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Roxy Horner flashes her huge diamond ring as she confirms engagement to Jack Whitehall with loved-up post

ROXY Horner has confirmed her engagement to Jack Whitehall by flashing her new and giant diamond ring to fans.

The model, 33, shared a series of snaps of the whopping rock while marking the end of 2024.

Roxy Horner and Jack Whitehall announce their engagement.
Instagram
Roxy Horner has confirmed her engagement to Jack Whitehall[/caption]
Hand displaying engagement ring in front of Christmas trees.
Instagram
The model has flashed her giant diamond in a video montage[/caption]
Close-up of Jack Whitehall and Roxy Horner; Horner's hand rests on Whitehall's face, showcasing her engagement ring.
Instagram
Roxy shared the video to mark the end of 2024[/caption]
Roxy Horner shows off her engagement ring.
Instagram
Comedian Jack popped the question at the beginning of this month[/caption]

Roxy made a video montage of the last two “magical months” of the year to celebrate it coming to a close.

In the clip, she can be seen flashing her diamond by the Christmas tree at home and while flaunting her finger during a festive evening out.

Roxy has also shared a cute snap of herself, her comedian fiancé Jack and their daughter Elsie with the ring clearly on show.

And in another photo, Roxy is stroking 36-year-old Jack’s beard with her left hand as he pulls a funny face.

Roxy has accompanied the montage with Benson Boone’s hit song Beautiful Things and posted it on Instagram.

Captioning it, she said: “How could I fit in a whole year of highlights in one video? Here is a snippet of the last 2 magical months of 2024, feeling utterly blessed.”

Jack has replied to his fiancée’s post, saying: “My love ❤❤❤.”

Roxy’s showbiz pals have also been quick to comment, with Helen Flanagan writing: “Congratulations darling.”

Her model pal Emma Louise Connolly, who is married to former Made In Chelsea star Oliver Proudlock, added: “THISSSS!!!!!!! All our love to you 3.”

Earlier this month, The Sun confirmed rumours that Jack had popped the question to Roxy.

A pal said: “Jack and Roxy are going into Christmas as an engaged couple.

“He asked Roxy to marry him earlier this month and she said yes straight away.

“They could not be happier together and are looking forward to planning their wedding.”

The couple met while Jack was on a trip to Australia in 2020.

Due to the coronavirus pandemic, they ended up returning to the UK and isolating in London together.

In September last year, Jack and Roxy welcomed daughter Elise – their first child together.

Jack announced the news online and said: “In awe of my partner who has been amazing throughout this journey and is going to be the greatest mum ever.”

Roxy has also spoken publicly about her relationship with Jack and praised him for his support.

The stunning model was diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes in 2021 and she described Jack as “incredible” in the wake of her shock health news.

Roxy told Marie Claire: “My boyfriend has been incredible. I am so lucky in that respect.

“I’ve quietly decided to spend less time with the people who haven’t understood.”

Jack proposed to Roxy at the beginning of December.

The couple were later photographed at Winter Wonderland in London’s Hyde Park and Roxy made little effort to hide her huge sparkler.

Jack Whitehall and Roxy Horner at Wimbledon.
Getty
Jack and Roxy met in Australia in 2020[/caption]
Jack Whitehall and Roxy Horner at a wedding.
Getty
The pair ended up moving in together quickly due to the pandemic[/caption]
Jack Whitehall and Roxy Horner at the Black Adam premiere.
Getty
The couple welcomed their first child together last year[/caption]

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Boxing royalty predict result of Tyson Fury vs Oleksandr Usyk 2 ahead of blockbuster heavyweight rematch

TYSON FURY and Oleksandr Usyk meet once again in a rematch that has the boxing world divided.

In May, Usyk became the first man to hold all four undisputed heavyweight titles while also becoming the first to inflict defeat on Fury.

Usyk and Fury face off at a boxing weigh-in.
Reuters
Oleksandr Usyk and Tyson Fury face off for the final time[/caption]

But now they rematch seventh months later, with Fury bulking up to 20 STONE in a bid to gain revenge.

