Innehållsförteckning för 14-Apr-2016 från Pick Me Up!

What A Bad Look! Festival season will soon be upon us. I couldn't help but notice quite a lot of young men sporting bucket hats last year – a trend I hope won't be returning this summer. They remind me far too much of Kevin & Perry! What A Page! If you didn't already know, LifeDeathPrizes is our brilliant website. Make sure you’re following us on Facebook at facebook.com/ LifeDeathPrizes for the best lists, quizzes and amazing stuff! What A Comeback! I loved The Crystal Maze when I was a kid. So my dreams will come true when my friends and I take part in the Crystal Maze team challenge in London next month! What A Brave Move! I was very daring recently, and decided to…

With one hand on my growing bump, I smiled at my husband Paul. We couldn’t wait for our baby to arrive. Paul and I had known each other since we were teenagers. But in March 2006, I bumped into him in the pub, and we began dating. We moved in together and got married in March 2009. I discovered I was pregnant the following January, and we were thrilled. My bump grew and grew. A scan showed too much fluid around the baby, but my midwife wasn’t too concerned. But by 34 weeks, I was huge - could hardly move. I went into hospital to be induced, with Paul holding my hand. Our baby girl Matilda was born on 23 October 2010, weighing 5lb 5oz. She was whisked away by…

1 Shop around Compare offers online at comparethemarket. com  or gocompare.com 2 Start early Buy insurance when your pet is young and healthy. It’s harder to get cover for an older or unhealthy pet. Basic policies start from about £2 a month. 3 Read the small print Check how the policy covers vets’ fees – it may apply ‘per year’, ‘per condition’, ‘per condition per year’, or ‘per condition – no time limit’. 4 Don’t assume you’re covered for vaccinations or neutering Insurance normally only pays out for medical expenses relating to illness or injury. You may want a policy that also covers hereditary and congenital conditions; loss or theft; death by illness…

Itchy bits Q I get a lot of personal itching, and thrush treatment usually clears it up, but recently it’s taking longer to go. Am I becoming resistent to the creams? Hannah, Lincoln A Other conditions can cause similar symptoms, so you may need different treatment. A swab would help clarify what you need to use. Ask your GP or at a sexual-health clinic about this. Brain cyst Q I recently collapsed and, when I had a scan at the hospital, the doctors found something called a pineal cyst – but they did nothing about it. I still feel really unwell. What treatment should I have? Evelyn, Winchester A Pineal cysts are benign, tiny brain cysts that cause no problems unless they measure more than 5mm, which is extremely rare.…

A stranger ran me down deliberately, for no reason at all Kelly Lysy, 24, Ludlow, Shropshire "I was thrown 14 feet into the air like a rag doll" As a single mum to Alexia, 6, and Tristan, 4, nights out on the town were few and far between. So, on 10 October 2014, the kids safely with a babysitter, I was making the most of having a few drinks with my new partner, Luke Pugh, now 24. It was about 11.30pm and we were in The Bull Hotel, Ludlow, chatting, when Luke popped outside for a cigarette. Suddenly, I heard wheels screeching. Dashing out, I saw Luke’s friend Ian standing in the road as a blue MG ZR sped off. What had gone on? ‘Get out the road!’ I called…

‘After the first flash, Elliot held a box in front of my face’ Surrounded by cardboard boxes, I began unpacking. It was Freshers’ Week, September 2010, and I’d just moved into Halls at the University of South Wales. ‘Fancy a cuppa?’ a voice asked. Elliot Amos, then 18, peered round my door. He was in the room beside mine. I was studying Journalism, while Elliot took Film and Video Studies. Chatting away, his cheeky grin had me instantly hooked. But I kept calm - it was only the first day! Hiding my crush, we became good mates and, the following summer, we parted and went our separate ways. ‘See you next term,’ Elliot smiled. Returning that September, my rental house wasn’t ready there was a plumbing problem. Disaster! Panicked, I…

