Who Pays When A Cash Machine Doesn’t Deliver?

What Happens When The ATM Fails logs the transaction but doesn’t dispense any cash?

Headie Aster

2026-06-28T10:34:00.0000000 2026-06-28T10:59:14.2400000

Is the ATM the next thing to go HSBC.

This rant is not about HSBC in particular, it’s about the system and how unfair things can be.

Especially at the moment when money is tight and £150 at the end of the month can make or break you.

I thought I was going crazy. I took out £150 from the ATM at my local Morrison’s supermarket. Well I tried to. The ATM timed out in the middle of the process and didn’t dispense the cash. It was my last £150 before payday for my grocery shop.

I am one of those people who likes to use cash. I spend less when I have to hand over real money instead of just using my debit card. I also owed someone some money I’d borrowed and needed to repay it.

When I tried a different ATM I got a message of insufficient funds. I thought I was going mad. Fortunately I have a rainy day, only in an emergency small fund I was able to borrow from but I completely understand not every one has this.

When I checked my banking app it said I had taken two £150 payments, not one. So I deduced the first ATM had completed the transaction without dispensing any money.

This snoop is to warn banking customers what may happen if this happens to you.

I called HSBC immediately and got put through to the disputes team who logged the call.

Here’s what happened.

My money would temporarily be returned in 4 days if the bank decided I had a claim, this was not guaranteed and the money may be recalled if my dispute was not resolved in my favour.

I was like what? I need that money now. I don’t get paid for three days. Didn’t matter, the bank told me there is a wave of people taking money from ATMs and then saying the machine didn’t dispense the cash. ATMs are owned and operated by independents, nothing to do with the bank I was informed so they would have to investigate, check local CCTV I was told and decide if I was telling the truth. I asked if they would give me a reference number or an email, anything to prove I had reported the incident. No they said just a verbal assurance the dispute was logged on their system and I’d have an answer, not necessarily resolution, within 21 days.

It got me thinking about how many families are on the breadline and how a faulty ATM machine could cause havoc like this, how much £150 is to an individual but nothing to a massive bank like HSBC.

I have been checking my account daily to see if the funds have been returned even temporarily, tomorrow is day four and so far nothing.

I am confident I will get my money back eventually but with crime on the rise, high street bank branches disappearing and access to cash becoming increasingly difficult, I do wonder for how much longer we’ll have the use of the few remaining ATMS. The reason I went to Morrisons in the first place, it’s one of the only ATMS in my area where you can get cash for free, all the convenient ones at petrol stations charge a fee to use.

FYI if my money isn’t returned by HSBC my only course of action is to file a claim with the Financial Ombudsman which can take up to 6 months to be looked into.

I’ve added a money saving expert link below. It’s clear from further investigation I am not the only person this has happened to and the experiences of other people sound exactly the same but resolution hasn’t been forthcoming in a lot of cases.

For reference the images are not of the faulty ATM at my local Morrisons, I didn’t snap pictures when it happened. These images I took when I experienced another incident with a faulty ATM machine a few months ago.

Interest rates in building societies are so low now and with risk averse banks putting themselves above the needs of customers, I am questioning the service they actually offer and wondering if returning to gold and cash under the bed would be a better system. Food for thought in a digital age.

Jorge Hernandez Artist When You See Something You Love And Cannot Stop Thinking About It

The Reason To Visit A Museum or Indeed a Hotel, Exhibition or Gallery

Holly HY

2026-06-28T06:58:00.0000000 2026-06-28T12:03:48.6870000

When I think about Spain, I first think about the language, a language I am learning and I love. And then I think about art, ceramics and architecture, Antoni Gaudí, Pablo Picasso, and Salvador Dalí the foundational pillars of 20th-century Spanish and Catalan art, each transforming their respective disciplines. Rooted in the culture of Catalonia, Gaudí revolutionized architecture with organic forms, Dalí became the face of Surrealism and Andalusian Picasso born in Malaga pioneered Cubism. I love Pablo Picasso. I still remember the Los Angeles County Museum of Art (LACMA) hosting a major exhibition "Picasso: Masterworks from the Museum of Modern Art." back in 1998, which as a then member I went to twice to see 90 amazing works on loan from MoMA in New York City. Nothing beats seeing paintings up close and personal. I even remember famous quotes, and sentiment and difficulty to

paint like a child when you are old and as a true artist, finding the humour in having to not only paint, but sell what you paint as well. The self belief to convey value in creation.

People who paint, create, make us think, stop, look, think and then think again.

I decided to share my experience with artist Jorge Hernandez whilst in Spain, I didn’t visit a gallery or shop or museum outside the hotel, inside as I meandered from my hotel bed room to breakfast and the swimming pool, my favourite part of El Fuerte, Marbella for my daily dip, I had to pass one painting, Blue by Jorge Hernandez.

I began to anticipate seeing it and about half way through my stay I discovered to own it would cost €6,600.

I didn’t purchase it. It’s a large work that needs a large wall and a bigger bank balance than mine but I did love the concept of combining contemporary art with hospitality and introducing artists to a wider audience simply by putting their work in front of the public in this gallery setting along the walls of the hotel.

I loved this painting and seeing it everyday made me curious about its creator. I have since looked at other pieces for sale and found out more about the artist who is actually acclaimed and well known in collector circles, not just in Spain but internationally.

This particular painting Blue drew me in for sure and on the last day I found myself standing for a while, knowing I wouldn’t see it again and taking it in. I guess it’s the reason to buy a painting and support the work. Because of the pleasure found in contemplation.

I read this on a site about Jorge Hernandez and it resonated perfectly, “The paintings of Hernández, suspended between cinematic evocation and contemporary exploration of the image, invite us to immerse ourselves—like his own characters—in a territory where memory, fiction, and desire float in a balance as enigmatic as it is deeply human.”

It was certainly true for me.

I love art, I don’t look at it enough, life gets in the way. Seeing this painting reminded me how much. I saw myself in it, my own reflection, a mirror of the pleasure of a solitary swim, being at one with nature and the deeper reflection on being alone encased in your own skin, operating autonomously and independently from everything else and how secure and serene that feeling is or can be.

There were many painting in the ever changing hotel exhibition but this one hung for my entire stay. Someone I am sure will buy it soon, it was extremely beautiful, I have looked at many in the same series but non I like as much as much as this.

Maybe it’s because seeing it in person, the imposing scale is important or maybe it was just meant to cross my path so I could write this and share the experience. I love the thought of every person who reads this, even perhaps Jorge Hernandez himself and how much curiosity my experience will generate. Like a game of “pass it on”.

Writing down my thoughts about the experience made me think about Anna Wintour saying. “We wear the things we love because we love them.” And ponder why we always gravitate to the same items of clothing over and over above all others. How travelling and the simple act of packing the suitcase makes you break down your wardrobe to just a few favourite things and how, especially for someone who loves fashion, this task can be difficult. Singling out the painting was the same feeling, a knowing, there were maybe 70-80 paintings hanging in this gallery but I always gravitated to the same one, this one. I looked at the others sure, some of the photographs in an adjacent corridor were very interesting but nothing captivated me like this work. We wear the things we love because we love them. This painting for some reason I loved. Shame it wouldn’t fit in the suitcase crammed with other fashionable works of art.

I have learnt sometimes we don’t have to buy something to own it. Why great works of art or given to the world, JW Turner, and hang in free public galleries for everyone to appreciate and enjoy. Unlike fashion they cannot be duplicated or copied.

The memory of the walk, the regard, the swim, the walk back, the regard and then repeat, is why we go on holiday. To discover something new.

I took quite a few pictures of Blue by Jorge Hernandez, sadly none really do it justice. I picked the best one. If you want to see it for yourself and have the experience, all the works on display were provided by ES Arte Contemporary Gallery.

Druni Spain The Beauty Supply Lovers Paradise

Go immediately for beauty skincare haircare perfume make up it is fantastic

Jenny Smith

2026-06-27T07:14:00.0000000 2026-06-27T08:11:29.9300000

As a beauty supply obsessed female I cannot believe I have never heard of Druni before. A friend introduced me to them on holiday this summer. They’ve been around since 1987 and are massive in Spain.

