Pick Me Up! 29-Apr-2021

Growing up, I always knew I was different. I struggled with social connections and I took everything quite literally. No one ever questioned if there was an underlying cause to this, so I just carried on. However, it was only when my own daughter began showing similar traits that I started to question it. Researching online, that’s when autism came up. I’d never really thought about it before, but as my then four-year-old underwent an assessment, everything began to add up. And after raising concerns with my doctor, in 2015, at the age of 27, I was diagnosed with autism myself. Doctors said they’d need to assess my daughter over the years to determine whether she had it as well, but for me, it was a huge relief. I’d gone…

SUPPORT A SMALL BUSINESS Here are some fun new crafting kits to see you on some craft-ventures into spring! Cute pastel tones, fun makes and lovely haberdashery by The Make Arcade – a small business passionate about sewing, crafting and making. The Make Arcade want to make life more creative by passing on the practical skills needed to make things by hand and provide inspiration to make and create. They create little kits of DIY loveliness with a modern touch using lots of different sewing techniques and materials. The crafting kits are designed with beginners in mind with lots of photographed instructions and all the materials and supplies included. Everything from The Make Arcade is designed and manufactured in their cosy studio in Salisbury, by a team fuelled on doughnuts and…

If your letter makes Star Letter of the week, you will receive some beautiful blooms from Flying Flowers. With over 30 years’ experience of helping celebrate life’s special moments and FREE delivery by post, a gorgeous bouquet by Flying Flowers is a lovely way to celebrate sharing smiles and happiness. See flyingflowers.co.uk for more details.…

Hot Trend! IKEA’s new collection IKEA have announced its sixth Art Event collection, designed by five contemporary artists from around the world! The ten unique pieces aim to make art more accessible and affordable for the many and are in IKEA stores from May.…

There’s nothing quite like the bond between sisters. I have two, Ebony 38, and Ellsie, 24, and I absolutely adore them. Growing up, I loved having sisters and I always wanted girls of my own so they could experience that special bond. The older we got, the closer we all became. In 2016 however, Ebony and I took it to a new level. You see, I’d been born with a combination of heart problems – a hole in the heart, pulmonary atresia and MAPCAs – and they had consumed most of my life. The issues only came to light when I was eight-years-old, but I needed four operations and I’ve had yearly check-ups ever since. However, in 2013, whilst attending a check-up with my fiancé Michael, 39, I received some…

Turning to Michael, I showed him the messages. I’d expected apprehension, but he was fully on board. As long as Ebony is happy,’ he smiled. I was upset that I’d never carry my own baby, but who better to be our surrogate than my sister? Ebony already had two children of her own, Tegan, 12, and Sonny, nine, with her partner Gavin, 44. She’s always said she had ‘textbook pregnancies’ and followed all the advice. I knew I could trust her and so, a few days later, we met up. ‘Is there anything you want to go over?’ Michael asked. ‘Nothing at all,’ she smiled. ‘I want to do this for you.’ After that, the ball got rolling fairly quick. There were a lot of appointments and things to discuss,…