Innehållsförteckning för March 2023 från Pick Me Up! Special

Furry friends Me and my little boy, Wren, love meeting animals at the zoo – no matter how great or small! I think we made a friend for life this time. Evelyn, Stockport Snuggled up Our cat Molly and pooch Charlie weren’t sure of each other at first. But now they love snuggling up on the sofa! Next step – sharing toys… Natalie, Cradley Heath Little helper I came into the kitchen to wash up to find our naughty kitten, Peanut, in the sink! I think he wanted to help with the cleaning. Holly, Bristol Just the spot My lab Bertie is looking dapper in his spotty handkerchief! Amanda, Stroud…

A poll by a beauty product shop has found that the average woman has eight beauty secrets she keeps from her partner. What topped the list as the most hidden beauty secret? To find out, solve the following puzzle. Add a letter anywhere in each of the boxed-off words to fit the clue, eg, LEG PART = HIGH + T = THIGH. Write the added letter in the space provided. Read down the added letters to spell out the two word answer. STEM SLIDEWAY LINGUINI INLET DEVICE THINKER OSCILLATE BIG CAT INITIAL BELLOW CALM MONEY BAG Your answer____________________________________ Slim one Answer: SHAVING TOES…

International Executive Coach of the Year and confidence & human behaviour expert, Jo Emerson, answers your questions. Jo’s email course can help you build confidence – visit jo-emerson.com. Grab her book, Flying for Beginners, on Amazon. Find Jo on Instagram: @jo_emerson_ Am I thinking straight? After the loss of my grandparents, I’m really frightened by the idea of death. They both died peacefully in the comfort of their own home, but I’m scared I’ll be next. What should I do? And am I wrong for feeling like this? Sophia, Loughborough YES Pick Me Up! reader Vivian from Lichfield says: I think that you need to reach out and get some support from someone professional to talk about how you feel. There’s no need to feel shame in admitting that. Losing…

Give your home a bright make over!…

Sitting down on the toilet, I winced. It was so painful. I experienced terrible period pains nine days a month and every time I used the loo. And it had been this way for half my life. ‘You’re just unlucky,’ my mum Maxine, 55, would tell me, as I curled up in a ball. When the pain was at its worst, I wanted to rip my insides out – anything to relieve the constant nausea and sharp, cramping pains. At age 16, I plucked up the courage to visit the doctors. I was prescribed the contraceptive pill, and for a time that worked – my symptoms eased, and my periods were a lot kinder. But when I reached my early twenties, the pill wasn’t effective anymore. ‘Take the pill two weeks…

With the arrival of spring, it’s the perfect time for a deep clean. Getting the Hoover out and putting on some washing may sound productive – but when did you last give your cleaners a clean? Even they deserve a spa-day… Lara Brittain, Kitchen Expert at Currys PLC, shares how you can get the most out of appliances that do the hard work for you – they can’t clean themselves! Your dirty laundry… A household’s washing machine is probably one of the hardest working appliances a Brit can own, so it’s worth giving it some real TLC and making sure it is cleaned properly. Small everyday tasks can make the difference. When using powder detergent, the dispenser drawer can get clogged and cause issues with the residue. If taken out…

Flopping onto the sofa, I pointed the remote at the television screen. Flicking through TV channels, I sighed. What’s wrong with me? I thought, feeling miserable. It was my day off from college, and I was home alone. My mum Tracey, 47, and stepdad Tony, 47, were at work, and my 18-year-old brothers Samuel and Charlie were at school. Normally I was so productive on my days off, but I just didn’t have any energy. Maybe I’m coming down with the flu, I thought to myself. When Mum came home later in the afternoon, I was still vegged out on the sofa. ‘Are you alright?’ she said, feeling my forehead. ‘I don’t feel well,’ I said. ‘I just feel like I’ve been kicked in all of my joints.’ Mum frowned,…

It can be easy to bury your head in the sand when experiencing unusual symptoms, but there could be something going on. Cheryl Lythgoe, Matron at Benenden Health, shares when you should go and see a doctor. • Please visit: benenden.co.uk Weight loss: To lose weight, your body must be burning more energy than you are eating – and if you haven’t cut back on food or upped your exercise levels and you’re still losing weight, something else must be causing it. There are dozens of potential reasons from digestive problems, to infection, to depression or anxiety, too. Unexplained weight loss can even be caused by an undiagnosed cancer, so always go to see a doctor if you shed pounds unexpectedly. Nodding off at the drop of a hat: If…

