Innehållsförteckning för 29-Sep-2016 från Pick Me Up!

What A View! We stopped off at the Royal Observatory in Greenwich to take in the view and were really blown away! (Seriously, it was very windy!) What An ’Appy Return! I booked a taxi to home from the airport with the Ubeeqo app – and they even threw in a welcome-home hamper, complete with milk for a cuppa. Tea-rific! £2,810 …that’s what my mates Viki and Matt raised for Macmillan by climbing three mountains in under 12 hours. What A Cutie! I fell in love with sloths on a recent trip Costa Rica. Check out a video of adorable baby sloths learning to climb by visiting lifedeathprizes.  com/baby-sloth What A Double Take! I couldn’t help but laugh when I spotted Aled Jones in a mag recently. I…

‘I was stunned – they thought she was a junkie!’ ‘Spice was being sold at the local shop for just £20’ As a baby with huge, blue eyes, my daughter Sharon got the nickname Bright Eyes. I’d sing the Art Garfunkel hit to her every bedtime when she was a tot. But, all too quickly, my little girl grew up. Almost overnight, Sharon turned from a bubbly soul into a grumpy teen. At 14, she became disinterested in everything and really moody. I keep horses but Sharon stopped riding, refused to help at the stables. Hormones,I reasoned. I tried not to push her too hard. I was a single mum but, living with my mum, also called Sharon, 55, and dad David, 58, I’d great support. ‘It’s probably a phase,’…

Surf’s Up! Surf the Net on your phone guilt-free – Three UK is now offering customers 4GB of data for £9 – the price of just 1GB! Visit www.three.co.uk for more details. Oily Offer With coconut, sunflower and rapeseed oils, the Coconut Oil Blend range from Pura is low in saturated fats and high in Omega 3. Even better, the Oil blend is now £3 (normally £4) and the spray is £2 (normally £2.50), at Asda until 28 September. We’re Jammin’ Pots of Streamline Less Sugar Jams are now £1.28 in Morrisons (normally £1.48) until 30 September. Lots of flavours to choose from, including strawberry and black cherry. In A Spin Surcare Super-Concentrated Laundry Liquid is now £2.20 (normally £2.78) at Morrisons until 9 October. It’s fragrance-free so perfect for…

'It's brilliant that she and Jamie are together now and are a family. It's nice that they all got a happy ending. What a lovely story.' Melanie Lodge, 51, West Yorkshire ‘I always thought, There’s no way you couldn’t know you’re pregnant , until it happened to someone I know. I’m so glad it worked out for Lianne in the end.’ Laura Halls, 30, Oxford ‘I’m pregnant and it’s bizarre that anyone wouldn’t know they’re expecting! I can’t believe she delivered the baby and cut the cord. It’s impressive!’ Jade Loughrey, 32, Birmingham…

Which paracetamol? QI have arthritis and I find soluble paracetamol really works to keep me moving. Is it safe to take long-term? Maggie, Bournemouth A Paracetamol is safe to take, but not in soluble form. It contains harmful levels of salt that increase your risk of heart disease. Choose an alternative formulation. Pale vagina Q Since the menopause, the skin in my vagina has become paler and rougher. I use moisturiser on it, but it’s incredibly itchy. Is this a normal, menopausal change? Heather, Grimsby A This sounds like lichen sclerosus, a skin change believed to be an autoimmune condition. It can be controlled with strong steroid cream, so see your GP for treatment. Drinking concern Q I’ve just been on a course of antibiotics, but I have a big…

BEVERLEY ALLITT In 1993, Allitt got 13 life sentences for murdering four children, attempting to murder three others and causing grievous bodily harm to six more at Grantham and Kesteven Hospital, Lincs. She injected two victims with insulin, but police couldn’t determine how she killed the others. DANIELA POGGIALI Arrested in 2014, the Italian nurse was convicted of murdering one of her patients, and a sick selfie of her posing with a corpse came to light. Investigations continue as to whether she was responsible for further deaths at the hospital where she worked. VICTORINO CHUA From 2011, Chua murdered two patients and poisoned 19 more at Stepping Hill Hospital, Manchester. The 40-year-old was said to enjoy watching victims suffer.…

