Table of contents for 17-Nov-2022 in Pick Me Up! (2024)

Home//Pick Me Up!/17-Nov-2022/In This Issue

Pick Me Up!|17-Nov-2022One in aMILLION!Loading up muddy football kits in the washing machine, it didn’t feel like a miserable task to me.There was something so rewarding about seeing the children happily running around in the fresh air.Since 16, I had spent all my time babysitting.My Friday nights as a teen weren’t spent heading out to wild parties, but instead singing lullabies to babies.So, when I met my first husband, aged 20, I couldn’t wait to have my own.James was born in 1990, and 10 years later, I got remarried to my partner, Chris.We did consider having more kids of our own, but settled on fostering instead.‘We’ll give it a go for a couple of years…’ we said to each other.We’ve now fostered over 90 children!Except, 19 years later, we’ve now fostered over 90 children!Including…2 min

Pick Me Up!|17-Nov-2022GOODBYE CHIEFSnuggled up under a blanket, I watched bolts of lightning rip through the sky, from the conservatory at my grandparents’ house. Every weekend for as long as I could remember, I’d swing by to see my nan Sheila, 78, and grandad Richard, 70. They only lived a 15-minute drive away – so come rain or shine, I’d pop over for a catch up. Seeing them so much made our relationship even stronger. We’d usually have a Chinese every Friday at Nan and Grandad’s, then a roast round my parents on Sunday, too – my mum Sue, 49, and dad Stuart, 41. He was the glue who held the family together Nan and Grandad – Dad’s parents – were the life and soul of the party. ‘Thanks for braving the storm,’…6 min

Pick Me Up!|17-Nov-2022ON THE HUNTDespite previously confessing, Moses Christensen pleaded ‘not guilty’ to murder at a preliminary hearing – so the case would go to a trial. Tears began streaming down my cheeks as I felt a mixture of emotions. I went to a few of the pretrial hearings, but I couldn’t bring myself to sit in court every day through the trial. I didn’t want to hear about Grandad’s final horrific moments – it was still too raw. But Mum, Dad, Nan and her brother went every day to the trial at Stafford Crown Court, in April last year. As I struggled to process what had happened, I blocked everything out and struggled to talk about it. All I could think about was the last time I’d seen Grandad. Why hadn’t I given…3 min

Pick Me Up!|17-Nov-2022Your Brainwaves…This week, our tip of the week will receive a great product from Addis. Ideal for storage or composting food waste, the 18L capacity caddy is a kitchen essential. With an easy-access flip-top lid, and carry handle, it can be used as a bin or a storage alternative. It’s also dishwasher safe, so can be easily cleaned to get rid of bin smells. To make life easier, visit: addis.co.uk Childproof hack! To stop children from slamming doors and getting their fingers caught, put a towel over the top of the door. Abbie Cairnes, Colchester Stay fabulous Here is a great tip! If you add a little of your favourite perfume to your body lotion, you will always come out smelling fabulous. Angela Garvin, Romford Keeping your home cosy Now we’re…2 min

Pick Me Up!|17-Nov-2022Fill it!ACROSS1 Glows (6)4 Easily fooled (8)10 Remarkable (7)11 Attack by planes (3,4)12 _ Jeffries, star of TV series Rel and Empire (4)13 Lancashire town (10)15 Relaxed (6)16 Imitation (7)20 Celestial (7)21 Column (6)24 Diva (5,5)26 Portent (4)28 Unprofessional (7)29 Delayed (7)30 Disperses (8)31 Sharlto _, star of the films Ted K and The Last Days of American Crime (6)DOWN1 Sunscreen (8)2 En route (2,7)3 Idris _, star of TV series Luther and Turn Up Charlie (4)5 Not frightened (8)6 Throat inflammation (10)7 2022 survival adventure film starring 12 Across, 31 Across, 3 Down, and 25 Down (5)8 Final part (6)9 Fight with swords (5)14 Political assembly (10)17 Person worth imitating (4,5)18 Manual worker (8)19 Generous or lavish (8)22 Dismays (6)23 Gold bar (5)25 _ Halley, star of the film Wayward…1 min

Pick Me Up!|17-Nov-2022YourDilemmas…Lucy Power is a leading coach and educator, experienced in Transactional Analysis Psychotherapy. Lucy helps people to raise their self-awareness so they can go on to live freely and without limits.(iamlucypower.com) He’s a changed man now… Q My husband has been so affectionate recently which is really unlike him. He’s starting gifting me with lots of presents, meals and jewellery. As much as I love it all, it feels like he is hiding something. Should I ask him what’s going on? Julie, Bury A Whenever we sense a shift away from the typical behaviour of people in our world, we are alerted to the potential for danger. Your husband’s affection is out of character and you’re sensing therefore that something has changed. Much as you're loving the gifts, meals, and…3 min

Pick Me Up!|17-Nov-2022WORK ITWatching the smooth polish coat my fingertips, I smiled, widely.‘Keep still,’ my sister Laura, 35, giggled, as I tried to get a better look at the intricate nail art she’d swirled all over my fingernails – they looked cute.As a nail tech, Laura had to practice new designs constantly, and I loved offering my hands up, free of charge.‘It’s like I’m your guinea pig!’ I would laugh.As sisters, Laura and I had always been inseparable.As I grew up with cerebral palsy, my baby sister always protected me on and off the school playground.‘Why are you staring at my sister?’ she would say to strangers at just two years old.When we were both at school, she defended me from mean bullies.‘Have you got something to say about my sister?’ she would…4 min

Pick Me Up!|17-Nov-2022INSTANT appointmentAddicted to junkQ My husband recently had a heart attack, but he still won’t stop eating fatty food. How can I convince him he needs to cut it out? Alice, Shepton MalletA Making big changes to the way you eat can be daunting so I understand why your husband might be struggling, but changing your lifestyle is the most effective way to prevent having another heart attack.It’s important to explain to your husband how fatty foods are linked to hearts attacks. This is because continuing to eat high-fat foods will cause more fatty plaques to build up in your arteries.Has your husband tried cutting out one or two fatty foods, rather than the whole group?Or, he could start with some simple food swaps such as choosing unsalted nuts instead of…3 min

