Table of contents for 9-Jun-2022 in Pick Me Up!

Striking neon paint along my cheeks and pulling up my neon legwarmers, it was my time to shine! ‘Let’s go girls,’ I boomed loudly across the studio, as disco lighting lit the area. Glow sticks in hand and ‘90s music blaring. Only, I wasn’t heading to the clubbing scene – instead, I was ready for a day at work! After spending 10 years as a performer, singing and dancing on cruise ships all over the world, it seemed like I had it all. But coming out of a serious relationship, I had a sudden moment of realisation. I don’t want to feel let down anymore, I thought. And although I loved being a performer, the short-term contracts meant my weight was always up and down. I would lose weight ready…

Getting changed into a pretty frock, I hunched the material over my growing belly. ‘You’re not wearing that are you?’ the baby’s father sniggered when I finally entered the living room. Looking down at the comfy outfit, I immediately turned around to get changed again. How have I got here? Falling pregnant at just 21, after a one-night stand, I had quickly moved in with a man I didn’t really know. ‘I love you and we can get married,’ he insisted. Worried what my family would think about my situation, the promise of actually living out a perfect relationship smoothed everything over. He wasn’t my type, but we were having a child, so I went along with it. Only, as my stomach stretched, his true colours started to show. It…

This week, our tip of the week will receive a product from Addis! The sleek Mode two piece bathroom set is a great addition for your loo. The pedal bin comes complete with a separate liner, and the ultrahygienic toilet brush offers a discreet place for your cleaning detergent. It’s hard wearing, so don’t worry about dents or rust. Visit: addis.co.uk Earring hack Make a compact jewellery box by recycling a small cardboard one and some match boxes. Marion Aldred, London Tea-tastic Most self-catering apartments abroad only supply tiny teacups, so I pack an old mug to use instead. Carole Gasan, Belfast. Sparkling clean If you want glistening cutlery, crumple some foil into a ball and pop it in your dishwasher’s cutlery basket. Run the wash cycle as usual and…

Money worries Q I earn more money than my husband and it is a constant source of tension between us. I don't understand why he can't just be happy for me. And secretly, I wish he earned more. Jen, Windsor A I am not sure whether you wish your husband earns more to ease the tension, because you want him to contribute more to household finances, wish there was less pressure on you, or something else? It’s possibly a combination of them all! Tensions rooted in money conversations are so common in relationships because money can become so closely linked to self-worth and self-confidence. He may not be able to be happy for you because it makes him feel worse. Are you inadvertently saying things that might make your husband…

James O’Loan, CEO at Chemist4U, shares his top tips on getting your children to eat well. • Lead by example – if your kids see you enjoying a healthy meal and adopting a positive attitude, it’s likely they will do the same. Remember you are your child’s hero – they want to grow up to be exactly like you! • Explain why being healthy is important – open those conversations up with your children. If they know vegetables will help them grow big and strong, they’ll be more likely to eat them. • Make being healthy fun – approach exercise and healthy eating as a positive experience, rather than a chore. • Avoid processed sugar where possible – too much sugar isn’t good for anyone, including your kids! Try and…

Gripping onto the reigns, the huge llamas staggered up the rocky path. Leading the pair, my son Jackson, now five, smiled away. Glancing over my shoulder, my wife Jessica, now 43, and daughter Freya, eight, were doing the same thing. It was August 2021 and we were already five days through our family holiday in Wyoming, USA. However, this wasn’t a conventional family holiday. Approaching Pingora Peak, one of Wyoming’s rocky mountains, we had all of our equipment in tow – with the help of the llamas of course! Over the past five days, we had set up camp in the wilderness, sleeping through extremely low temperatures and waking up to the strangest of bugs and wild animals. Yet, this kind of thing wasn’t a one-off, we had all been…

Western style meets festival chic! Characterised by long flowing skirts, crochet, fringe and embellishments, this summer style is a vibe… Top tip Cowboy boots are a favourite this summer, pair with shorts and a fedora! Top tip Slouchy dresses are a great choice for when you’re planning to eat a lot! POT OF GOLD… If you’re looking for some rainbow inspired jewellery to add to your collection in time for pride month, then Screampretty.com have some perfect styles just for you……

Back in October 2015, before the term Greenwashing had really become common knowledge, a probe was launched into Volkswagen’s line of ‘clean diesel’ cars. Launched as part of a ‘low emission vehicle’ range, there were claims that this vehicle would be better for the environment than other models from familiar leading car dealerships. Only, Volkswagen admitted to cheating emissions tests by fitting various cars with a defect device so that the true emissions wouldn’t be caught. These engines were emitting up to 40x the allowed limit for nitrous oxide pollutants, all whilst branded as low emission and eco-friendly models.…

