Table of contents for 14-Sep-2017 in Pick Me Up!

What A Week! Gemma Turner, Senior Sub Editor What A Day! After a whole year in Reception, my son Stanley had his graduation. It was all very cheesy, but I still shed a tear when he got his certificate. Sniff! Ed’s Test £25 WIN PUZZLE 1 Can you unscramble this eight-letter word to reveal something Gemma enjoyed on her anniversary break? Enter on page 49. COSROCPE What A Treat! Lounging around in a spa for my best friend’s 30th was the best way to spend a Saturday. We were hard pushed to leave that steam room! What A Weekend! To celebrate our 10th wedding anniversary, Michael and I stayed in a private cabin with our very own hot tub… and a bottle of Prosecco or two! 4 months …that’s how…

I’d skip school to spend my hours at Dunn’s place MICHAEL DUNN Angela, 38, Manchester Stomping down the stairs, I shouted to my mum. ‘I’m going out!’ I yelled, slamming the door before she could answer. I was 12, and Mum and I weren’t getting on. We had so many rows, I tried to be out of the house as much as possible. And, recently, I’d found an escape with my neighbour Michael Dunn. Michael was 32, and lived down the road from us. One day, he’d spotted me lurking on the corner, and he’d invited me in. Lighting a cigarette, he passed it to me with a wink. ‘Don’t tell your mother!’ he laughed as I took the cigarette and settled down on the bed he had in his…

1Deal with any alert lights and, if you notice anything unusual such as a leak, have it looked over by a professional. 2Any extra weight contributes to fuel consumption, so clear out the boot and take off the roof rack. 3 If your tyre air pressure is too low, you’ll use more fuel. Check the air pressure once a month and before long trips. 4When driving above 60mph, use the air con and keep windows closed, as it streamlines the car. But when driving at low speeds, you’ll save money by opening a window instead. 5 Driving at 50mph rather than 70mph can improve fuel economy by 25 per cent. Sudden acceleration and braking also wastes fuel, as does sitting idly in traffic with the engine on.…

Angela, 42, Bournemouth I was reunited with my estranged father last year, and hadn’t seen him since I was nine. My sister refused to give him a chance, but my children and I now have a wonderful relationship with him. My daughter’s fifth birthday party is coming up, and we’d love him to come. Only, I’m worried my sister will refuse to attend with her kids because he’ll be there, which will upset my daughter. Should I invite my father to the party? YES Pick Me Up! reader Jean Eveleigh says, ‘Explain the situation to your dad and sister and, if one of them decides not to come, make sure you and your daughter do something at another time with them instead. Even though it must be difficult for her,…

1 Neuroblastoma is a type of cancer. □ True □ False 2 Bone pain is a symptom. □ True □ False 3 It has three stages. □ True □ False 4The only treatment is chemotherapy. □ True □ False 1 TRUE Neuroblastoma is an aggressive, rare form of cancer which affects babies and young children. 2 TRUE Symptoms include bone pain, a swollen tummy, breathlessness, bruising, constipation, energy loss, numbness in the lower body and weakness in the legs. 3 FALSE The condition has four stages – L1, L2, M and Ms – each indicating how far the cancer has spread, and whether it can be removed by surgery. 4 FALSE Chemotherapy is just one possible treatment for neuroblastoma. Others include radiotherapy, stem-cell transplants, immunotherapy, and removal by surgery. Next…

Blue Wine, £19.99, firebox.com Bring something a little different to your next party with this head-turning wine! It tastes just like your average chardonnay, but gets its colour from a natural pigment in the skin of the grape from which it’s made. Verdict: BONKERS! We’ll stick to our average white, thanks! Bush Bug Roulette, £14.99, prezzybox.com This board game isn’t for the faint-hearted. It comes complete with dried crickets, mealworms and locusts, and has everything you need to recreate your very own ‘Bushtucker Trial’. Yeuch!. Verdict: BONKERS! We’re not sure we’re brave enough… Stacked Wireless Charging Bundle, £99.99, amazon.co.uk Never run out of battery again with this charger! It’s the world’s thinnest and fastest wireless charging pack – just connect it to the back of the case included, to top…

