Kellogg’s will release a beer made from leftover Corn Flakes.

The beer is being made to lessen the environmental impact of food waste, to ensure that customers no longer worry about what happens to leftover food.

The Throw Away IPA is made by Seven Brothers Brewery in Manchester. It uses ‘upcycled’ cornflakes which are too big, small or overcooked to sell in a box of cereal, as a proportion of the wheat grain which goes into the beer.

The cornflakes actually sweeten the taste of the beer.

The beer is the same colour as cornflakes, and is helping food distribution charity FareShare, as 10p from each can will be donated to the cause.

Corporate social responsibility manager for Kellogg’s UK, Kate Prince, said: ‘Kellogg’s is always exploring different and sustainable ways to reduce food waste in its factories. So it is great to be involved in such a fun initiative with a local supplier.

‘Kellogg’s is working hard to eliminate food waste in our manufacturing processes and give our consumers the wholesome products they love with minimum impact on the planet. Our approach has delivered a 12.5% reduction on food waste in our UK sites this year.’

Alison Watson, from Seven Brothers Brewery in Salford, added: ‘Seven Brothers Brewery is delighted to be working with Kellogg’s on a project which uses edible but not-sellable cereal.

‘Kellogg’s recognises that it has an important role to play in reducing food waste, and that includes finding uses for edible food that doesn’t make it into the cereal box. The cereal is perfectly safe to eat but the flakes might be too big, too small or broken so not good enough for our packs.

‘We plan to create three beers including a Hoppy IPA which will be launched this month and sold in our Ancoats bar and the Dockyard, MediaCityUK.’

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Oh we do love marvelling at a demanding bride.

There was the wedding where guests were asked not to talk to the bride ‘AT ALL’. The bride who was fed up of people asking her questions about the big day.

And who could forget the woman who threatened to delete her mates off Facebook if they wouldn’t pay £2,000 to attend her wedding?

This time in baffling brides, someone’s shared one woman’s list of dress code related requirements for the day she ties the knot.

It’s standard to have a dress code at your wedding – you’re trying to craft a certain aesthetic, after all – but this one goes a touch overboard… especially as it has different requirements depending on your weight.

‘I am giving you a long notice of a year and a half so that you will have time to find and pick out something nice,’ wrote the bride.

‘The dress code is very specific because it will be used to create an incredible visual effect. If done right, it will make our synchronized dancing along the beach really pop.

‘So, without further ado…

No, we have no idea what the visual effect of green, orange, purple, and a soda hat is supposed to be.

And does it seem like people over 160lbs are being asked to disappear? Black and camouflage? 

But wait, there’s more.

Alongside those very specific requirements, guests will also need to bring a change of clothing for after the coordinated dance ends. And that change of clothing needs to be fancy.

‘Remember, the venue is extremely upscale, and we want to be looking our absolute BEST ladies and gents.

‘Please, if you look like trash, so will we.

‘All jokes aside, we want you to invest in an outfit valued at at least $1,000. This includes jewlery, accessories, makeup, and hair. Remember ladies and gents, this wedding is 24k themed for a reason.

‘You have a year and a half to get working. No excuses! Mwah.’

Is this… a joke?

Good lord, we hope so, although alleged guests invited to the wedding have claimed it’s very much real.

Honestly, we’re kind of impressed. Making your guests look ridiculous and forcing them to dance is a boss move, and asking for a second fancy outfit is the cherry on top.

Bravo, bride. We bow down to you.

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I sat in the gynecologist office clutching my stomach. It had been six months since I’d had the copper coil fitted, and three days since I had been in so much pain that I collapsed while walking the dog.

The first three weeks after it was inserted, I bled so much I was surprised that my heart had anything left to work with. In the months following, the bleeding subsided to once every other day, but I continued to have stabbing pains in my abdomen that I tried my best to ignore.

I was crying from the pain, and from the emotional relief of being sat in front of someone who could make it stop. ‘Let’s take a look,’ the doctor reassured me, ‘But before I can take it out, there’s something you must do for me.’

‘Anything’, I begged.

‘You need to stop crying. It makes me uncomfortable when I see women cry.’

Great. My gynecologist is sexist, I thought. But before I suggested he consider a different career path, it dawned on me that he isn’t alone. The contraceptive industry is institutionally sexist.

With the exception of the vasectomy, which is now sadly being phased out of the NHS, men do not have to undergo any minor surgical procedures, hormone-altering treatments or months of agony in order to enjoy sex without the risk of conception. Yet, for women, it is the accepted norm.

From the age of 14 I have been on various contraceptive pills. The first hormonal pill I was prescribed made me so depressed I contemplated suicide. Yet when I went to my family GP, instead of taking me off them straight away, he suggested a different brand. I remained depressed.

Starting the pill was like a rite of passage in our school. The girls in sixth form used to take it in front of everyone in the common room with a can of diet coke as if to announce ‘I’m having sex. I am a grown up’.

I wasn’t having sex. Not at that point anyway. But I had terrible periods and my GP seemed to think that the pill would help. It did help. My periods became lighter and more regular, but the effect it had on my overall health was so damaging I had to be prescribed anti-depressants as a chaser.

The effectiveness of a contraceptive is calculated using the Pearl Index. It measures, in a clinical trial setting, how many women out of 100 get pregnant whilst using a particular contraceptive method. It was developed in 1933, and continues to be the main statistical measure used in sexual health, 85 years later.

What the Pearl Index doesn’t take into consideration is the side effects of theses drugs, implants or IUDs. It doesn’t measure how much pain the subject is in, how often or how heavy she bleeds, or the impact of hormones on her mental health.

Any contraceptive will be 100% effective if the woman taking it is in so much pain, or is bleeding so much that she no longer wants to have sex.

I realise why the sexual health dice are weighted in favour of men. It takes two to tango, but only one to give birth. However, in 2018 it still baffles me that the only contraceptive option for men is the condom. And let’s face it, women take just as much responsibility over that too.

