Table of contents for 25-Nov-2021 in Pick Me Up!

Tapping out a message on Facebook, I quickly deleted it and sighed. I shouldn’t get involved, I thought. Or should I? I’d found out through the social networking site that my now ex-friend had a new bloke. She was trouble. And anyone who got mixed up with her was always dragged into her drama. I felt for her new fella. And even though I knew it wasn’t my place, I couldn’t stop myself sending him a warning. She’s bad news, I typed. You should watch out. Before I could talk myself out of it, I pressed send. I was surprised when Michael Bloy, 36, replied. It ended before it started, he wrote. But thanks. I was glad. We started chatting, and when he asked me out for a drink I…

Sepsis, sometimes known as blood poisoning, is a life-threatening reaction to an infection. It happens when your immune system overreacts to an infection, and then starts to attack your body’s tissues and organs. There are lots of possible symptoms, and they can be vague or symptoms of other conditions, too – like colds, flu, chest infections or stroke. Symptoms include acting confused; slurred speech; blue, pale or blotchy skin; a rash that doesn’t fade; or difficulty breathing, breathing very fast or breathlessness. If you suspect sepsis, call 999 immediately.…

Danielle Barnett is a NLP Master practitioner, clinical hypnotherapist, and a life coach. She also has a weekly podcast: Real Therapy. daniellebarnett.coach Money woes Q With Christmas coming, I’m already worried about the pressure of present buying. I’m having a tough time financially and I know I’ll just put it all on credit cards. Sarah, Liverpool A The pressure around Christmas can be so intense – but really, the only pressure is what you put on yourself. Talk to the people on your list – they are probably feeling the same way as you! Communication is key – maybe you can all agree on doing a secret Santa, or agree on a spending limit. If there is something in particular that somebody wants, maybe a few of you could club…

BIG health story Wriggling my wetsuit up over my chest, I frowned. What was that? Feeling my left breast again, I felt a definite lump. I was on holiday in Devon with my husband Noel, 53, and our two girls Laura, then 12, and Erin, then eight. But I assumed it was probably nothing. ‘Come on, race you to the sea,’ I grinned. A month later, I was back to work as a teacher and had forgotten all about it. But then I felt the lump again. A friend convinced me to see a GP, and I was referred to the breast clinic, but there was a two-week wait. But Noel had private health insurance, and I arranged an appointment with a breast surgeon the next day. Noel and the…

Heel balm specially formulated to help control the most difficult cases of rough, dry and cracked heels. It’s clinically tested to help strengthen and balance the texture of skin, as well as shielding and protecting it with a non-greasy barrier. HEALTH TIP…

Symptoms of a group B strep infection can develop up to three months after birth. Call 999 or go to A&E if your baby gets any of these symptoms: • Being floppy or unresponsive • Grunting when breathing, or working hard to breath when you look at their chest or stomach • Very fast or slow breathing • A very fast or slow heart rate • An unusually high or low temperature • Changes in their skin colour or blotchy skin • Not feeding well or vomiting milk up • An unusually fast or slow heart rate Most babies with a group B strep infection make a full recovery if treated. Some babies may develop serious problems like sepsis or meningitis. This can cause lasting problems like hearing loss or loss…

Chatting with my husband Jack, 30, it was clear that he wanted children. ‘I’m just really not sure I want any,’ I told him I was more reluctant. ‘I’d love a little girl,’ Jack replied. ‘But they can’t be an only child, like I was. ‘I was always desperate for a sibling to play with growing up.’ It was 2018 and I’d been with Jack for eight years. Even though we had just got married, I still wasn’t sure I wanted kids at all. But two-and-a-half years later on 2 August 2020, I found out I was pregnant and I was genuinely over the moon. ‘A little girl would be nice,’ I squealed to Jack. ‘I can’t believe this is actually happening!’ he cried. ‘Hopefully it’s one of many.’ Letting…

Let’s face it – we’ve all been there. Scrolling through Instagram, you spot a picture on the ‘explore’ page and fall down a rabbit hole. She’s so slim. Why can’t I look like her? I’ll never be good enough. And so you start trying to change yourself. It might start off innocently – maybe a crash diet to lose a few pounds, or spending a bit more time in the gym. But before long, it starts to become obsessive. And for some, it can cross the line into very dangerous territory indeed. According to the eating disorder charity Beat, around 1.25 million people in the UK are suffering with an eating disorder. But how much blame can be placed on social media sites like Instagram? ‘It’s too reductive to say…

