Table of contents for 1-Sep-2022 in Pick Me Up!

Watching my baby boy Kyle playing with his cousin, I realised something wasn’t right. He was 18 weeks older than my niece, Alex. But they looked worlds apart. While Alex was bubbly and social, Kyle was withdrawn. He didn’t cope well out of his own bubble and he struggled if his routine was interrupted. I asked the health visitor, who told me he’d come out of his shell. But I was a nurse, and I knew this wasn’t normal. My husband Scott and I kept pushing, and eventually, just after starting school, Kyle was diagnosed with autism and ADHD when he was five. We learnt how to deal with his quirks – he was a very happy little boy, as long as he was in his comfort zone. He loved…

The kids are heading back to school and this means the unfortunate return of head lice to our homes. Keep the itch at bay with Vosene’s Squeaky Clean 3 in 1 shampoo. The specially designed shampoo cleanses and conditions children’s hair and scalp for tangle free locks. What’s more, it also contains natural head lice repellent – tea tree oil and lemon eucalyptus oil to help keep your children’s hair head-lice free.…

Opening the front door, I dumped my school bag and kicked off my shoes. Stretching out, I rubbed my sore shoulders. It wasn’t the weight of all my books that was giving me gyp. I’d spent all day slouching, desperately trying to blend in with all my school friends. But it was pointless. There was no blending in. At 5ft11, I towered over my peers. I’d always been tall, but it was only after starting secondary school that I’d really noticed how different I was. I felt like the BFG as I lumbered around the hallways. ‘Hey, Lizzy Long Legs,’ a boy taunted, joking with his mates. ‘How’s the view up there?’ ‘You look like a lanky beanpole,’ another sniggered as he walked by me. Pushing past, I hoped they…

Prying my eyes away from my laptop, I glanced at the clock. I’d been up all night sending countless emails to MP’s and national radio stations – basically anyone who would listen to me. Despite it being early morning, my daughter Harriet’s cough echoed through the house. I didn’t know how something so loud and painful could come from someone so little. It was my driving force to continue, so typing away, I became relentless. Born on the 17 October 2014 at 3pm, weighing 8lbs, Harriet was such a beautiful baby girl. Only, the happy moment got cut short when me and my partner Chris, 40, found out she had been born with a bowel blockage. I’d never expected anything like this to happen – I had hoped to take…

Rummaging through rails of clothing, something pretty caught my eye. Digging out a dress, hidden at the back, I smiled. I love it! It was a floral Zara number, and at just three quid it was a great steal! I’ve always dabbled in charity shops and second-hand websites, but three years ago I took on Oxfam’s Second-Hand September challenge. I banned myself from buying anything new for a month. And I was surprised to discover how easy it was, and fun, too! I’ve always been concerned with the environment, and my impact on the planet, and I do anything I can to lessen it. My boyfriend Jack and I share a car, which we use no more than once a week, as we cycle and walk most places. We buy…

Watching from the side of the stage as my husband Andrew sang, I felt a pang of pride. His vocal harmony group Jack Pack had come fourth in Britain’s Got Talent and even signed a record deal with Simon Cowell. The next morning, we went out for breakfast with my mum Julie to celebrate – she was so proud of him, too. It was extremely bittersweet though. Because Mum had been suffering with an incurable brain tumour for the past six years. She’d been diagnosed in 2008, after suffering with neck spasms that came on suddenly. Then she started getting headaches, too. None of us were too worried at first – Mum had always been fit and healthy. She went back and forth to see her GP for about a…

7 days of hope & happiness with Claire Petulengro www.clairepetulengro.tv ARIES 21 March–20 April The new moon in Virgo on Saturday brings fresh hope and inspiration to areas of your life you were just about ready to give up on. In fact you feel as if you’ve been given a second chance at life. Careful of telling too many people too much about others lives. You could end up forcing their hand when time was actually the answer to their dilemmas, Aries. Call: 09058 170 710* TAURUS 21 April–21 May Where others see problems, you see opportunties. You no longer worry about how your actions look, but you are feeling your way to what should happen next. Time spent with older faces in your life tells you much you did…

Jo Howarth is an advanced hypnotherapist. She works alongside others to look after their mental health and emotional wellbeing. (thehappinessclub.co.uk) All time low Q I was involved in a road traffic accident recently and I'm finding it difficult to get back on my feet again. I'm much better now, but my confidence has plummeted, I don't want to leave the house. How do I find myself again? Julia, Sheffield A I'm going to ask you to remind yourself of all the things you used to do before your accident. Get a piece of paper and write out all the places you went, all the things you did when you went there and how much you enjoyed doing them, not in a feeling sorry for yourself that you can't do them…

Reclining back into my deckchair, I smiled as the Ibiza sun splashed across my face. I adored gorgeous, hot weather and holidays abroad with my friends. As I adjusted the straps of my bikini, I caught my friend staring at the mole on the back of my leg. ‘What is that?’ she asked. ‘Oh, don’t worry!’ I replied. ‘That’s always been there.’ I reached down and touched the mole. It felt really weird – it was all bumpy. I looked over at my friend and she looked back with a worried expression. ‘I’m going to get that checked out when we get back,’ I said. A few days after touching down in the UK, I went to my GP. He immediately referred me to a dermatology clinic in Bristol. ‘We…

