Innholdsfortegnelse for February 2020 i Pick Me Up! Special

February is the month of love, but if you find yourself single, don’t worry! Why not pamper yourself instead and spend the day with your favourite girlfriends? We’re sure you’ll love our handy guide to throwing a ‘Galentine’s Day’ party for you and your favourites (pg12). Speaking of doing good deeds, we’ve been so inspired this month by Katy (pg10). After being diagnosed with leukaemia as a toddler, she spent most of her childhood in hospital. Today, she’s spending her time giving back to those who helped her through such a difficult time in her life – she’s even made a career out of it! We’re sure her parents must be so proud of her. Many things can bring out the best in us, but it’s often animals that do…

Calling out from the top of the stairs, I wanted my mum to come and check on something. ‘My head feels weird,’ I shouted down to her. ‘What is it darling? Oh I see…’ she said coming to inspect the back of my scalp and noticing that chunks of my hair had fallen out. I was only eight and to discover clumps of hair missing was really distressing for me. My mum, Glenda, 54, took me to our local GP, in Long Melford, Suffolk, and I was quickly diagnosed with alopecia areata multilocularis – an autoimmune condition where the body attacks the hair follicles. ‘Your hair may grow back but it will always fall out again, I’m sorry,’ the doctor explained. I broke down in tears, desperately sad that I’d…

I’ve always been passionate about social care. My stepsister Eve, 18, has cerebral palsy and my brother, Michael, 11, was diagnosed with autism. So I’ve always helped to look after them. My mum is a mental health nurse, so I suppose a mixture of that, and watching my siblings, has meant I was destined for social care. I was working part-time in a local supermarket, but it just wasn’t giving me any joy in life. It was what I wanted to do So, I handed in my notice and started applying for jobs in in the care sector. That’s when Dimensions offered me an interview. I couldn’t believe it, and within an hour they’d offered me a job. ‘You’ll be looking after a lady called Wendy,’ I was told. I…

When a child goes missing, a whole community holds their breath. Jessica Ridgeway was a typical 10-year-old girl. She loved butterflies, the colour purple, and performing in her junior cheerleading squad. She’d playfully rebel at bedtime and make up funny dances to make people laugh. On 5 October, 2012, Jessica left her home in Westminster, Colorado, to walk to school. But she never arrived. The community turned out in their hundreds to search for the sweet little girl. Her devastated mum, Sarah, made several desperate pleas for her safe return. After two days, Jessica’s backpack was found in a town called Superior, about six miles from her home. It contained her glasses and her cheerleading pom-poms. Six days after her disappearance, a severely dismembered torso was discovered in bin bags,…

Standing on my tip toes, I reached up to the top shelf of the cupboard. ‘Gotcha!’ I smiled, grabbing a bottle of Oven Brite oven cleaner. I always made sure to keep it out of reach from my two children – Oliver, 19 months, and Noah, five months. But now, I needed it. It was Mother’s Day 2019, and, as a treat, I’d invited my mum and my fiancé Stephen’s mum over for dinner. I’d bought the bottle a few days before in preparation. My trusted oven had seen better days, and I wanted to give it a good polish before my guests arrived. Then, just as I brought the bottle down off the shelf, it fell out of my hand, dropped onto the worktop and splashed solution all over…

Staring at an empty crib, my heart sank. It was December 2011, but instead of being at home with me and my husband Matthew, our baby boy Conner was in the hospital. Seven months earlier, on 1 May, Conner was born at Royal Stoke Hospital, weighing 7lb 11oz. With auburn hair and big beautiful eyes, my baby boy was perfect. ‘He looks just like you,’ Matthew, now 38, smiled. After routine tests, we were allowed to take him home, where he settled right away. ‘He’s such a good baby,’ I smiled. A few days later, when a health visitor came over, she noticed that Conner had lost a little weight. I continued to breastfeed, but two weeks later, he’d lost more weight. Worried, I took him to the GP. ‘Conner’s…

It's time to talk about postnatal depression in men... Whether it is your first child or your fifth, welcoming a new baby to the family can be emotionally challenging. We often assume that the role of the father during this perinatal period should be a provider of emotional support for mothers, but studies now show that as many as 1 in 10 dads experience paternal postnatal depression - and this can rise to 50% when mum is also depressed. Mark Williams, founder of International Father's Mental Health Day and the #HowAreYouDad campaign, experienced postnatal depression after witnessing his wife go through the traumatic birth of their son. He didn't know who to turn to and led to him having a breakdown. Eventually, Mark was put on medication and took a…