1 Tesco Vegetable Curry, 400g With carrot, potato, onion, green beans, peas, chopped tomatoes and red split lentils, the vegetables are cut small, but it has a good flavour and a nice kick of heat. 2 Asda Vegetable Curry, 400g Big, chunky pieces of veg and fragrant cardomom sauce, with a nice kick of heat. Containing potatoes, carrots, onions, chopped tomatoes, green beans and chickpeas, this would make a tasty and substantial filling for a baked potato. 3 Sainsbury’s Vegetable Curry, 400g A mild curry, but with a very nice, subtle flavour and good, big chunks of veg. Full of sweet potato, carrots, green beans and lentils in a creamy sauce, just add rice or naan bread for a quick and easy, meat-free meal. Make it yourself... Serves: 4 Prep…

Don’t Panic! If you’re a worrier, we’ll bet you do all of these… • Catastrophise... Worst- case scenario? It’s bound to happen. • Apologise about everything – even saying sorry! • Worry you’ve offended someone. • Take constructive criticism personally. • Fret over what other people are thinking. TEST YOUR Hunger Games Knowledge ! 1 What colour is Katniss’ dress at the reaping in The Hunger Games? 2 How many times was Gale’s name entered into the draw for the first reaping? 3 Which district is Rue from? 4 What are the 75th Annual Hunger Games also known as? 5 Who is the President of District 13? CHEERS! Ever wondered how to say, 'Two pints of lager and a packet of crisps’ on your hols? In French: ‘Deux blondes…

‘They’d slice my jaws and embed metal plates’ Smiling should feel natural. But, instinctively, I always covered my mouth to hide my smile, as I loathed my tiny chin and wonky teeth. It was as if they were fighting for space and pushing each other apart. While I was at secondary school, older lads would shout jibes at me in the corridor. ‘See a dentist!’ one yelled. ‘Get yer teeth sorted!’ another bellowed, laughing. The cruel comments stung. Mortified, I never dared flirt with boys like my mates did. ‘You’re still developing,’ my mum Natalie, 48, reassured me. Mum and my dad Simon, 49, never made an issue of my awkward smile, though. And it hadn’t ever caused problems, other than struggling to eat apples! I’d adjusted, just cut them…

Get Moving! Laura Hamilton’s Full Body Workout app, £2.99, App Store and Google Play After she lost 5st, Place in the Sun presenter Laura and fitness trainer John Beeby devised a routine to help busy mums exercise. There are five routines to work every muscle in your body. Take three... fruits Try this…. Westlab Epsom Salts, £5.99, Asda, Superdrug, Boots Water retention causes bloating, so soak in a bath with Espom salts and let the minerals help draw out those fluids and toxins. Weight Watchers Limited Edition Naked Enchilada & Mexican Style Rice, £2.50, Asda, Morrisons Low in sugar and fat, delicious chicken breast, peppers and fiery jalapenos at just 304 cal. Food Swaps Swap … A CAN OF COLA… 139 CAL For … A SPARKLING…

‘I felt like a fairytale princess – even if I was soggy!’ The school prom this June was all my friends and I could talk about. Excited, I picked out a strapless, coral dress. Then, in May, I felt like a movie star when my crush Declan Oakley, ‘ 16, asked me to be his prom date! I booked a hair appointment for 12pm and hired a mobile make-up artist for 3.30pm on 25 June 2016. But as my mum Sally, 52, collected me from the salon, the heavens opened. Rain hammered down as Mum drove us back to our farmhouse. The surrounding roads were flooded. Stuck, my make-up lady rang to cancel. Then water began seeping up through the floorboards downstairs. Panicked, I rang Declan, who was due to…

‘Before long, I was hooked and felt fitter than ever!’ Shimmying up the pole and swinging my legs around, I was exhausted. ‘This is a tough workout,’ I said to my instructor, panting. But it was fun, too! It was late 2007, and a mate had suggested pole dancing because I was bored of pounding away on the treadmill. I thought it’d be too raunchy, something strippers did, but it was really athletic. I was soon hooked, and felt fitter than ever. ‘Couldn’t you do something classier?’ my mum Mary asked. ‘Most girls do it for fitness,’ I explained. Within a year, I was taking advanced classes, and started teaching family and friends. It kept me so busy, I left my job in a chemist’s and launched a business teaching…

