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Adidas launch environmentally friendly 100% recyclable running shoes

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Adidas launch first 100% recyclable trainers
(Picture: Adidas)

Adidas is making history with the launch of its first 100% recyclable trainers.

The Futurecraft.Loop is the sports brand’s first shoe that can be completely remade into another high performance running trainer.

As part of their commitment to tackle plastic waste, adidas’ new trainers use only one material and no glue – making them really easy to recycle. Which is great news if you want to make your wardrobe more environmentally sustainable.

In 2015, adidas introduced its first performance footwear concept with an upper made entirely of yarns and filaments reclaimed and recycled from marine plastic waste and illegal deep-sea gill-nets.

This year, the brand will produce 11 million pairs of shoes with Ocean Plastic® by Parley by intercepting plastic waste on beaches, remote islands and in coastal communities.

‘Taking plastic waste out of the system is the first step, but we can’t stop there,’ said Eric Liedtke, executive board member at adidas.

Adidas launch first 100% recyclable trainers
(Picture: Adidas)
Adidas launch first 100% recyclable trainers
(Picture: Adidas)

‘What happens to your shoes after you’ve worn them out? You throw them away – except there is no away. There are only landfills and incinerators and ultimately an atmosphere choked with excess carbon, or oceans filled with plastic waste.

‘The next step is to end the concept of “waste” entirely.

‘Our dream is that you can keep wearing the same shoes over and over again.

‘Futurecraft.Loop is our first running shoe that is made to be remade. It is a statement of our intent to take responsibility for the entire life of our product; proof that we can build high-performance running shoes that you don’t have to throw away.’

It’s a simple concept. When you’ve got all the wear out of your trainers, you just return them to adidas where they are washed, ground to pellets and melted into material for components for a new pair of shoes, with zero waste and nothing thrown away.

The shoe is rolling out as part of a global beta program with 200 leading creators from across the world’s major cities – the plan is to roll out the release more widely for spring 2021.

With other clothing brands and trainer producers creating items that focus on sustainability, you will soon be able to lower your carbon footprint simply by making smart choices about what’s in your wardrobe.

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Maid of honour forced to deal with 99 dead goldfish which bride insisted on using as wedding favours

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Goldfish in bag
(Picture: Getty)

If you have been part of a bridal party then you know that wedding favours are a nightmare to put together: they have to be personal and romantic, while perfectly encapsulating the couple’s energy.

So when one bride decided to use goldfish as the centrepiece for each table, to be taken home as wedding favours, it was up to the maid of honour (MOH) to deal with the aftermath.

As if organising a bridal shower wasn’t hard enough.

The MOH regaled the story on Reddit, saying her best friend wasn’t usually a bridezilla but she insisted on using live creatures as favours because she was such an animal lover.

She explained how when the bride was presented with all the glass containers to use as centrepieces, she had the bright idea of filling it with water and letting fishies swim around in them.

But, as expected, chaos ensued when nobody wanted to leave the wedding with an unexpected pet in toe, leaving the MOH with a lot of fish on her hands.

And, sadly, most of them had died by the end of the ceremony.

Poor fish.

A little girl holds a bag containing two goldfish.
Living gifts were always going to be tricky (Picture: Getty)

Sadly, but perhaps understandably, the maid of honour is no longer friends with the bride.

On the Reddit post, she wrote: ‘You see, ex-friend was an animal lover. On and off again vegetarian/vegan, PETA supporter, etc. She was especially fond of fish.

‘With that in mind, how cute would it be to have a pair of goldfish in a globe as a centrepiece? Real, live goldfish – a pair of them (to represent the couple, see?) – on each and every table, all 40 of them.’

She recounted how the conversation went with the bride.

‘”Wouldn’t the fish be pretty stressed out being in the middle of all the wedding chaos with nowhere to hide?”‘ the MOH asked the bride.

‘”It’s not an appetising sight for the people eating their dinners. Besides, it wouldn’t make for the best representation of your relationship. There’s a lot of not good symbolism there.”‘

To which the bride replied: ‘”They have like three-second memories, it wouldn’t even matter. just keep an eye out for dead ones and replace them before anyone notices.

‘”They’re called feeder fish for a reason. They don’t live long, everyone knows that. We’ll buy them that morning, they only need to survive through the reception.'”

The MOH wrote that she didn’t have time to keep a constant watch on the aquatic critters, but she noticed a few floaters which she quickly replaced as the couple had bought some back-up fish.

‘They’d bought roughly a hundred that morning,’ she added. ‘Three cents apiece, what a bargain. End of reception, everyone’s gone home and the wedding hall hosts are cleaning up.

‘The venue needs their globes back. Isn’t it strange how not a single guest was willing to take home some goldfish? It couldn’t have helped that the bride didn’t think to provide containers for them.’

The newlyweds then raced off to their honeymoon leaving the maid of honour to deal with the fish which she had to take home.

But one by one they started dying off, until she was left with just one, which she called Sun.

The MOH ended the post saying: ‘Sun lingered far longer than my friendship with the bride, and far, far longer than her marriage.’

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Easter Monday opening times for Morrisons, Waitrose, Asda and Iceland

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Logos for Morrisons, Waitrose, Asda and Iceland and coloured eggs for Easter
Most stores will open today, after having closed for Easter yesterday (Pictures: Getty)

If you didn’t go to the pub for Easter Sunday dinner, the fridge is probably looking a bit empty today.

While most people relish in having an extra day off during the Bank Holiday, the event also meant that many shops and retailers were closed yesterday.

But don’t worry, you won’t have to continue stuffing your face full of chocolate eggs or hot cross buns (unless you want to, that is).

Local supermarkets will open today, though many of them have restricted opening hours – here’s everything you need to know.

Waitrose opening times

Little Waitrose entrance
(Picture: Keith Mayhew/SOPA Images/LightRocket/Getty)

Most Waitrose shops are open from 8am to 7pm today.

However, some Little Waitrose stores will open earlier at 7am and close later at 9pm.

To be on the safe side, check the website before you head down.

Asda opening times

Asda sign of a supermarket in Cardiff
(Picture: Matthew Horwood/Getty)

Meanwhile, most Asda stores will be open from 8am to 8pm, apart from Asda Living (with some operating shorter hours).

Some of the larger stores may also open from 7am.

But you’re best off checking the Asda store locator tool for your specific opening hours for your local store.

Morrisons opening times

Photo of Morrisons sign outside one of the stores
(Picture: Chris J. Ratcliffe/Bloomberg/Getty)

As for Morrisons, most stores will open today after being closed yesterday, but times vary across locations.

Overall, the stores will be open from 8am to 7pm. The Morrison cafe will be run slightly shorter operating hours, and will close at 6pm.

Use the store locator to double-check your local supermarket.

Iceland opening times

Image of a woman leaving an Iceland supermarket
(Picture: Chris Ratcliffe/Bloomberg via Getty Images)

Iceland stores were also closed yesterday, but majority of the shops will be open from 8am to 7pm or 8am to 8pm this Easter Monday.

But as with the other supermarkets, closing times will likely vary depending on which store you visit.

Have a search on the brand’s website for your local branch before you leave the flat, just to be sure.

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Deafness didn’t stop me passing my driver’s test, ignorance did

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Billy Mair poses with his car
There is no reason why deaf people can’t drive just as well as hearing people (Photo: Billy Mair)

I’ve wanted to learn to drive for as long as I can remember.

I wanted to be able to drive to England and Wales for skating competitions and to meet my friends, rather than taking forever on trains or buses. Mainly I just wanted the freedom that other people have.

