Pick Me Up! 31-Mar-2022

Moving to the UK from Nigeria in 2009, I continued my full-time job as an accountant. I enjoyed my work, I knew I had a greater potential. With my wife Omobola, and my two beautiful daughters, Hephzibah and Beulah, by my side, I wanted a change I had the news that my niece, Damiloji, had been diagnosed with cerebral palsy. At first, I didn’t understand what her condition meant, but knowing she wasn’t able to get the same healthcare in Nigeria, as she potentially would be receiving in the UK, I worried. A smiley and playful little girl was suffering. Influenced by my niece, I wanted to educate myself on learning difficulties. So, I made the decision to start a nursing postgraduate degree. This way, I could help to give…

GOOD TO KNOW Spring is here, which means it’s time to get your clean on! National Spring Cleaning Week begins on the fourth Sunday in March, so you can get your home spick and span for the warmer months! Throw open your curtains, get up high and put in some elbow grease. Spring cleaning is all about going beneath the surface – when was the last time you cleared out your kitchen cupboards? Pull everything out, check the expiry dates and give it all a clean.Don’t forget to donate your unwanted belongings to charity! For ease, use the Astonish Trigger Sprays. • £1.99 Each, available from ASDA FUN DAYS OUT What if you had the chance to meet some of the most influential women in the world? Well with Marie…

Standing at the entrance to the park in Hamhill, Somerset, I fiddled with my sleeve. What if he stands me up? I thought nervously. I’d been chatting to Joshua James on Tinder for two weeks, and we were finally having our first date. It was October 2020, and with the lockdowns, it made sense to meet outdoors. Then, all of a sudden, I saw a figure heading towards me. Josh, 25, walked straight up to me and gave me a hug. He was funny and charming, and we didn’t stop talking as we strolled around the park together. Then Josh turned to me. ‘You should know, I’ve got an ankle tag with a curfew,’ he said, lifting up his trouser leg to show me. ‘I got into a scrap, but…

Ignoring Josh’s bad manners, I bustled around, getting drinks for James and Claire. It was so much fun and we were having a right laugh. Drinks were flowing and we all toasted to my baby niece. Josh and I talked about how we’d met, and it felt so lovely to be part of a double date. But as Josh drank more, he became moody and rude. He was ignoring me, and I felt embarrassed after I’d made such an effort, especially as James and Claire were so loved up. I could see them exchanging awkward glances. ‘Babe, can you get off your phone?’ I asked. ‘Leave me alone,’ he spat. I was shocked that he was being so rude, and I tried to ignore it, but it only got worse.…

Bursting into fits of giggles, I felt so relaxed and happy. I’d met Jordan on Plenty of Fish, in January 2012, but from the get-go, I knew she was the one. She could talk for England and butterflies swirled in my stomach as her hand brushed up against mine. After our first date, walking around my hometown, Jordan came back to mine. We had a blast and for the next 11 days, we didn’t leave each other’s sides. ‘I wish you didn’t have to go,’ I wailed when she left. It really did feel like we had known each other for years. Thankfully, it wasn’t long before she came back. She put her bag by the front door, then a toothbrush appeared next to mine in the bathroom – she…

This week, our tip of the week will receive a product from Addis! Sort your shoes and maximise wardrobe space with the Addis hanging shoe organiser. Featuring 10 pockets measuring 15cm x 30cm, the organiser fastens securely and easily over the clothes rail. It’s also anti-moth, anti-mould, and water resistant. Simply wipe clean with a damp cloth. For more ways to make your life easier, visit addis.co.uk Tip of the week High flyer My parents have a Victorian house with really high ceilings that the duster couldn’t quiet reach. I used old plastic spoons for cooking that had slightly melted and taped them together to extend the duster – you’re welcome Mum. Beth Marles, Rotherham Bucket of spring Poundland buckets make great plant holders. Me and my husband drilled holes in the…