In disbelief about how quickly her little girl is growing up, Rachel Gorry penned a sweet tribute to her eldest as she turned 14. Celebrating her teenager Leah’s special day, the mum-of-three gushed: ‘Happy 14th birthday to the one who made me a mammy.’ RELATED: ‘I love the fact that we are close as we […]
The post ‘The one who made me a mammy’ Rachel Gorry celebrates daughter’s special day appeared first on RollerCoaster.
Massive congratulations all ’round for model Louise O’Reilly and her partner David, who have welcomed their much wished-for baby. The little girl’s arrival was announced on Friday when her mum wasted no time introducing her to her followers. Louise wrote: ‘She’s here!!! Meet Lexi. Our little miracle. We are just completely and utterly in love […]
The post ‘Our little miracle’ model Louise O’Reilly becomes a mum after being given just 2% chance of having a baby appeared first on RollerCoaster.
A COUPLE have revealed how they moved into a 50ft narrow boat to save thousands on rent – but are now being hit by a catch.
Alternative-living lovers Danni and Joe moved into a 50ft narrow boat to save thousands on rent but upcoming changes are likely to make their lives a lot more expensive.
The couple bought their canal boat after selling their previous mobile home – a sprinter van – for £12,000 and have been living in it for three months.
They’re currently cruising just outside of London, having made their way from the West Country into the city.
Last year, they posted a video about the savings they were making since opting for a life on water.
But they just warned potential boat-buyers that new Canal and River Trust (CRT) surcharges will increase from April next year.
These are a set of fees for anyone living on canals across England and Wales.
This means anyone on a continuous cruiser, as opposed to someone who is permanently moored, will be paying a surcharge of up to 75 per cent.
“If you’re moving onto a boat to save money then you need to know this,” Danni said.
For boats with a beam over 2.16m a surcharge of 10 per cent will be applied and for boats over 3.24m this will be an extra 20 per cent.
Danni and Joe said their first license cost them £886.31 but this has since increased to £1065.79.
From April there will be a new license price, which they said will cost about £200 more a year.
When the couple bought the dilapidated boat over a year ago they were expecting their lives to be a whole lot cheaper.
But they quickly discovered that the “boat-life” was far more expensive and complicated than they had anticipated.
Firstly, the renovation project cost between £15,000-£20,000.
Despite having some money left over from the sale of their van, they said they were living “pay cheque to pay cheque” in order to make it liveable.
One of their biggest challenges to date, the couple said, was when the boat’s battery died and they didn’t have a generator.
“When our battery died we couldn’t use our washing machine,” Danny said.
“You have to take your big bag of clothes along the tow path [to the launderette] and sometimes it’s raining but you need clean pants,” added Joe.
From narrowboats to barges, canoes to large river cruisers, you need to license your boat if you want to keep and use it on canals and rivers.
All types and size of boat with or without a motor need a licence. Motorised boats include river boats, canal boats and houseboats.
You can buy your long-term licence at any time of the year. They start on the first day of the month and last for either three months, six months or 12 months.
You can also buy a short-term licence at any point of the year. They’re valid for one week or one month.
Different navigation authorities have different licences and fees. If you are not boating on a CRT network, you will need to contact the relevant authority:
Another thing they hadn’t accounted for were the number of logs and amount of coal they would need to keep them warm during the winter months.
One bulk bag of logs set them back £120.
“You may get this cheaper somewhere else but we don’t have a car in London,” Danni said.
Whilst bulk buying is more financially-savvy, she added, it can be a logistical pain.
“You need to work out how to get it to the boat,” she laughed.
As for gas on the boat, the adventure-loving couple said they get through a cannister a month, which costs about £50.
Although this could be cheaper if Danni had fewer baths or Joe cut down on baking, they said.
“We’re gas hungry,” they joked.
Canal boats vary in prices and can cost anything from £30,000 to way over £100,000. For a narrow boat that is fully-equipped and electric it could cost as much as £200,000.
This comes as Wayne Aspland and his partner, Angela Hughes, moved out of their home to live on their very own narrowboat.
According to this couple though, they saved a fortune, having bought the boat for just £17,000 on Facebook Marketplace.
MULBERRY BLACK FRIDAY is the perfect time to purchase that timeless Bayswater bag you’ve been eyeing up for less.
Known for its timeless designs and high-quality craftsmanship, Mulberry bags rarely go on sale, but Black Friday could be an exception. So, what’s in store for Mulberry Black Friday sale?
Mulberry Black Friday sale
Mulberry has remained tight lipped about the exact date it will launch its Mulberry Black Friday sale.