‘She was dirty, limp her fur was patchy and she was in pain’ I smelt Molly the little Jack Russell, before I saw her. The putrid stench of rotting flesh and matted fur. Then she’d been brought into the living room. Oh, the poor thing, I thought. A huge infected tumour the size of a grapefruit was growing out of the side of her face and neck. Horrific. It’d got so big it had exploded, burst open, the wound left to ooze and fester. She won’t survive, I thought, horrified. It was September last year, and I’d been an RSPCA inspector for two years. That morning, we’d received an anonymous call about a neglected dog with a tumour, and the owner had apparently failed to get her veterinary care. Worst…

‘When they nurse at the same time they try to chat!’ Finding out I was expecting my second baby was so exciting and there was one ‘ person I couldn’t wait to share my news with - my best friend Stefani Tatavitto, 20. Stefani and I had met through friends on Facebook three years earlier when I’d just had my first son Aiden, now 3, and she was pregnant with her little boy Noah, 2. After Noah was born, we’d shared pictures of our little ones, bonded over sleepless nights and sought each other’s advice about anything mummy-related. We lived in different towns back then, but we kept in touch regularly online. Confidante When I moved to the same town with my partner Manny, 27, Stefani and I started arranging…

Before I’d had my first son Zachary, in June 2012, I’d been a size-12. Falling pregnant again just eight months later, in February 2013, my ‘eating for two’ attitude took hold. Before long, I’d ballooned to a size-20 and my 5ft 3in frame didn’t carry it well. Baby Kieron’s arrival was a shock, too, as he was born in the back seat of the car while my ex drove me to hospital! It was tough adjusting to caring for two babies under 2. When I felt low, I comfort ate. My favourite was smoky bacon crisps, and I’d easily munch six packets at once. Deep down, I wanted to be slim but dismissed the idea. I’ve no time to count calories. Struggling on, I felt miserable. I saw on Facebook…

Sentencing the gang, Judge Julian Lambert said, ‘In the worst nightmare, from the very deepest recesses of the mind, at the darkest hour of the night, few can have imagined the terrifying depravity which you men admit. ‘What you contemplated and what you did involved the most horrific abuse of a baby and very young children. Your thoughts and deeds are beyond human instinct and reason, and are evil beyond rational understanding. ‘What you did is contrary to all nature and humanity, and you each appear to have a chilling tendency to centre the world on yourselves and your depraved desires without regard for the innocent and vulnerable. ‘What you did provokes tears in many and makes others feel physically sick.’…

1 HOW TO JOIN Online bingo is very similar to traditional bingo, but played in the comfort of your own home. There are great prizes on offer and it’s simple to play. Head to pickmeupbingo. com  and sign up! When you join Pick Me Up! Bingo and make your first deposit, you’ll get a 250% Welcome Bonus. 2 HOW TO PLAY Check out the Games Lobby, which will list all the bingo rooms, the jackpots you can play for and the cost of the tickets. Select the room in which you’d like to play and, once you’ve bought your tickets, sit back, relax and let the game begin! Your numbers will be dabbed automatically by your computer. 3 HOW TO GET YOUR WINNINGS Any winnings are immediately credited to…

Signs You Drank Too Much Last Night Your mouth is drier than the desert. You have the ‘fear’ and need to check y our phone activity. Your wallet is empty. You find unexplained it ems lying around you when you wake up… …and you vow never to drink again! Beatrix Potter Facts Although the Lake District is associated with Potter, she was actually born in Kensington, West London. Her first name w as Helen, but she preferred to use her mor e unusual middle name. She never went to school, instead being taught by governesses until 17. In 1890, Potter bought a r abbit, who she named Benjamin Bounc er… …and she was often seen walking him on a lead. Potter was a generous patron of the Girl Guides and…

"As he sat down, his face crumpled, followed by tears" Hunky Marcus Atkins, 25, ticked all my boxes, in July 2005. We’d mutual friends, and had got chatting in a pub one night. At 6ft 1in tall, he was a builder with dark, rugged good looks. I quickly fell for him. We’d been dating for two months when I discovered I was pregnant. ‘Let’s get married,’ Marcus suggested straightaway. It was a rush but, happy and in love, we wed at the Staindrop Lodge Hotel in Sheffield, in January 2006. ‘The best day of my life!’ I gushed. And, when our son, now 9, arrived, we soon settled into marriage and family life. Only, three years later, after I’d had our daughter, now 6, Marcus’ attitude changed... No sex At…

