Table of contents for 14-Mar-2024 in Pick Me Up!

Opening the door of my office, I knew I was also opening something else, too. A world of opportunities – all for the children I was mentoring on The Prince’s Trust Mosaic programme. ‘Welcome inside,’ I smiled. Giving them a tour around my workplace in Birmingham city centre, they were completely shocked. Some of them had never been in the city centre before. On this World of Work Day, I was giving them an insight into their future careers. Going into schools in Birmingham’s most deprived areas, I mentored classes of 25 students every year, inspiring them to pursue their dreams. Around 10 years ago, my sister mentioned the programme to me. ‘You’d love it,’ she said. So, I quickly researched how to get involved. Learning that I could inspire…

STAR LETTER This is Lucy at just eight weeks old. Now, she’s nine years old. She is such a clever and faithful dog. I love her to bits. Dawn Humphrey, Scarborough When my grandson Billy came to visit one summer, his mum forgot a sunhat. So we had to improvise with a pair of his sister’s knickers on his head! Tina Vowles, Stroud My husband and I got a caricature done on our holiday – we were not impressed! Samantha McKibbens, Glasgow This is my seven year-old Ben with Hettie, his pet hen. Hettie is very naughty and comes in through the cat flap to steal the cat’s food. Lucy Travell, Gloucester If your letter makes Star Letter of the week, you will receive some beautiful blooms from Flying Flowers.…

INSTANT appointment With NHS GP Dr Anita Raja (dranitaraja.com) Nail changes Q I’ve noticed that my nails have white patches and dots on them. Is this normal or a sign of something more serious? Mandy, Cheshire A This is medically termed as ‘leukonychia’ which is in most instances harmless. If your nails are brittle or breaking easily, it’s a good idea to speak to your GP for a blood test. This condition was linked to low calcium, but that remains a myth. It’s important to speak to your GP if you notice that your nails have changed in shape or colour. Sometimes, a fungal nail infection can manifest as whitening and thickening of the nails. If you see any black lines on your nails these may be an ethnic variation,…

ORIGINALLY PUBLISHED OCTOBER 2022 In this ultimate cookbook, you will find the most appetising recipes from around the world, including street food snacks from the Middle East and mouth watering desserts from Europe, as well as comfort-food classics from North America and spicy delights from Asia, Africa and Latin America. To get your free digital copy of Around The World In 80 Dishes please use this link: bit.ly/PMU444 Or scan in the QR code using the camera on your smartphone Offer available from 7 March to 7 April 2024 WORTH £10.99! Check out more of our amazing bookazines at www.magazinesdirect.com/guides-and-specials/ The link directs you to a landing page, please leave your details so that the digital download can be emailed to your inbox, this can take an hour. The download is…

Step into the new season confidently with these stylish pieces from high-street retailer Matalan. With all items costing under £30, you don’t have to blow the budget either. Look and feel your best… Shop in store or online by visiting: matalan.co.uk Belted items of clothing are great for all shapes and sizes. Cinch in your waist and pair with tailored bottoms! White ruffled blouses are trending – and big collars, too! Tone down the extravagance with denim shades and neutrals ADIDAS SAMBA DUPES!…

Bitesize! pg 3 Bike Strike it! pg 13 Serenity (Cross out: 2, 15, 21, 31, 34, 45, 59, 60, 77, 87) Cross it! pg 36 Saviour Fill it! pg 13 Scrambler Movie links! pg 28 (Cross out: Alicia Silverstone – CLUELESS – Paul Rudd – THIS IS 40 – Leslie Mann – THE OTHER WOMAN – Cameron Diaz – KNIGHT AND DAY – Tom Cruise) Crack it! pg 23 Masquerade Number fit! pg 13 9893 Sudoku pg 36 8,6,8 Follow it! pg 9 Handlebar 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 weekin our sister magazine, Chat.…

Rushing through the door with her tan and beautiful nails, it wasn’t long before I got a warm hug. ‘Mum!’ my daughter Courtney, then 23, shouted, before giving me a kiss. Then she’d do the same to her brother Harry, now 13. Even though Courtney had moved out to live with her daughter Lily, now three, in Kettering, the next town over, there wasn’t a time when we weren’t in contact. Courtney was my soulmate, my rock… my everything. I had always liked to call her my baby girl. Having her at 15, my relationship with her dad wasn’t good, so it was just us. Going on cinema trips, feeding the ducks at the park and meeting loved ones for days out, Courtney loved being surrounded by family. And when…

Causing a scene in the street, I wanted to win the argument. ‘Let me push her pram,’ I chuckled. ‘You did it last time!’ my hubby Andy, now 54, whined. Anyone would have thought we were toddlers. However, we were just excited to show off our daughter Isabelle, now three. Within the first month of bringing her home, in March 2020, it was a battle over who would hold her, feed her and change her nappy. Only, in most cases, Andy would win. He’d be there to help before I could even think about it. Which was just one of the things that I loved about him. Meeting in April 2016, at a friend’s wedding in Cyprus, we hit it off straight away. And when we returned to England, I…

