, he wasn’t just doing normal archery – he was firing his arrows while hanging upside down on a pole! ‘Look at this!’ he called, before landing the shot. He was practicing for a competition at Pole Theatre UK, where pole dancers around the world come together to showcase their artistic talents. David was entering at the semi-professional level, and was going to be doing a Batman routine! It had all started in 2012, when we were 17. We met in Lancaster town centre through mutual friends, and the rest is history! We quickly hit it off, sharing a passion for Marvel movies, Dungeons…

Caught a rainbow in Scarborough on Marine Drive. Dawn Humphrey, Scarborough This picture is of our wee Autumn looking at her bottle. I can just see her thinking: ‘What’s this? Got anything stronger?’ Fiona Deans, North Ayrshire My two babies – Hope, and now her companion, Eve (white and grey). When we first adopted Eve, she was full of anxiety and has now come out of her shell. Happy cats, happy life! Louise Wiggs, Stevenage My little granddaughters Billi, eight (in the driving seat), and Georgi, six, decided to try out their driving skills on a recent visit to a garden centre. It’s going to be a good few years until they can put their skills into practice. Patricia Cordon, Cheltenham If your letter makes Star Letter of the week,…

Dear Mum, Sitting in the salon at our monthly nail appointments, I would smile as you studied the colour wheel. ‘What do you think I should get?’ you would ask. You always wanted my opinion, but I knew what choice you’d make. Hot pink, magenta, lilac, violet or Fuchsia – you always chose pink or purple. Pink was your favourite colour after all. And it suited you perfectly – you were a feisty, fun and formidable woman. And being in your presence was always so fun. You were my best friend. And being the only girl of the family, alongside my brothers Nick, 39, Tom, 35, and Josh, 26, these dates felt so special. We were so close as a family. And you made the most mundane tasks feel so…

SUBSCRIBE TODAY Go online: w.magazinesdirect.com/B24P Call: 0330 333 1113 Quote B24P Lines open Monday to Friday, 8.30am-7pm and Saturday 10am-3pm UK time • Never miss an issue with letterbox friendly delivery • No commitment to continue with our risk-free trials • Get your copy for less than you pay in the shop TERMS AND CONDITIONS: Offer closes 31 October 2023. All prices are discounted from the full subscription rate advertised on each title, includes P&P and are correct at the time of going to press. If the magazine ordered changes frequency per annum, we will honour the number of issues paid for, not the term of the subscription. After your trial issues your subscription will continue on at the price mentioned above by UK Direct Debit. For full terms and…

Constant colds Q I work in a nursery and I’m always getting sick from the children. Do you have any advice for preventing coughs and colds? Cheryl, Rotherham A It’s important to support your health and immunity by eating a healthy diet with plenty of fruits and vegetables which help immune function and help prevent coughs and colds. Immune function is also helped by getting plenty of plant power, sleep as well as exercise. Sleep is vital for defence against bacteria and viruses. Get outside for a walk or jog as much as you can. Keep well hydrated. Common sense strategies such as good hand hygiene, ventilation and seeking out soothing symptom relief will all help to ease the burden of respiratory illness. If you get a cold or cough,…

WIN A £40 EXPERIENCE GIFT CARD! Open the door to a world of new experiences this year with your chance to win one of 50 Virgin Experience gift cards worth £40 each! That’s £40 to put towards a day out, dining experience, spa day or lots more! How to enter: Collect one ticket for every £10 real money wagered on any bingo games from 27 January to 2 February 2023. Winners will be chosen at random on 3 February and contacted the same day. Plus 50 runners up will each win 10 Free Spins on one of our most popular games. Visit ‘My Offers’ in the Games Lobby for more info and to opt in. Choose your adventure with a Virgin Experience Voucher or a share of 500 Free Spins…

Dunelm have teamed up with the Natural History Museum!…

Boost your evening routine with a good old soak. Whether you’re a fan of oil or bubbles – or both – Fenjal are here to help. With their range of therapeutic bath products, each aims to nourish the body and help you unwind for a happier, healthier you. Take a deep breath with the Crème Bath Oil. The indulgent formula is enriched with natural oils to massage your mind and leave your skin silky smooth. If bubbles are more your thing, the Classic Bath Bubbles will lather up to create a luxuriously foamy soak that enriches the skin. Finish your evening with their Classic Body Lotion, which will leave your skin nourished, ready for a peaceful slumber. • Prices from £3.50, available from Boots CHEEKY PANDA LAUNCH THEIR FACE WIPES…

Anyone who knew the Rolands knew they were always the first to help their friends and neighbours. But most of all Joe, 39, and Jossline, 40, would do anything for their five kids. Described by their friends and family as selfless and kind, the pair worked tirelessly to give their kids the best upbringing. Joe ‘flipped’ cars for a living, while Jossline worked incredibly hard at law school to become a firm administrator at the Law Offices of Dianne Sawaya. But due to her comforting nature, her colleagues referred to her as the firm ‘mom’. Joe’s work meant the couple often went to look at cars in Aurora, Denver, in Colorado where the family lived. They would visit the prospective motor, and if successful, Joe would drive it home followed…