Table of contents for 23-Dec-2021 in Pick Me Up!

Knocking back a few shots with my friends, we giggled in our glittery dresses. It was New Year’s Day 2019, and I was looking forward to a good night. Unlike most, I hadn’t been out the night before, so this was my celebration. As many were nursing a hangover, the club was fairly empty, but we didn’t care. We just fancied a dance. I’d planned to meet my boyfriend Dan* later in the night, but for now, girls’ night was in full swing. I was with two of my girlfriends, but with the club virtually empty, they decided to close early. So, the three of us went to meet Dan and his friend Darren Shaw, then 33. A bit older than us, I’d never met him before, but he worked…

When Katie was diagnosed, I was devastated. You never expect your children to be diagnosed with cancer. Looking after her was challenging at times – Arabella was so tiny, and Katie couldn’t do much, so I was doing everything for both of them. But I’d do anything for my girls. I did put my own health on the backburner, as I was so focused on Katie and Arabella, and I did leave it longer than I should have to get checked. But breast cancer has some very good outcomes, and I know we’ll both get through this together. We’ve always been close, but going through something like this together has made our mother-daughter bond even more special. We completely understand what the other is going through, and can talk to each…

Someone has a stroke every five minutes in the UK. It can happen anyone, of any age, at any time. A stroke is a medical emergency and time is of the essence, so it’s vital to know how to spot the signs of a stroke in others or yourself. Remember – act FAST. Facial weakness Can the person smile? Is either their mouth or their eye drooping? Arm weakness Can the person raise both arms, and keep them there? Speech problems Is their speech slurred? Can they speak clearly, and can they understand what you say? Time to call 999 If you see any of these signs at all, don’t delay – you must call 999 straight away. If someone is having a stroke, every second counts…

For the women Around 13 million women in the UK are currently perimenopausal or postmenopausal. Research from Nuffield Health has discovered that of these women, a shocking one in four will experience severe or debilitating symptoms. Also, almost half say that they feel depressed. The symptoms experienced, ranging from hot flushes, fatigue, weight gain, mood changes, problems with memory and more can last up to 15 years. These are just some of the reasons why having the option to be on hormone replacement therapy should be accessible to all without paying monthly prescription costs. Davina McCall is one of many women who gathered across the country to celebrate the progress of the Menopause (Support and Services) Bill in the hopes of a reduction in the cost of HRT. Earlier this…

Chef Chris Baber has his debut cookbook out this April, crammed with 96 recipes – and you get a sneak peek! Chris’ simple yet impressive dishes have won him a loyal fanbase of over 200,000 followers – including celebrities Alan Carr and Tom Daley. Discover how to make mouth-watering meals without slaving over a hot stove. Treat of the week Baked meatballs with oozy melting mozzarella Serves: 4–6 Juicy meatballs in a rich tomato sauce, with oozy cheese – this one’s a real crowd-pleaser. It’s great served with spaghetti, or a good loaf of bread to mop up the sauce. I like a big, fresh salad or seasonal greens on the side. Between you and me, it also makes an amazing meatball sub sandwich. ⁕ 5 tbsp fresh breadcrumbs ⁕…

Watching as my boy bounced around on the trampoline, I could tell he was absolutely loving it. My son, William, then five, and his sister Sofia, four, had so much fun playing together. William was always so loving to her, me and my husband Simon, 48, and everyone else he met. ‘I love you,’ he’d tell us, over 20 times a day. William was an active and fun loving little boy, but after 21 May last year his life suddenly changed. When the kids climbed down from the trampoline, William’s right leg gave way. Giggling, he got back up and the same happened again. ‘What are you doing?’ I laughed, thinking he was messing about. Later that day, at 8pm, while we were sitting on the sofa I noticed William’s…

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Tucking into the pasta in front of me, I was glad to be home. It had been another full-on day as a working mum-of-two. With two strapping lads, Kieran, 26, and Nathan, 21, I certainly had my hands full. My husband Gary, 59, and I were always running the two of them around. So, as we sat at the dinner table, I tucked straight into the delicious, cheesy lasagne in front of me. Thankfully, Gary loved to cook, so we always had a big hearty meal to come home to. Life was definitely busy. Especially as we were the boys’ personal taxi service! But that’s just what happens when you’re a parent, isn’t it? I’ve never thought twice about it. Only, I had to admit, running back and forth didn’t…

