Judd Trump rates Jak Jones challenge and whether he can 'turn it on' | HXR6S24 | 2024-04-30 16:08:01
Judd Trump has made light work of his first two rounds at the Crucible (Picture: Getty Images)
Judd Trump is expecting a tough test against Jak Jones in the World Snooker Championship quarter-final, but feels he can 'turn it on' when required this year.
It is no surprise that Trump is into the last eight in Sheffield after a superb season that has seen him land five ranking titles already, but Jones is something of an unlikely name to see alongside him in the quarter-final draw.
The Welshman reached the same stage on debut last year, but has done little since then and had two tricky qualifying games just to get to the Crucible, before beating Zhang Anda and Si Jiahui on the big stage.
Trump, after seeing off Hossein Vafaei and Tom Ford, is hot favourite to progress, but knows that Jones is a hard man to beat, especially at the Crucible, it seems.
'Tough game. I've played Jak quite a few times in my career and there have been times he's played unbelievable against me, so I know it's in there,' said Trump.
'He seems to love this tournament as well, so it makes him a dangerous player.
'Maybe a bit more methodical than a lot of players, but that can be a hard to deal with in its own sense, because it can take a lot of patience.'
Jak Jones has proved to be very capable on the Crucible stage over the last two years Getty Images)
The 2019 world champion has beaten Vafaei 10-5 and Ford 13-7 but has not really hit the heights of his form just yet, knocking in just two centuries.
The 34-year-old is not concerned at all, knowing that he rarely performs at his best without a challenge and feeling like he can call upon his best stuff when required.
'I feel like it's hard to really play your best when you're not being pushed,' he said. 'There's not that buzz inside me or that pressure that I need to deliver now.
'So maybe the concentration just hasn't quite been what it would be normally. It's difficult when people are missing easy balls, it's important to just hammer home the lead I have and win as easily as possible.
'The important thing for me is that I feel like it's in there. A couple of times recently in the Worlds it hasn't been there so it was never going to come out. This year, if really needed, I could probably turn it on.'
Trump and Jones begin their quarter-final clash on Tuesday morning in Sheffield, meeting for the sixth time in all competitions as professionals, with Jones winning once before.
'I'd love to see a LIV-style breakaway!' O'Sullivan said. 'I'd love to get a phone call which says "do you want £600million to play for three years" I'd love that phone call. Wouldn't you?
'Would you turn that down? If someone said "come and work for my radio station for three years and we'd pay you £600million" would you turn it down?'
It is a fair question from the Rocket but the possible breakaway tour in snooker is not offering that kind of money, instead around £320,000 guaranteed, with prize money to be won on top of that.
O'Sullivan is into the quarter-finals at the Crucible where he faces Stuart Bingham (Picture: Getty Images)
Players including Kyren Wilson and Jack Lisowski have admitted they are at least tempted by an offer elsewhere and the Rocket says they are welcome to make their own choices.
'I don't know. I don't get involved in it. Each to their own, everyone's got to do what they've got to do,' said the world number one.
'I know what I want from the sport, I know what I'm prepared to do and I know what I need in return from it. As long as I keep getting that I don't mind playing. Everyone has to make that decision up for themselves.
'Everyone's in different positions in the game, stages of their careers. One might work better for one person. Working more or less could work for others. It's not always about money. It's about the time as well. That's the most important thing, for some people it's money. It's really hard to give you a straight answer.'
Stephen Maguire and Dave Gilbert love-in before World Championship showdown | HXR6S24 | 2024-04-30 16:08:01
Stephen Maguire and Dave Gilbert are big fans of each other (Pictures: Getty)
Stephen Maguire and Dave Gilbert were full of praise for each other as players and people ahead of their World Championship clash, but they will be ready for battle at the Crucible.
Both men are former semi-finalists but had to come through qualifying after disappointing results over the last couple of years.
However, they have shown their quality so far at the Crucible, with Maguire beating Ali Carter and Shaun Murphy, while Gilbert has downed defending champion Luca Brecel and Rob Milkins.
With the clash set for the quarter-finals, it will be a contest that has been played out ever since their junior days, and they are still going at each other in their 40s.
'I've been a Stephen Maguire fan since we were kids,' Gilbert told Metro. 'He was the one I looked at and thought would win everything. I'm amazed he's never won a world title.
'If I wasn't playing him I'd probably be hoping he did go on and win one, but obviously not this year. I think he's a top lad, he's always been straight with me and he's like that with everybody. He's a good guy.'
Maguire added: 'It's mad isn't it. To play Shaun and then Dave back-to-back, you're talking 11-years-old playing in junior tournaments. Young, ugly kids running about trying to pot balls. It's mad that we're still here 30 years later.
'I've always said Dave's a great player. He was a great junior. It took him a while to break through, but everybody rates Dave, that big cue action with the long backswing. He's good to watch.
