Innholdsfortegnelse for January 2021 i Pick Me Up! Special

As we welcome in the new year, many of us will be looking forward to a fresh start. Now we’ve had time to reflect on the year gone, we can look forward to a more optimistic future. Carron (pg44) knows all too well how rewarding a fresh start can be. After tragically losing her partner unexpectedly, she made a change for the better. Determined to look at life with a glass half-full attitude, she now runs a successful women’s empowerment business for her fellow sisters. And she’s not the only person with a positive attitude this month. After struggling with her cancer diagnosis, Vanessa (pg30) turned to her family for help. With nine breast cancer survivors amongst them, the remarkable family created a naked calendar to raise awareness around this…

Staring down at the pregnancy test, I sank to the floor with tears of joy. Me and my wonderful husband Darren, 45, had been trying to have another baby for over 10 years. We already had two children, Jamie, then 13, and Kieran, then 11, but we longed for a third. As soon as I had my 12-week scan, I told everyone the news. ‘Now you rest up,’ Darren would tell me. Our two boys were already in secondary school, so we were going to be starting all over again. I had a healthy pregnancy, and everything was going to plan. But then, at about 6am on 29 August 2010, I woke up with a fright, feeling seriously unwell. ‘I don’t feel good,’ I panicked, nudging Darren awake. ‘You’ll be…

Sitting on the sofa, Dad sparked up another chat about my career. ‘You really want to work for yourself,' he told me. My dad, Daryl, 59, had always run his own gym business and was a strong believer in being self-employed. At the time, I was working in a marketing role, but it wasn't fulfilling my career desires. Spending a lot of time on social media for both my job and personal use, I noticed a few candle accounts popping up. Like most girls, I've always loved making a room smell nice. Glued to the beautiful accounts, I began looking for UK based companies online. It began in my parents' kitchen Only, other than the big brands such as Jo Malone, I couldn't find anything that really stood out. And…

Toothally genius Use a toothbrush to clean your keyboard. Ashley, Middlesbrough Star baker Use a ball of tin foil with washing up liquid to scrub dirty glass baking dishes. Amanda, Derry Wine cubes Pour leftover wine into ice cube trays and freeze it – a quick solution for when you next need wine for cooking. Melissa, Banchory Cooking smells Get rid of onion smelling hands after cooking by washing them with a teabag. Liza, Hull Kitchen ouch! If you get a burn in the kitchen, cut a potato and rub it on the burn to stop blistering. Alyssa, Swansea Pearly whites For natural teeth whitening, rub a lemon rind on them once a week. Sorrell, Chester Waste free If your bread is going out of date, freeze it – to…

This month... SUSTAINABLE SWAPS The UK’s leading organic brand Yeo Valley Organic shares tips from their 25 years’ experience on how to live more sustainably. 1 Organic switch Supporting organic farming can slow climate change, swap milk, cheese and yogurt with organic alternatives. 2 Go wild Appreciate wildlife in your home and garden. Garden organically and plant wildflower seeds to encourage bees and butterflies. 3 Reduce waste Buy products with less, or no packaging – rid of single use plastic in your life. 4 Reuse items Visit a vintage shop to buy items and donate your unused clothes to charity shops. 5 Recycle Use your recycling box effectively! Make sure you know what goes in them, it's very easy to do. 6 Save energy…

Queuing at the boarding gate, my passport in hand, I was ready for a well needed getaway. My dad, Doug, had passed away five months prior after suffering from Parkinson’s for a number of years. Following his death, my head was all over the place and I didn’t know what I was doing. So, that’s when me and my husband Ian, decided on a trip to visit our friends in Brussels. ‘Go and enjoy yourselves,’ our daughter Lara, 13, told us before we left in July 2019. ‘Look after your nan, she needs us right now,’ I told her. So, knowing Lara was in safe hands with my mum, Heather, we looked forward to our getaway. ‘I can’t wait,’ I smiled at Ian as we took our seats on the…

Award-winning personal stylist Susie Hasler (www. styledbysusie.co.uk) shares her top tips for layering this winter. 'A lot of women struggle with layering as they feel it can add unnecessary bulk and make them feel bigger than they are. However, there are some stylish ways of layering, without making you overheat or feel uncomfortable!' Susie says. 1. Longline cardigans ‘If you have a fuller bust or want to slim the tummy area, I would suggest opting for layers such as longline cardigans. They will streamline your torso and they can be worn in so many ways. You can wear longline cardigans with jeans as well as leggings and even over the top of mini skirts.’ 2. Ponchos ‘Ponchos are also a great layer for curvy shapes, and as they are a…

