Artist Naima Green has created a set of playing cards unlike your usual; hers is full of portraits of queer men, women, non-binary, trans, and gender non-conforming people of colour.
She takes inspiration from photographer Catherine Opie who created Dyke Deck – a pack of cards showing 90s lesbians in San Francisco.
Having gained Catherine’s blessing, Naima went on to create her own set, Pur-suit, to give visibility to otherwise underrepresented communities. She’s raising funds to continue doing so through a Kickstarter page.
‘Pur·suit is in the interest of queer and trans people, of people of colour, and of groups that continue to be marginalised,’ she wrote on Kickstarter.
‘In its physical form, it’s a 54-card deck with portraits of queer womxn, trans, non-binary, and gender nonconforming people. It helps complete an image of the world that we live in.
‘Offering a glimpse into complex worlds through photographs, letters, poems, and audio clips, the archive will create space for folks to share themselves however they choose.’
Karen for Pur-suit by Naima Green (Picture: Naima Green)
On nearly every card there is a portrait of a person of colour from the LGBTQ community, though it’s not exclusively made up of them.
Naima, from Brooklyn, New York, enlisted the help of her own community of friends, family, and lovers before getting requests from people all over the city to get involved.
‘Pur-suit is a celebration of queer communities,’ she continued.
‘I want to reflect my queer community, comprised mostly of women of colour, and how our experiences are (or most often are not) represented. I continue to think about how our communities are named and by whom.
‘In Brooklyn, I’m fortunate to see queer families, partnerships, and friendships of all kinds on a daily basis. I’m also reminded that our community is an oasis.
‘It is my hope that Pur·suit can be that for all who use these cards; that it will serve as a reminder of queer faces and experiences, play, love, and a testimony that we are here.’
Strove, which is the past tense of shrive, means to present yourself to a priest for confession, penance, and therefore, absolution.
The idea is that people are supposed to eat all of the rich foods in their cupboard, like pancakes for example, to help them prepare to start fasting, which these days, usually translates to giving up just one edible vice like chocolate or sweets.
This lasts for 40 days, which is supposed to represent how long Jesus fasted in the wilderness.
What ingredients do you need to make pancakes?
The ingredients in pancakes are also said to represent the four pillars of the Christian faith:
Why does the date of Pancake Day change every year?
Shrove Tuesday falls on the seventh week before Easter, the date of which also changes every year because, rather than being on a set date, Easter is celebrated on the first Sunday after the first full moon on or just after the vernal equinox.
With that in mind, Easter always falls between March 22 and April 25 for Western Churches, and before April 4 and May 8 for the Eastern Churches.
Taking MDMA isn’t recommended regardless of your mental health status, but when you’re taking antidepressants it can cause a number of extra problems.
Normally, when taking MDMA, you’ll experience a high that makes you feel happy and with a heightened sensory perception. You might also feel way more awake, to the point where you’re restless.
That’s along with the more negative effects like gurning your jaw off, feeling dizzy and faint, and high blood pressure.
Then we get to the fact it can be fatal, potentially causing heatstroke (particularly in warm environments like clubs) that leads to respiratory failure, heart failure, or death by overhydration if the person’s liver fails and they drink too much water.
Harry Sumnall, Professor in Substance Use at the Public Health Institute, tells Metro.co.uk: ‘The risk of harm is related to the dose taken, but there are currently tablets and powders in circulation with harmfully high doses of MDMA, or contain completely different, but more toxic chemicals.
‘However, deaths and hospitalisation commonly occur at ‘normal’ doses of MDMA, suggesting that underlying factors, or drug-related behaviours are also important determinants of harm. This makes predicting who might experience harms from MDMA use difficult.’
These cases are certainly in the minority, but we still need to think about what we do to mitigate risk due to the unpredictability mentioned by Sumnall. Most initiatives such as Drugwise advise a harm reduction strategy that helps mitigate risk because – let’s face it – people are still going to do drugs despite the dangers.
Harm reduction techniques include going low and going slow (taking a small dose and waiting 1 to 2 hours to see the effect) and taking breaks from warm areas with small sips of water (less than a pint per hour).
For people on antidepressants, that harm reduction steps up a notch to the point most professionals would avoid taking it altogether, even in a controlled and ‘safe’ way.
Sumnall tells us: ‘MDMA partly produces it effects by entering neurons and increasing the release of a neurochemical in the brain called serotonin (5-HT), and then also preventing recycling of 5-HT back into neurons.’
Most common antidepressants are called SSRIs (Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors) and do a similar thing; what Sumnall calls the ‘chemical recycling process’. However, due to the fact MDMA has all sorts of other effects on the brain, you don’t get a similar high from taking an SSRI.
He continues: ‘SSRIs, particularly at high doses, have their own negative effects, including tremors and nausea, and in more serious cases seizures and a loss of consciousness.
‘But mixing SSRIs with MDMA will actually decrease the desired effects of MDMA as the SSRIs compete with MDMA for access to the neuron, meaning that MDMA cannot exert its full effects.’
Someone taking a standard dose of MDMA while on an SSRI would find, according to research, that the ‘combination reduces the psychological and some, but not all, of the physical effects of MDMA, although both are prolonged in duration. The combination prevents the increase in heart rate and blood pressure, but not the increase in body temperature usually experienced after MDMA.’
So, because you can’t feel the effects as much, you may take more, which increases your chances of overdosing. Plus, because your body temperature is still going up (regardless of whether you’re getting a high) the risk of hyperthermia is greater.
If you’re taking any of the now rarely prescribed Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors (MAOI) type of antidepressant, you could also find yourself with serotonin syndrome, which can make your body overheat quickly. According to Sumnall, a number of deaths have been reported due to this.
If you’re taking an MAOI drug, in no circumstances should you ever use MDMA.
You should also avoid them if you’re on SSRIs, obviously because MDMA and your antidepressant could cause your body to overheat, but also because the high just won’t be that great.
Taking drugs or drinking excessively while you’re getting through mental health issues is not advisable. Comedowns and hangovers, which are unbearable for many anyway, can become the bleakest days of your whole life.
Although the research is patchy on whether conditions like depression and anxiety are caused by chemical imbalances in the brain, screwing with your mind using outside substances is extremely counterproductive.
If you’re worried about your drug usage in general, you can find support near you via Frank. You can also call their 24 hours helpline on 0300 123 6600 for more information.
CBD, the wellness world’s latest miracle offering, has become 2019’s cause celebre. Brands are adding it to everything from milk to beauty products. It’s no surprise, then, that it’s found a way into our fitness routines.