And I am not surprised, for Sephora lovers they are similar but in my view better. Definitely cheaper, with really good offers, discounts, buy 2 get one free, buy 1 get the second half off incentives and a membership program that gives even more to gals who love to spend time browsing beauty, skincare, fragrance, make up, sun screen and a proper pharmacy too all under one roof.

I like Sephora and the new floors in Selfridges have shifted to this kind of wide range of smaller beauty brands but nothing could have prepared me for what was in store at Druni.

It’s a bright colourful really well merchandised space, everything in sections which was helpful as I was looking specifically for haircare. But they have literally everything and lots of products and brands I’d never even heard of to try which was kinda exciting when you are used to the same old same old in your local Superdrug. Not knocking super drug, when I need a box colour or a Rimmel base coat top coat combined they are fantastic but Druni is next level beauty supply, the shampoo section alone ran the whole wall of a very large basement floor. I literally spent half an hour to 45 minutes just picking up bottles, they had everything I’d ever heard of and quite a few I hadn’t which was great to discover new things like Davines vegan cruelty free range, no silicone, Heart Of Glass named as a tribute to 80s pop icon Blondie, this 5 product range I cannot wait to try is for blondes, said to tackle all the problems we have especially toning down brassy and yellow.

They do a shampoo, conditioner, intense treatment mask, a sheer glaze for shine on dry hair and an instant bonding glow, a serum.

You can get the shampoo, conditioner and glaze in a set for £85. I got these three items in Druni for about €62 quite a significant saving. I usually get a regular blow out, my hair is curly and unmanageable but my friend suggested I try dream filter by Wow before attempting to blow dry my own hair, a task I was dreading. On her advice, I sprayed it very liberally, she told me to use a lot throughout my hair and leave it all day. When I came to dry my hair in the evening I was staggered by the difference it made. I actually got a pretty decent result myself. The dream filter cost about €30 euros but it’s a pretty big bottle 200ml so worth it for me. I’ve since discovered this product on sale for £18 at Look Fantastic which is an amazing deal.

The one thing I will say you need to be pretty self reliant when shopping in Druni, the staff are young and not super helpful or knowledgeable and I was shopping with a Spanish speaker able to translate what I was looking for. She turned out to be more help than the assistants so if you don’t know what you need, my advice take a friend with product knowledge along.

You can shop Druni online from the UK but it doesn’t beat the instore experience for beauty supply lovers.

Make sure you take budget when you go, you’ll find yourself buying way more stuff than intended.

Not surprisingly they now have over 500 stores across Spain.

I Have Started To Uber To The Airport All Over The World and It’s Great

For over sixties who travel and prefer not to drive Uber is the bomb

Margaret Clayton

2026-06-26T06:39:58.0630000 2026-06-26T06:53:49.5070000

I am a bit like comedian Larry David when it comes to Uber, he says he’s rarely taken one and when he has, he’d had to get his wife or daughter to help him.

I drive everywhere so have never really had a need to use Uber but then I went to the US, didn’t hire a car and completely got into the service, which was way cheaper than regular taxis and much faster service.

I know young people use them all the time, part of the smart phone age but for older customers used to calling or flagging down a cab the technology can be a bit daunting and at first I didn’t really trust paying for my trip up front.

I’ve got used to that.

Now instead of driving to and parking at the airport it’s cheaper to Uber and much more relaxing and convenient.

The drivers really take care of their cars, offering air conditioning and fresh clean environments to travel. They are rated for their service and you can book the same driver in advance if you wish. If you travel and don’t like to hire a car every trip Uber are great because they operate in over 70 countries so doesn’t matter where you are in the world or whether you speak the language once you’ve got the hang of the app your driver is just a click away usually within minutes.

I can see why this global service has become such a hit, if you haven’t downloaded the app yet and had a go I recommend you do.

I like to tip with cash directly, all my drivers have really appreciated it. There is an option to leave a tip on the app if you find yourself short of cash.

My last Uber was a Tesla electric vehicle which was really great. I’d never ridden in one before so got to see what they are like inside and how they drove. It was a very smooth ride.

For dinosaurs like me you download the Uber app from the App Store on your phone, either Google or Apple.

Thanks Uber. I love your service.

Zaman Revovery and Mobile Tyre Buddy Emergency Tyre Help

Got my tyre fixed but not by mobile tyre buddy or Zaman Recovery directly

Holly Barclay

2026-06-25T14:42:54.0400000 2026-06-25T15:30:56.2470000

Have to say the service I received from Mobile Tyre Buddy was great but they were expensive and not the ones to fix my tyre in the end in Leicestershire.

They are based in Oldham near Manchester and along with Zaman Recovery Services book emergency appointments for other service providers, like a broker and take a fee for securing that booking.

It was an expensive way to do it but I choose to have the convenience of getting my problem sorted quickly without much research to be honest.

Adam at Zaman Recovery helped me book my tyre assistance although I had called Mobile Tyre Buddy, they are two separate companies that work together. He handled everything smoothly and got the mobile tyre repairer Safe Road Tyres, a separate service provider business out to me quickly.

I did question the £100 upfront charge which was explained as necessary for the business because many people let them down, a driver is dispatched, then isn’t needed. Their reviews are good on both Trustpilot and Google so I was confident all would be fine when paying the £100 deposit for the mobile tyre repairer to attend to fix replace my tyre.

The service provided was seamless and the company who got the booking to help me did turn up on time and did do a great job. To be fair Zaman Recovery do say on their website they provide “mobile tyre fitters near you”, which is exactly what they did. And logically it would be impossible for one company to service a wide geographical area.

I just didn’t realise until the work was over it was three separate companies, this was not really made clear at the time of booking. I found out afterwards calling the company who fixed the tyre directly would have saved me the booking fee and the balance £140 for the tyre replacement was the fee to actually replace the tyre.

I did end up with two separate invoices.

Good on Mobile Tyre Buddy and Zaman Recovery for getting the work through their online marketing. They dispatched someone to do the work, they turned up quickly and did a good job. So no complaints.

I’d just say to anyone in the same boat, definitely call a few different companies. The fee for the same service varies quite considerably I discovered.

Emergency Roadside Mobile Tyre Repair Call 077777 24881 Direct And Save

Call Ernest at Safe Road Tyres in Leicestershire direct on 07777 724881

Holly Barclay

2026-06-25T11:44:35.2600000 2026-06-25T14:03:49.8100000

You only know what you know and in the event of a roadside blow out you are definitely at the mercy of online brokers that offer a much more expensive emergency service if you don’t know who to call out directly.

I did end up paying a premium by using Zaman Recovery is association with Mobile Tyre Buddy who I found through a Google search, their business is to act as a broker and direct the business out to independent mobile tyre repairers like Ernest for about a £100 premium. Obviously I wouldn’t have found or known about Safe Road Tyres without the help of Mobile Tyre Buddy or Zaman recovery and they were polite, helpful and quick but a big saving can be made by calling direct to the company that actually fixes the tyre.

I am writing this to advise people to put Safe Road Tyres information in a safe place should you find yourself stuck in the middle of nowhere in the Leicestershire, Northampton area with a blown out tyre. They can actually also help you nationally if you find yourself with a blow out across the UK.

The phone number you need is 07777 724881.

The service from Tyre Repair Buddy was effective, they promised service from 30 - 60 minutes. Ernest arrived in about 1 hour and 15 minutes later which was still amazingly quick, just not quite as quick as the online broker promised but hey, not quibbling over 15 minutes.

The service received throughout from both companies was friendly, efficient and quick.

Within less than 15 minutes Ernest, from Safe Road Tyres had the car jacked up, the old tyre off and the new one on. It was a brand new replacement tyre not a secondhand one and the old tyre was taken away by the company, I wasn’t left with the job of disposing of it.

I did try ringing the RAC beforehand. The wait time was several hours. In the hot weather because of the volume of breakdowns they were advising customers stranded at home (not in my case) the wait for someone to attend was over 24 hours, i.e. the next day.

