Table of contents for 12-Dec-2019 in Pick Me Up!

Sticking the turkey in the oven, I was preparing a Christmas feast for my client and her family. It was Christmas Day last year, and it was my second Christmas spent in the UK. I’ve always wanted to be a carer and so five years ago, I took the plunge and started working for Promedica24. Typically, I work with the elderly who want to live at home, but suffer with dementia or Parkinson’s. As I’m from Poland, this means that I can spend up to three months at a time in the UK, as a live-in carer. I’m with my clients around the clock and I help them with anything they need. Seeing my clients smile is amazing Usually, I start the day by helping them get washed and dressed…

You’ve got to get them rocking a Christmas jumper early doors haven’t you! And he does look very dapper in it, too! Adam Bradshaw, Halesowen My boy Ronnie looks so cute, I just had to get him all dressed up so I could send friends and family pics of our new little elf! Alexandra Low, Halesowen My Evie at 2 weeks old and our big baby Leila the boxer. Pair of cuties! A. Hadley, Hayseech I just had to get close for a cuddle with this fabulous toy llama in a local German Christmas market! Sue Angus, Wolverhampton Here’s our very own Rudolph reindeer picture last year. Giddy-up! Susan Dutson, West Yorkshire If your letter makes Star Letter of the week, you will receive some beautiful blooms from Flying Flowers.…

1 Make sure you take breaks when using a computer screen and ensure the screen is at eye level, so you don’t strain your eyes. 2 Use a humidifier to stop the air around you from becoming too dry. 3 If you wear contact lenses often, take them out and wear glasses to help give your eyes a break. 4 Keep your eyes clean and get plenty of sleep to give your eyes a rest.…

The flu 1 Symptoms of the flu can come on very quickly. ☐ True ☐ False 2 You can treat the flu yourself. ☐ True ☐ False 3 Antibiotics will help treat the flu. ☐ True ☐ False 4 Flu is spread by germs from coughs and sneezes. ☐ True ☐ False 5 The flu vaccine reducesyour risk of catching and spreading the flu. ☐ True ☐ False 1 TRUE Symptoms can include a sudden fever, aching body, feeling tired or exhausted and a dry cough. 2 TRUE To help yourself get better you should rest and sleep, keep warm, drink plenty of water and take paracetamol or ibuprofen. 3 FALSE GP’s do not recommend antibiotics for flu because they do not relieve symptoms or speed up recovery. 4 TRUE…

Staring down at the two blue lines, I couldn’t believe my eyes. ‘Can you see that?’ I smiled, turning to my boyfriend Marcus, 38. ‘You’re pregnant!’ he beamed, scooping me up. Marcus and I had been together for three years, and we were both over the moon to be having a baby. Or should I say, babies... Eager to find out everything as quickly as possible, we booked an eight-week scan. Feeling the cold gel on my tummy, I couldn’t wait to see our little one. ‘Do you have any twins in your family?’ the sonographer asked. I was told my babies might not survive ‘No?’ I replied. Looking at the ultrasound, I couldn’t believe my eyes. ‘You’re going to be the first,’ the sonographer grinned. Happiness flooded over me…

Kate Middle-Toe socks, £8, chattyfeet.com Can’t find a glass slipper? Don’t panic! These funny royal socks will transform you into a princess. The perfect stocking filler! Verdict: GENIUS!  Royal socks fit for a princess! Brick yourself keyring, £24.99, Firebox.com Create a personalised mini figure version of yourself! Simply upload a photo and give your loved ones a little lookalike version of you. What more could they want? Verdict: GENIUS! An iconic mini you! Gin mayonnaise, £5.99, Firebox.com Mayonnaise infused with a lick of real gin. The perfect partner for chips, chicken, seafood and more – there’s nothing that couldn’t benefit from a gin-injection. Verdict: BONKERS! Don’t eat it all at once!…

Sitting on the sofa one Saturday morning, I watched cartoons with my son. I loved nothing better than spending time with Tyler, five, both dressed in our pyjamas, having cuddles in front of the telly. ‘So, what would you like for Christmas?’ I asked him. ‘An Xbox!’ he grinned. It was only August last year, but even so, any mention of Christmas would have Tyler bouncing with excitement. ‘I’ll see what I can arrange with Santa,’ I giggled. ‘But this year, Mummy’s got something even better for you.’ ‘What is it?’ he begged. ‘It’s a baby sister!’ I cried. Tyler’s face dropped. ‘You mean, she’s for me?’ he asked, suddenly lighting up. ‘Well, Mummy’s going to need your help to take care of her,’ I smiled. ‘And you’re going to…