HEAD TO SOAPLAND Fans of Corrie will be pleased to know that the cobbles have extended. With a brand-new location – the Weatherfield Precinct – you don’t want to miss a tour of one of the UK’s most iconic soaps. With the Precinct only introduced to the show in January, fans are given exclusive insight into the latest addition to the Coronation Street universe. Designed and developed by the Coronation Street Design and Construction teams, the new set has been cleverly aged and weathered to look like it has been there for decades. For tourgoers, it will provide some much-needed Northern cheer in the long run-up to the spring and summer months. • Tickets start at £28 per person, coronationstreettour.co.uk FOR THE HISTORY BUFFS Travel back 850 years in time…

A staple piece that everyone needs in their wardrobe – the dress. Whether you’re a fan of a shorter style with tights and a denim jacket or a midi length number with a jumper to take off the spring chill, find a style that works for you… The final touch Timeless fashion Who said that fashion had an age limit? 31-year-old fashion blogger Laura Byrnes doesn’t think so! Styling coordinated fashion fits with her mum, the pair of them show that you can dress to impress no matter your age. Here are some of our favourite looks – why not recreate them with a loved one for yourself? Especially this Mother’s Day… To see more follow @laura.brynes on Instagram…

Aries March 21st - April 20th The full moon in Virgo on the 7th brings out the need for you to rethink your resolutions for the years ahead. You realise you have been working towards what others want and not what was best for you. As you continue through this month, you will have a schedule which is working for you, instead of against you. It’s clear you’ve had far more to cope with than is fair. News which comes between the 20th and the 27th proves you no longer have to cope alone. Ring now to hear why it’s worth going to past contacts to move forward professionally. Taurus April 21st - May 21st You’re tired of friends and family trying to interfere in your personal life. This isn’t…

Get your garden looking summer ready!…

Start this month with a spring in your step – we’ve got everything for you to achieve that! Whether that’s how you can embrace your very own Barbie Dreamworld, celebrating all things pink and girly (pg10), learning how to make sure that you are giving your appliances their very own spa day (pg38), or dressing to impress in sunshine shades (pg36), March can be your month! You’ve got the power to unleash a talent you never knew you had – like nine-year-old Brooke (pg13). Practising her times tables, it wasn’t long before her family realised she had something pretty special up her sleeve – can you guess how many maths questions she can answer in a minute? Another person who recognises the importance of the saying ‘every second counts’ is…

BARBIE, OUT IN CINEMAS 21 JULY A doll living in Barbieland is expelled for not being perfect enough, and sets off on an adventure in the real world… We guess life’s not so fantastic… This summer rom-com promises to sing and dance its way into your heart, with some familiar faces along the way – and plenty of nostalgia and pink glitter! With Margot Robbie and Ryan Gosling taking the leads as Barbie and Ken, Greta Gerwig’s Barbie is predicted to be very popular upon the release. BARBIE-CORE Barbie-core – the fashion buzzword that has captivated the runways for the past year. It’s so popular that even the Princess of Wales has been stepping out in hot pinks. The Barbie-core aesthetic is brash, bold, and of course a bright, beautiful…

Set your alarm because Breakfast Week returns from 6 to 12 March. The annual campaign, brought to you by online doorstep delivery service, Milk & More, celebrates the most important meal of the day. They’ve whipped up some easy yet delicious treats to get your day off to the right start. How do you like your eggs in the morning? Potato Rosti with Smoked Salmon & Poached Eggs YOU WILL NEED: □ 600g organic potatoes, coarsely grated□ 1 tbsp plain flour□ 4 spring onions, thinly sliced□ 2 tbsp oil for frying□ 2 free range eggs□ 100g smoked salmon□ 1 tbsp chopped chives METHOD: 1. Place the grated potatoes in a clean dry tea towel and squeeze out the excess liquid. Transfer to a large bowl and mix in the flour…

Strapping my little boy into the car seat, I climbed into the front. ‘Ready for soft play?’ I called to Finlay, then 16 months old. That morning, on 24 September last year, he had woken up with a bit of a high temperature. But, giving him some Calpol, it soon came down, and me and my partner, Jack, 21, decided to take him out anyway. ‘Let’s go to soft play,’ I said. ‘He absolutely loves it there.’ ‘Good idea,’ he replied. ‘I’m sure he’s just teething, you can see they’re starting to come through.’ And, hearing Finlay giggling in the back seat, I was sure that he must be right. He was such a bubbly baby that feeling a little bit poorly didn’t seem to faze him for long. With…

‘As a mum, seeing Jessica going through all of that broke my heart. ‘When I came home that day, I knew straight away something was wrong – she’s normally always so active and always on the go. I thought it was meningitis from early on, but I didn’t say so at first as I didn’t want to scare her. ‘I tried to stay calm, but I had a gut feeling from the very beginning. ‘When Jessica started having seizures, I was terrified. It’s every mother’s worst nightmare. ‘I was shoved out of the room while doctors and nurses swarmed around her, and even though it was only minutes, it felt like hours. ‘And when she was rushed to ICU, I was terrified she was going to die. ‘A doctor told…

