Innehållsförteckning för August 2024 från Pick Me Up! Special

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

Pulling a pint, I watched a bloke with dark hair and stubble saunter through a sea of England shirts. ‘I’m David,’ he grinned, taking a gulp of his beer. ‘Bethany,’ I smiled back. It was June 2018 and, aged 36, I was at one of my many jobs. Single, I lived alone and juggled cleaning gigs alongside bar work while studying for my law degree through the Open University. That night, England were playing in the World Cup and my boss had brought some pals, including David, to watch. But as the fans screamed at the TV, David seemed more interested in me. Chatting away to each other as I cleaned glasses, David was easy-going and confident. So when he asked me out, I said yes straight away. And a…

Want to turn your home into a coastal haven? Look no further. Whether you want a summer-licious makeup brush holder, or beachy wreath to welcome your guests, these quick and easy crafts have got you covered. Say aloha to summer… • For more ideas, visit: bakerross.co.uk Coastal wreath YOU WILL NEED: ☐ Rattan wreath base (available from any craft store)☐ Natural willow branches or sticks☐ A mixture of both large and small shells☐ Acrylic paint in colours of your choice (we’ve used blue)☐ Metallic acrylic paint☐ Glue gun METHOD: 1. Choose a selection of shells in a variety of sizes and shapes and paint in two shades of blue. Set to one side to dry. 2. Tie a piece of ribbon for hanging your wreath on. Take your sticks and individually…

Fresh, crisp and nutritious – chopped salads are the perfect dinner for the weather. So, why not try these tasty recipes from Tesco? • Visit: realfood.tesco.com Mediterranean Orzo Salad INGREDIENTS: ☐ 2 courgettes, diced☐ 130g pack Italian smoked pancetta cubes☐ 4 garlic cloves, skins left on☐ 1 lemon, zested and juiced☐ 250g pack Tesco Finest sweet mixed baby tomatoes, or cherry tomatoes☐ 400g orzo pasta☐ 2 tbsp cider vinegar☐ 2x 150g packs cooked and peeled king prawns☐ 30g pack basil, leaves roughly torn☐ 200g pack mozzarella and slow roasted tomatoes METHOD: 1. Preheat the oven to 200°C. Tip the courgettes, pancetta and garlic into a roasting tray. Cook for 25 minutes then remove, toss with the lemon zest and juice and tomatoes, and roast for five more minutes – until the…

Ruby Lynne, 57, started swinging after her sex life ran dry, now she knows the true meaning of orgasmic bonking! Watching on as bodily fluid drenched the bed sheets, I couldn’t believe my eyes. Is she a squirter? I thought. It was the first time I’d ever experienced or saw another woman climax in that way! And with swinging, there were always first times for everything. After coming out of a long-term marriage that was not very satisfying in the bedroom, over 15 years ago, it was the perfect chance for me to explore. My ex-husband was very jealous, so when I got divorced, I knew I didn’t want to get stuck in a relationship where I couldn’t be sexually satisfied ever again. Being non-monogamous was a part of that.…

INSTANT + APPOINTMENT With Dr Deborah Lee from Dr Fox Online Pharmacy (doctorfox.co.uk) Sun sores Q Whenever my partner spends a long time out in the sun, he gets sore, red marks all over his arms. What could this be and how can we stop it? Caroline, Dover A This sounds like polymorphic skin eruption (PLE) – an allergic skin rash that occurs within hours or two to three days of exposing the skin to the sun. It is not the same as sunburn. Around 15% of the population is affected. The cause of PLE is unknown, but UV light induces an antigen that sets off a local immune reaction in sun-exposed skin. It typically affects the arms, the hands, the lower legs, the feet and the cleavage area – the face is…

THE DREAMERS OF DREAMS We all grew up reading the magical stories by Roald Dahl. What was your favourite? Charlie and the Chocolate Factory? Matilda? The Twits? And you can’t forget the brilliant James and the Giant Peach! If you’re looking for a peachy way to spend the summer, then you should head to the Roald Dahl Museum and Story Centre in Great Missenden. Up until September, the museum will be celebrating James and the Giant Peach. Set over two floors, you can see Roald’s original writing hut. Look forward to creating a mad science experiment like George and his marvellous medicine, make insect homes and a mini garden. There will also be daily storytelling and a themed trail around the museum. The perfect day for rotten children and adults…

