Taliban makeover: Afghan women despair over beauty parlour ban
Shirin booked her bridal makeover weeks ago, but instead of relaxing as beauticians pampered her, everyone in the Kabul salon was on edge, ready to hide...
2023-07-25 23:27
The world's biggest ice cream company says heat waves may not help sales
Can it ever be too hot for ice cream? According to Unilever, yes.
2023-07-25 22:27
Dan Patrick Isn't Going Anywhere For Awhile
Dan Patrick Renews For Four More Years
2023-07-25 21:45
Rhodes: Holidaymaker criticises Tui for flying to fire-hit island
Matthew Guy and his family were taken straight from the airport to an evacuation centre.
2023-07-25 20:29
Unilever hoping for higher Europe ice cream sales but weather a worry
By Richa Naidu LONDON Unilever, which makes Ben & Jerry's and Magnum ice creams, said on Tuesday that
2023-07-25 20:25
Model hits back at ‘weirdos’ claiming her body is ‘fake’
Runway model Marissa Dubois has hit out at critics who suggested she has had plastic surgery to achieve her body shape. The Miami-based model and content creator went viral over the weekend after a video of her walking the runway for retailer Hot Miami Styles resurfaced on social media. A clip of Dubois strutting down the runway was shared on the Daily Loud Twitter account, prompting thousands of comments – both positive and negative. While many complimented Dubois for her modelling, others claimed that parts of her body were “fake” and “unnatural”, with some accusing her of undergoing plastic surgery. The model addressed the claims by sharing a throwback photo from her high school days, holding up a sign during her senior year. In the photo, a young Dubois smiles at the camera whole holding a colourful sign with the words “Big Judy” framing a curvy behind in jeans. She wrote in the caption: “For the weirdos that somehow think my body’s fake… This was my senior sign in [high school].” Fans showed their support for Dubois’ clapback with messages of support in the comments. “It’s always smart to keep receipts but in this case, let the haters hate. You don’t have to prove anything to anyone!” one person wrote. “Keep on blessing that runway (as well as us all) and continue reaching for and achieving all of your hopes and dreams.” Another added: “That’s why you got that zest in your walk, doctors can’t give anybody that.” A third said: “You don’t owe anyone any explanation. You are beautiful.” Dubois also received negative criticism about her curvy figure after trolls claimed she was “overweight”. However, fans also came to her defence and praised body diversity on the runway. “A lot of the comments make no sense. I see a beautiful curvy woman owning it,” one person said. Another declared: “Glad we’re finally evolving to have different women with different body shapes modelling.” Dubois’ appearance on the runway is refreshing for many viewers, particularly since the fashion industry came under fire this year for reducing the number of diverse models on the catwalk compared to previous years. Edward Enninful, former editor-in-chief at British Vogue, spoke out against the lack of diversity in March after Fashion Month. Sharing the April 2023 cover of the magazine, which included models Paloma Elsesser, Precious Lee and Jilla Kortleve, Enninful wrote on social media that he felt like he “had gotten into a time machine” while attending shows during Fashion Month. “Show after show dominated by one body type, so many limited versions of womanhood, it felt like we were slipping back,” he said. “From runways in Milan and New York, to the red carpets of the recent awards season, we all saw it happen: one prescribed notion of beauty prevailed again, and it felt like the reality of so many women around the world were being ignored.” Enninful recently stepped down from his role as editor-in-chief and will take on a new title at Condé Nast as global creative and cultural advisor of Vogue. Read More My Taylor Swift exercise class has led me down a luxury fitness rabbit hole Husband fired from family business after wife roleplayed with reborn dolls The bowel cancer symptom George Alagiah wished he’d caught earlier What you need to know about the massive LVMH deal with the Paris Olympics 6 of the biggest bridesmaid fashion trends to know about Barbie fans roast Ben Shapiro for complaining about movie ‘while dressed as Ken’
2023-07-25 20:24
What you need to know about the massive LVMH deal with the Paris Olympics
The LVMH group has announced a significant partnership with the 2024 Olympic and Paralympic Games in Paris. The luxury goods conglomerate – which owns brands including Louis Vuitton, Fendi, Tiffany & Co, Moët & Chandon, Hennessy and Dom Perignon – unveiled the news one year ahead of the XXXIII Summer Olympics, set to begin on July 26, 2024. The partnership will include providing products for Olympic events, crafting medals and sponsoring athletes. “It was only natural that LVMH and its maisons be part of this exceptional international event,” said Bernard Arnault, chairman and CEO of LVMH. “Sport is a tremendous source of inspiration for our maisons, which will unite creative excellence and athletic performance by contributing their savoir-faire and bold innovation to this extraordinary celebration.” The first athlete to receive LVMH sponsorship is swimmer Léon Marchand. A strong medal contender for France, the 21-year-old has won three world champion titles