Innholdsfortegnelse for 26-May-2016 i Pick Me Up!

What A Lucky Girl! This month, I’m off to Kerala in India – a state by the Arabian Sea. Sigh… 14 days of yoga and meditation doesn’t sound too bad to me! What A Film! Anyone watched the 1975 musical Tommy? I’m a fan of rock ’n’ roll, and this musical by The Who – featuring Jack Nicholson, Tina Turner and Elton John – definitely rules. What A Rat! No, I’m not talking about men – they're new additions to my pet family! Meet Keith, Oliver and Byron. Can you guess which bad boys they’re named after..? 65st That’s how much hefty Hercules weighs. He’s officially the world’s biggest big cat! From the USA, he measures almost 11ft in total length. We bet he’s a pussycat really… What A Legend!…

"Getting to hold my babies was a dream come true" "It was a bit of a juggling act, but we coped!" When Richard and I got together in September 2011, he was honest from the start. ‘I’m not sure I can have children,’ he warned. Filling me in on his history, he’d tried to conceive before with a former partner but nothing had happened. I already had a daughter, Letetia, 7, and loved being a mum. But Richard was funny, handsome, hardworking. I wasn’t too upset if we could never grow our family. And on 21 October, after six weeks together, we were getting ready for bed one night when he got down on one knee. ‘Will you marry me?’ he asked, presenting me with a white-gold diamond solitaire. ‘Yes!’…

Fizzy Fun If you’re celebrating this week – why not snap up a bottle of Perlezza Prosecco? It’s now just £7 (normally £9) at branches of Spar until 25 May. Clean Up Bag a 22-capsule pouch of Persil Bio Capsules for just £4 (normally £8.32) at Asda until 5 June. They remove stains easily, so you don’t have to worry about little ones getting messy – these easy-to-use capsules will get their clothes clean! Eat Well Buy any three Slimming World meals or meats (excluding soups and sauces) at Iceland before 7 June and receive a free 6 Pack of Muller Light Red Fruits selection yogurts absolutely free! Who said that healthy eating couldn’t also be tasty? House Proud If your vacuum cleaner has finally bitten the dust, now is…

Itching scalp Q I have a maddeningly itchy scalp. I am tearing at it, scratching all night, and it’s keeping me awake. Now my face is itching, too. Why is this? Kiki, London A This sounds like a fungal infection and might need prolonged antifungal scalp treatment or shampoo and creams. Ask your GP. Shingles jab Q Should I have the shingles jab if I’ve never had chickenpox? Claire, Carlisle A Research suggests that 99 per cent of people have had chickenpox, even if they don’t remember it, in which case, the shingles vaccine is advisable. It can’t prevent chickenpox if you’ve never had it, and can cause a mild, similar illness, but that’s rare. Twitchy eyes Q My eyelid twitches all the time. Is this anything I should worry…

Q My partner is diabetic and has erectile dysfunction. Is it true caffeine can help? How much would he need to maintain an erection strong enough for sex? Agnieshka, Warrington A Diabetes is the most common cause of erectile dysfunction. The best way for your partner to manage it is through better control of his blood-sugar levels. Caffeine has no benefit on erectile dysfunction in diabetics. 1 /3 …that’s the proportion of UK women who experience mild bladder weakness, according to new research from Tena Lights.…

Chocolate Tiffin Serves: 12 Prep Time: 20 min Chill: 2 hr 1 Grease and line a 2 20cm square tin. Melt 150g dark chocolate, golden syrup and butter together in a glass bowl set over a pan of simmering water, stirring until well mixed. 3 Remove from the heat, and fold in hazelnuts, biscuits and figs. 4 Spoon mixture into prepared tin and press down firmly to remove any air bubbles. 5 In separate bowls, melt remaining dark chocolate and white chocolate. Pour dark chocolate over tiffin mixture, tilting the tin so it runs into all corners. 6 Drizzle teaspoons of white chocolate over the top in lines and use a cocktail stick to feather it into dark chocolate. 7 Put the tin…

"I had a skin graft from my right leg to repair my face" I was just an ordinary 27-year-old lad. Single, I worked as a carer for elderly people. Liked going out with my mates, and loved my two kids, then 6 and 1, more than anything. And at about 11pm on 3 June 2014, I left my home in Thundersley, Essex, got into my grey Citroen Picasso, and set off to my mate’s house. My screams I was driving for about five minutes when I pulled up at some traffic lights at the Rayleigh Weir roundabout. My window was open as a red Rover pulled up next to me. I looked over and saw a man in the passenger seat, but I didn’t take much notice as the lights…

