Table of contents for 16-Jul-2020 in Pick Me Up!

Switching on my computer, I sat on my chair, plugged in my headphones and fired up my favourite online game. ‘Time to win this,’ I giggled to myself, excited. All through my teens, I had been into video games. I loved nothing more than plugging myself into the latest hit and playing for hours. It started out as a hobby, but as I got older, I realised I could make a career out of it. In 2015, I set up my own YouTube channel and started reviewing games and getting sponsorship money. I recorded myself playing and uploading daily videos to my followers. ‘I’m excited to play this one,’ I announced, hitting ‘record’ on my webcam. I’d often get flattering emails from fans and comments from strangers – I never…

Sighing as I looked in the mirror at my size-22 body, I tried to shrug the negative thoughts aside. On the surface, life was good. At 20 years old, I was a happy, bubbly and young girl. In 2018, I had a place studying Animal Management at Riseholme College, Lincoln, and a brilliant group of friends. Only, my relationship with food wasn’t healthy. I was an emotional eater, and during times of stress, I’d binge junk food – crisps, chocolate, biscuits. I just didn’t know how to stop myself. ‘Do you really need that?’ my mum Rachel, 45, would ask gently, when I ordered a takeaway pizza after dinner. I ate a multipack of crisps in one go ‘I’m still hungry,’ I told her. Am I really? I’d ask myself.…

Smirnoff Seltzers, £1.80 per can, Sainsbury’s and Tesco. With hard seltzers more popular than ever, Smirnoff have launched their own version, mixing their premium vodka with sparkling water and delicious, natural fruit flavours. Jammie Dodgers, stores nationwide, from £0.69. After announcing a new recipe change, Jammie Dodgers have returned to it’s vegan-friendly status. The beloved British biscuit is now 100% plant based after scrapping the dairy. Heinz Seriously Good Flavoured Mayonnaise, £1.89, stores nationwide. Heinz are introducing four delicious new flavours to their seriously good mayo range, including Garlic & Caramelised Onion, Basil & Parmesan, Rich & Creamy Truffle and Lemon & Black Pepper. Heinz Salad Dressing Sprays, £1.99, stores nationwide. Perfect for those looking for a lighter way to dress a healthy salad, these smart sprays have just 1-2…

You know your child better than anyone else – sometimes, even medical professionals. As a mum, you should always trust your gut. No matter how silly you think it sounds, or how crazy you feel. Your maternal instinct could save your child’s life. Just like mine did. I knew my baby wasn’t well, and nobody listened. The lengthy journey to her life-changing diagnosis was a battle, and now every single day is a struggle. But I am so glad that I followed my intuition. Or my baby girl Soraya, now one, wouldn’t be here today. On 25 May 2019, our family of five welcomed Soraya into this world. She struggled to gain weight, but she was a happy, healthy baby when she was born. ‘She’s beautiful!’ her dad, Simon, 29,…

Match with your mini Shop for the whole family all on one website. Nutmeg’s kids clothing range is affordable and super trendy. Best of all, whatever age you’re buying for you’ll pay the same price!…

Raymond Lazarine called his son Nathan while he was at work. It was around noon on 18 December 2013. ‘I’ve had a dream that I shot my wife…’ he stammered. ‘Then I woke up… come quick.’ Nathan thought his dad sounded oddly distressed about a dream and rushed to his home in Houston, Texas. When Nathan got there and burst into the living room, he couldn’t believe what he saw. Raymond’s wife Deborah was dead on the floor in a pool of her own blood. How had a dream become a horrific reality? Raymond and Deborah, both 63, had been married for 35 years. Nathan was Raymond’s son from a previous relationship – Deborah had a daughter of her own, too – Krysta Johns, 46. Raymond ran a successful electrical…

Bears About The House, BBC Two Conservationist Giles Clark is embarking on a big mission: taking on the illegal wildlife trade and helping to build a new bear sanctuary in Laos, Southeast Asia. Across Asia, bears in the illegal wildlife trade are sold as trophy pets, used for their body parts in restaurants and processed for traditional Asian medicine. Giles has been asked by Matt Hunt, CEO of Free The Bears, to help – and he’s not long into his role when he has to step in to help Mary, a five month-old sun bear. Mary was rescued after her mother was killed. She lives with Giles and Matt, while she needs around-the-clock care. Meanwhile, there is a bear sanctuary to build. With 31 bears there already, the team is…