For the uninitiated, CBD (aka cannabidiol) is a chemical compound found in cannabis plants like marijuana and hemp. Unlike its cooler sister, THC, which is the psychoactive substance found in marijuana, CBD doesn’t give you a high when ingested or smoked, so it’s perfectly legal and sold over the counter.
It’s said to treat a whole slew of ailments like anxiety, inflammation and even sleep issues, but is CBD a genuine cure-all, or simply the latest well-marketed health gimmick?
Gymbox has now launched ‘Cannabliss’, a muscle rehab class that incorporates CBD. The class promises to relieve everyday stress and anxiety by getting rid of muscle tension and is aimed at anyone with a sedentary 9-to-5 lifestyle, and/or anyone who does a lot of high intensity strength training.
As someone who fits the bill in both respects I was curious to test out the benefits of the class for myself, especially since I’m always sceptical about any wellness fad that purports to be a miracle cure for modern-day life.
Can CBD be a fitness supplement?
There seems to be anecdotal evidence that CBD is an effective fitness aid, but scientific research on the topic is inconclusive at best. It’s touted to have anti-inflammatory, pain-relief and cortisol-balancing effects on the body, meaning relief from muscle aches and tightness.
Working out causes tiny tears in our muscles that cause inflammation. This triggers the body’s repair process, but too much inflammation can lead to strains, aches and injuries.
Supposedly, this is where CBD comes in.
When applied – whether through topical creams, capsules, sprays, or otherwise – it provides a faster and more natural way for your muscles to recover. Although there’s no conclusive scientific proof, CBD is said to help curb post-workout stiffness and soreness, and allowing more flexibility and a shorter recovery time.
‘CBD interacts with the body’s own endocannabinoid system, helping to reduce the inflammation induced by exercise,’ Fiona Lawson, a nutritional therapist and CannabiGold spokesperson, tells Metro.co.uk.
‘We do know that CBD oil can modulate the immune system, thereby helping to reduce inflammation. On a very basic level, intensive or endurance-based exercise acts as a stressor for the body [and] it may feel like CBD oil helps with post-exercise recovery because it quells the inflammatory response to exercise, thus reducing soreness and muscle fatigue. CBD oil is also known to support sleep and relaxation, both of which boost recovery.
‘Before exercise it may help to reduce muscle fatigue during exertion. After exercise, it may help with soreness.
‘This is based purely on our best knowledge of the biological mechanisms involved. It’s important that consumers understand that, at this stage at least, most exercise-related benefits are conjecture rather than fact. Experiment and see what works for you.’
The Cannabliss class
(Picture: Gymbox)
Given that the class was called Cannabliss I was expecting something along the lines of an opium den in a hippie retreat, but the experience wasn’t as new age, nor as cringe. There was no incense, healing crystals or trippy music in sight.
Our instructor Stevie handed each of us a CBD patch and told us to apply it anywhere on our body. If there was a spot that felt tight or ache-y, we should stick it on there, if not anywhere else would do. We were also told that the CBD patch was completely optional, which made me suspect that perhaps it would have no significant effect.
We began by lying down (bodes well for relaxation) while Stevie guided us through some breathing exercises, followed by static stretches. Then came the pain – but in a good way.
We were each handed a rubber lacrosse-sized ball and shown a series of self-massage techniques to release tension from ‘trigger points’ in our body.
The ball was used along the IT band (the long tendon that runs from your pelvis to your shin), under each glute, hip, and shoulder blade.
The idea was to lie down on the ball and roll it repeatedly until we found the spot that hurt like hell. If it was unbearable, it was working. This technique would reach tight spots in our muscles and fascia that traditional stretches or foam-rolling can’t.
The class was definitely calming, and any tightness in my muscles disappeared by the end of it, but I don’t know how much of that was down to the CBD patch. Aside from providing a cooling and slightly tingly sensation similar to Deep Heat, I couldn’t notice any effects.
We were told that all that stretching combines with CBD’s anti-anxiety properties would help us catch more Z’s that night, with a chance of having weird dreams. I can fully attest to that, because I fell asleep on the tube ride home (something which has never happened in my seven years of commuting through London) and had one of the strangest dreams I’ve ever had.
The jury is still out whether the CBD patch had miracle abilities or if it was a mere placebo, but I left the class chilled-out, flexible and void of aches, so Cannabliss did what it says on the tin.
Keeping a sense of optimism every morning can be difficult when the personal and professional stresses of life can feel relentless.
But one man who seems to be immune to negativity in any form is Christian Knudson.
The Global Sales vice president, posted a rather spectacular description of his morning routine on LinkedIn. And the internet has been collectively inspired.
He starts his day like any good successful businessman – at 4.30 am – and awakes ‘instantly.’
After transitioning from ‘the fogginess of dreams, to the readiness of full consciousness’, Christian kisses his sleeping wife and proceeds with the morning routine he has followed for the last 15 years.
‘Glancing into my children’s rooms, somewhat envious of the sleep of youth, I proceed downstairs to the kitchen, the smell of freshly brewed coffee filling my senses,’ explains Christian.
‘Peering out the window, the calming darkness remains, intermediate heavens of light shine as beacons from my dozen backyard ambiance lights, enhancing the beauty of the winter landscape.
‘Coffee in hand I head to my office.’
We genuinely think Christian may have missed his calling – he might be a successful salesman, but he has all the makings of a poet.
(Picture: LinkedIn)
And it doesn’t stop with Christian making it to the office. No, no. His optimism is far from dimmed my the prospect of the working day.
‘The glow of 24 screens erupt to life as I enter,’ continues Christian.
‘Four screens auto-load into various local and global news feeds – reminding me that there is a much greater world out there.’
We have never heard someone describe the glare of computer monitors with such dewy-eyed romanticism, but we are here for it.
Rather than making him die a little bit inside, the endless rolling news and incessant emails seem to only encourage and inspire Christian.
‘The world never stops moving, never sleeps. It is digitally connected. Everything real time now. Live and per second.
‘Alive.
‘The dots are moving and my world connects.
‘I close my eyes for one second.
‘I pause.
‘I smile.
‘Eyes open.
‘I feel the energy. The excitement.
‘The passion.
‘A new day begins.’
Like we said, pure poetry.
Sadly, not everyone on the internet feels quite as inspired by Christian’s morning ritual. As soon as Twitter found his post the mocking began.
Some thought the precision of Christian’s daily routine was a little on the creepy side, while others called in to question the existence of his wife and kids.
4:30am. I wake up. A wave of flatulence blasts its way out of my arse-tunnel and ripples the sheets. My wife gags in her sleep. An overarching fear of existential dread sweeps across me and I grip my morning boner for dear life. A quick kiss to my wife's head. The boner rescinds.
Queen Bey has coined a term you’re probably going to be seeing everywhere on social media now – the Melanated Mona.
