A holiday abroad to one of Europe’s party islands is a rite of passage for many – sunburn, pitchers of unnamed day glow cocktails, paint parties and fleeting romances all part of a life-changing summer.

For some, the experience lasts for four months at a time, with Brits abroad taking up permanent positions as holiday reps, living a third of the year in party holiday destinations and facilitating 20-somethings’ summers of sun, sand and sex.

This summer, however, party strips are expected to lie empty as holidays abroad are looking more and more unlikely for Brits in 2020.

Several EU countries have said that they would restrict travellers from the UK – with mandatory quarantines of up to two weeks for individuals visiting the countries, even with a negative coronavirus test. Travel restrictions, a two-week quarantine and an ongoing pandemic don’t make a summer holiday with the lads feel feasible.

Party Hard Travel, one of the leading agencies for party holidays, had a whopping 20,000 guests book with them in 2019 and are well-known for their partnerships with Boohoo, Love Island and Geordie Shore. However, for those who work abroad all summer and plan their year around a season with the agency, coronavirus spells chaos.

Visit our live blog for the latest updates: Coronavirus news live

We spoke to some of the reps from Party Hard to find out what happens now that the sun’s gone down on their season abroad.

Alex Birungi, 19

My summer abroad usually consists of sun, sea and sick memories – summer 2019 was my first season so I’m quite new to the job but it was the best summer of my life. I had the opportunity to work in Kavos, Greece, a small but powerful place.

The people you meet, the events we run, the country we get to live in for months are things I am so blessed to have experienced.

The job is high risk with high reward, moving away from home for a long period of time and being in-charge of hundreds of people is always daunting but the memories I made, my amazing team and the experience gained are priceless. Living out of two suitcases and having a diet that purely consists of gyros is amazing.

When I found out that coronavirus had cancelled our summer abroad I was devastated. As the season takes up a quarter of the year, it feels like summer is just going to be empty, made worse by the fact that we are still in lockdown in the UK, so there’s no substitute for the fun that would be had on the season.

Luckily I had a part-time job prior to the pandemic while I was waiting to go abroad so I’m going to continue with that – I’m a retail assistant at a game shop which is nothing riveting compared to a season abroad!

I will probably have to go full-time to make the money I would’ve made on my season but I am so lucky to have had something to full back on.

Natalia Kantas, 23

Working a season is so much fun. You get to live every 20-something’s dream. Our life is a party and it starts in May and ends in September – as the resort manager for Kavos I have many responsibilities but my team and our guest keeps me going.

I’ve worked in Kavos for seven years so I’m used to summers being very fun and extremely busy, a normal week for me would have nine events which I’d have to attend with our guests. When we found out the news we were all so gutted that we wouldn’t get to live the Party Hard summer once again.

I can’t stop thinking about the hoteliers, bar & restaurant owners and generally all the locals that count on those four months a year to make a good enough income to survive the rest of the year. If they don’t end up opening their businesses this season I am guessing they will have a tough winter ahead of them.

Many reps, including myself, who have been working in the industry for many years plan their whole 12 months around these four months of working abroad, so coronavirus has unfortunately changed a lot of people’s plans at the very last minute.

I isolated in Greece so I am in Kavos already and we are waiting for government updates. Talks have begun on ‘air bridges’ for holiday-makers to go abroad so we are waiting with our fingers crossed – if guests can arrive to the resort I will have a job again, but until then, who knows.

Faye Warwick, 22

My summer as a holiday rep is usually back-to-back events with massive parties every day, we’d normally meet up with all our guests and go partying with them!

Working as the destination manager for Ayia Napa I’d be taking guests on boat parties, running bar crawls and pool parties, taking guests to club nights, paint parties – the list goes on. Don’t let that fool you though, there’s a fair amount of work behind the scenes: sorting any issues, informing guests of the weeks plans, writing the rota, event promotion and in-resort sales. I was heading to Malia this summer to manage our reps there.

I work both summer and winter seasons so being a holiday rep is a full-time thing for me and the pandemic has meant I have had to rethink my career plan a fair bit. I’ve had to move home to my family for until I can find alternative work in the UK.

I’ll miss all the in-destination people who run the events that you get super close to over the summer – you are out there for months on end. You get to meet hundreds of really cool people who visit your holiday destination every week and the energy they bring is amazing.

Reps that I know are all as gutted as I am, you spend your whole winter getting hyped for summer and reminiscing on the summer before, so morale is running pretty low.

Also, financially it’s difficult. Seasons are only three or fourt months so there’s no furlough or anything, we just have to wait until the destinations are safe to work in again, or get another job at home.

I had just returned from my winter season in France when we heard about lockdown and about there being no summer etc. Having graduated from uni last year and working abroad straight away, I’m now living with family until I find temporary work in the UK. I plan to go back to working in youth clubs in Bristol, leading activities with kids until we know more about the situation of the travel industry.

Do you have a story to share?

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Sophie-Claire Hoeller and her husband Tim have always loved the beach.

The adventurous couple have spent months backpacking in Australia, renowned for its stretches of white sand and glistening waters, and got married in Montauk, New York – which has four gorgeous beaches open for visitors to swim and sunbathe.

So it was only natural that they would buy a home in a spot that is close to the ocean, namely the notoriously expensive Hamptons in New York.

Due to the extravagant property prices, the couple, who are based in Brooklyn, NYC, had to get creative with their budget – and settled on a rundown cabin in need of some DIY love.

‘When we first saw the place we now call The Surf Cabin, it was not love at first sight,’ Sophie-Claire wrote for Insider.

‘During that first visit, I tried touching as little as possible: dust covered every inch of the place, there was junk everywhere, and a peeling brown linoleum floor welcomed us in the living room.

‘But somehow, the same light bulb went on in both our heads: The place had potential.’

And did it ever.

Over the following nine months, the couple – who prior to this point had little to no DIY experience and taught themselves how to build through tutorials on Youtube – gave the cabin a complete makeover.

They stripped the inside and kept pretty much nothing but the exterior walls, and then got to work creating their dream home.

Let’s start with the before photos so that you can witness the transformation for yourself:

And now, what you’ve been waiting for – the after pics:

Sophie and Tim are still adding finishing touches to The Surf Cabin.

If you fancy following their DIY adventure, they are documenting their journey on Instagram.

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Could you be the perfect family for Henry?

Tabby cat Henry was found wandering the streets alone in Ipswich and was taken in by pet charity Blue Cross, who found he had no microchip.

Staff at the charity’s Wherstead centre discovered that Henry has poor sight and hearing – but that doesn’t stop him living a happy and healthy life.

They’re now looking for a quiet and loving home for the 14-year-old cat – one where he can spend his days snoozing and playing with some extra support from owners to help him navigate his new surroundings.

Clare Williamson, Centre Manager at Blue Cross Suffolk, said: ‘Poor Henry was found wandering all alone a bit dazed and confused.

‘His finder said they had seen lots of people just walk past him and ignore him, so they scooped him up and contacted us for help.

‘He’s got poor sight and is quite hard of hearing but he doesn’t let this stop him from getting around and he absolutely loves a good fuss.