'He's a cracking boy off the table. He was a good junior, I was decent. We're doing well. We're doing all right for ourselves.'
Gilbert sees it as an even contest but will be drawing on fond memories of a quarter-final win over Maguire at the Masters in 2020, feeling that he is returning to that kind of form.
'I think it probably is a 50-50 game If I play well I can win, if Stephen plays well he can win. I think it'll be a great game,' said the Angry Farmer.
Maguire was fired up during his second round win over Shaun Murphy (Picture: Getty Images)
'We haven't played that much over the years. The Masters was probably the last time I felt I could play the game, so hopefully it's the same feeling and same result.
'That was one of my best wins, such a big thing playing at the Masters for the first time and I felt like I handled it really well. Hopefully more of the same again.
'We've both struggled but our rankings probably aren't correct. We're both better than about 32 in the world. We've both not done so well lately. But he's had a fantastic career, nearly every snooker player would swap with him.
'He's obviously still got game, he's in the quarter-finals and probably feeling confident like I am.'
Gilbert and Maguire begin their quarter-final contest at 10am on Tuesday at the Crucible.
William Gallas names Chelsea duo as the two biggest flops of the season | HXR6S24 | 2024-04-30 16:08:01
Mauricio Pochettino's Chelsea have largely struggled this season (Picture: Getty)
William Gallas has named two Chelsea players as the biggest flops of the season in the Premier League.
Chelsea have underwhelmed in Mauricio Pochettino's first season at Stamford Bridge, winning just 13 of their 33 league games to sit ninth in the Premier League.
With five games remaining, the Blues are 19 points outside the Champions League places and 32 points behind Premier League leaders and London rivals Arsenal.
Gallas has been particularly disappointed with two Chelsea players, labelling Raheem Sterling and Mykhailo Mudryk as the biggest flops of the season.
Sterling was a prolific forward and serial winner at Manchester City but is still struggling following his £50m move to Stamford Bridge in 2022, scoring six league goals this term.
That is two more than Mudryk has managed, with the Ukrainian so far failing to justify his £89m price tag following a move from Shakhtar Donetsk last year.
Asked to name his biggest flop of the season, Gallas told Gambling Zone: 'I think Raheem Sterling has been a big disappointment. When I watch him play, he doesn't look like a player that will return to the level that he was at Liverpool and Manchester City.
Raheem Sterling has only scored eight goals this season (Picture: Getty)
'This is his second season with the club, and he hasn't showed anything. For a guy that has won so much in his career, he should be doing a lot more for Chelsea. He hasn't done anything.
'Also, Mudryk, but the circumstances around his poor performances are a little bit different. We don't know how he has been affected by the war in Ukraine. We don't know what is happening with him – it must be very difficult for him.
'It looks like he isn't enjoying his football or his time at Chelsea. When he plays, you can see he isn't enjoying it.
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'It's a shame because everyone thought this would be the year where he showed his potential – I also thought that he would be a different player this season.'
Pressed on why Mudryk could be struggling at Stamford Bridge, Gallas added: 'It's hard for me to comment on why Mudryk looks like he doesn't have the confidence or the enjoyment in his football.
'I don't know if a change of scenery would benefit the player. We don't know if a new club would change his fortunes on the pitch.
Chelsea spent £89m on struggling winger Mykhailo Mudryk (Picture: Getty)
'We don't know what is going on in his private life. The situation with the war is very hard – he could still have family in Ukraine.
'Only the players that are around him, the guys that live with him every single day, will know what the answer is.'
Chelsea have five more games left to play this season, starting with a London derby against Tottenham on Thursday night.
The beauty products to stock your shelves with this month | V0A9GS9 | 2024-04-30 14:08:01
Celine launches '60s-inspired fragrance, ZOUZOU
The beauty products to stock your shelves with this monthCOURTESY OF CELINE
If you're inspired by the French girl chic style of Françoise Sagan and Jean Seberg — Celine has the parfait new fragrance for you. Joining the House's esteemed Haute Parfumerie collection is ZOUZOU: another scent for the now 12-piece line-up, which has both "for the day" and "for the evening" fragrances. Inspired by the joie de vivre of '60s icons, creative director Hedi Slimane distills the "fresh-faced and mischievous-looking" characters from film and literature — those that atypically have pixie haircuts and beaming pouts. The particular name, ZOUZOU, recalling the affectionate nickname formerly given to young Parisian girls with short hair.
With notes of amber and musk, the parfum offers a sweet caramel allure — think a warm and deliciously inviting French boulangerie — which are enveloped with Benzoin and Tonka Bean. Meanwhile, Patchouli and Labdanum underline the ambery and elegant character of the accord, with Celine's distinct powdery note also running through the Francophile scent. Just throw on your ballet flats, capris and breton stripes — and you'll be whisked away to the Marais with just light ZOUZOU spray.
