Quantcast
Channel: Lifestyle – Metro

For Madrid without the crowds try Spain’s ‘Golden City’, and it costs just £54 to get there

0
0
Salamanca
It’s much quieter than the busy capital (Picture: Getty Images)

Whether you’re into architecture, nightlife, food or football, Madrid is an extremely popular destination for those with a penchant for the city break.

But, given its popularity, the capital of Spain is a tourist hotspot. In 2023 alone, 60 million passengers arrived at Madrid’s airport, with tourists seriously outnumbering locals. 

Over the Christmas period, Madrid even had to shut down streets to prevent overcrowding. 

If that sounds like your own personal nightmare, we have the perfect destination dupe for you: Salamanca.

If you haven’t heard of Salamanca before, you’re not alone. Located just two hours from Madrid, the city has been called one of Spain’s hidden gems.  And with a UNESCO listed old town, loads of museums and amazing food, it’s clear to see why.

Salamanca's new cathedral
Salamanca’s architecture is a big selling point (Picture: Getty Images)

Along with stunning architecture and multiple museums, the city is home to the oldest active university in Spain, the University of Salamanca, making it a lively student city. 

It’s also a popular destination for international students who are studying abroad for a semester, so you can expect an eclectic mix of nightlife and culture. 

@skyscanner

@kellyandgeorgia_’s travel guide to “the golden city”, Salamanca 🇪🇸 📍 Viewpoint of the Cathedral of Salamanca 📍 Roman Bridge 📍 Huerta de Calixto y Melibea 📍 Salamanca Cathedral 📍 University of Salamanca 📍 Plaza Mayor de Salamanca 📍 Palacio de la Salina 📍 Ieronimus 📍 Casa de las Conchas Where is your favourite spot in Salamanca? Let us know in the comments 👇 #TravelTok #SalamancaSpain #TravelSpain #TravelEspañaTikTok #CityGuide

♬ Living In A Haze (Instrumental) – Milky Chance

Things to do in Salamanca

Salamanca’s main attraction is its beauty. 

The city itself is a sight for sore eyes, with the most gorgeous gothic, renaissance and baroque architecture to gaze at as you explore.

The Old Town itself was named a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1988. 

There’s the Roman bridge, the old and new cathedrals, the magical university buildings and two palaces: the Salina Palace and the Monterrey Palace, both of which can be explored inside and out.

Plaza Mayor in Salamanca
Salamanca’s main square, Plaza Mayor, is stunning (Picture: Getty Images)

You can also spend time with locals and tourists alike at the magnificent Plaza Mayor, a huge square where you’ll find restaurants, bars and shopping arcades. 

For a dose of history and culture, visit the museums, such as Casa Lis, an Art Deco and Art Nouveau museum, or the Museum of Salamanca, where you can learn about fine art, archaeology and ethnology. 

@unblogdepalo

El Cielo de Salamanca es la bóveda que cubría la Biblioteca de la Universidad de Salamanca, fue pintada en la segunda mitad del siglo XV por Fernando Gallego #CielodeSalamanca #ElCielodeSalamanca #bovedaceleste #salamanca #UniversidadDeSalamanca #BibliotecaHistorica #SalamancaEspaña #Cielo #bovedaceleste

♬ Van Gogh – Virginio Aiello & On Piano

A wonderful – and free – hidden gem in the city is the Cielo de Salamanca, a beautiful painted ceiling, created in the 15th century by artist Fernando Gallego. 

The ‘sky over Salamanca,’ in the Old Library of the university, features paintings of the 48 planets and constellations known at the time. It’s a must-see!

Salamanca must-try

If you’re a foodie, be sure to try Salamanca’s famous dish, hornazo. 

Hornazo is a salty, oven-baked pastry stuffed with ham, sausage, bacon, cooked egg, and sometimes even chicken.

Try the traditional confectioneries at La Industrial or Gil for some of the best hornazo in the city.

How to get to Salamanca

While Salamanca has its own airport, no airlines currently offer direct flights from the UK to Salamanca.

It’s better to fly to Madrid-Barajas airport, which is about 145 km from Salamanca. Major airlines including Ryanair, Easyjet and Iberia fly to the Spanish capital. If you were looking to fly out for a city break next month, for example, a single ticket to Madrid with Ryanair costs just £33, not including baggage.

You can then travel to Salamanca by car, bus or train. It takes between two and three hours in total, and it’s totally worth the extra travel time.

The trains are cheap too. You can buy a single ticket to Salamanca from Madrid for about £21 using Spain’s rail network.

Where to stay Salamanca

These are the top 10 best accommodation options in Salamanca, according to Tripadvisor.

1. NH Collection Salamanca Palacio de Castellanos

2. Parador de Salamanca

3. Hotel Rector

4. Hotel Hospes Palacio de San Esteban

5. Sercotel Puerta de la Catedral

6. Sercotel Las Torres Salamanca

7. Eurostars Las Claras

8. Ibis Salamanca

9. Salamanca Suite Studios

10. Hotel Grand Hotel Don Gregorio

When to visit Salamanca

July and August are Salamanca’s hottest months, with temperatures regularly reaching about 31 degrees, and August is the city’s driest month.

For slightly milder but still balmy temperatures, May, June, September and October are ideal – usually around 26 degrees – and will be much cheaper than during the school holidays. 

If you’re looking to avoid the crowds, we suggest heading to Salamanca in May or October. August is the busiest month for tourism in the city.

Do you have a story to share?

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


We met in a chat room full of lad banter. Now, we’re both out as trans and in love

0
0
Lucy standing in a field and smiling - around her are the pride flag colours
It feels like Molly and I are growing our confidence together (Picture: Dani Oliver)

I met Molly* – or at least her virtual character – for the first time while playing Minecraft

It’s an open-world video game where you craft tools, mine for ores and build your house to survive the mobs that come out at night. 

This was in 2018 and I had joined a friend’s server for the first time, while chatting to a group of guys via Discord (a voice call software used mostly by gamers).

The lads enjoyed trolling each other in the game, pulling pranks such as filling up someone’s house with water or rigging a house’s front door with TNT. Molly and I were less interested in that and preferred actually playing the game, like mining and smelting ores to upgrade our tools. 

I think maybe she was a little bit shy, or perhaps just a bit quieter than the boys. But I definitely felt a connection to her from that very first moment. 

Molly and I were both pretty different back then – I was presenting as a guy, and so was she. 

A selfie of Lucy in her bedroom, with purple lighting in the background
I finally figured out my identity as a trans lesbian (Picture: Lucy Rose Shaftain-Fenner)

I was always a shy teenager and I’d never been able to talk to strangers. Looking back, I can see that it was because I didn’t feel comfortable with who I was. 

I used to play a lot of video games as a teen – including Minecraft – because it was fun, but it was also a good way to socialise with others. I stopped for a while when I was too busy with school and exams but I started getting back into it in 2018, when I was 19, which was around the time I met Molly. 

As a group, we met up a few times specifically to play video games together. We’d rent a house on Airbnb for a week or two – it felt way cooler hanging out in person and playing games, while being able to sit on the sofa next to each other and chill. 

A screenshot from Minecraft with Lucy's character standing in front of trans pride flags
I used to play a lot of video games as a teen – including Minecraft (Picture: Lucy Rose Shaftain-Fenner)

Outside of these group trips, Molly and I quickly became friends online. We’d often message each other throughout the day to recommend YouTube videos to watch, or comment on each other’s social media posts. 

Around 2020, I was watching more content from queer creators online, as well as meeting some trans and non-binary people in real life for the first time at university. 

That’s when I finally figured out my identity as a trans lesbian. I didn’t realise that it was possible to transition before then.  

So that same year, I started to socially transition – trying out a new name, new pronouns and wearing clothes that made me feel more comfortable, like dresses and dungarees. I started taking oestrogen the next year and haven’t looked back.  

Lucy standing on a bridge by the Thames, wearing a Lisa SImpson t-shirt
I started to socially transition (Picture: Lucy Rose Shaftain-Fenner)
Lucy standing in her garden, holding up an intersectional pride flag
Molly never formally came out to me and I never came out to her (Picture: Lucy Rose Shaftain-Fenner)

I’d spent years looking at things from the wrong perspective because everyone told me I was a guy. In reality, I’m a woman and I’m attracted to femininity. This of course includes attraction to femme trans and non-binary people. 

Molly never formally came out to me and I never came out to her – I think we both just kinda knew that the other was trans. This is because I would often share memes about being trans and queer. 

Molly saw those and would often send similar memes back to me, so I knew she was accepting. 

We started meeting up – just the two of us – in 2022. Being away from the lads we used to hang out with, Molly and I could be ourselves. She was really calm in-person compared to the guys, so it was easy for me to chat to her. 

I also thought she was pretty and I liked her hair. After we started hanging out together more often, she started to show that she liked me too. When we met up, we would be physically affectionate to each other – we’d often cuddle

Lucy on a hiking path, taking a photo of someone taking a photo of her
I feel very lucky that we both found each other in the way that we did (Picture: Lucy Rose Shaftain-Fenner)

Then, at the start of 2023, we decided to become a couple. She talked about her previous partners and we both spoke about what we wanted from the relationship. It felt healthy to have a conversation like that because there was no judgement.

We were both really excited and happy. I feel very lucky that we both found each other in the way that we did. 

I think one of the reasons that Molly and I click so well is because of our shared transness – we inherently understand each other.

I don’t need to explain things to Molly because she just gets it. Like discomfort (‘gender dysphoria’ as doctors call it) I have around areas of my body or why I need to apply oestrogen gel onto my thighs every morning.  

We support each other through everything and I love her so much. 

Recently, Molly came out as trans to some of her friends in a group chat. They were supportive of her, and the next time Molly met up with that group in-person, one of the girls pulled her aside to say how happy she was for Molly.  

A selfie of Lucy wearing pink headphones
We support each other through everything and I love her so much (Picture: Lucy Rose Shaftain-Fenner)
Lucy wearing round sunglasses and a flowery dress, on an orange stairwell and
It felt great to finally get that out and to not feel like I was hiding a secret anymore (Picture: Lucy Rose Shaftain-Fenner)

She told me about it later that day and I was incredibly proud of her – I teared up a little bit.

Then the other day, Molly told me her parents knew we were together and that made me think it was probably time I told my parents too. 

So I finally told my parents and brother that we’re together – after being with Molly for over a year. It was really hard for me to just say it. 

They were all happy for us. It felt great to finally get that out and to not feel like I was hiding a secret anymore. 

It feels like Molly and I are growing our confidence together, but I’m also more self-assured too.  

Lucy on the street, wearing a padded coat and pink headphones
It’s miles apart from the shy, uncomfortable teenager I was (Picture: Lucy Rose Shaftain-Fenner)

The other day, I started up a conversation with a stranger on the train over their bag having a Google logo on it and we had a nice chat over our shared interest in tech. Talking to someone on the train might be a mundane, everyday occurrence for some people, but for me, this was huge.  

It’s miles apart from the shy, uncomfortable teenager I was. It made me realise – I have only really started to gain confidence since I came out as trans and started living as my authentic self.  

I love Molly and I’m so happy I waited for the right time and the right person to be with. Molly lives quite far from me at the moment, but I hope in future that we’ll get our own place together – or at least live closer together – so that we can see each other more often. 

We don’t really play Minecraft together anymore because we don’t need to play a game in order to socialise – we can just hang out together. 

Transitioning has proved to myself that I’m worthy of being loved.  

I’m strong and confident now, and I have my amazing girlfriend by my side.  

*Name has been changed. 

Pride and Joy

Pride and Joy is a series spotlighting the first-person positive, affirming and joyful stories of transgender, non-binary, gender fluid and gender non-conforming people. Do you have a story you'd like to share? Get in touch by emailing James.Besanvalle@metro.co.uk

These are the smells to avoid in your bedroom for a great night’s sleep

0
0
Young African American woman sleeping in modern bedroom with eyes closed.
A great night’s is just a few sniffs away (Picture: Getty Images)

From black out blinds to white noise, we do everything we can to create the perfect environment to sleep in.

But we better you’ve never thought about what your bedroom smells like.

It turns out that the scents you sniff as you attempt to drift off can have a big impact on the amount and quality of your sleep.

There are some smells that can make us feel more awake, while others are the equivalent of a lullaby.

Hannah Chapman, founder of Ava May Aromas, teamed up with Carlie Gasia, a a sleep science coach, to explain all.

Speaking to Metro.co.uk, the pair explained: ‘Some scents can make you more alert, like citrus and peppermint.

Fresh green mint plants in growth at field
Peppermint helps you focus (Picture: Getty Images)

‘Peppermint has a crisp, refreshing aroma and its scent has been shown to enhance alertness and focus. This is because mint’s scents are believed to stimulate the hippocampus, the part of the brain that is responsible for memory and alertness.

‘Citrus also stimulates this part of the brain – with lemon, lime, orange, and grapefruit scents also thought to have an invigorating effect on your anxiety levels and overall state of mind.’

And the science backs this up. A 2008 study at the University of Cincinnati explored the impact of plant essential oils on cognition and mood. Researchers diffused peppermint in a room of test-takers and found it increased alertness. 

And a study by Wheeling Jesuit University involving drivers found the scent of peppermint or cinnamon kept those behind the wheel more alert.

Citrus scents, such as lemon and oranges, are known for their invigorating properties, perfect for helping you feel energised.

Orange fruit slices citrus arrangement full frame background
Avoid citrus smells (Picture: Getty Images/iStockphoto)

However, in the same way that some scents perk us up, others relax and calm us.

Jonny Webber, from PerfumeDirect.com, previously told Metro.co.uk: ‘Your sense of smell is very closely linked to the part of the brain, the limbic system, that is responsible for emotion and memory.’

‘As the limbic system connects to glands that release hormones, this can all influence our nervous system and stress levels. This means certain smells can have a soothing effect.

The scents that will help you sleep

Lavender

Dr Chris Etheridge, a leading medical herbalist practitioner and essential oils expert for Puressentiel, told Metro.co.uk about its bedroom benefits.

‘This multi-tasking oil has been shown to increase theta and alpha brainwave activity,’ he explained.

‘The alpha waves are associated with cognitive performance, calmness and coordination, while theta activity is more for us in a relaxed state for daydreaming or letting our imagination wander, de-stressing and reducing agitation and anxiety.’

Chamomile

Dr Chris said: ‘There are three types of muscle in the human body — skeletal (voluntary movements like limbs), cardiac (heart) and smooth (involuntary movements like lungs and blood vessels).’

‘When inhaled can soothe the gut of things like cramps, lower blood pressure as it relaxes the blood vessel muscles, and can help relax lungs making breathing easier during coughs and colds, and with asthma.’

Sandalwood

Hannah Chapman says that sandalwood oil, from a type of Indian tree, can help you unwind: ‘Sandalwood is a calming scent that has sedative effects,’ she says.

‘It can promote sleep, as it can help you relax and calm down.’

Vanilla

A popular scent in candles, perfume and bath and body products, vanilla is beneficial for sleep too.

Hannah says: ‘Vanilla is also great for winding down for the night.

‘Vanilla has been used to calm the nervous system and to help relieve depression and anxiety.’

‘Scents, such as lavender, nutmeg and bergamot, have a relaxing effect.’

Hannah suggests using essential oils in your night time routine.

‘Adding certain scents to your sleep routine, whether it’s using essential oils topically or through an oil diffuser can be beneficial,’ she says.

Blooming lavender flowers detail
Lavender will help you get some shut eye (Picture: Getty Images)

‘It is first important to choose a scent that you find enjoyable and relaxing as this is a personal choice.

‘Integrating the same scent repeatedly can be beneficial because, after a while, your brain will associate a scent with sleep and relaxation.’

Essential oils to make you feel calm and relaxed

The scents below are recommended for their calming effects when dealing with stress and anxiety:

  • Vanilla
  • Ylang-ylang
  • Sandalwood
  • Lavender
  • Nutmeg
  • Bergamot

Do you have a story to share?

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

Snack fans go wild for ‘unreal’ new Haribo sweets perfect for summer

0
0
Snack fans go wild for 'unreal' new exotic inspired Haribo sweets
A new treat to satisfy your sweet tooth (Picture: Getty)

Different sweet may come and go, but none compare to Haribo.

And now, the confectionary giant is giving fans a slice of tropical luxury with the newly-launched Tropi-Slices. 

These colourful sweets, which are made with no artificial colours, are in the shape of fruit slices and come in three flavours: watermelon, pineapple, and blood orange.

The 150g bag is great for sharing (or maybe just for you), and will set you back by just £1.45 at Sainsbury’s, or £1.25 if you have a Nectar card.

