Table of contents for August 13, 2015 in Pick Me Up!

Alex Noone, Senior Features Writer I relished the opportunity to try on a few military hats while on a trip to the Cabinet War Rooms in London this week. I only wish I could pull them off with more aplomb! What A Tea Party… A shopping trip to Warrington turned into a lovely tea party when I ran into the Hatter, the Dormouse, the March Hare and t Alice herself..! What A Happy Occasion! Congrats to my sister, Eva, who’s engaged to Simon! I’ll be singing an a capella Wind Beneath My Wings as she walks down the aisle! 18 I wrote a list of 18 of RuPaul’s most brilliant statements for our website. The girl talks sense! Check it out now – go to…

Tugging on my size-14 jeans, I could barely pull them over my bum. ‘They’re too small,’ I groaned. It was December 2014, I’d not worn them in a while and I knew my weight had crept up. Battling depression, I’d eaten lots of junk food lately. Scoffing pizzas, chocolate... Comfort eating. Usually I fluctuated between a size-10 and size-14, and I’d never been heavier than 12st. But stepping on the scales, I got another shock- 14st! ‘I need to stop eating junk and start exercising,’ I told my boyfriend of three years, Ben, 24. He promised he loved me the way I was, but I knew I had to change. ‘We’ll diet together,’ my nan, Julia, said. ‘OK,’ I replied, determined. I started the 5:2 diet, fasting twice a week…

Trying for a baby Q My boyfriend and I really want a baby. We have sex every day, without success. Should we have it more? Edie, Scarborough To increase fertilisation A chances, save intercourse for around ovulation, which is midway between your periods. Eggs will last 12-24 hours after release, but sperm can survive for up to five days. Pigeon-toed tot Q My toddler’s just started to walk, however he’s really pigeon-toed and sometimes trips over his own feet. Should I be worried? Issy, North London A No, you don’t need to worry. This is common and normally improves very slowly over time. There’s no need for you to do anything unless there’s no noticeable sign of progressive improvement at all by the time he reaches 3 years old. Toenail…

QA few months ago, my hubby had a sudden, severe illness and was in Intensive Care for weeks. He’s OK, but still anxious and has nightmares. Why? June, Minehead A With these flashbacks, nightmares and anxiety, he could be having symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder. Tell him he needs to speak to his GP to learn more about the condition and get help. 33% …is the percentage of men who say gaining a lot of weight is their worst fear, according to clothing retailer www.bigdude  clothing.co.uk…

Other Names For DNP Dinosan, Dnoc, Solfo Black, Nitrophen, Aldifen, Chemox In April this year, a young woman walked into A&E at Royal Shrewsbury Hospital. Eloise Parry, 21, was a university student and charity volunteer. Otherwise healthy, she was now complaining of feeling unwell. Hours later, Eloise was dead. Her temperature had skyrocketed and she’d burned up from the inside. It was no mystery what had caused the tragedy. Before falling unconscious, Eloise had told doctors that she’d taken illegal slimming pills. Overdose Two tablets containing 2,4-dinitrophenol - known as DNP - is considered a lethal dose. Eloise had taken eight. Her death was the sixth case of its kind in the UK since 2007. And it’s thought there’ve been 60 deaths worldwide. But why was this toxic drug, banned…

1 Tesco Genoa Cake Lovely big pieces of cherry and plenty of fruit stud this moist cake. It cuts really well and is not overly rich – so you can easily eat a second slice! 2 Sainsbury’s Genoa Cake With a delicious, sticky consistency, it’s quite a light-coloured cake, but has a rich flavour – like Christmas cake without the spice! 3 Co-Op Genoa Cake This wins, hands down. Stuffed with fruit, it has a rich, buttery flavour that’s oh-so satisfying. A light cake that crumbles when cut – but we forgive it because it tastes so good!…

After unpacking the last of my boxes, I flopped onto the sofa. ‘Lovely!’ I beamed, admiring my new bungalow. It was November last year, and I’d just moved into a quiet street here in Leadgate. I soon got friendly with my new neighbours. Margaret Carroll lived around the corner. She introduced me to her husband, Paul, and her daughter and Paul’s stepdaughter, Katrina Livingstone. They seemed a nice, normal family. We bonded over our love of dogs. I’d often see Paul out with their two, Snowy and Mitzy, while I walked my Jack Russell, Burt. And, when a friend needed to rehome her Saluki puppy, Polly, Margaret offered. Their own dogs seemed loved, well cared for... Soon after, they got a friendly little Bedlington terrier, Molly. I started popping round…