I also tried another local independent business I use all the time who do offer a booked call out service K T Tyres these guys I know well and I would recommend to anyone, been using them for years but they didn’t have my particular tyre in stock and couldn’t get one until later in the afternoon. I would recommend their tyre service if it wasn’t an emergency, fast friendly and always a really good deal.

Food On Jet 2 Flight - What You See Isn’t What You Get

Wished we’d carried on a sandwich instead of our luggage

Mark Hutchinson

2026-06-25T06:27:00.0000000 2026-06-25T14:14:19.6230000

We all know airline food is notoriously bad, I don’t know why, British Airways have got it right with the help of Tom Kerridge sandwiches. I don’t get it, really. It is not difficult to make a decent ready meal pasta, these days surely?

My issue here is not the food especially, it’s the marketing and packaging. The pictures of the food you purchase don’t match what is delivered, period. Basically what you see and what you get are air miles apart.

I understand jet 2 is billed as the budget friendly airline and many might be saying what do you expect, there’s a massive difference in price between flying Jet 2 and BA and there is. My point is the food doesn’t have to be rubbish even if you are not paying so much money for a flight. Nor should it be marketed with a delicious appetising image when what comes looks nothing like that.

They are charging £6.00 my recommendation if it’s about the margins Jet 2 put the price up a couple of quid and give passengers something more edible. The food quality was really poor, overcooked dry pasta with a small gooey glob of tomato paste, not even sauce.

My gripe is the pictures, the pictures in the food magazine do look tasty and quite delicious, what comes, if it comes, is another story. We were sitting row 25, quite a way back and even though we were almost last to be served I still waited 20 minutes or more for a microwave meal that should have taken less than 5 minutes.

When I reminded the flight attendant about my food, Suzy had already scoffed the pizza twist she described as a doughy cardboard roll I was told “It’s cooking” as if a chef was diligently preparing a gourmet plate of food in the galley at the back.

When it arrived I’d already scoffed a tube of Pringles and downed the very average Rioja I’d ordered to go with.

The service was chaotic to be fair, the flight attendants were low on food stock apologising to passengers and teams at the back and front spent more time delivering food stock up and down the cabin than actually serving people, frustrating to watch when you just want to be served.

Ironically this was the return journey and on the outbound they were selling the sandwiches half price because they had too many. On the return it seemed like they didn’t have enough.

We decided the marketing didn’t match the food served and decided if we found ourselves travelling Jet 2 again, we’d just booked flights to France, the only one’s available, we’d buy a sandwich at the airport to take onboard.

Aside from the food and disorganised drinks service the flight went smoothly, on time with no hiccups except the pilot lost his push back runway slot because of waiting for two passengers to the angst of everyone onboard.

Wouldn’t have liked to have been those people as they were sarcastically applauded as they boarded the plane, tough crowd and when the pilot then announced because we were late departing we’d lost our slot and thanked everyone for their patience. NOT, there were audible groans.

The lesson here, get to your gate on time and don’t order food onboard when travelling Jet 2.

El Fuerte Beachfront Contemporary Hospitality With World Class Food And Genuine Easy 5 Star Service

A special hotel run with passion and care in almost every respect - hope to come back soon

Holly HY

2026-06-23T15:26:00.0000000 2026-06-24T10:34:58.5800000

After 10 days spent on the Costa Del Sol at El Fuerte I am leaving refreshed and rejuvenated having enjoyed possibly the best food of any 5 star hotel I have ever visited and over the years for me that is no mean feat. I don’t eat a lot of processed food or fast food preferring simple homemade from fresh premium fruits and vegetables. Food made with love.

The gastronomy from the buffet style breakfast at Marche, the casual poolside dining, the main restaurant, Levante, the Selected club all day snacks, the room service and the spectacular beach restaurant location of Soleo, we tried them all, the food we could not fault. And the service barring a couple of mistakes was second to none from the warmest of greetings from the Maitre D’ to the acknowledgement of Food and Beverage big boss Fernando Berisa as he wanders the hotel checking on his troupes and ensuring everything is running with absolute precision and attention to detail.

If you want a reason to return the exceptional food would be no.1.

The hotel is large but feels homely and it’s the staff, particularly the team around the pool where nothing was too much trouble. A few people deserve special recognition here, Carlos, Luis, Pedro and Daniel, my friend said if she owned a 5 star hotel she would headhunt all of them and our waiter Valerio provided 5 star level butler service throughout. He got to know our routine and was there with water, cokes, zero alcohol beers and lunch before we had a chance to ask or ring the bell provided for every lounger.

The one noticeable thing that needs attention is loungers cannot be reserved and if you leave your sun-bed for lunch or an ocean swim you may find when you return your favourite spot has been reallocated to someone else. (A hotel policy that caused angst and frustration for guests during our stay)

Our room was extremely comfortable and the housekeeping staff were exactly the same. They got to know us, we are pretty low maintenance but complimentary water every day, and extra chocolates delivered with a cheeky smile were appreciated.

When we realised we’d forgotten our hair straightener, a quick call to the concierge and within less than an hour a GHD top of the line one was on the bed presented in a hotel dust bag.

Hospitality is a feeling and the carefully selected staff at El Fuerte are all pulling in the same direction which makes this newly refurbished beach front property having received a 31 million pound facelift so special. From the manicured lawns over looking the ocean, the quiet background jazz low enough to ensure the meditative rolling ocean isn’t drowned out to the stunning adults only swimming pool this classic seaside property is an architectural digest worthy feature, the contrast of red and white stripes, towering palms and turquoise sky is a veritable amateur photographers haven.

For curious travellers and explorers El Fuerte is a very short amble from Marbella old town where you can find shopping, historic sight seeing and restaurants to suit every budget and for the more adventurous a 7 km walk along the promenade takes you to Puerto Banus. If you don’t fancy the walk back the water taxi is a fun option for your return journey, costs €15 euros and takes around 30 minutes.

If you are looking for a stylish contemporary beautifully designed hotel with fantastic food and the warm vibes you get from truly genuine staff who are more about making sure you have what you need than the money, the bill, the tip then this hotel is for you. Interesting touches on the hotel literature about conservation and sustainability, why you are asked to switch off your air conditioning, keep your terrace door closed and limit your food waste by asking for to go bags were all things I appreciated.

I didn’t spend much time in the spa, daily access is included with selected club membership (€50 euros per day without) but I did peek in and it looked fantastic and there is also a full service hair salon on site with 4 blow dry options ranging from €50-€100 euros depending on the length of your hair.

The final treat for contemporary art lovers is a changing exhibition we enjoyed every day, a long gallery of beautiful works half hotel half museum as we meandered from our room high on the 6th floor, where there’s also a full gym with spectacular views and yoga studio, to the restaurants, pool and beach.

All this comes at a cost, you do get what you pay for but if you like a pet friendly adult paradise where kids are welcome but kept in separate family areas and the staff take pleasure in delivering 5 star service check in immediately.

A Sheet Face Mask Users First Experience

From a non beauty treatment expert

Holly HY

2026-06-23T14:34:00.0000000 2026-06-27T08:32:56.7970000

Update: after further investigation single use face masks are full of micro plastics and don’t biodegrade so disastrous environmental credentials. I won’t be buying anymore.

I’ve been wanting to jump on the sheet mask bandwagon for a while. I don’t buy into a load of lotions and potions but I do like the feeling of a salon facial, the massage, the creams, the treatment itself and the after glow you get as a result.

You would have been living in a vacuum if you hadn’t been exposed to the rise of South Korean skincare, promoted by the milky white perfect skin on brand advertising, the crescent shaped gel pads worn as a fashion accessory almost by the beautiful people, both men and women to allegedly remove eye bags and puffiness around the eye.

I’ve never tried them but I have been sucked into the beauty vortex that is the gel sheet mask. An individual serving in a sealed pouch, a bit like a tea bag, you remove, unfold and lay onto your face for 10-15 minutes whilst you relax and wait for the magic to happen.

I cannot vouch for their ethical, sustainable or cruelty free credentials as they were selected with all the precision and thought given to a lucky dip. A visit to a beauty supply store in a foreign land (Druni) another snoop, presented me with a cornucopia of brightly coloured individually wrapped gel masks with fruity ingredients and attesting to possessing mood enhancing properties. My investigation into their credentials extends as far as reading the back of the packets.

