Innholdsfortegnelse for Best Of 2 2017 i Pick Me Up! Special

Can you imagine waiting for weeks for your wedding photos to turn up only to discover your new husband has chucked them in the bin? Wife Leisa (pg36) actually understood when she discovered the reason why! Amy’s wedding day was perfect (pg20) but then her superhero-loving daughter Brogan fell dangerously ill on the honeymoon and the brave bridesmaid was left fighting for her life. As the weather gets warmer, we all look for ways to cool down. Unfortunately for Karlee (pg18) that went to the extreme when she found herself trapped inside a freezer for eight hours with only ketchup to signal for help. Being left alone is also a big problem for naughty pup Rolo. Whenever owner Kelly (pg62) leaves the house, he sets about destroying it! We’ve got…

Music blared from the living room as my sons belted out the lyrics to Psy’s song ‘Gangnam Style’ and did the dance moves. Peering around the door frame, I giggled. ‘You’re doing it wrong,’ Archie, seven, told his little brother, Freddie, three. ‘No, I’m not,’ Freddie insisted. ‘Watch!’ Archie said, galloping wildly before they started to quibble. ‘Brothers!’ I sighed. They knew just how to wind each other up. I walked in and flicked off the TV. A disappointed Freddie called out: ‘Again! Again!’ ‘We’re going to be late for school,’ I said. With two lively boys, our home was typically busy but we had our routine. Freddie had just started nursery at Archie’s school, just a few minutes down the road. I worked three days a week for an…

Waiting at the door, Boswell, my 13-year-old Afghan hound, was excited to go out for his walk. Thanks to the stabilisers that had been attached to his back legs, he was able to make the most of his last years, despite suffering from chronic arthritis. I adopted Boswell when he was eight weeks old, but I knew at six months that something was wrong. He didn’t jump around or do anything that Afghans are supposed to do. We took him to the vet, where he was diagnosed with hip dysplasia and arthritis, meaning he would fall over if he moved too fast. As he got older, he struggled to balance and became reluctant to go outdoors. His back legs were giving way, and he became so wobbly that he would…

‘Would the ketchup save me?’ Home time at last,’ I sighed to myself, watching the clock hands tick past 11pm. I locked the front door and started closing down the counter at my job at sandwich chain Subway. The last few hours of my late shift alone had dragged. I had only started the part-time role three weeks earlier - picking up evening shifts to earn some extra cash. Finishing up, I started putting cling film over the leftover fillings and cleaned down the coffee machine. Grabbing the unopened cartons of milk, I strolled towards the walk-in fridge. But as I plonked them down, the chiller door suddenly slammed shut behind me with a thud. ‘No!’ I gasped, whacking my hands against the cold metal, pushing with all my might.…

‘Blood gushed down my neck’ When I received a friend request from someone named David Barr, on Facebook, I didn’t recognise his picture. But we had mutual friends so I assumed we’d met, and accepted. David, 38, sent me a flirty message and soon we were speaking daily. Though I wasn’t looking for a relationship, David persuaded me to meet up for a drink and I found him charming. David paid me lots of attention and seemed to be interested in everything I had to say. ‘The perfect gentleman,’ I thought to myself. We quickly became a couple and after three months, he moved into my house. But within weeks, I was worried. David was so clingy and hated me seeing my family and friends. He’d get jealous if I…

‘My size didn't worry Norman at all’ ‘There wasn't a dry eye in the house’ Waiting nervously at the arrivals gate in the airport, I scoured the crowds of passengers as butterflies whirled in my stomach. After a few minutes, a massive chap walked towards my cousin, Paula, 37, and I, lugging a heavy suitcase behind him. ‘Oh no,’ I whispered. ‘I hope that’s not him. He’s triple my size.’ The broad figure heading in our direction shot me a smile. It was Norman Dinsdale - the man I had been speaking to for the last five years. At 6ft 1ins, Norman was gigantic and dwarfed my tiny 3ft 7ins frame. Wheelchair-bound, I had been born with brittle bone disease and meeting someone new was always daunting. I’d had boyfriends…

‘The car stopped with a thud’ Stepping into my beautiful fish tail wedding dress, I was careful not to ruin my hair or make up for the most magical day of my life. As I stood up to have a look in the mirror, I twirled around to face to my five bridesmaids, and beamed. ‘Feel free to cry at any point,’ I joked. ‘You look absolutely amazing,’ my younger sister Kerry, 20, cried. I was about to marry the man of my dreams, David, 27. We had been together for seven years, but have known each other since the beginning of middle school. Putting the finishing touches to my look, Kerry gasped in excitement, ‘It’s here!’ My stomach tightened in nervous knots as I looked out my bedroom window…

