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Woman asks people to send letters to her widower dad, 91, and everyone delivers

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Gerard Dunn with daughter Miriam who made the request on Twitter  (Picture: Miriam Dunn)

Author Miriam Dunn wanted to do something nice for her dad, Gerard, 91, who was left feeling quite lonely after his wife passed away.

In their six decades of marriage, Gerard and his wife Ellen, Miriam’s mum, would send each other letters and birthday cards.

As a former post office worker, Gerard also has a special place in his heart for receiving and reading mail.

So to bring her dad some joy again, Miriam asked people on Twitter to send notes, cards, and letters to Gerard’s home in Nova Scotia, Canada.

And everyone absolutely delivered.

Miriam and Gerard have now been inundated with mail and Gerard is loving all the attention.

The postman delighted to deliver the first batch of mail for Gerard (Picture: Miriam Dunn)
October is Gerard’s birthday month so he’s received plenty of cards (Picture: Miriam Dunn)

‘My dad, like most people, loves getting mail but particularly after Mum’s death, it means so much to him,’ Miriam told Metro.co.uk.

‘He can read and then reread letters and cards. He’s a very sentimental man.

‘Dad is a very energetic person. Full of music and stories. He loves to entertain and plays piano and sings every day. He is very creative and has a lot of pastimes in his life like making rosaries, fixing watches, he loves to cook and soups are his specialty.

‘People have asked me what his pastimes are and a few are actually sending him recipes and recipe books. He will love that! Others are sending him music CDs, books, chocolates, and even whiskey from Scotland!’

(Picture: Miriam Dunn)

Miriam added that the now-viral tweet has rallied their community together and garnered worldwide attention.

She is now preparing for Gerard’s 92nd birthday coming up this month and has plenty of presents for him from kind strangers around the world.

The attention has filled up the doting dad with love, she said, who will take time to respond to everyone’s generosity.

‘Several schools have taken this opportunity to have their young students do letter writing and to talk about compassion,’ said Miriam.

‘One school sent a class picture of the music students listening to dad’s piano-playing video.

‘I told him what I had done and told him to expect a lot of mail but I don’t think he can anticipate just how huge this has become and how much mail he will receive.

‘I think the reason this went viral is because there is so much political divisiveness in the world right now, and especially online. It makes people happy to see folks come together doing something kind. It restores one’s faith in the goodness of others and of themselves. And it’s not a huge thing to do.’

If you want to add to Gerard’s extended birthday celebrations and send him some post, details of his address are on Miriam’s Twitter.

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New Look releases a long lilac version of its sellout leopard print dress

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(Picture: New Look)

Leopard print is very in this season, with Instagram bloggers filling their feeds with coats, tops and boots covered in the print.

So it’s little surprise that New Look’s leopard print tea dress has been the most popular item this autumn.

The £22.99 V-neck dress was a sellout as soon as it launched, and it has been restocked repeatedly.

Lilac Leopard Print Wrap Front Midi Dress (Picture: New Look)
(Picture: New Look)

The dress comes with a plunge neck, short sleeves and an above the knee cut, covered in the spotty print.

And now, the store has just released similar, longer version of the dress – and customers love it.

The new, £24.99 dress sits below the knee and comes in lilac leopard print.

Lilac Leopard Print Wrap Front Midi Dress (Picture: New Look)
(Picture: New Look)

It was recently shared to New Look’s Instagram page, where it has so far received more than 9,000 likes.

Customers are in love with the dress, with many planning to head into stores to buy it (though it’ll probably be a struggle given how fast the original sold out).

Instagram Photo

One person said: ‘Wow!!! Leopard never looked better!!!! Love this colour!’

Another said: ‘I want. This is fab and what a gorgeous colour’.

The dress is currently selling online and in stores, and is surprisingly still available on New Look’s website  – thought it came in a disappointingly small size range, only going up to a 14.

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Cats Protection launch a foster care scheme for owners escaping domestic violence

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Big-eyed naughty obese cat looking at the target. British sort hair cat.
(Picture: Getty)

Leaving an abusive partner requires incredible bravery.

There are hundreds of reasons why people stay trapped in abusive relationships. Cats Protection is aiming to tackle one of those with a scheme called Paws Protect.

Paws Protect is a scheme where cats are taken into temporary foster care so that the owner can escape their abuser.

The logistics of escaping a violent or threatening partner can be even more difficult when you have a cat. Lots of rental homes aren’t willing to take pets and family members often struggle to accommodate them, which means bringing your cat with you is impossible. However, leaving your cat with your abusive partner is a huge wrench.

It’s also possible that abusive partners will threaten harm against an animal as a method of control, in an attempt to prevent their partner from leaving.

Which is why Cats Protection foster care scheme is so important. It allows owners to place their cats in temporary foster care with a cat lover, but most importantly it means that they can be reunited with their cat once they are safe and settled.

We asked Cats Protection to tell us a little more about the scheme and they told us:

‘Paws Protect is growing and expanding so we wanted to spread the word to be able to help more people and more cats. Referrals to Paws Protect can be made by owners or via support workers, social workers or the police and last year, we received over 100 referrals. We provide confidential cat fostering until the owners are safely in new accommodation.’

We asked how to help Paws Protect, and Cats Protection told us: ‘Donations are very much appreciated and help us to provide items for cats while they are in their foster homes such as litter trays, feeding bowls and cat beds. Text PAWS to 70007 to donate £3 or text PAWS to 70025 to donate £5.’

If you’d like to help in an even more active way, you could look into becoming a foster parent for cats. Cats Protection told us: ‘Paws Protect service is currently available in London, Hertfordshire, Essex, Kent, Sussex and Surrey so if you live in the South East and would like to find out more about fostering, please call us on 0345 260 1280 or email pawsprotect@cats.org.uk’. 

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Is aquafaba butter made from chickpea water the vegan dream?

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Chickpea liquid water brine draining. Vegan Aquafaba.; Shutterstock ID 639789106; Purchase Order: -
(Shutterstock / Olya Detry)

Rejoice, there’s a new vegan butter for you to try.

While traditional butter, made from cow’s milk has been around for donkey’s years, margarine – made from vegetable oil – has increased in popularity.

But, not everyone is into the way margarine tastes or cooks, though, so vegan aficionados and others have started using a newer alternative, dubbed aquafaba.

Made with water from the universally loved chickpeas, aquafaba is an emulsifier so it binds fats into a spreadable, butter-like substance.

And good news all around; it’s said to be pretty close to the taste and texture of dairy butter.

FabaButter (Picture: FabaButter)
FabaButter is made from recycled chickpea water plus a coconut oil cream base, and a little salt (Picture: FabaButter)

How did aquafaba begin?

A vegan French musician, Joël Roessel, discovered that water from canned chickpeas can create foam. He then made a meringue from its liquid,  using sugar, cornstarch and guar gum to demonstrate its foaming capabilities.

Around the same time, others in France began to experiment with using chickpea foam in desserts, which caught wind in America too.

People realised that the cooking liquid can be made and used to completely replace egg white on its own without the need for stabilizers.

Due to its ability to mimic properties of egg whites in cooking, aquafaba can also be used as a replacement for them in some cases, including meringues and marshmallow.

Aquafaba gained popularity after plant-based food company FabaButter put it together as a butter.

They make the stuff using recycled chickpea water sent to them by hummus manufacturing communities, plus a coconut oil cream base, and a little salt.

The creators said their product is still pretty high in fats (80%), but it has slightly less sodium per serving than dairy butter.

It’s all still relatively new and aquafaba’s properties were only discovered in 2014.

The good news is, people have already compiled a list of recipes you can create with the vegan alternative.

So free up some space in the fridge.

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International Coffee Day: When is the optimal time to drink the caffeinated stuff?

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(Picture: Getty)

Most of us grab a cup of coffee on the way to work or, if we’re economical, make the stuff when we get to the office.

For caffeine lovers it’s the first thing on our mind in the morning.

But is the morning really the best time to make use of its properties? After all, you want to drink it so it perks you up enough to be able to focus on your work and, you know, have a chat with your colleague where you’re able to process what they’re saying.

Health expert, Dr. Sarah Brewer, tells Metro.co.uk that the majority of us are consuming it too early and should actually be drinking our first cup at 10am.

(Picture: Getty)

Research from bed and sleep specialist Time 4 Sleep found that in the UK, people drink an average of three cups of coffee a day. And 82% of these people have been doing it before the recommended 10am mark.

Despite Dr. Brewer’s advice, the average time for people to have their first morning mug is at 8:30am.

And we might want to reassess our daily slot if we want to ensure we sleep on time.

She says: ‘The perfect time to have a cup of coffee is an individual thing and depends partly on the genes you have inherited, your lifestyle and your biorhythms. It’s never a good idea to reach for the coffee pot immediately after waking. Between 8am and 9am, your body is naturally flooded with cortisol – a stress hormone that has an alerting effect and mobilises energy after your overnight fast.

‘Your blood cortisol levels are highest between half an hour and two hours after waking and when your cortisol is peaking, it’s the worst time to drink coffee because caffeine mimics the stress response and causes your cortisol levels to rise even further. This disturbs your biorhythms and induces a caffeine intolerance so it is less effective later in the day.’

To break that down, our bodies are naturally alert after waking up due to alertive hormones, which means we can put off synthetic stimulants like coffee for later on in the day to make it more effective around the clock.

Dr Brewer has worked with Time 4 Sleep to find out when we really should be drinking coffee during the day for it not to affect your bedtime routine and have created a tool that tells you when to drink your last cup of the day.

The perfect coffee schedule, as advised by Dr Brewer begins at 10am when your cortisol levels have fallen and you need an energy boost.

If you do drink three cups a day then your next one should be at 2pm for an afternoon pick-me-up. Your circadian rhythms cause another cortisol peak around lunchtime. By 2pm your cortisol levels are falling again, and the alerting effect of your first cup of coffee has worn off. Therefore 2 is the perfect time for that second cup to set you up for the afternoon.

A third, much smaller rise in cortisol peaks late in the afternoon, around 5:30pm to 6pm. If you feel like you’re flagging at 5pm, you could have a third cup of coffee here but only if you metabolise caffeine quickly, so that it won’t interfere with sleep.

If you metabolise caffeine slowly, then having it late in the afternoon may keep you tossing and turning at night.

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What are the 14 allergens that need to be mentioned on prepackaged food?

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Allergenic foods in bowls, still life.

According to the UK’s Food Regulations 2014, there are 14 things that food businesses need to let customers know about if they are used as ingredients in food they produce.

