Latest news with #Santa
Metro
8 hours ago
- Business
- Metro
From Finery dresses to Phlur fragrances - here's 22 things we're 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 Well, what a week! And the weather? Glorious. So it's only fair that you take five, maybe 10 minutes – and have a scroll at this week's edition of Trend Trove. Our in-house shopping expert has been searching the internet, high and low, for all the gorgeous fashion, beauty, home items – plus the news you need to know about. Starting with O2 and Virgin Media broadband customers can enjoy exclusive perks through Priority, including early access to top UK gig tickets, VIP treatment at venues like The O2 and O2 Academies, and weekly giveaways through the new 'Blue Mondays' campaign – featuring prizes like £300 holiday vouchers from With added benefits like inclusive EU roaming up to 25GB and free membership via the Priority app, it's a must-have for fans of live entertainment and travel. Talking of freebies, summer might be sizzling, but LEON is turning up the holiday cheer early with the return of LEON Day on Wednesday, June 25 – marking six months to Christmas and the brand's birthday. To celebrate, the Naturally Fast-Food chain is giving away free mains to anyone who shows up between 11am and 3pm dressed in a Christmas jumper and utters the secret phrase: 'I'm here to speak with Santa.' Whether you're craving the cult-favourite Peanut Chicken Satay Rice Box or the fiery Spicy Firecracker Chicken Wrap, it's all on the house – just bring the festive vibes. Available at LEON restaurants nationwide, but only in-store and only for those bold enough to bring a bit of December to June. Now for some random news, it turns out, we're a nation of bottle-opening improvisers – with one in five Brits admitting they've risked their teeth to crack open a cold one, and some even reaching for house bricks or three-pin plugs! In response to this DIY chaos, Kopparberg has teamed up with Tuff Tooth to launch limited-edition gold 'tooth bling' bottle openers – yes, really. Inspired by hip-hop grillz and Gen Z's love of bold self-expression, these stylish caps double as functional openers, engraved with Kopparberg's signature 'K' and a nod to their cult Strawberry & Lime cider. With 77% of Gen Z open to rocking tooth jewellery (damaged teeth or not), these custom caps are the ultimate summer flex. Want one? Head to @KopparbergUK on Instagram or TikTok to find out how to win. Now for those wanting to escape the heat over the weekend, Don Papa – the premium single-island rum from the Philippines – is whisking Londoners away to the lush, mythical world of Sugarlandia with an immersive takeover at Future Stores on Tottenham Court Road. Running until this Sunday, June 22, the experience blends art, flavour, and Filipino heritage in a sensory celebration. Expect a striking installation by ASAL Studio's Ada Sokol, guided tastings of Don Papa's award-winning rums (including a UK-first look at the new spiced Masskara), and tropical touches like traditional Araw ice cream and custom scent stations. It's a bold, beautiful escape – no passport required. Now for the even better bit, all the goodies you can shop right now – yes, now. What are you waiting for! Easy, effortless, and made for everyday wear, the Essie dress is crafted from lightweight mid-blue denim in a relaxed fit. With a sleeveless cut, tiered skirt, and classic crew neckline, it's the perfect throw-on-and-go piece for laid-back days. Buy Now for £49 Stay energised and recover faster with RECHARGE – a mango-flavoured hydration mix packed with sodium, potassium, magnesium, and L-Glutamine to support muscle function, replenish electrolytes, and boost energy. Perfect for workouts or busy days. Buy Now for £16 (was £20) Arguably the most sought after tower fan. This chic design may be on the higher end of the scale, but it has the specifications to back it up. It promises to be 60% quieter than other fans so not to disturb you in the night thanks to the night mode function. It can oscillate up to 350 degrees, and uses Patented Air Multiplier™ Technology, which draws in surrounding air that is then projected in a high velocity airflow to keep you cool. Buy Now for £349.99 (was £449.99) Brighten up your routine with the new Daffodil Yellow shade, designed for 3C to 4C hair types. The Large Ultimate Detangler Naturally Curly gently tackles tough knots with firmer-flex teeth that reduce frizz and keep curls defined. Suitable for wet or dry hair, it cuts detangling time in half – making wash day quicker and easier than ever. Buy Now for £16 Crafted from stainless steel, and plated in 18k gold if you opt for the gold version, for a sturdy and stylish design. The chunky ring appears like two rings, and the inner ring rotates to help alleviate anxiety. The inner