‘So wrong but felt so right’ As I sat at my desk at work, my stomach growled. ‘Hungry?’ my colleague remarked, as I blushed. Four months pregnant, it was my first craving, but I couldn’t put my finger on what I felt like eating. Popping to the loos, as I washed my hands, it suddenly dawned on me. It was SOAP. I forced myself not to lick the liquid sanitiser off my hands before I ran them under the water. ‘I must be mad,’ I sighed to myself. But by the end of the day I was still longing for it. On the way home, I popped into the corner shop to pick up a pack of Dove soap. Glancing around to check no one was looking, I tore off…

Dead Good If you want your feet to look and feel smooth, then you need to get scrubbing. Use a pumice stone or an exfoliating scrub to ease off that dead skin which can not only look unsightly, but go on to cause calluses. Try making your own scrub by popping some sugar or salt into olive oil with some honey and rub into dry areas using circular motions, especially around the heels. Get Moving In warmer weather, many of us suffer with puffy feet and ankles due to water retention. Try elevating your feet for an hour a day for relief, and improve your circulation by regularly wriggling your toes, stretching your calves and rolling a tennis ball under the arch of your foot. Introduce lemon,ginger and cucumber into…

TONGUE-TINGLING FACTS: • The science of kissing is called philematology • Lips are 100 times more sensitive than the tips of the fingers. • The exact origin of kissing is unknown – the most common view is that kissing allows us to size up potential mates by sampling their genetic make up. • The Guinness World Record for the longest kiss was made in 2013 by a couple in Thailand who kissed non-stop for 58 hours, 35 minutes and 58 seconds! • Two thirds of people tilt their heads to the right when kissing. • A quick romantic kiss can burn two to three calories, while a more passionate kiss burns five more calories. • The average person spends about 20 thousand minutes of their lives kissing. • Locking lips…

Personalised collar charms, £12.99, www. gettingpersonal.co.uk Perfect for those high-maintenance pooches, these charms are made from silver-coloured metal and adorned with diamantes on the side. Meat Plush Pillow, £2, Flying Tiger Now your dog can dream about delicious treats while he sleeps on this meat-shaped pillow! TastyBone, £4.25, Pets at Home Treat the dog to gourmet chews in flavours from roast beef and red wine and hickory smoked steak to barbeque prawn. Delicious! Batman Dog Costume, £16, www.very.co.uk Turn your dog into a superhero with this fitted costume and let him loose to save the world! Chuckit! HydroSqueeze ball, £6.99, www. chuckit-toys.co.uk This ball has a water absorbent core that will keep your pooch hydrated without giving up on play…

‘Making memories with my family was priceless’ For some people it’s a glass of wine and a good film. For others, it’s retail therapy, or a bubble bath... But my idea of the perfect ‘me time’ is playing bingo and having a natter in the chatrooms! I joined Pick Me Up! Bingo in February 2015, after seeing an advert in the magazine. I used to go to the bingo hall with my mum. But, since having four kids, I didn’t have the time! But when I had a few minutes, I played Pick Me Up! Bingo. My favourite game was Bingo Lounge, in a 75-ball bingo room. I also enjoyed the slot games, and I loved the chatrooms, too. I’d had a few small wins over the years but, for…

As I sat on the sand looking at the blue ocean in front of me, I couldn’t wait to get into the water. But I wouldn’t be wearing a regular swimming costume like everyone else – I was ready to sail through the waves using my mermaid tail! Growing up, I was always interested in mythical creatures, and I always wanted to be Ariel from Disney’s The Little Mermaid. After college, I set about stitching old swimsuits together to make a glittery outfit, and even dyed my hair red to look like Ariel’s. I then made a six-foot mermaid tail out of lycra swimsuits and silicone. I wasn’t sure how it would work in the water, but after I tried it I was amazed at how well it worked The…

