9 Dec, 2025 | Admin | No Comments
New Look’s best gifts for all of the family, from knee-high boots to fairisle knits
Metro journalists select and curate the products that feature on our site. If you make a purchase via links on this page we will earn commission – learn more
We’re in the final few weeks before the big day approaches, yes, we’re talking about Christmas Day for those in denial.
Around now, we’re rushing from shop to shop and website to website to try to bag the best gifts for our long list of recipients. For some of us, we haven’t even started to think of what to get people, but don’t worry, we’ve found somewhere that will save the day for all the family.
New Look has always been one of our favourite go-to high street destinations, and they have got the perfect gift ideas for mums, dads, siblings, partners, in-laws, and the whole clan.
From soft knitwear, cosy slippers, snug pyjamas, luxe-looking lingerie, and more, you won’t have to break the bank to please the loved ones. Instead, you’ll be getting great quality for affordable prices – what’s not to love?
Shop New Look’s Best Gifts for The Family:
Women’s Dark Brown Faux Leather Knee High Boots
Nothing says winter staple like a knee-high boot. This faux leather style isn’t just a one-season wonder; it can work all year round for various occasions. Whether it’s a garden party or drinks with the girlfriends, they’ll be thanking you for months. The boot features the brand's comfort features, including cushioned padding, soft linings and flexible soles, so they won't be in any pain when strutting their stuff.
Women’s Loungeable Cream Ribbed Short Sleeve Shirt and Trousers Pyjama Set
PJs always make the perfect gift for mums, sisters, girlfriends, whoever. We love this simple yet chic style, which comes in not just cream, but also black, grey, oatmeal and pink, so you can easily tick off anyone's colour preference. The contrast black piping elevates the set, giving it a more expensive edge.
Women's Red Floral Lace Sequin Embellished Bra
If you’re really struggling, a stunning lingerie set is a go-to and fail-proof gift. This red floral lace sequin embellished bra is a sure winner, adding a bright pop of colour to their collection, whilst giving them that little confidence boost. It is a push-up style, with adjustable straps so they can adjust to provide the support they need. You can buy the matching red lace trimmed sequin embellished thong for £7.99.
Women’s Silver Glitter Puff Sleeve Midi Dress
Get her ready for New Year's and any special events she might have in the diary with this stunning silver dress. The puff-sleeve and midi-length give it a Kate Middleton-esque finish, resembling a similar style of one of her gorgeous gowns she’s worn before from The Vampire’s Wife. It is designed with an empire waistline, which immediately adds a flattening finish, and a V-neckline that will effortlessly frame any jewellery she might get for Christmas.
Large Silver Diamante Flower Stud Earrings
As the saying goes, diamonds are a girl's best friend, and this playful floral alternative will be a gorgeous addition to her jewellery box. Whether she wears them to finish off a going-out look or wants to add a sparkly upgrade to a more casual ensemble, these will always have her receiving compliments.
Men’s Blue Regular Fit Corduroy Collar Check Jacket
During the winter months, a jacket is always a smart addition to the wardrobe, as with the constant change of temperatures, it allows ease of layering with other items. The cord and check pattern elevates it from a plain look to a style staple.
Men’s Jack & Jones Navy Blue Logo Beanie and Check Scarf Gift Set
This scarf and beanie gift set will make for an excellent stocking filler for any man in your family. The timeless navy blue tones and heritage check allow it to be worn with anything that it’s paired with. So, the next time he’s off to watch the football, heading out with his mates, or going for a winter walk, make sure he’s wrapped up and ready to go.
Men’s Navy Soft Touch Snoodie
Prevent them from constantly stealing your dressing gown on the cold nights with their very own oversized snoodie. Its relaxed, plush fabric makes it wonderful to lounge in, and it even comes with a front pouch so he can keep his essentials close by, especially the TV remote – ideal as a snug night-in staple or a thoughtful festive gift.
Men’s Grey Relaxed Tailored Coat
Polished yet relaxed, this grey tailored coat from New Look strikes the perfect balance between smart-casual and everyday wear. Its clean collar and streamlined button-up design give a refined silhouette and allow for it to be layered with knitwear and formal outfits. So, whether it’s a date night or a day in the office, he’ll be looking suited and booted.
Girls Off White Knit Mini Skirt
When it comes to girls' clothing, we know they’re not the easiest to gift. However, this cute and cosy co-ord will solve that issue instantly. Comprising a mini skirt and a matching off-white knit jumper, which was £19.99, but is now on sale for£11.99, it can be worn together or separately, providing three looks in one. Style with tights and chunky boots for a cool, yet temperature-appropriate outfit.
Girls Dark Blue Low Rise Super Wide Leg Jeans
New Look is known for its amazing ladies' denim, and its girls' styles are no different. This relaxed fit option makes a bold statement, where they will look stylish whilst being comfortable. The wide-cut design gives an effortless, laid-back vibe, making it perfect to pair with the rest of their wardrobe, whether that be a cardi, a jumper, or a simple t-shirt.
Girls Light Brown Faux Suede Lined Ankle Boots
Since Ugg’s took over the mid-2000s, their signature style has become a beloved style of shoe. Combining comfort with practicality, this affordable alternative to the nostalgic design will keep their feet warm and snug. The neutral tone makes them a great match for jeans or leggings, whether you’re going for a casual daytime look or a cosy evening outfit. A versatile
must-have for autumn and winter wardrobes.
Brown Leopard Print Mug and Cream Socks Gift Set
We are true believers that when in doubt, a gift set will take the stress away, and this mug and sock gift set will make a brilliant stocking filler. Whether this is for your nan, mum, sister, girlfriend, or niece, let them sit back and relax in style with the trendy mug and homely foot warmers.
Skinnydip Pink Cherry Beaded Phone Strap
An accessory that has become a highly sought-after item is none other than a phone strap. Not only is it practical to keep your device safe and nearby, but this playful option will have them looking top-notch. The kitsch cherry and heart charms will add a cute and colourful edge to any phone case that they’re paired with.
