Table of contents for 20-Oct-2022 in Pick Me Up!

Music thumping in my ears, I finished my DJ set as the crowd jumped up and down, wildly. I’d always been into music, and DJ’ing was my passion. There was no better feeling than getting up in front of a crowd and doing what I loved. And the crowd clearly loved what I did, too. They were buzzing, and it gave me such a high. ‘You were great,’ my mate said afterwards. She’d come to watch, back in May 2019, and it was nice having a friendly face there. ‘Do you fancy grabbing a drink?’ I asked. ‘Go on, then,’ she smiled. We headed down the road from the venue in Bristol to a bar in St Pauls in the city. But then I started to feel funny, and a…

Holland & Barrett have launched a new advanced menopause supplement range to help support their customers from their first perimenopausal sign, right through to menopause. The new day and night formulas have been created by their in-house expert nutritionists and product developers over the last two years to bring new, clinically studied ingredients to the UK for the first time. Formulated with clinically studied botanicals and a blend of red clover and hops, Holland & Barrett’s Day Support contains added vitamin B, Gingko and Bilboa to support energy levels, reduce fatigue and contribute to memory and brain function, whilst Night Support includes L-Theanine to support sleep.…

Peering out of the plane window, I admired the heavenly white, fluffy clouds and bright blue sky. I smiled over at my sister, Liz, 49, and felt so grateful to be with her on one of our annual trips abroad. This time we were heading off to Paris and had decided to bring along our daughters Bethan, 14, and Joely, 18. You see, ever since Liz had been diagnosed with breast cancer back in 2012, we had made it our mission to see the world together. ‘I want to do something epic!’ I remember her saying right after she had been told she was officially cancer free. That’s when we decided to jet off to Peru to walk the Inca Trail for charity! It was the best trip of our…

Finding your dream home, going through the paperwork, and finally getting your keys is an experience like no other – especially if you have your loving partner by your side. They do say that you don’t know someone until you live with them, only that saying isn’t always about bad habits. Leaving the toilet seat up and not tidying up is the least of your worries. For it is said that seven in 10 Brits who buy a home with a partner without being married are leaving themselves exposed to losing tens of thousands by not protecting what they have put in, according to Zoopla. It’s almost as if we are all so loved up, caught in the idea of finally owning our own home, that we aren’t securing our…

With winter on the horizon, now is the perfect time to start thinking about how you can freeze your household prices and make the most out of your money. TopCashback’s Abigail Yearley has answered five questions that we all have on our mind this time of year – listen up! • For more money-saving methods visit: topcashback.co.uk What’s the best way to know that you aren’t overpaying on your bills? If you are paying for your energy bills debit and don’t via a direct monitor your energy usage very closely, it’s easy to end up paying for more than you use. Obviously, this is not a situation anyone wants to be in at any time, but particularly this winter when the energy prices are skyrocketing. The good news is that there…

For many people, the dinner table is their happy place. TV presenter Joe Swash knows all too well how true this is. Whether it’s a grand meal, or bickering over the last potato, the dinner table is a place where the family can catch up after a busy day. That’s why, he’s released his new cookbook – Joe’s Kitchen: Homemade Meals for a Happy Family – to spread a little joy into your home. • Joe’s Kitchen, £11, Amazon Tottenham Cake Makes 16-20 slices ◻ 250g unsalted butter, softened, plus extra for greasing◻ 250g self-raising flour◻ 2 tsp baking powder◻ Pinch of salt◻ 250g caster sugar◻ 4 eggs◻ 2 tsp vanilla extract◻ Up to 50ml milk◻ 150g raspberries (optional) ICING ◻ 75g raspberries (frozen work best)◻ 250g icing sugar TO…

Borough Market: The Knowledge by Angela Clutton is an exciting new release for all foodies out there! You will get the inside scoop on London’s stall owners working at one of the world’s leading food markets – famous Borough Market. Clutton divulges all of her wisdom ranging from how to best cook and serve a number of tasty dishes. The book includes 80 new recipes inspired by trader expertise, alongside in-depth features on specific traders, along with visual step-by-step guides to preparing ingredients and beautiful infographics. So, what’s not to love? • Borough Market: The Knowledge by Angela Clutton, £20.59, Amazon…