All were made in China, a country of origin that doesn’t give when it comes to ethical production or cruelty free accreditation.

Not to be a downer but I don’t use face wipes because of the one use and dispose impact on the environment and the face mask does pose the same dilemma when it comes to disposal. Although these treatments are only recommended for use once a week which did ease my conscience somewhat.

For beauty hacks on a budget these clever and easy gel face masks could be the answer, a much cheaper alternative to a salon treatment. The cost difference is significant. My face masks were €1 euro each, I pushed the boat out on the yellow one, my beauty week at €1.50.

I have only tried one so far, the IDC Institute, Aloe Vera and Peptide which is recommended as a Saturday night once a week treat, I did mine on Sunday night, I don’t think the day of application will make a big difference in the end result.

It felt absolutely lovely, a friend had poo pooed the idea as very messy but this one wasn’t. It was cooling, smelled divine, easily applied and didn’t drip at all. In fact after 15-20 minutes all the gel had absorbed into my skin and when I checked in the mirror my face did look plumped out in a good way. I massaged the remaining serum inside the packet on my face and décolleté to finish.

I’d definitely buy this one again, IDC Institute although after some research online the price varies from the €1 euro I paid up to £6.00 per application, so definitely shop around.

Am I hooked, I liked the experience for sure. It will be interesting to see if using the others is as pleasant and if I notice any longer term improvements in my skin over time.

I will also probably investigate further the impact on the environment of these super fashionable consumer beauty products.

Over time there would for sure be a lot more waste than slapping a product in a container on your face, lying back and relaxing.

The consistency and cooling properties of this mask reminded me of Chantecaille Essense Vitel, which I love except this all natural alternative costs around £114.00 for 50ml, quite a significant in price which for many would be out of the beauty ballpark.

I am going now to see if I can find a Chantecaille essence vital on a secondhand market place.

Australian Gold Facial Serum SPF 30 Extremely Water Resistant Vitamin C Cream

When you are trying to prevent age spots

Carmen Pascal

2026-06-23T05:25:00.0000000 2026-06-23T06:09:09.2400000

I wear an SPF cream every day. I’ve tried a few but with the heatwave going on right now anyone over the age of 60 needs to be extra vigilant when it comes to protecting the skin especially the face. I saw an image recently in Vanity Fair, it was of Al Pacino standing next to a youthful Timothee Chalamet at a party and I was struck by his skin and how sun damaged and covered with dark spots it was, I thought good god and then immediately thought we are the same age. This is something I am conscious of warding off for as long as possible.

This cream I picked up randomly. In fact I didn’t even buy it, I sent my much younger niece on an errand to get me an SPF 30 cream for moisturising my face and this is what she returned with telling me it’s a great brand. It is vegan and cruelty free a PETA certified product I am assured. Young people really care about these things, which of course is a good shift, I must confess I am less “woke” I drink, smoke and eat meat, I confess not so cruelty free but I am old.

It shows how it’s good to be open to trying something new because I love it. It’s light, really moisturising, full

of vitamin C which is fantastic for your skin, absorbs easily, and totally water resistant, not that I spend a great deal of time in the pool, more concerned about falling over on a slippy wet floor and making a complete fool of myself but sweating is a problem in intense heat which mean this beauty protect doesn’t need to be constantly reapplied.

I am able to languish in the shade knowing my face and décolletage is completely protected.

It has been a great addition to my beauty routine whilst travelling this summer. It’s a clear Matt finish that can used for sunbathing, my niece has used it too (why she probably bought it for me) but it has been really great under my foundation as a primer/moisturising base with great SPF.

This week Paris experienced the hottest day ever recorded which makes me mindful about our precious climate, consuming less, and being conscious about food waste, recycling, air conditioning and all the sustainability changes and adaptations we need to make.

Amorino Gelato The Most Delicious And Fastest Melting With Global Boutiques

Try it for sure but not to go unless it’s freezing outside

Poppy

2026-06-22T05:33:00.0000000 2026-06-24T07:58:05.3470000

Amorino Gelato With Thirty Five Locations Across London Including Kensington High St

Who doesn’t love an icecream on a boiling hot day?

And sometimes you have to travel to Europe to discover something actually right on your doorstep. Except don’t try to move anywhere with this ice cream in hot weather. It begins to melt immediately and the ice experience gets extremely messy. I’ve tried cones and cups to transport it and you find yourself eating it in such haste to stop getting covered in dripping dessert you miss the enjoyment.

There are a lot of different ice cream companies, some small, some larger, from the independent ice cream van selling 99s at the seaside to Haagen Daz that captured our imagination 65 years ago in the Bronx NYC with the designer boutique experience.

For a brand to endure the flavours and tastes have to be unforgettable, irreplaceable and the experience completely memorable.

Here’s what happened when I first visited Amorino. I have returned a few times since but first impressions do count.

Where have I been, I love ice cream and this French-Italian artisan brand operates globally over 300 boutiques worldwide, 26 across Spain where I spent a few weeks this summer.

On my very first visit I was greeted with one of the warmest welcomes I can remember ever receiving when entering a business, genuine and exuberant, like it was a small business with the owner behind the counter. At this point I had no idea of the scale or size of the business. It felt independent.

My first words “I hope your ice cream is as good as your welcome”

These guys take dessert to a whole new level not just offering simple cones, but gelato filled macarons Laduree style to adorn their creations, in popular flavours like salted caramel, my favourite, pistachio, raspberry and chocolate. Your ice cream is delivered in a rose sculpture, if you order a cone, how they do it I don’t know but it looks like a work of art, to lick is to destroy.

The waffle cones are light and crunchy with a dipped lining of superior tempered chocolate but it was the rich velvety smooth ice cream, possibly the best ice cream I have ever tasted that kept me returning throughout my holiday. When I ordered ice cream in a cup to try and aid transportation from shop to sunbathers it didn’t work though and the cone didn’t get eaten because of the haste required to consume.

I paid €15 for two cones which is standard and I have to say, worth every penny. The ice cream is absolutely spectacular. It was cheaper in a cup, around €12.00 I ordered the second size of 4 options with cones on the side.

In the UK a single-scoop waffle cone at Amorino typically costs between £6.50 and £7.50, depending on the UK location, there are thirty five boutiques across London, the most popular being Soho, Tottenham Court Road, Goodge St, Long Acre, Covent Garden, High St Kensington, Charing Cross, Hampstead and Notting Hill.

Amorino has made famous the signature, rose-petal sculpted gelato. While they charge a flat rate, you are allowed to choose as many flavors as you want on your cone for that price, rather than being limited to just one, which allows you to sample to your hearts content if you cannot make up your mind.

And for Brits at home it’s not just London where you can sample the beautiful ice cream. They have expanded their operation across the UK in recent years.

You can find Amorino in the following UK cities and regional towns.

Edinburgh: 27 North Bridge, EH1 1SB

Birmingham: City Centre

Cardiff: City Centre

Leeds: 22 Commercial Street, LS1 6AL

Cambridge: 9 Market Passage, CB2 3PA

Bath: 19 Union Street, BA1 1RS

York: 39 Parliament Street, YO1 8RU

Canterbury: City Centre

Windsor: 9 Peascod Street, SL4 1DT

Marlow: 105 High Street, SL7 1AB

Bracknell: The Lexicon, RG12

£7.50 for dessert to go is expensive no doubt but if you are an ice cream lover this is one spot worth trying at least once.

The only problem, once you’ve tried the ice cream you won’t be able to stop thinking about these totally delicious concoctions from a simple rose sculpture cone to an elaborate sundae.

Flavours: too many to list. FYI Adding a single gelato-filled macaron to the center of your rose-shaped cone costs an additional £1.90 to £2.50, depending on the specific branch you visit.

It’s all natural which could be the reason it melts so quickly, the only downside, so I’d recommend immediate consumption, try to take it anywhere even a few steps away on a hot day and things get very very messy.

