Innehållsförteckning för July 2024 från Pick Me Up! Special

According to the Oxford University Press, which nation is the most lactose tolerant, with over 97% of its population being able to consume dairy produce? To find out, solve the puzzle… Make three nine-letter words using all of these three-letter sections and enter them in the grid. We’ve given you two letters to start you off. Unscramble the shaded letters to find the answer… HTM INA BAL NIG MIN ARE IRT LER ISK Your answers _________________________________________ Answers on page 61…

Gathering up all the dirty dishes, I started clearing the dinner table. With food stuck around his mouth, my son Teddy, now three, and my daughter Evelyn, now six, had a burst of energy. Oh no, I thought. Every night, it was a challenge for me and my husband Sam, 35, to get them to bed. And that night, on 14 August 2023, was no different for us. Teddy and Evelyn would chase each other before watching PAW Patrol on the telly, refusing to sleep. Only, I had a trick up my sleeve. ‘Come on,’ I said. ‘It’s time to have a shower.’ Immediately, their faces lit up and they ran upstairs to my en suite. The kids loved having a shower Teddy and Evelyn saw having a shower as a…

Walking into the staff meeting on my first day, somehow, I was 10 minutes late. But I wasn’t flustered. I was more excited as my eyes darted around the room. After all, I was looking for the handsome face I’d spotted on my mate’s Facebook page. Please be here, I thought, my heart racing. It was July 2017, and aged 16, I was spending the summer working at a Christian camp. I’d been going there since I was little. But this year was my first time overseeing the younger kids. An old camp pal had let slip that her brother Wayne, then 17, was a counsellor this year, too. I’d never met him, but he looked so cute on Facebook. Thankfully, his was the first face I spotted, too. I…

Is there anything more peaceful than paddling out into the open water? With a long, hot summer coming our way, it’s the perfect way to take the edge off of the heat, too. Wild swimming has always been popular, but ever since lockdown when swimming pools shut their doors, it’s seen a huge surge in popularity – with people taking to Britain’s lakes, rivers and coastline to get their fix. But what is it that makes taking a dip in nature’s pool so alluring? Why go wild? ‘Being in nature has been proven to be calming and beneficial for mental health,’ explains Claudine Nightingill-Rane, a body image and mindset coach and also a cold water sea swimmer. ‘The natural movement of the water can be meditative to watch, and the…

Haven Holidays Do you want to explore the great outdoors? Haven is the perfect choice if you want a slice of tranquillity, nestled next to the coast. With 37 parks to choose from, there’s plenty for the whole family to get involved in. From the brand new Mini Aerial Adventure coming soon to Burnham-on-Sea, The Jump at Cleethorpes Beach and dog-friendly dining, too. Most excitingly, Haven has welcomed its first ‘Spoons pub! At Primrose Valley in Yorkshire, it was designed for your holiday! • Prices start from £49 per night, based on two adults and two children. Please visit: haven.com Pontins Want to get away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life? But you’re not sure going abroad is an option this year? That’s where Pontins comes in. Offering…

It’s time to grab your walking boots and get a move on in the name of Brain Tumour Research. The annual Walk of Hope is returning on Saturday 28 September 2024 – so make sure to keep your diary clear. It’s an event where you can join like-minded members of the community, coming together in the hopes to find a cure. Meanwhile, you can still do your own Walk of Hope this summer. Simply pick your route and decide if you want anyone to join you. By filling out the application form online, a member of the Brain Tumour Research team will be in touch to help you prepare, give you tips and resources to help maximise the funds that you plan on raising. Remember it’s all in the name of…

Packing my shopping into bags, I picked them up and headed outside with my mum Amanda. As we walked out of Iceland and started to head down the road, someone called Mum’s name. We both turned around. ‘Oh, hi!’ Mum said, as her friend Sue* came over. There was a bloke with her, and he looked shy. I noticed him giving me the eye though. ‘This is my cousin, Alan,’ Sue said. We stood chatting for a few minutes, then said our goodbyes – I didn’t think much more of it. But a few days later, I had a friend request on Facebook. It was from Alan Barney. Hi, I’m the bloke from Iceland, he wrote. Sue told me your name. I was a bit taken aback, but intrigued by…