Condoms are the best form of protection against STI’s, but for those in stable, long-term relationships, our contraceptive options need to be improved, and there need to be more options for men.

A friend told me that her one night stand refused to wear a condom and instead offered to pay for her to get the morning after pill, believing himself a gentleman for having done so.

It’s not as though there is no potential for a male alternative. You may be aware of the news story that broke a couple of years ago about a medical trial for a male contraception. It was abandoned mid-trial because of concerns over side effects, including: mood changes, muscle pain and acne. Symptoms most women on the pill already experience, and yet we are expected to soldier on.

A few years ago I met a doctor who had developed a male pill which has been proven effective in his early trial phases. The reason it isn’t on the market today? Pharmaceutical investors didn’t think it’d ‘catch on’, so they didn’t fund it.

I disagree with the investors. I believe most men would want to take a more active role in preventing pregnancies, it’s just something that society hasn’t forced them to think about yet.

Nothing enrages me more than the stories I hear from my girlfriends of their sexual partners who have shied away from using condoms, claiming that it doesn’t ‘feel good’.

Well neither does an abortion. Or life on the pill, or the months after having a piece of copper shoved into your cervix.

A friend told me about the time she had to persuade a one night stand to wear a condom (that she provided FYI) while they were having sex. Afterwards it transpired that he had removed it during the act without telling her. The next morning he offered to pay for her to get the morning after pill, believing himself a gentleman for having done so.

Women have a long history of being silenced, or disbelieved when it comes to their health. It wasn’t too long ago that we were being sectioned for ‘hysteria’ over a bad case of PMS. To this day, many friends of mine have repeatedly complained to their GP of unusual abdomen pain, only to be told that it’s just ‘women’s problems’, and that it’s ‘normal’.

It’s not normal. There needs to be a culture shift. We must stop telling ourselves that the crippling side effects of contraceptives are acceptable because if we don’t take action, nothing will change.

We know when something doesn’t feel right, and we should report issues to our doctor. We must also put pressure on the manufacturer of the pills and devices we put into our bodies. They are providing a product that we are paying for after all.

Once my doctor had gotten over his fear of tears, he removed the copper coil from my uterus. The pain stopped immediately. When I asked him why I had such a terrible experience with it, he simply shrugged ‘it just doesn’t work for some women’. But more needs to be done to understand why.

The onus shouldn’t be on women to keep trying different methods until they simply give up and are forced to accept the least painful side effects.

We have been quiet for too long. If you are having issues with your contraception, speak to your GP, speak to your local sexual health nurse or family planning clinic, speak to your friends, mums, sisters about their experiences. Speak to your partner.

The more we open up about our experiences, the more we learn and the more we can change.

It took me six months before I asked for help. Never again.

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The residents of a village have come together to create a charity calendar – completely naked.

Almost every business in Iwade, in Kent, signed up to strip off to be photographed at work.

Villagers who took part include a gardener, dog groomer, personal trainer, and some mechanics.

The money raised by the Iwade Naked Calendar 2019 will go to Demelza Hospice Care for Children and Swale Cats Protection, so the residents have done some good as well as having fun.

Any additional money raised will go towards a new toilet block at the local church.

The idea for the calendar cam from beautician Laura Cheeseman, who said: ‘I just wanted to do something that would make people happy and would be a bit of fun. It’s been so nice because people have really come together.

‘It’s brought the village to life. Everyone has had a right laugh doing it and it’s just made the village a happy place.’

The experience of posing naked was… interesting.

‘It’s been absolutely freezing,’ said Laura.

Thankfully all the people involved overcame the chill and their nerves to sling off their dressing gowns and pose.

Laura posed with her horse, Dude, in a field, while Gary, a mechanic, got naked with his tools.

Laura managed to bring the calendar together in the space of two weeks, so everyone’s very impressed.

‘Everyone kept saying I wouldn’t be able to turn it around before Christmas, so that was my aim,’ she said.

‘I feel like I’m in a bit of a dream world at the moment, but I’m so pleased and so excited for everyone to see the calendars now.

‘If it does really well I’ll definitely do a bigger one next year and, hopefully, make it an annual thing.’

One hundred calendars will be printed at first, with the hope of raising £1,200 for charity. They’ll be available to buy at the businesses who took part from Monday, for £12 each.

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A nurse is warning people of the risks of fillers after her lips swelled so quickly they blistered and cracked.

Billie Roocroft, 23, took up the offer of £120 for 1ml of filler from a mum and daughter from Belissimo Rivington Aesthetics.

She ended up having the fillers done in the living room.

Billie’s lips quickly doubled in size, but the beautician told her that her reaction must have been due to the numbing cream, not the fillers themselves.

Billie denies this, noting that she’s never had ill effects from using numbing cream when getting tattoos.

Billie claims that 30 minutes after having the fillers done, her lips were severely swollen and began to hurt.

‘My lips swelled that big within half an hour of the beautician leaving, they looked like they were going to pop,’ said Billie.

‘My top lip was a lot bigger while my bottom lip was touching my chin – I looked like The Elephant Man.

‘My lips were stinging and felt really sore from the stretching, I felt like crying as my neck, jaw and throat were hurting too.

‘I messaged [the beautician] the pictures and she said she’d never seen anything like that before, suggested I may have been allergic to the numbing cream and advised me to go to hospital.

‘My mum looked after my little girl who was two at the time while I went to hospital, as I was putting her in the car she was a bit scared and just stared at me.

‘I went to A&E with my hands over my face. When the receptionist asked what was wrong I couldn’t talk so just showed her.

‘I was really upset when I was checked out by the doctor as he told me he couldn’t promise that it would go down, I thought I was going to be stuck like that forever.’