I’d never believed in love at first sight. Working on a building site, decent men were hard to come by. Until I met Rick, now 26. He came to work as one of my labourers, and was handsome and genuine. We just clicked straight away. After a year, I found out we were having a baby. ‘Brilliant!’ Rick beamed. Although things were happening fast, we knew we were meant to be a family. When we suffered a miscarriage, we were devastated, but we kept trying and before long, we were walking hand-in-hand together to a 12 week scan. This time, things were different. ‘I’ve got some fantastic news!’ the nurse grinned, ‘Your babies are healthy. Congratulations!’ Babies? ‘T-twins?’ I stammered. Sure enough, there were two baby-shaped blobs sitting side-by-side in…

1 Watch your back! It's easy to forget the background when you're focused on the person you're snapping, but check to make sure there's nothing sprouting from your subject's head. 2 Flip that's clever It's a habit to take a photo the same way - but flip your phone and take a vertical shot sometimes to shake things up. 3 Time for a close up Take a few steps closer for a better shot. Fill the picture with your subject and you'll capture so much more. Don't zoom - this can cause blurry pics. 4 Check the light Before you take a shot, check where the light is. Take pics in natural light and understand how it effects your photo. It's generally best to take with the sun behind you.…

‘Something was terribly wrong’ ‘How would we tell our little girl?’ Shuffling down the stairs as carefully as I could in my big white dress, I stopped halfway to find my three daughters and son waiting at the bottom for me with their auntie. ‘You look beautiful Mummy,’ said my daughter Brogan, seven. ‘So do you,’ I beamed. It had been a struggle to get Brogan into her pink bridesmaid dress. She’s a real tomboy who preferred to dress as a superhero, but she wanted to be part of our special day. My partner Craig, 29, and I had been together ten years and we’d finally decided to tie the knot. The day was magical. We had an intimate family wedding with more of our friends arriving for the…

‘Doctors warned us he might not survive’ ‘Our son proved to be a little fighter’ As l sat on the sofa with my laptop, scrolling through Facebook, another of my friends posted a grainy black-and-white scan picture. ‘We’re excited to announce we’re having a baby!’ the caption read. Although I was thrilled for them, I couldn’t help but feel a pang of jealousy. ‘Will it ever happen for us?’ I sighed, turning to my husband, Bobby, 36. ‘Of course,’ he smiled. ‘Good things come to those who wait.’ But we’d been waiting to become parents for nine years. I was beginning to think it would never happen. Ever since getting married, we’d been trying to start a family with no joy. After a little while, Bobby and I had…

I knew he was the one for me I couldn't live like this anymore Swinging my school bag over my shoulder, I pressed the bell and headed for the bus stairs to get off at my stop. As I made my way down the steps the bus suddenly hit a pot-hole and jolted forward. Losing my balance, I went toppling down the flight of stairs and landed right on top of a lad waiting at the bottom. I was so embarrassed. I grabbed my bag and ran off without saying anything. The next day as I waited for my bus, I spotted him heading up the road towards me and I gave him an apologetic smile. ‘It’s you!’ he said laughing. Michael, as he introduced himself, said he was also…

Metallic Bunting, £3, Tiger What's a wedding without bunting? Use it to decorate your special day Pastel Perfection Photo Booth Props, £6.99, GettingPersonal.co.uk Let your guests be photographers and jazz up your wedding snaps with these quirky props. Reception signs, 79p, Home Bargains Lead the way on your special day with these fun signs. Wedding Countdown Calendar, £10.99, GettingPersonal.co.uk Get organised and look forward to your big day without worrying about forgetting anything! Mini rose quartz heart wedding favours, £2.50, Natural History Use these sweet little gifts to thank your guests and give them something to remember your special day. Paper confetti, £1, Flying Tiger Shower your guests (and yourself) with this fun, rainbow coloured confetti!…

Atlantic Surf Pods - Bude This family-friendly glamping site features luxurious capsule pods just a mile from Bude. Enjoy a barbeque on the pod's private outdoor deck, before relaxing on a giant outdoor beanbag! Each pod is fully furnished and kitted out with kitchenware. There is also a children's play area on site. Cornish Tipi Holidays - Polzeath Ideal for those looking for a romantic Cornish getaway, these tipis offer a secluded woodland location just a five minute's drive from Port Gaverne beach. Enjoy a romantic boat ride on the site's own lake before heading back to the tipi village. Each tipi features a central living space, lanterns and kitchenware. Lowarth Glamping - Wadebridge Opt for a more luxurious stay and get comfy in a bell tent fitted with pretty…

