21 Mar, 2025 | Admin | No Comments
Run don’t walk – the ‘soft and comfy’ M&S loafers are back in stock


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Marks & Spencer’s brown suede loafers were a sell-out success. In fact, we never even saw them available online – that’s how fast they sold out.
We have been patiently waiting for weeks on end for M&S to restock its popular flat shoes, which are a huge trend and have been for some time.
Now, the moment has finally come. Well, kind of.
Though the brown suede version of the M&S Loafers are still sold out, M&S has released a pair of black Leather Loafers, which we believe will sell out soon.
The M&S Leather Loafers are hot property, and we have seen them worn by the likes of Kendall Jenner and Hailey Bieber in previous years. The fashion firm turned to chunky Prada loafers, but now we are seeing a pivot to softer alternatives.
The leather loafers are a smart, chic and versatile footwear staple to invest in. These loafers are made from black, yet super soft and high quality leather fabric, while the interior is fitted with M&S’ signature Insolia Flex material to support the footbed, which is paramount in a flat shoe when stopping the pavements for hours on end.
These leather loafers are a flat shoe, but it offers slight elevation with its 1.5cm heel, which is oh-so subtle.
These slip-on shoes feature ruched detail around the toe, as well as detailing on the roof of the foot to resemble the traditional Penny Loafer.
The classic designs are ultra versatile, as you can wear in the daytime, or night, as well as throughout the seasons. Pair with straight leg jeans, even ankle grazers, whether it’s barefoot or with a white ankle sock peering out for extra warmth, a simple T-shirt and blazer to see you from the office, to brunch with friends.
You can layer on a cosy knitted jumper, swap the T-shirt for a shirt, maybe ditch the trousers for a mini or midi-length skirt, or a dress – the style options are endless.
These loafers are available in sizes 3 to 8, including half sizes, though customers say these shoes fit true to size.
We have added these loafers to our virtual basket because we think they will fly off the shelves, especially when we consider how popular the brown suede alternatives are, and the glowing reviews.
One happy M&S shopper, Kay Ann, shared: ‘Lovely loafers that are both stylish and comfortable, and work for casual or office days, I have two pairs they are that fab.’
Another happy customer, who goes under the name Mummy Deb, added: ‘A super super soft leather shoe, it’s like wearing slippers. Only worn inside the house to wear them in. But it seems all good. No rubbing and looks quite stylish.’
While a separate shopper, RoseeW, weighed in: ‘So comfy and soft- I usually prepare to get blisters when I wear-in loafers but these have caused no issues! So smart- my new everyday shoe.’
Complete the quiet luxury look, on a high street budget, with M&S’ impressive collection of designer-inspired handbags too.
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21 Mar, 2025 | Admin | No Comments
'Partner lost his job, so I don't think I can afford my friend's hen do'

Resident agony aunt Coleen Nolan has advice for a reader who’s worried about telling her friend she can’t go on her hen party as it would mean going into lots of debt
21 Mar, 2025 | Admin | No Comments
'I have secret chats with my workmate, now I'm being accused of an affair'

Coleen Nolan advises a married reader who is very close friends with a younger colleague, and has been accused of being a cheat
21 Mar, 2025 | Admin | No Comments
'Back in the dating game after 15 years but nervous about sex with my new man'

Coleen Nolan advises a reader in her 40s who is planning on going away with her new boyfriend but feels worried about getting intimate after being with the same man for so long

