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A drive-thru haunted house is opening in Japan

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the haunted drive-thru in Japan
It looks terrifying (Picture: Kowagarasetai)

In your car, nobody can hear you scream.

A drive-thru haunted house is opening in Japan and it looks just as terrifying as it sounds.

Located in a giant garage in Minato-ku, Tokyo, the experience asks guests to play a ghost story through their car radios while ghosts and zombies jump out at the vehicle.

Production company Kowagarasetai – a name which aptly means ‘a squad wanting to scare’- is behind the bold new project. 

It’s worth pointing out that cars are to remain stationary throughout the show – which is probably best to avoid a ghoulish injury.

the haunted drive-thru in Japan
Ghosts and ghouls jump out at the car (Picture: Kowagarasetai)
the haunted drive-thru in Japan
The ‘attack’ lasts around 20 minutes (Picture: Kowagarasetai)

Kowagarasetai producer Kenta Iwana told AFP: ‘At the drive-in haunted house, guests are confined in a car so they can’t escape the horror until the end. It makes it even scarier for them.’

Groups of up to four people can drive into the haunted garage and ‘dead people’ will attack their car for around 20 minutes. 

The company’s website stresses that every car is disinfected after the experience and that all the action takes place outside the car, while visitors remain inside.

the haunted drive-thru in Japan
Cars remain stationary while the action takes place (Picture: Kowagarasetai)

Due to tickets selling out so quickly, it’s believed organisers are planning to extend time slots and dates past the two launch days, on 4 and 5 July.

The haunted house drive-thru costs around £60 per car, but for an extra ¥1,000 (around £8) drivers can have their cars covered in blood.

Guests also have the option to rent a car for the experience, if they don’t have one.

Drive-in experiences are becoming increasingly popular at this moment in time – as they offer a safe way to have fun, while preventing the spread of coronavirus.

Various outdoor cinemas in the UK are set to launch this month, all aiming to recreate the ultimate 1950s American drive-in fantasy.

Do you have a story to share?

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

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Mum who donated a bathtub’s worth of breast milk inundated with requests from men asking to be nursed

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Mother has donated a bath tub worth of breastmilk (Picture: PA Real Life)
Michele was disturbed to see requests from men regarding her breast milk (Picture: PA Real Life)

A mum who donated 65 litres of breast milk to parents – almost enough to fill a bathtub – has revealed how she was inundated with requests from ‘creepy’ men wanting her to nurse them.

Michele Oller, 34, gave birth to her first-born Lynnlee last February and soon found herself with a freezer full of surplus milk.

Wanting to put it to good use, she took to the internet and found a website dedicated to selling breast milk.

Uploading a post advertising the 14 gallons she had available, she thought she would connect with fellow mums.

But the pharmacist from Oklahoma ended up with requests from men who wanted photos of her and asked if she could nurse them.

When two months passed and she had still not received a single genuine request from a concerned parent, Michele took her advert down.

Luckily, soon after, she stumbled upon the Facebook group Human Milk 4 Human Babies, through which she found five parents to donate to.

Michele's freezer, full of milk
Michele’s freezer full of milk (Picture: PA Real Life)

Michele explained: ‘One site I used was full of strange men. I highly doubt they wanted the milk for their babies.

‘A few of them asked me for photos, which was creepy enough in itself, and said a lot about their motives.

‘I also got a couple of requests from men asking if I would physically nurse them.’

Michele says that donating the breast milk has been a rewarding experience as she wanted to help other parents.

‘It’s such a rewarding thing to do, and what really struck me is how many more women are looking for donations than there are women making them,’ she said.

‘If someone has a surplus, there are plenty of babies out there in need.’

Shortly after giving birth to Lynnlee, Michele realised she was producing more breast milk than required.

To prevent the surplus going to waste, she began storing it in her freezer.

Initially, she had planned to nurse Lynnlee for six months, but when she reached that milestone, she decided to keep going.

She added: ‘I had planned on weaning after six months, like a lot of other mothers. But after doing some research about the role breast milk can play – particularly in helping babies fight off infection – I decided I wanted to carry on.

‘I was going back to work around the same time and would have been exposed to all kinds of germs and bugs. I wanted to do whatever I could to protect Lynnlee.

‘When I found out my breast milk contained natural antibodies, I knew I had to keep it up.’

Michele and Lynnlee
Michele breastfed her daughter for six months and still kept producing milk so wanted to donate (Picture: PA Real Life)

But, even with her newfound determination to breastfeed Lynnlee indefinitely, Michele was producing so much milk that it was clear she was not going to get through it all.

Expressing, on average, seven surplus litres per month, by November last year, her freezer was full to the brim.

According to the Centre for Disease Control and Prevention, freshly expressed milk must only be stored for 12 months, so Michele began to fret it would go to waste.

Lynnlee with 65L of breast milk ready to be donated
The bags she donated to other parents in need of milk (Picture: PA Real Life)

Excited at the prospect of being able to donate her milk, Michele immediately looked into it – only to discover that her nearest bank was 120 miles away in neighbouring Texas.

Searching online instead, she found a website dedicated to selling breast milk.

Feeling uncomfortable about making a profit, she listed hers at $1(81p) per ounce.

Soon, her inbox was filling up with requests from interested buyers – but they were not new mothers.

‘I was expecting people to need the milk for newborn babies,’ she recalled. ‘Instead it was weird men with even weirder requests.’

Thankfully, in April 2020, Michele found an alternative in the form of volunteer network Human Milk 4 Human Babies in Oklahoma.

She said: ‘Straight away I knew this was the right place to donate my milk.

‘The group is specifically tailored to finding milk for newborns and you have to be approved by admin before you can enter.

‘One lady told me she was picking the milk up for a single dad who had lost his wife and the mother of his baby, which made the whole thing feel all the more worthwhile.’

Hoping to encourage other new mums to donate surplus breast milk whenever possible, Michele believes it is one of the most rewarding things she has ever done.

Adding that she is still breastfeeding Lynnlee, she concluded: ‘Everyone deserves access to breast milk if their baby needs it.’

Do you have a story?

Email metrolifestyleteam@metro.co.uk to tell us more.

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Little Shop is back at M&S with 25 new and more sustainable toys

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M&S little shop collection
25 new items to collect (Picture: M&S/Metro.co.uk)

Little Shop toys are back at M&S with 25 new designs – and they’ve made changes to ensure the range is more sustainable.

The promotion means you can get tiny versions of popular M&S products when you spend over £20.

The 25 toys will be available in stores across the UK and the Republic of Ireland while stocks last.

Collectors will get a paper packet containing one of the minis but won’t know which one it is until they open it.

Items this year include M&S Guacamole, Gastropub Triple Cooked Chips, Select Farms Pink Lady Apples and many more.

There are also some non-food items this year, such as flowers, a cleaning sponge, M&S Café cup, an M&S Energy windmill and M&S Bank piggy bank.

The rarest item is the limited-edition golden Colin the Caterpillar but there are only 1,000 available.

The rare golden Colin the Caterpillar
The rare golden Colin the Caterpillar (Picture: M&S)

Alongside the collectable, the pack includes a collector’s card with a joke and facts about the product.

There’s also a range of mini accessories available in stores, including a mini metal shopping basket and mini shopping trolley (£3 each), and a collectors’ album (£3) to keep collectables safe.

The promotion launched last year and following some criticism about encouraging single-use plastic, the store has made moves to make the range more sustainable.

A statement said: ‘M&S Food has listened to feedback from last year to make Little Shop more sustainable than ever before.

‘Starting with the materials, M&S has made more minis out of sustainable paper and card, and has recycled old washing machines, fridges and drinking bottles to make the rest.

‘All the collectables are made to be durable and long lasting so they can be played with again and again, but should customers no longer wish to use them – they can pass the minis to friends or family, or alternatively recycle the paper and card minis at home and the plastic ones at M&S’s Recycle Boxes in-store.

‘Any leftover plastic minis will be turned into playground equipment and store fittings.’

Although some welcomed the changes, there was still some criticism about the decision to bring the promotion back.

Tweeting M&S, one person said: ‘The effort to use recyclable & recycled materials is appreciated but we still need to move away from thinking this kind of tat being given away with purchases is good. It’s not, it’s just more rubbish creation.’

Another added: ‘I know they are made from recycled materials this time around which is a positive step, but how many of these will actually be played with & loved, & how many will just go in the bin, like most of the freebies my children have got over the years. Do people need this incentive?’

