Top 25 unusual things Brits pack when going on holiday (yes, a photo of a pet)

June 19, 2015, 8:12 am

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Because we Brits are majorly set in our ways. And a good cuppa never tastes the same on holiday, right?

Fair enough whack a handful of teabags in your case before you jet-set but packing actual cheese? Who does that?

Well, according to a survey that asked 2,000 Brits about their bizzare-o holiday essentials, 5 percent can’t part with a good block of cheese.

But wait, it gets better because results also found that 15 percent pack a bath sponge (WTF?), 23 percent take a torch (semi practical) and 5 percent insist on having a photo of their pet.

23 percent even confessed to Skyping their pets while away. Oh Jesus.

Here’s a look at… Read the full story

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Basically the most personality-packed dog pictures you’ll see all day

June 19, 2015, 8:59 am

≫ Next: You really need this totally tropical pineapple watch in your life this summer

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These personality-packed dog portraits aren’t like any canine photos you’ve seen before.

Forget snugly cosy snaps or action shots, when it comes to capturing a dog’s true personality, Elke Vogelsang’s pictures are unparalleled.

The German photographer, who lives in Hildesheim with her husband and their three rescue dogs, has built up a name for herself as one of the finest canine photographers in the world.

And as you’d expect, her beloved dogs – Noodles, Scout and Ioli – feature in many of her pics.

Read the full story

You really need this totally tropical pineapple watch in your life this summer

June 19, 2015, 9:47 am

≫ Next: 12 perfect prosecco cocktail recipes that anyone can make at home

≪ Previous: Basically the most personality-packed dog pictures you’ll see all day

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Did someone say SUMMER?

Forget shopping for new sandals and short shorts (we see you), the only thing you need to get your wardrobe in shape for summer is this totally tropical pineapple watch by Swatch.

Seriously – have you ever seen a more unashamedly good times time piece?

Perfect for festivals, the bright colours and fruity design will add a splash of fun to any outfit, and it’s water resistant too so you can even wear it on the beach (although wearing a watch to the beach is the very definition of ‘killjoy’).

Oh, and at just £38 from Watchshop it won’t eat into your cider budget either.

MORE: 13 times Princess Anne schooled us on how… Read the full story

12 perfect prosecco cocktail recipes that anyone can make at home

June 19, 2015, 11:30 pm

≫ Next: 20 incredible places to visit in Scotland before you die

≪ Previous: You really need this totally tropical pineapple watch in your life this summer

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It’s official – everyone’s potty about prosecco.

Middle England almost lost the plot when it looked like a global shortage might be on the cards.

So, when it comes to a summer party, it’s time to get fizzy.

But you don’t want it plain, do you?

The great thing about Prosecco is it’s quick and easy to transform from a straight bit of bubbles to a cheeky cocktail.

So here’s 12 perfect prosecco cocktail recipes that anyone can make at home.

MORE: Rumours of an ‘imminent’ global prosecco shortage sends Twitter into meltdown

Aperol Spritz Granita by Natalie Migliarini on Instagram here

Read the full story

20 incredible places to visit in Scotland before you die

June 20, 2015, 12:00 am

≫ Next: 18 ice cream flavours ranked from worst to best

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Scotland is full of natural breathtaking beauty and man-made wonders which would take a lifetime to explore.

For those short on time these are some of the best gems around the country that should be on every traveller’s must visit list.

1. Glencoe 

Historic and atmospheric, the site of Scotland’s most infamous massacre is now a Hollywood scene stealer.  Dramatic mountains, rushing waterfalls and whitewashed cottages create the idyllic Highland backdrop.

2. Lock Ness

Stretching for 23 miles and surrounded by picturesque villages, mountains and the ruins of Urquhart Castle, no wonder the elusive Nessie decided to take up residence here!

Read the full story

18 ice cream flavours ranked from worst to best

June 20, 2015, 1:00 am

≫ Next: Warning sticker calls out BS body standards in women’s magazines

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There are very few problems in life that cannot be fixed by ice cream.