Glancing over at my beloved pony grazing away, I couldn’t believe he was actually ours. With his adorable dark fluffy mane and cheeky nature, Patrick was named in honour of Ireland’s day of festivities. My husband Kirk, 44, and I had originally bought him as a present for our three girls. Sophia, 16, Naomi, 10, and Amy-Rose, nine, were absolutely delighted when we first brought Patrick to our home back in December 2019. Patrick slotted perfectly into our lives. So much so, we thought about bringing him along to our usual evenings at our local pub, The Drum Inn. People couldn’t believe their eyes when they saw Patrick at the bar ready to order a pint of Guinness – and the landlords didn’t mind at all! Everyone fell in love…

DON’T MISS… For all you horror fans out there – the newest terrifying film in the Halloween franchise, Halloween Ends, is in cinemas on 14 October. Prepare as serial killer Michael Myers returns to the big screen – will Laurie finally be able to end the community’s suffering once and for all? We’re loving Aaaand…relax! As the nights draw in, there’s nothing better than lighting up a scented candle and chilling out. In a fun gummy bear shape, these bright and colourful melts are crafted from 100% natural soya wax and created with therapeutic-grade essential oils – the perfect way to combat the stresses and strains of day-to-day life when you get home at the end of the day. Smelling delicious, and looking like a sweet treat, it’s hard to…

Giving my best hit, I watched as the golf ball rolled away. ‘So close,’ my date Joe, then 20, mocked as I missed the hole. Meeting in a bar just a few weeks before, in 2012, me and Joe spent the night talking. Being in the army, based an hour away from home, the thought of a man in uniform was a pleasant surprise, too. Working away Monday to Friday, Joe would come back at the weekend, which was the perfect time to book in dates. Not only that, but Joe was a real romantic. My mum Bernie, 64, and dad Dave, 69, thought the same. And at every opportunity Joe would gift me a bunch of flowers with four white roses scattered in between. White roses soon became a…

Doomscrolling is a compulsive urge to search the internet for bad news – even if that news is depressing or upsetting. The 24-hour news cycle means you can doomscroll as much as you like. However, new research published in the journal Health Communication has suggested that the overconsumption of bad news can cause depression and even anxiety. The study found 16.5% of about 1,100 people surveyed showed signs of ‘severely problematic’ news consumption, leading to greater levels of stress, anxiety and poor health. About 27.3% of those surveyed reported ‘moderately problematic’ levels of news consumption, 27.5% were minimally impacted and 28.7% experienced no problems. This suggests it is hard to detach from the news and if you become overwhelmed by what you read, it is best to reduce your consumption…

Bunged up Q I often have a blocked nose and general heaviness around my sinus area. Is there anything I can do to unblock my sinuses? Caitlin, Shoreham A There are a lot of reasons this may happen, and it would be interesting to know if this is a seasonal issue or not. If seasonal, this may be allergy led and therefore taking normal allergy precautions may ease this – this would include popping Vaseline around the inside of the nostrils (works as a barrier to trap allergens) and using a daily anti-histamine with a nasal spray can also help to ease some of these symptoms. However, if your symptoms are all year round, it may be worthwhile to undertake a ‘sinus flush’ to see if it will help at…

Get ready for a season of comfort and warmth with an exclusive discount from online fashion brand Damart. Designed to help you feel as great as you look, Damart’s new collection has you covered for a winter that’s cosy and chic. Filled with classic tailoring, timeless prints and luxurious textures, teamed with Damart’s innovative thermals, your wardrobe will keep you toasty all winter. It’s easy to beat the chill, whether snuggling indoors or layering up to head out, with Damart’s fashion-focused Thermolactyl collection. Bursting with an array of knitwear and outerwear that’s pure comfort and style. From classic coats and chunky knits to thermal boots that will keep your toes toasty too, Damart’s thermals are perfect for updating your winter wardrobe with gorgeous, key layering pieces or creating a whole…

For digital wardrobe app Whering, being an outfit repeater is their mantra, and with 75% of adults claiming they only own items they ‘swear by’, try it for yourself. All of these outfits have been made from the UK’s top voted wardrobe essentials, from an oversized hoodie to trendy Dr. Marten boots… Download Whering from your app store or visit: whering.co.uk…

Mini Electric Pancake Maker, £19.99, Lakeland Lakeland have made breakfast time fun with this pancake maker! Simply pour the mixture into the maker and watch your crêpe rise into the perfect circular shape. It will be hard to tell the difference between homemade pancakes and restaurant bought ones with this handy gadget! Due to its compact size, there’s less washing up so more time to eat! Verdict: GENIUS! Flipping fun times Pie Pattern Blanket, £11.25, Shein With winter just around the corner, snuggle up in this wacky pie pattern blanket. Remind yourself of your favourite food as you wrap up in this pastry-themed rug each evening. Who said pie was made just to be eaten? It’s also great for pets, but make sure they know it isn’t for chewing! Bring a…