So what are you waiting for? Head over to New Look now, and get your Christmas shopping started – or finished!
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9 Dec, 2025 | Admin | No Comments
‘I orgasm but feel nothing’: How sexual anhedonia is wrecking men’s pleasure
‘I have never felt what I believe to be a true orgasm.’
These were the words of one helpless 18-year-old on Reddit as he questioned why his climax, something often touted as a treasure trove of pleasure, doesn’t feel as it should.
In fact, there are a few of us who achieve the big-O only to feel… nothing.
This is known as sexual anhedonia, not to be confused with the likes of anorgasmia (difficulty climaxing) or PSSD, which refers to sexual dysfunction due to anti-depressants.
‘I remember masturbating for the first time at 12 and thinking “wait I thought this was supposed to feel amazing…”’ he adds. ‘I have a pretty good sex drive and masturbate regularly with no problem getting hard…
‘When I ejaculate there is no “WOW!” moment, never has been… I wonder if I’m missing out on a key part of life.’
Another man described a similar experience on Mumsnet. ‘If I masturbate or have sex there is literally no pleasure. It’s a “release” but I don’t experience any pleasure when I orgasm,’ he explained.
If this experience holds a mirror up to your own sexual experience, we’ve enlisted the help of a doctor to share what might be going on down there.
What is sexual anhedonia?
‘Basically it’s sex with no feeling, in particular no feeling of orgasm, even though you’re experiencing one,’ Dr Jeff Foster, for Manual.co, tells Metro.
It can affect both men and women but has different names for each. For men, it’s known as ejaculatory anhedonia, and for women it’s referred to as orgasmal anhedonia. We’re also more likely to hear about men’s experience with the condition because there’s less research into the female side of the condition, according to the GP.
‘Men do physically ejaculate and women do physically orgasm, but neither experience the normal pleasure associated with a climax,’ Dr Foster adds.
The doctor has seen patients who also ‘feel sex has no emotion to it’, as well as who lose their libido, have relationship difficulties, or past sexual trauma, if they’ve been suffering with sexual anhedonia.
What causes it?
There are two primary causes: physical or psychological.
‘Physical causes include neurodegenerative conditions like Parkinson’s or dementia, brain trauma, injury or cancer,’ Dr Foster explains. ‘Psychological causes include depression, schizophrenia, and eating disorders.’
All of these have the potential to alter how our brain or nerves receive those pleasure signals from our orgasm. They trigger sexual anhedonia by ‘damaging the parts of the brain relating to pleasure and sex’.
‘Or the condition can be part of a wider spectrum of symptoms relating to mood disorders, if you feel very low sex can become less enjoyable,’ he adds.
Main causes of sexual anhedonia include:
- Psychological issues (e.g., depression, schizophrenia, dissociative disorders).
- Neurochemical imbalances (e.g., low dopamine levels).
- Medication side effects (e.g., antidepressants, antipsychotics).
- Physical conditions (e.g., spinal cord injury, hormone imbalances).
Who is more likely to develop sexual anhedonia?
If we’re generalising, says Dr Foster, those under the age of 35 typically develop it because of a psychological trigger, while those over 35 tend to have a physical cause.
Whatever your age though, you’re more predisposed to sexual anhedonia if you have a mental health condition like depression or anxiety, and if you’re taking SSRIs to help with your symptoms.
You’re also more likely to develop the condition if you have thyroid problems (which cause a hormonal imbalance), chronic stress, or an unhealthy lifestyle.
How do you get a diagnosis?
Sadly there’s no single medical test you can ask for to determine whether you have sexual anhedonia or not, with patients often being referred to urology, gynaecology or even psychiatry.
It’s often a symptom of another condition, so it’s important to determine if it’s one of those first.
‘We need to rule out hormonal conditions like menopause in women, and testosterone deficiency in men,’ Dr Foster explains. ‘It is also important to rule out diabetes (which causes injury to tiny blood vessels), and even neurological conditions like multiple sclerosis.’
All of these can be responsible for reduced sensation, while depression and anorgasmia are also possible misdiagnosis’. Essentially, determining whether you have sexual anhedonia is down to eliminating all other conditions until a trigger is identified.
More on sexual health…
How do you treat it?
There are three avenues of treatment for sexual anhedonia, and your doctor will suggest the right course of treatment based on your specific cause of the condition.
Firstly, there are medication adjustments you can make. ‘Making a change to your antidepressants, and treating hormonal imbalances can be key,’ Dr Foster says.
‘There are also psychological or behavioural treatments like sex therapy, CBT, or PTSD psychotherapy, which can help,’ he adds.
‘Lastly lifestyle factors can be altered, too, such as reducing chronic stress, addressing substance use (alcohol, opioids, stimulants), improving sleep, exercise, and emotional well-being.’
Do you have a story to share?
Get in touch by emailing MetroLifestyleTeam@Metro.co.uk.
I was deeply saddened to hear this morning that the South Yorkshire NHS are ending gluten-free prescriptions.
The impact this will have on coeliacs like myself, is immeasurable, as we face the criminal costs of gluten-free food.
I remember the day my mother finally found me a gluten-free loaf of bread that was actually enjoyable to eat.
I practically cried happy tears, until she told me it cost her £9.
It was from a specialist gluten-free bakery, and sadly that eye-watering total meant it wouldn’t be something I could ever justify buying.
Instead, I settle for a £3.50 loaf of Warburtons gluten-free in my weekly shop, which is still a whole £2.20 more expensive than its gluten equivalent.
The price feels like a punishment for having to eat gluten-free, even though it’s a medical necessity for me. It’s an autoimmune disease which means my body attacks itself if I have even a trace of gluten, and I’ve been free-from ever since being diagnosed seven years ago.
Despite this, retailers and manufacturers inflate the price drastically on gluten free products, which means my weekly shop is more expensive than a regular one – Coeliac UK estimates gluten free shopping adds 35% to the overall cost.