The full list of what you can get at the M&S Little Shop this year:

Colin the Caterpillar mini cakes

Colin the Caterpillar mini cakes little shop
(Picture: M&S)

M&S Café cup of coffee

M&S Café cup of coffee
(Picture: M&S)

Our Best Ever burger

Our Best Ever Burger
(Picture: M&S)

Made Without Wheat chocolate crispy caramel mini bites

Made Without Wheat chocolate crispy caramel mini bites
(Picture: M&S)

Brioche Burger Buns

Brioche Burger Buns little shop
(Picture: M&S)

M&S Bank piggy bank

M&S Piggy bank
(Picture: M&S)

Percy Pig fruity chews

Percy Pig fruity chews
(Picture: M&S)

Greek style yogurt unsweetened 

Greek style yogurt unsweetened
(Picture: M&S)

Guacamole

Guacamole
(Picture: M&S)

M&S Energy green windmill

M&S Energy green windmill
(Picture: M&S)

Plant Kitchen carrot with houmous

Plant Kitchen carrot with houmous
(Picture: M&S)

Pasta, spinach & pine kernels

Pasta, spinach & pine kernels
(Picture: M&S)

Super berry smoothie

Super berry smoothie
(Picture: M&S)

Gastropub triple cooked chips

Gastropub triple cooked chips
(Picture: M&S)

Valencia orange juice lollies

Valencia orange juice lollies
(Picture: M&S)

Extra-large rainbow layer cake 

Extra-large rainbow layer cake
(Picture: M&S)

Luxury gold teabags

Luxury gold teabags
(Picture: M&S)

Cook with M&S Mediterranean paste

Cook with M&S Mediterranean paste
(Picture: M&S)

Cleaning sponge

Cleaning sponge
(Picture: M&S)

M&S long-stem roses

M&S long-stem roses
(Picture: M&S)

Sapphire raspberries

Sapphire raspberries
(Picture: M&S)

Pink Lady apples

Pink Lady apples
(Picture: M&S)

Red & gold Santini tomatoes

Red & gold Santini™ tomatoes
(Picture: M&S)

Lightly salted rice cakes

Lightly salted rice cakes
(Picture: M&S)

Roasted nut selection

Roasted nut selection
(Picture: M&S)

Golden Colin the Caterpillar

Golden Colin the Caterpillar little shop
(Picture: M&S)

Do you have a story to tell?

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

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My open relationship fell apart after I was diagnosed with HIV

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Man being comforted by doctor in clinical setting
HIV has ironically taught me the importance of possibility and new perspective (Picture: Ella Byworth for Metro.co.uk)

At the end of last summer, I would have described myself as an average, twenty-something man.

I was in a long-term relationship for two years with someone I loved, we had recently bought a puppy together, and occasionally we’d open the door for a third lover, when the opportunity arose.

Both in our prime, it became a unanimous decision that the last thing one would want to do is hold the other back from life, which led to the plausibility and eventual reality of solo encounters.

The following week was the first and last time I slept with someone outside our relationship. It came and went rather smoothly, with my partner mirroring a similar journey that evening.

The following morning when we reunited over a Starbucks, it seemed like this could be an ideal compromise between comforting companionship and a primal, curious sexuality.

However, just a few days later, I was in a hospital bed with an unexplained flu that ravaged my immune system and almost claimed my life. My mother drove hundreds of miles from our family home to say a potential goodbye, while a congregation of medical staff were unable to identify the roots of my waning strength.

Despite blood tests, I was misdiagnosed first with an inflamed appendix, then Crohn’s Disease, before I was finally discharged without any explanation.

It was only after taking a private STI test a month and a half later that I received a phone call referring me to a HIV-specific clinic for further analysis. My knowledge of HIV at this point was minimal, and I’d assumed that such a high-risk virus would have been spotted by the hospital.

The very first thing I did after walking out of my three-hour appointment was get into the passenger’s seat of my partner’s car, and cry. At the time he swore unwavering support.

Luckily I’d kept to myself, but this would have been more than enough time to infect others had I not spent the time recovering. 

From a mental health perspective, it felt like I’d taken one step forward and 20 back. I’d lost my job due to extended and then unexplained time off, and though I found it physically easy to, say, put on my coat and walk the dog, adjusting to my newfound state-of-mind was far from as smooth.

Isolated from my family and, since most of my friends had moved away from Birmingham after graduation, the city soon felt like a hollow, scary and, at times, even threatening place.

My partner and I grew distant as we both struggled to adjust to my diagnosis. He got tested and was negative, which confirmed who I had contracted the virus from. 

My needs became less centred around sexual fulfilment and instead I craved meaningful discussion, and an anchor in a world that was rapidly changing before my eyes.

But if you’re in an open relationship and one party is unable to perform sexually, disruption feels inevitable. We eventually split 10 weeks after my diagnosis as I felt that fundamental boundaries were consistently being broken.

HIV was the reset button I needed to evaluate everything in my life

At such a vulnerable and important time for my mental health, I was unable to persevere in a relationship with someone who just didn’t respect basic understandings of partnership.

As my feelings of inadequacy rocketed my self-worth plummeted. Chronic anxiety confined me to my apartment, where I fought for some control over a life I was losing.

Recreational drug use soon became the last remaining relic of the former me – the only way I could still be ‘part of the gang’. But even when I was high, I was miserable at best.

That could have been the end to my story. But thankfully, somehow, I found a shred of confidence and clasped it for dear life.

As my former life toppled in front of my eyes, brick-by-brick I started to rebuild. I invested in my fitness, frequenting the gym four times a week; small weights at first, or simply a run on the treadmill for some peace of mind.

One-by-one I opened up to friends, revelling in the growing pride that still comes with honesty every time I’m able to share my true self.

Eventually I met someone new. He came into my life masquerading as a passing stranger, soon becoming a strong ally and, now, an indispensable lifeline.

If you’re not willing to adjust your lens, you’ll always see the same picture. HIV has ironically taught me the importance of possibility and having a new perspective. It was the reset button I needed to evaluate everything in my life, and gave me the strength to overcome a reality I thought had bested me.

It’s coming up to one year since I was diagnosed and I’ve since shared my status on social media. I’ve had floods of invaluable messages of support and respect, many from people who I expected to say nothing at all.

I’ve also had people who were with me at the forefront of my diagnosis and subsequent stages of my recovery publicly declare that they were not even associated with me at this time, washing their hands (and minds) of months of memories. 

People I was closest to, and who yet somehow felt a need to actively state they had no involvement with me in the hardest time of life, which they’d watched happen.

There’s clearly still a stigma to be broken. You can’t re-write history, but it can be learnt from, and I’m just thankful for the lessons that I’ve been taught.

Do you have a story 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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Skinny dog found wandering the streets with stained and matted fur is learning to trust people again

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Dora the dog after being rescued by mayhew animal home
When Dora was found, her fur was matted and stained, she had an ear infection, and she was terrified of people (Picture: Mayhew)

When Dora, a four-year-old white and tan terrier, was found wandering the streets of London, she was worryingly underweight, terrified of human contact, and had stained and matted fur.

She was spotted in someone’s back garden by a member of the public, who gave Mayhew Animal Home a ring.

Animal welfare officers were able to capture Dora to bring her in for care, but it wasn’t easy – the dog was so scared of people that it took the team two weeks to get hold of her.

Dora was settled into a warm and cosy kennel at the shelter, giving her some to herself rather than rushing straight into the usual intake check.

Staff spent the next few days sitting quietly by the kennel to help Dora get used to human company, and while at first she kept completely to herself, after a few weeks of care and patience, she began wagging her tail when people popped by to say hello.

While she remained timid and easy to startle, Dora eventually recovered enough to go outside into the garden for short walks, as long as no one else was around.

It’s not clear what happened to Dora or how she ended up living on the streets all alone, but it’s obvious she’s been through some serious distress. Even after weeks of careful rehabilitation, the pup remained sensitive to loud noises and was scared by even the sound of rain on the shelter’s roof.

But slowly and surely, Dora started to let her guard down.

Dora the dog rescued and rehabbed
She was also seriously underweight (Picture: Mayhew)

A careful enrichment plan, including the use of essential oils in her kennel, soothing music on the radio, and a pet remedy spray, helped to keep Dora feeling relaxed and safe, allowing her affectionate and playful nature to emerge.

She was slowly introduced to new areas and new people on her walks, and had lots of one-to-one socialisation sessions within her kennel, to allow her to feel more comfortable around people.

Dora the dog rescued and rehabbed
She’s now in a foster home (Picture: Mayhew)

Dora has now been placed in foster care with Sue, a member of Mayhew’s reception team who can help to keep Dora feeling comfortable while also guiding her through house-training and grooming, all at the dog’s pace to prevent her becoming overwhelmed.

It will be a while longer before Dora is ready to be permanently rehomed, but she’s making progress every day – and learning that people aren’t so scary.

‘Dora is a very sweet and sensitive girl,’ says Sue. ‘I had to visit her 15 times before she felt comfortable with me.

‘We progressed slowly each day with me throwing bits of chicken near her in the Mayhew garden and her coming closer each time. 

