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PrettyLittleThing is selling visors for those who think welding glasses are a lowkey fashion look

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Visor sunglasses
The fashion retailer is selling visors for £12-£15 (Picture: PrettyLittleThing)

Sunglasses are so last year. Why cover your eyes when you could cover your whole face?

If that’s the kind of protection you want from the sun then PrettyLittleThing has just the summer staple sorted.

The online fashion retailer is selling visor glasses that cover your eyes, nose, and even lips, which will come in handy for those windier days when things keep flying into your face and sticking to your lipgloss.

But those on social media couldn’t help but point out that the sunnies are reminiscent of welding glasses.

On its website, PLT is offering three different types: the £10 Revo Lens Visor Sunglasses which are available in blue and pink; the Back Frame Revo Lens VIisors which come in black, green or pink for £12; and a Silver Revo Visor at a slightly higher price of £15.

The Revo Visor comes with an adjustable strap emblazoned with PrettyLittleThing so others know where they can get the fierce welding look.

The brand said the sunglasses ‘give your look an extra touch’, adding that they were the ‘perfect addition for festival season.’

One person wrote: ‘Imagine meeting your pal and they’ve rocked up in a pair of f*****g welding glasses? NOPE.’

While another said: ‘PrettyLittleThing bringing out glasses like you’re about to start up a bunsen burner.’

‘Excuse me PLT, why are you selling welding glasses??’ asked another.

Don’t knock the styles though, as sports-inspired eyewear accessories are starting to take off. Fashionistas including Rihanna and Kim Kardashian have been known to sport the odd ski sunglasses which are similar to PLT’s visors.

People may be making fun of the items but at least they do the job and protect from UV rays.

So go forth and enjoy your welding visors, all.

MORE: Huawei set to release smart sunglasses which are surprisingly stylish

MORE: Are these sunglasses the worst thing you have ever seen?

MORE: Woman says her PrettyLittleThing dress is so poorly designed she can’t fit her head through it


Asda launches chicken kebab pizza

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The new Asda Kebab Pizza
It’s the perfect night out takeaway (Picture: Asda)

One of the hardest decisions after a night out is deciding which takeaway to get on the way home.

Do you go for a pizza, or a kebab?

Well now, thanks to Asda, you can get both together.

The supermarket is launching a Chicken Kebab Pizza and it costs just £2.50.

The 10-inch pizza features hot and spicy chicken and fresh jalapeños, with garlic mayonnaise and chilli sauce. Yum.

The pizza became available yesterday, 10 June, and we think it’s the perfect food option for your night out this weekend.

An Asda spokesperson said: ‘At Asda, we love creating unique pizzas that bring something different to the counter and our customers’ dining tables.

‘This summer, we’ve merged two of the most popular takeaway items and created the ultimate hybrid – perfect for enjoying on lazy evenings in the sun or with friends on a weekend.’

The new malibu can, pink lemonade with rum
We hope it’s as tasty as it is pretty (Picture: Malibu)

In other Asda news, the store has just started selling cans of alcoholic fizzy pink lemonade.

The cans are made using pink lemonade, Caribbean rum and coconut liqueur.

The pre-mixed product features a ‘sparkling blend of fizzy pink lemonade with coconut, with a slight sweetness and the distinctive character of Malibu Caribbean rum’.

The cans are currently available for £1.80 in Asda, Tesco and Sainsbury’s.

MORE: Mum slams Claire’s Accessories for daughter’s £45 ear piercing becoming infected

MORE: What I Rent: Fiona and Alex, £650 a month for a two-bedroom house in Farnley, Leeds

Lidl is selling a hammock for £6.99 so you can pretend you’re on holiday year-round

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Lidl is selling a hammock for £6.99
If you need me, I shall be in my hammock (Picture: Lidl)

If you’ve never experienced the pure bliss of lounging in a hammock, book in one hand, cocktail in another, you’re missing out.

It’s a truly peaceful experience.

Just ignore the awkwardness of getting into the damn thing.

For a long time our joyful hammock moments have only been possible on holiday, when we happen to have booked an Airbnb with a massive garden and some trees.

But no more (possibly… with some caveats).

Lidl is now selling a hammock for the bargain price of £6.99, meaning it can be hammock time year round.

It’s a pretty nice hammock, too, available in blue, green or brown. Lidl describes it as a ‘large, comfortable surface area for relaxing’ (sounds good to us) made of ‘sturdy and durable fabric with a high cotton content’.

It’s only suitable for one person at a time, though, so clingy couples may want to look elsewhere. It can hold 150kg, though, so you cat should be able to join you in your laidback hammock snooze.

Lidl hammock
The dream (Picture: Lidl)

To suspend your hammock, you just loop the two suspension bits at the end around something strong and sturdy.

That’s where you might fall into some issues… does anyone actually have a garden big enough for two large trees sat the perfect distance apart?

Would it really be a wise idea to nail a hammock to the walls in your rented property? We think not.

Ponder these things before you buy a hammock, we urge you.

Yes, £6.99 may be a bargain, but it’s pointless if you’ve got nowhere to hang your hammock.

We’d recommend only buying one if you’re one of the blessed few with a garden and something stable enough to hold your hammock without a wobble, or you’re heading on a beach holiday and don’t want to count on your accommodation providing comfortable seating.

For us, that means a farewell to our hammock dreams. If anyone’s buying, though, we’d love to create some sort of rent-a-hammock deal? We could really do with that level of chill, without fearing for our flat deposit.

MORE: Aldi scraps plastic bags in all stores for compostable or paper ones instead

MORE: Lidl launches gin festival in time for the Bank Holiday

MORE: What I Rent: Fiona and Alex, £650 a month for a two-bedroom house in Farnley, Leeds

7 dream Father’s Day holiday destinations for dads who love to travel

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Forget the cliché gift sets, treat dad to a holiday he’ll never forget this year. Dads often say they already have everything they need – but there’s one thing they can’t ever have enough of, and that’s quality time.

Book him in for a getaway that promises quality time together doing something he loves (even if he has to pay, sorry Dad).

Whether it’s pedalling through Spain, driving a Formula 1 race car in Bahrain, or golfing at Tiger Woods’ favourite course in Mexico – here are our top Father’s Day experiences from around the world.

Golfing, Gastronomy and Whale Watching

Nobu Hotel Los Cabos
(Picture: Nobu Hotel Los Cabos)

Brand new this month, Nobu Hotel Los Cabos is a beachfront paradise for trendy dads, located on the southernmost tip of the Baja Peninsula.

With stylish resort oozes Japanese Beach Chic, and is surrounded by the world-famous Diamante golf course, designed by Tiger Woods – perfect for serious golfing aficionados.

What’s more, when tired out by a day of golfing, the hotel’s location allows for spectacular whale watching, moments from the shore. With humpback and grey whales coming close to the shore, guests of Nobu Hotel Los Cabos can be taken out by boat and feel close enough to touch these beautiful creatures – turning a trip away into a cherished, life-long, father’s day memory.

For Father’s Day – stay 4 nights and pay 3 nights. Applies for bookings made from May 15 to June 30, 2019, and traveling through June 30, 2020. (Blackout dates may apply)  loscabos.nobuhotels.com

The Luxe Gentleman’s Getaway

Velaa Private Island Resort in the Maldives
(Picture: Velaa Private Island Resort)

OK, so this one is the ultimate.

Playing a round of golf with breathtaking views of a cerulean sea, sipping an award-winning vintage scotch on a white sandy beach, selecting the perfect bottle of wine from the Maldives’ largest wine cellar, enjoying a private submarine exhibition following a morning of jet skiing or savouring a world class cigar looking out on to one of the most beautiful vistas in the world – Velaa Private Island in the Maldives has everything needed for the Ultimate Gentlemen’s Getaway.

For keen golfers, the luxury island’s golf course (designed by Jose Maria Olazabal) offers 220 metres of the world’s most expensive grass enriched with USGA spec greens.

For an adventure seeking dad, he can swerve and spin around the island on a jet ski, explore the underwater world on a personal Seabob adventure or glide through the air with parasailing.

Rates at Velaa Private Island for the Beach Pool Villa start at $4,700 (approx. £3,590) per night. For more information and/or to book please contact: reservations@velaaisland.com

Sicilian sunshine and Baroque Beauty

Artemisia Resort, Sicily
Artemisia Resort, Sicily

Conde Nast tagged it ‘the place we’re going this summer’ but this south-eastern corner of Sicily is still one of the less travelled spots on the island. It’s low-key rather than luxe – but being affordable in no way makes it less wonderful. South-eastern Sicily is a stunning, relaxed destination for a father/son/daughter trip steeped in beauty and history – and the south-east corner, famous for its Baroque towns, architecture and history, is the perfect spot for the dad who loves a road trip, historical architecture, and Sicily’s famous food and wine.