Cancer Research reveals the most common symptoms of skin cancer: A sore that doesn't heal: The sore can look see through, shiny and pink or pearly white. It may feel sore, rough and have raised edges. Ulcer: Look out for an area of skin that has broken down and doesn't heal within four weeks, and you can't think of a reason for this change. A lump: This might be small, slow growing, shiny and pink or red. Red patches on your skin: These patches could also be itchy. This could be due to other noncancerous skin conditions. But get it checked to make sure. Freckles or moles: A change to a mole or freckle can be a sign of another type of skin cancer called melanoma.…

We’ve all heard of the saying ‘go with your gut’ – but have you ever wondered what it actually means? Gut health has seen a huge surge in the last year, and, with it being dubbed our ‘second brain’, it’s become more important than ever to watch how we’re looking after it. Gut-health expert and lead nutritionist at Feel Complete, Hannah Macey, tells us more… THE GUT – EXPLAINED ‘The gut, or the gastrointestinal tract, is the long tube that moves from one end to another – it starts in the mouth and ends in the anus. ‘Essentially, it takes the food we intake, and breaks it all into smaller molecules. ‘Nutrients from this are then absorbed into the bloodstream, and once food has been properly broken down and mixed,…

Warming up I love this picture of my hubby, Neil, on a walk with our dog Caspar. It’s the first time we’ve been out without having to wear a jumper! Liz, Witney Step by step My son, Harry, on a hike in the Wicklow Mountains in Ireland. We’ve already booked our return trip for summer! Steph, Brighton All dolled up This is one of my favourite photos of me and my hubby, Mike, on our way to my daughter’s wedding. We felt like royals all dressed up in our finery! Kim, Glasgow Time for tea For my 40th, my children treated me to an afternoon tea. My mouth is still watering looking at those desserts! Sherri, Weston-Super-Mare Spring bloomers I’m feeling grateful for spring flowers this year. I love the…

As a child, I was obsessed with all things Barbie. So much so, my dad converted our loft to home all my dolls, houses and accessories. He painted the walls pink and covered the floor in pink stripes. From the age of seven to 11, I spent all my time up in the loft playing with the dolls. Only, by the time I went into secondary school, word got around that I played with my Barbies and the girls began to taunt me. It was cruel, and I started visiting the loft less and less. Over the years, I forgot all about my childhood past time, but in February 2021, I came across toys from the ‘80s on a Facebook post. I remember those! I thought as I scrolled through…

Dirty work If you use one sponge for dishes and another for wiping down the walls, keep track of which one is which by cutting off the corner of the sponge you use for dirty work. Christina, St. Austell Sharpen up Use the bottom of a ceramic mug as a sharpening stone for your scissors – run the blade across the bottom at a 45-degree angle. Annabel, Tewkesbury Stay organised Decant dry goods into matching large glass jars – they look pretty and make cooking a lot easier! Alysha, Ealing Creases no more! To save ironing, throw a few ice cubes into your dryer – as the ice melts and the water turns to steam, it will remove the wrinkles in your clothes. Nora, Wigan Ready, set, grow! Don’t throw…

Kathi Motlagh, wardrobe detox expert at Hometainment, shares her top tips for decluttering your wardrobe this spring. 1 Cut ties: We’ve all got those pieces in the wardrobe that we cling onto, saying that we will wear again or wish to fit in again, but the reality is that they’re taking up valuable space. Resell or donate the items instead. 2 Sell seasonally: If you have light jackets to sell, advertise them in the spring when many may be looking for a similar item. Selling seasonally may also help to boost your earnings and speed up the selling process. 3 Stay organised: Keep your closet in good order. For example, store clothes away when not using them, such as winter jumpers or summer dresses. 4 Storage is key: Store jumpers…

Rubbing the sleep out of my eyes, I stretched my legs, only to be met with a sharp pain in my feet – it felt like they’d exploded. Pulling the duvet covers back, I couldn’t believe my eyes. My feet had swollen twice their usual size and were covered in painful blisters. Oh my God, I thought. Could it be something like gangrene? On Christmas Day back 2010, I was supposed to go to my son John’s house to celebrate the big day. ‘I won’t make it,’ I told him over the phone. ‘My feet have swollen, I need to see a doctor.’ ‘Won’t the GP be shut, Mum?’ he asked. Of course, I thought. My feet were in such agony, I couldn’t get out of bed – I spent…