Accepting a Brit Award for Best International Group, Beyoncé and Jay Z sent a video tribute to viewers and it was everything we wanted it to be.
The power couple gave a shoutout to Duchess of Sussex Meghan Markle whose painting hung proudly behind the couple in a regal frame, looking every inch the royalty she is.
The brilliant set-up was, of course, an ode to their music video Apeshit, shot partially at the Louvre, during which the couple stood in front of Leonardo da Vinci’s Mona Lisa.
But they decided to add their own twist to the music awards by honouring Meghan and calling her a Melanated Mona – a Black woman leading the way – during America’s Black History Month.
‘In honour of Black History Month, we bow down to one of our Melanated Monas. Congrats on your pregnancy! We wish you so much joy,’ wrote Bey of the Duchess.
We have a feeling the phrase will now be used to describe many Black queens around the world.
Users online applauded the move, especially as Meghan has faced a tough time with problematic and racist attitudes directed at her from the mainstream media and online.
Metro journalist Tobi Akingbade wrote: ‘Do you even understand how important Beyoncé’s and Jay’s statement was? They snubbed the Grammy’s yet filmed something for the Brits to honour Meghan Markle as an act of solidarity as she faces the most blatant misogynoir.’
Plenty of others also saw it as an act of solidarity with Meghan.
In her Instagram caption, Beyoncé also gave a shout-out to fellow former Destiny’s Child stars Kelly Rowland and Michelle Williams who she probably also considers to be Melanated Monas.
‘Thank you to the Brits for the award for Best International Group. I won this award back in 2002 with my besties, Kelly and Michelle,’ she wrote.
It’s not the first time Bey has put together a catchy little term. In a Vogue shoot last year, she spoke about FUPA – fatty upper pubic area – to address and normalise the taboo body part that many women feel embarrassed about.
‘Whenever I’m ready to get a six-pack, I will go into beast zone and work my ass off until I have it. But right now, my little FUPA and I feel like we are meant to be.’
It’s a little-known moniker and is medically referred to as panniculus – a dense layer of fatty tissue growth consisting of fat below the abdomen.
We can’t wait for all the other new words the queen will be coming up with in the upcoming year.
A woman brought her wedding forward by three months after she was told her Bullmastiff had terminal cancer.
Estelle Harris desperately wanted her dog Bruce to walk her down the aisle. The pair go everywhere together and Estelle describes him as being ‘her son with four legs’.
34-year-old Estelle and her partner Danny, 31, were due to get married in May, but when Bruce fell ill just before Christmas they decided to rearrange the wedding in just three weeks.
Bruce was diagnosed with cancer on 4th December, after Estelle came home from work and noticed his breathing was funny.
(Picture: Triangle News)
He was struggling for breath and couldn’t run to meet her – and usually he legs it to the door with his tail wagging.
She then checked his gums, which were white, and noticed his tongue was turning blue – a sign of oxygen deficiency.
She and Danny rushed him to an emergency vet’s appointment 40 minutes away where they discovered he had fluid build-up around his heart and lungs.
Later, they discovered a tumour the size of a grapefruit attached to the poor pup’s rib cage.
(Picture: Dawid Andrzejczak/Triangle News)
Further tests revealed it to be an aggressive blood cancer with no chance of Bruce surviving.
He was given one to four months to live – and Estelle and Danny knew they would have to reschedule their big day.
Estelle said: ‘It’s hard to put into words how much I love him. I’ve got no children and he’s the first dog that I’ve had since leaving home. My love for him is unbelievable.
‘I’ve lost grandparents before, but knowing that I’m losing him hurts me more. I knew he had to be at our wedding, there was no question of it.’
Bruce’s illness saw his weight plummet from 70kg to just 63kg and although an operation removed the tumour, it would not prolong his lifespan.
(Picture: Esslay Photography/Triangle News)
So the couple cancelled their previous wedding booking on 4 May and rescheduled, bringing their nuptials forward to 26 January.
It meant they lost more than £600 in cancellation charges, and some guests were unable to attend at such short notice.
The night before the wedding at Burton Registration Office in Burton, Staffs, Bruce stayed with his owner as she prepared for the big day.
The next morning, they all got ready together, with Bruce kitted out in a specially-made tuxedo to match Danny’s.
The dog was chauffeured to the ceremony in his own car and sat on a special white cushion with a good luck horseshoe attached to his neck.
(Picture: Estelle Harris/Triangle News)
Estelle also carried a horseshoe with Bruce’s picture on as she wed dad-of-two Danny.
But the pup only managed an hour at the reception at a village hall in Moira, Derbyshire – near the couple’s home – because he’d had so much attention throughout the day.
Estelle explained that it was either move the wedding forward – or not get married, as she couldn’t bear to celebrate without Bruce.
She said: ‘Bruce is so funny and very much a mummy’s boy. Bruce is my child, a four-legged one but still love him as much as a human child. He’s my world and nothing will ever come close to me and Bruce.
‘It was important to have him in my photos. Our families totally understood as they are all dog lovers and know how much Bruce means to us.’
If you love wine and you’re a fan of gin, and you often find yourself facing the difficult decision of which to drink on a night out, you’ll be over the moon to know both now come mixed in a big bottle.
Yep, Echo Falls has released a rosé and gin mix, and it’s the perfect alcoholic drink to get us ready for the summer (even though we’ve still got months to go, sob).
Echo Falls has released the Echo Falls Rosé Wine & Gin Fusion, and it sounds positively amazing.
It comes in the normal Echo Falls wine bottle and has strawberry and raspberry flavouring – so it’s sweet while still having some dry alcohol in there.
Echo Falls announced the launch on Facebook, writing: ‘A match made in heaven! We’ve taken our fruity rosé and infused it with gin, to give you an early taste of summer!’
(Picture: Echo Falls)
The rosé and gin fusion is available exclusively at the Co-Op, and costs £5. Yes, £5 for gin AND rosé. Incredible.
It comes as part of the Fruit Fusion range, which already includes Tropical Fruits, White Peach & Mango and Raspberry & Cassis flavours.
But, if you were planning to get super tipsy from the bottle, you’re out of luck, because it doesn’t actually contain that much alcohol – it has 9% ABV.
However, people are still excited for it, with the Facebook post receiving over 42,000 comments and nearly 10,000 likes.
One person wrote: ‘This is an actual recipe for disaster and will probably result in my death. I love it’.
Another said: ‘Wine and gin. What a hangover you’d get from that’.
Someone else wrote: ‘Ohhh yummy. I may have to try that’.
Some people aren’t so keen, and are a little confused at the lack of alcohol, given it’s a mix of wine and gin.
One Facebook user said: ‘Only 9% what’s the point????’
