Table of contents for 15-Aug-2024 in Pick Me Up!

Standing up on stage at the Manchester Together – With One Voice gig in May 2018, I was so proud of how far my choir had come. ‘I’m so nervous,’ I laughed. All survivors of the Manchester Arena bombing a year before – including me and my son Jake, now 17 – it was such a proud moment. Singing Rise Up by Andra Day, we were showing solidarity with the survivors and victims of the attack. I’d set up the Manchester Survivors Choir as a direct reaction to the bombings in 2017. In the aftermath of the attack, I’d felt immense survivor’s guilt. I felt grateful that me and Jake made it home physically unharmed, but guilty other children had lost their lives. As a social worker, I recognised there…

Reaching out in the darkness, I held my little brother close. ‘It’s OK,’ I whispered. ‘It was just a dream.’ Mark, then two, suffered from night terrors. And despite being just six at the time, it would always be me to get up and comfort him. He was my little brother, and I always felt protective. Pulling him into a tight cuddle, it sometimes felt like us against the world. Living in Gravesend, our mum was often out, and our dad Brian was a senior fire officer and local councillor – which meant it was just the two of us a lot of the time. Dad was well-respected in the community – everyone knew him. And at Christmas, he’d always dress up as Santa for the local kids. From the…

Living with PMDD can be an isolating experience – but sharing your experience may help to lessen the mental load. And IAPMD offer a range of ways in which you can do exactly that: Video support groups – Join one from the comfort of your own home to gain support from peers in safe, moderated groups. They’re free and easy to use. There is no blood or saliva test to diagnose PMDD Facebook peer support groups– IAPMD runs six Facebook groups where you can chat and connect with others 24/7. This includes patient-only groups as well as groups for partners, parents and friends who have also been affected by a PMDD diagnosis, too. Inspire forum – If you prefer to stay anonymous online, that’s OK! You can still get personal…

The best preparation Q My partner and I have decided to try for a baby, but I have type 1 diabetes. Is there anything I can do to ensure my pregnancy runs smoothly? Allegra, Kent A Pregnancy hormones can often make it difficult to keep your blood sugar levels within the target range. Planning for a healthy pregnancy with type 1 diabetes involves careful management and preparation: • Blood sugar control – achieve tight blood sugar control before and during pregnancy. Aim for an HbA1c below 48 mmol/mol (6.5%), or as advised by your doctor.• Regular monitoring – frequently monitor your blood sugar levels and be ready to adjust your insulin regimen as and when needed. Ensure that you are consulting with your GP or midwife regularly, too.• Healthy lifestyle…

Walking down the aisle, I was thrilled to tie the knot. My son Andre, now 23, was linked on my arm, ready to give me away. Marrying my hubby Alistair, 60, on 5 November 2022, it was a celebration to remember. I was glad that both Andre and my youngest Tyler, now 21, could share our special day. My boys were everything. And while Andre still lived at home with us, and our dogs Sugar, Mini, Heidi and Hachi, that didn’t stop his ambition. He’d bagged himself a high-flying role at Lotus Cars. We were just a normal family with a regular routine. However, after the adrenaline rush of the wedding had worn off, I noticed a change in Andre. Normally the life and soul of the party, he hardly…

SOLE-MATES Getting your feet in tip top shape doesn't need to cost the earth. Give yourself a luxurious, spa-quality treatment at home with Superdrug Own Brand… Intensive Foot Cream, £3.99 Enriched with avocado oil, shea butter and a burst of peppermint oil, this cream will leave your soles feeling clean, soft and smooth. Use daily. Deodorant Foot Spray, £3.99 There’s nothing worse than smelly soles. Freshen up your feet this summer with a simple spritz of deodorant. You can get on with your day without embarrassment! Foot Peeling Socks, £8.99 Peeling socks are a great option to remove dry skin. Simply slip on the socks and put your feet up for an hour. Within three to seven days, dead skin will start to peel away naturally. Supermarket sweep Streamline your…