We’ve heard of death grip syndrome and buried penises, but there’s a new phenomenon we need to add to our roster: sperm cramps.
That’s right gents, it seems women aren’t the only ones who suffer with some cramps in their intimate area – although us ladies still have it bad.
The term itself is a tad misleading because, well, sperm can’t cramp, it’s more of a slang phrase for discomfort.
Essentially, if you’ve got some impressive stamina and you’re having prolonged sex, cramps in your balls could be coming (sorry) your way.
But are they anything to worry about? And how common are they? We’ve got the long and short of it right here…
What are sperm cramps?
‘Sperm cramps’ is a colloquial term used to describe discomfort or aching pain in the testicles, lower abdomen, or perineal area (the region between your anus and genitals).
‘The pain is typically described as a dull, aching, or cramping sensation and it can sometimes feel similar to muscle cramps or mild testicular discomfort,’ GP Dr Suzanne Wylie tells Metro.
‘They often occur in relation to ejaculation or when you are aroused for a long time without finishing,’ she adds. ‘It’s thought to be linked to the temporary congestion of blood in the reproductive organs.’
You can also get these cramps after sex but this is apparently less common. And while there’s not any extensive clinical data, Dr Wylie says her experience is that it’s pretty common.
To check, we did some field research of our own (aka we asked some of our guy friends). Our (admittedly small) sample of six male mates found two had experienced sperm cramps, so clearly, it’s not just an internet term, but a real-life issue that deserves closer attention.
Are sperm cramps anything to worry about?
If you’re concerned – don’t be. Dr Wylie says that in most cases sperm cramps are ‘harmless’ and nothing to worry about.
‘They are a temporary and benign pain that usually resolves on its own,’ she explains. If you have this pain alongside swelling, redness or fever though, the medical advisor, for IQ Doctor, suggests you see a doctor quickly.
But there are different types of pain that you can get in your balls, and some aren’t as innocent as sperm cramps, so it’s important to know the difference.
‘Testicular pain can mean you have a more serious underlying condition,’ the doctor explains.
‘Sudden, severe testicular pain could mean you have testicular torsion – where your ball rotates and twists the internal cord that supplies the blood flow to your scrotum, cutting off the blood supply. This is a medical emergency, so seek help.’
Dr Wylie also says that ‘persistent or worsening pain’ that doesn’t resolve itself could mean you have an infection, a hernia (when tissue or an organ bulges through a muscle wall into a cavity it’s not meant to be in) or a tumour. You may need surgery if this is the case.
If you experience pain after injuring your testicle, this could mean it’s bleeding internally or rupturing – again both require medical attention.
Other causes of tescticular pain:
- Epididymitis: Inflammation of the epididymis – the tube at the back of your testicle acting as a storage space for mature sperm – often due to infection.
- Varicocele: Enlarged veins in the scrotum, which can cause a dull ache.
- Hydrocele: Fluid accumulating around the testicle, sometimes causing discomfort.
If you have any concerns about your testicles, get advice from a doctor.
Who gets sperm cramps and can you stop them?
While they can affect men of every age, older chaps can breathe a sigh of relief, because sperm cramps are more common in younger men.
Teenagers and guys in their early twenties are most prone to these dull aches and pains. ‘This is due to more frequent arousal and fluctuating hormone levels,’ Dr Wylie adds.
Even though they’re nothing to worry about, it would be nice to ease the uncomfortable sensation, and there are ways to do this.
‘Lying down, applying a warm compress to the area, gentle stretching, or engaging in light physical activity to encourage blood flow redistribution can all make you feel better,’ she adds.
Another simple method to ease that pain, is to ejaculate, so feel free to practice some self-love.
If all else fails, Dr Wylie also suggests over-the-counter pain relief like paracetamol or ibuprofen.
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Get in touch by emailing MetroLifestyleTeam@Metro.co.uk.
21 Mar, 2025 | Admin | No Comments
'I ordered 4 Nobody's Child midi dresses as someone who only wears jeans– one has me converted'

Nobody’s Child has dropped its new range of ultra-flattering spring midi dresses, so how did they fare when our dress-averse head of shopping tried on four?
21 Mar, 2025 | Admin | No Comments
Sleep soundly with Oodie’s £35 temperature regulating pyjamas that will be a godsend for summer


