Innholdsfortegnelse for 13-Apr-2023 i Pick Me Up!

Watching my little girls play with our latest furry friend, I smiled. Having a dog was something both Chloe, now 18, and Holly, now 16, had begged for since they could talk, but with me and my husband Phil working full-time, it was never an option. Until, one day, a conversation with a colleague at work changed all that forever… ‘Have you thought about volunteering for Guide Dogs?’ she asked. Hearing more about it, it sounded like something that would fit in with our family perfectly – having a busy working schedule. It meant that you were essentially a foster carer for dogs – adopting pups for up to six months at a time, picking them up from the training centre after work and having them on weekends, too. He…

Switching over the TV channel, the familiar tune of Helicopter ER chimed loudly from the speakers. ‘Is that actually real grandad?’ my grandson Arthur, now seven, asked. Coming to my house in the second lockdown for over three months, Arthur liked to stay up a little later than his mum, my daughter Katie, 38, let him. So, we could watch the emergency show together. He was obsessed with the idea of the air ambulance. ‘Of course, it’s real,’ I replied, thinking back to the times that I too had flown high in the sky. Living an adventurous lifestyle, I’d cycled all the way back to the UK from Australia, been skiing in Austria, Canada and spent winter in Japan, went solo in a glider at 16 and even bought myself…

Complete the grid then read down the shaded squares to reveal the hidden answer. Clue: Type of entertainment. ACROSS 1 Turrets (6) 4 Capital of Australia (8) 10 Watering device (9) 11 Jean __, star of TV series Hacks and Mare of Easttown (5) 12 Conditions (5) 13 Shove around (9) 14 2023 comedy period drama starring 11 Across, 19 Across, 22 Down, and 25 Down (7) 16 Finishes (4) 19 Brad __, star of films Fight Club and Twelve Monkeys (4) 21 Expanse of land (7) 24 2007 romantic drama starring Keira Knightley and James McAvoy (9) 25 Pale (5) 26 Gain access to (3,2) 27 Mechanical staircase (9) 28 Deciding game (3-5) 29 Aromatic herb (6) DOWN 1 Laboratory vessel (4,4) 2 Closet (8) 3 Ladder sections (5)…

Every 30 minutes, someone in the UK dies of bowel cancer. Together we can change that. When diagnosed early, bowel cancer is treatable and curable. Yet Bowel Cancer UK’s research shows that almost half of all adults in the UK can’t name any bowel cancer symptoms. That’s why the charity is launching their Be Bowel Smart campaign. April is Bowel Cancer Awareness month, and they’ll ensure more people #KnowTheHigh5 symptoms of bowel cancer. Bowel Cancer UK is asking everyone to take their symptoms quiz then share it with five people – this could be with friends, family, colleagues and neighbours. Let’s make sure more people know what to look for, and what to do if something doesn’t feel right. Act now and Be Bowel Smart. Take the quiz at bowelcanceruk.org.uk/KnowTheHigh5…

Don’t sweat the small stuff – in fact, it’s time to embrace the finer things in life. Accessorise your outfits this spring with a collection of our favourites from the highstreet – all of which can be taken into summer too! NEW BRAND ALERT Inclusive fashion has never looked so good! Celebrate effortless, stylish and gorgeous plus size clothing with Live Unlimited London. With their clothing ranging from a size 12-28 there really is something for everyone. Flattering fashion for all. To shop now please visit: liveunlimitedlondon.com…

A fingerprint, a lock of hair, a loved one’s initials – what do all of these sentimental things have in common? They are all items that can be preserved in an item of jewellery to keep a memento or memory close to you, forever. With many new parents wanting to have a snippet of their baby’s first curl or even some of us wearing a locket with a picture of a loved one inside, keepsake jewellery is actually something that has been around for hundreds, if not thousands, of years in total. Just like looking through a picture album, it’s a sentimental idea that means that an element of nostalgia, love or loss can be taken with you everywhere. And as lovely as the token may be, it seems there…