So you can imagine my excitement when I realised that pre-paid cash cards were being offered by the government to help cover the cost of these items.
But my excitement was short-lived. Not only did the card not cover most of the UK, just Wales, but now the NHS have voted to scrap gluten-free prescriptions in South Yorkshire, despite it saving less than 1% of the South Yorkshire Budget.
Prescriptions have saved families and individuals a great deal of money, and can make a huge difference for both their health and finances.
This move is deeply saddening and regressive, especially at a time where people are already dealing with the cost of living crisis.
Secondly, the amount offered on these pre-paid cards (which look like regular bank cards) in the five year pilot scheme varied from person to person, and while they are regularly reviewed, one woman reportedly ended up receiving just £14 a month to help with the cost of gluten-free food.
Just two loaves of the gluten-free bread I buy cost half that – so it’s not exactly life-changing.
The cheapest gluten-free loaf of bread is 6.1 times more expensive than the cheapest gluten containing loaf, according to Coeliac UK.
Did I mention these loaves often come with giant air holes in them – and they’re much smaller, too? You spend more to get less – it’s infuriating.
The card is a great idea in theory, it just needs to have an amount of money on it that will actually cover your gluten free expenses. In an ideal world, brands wouldn’t charge a premium for a smaller product either, but that’s me living in dreamland.
Other food manufacturers should also make an effort to label their product as gluten free, even if it’s not specifically made with coeliacs in mind (as long as there’s no risk of contamination). I’m thinking about sausages which can sometimes be accidentally gluten free or crisps, so we don’t have to pay a surcharge for more expensive brands.
While I may be on an average UK salary, those who are lower earners or who are feeding gluten-free families are hit even harder.
People have suggested I cut out bread altogether, but if I do, my iron and calcium intake could decrease by 96% and 93% respectively. It’s just not healthy for me to do so.
England only has bread and flour available on prescription, and you still have to pay for the item if you aren’t entitled to free prescriptions. So you’ll pay one lump sum of £9.65 for multiple loaves of bread.
But this was better than nothing at all, so for South Yorkshire to takeaway the small help that was offered, is deplorable.
What’s more is coeliacs have to choose between the new card scheme or their prescription. Having both is sadly not an option.
But in my experience, products provided on the prescriptions are simply usually cheaper brands – with bread, for example, that tastes like cardboard.
Prescriptions are also a postcode lottery: a number of Clinical Commissioning Groups (CCG) including the CCG that covers my borough of Kingston Upon Thames, have withdrawn or restricted access to gluten-free food on prescription, which means many people have to buy all of the gluten-free products they eat.
The recent news from South Yorkshire is further proof of this unfair equity.
My monthly spend on gluten-free food typically comes to a minimum of £20 and that’s purely for bread, pasta, a singular bag of chips for emergency meals, and two boxes of cereal.
That’s not including any breakfast bars, chocolate or biscuits – and if I forget lunch and have to buy a ready meal, it’s £4.50 a pop, minimum.
Supermarket sandwiches are almost always more expensive than their non-coeliac friendly alternatives too.
Even if pre-paid cards come to England, they aren’t going to make much of a dent of what gluten-free people have to fork out each month, just so they can eat food that won’t destroy their bodies.
So, this pre-paid cash card is sadly nothing more than a drop in the ocean when it comes to the struggles of coeliacs, and governments across the UK need to do more.
We need sufficient financial support, which I’m not hopeful will ever happen, but for me, around £30 a month would make it more bearable. And for those who live with others, the subsidy needs to be enough to cover gluten free products for the entire household, to keep contamination to a minimum.
I shouldn’t be financially penalised because I lost the genetic lottery, and neither should the 670,000 other diagnosed coeliacs in the UK, but we are dreading the food bill every month.
And £14 won’t change that.
I hope that the NHS can soon realise the physical and economical impacts of being coeliac, and give the support we need.
Do you have a story you’d like to share? Get in touch by emailing Ross.Mccafferty@metro.co.uk.
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9 Dec, 2025 | Admin | No Comments
I pressed the emergency button after 54 hours in labour — nobody helped me
When Rachel Coles gave birth in September 2021, she was in labour for an agonising 54 hours.
She ended up losing three litres of blood due to a haemorrhage that she alleges had been caused by a ‘lack of intervention.’ Emergency sugery followed, but when Rachel came around from the op – confused and exhausted from the two-day ordeal – she says nobody came to help.
Now, a national probe has been launched – and it’s reviewing the maternity care provided under 14 NHS Trusts. Experts have warned that women and babies are not receiving the ‘safe, compassionate care they deserve,’ and Sky News has delivered a new documentary about the perceived failures.
And, since chairing a review into maternity care that started in August, Baroness Valerie Amos has said that the stories she’d heard so far have been ‘much worse’ than she expected.
Amos said she was looking to identify ‘systemic changes’ to improve the quality of care given by maternity units across the country, recounting stories of ‘women bleeding out in bathrooms.’
24 hours after her waters broke, Rachel was not progressing and had not reached 4cm dilation, so she was placed on an antenatal ward while experiencing ‘severe contractions.’
‘My husband was sent home and was told he could only come back when I was going to be admitted to the labour ward,’ Rachel, who is 29 and lives in Essex, tells Metro.
Two days after she first went into labour, she was still on the antenatal unit where she was given a sweep. ‘I did not consent to it and it should not have been done as my waters had broken,’ she adds, noting that after six hours of labouring on that day, she was finally given a bed. Up to this point, the only pain relief she’d had access to was gas and air.
After several pleas, she was given an epidural – but it failed twice and had to be redone.
‘After what felt like forever, I got told I was ready to push. At this point, the epidural had completely worn off and I could feel the pressure,’ she says.
It took two hours of pushing to get her son out, while several doctors were concerned that he would ‘get stuck.’
