Table of contents for 23-Feb-2023 in Pick Me Up!

Splashing around in the water, the beach was a normal outing. With my two brothers running around Swansea Beach, my mum, Agatha*, now 53, and dad, Carl, now 55, watched us from a distance. We’d tend to go to the seaside quite a lot, and at age four, it was clear that I was a daddy’s girl. ‘You’re like his little shadow,’ Mum would always say. And it was true – we had a great relationship. Whether we were fishing or watching the TV together, I didn’t want to leave his side. And with my mum working late or going out to play bingo, it meant that Dad had the responsibility for the night. ‘Bath time!’ he smiled. And Dad would always try and make it a fun experience. With…

Putting my fingers to my face, I could feel my skin flaring up. It was so dry and sore, with patches of red poking through. Aside from some teenage acne, which had cleared up in my late teens, I had relatively good skin. And up until now, I had thought any bad skin days were behind me. Only, in 2018, my skin began to randomly flare-up more and more regularly. I had no idea why this had happened – I had made no major diet or lifestyle changes – the flare felt completely out of the blue. ‘It’s so painful,’ I would tell my husband, James, 30. We’d been together since we were 13 and he’d seen my acne as a teen – so he knew that this was different.…

Puppy love… So, after dreaming about bringing your new puppy home for months, the big day has finally arrived. But, as much as you love the morning licks of your face and cuddles on the sofa, you can’t help but feel a little overwhelmed. New research from ManyPets has shown that almost two in five pet owners experience puppy blues within the first few weeks of getting a new furry friend. Dr Scott Miller from ManyPets has shared his top tips on how to deal with this life change… • For more info, please visit: manypets.com/uk Unexpected change: Parenting has its ups and downs, but at the start of the wonderful journey of raising a puppy, much of it can feel uphill. Remember, it’s normal to doubt yourself, and no…

Carly is a beekeeper who hand-makes award winning natural skincare using beeswax and honey. Beeutiful makes body balms and butters that are preservative free – perfect for those with sensitive skin. Bees remain at the forefront of Beeutiful, with Carly making a donation from sales to the British Beekeeping Association and training new beekeepers. This spring, Carly is launching beekeeping experiences to introduce others to the magic that happens daily inside a hive. • Please visit: beeutiful.co.uk What inspired you to set up Beeutiful? I have been keeping bees for 10 years and while learning about bees I came across the uses for beeswax and honey in skincare. We all know about Cleopatra bathing in honey and milk, but did you know that honey was used in WWI to heal…

It’s true that all good things come in small packages – these small businesses know that all too well. If you want to turn your hand to something a little bit different in the evenings, why not try a crafting kit? With all the equipment that you may need included, and subscription services available, catch the creativity bug using our current favourites… Oh Hello Maker Now, this is a box ready to get your creative juices flowing! Emily, the founder of Oh Hello Maker is positive this will happen. Creating a range of craft kits to not only thrill but inspire, it doesn’t matter if you are just starting out or already know a thing or two, as there really is something for everyone. Whether that’s trying out the Modern…

Looking forward to spring but still want comforting, hearty meals? Who says you can’t have both?! This cookbook from Higgidy shares some delicious treats that tick all the boxes. With warming pies and light quiches, there’s something for all the seasons. • Higgidy 100 Recipes for Pies and More by Camilla Stephens, £20, WHSmith Courgetti and Ricotta Cheesecakes with Pink Peppercorns Makes: 10 YOU WILL NEED: FOR THE FILLING  □A little plain flour, for dusting□ 200g feta cheese□ 200g ricotta cheese□ 100g crème fraîche□ 2 medium eggs□ 2 medium egg yolks□ 50g frozen petits pois□ 2 spring onions, finely chopped□ 2 tbsp finely chopped fresh chives□ 2 tbsp finely chopped fresh mint□ 2 tbsp lemon juice□ 1 courgette, spiralised or grated□ Whole pink peppercorns, for sprinkling□ Salt and freshly ground…

GOOD ENOUGH TO EAT Did you know, every year almost seven million tonnes of food and drink is thrown away, a lot of which has passed its best before date – most of which is still perfectly edible. When we see something is past its best before date, most of us won’t think twice about binning it. But Dan and Nicola Cluderay wanted to do something about this. So, in 2009, they set up Approved Foods, now run by Andy Needham, to offer customers huge savings on perfectly good food that would otherwise go to waste. With household brands, you can grab some of your favourite products, for a fraction of the price. A box of Hotel Chocolat for just £3 instead of nearly £15? Yes please! Rule of thumb:…

Have you heard? The cost-of-living crisis has hit us all where it hurts – but Iceland and The Food Warehouse are doing their bit to help keep those pennies safely in our purses. Every Tuesday, over-60s can save 10% on their food shop at the budget supermarket. Simply show your proof of age at the check-out and swipe your Iceland Bonus Card to enjoy savings now! • T&Cs apply. Please visit: iceland.co.uk 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 Park, Filton, Bristol, BS34 7JU PHONE 0117 440 0607 FACEBOOK facebook.com/pickmeupmag SEE OUR WEBSITE lifedeathprizes.com Future Publishing Limited reserves the right to reuse any submission…