Some people think they’re pug-ugly, but not me. I can’t get enough of their wrinkly, squashed-looking faces and big, bulging, black eyes. To me, pugs are the perfect kind of pooch. So, two years ago, I decided to get one of my own - a gorgeous mutt I named Ruby. Smitten, my son, Karl, 29, and I decided to breed her and, in November last year, she fell pregnant. Sadly, when the litter arrived on 26 January, one of the five pups died. Still, I was delighted with the four who survived. But my excitement turned to shock when I spied one of the furry bundles... ‘She’s tiny!’ I gasped to Karl. I sold two of the dogs, and decided to keep the other two, who I named Poppy and…

Food Swaps Swap A COSTA COFFEE SKIMMED MILK HOT CHOCOLATE 355 cals For A HOT CHOCOLATE MADE WITH 4TSP OF CHOC SHOT AND 200ML SKIMMED MILK… 126 cals Did you know..? …The World Health Organisation predicts that by 2030 in the UK, three-quarters of men and two-thirds of women will be officially fat! In Ireland, the figures are over 80 per cent. Flattering Fashion Make the most of the sun in this fabulous, strappy number. With the softly gathered skirt falling from just below the bust, it hides a multitude of summer sins! And, even better, it comes in sizes 14-36. Have You Tried? What is it? A waist belt with EMS (Electronic Muscle Stimulation) that stimulates and tones your wobbly bits. Is it for me? It could…

Staring out the window at Wycombe Rye park opposite my house, I wondered... Could I? A size-16, and out of shape, I’d been wanting to get fit. But the thought of exercising in front of people terrified me. So I came up with an idea. ‘I’m going for a run,’ I told my hubby, Lee, 29, one night at 10pm. ‘It’s late!’ he replied. Stepping outside, there wasn’t a soul around…perfect! I managed a 3k circuit of the park, alternating between running and walking. Soon, I was jogging 5k after dark three times a week. Then, this January, I saw a This Girl Can advert on the telly. All shapes and sizes, enjoying sport and not hiding away. It was time for me to do the same. Each Saturday…

Little STAR I couldn’t resist buying my son, Fraser, 2, a traditional outfit from the souk in Marrakech. I think he looks adorable in it! Natasha Douglas, Rainham Best pals Getting to hang out with Mike Wazowski from Monsters, Inc. was the highlight of my son Cai’s trip to Disneyland Paris! Mari Drury, Ewloe And…stretch! My cat, Frankie, just loves a bit of sunbathing! Either that, or he’s working out a new pilates position! Megan Attfield, Croydon Pole in one Must have been all that sun because my hubby, Fatos, suddenly turned into a pole dancer in Greece! Cassie Tahiraj, Manchester Turtle chaos! I got to feed green turtles at the Sea Life London Aquarium. It was my birthday, but don’t worry, I didn’t give them…

To stop your dog eating too fast, put a tennis ball in his bowl, along with his dry food. Angela Clifton, Felixstowe When you’re chopping food, stretch a carrier bag by its handles over a kitchen drawer to make a handy rubbish bin for scraps. Jennifer Castle, Bridlington Stain outdoor wooden tables with strong tea – the tannins also help protect wood from sun bleaching. David Nicholson, Yanchep, Australia  If your little one can’t hold a bowl, put their coat on backwards and use the hood to hold dry foods. It works for my happy chappie, Gordon, 1! Sam Rodgers, Sheffield Put soft fruit into a plastic bag and twist the top. Then suck the air out with a straw, and fasten tightly. Keeps it fresher longer! Charlotte Primrose,…

‘Terrible. He should receive the harshest punishment possible. I’m glad Melanie’s turned her life around. She has good support from Ryan and is clearly a very strong woman herself. Nobody deserves to go through what she has.’ Julie Collins, 45, Sunderland ‘What Melanie’s endured is just horrible, and she’s incredibly brave. Roy is just sick, probably knowing full well that he’d be infecting her and giving her a life sentence. It’s utterly unforgivable.’ Tracy Constano, 35, Coventry ‘Such inner strength! I don’t know how Melanie’s coped, not only with the abuse but with the diagnosis. Forcing her to terminate a pregnancy at such a young age is simply disgusting, and her own mum – the one person she should’ve been able to trust – turned her away. It’s awful.’ Jade…

Peanut Allergy 1 Peanut allergy is rare in the UK. 2 People who are allergic to peanuts are allergic to peanut protein. 3 Symptoms can include a rash. 4 The condition can lead to a severe and dangerous reaction. 1 FALSE Peanut allergy is common in the UK and affects around 1 million people. Most people are only mildly affected. 2 TRUE Sufferers’ immune systems mistake peanut protein as a threat to the body, releasing chemicals which trigger a reaction. 3 TRUE Symptoms usually come on within an hour of contact with peanuts. A rash or hives can appear, usually on the face. Other symptoms include an itchy throat, vomiting or diarrhoea. 4 TRUE This is anaphylaxis and can be fatal as it causes breathing difficulties. If a sufferer is…