Concerningly, while she was pushing, Rachel overheard one doctor say that ‘we should have given her a c-section hours ago’ – a comment which gave her a final burst of energy and, subsequently, her son was born.
However, Rachel’s problems didn’t end there. As she had been experiencing contractions for over 50 hours and had been on a Pitocin drip for ‘longer than recommended,’ her placenta had started to ‘disintegrate’ inside her.
‘When they gave me the injection to birth the placenta, it broke up and left a small tear in my uterus, which caused me to lose three litres of blood,’ she details. ‘About 20 doctors’ ran into the room, and she was handed a form to consent to surgery that could’ve ended in a full hysterectomy if they could not stop the bleeding.
Three hours later, she woke up – but the midwives never ‘really explained’ what had happened. She wasn’t offered any aftercare and was told if she wanted more information, that she needed to book a ‘birth reflection review’ – an appointment that was only scheduled almost three years after she gave birth.
‘I started to see a private therapist who diagnosed me with PTSD due to the birth trauma,’ Rachel reflects.
‘It took me a long time, but I am now recovered. I do want a second child, but my concerns are still there, and I do think the trauma might resurface if I were to be pregnant and be approaching birth.’
‘I remember pressing the emergency button after I’d come out of surgery and a lady came in and said she couldn’t help me, said it wasn’t her baby, wasn’t her problem and walked out and left me there,’ she recalled.
Resources on birth trauma
If you’ve been impacted by birth trauma and would like to access support, the following organisations do just that:
- The Birth Trauma Association (BTA) supports all people who have had a traumatic birth experience
- The Stillbirth and Neonatal Death Charity (SANDS) is a national charity in the United Kingdom that provides support to anyone affected by the death of a baby
- PANDAS Foundation UK provides information and support for anyone experiencing a mental health problem during or after pregnancy.
News of the latest probe reflects longstanding concerns relating to maternal healthcare in the UK. In 2023, the House of Lords found that Black women were at a greater risk of maternal mortality in the UK between 2018 and 2020 when compared with white women – and were 3.7 times more likely to die in the first year after pregnancy.
‘Giving birth should be safe. They should have explained to me what happened in surgery and why I bled out. Thinking that you’re going to die in what should be the happiest moment of your life is a hard pill to swallow,’ Rachel says.
‘There was blood splattered up the wall everywhere’
After giving birth to her first child 16 years ago, in March 2008, Beccy Dickson had a post-partum haemorrhage. Doctors only realised something was wrong when she turned grey because she’d lost so much blood.
When she went to the toilet after giving birth, she realised that something was wrong as she passed an ‘enormous’ lump of blood. Telling the nurse what happened, she was told ‘what do you expect? You’ve just given birth.’
‘To my memory, there was blood splattered up the wall everywhere. The nurses just didn’t seem to think there was a problem,’ Beccy, who is 41 and lives in Kent, says.
‘Around midnight, the nurse came over and realised that I was turning an impossible shade of grey. Once they understood the magnitude of what was happening, they rushed me off to A&E. I had lost a serious amount of blood, and it was too late to sedate me, so while on gas and air. The doctor extracted a shopping bag full of blood clots out of me.
‘The nurses apologised for not recognising there was a problem. My midwife followed up and told me that a woman who had decided on a home birth that same day had had the same – postpartum haemorrhage – and had died as they couldn’t get her to the hospital quickly enough.
‘I remember lying on the bed after the surgery before the blood transfusion, looking at my baby girl, thinking how beautiful she was and that I could die happy,’ she adds – a similar experience to Rachel, who said as she was bleeding out, she knew at least that her son would have a ‘good life with his dad.’
Like Rachel, 41-year-old Meg Hill was left with PTSD after giving birth. On her due date, she had to unexpectedly attend the hospital after suffering an accident and was subsequently injured. When she and her husband arrived, though, she felt abandoned by the staff.
‘From this point, the lack of care was evident and set the tone for labour,’ Meg, who lives in Stockport, tells Metro.
‘We’d rushed to the hospital because I’d damaged my spine and ribs, so we didn’t take my notes with us. My husband was sent home for them before we even found out if our baby was okay.’
The care that she did receive didn’t feel personalised, either.
‘From the moment I arrived in hospital in labour, I wasn’t helped, it was like I was just a parcel on a conveyor belt,’ Meg recalls.
‘Nobody tried to help alleviate my fear, nobody made any suggestions about how I could do things differently – I wasn’t encouraged to keep active or re-try the pool for pain relief (I got out because it was too cold).’
And when her baby was delivered, she lost a significant amount of blood – so much that she felt weak afterwards when she arrived at the postnatal ward.
However, she wasn’t helped by staff as she struggled to walk, and her doctors repeatedly referred to her as the ‘forceps delivery’ on ‘more than one occasion because it had been incorrectly written into the notes.’
The aftercare she received was shocking, too – and she was even gaslit by a medical professional.
‘We went for a birth debrief with a senior midwife, hoping that would help alleviate some of the stress, but the notes didn’t match up with what we remembered happening,’ Meg details.
‘The midwife tried to blame that on the medication I’d taken during the birth – except my husband also remembered it the same way as me and he didn’t have any.’
This article was first published on May 19, 2024.
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9 Dec, 2025 | Admin | No Comments
Is this adjustable pillow the secret to perfect sleep? I put it to the test
Metro journalists select and curate the products that feature on our site. If you make a purchase via links on this page we will earn commission – learn more
I’ll be the first to admit it: My old pillow is rubbish.
Overused to the point that I could probably post it as a large letter, my pillow has certainly seen better days, and I’d be lying if I said I treated myself to a new one very often.
The irony is that I’m very particular about my pillows – I love them bouncy yet firm and with *just* the perfect amount of give. I also find it very hard to find pillows that suit my (very particular) preferences.
So, when I saw the Adjustable HoneyFoam™ Pillow from The Fine Bedding Co I got excited. Could this extremely fancy-looking pillow be my sleep saviour?