Formally known as ‘legal highs’, these synthetic mixtures are often produced in order to give the same effects as ecstasy, cocaine or cannabis. The Psychoactive Substances Act came into effect on 26 May this year. While some of these drugs were legal in the past, they’re now illegal to produce, supply or import for human consumption. This includes selling them or giving them away for free if the intended use is to get high. Those involved in the supply, production or dealing of a psychoactive substance now face up to seven years in prison.…

1 Register Ensure you’re on the electoral register. Lenders use it to help fight identity fraud by confirming a person’s identity and address. 2 Pay bills… …on time every month. A good credit score is built up over time and shows you’re reliable. 3 Keep a check If you find anything on your report that doesn’t look right, contact the credit reference agency at once. 4 Keep it low Avoid keeping a high balance on credit cards. Lenders view it as excessive debt. 5 Be disciplined Don’t apply for products you don’t need. Applying for more than four types of credit in a year can lower your score.…

‘We hope she’ll grow out of it, but it could get worse’ You’ve got to hand it to her. My Lilly, 9, is a born entertainer. She has me, her stepdad Paul, 30, and little brother Josh, 5, in stitches with her singing and dancing. But that’s on her good days. Every six weeks, or so, my little star is wiped out. Lilly has cyclic vomiting syndrome. She was diagnosed last year. When she was 2, Lilly started getting sick every few weeks. She’d empty her tummy, throw up her stomach lining. And then blood. ‘She’s torn her windpipe,’ the doctor said. No-one knew what was wrong. Countless tests didn’t show why she was being sick, what was triggering it. And then finally, after six years, the diagnosis... ‘It’s rare,’…

I used to think strokes were just for old people. Then, my son Alfie had one. When he was 2 years old. ‘But he’s so young!’ I’d cried to doctors, confused. Alfie had been born with muscle-tone weakness and digestive problems. His body couldn’t absorb food properly and he had to be fed through a tube. Doctors couldn’t explain it. He spent his first few years in and out of hospital. Then, when he was 2, he had his first stroke. One minute, he was asleep on the sofa. The next, he jolted up, eyes wide open. He was struggling to breathe and started turning grey. I realised he was having a fit, so I phoned for an ambulance. Alfie was rushed to Broomfield Hospital and had to be resuscitated…

‘I tried to wrench the heavywood off my screaming girl’ After tucking my babies up in bed, I started unpacking boxes. New home, new start, I thought. It was summer last year, and I’d just rented a terrace house for me and my two littl’uns, Lexi-Mai, then 2, and Elliott, 2 months. As a single mum, I was chuffed to have a place to settle down, concentrate on raising my family. Perfect home It was lovely - plenty of space, with a new mantelpiece over the living-room fireplace, big bedrooms for me and the kids. We soon settled in. I watched with delight as Elliott took his first steps. Lexi grew into a bubbly little girl who loved dancing around, playing with her baby brother. And when I fell pregnant…

‘Fagin even learned how to squawk‘hello’’ Most people have cats and dogs for pets. Me? I have a crow. It began in May this year, when me and my boyfriend Ty, 34, moved into our new, two-bed home in Billingshurst, West Sussex. I was out walking the dog, when I saw a baby bird lying on the ground underneath a tree. Pink and featherless, the poor little mite was opening and closing his beak, squawking for help. He’d fallen out of his nest. I looked up, and could see his mum feeding his brothers and sisters - but she was ignoring him. He was helpless. I couldn’t reach the nest - which was about 50ft up - to put the crow back in, so decided to look after him until…

Comfyballs, £24.99, www.comfyballs.com These do just what they say on the tin – and promise the best support! Made from a super-soft fabric, they keep men in place, reduce heat transfer and don’t squeeze! What more could a bloke want?! Verdict: BONKERS! But also brilliant. Like a Wonderbra for men! Wraps, £19.99, mywraps.com Say goodbye to rummaging in your bag for your earphones and keep them tangle-free and within reach by wearing them on your wrist instead! They come in a great range of stylish colours, too. Verdict: GENIUS! No more tangles! Bucket In A Bag, £12.95, www.spring  chicken.co.uk Save space in your cupboard with this fold-down bucket. Totally watertight, it can be used for everything from storage to keeping your booze cold! Verdict:…