With opinions torn, SunSport runs down how some of boxing’s top experts see the fight going.

DANIEL DUBOIS (IBF heavyweight champion)

“May the best man win, I just want to fight the winner. Something tells me Usyk will do it again.

“He has luck on his side and he has skills, has the backing of his  people and fights for his country.”

PREDICTION: “As a fellow Brit I want Tyson  but I feel Usyk wins.”

a man wearing a pair of fly ddd boxing gloves
Reuters
Daniel Dubois was beaten by Usyk[/caption]

LENNOX LEWIS (former undisputed world heavyweight champion)

“Usyk is going to be on Fury again, from round one.

“Fury will come in a bit heavier and not move around as much and put more punches together to drive Usyk to the ropes and take advantage there.”

PREDICTION: “Anything can  happen in a  fight between heavies.”

Lennox Lewis at a BAFTA TV event.
Getty
Lennox Lewis sat on the fence[/caption]

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FABIO WARDLEY (British heavyweight champion)

“Those tippy-tappy punches got Fury in trouble.

“But just trying to be more aggressive could work against him as Usyk loves to be fleet-footed  around the ring.”

PREDICTION: “I lean to Usyk. He will have made the right adjustments and narrowly comes out with the win.”

Fabio Wardley and Oleksandr Usyk together.
Fabio Wardley sparred Usyk
Instagram / @fabiowardley

MOSES ITAUMA (Heavyweight prospect and Fury sparring partner)

“Tyson’s one of the best heavyweights of the generation.”

PREDICTION: “The problem with winning a fight is you wake up every morning a winner and that’s not a good mentality to have in boxing.

“You want to wake up as the loser, so that gives Fury the upperhand.”

Moses Power
Fury and Moses Itauma have sparred before

DEREK CHISORA (Lost three times to Fury and once to Usyk)

“Do I believe Tyson can beat Oleksandr?

“I don’t think the sparring partners I have seen him with will have pushed him enough. And Usyk knows he can hurt him now.”

PREDICTION: “I would love Tyson Fury to win the fight but the odds for him are not looking good.”

Tyson Fury and Derek Chisora after a boxing match, Fury is the WBC Heavyweight Champion.
Fury and Derek Chisora fought three times

DUKE MCKENZIE (British three-time world champion)

“When you get hit and hurt, as a pro, you are taught to hide and disguise it.

“That’s what  we saw with Usyk. We’re told Fury will be  bigger and  bully Usyk. That won’t work, it’ll make him slower and more predictable.”

PREDICTION: “Usyk wins all day long.”

Duke McKenzie boxing J. Benavides in a WBO super-bantamweight world title fight.
GETTY
Former boxing champ Duke McKenzie, left[/caption]

CARL FRAMPTON (Two-weight world champion)

“I think the big man threw it away, I really do. There was too much clowning around  early on and it was his downfall.

“Fury has to be more aggressive as Usyk was exhausted afterwards, because he is the much smaller man.”

PREDICTION: “I could see a draw but Fury to win.”

Carl Frampton preparing for a boxing match.
Carl Frampton warned not to rule out a draw
Getty

GEORGE GROVES (Former super-middleweight world champion)

“Usyk is the best heavyweight in the world right now.  He won the fight and  that was probably Fury’s best display.

“He needs to have his lead hand above Usyk’s lead southpaw right hand, so he can control him.”

PREDICTION: “I’m going Usyk. Fury’s fantastic but Usyk is special.”

George Groves celebrates a boxing victory, holding a championship belt.
George Groves formerly held the super-middleweight title
Getty

FRANK WARREN (Tyson Fury’s hall-of-fame promoter)

“Usyk has a big weakness Tyson should have exposed more — his body. But, I am telling you something, that will be rectified.

“If Tyson is still the same fighter that he was going into the first fight, then he will do it.”

PREDICTION: “Tyson will win by stoppage.”