These are all ingredients that could cause allergic reactions for people who consume them, so anyone who could be harmed by them will be aware.

thumbnail for post ID 7995246Jose Mourinho reveals who he blames for Man Utd's defeat to West Ham

EU regulations set out that these 14 allergens must be labelled, although these regulations allow individual member states to make slight alterations to them.

In the UK, freshly handmade, non pre-packaged food doesn’t have to be individually labelled, just prepacked goods.

So what are the 14 allergens that are required to be shown on prepackaged food?

What are the 14 allergens?

  1. Celery

  2. Cereals containing gluten

  3. Crustaceans

  4. Eggs

  5. Fish

  6. Lupin

  7. Milk

  8. Molluscs

  9. Mustard

  10. Nuts

  11. Peanuts

  12. Sesame seeds

  13. Soya

  14. Sulphur dioxide (sometimes known as sulphites)

What is lupin?

Lupin is a tall flower, the seeds of which are crushed to make lupin flour.

This can be used much like any other flour, to make pastries, pancakes, pasta, pies and cakes.

According to anaphylaxis.org.uk, reaction to lupin allergy can include: swelling in the face, throat and/or mouth, difficulty breathing, severe asthma, abdominal pain, nausea and vomiting.

What is sulphur dioxide in food?

Food.gov.uk explains that sulphur dioxide is, ‘often used in dried fruit such as raisins, dried apricots and prunes. You might also find it in meat products, soft drinks, vegetables
as well as in wine and beer.’

It is used as a preservative in dried fruit, whilst it is naturally produced when making beer and wine.

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Boy, 7, has started a new holiday called Woolfenoot and it rivals Christmas

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Boy, 7, wants to start a new holiday an people are on board Picture:@CamillaMint METROGRAB ASKED PERMISSION USED PRIOR TO CONSENT AS EDITORIAL DECISION (low risk) https://twitter.com/CamillaMint/status/1046296623595368449
(Picture:@CamillaMint/Twitter)

Do you find Christmas to be so last year? Do you think been there, done that when it comes to holiday festivities?

If so, you might be interested in switching allegiance from Christmas to a brand new holiday, Woolfenoot, the brainchild of a seven year old boy.

Mum Jax Ross shared the concept, called Woolfenoot, on her Facebook and Twitter describing what the event is all about.

‘Wolfenoot (pronounced wool-uh-noot like suit) is when the spirit of the wolf brings and hides small gifts around the house for everyone,’ explained Jax.

‘People who have, have had, or are kind to dogs get better gifts than anyone else. You eat roast meat (because wolves eat meat) and cake decorated like a full moon.

‘A holiday to the spirit of wolves that celebrates people who are kind to dogs? I can 100% get behind this. So we will be celebrating Wolfenoot. It’s on the 23 November if anyone else is moved to celebrate it.’

(Picture: Getty)

Jax, from Hamilton City, New Zealand spoke to Metro.co.uk about how her son came up with the idea.

‘He is an animal lover in general. I am quite conservation-minded, and he’s picked up a lot of that from me, I guess.

‘He loves animals of all kinds, so it’s not that surprising that he’d advocate kindness to them. As for how he came up with the idea, he is always coming up with stuff like this. He is very imaginative.

‘I am not sure what the source for this one was (he says, “it came from my brain”, which is not super helpful) but I think this was just the thing that resonated with people.

‘He’s thrilled so many people love his holiday. He just really wants people to be kind and happy, so I think he’s just glad that his idea is making people do that.’

Since Jax revealed the specifics of the holiday, many people have gotten on board, asking questions, sending in animations, looking for merchandise.

There is now a website and Twitter account detailing the rituals and expectations of the sacred day (most of which Jax says you can make up as you go along).

It also involves frequently asked questions like whether vegetarian people can get join in (yes, they can).

You too can get involved, said Jax, by donating time or money to one of the many worldwide dog and wolf organisations and charities.

Happy holidays.

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Mars is launching healthier versions of Mars and Snickers bars

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Mars and Snickers bars announce huge recipe changes
(Picture: Getty)

Mars is launching new, healthier versions of Mars and Snickers bars.

From January 2019, both of the classic chocolate bars will be getting healthier, with less sugar and more protein.

Both bars are going to contain 10g of protein and up to 40% less sugar, in an attempt to tackle high obesity rates.

According to Mars Wrigley Confectioney, Mars ‘More Protein’ will contain 17.5g sugar per bar, which is 40% less than what it contains now.

Snickers ‘More Protein’ will contain 14.1g per bar, which is 30% less.

(GERMANY OUT) Mars chocolate bar (Photo by Sch??ning/ullstein bild via Getty Images)
(Picture: Getty)

And it’s not just these two chocolate bars that will be having a healthy revamp in 2019.

The company also plans to launch a new lower calorie range, which each contain less than 100 calories.

As well as Mars and Snickers, this range will include Twix, Milky Way Crispy Rolls and Ripples – a move in which is being driven by David Manzini, who was hired as the firm’s UK boss in August 2017.

Wanting to bring healthier chocolate products to the market, he told The Grocer: ‘There is an appetite for novelty, for innovation, new tastes and products, which is higher than in the past.

RYAZAN, RUSSIA - JANUARY 20, 2018: Mars and Snickers chocolate bars for sale at an Impulse fuel filling station. Alexander Ryumin/TASS (Photo by Alexander Ryumin\TASS via Getty Images)
(Picture: Getty)

‘I do believe we have a role and responsibility to play, which is why we’re bringing out this proposition and why we’re going to continue working.

‘It is a challenge the Government and the country are facing and we need to support it.

‘It is not a business opportunity but a business responsibility.’

Apparently, the tastes of the chocolate bars won’t be changing. But of course we’ll have to see it to believe it – because let’s face it, foods with less sugar never taste the same as its sugar-filled original.

Kellogg's Have Made The Coco Pops Recipe Healthier Credit: Kellogg's
(Picture: Kellogg’s)

Take Coco Pops, for example.

Back in July, Kellogg’s slashed the amount of sugar in the breakfast cereal by 40%, with the new recipe featuring less sugar and more cocoa- giving it more of a bitter taste.

According to Kellogg’s, the new Coco Pops now have 10% less salt, 17g of sugar per 100g compared to the 30g per 100g previously.

The change has put Kellogg’s ahead of the Government’s goal of 20% less sugar in cereal by the year 2020.

While they may be thinking about the customer’s health, many people who actually buy Coco Pops wish they hadn’t bothered – as people took to Twitter saying Kellogg’s had ‘ruined’ the chocolate cereal and that they taste ‘so bad’.

Here’s to hoping Mars don’t receive the same response.

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It’s not funny to joke about stealing your partner’s birth control

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(Picture: Getty)

I realise that it’s very boring to go around telling other people that their jokes suck, and calling them problematic.

But the thing is, when someone makes a flippant comment on the world stage, and that flippant comment is low-level damaging to women, you sort of have to say something. Even these days, when being a feminist writer means being exhausted with being offended.

In this case, it’s Arianna Grande’s fiance Pete Davidson who made a joke over the weekend about being so happy with Arianna, and so determined to make her stay with him, that he’s ‘swapping her birth control pills for tic tacs.’

Let’s be clear here, I don’t think that’s actually happening. I don’t think Pete is stupid enough to do that. It’s very clearly a flip, funny remark about wanting to keep his fiance to himself.

But even though it’s ‘just’ a joke, there’s a whole lot wrong with it.

Birth control is a vital aspect of being a woman. While the pill is a flawed, problematic form of contraception, it’s still a revolution and it still empowers women all over the world. Messing with it would be unforgivable.

It’s possible that this joke might have landed better in a different context. Five years ago, under an administration who were not interesting in diminishing women’s control over their bodies, I might have been able to laugh. But one of the most powerful nations in the world is ever moving towards less access to reproductive health care, not more.

BGUK_1354519 - ** RIGHTS: WORLDWIDE EXCEPT IN UNITED STATES ** Los Angeles, CA - Pete Davidson pokes fun at his engagement to Ariana Grande as he appears on Saturday Night Live's Weekend Update. The 24 year-old comedian's relationship was the subject of three different sketches during the show's season premiere. But the most bizarre moment came when he joked that he had 'switched her birth control with Tic-Tacs' during a segment on Weekend Update. Pete began the segment seemingly still in disbelief that he was in a relationship with the pop star. He said: "I got engaged and no one could believe it. I can't believe it and I get it. She's number one pop star in the world and I'm that guy from SNL everyone thinks is in desperate need of more blood." When asked about all the attention that he's been getting since his engagement, Davidson quipped: "I hate it, it???s awful." He then said that he had been getting death threats. Davidson also poked fun at himself by saying that he wanted a prenup: "God forbid we split up and she takes half my sneakers." He added that he doesn???t mind not being the breadwinner in the relationship. He said that he lives in her apartment but makes sure to keep the fridge stocked. And in a joke that made audience members gasp he said, "Last night I switched her birth control with Tic-Tacs," adding that he did that to make sure Grande 'didn't go anywhere'. He even likened himself to the BatKid who had stolen the hearts of San Francisco residents back in 2013 in the most elaborate Make-A-Wish project of all-time. Pete joked: "You remember when that whole city pretended he was Batman because he was like sick. That???s what this has been like." *BACKGRID DOES NOT CLAIM ANY COPYRIGHT OR LICENSE IN THE ATTACHED MATERIAL. ANY DOWNLOADING FEES CHARGED BY BACKGRID ARE FOR BACKGRID'S SERVICES ONLY, AND DO NOT, NOR ARE THEY INTENDED TO, CONVEY TO THE USER ANY COPYRIGHT OR LICENSE IN THE MATERIAL. BY PUBLISHING THIS MATERIAL , THE USER EXPRESSLY AGREES TO INDEMNIFY AND TO HOLD BACKGRID HARMLESS FROM ANY CLAIMS, DEMANDS, Pictured: Pete Davidson, Colin Jost BACKGRID UK 29 SEPTEMBER 2018 BYLINE MUST READ: NBC / BACKGRID *BACKGRID DOES NOT CLAIM ANY COPYRIGHT OR LICENSE IN THE ATTACHED MATERIAL. ANY DOWNLOADING FEES CHARGED BY BACKGRID ARE FOR BACKGRID'S SERVICES ONLY, AND DO NOT, NOR ARE THEY INTENDED TO, CONVEY TO THE USER ANY COPYRIGHT OR LICENSE IN THE MATERIAL. BY PUBLISHING THIS MATERIAL , THE USER EXPRESSLY AGREES TO INDEMNIFY AND TO HOLD BACKGRID HARMLESS FROM ANY CLAIMS, DEMANDS, OR CAUSES OF ACTION ARISING OUT OF OR CONNECTED IN ANY WAY WITH USER'S PUBLICATION OF THE MATERIAL* UK: +44 208 344 2007 / uksales@backgrid.com USA: +1 310 798 9111 / usasales@backgrid.com *UK Clients - Pictures Containing Children Please Pixelate Face Prior To Publication*
(Picture: Backgrid)

So a silly, light comment about taking away birth control from a woman – something that clearly isn’t happening in his own relationship – feels so much more raw and frightening. Because no, Pete Davidson isn’t taking Ariana Grande’s pills away. But some men really are taking contraceptives away from their partners.