Not only is it suitable at any time, but the variety of flavours really puts it up with there with the greatest of foods.

Also, have you ever seen anybody eating ice cream look sad? Exactly.

But sometimes there are certain flavours that we don’t quite get the obsession with, and kind of wished we didn’t have to deal with.

18. Pistachio

Hmm, OK…we see no real reason… Read the full story

Warning sticker calls out BS body standards in women’s magazines

June 20, 2015, 1:07 am

≫ Next: Dads and their kids do lie detector tests, and it gets pretty awkward

≪ Previous: 18 ice cream flavours ranked from worst to best

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Are you beach body ready? Is your thigh gap showing? Are your collarbones so prominent you can stack coins on them? Can you reach round your back and touch your bellybutton?

You may have noticed there’s a lot of BS around being a woman and having a body.

Thankfully, we haven’t all lost our minds in the pursuit of mass media acceptable perfection, which this warning sticker so kindly reminds us.

MORE: Forget the thigh gap, there’s now a new part of your body to loathe and abhor

View post on imgur.com

Spotted by Redditor, attorney_steve, attached to the front of a weekly gossip mag in his local doctor’s surgery, the disclaimer reads, ‘This magazine contains unrealistic body images that have been digitally modified. Please do not compare yourself to these unrealistic images.’

Sure, we’re familiar with the powers of Photoshop by now, but this everyday act of rebellion comes… Read the full story

Dads and their kids do lie detector tests, and it gets pretty awkward

June 20, 2015, 2:36 am

≫ Next: Oh dad! An embarrassing 56 per cent of dads admit to copying their sons’ fashion choices

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Everyone knows that a happy parent and child relationship must be built on a foundation of lies.

Nothing big, just hiding the stuff that might hurt them, or that they wouldn’t understand, like tattoos, or drug use, or that time you hooked up with your boyfriend in their bed

But now, Distractify has decided to mess with that delicate balance of white lies and secrecy, getting Dads to hook up their kids to lie detectors to give them the most horrific Father’s Day gift of all: the truth.

Because no parent should know that their kid has used… Read the full story

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Oh dad! An embarrassing 56 per cent of dads admit to copying their sons’ fashion choices

June 20, 2015, 2:40 am

≫ Next: Sitting down too much might be making you anxious

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It seems that when it comes to fashion, dad’s want to walk in their son’s shoes. Literally.

It has been revealed that an embarrassing 56 per cent of dad’s admit to copying their sons’ dress sense – apparently in the hope of not looking ‘out of date’.

Men’s clothing brand Jacamo spoke to 1,028 fathers, and found that the top five styles that fathers admitted copying were:

1. Buying a pair of trainers

2. Rolling jeans up at the bottom

3. Wearing an open shirt with a T-shirt underneath

4. Adding a hat to their outfit

5. Rolling up shirt sleeves

… Which all sound pretty tame and harmless to us.

Worryingly though, a renegade 11 per cent of dads admitted to owning a baseball cap. If this is you, or… Read the full story

Sitting down too much might be making you anxious

June 20, 2015, 4:24 am

≫ Next: This hypnotic gif art is strangely relaxing

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It’s time to get up and shake a leg, people.

Sitting down has been getting a bad rap of late. First we were told that it’s probably killing us (which, you know, is obviously not ideal), and now it’s emerged that sitting down may be affecting our mental health too.

Research by Deakin University’s Centre for Physical Activity and Nutrition Research (C-PAN) in Australia has found that there is probably a link between sitting down and anxiety.

Talking about the motivation behind the study, Megan Teychenne, lead researcher and lecturer at C-PAN, explained: ‘Anecdotally – we are seeing an increase in anxiety symptoms in our modern society, which seems… Read the full story

This hypnotic gif art is strangely relaxing

June 20, 2015, 4:35 am

≫ Next: £12,000 worth of cookies have been stolen from a factory in South Wales

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Sometimes, TV and a cup of tea just isn’t enough to reach peak relaxation.

For those tough days, maybe what you really need is to watch an apple spin on an endless loop, surrounded by mirrors. Might be a bit out there, but hey. It works.

