Innholdsfortegnelse for December 2025 i Pick Me Up! Special

Your December issue of Pick Me Up! Special is here and Christmas is around the corner! But before the festive rush, relax with our fab mix of real-life, puzzles, fun, and true crime. I love Angela’s story on p8, because, despite her harrowing experiences, she finds a happy ending that’s both surprising and romantic. And you’ll admire Tanya’s bravery on p24. Admitting you’ve hit rock bottom isn’t easy, but she turned her life around for the best reason. We’ve also got new-season fashion from £5, and treatyourself beauty buys that bring the spa straight to your home. So grab a cosy blanket, a cuppa, and enjoy!…

Angela Johnson, 39 Staring at my ice cream, I couldn’t bring myself to look at the boy who was sitting opposite me. It was May 2003 and, aged 16, it was the first time I’d met Cade, then 19. But while most girls my age would be nervous on a first date, for me, there was much more at stake. Because although Cade was a complete stranger to me, in just two days, he’d be my husband. Growing up in a breakaway Mormon sect – the Fundamentalist Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints (FLDS) – in Canada, I’d always known I’d marry young. My older sister got hitched at 15. Now, it was my turn. The bishop of our 1,500-person community had decided to match me with Cade. But,…

Liliya Bachinskiy, 39 Stroking my belly protectively, I glanced at my husband Anatoliy, then 34. His eyes were fixed on the road, getting us to the hospital. Please be OK, I thought to my tiny bump. It was June 2019, and I was 9 weeks pregnant. Already parents to three boys, Timofey, then 8, Timyr, 6, and Vladislav, 4, we were excited to be expecting again. But three years earlier, I’d had a miscarriage. And now, I’d spotted blood in my knickers again. Arriving at hospital, I was rushed for an ultrasound. ‘Is the baby OK?’ I asked the sonographer. ‘Babies,’ she smiled. ‘It’s twins!’ Stunned, I looked at Anatoliy as a grin spread across his face. In minutes, we’d gone from fearing we were losing a baby to gaining…

Lilie James had a reason to smile. She’d met someone and she seemed happy. It was August 2023, and the pretty and talented 21-year-old was studying for a sports business degree at uni. She was also working part time as a water polo and swimming coach at St Andrew’s Cathedral School, near her home in Sydney, Australia. That’s where she’d met Dutch national Paul Thijssen, 24. Before graduating, he’d studied at the school. Had been a respected sports captain and prefect. Now, he was working in the school’s sports department as a coach. Both sports mad, Lilie and Paul had a lot in common. They made an attractive couple too. Friends described their relationship as ‘casual’. But it seemed that Paul was smitten with Lilie, bragging to pals about their…

1 CHILD’S PLAY Bubble baths are the ultimate treat – and one geared towards children is a safe bet for sensitive skin, since the ingredients are tailored to delicate skin. Childs Farm Sweet Orange Bubble Bath, £5, amazon.co.u,, is gentle and enriched with vitamin E to keep your skin hydrated for up to 12 hours. 2 OH, HONEY! Laura Mercier Ambre Vanille Honey Bath, £47, John Lewis, is the ultimate cocooning formula, with skincare-inspired ingredients that nourish skin. Twirl a trickle under running water, and immerse your body and senses in the sweet-scented, conditioning foam that locks in moisture. A little goes a long way. 3 SUPER SALTS Epsom salts replenish magnesium levels, which helps to produce serotonin, a chemical in the brain that creates a feeling of calm. They’ll also help to…

ASDA Have a bit of fun with these slogan-printed cushions and fruit-themed pieces. TESCO Make a statement with dark woods and deep olive greens, perfect to create a cosy feel in any room. SAINSBURY’S Embrace autumn with nature-inspired accessories in soft, delicate shades of cream, rust and bronze. MORRISONS Dial up the joy in your home with a warm yellow palette. Include touches of terracotta and a few pumpkin patterns.…

