Innholdsfortegnelse for August 2020 i Pick Me Up! Special

Are you enjoying the warmer weather? We certainly are! This month’s edition of Pick Me Up! is packed with everything you’ll need to enjoy the sun, from delicious BBQ recipes (pg20) and family summer essentials (pg66), to the latest swimwear fashion (pg28) and crazy workout trends (pg50). This month, we’re all about taking back control. When she reached rock bottom, Hannah (pg30) found a clever way of turning things around. You’ll never guess how! Now her life is looking pretty sweet! George (pg34) spent years in denial about his weight. But a stark warning from his doctor changed everything. He bravely put his best foot forward and took back control. With her whole life planned out, Georgina (pg38) was excited about her future. But a splitting headache one morning saw…

Tipping over the bucket of sand, I helped both my girls tap their spades on the top. ‘Lift it up together,’ I said to Harmony, two, and Libby, 10 months. 'Please save my baby,' I cried Guiding their hands, we lifted the bucket to reveal the castle inside. ‘Wow, look at what you both did,’ I said proudly, as their little faces lit-up. It was our second holiday away together that summer and my two girls were loving the seaside. At the beginning of August, my boyfriend Nathan, 24, and I had taken the girls to Ireland for a week. A day after returning home, we headed down to Dover with my parents, Ellie and Ian, for the Lydden Hill Race Meeting. We only planned to go for the weekend…

Community spirit is so important during a crisis. Life is so much better when you’re laughing! And so, I took it in my stride to bring smiles to our local neighbourhood. Dressed as a giant T-Rex, of course… On Mother’s Day this year, my daughter Jessica, 14, gifted me an inflatable dinosaur costume. Most mums would have been pleased with a card and flowers, but not me. ‘I love it!’ I grinned, peeling back the Amazon packaging. My hubby Alan, 45, had chipped in to help Jessica with the £60 cost. ‘You’ve got to show me the costume!’ my own mum, Cheryl, laughed over the phone. Nothing will dampen my spirits She only lived a few streets away, but because of coronavirus, we couldn’t meet in person. Instead, I jumped…

Good food starts with simple ingredients and that's why Flora proudly fill their spreads with 100% plant goodness. These plant-based BBQ dishes by Flora are packed with taste and will really impress this summer! Vegetarian kebab Serves 4 INGREDIENTS: 1 red, orange or yellow pepper, cut into chunks 4 cherry tomatoes 1/2 courgette, halved and thickly sliced 60g halloumi cheese, cubed 15g Flora Cuisine 1 tsp Maille Honey Mustard Some pre-soaked wooden skewers METHOD: 1. Alternately thread the vegetables and cheese on the skewers. 2. Mix the Flora and mustard together and brush over the kebabs. 3. Place under a moderate grill for 8-10 mins, turning 2-3 times until the cheese is golden and the vegetables have softened. Homemade garlic bread Serves 4 INGREDIENTS: 500g strong white bread flour 7g…

Is it time to move on? Last year, I lost my 19-year-old son in a car accident. I’ve left his bedroom exactly how it was the day he died. My family say that having the room like that isn’t helping as I go in there every day for hours and I can’t move on. Should I stop treating it like a shrine and pack it away? Lynn, Cheshire YES  Pick Me Up! reader Helen from Salisbury says: It’s understandable that you’ve left the room how it was. But I do worry that if you’re spending so much time in there, it’s stopping you from healing. Perhaps you can start with packing away a few things? You don’t have to change the room completely, just try to spend a little less…

During your darkest days, it can be really hard to find light at the end of the tunnel. Believe me, I have been there myself. As a suddenly unemployed, single mum of two young children, I didn’t think life would ever get any easier. But just as you hit rock bottom, you somehow manage to find a way out. Everyone has their own coping mechanisms to survive the hard and lonely times. For me, it was baking cakes… That might sound a little crazy at first, but baking has always been in my blood. I was brought up in a family where everything was homemade. I lost my job and became a single mum My mum, Anne, 64, ran a catering company and my birthday cakes were always special. ‘What…