Alya Skin has done it again as they launch their first Lip Jelly
Meet Alya Skins new Lip Jelly your go-to, all-in-one lip treatment that will leave you wanting more. Packed with Peptides, Hyaluronic Acid, Shea Butter, and Lilli Pilli Extract, your lips will be pampered and moisturised to perfection. Say goodbye to sticky messes, because this Lip Jelly leaves behind a non-sticky finish that's pure bliss for your pout. Satisfy your lip cravings with this Lip Jelly — your lips will thank you!
Chanel Chance Eau Fraîche — a luxurious addition to your shower routine.
The beauty products to stock your shelves with this monthIMAGE COURTESY OF CHANEL
Showering isn't just about the basics anymore — it's a sensory experience.
Introducing your new bestie in self-care: CHANEL Chance Eau Fraîche, launching May 1. Four adorable dice-shaped soaps, delicately imbued with the enchanting floral-sparkling essence of CHANCE EAU FRAÎCHE — will leave you feeling fresh as a daisy. To top off your luxury experience, each soap is adorned with charming CHANCE-themed symbols. A limited addition treat waiting for you.
Dior's Eau de Parfum with a Couture Bow
Francis Kurkdjian conjures instant delight with the Parfum rendition of Miss Dior. The fragrance is dominated by a custom-crafted fruity jasmine, accompanied by sweet, juicy notes reminiscent of wild strawberries. For $290, indulge in an 80ml bottle adorned with a lavish, haute couture bow, complete with the iconic Miss Dior Houndstooth motif engraved beneath — luxury never looked or smelled this good! Grab yours HERE.
Marc Jacobs Daisy gone wild
Introducing Marc Jacob Daisy Wild: bold, feminine, and utterly fearless. It's your ticket to an outdoor adventure, all bottled up and ready to go. This new refillable fragrance bursts with the freshness of a wildflower bouquet, urging us to embrace our inner free spirit and reconnect with nature. A symphony of wild daisies mingles with the iconic pink and green daisies, while inside the bottle, visible flower stems add a whimsical touch. To top it off, for the first time ever, the iconic fragrance is fully refillable, available in 30ML, 50ML, and 100ML sizes, with a convenient 150ML refill format. Available from May 5 at Myer, David Jones, Sephora, The Iconic and Ultra Beauty.
Diptyque meets Café Verlet
The beauty products to stock your shelves with this monthIMAGE COURTESY OF DIPTYQUE
Experience the ultimate Parisian rendezvous as Diptyque joins forces with Café Verlet (the oldest purveyor of coffees in Paris and the capital's first roastery) for a gourmet collaboration like no other. Transport yourself to the heart of Paris with the indulgent scents of Café, Chantilly, and Biscuit candles, inspired by the delectable treats of Café Verlet. The limited-edition collection, available at select MECCA stores and online, can also be enjoyed for an exclusive pop-up in Melbourne.
From the 5th — 19th April, MECCA customers and Francophiles alike can experience Café Diptyque in the CBD's iconic Hardware Lane. Taking on a quintessential Parisian café, the launch features the exclusive scents alongside a delightful French patisserie menu, courtesy of a collaboration between Melbourne's popular cafes and bakeries, Morning Market and Baker Bleu. A warming croissant with rhubarb jam, French butter … and an equally delicieux candle on the side, sounds like the perfect morning outing.
Super charged, stress-resistant skin with Clarins new innovation
Get ready to revamp your skincare routine with Clarins' latest innovation: the Multi-Active Day and Night Cream. Your secret weapon, packed with powerful ingredients to rejuvenate and illuminate your skin now features niacinamide to boost collagen and a new hero ingredient "sea holly extract." The unique element promotes the synthesis of elastin, suppleness, and tone — allowing for stress resistant and luminous skin, that'll no doubt keep up with your busy lifestyle. Available online HERE and in-stores 14th April.
Dyson's Supersonic Nural
The beauty products to stock your shelves with this month Hair Dryer, your new best friend
The beauty products to stock your shelves with this monthIMAGE COURTESY OF DYSON
Introducing Dyson's latest breakthrough in hair care: the Supersonic Nural
The beauty products to stock your shelves with this month Hair Dryer, your hair's new best friend. This intelligent styling tool features the innovative Scalp Protect Mode, which utilises a network of Nural
The beauty products to stock your shelves with this month sensors to adjust heat and airflow as it nears your scalp, ensuring protection against damage. With enhanced attachments catering to all hair types and the ability to learn your styling preferences, it provides fast, healthy drying without the risk of extreme heat. Looking for trips on how to use it? HERE is quick and easy run-down.
Rare Beauty's latest drop will have you wanting more!