One savvy shopper shared the treat on the New Foods UK Facebook page, and it wasn’t long before social media users started sharing their excitement.

‘I love these,’ Dani LM confessed in a Facebook comment, while Lola King asked: ‘How unreal do they look?’

Meanwhile, Phoebe Beer likened the texture of the new offering to another popular Haribo sweet: Giant Strawbs.

Bee Danielle echoed these sentiments as she noted that the sweets look ‘so nice’ while Keely Hill added that she ‘loved’ the fact that they’re vegetarian, too.

Over on Instagram, fans were similarly enthusiastic. User @lisaellenro declared that she ‘needed to find’ the snack, while @holly291218 simply added: ‘Neeeeed.’

Sweets fans have been treated to a lot of new launches recently. 

Marks & Spencer, for instance, recently launched an Easter edition of their Percy Pigs, entitled the ‘Great Egg-scape.’ 

The Percy Pig Great Egg-scape sweets feature cute new characters with delicious new flavour combos: red grape & apple, red grape & orange, and cola & cherry.

MORE : Why pay £200 for a famous fine wine, when Aldi is doing a version for £8

MORE : Cadbury fans have minds blown over surprising ingredient in Creme Eggs

MORE : Cadbury just turned 200 and unveiled a major Dairy Milk chocolate secret

My partner had a tingling sensation in her wrist. Within weeks, I had lost her

0
0
Mark on a windy cliffside with his late partnerCecilia and son
Mark (R) with wife partner (C) and son Arthur (L) (Picture: Mark Smith)

My partner, Cecilia, was determined to grow a vegetable patch.

Towards the end of March 2023, she and I spent the day in the garden, preparing the ground and after a hard day’s graft, we came in ready to chill out for the evening. 

I vividly remember Cecilia telling me that she had a strange tingling sensation in her left wrist. We put it down to a thorn or a nettle.

In mid-April, Cecilia woke up one day and was physically unable to get out of bed. After undergoing a series of scans at hospital that same day, the doctor pulled the curtain round to offer some privacy on the A&E ward and we were told that the scans had revealed an abnormal growth on the brain that would require further investigation. 

Two weeks later, Cecilia was formally diagnosed with an aggressive, incurable and life-threatening brain tumour. She was just 52-years-old.

Nothing can prepare you for hearing this devastating news. We hardly spoke on the way back home, the overwhelming feeling was numbness, and utter helplessness. 

Mark and Cecilia are embracing in a black and white photo
She became a shell of her former self (Picture: Mark Smith)

According to the Brain Tumour Charity, 75% of people diagnosed with a glioblastoma brain tumour – as Cecilia was – will not survive for more than a year.

It took less than a month for Cecilia to move from a diagnosis to the end of her life

She went from being perfectly healthy to being unable to walk, to wash or to dress herself. She became a shell of her former self. 

It was heartbreaking to see her – a strong willed, independent woman – look so fragile and vulnerable.

Cecilia was booked in for a biopsy at a London hospital on May 10, which we hoped would determine a course of treatment to make her life more bearable.

I remember waving goodbye to our two kids – Amelia, 18 and Arthur, who had only just turned 14 the month before – at the front door and looking at Cecilia. She was crying. I didn’t realise then, but she somehow knew that it would be the last time that she ever saw her children. 

Sadly, Cecilia never made it to the operating theatre. She suffered a brain haemorrhage at the hospital and I was informed by her surgeon that he had two choices: to try and remove the brain tumour, which would have a long-term impact on Cecilia’s quality of life, or he could ‘make her comfortable’. 

A selfie of Mark, Cecilia and two kids Arthur and Amelia, on a mountain top
(From L-R) Mark, Cecilia, Arthur and Amelia (Picture: Mark Smith)
A selfie of Amelia and Cecelia, with glitter on their faces
Amelia (L) with her mum Cecilia (R) (Picture: Mark Smith)

I asked what that meant and was told that Cecilia had just hours to live.

A close friend brought the kids to the hospital, to give them the opportunity to say goodbye to their mum. We were told that even though Cecilia was in a coma, she could still hear everything we were saying to her.

At 7.30am on the morning of May 11, the attending nurse told me that Cecilia was still fighting. I let her know it was ‘OK to go’, to end the pain and the suffering.

That moment will stay with me forever.

You never expect to lose your partner to a brain tumour. You never expect to have to arrange your 52-year-old partner’s funeral. You never expect to be a single parent and to be a widow in your fifties. 

My kids and I are now having to adjust to our new life and create a new set of happy memories as a three. Everything we do now, we do with Cecilia in mind – we want to live our lives as if Cecilia was still here.

A photo of Cecilia in a garden, wearing a dress with butterflies and smiling
It was heartbreaking to see her – a strong willed, independent woman – look so fragile and vulnerable (Picture: Mark Smith)
Cecilia, Arthur and Amelia all on a windy and cold beach
Through it all our kids have been amazing (Picture: Mark Smith)

Despite being surrounded and supported by amazing family and friends, I have never felt so alone. Cecilia was my best friend and my rock, my life partner and my soulmate – and she is no longer with us.

In September 2023, my daughter took part in the Cancer Research SHINE night walk in memory of her mum. She bravely completed 26 miles in nine and a half hours with her friends and raised more than £10,000 for charity.

So I felt inspired to embark on my own challenge. In November 2023, I began making plans to organise my own walk – raising awareness and vital funds for the Brain Tumour Charity, an organisation dedicated to funding research, reducing diagnosis times and providing support and information for people with brain tumours, their families and friends.

At the end of March, I am going to be walking from Leicester (where I met Cecilia more than 30 years ago) to Bolton, where she was born and bred.

The 120 mile journey will end at the Tough Sheet Stadium, the home of Bolton Wanderers on Monday April 1, when the Trotters will be taking on the football team that I support, Reading FC. 

A selfie of Cecilia and Arthur
My kids and I are now having to adjust to our new life (Picture: Mark Smith)

Cecilia’s dad is a Bolton Wanderers fan and will be walking with me for the final few miles from his home in Sharples to the stadium – a poignant tribute to a much loved and hugely missed mum, partner, daughter, sister and friend.

Since the start of the year I have been spending my weekends training for the walk. It has provided a real focus during an incredibly difficult period for the family – we’ve just passed Cecilia’s birthday in February and have had to deal with our first Mothers Day without her.

But through it all our kids have been amazing. They have wholeheartedly supported me in my efforts and will be by my side when I complete the walk.

Cecilia was the life and soul of the party who everyone turned to for help and advice. She was fun loving, energetic and vibrant. She was someone who made the world a better place, and that world is a lesser place because she is gone.

We don’t want anyone else to go through what we have had to go through. 

We want to do everything in our power to bring about an end to brain cancer, to help bring some meaning to Cecilia’s cruel and untimely death.

You can find out more about the call for a National Brain Tumour Strategy here and donate to Mark’s fundraiser here

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

Share your views in the comments below.

The most fun country in Europe has been crowned — and Brits won’t be happy

0
0
Sisters enjoying Paris
This (Picture: Getty Images)

When you go on holiday, you’re likely in search of new experiences, delicious food and good weather.

In short, you want to have some fun.

Not sure where to go? A ranking has revealed the world’s most fun countries – but it might leave us Brits raising some eyebrows.

The list, by Far & Wide, has crowned France as the most fun European country, and second place in the entire world.

The UK however, comes in second in Europe, and third in the world – with the USA claiming the coveted prize of most fun country on Earth.

Why did our French cousins beat us I hear you ask? Far & Wide had an explanation: ‘Why does it score higher than the U.K.? Oh come now, the French have always been more about joie de vivre (lust for life).

Friends in Paris
From Paris to the French Alps, travellers are spoilt for choice (Picture: Getty Images)

‘Think of it in terms of food: decadent desserts, butter-filled sauces and home to the best chefs in the world that make eating a true pleasure. Now extend that to the country’s sights and attractions — and voila! — you’re guaranteed fun at every turn.’

And we’ll admit, France does have a whole lot on offer.

Of course, there’s the city of love, Paris. From the Eiffel Tower and the pretty streets of Montmartre, to the Moulin Rouge and walks along the Seine, there’s so much fun to be had in the capital. And, let’s not forget Disneyland, the happiest place on Earth.

Happy girl on flamingo floating on clear water in Nice, France
We’ll admit, Nice does look pretty fun… (Credits: Getty Images)

If it’s a beach holiday you’re after, head south to St Tropez or Nice. We’re pretty sure we could have some fun on a yacht on the French Riviera.

There’s also Montpellier, a sun-kissed city, with stately boulevards, family-run bakeries and white sandy beaches on the doorstep.

The skyline of New York City, United States
With so many incredible cities, from New York to New Orleans, USA came out on top (Credits: Getty Images/iStockphoto)

Or, adrenaline junkie can head to the French alps and hit the slopes, for some of the best skiing in the world.

But despite the country’s many fun-filled offerings, it’s likely Brits might be a little put out by coming second place to France.

While Far & Wide did give the UK credit for it’s huge array of activities and attractions, that will do very little to sooth our bruised British egos.

The world's most fun countries, ranked

  1. USA
  2. France
  3. UK
  4. Spain
  5. Greece
  6. Japan
  7. Thailand
  8. Portugal
  9. Netherlands
  10. Turkey
  11. Dominican Republic
  12. Mexico
  13. Germany
  14. UAE
  15. Brazil
  16. China
  17. Morocco
  18. Canada
  19. Australia
  20. Colombia
  21. Argentina
  22. Sweden
  23. Switzerland
  24. Philippines
  25. New Zealand

Source: Far & Wide (Rankings based on three sources: A World of Travel’s most fun destinations in the world, U.S. News’ best places for adventure, and Tripadvisor readers’ favorite destinations and best attractions)

The two countries have a long-held rivalry that dates back to the Norman Conquest and goes right up to the Olympic Bid, and continues with every football or rugby match played.

The Atlantic even published a piece in 2021, titled ‘Why Britain and France hate each other’ Ouch.

Rearview shot of a woman standing next to the Tower Bridge in London at sunset and cheering
Good old Blighty came second in Europe (Credits: Getty Images/iStockphoto)

And, unfortunately, the numbers speak for themselves.

The latest figures show that the number of tourists visiting the UK in 2023 was estimated to be around 37.5 million – a respectable number – but France is miles ahead.

As the number one country for tourists, according to the French Minister of Tourism, Olivia Grégoire, the country welcomed between 78 to 82 million international visitors last year.

Do you have a story to share?

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

Is it safe to travel to Iceland? UK travel advice after latest volcanic eruption

0
0
Iceland volcano erupts ?without warning? in most powerful blast yet Grindavik METRO GRAPHICS Credit metro.co.uk
The volcanic eruptions in the peninsula have been occurring since December (Picture: Metro.co.uk)

A volcano in southwestern Iceland has erupted yet again, following former eruptions from the Fagradalsfjall volcano.

A state of emergency has been declared after fast lava flows in Iceland’s Reykjanes Peninsula were spotted, after the volcano erupted without warning.

Fast moving lava has already reached the eastern side of the small evacuated town of Grindavik, which was initially evacuated late last year due to similar eruption activity.

Pools of lava gathering near the town’s defences have sparked concern, although the lava streams appear to be slowing, according to local authorities.

But the new eruption has worried travellers who were planning on spending time in the icy country, with visitors concerned that their flights from the UK may be cancelled in light of the seismic activity.

Here is the latest travel advice issued by the government for those planning to fly to the country.

Is it safe to travel to Iceland?

Smoke rises as volcano erupts near Grindavik, Iceland, March 16, 2024, in this picture obtained from social media. Jorge Reis/via REUTERS THIS IMAGE HAS BEEN SUPPLIED BY A THIRD PARTY. MANDATORY CREDIT. NO RESALES. NO ARCHIVES.
Smoke was seen rising as the volcano erupted near Grindavik (Picture: Jorge Reis via REUTERS)
REYKJANES PENINSULA, ICELAND - MARCH 17: (----EDITORIAL USE ONLY - MANDATORY CREDIT - 'ALMANNAVARNADEILD / HANDOUT' - NO MARKETING NO ADVERTISING CAMPAIGNS - DISTRIBUTED AS A SERVICE TO CLIENTS----) A screen grab from a video shows volcanic eruption occurred for the fourth time in the last 3 months near the town of Grindavik, located in Iceland's Reykjanes Peninsula on March 17, 2024. According to Icelandic broadcaster RUV, the volcano erupted north of the town of Grindavik around 20.00 local time and spewed lava. Many people were evacuated from Grindavik and the tourist area Blue Lagoon. The event, which the authorities described as 'the strongest explosion', was recorded as the 4th explosion in the last 3 months. (Photo by Almannavarnadeild / Handout/Anadolu via Getty Images)
Large lava flows were observed flowing from the fissure (Picture: Getty)
REYKJANES PENINSULA, ICELAND - MARCH 17: (----EDITORIAL USE ONLY - MANDATORY CREDIT - 'ALMANNAVARNADEILD / HANDOUT' - NO MARKETING NO ADVERTISING CAMPAIGNS - DISTRIBUTED AS A SERVICE TO CLIENTS----) A screen grab from a video shows volcanic eruption occurred for the fourth time in the last 3 months near the town of Grindavik, located in Iceland's Reykjanes Peninsula on March 17, 2024. According to Icelandic broadcaster RUV, the volcano erupted north of the town of Grindavik around 20.00 local time and spewed lava. Many people were evacuated from Grindavik and the tourist area Blue Lagoon. The event, which the authorities described as 'the strongest explosion', was recorded as the 4th explosion in the last 3 months. (Photo by Almannavarnadeild / Handout/Anadolu via Getty Images)
Smoke was seen billowing from the hot lava (Picture: Getty)

Yes, it is still safe to travel to Iceland, but travellers are urged to check government websites for warnings if the situation changes.

The UK Government posted on its website: ‘Recently there have been a series of volcanic eruptions on the Reykjanes peninsula in south-west Iceland, the latest occurring on 16 March.

‘These have affected the town of Grindavik and area to the north of it. All roads to Grindavik and the surrounding area are closed and you should stay away from this area. Keflavik International Airport and the road to it is unaffected and operating normally.

‘The capital city, Reykjavik, and the rest of Iceland is not impacted by the eruptions. The likelihood of further eruptions in this location remains high.

‘You should monitor local media for updates and follow the authorities’ advice on travel to the area.’

Are flights still going to Iceland?

Mandatory Credit: Photo by IBL/REX/Shutterstock (12048224b) Blue Lagoon, geothermal spa, in Reykjavik, Iceland, May 09, 2021. Blue Lagoon, Reykjavik, Iceland - 09 May 2021
The famous Blue Lagoon thermal pool has shut yet again (Picture: Shutterstock)

Flights to and from Keflavik are generally running without a hitch at the moment.

‘The principal information on the eruption can be found on the website of the Civil Protection Department and the website of the Icelandic Meteorological Office.’

But those travelling will be warned that major tourist attractions, including the Blue Lagoon, have shut.

The Blue Lagoon, one of Iceland’s most famous geothermal spas, has announced it will remain closed through March 17.

Get in touch with our news team by emailing us at webnews@metro.co.uk.

For more stories like this, check our news page.

Get in touch with our news team by emailing us at webnews@metro.co.uk.

For more stories like this, check our news page.

We’re in a ‘co-mum-drum’, we can’t decide if we want kids

0
0
Linen blue and pink moon and star pillows toy on light bedding over beige background. Decorative baby cushions on nursery.
Women across the UK are facing a ‘co-mum-drum’ (Image: Getty Images)

Jess Bolton thought she’d start trying for children after she turned 30, but now she’s 31, and she’s had a change of heart – or at least, she thinks she has.

‘When I spent time with parents my age I realised that, while they’re happy and fulfilled, parenthood isn’t a lifestyle that I want,’ Jess, a Gloucestershire-based content creator and author, tells Metro.co.uk.

‘I’m really enjoying my marriage and my career at the moment, and I want to give them my full attention. Maybe in 5 or even 10 years I’ll feel differently, but maybe I won’t.’

Part of Jess’ dilemma is linked to what she sees as an ‘inequality’ in becoming a mother versus a father.

Just this week, Lily Allen said that whilst her children ‘complete’ her, having them ‘totally ruined’ her career, speaking to what’s been termed the ‘motherhood penalty.’

The numbers back up Lily’s experience, too: in 2022, two thirds of working mothers felt like their career stagnated after having children, whilst a similar YouGov poll in 2020 found that only one in seven fathers (14%) felt the same.