Reproductive coercion is an umbrella term which covers forcing your partner to stop taking birth control, denying your partner access to abortion or forcing your partner to have an abortion they do not want. It is a recognized aspect of coercive control, which is now an official part of domestic violence legislation.

Perhaps what really makes the joke so aggravating is that Pete Davidson finds the idea of having your birth control taken away funny. It’s not something he’s ever had to worry about, ever given much thought to. He lives in a world where contraception is just a given, something that just exists.

For some women however, that couldn’t be further from the truth. Women are forced to become pregnant and give birth to children against their will, by their partners. We spoke to the British Pregnancy Advisory Service about this situation. They told metro.co.uk: ‘Taking away a person’s contraceptives is illegal and is known as reproductive coercion. We know that this is a type of abuse that women experience, however very little research currently exists into it.’

So yes, it was a joke for Pete. But for lots of women it’s not a joke, it’s a reality. There are women all over the world who live in fear each month that they will find themselves pregnant against their will because their partner removed their choice in the matter. Women who are enduring entire pregnancies with abusive partners, because they are too vulnerable to leave.

Of course Pete Davidson isn’t aware of that. Why would he be? This isn’t ever going to happen to him. He’s never going to have to face the terror of an unplanned pregnancy. He will always have autonomy over his body. Which is why he can go on telly and make a flip, funny joke about taking his fiance’s contraception.

I understand if you laughed at his joke. I get it if you think that this reaction is yet another feminist kill joy stamping on something fun. But the thing is, I’d love to be able to laugh at jokes about contraception being thrown in the bin. I’d love the idea of being unable to choose whether you get pregnant to be so unthinkable it’s hilarious.

But that’s not the case. And for as long as it’s not the case – for as long as women spend the days before their period is due terrified with worry, I will maintain that for women, contraception is a lifeline. Not a punchline.

You can read Marie Stopes Australia’s White Paper into reproductive coersion here.

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A mum is offering a room in her house to single parent families for free

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A single mum is offering a free room to other single mums getty
(Picture: Getty)

A single mother is offering another single mother a free room in her large house in Primrose Hill.

Fran, mum to a nine-year-old and twin four-year-old boys, is looking to offer another mother with children of a similar age to her kids, to help someone in need.

The mum who moves in will have her own ‘gorgeous, sunny, newly furnished large double room’ and an en suite bathroom – with the possibility of another room in the house free if their child needs it.

A single mum is offering a free room to other single mums Picture: Spareroom METROGRAB https://www.spareroom.co.uk/flatshare/london/swiss_cottage/9303196
This room is available to single parent families (Picture: Spareroom)

According to the listing, Fran is advertising the room because she’s hoping to find ‘company, mutual support’ and she wants to ‘foster a warm, nurturing, proactive environment in the house’ in which she raises her children.

Fran says that age, nationality nor race matter – she’s just wanting to find the right family with the same values and parenting methods as her.

However, due to the layout of the home she can’t accept kids under three.

A single mum is offering a free room to other single mums Picture: Spareroom METROGRAB https://www.spareroom.co.uk/flatshare/london/swiss_cottage/9303196
(Picture: Spareroom)

Though the mother moving in will be living rent-free with bills included , Fran has asked for a £300 deposit, but that’s it in terms of fees.

The furnished home also offers parking, a garden and terrace, and a balcony.

Fran is looking for a non-smoker, who likes board games, healthy living and exercise.

If you’re a mother looking for a room for you and your child, you can visit the listing and apply here.

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A private tropical island in Fiji is selling for £4.6 million

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PURCHASE your very own slice of paradise with five-acre tropical private island on sale for around ??4.6m. Incredible images show the island from above including its lush greenery, palm trees and white sand beaches. Other stunning shots show the dream island and its sandy beaches as well as the interiors of the property and the shimmering ocean that surrounds it. Toberua Island is located in the Lomaiviti Island Group, Fiji and is currently listed on www.vladi-private-islands.de for around ??4.6m. Vladi Private Islands / mediadrumimages.com
(Picture: Vladi Private Islands / mediadrumimages.com)

Ever wanted to own your own tropical private island? Well, now you can.

As long as you have £4.6 million in the bank.

Incredible images show Toberua Island, a dreamy five-acre location with sandy beaches, palm trees and lush greenery.

PURCHASE your very own slice of paradise with five-acre tropical private island on sale for around ??4.6m. Incredible images show the island from above including its lush greenery, palm trees and white sand beaches. Other stunning shots show the dream island and its sandy beaches as well as the interiors of the property and the shimmering ocean that surrounds it. Toberua Island is located in the Lomaiviti Island Group, Fiji and is currently listed on www.vladi-private-islands.de for around ??4.6m. Vladi Private Islands / mediadrumimages.com
(Picture: Vladi Private Islands / mediadrumimages.com)
PURCHASE your very own slice of paradise with five-acre tropical private island on sale for around ??4.6m. Incredible images show the island from above including its lush greenery, palm trees and white sand beaches. Other stunning shots show the dream island and its sandy beaches as well as the interiors of the property and the shimmering ocean that surrounds it. Toberua Island is located in the Lomaiviti Island Group, Fiji and is currently listed on www.vladi-private-islands.de for around ??4.6m. Vladi Private Islands / mediadrumimages.com
(Picture: Vladi Private Islands / mediadrumimages.com)

It’s located in the Lomaiviti Island Group, Fiji, and is currently listed for £4.6 million.

Alongside the sandy beaches, the property features stunning interiors and comes surrounded by the ocean.

PURCHASE your very own slice of paradise with five-acre tropical private island on sale for around ??4.6m. Incredible images show the island from above including its lush greenery, palm trees and white sand beaches. Other stunning shots show the dream island and its sandy beaches as well as the interiors of the property and the shimmering ocean that surrounds it. Toberua Island is located in the Lomaiviti Island Group, Fiji and is currently listed on www.vladi-private-islands.de for around ??4.6m. Vladi Private Islands / mediadrumimages.com
(Picture: Vladi Private Islands / mediadrumimages.com)
PURCHASE your very own slice of paradise with five-acre tropical private island on sale for around ?4.6m. Incredible images show the island from above including its lush greenery, palm trees and white sand beaches. Other stunning shots show the dream island and its sandy beaches as well as the interiors of the property and the shimmering ocean that surrounds it. Toberua Island is located in the Lomaiviti Island Group, Fiji and is currently listed on www.vladi-private-islands.de for around ?4.6m. Vladi Private Islands / mediadrumimages.com
(Picture: Vladi Private Islands / mediadrumimages.com)

‘Toberua Island Resort is your mind’s eye picture of what a quintessential tropical island resort should be like,’ states the listing.

‘It is a 16 bure boutique resort on five acres (more or less) of freehold land located just off the eastern side of the main island of Viti Levu – about a 45 minutes travel by taxi and boat from Nausori Airport, just outside Suva.’

The property is immaculate, and even has its own restaurant, bar, a spa and a gym.

PURCHASE your very own slice of paradise with five-acre tropical private island on sale for around ??4.6m. Incredible images show the island from above including its lush greenery, palm trees and white sand beaches. Other stunning shots show the dream island and its sandy beaches as well as the interiors of the property and the shimmering ocean that surrounds it. Toberua Island is located in the Lomaiviti Island Group, Fiji and is currently listed on www.vladi-private-islands.de for around ??4.6m. Vladi Private Islands / mediadrumimages.com
(Picture: Vladi Private Islands / mediadrumimages.com)
PURCHASE your very own slice of paradise with five-acre tropical private island on sale for around ??4.6m. Incredible images show the island from above including its lush greenery, palm trees and white sand beaches. Other stunning shots show the dream island and its sandy beaches as well as the interiors of the property and the shimmering ocean that surrounds it. Toberua Island is located in the Lomaiviti Island Group, Fiji and is currently listed on www.vladi-private-islands.de for around ??4.6m. Vladi Private Islands / mediadrumimages.com
(Picture: Vladi Private Islands / mediadrumimages.com)

The only thing the new owners will have to worry about is regular annual maintenance.

The listing adds: ‘Toberua Island Resort enjoys good occupancy and is profitable and the guest experience as judged by Trip Advisor shows eighty eight percent judge it as excellent.

PURCHASE your very own slice of paradise with five-acre tropical private island on sale for around ??4.6m. Incredible images show the island from above including its lush greenery, palm trees and white sand beaches. Other stunning shots show the dream island and its sandy beaches as well as the interiors of the property and the shimmering ocean that surrounds it. Toberua Island is located in the Lomaiviti Island Group, Fiji and is currently listed on www.vladi-private-islands.de for around ??4.6m. Vladi Private Islands / mediadrumimages.com
(Picture: Vladi Private Islands / mediadrumimages.com)
PURCHASE your very own slice of paradise with five-acre tropical private island on sale for around ??4.6m. Incredible images show the island from above including its lush greenery, palm trees and white sand beaches. Other stunning shots show the dream island and its sandy beaches as well as the interiors of the property and the shimmering ocean that surrounds it. Toberua Island is located in the Lomaiviti Island Group, Fiji and is currently listed on www.vladi-private-islands.de for around ??4.6m. Vladi Private Islands / mediadrumimages.com
(Picture: Vladi Private Islands / mediadrumimages.com)

‘There is room to increase occupancy and therefore the profitability and there is space to add more bures within the capacity of the existing infrastructure – over-water bures perhaps?

‘The current owners have had ten happy and successful years at the resort and feel it is time to move on to new challenges.

‘Toberua Island Resort stands on its own feet or could benefit as being part of a larger operation with merged management, marketing and reservations systems making real cost savings.’