Another person put: ‘I am confused. How can a ‘fusion’ between something that is 11%abv and something that is 37-40%abv result in something that is 9%abv?!’
And someone else commented: ‘Sounds disgusting and only 9% so how much gin? A thimble full’.
Regardless of the amount of alcohol in it, we’ve got to give it to Echo Falls for releasing something that combines two very popular tipples.
And hey, at £5, it’s not too expensive if you fancy buying a few.
A mum has proudly shared photos of her breastfeeding the baby who saved her life, to praise her friend who nursed the baby while she went through chemotherapy after being diagnosed with cancer.
Nikki Heying, 33, had given birth to her fourth child Malcolm just six weeks before she was rushed back to hospital with pre-eclampsia.
By chance a scan picked up a mass in the mum-of-four’s chest and she was diagnosed with lymphoma as she held the newborn baby in her arms.
Panicking about her vulnerable little boy breastfeeding while she underwent chemotherapy, Nikki confided in a friend, Bec Nikodem, 37, about fearing he would lose his latch.
Without hesitation, selfless mum-of-eight Bec offered to breastfeed the baby twice a week – all while nursing two of her own children and donating milk to other mums in need.
To avoid her milk drying up, Nikki bravely ‘pumped and dumped’ repeatedly throughout her illness – despite it taxing her body further while she battled through chemotherapy.
After months of cancer treatment, Nikki was finally able to breastfeed her baby herself, and the moment was captured in a series of emotional photos that she has shared to encourage other mums to donate their breast milk.
(Picture: R Husbands Photography/ Kennedy News)
Nikki, from Elizabeth Lake, California, said: ‘I was just so incredibly thankful that Bec was willing to breastfeed Malcolm.
‘It was absolutely beautiful – breathtaking. I can’t say enough about that.
‘I’d just had Malcolm when I had to be readmitted into hospital for pre-eclampsia complications. He saved my life.
‘They did a scan of my chest and found a 10cm mass growing around my heart.
‘I’d had no symptoms of lymphoma. There’s a long list and I didn’t have a single one of them.
‘If I hadn’t have had my baby and those complications, they might never have discovered the cancer until it was too late.’
After Nikki was tested and given a biopsy, she was told she had lymphoma.
Nursing her baby as she was told the news, she nervously asked the doctor if she’d be able to continue breastfeeding little Malcolm throughout her treatment.
Nikki said: ‘When the obstetrician came in to see me, I was thinking she’d say ‘go ahead and get ready to leave’.
‘But when she told me they’d found a large mass my stomach dropped – it was the last thing in the universe I was expecting.
‘My husband and I had only been married for four months and between us have four kids together.
(Picture: R Husbands Photography/ Kennedy News)
‘There were terrifying thoughts – but then I thought ‘no, I’m going to fight this’.’
After receiving the heartbreaking diagnosis, Nikki was determined to keep up her milk supply until she got the all clear, despite having no idea when that may be.
Nikki underwent six months of chemotherapy, which contained chemicals that transfer into breast milk and are toxic.
Every three hours, she used a pump to collect her milk to ensure she kept producing it – but was reluctantly pouring it down the drain.
Malcolm was still drinking breast milk donated by other women, but by using a bottle, he risked losing his latch.
Nikki said: ‘I switched my mind into a positive line of thinking, then my first question to the doctor was if I’d be able to continue breastfeeding.
‘The cancer was non-operable in that location.
‘So when my oncologist did eventually tell me to stop breastfeeding, I asked him if it’d be possible to pump and dump to keep up my supply.
‘He didn’t recommend it because chemotherapy is so taxing on your body already and there was a good chance I’d dry up anyway – but I would rather try and have it not succeed than not try at all.’
Still anxious about her son’s latch, Nikki felt that milk from a bottle wasn’t enough.
(Picture: Kennedy News)
She worried their bond would suffer when she was well again if Malcolm forgot how to feed from her.
Confiding in another new mum, Bec, whose older children went to the same school as hers, Nikki was relieved when Bec offered to feed her baby for her.
Nikki said: ‘Bec and I went through our pregnancies together and we talked all the time. She knew what I was going through.
‘I knew that if I was going to be able to latch my son again he was going to have to remember how to do it. I needed to find someone to do this.
‘She’s nursed other babies, including friends’ babies, and she offered. She was at my house and she asked if I wanted her to try.
‘My son hadn’t latched in five days by this point and I was terrified he’d struggled.
‘She came to my house after she dropped her kids at school in the morning once or twice a week for six months.
‘I thought I would have to look away and that I’d cry, and I did cry, but it was tears of relief.
‘I was just so relieved and happy it was working. There was a chance I’d be able to reach my goal of being able to nurse him again.’
After a grueling end to the year, Nikki was given the all-clear earlier this month.
(Picture: Kennedy News)
Nikki and Bec are now hoping that sharing their story will prove that breastfeeding is ‘the most natural thing in the world’ and their gorgeous photoshoot shows that.
Nikki said: ‘I got the phone call from my oncologist and they revealed I’m in remission.
‘Weeks after my last chemo, it was the middle of the night and Malcolm woke up ready to feed.
‘When Malcolm latched again, I cried. There was no hesitation – it’s like he never stopped.
‘Bec and I are as close as ever now and she’s still going to come over.
‘Breastfeeding is the most natural thing in the world – it’s what we were created to do.
‘The female body is truly incredible. It’s amazing what the female body can do.
‘For example Bec isn’t just nursing her own son, she’s nursing another one of her children, and she nursed mine and would pump what else she could to donate.’
Bec has spoken out to applaud her friend’s bravery and determination.
Bec, from Lancaster, California, said: ‘Nikki and I found out we were pregnant within the same week.
‘When she was diagnosed with cancer we were discussing how important it was to her that Malcolm continued having breast milk.
‘I offered to donate what I could, while feeding my newborn Xander and my other son Harrison.
‘Breastfeeding should be something that friends can do for each other. It should be available for women who are going through something like this.
‘There’s an option at hospital to get donated milk – for premature or sick babies. But you can also get donated milk when you’re out of hospital too.
‘It shouldn’t be taboo to have someone else feed your baby. We used to do it with wet nurses. It wasn’t a big deal.
‘Last week she was finally able to latch Malcolm again. She messaged me around midnight.
As you navigate the choppy waters of dating in an attempt to find a stable (relation)ship, you shall encounter a strange and mysterious language that you must decipher.
This is a world in which you must know the difference between ‘dating’ and ‘seeing each other’, in which you need a detailed knowledge of dating trends from zombieing to stashing.
And, of course, you must learn your abbreviations, so you don’t mix up your DTR with your DTF.
