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Where To Find The Most Romantic Restaurant Views In London

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Photo: Via @oxo_tower

Any self-respecting Londoner has a long list of sights visitors HAVE to see. Hyde Park, The Barbican Centre, St Paul's Cathedral – London is chock-full of places we love. So why do we insist on spending our nights out in basements? We appreciate a dive bar, dingy pub or underground club as much as anyone, but there have to be better things than the walls to stare at while we eat.

Some outings are endlessly improved by a view across our favourite city. Across London there are restaurants and bars offering stellar sights, as well as fine food and expertly mixed drinks.

Click through to see our favourite table-side vistas...

Aqua Shard

"The city that never sleeps" may technically be New York but that doesn't mean London can be caught napping. From Aqua (found inside The Shard, the UK's tallest tower) you're treated to some of the most breathtaking views of the city you can find – and now you can enjoy them for even longer. Now open until 3am, Aqua's cocktail lounge lets you see London light up at night and Friday to Saturday even offers a selection of delicious 'Wind Up' and 'Wind Down' cocktails, guaranteed to get your night going. Whether you want to hit the town or hit the hay, this is the late-night spot to see and be seen.

Aqua Shard
Level 31, The Shard, 31 St. Thomas Street, London SE1 9RY
020 3011 1256

Skylon

Inside the Royal Festival Hall, Skylon's full-length windows mean that wherever you're seated you have a wonderful view along the South Bank. Tables here are like gold dust whenever there's a festive fireworks display or a particularly lovely summer sunset, but even on a rainy day Skylon's signature cocktails make it worth a visit. An impressive place for a first date, if you want to make the most of the great offers as well as the great views, pop in before a trip to the BFI to sample their pre-theatre menu.

Skylon
Royal Festival Hall, Belvedere Rd, London SE1 8XX
020 7654 7800

Photo: Courtesy of Skylon

OXO Tower

It's hard to imagine that stock cubes could have a huge effect on the London skyline. But in the 1930s, the OXO Tower's art deco facade was an architectural hit, as well as a cold store for beef bouillon. Today it's been refurbished and is home to a brasserie and a high-end restaurant with views across London. Rest your gaze on a sun-soaked city over their rule-bending Not Afternoon Tea, which focuses on cocktails. Alternatively, enjoy a moonlit view of the capital over dinner, which includes a seriously impressive array of vegan and vegetarian dishes.

OXO Tower
8th Floor, Oxo Tower Wharf, Bargehouse St, London SE1 9PH
020 7803 3888

Photo: Via @oxo_tower

The Towpath Café

When it comes to views, east London has far more to offer than architecture. Find a seat at this petite local favourite on Regent's Canal and watch the world go by. While you sip fresh coffee, tuck into homemade cakes or order from their ever-changing menu, you'll see bees buzz around their miniature garden, confused Boris bikers trying to avoid falling in the water and east London residents selecting just the right Instagram filter for their selfie. #blessed. All the food here is seasonal and most of the seating is outdoors so, unsurprisingly, Towpath shuts its doors in winter. As soon as spring comes, though, join the stampede heading down the canal to grab a seat (and an expertly made flat white).

The Towpath Café
36 De Beauvoir Crescent, Hackney, London
020 7254 7606

Photo: Via @pretavoyager

Aviary

Set among the shiny new skyscrapers of east London, Aviary manages to blend thoroughly modern views, a classic menu and a decidedly vintage air of glamour. Get on your glad rags and head to the very top floor – the terrace is the perfect place to sip a cocktail while the lights of London twinkle around you. If you're in the mood for something more substantial, grab a table by the window and tuck into Aviary's delectable range of dishes. For dinner we recommend their perfectly seared steaks but when you want to soak up the British sunshine (without risking the British rain), it's a great spot for brunch, too.

Aviary
10th Floor Montcalm Royal, London House, 22-25 Finsbury Square, London EC2A 1DX
020 3873 4060

Photo: Courtesy of The Aviary

Osteria

The Barbican Centre's elegant eatery overlooks the clean, concrete lines of its terraces as well as the classically Gothic tower of St Giles. The view outside is British at it's best but inside, Osteria is Italian all the way. Start your evening the Venetian way by choosing from the list of negronis, bellinis and martinis, with perhaps a little antipasti on the side. This is the perfect pitstop on your way to a screening or as romantic an end to an evening as wandering through the Barbican's ever-changing exhibition spaces. A visit to Osteria is a taste of la dolce vita, the London way.

Osteria
Barbican Centre, Silk St, London EC2Y 8DS
020 7588 3008

Photo: Courtesy of Osteria

Serpentine Bar & Kitchen

A wander through Hyde Park has been a favourite of Londoners since the days of Henry VIII, though we're willing to bet he would have enjoyed his walk more if he'd been able to grab a pizza en route. Unluckily for King Henry, he lived over 300 years before the margherita was invented; luckily for us, we have Serpentine Bar & Kitchen. Sitting right on the shore of the Serpentine, you can tuck into pizzas from their wood-fired oven as well as British classics and seasonal treats at the centre of one of London's greenest parks. Wind down on their terrace in the summer or warm up inside on colder days, and admire one of the most tranquil views in the city.