‘Being a mother changes your life and your identity in ways that being a father doesn’t,’ says Jess. ‘It takes a toll on your mental and physical health, especially if you give birth or breastfeed.

Jess Bolton has had a change of heart on children (Image: Jess Bolton)
Jess Bolton has had a change of heart on children (Image: Jess Bolton)

‘At the moment I don’t want to give so much of my body, my time and my sleep to another person.

‘I’m self-employed and I don’t think I could handle the financial stress of being a parent. I worry that between paternity leave being so little, and childcare being so inaccessible I would end up doing the bulk of the caring, which isn’t what my partner or I want.’

Jess isn’t alone in being unsure about when – and if – she wants a child. New research from dating app Bumble has revealed that women across the UK are facing a so-called ‘co-mum-drum’ – aka being unsure whether motherhood is something they want to pursue.

The data shows that more than one in five (21%) people in the UK see children as a traditional expectation that they don’t necessarily connect with or would choose for themselves.

Like Jess, 38-year-old digital strategist Emma Carney is currently child-free by choice and is unsure if she’ll change her viewpoint at the moment.

As a Londoner struggling with the cost of living, Emma is concerned that she’d be bringing her child into an uncertain, unstable political world.

‘I don’t want to bring children into the world to fight wars I don’t agree with for resources or politics I don’t need or agree with,’ Emma tells Metro.co.uk.

Emma would consider co-parenting with queer friends (Image: Supplied)
Emma would consider co-parenting with queer friends (Image: Supplied)

‘Also, regarding the environment, what will the world be like really in 20 years?’

She would, however, consider having a child with one of her queer friends – who she’d trust ‘more than a man’ to take their fair share of the parental load.

‘My queer couple parents of all genders seem to have a much better setup in terms of sharing the load and the roles played within child-rearing,’ she adds.

‘I haven’t personally found a man whom I would trust enough to take a fair share of the load and who matches my values to consider having a child with.’

On the bright side, the ‘co-mum-drum’ struggle is facilitating open, honest conversations about parenthood for women like Jess and Emma.

Data shows that close to 2 in 3 of Gen Z (67%) and Millennials (60%) are upfront with their date sabout relationship ‘milestones’ including children and marriage, whilst the majority of Gen Z (41%) and Millennial women (73%) want to know early on if a potential match is interested in having children in the future.

So, is there a way to navigate the uncertainty that the ‘co-mum-drum’ can bring?

Firstly, Dr Caroline West, Bumble’s sex and relationships expert, recommends being open and honest about what you want (or, what you’re not sure you want, in this case).

‘Broach the topic with the person you’re dating and get their perspective on parenthood, as they may bring a point of view to the table that you’d never considered,’ she suggests.

Trust your timeline and try to block out all the external noise, too.

1 in 4 Gen Z (22%) and Millennials (26%) report that posts on social media make them feel concerned about not hitting so-called ‘milestones,’ but Dr Caroline advises remembering that ‘everyone’s journey is different.’

And if children aren’t part of your vision, or you’re not sure right now, then that’s okay.

‘Having children is life-changing, especially if you’re a woman, and the answer isn’t always obvious for everyone,’ she concludes, advising those facing the ‘co-mum-drum’ to get comfortable with uncertainty.

‘Try to picture where you see yourself in 5, 10, or 20 years time – what does your ideal life look like, and are children involved? Stepping back and looking at the bigger picture can sometimes help bring clarity when it comes to making big decisions.’

Do you have a story to share?

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


Jet2 issues warning of delays for travellers heading to Spanish holiday hotspot

0
0
Low Cost airline Jet2 in the air. Boeing 737-700 departing into blue sky.
Essential work is being completed in the Majorca (Palma) airport (Picture: Getty Images)

If you’re jetting off to Majorca for your summer holiday, airline Jet2 has issued a warning you’ll want to pay attention to.

Jet2 Holidays announced that ‘maintenance work’ is currently taking place at the resort’s only airport, the Majorca (Palma) airport. 

And, it could spell lengthy delays for travellers.

‘We are working with the airport to ensure that any disruption to your airport experience will be kept to a minimum,’ a statement on Jet2’s website reads. 

‘Due to this ongoing work you may be waiting slightly longer than normal to clear immigration in both departures and arrivals.’

The third largest airport in Spain, after Madrid and Barcelona, millions of passengers could be affected by the maintance work.

Palma de Majorca, historic city center with view of the Cathedral
British tourists flock to Palma every year (Picture: Getty Images/iStockphoto)

In order to help manage the situation, Jet2 have also introduced ‘Customer Helpers’ at the airport to support any travellers in need of help.

‘We thank you in advance for your patience and understanding should you experience an extended wait time, which is beyond our control,’ they added.

To make sure their passengers weren’t confused in the Spanish airport, Jet2 added: ‘All Jet2.com flights will be using check-in desks 31 to 33 and boarding for all flights will be from Module C. This information will also be displayed on the airport information screens.’

The warning comes after travellers heading to Turkey were reminded to check their passports before they travel.

If you’re a seasoned traveler, then you’ll no doubt know about the three-month rule when it comes to visiting European countries like France and Portugal — namely, that visitors must have at least three months left on their passports before they expire at the time that they’re due to leave the country.

Turkey has a similar rule – but a stricter version. From the date of arrival, international travellers must have at least 150 days — or a whopping five months — left on their passport.

‘If you are visiting Turkey, your passport must be valid for at least 150 days from the date you arrive [and] have a full blank page for entry and exit stamps,’ advice on the official Government website reads.

Do you have a story to share?

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

These are the best (and worst) days of the week for a first date

0
0
Women thinking in front of a calendar with a background of hearts
A tricky decision (Picture: Getty Images/iStockphoto)

It’s one thing actually matching with someone you’re interested in on a dating apps like Hinge or Bumble, but it’s quite another setting up a date.

Amongst the many logistics (who is organising the date, and where on earth are you going?), you need to decide what day you’re actually meeting which, let’s face it, is a bit of a minefield.

Is a Tuesday too boring? Is a Friday a waste of a weekend night if the date’s a fail? And who can be bothered to go out on a Monday anyway?

We asked on Twitter – and at Metro HQ – and the response was a mixed bag.

‘Wednesday gets my vote!’ said one user. ‘It’s before the weekend vibes set in, so you don’t look too committed or free of other offers. Monday is too keen to meet, and Tuesday is a nice prep, ‘what shall I wear’, decider day.’

‘My personal rule is no first dates between Thursday and Saturday,’ said one Metro writer.

Couple on a weekend date at cute cafe
It’s all about midweek meet ups (Picture: Getty Images)

‘I quite like a Sunday. It implies an early night (so no sex), and I try to arrange it near to where I live, so I can get home easily.’

Meanwhile, others favoured the prime real estate of Friday or Saturday. ‘I think weekends work best,’ said another commenter. ‘You’ve got more time to spend with them.’

Do you have a favourite day to date? Have your say in the comments belowComment Now

But this idea got quashed by one Metro writer. ‘There is absolutely no way I’m wasting a Saturday night with a stranger that I may never see again.’ Fair point.

The dating app, Thursday, has some pretty clear feelings. The app encourages singles to set dates up on – you guessed it – a Thursday, calling it the ‘day for dating’, leaving them the rest of the week to ‘spend time on you.’

So is there a definitive answer? Dating expert for Match, Hayley Quinn, says some days are better than others.

How long should you wait between matching and going out on a date?

Hinge’s relationship expert has said that people should wait no more than three days to put a date in the diary.

Speaking previously to Metro.co.uk, Logan Ury said: ‘You want to talk for long enough to build rapport but short enough that you don’t lose momentum.

‘When you message too much before your first date, you often create a fantasy of the other person in your mind. I refer to this phenomenon as the Monet Effect,’ Logan says. ‘It occurs when our brains, eager for a positive result, embellish the incomplete picture we have of someone with flattering details.’

This may sound harmless in theory, however Logan warns that when (or if) you actually meet the person, they probably won’t live up to the spectacular fantasy image you’ve established for them in your mind. 

‘Even if they’re wonderful, we may feel let down because they don’t match the fantasy we had of them in our heads,’ the relationships expert explains. ‘The best way to avoid the Monet Effect is to get to your date as quickly as possible.’

She told Metro.co.uk: ‘Aim for a Wednesday or Thursday evening, or a Sunday brunch.

‘Friday or Saturday nights are likely to be saved for socialising with friends and not seen as worth spending on a first date.

‘Mondays and Tuesdays are also out, as people usually won’t want a late night or to get out of their routine too early in the week.’

Hayley says it’s all about the mid-week date.

‘Rather than suggesting a night where your date is likely to have other plans, aim for a mid-week evening date instead. Then if there’s no spark, you can always blame an early start the next day to keep the date short and sweet.’

But if your week days are choc-a-bloc, try some tactical weekend brunches instead.

‘On the weekends, brunch dates can work well, as these are usually in the late morning and allow people a lie-in, but are early enough not to clash with other plans,’ says Hayley.

‘If the date goes well, then there’s also the opportunity to extend it later into the day.’

So there you have it. And if the date’s a bust, at least you’ll know the day of the week wasn’t to blame.

Do you have a story to share?

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

MORE : A third of men fake orgasms – here’s how, why, and what to do about it

MORE : Are you guilty of app-tronising? Why your single friends want you to get clued up on dating apps

What’s my horoscope for today? March 18, 2024 astrological predictions for your star sign

0
0
Gif shows celestial hand holding stars over crystals
What’s in store for you today? (Picture: Metro.co.uk)

The cosmos sends us helpful hints about the path ahead.

Gemini, keep an eye out for those serendipitous moments guiding you.

Though doubts may come, Taurus, trust yourself, remember, you hold the key to your destiny.

Ahead, you’ll find all the star signs’ horoscopes for today: Monday March 18, 2024

Aries

March 21 to April 20

Before you can make a start at something new, it may be best to complete a project that you’ve lost interest in. If you forge ahead with a new idea it could fall by the wayside, and the work you’ve put in might be lost. With focus, you can finish this and anything else that needs winding up. Then you’ll be able to fully embrace any new ideas, giving freely of your time and energy.

Head here for everything you need to know about being an Aries

Taurus

April 21 to May 21

Taking a wide-angled perspective on a relationship or new romance might help you to see the bigger picture, and this could be crucial, giving hope that it’s meant to be. The days ahead can bring thoughtful energies to bear on your love life and social life, which is why a side of you may entertain some niggling doubts. Taking things one step at a time will increase your confidence.

Head here for everything you need to know about being a Taurus

Gemini

May 22 to June 21

Things may seem to be fine on the surface, but beneath this the cosmos can be pulling a few strings that could be helpful. Watch out for meaningful coincidences that might point the way ahead and confirm the goals and ambitions you’ve been dreaming about. In a few days, you’ll get an even clearer sense of your purpose, and this will set the wheels of destiny in motion.

Head here for everything you need to know about being a Gemini

Cancer

June 22 to July 23

Your relationships may be intense and inspirational, depending on who you’re with at the time. But today it can be a more intriguing bond that captures your attention. Yet there is a sense here that you might put this person on a pedestal rather than seeing them as an equal, which could interfere with the integrity of the relationship, unless you’re willing to acknowledge any flaws.

Head here for everything you need to know about being a Cancer

Leo

July 24 to August 23

You’re ready to delve into something that could be a mystery Leo, but one that you’re eager to explore. Things may not be as clear cut as they should be, and this might mean you come to the wrong conclusion. The more open you are about what you’re seeking, the sooner you’ll have answers. They may not all be to your liking, but they will be the truth which is what really counts.

Head here for everything you need to know about being a Leo

Virgo

August 24 to September 23

You’ll be mesmerized by someone who you can’t fathom, no matter how much you apply your wonderful sense of logic, Virgo. For now, this knowledge might remain tantalizingly out of reach. You’ll bask in their captivating aura until later in the week, when suddenly you’ll see them as they really are. They may lose some of their special glow, but they’ll be easier to relate to.

Head here for everything you need to know about being a Virgo

Libra

September 24 to October 23

If regret over an issue from the past is dominating your thoughts, it may be time to look at this further so you can let it go, Libra. One reason you feel like this might be because you’re often sensitive to other people’s feelings and dislike causing upset, even if it’s unavoidable. Dwelling on what happened likely won’t help, but putting this matter behind you could be so healing.

Head here for everything you need to know about being a Libra

Scorpio

October 24 to November 22

You may feel you’re being pushed into making changes that you secretly don’t approve of. However, if the reason is that you didn’t think of them yourself, this won’t help. If you give your support and make an effort to bring them about, you stand to benefit greatly, Scorpio. Does it really matter who came up with the idea, as long as it does the job and gets excellent results?

Head here for everything you need to know about being a Scorpio

Sagittarius

November 23 to December 21

Certain issues may seem serious, but dwelling on them too much over the coming days likely won’t help. There are two ways to handle such matters. One is to keep turning them over in your mind which might make you more anxious. The other is to do something constructive, even if it’s to seek out advice. The first can drain energy and the second restore a sense of peace.

Head here for everything you need to know about being a Sagittarius

Capricorn

December 22 to January 21

Ready to make decisions concerning a relationship? They could have an impact for some time to come, which is why you’ll need to choose wisely. Whatever seems to be happening now can leave you wondering about the future. Communication may be key though, and even if it’s difficult to be as open as you’d like, talking over any issues can get things moving.

Head here for everything you need to know about being a Capricorn

Aquarius

January 22 to February 19

You’ll discover the secret sauce that could make a money-spinning project take off or give a brilliant idea extra sizzle. Whatever you’re offering, people will be very keen to get their hands on it. Make the most of the coming days as you’ll have an advantage, even if you’re unsure why others are so drawn to you. Soon enough this influence will fade, so don’t waste a moment.

Head here for everything you need to know about being an Aquarius

Pisces

February 20 to March 20

If aspects of your life have become rather routine, the Cancer Moon could inspire you to seek inspiration by getting away from it all with friends. A chance to steep yourself in different surroundings that are uplifting may be a wonderful restorative. If you can only take off for a few hours or a day or so, this might be enough to enable a fresh perspective and a desire for change.

Head here for everything you need to know about being a Pisces

To order your unique personal horoscope based on your time, date and place of birth, visit patrickarundell.com

Your daily Metro.co.uk horoscope is here every morning, seven days a week (yes, including weekends!). To check your forecast, head to our dedicated horoscopes page.

Do you have a story to share?

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

MORE : Your star sign’s tarot horoscope for the month of March 2024

MORE : What job you’re best suited for, according to your star sign

MORE : Everything you need to know about your astrological element

Cadbury just launched two brand new Dairy Milk chocolate bars and fans say they’re ‘simply divine’

0
0
General View Of A Cadbury'S Dairy Milk Chocolate Bar.
Cadbury has launched two new Dairy Milk chocolate bars (Picture: John Phillips/UK Press via Getty Images)

Dairy Milk has been around since 1905 and fans of Cadbury chocolate still can’t get enough of the iconic treat.

While the packaging has changed a lot over the years, it’s not often we get a new flavour launch in the UK. 

But now there’s big news for Cadbury fans, as the chocolate giant has announced a brand new Dairy Milk range, with two mouth-watering flavours.

The new Dairy Milk & More bars are perfect for fans of chocolate and nut pairings.

There’s the Nutty Praline Crisp bar, which is a milk chocolate bar with a creamy almond and hazelnut filling and a layer of crispy wafer, and the Caramel Nut Crunch, which is made up of milk chocolate with a creamy toffee filling, a caramel layer and chopped hazelnuts.

Cadbury described the new chocolate, which comes in larger chunks that your traditional is Dairy Milk, as ‘sumptuous’ and ‘delicious’. They claim that each bite of the bars will transport you to a world of ‘pure, heavenly delight’.

Cadbury Nutty Praline Crisp bar
The new Dairy Milk & More bars come in two flavours, and both are nutty (Picture: Cadbury)

Some lucky shoppers have already managed to get their hands on the new bars. Instagram page @sweetreviewsuk was full of praise for the new offerings calling them ‘simply divine’.

The page painted quite the picture of Caramel Nut Crunch flavour, saying: ‘Imagine diving into a pool of chopped hazelnuts hugged by a luscious layer of sweet creamy toffee.’

Meanwhile the page said the Nutty Praline Crisp was ‘the kind of crunch that dreams are made of.’

The Dairy Milk & More range launches in stores on March 18 and the bars will cost £2.75 each – although this may vary between shops as retailers can set their own prices.

Maria Jackson, Cadbury Dairy Milk brand manager at Mondelēz International, said: ‘We’re delighted to be launching this innovative and exciting addition to our beloved Cadbury Dairy Milk range. With bigger chunks and more combinations of delicious flavours, every bite of Cadbury Dairy Milk & More will reward you with precious moments of sheer indulgence.’