Pick Me Up!|17-Nov-2022LEE AND LEANNEThrillseeking couple Lee Churchill and Leanne Smith, recently tied the knot at Fantasy Island, Skegness.The couple, who intended to get married in Las Vegas before Covid, decided to swap the City of Sin for ‘Skeg-Vegas’, choosing their favourite theme park to host their wedding.• Please visit: fantasyislandresort.co.uk1. HAVE YOU BOTH ALWAYS LOVED ROLLERCOASTERS AND WHY?We do love rollercoasters and we go on them as much as we can!However, it was just our love of Fantasy Island itself that drew us to get married there.The place always has a magical feel when we come, and we couldn’t think of anywhere better to spend our special day.2. WHY DID YOU CHOOSE TO GET MARRIED AT A THEME PARK?We have been coming to Fantasy Island since we were kids, before we even met,…2 min

Pick Me Up!|17-Nov-2022Animal magicIt’s a sausage partyEverybody loves a sausage dog, and what better way to celebrate this cute little pooch than holding an almighty dachshund dash?That’s exactly what happened in Yorkshire!This October welcomed the HECK event, where 10 star sausages lined up ready for the race of their lives.The event included endless supplies of footlong Bratwursts, giant pretzels, and alcohol, so the audience would be ready to cheer from the side-lines – competing for the Golden Sausage.HECK’S Amy Seed said: ‘We held our first Dachshund Dash at a sausage festival a few years ago – sausage dogs are a bit of a tradition in the HECK! Family and there were a few generations of dogs on hand to watch.‘We thought it was time for a rematch and it was fun.‘All the dogs…1 min

Pick Me Up!|17-Nov-2022BONE APPÉTIT!We have all seen those delicious bottles full of cake ingredients, ready to simply add a dash of milk – and when they are cooking our pets are bound to be jealous!This time around, they can certainly have a sweet treat for themselves…The Doggy Baking Co. offer glass bottles containing all the ingredients to make delicious treats for your dog.And there are three scrummy flavours to choose from – Pumpkin Seed and Banana Biscuit Mix, Linseed, Oregano and Parsley Baking Mix, and Carrot Cake Mix – they can get involved in the process, too.• Doggy Baking Co. Bottle, £10.99, bottledbaking.co.uk…1 min

Pick Me Up!|17-Nov-2022Adoption of the week:Name: Rosie Breed: Dachshund (Smooth haired) Age: 7 years old Location: Dog’s Trust, Cardiff Reference ID: 1260018 Rosie is a lovely sausage dog who can be shy at first but quickly forms attachments once she is comfortable. She likes going on adventures but prefers quieter walks away from busy roads – her favourite walk being on the coastal path. Rosie loves curling up on the sofa and having cuddles once she knows you, and she will make a great addition to the right home. She will need someone who is patient, especially as she will need to be house trained. • If you think that Rosie sounds like the pet for you, visit: dogstrust.org.uk, using the reference ID listed above.…1 min

Pick Me Up!|17-Nov-2022FIVE QUESTIONS WITH…How can I find the perfect winter coat that provides warmth and shape?When we think of warm coats, we can often be drawn to bulky, blanket-like ones that can often make us feel shapeless.However, a long-line padded coat with a belted waist is a great option to keep your warm and keep your shape, creating that ultimate winter silhouette.What coats and boots are trending this year?Teddy coats are having their moment this year, especially in neutral colours.These pieces go with every outfit and although black coats are classic for a reason, opting for another neutral colour such as chocolate brown, tan, or cream can help to add depths to your look and are bang on for winter.Comfy and practical boots have been reigning supreme during the past few years, too.How…2 min

Pick Me Up!|17-Nov-2022Subscribe now 6 issues for £1ENJOY THESE GREAT SUBSCRIBER BENEFITS:• Never miss an issue with delivery direct to your door• Get the magazine for less than you'd pay at the newsagent!• Entertaining, uplifting and thought-provoking, with the juiciest celebrity gossip, Woman is perfect for a bit of 'me-time'SUBSCRIBE NOWCall 0330 333 1113 Quote X9l9Lines open Monday to Friday 8.30am to 7pm Uk time Or visit www.magazinesdireot.com/X919TERMS AND CONDITIONS: Offer closes 31 January 2023. Offer open to new subscribers only. Direct Debit offer is available to UK subscribers only. *After your first 6 issues, your subscription will continue at £16.50 payable by Direct Debit every 3 months, saving 19% on the full 3-monthly subscription price of £20.50. Please allow up to 6 weeks for delivery of your first subscription issue (up to 8 weeks overseas). The…1 min

Pick Me Up!|17-Nov-2022FIVE QUESTIONS WITH…How can I find the perfect winter coat that provides warmth and shape? When we think of warm coats, we can often be drawn to bulky, blanket-like ones that can often make us feel shapeless. However, a long-line padded coat with a belted waist is a great option to keep your warm and keep your shape, creating that ultimate winter silhouette. What coats and boots are trending this year? Teddy coats are having their moment this year, especially in neutral colours. These pieces go with every outfit and although black coats are classic for a reason, opting for another neutral colour such as chocolate brown, tan, or cream can help to add depths to your look and are bang on for winter. Comfy and practical boots have been reigning supreme…2 min

Pick Me Up!|17-Nov-2022Spot the bat!The 18 resident bats in the UK make up almost a quarter of Britain’s mammal species. Here are a few to look out for…• Alcathoe bat: The latest addition to the UK bat family, this was only confirmed as a resident species in 2010.• Bechstein’s bat: One of our rarest bats, found in parts of southern England and south east Wales.• Common pipistrelle: The most common of the British bats, and a tiny little critter weighing in at around five grams – the same as a 20p piece.• Natterer’s bat: Its broad wings mean it can fly slowly and prey on lots of insects – even snatching spiders from their webs.• Noctule: This is our biggest bat – but still smaller than the palm of your hand.• Daubenton’s bat: Known…1 min

