Table of contents for 11-Aug-2022 in Pick Me Up!

Clicking an advert that popped up on my computer, it came at the perfect time. ISP Fostering – the UK’s first therapeutic foster agency. Looking for way out of the stressful finance role I was in, I knew that I wanted to do something that could make a difference to someone, giving something back. I found that the information resonated with me, so requesting a call back, I waited for the phone to ring. Telling my partner, Ran, 49, all about what I had found, we looked at each other with a new excitement. After 21 years together, we knew this is what we wanted. And with Ran having a drama degree, encouraging a child with arts, as well as joining our little farm of two dogs, two cats and…

Giving the seat an almighty push, the swing flew into the air. ‘Higher,’ my 22-month-old son Kane, shouted, giving me a grin. After dropping my eldest Callum, now three, at nursery earlier on in the morning, it was our usual routine to head to the park for an hour or so of fun. Callum had been recently diagnosed with non-verbal autism which made life quite difficult at times. He wouldn’t be able to tell me what he wanted, and as a result he’d express challenging behaviours such as head banging – I could tell he was just frustrated. Only, in contrast, Kane would always tell me exactly what he wanted to do next. ‘Car,’ he pointed, spotting the mechanical rides. Kane was utterly obsessed with bikes, cars, and heroes. Batman…

Being diagnosed with type 2 diabetes can be scary – but it doesn’t need to be. GP and diabetes expert Dr Sarah Brewer, who works with natural diabetes supplement CuraLin, shares some easy lifestyle changes you can make to manage the condition. Change your diet the right way There are lots of myths surrounding diets when you have type 2 diabetes, particularly around carbs. Contrary to popular belief, carbohydrates do not directly cause obesity or weight gain. The main issue is the use of refined carbs in processed foods. What we should aim for is avoiding the ‘bad’ carbs, rather than avoiding carbs entirely. If you have type 2 diabetes, counting calories should not be a priority. Try and look for foods with low glycemic index, or GI ratings –…

As I lay back on the sun lounger, I peeped up at the clear blue sky through my sunglasses and listened to the water gently rippling in the pool next to me. I was on holiday with my husband Alwyn, 72, in the villa we owned in Turkey. With four beds, a huge pool and constant sunshine, it was amazing and I should have felt a million dollars. But I didn’t. A deep depression had crept up on me all of a sudden, and I had no idea why. I had everything – family, a loving husband I adored and a villa in Turkey in the sun. But I still couldn’t shake off the low mood. At 50, I was in midlife territory and I wondered what the future held.…

Hoppy heatwave We all know the dangers of keeping our beloved pooches out of the summer sun, but what about taking care of our small pets? Dr Samantha Butler-Davis, Veterinary Clinical Services Manager at Vets4Pets, has shared how to protect your furry friends from heatstroke, flystrike, and even death… • For more advice and guidance please visit: vets4pets.com Flystrike As the weather warms and more flies start to appear, some might lay eggs in rabbit fur which then hatch into maggots that burrow into a rabbit’s skin. This can cause irreparable damage to the skin, severe illness, and death. Keeping your rabbits and their houses clean and dry is the main way to prevent flystrike from occurring. Live maggots are the most obvious sign, but you should also look out…

With the filming of the live-action blockbuster Barbie, starring Margot Robbie, well underway, channel your inner fashion icon and create a pink dreamhouse in your wardrobe. Come on Barbie, let’s go party! HOT PINK Say it loud and clear with summer shade… BABY PINK Subtle and chic, why noy play it down with baby pink?! No fear fashion Summer is in full swing and temperatures are soaring, but for those who are less body confident, this can prove to be a struggle to find outfits that are cool and comfortable, but also provide the right levels of coverage and support. Miranda Holder, celebrity style expert, has shared her expertise to ensure that you can have a summer to remember… Visit: mirandaholder.london It’s perfectly possible If you choose lightweight, fluid clothing…

Milk & More champion small, trusted suppliers and deliver over 200 exceptional products straight to your home. Simply order via the website or app and get it on your doorsteps before 7am – perfect for a delicious breakfast or brunch! • To find out more, please visit: milkandmore.co.uk Crumpets with cheesy eggs Serves: 1 TIP: Spread the crumpets with a little butter and marmite before adding the eggs for a flavour boost. □ 2 crumpets□ Knob of butter□ 2 medium eggs, beaten□ 25g Cheddar cheese, grated□ 1 tbsp chopped parsley 1 Toast the crumpets. Meanwhile, melt the butter in a small frying pan and add the egg. Cook for a minute, stirring occasionally until almost set, then add the cheese and parsley and cook for another minute. 2 Spoon the…