Tyson Fury and promoter Frank Warren at a press conference.
Reuters
Fury with his promoter Frank Warren[/caption]

RONNIE O’SULLIVAN (Seven-time world snooker champion and boxing fan)

“I’m a Fury fan but I have huge respect for Usyk’s  skill level, professionalism and achievements.

“Fury’s had the better training camp and that makes the difference.”

PREDICTION: “It will go at least ten rounds and if there’s a knockout, it will be Fury’s. If it goes to points, it’s Fury, too.”

Ronnie O'Sullivan of England reacts during a snooker match.
Getty
Snooker legend Ronnie O’Sullivan is a huge boxing fan[/caption]

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I’m a barber cutting people’s hair in ‘sleepy’ Suffolk town by day and by night I’m a darts star out to KO Luke Littler

UNDERDOG Ryan Meikle is hoping to CUT Luke Littler from the World Darts Championship – and celebrate with a short, back and sides.

After winning the Crimpers Derby with fellow hairdresser Fallon Sherrock last Tuesday, the Suffolk barber now faces teen sensation Littler on the shortest day of the year.

Ryan Meikle at the 2025 World Darts Championship.
Rex
Barber Ryan Meikle is hoping to cut Luke Littler from the World Darts Championship[/caption]
A barber giving a boy a haircut.
Instagram / ryanmeikle
Meikle is not full-time in darts and has worked for 10 years at Nicks Gent’s Hairdressing[/caption]

Meikle, 28, is not full-time in darts and has worked for 10 years at Nicks Gent’s Hairdressing in the “sleepy town” of Saxmundham, which is a 22-mile drive north of Ipswich.

Hair clippers were in his hands before his second-round date at Ally Pally, which is scheduled for a TV prime-time slot, before the Fury-Usyk heavyweight boxing in Saudi Arabia.

And he geared up for the moment of his life – where his every throw will be watched by millions on TV – with a few close shaves in the day job.

Meikle, who travelled to North London on Friday evening, said: “I’ve been working for the last few weeks since the draw came out.

“I worked last Monday morning and all my customers asked: ‘What are you doing here? You’re playing Fallon tomorrow?’

“I said: ‘What else would I be doing? I’d just think about it more.’ I’m good at work. I can earn a few quid. It takes your mind off it.

“I worked on Thursday and Friday. I didn’t want to book the whole week off as it’s Christmas and it’s busy in the hairdressers.

“Darts players often say to me: ‘Did you bring your clippers?’

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“Luke must have a good barber somewhere. Maybe one on speed dial – he has probably got one there for Saturday.”

Tournament favourite Littler, 17, returns to Ally Pally for the first time since losing to world No.1 Luke Humphries in the world final 353 days ago.

Twelve months ago, as Littler was racing to the final on his debut aged 16, Meikle was watching from the shop and had “the most miserable Christmas ever” because he did not qualify.

The odds are heavily in Littler’s favour – four days after he was voted second in the BBC Sports Personality of the Year – while Meikle is just hoping to do enough this week to secure a 2025 Tour Card.

Should the East Anglian cause a huge upset – and knock out the TV ratings winner – then he might get the Alex Ferguson-style HAIRDYER treatment from PDC and Sky Sports bosses!

The world No.62 – who has a six-year-old son – has banked £15,000 so far and he said: “What Luke has done for darts is ridiculous. I don’t think he has any weaknesses to be fair.

“What he has done at his age is unbelievable. I’ll never say a bad word about him.

“People who I’d never thought would talk about darts have done so. I feel lucky to play him on Saturday.

“I’m a massive fan of Luke. I cannot give him enough credit. People say to me: ‘Aren’t you sick of hearing about him?’ No!

“The more we talk about him, the more sponsors we bring him, fingers crossed it means the more money we are making.

“You couldn’t have wished for two better players in terms of social media – Luke and Fallon. I was everywhere.

List of all-time Darts World Champions

BELOW is a list of Darts world champions by year.

The list does not include winners from the pre-Professional Darts Corporation (PDC) era or BDO world champions.

