Table of contents for 11-May-2023 in Pick Me Up!

Sitting down in the busy pub garden, it was clear that the sun had got everyone in a cheery mood. Deciding to have a few cocktails with my friend Sarah*, as we got her daughter a Slush Puppie, it was the perfect way to cool down in September 2019. And it seemed everyone had the same idea – every table was full of buzzing conversation. Especially a group of chatty men who were sitting next to us – one man in particular was hard not to miss. With tattoos and piercings covering his body, his style certainly stood out. And with his friend being an extrovert and introducing himself to the whole of the beer garden, we quickly found ourselves chatting. Great tattoos,’ Mark, then 53, said, pointing at the…

This week, our tip of the week will receive a great product from Addis. Organise your wardrobe with these non-slip, easy-to-use hangers which will keep your clothes in order, and easy to find! They can be used to hang scarves, belts and ties, as well as jumpers without stretching. You’ll have an easy to access wardrobe in no time. For more ways to make your life easier, visit: addis.co.uk Wine o’clock If you don’t drink a whole bottle of fizzy wine, stick a fork in the bottle and it should be OK the next day. Abbie Cairns, Colchester Plant power If you want to give your plants some nourishment, don’t throw out the water you boil your eggs in – just let the water cool and pour it onto your…

Alison Blackler has been a transformational mind coach for over 25 years, working both in the NHS and in her own company 2minds. She works with individuals to understand their own mind, free themselves of unwanted habits and embrace their individuality. Please visit: 2-minds.co.uk The dark web… Q My 20-year-old daughter has recently started using online dating apps. She’s very open and will tell me everything – however I’m not very techy and I’m really worried about her meeting new people. What if she meets someone who wants to harm her? Jolene, Newcastle A It is understandable that you are concerned about your daughter using online dating apps. It is important to remember that parents can only protect adult children to a certain point as they do learn from their…

• Follow Kelly on Instagram: @ohhomelygirl 1. How did it feel to win Shed of the Year’s Budget category? Amazing, took me completely by surprise. There were so many wonderful sheds entered that I really didn’t think I would win! But obviously I’m over the moon that I did. 2. Have you always been into DIY? Yes. From the moment I bought my first home, I have found ways to do it myself! As well as upcycling, repurposing and having a ‘make do and mend’ approach, which helps. As soon as we managed to collect enough free doors, I couldn’t wait to get started on my shed! I loved seeing it take shape. Once all the doors were screwed into place and the roof was on, I could envisage how…

EXPERT EYES Love a smokey eye but you just can’t get it right? No one wants to look like a panda! Celebrity makeup artist Hannah Martin knows just how popular a smoked-out eye is as it’s one of her most requested looks. She’s broken down her technique for us. Please visit: ciatelondon.com 'The smokey eye is a timeless classic that never fails. Whilst you can essentially create a smokey eye with any colour, I think charcoal and grey are the most universally flattering. 'I like to press a semi-matte charcoal shade all over the lid and up into the crease using my Flat Eye Base Brush. I then like to sweep my bronzer through the crease of the eye using my Blender Brush to blend the edges of the darker…

Are you animal mad? Then try one of these days out with a difference… ● Please visit: virginexperiencedays.co.uk Hike with huskies Dartford, Kent Take a walk on the wild side! If you’re potty about pups, this is one day out you definitely won’t want to miss. Channel your inner explorer as you hike over trails and footpaths with a group of beautiful huskies. The two-mile trek across the North Downs offers stunning views across the Darent Valley and plenty of fluffy dog strokes, too! You’ll also get entry to Eagle Heights Wildlife Foundation – where you can meet meerkats, servals, reptiles and more. ● £50 for two ● Minimum age eight – under 18s must be accompanied by an adult Sheep walking Henley-in-Arden, Warwickshire For a baa-rilliant time, head to…

We’re loving With knitting and crochet more popular than ever, we’re obsessed with the new Knitcraft by Hobbycraft range. The three new yarn ranges – Bamboo Breeze, Little Dreamer and Tiny Friends – are filled with bright pops of colour and dreamy pastels, perfect for those spring/summer crafts. Why not give making your own cardi a go? • From £1 a ball, please visit: hobbycraft.co.uk What’s trending It’s that time of year again… Eurovision is finally back on our screens and we cannot wait! For the first time since 1998, the iconic song contest is back on UK soil, on behalf of last year’s winners Ukraine, and here at Pick Me Up! we’re all rooting for UK entry Mae Muller. Catch the cheesy Europop coverage with Eurovision legend Graham Norton,…