Cadbury Caramel Nut Crunch bar
Cadbury describes them as ‘sumptuous’ and ‘delicious’ (Picture: Cadbury)

The new launch comes after Cadbury recently celebrated their 200th anniversary. To celebrate, the company revealed some little-known brand secrets, including that Dairy Milk almost had a very different name.

Excited for the new Dairy Milk flavours? Which one will you try first?Comment Now

Originally Cadbury had plans to call the product either Highland Milk or Dairy Maid. The idea of calling it anything but Dairy Milk seems pretty unimaginable at this point, but it turns out we have a little girl to thank for the name we all know and love.

According to Cadbury, a customer’s daughter came up with the term Dairy Milk and it stuck.

And if you’ve ever wondered why Cadbury chocolate comes in the deep purple packaging, it’s all down to the royal family.

The rich shade of purple was introduced in 1914 as a special tribute to Queen Victoria, as it was said to be her favourite colour. 

The monarch, who ruled from 1837 until 1901, was even featured in an advert for Cadbury Cocoa in 1890, which featured an illustration of the Queen drinking hot chocolate on a train.

Do you have a story to share?

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

I thought my children would be better off without me

0
0
Mums Neela Prabhu (left) and Lucy Wilson (right) both struggled with perinatal mental illness (Picture: Supplied)
Mums Neela Prabhu (left) and Lucy Wilson (right) both struggled with perinatal mental illness (Picture: Supplied)

‘I was on high alert constantly and saw everything as a threat,’ remembers Lucy Wilson of the intrusive thoughts she experienced after her son Sebastian was born.

‘I was so worried and I saw danger everywhere. I could see him being burnt in the bath or scalded by a cup of tea. Of course, he was never at risk because I was so careful.’

Motherhood is supposedly a magical time, yet one in three women suffer from perinatal mental health problems in the UK, during pregnancy or the year after giving birth.

These can be very distressing and can include conditions such as Post Natal Depression, maternal OCD and post traumatic stress disorder.

For Lucy, 43, a company founder from Hampshire, an uneventful first pregnancy turned into an emergency when her two-day-old son Sebastian was whisked to Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, suffering from a bowel condition.

Soon she found herself suffering from increasingly intrusive thoughts as her mental health deteriorated.

‘I always liked to plan – I had made 100 meals before the baby was born, so many that we had to buy an extra freezer for the garage,’ explains Lucy, who is married to husband Ryland, 39, and has two sons, Sebastian, now seven, and Bertie, four.

‘But soon my planning went to pot. Sebastian was upside down in the womb, so I had a planned caesarean which went well, but at two days old he was sick and was taken away for scans.

‘Then everything happened very quickly. Sebastian needed an operation five days later because doctors suspected he had Hirschsprung’s disease, meaning his intestine wasn’t working properly and he needed a colostomy bag fitted.

‘We returned home two weeks later and my anxiety went through the roof.’

Lucy with childrenSebastian, seven, and Bertie, four (Picture: Supplied)
Lucy with childrenSebastian, seven, and Bertie, four (Picture: Supplied)

Sebastian needed another two operations over the following months and at seven months, his colostomy bag was removed. However, Lucy’s mental health had deteriorated.

‘I felt really alone,’ she says. ‘I didn’t think other people would understand my thoughts and I didn’t feel there was help I could access. It put a strain on my relationship – it was the hardest thing we’d ever had to go through.’

Slowly Lucy and Ryland felt ready for a second baby and Bertie was born in October 2019.

She says: ‘He had silent reflux and barely slept. Meanwhile I felt terrible guilt for Sebastian, that I’d disrupted his life by bringing another child into our family.’

Five months later, lockdown began. Sebastian, then three, couldn’t go to pre-school and Lucy found herself stuck in ‘groundhog day’.

She says: ‘I cried every day until I decided life couldn’t continue as it was. I was so determined not to let this happen to anyone else, that I started my own business, to help other people look after their own mental health.’

Lucy has also now received CBT counselling after being on a nine-month waiting list.

She says: ‘It has been helpful, but I was shocked by the waiting time. I just hope that people realise how important maternal mental health is, we need to offer more help and proactive education for women.’

Whilst sufferers of perinatal mental illness report feeling ‘isolated’, statistics show the figures increasing, highlighting the importance of speaking out.

Counsellor Georgina Sturmer says: ‘The more we speak out, the more we destigmatise and normalise conversations around mental health. This can help all of us to feel lighter, and to understand that we deserve support if times are difficult.’

She adds: ‘Mental health problems can manifest in all sorts of ways during the perinatal period.

‘It’s a time of challenge and change, physically, hormonally and emotionally.

‘This can make it a catalyst for changes to our mental health. We are adjusting to changes in our body and changes in our identity and relationships. Subconscious fears and worries can make themselves known, and our existing coping mechanisms might feel less effective.

‘This can all be made worse by the sense of what we ’should’ be doing or feeling. This might come from other people’s judgements, from what we see on social media, or even our own inner critic.’

Counsellor Georgina Sturmer says it’s important to vocalise these taboo thoughts (Picture: Supplied)
Counsellor Georgina Sturmer says it’s important to vocalise these taboo thoughts (Picture: Supplied)

Homeopathic practitioner Neela Prabhu, 46, from Croydon, is married to her husband Ganesh, 51, and has daughters Jasmine, 15, and Karishma, nine.

She struggled after Jasmine’s birth but in the months after Karishma arrived she hit rock bottom and felt suicidal.

Shockingly, death by suicide is the leading cause of death of mothers in the first year after childbirth.

She says: ‘I had a traumatic birth with Jasmine, who was conceived through IVF, and suffered from postnatal depression in the weeks after her arrival, but slowly I started to feel my spirits lifting, although it took a year before I felt ‘normal’ again.

‘Then everyone started to ask when we would give Jasmine a sibling. When we did start trying, I again struggled to conceive.

‘I was devastated but after three rounds of IVF, I fell pregnant with Karishma, whose name means ‘miracle’.

‘Although I was delighted to be pregnant, towards the end of the pregnancy I felt quite low, and after Karishma’s birth that depression continued.

‘I had wanted this baby for so long and when I couldn’t stop crying it felt like I was being ungrateful. I stopped eating, washing or taking care of myself and began having terrible thoughts.’

Neela Prabhu with husband Ganesh and daughter Jasmine (Picture: Supplied)
Neela Prabhu with husband Ganesh and daughter Jasmine (Picture: Supplied)

At her six-week check, the GP referred Neela for postnatal counselling and soon, she started antidepressants.

‘They didn’t work immediately and in the meantime, when Karishma was four months, I thought the girls, and everyone else, would be better off without me,’ she says.

‘The only thing which kept me around was thinking of the girls growing up without a mum.

‘I kept my thoughts to myself, but one day I knew I needed help. I went to a counselling session and told the nurse everything. With permission she called my dad and said, ‘Your daughter is thinking of taking herself to the train station and ending it. If I don’t speak to you now, I believe the police will be calling you.’

How do you raise your children?

You’re reading How I Parent, this week with a special report on the mental health of mums. Each week we look at a different aspect of how the nation is raising their kids. What should we cover next? Email metrolifestyleteam@metro.co.uk to get in touch.

Neela’s family stepped in to help and through a mix of therapy, antidepressants and homeopathic remedies, she rebuilt herself.

She says: ‘I wouldn’t have thought this could happen to me – and importantly I don’t recognise that woman anymore, but it took work.

‘Now I smile at new mums with tiny babies and make sure I ask if they are alright. Some people look like they have it all together, but it’s rare that everything is perfect.’

Neela with daughters Jasmine, now 15, and Karishma, nine. (Picture: Supplied)
Neela with daughters Jasmine, now 15, and Karishma, nine. (Picture: Supplied)

Georgina recommends finding a ‘toolbox’ of things to help cope with the challenges, including a phone call with a friend, positive affirmations or writing down feelings. 

She says: ‘It’s normal and natural to feel a whole range of feelings during the perinatal period, but just because we are experiencing big or difficult feelings it doesn’t mean we are a bad person or that we will be a bad mother.’

Where to find help

Your GP or perinatal mental health team can talk to you about options such as medication or psychotherapy. There may be local organisations in your community who offer psychotherapy as well. Home Start matches parents with a volunteer who can visit at home to offer support. PANDAS is an organisation set up to help parents with perinatal mental illness. If in doubt, call 111 to discuss available care pathways

Need support?

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.

If you're a young person, or concerned about a young person, you can also contact PAPYRUS Prevention of Young Suicide UK. Their HOPELINK digital support platform is open 24/7, or you can call 0800 068 4141, text 07860039967 or email: pat@papyrus-uk.org between the hours of 9am and midnight.

I’ve been applying for jobs for 3 years. I’m only 60 but know my age is to blame

0
0
Isaac wearing a black pullover and shirt underneath, looking to camera and smiling in front of a peach coloured wall
I have no plans of retiring soon (Picture: Isaac Mockton)

For what felt like the thousandth time, I logged onto my computer to see if I’d had any response to the latest round of job applications I’d applied for.

My heart lifted momentarily when I saw that actually, I did have a new email. But it dropped just as quickly when I opened it up.

Thank you for your application. We’ve carefully considered it and unfortunately, we have decided not to shortlist you for this opportunity. We wish you every good wish. Yours faithfully…

I expected as much. It was just like every other reply I’d had in my years of job searching.

But that didn’t lessen my disappointment. I never seem to get past the front gate. Can’t even get an interview. It’s completely demoralising.

For nearly three years, I’ve been applying for jobs. My age undoubtedly plays a factor in why I am not getting hired.

In my earlier career, it would be uncommon not to make a short list, whereas now I generally don’t get any form of response. 

My skill-set hasn’t deteriorated – far from it – and the roles I have applied for are well within my capability. There is a very clear inference that my age is the decisive negative factor.

Prior to that, I’d spent decades working in senior finance positions. I’d even been head-hunted by employers who were keen for me to work for them.

Then, 19 years ago, I started working for myself, supporting start-ups to get capital.

Isaac sitting at a restaurant, holding his glasses, the person sitting opposite him is taking the photo - he is smiling
I know I am qualified and capable of working the jobs I apply for (Picture: Isaac Mockton)

A handful of years into my venture, I started suffering from significant depression and other mental health issues, with alcohol problems added in.

The combination of working in isolation and the pressure to create my own income made my symptoms of depression more severe.

I knew I couldn’t continue and decided to look for an employed position.

Since that point, I have applied for at least 50 jobs. I’ve massively lowered my expectations and am looking for any roles remotely related to finance, even if I feel I am over-qualified.

But the result is always the same. If my applications aren’t ignored, they’re rejected. When I ask for feedback, I’m brushed off with a standard letter that gives me no insight into why I’ve not been chosen.

I know I am qualified and capable of working the jobs I apply for, but no one is giving me a chance. It’s unbelievably frustrating.

Although it hasn’t knocked my confidence in terms of my knowledge and expertise, it has knocked my expectation of success.

I have no idea how I’m ever going to get past this point. My prospects are getting thinner by the week. Every day I get one day older, and every day I fit the recruitment mindset less and less. 

Inevitably, my appetite to continue hunting goes down, so I end up applying less because I have no reason to believe I will be successful.

And I’m not alone. Research from the charity Workingwise has found that 21% of job-seeking older workers have been seeking employment for over a year, and 49% say they feel their life experience is not valued by their employer. 

Isaac at home
I really don’t like having to take money from my savings (Picture: Isaac Mockton)

As luck would have it, I had a connection that got me an interview with a charity last January. 

It was through an organisation called BraveStarts – a nonprofit that focuses on getting older people aged 45+ excited about the next 10 years of their careers. It was the only interview I’ve ever been offered through the application process these last three years.  

The charity couldn’t believe how lucky they were to have got me, saying they had struck gold hiring me to work for them 17 hours a week. It proved to me that I am capable. 

I interview well and have so much to offer, but I needed the chance to be able to show an employer who I was, not just fill in details about myself on an online form.

That ‘side entrance’ of being personally introduced made all the difference. I had a 100% success rate with a personal endorsement.

Yet, much as I appreciate it, the job doesn’t pay enough to cover my expenses.

Even though I’m still doing self-employed work as well, my outgoings are less than my incomings and I am having to pull from my savings each month.

I’ve had to massively cut back on my expenditures. I’ve reduced socialising and holidays, decisions that have had a negative impact on my life. 

I’m just affording my rent and other bills, with any extras going on my son. Although, I am not able to be as generous with him either given the state of my finances.

I really don’t like having to take money from my savings as that is what I had been planning to depend on later in life.

Have you struggled looking for work? Have your say in the comments belowComment Now

I think that employers must be recruiting with a mental image of what their team will look like, and if anyone doesn’t fit that image – like a 60-year-old man – then it’s hard to get in.

Organisations serious about engaging the older workforce have got to completely redesign their application processes.

Even though they aren’t meant to ask your age, by asking your career history, employers have a pretty good idea of how old a person is. Instead, I think the initial focus should be on what you can bring to the party, and then, once selected on that basis, they look at your career history.

It’s got to be framed differently so that interest is piqued and algorithms reworked so that people aren’t being weeded out based on their age.  

Online application forms are built to capture linear career models and do not know how to evaluate ‘squiggly’ career paths in which people’s work arrangements change over time, between different work sectors, career breaks, switches between employment and self-employment. 

I also believe that if an application doesn’t progress, a meaningful explanation should be mandatory. 

I still retain a belief that I will find work. I need to either find another part-time job to top up what I’m making from the charity. Or I need a full-time role that can completely cover my costs, so I don’t have to use my savings to get by each month.

Ideally, I’d like to work as long as possible as I enjoy the intellectual challenge and camaraderie of being in a team. I have no plans of retiring soon.

I will continue to push in my personal quest to prove that age is far more than just a number – it’s an asset when it comes to experience and knowledge.

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

Share your views in the comments below.

This Morning’s Cat Deeley uses this hot brush for styling her hair (and it’s apparently better than the Dyson Airwrap)

0
0
Image of Cat Deeley with the BondiBoost Blowout Brush Pro
Cat Deeley is our hair MUSE right now! (Picture: Metro/LookFantastic/Cat Deeley)

SHOPPING – Contains affiliated content. Products featured in this Metro article are selected by our shopping writers. If you make a purchase using links on this page, Metro.co.uk will earn an affiliate commission. Click here for more information.

We often wonder how celebs look so good everyday – especially when it comes to their hair. Surely they can’t have a stylist on hand, 24/7?

Sure some do, but This Morning’s new host and total TV legend Cat Deeley recently revealed how she gets her effortless blowout on a day to day basis.

Best of all? It’s under £68 and rated 4.84 stars by shoppers, with some even saying it’s replaced the Dyson Airwrap in their household.

Controversial? We’d say so.

The must-have hair product in question is none other then the BondiBoost Blowout Brush PRO, and it’s currently available from beauty-one-stop shop LookFantastic for £67.99.

BondiBoost Blowout Brush PRO

BondiBoost Blowout Brush PRO

If you’re always in a rush, getting ready for work or travel quite a bit and hate having to pack multiple tools? Then this could be the game-changer you’ve been looking for.

shop £67.99 at Lookfantastic

Quickly becoming our hair muse in the mornings, Cat mentioned in a recent interview that the hair tool behind her voluminous golden glossy locks was the £67.99 dynamic device, and said: ‘In the UK, I have to give my hair some welly with the BondiBoost Blowout Brush PRO, which is a hairdryer and hot brush.’

Not only does the BondiBoost Blowout Brush dry and style your hair, but adds instant, visible volume too.

With 360 degree airflow, the oval-shape brush helps to provide the most amount of coverage for your hair, meaning it dries faster at every angle.

Better yet? The dual-bristle design and ionic technology help to work through and detangle your hair as you style with ease (and faster than you did in the AM before).

When it came to reviewing the item, Lucy said: ‘I bought this after my Dyson air wrap died and it’s really good for sectioning off and drying hair. It’s a weird oblong shape and not round barrelled which I feel doesn’t give you great volume.’

‘I used to own an air wrap but sold it due to not using it often enough, I brought this to replace the brush from the air wrap and have to say it’s amazing, [and] gives a salon blow dry every time’ said Kayleigh, and she also mentioned: ‘I use my normal hair dryer first then finish with this.’

Great styling tip there.

Suzanne hailed it as ‘amazing’ and even added how it ‘gives a really quick and professional looking blow dry ‘.