When it comes to true love, I believe that when the right person comes along, you just know. That’s how I felt when I first met Josh Mannings on a dating app in January. Kind, funny and caring, Josh, 20, swept me off my feet, and after a few dates, we were a couple. And even better, we happened to work at the same place – the Amazon warehouse in Swansea! Spending all our time together, Josh and I were head over heels. And on Valentine’s Day, he had a surprise for me… Out for a romantic meal, all of a sudden, Josh dropped down to one knee. ’Jasmine, will you marry me?’ he asked, presenting me with a stunning diamond ring. ‘Of course I will!’ I cried. We’d only…

Something to think about While Friends ended 16 years ago, it remains one of the most loved series of all time. Have you ever wondered where your favourite friend ended up? Experts at StandOut-CV.com made it their mission to find out, and asked 3,000 fans where they believe Joey, Monica, Rachel, Chandler, Phoebe and Ross would be now career-wise… CHANDLER Comics editor • The series ended with Chandler leaving his job to take on a new role: Junior Advertising Copywriter. Ultimately, fans believe Chandler would have taken his passion for writing further as an editor for a comics magazine. MONICA Restaurant owner and head chef • After spending a few years as a head chef at Javu, fans imagine Mon would have entered a big cooking show. This probably gave her…

Itiptoed downstairs as my dad opened the door. ‘Hello, does Annie live here?’ a man asked, with a very strong Eastern European accent. I didn’t see him, but just hearing his voice sent shivers down my spine. I started shaking uncontrollably and had to stifle my own screams. What was Keio going to do to me? My dad very calmly told him that I didn’t live here, and Keio left. ‘I can’t believe he’s found me,’ I cried, terrified. Dad immediately grabbed the phone and called the police. Unfortunately, by the time they arrived, Keio was nowhere to be seen. Police patrolled our house as I prayed he wouldn’t return. I couldn’t get that flash of green hair out of my head. The next day, an officer came to our…

This week, our tip of the week will receive a great product from Addis! If you’re looking for a quick and cost effective way to freshen up your kitchen, then invest in this pair. The deep wire drainer and washing up bowl made from 100% recycled household plastic will be a perfect addition to your home. For more ways to make your life easier, visit addis.co.uk Weekend away When packing for an overnight trip, I always take a couple of bags for the dirty laundry. Lucy Travell, Gloucester Eco cleaning With global warming concerns, many of us are trying to cut down on plastic and waste. Seventh Generation has arrived in the UK with its eco-friendly homecare range. Powered by plants for over 30 years, their cleaning range has all…

We’ve all been missing popping to our favourite food outlets to pick up a treat while they’ve been closed. To keep the nation satisfied, The Big Bakes has pledged to reveal a new secret recipe each week to help us replicate some of the UK’s most iconic High Street snacks at home. They’ve created five online recipe tutorials of the most popular dishes, which will be revealed each Wednesday. THESE INCLUDE: • Greggs Sausage Roll • Disney Cookie Fries • Nando’s Portugese Tarts • Millie’s Cookies Each video masterclass will off er an easy, step-by-step guide for people to follow at home. To take part, visit @Thebig_bakes on Facebook or Instagram, for a list of the necessary ingredients needed for the upcoming class. The Big Bakes Disney Cookie Fries: WHAT…

Peeking my head into the living room, my little boy was engrossed in his PlayStation. ‘Come on, we’re going to be late,’ I said. It was October 2018, and Adam, then five, was due for an eye exam at the optician. But when Adam was on his PlayStation, there was no tearing him away. After a few minutes, he reluctantly put his coat on, ready to go. We’ll see you later,’ I said to my wife Justyna, 39. Half an hour later, Adam was sat in chair, reading letters off a chart on the wall in front of him. ‘He’s struggling to read the bottom line,’ the optician told me afterwards, prescribing Adam a pair of glasses. He wore them for three months, but when I took him back to…

Rare frog spotted A rare species of frog with translucent skin has been seen in Bolivia for the first time in 18 years. Earlier this year, conservationists spotted three tiny amphibians in a national park. Glass frogs are found in Central and South America and have skin so translucent that their internal organs can be seen through their bellies. Investigators hope to rescue the rare species, threatened by a hydroelectric project, and encourage them to breed. Build a frog den Amphibians like to hibernate in a cool, dark and damp shelter, safely away from predators. Give them a helping hand by creating their very own mansion, full of cavities galore. Follow these steps by RSPB to give nature a home where you live… YOU WILL NEED: • Twigs and branches •…

