6 Sep, 2025 | Admin | No Comments
I had surgery – the doctor’s main concern was my partner’s sex life
‘Is there anything else you’d like to ask?’, the surgeon queried.
‘You wanted to ask if your cervix was being removed,’ my husband Chris prompted me.
It was my final appointment before my extensive endometriosis surgery, which would also see me having a hysterectomy aged 33 after suffering with adenomyosis.
I’m not even sure if Chris knows what the cervix was, or why I wanted to know if I would lose it along with my uterus and fallopian tubes, but he remembered that it was important to me.
The surgeon turned in his chair, away from me – the person whose life and body were about to change forever – to look my husband squarely in the face and say: ‘I see you’ve read that removing the cervix can impact male sexual pleasure. I’ll leave it in for you if she promises to be good and still get her smears.’
Chris, who had never read anything on the role of the cervix in sexual pleasure, looked at me in a mild state of panic. This was the first time he had just witnessed the medical misogyny I had been telling him about for years and had no idea what he was supposed to say now.
I, on the other hand, just sat there wearily. This response had almost become expected.
My endometriosis symptoms appeared when I was 11-years-old. I was in excruciating pain and bleeding heavily from my very first period.
My mum, who had endometriosis herself and was able to spot early warning signs, took me to a doctor. I was told it was perfectly normal – ‘just one of those things’ – and advised to go on the pill to sort everything out.
For the next 22 years, I just about managed but missed school, social occasions and normal teenage life. If I did go out I’d be in agony, terrified that I’d bleed through the period products I was layering up, barely registering what was happening around me.
I saw doctors repeatedly but the outcome was always the same: ‘It’s normal’, they’d say.
What are the symptoms of endometriosis?
Endometriosis is where cells similar to those in the lining of your uterus grow in other parts of the body.
It also sometimes impacts organs such as the bladder and bowel.
Symptoms can occur when patches of endometriosis break down and bleed during your period, but are unable to leave your body.
During your period, symptoms can include:
- Severe period pain
- Heavy periods that see you change pads or tampons every couple of hours
At any time in your menstrual cycle, the following symptoms may occur:
- Pain during or after sex
- Stomach and back pain
- Fatigue
It can take a long time to diagnose endometriosis, due to the fact it can be similar to other conditions like fibroids or IBS.
Chris and I met in 2010 and he was always attentive, supportive and kind but at first he thought I was ‘just being a bit dramatic’ about my periods. It wasn’t until 2021 that he started to realise that what was happening wasn’t normal – that something was very wrong.
At that point, after reading the book Period Power, by Maisie Hill, I realised I simply didn’t know what my cycles were like without medical intervention, so, aged 32, I came off the pill for the first time since I was 11.
Within a few months though the debilitating symptoms became daily – I would often vomit and pass out from pain and blood loss.
The only silver lining was that, after getting to that physical and emotional state, a doctor finally listened and, after two decades, I was finally diagnosed with endometriosis and adenomyosis.
It was terrifying how quickly our whole world became these conditions. Chris’s goals, plans and dreams all took second place to my rapidly declining health and I had to close my business, leaving him as the sole financial earner.
I was also near-bedbound for weeks at a time, so he took on almost all household tasks making him a carer for his wife effectively overnight.
As for our sex life, it all but disappeared as it had become too painful to even contemplate (a common symptom of both endometriosis and adenomyosis).
In May 2022, I had surgery with a private gynaecologist, who had assured me he would ‘solve the issue’, but the surgeon missed significant disease, including deep infiltrating endometriosis, and an 8x13cm section of disease that put my kidneys at risk of failure.
Women as young as 17 are being told to ‘get pregnant’ to ease chronic pain
An investigation by Metro in partnership with Endometriosis UK can reveal that more than three-quarters of women with endometriosis have been told to get pregnant by doctors, a figure the charity has labelled a healthcare ‘scandal’.
The finding comes despite the fact that there is no clinical evidence to support pregnancy as a long-term solution.
Emma Prach was just 17 when her doctor advised that getting pregnant could stop her endometriosis pain, which caused her to regularly vomit, cry and pass out.
Emma, who is now 21, told Metro that she was unsure if she even wanted kids. ‘The suggestion took my breath away,’ she said. ‘I felt so hopeless.’
So, by the time we sat down with an endometriosis specialist in 2023, my mental health was shattered.
I had tried everything I could to relieve my symptoms – lifestyle changes, increasing amounts of pain relief, hot water bottles that burned my skin – and while decades of hormonal intervention had helped to a degree, it had also enabled the disease to progress unchecked.
I couldn’t see a life beyond pain, and that was not a life I wanted to live anymore. I was desperate.
That’s when I asked about a hysterectomy.
A hysterectomy is major surgery – especially when coupled with extensive excision of endometriosis – but the surgeon agreed that it was likely the best course of action in my case, despite being in my early 30s.