‘He just needs a patient new owner who will give him the time he needs to adjust to the smells and sounds of his new home.

‘As Henry loves the sunshine, a new home with a safe secure outside area where he can explore under supervision would be perfect.’

Henry will need a home where he’s the only pet, without any young children.

‘He will need a bit of time to settle in and to get used to the layout of his new home,’ Claire adds.

‘It would be a huge help for Henry if household furniture and his possessions, such as his food bowl and litter tray, are kept in the same place so he can build up a mental map of his home.

‘This big, noisy world can feel rather scary and overwhelming to a cat like him and we’d love to find him a forever home where he knows he is safe and loved.’

If you think you could give Henry the loving home he needs and deserves, get in touch with Blue Cross Suffolk through the charity’s website or send an email to suffolk@bluecross.org.uk.

Do you have a story to share?

Get in touch by emailing MetroLifestyleTeam@Metro.co.uk.

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Just when you thought 2020 couldn’t get any more bizarre, it’s been announced that a Willy Wonka-style chocolate circus is coming to Amsterdam.

Dutch chocolate company Tony’s Chocolonely has joined forces with architecture firm SeARCH to create a unique choccy-themed attraction.

The magical wonderland is set to be made up of three buildings – one of which will have a roller coaster.

But it seems sweet tooths will have to wait a little longer for it to launch.

It’s estimated the ‘chocolate circus’ will take three years to build and will cost an eye-watering $105 million (£84.5 million) in total.

While a precise date for the opening hasn’t been revealed, it’s unlikely guests will be able to step inside the attraction before 2024.

But it’s not all fun and games, the brand hopes the circus will bring around 500,000 visitors to its factory every year, to learn more about chocolate as well as the unfair treatment of farmers in the industry.

This is something the brand holds very close to its heart and it’s been working to put an end to slavery on cocoa farms in West Africa.

So, not only will the attraction aim to entertain guests, but it also hopes to educate them on the chocolate-making process.

Construction for the new attraction is currently on pause, due to COVID-19, but will no doubt pick up very soon.

For those who want a sneak peek – an artist has drawn up what the site could look like in reality.

In other food news, manufacturers have settled the debate on how to pronounce the traditional Nice biscuits.

Likewise, a chef has shared a recipe for incredibly indulgent air-fried Oreos and the best part is that they only requires four ingredients.

Do you have a food story to share?

Get in touch at MetroLifestyleTeam@metro.co.uk.

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When Covid-19 struck, our Armed Forces veterans were quick to help out

They used to fight for their country but more recently our Armed Forces veterans have been fighting on another front: protecting the UK against Covid-19.

Even before lockdown began in March, they were signing up in their thousands to use the invaluable skills they learned in the military to combat this new threat.

From helping build the Nightingale Hospitals and setting up mobile testing sites to delivering essential supplies to those who are shielding, our brave veterans been a vital part of our defences once more.

Minister for Defence People and Veterans Johnny Mercer said: ‘Those who’ve served in the armed forces have developed a vast array of skills during their career, meaning they can play a huge part now in our national effort to tackle coronavirus.

‘We have seen many veterans making a fantastic contribution during the pandemic, through helping out the vulnerable in their local communities, to running mobile testing sites nationally. We cannot thank them enough for their efforts.’

Here are some of their stories:

‘We used army tactics to fight COVID-19’

While treating patients infected with the Ebola virus in Sierra Leone in 2014, Lance Corporal Joshua Ryder, from Staffordshire couldn’t have realised he’d one day be using the knowledge he’d gained to help victims of another pandemic in his own country.

But when Covid 19 struck, he found his time in Africa with the Royal Army Medical Core invaluable – both for himself, and for the hospital in Stafford where he now works as a trainee nurse.

‘With Ebola, we were very strict with the cleaning and contamination side of things,’ says Joshua, 30. ‘Minimal colleagues contracted it, maybe only one, which shows how well we did that side of things.

‘So with Covid-19, I realised you had to do everything you could to protect yourself. People in the hospital would ask, “You’ve been in Sierra Leone, what do you know?’ and they’d listen to my experience.

‘The set ups they used were mirrored on the military – they set up a hospital within the gym for any patient who tested positive. It was like walking into a military field hospital.’

Joshua, who left the Army in 2018, volunteered to go to Sierra Leone to help the Ebola outbreak that cost 11,325 people their lives.

‘We triaged and tested patients to determine whether they had malaria, gastroenteritis or Ebola,’ says the father-of-two.

After working in Sierra Leone, I knew with Covid you had to do everything you could to protect yourself

‘It was sad to see the devastation caused by the Ebola epidemic. We visited orphanages – it was moving to see the children who’d lost their parents to the virus.’

Joshua now works in the mental health wards of St George’s Hospital in Stafford, where staff have had to explain to their long-term patients why they can’t have visitors or go out.

‘It’s been difficult for the patients but I think they’ve handled it really well. We’ve got a good rapport with them and they feel they can approach us,’ he says.

‘The homeless just wanted to chat’

When lockdown happened, hotels and other shelters threw open their doors to get the homeless off the streets to help contain the spread of coronavirus.

But they needed support, and that’s where former RAF medic Michelle Partington, 48, from Blackburn, Lancashire, came in.

Despite having left the Armed Forces in 2015 after three tours of Afghanistan, she immediately volunteered to help fight Covid-19.

She was made a team leader at a YMCA and a Salvation Army hostel in St Helens, Merseyside, that helped the homeless.

‘If anyone had queries or problems, we’d deal with them, from helping them get doctors’ appointments to sending food to someone isolating,’ she says.

‘Sometimes people just wanted to chat – all they wanted was for someone to listen to them. People often don’t have time, or think they’re on drugs, or that chatting to them doesn’t matter. But it does.

‘People fall on hard times. Some people don’t have a choice. One guy was on drugs because his father had fed them to him from the age of 13. Another chap told me I’d chatted to him for longer than anyone else. These people deserve to be heard.’

Michelle also helped out at a hotel that had taken in the homeless. ‘There were a few more naughty people in there who pushed the boundaries a bit,’ says Michelle.

People fall on hard times – they just want someone to listen to them. They deserve to be heard

‘There was no real control over them, and the hotel manager was dealing with quite a lot. I think some of the time the vets were there as bouncers!’

Eventually Michelle had to step back because of a family illness, but she still helps out by calling a 91-year-old man who’s isolating for a chat every week.

‘It’s quite humbling to be able to do this,’ she says. ‘At the YMCA they said, “We feel so much more comfortable now you’re here”. But we’ve got the experience, so why not use us?’

This week, Adidas released a series of photographs as part of their SH3-ro swimsuit range launch, with the campaign titled My Body My Swim.

The shoot included presenter Maya Jama, activist Nadya Okamato, influencer Chessie King, and model Jada Sezer, with each woman sharing their stories of learning to love swimming and their bodies.

The tagline ’embrace and befriend your body’ was used as part of the campaign, as well as ‘How a shift for brands and social media helps accepting every body’.

