There’s simply no denying the power of great outerwear, as everyone at some point will have owned that single cover-up that kept us warm, boosted our mood on the greyest of days, and made a simple jeans, tee and trainer combo feel infinitely cooler, with minimal thinking. Yes, to say a coat is the foundation of a chic winter wardrobe is an understatement to say the very least. Now, then, as our favourite stores start dropping in new-season collections packed full of must-have styles – think Zara, Topshop, Mango and more - we bring you our rundown of the very best buys, whatever your budget. You should know that style-wise, very little has changed since last winter. Both on and off the catwalks, heritage checks reign supreme, while animal prints of every variety are key. Alongside statement prints, powdery pastel tones remain a must-have, while classic camel hues are considered ultra-chic, as are trench coats and anything with a statement sleeve. Whether you’re in the … [Read more...] about 15 coats that will make you happy winter is coming
Things which make you happy
Photoshopped images on social media offer us impossible beauty standards — it’s how you are that makes you happy
DID you see the photos of Jennifer Lopez on her 49th birthday looking unfeasibly gorgeous? Guess what? She is the same age as me. But that’s where the similarities stop. In fact physically, the only thing that is similar about our bodies are our toenails. But when I see pictures of her I don’t feel bad about myself or envious (on the contrary, I feel only admiration) because I know I have not put in any effort to look like that. I like cake too much, and I like going out with friends, having a drink, cooking and eating. And I am more than happy with my lot. The problem is, though, that a lot of women DO feel bad about themselves when they look at photos of beautiful women. They compare themselves and feel they don’t measure up; that they are lacking or worthless. This is especially an issue for young girls. A-Rod fails to dance like Jennifer Lopez as she shows off her dance moves at Bahamas beach Talking about body image this week, Loose Women presenter Nadia … [Read more...] about Photoshopped images on social media offer us impossible beauty standards — it’s how you are that makes you happy
How Living Sustainably Can Make You Happy
NASA have cited 2017 as the second hottest year on record. Scientists have declared that we’re in the midst of the sixth mass extinction of animals and plants (the other five were caused by things like asteroid strikes – this one is because of us). Microplastics have been discovered in the furthest reaches of the Antarctic. In short: living a more environmental life is more than prudent – it’s essential for our future. It’s also something that has slipped into the norm, with the plastic backlash piqued by the success of David Attenborough’s Blue Planet 2, as well as the sharp incline in environmental veganism. Another reason being touted as a motivation? Upping your happiness levels. “Living a more sustainable life brings a great sense of purpose and helps us recognise that we are all part of something bigger,” says Dr Mark Williamson, Director of Action For Happiness*, a charity devoted to helping … [Read more...] about How Living Sustainably Can Make You Happy
PICTURES: 15 pictures that will make you nostalgic for Doncaster in the 80s and 90s
Pictures: 15 things that make you nostalgic fo Doncaster in the 80s and 90s Ready to take a trip back down memory lane to the Doncaster of the 80s and 90s? For many of us, it seems a lifetime ago - a time when the likes of Bros and New Kids On The Block ruled the music charts, when Margaret Thatcher ruled the country and when programmes like Bread, Hi-de-Hi and ‘Allo ‘Allo ruled the TV.We’d be wandering around in our shell suits, tucking into Funny Feet lollies and Birdseye Steakhouse Grills and playing football in the park with jumpers for goalposts on endlessly long summer days.For some, think of Doncaster in the 1980s and you can’t help but think of the bitter, year-long Miners’ Strike which paralysed the town’s colleries and divided communities way back in 1984-85.But for an entire generation, there were plenty of happy memories too.Who can forget the annual thrills, spills, noise and wide eyed excitement of a trip to the Finningley Air Show - … [Read more...] about PICTURES: 15 pictures that will make you nostalgic for Doncaster in the 80s and 90s
From fish and chips at the seaside to spring daffodils: The 15 things that make Leeds folk smile
IN PICTURES: THE 15 THINGS THAT MAKE LEEDS FOLK SMILE Leeds residents have the most positive outlook in life according to a new study. Research released by AmazonSmile, Amazon’s platform which donates to charity as you shop, has uncovered what makes city folk happy.The poll revealed that an upbeat seven in ten Brits claim their glass is “half full”, however, Loiners registered the most positive outlook on life in the UK, with 83% reporting that their glasses were “half full”. The AmazonSmile platform includes a number of local charities that Amazon users can give to. These include St. Gemma’s Hospice, the Children’s Heart Surgery Fund and Barnsley And District Animal Welfare among many others.Jan Lakotta, UK Manager, AmazonSmile said: “We’re offering a simple way for customers to support good causes and with more than two thousand new charities from across the country now available to choose from, everyone should be able to … [Read more...] about From fish and chips at the seaside to spring daffodils: The 15 things that make Leeds folk smile