After a seven hour stay at Bolton Hospital’s A&E, the mum was given a steroid injection and a course of painkillers. When she woke up the next morning she was relieved to discover her lips weren’t as large, but she still experienced some swelling as well as sore, cracked lips.

‘When I was in hospital I started to see them going down and when they went down fully they went back really thin, it was like I’d never had them done,’ said Billie.

‘After all that, the filler didn’t even stay.

‘I got up to go to work the next day and noticed my lips had gone down but my cheeks still looked like a hamster.

‘All the skin was peeling as lips aren’t meant to be that big.

‘I ended up getting what looked and felt like cold sores and blisters – they were tingling and itching.’

Billie is sharing her story to advise others to be careful when they think about getting fillers.

It’s important to only go to a qualified professional, and to have your fillers done in a clean medical environment.

Research is essential.

‘I saw someone had shared an offer shared on Facebook post, she came to my house did it in the living room while I was lying down on the sofa,’ says Billie.

‘She wore gloves, I signed a consent form and she put the numbing cream on.

‘She did the top lip first and my eyes were streaming.

‘After they were done I put Vaseline on my lips and was told that if there was any swelling I could use hot and cold flannels.

‘The next day the skin was peeling from my lips as they aren’t meant to be that big.

‘When I’ve shown friends the pictures, at first they think they’re fake.

‘I wouldn’t advise people not to have them done, I’m not against it, I just don’t think they look good massive.

‘Don’t go to just anyone. Make sure they are qualified and registered nurses, they know exactly where to inject.’

A spokesperson for Belissimo Rivington Aesthetics said: ‘There is always a risk that a client could suffer an allergic reaction to dermal fillers, this can happen once and may never happen again.

‘We always make sure the client is aware of this before treatment and clients do sign a dermal filler consent form.

‘At Belissimo Rivington we take the health of our clients very seriously. Prior to any treatment being carried out, our clients are made fully aware of any possible risks or side effects that might occur.

‘Each client is made to acknowledge this by signing an informed consent form, along with a liability waver. All clients therefore take responsibility for any adverse side effects where they may be unfortunate enough to suffer from.

‘As such, Ms Roocroft was well aware of the possible risks and accepted liability for them prior to her treatment.’

Co-founder of The Plastic Surgery Group and member of The British Association of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons (BAAPS) Dan Marsh said it’s concerning that those not medically trained are able to administer fillers.

‘Lip fillers don’t have to be prescribed, we’re lobbying the government to try and change the rules so they do have to be prescribed,’ said Dan.

‘People giving them are not trained to deal with any complications that can arise so that’s the reason that you should have it done by a medical profession who has all the equipment with them that can treat any problem.

‘If you don’t treat people quickly and appropriately it can be catastrophic.

‘It’s terrible that people who are not trained are just allowed to just inject filler into the face.

‘You wouldn’t go to just anyone to have a vaccination jab or your insulin injection, you would want to go to someone who’s trained to know what they’re doing.

‘There are lots of beauticians who do fillers all the time and have no problems, of course there are, but when something goes wrong you need to know that that person can deal with the problems.’

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Elf on the Shelf has fast become a Christmas tradition for many families as excitement builds in the run up to Christmas.

The little elf is popping up more and more and in increasingly unusual places as parents try and surprise their children.

Mum and ex jailed for 10 years after three-week-old son died from head injury

The idea is that each home has a little Elf doll who sits on the shelf and watches how the little children behave in the run-up to Christmas.

Every night the Elf will disappear as they report back to Santa in the North Pole, so he can make a fully informed decision about who should be on the naughty and nice list.

When you buy the Elf on the Shelf, they come with a book of a magical story about where they come from and how they help Santa with his naughty and nice lists.

It also comes with a guide for parents, about how the Elf leaves every night to report to Santa, and returns each morning and hides until the children find them.

You can buy the Elf on the Shelf anytime in the run-up to Christmas as Santa’s Scout can arrive anytime from the end of November to the second week in December.

Purchase your Elf on the Shelf on Amazon (£22.95),  or the Elf on the Shelf online store (£22.95) and Smyths Toys (£19.99).

You can choose from a variety of looks and genders for your Elf on the Shelf.

If you have already purchased your Elf on the Shelf you can root it out from last year and say that your little friend has returned.

There are some rules around the Elf on the Shelf, and one is that they cannot be touched, if they are touched they could lose their Christmas magic.

If the Elf is touched you need to apologise and write a letter to Santa to attempt to reverse the damage.

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Who doesn’t love a dirty weekend?

Forget about your troubles, flee to a sexy hotel somewhere across the country and hole up in a four poster bed with the object of your affections.

But wait, has there always been something missing when you’ve gone on a dirty weekend? Have you found yourself searching for the missing piece?

That’ll be because you didn’t have a three grand Goop branded dirty weekend kit!

You’ll remember Goop from previous moments of glory like suggesting that walking around barefoot could cure depression, or telling women to stick jade eggs where the sun doesn’t shine.

So, what do you get in this kit for three grand? (£3,335 to be specific).

First up, there’s Balmyard Beauty Romantic Call Body Oil, which costs £62 but does sound quite nice and would probably improve a massage.

Then there’s the Betony Vernon Marabou Pleasure Puff Ring, which is a ring with some nice feathers on it, retailing for an astonishing £550.

We’re not saying that you could achieve the exact same thing by buying a feather tickler from Lovehoney, but you almost certainly could. Only then you’d still be able to pay rent and buy food.

Safe sex is important, so Goop includes Maude Rise Condoms, a steal at just £9 for 12, but based out of the US so possibly more expensive with shipping.

Also quite reasonably priced is the Unbound Jelly lubricantt which is £11 and is 95% organic, apparently smelling and tasting of vanilla.

Adding quite a hefty weight to the price tag is the Lelo Olga, which is a 24-karat gold double ended dildo costing £2,190. Which is pretty damn expensive even if you take into account that it’s double ended, heats up and has a lot of settings.