Cartwheeling, skateboarding and rock climbing were just a few of Bella’s favourite things to do. Bursting with energy, she was just like any other typical teenager. Only, something strange was going on in her body. ‘When I was 15, my heart rate got to 225 lying down,’ she explains. Compared to a normal resting rate of 60 to 100 beats per minute, this was off the scale. ‘My whole body was just feeling so weird,’ she says. After a test called an electrocardiogram, or ECG, doctors had an answer. ‘They found something wrong with my heart and diagnosed me with Wolff-Parkinson-White syndrome,’ she says. A condition causing the heart to beat abnormally fast for periods of time. ‘It’s basically an issue with the electrical system in your heart,’ Bella says.…

On the outside, Nicholas Prosper was a polite, studious boy. When he left school in July 2022, he was described by teachers as quiet and geeky. He had a small group of friends, all sharing an interest in computers. It was only when he started sixth form that teachers noticed ‘a change’. With an undiagnosed neurological developmental disorder related to autism spectrum disorder (ASD), Nicholas couldn’t keep up. He became more and more isolated – more withdrawn at home, too. He hated sixth form, was angry at his mum Juliana for making him go. At the flat he shared with her and his siblings Kyle and Giselle in Luton, he’d often shut himself in his room. Always on his computer. And he seemed to develop some unhealthy obsessions. One with…

Anna Osborn, 30 Rubbing my sore belly, I winced and popped another painkiller. Aged 28, I’d been struggling with heavy periods and painful cramps for years. Working as a recreational therapist and a single parent to my girls, then 8 and 6, I couldn’t afford to be ill. Recently, a specialist had referred me for keyhole abdominal surgery to find out what was causing my symptoms. Only, the morning of my op, in July 2023, I went to the toilet and sighed. ‘I’ve started my period,’ I explained, calling the hospital. ‘Can I still have my surgery?’ ‘Just use a tampon,’ the nurse advised. So the procedure went ahead. Waking up in hospital after the two-hour op, I was groggy and in pain. But I had some answers at least……

Gail’s Pratt Gail’s now enjoying a new life in France with her sixth husband, Jesse. Let’s hope her golden years are less eventful than the half century she spent on the cobbles! Her most terrifying ordeal was finding out that hubby number three, businessman Richard Hillman, was a serial killer – or, in her words: ‘Norman Bates with a briefcase.’ It all came to a head when Richard decided to kill himself along with Gail, her children David and Sarah and granddaughter Bethany, by driving them into a canal. Thankfully, Gail and the kids survived, and Richard met his demise. Laurel’s booze battle Given everything that goes on in such a tiny village, it’s a wonder more people haven’t turned to self-medicating with booze. But the issue was tackled in…

In 2014, actor Kevin Costner sent a heartfelt tribute to the British Armed Forces, thanking them for serving ‘unflinchingly to protect’ what? To find out, solve the crossword then read down the shaded squares to find the four-word answer. ACROSS 11 Definitely (6) 12 Wanderer (9) 13 Noisy quarrels (4) 14 Jewellery item (8) 15 Label or emblem (5) 16 Not a single person (6) 17 Word with the same meaning (7) 18 Working together (11) 20 Gold or copper, for example (5) 22 Emphasise or reinforce (9) 24 African country (5) 28 Tolerant (7) 29 Concept (7) 32 Sculpted figure (6) 34 Switchboard worker (8) 36 Illnesses (8) 37 Painter (6) 39 _ Ferrera, star of Ugly Betty (7) 40 Confused, puzzled (7) 45 Acquire knowledge (5) 47 Echoed…

Polar opposites Since 2003, Elf has been a festive family fave. But instead of funnyman Will Ferrell portraying Buddy, it was originally pegged for Jim Carrey. By the time casting calls came around, 10 years or so after it was first written, Jim was no longer interested. It’s probably for the best. We can’t imagine his own famous Chrimbo character, The Grinch, being called a ‘cotton-headed ninny muggins’! No silver lining The Princess Diaries, The Devil Wears Prada, Bride Wars, Love & Other Drugs… Anne Hathaway has been busy. And 2012’s Silver Linings Playbook could have been added to that list of hit movies, with Anne cast as the lead, Tiffany – until she fell out with the director and left the project, to be replaced by Jennifer Lawrence. Was…