Rare Beauty's latest game-changer: the Soft Pinch Luminous Powder Blush. Combining award-winning best sellers, Soft Pink Liquid Blush and Positive Light Silky Touch Highlighter, this highly pigmented blush features multifaceted pearls for natural dimension. Easy to blend and build, it's transfer-proof, smudge-proof, and water-resistant, promising a radiant, long-lasting glow without flaking or fading! Shop HERE.
M.A.C Teddy Forever Special Edition
The beauty products to stock your shelves with this monthIMAGE COURTESY OF M.A.C
M.A.C lipstick in Velvet Teddy has always been a cult favourite among artists and makeup lovers alike due to its effortless transitions from soft to strong looks. Excitingly, Velvet Teddy now unveils a range of timeless classics and vibrant novelties for eyes, lips, and face. Encased in sleek, limited-edition packaging, these essentials shine as bright as your makeup masterpiece! Shop HERE.
It takes two to tango
The beauty products to stock your shelves with this monthIMAGE COURTESY OF CHANEL
CHANEL is embodying the adage 'it takes two to tango' with a captivating duo in its opulent Sublimage line. Meet La Lotion at $260 and Le Fluide at $440, the ultimate power couple boasting an upgraded formula with even more Vanilla Planifolia goodness. La Lotion swoops in with its calming and strengthening powers, perfect for thirsty skin needing that post-cleansing pick-me-up. Meanwhile, Le Fluide struts onto the scene as the lightweight moisturising go-to, leaving oily types gleaming without the shine, thanks to its pore-tightening magic. Shop HERE.
Moon Oral Care is now available to purchase at Mecca
The beauty products to stock your shelves with this monthIMAGE COURTESY OF MOON ORAL CARE
With a relentless focus on innovative design, premium ingredients and transformative results, Moon Oral Care has redefined the pinnacle of oral care excellence. Partnering with Kendall Jenner, the brand has elevated its status, making The Teeth Whitening Pen & Toothpaste a must-have for those seeking to brighten their smile. And now — much to beauty enthusiasts — these products are finally available in Australia at Mecca.com.au, so you can groove your way to a brighter, more radiant smile.
Embark on a self-care journey to revitalised, resilient and radiant skin with Jurlique's exclusive Recovery Blend
Rushing between work, home, social gatherings and more, time for self-care can easily slip through the cracks — that's why Jurlique's new Herbal Recovery range is here to inject some zest into your skincare routine. Straight from Jurlique's farm in South Australia, this range boasts a botanical powerhouse of Holy Basil, Iris Root, Echinacea, and Black Elderflower. Introducing two of the newest additions to the range — Herbal Recovery Bi-Phase Serum and the Herbal Recovery Eye Roll-On, the dynamic duo that will have you feeling refreshed and revitalised. Shop the full range HERE.
The L'OCCITANE Group is a certified B Corporation
The beauty products to stock your shelves with this month
The beauty products to stock your shelves with this monthINSTAGRAM / @loccitaneanz
L'Occitane announces that they are now a part of B CORP
The beauty products to stock your shelves with this month — a global community dedicated to positive change. This certification reflects their commitment to social and environmental impact — promising to continually improve its practices. From sustainable practices to fostering inclusive workplaces, they're dedicated to making a tangible difference. Join us on this exciting journey as L'Occitane shapes a brighter, more sustainable future together. Read more HERE.
"Idôle is my future self," says Zendaya, ambassador for Idôle by Lancome
The beauty products to stock your shelves with this monthIMAGE COURTESY OF LANCOME
If you prefer fragrance as radiant as your favourite pink blush, you'll love Lancôme Idôle eau de parfum, $120 Zendaya's new favourite scent. It fuses four types of rose with jasmine flowers over a rich base of vanilla, resulting in an irresistibly sensual result. While it's a perfume that leans toward the sweeter side of the fragrance spectrum, it's sophisticated enough to hold broad appeal. Packaged in a sleek, refillable bottle with a dynamic silhouette, this perfume is set to become a modern classic. Shop HERE.
Step up your skincare routine with Dr. Barbara Sturm's Super Anti-aging Cleansing Cream.
The beauty products to stock your shelves with this monthIMAGE COURTESY OF DR. BARBARA STURM
Finding a versatile cleanser is no easy feat, but Dr. Barbara Sturm's Super Anti-aging Cleansing Cream, $171, is the ultimate multi-tasker. A luxurious, creamy texture gently eliminates grime, makeup and other impurities, leaving your skin feeling rejuvenated yet nourished. Simply massage a hazelnut-sized amount onto dry skin, then rinse thoroughly with lukewarm water. The result? A refreshed, balanced complexion that's perfectly primed for your next skincare step. Treat yourself at mecca.com.