Cornflake chicken sliders with gochujang mayonnaise Serves 4 Gordon says: Once you’ve tried the crunch and flavour of cornflake-coated chicken, you might never go back to breadcrumbs! And to take the crunch factor up to the next level, I dip the buns into crispy fried onions and roasted peanuts. ⃞ 65g cornflakes⃞ 2 skinless chicken breasts⃞ 3 eggs⃞ 4 tbsp plain flour⃞ Vegetable oil, for frying⃞ ½ cucumber⃞ 2 spring onions⃞ Small handful of coriander leaves⃞ 2 tbsp fish sauce⃞ Zest and juice of 1 lime⃞ 100g roasted peanuts, crushed (optional)⃞ 3 heaped tbsp crispy fried onions (optional)⃞ 4 brioche burger buns⃞ 4 Little Gem lettuce leaves⃞ Sea salt FOR THE GOCHUJANG MAYONNAISE ⃞ 2 tbsp gochujang chilli sauce⃞ 3 tbsp mayonnaise⃞ ½ tsp finely chopped garlic⃞ Zest and juice of…

It can be difficult to know where to start when getting ready for the festive season – but fear not, as Polly Noel-Storr, head of gift buying, and Sarah-Jane Porter, head of cards, from the UK’s leading card and gifting platform Moonpig, share their top tips on how to give the perfect card or gift this Christmas. 1 Where to start Dig deep and draw on your recipient’s previous purchases. Have they admired your perfume, or expressed an interest in a hobby? It’s often helpful to take mental notes and write them down after speaking with friends and family in the run up to Christmas, to make it easier to give them the perfect gift. 2 Christmas cards It can often be difficult to buy Christmas cards in bulk that…

Have you heard? Bring the heat to your plate this November with the launch of Nando’s Christmas range. Whether you’re after their twist on traditional gravy or looking to sink your teeth into the much-missed Fino Pitta, Nando’s sure won’t disappoint. Launched on 2 November, the fan favourite Fino Pitta consists of a toasted pitta filled with two flamegrilled chicken thighs, grilled halloumi cheese, caramelised red onion relish and wild garlic aioli, topped with lettuce. Now, that’s our kind of meal! Don’t miss their new Spiced Clementine PERi-PERi baste, and why not try the sweet and sour SXOLLIE Cider. Supporat a small business Did you want to catch the creativity bug this season? Cosy Owl’s new candle making kits provide you with everything you need to begin making comforting scents right away.…

When I saw her the next day, she was horrified by my injuries. ‘You need to call the police,’ she said gently. I knew she was right. I couldn’t keep living in fear of Michael. He didn’t love me at all. He was a monster. To top it off, a test showed that I was pregnant after all. What Michael had done to me was bad enough. The thought of a child being around his temper was too much to bear. Michael may have beaten me to a pulp, but I refused to let him break me completely. I refused to let him win. So at the end of August last year, I finally rang the police and reported Michael. I gave a statement, and an officer told me someone…

This week, our tip of the week will receive a great product from Addis! With a high-grade anti scratch Nylon head, this spoon won’t mark you pans when you’re cooking up a storm in the kitchen. It’s great for measuring out portions and for draining excess liquid and it is dishwasher safe. Be a winner! For more ways to make your life easier, visit addis.co.uk Rice idea! Add a few grains of rice to the salt cellar to help keep the salt flowing freely. Judith Cairns, Essex Stepping stones If you want a winter walk on the beach, try this game! Building stones to make a tower can keep you entertained for ages, the one that builds the biggest tower wins. It’s a game that my grandchildren love! Deborah Johnston,…

INSTANT appointment With Claire Swindon-Darling, menopause and hormones expert and founder of the Balanced Wellness Clinics Menopause woe Q I’ve just been told I’m going through early menopause. I’m only 33. Does this mean I won’t be able to have children? Christina, Essex A First, I want to say how sorry I am to hear you are going through this at 33. It can be quite a shocking diagnosis and sadly, premature menopause is on the increase. Whilst early menopause will affect your ability to have children naturally, you do still have options. You may still be able to have children by using IVF and donated eggs from another woman, or using your own eggs if you had some stored. Surrogacy and adoption may also be options for you. I…