Tuna pasta Transform store-cupboard staples into this tasty, speedy dinner. SERVES 4 PREP 10 MINS COOK 15 MINS ● 350g penne pasta● 1tbsp olive oil● 1 red onion, chopped● 1 garlic clove, crushed● 400g tin chopped tomatoes● 200g tinned tuna, drained● 250g green beans, halved● 200g cherry tomatoes, halved● 1-2tbsp black olives● 2tbsp parsley, chopped 1 Cook the pasta in boiling salted water until it is just tender. 2 Meanwhile, heat the olive oil in a large pan and fry the onion for 3 mins, to soften. Add the garlic and fry for a further min. Pour in the chopped tomatoes, bring to the boil, then simmer for about 10 mins. Add the tuna to the pan and cook until heated through. 3 Put the green beans in with the pasta for…

Magda Berg, 45, Amersham, Buckinghamshire Watching my dad up on stage, I felt so proud. ‘That’s my dad,’ I boasted to my friends as he drummed along to rock music with his band. Aged 10, I loved going to his gigs. I’d tag along to rehearsals and knew all the words to his songs. But while he was a talented musician, I couldn’t play a note. Maybe it was because I was adopted. Just 5, when I’d started primary school, Mum and Dad had sat me down and explained they’d chosen me to be their daughter. Still so young, I hadn’t really understood what it meant. All I knew was that they loved me. ‘You’ll always be our girl,’ Dad told me. Only now, in 1990, I was starting to…

Key lime pie A zingy twist on the classic lemon meringue. Serve warm or cold. SERVES 12 PREP 30 MINS COOK 25 MINS ● 300g digestive biscuits● 125g unsalted butter, melted● 3 large egg yolks● Zest and juice 6 limes● 1 x 400g can condensed milk● 3 large egg whites● 175g caster sugar YOU WILL NEED: ● 21cm loose-based tart tin 1 Heat oven to 160C Fan/Gas 4. Whizz the biscuits in a food processor to fine crumbs, then mix in the melted butter. Spread over the base and sides of the tin. Bake for 10 mins, then leave to cool. 2 Turn the oven down to 150C Fan/Gas 3½. Beat the yolks with the lime zest until creamy and pale. Pour in the condensed milk and whisk until thickened. Mix…

Fiona Namusoke, 42, Luton Watching my son Ash feeding his brother, I was so proud. Although Ash, then 9, was a year younger, Raayan was severely autistic. Now, in 2016, he’d become non-verbal and couldn’t do much for himself. But Ash adored his brother. He’d feed him, play with him, even taught him to count. They had their own way of communicating. As a single mum and full-time carer for Raayan, I often wondered what we’d do without Ash. He loved swimming and basketball, playing guitar and listening to R&B. And he was also great with computers. ‘Mum, that’s a scam,’ he told me whenever I got sent a deal that looked too good to be true. Seeing how bad I was with technology made him want to help others.…

STYLE TIP Pair with other earthy tones such as olive green for a luxurious colour palette, and contrast textures like suede and bouclé. STYLE TIP Give dresses a tailored touch with a blazer in a lighter neutral shade, such as cream or beige. STYLE TIP Break up an all-brown outfit with a sleeveless knit. Tuck the front into your jeans to keep the look streamlined rather than bulky. STYLE TIP Balance a high-waisted skirt with a boxy denim shirt to highlight your waist and create a flattering silhouette.…

Tanya Burnett, 54, Donegal As I rolled over in bed, I squeezed my eyes shut. Tried to force myself to fall asleep. Only I couldn’t stop the same thought ping ponging around my head. There’s still cake in the kitchen, it reminded me. It was October 2020 and earlier that evening, I’d picked up a Viccy sponge from the corner shop. My partner Mark, then 44, and sons Jack, 20, and Joe, 22, had each had a sliver after our shepherd’s pie tea. I’d gobbled down two whopping great slices. And knowing there was still a chunk left felt like torture. Sighing, I threw back the covers and padded downstairs to the kitchen, leaving Mark fast asleep. Polishing off the last quarter of sponge, I brushed the crumbs off my chin…