Pick Me Up!|17-Nov-2022MAKE IT COUNTPopping a couple of paracetmol, I snuggled down next to my son Joseph on the sofa. How are you feeling?’ I asked him, gently feeling his forehead. He just groaned in response. Working as a nurse at Birmingham Children’s Hospital, when the pandemic hit back in 2020, I’d expected to get Covid at some point. I just never imagined it would be on a family camping trip rather than at work. When we all caught the virus in August last year, me and my daughter Lydia, eight, got off lightly – I just had a bit of headache and we were both quite fatigued and tired. But Joseph, 11, and my husband Ben, 46, were really poorly with it. Being asthmatic, it was a rough couple of weeks for Joseph…8 min

Pick Me Up!|17-Nov-2022BAT OUTOF HELLWe’ve all been scared by spooky stories of vampire bats, lurking in the shadows and waiting to suck our blood. Bats have been blighted by bad press – but there’s no reason to be frightened. In fact, if you look at one up close, you’ll actually find they’re pretty cute critters! And they need our help more than ever – with four of the 18 British bat species listed as threatened. ‘The greater mouse-eared bat currently has one known individual left in the UK, and the grey long-eared bat, the serotine bat and the barbastelle bat are endangered, too,’ says Alex Morss, press and communications officer at the Bat Conservation Trust. ‘Some other British bat species are too scarce or under-recorded to know how they are faring. A common pipistrelle…3 min

Pick Me Up!|17-Nov-2022How you can help• Turn your garden into a bat haven There are lots of things you can do to encourage bats into your garden. Try planting night-scented flowers, building a pond and letting your garden grow a little bit wild this winter. You could also put up a bat box to offer shelter, and reducing artificial light and keeping cats indoors at night will help, too. • Join a local bat group There are more than 80 bat groups in the UK, all of different sizes, made up of dedicated volunteers – depending on your area, you’re sure to find one that’s right for you. • Adopt a bat You can adopt a bat for just £38 a year through the Bat Conservation Trust – a brilliant gift for nature lovers this…1 min

Pick Me Up!|17-Nov-2022LIGHT IT UPChristmas at Blenheim Palace, OXFORDSHIRESee the Kingdom of the Snow Queen reimagined at Britain’s greatest palace.Explore the palace rooms, transformed and filled with hidden surprises, then head to the gardens to see the jaw-dropping Illuminated Trail, with a million twinkling lights.• From 18 November to 2 January 2023• Tickets from £36.50• Please visit: christmasatblenheim.seetickets.comChristmas at Hatfield Park, HERTFORDSHIREA brand-new trail for 2022, this historic National Trust property, just 20 minutes from Kings Cross Station, was a place that Queen Elizabeth I spent much of her childhood.The stunning 42-acre gardens have been transformed into a magical winter wonderland for the first time.• From 25 November to 31 December• Tickets from £17• Please visit: christmasathatfieldpark.seetickets.comChristmas at Bedgebury, KENTThrowing majestic light and colours beneath unqiue canopies, this awe-inspiring display has been inspired by…2 min

Pick Me Up!|17-Nov-2022CAT FISHED!Walking through the front door, I immediately laid eyes on a gorgeous, stripy-faced kitten amongst a litter of cats.Crouching down to give him a stroke, it really was love at first lick!Trawling through Google in December last year, I was on the hunt for a kitten before I moved into my new place.Finishing up my Masters in Public Health at Manchester University, meant I would soon be moving into my very own one-bedroom flat in Dundee to begin a new course up there.And of course, there’s no better company than a cat.So, in January this year, I met my new friend, Bongo.I originally wanted a rescue kitten, but because I’m actually allergic to cats, Bongo’s Bengal-Ragdoll breed means he is hypoallergenic.And I most certainly hadn’t been catfished!Taking him back home…3 min

Pick Me Up!|17-Nov-2022Starswww.clairepetulengro.tv ARIES 21 March–20 April Happiness often sneaks in through a door you didn’t know you left open. You’ve been putting up barriers for days now. Open your eyes, and look at what good you have around you. By gravitating towards all that makes you happy, you soon find yourself in your best place all year! What occurred before doesn’t have to again, and won’t affect you anymore. Call: 09058 170 710* TAURUS 21 April–21 May You may think you’ve bitten off more than you can chew, Taurus, but by the end of this week you will finally be in the right mindset to take a look at the bigger picture. Time you spend with family helps you work out why they were acting so immaturely in recent weeks –…4 min

Pick Me Up!|17-Nov-2022One in aMILLION!Loading up muddy football kits in the washing machine, it didn’t feel like a miserable task to me. There was something so rewarding about seeing the children happily running around in the fresh air. Since 16, I had spent all my time babysitting. My Friday nights as a teen weren’t spent heading out to wild parties, but instead singing lullabies to babies. So, when I met my first husband, aged 20, I couldn’t wait to have my own. James was born in 1990, and 10 years later, I got remarried to my partner, Chris. We did consider having more kids of our own, but settled on fostering instead. ‘We’ll give it a go for a couple of years…’ we said to each other. We’ve now fostered over 90 children! Except,…2 min

Pick Me Up!|17-Nov-2022Snapped!My little Wiggles met an ‘unusual doggy friend’ on a recent visit to Threlkeld!Krissie Cope, Manchester Recently we found ourselves in the charming city of Troyes in France. I could not resist such a beautiful invitation to kiss in the city known for its love of cheeses! Maybe her name was Helen – well, it was Troyes!Mark Dabbs, Great Wyrley The best thing about turning 30 was tucking into to this homemade Lotus Biscoff cake, thanks to my sister! Vicky Cooke, Doncaster As you can see, Polly the cat takes her babysitting duties very seriously when asked to look after the guinea pigs, Eeeny, Meeny and Mo.Tina Vowels, Stroud If your letter makes Star Letter of the week, you will receive some beautiful blooms from Flying Flowers. With over 30…1 min