Complex Regional Pain Syndrome 1 CRPS is a persistent and debilitating pain. 2 It only affects women over 40. 3 It may be caused by injuries. 4 Pain relief is just one available treatment. 1 TRUE The pain is usually confined to one limb, but can spread to other parts of the body. The skin can also become extremely sensitive. 2 FALSE Women make up three-quarters of cases, but CRPS can start at any age, and affects males and females. 3 TRUE The exact cause is unclear, but it can develop as the result of an injury, like a fracture, sprain, burn or cut. 4 TRUE Others include self-management, physical rehabilitation and psychological support.…

‘I missed my daughter, couldn’t wait to visit her’ Eva Hughes, 76, Manchester Gorgeous weather, exotic wildlife, amazing scenery... To me there’s no place more beautiful than South Africa. I’d moved there in 1982, and stayed for 19 years before moving back to Manchester again to be closer to family. Our daughter, Susanne, now 54, stayed there, though, after meeting her husband. I missed her, but we kept in touch by phone and by e-mail. For fun, I often went to the bingo halls with my friends. ‘You should try online bingo,’ someone suggested. So, one afternoon in 2012, I signed up to Pick Me Up! Bingo. I liked the idea of playing in the comfort of my own home. After trying a few games, I soon found my faves…

Raspberry & Apple Cake Serves: 10 Prep Time: 20 min Cook Time: 45 min Topping: 1 Preheat oven to 180C/ Gas 4 and line a 20cm round cake tin. 2 Put spread, sugar blend, eggs, vanilla extract and flour into a large mixing bowl and beat for 1-2 min. 3 Grate apple into bowl and fold into mixture with 100g raspberries, reserving the rest for decoration. 4 Spoon mixture into tin, level top, and bake on middle shelf of oven for 40-45 min, until a fine skewer inserted into centre comes out clean (if not, bake for a few more minutes). Cool in tin for 15 min, then turn out onto a wire rack and leave to cool…

Jess’Beauty Hero Original Source Strawberry & Pink Peppercorn Shower Gel, £1.80, Sainsbury’s, is perfect for a really indulgent, fruity shower-time treat. ASK JESS QI’m on the hunt for a matte lipstick that won’t leave my lips dry. Can you suggest one? Emily Butler, 29, Cromer A Avon True Colour Perfectly Matte Lipstick, £8, www.avon.uk.com is long-lasting and super matte – but doesn’t leave me reaching for the lip balm! My favourite is Electric Pink – it’s bright and really packs a punch. Want the perfect... MANUKA HONEY PRODUCT? Try on of these... 1 Dr Organic Manuka Honey Body Wash, £5.59, Holland & Barrett Soothes dry and sensitive skin with a strong, honey scent. Doubles up as a shampoo, too, which is great for holidays. 2 Good Things Manuka Honey Refining Scrub,…

‘Eminem was first choice for Teejay’s tailor-made leg’ When our son Teejay was born in August 2005, he was missing two toes on his right foot. Me and my hubby Richard, 30, were told he had a disorder called fibular hemimelia, meaning he didn’t have a calf bone. ‘We’d recommend amputation,’ a doctor advised. Surgeons could operate to temporarily correct his foot but he’d need regular operations as he grew, causing years of pain. So, at 14 months, his right leg was amputated above the ankle and, in October 2006, he was fitted for a prosthetic limb. Teejay learned to walk, run and play football like any other lad. Growing up, Teejay’s been inspired by the US rapper Eminem’s music. There are swear words, but it’s the songs’ meanings that…

"Without treatment, I’d die, but it’d kill our unborn baby" Delicious steak, fine wine, handsome, charming man. As first dates go, it was perfect! It was March 2013, and I’d met my date Ben Green, 27, online. We clicked, and had such fun, I didn’t leave until 2am. ‘I’d love to see you again,’ Ben smiled, kissing me goodbye. Eek! Butterflies! Within a month, we’d made it official and, by December, we’d moved in together. It was a whirlwind, but Ben was ‘The One’. We were so happy and in love, I came off the Pill. ‘Whatever happens, happens,’ Ben smiled. Only, in May 2014, I had an early miscarriage. Then, the following month, I miscarried again. A scan at Bedford Hospital showed a surprise. ‘You were pregnant with twins,’…