Stage Mother A Camp Extravaganza For Cabaret Club Lovers With A Very Human Connection

It’s queer, touching and very, very dry with spectacular costumes and sets

Tara Chirpy

2026-06-21T05:51:00.0000000 2026-06-21T06:08:55.5370000

For lovers of Bonnie Tyler’s Total Eclipse of The Heart there’s a movie magic moment where in this film but if you hate the song don’t let that put you off.

Stage Mother

A super camp finding yourself in mid life movie for lead character Maybelline Jacki Weaver (like the make up brand) a choir mistress from Texas in a dead marriage thwarted by prejudice because of her gay theatrical son Rickey who escaped the limitations of a small town Baptist upbringing to live his life as the star of the drag bar he owns with his partner Nathan played by Adrian Grenier (devil wears prada)

This is a heart warming coming of age story of love and forgiveness. It’s full of courage to be your own person and chutzpah to realise even in the face of the deepest pain and tragedy it’s never too late.

When Maybelline’s son Rickey passes away, she inherits his gay and drag bar, Pandora's Box, which is located in the Castro District of San Francisco, California a world away from her conservative life in Red Vine, Texas.

When she attends his funeral against the wishes of her husband Jeb Metcalf, and heads off defying him, think Shirley Valentine, he also must face the reality of the situation and their strained relationship, a side plot.

But it is the colour and humour of the cast of characters Maybelline meets in San Francisco, that carry this film and human story of predictive, regret and ultimately love. Rickeys friends and colleagues in the failing bar where his drug addiction had caused audiences to wain and ultimately finished him off on stage, become Maybelline’s new family and purpose as she reconnects with her son in death and gets to know him again through Pandoras Box and the people that perform there. She befriends a queer troubled performer Joan, intervening in his drug taking and reconnecting him with his mother, something she wished someone had done for her precious boy Rickey.

The music, the sets, the clever script and laugh out loud humour make this film a must watch. Think The Birdcage meets Kinky Boots meets American Beauty meets Behind the Candelabra. All films on my must watch at least once list. It tackles the difficult challenge of avant garde LGBTQ+ and conservative small town mentality in a beautiful open and illuminating way.

Hymn For Him is an original gospel song performed by Jacki Weaver in her own voice a heartfelt, posthumous duet, blending her live vocals with a recording of her late son, Rickey. This climatic performance, which is accompanied by a visual montage of Rickey's life, marks the final scene of the film, deeply moving, uplifting and closes the movie with lessons learned and in surety life does indeed go on.

Outstanding supporting performances from

Lucy Liu as single Mom to Rickey jr, Sienna and Jackie Beat the drag persona of actor screenwriter Kent Fuher as stage mother Dusty Muffin who quits the club in a stand off when Maybelline arrives but returns to run the show, the last important person in the team restored leaving her free to step aside with Nathan taking back ownership of the club at Maybelline’s insistence.

A tribute to finding family in unusual places, forgiveness and the ultimate power in love as a doing word.

Tatler A journey around the globe with food, lifestyle, shopping, art, books and fashion thrown in

Like Sienna Spiro I too am a material lover I discover

Savannah Black

2026-06-20T05:23:00.0000000 2026-06-21T05:37:58.6630000

I rarely buy a magazine and when I have in the past it’s usually around fashion or travel.

Most of my reading of articles and newspapers is done online but I wanted to share a recent encounter with 350 year old society publication which I devoured from cover to cover, and found to be a colourful journey of lifestyle, humour, history, culture, current affairs and lots of wit. I would say the value, pleasure and education I received way exceeded the £6.00 price tag, one and a half of my favourite daily cups of coffee on my way to work.

I wouldn’t describe myself as a typical “Tatler” gal. Working class, definitely not a socialite, love nice food, a great museum, a cracking film and a meaty novel, pretty well educated, but state schooled, watch football over rugby and choose beer over wine any day. The editors at Totty Towers, the affectionate name for Vogue House in Mayfair home to Tatler until Conde Nast moved to the Strand would definitely not see me as their demographic, in fact they may shudder if they bumped into me at a bystander event, more likely to be mingling with a bottle in my hand saying “more Champagne madam” in my South Yorkshire twang, softened by years working in London but still enough to trigger the question “where are you from?” than an actual guest.

I discovered the Bystander pages, the society parties and socialite gossip catalogued in images of the beautiful people last. I found out later these are the pages regular readers visit first, whose who, whose where. As an outsider I didn’t recognise any of the names so it was not where I started.

First I visited the fashion, a wild and wonderful 10 or maybe 12 page feature of Millinery, the article entitled “Hat’s All Folks, the nod to Looney Tunes made me giggle, styled some might say over styled in the most theatrical ways. I am a hat lover so flicking through these pages, definitely delighted. The creative was full of whimsy, ridiculous really, fur stoles, over the knee socks, rafia sculpted hats and long brightly coloured leather gloves, not remotely wearable but so theatrical and out there, I loved it.

This was followed up by a story told about Lock and Co, the famous London hat maker. The writing moved around the page with references from Oscar Wilde to Louis Carrols creation of the Mad Hatter said to be based on the eccentric 19th century shopkeeper. I imagined the architecture of the coffin staircase and the present day staff propping up the bar in the Red Lion Mayfair and thought to myself I would fit right in here.

Then it was on to Yorkshire, home turf and the wily windy moors of North Yorkshire, a travel piece about places to stay and rest a while following the latest hype around Emerald Fennels recreation of Wuthering Heights.

Then a funny and real story about royal photographer Hugo Burnand. This piece had a real human element, how a shy young guy had fitted in behind his camera at parties and became the Tatler capturer able to get his subjects together in unlikely combinations.

I realised as I turned the pages what was different to most of what I read online. This was alive. I got to know the writers, a blooming hilarious opinion piece from Simon Mills and how loud I read obnoxious the younger generation of posh folk are becoming. The writing was lyrical and the language not challenging but definitely not mundane. I felt I was getting something more from Tatler, talent, knowledge like I the reader was treasured, appreciated. It felt really good. Like being invited.

When I heard Sienna Spiro talking on the One Show, how I don’t know as I never watch the One Show, about her inspiration for the hit single Material Lover, the title track for Devil wears Prada 2, how she likes tangible and how the song came about as she watched the movie and was touched by it’s decline to a digital format, I related.

By the time I had finished with my Tatler it was torn, smudged and dog eared but there again change the way you look at things and perhaps this is the greatest compliment to the Editorial and writing team.

So good I may even subscribe.

Restaurante Soleo Marbella Where The Hype Lives Up To The Experience

El Fuerte Hotel Gets The Food Exactly Right Shame The Edge Was Closed

Holly HY

2026-06-19T05:24:00.0000000 2026-06-19T05:41:07.9270000

I cannot remember the last time I visited a restaurant where everything was perfect, so so good I was compelled to return. Someone said true hospitality is a feeling and Soleo gives you that feeling in a very large measure.

Nothing can beat the setting of Soleo the beach restaurant offering part of the El Fuerte hotel whose executive chef team, Ladislao Comins, with Jorge Serrano and Alexis Rocha are responsible for the exquisite food we experienced. In great company 5 Michelin star chef Paco Perez is a stone’s throw away at the rooftop restaurant Edge inside the hotel, a more formal affair open only for dinner which based on the experience at Soleo I cannot wait to try too, although when I tried to book it doesn’t appear to be open at the moment.

The Soleo setting is absolutely spectacular, we visited without a reservation for an early dinner, late lunch around 4.30pm. All I can tell you is the photos do not do this magnificent restaurant justice. The colours, the blue of the ocean, the purple Mediterranean sky and the interiors of Jaime Beriestain originally hailing from Santiago Chile are pure magic. The red and white stripes, of the furniture, the dark wood, fine white table linen and easy breezy vibes inside prepare you for what is in store.

It’s relaxed and refined at the same time but completely unpretentious, with lookie lookie men outside chatting with dinners close to the outer perimeter. We were nosey to see what they had. It was respectful not pestering. Two worlds colliding in a lovely jovial trade. The staff attentive but not over bearing. It’s interesting and stimulating all at once and you are definitely filled with anticipation of what’s to come when the delicious olive oil drenched from the inside loaf of bread crusted in sea salt appears with a side of marinated tomatoes sweet and delectable, something you didn’t order, the like of which you’ve never tasted before.