SHOPPING – Contains affiliated content. Products featured in this Metro article are selected by our shopping writers. If you make a purchase using links on this page, Metro.co.uk will earn an affiliate commission. Click here for more information.
Seeing as there are now just few days to go before the clocks go back on March 30, we’re dreaming of an undisturbed night sleep for the other 364 days of the year.
There are a number of factors that can contribute to a poor night’s sleep, from your sleep environment to your diet, and excessive caffeine intake, as well as your bedding and nightwear.
We have tried various sleep aids, thankfully, Oodie is pulling out all the stops to help combat our sleepless nights.
The brand, which is best known for its plush Oodie Hoodie, is set to launch a new temperature regulating pyjama collection, which we predict will be a sell-out success to rival the signature loungewear staple.
Oodie has a pyjama collection already, but the line is expanding to include temperature regulating designs, which is simply genius in our books.
Whether you struggle to sleep in the summer when the heatwave hits, are going through the menopause, or maybe you’re just a human hot water bottle when you’re snuggled up in your duvet, these pj’s will be your saving grace.
The collection will feature both warming and cooling nightwear options, both designed to regulate your body temperature to a comfortable degree.
The Cooling Range has been specifically designed for hot sleepers, and to wear in the warmer months.
The Cooling Range pjs have been crafted from ultra-breathable modal blend, which has been made from beech trees. This fabric is not only soft against the body, which prevents any irritating fabrics from waking you up mid-snooze, but it is moisture-wicking to pull sweat away from the body. This is a key feature, as there is nothing worse than overheating, laying in your own damp pyjamas, only for the body to cool down – as it does when the body sweats – and be left shivering cold.
Oodie’s pyjamas collection will also include the Warming Range, which helps those who feel the cold at night and can’t settle without being toasty in bed.
This collection has been designed from brushed bamboo blend, which offers the desired insulation, but are also temperature regulating too. This fabric is also said to be twice as warm as traditional cotton pyjamas, boasts antibacterial properties and is odour resistant.
Oodie has stayed true to its style with the new designs as they come in bold and playful prints, though we expect nothing less from the Australian brand.
The nightwear will be available in five prints, which include a cloud pattern inspired by the bestselling Oodie Original, as well as heart candy, ditsy and checker print, as well as a tie dye version. But, you can mix and match your prints too.
All styles in the collection feature a contrast waistband, which not only help them to stay in place during your sleep, without causing any discomfort, but it also adds another impressive stylistic feature to the design.
Oodie’s temperature regulating pyjamas are available in short sleeve pyjama tops, and shorts, as well as long sleeve tops and long length pyjama trousers with a wide leg and cuffed ankle. Quite frankly, we want one of each to see us through every season.
The price ranges from £39 for the tops and £45 for the bottoms, which makes a total of £84 for one complete set.
We predict Oodie’s upcoming drop will sell out fast, so bookmark the date in your diary, set a reminder, and get ready to add to basket.
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20 Mar, 2025 | Admin | No Comments
Shop the best fragrance deals on Amazon ahead of National Fragrance Day

SHOPPING – Contains affiliated content. Products featured in this Metro article are selected by our shopping writers. If you make a purchase using links on this page, Metro.co.uk will earn an affiliate commission. Click here for more information.
There are multiple national days that have cropped in our calendar over the years, and one we’re very much on board with is National Fragrance Day, which falls on 21st March.
National Fragrance Day falls just before Mother’s Day, and while many of us will be buying our mum’s their favourite scent, it’s also a great time to gift yourself a scented treat (or two!).
And where better to shop for less? Amazon, of course. The mega-retailer stocks a variety of leading fragrance brands for men, women, as well as genderless designs, from Paco Rabanne, Gucci, to Marc Jacobs, and many more.
With up to 70% off select fragrances, these are bargains not to be missed. But it’s unknown how long the sale, as well as stock, will last.
Whether you’re replacing your beloved signature scent, expanding your fragrance collection or after the perfect gift for someone you love, we’ve found the best fragrance deals not to miss on Amazon.
Did we almost forget to mention Amazon Prime members are eligible for speedy delivery? If you are not yet an Amazon Prime member you can sign up for a 30-day free trial, before paying £8.99 a month thereafter.

Yves Saint Laurent Black Opium Eau De Parfum 30ml
A bold and addictive fragrance, Black Opium by Yves Saint Laurent is a seductive blend of rich coffee, sweet vanilla, and warm white flowers. This opulent scent is sexy, deep, and long-lasting, hence why it makes the perfect statement fragrance for evening wear.

Vera Wang Princess Eau de Toilette 50ml
With over 53,000 reviews Vera Wang Princess needs to be on your radar. It is a delicate mix of vanilla, exotic guava, and rich dark chocolate. Playful yet sophisticated, this scent is ideal for those who love a sweet, feminine fragrance. Plus, the heart shaped bottle with the crown lid needs to be on full display.