If you’re looking for other offers on hair stylers like straighteners, curlers and hairdryers too? Then ghd are currently throwing a ‘good hair day’ sale – with up to 20% off best sellers. Woo!

After looking at Cat’s hair every day this week, we’re adding this into our basket quicker than you can say This Morning…

Follow Metro across our social channels, on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram

Share your views in the comments below

MORE : This silky smooth haircare set is 20% off for International Women’s Day

MORE : John Frieda launches ‘hair thickening fluid’ for stronger, healthier hair in just one use – and it’s only £9.99

MORE : Skincare fans hail this ‘amazing’ powdered cleanser for brightening refining and textured skin


I tried McDonald’s controversial new pie that’s dividing fans left, right and centre

0
0
Courtney holding the new pie
The pie flavour has caused a stir (Picture: Metro.co.uk)

McDonald’s dropped a new menu last week, launching six limited-edition items for Easter — including the Creme Egg McFlurry and a new Galaxy Truffle Bunny McFlurry.

Also on the menu are two brand new hot cross bun-inspired treats, with a hot cross bun latte and a hot cross bun pie.

The latter is said to consist of a crispy cinnamon pastry filled with a spiced fruit mix and a butter-flavour cream filling. And it’s really got everyone talking.

Part of the hubbub is simply because the pie has big shoes to fill. Customers went wild for the last pie – a pink pastry with raspberry compote and white chocolate ganache – which some hailed as the ‘best pie’ the chain had ever made before it was removed from the menu.

Its replacement has had, shall we say, mixed reviews.

Courtney holding McDonald's new Hot Cross Bun Pie.
We gave the new pie a try (Picture: Metro.co.uk)

On the Snack Reviews group on Facebook, Kathryn Drew branded it ‘vile’. She said: ‘I spat it out. The sauce inside tastes like cheesy butter. Disgusting. I really liked the White Chocolate and Raspberry a helluva [sic] lot better.’

Gina Bamber agreed, writing: ‘Hot cross bun pie is rank in my opinion.’ And Clare Taylor also wasn’t a fan, calling it ‘revolting’. 

However, others thought it was ‘nice’ and said they couldn’t wait to have another one.

As Metro’s resident specialist food writer, I knew I had to give this pie a try to find out once and for all, if it’s as controversial as it seems.

Here are my honest thoughts…

McDonald's hot cross bun pie
The inside of the pie with a spiced fruit filling and butter-flavoured cream (Picture: Metro.co.uk)

The pie isn’t vile, but it’s definitely odd. It doesn’t really make me think of a hot cross bun… if anything, the flavours remind me more of Christmas.

The crispy cinnamon pastry is the best part — I’d like to see this added to a traditional apple pie at Maccies as they’d be on to a winner with that pairing.

On the flip side, the cream filling is where things go downhill for me. It’s truly bizarre.

If I didn’t know it was butter-flavoured I might have said it had a slightly cheesy taste (the Facebook haters aren’t totally wrong about that), and it would have taken me a while to work out exactly what I was eating.

I don’t think I’d actively order another one, but I probably wouldn’t say no to one if I was offered to me out of the blue, just because of the sheer uniqueness of the taste. I’ve never eaten anything like it before.

What do you think of the new McDonald’s menu?Comment Now

However, assistant opinion and first-person editor James Besanvalle was a big fan of the sweet treat and thought it was a ‘delight’.

‘The crunchiest “hot cross bun” you’ll ever have,’ he says. ‘McDonald’s serves up a fruity and cinammony delight that’s oddly creamy too. Certainly stands out from all the other hot cross bun competition!’

So there you have it. The new pie is definitely dividing opinion all over the place and it’ll all depend on your taste buds whether you love it, hate it or think it’s just a bit ‘meh’.

Will you be brave enough to give it a go?

Do you have a story to share?

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

The UK’s best areas for solo renters where homes cost just £400 per month

0
0
Young woman using laptop while sitting on the floor in new home with cardboard boxes
Can you guess where the top location for UK solo renters is? (Image: Getty Images)

Renting with flatmates comes with its trials and tribulations.

Whether it’s fighting over the gas bill or a stalemate over stolen food, the prospect of living alone seems sweet. No one to argue with over the heating; a fridge full of food safe from thieving fingers.

Now, the best areas for solo renters in the UK have been unveiled – and, unsurprisingly, London isn’t on the list.

Cross-referencing the average monthly rent for a one-bedroom flat with the median gross weekly earnings, the number of solo renters, the percentage of lone households and the total online searches between February 2023 and January 2024, the study gave 15 areas a solo renting score out of 10.

Ready to pack everything and go? Coming out on top at number one was Hartlepool.

With an average monthly rental cost of £400, the median gross weekly earnings for full-time workers in this area, according to data from Hiatt Hardware, was £612.

Steetley Beach, North Easrt coast in England
Hartlepool is a coastal town in County Durham (Image: Getty Images)

Here, the percentage of lone households is 33.3%, giving it a final score of 8.11.

Located in County Durham, the seaside town of Hartlepool has a population of around 87,000. Its coastal location gives it a tranquil vibe, which, combined with its thriving community feel, makes it an ideal place to set up home.

From a visit to the National Museum of the Royal Navy Hartlepool to Teesmouth national Nature Reserve, there’s no shortage of things to do here.

Find local fish and chips at Fish Face or enjoy an afternoon tea at Glady’s Vintage Tea Room. There’s also Portals Place, Portofino and Ruskins Bistro.

And, if renting solo convinces you to move here on a more permanent basis, house prices are relatively accessible.

Data from Rightmove shows that, over the last year, properties in Hartlepool had an average overall price of £154,871, 4% down on the previous year.

Scenic view of sea against clear sky,Hartlepool,England,United Kingdom,UK
Hartlepool has a community feel (Image: Getty Images/500px)

According to data from the Office for National Statistics (ONS), the number of people living on their own in the UK increased by 16% between 1997 and 2017, equating to 7.7 million renters.

Likewise, 28% of renters across the UK live alone – the average age being 32.

In 2019, solo renters were spending approximately 36% of their income on rent, a figure that has likely increased as a result of sky-high mortgage rates and subsequent rent increases.

Elsewhere in the study, Derby came in at second place with an average monthly rent of £475 versus £700 in median gross weekly earnings.

Next up was Liverpool, where a one-bedroom flat costs £525 and, on average, a full-time worker takes home £614 per week.

The best areas for solo renters in the UK, as determined by Hiatt Hardware

  1. Hartlepool, County Durham: £400 average monthly rent vs £612 median gross weekly earnings
  2. Derby, Derbyshire: £475 vs £700
  3. Liverpool, Merseyside: £525 vs £614
  4. Ribble Valley, Lancashire: £450 vs £692
  5. Barrow-in-Furness, Cumbria: £490 vs £659
  6. Great Yarmouth, Norfolk: £450 vs £622
  7. Cheltenham, Gloucestershire: £625 vs £655
  8. Carlisle, Cumbria: £395 vs £588
  9. Wirral, Merseyside: £400 vs £558
  10. Southampton, Hampshire: £660 vs £680
  11. Stoke-on-Trent, Staffordshire: £425 vs £568
  12. Birmingham, West Midlands: £650 vs £659
  13. Manchester, Greater Manchester: £750 vs £650
  14. Worcester, Worcestershire: £550 vs £655
  15. Gateshead, Tyne and Wear: £450 vs £577.

Do you have a story to share?

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

People are convinced ‘perfect’£15 cleanser is better than expensive Molly-Mae Hague favourite

0
0
Image of Makeup Revolution Pro Miracle Vegan Collagen Cleansing Balm
Adding this into our skincare roster asap. (Picture: Metro/Getty/Makeup Revolution)

SHOPPING – Contains affiliated content. Products featured in this Metro article are selected by our shopping writers. If you make a purchase using links on this page, Metro.co.uk will earn an affiliate commission. Click here for more information.

Makeup Revolution, the major beauty brand that’s known for its ‘affordable alternatives’ is back again with another incredible product – and people have already compared it to one loved by none other than Molly-Mae Hague.

Yes just when we thought there wasn’t anything left that they could surprise us with, they’ve just launched a brand-new cleansing balm.

After being shared on Instagram by the brand, the Revolution Pro Miracle Vegan Collagen Cleansing Balm, priced at just £15, was quickly compared to Elemis’ Pro-Collagen Cleansing Balm – that’s loved by celebrities, makeup artists, social media influencers, and beauty directors around the world.

But the catch? Well, Makeup Revolution’s version is just £34 cheaper, saving you a pretty penny.

Revolution Pro Miracle Vegan Collagen Cleansing Balm

Revolution Pro Miracle Vegan Collagen Cleansing Balm

Developed with ‘skin-loving’ ingredients – much like the OG – the Revolution Pro Miracle Vegan Collagen Cleansing Balm easily melts away makeup, SPF, and any impurities that might be lurking on your skin.

shop £15 at makeup revolution

What we love about the Revolution Pro Miracle Vegan Collagen Cleansing Balm is it’s made from vegan collagen, which helps to hydrate and plump your skin.

There’s also a nourishing peptide complex and a blend of essentials that not only calm the skin, but leave your face feeling hydrated, silky smooth, clean, and nourished.

Naturally, people have been going wild for the cleansing balm, with many fans comparing it to the £49 bouji beauty buy.

Aimee left a rave review saying: ‘AMAZING! Half the price of Elemis and better! I woke up so glowy and moisturised I couldn’t believe it! This balm is an amazing dupe and for such a good price. Totally recommend it – will be buying again!’

‘A Gorgeous gentle cleanser which literally melts your makeup away! It doesn’t irritate the eyes either which I love! Amazing dupe for the Elemis!’ said Ellen.

Ellie said: ‘LOVE LOVE LOVE’ and added: ‘Love this product, so much more affordable than others on the market and does the exact same job. Completely melts your makeup off and leaves your skin feeling so soft. Would definitely reccomend!!’

And a fourth user named Laura didn’t hold back when it came to her review, and said: ‘Absolutely OBSESSED with this cleanser, it’s so gentle and hydrating on my dry skin! It removes every scrap of makeup & leaves my skin feeling fresh and plump unlike some cleansing balms that leave my skin feeling sticky and greasy!’

She also added: ‘It’s the perfect first step to my skincare routine & such a good price! Will 100% repurchase when it runs out – which will be AGES as a little goes such a long way! LOVE this!’

Now in previous years, Make Revolution’s products have been quick to sell out – like the Charlotte Tilbury Magic Cream alternative in the Revolution Pro Miracle Cream or the Estee Lauder alternative in the Revolution Pro Miracle Night Rescue Serum Advanced Complex.

So if you’re sold on this £15 skincare launch like us, you’ll need to get it in your basket asap.

Follow Metro across our social channels, on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram

Share your views in the comments below

MORE : Skincare fans hail this ‘amazing’ powdered cleanser for brightening refining and textured skin

MORE : Amazon shoppers are calling CeraVe cleanser their ‘Holy Grail’ skincare product – and it costs under £12

MORE : Skincare fanatics are obsessed with an eye cream that’s ‘real life Photoshop for your eye area’

Aldi’s 85p must-have ‘makes life easier’ and mums are going wild for it

0
0
Aldi Discount Supermarket. Aldi sells a range of grocery items, including produce, meat & dairy, at discount prices.
An Aldi product is a must-buy for parents (Picture: Getty Images)

Parents often have their work cut out for them trying to get their little ones calmed down and ready for bed of an evening.

So, anything that might help make this process a little easier is likely to be a bit of a godsend for mums and dads.

As such, it should come as no surprise that Mamia Bedtime Bath, a cheap bedtime item that is said to help ‘soothe’ little ones before they turn in for the night, has proved such a hit.

The 85p must-have from Aldi has recently won a gold award at the MadeForMums Awards 2024, which featured 100 categories of different parenting products.

From nappies to cribs, the items were all rigorously tested by expert judges as well as 500 family testers to find the best items that make a real difference.

Aldi's Mamia Bedtime Bath
The Mamia Bedtime Bath

The Mamia Bedtime Bath was found to offer ‘great value for money’, and has a gentle tear-free formula containing Vitamin E to moisturise your baby’s skin.

Mums who tried out the bubble bath rated it highly thanks to its pleasant smell and they felt it was ‘soothing and calming’, which was just the thing they needed to get tot’s ready for bed.

Parent tester Reagan, who used the product with her two-week-old baby, said: ‘Once in the stream of water, Bedtime Bath bubbles instantly and doesn’t require a lot of product to create a good amount.’

She added: ‘I know this will be loved by my daughter once she is a bit older and can play in the bath. I also found it soothes her skin.’

Gold Award Winners at the MadeForMums Awards 2024:

  • Mamia Bed Time Bath, 85p, Aldi
  •  Solar Buddies Sunscreen Applicator, £7.98, Boots
  • Milton Cold Water Steriliser, £7.98, Boots
  • Bambino Mio Revolutionary Reusable Nappy, £19.99, Bambino Mio
  • Izmi Essential Wrap, £40, Izmi or Argos
  • CuddleCo Lullaby Hypo-Allergenic Bamboo Foam Cot Bed Mattress, £59, CuddleCo
  • Hauck Alpha+, £72.49, Amazon
  • Vital Baby NURTURE flexcone electric breast pump, £99.99, Vital Baby
  • Venture Airpod Travel Cot, £104.99, Venture
  • Kinderkraft Apino compact-fold pushchair, £109, Kiddies Kingdom
  • Momcozy 1080P High-Performance Video Baby Monitor, £149.99
  • Joie Finiti Flex Travel Ready Bundle, £695, John Lewis

And Reagan wasn’t the only parent who was a big fan of the product, online fellow mums have been going wild for it.

Reviews on motherandbaby.com claimed that the bubble bath ‘made life easier’ as a big bottle lasts a long time as only a small amount is needed each time.

Other parents described it as ‘relaxing’ and said they would opt to buy the supermarket own-brand over pricier alternatives such as Dove and Aveeno. 

Several other popular products were named Gold award winners by the MadeForMums team, including the Solar Buddies Sunscreen Applicator which is £7.98 from Boots and Solar Buddies. 

The £22.09 Milton Cold Water steriliser was also a hit with parents, as was the Bambino Mio Revolutionary Reusable Nappy (£19.99).

Gemma Cartwright, editor of MadeForMums, says: ‘Becoming a parent is a joyful and also stressful time, particularly when budgets are tight. The MadeForMums Awards 2024 take some of the stress out of deciding what are the must-haves and what are the nice-to-have extras, helping new parents to focus on the joy of their newborn and spend wisely. 

‘The products in our winners list also help with sustainable parenting as they offer parents the chance to be out in nature, buy less and choose their products mindfully.’

Have you tried the Mamia Bed Time Bath on your kids? What’s your review?Comment Now

This comes after it was revealed that Tesco has slashed the price of its baby formula.

The move marks another victory for the Formula for Change campaign, launched in partnership with family support charity Feed. We’re fighting to help parents find affordable ways to buy baby formula amid the cost of living crisis.

Tesco cut the price of 1.2kg tubs of Aptamil baby formula by £1 to £16 and 1.2kg boxes of Cow & Gate by 50p to £12.

Other price cuts include 800g tubs of SMA Little Steps infant formula from £9.75 to £7.95, and Cow & Gate 2 follow on milk 800g tubs falling from £10.50 to £9.65.

Meanwhile, Aldi lowered the price of its Mamia Infant First Formula for the second time in a week.

Customers can buy the supermarket’s own-brand product for £8.49 for 900g, maintaining it as the ‘lowest priced formula milk available on the market’, the discounter said.

Do you have a story to share?

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

Investing experts reveal how to become an ISA millionaire

0
0
Young Asian couple managing finance and investment online, analyzing stock market trades with mobile app on smartphone. Making financial plans. Banking and finance, investment, financial trading, mobile banking concept
We get the lowdown on how to make your savings go sky high (Picture: Getty Images)

The Isa millionaire club is small – with the latest Freedom of Information request putting it at just over 4,000 members – but it is growing every day.

These lucky folk have amassed a tax-free portfolio of investments worth more than seven figures and
are able to use that money to generate an income, save for the next generation or to live off
in retirement.

Research shows that Isa millionaires are likely to be older men whose portfolios have had plenty of time to grow. As the Isa is 25-years-old, those who have invested from the start have had the chance to build the largest pots – but you haven’t missed the boat, it’s never too late to start.

The Isa has proved a game-changer for investors, providing a tax efficient wrapper to invest, build wealth and meet financial goals. It has created thousands of millionaires,’ says Myron Jobson, senior personal finance analyst at DIY investment platform Interactive Investor, which has more than 1,000 clients with Isa portfolios worth £1million-plus.

