Innholdsfortegnelse for March 2021 i Pick Me Up! Special

March is the month where we celebrate all that women have to offer. With International Women’s Day and Mother’s Day in one month, we’re marking these moments in style! After all, women are great, aren’t they!? In a bid to work for themselves, Pamela and Kelsey (pg37) set up their own fashion empire. The mum and daughter team have a passion for fashion and they’re determined to succeed. With influencers and stars wearing their clothes, we know they have a bright future ahead! And they’re not the only inspiring women this month. Weighing in at 19st 5lb, Katy (pg40) could barely fit in her bath tub. On a mission to ditch the bulge and live a longer life for her son, she’s lost over 6st and celebrated in bubbles and…

As I popped some strawberry ice cream into a blender, a voice appeared behind me. ‘You making McDonald's milkshakes again?' my boyfriend, Joshua Olagoke, 31, laughed. ‘Baby wants what he wants,' I chucked, patting my bump. I was pregnant with our second child and this time around all I was craving were those deliciously sweet strawberry milkshakes. But with neither me or Joshua able to drive, the closest McDonald's was too far. Instead, I had to make do and perfect a recipe at home. And our son Joshua Jr, four, certainly wasn't complaining. ‘Yummy,' he grinned, as he took a taste of one. Seemed he and his unborn brother had very similar tastes! On 18 September last year, I was nearly ready to pop. Hurrying Joshua Jr out of the…

How to make.. Unicorn eggs Unicorns are a huge trend at the moment – and there's no reason why they can't be included within your Easter decorations this year! YOU'LL NEED: Pencil Scissors Glue gun White card Modelling clay Permanent marker Ceramic eggs Paper flowers METHOD: 1. Start by drawing faces onto your eggs. Lightly draw your design in pencil first and go over it using a black Sharpie when you are happy with it. 2. For bunny ears, draw ear shapes onto a piece of white card. Make sure there is enough extra card at the bottom to fold into a little tab that will be glued to the egg. 3. Using a glue gun, stick two ears to the top of each egg. Make sure the folded tab…

This month... GARDEN GREATNESS Squire’s Garden Centres share their top ten garden tips for a trendy garden this year... 1 Bright colours Following on from the rainbows that we saw in many windows across the country in 2020, people want some joy in their gardens, and an injection of colourful plants does just that. 2 Grow your own People are increasingly conscious of where their food is coming from. Whether you have a small or large space, why not grow your own. 3 Peat free & ego compost Demand for sustainable compost has been growing over the last year or so. Try buying some peat free or ecofriendly compost. 4 Best of British Stick to native plants to create elegant and contemporary garden. They require less…

JAZZ™ apple has retained its title as the 'UK's Tastiest Apple' after JAZZ™ grown by Chandler & Dunn scooped first place at the recent National Fruit Show Live. A JAZZ™ apple is a funky fusion of a Braeburn and a Royal Gala. Grown in over ten countries and available in major supermarkets, they are perfect for helping you create delicious food. JAZZ™ Apple & ginger dahl Serves 4 INGREDIENTS: 1 tbsp of coconut oil 1 white onion - finely chopped 3 garlic cloves - crushed A thumb piece of ginger - grated A small piece of fresh turmeric - grated 1 tsp of curry powder 1 tsp of cumin powder ½ tsp of cayenne pepper 1 JAZZ™ apple - grated on the large holes of a box grater 1 cup…

The National Trust is asking people to celebrate blossom season once again. Emulating Hanami, the ancient Japanese tradition of viewing and celebrating blossom as the first sign of spring, the conservation charity is encouraging everyone to take a moment to pause, actively notice and enjoy the fleeting beauty of blossom. With the hope that the joyful sight of blooms will lift spirits and enable everybody to celebrate nature together. Fruit trees Apple blossom appears from March to April and is white with a hint of pink. It grows in hedgerows and scrubland in moist, heavy soil. It’s a short tree with greyish-brown flecked bark. Crab apple trees often indicate past human habitation – the apples can be used in cooking and the wood is good for carving and firewood. 1.…