By this point, I just wanted my uterus gone. And I was validated when, after the operation, my surgeon told me: ‘We did the right thing at the right time, that was one diseased organ!’
Then he turned to Chris: ‘Don’t worry my friend, she’ll be good to go in six weeks’. It felt like the clock had started slowly ticking down to when I would be ‘ready’ to have sex again.
It’s important to add here that no pressure around sex came from Chris. It all stemmed from societal expectations of what a ‘good’ sex life is – boldly underlined by both of my surgeon’s comments.
For weeks, as I edged closer to that supposedly magical six-week mark, I worried. Would sex be awful now? Would it feel different? For me? For Chris? Would he want me anymore!?
As it turns out, sex was better – for both of us.
It wasn’t perfect, if that even exists – my pelvic muscles had been in such a state of trauma for so long that it was never going to be solved overnight – but it was no longer an excruciating experience that neither of us wanted to engage in.
Truthfully, sex is still a consideration over two years after surgery, but both of us have evolved our understanding and enjoyment of sex and intimacy now, which has brought us closer together than ever before.
Life post-hysterectomy is mixed: I was never overly maternal, but I valued my choice and having that option irreversibly taken off the table has been hard emotionally. And, as I write, I am still in pain.
Whilst ridding me of the adenomyosis, a hysterectomy is not a cure for endometriosis and it continues to wreak havoc on my health – my latest MRI shows that there is disease present again on multiple organs, fusing others together, causing daily pain and other symptoms.
Yet, slowly, Chris and I are moving forward again, working on our sex life on our own timescale and making accommodations for my still unpredictable health, together.
Do you have a story you’d like to share? Get in touch by emailing jess.austin@metro.co.uk.
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6 Sep, 2025 | Admin | No Comments
From Space NK to Dunelm – this is everything a shopping expert is buying
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
Wow, what a week it’s been! Having witnessed all four seasons in one day, we’re still clinging on to the last spritz of the summer.
Still, our shopping expert isn’t as optimistic and has been spotted wearing her favourite jumpers from last season already – and curated quite the Trend Trove of gorgeous, autumnal items – ranging from fashion, beauty, home goods and so much more.
So, much like The Summer I Turned Pretty’s burning question: Team Jerimiah or Team Conrad, are you too, ready to say hello to sweater weather? Either way, you should still read on as you’re about to witness a plethora of shopping must-haves, along with the latest news.
There might not have been any star-studded engagements, but we did have an official royal one! Yes, The Princess of Wales, Kate Middleton was seen out and about, rocking her gorgeous new ‘do. While visiting the newly transformed gardens at the Natural History Museum – where she’s been patron since 2013 – The Princess of Wales opted for a timeless wardrobe staple: the Off-White TENCEL™ Lyocell Boyfriend Shirt from British womenswear brand With Nothing Underneath. Known for its sustainable ethos and classic tailoring, the label’s core collection is a go-to for effortless style with a conscience.
For those wanting to keep their hydration levels at an all time high, Punchy Drinks’ Tropical and Citrus Daily Hydration Reset sachets offer a convenient and tasty way to do just that. Each sachet is packed with seven essential electrolytes and five immunity-boosting vitamins, plus L-Glycine for muscle recovery. Low in calories, caffeine-free, and made with natural ingredients, they’re ideal for post-workout recovery, daily wellness, or simply upping your water intake with a flavourful twist.
Good news for coffee lovers – Nespresso welcomes the return of its limited-edition autumn blends: Pumpkin Spice Cake and Maple Pecan. Crafted with Latin American and African Arabica coffees, these seasonal favourites offer warming notes of spice and sweetness – perfect for cosy moments as the weather cools. Each Vertuo sleeve is priced at £8.50, inviting coffee lovers to savour the flavours of fall.
As for some news we’re super excited about? England Rugby’s Red Roses have teamed up with none other than the Spice Girls for a bold new collaboration celebrating women’s sport and Girl Power. The exclusive range includes Castore jackets, fan apparel from Fanatics, and a limited-edition rugby ball by Gilbert – all designed to inspire young girls to get into rugby. The collection is available online via the England Rugby stores, and at Allianz Stadium.
Just take our money.
If that wasn’t enough to tickle your shopping needs, below you’ll find everything our expert has or will be adding into her basket this weekend.
Kulfi Lip Snack Glossing Lip Balm
Keep your lips glossy and hydrated all day with Kulfi’s Lip Snack Glossing Lip Balm—a high-shine balm that doubles as a gloss. Lightly tinted and sweetly scented, it’s infused with ceramides and hyaluronic acid to nourish, smooth, and plump. The non-sticky formula can be worn solo or layered over lip oil for extra shine. Plus, it’s vegan, cruelty-free, and perfect for on-the-go hydration.
M&S Collection Cotton Rich Asymmetric Short Trench Coat
This cotton-rich trench coat offers a fresh twist on a classic wardrobe staple. Designed in a comfy regular fit with a flattering cropped length, it features an asymmetric front with both zip and button fastenings for added warmth. Authentic details like epaulettes and belted cuffs give it a timeless feel, while the modern silhouette keeps it current.