Finding ourselves in heated arguments, Mark’s behaviour left me confused. So, in February 2020, after yet another alcohol-fuelled row, I ventured up to the bedroom to cool off. ‘Please leave,’ I asked, as Mark followed me, charging into the room. Only, slamming the door so hard behind him, the handle came off in his hands. ‘Look what you’ve made me do,’ Mark bellowed – blaming me for his actions. I couldn’t believe it – the man standing in front of me had changed and it wasn’t right. ‘You’re 53, this is not the right thing to do,’ I sobbed, trying to compose myself. ‘I’m so sorry, I love you so much,’ Mark apologised. And despite his actions leaving me shocked, it was hard not to believe him. Looking at me…

NHS dietitian and registered nutritionist Zoe Cottrell answers the most common questions surrounding protein intake. • Please visit provytl.com 1) How much protein should an adult consume in a day? The amount of protein an adult should eat depends on their age and body weight. For most 18 to 49 year olds, you should be eating 0.75g of protein per kg of weight. Over 50s need more protein due to age-related decline in muscle mass and a decreased efficiency of protein absorption, too. 2) Can protein aid in weight loss? Firstly, protein helps to keep you feeling full for longer. Secondly, protein helps to regulate your blood sugar levels, which can reduce cravings and help you to stick to a healthy eating plan. Finally, it can increase your metabolism, which…

‘It’s absolutely fantastic to once again be inviting everyone to put their best foot forward and get sponsored to join us for a Pink Ribbon Walk this summer. ‘I want to say a huge heartfelt thank you to Jill and Steve for signing up to take part and fundraising for Breast Cancer Now. ‘Whether it’s a new challenge or breath-taking views you’re looking for, Pink Ribbon Walks are a chance to come together with friends, family, your four-legged companion or to walk solo. ‘Every 10 minutes, someone in the UK hears the words, ‘you have breast cancer’. Money raised from Pink Ribbon Walk events will help us to provide support for today and hope for the future for everyone affected by the disease. ‘Help us to create hope with every…

Browsing the rails, I scanned the shop for the boldest outfit I could find. The wackier the better for me! I’d been into fashion since I was a little girl. When I think back to my childhood, I remember myself aged 10, sat on the stairs and peering round the corner to secretly watch Sex and the City. My dad Andrew, 57, and mum Claire, who has now sadly passed, always had it on but told me I was too young to watch it. ‘Please Mum!’ I begged. ‘It’s my favourite.’ ‘When you’re a bit older,’ she laughed. For me, I loved one character in particular – Carrie Bradshaw. From her iconic tiered tutu and dyed capri trousers to the classic little black dress, I was in complete awe of…

Chef and author Jo Pratt has teamed up with Cooks & Co to bring you exciting new flavours to try in your kitchen. ● Please visit: cooksandco.co.uk Pork, Porcini and Lentil Stroganoff with Braised Rice Serves: 4 Prep: 20 mins Cook: 20 mins ◻ 25g Cooks&Co Dried Porcini Mushrooms◻ 1 tbsp olive oil◻ 1 onion, finely sliced◻ 2 cloves garlic, peeled and grated or crushed◻ Pinch cayenne pepper◻ 1 tsp paprika◻ 300g pork fillet, cut into slim strips◻ 1 x 400g tin Cooks&Co Brown Lentils, drained◻ 2 x Cooks&Co Roasted Red Peppers, cut into thin strips◻ 1 tsp Dijon mustard◻ 200ml sour cream◻ 80g baby spinach leaves◻ Flaked sea salt and freshly ground black pepper 1 Put the Cooks&Co Dried Porcini Mushrooms into a measuring jug and pour in boiling…