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You can stay in a house like The Flinstones’ for £60 a night

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Exterior. LIVE like the Flinstones without giving up any luxury in this stunning cottage built into the hillside which is available to rent for ??63.50 per person per night. Incredible images show the exterior of the one-bed cottage which blends into the countryside with its natural stones walls and large windows dug into the hill. Other striking shots show the cosy living room complete with wood-burning stove, modern kitchen and sleek, tiled bathroom. High Trodigal is located in Machrihanish, near Campbeltown, Argyll and Bute, Scotland ans is currently listed on www.cottages.com for ??889 for a week???s stay. Cottages.com / mediadrumimages.com
(Picture: Cottages.com / mediadrumimages.com)

Ever wanted to live like the Flinstones? Well, now you can.

Okay, you won’t actually be dressing up in cloths and riding dinosaurs, but you will get to sleep in a gorgeous cottage which blends into a hillside with its natural stone walls and large windows.

High Trodigal is located in Machrihanish, Scotland, and is currently listed for £889 for a week’s stay.

The one-bed cottage features a cosy living room with a wood-burning stove, a modern kitchen and a sleep bathroom.

Live like the Flinstones without giving up any luxury in this stunning cottage built into the hillside picture: hanna barbera METROGRAB
The Flinstones’ house (Picture: Hanna Barbera)

The listing reads: ‘This stunning natural stone and turf roofed, single-storey, detached holiday cottage, is built in to the hillside, reflecting an ancient neolithic design with views over the Atlantic Ocean.

‘This stunning property features beams and two patio areas with doors leading from the bedroom and the living room, and is situated less than a mile from the world-famous Machrihanish Golf Course.

‘Glasgow is only 30 minutes flying time from Machrihanish Airport, which in turn is 10 minutes driving time from the property. The Machrihanish Bird Observatory is located at Gauldrons Beach, it is fantastic for watching migratory birds.

Pier. LIVE like the Flinstones without giving up any luxury in this stunning cottage built into the hillside which is available to rent for ??63.50 per person per night. Incredible images show the exterior of the one-bed cottage which blends into the countryside with its natural stones walls and large windows dug into the hill. Other striking shots show the cosy living room complete with wood-burning stove, modern kitchen and sleek, tiled bathroom. High Trodigal is located in Machrihanish, near Campbeltown, Argyll and Bute, Scotland ans is currently listed on www.cottages.com for ??889 for a week???s stay. Cottages.com / mediadrumimages.com
(Picture: Cottages.com / mediadrumimages.com)

‘Campbeltown is one of a handful of areas in Scotland categorised as a whisky producing region, and is home to the Campbeltown Single Malt, at one point having 34 distilleries and proclaiming itself the whisky capital of the world.

‘The town boasts two distilleries as well as a museum, heritage centre and a harbour, with an annual regatta and music festival. The town is well-served, with supermarkets, independently owned shops, and excellent hotels and restaurants offering the finest local produce.

Outside. LIVE like the Flinstones without giving up any luxury in this stunning cottage built into the hillside which is available to rent for ??63.50 per person per night. Incredible images show the exterior of the one-bed cottage which blends into the countryside with its natural stones walls and large windows dug into the hill. Other striking shots show the cosy living room complete with wood-burning stove, modern kitchen and sleek, tiled bathroom. High Trodigal is located in Machrihanish, near Campbeltown, Argyll and Bute, Scotland ans is currently listed on www.cottages.com for ??889 for a week???s stay. Cottages.com / mediadrumimages.com
(Picture: Cottages.com / mediadrumimages.com)

‘The surrounding area is well-known for its fine beaches, unspoilt countryside and scenic walks, with the addition of the Kintyre Way, making this an ideal location from which to explore the Kintyre Peninsula. Lying just off the west coast of Kintyre, the Isle of Gigha offers a pleasant day trip.

Living room. LIVE like the Flinstones without giving up any luxury in this stunning cottage built into the hillside which is available to rent for ??63.50 per person per night. Incredible images show the exterior of the one-bed cottage which blends into the countryside with its natural stones walls and large windows dug into the hill. Other striking shots show the cosy living room complete with wood-burning stove, modern kitchen and sleek, tiled bathroom. High Trodigal is located in Machrihanish, near Campbeltown, Argyll and Bute, Scotland ans is currently listed on www.cottages.com for ??889 for a week???s stay. Cottages.com / mediadrumimages.com
(Picture: Cottages.com / mediadrumimages.com)

‘Within a short distance, there are many quiet and sandy beaches to explore and there is easy access to the Isles of Islay, Arran and Jura. Jura is one of the wildest and most mountainous of the Inner Hebrides.

‘Islay is great for wildlife enthusiasts, as it boasts a large RSPB reserve, a wintering population of barnacle and white-fronted geese, and a wildlife information centre. For the outdoor enthusiast, there is walking, cycling, fishing and water sports. Beach ¾ mile. Shop 5 miles, pub and restaurant ¾ mile.’

Exterior. LIVE like the Flinstones without giving up any luxury in this stunning cottage built into the hillside which is available to rent for ??63.50 per person per night. Incredible images show the exterior of the one-bed cottage which blends into the countryside with its natural stones walls and large windows dug into the hill. Other striking shots show the cosy living room complete with wood-burning stove, modern kitchen and sleek, tiled bathroom. High Trodigal is located in Machrihanish, near Campbeltown, Argyll and Bute, Scotland ans is currently listed on www.cottages.com for ??889 for a week???s stay. Cottages.com / mediadrumimages.com
(Picture: Cottages.com / mediadrumimages.com)

The one-storey house is beamed throughout and has wooden floors in most rooms. Alongside a wood burner, the living room features a 42-inch TV, an iPod dock and a double sofa bed.

The kitchen comes complete with a breakfast bar, electric cooker, microwave, fridge, dishwasher and washing machine hile the bedroom has a super kingsize bed and patio doors.

And finally, the bathroom features a full spa bath and a sauna.

So yes, you’ll be living a little more luxuriously than Fred and Wilma.

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A bar totally dedicated to Porn Star Martinis is coming to London

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Message in a bottle, Pornstar martini and Passionfruit cocktails or longdrinks garnished with fruits placed all together with a wonderful view of the Greek sea in the sunset.; Shutterstock ID 463834979; Purchase Order: -
(Picture: Shutterstock)

A bar totally dedicated to dishing out Porn Star Martinis is opening in London from 3 to 6 October.

Absolute Vodka is going to be opening a four-storey townhouse bar – dubbed the Porn Star Martini Townhouse – to celebrate the beloved cocktail.

Not only will the bar be filled with alcohol, but the townhouse also offers a sensory experience across each of its four floors.

Absolut Vanilia Flavoured Vodka (Picture: Amazon)
(Picture: Amazon)

With each floor representing a different element of the drink, the rooms will even smell of various ingredients to make you think you’re walking within a giant Porn Star Martini.

According to the event description, there’ll be a mist filled Vanilla Forest filled with the sweet scent, and a bubble filled maze filled with tastes, aromas and sensations from the cocktail.

There’s also going to be a passion fruit kaleidoscope designed by Fred Butler, the creator of Lady Gaga’s hats

A pornstar martini ; Shutterstock ID 1164463000; Purchase Order: -
(Picture: Shutterstock)

On the final floor will be The Absolute Porn Star Martini Bar, ‘where you will be given the opportunity to master the skill of making your very own, cocktail’. Exciting stuff.

The Porn Star popup is going to be open for three days from this week, in Soho, London, between 5pm and 9pm.

Obviously, it’s for over 18s only – and the event costs £9.

Bargain.

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Disgusting Food Museum to exhibit bull penis, mouse wine, maggot cheese, and other horrors

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Disgusting Food Museum Anja Barte Telin
Bull penis (Picture: Mo Styles)

Have you come across a breathtakingly horrible food and thought ‘that belongs in a museum’?

If you haven’t, that’s probably because you’ve never come across a durian. Or any of the other items belonging in the Digusting Food Museum.

That’s right, there is an institution archiving all the weird and horrible foods being consumed around the world.

The Disgusting Food Museum – understandably, the first of its kind – is to open in Malmo, Sweden and it’ll showcase bull penis, maggot-infested cheese, and rotten shark.

Disgusting Food Museum Anja Barte Telin
Fruit bat, a delicacy from Seychelles (Picture: Mo Styles)

If you’re stopping by the museum while in Malmo, you can expect to find: Surstömming – fermented herring from Sweden; Cuy – roasted guinea pigs from Peru; and Casu marzu – maggot-infested cheese from Sardinia.

Other items include tofu made from a pungent bean curd from China, Hákarl – well-aged shark from Iceland, and the South Asian fruit, the durian.

Dr. Samuel West is the man wanting to gross people out as he has organised the whole thing, after finding success with the popular Museum of Failure in Helsingborg, Sweden.

‘The main aim is that it is fun, interesting, and interactive,’ he told The Local. ‘You can taste, smell, and in certain cases, even touch the food.’

‘We need to question our ideas of disgust if we’re going to consider some of the more environmentally friendly sources of protein, like insects.’

Some of the food also proved to almost be too much, added Dr West, like the surströmming.

‘We tested it, and tested it and were almost kicked out of our current office space because of the smell,’  he said. ‘I think we’ve got it solved, but I’m not sure. It’s one of those things that keeps me awake at night.’

Disgusting Food Museum Anja Barte Telin
Su Callu Sardu- Sardinian cheese made after a young goat stomach is filled with raw goat milk. The aging lasts from two to four months, after which it produces spicy and intense flavours (Picture: Mo Styles)

The whole endeavour has also been a costly one for Dr. West who has to pay for each item to be renewed each day to keep it fresh and authentic.

‘When I was designing this, I was thinking “it has to be easy and economical, because I’m paying for it”.’

‘But which is more fun to look at, a plastic replica of some food or the real food in front of you? It’s just more fun to have a real durian fruit from Thailand.’

‘It’s really fun and there’s a high risk of failure and if nobody shows up, I’m out a lot of money. A hell of a lot of money.’

If all that’s piqued your interest, you’ll need to pay 185kr (£16) to enter. Children, if they’re willing, go for free.