On the upside it comes with a one year warranty, and provides an answer to the question ‘what do you buy for the woman who has everything?’

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What better gift could you get for your boyfriend, your nan, your office secret santa, than an extremely realistic bit of jewellery based on people’s genitals?

There is no better gift, is the answer. Not even that extremely thoughtful illustration you got commissioned just for them.

So ditch that soap set and look at Musch Musch, a brand that specialises in making necklaces, brooches, earrings, and keyrings based on real people’s penises and vulvae.

When we say they’re extremely realistic, we do mean it, so don’t scroll ahead unless you’re comfortable with seeing models of actual genitals.

Musch Musch is the creation of artist Nancy Wagner and her partner Carl-Friedrich von Dechend. They started their company back in 2015, and after plenty of research (by which we mean looking at people’s bits) they’re experts in making artwork that perfectly depicts penises, vaginas, buttholes, and nipples.

Nancy receives hundreds of images of real people’s genitals, using them as the inspiration to make everything from wall hangings to golden brooches.

She’s even made some special holiday editions of her pieces that we reckon would be ideal for Christmas. Musch Musch now sells a penises wearing Santa hats and vulva wrapped in ribbon.

Each piece is personalised and carefully carved from hand with clay, so it’s a pretty special gift.

Prices start at €18 for bumhole earrings, so do take a browse of the website before you do your Christmas shopping.

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A 100-year-old man has credited his long life to eating daily mixed grills and drinking red wine.

Arthur Grisbrook still lives alone, cooks and cleans for himself and even enjoys playing his beloved organ in his flat in Hereford.

He cooks himself a full mixed grill – with steak, gammon, sausages, a fried egg, mushrooms, tomatoes, peas, chips and hash browns – most days.

The former Royal Engineer, from Buckinghamshire, said he is frequently told he looks decades younger than his 10 centuries and believes his diet – and two nightly glasses of red wine – is to thank for his incredible appearance, despite what doctors say.

The widowed great-granddad-of-three said: ‘I eat and drink what I fancy and don’t worry about what the so-called ‘experts’ say.

‘I believe in doing things moderately and sensibly. I drink most nights with my meals.

‘Even in my old age I still want to live as independently as I possibly can.

‘With age the gullet becomes narrower, that’s just a feature of age.

‘But mixed grills are quite tasty and easy to cook and eat.

‘I also like making sausage and mash and fish and chips – but of course, my mixed grill is best.’

Arthur, who has two grandchildren, said his unique diet has kept him fit and healthy and that he has no health problems at all despite his age.

He puts down his health and remarkable appearance to a few basic rules.

He said: ‘I eat what I like but not in excess. I have milk in my coffee and plenty of bread and butter.

‘I have two small glasses of wine with my meals so I imagine I get plenty of iron from that.

‘I feel no older than being in my late 70s. I don’t feel like I’m 100. You’re only as old as you feel.’

Arthur, who was married to his wife Laura for 66 years before she died in February 2018, served in the Royal Engineers in World War Two as a driver in Italy and North Africa.

The dad-of-one later worked as a railway apprentice and woodwork instructor in Swindon.

Arthur admitted he can find the modern world a perplexing place.

He said: ‘Laura and I had 66 years together and we were very, very happy.

‘I get upset about the world today because sometimes I wonder where it’s going.

‘It all seems so complicated.

‘But a lot of features of today’s living I wish we had when I was young like mobile phones and the computer.’

Arthur spends his time at home playing his organ, which he does at least once a day. He lives in a Housing & Care 21 flat, and wants to continue living independently for as long as he can.

He said: ‘I love my organ. I play all of the old classics but also a few hits from musicals.

‘I want to be able to still enjoy social occasions and events.

‘I want to keep going to my grandchildren’s and great grandchildren’s birthday parties. I want to keep on living fully.

‘I’m very lucky to have my family. They take me out shopping and come and see me.’

Arthur’s daughter, Margaret Tyler, 72, added: ‘All my friends say “your dad doesn’t look like he’s 100”.

‘He’s very supportive, undemanding and appreciative. We always love to spend time with him. He’s a remarkable man.’

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Content warning: This article discusses suicidal thoughts.

Back in January, I was rushed to A&E by ambulance following a suicide attempt.

It came in the midst of a severe period of depression that left me feeling like there was no other way out.

I was acutely unwell and desperately in need of help. And yet, after five days on a general ward, I was discharged once medically fit and sent home with no ongoing support in place.

We’re always being told that in a mental health crisis, A&E is the place to be, and the gateway to accessing help. We’re led to believe that we’ll be properly assessed and that support will be organised as a matter of urgency.

That’s far from my experience.

It’s often said that attempting suicide is a cry for help, but I’ve tried to end my own life more times than I’d like to admit, and not once have my cries been answered.

On each occasion, after a cursory assessment by the hospital’s duty mental health worker, I’ve been deemed mentally well enough to be sent home to go it alone when, actually, what I really needed was to be admitted to the psych ward – or, at the very least, referred to the crisis team.

If I thought it would get me the treatment I need, it would be worth it, but I know from past experience that even attempting to end my life wouldn’t necessarily qualify me for help and support.

Being sent home with no follow-up – something that happens to many people who try to end their lives – made me feel like a fraud.

I felt like I wasn’t being taken seriously, and that no one believed I was actually unwell: it was literally all in my head.

This only compounded the way I was feeling. On one occasion, it led to such a rapid deterioration in my mental health that I was sectioned 10 days later, and spent a month in a psychiatric hospital.

I can’t help feeling that this might not have happened if I’d been discharged with a proper support package in place.

The weeks following a suicide attempt are an incredibly vulnerable period. Within the first three months, people are at the highest risk of making another attempt – and perhaps succeeding.

That’s what happened to me: I was on my way to a bridge when I was intercepted and hospitalised.

