Innholdsfortegnelse for September 2023 i Pick Me Up! Special

HOW TO REGISTER It’s FREE to enter and it’s so easy to do. Just visit entry2.it/ldp-pd and register by hitting the ‘Create Free Account’ button and then you can enter as many competitions as you like. Go on, have fun! For website rules of play, go to comps.lifedeathprizes.com/rules. Terms and conditions apply, UK only…

Big gull-et Look at this cheeky chappy we spotted nibbling on the leftovers of someone’s pub lunch at the weekend! It’s safe to say he didn’t need any more food – his belly was huge! Kayla, Bournemouth Baby love Here is my new Jack Russell pup Agnes – she’s so small you can just about fit her in the palm of your hand! She’s only just got her shots, too, so she has lots of walkies and outdoor adventures on the horizon. Yvette, Newton Abbott Adventure time My daughter Charlie recently bought three tiny pet mice and they absolutely love their new cage! Exploring the logs and shelters she’s decorated it with, they’re always mucking around. Jon, Wolverhampton Birthday boy! My mum’s Chihuahua Yoda turned seven years old recently! You can…

Struggling to keep up with your reading goals? Book subscriptions are a great way to get back on track. Anissa de Gomery, founder of the book subscription service FairyLoot, is here to tell you why! • For more, visit: fairyloot.com 1. Can getting a book subscription box improve your reading habits? A book subscription box is the perfect way to get back into reading as it acts as a gentle reminder to read. You get a beautiful box with a carefully curated book that should already be aligned with your tastes, too. In our FairyLoot subscriptions boxes, we include the latest and hottest fantasy reads for you to enjoy, along with matching bookish merchandise as an extra added treat. 2. What is the key to reading more? Subscriptions are great…

This month… PREPARE YOUR GARDEN FOR AUTUMN Dobbies Garden Centres' Horticultural Director, Marcus Eyles, has shared his top tips for getting your garden in the seasonal spirit. • Please visit: dobbies.com 1 Remember to revitalise Autumn is not a season of shut down, instead it’s a time of revitalisation! Leave clearing leaves off your lawn and cutting back shrubs until the frost sets in for October and November. 2 Get planting Inject autumnal colour into your garden by planting autumn bedding plants such as pansies and violas which can survive throughout the winter months, too. 3 Flat friendly Even if you don’t have a garden, colourful autumnal plants such as the vibrant cyclamen is perfect for planting in pots, containers and hanging baskets. 4 Look ahead Autumn is the time…

The return to school means one thing – cheap, easy meals that will keep the whole family fuelled and fed! As part of his Full Time Meals Campaign, chef Tom Kerridge has whipped up three budget-friendly recipes that everyone will enjoy. • For more, please visit: @fulltimemeals on Instagram Tortilla Pizza Making pizza at home is so easy if you cheat! And it’s a great way to get the kids involved in creating their own toppings. Here we’ve gone for a mix of colourful vegetables and some ham, too. Easy peasy! INGREDIENTS: □ 4 tortilla wraps□ 1 tube of tomato purée□ 4 large handfuls of grated mozzarella TOPPINGS (OPTIONAL): □ 1 small red pepper□ 1 small courgette□ ½ small can of sweetcorn in water, drained□ 4 slices of wafer thin…

Sitting across from the doctor with my partner Barry, my belly was filled with nerves. It should have been a time of joy and excitement, of making plans, buying baby grows and Moses baskets. Instead, the doctor’s face was grave and serious. ‘We’ve had your 12 week blood test results back,’ he said. ‘Oh?’ I said. ‘I’m afraid there are markers for Down’s syndrome.’ I paused. I think he expected me to break down, to cry, or to ask why. I didn’t. ‘So what? It’s our baby. We’ll love it and keep it whatever,’ I said. Barry nodded. ‘She’s right. We’ll love our baby no matter what,’ he said. The doctor offered us further tests. There were more blood tests we could do, or a procedure called an amniocentesis which…

There’s no need to say goodbye to your summer sandals or skirts just yet – instead rev up your wardrobe with these biker chic inspired looks. Add a graphic tee to a free-flowing maxi skirt or pair leather with your favourite dress – transforming your outfits has never felt so good – rock on! Break up harsh leather or PU with chiffon, cotton or suede – that’s where the chic comes in! Metallic shoes are all the rage – they may seem bold, but they can become a staple!…