Getting away from the capital of Palermo, if you fly into Catania in the East, you are bang in the middle of Etna an hour north, and the beautiful Baroque towns of Ragusa, Odica and Noto around an hour south or south-west.

The coastal town of Ortigia, actually an island, has a gorgeous fish and vegetable market with street sellers cooking fresh calamari right there on the stall, boat trips around the island and cave visits.

For the perfect centre for the trip, stay at the beautiful Artemisia Resort, 15 minutes from Ragusa and set in acres of its own land with swimming pool, table tennis, table football, bikes and more to keep you all entertained.

There’s a barbecue that staff will light for you if you want to cook in, or you can order in from a list of exquisite local restaurants – the food will be delivered to your terrace where the staff will prepare a candle-lit table.

Breakfast is served at the hotel with a km0 philosophy – lovely cakes, fruits, cheeses, meats and honey all produced on-site or by local farms.

June offer of 73 euros per night for double standard room. Contact hotel for more information at artemesiaresort.com 

 

Sky High Adventure

Raffles Grand Hotel d’Angkor in Cambodia
(Picture: Raffles Grand Hotel d’Angkor)

Set in the heart of Siem Reap, in the leafy French Quarter and close to the Siem Reap River, Raffles Grand Hotel d’Angkor is a heritage hotel just a stone’s throw from the ancient Angkor Wat temple. Ideal for history loving dads, as nods to the hotel’s  86-year history are peppered throughout; with a grand, colonial façade, swish Elephant Bar and original wooden elevator.

There are exclusive scenic helicopter tours over the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Angkor Wat available through the hotel. Dad can appreciate the scale of these enormous architectural wonders from the air, before flying over the northern edge of Tonle Sap Lake to see the floating villages and local fishing boats from a very cool perspective.

Rooms start from £160 in low season, with breakfast. Price for helicopter tours available on request (raffles.com)

The Fast and the Furious

The Ritz Carlton in Bahrain
(Picture: The Ritz Carlton Bahrain)

For dads who like to live in the fast lane, give them the chance to get behind the wheel in the Kingdom of Bahrain, an archipelago of 33 islands, and home to the famous Bahrain Grand Prix.

Whether an amateur or a racing enthusiast, The Ritz-Carlton Bahrain offers a once-in-a-lifetime motor experience on the world-class track. Dad can buckle up and enjoy a briefing with a professional driver before co-piloting a race.

Beyond the racetrack and just a short drive from the Circuit, dad can kick back post race at the hotel, with super views of the Arabian Gulf.

Also great if dad is a foodie as the resort has 11  bars and restaurants, its own private island and tonnes more experiences, bound to provide an unforgettable Father’s Day treat.

*driver requirements and age restrictions apply.

Room rates at the Ritz-Carlton Bahrain start from £338. For more information or to book, visit ritzcarlton.com

Partial to the Pedal

Zafiro Palace Hotel in Alcúdia Majorca
(Picture: Zafiro Palace Alcúdia)

The perfect destination for dads who love spending time in the saddle, Zafiro Palace Alcúdia’s prime positioning in Majorca, set amongst some of the regions finest cycling routes, will let dad zig-zag his way through the island’s most beautiful backdrops.

Boasting both winding roads and a mix of flat and mountainous settings, Alcúdia is the ideal destination for a dad who likes a bike.

Zafiro Palace Hotel Alcúdia offers breathtaking tours along the coast to the 17th century town of Pollença and up to the highest points at Cap de Formentor. With its very own dedicated cycling station, the Zafiro Cycling Experience offers bicycle storage, expert advice on the best cycling routes, free access to the spa, bike tools and one maillot per cyclist, and for an additional cost bicycle rental, ensuring that every guest’s biking need is met.

The Zafiro Cycling Experience at Zafiro Palace Hotel Alcudia offers a seven-night stay on a bed and breakfast basis in a Junior Suite from £1,460. Price is based on two adults and two children sharing, with a saving of 5% per booking. To book please visit zafirohotels.com – and reference CYCLINGUK.

The Family Fantasy Getaway

Fairmont Hotel in the Maldives
(Picture: Fairmont Maldives)

From sleeping in secluded and luxurious Jungle Tented Villas and deserted island dinners to private tennis lessons and jet ski sessions, Fairmont Maldives Sirru Fen Fushi has something for everyone to enjoy on a Father’s Day getaway.

One and all can take to the water with the resort’s marine biologist, snorkel the verdant coral, swim with manta rays and tropical fish, or for the more adventurous, enjoy a private jet ski lesson around the protected lagoon with an accomplished guide.

For relaxation-seekers, they can indulge in a private Safari Spa experience in one of Fairmont’s new Jungle Tented Villas. Massages, facials and full-body treatments, (many tailored to male skin), are offered in-villa, surrounded by verdant jungle with only sounds of the canopy for company.

The whole family can dive into a Maldivian Dhoni, a traditional fishing boat, for a sunset fishing experience or set up camp in a tented villa for a movie night under the stars.

You and dad can toast the experience with a private wine and cheese experience on the beachfront, before feasting on fresh-out-of-the-ocean seafood, from Maldivian lobster, to tangy wagyu steak.

The experience includes a three-night stay in a luxury villa with private pool, floating breakfast, four-course dinner for two with wine pairing at Azure, wine and cheese experience, safari spa package, private tennis lesson, one-hour fly board or jet ski, two-hour private snorkelling trip with marine biologist.

Book by June 15 2019. Starts from £700 per room, per night. To book visit Fairmont.com/maldives

 

 

5 super useful Father's Day gifts for dads who love to travel

Mu folding plugs with double USB, £22, themu.co.uk

Mu folding plugs with space to charge 2 USB devices
Mu folding plugs with space to charge 2 USB devices

Take two chunky plugs on hliday with you? There’s really no need. This folding plug slips into you bag and charges two USB devices at once. A genuine ‘why didn’t they think of this before’ moment. Also available in European and International versions.

 

Floating sunglasses, £18.99, Amazon.co.uk

Floatable sunglasses from amazon
Floatable sunglasses from amazon

How many times have you watched a pair of sunglasses vanish over the side of a boat, paddle board or kayak, never to be seen again? These floating sunglasses will do away with that sense of mourning as his Ray-Bans sink to a watery grave.

 

Cabin trolley bag, £530, Mont Blanc

Cabin bag, Mont Blanc
Cabin bag, Mont Blanc

Resuable airport liquids bags, £9.13, amazon.co.uk 

Airport security liquids bags
Airport security liquids bags

Heathrow might be lifting its ban on liquids in your hand luggage after investing £50m in next-generation scanners – but there’s a long way to go before the rest of the world catches up. These durable bags double up as washbags, taking the faff out of security.

Sony noise cancelling headphones, £221.99, techinthebasket.com

Sony noise cancelling headphones
Sony noise cancelling headphones

These are really some of the best performing noise cancelling headphones out there. The sound is excellent (a quick search will surface almost unanimous positive reviews) and the noise cancelling works an absolute treat, blocking out almost all ambient noise when you’re on a plane. Brilliant for long-haul to get some sleep, and short haul just to get some peace. They seem expensive – but since reviewing them and previous models for over a year, they are durable and they are worth it. This site currently has them at 33% off.

Trend for sunburn tattoos is ‘incredibly dangerous and irresponsible’

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Sunburn tattoo trend
Do not do this, please.

Today in ‘people doing silly things’ news, it appears that the sunburn tattoo trend is making a comeback.

For those not in the know, a sunburn tattoo is when someone applies a shape or design on their skin, goes out in the sun, and waits to burn. When they’re fully scorched, the design that was ‘blocked’ will appear on the skin as a whiter patch.

That design will then last as a semi-permanent ‘tattoo’ while your skin heals and peels.

Sunburn tattoos, also known as sun tattoos, are not a new concept.

People have been deliberately wrecking their skin for the sake of having a star on their wrist since 2015.

But according to Inked, growing older has not made all of us wiser, as the look continues to pop up on the internet. Over on Instagram, the majority of #sunburntattoos shared are accidental, but there a few posts describing the technique as an easy way to do a temporary tatt.

As you might expect, a sunburn tattoo is not a good idea. It’s a very bad idea, in fact, exposing yourself to a load of risks that make any cool design not worth the bother.

https://www.instagram.com/p/BlVSDpHg7VM/

Consultant dermatologist Dr Sharon Wong tells Metro.co.uk that partaking in the sunburn tattoo trend is ‘incredibly dangeous and irresponsible.’

‘Intense UV exposure that results in sunburn causes significant DNA damage to the skin with very serious and potentially life-threatening consequences,’ Dr Wong warns.

‘Getting sunburn just once every two years is enough to triple your chances of developing melanoma (cancerous moles) in the future.