Pick Me Up!|17-Nov-2022GOODBYE CHIEFSnuggled up under a blanket, I watched bolts of lightning rip through the sky, from the conservatory at my grandparents’ house.Every weekend for as long as I could remember, I’d swing by to see my nan Sheila, 78, and grandad Richard, 70.They only lived a 15-minute drive away – so come rain or shine, I’d pop over for a catch up.Seeing them so much made our relationship even stronger.We’d usually have a Chinese every Friday at Nan and Grandad’s, then a roast round my parents on Sunday, too – my mum Sue, 49, and dad Stuart, 41.He was the glue who held the family togetherNan and Grandad – Dad’s parents – were the life and soul of the party.‘Thanks for braving the storm,’ Grandad said, handing me an extra large…7 min

Pick Me Up!|17-Nov-2022FINGER LICKIN’ GOODDabbing the finishing touches on for a client, I spun her around to face the mirror Gorgeous!’ I exclaimed. ‘You’ll look beautiful tonight.’ Being a beautician, it was my job to make other people feel pretty. But ironically, I couldn’t even look at myself in the mirror – I was too ashamed. Weighing in at 20st, I felt enormous, constantly comparing myself to others. And coming home that night, I gorged on enough KFC for a family of three. Devouring chicken wings and a family portion of chips, I licked my lips as I scoffed down a whole bucket. It was my usual routine. Takeaway for lunch and dinner, seven days a week. It hadn’t always been like that, though. Growing up, I was a healthy size and never struggled…6 min

Pick Me Up!|17-Nov-2022Your Brainwaves…This week, our tip of the week will receive a great product from Addis.Ideal for storage or composting food waste, the 18L capacity caddy is a kitchen essential.With an easy-access flip-top lid, and carry handle, it can be used as a bin or a storage alternative.It’s also dishwasher safe, so can be easily cleaned to get rid of bin smells.To make life easier, visit: addis.co.ukChildproof hack!To stop children from slamming doors and getting their fingers caught, put a towel over the top of the door.Abbie Cairnes, ColchesterStay fabulousHere is a great tip! If you add a little of your favourite perfume to your body lotion, you will always come out smelling fabulous.Angela Garvin, RomfordKeeping your home cosyNow we’re in November, the evenings are colder. But with energy prices rising, popping…2 min

Pick Me Up!|17-Nov-2022YourDilemmas…Lucy Power is a leading coach and educator, experienced in Transactional Analysis Psychotherapy.Lucy helps people to raise their self-awareness so they can go on to live freely and without limits.(iamlucypower.com)He’s a changed man now…Q My husband has been so affectionate recently which is really unlike him. He’s starting gifting me with lots of presents, meals and jewellery. As much as I love it all, it feels like he is hiding something. Should I ask him what’s going on? Julie, BuryA Whenever we sense a shift away from the typical behaviour of people in our world, we are alerted to the potential for danger.Your husband’s affection is out of character and you’re sensing therefore that something has changed.Much as you're loving the gifts, meals, and jewellery you’re suspicious and unable to…4 min

Pick Me Up!|17-Nov-2022Your healthA quarter of people in England reportedly experience a mental health problem each year. Shazna Khanom, an accredited Therapist, Positive Psychology Coach, and Director of Mental Health Services at Connect Health, is concerned the problem will only worsen over the coming months, with the cost of living, Christmas and current political climate. Shazna shares her tip for addressing anxiety and depression. Please visit: connecthealth.co.uk Start with self-awareness It may sound simple but taking the time to really get to know yourself and question who you are and who you aren’t, is an essential first step in finding happiness. What do you like and dislike? What are your values? What are your boundaries? What makes you happy? Taking the time to answer these questions will provide you with a good foundation…2 min

Pick Me Up!|17-Nov-2022Sweet dreamsAdults over 50, who sleep five or less hours a night, are at an increased risk of developing chronic illness, according to a study published in the journal PLOS Medicine. The study found that those who slept under five hours a night were 30% more likely to develop a chronic illness such as cancer, diabetes and heart disease in the span of 25 years, in comparison to someone who sleeps seven hours a night. Recommending seven to eight hours of sleep a night, the study suggests physical activity and exposure to light in the day will help you feel more sleepy.…1 min

Pick Me Up!|17-Nov-2022Have you tried?Perfect for on the go, or when you’re in need of a quick snack, the Locako Keto Collagen bars are high in essential fats and protein, and low in carbs and sugar. Offering excellent nutritional macro content, they are made with the combination of pasture-raised bovine collagen and coconut MCT that support your hair, skin, nails, joints and gut health. Available in two delicious flavours – Chocolate Hazelnut and Chocolate Caramel.…1 min

Pick Me Up!|17-Nov-2022ROLLERCOASTER OF LOVEAs the cart juddered towards the top of the peak, I grinned, my stomach sick with anticipation. But, it wasn’t the ride making me nervous.A month ago, childhood best friend Lewis, then 17, had finally asked me to be his girlfriend and we were on our first date at LEGOLAND.It was a perfect date – we bonded over our love of Lego.What’s more, we both loved theme parks, so it was a perfect combination of our interests.We finally go to the summit, and I looked over at Lewis.‘Here we go!’ I grinned at him.We swooped down shrieking, and by the time we got off, I was grinning from ear to ear.It was truly a magical day.As we swooped around the rides, I knew Lewis was all I ever wanted.It was…5 min

Pick Me Up!|17-Nov-2022Adoption of the week:Name: RosieBreed: Dachshund (Smooth haired)Age: 7 years oldLocation: Dog’s Trust, CardiffReference ID: 1260018Rosie is a lovely sausage dog who can be shy at first but quickly forms attachments once she is comfortable.She likes going on adventures but prefers quieter walks away from busy roads – her favourite walk being on the coastal path.Rosie loves curling up on the sofa and having cuddles once she knows you, and she will make a great addition to the right home.She will need someone who is patient, especially as she will need to be house trained.• If you think that Rosie sounds like the pet for you, visit: dogstrust.org.uk, using the reference ID listed above.…1 min