We ordered a simple feast of 5 tomato salad, sounds unexciting but it wasn’t, the finest of ingredients a crafty ensemble, vegetable tempura with the lightest crispiest batter and salty Asian style dipping sauces, one thick and creamy, one light and flavoursome.

But it was the Patatas Bravissima that was the star and like nothing we’d ever tried before. So good we spent a good part of the meal talking about a pop up street venture serving only that and how you would make millions if you could reproduce it over and over again in isolation. We are returning to eat it again before leaving the Costa Del Sol. Even the waiter was unable to describe it, saying only it’s very different.

What arrived was heaven on a plate.

The restaurante Soleo is open from 11am to midnight every day and takes last food orders at 11.30pm.

If you are in the South of Spain, this spot is worth driving for. I’d drive a million miles for one of your smiles, I’d drive 50km at least to eat the Patatas Bravissima again.

For meat and fish lovers the menu is extensive, loads of seafood options and from the grill they offer steaks and chicken dishes.

There are amazing Rice and Noodle dishes too. And the wine served, we just ordered house white, casually poured from an open bottle was crisp, clean, fruity and totally delicious. The wine list looked extensive but hold onto your wallet.

Meat and seafood mains cost between €35 and €60 if you choose wagu beef or lobster but if you stick with salads and veggie sides, the portions are hearty and with a glass of wine, beautiful bread and still water you can be in and out completely satiated having had a truly five star experience with every sense stimulated to the nth degree for €40 per person.

This restaurant is a must visit. A truly spectacular spot that will be remembered for a very long time and certainly a reason to return to Marbella.

Calzedonia the place to find a well fitting bikini at any age for an affordable price

10 best bikini brands if you have cash to splash

Dora Black

2026-06-18T05:33:00.0000000 2026-06-21T05:23:38.9500000

A decent well fitting bikini is a tough find. Like finding a handsome prince you have to kiss a lot of frogs. Make a lot of mistakes especially if you are older or don’t have a perfect Jennifer Lopez beach ready body. I like to support small and independent brands where I can and I have bought a couple of bikinis on Etsy from a lady making crochet bikinis in Brazil, I love crochet and hand made but I also love swimming and these are not the most practical in the water.

I am now in my forties, I’ve had a couple of kids and my body, whilst I do eat healthy, isn’t what it once was. Every summer women face the dilemma of two weeks living permanently in a bikini or bathing suit and as a pattern cutter and working in fashion I understand this is the hardest garment to make and fit for a woman.

Most women I know express frustration when seeking out a new two piece, don’t know where to go particularly if you have said good bye to the days of being able to wear two triangles of material held together with a bit of string and need a bit more structure and support without blowing the budget and shopping designer swimwear brands like Monday, Melissa Odabash, Onia Swimwear, Zimmerman, Lisa Marie Fernandez, Meshki, Marya Mehlhornand Seafolly all swimwear brands I love and could recommend but with price points starting at around £120 for a set and rising up to £250 for Monday and £250 to £500 for Zimmerman.

Yes the prices for two tiny items of clothing can be staggering because of the technical aspects to a garment that has to withstand the elements, fit the body perfectly and be worn for activities like swimming and water sports without falling off.

Calzedonia have managed to make fashion forward garments, well sized and well fitting in really good quality for a lot less and it’s always a brand I look out for in shopping malls abroad because the selection and size range is always better in hot countries than in the UK where their range of leggings and tights usually dominate.

It’s usually better to shop in store because they often have sales and incentives you don’t find online and trying on is also an option. I find this is critical when buying a bikini, everyone and every body is different and what works on one person won’t necessarily work on another.

My latest purchase cost me a total of €80 for a top, a full bottom and a coordinating wrap, way more affordable than the aforementioned bikini and designer swimwear brands. Calzedonia are great at offering different cuts in the same style and colour way so if you like a Brazilian bottom with a fuller top or high waisted bottom with a skimpy top, every option is covered.

This time I even tried a bikini bottom with “lifting” potential. Not sure how that works but hey, probably better fabric and a clever cut. It was a bit more, €50 for the top and €30 for the bottom but still much less expensive than premium brands and way better quality, design and fit than say Next or Marks and Spencer’s where a set will cost you anywhere from £35 to £60 which may be a lot more recognisable than the Calzedonia options.

If you are struggling to find an affordable well fitting mix and match options bikini swimwear brands that won’t break the bank I’d suggest trying Calzedonia.

They are part of the Italian lingerie brand company that also own Intimissimi which is probably why the bikini tops are sized so well and work even on bigger boobs and bottoms.

This is a wonderful mid priced brand that really manages to straddle the line between great design, fit, quality and affordability and value when it comes to bikini shopping even without a perfect body.

The things that separate a high st bikini and a designer bikini is usually the quality of the hardware. The clasp and the little extras are always there on a Calzedonia bikini. And all the padding is removable if you are looking to minimise not maximise and don’t need extra help in that area. One thing I did notice when shopping Calzedonia this time is no hygiene protection in bikini bottoms, which I missed. Make sure you wear underwear when trying on and check the crotch before purchasing would be my advice.

In a side note looking for a beach bag with a difference, handmade in Bangladesh from crocheted raffia with whimsical messages (Next did a range from Rockett St George similar which sold out very quickly but without the ethical credentials) check out The Jacksons a super cute small brand boutique out of Notting Hill Gate. The bags retail around £85.00 but you can find them recycled from about £40.

I’ve got my eye on one that says “small business is my bag”

Do You Really Get A Five Star Experience On a Jet Two Package Holiday?

El Fuerte Hotel Marbella Spain

Shirley Yanez

2026-06-17T06:40:00.0000000 2026-06-17T06:50:48.1930000

We are all different and expect different things when we book a holiday. This is why platforms like Trip Advisor and other review sites often fail when delivering customer reviews.

I have been lucky in my life to have experienced true 5 star hospitality but I have also made many mistakes by listening to marketing and influencer reviews and chosen hotels and holidays that have not lived up to the hype.

In this current environment we are all suffering through a cost of living crisis so when I booked my current holiday I knew it would probably be the only holiday I would have until the end of the year. I decided to push the boat out when I saw Jet Two offering a five star package to El Fuerte in Marbella.

I was wary because I have experienced supposed five star packages through travel companies before and to be honest it hasn’t worked out but this looked particularly good.

The flight and Jet Two were not bad. You get what you pay for. It all went smoothly.

I had done my research outside of Jet Two’s marketing and the reviews for the hotel including one from Stylist Magazine by Felicity Thistlewaite offered a complimentary stay with her family in exchange for a freebie and everything pointed to a five star experience.

In my personal view, first impressions either make it or break it.

On arrival at the hotel, the reception area and check-in is not the first point of call. It is the concierge desk, so you find yourself asking them the questions about your stay that they are unable to answer. You then get taken into a separate area for checking in where you are offered a welcome drink and seated with a hotel representative.

We had booked a room with twin beds as I was not travelling with my lover but my business partner. I had sent an email ahead of time and was told the hotel had replied stating we would need to upgrade to the next level if we wanted twin beds. Unfortunately I did not receive this email so we were stuck with a double bed and no compromise unless we paid to upgrade.

The receptionist didn’t handle my concerns or the fact I hadn’t received the email. She was closed off and in full sales mode, stating clearly you get what you pay for.

As our conversation went on it soon became very clear unless we paid more money we were going in the cheap rooms allocated to Jet Two package customers, with no twin beds and basic use of the hotel facilities.

It turned out also that the promised rooftop infinity pool for adults only was not available and Jet Two made no mention of this in their marketing.

After a good 30 minutes fighting a dead end with no other options, we said we would look at the room. On the way to the room our first impression was a feeling of stress and disappointment. This was not looking like a five star experience for us.

We didn’t even really notice anything about the hotel, we were thinking we were going to have to move.

When we arrived in the room it confirmed this holiday was never going to satisfy what we believed we’d paid for, for a 5 star experience.