Clipping my helmet into place as I left the office, I felt a weight lift off my shoulders. I’d had a busy day, but I was ready to hit the road. Jumping on my pedal bike, as the wind hit my face all my stress melted away. I’d always been active and exercise was a huge part of my life. My weekends were filled with road trips, kite surfing, mountain biking and climbing. I cycled the 16-mile round trip to work every day, hit the gym at lunchtime, then liked to get out onto the water in the evening when I could, too. And that day, a glorious spring evening in March 2014, I left work and headed off on the eight-mile ride to a lake just outside of central…

A big family is something that most of us all dream of. Plenty of brothers and sisters to play with, loving parents and grandparents, too. After all, it takes a village to raise a child. And in Flagstaff, Arizona, that’s exactly what the Martinez’s seemed to have. With four children under 10 – two boys aged eight and six, and two girls aged four and two – Anthony Jose Martinez and his partner Elizabeth Archibeque also had Anthony’s mum Ann living with them. And in the apartment, it was a bit of a squeeze. But with four young kids charging about, surely there was never a dull moment for them? Elizabeth, 27, described her children as ‘beautiful’, giving the image of happy family life. Only, was their life really that…

Catch Claire live on Facebook ARIES 21 March–20 April It is a more ambitious Aries that I write to today than the sad soul who accepted what others told them last week. That’s why you can and should go back, address and put right the wrong that was done to you at the beginning of this month. Opposites attract midweek for many of your sign in a way that can change the course of your future, too. Call: 09058 170 710* TAURUS 21 April–21 May As Mercury turns direct, you get back the courage to fight for the important relationships in your life. Money you have to find in a short amount of time is a sign that someone thinks they’re running out of time to part you and your…

Book of the week The hotly-anticipated second book in this hilarious and spicy ‘romantasy’ trilogy from New York Times bestselling author Hannah Nicole Maehrer, sparks are definitely flying between Evie and her evil villain boss. She started as assistant to The Villian – now she’s ready to become his apprentice. Who’d have thought working for a handsome evil overlord would be so rewarding? But something peculiar is happening with the kingdom’s magic, and it’s made The Villain’s manor vulnerable to their enemies. Now it’s time for Evie to face her greatest challenge – protecting The Villain’s lair, all his nefarious works and maybe the entire kingdom. She needs to step out of her comfort zone and learn new skills – like treason, dagger work and conspiring with the enemy… Apprentice…

This week, our tip of the week will receive a great prize from Addis. Using sustainably sourced old CD cases, Addis have designed this Eco Range bin, made from 100% recycled household plastics. With a pedal for operation, it’s hygienic and easy to clean, too. Perfect for holding all your household waste. For more ways to make your life easier, visit: addis.co.uk A tight squeeze I cram all my scourers into a plastic jar. Once I take one out and drop it in water, they spring back to the original size. It’s a very space-saving idea. Patricia Cordon, Cheltenham Blooming lovely! What does one do with some old wood? Well, I decided to have a go at making a garden wheelbarrow for some of my old plants. It looks attractive…

Stuffing a bag of Yorkshire puds in the freezer, they were actually an essential in our household. My hubby Nick and son Harvey, now 13, would always appreciate them on the side of a homemade Sunday dinner. But it didn’t end there. To our daughter Tallulah, now 11, Yorkshire puddings were a lifesaver. She hardly ate anything else. As a toddler, Tallulah would consume everything without question. Yet, when she turned three, her eating changed. ‘Go on, give it a go,’ I’d say to her. At first, Nick and I assumed that Tallulah was just being a little bit naughty. However, over the years, the sight, smell and idea of eating would make Tallulah shake. She wasn’t being fussy – she physically couldn’t eat. ‘I wish I could have that,’…