Sending suicide attempt survivors away without support is a reflection of the serious shortcomings in mental health services.

With psychiatric beds in short supply, inpatient treatment isn’t automatically available, even if it’s desperately needed.

Crisis teams – where trained mental health workers provide short-term support at home, as an alternative to hospital – are also stretched to the limit.

This has led to a paradoxical situation where A&E is recommended as the place to go if you’re in need of crisis care, but all too often, even attempting to take your own life doesn’t guarantee you’ll get help.

Sending people home post-suicide attempt with no ongoing care plan puts immense pressure on friends and family, who are effectively made responsible for keeping their loved one safe.

My husband has had to take time off work to look after me, too worried about my wellbeing to leave me alone in the house. It’s an enormous burden on him, and it’s just not fair – he shouldn’t be left to pick up the pieces of a failing mental health service.

I’m writing this from the depths of another serious depressive episode, where I’m again fighting suicidal thoughts. Friends have suggested that I present at A&E, but what’s the point?

If I thought it would get me the treatment I need, it would be worth it, but I know from past experience that even attempting to end my life wouldn’t necessarily qualify me for help and support.

The most recent budget promised an increase of £1.4 billion in mental health funding, with the NHS admitting that mental health services are the ‘poor relation’ compared to hospital services for physical conditions.

My hope is that a decent chunk of this money is invested in acute mental health services so that no suicide survivor is sent home to fend for themselves at the most vulnerable time of their lives.

No one would discharge a cancer patient because they were ‘only’ at stage four, and neither should hospitals be discharging suicidal patients because they’re ‘not unwell enough.’

The appointment of a minister for suicide prevention is all well and good, but until suicide attempt survivors are given the proper care they need in the aftermath, more lives will be lost to mental illness – and blood will be on the government’s hands.

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As the Christmas spirit takes over, it’s tempting to cover yourself in sparkles and tinsel.

Bauble bums, reindeer boobs, Christmas tree brows – there are so many trends you can jump on to feel more Christmassy.

Bearded men: You might be given a bunch of beard decorating kits for your secret Santa gifts. They will look glorious.

But it’s important not to overload your facial hair with trinkets.

Surgeon Christopher Inglefield, founder of the London Bridge Plastic Surgery and Aesthetic Clinic, has warned that going too hard on the bauble beard trend could lead to alopecia – meaning hair loss and patchy regrowth.

‘Whenever you pull hair back from the skin with excessive tension over a prolonged period of time, it can cause inflammation of the area and trauma to the hair follicles,’ explains Christopher.

‘You often see it with people who tie their long back to play sport, or when patients have heavy dreadlocks. And the same principal applies to a man’s beard, too.

‘If you’re always pulling and twisting your beard, do it often enough and you could cause the hair to fall out.

‘And if you’re jumping on the Christmas beard bauble bandwagon you need to make sure the baubles aren’t too heavy, and that you’re not wearing them for a prolonged period of time, otherwise you might end up with bald spots in your facial hair.’

If your beard is your pride and joy, cultivated over months of growth and cared for with fancy oils, those consequences won’t sound good.

But don’t panic: Your last-minute Christmas party outfit is not ruined.

It’s not that popping baubles in your beard will instantly wreck your facial hair, but that extra care needs to be taken.

Only use very small baubles that are lightweight – don’t just nick the fancy ones from your nan’s Christmas tree. Loads of retailers sell baubles specifically for beards, so look out for those.

Don’t keep baubles in your beard for hours and hours, or make them a daily accessory. The repeated or prologed pull of little baubles in the same areas could lead to traction alopecia.

And if you can feel baubles pulling at your skin, take ’em out.

Another option is to skip the physical baubles entirely, and just use glitter to paint on the bauble beard effect.

Hair transplant surgeon Dr Bessam Farjo says you don’t need to panic about wearing baubles in your period as a one-off.

‘If you’re wearing something heavy on your beard for weeks and months on end, then yes, you could end up with traction alopecia,’ says Bessam.

‘If you tie your beard into a tight ponytail for a prolonged period of time, that might also result in hair loss.

‘But unless you really overdo it, you shouldn’t need to worry.

‘It’s with persistent, long term, very tight pulling where traction alopecia manifests.

‘Typically, if you inadvertently cause trauma to your hair, it’ll still remain in what’s called the ‘anagen’ growth phase.

‘But if you put a hair under excessive traction for a long period of time, the hair quickly reverts to the ‘telogen’ phase, where the hair is released and falls out.’

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Amazon is killing it with their daily deals in the run-up to Christmas, but there’s one that’s a little different today.

Whereas normally you can get a cut-price cappuccino maker or a low-cost LED TV, this one is giving you the gift of childlessness.

Today’s daily deal sees up to 50% off Durex products, meaning you can keep it bagged up while keeping your wallet filled up. Result.

A pack of Pleasure Me condoms is down from £14.99 to £6.99. If you anticipate 20 sexual encounters in your near future, you’re on to a saving.

For a really bumper deal, however, a pack of 100 Thin Real Feel condoms is now only £29.99.

One reviewer gave them five stars, and said: ‘Great purchase if you don’t want little bastards out there murdering each other.’

Another channeled Keats when they said: ‘Shes not up the duff yet’. You can feel the emotion through the screen.

Although it might seem like a lot of condoms to get through, they have a five year shelf life, so you have plenty of time.

You don’t have plenty of time to catch this deal though, as it ends at midnight tonight.

You can check out all of Amazon’s deals of the day right here. If condoms aren’t for you (although protected sex should be) then there is everything from books to beauty products.

MORE: Expert warns of the risks of putting baubles in your beard

Earlier today we brought you the story of a bride who released a baffling dress code for her guests.

This dress code demanded outfits valued at $1,000, made up of different pieces depending on a guest’s weight.

Naturally, people shared the dress code requirements online and we all reacted in shock and awe.