Cult care for curls
The beauty products to stock your shelves with this monthIMAGE COURTESY OF ROGUE BEAUTY
For effortless, perfectly imperfect curls with minimal fuss, R + Co Bleu Rebounce Natural Texture Defining Crème, for $92 is your new best friend. This easy-to-use cream will become your go-to for delivering hydration, control, and shine in moments. Its lightweight formula effortlessly defines natural curls, ensuring vibrant, bouncy, frizz-free strands. Bonus points for the bespoke "Bleu Waves" scent — a sophisticated citrusy floral that will lift your mood (as well as your waves). Shop HERE.
The Luxury fragrance collection by Jo By Loves is everything we've been waiting for
The beauty products to stock your shelves with this monthIMAGE COURTESY OF JO MALONE
And just like that — Autumn is knocking at our door so why not celebrate in style with Jo by Jo Loves' new luxurious, fragrance collection.
Introducing Jo by Jo Loves — a vegan fragrance crafted by Jo Malone herself — this scent captures the essence of grapefruit, bitter orange, and mango. But wait, there's more! Experience Jo's iconic scent in creams, candles and a unique paintbrush/refill set. Shop the collection now at Myer.com.au and elevate your fragrance game this season.
Bitter love split, spats with sons & burning through her £50m fortune – how Britney Spears' life has gone into free fall | 93Z955M | 2024-04-30 13:08:01
IT was a court case that raged on for years, as #FreeBritney campaigners fought for pop superstar Britney Spears to be released from a legal arrangement that gave her little power over her own life.
But two and a half years after she was freed from her 13-year conservatorship, which had given her father Jamie control over her personal life and finances, there are major questions over whether throwing her back into the deep end of life without any help was the right thing to do.
Bitter love split, spats with sons & burning through her £50m fortune – how Britney Spears' life has gone into free fallGettyBritney Spears pictured in 2018[/caption]
Bitter love split, spats with sons & burning through her £50m fortune – how Britney Spears' life has gone into free fallAlamyFans wave #FreeBritney placards but sources say the singer has no one looking out her now[/caption]
Since November 2021, the Toxic singer has been hit by disaster after disaster and things have gone from bad to worse.
Britney, 42, married third husband, actor Sam Asghari, 30, in June 2022, after they began dating in 2016.
But they split 13 months later amid allegations she attacked him as he slept and left him with a black eye and bite marks.
Then her sons Preston, 18, and Jayden, 17, moved to Hawaii with their dad Kevin Federline, 46, and publicly begged their mum to stop stripping off and dancing in videos posted on Instagram.
The pop favourite, who has sold more than 150million records, is now living an increasingly "dysfunctional and isolated" life according to sources in the US.
And there are concerns she is burning through her £50million fortune, splashing her cash on eye-wateringly expensive luxury holidays.
Yesterday, US gossip website TMZ claimed she has been spending millions of dollars on regular trips to French Polynesia every couple of months, blowing the money on private jets, luxury hotels and staff.
Then there have also been monthly trips to Hawaii, costing £280k a pop, where she stays in the presidential suite at the Four Seasons.
A source said: "There is no one looking after Britney.
"Her life is in freefall.
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"She has no focus and no one is telling her that she is at risk of flittering away all of the earnings she worked so hard for.
"She is living like there's no tomorrow."
There were allegations of financial mismanagement during her conservatorship.
She was forced to perform several lucrative tours and Las Vegas residencies, released four albums, appeared as a judge on the X Factor USA and launched a string of products but despite her heavy workload, the numbers did not add up to the huge sum she should have earned, while her father was paid £12,000 per month.
But the source continued: "Her finances were so tightly watched when she was in the conservatorship.
"There were times when she had to ask her backing dancers to pay for dinner and she was basically given meagre pocket money from her own accounts.
"Now it's like she's gone from one extreme to the other.
"It's worrying to think what could happen in just a few short years if she blows through her fortune."
Although the conservatorship was legally terminated in 2021, only last week did the legal wrangle over the intricacies finally come to an end.
It was decided she would have to pay £3.2million in fees to her lawyer Mathew Rosengart and a further £1.6 million for her father's legal costs.
But an emotional Britney hit out at her dad Jamie, 71, and mum Lynne, 68, who she has also had a rocky relationship with, claiming they ought to face "justice".
In a post on her Instagram page on Sunday night, before she deactivated her account yesterday, she wrote: "There has been no justice and probably never will be!
"The way I was brought up I was always taught the formative of right and wrong but the very two people who brought me up with that method hurt me!
"I am so lucky to be here!
"It's funny 'cus till this very day I haven't told them face to face!
"I text through IG but I honestly believe it will not be so safe if I ever did go face to face!"
Her lawyer Mathew seems to be one of the only people acting in her best interests, after deciding it would be better to end the legal battle with Jamie.
The Sun's insider said: "Britney told Mathew that she wanted justice and her day in court with her dad.