In today’s lesson we shall discuss what it means to be DTF. There will be a test at the end, so pay attention.
What is DTF?
DTF stands for ‘down to f***’. That ‘f***’ refers to a naughty word that means ‘fornicate’.
The ‘down to’ means ‘up for’, which can be confusing. It means ‘open and enthusiastic to doing a thing’.
So being DTF means that you would be interested in having sexual relations with someone. Does this make sense?
Now, on to the usage.
DTF can be used to denote a casual dating setup rather than a formal relationship. Someone might say, for example, ‘I’m not looking for anything serious, I’m just DTF’.
It can also be used to describe the likelihood of getting laid following an interaction – ‘We’ll probably bone, he seems DTF’.
DTF can be used to invite someone to have sex, if you’re not a fan of typing out a proper proposal. ‘U up?’ can quickly progress to ‘DTF?’ and then voila, you’re getting your rocks off without a single full sentence being exchanged. How practical.
But be warned, as DTF can also be used in a judgmental sense, suggesting that because of the way a person looks or acts they must therefore be ‘DTF’. It’s important to note that no one is DTF if they aren’t giving enthusiastic consent, and how someone dresses or behaves does not indicate their DTF-ness. If you wish to know if someone is DTF, it’s wise to ask them rather than making assumptions.
There are some other less commonly used meanings assigned to DTF, including the biblical ‘down to forgive’ and the chummy ‘down to friendship’. If you’re not sure which meaning someone is using, look for context clues (are you in need of forgiveness?), but it doesn’t hurt to ask.
DTR, if you’re wondering, stands for ‘define the relationship’ – essentially the ‘what are we doing? Are you sleeping with other people?’ chat – which is quite different to DTF. Be careful when typing, as on a QWERTY keyboard the F and R are quite close, and you really don’t want to get the two mixed up.
Here’s that test we mentioned, so we hope you’ve been paying attention.
Tristan Thompson – the father of Khloe Kardashian’s child – has allegedly cheated on her with her younger sister Kylie Jenner’s childhood friend, Jordyn Woods (Photo: Getty/ Metro.co.uk)
For the past few days, social media has been rocked by perfectly-timed, pre-new Keeping Up With The Kardashians season gossip.
In a string of events scandalous even by Kardashian standards, Tristan Thompson – the father of Khloe Kardashian’s child – has allegedly cheated on her with her younger sister Kylie Jenner’s childhood friend, Jordyn Woods.
As the (scripted?) drama unfolds, revellers have been awaiting a sign of confirmation that the frankly ludicrous story is true: not in the form of a statement, not via an interview, not the sound of Kris Jenner’s loubs clacking away as she flees yet another orchestrated mess. But the looming ‘unfollow’.
‘I won’t believe anything until they all unfollow Jordyn on Instagram.’ said one sceptical Twitter user. ‘They all still follow Jordyn though,’ mused another suspicious tweeter. ‘They had days to unfollow Jordyn. Seems to me like there is a Kardashian angle to this.’
‘So, are the Kardashians still following Tristan on Instagram?’ an entire Cosmopolitan article breathlessly asked. ‘Shockingly, yes! Not only is Khloé still following Tristan, but both she and Kylie are still following Jordyn Woods.’ It peppered the piece with screenshots to illustrate the fact, something entirely unbelievable with no photographic evidence.
So powerful is the unfollow, that the Kardashian-Jenner’s unwillingness to immediately disavow Woods and Thompson in the court of social media was deemed a sure-fire sign that the infidelity had not even taken place. If it had, they would have unfollowed her.
And they did. Ever the trendsetter, it is unsurprising it was Kim Kardashian who became the first of the sisters to unfollow the pair. ‘Well,’ wrote Perez Hilton on his gossip blog. ‘You can certainly take it as Kim confirming the scandal by unfollowing them BOTH!’ Yes, Kim’s move confirms the rumour but also confirms something else equally as interesting – unfollowing is officially the ultimate form of denouncement in the digital age.
Whilst the Kardashians are social-media spawn and well-known for their coordinated unfriend campaigns, they are hardly an anomaly. To unfollow someone no longer means you simply can’t be bothered to see their seven trillion snaps from Barcelona or watch an almost-strangers child take its first steps. Now, it appears to mean you actively dislike them.
Jordyn Woods is Kylie Jenner’s best friend (Photo: jordynwoods)
It is used to signify everything from break ups (Katy Perry and Russell Brand, Zayn Malik and Gigi Hadid, Selena Gomez and Justin Bieber) to the the dissolution of friendships. After Demi Lovato fell out with Taylor Swift in 2016, Taylor’s squad – Selena Gomez, Gigi Hadid, Lily Aldridge, Karlie Kloss, Este Haim, Danielle Haim, and Alana Haim – all unfollowed her in unison. Blake Lively once unfollowed Ryan Reynolds as part of a viral marketing campaign and fans genuinely feared their relationship was on the rocks. Selena Gomez unfollowed her own mother on Instagram after a bitter fall out – their reunion was cemented by them following each other again.
In this current fractured climate, who you follow is even used to illustrate a political position. Whilst Twitter bios often remind that ‘retweets don’t equal endorsements’, the same doesn’t seem to apply to whose tweets you choose to be across. Kanye West was notoriously unfollowed by half of Hollywood after his open support of Donald Trump – who you follow and more importantly, who you don’t is such a minefield, that Demi Lovato opted out of it entirely.
We may pretend its innocuous, but in a world where unfollowing didn’t matter so much, the option to mute and unfollow posts instead of people wouldn’t exist.
Logically speaking, it sounds bizarre to still follow someone if you don’t actually want to see or read their posts, but to avoid the inevitable fallout, it is deemed safer to opt to become a follower in name only. You stick it out and suck it up no matter how much you hate their posts – unless you hate the person more than the posts.
I may find it strange but I’m certainly not immune. Like many journalists, who I follow is not always based on any type of personal relationship, and more often on them being a ‘person of interest’. Still, it was with genuine relief I was able to finally soft block an acquaintance I had muted for a year and a half, because they’d finally offended me IRL.
When Thompson was caught cheating on his then-pregnant fiancé the first time, the whole Kardashian-Jenner clan led by Kim, unfollowed him on Instagram – something they later joked about when the pair reconciled and the family welcomed him back into the fold with a follow.
In 2019, more meaning than we know is placed on the smallest online actions and interactions. Whether we like it or not, or even mean it or not, an unfollow is an accepted way of saying something, without actually saying something.
Imagine being that fancy, rather than loading up your keys with those coins for supermarket trolleys and a little Lego man.
The Alexander Wang keychain is not, sadly, solid gold, but ‘gold-tone metal’ in the design of a condom in its wrapper.