Opening the curtains to reveal the glow of the moon, we all waved at the sky. It was a routine that me, my husband Ewen and our daughter Ayla, then three, had formed in September 2020. ‘Great grandad is on the moon,’ Ayla stuttered. After my grandad passed away, I told Ayla that he’d gone to the stars in the sky. Only, she’d interpreted it as the moon instead. And after that, it stuck. ‘Mummy and Daddy?’ she asked. ‘You’re not going to the moon, are you?’ ‘No Ayla,’ we laughed. ‘We will be here until we get old.’ Those innocent conversations were something that both Ewen and I were used to. We were a team of four – welcoming out youngest daughter Poppy into the world just the month…

Great fun for the entire family Grab your friends for a beach party…

Love them or hate them, the school holidays have finally come around. But fear not, we’re here to help. We’ve collated the newest attractions at your favourite theme parks (pg38), pulled together some delicious recipes the kids will love (pg22) and have even found everything you need to make your own ice cream at home (pg8). On a scorching hot day, Danielle asked her hubby to get the kids a slide for their new pool (pg13). Only, he took the challenge to new extremes. When she came home, he’d transformed the garden into their very own water park. It certainly went down a splash! And they’re not the only ones to go through a drastic change. After years of secret eating, Sheila was left fed up and shattered (pg16). However,…

Heading out of the house one sunny morning, I clicked the key in the lock and smiled at the familiar sound of my kids splashing about in their brand new pool. It was one of the hottest days on record and our village had reached a whopping 40.3ºC degrees during the heatwave. My partner Mark, 44, and I had just bought our two children Lily Rayne, 11, and Welton, eight, a new pool so that they could cool off in the extreme heat. They have always loved the water – so much so that I like to refer to them as my aqua-holics! Being a travel agent, I always make sure that any family holiday we go on involves water of some kind. From beaches to water parks, to pools…

HOLIDAY HACKS Don’t let hidden holiday costs spoil your summer getaway. Iain Donachie, Head of Money Services at Tesco Bank, shares the hidden costs and how to budget for them! • For more, visit: tescobank.com 1 Taxi please! Getting from the airport to your hotel may be included in your holiday package but if it isn’t, pre-book a taxi. It’s cheaper than jumping in one when you arrive. It’s worth researching public transport options, too – there may be shuttle buses or trains for you to use. 2 Tourist tax Tourist tax is payable locally and applies to anyone over 16. Before you travel, check your destination’s website to see if you’ll have to pay. And if so, set some spending money aside. 3 Phone home Some phone companies have re-introduced roaming charges…

Surely I’m special to her? I feel like I really value my best friend’s friendship, but she has so many friends that I don’t feel special to her at all. I’ll always go to her first, but I don’t think I’d even be in her top five. Should I start distancing myself? Joanna, Chulmleigh YES Pick Me Up! reader Jess from Yorkshire says: Absolutely – you know that’s the best thing to do. You don’t have to cut your friend off entirely, but maybe don’t quite put so much pressure on yourself, and her, to be very best friends. You say that you don’t feel special to her – do all friendships have to be that way? Maybe try to expand your circle so you don’t feel so left out.…

Pop a Dodough in your air fryer for a vegan, gluten anddairy-free baked treat!…

Peggy Pettis was looking forward to her retirement. After 20 years serving her community in Cheney, Washington, Peggy deserved to put her feet up. She’d driven the school bus, and it was a job that reflected her personality perfectly. Peggy, 64, was kind and generous, always looking out for others. But after two decades of hard work, she couldn’t wait to spend time in her garden and with her eight grandchildren and husband of 33 years – David, 62. Peggy needed a restful retirement. Back in 2016, she’d been gored by a boar whilst working on the family farm. The beast had sunk its huge tooth deep into her leg. The incident left her with a limp and persistent pain. And as a result, Peggy regularly needed to take hydrocodone,…

Slurping on a mojito while relaxing on a sun lounger, I lapped up the sunshine. With my husband Michael, 56, lying beside me, we were making the most of the cruise ship’s top deck. We’d left reality behind back home in Florida, USA, and swapped it for views of the ocean instead. ‘This is the dream,’ Michael said. ‘Isn’t it just,’ I replied. Especially as we both knew that we’d be getting a gloriously golden and even tan. Not because we’d sensibly slathered on the SPF and rotated on our sun loungers all day. In fact, we didn’t even have tan lines to worry about. Michael and I had left our swimsuits and trunks behind. All because were braving the top deck, completely nude. It’s not that we were being…