Spyrogif is a Tumblr artist who creates hypnotising perpetual motion gifs – meaning gifs that form perfect loops of movement without any obvious breaks. They’re relaxing in a very weird way, because seriously, who KNEW that watching something spin on an eternal loop could be this soothing?

You know what you need after a long day at work? Endless ripples of a mysterious scaly fabric.

 

Or you can pretend you’re on holiday (sort of) with some gently swaying palm trees.

Read the full story

£12,000 worth of cookies have been stolen from a factory in South Wales

June 20, 2015, 4:35 am

≫ Next: Fashion designers create the world’s most stylish My Little Ponies

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Thieves have made away with £12,000 worth of cookies after raiding a South Wales factory.

According to the South Wales Argus, a truck containing the biscuits was taken from Burton’s Food Ltd in Cwmbran, Torfaen, on 17 June, and later recovered in Warrington, Cheshire – completely empty.

The company produces products including Wagon Wheels, Jammie Dodgers, Mini Maryland Choc Chip Cookies and Cathedral City Baked Bites.

A spokesman said: ‘Burton’s Biscuit Company can confirm that goods and a trailer were stolen from the Llantarnam factory during the early hours of Wednesday 17th June. This is an isolated incident and we’re currently working closely with South Wales Police in their on-going investigation… Read the full story

Fashion designers create the world’s most stylish My Little Ponies

June 20, 2015, 5:15 am

≫ Next: McDonald’s new McBike packaging is a seriously neat bit of kit

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Fancy getting your hands on a designer My Little Pony? Here’s your chance.

Fashion names such as Pucci and Roberto Cavalli have made over plushes of the iconic toy, which are being auctioned off for charity.

The humble ponies are now sporting psychedelic prints, hipster hair ‘dos and seriously sparkly sequins.

Fans are now furiously bidding hundreds of euros on eBay for the creations.

The auction has been organised by Italian retailer LuisaViaRoma to raise money for Save The Children’s Nepal earthquake appeal.

Emilio Pucci has given this pony a scarf in one of his trademark prints, plus a sweeping hipster fringe.

Spanish fashion brand Delpozo has opted for a sea of shimmering… Read the full story

McDonald’s new McBike packaging is a seriously neat bit of kit

June 20, 2015, 6:47 am

≫ Next: 23 signs you’re a boring 20 something (and couldn’t be happier)

≪ Previous: Fashion designers create the world’s most stylish My Little Ponies

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We haven’t been this excited about a piece of packaging since Papa John’s three-tiered pizza box.

If you’re a cyclist with a penchant for fast food, McDonald’s latest innovation is just what you’ve been waiting for.

But this new product isn’t some new energy-boosting burger, but a rather snazzy piece of packaging.

The McBike (of course it’s called the McBike) is one of the slickest pieces of kit we’ve seen in a long time, and solves a problem that anyone who’s ever cycled to the pub will have encountered – how to get you and your burger from restaurant to your home in one piece.

The brilliantly simple design has room for… Read the full story

23 signs you’re a boring 20 something (and couldn’t be happier)

June 20, 2015, 6:48 am

≫ Next: 21 struggles you’ll only know if you’ve signed up for a 5K and are woefully unprepared

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Is your favourite thing in the world your dressing gown?

Do you sometimes get called ‘boring’ and find yourself not caring?

It might mean you’re a boring 20-something.

But if being boring is wrong, you don’t wanna be right.

Here are the tell tale signs:

1. You know about Barefoot Contessa.

2. You keep a diary.

3. You say things like ‘No cheese for me thanks, it’s a bit late’

4. You love it when friends cancel plans. *puts on PJs*

5. You dislike restaurants with loud music

6. You are in an actual relationship with an actual human person.

7. You’ve literally canceled plans because no one can… Read the full story

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21 struggles you’ll only know if you’ve signed up for a 5K and are woefully unprepared

June 20, 2015, 7:02 am

≫ Next: Children who tell lies ‘have better memories and thinking skills’

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So, you’ve made the terrible, awful mistake of signing up for a 5K. 