‘It is therefore not only dangerous, but highly irresponsible for anyone to be promoting sunburn tattoos as a fashionable trend.

‘Sunburn is dangerous and there is no such thing as a safe tan.’

Well that’s us told.

https://www.instagram.com/p/oo-JWOIf9D/?utm_source=ig_embed

Sitting out in the sun for the purpose of creating a fake tattoo also puts you at risk of sun stroke, which is never fun, and alongside the skin cancer risk any burn is guaranteed to leave you with sore, peeling skin.

If the threat of skin cancer isn’t enough to scare you off, let the thought of sore skin put you off. Just putting on clothes is painful when you’ve got a bad burn, so there’d be no way to show off your tattoo without immediately wanting to bathe in aloe vera.

Oh, and there’s always the threat of public shaming. No one will applaud you for a rubbish design on your skin applied through serious skin damage. You’ll just look a bit silly.

Shamir Patel, pharmacist and founder of Chemist 4 U, hammers home all these concerns, telling us: ‘You should NEVER purposely sunburn yourself. That’s the bottom line.

‘Sunburn causes sometimes irreversible damage. Sun damage can cause premature ageing, issues with your skin’s condition and elasticity and the well known one in extreme cases – cancer. Detrimental sun damage can cause cancers due to the changes in cells the over-UV exposure.

https://www.instagram.com/p/BmGY5ptFxPJ/

‘Asides from the effects to your skin, burning in the sun can also cause issues such as heat exhaustion, dizziness, nausea and headaches. Not to mention, it can be incredibly painful. Your skin isn’t supposed to burn.

‘SPF helps to protect your skin against the sun and harmful UV rays, it prolongs the amount of time you can spend in the sun and should be used regularly ALL over the areas of your skin that will be exposed to the sun (it should not be tampered with to try and create a ‘tattoo effect’).

‘That being said, I would always advise staying in the shade when the sun is at it’s hottest and covering up accordingly.

‘It doesn’t matter how big or little the area of exposed skin is, any type of sunburn can cause issues of various degrees to your health.

‘In short, if you value your health, don’t adopt this trend. And stay properly protected in the sun too.’

If you have your heart set on a temporary tattoo, good news, as there are plenty of safe options to choose from.

You can order all manner of stick on temporary designs online, ask for an airbrush design from a tattoo shop, and if you’re really keen for the tan tattoo look, just put a sticker on your arm before rubbing on some fake tan. Easy.

MORE: These are the most popular tattoo trends of 2019

MORE: Woman’s ‘bruise’ on her thumbnail was a sign of skin cancer

MORE: Where in the world are you most likely to get skin cancer?

Artist places ‘at-home abortion kit’ clothes hangers in pharmacies to protest abortion laws

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METRO GRAB INSTA Artist places 'at home abortion kit' in pharmacies to protest legislation https://www.instagram.com/plasticjesus/?hl=en
The coat hangers were placed in stores in all 50 states (Picture: Plastic Jesus)

Artist Plastic Jesus is using his following to protest new abortion laws – by placing these coat hangers labelled as ‘at-home abortion kits’ in pharmacies across the U.S..

He staged the stunt with the help of over 50 volunteers, placing around 200 white wire coat hangers in stores last weekend.

In a statement on his website, the artist said that the project was intended ‘to highlight the significant health risk to the lives of many women following the tough new abortion term term limits passed in number of states.’

Some states have recently changed their laws to make it harder for women to have an abortion.

In Alabama, abortions have been outlawed in almost all cases, including in cases of rape and incest. The only exception is to safeguard the health of the mother

Others have signed bills banning abortion if an embryonic heartbeat can be detected.

The wire hangers each had a label saying ‘perform an abortion in the comfort of your own home.

‘Approved for use in: Alabama, Arkansas, Georgia, Kentucky, Missouri, Mississippi, Ohio, Utah. More states pending.’

It also includes the $19.99 price and two scanable QR codes – one takes you to the Planned Parenthood website and the other to the website of the artist.

A picture taken by one of the volunteers of the Plastic Jesus stunt.
Volunteers placed hangers in pharmacies in each state (Picture: Plastic Jesus)

In a statement on the website, the artist said: ‘Women should be free to make their own choices about their health, these rights are protected by the constitution under Roe v Wade.

‘However, old wealthy white, driven by their misguided belief in ‘God’ seem to think they know what is best for women.

‘The states are turning back the clock on progress, healthcare and rights by decades.’

One of the participants Jess Wiercz from Oregon added: ‘I feel scared knowing that I am losing the legal right to make decisions regarding my own body.

‘Plastic Jesus’ project reminds us that despite the bans women WILL get abortions, but they will now have to risk their health and risk being criminalized to do so.

‘Its hard to know what to do to make a change as an individual, but this has been an opportunity for me to make a statement.’

MORE: Trend for sunburn tattoos is ‘incredibly dangerous and irresponsible’

MORE: Lidl is selling a hammock for £6.99 so you can pretend you’re on holiday year-round

McDonald’s is sending a McNuggets van around UK festivals this year

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The McNugget van at a festival
The van is touring UK festivals this year (Picture: McDonald’s)

The one rather annoying thing about going to a festival is the price of food.

If the ticket itself wasn’t expensive enough, you rock up to the festival to be confronted with dishes costing a tenner a pop.

If you’re watching your spending this festival, you’ll be delighted to know McDonald’s is sending a Chicken McNugget van out on the road as part of its 2019 Summer Festival Tour.

Not only will you get a load of free nuggets, but it’s also an interactive popup.

There’ll be a McNugget maze, exclusive augmented reality McNugget lenses and a 360-spinning selfie experience.

This is the second McDonald's van to tour festivals
You could also be in with a chance of winning festival tickets (Picture: McDonald’s)

The McNugget Van will be touring some of the UK’s biggest festivals including Wireless, TRNSMT, Y Not?, Reading and Sundown.

And don’t worry if you don’t have any festival plans this year, because there are competitions going out across McDonald’s’ social channels over the summer – so you could win yourself tickets to go to one of the participating festivals.

This isn’t the first time McDonald’s has released a van full of its popular foods.

For the past three years, a McDonald’s McFlurry van has been hitting up festivals, serving up more than 88,000 McFlurrys as part of the McDonald’s Summer Festival Tour.

But apparently, the McNugget van is expected to be even ‘bigger and better’.

We’ll hold them to that.

MORE: Lidl is selling a hammock for £6.99 so you can pretend you’re on holiday year-round

MORE: Asda launches chicken kebab pizza

Teen with alopecia finds love after being scared she’d be alone forever

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Kelly-Ann and her partner
Kelly-Ann thought she’d be forever alone becaues of her alopecia (Picture: Patricia Lafond St-Onge / SWNS)

A teenager who thought she would always be alone because she’s bald has found love.

16-year-old Kelly-Ann Gallien lives with a severe form of alopecia, an autoimmune condition where the body attacks hair follicles, triggering hair loss.

She started losing her hair at the age of eight, and has been completely bald since then.

As a result of her hair loss, she has endured bullying all throughout her teenage years. Kids at school would tug at her bandannas and send horrible Snapchat messages mocking her.

Kelly-Ann, from Moncton, New Brunswick, Canada, feared that she would never find love because nobody would find her attractive.

But the teen said meeting her boyfriend Mason Branscombe, 16, in June 2018 has completely changed how she views herself and boosted her confidence.

She said: ‘Being a teen with alopecia is hard. It had a big impact on me. I thought I would never find someone who loved me.

‘I thought that boys would never find me attractive.

‘But last year I met my boyfriend Mason. We met at the mall through mutual friends and the first thing he did when he saw me was hug me so I was like “cute”.’

‘He has helped my confidence and changed my mind about myself.

Kelly-Ann Gallien with Mason Branscombe.
She’s now found love with Mason (Picture: Patricia Lafond St-Onge / SWNS)

‘Mason is intelligent, kind and energetic. The thing I like the most is when he takes my bandanna off and kisses my head.’

Mason added: ‘The hardest thing about dating someone with alopecia for sure is watching all of the stress she has on a daily basis.

‘I just wish I could take all of the stress away.

‘It affects her confidence big time because she is really nervous about what people think about her and what they think about her appearance as well.

‘She is very shy because she’s afraid that people will reject her for who she is and what she looks like.

‘But I love Kelly-Ann’s smile and how when she walks into the room she instantly brightens it up.’

Kelly-Ann has been coping with bullies since she lost her hair in the third grade but said being with Mason has helped her rise above their cruelty.

The teen said she also feels lucky to have the support of her parents Patricia Lafond St-Onge, 41, a paramedic, and Luc Gallien, 42, a fisherman.

Kelly-Ann said: ‘When I was eight, I had shoulder-length blonde hair, then it started to fall out again.