And it appears that this body positive messaging has caused a backlash, with many people questioning whether the right models were chosen for a campaign supposed to be about celebrating a variety of body types.

After Maya Jama tweeted a link to the shoot photos, comments began to pour in from people who disagreed with Adidas’ choice.

‘I love you for pushing this message,’ said one. ‘But for lots of us it would be more effective if models of all shapes & sizes, with visible & invisible disabilities & those with scarred bodies were used along with those who most would consider to be beautiful with a great body.’

Journalist Moya Lothian-McLean also wrote: ‘Maya Jama’s body type is literally held up as the ‘ideal’ of the late 2010s/early 2020s. I know she definitely means well but Adidas should have thought twice before making her front the campaign, rather than just being a part of it.’

Many others echoed the statement that, although the models themselves could not be held accountable for Adidas’ branding decisions, they felt it was somewhat tone-deaf not to include a much wider range of bodies.

The body positive movement began alongside the fat acceptance movement, to highlight discrimination against people with larger bodies and end fat shaming.

While body positivity refers to loving your body at any size and shape, erasing fat bodies from the movement that was designed specifically for them is a controversial move.

Some feel that using ‘conventionally attractive’ people to sell products under the guise of body positivity defeats the point of the cause.

Others also pointed out that there were limited styles of swimwear available over an XL on the Adidas site.

We have contacted Adidas and Maya Jama’s reps for comment and will update this piece with their response.

Do you have a story you’d like to share?

Get in touch with us at MetroLifestyleTeam@metro.co.uk.

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A gay soldier has told how he was torn apart from his husband because the US Army refused to recognize them as a married couple. Thomas West, 38, from Manchester, Vermont, has said military bosses stopped him from living with his spouse, Jonathan, 37, and denied them both access to military personnel benefits such as free healthcare and a housing allowance.

Thomas served in the US Army as a Russian linguist. But unlike his straight colleagues whose spouses could live with them in army barracks, he was forced to live as a single soldier and Jonathan was banned from the camp altogether. They were kept apart for almost a year until the restrictive law which prohibited married same-sex couples from collecting federal benefits was found to be unconstitutional by the US Supreme Court in June 2013.

Father-of-two, Jonathan, said: ‘We gave them our marriage certificate but I was still treated like a single soldier and made to live away from Jonathan. All other soldiers, sailors or airmen had their family moved so they could live together, and it’d all get paid for by the army.

‘As a married man I should have received full federal benefits, but I was not recognized as married.

‘It felt like our marriage did not count or matter. Jonathan had to pay to rent his own flat outside of camp and I could not stay with him over night, whilst my colleagues were able to live with their families in a house that was paid for.’

Jonathan added: ‘I felt horrible and at first it did really upset me. I had to pay $1500 a month for a one bed flat, just so I could live near him.

‘I wasn’t even allowed into the camp and it really hit home when I’d go to meet Thomas on lunch, and he had to come out of the camp gates to meet me whilst other wives and husbands could go inside. We were completely excluded.’

Jonathan and Thomas met on an online dating site in 2005 and after four years of dating, got engaged in 2009. Thomas joined the Army in July 2012 and was stationed at Monterey, California, for training to become a Russian linguist.

When Jonathan signed up, a law called the the Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA) was in place, which prohibited married same-sex couples from collecting federal benefits, which included things like a housing allowance and health care for married military personnel and their direct family members.

The couple shelled out tens of thousands of dollars on housing and health care for Jonathan for almost a year, until the landmark moment DOMA overruled in June 2013. Three months later, in September 2013, Jonathan and Thomas were finally treated as equals and granted access to full benefits.

Thomas, who was discharged from the Army in 2017, said: ‘I was paid less just because I was married to a man and it felt so wrong. It worked out OK in the end but it wasn’t nice to go through.

‘Before I joined the Army I knew there would be some level of discrimination, but this left me stunned.’

After three years or marriage Whilst Thomas was still in the Army the couple became parents for the first time in August 2015, to Grace and for a second time in 2016, to Charlotte, who have both been adopted by the Wests.

‘We thought we were ready but it was a huge shock to the system at first’, said Jonathan.

‘Our aim from day one was to bring them up to be socially aware and accepting of everyone, despite their background. We have been infatuated by them both since the day they arrived and they have completed our little family.’

Shortly after adopting the girls, who are now four-years-old, Jonathan and Thomas set up a lifestyle and travel blog called Daddy & Pappa, with the main aim of increasing ‘acceptance through visibility’.

Their inspiration for the blog and Instagram page was born out of the discrimination they faced at the hands of the Defense of Marriage Act, said Jonathan.

Over the last five years the couple have posted regular updates on their life as gay dads in the hope of increasing public awareness and greater equality. In June last year the couple also purchased an Airstream RV and have travelled far and wide across America, posting regular updates along the way.

The blog has seen the West family become LGBTQ+ social media influencers with more than 24,000 followers.

Jonathan said: ‘We have traveled to a lot of very conservative areas and have put our family at risk, but when we have traveled we have met people and shared our story.

‘We thought we can make a difference and if we have had an impact on just a few people then it has been worth it. What happened to us inspired us to want to try and change the views of some people.

‘We have seen breakthroughs in acceptance and being gay doesn’t change who we are as people.’

Jonathan and Thomas are also due to become new dads for a third time having began the adoption process for one-month-old Eleanor, who was put up for adoption at birth.

To visit the West family’s blog click here.

As lockdown eases and travelling abroad feels like less of a distant dream, we’re still a touch tentative about rushing straight back to our usual buffet breakfasts and crowded hostel rooms.

Staying in your very own bubble might be the perfect mid-point between life in lockdown and our old holidaying ways.

Handy then, that in Iceland this is a possibility.

A secluded retreat allows guests to stay in their very own glass bubble, tucked away in the remote wooded area of a forest near Reykholt, in southern Iceland.

As well as keeping you separated from other holidaygoers, a stay in the bubble means you’re able to look at the amazing night sky from your bed.

You might even get to see the aurora borealis – the northern lights – if you’re really lucky.

Robert Robertson, the managing director of the Bubble project based in Reykjavík, Iceland, said: ‘Some childhood dreams stay with us for our whole lives.

‘Sleeping under the stars or watching the aurora borealis dance is one of those lifelong dreams. To fulfil these dreams the Bubble concept was born.

‘In the winter we have the aurora or the stars, but in the summer you are going to be in the proximity to nature, wonderful birds, butterflies and great midnight-sun scenery.

‘Forget the city, forget work and enjoy watching the aurora borealis dance for you.

‘We can of course not guarantee you will see the lights, but if they show up you will have a magical night.’

FYI, if you like the idea of a bubble but aren’t too keen on the cold, there are similar bubble tents over in Australia, too.

Do you have a story to share?

Get in touch by emailining MetroLifestyleTeam@Metro.co.uk.

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Let’s be blunt: if you clicked into this article thinking ‘I might not be drinking enough water’… you’re probably not drinking enough water.

We all know about the importance of staying hydrated, with benefits of sipping throughout the day ranging from improving skin texture to, well, avoiding death from dehydration.