Maybe it was for charity. Perhaps you thought it would be just the boost you need to get you going to the gym again.

Either way it’s possible probable that you misunderstood exactly how far 5K is, and have managed to kid yourself that you can do it with no preparation.

However you’ve managed to get yourself into this situation, these are the struggles you’re going to face…

1. Being massively guilt-tripped into signing up

Whether it’s your parents, workmates or friends, they’re ALL doing it. And you’ll look like a dick if you say no.

2. And having no excuse to get out of it

Because saying ‘I don’t want to’, or ‘running is literally the least fun thing I can think of doing’ isn’t acceptable. Especially if it’s a charity run.

3. Moments of poorly-informed overconfidence

5K isn’t… Read the full story

Children who tell lies ‘have better memories and thinking skills’

June 20, 2015, 8:06 am

≫ Next: 22 things you’ll go through when you’re newly single

≪ Previous: 21 struggles you’ll only know if you’ve signed up for a 5K and are woefully unprepared

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Don’t worry if your kids are massive liars: children who tell fibs could have better memories and thinking skills.

Researchers recruited 114 children aged 7 to 11, and allowed them to cheat at a trivia game and lie about it.

They did this by letting them sneakily look at an answer to a question – even if they were told not to.

Surprisingly enough, only one quarter of the kids actually went ahead and looked at the answer, unaware that they were being recorded by hidden cameras.

The children were then given verbal memory tests, and those who had… Read the full story

22 things you’ll go through when you’re newly single

June 20, 2015, 9:05 am

≫ Next: All the men you’ll go on dates with in your 20s

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Break-ups can be tough. 

No matter how long you were in your relationship, suddenly making that jump from loved up and comfortable to the terrifying world of being newly single is difficult, scary, and just plain weird.

These are the things you’ll go through:

1. So many pitying looks from friends/parents/co-workers

I told you we broke up, not that I’m on the brink of death. Please don’t look so concerned.

2. Either loads of offers to get inappropriately hammered, or not nearly enough

Don’t really want to get all dressed up and properly go out, but come ON people, can we please go to a moody bar, get drunk, and complain about our exes?

3. Freedom to be a massive slob

No significant other to care what you look like, no need to change out of PJs. Ever.

Read the full story

All the men you’ll go on dates with in your 20s

June 20, 2015, 9:05 am

≫ Next: These pictures by feminist artist Ambivalently Yours perfectly capture contemporary womanhood

≪ Previous: 22 things you’ll go through when you’re newly single

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Dating in your 20s can be the best thing ever – and the worst.

You’re never short of a story to entertain your (secretly slightly jealous) coupled-up friends, yet there are plenty of nights when you return home wishing you’d just spent the money on a takeaway pizza and new mascara instead.

The men you date are attractive and reasonably baggage-free, yet sadly still afflicted by the folly and foolishness of youth.

Whether you meet them in a bar, through a mate or by swiping right on Tinder, here are all the men you’ll definitely go on a date with at some point in your 20s.

The one who’s really quite offensive

You’ve barely finished your first drink and he’s already aired… Read the full story

These pictures by feminist artist Ambivalently Yours perfectly capture contemporary womanhood

June 20, 2015, 10:17 am

≫ Next: Vintage fashion through the ages, as modelled by the Scooby Doo gang

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For every girl and woman who sometimes struggles with being a girl/ woman…

In a world full of doubt and confusion, anonymous artist Ambivalently Yours’ gets just how you feel.

In fact, she’s turned all those errant thoughts and feeling about contemporary womanhood into a series of beautiful and powerful illustrations.

Talking to Dazed and Confused, the artist explained that Ambivalently Yours came about at a time when she felt torn between contradictions in her own life: ‘I started Ambivalently Yours in 2012 when I was studying feminist art and working in the fashion industry… I felt caught somewhere in-between two worlds that I both loved and hated at times, in other words I felt ambivalent.’

From body issues and relationship dramas to victim… Read the full story