Pick Me Up! 07-Oct-2021

Completing my GCSE’s, I had no idea what I wanted to do with my life or career. Whilst the rest of my peers went on to study A-levels or a particular college course, I was just clueless. I’d done a bit of engineering in school and seemed to enjoy it, so figured I’d give that a go. However, I quickly realised it wasn’t the place for me. After that, I then went on to try sports, but again, it just wasn’t for me. I just didn’t feel like I fitted in anywhere at all. ‘Why don’t you try Esports?’ my mum suggested one day. I enjoyed gaming, but I hadn’t considered it as a career. The BTEC Esports course at my local college explored the business side behind professional gaming,…

We’re loving this! Don’t gobblefunk around with words! But do with your pyjamas! The new Roald Dahl pyjamas and bedding for kids have arrived exclusively at Very to transport little ones into new worlds. Whether their travelling the world from their room like Matilda, being inspired by the greatest chocolate maker on earth in Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, or enjoying a Fox’s feast, like Fantastic Mr. Fox Fantastic Mr. Fox, the Very collection will bring books to life with matching bedding and pyjama sets. Better yet, for every sale, Very will donate all profits to the reading charity, Coram Beanstalk. • Prices start from £15, from Very Support a small business As colder, darker nights draw in, what’s more cosy than snuggling up on…

I once visited Tripoint in Vaals, where three countries meet – Netherlands, Germany and Belgium. Pick Me Up! was so well travelled! Linda Keen, South Yorkshire STAR LETTER I love this photo of my husband Jack and I on a camel in Egypt. Carole Gasan, Belfast Here’s Riley, Ella and Freya at a family paintball day… they absolutely blasted us! Adam Key, Norwich Robin with Elmo. Sharing is caring. Elizabeth McAllister, Northamptonshire 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.…

Snuggling down under the covers, I relished having the whole bed to myself. My husband Nathaniel, 35, was away for the weekend, and I spread myself out as I sipped my cuppa and swiped through my phone. I could already feel myself unwinding after a long day with my two kids, Jay, then 11, and Ruby, then nine. I was also training to be a nurse. But as I scrolled through Cosmopolitan magazine online, an article drew my eye. It completely stopped me in my tracks. I could hardly believe what I was reading. For years, I’d had a strange brown mark down the middle my right thumb nail. I’d never thought much of it and it had never bothered me. But there was a picture in the article of…

Solve the puzzle to spell out a term related to the picture. The arrows show you where to put your answers. The answer is spelled in the yellow squares. JUST FOR FUN This week’s puzzle answers! Follow it! pg 8 Himalayas Hot trend! If you’re looking for a unique, handmade gift, then The Felt Studio is the perfect choice. All of the stunning creations are made by the founder Emma, and she started in the pandemic. Support a small business, and discover the beauty of felt! Prices start at £3. Visit thefeltstudioshop.com Fun, fab felt!…

My husband Pete sat on the edge of our bed and let out a yawn. ‘I’m just so tired,’ he said. Pete and I worked together in house clearances, so we were used to getting out and about. ‘Oh, come on,’ I joked. ‘Wipe that sleepy dust away and let’s get going.’ But Pete, 73, was more tired than usual. Exhausted. ‘I don’t feel like I’ve slept at all,’ he groaned at me. That day, on 20 November last year, we attended a house clearance in Harlow, Essex. We had a horse trailer outside that we loaded with things from the house. Pete was loading bits of metal into the trailer and our friend Danny was carrying other things out. I was in the living room of the house writing…