‘I was really young when it happened before so it didn’t affect me, but when I was eight I can remember it being a hard time.

Kelly-Ann Gallien, 16.
She’s finally got her confidence back (Picture: Patricia Lafond St-Onge / SWNS)

‘It was very difficult to look at myself in the mirror.

‘My hair was falling out so much I had to get it shaved and I remember looking at myself when I got home and I was shocked.

‘The hardest part was returning to school.

‘Before this happened I was normal but suddenly I was the girl without hair.

‘They could be really cruel. My classmates would try and take off my bandanna which was hard.

‘Before this, I had a lot of friends, but afterward they didn’t want to be my friend.

‘I was lost for words that people would feel like that.

‘I have been bullied on social media too. People would send me Snapchats or pictures on Instagram.

‘They would call me Caillou, which is a bald baby character from a Canadian show, or they called me Mr Clean.

‘I didn’t understand how people could be so mean.

‘But Mason has helped me to see the bullies for what they really are.

‘I even went to school without my bandanna for the first time recently and I’m not scared of those things anymore.’

The teenage couple say they have bonded through their shared love of sports and film.

Kelly Ann is a passionate figure skater who is sponsored by John Wilson Skates, and trains six nights a week, while Mason is dedicated to hockey and football.

Mason said: ‘We both love watching different kinds of movies and we are extremely competitive there’s no such thing as a tie.

‘We’re also very strong-minded people and we both don’t have that many friends.

‘Kelly-Ann is so funny and I love how no matter what happens she’s always going get back up and give everything her 100 per cent.’

Kelly-Ann said: ‘Mason’s very different. He’s a little weird, but I am a little bit weird so it works.

‘He’s my favorite person to hang out with in the world.’

MORE: Lidl is selling a hammock for £6.99 so you can pretend you’re on holiday year-round

MORE: Asda launches chicken kebab pizza


How wearing high heels damages your body

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Woman taking off high heels
Japanese women have started a petition to ban workplaces enforcing strict footwear rules (Picture: Getty)

Last week Japanese women started a movement to ban employers from enforcing footwear rules.

The #KuToo campaign was started in response to Japanese employers demanding that female employees wear high heels.

Now it’s gaining global support as many people are complaining about unfair dress codes that ask women to compromise their health to meet strict requirements.

It’s not the first time this conversation has been in the spotlight. A similar petition was launched in the U.K in 2015 when receptionist Nicola Thorp was sent home for not wearing heels.

Parliament debated the topic and found that: ‘Company dress codes must be reasonable and must make equivalent requirements for men and women. This is the law and employers must abide by it.’

So, companies can ask female staff to wear heels or makeup if there is an ‘equivalent standard for men’, such as requiring men to wear a suit or smart shoes.

But what exactly happens to the body if you’re constantly putting all your weight into a skinny stiletto?

Yumi Ishikawa, leader and founder of the KuToo movement, poses after a press conference in Tokyo
Yumi Ishikawa, leader and founder of the KuToo movement which is a play on the words kutsu, meaning shoes, and kutsuu, meaning pain (Picture: Charly Trivalleau/ AFP/Getty Images)

Tim Allerdyce, a registered osteopath representing the Institute of Osteopathy, tells Metro.co.uk that these types of shoes can wreak havoc on the feet.

‘It causes problems from the big toe right up to the spine,’ says Tim. ‘The first area we see problems are bunions which creates a painful lump on the outside of your big toe.

‘Typically a bunion tends to put pressure on the front of the foot and the bones which can cause a deviation of the big toe. It creates a pressure contact on the bunion. It also looks unsightly and can be painful as the big toe can get stiff.

‘We can also see issues with tight calf muscles because as your heels are elevated it shortens the calf muscle.

‘That can be a desirable look to have that muscle activation but it shortens the muscle which can have a biomechanical impact on the legs which you want to be at a good length.

‘Constant wear also applies pressure to the shin bone and added stress to it and that can lead to issues such as shin splint – pain on the front of the shin, which is common in runners.

‘You can also get calluses, hard patches of skin, under the front of the foot, on the ball.’

Tim adds that though we know that there is a force distribution going through the hip joint while wearing high heels, we can’t say it directly causes specific hip problems, even if it does cause stress on the area.

He advised that the best way to avoid these conditions is to give the feet a rest.

‘Limit the amount of time in high heels, especially during a commute, if you need to wear it to work,’ Tim tells us.

‘Always commute in flats and trainers to take the stress away from hips and knees.’

Those who still feel pain from frequent wear should do calf stretches, he adds. There are home remedies you can do to deal with pain such as standing on the edge of a step and letting the heel drop towards the next step, allowing the feet to stretch.

Massaging the sole of the feet can help – try using a golf ball or a rolling pin.

Other remedies include a hot bath and mobilisation, such as drawing circles or the alphabet with your foot.

Woman rubbing feet
Wearing heels frequently can have long-term effects on the feet (Picture: Getty)

The Society of Chiropodists and Podiatrists found that a quarter of women wear high heels every day or ‘frequently’, increasing their risks of arthritis.

Osteoarthritis is a common type of the condition and causes joints to become stiff and painful.

The Society of Chiropodists and Podiatrists put a motion to the Trades Union Congress a few years ago, pointing out that ‘wearing high heels can cause long term foot problems, such as blisters, corns and callus, to serious foot, knee and back pain, and damaged joints.’

General Secretary of the TUC Frances O’Grady told Metro.co.uk that the point still applies to current day.

‘Regularly wearing high heels puts a lot of pressure on knee joints and can lead to back problems,’ she said.

‘They must be a choice, not a condition of the job. Dress codes need to be based on common sense, not outdated sexist policies.’

MORE: What to do if you experience sexism in the workplace

MORE: Can you get in trouble for not wearing a bra at work?

MORE: Medical student lists shocking list of sexist incidents she faced while training

Woman left fuming after £25 PrettyLittleThing swimsuit left her with black stains

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The stain left from the swimsuit
Charlie was left with a stain from the swimsuit (Picture: Jam Press)

A woman was horrified after her PrettyLittleThing swimsuit stained her skin black without it even touching the water.

21-year-old Charlie Wainwright, a TV researcher from Leeds, was gutted when the swimsuit stained her skin and left it red raw after she struggled to remove the mark.

Charlie had worn the £25 black belted swimsuit for just 10 minutes when she noticed her skin starting to stain.

She took a photo and shared it to Twitter, tagging the brand and writing: ‘Is this a joke??? £25 for a swimsuit that DYED my skin before even getting into a pool??’

Charlie said she was really surprised that a swimsuit’s colour would transfer considering what they are supposed to be for – especially as this happened before she even got into the water.

Charlie in the swimsuit
She hadn’t even gone in the water with it (Picture: Jam Press)

‘You would expect a swimsuit to not run – especially when it hasn’t even got into the water yet!

‘It was really hard to wash off my skin and left my skin red from having to try so hard to get it off! PLT apologised but didn’t say more than that.’

The swimsuit is listed on the PLT website as having ‘a black material with a super flattering fit and a lion buckle belt detail in a halterneck design’.

A picture of Charlie looking gorgeous
It said on the website that it may stain (Picture: Jam Press)

The suit is made from 95% Polyester and 5% Elastane – and PLT mention about the colour transferring on the listing under the fabric and care small print

It reads: ‘Due to fabric used, colour may transfer.’

When asked if she had noticed the small print on the website Charlie said she didn’t – as the product is a swimsuit, she just assumed it would be fine.

Charlie was offered a full refund by PrettyLittleThing and a discount code for her next order.

MORE: Fashion Nova romper mocked for looking like ‘Lara Croft entering the Matrix’

MORE: PrettyLittleThing is selling visors for those who think welding glasses are a lowkey fashion look

Aldi is launching a dinosaur themed paddling pool with a built-in shower for £29.99

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Aldi's dinosaur paddling pool
The pool is super cheap (Picture: Aldi)

If you’re looking for something to keep your kids occupied this summer but you haven’t got space for a pool or a trampoline, don’t worry – because Aldi has your back.

The supermarket is re-launching its dinosaur themed paddling pool, and it even comes with a built-in shower.

The Aldi Dinoland Play Centre costs £29.99 and is launching online this Sunday.

The pool is perfect for children aged three and over and features a slide, two inflatable rings and a drain plug for when they’re finished playing.

There’s also a built-in shower that can be connected to a garden hose and a landing mat.

The pool costs £29.99
It costs £29.99 (Picture: Aldi)

The product description reads: ‘Turn your garden into an epicentre of fun for your children and their friends with this Dinoland Play Centre.

‘Providing hours of excitement, this inflatable play centre is a water toy with a difference.

‘Allowing them to splash around for hours on end while slipping and sliding, this is sure to keep them busy during those long summer days.’