Slipping into a pair of denim shorts and a crop top, I added the finishing touches to my makeup. And slipping into my statement Hunter wellies, I looked ready for a festival. Only, that wasn’t quite the case. It wasn’t quite Reading and Leeds – more like Reading and Weeds! It was time to get into the garden. And you’d be damned to ever catch me in old rags while pruning my pretty roses. I like my garden to be as well manicured as its owner. I’ve always been this way. For me, gardening is all about feeling good. And going glam makes me feel even better. Gardening has always been my escape. Even living in flats in my twenties, I had beautiful window boxes and balconies packed with plants.…

This next adventure. for a We had the best time – lots of exploring and girly time, just what we all needed. Jennifer Prowse, Hull I snapped these beautiful baby goslings at a recent visit to Leeds Castle in Kent. Mum wasn’t far away, keeping a close eye on them. Lynn Chapman, Kent Here’s my mum Loraine, 80 years young, at Keighley station. As a child she has happy memories of travelling on a steam train, so loved the opportunity to travel on them again. Lorna Ridgway, Milton Keynes This is my friend Wendy with Spice out for a dog walk – as you can see, Spice likes a leisurely motorised jaunt. Lucky for some! Angela Garvin, Rayleigh If your letter makes Star Letter of the week, you will receive some…

‘The trial was probably the worst thing I’ve ever been through apart from our childhood. Having to relive it all, I didn’t know how to feel. I was angry, emotional, lost. But being able to reconnect with Gay over the past two years has been amazing. Together, setting up the Teddy Help Group, we want to give other victims a safe space to come forward. Childhood sexual abuse is such a taboo – especially for men – but this shouldn’t be the case. You’ve done nothing wrong. It’s not your fault. But without speaking up, it will destroy you.’ If you’ve been affected by Gay’s story, seek guidance by visiting: teddy-helpgroup.co.uk…

Reusable Water Bombs, £6, Flying Tiger Looking to cool off this August? The answer is always a water fight. But picking up countless little plastic water balloons is both time consuming and bad for the environment. With these reusable water bombs though, you can have hours of fun without being wasteful. The bombs are made from a soft plastic to prevent bruises and measure 6.5cm in diameter. Simply fill with water and let the fight begin! Easy to use, they’re perfect for adults and kids looking to let off some steam this summer. Verdict: GENIUS! Bombs away! Dive on in If you head to Thailand during Songkran, you’re most likely to get very wet. That’s because Songkran is the world’s biggest water fight! The three-day festival happens in April every year…

Lorraine Collins is a BACP registered counsellor, psychotherapist and cognitive behavioural therapist, who specialises in anxiety and stress related burnout. For further information, please visit: lccounselling.com and bacp.co.uk Can bygones be bygones? Q My 32-year-old daughter has a new partner. But I miss her ex. He was so much nicer and made more of an effort with us. I’m worried that she’s made a huge mistake. I don’t want her to be with him. What can I do? Susie, Tewkesbury A My initial thoughts are ‘proceed with caution’. It’s only natural to miss someone who was a positive presence in your life, especially when they were part of your family. Parental concern for a child’s wellbeing is also natural, but it’s important to approach this situation with sensitivity and respect…

In Singapore, cooking the agak agak way means cooking with intent and intuition. In this book Shu Han Lee combines punchy Singaporean flavours and simple home cooking to bring you a fun, fresh taste of Asia. Agak Agak by Shu Han Lee, £26, available from Waterstones Chilli Crab Spaghetti Serves: 2 generously, or up to 3 YOU WILL NEED: □ 4 tbsp olive oil□ 200g dried spaghetti□ ½ tsp fine sea salt, plus more for boiling pasta□ ½ x 400g tin finely chopped tomatoes□ 2 tsp taucheo (soy bean paste)□ 1 tsp light brown sugar□ 100g brown crab meat□ 100g white crab meat□ Small handful of fresh coriander, finely chopped FOR THE REMPAH (SPICE PASTE): □ 1 banana shallot, roughly chopped□ 2 garlic cloves□ Thumb-sized piece fresh ginger, peeled and roughly…