On the front are the words ‘no after party’.
What does this mean? We truly have no clue, beyond Wang telling us that he’s not planning a rager. But it looks cool, and that’s all that matters.
People have been a tad puzzled by the design… and its price.
Matt Jones posted a photo of the keychain on Facebook, writing: ‘Because who doesn’t need a gold condom keyring?’
(Picture: Alexander Wang / ssense)
We must also note that the keychain does not contain an actual condom inside, so you’d still need to invest in protection.
But if you’re keen to stick to a theme, Alexander Wang has previously created actual condoms.
Last summer he designed a collection with Trojan condoms, creating wrappers that said ‘Protect Your Wang’.
The Wang condoms were handed out with every purchase from the label, and at a Pride event Alexander threw them out for free to crowds.
Hey, we’re big fans of a fashion brand promoting safe sex, especially if it’s a play on the word ‘wang’.
If you’re keen to jump on the trend but don’t have a spare £185, you could always grab an actual condom in its wrapper, spray-paint it gold, then attach it to your keys. Easy.
Presenting the Koala Challenge; the next hot trend all the cool fitness types are trying.
The Koala Challenge is a simple concept that’s difficult to execute.
As the name suggests, it seems to have originated in Australia, and involves one person climbing their partner as if they are a koala and their partner is a tree.
The koala has to make their way all around the tree’s body without falling or touching the ground.
So both parties need to be pretty strong – the koala needs to move their way around the body without falling, while the tree can’t buckle under the koala’s weight.
(Picture: Instagram/Mark Edward Greenham)
As this challenge is happening in Australia, most of the Koala Challenge videos are filmed on the beach. This is wise as the sand provides a slightly softer surface on which to fall. If you’re going to try this out, we’d recommend doing so at a trampolining centre or on large crash mats.
And truly, be careful if you plan to attempt this particular challenge. You could end up injured, whether from a fall or seriously straining your back.
Like many social media challenges, this one is quite clearly designed for super toned influencers in need of a new way to show off how fit they are.
Rates of syphilis are worryingly high – in 2018 they were the highest they’ve been in 70 years.
Despite this, a lot of us think of syphilis as an ‘old-timey’ disease, which it’s quite clearly not.
So with the STI running rampant, we think it’s time for every sex-having person to get clued up on the signs and symptoms, so they can make sure to get treatment as early into the illness as possible.
And, of course, it’s a handy reminder to please, please go for regular checkups and use protection for every sexual contact. Syphilis shows no signs of slowing down, and that’s an issue.
What are the symptoms of syphilis?
The complicated bit of syphilis is that often it won’t cause any noticeable symptoms, and the symptoms you do experience can disappear quickly, even though the infection remains.
There are some symptoms which can indicate syphilis, however. These tend to come in different stages.
In the early stage, also called primary and secondary syphilis, and in the late stage, also called tertiary syphilis, symptoms will be apparent, but during the middle stage, called the latent stage, there are none.
Symptoms of primary and secondary syphilis:
Small, painless ulcers, called chancres, around the penis, vulva, anus, or mouth. These ulcers are highly infectious.
A blotchy red rash, often found on the palms of the hands or soles of the feet. This is usually painless
Flat, wart-like growths on the vulva, penis, or around the anus
Flu-like symptoms including tiredness, high temperature, and loss of appetite
Swollen glands
White patches on the tongue, cheeks, or roof of the mouth
Patchy hair loss
If left untreated, syphilis will progress to the latent stage, where there will likely be no visible symptoms, and will then move to the late stage.
Symptoms of tertiary syphilis:
Swollen glands in the neck, groin, or armpits
If left untreated for years, syphilis can spread and cause serious damage to the nervous system, brain, and heart
How can you catch syphilis?
Syphilis can be passed on through vaginal, anal, or oral sex, even with no noticeable symptoms, as well as through blood transfusions and sharing needles.
It can also be transmitted through contact with the ulcers of someone who has syphilis.
What should you do if you think you might have syphilis?
If you’re worried about syphilis, go to your GP or to a sexual health clinic as soon as possible, as the only way you can know you have it is by getting tested.
It’s crucial to get early treatment, so don’t put it off.
Remember that there may not be noticeable symptoms, so you must get a sexual health clinic any time you have unprotected sex.
How is syphilis treated?
Syphilis is usually treated with antibiotics, whether in the form of an injection or tablets. This is very effective in the primary, secondary, and latent stages.
In the tertiary stage of syphilis, the infection can still be treated and cured, but by this point it may have done irreversible damage to the body. That’s why it’s so crucial to get early treatment.
Between six and twelve weeks after treatment you’ll need to have a check-up test to make sure the infection is cleared.
If left untreated, syphilis can spread to other parts of the body, causing serious issues longterm that could be fatal. It won’t go away without treatment.
We were told for years that blueberries are a ‘superfood’.
More recently, the school of though on this has shifted and most of us have arrived at the conclusion that ‘superfoods’ actually don’t exist.
So, while blueberries may not actually have superpowers, new research suggests that regularly eating the brightly coloured fruit could have a positive impact on your heart health.
A new study published in the Journal of Gerontology Series A has found that eating 200g of blueberries every day for a month can lower a healthy person’s blood pressure.
Researchers from King’s College London studied 40 healthy volunteers and monitored their blood and urine as well as their blood pressure and how well their arteries functioned.
They found that the volunteers who had been given a drink containing the blueberries experienced effects on their blood vessel function just two hours after consuming the fruit.
They also found that over the course of the month, their blood pressure was reduced by 5mmHg. A reduction that is similar to what is seen in studies using blood pressure lowering medication.
The scientists think the results could be down to anthocyanins – which is the flavanoid in blueberries that give them their vivid blue colour.
(Picture: Getty)
‘Although it is best to eat the whole blueberry to get the full benefit, our study finds that the majority of the effects can be explained by anthocyanins,’ explains lead researcher Dr. Ana Rodriguez-Mateos.
‘If the changes we saw in blood vessel function after eating blueberries every day could be sustained for a person’s whole life, it could reduce their risk of developing cardiovascular disease by up to 20%.’
So are blueberries the answer? Could they really hold the key to lowering your risk of heart disease? Or do we need to take a close look at the findings?
We spoke to nutritionist Clarissa Lenherr to get a second opinion.
‘It is suggested that blueberries can help lower your blood pressure thanks to the flavonoid and antioxidant content,’ Clarissa tells Metro.co.uk.
‘However the study looked at “40 healthy volunteers” and not at those already suffering with higher blood pressure or cardiovascular disease.
‘Therefore to understand the impact of blueberries on blood pressure of those with already high blood pressure measures, we need to look at other studies or wait until further research is published.