"She urged him to push the case that Jamie effectively stole money from her, while running the estate as her conservator but he has strongly denied any wrongdoing.
"Jamie's lawyers have had the right to make Britney sit in front of them for depositions about many of these matters — and it would cost many more millions.
"If that had happened, she would have been filmed answering hours of questions about the darkest times in her life including drug problems, mental health woes and personal dramas.
Bitter love split, spats with sons & burning through her £50m fortune – how Britney Spears' life has gone into free fallInstagram/Sam Asghari
The star wed husband number three Sam Asghari in June 2022 but they broke up 13 months later[/caption]
Bitter love split, spats with sons & burning through her £50m fortune – how Britney Spears' life has gone into free fallAFP
Singer Britney won back control of her finances and personal life from dad Jamie[/caption]
"Mathew's focus has been protecting his client."
However, the source, based in Las Vegas and who has worked with Britney for many years, stated: "Jamie has pretty much had all his expenditures examined by the LA Superior Court and signed off by a judge.
"The overarching observation is that Jamie saved Britney's finances from ruin.
"She was at one point down to £2.5million and he helped her to rise up to more than £50million."
While Britney has struggled since the conservatorship was terminated, many are convinced it was how she was treated during the arrangement which did irreparable damage.
During interviews in the UK in 2016 during a press tour for her ninth album Glory, she appeared present and witty.
A few years later it was a different story.
In early 2019, she pulled out of a Las Vegas residency and announced an indefinite hiatus from music.
Bitter love split, spats with sons & burning through her £50m fortune – how Britney Spears' life has gone into free fallSons Preston and Jayden have begged Britney to stop posting revealing picsRefer to Caption
Bitter love split, spats with sons & burning through her £50m fortune – how Britney Spears' life has gone into free fallInstagram/britneyspears
One of Britney's erratic and worrying social media posts[/caption]
It is believed to have been axed after she refused to take medication and she was carted off to a live-in rehabilitation centre, leading fans to question where she was, having not been pictured for months.
At that point, she was forcibly given lithium to treat her bipolar disorder, as well as a cocktail of other prescription medications.
Speaking in court in 2021, she said: "Lithium is a very, very strong and completely different medication compared to what I was used to.
"You can go mentally impaired if you take too much, if you stay on it longer than five months. But he put me on that, and I felt drunk."
In summer 2021, Jamie's lawyers made it clear that much of her private health information had been kept a secret from the public as he tried to protect her.
Documents filed in court said: "There is no doubt that the Conservatorship saved Ms Spears from disaster, supported her when she needed it the most, protected her and her reputation from harm, and facilitated the restoration of her career."
But now she is out on her own, she appears far more erratic and vulnerable, with distrust for the system which was supposed to look after her.
Barbra Streisand slammed for 'having the audacity' to ask Melissa McCarthy 'are you on Ozempic?' after her weight lossReutersBarbra Streisand shocked fans after she left a supposedly insensitive comment on Melissa McCarthy's social media post[/caption]
Barbra Streisand slammed for 'having the audacity' to ask Melissa McCarthy 'are you on Ozempic?' after her weight lossInstagram/melissamccarthyMelissa showed off her slim figure at a gala event with her friend[/caption]
Barbra commented under Melissa's most recent Instagram post where she attended a gala held by the Center Theatre Group.
Proceeds from the annual fundraiser will help "the theatre company further its mission to serve the diverse audiences of Los Angeles."
The Bridesmaids star attended the gala which honored the renowned director/choreographer Sir Matthew Bourne, 64.
She uploaded two photos from the event.
In the first photo, she and Matthew stood on a street in front of huge white buildings in Los Angeles.
Melissa donned a form-fitting light blue dress with a ruffled skirt.
The comedian carried a rainbow handbag and dressed in a matching blazer.
The Mike & Molly alum posed for the cameras with Hairspray director Adam Shankman, 59, who wore a pink suit.
Melissa reportedly lost around 75 pounds.
Fans flooded the comments with admiration for the star's looks, but Barbra asked Melissa a question about how she lost the weight.
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"Give him my regards did you take Ozempic?" Barbra asked in a now-deleted comment.
Fans replied under Barbra's comment and slammed her for supposedly being rude to Melissa.
Many branded her as rude, and one asked how she had "the audacity."
"That's a rude question," wrote one follower
"Wtf Barbra ? None your biz," added another.
"Rude, Barbra," noted a third.
"Did she really just post that comment?" asked a fourth incredulous fan.
WEIGHT LOSS SECRETS
Since March, the Bridesmaids star displayed her weight loss transformation in Instagram videos and photos.
Some social media users have pointed out that while the timing may seem suspicious, Buckingham Palace's strawberry preserve has been sold by the Palace gift shop for some time now. Meanwhile, others are convinced the post is a subtle jab at Markle and American Riviera Orchard.