However, I anticipated huge deals on Mulberry’s website, as well as other stockists, such as John Lewis, and Selfridges.
Though this has not been confirmed yet.
The well-known British brand has an impressive roster of A-list fans, which include Alexa Chung, Sienna Miller and Kate Moss.
Not only are Mulberry bags, and other accessories, popular with celebrities, but me too, as the British heritage brand has iconic bags to see you through all seasons and events.
Whether you’re looking for a classic Bayswater or the iconic Alexa, the Mulberry Black Friday deals are definitely worth keeping on your radar this November.
In previous years I managed to score the Mulberry Bayswater in the Black Friday sale for almost half price. I am a December baby, so a lot of input from friends and family helped me chip away at the price tag to add it to my expanding bag collection.
With Mulberry’s signature pieces often commanding a high price tag, Black Friday could be the ideal time to invest in a handbag that will stand the test of time.
So, what can you expect from Mulberry’s Black Friday sale this year?
Here’s everything you need to know about Black Friday, and Cyber Monday, including when Black Friday is, as well as when Cyber Monday will fall, and the best Black Friday deals that might be on offer.
Black Friday falls on the 29th November in 2024.
Black Friday traditionally falls the day after the American Thanksgiving holiday, and it has become a global shopping event known for its unmissable discounts.
Though there is said to be more meaning to Black Friday than big discounts and one of a kind offers.
UK shoppers can expect many retailers, both online and in-store, to launch their Black Friday deals early, often as soon as mid-November, though shops have remained tight lipped about those finer details so far.
If you’re planning on shopping fashion deals in the Mulberry Black Friday sale, it’s a good idea to mark the 29th on your calendar, but also keep an eye out for any early access offers or VIP events.
Mulberry has previously offered early deals to newsletter subscribers, so be sure to sign up to get a head start.
Mulberry is also stocked in department stores, including John Lewis and Selfridges, so it’s worth keeping a beady eye on their offers too come Black Friday.
I will, of course, keep you updated on all there is to know about the Mulberry Black Friday sale as soon as I know more.
Mulberry hasn’t officially confirmed its participation in Black Friday 2024 yet, but based on previous years, it’s highly likely.
Last year, Mulberry joined in on the Black Friday fun with discounts across a range of products, from handbags to smaller leather goods.
Given the success of last year’s sale, and the growing popularity of Black Friday in the UK, there’s a good chance Mulberry will be back with more great deals this year.
Stay tuned to the brand’s website, social media channels, and sign up to Mulberry’s newsletter, so you can stay up to date for any announcements as Black Friday approaches.
Shopping directly from Mulberry’s website is usually where you’ll find the best offers and discounts.
However, Mulberry products are stocked in high-end department stores and online retailers, so keep an eye out for sales at retailers such as John Lewis, Farfetch, Selfridges and House of Fraser too.
While we can’t predict the exact details of Mulberry’s Black Friday sale this year, if it’s anything like 2023, you can expect some substantial discounts.
Last year, Mulberry offered up to 30% off select bags and accessories.
Popular styles such as the Alexa, Lily and the Darley saw significant price reductions, making them more accessible to savvy shoppers.
For 2024, we anticipate similar deals, possibly with a focus on seasonal colours and limited-edition pieces.
Keep a lookout for markdowns on accessories, such as wallets and cardholders, which are often included in Mulberry’s Black Friday sale.
It is also worth noting that the Mulberry sale usually includes men’s bags and accessories, too – perfect for those wanting to match his and hers Mulberry bags for Christmas.
In 2023, Mulberry’s Black Friday sale featured a range of discounts on some of its most sought-after items.
Bags such as the Alexa, Amberley and Iris saw price cuts of up to 30%, while a selection of leather goods, including wallets, key rings and travel accessories, were also discounted.
The Small Darley Black Small Classic Grain Bag was reduced from £650 to £585, whilst an oversized Alexa Chestnut Heavy Grain was down to £1,160 from £1,450.
The sale included classic colours and seasonal shades, giving shoppers plenty of options to choose from.
If history is anything to go by, you can expect similar deals this year, but remember that stock is often limited, so it pays to shop early.
I also recommend shopping around to be sure to score the best deal.
Cyber Monday follows Black Friday and falls on 2nd December this year.
Traditionally, Cyber Monday is an online-only shopping event, but many retailers, including Mulberry, have extended its Black Friday offers through the weekend until Monday in recent years.
While Mulberry hasn’t confirmed its plans for Cyber Monday 2024, it’s highly likely that any discounts available on Black Friday will continue into Cyber Monday.
If Mulberry holds a Black Friday sale again this year, I expect it to last the whole weekend and end on Cyber Monday – so you’ll definitely want to make the most of the four-day sale bonanza.