Amira Khanom, 27, Birmingham For some people, it’s a glass of wine and a good film. For others it’s a bit of retail therapy with friends, or a bubble bath… But my idea of the perfect ‘me time’ is playing bingo and having a natter in the chatrooms! I joined Pick Me Up! Bingo in February 2015, after seeing an ad in the magazine. I used to go to the bingo hall with my mum. But, since having my kids, I rarely found the time to go. Life as a full-time mum to four littl’uns was busy, to say the least! But when I did have a few minutes to spare, I played Pick Me Up! Bingo. My favourite game was Bingo Lounge, in a 75-ball bingo room. And I…

TRIED & TESTED This week: Gradual tan Our Fave! 1 Dove Derma Spa Summer Revived Body Lotion in Light/Medium, £7.79, Boots I started using this after my holiday to prolong my tan and it worked a treat! It has quite a light, thin consistency and sinks into your skin to leave it feeling really soft. 2 No7 Naturally Sun Kissed Gradual Body Tan, £9.95, Boots What I love most about gradual tanners is how easy they are to use – no stained bed sheets and no exfoliating! This gives a nice subtle glow, so you can use it all year round. 3 St Tropez Gradual Tan Plus Sculpt and Glow, £18, feelunique.com I found this lotion quite thick and hard work to massage in – but it did mean that…

FIXATED: BARDO USA: SHOT DEAD BY OBSESSED FAN Aspiring model and actress Rebecca Schaeffer, 21, dreamed of stardom. Moving to New York, she landed roles in hit sitcoms My Sister Sam and One Life to Live. But, as her fame grew, so did loner Robert Bardo’s unhealthy fixation with her... Love notes Grappling with mental-health issues from childhood, Bardo had been sectioned aged 15. His obsessive behaviour began with 13-year-old Samantha Smith, who’d won hearts worldwide when, at 11, she wrote to Soviet leader Yuri Andropov asking for peace. Bardo, aged just 15 at the time, travelled hundreds of miles to be closer to her. Only, when Samantha was tragically killed in a plane crash in 1985, he turned his attention to Rebecca, sending her love letters. His infatuation mounting,…

Nicole Paprotny, 29, East Lothian I n December 2006, when Scully the Labrador-boxer bounded into the vet’s where I worked, it was love at first sight for us. He was only 9 months old, but his owner no longer wanted the adorable hound. But I did! I had another dog at that point, Sandy, a Labradorcollie, but they got on like a house on fire. Although Scully quickly picked up a few of Sandy’s bad habits – barking lots and being mischievous – I loved him all the more for it. But, when he was just 4, Scully was diagnosed with arthritis. Following an X-ray, the vet told me that he’d never seen an animal with such damaged hips and it was a miracle he was still walking. He was…

Feel the heat… It would appear that my friend’s lovely candles have reacted in exactly the same way to the summer heat as I did! Susan Angus, Penn Under the sea As you can see, my 7-year-old daughter Pixie had a lovely time at the Sea Life Centre. Francesca Mowles, Felixstowe Cute kitty This is our new baby Booshka, at 10 weeks old. She’s the most adorable kitten and we’ve totally fallen for her! Jane Crompton- Rostron, Wigan Holiday reading! My husband Ray, enjoying my Pick Me Up! during our lovely break in Mittenwald, Germany. Linda Phipps, Glenfield Your Facebook WHAT YOU’RE TALKING ABOUT ON FB... Holiday resort you’d revisit? Presthaven Sands in Wales. Toni Slack Blackpool! Linda Nagle Las Vegas. Have only just got back from a third visit……

Pam Andrews, 45, Austin, Texas Children grow up so quickly, it’s important to treasure the memories. Their first steps, first words, first day of school… For me, those moments are even more precious because, one day, my daughters Belle, now 7, and Abigail, 3, won’t remember them. In fact, they may not even remember who I am. They both have a rare disease called Niemann-Pick Type C1 – or ‘childhood Alzheimer’s’. And it could rob them of their memories and mobility before they reach their teens. PRECIOUS TIME Belle was tripping and falling, and had a tremor in her hands Search for a cause When Belle was born in March 2010, a doctor told me and my husband Chris, 46, ‘She’s got an enlarged spleen.’ They ran various tests, but…