I’m profoundly deaf and I wear cochlear implants. There is no reason why deaf people can’t drive just as well as hearing people, but they do need help.

What I didn’t realise was that I would start facing barriers almost immediately.

I took my first driving lesson straight after my 17th birthday. I was so excited when I got into the car for the first time.

Things started well. My instructor, Kay, didn’t know any sign language but she used hand signals and we stopped regularly so she could explain what to do.

I couldn’t hear with the fans on or windows open and we had to turn the satnav up really loud, but Kay kept telling me I was doing great. She advised me to book my theory test after my first lesson and told me I could pass before Christmas.

The test made me nervous – it involves a lot of reading and new words, which I struggle with. But it was booking the test that was the real nightmare.

I emailed to book a sign language interpreter and extra time, waiting days for a reply. When the date was fixed, I waited again while they organised an interpreter. Eventually, I had to call up to pay. Except I can’t use the phone – because I’m deaf.

There needs to be a way to pay online for the theory test. If a deaf person doesn’t have any family or friends nearby, what happens then? It just doesn’t fit with the independence that driving is meant to provide.

You wouldn’t send a Portuguese translator for a Spanish person just because there are similarities between the languages.

With some help from my mum, I could finally book for September at the test centre in Ayr. I walked in ready and confident, but the signer hadn’t arrived.

I waited and waited. The staff made phone calls. I couldn’t understand what was happening, or even their apologies, so my mum translated.

My interpreter never arrived, so I had to take the test with an on-screen signer. This is really difficult because some signs are different in Scottish and you can’t expect deaf people to guess.

You wouldn’t send a Portuguese translator for a Spanish person just because there are similarities between the languages. Unsurprisingly, I failed.

It doesn’t have to be this way. If the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) contacted the National Deaf Children’s Society or a local deaf charity for their interpreters, it would be easier and quicker.

It would also mean the interpreter was local, so they would know regional signs.

Twice more I turned up for my test and my interpreter didn’t show. Eventually, we booked the Glasgow test centre as they had a separate room, so I could book quicker.

I was already quite stressed and it’s not the best preparation for an exam. This time, the signer turned up, but I narrowly failed. I quickly re-booked and travelled back to Glasgow. I was ready, but the signer didn’t show up again. Twice.

By June 2018, I’d had five no-shows at two different test centres. Eventually, I got an appointment and my signer turned up. I passed my theory and soon passed my practical. I could drive at last!

I’m now the proud owner of a Vauxhall Meriva and I love getting behind the wheel. I just wish it hadn’t been so difficult when the problems were so avoidable. It still makes me angry that it took over a year to achieve my dream.

My travel and tests were eventually refunded, but I spent an £600 extra on lessons. I tried to do as much as I could myself, but I had to rely on my parents a lot. It didn’t feel like being independent.

Some basic deaf awareness for staff, along with a separate room in each test centre to accommodate people with additional needs, would mean every deaf person can concentrate on their test, rather than worrying about whether they can even understand it.

Some people think driving is more difficult for people like me but I was never going to let deafness hold me back though – I can do anything a hearing person can.

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You can now buy bridesmaid dresses for your dog but it’ll cost you £114

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Bridesmaid dress on a stuffed dog toy
(Picture: Etsy/ThePoshPawsCompany, Getty)

Why should humans get to have all the fun at weddings?

While all eyes might be on the bride’s dress or the bridesmaids, your dog could give everyone a run for their money if she’s dressed in one of these trendy dogsmaid dresses.

Online retailer Etsy is offering doggy bridesmaid dresses perfect for wedding season – and a sure-fire way to add 1,000 new pictures of your doggo to your camera roll.

But pet-owners hoping to play dress up with their pooch will need to fork out somewhere between £61-£114.

The Posh Paws Company who are creators of the garments are not messing about as they offer sizes from extra extra small to large.

So whether you’ve got a Chihuahua or a Labrador, you’ll be sure to find a dress for the occasion.

And as a bonus, you can even add a matching satin hair slide or headband bow.

Just think how cute they’ll look!

Panorama view of dog in dress
(Picture: Etsy/ThePoshPawsCompany)

You can choose between 12 different pastel shades for the dress which is handmade with satin, poly cotton, and netting.

The bottom of the outfit is a full-bodied skirt, rounded off and tapered into the underbelly, with layers of netting to promote fullness in the skirt.

The shoulder is finished with a gathered frill to give the impression of fitted sleeves.

On the website, it reads: ‘So the big day coming up; not sure what’s happening with poochy on the day? Well, why not complete your day by including your pooch in the bridal party, as one of your bridesmaids?’

You can get the dress personalised too
You can get the dress personalised too for extra costs (Picture: Etsy/ThePoshPawsCompany)

The Posh Paws Company also includes a size guide so you know how to measure your pet for the perfect fitting.

Those who want to go a step further can even get the dress personalised but will have to pay an extra cost of £6.

If you’re more of a cat person then don’t worry, you can also get the measurements fitted to your kitty.

Just don’t forget to take all the selfies.

MORE: Woman buys matching wedding dress for her dog to walk her down the aisle

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How to deal with post-bank holiday anxiety

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Illustration of anxious woman
(Picture: Ella Byworth for Metro.co.uk)

The Easter bank holiday is a dream. Four days of sunshine, chocolate, day drinking and, if you’re lucky, no work.

To have four consecutive days out of the office is a rare occasion for most busy professionals, and it is a much needed window to relax, unwind and catch up with friends and family.

No work means no worries, so why then, are we starting to feel a creeping sense of dread and unease on bank holiday Monday?

We’re still off work, the sun is still shining, there’s plenty more time for beers and BBQs – so what gives? Why are we stressed?

It’s probably the unpleasant phenomenon known as post-bank holiday anxiety.

We have talked about Sunday night anxiety before – the fear that sets in, usually around dinner time, on a Sunday as you feel the last remnants of the weekend slipping through your fingers.

Post-bank holiday anxiety is similar – but more intense, because you will have had even longer away from the office.

There seems to be an almost direct correlation between the amount of fun you have during a bank holiday and the level of anxiety you feel as Tuesday looms. Often, the better your weekend, the worse you feel at the prospect of returning to work.

And when you’re away from your desk for longer, your to-do list and email inbox are both likely to have skyrocketed. Classic anxiety triggers.

But this preemptive stress about being back at work is such a colossal waste of energy – why worry about something that hasn’t happened yet? Are we really going to let anxiety stop us from enjoying the final day of our bank holiday?

Not today Satan. Not today.

Life Coach Nadia Rafique has some expert strategies for keeping post-bank holiday anxiety at bay – and we will be trying all of them.

‘Set a priority list. Decide on two or three things you want to achieve on the first day back,’ explains Nadia.

‘It might just be to clear your emails or to set a plan for the rest of the week. Don’t try to do everything, filter out the most important jobs.

‘If you have access to your emails outside of work, set 15 minutes aside the night before to log in and check what has been going on. Knowing what you will be facing in the morning will reduce the anxiety as you know your are prepared.’

For many of us, the existential dread that comes with post-holiday anxiety is actually quite abstract. It is more the thought of work that is stressing us out, rather than the work itself. Nadia thinks it’s important to remind yourself what you like about your job.

‘Going to back to work isn’t all negative, most of us enjoy going back to work for certain aspects,’ she tells us.

All the damage you're doing by holding in your pee at work
(Picture: Ella Byworth for Metro.co.uk)

‘It might be social, it might be that you just love your work, it might be that you have your routine back. Connect to what it is you are looking forward to and focus on the fact that you get to do that again – turn the anxiety into excitement.’

