Watching two of your friends fall in love can be a beautiful thing.

Maybe they were two friends you introduced or maybe you just grow close to your BFF’s significant other.

You love spending time with them separately and together.

And then that dreaded moment comes – they tell you they are breaking up and everything about your friendship dynamic changes.

You might have been expecting it or it might come completely out of the blue.

As devastated as you are for your friends, it can still be pretty difficult for you to come to terms with too.

Even the most amicable of break ups can have a bit of underlying tension and hearing someone diss your friend is hard – especially when it’s coming from another friend.

And if it ends on bad terms, it’s even harder – how do you support them both without taking sides?

Lauren had been friends with two others so when they got together as teenagers, she was pleased.

She loved spending time with them separately and as a couple so when they broke up, she found she was in a difficult situation.

She says: ‘I’d known the male friend since primary school as we grew up in the same town but had become very good friends with both of them during secondary school (around 15/16).

‘When we were younger in our late teens I would spend time with them both separately.

The female friend and I would go shopping together at the weekend and the male friend and I both did two of the same A-Levels.

‘After we all graduated from different universities and life, jobs and responsibilities got in the way so I would see them more as a couple along with my partner.’

But after 10 years together, the couple told Lauren that they were going to end their relationship.

Lauren adds: ‘In all honesty I felt a little bit heartbroken myself when they broke up.

‘Their relationship had been a constant in my life from the age of 15-25 and I always thought they were going to be *that* couple from school that would married, have babies and be together forever.
‘I also, maybe selfishly, felt angry at them for ruining our little four person group.

‘I made it very clear as soon as I heard about their break-up that if either of them tried to bitch and moan about the other to me that I would shut down the conversation but that was easier said than done.

‘Things got quite ugly when they split up as they’d just bought a house and the issues of ownership of big items and who got to keep what for their new place was difficult.

‘It was obviously a massive burden for them both but when I met up with them I refused to let them talk about it.’

Soon, both friends started seeing other people and initially Lauren thought it might help but she says it got worse.

‘They both hated it if my boyfriend and I spent time with the other couple and would send very passive aggressive messages to us if they saw we were out with them on social media.

‘I would still class both as my friend but their break up has definitely dented my relationship with them both.’

Urszula had been friends with Maggie for nine years when she introduced her to Luke. They all hit it off so she was delighted when they got together two years later.

She says: ‘We all had that strong friendship. We would go away together, we would eat together, we would just have a blast together and be friends. I would hangout with them together and separately.

‘I always felt fine and comfortable. I was happy to have two good friends in my life.

‘After 2 years of friendship, they started to date and went into a relationship. I never saw that coming and I was just as shocked as everyone else. When? How? I have no clue how that happened.’

But a year later, the couple broke up.

‘I was sad, but I also was aware that I wanted to have both of them in my life.

‘I felt like I was stuck and had to choose a side. It made things very awkward.’

‘Being stuck between the break up was the worst. It feels like you cannot be friends with just both of them even though you want to. You can’t hangout as a group anymore. Those memories you have are all that is left. They make it very difficult.

‘I feel like I lost two important people in my life. We all went our separate ways. Those memories we have are the only thing we have left.

‘The friendship we had was no longer the same and it no longer existed. Things weren’t the same. We couldn’t hangout anymore like we used to.

‘I felt like I was stuck in the middle and pressured to have to make a choice of on whose side to take. Maggie would talk about Luke and Luke would talk about Maggie.

‘They would both come to me and it was too much for me to handle. It was the worst, especially since they did not break up on good terms.

‘Now looking back, I can definitely say I never want to have two friends ever date again. I am not willing to take that path again.’

So what can you do when your couple friends go their separate ways but you don’t want to get caught in the middle. Madeleine Mason Roantree, dating psychologist at The Vida Consultancy has some tips.

Support them both

‘When good friends break up it can be tricky to know how to support them. The best way is to actually ask them.’ Madeline says.

‘Consider, that while it might look like a definitive and dramatic end, there is always the possibility of them getting back together at some point. You don’t want to have slagged each other off and create tension in your friendship further along the line if they do get back.

‘Conversely you don’t want to cut yourself off completely from your friends if they really need you during a difficult time.’

Don’t get sucked into the drama

Madeline adds: ‘’Try and treat each relationship as if they were separate issues. Your job is not necessarily to mediate, but more to lend an understanding and empathetic ear.

‘Keep the negative things to yourself and don’t share with the other person, it will only cause more distress and you risk getting sucked into a drama that ruins your friendships.

‘There is a huge variety of reasons why any relationship doesn’t work out and despite being a close friend, you may not know the full story.’

Don’t be played

‘Deal with it as you would anyone complaining about not spending enough time with them. Regard the issue as separate to the other person.

‘Usually it’s about reassuring the person complaining that the two of you are still friends. If they run a guilt trip on you and request you not to see the other person, question the friendship.

‘You are not a pawn to be played with between your friends,’ Madeline explains.

Look after yourself too

‘The person in the middle may also feeling a sense of loss and would need to mourn the loss of that particular friendship constellation,’ Madeline says.

‘It takes time to get over a significant or meaningful relationship. It’s similar to for example leaving close university or school friendships when you graduate.

‘I would advise the person to allow themselves to mourn the loss, and find solace in the fact that in time they will be ok. Perhaps take some time out and distract yourself by doing nice/fun things unrelated to your friends.’

Consider what you do carefully

Madeline says: ‘If one party has been abusive, you might want to consider getting help and support for the abused party. Abuse, physical or otherwise, is illegal and should be not be ignored.

‘If infidelity has been committed, but the other person doesn’t know about it and you feel they should, consider letting the infidelitous party know you intend to tell if they don’t.

‘Give them a chance to deal with the issue – or forever hold your tongue! Think about why you want to tell the other person and whether it will be helpful to them or not.’

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Holly Willoughby’s second collection for Marks & Spencer has launched – and it’s already selling out.

Her £55 tiger print dress has been a big hit and has already sold out in most sizes.

But you can still pick up some of the other 24 pieces in the Winter edit.

Her first collection was so popular, the store sold one piece every two seconds on the day of the launch.

According to the store, this edit offers ‘bold colour and print combinations, to chic wardrobe essentials’.

TV presenter Holly said: ‘This time of year, I really love playing with colour and print as it can be so easy to get stuck in a style rut; in my Winter Must-Have edit there is a really gorgeous palette to play with, from rich caramel tones to pops of bold primaries. Whether you want to go top-to-toe in one colour, or you just want to update your wardrobe with that one amazing piece

‘I love getting wrapped up on cold Winter days, but I still want to feel really feminine and stylish, so a statement coat is definitely a must-have for me. It doesn’t just make an outfit, it often is your outfit, so don’t be afraid to be bold.’

You can view the collection here.

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Walk down the aisles of any supermarket and you’ll find protein-enriched porridge, pancakes, and dairy products.

As a high-protein diet becomes more fashionable, and people try to get the ripped abs of those they see on TV and Instagram, it’s only a natural progression.

It’s a pretty good thing, since it helps repair everything from hair to muscles but, companies have cashed in on the hype in a big way, and not always honestly.

A new study has found that we’re paying up to triple the price for items marketed as protein enriched, even when the actual content is the same or similar to regular counterparts.

The Behind The Label study by Wren Kitchens looked at the protein content actually found in these carefully labelled products, and whether you could get more for less when it comes to the macronutrient.