and is the world record-holder of the 400-metre individual medley. Make-up brand Sephora will be a partner for the Olympic Torch Relay, while Moët Hennessy wines and the LVMH spirit brands will provide beverages for the Games’ hospitality program. Parisian jeweller Chaumet will design the Olympic and Paralympic medals, and luxury fashion labels Louis Vuitton, Dior and Berluti will lend their expertise in the run-up to the event. LVMH has also committed to expanding its charitable efforts, starting with an initiative with longstanding non-profit partner Secours Populaire Francais. The scheme will facilitate access to sports for 1,000 children and young people aged four to 25 who live in vulnerable situations via funding for sports association memberships, training programs and beginner classes. “LVMH already supported us during our bid for the Summer Olympics and we are thrilled to have the Group with us 100% for this exciting adventure,” said Tony Estanguet, president of the Paris 2024 Olympic Committee. “With its exceptional know-how, the LVMH Group will bring its immensely creative talent to this project and enable us to benefit from its extensive experience.” LVMH jewellers and leather goods brands have a long history of creating trophies and travel cases for major sporting competitions. The Super Bowl and US Open trophies are created by Tiffany & Co, while the leather trunks that house the World Cup, NBA Championship and Monaco Grand Prix trophies are all made by Louis Vuitton. Read More Charity boss speaks out over ‘traumatic’ encounter with royal aide Ukraine war’s heaviest fight rages in east - follow live Bisexual people ‘experience worse health than other adults’ What’s the coolest bedding to survive summer heat and night sweats? How to bring a touch of the Mediterranean to your garden
2023-07-25 18:58
Late night snacking could increase risk of diabetes and heart disease, study says
Eating a snack late at night carries significantly more negative health implications compared to snacking during the day, a new study has found. According to researchers at King’s College London, people who eat most of their snacks in the evening after 9pm saw larger spikes in their blood sugar compared to those snacked earlier in the day. The group who snacked later also had higher concentrations of fat in their blood compared to those who snacked earlier. The researchers studied data from 1,000 people who took part in the Zoe Predict study. The participants kept a food diary and wore blood sugar monitors in order to keep track of the impact of snacking. On average, they ate two snacks a day, with one in three “late evening snackers” eating most of their snacks after 9pm instead of between meals. High blood sugar and fat can lead to diabetes and heart disease, studies have found. People with diabetes are also more likely to have other conditions that raise the risk of heart disease, such as high blood pressure. The Zoe Predict project is a group of in-depth nutritional research studies that aim to reveal how and why people respond differently to the same foods. Kate Bermingham, a postdoctoral fellow at King’s College London and lead author of the study, said: “Surprisingly little has been published on snacking, despite the fact that it accounts for 20 to 25 per cent of energy intake. “Predict followed a large number of people and captured detailed information on their snacking behaviours, allowing this in-depth exploration of snacking on health.” Researchers analysed the relationship between the number of snacks participants ate, the quality of the snacks and the timing with blood fats and insulin levels. Snacking on higher quality foods, which are described as foods that contain significant amounts of nutrients relative to the calories contained, was associated with better bodily responses. The study concluded that the most important factor in determining the body’s response is the quality of snacks, not how often or how much they are consumed. Foods like fruit or vegetables resulted in a better blood fat and insulin response compared to processed foods, such as biscuits and cake. Bermingham added: “Our study showed that the quality of snacking is more important than the quantity or frequency of snacking, thus choosing high quality snacks over the highly processed snacks is likely beneficial. “Timing is also important, with late night snacking being unfavourable for health. This may mean that, universally, snacking late in the evening and interrupting the overnight fasting window is detrimental to health.” The study was presented at a meeting of the American Society for Nutrition. Read More My Taylor Swift exercise class has led me down a luxury fitness rabbit hole Husband fired from family business after wife roleplayed with reborn dolls MrBeast YouTuber Kris Tyson comes out as transgender: ‘I’m excited to authentically be myself’ Scientists share the 8 habits that impact your lifespan the most Cara Delevingne says her journey to sobriety has been worth ‘every second/ Bisexual people ‘experience worse health than other adults’
2023-07-25 18:53
Scientists share the 8 habits that impact your lifespan the most