That means Raymond van Barneveld, for example, is only listed once – Barney also won four BDO titles – and none of Eric Bristow’s five BDO titles are included.

  • 1994 – Dennis Priestley
  • 1995 – Phil Taylor
  • 1996 – Phil Taylor (2)
  • 1997 – Phil Taylor (3)
  • 1998 – Phil Taylor (4)
  • 1999 – Phil Taylor (5)
  • 2000 – Phil Taylor (6)
  • 2001 – Phil Taylor (7)
  • 2002 – Phil Taylor (8)
  • 2003 – John Part
  • 2004 – Phil Taylor (9)
  • 2005 – Phil Taylor (10)
  • 2006 – Phil Taylor (11)
  • 2007 – Raymond van Barneveld
  • 2008 – John Part (2)
  • 2009 – Phil Taylor (12)
  • 2010 – Phil Taylor (13)
  • 2011 – Adrian Lewis
  • 2012 – Adrian Lewis (2)
  • 2013 – Phil Taylor (14)
  • 2014 – Michael van Gerwen
  • 2015 – Gary Anderson
  • 2016 – Gary Anderson (2)
  • 2017 – Michael van Gerwen (2)
  • 2018 – Rob Cross
  • 2019 – Michael van Gerwen (3)
  • 2020 – Peter Wright
  • 2021 – Gerwyn Price
  • 2022 – Peter Wright (2)
  • 2023 – Michael Smith
  • 2024 – Luke Humphries

Most World Titles

  • 14 – Phil Taylor
  • 3 – Michael van Gerwen
  • 2 – John Part, Adrian Lewis, Gary Anderson, Peter Wright
  • 1 – Dennis Priestley, Raymond van Barneveld, Rob Cross, Gerwyn Price, Michael Smith, Luke Humphries

“I’ve never had as much media attention in my life! It’s not because of who I am.

“It’s who I have to play potentially. I wasn’t used to that. I’m happy to get through. This will raise my profile.”

Meikle – who gained confidence from eliminating Gary Anderson in the first round of last month’s Players Championship Finals in Minehead – is not the quickest player on the PDC circuit.

But he denies that he does that intentionally to put off opponents – it is just his style.

The amateur star said: “I don’t want to be known as a slow player. I know people go on about it a lot.

“I’m not looking to slow anyone down or do any tactics. I want to play well myself.

“I won’t say I have got a good chance on Saturday – because I probably haven’t.

“But I know that if I can turn up and play my best and he’s a bit off, I have a bit of a chance. I hope I play my own game and we’ll see what happens.

“There’s no pressure on me. I love coming here, it gives me goosebumps every time I’m here.

“I’m sure there will be a lot of pressure on him, media-wise, TV-wise.

“Hopefully I can relax and play my best game. Everyone is talking about Luke Littler constantly in the world of darts.”

Luke Littler of England reacts during a World Darts Championship semifinal match.
AP
Luke Littler returns to Ally Pally[/caption]

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Britain’s oldest man and WW2 hero feels snubbed after not being invited to Remembrance events in London

Elderly woman holding a photo of a young man in military uniform.

BRITAIN’S oldest man feels snubbed — as the World War Two hero has not been invited to landmark Remembrance events.

Donald Rose, 109, was shot in a leg during the D-Day landings, and served in North Africa, Belgium, Holland and Germany during the conflict.

He also received France’s Legion D’Honneur — but says he has never been invited to the top services in London.

The former gas worker, who was born on the day of World War One’s famous 1914 Christmas Eve truce, so turns 110 on Tuesday, said: “I’d like to have been asked.

“I’m not one for dressing up but I could have gone.”

The Royal British Legion said Donald was not on its records, but his local branch in Ilkeston, Derbys, is upset.

Secretary Arthur Norman said: “It doesn’t seem fair. There are many D-Day veterans but he doesn’t get a mention.”

Local mayor Kate Fennelly says many people have written to the RBL over the years about Donald.

Staff at his care home say he would love to be at a service attended by royals.