I’M FINALLY LIVING Starting my beauty therapy college course in 2012, I had to work harder than most. I was 16 at the time and my cystic fibrosis had started to get extremely bad. Although I was diagnosed at birth, luckily my childhood had been a breeze. Symptoms of the condition were almost non-existent growing up. But when I hit my teens the build-up of sticky mucus in my lungs suddenly became severe. I started to notice that I couldn’t join in on physical activities like P.E. Panting after the tiniest bit of exercise, I focused my attention on the creative subjects. But once I was at college, my breathlessness made it hard to physically get around. I wasn’t living the typical teen life of college all day and partying…

Making of a MONSTER Khalil was brought to justice by his own trap… It was 2016, and a ruthless serial killer was on the prowl in New Jersey. Khalil Wheeler-Weaver was targeting vulnerable women who thought no one would notice if they disappeared – he was wrong. Every single life that Khalil took mattered. And the friends of one of his victims did something extraordinary to finally bring him to justice. They played him at his own twisted game by hunting him down and setting a trap, using the same technique Khalil had used to lure his victims. Sadly, he’d already done so much damage. On the night of August 31, witnesses saw Robin West get into a car. It was the last time anyone would see her alive. Robin,…

Mr Potato Head Mug, £17.99, prezzybox.com He’s smart, adaptable and won’t be taken for a mug. This versatile carbohydrate with style is bound to impress your guest. If your weekend cuppa with your pals becomes boring, just play with his interchangeable pieces for hours of fun. Verdict: BONKERS! Hot potato Unicorn Poo Bath Bombs, £7.99, iwantoneofthose.com Freshly made bath bombs straight from a mystical, single-horned beauty. Feel as though you’re dancing among rainbows as the fizzy bomb turns into a beautiful kaleidoscope of colour right before your eyes. Each one has a delicious raspberry fragrance. Verdict: BONKERS! Over the rainbow Mr Bookish Table Lamp, £36, redcandy.co.uk Add a special man to your life who doesn’t complain and politely holds your books for you, all day long. Also, he’s great to have a…

YOU’VE GOTTA DANCE Scraping the girls’ hair back into smooth, soft buns, I smiled in pure deligh. My twin daughters, Evelyn and Isla, three, twirled around in their pink leotards and white tights. As a girl I loved ballet growing up. I naturally enjoyed it and thought I would take the girls to our local ballet school to see how they got on. Picking them up, they pranced their way over to me. And from that moment on, their love for ballet only grew. But, not only did they enjoy ballet, they wanted to take part in all sorts of dancing classes. Genres such as tap, commercial and jazz. Over time, their routine slowly incorporated a little bit of everything. They would have three dance classes a week and also…

DON’T MISS! Christmas is the most wonderful time of the year, but it can certainly be messy. However, cast those worries aside as Spunj are here to soak up your seasonal spills. Whether it’s excitable little ones running riot or Granny knocking over the fizz after a tipple or two, Spunj will do all the hard work for you. Leaving your home bone dry, their new festive range comes with a choice of some characterful sponges. Soaking up to eight times their weight in water, these sponges are must this Christmas. • Prices from £1.49, from Savers GET IN TOUCH Send us your stories and photos, including all names and ages, a daytime phone number and full address. E-mail hello@pickmeupmag.co.uk WRITE TO Pick Me Up! Media Centre, Emma-Chris Way, Abbey Wood…

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Setting up my easel, I scoped out the venue. It was stunning, and I felt inspired. I couldn’t wait to get out my brushes and start painting the beautiful scenery. Taking a deep breath, I placed my canvas on the easel and unpacked my paints. As guests started to filter in, I got some curious looks. I’m used to it – what I do is a little unusual. I’m an artist and painter, and I live paint weddings. My first wedding was in June last year, after a friend on TikTok got me onto the ideas. Why haven’t I done that before? I thought. I could do that, too! I’d never even heard of it, but it was right up my street. I’d always been a painter, and since the age…