For some mums, fancy dress days at school are a nightmare. Trying to track down a costume that no-one else has, and persuading your child to wear it can be tricky. Then there’s me… I love any excuse to dress my children up! World Book Day, Halloween, Christmas – you name it, I’ll find a fun, unique and creative costume. Luckily, my children enjoy it just as much as I do. Ellis, 20, Bunnie, eight, Abrey, seven, Lenny, five, and Vince, 14 months, are all used to my wacky ways. And my husband Nick, 37, just turns a blind eye. ‘As long as you’re happy!’ he says, chuckling. Back in the day, it was a struggle hunting down fancy dress costumes. They simply weren’t around when I had my eldest…

Manchester-based spirits brand Didsbury Gin has partnered with the winner of MasterChef 2015, Simon Wood, to show fans just how easy it is to create this dessert at home. • Didsbury Gin is available from £14.95 online at didsburygin.com □ 120ml Didsbury Gin Original□ 30g caster sugar□ 125g Digestive biscuit crumbs□ 40g butter, melted□ 1 grapefruit□ 1 orange□ 1 lime□ 1 lemon□ 280g cream cheese□ 397g can condensed milk□ 90ml fresh lemon juice 1 Add 120ml Didsbury Gin Original to a saucepan along with 30g caster sugar and reduce by two thirds. 2 Combine the biscuit crumbs and melted butter and press into the base of your moulds. Don’t over work it as you want it to hold together but still be a crumbly, buttery biscuit base. 3 Use a…

ACROSS 6 _ Willis, Die Hard actor (5) 7 Opportunity (8) 10 Philip Seymour _, late star of The Master (7) 11 Fishing boat (7) 12 Nightdress, informally (7) 13 Surgical knives (7) 14 Type of game (11) 19 Month (7) 21 Draw back (7) 23 Commemorative inscription on a tomb (7) 25 Liberty (7) 26 Fundamentally important (8) 27 Ethan _, Boyhood actor (5) DOWN 1 Tea party, slang (8) 2 Protection for the head (6) 3 Adviser (10) 4 Hare’s tail (4) 5 Goalkeeper, in short (6) 6 At the rear of (6) 8 Michael _, Boardwalk Empire actor (7) 9 Dry and brittle (5) 13 Position of avoiding attention (3,7) 15 An expert, informally (3,4) 16 Resign from a position (4,4) 17 Marisa _, My Cousin Vinny…

Some people don’t believe in angels, but I certainly do. When my son Simon was born in 1999, his little tuft of red hair and rosy cheeks had me fall in love with him instantly. He’d come as a complete surprise – my then partner David, now 58, and I already had Stephanie, then 10, and Michael, six – we hadn’t expected another baby! But Simon filled my heart with so much love the moment he came into this world. Bringing him home, he and I settled on the bed, fell asleep together, our hearts in sync. David made a short video of us together, and when I watched it the next day, I swear I could see angels around us, and I knew they’d brought Simon to me especially.…

When you’re in a happy and healthy relationship, you’re often in a love-filled bubble. No matter how long you’ve been together and how much life gets in the way, your relationship should feel strong and reliable. But with the confession or discovery of an affair, that bubble can burst very quickly. This year, eHarmony revealed that a whopping 78% of men and 54% of women were using the excuse of exercise to go out and cheat on their partner. Although we condemn those who do so, these figures reveal just how prominent cheating is in our society. But despite the immense pain it brings to a family, many couples choose to work through it. Look at the famous cases. Sarah Jessica Parker forgave her husband Matthew Broderick after rumours became…

Watching my three boys play a game of football in the garden, I almost had to pinch myself. For most mums this would be nothing out of the ordinary, but for me, this moment had been a long time coming. And as I watched Mylo, 10, and his younger twin brothers, Clay and Saul, eight, I could feel myself getting emotional. It was May this year and just six months before, Saul – who has cerebral palsy – was confined to a wheelchair. He couldn’t even get out of bed on his own and now there he was, running around with his two brothers. He still needed a walker to help him, but the difference was remarkable. My husband Stuart, 44, and I first discovered Saul had the condition when…

www.theastrologyroom.com ARIES 21 March–20 April Make those bold choices and mistakes, Aries. It’s all those things, that add up to the person you become. An invite you are thinking of not taking up, is the key to you getting back on the ride that is life. Be the writer of your own story from here on in. There’s a life out there waiting for you to live. Start by returning that phone call. You’ve got this Aries. Have faith. Call: 09058 170 710* TAURUS 21 April–21 May It doesn’t matter how slowly you go, so long as you keep moving forward, and that you are, my friend. Don’t tell tales on others this week. It is clear to me that what you hear will affect more people than you first…