Since 43% of Brits have admitted buying some form of ‘protein‘ marketed product in the past, here’s what they’re actually getting for their money:

Given that the recommended amount of protein we need each day is 45g for women and 55g for a man, two cans of tuna should be more than enough.

No other fancy products need to be purchased, but if you do choose to do that, check the label before you part with your cash.

However, the latest National Diet and Nutrition Survey found that the average UK adult consumes up to 55% more protein than they actually need.

Here are some easy and cheap ways to get your intake:

Nutritionist Charlotte Stirling-Reed says:’Most of us get more than enough protein in our everyday diet, and so it’s not something that we need to think about supplementing too often. However, for some, such as athletes, those training intensely, or very active individuals they may have extra requirements for protein to support muscle growth and repair.

‘To put it simply, unless advised by a medical professional, you don’t need to be eating protein specific products. If you find them to be a convenient way to top up your intake or to help you spread your protein intake across the day, there is no real problem with using them. However, it’s important to remember you can get all the protein you need from everyday foods.’

Charlotte advises ‘A single serving of protein is roughly the size of your palm. Most people should aim for two servings each day.’

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Jeremy Scott has always got his finger on the pulse when it comes to celebrity influencers and zeitgeist-defining trends.

It seems he’s also been doing his market research when it comes to the fact we’re all skint, too, as he’s collaborating with H&M and giving us a purse-friendly Moschino collection.

He’s even been thinking about the pups too, with pieces from the range for our dogs.

Here’s everything you need to know about H&M x Moschino.

What’s in the collection?

It’ll include both womenswear and menswear and – according to Vogue – prices will range between £18 and £210.

Moschino creative director Jeremy Scott said, ”For fans of the brand, it should feel a little like a greatest hits collection, but I promise it will still be new, still feel fresh, even as we include some winks, some hints from the past.’

So far we know there’s – in classic J.Scott style – a Mickey Mouse dress, denim overalls, mini leather pumps, padlock bags and more.

We reckon the faux leather dress, sequin trousers, and dog sweatshirt will also be sellouts.

Release date?

The collection will be in stores and online on November 8.

If H&M’s Balmain collaboration is anything to go by, it could sell out very quickly.

Back then they had to close the Oxford Street store due to health and safety concerns as it was so busy, so if you’re planning on buying in person be aware.

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We know communication is an important part of sex.

So when you are having some time alone, it can feel like there’s something missing.

But now there is a vibrator that can have a conversation with you.

The Vibease Smart Lipstick claims to be the world’s first Artificial Intelligence vibrator.

If you link up the device with your smartphone you can use the ‘virtual partner’ to control the device.

Inspired by the movie Her, where a woman falls in love with an AI robot, the idea was that the vibrator should ‘come to life’.

The 10cm bullet vibrator is in a lipstick shape and is  voice-controlled so it responds to voice commands including harder or softer vibration.

It can respond to commands with phrases such as ‘Anything for you baby,’

You can even sync it with your favourite audiobook adjusting vibration intensity according to what’s happening in the book.

According to the Kickstarter page: ‘When the fantasy in the story starts to get more intense, the vibrations get more intense.

‘When things slow down, the vibration slows down. Your listening possibilities are nearly endless as you can directly download hundreds of romance and erotic audiobooks from Vibease app.

‘You’ll never run out of great stories.’

And if you are in a long-distance relationship, the vibrator can be controlled by your partner from anywhere – using the remote control function on the app.

You can currently back the device for a minimum of $59 (£46) and the makers say they will be shipping the first lipsticks out in December 2018.

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If you are estranged from your family, the Christmas period can be really painful.

Everywhere you look there are messages about the importance of family, reminding you that yours aren’t like the loving, happy rabble you see in films and on TV.

For LGBT+ people this is a depressingly common phenomenon. Which is why Ellie Rw is raising money to send Christmas cards to LGBT+ people who, because of their sexuality or gender identity, won’t be getting any cards from their family this year.

Writing on GoFundMe, Ellie says: ‘The Rainbow Cards Project is a nonprofit project that sends birthday, holiday & special occasion cards to LGBTQ+ folks all over the world whose families have stopped sending them cards since they came out. The aim is to combat the isolation that can come from receiving a negative reaction when you come out to family, and to remind recipients they are part of a huge community that is a kind of family in itself.

‘Christmas is a particularly busy time for the project, as most of our recipients celebrate the holidays so there’s lots of cards to send off! Last year we sent over 2000 holiday cards to 300 recipients, and we couldn’t have done it without the support of generous donors!

‘This year we need your help even more since the project has grown and now caters to even more recipients – 385 who celebrate the holidays in total – which means the costs will be even higher. Postage is unfortunately very expensive, and if we cannot raise enough money we won’t be able to send any holiday cards, which would be a massive disappointment to our recipients. We’d hate to see that happen, so please do donate if you can. Even the smallest donation helps.’

If you’d like to help Ellie spread some festive love this Christmas, you can donate here.

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Whether you think fairytales are sexist or not, some people love them – regardless of age.

Emily Breden is one such person, so much so that she had a whole Cinderella themed wedding, and all 64 guests showed their support by also dressing as Disney characters.

The 28-year-old from New South Wales, Australia, wore a princess ballgown to marry her real-life prince in a fairytale wedding.

New husband Jack also looked the part, donning a Prince Charming costume.

Even the cake followed the theme as it was inspired by Mickey Mouse and decorated with princess cupcakes.

‘I’ve always been absolutely obsessed with Disney. I think watching all the movies over my childhood, the magic of it all just became ingrained in me,’ said Emily.

‘I loved them all. But my favourite was always Cinderella, so it made sense to become her for my wedding day.

‘Jack wasn’t sure at first, but once we started planning he really got into the idea. My family was very excited about it.

‘I designated Disney characters to everyone, so we didn’t have any double-ups. It was a bit of fun and something different. Some of my relatives said it was the best wedding they’ve ever been to.

‘My mum made an entrance piece with an original Cinderella movie poster that she bought from America. All our centerpieces were Disney balloons too.’

Emily also has Disney-themed tattoos – and now plans to add the famous quote ‘happily ever after’ to her collection after getting married.

She said: ‘I really felt like Cinderella and Jack is definitely my Prince Charming. I’ve only ever seen him cry when we had children, but when I walked up the aisle I could see his face was soaked.

‘I’d definitely recommend this kind of wedding. It reflects who we are, and it’s something we will remember forever.

‘It was a truly magical day.’

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Christmas is coming… apparently. The festive season seems to get longer every year, with tinsel and twinkly lights popping up before we’re even done with Halloween.

So should we jump on the band wagon and get into the Christmas spirit before it even feels like winter?

It might not quite be time to get the Christmas jumpers out of storage, but getting ahead with the shopping might not be such a bad idea.

Christmas shopping is undeniably stressful. There’s the crowds to contend with, the pressure to get the perfect gifts, and of course the cost.

On average, adults in the UK each expect to spend £412 on Christmas presents and activities this year. That translates into £20.5 billion worth of spending across the country – a serious amount of cash.

And if you leave it all to the last minute, your December pay check is going to take big hit. And then you might have to make some sacrifices. Auntie Joan might be getting another batch of your questionable, homemade jam this Christmas.

Obviously Christmas isn’t all about the presents. It’s a time eat great food, spend time with your loved ones and take a break from the daily grind.

But giving yourself a head start can’t do any harm. It might even make the holiday period a bit less stressful.