But if you need a reminder to get drinking, it might be useful to know the signs that you’re simply not downing enough water – so you can keep an eye out for them and get pouring the moment you spot one.

That’s especially important when the weather’s hot.

The easiest sign to spot that you could probably do with some water is feeling thirsty. Yes, we know that’s obvious, but it’s one of those things people often overlook.

Then you have your signs of mild dehydration, including headaches, feeling like you’re overheating, feeling tired, having a dry mouth, and nausea.

Dr Keith Grimes, a GP at Babylon, tells Metro.co.uk: ‘In hot weather, our bodies lose more water through sweating and breathing, increasing the risk of becoming dehydrated.

‘Fortunately, humans have adapted brilliantly to this challenge over the millennia, and we have a number of mechanisms to keep our fluid levels balanced.Sensors inside our brains help detect changes in hydration status, triggering thirst and decreased urination.

‘Other symptoms of mild dehydration can include developing a headache, fatigue, or nausea, having dry mouth or lips.

‘There’s no evidence to support the myth that feeling thirsty is a late sign, so listen to your body and top up as needed.’

It’s worth noting that some people don’t have easily spotted signs of dehydration, and if that’s the case for you (ie you don’t feel thirsty), make slow, regular sips throughout the day a priority.

Dr Grimes notes that as people get older, ‘their thirst response to dehydration diminishes’, for example. So with age comes the need to make sure you’re keeping yourself topped up with water throughout the day rather than waiting for thirst to hit.

Children can also be tricky as they might not know the signs of dehydration or be able to verbalise thirst, so parents will need to make sure fluids are always available, too.

Certain medical problems such as diabetes or heart conditions can also demand more specific fluid intake recommendations, so if you have an underlying condition do chat with a medical professional.

If you’re feeling thirsty or generally a bit dry, don’t panic about drinking anything fancy. Plain old tap water will do you good, whatever the weather.

And don’t react to thirst by overloading yourself with pints and pints of water. Go slow and steady.

‘We’ve established that if you feel thirsty you should drink,’ Dr Grimes says.

‘In the UK, tap water is absolutely fine – there’s no need to take any special isotonic drink or preparation.

‘Alcohol and caffeinated drinks can lead to some increased fluid loss (diuresis), but most experts don’t believe this contributes significantly to risk of dehydration. If you are feeling nauseated, avoid fizzy drinks or dairy products – try frequent smalls sips.

‘Ultimately, the healthy human body is well adapted to the challenge of warmer days. Sensible fluid intake, along with staying cool and protecting yourself from the sun, and avoiding exertion at the warmest time of day, is the simplest way to stay well.’

When it comes to the specific amount of water you absolutely must drink, don’t stress yourself out too much about the exact number of glasses you down.

The NHS recommends drinking around 1.2litres (six to eight glasses) on a normal day, and more when it’s hot.

But as Dr Grimes says, your body is pretty good at telling you if you’re not drinking enough – tune into your thirst and drink accordingly.

Do you have a story to share or a question you want answered? Get in touch by emailing MetroLifestyleTeam@Metro.co.uk.

Share your views in the comments section below.

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On my surrogacy application form, I crossed out every instance of ‘she’ and replaced it with ‘they’.

I have been using ‘they/them’ pronouns for a few years now. What started as a feminist statement soon became something I realised I identified with, and I asked the people around me to refer to me using these gender-neutral pronouns.

Offering to become pregnant and carry someone else’s child, though – that comes with a lot of assumptions about what my pronouns are.

I want to experience pregnancy as it has always sounded so special to me but I’ve known for a long time that I don’t want to raise a child. By being a surrogate, I can help someone else become a parent.

The surrogacy organisation that I’ve joined focusses on friendship and support, which was exactly what I had hoped for.

They told me in our first meeting that they’ve never had a surrogate that didn’t use ‘she/her’ pronouns before. Even though this wasn’t something they weren’t used to, they made it clear that they would always try to get it right, something for which I’m really grateful.

Unfortunately, many people ignore or don’t understand my pronouns, and when I start attempting to become pregnant, I’m worried that this might be the case at fertility clinics and maternity wards.

Surrogacy and pregnancy are a minefield of gendered language, leaving people like me feeling excluded and struggling to even fill in forms that all assume I am a woman with ‘she/her’ pronouns.

I understand that people will make mistakes. I only ask that they make the effort to try and get it right. Accidentally using the wrong pronoun doesn’t have to be a big deal. I don’t feel hurt or sad – it’s more jarring, like when someone mispronounces your name – and a correction is all it takes.

Surrogacy and pregnancy are a minefield of gendered language

I find it just as awkward asking people to change how they refer to me.

I have a collection of badges that say ‘they/them’ and I wear one with most of my outfits, and I plan to wear one to my doctor’s appointments, too.

I love when someone casually uses the correct pronoun for me or asks about them because of my badge. It’s a simple way of telling people who understand and respect pronouns what to use.

Sadly, I’ve had many adverse reactions. At a previous job, I explained to my coworkers that I wanted them to say, for example, ‘they are working’ rather than ‘she is working’. I stuck a post-it note on the wall above my desk as a reminder but they still repeatedly used the wrong pronoun.

It made me hesitant to suggest ideas in meetings as I didn’t want people to refer to me as ‘she’.

Telling people my preference also risks having people ridicule gender-neutral pronouns, be dismissive of my feelings or, in the worst case, become hostile, which has happened to me online.

Being laughed at or hated by strangers is upsetting, but receiving that reaction from people I know and care about would be much worse. When I don’t know how someone will react, it’s scary for me to speak out.

I’m now at the stage with surrogacy where I need to choose people to help from a list of members who want to become parents. My main concern is finding someone who will accept who I am.

I have written a profile to introduce myself and help people gauge if we would get along. It prominently includes my pronouns and I wouldn’t offer to help someone who didn’t respect them.

If someone uses inclusive language, like ‘pregnant person’ rather than ‘pregnant woman’, I know straight away that they are probably happy to refer to me using ‘they’.

I’m looking forward to meeting and getting to know the couple or person that I will eventually help.

The surrogacy community is filled with infertile people who prove that the ability to become pregnant and give birth isn’t what makes someone a woman.

When I help someone become a parent, I’ll show them the opposite: it’s not only ‘she’ who can give birth.

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As of next month, pubs across the UK will once again open their doors (though on different dates, depending where they are located).

If returning to your local haunt feels too soon, there’s an alternative solution: build your own bar.

A man in  Newport Pagnell, Buckinghamshire has created an outstanding drinking spot in his family’s back garden, complete with a hot tub.

Pete Simmons, 45, originally built the bar in 2018, which comes with a built-in TV, so that he could watch the World Cup.

During lockdown, he decided to expand his original project – by adding a roof, and a pool, that he purchased as a treat for his daughters, Leah, 17, and Ella, 16.

But soon enough, he ditched it for a hot tub – and we must say, it’s an excellent choice.

To make the garden experience even better, it is connected to the bar, meaning that the dad-of-three, his wife Mel and their kids can effectively swim up and grab themselves a drink without ever leaving the comfort of the tub.