DUMBLEDORE’S PAST All aboard the Hogwarts Express! Whip out your wands and get ready to fly into the Wizarding World once again. In April 2022, the third instalment of Fantastic Beasts will air on the big screen. The Secrets of Dumbledore will follow the adventures of Newt Scamander (Eddie Redmayne) as he attempts to stop the evil Gellert Grindelwald (Mads Mikkelsen). Giving Potter fans a glimpse into Dumbledore’s (Jude Law) past, this is set to be an enlightening watch. Written by J.K. Rowling and directed by David Yates, the Wizarding World must face the Dark Arts once more. LONG LIVE THE QUEEN After 70 years of service, the Queen is held dearly in the hearts of the nation. That’s why, throughout the year, Her Majesty and members of the British…

Although dressing up this festive season is fun, there is nothing better than a day spent in your comfies. Think hot chocolate, a Christmas film and snacking on pretzels. Plus, you can wear a teddy hoodie outside of the house on a winter walk. Nobody has to know you’re in your loungewear – your secret is safe with us! Top tip A loungewear dress is a great outfit. Just throw on a jacket! Top tip A co-ord loungewear set can make you look so put together!…

With the cold winter days coming, I’m hoping for a white Christmas. My daughter and my mum are having lots of fun in the snow here! Maria Van Raalte, Norfolk STAR LETTER I still love Christmas shopping at 90 years old. Mr. Gobey, Essex The most this little one got out of her first Christmas was rolling around in all the paper! Richard Adams, West Midlands When the wife and I got home from shopping, we came across the red peppers. We had a giggle as they looked a little crude! Mike Lunn, Ayrshire Every year we hang up this beautiful piece of art, made by my son when he was three! 29 years later it is still a family favourite. Carol Casan, Tiverton If your letter makes Star Letter of the…

Running to the bathroom, I crouched over the toilet. ‘Are you OK, love?’ my nan Sandra, 71, asked as she knocked on the door, hearing me retching. ‘I’m fine,’ I said, flushing the toilet and opening the door. ‘It’s just morning sickness.’ But ever since I’d found out I was pregnant in November 2019, my morning sickness had been non-stop. I was exhausted. It was a surprise pregnancy, and although I was excited to be a mum, the sickness took the shine off it. ‘You should see a doctor,’ my mum Sophie, 49, said. ‘This isn’t right. ‘ At two months pregnant, Nan took me to Clacton & District Hospital, near our home in Essex. ‘It’s just constipation,’ the doctor said, prescribing me laxatives. But if anything, they only made…

INSTANT appointment With Dr Xandra Middleton, co-founder of health and wellness platform Adio (adio.org) Constant bruises Q My daughter bruises like a peach – even a tap on the shoulder will leave her with a mark. Is there something wrong with her? Emily, London A Whilst it is important for her to see her medical practitioner rule out more serious problems like issues with blood clotting, or kidney or liver diseases, in many cases easy bruising is not found to be medically worrying. Deficiencies in vitamin C, vitamin B12, iron, vitamin K or zinc can all cause you to bruise easily, and it may be a good idea to get her iron and B12 levels checked and give her a good daily multivitamin, or look at additional sources of these…

Louise is backing Stand Up To Cancer, the joint fundraising campaign from Cancer Research UK and Channel 4, that brings the UK together to speed up progress in life-saving cancer research. Now in its ninth year in the UK, it has raised more than £93 million, funding 59 clinical trials and projects involving over 19,000 cancer patients across the country. One in two of us will get cancer in our lifetime. All of us can support the research that will beat it. • To donate to Stand Up To Cancer, visit su2c.org.uk…

Looking for the perfect topper for your presents this year? With Mrs Hinch using pinecones and cinnamon sticks to finish off her gifts, it seems the bigger the better! With simple craft ideas, you can turn your gifts into memorable moments. Crafting guru Emily Dawe has partnered with chocolatiers Guylian for a step-by-step guide, to help you create a fan present topper. YOU WILL NEED: ⁕ Wrapping paper⁕ Scissors⁕ Twine⁕ Glue or double-sided sticky tape HOW TO: 1 Take a strip of wrapping paper – a 10 x 30cm piece works well. Fold over one short end by about 1cm, then turn over and fold again. Keep concertinering along the whole strip of paper. 2 With the entire strip concertinaed, fold in half to find the centre. Tie a piece…