I came across this mockup of a cell when visiting a museum in Inveraray. I almost fell off my bunk bed as I thought the mannequin was a spitting image of Jason Statham. I wouldn’t mind being locked up with him! Fiona Deans, North Ayrshire Look at my little man trying to crawl. He’s only six months and he’s already keeping me on my toes! Alexandra Low, Halesowen This is a picture of my cat Dizzy. I have just moved into a new place, so he’s got to stay in for a while. As you can see, he’s not happy about it! Samantha Shephard, Burton-on-Trent With all the lockdowns, our daughter Lisa recently put a couple of blank photos on social media showing absolutely nothing and called them Memories of 2020! Here she…

This week, our tip of the week will get a product from Addis. The Under Sink Storage Solution, adjusts to fit the space below your sink, perfectly. It includes 10 adjustable shelves to maximise your storage space. Coming complete with assembly instructions, it is simple and easy to construct and no tools are required. Visit: addis.co.uk Wipe clean! I use cheap oven liners to line my kitchen cupboards. Hard wearing and washable, it saves me having to keep on wiping the shelves. Lucy Travell, Gloucester Picture perfect Try adding a little blob of toothpaste to the back of the frame or picture you are hanging, where you want the nail to go, so when you press it against the wall you get left with a perfect indicator as to where…

Hannah Pease is a tea-drinking, dog-walking, energetic mum of three with a passion for reading and being outdoors. As a Christian, she has walked through challenges with families who needed her support. Find her by searching Words for Whatever. Feeling guilty Q My mum has recently moved into a care home. We talk every day, and she seems to love it, however I have an overwhelming sense of guilt. I can’t give her the care she needs here at my house, but I hate her being away from me. Advice in this situation about what to do would be appreciated. Laura, Newport A Bless you! You obviously love your mum and want the best for her. I’m sure you took your time to consider all the options before you chose…

Watching my daughter running around the garden of her grandparents, I frowned. As Emily ran, she would fling her left leg out like she was in a lot of pain. She hasn’t complained, I thought. I haven’t seen her fall. ‘She must have fallen over,’ my ex partner’s mum Joan, now 84, said, coming over to join me. ‘But I’ve been watching her all day,’ I replied. ‘I haven’t seen her hurt herself.’ ‘Well, she must have done something,’ Joan concluded. In August 2005, I decided to book Emily, then 18 months, a doctor’s appointment and managed to get one the very next day. Emily seemed so stiff and sore all the time. Leaving her brother George, then five, with Joan, I took Emily to the doctor where we were…

1. How did you come up with Whering? I think we’ve all had a moment where we’ve said, ‘I’ve got nothing to wear!’ while standing in front of a wardrobe full of clothes. I knew I had some lovely pieces but I would always reach for the same tried and tested combos when going to work or out with friends. I thought it would be so much easier if I could see all the items I own on my phone and put outfits together anywhere, on the sofa or on the train, rather than needing to be stood in front of my wardrobe. So, one day I decided to quit my job and build it! 2. What is your go-to outfit and why? This is tricky as I now let…

Cradling my newborn baby in my arms, I kissed her forehead. Me and my husband Narcis, 33, had only been trying for a baby for about two months when we found out we were pregnant. I had a very normal pregnancy and every check-up showed nothing unusual. On 22 May 2016, I gave birth to my first child Emma, weighing 7lb 4oz. It was love at first sight. The next few days were full of the usual baby antics – feeding, nappies, and sleepless nights. However, when Emma was four days old, I started to notice a rash all over her body. What’s that? I wondered. ‘Narcis, take a look at this,’ I called from the living room. ‘It looks like chicken pox,’ he said, frowning. ‘I want to get…

www.clairepetulengro.tv ARIES 21 March–20 April Last weekend’s full moon saw you thinking about getting in contact with someone who wasn’t any good for you then, and would be even worse for you now. Remember to live in the present and keep your eyes on the future. You’re stronger than you know and more able to live the life you want to live, my friend. Venus is getting ready to confirm this to you. Call: 09058 170 710* TAURUS 21 April–21 May You were worried life could not go as you planned. Your mistake was in the fact that you were trying to control what others said and did. You see now, it is only by giving those you love free reign, that you will work out if they are yours.…