This isn’t your average DIY swim-up bar – it features spirit dispensers, bar stools, a parasol and even panelling around the tub where the family can keep drinks, books and snacks.

And of course, no bar is complete without some branded decor – including a Martini fixture, and a sign that reads ‘Welcome to the mad house’.

The project took about a week in total (not counting the original bar work), with Pete sourcing materials from B&Q.

‘I had an idea after the kids were hassling me for a hot tub and then I extended the bar with the hot tub enclosure,’ said Pete.

‘Most of the materials were ordered online and delivered but I had to make a couple trips to B&Q and join the queues.

‘When the fixtures restart, me and my son Kai will be sat out there. Mel loves it, she’s not a football fan but she gets the TV to herself.’

Don’t have the skills (read: energy) to build your own bar?

Grab a few tins of G&T, blow up a paddling pool and you’re sorted.

Do you have a story to share?

Get in touch by emailing MetroLifestyleTeam@Metro.co.uk.

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When we’re on holiday, most of us slap on the sun cream to stop ourselves from burning.

But when it comes to sitting out in the garden or park here in the UK that necessity seems to escape some of us.

We’re currently experiencing a heatwave (as you can probably tell), with some parts of the UK experiencing highs of over 33C.

It’s not just finding a way to stay cool in the heat that’s the issue, though.

As well as the warm climes, the UV index forecast shows unusually high levels, which can cause burning and eye issues (as well as skin cancer in some after prolonged exposure).

The UV level we typically see here in Britain is relatively low – between 1 and 5 on the Met Office index.

This week, however, levels of 8 or 9 have been recorded in some parts, making it extra important to protect yourself from the sun.

What is UV?

The UV index measures ultraviolet radiation from the sun. This energy comes from the sun, but unlike heat or light cannot be detected by our senses.

UV is the main cause of skin cancer in humans, and what causes sunburn, premature aging, and eye damage after we’ve been in the sun.

The Met Office UV index goes from 1 to 11, with 1 being the lowest score and 11 being extreme.

According to the Met Office website: ‘The UV index does not exceed 8 in the UK (8 is rare; 7 may occur on exceptional days, mostly in the two weeks towards the end of June). Indices of 9 and 10 are common in the Mediterranean area.’

So, since we’re now seeing 9 being recorded in Southern parts of England around midday, it’s safe to say things are not quite normal right now and we need to take precautions.

How quickly will I burn in the sun?

The quickness with which you burn in the sun is dependent on the UV index and the fairness of your skin.

For illustrative purposes, we’ll look at type 2 skin – which is fair burns easily, and tans minimally.

This skin type can burn in 20 minutes in UV levels of 6 to 7.

If they’re in UV of 8 to 10 (as we are in many places right now), fair skinned people can burn in as little as 10 minutes.

But, regardless of your skin type, it’s important to protect yourself regardless, as it’s not just sunburn that you need to be careful with when it comes to UV.

How to protect against UV rays

The best way to protect against UV rays is to not go outside, but that’s not practical. Plus, we actually need some exposure to UV so that we absorb vitamin D (just not too much).

Realistically you are going to go out, but you might want to avoid doing so between 10am and 4pm when rays are at their strongest.

Regardless of the time, make sure to wear a high factor sun protection and reapply every hour or two or whenever you get wet.

Don’t forget sensitive areas like the nose, lips, and toes and, if you’re extra fair, opt for long sleeves or floaty trousers to stay cool yet not risk burning.

To protect your eyes, wear a wide-brimmed hat and/or sunglasses. When you buy a pair of sunnies you can usually see whether or not they offer UV protection, so look for the little sticker when you’re shopping for a new pair.

Surfaces like water, glass, sand, and even roads can reflect UV light. So don’t assume that in shady areas you don’t need to take precautions anyway.

As mentioned above, some people can burn in as little as 10 minutes outdoors, so try to wear sunscreen even if you’re just popping to the shops or out for a short time.

Do you have a story you’d like to share?

Get in touch at MetroLifestyleTeam@metro.co.uk.

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Noticed an influx of spiders in your flat in the heat?

Or are you just not content to spend your lockdown with creepy-crawlies?

Poundland, our budget-friendly saviours, are here to help, releasing a natural spider repellant for 99p.

The spray is made with natural ingredients that won’t kill spiders (unless you directly spray a spider and drown it in liquid), instead just keeping them away.

It contains peppermint oil, an ingredient that is so strong smelling that spiders (and mice, interestingly), absolutely hate it. So if you spritz the spray around yourself, spiders should steer clear.

You could also aim the spray at doorways, windows, and exposed floorboards to deter spiders from entering your home in the first place.

You could make your own spray by just getting peppermint oil and diluting it, but as far as we can see, this spray is a cheaper option at 99p for 500ml.

Other spider sprays we’ve seen cost far more, too, with a popular natural spider repellant, made by Karlsten, available for £12.95 on Amazon.

The downside, of course, is that Poundland doesn’t have an online store – so you’ll need to be blessed with a shop nearby and lucky enough for the spray to still be in stock.

The product is already a hit among diehard Poundland fans, who have posted glowing reviews in the Poundland Appreciation Society Facebook grpup.

Shopper Paige Botten wrote: ‘Bought this today and hoping it works. Has anyone else tried this?

‘It says on the bottle it deters without harming them, so no worry about them dying or being killed.’

Her post received a load of comments from people who seemed pretty enthused about the bargain buy.

One person offered up a different approach, however, suggesting adopting some cats. We’re on board.

‘Peppermint does not work guys,’ wrote Vikki Davies. ‘Having five cats seems to do the trick for us.’

If you want more tips and tricks on saving money, as well as chat about cash and alerts on deals and discounts, join our Facebook Group, Money Pot.

Do you have a story to share? Get in touch by emailing MetroLifestyleTeam@Metro.co.uk.

Share your views in the comments section below.

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Lockdown has been a time for all of us to take a step back and count our blessings.

Be thankful for what we have, and appreciate the people who matter the most… but is anyone else feeling sick of being grateful?

At the risk of sounding cynical, if the grateful-o-meter is reading ‘at least I’m alive’, then there must be a lot to be unthankful for.

During a rather candid lockdown phone call, my friend and I discussed our Covid woes. She’s pregnant, she’s tired, she’s isolated and bored. But when I pointed out that we should be thankful for the things we have, she said, ‘But I was already grateful for those things! I didn’t need a pandemic to tell me that.’

And she’s right. I didn’t need 13 weeks away from my family in order to appreciate them. I didn’t need quarantine to know that banana bread is underwhelming. I didn’t need a loo-roll shortage to understand the importance of wiping your arse.

Visit our live blog for the latest updates: Coronavirus news live

It’s human nature to see the bright side, the silver lining, the lessons learned. But it’s also human nature to scream into a pillow when your five year plan gets royally f*cked by a killer virus and a monster recession.

In the absence of mainstream religion, many of my generation have taken a more secular approach in the search for meaning in life. We no longer look to God for guidance, but rather to the ‘universe’. Less ‘old white guy with beard’, but the same principle of something bigger than us making decisions on our behalf. 