Living a very normal life in Missouri, Melanie and James Addie were a perfect married couple. Tying the knot in 1995, the pair of them soon started their own family, quickly learning the ropes of parenthood with two teenage children – the definition of a perfect match. And with Melanie, 47, working as a teaching assistant, and James, 56, a local corrections officer, their life was relatively ordinary. Despite James’ somewhat ‘controlling’, ‘intimidating’ and ‘selfish’ behaviour, alongside his later work pattern, the pair of them were in a happy relationship. Being married for 23 long years, nothing was out of the norm. Until a knock on the front door of their family home, on 28 April 2018, changed everything – turning Melanie’s entire world upside down… With Monroe County police…

Reading the description of yet another rental, three words stuck out like a sore thumb. No pets allowed. ‘Well, you know what we are going to have to do now,’ I smiled, turning to my partner Mart. ‘Buy our own house!’ After meeting in the shopping centre where we both worked in 2016, it wasn’t long before we formed a romantic connection, moving in together. And with that we made sure to spend all of our spare time getting outside – whether that was long walks on the beach, shopping, or just spending time in the summer sun. So, the idea of buying a pooch who could come with us was an absolute no brainer. But with rentals that allowed pets costing an arm and a leg, the idea of…

Ever been told ‘it’s just a bad period’ or that your pelvic pain is ‘normal’? There are lots of myths around endometriosis and menstrual conditions, including that it is just something you have to deal with. March is Endometriosis Action Month, and the charity Endometriosis UK is raising awareness of the disease, the impact it has, and how to support those affected. • Visit endometriosis-uk.org or search for Endometriosis UK on social media. Feeling my headrush and vision fade, I knew I was about to pass out. ‘I’m probably going to faint, but this is normal for me,’ I said to my colleagues. Since the age of 12, my period had always been excruciatingly painful, where I faint and throw up. I had spent most of my teens in and…

Goodbye winter and hello sun! With daffodils emerging as well as a fresh spring air, why not bring a little sunshine with you in your step? Shine bright like the person you are……

Late bloomer Q My daughter has just turned 16 and hasn’t started her periods yet. Should I take her to the GP? Amanda, Leeds A 98% of girls start their periods by age 15, so your daughter should see her GP. Puberty occurs in girls because of a rise in the level of the hormone, oestrogen. This is due to a complex pathway between special parts of the brain – the hypothalamus and the pituitary gland – and the ovary. Breast development normally occurs in girls before the age of 14. Other changes of puberty include her having a growth spurt, developing a curvier shape, and the growth of both underarm and pubic hair. Puberty may be delayed due to factors such as being very underweight or overweight, doing excessive amounts of…

LUXE FOR LESS Looking for a gift for the mother figure in your life? Why not treat her to a brand new scent from Lacura? Luxury doesn’t have to cost the world and the Hotel Collection Range will certainly indulge all the senses. Choose from: Tobacco & Vanilla Eau de Parfum – notes of spice and tobacco, this is perfect for those who like a more masculine, woody scent. Sandalwood & Jasmine Eau de Parfum – notes of cinnamon and jasmine for a sophisticated and exotic fragrance. £4.99 each, available from Aldi FAN FAVOURITE Chapped lips getting you down? Burt’s Bees are a household name when it comes to a perfect pout. With this three-step routine, your lips will be naturally irresistible in no time. 1. Prep Prep is key…

Life as a military wife is not always easy. Elizabeth Sullivan had two young daughters, aged four and two, and her US Navy husband Matthew was often deployed overseas, leaving Elizabeth on her own for long periods of time. Cracks had started to appear in their marriage, and it didn’t help that their relationship had been a whirlwind that had fallen apart as quickly as it started. Elizabeth, 32, had met US Navy petty officer Matthew in Virginia, where she’d grown up. They’d married in 2010 and moved to San Diego when Matthew was stationed at Liberty Station – but by 2012, their marriage was already in trouble. They were sleeping on separate floors in their three-storey Navy housing and Elizabeth had apparently started talking to other men. Tensions were…

FILM AND TV 1 EastEnders began broadcasting on BBC One in which year? a 1980 b 1982 c 1985 2 In how many James Bond films did Sean Connery play the 007 agent? a Four b Five c Six 3 Which Madrigal family member has the power to ‘hear a pin drop’ in Encanto? a Isabela b Luisa c Dolores 4 What is the spell used by Ron and Hermione in Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone, to make their feathers fly? a Wingardium leviosa b Wingardium levioso c Wingardium leviosy 5 What is the name of Martin Compston’s character in Line of Duty? a Steve Arnott b Steve Barnett c Steve Arnold SHOWBIZ 6 What connects Kylie Minogue, Joely Richardson, Madonna and Geri Halliwell? a They’ve all dated the…