Table of contents for 20-Jul-2023 in Pick Me Up!

Scrolling through my Instagram feed, liking one post after another on a typical evening, that’s when my thumb hovered over a certain someone in particular. Catching my eye, in late 2021, it was an attractive guy called Chad, 24, who I’d actually met for the first time four years prior through mutual friends. And from what I could remember, not only was he good-looking but he was charming, complimentary and funny, too. Yet after that moment we’d never really seen one another again – only on social media. Despite being single for just over a year and not really looking for anything serious, I had an overwhelming urge to respond to his story. I wasn’t too sure what I was expecting to happen next, that was even if Chad replied,…

Lying down in my very own mausoleum-like outer house, I had a strong urge to push. I’d been in labour since 2am and a thunderstorm raged outside. My husband Matt, 48, and I had a custom swinging bed and pergola built in the garden but due to the heavy rain, we’d retreated to our crypt in our North Carolina home. Every time I reached the end of a contraction, thunder would boom around us. It was the most surreal and primal experience of my life. With Matt by my side, a doula and midwives, our Ever Moore was welcomed into the world, weighing 6lb 8oz, in true gothic baby style. After all, who can say they were born in a mausoleum? Matt and I also had three boys – Maxel,…

Looking at my little boy checking out his reflection in the mirror, my heart swelled. With his freshly-shaven hair, Logan, then seven, looked so grow up. Next on our list of errands for the day was the dentist. And as he sat in the chair, I stroked the back of his head and paused. Stroking it again, there was no mistaking it. I felt a firm lump under his skin – just above his neck. Calling my mum Joyce, now 80, over, who had come with us, she felt it, too. ‘You need to get that checked,’ she said quickly. Having had a rare form of cancer called adenoid cystic carcinoma (ACC) back in 2006 herself – if she thought something wasn’t right, I was going to believe her. Not…

Hearing a huge cheer from outside, while touching up the last of my makeup, I knew exactly what that reaction meant. He was here – and I knew that he was nervous. For even though my mum Susan, 60, had organised a celebration in her backyard in Texas, US, this wasn’t just a party – I was just minutes from walking down the aisle to tie the knot with the love of my life, Jake, in March 2018. After pining after one another for 10 long years, originally meeting on Myspace in what must have been 2007, with a shared love for music and tattoos, we couldn’t stay away from one another – even from across the globe. Living in Dallas, with Jake across the pond in Somerset, we’d originally…

Catch Claire live on Facebook ARIES 21 March–20 April As the sun enters Leo, you see with clarity who you don’t want to – and shouldn’t have to – tolerate anymore. Make sure you stick to your facts and don’t throw the past in others’ faces, but only the present and where you are going from here on in. Party invites can see you crossing paths with an ex you’ll want to see, so make sure you RSVP! Call: 09058 170 710* TAURUS 21 April–21 May You do a U-turn regarding something you said you no longer wanted, but you now realise you do. This is your life to lead and you must not allow those who think they know you better than yourself to convince you that you don’t…

Lucy Power is a leading coach and educator, trained and experienced in a range of psychotherapeutic approaches. Lucy helps to raise self-awareness so you can go on to live freely and without limits. (www.the-power-institute.com) I don’t want to get hurt again… Q I’m five years out of a violent relationship and I’m with a new partner now – however when he gets frustrated it can make me panic, as I worry he will hurt me like I’ve been hurt in the past. I don’t want him to think I’m not letting him express himself emotionally – how do I overcome this? Caitlin, Portishead A I'm so glad to know you're out of the relationship in which you were harmed. However, it looks like your nervous system doesn’t yet believe this…

With Alastair Stuart, consultant ophthalmic surgeon at Optegra (optegra.com) Screen strain Q I get really bad headaches when I spend too long at my computer – could I need glasses? Heather, Rochdale A Headaches can be a sign of eye strain and spending too long at a computer screen definitely does not help. We recommend the 20:20:20 rule – look away from your screen to a distance of 20 feet, for 20 seconds every 20 minutes, which gives your eyes time to refocus and blink. Many people do get headaches if their eyes are working too hard to focus, and so spectacles or contact lenses can help with this. Simply book an eye health check with your local optician for a thorough check. There are also laser eye surgery options…

Be summer ready! Stock up on everything you need to create your perfect summer wardrobe. Get ready to look and feel your best this season with the latest summer trends. Whether you’re headed to the beach or a fun day out, you’ll be sure to turn heads. Don’t miss out on the chance to make this summer your best yet! Here’s a selection of our favourite styles this season, from relaxed, casual separates to figure flattering dresses and blouses. We also have an exciting new collection by TV presenter Lorraine Kelly. You’ll find inspiration whatever the occasion with this collection, launching online and in over 200 stores nationwide. Call the orderline on 0330 026 2728 or enter the code PICK23 at the online checkout. Visit: bonmarche.co.uk USE CODE TO CLAIM…

Don’t miss Summer is here, and what better way to prepare for some fun in the sun than a full body pamper session? Keep your hair looking flawless, your skin looking fabulous all while smelling absolutely sensational with B&M’s big beauty event! With fan-favourite brands such as Pantene, St.Moriz, Batiste and Sanctuary Spa, as well as dupe brands Plex and Anovia Tantalize, you can spoil yourself for less! With prices starting from as little as £2.49, this discount retailer expects that products will fly off the shelves in the B&M Beauty Event. Starting from 19 July – this is not an event you’ll want to miss! Crowning glory Whether you need a little extra hold, an added boost of hydration or just want your locks to look as full as ever…

