There’s nothing wrong with spending a bit of cash on fancy vibrators and complex sex-tech

Bali's governor has announced a ban on tourist activities on its mountains with "immediate effect," in a bid to preserve its sacred peaks following a rise in violations by misbehaving tourists.

Travelling requires a lot of planning. You need to be prepared with a checklist of

A new report has found that the price of childcare is still rising in the United States and has gone up by 220 per cent since 1990. In the annual report from Annie E. Casey Foundation, the charitable organisation examined the importance of childcare across the country, with data from each state about the overall well-being of children. With an analysis from Child Care Aware, an advocacy organisation, the report found that “child care costs have risen 220 per cent since” 1990, “significantly outpacing inflation”. As noted by the US Inflation Calculator, the cumulative rate of inflation, from January 1990 to May 2023, is approximately 138 per cent . The Annie E. Casey Foundation also looked at the annual cost of childcare and how it can impact parents’ income. More specifically, the average yearly cost for care for one child in America was $10,600 in 2021, which is “more than a third of a single parent’s income”. The report looked at the annual cost for a centre-based childcare for a toddler, based on each state. Results showed that prices are the highest in Washington DC, with a cost of $24,396 per year. Centre-based childcare in Connecticut is also expensive, with an annual price of $18,156 per year. The report said over 2 million children in the US had family members who experienced job changes due to childcare prices from 2020 to 2021. The organisation examined the ethnicity of these 2 million children: 17 per cent of them were Black, 16 per cent Latino, and 14 per cent Asian and Pacific Islanders. The organisation also looked at the analysis of 2017 data, which showed how the childcare system disproportionately impacted families of colour. For example, centre-based childcare for two children absorbed 26 per cent of a working mother’s median household income. Meanwhile, 42 per cent of a Latino working mother’s median household income paid for two children’s childcare, while 56 per cent of a Black working mother’s income covered this childcare cost. On the economic well-being of children around the country, findings showed that over 12 million were in poverty in 2021. That same year, there were over 21 million children whose parents lacked secure employment, and nearly 22 million children living in a household with high housing cost burden. Earlier this year, a report by the US Department of Labor also found that families with younger children in the country pay a significant amount on childcare. After looking at data from 2018, which was adjusted based on the inflation rate in 2022, the report noted that “childcare prices range from $4,810 for school-age home-based care in small counties to $15,417 for infant centre-based care in very large counties”. Read More Thirty, flirty and declining: How 30 became a terrifying milestone for an anxious generation More help with childcare costs for families on Universal Credit from end of June Government’s childcare reforms ‘risk worsening outcomes’ for poorer children

The reality about menacing asteroids coming to destroy Earth in the modern-day is, perhaps surprisingly,

SCOTTSDALE, Ariz.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Sep 21, 2023--

After treating us to Wes Anderson homages, Regency romances, and other delightful genre send-ups, The

Karyna had just stepped inside to check on her 12-year-old son in the kitchen when Russian rockets exploded into her garden, leaving craters where her...