If you’re a fan of Owen Wilson movies, you’ll love this! Inspired by famous painting extraordinaire Bob Ross, sporting a perm and a soothing, relaxing voice, Carl Nargle is a local treasure who hosts his own painting show on Vermont Public Station. And with his creative flair comes a line of single ladies, too. However, when the TV station decides to replace Carl with a shiny, new artist, Carl has to face his fears head on – will he just be another painter that nobody will remember? Or can he have the life that he both wants and loves forever?…

With the truth about Dad finally emerging, I desperately wanted to tell Mum what he’d done to me. But I was scared it would break her. When word about his horrific crimes got round, friends and neighbours even turned against us – it was an awful time. But we gradually settled into a new life, just the two of us. Each year we’d have a little party on the anniversary of their divorce. ‘I don’t know why I stayed with him for so long, awful man,’ Mum said. ‘You just wanted to do the right thing,’ I reassured her. One day, totally out of the blue, Dad sent me a message. I’m sorry for what I did, I’m so ashamed, but please don’t tell anyone, I wouldn’t cope in prison,…

Alison Blackler has been a transformational mind coach for over 25 years, working both in the NHS and in her own company 2minds. She works with individuals to understand their own mind, free themselves of unwanted habits and embrace their individuality. (2-minds.co.uk) Our brand new home… Q I’ve just moved into my dream home – however there’s a problem. The neighbours! They are so rude and if anything, it’s making me regret buying our house. I’ve tried to be polite – but I know I’m going to snap. What should I do? Janet, Tynemouth A Definitely aim to not snap this time! This is not good for you and certainly won’t help the situation. Your home should be your sanctuary and it can feel violated by neighbours. I guess you…

Throwing on my wellies and switching off another David Attenborough documentary, it was time to get to work. And with my husband Matthew, 45, daughter Elsa, nine, and son Billy, five, following close behind, I had some extra pairs of hands to help out. ‘Make sure you’re careful, put them in your bucket gently,’ I said, watching as the kids picked up the freshly laid eggs from our flock of 100 chickens. That was before picking our seasonal vegetables from the patch or foraging for our dinner. Yet, this wasn’t just our idea of a summer holiday in the vast Welsh countryside, it was our home – living off grid completely. An idea that turned into a reality back in 2012. Coming home to Matthew from a long and draining…

If you would like your very own sentimental piece of jewellery, here are some small businesses offering DNA services to look out for… • Eternally Cherished Specialisling in bespoke breast milk, ashes and DNA jewellery, Erin Parnell is great at what she does – a finalist for the Great British Entrepreneur Awards for her unique brand, too. Follow @eternallycherished on Instagram or visit: eternallycherished.co.uk • Rejewelled Made in the idyllic setting of Cheddar Gorge, Somerset, Tracy became friends with a very talented jeweller at her post-natal group in 2012 and not long after, her business, Rejewelled, was born! She regularly produces breast milk, hair, ashes, fur and more in her work – and is up for creating something on demand, too. Putting her heart and soul into making the perfect…

It’s competition time! Cadbury’s Creme Eggs are a genius Easter product in themselves – however you need to look out before eating yours. With 280 winning eggs distributed across the UK, you need to keep your eyes peeled for a special treat. Half white chocolate and half milk chocolate is the key to look out for. You could win a grand prize of £5k to spend on anything that you desire – the search is on! Verdict: GENIUS! Can you find one? Hot off the press… We can all appreciate a hot cross bun at Easter time – but how about trying to get through one that weighs a whopping 168kg? Yes, you heard that right – a hot cross bun that’s 26st! Made by the bird conservation charity RSPB in…

Living in a suburban Cleveland home in Ohio, US, it was clear to the local community that Rebecca Pletnewski was a devoted mother with an attentive personality. Working as an intensive care nurse at University Hospitals Cleveland Medical Center, she was used to tending to those that needed her the most. Coming home to her eldest daughter Olivia, eight, and youngest, four, she’d continue to radiate love. Her big smile and infectious laugh were enough to endear her to a large circle of loyal friends – many of whom she would post on her social media profiles, displaying her night outs and family outings to all. She’d always exchange a friendly hello to her neighbours, too, especially Dominique Swopes, 27, who lived next door. Rebecca’s Facebook cover photo was a…