Other things you can expect to see at the Disgusting Food Museum:

Casu Marzu, a sheep milk cheese that contains live insect larvae (Picture: Mo Styles)
Kopi luwak, coffee that includes part-digested coffee cherries eaten and pooped out by the Asian palm civet (Picture: Mo Styles)
Century egg (Picture: Mo Styles)
Disgusting Food Museum Anja Barte Telin
Kale Pache,  boiled cow or sheep parts, which might include the head, feet, and stomach (Picture: Mo Styles)
Disgusting Food Museum Anja Barte Telin
Liqourice (Picture: Mo Styles)
Disgusting Food Museum Anja Barte Telin
Pork (Picture: Mo Styles)
Disgusting Food Museum Anja Barte Telin
Spicy rabbit heads (Picture: Mo Styles)

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Why you should head to Gran Canaria for the ultimate wellness retreat

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When you hear about the Canary Islands, you probably think of your nan.

There was a real trend when we were younger for the grandparents to trot off on cruises around the Spanish isles, posing for pictures on beaches and bringing back culturally inaccurate castanets, fridge magnets, and lacy fans as souvenirs.

The reality of Gran Canaria, one of those islands northwest of Africa, is a stark contrast to the place you imagined based on those corny snaps your grandparents brought back.

Tucked away behind a four hour flight from London, Gran Canaria is the spa-seeker’s best kept secret when it comes to wellness retreats, hiding luxurious stays and high-end treatments behind the obvious appeal of sun, sand, and sea.

The truth is that if you’re a holidayer who prefers a massage and a facial to a tourist-packed peach, Gran Canaria’s the smart place to go. Flights are cheap, there’s a range of lucurious accommodation, and the weather is gloriously sunny year-round.

(Picture: Ellen Scott/Metro.co.uk)

I headed out for a week and embraced laidback days of cocktails at yacht clubs, intensive spa treatments, and feasting on the freshest fish and simple local delicacies. I returned feeling healed – a big statement for someone whose shoulders are permanently tensed and knotted.

Gran Canaria’s image hasn’t quite caught up with its wellness offering, and mentions of my holiday destination still had a summer holidays feel. But change is happening, thanks in large part to Gran Canaria Wellness, a collection of spa hotels around the island.

The connected hotels are keen to get people aware of the island’s restorative powers, promoting hikes around lush greenery, relaxation, and health.

(Picture: Ellen Scott/Metro.co.uk)

A key part of that focus is aloe vera. It turns out that Gran Canaria’s climate makes it a place abundant with the purest, finest, and freshest aloe vera in the world. That means the air is purified of any nastiness – a welcome break from the daily pollution battering your lungs in UK cities – and rich with oxygen, which can improve the quality of our sleep and boost healing.

You’ll spot fresh aloe vera lining paths on your hikes as well as packed into spa treatments, used in skin-soothing jellies and massage oils.

Make spa treatments a priority when you’re in Gran Canaria. Massages are always dreamy after a day at the seaside or hiking along the Camino de Santiago, especially followed by time in the sauna and steam rooms before lounging by the pool.

(Picture: Ellen Scott/Metro.co.uk)

But the treatment you must make time for is thalassotherapy – it’s a speciality of the Gran Canaria wellness group and they do it gloriously.

Head to Gloria Palace San Agustin Thalasso & Hotel for the full experience. The hotel has one of Europe’s largest thalassotherapy pools, filled with seawater to promise a total refresh and relaxation. You’ll make your way around a giant pool, letting fountains thunder down on your back to ease out any knots, sitting in bubbling jets, and splashing your way through heated areas.

Don’t be afraid of the outdoor section with freezing cold waters and fake ice. Yes, it’s a little daunting to plunge into cold water after lounging in a hot tub, but once you dive in it’s incredibly invigorating. Blame the adrenaline of feeling the fear and doing it anyway, but I experienced a genuine high when the chilly water hit my shoulders. Enjoy a peeling treatment and wrap post-soak to feel reborn.

You could easily spend a week spa-hopping.

(Picture: Ellen Scott/Metro.co.uk)

Try the Singing Bowls Massage at the Seaside Sandy Beach Hotel & Spa, which uses specific sound frequencies to relax the mind and body while a therapist presses away any knots and tension. Or pop to the Finnish saunas, chill under ice fountains, or get refreshed in oxygen chambers.

Once you’re done with every spa treatment you can fit into your trip (and trust me, there are more than enough to fill a week), it’s time to lounge.

Yes, head to Puerto de Mogan, the pretty fishing village and seaside where you can pick up sweet treats and take a dip in the ocean, but there’s no reason to restrict yourself to that tourist-heavy spot.

Book some time at La Punta Yacht Club, where you can sit back on daybeds, sip cocktails, and look out at the sea. Ask for a bottle of something sparkling if you want to feel extra fancy.

(Picture: Ellen Scott/Metro.co.uk)

My favourite lounging spot of the bunch is in Salobre Hotel & Resort, where curtained day beds provided stunning views across the landscape. Lay back here to make the most of the year-round sunshine Gran Canaria has to offer, read a book, or – as I did – pull the curtains around to have the best nap of your life. Try to get one of the daybeds sitting on its own island in the pool if you can.

There’s something about lying back on a bed of cushions with the sun on your skin that makes you forget every nagging anxiety in the back of your mind, right?

(Picture: Ellen Scott)

Complete that total relaxation with proper meals of the freshest fish and – my favourite Gran Canarian treat – wrinkled potatoes. Warning: you will have a sudden need to have these with every meal on your return. Thankfully they’re not too tricky to make, so you can cling on to at least one bit of your blissed out holiday state even after your tan fades and you’re missing the scent of aloe vera.

If you get major Gran Canaria withdrawal, you can always go back and do it all again. I reckon a trip that relaxing should be a yearly necessity. .

Where to stay:

We stayed at Hotel Cordial Mogan Playa.

It’s pretty dreamy, with giant pools, a botanic garden, and access to an archeological park with an ancient necropolis. Stroll up the hill at sunset – there’s a bar at the top where you can sip a wine and take in the view.

Along with lines of deckchairs and multiple pools to choose from, the hotel has a spa offering massages, treatments, and hydrotherapy.

There’s a huge selection food on offer, with buffet style breakfast and dinner or restaurants dotted around the place where you can order whatever you fancy. One thing to note: The dinner dress code is fairly formal, so you’ll need to swap shorts for trousers and sandals for shoes. Adjust your packing list accordingly.

A seven night stay starts at £537 per person.

Other hotels that make up Gran Canaria Wellness include the Salobre Hotel & Resort, Seaside Palm Beach, and the Gloria Palace San Agustin Thalasso & Hotel. Take your pick of where you stay, but we’d still recommend visiting each one for their respective spa treatments.

How to get there:

Ryanair offers flights from the UK to Gran Canaria starting from £16.65. 

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An injured turtle is learning to walk again using a Lego wheelchair

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Male Eastern Box Turtle who has had a wheelchair made from Lego at Maryland Zoo. See SWNS copy SWNYlego: An injured turtle that suffered a cracked shell in a hit-and-run is learning to get around again thanks to a custom wheelchair - made entirely from Lego. The 18-year-old reptile was found fighting for its life in the middle of the road by a zoo attendant on their way to work. Staff at the Maryland Zoo took the animal into their onsite veterinary clinic, where staff discovered the crash impact had shattered its shell into seven pieces.
(Picture: Maryland Zoo / SWNS.com)

A turtle who was injured in a hit-and-run is learning to walk again thanks to a custom wheelchair made from Lego.

The 18-year-old turtle was found fighting for its life in the middle of the road by a zoo attendant travelling to work.

Its shell had been shattered into seven pieces.

The male Eastern Box Turtle, a breed that is native to the parkland surrounding the zoo, was knocked unconscious to undergo an hour-long surgery to repair its shell.

epa07056310 A handout photo made available by The Maryland Zoo on 29 September 2018 shows a wild Eastern box turtle in a custom-fittted Lego bricks wheelchair at The Maryland Zoo in Baltimore, USA, 05 September 2018. According to the zoo, a veterinary team performed a surgery to stabilize the turtle???s severely fractured shell. Metal bone plates, sewing clasps and surgical wire now hold the delicate shell fragments together. EPA/Sinclair Mille/The Maryland Zoo / HANDOUT MANDATORY CREDIT: THE MARYLAND ZOO HANDOUT EDITORIAL USE ONLY/NO SALES
(Picture: Maryland Zoo / SWNS.com)

Rescuers brainstormed ways to get the turtle back on its feet and had the light bulb moment to create a custom wheelchair out of Lego building blocks.

Three months after the crash, the turtle is now getting around on its colourful new wheels – and is warming hearts in the process.

Head vet Dr. Ellen Bronson, 46, said: ‘He was very traumatized initially after it happened.

‘He had multiple fractures on his plastron, the bottom part of his shell.

‘He was very quiet and meditative. He lost his appetite.

Male Eastern Box Turtle who has had a wheelchair made from Lego at Maryland Zoo. See SWNS copy SWNYlego: An injured turtle that suffered a cracked shell in a hit-and-run is learning to get around again thanks to a custom wheelchair - made entirely from Lego. The 18-year-old reptile was found fighting for its life in the middle of the road by a zoo attendant on their way to work. Staff at the Maryland Zoo took the animal into their onsite veterinary clinic, where staff discovered the crash impact had shattered its shell into seven pieces.
(Picture: Maryland Zoo / SWNS.com)

‘Now, he’s so sweet and outgoing.

‘He’s enjoying being center of attention.’

Metal bone plates, sewing clasps and surgical wire were used to hold the turtle’s fragmented shell together. It will take a year to heal completely.

Dr. Bronson, who has worked with the zoo for 12 years, said: ‘Because of the placement of the fractures, we faced a challenge with maintaining the turtle’s mobility while allowing him to heal properly.

‘We tried to think outside-the-box for a creative way to keep his cumbersome shell off the ground so he could move around.

Male Eastern Box Turtle who has had a wheelchair made from Lego at Maryland Zoo. See SWNS copy SWNYlego: An injured turtle that suffered a cracked shell in a hit-and-run is learning to get around again thanks to a custom wheelchair - made entirely from Lego. The 18-year-old reptile was found fighting for its life in the middle of the road by a zoo attendant on their way to work. Staff at the Maryland Zoo took the animal into their onsite veterinary clinic, where staff discovered the crash impact had shattered its shell into seven pieces.
(Picture: Maryland Zoo / SWNS.com)

‘Lego was perfect because it could adapt to the size and shape of his shell.

‘We drew up sketches for a wheelchair and sent them over to a friend in Denmark, who is a fan of Lego, to make it for us.

‘This is the first time we’ve used Lego for something like this, that’s for sure!’

Now the turtle spends his days happily roaming around his pen and snacking on his favorites treats – berries, worms and crickets.