Serpentine Bar & Kitchen
Hyde Park, London, W2 2UH
020 7706 8114

Photo: Via @anamoraales

Dandelyan

Created by cocktail king Mr Lyan and stockpiling awards like Meryl Streep, Dandelyan has a lot going for it beside the views. But what views! Housed in the über-fashionable Mondrian hotel, you can take a seat on a super-chic pink banquette and look straight out onto the river. This is certainly a place to see, be seen and drink a damn good cocktail. A little pricey maybe, but perfect for a special occasion when only a perfectly mixed drink and a great view will do.

Dandelyan
Mondrian at Sea Containers, 20 Upper Ground, London SE1 9PD
020 3747 1063

The Lido Café

What could be more London than a lido? What other city-dwellers would be so hardy and hopelessly optimistic as to build unheated, open-air swimming pools in the middle of the northern hemisphere? Ponder these questions over a cup of tea or perhaps a Bloody Mary in the light, airy space of The Lido Café overlooking the bright blue of Brockwell Lido. One of south London's best-loved brunch spaces, this café serves up a menu of lovingly prepared British dishes, sure to fortify you after a long swim. Get there early to nab a space on the poolside terrace and be sure that everything goes swimmingly (sorry).

The Lido Café
Brockwell Swimming Pool, Dulwich Rd, London SE24 0PA
020 7737 8183

Photo: Via @thelidocafe

Tate Modern

The Tate Modern may be known for its great works of art, but the river views of the café, bar and restaurants are equally as breathtaking. Grab a coffee in the Espresso Bar and check out the boats gliding along the river, sip a craft beer at the bar while you watch clouds scud across the sky behind St Paul's or go for a full three-course dinner at the restaurant and watch London light up for the night. If you feel really inspired, whip out your sketchbook. Who knows? It could end up in the Tate Modern one day.

Tate Modern
Bankside, London SE1 9TG
0207 401 5108

Photo: Via @_alexjc_

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My Eating Disorder Came Back After My Baby Was Born

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Eating disorders during pregnancy are rarely discussed at OB appointments, but they’re not uncommon (a 2014 Norwegian review of studies surrounding women and eating disorders found that eating disorders in pregnancy are “relatively common” and may cause health risks for both mother and baby; some experts hypothesise one in 20 women suffer an eating disorder while pregnant). Bottom line: They should definitely be a topic of conversation between patients and health care providers, especially if a pregnant person has a history of disordered eating. “For women who have struggled with eating disorders in the past, a pregnancy is a time when special attention should be paid to their psychological wellbeing and physical health. Seeking support during this time may be wise,” says Ovidio Bermudez, MD, a psychiatrist and Chief Clinical Officer at Eating Recovery Centre , an eating disorder treatment centre in Denver, CO.

And the postpartum period is one where a new parent can be equally vulnerable: Stress, exhaustion, and pressure to bounce back to a pre-baby weight can all exacerbate disordered eating behaviour, even if the person hasn’t exhibited symptoms in years. But what’s particularly worrisome, says Bermudez, is the fact that many mums may hide their eating disorder because they’re ashamed. “A woman may feel like she’s not a good mum because she’s struggling, when it’s an illness, it’s something bigger than her and has nothing to do with her self-control or her parenting skills,” says Bermudez. That’s why it’s crucial to get help from an expert. If you are struggling with an eating disorder, please call Beat on 0345 634 1414. Support and information is available 365 days a year. Here, writer Anna Davies shares how disordered eating became an issue when her daughter was six months old.

I walked into the elevator of the office building of my new job, bracing myself for comments and hoping my put-together outfit — sleek black dress, chunky gold necklace and four-inch heels — would distract from the bruise blooming around my black eye.

But I could tell, from the sidelong glances given to me by other people in the elevator, that it hadn’t. By the time I got to my desk, I’d crafted a story.

“Lucy kicked me in bed,” I said, referencing my seven-month-old daughter. My coworkers laughed — I worked at a company that made baby products, there were plenty of other parents on staff: They got it.

It wasn’t the truth. The truth is, I had given the black eye to myself. I had made myself throw up that morning, and the force of the vomiting had caused blood vessels in my eyelids to rupture. I learned that from the ophthalmologist I visited the next day, who had asked me if I’d recently had a bout of the flu. I lied and said yes.

But I knew my eye was the least of my problems. I was anxious and stressed and exhausted as a single new mum, and, to cope, I’d been purging in the bathroom. I would do it while my daughter was in her crib, running the shower so she couldn’t hear. I felt guilty doing it as a parent — after all, the last thing I wanted was to model disordered eating for my daughter as she grew older — but I couldn’t stop.

I had been dealing with disordered eating since I was in my late teens, and by my 20s I was purging multiple times a week. I tried seeing a few therapists but none was the right fit, and I was surprised at the lack of knowledge that some of the therapists I confided in seemed to have about disordered eating patterns (one told me it “wasn’t like I was that skinny, anyway,” and another tried to psychoanalyse my purging patterns, convinced it had something to do with my relationship with my mother). I tried to manage my disordered eating on my own, and by the time I was 28 and training for a marathon, I stopped completely because I was afraid of the ramifications purging, combined with heavy exercise, would have on my body. As I became more interested in training for different races and trying workout challenges, I began to develop a more positive relationship with my body. By the time I was 30, I was convinced that my purging days were behind me.

And then I got pregnant. I was worried that my disordered eating might become a problem as my body changed, and I tried to bring up the topic with my OB. On the first office visit, I told her I didn’t want to see my weight. While she was okay with letting me look away from the displayed number, over time, it was clear she didn’t understand that my request came from a deeper place than vanity. One time, in my second trimester, she scolded me for gaining seven pounds. I burst into tears on the exam table — the only time during my pregnancy I cried.