In March 1944, thick, putrid, black smoke billowed out of the chimney of a 19th-century mansion near Paris’ Arc de Triomphe. The stench was so foul that the locals reported it to the police. Officers arrived expecting to put out a fire. But what they discovered was something far worse... Inside the property, hanging from a furnace, was a human arm. A skull was also buried in the flames. On the floor, officers found a foot, ribcage, jawbone, another skull and a female torso. Traumatised, both policemen vomited at the barbaric scene. But that wasn’t the end of the horror... Down a marble staircase were bags full of dismembered bodies, and more remains were found burning in two basement stoves. Unimaginable. The owner of the house, Marcel Petiot, was a…

‘The problem these days is everyone’s always looking for a quick fix. People need to slow down and think about what they’re actually doing.’ Charlotte McDoughall, 22, Wolverhampton ‘I’d never buy pills online. You have no idea what you’re taking. If I felt like I needed to lose weight, I’d choose a way that I know is safe and would work.’ Emma Dicks, 19, Wellington ‘Even legal diet pills are a waste of time and money! I’ve lost 3st in less than a year through healthy eating and walking.’ Laura Wilson, 36, Kilmarnock…

We put some truly original products to the test… Mug Meals, £12.99, www.amazon.co.uk Perfect for busy families (or those who hate washing up!) this recipe book tells you how to make 125 creative meals – with just a mug and a microwave! It covers breakfast, dinner and desserts. We can’t wait to try the lasagne! Verdict: GENIUS! A great idea for speedy dinners. Pilgrim’s Choice Ice Cream (price on request), www.snugburys.co.uk Yes, you read that correctly, this is Cheddar ice cream! It comes in three flavours: Cheddar & Chutney, Cheddar, and Branston Ripple and is a fun alternative to your usual vanilla! Verdict: BONKERS! Although it is strangely tasty. Cussons Mum & Me Funky Fizz Bath Crackles, £1, Boots Make bathtime more fun for you and…

As a mum, nothing beats watching your kids play. Over the years I’d seen my three - Tyler, 12, Jasmine, 8, and Ruby, 4 - run riot at the playground. I hadn’t really thought about the fact that not all children could do, until last January, when a photo on Facebook melted my heart. It was a boy in a wheelchair using an adapted swing. I thought of my friend, Emma Haynes, 37, and one of her daughters, Olivia, 9, who has cerebral palsy. We need this , I realised. So I set up a Facebook page to petition the council to install a special swing at our playground. Soon, Wychavon District Council contacted me to suggest installing a harness swing. Even better, we discussed creating a whole new play…

What’s Cashback? Every time you shop at any of Quidco’s 4,200 retailers, they receive a commission for generating a sale. As a reward for using their service, Quidco passes that commission back to you, in the form of cashback. Yes, it’s that simple! IT’S REALLY SIMPLE! WHAT’S ON OFFER? Great deals Whatever you’re looking to buy, we’re sure Quidco’s got a deal with your name on it. Cashback on everything Quidco offers cashback on everything from takeaways to toys, high-tech electronics to luxurious beauty supplies, up-to-the-minute fashions to memorable days out! Your favourite brands Quidco works with all your favourite brands, including Mothercare, Tesco, Amazon.co.uk , Expedia, Superdrug, Argos, Toys R Us. The Body Shop, ASOS, Waterstones and thousands more… CASH REWARDS UP FOR GRABS! Over 5…

I’d always been a daddy’s girl. Whenever something was up, my dad, Terry Salthouse, was always my first call. ‘Come on over, love,’ he’d say. Dad fixed everything over a cuppa. Dishing out wise words, making jokes. He was the kindest, funniest man I knew. And, like all daddy’s girls, I’d dreamt of Dad walking me down the aisle one day. Only, by March 2011, I’d been engaged to my fiance, Andy, for eight years and we’d still not got round to tying the knot! We’d only been together two months when I fell pregnant. Andy proposed straightaway and, nine months later, Brooke arrived. Four years after that, we had Riley. Life, parenthood, work - something always got in the way. ‘We’ll get married soon,’ I always joked. That month,…

1 Thin it down If your mascara is thick  and clumpy, hold the tube under ho t water for a few seconds. Melissa Guy, Doncaster 2 Firm them up Keep eye- and  lip-liner pencils in the fridg e so they’re easier to sharpen. Fiona Ogunjimi, Coventry 3 Make it go further  Mix your foundation with moisturiser to help it last longer. Molly Phelan, Dundalk, Co Louth 4 Waste not…  Cut open nearly-empty cleansers and transfer what’s left into travel-size pots. Chun Lei Xue, Wigan…