In 2006, my workmate Adam, 25, had introduced me to his brother Mike Wakefield, 20, a plumber. Mike and I hit it off and, parting company, he handed me his business card. ‘If you ever need any work done,’ he said. It was his shy way of passing on his number. We soon became an item. We’ve always loved walking around Newquay, especially Tolcarne Beach with its views from the cliff above. On Sunday 12 July 2015, we spent the night with my parents Janet and David. Mike had an early job next day, but I had a day free. ‘Fancy a walk?’ said Dad. So, at 10am, we strolled along near Tolcarne Beach. Looking down, I saw a message etched in the sand, Will you marry me? Some girl…

‘She’s already had six skin cancers removed’ During the school holidays, you usually see kids tearing around the park, building sandcastles at the seaside or belly flopping into swimming pools. Anything to be outside, enjoying the fresh air with their mates. But it isn’t like that for our daughter Alice, 12. When she was 3, she had chickenpox, which left her with a scar on her right cheek. Only, it started growing. Looked like an overgrown skin tag. ‘It’s infected,’ our GP said, promising to keep an eye on it. We were also referred to a dermatologist. But, a week before the appointment, the growth fell off. ‘We’d still like to do a biopsy,’ the specialist said. Soon, freckles started appearing on Alice’s skin. ‘I don’t know what’s causing them,’…

‘He ran from the house, leaving me shaking’ ‘Was my brain struggling to deal with a past trauma?’ Uncle Gary scooped me up, and I giggled like mad. ‘Be good,’ my mum Karen, then 28, smiled, heading out for the night. It was the 1990s, I was 6 or 7, and Uncle Gary, 17, was babysitting me and my little sister, then about 4. Our dad had walked out a couple of years earlier, so Uncle Gary doted on us. And I loved it when he babysat. Sometimes he’d bring his mate, Anthony Sutcliffe, then 17. He was friendly and we all trusted him. We’d play games, they’d always make us laugh before putting us to bed. Only, one night Mum was meeting friends, but Gary was busy, so Anthony…

‘I didn’t have time to think as the pains got more intense’ Clearing away the empty glasses, I yawned. ‘I’m ready for bed,’ I told one of my colleagues. It was 3am this April and I’d just finished my shift working in a bar. A former hairdresser, these days I juggled bar work with being a single mum to Lola-Rose, 3, and Jasmine, 17 months. Jasmine was with her dad for the evening and my mum Karen, 50, had Lola-Rose. So I was looking forward to a good night’s kip. By the time I got home, my back was killing me. It’d been giving me grief for weeks. But I’d just put it down to carrying heavy crates of booze at work. That and the fact I’d had spinal surgery…

1 Sinusitis is only caused by bacteria. 2 Symptoms include bad breath. 3 Sinusitis is life-threatening. 4 Surgery is a treatment option. 1 FALSE Sinusitis is normally the result of a viral infection, like a cold or flu, spreading to the sinuses in the upper airways. 2 TRUE The initial cold can develop into bad breath. Other symptoms include fever, headaches, blocked nose, and a green or yellow discharge from the nose. 3 FALSE Most people feel better after two or three weeks. Mild cases can be treated with painkillers, nasal decongestants and nose cleaning. 4 TRUE Rarely, patients may be recommended for surgery to improve the drainage of mucus from the sinuses. Next Week DUPUYTREN’S CONTRACTURE…

Pina Colada Puddings Serves: 6 Prep Time: 30 min Cook Time: 20-25 min Topping: 1 Preheat oven to 180C/Gas Mark 4, and lightly grease six individual pudding basins. 2 Put 1tbsp of syrup into each, and divide pineapple between them. 3 Sift flour and salt into a mixing bowl, and add sugar, butter, eggs, vanilla extract, lime zest and coconut. Beat until smooth. 4 Spoon mixture into basins, level tops, put on a baking sheet and bake for 20-25 min, until risen and golden. 5 Cool puddings for a few min. While they cool, whip cream until firm, then stir in coconut rum, if using, and lime zest. Turn out puddings, and serve with cream and…