The universe is teaching us a lesson, the universe is pointing us in the right direction. Well, the universe is having a shocker.

I’ve seen so many hot-takes on global warming and the positive effect that lockdown has had on reducing carbon emissions. ‘Nature is healing’ seems to be the go-to phrase for anyone attempting to find gratefulness in our current situation. 

If the universe was more effective in its strategy, it could’ve probably saved half a million lives by rigging the ballot and making Greta Thunberg president. 

Does the universe know that nice things can teach us lessons too? That we don’t have to face hardship to appreciate what we do have?

Winning the lottery would teach me many lessons. I could learn how to scuba dive in the Seychelles, what the leather interior of a Rolls Royce smells like and discover what a Balenciaga is.

I shouldn’t have to feel guilty for wanting more. Right now, it sucks for everyone, for a myriad of reasons. It sucks that you can’t see your grandparents, that you couldn’t get married, that you have no idea when your next paycheck will come through.

It’s really, really sh*t, and it doesn’t help to see an onslaught of motivational Instagram quotes telling you to learn something.

Sometimes there is no lesson.

Sure, we can make the most of a bad situation, but we must also allow ourselves to be p*ssed off about it

When I go through a break up, my nearest and dearest will comfort me by saying that at least I’ve learnt more about what I want from a relationship. That I’m just one step closer to finding Mr Right. 

I understand their point, but I could’ve done without the gruelling staircase to get there, thank you very much.

In times of adversity, we search for meaning to try and make sense of it all. But sometimes there is no meaning, and nothing makes sense. What doesn’t kill you makes you stronger, but who wants to live a brawny existence on the verge of death?

Denying your negative feelings in the pursuit of gratitude isn’t healthy.

Having said all that, we shouldn’t just wallow in our woes. Acknowledge them, yes. Vent them, sure – but find a healthy balance. Like when a friend recently told me they thought they had been the person worst affected by the virus, I pointed out that there were around 45,000 families who would beg to differ.

I’m not saying no one can learn lessons from this – I’m looking at you Boris. With reflection our Government can ensure the spread and scale of any future pandemics can be better controlled. But I’ve heard too many individuals beating themselves up about things that are completely out of their control. 

You are not a failure if your business is in tatters due to lockdown. You are not incompetent if you didn’t plan for this.

For members of the public, a global pandemic was not a lesson on the timetable of life. Sure, we can make the most of a bad situation, but we must also allow ourselves to be p*ssed off about it.

The most important lesson the pandemic has taught me? I like the pub. But I knew that already.

Do you have a story that you’d like to share? Get in touch by emailing jess.austin@metro.co.uk

Share your views in the comments below.

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Every on-trend house worth its salt has a couple of plants dotted around each room.

But Cyril Sontillano, 30, from Monterey, California, has a collection of over 300 in his house and 70 outdoors, and says he thinks that his plant buying habit might have become an addiction.

Cyril has spent over $5,000 (£4,056) on turning his home into a tropical oasis, with over 200 species dotted around his living space.

He has now been dubbed ’Plant Daddy’ after sharing photos of his botanical abode online and gaining over 92,000 followers. He makes money through his Instagram collaborations, but uses this cash to buy more plants.

Cyril told Jam Press: ‘I come from generations of plant lovers and farmers and I think it’s something I’ve acquired genetically and through the upbringing and the environment I grew up in.”

‘I enjoy gardening and caring for my plants and all the creative pursuits I do which relate to it.’

The plant enthusiast said he adds to his vast plant collection weekly, buying 1-2 plants each time, but that his life as a ‘plant daddy’ can be overwhelming.

‘In a day I spend 30 mins to an hour at least just randomly spot-checking my plants and admiring new growth and flowers.

‘During the weekend I spend at least 2-3 hours re-potting a plant, making moss poles, taking pictures and recording videos for my social media accounts.’

Cyril also refuses to leave town for more than a week at a time, and gets family and friends to check in on his growing babies if he does have an overnight stay somewhere else.

‘Everything is on a timer including my grow lights and humidifiers and everything inside the home is monitored by a camera I control using my phone,’ he says.

‘If needed, when required I have friends who can plant sit my plant babies for me. It gets overwhelming at times.

‘Just like any hobby, you encounter challenges such as pests or price inflation because of demand.’

Cyril, who has been called a plant god on Instagram by a follower, has high hopes for the future.

‘I sincerely hope to continue with my passion. That my aspirations will come into fruition and create a larger positive impact among the people around me.”

‘As cliche as it may sound, I want to be a positive influence, a genuine persona that is fortunate to share his love for the arts and nature.

‘Along the way I want to improve myself to become the best version of me and maximize my potential as a creator and as an artist.’

Do you have a story you’d like to share?

Get in touch at MetroLifestyleTeam@metro.co.uk.

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In summer 2020, two activities are more popular than ever: drinks in the park and drive-in cinemas.

Earlier this month, we revealed that a new American-style drive-in, aptly named Drive In, will open in Enfield next month, alongside Luna Cinema’s outdoor movie experience and Cinestock (which is putting together a socially-distanced indoor drive-in cinema).

Rooftop Film Club is now getting in on the action, too.

The open air cinema company, which has three venues in London, screening movies under the stars, is launching a brand new experience at Alexandra Palace on 4 July.

The principle is the same as for the drive-ins mentioned above – basically, you have to stay in your car for the duration of the film, which will be shown on a 40-foot LED screen.

On arrival, each visitor is assigned a parking spot and audio for the film is picked up through your car’s stereo or a portable FM radio (so, unless you fancy watching a movie with no sound, make sure to have one).

But what is a night at the pictures without snacks?

Bring your own, or order treats online to be dropped off outside your door, including hot dogs, popcorn, chocolate and drinks.

As for the films, there’s a whole host of classics to choose from, such as Back to the Future and Grease (which famously includes a drive-in scene), as well as Mean Girls, Toy Story, ET, Jurassic Park and more.

Ticket prices vary, depending on what time of day you visit – £27.50 at 2pm and 5pm or £29.50 at 8pm, and you can have as many passengers in your car as you want.

NHS staff can go for free; there will be 20 tickets set aside for frontline workers during every screening.

Rooftop Film Club is also donating the proceeds from one screening every month to anti-racism charities.

‘We want to bring people together, albeit safely, during this challenging age of social distancing,’ said Gerry Cottle, CEO and co-founder of Rooftop Film Club.

‘We believe that leaving your home in the safety of your vehicle will provide a fresh opportunity to share new experiences with the people you’re isolated with.

‘We also want to give our staff an opportunity to earn a living without compromising their health and partner with local businesses so they too can continue to operate and generate economic value.

‘At the same time, we want to give back where we can. Drive-in cinemas first arrived in the US when the world was recovering from economic turmoil, and here it is again to help us on our way.’      

For the full film schedule, dates and times, visit Rooftop Film Club’s website.