The room wasn’t big enough to swing a cat. It had a small double bed, a tiny open plan bathroom with a shower, no bath, a small window, no view and a claustrophobic feeling that was suffocating.

The decor, sheets and furniture were amazing and the room would have been perfect for a young couple on their first luxury holiday but not for two middle aged women who had requested twin beds and a bath.

It was back to arguing on the phone, explaining our issues and asking to speak to the general manager.

We sat in reception waiting as she was on a break until the Guest Relations Manager arrived with a huge smile and a very sympathetic, caring ear.

We explained the situation and she could see our first impression of El Fuerte was not how they wanted anybody to feel about their lovely hotel.

She went into overdrive producing a complimentary upgrade to a room that would satisfy our needs, twin beds, a bath in a separate bathroom with a partial sea view and a terrace.

This action changed everything. As beyond the first impression truly lay the five star experience we were expecting.

So the answer to the question can you really book a five star package through a travel company is simple. Yes but it probably is going to leave you feeling like you are in the cheap seats unless you upgrade.

This hotel is amazing. The staff are attentive, welcoming and cannot do enough for you. The breakfast experience is exceptional with everything you could imagine from freshly squeezed orange juice served at your table on arrival to the best homemade waffles ever tasted.

The setting on the terrace with red striped comfy furniture and umbrellas. beautiful ocean view and lush colourful flowers and plants make you feel like you are in heaven.

The sun loungers are well spread out, really comfortable with huge luxury towels, call bells on every table and a wonderful adults only swimming pool and bar service.

The lunch at Levante Restaurant again on the terrace is beautifully presented and delivered under the watchful eye of Fernando the hotels exceptional restaurant manager.

We had an early dinner at the hotel’s beach restaurant Soleo and our experience was lifted to a new height. The food, the view, the staff and the whole experience left us wanting to return to recreate it the next day.

The hotel once we overcame the first impression is a hidden gem right in the centre of Marbella old town, within easy walking distance of many shops and other places to eat but to be honest when a hotel gets it right you don’t want to leave. You have everything you need and this hotel delivers just that.

In my opinion as a seasoned 5 star traveller I would suggest to a hotel like El Fuerte, if they are going to offer inferior accommodation to lower paying customers (this holiday was not cheap by the way) it would be better to keep everyone on the same level. Trying to mix the two to reach a wider audience, which I understand is necessary in this current economic climate, is a mistake.

Swan Song A Must Watch 2021 Film Starring Udo Keir

A Fabulous Hairdresser From A Small Town Get’s One Last Time To Shine

Lindsey Lowson

2026-06-16T05:29:00.0000000 2026-06-16T06:15:40.5770000

I don’t remember the books I have read but they have made me. I paraphrase. The exact quote which I had to look up, “I cannot remember the books I've read any more than the meals I have eaten; even so, they have made me.” Ralph Waldo Emerson. I love books too but I feel the same way about films.

Why I like to write down my thoughts after watching because while most films you may not remember weeks and months after watching them some are such joyous experiences you never forget them, they become classics in your mind to be shared with others and revisited over and over again. Swan Song written and directed by Todd Stephens about real life person Pat Pitsenbarger is one of those movies. Someone told me he wanted to cast Gene Wilder in this incredible character driven lead but found less well known German actor Udo Keir and immediately knew he was right. Every actor hopes one day to produce their “David” coincidently the unchanged name of Pat’s partner who died of aids, the love and loss he was ultimately unable to get over. I think for Udo Keir this was it. Whilst the story is not entirely true, the character did die alone in a nursing home of a broken heart Stephens said after meeting the legendary Pat he wanted to create a legacy to this totally unforgettable and formidable spirit in real life. A tribute to ensure he would never be forgotten and what a tribute it it.

Colourful, poignant and hilariously funny with the best movie score soundtrack I’ve heard in years. Few films have a story told so brilliantly with so few words, a movie carried the whole way by one lead actor and a super talented ensemble where the only name you actually recognise is Linda Evans with the smallest supporting bit part. She must have loved this film as much as I did. What a movie. I watch a lot but few catapult themselves immediately into the top ten movies you’ve ever seen. I cannot wait to watch it again. The snaps I took cannot come close to the impact of the gorgeous cinematography on screen, usually I wasn’t quick enough to snap the image that drove me to open my phone to capture the shot. Over and over again it’s a visual delight. Like paintings crafted to tell the most beautiful and heart warming story, I swear you’ve got to see it for yourself.

Based on a real life hairdresser in his twilight years, once the best in a small town with the richest and powerful clients the film explores a life dedicated to passion and talent and what happens to that spirit in the end.

If you’ve lost your zest for life and allowed things to drag you down, watch this, it will definitely ignite the fire inside once again and touch the heart in the most brilliant of ways.

We said at the end it was pure fluke to find this movie, we’d never have heard about it and made us question how many other genius films there are out there without a super well known Hollywood headliner just waiting to be experienced.

Udo Kier plays real life hairstylist Patrick Pitsenbarger, Pat for short, Mr. Pat when he performed in the local gay bar and drag club oh so long ago, to absolute perfection. The 2021 film should have been recognised for more lead actor awards on my opinion.

Key Award Nominations for Swan Song

Independent Spirit Awards: Nominated for Best Male Lead in 2022.

Dublin Film Critics Circle (DFCC): Won the award for Best Actor.

The Queerties: Nominated for Best Film Performance in 2022

A truly delightful film in every way, oh so funny, oh so touching and oh so very inspiring to be who you are without fear or delay.

I find it no coincidence that I watched this film following the death of artistic icon David Hockney 12th June, 2026 who lived his life in much the same way, committed to his art and craft. Life is so very colourful and beautiful and this movie reminded me of exactly this.

What to Expect When You Opt to Go Private Instead of NHS

Would I pay for health insurance after the experience - probably not

Holly Barclay

2026-06-14T08:57:09.8870000 2026-06-14T10:57:04.9670000

I completely believe in the principle of free healthcare for everyone at the point of service. I respect the NHS and have the greatest of admiration for the staff that make it what it is. I am from a generation that never went to the doctor. The doctor came to your house when you were sick but there was a great pride taken in never being sick. Colds were treated with a bottle water bottle and a couple of aspirin or a lemsip or beechams powders. Home remedies and self diagnosis were common place even without Dr. Google. And your body was a miracle machine that would always heal it’s self given rest and sleep. I don’t remember my father ever doing to the doctor in his whole life until he was receiving end of life care. People never used the doctor for sick notes, going to work was a pleasure and people didn’t want to be seen as taking up the doctors time unless absolutely necessary. Times have changed.

I recently visited the Spires Hospital in Leicester and when the consultant I saw asked me for the name of my G.P. And I said I didn’t know, I’d never been, they laughed.

I could have gone to my G.P. without incurring a fee but I knew my concern could be considered cosmetic unless the problem for me was found to have a more sinister diagnosis.

When choosing to go private of course cost for most people is the primary concern. My initial consultation with a very senior experienced consultant cost £250. And further treatment depending on what is required can run into the thousands so this must be considered. If you have medical insurance the co pay cost to the patient varies from plan to plan.

The Spires Hospital is more like a hotel reception than a hospital waiting room. Clean bright, art on the walls and a drinks station when you can order a cappuccino while you wait. Other hot and cold drinks were available.

The staff on reception weren’t super friendly so don’t expect hotel reception hospitality and whilst they say you shouldn’t have to wait more than 10 minutes for your appointment I was kept waiting longer than I would have expected.

When I was called on to see my assigned physician the experience was excellent, thorough, relaxed, not rushed in anyway, kind, considerate and connected. I felt like it was worth the money and safe and in good hands.

With regard to payment, the hospital takes a card to guarantee payment before any appointment but you don’t pay at the time. They send you a bill which you then settle.

In my case it was something minor I needed sorting, a lump on my face attributed to aging which an aesthetic practitioner had said she could easily remove but it was very close to my eye, my main reason for investing in and taking this route. I wanted an experienced doctor’s opinion, skill and the biopsy option available if deemed necessary.