Dora the dog rescued and rehabbed
Dora is finally starting to come out of her shell (Picture: Mayhew)

‘I still had to be careful not to move too suddenly or make any sudden noises.

‘It was fascinating to see the tiny, subtle changes in her body language and behavior, for example when she comfortably lay down near me.

She was still too wary to come too close, but the change in her demeanor was massive compared to the skittish, terrified dog I first met. 

‘She eventually took a piece of chicken off my leg and I felt like I had won the lottery!

‘I will also never forget the moment she did her happy dance upon seeing me, I may have cried a bit! She is very relaxed with me now in the house, but is still very scared of strangers, traffic and sudden noises.’

If you’ve fallen a little bit in love with Dora and think you could give her a forever home, keep an eye on the Mayhew website for updates on how she’s getting on.

Do you have a story to share?

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

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The American TikTok mum who butchered tea is now doing beans on toast all wrong

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Woman pouring beans on toast
Do your beans on toast look like this? (Picture: @jchelle36/TikTok)

We Brits were horrified to see the American mum and daughter duo make a cup of tea (by make, we mean butcher) for their TikTok channel last month.

And now mum Michelle is back to aggravate Brits.

The American TikTokker has gone for another classic British staple: beans on toast.

Clearly not fond of tradition, Michelle – who actually lives in the UK (so should be aware of what’s sacred to us) – makes the much-loved dish without using a toaster.

Simply pouring a can of beans on the untoasted bread, Michelle then places a single slice of American cheese on top and leaves the monstrous creation in the microwave for a minute.

To make matters worse, Michelle introduces her tutorial saying she’s making a traditional English breakfast.

While most of us are partial to beans on toast for brekkie, we know that a traditional choice would include bacon, eggs, sausage, beans, tomatoes, hash browns, toast and mushrooms – and black pudding for the purists.

@jchelle36

American cooking beans on toast in the UK #americanintheuk @nichole.caroline

♬ original sound – jchelle36

In the video, Michelle starts by saying: ‘The first step is you wanna get your bread and then you wanna add the beans. I’m just gonna pour mine on like that, juice and all’.

Instead of toasting the bread and heating the beans on the hob, Michelle heats them up at the same time in the microwave, with cheese on top, which we imagine would make a soggy mess.

TikTokkers were not impressed by Michelle’s efforts.

One person commented: ‘YOU USE A TOASTER NOT A MICROWAVE. YOU USE HEINZ NOT OFF BRAND. YOU DONT USE CHEESE AND WHERE IS THE BUTTER’.

Another wrote: ‘She must be stopped. I would take away her microwave but I suspect that doing so would cause the entire household to starve’ while a third person said: ‘Yep she’s defo doing these on purpose now’.

For one person it was just too far. They wrote: ‘Unpopular opinion. do you not think some of the things you’re doing is being disrespectful to British culture and if it is a joke you should say so.’

Is this too far or just a bit of fun?

If you want to share a story with us, email metrolifestyleteam@metro.co.uk to tell us more.

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The weird and wonderful items you can order in McDonalds around the world

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McDonalds comp
Have you tried any of these? (Picture: Metro.co.uk/McDonalds)

We all love being in a McDonalds on holiday and marveling at the unfamiliar and exotic items on the menu.

Some countries have gone so far beyond the basic Fillet O Fish that we Brits can find it hard to comprehend.

But as it may be a while before we get to visit a foreign McDonalds chain, we thought we would compile a list of the most unusual items you can order in the fast food chain around the world.

 Vanarama has pulled together some of the most bizarre items from the  McDonald’s worldwide menu – and they include a melon float, a lobster roll and some kind of toasted chocolate pitta bread thing.

We can’t wait until we can travel again and wonder at these shocking culinary creations:

Canada

McDonalds food
A fancy lobster roll (Picture: Vanarama/McDonalds)

India

McDonalds food
A bread bowl filled with chicken curry (Picture: Vanarama/McDonalds)

Germany

McDonalds food
literally just melted chocolate in toast (Picture: Vanarama/McDonalds)

New Zealand

McDonalds food
The iconic  steak mince ‘n’ cheese pie (Picture: Vanarama/McDonalds)

Poland

McDonalds food
Bacon, a beef patty, fried chicken stuffed with ham (Picture: Vanarama/McDonalds)

Netherlands

McDonalds food
A kroket is mashed potato filled with minced chicken or ragout (Picture: Vanarama/McDonalds)

Malaysia

McDonalds food
Malaysia’s ‘national dish’ includes coconut rice, cucumber, anchovies, fried egg and Ayam Goreng (Picture: Vanarama/McDonalds)

Russia

McDonalds food
These look pretty damn good (Picture: Vanarama/McDonalds)

Italy

McDonalds food
Look at that creamy, cheesy filling (Picture: Vanarama/McDonalds)

China

McDonalds food
A black bun with white sesame seeds and a white bun with black sesame seeds (Picture: Vanarama/McDonalds)

South Korea

McDonalds food
Salmon with… beef (Picture: Vanarama/McDonalds)

Philippines

McDonalds food
 A fried chicken drumstick with spaghetti and meat sauce (Picture: Vanarama/McDonalds)

Australia

McDonalds food
Bubblegum sauce and mini marshmallows (Picture: Vanarama/McDonalds)

Austria

McDonalds food
Asian inspired chicken noodles (Picture: Vanarama/McDonalds)

Thailand

McDonalds food
Tender fish in sweet and spicy sauce, served with rice (Picture: Vanarama/McDonalds)

Uruguay

McDonalds food
Pancakes with an oozing caramel filling served with ice cream (Picture: Vanarama/McDonalds)

Hong Kong

McDonalds food
A mille crepe cake with layers of thin matcha pancakes, matcha cream, and red beans (Picture: Vanarama/McDonalds)

Do you have a story to share? We want to hear from you.

Get in touch: metrolifestyleteam@metro.co.uk.

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What does the drop in house prices actually mean for people who want to buy a home?

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A drive-thru haunted house is opening in Japan (Picture: Getty)
What does this price fall mean for potential buyers? (Picture: Getty)

Yesterday, news broke that, for the first time in eight years, house prices had fallen.

After years of crippling financial setbacks – from the tripling of tuition fees to travel prices soaring – it was just what millennials and Gen Zers needed to hear.

But before we crack out the champagne (or more likely Aldi prosecco – there’s an impending UK recession, after all), it’s worth considering just how noticeable these changes will be.

First, let’s get our heads around the actual statistics. 

According to Nationwide, UK house prices were 0.1% lower in June than the same month a year ago – the first annual fall since December 2012.

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But James Sefton, a professor of economics at Imperial College Business School, says this number is somewhat surprising.

He tells Metro.co.uk: ‘Perhaps the surprising thing is that the fall in house prices has been no larger given the size of the economic shock on people’s income and impact of the lockdown on their ability to view properties.’

So, considering the fall was only 0.1%, what does this actually mean for those looking to buy a property?

Mike Scott, chief property analyst at Yopa estate agency, tells Metro.co.uk: ‘A fall in house prices doesn’t generally mean that more people can afford to buy a house, it just means that there are other reasons why they can’t afford to buy.’

In other words, the reasons for house prices falling – the coronavirus pandemic – is likely to be the cause other financial problems, too.

Mike adds: ‘We don’t have to look far for the reasons. Many people are no longer able to get a mortgage, especially one for a high proportion of the purchase price, or they have become unemployed, or they fear that they may soon be unemployed.

‘These factors are now what’s preventing them from being able to afford to buy, instead of price increases.’

He adds: ‘Of course, these factors don’t affect everyone equally and someone with a secure job and a large deposit may now be able to snap up a relative bargain. But many would-be first-time buyers will now be out of the market altogether until mortgage lenders regain their appetite for offering large mortgages.’

Those already with a large deposit saved may benefit from the dip in house prices – but others who are still saving (particularly first-time buyers) might struggle to get a mortgage in the current climate.

These are becoming increasingly difficult to secure, due to restrictions from lenders.

Richard Hayes, CEO and co-founder of online broker Mojo Mortgage, says: ‘Many lenders have capped loan amounts at 85%, meaning that if you’re a first time buyer, you need at least a 15% deposit to get a mortgage approved. 

‘There are half the amount of mortgage products available now, in comparison to pre-covid levels, so the reality is that it’s going to be tough if you only have a 5-10% deposit.

‘The best advice in that case would be to consider waiting and saving up more to ensure your mortgage is approved, which will undoubtably take patience.’

Illustration of a woman looking glum with moving boxes in the background
House prices are just one thing to consider (Picture Ella Byworth for Metro.co.uk)

James also points out that changes to house prices are likely to vary in different locations.