The truth is, I had given the black eye to myself.

“It’s okay, I know how it feels,” she said, awkwardly trying to console me, even though I was pretty sure she didn’t understand at all. All I wanted to do was run to the bathroom and vomit. The only thing that stopped me was the fact that it wasn’t just my body anymore.

I was too afraid to ask my OB for a referral for a therapist; as a single mum, I already felt like I was under so much scrutiny. I didn't want my OB to think I couldn’t handle the challenge.

I didn’t purge during my pregnancy. It wasn’t until my daughter, Lucy, was six months old that I felt the urge again. And while I wasn’t 100% satisfied with my post-baby body, the urge was anchored in so much more than body image. I liked the control I felt when I purged; liked the feeling of an empty stomach. I never binged, my purges could occur after any meal or no meal at all. I was stressed about making money, stressed about finding a job, stressed about being a good parent, and purging felt, weirdly, like a form of self-care. It was something that could make me feel better, fast.

But when I got the black eye, I realised things needed to change. This time, I was very careful about which therapist I decided to work with. Before, anyone who took my insurance and worked within a five-block radius of my office was fine. This time, I asked other new mums for recommendations for therapists who specialised in postnatal depression or postnatal anxiety; while I wasn’t sure I had either, it was imperative the therapist I spoke with had extensive experience with new mums. Once I had a few recommendations, I asked about their eating disorder expertise: I wasn’t sure I would be able to stop purging right away, and I wanted to make sure that a therapist I worked with would help me figure out a way to stop that wouldn’t feel overwhelming. I also wanted a therapist to understand the pressure I put on myself — that I already felt so guilty for purging; I needed to feel like someone was in my corner.

Eventually, I found someone. Instead of focusing on not purging, I began focusing on the stressors in my life. One of the huge ones was my job — I began looking for new positions and left that one after a few months. I also had been putting a ton of pressure on myself to do everything perfectly. I didn’t want people to think I was struggling as a single mum, so I tried my hardest to make it look like everything was easy to me — even if it wasn’t. For example, one time, when my new mum friends and I planned a potluck barbecue, instead of offering to pick up napkins or tableware, I volunteered to bring desserts. I made five desserts that day while my daughter played in the kitchen, all for the I could never do what you do compliments.

And that was the biggest takeaway from therapy: That I didn’t need to prove myself, and that every parent — single, married, whatever — needs help sometimes. I began asking friends to watch Lucy, stopped trying to be Supermum when it came time to plan the playdates, and also confided in my friends when I was feeling anxious or stressed out.

Now, Lucy is two, and I’m so much better than I was. I don’t see a therapist anymore, and I feel so much happier and at ease than I was that winter morning a year and a half ago. But I’m not “cured”. I’m very sensitive to conversations surrounding weight. Discussions of losing the baby weight make me so angry; an innocuous message from a friend-of-a-friend asking me if I’m interested in her weight-loss coaching because she “specialises in new mums” led me to fire back an angry diatribe, explaining just how many new mums might be triggered by that type of language. I think eating will always be a fragile topic for me, and I know that if I do feel like I want to purge, it’s a sign I may need to check in with my therapist and figure out what’s out of whack with my life.

I’m also open about just how hard all of this was to navigate, because I wish I had known back then that I wasn’t alone, that new parenthood can bring up issues you thought were in your past, and that part of being a great parent is knowing when to ask for help.

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What You Can Actually Learn From Being Single

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There’s this weird thing that a lot of us do when we find ourselves at the end of a relationship. We’ll be out with friends, sifting through the rubble of the breakup, and say something along the lines of this: That relationship taught me so much about myself. It’s like a consolation prize we give ourselves in order to feel like the relationship wasn’t a complete waste of time. And many times, that sentiment is true. You do learn things from relationships, whether it’s that you can’t date someone who doesn’t want children, or that you can’t stand being with a person who is always late.

But this past winter, as I realised that 2017 would mark three years since I’d been in a “serious” relationship, I started to question whether or not I was learning things about myself. Sure, I’ve learned things about “single Maria” — like she loves yoga, digs a Saturday by herself in the park, and isn’t afraid to take herself out to dinner.

But I wasn’t in a relationship, so I wasn’t learning about myself in relationships. I took this to mean that I was doomed to make the same mistakes over and over again. And I do have very specific patterns when it comes to romantic partners. Since I was always convinced that being with a terrible guy was better than being alone, I’d explain away bad behaviour in order to make myself comfortable. I’d stay in bad relationships, even when the little voice in my head was screaming at me to get the fuck out of there, Maria!The spine that I’d spent so much of my single person life developing would turn into jelly the second I met a guy with a sleeve tattoo who owned a cast iron skillet and a record player.

Then, back in February, I started talking to Jude*, a guy who I felt was way different from any of the men I used to date. He was upfront and honest about what he wanted, and he never played mind games with me. There were so many times when I expected him to act in a certain, shitty way — because that’s the way all of my exes would act — only to have him turn around and behave in the normal, sane way I never expected. It was nice, and we settled into that “we’re seeing one another but aren’t in a relationship ” situation quite well. And I found myself maintaining my spine: I wasn’t afraid to tell him exactly what I needed or wanted, and he seemed very receptive to it all.