Happy campers The rain threatened to make an appearance on our family camping trip, but thankfully we just about managed to avoid it! Karen, Corby Why do bananas wear sunscreen? Because they peel! How funny! Wedding bells Loved celebrating my wedding with my closest friends – don’t they scrub up well! Jess, Forest of Dean Fun day out I went on a day out to Tyntesfield National Trust near Bristol, the flowers were stunning. Anne, Reading Moth to a flame Met this little fella while out on a sunny walk. What a pretty moth! Andrea, Braunton Making memories We went on a family holiday to one of our favourite places. Here I’m with my gorgeous niece and boyfriend. She loved it! Sarah, Bracknell Sit back and relax Enjoying a cider on our holiday…

Cute as a button If you’re prone to losing your earrings, keep them paired together on a button. Just fasten your jewellery in the two holes. You’ll always know where to find your perfect pair. Carlie, Dagenham Soak up the sun Use a makeup brush to apply your suncream. You don’t have to get your fingers sticky and it’s great for getting the kids to rub their own in as well. Teresa, Stockport Further fragrance If you want your perfume to last all day, especially when you’re out in the sunshine, apply a layer of Vaseline underneath. The scent will stick to it, meaning the perfume won’t wear off as quickly. Ray, Doncaster Tears of joy! Cleaning the BBQ during summer can be a nightmare. You can cut an onion…

Hearing the front door open, I knew exactly who it would be. Like every Saturday, my husband Dave, 66, had just gotten home from doing our weekly food shop. ‘Look what I bought,’ he said. And began unpacking multiple Cadbury share bags – including Twirl Bites and Chocolate Buttons – our treat for after dinner. ‘Did you get the bits for grandkids?’ I asked him. Sure enough, he’d gotten just what I’d put on the list for them. Multi-packs of Mars Bars, Penguins, KitKats, Club Biscuits and choccie Digestives. I always liked to have the cupboards stocked for whenever my daughter Katie or my son Jon popped over with the grandkids. But they wouldn’t be the only ones helping themselves to a treat. After the grandkids visited, I’d find an…

Whip up a storm in the kitchen this season by rustling up these summer showstoppers. They are guaranteed to be a winner – plus, they’re a piece of cake! • To see more recipe inspiration, visit: hobbycraft.co.uk Ice Cream Cake Pops You will need: • 400g vanilla buttercream• FunCakes Deco Melts in colours of your choice (you can use white chocolate and food colouring instead if you can’t find them)• Confetti sprinkles• 12 cupcakes• Food-safe lollipop sticks How to make: 1. Crumble the cupcakes into fine crumbs in a bowl. Stir in the frosting a teaspoon at a time until the mixture is thick and holds together when squeezed in your hand. 2. Line a baking tray with greaseproof paper. Divide the mixture into eight and use your hands to squeeze…

Sexual fantasies are something that most of us have in one way or another at times. Even though you may be in a committed relationship, your mind may wander. What would it be like to experiment with another likeminded couple, while your partner is in your presence? It’s a thought that around nine million UK adults have had – admitting that they would like to give swinging a go, according to Channel 4. For some, the raunchy act is a fun way to push boundaries and spice things up in the bedroom. With an estimated 1.5 million British couples said to be a part of the swinging scene. Only, for others, the idea of watching their loved one bonking another man or woman could be enough to put them off…

Wrapping presents, everything really did look perfect. With party food, balloons and banners spread all over our home in Massachusetts, US, the last thing I had to do was wait for our guests. Me and my hubby Mark, 43, knew that my sister Jenny and nephews Kellan, now seven, and Liam, now 11, would really appreciate the effort. In May 2021, Kellan was turning four. I didn’t want Jenny to stress about getting things ready for him. Just a year before she’d lost her husband Christopher after he’d fallen ill. It was such a difficult time for her to navigate. Jenny had always been the more resilient one out of us – mentally and physically. She’d achieved a black belt in karate, and she’d also been in the military, too.…

Aries March 21st - April 20th Expect the unexpected, and you’ll still be in for a surprise in love this month. Opportunities to make major changes in a short amount of time may seem appealing, but beware of those who are making promises you know they can never keep. Open your eyes and take life head on. Your sign has the courage to make great things happen when they add focus. Don’t allow your confidence to become arrogance, or you may earn yourself a reputation that is not so easy to shake off. You definitely don’t want that, Aries! Ring now for structure. Taurus April 21st - May 21st The planetary set up over the coming days is going to be giving you plenty of opportunity to mix with people…