But if you don’t love you job, what then? The anxiety of returning to an environment where you’re not entirely happy is more than enough to derail a lovely bank holiday weekend. Nadia says a break can help you to shift your perspective.

‘Sometimes going back to work after a bank holiday is a great excuse for a new chapter and a way to do things differently,’ explains Nadia.

‘We often need the physical break to allow us to come back and change things up.

‘Think of it as a new start, what do you want to do differently this quarter, what do you want to achieve?

‘Thinking of the start of work as a new start is much more refreshing than dreading returning to work.’

But if you really can’t summon the positivity to feel good about being back at you desk – think about your next escape instead. There is definitely joy to be found in living for the weekend.

‘Always have something to look forward to,’ suggests Nadia.

‘Plan something in for the weekend after your first week back or getting planning a trip away for the future.

‘Having the knowledge that you have more stuff to look forward to in-between going to work can ease anxiety and make you realise life isn’t all work work work.’

Amen to that.

Returning to the daily grind after any kind of break can take its toll mentally, so if you are feeling anxious know that you’re not alone.

If your worrying is making it hard to have fun, or the thought of going back to work feels genuinely unmanageable then make sure you speak to your GP about your mental health, and if you feel able to, speak to your employer.

And don’t worry, summer is just around the corner – which means more bank holidays to fill with fun, friends and family.

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Terminally ill woman thrown surprise 30th birthday party after being told she had just weeks to live

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Cheryl with her partner Lee Macey.Terminally ill Cheryl Calver,29, was thrown a surprise 30th birthday by her friends after being told she had just weeks to live..See National News story NNcancer. A terminally ill mum with just weeks to live was "overwhelmed" when her family threw her a surprise 30th birthday party four months early, before she lost her battle with cancer.Cheryl Calver was determined to make the most of life and celebrate her 30th birthday when she received the devastating news last month she had just weeks to live.The 29-year-old thought she was going for a family meal when beauticians turned up to give her a surprise makeover at home before she was whisked away in a white stretch limo.The former nursery worker was set to turn 30 in July but her friends and family threw the surprise birthday bash at the end of March over fears she might not make it to the summer.
Cheryl’s family wanted to give her a party to remember (Picture: Lewis Glover /SWNS.COM)

A terminally-ill woman was stunned when her family threw her a surprise 30th birthday party four months early, because she only had a few weeks left to live.

Cheryl Calver’s friends and family were determined to make her 30th birthday a huge celebration, after she was told that she might not make the actual date at the end of July.

So Cheryl’s loved ones decided to celebrate earlier, just in case the unfortunate prognosis proved to be correct.

The 29-year-old mother of three thought she was going for a family meal when beauticians turned up to give her a surprise makeover at home. Then she was whisked away in a white stretch limo.

The surprise birthday bash took place at the end of March at the Stumble Inn pub in Sittingbourne, just four days before Cherly died at her home in Murston, Kent.

Childhood friend Lianne Dmytruk, who has known Cheryl for 20 years, said: ‘It was one of her things she had on her bucket list that she wanted to have a 30th birthday party.

‘It was something we were looking to do in the summer because she was having chemotherapy and she hoped it would extend her life so we could have a summer of memories.

‘But sadly she got a chest infection and she was too poorly to continue with therapy.

Cheryl at her 29th birthday party.Terminally ill Cheryl Calver,29, was thrown a surprise 30th birthday by her friends after being told she had just weeks to live..See National News story NNcancer. A terminally ill mum with just weeks to live was "overwhelmed" when her family threw her a surprise 30th birthday party four months early, before she lost her battle with cancer.Cheryl Calver was determined to make the most of life and celebrate her 30th birthday when she received the devastating news last month she had just weeks to live.The 29-year-old thought she was going for a family meal when beauticians turned up to give her a surprise makeover at home before she was whisked away in a white stretch limo.The former nursery worker was set to turn 30 in July but her friends and family threw the surprise birthday bash at the end of March over fears she might not make it to the summer.
Cheryl had no idea what her friends and family were planning (Picture: Lewis Glover /SWNS.COM)

‘We were told in March it was going to be a matter of weeks – none of us wanted to believe it was true but we saw how poorly she was.’

Cheryl was diagnosed with bowel cancer in 2015 and received surgery and treatment before going into remission the following year.

But in 2017 her cancer returned and by March this year, she was told by doctors the disease had spread to her vital organs and she died at home on April 3.

On New Year’s Day, she created a wish list with her partner Lee Macey, her three children and four stepchildren, which included going to more concerts, milkshake nights, taking a ninja course and going to Wimbledon tennis.

On the day of the party, Cheryl wore a new dress and toured in the limo with her children Daisy and Elliott, her partner Lee and their two-year-old daughter Penelope.

They were met by Cheryl’s mum at the Stumble Inn who took her round the back to the pub garden where she was surprised by friends and family with streamers and party poppers.

Lianne said: ‘As soon as she came in, she was so overwhelmed – she just held onto Lee and said “thank you” and cuddled into him.

Collect of Cheryl's make over.Terminally ill Cheryl Calver,29, was thrown a surprise 30th birthday by her friends after being told she had just weeks to live..See National News story NNcancer. A terminally ill mum with just weeks to live was "overwhelmed" when her family threw her a surprise 30th birthday party four months early, before she lost her battle with cancer.Cheryl Calver was determined to make the most of life and celebrate her 30th birthday when she received the devastating news last month she had just weeks to live.The 29-year-old thought she was going for a family meal when beauticians turned up to give her a surprise makeover at home before she was whisked away in a white stretch limo.The former nursery worker was set to turn 30 in July but her friends and family threw the surprise birthday bash at the end of March over fears she might not make it to the summer.
Cheryl passed away just four days after the party (Picture: Lianne Dmytruk /SWNS.COM)

‘A queue formed the whole length of the garden and everybody went one by one to say hello and hugged and kissed her.

‘It was like a big train of people wanting to see the Queen, it really was emotional.

‘We had a photographer too who took photos of the whole thing and she had a beautiful pink drop cake with swirly letters on it.

‘A couple of days before, she had not really got out of bed and I was worried she was not going to make it. But once she had her hair and make up done, she really perked up.

Four days after her early birthday celebrations, Cheryl passed away at home.

‘After the party, she didn’t get out of bed – it was just so fast how quickly she deteriorated,’ said Lianne.

Collect of Cheryl's 30th birthday cake.Terminally ill Cheryl Calver,29, was thrown a surprise 30th birthday by her friends after being told she had just weeks to live..See National News story NNcancer. A terminally ill mum with just weeks to live was "overwhelmed" when her family threw her a surprise 30th birthday party four months early, before she lost her battle with cancer.Cheryl Calver was determined to make the most of life and celebrate her 30th birthday when she received the devastating news last month she had just weeks to live.The 29-year-old thought she was going for a family meal when beauticians turned up to give her a surprise makeover at home before she was whisked away in a white stretch limo.The former nursery worker was set to turn 30 in July but her friends and family threw the surprise birthday bash at the end of March over fears she might not make it to the summer.
Cheryl was told she might not make it to her actual 30th birthday in July (Picture: Lianne Dmytruk /SWNS.COM)

‘Even thought we were told it would be a matter of weeks, we were all clinging onto some hope that they were wrong.

‘But she held on because she knew she was doing something special on the Saturday when we did the party, then it was a matter of four days and she passed away.

‘After the party, the following day was Mother’s Day and the children were all round her bed.

‘They are an amazing family, they have been through so much and it has not been easy for anyone..

Cheryl’s funeral will take place on 29th April, three days after she would have celebrated her five year anniversary with boyfriend Lee.