Pick Me Up!|17-Nov-2022Animal magicIt’s a sausage party Everybody loves a sausage dog, and what better way to celebrate this cute little pooch than holding an almighty dachshund dash? That’s exactly what happened in Yorkshire! This October welcomed the HECK event, where 10 star sausages lined up ready for the race of their lives. The event included endless supplies of footlong Bratwursts, giant pretzels, and alcohol, so the audience would be ready to cheer from the side-lines – competing for the Golden Sausage. HECK’S Amy Seed said: ‘We held our first Dachshund Dash at a sausage festival a few years ago – sausage dogs are a bit of a tradition in the HECK! Family and there were a few generations of dogs on hand to watch. ‘We thought it was time for a rematch…1 min

Pick Me Up!|17-Nov-2022Your stylePull out all the stops this winter – finding the perfect coat and boot combination to stay on trend and remain comfy, too. Perfecting your outer layers is the secret to achieving a fashionable look that will have others complimenting your every move……1 min

Pick Me Up!|17-Nov-2022MAGIC BACKPACKLying back on the hospital bed, I only had one thought that came to mind… Well, that was certainly easier than the rest! With a straightforward pregnancy, and a labour that was over in just a few hours, on 16 June 2011 at Jessop Hospital, Sheffield, our baby girl Ronni, weighed in at a healthy 8lbs 2oz. And if anything, it was a relief to finally see a baby girl – especially as she had three protective older brothers at home waiting for her. Up until then, I had been outnumbered with my husband Jason, 45, and sons Lewis, now 23, Harrison, now 20, and Riley, now 13, ruling the roost. Only, the same day we were about to be discharged, something wasn’t quite right. Latching on, Ronni seemed to…7 min

Pick Me Up!|17-Nov-2022Ship of burstdreamsStepping aboard a gigantic cruise ship, I took a deep breath and smiled. Surveying my home for the week, I felt just like Rose in the film Titanic. ‘This is the life,’ I smiled to my sister Renee and friends Bianca and Faith. ‘Let’s find our room!’ We’d been planning a much-needed break for months, and we were all ready to chill out and relax. Back in August this year, the sun was shining and we were ready to set sail from Austin, Texas on a seven-night Carnival cruise, stopping at Honduras, Belize and Cozumel in Mexico. I loved the ocean, and we’d planned some fun trips along the way, too – like snorkelling with sharks in Honduras. I couldn’t wait – I hadn’t had a holiday in years, and…6 min

Pick Me Up!|17-Nov-2022How you can help• Turn your garden into a bat havenThere are lots of things you can do to encourage bats into your garden. Try planting night-scented flowers, building a pond and letting your garden grow a little bit wild this winter.You could also put up a bat box to offer shelter, and reducing artificial light and keeping cats indoors at night will help, too.• Join a local bat groupThere are more than 80 bat groups in the UK, all of different sizes, made up of dedicated volunteers – depending on your area, you’re sure to find one that’s right for you.• Adopt a batYou can adopt a bat for just £38 a year through the Bat Conservation Trust – a brilliant gift for nature lovers this festive season!• VolunteerYou can help out…1 min

Pick Me Up!|17-Nov-2022Pick of the weekRob and Romesh vs The Three Lions, SkyIt’s coming home… hopefully! On 20 November, the FIFA World Cup officially kicks off and to get us in the spirit, Rob Beckett and Romesh Ranganathan are back for a very special edition of Rob and Romesh Vs.In this episode, the boys will meet the stars of the England men’s football team ahead of their bid to win the World Cup.As well as hanging out with the England stars, they will also meet the mastermind behind England’s renaissance, Gareth Southgate.The Santa Clauses, Disney PlusWith Christmas just a few weeks away, Santa is busy in his workshop, but things aren’t quite going to plan.Out on 16 November on Disney Plus, Tim Allen is back as Kringle himself.Scott’s on the brink of his 65th birthday,…2 min

Pick Me Up!|17-Nov-2022Spot the bat!The 18 resident bats in the UK make up almost a quarter of Britain’s mammal species. Here are a few to look out for… • Alcathoe bat: The latest addition to the UK bat family, this was only confirmed as a resident species in 2010. • Bechstein’s bat: One of our rarest bats, found in parts of southern England and south east Wales. • Common pipistrelle: The most common of the British bats, and a tiny little critter weighing in at around five grams – the same as a 20p piece. • Natterer’s bat: Its broad wings mean it can fly slowly and prey on lots of insects – even snatching spiders from their webs. • Noctule: This is our biggest bat – but still smaller than the palm of…1 min

Pick Me Up!|17-Nov-2022Genius or TOTALLY BONKERS?Black out LED light covers, £4.99, Amazon Trying to get to sleep with a bright light glaring in your room can be a nightmare. It’s often the smallest of lights that cause the most problems. Use these stickers to cover bright lights coming from your TV, extension lead or computer to ensure that you can have a perfect night’s sleep without disturbances – what a great light solution! Verdict:GENIUS! Black it out The largest ball of stickers… Having a collection of crazy stickers is a childhood dream – but how about a ball made up of them?! That’s exactly what US based Sticky Brand Creative Group set out to complete in November 2020. Measuring over 7ft tall, and taking 91 hours to complete, they were able to achieve the world…1 min

Pick Me Up!|17-Nov-2022FOOD TRENDAs you may have heard, butter boards are the big food trend of the moment.Even This Morning have been showcasing their very own versions.That’s why award-winning butter producers, Trewithen Dairy, are here with their top tips to make your very own!A MASTERCLASS IN CREATION…1) Soften a block of butter so it’s spreadable but still firm2) Take your favourite wooden board or sharing platter and spread the butter onto the board3) Using a spoon, create ripples and grooves in the butter4) Top with an assortment of delicious delights5) Serve with a cut-up French loaf for dippingBUTTER BOARD FLAVOUR IDEASSAVOURY• Chilli flakes, salty anchovies, rosemary, lemon zest, crispy bacon• Olive tapenade, sun dried tomatoes, red onion slices, fresh basil, olive oil• Chutney, walnuts, crispy sage, balsamic, orange zestSWEET• Banana slices, caramel sauce,…1 min