The effects are still unknown E-cigarettes. A decade ago, we’d never heard the term. Now, an estimated 2.6 million people in the UK use them every day. When the smoking ban in the UK came into effect in 2007, many saw it as a reason to ditch the ciggies once and for all. It wasn’t long before former smokers began turning to e-cigarettes to get their nicotine fix. Sales increased year-on-year, soon hitting an all-time high. With more people opting for e-cigs, the number of tobacco smokers in the UK fell. Public Health England even announced that they’re 95 per cent less harmful than tobacco cigarettes. Unlike conventional ciggies, they don’t contain the same chemicals that increase the risk of lung cancer, heart disease and stroke. Concerns Sounds ideal... but…

Save: Head & Shoulders Thick & Strong Shampoo If your hair breaks easily, you need this! It helps strengthen locks to avoid breakage, thickens with regular use and leaves your scalp healthy and flake-free. Spend: Nanogen Root Boost Hair Thickening Spray Simply spray onto your barnet for thicker hair in an instant. It’s activated by heat, so use with your hairdryer for added oomph! Splurge: Viviscal Gorgeous Growth Densifying Elixir This leave-in treatment helps condition the scalp to encourage hair growth and also helps to reduce hair loss. It doesn’t weigh locks down, which is important if they’re thin.…

"Kendal looked so fragile, I didn’t leave her side" The look on the doctor’s face told me something was wrong. ‘I’m afraid your baby’s got a serious heart condition,’ he confirmed. I was 26 weeks pregnant and at a routine scan. As the words sank in, I was utterly distraught, especially when the doctor warned me my baby might not survive. Back at home, I broke the news to my other kids - Corrie, 19, Allesha, 15, Callum, 10, and Mya, 4. ‘The baby’s very poorly,’ I cried. After, I was monitored closely. Then, in February last year, at 39 weeks, I gave birth to Kendal, while the kids stayed at home with family. Weighing 5lb 5½oz, she was gorgeous. Before I could hold her, she was whisked away by…

Ziggy’s stuck!’ exclaimed my hubby Michael. It was 8.30pm one Tuesday evening in September 2014. Our neighbour had just seen a dog chasing our 6-month-old kitten. Timid Ziggy had darted into a 3in gap between our garage and next door’s extension. It was pitch-black, so we shone a torch down the tiny passage. There, about 5ft deep, our stricken kitten was trapped! The narrow space was impossible to reach into, so we called the fire brigade. Ten minutes later, a fire engine arrived with a team of five firefighters on board. Neighbours came to see what the fuss was about – our puss! First, using a pole, the firemen tried looping a net around Ziggy’s neck to gently pull him out. Impossible! Distressed, Ziggy was frantic, clawing in panic. An…

‘I met my partner online and I have loads of friends who’ve met people in different countries, too. You have to be careful, but this is proof you can have a happily ever after.’ Lauren Balmain, Gateshead ‘What a tale they’ve got to tell the grandkids! Such a sweet story and it just goes to show that the Internet isn’t all bad – it can bring two people together.’ Brita Bevis, Sleaford ‘Wow! They took a huge risk so it’s lucky it all worked out. You hear so many stories about people not turning out to be who they say they are, so it’s nice to hear a happy ending.’ Colette Mellor, Thurnscoe…

TAURUS 21 April–21 May There’s a breakdown of communications in the family currently, which is making it extremely difficult for you to concentrate on other areas of life. Legal dealings are well-starred to go in your favour, as are results on forms. Call: 09058 170 711* GEMINI 22 May–21 June Those you trusted have let you down, but at least you now know who you can and can’t trust. With this clarity of mind you’re now able to give your time and energy to those who’ll be able to show you support and love. You’ve come full circle! Call: 09058 170 712* CANCER 22 June–23 July A generous nature the Stars place over you could see you offering to take on more than you can handle. Stop and think before…

"I’d eat six chocolate bars in a row, out of control" Staring at my reflection, all I could see was failure. I’d pick out my flaws, seeing only my ‘flab’. Aged 14 in 2007, I was fit and active, enjoyed swimming and running. Very competitive, I’d compare myself to the slim girls. I always felt like the ‘chubby’ one. At 8st 7lb, and 5ft 2in, I was healthy for my age. But I pressured myself to be the best. If I came second or third in class or sports, I’d hate it. So, I decided to diet. First, I cut out junk like chocolate and greasy burgers, and lost 7lb. ‘You look fantastic,’ a classmate praised. Craving more compliments, I was determined to lose more. I started making myself sick…

1 Sciatica is caused by the nerves that run fromthe back of your pelvis down both legs getting cold. True False 2 It causes tingling or numbness and pain in the back, legs and feet. True False 3 Surgery is the only treatment. True False 4 Only old people get it. True False 1 FALSE Many cases are caused by slipped discs pressing on the nerves. But sciatica can also be caused by spinal injuries, infections or growths, such as tumours, as well as by a narrowing of the nerve passages. 2 TRUE The pain can be mild or intense and made worse by sitting for long periods. There may be muscle weakness in the affected leg. 3 FALSE Rarely, surgery may be needed, but sciatica often passes in about…