band can be personalised with up to six characters, symbols or precious in gold, silver, or a hybrid of both, it also comes in four sizes. BUY NOW FOR £79 A C&S classic, this irresistible cake features five layers of fluffy vanilla sponge, swirled with raspberry buttercream and tangy raspberry compote. Berry-licious, beautifully layered, and perfect for any celebration. Buy Now for £47.45 SURI Restore Toothpaste is a fluoride-free, dentist-approved formula designed for sensitive teeth. It uses nano-hydroxyapatite to strengthen enamel, malic acid to gently whiten, and cornmint oil for long-lasting freshness. Free from SLS, palm oil, and artificial additives, it's sustainably packaged and works best when used without rinsing. Buy Now for £8.99 This 13-piece edit has been expertly curated to include haircare, bodycare, skincare and make-up cosmetics to see you from day to night and for days on end. Big brands including Luna Daily, Kylie Cosmetics, Biore, Milk Makeup and Too Faced are included in the bundle. BUY NOW FOR £45 (Worth £161.34) A timeless wardrobe staple, this slim-fit knitted vest is crafted from a soft cotton blend with a flattering V-neckline and subtle textured detailing. Part of the M&S Collection, it's an easy-to-style piece that blends classic charm with modern simplicity. Buy Now for £29.50 Bright, creamy, and irresistibly warm, Phlur's Vanilla Nectar Body Mist blends juicy papaya, apricot, and sugared tangelo with soft florals and a comforting base of amber and cedarwood. Infused with orange peel oil and ethyl vanillin, this lightweight, long-lasting mist is perfect for layering or wearing solo—your new go-to for a sweet, sun-kissed scent. Buy Now for £38 Doughlicious Mint Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough & Non-Dairy Gelato Bites are vegan, gluten-free frozen treats featuring mint chocolate chip gelato wrapped in chocolate cookie dough and coated in cookie crumbs. Each bite is just 102 calories, made in London with quality ingredients, and perfect for a refreshing, indulgent snack. Buy Now for £4.50 A beauty essential turned icon, this elliptical-shaped sponge delivers a flawless, airbrushed finish and fits seamlessly into every contour of your face. Reusable and perfect for all makeup types, it's a staple in pro kits and beloved by stars like Oprah, Beyoncé, and Gwen Stefani. A true cult favourite for a reason. Buy Now for £17.50 A soothing mid-muted green with warm yellow and grey undertones, Green 14 brings a sense of calm and balance to any space. Restful yet uplifting, this grass-toned shade is perfect for creating a serene, grounded atmosphere. Buy Now for £49 Add a bold splash of colour with Eylure's Rainbow Burst lashes, featuring vibrant rainbow-tipped ends for a playful, standout look. Handmade and reusable for up to 5 wears, each set includes long-lasting, latex-free glue. Proudly supporting LGBT+ youth charity Just Like Us, Eylure celebrates diversity and self-expression with every lash. Buy Now for £7 Escape to paradise with this tropical, sun-soaked scent inspired by Mona's honeymoon. Maldives in a Bottle blends banana blossom, ylang-ylang, and white plumeria with creamy sandalwood, coconut milk, and juicy starfruit for a serene, beachy fragrance. Part of the Vacay in a Bottle collection, it's playful, luxurious, and perfect for layering to create your own signature scent. Buy Now for £79 Elevate your everyday with this beautifully crafted Acacia breakfast tray. Made from rich acacia wood, its deep sides and rectangular shape make it perfect for serving breakfast in bed, garden drinks, or stylish home organisation. A versatile piece that blends natural elegance with practical design. Buy Now for £16 (was £23) Enriched shea butter, vegan squalane, and peptides, this nourishing lip oil works to soothe, hydrate and condition the lips. Available in three colours, including Pink Lady, a sheer light pink, a brighter pink tone Guava, and Peach (clue is in the name). BUY FOR £21 Califia Farms Matcha Almond Latte is a plant-based, ready-to-drink beverage that blends real matcha green tea with creamy almond milk. It's dairy-free, vegan, and lightly sweetened, offering a smooth, refreshing taste with a gentle energy boost. Ideal for on-the-go sipping, it's a convenient alternative to traditional matcha lattes – just shake, pour, and enjoy. Buy Now for £2.95 Built for adventure, the Orbea Kemen ADV 30 combines a powerful EP6 motor with a long-range battery to take you further – whether it's beach days, trail rides, or spontaneous escapes. Its low, centred weight and balanced geometry offer stability and control on rough terrain, while the 100mm suspension fork and wide tyres smooth out the ride. With intelligent built-in lighting and rugged design, it's ready for wherever the trail leads. Buy Now for £2,799 (was £3,399) Stylish, spacious, and built for travel, the Lisbon Weekender is your go-to for short getaways. It features a roomy interior, smart organisation with a key clip, a suitcase sleeve for easy airport navigation, and a detachable shoulder strap for versatile carrying. Form meets function in this travel-ready essential. Buy Now for £69 A fresh take on a timeless classic, the Jakomini frames feature a clean, modern silhouette in the beloved panto style. Part of the Accent Shade collection, their delicate shape adds effortless elegance to any look. Buy Now for £375 Add a chic touch to your summer look with this stylish woven hat from Laines London. Featuring hand-embellished detailing, signature gold trim, and an adjustable fit with hidden Velcro, it's perfect for holidays, beach days, or elevating everyday outfits. Pair it with matching sandals, bags, and pieces from the new summer collection. Buy Now for £79 Follow Metro across our social channels, on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram Share your views in the comments below MORE: Huda Beauty teases two exciting new launches causing a stir on social media MORE: Astrid & Miyu launch unmissable summer sale on jewellery for a limited time only MORE: Western fashion is back – these are the pieces to nail cowgirl chic this summer
The Age
5 days ago
- The Age
Ticketed, alcohol-free: Future of Bronte's Christmas party to be decided
A Sydney council will consider introducing alcohol bans or tickets for Bronte's controversial Christmas Day party, which is enjoyed by thousands of expats each year but increasingly derided by fed-up locals. A growing number of backpackers staying in the eastern suburbs crowd into Bronte Park in their red swimsuits and Santa hats on December 25 for a day of drinking and tanning, known as the 'orphans' Christmas' party. Waverley Council will be presented with several options at Tuesday's council meeting on how the event should be run this year. The unofficial event has soared in popularity since the pandemic. According to the council, last year's party – following which an Irish tradie was left in an induced coma with serious head injuries after he jumped off a cliff edge and into the ocean pool – had a 20 per cent increase in attendance over the year before. Residents have long waged war against the party, especially because of the sea of rubbish left behind for the council to clean up on Boxing Day morning. At a community forum, one said that partygoers were treating the park as a 'mass urinal'. After many locals told the council they wanted the event gone entirely, council management has detailed a list of options council could pursue. One option, which received good support in the community according to a council report, is to increase policing at the party, enforce an alcohol and glass ban, and fine people for flouting any potential new rules. This option would also restrict ride-share pick-up points and have a set finishing time for closing the park. It would cost council a minimum of $220,000, according to a report.
Sydney Morning Herald
5 days ago
- Sydney Morning Herald
Ticketed, alcohol-free: Future of Bronte's Christmas party to be decided
A Sydney council will consider introducing alcohol bans or tickets for Bronte's controversial Christmas Day party, which is enjoyed by thousands of expats each year but increasingly derided by fed-up locals. A growing number of backpackers staying in the eastern suburbs crowd into Bronte Park in their red swimsuits and Santa hats on December 25 for a day of drinking and tanning, known as the 'orphans' Christmas' party. Waverley Council will be presented with several options at Tuesday's council meeting on how the event should be run this year. The unofficial event has soared in popularity since the pandemic. According to the council, last year's party – following which an Irish tradie was left in an induced coma with serious head injuries after he jumped off a cliff edge and into the ocean pool – had a 20 per cent increase in attendance over the year before. Residents have long waged war against the party, especially because of the sea of rubbish left behind for the council to clean up on Boxing Day morning. At a community forum, one said that partygoers were treating the park as a 'mass urinal'. After many locals told the council they wanted the event gone entirely, council management has detailed a list of options council could pursue. One option, which received good support in the community according to a council report, is to increase policing at the party, enforce an alcohol and glass ban, and fine people for flouting any potential new rules. This option would also restrict ride-share pick-up points and have a set finishing time for closing the park. It would cost council a minimum of $220,000, according to a report.