Did you know that salmon is considered an aphrodisiac? It is thought that the omega-3 helps to raise levels of the happy hormone serotonin in the brain and Vitamin B12 also elevates mood - so it's perfect for Valentine's Day! Kikkoman Soy Sauce has this delicious recipe which is ready in less than 30 minutes so you can spend more time flirting! Passionate pink salmon with avocado salsa Serves 2 2 salmon fillets, skin on 3 tbsp Kikkoman Soy Sauce 1 tbsp sunflower oil 1 avocado, peeled and chopped 75g ripe cherry tomatoes, halved 400g can cannellini beans, drained ¼ cucumber, deseeded and finely chopped ¼ red onion, finely chopped 1 tbsp freshly chopped coriander, plus extra to garnish 2 tsp red wine vinegar 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil…

Aries March 21st - April 20th That feeling of déjà vu, is not for nothing you know. What you need to do right now is recognise which influences in your life are good ones, and who is still trying to use and manipulate you. Luckily for you, Saturn the great teacher is on hand to show you right from wrong and to make it clear who has been trying to pull the wool over your eyes. You won't be the shy one in the corner this February, especially now that you have powerful information in your possession. Watch out for instant attractions that are about to change ‘everything.' Taurus April 21st - May 21st Children are more prominent than usual. You may find yourself having to take responsibility for the…

Who invented it? Galentine’s Day: A fictional holiday created by Leslie Knope in a 2010 episode of Parks and Recreation that falls on 13 February (Valentine’s Day Eve) every year. Once upon a time, Galentine’s Day only existed in a fictional movie – now, it’s celebrated all across the world. It is a day to honour the best friends in your life. And unlike Valentine’s Day, we can all take part in it! Ironically, 13 February has long been considered ‘Mistress Day’ when unfaithful men take out their side chicks, leaving 14 February for their wives and girlfriends. Thankfully, we’ve swapped it for a much better celebration! How do I celebrate it? We are here for any excuse to throw a friends' get-together. Galentine's Day is all about ladies celebrating…

A culinary twist on a traditional bouquet of roses, these are almost too lovable to eat! As tasty as it is tasteful. Preparation: 20 minutes Cooking: 30 minutes YOU WILL NEED: 2/3 Pink Lady apples 1 lemon juice 50g melted butter 1 sheet ready roll puff pastry, thawed 2 tbsp cinnamon 3 tbsp caster sugar 1 sprinkle icing sugar TO MAKE: 1. Slice your apples in half and remove the core but keeping the half apple intact. 2. Thinly slice your apples and put into a microwaveable bowl with the juice of a lemon (to prevent browning and to make the apples more pliable). Cover with cling film and microwave on high for 1-2 minutes to soften. Leave to cool. 3. Open up your puff pastry sheet onto a lightly…

Should I take the risk? I like a guy that I work with, but if I tell him, and he doesn’t like me, I’ll have to see him every day and it will be mortifying. Should I take the risk? Mel, Hastings YES  Pick Me Up! reader Julie from Shropshire says: If you really like this guy, then go for it! I don’t think you should hide your emotions just because you work together. I assume if you’ve got to the point that you like him, then you’ve been flirting and chatting? He probably likes you, too! Some men don’t like to make the first move! And even if he doesn’t like you, at least you know. It may be a little awkward, but this is where you need to…

Growing up in a military family, I’ve always known the comfort of a close-knit atmosphere. However, when my marriage of three years broke down in 2014, my life fell apart. We’d been together for five years in total, but to me, he was perfect. Only, that meant I was completely blind to his manipulative behaviour. So, I was absolutely crushed when he suddenly announced that he was leaving me. I had three sons from a previous marriage, and me and my youngest son had nowhere to go. I had no bank account, no job, no life. The break up had robbed me of absolutely everything. Things got so stressful that I even had a heart attack. I couldn’t believe my life had ended up like this. Over the next few…

An Oven Brite spokesperson said: ‘We are extremely sorry to hear that burns of this severity have been sustained while using this product. Oven Brite does contain a very dangerous corrosive liquid which should be treated with the utmost respect and all the advice on the packaging and bottle should be adhered to. We are duty-bound by various regulations to ensure that this product carries the relevant warnings about the risks associated with the contents, both on the product and the packaging, but that said, unfortunately, accidents can occur, but are few and far between. In the event of skin contact, either directly or from contaminated clothing, the area should be flushed immediately with cold water for as long as possible until the burning has subsided, then seek medical advice.’…