Scientists have identified eight unhealthy lifestyle choices which, if changed, could see people live more than 20 years longer. Lack of exercise, opioid use and smoking have the biggest negative impact on lifespan and can lead to a 30-45 per cent higher risk of death, according to the study. Stress, binge drinking, poor diet, and poor sleep hygiene were each associated with around a 20 per cent increase in the risk of death. And a lack of positive social relationships was the eighth habit mentioned and is associated with a 5 per cent increased risk of dying. Meanwhile, a separate study suggests incorporating olive oil into your diet could help reduce the risk of dying from dementia. Consuming more than half a tablespoon of olive oil per day is linked to a 28 per cent lower risk of dying from the condition, compared with those who never or rarely eat the oil, researchers say. The findings from both studies were presented at Nutrition 2023, the annual meeting of the American Society for Nutrition being held in Boston, and may include more up-to-date figures than the data initially submitted for the meeting. The research that looked at lifestyle habits used data from medical records and questionnaires collected between 2011-2019 from 719,147 people enrolled in the Veterans Affairs Million Veteran Program. It found that men who have all eight healthy habits - including high physical activity and not smoking - at age 40 would be predicted to live an average of 24 years longer than men with none of these habits, and for women an additional 21 years. Xuan-Mai Nguyen, health science specialist at the Department of Veterans Affairs and rising fourth-year medical student at Carle Illinois College of Medicine, USA, said: “We were really surprised by just how much could be gained with the adoption of one, two, three, or all eight lifestyle factors. “Our research findings suggest that adopting a healthy lifestyle is important for both public health and personal wellness. “The earlier the better, but even if you only make a small change in your 40s, 50s, or 60s, it still is beneficial.” The researchers say their findings, which have not been peer-reviewed, highlight the role of lifestyle factors in contributing to chronic diseases such as type 2 diabetes and heart disease that lead to premature disability and death. In the olive oil study, scientists analysed dietary questionnaires and death records collected from more than 90,000 Americans over three decades, during which 4,749 people died from dementia. It also found that replacing just one teaspoon of margarine and mayonnaise with the equivalent amount of olive oil per day was associated with around an eight to 14 per cent lower risk of dying from dementia. Anne-Julie Tessier, a postdoctoral fellow at the Harvard TH Chan School of Public Health in the USA, said: “Our study reinforces dietary guidelines recommending vegetable oils such as olive oil and suggests that these recommendations not only support heart health but potentially brain health, as well. “Opting for olive oil, a natural product, instead of fats such as margarine and commercial mayonnaise is a safe choice and may reduce the risk of fatal dementia.” Research suggests that people who regularly use olive oil instead of processed or animal fats tend to have healthier diets overall. However, Dr Tessier noted that the relationship between olive oil and the risk of dying from dementia in this study was independent of overall diet quality. She added that the research is observational and does not prove olive oil is the cause of the reduced risk of fatal dementia. However, Professor David Curtis, UCL, said it was difficult to assess whether the research adds much to the understanding of links between diet, health and dementia risk, as it has not been peer-reviewed. He added: “There are many, many differences between people who consume olive oil and those who do not and it is never possible to fully account for all possible confounding factors. “Another point to bear in mind is that about half of dementia is caused by vascular disease so that anything which improved cardiovascular health, such as not smoking, would be expected to reduce dementia risk. “It has been shown that olive oil consumption is associated with better cardiovascular health so one would expect that it would also be associated with lower dementia risk.” Dr Duane Mellor, registered dietitian and senior lecturer at Aston University, said: “The authors claim replacing margarine and mayonnaise with olive oil could reduce risk. “However, many people who did this would also change the food that it is being added to, which could increase vegetable, lentils, beans, peas, seeds and nut intake – all of which are linked to a healthy diet and reduced risk of conditions like dementia. “We also need to remember that it is not just what we eat that helps maintain our brain function, it is how we eat – and remaining sociable around meal times and eating with others can benefit our mental health in the short term and cognitive function as we age.” Read More The bowel cancer symptom George Alagiah wished he’d caught earlier Experts share 8 healthy habits to help you live longer Husband fired from family business after wife roleplayed with reborn dolls Cara Delevingne says her journey to sobriety has been worth ‘every second/ Bisexual people ‘experience worse health than other adults’ The bowel cancer symptom George Alagiah wished he’d caught earlier
2023-07-25 18:50
Rhodes: First flights taking NI tourists from wildfires due later
EasyJet and Jet2 flights carrying passengers from areas affected by wildfires will touch down tonight.