It’s important to add here if you get a diagnosis privately where the cost of treatment is too high you can revert back to the NHS for care.

Your private consultant can arrange your transfer back. They will write a clinical letter (handover) to your NHS GP detailing your diagnosis and the test results, and often copy in the relevant NHS specialist team at the local hospital. Once this referral is accepted, you join the NHS waiting list just as if you were an NHS patient throughout the entire process.

Opting for a private consultation or diagnostic test gets you answers much faster, but it does not allow you to skip the queue for subsequent NHS treatment. Your wait time will be calculated based on your clinical need relative to others on the NHS waiting list (though urgent pathways, like cancer referrals, are prioritized regardless of how the diagnosis was made.

Basically I had too routes available, get the lump sorted quickly and easily privately and pay the bill and should it turn out to be something more serious I couldn’t afford to treat privately I could refer back to the NHS.

Would I recommend Spires Hospital absolutely if you can’t get what you need on the NHS the care I received I was very happy with. Is it better? The care is the same, you could even get the same consultant on the NHS, the difference you don’t get to choose and the environment, convenience and speed is better.

My advice do your research beforehand so you have a realistic expectation of what it is going to cost for treatment ahead of time. If you need a hospital theatre, an anaesthetist and days of post op after care bills can run into thousands of pounds.

Are Yasmin Pettet and Aidan Murphy Collateral Damage For The Lorenzo Jasmine Connection?

Will Yasmin drop her anchor or has that shipped truly sailed when it comes to Lorenzo Alessi

MossMagg

2026-06-13T11:43:05.3270000 2026-06-13T12:20:40.3070000

Will Yasmin Fall She Says The Anchors Half Way Up on Ship That May Have Sailed Lorenzo Says Shes To Fall In Love With Him

I’m all in tizzy, playboy Lorenzo Alessi is the Hollywood leading man of this season’s love island playing out the game with combo James Bond confidence and devastatingly handsome good looks.

He’s poised and ready to steal Yasmin away from Aidan and all Aidan can do is sit back uncomfortably and watch.

All the while I still believe he’s got eyes for Jasmine but whilst she toys with toy boy Kavan, Lorenzo is after Yasmin, his number one on the villa he says. He’s not putting himself on the line for Jasmine, she’s the Princess, he described her as the Lamborghini on the driveway but he’s definitely the Prince and wide eyed Yasmin is definitely succumbing to his charm.

The man who opening admits he doesn’t remember the names of his lovers, all but three he says.

His dreamy good looks and boyish charm have got us all glued to the TV set but screams of don’t do it Yasmin have been yelled from our sofa as we see her falling fast.

When a man as good looking as Lorenzo asks would your friends like me, the response was my Mum would fancy you, we all know the question is rhetorical. He’s off the charts good looking for sure. In our household it’s been suggested he could be the best looking man in the UK

It’s even been discussed in our house how good looking his parents must be to produce an Adonis status specimen like Lorenzo.

But Love Island is giving us all a schooling on navigating an encounter with a highly skilled, nonchalant, relaxed and smooth operator like

Lorenzo who even has the cool to ask permission from Aidan to pitch his woman and get away with it.

When the boys were fuming with the girls after the “it’s not so deep” challenge citing double standards it was all but Lorenzo who clearly said he had no issues with anyone.

When he spoke to Yasmin about her name mix up with a previous partner, something she had been called out on by Aidan Lorenzo giggled about everyone mixing up Yasmin and Jasmine and acknowledging who wouldn’t make that mistake.

Already in a fluster Yasmin thought Lorenzo wouldn’t like her outfit when he complemented her on it. And then made her all the more uneasy when he suggested she’d got dressed especially to put him off. The boy’s an expect at disarming his prey.

The most telling and revealing part of the footage as Aidan watched on helpless declaring he couldn’t make Yasmin laugh like that, Lorenzo and Yasmin in plain view of everyone, she’d managed to head off the Terrace and subsequent kiss manoeuvre suggestion at the pass, was Lorenzo clearly saying he liked her eyes, pause, her lips, pause pause and her bum.

Yasmin tried to downplay her excitement by suggesting it was her jeans, but Lorenzo doubled down on the fact it was her bare bottom he liked.

Never did he mention anything about her character, anything of substance, it was all physical, sexual but Yasmin we fear has dropped anchor and is going to make a choice very quickly.

With Jasmine as his best pal in the villa still very much in contention for Lorenzo’s time and attention we fear for Yasmin and believe it’s only a matter of time before she’s toast.

Hunting The Debt Predators Channel Four Dispatches Made Me Delete My Reddit Account

I could not believe my eyes about Loan Shark attacks on Reddit and Tiktok

Holly Barclay

2026-06-13T08:57:30.0630000 2026-06-13T10:35:31.6330000

The more I watch programs like Hunting The Debt Predators the more I want to stay as far away from unmoderated unchecked social media as I can. I immediately deleted my Reddit account which took some doing I might add.

I would normally have nothing but good things to say about the platform Reddit, the anonymous discussion platform that yields a lot of real life information leaning away from advertising and marketing and leaning towards real life experience, both praising and calling out brands, services, products and people. I am one of the few people who never signed up for or used Facebook but I do use Reddit. I liked it for it’s offering, giving people the chance to have their say, and helpful for visitors to gain clarity before making decisions, the same way this platform does and I have found it useful to cut through marketing when deciding if something was right for me. But clearly following Ellie Flynn’s brave expose Reddit itself has been exposed as a facilitator for some very bad, unscrupulous and scary people that they the platform have the power to stop and clearly aren’t.

The film is a real life thriller, I literally could not believe what people are enduring at the hands of unscrupulous illegal money lenders and sex pests posing as money lenders on social media platforms and it’s not just Reddit to be wary of.

The film also looked as the whys behind these scammers. The desperation that drives vulnerable people, many of them women into positions criminals are able to exploit. The film even profiled professional people, a policewoman with 25 years service working a second job as a community carer and a nurse shamed into a second job as an escort because of financial insecurity, worry and stress.

This film was a harrowing insight into an underworld facilitated by big companies like Reddit and TikTok and showed how little these platforms are aware of what indeed is going on. It was really scary.

In the film journalist Ellie Flynn even comes face-to-face with one of these illegal lenders, who shows absolutely no remorse, actually painting himself as the good guy, describing himself as fair, (because he only attacks property not people when borrowers cannot pay) for exploiting vulnerable people and making their lives hell.

The interest rates on loans exposed as being up to 4000% apr, annual percentage rate. These lenders are keeping people trapped on a never ending cycle of debt, taking their bank cards, log books, and exploiting their personal data to open up to 10 illegal bank accounts for money laundering purposes.

But the worst of all are the sex pests posing as money lenders, asking for nude pictures and wanting to call loan applicants naked for kicks. Harassing and pestering for explicit images before granting a loan. Of course there is no loan, they just don’t want to pay for legal explicit content. The hook for the loan applicant if you do this for me you get your loan with no need to repay.

But there is no loan. They exploit, take the images, expose themselves to women on video calls, get off on the power and then disappear.

I have to say the program made me sick. Made me realise how naive I am and uneducated about the length’s people will actually go to to prey on exploit unsuspecting people needing a relatively small amount of money, as little as £50, £70, or £100 just to get by.

Thank you to the dispatches team for this amazing documentary and to the journalist Ellie Flynn for having the guts to face these people and share who she was and that she was onto them.

One company Brit Loan, on TikTok, with a website and profile, completely disappeared following her investigation.

Everyone should watch this. We all and I am including myself need to wake up and get back into the real world for our help and support.

Platforms like Reddit, somewhere I would have in the past praised as being a place to get real information are complicit in this criminal unregulated activity happening on their platform. They are the biggest of their kind in the world. So I don’t anticipate them changing anytime soon, it is not conducive for them or their algorithm to prohibit users from accessing what they need, these platforms relying on being addictive to gain and maintain market share.

It is for us the consumer to stay away from these dangerous places. You think you are protected, at arms length online. Ellie Flynn showed in her shocking film that is just not the case. I am now viewing Reddit in a completely different light after watching this, a sess pit full of predators and as somewhere dangerous I just won’t go again