Table of contents for 14-Oct-2021 in Pick Me Up!

Growing up, I spent my life in hospital. You see, as a triplet, I was born with dysplasia in both of my hips, as well as cerebral palsy. Unfortunately, all three of us were, so our parents had their hands full. Doctors said we’d never be able to walk, but thankfully, we did. However, we all needed major surgery, and as we grew, the pain became all the worse. Going through puberty and growth spurts, my hips struggled with the weight. The pain got worse as I got older, and I needed a walking stick to get around. Sadly, it was later discovered that the screws and plates that were inserted into my hips as a baby had moved, and were making life more difficult. In the end, I couldn’t…

Sitting on the sofa, looking down at my hands, I bit my lip nervously. ‘I’m fine, really,’ I said. ‘I just want to be by myself now.’ I looked up, and two police officers fixed me with a steely gaze. ‘I promise,’ I said, struggling to look them in the eye. ‘I really won’t hurt myself again.’ I finally managed to usher them out of my flat, and as I shut the door behind them, I breathed a sigh of relief. They’d been sent to check up on me after I’d tried to take my own life. Not once, but twice. In one day. After being sent home from hospital for the second time, doctors wanted to double check I wasn’t going to try again. They shouldn’t have bothered, I…

INSTANT appointment With Dr Deborah Lee, Dr Fox Online Pharmacy (www.doctorfox.co.uk) Leg rash Q Every time I shave my legs, I get loads of bumpy ingrown hairs. How can I stop this from happening? Natalie, Milton Keynes A Red bumps on the skin after shaving are caused by irritation to the hair follicles – known as folliculitis – or razor burn. There are lots of things you can do to try and avoid this. Never shave against the grain, go in the direction of hair growth. Make sure you only shave with a clean razor, and replace regularly. Always exfoliate, and use a shaving foam rather than a plain soap. Make sure you moisturise with an alcoholfree moisturiser before and after. After you’ve shaved, apply a cool flannel to the…

QI’m a healthy weight, but no matter how much time I spend at the gym I can’t get rid of my ‘man boobs’. It makes me so self-conscious. What’s wrong with me? Ben, Birmingham A Around 30% of men will develop gynaecomastia, or ‘man boobs’, at some point. It may be due to too high levels of oestrogen, which occurs as a result of obesity. This can also happen as men age. To get rid of man boobs, you need to lose weight and exercise your pectoral muscles. Start a weight loss and exercise programme. Ask for advice at your gym or a PT. Some medicines can cause gynaecomastia such as some antibiotics, steroids, antidepressants and stomach ulcer medication and more. See your GP if you have gynaecomastia so they…

It can be tempting to only concentrate on buying big autumnal pieces, but accessories really can be your best friend. Great for coordinating patterns, or adding a pop of colour, accessories are a winter staple! Here are some of our recent favourites that will get you compliments for sure… Top tip Try mixing metals for a subtle statement! Top tip Scarves can be multipurpose! Wear in your hair or even on a bag Try something different Hair accessories are a great way to coordinate your outfit! Primark have some super cute bargain pieces to inspire your autumn wardrobe… Award-winning personal stylist Lisa Talbot shares her 5 top tips on how to successfully style accessories this season: DON’T SWEAT THE DETAILS 1. Accessories do complete an outfit, they can add an…

For many millennials and following generations, the prospect of owning their own home is all but a distant dream. Stuck in a cycle of renting properties, they are a stark reminder of Britain’s broken housing market. For them, the likelihood of dealing with the demands of landlords for the foreseeable future is probable. Accounting for a population of adults aged between 18 to 40 who cannot afford a property, ‘generation rent’ has emerged as a direct result of fundamental inequalities in the country. House prices are continuing to rise and creating a huge gap in wealth between the better off and middle to low-income ‘younger’ groups. According to recent research by the Office for National Statistics, ‘generation rent’ is only growing. Data from 2017 shows that one in four people…

Holy guacamole! Instantly nourish your skin with the majorly moisturising benefits of vitamin-rich avocado oil and skin plumping hyaluronic acid with Yes To Avocado. This rich textured, fragrance-free range is formulated to cleanse, treat and protect dry skin, leaving it feeling soft, smooth and super hydrated. Available from Tesco. 1. Fragrance-Free Daily Cream Cleanser, £ Intended for daily use, this creamy cleanser creates a milk lather that purges dirt, oil and all other impurities. Formulated with 98% natural ingredients including hydrating hyaluronic acid, avocado oil and antioxidant vitamin C and E, use morning and night for beautifully clean, nourished skin. 2. Fragrance-Free Daily Eye Cream, £8 Formulated with skin-plumping hyaluronic acid, Yes To’s Fragrance-Free Daily Eye Cream hydrates the skin around your eyes, helps smooth fine lines and allows you…

This October, Drayton Manor Park’s Fireworks Extravaganza is back with a bang! The Staffordshire-based family attraction has announced the dazzling show will return in style, with a special theme to celebrate the best of British and the pride of the nation, pulling together throughout the pandemic. The Brit-tastic Fireworks Extravaganza will take place on Friday 29 and Saturday 30 October, and will feature an aweinspiring fireworks and laser display for guests to enjoy, set to an upbeat soundtrack celebrating the very best of iconic British music. As well as marvelling at the light display, guests will also be able to enjoy the park’s 100 plus rides and attractions, a 15-acre zoo and Europe’s one and only Thomas land which is home to 25 Thomas and Friends themed attractions. • Prices…

