The 28 reasons NOT to go on a camping holiday

August 8, 2015, 4:46 am

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Camping holidays in the UK are still a favourite choice for many – the freedom of the open road, the exploration of our beautiful countryside, the fun of setting up camp and just getting back to basics does seem rather attractive.

Campsites are full of youngsters in camper vans, families in incredibly complicated tents and happy older couples knocking in their personalised pitch signs in front of their huge white motorhomes.

But for those of us who haven’t made living outdoors a lifestyle choice the camping holiday presents plenty of problems.

And so here are the 28 reasons for NOT taking a camping trip – because maybe sitting under a flapping canvas isn’t a real holiday at… Read the full story

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Heart-shaped fringes are South Korea’s hottest new trend

August 8, 2015, 6:46 am

≫ Next: These brilliant illustrations are tackling LGBTQ prejudice, one stereotype at a time

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Fancy doing something a bit different with your fringe?

South Korea is getting overtaken by a new trend in hair, which sees cutesy styling taken to new heights with fringes shaped to look like hearts.

A lot of people are crediting the love for the trend to Kendall Jenner’s recent Instagram (the one that beat Kimye to be the most liked Instagram post ever), which shows her lying down with her hair arranged in mini hearts.

Others are saying the upside down hearts look like bums. But let’s ignore that, and marvel at the prettiness.

 

#Drawing in the heart post-selfie helps, just to hammer it home

 

Keep the rest of the hair simple, because this is a pretty big statement

 

Make sure to look really, really happy about your new look

Read the full story

These brilliant illustrations are tackling LGBTQ prejudice, one stereotype at a time

August 8, 2015, 7:24 am

≫ Next: 16 confessions of someone with a snoring partner

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Daniel Arzola is an artist and activist from Venezuela, who’s tackling LGBTQ prejudice in the best way he can.

In his series of illustrations, titled ‘No Soy Tu Chiste’ (‘I’m Not Your Joke’), Arzola smacks down common stereotypes and messages of intolerance, using striking colour and portraits of people from the LGBTQ community along with written statements of LGBTQ pride.

‘When you turn the TV on, being gay is just a joke,’ Daniel told Mashable. He says he wants to use his artwork ‘as a method of nonviolent action to change mentalities, to empathize, to create visibility’.

Read the full story

16 confessions of someone with a snoring partner

August 9, 2015, 3:12 am

≫ Next: 20 things you’ll only understand if you’re already excited for Christmas

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I love my husband. But some nights that love turns to seething, irrational hatred.

Not because I am a psychopath. But because his insanely loud snoring keeps me awake…

Here are a few things anyone with a partner who snores will understand:

1. When you say good night you always add ‘please don’t snore’ – like it’ll make any difference.

2. They then reply ‘ok, good night’ – like it’ll make any difference.

3. It always takes you ages to get to sleep because you know The Snore will begin as soon as you start to drift off.

4. You sometimes stare at their sleeping, snoring face and feel as though you HATE them.

Read the full story

20 things you’ll only understand if you’re already excited for Christmas

August 9, 2015, 6:52 am

≫ Next: 8 ways to turn your break-up into a breakthrough

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Selfridges opened its Christmas shop last week (yes, in August) and I for one am EXCITED.

There’s a reason why it’s known as the most wonderful time of the year, and if it were my choice I’d make sure it was Christmas every single day.

Here are some things you only know if, like me, you simply can’t wait for Christmas.

1. Your Christmas countdown starts on Boxing Day

As in, the year before.

2. Boxing Day = the worst

While everyone else is shopping or watching Wallace and Gromit, you’re mourning the end of Christmas.

The only thing that will snap you out of this dark mood is Home Alone.

3. S-N-O-W!

Read the full story

8 ways to turn your break-up into a breakthrough

August 9, 2015, 9:09 am

≫ Next: Random act of kindness for woman with cancer proves there is good in the world

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There’s no denying that break-ups can feel like the worst. However, it’s also important to remember that they can be the catalyst for brilliant change.

Here are 8 ways to turn your break-up into a breakthrough.

1. Get physical

Exercising releases feel-good chemicals and is the best natural pick-me-up out there. Use exercise as a distraction and try other things if you’re allergic to the gym.

You’ll feel better, have more energy, probably meet a few hotties and… Read the full story

Random act of kindness for woman with cancer proves there is good in the world

August 9, 2015, 11:40 pm

≫ Next: 23 signs you’re not a morning person

≪ Previous: 8 ways to turn your break-up into a breakthrough

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A daughter got an amazing response when she tried to buy a second-hand Nutribullet on Gumtree for her mother with cancer.

Cara Grace Duggan contacted a seller on Gumtree last week to buy the blender for her mum Kim, who has stage four oesophageal cancer.

Cara says of her mum’s diagnosis last year: ‘My mum was a pillar of health. She never ate junk food and she looked after herself. It wasn’t until a large swelling appeared in her throat that she knew something was wrong.’