RETURN OF THE PACK It will be music to your dog's ears to hear that their favourite dog festival of 2019 is back for its second year – and now with dog-friendly glamping. Dogstival will once again take place in the heart of doggy paradise, the New Forest, in the breath-taking location of the Pylewell Park Estate for a weekend dedicated to dog's enjoyment. Guests can enjoy sea views, a pop-up pizza restaurant, canine cuddles by the campfire and shower facilities. Take a trip to the Dog Pub for a pet-friendly pint, to the mini 'chapel' to capture any fluffy romances, and the K9 Chill Out Zone to have a massage and an express groom. It's really got everything your pup could ever need! Tickets are priced at £13.90 for…

Donna wanted to rekindle her marriage. But another woman led her to murder Naked and dying in a pool of his own blood. That’s how millionaire Lanny Horwitz spent the final moments of his life. After living his days socialising with the elite and living next to his multimillionaire neighbours, Lanny fought for his last breath on his ensuite bathroom floor. Lanny, 66, had been gunned down in cold blood. His killer had used two guns to pump him full of bullets. It was brutal and a crime full of rage. So just what was the reason behind the killing of a successful man? Later, it would be said the motive was one of the oldest known in history. Love, hate and obsession… Millionaire Lanny Horwitz led a privileged life.…

Waking up in a sheen of sweat, I desperately tried to catch my breath. Looking around my bedroom, it was pitch black, and I was terrified. Swinging my legs out of bed, I crept across the bedroom where Mum and her partner Andy Wilson, then 23, were asleep. ‘I’ve had a bad dream,’ I whispered into the darkness. Andy stirred first, peering at me standing by the door. ‘Get in,’ he smiled, quietly lifting up the duvet. ‘There’s nothing to worry about.’ It was summer 1996 – and, at five years old, I still liked the comfort of my mum when I had a nightmare. She had a way of cuddling me back to sleep within minutes. This time, though, Mum hadn’t stirred, so I’d climbed in next to my…

Holy Moly fudgy chocolate brownies 120g Holy Moly Smashed Avocado 240ml plant-based milk 70g maple syrup 50g coconut sugar 150g plain flour 1 tsp baking powder 55g cacao powder 1 tsp espresso powder Pinch of salt 60g chocolate chips/chunks METHOD: 1. Preheat the oven to 160°C Fan/180°C and line a baking dish (24cm x 16cm) with parchment paper. 2. Place the avocado, milk, syrup and sugar in a blender and process until smooth and creamy. 3. Mix together the flour, baking powder, cacao powder, espresso powder and salt in a large bowl. 4. Pour the wet avocado mixture into the dry ingredients and stir until combined. Fold in the chocolate chips, saving a few for the top. Pour the batter into the prepared dish, smooth over the top and sprinkle…

This month... TRAVELLING STRESS-FREE WITH YOUR DOG For most dog owners, a holiday isn't complete without their four-legged friend. Thanks to the number one company for dedicated dog-friendly holidays PetsPyjamas, you don't need to leave your furry friend in a kennel ever again. Follow their travelling top tips… 1 Pet passport Don’t forget a passport! A pet passport is required to travel to the EU and to reenter the UK after your holiday. 2 Packing Pack food, treats, water, travel bowl, collar, lead, chews, toys, pet coat and their favourite blanket to keep your pup happy. 3 By car Invest in a dog seatbelt. Smaller dogs might prefer a travel crate, which will stop them from moving about. 4 Public transport Check ahead when booking a…

Serve up some delicious delights with the help of British Lion eggs. They are are one of nature's most nutrient-dense foods and fit into many diets and lifestyles. Sourdough French toast with fried egg & grilled halloumi 1 thick slice of sourdough bread 2 large British Lion eggs 1 tbsp milk 1 knob of butter 1 red pepper 1 tsp red wine vinegar 1 tbsp olive oil 50g halloumi cheese, sliced Salt Pepper Parsley to garnish METHOD: 1. Preheat the oven to 200°C/180°C fan. Wrap the red pepper in tin foil. Transfer onto a roasting tray and cook in the oven for about an hour, until soft. 2. Unwrap the pepper and leave to cool. Peel and remove the seeds. Slice into long strings and season with red wine vinegar,…

Ski getaway! Launching in February 2020, the prestigious Swiss ski resorts of LAAX and Davos Klosters will come together to offer the opportunity to experience something truly unique – The Ski Getaway Reinvented. This seven-night package invites passionate skiers, novices and those in search of a winter wonderland break alike, to experience the luxury of private charter travel for a fraction of the price and enjoy 500km+ of pistes across 2 ski areas. Maximum skiing time, minimum hassle – no waiting time at airports or lengthy transfer times. From London to the slopes in just under 2.5 hours, this certainly reinvents the ski getaway! The escape: Jump on board a BA operated 32-seater jet at London City Airport. Fly straight into the small, independent airport of Altenrhein in the Swiss…