Feeling under the weather but don’t know which vitamins to take to give your immune system that well-needed boost? Dr Reuben Chen, chief medical adviser at Sunrider, has identified the top vitamins you might be lacking in depending on your lifestyle. • For more information, visit: sunrider.com Follow this fun flowchart to see what vitamins you may need to top up on this season! 1. Those following a vegan or vegetarian diet may need to get their essential vitamins from supplements rather than through natural nutrients in their diet. Eating less protein as a dietary choice? You may be lacking in Omega-3 or B12. 2. For those with a lower thyroid function, you can often feel fatigued, drowsy and struggle with your energy and concentration levels. You may benefit from a…

Who said outfit repeating was a no no? In our eyes, it’s a big yes and there are many ways that you can make the same basics stand out. Nobody would even know… We’ve taken a staple in everyone’s wardrobe, the humble white tee, and have shown you seven ways you can style it this September… Wear with skinny jeans and an open trenchcoat, for a simple model off-duty look! Dress up your plain white tee with a stunning blazer – an essential in everyone’s wardrobe! Think about wearing the cardigan open or simply place over your shoulders! Think about wearing a strappy dress over a white tee for a preppy, stylish look! Think Barbie – when sporting a fitted tee, you can get away with bigger trousers Wearing a…

Hide and seek page 3 Answer: PAGE 27 Movie links page 16 MOVIE LINKS : MOVIE LINKS = Kristen Stewart – TWILIGHT - Robert Pattinson - WATER FOR ELEPHANTS - Reese Witherspoon - HOW DO YOU KNOW – Paul Rudd – KNOCKED UP – Seth Rogan Crack it page 24 Answer: USED ANACCENT Spot it page 28 Word search page 44 Answer: BORING The 100% biggie page 8 Answer: NEVER WANT TO GET MARRIED Three in a row page 34 Answer: TORTOISE Follow it page 34 Answer: STRIPES Word jumble page 44 Answer: FRIDGE Cross it page 51 Answer: MOISTEN…

Send the kids back in style this September…

Hold in there – you’re on the final stretch! There’s only a few more weeks of the summer holidays left, then you can put your feet up. Well, for five minutes at least! If there’s one person who is going to make the most out of the holidays, it’s young Alex (pg38). After severing his foot last year, just a week before the summer, he’s now back on his feet and looking forward to lots of fun. And getting her fair share of fun, I’m sure Emily (pg46) will spend the last of the summer waiting on the Cobbles hoping to see her favourite Corrie stars. After dedicating all her spare time to celeb spotting, she’s now setting her sights on becoming a showbiz reporter. Good luck Emily! I’m sure…

Sipping on my Magnum cider, I felt my phone buzz in my pocket. Looking at the screen, I saw it was my friend Clare* calling. ‘Hey, what you up to?’ she asked. ‘Not much,’ I replied. With my daughter Poppy, then three, at her dad’s for the weekend back in August 2020, I was just making the most of chilling out in the summer sun with my mate Sophie*. ‘Fancy coming to a party?’ Clare asked. ‘Yeah, why not?!’ I smiled – we’d not long come out of lockdown, it would be nice to let my hair down. So an hour later, Clare came to pick me and Sophie up, and drove us to her mate’s house in Penarth, just outside of Cardiff. The party was being thrown by two…

Sinking into my boyfriend Paul’s solid arms as we cuddled up on the sofa, I soaked up our blissful bubble together. It was December 2016 and we’d met through mutual friends – the chemistry was undeniable. I’d never felt happier. But there’s still something missing, I couldn’t help thinking. ‘I’ve always wanted kids,’ I confessed to Paul, dreaming of our future together. We were both 39. I worried I’d left it too late to have children, although I hadn’t meant to. When I was a teenager and all my mates had boyfriends, I didn’t meet anyone or fall in love. I comfort ate to make myself feel better, gorging on chocolate and crisps in my bedroom. Comfort eating became the norm Scoffing takeaways for tea became my norm. But the…

Filing out of the arena, my throat felt hoarse. I had just spent two hours screaming my favourite songs, alongside thousands of other fans. But while the concert had been incredible, the best memory for me had come before it even started. I got to meet my idol and favourite singer – Olly Murs. Rushing to the stage door at Nottingham Arena with hours to go, I bagged myself a spot at the front of the barrier and waited him. It was May 2019 and I had dragged my mum, Elizabeth, 57, along with me – but I secretly thought she was just as excited! ‘I think he’s coming!’ I squealed. And bursting out the door with his usual cheeky grin, there he was, just metres in front of me.…