The Fine Bedding Co Adjustable HoneyFoam™ Pillow
A uniquely soft yet supportive adjustable pillow, the HoneyFoam Pillow has been designed to adapt to you – whether you’re a side, back or front sleeper – delivering the perfect balance of support, comfort and spinal alignment thanks to its unique HoneyFoam clusters.
The Fine Bedding Co agrees that all these one-size-fits-all pillows we’re used to withstanding don’t necessarily fit the bill, so to help us get the ~perfect~ level of firmness they released a pillow that could be personalised and adjusted to suit you.
A uniquely soft yet supportive adjustable pillow, the HoneyFoam Pillow has been designed to adapt to you – whether you’re a side, back or front sleeper – delivering the perfect balance of support, comfort and spinal alignment for your best night’s sleep.
But how, we hear you ask? It’s all down to the HoneyFoam clusters that fill each pillow which are made from the brand’s sustainably superior memory foam.
These little hexagon-shaped clusters (that look like honeycomb, hence the name) mould to your head and neck while promoting better airflow than traditional foam blocks used by other brands.
For a fully personalised sleep, you can simply unzip the pillow and remove the desired amount of foam clusters to adjust it to your optimal height and firmness. It really is that easy.
You’re given a little fabric bag to store your surplus clusters in, too. They’ve really thought of everything.
Did you know?
A whopping 97% of Brits have admitted to losing sleep simply because their pillow wasn’t comfortable, according to new research from The Fine Bedding Company.
The solution may just be a personalised pillow that allows you to achieve your perfect firmness that supports and cushions, letting you chop and change when you want more or less density.
All wrapped up in a supersoft, quilted cover for cushioned comfort that’s easy to wash and refresh at home, you’ve got what could potentially be regarded as the ‘perfect pillow’.
An all-in-one soft, medium or firm support pillow that makes sleep more personal than ever. Ooh la la.
You can even buy replacement HoneyFoam™ clusters and outer covers to help keep everything fresh and bouncy – but I’ve not had to utilise that yet.
Because yes, I’ve loved this pillow from the moment I laid my head upon it.
How does a HoneyFoam Pillow look
Boasting a fresh white honeycomb quilted cover with yellow piping, there’s no denying this pillow looks the part.
It’s puffy and bounces back after every use, meaning it’s always ready for bedtime – looking elegant alone or stacked with another pillow.
While I would, of course, usually use the pillow with a cover (it fills out all my pillowcases with ease), I had to get a photo of it simply bare in all its cloud-like glory. How smart does it look? I love it.
The fun really begins when you unzip the cover and find within an inner mesh bag filled with all your golden HoneyFoam clusters.
How does a HoneyFoam Pillow feel
While we’re on the subject of the memory foam clusters, let me tell you that they’re incredibly soft and springy. I can’t describe the feeling of plunging my hand into the pool of foam but it’s now part of my nightly de-stressing ritual (I jest, but they are incredibly soft).
This utter softness to the touch is translated into the feeling beneath your head, and while it’s as soft and springy as a cloud, you feel like you’re being supported in a whole new way.
That’s probably down to the fact that this pillow has been designed with support at the forefront – helping to align your spine and reduce aches and pains. All I know is that I’ve been sleeping like a dream ever since it’s been on my bed.
I keep all my HoneyFoam clusters in the pillow and it gives me the perfect medium/firm feel, and while I do tend to favour more firm pillows, this one gave me the perfect amount of support throughout the night.
What I also love about this pillow is that it holds its shape night after night. No more pillow folding for me.
How much does a HoneyFoam Pillow cost
This pillow comes in at £99, and while at first that may feel on the pricier side, this new discovery is more than just one pillow. Hear me out…
Whether you use it in the guest room or keep it for yourself, the Adjustable HoneyFoam™ Pillow gives you the power of every type of pillow in one.
Want a super-soft feel? You’ve got it. Prefer that squishy medium? Add a few clusters. Prefer it at its firmest? Load in the HoneyFoam. You’ve got every possibility at your fingertips.
Plus, can you really put a price on great sleep? I don’t think so…
So, would I recommend this new pillow from The Fine Bedding Co? Absolutely yes. This pillow is personal comfort in a quilted cover and I am absolutely obsessed.
Eco-consciousness to be proud of
The pillow has been built with sustainability at its heart, using HoneyFoam™ – a new, lower-impact memory foam with a 50% reduced carbon footprint.
This incredible material has been created through a biomass balance production method, replacing fossil fuel-based raw materials with 37% renewable alternatives – such as waste by-products from vegetable oil and other industries.
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9 Dec, 2025 | Admin | No Comments
‘Lightning bum’ is the shock symptom striking Brits several times a month
If you’ve been minding your own business and suddenly experienced a sharp zap of pain shooting down into your butt – you aren’t alone.
In fact, you’ve probably just been struck by a medical phenomenon called’lightning bum’.
It’s pretty unpleasant and often elicits a gasp or *ouch* when it rips through us out of nowhere, but before you know it, the pain has vanished without trace.
Well, there’s a reason you experience this, and it could point to something more sinister when it comes to our health, so pay attention…
What is lightning bum?
It’s a colloquial term doctor Hana Patel explains is used to describe a ‘sudden, sharp, electric shock-like pain in and around the rectum’.
‘These sensations often last a few seconds but can definitely be intense enough to stop someone in their tracks,’ the doctor for Superdrug Online Doctor tells Metro.
‘Medically, this type of pain often relates to spasms of the anal or pelvic floor muscles.’
Dr Patel adds it can even feel similar to a muscle cramp but far more abrupt and severe, before fading away.
Now you may also know this pain as ‘lightning crotch’ – a common pregnancy side effect – which refers to the same pain but just in the lower pelvis or vagina. That’s because this pain can radiate into both these areas, as well as the tailbone, rectum, legs, or lower abdomen, according to the GP.
