Lifestyle

If you’re heading to a Jubilee street party, relaxing in front of the telly watching festivities or just want an excuse to try a decent new drink, the market has provided with a special selection of funky (and patriotic) beverages. From wines to beers, to spirits, we’ve catered to every taste and preference – and even included a handy recipe for making your own Pimms! Check out our selection below! Costellore Jubilee Sparkling Wine Magnum This pale gold fizzy favourite is now available in super-sized Magnum form, perfect for larging it up at your celebratory Jubilee party. It’s out today too so grab it while you can! Buy it for £13.99 for 1.5l, Aldi Chapel Down Brut Jubilee celebrations are as GB as they come so let’s get into the spirit with stunning English fizz – something that’s come into its own in recent years. This one boasts a delicious floral aroma with fine bubbles. Buy it for £27 (£22 Clubcard price) from Tesco. Queen’s Jubilee Bellini So … [Read more...] about These are the best alcoholic tipples to sip at your Jubilee party

In recent years, people have started cutting down on plastic consumption, as we have realised the effects plastic can have on the environment and our oceans. But although most people know that plastic cannot be absorbed back into the environment, there are many that are unaware just how much plastic ends up in our oceans - and how detrimental this can be. In addition to being bad for the environment, the amount of plastic in the ocean continues to grow - affecting wildlife and humans alike. How much plastic is in the ocean? Although it is difficult to identify exactly how much plastic is in the ocean due to micro-particles and the amount that has sunk to the bottom, most scientists estimate that eight million metric tons of plastic end up in our oceans each year - adding to the estimated 150 million metric tons currently circulating our oceans. To put that number into perspective, the amount is equivalent to a garbage truck full of plastic dumping plastic into the … [Read more...] about Why is plastic bad for the environment and how much is in the ocean?

Two schoolgirls who have been petitioning for McDonald's and Burger King to forego plastic toys in children's meals have garnered more than 400,000 signatures. Ella and Caitlin McEwan first launched their petition on Change.org nine months ago. In the petition's blurb, they explain that they have been learning about the detrimental impact of plastic waste, which is why they want McDonald's and Burger King to "think of the environment and stop giving plastic toys with their kids meals". In June, the pair appeared on BBC One programme War on Plastic with Hugh and Anita , in which they revealed that they had amassed more than 160,000 signatures, with a target of reaching 200,000. However, one month on, the schoolgirls' target has been increased to 500,000, an objective which they are just under 100,000 signatures shy of achieving. Recommended Schoolgirls petition McDonald’s and Burger King to drop plastic toys In an update published on … [Read more...] about Schoolgirls petitioning McDonald’s and Burger King over plastic toys amass more than 400,000 signatures

From merely feeling a little off to suddenly falling out with friends or encountering exes, Mercury Retrograde is believed to cause chaos in our lives. Despite the phenomenon having scientific roots , it is widely thought that it can disrupt elements like our emotions and communication skills . Thankfully, for those who believe in the theories behind Mercury Retrograde, the astrological event is soon coming to an end soon. Though, there will be two more this year. Here’s everything you need to know about it and when the retrograde motion will be over. What does Mercury in retrograde mean? Scientifically, Mercury retrograde is the optical illusion whereby the planet appears to be moving backwards in the sky for varied periods of time. It is not actually moving backwards, but it can appear to be due to Earth’s positioning three or four times a year. While Earth takes 365 days to complete its orbit around the sun, Mercury orbits the sun in just 88 … [Read more...] about When does the May 2022 Mercury Retrograde end?

Flirting can come naturally in some situations, and be utterly terrifying in others. It’s a fickle skill, so it’s little wonder that so many people just want straight-up instructions on how to do it – and do it well. Handy, then, that in this week’s episode of our sex and dating podcast, Smut Drop , social and cultural anthropologist Jean Smith chats to Miranda Kane about how to flirt with confidence. Jean, author of Flirtology: Stop Swiping, Start Talking And Find Love, says being warm and open are both ‘key attributes to being a good flirt’. So that’s your starting point. Then what? Use your surroundings to come up with an opener Jean tells host Miranda Kane that a good opening line starts with the context of the situation. ‘It’s looking at the surroundings and asking them a question that has to do with the context that you’re both in,’ she explains. ‘Where are you? Let’s say you’re at a bar. What is this person drinking? Okay, why is it blue? So then … [Read more...] about How to flirt: Tips from an expert to get you started or improve your game