An RBL spokesman said it has since connected with Donald and can now “keep him informed of events”.

A 108-year-old World War II veteran holds a photo of his younger self in uniform.
SWNS
Donald Rose feels snubbed — as the World War Two hero has not been invited to landmark Remembrance events[/caption]

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Tyson Fury at centre of huge row as Oleksandr Usyk’s team furious his BEARD ‘grossly violates’ strict rules

TYSON FURY is at the centre of a huge world-title rematch row — over his BEARD!

Champion Oleksandr Usyk has accused Fury of “grossly violating” strict rules on the length of facial hair and demanded he gets his razor out.

Tyson Fury punches Oleksandr Usyk in a boxing match.
GETTY
Tyson Fury rematches Oleksandr Usyk in Saudi Arabia on Saturday night[/caption]
Tyson Fury at a training camp open workout.
PA
The Gypsy King is sporting a massive beard for the do-or-die rematch[/caption]
Oleksandr Usyk and Tyson Fury at a weigh-in.
GETTY
Team Usyk have kicked off over the size of Fury’s beard and demanded he trim it[/caption]

The storm erupted after Fury won his battle to ban the Ukrainian from having a “lucky” crucifix in his corner for Saturday night’s £180million heavyweight Saudi showdown.

Britain’s Gypsy King, who weighed in at a massive 20st 1lb — FOUR STONE heavier than his rival — is sporting a full, bushy beard after refusing to shave for 12 weeks.

But Usyk’s promoter, Alex Krassyuk, fumed: “The beard rule is being grossly violated.

“The WBC rules clearly say, ‘A boxer may espouse a trimmed beard as long as the hair thickness does not cushion or affect the impact or trajectory of punches, or cause cuts or abrasions to his rival’.

“So, Tyson’s beard has to be trimmed. We will push it further.”

Fury’s matchmaker, Frank Warren, refused to back down.

The Queensberry Promotions chief blasted: “He has a beard and there have been a lot of fighters over the years who have fought with beards, and that’s it.”

When SunSport quizzed the British Boxing Board of Control, which has trained and supports the Middle East chiefs in charge of the WBC, WBA and WBO clash, they said Fury MUST trim his beard if Usyk complained at yesterday’s rules meeting.

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Yet WBC supremo Mauricio Sulaiman insisted: “The matter was discussed and the final decision is with the local commission.

“We do not feel Fury gets any advantage. We do not think there will be a problem.”

Fury, 36, won an earlier squabble when undefeated Usyk, 37, was told he could not have his cherished monk’s crucifix in his corner.

He kissed it for inspiration during his split-decision triumph in May’s first Riyadh tear-up.

But Warren insisted: “If there’s anything other than water that goes to the fighter’s lips then the inspector will take it away.

“If anything is seen to be not correct it will be dealt with.”

SunSport understands Usyk’s team have accepted the banning of the cross but are digging in their heels over Beardgate.

a boxing match between tyson fury and oleksandr usyk

Fury weighed in at a career-heaviest — a stonking 19lbs bigger than the first fight, while Usyk tipped the scales at 16st 2lbs, just three pounds up on last time.

There was another argument around the judges after Miami’s Fernando Barbosa withdrew ill.

The warring parties were at loggerheads over whether American Steve Weisfeld or Panama’s Ignacio Robles — who jetted in as emergency cover — would sit alongside Patrick Morley (US) and Puerto Rican Gerardo Martinez.

Warren, who wanted Robles, said: “I’ve suggested we toss a coin.”

He added: “There’s going to be a war tomorrow.”

Tyson Fury and Frank Warren at a press conference.
GETTY
Tyson Fury and promoter Frank Warren are refusing to back down in the beard row[/caption]

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I tested retro-flavoured drinks for Christmas…£13 winner was a rich & indulgent treat that tasted like a boozy milkshake

THERE is a nip of festive nostalgia in the drinks aisle this holiday ­season.

From Snowball cocktails to traditional sloe gin and even Gingerbread booze, if you’re in the market for some wind-the-clock-back liquid memories then you’re in luck.