Doctors said they wouldn’t be able to cure her mum, only ‘prolong her decline’. Her family, however, weren’t… Read the full story

23 signs you’re not a morning person

August 10, 2015, 12:00 am

≫ Next: Don’t worry, you can get amazing freakshakes in the UK too

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Most people sigh a tiny bit when their alarm goes off in the morning. But while some drag themselves out of bed and perk up within minutes, others may as well wear a ‘do not disturb’ sign around their neck until noon.

OK, so maybe you come alive in the evening and can dance until the sun comes up – but what happens after that?

If you’ve ever wanted to punch someone for talking to you before you’ve had your caffeine fix, you’ll know what it’s like to be in a long-term relationship with your bed.

Here are 23 signs you’re definitely not a morning person.

1. Sunglasses are wardrobe a staple, no matter what season it is

Daylight, eww.

2. As… Read the full story

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Don’t worry, you can get amazing freakshakes in the UK too

August 10, 2015, 12:18 am

≫ Next: Clothing brand AliExpress is advertising plus-size leggings in the weirdest way

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Over the last few weeks, we’ve all been losing our minds over all the Nutella doughnut milkshakes and freakshakes coming out of Australia.

First Pâtissez bakery in Canberra, Australia introduced us to their ‘Freakshow’ shakes, dripping in Nutella, pretzels, salted caramel, and ridiculous levels of cream.

And then the world discovered Foodscraft Espresso in Sydney, and their Tella Ball shake – a glorious mixture of ice cream, Nutella, cream, and a Nutella stuffed doughnut on top.

We seriously considered moving to the other side of the world.

 

But, as we prepared to pack up our lives and move Down Under, a Metro reader (h/t Gemma Avison) pointed out that there… Read the full story

Clothing brand AliExpress is advertising plus-size leggings in the weirdest way

August 10, 2015, 12:36 am

≫ Next: New Zealand’s first booze-free bar forced to close after just five weeks because ‘no one showed up’

≪ Previous: Don’t worry, you can get amazing freakshakes in the UK too

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Well, this is weird.

Clothing brand AliExpress has come under fire online for their rather unusual advertising technique for plus-size leggings.

Rather than hiring an actual plus-size model to show off the leggings’ high stretch material and elasticated waistband, the brand decided to save some time and money. In a really bizarre way.

They used their regular model, and made her put both legs into one side of the leggings and hold out the waistband to its full width to show how far they can stretch.

Read the full story

New Zealand’s first booze-free bar forced to close after just five weeks because ‘no one showed up’

August 10, 2015, 1:51 am

≫ Next: Nature’s version of a slip ‘n’ slide looks better than anything we could ever imagine

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New Zealand’s first ever dry-bar has been forced to close after just five weeks. Oh.

The people of Auckland have spoken. And it’s a resounding ‘nah, you’re alright’ to booze-free partying.

Tap Bar, the country’s first alcohol-free drinking den, opened in Auckland on July 3. The bar, which stands for The After Party, charged an entry fee of $15 (£6) and the non-alcoholic juices and mocktails were priced from $5 (£2).

It opened at midnight in a bid to attract late night revellers falling out of nearby clubs and pubs.

‘We gave it a shot and Auckland drinking culture just didn’t tie in with the dry bar. No one showed up,’ co-owner Grady Elliott admitted to the… Read the full story

Nature’s version of a slip ‘n’ slide looks better than anything we could ever imagine

August 10, 2015, 2:37 am

≫ Next: This woman reads to rescue dogs to stop them getting lonely

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Here’s one for the bucket list – it’s a naturally occurring slip ‘n’ slide, which can be found in Lynn Canyon Park, British Columbia, Canada.

Because anything we can do, Mother Nature’s already thought of – and done it better.

The slip ‘n’ slide through a waterfall has been created, and smoothed out, over time by the current. What we’re left with is a 35ft high slide, with a 10 metre drop at the end, which spits you out into a giant natural pool.

And to show just how much fun you can have in the great outdoors, YouTuber Devin Graham (aka Devin Super Tramp) and the people at Torch Paddles made a video. In 4K.

If you’re currently sat at your wretched desk, in a miserable office, we apologise.

This may make you feel like you’re wasting your life. Sorry. 

Read the full story

This woman reads to rescue dogs to stop them getting lonely

August 10, 2015, 3:45 am

≫ Next: In a new relationship? Try sexting – everyone else is

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This picture of a woman reading to rescue dogs at a shelter in Pittsburgh has been viewed over 3.2 million times online and shared over a million.

The heartwarming image was posted by Redditor puglife123 last week with the comment: ‘This woman comes to my local humane society and sits in front of the dogs cage and reads books to the dogs.’

The kind volunteer has since been identified as Sandy Barbabella and she’s a regular at the Western Pennsylvania Humane Society in Pittsburgh, where puglife123 also volunteers.