He says: ‘One consequence of the health crisis has been to both normalise working from home, and to encourage more virtual business interactions. It is possible that this trend will reduce the demand for central locations and it will be interesting to see if this does impact the growth in prices in these areas in the longer term.’

The pandemic has sparked a wave of people looking to get away from cities.

While houses in cities are currently more expensive, in future it could be there’s less of a demand for properties in places such as London and Manchester and more interest in rural spots.

As a result, this could stagnant/lower prices in cities and cause a rise in countryside properties – although, this is yet to be seen.

This is because demand drives price.

Richard points out that house prices are likely to have taken a dip at the moment because of the lack of demand over recent months.

But now, with lockdown slowly lifting, this could all change.

He says: ‘June was the first full month of trading since the property market came back to life following the lockdown.

‘Demand is definitely picking up as many buyers are coming out of enforced confinement in unsuitable property and even unsuitable relationships, to take advantage of the low interest rates in the search of a new home.

‘However, the surge in demand of people who are looking to move in the past four weeks have been unprecedented – also housing stock has been low and this, in turn, could cause prices to increase in time. 

‘The second half of 2020 will be the real test for the property market, as everything is still uncertain.

‘House prices will be dependent on so many factors, such as the availability of mortgages, employment rates, consumer sentiment and economy forecasts.’

In other words, we need to wait to see if this drop in prices sustains and see what other economic factors might play a role over the coming months.

MORE: What Comes Next: House prices might fall for millennials and Generation Z but long-term financial difficulties are coming

MORE: Millennials have spent twice as much money on their gardens during lockdown than other age groups

MORE: Everything you need to know about where and how to find a rundown property to buy


Student wears revealing outfits to defy agonizing ‘shredded skin’ illness that causes severe scars

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Ariana Covarrubiaz
Ariana Covarrubiaz must wear bandages every day of her life to protect her skin from infection. (Ariana Covarrubiaz/Metro.co.uk)

A student whose rare skin disorder means even the slightest touch causes excruciating third degree burns has defied her condition to wear revealing dresses. Ariana Covarrubiaz, 20, from Los Angeles, California, promotes body confidence by showing off her scarred body and open wounds that have been caused by a condition that leads to layers of skin to peel away from her body.

Ariana is unable to walk, eat, wear clothes or even hug her mom without her skin ripping and causing horrific burn-like wounds. She has recessive dystrophic epidermolysis bullosa, a condition caused by a faulty gene passed onto children by parents that is found in an estimated one in one million newborns.

But not only has Ariana defied doctors to live beyond the age of one and go on to study at college, she bravely wears light and summery clothes like other women her age to issue a powerful body confidence message.

Ariana, who is training for a career in entertainment at California State University student, Los Angeles, said: ‘Whenever I do any sort of movement or activity my skin just tears and I get blisters and open wounds.

Ariana Covarrubiaz
Ariana was born with recessive dystrophic epidermolysis bullosa. (Ariana Covarrubiaz/Metro.co.uk)

‘I have to wrap half my body up in bandages every day. Everything I do causes me pain, eating, walking, sleeping and wearing clothes.

‘I’ve had to learn how to deal with the pain, because there is no cure. I have to use a wheelchair because my feet are always in pain and even the sun can cause my skin to blister, that’s how sensitive it is.

‘But I am positive and I am still very happy. I still do things I really enjoy, like going to the theatre and seeing friends, and despite being in pain every day I am almost finished at college.

‘I still love to wear nice dresses even if people can see my scars and blisters, and I want to enable people to share body confidence and their physical differences. I like to show that it is still possible to live a happy and healthy life with a condition like mine.’

Ariana Covarrubiaz
Ariana Covarrubiaz pictured as a baby wrapped in bandages. (Ariana Covarrubiaz/Metro.co.uk)
(Ariana Covarrubiaz/Metro.co.uk)
As a child Ariana Covarrubiaz experienced excruciating pain caused by her condition. (Ariana Covarrubiaz/Metro.co.uk)

Ariana was born with recessive dystrophic epidermolysis bullosa, one of the rarest condition in dermatology, for which there is no cure. Her doctors suspect both her mom and her dad carry the faulty gene that causes the genetic mutation, and although both are unaffected themselves, they have an estimated 25% chance of having a child born with the aggressive skin disease.

It means Ariana’s skin is missing a protein needed to knit the skin to the surface of her body, resulting in even the slightest friction causing serious wounds. Many children born with the condition tragically die in childhood and whilst Ariana wasn’t expected to live beyond the age of one, she has grown up to flourish as a young adult.

‘It take about to hours to put bandages on my hands, legs and back everyday, there’s a big risk of infection for my skin so I have to protect my wounds’, said Ariana, who has a brother, Angel, aged eight.

Ariana Covarrubiaz
Ariana has required regular treatment procedures for her severely damaged skin. (Ariana Covarrubiaz/Metro.co.uk)

‘My day to day life is difficult, even just eating causes blisters in my mouth and laying in bed breaks the skin on my back.

‘I am in chronic pain every day but I still make sure I do things I like. I still wear make up and wear nice clothes because it makes me feel good.

‘I have a really positive attitude and want to achieve in life. I was given a one year life expectancy, so to be close to graduating from college feels amazing. I do my best to keep going and use what I have to make achievements.’

Ariana is in her final year of college and hopes to work in the entertainment industry when she graduates. Despite her obvious physical challenges, Ariana added she does not feel sorry for herself and instead feels ‘fortunate’ to have survive into adulthood.

One of the main ways she likes to share her remarkable success story is by posting photos of herself online to encourage and promote body confidence. Inspiring Ariana bares all in front of the camera in a bid to help other people become comfortable with their own bodies, despite any physical differences.

Ariana Covarrubiaz
Ariana hopes to promote a body confidence. (Ariana Covarrubiaz/Metro.co.uk)

She said: ‘I can’t do a lot of the girly things I’d like to do, but I can and do wear what I want most of the time. I am an advocate for my condition and for people who are like me.

‘My goal is to educate people about my condition and I want to show people that a medical condition does not define who you are.’

Do you have a feel-good news story to share?

If you have overcome adversity to achieve something great or perhaps experienced something amazing, then we’d love to hear from you.

Email story tips to jack.longstaff@metro.co.uk.

When are EasyJet summer 2021 flights released?

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The tail of an EasyJet plane
EasyJet has resumed flights to some destinations (Picture: Reuters)

EasyJet is one of the first airlines to have taken to the skies once again in the wake of lockdown measures being eased, having restarted some routes in mid-June.

The airline has been flying with new safety measures in place that require passengers and crew to wear masks on-board, as well as ramping up its cleaning measures.

And while many may still opt for staycations this summer, they are already turning their attention to 2021 and next year’s holiday season.

But if you’re looking to get yourself a vacation bargain for next year now, can you book summer 2021 flights with EasyJet?

Here’s what you need to know…

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

When are EasyJet summer 2021 flights released?

Currently, you can book an EasyJet flight on their website up until the end of May 2021.

No date has yet been given for the release of flights for the summer season, however the website has said flights from 1 June to 30 September 2021 will be available in July.

Gatwick EasyJet check in
Masks are mandatory on all flights for passengers and staff (Picture: Backgrid UK)

So you shouldn’t have to wait too long to book a flight, should you be looking to go away next summer.

Alternatively, if it’s a package holiday you’re after, those are available to book now.

The website currently has self-catering deals, weekend breaks and package deals to a range of destinations available up until October 2021.

It’s also worth noting if you do plan to book that holiday, your plans may still be dependent on how the pandemic progresses in the coming months, and whether there is a second wave, or if a suitable treatment or vaccine is found.

Currently the Foreign Office advice is to avoid all non-essential global travel – and although it’s been suggested that the UK may open up to some ‘low risk’ countries, that could once again change in the event of a resurgence of the virus in those places.

So that’s something else to bear in mind.

MORE: Dr Hilary would ‘absolutely not’ fly right now as EasyJet flights resume and warns of ‘big risks’

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Sephora confirms it will ditch lashes made of mink fur

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eyelashes and fur on a colourful background
The move has been welcomed by animal rights campaigners (Picture: Getty)

Cult beauty brand Sephora has vowed to stop selling mink eyelashes.

Perhaps unknowingly to some, lots of false eyelashes are actually made out of soft mink fur.

It is not, in fact, just a marketing term used by brands – they really are made out of the coat of adorable little minks.

But, following a long campaign from PETA, the beauty retailer has confirmed it will phase out its remaining stock of mink eyelashes and will only purchase synthetic or faux-fur lashes going forward.

PETA says that, before they are killed, some minks go as far as to ‘self-mutilate’ as a result of their confinement.

It has also criticised Sephora for marketing the falsies as ‘cruelty-free.’

In a statement PETA said: ‘Mink fur typically comes from fur farms, where stressed minks frantically pace and circle endlessly inside cramped wire cages and many languish from infections or broken or malformed limbs.’