After a few weeks, though, shit hit the fan, and I found myself repeating a mistake I’d always made: explaining the bad things away, and pretending I was okay with them. Did I care that Jude had had lunch with his ex-girlfriend the week my grandmother died and he was taking care of me? Of course not! How lovely was it that he was still on decent terms with his ex. How about the fact that he refused to spend time with me on Saturdays, because that was his “guy night,” even if he’d already spent Friday with the guys? I couldn’t be mad at that! He wasn’t my boyfriend, and doesn’t every guy deserve a night out with the boys?

The spine that I’d spent so much of my single person life developing would turn into jelly the second I met a guy with a sleeve tattoo who owned a cast iron skillet and a record player.

In the back of my head, I knew that all of these things were red flags. I knew that Jude would inevitably do something that would really test my resolve, and I was terrified that I wasn’t going to be able to walk away when he did. I’d get into long conversations with my friends and my mother in which I’d justify all of my behaviour, but then show some righteous anger in order to make them feel like I hadn’t (once again) lost my spine. “If he pulls this shit again, I’m walking!” I’d declare. But on the inside, I wasn’t so sure.

And then, one night, Jude invited me over for tacos and proceeded to tell me he’d slept with someone else two days before — after he and I hadn’t been intimate for a couple of weeks. I lost it. I started screaming, which made him cry, which then made me cry, which made the whole situation incredibly confusing. We both laid our shit bare for an hour, after which he begged me to stay the night so that we could just figure this out. Maybe it will be better in the morning, I thought. So I sat down at his breakfast bar and watched him plate tacos for us. But the voice in my head was screaming at me to get the fuck out of there, Maria. And this time, for whatever reason, I listened to it. I quietly packed up my things as he watched, told him I had to go, cried into his chest, felt my resolve waver, but then walked out the door.

In the cab home, I cried on the phone to my mother, telling her everything that went down. “But, this time, I left,” I told her. As I said those words, I realised that I had, in fact, learned something about relationships, even though I wasn’t actually in one. Living without a partner for as long as I have been has showed me that being single actually doesn’t suck so much. Do I get a twinge of sadness when it seems like everyone in my family is either getting engaged, married, or pregnant? Yes, as a matter of fact, I do. But that no longer hurts so badly that it makes me want to stay in a bad relationship. That’s a lesson in and of itself — and it’s one I learned outside of a formal partnership.

As the cab pulled up to my apartment, I said goodbye to my mother, and told her, “I’m getting closer.” I meant that I was getting closer to finding my partner, but I’d like to amend that explanation now. I may be getting closer to finding a relationship, but I’m also getting closer to being the type of person who won’t compromise herself in order to stay in that partnership. And even though I was alone when I learned it, I know it will help me recognise the mistakes I make in “serious” relationships — and, I hope, keep me from repeating them, too.

* Name has been changed.

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Airbnb Is Launching A Fancy Version Of Itself

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Airbnb started out as couchsurfing website for the young and cash-strapped. But possibly as early as this week, according to a Bloomberg report, the nine-year-old company is set to expand its services to the high-end market, poised to rival luxury hotels.

Anonymous sources told Bloomberg that the service is expected to launch as a pilot this week with a select group of hosts, with a full service to launch by the end of this year. Those hosts who pass a detailed inspection are eligible to be featured on a special section of Airbnb's website and apps. (The sources asked not to be identified, as they were discussing a product that hasn't yet been announced.)

The company is expected to invite these handpicked hosts to participate in the new service this week, the sources told Bloomberg. The inspectors will examine the houses for requirements "from new and matching bed linens to plush towels and single-use toiletries typically found in hotel bathrooms," as well as check for working appliances and a well-stocked kitchen.

Offering premium real estate will help Airbnb attract older and wealthier travellers, who aren't as likely to use it now for fear that it's more of a wild card than a well-known luxury hotel. And since Airbnb takes a percentage of the cost of each booking, more expensive rentals would help boost its bottom line, too.

"With Airbnb expanding its services to improve travellers' experience by including hotel-like features, it may be able to attract a wider customer base," write Bloomberg Intelligence analysts.

Airbnb has been referring to the service as "Select," but hasn't determined an official name. The company declined to comment to Bloomberg. An Airbnb rep told Refinery29 that there's nothing to share at the moment. We'll be sure to keep you posted when we find out more.

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Obama's Powerful Reaction To Senate Republicans' Healthcare Bill

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Even as the Republican Party has moved to dismantle the Affordable Care Act (ACA), former President Barack Obama has stayed silent on the efforts to eliminate his signature initiative.

But that all changed today, when Obama posted on Facebook a lengthy, impassioned reaction to the unveiling of Senate Republicans' healthcare bill. The post, written as an open letter to Congress and the American people, cautions against the passage of the proposed Better Care Reconciliation Act. He started by saying, "Our politics are divided. They have been for a long time. And while I know that division makes it difficult to listen to Americans with whom we disagree, that’s what we need to do today."

Obama then went on to explain that he didn't work for a full year on the ACA, better known as Obamacare, purely for political gain. As president, he worked with Democrats and Republicans to pass a reform that, although imperfect, would make the lives of millions better.

He cautioned Republicans against rolling back the Affordable Care Act out of spite and said once again that he would publicly support a Republican bill if it was "demonstrably better than the improvements we made to our health care system, that covers as many people at less cost."