Oliver Bonas Cozy Mug & Hot Chocolate Gift Set
Get cosy this season with a charming hot chocolate gift set, featuring a glossy burgundy ceramic mug with 'Cozy' in bold white lettering and a ribbon-tied pouch of hot chocolate powder. Packaged in a striped blue gift box, it’s the perfect pick for chilly nights or thoughtful gifting to friends and family.
AirBrush Flawless Filter Foundation
This comeback has undergone modifications to the formula to create a full-coverage and budge-proof foundation that offers a matte finish to last all-day long. The inclusion of Powder Blur Airtech, Phytoyouth Essence, and Biomimetic Skin Tech combine to achieve a flawless matte finish that blurs pores, fine lines, pigmentation and any imperfections. Available in 44 shades.
Anthropologie Suede Fringe Shoulder Bag
The Anthropologie Suede Fringe Shoulder Bag is a stylish accessory crafted from rich chocolate suede, featuring playful fringe detailing for a boho-inspired look. With a relaxed silhouette and versatile design, it’s perfect for adding texture and movement to your everyday outfits.
Topshop Flood Length Cupro Maxi Bias Skirt
Crafted from a viscose and polyester blend, this floor length maxi skirt is lightweight and floaty. The maxi style skirt features a mid-rise waist and has been cut on a regular fit, which skims the body for a comfortable fit. It features a contrast stripe print on a diagonal, and is available in various colourways. It comes in UK dress sizes 4 to 18.
John Lewis Beauty Advent Calendar 2025
This year’s advent is filled with 36 beauty products, 23 of which are full sized. The contents ranges from make-up products, skincare and bodycare, as well as vouchers for beauty treatments. Big brands, including Le Labo, Chantecaille, Laneige and Trinny London are waiting inside. The general sale will launch on 3rd October.
Dunelm Amelia Cable Electric Throw
Wrap yourself in warmth and style with this Cable Knit Heated Throw, a modern take on cosy comfort. Made from 100% recycled polyester, it features a classic cable knit texture paired with ultra-soft fleece for a snug feel. The electric heating element adds extra warmth, while a range of colour options ensures it fits seamlessly into any home décor. Plus, it’s machine washable, making it as practical as it is inviting.
Crocs Classic Cozzzy in Beige
Embrace laid-back comfort with the Crocs Classic Cozzzy Slipper, designed for ultimate relaxation. Featuring the iconic Crocs clog silhouette, this slipper is lined heel-to-toe with plush faux shearling for a cloud-like feel. Whether you're lounging at home or enjoying a slow weekend, it's the perfect companion for cosy, carefree days.
Miller Harris Legato
Legato is a warm, sweet vanilla-based fragrance with a modern twist. Blending creamy vanilla with soft musk, it creates a comforting yet seductive scent that captures the energy and emotion of city life. Rich and addictive, this gourmand perfume is designed to evoke intimacy, confidence, and a touch of urban edge.
Clarks Pace
The sole has been embedded with Infinity Energy Capsules that compress and bounce back to put a spring in your step. The dual-layer sole also boasts Clarks’ signature C360 foam, which adds extra cushioning. The S-curved heel, molded heel and sole ensure a secure and comfortable fit. The C-Tread on the base of the sole provides necessary grip on the surface underfoot, while the light knit materials that make the exterior provide extra comfort and breathability.
Sensillis Hyaluronic [Filler Serum]
This advanced serum offers a non-invasive solution for plumper, smoother, and more hydrated skin. Its formula boosts hyaluronic acid production, protects it from damage, and prevents its breakdown using a blend of three types of hyaluronic acid, GABA, antioxidants, and soothing plant extracts. Clinically proven to reduce wrinkles by up to 30% and increase hydration by 40%, it also helps improve skin firmness and elasticity. It’s especially effective when used after dermal fillers to prolong their results.
Next Mid Blue Denim Seam Front Barrel Leg Jeans
Barrel leg jeans take a variety of monikers, including balloon-leg and horseshoe jeans, though some liken them to a hybrid between a mom jean and ankle grazer. These barrel leg jeans curve from the thighs to the calves, and creates a curved silhouette, which is forgiving for all body shapes.
River Island Brown Long Sleeve Hybrid Denim Jacket
The Brown Long Sleeve Hybrid Denim Jacket from River Island is a stylish, structured piece that blends classic denim with modern design. Made from a cotton-polyester mix, it features long sleeves, a collared neckline, stripe detailing, and a button fastening. Practical and fashion-forward, it’s machine washable and available in sizes XS to L.
UpCircle Peptide Serum
This lightweight serum has been formulated with vitamin C, niacinamide, peptides, as well as custard apple extract and blood orange water, which work to boost collagen production, improve the skin’s elasticity, as well as brighten the complexion. It is also vegan and cruelty free.