Lots of kids are fussy eaters. But my son, Ocean, 7, is the pickiest of all! Before he turned 5, he’d wolf down anything I gave him and loved pizza, chips... But, in May 2012, he caught a cold and his tonsils became inflamed. Poor little mite couldn’t swallow solids, so I fed him on soup and mashed potato. But months later, he was still no better. Doctors removed his tonsils, and his throat recovered. But his eating didn’t. Every meal time it was the same thing. ‘I can’t do it,’ he’d scream, pushing away a plate of chicken nuggets. He was scared of eating, scared that it might hurt his throat. Nothing worked. Not pizza nor chips -I even made him home-made spaghetti and meatballs. ‘Look what I’ve made…

I was diagnosed with hereditary spherocytosis (HS), a rare blood condition, when I was born. Red blood cells can be destroyed, leading to anaemia, jaundice and gallstones. My dad, Neil, then 22, had it. Which is why I’d been tested. My parents didn’t let it get in my way, and I was happy, but tired, plus I’d catch every bug! When I was 17, in 2005, my spleen became enlarged and had to be removed, which is common for people with HS. Unless it’s removed, it can protrude into the tummy. But without my spleen, I’d be on penicillin forever, as my immune system was compromised. But life moved on, and in 2007, I met Shaun, 34. Though they could inherit HS, I really wanted children. In February 2012, we…

Fruit Pavlova Serves: 8 Prep Time: 30 min Cook Time: 1hr Topping: 1 Preheat oven to 150C/Gas 1. Line a large baking tray with baking parchment; draw a 20cm circle using a dinner plate. 2 Whisk egg whites until standing in soft peaks. Gradually whisk in sugars, then cornflour and vinegar. 3 Spoon into middle of circle and spread out, making a dip in middle. Cook for 1 hr, then leave to cool in oven. 4 Place red wine, orange juice and zest, sugar and cinnamon stick in a saucepan, bring to the boil for a few min. 5 Reduce heat, add apple, cover and allow to poach until soft (about 15 min). Add blackberries and take off…

Anthony Stockelman arrived at Wabash Valley Correctional Facility in Sullivan County, Indiana in 2005. After pleading guilty to abducting, molesting and drowning 10-year-old Katie Collman, hewas the lowest of the low in the prison hierarchy. What Stockelman didn’t know was that he was locked up with Katie’s cousin, Jared Harris, 22, who was himself serving 20 years for burglary. When Harris was moved to the same wing as Stockelman in September 2006, he seized his chance to avenge his cousin’s murder. Slipping into Stockelman’s cell, he put his right hand around his throat and warned: ‘I’m either gonna stick you... or I’m going to tattoo you.’ Using a makeshift tattoo gun fashioned from a cassette deck motor and a guitar string, he inked the words ‘Katie’s revenge’ in large letters…

ASK JESS QI love the trend for pastel-coloured hair, but I don’t want anything permanent. What do you suggest? Holly Hammond, 21, Stowmarket A Fudge Urban Colour Hair Art hairsprays, £5.99, Superdrug, are suitable for all hair shades and types, wash out easily and come in four gorgeous, pastel colours. Jess’Beauty Hero Neutrogena Visibly Clear Pink Grapefruit Facial Wash, £4.49, Boots, is now available in this limited-edition bottle. READER’S TIP Use a small amount of shaving foam to remove foundation stains from your clothes. Harriet Roberts, 37, Tilbury TRIED & TESTED Bronze eyeshadow crayons 1 NYX Jumbo Eye Pencil in French Fries, £5, www.nyxcosmetics.co.uk This one works brilliantly as both a shadow and eyeliner as it contains a subtle shimmer and smudges really well. I‘ll be using it…

Back in July 2012, when I rescued Zorro, he was 3, and already plump! I soon saw why. If he wasn’t on my lap, he’d nudge the cupboard door where his food was. Each morning, he’d pinch my toast. I couldn’t say no and figured the odd bite did no harm. But by the next January, he’d got a big belly. He couldn’t twist to clean, so I helped him groom himself. I even had to wipe his behind with baby wipes! What’ve I done? I thought. Last March, I took him to a PDSA vet, where Zorro tipped the scales at 20lb 7oz. Double the recommended weight for a domestic cat. He really was a pussy galore! ‘Join Zorro up to our Pet Fit Club,’ the vet suggested. So…

LEO 24 July–23 Aug We know you’re a proud sign and that you like to keep certain aspects of your life private, but that may not be possible this week, as a close one needs to know how you really feel before they decide if they can make the next level of commitment you need. Call: 09058 170 714* SAGITTARIUS 23 Nov–21 Dec Is it really too late to salvage an important relationship? I don’t think so. You’re only feeling negative because you’re surrounded by negative influences. Ariens help you solve an long-standing family problem. Call: 09058 170 718* ARIES 21 March–20 April Don’t say things you know will hurt close ones, or you’ll hate yourself for it. Time spent sorting out your home may feel like wasted time, but…