Kitsch prints and patterns can add some fun!…

Packing a bottle of sun cream, a fresh sports kit and a waterproof jacket, I zipped the backpack shut. ‘Ready to go?’ I beamed at my son Alex, then 12, who was ready for a week of activities organised by his school. Missing out on a trip to France, cancelled by Covid, the teachers thought it would be a nice idea to hold a range of days for the year sevens to let off some steam. Day one was a trip to the beach at Camber Sands, roughly 30 minutes away from us, and the next day was an aqua park course with inflatables laid out in the water. ‘Let’s go,’ Alex laughed, hopping into the car, ready for me to drop him off at school. My daughter Izzy, now…

INSTANT + APPOINTMENT With Dr Deborah Lee from Dr Fox Online Pharmacy (doctorfox.co.uk) Irritated and itchy Q Over the summer, I’ve comeup with red bumps under my armpits and in other areas where I’ve shaved and they don’t seem to go away. Is there any way I can make them disappear? Sarah, Bath A There are many causes for a red, bumpy rash under the arms. These include contact dermatitis, yeast infection, eczema, allergic dermatitis, seborrheic dermatitis, folliculitis and milia (heat rash). • Have a warm bath, perhaps with colloidal oatmeal. Don’t use perfumed soaps or bath products. A small amount of emollient can be used as a soap substitute. Dry carefully under the arms. • For eczema, use your recommended emollients regularly in your armpits. • Don’t shave the area until the rash…

Just like a Reese’s peanut butter cup!…

Elliot Rodger was born with a silver spoon in his mouth. The eldest child of British filmmaker Peter Rodger and his mother, Li Chin, a nurse who was a first aid practitioner and research assistant on major film productions. Spending the early years of his childhood jet-setting between the UK and USA, he had plenty of family holidays, too. The family eventually settled in California for good when Elliot turned five. Elliot was denied nothing – surely every child’s dream? Living a life of complete privilege, the family welcomed a younger sister, Georgia. Yet after Elliot’s seventh birthday, where he tucked into his favourite meal of lobster – extravagant tastes for such a young child – his parents got divorced. Elliot had a life full of privilege Peter met his…

Slipping on my full body, purple spandex suit and donning my rainbow horn, I was more ready than ever before. With colourful glitter dotted across my face, the children gathered around and gawped up at me in amazement. Taking to the stage at a local festival in Ashland, Oregon in 2014, I completely transformed into my magical alter ego – JenUwin the Unicorn. Sweeping into a special unicorn greeting – bending my front leg and swinging my arms into the air – with a big grin on my face, I couldn’t wait to make them laugh. Watching the wonder light up their eyes as they realised what I am – a real life, sparkling unicorn – made my performances all worth it. All about reigniting your sparkle and overcoming the…

All aboard! While on a family day out to Chatham’s Historic Dockyard, before my son has to go back to school, he couldn’t stop staring at the old ships. This was the HMS Gannet – can you believe it was built in 1878? Rob, Gillingham - I’m feeling a bit under the weather What do farmers wear under their shirts when they’re cold? A har-vest! How funny! Snuggle bug Our dog Bertie is absolutely obsessed with my youngest son Dan. He’s back off to university in Southampton soon and I just know Bertie is going to pine for cuddles while he’s away! Martin, Durham Love on tour My daughter Kim went with her best friends to see Harry Styles earlier this year and she can’t stop talking about it! She’s even set…

What expressed desire linked US actress and TV mogul Oprah Winfrey and Mad Men star Jon Hamm until Feb this year? To find out, solve the crossword then read down the letters in the shaded squares to find the five-word answer. ACROSS 1 America’s Big Apple (3,4) 5 Narrow curved shape (8) 9 Baking chamber (4) 13 Ceremonies (5) 14 Trade blockade (7) 15 Part of the day (7) 16 Measures of land area (5) 17 Gradient (5) 18 Say again (6) 20 Escape from (5) 21 Add sugar (7) 23 Second Greek letter (4) 26 African river that has Blue and White sections (4) 27 Template for painting a pattern (7) 30 Patterned like a zebra (7) 34 Document sanctioning police search (7) 36 Brand name for a range…