Lounging around the pool, I was having the holiday of a lifetime. It was June 2016, and my partner Stephen, then 29, and I, were in Crete. We were having the best time, but I couldn’t shake this nauseous feeling. I tried to ignore it, but every now and then it would send waves through my stomach. I just put it down to too much hummus and pitta. Only, when we arrived home, I still couldn’t shake it and my boobs were tender. ‘I think I’m going to take a pregnancy test,’ I told Stephen. ‘Oh, really?’ he asked me, a little shocked. We’d only been together for just over a year and I had the contraceptive implant. I knew the chances were slim, but I wanted to be safe.…

MORE MAGAZINES AVAILABLE AT magazinesdirect.com TWO EASY WAYS TO SUBSCRIBE Visit www.magazinesdirect.com/BN21 or phone 0330 333 1113 and quote code BN21 TERMS & CONDITIONS Offer closes 31st Octo ber 2021. Offer open to new subscribers only. Please allow up to six weeks for delivery of your first sub scription issue. The full subscription rate is for 12 months and includes postage and packaging. If the magazine ordered changes frequency per annum, we will honour the number of issues paid for, not the term of the subscription. Payment is non-refundable after the 14 day cancellat ion period unless exce ptional circumstances apply. For full terms and condi tions, visit www.magazinesdirect.com/terms. For enquiries please call: +44 (0) 330 3331113. Lines are open Monday- Friday 9am- Spm UK Time or e-mail: help@magazinesdirect.com. calls…

This innovative brush is designed to be more sustainable – by using 80% less plastic than regular manual toothbrushes. Just keep the beautifully designed aluminium handle and replace the heads as often as you need! HEALTH TIP…

In Naida’s eyes, she doesn’t see how renting will do her future any favours. ‘My plan is to save up as much as possible so that I can buy a property, even if I have to wait until I’m 30 – which is the likelihood I’ll be able to buy!’ Naida says. Although Naida would love her own independence and flexibility, finding a decent place to rent in London while trying to save for a house of her own one day, is currently impossible. ‘One of my main concerns is the rise in property prices and paying for a lawyer or mortgage broker. ‘Then there’s the issue of credit and proving that you’re a good housing candidate – it all tots up!’ Naida says. Naida admits that it can be…

Surprise popping cake stand, £39.99, thecakedecoratingcompany.co.uk Why have an ordinary cake when you could have one which scares the life out of everyone? Not only does this surprise cake stand make your cake low fat because half of it’s missing in the middle, you can hide fun items inside it – like a guest’s phone! Verdict: GENIUS! Terrify your guests! Abba the Alpaca Footstool, £58.50, redcandy.co.uk Abba is friendly, furry and great company – plus it’s really good to put your feet on. Place Abba the Alpaca at the end of your sofa, or by your front door if you’re in need of a guard alpaca. She doesn’t bark like a dog though, as alpacas ‘cluck.’ Verdict: BONKERS! Friend and furniture Tartan kilt towel, £19.99, coopersofstortford.co.uk What makes the bagpipes…

THIS WEEK Break-ups If your partner asks you for a divorce, you may feel lost, scared, confused and overwhelmed. there will be lots of practical things to sort out, too Frances Bentley, associate solicitor at Maguire Family Law, shares her top tips on what to do if you find yourself going through a divorce… Put the kids first The children must remain the focus of any relationship breakdown. No matter what their ages are, they will find it confusing and will be feeling unsettled. It is important that the children see their parents taking a united front and explaining the relationship breakdown to them in a child focused way. Consider the arrangements for the children Early on it is important to discuss the arrangements for the children to try and…

These are my granddaughter’s Robin and Raven. They wore cute matching outfits on their walk. Elizabeth McAllister, Kettering. STAR LETTER Here’s my son Joshua, seven, enjoying a visit to the park. I love this photo as he looks like he’s levitating! Samantha Lloyd-Gray, Yorkshire. The hills were worth the amazing views on our recent staycation in Cornwall. Natasha Douglas, Kent. Here is my pooch Rana, and as usual she is stealing the sofa! Rebecca Key, Norwich. I couldn’t resist sitting on the knee of this sea dog in Beer Harbour recently. Katie Gooding, Tidworth. 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…

This week, our tip of the week will receive a great product from Addis! With a highgrade anti scratch Nylon head, this ladle won’t mark your pans when you’re cooking up a storm in the kitchen. It’s great for measuring out portions and for draining excess liquid, plus it’s dishwasher safe. For more ways to make your life easier, visit addis.co.uk Easy as pie! If you haven’t got a pastry cutter, an upturned drinking glass works just as well! Carol Fletcher, Gloucester. Stretchy solution! To stop a wooden spoon from slipping into a mixing bowl, try wrapping some elastic bands around the top of the handle. Abbie Cairns, Essex. Tip of the week Stay prepared A really handy tip for those unexpected showers – I keep my umbrella hanging over…