MORE: Maid of honour forced to deal with 99 dead goldfish which bride insisted on using as wedding favours

MORE: Adidas launch environmentally friendly 100% recyclable running shoes

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The best deals you can get during the Easter Monday sales

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Logos from ARgos, Mothercare, H&M and Topshop on a pink background with Easter eggs
(Picture: Getty/Argos/H&M/Topshop/Mothercare)

Every Easter, you’re guaranteed three things.

Firstly, an abundance of chocolate eggs and an extra day off work (for most people anyway) – but also, it’s the optimal time for shopping with most retailers and supermarkets offering at least a few handsome deals.

This year is no exception, with discounts across clothing, tech, furniture and more.

Here is a selection of our top seven deals so far.

Topshop / Topman

Shoppers entering a Topshop and Topman store
(Picture: Andreas Rentz/Getty for Topshop Topman)

Don’t have a wardrobe that works for the hot weather?

You’re in luck, because Topshop and Topman is offering 20% off everything both online and in stores up until 11.59pm tonight.

Use the code SAVE20 on the brand’s website and enjoy the special Easter discount on your shopping haul.

Delivery will cost you £4, but is free if you order to collect in your local store.

Asda

Asda logo on brick wall and a shopper walking down the side of the store
(Picture: Oli Scarff/AFP/Getty)

Haven’t had your fill of Easter eggs?

You’re spoiled for choice in chocolate deals, but one of our favourite discounts includes yummy treats from Cadbury’s.

At Asda, enjoy a £4 discount with a pack of three eggs for just £8.

Choose from a range of flavours including Twirl, Wispa, Crunchie and of course, Creme Egg, among many more.

While you’re at it, grab yourself a chocolate dough ball pizza for half price at £1.50, as well as some cheap vegetables for 20p.

Mothercare

People walking past a Mothercare store
(Picture: Jason Alden/Bloomberg/Getty)

Parents have ample opportunity to pick up some fantastic pieces for the little ones at Mothercare.

The high street retailer launched a massive 3 for 2 toy sale for Easter, that will run until the end of Tuesday.

Choose from 1,200 toys and enter in the code EASTER to claim the discount online.

As if that wasn’t good enough, Mothercare is also offering a 50% off sale on many of the same toys – so you could bag a double bargain – as well as 15% off full price car seats.

Argos

Customer browses a catalogue at an Argos store
(Picture: Chris Ratcliffe/Bloomberg/Getty)

If you’re after home decorations on a small budget, give Argos a go.

From bedding to pillows, tables to lamps, you can enjoy discounts up to 20% both online and in store until 23 April.

You can also save on tech deals including Google smart home devices and the Dyson V8, now available at £299.

In addition, any shoppers who spend more than £100 over Easter will be given a £10 voucher that can be used up until 15 May, as well as a £5 voucher for any buys over £50.

H&M

Shoppers walk past an H&M display window with a large sale sign in London
(Picture: Dinendra Haria/SOPA Images/LightRocket/Getty)

Topshop isn’t the only high street clothing store offering big deals.

H&M shoppers can nab discounts of up to 70% off both in stores and online across women’s, men’s and children’s clothing.

Although it’s not technically an Easter sale – but will continue while stocks last.

B&Q

Customer browses a paint display in B&Q
(Picture: Chris Ratcliffe/Bloomberg/Getty)

Fancy a spot of gardening?

Save 20% off plants at B&Q but hurry – the deal ends at midnight (22 April).

In addition to greenery discounts, you can also find discounts on flooring and power tools, among other bits and bobs.

Homebase

Customer leaving a Homebase store that is advertising a sale with big signs outside the entrance
(Picture: Chris Ratcliffe/Bloomberg/Getty)

For those looking to do up their home over summer, Homebase is offering a 3 for 2 deal on paint, wallpaper and flooring.

Most of the stores will be open from 8am to 8pm today.

MORE: Easter Monday opening times for Morrisons, Waitrose, Asda and Iceland

MORE: Argos opening times for Good Friday, Easter Sunday and Easter Monday 2019

MORE: Happy Easter! Images, memes and quotes to celebrate this bank holiday weekend


Couple ask neighbours to cook for them and do their meal plans as they’re having their first baby

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Image of giving food to neighbours
(Picture: @JJFromTheBronx/Twitter, Getty)

Having a baby is undeniably hard; it’s not possible to do a lot of the things that you might have done before your little one came along. Like making home-cooked meals for example.

So one couple who are expecting their first child had the idea of asking their neighbours to do it for them.

Jack Jokinen, a sports writer revealed recently on Twitter that his neighbours were using an app called Nextdoor, which connects local communities, to make the request.

Calling it a ‘meal-train’ the couple said it was almost a ‘mental-health train’ to check in on them as pregnancy can be strenuous.

But those on social media felt their requests became increasingly cheeky as they detailed all their suggestions.

The couple wasn’t just asking for leftovers or nonperishable donations, they had specific recipe ideas for breakfast, lunch, and dinner as well as favourite snacks and least favourite foods.

They also asked whether people would be up for doing their household chores – without speaking to the couple.

‘Trying not to be negative, I figured maybe it’s like “if you make lasagna and make too much, we would accept it”. That would be very reasonable inside a totally unreasonable ask. But there were over 30 specific meals with recipes!’ Jack wrote on the thread.

‘This guy then tops it all off by telling us we can sign up for a day to text, and if they decide they would rather not see people.’

Jack tried to sympathise with the parents-to-be saying they may have issues people don’t know about, but he questioned why the couple wouldn’t mention it that were the case.

‘It seems like the husband is unprepared and his primary concern is his sleep. There are a lot of ways to make meals very quickly,’ wrote Jack.

A lot of people commenting on the thread said they could understand the couple wanting a bit of extra help for their newborn but couldn’t deal with all the demands.

In the note, the dad-to-be wrote: ‘Meal-train is loose. That might mean a meal or some snack staples, yes it may mean stopping by and walking our dog or doing some dishes.

‘If we could use some food but prefer no distractions, I’ll put a big white cooler in our side yard.’

Some said, as adults, the parents needed to own their responsibilities instead of depending on handouts.

Others said there was nothing wrong with asking for help. One woman wrote: ‘What’s the big deal? A neighbourhood of folks who know and care about each other is great. I love it.’

Luckily for the couple, at least one person has responded to the request and offered to help.

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‘Ethical taxidermist’ only stuffs roadkill as she doesn’t want animals to die for her hobby

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'Ethical taxidermist' only stuffs roadkill as she doesn't want animals to die for her hobby
(Picture: MDWfeatures / Meghan Cunningham)

Meghan Cunningham, from Mississippi, U.S, once worked in the beauty industry but after seeing a taxidermy tutorial, she became more interested in creating looks for animals rather than people.

So the 38-year-old switched careers to become a taxidermist – someone who stuffs animal skins to create a lifelike effect. But Meghan wanted to do it ethically.

So she left beauty school and began sourcing dead wildlife to begin her new hobby.

The first dead animals Meghan found were roadkill, which she still uses frequently. Luckily for her, she lives near a farm with her husband Bryan, so finding dead animals to stuff isn’t too difficult.

And unlike traditional taxidermists, Meghan doesn’t mount trophy animals, preferring to mount rabbits, squirrels, house cats, possums and bobcats.

Meghan estimates that she has mounted over 700 animals, all in unique poses which include rollerskating, lifting weights, or a cat with wings.

Stuffed kitten with a whip
Meghan calls this one ‘kitten with a whip’ (Picture: MDWfeatures / Meghan Cunningham)

‘My taxidermy career began by watching a video at a friend’s house,’ explained Meghan.