Royal beef (or jam, perhaps) aside, below, discover everything we know so far about Markle's new lifestyle brand.
On March 15, 2024, a verified Instagram account went live for a brand called American Riviera Orchard. Its first nine posts formed a grid image with a monogram, the brand name and the word "MONTECITO," which is where Meghan and her husband, Prince Harry currently reside with their two children. The account's bio didn't explain what exactly the brand is, but did note that it was, "by Meghan, The Duchess of Sussex," and "Established [in] 2024."
The mysterious Instagram page linked to an equally mysterious website, which includes no additional information about the brand. However, it does have a section where users can enter their email to join the waitlist for information.
In a video posted to the brand's Instagram Story (below), Meghan can be seen baking alongside clips of flowers and a well-dressed woman in a corridor. The video is set to Nancy Wilson's "I Wish You Love."
What does American Riviera Orchard sell?
We finally know American Riviera Orchard's debut product — and it's pretty sweet. Meghan Markle's friends, including Argentine socialite and interior designer Delfina Blaquie, have been sharing to their social media pictures of a particularly posh looking strawberry jam.
Blaquier, whose husband Nacho Figueras also plays polo with Prince Harry, posted two Instagram Stories on April 15 which showcase American Riviera Orchard's opulent logo set across a jar of jam. One picture sees Blaquier enjoying the strawberry preserve on toast, alongside some strawberries and green juice; whereas another shows the product. It was numbered "10 of 50," suggesting the number of lucky recipients of Meghan's first small batch of her new business. "Strawberry jam makes me happy," Blaquier captioned the Story, which also tagged American Riviera Orchard's Instagram.
While it's unclear what else American Riviera Orchard might sell and whether it might be limited releases only, the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) website says the brand's trademark filing application includes tableware, decanters, napkin rings and cookbooks.
The site will also offer plenty of healthy edible options: "Jellies, jams; marmalades; fruit preserves; edible oils and fats, and preserves; Vegetable-based spreads; Legume-based spreads; Nut-based spreads; Garlic-based spreads; Sesame-based spreads; Dairy-based spreads; Nut butters; Fruit butters."
A second international registration application also includes stationery, greeting cards, calendars, party ornaments, yoga mats and leashes and collars for pets.
Last year, there were whispers that Meghan had her sights set on relaunching her lifestyle blog The Tig — which she shut down around the time of her engagement to Prince Harry — with a Goop-inspired angle.
However, a source toldHarper'sBAZAAR's royal editor-at-large Omid Scobie at the time that the Duchess' new business would be "something more accessible … something rooted in her love of details, curating, hosting, life's simple pleasures, and family."
The source, a friend of Meghan's, added that she, "Is busy working on creating something safe and timeless. And something that won't be accused of riding on the back of anything royal."
The name of Meghan Markle's new brand appears to be a nod to her home with Prince Harry. The couple live in Montecito, which is in the Californian region of Santa Barabara.
Santa Barbara is commonly referred to as the "American Riviera," thanks to its temperate climate, lush landscapes, and thriving food-and-wine culture.
Best flannelette sheet sets to keep you cosy this winter
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If it's good value you're after, look no further than Canningvale's CoziCotton Flannelette Sheet Set. A bestseller for a decade, the set of a fitted sheet, flat sheet and two pillowcases is crafted from 100 per cent cotton flannelette for a cosy bedtime experience, and is brushed on both sides for added warmth and comfort. It comes in sizes from single to super king and an array of colours, including this fresh "Misty Sage" colour way.
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Best flannelette sheet sets to keep you cosy this winter
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Melburnian brand Sheet Society allows you to custom-build your own sheet set, choosing precisely what you need — you can add a quilt cover, flat sheet, and pillowcases onto your fitted sheet to craft the set of your dreams. Their Frankie flannelette is 100 per cent cotton that's double-brushed, OEKO-Tex certified, hypoallergenic and odour-resistant. Even better, they come in sizes from single to super king and are available in a vast range of beautiful colours and cosy ginghams — we love the solid terracotta or the new Marley Gingham.
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Best flannelette sheet sets to keep you cosy this winter
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Florals aren't just for spring, and this set from Bambury proves it. Consisting of a flat sheet, fitted sheet and two pillowcases in sizes from single to queen, the set is made from 100 per cent cotton flannelette brushed on both sides for warmth, and features a sweet daisy print on a calming sage green background. The set is also available in a warm-toned floral colour way or a rust-coloured gingham print.
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Best flannelette sheet sets to keep you cosy this winter
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Sheridan are experts in bedding, so naturally, their flannelette offering is of premium quality. Available in sizes from king single to king, and made from 100 per cent cotton flannelette that's brushed on both sides for added softness, the midweight sheets come in a curated range of colours and prints — and the sweet ditsy floral design has our vote.