He’ll use his Lego wheelchair all throughout the winter into spring until his body is better and his shell has healed – and then he’ll return to the wild, where he belongs.

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People are turning their butts into sparkling pumpkins for Halloween

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Instagram Photo

You don’t need to spend a load of cash on a costume you’ll only wear once to mark Halloween.

All you really need is some face paint, glitter, and creativity.

Yes, you could turn your face into a spider web or go as a casually dressed vampire, but what’d be a lot more fun is this new trend: pumpkin butts.

Makeup artists and body painters are using their creative skills to turn their bottoms into pumpkins to celebrate the spooky season.

Handily, bums are the perfect shape to turn into pumpkins. All you do is use the crack as the centre, drawing a stem on top, then the cheeks as the body of your pumpkin.

Instagram Photo

You can sponge on orange body paint then carefully draw in your pumpkin face with black. Feel free to make it spooky by adding fangs or go cheerful with a smiling pumpkin on your backside.

We’d like to note that while this trend is a lot of fun, we have doubts about it making a decent Halloween costume.

To have your pumpkin butt seen and appreciated you’d need to skip clothes on your bottom half or cut sizeable holes in your jeans… which may be a bit chilly at the tailend of October.

You could, of course, simply paint your design on top of a knitted dress or some cosy leggings if you value warmth above glitter painting talents.

But if you’re trying a pumpkin bum purely for Instagram purposes, it’s probably worth going all out and painting your bottom. Just make sure you don’t forget what you’ve done and sit back on your white sheets.

The pumpkin bum trend isn’t actually new, by the way.

Instagram Photo

For years mums have been covering their babies’ bums with little pumpkins as a cute way to get their tiniest kids involved in Halloween.

This is just a slightly different spin on the idea, which is making the #pumpkinbum hashtag a wonderfully varied place to be.

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Where to find the best hipster hangouts in Amsterdam

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Stunning architecture, hipster hangouts, and village-like charm – there’s so much more to Amsterdam than coffee shops, the Red Light District and queues. You just need to know where to find it.

It’s never been easier to enjoy a little bit of Dutch luxury thanks to the introduction of the new direct Eurostar route earlier this year.

Arriving at St Pancras International station 45 minutes before departure, I was wandering out of the Central Station in the heart of Amsterdam a mere 3 hours 45 minutes later.

And then it was a short hop onto a tram towards Soho House Amsterdam, my luxurious abode for the weekend.

Soho House Amsterdam, part of the private members club Soho House, opened its doors at the end of July, and has proven an instant hit.

What many people don’t know, though, is that you don’t need to be a member to stay in one of its 79 stylish bedrooms.

This is the ultimate Amsterdam hangout, with a rooftop pool, cinema and vast gym. A lavish Cowshed spa will shortly follow.

Credit: Soho House Amsterdam Roof 201807 MS LR_ROOFTOPcopy-1938
(Picture: Soho House Amsterdam)

The water-side house is located on the edge of the prettiest ‘micro-neighbourhood’ in Amsterdam – the 9 streets – overlooking the canals and their many quaint bridges.

If you’re after an oasis with an optional buzz, this is it. And you’d be pushed to find a rooftop bar with views of Amsterdam’s historic quarter anywhere else in the city.

The best way to familiarise yourself with Amsterdam is by water.

Rather than piling onto a touristy canal tour, explore the waterways in style, and indulge in a trip on Private Canal Cruises’ magnificent sloop-style boat, complete with a handsome local captain and a decadent mahogany bar stocked with champagne and other drinks.

A glass of rose in hand, we puttered around the capital’s famous canals with the added bonus of being able to sneak into the arguably even prettier smaller canals, which are inaccessible on the bigger boats.

canal cruise
(Picture: Holly Rubenstein)

We drifted past the city’s 17th and 18th century houses; tall, skinny and oh so wonky – the characteristic architectural style of Amsterdam which our captain lovingly referred to as ‘the dancing ladies’.

He explained that these houses are actually leaning forward for a reason.

In fact, until the start of the 19th century, construction regulations in Amsterdam specifically stated that all houses needed to lean.

Look up and you’ll see why. Most have a beam and hook protruding from the gable at roof height. These were used to hoist possessions and merchandise into their upper floors and the forward incline helped to prevent any collisions with the building’s facade.

amsterdam
(Picture: Holly Rubenstein)

Having familiarised ourselves with the city by water, we set off on foot, being sure to keep an eye out for those speedy local cyclists.

The 9 Streets neighbourhood next to Soho House is only a stone’s throw from the heart of tourist central, but this hip district, spread across (you guessed it) across nine adorable streets – is packed full of individual clothes and homeware shops, quirky cafes and trendy restaurants, and feels as though it may as well be a million miles away.

This is Amsterdam at its most photogenic, straddling the city’s grandest canals. No chains here – it’s indy fashion at its finest.

Pop into Love Stories for the prettiest lingerie, Ace & Tate for stylish eye wear, Fabienne Chapot for statement womenswear and Von Ravenstein for the best menswear.

In the heart of 9 Streets is Pluk cafe. For foodies, this is the most Instagrammable eatery in Amsterdam.

Instagram Photo

Healthy dishes are given a unicorn or mermaid spin with colourful breakfast bowls and for something more indulgent, there are irresistible unicorn horn-topped miniature cakes and doughnuts.

You can even stock up on fashionable homeware downstairs.

From 9 Streets, explore the wider Jordaan district, offering a similar hipster vibe with galleries, design stores, and indie boutiques.

It’s also home to the Houseboat Museum. Wandering over its many bridges, lined with brightly-coloured flower boxes, it’s no wonder that Amsterdam is dubbed the Venice of the north.

An afternoon stroll in Vondelpark, just beside the city’s popular museums, is another peaceful escape – aside from the screech of the green parakeets that live there, that is.

Retreat here if you’re tired of jostling for a glimpse of Van Gogh’s Sunflowers. It’s best explored the Dutch way – by bike – and there are numerous guided tours you can join.

There are endless eateries in Amsterdam, but however long your trip, dinner at Momo is an absolute must.

For years, it’s been one of the city’s best known fashionable hotspots, serving up mouth-watering Japanese and South American fusion cuisine.

Try the signature sushi rolls, the scallops and edamame with XO sauce, and the extraordinary manjan chocolate pot with matcha ice cream and sesame – the epitome of decadence.

amsterdam
(Picture: Holly Rubenstein)

Another gem is De Kas. Again, not on the tourist trail, but it’s worth seeking out (a 20 minute Uber ride from the city center).

Housed in a former greenhouse, at De Kas, vegetables are the stars of the show.

The tasting menu, created daily, is based on the harvest of the produce grown on site.

Although the Netherlands are not known for their wines, be sure to try the delicious and extremely rare local wine from Limburg.

How to get to Amsterdam and where to stay:

Soho House Amsterdam has rooms from £130 per night.

Tickets for the Eurostar from London to Amsterdam are from £35 one way.

(Top picture: Getty)

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Mum fights back against accusations that she’s trying to ‘steal’ men when she breastfeeds in public

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Reka pictured breastfeeding Ilo (5). THIS LACTIVIST proudly posts nude pictures of her breastfeeding her 34-month-old in defiance of haters who tell her she is DISGUSTING and even accuse her of trying to steal their men by breastfeeding in public. A captivating picture shows photographer, Reka Nyari (39), who lives in New York, USA, breastfeeding her 34-month-old daughter, Ilo, while majestically sitting on a chair with an owl perched on her right arm. While another photo shows her lying next to her husband, Ian, and their dog while breastfeeding her daughter. Other stunning shots show her lying on a sofa while breastfeeding her daughter when she was around two-years-old, and a black and white picture shows her breastfeeding in the nude. Reka has been breastfeeding her daughter since she was born in November 2015 and has never given her formula. She has always been an advocate for mums who choose to breastfeed their children beyond the age of one and insists that the natural practise is beneficial for the mother and child in the long term. Unapologetic, Reka, who is originally from Finland, chose to breastfeed her daughter anywhere she would want to be fed, including public places. With over 30K Instagram followers, she posts pictures of her breastfeeding on social media to educate the critics about the benefits of lactation. Greg Gulbransen / MDWfeatures
Reka still breastfeeds her two-year-old child, Ilo (Picture: Greg Gulbransen / MDWfeatures)

A mum has responded to accusations that she’s trying to ‘steal’ men when she breastfeeds in public by posing for a nude photoshoot feeding her two-year-old child.

Reka Nyari, who describes herself as a lactivist, says she’s been on the receiving end of rude comments and hatred simply for breastfeeding her daughter, Ilo, in public.

‘It has been irritating how judgmental people can be about women who breastfeed, and how sexualised the breast and nipple have become,’ says Reka.

‘Possibly the most obnoxious person was a woman who was sitting in front of us with her boyfriend on a plane from New York City to Budapest.

‘She called me “disgusting” followed by a litany of degrading swear words. Apparently she thought I was trying to steal her man by quietly breastfeeding my baby during the landing of the plane.

Reka pictured sitting on a chair with an owl on her right arm while breastfeeding Ilo. THIS LACTIVIST proudly posts nude pictures of her breastfeeding her 34-month-old in defiance of haters who tell her she is DISGUSTING and even accuse her of trying to steal their men by breastfeeding in public. A captivating picture shows photographer, Reka Nyari (39), who lives in New York, USA, breastfeeding her 34-month-old daughter, Ilo, while majestically sitting on a chair with an owl perched on her right arm. While another photo shows her lying next to her husband, Ian, and their dog while breastfeeding her daughter. Other stunning shots show her lying on a sofa while breastfeeding her daughter when she was around two-years-old, and a black and white picture shows her breastfeeding in the nude. Reka has been breastfeeding her daughter since she was born in November 2015 and has never given her formula. She has always been an advocate for mums who choose to breastfeed their children beyond the age of one and insists that the natural practise is beneficial for the mother and child in the long term. Unapologetic, Reka, who is originally from Finland, chose to breastfeed her daughter anywhere she would want to be fed, including public places. With over 30K Instagram followers, she posts pictures of her breastfeeding on social media to educate the critics about the benefits of lactation. Greg Gulbransen / MDWfeatures
She says she’s faced judgment for breastfeeding in public (Picture: Greg Gulbransen / MDWfeatures)

‘Breastfeeding is natural, and our breasts were made for feeding our babies. Associating breastfeeding with sex or perversion is disturbing.’

Reka has been breastfeeding her daughter since she was born in November 2015, and is a huge proponent of mums breastfeeding their children beyond the age of one.