It’s cider season and Brothers have released a brand new flavour just in time. The Raspberry Ripple is set to be the perfect accompaniment to your busy schedule this spring and summer. What’s more, as the official cider partner of Glastonbury Festival 2023, Brothers have also launched their biggest on-pack promotion, giving festival fans the chance to win over a million prizes, including tickets to the sold-out music event! Until 31 May, Brothers is giving festival lovers an extra reason to cheer. On top of 10 pairs of highly sought-after tickets, Brothers are also giving away over 1,000 festival-related goodies including hoodies, T-shirts, bucket hats, sunglasses as well as a can cooler. Now that’s something to raise a glass – or bottle – to!…

Make your shower as relaxing as your bath with these handmade, aromatherapy shower cubes made by Hubble & Bubble. The Sussex based small business creates vegan products that are also suitable for sensitive skin. Simply place a shower cube at the base of your shower under the water stream to create your very own spa experience. • Please visit: hubbleandbubble.org…

Get comfortable as you relax on the therapy coach – or crouch! Join Abbey Clancy and her ex-footballer husband Peter Crouch on their podcast as they explore the trials and tribulations of relationships! There could be tears, tantrums and laughter throughout – that’s life. With advice to tackle life’s hardships, you’ll quickly realise that a problem shared is a problem halved. GETTING HELP • If you’d like advice from our Pick Me Up! expert, email us at hello@pickmeupmag.co.uk or write to us at the address on our contacts page (pg4). • If your problem affects your mental wellbeing, you can call the helpline run by the charity Mind on 0300 123 3398, open 9am to 6pm weekdays.…

Scanning items on the check-out machine, it didn’t stop. I was working the tills at a busy bargain store in October 2019 and felt like my hands were going to drop off. I don’t feel good, I thought. And I must have passed out as the next thing I remember was the sound of Warrington Hospital ambulance crew standing over me. ‘You’ve had a seizure, Michelle,’ they told me. Oh God, I’ve never had a seizure in my life, I thought. I was taken to hospital and kept overnight. ‘We want to ensure your brain is OK,’ the doctors said. It was all such a blur – I don’t remember much. My brain scans came back normal and my seizure was put down to stress. Trusting the doctor’s opinions, I…

Standing in my front garden, I shut my eyes and tried to picture a giant Easter scene sprawling over the front of my terraced house. A chocolate egg here, Easter bunny there – the possibilities were endless. And I had a knack for coming up with some wonderful creations, too. You see, for the past few years my family home had become my canvas. It had all started back in October 2021 when I was having a Halloween party for my kids – Jensen, 13, and Arlo, three. Ooh I’ll just put a few balloons out, I thought. But before long, I had balloon tentacles climbing all the way to my upstairs windows, and huge pumpkins scattered about the lawn. Working as a prop designer for the past 11 years,…

Gordon Ramsay’s Future Food Stars, BBC One Every week, Gordon sends his contenders on an assault course of challenges – he’ll push them to their absolute limits to discover if they have what it takes to partner up with him. This week, Gordon is in Anglesey, to test raw skills and pure talent. After an expert masterclass on seaweed, the teams must precisely identify and harvest samples of the sustainable rocks, to prove to Gordon they can follow instruction and bring him what he needs. Beyond Paradise, BBC One A burglary seems clear-cut at first when the thief’s unusual calling card matches that of local criminal Attitcus Styles (Spencer Jones), but when the forensic evidence comes back, it all points to another suspect. The only problem is the suspect, Hayley…

Planning a city break? Not quite as hectic as London, Manchester is a great alternative for a fun weekend away. With so much to do and see in the city from culture, sports and entertainment to music and shopping, there’s something for everyone. Where to stay Leonardo Hotel Manchester Piccadilly is ideally located for exploring the city. Based near the centre, the hotel is within walking distance of the most popular local attractions and transport facilities. Piccadilly station is a short walk from the hotel, making it accessible for your break. The hotel offers stylish bedrooms where guests will find the luxurious Leonardo DREAM bed – a little touch of heaven! After your wonderful night’s sleep, you can enjoy a delicious buffet breakfast downstairs in the open-plan dining area. With…