Pick Me Up! 22-Jul-2021

I’ve been bullied almost my entire life. Growing up, I was never accepted. Having received a scholarship to attend a private school, the kids taunted me for being poor. At first, it was just verbal, but as the years went by, the bullying turned physical and when I was 16, a knife was held to my throat. I was miserable, but I decided one day that I was going to use it to my advantage. For years I was told that I was poor, ugly and worthless – that I would never make it. I was going to prove them wrong. For myself and my own mental wellbeing. That’s why, I set up what is now a multi-million pound consultancy company, Lisajohnson.com, where I empower entrepreneurs and women to go…

We’re loving this! Introducing Flower Moon, Oliver Bonas’ new and exclusive jewellery collection, designed in collaboration with beautiful new mama and author Liv Purvis. All of the earrings, rings, necklaces and bracelets in this gold jewellery collection have an heirloom feel, designed by Liv to be treasured and make you feel special. From the hoops to the rings, each piece is thoughtfully designed with delicate floral and celestial details, inspiring quotes and pale inlaid stones, named after important women in Liv’s life. • Go to oliverbonas.com to shop the range now. Good deed of the week Treat yourself while proving a meal for a hungry child in education somewhere across the globe. All of BOBBIE’s brownies contain the finest, sustainable and ethical ingredients and they are made in the UK.…

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.…

Tidying around the house, I heard my son Dan*, 16, walk through the door. ‘Hi Mum, this is my friend Will,’ he said in 2003. ‘Hi,’ I murmured, not really paying attention. As a busy household, people were always in and out. ‘Mum… this is Will Smith,’ Dan said again. ‘Oh, sorry,’ I smiled, looking up. ‘I’m Marilyn He politely nodded back. Will seemed shy at first and the two of them went off to play video games. Dan had never introduced Will to us before, but after that, he was around quite often. Will slotted in well with our family and became part of the furniture – and I enjoyed having him there. And not to mention, Will was super friendly. He was always offering to help around the…

Scooping up our daughter, Esme, then one-and-a-half, I gave her a big cuddle. ‘There, there,’ I cooed. ‘Nasty sickness bug.’ She had been being sick each morning for two days. My husband Aaron, 36, and our other kids Jordan, now 17, Lillie, nine, and Sienna, six, had also had a bug so we reckoned it would pass. But days later when we all finally felt better, Esme was still being sick. She’d vomit every morning and then again after her gymnastic session in the afternoon. When it had been going on for two weeks, I saw the GP. ‘It must be an allergy,’ he said to us. He suggested Esme should avoid certain foods and for us to keep a food diary. Days passed, though, and nothing changed. Esme was…

Be a winner This week, our tip of the week will receive a great product from Addis! Creating a clean and neat space can help makeover a room with a minimal cost yet maximum impact. This Addis rattan effect laundry hamper and basket, toilet brush and bin, is a perfect mini makeover. To embrace and love your space visit addis.co.uk Shine bright To clean the white rubber area on your trainers simply buff out marks with white toothpaste and wipe away with a wet cloth. Judith Cairns, Essex Stay protected I have pale skin and am prone to burning in the sun so I’ve created my own parasol and holder using an umbrella, Sellotape and an empty toilet roll. Becky Jacobs, Birmingham Perfectly placed I save my empty plastic fruit…