She’s fighting back against the hate by sharing photos of herself breastfeeding her daughter nude on Instagram, all with the aim to show that there’s nothing shameful, gross, or sexual about feeding a child.

Reka pictured breastfeeding Ilo (6). THIS LACTIVIST proudly posts nude pictures of her breastfeeding her 34-month-old in defiance of haters who tell her she is DISGUSTING and even accuse her of trying to steal their men by breastfeeding in public. A captivating picture shows photographer, Reka Nyari (39), who lives in New York, USA, breastfeeding her 34-month-old daughter, Ilo, while majestically sitting on a chair with an owl perched on her right arm. While another photo shows her lying next to her husband, Ian, and their dog while breastfeeding her daughter. Other stunning shots show her lying on a sofa while breastfeeding her daughter when she was around two-years-old, and a black and white picture shows her breastfeeding in the nude. Reka has been breastfeeding her daughter since she was born in November 2015 and has never given her formula. She has always been an advocate for mums who choose to breastfeed their children beyond the age of one and insists that the natural practise is beneficial for the mother and child in the long term. Unapologetic, Reka, who is originally from Finland, chose to breastfeed her daughter anywhere she would want to be fed, including public places. With over 30K Instagram followers, she posts pictures of her breastfeeding on social media to educate the critics about the benefits of lactation. Greg Gulbransen / MDWfeatures
Reka says she was accused of trying to ‘steal’ men when breastfeeding on a plan (Picture: Greg Gulbransen / MDWfeatures

‘I breastfeed everywhere my baby would want to be fed. It doesn’t happen that often anymore as my daughter is older, but when she was a baby, I would do it everywhere; restaurants, shops, meetings, streets, the subway, you name it,’ Reka explains.

‘Looking back at it, it was my way of defying societal norms – I was waiting for someone to start complaining to me so that I could educate them about it.

‘I have to say that only a few people (mostly women, interestingly) ever gave me any trouble when I breastfed in public.

‘Now that my daughter is 34 months old, I get judged and criticised a lot. Friends and family roll their eyes, give unapproving stares, and tell me that I should quit.

Reka pictured breastfeeding Ilo. THIS LACTIVIST proudly posts nude pictures of her breastfeeding her 34-month-old in defiance of haters who tell her she is DISGUSTING and even accuse her of trying to steal their men by breastfeeding in public. A captivating picture shows photographer, Reka Nyari (39), who lives in New York, USA, breastfeeding her 34-month-old daughter, Ilo, while majestically sitting on a chair with an owl perched on her right arm. While another photo shows her lying next to her husband, Ian, and their dog while breastfeeding her daughter. Other stunning shots show her lying on a sofa while breastfeeding her daughter when she was around two-years-old, and a black and white picture shows her breastfeeding in the nude. Reka has been breastfeeding her daughter since she was born in November 2015 and has never given her formula. She has always been an advocate for mums who choose to breastfeed their children beyond the age of one and insists that the natural practise is beneficial for the mother and child in the long term. Unapologetic, Reka, who is originally from Finland, chose to breastfeed her daughter anywhere she would want to be fed, including public places. With over 30K Instagram followers, she posts pictures of her breastfeeding on social media to educate the critics about the benefits of lactation. Ian Brewer / MDWfeatures
She’s responded to the hate by posing for nude photographs showing her feeding her child (Picture: Ian Brewer / MDWfeatures

‘They tell me that it’s somehow harmful for my child and for me, that what I am doing is somewhat selfish, disturbing or perverse. People are shocked.

‘I was considering weaning my daughter off when she was about one-year-old (the often recommended age to stop), but I found so much evidence that extending breastfeeding past one-year is extremely beneficial for both the mum and child.

‘Talking with accomplished, experienced pediatricians sealed the deal. I was not pushing it – I let my daughter decide how she felt, and if she still wanted to feed.

Reka pictured breastfeeding Ilo (8). THIS LACTIVIST proudly posts nude pictures of her breastfeeding her 34-month-old in defiance of haters who tell her she is DISGUSTING and even accuse her of trying to steal their men by breastfeeding in public. A captivating picture shows photographer, Reka Nyari (39), who lives in New York, USA, breastfeeding her 34-month-old daughter, Ilo, while majestically sitting on a chair with an owl perched on her right arm. While another photo shows her lying next to her husband, Ian, and their dog while breastfeeding her daughter. Other stunning shots show her lying on a sofa while breastfeeding her daughter when she was around two-years-old, and a black and white picture shows her breastfeeding in the nude. Reka has been breastfeeding her daughter since she was born in November 2015 and has never given her formula. She has always been an advocate for mums who choose to breastfeed their children beyond the age of one and insists that the natural practise is beneficial for the mother and child in the long term. Unapologetic, Reka, who is originally from Finland, chose to breastfeed her daughter anywhere she would want to be fed, including public places. With over 30K Instagram followers, she posts pictures of her breastfeeding on social media to educate the critics about the benefits of lactation. Reka Nyari / MDWfeatures
By sharing the photos on Instagram, Reka hopes to normalise extended breastfeeding (Picture: Reka Nyari / MDWfeatures)

‘I am a working mum, with a career and busy travel schedule, and I always assumed that when I returned from my travels, she would be weaned off. So far, that has not happened.

‘Breastfeeding her right now is a bonding experience and it has been amazing for her immune system. I can’t even tell you how many times she has gotten the antibodies from my breastmilk and avoided the cold that both me and my husband get.’

Reka pictured breastfeeding Ilo while lying with her husband, Ian (3). THIS LACTIVIST proudly posts nude pictures of her breastfeeding her 34-month-old in defiance of haters who tell her she is DISGUSTING and even accuse her of trying to steal their men by breastfeeding in public. A captivating picture shows photographer, Reka Nyari (39), who lives in New York, USA, breastfeeding her 34-month-old daughter, Ilo, while majestically sitting on a chair with an owl perched on her right arm. While another photo shows her lying next to her husband, Ian, and their dog while breastfeeding her daughter. Other stunning shots show her lying on a sofa while breastfeeding her daughter when she was around two-years-old, and a black and white picture shows her breastfeeding in the nude. Reka has been breastfeeding her daughter since she was born in November 2015 and has never given her formula. She has always been an advocate for mums who choose to breastfeed their children beyond the age of one and insists that the natural practise is beneficial for the mother and child in the long term. Unapologetic, Reka, who is originally from Finland, chose to breastfeed her daughter anywhere she would want to be fed, including public places. With over 30K Instagram followers, she posts pictures of her breastfeeding on social media to educate the critics about the benefits of lactation. Reka Nyari / MDWfeatures
Her goal is to show there’s nothing weird, shameful, or sexual about breastfeeding children (Picture: Reka Nyari / MDWfeatures)

Reka now has more than 30,000 followers on Instagram, and describes herself as a lactivist, working to normalise breastfeeding and make all mums feel comfortable breastfeeding their children for as long as it works for them.

Reka’s daughter now has solid food in addition to her mother’s milk. Reka usually breastfeeds in the mornings and at night before her child goes to bed.

It works for the family, but they experience judgment for breastfeeding a child that’s over the age of one.

Reka pictured breastfeeding Ilo while lying with her husband, Ian (4). THIS LACTIVIST proudly posts nude pictures of her breastfeeding her 34-month-old in defiance of haters who tell her she is DISGUSTING and even accuse her of trying to steal their men by breastfeeding in public. A captivating picture shows photographer, Reka Nyari (39), who lives in New York, USA, breastfeeding her 34-month-old daughter, Ilo, while majestically sitting on a chair with an owl perched on her right arm. While another photo shows her lying next to her husband, Ian, and their dog while breastfeeding her daughter. Other stunning shots show her lying on a sofa while breastfeeding her daughter when she was around two-years-old, and a black and white picture shows her breastfeeding in the nude. Reka has been breastfeeding her daughter since she was born in November 2015 and has never given her formula. She has always been an advocate for mums who choose to breastfeed their children beyond the age of one and insists that the natural practise is beneficial for the mother and child in the long term. Unapologetic, Reka, who is originally from Finland, chose to breastfeed her daughter anywhere she would want to be fed, including public places. With over 30K Instagram followers, she posts pictures of her breastfeeding on social media to educate the critics about the benefits of lactation. Reka Nyari / MDWfeatures
Now, Ilo is only breastfed in the morning and at night (Picture: Reka Nyari / MDWfeatures)

Rather than getting annoyed, Reka wants to respond to people’s rude comments through education.

‘It is easier in the way that it only happens a few times a day whereas before it was a constant source for food for her,’ said Reka.

‘But it’s harder because you have to deal with a toddler who does acrobatics while they have a nipple in their mouth. It’s also harder because people judge you, and you have to constantly explain yourself.

‘That is part of the reason I continued to post breastfeeding pictures on social media; to educate people that judge without doing any research.

Reka pictured breastfeeding Ilo (9). THIS LACTIVIST proudly posts nude pictures of her breastfeeding her 34-month-old in defiance of haters who tell her she is DISGUSTING and even accuse her of trying to steal their men by breastfeeding in public. A captivating picture shows photographer, Reka Nyari (39), who lives in New York, USA, breastfeeding her 34-month-old daughter, Ilo, while majestically sitting on a chair with an owl perched on her right arm. While another photo shows her lying next to her husband, Ian, and their dog while breastfeeding her daughter. Other stunning shots show her lying on a sofa while breastfeeding her daughter when she was around two-years-old, and a black and white picture shows her breastfeeding in the nude. Reka has been breastfeeding her daughter since she was born in November 2015 and has never given her formula. She has always been an advocate for mums who choose to breastfeed their children beyond the age of one and insists that the natural practise is beneficial for the mother and child in the long term. Unapologetic, Reka, who is originally from Finland, chose to breastfeed her daughter anywhere she would want to be fed, including public places. With over 30K Instagram followers, she posts pictures of her breastfeeding on social media to educate the critics about the benefits of lactation. Reka Nyari / MDWfeatures
‘Why does a breastfeeding mother anger and irritate people so much?’ (Picture: Reka Nyari / MDWfeatures)

‘Why does a breastfeeding mother anger and irritate people so much? I have found that most of this anger is unfounded. As soon as people read on the matter, they become less judgmental.

‘Breastfeeding and extended breastfeeding should be normalised. I feel sad when I read about a lot of mothers who breastfeed past a year but hide it because they feel ashamed or judged.

‘The more women speak publicly about this; the more people are exposed to the idea and the more acceptable it becomes.