ASOS DESIGN pyjama top co-ord in red gingham
It’s giving Damson Madder vibes, but for nighttime, though we would easily wear the top out with jeans. It’s perfect for a festive sleepover with your girls.
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Clarks is a failsafe shopping destination for those shopping for durable, reliable and stylish shoes that will stand the test of time.
Many associate Clarks with the place to shop school shoes, official work shoes, or for the ‘oldies’ to secure stable footwear. But we think the brand has come a long way over the decades to deliver comfortable, supportive, but also stylish footwear.
In fact, we have purchased multiple heels, Chelsea boots, and sandals that have lasted for years (and are still going strong), but are often mistaken for more premium brands.
It goes without saying that Clarks’ shoes deliver the necessary support and comfort we need from our footwear, but this has been taken up a notch with its first-ever performance walking shoe, the Clarks Pace. The new drop is perfectly timed now autumn is here, as it’s the season of wet and windy walks.
The Clarks Pace performance walking shoes have been expertly designed, with the help of scientists, to deliver a supportive shoe to ensure optimum comfort on your Sunday stroll. So much so, one reviewer dubbed them the ‘perfect’ trainer.
Clarks Pace
The sole has been embedded with Infinity Energy Capsules that compress and bounce back to put a spring in your step. The dual-layer sole also boasts Clarks’ signature C360 foam, which adds extra cushioning. The S-curved heel, molded heel and sole ensure a secure and comfortable fit. The C-Tread on the base of the sole provides necessary grip on the surface underfoot, while the light knit materials that make the exterior provide extra comfort and breathability.
BUY NOW FOR £99 – save 20% off when you spend over £100 with AFAG20
The Clarks Pace are embedded with Infinity Energy Capsules in the sole, which compress and bounce back with every step, so you have a spring in your step, quite literally.
The dual-layer sole also features Clarks’ innovative two-part C360 foam, which provides the desired cushioning your feet need when pounding the pavements. This feature also reduces the impact on your knees and limbs by absorbing the shock when your feet hit the ground.
The Clarks Pace also features an S-curved moulded heel, which not only supports the heel, but it also helps to keep your feet stable and offers a secure fit.
Another key factor is the C-Tread outsole, which provides the necessary grip to keep you upright. Big tick!
The exterior has been crafted from light knit materials, which are breathable yet protective.
But this is not just substance over style as these walking shoes look ultra sleek too. They feature a round toe, elevated heel and strap fastening. Plus, this design is available in numerous colourways, including black white, off white, black and white blend, grey, navy, aqua blue, lime green, as well as sand and dusty pink. Plus, these are available for men and women.
Speaking about the new design, Clarks’ Global Head of Product, Dawn Porto, said: ‘Walking for fitness is on the rise, yet many people are still wearing shoes created for running, which means they’re not getting the right support for how their body actually moves. Clarks Pace is our answer to that. It’s purpose-built to support the movement of walking and scientifically engineered to help you walk further, for longer.’
The fun doesn’t stop with the new launch. Clarks is also offering shoppers the chance to save more with an exclusive discount code that will slash the price by 20%.
All you have to do is spend over £100 at Clarks to be eligible for the discount, so if you are purchasing these £99 trainers (and a pair of socks to reach the limit), or maybe you’re shopping a pair of ‘his and hers’ trainers, you can redeem the discount.
When your basket is over £100, simply add the discount code ‘AFAG20‘ at checkout. This deal is available to redeem from now until December 31.
Are you thinking what we’re thinking? Yes, that does make these walking shoes the perfect gift for your parents, grandparents, friends, or other family members (and yourself, of course).
What a way to celebrate Clarks’ 200th birthday!
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When Laura Nixon went to an out of hours doctor in Janurary with a painful stomach the doctor told her she likely had a UTI.
The 59-year-old was given antibiotics to treat her suspected urinary tract infection, and was then sent on her way.
It wasn’t the first time she’d saught help for a painful tummy. She’d been diagnosed with ulcerative colitis (inflammatory bowel disease) back in April 2024, but her pain had been steadily growing worse.
But what her doctors failed to realise was that Laura was struggling with a condition far more sinister.
She’d later discover she had stage four pancreatic cancer – and just five years to live.
‘I don’t think I’ve ever processed it,’ Laura, a Windsor resident, explains. ‘I go to bed at night and think if I wake up in the morning, it’s a bonus.
‘I can’t allow myself to be sad. There’s no point in being angry with people as you can’t go back, but I worry about people going through the same thing.’
When the antibiotics for her supposed urinary tract infection hadn’t worked, the doctor re-prescribed them. Laura had wrongly assumed he was also checking for cancer markers, because she’d had her gallbladder out for that very reason.
The pain persisted and eventually she took herself to A&E two months later, but was told she’d have to wait a while for a CT scan.
Instead, since she was about to take her mum on a cruise, she decided to have some health checks done with her GP. After an exam, her doctor called her straight away and told her to get an urgent colon scan.
