Pick Me Up! 26-Aug-2021

Slamming the front door behind me, I kicked off my shoes and let out a sigh of relief. I was completely exhausted from a long week of work. I knew marketing was going to be a stressful industry, but I wasn’t prepared for this. I found it so toxic and draining. My 30th Birthday was coming up, and I felt I needed to make a change to my life. Browsing the web one day, I came across a volunteer programme made for professionals. It was based in Peru to help Andean communities set up their own local businesses. It seemed like the perfect opportunity for me. So, in January 2020, I quit my job and signed up. Everyone in the community was so kind and welcoming, but I could see…

Fun days out It’s called black magic! Mixers, it’s time to get excited as Madame Tussauds has officially unveiled the figures to the biggest girl group on the planet! Marking Little Mix’s 10th anniversary, Jade, Perrie, Leigh-Anne and Jesy have been immortalised in the style of their world-famous 2019 Bounce Back music video. Leaving no detail overlooked and no stone unturned, Madame Tussauds London have worked closely with Little Mix and their team of stylists to ensure visitors can get up-close and personal with the megastars. • Prices from £24, www.madametussauds.com BOOK OF THE WEEK On the morning of 18 June 2001, 15-year-old Danielle Jones left home for school, never to be seen again. The hunt for the missing girl and her abductor remains the largest and most expensive investigation…

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.…

Dragging an old chair out into the garden, I wiped my brow. What the hell am I going to do with all this stuff? I thought. I had some free time, so I’d decided to have a big clear-out. But it had left me with a huge pile of junk in my back garden. Grabbing my phone, I tapped out a post on Facebook. Does anyone know of someone who can collect some rubbish from my garden? My phone soon pinged with a reply. I’ll come and get it. The message was from Henry Willis. He was a local scrap metal collector. I’d known him briefly through mutual friends years ago, but I hadn’t seen him in ages. I messaged back and agreed a time for him to pop over.…

Placing my baby boy, Callum, then nine-months-old, in his cot, I stood up and felt a pain in my stomach. ‘Are you OK?’ my husband, Robert, 29, asked. I nodded while doubled over. It was January time in 2016 and my twinges had been coming and going since I gave birth to our third child, Callum, on 7 April the year before. Running around after my two older cheeky monkeys, Kyle, 11, and Luke, nine, as well taking care of Callum - I thought was the cause of it. ‘Go and rest, I’ll sort dinner,’ Robert told me with a smile. I met Robert, my soulmate and childhood sweetheart when I was just 16. Then, nine years ago, I was lucky enough to marry him. Robert took care of me…

This week, our tip of the week will receive a great product from Addis! Creating a clean and neat area can help makeover a space 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 your space and love your home visit addis.co.uk Colourful creations Wrap masking tape around children’s crayons to prevent them from snapping in half. Abbie Cairns, Essex Sofa rescue If your sofa is starting to look a bit flat in the middle, then put an old pillow underneath the cushions. It will rescue it by giving the sofa cushions some added support. Marion Aldred, London Fancy a cuppa? I get rid of tea stains in my drinking mugs using a…