My little boy Freddie grinned at me as I carefully slipped a too-big hat and veil over his head. ‘Ready?’ I said. ‘Ready,’ he replied excitedly. Dressed head-to-toe in white suits, we probably both looked a bit strange. But Freddie, four, and I are actually beekeepers. I’ve been beekeeping for eight years. Growing up, it was something I never really gave much thought to. I always imagined beekeepers were retired old men from the countryside. I went into the army, but when I was in Afghanistan in 2009, me and some mates were blown up by an IED. I woke up in hospital in Birmingham, and from there I went to the army rehabilitation centre at Headley Court, in Epsom, Surrey. I struggled with it. I’d been in the army…

Struggling to reach my toes, I finally managed to pull my socks from my feet, quickly throwing them onto the pile of clothing already in a heap on the bathroom floor. Stepping forward, I hopped onto the scales, avoiding the reflection in the corner of my eye. Only, looking down after a few seconds, I saw an unlikely result. Error. Taking another step forward, with a firmer step this time around, I waited for the numbers to flash on the screen. Yet, the same error code occurred. Grabbing my phone, I took a photo of the scales, before rushing to put my clothes back on. Squeezing into a size 26 outfit, I hurried downstairs. ‘Look at this,’ I sniffed, trying to hold back my tears. My then fiancé Dave, 37,…

Simone Thomas is a wellness coach working with people to ensure they live their best, happiest lives every day. Search Simone Thomas Wellness for more. Mum guilt Q I'm a working mum and I constantly feel guilty about my kids being in childcare. I need to work to support them, but I compare myself to stay-at-home mums and worry my daughters are missing out. Kirstie, Plymouth A This is such a natural feeling, but you are a super mum, giving your children amazing opportunities at home and at childcare. Childcare is a fantastic resource that our children thrive from every day. Kids progress so quickly when surrounded by other kids and they are learning. Having that time away from our children also means that we can recharge as mums, too.…

Blinking awake, I frowned. My head was pounding. What on earth…? I thought, confused. I’d never had a headache like it before. Stumbling out of bed, I went to pop two paracetamol. But it barely touched the sides, and then I realised my throat was scratchy, too. Oh my God, I thought, my heart sinking. Covid. I couldn’t believe it. It was April 2020, back at the beginning of the pandemic, and Covid was still new and scary. I’d been so careful – in my job as an IT worker, I’d always worn a mask and gloves. Despite that though, I hadn’t been too worried. I was fit and healthy, and went to the gym six times a week. I was sure if I caught it, it would be nothing…

What’s your favourite memory from Butlin’s? My childhood dream was to become a Redcoat and my most treasured memory is when I won the prestigious title of Redcoat of the Year. Why did you plunge into the world of Avon? I was approached one day by an Avon Rep walking her dog and she told me all about it – including how running my own beauty business was a great way of earning money while remaining flexible. At first, I wasn’t sure it was for me, but since I was furloughed during the pandemic and was already a huge fan of Avon’s products, I decided to give it a go. I soon found that Avon’s values mirrored my own – looking back, the last 18 months have helped me rediscover…

Dusting the remaining ash from the fire pit, I moved it into the centre of the patio. Adding layers of newspaper and wood, I lit the contents to hear the roar of the flames. As a family, me and my daughter’s Olivia, now 20, and Georgia, now 19, would love to spend an evening cuddled up next to the warmth of the fire. With my partner, Carl, stoking the wood. And annually we made sure to celebrate with our own bonfire displays in the back garden, inviting the rest of the family over to wave sparklers in the air. Flames had become a tradition in our family. So, when it came to renovating the girls’ bedrooms, getting rid of old furniture on a bonfire was the perfect idea. It was…

• Have you noticed an increase in people wanting to cycle at your club? I’m a co-road captain at the Brixton Cycling Club – I speak to people who are interested in joining our club, organise rides and alongside the rest of the committee, help organise wider club events and initiatives. We’re affiliated with the Brixton Cycles Shop, and a lot of people hear about the club through them. Every week, we get around eight new people contacting us about joining and are currently welcoming about 15 new members a month to join us. We currently stand at about 350 members, which sounds a lot but in fact makes us one of the smaller clubs! • Why should we cycle? Cycling can be great for short journeys of just a…

Ice cream moulds, £10, ProCook Simple but effective, these will be a winner at home. Instead of buying packs of plastic wrapped lollies in your food shop, why not make your own? Get the kids involved with creating their own flavours, and you could even add chunks of fruit for extra taste. A must-have to have in your freezer at all times! Verdict: GENIUS! You need these Anya Hindmarch’s The Ice Cream Project One of the UK’s hardest questions to answer has got to be ‘what flavour ice cream are you having?’ There’s vanilla, mint choc chip, raspberry ripple, PG Tips, Heinz Mayonnaise, and soy sauce – what? Running until the end of August, The Ice Cream Project in London is a pop up shop with the delicious and bizarre on…