And imagine the surprise on your mum’s face when you turn up on the doorstep with a hamper of beautiful, thoughtful presents – rather than half a box of Quality Street that you nicked from the office on your last day

It’s really not difficult to turn yourself into a gift goddess. It just takes a little motivation and a lot of organisation.

Savannah, 20, picks up deals as and when she sees them throughout the year.

‘I like buying things here and there if I see something I know the person I am buying it for will like,’ Savannah explains.

‘I tend to start early every year, mainly because Christmas is such an expensive time of year and it’s just a lot easier on my pocket if I break down purchases up until December.

‘I have been known to buy a present as early as March and put it down because it was an absolute bargain. In terms of priorities, I usually buy for my mum, nephews and friends first.

‘Sales are your best friend and happen all year round. Gift shopping doesn’t have to be expensive if you’re smart about it.

‘I’ve found that prices for stuff go up in December, so it makes sense to buy them earlier when they are cheaper.’

To get ahead of the game, your first port of call could be online deals – Black Friday and Cyber Monday are great places to start.

The changing retail landscape means you can now avoid the horrors of the high street altogether, and get everything you need online. Gone are the days of battling old ladies for the must-have toy of the year (think Arnie in Jingle All The Way) – now you can do it all from your sofa.

This year, Black Friday falls on the 23 November, and will feature all the best deals from retail giants Amazon, Argos and John Lewis.

Cyber Monday is on the 26 November – and is basically another chance for you to scoop up deals you might have missed on the Friday. There’s also usually a ton of new bargains to get excited about.

Lauren, 23, started shopping in September. She says it makes her feel organised to start early every year.

‘It saves me so much stress, compared to leaving it last minute,’ Lauren tells Metro.co.uk.

‘I also find that by the end of September or the beginning of October, shops are stocking cute stocking fillers for people like my mum, or my friends, and usually these are all gone by December.

‘My priorities for Christmas shopping are always my family, and my boyfriend. I start thinking about Christmas presents right as we hit September, as I normally buy a “main” present for my mum, dad, brother and boyfriend.’

Lauren’s shopping tip is to be prepared and know what you want to buy before you even step foot in the shops.

‘For my family, I will make an initial decision of what I’m likely to get them and then stick to this, it makes shopping so much easier as you have direction. It saves you from wandering around the shops aimlessly, in the hustle and bustle of the busy shops.’

What you probably want to avoid is ‘Panic Saturday’. Even the name sounds awful.

Panic Saturday is the last weekend before Christmas, where unorganised shoppers charge onto the high streets panic buying gifts at random. A new loo brush for Nan? Sure. A heart-shaped cushion for Dad? He’ll love it.

By Panic Saturday, we want to be tucked up on the sofa watching Harry Potter, surrounded by mince pies and Baileys. Get on board with the early shoppers and this could be you.

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Halloween, to me, is a wonderful time of year. I love getting dressed up and going to parties, if I can.

However, I have bipolar disorder, have had depression and live with anxiety. Sometimes I struggle to socialise or answer the door to trick or treaters.

It seems I am not alone. According to the charity No Panic, in 2013, there are 8.2 million people in the UK who have anxiety in the UK.

so Halloween can be a difficult time of year for many people, whether they have social anxiety, depression or agaraphobia, don’t like stigmatised ‘mental health patient’ costumes or find the frightening themes too distressing.

In a bid to find out how it affects our mental health, I ran a Twitter poll. The poll had 146 votes, which I know is just a small sample.

Of the people surveyed, 63% said Halloween didn’t bother them, 28% said they loved it and just 9% said Halloween was awful for their mental health.

Laura Peters, head of advice and information at Rethink Mental Illness told Metro: ‘For many Halloween is an excellent opportunity to dress up and have fun. If you live with social anxiety, late evening knocks at your door may trigger anxiety.

‘You have the power to make your own decisions. If you’re going to a party, take time for yourself and arrive later if needed. Breathing exercises can help the anxiety and you can always turn down the party invite.

‘If you’re spending the night at home- you don’t have to take part if you don’t want or you can leave sweets and a note outside your door. Trick or treaters should be aware not to knock at the door of those who aren’t displaying decorations.’

Alan has seasonal depression and finds Halloween difficult. 

‘My Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) means that October can often bring on depressive symptoms that make me want to hibernate. I don’t feel able to answer the door to excited children – I just want to be left alone,’ he tells Metro.co.uk.

‘This may be related to Autism. My lifelong way of adapting to social awkwardness has been to avoid novel social situations, so combine this with the SAD and I’m not a party animal in Autumn.

‘Apart from taking antidepressants, the only way I manage Halloween is by staying indoors. I try to make it look like we are out and ignore the door if we do hear a knock or doorbell.

‘Because of social anxiety and SAD, the very last thing I want to do is go out in the dark and meet strangers on their doorstep.

‘If trick or treating has to be done, I’d ask people to be mindful. Perhaps teenagers going alone should be aware that what appears like harmless fun to them could be difficult for the person on the other side of the door.’

Jacob has generalised anxiety disorder/depression and finds Halloween triggering.

He says: ‘The main thing that triggers my mental health issues during Halloween is trick or treaters. They are always children but as someone with generalised anxiety disorder, I sometimes struggle to open the front door.

‘When the postman comes and knocks on the door, sometimes I am too anxious and paranoid to open it. The same happens with trick or treaters.

‘These people are strangers and I think it’s the sense of the unknown and the pressure to look happy.

‘Some costumes that display mental illness in a negative light can also trigger difficulties for me.

‘I find it particularly difficult to come to the door and I have learnt that it’s okay to feel like that.

‘I would like people to know, especially those going out trick and treating that if someone hasn’t got a pumpkin outside their house then please don’t knock on their door.’

However, Charlotte feels more accepted on Halloween despite her anxiety and depression:

She explains: ‘I’m a 31 year old PR manager and I have anxiety and depression, which I’ve been battling since I can remember.

‘I have always loved Halloween. I find that every aspect of it brings me joy – from the use of colour offset against all the black, scary movies, Halloween horror nights, theme parks, dressing up, feasting on delicious things – its really positive for me.

‘You can be whoever you want to be. There’s a child-like innocence. Its acceptable to put on a costume and pretend.

‘The most special part for me though is that there are no set expectations. You can do whatever you want, which is really freeing.

‘Halloween provides escapism and within that you can express aspects of yourself that you might otherwise hide. Its OK to be different’   

Rachel agrees that Halloween allows her to feel that it’s OK to different

‘I love Halloween as it is the one time of year I find that I can be myself. I don’t necessarily like the scary aspect of Halloween, but I like the costumes and the makeup and the decorations. I am a goth so I’ve started collecting decorations for my room,’ she says.

‘I suffer with Depression, Anxiety and EUPD – Emotionally Unstable Personality Disorder. I’ve found Halloween to be the best time of year for me.

‘I think if the lights aren’t on in the porch or in the front section of the house, then chances are the person doesn’t want to be disturbed. I think they should create signs that say, “No Trick or Treaters” to be put into the ground in front of the house.

‘I’ve always been made fun of for being different but at Halloween being different is okay.’

So if you are struggling at this time of year, what can you do?

Amy Hutson, a counsellor recommends: ‘Halloween can be a difficult time for people with mental health problems. If you feel Halloween is hard for you, think about what might help you to get through this time.

‘That might be staying at home with some friends and having a meal instead. If anyone rings the doorbell, you could arrange for a friend to answer it for you.

‘If you’re at a Halloween event and are feeling anxious, grounding exercises can be helpful.