Economic Times
6 days ago
- Economic Times
5 Australia's winter hotspots you won't want to miss
In June, Hobart hosts Dark Mofo, a festival of fire rituals, bold art, and immersive events scattered across the city . (Image: City of Hobart) While most travellers chase sun-soaked beaches and balmy skies, Australia's cooler months offer a different kind of magic, crackling fires, misty mountains, and seasonal festivals that make you embrace the chill. From mulled wine under the Blue Mountains' frost-tipped trees to truffle hunts in Canberra's crisp woodlands, winter down under isn't something to escape; it's something to savour. From fire-lit rituals in Tasmania to truffle hunts in the ACT, here are five top destinations worth exploring this season . (Image: City of Hobart) In June, Hobart hosts Dark Mofo, a festival of fire rituals, bold art, and immersive events scattered across the city . The festival transforms industrial spaces into Dark Park, where outdoor installations fill vacant lots. Evenings are warm and lively in Salamanca's pubs. The Nude Solstice Swim at Sunrise Beach is a daring highlight. Thousands strip off in freezing dawn waters to mark the shortest day. Want something less exposed? Alternative solstice celebrations offer comfort and festivity. (Image is from Tourism Australia) Just 90 minutes by train from Sydney, the Blue Mountains become Australia's festive heart each July . Yulefest, started 43 years ago, transforms heritage hotels with six‑course Christmas dinners, Santa visits, and valley views . Nearby Fairmont Resort and Nepean Belle steamers add buffet lunches and cruises. Clear skies and crisp air make winter ideal for rides across Katoomba Falls, the Three Sisters, and Jamison Valley, capped off with mulled cider in Bilpin . (Image is from Official site for Melbourne, Victoria, Australia) Every August, Winter Sounds brings chamber music and acoustic performances to historic churches, heritage train carriages, and bush halls . The festival is 90 minutes from Melbourne and offers intimate shows in Art Deco theatres. Visitors can also relax in thermal springs or enjoy spa treatments between concerts . (Image is from Visit Adelaide) From July 25–27, Winter Reds Weekend invites visitors to 30+ wineries for fireside lunches, live music, and full-bodied reds . Cottages in Stirling and Hahndorf take on a European feel. Enjoy hearty local fare, stews, venison, and produce, paired with elegant wines. Make sure to leave space for bottles to take home . (Image is from Visit Canberra)Canberra's truffle season offers guided hunts with trained dogs between June and September to unearth black winter truffles . After digging, enjoy cooking classes and menus built around freshly harvested a sensory delight, 'dirt' with a decadent twist. You literally excavate and taste your dinner on the same day .Australia's winter landscapes and cultural events offer experiences you can't find in summer. Think fire, ice, music, wine, cold-water rituals, and foraged delicacies. And with off-peak travel, you enjoy fewer crowds and better deals. Whether you crave creative installations, festive feasts, or culinary excursions, winter in Oz delivers.
Time of India
6 days ago
- Time of India
5 Australia's winter hotspots you won't want to miss
Hobart, Tasmania – Fire, Art, and Ice-Cold Dips Live Events Blue Mountains, NSW – Christmas in July Daylesford, Victoria – Music in Unlikely Places Adelaide Hills, SA – Fireside Feasts & Winter Reds Canberra, ACT – Truffle Hunts & Tastings (You can now subscribe to our (You can now subscribe to our Economic Times WhatsApp channel While most travellers chase sun-soaked beaches and balmy skies, Australia's cooler months offer a different kind of magic, crackling fires, misty mountains, and seasonal festivals that make you embrace the chill. From mulled wine under the Blue Mountains ' frost-tipped trees to truffle hunts in Canberra's crisp woodlands, winter down under isn't something to escape; it's something to fire-lit rituals in Tasmania to truffle hunts in the ACT, here are five top destinations worth exploring this season .(Image: City of Hobart)In June, Hobart hosts Dark Mofo , a festival of fire rituals, bold art, and immersive events scattered across the city . The festival transforms industrial spaces into Dark Park, where outdoor installations fill vacant lots. Evenings are warm and lively in Salamanca's Nude Solstice Swim at Sunrise Beach is a daring highlight. Thousands strip off in freezing dawn waters to mark the shortest day. Want something less exposed? Alternative solstice celebrations offer comfort and festivity.(Image is from Tourism Australia)Just 90 minutes by train from Sydney, the Blue Mountains become Australia's festive heart each July . Yulefest , started 43 years ago, transforms heritage hotels with six‑course Christmas dinners, Santa visits, and valley views .Nearby Fairmont Resort and Nepean Belle steamers add buffet lunches and cruises. Clear skies and crisp air make winter ideal for rides across Katoomba Falls , the Three Sisters, and Jamison Valley, capped off with mulled cider in Bilpin .(Image is from Official site for Melbourne, Victoria, Australia)Every August, Winter Sounds brings chamber music and acoustic performances to historic churches, heritage train carriages, and bush halls .The festival is 90 minutes from Melbourne and offers intimate shows in Art Deco theatres. Visitors can also relax in thermal springs or enjoy spa treatments between concerts .(Image is from Visit Adelaide)From July 25–27, Winter Reds Weekend invites visitors to 30+ wineries for fireside lunches, live music, and full-bodied reds . Cottages in Stirling and Hahndorf take on a European feel. Enjoy hearty local fare, stews, venison, and produce, paired with elegant wines. Make sure to leave space for bottles to take home .(Image is from Visit Canberra)Canberra's truffle season offers guided hunts with trained dogs between June and September to unearth black winter truffles . After digging, enjoy cooking classes and menus built around freshly harvested a sensory delight, 'dirt' with a decadent twist. You literally excavate and taste your dinner on the same day .Australia's winter landscapes and cultural events offer experiences you can't find in summer. Think fire, ice, music, wine, cold-water rituals, and foraged delicacies. And with off-peak travel, you enjoy fewer crowds and better deals. Whether you crave creative installations, festive feasts, or culinary excursions, winter in Oz delivers.