Make sure to check their website and sign up for Mulberry’s newsletter to be the first to know about any extended offers.
While the details aren’t currently known, many Black Friday sales end on the Monday that directly follows Black Friday – a date known as Cyber Monday.
If you’re planning to shop online during Mulberry’s Black Friday sale, it’s good to know about its shipping policies.
Mulberry offers free standard shipping on all UK orders, which can take 2-5 business days to arrive.
The brand also provides faster delivery options at an additional cost, including express delivery (1-2 working days) and same-day delivery (if ordered before 3pm).
Express Delivery will set you back £5.95, while Same Day an dSaturday Delivery will cost £12.
During busy shopping periods like Black Friday, it’s advisable to choose a faster delivery option to ensure your purchases arrive on time, especially if its a gift for Christmas and you want to be sure no delays occur.
However, other stockists, such as John Lewis offer other shipping options, including the possibility to collect in store, which is a great service for speedy delivery, especially if you live near any John Lewis or Waitrose stores.
While Black Friday may offer the biggest discounts of the year, Mulberry does have other ways to save.
The designer brand often runs seasonal sales, offering discounts on selected items, and occasionally provides promotions through their newsletter.
Signing up for their newsletter can give you early access to sales, special discounts and more.
Plus, other retailers may run sporadic deals throughout the year, which could help you save more on your Mulberry purchase.
As a designer brand, Mulberry doesn’t offer a lot of discounts outside of its standard sales periods, but there are frequent sales to snap up a long-lasting and designer buy for less.
You can check the sale section on the Mulberry website for sales, and occasional discounts.
Better still, sign up for the Mulberry newsletter for priority access to the brand’s sales and special delivery promotions.
If you are shopping on a budget, it is worth checking out Mulberry’s Pre-Loved section or Buy Back option online.
Mulberry is stocked in other retailers, such as John Lewis, Selfridges, Flannels, Matches, Farfetch, and more stores, so if you can’t find any sales, or your item is reduced, check the other stockists, as not all the sales and discounts are the same.
If you’re looking for a new handbag in the Mulberry Black Friday sale, there are several classic styles you can’t go wrong with.
The Bayswater, Darley, Amberley and Lily designs are all modern classics, and unlikely to go out of style, so think of this as an investment.
I’ve also got a soft sport for the Lana, which is also available in a smaller size, as it is the perfect accessory for formal occasions, date night dinners, and weddings too.
Depending on what you want from a handbag, or how you are going to style it, Mulberry also makes several bags in smaller sizes; and a huge array of colours.
If you already own a Mulberry bag or are looking to buy a more affordable purchase from the luxe label – a coin purse, cardholder or large purse are the preferred options, as they are practical for everyone.
There’s no denying that Mulberry bags, purses, scarves and trainers come with an expensive price tag.
However the brand is well worth investing in, in my opinion, as the styles are timeless .
Another reason I recommend investing in Mulberry bags is because the products are made from super soft leather, and other luxurious fabrics, which are durable and stylish, so you can be sure your accessory will stand the test of time and be an investment piece.
Chanel and Mulberry are some of the brands some shoppers have noticed have had a price increase.
If you are unsure whether it is worth the price tag, let me reassure you it is – though I always recommend spending within your budget.
Mulberry is a British heritage brand founded in the 70s, and prides itself on using top-quality products and real leather, for high-end designs.
As the years go on, sourcing the materials and finding a talented creative team to make the staples increases. This, combined with the fact the designs are timeless and will never date, is why I believe the bags come with an expensive price tag.
Plus, it is a brand you can pass down through the generations too – that’s if you can part with your beloved accessory.
Mulberry Black Friday sale
New trends come and go, but there are some failsafe staples that survive them all, says beauty and fashion journalist Maisie Bovingdon
Shopping is my achilles heel, it gives me a hit of dopamine on down days, it makes me feel confident, and all round lifts my mood.
I have been trialling the latest #underconsumption trend and done my best to avoid shopping new items every time a new collection drops at my favourite stores.
While there are some failsafe staples I rely on day to day, and through every season, a few new additions to my ever-growing fashion collection never really hurt.
Here are my top picks of the reliable staples I swear by:
Head to The Sun’s fashion deals hub for more news, trends and discounts.
THOUGH it might leave you feeling deflated, trouble getting an erection is usually just caused by the stress of expectation or having a few too many drinks.
Most men will experience it at some point or another and it’s usually nothing to worry about.
If you’re quite often unable to get an erection or can’t keep one for long enough to be intimate, then you might be suffering from erectile dysfunction (ED).