Whether you’re new to homeschooling or just need some fresh ideas, Countryside Classroom (www.countrysideclassroom org.uk) is here to help. With a free Home Education Hub, the website offers a range of resources which are fun and easy to follow. Designed for students of all ages, the website has a variety of curriculums, with a focus on food, farming and the natural environment. Home to the annual Farming Fortnight from 1 to 12 of June, children can immerse themselves in the world of farming, as well as finding out more about how their food is produced. A perk of homeschooling is it allows parents to get their children to try something new, and with the help of Countryside Classroom, it can be fun and engaging, although sometimes a little on the…

It’s strange how one moment can change the rest of your life. For me, it was lying on the floor, looking up at the worried faces of my family. In that moment, I somehow knew that things would never be the same. Growing up, I’d always been quite an over-achiever. I was that kid who always got straight A’s, asked for extra homework, and did all that while doing ballet and tap dance lessons. By May 2010, at 17 years old, I had my whole life planned out. I was going to go to Lancaster University to study English literature, then take a year out to go travelling around the world. After that, I planned to either become a primary school teacher or go on to do a course in…

A smart toilet capable of detecting early warning signs of cancer and other serious diseases has been developed. Researchers at Stanford University have built the device using an upward-facing camera, test strips and artificial intelligence to analyse faeces and urine as they pass through. The new technology could negate traditional stool tests and prove particularly useful for people who are genetically predisposed to certain conditions. Researchers hope it will one day be part of the average home bathroom, although 48% of people surveyed said they would feel uncomfortable using it.…

FLIP FLOP SEASON! With flip flop season officially upon us, Boots UK Pharmacist, Janky Raja, is here with her top tips to getting silky smooth feet! Banish those blisters These small pockets of fluid help protect a damaged area, often caused through consistent friction and pressure, allowing new skin to form and heal. Most blisters will heal naturally over the course of a week, but don't be tempted to burst or pick at it as this can lead to infection. Carefully dress and protect the area without peeling away the dead skin to ensure it's kept clean. A great go to is the Compeed Blister Plasters (£4.39, from Boots), which protect from infection and irritation. Deal with any dry skin Dry, scaly skin is a common issue for those who've…

Aries March 21st - April 20th The Moon pushes you into August with a jolt, or more like a wake up call. You're demanding answers and you want to know who has lied to you. Don't push too hard, as a comfortable silence when in the company of those concerned, is sure to gather far more results. Work you do for free this month is the key to you taking your career up to the next level. What was only a dream, is now looking more like a reality. This is what you've been waiting for my friend. Don't allow ‘that' personal issue to get in the way of your aspirations. Taurus April 21st - May 21st Struggles are hard, you of all signs should be able to confirm that…

You've been framed When I’m hanging up photos, I use toothpaste to mark where the nails need to go. Sam, York Lemon fresh Whenever I’m finished with a lemon, I rub it on the end of the kitchen tap. Keeps limescale away! J. Lloyd, Stratford Plant power My cactus was drooping to the side, so I used a chopstick and hair grip to keep it growing upwards Poppy, Shropshire Fresh creps A cheap way to effectively clean trainers is to use micellar water on a cotton pad. T. Revell, Windsor No more tears I freeze my onions 10 minutes before chopping them and it stops me from crying. Sharon, Newquay Health is wealth Fresh spinach goes off quickly, so I buy frozen. Easy to add a ball into curries and…

Staring at the familiar green lettering ahead, I took a deep breath. Sat in my car at my local Asda car park, I clung on to the steering wheel, sweat dripping from my palms. You can do this , I thought, trying to convince myself to get out of the car and go inside. But, with my heart pounding like a hammer in my chest and my stomach doing somersaults, there was nothing for it. No one knew I'd lost a baby Feeling embarrassed and ashamed, I started the car, drove home empty handed. Anxiety has a way of creeping up on you. It can start with simply feeling stressed about work or family life, but it reaches a point where even the most mundane thing, like doing the weekly…

There’s nothing better than spending time with man’s best friend. So, with the sun shining, there’s no better time to get out and explore. Patrick Stannah, MD of www.stannah.co.uk is here with his top 10 favourite dog walking spots in the UK. 1 BAGGY POINT,DEVON Sea air and seal spotting With its far-reaching views, Baggy Point offers a dog-friendly walking trail that's excellent for bird watching. This area is designated a Site of Special Scientific Interest for its impressive geological features. The well-surfaced, flat path is suitable for wheelchairs and all-terrain mobility scooters with access almost to the very tip of the headland. Your furry ones will love it! www.nationaltrust.org.uk 2 KNOLE PARK, SEVENOAKS, KENT A deer park on a stately home with a literary love story Explore the wildlife…