Then, on July 11, at 3.30pm, Laura was told the earth-shattering news that she had stage four pancreatic cancer and only five years left to live.
Laura didn’t want to wait and rely on the NHS, so she’s now in Germany preparing to undergo alternative private transarterial chemoembolization treatment. This delivers chemo directly to the tumour, rather than throughout the body.
‘My oncologist said they don’t offer this treatment on the NHS because they don’t know if it works,’ she explains.
Standard NHS treatment is chemotherapy and surgery, and while transarterial chemoembolization treatment is available privately in the UK, it costs far more than it does elsewhere.
The 59-year-old is fundraising to recoup some of the £65,000 cost of the treatment in Frankfurt, which will take two-and-a-half weeks, although much is being funded by her mother who is using her life savings.
‘This private treatment will aim to starve the tumour which should relieve some of the pain,’ Laura explains.
‘They’re going to take some blood to produce hormones from it and then they block oxygen to my pancreas and suffocate it to stop it getting any bigger.’
Following this, Laura will move to Munich for a fortnight for additional intervention.
Pancreatic Cancer
Pancreatic cancer is a cancer that’s found anywhere in the pancreas – the organ in the top part of your tummy.
It helps you digest your food and makes hormones, such as insulin.
Symptoms include:
- the whites of your eyes or your skin turn yellow (jaundice), and you may also have itchy skin, darker pee and paler poo than usual
- loss of appetite or losing weight without trying to
- feeling tired or having no energy
- a high temperature, or feeling hot or shivery
- feeling or being sick
- diarrhoea or constipation, or other changes in your poo
- pain at the top part of your tummy and your back, which may feel worse when you’re eating or lying down and better when you lean forward
- symptoms of indigestion, such as feeling bloated
You’re more likely to get pancreatic cancer at 65 and over.
Source: NHS
‘I’ve got two treatments on my lungs and the last day they’ll do my liver,’ she adds. ‘They’re going to do intensive injections on the tumours as they’ve spread around my body.’
She’s got no support system while she’s away from home and she’s starting to become worried about her loved ones.
‘I’m on my own, I can’t take my mum with me as she needs to look after the cats and my house is on the market,’ Laura says.
‘I’ve borrowed the money off my mum to pay for this and that’s her entire life savings gone now. But, the treatment should give me a 40% to 60% chance of living two years.
‘It’s still palliative, but I’m not worried about dying, I’m worried about who I leave behind.’
While the treatment isn’t guaranteed to work, Laura doesn’t blame her GP for not catching it earlier.
‘It’s been a complete mess,’ she sighs. ‘I don’t blame my GP at all – he’s been so good and pressing for answers for a long time.
‘He’s amazing – I feel so sad for him as he’s completely devastated. I just have to accept it and hope for the best.’
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5 Sep, 2025 | Admin | No Comments
Dunelm has all the Halloween essentials to throw the ultimate spooky party come October
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
Carve pumpkins, laden your home with stuffed pumpkin door stops, and spice pumpkin spiced lattes, that’s what October is all about right?
With burnt amber, red and golden leaves laden on the floor, and a bite in the air, it’s safe to say autumn is here, which means hibernation season.
Whether you are one to celebrate every festivities (or National Day) in the diary, or you simply love to cosy up in the comfort of your own home, Dunelm has almost all the essentials to lend a helping hand.
While some may be organising a ghoulish Halloween party for friends, family or children, others may be sprucing up their home with autumnal accessories, either way Dunelm is the one stop shop to fill your home with the necessary items.
Of course, you don’t have to splurge on seasonal accessories, but if you do Dunelm has extremely affordable prices, which is why we love it so much.
From outdoor pop-up and light-up pumpkins to subtle yet chic velvet pumpkins, a witches brew diffuser to LED lights, Dunelm has something to suit every budget, style and occasion.
With seven pages of Halloween-themed items to shop online, which is over 370 products, we have taken it upon ourselves to find the best Halloween buys to stock up on now for October, and every Halloween to come.
Shop The Best Halloween Buys At Dunelm
Striped PEVA Wipe Clean Tablecloth
There’s nothing worse than ring marks and stains from garish food colouring left on your table for years to come after a party. So, save yourself the aggravation of cleaning up when everyone has left the party, and from ruining your table, with this wipe clean orange and black striped tablecloth.
Set of 2 Pre-Lit Artificial Velvet Pumpkin Stems
Inject a subtle touch of autumn into your home with these textured pumpkin stems, which are ultra soft miniature pumpkins on a vine. Place in a vase and dot around the home, as a centrepiece, or even lay flat on the table or window sill as a runner.
Pumpkin Reactive Glaze Bowl
Perfect for serving crisps and other sweet treats in for any party. You can opt for the cream colourway or vibrant orange, though you can always mix and match.