Years into a long-term relationship , that initial passion turns into comfort. It’s a quieter feeling than the earlier days of lust and excitement, which, although are often still there, tend to be overshadowed by an overwhelming feeling of contentment. In fact, according to Dipti Tait , a relationship and couples communication therapist, couples who are content are more likely to have their relationship in their top three priorities. ‘Contentment within a relationship is noticing when things change, and understanding each other enough to have difficult conversations that are honest and open, with our worry or fear of being judged or disrespected,’ Dipti tells Metro.co.uk. ‘Mutual respect occurs when we are aware of each other’s moods and patterns of behaviour and know how to respond appropriately. ‘True contentment is knowing what to say and when to say it; there is an understanding of each other’s needs and love languages as well as a happiness to be silent … [Read more...] about Are you content or complacent in your relationship?

When something’s wrong – whether it’s pain, stress or relationship troubles – we usually want to solve it immediately. Anything to get rid of the discomfort, pain or anxiety . But life is rarely so simple, and quick fixes often lead to even bigger, more complicated problems further down the road. Many of us view problems as anomalies – as soon as I’ve found a steady relationship/ got that promotion /sorted my eyebrows out, then life will be peachy and I’ll live happily ever after. But perfection doesn’t exist and curveballs, obstacles and stresses are a normal part of life. When we’re not at our best, we tend to refuse help because the problem feels, or sometimes is, unsolvable. What if instead of aiming to solve a problem outright, we thought about what might strengthen us as we move through the process? When a perfect solution isn’t available, how can we cope better with life’s ups and downs? The answer is in supporting yourself through challenges – taking … [Read more...] about How the 5% trick could be an easy way to change your life for the better

Got a crush on a Gemini ? Before you dive right in to dating this special star sign, there are some things you need to know. Gemini is the third sign of the zodiac, a mutable sign (born at the end of a season), an Air sign (ruled by the cerebral element of air), and governed by the planet Mercury (clever, fast, worldly). Gemini’s astrological symbol is the twins. They’re a dual-natured, shapeshifting, enigmatic and super-smart sign who seems to know a little bit about almost everything, has been almost everywhere, and knows everyone… but is perhaps not known truly by anyone other than their own twin self (Gemini hides everything, and often acts in a way which directly opposes their true feelings). So, complex. A little tricky to read. Here’s your guide to getting to understand this sign – and winning their heart. Gemini personality traits Geminis are easy company, super friendly and witty and interested in pretty much everything going on. Always there for … [Read more...] about Everything you need to know about dating a Gemini

Welcome back to The Sex Column , our weekly advice series where we get the experts to resolve your dating dilemmas. Last week we chatted to someone whose partner is miserable now that they have made their dream move. This time, we have a dater who is stuck emotionally in his home country with his ex-wife and kids, while trying to make a life for themselves in the UK. Where should they go from here? Should they suck it up? Or move back home and risk not finding work? Or maybe it’s time to live in the present… Let’s see what the experts say. The problem: ‘ I moved to the UK a few years ago because I was struggling to find well-paid work in my home country. ‘ I left behind my ex-wife and teenage children, who I love very much and who I speak with daily. ‘ I’m feeling lonely and depressed because I just work to survive. I really desire a partner and I miss my children. ‘ I’ve tried dating sites and there are women in my church but they … [Read more...] about ‘My desire to go home to my kids is stopping me from finding love’

It’s time to take a back seat and ask yourself: what do you really want? Are you on the right path, or is something distracting you from your goals? Or maybe, you no longer want what you always thought you did. That’s OK, as long as you are honest with yourself sooner rather than later. Taurus, stop pretending you don’t want this and go out and get it. It’s time to grab those opportunities, Leo. Libra, it’s time to just let it go. Ahead, you’ll find all the star signs ’ horoscopes for May 27, 2022. Read on for your forecast. Aries March 21 to April 20 A bold combination of energies can make you quite happy to do and say as you please. But you could be too insistent that one thing goes your way. And there is no guarantee that if it did, it would be good for you or make you happier. In fact, if you don’t get it, you might be better off. Head here for everything you need to know about being an Aries Taurus April 21 to May 21 Want something? … [Read more...] about Your daily horoscope for Friday, May 27, 2022