If you have trouble loving your body, incorporating a self-esteem practice into your daily meditation routine might help. In 2014, researchers asked a group of women to include a self-compassion meditation in their routine for a brief three-week period. During that time, they discovered that participants' experienced higher levels of self-compassion and body appreciation. The Headspace app offers meditation courses that can help you reframe negative mental chatter and strengthen the connection between your body and mind. Sign up for free at www.headspace.com/register or download the Headspace app to try it out.…

A SPOKESPERSON FOR JET2 SAID: ‘We are very sorry to hear about these tragic circumstances, and we would like to offer our heartfelt condolences to Ms. Dawson and her family at this very difficult time. As lawyers have been instructed, it would be inappropriate for us to make any further comment.’ THE CRYSTAL SUNSET LUXURY RESORT AND SPA RELEASED A STATEMENT EXPRESSING THEIR DEEPEST CONDOLENCES. They went on to say: ‘The Food and Safety Certificate given by this independent company (auditors Bureau Veritas) has indicated that we follow all requirements of standards regularly. Our hotel has passed successfully on all the international inspections. In light of this, we deny involvement in the death of Allie Birchall.’…

On 28 of October 2020, my beloved husband sadly lost his battle. He passed away in his sleep at 7.35am, with his dad Eddie by his side. Although we knew Garry’s time was running short, his death came as a shock to all of us. Due to living in a busy household, Garry had gone to stay with his dad for a bit of rest. Unfortunately, he never made it home. We all loved Garry so much, and I am grateful that I got to tell him that one last time before he passed away. I’ve been keeping myself busy doing little jobs around the house. Garry had started working on our bathroom, so I’m determined to finish that for him. The kids are still struggling to understand why this…

Coughing into my tissue, I immediately knew what was wrong with me. ‘I think I’ve got coronavirus,’ I croaked to my husband, Vernon, 55. It was March 2020 when I fell ill with the Covid-19. My chest was tight, and I had the standard symptoms like the new continuous cough and a fever. ‘I must have caught it out shopping last week,’ I said to my 10-year-old Alaskan Malamute, Mushka. I pulled the tissue out of his mouth Our dog Mushka has always been incredibly excitable, and bouncy. He’s 64 kilos of gorgeously soft fur, with a kind heart, and a super soppy temperament. I was glad to have him at home, looking after me while I recovered from Covid-19. I was incredibly ill, I even had to call an…

Michael Braae was a country-singer known as 'Cowboy Mike.' He had a reputation for being a ladies' man and in 2001, he met Lori Jones, 44, in a bar in Olympia, Washington. Braae, then 48, would serenade women with his guitar, dressed in cowboy boots, jean jacket and cowboy hat. He was already on the radar of the police as several women had disappeared after leaving a bar with him. Mum of two Lori was out alone after a date had fallen through. Lori and Braae drank and danced together. Then Lori vanished. When her 11-year-old daughter returned from a trip, she found her mum, dead, under her bed. She was naked, with a pillowcase on her head and had been raped and strangled to death. Braae was wanted. A…

Brilliant bake My mum baked me a delicious lemon drizzle cake, decorated with lavender from the garden. Debbie, Exeter Pony petting My boyfriend made friends with a Dartmoor pony. Monica, St Ives Weekend treats My patner indulging in a burger after a long week of work. Tina, St Albans Celebratory swans A wonderful stay at a local hotel for my husband, Heath's, 50th birthday. Linda, Bahrain Flaming good Nothing says winter like a Baileys hot chocolate and smores by the bonfire. Masie, Milton Keynes Very Vogue My son, Charlie, showing off his new clothes. Kate, Tewksbury Wonderful waters A winter weekend away with my boyfriend to the Lake District. Charlene, Carlisle Family celebrations New Year’s Eve fireworks at my parents’ house. Crystal, Warrington 'M' themed party Me and my friends…

If you have really been getting through bottles of soap like nobody’s business, why not save money by making your own? Buy your favourite fragrance oil and create your perfectly scented hand wash. It's fun, cost effective and can be tailred precisley to your taste. For more craft ideas visit: hobbycraft.co.uk YOU WILL NEED: Melt and pour soap base 1kg Fragrance oil of your choice 1 litre glass jug Large kitchen knife Glycerin Plastic funnel Fine grater Whisk Teaspoon Liquid soap dispenser TO MAKE: 1. Cut the soap base into a 250g block then grate into a bowl. 2. Measure 250ml of water in the glass jug and microwave until boiling, then add the grated soap and whisk thoroughly. 3. Add a teaspoon of glycerine to the mixture, then a…