Hair Raising Head to Supercuts Monday to Thursday between 11 and 28 April and receive 20% off all hair services when you spend over £25. This offer isn’t valid with any other discount. Visit www.supercuts.co.uk/ salon-locator to find your nearest salon. Don’t forget to bring this page with you. Nailed It Enjoy 20% off everything from nail brand www.allthatjazzuk.com with the code PMU20 until 14 April. It offers a wide range of gorgeous shades – including plenty of pretty glittery polishes! Animal Lovers Save 25% on tickets to the National Pet Show at ExCeL London on 7 and 8 May and at the NEC Birmingham on 5 and 6 November. Just enter the code PMU25 at the checkout at www.thenationalpetshow.com before 14 April to make use of this exciting offer.…

"She’d have six weeks out of the cast, then six weeks in it" For months, I’d thought there was something wrong with my baby, Erin. Most babies are up and walking by their first birthday. Erin didn’t walk until she was 19 months, and then she was limping. We were back and forth to our local GP until, in October 2011, Erin was finally referred to Gloucestershire Royal Hospital. ‘Your daughter has developmental hip dysplasia,’ the consultant said. The ball and socket of her hip joint hadn’t formed properly. She’d need immediate treatment. Things were hard. Although my husband could support us, I had to take a year out, unpaid, from my teaching job. In the first procedure, under general anaesthesia, a doctor manipulated Erin’s hip joint back into the…

"Now, my hands, feet and chest are completely white" I was five months pregnant, and dog tired after a day’s shopping in Manchester in 2012, when, suddenly, I felt faint - then I collapsed. Someone called an ambulance. And, before I knew it, I was at Salford Royal Hospital A&E. Doctors said I was slightly concussed, and told me to lie down. But I just wanted to be home, in my own bed, and with my daughter Summer, then 2. So I discharged myself, took a taxi. That night, after I finally got to bed, I woke up feeling dizzy, with a strong urge to pee. Only, I passed blood. I was terrified, so my then partner drove me back to the hospital for a scan. Thank God, I wasn’t…

1 Colman’s Parsley Sauce Mix, 20g, 80p Thick and creamy in texture and flavour, just mix with milk and bring to the boil for a perfect, lump-free sauce every time. 2 Sainsbury’s Parsley Sauce Mix, 20g, 40p Though its creamy in texture, this thick sauce is not overly rich, and we loved its fresh parsley flavour. 3 Schwartz Creamy Parsley Sauce Mix, 26g, 85p Rich and creamy, with a buttery flavour, try this traditional sauce served over white fish or a gammon steak. Make it yourself... Serves: 4 Prep Time: 5 min Cook Time: 15 min 1 Put milk, parsley stalks, bay leaf, onion, peppercorns and nutmeg in a heavy-bottomed pan, bring to the boil, then remove from heat and…

‘I curled up on the bed – then everything went black’ My daughter, Gracie, 5, and I loved nothing more than having a duvet day together. We’d get into our PJs, snuggle up on the sofa and watch a movie - Cloudy With A Chance Of Meatballs, if Gracie had her way! That was my plan for New Year’s Day this year. Gracie had stayed with my mum, Rosie, 44, the night before so I could have friends over. But I’d had such a bad headache, I’d only managed a couple of drinks and had barely stayed up past midnight. Waking later that morning, I still felt awful. But now Mum had dropped Gracie back and I needed to pick myself up. I hoped a shower would help, but afterwards…