THEY SAY: Sure claims this anti-perspirant is their most advanced, long lasting protection against wetness and odour yet. The dermatologically tested 48hour formula can be applied the night before for maximum protection that lasts through the day even after a shower. YOU SAY: 'This made me feel much more confident than my usual brand. It had a lovely smell and kept me feeling dry even when I did a DVD workout.' WE SAY: The roll up stick was easy to use and it dried quickly without leaving us feeling sticky!…

Look after those locks 1. V05 Express Primer, £4.39, Superdrug Perfect for fun-seekers who love to style! You can define your look without compromising on how your hair feels. 2. Hello Moisture Nourishing Repair Shampoo by Phil Smith, £3.50, Sainsbury's Get salon quality at supermarket price. Perfect for dry, frizzy hair. 3. Invisibobble Hair Ring, £4.95, Boots This summer essential has a strong hold with a smooth surface that doesn't tangle your hair. It's perfect for wet hair as it doesn't soak up water. 4. Pantene's Foam Conditioner, £3.99, Superdrug This is a must-have if you have fine hair. The light foamy texture sinks into your hair and repairs it from the inside out, without weighing it down. Lucious Lips Sleek MakeUP Matte Me Lip Gloss, £4.99, Boots From Sleek…

‘His quiff left us all shook up’ As I watched my partner assemble the pram we’d just purchased, I stroked my growing bump, and sighed: ‘I can’t wait for our little one to arrive.’ ‘Not long to go now,’ my husband, Chris, smiled. ‘I wonder which one of us he will look like,’ I said, daydreaming of our baby’s chubby cheeks and button nose. ‘Hopefully he’ll have your brains and my dashing looks,’ Chris laughed. ‘Oi,’ I scowled, giving him a playful swipe. We were expecting our first child together and as my due date neared, we started to buy the essentials. The cot had been put together, the wardrobe was full and the cupboards were stocked with nappies and wipes. But my pregnancy hadn’t been without its troubles. I’d…

Spinning around on the dance floor, I spotted the handsome DJ looking in my direction. ‘He can’t take his eyes off you,’ my friend yelled over the music. I was just 17 years old but I can remember it like it was yesterday. Glenn Mills was Mr Charming even back then. At 26, he was almost ten years older than me. He had a steady job, his own car, and I fell head over heels. From that first night we met, we rarely spent a day apart. ‘It felt like such an adventure’ I didn’t need a ring on my finger to prove how much Glenn loved me, but after 14 years together we finally decided to make things official in 2007. A few months after tying the knot, Glenn…

As I lay on the sofa with my boyfriend Mike, 29, my mum rang to ask if I wanted to go on a walk with her the next morning. ‘Sure,’ I said, as I had the a nurse. The next morning, I went round to my mum’s to meet her. As we walked along the beach, I saw Mike standing on cliff overlooking the beach. ‘That’s funny. I thought he was meant to be at work.’ Mike just stood there grinning at me. But then I looked down at the sand below where he was standing. The words ‘Will You Marry Me’ were written in huge letters in the sand, while artwork sprawled around it taking up a huge section of the beach! I ran up to Mike. ‘Did you…

As I lay back in the chair, I heard the buzz of the needle start up. A seething pain shot through me as the metal pressed into my skin, but I closed my eyes and clenched my teeth to try and block it out. My husband, Craig Franks, 34, sat beside me squeezing my hand and flinching as he watched. And after three and a half never-ending hours, my tattoo artist, Sophie Gibbons, 26, finally looked up and said: ‘All done.’ I headed over to the mirror nervously. Twirling at my reflection, I gazed at the ornate floral design with hummingbirds emblazoned across my breasts. ‘Oh wow,’ I gasped. ‘It’s more beautiful than I imagined. I love it.’ Sophie breathed a sigh of relief. Some people might think I was…

Penne with Pesto, Cherry Tomatoes and Ricotta 1. In a large pan of boiling, salted water, cook the pasta to your liking, drain and return to pan 2. Meanwhile, slice the cherry tomatoes in half 3. Stir in the Sacla' Pesto, season with a little black pepper and mix well 4. Stir through the tomatoes, top with ricotta and some fresh basil leaves Pesto, Cheese and Ham Toasties 1. Spread one side of each slice of bread with Sacla' Pesto. 2.Layer the cheese and then the ham on 2 of the slices then top with remaining bread, pesto-side down 3.Spread the outside of the bread with a little butter 4.Heat a large frying pan over a medium heat…

