Pick Me Up! 2-Mar-2023

Putting down my knitting needles, I looked at the huge pile of colourful hats in front of me. ‘We’ve done ourselves proud today, ladies,’ I said. I had set up the Finchley Women’s Institute knitting group over 10 years ago, wanting to provide a way for members to meet others and combat feelings of isolation. Growing up, every girl at school was taught to knit, and I thought it was a shame that the tradition had been lost. Knitting was more than just wool and needles – it was a way of connecting with others. The group met up once a month, and as well as working on our own projects, we joined together to knit for charities across the UK. One afternoon, back in 2012, I saw a newsletter…

We’re loving We’ve all found ourselves tapping our feet to the new Miley Cyrus hit, Flowers – but did you know that since it was released, there’s been a 1,400% increase in women buying themselves flowers? Well, we’re all for it here at Pick Me Up! Treat yourself to a blooming bunch from Eflorist – we’re loving their bright and cheerful Fiery Rose bouquet. After all, you deserve it! ● Visit: eflorist.co.uk What’s trending It’s only February, but the shops are already filled with Easter eggs – and who can say no to those delicious chocolatey treats?! Well, now you’ve got an excuse to indulge early – because if you unwrap a coveted half milk, half white chocolate Cadbury Creme Egg, you could win up to £10,000! But only if…

Look at this pair! My husband Rich and our daughter Mia on holiday in Kos, loving life last summer – I’m already dreaming of this year’s holiday. Lisa Adams, West Midlands My wife Fiona and I recently visited the National Museum of Rural Life in East Kilbride. I said to her: ‘I’m thirsty for an energy drink, can you get me a Monster?’ Here’s Fiona five minutes later… Mike Lunn, Beith Welcome to the world my baby girl! Meet Toni, my precious little princess. Alexandra Low, Halesowen My two little sisters Billi (right) and Georgi (left) love my beauty products, so I treated them both to face masks especially for their age. They were chuffed to bits and thought their skin was so soft afterwards… Tylajae Hutchinson, Cheltenham My naughty…

Sitting at home in front of my laptop, I logged onto my Facebook account. When I saw the message icon flashing at the top of the page, I felt a pang of excitement. I can’t believe she got back to me, I thought. Since lockdown hit in July 2020, I’d been stuck at home in Glasgow, and with my family all the way back in Port Talbot, I felt lonely. So, I’d decided to take up a new language. I already knew Welsh and a bit of French, and I wanted to give Spanish a go. I’d joined a Facebook languages group and messaged a lady I saw on there. It was a stab in the dark, but I wrote her a message in my best Spanish, to see if…

Digging into my lunch at a French brasserie in Southwood, I saw a man strolling over, dressed in chef’s whites. ‘Hi there,’ he said. ‘How are you this afternoon?’ ‘Good, thank you!’ I replied, distracted by his handsome face and big muscles. ‘I’m the chef here,’ he explained. ‘I hope you’re enjoying your lunch, I just wondered if you had any plans for dinner?’ Was he asking me out? I was 27 at the time and could tell he must have been at least 10 years older. But I also loved his confidence. ‘I don’t have any plans…’ I replied, sheepishly. ‘I think I’ll actually be skipping dinner this evening and going to the gym instead.’ Our conversation quickly turned to our mutual love of swimming – it turned out…

This week, our tip of the week will receive a great prize from Addis. This 61L laundry hamper folds down to conserve storage space when it’s not in use. The breathable design allows your laundry to air and the rattan style will suite any room in your home, too! For more ways to make your life easier, visit: addis.co.uk Sticky situation I purchased a new cooker and it had a big sticker right on the front door. After trying every trick to remove it, I tried nail varnish remover with acetone on cotton wool. It removed the sticky backing instantly! Patricia Cordon, Cheltenham Eye for beauty As a bit of a beauty junkie, I sometimes get a little confused on which one to use first. Numbering them means I am…