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Throughout the pandemic, most of us have embraced a new ‘normal’ when it comes to dating – in the way of virtual dating, phone sex and staying two metres apart from any human outside of our own household.

Unless you’ve had the good fortune of living with your partner, f***buddy or a really hot housemate, odds are you’ve experienced a pretty sexless lockdown.

But that is all about to change.

Lockdown is shifting, and with it our attitudes are, too – especially when it comes to socialising.

Now, we are allowed support bubbles, in which we can do whatever we want.

Visit our live blog for the latest updates: Coronavirus news live

You can finally meet up with that guy/girl/person you’ve been video chatting with for months, and actually have a kiss at the end of the date. You can finally have sex again.

But just because we can do something, it doesn’t necessarily mean we are ready to do it.

We are referring to lockdown dating anxiety – where a potential touch or kiss makes you think of the possibility of contracting coronavirus, or worse – dying from contracting coronavirus.

It’s an understandable fear; after all, hundreds of thousands of people have tragically died as a result of coronavirus across the globe.

Or perhaps it’s not about physical contact but rather that your mind is too preoccupied with dealing with the alarming situation at hand, and therefore you don’t want to explore emotional intimacy with others.

Maybe you have nothing to give right now, because you are busy looking after yourself.

To find out how to tackle anxiety around dating in a pandemic, we talk to experts on how to work through these feelings and why it’s more than OK for you to say no to physical or emotional contact if you don’t feel ready for it.

Take it slow

Relationship coach Nia Williams of Miss Date Doctor, explains that social anxiety in dating is very common and it has only been exacerbated by the current situation.

She recommends taking baby steps and finding your dating rhythm again.

‘Try to take things slowly if you find your partner or date is reluctant to be intimate or close due to the present situation,’ Nia tells us.

‘Anxiety is one of the most common issues that psychologists, therapists and life coaches deal with, it is important to take this on board and not be too hard on yourself.

‘Take things at your own pace and do not rush into physical contact or any social settings you simply do not feel ready for.’

Be honest and set boundaries

Communication is key to any relationship – whether it’s with an existing parter, a budding romance or a Tinder date.

Don’t be afraid to express how you feel and what is acceptable to you – and on the flipside, what isn’t.

‘Be open about how you’re feeling about meeting up in close proximity,’ says sex coach, Duchess Iphe.

‘Start having the conversation now, so that expectations are managed. A relationship where honesty isn’t paramount, is most likely not going to work. 

‘Set your expectations and their expectations so they know that they may only get a hug, but no kissing or sex. 

‘Explain that you would be happy to meet in a park rather than an enclosed space regardless of social distancing. Choose when and if you want to have a face-to-face date at all.

‘Don’t feel weird, not feel pressurised, make a choice that you’re not ready and be prepared to lose that person, if they are not understanding.

‘You have to take care of your mental and physical well-being first.’

Face your fear (the anxiety)

Try to figure out what the core issue is.

Does it stem from general health anxiety or is it a distinct fear of catching coronavirus?

Psychologist and founder of The Private Therapy Clinic, Becky Spelman, explains: ‘People know that if they keep their partner numbers down, for example if they just become intimate with one partner and that partner is showing no symptoms, there is a very low chance of them contracting the virus.

‘But someone with health anxiety is going to be very, very scared of becoming intimate with even just one person, they are probably going to take unnecessary caution due to the level of anxiety that it causes them.

‘We can’t have complete certainty but one of the issues with health anxiety is not being able to sit with the uncertainty that being intimate with a new partner can bring.’

To counteract this feeling, make your mind focus on the facts.

Becky says: ‘If you know someone well, you know how they are living their lives and they’re not showing symptoms, on a logical level it should be safe – though this is never 100% guaranteed.

‘People should not completely avoid intimacy as that’s no way to live your life. You can do whatever you feel is legal as well as whatever you feel is responsible without it being anxiety avoidance.

‘If you identify something as being anxiety avoidance, you need to nip that in the bud and face your fear, and give yourself a dose of exposure therapy.’

You might also find it worthwhile talking to a mental health professional if your anxiety is severely impacting your life, or you just want help and support.

Find out who is worthy of your time

On a positive note, dating during a pandemic could help weed out the bad eggs.

‘Once you have decided upon your own personal boundaries in this area, it actually provides a fantastic opportunity for you to learn whether a potential partner is going to treat you with respect and honour your boundaries,’ says Lily Walford, dating coach & founder of Love With Intelligence.

‘If someone won’t take no for an answer in this (potentially life-threatening) area, then that gives you a huge red flag to know that they probably wouldn’t respect your boundaries in other areas.’

Take a break from it all

There’s no rush and you are completely within your right to do with your body and mind as you choose.

If you feel that dating is causing you too much stress, it might be worth taking a break from it.

Don’t worry, the opportunities to meet someone will still be there when you return.

If anything, after the sexless months British singles have just been through, it’ll be a sexual and romantic feast.

Until then, there’s virtual dating, phone sex, video sex, socially distanced dating and masturbation.

Do you have a story to share?

Get in touch by emailing MetroLifestyleTeam@Metro.co.uk.

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New Lego City and Lego Friends sets will focus on exploration and protecting endangered species, including a homage to Boaty McBoatface.

It may be the Star Wars and Harry Potter sets that older fans are more interested in, but the bread and butter of Lego’s construction empire is the Lego City line and, more recently, Lego Friends.

Each year they have different themes they focus on and this time round Lego has partnered with National Geographic to create an environmental theme focused on deep sea exploration and animal preservation.

Which all sounds very serious until you see how that translates into some cooling looking submarines and a giant exploration vehicle that looks not entirely unlike what was originally going to be called Boaty McBoatface (they changed it to RSS Sir David Attenborough in the end, and named one of the remote control submarines Boaty McBoatface).

The Ocean Exploration Ship is the biggest of the Lego City sets but it has the neat ability to actually float in water and comes with a helicopter, submarine, and a shark cage (and an actual shark).

The Lego Friends sets are mostly land-based and include various jungle rescue scenarios, including baby elephants, pandas, and a tiger in a hot air balloon (it’s okay, it’s a baby tiger).

There’s an associated Explore the World website to help kids learn about the real-world issues that inspired the sets, with stories from six different explorers, such as elephant ecologist Dominique Gonçalves.

Lego has also announced that it will contribute towards the National Geographic Society to fund grants in ocean exploration and species conservation.

New Lego City sets

Ocean Exploration Ship (60266) – £124.99
Ocean Exploration Base (60265) – £54.99
Ocean Exploration Submarine (60264) – £24.99
Ocean Mini-Submarine (60263) – £8.99

New Lego Friends sets

Alpaca Mountain Jungle Rescue (41432) – £54.99
Jungle Rescue Base (41424) – £74.99
Tiger Hot Air Balloon Jungle Rescue (41423) – £34.99
Panda Jungle Tree House (41422) – £24.99
Baby Elephant Jungle Rescue (41421) – £17.99

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Got a showbiz story?

If you’ve got a celebrity story, video or pictures get in touch with the Metro.co.uk entertainment team by emailing us celebtips@metro.co.uk, calling 020 3615 2145 or by visiting our Submit Stuff page – we’d love to hear from you.