Pick Me Up!|17-Nov-2022LIGHT IT UPChristmas at Blenheim Palace, OXFORDSHIRE See the Kingdom of the Snow Queen reimagined at Britain’s greatest palace. Explore the palace rooms, transformed and filled with hidden surprises, then head to the gardens to see the jaw-dropping Illuminated Trail, with a million twinkling lights. • From 18 November to 2 January 2023 • Tickets from £36.50 • Please visit: christmasatblenheim.seetickets.com Christmas at Hatfield Park, HERTFORDSHIRE A brand-new trail for 2022, this historic National Trust property, just 20 minutes from Kings Cross Station, was a place that Queen Elizabeth I spent much of her childhood. The stunning 42-acre gardens have been transformed into a magical winter wonderland for the first time. • From 25 November to 31 December • Tickets from £17 • Please visit: christmasathatfieldpark.seetickets.com Christmas at Bedgebury, KENT Throwing majestic…2 min

Pick Me Up!|17-Nov-2022CAT FISHED!Walking through the front door, I immediately laid eyes on a gorgeous, stripy-faced kitten amongst a litter of cats. Crouching down to give him a stroke, it really was love at first lick! Trawling through Google in December last year, I was on the hunt for a kitten before I moved into my new place. Finishing up my Masters in Public Health at Manchester University, meant I would soon be moving into my very own one-bedroom flat in Dundee to begin a new course up there. And of course, there’s no better company than a cat. So, in January this year, I met my new friend, Bongo. I originally wanted a rescue kitten, but because I’m actually allergic to cats, Bongo’s Bengal-Ragdoll breed means he is hypoallergenic. And I most…3 min

Pick Me Up!|17-Nov-2022Snapped!My little Wiggles met an ‘unusual doggy friend’ on a recent visit to Threlkeld! Krissie Cope, ManchesterRecently we found ourselves in the charming city of Troyes in France. I could not resist such a beautiful invitation to kiss in the city known for its love of cheeses! Maybe her name was Helen – well, it was Troyes! Mark Dabbs, Great WyrleyThe best thing about turning 30 was tucking into to this homemade Lotus Biscoff cake, thanks to my sister! Vicky Cooke, DoncasterAs you can see, Polly the cat takes her babysitting duties very seriously when asked to look after the guinea pigs, Eeeny, Meeny and Mo. Tina Vowels, StroudIf your letter makes Star Letter of the week, you will receive some beautiful blooms from Flying Flowers. With over 30 years’…1 min

Pick Me Up!|17-Nov-2022ON THE HUNTDespite previously confessing, Moses Christensen pleaded ‘not guilty’ to murder at a preliminary hearing – so the case would go to a trial.Tears began streaming down my cheeks as I felt a mixture of emotions.I went to a few of the pretrial hearings, but I couldn’t bring myself to sit in court every day through the trial.I didn’t want to hear about Grandad’s final horrific moments – it was still too raw.But Mum, Dad, Nan and her brother went every day to the trial at Stafford Crown Court, in April last year.As I struggled to process what had happened, I blocked everything out and struggled to talk about it.All I could think about was the last time I’d seen Grandad.Why hadn’t I given him a hug goodbye? I thought, over…4 min

Pick Me Up!|17-Nov-2022FINGER LICKIN’ GOODDabbing the finishing touches on for a client, I spun her around to face the mirror Gorgeous!’ I exclaimed.‘You’ll look beautiful tonight.’Being a beautician, it was my job to make other people feel pretty.But ironically, I couldn’t even look at myself in the mirror – I was too ashamed.Weighing in at 20st, I felt enormous, constantly comparing myself to others.And coming home that night, I gorged on enough KFC for a family of three.Devouring chicken wings and a family portion of chips, I licked my lips as I scoffed down a whole bucket.It was my usual routine.Takeaway for lunch and dinner, seven days a week.It hadn’t always been like that, though.Growing up, I was a healthy size and never struggled with my weight.Living with my Nana, Jessie, and Papa, Charlie,…6 min

Pick Me Up!|17-Nov-2022Fill it!ACROSS 1 Glows (6) 4 Easily fooled (8) 10 Remarkable (7) 11 Attack by planes (3,4) 12 _ Jeffries, star of TV series Rel and Empire (4) 13 Lancashire town (10) 15 Relaxed (6) 16 Imitation (7) 20 Celestial (7) 21 Column (6) 24 Diva (5,5) 26 Portent (4) 28 Unprofessional (7) 29 Delayed (7) 30 Disperses (8) 31 Sharlto _, star of the films Ted K and The Last Days of American Crime (6) DOWN 1 Sunscreen (8) 2 En route (2,7) 3 Idris _, star of TV series Luther and Turn Up Charlie (4) 5 Not frightened (8) 6 Throat inflammation (10) 7 2022 survival adventure film starring 12 Across, 31 Across, 3 Down, and 25 Down (5) 8 Final part (6) 9 Fight with swords (5) 14…1 min

Pick Me Up!|17-Nov-2022Your healthA quarter of people in England reportedly experience a mental health problem each year.Shazna Khanom, an accredited Therapist, Positive Psychology Coach, and Director of Mental Health Services at Connect Health, is concerned the problem will only worsen over the coming months, with the cost of living, Christmas and current political climate.Shazna shares her tip for addressing anxiety and depression.Please visit: connecthealth.co.ukStart with self-awarenessIt may sound simple but taking the time to really get to know yourself and question who you are and who you aren’t, is an essential first step in finding happiness.What do you like and dislike? What are your values? What are your boundaries? What makes you happy?Taking the time to answer these questions will provide you with a good foundation to build the kind of life you…2 min

Pick Me Up!|17-Nov-2022Sweet dreamsAdults over 50, who sleep five or less hours a night, are at an increased risk of developing chronic illness, according to a study published in the journal PLOS Medicine.The study found that those who slept under five hours a night were 30% more likely to develop a chronic illness such as cancer, diabetes and heart disease in the span of 25 years, in comparison to someone who sleeps seven hours a night.Recommending seven to eight hours of sleep a night, the study suggests physical activity and exposure to light in the day will help you feel more sleepy.Disclaimer: Medical advice provided is for interest only and should never be substituted for seeing a doctor or seeking medical advice. If you have specific medical concerns please seek advice from a…1 min