2023-07-25 17:16
6 of the biggest bridesmaid fashion trends to know about
While the bridal gown will usually be the sartorial focal point of any wedding (and rightly so), bridesmaid’s outfits are an important part of the overall aesthetic. As a bride, not only do you want your bridesmaids’ dresses to complement yours, you also want your BFFs to feel fabulous on your big day – and depending on the size of your bridal party, you’ll have several opinions to take into account. As with bridal gowns, bridesmaid trends come and go too, so what’s hot this wedding season? We asked fashion experts to run down the biggest bridesmaid fashion trends of the moment. Here’s what they had to say… 1. Sage green Six Stories Sage Halter Neck Satin Bridesmaid Dress, £120“Sage green is definitely the most popular colour for bridesmaid dresses this season,” says Lucy Menghini, founder of Six Stories. Following last year’s surge in deep green shades like emerald, now softer hues have come to the fore. “The good thing about sage green is that it can work all year round,” Menghini adds. “While it’s a beautiful shade for summer, the grey undertones make it a perfect pick for autumn/winter weddings too.” 2. Same shade, different styles Gone are the days when every bridesmaid had to wear an identical dress or the exact same colour. “With this trend, bridesmaids can wear a variety of different shape and style dresses, which are tied together by being similar hues of the same colour, or a range of complimentary colours,” says Kirsty Keoghan, global general manager of fashion at eBay UK. “I love this trend because it promotes individuality and helps bridesmaids feel their most confident selves on the big day.” It makes shopping a whole lot easier too, adds Menghini: “It also allows the bridesmaids to have a say in what type of dress they find most comfortable and flattering.” 3. Classic black dresses Monsoon Beatrice Crepe Bardot Maxi Dress Black, £87.50 (was £125)While a black wedding gown might not be for everyone, contrasting the white or ivory bridal look with black bridesmaid dresses creates a modern, minimalist colour palette. “Many people are often intimidated by a set of black bridesmaid dresses, however this look adds elegance and finesse to any wedding,” says Menghini. “Black dresses are also perfect for those with large bridal parties, who are looking for different styles of dresses in the same colour, as you won’t have to worry about matching the shades.” 4. Pre-loved pieces “One trend we’ve seen boom is bridesmaids wearing pre-loved wedding attire, with 58% of newlyweds looking at ways to shop sustainably and 75% of couples getting married looking to keep the costs down,” says Keoghan. Occasionwear is perfect for shopping second-hand, because many garments have only been worn once so they’re in excellent condition (plus there might be big savings to be made). Bringing together dresses from brands like, Monsoon, Karen Millen and Ted Baker, eBay has launched a pre-loved wedding hub. Keoghan adds: “Bridesmaids can look to the hub to find unique options from the high-street, to high-end, that increase the lifespan of the dress, for a fraction of the retail price.” 5. Satin no more Traditionally, bridesmaid dresses often had a silk or satin finish, but recently there’s been a trend for different materials and textures. “In particular, velvet dresses have emerged as a front runner in autumn and winter weddings, as a fabric which adds a new layer of elegance and luxe to the bridal party, while also providing a bit of warmth for the person wearing it,” says Keoghan. “Taking it a step further, we expect to see more bridal party styling to feature dresses which are made from an array of fabrics, whether it’s velvet, lace or chiffon.” 6. Style over symmetry New Look Pale Grey Satin One Shoulder Ruched Maxi Dress, £45.99“One shoulder silhouettes are set to take over weddings this summer – it is definitely the bridesmaid shape of 2023,” Menghini says. “Perfect for summer weddings, the asymmetric shape is stylish and sleek and is such a flattering shape.” Also, multi-way maxi dresses are a stylish solution for bridesmaids – the ribbon ties can be fashioned into an asymmetric neckline. How should you style a one-shoulder dress? “Accessories can be pretty minimal, as the neckline is the star of the show,” says Menghini. “Steer clear of necklaces and stick with simple earrings, rings and a bracelet.” Read More Charity boss speaks out over ‘traumatic’ encounter with royal aide Ukraine war’s heaviest fight rages in east - follow live Experts share 8 healthy habits to help you live longer Husband fired from family business after wife roleplayed with reborn dolls George Alagiah: What are the signs of bowel cancer?