Dusting off an old pair of trainers, I willed myself out the front door. ‘Come on Rachel,’ I said to myself. ‘You can do this.’ It was the start of 2013, and I was heading out on my first run in years. In fact, I planned on running to my Zumba class - something I hadn’t tried before. Just a mile or so down the road, how hard could it be? My first run was tough going Only as I huffed and puffed, I was knackered within five minutes. And by the time I’d arrived at the class, I was a red, sweaty mess. ‘You’re going to have to excuse me,’ I said to the girls at Zumba, trying to catch my breath. ‘I decided to run here tonight!’ ‘You…

A NEW ERA St. Moriz Colour Correcting Tanning Mousses, £9.99, Superdrug Conceal as you tan with the advanced and innovative colour correcting mousses from St. Moriz. With a tan for every skin tone, in shades from light to ultra-dark, you’re sure to love this new launch! Every body is beautiful, which is why the Colour Correcting Mousses are designed to neutralise any unwanted tones in the skin, helping you to feel more confident and leave you glowing from your head to your toes. The undertones include peach, olive, purple and honey, so you can achieve the perfect tan, while avoiding orange tones for a natural finish. The colour correcting hues counteract opposite tones; peach brightens the skin, olive cancels redness, purple targets yellow tones and honey adds warmth to the…

TOP TRAVEL INSURANCE TIPS: It's vital to know your stuff when it comes to travel insurance. Here's how to make sure you don't lose money if things don't go to plan. 1. Check the details Make sure insurance covers Covid-19 under the illness and injuries overseas section. 2. Having to cancel If you get ill with the virus before you go away, and have to cancel, it is unlikely that any travel companies will give you a refund or allow you to rearrange. 3. Refunds If your holiday gets cancelled because of the virus, you are entitled to a full refund in the form of your original payment. You can refuse if you're offered a voucher instead. 4. Renewals Keep an eye out for any annual renewals of your travel…

These fun, colourful scrunchies are a great scrap buster. Don't waste any of your cute leftover prints. Mix and match the patterns to make one for every outfit. Sewing expert Sophia Palmer shares her steps with Hobbycraft. YOU'LL NEED: Rotary cutter Safety pins Sewing needles White elastic Assorted sewing thread Patterned cotton METHOD: 1. Cut a piece of scrap fabric 45x10cm. Fold in half, right sides together, lengthways and sew a straight line down the long raw edge. Leave a gap at one end. 2. Use a safety pin to feed the ‘non gap’ end inside the tube, pull it to the other open short end (with the gap). 3. Line up the short raw tube ends together. Use a needle and thread to do a small, neat running stitch…

It was a hot summer’s evening on January 12, 2016, when Karen Chetcuti watered her vegetable garden at her home in the rural town of Whorouly, in Victoria, Australia. The popular mum of two Karen, 49, had no idea she was being watched, or that her smiling face would soon appear in media all across the world – for the most tragic reasons. The next morning, Karen didn’t turn up for work at the local council where she’d been employed for 20 years. Her two teenage children stayed with her ex-husband as a major search began. At Karen’s home, the lights were left on and her handbag and purse still there, it was completely out of character for her. On the day she disappeared, CCTV footage captured her going out,…

Spending time to dwell on nature can improve your wellbeing. Research shows that just 20 minutes could help to improve your mood. But only six percent of adults take the time to celebrate seasonal events such as the first day of spring. Take a different route on your daily exercise to see if you can spot blossom in your neighbourhood and embrace the start of the season. Why not take a quick snap of a blossoming tree and send it to a friend? For younger ones, celebrating blossom could mean you watch a bird sing loudly in a tree or get up early for the sunrise at dawn. Celebrate Hanami wherever you are and connect with nature to lift your spirits, even if it’s just for a moment or so.…