Christmas was just over two weeks, away and Shanna Riddle Vandewege couldn’t wait to share the magical time with her husband and their baby boy. Shanna, 36, didn’t need any presents that year – finally being a mum was better than any gift under the tree. Ever since Shanna was a teenager, she had dreamed about starting a family one day. She’d even chosen baby names years before she’d even started dating her husband, Craig, 35, who she met at a local church. But after marrying Craig in 2014, she suffered three heart-breaking miscarriages, and her dream seemed out of reach When Shanna fell pregnant again, she could only hope and pray that this time, things would be different. It was 2016, and earlier that year Shanna and Craig had…

My toes curled as another wave of pain hit me. I was 14 years old, and sat in the waiting room at the doctor’s. I had been back and forth for the past couple of months, trying to get to the bottom of what was causing me to be in so much agony. It had all started when I got my period at 12. They seemed pretty normal at first. I was bleeding quite heavily and getting cramps, but nothing out of the ordinary But as time went by, things got worse. The cramps became unbearable, and pretty soon, my awful periods started to leave me bed-bound. I missed so much school and never got to go out with friends during my time of the month. There were other symptoms,…

Drinks Retailer of the Year, Aldi, has partnered with cocktail-making marvel, Pritesh Mody, to create delicious drinks that won’t break the bank! Jack Frost colada SERVES 1 ⁕ 40ml Specially Selected Irish Cream, or for those looking for something a little more extra, Ballycastle White Chocolate Cream Liqueur⁕ 20ml Cassario Black Spiced Rum⁕ 50ml coconut milk⁕ 50ml pineapple juice⁕ Pinch of ground cinnamon⁕ Pinch of nutmeg Shake all the ingredients together with cubed ice in a cocktail shaker. Pour into an ice-filled glass. Garnish with a sprinkling of nutmeg. Caramel, rum and festive fun! SERVES 2 FOR THE WHIPPED COFFEE: ⁕ 2 tbsp instant coffee⁕ 2 tbsp granulated sugar⁕ 3 tbsp boiling water FOR THE REMAINDER: ⁕ 30ml Cassario Black Spiced Rum⁕ 70ml Ballycastle Salted Caramel Cream Liqueur⁕ Moser Roth…

Oola Lingerie is a luxury plus lingerie brand. Their founder, Tiggy Derham, set up the brand just a year ago and even though they are small, they certainly don’t compromise on style. Their lingerie is tailored to best fit plus women, whilst remaining comfy and luxurious. Bra sizes range from a 38-46 band, with cup sizes from a D-G, giving a lot more range than other lingerie brands on the market. Oola promises to embrace and empower curvy women, whatever their size or shape. So, all women can feel sexy in the bedroom or comfortable walking down the street. To find out more visit, oolalingerie.co.uk…

Hiding away in the bathroom at home, I waited for the disappointment of yet another negative pregnancy test. I couldn’t face doing them with my husband, Brandon, 35, anymore because I couldn’t bear the responsibility I felt when I saw his devastation. Only this time it was positive. OK, I thought to myself. Not sure I believe that. Grabbing my phone, I quickly rang Brandon. ‘It says positive, but I just don’t want to get too excited yet,’ I said. ‘We can hope,’ he replied, sounding delighted. It was August 2019 and we had just started IVF treatment. Before that, we had been trying to conceive naturally for four years but we’d not been successful, and doctors couldn’t tell us why. We already had two gorgeous children at our home…

Catch Claire live on Facebook Find out what 2022 has in store for you, with celebrity astrologer Claire Petulengro! Shop her website for essential oils and My Bellabea gemstones, and discover how to book a private reading, or order ‘The Claire Petulengro Romany Gypsy Tarot Cards’, created for anyone to read the tarot (www.clairepetulengro.tv). Follow Claire on Facebook and Instagram at clairepetulengro1 ARIES 21 March–20 April Family and friends An impulsive entry into 2022 could see you having to eat some humble pie, by the time summer comes. Start this year as you mean to go on and work on creating a better base. Some would say you’ve been trying to run before you can walk. Taking your time to enjoy down time with those you love is the key…