‘For example, the “5-4-3-2-1” mindfulness tool involves focusing on our five senses to bring us back to the present. So firstly you look for five things you can see, then four things you can hear, three things you can feel, two things you can smell and one thing you can taste.

‘Talking to a friend you trust about how you’re feeling can sometimes help or if you feel you need more support, you could speak to Samaritans by calling 116 123, visit your GP or a counsellor about your concerns.

‘Sharing your experiences online with others can also help. Elefriends is a supportive online community run by Mind.’

Adam Cox, hypnotherapist at Phobia Guru, recommends neuro-linguistic programming (NLP) – an approach to communication, personal development, and psychotherapy – and hypnosis techniques.

He says: ‘I would recommend NLP techniques such as sub-modality manipulation. It’s essentially changing how you think about those things your frightened of.

‘If you’re scared of witches imagine shrinking down the mental image or moving it further away.

‘Sometimes making a colourful image black and white takes the intensity of the emotion away.

‘Clinical hypnosis can help by giving suggestions to your unconscious mind to see the source of fear in a different way.

‘Most people that are scared of clowns or people dressed up focus on the external surface image rather than thinking of the person behind the mask or costume as a normal person dressing up. ‘

You can stay in a stunning pinecone-shaped treehouse for £193 a night.

Or, you can in fact actually buy it – though the asking price isn’t currently available.

The treehouse hangs 60 feet above ground, and comes with a double bed perched under a glass ceiling so you can lay and look at the stars (romantic, right?)

It also features an off-grid bathroom which includes a compost toilet, sink and shower.

Pinecone Treehouse is located in the Red Wood forests of Bonny Doon in California, USA and is currently available for both rent and sale.

A one-night stay will set you back £193 while if you want to make your stay permanent you can enquire here.

The treehouse was constructed by master treehouse-builder Dustin Feider, who has been building for years and loves exploring the possibilities of treehouse architecture, especially when incorporating ornate geometry into the design.

Fixed to the trees from eight different points, the treehouse is completely secure and has very little movement.

It’s primarily constructed from a bolted steel frame, which is complimented by acrylic window panels, each uniquely shaped and cut to form the appearance of a pinecone.

‘This unique structure was built with the intention of immersing all who enter in the boundless beauty of the natural world,’ said the sellers, O2 Treehouse.

‘The five and a half ton steel and wood geodesic pinecone shaped behemoth comes complete with a skilfully hand-crafted indoor/outdoor off-grid bathroom connected to the treehouse via wooden catwalk.

‘Floating high in the branches of the magical Red Wood forests of Bonny Doon the Pinecone Treehouse will immerse you in 360 degree views of the forest’s upper canopy. Allow the healing power of this forest environment and this awe inspiring structure to sing you into complete relaxation, imagination and reflection.

‘The treehouse sits 35′ above ground on the uphill side and almost 60’ from the ground on the downhill side. With two triangle shaped see through floor panels this treehouse makes one feel as though they are flying through the upper Redwood canopy.

‘Entry and exit from the treehouse requires a bit of effort to ascend and descend the steep alternating step entry ladder as well as to pass through the trap door, if you’re not of sure-step we recommend using the harness safety system.’

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In celebration of Halloween, Cadbury World’s chocolatiers have created a giant chocolate spider. And it’s enough to make your skin crawl.

The ‘Arachnochoc’ took Dawn Jenks and Gail Deeley two days to create, and weighs twelve kilograms – which is the equivalent of 267 bars of standard Cadbury Dairy Milk.

Despite how much you love chocolate, it is anyone with a fear of spiders’ absolute worst nightmare.

The eight-legged chocolate creature sits on top of a chocolate rock and has incredible attention to detail. Enough to make your skin crawl.

It features thousands of individual hairs, which were hand-piped all over the spider’s body, and purple food colouring applied to highlight the joints in its legs.

Its eyes have been decorated with a bright green edible glitter and the fangs are painted with silver.

This latest work of chocolate art follows a host of impressive creations from the team at Cadbury World.

Expert chocolatiers from the attraction recently created a miniature concert piano in celebration of the National Youth Orchestra of Great Britain’s performance at Symphony Hall in Birmingham and a chocolate recreation of Windsor Castle to commemorate the wedding of the Duke and Duchess of Sussex.

The spider comes ahead of the annual Halloween Spooktacular, where until 4 November, kids are encouraged to wear their best Halloween costumes for a daily fancy dress competition where judges will be handing out chocolate prizes to the scariest visitors of Cadbury World.

In the Cadbury World marquee, groups can enjoy live entertainment as Dermot O’Scary stars in The Scream Factor – a show where Frankie Frankenstein, Witchy Woo Woo and Wolfy the Wolfman compete for a ‘Mystery Prize’.

And of course, visitors can also eat as much chocolate as they want – though you’ll be surrounded by spooky characters as you do.

There will be a range of Halloween treats in The World’s Biggest Cadbury Shop including exclusive handcrafted chocolate pumpkins as well as a selection of Halloween-themed cakes in the Cadbury Café.

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Last week I wrote a piece about how objectionable I found the idea of a ‘cleaning’ influencer, in which I made an offhand comment about Instagram influencer Mrs Hinch calling herself ‘Mrs’ before she was married to Mr Hinch.

Lots of people got in touch to tell me that it’s actually perfectly normal to call yourself ‘Mrs’ and use your partner’s surname, even when you’re not married.

When I got married last year, I took my husband’s name for personal and private matters, and adopted the prefix ‘Mrs’.

I loved the idea that I had a new name for a new stage of my life. It would have seemed extremely odd to me if I’d done that before we’d become legally joined. A bit like opening my Christmas presents before Christmas.

Not so, it seems for lots of other women, who go by ‘Mrs’ despite not being married to their husbands.

‘I refer to my bf and my husband’ one woman tells Metro.co.uk. ‘We’re not married, but we have a child together…’boyfriend’ seems so childish and don’t know why but I hate the word ‘partner’. It makes me uncomfortable. I don’t really like using husband either (I feel like a fraud!) but I’m often stuck not knowing what to refer to him as! I did also use his surname once (it’s on my Boots card!) just to see how it felt…I’m thinking of changing my name to his because it’s my sons surname and it makes me sad that I don’t share it’ says Ruby. 

‘I’m not married and I often call myself Mrs (my future husband). I know it’s a bit naff but I love it. He calls me the Mrs. I think it cements us, we’ll get married and I’ll already be used to my new surname. I think it’s romantic’ another woman told Metro.co.uk.

‘I’ve been engaged for six years,’ said Cora, 37, ‘and we do want to get married one day, but it’s not a big priority for us, so we’re just calling each other husband and wife now, and using his surname. I don’t see why I should miss out on my whole family having the same last name just because we haven’t got paperwork.’

We spoke to Ezgi, a relationship expert at the dating app Once, who told Metro.co.uk:

‘It’s becoming increasingly common to add prefixes and adopt partners’ surnames before marriage – some may do this in a more jokey than serious way, but both highlight the current societal attitudes to relationships and marriage today – there are several reasons why this might happen…

‘Firstly, we obsessively imagine a future life together. It is more common in those in their early thirties – because society puts a lot of pressure on finding a partner, getting married and having kids. It is the programming that we have grown up with and it becomes very easy to fantasise about marriage and a future together. However, it can have dangers – this can put pressure on a partner and cause them to question everything: are these hints towards marriage, should they propose soon, is the relationship moving too quickly? It creates a high level of expectation for the other person.

