Table of contents for 20-Apr-2023 in Pick Me Up!

Trying my best to get a word in edgeways, I had a chatterbox on my hands. With my daughter Liz, now 16, interested in all things makeup and dolls from a young age, from the day she started talking she didn’t stop. Something that me and her dad Phillip, now 61, had to get used to. Despite splitting up when Liz was just 13 months old, with our relationship not always a healthy one, I made sure that Liz would go and see her dad as often as she could. Only, with a bubbly personality and plenty of friends, our girl was always on the go, looking for adventure. Whether that meant birthday parties or spending time at sleepovers, Liz’s calendar was always busy. However, she loved spending time with…

Getting ready to head to the supermarket for the weekly shop, I frowned. My husband Glenn, 49, had been to the cupboard to get out the bags for life to take with us. But as he headed to the front door, I noticed his foot dragging behind him. ‘Glenn, why are you scraping your foot like that?’ I asked. ‘I’m not doing anything,’ he replied, confused. It was clear to me that his left leg was dragging limply beside him. But other than his dodgy leg, Glenn seemed completely normal and fine. It was playing on Glenn’s mind though and that evening back in February 2018, he rang 111. They suggested he go to hospital, just to be on the safe side, so we headed to the minor injury unit…

Kate Ashley-Norman is a Psychotherapist and Public Relations Strategist who believes that knowledge, communication and education are the foundations of good emotional wellbeing. (kateashleynorman.com) They are so rude! Q My children’s behaviour since hitting puberty is disgraceful. In fact, I’m embarrassed by them. My two boys are so rude, disrespectful and won’t listen to anything I say. I’m at my wits' end – how can I get them to respect the family again? Kathy, Derby A Puberty is the time when kids are pushing their boundaries – and it certainly sounds as though they are pushing yours! Did they have a cheeky wild streak when they were younger? I am going to assume that your two boys are actually lovely lads who are simply going through the stage when they…

Walking along the River Cam, the sun was smiling down on me as I passed fishermen, families and the odd duck, too. This was a typical summertime Sunday in 2019 for me – I’d drive from my home in Hertfordshire to Cambridge and walk along the scenic river. Only as it reached around 7.30pm, the light started to fade and I knew it was time to head home. But all of a sudden, one of my feet went floppy – I could no longer walk. I had to continue limping along, dragging my leg behind me. This is MS, I suddenly thought – my mother Kathleen had MS and died from the complications aged 75. I knew there was a risk I may have it, too – her symptoms had…

Waking up to the warm Florida sunshine one morning in October 2016, there was something I had to do first. Heading straight to the bathroom, I tore the wrapping off the smooth, flat stick. Hovering over the toilet, I prayed it was finally time. My period was due yesterday, I reasoned. Me and my husband Michael, 34, had been trying for a baby since January 2016. I sadly suffered a miscarriage at just seven weeks six months prior. And I hadn’t realised how badly I wanted to be a mum until I met Michael. Falling in love at the film course at Full Sail University, Florida, it wasn’t long before I realised I wanted to spend the rest of my life with Michael, and we tied the knot after graduation…

We know that April means getting another price pinch – but looking luxe doesn’t have to break the bank. If you shop around and find a style that suits you, you can pick up your favourites for less. We’ve set a budget for £20 and under……

Opening the fridge, my eyes went straight to the bottle of perfectly chilled wine. Popping the top, I poured myself a glass and exhaled. I’d had a stressful day and this glass of white, alongside the pizza I’d ordered, was going to help me de-stress. I’d always used this method – food was how I managed feelings. And it had always been this way. I came from a big family – all of us have always been on the larger side. My dad Steve, 62, reached 33st and had a gastric bypass. And with my mum Ruth, 57, working two jobs while studying, too, our meals were easy instead of healthy. Potato waffles, oven chips, nuggets and pizza were dished up to me as a kid instead of home-cooked meals…