Although there are many complications to dating a colleague, married mum-of-two, Denise Palmer Davies, 41, and her husband, Dez, 45, show it really can work in the long run. ‘Dez was my boss, and at first, I thought he was really scary and strict. ‘I actually really hated working for him. ‘But as time went on and I got to know him, I started to really like him,’ the PR Director said. Over time, Denise started to develop feelings for Dez, but due to their professional relationship, she knew she couldn’t tell him. ‘My feelings just kept getting stronger, but I didn’t want to jeopardise my career over a little crush. ‘But, at the work Christmas party, I knew it was much more than that. ‘As I watched him dance…

WHAT A BARGAIN! As much as we love a real Christmas tree, the downside is having to buy a new one every year. Well, there’s good news for you bargain hunters out there – Ikea has just announced that they’re bringing back their bargain real Christmas tree deal for the eighth year running. The offer runs until Christmas Eve, and all you have to do is pick up a real-life fir tree in-store for £29, and the cashier will hand over a £20 voucher, making the tree itself just £9. You can use the £20 voucher on Ikea homeware from 13 January to 23 February, and make the most of the sales! Why didn’t we think of this? Don’t you hate when you’re given a gift and forget who it’s…

Bustling through the crowds at our local pub, I searched for my boyfriend Samuel James, 28, and a group of our pals. Spotting them at a corner table, I made my way over and plonked myself down. ‘Who’s for a pint?’ I asked, waving my bank card in the air. After a few rounds, the others left, and Sam and I got talking about our relationship and how it was progressing. Having only been together a few months, after meeting through friends in March last year, it was one of the first serious chats we’d had. Now, in August, Sam had an interesting idea. ‘Why don’t we just live together? We see each other all the time,’ he said, jumping excitedly to his feet. I was convinced it was all…

This issue, our favourite tip will receive a great product from Addis! Their seal & store vacuum bags feature a unique patented seal technology which is 100% airtight (from £6.29). The bags are reusable and come with a lifetime guarantee. The bags can be compressed by vacuum or by hand and compress stored items by 80%. For more ways to make your life easier, visit addis.co.uk Deck the halls A wreath is one of those Christmas staples that you just can’t go without so I made my own unique one that will add the personal touch this Christmas. Beverley Lindfield, Kent Most wonderful time of the year I make my Christmas crackers extra special by adding a gift inside and a photo. Then everyone knows which seat and cracker is…

Flying 200ft in the air, me and my partner Varun were soaring over Cheshire in a helicopter for his 28th birthday, in August last year. We’d been together for four years, but we’d known each other forever. ‘This is amazing!’ I said to Varun through the headset. ‘Look out of the window,’ he smiled, pointing to a field in the distance. As I looked down, butterflies rushed through me. The words, Anisha marry me? were carved into the crop! And as I turned around, Varun was holding a box. ‘You make me so happy,’ he smiled. ‘Will you be my wife?’ ‘Of course I will!’ I cried. I was over the moon and when the helicopter landed, we had a romantic picnic in the cropped circle. It really was the…

Stepping into the local travel agent, I browsed through the brochures before finding someone to help me. ‘I’d like to book a trip,’ I announced bravely. It was January 2017, and I was planning to take my first ever solo holiday away. I was hoping to escape for some summer sun, but I’d never travelled alone before. I was currently single and living alone - my daughter Daisy, 38, was grown up with her own kids - so I was ready to take the leap. ‘Do you have anywhere in mind?’ the travel agent asked. ‘Somewhere with sun,’ I replied. After discussing some holiday packages, I settled on one with Jet2 holidays. It was a seven-day all-inclusive holiday to Fuerteventura, Spain. The place looked perfect - friendly, safe, lovely locals…

While families across the world were celebrating, Dustin Klopp was trying to cover up what he’d done to his wife As Stephanie Kilhefner readied herself for another busy Christmas, she ran some last-minute errands and headed back to her home in Paradise, Pennsylvania. She waved goodnight to her neighbour and went into the home she shared with her husband, Dustin Lee Klopp, and their two young children. A row broke out and got out of control For Stephanie, the holidays were all about family and the true meaning of Christmas. A devout Christian, Stephanie was known for her kindness and generosity. She would do anything for anyone, especially when it came to animals. She loved her horses and would often rescue those in need of a home. Dustin and Stephanie…

Am I out of order? Q My boyfriend and I always argue about where we’re going to spend Christmas. I won’t spend it with anyone but my family - not even Christmas Eve or Boxing Day. Am I being selfish? Jen, Edinburgh A Christmas can be difficult in a relationship if you both want and need to do different things. Solutions can usually be found by talking about what you both want and finding compromises. Being part of a healthy, loving relationship means caring enough about your partner that you are willing to give and take and so you might want to think about whether you could spend less time with your family. You don’t say how far you live from them but is there a way to divide up…