‘Secondly, it can be a territorial thing, particularly with the culture of social media over sharing and stalking. Some women subconsciously refer to themselves in this way to show their partner is taken and so are they. It shows a deep sense of pride, love and commitment to adopt a partner’s surname publicly, so those doing so are usually very serious about their future together, and want others to know it.

‘Lastly, I feel this has predominantly happened due to a cultural shift in how marriage and relationships are perceived today. Recent stories of fast-moving celebrity relationships and engagements are a prime example: we have diluted relationship timelines, and marriage is being viewed less as a commitment and life-long partnership, but more as the natural next step in a relationship because “that’s what you do”. So using someone’s surname before marriage may not feel a big deal, if you don’t view marriage as a serious, life-long commitment.’

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Modern technology has brought a lot of good into the world. But it’s also created all sorts of new ways to treat each other badly.

One of the most popular? Ghosting.

Ghosting, if by some miracle you’ve missed the memo, is when someone disappears from communication with you without any explanation at all.

Now, in an attempt to combat ghosting, which we all know is a pretty horrible experience, dating app Badoo has introduced an ‘anti ghosting’ feature.

It’s a reply feature which suggests responses for users who haven’t replied to their match after three days.

Once you’ve gone quiet on someone you were messaging for three days, Badoo will notify you and give some handy reply suggestions like, ‘Hey, sorry for the late reply. When are you free to meet?’. Or for those who are no longer interested in their match, they can simply choose to close the chat or use one of the polite responses, ‘Hey I think you’re great, but I don’t see us as a match. Take care!’

Now we salute the good people of Badoo for trying, but let’s face it, getting a stock message from someone is almost as upsetting as getting nothing at all. Plus, if someone can’t be bothered to reply to you, do you really want to be conned into another date with a fake reply?

Badoo’s in-house psycologist Claire Stott, on the other hand, seemed to think that the feature was a good idea (shocker). She explains: ‘Not only does this feature intercept the ‘ghosting’ process by encouraging users to reply, it also prompts those who are actually interested in their match, to get the ball rolling and meet in real life.

‘Ghosting has been going on forever, but apps have expanded the dating pool and created more opportunities for people to meet. Therefore the chances of being ghosted are higher. For anyone who finds themselves being ghosted, don’t assume that they stopped talking to you because you did something wrong. It’s a by-product of online dating rather than a reflection of you as a person.’

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You won’t catch Stuart Hampton on the rush hour Central Line any time soon, or nipping out to Pret for a rushed sarnie.

The 35-year-old Mancunian isn’t one for office life, by his own admission. He’s the founder of The Freeriver Community Project, a self-described ‘real life art project that seeks to give the hippy dream tangibility’ based just outside of Manchester.

It’s a tempting thought, isn’t it? Sacking off the strobe lit office and heading out into the wilds. But how does it work? And, crucially, what does it mean?

Stuart tells Metro.co.uk that he’s always held pretty solid views on communal living and ‘creative ways of being’. For him, the idea of trying to kickstart his own space just felt like a logical progression.

‘I’ve always believed in the whole hippy scene- peace and love kind of thing. And I’ve always valued nature and natural world’.

‘Maybe [I just have] a slightly mystical and spiritual approach to life. Immaterial things over material things, you know? That’s what inspires and informs the work that I make’.

It’s an eclectic practice. Portraits of traditional counter culture idols, competing with conceptual pieces and collage. For every John Lennon and Pete Townsend, a figure submerged in healing stones.

(Picture: Stuart Hampton)

Though he’s not one to place much emphasis on formal training, he says it was his undergraduate degree in psychology from the The University of Manchester that clarify his indivisible work and worldview.

‘I guess that art is a natural progression [from that]. The study of the mind and the study of the self aren’t really that different. After that, I went to live in a hippy commune just outside of Dorset for about four-and-a-half years. It was a sort of a combination of commune and spiritual retreat’.

It was here that Stuart took courses in yoga and shamanism, backdropped by the surreal outline of a manor house owned by a Dorsetshire aristocrat. There were also- of course- the obligatory trips to India, as well.

‘Art just sort of seemed like the extension of that stuff- diving into who you are and why you’re here. It’s a symptom of the way I’ve lived my life’.

Despite several happy years passing, it was time to move on. He says that he’s always held close the idea of starting his own commune, which is when The Freeriver Community Project was born. The idea is to attract similarly-minded people, trapped slightly outside the usual grain, and turned off with the usual grind.

‘I’ve always carried this feeling that I’d love to see the world: something I imagine most people feel. [The Free River Project] is just trying to bring that feeling into reality’.

Stuart’s well aware how easy it is to pour derision on his work and the commune. Hippies get a bad press, as he wistfully acknowledges. But it doesn’t have to be a pi*s-take.

‘We don’t have our heads in the clouds or anything’.

‘I know a lot of people that feel the same way and want to make this place work. But we’re skint, and don’t really know how.’

‘It’s actually really nice. It’s good sometimes, seeing the value of the illogical over the logical. We don’t have to analyze and find a reason for everything’.

(Picture: Stuart Hampton)

Stuart has big dreams for the project. Or at least they feel big now. Music studios and arts spaces, self-sustainable agriculture and studios. Realistically, he knows that funding isn’t easy to obtain, though there is hope of a patron turning up, or his own music taking off. ‘You never know’, he adds.

‘I’ve come to terms with [how the world is]. I’m 35. I’ve also started a publishing company in the last few years, with the goal of raising some money to realise the dream. It would be great to get to a point where we can crowdfund it, as well’.

(Picture: Stuart Hampton)

They aren’t searching for untold wealth, and it’s also pleasing to learn Stuart doesn’t hold any messianic ambitions.

‘The amount is just whatever could cover a smallhold or something like that. I’m not looking to be a leader or anything like that. I don’t care who owns it really. I just want to see an equal playing field’.

It would be far too easy to poke fun at the perceived naivety, but it’s tough to argue with Stuart’s most persuasive justification.

‘To be honest… I just think it would be really, really fun’.

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ASOS has released some pretty bizarre items over the past few months, including a denim belt which looked as though someone had just sliced a chunk out of an old pair of jeans, and a men’s top which flashes the belly and nipples.

And now, the online retailer has released a beret which looks like quite an odd wig.

The Monki Furry Beret, which comes in off white, is meant to welcome people to ‘the cosy life’ (thanks for that, ASOS), and features a flat top, fluffy design.

The product description reads: ‘If you’re all for personality and expression then Monki is the one for you. Known for its street-style-meets-Scandi-chic design and super-fun story-based store concepts, Monkigrabs bold, brash colours and a whole lot of prints and patterns before playing them out across a collection of 90s crop tops, bodycon dresses and skinny jeans.’

The beret costs £18, which we think is a bit much to look like you’re wearing a sheep on your head, but you do you.

Admittedly, the beret does look rather warm, but we can’t help thinking it looks like a perm gone wrong.

But hey, if you’re planning to dress as a spooky sheep this Halloween, it could be a good investment.

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This year more beauty brands than ever have the countdown to 25 December covered.

The likes of Charlotte Tilbury, ASOS, Lush and Liberty London have created beauty advent calendars filled with our favourite products.

And it seems no one can resist a bit of beauty festive cheer, as many of this year’s beauty advent calendars sold out within a matter of days.

But if you’re not one of the early birds who managed to snap-up said beauty advent calendars before they sold-out, we’ve selected 10 of the best beauty advent calendars that are still available to buy now.

Let the Christmas countdown begin.