WORTH £10.99! The world of narcotics and drug trafficking is a brutal, bloody and dangerous one, where murder and unimaginable violence are commonplace. But if you’re prepared to get your hands dirty - or have people willing to do it for you - it’s also a world where you can make a lot of money. This magazine delves into the rise and fall of drug-trafficking powerhouses. We speak to Pablo Escobar’s first-born son, meet some of the rival kingpins from Latin America and beyond and look back at how the illegal drug trade took over the world. Plus, find out how the authorities are fighting back against the cartels with their own brutal tactics. To get your free digital copy of Real Crime: Narcos use this link bit.ly/3lDTiQF Offer available from…

How did you get into renovating? I used to be a professional footballer and I endeavoured to buy a property in the local area of each club that I played for. I made a substantial profit when I sold my first property when I was transferred to a new club. This was the moment when I realised that I enjoyed renovating and that I could generate a profit on my initial investment. What’s the easiest way to spruce up your home? Sell items that you no longer want and use the money to purchase items that you can take with you whenever you move. Plants, soft furnishings, frames with self-printed pictures or phrases, you can take these with you if you move or to dress investment properties. These simple ideas…

Don’t shop in your size Look for colours, styles and patterns that you love – if you limit yourself to your size, you won’t find much. Don’t be afraid to buy an oversized shirt, and tie it up or belt it! Take your time browsing Finding charity shop gems can take time – if you go in expecting to find something great straight away, you’ll be disappointed. It’s worth thinking ahead, too – if you want an outfit for a specific occasion, you can’t just grab it off the shelves like you can in a high street store, so start looking ahead of time. Be open-minded Think outside the box, and if something isn’t quite your usual style, think how you can adapt it so it suits you more. Always…

A list of brand-new school uniforms, forking out on all black shoes, a pencil case, and even a tasty packed lunch box can soon add up, and before you know it you’ve spent hundreds on equipment – that’s even before the school trips! To ease the sting of the new school term, here’s everything you need to know about how to school shop on a budget – it’s as easy as one, two, three… LEARN FOR FREE With the cost-of-living crisis causing price rises like never before, it’s important to look for resources that can help your family for free. This is where Amazon Study comes in. Recently launched, in time for back to school season, it’s a platform providing content to parents, carers, teachers, and pupils from the age…

The humble egg has endless opportunities. That’s why registered nutritionist, avid foodie and best-selling author Rhiannon Lambert is working with British Lion Eggs to show you how you can create easy and delicious meals. Rhiannon says: 'Eggs are just incredible – they’re a naturally nutritious food that’s accessible to everyone, protein-rich and vitamin-filled, plus they’re wonderfully versatile – a must-have staple for a balanced, healthy diet. 'All of these benefits, combined with how easy they are to cook with, make eggs a winner in my kitchen. Plus, the British Lion mark gives me complete confidence that the highest food standards have been met.' Tomato, Courgette and Pepper Shakshuka Serves: 4 Prep time: 10 minutes Cook time: 15 minutes INGREDIENTS ◻ 1 tbsp olive oil◻ 1 red onion, sliced◻ 1 red…

Heading out of the house one sunny morning, I clicked the key in the lock and smiled at the familiar sound of my kids splashing about in their brand new pool. It was one of the hottest days on record and our village had reached a whopping 40.3ºC degrees during the heatwave! My partner Mark Howell, 42, and I had just bought our two children Lily Rayne, nine, and Welton, six, a new pool so that they could cool off in the extreme heat. They have always loved the water – so much so that I refer to them as my aqua-holics! Being a travel agent, I always make sure that any family holiday we go on involves water of some kind. From beaches, to water parks, to pools –…

Back in 2000, I took this photo of my then 12-year-old nephew Sam and his brother Tom in London – not knowing that 20 years later he would be one of those horse guards! Lucy Travell, Gloucester Here I am 30 years ago, ready to start primary school, with my big sisters Nicola and Hayley ready to go back to secondary school. Katie Gooding, Tidworth My sons Rory, 14, and Fraser, nine, were happy with their little robes and slippers on our recent stay at The Grand Hotel in York. Natasha Douglas, Kent This is my beautiful six-year-old Miniature Schnauzer, Harold, enjoying this week’s magazine with me (well, trying to stop me reading the stories!) Stacey Bigrid, Torquay My little Mia, seven, was loving camping life with her new inflatable…

This week, our tip of the week will receive a great product from Addis! Ideal for all hard wood surfaces and carpets, the Carpet Sweeper will make your home sparkle. With no batteries or leads requires, as well as being effective on pet hair, watch as the rotating brushes sweep your dirt away. It also folds flat for easy storage – what more could you want?! Please visit addis.co.uk LUSCIOUS LOOS When you have cleaned your toilet, fill it with bleach and leave your toilet brush to soak. Abbie Cairns, Colchester Quick fix Fed up of my rucksack zip coming open and worrying that my belongings would fall out, I used a carabiner clip to keep the zip secure. A safety pin would work, too! Rose Janes, Monmouth Waste effective…