The former president added, "But right now, after eight years, the legislation rushed through the House and the Senate without public hearings or debate would do the opposite. It would raise costs, reduce coverage, roll back protections, and ruin Medicaid as we know it." He continued, "That’s not my opinion, but rather the conclusion of all objective analyses, from the nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office, which found that 23 million Americans would lose insurance, to America’s doctors, nurses, and hospitals on the front lines of our health care system."

In the open letter, Obama asked members of Congress to really ask themselves whether they could stand behind a bill that would be damaging to so many and to consider working across the aisle to create a reform that will help the American people, not hurt them. He also asked you to get involved in the process — be it by calling your member of Congress, visiting their offices, or speaking out about what the passage of this bill would mean for you.

He concluded by saying the conversation surrounding health care is about so much more than the divide between parties.

"This debate has always been about something bigger than politics," he wrote. "It’s about the character of our country – who we are, and who we aspire to be. And that’s always worth fighting for."

The Better Care Reconciliation Act will go to vote in the Senate by next Friday. And if it passes, it would still have to go back to the House for another vote before landing on President Trump's desk.

Will Obama's words change some hearts? That remains to be seen. But if you agree with him, the time to act is now.

You can read his full post below.

Our politics are divided. They have been for a long time. And while I know that division makes it difficult to listen to Americans with whom we disagree, that’s what we need to do today.

I recognize that repealing and replacing the Affordable Care Act has become a core tenet of the Republican Party. Still, I hope that our Senators, many of whom I know well, step back and measure what’s really at stake, and consider that the rationale for action, on health care or any other issue, must be something more than simply undoing something that Democrats did.

We didn’t fight for the Affordable Care Act for more than a year in the public square for any personal or political gain – we fought for it because we knew it would save lives, prevent financial misery, and ultimately set this country we love on a better, healthier course.

Nor did we fight for it alone. Thousands upon thousands of Americans, including Republicans, threw themselves into that collective effort, not for political reasons, but for intensely personal ones – a sick child, a parent lost to cancer, the memory of medical bills that threatened to derail their dreams.

And you made a difference. For the first time, more than ninety percent of Americans know the security of health insurance. Health care costs, while still rising, have been rising at the slowest pace in fifty years. Women can’t be charged more for their insurance, young adults can stay on their parents’ plan until they turn 26, contraceptive care and preventive care are now free. Paying more, or being denied insurance altogether due to a preexisting condition – we made that a thing of the past.

We did these things together. So many of you made that change possible.

At the same time, I was careful to say again and again that while the Affordable Care Act represented a significant step forward for America, it was not perfect, nor could it be the end of our efforts – and that if Republicans could put together a plan that is demonstrably better than the improvements we made to our health care system, that covers as many people at less cost, I would gladly and publicly support it.

That remains true. So I still hope that there are enough Republicans in Congress who remember that public service is not about sport or notching a political win, that there’s a reason we all chose to serve in the first place, and that hopefully, it’s to make people’s lives better, not worse.

But right now, after eight years, the legislation rushed through the House and the Senate without public hearings or debate would do the opposite. It would raise costs, reduce coverage, roll back protections, and ruin Medicaid as we know it. That’s not my opinion, but rather the conclusion of all objective analyses, from the nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office, which found that 23 million Americans would lose insurance, to America’s doctors, nurses, and hospitals on the front lines of our health care system.

The Senate bill, unveiled today, is not a health care bill. It’s a massive transfer of wealth from middle-class and poor families to the richest people in America. It hands enormous tax cuts to the rich and to the drug and insurance industries, paid for by cutting health care for everybody else. Those with private insurance will experience higher premiums and higher deductibles, with lower tax credits to help working families cover the costs, even as their plans might no longer cover pregnancy, mental health care, or expensive prescriptions. Discrimination based on pre-existing conditions could become the norm again. Millions of families will lose coverage entirely.

Simply put, if there’s a chance you might get sick, get old, or start a family – this bill will do you harm. And small tweaks over the course of the next couple weeks, under the guise of making these bills easier to stomach, cannot change the fundamental meanness at the core of this legislation.

I hope our Senators ask themselves – what will happen to the Americans grappling with opioid addiction who suddenly lose their coverage? What will happen to pregnant mothers, children with disabilities, poor adults and seniors who need long-term care once they can no longer count on Medicaid? What will happen if you have a medical emergency when insurance companies are once again allowed to exclude the benefits you need, send you unlimited bills, or set unaffordable deductibles? What impossible choices will working parents be forced to make if their child’s cancer treatment costs them more than their life savings?

To put the American people through that pain – while giving billionaires and corporations a massive tax cut in return – that’s tough to fathom. But it’s what’s at stake right now. So it remains my fervent hope that we step back and try to deliver on what the American people need.

That might take some time and compromise between Democrats and Republicans. But I believe that’s what people want to see. I believe it would demonstrate the kind of leadership that appeals to Americans across party lines. And I believe that it’s possible – if you are willing to make a difference again. If you’re willing to call your members of Congress. If you are willing to visit their offices. If you are willing to speak out, let them and the country know, in very real terms, what this means for you and your family.

After all, this debate has always been about something bigger than politics. It’s about the character of our country – who we are, and who we aspire to be. And that’s always worth fighting for.

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Starbucks Will Hire 2,500 Refugees In Europe

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One of Donald Trump's first moves when he took office was an immigration and travel ban, which has repeatedly been struck down by federal appeals courts. Starbucks took immediate action upon hearing the news and announced plans to hire 10,000 refugees worldwide in the coming years.