"Charles was thought of as a peculiar man" On 5 December 2003, mother and estate agent Nancy Dunning, 56, answered the door to someone at her home in Alexandria, Virginia. As she did, she was fatally shot. Nancy’s husband James had been the local Sheriff, and was investigated as a possible suspect. No charges were brought. Nancy’s death remained a long-running mystery... Shock attacks Almost 10 years later, in November 2013, Anne Haynes’ husband Ron Kirby, 69, gave his wife some driving directions. ‘Call me if you get lost,’ was the last thing he said to her. Later that day, transport planner Ron’s son Josef found his father dead in their home. Ron had been shot. Just three months later, in February 2014, music teacher Ruthanne Lodato, 59, answered a…

1 Lidl Batts Caesar Dressing, 250ml If you like a sharp-flavoured dressing, this has a tangy edge that’s sure to hit the spot. Smooth and creamy, with a delicate garlic-and-cheese flavour, it’s thick enough to spread in any sandwich to add something extra. 2 Sainsbury’s Caesar Dressing, 180ml Once opened, you need to keep this fresh dressing in the fridge and use it fairly quickly. Not a problem, though! The lush, rich dressing with its rich cheese flavour’s delicious and will make any salad special. 3 Asda Extra Special Caesar Salad Dressing, 255ml This big bottle will keep for up to four weeks in the fridge after it’s been opened. It coats leaves beautifully, and its good cheesy flavour is the perfect match for crispy lettuce, and crunchy croutons. Make…

‘We’re hoping we can go swimming with dolphins’ My friends loved going to the bingo hall, had such fun, so I thought I’d give it a try. And I loved it, too! But, as a single mum of three, I rarely found the time to go. Then one of my mates suggested online bingo. After looking online, I soon came across Pick Me Up! Bingo. There were so many great games, I was spoilt for choice. Sapphire, a 90-ball bingo game, became my fave. I didn’t expect to win, it was just for fun. Then, two months after joining, in October last year, I settled in front of the TV with my laptop, after putting the kids to bed. I bought a few bingo tickets in Sapphire, let the games…

Beaba Ultra Compact Textile Bath, £67, www.beaba.com/en Bathing a little one can be tricky, so that’s why this bath was created! It’s made from a waterproof fabric that’s soft on babies’ skin, is easy to assemble and can be folded down easily after use for simple storage. Verdict: GENIUS! Great idea – but a bit pricey! LadyCare, £28.95, Boots If you have menopause symptoms, this may help. Clip the discreet device to your underwear, and it supposedly helps rebalance your nervous system to reduce hot flushes, improve your mood and help with digestive problems! Verdict: GENIUS! Sounds bonkers but it’s actually brilliant! Super Sumo Bumper Balls, £12.99, Home Bargains Let your kids loose in the garden with these sumo balls – we guarantee they’ll be entertained for hours!…

The Secret Of My Success NAME: Alison Green, 40, from Portsmouth. LOST: 5st VITAL STATISTICS: I’d been a yo-yo dieter for years, though a couple of years ago, I lost 3st through healthy eating and exercise. But then I fell pregnant, and, diagnosed with symphysis pubis dysfunction, I couldn’t walk much throughout my pregnancy. After my daughter was born in 2014, I weighed 16st, and a size-20/22 was tight. MY MOTIVATION: I had no confidence and hated going out because I didn’t feel comfortable in anything I wore. MY ACTION PLAN: My partner recommended NSCC, so last May, I signed up at my local clinic. Along with a healthy diet, I was prescribed slimming pills, given advice about exercise, and I had a weekly meeting to check my progress. My…

"Her locks will have helped a child through a hard time" My daughter Charlie, 6, had flowing, blonde locks right down her back, past her bum. As a tot, she’d been enraptured by the Disney film Tangled, and was determined to grow her mane long, too. ‘I’m a princess!’ she’d declare. Then, in April 2014, she watched a YouTube video about a little girl with cancer who’d lost her hair, and whose family were fundraising for a holiday. ‘Mummy, can we sponsor her?’ Charlie asked. I agreed, and we donated some money. But, my kind-hearted little soul wasn’t finished. In May 2014, Charlie went to my hubby Steve, 37. ‘Daddy, would you mind if I had all my hair cut off for children with cancer?’ she said. She’d seen it…