‘Being quite intrigued after watching the video, I began to figure out ways to find ethically sourced animals to reanimate in my own special way.

‘I try to honour each animal that crosses my table. I don’t want them to just go in the bin, I want to give them a new life and bring happiness to people through my artwork.’

Meghan creating one of her projects
Meghan creating one of her projects (Picture: MDWfeatures / Meghan Cunningham)

The taxidermy process begins with skinning the animal, fleshing it, washing the animal and then preserving it with a compound element. Then the hide must be stretched to a custom form.

After the mounting process is complete you have to wait for the hide to dry, which can take up to three weeks depending on the thickness of the fur and the temperature.

‘I don’t use commercial forms, or if I do, I radically modify them to be true to my artistic vision. I wouldn’t be happy with a bobcat unless it was roller-skating or flying through the air with antlers,’ added Meghan.

‘I then usually build sets and clothes to accentuate the piece.’

Meghan holding a cat with wings
(Picture: MDWfeatures / Meghan Cunningham)

Meghan gave some of her early work to her friends who then spread the message about her artwork, and she has since sold her pieces at markets and folk-art festivals.

She has mounted animals such as roadkill possums, house cats, baby pygmy goats and bobcats. She recently worked on a foetal pig from a wild boar.

‘People’s reactions to my work are usually that of shock and awe. At first, they’re amazed that I created the piece and that it’s a real animal.

Meghan creating one of her projects
(Picture: MDWfeatures / Meghan Cunningham)

‘The most difficult thing I deal with in my occupation is ignorance. Firstly, people are shocked that I, a woman, am responsible for the piece of taxidermy.

‘Second, people are shocked that it’s an actual dead animal, and thirdly, people are shocked that I procured the animal in an ethical way.

She added: ‘My favourite piece I’ve worked on would be my carousel of squirrels. I really enjoy what I do and I’m very fortunate to have created a niche for myself in the art world.’

Here are few more of Meghan’s creations:

A squirrel appearing to lift weights
(Picture: MDWfeatures / Meghan Cunningham)
Meghan created a mysterious jackalope
(Picture: MDWfeatures / Meghan Cunningham)
Roller skating bobcat
(Picture: MDWfeatures / Meghan Cunningham)
A carousel of squirrels
(Picture: MDWfeatures / Meghan Cunningham)
A dead bobcat on a set beside a piano
(Picture: MDWfeatures / Meghan Cunningham)
Meghan creating one of her projects
(Picture: MDWfeatures / Meghan Cunningham)
Meghan creating one of her projects
(Picture: MDWfeatures / Meghan Cunningham)

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You can now buy eco-friendly loo roll made entirely out of bamboo

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Who Gives A Crap,a new eco-friendly loo roll, is giving people the real feel-good factor which is "seriously soft" and made with 100 percent forest friendly bamboo .See National News story NNpaper. A new eco-friendly loo roll is giving people the real feel-good factor which is "seriously soft" and made with 100 per cent forest friendly bamboo.Who Gives A Crap claim their bamboo toilet paper is "like wiping with clouds" yet the premium rolls are also vegan and made without harming a single tree.Other bamboo products include tissues and kitchen roll, which are blended together with sugarcane fibres, and 50 per cent of profits are donated to building toilets across the globe.The company website is bursting with witty toilet jokes encouraging people to "stop wiping with trees" and "do good with their bum."
(Picture: Who Gives A Crap /SWNS.COM)

A new eco-friendly loo roll that is apparently ‘seriously soft’, despite being made entirely out of bamboo, is now available to buy.

Who Gives A Crap claim their bamboo toilet paper is ‘like wiping with clouds’ yet the premium rolls are also vegan and made without harming a single tree.

Other bamboo products include tissues and kitchen roll, which are blended together with sugarcane fibres, and 50% of profits are donated to building toilets across the globe.

The company website is bursting with witty toilet jokes encouraging people to ‘stop wiping with trees’ and ‘do good with their bum.’

A company spokesperson said: ‘Bamboo is a great sustainable option because it’s naturally fast growing and rapidly renewable.

Who Gives A Crap,a new eco-friendly loo roll, is giving people the real feel-good factor which is "seriously soft" and made with 100 percent forest friendly bamboo .See National News story NNpaper. A new eco-friendly loo roll is giving people the real feel-good factor which is "seriously soft" and made with 100 per cent forest friendly bamboo.Who Gives A Crap claim their bamboo toilet paper is "like wiping with clouds" yet the premium rolls are also vegan and made without harming a single tree.Other bamboo products include tissues and kitchen roll, which are blended together with sugarcane fibres, and 50 per cent of profits are donated to building toilets across the globe.The company website is bursting with witty toilet jokes encouraging people to "stop wiping with trees" and "do good with their bum."
(Picture: Who Gives A Crap /SWNS.COM)

‘It requires no tending, irrigation or fertilisation and only needs to be harvested once a year – it grows back very quickly after harvesting because it’s technically a grass.

‘It also uses far less land than trees and produces less particulate matter and CO2 emissions per tonne of paper produced.

‘Using bamboo has helped us create a toilet paper that’s as strong and soft as anything you’d find in the supermarket – well, at least as strong as anything outside of yesterday’s bread. Those rolls are like rocks.’

The bamboo is mostly grown by farmers in remote areas of China, where it is harvested, chipped and sent to local pulp factories.

A home delivered box of 48 double length premium bamboo rolls costs £40 and bulk buy offers include a 960 rolls for £620.

Customers are ‘amazed’ by the alternative toilet paper which they claim does not fall apart ‘under any duress.’

Verified buyer Melanie S said: ‘We love your bamboo loo paper which cleans a lot of crap and is not made of sh*t. Keep up the good wipes.’

Customer Ania K added: ‘First impression was amazing – the paper is packed in beautiful paper, that you can re-use if you do any crafts.

Who Gives A Crap,a new eco-friendly loo roll, is giving people the real feel-good factor which is "seriously soft" and made with 100 percent forest friendly bamboo .See National News story NNpaper. A new eco-friendly loo roll is giving people the real feel-good factor which is "seriously soft" and made with 100 per cent forest friendly bamboo.Who Gives A Crap claim their bamboo toilet paper is "like wiping with clouds" yet the premium rolls are also vegan and made without harming a single tree.Other bamboo products include tissues and kitchen roll, which are blended together with sugarcane fibres, and 50 per cent of profits are donated to building toilets across the globe.The company website is bursting with witty toilet jokes encouraging people to "stop wiping with trees" and "do good with their bum."
(Picture: Who Gives A Crap /SWNS.COM)

‘I feel like I won’t buy anything but bamboo in my life ever again.’

Other tree free products include forest friendly tissues and kitchen roll and 100% recycled toilet paper made without inks, dyes or scents and using glue made from starch and water.

Half of profits are donated to help build toilets across the globe in a bid to help the 2.3 billion people without access to a toilet across the globe, equivalent to 40% of the world’s population.

A company spokesperson added: ‘We’re determined to prove that toilet paper is about more than just wiping bums.

‘We make all of our products with environmentally friendly materials and we donate 50% of our profits to help build toilets for those in need.

‘The processing of bamboo is all very localised. Unlike industrial agriculture, no vast areas of land is cleared.’

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How did the Aperol Spritz become the most iconic drink of the summer?

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An Aperol Spritz
(Picture: Aperol)

The Easter weekend might be coming to an end, but the sun is still shining and that can only mean one thing. It’s Aperol Spritz time.

The refreshing, orange drink has become a staple of British summertime – and a favourite of Brits abroad.