“I write to you today with deep concern, a heavy heart and a resolute promise,” then-CEO Howard Schultz an open letter to Starbucks employees on January 29. “We are living in an unprecedented time, one in which we are witness to the conscience of our country, and the promise of the American Dream, being called into question.”

Although plenty of us cheered when we heard this news (and even bought an extra Unicorn Frappuccino to express our support), the company's sales took a hit. According to analysts at Credit Suisse, the decision may have had a negative short-term impact and caused "a sudden drop in brand sentiment."

Nevertheless, Starbucks is committed to helping refugees worldwide even if it means they lose some business as a result. Immediately following the January announcement, the company spearheaded an effort to recruit 2,500 refugee workers in America.

On Tuesday, Starbucks announced it will hire 2,500 refugees to work in European stores. Locations in England, France, Germany, Austria, Switzerland, Spain, Portugal, and the Netherlands are currently recruiting refugee employees.

The move is especially meaningful because Starbucks announced its plans on World Refugee Day (June 20th). In a separate announcement also made on Tuesday, they pledged to recruit 1,000 refugees to work in Canadian shops.

Less than six months after announcing their commitment to helping refugees, Starbucks has already made significant strides to hire 6,000 refugee workers.

We'll drink to that (with an extra shot of espresso, please).

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Living In Trump's America: Karla The Mexican-American

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In a new short Huck film entitled Mitad y Mitad – which translates as Half and Half – director Jordi Ruiz Cirera follows the life of a young mother, Karla Nutter, who knows all too well the struggles of being both American and Mexican in Trump’s USA.

"At 21, Karla has lived through the most violent years in Juarez, has married and had a kid, has suffered racism when in the US for being Mexican and is currently the main breadwinner in the house”, Cirera told Refinery29.

Since Donald Trump was sworn in as US president, every day in America has been unpredictable. His frivolous remarks have shocked the world and thrown a spotlight on his racist views towards Mexican-Americans and immigrants. But are his remarks having a tangible effect on their lives?

Photo: Mitad y Mitad: Half and Half via Youtube

Unfortunately, as this film shows, yes. Trump’s anti-Mexican rhetoric is reflected in his economic and immigration policies, including the possible introduction of a “border-adjusted tax” on goods coming from Mexico (this will supposedly pay for Trump’s “big, beautiful wall”) and the abolishment of the North American Free Trade Agreement (a 13-year-old piece of legislation that has seen unemployment rates decline in border cities such as El Paso-Juárez).

Like many others, every day Karla makes the lengthy commute from her home in Ciudad Juárez, Chihuahua, across the border to El Paso, Texas, where she works. El Paso-Juárez happens to be the largest binational region in the largest metropolitan area along the United States-Mexico border, and binationality provides the freedom to move and work freely between the US and Mexico. But what do you do if members of your family don’t share the same privilege?

Karla's husband, Jorje, was deported from the US after entering the country illegally. It isn't possible for him to apply for his papers unless he asks to be pardoned – something Trump's administration seeks to abolish. "I’m scared he won’t grant papers for my husband," Karla says, "But that’s what Trump wants to do: take away forgiveness permits."

Jorje’s immigration issues have affected not only their work and home life, but also meant that they commemorated one of the most important days in their lives in a very unorthodox way. The couple stood on one of the congested international bridges – Jorje's feet in Mexico and Karla's in America – to take their marriage vows. According to Big River Foundation, about 20% of all marriage licenses filed in Webb County, Texas, are for the "ceremony at bridge ".

Photo: Mitad y Mitad: Half and Half via Youtube

According to Bloomberg, “There were 408,870 border apprehensions in the southwest U.S. last year – a large number of which were people presenting themselves to border agents and seeking asylum.” But with state authorities reporting 1,470 murders in 2016 in the state of Chihuahua alone, up from 1,151 in 2015, it's clear to see why so many risk their lives every day and why so many others are desperate to live a better and safer life in the United States.

“The current political situation in the US, especially regarding immigration, is absolutely dreadful, and it’s sad that it’s being carried out without considering the personal cost on so many people’s lives", Cirera says. Challenging the idea that Mexico and the US are worlds apart, through this film he's giving a voice to those who live in between.

You can now watch Mitad y Mitad: Half and Half on YouTube.

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Why You Might Want To Rethink Free-From Foods

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If you're someone who turns their nose up at the bread served in restaurants and have stopped consuming dairy because it might make you bloated, you might need to have a rethink.

Recent research has shown that people who avoid dairy and gluten, despite not being diagnosed with an allergy or an intolerance, are risking their health in the long and short term.

Osteoporosis in later life is a real risk for the one-fifth of young people who avoid or completely cut dairy out of their diet, the National Osteoporosis Society warned recently. This risk may also be completely unnecessary, as the same study suggested that nearly a quarter of those who avoid dairy are not cutting it out due to medical advice. Dairy is a rich source of calcium and vitamin D, which are needed for bone health, and if these aren’t obtained from other sources, bone density can fall.

“Diet in early adulthood is so important because by the time we get into our late 20s it is too late to reverse the damage caused by poor diet and nutrient deficiencies and the opportunity to build strong bones has passed,” warned Professor Susan Lanham-New, head of nutritional sciences at the University of Surrey.