Witches Brew Halloween Diffuser
A subtle nod to the mystical festivities, but a clever homeware staple that leaves your home smelling fresh. We know the adults will have fun tormenting the children with this too: ‘If you don’t brush your teeth you may end up in the witches brew.’
Outdoor Pop Up Pumpkin Duo
When it comes to Halloween decorations nothing is too big or too bold. This battery powered light will stand tall in your garden, or outside your door, perfect to alert daring tick-or-treaters to come knocking. But don’t panic about keeping the neighbours awake with the lights on as this has a built-in timer.
Set of 24 Hanging Velvet Pumpkins
Can you tell we’re a bit obsessed with the miniature velvet pumpkins?
Faux Rattan Light Up Black Pumpkin
No, rattan accessories are not just for summer. We love this chic and simple, but very useful prop that can make a perfect centrepiece on a tablescape.
Hocus Pocus Skeleton Hand Tealight Holder
Up the ante with your garish props and place this Skeleton Hand Tealight Holder on the table to wow the crowds. Simple, but effective. Though we would likely place faux candles inside for safety when children are around.
Set of 5 Ghost Stake Lights
Guide the way to your home by placing these charming Ghost Stake Lights in the garden for your Halloween party. The battery powered lights also have a built-in self timer, which saves your electricity bill.
Artificial Brown & Gold Pumpkin Wreath
A chic wreath is a simple way to get into the autumnal spirit, it’s not too overbearing if you want to accessorise the home with a subtle nod to Halloween. Plus, it looks like a professional has arranged this floral wreath for you, yet you can reuse it year after year, which makes it more cost effective. While you can hang on your door, we have been known to use a wreath as a centrepiece with large candles placed in the centre – just an idea.
Mini Ghost 20 LED String Lights
Add drama to the home with these Ghost String Lights you can drape from the ceiling, windows, or even across a table. For under £5, it just shows you don’t have to spend a fortune to nail the Halloween theme at home.
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5 Sep, 2025 | Admin | No Comments
'Comfy' pillows hailed as 'perfect for side sleepers' are now just £5 in flash sale
The Slumberdown Feels Like Down Pillows have been branded "extremely comfortable" and "full and fluffy every night" by shoppers, and are perfect for side, back, and stomach sleepers
5 Sep, 2025 | Admin | No Comments
Aldi rolls out ‘top tier’ feature across the majority of its UK stores
Aldi shoppers will be able to kill two birds with one stone thanks to a new feature that’ll soon be available across the majority of UK locations.
After a successful trial last year, the supermarket launched InPost lockers outside over 500 of its stores — and they’re now being rolled out in around 100 more by the end of 2025.
These 24/7 lockers allow customers to collect and return orders from other places, so as well as grabbing your groceries, you can drop off that ASOS dress that didn’t fit, or pick up that Zara blazer you’ve been dying to try.
Simply check if InPost – which works with 200 popular brands including Vinted, Glossybox, Nasty Gal, and Barbour – has a free locker near you and you’ll get a QR code to open it up and either pick your parcel up or drop it off.
The collaboration has proven a big hit so far, with X user @LivBridge commenting: ‘Aldi always coming through with the top tier ideas.’
‘Nothing like a bit of convenience,’ added @eyup_io, while @MatthewBro59408 called it ‘a smart move’ and hailed the discount retailer for ‘adapting to consumer demand.’
Jonathan Neale, managing director of national real estate at Aldi UK, said: ‘Convenience and efficiency is important to our shoppers, which is why we’re continuing to roll out InPost lockers to as many of our stores as possible.
‘It has always been our aim to save our customers time as well as money, so making it easy for people to pick up or return parcels while getting the weekly shop done has been really valuable.’
Neil Kuschel, CEO at InPost UK, added: ‘Our growing partnership with Aldi reflects a shared commitment to offer the best everyday shopping experience for customers across the UK.
‘Together, we’re helping to create a more convenient, cost-effective and sustainable way for shoppers to manage their parcels, making collection and returns as easy and accessible as possible.’
This change comes as Aldi recently took back its crown of the UK’s cheapest supermarket, a month after being knocked off top spot by Lidl.
Prior to this, Aldi was the reigning champion for almost two years, before a basket of 75 everyday items at its German rival came in 85p cheaper for July.
Now however, the retailer regained its status, after Which? research saw it beating the competitor by 43p overall. Meanwhile, Waitrose was the most expensive, totalling £172.61 on average — a difference of £44.69 compared to the winner’s basket price.
‘Aldi is back on form as the UK’s cheapest supermarket in August, according to our latest price analysis, showing that it continues to represent great value without the need for membership prices,’ commented Reena Sewraz, Which? retail editor.
‘As the nights draw in and the weather gets cooler, rising costs will no doubt be a big worry for many households. The good news is that there are savings to be had for those who can shop around, simply choosing one supermarket over another could save you 35%.’
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5 Sep, 2025 | Admin | No Comments
Mini Labubu dolls launch on AliExpress and fans are already rushing to buy them
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The Mini Labubu has entered the chat, and we know it’ll be viral.