The paddling pool was first released two years ago, and it’s being re-released for kids this summer.

And apparently, considering the cheap price, it’s pretty great.

One person who bought the play centre said: ‘My daughter had hours and hours of fun, an amazing product at an amazing price, couldn’t be more happier.’

Another wrote: ‘No waiting for ages to fill, my three-year-old old grandson was in straight away, in fact we couldn’t get him out.’

It seems like the Dinoland Play Centre will be a must-have this summer.

MORE: Woman left fuming after £25 PrettyLittleThing swimsuit left her with black stains

MORE: Disabled duck spared death after being given her very own wheelchair

These embarrassing shopping bags are designed to shame people into using less plastic

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embarrassing plastic bags
Would you want to be spotted with one of these? (Picture: East West Market/Getty)

Plenty of deterrents have been introduced in the last few years to get people to stop using plastic bags.

There’s the mandatory 5p charge, and bags are now hard to find at tills too – often you have to ask a member of staff if you want one.

But this might just be the best deterrent yet – one Canadian shop has plastered its plastic bags with really embarrassing slogans, in the hope that people will be too ashamed to use them.

East West Market in Vancouver printed the bags in a bid to get customers to remember to bring reusable bags when they do their shopping – to avoid having to hurry home red-faced.

The bags include the phrases; ‘The Colon Care co-op’, ‘Into the Weird Adult Video Emporium,’ and ‘Dr. Toews’ Wart Ointment Wholesale’.

Yeah, we don’t really want to be spotted carrying any of them.

one of the embarrassing shopping bags
We don’t want to announce to the world that we’re into weird porn (Picture: East West Market)
one of the embarrassing shopping bags
Looking after your colon health is nothing to be ashamed off (Picture: East West Market)
one of the embarrassing shopping bags
These bags show off the real us – warts and all (Picture: East West Market)

‘The message is, we should make a conscious effort to save our planet one step at a time,’ East West owner David Lee Kwen told Global News.

‘[Plastic bags] are a big problem, and every step helps.’

But, although the intentions were incredibly honourable, the drive to cut down plastic use with these blush-worthy bags is actually backfiring.

Turns out – we can’t be shamed.

Rather than being embarrassed, people love the quirky bags and are attempting to collect the set of three. The exact opposite of what the market were hoping to achieve.

But not everyone is eager to get their hands on the embarrassing bags – the extra charge of five cents is still putting plenty of people off. So that’s something.

The bags are limited edition so they won’t be around for long – but they have certainly generated conversation and awareness about single-use plastic.

MORE: How wearing high heels damages your body

MORE: Teen with alopecia finds love after being scared she’d be alone forever

MORE: Trend for sunburn tattoos is ‘incredibly dangerous and irresponsible’

Teenager shares photos of her ragged fingers to warn of risks of fake nails

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Paige Belfield, 17, who was horrified by a manicure at beautiful Nails in Canterbury, Kent
Paige Belfield, 17, was horrified by a manicure in Canterbury, Kent (Picture: Triangle News)

A lesson to all: be careful in your pursuit for the perfect manicure.

Paige Belfield, 17, has shared photos of her ‘shredded’ fingers to warn people of the risks of getting fake nails applied.

Paige says she went through half an hour of plain and bleeding after going to get acrylics done at £22-a-time Beautiful Nails nail bar in Canterbury, Kent.

She’s sharing her story to encourage people to fully research their nail bar choices before going ahead and getting a treatment.

The teenager had been to the salon many times before, but this time was given a new technician.

She says her bitten nails were filed with an electric buffer that left the edges bleeding and ‘throbbing’ with pain.

Paige Belfield?s nails immediately after visiting Beautiful Nails nail bar TRIANGLE NEWS 0203 176 5581 // contact@trianglenews.co.uk A TEENAGER was left in agony after her nails were allegedly shredded by a technician at a city nail bar. Paige Belfield says she endured half an hour of non stop pain after going to get acrylics done in Canterbury, Kent. And she posted on Facebook of her hell after paying ?22 for a set at the Beautiful Nails nail bar.
Paige’s nails immediately after visiting Beautiful Nails nail bar (Picture: Triangle News)

The actual application of the false nails didn’t go to plan, with some bent and others wonky, so Paige had to get them removed immediately afterwards in the nail bar.

Paige said: ‘I went in there and he was like “OK sit down” and I picked my colour and everything.

‘And then as he did my nails, I bite my nails as well, so obviously they were short, but he shouldn’t have kept going over my natural nails with the electric drill and they were throbbing.

‘They were so painful.

‘I had them done but I got them removed there and then. They were really bad. Awful.

Paige Belfield's nails a few days after visiting Beautiful Nails nail bar
Paige’s nails a few days after the horror manicure (Picture: Triangle News)

‘My friend was like “Paige, I’m not letting you pay for them.” They were horrendous.

‘It was the first time I’ve ever asked them to take them off.’

Paige blames the use of the electric buffer on her natural nails for the pain she experienced.

‘They shouldn’t use those on your real nails, they are for the acrylics,’ she said.

‘The skin was coming off. I was bleeding and he didn’t care. I said “I want them off now, they’re awful” and he was really moody and started getting really angry. He was shaking.

‘He was doing my nails and the manager was sat there and didn’t even apologise. I was like “You usually do my nails and I never have a problem.”

‘I kept flinching. He still didn’t stop. He got underneath my index finger and lifted the real nail with the electric thing. I was like “I can’t take anymore, I’m leaving.”

How Paige Belfields nails normally loo
Paige is sharing her story to warn of the risks of getting acrylic nails (Picture: Triangle News)

‘I washed my hands and left because I physically couldn’t sit through the pain. He kept continuing with the bloody thing.

‘It was some man I’d never seen before. It was obviously just someone he’d called in for cover.’

It was when the acrylics were removed that Paige saw the state of her nails underneath.

Paige’s mum, Jemma Needham, rang the nail bar to complain about her daughter’s treatment. They offered Paige a free set of nails, but she refused.

The nail bar was contacted for comment, and a staff member said they would give Paige another set for free.

Paige shared photos on her Facebook to urge people to be cautious of getting acrylic nails done by a technician they haven’t used before.

‘There are 200 comments on my pic and everyone has had the same experience as me,’ said Paige. ‘I’m probably lucky not to have an infection. My whole family are disgusted.

‘I just wanted to warn girls: don’t go there.’

MORE: Straight people are very confused about these Pride manicures

MORE: Makeup artist’s fake tan fail made friends think she’d been kidnapped

The ultimate Father’s Day gift guide

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The dad in your life already has it all. He needs nothing and year after year you struggle to surprise him. The usual ‘man gifts’ (socks, whiskey, a tie, aftershave) just don’t cut it any more.

If you are buying for a man who wants for nothing, you need to go next level.

From the travel tech that will change his life, the garden power tool he needs and the ultimate workout gadget, here’s how to wow him with something he won’t see coming – but will love.

Pocketalk Voice Translator

Voice Translator from Pocketalk
Picture: Pocketalk Voice Translator

For a dad who was never good at languages but likes to see the world, Pocketalk is going to rock his world.  The new and easy way to have a real conversation with someone who speaks a different language, it’s a smart device that learns as you use it.

Better than a phone app , it allows for easy, two-way conversations with better microphones and noise cancellation that lets it pick up every word.

Works with WiFi, mobile data, or personal hotspot. Small and compact, it has 74 languages, with more on the way.

Pocketalk Voice Translator, £259, amazon.co.uk

The Active5

Isometric exercise Activ5
(Picture: Avtiv5)

Activ5 is a sleek and portable fitness device that allows you to exercise anywhere, any time, with short burst workouts carried out sitting or standing.

It’s ideal for people with busy lives who can’t get to the gym or a class as it allows users to work out at their desk, while watching TV or on a plane, for example – with no equipment and in stints from 30 seconds up to 5 minutes.

Activ5 has more than 100 workouts that are fast and fun, based on low impact, isometric (static strength) exercises.

The durable design measures more than 200lbs of force and is compatible with both android and iOs phones, where you will find the app loaded up with the timed workouts.

Activ5 will help him increase strength by as much as 5% per week – five minutes of isometric exercise can be equivalent to 25 minutes beasting it out at the gym.

This is a great, thoughtful gift for busy dads who want to get fit but need a helping hand to get started.

Activ5 Portable Strength Training Device and Coaching App, £119.95, amazon.co.uk

SIXPAD’s Abs Fit 2 Training Device

Abs Training Device from SIXPAD
(Picture: SIXPAD Abs Fit 2)

Working out without the work, SIXPAD are experts in electrical muscle stimulation training technology and their Abs Fit 2 product is the perfect gift for dads looking to tone up without the hard work.