But our joy had consequences.

Serious consequences.

After seeing her words popping up all over social media, the bride took to Facebook to declare that she would be hosting a polygraph (that’s a lie detector) party to find out which of her guests spread her dress code far and wide.

She doesn’t seem like she’s joking.

‘It has come to my attention that someone went all the way down in this groups creation to screenshot the dress code requirements,’ wrote the bride.

‘I could not be more crushed, betrayed, or saddened.

‘I trust each and every one of you so intimately. Knowing someone went behind my back and made fun of me is one of the worst feelings.

‘And boy, will you be paying.’

The bride went on to invite her guests to ‘the first ever Polygraph Party’, in honour of ‘the snitch’.

This party, happening this Saturday at 8pm, will demand guests use a ‘real polygraph test for $99 on Amazon’ to determine who leaked the initial post.

After everyone finds ‘the rat who did this’, there’ll be drinks and appetisers. Fun!

And don’t think you can wriggle out of it.

The bride says that if a guest can’t make it to the party and doesn’t provide a valid excuse, they will be presumed guilty.

Sounds like a super chill, casual get-together.

So, what happens to the person who’s found guilty?

‘I will simply cut all ties and communication with you (and talk shit about you for a long, long time),’ writes the bride. ‘If you have any information about who violated my trust and my wedding planning, I will give you $100.’

Anyone tempted to blame the groom and get some free cash?

Don’t worry though, as the bride has also taken this opportunity to address any concerns guests have about the dress code. If they don’t want to dress up and participate in the dance, instead they can ‘help the crew clean up after dinner, volunteer to take videos of the dance, or even contribute to [the] honeymoon’.

Now a message for us, the ‘internet trolls’ who have commented on the dress code. Brace yourselves.

To us, the bride writes: ‘DO YOU F***ING KNOW ME? DO YOU KNOW WHY WE ARE DOING THINGS THIS WAY? No???

‘Then shut up! Go back to your scum basement and play video games and never f***ing make comments about people you don’t know.

‘My husband and I are certified spiritual healers with over ten years of experience.

‘Our wedding colours, fabrics, and intimate synchronized dance are something we hold very dear to our hearts. The expensive clothing represents the riches we wish to come.

‘The black and camouflage outfits represents the aura of the devil that we must shoo away. The soda hats represent our wishes for an abundance of life saving liquid. You get the picture.’

The bride does not address why it’s women over 160lbs who must represent the devil and be shooed away.

Please, if you are attending this wedding, do get in touch. We have so many questions.

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A 56-year-old woman from Essex has spent £1,900 on having designer vagina treatment – which she says has boosted her sex life and made her feel ’15 years younger’.

Abby Short was inspired to get the surgery by Danielle Lloyd, after she confessed to having had the treatment for incontinence.

Abby decided the procedure was for her, too.

A regular user of anti-ageing procedures, Abby had the tightening treatment after years of incontinence forced her to carry spare knickers everywhere – saying she looks after her face, ‘so why not take care of the rest’ of her body.

Now, following three lunchtime procedures lasting just five minutes each, the Billericay events planner says she feels like she is back in her 40s, when she and her husband, John, 62, have sex, adding: ‘I feel younger, like I’m back in my heyday.’

Before the Femilift vaginal rejuvenation treatment – which gently heats the vaginal tissue to stimulate the formation of new collagen – Abby suffered with unexpected leakage.

Already spending £2,000 a year on Botox, non-surgical facelifts and teeth-whitening, when she heard Danielle Lloyd confessing on TV to having vaginal tightening treatment to combat her own incontinence issues, it seemed like the logical next step for her, too.

Abby’s incontinence began after the birth of her son Josh, now 15.

‘If I sneezed, coughed a little too energetically or did any kind of real physical exercise it would mean an embarrassing leak,’ she recalled.

‘It wasn’t all the time, but would come on randomly and would be really embarrassing as a result.

‘It all started after the birth of my youngest son Josh and got worse from there.

‘I had the treatment after listening to Danielle Lloyd talking about having vaginal tightening, as her incontinence issues sounded just like mine.

‘I’d be in the office, having a laugh and a bit of wee would come out.’

Before taking the plunge, Abby researched the treatment, discovering that the procedure involved using a pixel Co2 laser.

Confident it was the right solution for her, she contacted Courthouse Clinics, the company where she already went for Botox, having the first of three sessions in London on 29 June this year.

Abby, also mum to Daniel, 24, from a previous relationship, explained: ‘You have to position yourself at the edge of the couch and spread your legs for the laser to be inserted, a bit like having a smear test, only warmer.

‘My doctor explained that I wouldn’t feel results immediately, but I actually did, I didn’t feel the pressure to go to the loo as often and when I did run up and down the beach on my holiday straight after, the effects weren’t nearly as bad.

‘It doesn’t make it look any different, but it is more about the inside and improving the function, which it has done.’

Having another session at the London clinic before her third treatment in October, Abby discovered it had an unexpected benefit when she and her husband had sex.

She continued: ‘It’s given me a real confidence boost and makes me feel so much younger, knocking 15 years off how I feel in the bedroom.

‘I couldn’t recommend it enough.’

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It’s been pretty miserable weather the past couple of months.

Let us take you back to when the colours were a little more vibrant and the sunshine brighter.

Our Instagram feed @Metro.co.uk champions amateur photography from London and across the UK and shares your images on a daily basis to our thousands of followers.

Here are some of our best autumn photos.

Orange and gold leaves decorated London’s streets; fancy an autumn bike ride? Thanks to @monsurphotography for this one.

What better way to frame a shot than with some autumn foliage? An artful composition from @sushiksyusha.

There’s nothing quite like the light that falls on an autumn’s morning. A beautiful shot by @dariashew.

It’s been a bountiful harvest of both crops and stunning Instagram pictures this autumn. Case in point: @janina.hb’s excellent shot.