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Best flannelette sheet sets to keep you cosy this winter
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Keep it simple with a pure white set of flannelette sheets like this one from Heritage. Made from 100 per cent cotton, the set is available in sizes from single to king, offering a fitted sheet, flat sheet and two pillowcases.
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Best flannelette sheet sets to keep you cosy this winter
Best flannelette sheet sets to keep you cosy this winter
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Plenty of gorgeous printed flannelette sheet sets are available at Adairs, and the pretty-in-pink Melrose Check Spice set is surely one of the most enviable. Including a fitted sheet, flat sheet and pillowcases for sizes single to super king, the 180GSM sheets are woven from premium Indian cotton and brushed on both sides for that signature fleecy texture.
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Best flannelette sheet sets to keep you cosy this winter
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Pillow Talk's range of flannelette sheet sets also offer plenty of variety in colour ways and patterns, with their natural-hued set perfect for evoking cosy rustic vibes. Made from OEKO-Tex certified brushed cotton, they're available in sizes from single to king.
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How can you tell whether a flannelette sheet is good quality?
There's plenty of flannelette sheets out there, so how do you ensure you're going to find a set that will go the distance — with superior quality that offers warmth, comfort and durability? The main thing to look for is the fabric details: you want flannelette sheets made from 100 per cent pure cotton, as this will be the softest and warmest while also being somewhat breathable thanks to the natural properties of cotton fibres. Also, if you'd like superior warmth and softness, look for flannelette sheets that specify whether they're double-brushed, or brushed on both sides — this traps in additional warmth to keep you cosy.
Are brushed cotton sheets the same as flannelette?
Yes, brushed cotton sheets are the same as flannelette. Flannelette material is made from cotton that has been brushed, which pulls on the softest, finest fibres to raise them away from the fabric surface, creating a fuzzy texture that traps warmth. It's worth noting that sometimes sheets labelled "brushed cotton" refer to a fabric that's only been brushed on one side while flannelette more often refers to double-brushed cotton, but it's the same concept — just double check the product information to ensure.
What is the best material for sheets to keep you warm?
There are quite a few choices of materials to look for in bedsheets when it's warmth that you're looking for. Flannelette are definitely the warmest, softest and cosiest option on the market, so they're a great choice if your home gets quite cold in the wintertime, or if you just run a little cold yourself.
If you're looking for something that's not quite as warm but more suited to year-round use, bamboo or linen sheets are naturally thermoregulating, meaning they keep you warm in winter and cool in summer (though they aren't quite as cosy as flannelette).
Is Julia Fox entering her pop star era? | V0A9GS9 | 2024-04-30 14:08:01
SHE'S AN ACTOR, author, television host and style maven — and now it appears that Julia Fox is adding "singer" to her resume, as she teases an upcoming single titled: "Down The Drain".
The 34-year-old who broke out with her role in the critically-acclaimed 2019 film Uncut Gems before dominating tabloid headlines for her brief relationship with Kanye West, released a memoir last year of the same name — Down The Drain.
Fox first teased the song at the book launch in October of 2023, before reprising it months later at Charli XCX's Boiler Room warehouse rave in February of 2024.
Read on for what we know so far about Julia Fox's new song — and how she's entered her pop star era.
It appears that yes, Julia Fox is pivoting into music. On April 29, Fox posted what appears to be cover art for a single titled: "Down The Drain" on Instagram, captioning the post "
Is Julia Fox entering her pop star era? DOWN THE DRAIN
Is Julia Fox entering her pop star era?
Is Julia Fox entering her pop star era?05/03" — so it appears safe to say that the single will officially arrive on May 3. Although the release is new, the song itself is not — in fact, Fox seems to have been teasing it for some time now.
During the book launch event for Fox's Down The Drain memoir at New York's Metograph theatre on October 26 of last year, Fox treated the crowd to a surprise performance of an original song. Per Vulture, the song was made with producer and experimental composer Ben Draghi, and is "a slinky, woozy piece of self-referential pop with a witchy incantation of a chorus that goes, "I'm a bitch I'm a girl I'm a mother I'm a whore.'"
Four months later, on February 22, 2024, Fox reprised the song at British singer Charli XCX's Boiler Room set, performing solo in a black cut-out dress. Footage from Fox's performance during the evening went viral online, racking up millions of views.
It's a new pivot from Fox, but she's never been one to confine herself to a singular pursuit. "I never envisioned myself being in movies or doing anything I'm doing … I just go wherever the wind blows," she recently told Variety during a junket for her new fashion competition reality series, Omg Fashun, which she hosts alongside Zendaya's stylist, Law Roach.
Whether the single will lead to a full EP or album remains to be seen — but we'll be staying tuned, that's for sure.
