Table of contents for 24-Mar-2022 in Pick Me Up!

Drawing a stumpy egg character on a piece of paper, I added funny looking features. It was lockdown number one, and I wanted something creative to pass the time. ‘Do you like him?’ I asked my wife Erin, 34. Chuckling away, she nodded in agreement as I started to think of a story for this strange looking fella. Scribbling down some of my best work, I asked Erin to have a quick look over it. Spell checking was like second nature to her. Adding the finishing touches, we posted a screenshot of our new creation on Instagram. Odd Socks by Simon Rudd, I typed, with a smile. And comments started to pour in. As soon as I had a new idea for a character, I grabbed a pen to jot…

Buying another pink baby grow, I added it into the wardrobe When we first discovered we were having a little girl, my husband Leigh, 50, and I promised we wouldn’t go pink mad. Only, with a pink pram, and an overflowing girly wardrobe, we’d gone crazy! Leigh and I each had boys from past relationships, and they wanted to be big brothers. After years of trying and three miscarriages, the further my pregnancy went on, the more excited we became. My pregnancy was perfect, other than my obsession with silver skin pickled onions! ‘Is that your second jar this week?’ Leigh giggled. ‘Our little girl loves them,’ I smiled, stroking my belly. As I reached 38-weeks, the waiting game was nearly over. Yet, at my routine checkup, something was wrong.…

This week, our tip of the week will receive a product from Addis! Sort your shoes and maximise wardrobe space with the Addis hanging shoe organiser. Featuring 10 pockets measuring 15cm x 30cm, the organiser fastens securely and easily over the clothes rail. It’s also anti-moth, anti-mould, and water resistant. Simply wipe clean with a damp cloth. For more ways to make your life easier, visit addis.co.uk Mark it off! I like to crochet often and got fed up of having to reprint my patterns after writting on them. I now use clear pockets to protect my patterns and I can write on them with a dry marker, wiping my notes off when I’m ready to start again. Marie Hunter, Sittingbourne Tip of theweek Cutting costs at the cinema With…

Stood in the kitchen waiting for the kettle to boil, I felt a searing pain in my head. Ooh, this is a bad one, I winced. I was 34 weeks pregnant with my third child, and running around after my other two, Olivia Grace, four, and Theodore, two, I was constantly on my feet. But for the past few days I’d had horrific headaches. At 23, I was a young mum, and I’d taken care of myself since moving out of my mum Clare’s house at 17. I’d always been independent, and I just got on with it. But one day, I was sitting on the floor reading a book to Olivia and Theodore, and I got the worst headache ever. ‘Sophie?’ my partner Jed said. ‘Stop messing around.’ But…

Let’s face it – we’ve all got junk cluttering up cupboards, shoved into every nook and cranny. But one man’s trash is another man’s treasure – could you be sitting on a goldmine? Salman Haqqi, personal finance expert at money.co.uk, shares top tips for selling online. 1 Focus on quality Start off with choosing quality items – items that are notably still in good condition and guaranteed to last. This allows you to sell fewer items at a higher price. This also narrows down the number of products that shoppers scan through on your page without feeling overwhelmed. If interested, shoppers may ask for more similar items. 2 Detailed item descriptions It is vital that you cover all the important points that a potential buyer would need to know, but keep…

Treat your fabulous mum or the maternal figure in your life to a beautiful gift this Mother’s Day. From gifts sets to products that do all the talking, these treats will show her just how much you care.…

Perfect for Mother’s day! As we bloom into spring, there is no better time to celebrate those around you; whether that be a simple thank you to someone close, or a celebration of motherhood for one of the special women in your life – a gorgeous bouquet will help you to deliver your sentiments perfectly. Bunches have been in the business of delivering happiness for over 30 years, sending beautiful bouquets, long-lasting houseplants and gourmet gift hampers all over the UK. They are committed to making a difference to the world we live in, as well as the people in it – being there for you in life’s most meaningful moments. Their commitment to becoming a plastic-free, more sustainable business makes them the perfect choice for sending gorgeous gifts fit…

Congratulations – you’re expecting! Yet, with an ever-growing belly how can you dress your new body? Whether you want to lounge at home or show off your baby bump in the streets, these fashion top picks can really be the inspiration that you need. For the female body is amazing – embrace it! Top tip Make sure your clothing has a lot of stretch, you don’t want to end up being uncomfortable. Plus, this will help with feeding after birth. Top tip You don’t have to buy clothing labelled as maternity. You can look out for pregnancy friendly items such as dresses and smock tops, too. ADDED SUPPORT We have all seen the latest invention of period pants, but what about period leggings? Made from recycled polyester with a highly absorbent…