Daisy Marc Jacobs EDT Spray 50ml
Fresh, floral, and effortlessly charming, Daisy by Marc Jacobs is a sweet, yet fresh fragrance perfect for day and night wear. It boasts top notes of wild strawberry and violet leaves, middle floral notes of jasmine, gardenia, and violet petals, which are undercut by long-lasting base notes of white woods and vanilla.

Paco Rabanne Paco Lady Million Eau De Perfume 80ml
It’s an iconic scent and one many people wear, but that shouldn’t stop you from investing in the hugely popular Paco Robanne fragrance. A bold and luxurious scent, Lady Million combines notes of raspberry, orange blossom, and honey for a powerful femininity. Let’s not forget the gold ingot-inspired packaging, which is a huge talking point in itself.
We need everything…
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20 Mar, 2025 | Admin | No Comments
Fat bodies are deserving of love, not being mocked on Tiktok trends


I opened TikTok this week and was in absolute shock.
I’m used to seeing different trends going viral, but all I saw as I scrolled was video after video of users applying a ‘chubby filter’ to their pictures filled my feed.
Unfortunately, it is exactly as it sounds – and it brought back painful memories.
Users upload their photos, and the filter uses AI to show them what they would look like if they were fat. Those who have used it often accompany their post with a comment about how funny they found the images.
It’s clear that many TikTok users view being in a bigger body as some kind of punchline.
This, sadly, is nothing new. But that doesn’t make it ok.
Many of us grew up on negative media representations of fat people, where fat people were mostly depicted as the butt of the joke.
I know I did. When I was younger and going through disordered eating, screens were filled with comedic depictions of fatness – with films like Shallow Hal, The Nutty Professor, and Friends, which had a story arc about a character’s previously overweight self – ‘Fat Monica’.

In each of these examples, snipes about the fat character’s body size were either accompanied by laugh tracks, or met with raucous laughter in the cinema.
This instilled one message in me as a teenager – being fat was something to jeer at, and that at all costs I had to avoid being fat so that I didn’t experience what Fat Monica did.
At one point, someone referenced Monica’s old weight, and I realised it was exactly the same as mine.
It felt like the media had taught me that my body, because it was not thin, was meant to be laughed at.
This was reinforced by my first romantic experience. When I was sixteen, I had my first kiss in the woods with someone I trusted and thought I loved.

But I found out later that he hadn’t chosen the cover of trees to be romantic, but that, but because he didn’t want to be seen with someone who looked like me.
He was worried about being mocked by his peers for kissing someone who he thought was fat, and didn’t fit into the body type that the media had taught him was desirable.
And 16-year-old me, while hurt, didn’t even think to question his reasoning, because society and culture seemed to reinforce that he was right.
As the years went on, and as I worked to recover from disordered eating, countless depictions of fatness told me the same.
That the body I had worked so hard to love, despite all the societal messaging telling me I should hate my body, was still a joke.
This ‘fat filter’ trend is a new iteration of this same derision.

Instead of characters on screens, and actors using fat suits or CGI, people are taking that same fatphobic rhetoric into their own hands by applying a filter to their own photos.
And when, alongside it, they post nasty comments about the larger image of themselves that the AI creates, they show that they think being fat is inherently funny and something to be ridiculed – it invites others to laugh with them.
It doesn’t give them any insight into what it means to be fat in 2025, because it’s all fake. All another big joke.
When the media, whether it’s TV or TikTok, makes fun of bigger body sizes, this has a malignant effect on how we perceive fat people, and also how fat people are treated.
A study from The Lancet – a peer-reviewed general medical journal – found that negative portrayals of fat people in media not only made peoples’ views of fat peoples worse, but also risked encouraging stigmatising behaviours (for example, bullying, abuse and discrimination) towards fat people.