Joanna Shurety is a lifestyle coach, helping clients transform their lifestyle in a sustainable and easy way so they can thrive (find out more at shuretycoaching.com) Should I stay in more? Q I love being busy at the weekend with friends, but it means by Monday I’m exhausted for work. I feel like I pay the price for the fun I have. Maybe I should cancel more plans. Jen, London A After a busy week at work its very tempting to squeeze in as much fun at the weekend that you can and let your hair down! But you are recognising that this is affecting your energy for the week at work, and left unchecked that will start to affect your health and your performance at work. Working on low…

Scarlet fever 1 It’s a contagious infection. ⃞ True ⃞ False 2 It causes flu-like symptoms. ⃞ True ⃞ False 3 You develop a rash. ⃞ True ⃞ False 4 It’s never serious. ⃞ True ⃞ False 5 It only lasts a day ⃞ True ⃞ False 1 TRUE Scarlet fever is a contagious infection that most often affects young children. Around 87% of cases in the UK are under 10 years old. However, it is easily treated with the right antibiotics. 2 TRUE Often the first symptoms of scarlet fever are flu-like symptoms. These include a high temperature, swollen neck glands and a sore throat. 3 TRUE Between 12 to 48 hours after you first develop the flu-like symptoms, you develop a rash on the chest and tummy which…

Sitting across from the doctor with my partner Barry, 49, I was filled with nerves. It should have been a time of joy and excitement, of making plans, buying baby grows and Moses baskets. Instead, the doctor’s face was grave and serious. ‘We’ve had your 12 week blood test results back,’ he said. ‘Oh?’ I said. ‘I’m afraid there are markers for Down’s syndrome.’ I paused. I think he expected me to break down or start crying, but I didn’t. ‘So what? It’s our baby. We’ll love it and keep it whatever.’ I said. Barry nodded at my side. ‘She’s right. We’ll love our baby no matter what,’ he said. The doctor offered us more blood tests that we could do, or a procedure called an amniocentesis which would involve…

Sitting in the living room, looking at my wedding photo, I felt tears prick at my eyes. ‘Come on, Granny,’ my grandson Elo, 36, said, sitting beside me. ‘Let’s go and get some fresh air.’ I shook my head sadly. Since my husband Aldo had passed away, in December 2017, I felt lost. We’d been married for 64 years, and he was my world. I’d spent the past decade caring for him, and now he was gone, I felt useless. Elo, my only grandchild, didn’t give up on me though. ‘Let’s go to the new pizza place, Granny,’ he said. ‘Come to the second-hand shop with me, it’s no fun alone,’ he persisted. But I felt too depressed. I wasn’t eating, and I just wanted to sleep all day long.…

Makes: 12 Horlicks profiteroles CHOUX ⃞ 150ml water⃞ 60g butter⃞ 75g plain flour⃞ 25g Horlicks Instant⃞ ¼tsp salt⃞ 2 large free-range eggs (100g) FILLING ⃞ 300ml double cream⃞ ½ tin condensed milk (185ml)⃞ 65g Horlicks Instant CHOCOLATE SAUC ⃞ 100g dark chocolate, chopped⃞ 200ml double cream⃞ 50g Horlicks Chocolate 1Preheat the oven to 200C/ 180C fan/ gas five. Line a baking tray with parchment paper and splash with cold water (this will form steam and help the choux to rise). 2In a small saucepan bring the water and butter to the boil then remove from heat. 3Add the flour, Horlicks Instant and salt. Over a low heat, beat with a spoon until the mixture is smooth and leaves the side of the pan. 4Transfer into a mixing bowl and whisk…

One-eyed Rebel Spiced Rum, £30, manchestergin.co.uk A new botanical spiced rum with ginger, sweeping undercurrents of vanilla and a flaming heart of rich cassia. It’s a rum for the rebellious. Proactive Pasta, £3.99, pastaplant.com A new ‘superfood’ non-wheat pasta is packed full of 100% organic ingredients including legumes, roots, greens and seeds. It contains high levels of plant-based protein and is low on carbs. It’s perfect for active and healthy lifestyles. Lu Petit Chocolate, £1.50, Tesco A quintessential taste of France in the form of a biscuit which will complete your 3pm cuppa. It’s a crunchy Petit Beurre biscuit coated with an indulgent layer of milk chocolate. OUR MUST TRYTRY Heck Piri Piri Posh Nuggets, £3.89, ASDA These extra special, mouthwatering nuggets are made from British chicken and are coated…

www.clairepetulengro.tv Catch Claire live on Facebook ARIES 21 March–20 April The way you earn and spend money comes under the spotlight. Don’t be surprised if close ones voice their worries about your handling of money lately. You know what I’m talking about! Do however make sure you’re willing to work as a team and accept the help they’re offering. It can help you find a way out of even the most stressful situation with cash flow. Call: 09058 170 710* LEO 24 July–23 Aug You’re not the one who let recent disagreements get out of hand. You are however the one who has the ability to turn them around in your favour. There was freedom you wanted last month that you could not get. This week offers you the chance…