If you’re planning a fruity fiesta this summer, these crafts are an easy staple that will get you plenty of compliments. Whether you want some fun coasters or zesty decorations, whip these up in no time. You can get creative with your designs – they’ll be one in a melon! • For more ideas, visit: bakerross.co.uk Fruit bunting YOU WILL NEED: ☐ Felt sheets ☐ PVA glue ☐ Jute twine METHOD: 1. Using the template available to download from the Baker Ross website, draw and cut out the shapes from felt. You can freehand this, or vary the sizes of the fruits, too. 2. For the watermelon, layer and stick a white semi-circle on top of a large green semi-circle then stick a red semi  circle on top. 3. To complete…

Have you got any fashion dilemmas, styling worries or just have no idea on how to build your summer wardrobe? Don’t worry as stylist Susie Hasler is here to answer your summer styling woes. Follow @styled.by.susie on Instagram Bold and bright WHAT’S THE BEST WAY TO START WEARING BOLD COLOURS? Going from black to bold colours can be daunting. Start by adding in splashes of colour instead. This could be a bright bag, some earrings or a bolder lip. Flattering figures HOW CAN YOU HIDE YOUR TUMMY? Look for styles that have a print or pattern, like dresses, jumpsuits and playsuits. A dress in a pattern of your choice, will skim over the tummy like camouflage. Little and long HOW CAN PETITE PEOPLE STYLE MIDI DRESSES? If the dress is…

A couple in France have endured dozens of plastic surgery procedures and spent over £200,000 to transform themselves into which couple? The answer to each clue, apart from the first, begins with the last letter of the preceding answer. The shaded squares will spell out the three-word answer. 1 Thick sugary liquid (5) 2 Item on a bed for resting your head (6) 3 Cane to support those out for a stroll (7,5) 4 Abduct and hold for ransom (6) 5 Large white Arctic predator (5,4) 6 Pink stalks used in pies and crumbles (7) 7 First meal of the day (9) 8 Packet of leaves used to make a cuppa (3,3) 9 Mum or Dad’s mum or dad (11) 10 Sense organs on the tongue (5,4) 11 Roughly drawn (8)…

Bring the jungle vibes into your bedroom! Get all the summer feels with fruity buys…

Lurking in grassy and wooded areas, ticks may be small, but their bite can be mighty. In fact, if you’re bitten by an infected tick, you could be at risk of developing Lyme disease. Understand more with help from Lyme Disease UK, so you can enjoy an action-packed summer. • To see more please visit: lymediseaseuk.com What is Lyme disease? Lyme disease is a bacterial infection that can be spread to humans by an infected tick. Although most cases of Lyme disease can be cured with a course of antibiotics, sufferers can have long-lasting symptoms involving the joints, heart and the nervous system. Symptoms and treatment Lyme disease can be difficult to diagnose as there are a wide range of symptoms. However, an infected tick bite can result in the…

Join a local beach clean to tidy up your shores while finding hidden gems! Top trumps We’ve unearthed a few of the most common finds hidden along UK shorelines… WHAT: Prickly cockle (AKA Acanthocardia aculeata) WHERE: Often washed up on the shoreline FUN FACT: Every cockle has spiny prickles on top – but these are often worn down by the sea WHAT: Limpet (AKA Patella vulgata) WHERE: Rocks and groynes along the shoreline FUN FACT: Limpets that live on bare rocks on the shore can survive for up to 16 years! WHAT: Blue mussel (AKA Mytilus edulis) WHERE: Growing on the rocks and groynes at low tide FUN FACT: Most mussels are blue, but you can find rare purple and brown versions, too WHAT: Great scallop (AKA Pecten maximus) WHERE:…