Taking my seat in the restaurant, I stared down at my tray full of food – a double cheeseburger, single cheeseburger, a large quarter-pounder, large fries, a large milkshake and two apple pies. Within just half an hour, my tray was completely empty, and I felt both satisfied and ashamed at the same time. Over the past few years, I’d turned to food for comfort, McDonald’s being my usual go-to meal. Growing up, I’d always been the chubby one at school, but it was after graduating with a law degree that my weight really spiralled out of control. Being at university had been like living in a bubble, but when I was suddenly thrust into real life, I struggled mentally, turning to food for comfort and visiting McDonald’s almost every…

As I looked around the room, cardboard boxes everywhere, I knew we still had a lot of work to do. Shoes, clothes, books, you name it - it was all strewn across the floor. ‘Are you sure you’ve got enough stuff here?’ my fiancé, Michael Beaton, quipped. But it was all for a big house move we had coming up. We were moving out of my dad’s house and into our own in Forres, on the Moray coast. We’d been together for 10 years, since we were 13 and both of us couldn’t wait to start a family. I wished I was packing cuddly toys and flat-packed cots, but babies had been a struggle for us. I’d always suffered with irregular periods, sometimes going two years without one. So I…

THE GREAT SCONE DEBATE If you're from Devon or Cornwall, the way you eat your scones may be a touchy subject. The debate between cream or jam first has long been argued, with those from Cornwall claiming it's tradition to go jam first, topped with cream, but in Devon it's the other way around. And in a bid to please both sides, M&S have mixed both jam and cream together to make a brand new Strawberry Clotted Cream! Although their creation was made to silence both parties, instead it seems to have completely divided the nation. Actress Dawn French, who lives in Cornwall, slated the pink spread, telling her Twitter followers how ‘appaling' the new creation was. She said: ‘Am mobilising the Cornish Barbarian Horde... we will not rest till…

Whilst summer 2020 might not be going as planned, your passion for fashion doesn't have to be tucked away to the back of your wardrobe! Award-winning personal stylist Lisa Talbot shares the new-in fashion trends this season. Find more style tips on www.lisatalbot.co.uk 1. Blank whites Never underestimate the classic look of a crisp, white item of clothing. Not only does it look great with a tan, and with denim, but you can wear white with any colour in your wardrobe. 2. Neon's of the 80's Bright pink hues are a statement this summer. Everyone can work neon into their wardrobe – whether it be a splash of colour in your jewellery, shoes or handbag. Brighten your look! 3. Statement sleeves There is a huge emphasis placed on making statement…

Lifting the pole above my head, I gently lowered it into my mouth. ‘Go on Mummy,’ my little girl, Annabelle, six, clapped from the sidelines. As my number one fan, she was there watching me practice for my big performance. As an NHS health care worker, I’d once again entered the NHS’ Got Talent, to show off my fire breathing skills. It can go wrong in a few seconds I’d first learnt the art of fire breathing at a circus workshop and had been hooked ever since. So, in my spare time after work or mum duty, I liked burlesque dancing and fire breathing. It was always a hit at the annual fundraising talent show. So, when they emailed to announce they were looking for performers again, I quickly signed…

Walking into the church, I scanned around for a place to sit. At a friend’s wedding, my husband Jake, 27, and I had made it just in time, and the place was packed. ‘There’s some room just over there next to your sister,’ Jake said, pointing. ‘No, I’m not sitting next to her,’ I frowned. ‘Why? What’s happened now?’ Jake asked, rolling his eyes. ‘We had a row over a nail appointment,’ I said. ‘I know it’s silly, but she just winds me up so much.’ No one could make me feel as frustrated as my sister Sophie. We’d been butting heads ever since we were kids, slamming doors and arguing over the slightest things. Our mum and dad – Angie and Chris, now both 47 – would do their…