PETA’s campaign also included a video of a fur farm, where mink fur is often harvested for coats and fake eyelashes (but, as you might expect, some will find the footage upsetting).

The remaining stock of mink-fur lashes will be the last ever held by Sephora – which means the brand joins the likes of Tarte, Too Faced, Urban Decay in making products cruelty-free.

In a statement the beauty brand said: ‘At Sephora, we have always been committed to upholding the highest standards of beauty, and we take our responsibility to communicate transparently and honestly with our clients about the products we carry seriously.

‘As we shared with PETA, earlier this year we had already decided to begin phasing mink products out of our assortment in 2020.

‘We have only ever offered products our clients can trust and we stand by the people and partners who have made the Sephora experience what it is today.’

Do you have a story to share?

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

MORE: Charlotte Tilbury products are now available on ASOS

MORE: The pink H&M dress that will make you feel like season one Villanelle

MORE: Disney launches a new line of princess-inspired wedding dresses

Lego gets classy with new brick-built pop art Andy Warhol poster and more

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Lego Andy Warhol’s Marilyn Monroe
Now all you need is a Marilyn Monroe mini-figure (pic: Lego)

A new line of Lego Art Sets has been announced, recreating iconic artwork and celebrating everyone from The Beatles to Darth Vader.

It may have started out as just for kids, but a lot of Lego sets nowadays are clearly aimed at adults, from a Lego Aston Martin to the 1989 Batmobile.

The new Art Set line is a bit different though as it’s not a model of a vehicle or set from a movie but 2D artwork meant to go on your wall.

Each set comes with a canvas and a whole lot of tiny coloured Lego bricks, which can be put together to create different images. Although in typical Lego style they can be rebuilt in multiple different ways or customised according to your own preferences.

There are four sets so far and they all cost £114.99 each (Lego is many things but cheap is not one of them).

For that you get 3,000+ pieces each and multiple different design instructions to build. There’s also an online soundtrack provided for each, so you can listen while you work.

Lego Andy Warhol’s Marilyn Monroe (31197)
Based on the iconic 1967 screenprint, which is currently hanging in the Tate – if only coronavirus allowed you to see it, the Lego version allows you to remake the image in one of three different colour schemes.

Lego The Beatles
Getting all four is going to be pricey (pic: Lego)

Lego The Beatles (31198)
You’re going to need four sets to get the whole band but assuming you have a favourite you can remake The Beatles set to portray John Lennon, Sir Paul McCartney, George Harrison, or Sir Ringo Starr.

Lego Marvel Studios Iron Man (31199)
Getting a bit more recent, the Iron Man set can be built to show either the iconic Mark III suit, the Hulkbuster or the newer Mark LXXXV. As with the other sets it also comes with its own thematically relevant soundtrack to listen to on your smartphone.

Lego Marvel Studios Iron Man
If you get multiple sets you can combine them into a larger image (pic: Lego)

Lego Star Wars The Sith (31200)
Because the bad guys are always more fun, the Star Wars art set includes the option to build the main bad guy from each of the three Star Wars trilogies: Darth Maul from the prequels, Darth Vader from the original trilogy, and Kylo Ren from the sequel trilogy. You can already guess what the soundtrack is.

The four sets aren’t due to launch until 1 August, but you can already order them from the Lego website using the links above.

Lego Star Wars The Sith
Pop culture pop art (pic: Lego)

MORE: Lego and National Geographic team-up for new environmental toy sets

MORE: Lego Super Mario review – build your own Nintendo game

MORE: Lego donates $4million to fight racism amid George Floyd protests as Pokemon pledges support to Black Lives Matter

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.

Can I book a cruise holiday now – what are the current rules?

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Passengers on the Norwegian Sky cruise ship look out over South Beach as it leaves PortMiami
Will cruises be back on again soon? (Picture: Getty Images)

The coronavirus pandemic has placed big restrictions on our travel plans, with many people opting for staycations this year despite borders opening up in Europe and elsewhere.

However many folks are starting to plan ahead to the summer of 2021, when foreign travel might be an easier prospect once again – and some might also be thinking about taking to the water on a cruise.

Cruises hit the headlines at the start of the pandemic as ships including the Diamond Princess found themselves battling outbreaks of Covid-19 on board.

But with restrictions easing in some parts of the world is it possible to now book a cruise?

Can you book a cruise holiday now?

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

While most cruises are currently suspended, most of the major operators are planning to resume operations later this year and are taking bookings.

They include the likes of P&O, who are scheduled to resume operations in October, Royal Caribbean, who plan to start up some of their cruises again on September 15, and Cunard, who are scheduled to start again in November.

Norwegian Cruises has also said they plan to resume operations on 1 October.

People look out at the P&O cruise ship Arcadia at berth in Weymouth Bay
Lockdown has placed restrictions on travel (Picture: PA)

If you planned to travel on a specific cruise with another company, you should check their website for details of current or future operations, and whether they are currently taking bookings – many holiday companies, including cruise companies, are now taking bookings for next year.

You should also bear travel restrictions in mind – while bookings are being taken for 2021 holidays, these may be subject to how the pandemic progresses in the coming months, and whether or not there is a second wave.

Currently the Foreign Office is advising against all non-essential global travel, and the UK has a 14-day quarantine in place for all arrivals, including UK residents

While it’s been reported that this may be lifted for some countries, others may still be subject to restrictions – and restrictions could once again be tightened for countries which have a resurgence in cases.

So if you do plan to book a cruise it might be a good idea to check what the company’s policy is for cancellations, just in case you change your mind or it doesn’t go ahead.

MORE: Over 20,000 people in close contact with virus cases went untraced

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Share your views in the comments below.

Cocktail kits, kegs and alcoholic sorbets delivered to your door for Zoom parties and picnics

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Pornstar Martinis to your door, for Zoom parties, garden parties or picnics
Pornstar Martinis to your door, for Zoom parties, garden parties or picnics

Lockdown is easing and pubs reopen this weekend – but many of us don’t want to join in on so-called ‘Super Saturday’.

As hospitals are briefed to prepare for the July 4 pub frenzy ‘as if it were New Year’s Eve’, if you’d rather catch up with friends on Zoom or in smaller gatherings outdoors where you can control who breathes on you, you may want some ideas for delivery alcohol kits that will bring some festivity to the occasion.

A new rule against meeting in big groups of more than 2 households will apply, plus some will still be shielding, so if you have a big party to organise, or simply if you have have FOMU – fear of meeting up – a few things have crossed our path this week that will help.

Pornstar Martini parties and picnics

Pornstar martinis at London Cocktail Week
Pornstar martini with a shot of Prosecco

Firstly, perfect for Zooms birthdays or hen-dos too big to have in person, garden parties or picnics is the Pornstar Martini kit.

Passion fruit liqueur people Passoã have partnered with BoroughBox to create a ready-made kit including a bottle of Passoã, a bottle of Chase vodka, vanilla syrup and a bottle of Prosecco.

To help with snazzy screengrabs, you’ll all get a matching glass, sunglasses and garland too.

The kit will come with a recipe – you’ll need to buy the passion fruits and limes separately.

40ml Passoã
40ml vodka
10ml vanilla syrup
10ml lime juice
1 passion fruit

Add a shot of Prosecco.

The Passoã Pornstar Martini cocktail kit is available to purchase at BoroughBox for £38.99. For more info visit boroughbox.com.

Alcoholic sorbet kits

Gin and green tea sorbet - the ideal accompaniment to a summer party or picnic - or a treat to send a friend during lockdown
Gin and green tea sorbet – the ideal accompaniment to a summer party or picnic – or a treat to send a friend during lockdown

What else has got our tastebuds tantalised this week? This Gelato Cocktail Delivery Service by homemade Italian gelataria, Nonna’s Gelato.

Nonna’s have teamed up with Two Keys Mixers and Villa Ascenti Gin to create an at-home Sgroppino kit.

This comes in two flavours, gin and elderflower sorbet with green tea mixer – made with green teas from Gyokuro, Tencha and Kukicha in Japan – or gin with strawberry and mint sorbet and Andalusian pink grapefruit mixer.

Two Keys – the company behind the all-natural mixers – give 5% of all sales to Tusk conservation, a British non-profit organisation set up to help protect African wildlife and endangered species.

And a note on the Ascenti gin? It is a home-grown, Italian gin made from signature ingredients from the hills of Piemonte. distilled using locally sourced botanicals like Moscato grape, fresh mint and thyme.

The kit comes with Villa Ascenti 50ml mini bottle for 2 serves.

Nonna Gelato’s Sgroppino-at-home kits are available to order from nonnasgelato.com at a price of £10 per kit (for 2 cocktails).

Available for delivery within a 10 mile radius from both TN1 and E2 postcodes in Kent and London respectively.