A change in seasons is the best opportunity to shake up your beauty look. Whether you want to go for a chop or style your locks in a different way, there are plenty of celeb-approved hair trends on the rise. These are the looks hair experts predict will be big this autumn… 1. Undone updos Undone updos are the perfect autumnal look for anyone who isn’t too bothered with precision. “Say goodbye to rigid, over-the-top updos and welcome a style that harmoniously combines comfort with couture,” says Gennaro Dell’Aquila, creative director of GA Salons. “Imagine French twists with artfully stray wisps or messy buns so masterfully executed they are nothing short of a work of art.” Model Kendall Jenner and Killing Eve actor Sandra Oh are just some of the celebrity fans of this look. If you want to recreate it at home, Dell’Aquila first recommends applying a small amount of texture product “to add volume and grip”, then: “Secure your hair into a low, loose ponytail, leaving a few strands out for a more relaxed look.” Finally, he says: “Gently twist the ponytail and secure it with bobby pins, allowing some ends to stick out for an undone appearance” – and finish with hairspray. 2. Glass hair On the opposite end of the spectrum is the growing trend for ‘glass hair’ – locks so straight and shiny, they seem to reflect light – seen on everyone from Demi Moore to new Big Brother presenter AJ Odudu. “This isn’t a style for everyone — it’s for those who wish to redefine perfection,” warns Dell’Aquila. If you want to try the look at home, Dell’Aquila recommends washing your hair with a smoothing shampoo and conditioner (“This will help in achieving the sleek and shiny look characteristic of glass hair”), before applying heat protectant and drying it. “For a sleek finish, blow-dry your hair using a round brush, ensuring all strands are perfectly straight and smooth,” Dell’Aquila says. “To achieve that glass-like shine, straighten small sections of your hair at a time. [Then] apply a lightweight shine serum or spray to enhance the glossy appearance.” 3. Curly fringes “A face-framing curly fringe will be all the rage this season,” predicts Jennie Roberts, Afro hair expert at SheaMoisture UK. “As more women transition to their natural hair texture, the curly fringe will allow them to take their Afro to the next level. The fringe should slightly curve towards the sides of your face for a seamless blend, which can be completed with a freehand cutting technique.” Look to celebrities like Grown-ish star Yara Shahidi, Pattern Beauty founder Tracee Ellis Ross and Barbie actor Issa Rae for curly bang inspiration. If you want to get the look, Roberts advises going to a natural hair specialist, “As they’ll be able to ensure the look is completed perfectly for your hair texture.” And to keep it fresh, she says you’ll need to get regular trims, use a diffuser (“to help set the curls in your fringe”) and products that keep your curls “councy and defined”. 4. Fox reds “Copper-coloured hair and autumn are a perfect match,” notes Roberts – and ‘fox red’ is set to be the overwhelming autumn trend for 2023, as seen on Daisy Jones And The Six star Riley Keough. “Fox red is a deep copper shade that has a more muted and brunette base as opposed to more vibrant coppers previously trending. It uses more red-based tones rather than orange, making it a more neutral and less fiery look,” explains Tyler Moore, expert hairstylist at Live True London. While it can be adjusted for most skin tones, Moore suggests it suits people with “pink-red and other cool undertones” best, “As shades in this range can help draw attention away from any red pigmentation”. If you have Afro hair, Roberts adds: “Be mindful because maintaining copper-coloured hair requires a lot of time and effort,” and it’s important to keep your locks well moisturised. 5. Choppy bobs “The choppy bob bridges the gap between a blunt bob and something super layered – it helps give hair texture and movement, creating that perfect rolled-out-of-bed look that’s super chic,” says Moore, who calls it “the cut of the autumn”. In fact, Pinterest searches for ‘choppy bob haircuts’ – perhaps inspired by Wednesday star Jenna Ortega’s ‘do – soared by four times in the three months preceding the end of August, showing just how popular the style is becoming. Moore adds: “If you’re a low maintenance hair lover, this look is perfect for you. It requires limited styling – just some dry shampoo or texturising spray. It can also add some volume for fine strands, and can help lift up weighed down curls.” The best thing about this look? “It’s super easy to style at home – you can make what you want of it,” Moore says. “If you want to add some waves with a curling iron or just roll out of bed with a brush and some texturising spray, this look can be as low or as high maintenance as you need.” Roberts is also a big fan of bobs for autumn. “Think Nineties Whitney Houston vibes,” she says. “The best part about the style is that it can be tailored to your specific curl pattern, which allows you to embrace and enhance your natural hair texture.” Read More The UK’s first dedicated male breast cancer organisation has launched – here’s why it matters How Taylor Swift’s style has evolved over the years Model Emily Ratajkowski unveils latest fashion campaign 10 ways to cosy-up your home for an autumnal vibe 5 must-have bag trends for autumn Dawn O’Porter: ‘I fantasise about the other side of menopause’

UK special forces allegedly had a policy of executing "fighting age" males in Afghanistan even if they posed no threat, an independent inquiry probing claims of...

The 4th of July holiday gives me permission to declare my freedom from calorie concerns.

The World Health Organization said Friday it was helping a growing number of farmers turn away from tobacco to help strengthen...