While the number of Brits affected is unclear because it’s such an underreported symptom, for those experiencing this pain it can happen several times per year or month.
Who does lightning bum strike and why?
As if we didn’t have enough on our plates, lightning bum is more often reported in women, rather than men. This doesn’t mean men can’t experience the same symptom, though.
‘It can affect anyone, but due to gynaecological conditions that cause pain to occur in the rectum, and hormonal fluctuations which influence nerve sensitivity in the pelvis, not to mention pregnancy, it’s reported more often by women,’ Dr Patel says.
She adds that while lightning bum isn’t anything to worry about on its own, it could point to a deeper health problem – so it’s best to get it checked out.
Which health issues does lightning bum point to?
There are six main health problems that could be causing these lightning strikes of pain, according to Dr Patel.
The first is proctalgia fugax – a spasm of the anal sphincter muscle that causes sudden rectal pain lasting seconds to minutes. The doctor explains it’s surprisingly common, with up to 18% of people experiencing it at some point, who are typically aged 30 to 60 years old.
It’s not a serious or life-threatening condition, with many people never seeking medical help for it, but there are a few treatments you can try.
‘They focus on muscle relaxation through warm baths, gentle stretching, pelvic floor physiotherapy or, in severe cases, medications that relax the muscles,’ Dr Patel adds.
Endometriosis is another problem lightning bum could point to. ‘This is because it affects structures behind the uterus, including the rectum,’ she explains. ‘When lesions irritate pelvic nerves or nearby tissue, they can trigger sudden, sharp rectal pain, especially around menstruation.’
Pelvic floor spasms can also be responsible for this pain, which involves your muscles contracting involuntarily, and can be treated by physiotherapy. Irritable Bowel Syndrome can also be indicated as a result.
Also, lightning bum could point to Nerve Compression Syndrome, which simply means you have a trapped or squeezed nerve, and a doctor can advise on whether physical therapy will remedy it or surgery or medications would be better suited.
Lastly, those pesky Sexually Transmitted Infections could also be causing this pain.
‘STIs such as gonorrhoea, chlamydia, and herpes can infect the rectum directly, leading to inflammation, nerve irritation, or muscle spasm that may cause sharp pain,’ Dr Patel adds.
More on your health and wellness…
Treating lightning bum
Obviously if your lightning bum is persistent you should see your GP who can identify if one of the above is causing your pain.
But to treat the symptom itself, there are some at-home techniques you can try.
These include warm baths and heat packs, relaxation or breathing techniques, pelvic floor physiotherapy, avoiding constipation and gentle stretching or yoga, according to the doctor.
Just remember, you shouldn’t live in discomfort, and while talking about lightning bum may feel awkward, it could do you the world of good in the long run.
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8 Dec, 2025 | Admin | No Comments
Last-minute Christmas shopping? M&S offers next-day delivery on these festive hampers from £20
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This might have been the year you swore your festive shopping would be sorted early, and you’d have the presents bought and bowed up before Michael Bublé had even thawed.
But now December 25th is fast approaching, and you’re worried your loved ones may have to suffer a last minute bottle of fizz from the petrol station…
Well, fear not, as M&S is here to save the day with a range of festive hampers, and there’s next-delivery available to save your bacon.
The Perfect Blend Coffee & Cake Letterbox Gift is just £20 and makes an ideal treat for any coffee lover. Inside, there are three varieties of aromatic coffee sachets, including Jump Start, House Blend, and Italian.
They can also satisfy their sweet tooth with an irresistible selection of moist Carrot Cake, Chocolate Biscuits, Millionaire’s Shortbreads, Chocolate Flapjacks, and M&S’s beloved Chocolate Coated Custard Creams.
You can add a personalised message to make it extra special, and with hundreds of glowing reviews, it’s clear this thoughtful gift is one that’s guaranteed to delight.
Tea lovers can be treated to the Festive Afternoon Tea Letterbox Gift, which is also £20, and brimming with delightful Victoria Sandwich Cakes, Carrot Cakes, Millionaire’s Shortbread Bars, and buttery Shortbread Biscuits, all washed down with a comforting cup of M&S Luxury Gold Tea.
M&S is renowned for its irresistible sweet treats, and who doesn’t love a bit of Percy for a sugary pick-me-up? The Christmas Sweet Selection Letterbox Gift is packed with festive favourites, including a Percy Pig™ Merry Percymas treat, a seasonal Colin and Connie Christmas Time duo, Jolly Jellies, Cinnamon Bun Bites, and indulgent Gold Chocolate Coins.
Need to push the boat out for your boujee mate? The M&S Collection Hamper, priced at £55, is packed with a generous selection from the brand’s premium range. Inside, they’ll find Collection British Ale and Caramelised Onion Chutney, Collection Cornish Cruncher® All Butter Biscuits, and Rye Sourdough Crackers for the ultimate savoury spread.
For something sweet, there are Milk Chocolate Florentines and classic Collection Shortbread Fingers, and it all pairs beautifully with a bottle of M&S Classics Côtes du Rhône.
And if you fancy treating a loved one to some festive bubbles, The Pop The Prosecco Gift Box is £35, and features a bottle of M&S Collection Colle Del Principe Valdobbiadene Prosecco with Blond Chocolate with Italian Almonds and Golden Blond Salted Caramels, all presented in a sleek wooden gift box.
Most of the hampers offer next day delivery until 5pm on December 22 for delivery on December 23, so you should be covered for those last-minute panics!
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8 Dec, 2025 | Admin | No Comments
How a £3 pill dubbed ‘Ozempic for drinkers’ could cut your December bingeing
It’s been the year of Ozempic and Mounjaro, with 1.5 million people in the UK now estimated to be taking the weight loss injections.
But as 2025 approaches its crescendo, there’s another drug people are looking to in their quest for moderation — but it’s booze, not food, that it targets.
Naltrexone – referred to as ‘Ozempic for drinkers’ – been praised on social media for helping those struggling with alcohol overconsumption to cut down.