Woman in Santa hat holding a Christmas drink.
Helena Nicklin tested out a collection of festive flavoured drinks, with a retro spin
Oliver Dixon

Aldi has even released its own version of Christmas classic Advocaat for less than a tenner a bottle.

Here, Helana Nicklin rates some of the best seasonal slurps, all available now on our supermarket shelves.

M&S Advocaat

  • £13, 70cl, M&S
  • 5/5
Bottle of Advocaat.
M&S Advocaat was the top scoring drink in our taste test
Supplied

ADVOCAAT is a Dutch drink made with egg yolks, sugar and brandy. It is sometimes referred to by Brits and Americans as Eggnog.

This Marks and Spencer spin on the ­classic creamy liqueur pays off.

Made with free range eggs, it is rich and indulgent with a sprinkle of vanilla.

A bit like a boozy milkshake. Slurp it down as it comes, with or without ice. Great price – and full Marks!

Warninks Advocaat

  • £15.50, 70cl,Tesco
  • 3/5
Bottle of Warninks Original Advocaat.
The original Advocaat compared less favourably to the M&S version
Supplied

BIG brand Advocaat is the famous original that sets the standard. But after tasting the M&S version, it actually feels and pours a bit thin.

There is a whiff of fresh egg when you decant that is part of the appeal to many – like a rich, sugary, custard with an added kick from the brandy.

You can slurp this neat or on the rocks, and either way the retro fave now has some serious competition.

Four 200ml bottles of Goldwell Snowball Lemonade, Advocaat & Lime (3.5% alc).
Asda’s pre-mixed Snowball won Helena over after her initial doubts
Supplied

Snowball Lime & Lemonade

  • £6.50 for 4, Asda
  • 4/5

A CLASSIC Snowball is the ultimate retro festive cocktail. Usually made with equal parts Advocaat and fizzy lemonade, served over ice, sometimes with a squeeze of lime.

I was suspicious of this 200ml premixed snowball as you want it to look great and taste fresh, but it actually won me over.

Saves the faff of buying all of the ingredients in pieces.

Cherry And Almond Spritz

  • £3, 75cl, Morrisons
  • 2/5
Cherry and spiced almond festive spritz.
Morrisons’ Cherry and Almond Spritz tastes comforting but lacks punch
Supplied

ANYTHING cherry and almond feels retro to me, and this spiced Spritz tastes and smells like a boozy cherry bakewell.

Heavy on the cherry and very sweet, this looks very pretty and festive but is lacking punch.

At only 3.4 per cent ABV, it is not strong at all, so if you wanted to, add an extra splash of sparkling vino for added oomph.

Not bad at all for three quid.

Cherry Bucks Fizz

  • £2.75, 75cl, Iceland
  • 2/5
Bottle of Cherry Bucks Fizz sparkling cocktail.
This Cherry Bucks Fizz is a better idea than the execution
Supplied

BUCKS Fizz has always had a celebratory, slightly Seventies feel to it – and this version has had a cherry-scented upgrade.

For £2.75, it’s a nice idea and for me this punches above its weight for prettiness.

What’s inside is not sweet and sickly. You can taste the cherry and get all the theatre of popping the bottle and watching it foam into flutes. But it goes flat very quickly.

Gingerbread Mulled wine

  • £3.79, 75cl, Aldi
  • 3/5
Bottle of gingerbread flavored mulled wine.
Aldi’s gingerbread mulled wine is the perfect Christmas combination
Supplied

GINGERBREAD and wine? That sounds like a classic ­Christmas combo.

I love ­Gingerbread and I love mulled wine, so I had high hopes for this combo.

For the price tag I was pretty happy – this does a decent job, rather like a subtle, lighter version of a normal mulled wine.

The ginger could be stronger but it is well put-together and balanced. Lovely warmed but nice cold too.