Having identified 20Hz as the optimum frequency to train muscles  the Abs Fit 2 delivers a targeted 23-minute workout.

Now with Bluetooth connectivity, dad can also visualise their muscle training from start to finish through a dedicated training app.

SIXPAD Abs Fit 2 Training Device, £230; sixpad.uk 

Theragun

Muscle Massager from Theragun
(Picture: Theragun)

It may look like a torture device but when it comes to targeting nasty muscle knots it doesn’t get much better than the Theragun.

Loved by pro athletes and celebrities, this handheld, battery-operated massage tool is a great gift to help dad loosen up.

Advised as a preventative approach to relieve general muscle soreness and tightness, it can help with stress, along with improving mobility and sleep quality. It’s great for lower back pain, carpal tunnel, ‘tech neck’  and plantar fasciitis.

Theragun Liv includes a battery charger, travel pouch and two attachments for varying levels of intensity and targeted pain relief.

We reviewed it here – and safe to say everyone in the office now wants one.

Theragun’s G3 includes a battery charger, travel case and four attachments for varying levels of intensity and targeted pain relief.

Theragun Models Available from £275, theragun.uk

Nest Cam Security

Indoor Security Cam from Nest
(Picture: Nest Cam Indoor Security)

 

Accessible via a smartphone app, the Nest Cam will let dad see and hear what is going on when he’s out of town – not only that but he can communicate remotely through the camera directly to family members….or burglars!

The camera streams securely to a phone, tablet or laptop and the coolest thing is it has a sophisticated, built-in facial recognition system so it can tell you if there is an unknown person in the home, alongside an intelligent motion tracking sensor.

Compatible with iOS / AndroidWorks with Google Assistant and Amazon Alexa.

Nest Cam Indoor Security, £144, ao.com

Apple TV

Apple TV
(Picture: ao.com)

He will love the way that this cool tech will let him stream his favourite films and TV shows in Full HD quality. The 32GB Apple TV box has a built in Wifi internet that allows access to plenty of apps and streaming services, so he will always be able to find something to keep him entertained.

He can operate it using his iOS device too, so no more tossing cushions aside trying to find the remote. Just connect to his WiFi to get going.

Apple TV, £149, ao.com 

Bathing Beauties

Father son matching swim shorts
(Picture: Tom and Teddy)

Summer is just around the corner and honestly what is cuter than matching matching father/son swimwear?

From Tom and Teddy these high performance, striking board shorts in men’s and boys sizes are inspired by Australian beach life and feature elephant, parrot, butterfly and palm designs.

Father/Son swim shorts, £69 (men’s) £34 (boys), tomandteddy.co.uk

A Nuu Phone

Nuu G4 Phone
Picture: Nuu Mobile G4

Buying a powerful smartphone with the most recent version of Android is rarely affordable but this beauty offers superb tech at great value.

New this month, and powered by Android 9 Pie, the G4 is Nuu Mobile’s flagship handset.  Here’s the tech lowdown – with either 64GB or 128GB memory options, the G4 is has a screen size of 6.2-inches with 2246 x 1080 pixel resolution. As for cameras, the G4 packs a 16-megapixel and 8-megapixel rear setup with a 16-megapixel shooter at the  front. The AI within the camera allows for automatic calibration based on the subject of the photo, from food to pets and family pics.

Beyond its photographic abilities, the G4 also offers more memory (64GB) than many laptops, as well as a wireless charging capability, and a stylish, durable body that’s nearly impossible to scratch.

Nuu Mobile G4, £299.99, uk.nuumobile.com 

 

Ultimate Garden Gadget

EGO Multi Tool Set Gardening Tool
Picture: EGO

A perfectly manicured garden is a thing of beauty, but it can mean a shed full of messy tools with random petrol cans stinking up the place and trailing wires.

The Multi-tool from EGO not only brings dad the latest in garden tech, but it’s a fantastic multi-tasker – even if he isn’t.

A multi-tool power head will let dad do line trimming, bush cutting and hedge trimming. It has a pole saw, and an edger.

Basically, if you’ve got rogue grass, hedges or trees in your garden, watch out – they are about to get blitzed. Word of warning: when we bought our dad a shredder, he cut down all the trees in the garden so he’d have something to shred.

It uses a 56-volt lithium-ion battery which means no petrol fumes and no cord to trip over or cut through.

And it’s quiet – so he can get it all done without disturbing the neighbours – or you.

EGO MHSC2002E MULTI-TOOL SET, £729, egopowerplus.co.uk

Digital Radio

DAB Digital Radio Monty Wood Finish
Picture: MyVQ.com

This multi-award winning radio is compact and modern, and the natty wood case (there are 5 real wood finishes to choose from) gives it a properly stylish look.

It also also comes loaded with all the features dad could possibly want, including digital radio, bluetooth, a dual alarm clock and USB charge port for his phone.

VQ Monty DAB & DAB+ Digital Radio with FM, Bluetooth & Alarm Clock, £79.99, amazon.co.uk

The Modern Turntable

Sony Turntable Bluetooth Record Player
(Picture: Sony)

What’s better than modern retro? A turntable with Bluetooth connectivity will let a music loving dad enjoy the best of both worlds.

Let him revisit his favourite music with this new turntable from Sony which gives him vinyl sound quality with the convenience of connecting to a wireless device.

Sony Bluetooth Turntable, £197.49, amazon.co.uk

The Cut, Shave & Smoke

Barber Gentleman's Cut and Shave Bvlgari Hotel
(Picture: Neville @ Bvlgari Barber Bar)

Perfect for dads you want to pamper, Neville Hair & Beauty at the Bvlgari Hotel, London is a haven for gents who like their grooming.

A spa menu dedicated to the modern man, it offers shaving and barbering alongside fantastic treatments for the face and body. We loved the Gentleman’s Signature Experience – called the Cut Shave & Smoke which combines the finest in male pampering with a lot of extras.

Barber Experience at the Bvlgari Hotel Spa
(Picture: Neville Residence at the Bvlgari Spa)

A signature experience that starts with haircut and style by the barber, it finishes with a wet shave and and a visit to the renowned Edward Sahakian Cigar Shop and Sampling Lounge for a cigar recommended by a Habano sommelier along with a drink of choice from the bespoke menu.

Gentleman’s Signature Experience, The Cut, Shave & Smoke,  £220, nevillehairandbeauty.net

The Debonair Decanter

Whiskey Crystal Decanter Anton Studios
(Picture: Notjustjugs.com)

This goes waaaay beyond gifting him a bottle of whiskey.  This decanter is  sophisticated, modern and hand cut made of 24% lead crystal. Called “Latitude Spirit” from Anton Studio Designs, it has a series of alternating slender and broad cuts, running both vertically and horizontally around the glass, meaning it catches the light from all angles and looks incredible stylish and smart.

The gift boxed decanter has a cut stopper to match – and if you’re feeling generous, why not wow him with the matching tumblers.

Whisky Tumblers Crystal DOF glasses
(Picture: Notjustjugs.com)

Latitude Spirit Decanter by Anton Studio Designs, £99.50 notjustjugs.com Set of 2 Latitude Double Old Fashioned Tumblers by Anton Studio Designs, £44.95 notjustjugs.com

The Urban Carryall

Backpack Chrome Industries Modal Collection The Summoner
(Picture: Chrome Industries)

Looking like a carry-all version of urban origami, the new backpack by Chrome Industries called “The Summoner” is useful and stylish, decked out in a distinctive twill.

Part of the brand’s new Modal Collection,  it is cool-looking and built to last. Super durable fabric ensures that his cargo stays dry and protected for the long haul. The “Summoner” has a generous capacity of 32 Litres, with a handy side and top to bottom zip.

With a dedicated laptop pocket and multiple quick access pockets, it will let him easily find his phone and keys.

Designed with shoulder-yoke backpack straps for extra carrying power and a compression strap system, it won’t hurt his back and can be stowed neatly into the overhead locker on a flight.

Summoner BackpackSummoner, £170, chromeindustries.com

The Commuter’s Best Friend

Headphones with noise cancelling Sennheiser head phones
(Picture: Sennheiser)

These beauties are brand new and ideal for anyone looking to block out the noise on their commute – if you’ve tried to listen to a podcast on the noisy Tube you’ll know you need noise cancelling just to make out the words.

The wireless MB 360 headset with Active Noise Cancellation by Sennheiser is designed to let him switch seamlessly from calls at work or on the move to audio entertainment – making it great for business or pleasure.

They also have a pretty natty, sleek design, ergonomic ear pads and rich music performance make it a great fit for the tech savvy, style-conscious dad.

And if your dad doesn’t know he wants noise cancelling headphones – that’s probably because he hasn’t tried them yet. Change his life (and long haul flights!) forever.