A brighter future Sick, injured and difficult animals are often overlooked. But the non-profit animal welfare organisation Miracle’s Mission has made it their priority to take care of as many unloved pets, strays and neuter stray dogs and cats as they can. The charity was founded by Victoria Bryceson in 2015 after a trip to Borneo made her aware of the severity of the street dog population. A lovely little pup who was just one-week-old was found in a remote area and was extremely unwell. Thankfully Victoria rescued this tiny creature and saved her life. The pup was named Miracle and was helped along the road to recovery. Miracle is now strong, happy and healthy. Miracle’s Mission aims to save many more animals in need around the world, and is…

There are so many styles of denim and although jeans are a wardrobe must have, it can be hard to figure out how to style them. Fear no more as you can master denim with the help of fashion retailer M&Co. Visit www.mandco.com to snap up these stylish outfits now! SKINNY JEAN: Top tip Make a statement with a coloured coat! BOOTCUT JEAN: Top tip These jeans are perfect for a 70s look! DENIM SKIRT: MOM JEANS: WIDE LEG JEAN: Top tip Wide leg jeans are the hottest denim trend! Style with a fitted top or t-shirt for a casual look!…

Only women have eating disorders FALSE Approximately 1.25 million people in the UK have an eating disorder – and around 25% of those affected are male. Anorexia is the most common eating disorder FALSE A 2017 study by Hay et al found that anorexia accounted for 8% of cases, while bulimia was 19% and binge eating disorder was 22%. Everyone with an eating disorder looks skinny FALSE While many anorexia sufferers are severely emaciated, some are not, and the majority of sufferers do not have anorexia. Those with bulimia may be in a normal weight range, or even overweight, and those with binge eating disorder are often overweight, too. Eating disorders can kill TRUE Anorexia has the highest mortality rate of any psychiatric disorder, from complications as well as suicide, and…

Golf Ball Ice Bucket, £35, redcandy.co.uk With a stroke of luck this ice bucket will provide you with the coldest cubiest ice for those postgame drinkies. Put those regular ice-cube trays away and get ready to be balled over by this total hole in one! Verdict: BONKERS! It’s a bogey! Penguin Lamp, £34.99, redcandy.co.uk Add a splash of fun and light to cosy up your home this winter. Verdict:GENIUS! So cool! There’s snow other lamp like it! Mr Penguin will definitely have pole position in your house. Elvira Salt & Pepper, £34.99, attitudeclothing.co.uk Put this collectable on your kitchen table and shake it, baby! Add a little spice to your dining experience this winter. Verdict: BONKERS! It’s getting hot in here!…

OUR MUST TRYTRY Muller Gut Glory yoghurt, from £1.80, supermarkets nationwide Made with 100% British milk and produced in Shropshire, this creamy yoghurt is good for your gut, and a tasty treat. In large pots or smaller packs, they’re perfect for breakfast or an on-the-go snack. Cadbury Roses limited edition Cath Kidston tins, from £4.99, supermarkets nationwide It’s not Christmas without a tin of chocs – and these keepsake tins make Roses extra-special. With Cath Kidston’s floral patterns, and Cadbury’s delicious chocolates, give as a gift, or keep for yourself! Kallo Organic Stock Paste, £2.50, Sainsbury’s For a squ-easy way to add flavour to your meals, grab a tube of Kallo’s Organic Stock Paste, in three flavours. With six servings per tube, there’s no faffing around – simply squeeze and go! Holland’s…

18 – 24 Novembe www.clairepetulengro.tv Catch Claire live on Facebook ARIES 21 March–20 April With the sun entering Sagittarius, a fellow fire sign, you begin to realise that the very traits you see as a setback, are actually your biggest asset. No longer do you worry if you are too pushy, or too loud, but you’re out to get the life you want. Favours you’ve done for others in the past pay back tenfold with a work favour you require in the days ahead, so call it in. Call: 09058 170 710* TAURUS 21 April – 21 May The full moon in your sign reveals to you who was trying to pull the wool over your eyes. You no longer suffer fools gladly, but you openly call out those who…

Here’s my Lillie, aged eight. She loves a car boot sale and spots a bargain right away. Charlotte Crowe, Norwich During my week away in the New Forest, I met this free roaming pig wandering around our campsite! Beverley Lindfield, Kent Walking home along the seafront, I was suddenly amazed by an incredible rainbow over the harbour. Beauty really is all around us. Gary Evans, Margate STAR LETTER This is me and my little dog Harley at St. Mary’s Lighthouse on our much needed break away. We even saw some seals! Samantha McKibbens, Glasgow My daughter Sue celebrated her birthday recently. She partied with cardboard cut-outs of some of her favourite stars! Patricia Cordon, Gloucester If your letter makes Star Letter of the week, you will receive some beautiful blooms from Flying Flowers. With over…