Method:

Mix 1 large scoop of Nonna’s Gelato with 25ml of Villa Asscenti Gin into a champagne flute or martini glass. Stir, then top with Two Keys mixer Garnish with a mint leaf Buon Appetito.

Beer on tap

Kegs of beer for home delivery from Sun Tavern, Bethnal Green, London
Kegs of beer for home delivery from Sun Tavern, Bethnal Green, London

Get a fresh pint every time from these mini kegs – £30 each from THe Sun Tavern in Bethnal Green, but delivered to your door.

The mini kegs, which hold 5l of beer, are available in pale ale, local IPAs and pilners. There’s a rhubarb cider option for £35 and a kit including whisky and beer jugs for £50.

The pub is also delivering bottles of spirits and wine.

Same day delivery is available within a 3-mile radius of E2 0AN between 12pm and 9pm. Orders placed after 7pm will be delivered next day.

Nationwide delivery will take between 2-5 days via UPS. If you need something sooner, they say to get in touch and they will try their best. Aw. Lockdown love to these guys.

Visit The Sun Tavern website to order.

Rum Old Fashioned delivered to your door

Mount gay rum old fashioned delivery kit from Borough Market
An easy cocktail to make that is so much more than the sum of its parts. Just stir and serve

It’s a rum twist on a classic – Mount Gary Black Barrel rum packaged up with angostura bitters, dried orange slices and artisan Custom House honey from Bermondsey Street Bees.

Send one to the birthday boy or girl and join them in the mix.

Priced at £59.99 and available from BoroughBox

Cognac and cheese? Yes please

Remy Martin cognac and deli hampers with chocolate, dried fruit and cheese from Delicat and Sons
A bottle of Rémy Martin 1738 comes with a selection from chocolates, dried fruit and cheese to flavoured syrups and bitters

This one works nicely as a gift to show someone you’re thinking of them during lockdown.

There are two hampers to choose from. First, the Discover, which comes with two 5cl bottles of Remy Martin 1738, a bottle of elderflower tonic to make a spritz, dark chocolate truffles, mixed dried fruit and an artisan cheese selection. The second is more of a party pack – the Mixology – coming with bitters, flavoured syrups and fresh fruit.

The Discover is £21.92 and the Mixology is £32.85, from Delicat & Sons.

Life in lockdown has made us more open to virtual dating and long distance relationships

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Couple video chatting
Will you continue to date over video chat once lockdown ends? (Picture: Ella Byworth for Metro.co.uk)

Long after lockdown is lifted, some after-effects of the coronavirus pandemic may linger.

Our experiences in the last few months will likely have an impact on how we date, as one example, from FOMU (that’s fear of meeting up) in the short term to cosy nights in cocktail bars no longer being the go-to date.

New research from the dating app Plenty of Fish looks at just how the pandemic will affect how we form romantic relationships, by surveying 850 users about how they’re feeling about dating right now.

Turns out it’s not all doom, gloom, and an overwhelming fear of physical contact – our experiences in lockdown may actually change our approach to dating for the better.

66% of those surveyed said they now value deeper conversations more than they did pre-pandemic, likely because lockdown has meant dating takes place through lengthy conversations over phone calls rather than rushing into the physical stuff.

The survey points to daters becoming more open to connecting in new ways.

Seven in ten (71%) of those surveyed said they’d be happy to go on a virtual date once lockdown is over, while 33% would now be open to a long distance relationship. Months apart has allowed many of us to realise we can form strong bonds from a distance.

This is a trend echoed by the team over at Badoo, who told us video dating have become so prevalent in lockdown that a virtual date ‘will become a natural step in the dating process before meeting face to face’.

a drawing of a zoom conversation
Our experiences in lockdown have changed the way we approach dating and relationships (Picture: Ella Byworth for Metro.co.uk)

Badoo’s UK Brand Marketing Director Natasha Briefel told Metro.co.uk: ‘t’s a great way to get to know somebody beyond messaging, and it also means you can make sure they are who they say they are!’

All those virtual dates and socially distanced strolls may have changed what we look for in a date, perhaps as we’re no longer able to overlook personality clashes by searching for a physical spark.

18% said being socially distanced from dating has made them open to romance with someone who’s not their usual type, while 35% said they now deem looks less important than before.

The most popular qualities people look for in a date (on Plenty of Fish, at least. People on other dating apps might still be superficial) are humour, shared interests, and authenticity – all important if you’re planning to have lengthy conversations, over Zoom or otherwise.

Shannon Smith, Dating and Relationship expert for Plenty of Fish, says: ‘Lockdown and self-isolation has clearly had an impact on how we date, but it hasn’t stopped singles from looking for love.

‘There are so many ways to get to know someone, and once you spark that initial connection, why not try a virtual video date? It’s clear from our findings that no matter how you’re dating, the best way to find love is to be authentic and true to yourself.’

Dating terms and trends, defined

Blue-stalling: When two people are dating and acting like a couple, but one person in the partnership states they're unready for any sort of label or commitment (despite acting in a different manner).

Breadcrumbing: Leaving ‘breadcrumbs’ of interest – random noncommittal messages and notifications that seem to lead on forever, but don’t actually end up taking you anywhere worthwhile Breadcrumbing is all about piquing someone’s interest without the payoff of a date or a relationship.

Caspering: Being a friendly ghost - meaning yes, you ghost, but you offer an explanation beforehand. Caspering is all about being a nice human being with common decency. A novel idea.

Catfish: Someone who uses a fake identity to lure dates online.

Clearing: Clearing season happens in January. It’s when we’re so miserable thanks to Christmas being over, the cold weather, and general seasonal dreariness, that we will hook up with anyone just so we don’t feel completely unattractive. You might bang an ex, or give that creepy guy who you don’t really fancy a chance, or put up with truly awful sex just so you can feel human touch. It’s a tough time. Stay strong.

Cloutlighting: Cloutlighting is the combo of gaslighting and chasing social media clout. Someone will bait the person they’re dating on camera with the intention of getting them upset or angry, or making them look stupid, then share the video for everyone to laugh at.

Cockfishing: Also known as catcocking. When someone sending dick pics uses photo editing software or other methods to change the look of their penis, usually making it look bigger than it really is.

Cuffing season: The chilly autumn and winter months when you are struck by a desire to be coupled up, or cuffed.

Firedooring: Being firedoored is when the access is entirely on one side, so you're always waiting for them to call or text and your efforts are shot down.

Fishing: When someone will send out messages to a bunch of people to see who’d be interested in hooking up, wait to see who responds, then take their pick of who they want to get with. It’s called fishing because the fisher loads up on bait, waits for one fish to bite, then ignores all the others.

Flashpanner: Someone who’s addicted to that warm, fuzzy, and exciting start bit of a relationship, but can’t handle the hard bits that might come after – such as having to make a firm commitment, or meeting their parents, or posting an Instagram photo with them captioned as ‘this one’.

Freckling: Freckling is when someone pops into your dating life when the weather’s nice… and then vanishes once it’s a little chillier.

Gatsbying: To post a video, picture or selfie to public social media purely for a love interest to see it.

Ghosting: Cutting off all communication without explanation.

Grande-ing: Being grateful, rather than resentful, for your exes, just like Ariana Grande.

Hatfishing: When someone who looks better when wearing a hat has pics on their dating profile that exclusively show them wearing hats.

Kittenfishing: Using images that are of you, but are flattering to a point that it might be deceptive. So using really old or heavily edited photos, for example. Kittenfishes can also wildly exaggerate their height, age, interests, or accomplishments.

Lovebombing: Showering someone with attention, gifts, gestures of affection, and promises for your future relationship, only to distract them from your not-so-great bits. In extreme cases this can form the basis for an abusive relationship.

Microcheating: Cheating without physically crossing the line. So stuff like emotional cheating, sexting, confiding in someone other than your partner, that sort of thing.

Mountaineering: Reaching for people who might be out of your league, or reaching for the absolute top of the mountain.

Obligaswiping: The act of endlessly swiping on dating apps and flirt-chatting away with no legitimate intention of meeting up, so you can tell yourself you're doing *something* to put yourself out there.

Orbiting: The act of watching someone's Instagram stories or liking their tweets or generally staying in their 'orbit' after a breakup.

Paperclipping: When someone sporadically pops up to remind you of their existence, to prevent you from ever fully moving on.

Preating: Pre-cheating - laying the groundwork and putting out feelers for cheating, by sending flirty messages or getting closer to a work crush.

Prowling: Going hot and cold when it comes to expressing romantic interest.

R-bombing: Not responding to your messages but reading them all, so you see the 'delivered' and 'read' signs and feel like throwing your phone across the room.

Scroogeing: Dumping someone right before Christmas so you don't have to buy them a present.

