Pick Me Up! 09-Dec-2021

In 2019, my eldest daughter, Annabella, 16, tried to take her own life. As a result, she was left with a traumatic brain injury. In her recovery process, she began treatment at a local rehabilitation centre who specialise in children with brain injuries. She spent nine months there before returning home to us on 4 February 2020. Oskar, three, and Kayleigh, nine, were so excited to be able to see their sister again. Then lockdown struck, but I was thankful as it gave us all time to deal with what had happened as a family. Although Annabella was integrating well into home life once again, I found it very difficult to come to terms with what my baby girl had done. I needed something to distract me. When I was…

Support a small business It’s Christmas down at Lucy’s Farm and to celebrate, there is a new collection of uniquely festive cards, homeware and tree decorations. Featuring beautifully illustrated and fun filled animal portraits, including the ever-popular Moo selfie cow art, each product in the Lucy’s Farm Christmas range started life as an original painting by one of Dorset’s most talented artists, Lucy Tidbury. So, whether it’s an advent calendar, bauble, platter or cards, you’re sure to have a dairy Christmas! • Prices from £4, available from www.lucysfarm.co.uk GET IN TOUCH Send us your stories and photos, including all names and ages, a daytime phone number and full address. E-mail hello@pickmeupmag.co.uk WRITE TO Pick Me Up! Media Centre, Emma-Chris Way, Abbey Wood Park, Filton, Bristol, BS34 7JU PHONE 01174400607 FACEBOOK…

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.…

Strapping on my skates, I was looking forward to a Friday night down at the local ice-rink. I was 16-years-old, and my friends and I loved spending time there. Plus, it didn’t hurt that the DJ was easy on the eye as well. I knew Ian, then 18, through friends, but we’d only spoken a handful of times. However, I couldn’t deny that it he was good looking. Plus, he played some great tunes as we twirled around on the ice. As the years passed, Ian just became known as the local DJ. In 2003, I moved away from my small village in North Lanarkshire, up to Inverness in the Highlands. There, I became an auxiliary nurse and met my now ex-husband, and welcomed my son Scott, 15, into the…

It was the worst call. Deep down, I knew I was going to lose him. Heading straight to the hospital, there was only one thing on my mind. I had to marry him. Christmas was now just days away. We were meant to be celebrating. Instead, I spent my days by his bedside. Ian was still in denial, but I knew I had to make plans. ‘If anything happens, I want to marry him here,’ I told the nurses. ‘We’ll do what we can for you both,’ they agreed. I knew I would lose him, and although he didn’t want to admit it, I had to. Scott decided not to visit the hospital. It was just too hard for him. Ian was growing weaker, and by Christmas Eve morning, the…

Pasta experts Barilla share a clever way to use up your sprouts this Christmas! Barilla is available in major supermarkets. Find more inspiration at barilla.com ◻ 1 box Barilla® Fusilli◻ 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil◻ 1 garlic clove, minced◻ 250g Brussels sprouts, shaved◻ 120ml dry white wine◻ 1 tablespoon fresh basil, sliced thin◻ 60g Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese, grated◻ Salt and black pepper to taste 1Bring a large pot of water to a boil, cook pasta according to package directions. 2Meanwhile, in a pan sauté garlic with olive oil and just before it turns golden add the Brussels sprouts and sauté over high heat for 2-3 minutes. 3Add the wine and reduce quickly, season with salt and pepper. 4Drain pasta, reserving around 120ml of pasta-cooking water. 5Add pasta-cooking water to Brussels…