It’s believed Olivia Attwood sent the world into an absolute frenzy when she started accessorising her Birkin bags with Labubu dolls. The mischievous-looking dolls, which have been likened to the multi-coloured haired trolls from the nineties, have sold out on numerous occasions, even stores were lined with endless queues of fans desperately waiting to get their hands on the plush toy.
AliExpress recently launched a sale on the sell-out accessories, and now the international online retailer, which stocks a plethora of brands, has launched the new mini Labubu dolls this week through its Pop Mart shop.
On Friday August 29 AliExpress launched the Mini Labubu dolls, and of course the miniature dolls are housed in the iconic blind box just to add an extra element of surprise.
The Mini Labubu is smaller in size compared to the original Labubu, though that’s unsurprising considering the name. The regular Labubu measures 6.69 inches in height, while the miniature alternative is 4.13 inches. The regular Labubu is often used as a bag charm or added to a keychain, and you can style the Mini Labubu the same way, though it can also be worn as a phone charm because of its size.
The Mini Labubu, which is also known as The Monsters Pin For Love Series, is divided into two series based on alphabetical order, A-M and N-Z. In each Mini Labubu series there are 14 regular versions and one hidden version. Bets are on for how much shoppers will want the latter, and apparently the odds are 1:168 chances.
This collaboration between the Pop Mart store on AliExpress is one of many, and hopefully many more to come, following the debut partnership between the store and online marketplace back in 2020.
Unless you have been living under a rock, you will know that Labubus are all anyone can talk about, and shop. But, just to hone the point further, AliExpress has seen a 300% year on year growth in the collectible toy category since the beginning of 2025, which is just nine months.
We predict this boom will not be slowing down any time soon, so there is no time like the present to shop your Labubu dolls and the Mini Labubu to cuddle up alongside one another on the arm of your bag.
In fact, we have it on good authority that the Pop Mart store front on AliExpress will see the release of The Monsters Big into Energy Series – Rock the Universe Vinyl Push Doll in the future. However, the exact date remains top secret.
It goes without saying the Mini Labubu dolls are set to be equally popular, if not more than the regular iteration. So you will want to shop for them quickly before they sell out, and we have a strong suspicion they will.
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I was despondent when I read the news last month that the price of the weight loss drug, Mounjaro, could be increased by as much as 170%.
Explaining the decision behind the hike, Eli Lilly – the company behind the drug – said the move was necessary to be more in line with prices in the US or the rest of Europe. It would come into effect from September 1.
As a Mounjaro user – who used to pay £99 but will now have to pay almost £200 more – I’m calling for this decision to be immediately reversed so that the drug is financially accessible to those of us who have chosen to use it to improve our health.
In recent years, I’ve battled with my weight and health due to multiple orthopaedic surgeries, confining me to a wheelchair. My mobility will never be perfect and I was told that if I needed more surgery, I’d need to lose weight first.
So I had previously tried to access weight loss support via the NHS, but my options were limited. I wasn’t overweight enough for bariatric surgery and I’d had a bad experience with Orlistat, which reduces fat absorption from food.
So when I first heard about weight loss injectable medications in December last year, this seemed like an answer.
I ended up going down the rabbit hole of researching the different brands: Ozempic, Saxenda, Wegovy, and Mounjaro. And the results were staggering.
There was Sharon and Kelly Osbourne, Whoopi Goldberg, and Rebel Wilson. Even some of my closest friends had been using it and it had really helped them.
I only wanted the best, but the steep price tag of up to £204 for the higher doses of Mounjaro put me off.
Then I started seeing ads for a study, which was designed to explore the impacts of these weight loss injectable medications on women’s health. As someone who has faced health inequalities because of my gender, I wanted to be a part of that.
It offered a complimentary side-effect pack and there was a Facebook group of other study participants that you could join for peer support, but the best part was the subsidised price – just £99.
The process was simple: complete a form, take the blood test, and await approval. It was a matter of days after that my first prescription was issued – I took my first dose around the second week in January.
The first week wasn’t pleasant. I struggled with maintaining hydration, as well as side effects including constipation, abdominal cramps, nausea, and heartburn. Thankfully the side effects pack helped.
I had to gradually increase my dosage for the medication to continue to be effective, so the side effects would flare up again.
But the positive effects have been brilliant. On top of shedding 66lbs (4 stone 12 lbs), I’m more confident, happy, mobile, and I’ve even seen positive changes in menstrual cycle regulation!
For the first time in a decade, I genuinely feel well. Then came the news last month of the price hike and my mood came crashing down.
Everyone I knew on the drug was panicking. We had signed up for a locked-in discounted price on a 12-month clinical study – at £99 per month. Surely the prices would remain locked?
A few days later, an email from the company running the study pinged in my inbox. It read: ‘After tirelessly exhausting all possible avenues, Eli Lilly has refused to work with providers… and is forcing an immediate increase in Mounjaro’s price.’