‘The study helps us understand the preventative measure of eating blueberries, but not the impact on reducing already high blood pressure levels.
‘Additionally, participants were given drinks containing blueberries for the one month period. The impact of eating those blueberries in their full and natural state could give us further health benefits.
‘Blueberries are delicious and naturally sweet, but ideally we should be getting a rich and diverse balance of antioxidants and flavonoids from a range of fruits rather than fixating on one particular source.’
Foods that can lower your blood pressure
According to Clarissa, the following foods are also great for heart health and will have a positive effect on your blood pressure.
Flaxseeds
Consumption of flaxseeds has been linked to a reduction in blood pressure thanks to the mix of alpha linolenic acid, lignans, peptides and their fibre content.
One study examined participants with pre-existing hypertension and reported that those consuming flaxseeds in a variety of forms, over a six-month period, actually saw a reduction in blood pressure compared to those taking a placebo.
The study even showed that those on blood pressure lowering medication could benefit from further reductions by consuming flaxseeds.
Cocoa
Cocoa is a rich source of polyphenols which are suggested to help reduce cardiovascular risk.
Cocoa consumption has been demonstrated to lower blood pressure in healthy subjects and in patients with risk factors and hypertension. One meta-analysis suggested that dark chocolate and flavanol-rich cocoa were effective in reducing hypertension.
However, this does depend on the quality of the cocoa beans and their manufacturing process, as the flavanols can be significantly reduced in the fermentation and roasting process.
Additionally, commercial chocolate contains high levels of sugar and fat, which can impact the quality of the cocoa benefits, so we should be reaching for good quality cocoa and aiming for dark and 70% cocoa plus.
Pomegranate
Pomegranate is a source of potassium, vitamin C and polyphenols.
One study suggested that those who drank 330ml of pomegranate juice for four weeks, compared to those drinking a placebo, experienced a drop in blood pressure.
However, they found that this was just a short term change, and evidence is still not concrete on its long term effects on reducing blood pressure.
So far she’s transformed the bollards into Marge and Homer Simpson, Daleks, Minions, Gnasher from Dennis the Menace, and Batman.
At Christmas the bollards were transformed into Santa and Rudolph, and for Remembrance Day she knitted a special poppy cover.
(Picture: Oldland Knitted Bollards)
Back in 2018 Ruth was granted an award for her knitting from Bitton Parish Council’s Bitton in Bloom.
But as delightful as her creations are, they’ve somehow managed to attract vandalism.
Ruth told BBC that her Marge Simpson was torn from the bollard and thrown into a hedge this week, and previously Kevin the Minion has been nicked.
(Picture: Oldland Knitted Bollards)
A few months back ‘someone tried to take Yoda and caused some damage’, meaning he required some serious repairs where a hole was ripped.
Ruth usually puts the bollard covers out in the morning and takes them back inside before it gets dark, but Marge was snatched when she forgot to return her home.
Now all the covers are padlocked on to the bollards to protect them from cruel people that wish to deprive bollards of their cosies.
Ruth’s daughter, who looks after the Facebook page for Ruth’s project, wrote: ‘Today between 5.30-7pm Marge Simpson was ripped from the bollard and thrown in to a hedgerow before a kind person found and returned her (thank you!)
(Picture: Oldland Knitted Bollards)
‘My amazing mum spends hours and hours knitting each bollard cover that she puts out. She’s amazingly talented but the time and effort that she puts in to each one is huge.
‘This isn’t the first time that one of her knitted creations has been stolen or vandalised, it’s happened number of times.
‘She knits them for the community to see, for commuters on their way to work, children and families on their way to school and nursery, dog walkers and anyone passing by! Just to try and put a smile on someone’s face for a few seconds.
(Picture: Oldland Knitted Bollards)
‘The reactions and cards from other kind locals has been her reason to keep knitting after previous creations have been vandalised and stolen, but I really can’t tell you how disheartening it is to see something that has had so much effort put in to it damaged.
‘If you don’t see any knitted creatures it is because they are in need of a break’
Thankfully, Ruth won’t let the hate stop her from doing her thing.
She’s in the process of repairing her Marge cover and plans to keep making new characters.
A new study has found that one in 13 people will experience post-traumatic stress disorder by the age of 18.
PTSD is an anxiety disorder that is caused by stressful, frightening or distressing events.
Someone with the diagnosis will often relive the trauma through nightmares and flashbacks, and may experience feelings of isolation, irritability and guilt.
Insomnia is a massive problem within PTSD, and so is finding it difficult to concentrate.
It becomes a disorder when the symptoms are severe and persistent enough to have a significant impact on a person’s life.
The recent findings came about after more than 2,000 18-year-olds from England and Wales were studied. It was found that a third had experienced trauma in childhood.
A quarter of these participants went on to develop PTSD.
Researchers say the findings should act as a ‘wake-up call’ in regards to young people needing better mental health care.
The study, published in The Lancet Psychiatry, found slightly more than half of those who had had PTSD had also experienced a major depressive episode and one in five had attempted suicide.
But only the same proportion – one in five – had been seen by a mental health professional in the past year.
The participants were judged on whether they suffered with the following symptoms:
– Reliving traumatic events through distressing memories or nightmares
– Avoiding anything reminding them of their trauma
– Feelings of guilt, isolation or detachment, irritability, impulsivity or difficulty concentrating
Senior researcher Prof Andrea Danese, from the King’s College London Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, said: ‘Our findings should serve as a wake-up call.
‘Childhood trauma is a public-health concern – yet trauma-related disorders often go unnoticed.
‘Young people with PTSD are falling through the gaps in care and there is a pressing need for better access to mental health services.’
Prof Danese said people should not be ‘alarmed’ by the study’s findings and it was normal to have some psychological symptoms after trauma.
However, in the vast majority of cases, PTSD wouldn’t develop and the symptoms would stop over a matter of days or weeks.
PTSD is questioned if children and young people had the symptoms for over a month.
Dr Tim Dalgleish, from the University of Cambridge, who was not involved in the research, said the results of the ‘landmark study’ were ‘sobering’.
He said: ‘Of particular concern is the relatively small proportion of affected youth who go on to access formal support or mental health services and the findings are a further wake-up call that service provision in the UK for children and adolescents dealing with the aftermath of trauma is woefully inadequate.’
A Department of Health and Social Care spokeswoman added: ‘The NHS Long Term Plan has committed to prioritising increasing the funding for children and young people’s mental health services faster than all other funding.
‘As a result, 345,000 more children and young people have access to mental health services and support in schools and colleges, young adults will receive better support until the age of 25 and crisis care will be provided through NHS 111, 24 hours a day, seven days a week.’