1. Naughty elf Let your elf dive headfirst into Christmas chocolate, leaving a smudge of choc on their face and wrapper evidence. 2. Sticker crazy Let elf go wild with the activity book and sticker elf from head to toe! 3. Slipper slide Let your elf slide down the stairs or banister in a slipper sledge. 4. Snow angels Make elf angels in the snow by dusting icing sugar and sprinkles on a surface. 5. Zipline adventure Tie elf onto a candy cane and hang on a rope of string across the room. 6. Snowflake decorating Teach elf how to make mini paper snowflakes and decorate a windowsill. 7. Cinema party Surround elf with popcorn and the television remote on the sofa after a cinema snack night. 8. It’s a…

Glam and shine makeup Elegant Touch Glitteratzi nails, £8.95, Superdrug As the festive season approaches, it’s time to glow-up. From subtle to stand-out, these nails will be the perfect addition to your festive outfit. With extra strength staying powder, these nails are just what you need to get you through the party season. From Champagne Campaign through to Total Sass, there is something for everyone in this super glittery collection. Barry M Wildlife Palette in Snow Leopard, £7.99, Superdrug Why not try something a little more adventurous this festive season and do something good at the same time? For every palette that is sold, 20% will be donated to David Shepherd Wildlife Foundation to help protect the snow leopard. With gorgeous silvers and blues, this is your chance to really…

Christmas is supposed to be a time where we can switch off, relax and spend some down time with family and friends, but with so much to do, is it any wonder we find ourselves stressed? Well fear not! Monique Sveinsson the founder of Perfect Parent Planner (www.perfectplannerco.com) has your back, and here are her top tips to get you super organised and on top of the Christmas chaos... 1 Set a plan Why not sit back one evening and kick start your Christmas and think about what you and your family would like to do over the festive period. Who will be hosting, will you visit friends or will you be going out? Write it all down. Think about gifts and who might like what, and write that down,…

Mostly A: You’re the Grinch! You hate Christmas. You think it’s a waste of time and money, so you lock yourself away until it’s all over. Mostly B: You’re Kevin McCallister! You don’t get too excited about it in the run up and you dread seeing your family, but on the day, you love it. Mostly C: You’re Rudolph! You love Christmas, but you love helping others most! Your favourite part is seeing others happy. Mostly D: You’re Buddy the Elf! You love Christmas. You plan all year round. The people around you may find it a bit annoying!…

Looking at videos of my niece, Paige, 19, strutting her stuff down the runway, I smiled. ‘You look lovely,’ I told her, smiling. ‘Please will you compete in my charity pageant?’ she asked, fluttering her eyelashes. ‘Definitely not, I’m too old!’ I laughed, shaking my head. In 2017, I was 32 and a proud mum to two beautiful kids, Kristen, then nine, and Ashton, then seven. I felt far too old to be getting glammed up and posing in front of judges. ‘Please,’ she begged. ‘Just this once,’ I sighed. Kristen and I decided to join together, and make it a mum-daughter occasion. ‘I can’t believe you two are doing it,’ my husband, Sean, then 47, chuckled. ‘It might be a bit of fun, plus I really want to support…

Send us your stories and photos, including all namesand ages, a daytime phone number and full address.E-mailhello @pickmeupmag.co.uk WRITE TO Pick Me Up! Media Centre, Emma-ChrisWay, Abbey Wood Park, Filton, Bristol, BS34 7JU PHONE 01174400607 FACEBOOK facebook.com/pickmeupmag SEE OUR WEBSITE lifedeathprizes.com TI Media Limited reserves the right to reuse any submission sent to Pick Me Up! magazine, in any format or medium. Unfortunately, we can’t return photos without a stamped sae. Letters/photos must not be sent to any other publication.…

A dog is for life, not just for Christmas Everyone is aware of the famous slogan, and yet every year Dog’s Trust find themselves caring for dogs who have been handed over or abandoned because their owners hadn’t thought about the lifelong commitment that comes with dog ownership. Dogs Trust receive one call every six minutes from someone wanting to hand a dog over. The demand for puppies increases by 44% in the countdown to Christmas. And online searches for people wanting to give up their dog peak in January. This Christmas time, please remember that all pets don’t come with a gift receipt! Insta love @iamlilbub Lil Bub is an American celebrity cat known for her unique physical appearance and floppy tongue. Mike adopted Lil Bub when she was…