Shadowing: Posing with a hot friend in all your dating app photos, knowing people will assume you're the attractive one and will be too polite to ask.

Shaveducking: Feeling deeply confused over whether you're really attracted to a person or if they just have great facial hair.

Sneating:When you go on dates just for a free meal.

Stashing: The act of hiding someone you're dating from your friends, family, and social media.

Submarineing: When someone ghosts, then suddenly returns and acts like nothing happened.

V-lationshipping:When someone you used to date reappears just around Valentine's Day, usually out of loneliness and desperation.

You-turning: Falling head over heels for someone, only to suddenly change your mind and dip.

Zombieing: Ghosting then returning from the dead. Different from submarineing because at least a zombie will acknowledge their distance.

 

MORE: What Comes Next: The coronavirus pandemic will change how we view dating and relationships

MORE: Dating app launches new tool to stop you receiving unsolicited dick pics

MORE: How to cope with lockdown dating anxiety


The fitness gender gap has widened during lockdown – with women struggling to stay active

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Black mother practicing yoga with baby boy in living room
The barriers preventing women from being active have been exacerbated in lockdown (Picture: Getty/Tetra images RF)

The fitness gender gap has widened over lockdown, with fewer women being able to stay active.

Since This Girl Can launched in 2015, the number of women getting active had increased by more than 500,000, with women’s activity levels at an all-time high pre-lockdown. However, women’s activity levels have been on a downward trend over the last three months.

At its worst, the gap between men and women had more than doubled to 10%, with only 30% of women doing the recommended amount of exercise a week.

Another worrying reality is that 80% of people who go to group exercise classes are women, so the extended closure of indoor facilities and swimming pools will mean that women will still be hardest hit even as as restrictions ease.

‘Women’s sport has been on the rise in recent years with elite sport more visible and activity levels of women rising,’ Lisa O’Keefe, director of insight at Sport England tells Metro.co.uk.

‘There’s still a gender gap with women and girls less likely to be active than men and boys – and this is bigger if you’re an Asian or Black woman – but it was shrinking prior to Covid-19 and we were seeing the highest ever levels of activity for women in England in our research.’

Young female runner running in rural park
‘Women who haven’t been active over the last few months may struggle to return to their pre-lockdown activities’ (Picture: Getty)

Lisa says that it is disappointing to see that this gap has widened again, and she says the cause is that the barriers that prevent women from getting active have been exacerbated.

‘Women are more likely to take on the lion’s share of domestic responsibilities than men and during lockdown, many took on the role of home-schooler, leaving little time for exercise,’ she explains.

‘There’s also the concern that women who haven’t been active over the last few months may struggle to return to their pre-lockdown activities, as a fear of judgement over not being fit or capable enough sets in.“’

Women In Sport also found that 39% of women said they were concerned they were losing their fitness, and that lockdown would have a long-term impact on their fitness levels.

Lisa says that a vital step will be the easing of restrictions around the reopening of gyms, swimming pools and leisure centres, as soon as safe to do so.

‘With women making up 80% of group exercise classes, these are essential spaces for women to get active in,’ she adds.

‘We’re also about to step up our This Girl Campaign again with a focus on building and restoring the confidence that has been eroded due to the challenges caused by the pandemic.

‘We remain as committed as ever to ensuring women of all shapes, sizes, abilities and backgrounds feel confident getting active.’

Do you have a story to share? We want to hear from you.

Get in touch: metrolifestyleteam@metro.co.uk.

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Vogue Portugal criticised for ‘offensive’ cover of ‘madness issue’

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vogue portugal four covers for july/august madness issue
The cover on the left is at the centre of controversy (Picture: Vogue Portugal)

Vogue Portugal is facing criticism across the internet for one of four covers for their upcoming July/August 2020 issue.

For what the magazine has called ‘The Madness Issue’, one cover shows a woman naked in a bathtub, having water poured over her by two women in old-fashioned nurse uniforms.

Many have accused the cover of relying on an outdated and ‘upsetting’ stereotype of mental illness and psychiatric hospitals.

The magazine’s Instagram post showing the cover, which will be released alongside three other cover photos, has been flooded with hundreds of comments – sharing a mixed response.

While some have praised the magazine for ‘demystifying’ mental illness, others have called the image ‘offensive’.

Model Sara Sampaio commented: ‘This kind of photo should not be representing the conversation about mental health! I think it’s very bad taste!’

Vogue Portugal publish 4 covers for their questionable ?Madness? themed issue which deals with the issue of mental health; but did they do it sensitively?
The cover shows a woman in what appears to be a psychiatric hospital (Picture: Vogue Portugal)

On Twitter, fashion writer and contributing editor at AnOther Magazine Hannah Tindle wrote: ‘So Vogue Portugal’s July/August 2020 issue is titled ‘The Madness Issue’ and uses the aesthetic of a psychiatric hospital as its cover. Who is approving this shit???’

Some are fans of the edition’s imagery. One person wrote on Twitter ‘idgi this is chic’, while among the criticism in the Instagram comments there are plenty of heart emoji and praise for the magazine.

Much of the criticism around the cover raises concerns around how psychiatric hospitals are depicted in mainstream culture.

Many of us will associate mental health wards with the sterile white environments and straitjackets we’ve likely seen in films and on TV, when the reality of these places can be very different.

A patient sits on a bench in the garden of the psychiatric hospital
The reality of psychiatric wards can be quite different from the images presented in glossy magazines. Here, a patient sits on a bench in the garden of the psychiatric hospital (Picture: AFP via Getty Images Source: AFP
A patient walks in a corridor of the Clos Benard psychiatric hospital in Aubervilliers, a northern Paris suburb, on February 12, 2020. - The Clos Bernard has seen a loss in personnel numbers over the past two years, despite vacancies in the department's public mental health establishment which provides the hospital. Nurses and aids of the institution denounce the lack of care they are able bring to patients due to loss in staff. (Photo by Christophe ARCHAMBAULT / AFP) (Photo by CHRISTOPHE ARCHAMBAULT/AFP via Getty Images)
A patient walks in a corridor of the Clos Benard psychiatric hospital in Aubervilliers (Picture: AFP via Getty Images Source: AFP

There’s a concern that depictions of psychiatric hospitals with these outdated tropes – the old-fashioned nurse costumes, the woman looking haunted in a bathtub – contribute to damaging stereotypes of people with mental health issues.

Mental health advocate Poorna Bell puts this more succinctly on Twitter, writing: ‘On behalf of anyone who has ever been in a psychiatric hospital or had a loved one who has been in one, honestly @VoguePortugal, f*** you.’

‘Covers like this continue to contribute to a negative stigma when it comes to mental health,’ reads another tweet featuring the cover. ‘And all for an aesthetic purpose? This isn’t it.’

We’ve reached out to Vogue Portugal and Condé Nast for comment and will update this article with their response if they get back to us.

Need support? Contact the Samaritans

For emotional support you can call the Samaritans 24-hour helpline on 116 123, email jo@samaritans.org, visit a Samaritans branch in person or go to the Samaritans website.

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Expert tips to stay as safe as possible if you’re going to the pub on ‘Super Saturday’

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pub comp
No sharing drinks or clinking glasses (Picture: Getty)

On 4 July – dubbed ‘Super Saturday’ – pubs and restaurants will reopen in the UK as lockdown restrictions continue to ease.

But things won’t be exactly how you remember them. There will be strict social distancing rules in place, limits on how many people can come in, lots of hand washing.

There is no way to guarantee that going out to socialise in an enclosed space will be safe – and if you don’t feel ready to do that, if you’re unwell or if you’re vulnerable, you should stay home.

But if you are gearing up for your first night in the pub in almost four months, there are things you can do to keep yourself and others as safe as possible.

Jana Abelovska, medical advisor at Click Pharmacy has shared her expert tips to help limit your risk if you’re heading to a pub or restaurant this weekend:

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Wear a mask

‘If you are heading to a pub this weekend, I would advise you to bring a filtered mask, which you should be wearing when inside the pub, ordering drinks, using the toilets and any other time you are in close contact with strangers,’ says Jana.

She adds that if you are a bit nervous, wear your mask even when you’re sitting outside, as there is a chance that if people close to you start to laugh or shout respiratory droplets could potentially be transmitted across.

‘If you are yet to buy a mask for the weekend, ensure that you purchase one with a filter, as this will filter out and bacteria or dust that becomes trapped in the mask and allows for cleaner air flow,’ she adds.

‘You want to ensure your mask includes two layers of fabric and also that it is large enough to cover both your mouth and nose comfortably.

‘The mask should be tight enough around your face that there are no gaps where potential particles could enter or leave, but not too tight that it is sore on the skin.

‘I would opt for a mask with a comfortable cotton fabric as this won’t aggravate the skin.