How to join the Isa millionaire club?

Experts suggest taking an equities-first approach and investing as soon as you can each Isa season if you are to take your pot into seven figures.

How these investors are doing it

Philip Dodd
Philip first opened an Isa in the 1990s (Picture: Supplied)

Time has been the secret behind Philip Dodd’s success in building a six-figure sum. He first opened an Isa pot in the 1990s.

Although not quite in the ranks of the Isa millionaires, Philip, 68, has found that his commitment to his Isa has built him a sizeable nest egg that he uses to provide himself with an income now that he has retired after a career in finance.

‘I’ve been putting money in for 25 years,’ he says. ‘The biggest initial driver was always that it is tax-free. When I started it, I probably wasn’t using the full amount. But I was putting in what I could each month with the principle that if you put things in in one big hit, you risk getting market timing wrong.
‘As I got further on in my career, and got paid more, I ended up putting in the full amount each year.’

How are they choosing to invest?

Philip, says he has always liked to play it safe and has been rather conservative in his investment picks.

‘I try to think through who I think is the best company in that sector – and then invest in that. My view is that over time, the best company will deliver the best returns,’ he says.

Ollie Aynsley
Ollie opened his Isa during lockdown (Picture: Supplied)

Ollie Aynsley, 36, says he’s just 15 years away from becoming an Isa millionaire. The software expert from Cheshire first got into investing via an Isa during lockdown and has topped up his investment each year.

‘I was lucky not to be furloughed but suddenly I wasn’t commuting and had all this disposable income,’ he says. ‘When I realised that there was a couple of hundred quid extra a month sort of knocking around, I started looking into what to do with it.’

Ollie, who is married to Holly, 35, set up an Isa with Plum and automated contributions into it. His investments into funds within the Plum Isa have risen nearly 30 per cent, which has helped to grow the pot.

How are they choosing to invest?

As Ollie and Holly’s salaries have risen, they’ve kept their lifestyle at a similar level to keep themselves saving, and are putting around 60 per cent of their income into investments, with the hope of giving themselves a substantial income in years to come.

Mark Taylor
Mark has always prioritised Isa and likes to spread the risk (Picture: Supplied)

Mark Taylor, 71, a retired Airbus machinist, says he has always prioritised Isa – and is relieved he did so. He now has a sizeable pot of money to draw on.

‘I’m glad I do because you need big money just to live nowadays,’ says Mark. ‘Nobody could have foreseen all of these price increases. It’s about having peace of mind,’ he says of his Isa pot. ‘It’s always there if I need something and it stops me from worrying. I’d advise anyone to do the same as
I have and make the most of the Isa. The fact it is tax-free makes a huge difference.’

How are they choosing to invest?

Mark, invests his full allowance each year, likes to spread the risk. ‘I have it dotted around,’ he says. ‘Mostly it’s in building societies.’

Building a million pound savings pot

Money growth
You will need some healthy investment growth (Credits: Getty Images)

To hit the magic million-mark, you will need some healthy investment growth.

Calculations show that you could become an Isa millionaire in 22 years if you put in £20,000 every year and see investment growth of seven per cent each year.

That is not a return you could get in cash savings, as the highest instant-access cash Isa currently pays 5.11 per cent with Moneybox, while Virgin Money pays a one-year fixed rate of 5.25 per cent.

However, there are funds and trusts invested in the stock exchange that could have provided the returns necessary to make you an Isa millionaire by this year, even taking into account the lower annual Isa allowances that existed before 2017.

Figures from Interactive Investor show that Isa millionaires have a higher weighting to investment trusts – which are a type of fund that is listed on the stock market – than the average investor.

They also have less in cash Isas than the average investor – just five per cent.

The Association of Investment Companies (AIC) calculates that there are 32 investment trusts that would have made investors over £1million if they had put the full
allowance into them over the 25 years in which Isas have been in existence.

These include trusts focused on smaller companies, such as Scottish Oriental Smaller Companies, as well as technology-focused trusts such as Polar Capital Technology Trust and Allianz Technology Trust.

Those who invested solely in two investment trusts – HGCapital Trust and Allianz Technology Trust – would have been millionaires twice over by now.

Spread the risk

Diversifying - Eggs in multiple baskets illustration.
It’s vital you don’t put all your eggs in one basket (Credits: Getty Images)

Before you rush to buy these trusts, it is important to remember that when investing, it is best not to put all your eggs into one basket.

‘It’s vital to spread your risk, as no one knows which will be the best-performing investment trusts in the future,’ says Annabel Brodie-Smith, communications director at the AIC.

‘A diversified portfolio that meets your needs is the best way to success over the long-term.’

Interactive Investor research shows that millionaires favour so-called ‘blue chip’ companies as well as investment trusts for their million-pound portfolios. Top picks include oil business Shell, drug company GSK and UK bank Lloyds.

Adopt million-pound behaviour

As well as buying the right investments, Isa millionaires make other decisions that boost their pots. They typically invest as early as possible, with 40 per cent of them putting their money into their Isa in April, compared with 23 per cent of other investors.

This gives them an extra year in the market to benefit from growth compared with those who put the money in at the last moment. If 
you cannot do this, Myron Jobson at Interactive Investor suggests putting in as much as you can each month rather than waiting until the last moment.

‘Drip feed your investments on a monthly basis to remove some of the risk of market timing,’ he says.

‘This is well suited to those with smaller sums to invest.’

Water droplets falling into a piggy bank.
Drip feed your investments (Credits: Getty Images)

And while millionaires do sell and buy investments relatively regularly – around 22 times a year according to Interactive Investment figures – they are still mostly leaving well alone.

‘Our data shows that the Isa millionaire status is typically achieved through a well-diversified portfolio rather than cherry-picking risky bets,’ Jobson says.

Whatever you choose to buy and hold, once your money is in the Isa, the trick is to keep it there.

While it grows within the tax-free wrapper, there is no tax to pay on the growth of the money, or on any bank interest or dividends that you are paid by the companies you own.

With the government slashing allowances for the amount you can earn through either of these routes outside an Isa without paying tax, this is becoming more important than ever.

MORE : Martin Lewis urges everyone born between these years to put £1 in bank account now

MORE : Martin Lewis urges parents to cash in on free childcare before end of March

MORE : Your ‘money age’ revealed — and it’s worse than you think

‘I haven’t used my oven since!’ Ninja Dual Drawer Air Fryer is on sale right now (for less than Black Friday)

0
0
Image of Ninja Foodi Dual Zone Air Fryer being used
Hey, if Mrs Hinch has one – we need one too. (Picture: Metro/Getty/Ninja Kitchen)

SHOPPING – Contains affiliated content. Products featured in this Metro article are selected by our shopping writers. If you make a purchase using links on this page, Metro.co.uk will earn an affiliate commission. Click here for more information.

If you still don’t own an airfryer, now’s your chance to bag one for an all-time low price thanks to a cheeky spring sale from Ninja.

The one that’s caught our eye is the sell-out Foodi Dual Zone Air Fryer. Usually priced at £219.99, you can bag one for just £169 thanks to a sale event from the major appliances brand.

Now if you thought a saving of £50.99 was good enough, Ninja has also supplied a discount code (EXTRA10) which saves you a further 10% discount.

That makes the Ninja Foodi Dual Zone Air Fryer just £152.10 – which not only makes it significantly less expensive than usual, but even Black Friday prices.

Ninja Foodi Dual Zone Air Fryer

Ninja Foodi Dual Zone Air Fryer

The kitchen appliance that does it all can even air fry foods using up to 75% less fat than traditional frying methods. Any one else craving chips for dinner, or is it just us?

shop £169 (use extra10 fpr further 10% off) at ninja kitchen

During the yearly event held in November, the item was priced at £169.99, which is still a bargain, but not as little as it is right now.

The Ninja Foodi Dual Zone Air Fryer, currently on sale for an all-time low price from the brand’s own website, is also significantly cheaper than both Amazon and Currys as well – with same being said for Black Friday too.

So about that air fryer? Well it has a generous 7.6L capacity, that can feed up to eight people – making it’s the perfect choice for families, fitness fanatics that love to batch cook and the rest. We also love the fact that both drawers can cook different foods at different temperatures too.

Better yet? Ninja say that it can fit a 1.6kg chicken in each drawer – perfect for creating those mouth-wateringly good Sunday Roasts, cooking your vege and additional extras in the other side, at a different temperate with ease.

There are also six cooking functions (air fry, max crisp, roast, bake, dehydrate and reheat) – so it can really help you do it all when feeding the family, friends or just yourself.

Rated 4.8/5 on Ninja Kitchen, nearly 6,000 people have left rave reviews – with many exclaiming how much they ‘love’ the ‘useful’ device.

Alison said: ‘Simply the best kitchen tool ever made, we enjoy cooking in the foodi so much,trying new recipes and following TV chefs as they get the best flavours from ingredients cooked in the Ninja.Super efficient cost effective and easy to clean.’

User LouLou followed suit and said: ‘I’m so pleased I finally invested in an air fryer. I have wanted one for ages and after weeks of researching and recipe hunting I decided to just go for the ninja (rather than a cheaper brand), and I’m over the moon that I did.’

‘I honestly can’t fault it. I have had it for just over 2 weeks and I haven’t used my oven since. They are genuinely worth every penny. I eat healthy and watch calories and with some great easy to find recipes online you can make tasty healthy food that feels indulgent and are super quick and easy. Wish I’d bought it sooner!’

‘I couldn’t be happier with my recent purchase of the Ninja Foodi Dual Zone Air Fryer,’ said Mark. He also added: ‘It cooks delicious, healthier food in super quick time, meaning greater efficiency of electricity use compared to using conventional electric ovens/fryers.’

Recently air fryers have become the must-have item for kitchens thanks to the energy saving capabilities.

Ninja says that the Foodi Dual Zone Air Fryer uses up to 75% less energy than your usual oven, which for those trying to watch their spending habits and keep costs lower than ever could really benefit from investing in an air fryer.

Cleaning influencer Mrs Hinch regularly posts different ways to use her beloved air fryer, which naturally caused the kitchen appliance to sell-out first time around.

So what are you waiting for? Ninja won’t have it in stock at this price for much longer, trust us.

Follow Metro across our social channels, on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram

Share your views in the comments below

MORE : Over 9,568 Amazon shoppers and I both love this Baby powder Yankee Candle that’s on sale for £19.84

MORE : I’m a shopping expert and these are the beauty products I’m buying on Amazon ahead of 2024’s spring sale

MORE : Holiday-goers call this spacious wash bag their ‘best travel buy’ – and it’s just £15.99 on Amazon

Euro 2024 demand sees Ryanair add 4,000 extra seats for England fans

0
0
Ryanair Boeing 737 at Manchester Airport.
The 2024 Euros take place in Germany in June and July (Image: Getty Images)

Travelling to watch England compete in the Euros this summer?

If you’ve not booked your flights yet, you might just be in luck: Ryanair has added extra seats for England supporters.

More than 4,000 extra spaces have now been made available for fans to watch the group stages, with the flights going from London Stansted and Manchester to Cologne, Dortmund and Frankfurt.

The policy will be in place for the first three matches, which take place in Gelsenkirchen in Germany, Frankfurt and Cologne on June 16, June 20 and June 25 respectively.

England will compete against Serbia, Denmark and Slovenia in these group-stage matches.

‘We’ve had record bookings from football fans travelling to Germany for what is set to be a spectacular European Championship this summer,’ Ryanair’s Head of Comms, Jade Kirwan, said.

North Macedonia v England: Group C - UEFA EURO 2024 European Qualifiers
England played North Macedonia in a qualifying match in November 2023 (Image: Alex Grimm/Getty Images)

‘To support this overwhelming demand, we have added over 4,000 extra seats from London and Manchester to Cologne, Dortmund, and Frankfurt so that England fans can catch all the big games and soak in that unreplaceable match day atmosphere.

‘Seats are expected to sell out fast so fans should book their low-fare Ryanair flights now to avoid missing out.’

However, if you’ve not already got tickets to the Euros, you’ll be disappointed.

All tickets for the Group Stage of UEFA Euro 2024 have now sold out.

Fear not, though: if England get through the group stage matches, tickets will go on sale for the knock-out matches after they qualify.

Come on England!

When is Euro 2024 taking place?

Euro 2024 will take place in Germany between June 14 and July 14, 2024.

Germany, who beat off competition from Turkey to be awarded the tournament back in 2018, have not hosted a major competition since the World Cup in 2006.

The 2024 edition will be the first Euros to be held in a single country since France hosted the competition in 2016, with Euro 2020 staged across 11 nations to celebrate the 60th anniversary of the European Championship.

Euro 2024 schedule

  • June 14: Opening group stage game
  • June 29: Round of 16 starts
  • July 5: Quarter-finals start
  • July 9: Semi-finals start
  • July 14: Final.

Do you have a story to share?

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


Grab the £6 hair oil shoppers are calling ‘the BEST product I have used’

0
0
Because, as the old saying goes, you’re worth it (Pictures: L'Oreal/Getty)
Because, as the old saying goes, you’re worth it (Pictures: L’Oreal/Getty)

SHOPPING – Contains affiliated content. Products featured in this Metro article are selected by our shopping writers. If you make a purchase using links on this page, Metro.co.uk will earn an affiliate commission. Click here for more information.

What if we told you that transforming your tresses from dull and dry to nourished and soft was as easy (and cheap) as using a few pumps of this affordable hair oil?

Described by fans as ‘just as good as Kerastase but cheaper’, the L’Oreal Paris Elvive Extraordinary Hair Nourishing Oil has been wowing shoppers with its likeness to the Kerastase Elixir Ultime hair oil but cheaper price tag, just coming in at £33.05 cheaper.

The luxe-feeling oil has been formulated to offer ‘intense nourishment, silky softness and lustrous shine’, designed to suit all hair types – no matter how thick, thin, dry, straight or curly your hair is.

L'Oréal Paris Elvive Extraordinary Hair Nourishing Oil, 100ml

L'Oréal Paris Elvive Extraordinary Hair Nourishing Oil, 100ml

The luxe-feeling oil has been formulated to offer ‘intense nourishment, silky softness and lustrous shine’, and has been designed to suit all hair types – no matter how thick, thin, dry, straight or curly your hair is. Grab this viral hair oil today with 35% off!

£6.50 (save £3.49) at amazon

The Extraordinary Hair Nourishing Oil has been formulated with a blend of six flower extracts, working to leave hair looking soft, shiny and weightless, conditioning your tresses without that heavy, greasy feel.

You’ll also find you’re left with far less frizz, perfect for humid environments or genes that mean you can’t even step out the door without a frizzy outburst.

The non-greasy formula also features heat protection up to 230 degrees, making it the perfect final step before using your hot hair tools, ensuring hair isn’t left dry or damaged – instead remaining silky and nourished with luxurious shine and no flyaways. Literally none. At all.

So we’re in no way surprised that shoppers have been loving the oil – with over 7,000 sold in the past month alone, and floods of five-star reviews to boot. Users have been raving about the shine it gives their hair, value for money, and it’s ability to detangle while leaving dos looking delightful.

The non-greasy formula also features heat protection up to 230°C, making it the perfect final step before using your hot hair tools, ensuring hair isn’t left dry or damaged (Picture: Amazon)
The non-greasy formula also features heat protection up to 230°C, making it the perfect final step before using your hot hair tools, ensuring hair isn’t left dry or damaged (Picture: Amazon)

‘The BEST product I have used.’ Five-star reviewer Rachel raved. ‘I have tried a fair few products for my hair to help it look less dull and more shiny and to be honest the vast majority have failed to achieve what they promise… however, this is amazing!

‘Even after the first application my hair is soft, shiny and the smell is also pretty good too! Added bonus… it even works on my clip in hair extensions (which are heal hair)!’

‘Smells divine and has replaced a kerastase product that I can no longer spend £40 on! Leaves my hair shiny and nourished.’ Wrote Vinny D.

A third named BecksBee added: ‘I have quite thick, wavy, frizzy hair. I have tried numerous hair oils and heat protection creams and sprays, and none of them come close to this.

It’s been formulated with a blend of six flower extracts, working to leave hair looking soft, shiny and weightless, conditioning your tresses without any heavy, greasy feel (Picture: Amazon)
It’s been formulated with a blend of six flower extracts, working to leave hair looking soft, shiny and weightless, conditioning your tresses without any heavy, greasy feel (Picture: Amazon)

‘You only need a small amount, and it works really well. I find that it is light weight, and never makes my hair look greasy.’

The brand recommends simply using when you feel like your hair needs it – whether that’s as a treatment or for styling. You can apply it before shampooing, before heat styling (up to 230°C) or as a as a final touch for that silky finish.