Penny-pinchers from NetVoucherCodes.co.uk have revealed seven products that double as natural cleaning alternatives. By using eco-friendly, natural cleaners, households can be kind to the environment and save cash along the way. Now, what are you waiting for? Start that spring clean! 1. Baking soda Baking soda is a hardworking cleaning agent that is both versatile and very inexpensive. You can get approximately 200-300g for just a couple of pounds. Baking soda acts as a cleaning agent because it is a mild alkali and can cause dirt and grease to dissolve easily. It’s also great for absorbing strong food odours, and as it’s non-toxic, can be used to clean stains off of fridges, ovens and microwaves. 2. Distilled white vinegar Like baking soda, distilled white vinegar is both versatile and inexpensive,…

Turning on the tap, I let the water run. Filling the bath with bubbles, I was ready for some ‘me time’. Only, once again, my trip to the tub left me more frustrated than calm. Weighing in at 19st 5lb, I didn’t exactly fit in there easily. I was a yo-yo dieter for years Instead, I squeezed in until eventually, I’d had enough. Hoisting myself out, I took a 10-minute breather. Every time, I sighed to myself. In the end, I just gave up and stopped having baths. Only, this wasn’t the only area of my life that my weight was badly affecting. Working in a nursery, the demands of the job would leave me absolutely exhausted. By the time I got home to my husband Dave, 40, and son…

INSTANT + APPOINTMENT With Dr Deborah Lee, Dr Fox Online Pharmacy (www.doctorfox.co.uk) Painful periods Q My period pains seem to have got worse as I’ve got older. Is that normal? Jenny, Norfolk A In general, period pain improves as you age. Young women often have painful periods until they start having pregnancies, when periods tend to settle down. However, periods can become painful at any stage in life. Endometriosis is a common cause of painful periods. In this condition, the womb lining exists outside the womb, with tissue deposits throughout the pelvic cavity. These then bleed internally when you have a period, which can be very painful. Pelvic Inflammatory Disease also causes severe period pain. This occurs when an infection, such as an STI infects the uterus, fallopian tubes, and…

Heading to the opticians for another eye test back in 2010, I was really starting to becoming a familiar with the place. But as I pressed my face up against the eye testing machine, I knew something wasn’t quite right. ‘My vision just seems to be getting worse and worse,’ I told the optician. Over the last year, I must have been for six eye tests. Handed a new pair of glasses each time, they never seemed to last me very long. ‘Let’s try some contacts,’ the optician encouraged this time, handing me a pair to get used to. But as soon as I opened my eyes with the contacts in, I felt as though the lights in the room were blinding. ‘I can’t even lift my head up,’ I…

INTERNATIONAL WOMEN'S DAY International Women's Day takes place on 8th March every year. Founded in 1911 by the Suffragettes, it is a global day celebrating the social, economic, cultural and political achievements of women. The day also aims to raise awareness of gender equality and fundraise for female-focused charities. Anyone can support International Women's Day and do what they can to truly make a positive difference for women worldwide. This year, the campaign is #ChooseToChallenge. We can choose to challenge and call out gender bias and inequality. From challenge comes change! If you'd like to take part in International Women's Day 2021, go to www.internationalwomensday.com to find out more. VIRAL FOOD TREND The smartest way to make and eat a wrap! This wrap hack has been trending ever since it was…

Curled up on my bed, I ate chocolate as tears welled up in my eyes. Reminiscing on special memories, I felt completely heartbroken. At 11 years old, my mum Amanda, 34, had just died. I’d lost the closest person to me and I didn’t know how to cope anymore. Growing up, I’d always cared for my mum. She had diabetes that caused her to become blind, so she relied on me for a lot. With a hole in my heart, I had no one to turn to. When I missed my mum, I would eat food for comfort. ‘How are you feeling, sweetie?’ my nan, Jacqueline, 70, asked me, as she sat on the end of my bed. Nan had taken me in, and we were really close – but…