MB 360 Headset from Sennheiser, £219, sennheiser.com

A Meat Lover’s Masterpiece

George Foreman Precision Evolve Grill
(Picture: George Foreman Grill)

If he’s a man who loves his meat – he will love this – particularly if he loves his meat but could be more confident in the kitchen, or just likes to keep things simple.

Brand new from George Foreman, The Evolve Precision Black Grill has a range of innovative features, making it the most advanced George Foreman grill yet.

The perfect present for any foodie dad this Father’s Day, it has a precision temperature probe to ensure meat is grilled to perfection.

It also has a deep pan – a rectangular deep pan that makes it ideal for baking or making curries.

It also has a very cool sear function – for a beautiful steak in no time at all.

And for hungover weekend brunch, it makes exceptional cheese toasties.

Evolve Precision Black Grill by George Foreman, £149.99 georgeforeman.co.uk

 

The DIY Dad

Makita 18V Combi Drill and Driver Set
(Picture: Wickes)

A versatile machine that will let dad drill through masonry, steel or wood, Makita’s Combi Drill has 3 modes of operation, drilling, hammer drilling and screwdriver settings.

With a powerful all metal gearbox, it delivers up to 42Nm of torque and comes with its own battery, charger and a 101 piece drill, screwdriver and tool set built into the lid.

It’s everything the DIY lover could want, all in one box.

Makita DHP453SFTK 18V Combi Drill 1 X 3Ah Li-Ion LXT Battery With 101 Piece Drill And Driver Set, £128, wickes.co.uk

Smart Coffee

Melitta CI Touch Bean to Cup Coffee Machine Black
Picture: Melitta CI Touch

The ultimate coffee machine for a dad who loves his joe, the CI Touch by Melitta is a fantastic bean-to-cup coffee machine that is easy to use and gives great tech.

It has a one-touch function and touch user panel so with just one press he can choose from four different coffee variations – from classic café crème to cappuccino and from latte macchiato to the espresso.

There’s a great memory function so he can can save personal favourites for up to four people and the double cup mode means he can make two cups at the same time.

This wonder machine was awarded the Quiet Mark seal of approval which means it’s blissfully quiet and when it comes to cleaning and maintenance, there’s filter technology that filters the water during preparation and prevents lime scale deposits from accumulating in the machine.

So it’s lovely and low maintenance – just like he is.

CI Touch® by Melitta®, £699, ao.com

The Ultimate Entertainer

Epson TW650 Home Projector System
(Picture: Epson TW650)

An ideal projector for the perfect indoor or outdoor cinema experience, its impressive 300-inch display full HD projector is three times brighter than others on the market and will bring his favourite films or sports events to life.

Set up is simple and the lamp light source is long-lasting – you can watch a film every day for up to 11 years without it running out.

Simple set up: hassle-free with features such as keystone correction to help quickly position the image exactly where he wants it without any fuss.

Epson EH-TW650 Full HD 3100 Lumens Wi-Fi Gaming and Home Cinema Projector, £519.99 amazon.co.uk

Pregnant women use almost as much energy as an endurance athlete, study says

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A pregnant woman sitting in a kitchen
Pregnancy needs a lot of energy (Picture: Getty)

If you’ve had a baby, you know that pregnancy can take a toll on your body.

Back pain, swollen ankles and morning sickness are just some of the things you have to go through to welcome your baby.

Well according to a new study, pregnant women use almost as much energy as an endurance athlete.

In the study, published this week in Science Advances, scientists found that the maximum energy expenditure among endurance athletes was only slightly higher than metabolic rates women sustain during pregnancy.

The study would that the cap of physical endurance was 2.5 times the body’s resting metabolic rate, which is about 4,000 calories burnt a day for most people.

Beyond that point, human bodies are unable to digest, absorb and process enough calories in the long term.

When a woman is pregnant, her energy use peaks at 2.2 the resting metabolic rate, which is pretty close to the limit.

To measure the rate, the scientists studied runners taking part in the Race Across America. They ran 3,080 miles between California and Washington over the course of 140 days – that’s six marathons a week.

Before the race, they recorded the resting metabolic rate and then continued to take it throughout the race.

As the race went on, it became harder for the participants to burn the calories.

One of the authors, Dr Herman Pontzer, from Duke University, told BBC News: ‘You can do really intense stuff for a couple of days, but if you want to last longer then you have to dial it back.’

MORE: The ultimate Father’s Day gift guide

MORE: These embarrassing shopping bags are designed to shame people into using less plastic


Dad hilariously copies all his daughter’s social media selfies

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Riley on the left and right and Jonathan's copycat pictures in the middle
Jonathan has got that pout down (Picture: Caters)

Adding your parents on social media can lead to all sorts of embarrassment.

There’s the over the top birthday messages, oversharing and comments on your profile picture that you just don’t need.

One dad though has taken it even further.

Almost every time Riley Anderson, 14, logs into Facebook, she had a notification saying her her dad, Jonathan Russell, 33, has posted a photo on her profile.

The photos, which happen on a weekly basis, show Jonathan mimicking his daughters selfies – copying them right down to the duck pout.

But Riley, from Vancouver Canada says she finds it hilarious and enjoys seeing the pictures crop up.

Riley said: ‘He’s been doing this for almost a year now and I can’t help but find it hilarious.

‘At first it was a bit embarrassing, but me and my dad have a pretty funny relationship and are often making each other laugh.

Jonathan posts pictures in the comments of his daughter's social media posts
Riley says she thinks the pictures are funny (Picture: Caters)

‘He’s always making jokes and is really good at putting a smile on my face when I’m sad – so I find it comforting to see his comments now.

‘It’s become our thing, and even my friends find it funny too – they get excited to see his comments.

‘It’s definitely become a tradition and I wouldn’t expect to post a story without him making fun of it with his own rendition.’

Jonathan's comments on Riley's social media posts
Jonathan comments on Riley’s pictures on Facebook (Pictures: Caters)

Jonathan, a construction worker, said: ‘I grew up in the 90s and we didn’t take 100 selfies a day – so I think teenagers these days are pretty silly.

‘I was aiming to be an embarrassing dad when I did it, and then it became a bit of a routine.

‘At first it was just some light hearted poking fun at my daughter – but now that everyone loves it, it’s my thing.

‘I’m definitely going to keep doing it every time she posts a selfie.’

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The UK’s oldest human Barbie has just had her 150th cosmetic surgery

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Rachel during and after her surgery
Rachel has had 150 surgeries (Picture: Csters News)

The UK’s oldest Barbie has just had her 150th surgery in a bid to be the most plastic woman in the world before her 50th birthday.

48-year-old Rachel Evans has spent over £32,000 on surgeries in the past 13 years, hoping to become the real ‘Human Barbie’.

Her most recent surgery took place in May, and saw her have a £500 facelift to avoid the appearance of aging.

Rachel, from South London, has also planned another seven surgeries ahead of her 50th.

Rachel, a mum-of-one, said: ‘I continue to get these surgeries to perfect my face to look like the worlds most famous plastic doll, Barbie.

Rachel with all her plastic surgery
Rachel wants to look younger (Picture: Rachel Evans/Caters News)

‘It’s a lifestyle for me and I am doing everything I can to stop aging that is possible, so these surgeries are necessary.

‘I want to be the most plastic woman in the world by the time I’m 50, so I’m trying to keep on-top of my maintenance procedures.

‘I believe that I am aging in reverse – I’m going to be proof that 50 is the new 30 – and my most recent facelift is just one way I am ensuring this.

‘My goal is to be one of the top non-botched, most nipped and tucked cosmetic surgery faces in the world as the living human barbie doll.’

Last month, Rachel underwent a ‘non-surgical’ facelift in a bid to keep her face tight, doll-like and plastic.

Rachel in her swimming costume
She wants to prove that ’50 is the new 30′ (Picture: Paul White/Caters News)

She said: ‘The facelift is a non-surgical thread-lift – it involves big needles with polydioxanine (PDO) threads which are inserted into the face via the side of the ear area near the top of cheekbones.

‘The needles are inserted, then pulled out leaving the PDO threads inside the face and once they are pulled tight they are cut.

‘It yanks up saggy skin around the cheeks, mouth and and jaw areas to give me the plastic, doll-like expression permanently.

‘Due to all of the surgeries I have had in the past, my recovery time is limited to just two days and I’ve got very good at being resistant to pain.

Rachel after her surgery
Rachel after her surgery (Picture: Rachel Evans/Caters News)

‘I was back to work a day after and used makeup to cover the minor bruising I had.’

Despite already having six surgeries this year, Rachel says that she has more booked in on the run up to her 50th birthday.

She said: ‘Before my 50th birthday, which is just over a year away, I plan to have a lot more procedures.

‘I am already booked in for another nose job, some neck tightening and an abundance of maintenance botox procedures.