Not even cystic fibrosis can stop Nicole’s toes tapping A positive attitude has benefitted me so much Nicole Allen, 19, Seaford I’ve been dancing ever since I was 3. Starting with ballet, I soon fell in love with tap, and eventually branched out into commercial and street dancing. I loved everything about it – the music, the freedom, the buzz of performing. Nothing could ever keep me away from it – not even my cystic fibrosis (CF). I was diagnosed with the genetic condition as a baby. Turned out my parents Lorna, 49, and Clint, 55, both carried the faulty gene. The incurable condition means my lungs and digestive system can become clogged with thick mucus, causing difficulties with my breathing and digestion. Some days I feel fine, but on…

I posted a video clip about my experience of ME on YouTube Sophie Tennent, 25, Newton-le- Willows My parents knew something was wrong – I was an active, child but, when I hit 16, I became sluggish all the time. Some days I’d struggle to get out of bed for college, and had severe aches all over. ‘It’s not like you to sit still,’ my mum Margaret, 56, said. While my friends partied, I was so tired after college, I just wanted to crash. Soon my memory and concentration suffered, as did my college work. Tested for everything from Lyme disease to coeliac disease, they were all ruled out. In July 2009, I was diagnosed with myalgic encephalomyelitis (ME). The condition’s also known as chronic fatigue syndrome – it’s long-term…

Blackberry Almond Tart Serves: 6 Prep Time: 20 min Cook Time: 40 min □175g blackberries □Q 150g caster sugar □Q Flour, for rolling pastry □Q 212g shortcrust pastry □Q 110g ground almonds □Q 50g butter, softened □Q 3 eggs, beaten □Q F ew drops each vanilla and almond essences □Q 15g flaked almonds, toasted □Q Sifted icing sugar 1 Preheat oven to 200C/ Gas 6. Put berries in small pan with 50g of the sugar, and gently warm through until juice is released. Remove from heat and leave to cool. 2 On a lightly floured surface, roll out pastry to a size big enough to line an 18cm loose-bottomed flan tin. Ease pastry gently into corners without stretching, and trim edges. Chill in fridge until required. 3 In a mixing…

Faye Douglas, 39, Redditch, Birmingham Clapping my hands over my ears, I thought, What’s that noise? ‘Meet Neil!’ my mum Janet said to me, smiling. He was the screaming baby brother of my friend Christian, then 3. They lived next door, at number 111. ‘I don’t like him,’ I said. I was also 3 and, as we all grew up, Neil hung round like a bad smell. ‘Why is he here?’ I whispered to Christian. But we couldn’t get rid of him! Our families were really close. His dad Slater, now 62, was a karate instructor who taught my brother Adam, now 42. When Neil was 8, we were playing kiss chase in his garden. I was disgusted when he caught me! ‘Yuck!’ I squealed. He cried, when I ran…

Amber Harkin, 26, Londonderry Stepping on the scales in 2014, I trembled with fear. I was just 7 st. My worried mum Theresa, now 56, had dragged me to see my GP. ‘If you don’t start eating, I’m phoning the doctor,’ she’d warned me – but I hadn’t. Sometimes all I’d have in a day was a packet of crisps. Now and again, I wouldn’t have anything at all. Since I was about 14, food had always been an issue for me. I can’t put my finger on what triggered it, but I’d become obsessed. Soon, all I could think about was ways to avoid meals. I’d stare at my body in the mirror and pick out flaws. Taking thousands of photos from all angles, I was desperate to be…

Food Swaps Swap… A SLICE OF FLAPJACK… 300 CAL For …2 JAFFA CAKES… 98 CAL Save…202 cal Try this…. Hovis Lower Carb Loaves, from £1 With 30% fewer carbohydrates than regular loaves, choose from White, or Wholemeal, at £1 each and seeded at £1.10. Perrier Green Apple and Lemon, 89p A tasty, healthy alternative to sugary soft drinks, these slightly sparkling, flavoured waters have just 2 cal per bottle. Take 3... Burger King Meals Hamburger…260 cal Double cheeseburger…430 cal Bacon Double XL...890 cal Flattering Fashion £30 Morrisons Ideal for keeping cosy when the season’s change, this wrap coatigan is a star from the Nutmeg range. Available at 60 branches. Get Moving! Glow In The Park 5km run… …is the perfect combination of workout and night-out! The runs take place around the…