I love wearing daring outfits that show off my body. I’m 36, and I dress in short skirts, low tops and tight clothes. My friends say it sends the wrong impression out to people – especially men. And I admit my history of boyfriends hasn’t been great, but I’m just confident. Should I tone it down? Hayley, York YES  Pick Me Up! reader Julie from Southampton says: It might sound harsh, but I think it’s probably time to dress your age a bit more. The fact is, you’re drawing attention to yourself and not in a good way. You don’t want to turn up to adult events dressed like a teenager as it’s likely that you won’t be taken seriously. You don’t have to lose your sense of style! Just…

We spoke to plus-size fashion blogger Melissa Walter (melissamarie.co.uk) about all things body positivity this summer. 'Looking in the mirror and liking your appearance can be one of the biggest struggles. I know it's been one of mine! But, I am a firm believer that everyone should feel fabulous in their own skin – no matter what size or shape. Learning to love your body is a journey, and here are some things that I've learnt along the way!' 1. Compliment yourself Don't rely on other people to make you feel good about yourself. If you think you look fab then say it! It's not vain or arrogant to recognise and tell yourself that you look good. Learn how to take compliments from others – they wouldn't say it if…

With the rise of homeschooling, tutoring website Tutorful has seen a spike in both online and face-to-face requests. Working to match students with the best tutor for them, they're here to help children excel in their education. Here to answer some homeschooling questions, is co-founder Mark Hughes. www.tutorful.co.uk In the last few years, has there been an increase in homeschooling tutors? Definitely! Homeschooling has become an increasingly popular choice for parents, and we’ve seen a demand for tutoring rise alongside that. We now have some tutors who cater specifically to homeschooled students. What do you think the reason is for this? The biggest reason for the rise in homeschool tutoring is that children still need personalised support, especially if they don’t have regular access to a teacher. There is a…

INSTANT + APPOINTMENT Dr Sarah Brewer is Medical Director of Healthspan and the author of CBD: The Essential Guide to Health and Wellness. Delicate matter Q I know my 11-year-old daughter needs to lose weight but I don’t want to upset her by mentioning it. What shall I do? Sarah, Cardiff A This can be a difficult area to get right. Aim to get the whole family eating healthy food, cutting back on sugary or stodgy snacks, and exercising more. Where possible, cut back on processed and fast foods and make healthy meals from scratch. Many kids do well on a diet that includes high protein foods such as eggs, lean meat, fish and beans and fewer carbohydrate-rich foods such as bread and pasta. Instead of biscuits and crisps, offer…

Clinking our beer bottles together, I grinned. ‘Cheers,’ I said. ‘Right then, shall we stick this DVD in?’ It was June 2014, and my mate Alex, 27, and I were spending the afternoon together. We were both into wrestling, and Alex had brought along some obscure footage to watch. I suppose it was our love of wrestling – and our unique taste in music – that brought us together. We’d known each other for about 10 years, would often go to music bars together – Alex was great fun. I’d gone on to be a barber, married my gorgeous wife Tennielle, now 28, and moved into a flat above my shop. But even though we were older and busier, Alex and I would always make time for each other. ‘Cheers…

Film and TV 1 What year did the Great British Bake Off first appear on TV? a 2005 b 2012 c 2010 2 How many episodes of Game of Thrones are there? a 62 b 73 c 81 3 How many years has Strictly Come Dancing aired? a 15 b 17 c 20 4 Who presents Dragons' Den? a Evan Davis b Louise Minchin c Deborah Meaden 5 Who plays Eleven in Stranger Things? a Finn Wolfhard b Millie Bobby Brown c Sadie Sink 6 Who is Casualty's longest-serving character? a Jacob Masters b Dylan Keogh c Charlie Fairhead Showbiz 7 What year did Geri Halliwell leave the Spice Girls? a 1995 b 1998 c 2000 8 Who won the first ever series of X Factor in 2004? a Shayne…

Holding a small mirror in-between my thighs, I was hardly thrilled by the appearance of my lady parts. I’d had two kids, so it had been through a lot, but I still thought it was ugly. I’d not long started a new job as a brow technician and was ready to embrace my new life. But when girls in the salon openly talked about their sex lives, I didn’t understand. ‘It was great,’ I’d hear girls say to each other as I did their brows. Growing up in a Hindu community, I’d been married since I was 20. But I never enjoyed sex with my husband, it always felt more of a chore – never pleasurable. Working in a beauty salon, I was suddenly surrounded by a world of femininity…