Crying with happiness, my dad Dave, then 74, enveloped me in a hug. ‘Congratulations, love!’ he beamed. ‘Another baby in the family,’ my mum Sue, 68, joined in. It was December 2018 and we were celebrating the news of my first pregnancy. My partner Jonathan had a six-year-old son. Our baby was the latest to join the Crease brigade. See, I’m the youngest of eight. That meant I’d already got 21 nieces and nephews, plus five great-nieces and nephews, too! A huge, close family. And Mum and Dad were always at the centre of it all. Growing up, I watched in awe as they both worked hard to make sure we were all supported. Dad as a gas man, Mum juggling various jobs. Living in London, we always loved a…

Shall I tell him it's not working? My family and I moved out of a big city for a quieter life in the country but I’m so lonely. I’ve given it six months, but I hate it. Shall I tell my husband I want to move back? Viki, Gloucestershire YES  Pick Me Up! reader Elle, from London: It’s clear that this move hasn’t given you the feelings you were initially looking for. That isn’t your fault. I think it’s important to tell your husband that you are thinking about returning to where you originally lived, but make sure you have really given your all to this new location. Don’t give up without trying. He’s going to be pretty annoyed if you move again and you’re still unhappy! Be certain with…

Walking around the library, hand-in-hand with my daughter Taylor, two, we headed to the children’s play area. ‘Wow! I love her hair,’ the librarian said, as we walked past the front desk. We get stopped out in the street ‘Thanks!’ I replied. ‘Why don’t you check out our Facebook page, Baby Einstein 2.0.’ Me and Taylor are often stopped by strangers when we are out together. Everyone is so curious about her wild, blonde mane. When she was first born, she had little to no hair, but over time, these fuzzy white tuffs started to appear on her head. At first, me and her dad, Tom, 32, thought they were just her baby hairs, but when they continued to grow outwards, we knew it was going to be permanent. After…

Aries March 21st - April 20th As you enter this new year, you examine your emotions. With Mercury and Capricorn sextile to Neptune and Pisces, you can't be afraid to love. There is so much more to be gained by keeping an open heart this year. You realise this from the 5th onwards. An ex wants something you don't need to give. Start as you mean to go on and go forward not back. You have your answers. You just have to be quiet enough to hear them. New faces you meet through work are set to become permanent fixtures in your career. Taurus April 21st - May 21st There is a nostalgic feel to your chart as you enter 2021. You may find yourself looking at photographs or paperwork…

Sitting on the sofa, I had my eyes focused on the floor, rather than the TV. ‘Blimey!’ my partner, Tezra, 31, shouted. ‘Those tyres weigh about 500lb!’ For what felt like the 100th time, he’d roped me into watching another Strongman competition. Thankfully however, I had our seven-week-old daughter, Lula, to keep me entertained. Watching as she gurgled away in her little chair, I could have watched her for hours. ‘What do you think?’ I cooed. ‘Do you think that’s heavy?’ As a first-time mum, spending time together as a family was my favourite - even if it did involve watching huge, sweaty men lift things above their head. After working as posties, me and Tezra had first met in November 2017, after bumping into each other at the Royal…

Finishing the last delicious slice of pizza … ‘Fancy some ice cream?’ I smiled at my boyfriend, Trev, then 19. ‘Always,’ he grinned. It was November 1995 and Trev was visiting me at uni in Luton, before joining the Royal Air Force. A meal at the pizza place, we were both in our element. I’d always loved food, but I’d also battled weight problems throughout my life. We had an indulgent diet At 14, in 1989, I had unfortunately been diagnosed with polycystic ovaries. I was told that the extra weight I carried around my tummy could be a symptom. I should’ve tried to lose a few pounds then, but I avoided the scales like the plague. By the time I was 17, and in sixth form, I was wearing…