Marksologist Sloe Gin Sour

  • £18, 50cl, M&S
  • 4/5
Bottle of Marksologist Sloe Gin Sour cocktail.
Sloe gin from M&S is ready to enjoy straight away – but it is expensive compared to others
Supplied

SLOE gin is not just a retro drink to enjoy over the festive season, it’s historic!

It first became popular in the 18th Century when we began to add sugar and sloe berries from blackthorn bushes to homemade gins.

This cocktail version is lovely for parties.

Well balanced and textured with a lovely tang. It’s ready to drink – just pour in a posh glass. But a bit pricey.

Babycham Sparkling

  • £3 for 4, Sainsbury’s
  • 2/5
Four bottles of Babycham Sparkling Perry in a four-pack.
Babycham bottles are ideal servings at Christmas parties, and don’t cost a lot
Supplied

WHEN it comes to festive tipples it doesn’t get more retro than Babycham.

The little 200ml bottles of bubbles fit the brief perfectly for a sparkly bash.

OK, there are posher drinks and more sophisticated fizzes. But a Babycham is so nostalgic and fun that it’s guaranteed to make you ready to party!

It’s cheap as chips and will put a smile on your face.

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HOA demands homeowners take down Christmas decor – but they vow ‘we’re leaving them up’ despite facing fines

A HOMEOWNERS’ association has been accused of acting like Ebeneezer Scrooge this year after reportedly ordering residents to remove their Christmas lawn decorations.

One resident said she was “bummed out” after being handed a violation notice by her HOA last week over her Christmas display in her front yard.

AZ Family
Cindy Choquette was ordered to remove the Christmas yard display from her house[/caption]
AZ Family
She received a letter from her HOA in Gilbert, Arizona informing her of the rules[/caption]

The letter from the Cooley Station Community HOA in Gilbert, Arizona, said the decorations in front of Cindy Choquette’s house violated the community’s rules and regulations and she had to remove them.

“I was kind of bummed out because we provide so much cheer around here,” she told Gray Television affiliate AZ Family.

“Every day people walk around and express the joy we provide putting up decorations.”

Choquette was one of several homeowners in the community ordered to take down their decorations.

Some claimed they had been putting up decorations in their yards for years without any pushback.

However, the HOA says that it has a new management company that strictly enforces the rules.

One of those rules includes no artificial turf decorations.

Cooley Station HOA did not respond immediately to The U.S. Sun’s requests for comment.

The HOA president earlier said that it would rescind the notices and allow decorations to stay up if they don’t damage the turf.

But FS Residential, the new management company, put out a statement indicating it was sticking to its plans to ban yard decorations.

“While we encourage our residents to celebrate the holidays and decorate their homes, the safety of our residents and preservation of our property values are top priorities,” the statement read.

“Our community’s rules prohibit decorations on the artificial turf and trees between the sidewalk and the curb that are maintained by the association, and any power or extension cords on sidewalks that can pose a trip hazard for our residents, guests, and staff.”

But Choquette insists she will keep the decorations up until New Year’s.

She insisted that they were doing nothing wrong, and were simply “spreading joy” in their community.

What is an HOA?

One in five Americans live in an area with a Homeowners' Association - or HOA. But what exactly is it that they do?

  • An HOA is a homeowner’s association – an organization that aims to maintain a clean and cohesive place to live for its residents.
  • Entire neighborhoods, subdivisions, condominiums, family homes, or townhouses within “a planned development” will often make up an HOA.
  • They also act as a governing body for tenants, who run and fund the HOA through monthly fees.
  • Their principal aims are to keep the community functioning and visually appealing and to maintain property values.
  • They primarily focus on common areas of a neighborhood, such as roads, parks, and pools – but may also stipulate what residents can do with their properties, such as yards and driveways.
  • Often these restrictions enforce uniformity on properties, for example, ensuring most houses look the same and all driveways are clear of weeds.
  • An HOA rulebook of covenants, conditions, and restrictions (CC&R) is distributed to all residents, and an elected volunteer board of directors enforces these regulations.
  • Breaking these rules can result in penalties such as fines and even litigation – as most HOAs are incorporated and subject to state law.
  • HOAs are often the subject of controversy, with some members feeling that the rules are too punitive and restricting, or that the leadership has too much power.
  • But others like that HOAs give communities the power of self-governance, and can ensure a degree of harmony between residents.