Colleagues of Suzanne Fairman often referred to the bright, charismatic woman as the ‘glue’ that held them together. Suzanne, 53, was an administrator at Virginia Commonwealth University. She was passionate about her role and always knew how best to help others. Suzanne was also focused on improving her health and wellbeing and had just run her first ever marathon. Suzanne, affectionately known as Suzie, was a devoted mum to her son Scott, and loved being a grandmother to his two kids. In 2019, Suzanne hired a contractor to work on her decking at her home in Richmond, Virginia, where she lived alone. It needed repairing and staining. She was found face-down in the bath Suzanne instructed Thomas Edward Clark, 59, and the landscaping crew he was part of, to work…

WE’RE LOVING Think pink! Cleaning doesn’t have to be boring – add a splash of colour to your chores with Fabulosa’s new Pink collection. With four glorious scents – Pink is Life, Pink Flamingo, Pink Bubblegum and Pink Zebra – disinfecting has never smelled so good. Choose from a Room & Fabric Freshener, Bathroom Mousse, Bathroom Cleaner, Kitchen Cleaner, Foamo Sink and Drain Freshener, Laundry Cleanser and Spray & Wear – all crafted by a team of expert perfumers for a sweet-smelling home. • Available from Poundland FUN DAYS OUT There’s nothing like cosying up with a film and plenty of snacks – but why not take advantage of those gorgeous summer evenings and head to the cinema under the stars? Set against the backdrop of some of the UK’s…

Complete the grid, then read down the shaded squares to reveal the hidden answer. Clue: Musical. Answer on page 47. ACROSS 7 Church decree (5) 8 2022 superhero film starring 17 Across, 20 Across, 1 Down & 24 Down (3,6) 10 Building where horses are kept (6) 11 Last or final (8) 12 Instantly (2,1,5) 13 Was indebted to (4) 15 Short post on a quay or ship (7) 17 Zoë _, star of the 2022 tech thriller film Kimi (7) 20 Paul _, actor whose films include Little Miss Sunshine and Swiss Army Man (4) 22 Stationery item (8) 25 Highly desirable (2,3,3) 26 Best achievement (6) 27 Deceiving or fraudulent (9) 28 Secret hoard (5) DOWN 1 Robert _, star of the films Good Time and The Lighthouse…

Eating habits The first week of July is dedicated to childhood obesity awareness. According to the government, one in three children in England are leaving primary school classed as overweight. In response, The National Child Measurement Programme (NCMP) has been put in place to track childrens’ health. The scheme measures the health and weight of over one million kids, all in reception or year six. But the initiative has faced backlash, with parents fearing their children are being pushed into losing weight. 43% That’s the number of parents who are struggling to check their children are eating a balanced diet. Have you tried? Jitterbug Apple Cider vinegar drinks, £2.99, Holland and Barrett A fantastically healthy tipple for family picnics, beach days, or at your office desk. Only 39 calories per…

Pulling up my trousers, a wave of worry washed over me as I flushed the reddened water down the loo. I wasn’t due on for another couple of weeks, and I was bleeding in between periods way too often. Something wasn’t right. I’ve always been sensible when it comes to my health – so I decided to and get it checked out. Being on private healthcare, I saw a consultant quite quickly. ‘You have atypical endometrial hyperplasia,’ he announced. ‘It means that your womb lining is overly thick, and there are some cysts on your ovaries, too.’ It was a lot to take in, so I went over my options. I decided to try and keep the symptoms at bay before doing anything radical, as the consultant suggested. From that…

Protect your pooch In recent years, there has been a frightening amount of thefts involving animals in the UK. With over 2,700 dogs stolen last year alone. Experts at Puppyhero.com have reported multiple hot spots all over the UK including London, West Yorkshire and Kent amongst the worst for dog theft. The thought of having your puppy or faithful companion stolen from your home is just horrendous. So, here some top tricks and advice to help prevent such a crime from occurring… OUT AND ABOUT • Practice recall and use an extended lead – in case there is an emergency or threat to your dog, it’s vital to ensure they’ll respond to your calls. Try using tasty treats for your dog as this will greatly assist in recall. • Avoid…

DON’T MISS Sarah Beeny’s Little House Big Plans, Channel 4 Hosted by property expert Sarah Beeny and architect Damion Burrows, along with some of the UK’s other most promising architects, this series explores small homes with elaborate plans for expansion. Over the episodes, you can see how even on a very tight budget, you can utilize a smaller space – as the team profile space-saving bungalows and eco-homes. Packed with inspiration, and showcasing the future superstars of Britain’s best home designs, it’ll give you new ideas and help you to think big for your small spaces. The Crown Jewels, BBC One To mark The Queen’s Platinum Jubilee, journalist Clive Myrie has been given unique access to the Crown Jewels. With 13 Crowns and nearly 24,000 precious gemstones, the collection is…

Bronzed goddess Get ready for summer with these gorgeous bronzers. Morphe Bronze Show Velvet Matte Pressed Powder, £13, Morphe UK Get the ultimate sun-kissed look with this velvety matte bronzer. Apply to the high points of your face for a natural yet radiant glow. Essence Kissed By The Light Illuminating Powder, £3.79, Justmylook A three in one illuminator, this iridescent powder combines highlighter, bronzer and blush for an all-over luminous glow. EASY PEASY! Cheat your way to the perfect manicure this summer with Ciaté London’s Nail Wraps. Whether you’re seeking a fun, mood-enhancing design or a sharp sliver of colour, Ciaté London have youcovered. The Cheat Sheet Nail Wraps include 22 versatile wraps so you can get unique nail art at your fingertips! Available in three designs, these sheets require…