‘We'd stopped caring about how we looked’ ‘It was the wake up call we needed’ Seeing my partner Noel, 35, drop to his knee in the middle of a packed restaurant, I felt my heart flutter with happiness. ‘Will you marry me, Leisa?’ he asked, pulling out a sparkling diamond ring. ‘Of course!’ I cried in delight. After ten years together I couldn’t wait to finally be Mrs Hoey. We set a date for the following summer and I immediately started planning. There was so much to think about - a guest list, the flowers, and of course, the dress. ‘It would be nice to lose a bit of weight before the wedding,’ I sighed, flicking enviously through pictures of slim brides in my wedding magazines. ‘You always…

‘He'd been on such a journey’ The doorbell rang and my mum, Jenny, called up the stairs: ‘It’s for you, Toni!’ I applied one last coat of lip gloss. ‘Coming!’ I replied, dashing down. My best friend Sean Horton was stood on the door step. ‘Hello stranger,’ he grinned. It was the first time we’d seen each other in almost two years. Back then, Sean had been Sian. I’d met Sean when I was 12 and he was a pretty 15-year-old girl with long blonde hair and delicate features. The lad standing in front of me had a masculine build, deep voice and facial hair. Sean was more confident than I remembered, although still a little shy. I’d been the first person he ‘came out’ to when he was 16…

Such a pain I dread the summer months as my migraines get so much worse. Why is this? Karen, Norwich There are various aspects of the summer season that can impact migraine sufferers such as changes in temperature and sleeping patterns, not to mention increased sunlight and stress. First ask yourself whether you’ve changed your routine and whether you could adjust it to suit you better. I’d advise wearing good quality sunglasses to help to reduce the glare of the sun. It is also important to keep your blood sugar as level as possible and ensure that you drink lots of fluids . Fine or not? I've just had a baby and my hair feels worryingly thin! Will it ever go back to normal? Vicky, Glasgow Your hormones change during…

Research conducted by Vicks found that three quarters of parents keep their poorly children entertained with TV or tablets, but it's doing them more harm than good. Family psychologists Corrine Sweet and Dr David Bull analysed children's sickness cycles and found that screen time slows down recovery time because it restricts the children's ability to rest and recuperate. ‘Flashing lights can prevent production of melatonin and make it more difficult to fall asleep,' explains Dr Bull. Corrine says the best way to aid your kid's recovery is plenty of rest and a parent's soothing touch. ‘One of the most powerful antidotes to sickness developing further, is parental care and concern,' she explains. So ditch the tech and snuggle up instead.…

Should I follow the crowd? Kathy, 23, Basingstoke My friends have invited me on a girls’ holiday and I could do with a break. Problem is, they love to party all night then just lay on the beach all day. I do like to have fun, but I also enjoy exploring and soaking up some culture. All my other friends are busy so if I don’t go, I won’t have a holiday this year. Should I go along and just do what everyone else wants to do? YES Pick Me Up reader Jess from London says: Stop being such a party pooper and get on that plane! Sometimes we need friends to push us out of our comfort zone and see a different side of life. I'm sure you'll get…

Rolo began to cause chaos ‘Aww he is just adorable,’ I gushed, looking at the advert for a miniature dachshund looking for a good home. I already had a red dachshund, Bella, but I’d wanted a chocolate puppy as a companion for her for ages. This little brown bundle looked like the perfect fit. After contacting his current owner, a few days later I took the hour’s drive to Grimsby to meet the pooch in person. It was puppy-love at first sight. My heart melted at the sight of his soft, fluffy coat and big brown eyes. ‘I’ll take him!’ I said, scooping him into my arms. I picked the name Rolo, after my favourite chocolates. When my twin boys Charlie and Taylor, now 13, arrived home from school that…

Aries 21 Mar - 20 April It's a great time for Aries to be sociable from the 5th, but you will be extra emotional. Channel this heightened sensitivity and use it to clean house - figuratively and literally, welcoming a fresh start at home. Cash issues stabilise and relationships improve from the 10th, while the 9th is the day that really puts the wind in your sails. Taurus 21 April - 21 May Patience pays off for the Bulls in June, as you're graced with extra charm from the 6th, and life puts you back on solid ground. A union is highlighted on the 9th, and work begins to even out after the 10th. June will be a perfect time to make connections and travel, so make sure you socialise…