It can feel embarrassing to speak about but the condition is in fact extremely common.
Dr Donald Grant, GP and senior clinical advisor at The Independent Pharmacy says: “Erectile dysfunction affects millions of men around the world.
“Overall, it is estimated that around 50 per cent of men between the ages of 40 and 70 will experience ED at some point.
“That’s why locating potential causes is vital.”
ED may be caused by health conditions such as high blood pressure and cholesterol or diabetes, as well as depression and anxiety.
But sometimes, the culprit may in fact be inside your medicine cabinet.
“Medication can play a massive role in causing this limiting condition,” Dr Grant explained.
This can include drugs geared towards treating specific conditions, or pills as common as painkillers and anti-histamines.
Here are four medicines that could increase your risk of ED.
Beta blockers are drugs that lower blood pressure.
“Blood pressure medications, also known as antihypertensives or beta blockers, list erectile dysfunction as a common side effect for many medications – including popular treatments such as atenolol and propranolol,” Dr Grant says.
“These medications can lower testosterone while also impacting blood flow – both are requirements for achieving and maintaining a healthy erection.”
Don’t stop taking the drugs if you’re experiencing problems with ED, but you can speak to your GP about it if it’s bothering you.
Medications to treat depression often list reduced sex drive and sexual dysfunction as a side effect.
According to Dr Grant: “Popular antidepressants such as Citalopram, Sertraline and Fluoxetine could also be contributing to men’s ED risk.
“Antidepressants have a direct impact on hormones, increasing serotonin which can influence testosterone and dopamine levels – affecting libido and the ability to become sexually stimulated.
“It’s often listed as a side effect of antidepressant medication.
“However, it’s important to stay in dialogue with your GP to assess the best treatments available.”
A common class of painkillers called non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) can be another cause of ED, according to Dr Grant.
“NSAIDs are some of the most commonly used medications, with Aspirin and Ibuprofen falling under this category,” the GP says.
“Erectile dysfunction is a potential side effect as these tablets can negatively impact blood flow and the ability to maintain erections.
“While these tablets are available over-the-counter, managing intake and abiding by recommended dosages is so important.”
The GP also recommends taking a look at potential side effects of the drugs on their leaflets before taking.
At certain times of the year when pollen levels reach their peak, many people will pop an antihistamine to cope with allergy symptoms.
They’re also used to relieve hives, conjunctivitis and reactions to insect bites or stings.
They work by blocking the effects of a substance called histamine in your body.
Histamine is normally released when your body detects something harmful, such as an infection, helping protect the body by causing blood vessels to expand and the skin to swell.
ERECTILE dysfunction - also known as impotence - is very common, especially in men over 40.
Erectile dysfunction is when you are either:
Depending on the cause, you may still be able to get an erection at other times, such as when you wake up.
Sometimes you might also have low sex drive.
It’s not usually the sign of something serious but you should speak to a GP about it, especially if it’s causing you distress.
Possible causes include stress, tiredness, having too much booze, as well as some medicines.
But if your ED is persistent, it might be caused by:
In people with allergies, histamines can cause uncomfortable and sometimes dangerous reactions.
But the substance can also play a role in erections, Dr Grant says.
“Histamine is crucial for developing an erection as the chemical helps dilute blood vessels, improving blood flow and allowing men to become erect.
“Therefore, it’s no surprise to learn that antihistamines can drastically increase men’s risk of developing ED.
“It highlights the importance of monitoring dosage and speaking openly with medical professionals about the harmful side effects common medications could have on an individual basis.”
“Overall, it’s intriguing to uncover so many over-the-counter medications that can escalate men’s ED risk,” Dr Grant concludes.
But maintaining a healthy lifestyle and making sure you’re not over consuming these medicines can help protect you against this common condition.
Having regular GP visits and check-ups is also key to preventing and treating ED, the GP adds.
“Aside from medication, I recommend incorporating foods into your diet that boost blood flow – this includes apples, walnuts and dark leafy greens.
“I also suggest managing a healthy alcohol intake as drinking can play a massive role in the development of erectile dysfunction.”
There are four main types of physical condition that can cause impotence in men:
THREE years ago a cul-de-sac was made picture-perfect by its caring residents who nurtured its manicured gardens.
Today Highfield Close is home to 38 decrepit bungalows forming a derelict ghost estate haunted by a deathly silence.
And now the cherished neighbourhood in Stretford, Manchester, is set for demolition next month.
Within 12 months, all of its friendly neighbours were gone – evicted forcibly from their homes and dispersed into nearby conurbations.
Each member of the over 50s community was told that they were at risk from damp, flooding and asbestos poisoning.
