Pick Me Up! 27-Jan-2022

Working for the NHS, I had managed to work my way up in the hospital sector. Even though I thoroughly enjoyed my career, it could be very high stress at times. I’m a creative person and I needed something to soothe my brain. Semi-permanent makeup was something I was really interested in. After having my eyebrows microbladed, I knew this technique was great. I would also spend hours watching videos of microblading on YouTube. That’s when, in 2018, I thought I would give it a go. After researching a little more, I found a course I could complete during the evenings and weekends, when I wouldn’t be on shift at the hospital. I loved every single second of it. A year later, in 2019, I became a fully qualified semipermanent…

Have you heard of? It’s time to get messy! It’s Switch on your creative brain and piece together a perfect design. The only limit is your imagination. Noah’s Pottery Clay Kit is the perfect activity for families on a dark and rainy day this winter. And don’t worry, you don’t have to be a pro to get started with this kit. It comes complete with everything you need to create your masterpiece – including an eight-piece toolset, paint brushes, varnish and a base paint. Once you’re happy, simply leave to one side and let the clay dry! Add a personal touch to your home by creating a plant pot or an adorable trinket bowl. Plus, they make the perfect homemade gift! • Prices from £35, noahsbox.com WHAT’S TRENDING Muscle aches and pains…

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.…

Staring intently at the pregnancy test, I held my breath. Slowly, two blue lines started to appear. Positive. My heart sank. I showed the stick to my husband David, 34. ‘Oh,’ he said. We were already parents to a little girl, three-year-old Gracie, who we adored. But this pregnancy hadn’t been planned, and the timing couldn’t be worse. I’d started at university just two days before. I was studying to be a midwife, and the course was intense – I was juggling studying full-time, doing practical work experience and looking after Gracie. David worked as an officer in the merchant navy, which meant he was away for long periods of time. A new baby was the last thing I wanted. ‘What do you want to do?’ David asked. ‘I don’t…

This recipe is easily halved should you want to make less If you’re in need of a burst of healthy energy, these fruity snacks, from lovefreshberries.co.uk, hit the spot! TIP: Try raspberries, strawberries or blackberries instead of blueberries! ◻ 160g roughly chopped dates ◻ 100ml water ◻ 120g blueberries ◻ 120g peanut butter ◻ 60g oats ◻ 50g toasted sesame seeds 1 Place the dates and water in a small pan, cover and simmer for two to three minutes. Stir, mixing to a paste, and cook for a minute or so to make a thick paste. Remove from the heat. 2 Add the blueberries, crushing them slightly, then mixin with the peanut butter and oats.  3 Once cool enough to handle, wet your hands slightly, and roll into 20 evenly…

Gripping onto my mum’s hand, I was absolutely terrified. At 40-weeks pregnant, I had been booked in for a C-section, and my mum Joy, 63, was by my side. Only, instead of excitment, I was filled with nerves. There was a chance my baby wouldn’t make it and the staff at the Countess of Chester Hospital had set up a family room to give us some privacy. Despite being told at my 34-week scan that my baby had a 1% chance of survival, I refused to believe I would lose the little girl who I’d already named Millie. Doctors had previously advised me to terminate her, but I knew that I’d rather have my girl alive in my arms for two seconds than not at all. Millie was diagnosed with…