The 12 Days of Liz Earle, £80, boots.com

Number of days: 12

Liz Earle’s beauty advent calendar features a 12 day countdown of the brands best’s most popular skin, hair and body care products, in miniature form.

From their cleansing hero Cleanse and Polish, to their Skin Tonic and Botanical Shine Shampoo, Liz Earle’s calendar has everything you need to pop into your carry-on.

Charlotte’s Beauty Universe Beauty Advent Calendar, £150, charlottetilbury.com

Number of days: 12

Packed full of best-sellers including the iconic Pillow Talk lipstick and luxurious Magic Cream, we’d be surprised if Charlotte Tilbury’s Beauty Advent Calendar wasn’t on your (pre) Christmas wish list.

Just ask VERY nicely.

Lush Fresh Handmade Cosmetics 12 Days of Christmas, £75, uk.lush.com

Number of days: 12

If you’re looking forward to relaxing after a little Christmas shopping, Lush’s 12 Days of Christmas advent calendar is brimming with bath bombs.

Not only does it include the Lush’s much-loved Snow Fairy Shower Gel and Shoot For The Stars bath bomb, the whole calendar looks like a festive decoration too, so would look pretty perched on your mantle piece.

Marks & Spencer Beauty Advent Calendar, £35, marksandspencer.com

Number of days: 25

Looks like Marks & Spencer has done it again.

The beauty advent is available from the 1 November and costs just £35 if you spend £35 on clothes or homeware at Marks & Spencer

And includes skincare and makeup from brands such as Pixi, Ren, Stila and Nuxe.

Liberty London Beauty Advent Calendar, £195, libertylondon.com

Number of days: 25

Liberty London’s Beauty Advent Calendar has proven popular once again as it has become the fastest selling, and most successful product in the company’s 147 year history.

Sure, it’s pricey, but well worth it if you’re feeling indulgent, as it contains over £600 worth of products.

NYX Professional Makeup Sugar Trip 24 Days of Beauty Advent Calendar, £50, lookfantastic.com

Number of days: 24

Lipstick junkies will appreciate NYX’s festive countdown, which includes 14 of the brands most popular lipsticks and glosses (mid-size), along with several eyeshadows, highlighters and blushers.

Christmas party make-up sorted.

ICONIC LONDON Night on the Town Advent Calendar, £120, iconiclondoninc.com

Number of days: 12

We’re excited to see this gorgeous collection of glow-inducing products from ICONIC LONDON.

Inside you’ll find 10 full size products and two minis, including their must-have Illuminator in Shine.

What’s a Christmas countdown without a little sparkle?

24 Days of the Enchanted Advent Calendar, £45, thebodyshop.com

Number of days: 24

The Body Shop have spoilt us for choice this year, as they’ve released not one, but three beauty advent calendars ranging from £45 to £99.

Our favourite one of the three, is the 24 Days of the Enchanted Advent Calendar, that’s packed with mini essentials.

It’s also cruelty-free.

Net-A-Porter Beauty 25 Days of Beauty, £150, net-a-porter.com

Number of days: 25

Net-a-Porter’s first beauty advent calendar contains a carefully curated collection of skin, hair and makeup products.

And it hasn’t disappointed – think Marc Jacobs Beauty, Charlotte Tilbury, Illamasqua and Sarah Chapman.

The box is beautifully designed too; it’s sleek and feels pretty robust.

ASOS Face + Body Advent Calendar, £55, asos.com

Number of days: 24

For those who are on a budget and don’t want to commit to one brand, ASOS Face + Body Advent Calendar has something from everyone.

There’s 24 mini goodies inside – enough to see you through your winter-sun getaway –  from brands such as Bobbi Brown, Benefit, GLAMGLOW and MAC.

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A cafe has just unveiled the world’s first vegan sandwich made with Irn Bru.

The sandwich is served on toasted sourdough with rocket, cheese and pickles. It comes topped with a barbecue sauce made from pulled jackfruit and mushrooms, roasted in Irn Bru.

The sandwich also comes with side-salad, air-fried chips or mac and cheese.

It was launched by the Serenity Now Cafe, in Glasgow, who are selling it for £6.50.

Amelia Sulhunt, 35, head chef, said: ‘We take a lot of inspiration from American vegan cuisine, and it’s not unusual to see soft drinks like Coca-Cola or Dr.Pepper being used in those dishes, so we started thinking about how we could put a Scottish spin on that, which inevitably led us to Irn Bru.

‘It might sound a little strange at first, but Irn Bru is one of those soft drinks that has a very distinctive taste, so if you combine it with the right flavours, there’s a lot of possibilities there.

‘Suffice to say, after we roasted our first batch, we were impressed enough to want to add it to the menu.’

Barry Nicolson, Serenity Now Cafe manager, hopes their customers will enjoy it.

He added: ‘We hope they’ll love it.

‘We made a small trial batch a few weeks ago and had it on as a special, and the response was great – we sold out of it pretty quickly.

‘We’ve been open for about a year now, so we wanted to change things up a bit and keep the menu interesting for our customers.

‘It’s one of four new sandwiches we’ll be adding to the menu.’

Though the sandwich sounds unique, and one to try if you’re into weird and wonderful things, it is rather calorific at 835 calories.

But, it comes as part of the cafe’s coming winter menu – and Christmas is for indulging, right?

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For people going through menopause, symptoms can be debilitating.

Hot flushes, mood changes, and weight gain are the tip of the iceberg for a number of women, which is likely why there are so many remedies out there.

Femarelle is one of the ones doing the rounds at the moment, and is being touted as a new way to get through the menopause without hormones.

Here’s everything you need to know.

Femarelle is a food supplement marketed by Secure Pharma here in the UK.

It contains flaxseed, tofu extracts, and a medicinal root called black cohosh.

There are three different types – Recharge, Rejeuvenate, and Unstoppable.

Each one apparently targets a different set of symptoms, from mood, skin and fatique, to bone density, to hormones.

The ingredients included in Femarelle are safe to consume, but you should always make sure you buy from a trusted retailer and speak to your GP before taking it.

In terms of efficacy, there have been some promising results in clinical trials.

However, many of these trials were too small or not long-lasting enough to provide accurate results.

In one trial, a number of the women noticed that the amount of hot flushed they had reduced, but 1% had to withdraw from the study completely due to adverse effects.

When Femarelle submitted an application to the European Food Safety Authority in 2008, in order to market the product with the claim that it could reduce the risk of osteoperosis and other bone disorders, it was found that ‘a cause and effect relationship has not been established between the consumption of Femarelle and increased BMD, increased bone formation, or decreased risk of osteoporosis or other bone disorders in post-menopausal women.’

So, as with any supplement, you take it at your own risk.

Please, please always get confirmation from a doctor before use, though.

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Instead of drawing the curtains and shielding yourself from the brutal rain and wind this winter, trade it in for a tropical destination.

There are no prizes for enduring the cold, wintry days as you trudge to work and back, but you can reward yourself with the holiday of your dreams with British Airways, from London Gatwick.

Don’t reach for the grimy train pole to steady yourself, swap that for a colourful fruit punch and kicking back with your loved ones.

Booking that Winter Sun break is now easier than ever and you can leave all of that baggage behind (quite literally) with irresistible hand-baggage only fares to reduce your worries and kick yourself into relaxation mode from take-off.

Colour yourself happy and find out more information about these holidays here.

Check out these five dreamy destinations to hit the spot:

1. Tampa – Discover the romance

Discover the romance in Florida’s city of Tampa and create a unique holiday with rich memories you can’t wait to share.