Get Moving! May is National Walking Month, and UK charity Living Streets urges us all to add 20 min of walking to our day. Go for a walk at lunchtime, skip a stop on the bus, or walk the kids to school. It’s free, easy, you’ll be fitter and feel better! www.livingstreets.org.uk Take 3… Tuna dishes Flattering Fashion With the weather warming up, it’s time to show your legs! This playsuit is fun and comfy. And that price is nothing short of cool! Try this…. Weight Watchers Spicy Mediterranean Vegetable Pasta, £1.99, Asda, Nisa Perfect for a hearty hot lunch. Only 220 cal but keeps you full. SlimFast 7 Day Starter Kit with Noodles, £39.88, Amazon Everything you need for the SlimFast 321 Plan in a week: Shakes, meal replacement…

I met Greg, 31, in September 2003, a fellow student at the Academy of Contemporary Music, in Guildford. Our favourite weekend treat was getting a Domino’s pizza. The monthly tradition continued when we moved in together, in 2005. Then, on New Year’s Eve 2014, Greg proposed! ‘Yes!’ I beamed, delighted. Greg works in creative design, and I’d plans to launch my own performing arts academy, so we didn’t have a big budget. ‘I want a relaxed reception outdoors,’ I decided. Settling on 8 August last year, we’d looked at dozens of venues, but catering costs meant we’d have to pay over £5,000. No chance! We booked our ceremony at Guildford register office at 3pm, followed by a reception at Crondall Village Hall. Come April, we were discussing catering options with…

Following the convictions, Ian Glover, Regional Operations Manager for the NCA, said, ‘I have described this group of paedophiles as the most dangerous group of offenders that I have ever come across. They are abusing extremely young children, they are integrating themselves with families and not only abusing the victims but then putting it out on the worldwide web for others to see. Then they are linking in with further paedophile groups abroad, who are conducting the same abuse and sharing the results of that abuse. ‘During these offences, there were no witnesses. The victims were too young to give evidence. They couldn’t speak up for themselves, so we had to go out and find that data and other evidence to convict these paedophiles.’…

Graham Gardner, Deputy Director of Investigations at the NCA, said of the vile gang, ‘They don’t stand out as monsters, but they are monsters in disguise. We rarely see criminal behaviour involving the sexual abuse of children to this degree. This is serious, organised crime at its worst. ‘The men involved in this group actively targeted families to facilitate the sexual abuse of their children, toddlers and babies. The depravity of these men appeared to know no bounds and is, without doubt, as vile as we have seen.’…

An NSPCC spokesperson said, ‘Targeting children for sexual abuse before they are even born is completely and utterly beyond the pale. ‘“Revulsion” isn’t strong enough to describe the feeling this gang’s crimes have evoked. ‘This vile case exposed the horrifying ability of a child-sex abuse gang to operate almost openly, using traditional social media and video conferencing. ‘These men shared their abhorrent fantasies, and homed in on very young children for sickening abuse, on easily accessible sections of the Internet. They even callously targeted pregnant women. ‘It shows that there is still a long way to go for technology companies and social media networks who work with police to identify and prevent these crimes.’…

We put some truly original products to the test… The Original MakeUp Eraser, £15.95, www.love-makeup.co.uk Remove your make-up without the help of chemicals by using this cloth and plain old water. Just wet and wipe in a gentle, circular motion to remove even stubborn make-up and leave skin feeling fresh. It’s double-sided, with a softer side for washing and a slightly rougher one for exfoliating. Verdict: GENIUS! Time to bin those wipes! A Glorious Poo In A Box, £7, www.sendthemaprank.com If sending flowers or a card isn’t quite for you, why not send your loved (or not so loved) one a scarily realistic fake poo in the post?! You can add a note or leave it anonymous – the choice is yours… Verdict: BONKERS! Ugh –…

ARIES 21 March–20 April Someone’s jealousy makes life difficult for you and you start to see who is supporting you and who has been working against you. News from far away gives you reason to feel excited and could even see you planning a nice trip. Call: 09058 170 710* TAURUS 21 April–21 May Something you thought wouldn’t pan out is given a boost, and a feeling of relief floods through you. Careful you’re not being used by a family member who wouldn’t do for you what you’re doing for them. Set boundaries, Taurus! Call: 09058 170 711* GEMINI 22 May–21 June Don’t tell tales on close ones: it’ll only come back on you and cast you as untrustworthy. Decisions will be reached by the end of the week about…