What we eat each day has a huge impact on how we feel. Joe Wicks has created over 100 tasty and easy meals that are quick to get on the table. From energy-boosting breakfasts to mood-boosting main meals, you and your family will be left feeling your best. Sweet potato nachos Serves: 4 I mean, come on, look at the photo. How good do they look? This is actually a really healthy recipe with loads of good stuff. It’s one of the best things to make as a family and then you can all just steam into it when it’s fresh out of the oven. Fighting over the last cheesy crispy bits… □ 4 medium sized sweet potatoes, peeled and sliced into 5mm coins□ 1 tbsp light olive oil□ 1…

Catch Claire live on Facebook 7 days of hope & happiness with Claire Petulengro www.clairepetulengro.tv ARIES 21 March–20 April As the Sun enters your sign, you will slowly but surely start to feel like you again. No longer do you worry about what other people want you to do, but you have your sights set on the future you want to lead. Friends you make through work, link to a carer change you will make later in the year. Life starts to feel more in your control again, Aries. Grab it with both hands. Call: 09058 170 710* LEO 24 July–23 Aug This week, you get what you ask for. The question is, have you got the courage to ask for what you really want? Yes, your needs may mean…

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 and FREE delivery by post, a gorgeous bouquet by Flying Flowers is a lovely way to celebrate sharing smiles and happiness. See flyingflowers.co.uk for more details…

Dating disasters Q Every time I find someone I like online dating, I bail when they want to meet up. I feel like I’ll only disappoint them so why bother? Kayleigh, Manchester A The question I’d like to ask you is what are you looking for when it comes to a partner? There is increasing pressure on people to find the ‘perfect’ partner, and to have the happy ever after, but that isn’t the reality of modern day living. Looking at a first date as a ‘make or break’ puts a lot of pressure on the event. Instead consider it as a chance for you to see if they are right for you. Are you are looking for someone who makes you laugh? Is it that you have children and…

Cholesterol-lowering food brand, Benecol, has launched an innovative range of plant-based goodies Grab these fruity oat shots and drink on the go – packed full of plant stanols, they’re proven to lower cholesterol, which is a big risk factor in the development of coronary heart disease. Tastes good, does good – it’s a win, win!…

INSTANT appointment With Dr Deborah Lee, from Dr Fox Online Pharmacy (doctorfox.co.uk) Sick and dizzy Q I keep getting terrible headaches that make me feel dizzy and sick. Are they migraines? Anna, Belfast A Migraine is a type of headache associated with nausea and vomiting. It is more common in women, most often those between the ages of 25 and 55. Migraine with aura is a specific type of migraine. The aura is typically a loss of vision in part of the visual field, sometimes accompanied by a bright light known as a scotoma. This occurs immediately before the onset of the headache. A diagnosis of migraine with aura is important as it increases the risk of stroke. Women who have migraine with aura are not permitted to take the…

Emma Lee, Nutritionist at Burns Pet Nutrition, the leading healthy pet food company, knows what is best for you and your pet. To find out more, visit burnspet.co.uk Does my dog need help? Q My dog goes mental whenever anyone opens the front door. She won’t stop barking and will even bite people she is familiar with – please help! Billie, Cheshire A There is quite a bit of training that you can do to desensitise your dog to doors being opened and building confidence with visitor However, as there is a history of your dog biting, you would need to get a reputable dog trainer involved to help out. Where do we start? Q I’m not the biggest fan of pets, but I want my kids to experience looking…

Growing up, my dad was always doing work on the house. There’s an old picture of my sister Katie when she was about five with a hard hat on. We’ve always grown up around DIY and renovations. After our grandmother sadly died, my mum Gill used her inheritance to buy properties. With the help of builders, she would renovate them and rent them out. Soon, me and Katie got involved. At first, we did more decorating, but slowly we started teaching ourselves. Katie went on a women in construction course and she learnt a lot while she was there. It’s safe to say, she took a particular joy in knocking walls down. In the past 15 years, we have worked on nine houses together. Katie prefers the construction side of things…

YOU’VE GOTTA SMILE Walking past a pet shop, my daughter Grace grabbed hold of my arm. ‘Please, Mum?’ she begged. Grace loved animals, and she was desperate for a pet. She was constantly pleading with my husband Peter, 41, and me, and to be fair to her, she always did a lot of research. ‘What about a hamster?’ she said. ‘They don’t take up too much room and I’ll look after him myself.’ She was certainly persistent! We also had a young son, Isaac, and I started to think it would be good for both of them to get used to having pets and the responsibility that comes with it. ‘Let’s get one,’ I said to Peter. ‘As a surprise for Grace.’ When she came downstairs on Christmas Day two years ago…