You only have to sweep your eyes across an alfresco cafe to see the vibrant beverage dotted everywhere among the tables.

Could it be the Instagrammability of this colourful cocktail that has caused us to fall in love en masse?

A snapshot of chilled glass glinting in the sunshine with beads of dewy condensation has to be the perfect summer aesthetic for your socials.

But where does the Aperol Spritz come from and why is it so damn popular all of a sudden? We did some digging to find out.

https://www.instagram.com/p/Bwjce48A2gc/?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet

https://www.instagram.com/p/BwjeqdxDnqt/?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet

Where does the Aperol Spritz originate from?

Online buzz has seen the Aperol Spritz surge in popularity and it is set to once again be one of our favourite cocktails for the summer.

But for starters, it’s not that new by any stretch of the imagination – in fact, the drink has been around for more than 100 years.

A bar tender serving Aperols Spritz's
Aperol has been around for more than 100 years (Picture: Aperol)

An Aperol Spritz is an aperitif cocktail that originated in Italy – which is the home of the base aperitif, Aperol, similar to Campari.

It never started out as a cocktail at all, but was marketed as a sleek and classy aperitif.

Aperol was created in the years between 1912 and 1919 by the Barbieri brothers, Luigi and Silvio, when they took over their father’s liquor company in 1912.

The alcohol itself is made from a blend of rhubarb, gentian and cinchona, and was originally marketed in the 20s and 30s as a drink for ‘women and sporty people’ since it had a low alcohol rate.

Aperol Spritz - nutrition

There are around 125 calories in a standard Aperol Spritz:

60ml Prosecco = 40 calories

35ml Aperol = 85 calories

Soda water = 0 calories

It is also a low-strength spirit at 11% compared to 40% in standard spirits. So it’s a good option if you’re looking to cut down on your alcohol intake.

The drink then capitalised on the ‘Spritz’ element when it introduced Prosecco to the mixture in the 1950s, popularising it as a cocktail aperitif.

However, it wasn’t until the early 2000s that it became a popular endorsement for Italy and was commercially known worldwide through celebrity endorsements such as actors Amanda Rosa Da Silva and, much more recently, Benedict Cumberbatch.

How do you make an Aperol Spritz?

Naturally, the method varies from person to person – but the recipe is very simple.

The cocktail follows a simple 3-2-1 rule: 3 parts Prosecco, 2 parts Aperol and 1 part soda water.

To begin on the Spritz, you start by filling a wine glass or a tumbler with ice.

You then pour some Prosecco half way up the glass. Then pour the Aperol the remainder of the glass to fill it up.

Then you top with soda water and garnish with a lime wedge. Or orange slice. Or what ever your citric fancy.

And there we have it – a taste of Italy wherever you go. And perfect content for the ‘gram as well.

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Woman becomes local legend after working at KFC for 41 years

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Long serving KFC employee Pauline has worked in Taunton's KFC for an incredible 41 years. See SWNS story SWBRkfc; A woman has worked at KFC for 41 YEARS serving up over five MILLION drumsticks - and has no plans to retire. Dedicated Pauline Richards, 68, started at the branch in Taunton in Somerset in 1978. She has worked nearly every possible role at the fast food branch including a cleaner, cashier, supervisor, manager and team leader. Because she "always serves with a smile" and has a "bit of banter" with customers at the East Street branch has become a cult hero in the town. The team member revealed children, regular diners, residents and even cricketers would call her "Miss KFC". She said: "When I go out for a break, children would shout over to me 'Hello Miss KFC' and call me 'Mum' and 'Nan'.
(Picture: Len Copland / SWNS)

A woman has worked at KFC for 41 years and has served up more than five million drumsticks – and she has no plans to retire.

Dedicated Pauline Richards, 68, started at the branch in Taunton in Somerset in 1978.

She has worked nearly every possible role at the fast food branch including a cleaner, cashier, supervisor, manager and team leader.

Because she ‘always serves with a smile’ and has a ‘bit of banter’ with customers at the East Street branch, she has become a cult hero in the town.

The team member revealed children, regular diners and residents would call her ‘Miss KFC’.

She said: ‘When I go out for a break, children would shout over to me, “Hello Miss KFC” and call me “Mum” and “Nan”.

‘Even on a Friday and Saturday night here, you get customers and some young boys start singing my name out and they are pleased to see me.

‘When I’m not in, they (the customers) are asking where I am. If I’ve been out, I get people asking why I’m not working tonight.’

Pauline began working for KFC in the 70s to support her friend at the former branch on East Reach.

Long serving KFC employee Pauline has worked in Taunton's KFC for an incredible 41 years. See SWNS story SWBRkfc; A woman has worked at KFC for 41 YEARS serving up over five MILLION drumsticks - and has no plans to retire. Dedicated Pauline Richards, 68, started at the branch in Taunton in Somerset in 1978. She has worked nearly every possible role at the fast food branch including a cleaner, cashier, supervisor, manager and team leader. Because she "always serves with a smile" and has a "bit of banter" with customers at the East Street branch has become a cult hero in the town. The team member revealed children, regular diners, residents and even cricketers would call her "Miss KFC". She said: "When I go out for a break, children would shout over to me 'Hello Miss KFC' and call me 'Mum' and 'Nan'.
(Picture: Len Copland / SWNS)

‘I started with a friend of mine called Roz who worked at East Reach in the old KFC’, she said.

‘She was a bit nervous of going into the old building because it was creepy.

‘She asked the general manager, Mr Walker, if it was OK for me to come into the store and work with her. He agreed.

‘I worked for a few months with Roz and when she decided to work on the front serving customers with her sister, Rose, I did the cleaning temporarily.’

After initially becoming a cleaner, Pauline became a cashier at the front and took hungry customers’ orders before helping to cook the food.

She recalled how cooking methods were different nearly 40 years ago, remarking: ‘We cooked the hot wings in the pots in those days and breaded them all up and put the BBQ sauce on.’

During her employment, she worked her way up to becoming a manager for two-and-half years.

When the East Reach branch closed, she moved to the current KFC on East Street and decided to take it a little easier and become a team member.

Pauline explained how a typical shift sees her serve customers, prepare orders, look after the diners and clean the restaurant.

She said she always aims to ‘help them out to the best I can’.

She said: ‘A lot of people say, “don’t ever leave”.

‘They say you know what you’re talking about, you help me out, and you’re always friendly.

Pauline Richards with general manager, Alice Yarde. See SWNS story SWBRkfc; A woman has worked at KFC for 41 YEARS serving up over five MILLION drumsticks - and has no plans to retire. Dedicated Pauline Richards, 68, started at the branch in Taunton in Somerset in 1978. She has worked nearly every possible role at the fast food branch including a cleaner, cashier, supervisor, manager and team leader. Because she "always serves with a smile" and has a "bit of banter" with customers at the East Street branch has become a cult hero in the town. The team member revealed children, regular diners, residents and even cricketers would call her "Miss KFC". She said: "When I go out for a break, children would shout over to me 'Hello Miss KFC' and call me 'Mum' and 'Nan'.
(Picture: Len Copland / SWNS)

‘I always make sure I get peoples’ orders right. I think that is a good thing for the customers.

‘I love my job. Customers I have always spoken to and I have been friendly with and I have always tried to help as best I can and this job has always suited my life.’

Pauline said she would do ‘anything’ for customers and recalled a time where someone said she felt ‘intimidated by some youngsters’ and couldn’t enter the store.

To help her, Pauline received her order and hand delivered her food outside of the branch.