Essentially, those who restrict their diet without proper clinical supervision are risking ending up with an unbalanced diet, explains Linia Patel, a registered dietitian and British Dietetic Association spokesperson.

“The biggest risk if you exclude a whole food group is that you end up with an unbalanced diet. Eventually you end up with deficiencies, such as calcium if you avoid dairy or B vitamins if you avoid grains,” she says.

“I have lots of patients who have decided to exclude a food group on their own, and then come to me. Dairy and gluten are the big two, but sometimes people have completely excluded carbohydrates as well.

“I work in a sports clinic and I see people who end up with stress fractures. I want to say ‘I told you so’ – of course I don’t, but this is the situation you end up in where somewhere along the line you decided to exclude a food group and eventually it caught up with you,” Linia warns.

Gluten-free warning

If long-term health risks aren’t enough to put you off restricting your diet without medical advice, then how about the risk of obesity?

Gluten-free food availability has soared in recent years, which means that people who really need it, such as people with coeliac disease who have to avoid gluten completely, can get it a lot more easily. And so can everyone else.

Unfortunately, this may mean that people are putting themselves at greater risk of obesity by selecting these foods over their normal counterparts. A recent study showed that gluten-free versions of food were often much higher in calories, fat and sugar. This increased sugar content could lead to obesity, and the myriad problems that come with it.

So why are people so convinced that gluten- and dairy-free is a healthier way of eating?

Is social media to blame?

The National Osteoporosis Society found that not only were young people more likely to cut out dairy, they were also more likely to prefer so-called "clean" eating regimes, which encourage the exclusion of various food groups. It also found that they were more likely to consult social media and bloggers for nutritional information than older people.

Still, it would be presumptuous to suggest that's the only reason people are cutting out food groups, says Linia.

“I think there are a number of factors but I think it is because we are more faddy, and it is just a thing to do as everyone has an intolerance now.

“There are more readily available free-from foods out there and people may assume that they are healthier and that is not a correct assumption.”

A lack of medical testing and advice can also be to blame. “There is no way to measure an intolerance in the same way that you can measure an allergy, which means that lots of people are just getting anecdotal evidence. They say, ‘I feel sluggish’, ‘I feel bloated’, and ‘It must be the wheat’ or ‘It must be the dairy’,” she explains.

Linia also cites the rise of vegetarianism and veganism as another factor in this trend – after all, how many people have you heard shunning the dairy industry after watching Simon Amstell’s Carnage recently?

What should I eat?

There is one final factor in all of this that people rarely confess to: confusion. Food intolerances have risen rapidly over the past decade but our education, and that of medical professionals, hasn’t kept pace.

If you think you have an allergy or intolerance, then of course you should seek medical advice – not only for a diagnosis, but also for advice on how you can avoid nutrient deficiencies.

And if you don’t have anything wrong with you? Lucky you, you can eat whatever you like. Just make sure you question any faddy diet advice you get in future.

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What Is Makeup Pilling & How Do I Stop It?

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Do you ever find that when you apply your foundation post-beauty routine, your makeup starts to... ball up on your face? Like when your knitwear has seen better days and small balls of fabric sit on the material. This is makeup pilling, and it's ruining the impact of our well-chosen foundations. But why is it even happening? "Product pilling is to do with the ability of product to be absorbed by the skin. The less a product is absorbed, the more likely it is to ball/pill", co-CEO of cult brand Deciem, Nicola Kilner, tells me.

Can we prevent this with the type of product we're using? Vanessa Crawley is a biochemist who worked on Epara's skincare formulations: "Common materials that tend to create a pilling effect are silicones. Many products contain various forms of silicones which when rubbed, or applied in a large volume, can cause this effect." Pixi makeup artist Amanda Bell also warns against the use of too many varying ingredients at once: "It's caused by ingredients being mixed that are too dissimilar – water, silicone, wax – and the main culprits are: talc, iron oxide, mica, synthetic fluorphlogopite. Also look at ingredient listings and stick to the same family groups – face oil with a foundation containing oil is effectively layering like for like." Crawley tells me that "the Epara serum has been formulated by avoiding the use of silicones, allowing it to be more readily absorbed by the skin rather than forming a ‘layer’ on the surface." Other silicone-free products we love that will prevent pilling are dermalogica barrier repair, Elemis' Pro-Collagen Cleansing Balm and Phyto's Secret de Nuit Intense Hydration Regenerating Night Cream.

Remember, less is more. You don't need to waste money and product by slathering it on your face when a little goes a long way, Kilner tells me: "Certainly with Deciem products they are formulated in a way that means you really only need 2-3 drops of a serum and a pea-sized amount of any heavier products (such as our Hydration Vaccine). Any more and you increase the chances of product pilling."

Now you're sure you're using the right formulas and the correct amount, which order should we be applying them in? Kilner says: "It is worth looking at the order in which you apply products. Always go from the lightest weight and viscosity to the heaviest. Water-based products should be applied first (most toners/serums) and end with oil-based products (most creams/foundation/sun block)." And if you're already following this rule, perhaps take your time with your routine, allowing each product to absorb and dry before applying the next: "If you like to use multiple products and steps in your regime, then it can also work to spread out your regime a little further. If you do other tasks such as brushing your teeth, blow-drying your hair, etc in between layers, it will make sure the skin has enough time to absorb the products fully and still allow you to have the best of everything!"