Britain’s butterflies need your help – so this spring, why not turn your garden into a butterfly paradise? Half of all British butterflies have been placed on the UK Red List – meaning they now face a serious threat of extinction. Head of Pro for CJ Wildlife, Eric Michels, has shared some simple steps to create a beautiful butterfly haven… • Visit birdfood.co.uk WHAT TO PLANT Incorporating butterfly-friendly plants in your garden will not only help struggling species like the Small Tortoiseshell butterfly, but it will also breathe colour and life into your space. If you’re not sure where to start, CJ Wildlife’s Best-Ever Butterfly Border has everything you need to transform a three metre by one metre space into a haven for butterflies. Both butterflies and the plants need…

LUXE FOR LESS Treating yourself to a luxury shower doesn’t have to cost a fortune. You can add a touch of luxury to your routine, all for under £10… 1. Grace & Cole Reviving Grapefruit, Lime & Mint, from £6, Next Revive and invigorate your senses with this zesty fragrance with top notes of orange and lime. An explosion of fruity fragrance, this vegan body wash will add a touch of luxury to your bathroom. 2. Sanctuary Spa Lily & Rose Collection Body Wash, £7, Boots Add a spring in your step with this refreshing shower gel, blended with jojoba beads that gently transforms into a delicately fragranced foam once lathered. 3. Dr. Bronner Cherry Blossom All-One Magic Soap, £9.69, Holland and Barrett Dr. Bronner have launched their Cherry Blossom…

Ever dreamed of being royalty for a day? Or do you just really dig history? The good news is the UK has around 400 castles for you to explore! Here are a few of our favourites… Most haunted Chillingham Castle, Northumberland Come visit Britain’s most haunted castle. Chillingham Castle was built in the 12th century and has seen its fair share of horror – eight public executions for high treason were held here! And it is most famous for the ghosts that linger there. Around the pantry, a woman begs for water – it’s thought she was poisoned. In the chapel two men can be heard talking – but their bodies are never found. And when the moonlight casts shadows across the battlements, these shadows start to come to life……

www.clairepetulengro.tv ARIES 21 March–20 April With the Sun in earthy Taurus, it’s the home and family at the forefront of your mind. You don’t have time for matters that don’t touch the heart. Careful of letting those you need in business think you don’t respect them. Know when to toe the line and when to claim independence. It’s the key to being part of a professional change about to be offered your way, my friend. Call: 09058 170 710* TAURUS 21 April–21 May The Sun in your sign fills you with solar energy. You’re no longer afraid of life but you’re ready to live it to the full. Those you were having issues with you put to the back of your mind, as you only have time for what and…

Be a winner! This week, our tip of the week will receive a great product from Addis! With a refillable bottle, that can be used as a handheld spray, this 2 in 1 Spray Mop will clean spillages in no time. With a 100% microfibre cleaning pad, there’s no need for harsh cleaning chemicals, you just need to use water. The swivel mop head helps to reach hard to get to places. For more ways to make your life easier, visit addis.co.uk Just keep knitting Stick the end of a needle into a bar of soap to make the needle go through the material much more easily. Judith Cairns, Colchester Garden genius Creosote is very hard to remove, so instead of ruining good brushes, I buy cheap ones for painting…

Terrific tableware Add a fun, fruity aesthetic to your outdoor dining set-up with B&M Transform your space What’s the quickest, easiest and cheapest way to give your garden a makeover? Lights. After all, nothing adds to the ambience like twinkly lights and a warm, subtle glow. Tom Cain, technical engineer at Ultra LEDs, shares his top tips on how to use lighting to make your garden look more luxe, without needing to break the bank… • Please visit: ultraleds.co.uk Lighting to maximise space When thinking about lighting for your garden, you should focus on what you want from that space and match the lighting accordingly. Bright lights can help illuminate spaces, ideal for entertaining or for those with a balcony or a small garden who want to make it appear…

Nothing beats a Greek dish during the warmer seasons. That’s why, award-winning Greek street-food restaurant The Athenian have launched their very own cookbook, Eat Like a Greek. Promising to share the secrets of some its most popular dishes, Greek lovers will be transported from Athens to the beautiful Greek islands from the comfort of their home. • The Athenian Eat Like a Greek, £14.99, Amazon Chicken Gyros Serves: 4 Prep: 20 minutes Marinate: 2 hours or overnight Cook: 3 hours YOU WILL NEED: □ 4 boned, skinless chicken thighs□ 1 boned chicken thigh, skin on□ ½ white onion□ 4 pita breads□ 8-12 tbsp tzatziki□ A few crisp romaine lettuce leaves, shredded□ 4 ripe tomatoes, sliced or coarsely chopped□ 1 medium red onion, thinly sliced□ Oregano potato fries□ Chopped flat leaf…