‘There is no gym for the face so I get the facial muscles sorted with surgery, wrinkles relaxed and lines ironed out.

‘I have a young looking bikini body, and good abs on the stomach, so I want my face to match my body.

‘Wrinkles with a good body looks odd on both men and women, so you must look after the face too!’

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An eight-sided house that was once home to Jane Austen is selling for £870,000

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The outside of the property
The property is stunning (Picture: KnightFrank/BNPS)

An unusual eight-sided home set in the grounds of a 12th century abbey that was once home to Jane Austen is on the market for £870,000.

The Octagon forms part of Stoneleigh Abbey in Warwickshire which was founded in 1154 by Cistercian monks.

Jane moved to the estate in 1806, before she became a successful novelist, when it was inherited by her mother’s cousin, Reverend Thomas Leigh.

He brought Cassandra Austen, Jane’s mother, to live with him at the site as well as Jane and her sister, also called Cassandra.

The inside of the property
It was once home to Jane Austen (Picture: KnightFrank/BNPS)

At the time the gardener on the estate was Humphry Repton, who later featured as a minor character in Austen’s third novel Mansfield Park.

The property, which sits within the grounds of Stoneleigh Abbey, is grade II listed and has been described as a ‘hidden gem’.

It is being sold by estate agents Knight Frank who say the property reflects 800 years of history.

The property features an entrance hallway which carries on to a dining room with an exposed brick wall, high ceilings and windows on two sides.

The modern bathroom
The bathroom is very modern (Picture: KnightFrank/BNPS)

The kitchen adjoins to the dining room and features grey units with wooden work tops and a small Aga with an electric hob.

At the back of the property is a self-contained annexe which houses a generous drawing room, two bedrooms and a shower room.

A separate annexe, located just away from the main house, features a sitting room with French doors, two double bedrooms and a small kitchenette.

The garden is also beautiful – with large olive trees lining the driveway.

A photo of the bedroom
The bedroom is lovely (Picture: KnightFrank/BNPS)

The property is entered through electric gates which are linked to your mobile phone with a separate keypad, and the gravelled driveway leads to a large parking area.

Samantha Holton, of Knight Frank, said: ‘The history of this property definitely adds to the appeal for buyers.

‘It’s an amazing setting and the benefit of having use of the whole estate is something that’s very rare indeed.

‘It has been recently renovated so is in fantastic condition and we’ve already had a few viewings booked in.’

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Woman’s blistering burns are a reminder to be careful making margaritas this summer

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Alcoholic Lime Margarita with Tequila and Sea Salt
Phytophotodermatitis is often known as margarita burn (Picture: Getty Images/iStockphoto)

A quick reminder to anyone planning a BBQ or garden party this summer: Be careful with the lime juice for your cocktails.

It’s easy to forget that lime juice can cause extreme burns when skin is exposed to the sun.

So it’s crucial that in the midst of slicing up limes and making drinks, you properly wash your hands and load them up with suncream before heading outside to join the fun.

Learn from Courtney Fallon, a woman who squeezed ‘hundreds of limes’ to make margaritas for a family event and ended up with blistering burns all over her hands.

Courtney was in Florida for Memorial Day weekend and had made plenty of cocktails for all her guests. Once she was done, she spent the rest of the day by the pool.

The next morning she woke up with incredibly painful blisters covering her hands.

Prevention reports that Courtney’s hands felt like they were on fire, which doesn’t sound fun.

Courtney experienced painful burns after slicing hundreds of limes
Courtney experienced painful burns after slicing hundreds of limes (Picture: Katykidk)

The burns happened because of a condition called phytophotodermatitis, which happens when chemicals from plants cause the skin to become sore and inflamed when exposed to sunlight.

Phyto means plant, photo means sunlight, and dermatitis means inflammation skin.

It often happens with lime juice, and often in the summer time – so much so that some doctors know it as margarita burn. But it can also be caused by carrots, celery, figs, and dill.

To get super science-y, phytodermatitis happens due to exposure to furocoumarins, a type of chemical found on the surface of plants that is used for the process of photosynthesis. If your skin comes in contact with furocoumarins and they’re activated by sunlight, a reaction can happen.

The symptoms vary based on the cycle of the reaction, and will usually go away on their own, but they can cause a lot of pain. Sufferers will experience blisters across the skin, sensitivity, and itching.

After the blisters heal, the person might see dark pigmentation in their place.

You’re more at risk if you have generally sensitive skin, but there are easy ways to prevent phytophotodermatitis from occurring.

You’re more likely to experience a reaction if you’re touching plants at midday, when the sun is highest in the sky, you’re cooking or bartending, or you’re spending a lot of time outdoors.

After handling plants and vegetables, it’s wise to give your hands a good wash and then load up on sun screen before heading outside. You could also wear gloves when handling plants if you know your skin can be sensitive.

Applying a cool flannel to the skin can help to soothe the pain of the blisters, and topical ointments should be applied to keep the area clean and hydrated.

Just be cautious when you sign up to lime-squeezing duty, okay?

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You could be eating the plastic equivalent of a credit card each week

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HUMANS INGEST MICROPLASTICS 'EQUIVALENT TO WEIGHT OF CREDIT CARD EACH WEEK' By Sam Blewett, Press Association A typical human may be ingesting five grams of microplastics every week - equivalent to the weight of a credit card. Research suggests people take in nearly 2,000 particles every seven days through inhalation, drinking water and beer, or consuming shellfish and salt. The WWF, which commissioned the study, said the Government must recognise this as a "wake-up call" and demanded "urgent action". Microplastics are defined as plastic particles smaller than 5ml and may be released into the environment as microbeads, or by the breakdown of larger materials such as bags or tyres. The researchers from the University of Newcastle in Australia analysed 52 previous studies to come up with the estimate. But they suggested the figure could be higher because they did not take into account other ways plastics can be consumed. These include honey, fish, sugar, bread and food packaging. The vast majority of microplastics swallowed came from drinking water, with shellfish coming second and beer last, according to the research. WWF marine police head Alec Taylor said the report "must serve as a wake-up call to the UK Government", adding: "We don't want plastic in our ocean, and we don't want it on our plates. "If we're going to properly address the throwaway plastic pollution crisis, we need urgent action at government, business and consumer levels to tackle its root causes head on." Mr Taylor called on leaders to create a global and legally-binding agreement to halt plastic pollution. The long-term consequences of plastic ingestion are not yet fully understood. Professor Alastair Grant, of the University of East Anglia, said he was "not concerned" about the levels of plastic consumption detailed in the study. "I don't think there's evidence that eating plastic particles at these sort of levels is a significant health risk," he said. Plastic production has incr
Could you be taking in a credit card’s worth of plastic every week? (Picture: Getty)

If we asked you how much plastic you’ve consumed in the last few days, you’d likely say ‘none’.

No matter how much we chew our pen lids, most of us don’t tuck into a large chunk of plastic for dinner each night.

But new research suggests that a typical person may be ingesting 5g of microplastics every week.

That’s the same weight as a credit card, for a visual reference.

The WWF, who commissioned the study, found that people take in nearly 2,000 particles of microplastics each week thanks to inhalation, drinking water and beer, and eating shellfish and salt.

Yep, all those things contain teeny-tiny bits of plastic.

Researchers from the University of Newcastle in Australia analysed 52 previous studies to come up with the estimate of how much plastic we’re taking in, and say the figure could be higher as they didn’t take into account all the other ways plastics can be consumed.

The majority of microplastics swallowed came from drinking water, with shellfish coming second and beer last.

Researchers say the results should be a wake-up call to the UK government to get things sorted.

WWF marine police head Alex Taylor said: ‘We don’t want plastic in our ocean, and we don’t want it on our plates.

Two pints of beer bitter
Beers have been found to contain microplastics (Picture: Getty)

‘If we’re going to properly address the throwaway plastic pollution crisis, we need urgent action at government, business and consumer levels to tackle its root causes head on.’

There’s not much research on the long-term consequences of plastic ingestion, so it’s not clear what impact taking in 5g a week could have on our health.

Professor Alastair Grant, of the University of East Anglia, said: ‘I don’t think there’s evidence that eating plastic particles at these sort of levels is a significant health risk.’

Perhaps not. But chowing down on plastic without being aware of it isn’t a particularly pleasant idea.

The new research backs up a recent estimate that we consume 100,000 plastic particles a year through food, water, and the air we breathe.

A study at the University of Victoria, Canada, only tested 15% of food and drink products, looking at fish, sugar, salt, beer, and water, but found high levels of plastic present.

Don’t feel smug if you’re a bottled water drinker, as this research found that bottled water contains more microplastics than tap water – 22 times more, in fact.

A person who only drank bottled water would consume 130,000 particles per year compared with 4,000 from tap water, the researchers found.

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