Just rub three to four drops into the palms of your hands and apply through lengths and ends of wet or dry hair.

Because, as the old saying goes, you’re worth it.

Follow Metro across our social channels, on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram

Share your views in the comments below

MORE : This Morning’s Cat Deeley uses this hot brush for styling her hair (and it’s apparently better than the Dyson Airwrap)

MORE : John Frieda launches ‘hair thickening fluid’ for stronger, healthier hair in just one use – and it’s only £9.99

MORE : Sick of peach fuzz? This now-£15.99 hair removal tool is the answer according to Amazon shoppers

Inside the world’s most luxurious airport with its own swimming pool and zen garden

0
0
Airport Check-in at Dubai International Airport
The airport is stunning (Picture: Getty Images)

When it comes to holidays, we can’t all afford to enjoy the luxury of first class travel, but it seems there are other ways to make a trip a bit more opulent.

The airport you fly to and from makes a difference, for one.

The world’s most luxurious airports have just been revealed, so consider a visit to the number one if you want your trip to feel extra fancy without upgrading.

The swankiest airport, named as part of research by travel insurance company AllClear, is Dubai International Airport in United Arab Emirates — and when you learn more about the airport’s various services and attractions, it’s not very hard to see why it’s the best.

Dubai International Airport (DXB) scored 83 out of 100 as part of the study, ranking highly for having over 30 different lounges for visitors to enjoy some R&R in. 

Interior of Dubai International Airport, with palm trees
There are palm trees and a zen garden in Terminal 3 (Picture: Getty Images)

As well as places to kick back and enjoy a glass of bubbly, there’s also a unique gaming lounge, a special family zone, and spas where you can enjoy a massage or facials, as well as skincare treatments.

If this wasn’t enough, DBX also has its own five-star hotel inside the airport, which just so happens to contain the GFORCE Health Club, so instead of sitting and waiting for your flight, you can work out in the gym or go for a swim in the pool.

There’s also a steam room and sauna for travellers who fancy a pamper, and you don’t need to be staying at the hotel to use any of these facilities. 

Those who’ve been to the airport say that Terminal 3 is a must-visit, from the palm trees inside the building, to the airport’s zen garden complete with fish ponds, there’s a great space to sit and relax before boarding. 

Other DBX amenities include complimentary showers within the airport, sleep’n fly pods that you can take a nap in during a layover, designer shops such as Chanel and Gucci, as well as the iconic Fortnum & Mason 

Online, people have raved about how fancy the airport is, with @RussellDesigner writing on X (formerly Twitter): ‘This place is so beautiful. It’s so luxurious. I am always speechless when I arrive in this airport.’

Meanwhile, @Mollote3 said: ‘The world’s most luxurious airport has to be Dubai International Airport.’

Interior of Dubai International Airport
The airport boasts 30 lounges (Picture: Getty Images)

And @LukmanShobowale added: ‘Dubai International Airport is one of the busiest and most luxurious in the world. Here you will feel like you are at beach in one corner and in a zen garden in another.’

Following on from DBX, London’s very own Heathrow Airport was crowned the second most luxurious in the world, scoring 82 out of 100. 

This score came courtesy of its high-end retailers such as Cartier, as well as the Caviar House, and the Fortnum & Mason bar in Terminal 5, where guests can enjoy champagne and caviar.

Rounding out the top five were Hamad International Airport in Qatar, Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport in France, and Sydney International Airport in Australia.

Gucci store at Dubai International Airport
There are plenty of designer shops. (Picture: Horacio Villalobos/Corbis via Getty Images)

Letitia Smith, Head of Communications at AllClear commented: ‘Reaching the airport can be a thrilling time, signalling that you’re about to embark on an exciting adventure. However, for many, it can also be a time of stress, especially for senior travellers whose adventures might require a few extra layers of planning and preparation. 

‘Using the data points from our comprehensive index, we’ve identified airports around the world which offer the most comfortable, luxurious experience for travellers jetting off on international journeys. A distinction which can transform your travel experience, ensuring you start your holiday feeling fresh, rather than wanting to rest as soon as you reach your hotel.

‘With such a diverse array of airports from around the world landing in our top 15, we hope any travellers passing through these airports enjoy a relaxed start to their trips.’

Dubai International Airport terminal at night with lots of plants
The airport features lots of green spaces, including a zen garden. (Picture: Getty Images)

This comes after a sneak peek of a brand new airport, set to open in 2030, was shared, with some predicting it’ll be the world’s biggest in terms of the volume of passengers that will pass through it.

King Salman International Airport will be opening in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, in seven years’ time and is anticipated to serve more people than any other.

Spanning over 57 square kilometres, an impressive 12 square kilometres has reportedly been set aside just for retail outlets – so you can shop while you wait to board.

Which luxury amenity would you be most excited to use at the Dubai International Airport?Comment Now

Though the airlines that will operate out of King Salman International have not yet been announced, the construction is set to create approximately 150,000 jobs, from air traffic control operators to baristas.

The new construction is estimated to serve 120 million passengers, with this likely increasing to 185 million by 2050, and is part of a drive to increase tourism in Riyadh.

The largest airport in the world currently (in terms of size) is King Fahd International Airport, also known as Dammam Airport, in Saudi Arabia, which is 299 square miles (774 square kilometers).

Do you have a story to share?

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

I dreaded the school run after the other mums isolated me

0
0
Mother taking her daughter to school
Each day I dreaded the school run even more (Picture: Getty Images)

Sandwiched between two close friends at a local pub, I felt awkward and uncomfortable.

Not because we were squished into an alcove, rather because they were discussing the upcoming mum’s only night out that I knew nothing about and clearly wasn’t invited to.

As they talked excitedly about their outfits and how amazing it was going to be, I waited for someone to address me and the obvious awkwardness. They didn’t. 

And when the evening ended, I went home feeling excluded and isolated. Very much like a spare part. 

I really thought that, having children of my own, this Mean-Girls-clique-iness would be behind me now. But apparently not.   

It had been a long time since I had a really close-knit group of female friends. 

Back in university, I lived with eight other girls who became like sisters to me. We were so close. 

Then, towards the end of our third year, after a drunken night out in the student union, I told one of the girl’s boyfriends to f**k off because he was trying to offer her some class A drugs. 

But while I thought I was looking out for my best friend, the rest of the group didn’t take it like that. They felt that it wasn’t my place, that I was interfering. 

They all distanced themselves from me shortly after which was heartbreaking. 

Yes, I made other friends after I’d graduated, through work and going out. But none quite so close as them.

When I started a family of my own, I truly believed that, when my daughter started school, I’d get a second shot at building meaningful friendships with some of the other mums on the playground.

And it started out well.

I already knew one of the other mums. We’d been introduced by a mutual friend many years ago, and then we’d become closer after our children went to nursery together. 

In turn, she introduced me to other mums she knew. I started to stand with them in the playground as we waited to pick up our children. We’d laugh, chat, talk about our children. 

I had, I thought, started to feel involved. 

They even invited me to a couple of birthday celebrations. Unfortunately, I was unable to go. Partly due to childcare issues, but also because I didn’t have the money. 

I didn’t say this though, worried I’d be judged for not being able to afford it, so instead I lied and told the group that I had visit my sister at the last minute. 

I felt ashamed about lying and at the very least I wanted to be honest to the mum whose birthday it was, so I wrote her a card and a letter explaining that it wasn’t possible financially for me right now but that I wished her a great night. 

Shortly after this, I noticed we were no longer friends on Facebook, and that’s when the paranoia started. 

Did she think less of me? Was I not good enough? Did they think I was poor? Was it to do with status? Money? My five-year-old knackered Doc Martens? 

I couldn’t stop the questions, and each day I dreaded the school run even more.  

They were friendly to me, but I felt they were distant. They would say hello, smile or wave, but the invitations to coffees or meet ups, with or without children, stopped. 

I felt like I was being frozen out. It was a horrible feeling, especially after making myself so vulnerable in confiding in my financial situation to one of them. Had she told the others?

As much as I’d tell myself not to, I couldn’t help but compare their lives, houses, cars, jobs and even their clothes to mine. I lost all my confidence. I felt so examined. So exposed. 

You’d think that when the summer came around, I’d feel relieved. That without the school run, those feelings and anxieties would lift, but they only worsened because I hadn’t heard from any of them through the whole of the summer. I just assumed everyone was getting on with their family summer holidays. 

Towards the end of the holidays, I bumped into the mum I’d known originally. I asked her what she had been up to for the summer since back from her holidays: ‘We’ve all been meeting up at the park and each other’s houses,’ she said. ‘Didn’t you know?’ 

I’ve realised that I’m simply unable to control who likes me and who wants to spend time with me

No, I didn’t. It soon came to light that the reason I didn’t know was because I wasn’t included in their WhatsApp group. This mum thought I had been. 

Perhaps I should be gasping sighs of relief to be missed out of another WhatsApp group, one less relentless ping-after-ping to keep up with. 

But I suddenly felt very unpopular. It was hard not to take it personally. 

So, when I’d invited two of my close mum friends, Sophie and Claire out for a drink and they brought up another night out I wasn’t invited to, it felt like just the latest in a long line of rejections. These were the mums that I went way back with, that our children had grown up with together.  

Watching them all posting photos the next day across social media in their outfits, drinking, dancing and having fun without me was painful. I felt shocked. 

Upset woman sitting on couch alone at home
Since then, I’ve distanced myself (Picture: Getty Images)

For weeks, I wracked my brain for anything I might have said, or done – or not said and done – to lead to my exclusion. Nothing surfaced. Why hadn’t I been asked to go?

I decided to address the matter and messaged both women, Sophie and Claire who I was initially very close to, to explain how hurt I had felt.

Sophie replied saying that I was right, she should have realised that I wasn’t invited. That she understood why I was hurt, and asked what she could do to make amends.

The other friend, Claire, not so much. She was adamant that we were entitled to have different friends and do what we wanted without having to justify it. And I understand that, and I agree with that, but this was a specific mum friendship group that I thought I was part of. All of us together.

I felt very much that if it had been me going on a big night out, I would’ve invited her. I would have invited both of them. I guess that’s why I felt so hurt. That I considered them close friends, when they didn’t seem to think of me that way. 

I tried to tell myself that things aren’t always what they seem. That it might just be all in my imagination. 

But it’s hard to remember that when all you want is to belong. Be ‘part of the group’. 

It took me straight back to being at school, and feeling the same way.

‘Shouldn’t we have all moved on?’ I found myself thinking. 

Since then, I’ve distanced myself from these mums. I still say hello and smile, but I stick to the other side of the playground, and don’t worry about their nights out anymore.

In fact, I reached out to other mums, ones I’d never spoken to properly, and made new friends. We all went out over Christmas, and I had the best time. Like maybe, I’ve finally found my tribe. 

I’ve realised that I’m simply unable to control who likes me and who wants to spend time with me. I’m never going to truly know what other people think about me and I guess, this helped to just release the panic that it might have been something ‘about me’. 

That actually, all along, I just needed to meet the right people. Find some good friends.

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.

Europe’s ‘Island of Colours’ is the cheaper Santorini alternative to book

0
0
Santorini island, Greece.
If Santorini is out of your budget, don’t despair (Credits: Getty Images/iStockphoto)

Infamous for its blue-topped buildings and white stone walls, Santorini is an immensely popular destination for those looking to sample the Greek island life.

But with more than 2.5 million visitors annually and only approximately 15,500 permanent residents (180 tourists to every local), this Greek gem is becoming increasingly busy – and expensive.

Santorini regularly features in lists of the top 10 most expensive holidays in Europe, with the average one-week break costing upwards of £1,200 per person. Though bargain accommodation is available, the cheaper options get snapped up quickly, and in some of the island’s five star hotels, your costs can easily triple.

It doesn’t get quieter in the winter, either, as tourism continues to thrive here even when it’s a few degrees cooler.

Out of your budget? No desire to fight with the crowds? We have the perfect destination dupe for you: the Greek island of Milos.

Mandrakia, Milos island
Milos is inundated with small bays (Image: Getty Images)

Averaging 85,560 tourists each year, Milos has almost 2.7 million fewer travellers landing here than Santorini.

Just north of the Sea of Crete, Milos is the southwestern-most island in the Cyclades group. It’s known as the ‘Island of colours’ thanks to its vibrant waters and buildings painted in vivid primary tones.

Inundated with breathtaking photo opportunities and a coastline that boasts more than 40 exotic beaches, Milos averages maximum temperatures of 27.1, 28.1 and 27.6 degrees Celsius in June, July and August, making it the perfect sunbathing spot.

It’s also cheaper than Santorini, so if you’re looking to save the pennies, this underrated destination is one for you.

Things to do in Milos

Hailed as a picturesque ‘fisherman’s village,’ Klima is a must-see spot on the island.

A small settlement constructed right in front of the sea, this area is still inhabited by the local fishermen, populated with traditional houses called syrmata. Some of them are even available to rent out.

@dashakofman

Milos is such one of my favorite greek island. The beaches and fisherman villages are out of this world. If you have a rental car its fairly easy to see all of the sites in 2 days, but it can easily be extended if you want to take things slower! #greece #travellife #traveldestinations #travelinspiration #travelinspo #milos #europeansummer #milostravel #milostravelguide #milostraveltips

♬ Au Revoir – Sweet After Tears

Carved directly into the rocks, they’re known for their colourful doors and balconies. Forget Cottagecore – anyone for a bit of Fishermancore?

Beachgoers mustn’t miss Sarakiniko – a spot with volcanic origins, white sands and glittering turquoise waters that put the UK to shame.

And Plaka, the capital of Milos, is a gorgeous village characterised by typical Cycladic architecture that dates back to the 1800s.

Scenic Klima village (traditional Greek village by the sea, the Cycladic-style) with sirmata - traditional fishermen's houses, Milos island, Cyclades, Greece.
Scenic Klima village (Picture: Getty Images/iStockphoto)
Sarakiniko Beach, Milos, South Aegean, Greece
Don’t miss Sarakiniko Beach (Image: Getty Images)

Here, alongside the white houses and narrow streets you’ll also find in Santorini, you can visit the Sand Museum or the Archaeological Museum.

The latter has a replica of one of the world’s most famous statues: Venus de Milo, the original of which is now exhibited at the Louvre in Paris.

How to get to Milos

Despite its beauty, you can’t fly direct to Milos from London – which perhaps attests to its more undiscovered character compared with Santorini.

To reach this gorgeous gem, you’ll need to fly to Athens International Airport and change for a 40-minute flight to Milos.

You can also catch a ferry from Athens, which takes around 4 hours and 16 minutes.

Fishing village of Klima
Greece, Cyclades islands, Milos island, fisher village of Klima (Credits: Getty Images)
Kleftiko beach
Kleftiko beach is also a popular spot on Milos (Image: Getty Images)

When to visit Milos

As with any of the Greek Islands, it’s recommended to visit between May and October.

If you’re wanting heat, the hottest months are July and August, but these will no doubt be the busiest.

@whereshouldwegonext

Day 1 Agenda in Milos Greece. We spent 3 nights on the island before going to Paros #greecetravel #travelagenda #travelplans2023 #milosgreece

♬ original sound – Where Should We Go Next?

For better prices and fewer people, May, June, September and October are advisable months to visit, when the maximum temperatures average 22.8, 27.1, 25.2 and 21.3 degrees Celsius.

Happy holiday planning!

Do you have a story to share?

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

This is how long it takes for alcohol to leave your system

0
0
Alcohol can really take a toll on your body
Alcohol can really take a toll on your body (Picture: Getty Images)

Whether you had way too much Guinness yesterday, it was St Patrick’s Day after all, or you shared an intimate moment with a large bottle of wine this weekend – you may be feeling a little hungover.

When you’re feeling rough, you tend to wish for it to be over, wondering how long it’ll take the alcohol to leave your system. Well, we have the answer for you.

According to the NHS, it takes one hour to break down one unit of alcohol.

One alcohol unit is measured as 10ml or 8g of pure alcohol. It’s equivalent to a small glass of wine (125ml), half a pint of beer, or a single measure of a spirit (25ml).

A pint contains around two units, and one large glass of wine can be up to three units.

So, if you went a little crazy yesterday and had six pints of Guinness, that’s going to take at least half a day to leave your system.

There are a number of factors which will affect different people, or even one person at different times, according to the NHS. These include:

  • whether you’re male or female
  • your age
  • your weight
  • whether you’ve eaten recently
  • the type of alcohol you’re drinking
  • your stress levels
The more you drink the longer you'll be hungover
The more you drink the longer you’ll be hungover (Picture: Getty Images)

What is the alcohol doing to your body?

