Pick Me Up! 23-Jun-2016

What A Thing To Say! I had to laugh at how typically British I am when I read the phrases only Brits say. I’m guilty of at least 10 of them. Still, 'not to worry', eh? Read 'em for yourself. Search 'British phrases' on www.lifedeathprizes.com What A Boon! The clever Cuddle Mattress lets you slip your lower elbow between its comfy foam slats as you snuggle up with your partner! To see how, search 'cuddle mattress' on Facebook. What A Look! I think this pic of my new trainers says it all... I just LOVE my cute, poochy paws! What  A Blast! Since downloading Bitmoji and creating a personalised emoji of myself, I’ve had endless hours of fun texting my mates. Not sure they’ve enjoyed it quite as…

Put ’em up, Teddy! Meet the newest member of our family – Teddy, 12 weeks old. Isn’t he adorable? Jean Lloyd, Dudley Bed pals I love this pic of my dog Jo snuggled up to the rabbit nightdress holder that I’ve had since the 70s! Jan Betts, Bicester We are family The three Mrs Crouchs! Me with my mother- and sister-in-law at my wedding. Samantha Crouch, Tonbridge It’s the Minions! My 4-year-old son Joshua was delighted to find these fellas in Blackpool town centre! Grace Field, Blackpool Look who I met! At Worthing Pier, we came across Gary Lineker who was filming a (crispy) commercial. What a gent he was! Vicky McDonald, Littlehampton Jack Sparrow He’s always had an eye for the ladies, and here’s the cheeky pirate with me…

‘One day, I found myself telling a friend everything’ ‘I realised I had to let go of all my hurt and pain’ I was 11 years old when I first met Wayne Burgoyne, then 37. He was my mate’s dad, and my mum knew him from the school run. He was charming, friendly. So when I was invited round to play at Wayne’s house, I went. ‘We’ve got a Sega Megadrive,’ Wayne told me, and I spent ages playing Sonic the Hedgehog with Wayne’s son. Another time, I went round and Wayne took us to the market. He put his hand on my lower back to steer me through the throngs of people. I thought he was being protective. Kind, too... ‘I’ll get this for you,’ he said, showing me…

‘I noticed her eyes were wide apart and her head misshapen’ After my fella Anthony, 31, and I had our Georgia, now 10, and Dominic, 7, we grew broody again. It wasn’t easy, though. In July 2013, joy turned to sadness when, at 12 weeks pregnant, doctors informed us that the baby had a hole in its head. The pregnancy wasn’t viable, and I was booked in for a termination. Georgia and Dominic were so upset to hear the baby was with the angels. Taking time to grieve, two years on, we were ready to try again. One night, in April 2014, I’d had a funny feeling in my tummy, just like when I was expecting Georgia and Dominic. I sneaked into the bathroom and took a test... Positive! Delighted,…

‘Bless her. I can see why they’re so protective – after losing a baby you want everything to be right. Brianne was gifted to the right family. She’s got her brother’s support, no matter what.’ Denise Neal, 49, Peterborough ‘People’s perceptions need to change, as coping with this may prove harder for her than the condition itself. It will be difficult, but she’s got great parents who love her.’ Helene Stone, 35, Bromley ‘Brianne is a lucky little girl to have such a doting family. With their support, I hope Brianne will have the confidence to brush off people’s judgments.’ Caroline Midwood, 61, Stourbridge…

Put a few grains of rice into your salt shaker – they'll absorb moisture and stop the salt from clogging up. Emma Wood, Studley Always pack a roll of dental floss in your holiday suitcase o – it’s handy if you need some strong thread for handbag or shoe repairs. Carole Casan, Tiverton Store plastic carrier bags in the leg of an old pair of tights. Abbie Cairns, Colchester As a fun alternative to kids’ party bags, cover empty crisp tubes with birthday wrapping paper. Louise Hext, Hayling Island Stop potatoes sprouting by storing them with apples. Marie Singh Ghataura, Sheffield Add a sparkly touch to your plant pots by sticking on some craft jewels. Lilian Smith, Preston Using an old cotton duvet and some cord, I made these pretty…