If you’re looking for a romantic oasis, look no further than Honeymoon Island State Park. The clue is in the name, but don’t worry, no one will check your marriage certificate upon entry. As one of the most popular parks in the Sunshine State, you can expect sunny weather with white sandy beaches and azure waters. Collect beautiful seashells on the shoreline and punctuate your day between dips in the sea and a laze on the warm sand. It’s a routine you could get used to.

Enjoy a date night at one of the most iconic theatres, Tampa Theatre. The historic venue will transport you back to the 1920s before you take in a movie or a even a concert, but you’ll be captivated by the restored furnishings. Or, if you love the movies, why not try the Ruskin Family Drive-In?

Set sail for a colourful sunset cruise while everyone else is cosying up back at home, you’ll be cuddling up as you cross the ocean under the warm hues of the Floridian sun before the twinkling stars come out to play.

The Tampa Riverwalk is perfect for a relaxing stroll, taking you along the Hillsborough River from downtown Tampa to the bustling waterfront with its hotels, museums, bars and eateries to explore.

Don’t miss:

Romance awaits you at the historic Ybor City neighborhood which was developed by Cuban and Spanish cigar-factory workers. The old vibe is still in town, with its twinkly lights and vibrant music coaxing you in for a cocktail or two.

Get back to nature at the Manatee Viewing Center as you can spot the mammals between November and April gliding through the canals of the power plants.

But if it’s art that’s more up your street, pay a visit to the Dysfunctional Grace Art Co. On the pricey side, this gallery is home to some bizarre pieces of work, notably a taxidermic giraffe rocking a monocle as well as an albino pacman frog (and it’s alive).

The city is also home to the Salvador Dali Museum, where you can browse through the largest Dali collection with over 2,100 pieces.

Get flights and 7 day car hire from £399pp with British Airways, see below for full terms and conditions.

2. Dominican Republic – Food for thought

Get  Domincan Republic on your map this winter with serene beaches and secluded spots around the Caribbean island.

This exquisite destination serves up such a feast, that you’ll probably need an extra notch on your belt to make some room as you indulge in the local cuisine from Dominican Republic.

While you enjoy the azure seas, you’ll find traditional dishes in abundance.

Here’s what you need to try:

La Bandera, also known as ‘the flag’, is the most popular dish of white rice with stewed beans and either chicken or beef.

Try the Sancocho for a hearty dish. This stew consists of seven, (yes, we said seven) different meats and vegetables is served after several hours of cooking. Mop it up with a crispy flat bread made out of cassava plant.

If you fancy a bit of fish and aren’t put off by eyes staring back at you, then you might want to try pescado frito – aka fried fish. It’s a Dominican Republic staple that you can snap up on the beach and most restaurants, but don’t expect the heads to be taken off.

You’ll find that dishes in Punta Cana are less spicy than what you might expect for a West Indian island, but a lot of the food originates from Spanish recipes that have evolved over the years as to what fresh ingredients are available.

Kukua Beach Club is voted one of the top restaurants on the island with its local cuisine as well as private pool for guests to enjoy after tucking into the local catch.

Don’t Miss: 

Scape Park offers a look into the past with replica homes of the Taino Indians, who lived on the land before the arrival of the Conquistadors. The natural park, with its limestone topography and jungle, provides challenging walks with stunning views as well as the perfect Instagram shots, especially along the Farallon Cliff. Across its 800 metres, explorers will discover caves, a hidden cenote and can get the adrenaline pumping with a zipline across the forest.

Concealed at the bottom of the cliff is the Hoyo Azul (which means Blue Hole). As if straight from a movie, the turquoise blue waters of the natural phenomenon are staggering. Whatever you do, do not forget your swimsuit for this visit. And try to arrive early, as you can imagine, it’s very popular.

Flights and 7 nights hotel from £699pp from London Gatwick to Dominican Republic with British Airways, see below for full terms and conditions.

3. Barbados – Relax and unwind

Recharge your batteries and replace your morning view down the platform as you trump your morning commute with a saunter down to one of Barbados’ many pristine beaches.

Stretch out on powdery soft sand and tune in to the relaxing sounds of the morning breeze rustling through the palm trees rather than trying to block out the exhausting hum from the city streets. Watch the waves crash against the shoreline and feel the sun on your skin. It won’t take long before you let go of everyday life and those knots in your back loosen up.

Relish the radiant sunsets and if early mornings are your thing, then rise with the sun – day after day – before your day is infused with gentle calypso around the island.

Make your beach fantasies come true by paying a visit to the Platinum Coast where coral beaches are punctuated by lush vegetation where, if you’re lucky, you might be able to spot green monkeys enjoying themselves.

Want to get those limbs moving? If you’re feeling particularly energetic, you can take a dip in the ocean and take a snorkelling trip to spot the majestic tropical fish as well as stingrays, manta rays and barracudas. Discover these beauties in their natural habitat, not to mention the sea turtles.

Don’t miss: 

While the beaches of Barbados are world famous, the centre of the island also holds a host of wonderful things. Nature lovers can enjoy the lush rain-forest as well as the Flower Forrest and the Barbados Wildlife Reserve which is home to many species, including the Green Monkey.

Or why not explore Harrison’s Cave – where you can tour this incredible natural phenomenon from the comfort of a tram, while gazing in wonder at the white flow stones and giant stalactites and stalagmites that cover the inside of the cave.

If all that nature leaves you feeling the need for a little social interaction, head down to Oistin’s Friday Night Fish Fry where you can sample authentic grilled or fried tuna, swordfish, marlin, mahi-mahi, flying fish as well as lobster and chicken, all cooked right in front of you, while listening to some great live local bands.

Flights and 7 nights hotel from £699pp from London Gatwick to Barbados with British Airways, see below for full terms and conditions.

4. Mauritius – Find adventure

Put the commute to the back of your mind and immerse yourself the aquamarine waters of Mauritius. Swap the grayscale filter on your life for full on colour and take pictures that you can proudly tag #nofilter as you discover this gem.

Kitesurfing, sailing, snorkelling and diving are just a few of the ways you can let your inner water baby free. The inviting Indian Ocean waters is calmer because of the protective coral reef making it the perfect spot for water sports.

Don’t weather the storm at home when you can be soaking up the rays as you take your life off the well-beaten track to discover the Moka Mountains. Let your hike take you through the beautiful gardens at the Eureka mansion, learn about its history before taking a dip in the swimming hole beneath the stunning waterfall.

Or why not explore the island and take yourself up to the Black River Peak viewpoint? It’s an easy two hour walk through the forested hills and you’ll likely spot some of its wildlife including macaque monkeys.

Open your eyes and create exciting holiday memories and take a catamaran to a nearby desert island for a lunchtime picnic – and don’t forget your snorkel.

Zip through the island’s most exciting attractions at Domaine de L’Étoile on a quad bike trip or amuse yourself on a Segway or mountain bike. There are buggy trips to help you down the Bambous Mountains, where you’ll be able to spot deer rambling among the cinnamon and ebony trees in the wild. Or, if you’re feeling particularly brave you can try the world’s longest zipline circuit, over a 3.5 km course.

The Chamarel needs to be high up on any adventurer’s itinerary. If you prefer to kick back and relax for your holiday, this needs to be the only spot you make sure you see. Erosion is thought to create a kaleidoscope of coloured sand – with red, purple, pink and orange. You have to be one of the few to see it with their own eyes.