We’re missing the autumnal light already. Thankfully we have @rachelli2’s photo to look wistfully back at.

Auburn leaf-litter extending in every direction is something we never tire of. A wondrous shot by @mallika_rang!

Bronze leaves really brings out the best in St. Pauls. An excellent picture by @_aaperspective_

Ochre really brings out the iconic red in this telephone box. Thanks to @monsurphotography!

This autumn snap looks like something straight out of a fantasy novel! A stunning photo by @george_andreou_

We’re going to miss the golden light and bronze leaves. At least we have these photos to remember it by! Thanks to @my_london_autumn for this one.

For more photos like these and daily Instagram stories showcasing the best Metro.co.uk has to offer, follow our Instagram @metro.co.uk.

Remember to use the hashtag #MetroLDN to have your images feature on our Instagram feed and website.

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It’s Friday afternoon, which means we’re asking questions about how people of different faiths have sex.

Each week we ask the same questions about each religion in an attempt to better understand how your faith can shape your sex life.

We’ve already found out about Orthodox Jews, Catholics and Muslims. This week we’re looking at how Sikhs have sex.

This series is based on the official teachings of the religion, not what individuals might choose to do.

Can you have sex before marriage?

No, like a lot of mainstream religions, Sikhism does not permit premarital sex.

Lust is one of the five ‘thieves’ that Sikhs must resist: lust, rage, greed, conceit and attachment. Premarital sex is considered to be driven by lust and therefore should be avoided.

Monogamy is also important in Sikhism.

What is sex like within marriage?

That’s really up to the couple. Having a family is considered important and valuable, but within marriage couples are permitted a lot of freedom. Sikhism doesn’t have rules about how or when couples are permitted to have sex.

Can you use contraception?

There are no rules in Sikhism which forbid the use of contraceptives. Sikhism teaches that couples should pick whatever method of family planning suits them. Natural methods of contraception are usually preferred to artificial methods and devices.

Abortion?

Sikhs believe that life begins at conception and that Waheguru inhabits all human beings. Therefore abortion is not permitted, even if there are foetal abnormalities. 

The only time when abortion is considered in Sikhism is when the pregnancy is a result of rape or the mother’s life is at risk.

Oral sex or anal sex?

A complex issue. There are many Sikhs who ask this question online, and the answer is generally ‘we don’t have a list of ‘yes’ and ‘no’, for Sikhs sex is divine and it is a choice made within the marriage.’

Oral and anal sex are not covered in the Gur Granth Sahib or Dasam Grant, nor in the Sikh guide to living, the Rehat Maryada by Akal Takhat.

Period sex?

Not a problem! Sikhs regard women to be equal to men, and therefore do not see periods at problematic. Plus, Sikhs believe that purity and cleanness can only come from the inside, not from washing. So there’s no stimga against periods, in fact Sikh leader Guru Nanek condemned the practice of judging women during their periods.

Homosexuality?

Same sex relationships are against the Sikh code of conduct. They’re not mentioned in the Guru Granth Sahib (primal collection of Sikh Scriptures) but marriage between men and women is encouraged.

Sikhs believe that homosexuality is not acceptable because it is not mentioned.

One of the arguments against homosexuality is that lust is one of the five vices mentioned in the Guru Granth Sahib. But some modern Sikhs say that this applies equally to straight people and therefore Guru Nanak’s (the first Guru) teaching on universal equality respects the rights of homosexuals.

Whether or not they believe in same sex relationships, the goal of any Sikh is to have no hatred towards anyone so it’s important not to be prejudiced and to be respectful.

Masturbation?

No. Lust, or ‘Kama’ is one of the five ‘thieves’, the major weaknesses of the human condition which Sikhs must strive to avoid. Masturbation indulges lust, therefore should be resisted.

How sex positive are Sikhs?

Quite. Married sex certainly isn’t frowned upon, but it’s also not seen as the major purpose of marriage.

Sikhs see marriage as a commitment before Waheguru (God). The purpose of the companionship is to help each other along their spiritual paths, not gratification.

Within a marriage, some Sikhs believe that it is a great virtue to deny themselves sexual intercourse in order to concentrate on divine love.

Sikhs religions texts don’t give a prescriptive list of things you may or may not do, allowing more freedom and room for interpretation than many religions.

Next week we’ll be asking how Buddhists have sex.

How do...

Catholics have sex? 

'The Bible doesn’t make it clear whether men and women can indulge in anal sex, though it does take a dim view of sodomy between men.' Read more

Orthodox Jews have sex? 

'If you’re properly Orthodox and doing things by the book then you’re not supposed to touch before you get married.' Read more

Muslims have sex?

'Emphasis is placed on the importance of foreplay. Muslims are forbidden to act like animals, and sex without foreplay is considered to be acting like an animal.' Read more

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Christmas is a time for drinking far too much alcohol, and that means booze is a great present to give to your loved ones.

Sure you can pick up a nice pack of beers, a fancy case of wine or a high quality bottle of spirits, but you could also think a little bit outside the box over the festive period.

Vikings star breaks down in tears as she watches back character death

There is a lot more to boozy gifts than just the drink itself, so here are some ideas that your friends and family might not be expecting.

Whether it is a boozy accessory or just an unusual time of beverage, these could be the Christmas gifts for you.

Mr Trotter’s Candles – IPA/Gin/Whisky

Why not give your home the sweet smell of booze this Christmas with these alcohol scented candles from Mr Trotter’s?

Depending on your favourite tipple you can get an IPA, gin and tonic or whisky scent to fill your nostrils and room of choice.

Whilst a beer or spirit candle might not initially sound that appealing, the scent is quite subtle and actually very enjoyable in all three options.

You can either get the candles in a tin (like this pig has done) or in a glass container for a an extra few pounds.