Picking up my phone, I rang my parents. ‘How are you?’ I asked as my dad Ken, 81, picked up. ‘I’m OK,’ he replied, stoically. I was used to seeing my parents all the time, but since lockdown hit in March 2020, we’d been reduced to phone calls and the odd wave through the window. It was tough, but I didn’t want to put Dad and my mum Margaret, 66, at any risk. Mum and Dad had been married for 48 years, and they were devoted to each other. They’d set an amazing example for me and my younger sister Claire, 43. They were always so loving and supportive, and we all looked out for each other. But since the lockdown, Dad’s health seemed to be going downhill. He’d had…

Menopause and hormones expert and founder of the Balanced Wellness Clinics (balancedwellness.co.uk) Q I’ve got high blood sugar levels and despite eating a healthy diet they’re still not coming down. Why is this? Martin, Swindon A Blood sugars are affected by a variety of things, not just diet. Make sure that you are eating a protein source at every meal from meat, fish, eggs, tofu or clean protein powders. If you are already doing this, you may find it is stress-related. The stress hormone cortisol spikes our blood sugars and too much stress can be a cause of diabetes, even if your diet is perfect. Another way to control blood sugars is to make sure you are exercising enough. Exercise is one of the best ways of reducing blood sugars.…

Looking up at the night sky, it was the brightest pink I had ever seen. ‘It’s a girl,’ I smiled. ‘It’s a sign.’ My husband Robbie, 41, and I were expecting our second child, and we still didn’t know the gender. Only, looking up at the sky, I knew we were having a girl. And I was right! We were over the moon. After needing to go through IVF to have our son Bradley, now seven, we didn’t think we’d have a child naturally. So, when we found out we were expecting in 2019, we were thrilled. My pregnancy went by without a hitch and on 15 February 2020, little Lexie arrived weighing 7lb 4oz. ‘Meet your little sister,’ I cooed to Bradley as he rushed up to my hospital…

Miranda Holder is a TV & Celebrity fashion expert who is a firm believer in dressing good to feel good. Here, Miranda shares her tips on how the way you dress and approach fashion can actually have a positive impact on your mental health. Follow @mirandaholderldn on Instagram 1. START PRACTICING ‘WARDROBE WELLNESS’ Just like you need regular TLC, so does your wardrobe. Start by removing anything that doesn’t fit or suit and ensure remaining garments are tidy and organised by colour so you can easily see what you have, plus it also looks lovely. 2. MAKE WHAT YOU WEAR A FORM OF SELFCARE! If you are feeling low it might be tempting to lounge around in your PJs, but spend a little extra time than you normally do selecting…

1. I recommend doing a short trip in the van you choose before giving up your current lifestyle, as there may just be some things you need to tweak. 2. As for living in a small space, storage can take some getting used to! It’s a good idea to learn how to make a lot of one pot meals, that way they are simple enough to cook in a limited space. 3. Organisation and tidiness is key! Give yourself some extra time in the day to keep things as tidy as possible, this way your space is optimised to its full potential. Keep up to date with Brittany’s journey by following @brattycosgrove on Instagram and TikTok.…

Solve the puzzle to find a word. Fit the words back in the grid and the letters in the highlighted squares spell out the answer. We’ve put in one word to help. 3 letters Ash Rat Rum Web Wet 4 letters Scan Ship Some Sown Subs 5 letters China Comma Cones Topic 6 letters Basalt Braces Breath Choose Locals Saints Samosa 7 letters Bottles Inspect Limited 8 letters Argument Assassin Convince Criteria JUST FOR FUN This week’s puzzle answers! Cross it! Hormone PLEASE NOTE Pick Me Up! will still be bringing you great puzzles to pit your wits against, but will no longer be offering prizes. Don’t forget, you can do puzzles for big cash prizes every week in our sister magazine, Chat.…

The door flew open as Spider-Man and Batman came running into the living room. ‘We are here to save the day!’ both my son’s Noah, now 17 and Max, 12, shouted. They would always be up to something. Whether that was pranking one another or planning their next fancy dress costume. Keeping me and my husband, Casey, on our toes. They did and still do almost everything together. In late August 2020, Noah was getting ready to move away from our home in Louisiana to begin studying at university. He would watch me wait by the window for the school bus to drop Max home everyday after school. ‘I have an idea,’ Noah said, before rushing off upstairs. I had no clue what he would be up to next, but…