My lovely flowers from winning your star prize arrived safely – they are so beautiful. Although, I’m not that good at arranging flowers – maybe some tips are needed! Rosemarie Webster, Windsor. STAR LETTER This is me and my partner Andrew enjoying a fabulous day at Hever Castle together. Paula Johnson, Kent. This cat is weird, she always sits on the edge of my bath dipping her paws in to steal my bath water! Lisa Adams, West Midlands. I like to keep myself active, so walking 20 plus miles a day is no trouble for me! Melanie Palmer, Bristol. I can’t resist a bargain, so when I saw flowers reduced to 50p each I snapped them up. They’ve grown to be ‘blooming’ lovely. Carole Gasan, Belfast. If your letter makes Star…

This week, our tip of the week comes from a great product from Addis! This foldable chopping board turns into a clever chute which easily guides chopped food or waste into a pan. Just squeeze the comfortable soft grip handle. Dishwasher safe, with a non-slip base and a knife-friendly cutting surface. For more ways to make your life easier, visit: addis.co.uk Fresh kicks! To clean the white rubber areas on trainers, rub them with toothpaste. Abbie Cairns, Colchester. Tip of the week Every last bit! When you get to the bottom dregs of your lip balm, don’t just throw it away. Use it to spread on your cuticles to keep them soft and moisturised. Margaret Anderson, Sunderland. Going green for less… With many of us spending more time than ever in…

• If you’d like advice from our Pick Me Up! expert, email us at hello@pickmeupmag.co.uk or write to us at the address on our contacts page (pg4). • If your problem affects your mental wellbeing, you can call the helpline run by the charity Mind on 0300 123 3398, open 9am to 6pm weekdays. Reading corner In a world more connected than ever before, we all feel lonely and it can be hard to unravel why it is that we feel that way. The truth is, whether you’re sociable or solitary, extroverted or introverted, loneliness can affect us all at some point in our lives, too. Debbi Marco’s new book, You’re Not Alone, £8.99, is packed with easy-to-follow advice and bite-sized tips as well as kind word strategies to support…

With Dr Deborah Lee, Dr Fox Online Pharmacy (doctorfox.co.uk) Recurrent illness Q My six-year-old daughter keeps getting tonsilitis. How can I stop it from coming back? Ellen, Dagenham A Tonsillitis is common in young children, often occurring along with other upper respiratory tract infections (URTI) symptoms such as a runny nose, cough and cold. On average, children have around six URTIs every year, so it may seem they are always unwell, but in fact, they are acquiring normal immunity. Antibiotics are only given if bacterial tonsillitis is suspected. Typically, in bacterial tonsillitis, the child is more unwell and has large red tonsils covered with pus. Your GP may take a swab to confirm the diagnosis. Treat each episode optimally, with salt water gargles, paracetamol, ibuprofen and fluids. Decongestants and a…

SAVE 20% ON ALL PRODUCTS at Regissalons.co.uk JUST USE CODE PMU20! We’ve teamed up with Regis UK to offer readers 20% off Regissalons.co.uk using the code PMU20, so you can treat yourself, and your hair, this summer. Regis prides itself on supplying salon-quality services and products to customers, enabling you to give your hair the love it deserves. Their latest addition to their website is PUMP Haircare. PUMP Haircare is an eco-friendly haircare range that has (to put it mildly) taken the Australian hair and beauty world by storm and is now exclusively available with Regis here in the UK. PUMP haircare features four ranges — Curly Girl, Blonde, Thickening, and Growth that will help your locks shine, feel and look moisturised. No matter your hair type, there’s a range for…

Have you turned a blind eye to a home disaster that you don’t have the money to fix? Or have you been meaning to transform your home but haven’t been able to get it done? DIY experts at Ronseal have shared their smart hacks to achieve great things at home, all whilst on a tight budget, so you can get it right for less… • For more ideas, visit: ronseal.com 1.Repair, don’t replace Chipped or damaged sinks and baths can cost a fortune to replace, but why replace them if they can be fixed for a much lower cost? There are lots of repair kits on the market that will help cover any damage, all without having to pay a tradesman – some for as little as £20! 2.Show some…

Wilting a load of spinach, I paced the heap of green onto my plate. Instead of the huge packet going off in the fridge, it seemed I had consumed enough greens to give Popeye a run for his money – consuming it at breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Writing my meal plan and jotting down my water intake, I put my phone away. Anyone would have thought I was a gym fanatic. Yet, this process was to find out what was wrong with me. Living a healthy lifestyle, coming home to a warm bed filled me with joy. Yet, a pain that started back in 2019, tried to disturb me from my beauty sleep. Gripping onto my left calf, I tried my best to ignore it but it wouldn’t go away.…

