Pick Me Up! 9-Jun-2022

Striking neon paint along my cheeks and pulling up my neon legwarmers, it was my time to shine! ‘Let’s go girls,’ I boomed loudly across the studio, as disco lighting lit the area. Glow sticks in hand and ‘90s music blaring. Only, I wasn’t heading to the clubbing scene – instead, I was ready for a day at work! After spending 10 years as a performer, singing and dancing on cruise ships all over the world, it seemed like I had it all. But coming out of a serious relationship, I had a sudden moment of realisation. I don’t want to feel let down anymore, I thought. And although I loved being a performer, the short-term contracts meant my weight was always up and down. I would lose weight ready…

WE’RE LOVING Think pink! Cleaning doesn’t have to be boring – add a splash of colour to your chores with Fabulosa’s new Pink collection. With four glorious scents – Pink is Life, Pink Flamingo, Pink Bubblegum and Pink Zebra – disinfecting has never smelled so good. Choose from a Room & Fabric Freshener, Bathroom Mousse, Bathroom Cleaner, Kitchen Cleaner, Foamo Sink and Drain Freshener, Laundry Cleanser and Spray & Wear – all crafted by a team of expert perfumers for a sweet-smelling home. • Available from Poundland FUN DAYS OUT There’s nothing like cosying up with a film and plenty of snacks – but why not take advantage of those gorgeous summer evenings and head to the cinema under the stars? Set against the backdrop of some of the UK’s…

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.…

Getting changed into a pretty frock, I hunched the material over my growing belly. ‘You’re not wearing that are you?’ the baby’s father sniggered when I finally entered the living room. Looking down at the comfy outfit, I immediately turned around to get changed again. How have I got here? Falling pregnant at just 21, after a one-night stand, I had quickly moved in with a man I didn’t really know. ‘I love you and we can get married,’ he insisted. Worried what my family would think about my situation, the promise of actually living out a perfect relationship smoothed everything over. He wasn’t my type, but we were having a child, so I went along with it. Only, as my stomach stretched, his true colours started to show. It…

Pasta in 20 minutes The poshest Marmite ever is here! With a tasty twist of truffle, the iconic spread makes a luxurious ingredient. Serves: 4 ◻ 30g Marmite Truffle◻ 500g fresh fettuccine, or tagliatelle◻ 100g unsalted butter◻ 100g parmesan, finely grated◻ 10g chives, finely chopped 1 Bring a large pan of salted water to a boil. In preparation, add the unsalted butter and Marmite Truffle to a large frying pan. 2 Cook the pasta until just done. Reserve a cup of pasta cooking water. 3 Drain the pasta and add to the frying pan. Add a splash of the reserved water and the parmesan. On a low heat, give everything a stir until the butter has melted and emulsified. Use more water if needed. 4 Serve with the chives sprinkled…

Pouring myself a huge portion of sweet cereal, I heaped spoonfuls of sugar on top before dousing it in milk. Grabbing a spoon, I tucked into my sickly concoction and savoured every mouthful. For me, every day was a treat day – and it had seen me balloon to a huge 22st 7lbs. I’d always struggled with my weight, but when I’d met my boyfriend Darius, 29, I’d been on a diet and I was a trim 12st. But in the decade we’d been together, I’d piled on 10st. I was now squeezing my bulging belly into size 30 clothing, that I had to buy from special plus-size shops. Polishing off the last remnants of sugary milk from my bowl, I headed upstairs to get ready for the day. But…