Pushing my pram to the bus stop, all eyes were on me. Well not me exactly… But my newborn daughter, Hallie. You see, my beautiful girl was born with really long, thick black hair. And at just a few months old, Hallie’s hair already had a mind of its own. Sticking up in a quiff of about two and a half inches, my baby certainly stood out. Holding onto my son Hunter, three, we mounted the bus paying no attention to the gobsmacked passers-by. It didn’t bother me at all – I was used to it! Hunter was also born with luscious locks, only his were blond – earning him the nickname, Thor. And when Hallie was born on 5 July last year, weighing a huge 9lb 7oz, I had…

This is my little Ronnie after a party, he loves his new look – he’s my little monster. Alexandra Low, Halesowen I knew my wife was a wee bit crazy, but I didn’t know she was a cycle path! Mike Lunn, Beith My daughter and my grandson enjoying themselves in the local park. Beverley Lindfield, Hextable Here’s our dog Molly enjoying her favourite beverage. Cheryl Harvey, Gillingham This is my daughter Mia, eight, at Scarefest last year – she was going to be performing on stage at Chance2Dance but was so excited to be at Alton Towers for Scarefest, too! Lisa Adams, West Midlands 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…

Diet is a key factor in managing MS symptoms and is the first step of the programme – a core element of Overcoming MS’s programme is following a plant-based diet that eliminates meat and dairy, but keeps seafood. Why not add this delicious gnocchi to your mid-week meal plan? What you need: □ One and a half lemons□ 500g Brussels sprouts□ 500g potato gnocchi□ 1 red onion, cut into small chunks□ A few sundried tomatoes, cut into thin slivers□ Salt and pepper, to taste□ Extra virgin olive oil Method: 1. Heat the oven to 180°C. Take a large oven tray and line with non-stick baking parchment. 2. Chop one lemon in half and each half into four, and place on oven tray. 3. Trim the Brussels sprouts and cut into…

Easing the pain Q I work in an office all day and I get terrible shoulder and neck ache. Sometimes I feel like I can barely move in the morning for the pain. Are there any exercises I can do to help? Sharon, Manchester A Muscular pain is all too common – research by Deep Heat has revealed that 71% of people in Britain have experienced muscle pain at some point. A lot of joint and muscular pain and stiffness is caused by sedentary lifestyles. Exercise is vital to help muscle recovery and free up stiff joints. Providing a combination of massage and heat therapy, use Deep Heat Muscle Massage Roll-on before and after exercise to help ease tight, knotted muscles. For shoulder pain try the following: • Lie on…

Piling into the back of a Jeep, it was clear that the journey ahead of us was going to be a fun one – mud tracks the only route. Yet, at this point adventure was at the top of my list. After planning the trip of a lifetime for three long years, which Covid had originally written-off, I found myself booked in on a jungle trek at the Amazon River Basin, Bolivia, with my friend Louis, at the start of this year. That was after we had already visited Argentina and Chile, setting off on our travels in October 2022. The plan was to cover multiple locations over South America for seven months in total – ticking as many things off the bucket list as possible. So, after a bumpy…

Thomas Burchard would have done anything for a friend in need. The grey-bearded child psychiatrist was known for his kindness. So much so, his grandson even called him Santa Claus. Thomas, 71, had been a psychiatrist at the Community Hospital of The Monterey Peninsula for over 40 years. And when the time came to retire to his suburban home in Salinas, California, with long-term partner Judy, Thomas instead started working four times a week just so his patients wouldn’t have to find a new doctor. Thomas loved his job – he’d even perform magic to put the children at ease at the start of their sessions. He could turn a dollar bill into $100, letting the kids keep it if they could say who was on the note – a…