Pick Me Up! 6-Oct-2022

Belting out yet another musical number onstage, the atmosphere was amazingly electric. Ever since I can remember, singing had been my therapy. Whilst some people meditated, I sang. I loved the way it immediately calmed me down and brought me right into the present moment. So much so, that I eventually won a scholarship at one of the top performing arts colleges, and made it into the West End. Performing for five years, 10 hours a day, I really was living and breathing my childhood dream. However, in 2013, I realised it was time to start settling down with my wife and having a family of our own. Some people meditate but I sing Yet I still had the itch to share the joy of singing with other people. How…

WHAT’S TRENDING It’s officially the season for pumpkin spice! Forget lattes though – make it a strictly grown-up drink with this deliciously autumnal Pumpkin Spiced Espresso Martini. It’s a taste sensation! Pre-mixed for the perfect nofuss drink! • Kocktail Pumpkin Spiced Espresso Martini, £25, from John Lewis • Please visit: kocktail.co.uk Buy of the week Up your coffee game and sip your flat white in style with Costa’s new range of reusable travel cups and autumnal at-home essentials. The sleek grey and polished copper design is chic as well as practical, and the seasonal ceramic mug brings all the cosy vibes. Plus, become a Costa Club member and get your fifth drink free when you use your reusable cup. You’ll also get a free slice of cake on your birthday! •…

Here is my two-year-old grandson’s recent ‘cool dude’ pose. He looks adorable, and of course, very cool, too. Beverley Lindfield, Kent Our 16-year-old rescue cat Gammy Clive is a ‘polydactyl’, meaning he has extra toes. In his case, a whopping 28 instead of the usual 18 (the world record is 29). Carol Casan, Devon This is Cookie, our lovely 15-year-old rescue dog. Despite his age he still loves long walks. I think we must have tired him out on this one though, as I’m not sure how comfortable my son’s camera is as a pillow. Sarah Brown, Somerset We were loving the sunsets in the mountains of Zia, Kos. We had such a lovely time. Just look at that view! Sian Walker, Cradley Heath If your letter makes Star Letter…

Grabbing a bag of carrots from the fridge, I started chopping them. The smell of roast chicken wafted through the house as I nattered to my mate Jill, 33. ‘Can I help?’ Jill asked. Don’t worry, it’s under control,’ I smiled. ‘Just relax.’ It was a typical Sunday lunchtime, in October last year. My two boys – Jack, nine, and Charlie, seven – were out playing with Jill’s two lads at the park just over the road, and I was cooking us up a roast. Jill’s youngest, aged four, and my baby daughter Caia were in the living room with Jill’s partner John, 27, leaving us to our girly chat. ‘Right, that chicken smells just about ready,’ I said, opening the oven door to check. As I did, there was…

Snuggle up – autumnal home buys from £4…

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