The Cooley Station HOA’s example is far from unique among HOAs.

Most homeowners associations place a ban on decorations deemed to be too large.

Many HOAs prohibit inflatable Christmas decorations specifically as they are usually on the larger side.

They are also often deemed by HOAs as tacky and outdated and therefore are banned on the grounds of protecting property values.

Some HOAs also set specific dates on when homeowners can start putting up holiday decorations and when they must be brought down by.

It is common for decorations to be prohibited from going up earlier than a month prior to Christmas, nor kept up more than two weeks after December 25.

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Woman calls out dealership over $6k price hike as she tries to buy $63k car – then their excuse ‘didn’t add up’

A FURIOUS driver has called out a dealership after claiming they upped their price by $6,000 with no warning.

Brittan Mackenzie took to TikTok to share her unpleasant experience with her followers.

TikTok/brittanmackenzie
Brittan Mackenzie shared her experience with a Cadillac dealership[/caption]
Getty
She claimed the dealership increased the price by $6k in response to her interest[/caption]

In a viral TikTok that garnered some 150,000 views, she told her followers that she would “pass on buying from” the Bayway Cadillac Southwest dealership in Houston, Texas she used to buy a new Cadillac.

At the start of the video, a text overlay lays out her frustrations with the dealership.

“When a dealership tries to raise the price of a car just because you’re interested,” she writes.

Mackenzie said she found the car – a pre-owned 2021 Cadillac Escalade ESV – online and then reached out to the business.

“I got some pictures of the interior and then I asked about the price,” she said, before adding that she had already checked the price online.

The Cadillac was listed on the dealership’s website at $63k.

At this point in the video, Mackenzie moves out of the way of the screenshot placed in the clip via the app’s green screen feature.

The screenshot appears to show that the dealership upped the price of the car by $6k in response to added interest in the vehicle.

“We have priced our vehicle very aggressively and we have been getting a lot of inquiries just today,” the dealership’s message reads.

It adds that for this reason, the “price may go up. Our selling price with dealer adds is $69,278.00 + TT&L fees.”

Mackenzie responded expressing her frustration at the car salesperson.

“So you just magically raise the price 6k cause someone is interested?” she asked.

“Seems like a solid way to do business.”

The dealership responded by saying that “all dealerships have their own cost,” and that only the “internet price” was listed at $64k.

Mackenzie then cuts to a screenshot of the company website detailing the cost of the vehicle.

Dealership Tips

Here are some expert tips when purchasing a car from a dealership lot:

  • 1. Set your price: Ensure you’ve calculated your monthly budget before going to the lot. You should include the car’s loan payment, insurance costs, fuel, and regular maintenance.
  • 2. Research: Make sure you know which cars you’re interested in test driving before you reach the dealership.
  • 3. Pre-approval: Secure financing before you go to the dealership. Dealerships may give you a better interest rate if they are competing with an outside bank.
  • 4. Test away: Get behind the wheel before making any payments. A car purchase will be worth thousands of dollars – drivers should ensure they like the drivetrain, steering feel, and comfort of the car before taking it off the lot
  • 5. Haggle: Drivers should always try to negotiate the price. There are so many good cars on the American market – buyers have a strong hand when negotiating price.

Source: Kelley Blue Book

The dealership did not respond immediately to The U.S. Sun’s requests for comment.

Many of Mackenzie’s followers responded in agreement with her decision not to buy.

“This is why they can’t sell any vehicles,” one TikTok user wrote. “They can’t be switching prices on folks.”

“That’s definitely a salesman trying to pocket more money and they can’t do that!” wrote another.

But some were more sympathetic to the dealer.

“Worked in the car business for 10 years,” one user wrote. “Internet price is always below what they paid for the car.

“They do it because of other dealer competition on the internet. Always add 2-3k to the internet $$.”

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