Pick Me Up!|17-Nov-2022WORK ITWatching the smooth polish coat my fingertips, I smiled, widely. ‘Keep still,’ my sister Laura, 35, giggled, as I tried to get a better look at the intricate nail art she’d swirled all over my fingernails – they looked cute. As a nail tech, Laura had to practice new designs constantly, and I loved offering my hands up, free of charge. ‘It’s like I’m your guinea pig!’ I would laugh. As sisters, Laura and I had always been inseparable. As I grew up with cerebral palsy, my baby sister always protected me on and off the school playground. ‘Why are you staring at my sister?’ she would say to strangers at just two years old. When we were both at school, she defended me from mean bullies. ‘Have you got…4 min

Pick Me Up!|17-Nov-2022INSTANT appointmentAddicted to junk Q My husband recently had a heart attack, but he still won’t stop eating fatty food. How can I convince him he needs to cut it out? Alice, Shepton Mallet A Making big changes to the way you eat can be daunting so I understand why your husband might be struggling, but changing your lifestyle is the most effective way to prevent having another heart attack. It’s important to explain to your husband how fatty foods are linked to hearts attacks. This is because continuing to eat high-fat foods will cause more fatty plaques to build up in your arteries. Has your husband tried cutting out one or two fatty foods, rather than the whole group? Or, he could start with some simple food swaps such as…3 min

Pick Me Up!|17-Nov-2022LEE AND LEANNEThrillseeking couple Lee Churchill and Leanne Smith, recently tied the knot at Fantasy Island, Skegness. The couple, who intended to get married in Las Vegas before Covid, decided to swap the City of Sin for ‘Skeg-Vegas’, choosing their favourite theme park to host their wedding. • Please visit: fantasyislandresort.co.uk 1. HAVE YOU BOTH ALWAYS LOVED ROLLERCOASTERS AND WHY? We do love rollercoasters and we go on them as much as we can! However, it was just our love of Fantasy Island itself that drew us to get married there. The place always has a magical feel when we come, and we couldn’t think of anywhere better to spend our special day. 2. WHY DID YOU CHOOSE TO GET MARRIED AT A THEME PARK? We have been coming to Fantasy Island…2 min

Pick Me Up!|17-Nov-2022ROLLERCOASTER OF LOVEAs the cart juddered towards the top of the peak, I grinned, my stomach sick with anticipation. But, it wasn’t the ride making me nervous. A month ago, childhood best friend Lewis, then 17, had finally asked me to be his girlfriend and we were on our first date at LEGOLAND. It was a perfect date – we bonded over our love of Lego. What’s more, we both loved theme parks, so it was a perfect combination of our interests. We finally go to the summit, and I looked over at Lewis. ‘Here we go!’ I grinned at him. We swooped down shrieking, and by the time we got off, I was grinning from ear to ear. It was truly a magical day. As we swooped around the rides, I…5 min

Pick Me Up!|17-Nov-2022MAGIC BACKPACKLying back on the hospital bed, I only had one thought that came to mind…Well, that was certainly easier than the rest!With a straightforward pregnancy, and a labour that was over in just a few hours, on 16 June 2011 at Jessop Hospital, Sheffield, our baby girl Ronni, weighed in at a healthy 8lbs 2oz.And if anything, it was a relief to finally see a baby girl – especially as she had three protective older brothers at home waiting for her.Up until then, I had been outnumbered with my husband Jason, 45, and sons Lewis, now 23, Harrison, now 20, and Riley, now 13, ruling the roost.Only, the same day we were about to be discharged, something wasn’t quite right.Latching on, Ronni seemed to have some difficulty when feeding –…7 min

Pick Me Up!|17-Nov-2022BONE APPÉTIT!We have all seen those delicious bottles full of cake ingredients, ready to simply add a dash of milk – and when they are cooking our pets are bound to be jealous! This time around, they can certainly have a sweet treat for themselves… The Doggy Baking Co. offer glass bottles containing all the ingredients to make delicious treats for your dog. And there are three scrummy flavours to choose from – Pumpkin Seed and Banana Biscuit Mix, Linseed, Oregano and Parsley Baking Mix, and Carrot Cake Mix – they can get involved in the process, too. • Doggy Baking Co. Bottle, £10.99, bottledbaking.co.uk…1 min

Pick Me Up!|17-Nov-2022Ship of burstdreamsStepping aboard a gigantic cruise ship, I took a deep breath and smiled.Surveying my home for the week, I felt just like Rose in the film Titanic.‘This is the life,’ I smiled to my sister Renee and friends Bianca and Faith. ‘Let’s find our room!’We’d been planning a much-needed break for months, and we were all ready to chill out and relax.Back in August this year, the sun was shining and we were ready to set sail from Austin, Texas on a seven-night Carnival cruise, stopping at Honduras, Belize and Cozumel in Mexico.I loved the ocean, and we’d planned some fun trips along the way, too – like snorkelling with sharks in Honduras.I couldn’t wait – I hadn’t had a holiday in years, and as a single mum to three…7 min

Pick Me Up!|17-Nov-2022MAKE IT COUNTPopping a couple of paracetmol, I snuggled down next to my son Joseph on the sofa.How are you feeling?’ I asked him, gently feeling his forehead.He just groaned in response.Working as a nurse at Birmingham Children’s Hospital, when the pandemic hit back in 2020, I’d expected to get Covid at some point.I just never imagined it would be on a family camping trip rather than at work.When we all caught the virus in August last year, me and my daughter Lydia, eight, got off lightly – I just had a bit of headache and we were both quite fatigued and tired.But Joseph, 11, and my husband Ben, 46, were really poorly with it.Being asthmatic, it was a rough couple of weeks for Joseph especially.Thankfully though, we all recovered and before…8 min