Heatwaves are sticky, sweaty and uncomfortable.

Anyone with hair longer than a bob will know the hassle your locks can cause when it comes to staying cool.

As temperatures soar, those with longer hair look to get as much of it off their face (and neck) as possible.

Thankfully, there’s a plethora of styles that work well in heatwave, from French braids to stylish ponytails.

And let’s not forget about accessories – clips, bows and headbands all work wonders when balmy weather hits.

We’ve rounded up a selection of styles, straight off Instagram, with details and expert tips on how to recreate them at home. 

Dutch or French braids

When it comes to braiding there are so many different variations – but the two most popular are the French and Dutch styles.

The latter essentially resembles an inside-out French braid – standing out from the head rather than hugging it. Also, a Dutch braid goes under the middle strand, rather than over.

Both braiding styles, if done correctly, should hold for the entire day.

Ricky Walters, founder of SALON64, explains how to recreate the Dutch style at home – but he stresses hair should be brushed and tangle-free for best results.

He says: ‘Step 1 – split your hair in two, straight down the middle, drawing a line from the centre parting down to the nape of the neck with a comb. Using a large clip or a hairband clip, put half of your hair out of the way.

‘Step 2 – working on the side of your hair left down, take a section roughly 1-2cm thick at the front of your head – next to the middle parting. Then split this section into three even smaller sections, as if you were about to do a regular plait. We’ll call these sections 1 ,2 and 3. 

‘Step 3 – using both hands hold section 1 and 2 in one hand and section 3 in the other. 

‘Step 4 – we will start the braid like most regular plaits. However, instead of each section going over the middle they will go underneath one another. Section 1 ( furthest to the left) will go under the middle section followed by section 3 (furthest to the right) going under the middle section.

‘Once you’ve formed the base of your braid by finishing step 4, we will start to add new hair. 

‘Repeating the method just like a usual braid, we will join hair to each side section we take. As you take your next section from the furtherest left or right you will grab the same amount of hair next to it and include this in your braid.

‘Every time you plait the hair underneath the middle section, work in another small piece of hair. The less hair you grab, the more intricate the braid will look. 

‘Repeat this method on both sides until you have two tight braids.’

The low ponytail

For a minimalistic style, the low ponytail is a great fuss-free way to go.

While it might look effortless, it does require a little bit of work.

Ricky says: ‘Style your hair as you see fit, providing the hair is smooth and polished.

‘Then, using a natural bristle paddle brush, (this will prevent static), begin by gently brushing three quarters of the hair.

‘Have a hairband waiting around you wrist. Then brush the hair as low as possible to the nape of the neck with lots of tension and tie the hairband in place.

‘If you have shorter pieces in the front of your hair or a grown out fringe, I would leave these be – as they add an element of detail. However, you can loosely grip these out the way to prevent them falling on your face. ‘

A hair tie does the job just fine. But those looking for something a little extra can use a tiny strand of hair and wrap it around the hair-tie for a more polished look. Or accessorise with an oversized bow or ribbon.

Space buns

90s space buns are a great option for Afro hair in the heat. 

Instagram user @baddest_beauty shows how to create them at home, using a few simple hair tools. 

The great thing about the space bun style is that there’s plenty of room to be playful with accessories. 

In her video, @baddest_beauty shows how she finishes her buns with some ball hair ties.

Alternatively, another way to style them is with a 90s accessory that’s making a comeback in 2020 – the butterfly hair clip.

Dutch braid in a bun

Those looking to go the extra mile with their heatwave hairstyles can turn a Dutch braid into a bun, as shown by hair stylist Megan Barker.

Jonathan Andrew, a celebrity hair stylist at Fudge Professionals, breaks the look down into a few simple steps.

He says: ‘Step 1 – separate the hair down the middle from front to back into two large sections.

‘Step 2 – moisten the hair with some Fudge Professional Sea Salt spray very lightly, this will help control the hair to braid and add texture when dry.

‘Step 3 – take a triangle section at the top (about two inches should be enough) and separate into three strands.

‘Step 4 – begin the braid [as explained by Ricky]. Continue to move down towards the back of the head with this braid.

‘A top tip here is, when adding hair as you go down, use a tail comb to take larger sections and add to one side then the next side as you move down, rather than trying to split the sections. Once at the nape of the head, secure in place with a band and repeat on the other side.’

He adds: ‘With the ponytail, twist into a spiral and then wrap around the base, securing in place with some grips. Spray some texture spray to the bun and lightly ruffle to give a softer finish.’

The high ponytail

Most people with shoulder-length hair know how to put it in a ponytail. But how do you give an updo a little more finesse?

Hair stylist Ralphie shows how to create a perfect-looking high pony on her Instagram page – all you need it a brush, hair tie, some pliable hair paste (or whatever product of preference) and hairspray.

Hair accessories

Don’t underestimate the power of hair accessories.

From an assortment of clips to scrunchies and silk hair bands – all of these work wonders for pinning hair back from the face.

Do you have a beauty story to share?

Get in touch at MetroLifestyleTeam@metro.co.uk.

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If you’re in need of some wholesome good news today, let us present to you August – the world’s oldest living golden retriever.

August was fostered at the grand old age of 14 by Jennifer and Steve Hetterscheidt, from Tennessee. When they rescued her, they weren’t sure how long she’d live; 14 in human years is the equivalent to around 78 in medium breed dog years. So August was pretty old when she found her forever home.

Six years later, she’s been busy celebrating her 20th birthday and aside from a few minor health issues, she’s hale and hearty.

She hasn’t been officially verified yet, but according to the Guinness World Records, August might be the 19th oldest dog in the world. And GoldHeart Golden Retrievers Rescue, a rescue centre that has shared her story, has claimed that she’s the ‘oldest known, oldest living golden retriever’.

August ended up at The Golden Retriever Rescue Southern Nevada after her original carer fell on hard times and had to move into a shelter where dogs weren’t allowed. The Hetterscheidts told Insider that they agreed to foster August thinking that it’d only be for a short amount of time, given her age.

But after two years, it was clear that August was going nowhere – and the couple decided to adopt her.

So, what’s August’s secret to long-term health?

Steve tells Insider that August and the family’s other three golden retrievers eat a normal diet but that August’s longevity is down to ‘good genes’.

‘Seeing as how she was 14 when we got her, and we don’t really know what they were feeding her before, we really think that it’s just attributed to good genes,’ he explains.

‘Golden retrievers normally only live to be 10 or 12 years old and are very prone to cancer.’

August has some mild kidney failure but thanks to a little extra TLC, she’s stayed at stage 2 (the most serious form is stage 4) for a number of years. She may be a slow but Steve says that she still loves getting in on the action – whether that’s jumping into pools or settling down for a night in front of the box with the rest of her family.

Britain’s oldest dog, Charlie the Jack Russell, died in 2018 at 23, while Maggie, a Kelpie, was thought to be the world’s oldest dog. She passed away in her basket aged 30 (133 in dog years) in Australia in 2016.

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