Aries March 21st - April 20th The spring equinox on the 20th ignites your fuse and drive for great things. Not least as it's in your sign!You no longer feel restrictions holding you back, but you're ready to take life head on. Those who have been holding you back, or not treated you as equal, will no longer even be a name on your lips. This is your new year, my friend. Make what you do next the best thing you've done so far. Your life is waiting and it's a good one. Starting from this month, make this a year to remember. The stars are behind you, Aries! Taurus April 21st - May 21st Someone who recently entered your life has had a really profound effect on your heart.Take…

Josh's toy came in very handy! Watching my two boys play together, I smiled to myself. ‘Neenaw neenaw it's another emergency,' my son Josh, five, exclaimed, whizzing his favourite toy ambulance across the floor. ‘Faster, faster,' my two-year-old, Harry, giggled after him. It was July 2020 and as a stay-at-home parent with my two little ones in tow, my days were busy keeping them entertained. ‘And what does this car do...' I started. But that was it. Suddenly, everything went dark. Opening my eyes, my head was all fuzzy. ‘What's happened?' I asked, slowly coming to and realising that I was surrounded by uniformed people. ‘It's OK, Caroline,' one of them reassured me. ‘Don't worry. Your sugar levels have gone low, but we're looking after you.' In an instant, I…

In a hurry Place a bowl near your front door to keep keys in so you never lose them. But far away from the letterbox for opportunists! Alex, Leeds Keep ping it clean Freshen up your microwave by heating up a bowl with some vinegar in for around five minutes for an extremely easy wipe away clean. Morgan, Sunderland Picture perfect If you've got a monitor for working at home, play videos of nature to get rid of the ugly black screen while you’re not working. Matt, Peterborough Brighten your bathroom Freshen the look of a sink by adding a small plant. Phoebe, Wrexham Golden glow Use fairy lights to give your hurricane vase a glow without burning away the candle. Izzy, Preston Good hair days Store your hair styling…

Shall I tell her enough is enough? I hate how my husband’s mum is around my kids. She spoils them and gives them things I’ve said no to, and she just says I’m overreacting when I mention it. Should I put my foot down and be stern? Claire, London YES  Pick Me Up! reader Katie, from Redruth says: If she is deliberately going against your wishes, then it’s really not on. Especially as you have mentioned it before. It shows a lack of respect for your parenting. Have you told your husband you’re unhappy? He should have stepped in by now and supported you. You both need to sit her down and tell her it’s unacceptable. The odd treat every now and then is fine, but you can’t have her…

First appearing on Channel 4's Obsessive Compulsive Cleaners, mum-of-three Lynsey Crombie, is the original cleanfluencer. 'I used to run a publication company and we had a call one day from a TV production company who were looking for a family that needed help from my area for the show. 'I got chatting to the guy on the phone and told him how much I loved the series and cleaning. 'By the end of the call, I had been offered an audition. I would never have applied to go on the show, so I feel that this call came to me for a reason as it is where my journey started,' Lynsey says. 'When my twin daughters were 13, they asked to go on Instagram. I let them, but only if…

The Great Daffodil Appeal has been an iconic campaign by end-of-life charity Marie Curie since it's launch in 1986. Raising crucial funds, the appeal helps Marie Curie nurses, doctors and hospice staff who provide care and support for people with terminal illnesses and their families across the UK. However, in its 35th year, for the first, they have had to cancel all of their public collections, leading to a potential loss of £3 million. That's why they need our help more than ever. To mark the 35th anniversary, they have designed a beautiful range of spring themed products, available from early March. Shop the range: shop.mariecurie.org.uk…

Spring into the new season and rediscover the joy of getting dressed! Award-winning personal stylist Lisa Talbot (www.lisatalbot.co.uk)shares the colours and styles for spring 2021. COLOURS Pink - A super colour that complements so many other tones. Baby pink, hot pink and neon pink – all these fun hues will add zest to your spring wardrobe. Rainbow - With the rainbow symbolising hope during the past year, it's nice to know colour will play a huge part in the new season. Inject colours into your outfits using accessories or bold garments. Monochrome - Black and white always looks so chic, and remains in style every year. If colour isn't for you, opt for monochrome and block separates or try a funky black and white print. STYLES Comfort first - With…