Dr Ruth Miller-Anderson AKA ‘The Swan Doctor’ is a multi-award-winning success in life, business coach, and pharmacist, too. After experiencing severe adversity in her own life, Ruth really understands how to deal with life’s challenges head on. Follow Ruth on Instagram @theswandoctor or visit: theswandoctor.com for more. How can I make new friends? Q Since hitting my 40s I don’t have any friends anymore. I’m looking to get out there and increase my social circle again but need some advice. How do I do this? Becky, Taunton A There are so many ways to meet new people, but it feels harder and more intimidating as we get older – I want to acknowledge that it’s a brave thing for you to get back out there. Let’s brainstorm! Think about your…

INSTANT appointment By Dr Deborah Lee, from Dr Fox Online Pharmacy (doctorfox.co.uk) Burning throat Q Recently I’ve been waking up with a horrible acid taste in my mouth and burning up my throat. I have been stressed recently, could it be down tothat? Louise, Keynsham A It sounds like you may have gastro-oesophageal reflux disease (GERD). This occurs because stomach acids are passing back up the oesophagus (throat) when you lie flat in bed. GERD is often caused by various factors, some of which are modifiable. • Smoking, excess coffee, chocolate and alcohol – cause relaxation of the lower oesophageal sphincter. • Being overweight or obese – excess fat is pressing on the stomach. • Eating high-fat foods – these take longer to digest. • Pregnancy – due to hormonal…

HOW TO PLAY BINGO ONLINE Online bingo is easier than real life bingo in many ways and is a great alternative if you’re unable to get to the bingo halls. Playing online bingo is simple. Just find a bingo or slot game you like the look of and choose the number of tickets you’d like to buy. A lot of games cost as little as 1p a ticket so a newbie like yourself might like to give them a go first. The bingo numbers are called out, and your ticket will be automatically daubed by your computer, so you never need to worry about missing a number! JOIN THE CONVERSATION! You’ll find a whole lot more to enjoy at Pick Me Up! Bingo than just our great games. Our members…

Giving blood – we’ve all heard about it, but have we ever thought to actually do it? Only, with a demand of 143,000 new donors needed in the UK each year, and one blood donation saving as many as three adult lives, it’s certainly something to rethink. You quite literally have the power to save a life. Laura Whitter, Trustee and Blood Donation Lead at We Are Donors, answers some of the most common blood donation questions so you can sign up and give the gift of life. Why is it important to donate? Each year, over 200,000 new blood donors are required in order to sustain blood supplies, as many current donors become unable to donate. Around 50% of current blood donors are over 45, meaning that it’s crucial…

www.clairepetulengro.tv Catch Claire live on Facebook ARIES 21 March–20 April Venus puts the focus on the relationships in your life and you see with ease who has been holding you back from being the person you want to be. You don’t have time for arguments. It’s your way or no way. Sacrifices you make for older family this weekend bring you closer than ever before. Texts received midweek spread lies, so beware and be careful who you trust. Call: 09058 170 710* LEO 24 July–23 Aug I know recent events have left you dazed and confused, but I also see that you have not been helping yourself of late, with the pressure you have placed on yourself. This week you meet with those who show you a different way of…

This week, our tip of the week will receive a great product from Addis! With a refillable bottle, that can be used as a handheld spray, this 2-in-1 Spray Mop will clean spillages in no time at all. With an 100% microfibre cleaning pad and no need for harsh cleaning chemicals, you just need water. The swivel mop head helps in reaching hard to get to places and can be also used on most floor types! For more ways to make life easier, visit addis.co.uk Fill it up I fill an empty fabric conditioner bottle with half from a new bottle and top up each with cold water. In 24 hours they regain the same strength. What a money saver! Gloria Wilding, Merseyside Tip of the week Wipe it clean To…

Sitting on the loo, I felt my nerves build. I wasn’t sure what results I wanted. I can’t see myself as a mum, I thought. Until I had met Ollie, I wasn’t sure I would find someone I was comfortable enough with to have a family. But meeting him four years ago had changed everything. Having had regular periods most of my adult life, I knew I had to do a test when it didn’t arrive after two weeks. But I had no typical symptoms or maternal instinct telling me I was pregnant – the test was just routine. Until I picked the test up and spotted the two lines. Feeling nervous, I went downstairs to let Ole, 32, know the news. Handing him the test, I waited to see…

You’ll have compliments for sure – how cute?!…

Test of time French tips are a firm nail favourite, but they’re having their moment again – only, now, with a twist. Instead of a standard white tip, more of us are opting for colourful ends. Charlotte Knight, nail tech and founder of Ciaté London, shares her thoughts on why the French mani stands the test of time. 'French tip nails are a classic that has had a makeover. 'A great way to do something different without stepping too far out of the box and able to be adapted in so many ways, the French manicure truly does have a style for everyone. 'You can try out the style at home in a range of different ways. Use tape to section off your tip and paint on your desired colour…