Talented chef Cristie Schoen was a contestant in the eighth season of the US food series, Food Network Star. The show was a springboard for Spanish-born Cristie’s career. She was soon catering for the rich and famous, and dreamed of opening a café. Cristie married Joseph ‘JT’ Codd. They settled in Leicester, South Carolina, and by March 2015, Cristie was five months pregnant with a girl they’d named Skylar. Then Cristie, 38, and Joseph, 45, vanished. Their cars and dogs were found in their home. Police cordoned off the house and found signs of a robbery. The next day, a witness said they’d seen one of the neighbours carrying unusually large bags from the house. The neighbour was married Robert Jason Owens, 36, who was also a handyman that Cristie…

Pouring myself a huge portion of sweet cereal, I heaped spoonfuls of sugar on top before dousing it in milk. Grabbing a spoon, I tucked into my sickly concoction and savoured every mouthful. For me, every day was a treat day – and it had seen me balloon to a huge 22st 7lbs. I’d always struggled with my weight, but when I’d met my boyfriend Darius, 29, I’d been on a diet and I was a trim 12st. But in the decade we’d been together, I’d piled on 10st. I was now squeezing my bulging belly into size 30 clothing, that I had to buy from special plus-size shops. Polishing off the last remnants of sugary milk from my bowl, I headed upstairs to get ready for the day. But…

During lockdown, many of us turned green-fingered. Gardener and horticultural teacher Sue Williams knows all about the benefits of gardening, so set up Horticultural Therapy UK on Meta’s Facebook. Two years on, she has created a global community of 1.8k members! How long have you been into gardening? Since I got my first house, 36 years ago. We had no tools, so I started with an old spoon! A neighbour felt sorry for me and so leant me his tools. How did gardening help you during lockdown? During lockdown I was finally able to attack my own, rather neglected, garden. I painted the shed and we built a pergola. I moved and divided plants. I left potted plants outside the front garden for neighbours to take. People would stop and…

Pamela Barbato is on a mission to help others move towards a net zero lifestyle, but is all too familiar with the term Greenwashing. She has shared her advice on how to move forward a little more sustainably… 1 Do not take messages at face value – always look for evidence that backs it up. 2 Look into a company’s sustainability policy and strategy to get the whole truth. 3 If it’s not shown, then assume it is just a marketing hype 4 Really look behind the buzz words and do some proper research 5 Rely on the right sources – Action Net Zero CIC can deliver correct information, saving you time and money. 6 Decide to buy from sustainable brands and only buy from these.…

Where to stay Heading to the capital for a little getaway this summer? Why not stay at Holiday Inn London Regent’s Park? Tucked away on a quiet street, this newly renovated hotel is located in the heart of London. A stone’s throw away from the famous Regent’s Park, you can enjoy a busy day in the city before heading back for dinner and a drink in their new lounge. Having undergone a £1million refurbishment, Holiday Inn London Regent’s Park has transformed its public spaces and now showcases a brand new open lobby. Designed to provide guests with a space to eat, meet, relax, socialise and work as they choose, the open lobby accommodates all your needs. With high speed Wi-Fi, you can hide yourself away with a coffee to get…

The sun is finally shining, but is your garden party ready?  Cleaning experts Kärcher share their top tips to give your garden a spruce-up ready for summer! THIS WEEK Blooming marvellous! Vacuum the garden Kick off the outdoor cleaning by getting your wet & dry vacuum out and removing all debris, twigs and leaves around your garden patio area. The Kärcher WD 6 Premium vacuum will allow you to easily clear your outside area with no leftover mess, and it prevents your indoor vacuum from being damaged by tough jobs. Perfect for cleaning around the car, garage, and garden, it’s robust enough to handle anything from dust to heavy duty rubble. Revamp garden furniture Next, clear any patio furniture or household objects that have been left outside to brave the…

Cheese lovers, rejoice! Did you know it’s National Cheese Day on 4 June? Celebrate all things fromage and create the perfect cheeseboard – with the help of cheese consultant Emma Young. What makes the ultimate cheeseboard? ‘Most people would say ‘variety’, however looking through my cheeseboards over the years shows that I do not take this advice,’ says Emma. ‘I am an enormous soft cheese lover and my cheeseboards are usually heavily weighted in this direction. The most important thing is to choose cheeses that you like.’ How many cheeses? ‘You can’t go wrong with the magic five,’ says Emma. ‘A goat, soft, semi-hard, hard and blue. ‘This covers all the bases.’ What accompaniments? ‘With crackers, it has to be Peter’s Yard,’ says Emma. ‘I also like adding sweetness through…