2023-07-25 15:20
Experts share 8 healthy habits to help you live longer
Eight habits that could help people live more than 20 years longer have been identified by researchers. While it’s long been known that certain lifestyle factors can influence lifespan, the American study isolated the eight factors that have the biggest impact – being physically active, being free from opioid addiction, not smoking, managing stress, having a good diet, not regularly binge drinking, having good sleep hygiene, and having positive social relationships. The research was presented at Nutrition 2023, the annual meeting of the American Society for Nutrition, and used data from 719,147 people enrolled in the Veterans Affairs Million Veteran Program. It found low physical activity, opioid use and smoking were associated with around a 30-45 per cent higher risk of death, while stress, binge drinking, poor diet, and poor sleep hygiene were each associated with around a 20 per cent increase, and lack of positive social relationships was linked with a 5% increased risk of dying. Men who had all eight habits at age 40 were predicted to live an average 24 years longer than men with none of the habits, according to the findings, and women with all eight habits in middle age were predicted to live an extra 21 years, compared with women with none of the habits. Xuan-Mai Nguyen, health science specialist at the Department of Veterans Affairs, said: “We were really surprised by just how much could be gained with the adoption of one, two, three, or all eight lifestyle factors. Our research findings suggest that adopting a healthy lifestyle is important for both public health and personal wellness. The earlier the better, but even if you only make a small change in your 40s, 50s, or 60s, it still is beneficial.” The researchers say the findings highlight how lifestyle factors contribute to chronic diseases such as type 2 diabetes and heart disease, which are associated with premature disability and death. How to embrace the eight healthy habits Inspired to give your own lifestyle a boost? “If making these small but mighty adjustments could help you to live for an extra 20 years, maybe it’s time to make those changes,” says life and wellbeing coach, Natalie Trice. She shares the following insights and tips… 1. Do more exercise Regular exercise can help prevent a wide range of major diseases – plus it’s great for keeping stress levels in check. “Going for a walk, having a swim, running with friends, even just a good old dance-off in the kitchen can get your heartbeat up and those feel-good endorphins pumping – so get your trainers on and start moving,” says Trice. 2. Manage stress Trice suggests adopting simple stress-busting practices such as mindfulness meditation, and enjoying hobbies and sports. “These can profoundly impact overall wellbeing, as you bring your stress levels down,” she says. “This isn’t about pretending everything’s great, but rather looking at easy habits you can adopt that will take down the stress, which can lead to anxiety and burnout.” 3. Don’t smoke Quitting smoking is an essential step in improving health and potentially adding years to your life. Trice points out that while some people may think reaching for a cigarette takes the edge off their stress, there are healthier ways to cope. “Maybe going running or taking up yoga could be the release and focus you need, and one that will help you live longer, smell fresher and feel better,” she suggests. “Also, with the cost of cigarettes going up all the time, giving up will free up cash for the things in life that really need to be paid for.”If you are struggling to quit smoking, talk to your GP about options available to help. 4. Don’t binge drink “By cutting down on booze, you’re doing your body and brain a massive favour,” says Trice. “Drinking every night will impact your body and could affect your sleep and work performance. Enjoy life, but if you want to enjoy it for longer, then keep tabs on your drinking.” Official guidelines suggest drinking no more than 14 units of alcohol a week (equivalent to six medium glasses of wine of six pints of beer), spread across at least three days. 5. Eat healthily Generally speaking, a balanced diet that’s rich in fibre, whole grains, fruit and veg and lean protein, with heavily processed and sugary foods kept to a minimum, is linked with better health. “We all know about eating five-a-day but doing this can be tough if you’re busy with family and work. If you can start to do this, you’ll feel better,” says Trice. “Focus on eating regularly and thinking about what you put in your body, so that it works for you, not against you.” 6. Don’t take drugs Recreational drugs can harm health in a number of ways. Trice suggests those affected start by speaking to a trusted friend or their GP, and “look at the support which could not only extend your life, but save it”. 7. Try to get good sleep Trice says: “It’s vital that we look at getting a decent night’s sleep, as this can help you feel so much better. Making sure you have a sleep routine in place can be helpful and can be as easy as having no screens in the bedroom, having a bath or shower before you hit the sack, as well as making sure the temperature is right and you have curtains to keep the light out in the mornings.” 8. Nurture positive social relationshipsTrice observes: “If you’re able to nurture a supportive network of friends, colleagues and family, this can lead to improved mental and emotional wellbeing and a longer life.” Lacking social connections? Look at local volunteering opportunities and community walks and groups. Making friends can take time, but even finding ways to regularly spend time and interact with others can help. Read More My Taylor Swift exercise class has led me down a luxury fitness rabbit hole Husband fired from family business after wife roleplayed with reborn dolls Harry and Meghan Markle accused of snubbing Montecito neighbour Charity boss speaks out over ‘traumatic’ encounter with royal aide Ukraine war’s heaviest fight rages in east - follow live
2023-07-25 14:58