‘When you are wearing it, ensure that you do not touch it too often or pull it down to then touch your mouth or nose. And when you do take it off throughout the day, make sure you are keeping it in a safe place such as a draw string bag or container, so it is not exposed to any potential harmful bacteria whilst off your face.’

Choose where you sit carefully

If you are heading to the pub with friends, Jana suggests trying to find a table outside, because it is best to be in open-aired environment, and will be easier to keep your distance from others.

‘When with your friends, do not touch, kiss or hug, do not share drinks or clink glasses,’ says Jana. ‘You should make sure that around the table you are all keeping as much distance as you can.

‘If the pub ends up becoming busy then I would suggest remaining outside, however if you have to go into the pub to use the toilet, make sure you keep your distance as much as possible.

‘If you do end up brushing someone else with your hand, ensure you sanitise right after.’

Woman in a cafe bar enjoying the weekend
Sit outside if you can, and protect yourself while indoors (Picture: Getty Images)

Have hand sanitiser with you

‘I would also suggest bringing anti-bacterial wipes with you to the toilet and wiping down the toilet seat and flush as well as the taps before you use them,’ says Jana.

‘And, of course, sanitise even after washing your hands with soap and water.

‘Bring hand sanitiser with you and sanitise as much as possible, mainly when going inside, after touching door knobs, going to the toilet, standing by the bar if the bar is open, and coming into contact with others.’

Try not to drink too much

It’s important to stay aware of hygiene and social distancing rules, and being tipsy or drunk could make you less vigilant.

‘It’s imperative to stick to the guideline even after a few drinks,’ says Jana. ‘Most likely, people will become more lax after drinking, so try not to over-do it alcohol wise to ensure you remain aware of your surroundings and safe.’

Be more vigilant in restaurants

 Jana says that all the same rules apply if you’re going to a restaurant, but you need to be extra careful.

‘You should be even more vigilant as you will be sitting inside and eating food,’ Jana explains. ‘I would suggest bringing anti-bacterial wipes with you so you can wipe down your chair, table, cutlery and drinking glass.

Woman in a cafe bar paying using contactless payment
Sanitise after paying and keep your distance from waiting staff (Picture: Getty)

‘Hand sanitise after eating as you will have touched the plate most likely. Try to keep your distance from waiting staff. Hand sanitise as soon as you have paid and left the building. 

‘You should also be hand sanitising after opening doors, touching your glass, touching windows, tables, seats, outdoor umbrellas and cigarette trays.’

Be mindful of nervous friends

Not everybody will feel comfortable with things going back to normal, and it’s important to respect the feelings of your friends – whatever their boundaries.

‘If you are meeting a friend who is a little nervous about the easing of lockdown, try to respect their views and wear a mask when you meet, bring hand sanitiser and ask them if you are OK to sit next to or opposite them,’ says Jana.

‘Remain wary of your surroundings, do not invite other people over to your table unless your friend is happy with this.

‘I would also advise keeping your mask on at all times, even when talking, to give your friend peace of mind. When you want a drink, use a straw and feed it under your mask.

‘Do not expect your friend to want to stay for too long, or sit inside, and if they say they are heading home because it’s getting too busy, treat their decision with respect.’

Remember, the safest way to social distance and limit your risk is to stay at home. Don’t go to a pub or restaurant if you or anyone you live with is unwell.

Do you have a story to share? We want to hear from you.

Get in touch: metrolifestyleteam@metro.co.uk.

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Girl left with rectangle face after £280 Kybella treatment filmed her family’s hilarious reactions to her transformation

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Kybella treatment swelling
Sofia’s dad was shooketh (Picture: CATERS)

Thank goodness for cameras, for capturing priceless reactions like those of Sofia Marroquin’s family and friends when they first saw her square head.

The rectangular chin situation was caused by a beauty treatment Sofia, from Gold Coast, Australia, had called Kybella.

Kybella is a treatment whereby a therapist injects Deoxycholic acid into the ‘double chin’ area, and it’s supposed to dissolve the fat and create a sleeker silhouette. For the first week or two, however, it can cause swelling – as we can see in Sofia’s case.

But her loved ones weren’t aware that this was just a temporary image change when they saw her for the first time.

Sofia’s dad audibly gasped when he saw her, while her sister took to running around the house in a panic at her new Spongebob lookalike sibling.

The sweet owner of Sofia’s local coffee shop kept a totally straight face, trying to avoid having to say anything at all.

19-year-old Sofia’s video has now been viewed over 3.7 million times, and she’s made a number of updates to clarify what was going on.

In the original video she simple captioned it, ‘i got my face done’, and many people seemed to think Sofia’s new face shape was created on purpose.

Kybella swelling
Thankfully the swelling will eventually go down (Picture: Caters)

In reality, she’d gone for the Kybella, which she paid $500 (roughly £270) for.

Although the swelling wasn’t permanent (it typically goes away after 48 hours, but lasted closer to a week for Sofia), it still gave the family a shock and a laugh.

Sofia said: ‘As soon as I saw my face for the first time after the treatment, I scared myself. 

Kybella swellng
The sweet cafe owner tried not to look – or laugh (Picture: Caters)

‘I thought, this isn’t me. 

‘Then I couldn’t take myself seriously for days. None of my family members could take me seriously either and just laughed whenever I spoke. 

‘My face is still a tiny bit swollen now, but it’s much better and I look normal.’

Here in the UK, Kybella treatments can range in price from around £200 to over £600. Most people will need multiple injections, done monthly for up for six months, to see a reduction in fat around the jowl area.

Sofia made a follow-up TikTok where she explained that she got the procedure done because she was ‘genuinely insecure’ about her face shape and was ‘always hiding [her] face with [her] hair’.

Unfortunately, she received backlash from people who claimed she has body dysmorphia or had undertaken the procedure to look ‘fake’.

It’s yet another reminder that we live in a world that tells us what’s wrong with our bodies constantly, then berates us for cosmetic enhancements.

Thankfully, though, Sofia is all healed up now, and her video made the world laugh out loud.

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

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

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Take a look inside Vietnam’s new gold-plated hotel that features 24-carat tubs and toilets

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gold plated hotel in vietman
A golden makeover (Picture: REUTERS)

You might think that being surrounded by golden furniture is the stuff of fairytales, but we’re here to tell you that a new hotel has made the dream a reality.

The Dolce Hanoi Golden Lake Hotel in Vietnam has truly pushed the boat out in an attempt to draw in visitors, following the country’s three-month coronavirus lockdown.

Located in the Vietnamese capital of Hanoi, the five-star hotel not only boasts 24-carat-cladded interiors but has an impressive golden exterior, too.

The 25-storey venue – which officially opened on Thursday after almost 11 years of construction – includes 400 rooms decked out with gold-plated bath tubs, sinks, toilets, furniture and room appliances.

gold plated hotel to open in vietman
Soak in a golden tub (Picture: REUTERS)
gold plated hotel to open in vietman
You won’t miss it (Picture: REUTERS)
gold plated hotel in vietman
Why not? (Picture: REUTERS)

There’s also decadent features throughout the shared hotel spaces, such as the gold lobby, gold-plated infinity pool, gold-tiled roof and golden lifts.

What’s more, staff are dressed in a matching red and gold uniform, to complete the aesthetic.

A woman poses for a photo at the gold plated infinity pool of the newly-inaugurated Dolce Hanoi Golden Lake luxury hotel, after the government eased a nationwide lockdown following the global outbreak of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19), in Hanoi, Vietnam July 2, 2020. REUTERS/Kham
So decadent (Picture: REUTERS)
gold plated hotel in vietman
The rooms are pretty extra (Picture: REUTERS)
gold plated hotel in vietman
Staff dress in red and gold (Picture: REUTERS)

Naturally, golden luxuries come at a price, with rates per night starting from $250 (£200)  – similar to other high-end accommodation in the city.

Apartments are also available to rent in the hotel, with prices starting from $6,500 (£5,217) per square metre.

The hotel sits on the Giang Vo Lake, in the Ba Dinh District of the Vietnamese capital, but stands out from the surrounding weather-worn Soviet-era buildings.

gold plated hotel in vietman
It boasts amazing views (Picture: REUTERS)
gold plated hotel in vietman
They really have gone all out (Picture: REUTERS)
gold plated hotel in vietman
No details spared (Picture: REUTERS)

Nguyen Huu Duong, majority owner and chairman of Hoa Binh Group (the company which developed the property), said: ‘At the moment, there is no other hotel like this in the world.’

Of course, there are a number of other unusual spots to visit when travel restrictions are lifted. There’s an adorable owl treehouse in Atlanta, as well as a Harry Potter-themed apartment in Florida.

Those looking to book a UK staycation will find a plethora or dreamy Airbnbs which are perfect for a weekend away with friends.

Do you have a travel story to share?

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

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