‘Most of the alcohol we drink is absorbed into the bloodstream via the stomach and small intestine,’ Aliza Marogy, registered nutritionist and founder of supplement brand Inessa, previously told Metro.

‘From the bloodstream, it’s transported to every organ, including the brain, kidneys, lungs and liver – the primary organ responsible for the clearance of alcohol from the body.

‘Consumed in excess, alcohol can result in nutrient depletion and decreases secretion of digestive enzymes produced by the pancreas, that are required to extract nutrients from food.

‘It can also lead to deficiency of nutrients and commonly depletes B-vitamins, vitamin C, potassium, zinc, calcium and magnesium. Magnesium helps maintain a healthy heart, brain, nervous system, bones, and regulates blood sugar.

‘It’s also a key electrolyte – as are calcium and potassium – required to balance blood pH, hydrate the body, and regulate nerve and muscle function.

‘We need B-vitamins for energy, healthy cells, hormonal regulation and mental health, and zinc and vitamin C are essential antioxidants required for good immune function and healthy inflammatory responses, skin, bones and cartilage.’

It can also have a negative impact on your skin, Dr Kajal Babamiri, GP and Dermatology Specialist at CLNQ Medical and Aesthetic, previously told Metro.

‘Alcohol is considered to be a diuretic as it makes you pee more, thus dehydrating your skin and ridding the body of essential nutrients.

‘The dehydrating effect can exacerbate dry skin and in turn cause pores, fine lines and wrinkles. In addition, alcohol will likely be full of calories and be paired with sugary drinks too, which can lead to puffiness, acne, readiness and blotchiness, and increase your chances of rosacea flare-ups, too.

‘As the liver works hard to process and break down alcohol, the skin steps in to help, thus causing the alcohol to perspire through the skin, as well as through your breath and urine.

‘Skin deficiencies can range from redness and acne to burst blood vessels and skin cancer.’

How to avoid getting a hangover

If you’re not on the sober hype and still love a couple of pints or glasses on a night out, then there are ways to reduce the severity of the impending hangover.

A Survivorlife expert gave Metro the following tips. The first is obvious – know your limits.

You might be surprised to learn that moderate alcohol consumption for a healthy adult male is up to two drinks per day and one drink per day for a healthy adult woman.

If you consume more than three drinks in one single day, your drinking becomes high-risk.

Of course, this doesn’t perfectly align with most bottomless brunches where the drinks are fast and furious, but it’s good to keep your health in mind and set boundaries.

One unit of alcohol is the equivalent of a single shot of spirit
One unit of alcohol is the equivalent of a single shot of spirit (Picture: Getty Images)

The second tip is hydration.

Alternate between alcohol and water to keep your body as hydrated as possible. Everyone knows by now that alcohol quickly dehydrates the body, but the actual process behind it is lesser-known.

Alcohol suppresses vasopressin, a key hormone which sends signals to our kidneys to retain fluid.

As such, ‘breaking the seal’ is actually the result of alcohol confusing brain signals, making you dehydrated much quicker.

Third, you should avoid that trip to the kebab shop or McDonald’s.

Clamouring for a greasy burger or kebab from a takeaway with suspect hygiene standards is an activity usually reserved for the hours after midnight, but greasy foods should be avoided with alcohol all together – it will only overwhelm your stomach further.

Do you have a story to share?

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

The London tourist attractions that have seen the biggest price hikes revealed

0
0
Big Ben and Westminster Bridge in London at sunrise
Which? discovered some surprising trends (Picture: Getty Images)

Once upon a time, you could book a trip to the Tower of London for 10p. Now, it’ll set you back £34.80 per adult.

In news that’ll shock absolutely no one, London tourist attractions came out as the worst offenders in a new study looking at how the cost of a holiday has changed in 50 years.

Researchers at the consumer watchdog Which? looked at data including flights, packages, car hires, and days out in order to determine the biggest price hikes since 1974. 

Although the price of flights has fallen since the 1970s, jetting off now costs more than it did in the ‘90s of early 2000s. The prices of package holidays have also soared.

However, the most shocking increases were associated with days out in our very own capital, which says a lot about the overall cost of living in London.

London’s most inflated attractions

Tower of London
In 1974, a trip to the Tower of London was just 10p (Picture: Getty Images)

Using the Bank of England inflation calendar, Which? reworked past prices for inflation.

In 1974, a trip to the Tower of London cost 10p — or 90p in today’s money. But this is a stark difference to the £34.80 entry fee if 2024, an increase of 3,767%.

Other London attractions have also seen eye-watering price hikes.

Madame Tussauds, for instance, used to be 75p — or £7 in today’s money. But now, tickets purchased on the day have increased by 500% to £42 on the day, or £33 if purchased in advance.

Westminster Abbey
Westminster Abbey used to cost nothing at all (Picture: Getty Images)

Similarly, Kew Gardens, which used to be 1p or 9p in today’s money, now has a price range between £12 and £24, which is an increase of up to 26,566%.

London Zoo used to be 80p (£7.20 today) to enter, but the now costs up to £33 at peak times, which is an increase of 358%. 

Most egregious of all are the costs to visit Westminster Abbey and St Paul’s Cathedral. Both of these attractions were entirely free in 1974, but these days, they cost £29 and £25 a ticket. 

England,London,Kew Gardens,Palm House and flowerbeds
The cost to visit Kew Gardens has risen by 26,566% since 1974 (Picture: Getty Images)
Giraffe
Taken outside the giraffe enclosure in London Zoo. (Credits: Getty Images/iStockphoto)

How else have holidays changed in 50 years?

To mark 50 years of Which? Travel, the researchers conducted a deep dive into how our holidaying habits have changed in the past half a century, focussing on the costs.

The data revealed a flight to the Greek capital Athens in 1974 would have cost 313% more in real terms than it does today. In 1974 the average price was £80 (£723 when adjusted for inflation) compared to just £175 in August 2023.

Similarly, a flight to Rome, Italy was 238%more on average, costing £55 (£497 in today’s money) compared to £147 in August 2023.

But while today’s flight prices are cheaper than 1974, they are not as cheap as they were in the golden era of cheap flights, from the 90s onwards. 

According to the Office for National Statistics, the average return flight from the UK to Europe cost just £123 in summer 2010 (£181 in today’s money), but had risen by 78% to £322 on average in 2023.

Flights are far from the only holiday element to become more expensive. In spite of greater competition today, the research found a package in the 70s or 80s was comparatively cheap.

In 1986 a week’s package on the Costa Blanca during the summer would cost £160, the equivalent of £456 at today’s prices (although the accommodation provided would not necessarily be the same quality as today – potentially just a bunk in a dorm!). 

By 1991, a package, including two weeks half-board at an average hotel in the summer cost £450 per person in Spain (£986 at today’s prices), £507 per person in Italy (equivalent to £1,110 in today’s money), and £517 per person in Greece (equivalent to £1,132).

Packages today are much more expensive on average, with recent analysis by Which? finding that the average price of just a single week half-board in Spain this August would cost £995 per person – comparable to a two week break in the 90s. A week in Italy half-board would be £1,120 each, and in Greece it would be £1,257 each.

Car hire has seen wild fluctuations in recent years – rising sharply after the pandemic, when vehicle shortages meant many rental companies struggled to keep up with consumer demand. But surprisingly, it is still marginally cheaper to hire a car today than it was in decades gone by.

A week’s car hire in Spain in 1978 cost £84 on average, the equivalent of £438 in today’s money. During the peak prices witnessed last summer, a week’s car rental cost £339 in Alicante and £376 in Palma de Mallorca. Thankfully, prices have started to drop again.

Commenting on the research, Rory Boland, editor of Which? Travel, said: ‘For decade after decade travel and holidays became cheaper and therefore accessible to more people, so it’s worrying to uncover a recent trend of prices increasing, often significantly so. A golden age of affordable flights witnessed in the 90s and early 2000s looks like it may now be a thing of the past.

‘The cost of a day out in particular has risen by astronomical amounts – with many of London’s most popular attractions charging entry fees that have far outpaced inflation and beyond the means of many people. There are still plenty of ways to keep costs down though – from shopping around and using comparison sites when booking a flight, to checking for online vouchers and schemes for cheaper attraction tickets.’

My long distance boyfriend claims he didn’t cheat — now I have chlamydia

0
0
Bad news
Daisy is in a long distance relationship but he’s been unfaithful in the past (Picture: Getty Images)

‘My boyfriend cheated on me twice, eight months into our relationship,’ said Daisy*. ‘But I forgave him.’

Daisy and her boyfriend are in a long distance relationship and travel around the world to see each other for a month or two at a time.

Six months after her boyfriend’s infidelity, she tested positive for syphilis.

‘Because I had forgiven him for the cheating, I forgave him for the syphilis,’ Daisy wrote on Reddit.

‘Then I travelled to see him again. When I left my country I got a full STD test and I was only positive for syphilis and negative for everything else…’

However, upon her return home Daisy responsibly got another STD test to make sure her syphilis was gone… and she got a shock.

Getting tested for STDs regularly even if you don't have symptoms is important
Getting tested for STDs regularly even if you don’t have symptoms is important (Picture: Getty Images)

‘The doctor told me that I am now testing positive for chlamydia. In short, I was negative for chlamydia when I left my country to visit him and then I was positive for chlamydia when I returned home from visiting him,’ she said.

Daisy’s boyfriend is adamant he hasn’t been unfaithful again, but she’s not so sure.

‘He swears over his life and families’ lives that he 100% did not cheat on me again. He swears that he didn’t even kiss another person. He promises me he is 100% truthful this time,’ she explained.

‘How is this possible if he didn’t cheat on me again?’

Infidelity and STIs are, unfortunately, two very common pitfalls of dating in this day and age, and Daisy’s dilemma certainly isn’t an easy one.

Let’s start with the science.

Dr. Hedieh Asadi explains that it’s likely Daisy’s boyfriend isn’t telling the truth because there are very limited ways STDs can spread.

She explains: ‘STDs are mainly transmitted by the mucous membranes (soft tissue) of the vulva/vagina, rectum or mouth when they comes in contact with each other during sex.

‘Some STDs can also be transmitted via semen or vaginal secretions or can also be transmitted through blood. Oral sex and sex toys can also spread sexually transmitted diseases.’

For Chlamydia in particular, the bacterial infection is spread through unprotected vaginal, anal and oral sex, sharing sex toys, you and your partner’s genitals touching, or infected semen or vaginal fluid getting into your eye.

According to the NHS, Chlamydia cannot be passed on through casual contact, such as kissing and hugging, or from sharing baths, towels, swimming pools, toilet seats or cutlery.

Chlamydia symptoms:

Most people with chlamydia do not notice any symptoms and do not know they have it.

If you do develop symptoms, you may experience:

  • pain when peeing
  • unusual discharge from the vagina, penis or bottom
  • in women, pain in the tummy, bleeding after sex and bleeding between periods
  • in men, pain and swelling in the testicles

Source: NHS

Now, all STDs can be dormant, meaning you don’t have any symptoms. Dr Asadi explains: ‘They can all be dormant before presenting but how long it takes depends on the specific STD.

‘Some show symptoms within a few days or weeks, whereas other can remain dormant for months or even years. It’s important to understand that even though the STD is dormant or latent in the body, the disease itself is still active, meaning they are still capable of being transmitted to others.’

Therefore, Daisy’s boyfriend likely slept or had some kind of sexual contact with someone outside of their relationship, because even if his chlamydia was dormant, Daisy likely still would have contracted it the next time they had unprotected sex. Dormant chlamydia does still result in a positive test.

However, it’s really key to note that not all infections work like this or are a sign of cheating (some can be passed on through things like shared towels). Also, infections such as HPV can be dormant for decades. This is why in recent years, medical professionals have moved away from describing HPV as an STI. It’s not a sign of someone cheating.

‘When HPV is dormant it can’t be detected by a test, but it can become active later which is when it would be picked up in cervical screening. This is also why you might not have had HPV show up in your previous screening but it has in your most recent one – it’s not necessarily that you have had a new HPV infection between screens, but that it has been dormant in your cells,’ Cancer Research UK explains.

‘It’s hard to know how long an infection has been there for if it’s been dormant, so there’s usually no point trying to work out where you ‘got’ HPV. ‘

If left untreated syphilis and chlamydia can have severe health complications
If left untreated syphilis and chlamydia can have severe health complications (Picture: Getty Images)

So, is chlamydia serious? According to the NHS, it can usually be treated with antibiotics, but if left untreated it can cause long term health complications.

These include pelvic inflammatory disease, ectopic pregnancy and infertility in women, while men can get inflamed testicles and reactive arthritis.

‘This is why it’s important to do regular testing, even if you show no STD symptoms,’ says Dr Asadi.

Syphilis, which Daisy’s boyfriend gave her previously, can also lay dormant, but even when the symptoms present they are often mild and hard to notice.

Syphilis symptoms:

Symptoms of syphilis include:

  • small sores (ulcers) on your penis, vagina, or around your bottom (anus) – these are usually painless and you may only have one of them
  • sores in other areas, including in your mouth or on your lips, hands or bottom
  • white or grey warty growths most commonly on your penis, vagina or around your anus
  • a rash on the palms of your hands and soles of your feet that can sometimes spread all over your body – this is not usually itchy
  • white patches in your mouth
  • flu-like symptoms, such as a high temperature, headaches and tiredness
  • swollen glands
  • patchy hair loss on the head, beard and eyebrows

It can take 3 weeks or more for the symptoms of syphilis to appear after you’re infected.

Sometimes the symptoms can improve or go away completely, but if you have not been treated the infection is still in your body.

Source: NHS

Syphilis is treated with antibiotics in the form of injections or tablets. But, if left untreated it can lead to potentially life-threatening complications including: heart problems, seizures, memory loss, dementia, joint pain and problems with your skin, bones, testicles, liver and other organs.

So that’s the science behind it, which means it’s highly likely that Daisy’s boyfriend did cheat for a third time.

When it comes to the relationship and trust elements of Daisy’s dilemma, sexologist and sex educator, Alice Lovegood, tells Metro.co.uk: ‘Daisy should not take her partner at his word.

‘This person has already proven that there is a pattern of mistrust and unfaithful behaviour, in that they have cheated twice before. Now there is evidence and strong patterns of behaviour which suggest they have cheated again.’

While Alice doesn’t believe that cheating makes you a bad person, Daisy’s boyfriend’s behaviour is damaging.

‘It’s difficult to build relationship security when trust has been broken so many times,’ Alice explains. ‘It’s also not fair for that person to put you in a position where you have no trust and where you’re questioning yourself.

‘This is supposed to be a beautiful, wonderful, secure part of your life, it shouldn’t be causing detriment to your mental health. Not only are you being physically harmed in that you’re catching illnesses, but you’re questioning yourself.’

While Alice believes Daisy’s relationship could heal from cheating, the long distance makes this much harder.

‘It’s definitely more challenging when distance is involved because distance itself alters the security of any relationship dynamic,’ says Alice.

‘Where the hurt comes from in cheating is the lying and the betrayal. It’s not necessarily the act itself but what that act means for your relationship and who your partner is.

‘If you break that trust, it’s more difficult to fix it because you’re constantly thinking “what is that person doing?”. It’s easy to blame distance but that glazes over the problem. It’s about effort and priorities.’

Do you have a story to share?

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


Sign up to the Key newsletter for property news, DIY inspo and expert tips

0
0
Metro Property presents... The Key Newsletter
Find out how to sign up below

Love nosing around other people’s houses? Dream of one day buying your own?

Sounds like you should be reading The Key, Metro’s property newsletter!

Every week we’ll send you a specially curated newsletter packed with all of our best property stories, from the latest updates on the UK towns where you can get the most for your money to tips on how to get on the housing ladder.

All you need to do is sign up with your email address using the form below or via this link.

We also have a selection of the weird and wonderful homes currently on the market, from stunning million-pound mansions to quirky tiny homes.

Street in residential district with row houses in London, UK
Each edition has lots of lovely hosues to look at – and some not-so-lovely ones (Picture: Getty Images)

But it’s not all property porn. Each edition we name our ‘Dud Of The Week’ – the grottiest property we’ve found advertised on the internet. There are some real shockers out there

Renting? There’s plenty for you too – from advice on the red flags to look out for at viewings to rental-friendly home decor tips.

There’s also plenty of home decor inspiration, with DIY hacks, incredible home inteiors, and of course, regular installments of What I Rent and What I Own.

We can’t wait for you to join us! Sign up below – we’ll see you on Tuesday.





Latest Images