If you or a loved one think you may be suffering with PTSD, it is important to contact your GP as soon as possible so that they can refer you for help.
If you find yourself struggling and need to talk, call Samaritans on 116 123.
If you’re new to Kylie Cosmetics and you’re not sure where to start, or if you want to try something different, here’s a round-up of her bestselling products to give you some beauty inspiration.
It’s worth noting that all of the below products come in a variety of shades, which you can find on her official website.
A key component of any successful Instagram post is looking hot.
The hotter the better.
And these celebs and influencers have taken that concept rather literally with the latest trend – the selfie sauna.
The sauna selfie has a number of benefits as we see it.
Firstly, you have a valid excuse to not be wearing very much in the way of clothing.
It’s the perfect opportunity to show of your teeniest bikini, your sexy plunge-neck one-piece, or to bare all with nothing more than a strategically placed towel.
Secondly, the heat of the sauna provides a ready-made glow. Your skin will glisten seductively as the temperature rises, giving off an alluring shimmer.
Unless you just go bright red when you get hot. Which is arguably less sexy.
Thirdly, the very fact of being in a sauna positions you as a woman of luxury.
Yes, you have the time and resources to go to a fancy spa. Yes, wellness of body and mind is high on your list priorities. Yes, your body is a temple and you are a slightly sweaty goddess.
But don’t take our word for it – these celebrities have perfected the art to a T.
Liz Hurley goes for the seductive towel and a strong glow.
(Picture: Instagram/elizabethhurley1)
Former Made In Chelsea stars Sophie Habboo and Melissa Tattam opt for a team selfie, and it’s also a strandid (another Insta trend involving holding out a strand of your own hair).
(Picture: glowbarldn/Instagram)
Rita Ora gets filter-happy as things hot up.
(Picture: ritaora/Instagram)
Ashley Graham doesn’t feel the need for any kind of cover-up as she emerges from the sauna.
(Picture: ashleygraham/Instagram)
Olivia Buckland uses her sauna time to show off her cute two-piece and enviable body art.
(Picture: oliviadbuck/Instagram)
Strictly Come Dancing stars Karen Clifton, Janette Manrara and Luba Mushtuk use the sauna benches wisely for a group shot on different levels.
(Picture: karencliftonofficial/Instagram)
Influencers are at it as well. Using the luxurious sauna setting to the best of their advantage, the social media pros serve up some seriously steamy looks.
Perch on a window with a stunning natural backdrop to prove that you’re not just in your local leisure centre.
A blogger who was so self-conscious about her cystic acne that she would ‘cake’ herself in makeup every time she left the house has set up an Instagram account where she finally embraces her skin.
22-year-old Kara Eden, from Manchester, now shares natural selfies to show the world she loves the skin she’s in.
It’s taken her a long time to get to this place.
Kara’s skin issues began around three years ago when she stopped taking the contraceptive pill.
She thought it was just a phase and that the spots would heal on their own.
When she realised she was experiencing cystic acne – the most severe form of the condition which causes large, pus-filled pimples – her confidence was shattered, and she started to apply full makeup just to go to the shops.
But in 2017, after suffering for around 18 months, she decided to ditch the heavy foundation and share her makeup free face to Instagram, and has since gained thousands of followers.
Kara said: ‘It is scary to put myself out there, hitting that send button is a big thing.
‘I used to edit all my photos, but then I stopped and thought, ‘No, you’re putting this out there for a reason – to show your real skin.’
(Picture: PA Real Life)
‘On Instagram especially, everything is so flawless and filtered that I knew there was a gap that needed to be filled for people to embrace their insecurities.’
Growing up, Kara never had any problems with her skin, until she stopped taking the contraceptive pill.
She continued: ‘I believe it was down to the imbalanced hormones in my body.
‘I went to the doctor, and was placed on a different type of pill, but all that did was mask my symptoms.
‘As soon as I stopped taking it, my skin flared up again, even worse than before.’
At first, Kara thought her skin would settle back down once her body adjusted to the hormonal changes.
But after around three months, there were no signs of improvement and so she returned to the doctor and was given antibiotics, which had little effect.
She read about cystic acne and became convinced it was what she had.
(Picture: PA Real Life)
‘It was a real knock, confidence-wise,’ she said. ‘I wouldn’t even leave the house without makeup on. I’d cake it on even if I was just popping to the shop. I’d even wear it in the gym, which, looking back, I know is ridiculous.
‘Thankfully, nobody ever said anything nasty, but I would get stared at, and I could tell what people were thinking.’
After taking an intolerance test she ordered online, she realised she had been unknowingly eating things that were making her skin worse.
So, she overhauled her diet, eliminating dairy and gluten, and cutting down on sugar.
Kara said: ‘At first, I didn’t see an immediate effect, so it was hard to stick to.
‘But after around six weeks, my skin started to improve, and so that spurred me on.’
Also introducing supplements and vitamins to her daily regime, Kara, who only uses natural, organic products, ditched medication for good.
(Picture: PA Real Life)
Now, she wants to help others embrace the skin they’re in. She does that with her Instagram account, where she shares tips and advice, as well as candid photos of her airbrush-free skin.
She explained: ‘I am also a trained makeup artist, so wanted to start a beauty blog, but give it my own individual spin so started posting a lot about my skin, and DIY healing.
‘The more I shared, the more messages I got, mainly from others in the acne community wanting to know if something I was trying had worked.
‘Now, I have a really loyal following – we’re more like a group of friends.’
By speaking out, Kara, hopes to encourage others to embrace their insecurities and see past the filtered, edited world of Instagram.
While she admits that she still feels nervous about uploading her bare-faced selfies, she said that banning herself from editing her perceived imperfections has helped her to accept them.
‘The only way to build confidence is be true to yourself. If you carry on hiding away or editing a part of yourself, you’ll never accept it,’ she said.
‘I upload my photos for all those people who don’t have the confidence, or feel they can’t among all those flawless Instagram pictures.
(Picture: PA Real Life)
‘I still have peaks and troughs with my skin, but I have learnt not to compare myself to other people.’
Speaking of the link between acne and the contraceptive pill, Dr Zenon Andreou, GP at Zava, said: ‘The combined contraceptive pill is sometimes prescribed as a way of treating and controlling acne, as it can stabilise fluctuating hormone levels which can lead to skin inflammation, spots and in some cases, acne.
‘Coming off the combined contraceptive pill can cause changes to your skin and it’s not uncommon for women to experience an acne flare up. If your skin hasn’t settled down after a month or two of coming off the pill, or if the flare up is extensive, speak to your doctor to find an alternative acne treatment.
‘It’s worth noting that the progesterone only pills and the contraceptive implants can sometimes worsen acne, so do consider this when looking at contraceptive options.’
