Pick Me Up! 10-Nov-2016

What A Sort-Out! We’ve been clearing the loft – and you wouldn’t believe the number of trips to the dump it has involved. Not to mention how many offcuts of carpets, boxes of photos, bags of old clothes, plus chairs and dining tables (yes, really!) we’ve uncovered. What A Change! Our daughter headed off to Southampton Uni a few weeks ago, and the house has never seemed so empty. Or quiet… On the plus side, we’re going out more as a couple. This week? Cocktails and dinner with friends! 6 That’s how many weeks, plus a few days, there are until the shortest day – 21 December – when there’ll be only 7hrs 49mins and 44secs between sunrise and sunset! Roll on, spring (but only after we’ve enjoyed Xmas)! What…

Water baby! My gorgeous 4-year-old son Cassius learning how to swim in the bath. Glenda McQueen, Eastbourne In the swing of it Ah, the last carefree day of my 12-year-old twins Riley and Taylor’s summer holiday. It seems a long time ago now! Rachel Clarke, Sheffield Mummy hugs Between bridesmaid duties at a friend’s wedding, I managed to sneak in some cuddle-time with my 15-month-old daughter Shola. Nina Rees, Swansea Look who I met! On a trip to Kendal, I was lucky enough to bump into Christopher Maloney of The X-Factor fame! Not only did I get a photo but also a great big hug... Christine Walker, Workington Strange reflections Who’s that odd couple? Oh, it’s me and my husband Stephen in the fairground hall of mirrors! Amanda Hadley, Cradley…

‘He punched me in the face, gripped my throat’ Gently closing the bedroom door, I tiptoed away. Peace at last, I thought, relaxing on the sofa. My daughter Maisy, then 8 months, was finally asleep. A single mum, she kept me busy. I’d fallen pregnant when I was just 16. It was a complete surprise. Things hadn’t worked out with her dad, but I was excited to be a mum. When Maisy was born in January 2016, I had to grow up. Nights out with my mates were swapped for midnight bottle-feeds and nappy changes. Not that I minded. I loved being a mum. And, luckily, Maisy’s dad’s mum Carla Dixon lived nearby, so she was always on hand. Tonight, though, it was just me and my girl. But as…

‘Doctors discovered Kye had a second type of cancer’ No matter how old kids get, mums can’t help worrying. In May 2012, I noticed my son Kye, then 20, had a lump on his neck. I marched him to the GP, who thought it was a swollen gland. But, months on, it hadn’t reduced - and more lumps appeared. Kye was constantly fatigued. It didn’t seem right... So, I insisted on a second opinion, and Kye was referred to Castle Hill Hospital, Hull. They took a biopsy and, two weeks later, on 7 December 2012, Kye got a call with the results. ‘I’ve got Hodgkin’s lymphoma,’ Kye told me. Cancer! I was speechless. Hodgkin’s lymphoma starts in the vessels and glands known as the lymphatic system. A PET scan revealed…

I built a winter shelter for the hedgehogs that visit our garden by nailing together a pile of logs and putting food inside. As you can see, it was very popular! Joyce Boyd, Glossop Make a secure pocket for your wallet by sewing a soft purse onto the inside of your coat. Jan Savage, Ipswich Help your children learn colours by painting a cardboard egg carton. My daughter loves finding little things of the correct colour to fit in each space. Amy Moreno, Edinburgh Before turning bacon into lardons, put it in the freezer for 15 minutes – this will firm up the meat and make it easier to cut. Eva Vida, Prestatyn I love the look of this old dresser turned into a plant holder. I saw this in…

Safety First Koochi’s 1-2-3 Car Seat, Motohero, is designed to grow with your little one and protect your child from baby to booster-seat age. Even better, it’s now £80 (normally £100) at Mothercare, Argos, Toys R Us and Boots until 30 November. Freshen Up Leave your washing machine sparkling with Dr. Beckmann Service-it Deep Clean Washing Machine Cleaner – £2.12 (normally £3.30) at Asda until 24 November. Good Hair Day Pick up any Phil Smith shampoo or conditioner in Sainsbury’s for just £2 each (normally £3.50) until 22 November. The range is filled with plenty of great products, so you’re sure to find something to suit your hair type and needs! Great Gift Letterbox Gifts are the perfect pressie as they fit straight through the letterbox with no need to…