Work up an appetite at the Black River Gorges National Park and head along to the Black River Peak viewpoint to take in the best views of the island. You might cross paths with macaque monkeys along the easy two-hour walk to the highest point of the island.

Hop into the ocean and go deep sea fishing, which Mauritius is renowned for. See the colourful fish under the sea, including yellow tuna, barracudas, blue marlin and even sharks. There’s even the Marlin World Cup which is held off the Mauritius island each year between February and March – experience the thrilling challenge yourself.

Don’t miss: 

You can enjoy the crystal clear waters and magnificent beaches from your sunbed, or you can go for an incredible scuba dive in Blue Bay Marine Park. Situated on the south east part of the island, visitors can keep themselves amused with snorkels, sailing, diving or pretty much any water sport your heart desires.

You can also get a greater understanding of the culture and traditions of Mauritius by paying a visit to the Triolet Shivala. The Hindu temple is situated in the Triolet Village and is the biggest Hindu temple in the nation. It’s devoted to the Gods Shiva, Krishna, Vishnu, Murugan, Brahma and Ganesha and was built in 1819. A splash of history on a magical holiday.

When it comes to food, Mauritius’ Indian, Chinese, French and Creole influences create an especially alluring melting pot. Particular dishes to keep an eye out for include daube (beef or chicken stew), vindaye (deep-fried fish basted with spices) and Creole fish rougaille – a spicy tomato sauce.

Amari by Vineet is one of the island’s top spots, combining wholesome bowls of food with a fine-dining twist. If you’re looking for something a little more friendly on the wallet, Escale Creole, scores highly among visitors. A family-run eatery with home-style cooking where you can get a flavour of the island.

Fly London Gatwick to Mauritius from £249 each way based on a return fare with British Airways, see below for full terms and conditions.

5. Cape Town:  Heaven for culture vultures

Right at the very bottom of the African continent, the South African capital was discovered by the Europeans in 1488, when the first of a string of Portuguese explorers set foot on the peninsula beneath Table Mountain.

They were followed by the Dutch, the British, the French, the Germans, and Indonesians, not to mention other African settlers, resulting in a unique cultural melting pot that offers something fabulous for every traveller.

Food-wise, this means that the world is pretty much your oyster.  Barbecued meat from a traditional ‘braai’ is a given, but Cape Town’s situation on the Spice Route means there are plenty of hotter foods to enjoy – try a tiny, hot samosa – or for something Portuguese, how about a prego roll, a heavenly sandwich of steak and garlic butter.

Table Mountain is an absolute must-see, for the conversation-stopping views across the city and ocean, as well as the chance to spot the little, furry rabbit-like ‘dassies’ that roam around the mountain.  Choose whether to hike up or take the cable car – the walk is not for the faint-hearted but so worth it, and it’ll justify any foodie indulgence.

And make sure not to miss a visit to the Castle of Good Hope, a star-shaped fortress that is also the oldest surviving building in South Africa, before heading down to the bustling Victoria & Alfred (V&A) Waterfront . Cosmopolitan and fun, you can enjoy lunch in the sun with views of Table Mountain, hit the shops, or hop on a boat for a whale-watching tour before returning for cocktails.  And just a short walk away from there is Greenmarket Square, a historic square that was originally a slave market but is now home to stalls, buskers, and performance artists.

Finally, if Instagram is your thing, the brightly coloured district of Bo-Kaap, home to Cape Town’s Muslim community, is worth a quick trip to snap the pretty houses.

Don’t miss:

Apartheid was abolished in 1994 but casts a long shadow, and the District 6 Museum offers a moving insight into the once bustling and multiracial 6th district of Cape Town which was destroyed under the regime.  Many of the staff have stories to tell, building an evocative picture of this part of Cape Town’s history.

Fly London Gatwick to Cape Town from £276 each way based on a return fare with British Airways, see below for full terms and conditions.

Book your dream Winter Sun break with British Airways from London Gatwick here

Terms and Conditions 

Availability may be extremely limited, particularly during peak periods. All prices below are in GBP per person and include return economy flights from London and are based on two adults sharing a hotel room for flight + hotel bookings, or car for flight + car bookings and based per person for flight only bookings. Bookings must be made by midnight 11/11/18. Some payment methods attract a handling fee. Holidays are ATOL protected (number ATOL5985). For full terms and conditions, visit ba.com/wintersun

Tampa – Price includes seven days, from £399 per person, travelling on selected dates between November 5 and December 12 2018. Includes World Traveller return flights from Gatwick and an Economy car. Book by November 11 2018.

Dominican Republic – Price includes seven nights at the 4* Sunscape Bravaro Beach from £699 per person, travelling on selected dates between November 1 and December 15 2018. Includes World Traveller return flights from Gatwick and accommodation with All Inclusive. Book by November 11 2018.

Barbados – Price includes seven nights at either the 3* Halcyon Palm or the 4* Sunbay hotel from £699 per person, travelling on selected dates between March 3 and March 28 2019. Includes World Traveller return flights from Gatwick and accommodation. Book by November 11 2018.

Mauritius – Fares from £249 each-way based on a return “basic” economy fare, are available from London Gatwick (LGW) to Mauritius (MRU) on select flights departing 3 November-9 December 2018 and 31 December 2018 – 28 March 2019

Cape Town – Fares from £276pp each-way based on a return basic economy fare, are available from London Gatwick (LGW) to Cape Town (CPT) for travel on select flights departing 14 January- 30 March 2019

Halloween can be a really exciting and fun time of year. People having parties, getting dressed up, and eating their own body weight in sweets and treats. It can also be a great time to get together with family and friends.

As a family, we have never been big on celebrating Halloween.

If a friend had a party, we’d get involved, but I have never been trick or treating. This is because my mum has never liked the idea of knocking on people’s doors, asking for sweets.

But part of the reason we don’t get too involved during Halloween is because I look different -– I have a scar on my face from when I had surgery to correct a facial cleft and cleft palate when I was younger.

It gives you a different perspective.

I have had passing comments like ‘you won’t need a mask’, or been called Scarface, Joker and more.

We need to move away from the view that people with scars or disfigurements are scary, or evil villains.

I’m 14 now, and have learnt to deal with comments like this, but when I was younger it really hurt. I wondered, would I have to get used to this?

Seeing someone draw a scar on their face makes me question if they have ever really thought about it. Probably not. After all, they can go home and wash it off.

But I can’t just go home and wash my scars away and I wouldn’t want to – it’s part of who I am.

I will always have my scar, and I don’t want people to see me as a villain or a scary person.

I’m not a scary person, so why would adding one to your costume make you frightening?

So if your costume mimics a real-life condition, please think twice – it could cause hurt, isolation or even bullying.

Think about how someone with a visible difference might feel if they came face to face with someone who has dressed up to look evil or scary using scars like theirs.

There are around 1.3 million people in the UK living with a visible difference, just like me.

These are all real people with real feelings.

That’s why I became a champion for the charity Changing Faces – to help this change.

We need to move away from the view that people with scars or disfigurements are scary, or evil villains.

It is how movies and advertisements often portray the ‘baddie’, but when that character’s name is then used to describe you at school, it hurts.

So this Halloween, I hope you have a good time – just try to dress up as a character, not a condition.

Hopefully it will help us move away from the negative ideas and bullying around looking different.

MORE: Models with scars should be normal, not just a PR stunt

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MORE: We have to challenge the fashion and beauty industry to be more inclusive of people with visible differences like mine