Verdict: GENIUS! Goodbye wet dog smell! One in a Million Cologne Deodorising Spray for Dogs, £6, Pets at Home There’s nothing worse than stroking a pup and a foul, musty, wet dog smell coats your hand – gross! If only pooches could wear perfume… Well, pet brand Bugalugs not only make scentsational grooming products, but they also have a cologne for woofers, too. Spray on your pet’s fur for a fresh, uplifting scent. Their fragrances have been made with designer perfumes in mind, too – we can sniff out a dupe… Verdict: BONKERS! How small?! Meet Rani… the world’s smallest cow How udderly cute is this little calf?! Born in July 2021, Rani was quickly recognised by the Guinness World Records as the world’s shortest cow. Measuring in at just 50cm…

The store cupboard – home to a trusty array of tins, jars and spices. All of which can be used to whip up a hearty meal for the whole family. So, make the most of what you’ve got with these recipes from Tarantella. For more recipes, please visit: tarantellauk.com Tarantella can be found in an Asda near you! Tip: Add veg like green beans and peppers into your recipes for extra texture, flavour and nutrients. Tomato, Prawn & Veg Risotto Serves: 4 – 6 Prep – 5 minutes Cooking – 40 minutes YOU WILL NEED: ◻ 250g Arborio◻ 2 tbsp olive oil◻ 1 onion, chopped roughly◻ 4 cloves garlic sliced◻ 3 tbsp white wine (optional)◻ 1 litre veg stock – more if needed◻ 1 jar of passata◻ 1 tsp sea…

Catch Claire live on Facebook ARIES 21 March–20 April Your need for facts and information is insatiable at this time. You may even find yourself swapping a night out with friends for an evening of study or reflection, as you uncover sides you never knew you had. Love is well starred this week – and you are also set to discover an attraction you never knew you held, for a face that you know all too well. Embrace it! Call: 09058 170 710* TAURUS 21 April–21 May Pluto sees you taking on more than you can manage in order to impress. Don’t risk burnout, or you’ll miss the great romantic aspects that are also ahead for you. If you don’t put yourself first Taurus, then why should anyone else? A…

Delve deep into a city that is paved with both medieval and Roman history by visiting York. Famous for pioneering delicious chocolate, wash down the hidden gems of this city with a good cuppa – Yorkshire Tea, of course! Where to go York Minster Known to be one of the finest medieval buildings in Europe, York Minster is one not to be missed. A hub of Christianity in the North of England since the 7th century, this sacred space is a masterpiece. Take a guided tour learning all about the 800-year history, visit the Undercroft Museum where the remains of the Roman barracks lie and discover the city’s Viking past, too. If that wasn’t enough, see York from all new heights by climbing the 275 steps of the tower for panoramic…

This week, our tip of the week will receive a great prize from Addis. This perfect, easy-to-use gadget is a kitchen staple. Convenient for ease of storage, this colander is collapsible and can be expanded when ready to use. Simply fold away after use and pull out again when needed. It’s great for veggies, pasta and washing your fruit. For more ways to make your life easier, visit addis.co.uk Be a winner! Milk magic Cut open the side of a milk carton and use it to soak your paint brushes in water. Judith Cairns, Colchester Keep it tidy! Get creative! If your kids have a themed day at school and you don’t want to buy a costume, grab a white T-shirt and some Sharpie pens. Here are my kids wearing…

Feeling shooting pains zip through my body, it felt like I was being stabbed. Often the pain was so debilitating I felt sick, and it left me so exhausted I couldn’t lift my head off the pillow. At 14, I knew something was wrong with my periods. With pain spreading from just under my chest to the tops of my legs, it was extreme. And I didn’t know anyone else who experienced anything similar to me when they had their periods. My parents Wilma, now 71 and Denis, now 74, were incredibly supportive and worried about me. Mum would do me a hot water bottle and took me back and forth to the doctors, where I was prescribed the pill aged 14. And the pill did work for me –…

Peering around the living room door, I smiled as I noticed what was on the TV. Sitting in her wheelchair with her eyes glued to the screen was my daughter Jessica, then two. And looking back at her, with his bright red nose and pink spotty bow tie, was Mr Tumble. Every morning before nursery, Jessica giggled along – Mr Tumble and Friends was her favourite show. Bringing her a fresh cup of water, I wondered if Jessica might be thirsty. ‘Are you watching Mr Tumble again?’ I chuckled. ‘She’s obsessed with that man,’ my partner Ed, 52, laughed from the sofa. Then, holding the plastic cup in one hand, I brought my other hand to my mouth. I was signing the word ‘drink’ in the Makaton language to her.…

Natasha Page is a counsellor, psychotherapist, business coach, writer and founder of My Little Therapy Box, too. She is an accredited member of the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy and is passionate about mental health and supporting others. Follow @natashapagemsc on Instagram. To find out more, please visit: bacp.co.uk How can I cut my mum off? Q I may be 45, but I still have mummy issues. I’m going to be honest… I hate my mum. She’s condescending, only wants to talk when it suits her and will only see me when it concerns looking after the grandkids. I’m sick of it – and she never listens. How can I cut her off? Sarah, Poole A Many struggle with family relationships and negative feelings can emerge when the other…