"He pinned me down, slipped his hands around my throat" "I’m proud of myself for standing up to him" I smiled as I flicked the switch to boil the kettle. Weeks earlier, in May 2011, I met Gareth Keeping in my local pub, and we got chatting. Swapping numbers, we arranged to meet again... Three cups of tea later, and he never left! Head over heels, I got Gareth’s name tattooed on my right foot. But, six months on, his behaviour started to change. Gareth became paranoid and jealous. Every time I chatted to a man, he thought I was cheating. ‘Don’t be stupid, I love you,’ I’d insist. But Gareth began scouring my phone and bank statements for anything suspicious. He even checked my dirty underwear! We were bickering…

1 Be an early bird They start early, so get to boot fairs first thing to bag the best bits! 2 Hidden treasure Look at the back of stalls for hidden gems. Check later – maybe they’ll put out more! 3 Dress down Sellers may bump up their prices if they see you wearing smart clothes or carrying a designer handbag. 4 Swot up! Learn what’s worth buying. Pick up the item, have a good look at it. Ask the seller how old it is, where was it made etc. 5 Know your limit Have a maximum price you’ll pay and don’t go over it! 6 Always haggle Most sellers are open to negotiation and will accept a…

The problems started early in 2013. I was five months pregnant with my son George, and anaemic and exhausted. Then, on 18 May that year, George came along. My partner Cole and I were so happy to be parents. And George was healthy - and gorgeous. But the symptoms I’d had before the birth got worse. Within a week, I suffered two different chest infections and was tired to the point where I’d need a power nap after doing anything - even just showering. The GP said I had postnatal depression and put me on drugs, but I wasn’t depressed... Googling my symptoms, I was horrified: lymphoma. ‘If it is, we’ll deal with it,’ Cole reassured me. But the doctor insisted it was unlikely at my age. I was at…

‘We’re so proud of Camren. He touches everyone’s heart’ It was May 2010 when my son Camren was born at 26 weeks, six days of pregnancy, weighing just 2lb 3oz. Doctors warned me and my husband Terry, 35, that Camren could have developmental and learning difficulties later on... After four months in hospital, having steroids to support his lungs, Camren was finally allowed home. But, over the next few months, I noticed he slept all the time, and he wasn’t sitting up or gaining weight. He had reflux, was limp and floppy. At 9 months, worried he was missing his milestones, I went to the GP. ‘Is it cerebral palsy?’ I asked, but no-one could find anything then that confirmed it. We’d been warned about the possibility three months before.…

"The poor pooch was too weak even to flinch" Following the satnav, my mate Sally and I took a wrong turn in north London and ended up in what looked like wasteland... It was April 2009. I adored animals, and we’d driven from Leicestershire to north London to collect a horse. I was about to have a moan about technology, when something caught my eye... A dog crate with what looked like a dead animal in it. Sally clocked it, too. ‘Let’s go and check,’ she said. So I approached the crate with my heart in my mouth. Inside was a Staffordshire bull terrier, emaciated and lying in its own mess. ‘Hey, buddy,’ I said, approaching gently. The pup didn’t respond, but was breathing. Racing back to the car, I…

TRIED & TESTED This week: CC Creams 1 Neutrogena Visibly Clear Correct & Perfect CC Cream, £6.99, Superdrug A little of this goes a long way – just a tiny blob covered my whole face! The light formula concealed spots and let my skin to breathe so that I didn’t get new ones. 2 Seventeen CC Cream, £6.99, Boots With a slightly thicker consistency than the other two, this gave medium coverage. It left my oily skin matte, without making it look dull. 3 Clean & Clear Hint of Tint Cover & Correct Cream, £6.99, Superdrug I loved how light and fresh this felt – it was as if I’d just applied a moisturiser. It helped to dull the redness of spots and it was easy to apply more layers…

You don’t know what you’ve got till it’s gone. It’s a sad fact that up to 29 pubs across the UK are shutting down each week. The Royal Oak, the only boozer in mine and my hubby Mark’s village, closed down in March last year. Mark, 44, and I have two young sons - Jayden, 8 and Radley, 6 - so we weren’t exactly regulars. But we missed having a social hub to greet our neighbours. The owner’s in talks to open it as a shop or convert it into flats. Last September, together with the Residents Association, I was planning our Christmas fayre. But we’d no pub to pop into for a pint after the lights switch-on. ‘How about an inflatable one?’ I suggested, after seeing an ad for…

"His British accent made my heart flutter" ‘We couldn’t bear to be apart again, A smile spread across my face when I heard my phone buzz. I’d received another Snapchat message from Nathan Treweek, 19. He was pulling a funny face with his cheeks puffed, and I laughed out loud. Then, a few seconds later, the picture was gone. I couldn’t help feeling disappointed. Nathan and I had been exchanging Snapchat pictures for a few weeks. Some were funny, to make each other giggle. Others included a soppy message saying how much we liked each other. But, in reality, Nathan and I were strangers! I knew his age and that he lived in Truro, Cornwall in the UK - thousands of miles from my home here in the USA. But…