What’s normal? Q My gums keep bleeding when I brush my teeth. Is that normal? Ella, Stevenage. A In short, no. Bleeding gums usually occur because the gums are inflamed as a result of plaque, which causes gum disease and decay. This sticky plaque is what we try to remove when we are brushing our teeth, or more precisely, our teeth and gums. Bleeding gums are a warning that there is inflammation caused by the plaque, and that the gums need to be cleaned with a toothbrush and ideally with floss and interdental brushes too. The gums will bleed until the plaque and subsequent inflammation has been eliminated. For more tailored advice it is best to book in with your dentist or hygienist who will be able to demonstrate how…

Elderly skipping meals because of loneliness According to new research by The Royal Voluntary Service (RVS), almost a million elderly people are skipping meals because they find eating alone too lonely. They found that around 11% of people aged 70 plus rely on ready meals and convenience foods to keep them fed. A further 23% said they skipped their daily meals at least three times a week and one in five said they ate all their daily meals alone each week. The RVS said that the loneliness epidemic among Britain’s elderly community was to blame for these eating habits. 7,000… That’s the number of calories that are in a Christmas dinner. That’s more that double the recommended daily allowance for both men and women! Have you tried... Multivitamins, £2.99 for…

Cuddled up with my husband, Richard, 46, we were watching It’s a Wonderful Life. It was Christmas Day 2014, and it was just the two of us and our rabbits, Millie and Molly. We’d had such a blissful couple of weeks, getting ready for Christmas. Buying each other’s presents and getting all the food in. The only thing I didn’t manage to do was pick up my asthma inhaler. I’d had asthma my entire life, but it’d never been a problem. My parents had both passed away and Richard’s lived abroad and as we didn’t have any children, Christmas was always about us. I was told I was infertile when I was 25-years-old after multiple scans on my ovaries. Ever since my periods had started, they’d been nothing but trouble.…

On Christmas Eve 2011, Karen Biraghi, 40, called 911 from her Florida home and confessed that she’d just killed her husband. ‘I shot him,’ she said. Huge Disney fanatic Karen had been married to Alan for 11 years.  Just before Christmas, he admitted that he’d been having an affair and was planning a new life with his lover. The following day, Karen bought a gun. On 24 December, she shot her husband in the head as he slept. He died instantly. Karen pleaded guilty to murder in the second degree and was sentenced to life in prison.…

Amongst all the festive cheer, Christmas can be a very stressful time for families. Spending time with family can be wonderful, but it can also cause a lot of tension. It’s a time of year where you see family members that you actively try to avoid the rest of the year. You may find yourself getting annoyed and frustrated. So when you feel yourself losing your temper, take five minutes. Find a quiet room in the house where you can just take a breather, or maybe even go for a short walk. As much as we hate to admit it, families can be difficult, and you need to enjoy the day. So, take a breather every so often and don’t drown out your feelings with alcohol! It will only make…

Billington’s range of unrefined sugar products are perfect for all your festive favourites Billington’shot chocolate Serves: 1 □ 450ml whole milk □ 100g 72% cocoa chocolate, finely chopped, grated or blitzed □ 60g good quality milk chocolate (minimum of 35%) finely chopped □ 75ml single cream □ Large pinch of ground sweet cinnamon □ Pinch salt □ 1-2 tsp Billington’s Unrefined Golden Caster Sugar to taste OPTIONAL INGREDIENTS □ Dash of your favourite tipple □ Marshmallows to serve 1 Warm 150ml of milk in a pan over a gentle heat and stir in the chocolates. Continue to stir until the chocolate has melted into the milk, then whisk in the remaining milk and the cream. 2 Heat for a few minutes until the mixture is hot, but not boiling, then…

Lying on the beach, I started slathering on the sunscreen. It might have been winter back home in Bradford, but it was another gorgeous day in Barbados and my mum, Rita, 69, and I were catching the last of the day’s sunshine. ‘This is the life,’ Mum sighed as she sank into her sun lounger. But I wasn’t feeling quite so relaxed. There was no way I could leave her It was a few days before Christmas 2018 and the break had been a last-ditch attempt to make me feel better. Sadly, not even the white sandy beaches of Barbados could have changed my mood. ‘We should have just stayed at home,’ I cried to Mum. ‘Come on,’ Mum encouraged. ‘Things will get better.’ Mum and I had decided to…

ARIES 21 March–20 April Every day brings new choices during this festive period. Grab them with both hands. You think you can’t change your circumstances, but someone is about to step in and change them for you. Career choices you make now, help put your future on a more reliable financial footing. You’re soon to enter the world of the professionals and you’re going to like it there! Call: 09058 170 710* TAURUS 21 April–21 May Your time does not seem to be your own this Christmas as you try your best to keep everyone else’s needs afloat. Stop and take a breath. Do you think you’re putting so much time into others, to avoid dealing with your own issues? You have the power to make great changes this Christmas.…