She reads to the dogs once a week, on a Tuesday, to help them feel… Read the full story

In a new relationship? Try sexting – everyone else is

August 10, 2015, 4:28 am

≫ Next: 13 things you’ll only know if you’re addicted to running

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For many people, sexting is associated with cheating footballers and awkward teen moments. However, a new study suggests we should start looking at sexting in a more positive light – after all, most people are doing it.

Psychology researchers at Drexel University in America found that 82.2 per cent of the adults surveyed had sexted in the last year.

And it’s not just teens who are getting busy with their hands – adults from the ages of 18 to 82 took part.

Yup, that means parents and grandparents are probably getting in on the action too. Sorry.

Read the full story

13 things you’ll only know if you’re addicted to running

August 10, 2015, 4:37 am

≫ Next: ‘Bad Blood’ parody calls on George Osborne to end the Tampon Tax (or blood will flow)

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Some people keep fit with regular trips to the gym, while others like to get on their bike and cycle.

But for some of us, nothing beats simply throwing on your trainers and running.

Here’s 13 things you’ll only know if you’re addicted to running.

1. 75% of your washing basket is running gear

Running socks, sports bras, shorts and sweaty vests… Your washing line resembles some kind of Sports Direct clear out.

2. You know the exact distance to every local park/landmark

And you know the distance between various random lamp posts too.

3. The running playlist is a powerful thing

You learnt the hard way after Radiohead came on during a tricky hill and you almost gave up… Read the full story

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‘Bad Blood’ parody calls on George Osborne to end the Tampon Tax (or blood will flow)

August 10, 2015, 4:54 am

≫ Next: These aren’t photographs, they’re drawings (and, no, we’re not joking)

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George Osborne had better get used to hearing about women’s flow. 

Because British women are fed up of having to pay five per cent VAT on so-called ‘luxury’ sanitary products.

A Change.Org petition asking the Chancellor of the Exchequer to scrap the Tampon Tax has now gained almost a quarter of a million signatures.

And now the menstrual movement has its very own campaign song thanks to comedians Jenny Bede and Cariad Lloyd, and their parody of Taylor Swift’s ‘Bad Blood’ video. Well it was only really a matter of time.

The Bad Blood (end the tampon tax) spoof stars a host of female comedians… Read the full story

These aren’t photographs, they’re drawings (and, no, we’re not joking)

August 10, 2015, 6:17 am

≫ Next: #CrazyYourMom takes crazy mum texts to the next level

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Read the full story

#CrazyYourMom takes crazy mum texts to the next level

August 10, 2015, 7:18 am

≫ Next: Dimly Lit Meals for One is the best antidote to annoying Instagram food snaps

≪ Previous: These aren’t photographs, they’re drawings (and, no, we’re not joking)

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Remember Kate Siegel and her crazy Jewish mum?

As a way of coping with her mum’s endless texts about her love life (or lack of) and brutal observations about her lifestyle, Kate decided earlier this year to share them with the world – via the CrazyJewishMom Instagram page.

As she explained at the time: ‘Instagram is cheaper than therapy.’ It’s also a lot funnier.

Now, as a form of group therapy, she’s started a second page called CrazyYourMom, where other long-suffering children can get their mothers’ overbearing texts off their chests.

It’s brilliant. And totally cray-cray.

Turns out, there are pushy mammas… Read the full story

Dimly Lit Meals for One is the best antidote to annoying Instagram food snaps

August 10, 2015, 7:42 am

≫ Next: Magnum are now doing limited edition afternoon tea-inspired ice creams at their Pleasure Store

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Scroll through Instagram and you’ll find it oversaturated with snaps of impossibly good looking meals – photos that make you feel both incredibly hungry and ashamed of your own culinary skills.

Thank god for Tom Kennedy, who’s serving some gastronomic realness with his food blog, Dimly Lit Meals for One.

This is the food blog with a twist – instead of insufferably perfect gourmet plates, Kennedy shares photos of far more realistic kitchen adventures that the average person produces at home.

Kennedy explained to Metro: ‘It all began when my friend showed me some pictures an old school mate of his had posted on Facebook. The pictures were so odd, so poorly framed and badly lit, that… Read the full story

Magnum are now doing limited edition afternoon tea-inspired ice creams at their Pleasure Store

August 10, 2015, 8:11 am

≫ Next: Meet the incredibly brave ‘Butterfly Boy’ who refuses to give up hope despite ‘constant pain’

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Welcome to the Pleasure Store.

To celebrate Afternoon Tea Week (like we needed an excuse), Magnum has created three new cake-inspired flavours.

And they’re serving them all this week (August 10-16) at the naughty but nice Magnum Pleasure Store in Covent Garden. It’s the afternoon tea for people who don’t really do savoury.

Diners can choose between The Indulgence: that’s chocolate ice cream, dipped in dark chocolate, studded with pieces of brownie, honeycomb, and silver pearls, and drizzled in chocolate sauce.

Or… Read the full story