BLUSHING PINKS 1. Mavala pink varnishes, £5.50, John Lewis Give your nails a pop of pink this Valentine’s with these gorgeous shades. Made with natural ingredients, not only will they leave your nails vibrant, but healthy, too! Made with love, these shades are perfect for the Valentine’s season. Choose from; Rose, Rose Hill, Duchess Rose. 2. Lavera Lipstick Colour Intense in Beloved Pink, £12.90, Lavera.com The perfect shade for a romantic night, this bold fuchsia pink will leave your lips irresistible. The precious organic blossom butter made of rose, mallow and linden will keep your lips moisturised. The colour intense mineral pigments will give long-lasting colour. 3. e.l.f Jelly Pop Flush Blush, £6, Superdrug Your crush isn’t the only thing that should make you blush. This unique jelly textured blush seamlessly…

INSTANT + APPOINTMENT Dr Paul Stillman, family GP and adviser to the Health & Food Supplements Information Service (www.hsis.org). Pain relief Q My husband has awful back pain and often spends days stuck in bed. What can he do? Jackie, Liverpool A First and foremost, he should get moving. People often think the best way to manage back pain is to rest, but in actual fact continuing to be active and carrying out his daily activities will help much more. Rest could actually make things worse. The five S.T.E.P.S found at www.mindyourbackuk.com are one way to help. They give advice about how to incorporate gentle stretches and exercises, checking standing, sitting and sleeping posture as well as looking at topical products to manage back pain. This includes heat therapy such as…

We all do our best to get a good night's sleep as often as we can, but according to new research, having a good sleep routine could reduce your chances of heart disease and stroke. Scientists from Tulane University in New Orleans calculated a 'sleep score' for 385,000 people and found that those who regularly got between seven and eight hours of sleep a night lowered their risk of ever having these killer ailments. The risk was also slashed for those who were deemed high risk due to their genetics.…

Running frantically around the tables, I could hear myself panting. Blimey, that’s not good at all, I thought. As a pub manager, I was more than used to being stood on my feet all day long. Suddenly however, I was finding it rather difficult. I didn’t know why, but I figured I must have been hungry. So, taking my break, I tucked into a hearty pub lasagne and chips. As the manager, I didn’t have much time to eat, so when I did, I always opted for one of the chef’s delicious specials. I started having chest pains Hot dogs, burgers and lasagne were my favourite – along with a helpful portion of chunky pub chips. Running around the pub on my feet all day, I was pretty tired, and…

Stay beautifully organised with these stylish Stackers jewellery boxes from www.aplaceforeverything.co.uk. Build your own storage box by stacking interlocking matching jewellery layers. As your collection grows, your jewellery box can, too! 1. Lidded storage box, £20 Start your collection with this! 2. Charm storage box, £14 Layer your box with this. 3. Mini travel case, £14 Perfect for travelling! 4. Lidded charm box, £18 Store your charms. 5. Stackers mini jewellery box –set of two, £26 Makes a lovely gift! 6. Stackers double sided travel jewellery box, £10 Great for home or away! 7. Pink quartz and rose gold jewellery stand, £12 For all the pretty little pieces. All made with vegan leather and suede.…

This helpful ABCDE checklist can help you tell the difference between a normal mole and melanoma: Asymmetrical – melanomas have two different halves and are an irregular shape. Border – melanomas have a ragged or blurred border. Colours – melanomas will be a mix of two or more colours – different shades of black, brown and pink may be seen. Diameter – most melanomas tend to be larger than 6mm in diameter. Evolving – a mole that changes, especially in size or colour over time, is more likely to be a melanoma.Visit www.miiskin.com.…

Pressing my foot on the pedal of the sewing machine, I rotated the navy tartan material underneath the needle. ‘Perfect!’ I said, admiring my handy work. ‘Perfect!’ my African Grey parrot, Coco, copied back. Chuckling, I popped onto Etsy to tell the buyer that her pet’s stylish kilt was complete. Another one bites the dust , I thought to myself. Back in the day, I would never had imagined that I’d spend my time sewing hundreds of different parrot outfits. You see, 40 years ago, my passion for birds was only to the extent of a bird feeder in the garden. That was until a friend who worked for an animal rescue charity rang in a panic… ‘Could you look after some baby birds, Maggie?’ she pleaded. And before I…