HER EX: VOSIKATA Texts, e-mails... He refused to accept that it was over... AUSTRALIA: THE JILTED LOVER In April 2015, Canberra woman Daniela D’Addario, 35, finished with her boyfriend of three months, Josaia Vosikata, 29. But, for Vosikata, it wasn’t the end. Regularly sitting outside Daniela’s apartment, he bombarded her with texts and e-mails. Refusing to accept their relationship was over, he created a fantasy in his head that she was pregnant with his child. She wasn’t. Then he broke into Daniela’s apartment and tried to sexually assault her, before she called the police and he fled the scene. Daniela changed her locks, then e-mailed Vosikata. I do not want to be your friend, I do not want to ever see you again, I do not want to talk to you,…

Chelsea Hodgson, 23, Blackburn Gluing on false lashes, I’m almost ready. But not before pulling my hair into a sleek ponytail! Then I put on my bib…and take my place in front of goal! You see, I’m a football player for Accrington Stanley Ladies and have played since my dad Ian, now 43, got me into it at 8, when he’d take me to games. I was on the under-11s team for Rishton United and I moved to Accrington Stanley aged 17. I’ve always played defence. I began coaching six years ago and became a ref last year. But I have other skills… I also turn into a Disney Princess for kids' parties. Growing up, it’d all been footie and princess dresses. So, when an old colleague, who knew I loved Disney,…

ARIES 21 March–20 April Things that went wrong last week can be fixed now. You just needed to give yourself time to work out what to do. Ignore gossips at work. The people they talk to won’t respect them for their loose tongues, but will support you for the courage you’ve shown. Call: 09058 170 710* TAURUS 21 April–21 May Someone close seems to keep making mistakes, and you’re not sure if you can pick up the pieces again. Try to talk to them on your level, as you’ll both gain more respect for each other if you do. Better times for younger faces link to a change which you help them to make. Call: 09058 170 711* GEMINI 22 May–21 June Mercury makes it easy for you to get…

• It was my first night out after having a baby • Mystery symptoms – cancer or pregnancy? • Coping with grief by helping other mums Winnie Darkes, 28, Wolverhampton My friend Zara plonked a drink in front of me and I frowned at the murky liquid. She’d named this chuck-ittogether cocktail ‘Toxic’! We knocked it back and went to our local nightclub, where I moved on to vodka Red Bulls. We drank, danced, took selfies! Exactly what I needed. Since my youngest, Logan, had arrived seven months earlier, I’d had a rough time. I’d started the contraceptive injection but it made me sick. The GP said my body was adjusting to the hormones. Instead of losing baby weight, I gained more – but was told it was a symptom…

SAVING OF THE WEEK Milk It Pick up a carton of the easy-to-digest a2 cows’ milk for just £1 (normally £1.39) at Morrisons until 17September. OFFER OF THE WEEK Snack Happy Buy one packet of gluten-free Wellaby’s Hummus Chips or Lentil Chips and get a second bag half price at Holland & Barrett until 18 September. It’s guilt-free snacking at its finest! OUR TOP TIP You’re Never Too Old! Colouring isn’t just for kids! Enjoy it yourself this September with an exclusive 30% off the Spectrum Noir Colorista range when you use the code PMU30 at www.spectrumnoir.com before 6 October. Your beauty club Beauty Bonanza Sign up now at www.yourbeautyclub.co.uk and start saving straight away! With no subscription fees, no monthly payments or even postage and packaging costs, they give you instant access…

Leg pain QMy daughter has been complaining of having pain in her leg at night for the last couple of weeks. However, during the day, she isn’t bothered by it and is pretty active. What’s going on? Casey, Stockton-on-Tees A In children, night-time bone pain that always affects exactly the same place might be a worrying sign. I’d suggest that you take her to see your GP as soon as possible. Too many meds? QAs I’ve got older, I’ve been given more and more medication. The doctors say they’re all necessary, but they make me feel so awful. Why can’t I stop some? Margaret, Hitchin ASpeak to your doctor and tell them that your health priority is to have fewer symptoms from your medication. Hopefully, they should be able to…