• In August last year, a 3-year-old girl died in hospital from a catastrophic head injury after a stone fireplace fell on her at the family home in Morecambe. At a later inquest, a verdict of accidental death was recorded. • In February this year, a 3-year-old boy died after a marble fireplace fell on him at a house in Gateshead. • In April 2013, a boy, also 3, died when a marble fireplace collapsed on top of him at his home in Birkenhead. A postmortem revealed he died as a result of blunt-force trauma to the head.…

‘The site’s so easy to use, I soon found my favourite games’ Stepping back, I stood and admired my newly decorated lounge. ‘It looks great, Mum,’ my daughter Anna, 29, said. I’d given the walls a fresh lick of paint. Then I’d created a gorgeous, Moroccan-style feature wall. The place looked fabulous. And it was all thanks my win on Pick Me Up! Bingo. I’d joined the site back in the noughties, when the online world was still new to me. Anna and my son Jamie, now 27, were in their teens back then, but were always playing around on their computer. A computer novice, I decided I should try to get to grips with technology. So I started playing around on my laptop and using the Internet. So much…

ASK JESS Q Whitening toothpaste has really helped but my teeth are still yellow at the edges, especially where they meet. What can I use? Jane Barkshire, 33, Kings Lynn A Try Whitewash Laboratories Nano Floss With Mico-Riser, £4.95, whitewashnano.co.uk It expands between teeth when you use it, helping to remove up to 40% more plaque than normal floss – which should brighten your smile! READER’S TIP If you love to fake your tan, take cool, instead of hot showers to help the colour last for longer. Casey Hannington, 21, Loughborough Jess’ Beauty Hero My autumn handbag essential! Limited Edition Vaseline Lip Therapy Lulu Doll Face Tin, by Lulu Guinness, £2.99, Boots. Want the perfect... NUDE NAIL POLISH? Try one of these… 1 Avon BB 7 In 1 Nail Colour in…

‘He grabbed an old dog chain and whipped me’ Raymond Hawksey had a reputation for being tough. That’s what attracted me to him. In July 2010, I was in a dark place. The year before, I’d been sexually assaulted in a random attack. Despite my attacker being caught and jailed, after, I was a nervous wreck and suffered terrible anxiety. I need a strong man to look after me, I thought. I’d known Raymond for years through friends. When he asked me out for a drink, I jumped at the chance. Raymond had a wicked sense of humour. Was always cracking jokes. ‘You’re gorgeous,’ he’d tell me. Things moved quickly. Within months, Raymond had popped the question and, that October, we tied the knot. Shortly after, I moved into his…

At 12 weeks old, my Darcy took to our mum-and-baby swimming classes like a duck to water. Almost immediately, my water baby wanted to swim rather than just paddle. I’m not a strong swimmer, but aquatics is clearly in her blood. Her third cousin is British Olympic swimmer Hannah Miley, and my uncle Kevin used to swim for the county. Excelling, but still so young, Darcy wasn’t allowed to move up a level in the classes, due to health and safety concerns. As she grew, she loved Disney’s The Little Mermaid , who has red hair just like Darcy’s. ‘I’m Ariel!’ she declared. My hubby Anthony, 44, and I decided to get her a swimming tutor. She began lessons at local Sarah Bates School of Swimming.…

ARIES 21 March–20 April No matter what you think you know about those you work with, you’d be far better to say nothing until you’ve heard the facts from those involved. You could ruin an important business link if you don’t. Call: 09058 170 710* TAURUS 21 April–21 May Try to speak carefully this week, as those you talk to will not be forgetting what you say – and could even end up using your words against you. Younger faces prove they’ve grown up with their actions. Call: 09058 170 711* GEMINI 22 May–21 June There seems to be some sort of stand-off between you and a close one – which could see you being underhand in order to come out on top. Don’t play games – show you know…

: ‘What a brave lad! I like the idea of a bloke doing what's thought of as a female activity. Bec and Sam should bring it here – they'd make a killing!' Michelle Bennett, 31, Mansfield ‘It’s so inspiring. You assume it’s a female thing, so it’s good to hear blokes are getting involved, too. Good on them! I love dancing… maybe I’ll give it a go soon!’ Gillian McKinnon, 53, Warrington ‘She took a risk leaving her job, but it’s worked out well. I hope they get hitched soon and enjoy the next stage of their relationship. It’s good they’ve got something to enjoy together, and it’s clear they have a strong bond.’ Lorna Young, 41, Isle of Mull…