The email went on to say that we could stay on Mounjaro, but it would be £279 to £319 a month, depending on our dose. Or we could switch to a rival brand, Wegovy, at the locked-in price.
The problem is: I have minimal information on what switching to Wegovy will mean for me medically. As it currently stands, I am 18lbs away from my target weight; the end is in sight.
I’ve only just stopped having side effects and I don’t like the idea of switching drugs in case they come back. So I’ve made a decision: I’m staying on Mounjaro for now, costing £279 a month.
I hope once I get to my target – which will likely be late October – I will be able to move to Wegovy for the maintenance phase, which is where my dose will be adjusted to maintain my progress rather than lose more, until I taper off.
So that’s two months where I’ll be paying £279 instead of £99. That means it’s an extra £360 in total.
I’m already paying £220 a month for my ADHD medication because I was diagnosed through a private provider. And as a working parent with bills to pay, I don’t have money to burn, so I’m feeling lost, unsettled, and despondent.
In the short term, I’ll be putting the additional costs on my credit card, but as a self-employed person with ADHD who finds money management challenging, I’m reviewing my finances to make sure this is sustainable.
I’m gratefully self-employed supporting business owners with Autism and ADHD to run their own businesses, and so I have control over what I’m paid, and if there is scope to increase my withdrawals from my businesses, I will cover the gap with that.
My main concern is that finances will force many people’s decisions. I’ve seen so many people leaving the study, or switching to Wegovy reluctantly, out of fear of losing progress.
Health – and the medications we need to be healthy, whatever that looks like for us individually – should not be seen or priced as a luxury. I’m disappointed that Eli Lilly made this decision.
Estimates suggest that up to 750,000 people in the UK are taking Mounjaro, and while I cannot speak for all of them, I know many of us feel lost and uncertain about our futures as a direct result of this price hike.
It is my hope that in the coming days or weeks, changes will be made to make the medicine once again more financially accessible to those who need it. If not, I dread to think what will happen.
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4 Sep, 2025 | Admin | No Comments
Topshop relaunches in John Lewis with cult denim and statement jackets
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Topshop made its long anticipated comeback to the high street after a decade just last month.
While our beloved high street fashion retailer has been available to shop online at ASOS it hasn’t quite been the same (hate to say it), so we were thrilled to hear it has made its return with its very own website once again. Just in case, these are the Topshop staples we are buying now.
But the fun doesn’t stop there as Topshop has also launched in Liberty as well as John Lewis. Has Christmas come early? We feel like it with all our fashion prayers answered in one.
From February 2026, Topshop will be launching in 32 John Lewis stores across the UK, including Glasgow, Edinburgh, Newcastle, Nottingham, Oxford, Reading, and of course numerous London branches too. Expect to find Topshop concessions in John Lewis in Brent Cross, Stratford, Canary Wharf, Oxford Street, Peter Jones, White City and Kingston – to name a few.
While Topshop expands its retail footprint, so does the male section, otherwise known as Topman. Topman is set to launch in six John Lewis stores.
Topshop will curate a selection of the most-loved pieces, cult denim, as well as trend-led wardrobe heroes and statement jackets in the select John Lewis stores. While Topman will focus on an edit of tailored outerwear and everyday basics.
Speaking about the exciting new chapter for Topshop, and its collaboration with John Lewis, Michelle Wilson, the Managing Director at Topshop, shared: “We’re excited to partner with John Lewis, a trusted name in British retail, to bring Topshop and Topman to high streets across the country. This partnership is a key step in our mission to bring the best of fashion to everyone, engaging with shoppers in real life and delivering the style and quality they expect from our brands.”
While the Managing Director of John Lewis, Peter Ruis, shared: “Bringing Topshop and Topman back to high streets across the UK is a landmark moment, and we are thrilled to be their only nationwide store partner. It’s the ultimate proof of our strategy: offering the most-loved brands alongside the unwavering trust of our brand promise. I grew up with these incredible brands. They have defined our high streets, bringing edge and accessibility with an iconic British lens.”
So clear your diaries for 3rd February 2026 to shop Topshop and Topman at John Lewis. Unsure what to add to the basket? We have whittled down our personal Topshop favourites for you.
Of course, in the meantime you can shop all Topshop online here.
The Full List Of Topshop Stockists In John Lewis Stores:
- Glasgow
- Edinburgh
- Newcastle
- Leeds
- Liverpool
- Trafford (Manchester)
- Cheadle (Manchester)
- Cardiff
- Nottingham
- Leicester
- Solihull
- Cheltenham
- Norwich
- Cambridge
- Welwyn
- Milton Keynes
- Chelmsford
- Cribbs Causeway (Bristol)
- Exeter
- Oxford
- High Wycombe
- Reading
- Bluewater (Kent)
- Horsham
- Southampton
- Brent Cross
- Stratford
- Canary Wharf
- Oxford Street
- Peter Jones
- White City
- Kingston
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