Beth Priddy, 27, Windsor Smearing blue eyeshadow on his face, I grinned. ‘You look pretty, Daddy,’ I giggled. Stepping back to admire my work, I wasn’t finished yet. ‘Now I’m going to do your hair!’ I announced. Smiling, my dad Mark, then 35, just sat and let me give him a makeover. ‘More glitter please,’ he said, playing along. It was 2004 and, aged 5, I adored Dad. My big sister and I loved playing with him. Nothing made us laugh more than seeing Dad all dolled up. He was just happy to spend time with us. He was protective, too. He’d sleep on my floor when I had a nightmare, his comforting snores drifting up to me in bed. But as happy as life was, there was sometimes tension…

Poppy ♥ Olivia When Chihuahua-cross puppy Poppy was rescued by the RSPCA, she rescued one of the charity’s workers right back. Animal care assistant Olivia Ball, 33, had just lost her cat after 23 years and was struggling with health issues when she came across little Poppy at work. The tiny pup had been saved by the charity at 8 months old after being found with broken legs and three fractured ribs. Poor Poppy also had an amputated ear and skin wounds following a series of attacks. But while nursing her back to health, Olivia fell in love and asked to take Poppy home! Living happily in Milford on Sea, Poppy loves walks on the beach and paddling in the sea. Olivia says: ‘Poppy came just at the right time, as she…

Imagine being the victim of a crime, bravely seeking justice and feeling relieved to see the perpetrator put behind bars. But then imagine discovering that far from serving their full sentence, they are being released early. And all because prisons simply can’t cope with the number of prisoners. Last year, thousands of prisoners were released early under emergency conditions to try and ease the overcrowding situation, after serving just 40% of their sentence (the usual being 50%). And now, offenders could be eligible for early release after serving just a third of their sentence, under new reforms proposed earlier this year. Across England and Wales, there is room for no more than around 81,500 people in prison, but there are currently just over 87,000 and the number is expected to…

Alison Caine, 52, Wheaton Aston, Staffordshire As I lugged my suitcase through the hotel, my husband Baron, then 44, followed behind with his. It was June 2015, and we’d arrived in Tunisia for a two-week holiday. We’d been visiting the country for 10 years for the gorgeous weather, friendly people, stunning beaches… ‘What’s not to love?’ I said to Baron as we checked into the Marhaba Hotel. It was our fourth stay at the hotel, and it felt like home. But something was different this time. It was so quiet. Three months earlier, 22 people had been killed in a shooting at a museum in Tunis, the capital. When Baron and I had heard, we’d worried it might not be safe to travel to Tunisia. But the company we’d booked…

When Renn and Durden sat down together, a year and a half into their relationship, it was time for them to finally be honest with each other. Renn had noticed something about her other half, and she needed to get it off her chest… ‘We met on Tinder,’ Durden explains, going back to the start. ‘I immediately thought she was way out of my league,’ he laughs. ‘She just looked really sweet and genuine.’ ‘Neither of us were looking for a relationship,’ Renn says. But from that first day, they became inseparable. ‘We were both married previously,’ Renn says, explaining that this time, they wanted to ‘do it right’. That meant letting their guards down and being their true, authentic selves. It’s something that Renn has always been comfortable with.…

Aries 21 March – 19 April There’s lots of laughter in December’s first fortnight. Whatever your resolutions for 2026, make them on 27 December, when the Aries Moon helps them stick. Call 0905 789 4150* and choose weekly, monthly and yearly updates Taurus 20 April – 20 May Get Christmas planning done with partners before the 12th. On New Year’s Eve, the Taurus Moon brings subconscious needs to the fore. Call 0905 789 4151* choose weekly, monthly and yearly updates and Gemini 21 May – 20 June Others may drive you mad in December’s first half. This could come to a head on the 4th, when the Gemini Full Moon puts emotions in charge. Call 0905 789 4152* and choose weekly, monthly and yearly updates Cancer 21 June – 22…