Celebrating the Coronation Big Lunch this weekend? Why not take a delicious cocktail? Try these from Double Dutch. Available from Tesco Dutch Garden You will need: ● 50ml gin● Fresh lime● Cucumber● Double Dutch Cucumber & Watermelon● 1 handful ice How to: 1. Fill the glass with ice. 2. Pour over your gin. 3. Squeeze in some fresh lime juice. 4. Top with Double Dutch Cucumber and Watermelon. 5. Stir carefully until evenly mixed. 6. Garnish with a cucumber ribbon. Palace Punch You will need: ● 50ml gin● Sliced watermelon● Lime wheels● Fresh mint● Double Dutch Cucumber & Watermelon How to: 1. This recipe makes a single serving so make sure to adjust for the number of guests. 2. Fill your jug with ice and pour over your gin. 3.…

Catch Claire live on Facebook ARIES 21 March–20 April Positivity is what happens when you use your imagination for the power of good. You realise this with every step you take towards a more fulfilling life. Time you take out to consider study options and further learning puts you back in the driving seat of the road you want to travel. This is the beginning of better times, my friend, so buckle up and enjoy the ride. Call: 09058 170 710* TAURUS 21 April–21 May Why would you try to be somebody else when you’re so amazing? You’ve allowed those who are not even as strong as you to bring you down. Be you, all you and this is the week you will both see and feel that you are…

Standing in the glass pod, I craned my neck taking in the expansive views of beautiful London. ‘Isn’t the view pretty?’ I said to my husband Phil, 42, and two children, Sam, 14, and Ashley, 16. We’d come for a family trip down to London in January 2019 and had spent the day taking in the city’s fab attractions, doing a little shopping and snapping family selfies as we went. And finishing the day off at the London Eye was perfect. Whipping out my phone, I wanted to take one final selfie before we called it a day. ‘Say cheese,’ I grinned, snapping us in front of London’s skyline. Only when we got back to the hotel, I was flicking through our pictures and suddenly felt disheartened. I didn’t recognise…

Walkers at Pink Ribbon Walks have the option to sign up for a 10 or 20 mile walk (so don’t worry if your not marathon-ready!). Everyone taking part will be supported all the way with a clearly marked route, expert guides and regular rest stops with snacks – allowing those taking part to soak up the spectacular scenery and focus on reaching that finish line. So, why not challenge yourself to a Pink Ribbon Walk and help fund life-changing research and support? • Find out more and register today at breastcancernow.org/ribbonwalk Disclaimer: Medical advice provided is for interest only and should never be substituted for seeing a doctor or seeking medical advice. If you have specific medical concerns please seek advice from a qualified medical professional.…

Breakfast woes Q My six-year-old son never wants to eat breakfast before going to school and says he’s not hungry. Is this likely to be harmful to his health? Louise, Coventry A Breakfast can be important to fuel children for the day ahead, supporting their concentration and mood. However, it’s never a good idea to force a child to eat a meal. Feeling rushed, tired or nervous, or eating late the night before are just a few reasons why a child’s appetite might be affected. Avoid pressuring or making breakfast time a battleground. If your schedule allows, can you try waking him up just 20 minutes earlier to make sure their morning routine with breakfast is relaxed? Try eating with them and mix up the breakfast options. Or offer a…

Teal Ice Cube Stick Tray, £2.50, Dunelm As the sun starts to make an appearance, it’s always nice to have some ice cubes ready in the freezer – and even better when you want to put them in a bottle. But we have all been there trying to force the cube in the top, making a mess. With these slim shaped trays, they will form the perfect ice cubes that will slide easily into any bottle – perfect for on the go. No more wrestling with your water bottle! Verdict: GENIUS! N-ice trick The Macallan Ice Ball Maker, £650, Macallan.com Now, this really is one crazy bar item. Able to transform a large cube of ice into a perfectly smooth, round ball in just a few seconds, it does seem…

Fixing my hair in the mirror, I couldn’t wait to see my sister. My twin sister Kiara had moved from the family home we shared with our dad, Lance, 47, and brother Joshua, 16, in Saskatchewan, Canada, to Alberta last July. Kiara was now nine hours away from me, moving to become a social media manager at our family business, but we always tried to visit each other once a month – alternating each time. And it was hard being apart. Kiara was my soulmate – we had always been so close. It’s weird, the bond between me and my twin is completely different than it is between me and Joshua. While we’re close, Kiara and I understand each other on a telepathic level. Sometimes I’ll be in a really…