Just as the drug for type 2 diabetics does, it targets the brain’s reward pathways to reduce cravings. While Ozempic works to reduce appetite, naltrexone blocks the pleasurable effects of alcohol and reduces the urge to drink.
Think it sounds ideal for Christmas party season? Here’s everything you need to know about it, from how it works to how it’s prescribed.
What is naltrexone?
Dr Suzanne Wylie, GP and medical adviser for IQdoctor tells Metro that naltrexone is a medication that ‘works by blocking the effects of opioids in the brain, which can help reduce the pleasurable effects associated with drinking alcohol.’
‘By doing so, it may help individuals who are trying to reduce their alcohol intake or quit drinking entirely. When taken as prescribed, naltrexone can decrease the urge to consume alcohol, making it easier for individuals to stick to their recovery goals,’ Dr Suzanne adds.
Though it’s gathered the colloquial nickname ‘Ozempic for drinkers,’ Suzanne notes that it’s important to clarify that the two medications serve different purposes.
Ozempic, a brand of semaglutide, is ‘primarily used for weight management and diabetes, while naltrexone is an opioid antagonist used to help reduce alcohol cravings and consumption.’
So, how does it help people reduce their alcohol consumption?
Dr Deepali Misra-Sharp, who is a clinical lead for both substance misuse and women’s health, tells Metro that it works by reducing cravings, and has been shown to reduce both the ‘frequency and severity of relapse, especially in people committed to cutting down or quitting.’
Likewise, Dr Deepali adds that ‘by diminishing the reward associated with alcohol, naltrexone increases the likelihood of maintaining abstinence.’
How is naltrexone prescribed?
Naltrexone is only availble with a prescription, but you can access it privately or on the NHS.
As Dr Deepali outlines, it’s prescribed through NHS GPs, who can assess a patient’s alcohol use and determine if the treatment is appropriate.
They can also make referrals to a specialist alcohol treatment service, which might use psychological support alongside the drug.
‘These treatment approaches are typically most successful when combined with ongoing support, lifestyle changes, and therapies tailored to the individual’s needs,’ explains Dr Deepali.
Naltrexone can also be purchased privately for about £100 a month following a consultaion – or £3 per pill – but many users end up saving money by not buying alcohol.
Naltrexon users say the drug is ‘miraculous’
We’re sorry to inform you Naltrexone isn’t really for people who want to limit their alcohol intake as a one-off, so you’ll need to stick to old-fashioned self-control for your Christmas party.
But for those who drink regularly, and have developed a more serious dependency, it can be a game-changer.
Kate, who chose not to share her surname, described the impact as ‘miraculous’. After the birth of her second child, Katie – who runs her business from home, as well as homeschooling her children – began drinking frequently.
‘I was drinking every night for weeks straight,’ she told the Daily Mail. ‘And it was impacting my family.’
Desperate for a solution, Katie started taking naltrexone a couple of months ago.
‘It’s doing something to my brain, I’m already drinking less, having far more sober days, and feel more mindful when I do drink,’ she said. ‘Looking back to where I was, I can hardly recognise myself now.’
Is naltrexone the only treatment available to help with alcohol consumption?
Beyond counselling and lifestyle changes, naltrexone isn’t the only medical way to combat excessive alcohol consumption. As Suzanne adds, drugs called acamprosate and disulfiram work in a similar way.
The first works to ‘restore the balance of neurotransmitters in the brain that alcohol disrupts,’ while the second causes ‘unpleasant reactions’ to alcohol and, thus, acts as a deterrent for consuming excessive amounts.
What are the dangers of overconsuming alcohol?
Dr Deepali explains that one of the biggest dangers of overconsuming alcohol is liver disease, of which excessive drinking is the leading cause in the UK.
‘Many people are unaware of the damage they’re doing to their liver, as symptoms often appear only when the disease has progressed to an advanced stage,’ she says
Likewise, alcohol is a known carcinogen – and, as Dr Deepali tells Metro, is responsible for at least seven types of cancer, including breast, liver, mouth and throat.
‘Cancer Research UK highlights that alcohol-related cancer risk increases from the very first drink, and there is no “safe” level of consumption in terms of cancer risk,’ Dr Deepali notes.
Elsewhere, excessive alcohol consumption can also impact heart health – but consumed in moderation, it can actually be beneficial in this area.
‘While moderate drinking has been linked to some cardiovascular benefits, excessive alcohol consumption leads to high blood pressure, which is a major risk factor for stroke and heart disease,’ Dr Deepali explains.
If you want to understand more about your drinking you can contact Drinkaware here.
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8 Dec, 2025 | Admin | No Comments
The best affordable jewellery gifts that feel luxe without the luxury price tag
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We love nothing more than giving gifts to our loved ones and seeing their faces light up. While we know many are happy with a heartfelt message in a Christmas card, and a box of their favourite chocolates, we know we can do better.
Now we don’t quite have the budget for luxury brands, and diamonds, but we can find a happy medium in the form of premium looking jewellery that looks more expensive than it actually costs. Win win!
What we love about gifting jewellery, and even receiving jewellery, is it is a keepsake we can treasure forever. Some may wear their initial pendant every day, never take off their signet ring, while others may keep their treasured belongings for special occasions.
If you want to go all out for your gift, you can do, as some jewellery brands offer engraving too. Though this may come at an extra charge.
As a serious jewellery obsessive, we take finding stunning jewellery for affordable prices very seriously. So, here are our favourite designer-inspired accessories to gift this Christmas – and any special occasion for that matter.
Sif Jakobs Imperia Pianura Piccolo Sterling Silver Yellow Gold Plated Intricate Knot Ring
Sif Jakobs is a popular jewellery brand many know and love, and one of our personal favourites is the Knot Ring, which is very similar to the Engelbert Legacy Minbi Knot ring that retails for £1600 and Celine’s £300 Knot Ring. It is gold plated sterling silver, and has a width of 8.5mm.