The Sun spoke to former residents this week and they all question those reasons for their sudden and distressing removal.
One resident, Tommy Bramhall, attempted to take his own life – just days after he was sent packing by then landlord Trafford Housing Trust.
The 66-year-old retired labourer said: “To see the place as it is now makes me feel very sad. It’s disturbing to see it like this.
“It’s like a town where everyone vanished suddenly for no apparent reason.
“I left here four years ago and I barely recognise it today. The vandalism that has taken place in all of our homes is hard to see.
“I prefer to remember it how it was, not how it is now.
“And the fact that all of these properties will be demolished soon makes me feel sick.”
Tommy’s happier memories are echoed by his former neighbour Michael Keogh.
The 81-year-old lived on the estate for 25 years before his removal from the ornate home he had cultivated for his family’s visits.
The former warehouse worker said: “My back garden was paved making it a real sun trap.
“My family used to visit, children and grandchildren, because of the warmth it gave to our days together.
“It really was a wonderful community. The atmosphere on the close made it a special place to live.”
He continued: “Some people were at the very end of their lives when they were forced out.
“When it was time to leave most people had been here for 20 years or more. Almost all of the women were in tears.”
Michael was the last to be evicted by Trafford Housing Trust because he insisted on being relocated in the nearby area.
I prefer to remember it how it was, not how it is now.
Tommy Bramhall
Trafford Housing Trust’s executive director of development, Graeme Scott, said in 2022 that his organisation wanted to “continue to offer quality homes of choice that meet the housing standards of the future and tackle the housing crisis.”
But Alex Lewis, 22, who moved to adjacent Highfield Road when he was 11 and witnessed the evictions reads the situation differently.
He said: “I am born and bred in Stretford. I know this area and I’ve seen all that has happened.
“It’s more than a travesty. The idea of damp and flood plains is trumped up nonsense.
“I’ve walked this area all of my life and have never seen any flooding.”
Corbyn Ashworth, 24, has lived in a caravan with his three dogs on Highfield Close since February after being unable to afford rent in supported accommodation on the road.
He said: “The ideas of damp and flooding aren’t right. The only thing they’ve got right is the asbestos roofing in the homes.
“But I work as a roofer and as long as you don’t break it up asbestos doesn’t have to be a concern.”
Salford Housing Trust has been subsumed by East London-based social housing developer L&Q.
The Sun has approached L&Q for comment.
A DOCTOR has warned of the dangers of a popular lip filler trend that could leave you with a “sausage” mouth.
Dr Jordan Faulkner, a cosmetic doctor at Allo Aesthetics with years of medical training and surgical work under his belt, urged Brits not to get “Russian lips”.
This controversial method of injecting involves vertically pumping fillers into the lips to create a flatter and more defined shape.
It gets its name from the lips of Russian stacking dolls, which typically have plump pouts and defined cupid’s bows painted on.
And while Instagram posts from injectors offering the style may make the client look more “doll-like” temporarily, there’s a dark reality to the practice.
Jordan compared the injection style to “chewy sweets” you pick up in lips and teeth pick ‘n’ mix.
And, once the filler has settled, he warns it will bleed out beyond your lips and leave you with a heavy, “sausage” looking mouth.
“People don’t understand how filler works,” the expert shared on the Elle Sara podcast.
“It’s a gel – it’s not scaffolding.
“These Russian lips, it’s loads of vertical injections.
“They use quite a firm filler, a very robust filler, which allows them to almost mould and evert that lip to show an unnatural amount of the pink part of the lip.”
Dr Jordan explained that when Russian lips are freshly done, the vertically injected filler does act like “struts” in the short-term.
But he warned that this desirable look is only temporary – and soon you could end up with “sausage” lips.
“Under pressure, a gel is not going to stay in that position,” he said.
“It’s just going to become a big, long sausage.”
The collapsed “struts” will also bleed gel into the “white part” of your lip, Jordan added.
This means you’ll have no lip definition around the border of your mouth.
He added that the long-term results of the injection style are “horrific”.
Celebrities who have been open about getting Russian lips include Katie Price, Love Island star Shaughna Phillips and MAFS UK alum, Thomas Hartley.
Choosing an ethical and legitimate aesthetic practitioner is the key to having safe 'tweakments'.
The first thing you should look out for is someone with a medical background – such as paramedics, pharmacists, nurses and doctors.
Practitioners on the Save Face register are also a safe bet.
Save Face is a register for medical aesthetics, whereby practitioners and clinics have to pass a rigorous 116 point assessment process to join.
Practitioners listed on the register are also appropriately trained in each of the treatments listed on their profile, and fully insured.