Cross it! 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. Answer on page 47. 3 letters Day Doe Fly Job Joy 4 letters Plot Pulp Purr Scam Surf 5 letters Corgi Hurts Trend Zebra 6 letters Effort Eleven Endear Equals Rarely Ravens Retina 7 letters Bizarre Located Obscene 8 letters Predator Provider Raindrop Reporter Sudoku! To solve the puzzle, each 3 x 3 box, each column and each row must contain the numbers 1 to 9. Solve the puzzle, then read down the numbers in the highlighted squares for the answer. Answer on page 47.…

Your This week, our tip of the week will receive a great prize from Addis. This Superdry Plus Mop acts like a sweeping mop collecting everything in its path – absorbing and drying all in one. It can be used on pet hair and when the mop is immersed in water, the hair, dirt and dust is simply dispersed. Be a winner! Plus, the mop head is antibacterial, too. For more ways to make your life easier, visit: addis.co.uk Ice ice baby! A plant trough filled with ice cubes is a great cheap way to keep your bottled and canned drinks cool, and handy when you’re out in the garden. Andrea Illingworth, Runcorn Tip of the week Reuse with love I really loved the nursery furniture that we had for my…

Katie Queue, a spiritual teacher and life coach, has learnt her skills in tarot, angel cards and mediumship, leading others to a powerful future. To see more, please visit: katiequeue.com 1. What do you say to people who don’t believe? The more we have in our emotional toolkit, the better in my opinion. You don’t need to believe in anything, but just knowing that something is there, or helping us along the way, may be the tiny seed of hope we need for a terrible day. 2. How does a tarot card reading work? Tarot, for me, is an indication. The pictures and cards themselves all have a unique reference to them. You can of course build a relationship up with them, so they talk a language that’s unique to…

Taking flight With temperatures rising, taking care of feathered friends is essential. Head of CJ Wildlife, Eric Michels, has shared all you need to know about caring for our beaked friends. • For more information and bird supplies, visit: birdfood.co.uk 1. How can I support the birds in my garden? Birds are always flying back and forth to the nest to provide food for their young, so sometimes they go for long periods without food. To make up for the loss of energy, it is important to feed birds protein and energy-rich foods. Water not only keeps birds hydrated – it also ensures their feathers are in top condition. It’s a wonderful sight watching birds flutter around in your bird bath, but they are actually removing dust, parasites and dirt…

Living an adventurous lifestyle, I knew exactly what was coming next in our conversation… ‘I’m planning to go to Scotland so I can climb Ben Nevis with Mum, your auntie Irene and uncle Norman,’ my dad Trevor, now 63, said back in summer 2020. For some, knowing that their dad was about to trek up a 1,345ft peak with your family in tow would sound like their worst nightmare – for me, it was second nature. Dad had always been that way inclined, even when me, my mum Philomena and my brothers were young. We’d always find ourselves outside, camping and taking in the sights of the great outdoors. And being a brickie by trade, Dad favoured being outdoors – it was just his thing. Having completed the Yorkshire Three…

The idea that archeology is boring – that’s all ancient history now! Take a trip through the ages as you discover what life was really like in the past. From dinosaurs to the Vikings, these archeological days out will help you discover your inner historian! Jorvik Viking Centre, York For the past 35 years, Jorvik Viking Centre has been bringing the past to life! In 1978, a five-year archaeological dig revealed an ancient Viking village nestled in York – and once the artefacts were revealed, it was time to show the public. Enter the city of Jorvik and see Vikings as they live and work. You will even be greeted in ancient Norse by the Hunter and his dog! See blacksmiths, traders and fishermen as you wander through the lost…

OUR MUST TRY LITTLE CRUMPET Make the perfect breakfast, brunch or snack with these recipes using Warburtons brand-new Crumpet Thins. £1.35, MORRISONS Perfect as a light snack for the kids – get them involved with some creative toppings! YOU’LL NEED… ◻ 4 Warburtons Crumpet Thins◻ 6 tbsp tomato purée◻ Pizza toppings of your choice◻ 80g mozzarella cheese, grated METHOD: 1) Toast four crumpet thins for three to four minutes, until lightly toasted. 2) Spread tomato purée across your crumpets evenly. 3) Sprinkle the grated mozzarella cheese onto your crumpets until they’re covered to your liking. 4) Add your toppings of choice. 5) Cook in the oven at 220O C, until the cheese is melted and golden. 6) Leave to cool slightly before eating – then serve and enjoy. YOU’LL NEED… ◻…

YOU’VE GOTTA SMILE! Buying a bunch of flowers, I couldn’t wait to make someone’s day. Back home in Skelmersdale, I grew up giving presents to strangers in random acts of kindness with my mum Sarah, 53. We always wanted to make people smile and being kind became a family tradition. When I had my daughter Amina, I moved to New Brighton in hopes of giving her a better life. Why not carry on the tradition? I thought. Amina, five, loves family time. Wherever her nanny Sarah goes, she wants to go. They are inseparable! She thrives off the energy of her uncle Adam, 23, and auntie Ellie, 17, too. She just thinks that everyone is her friend. And so, it wasn’t long before the family tradition rubbed off on her, too! ‘Mummy,…