The humble English Bramley apple is a year-round feature on shop shelves and British growers handpicked an estimated 76 million Bramley apples in 2020. Bramleys have a beautifully sharp flavour with lots of juice, and can work perfectly in both sweet and savoury recipes. Baked Bramley with Amaretto cherry Serves 1 INGREDIENTS: 1 Bramley apple Knob of softened butter 1 tsp brown sugar 6 black cherries in syrup 2 amaretto biscuits, crushed Splash of amaretto Vanilla ice cream, to serve METHOD: 1. Preheat the oven to 180°C. Score the circumference of the apple with a sharp knife. Scoop out the core and a little of the flesh to make room for the filling. 2. Spread the butter into the middle of the apple and sprinkle with some brown sugar. Mix…

Thinking about the birds in the dining room, the poo in the pool, the dead sparrow - could these have been what poisoned my little girl? Doctors tried a trial drug as well as platelet transfusions. But nothing seemed to work. When they checked Allie’s pupils, they were lifeless. An MRI had shown that there was severe brain damage. There was no hope. I was devastated, barely able to keep it together when Wayne and I had to make a decision. Sobbing, we held our little girl in our arms one last time. ‘I love you,’ I told her. Allie’s life support was switched off on 3 August 2019. I felt like my heart had been shattered into a million pieces. Individually, I took Bobbi and Casey aside to tell…

INSTANT + APPOINTMENT With Dr Deborah Lee from Dr Fox Online Pharmacy (www.doctorfox.co.uk). Feeling low Q I think I’m suffering from postnatal depression, but I’m so embarrassed about getting help. What should I do? Shannon, Luton A Start by being kind to yourself. Postnatal depression (PND) is a physical illness - it's not your fault, and you are not alone. PND is different to the ‘baby blues' which tend to occur 3-4 days after giving birth and only last about 10 days. PND usually starts 1 – 2 months after childbirth but can occur any time in the first year. There is no need to feel embarrassed. There should be no shame or guilt attached. What matters is that you don't suffer in silence, and you start the ball rolling…

Watching on as my mum, Janet, painted another china cup, I was in awe of her. Artistic, she loved painting and holding parties to sell some of her beautiful work. It’s one of the finest memories I have of her. Unfortunately, when I was seven, she was diagnosed with breast cancer for a second time. She’d first suffered from it when pregnant with me, but she’d been in remission ever since. Only this time around, her health rapidly deteriorated. Although I knew she was unwell, at such a young age, I didn’t really understand it. Not a year later, in March 1993, Mum lost her battle. I don’t remember much from that time, but I know it was difficult for everyone, especially my dad. Then, just two years later, my…

SOMETHING FOR EVERYONE Head & Shoulders Supreme Collection with Dual Oils, £4.99, Boots Meet the newest range from Head & Shoulders. Made up of antioxidants and skincare-inspired ingredients, not only do the products work to eliminate dandruff, but also calm and restore stressed out hair! With four different variants to choose from, the new launch offers something for every hair type and need. Choose from: 1. Supreme Strength with Argan Oil and Bamboo Extract: These haircare heroes pack a punch when your hair and scalp need a boost. Leaving hair looking and feeling revitalised and healthy. 2. Supreme Moisture with Argan Oil and Coconut Oil: The perfect combo for those with sensitive skin, this range will sooth and calm your scalp, whilst moisturising locks. 3. Supreme Colour Protect with Argan…

2021 PREDICTIONS You can't deny, the future of travel is changing. Here is what booking.com predicts for 2021, using research from over 20,00 travellers across 28 different countries. 1. No more 9–5 Travellers will extend their holidays to stay an extra week or two, to work remotely and maximise on new flexible working policies. 2. Value for money Due to financial changes, people will be looking for more valuable, yet price conscious experiences. 3. Impact awakening People are becoming more environmentally conscious. Travellers will become inspired to make more sustainable choices on their trips away. 4. Familiarists not tourists We will see domestic travel continue to grow in popularity as travellers prefer staying closer to home. It's more reliable, while also supporting our own economy. GREAT BRITISH GLAMPER-VANING Brits are…

Danielle refused to open the secret decaying box The large metal toolbox sitting outside of a trailer home was heating up in the dry heat of Ohio County sun. Flies buzzed around it, attracted by the rancid stench leaching through the padlocked container. Police wanted to look inside – they thought it might hold clues to the disappearance of Raymond Green, except they didn’t have a search warrant and his ex-wife Danielle was refusing to open it. ‘I don’t want to be held responsible for the contents,’ she insisted, standing her ground. But the officer’s suspicions were raised and they quickly returned with a warrant. Once the box was wrenched opened, the full horror of Raymond’s fate was revealed. Danielle and Raymond Green had a roller-coaster of a relationship to…