This is why trends like the Fat Filter trend are so harmful – it encourages and normalises the idea that fat people deserve this kind of nasty treatment, and in doing so, perpetuates fatphobic behaviour.
This goes beyond social media, and has real world consequences. This kind of trend affects how fat people are treated, and will also have a hugely negative knock on effect for peoples’ body image.
And when you consider that young people spend an average of five hours and 24 minutes engaged in social media activity, that means teenagers are at greater risk of seeing more of this body negative content.
So no, this isn’t just some silly little trend, or something to be dismissed. It can truly harm people.
What gives me faith in humanity is that in some of the comments in the videos, people were fighting back, saying how people using the filter were exposing themselves as ‘mean girls’. It’s a glimmer of hope that we are not taking these nasty jokes lying down, even if this filter has gained a great deal of traction.
No matter what a trend is telling you, fat bodies are not for peoples’ amusement. They are deserving of love, care and enjoyment.
And no filter should change that.
Do you have a story you’d like to share? Get in touch by emailing jess.austin@metro.co.uk.
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20 Mar, 2025 | Admin | No Comments
Amazon spring sale 2025 is coming – here’s everything you need to know about the pending Prime Day


SHOPPING – Contains affiliated content. Products featured in this Metro article are selected by our shopping writers. If you make a purchase using links on this page, Metro.co.uk will earn an affiliate commission. Click here for more information.
Amazon launches a number of sales throughout the year, and of course we all know the popular Prime Day sale, but there’s another to have on your radar – Amazon’s Spring Deal Days.
Amazon’s Spring Deal Days will see thousands of deals drop to celebrate the spring months – the clue is in the title after all.
The major online retailer stocks a plethora of leading brands across tech gadgets, beauty, home, and everything in between, and all categories will be included in the sale. However, exactly what products will be discounted, and by how much, remains top secret – for now
We have shopped for bargains in countless Amazon sales over the years, so we consider ourselves experts when it comes to an Amazon sale, and our predictions on what will be reduced are often right.
Here’s everything you need to know about Amazon’s Spring Deal Days, from when is Amazon’s Spring sale, tips to securing a bargain, to the products we anticipate will be on offer.
When is Amazon’s Spring Deal Days sale?in 2025
Clear your diaries because the Amazon Spring sale is coming. It is set to launch on March 25 and run until (almost) midnight on March 31, which is one week of bargains and discounts.
The sale is open to all customers to shop. However, Amazon Prime members are often treated to an early access preview of the best deals, can shop even exclusive discounts, and secure super speedy delivery too.
What will be included in the Amazon Spring Deal Days sale?
The sale has yet to launch, but what we know is there is expected to be up to 45% off all categories, including electronics, home gadgets, beauty tech, as well as skincare, make-up cosmetics, home, garden, toys and everything in between.
If previous Amazon sales are anything to go by, expect huge savings on leading brands, such as Shark, Ninja, Phillips, Oral-B, ghd, Color Wow, and much more.
We have previously seen mega discounts on air fryers, Shark vacuum cleaners, even K-beauty skincare.
While the discount will vary on the product, and day, we also recommend checking Amazon’s “Today’s Deals” tab throughout the week to nab even bigger and better discounts. The “Today’s Deals” will highlight products that are heavily discounted for a limited time, as well as the bestselling buys, so if you see something you like with a price tag you like even more, don’t delay.
Whether you are shopping for a Mother’s Day gift before 30th March, planning an almighty spring clean of the home as the clocks are set to change, which is the official declaration spring is here and summer is on the way, or you simply want to treat yourself, the Amazon Spring Deal Days are the perfect opportunity to do so.
How to become an Amazon Prime member?
If you are not an Amazon Prime member, we strongly recommend signing up. Why? Because there are a number of perks.
Prime members not only gain early access and alerts to any upcoming sales penned in the diary, but some products are discounted even more so – including outside of sale events like the Spring Day Deals.
Prime members will also be able to watch new series and films on Prime too – and there’s a lot to sink your teeth into.
But, one of the most important of all (in our humble opinion) is the speedy delivery. Prime members can shop their basket and receive it the next day, if not the same day, depending on the product, and at no extra charge.
If you’re not sure, you can sign up for a free 30-day trial, which we recommend doing so you can shop the Amazon Spring Day Deals and get them to your door in an instant.
However, after the 30-day trial you will need to pay £8.99 per month thereafter.
How to secure the best deal
After many years of shopping Amazon’s multiple sales, and being an avid deal hunter, we have discovered a few nifty tips to ensure you don’t miss a bargain buy.
- Create a wishlist: Save your favourites to your basket, in the “Save for later” section on Amazon, or make a wishlist. Alternatively create a note on your laptop, or phone, of the items you can’t live without before shopping the Amazon sale so you can go straight to those favourites to check for any price reductions.
- Price check: We will do our best to keep you up to date with the best deals and discounts. But if there are particular items you are eyeballing, compare prices from other retailers to ensure you have found the best deal.
- Note the prices: We know the prices can vary on Amazon, as well as other retailers. When it comes to major sale events, like Amazon’s Spring Deal Days, the discount can vary, so make a note of the original price, as well as the discount throughout the week. For example day one it may be discounted by 21%, but day two 25%. But, be careful, as the offers do not last for long, so if you think you have found the highest price reduction, don’t sleep on the deal.
- Prime member: We strongly recommend signing up to Amazon Prime’s membership if you haven’t done so already. This will often grant you early access to shop the sale, see members secure exclusive discounts, and speedy delivery.
- Deal alerts: When you have a lengthy wishlist it can be difficult to check every item, which is why signing up to alerts is a genius idea. You will then be alerted with any price drop, or when an item is back in stock in some cases.
- Today’s Deals: Amazon’s Today’s Deals is a great way to find the biggest discounts on the day, which may, or may not, have been on your radar. It spotlights limited time offers, flash sales, as well as the bestselling products in each category.
Best Amazon deals to shop now
Best beauty deals:

Maybelline Concealer Instant Anti Age Eraser Eye
With over 67,000 reviews, it’s safe to say this concealer is a huge hit with shoppers. The lightweight formula is pigmented to cover any blemishes, pigmentation and dark circles under the eye.The soft cushioned applicator ensures it is gentle on the skin, and it also helps to evenly distribute the formula from the head. Tip: You can also use darker tones as a contour, so it’s a more multifunctional product than you think.

ghd Gold Hair Straightener & Styler
ghd hair tools are among the best in the hair industry, and ones we rely on for a longlasting style. Select items have been reduced by up to 25% in the Amazon sale, including the Gold Hair Straightener are Styler, which are a level up from the Original Styler. These straighteners utilise dual-one technology and two next-generation heat sensors to evenly distribute the heat along the ceramic plates at a constant temperature of 185 degrees. The curved edges also help to create a curl, wave, as well as poker straight hair do.
Best home deals:

Ninja Foodi MAX Dual Zone Air Fryer
An Air Fryer is a popular kitchen gadget many know and love.This 6-in1 appliance can roast, bake, dehydrate, fry, crisp and rehydrate any ingredient or feast.The two drawers mean you can cook two ingredients simultaneously, and control the settings separately to ensure all elements of your feast are ready at the same time. It holds a capacity of 9.5 litres, which is ideal to feed a large family.

Shark Corded Upright Vacuum Cleaner
This multi-functional vacuum cleaner can be used as an upright vacuum, detaching the hose to reach into tighter areas, the cobwebs on the ceiling, or on upholstery.The corded design does not need to be recharged, which is ideal for large homes.Plus, it features Shark’s anti hair wrap technology to prevent any hair clogging the brush and impacting its efficiency. It also promises to clean 99% of hair, animal fur, dust, and allergens.

Lumie Bodyclock Spark 100
If you struggle to sleep, the Lumie Bodyclock is a must buy.Not only does it tell the time, function as an alarm and radio, but it replicates sunrise and sunset to help you wake up in the morning and wind down before bed.Set your alarm in the morning and the light will turn from a warm red to bright yellow, while birds tweet (or the radio plays), to wake you in a more gentle manner than a blaring alarm. In the evening the light will turn from bright yellow to a warm red to soothe you to sleep.It can also function as a nightlight for children scared of the dark.

Kindle Paperwhite (2024 Release) Bundle
A Kindle is often included in Amazon’s sale, but now shoppers can shop this bundle, which includes the Kindle Paperwhite with a 16GB capacity, a fabric cover and power adaptor, so you can read a variety of books on the go without lugging around the hardback version.
Like we’ve said before, this sale is only on from March 25 until March 31, so bag yourself a bargain before it’s too late.
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