1. How did you start writing? It all started at school when the wonderful poet Jean Binta Breeze visited my school for a poetry reading. I was inspired and I wanted to silence a crowd with words. I started writing poems in my spare time and I haven’t stopped since! 2. What impact has writing fiction had on your reading habits? Writing fiction directs my reading as I find myself reading obscure books or uncovering facts to feed into my fiction. However, I tend not to read the same genre of fiction that I am writing at the same time to avoid confusion! 3. How do you keep on track with your reading? The simple act of never passing a bookshop or a library without going in leads to me…

Driving to Liverpool Women’s Hospital in April 2020 for a scan, I smiled to myself as I felt a familiar kick in my lower stomach… I can’t wait to see you, I thought. Me and my husband Ziggy, now 31, had been trying for a third baby for just two months before I had fallen pregnant again. As Ziggy pulled up outside the hospital, I gave him a quick kiss and waved him off. Unfortunately, he wasn’t allowed in because of the strict Covid regulations. ‘See you in a little bit!’ I shouted through the window. ‘Good luck darling, I’ll be waiting out here,’ he replied. I was going in for my 24-week scan, but doctors had referred me to a specialist at the Liverpool Women’s Hospital because they wanted…

She’s just so rude… After meeting my boyfriend’s mother at a family function, I don’t want to speak to her again. She commented on my weight, saying that ‘I will always be big’, I couldn’t believe it. I just laughed it off at the time and my boyfriend was supportive but I feel let down. Should I say something? Matilda, Nottingham YES Pick Me Up! reader Debbie from Manchestersays: 100% say something – you can’t let her think that she can just walk all over you, she has over stepped the mark this time. I know you may feel like you don’t want to cause a scene, you don’t have to, but you need to let her know that she can’t get away with sly, rude comments. If she is saying…

Stepping off the plane, I smiled as the warm air washed over me. ‘Ah, home at last,’ I sighed in relief. Myself and my husband Gordon, then 74, were taking our daughters and the three grandkids to the all magical Disney World. It was a special place for us all, having holidayed there for over 20 years. The atmosphere, the magic, the colour…I loved absolutely everything about it. Although I left the rollercoasters to the kids! Gordon and I met when we were both just 13 – we were true childhood sweethearts. We officially tied the knot on 26 September 1964. And our first trip to Disney World was in 1995. Despite it turning into a bit of a disaster – we were robbed at gunpoint in our hotel –…

• To get involved please visit: salsabristol.co.uk What makes salsa so fun? Salsa is uplifting, you can’t help but want to move your feet to the beat of the music whether you know the steps or not. The classes are full of the nicest people and you’re guaranteed to make a new friend. Salsa isn’t just something you learn once a week, you’ll find it addictive and want to dance it at home or find yourself attending one of the many Latin dance parties, festivals or even holidays. Where did the dance originate from? There are many different styles of salsa, but the original form came from Cuba in the early 20th century. It evolved by combining movements from other Cuban dance styles such as the cha cha cha, timba, mambo…

Aries March 21st - April 20th A territorial feel to your chart could see you falling out with those you have only just made up with. Know how far is too far to go when getting involved in other people’s dramas. It could leave you short of time to focus on the romantic aspects, which Venus is adding to the mix, in your life. You see, from Sunday 3rd, Venus turns direct and we no longer stress about who we love. We can move on with more confidence, knowing who we want to stay and who has to go. Ring now to hear why you can afford to admit what you now want. Taurus April 21st - May 21st The stars made it hard for you not to wear your…

FILM AND TV 1 Who plays the lead character in Netflix’s Extraction 2? a Cillian Murphy b Chris Hemsworth c Liam Hemsworth 2 Which fearless superhero, played by Gal Gadot, is known for having a golden lasso and bullet-repelling bracelets? a Supergirl b Batgirl c Wonder Woman 3 The latest and last installment in the Indiana Jones franchise iscalled what? a Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny b Indiana Jones and the Last Adventure c Indiana Jones and the Temple of Uncertainty 4 What is the first name of the Simpson’s third, and youngest, child? a Louise b Maddie c Maggie 5 A well-known famous hangout, what is the name of the coffee shop in Friends? a Spill the Beans b Central Perk c Coffee Break SHOWBIZ 6 After…