Reka pictured breastfeeding Ilo (2). THIS LACTIVIST proudly posts nude pictures of her breastfeeding her 34-month-old in defiance of haters who tell her she is DISGUSTING and even accuse her of trying to steal their men by breastfeeding in public. A captivating picture shows photographer, Reka Nyari (39), who lives in New York, USA, breastfeeding her 34-month-old daughter, Ilo, while majestically sitting on a chair with an owl perched on her right arm. While another photo shows her lying next to her husband, Ian, and their dog while breastfeeding her daughter. Other stunning shots show her lying on a sofa while breastfeeding her daughter when she was around two-years-old, and a black and white picture shows her breastfeeding in the nude. Reka has been breastfeeding her daughter since she was born in November 2015 and has never given her formula. She has always been an advocate for mums who choose to breastfeed their children beyond the age of one and insists that the natural practise is beneficial for the mother and child in the long term. Unapologetic, Reka, who is originally from Finland, chose to breastfeed her daughter anywhere she would want to be fed, including public places. With over 30K Instagram followers, she posts pictures of her breastfeeding on social media to educate the critics about the benefits of lactation. Ian Brewer / MDWfeatures
Reka will keep sharing photos until the judgment stops (Picture: Ian Brewer / MDWfeatures)

‘I ask those that judge, what research they have that backs up their criticism. Then I kindly present them with the abundance of research that states that extended breastfeeding is beneficial to the mother and child.

‘f course, I give my daughter solid food too – she loves to eat. But some of the benefits of extended breastfeeding include: boosting the child’s immune system, helping brain and intellectual development, and making children more socially adaptable and independent.

‘I get a lot of supportive messages from women that have also breastfed their toddlers till around three-years, or longer.

‘For the few negative comments I get per post, I try to educate those people so that we can remove the negative stigma surrounding this matter.

‘We should also stop the negative cycle of constantly criticising and judging women’s bodies and the decisions they make regarding their bodies.

‘Choosing to breastfeed, or not to breastfeed, is an individual choice. These are my breasts, hear them roar.’

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Why every runner needs to make the Caribbean island of Nevis their next race

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So you’ve done a few Parkruns and now you’re thinking of taking on something, bigger, better, more challenging.

How about a running festival on the island of Nevis?

No, not Ben Nevis (that really would be hours of grim pain), but Nevis; the tiny, tropical island next to St Kitts and Antigua in the West Indies.

Nevis has a triathlon which has been dubbed ‘the most beautiful triathlon in the world’, and the running festival can’t be far off a similar accolade.

Here’s why you should head over to Nevis to make their running festival your next big race.

The running

The Nevis Marathon and Running Festival is a low-key affair, offering runners of all experiences and distances the opportunity to explore the island on foot.

This year, the warm-up 5k was on the Thursday and the 10k, half and full marathons all started at the crack of dawn (literally) along the coast path in Charlestown (the capital) on the Saturday.

For the real explorer, the 26.2 mile route takes you around the entire island (and then some!), while the other races take you up the north side and back again – but not before showing off a few of Nevis’ gems.

The volcano follows you around the routes and acts as a fantastic backdrop, especially at sunrise when the rose-coloured clouds waft across the summit. On the ground, you pass the artists’ village (a series of pastel-coloured huts, each selling local arts and craft), and the church of St George (a 375-year-old church – the oldest in the Caribbean). And of course, you have a view of the ocean the whole time too.

Told you it started at the crack of dawn (Picture: Miranda Larbi)

Could there be a more idyllic setting to take your mind off the running? Trying to concentrate on the race rather than the potential photo opportunities is probably the toughest nut to crack.

In fact, both the American in front of me and I were told to get off our phones and do some running by a passing car – which was very good advice, albeit difficult to follow when the whole thing is just so darn Instagrammable.

Oh, and if you win, you get a pretty epic trophy made from proper Nevis rock and in the image of the friendly mount. Let’s face it, a few million people might have a London Marathon medal but how many have a Nevis trophy on their bookcases?

Nailed it (Picture: Miranda Larbi)

The recovery

But perhaps the best thing about an event somewhere so beautiful and so warm is that the R&R afterwards is insurmountable.

For a start, stay in the right place and you could potentially not move again until your flight home because the food, beach and comfort is so good.

The Nisbet Plantation (once owned by Fanny Nisbet’s family) has rooms looking onto a private beach, complete with hammocks, an onsite spa and a great bar (that’s important). It also has a general manager, Tim, who is not only an expert in local goings-on, but also a keen walker who runs hikes three times a week around the local area – which I found to be not only dead useful in getting to know the place, but a good warm-up for the race.

Could there be a better place to relax post-race? The Hermitage is a tropical, secluded heaven on earth (Picture: Miranda Larbi)

Post-event, you’ve got move your luggage up to the Hermitage – a stunning series of pastel-coloured cabins at the foot of the volcano in the middle of the jungle. An onsite pool, surrounded by all manner of exotic birds, monkeys and smaller critters, it’s an oasis of calm and beauty. It’s perfectly situated for lovely shake-out walks, surrounded by luscious green and ocean views. Oh, and it serves the best pumpkin pancakes for breakfast this side of heaven.

The hot springs are a must visit for anyone suffering from muscle aches and desk-induced shoulder pain, or anyone hoping to ‘feel five years younger’, as my guide Bernell claimed. They’re piping hot – which you’d think would be pretty uncomfortable when it’s 30’C outside. But actually, they’re totally rejuvenating. Go down there after sunset and you’ll find people taking a full body bath after a day at work or post-exercise. Curiously, I also found it excellent for calming mosquito bites.

Relax those aching muscles at the free thermal springs – deep enough for full body immersion and hot enough to sort out killing hammies and itchy mozzie bites

This being the Caribbean, there are any number of exquisite beaches all along the island, such as Oualie Beach and Pinney’s (the latter offering a plethora of really great restaurants and bars for post-dip refreshment), so it’d be a waste to stick to pools.

The rest

Nevis is a bevy of activity. Sure, you could stay by the pool/beach all day every day – and that’d be heaven. But if you want to make the most of our time here, then there are plenty of opportunities for exploring the place (and burning off those pumpkin pancakes).

The heritage village is a must-visit. At one point, Nevis had over 50 plantations and was the place for sugar and cotton in the West Indies. Unlike some other islands, it’s proud of its past and is committed to remembering how it came into being. The heritage village is an opportunity to find out about its roots, and the journey its people made from slavery to independence – all in stunning scenery. If you want to see the ruins of former plantations, there are a number of good examples dotted around too.

The heritage village is well worth a visit -both for the sumptuous gardens and the historic element (Picture: Miranda Larbi)

Of course, perhaps the island’s most famous son is Hamilton – the founder of the USA. In Charlestown, there’s a museum dedicated to his life and times (with a very useful and concise history of the island). The museum is currently in the process of building a replica of Hamilton’s house which is no doubt going to become something of a pilgrimage spot for lovers of the musical.

But you can’t come here and take selfies in front of the mount without actually going up it.

For the best views in the Caribbean, climb to the top of the volcano and on a clear day, you’ll be able to see as far as Dominica and Mustique.

Once you’ve run around, you need to climb up it (Picture: Miranda Larbi)

I trekked up there with a guide from Sunshine Tours in a little over two hours. You couldn’t find a greener, more lush climb if you tried; it’s cooler as you go up (so don’t worry about sweating to death) and the scenery both in and from the forest is breathtaking.

And once you’ve run, climbed and swum around the island a couple of times, the last thing you really ought to do is rent a bike and go around in one fell swoop.

This being the home of the world’s most beautiful triathlon, there are some real biking nuts operating from Nevis. I rented a bike from Active Caribbean on Oualie Beach, and cycled around with a former triathlon champ Reggie, who has travelled all around the world representing Nevis and the West Indies in various road cycling and tri events. And obviously, the routes are stunning…but definitely not for the faint-hearted.

After going up Zion hill, you’ll understand why Nevisians might be at a slight advantage when it comes to training for events. No part of Nevis is flat – it’s all up hill and down dale. So make sure you get a good breakfast before you venture out.

See neighbouring islands from the top of the mountain (Picture: Miranda Larbi)
Everywhere you go, there’s something to see and snap – ruins from slavery times, beautiful coastal lines or wonderfully colourful local architecture (Picture: Miranda Larbi)

Food and drink

As with most countries, you’re better off getting away from your hotel (which is probably going to be expensive) for dinner and drinks.

The best way to see the island and meet locals is on Patterson’s Rum Tour, which takes you to different tiny bars and snack shacks where you can try homemade moonshine, rum punch and delicious grub. Most of these places are also convenience stories too, so very useful for grabbing odds and ends while slowly getting hammered on overproof rum. Patterson knows everyone and spent over 25 years as the maître d’ at Nisbet, so you’re in great hands.

Food-wise, try Wilma’s in town if you want to eat from the hand that’s fed Princess Diana (Wilma was the cook at the Montpelier Hotel when Lady Di visited in 1993).

You’ll just have to trust me that these are the best pancakes ever (Picture: Miranda Larbi)

Then there’s Sunshine’s – a fantastic bar/restaurant just off Pinney’s beach and home of the famous Killer Bee rum punch. Just make sure you don’t get stung!

Yachtsman’s Bar and Grill is a superb place for fresh catch and great vegan options. In fact, every place I visited was willing to go off-menu to put together a fantastic plant-based option so if you don’t eat meat or fish, don’t be scared to ask for an alternative.

Oh, and the best breakfast on the island has to be at the Hermitage – the memory of their pumpkin pancakes will go with me to the grave.

It’s a tiny island – it doesn’t take long before you know your way around and you start running into the same people everywhere. You couldn’t find a more beautiful place to compete or relax afterwards.

Locals say that you only ever come to Nevis as a stranger once. The number of expats who seem to have come once and are still living there 30-odd years later is testament to that.

I just hope it’s true because I’m yet to find a tropical paradise to top it…or a race quite like it.

Where to stay in Nevis and how to get there

We stayed at Nisbet Plantation, where rooms start from $283 (£216) per night, and The Hermitage where rates start from $150 (£114) per night.

The flight with British Airways goes from Gatwick and stops briefly in Antigua before going on to St Kitts. Prices start from £714 one way (although BA is having a sale right now – so you might be able to find a real bargain…).

Once you get to St Kitts, you need to take a taxi from the airport to the coast where you can pick up a water taxi (by far the quickest means of transport – six minutes between the islands, versus a 45-minute public ferry). You can find a list of bookable boats here.

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