The customer’s reaction touched Pauline, as she recalled: ‘She thanked me very much. She sent a letter to say thank you.

‘The next time she came in, she gave me a box of chocolates which meant a lot for me.’

Her constant presence at the East Street store over the years has earned Pauline celebrity status in Taunton.

One of Pauline’s many talents is the ability to remember customers’ orders to either remind them of a previous meal or pre-prepare an order for a regular diner.

She says she’s able to do this due to the fact she’s always working.

After 41 years of loyal service to the fast food joint, Pauline has said there are a range of reasons why she isn’t thinking of retirement yet.

‘I love my job,’ she said.

‘Customers I have always spoken to and I have been friendly with and I have always tried to help as best I can and this job has always suited my life.

‘I do want to say thank you to my customers that I have been friends with and I really appreciate it.’

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Tesco takes on John Lewis with similar homeware products – and they’re much cheaper

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Left: Ronda Round Hanging Mirror, Dia.50cm, Brass, £95, John Lewis & Partners Right: Fox & Ivy Faux Leather Handle Mirror, £15, Tesco (in stores only)
(Picture: John Lewis/Tesco)

All is fair in love and competitive pricing right?

That certainly seems to be the case as Tesco launch a new range of luxury homeware products that look uncannily similar to products sold by John Lewis.

And the bets news is that Tesco’s versions are much, much cheaper with savings of as much as £286.

It comes as the new Fox & Ivy Collection from Tesco has landed in stores, and it seems many of the items are dead ringers for must-have pieces from John Lewis and Partners.

So what exactly do these products have in common? Let’s have a look.

There’s the mirror which is pictured above – the John Lewis items are all on the left of our images.

The Fox & Ivy Faux Leather Handle Mirror is being sold at £15 at Tesco (in stores only) but the John Lewis & Partners Ronda Hanging Mirror, is going for six times more at £95. Bargain.

Next up, the cushion.

We don’t know about you, but we can’t tell the difference between Mongolian Sheepskin and its cheaper alternate.

Left: John Lewis & Partners Mongolian Sheepskin Cushion, £60. Right: Mongolian Faux Fur Cushion, £10
(Picture: John Lewis/Tesco)

John Lewis & Partners are pricing their Mongolian Sheepskin Cushion at £60 while Tesco’s faux counterpart, Mongolian Faux Fur, is £10.

Depending on how well you sleep, you might be to tell the difference between two differently priced luxury duvet sets.

But if you are not a thread-count connoisseur you might opt for Tesco’s Fox & Ivy Navy Bouquet Double Duvet Set at £26 rather than the Nerine Duvet Cover Set, Carbon Blue, at £70 from John Lewis & Partners.

Left: Nerine Duvet Cover Set, Carbon Blue, £70 for a double, John Lewis & Partners. Right: Fox & Ivy Navy Bouquet Double Duvet Set, £26, Tesco ( in store only)
(Picture: John Lewis/Fox & Ivy/Tesco)

Or, if you need to furnish your desks and bedside tables and need to the cash to stretch, the Ochre Adjustable Desk Lamp is available at Tesco stores for £16.

Left: Anglepoise Type 75 Margaret Howell Edition Desk Lamp, Yellow Ochre, £128, John Lewis & Partners. Right: Ochre Adjustable Desk Lamp, £16, Tesco ( in store only)
(Picture: John Lewis/Tesco)

Unless an Anglepoise Type 75 Margaret Howell Edition Desk Lamp, Yellow Ochre from John Lewis & Partners at £28 might be more to your fancy.

When it comes to value for money, it looks like Tesco might have come out on top.

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Tesco launches ‘vegan sausage roll’ to compete with Greggs

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The Gregg's Vegan Sausage Roll
The Gregg’s Vegan Sausage Roll landed earlier this year (Picture: Getty/ Rex)

Back in January, Greggs launched its, now iconic, vegan sausage roll. And everyone lost it.

There were critics, there were instant stans, Piers Morgan threw up in a bin. It’s safe to say that people had opinions about this meat-free baked good.

Now Tesco has launched a meat-free sausage roll in a bid to keep up with the high street bakery.

Which is great news because Greggs’ version has proved so damn popular they are often sold out.

Tesco’s roll doesn’t contain any meat or dairy, making it vegan. Instead, it features puff pastry filled with a soya-based Lincolnshire-style sausage seasoned with sage and onion.

The new savoury snack will be available from in-store bakeries from Easter Monday at a cost of 75p – cheaper than the Greggs vegan roll which will set you back £1.

a Greggs vegan sausage roll lays on a table
The Greggs Sausage Rolls can be hard to get hold of (Picture: Getty)

The move comes as increasing numbers of big food brands and restaurants work to make their menus more vegetarian and vegan friendly.

Burger King recently launched the meatless ‘Impossible Whopper’, which is vegetarian, but not vegan, and made from plant-based patties that aim to mimic the look, taste and feel of real meat.

Holland & Barrett have also launched three new vegan ice creams using coconut and avocado rather than dairy, in peanut butter, passion fruit and salted caramel flavours.

Up until now, Greggs had firmly established themselves as the kings of the meat-free sausage roll – we tried it and we loved it. But the time is nigh for some healthy competition.

And when it comes to vegan alternatives – the demand is certainly growing.

MORE: Woman becomes local legend after working at KFC for 41 years

MORE: How did the Aperol Spritz become the most iconic drink of the summer?

MORE: You can now buy eco-friendly loo roll made entirely out of bamboo


Jude’s has launched a new range of ice lollies made from fruit and vegetables

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Jude's fruit and veg lollies
(Picture: Jude’s)

Independent ice cream brand Jude’s has launched a new range of ice lollies made with both fruits and vegetables.

The Fruit & Veg Rockets are made with entirely naturally sourced ingredients and no refined sugar.

The launch comes alongside a range of healthier products aimed at children, alongside the company’s existing frozen milk lollies and two different flavoured milks.

Jude’s also has a range of premium ice cream for adults, with flavours such as caramel-pecan and black coconut, as well as a range of mini ice creak sticks.

The new lollies are a healthier choice for children who want an icy snack during warmer weather.

They contain just 32 calories and less than 10% sugar, making them the lowest sugar content frozen treat on the market, according to the brand.

Jude's fruit and veg lollies
(Picture: Jude’s)

The lollies are also 46% below Public Health England’s recommended sugar levels for children’s ice cream products by 2020 and under the recommended sugar levels for yogurts as part of the Childhood Obesity Plan.

Jude’s managing director Chow Mezger said: ‘The Little Jude’s fruit and veg rocket Lollies address [the] sugar concerns of parents, with less sugar than your average yogurt.

‘They are also a fun and tasty way for children to get nutrients from fruit and veg, which can often be a challenge! We’re proud to be leading the way and offering parents and kids a delicious, healthier everyday treat.’

The healthier treats will be available in Sainsbury’s, with a pack of six costing £3.59.

You’ll be able to buy them from 5th May.

MORE: Woman becomes local legend after working at KFC for 41 years

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Is it normal to grow hair on a pregnant belly?

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is it normal to grow excess body hair while pregnant?
(Picture: Shutterstock;Instagram/staceysoloman)

Loose Women presenter Stacey Solomon recently revealed she was worried she might be giving birth to a Furby after discovering ‘thick, wiry black’ hairs sprouting out of her baby bump.

In a picture she posted on her Instagram short dark hairs could be seen surrounding her bellybutton.

Followers of her account said they also experience hair growth during pregnancy while some said they noticed it happened more when they were carrying girls.

Hair growth during pregnancy, whether excessive or mild, is very common.