Standing in the tunnel as a little girl at the Blue Planet Aquarium in Cheshire, this was my favourite place to be. Watching the six sand tiger sharks, surrounded by different types of rays, I loved how majestic they were. I could have sat watching them for hours. I’d always been a water baby. I grew up fascinated with the myths and legends of the sea – from sirens to sailors. And I always had a passion for learning about the science behind marine life. Growing up on classic Disney, I loved the magic of fairy tales, too. Belle was my favourite as we both loved to read, Jasmine looked like me and I loved Ariel as she lived under the sea. Coming home from school, I always watched H2O:…

Sitting down at my desk, I knew exactly what I was about to write. I wanted to tell quite an important person about my wife, Hilary. How she’d been an amazing social worker and mother, about her love for Dolly Parton and how she was the love of my life. And I wanted to wish this person well – I hoped they were living a happy and healthy life. Because Hilary gave them a very special gift. And even though I have no idea who the recipient of this gift is, it felt important to share our life together with them. I met Hilary in Forres in 1969 – we were engaged after just six weeks, before marrying on 11 September 1971. And by 2016, we’d been married for 45…

Waking up, instead of feeling refreshed, I felt even more tired. ‘You’re not sleeping very well,’ my hubby Ian had noticed. And he was right. As in early 2015, my nighttime habits had changed. I’d always feel groggy, and I’d have headaches that would be enough to wake me up at times, too. However, with our son Lewis, now 22, going through his GCSEs, and starting a degree myself, I assumed it was due to stress. Even though I was feeling under the weather, I’d learnt to live with it. Something that I’d been doing since my teens. Diagnosed with a brain tumour on my pituitary gland when I was 18, I was placed on drug treatment to shrink the mass. The tumour was stable which meant that I could…

Waking up in the middle of the night, I crept downstairs. Sneaking into the kitchen, I helped myself to a slice of cake. My mum had always baked delicious home-made cakes and I couldn’t resist them. Not only were they delicious, but at the young age of 13, food had quickly become my source of comfort. Tragically, in just three short years, we had lost my younger brother and sister. My little sister was just 20 months old when she died in a car accident, and my brother was just 10 when cancer stole him from us. My whole family were grieving, and I felt so alone. Sneaking down to the kitchen of a night and using my pocket money on sweets, the pounds piled on rapidly. My nan Doreen…

From beach babe looks to sleek city styles, Nadine Coyle’s latest collaboration with New Look has you covered – wherever you’re headed! • Shop the range in store now or visit: newlook.com or head instore Choose a sophisticated neutral Chloé handbag dupe! We’re loving Combine the smart, tailored waistcoat and shorts with the nautical cream sandals for an outfit that is understated but undoubtedly classy……

Known for her bubbly nature, Kristen Trickle was a ray of sunshine. Growing up in rural Hays, Kansas, she wanted to dedicate her life to the wonders of nature around her. Although she worked in Walmart’s garden centre, Kristen had big dreams for her future. Spotting a nearby house with a barn attached, she planned to buy it and set up a pet boarding business. And her aunt and uncle, Delynn and Brant Rice, backed her all the way. Especially as Kristen didn’t have an easy start to life either. She had a tough childhood, with her mother walking out on her when she was just two. But aged 17, Kristen moved in with her aunt and uncle. And there, she thrived, becoming an older sister to her cousin, Chloe…

FILM AND TV 1 In the film When Harry Met Sally, Marie tells Sally that someone stood in what section of the bookshop is staring straight at her? a Personal growth b Fantasy c Cooking 2 Name the movie from this description – After accidentally killing a man, these two best friends hit the road… and they just keep going. a Gone Girl b Thelma and Louise c Girls on the Run 3 In Casualty, what is the full name of fan-favourite paramedic known as ‘Dixie’? a Dixie Cadogan b Kathleen Dixon c Dee Thompson 4 Bridgerton actress Phoebe Dynevor, daughter of the Emmerdale screenwriter Tim Dynevor, made her acting debut in which British soap opera? a Grange Hill b Byker Grove c Waterloo Road 5 In Disney’s Haunted Mansion,…