Pick Me Up!|17-Nov-2022BAT OUTOF HELLWe’ve all been scared by spooky stories of vampire bats, lurking in the shadows and waiting to suck our blood.Bats have been blighted by bad press – but there’s no reason to be frightened.In fact, if you look at one up close, you’ll actually find they’re pretty cute critters!And they need our help more than ever – with four of the 18 British bat species listed as threatened.‘The greater mouse-eared bat currently has one known individual left in the UK, and the grey long-eared bat, the serotine bat and the barbastelle bat are endangered, too,’ says Alex Morss, press and communications officer at the Bat Conservation Trust. ‘Some other British bat species are too scarce or under-recorded to know how they are faring.A common pipistrelle can eat over 3,000 insects…3 min

Pick Me Up!|17-Nov-2022Subscribe now 6 issues for £1ENJOY THESE GREAT SUBSCRIBER BENEFITS: • Never miss an issue with delivery direct to your door • Get the magazine for less than you'd pay at the newsagent! • Entertaining, uplifting and thought-provoking, with the juiciest celebrity gossip, Woman is perfect for a bit of 'me-time' SUBSCRIBE NOW Call 0330 333 1113 Quote X9l9 Lines open Monday to Friday 8.30am to 7pm Uk time Or visit www.magazinesdireot.com/X919 TERMS AND CONDITIONS: Offer closes 31 January 2023. Offer open to new subscribers only. Direct Debit offer is available to UK subscribers only. *After your first 6 issues, your subscription will continue at £16.50 payable by Direct Debit every 3 months, saving 19% on the full 3-monthly subscription price of £20.50. Please allow up to 6 weeks for delivery of your first subscription…1 min

Pick Me Up!|17-Nov-2022Your home1 min

Pick Me Up!|17-Nov-2022Genius or TOTALLY BONKERS?Black out LED light covers, £4.99, AmazonTrying to get to sleep with a bright light glaring in your room can be a nightmare. It’s often the smallest of lights that cause the most problems.Use these stickers to cover bright lights coming from your TV, extension lead or computer to ensure that you can have a perfect night’s sleep without disturbances – what a great light solution!Verdict: GENIUS!Black it outThe largest ball of stickers…Having a collection of crazy stickers is a childhood dream – but how about a ball made up of them?!That’s exactly what US based Sticky Brand Creative Group set out to complete in November 2020.Measuring over 7ft tall, and taking 91 hours to complete, they were able to achieve the world record for the largest ball of stickers…1 min

Pick Me Up!|17-Nov-2022Pick of the weekRob and Romesh vs The Three Lions, Sky It’s coming home… hopefully! On 20 November, the FIFA World Cup officially kicks off and to get us in the spirit, Rob Beckett and Romesh Ranganathan are back for a very special edition of Rob and Romesh Vs. In this episode, the boys will meet the stars of the England men’s football team ahead of their bid to win the World Cup. As well as hanging out with the England stars, they will also meet the mastermind behind England’s renaissance, Gareth Southgate. The Santa Clauses, Disney Plus With Christmas just a few weeks away, Santa is busy in his workshop, but things aren’t quite going to plan. Out on 16 November on Disney Plus, Tim Allen is back as Kringle himself. Scott’s…2 min

Pick Me Up!|17-Nov-2022FOOD POISONINGOut in the suburbs of Carmel, Indiana, Francis Kelley dreamed of a quiet life.Working in public finance, he lived comfortably and peacefully – focused on working hard for his company and his family.Known affectionately as Fran, by his friends and family, he was a devoted father to his two young daughters, and would never miss a birthday or Christmas.Despite not being in a relationship with either mother of his two girls, Fran was determined to keep custody rights and be a good dad to them.However, this was proving quite tricky.Caught up in a vicious custody war, with ex-girlfriend Heidi Maire Littlefield, now 42, Fran, 46, was due in court on 27 January 2021 for a custody hearing, concerning the couple’s two-year-old daughter.Heidi had made it clear she wanted to be…5 min

Pick Me Up!|17-Nov-2022FOOD POISONINGOut in the suburbs of Carmel, Indiana, Francis Kelley dreamed of a quiet life. Working in public finance, he lived comfortably and peacefully – focused on working hard for his company and his family. Known affectionately as Fran, by his friends and family, he was a devoted father to his two young daughters, and would never miss a birthday or Christmas. Despite not being in a relationship with either mother of his two girls, Fran was determined to keep custody rights and be a good dad to them. However, this was proving quite tricky. Caught up in a vicious custody war, with ex-girlfriend Heidi Maire Littlefield, now 42, Fran, 46, was due in court on 27 January 2021 for a custody hearing, concerning the couple’s two-year-old daughter. Heidi had made…5 min

Pick Me Up!|17-Nov-2022Starswww.clairepetulengro.tvARIES21 March–20 AprilHappiness often sneaks in through a door you didn’t know you left open. You’ve been putting up barriers for days now. Open your eyes, and look at what good you have around you. By gravitating towards all that makes you happy, you soon find yourself in your best place all year! What occurred before doesn’t have to again, and won’t affect you anymore.Call: 09058 170 710*TAURUS21 April–21 MayYou may think you’ve bitten off more than you can chew, Taurus, but by the end of this week you will finally be in the right mindset to take a look at the bigger picture. Time you spend with family helps you work out why they were acting so immaturely in recent weeks – and what you can do to make…5 min

Pick Me Up!|17-Nov-2022FOOD TRENDAs you may have heard, butter boards are the big food trend of the moment. Even This Morning have been showcasing their very own versions. That’s why award-winning butter producers, Trewithen Dairy, are here with their top tips to make your very own! A MASTERCLASS IN CREATION… 1) Soften a block of butter so it’s spreadable but still firm 2) Take your favourite wooden board or sharing platter and spread the butter onto the board 3) Using a spoon, create ripples and grooves in the butter 4) Top with an assortment of delicious delights 5) Serve with a cut-up French loaf for dipping BUTTER BOARD FLAVOUR IDEAS SAVOURY • Chilli flakes, salty anchovies, rosemary, lemon zest, crispy bacon • Olive tapenade, sun dried tomatoes, red onion slices, fresh basil, olive…1 min

Table of contents for 17-Nov-2022 in Pick Me Up! (2024)

References