HS Edit ORGANIC Sterling Silver & 18ct Yellow Gold Plated Large Organic Link T-Bar Bracelet
If you prefer chunky statement jewellery, this T-Bar Link Bracelet is one worth investing in. Made from recycled brass and silver, and it is hypoallergenic, which means it won’t cause any irritation on your wrist – essential. The chunky link and mixed metal are two trends nailed in one. It retails for just under £100, but you are actually saving thousands when you consider the price of David Yurman’s DY Mercer Bracelet that costs £3,800.
H. Samuel Sterling Silver Gold Plated Clover Malachite & CZ Pendant Necklace
I love a pendant, especially when it’s worn on its own so it shines out even more. This necklace with a clover charm in green Malachite also features cubic zirconia gems around the perimeter, which gives the illusion this necklace is far more luxe than it is. We have all seen the iconic Van Cleef & Arpels Alhambra draped on the necks of the rich and famous, but we think our purse strings would prefer to avoid the £3,000 price tag of the designer label. Can you tell the difference?
H. Samuel Sterling Silver Gold Plated 12mm Knot Stud Earrings
We have long replaced our small pearl studs for chunky hoops, but we do love a chunky stud like these Knot Stud Earrings, which are a happy medium between the two.
Olivia Burton Lovers Knot Women's Gold Tone Hinged Bangle
Keep the knot theme going this Christmas with Olivia Burton’s Lovers Knot Gold Bangle. The gold tone bracelet measures 598mm x 467mm. It is easy to slip on and off your wrist, plus it’s easy to style too. We had to double take when we first glanced at this statement arm candy because it looks very similar to Celine’s Extra Thin Knot Bracelet that costs £355.
Ania Haie Dance Til' Dawn 14ct Gold Plated CZ Dome Earrings
We mentioned our love for chunky jewellery, but we will say it again. These hoops fit the brief perfectly. They are chubby drop down hoops, almost crescent shape, which is a refreshing spin on the classic huggie, plus it features a bedazzling cubic zirconia gem that are very similar to a pair we saw online at VRAI for a staggering £1,812.
Save yourself money, remortgaging the house and any arguements this Christmas, but sending someone the link to this article pronto – and make sure you get what you really want on December 25.
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8 Dec, 2025 | Admin | No Comments
This is why you wake up with a weird taste in your mouth sometimes
For many of us, the moment we first wake up in the morning isn’t pretty -from messy bed head to drool on our chin and a gross taste in our mouth.
But why is it that we get morning breath even though we haven’t eaten anything in hours and brushed our teeth before bed?
According to dentist Dr Sofina Ahmed at Viva Dental, there are several reasons why, and it turns out your saliva, how well you slept, and your sinuses could all be playing a big part.
If you’ve been struggling with weird tastes in your mouth, here’s everything you need to know about what’s causing it, as well as some top tips to smell fresh as a daisy in the morning…
Why do we get morning breath?
When we sleep, our production of saliva lessens and only continues to decrease if we sleep with our mouth open or breathe through our mouth.
This lack of saliva means that your mouth doesn’t clean itself as it should, allowing bacteria with an odour to thrive, especially around your tongue.
‘This paves the way to not only morning breath but also a bitter taste,’ Dr. Ahmed, from Viva Dental, says.
Why do I taste salt or blood when I wake up?
A salty or ‘bloody’ taste in your mouth first thing in the morning is linked to your nose and could be a sign that something is wrong with your sinuses.
You could have an infection, an allergy or a condition like rhinitis, which can trigger post-nasal drip – this is where mucus drips down the back of your throat during sleep.
‘This mucus can carry bacteria, inflammation byproducts, even tiny traces of blood from irritated tissues. This often leads to the lingering salty and metallic taste,’ Dr Ahmed explains.
What does a sour or metallic taste mean?
Throughout the night, your saliva becomes acidic as bacteria in your mouth break down any leftover sugars or food debris. This acidity can impact your taste buds, tooth enamel, and the overall ‘freshness’ of your mouth.
Laryngopharyngeal reflux, also known as silent reflux, can also play an ‘instrumental role’ in causing an odd taste in your mouth. This is a condition where stomach acid and enzymes travel back into the throat and voice box, but without causing the typical heartburn or indigestion of acid reflux.
‘Even without usual symptoms, stomach acid can sneak up into your throat and mouth at night, coating the tongue and leaving a sour or metallic taste that lingers into the next morning,’ Dr Ahmed warns.
Your sleep hygiene could be impacting your taste buds
If you aren’t suffering from any of the conditions above, you might want to consider how well you’ve been sleeping lately, as Dr Ahmed reveals that ‘poor sleep hygiene can distort how you perceive flavour’.
She shares: ‘If you find that you wake with a dull taste in your mouth, snore, gasp when you sleep or feel like your sleep isn’t restorative, it may signal that your sleep is affecting your taste as well as your energy.’
Those with sleep apnoea have it the worst, though, as they can lose sensitivity to foods that are sweet, salty, sour and bitter, according to the dentist.
How to avoid morning breath
Dr Ahmed claims there are several things you can try to make ‘a significant difference’ to how fresh you feel in the morning. Her first top tip is to stay hydrated by drinking a glass of water before bed and having one on your bedside table.
‘A dry mouth increases a bad taste by letting bacteria proliferate. Ensure that you keep hydrated throughout the day,’ she advises.
Next, stimulate saliva in the evening by chewing sugar-free gum. This encourages saliva production and helps flush out debris.
She also recommends adding a tongue scraper to your nightly routine when getting ready for bed.
‘Brushing the tongue helps remove tongue coating (dead cells, debris, bacteria) shown to correlate strongly with bad morning taste,’ Dr Ahmed adds.
And finally, don’t forget to floss and use antibacterial or neutral pH mouthwash to clean the inside of the cheeks and under the tongue.
This article was first published on September 22, 2025.
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