Zzysh Wine and Champagne Preserver

The age old problem of how to keep your wine or fizz fresh after opening it may have finally been solved.

We have all stuck a spoon in an open bottle of Champagne or rammed a cork back in an open bottle of red hoping for the best, only to be disappointed by the outcome.

Well Zzysh have got us covered with two separate products, one designed for wine and the other for Champagne, both of which can protect the drinks for weeks.

According to the company behind the invention: ‘Unlike vacuum pumps, classic stoppers or wine pouring systems that merely reduce oxygen, the zzysh® system completely eliminates it with argon gas (and CO2 for Champagne).

‘This preserves a liquid’s quality, natural flavour and fizz after opening, ensuring the exact same tasting experience next time.’

Each are available for £79.90.

WineBuyers

WineBuyers have all sorts of gifts on offer on their site, including cans of sparkling white wine, which is a new one for this observer.

They really will have everything that any into wine or Champagne could be after this Christmas, and with options to suit all sorts of budgets.

This Champagne with two flutes set for £36 could be the choice you are looking for.

Pirate’s Grog Mulled Rum Cider

If you hadn’t heard of mulled rum cider before then you are not the only one, but if you know anyone into either cider, rum or hot booze then this could be the ideal choice.

It’s an interesting twist on the wintery mulled options usually available and slips down very easily indeed thanks to its fruity, full-bodied nature.

Show your hearties you love them this Christmas with this one.

Duvel’s Devilish Duet Gift Pack

Okay, this is a pretty standard boozy gift, but Duvel is such a great beer it is worth a mention.

The bottles of Belgian Golden Ale and Tripel Hop ‘Citra’ are accompanied by a branded glass and make a perfect gift for the knowledgeable beer-drinker in the family.

You can pick it up from Amazon UK, Beer Hawk and The Belgian Beer Company.

Gosnell’s of London English Mead

If you have not treated yourself to trying some mead then you are really missing out.

Gosnell’s are one of the premiere mead producers in the country and have revamped the ancient drink for the modern market.

Instead of glugging Prosecco on Christmas morning, have a go on the sweet, honey-flavoured, exciting new alternative.

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A mother has spent £3,000 on festive decorations this year, including four Christmas trees.

Joanne Buckley, 38, absolutely loves this time of year, and has filled her house with four giant Christmas trees, life-size gingerbread men, toy drummers and huge teddy bears to get into the holly jolly spirit.

The mother-of-one from Braintree in Essex, said every room in her house has a different theme and the halls are adorned with human-sized toy soldiers, Santa statues, presents and an 8ft tree covered in tinsel and lights.

The Christmas tree alone cost £800.

Joanne’s hallway has a candy stripe theme, the living room a Santa theme and another room is inspired by the Grinch.

She said: ‘This year has probably been about £3000, but I add a bit more each year. One of the trees alone cost £800.

‘It’s not a cheap hobby. I am a bit obsessed with it.’

The decorations aren’t just inside – her driveway is also adorned with festive lights and flashing snowmen, and visitors are welcomed by a massive stuffed teddy bear.

The self-confessed obsessive said her partner, Andrew, 48, and son, Joseph, 11, love her decorations.

Joanne said: ‘He [Andrew] really likes it, he funds my fetish.

‘The kids love it. We wear Christmas jumpers every day.’

The Christmas season is not the only holiday that Miss Buckley splashes out on.

She said: ‘This Halloween I had a graveyard in the driveway and had about a hundred kids coming up to the door.

‘Christmas and Halloween are the big ones. It’s been crazy.’

Joanne, who works at a Commercial Vehicle Services, uploaded a video to her Facebook page last week and has already racked up over 600,000 views, with thousands of people sharing their love for her designs.

‘I’ve had a lot of nice comments and it’s nice to know that people appreciate it,’ she said.

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A puppy has taken her first steps after spending most of her life being locked in a crate so small she was unable to stand.

Gracie Lacey, a black and tan German Shepherd, was trapped in a tiny crate in filthy conditions that left her with permanent injuries and unable to walk.

However, after a major surgery, she is expected to be running and playing by Christmas.

She was rescued by a dog charity after being imported from Hungary earlier this year at just five months old.

German Shepherd Rescue started a special regime to build Gracie Lacey’s muscles back up – which had wasted away during her confinement – and arranged for her to be fostered by a dog trainer named Celia Felstead.

‘When she first arrived, Gracie had never been walked so found the outside world scary and people frightening – but she has grown into a wonderful girl,’ said Celia, who went on to adopt the pup.

A few weeks after she moved in with Celia, Gracie began limping and was diagnosed with a cruciate ligament injury and cartilage damage in one of her back legs.

Vet surgeon Dr David Kydd from Medivet Wimbledon, south west London, treated the puppy.

‘Gracie is a young dog and the cruelty she suffered during her first few months, trapped in a crate, is terrible to think about,’ said Dr Kydd.

‘Some of the damage she suffered is permanent, but the important thing is that she can walk, run and play and lead a normal life in every way.

‘This good outcome is really down to great teamwork and communication, involving rescue, foster care, surgery, nursing and rehabilitation.’

Celia is delighted at the recovery Gracie has made four months after surgery.

She said: ‘We are both eternally grateful to David Kydd and Medivet for their advice, knowledge and compassion.

‘Gracie and I are now looking forward to enjoying long walks with my other three dogs.’

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Not sure why Christmas brings our competitive side, but there are always games on the big day, and there is always someone who takes it way too seriously.

It’s pretty much mandatory to fill the lull between dinner and bedtime with a little bit of trivia. After all, we have to keep our minds in shape after all those Baileys’.

We’ve compiled the ultimate quiz right here for you, which you can play with others or alone.

If you’re playing with others, simply have everyone write their answers down, and you can reveal once everyone is finished.

It’s got a festive theme, just to keep it topical. Loser has to wear the ugliest Christmas accessory.

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