Dental Therapist & Clinical Educational Specialist at TePe, Amanda Sheehan explains the link between your mouth and general health. When we think about having a healthy mouth, our minds automatically turn first to our teeth. However, it’s really our gums that are a foundation for a healthy mouth. Recent research has linked gum disease to having a detrimental effect on conditions such as diabetes, cardiovascular disease, rheumatoid arthritis and even Alzheimer’s. Healthy gums will be firm and pink, and provide a stable setting for our teeth. If we allow plaque to build up on our teeth, it offers an environment where bacteria will flourish. These bacteria will produce acids, which attack the tooth surface and lead to decay and cavities. The bacteria build up also leads to conditions such as…

Sepsis scare Q I’ve been reading so much about sepsis and I’m terrified. It seems to be really common now. What should I look out for? Zara, Margate A Sepsis has not become more common, but there is much greater awareness and understanding of this dangerous condition. Certain people are at more at risk of it, in particular people receiving cancer treatment or those with immune deficiency disorders. Sepsis can be difficult to spot, but is more likely if someone has a fever, cold hands or feet, seems confused and has a high pulse rate. Sepsis sometimes causes the body temperature to drop. If you think someone has sepsis then they should be assessed immediately – it is an emergency and you should call 999 for urgent medical care. Wart the…

On the lookout! You don’t have to go out to sea to spot some of the most fin-tastic marine life in the UK, there are some great hotspots, especially during the summer, to see dolphins, seals, and even whales… 1. PRAWLE POINT, DEVON Following the Southwest Coast Path, not only will you be surrounded by stretches of gorgeous beaches, but this iconic water is well-known for dolphins swimming in its sparkling waters. Small pods of dolphins are known to be seen throughout August up until the end of October! 2. CARDIGAN BAY, WALES Cardigan Island Coastal Farm Park is home to the only resident population of Bottlenose dolphins in English and Welsh water. This location will provide an unforgettable sight, dolphins will be you leaping out of the water. After…

HAVE YOU HEARD ABOUT 52-BALL BINGO YET? It’s a bit of a mixture of 90-Ball and 75-Ball Bingo, but using playing cards – hence ‘52’ in the name! For most 52-ball Bingo games, you’ll get five cards (instead of bingo tickets) and your goal is to fill your cards as the numbers are called. We have two 52-Ball Bingo rooms at Pick Me Up! Bingo – Suit Up and Bingo Roulette. HOW TO PLAY 75-BALL BINGO With 75-Ball Bingo, the game is played on a bingo ticket with 24 numbers between one and 75. For each game, the numbers will be in a pattern, such as a pyramid, triangle or a ‘blackout’, where all the numbers are marked off. The first player to mark off and complete the winning pattern or blackout…

We R Memory Keepers Glitter Mini Vacuum, £15, Hobbycraft Glitter just gets everywhere! To clean your crafting or festival mess up in one go, the mini glitter vacuum is able to lift glitter, powder, and other small scraps from your table and can be emptied into the bin. Powered by USB, it’s a handy device to keep on your desk at all times – those pesky crumbs are next! Verdict: GENIUS! Glitter be gone! Robotic vacuum cleaner, £89, JML This robotic vacuum can be programmed to clean your rooms as you put your feet up – no more Freddie Mercury re-enactments! There’s even a built in sensor to detect a drop over a step, meaning it won’t tumble down your stairs. Even though that idea is pretty genius, who thought…

Serving everyone with a smile, Heather Frank worked long hours as a waitress, a job she had known ever since graduating from Lake Mills High School in 1990. Growing up with her family in Waterloo, Wisconsin, and Lake Mills, she was used to moving around from state to state. Only, when her full-time job meant that she had the chance to become a waitress manager at Doug’s Day Diner in Loveland, Greenley, in 2008, she jumped at the chance to do so. Anything to share her sense of humour, kindness, and beaming smile with customers who quickly became her friends. From that moment, she was coined as the ‘Wonder Waitress’, everyone knowing that she has a truly golden heart. She had a natural affinity as a mother, too, caring for…

Nairn’s Cheese Oat Cakes, £1.45, Sainsbury’s These savoury oat snacks are perfect for lunch boxes! Rich in nutrients and low in sugar, they provide a tasty yet healthy source of energy for the long school day – made from nothing but mature Cheddar and wholegrain oats. Remedy Kombucha Wild Berry Flavour, £5, Tesco Bursting with fruity sweetness, it’s hard to believe that this summery beverage is not only completely free from sugar and artificial sweeteners, but is only six calories per can! This Isn’t Chicken Tenders, £3, Sainsbury’s These plant-based chicken tenders, made from soya and pea protein, take only 12 to 15 minutes in the oven. Low in saturated fat, high in protein and fortified with vitamin B12 and iron, these quick and easy meat replacements pack an impressive…