In the early hours of 21 September last year, police were called to a home in Detroit. The man ringing said he’d murdered his family. That man, Gregory Green, was waiting on the front porch when officers arrived. He was arrested, and police discovered the most unthinkable scene. Green’s daughters, Koi, 5, and Kaleigh, 4, were dead – killed by carbon monoxide poisoning inside a running car in a closed garage. Gregory’s two stepchildren, Chadney, 19 and Kara, 17, had been shot in the basement. Their mother – Green’s wife, Faith Green – was found bound with duct tape and zip ties. Green had slashed her face and shot her in the foot before killing the older children in front of her. This February, Gregory Green, 50, admitted killing the…

This week CHICKEN BURGERS 12p per burger 1 Tesco Everyday Value 8 Breaded Chicken Burgers, 456g, 97p Though these are made from chopped and shaped chicken, they actually have a really good flavour, and are perfect for the kids’ tea. Serve with oven fries and salad or other veg. 34p per burger 2 Birds Eye 4 Chicken Burgers, 200g, £1.35 The chicken filling tastes good – but it’s the lovely, crunchy coating that gives these burgers star-appeal. Delish! £1 per burger Our Fave! 3 Sainsbury’s British Chicken Burgers, 228g, £2 for two In a league of their own, these fresh burgers are thick and juicy. The seasoning and herbs give them a taste of top-quality sausages! A delicious change from breaded chicken burgers. 96p per serving Make it yourself... Serves: 4…

Sue Griffiths, 30, Cannock Arriving home after a weekend in Blackpool, we were exhausted. ‘Shall we get a takeaway for dinner?’ I asked my partner, Paul, 42. It was 21 August last year. My girl Angel, from a previous relationship, 10, Paul’s two kids, 12 and 8, and our daughter Isabella, 3, agreed. ‘I fancy Chinese,’ Paul said. Angel and one of my stepdaughters shared a Chinese chicken curry and egg fried rice. Only, the next morning, Angel didn’t feel well. ‘Mum, my tummy hurts,’ she groaned. I thought she had a bug, but, two days later, she was being violently sick. She had diarrhoea, too, and couldn’t even keep down water. Then I saw blood in her stools… ‘I’m taking you to the doctor,’ I told her. At the…

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Super-fertile Sultan the bull’s sperm is sold in almost every single state in India! Name These Characters From Carry On… Movies 1 What ‘Kid’ was the name of Sid James’ character in Carry On Cowboy? 2 What was the name of the sexy doctor played by Jim Dale in Carry On Again Doctor? 3Which Professor did Frankie Howerd play in Carry On Up The Jungle? 4 In Carry On Up The Khyber, what was the name of Kenneth Williams’ illustrious character (right)? 5Barbara Windsor played a sexy biker babe in Carry On Girls, but what was her character ’s modelling name? Check Out These Seriously Yummy Choc-Orange Treats WISE WORDS The tales of crime writer Agatha Christie (below) were full of murder, corruption – and lessons for life. 1. Fear is…

Ailsa McRae, 23, Glasgow I’d been waiting for this moment my whole life. Ailsa McRae,’ my university rector called. I heard my fiance Nat, 23, cheer from the stalls. I couldn’t look at my mum Lorna, 51, as I didn’t want to cry and ruin my make-up! Walking up to the stage in June, my heart was pounding. I’d fulfilled my childhood dream – graduating with a medicine degree from Glasgow University. I was so proud! It’d taken five years… But it was worth all the hard work. Outside afterwards, someone tapped me on the shoulder. ‘Can we get a picture, please?’ a student was asking me, excitedly. But it wasn’t me they wanted in the photo…it was our dog! See, I’d met Nat three years earlier, doing the same…

Puzzle 1 Ed’s Test p3 Final answer Puzzle 2 Follow It! p8 Final answer Puzzle 3 Crack It! p22 Final answer Puzzle 4 Bitesize! p23 Final answer Puzzle 5 Cross It! p26 Final answer Puzzle 6 Sudoku! p26 Final answer Puzzle 7 Strike It! p44 Final answer Puzzle 8 Number Fit! p44 Final answer GOOD LUCK TO ALL OUR READERS! Pick Me Up!, published by Time Inc. (UK) Ltd, will collect your personal information solely to process your competition entry. We will not be using this issue’s competition entries to send you special offers or to pass on to third parties. 4 WAYS TO ENTER EASY TO ENTER ONLINE! ONLINE It’s free and only takes a moment to enter from your smart phone or on your laptop. Join our Pick Me Up! comp club now and enter your…