If you’re still lacking inspiration, check out these bike-obsessed cyclists with the largest followings on Instagram… • Mark Cavendish @markcavendish – Mark Cavendish is a professional road racing cyclist and won the Tour de France for a fourth successive year. If you want to aim high, follow his account for cycling content and exclusive looks at all his races. • Tahnee Seagrave @tahneeseagrave – Tahnee is a British athlete competing in downhill mountain biking. If you like to go fast, this one’s for you! As well as races, there are some crazy stunt videos. Tahnee made the worlds top 10 in her sport aged just 18 years old. • Sir Bradley Wiggins @bradwiggins – Brad won the Tour de France in 2012 and hosts a show on Eurosport. He posts…

LUSCIOUS LOCKS There’s no better feeling than stepping out of the hairdressers. Finding effective, yet affordable products in order to maintain that salon-soft, bright and volumized hair in-between visits can seem a difficult task. With the help of Charles Worthington you can find at-home hair solutions that give your tresses the ultimate refresh. 1. Keep salon-fresh blonde looking bright with ColourPlex Toning UV Treatment, £9.99 This best-selling UV range reverses damage and leaves hair brighter after just one use. This luxurious treatment is enriched with viola flower to nourish split ends. 2. Restore hair hydration with Moisture Self Leave-In Conditioner, £6.99 This deeply replenishing mask is encapsulated with a blend of oils to deeply condition your locks. 3. Protect your hair from the heat with Volume & Bounce Big Blow…

With a long, hot summer on our hands, there’s no better way to cool down and have fun than wild swimming, with people taking to the UK’s rivers, lakes and coastline to get their fix. Colette MacCarthy, from Level Water, shares her top tips for taking a dip in nature’s pool. 1 Work it! Swimming is a brilliant all-round workout for your whole body. It helps improve your cardiovascular endurance as well as core strength and muscle tone, too. Take it outside and it adds an extra level to your training. The colder water supercharges your workout and improves endurance both in and out of the water. 2 Transitioning from pool to pond Taking your swim outside provides a beautiful backdrop, but with no lane markers or sides to kick…

OUR MUST TRY Smirnoff Berry Burst Vodka, £16.50, Morrisons Get the party started with this yummy berry vodka – brimming with the sweet natural flavour of blueberries and blackberries. Bacardi Carta Blanca Cola Mix, £1.65, Sainsbury’s Heading out to a barbecue or picnic? Pop a few of these ready-to-drink rum and cola tinnies in your bag and you’re good to go! It’s the perfect fuss-free, on-the-go drink. Little Moons Iced Latte Coffee Flavour Mochi Ice Cream, £5, Ocado Viral sensation Little Moons are back – with a new limited edition iced latte flavour! This creamy gelato encased in a chewy mochi dough is the ultimate summer pudding. Princes Street Food 4 Korean BBQ Chargrilled Chicken Kebabs, £3.75, Morrisons For that smoky barbecue taste straight from the oven, try these delicious…

When the temperature rises there’s nothing like a refreshing ice lolly to keep you cool – but this alcoholic version is just for grown-ups! After all, who doesn’t enjoy a little tipple in the sunshine? Even better, this Pimm’s ice lolly recipe from WW is low in calories and just one PersonalPoint per serving, too – win win! PREP TIME: 10 MINUTES FREEZE: 5 HOURS, 10 MINUTES SERVES: 8 INGREDIENTS: □ 150ml Pimm’s□ 300ml diet lemonade (flat)□ ¼ cucumber, thinly sliced□ 12 strawberries, hulled and halved□ 2 sprigs of fresh mint METHOD: 1 Mix together the Pimm’s and lemonade. Divide the cucumber, strawberries and mint between eight ice lolly moulds, then pour in the liquid, to about 1cm below the top. 2 Freeze for one hour, add the ice lolly…

www.clairepetulengro.tv Catch Claire live on Facebook ARIES 21 March–20 April The stars hand you the ability to talk to people from all walks of life and if there is something you have been worried about facing, then fear not. The stars are behind you to point out rights and wrongs and to allow others to see things from your point of view. It’s a great week to face financial worries you have been burying your head in the sand over. Call: 09058 170 710* LEO 24 July–23 Aug To accomplish great things, you must not only act, but also dream. Not only plan, but also believe. Your ruling planet, the Sun, helps you to impress those who can take you to the next stage of your journey. Try to complete…