The hormonal changes can instigate it and in a lot of cases, the extra hair that may grow around the stomach usually disappears after giving birth, according to the  American College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists.

‘The hormone changes in pregnancy may cause the hair on your head and body to grow or become thicker,’ it says online.

‘Sometimes women grow hair in areas where they do not normally have hair, such as the face, chest, abdomen, and arms. Your hair should return to normal within six months after giving birth.’

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Healthline says when you’re pregnant, your body goes through sudden, dramatic hormonal fluctuations.

This includes a rapid increase in oestrogen, which is largely responsible for belly hair during pregnancy. You might notice that these new hairs are thicker and darker than the hair on your head.

Some people say sudden hair growth signals the gender – but this is unfounded.

Extra hair should go away post childbirth but if it doesn’t or seems to be spreading or getting thicker, follow up with your doctor.

They may want to do a blood test to make sure the extra hair isn’t due to an underlying condition, such as: Cushing syndrome, Acromegaly or a tumour near your ovaries or adrenal glands.

In extreme cases, excessive hair growth may be a sign of hyperandrogenism – a condition characterised by excessive levels of androgens.

One of the causes of hyperandrogenism may be polycystic ovarian syndrome. See a doctor if you notice a lot of growth.

In most cases though, extra body hair is harmless and can be removed if the mother wants, by shaving, plucking, or waxing which are usually safe for pregnant women.

MORE: Can you dye your hair when you’re pregnant?

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A self-proclaimed Creme Egg addict has gone and got herself a Creme Egg tattoo

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Jennifer is obsessed with Creme Eggs
(Picture: Caters News)

A self-proclaimed Creme Egg addict – who has spent over £4,000 on the eggs – has got a tattoo of one on her back.

30-year-old Jennifer Crockill, from Liverpool, has loved Creme Eggs ever since childhood, even eating one every single day.

She loves them so much that she decided to get a tattoo of one on her lower back.

Jennifer, a railway engineer, said: ‘I’ve loved creme eggs since I was child; my mum would always go out of her way to get me some knowing that they were my favourite.

Jennifer has had hundreds of creme eggs over the years
(Picture: Caters News)

‘At one point, I’d eat a Cream Egg everyday, I did this for 10 years which is around 3650 eggs in total.

‘I have a few tattoos and was looking for some inspiration for a new one when I asked my usual tattoo artist, Sharron, if she’d do a creme egg on me – she of course said yes, and the rest is history.

‘All of my friends know about my tattoo, they’re forever taking the mick out of me for it!’

Jennifer openly admits she is ‘obsessed’ with the Cadbury egg and currently has every Creme Egg product stocked up in her house – ranging from Creme Egg yoghurts, ice cream, to Easter eggs and mini egg share bags.

So she decided to get a creme egg tattoo!
(Picture: Caters News)

She added: ‘My husband often jokes that if I had to choose between him and Creme Eggs, that I’d pick them over him!

‘At one point, I was eating them so much that I’d often hide when eating them or wait for people to not be around because I was so embarrassed of my obsession for them.

‘I’ve managed to calm in down a bit recently though as I’m part of a weight loss group, so can’t have as many as I used to.’

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People are ditching clothes for glitter bras at Coachella

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Kari Cassandra wears a glitter bra at Coachella
(Picture: karicassandra)

The craze for all things glitter has been going strong for so long that it’s no surprise the sparkly stuff would replace clothes entirely.

Over at Coachellathe place to debut all upcoming festival trends – people are swapping tie-dye tops for bralettes made of stick-on gemstones, sparkling tape, and lots and lots of glitter.

To be clear, the glitter isn’t being used to make actual, proper bras. Instead it’s just stuck on the body to create the look of a bra.

It’s not at all supportive, and isn’t ideal for anyone with boobs big enough to cause back pain when unleashed from an underwire.

But the trend is slightly different from the glitter boobs you saw last year and the year before. Rather than just aimlessly sticking bits of plastic to your breasts, the idea is to create fake straps and a symmetrical design so that at first glance, it really does look like you’re wearing a top, with your nipples covered by larger gems.

https://www.instagram.com/p/BwSYuRilKwx/

The look has been spotted all over influencers’ Instagrams, which of course don’t feature the arduous process of getting a glitter bra stuck on.

Most influencers appear to have their glitter bra done by a professional, which explains the perfect symmetry of the designs and how someone could actually be bothered to stick that many gems on skin.

https://www.instagram.com/p/BwAiLV2nPh_/

We wouldn’t recommend creating the look all by yourself. You’ll likely strain your neck trying to look down at your own chest, and the hours it’d take to entirely cover your top half could be better spent just buying yourself a sequinned top or, you know, actually enjoying the music at the festival you’re attending.

Instagram photos also don’t capture the longterm wear of glitter bras, which we imagine become quite a bit of faff after you pose for that perfect shot in the golden hour.

Think of the sweat, gradually unsticking key components of the only thing you’re wearing on top.

https://www.instagram.com/p/BvsRinDlPps/

Think of the hassle of trying to replace each bit of glitter that comes off as you’re jostled in the crowds.

And lord, think of the tanlines.

We don’t want to sound like negative nancies, but we really think this is one of those trends that’s only suitable for the ‘gram, not an actual day spent enjoying a festival.

How can you enjoy a set from Lizzo when you’re worried the gem covering your right nipple will pop off while you dance to Juice?

https://www.instagram.com/p/BvudzTahxb4/

Our recommendation: either get an actual physical bra and cover it with glitter (at least when the glitter wears off you’ll still be wearing a bra), or accept that all your hard work is for stunting on the ‘gram.

Pack a T-shirt in your fanny pack for the inevitable moment your glitter bra is just a scattering of sparkle on your ribcage.

Oh, and best of luck washing all that glitter off if you do go the whole hog with your own set of glitter lingerie. You’ll be sparkling for months.

MORE: Showing your bum in buttless chaps is a massive trend over at Coachella

MORE: Forget flower crowns and crop tops, you just need a bit of tape for the perfect Coachella outfit

MORE: Everyone at Coachella is wearing chainmail and we love it

Wedding dress slammed for looking like a ‘used tampon’

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wedding dress has a dip-dye design that makes it look like a used tampon
(Picture: Facebook/Dresswomen.com)

People can be intensely critical when it comes to wedding dresses.

But while quibbles with sheerness and hemlines can be dismissed as just part and parcel of the stress of wedding dress shopping, the bashing of this particular gown might seem a tad more justified.

It’s also far more entertaining.

Over in a wedding shaming Facebook group, a woman has shared a photo of a bride’s dress, asking: ‘am I the only one that thinks tampon?’

She is not the only one.

The dress features a dip-dye effect, going from classic white on top to red, to a deep burgundy at the bottom.

That combination of dark red with pristine white is pretty evocative of a used tampon, you have to admit.

Ombre Wedding Dress Product picture
(Picture: Dressywomen.com)

If that’s the look the bride is going for, fantastic. We approve of a period themed wedding. But we doubt that’s the case.

‘Some dip dye dresses look good,’ wrote one commenter. ‘This is NOT one of those.’

On the website selling the dress, images show some purple right on the hemline, which does reduce some of the menstruation connotations. But in certain lighting, that nice ombre effect just looks like blood spreading up the fabric.

This isn’t the first time a red dip-dye effect has had a vaginal effect.

Just this weekend we all cackled at a bikini from M&S featuring a red patch right on the crotch, creating the very stylish look of having a period leak while at the beach.

A note to all: dip-dye is glorious, but when red is involved it’s going to look like blood. Be careful out there, and perhaps consider lilac or a nice shade of sky blue.

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