And finally, now we have our skincare routine on anti-pilling lockdown, how can we prevent our makeup from causing it? Hydration. "Keep skin damp when you start applying your base, as this aids absorption of products", Bell explains. So a damp Beauty Blender or brush is actually beneficial. Goodbye pilling, our bobbly nemesis – our skin will look clean and glowing from here on out.

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The Best Outfits To Style Out A Heatwave

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Summer, you beauty, you've finally landed. After months of wind and rain, the best season of the year has arrived, complete with sweaty Tube journeys, Saturdays spent in lidos, and ice-cold beers aplenty. It looks like the hot weather will continue, too: this is set to be the first week-long heatwave since 1995.

While we're delighted the weatherman is (finally) on side, deciding what to wear in the scorching sun can be tricky. Time to turn to Instagram. Our feeds are awash with sartorial inspiration for warmer days, from gingham and head-to-toe pink to nautical colour combinations and extravagant sleeves.

Click through to see our favourite get-ups, and tackle the heatwave in style.

Who said dungarees required anything underneath? We love Patricia Manfield's '90s-inspired get-up.

All Bella's motocross Unif trousers need are a black tee and shock of red hair.

Leandra sums up our summer wardrobe nicely here: slip dresses, sliders, and round sunnies.

Sunshine yellow and embroidered Lazy Oaf gingham? Sundays made easy, courtesy of Karen Yeung.

Gala Gonzalez proving that trainers and a floral mini dress really are the best summer pairing.

Hanna Stefansson's pink ensemble makes her white shoes pop.

Vanessa Hong wears the blouse we've been coveting from Réalisation all summer long. Extra points for the wicker bag.

Who said you have to compromise your power dressing when the weather heats up? Maria Bernad's asymmetric Deeply Personal suit is how we'd do summer workwear.

ASOS Insider Lotte in the dress shape of the season: the wrap. That cherry print is kitsch in a great way.

Aimee Song makes a strong case for head-to-toe white – and reps her brand's Love Wins T-shirt well.

Gabi Fresh's fishnet shorts under denim shorts has inspired us.

We're into Fanny's sock and sandal combo, particularly paired with gingham.

Big sleeves are still big news this season, and Courtney's cherry tomato Ciao Lucia number is beautiful.

Shope Delano takes it back to Britney basics with a knotted white shirt and distressed denim shorts.

If sandals aren't your thing, kitten heels are the perfect summer shoe. Kia Marie's are from Zara.

Lulama wears head-to-toe H&M and is making us furious that we're not on holiday.

Move your ASOS floral maxi dress out of virginal territory with some Air Max, à la Stephanie Broek.

Pandora Sykes and Laura Jackson have sold espadrilles as the sandal of the summer. Theirs are from Castañer.

We've never seen better shirt-and-nothing-else attire. Simple summer dressing, sorted.

More wicker bags – get yours, stat! This red and white pairing is nautical summer done right.

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Ed Sheeran's 'Leaked' Glastonbury Rider Shows He's Just One Of Us

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Ed Sheeran's known for being a pretty normal, down-to-earth guy (or at least that's the impression he likes to give off), who doesn't need the luxuries that other multimillionaires consider non-negotiable.

In "Shape of You" he sings about filling up his plate at an all-you-can-eat restaurant and recently, he chose a lifetime's supply of ketchup as his luxury item on Radio 4's Desert Island Discs. Basically, he seems like a nice bloke who you wouldn't mind grabbing a pint with.

So we can't say we're surprised by the items on his list of backstage demands ahead of his headline slot at Glastonbury on Sunday night.

Sheeran's alleged demands, which were revealed by Deliveroo, include items that you could pick up from your local supermarket: a bottle of Robinsons Squash, a six-pack of Coca-Cola, a six-pack of Diet Coke, a six-pack of Fanta Orange, a six-pack of Sprite and a jar of Manuka honey, The Sun reported. Pretty boring stuff – not even any booze! – and not all that expensive either, at £57.31 in total.

Katy Perry's rider is a bit more upmarket and slightly healthier, but also reasonable. She has reportedly asked for freeze-dried strawberries, pitta bread and salsa, a bottle of pinot grigio and a bottle of Sprite, which comes to £21.90.

Foo Fighters, who are headlining on Saturday, have a longer list of requirements – 99 in total – which reads more like a weekly shopping list. The group will apparently be munching on avocados, dark chocolate, energy bars, bread, peanut butter and a load of fruit. The list may cost just under £150 but it couldn't be less rock 'n' roll if it tried.

We miss Mariah Carey's requests for 20 white kittens, 100 doves, pink carpets and butterfly-shaped confetti.

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Police Reveal What Caused The Grenfell Tower Fire

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The fire at Grenfell Tower began inside a Hotpoint fridge freezer on the fourth floor, the police have revealed.

They also said the building's outside cladding and insulation failed safety tests and are now considering manslaughter charges in relation to the fire, which killed at least 79 people, the BBC reported.

Det Sup Fiona McCormack said the police were trying to work out why the fire spread so quickly, adding that tests indicated the cladding using aluminium composite tiles and the insulation behind it was to blame.

Around 250 specialist investigators have been tasked with finding out what happened, and they will now aim to establish whether the use of the aforementioned materials was illegal and how they were installed.

McCormack said: “We will identify and investigate any criminal offence and, of course, given the deaths of so many people, we are considering manslaughter, as well as criminal offences and breaches of legislation and regulations," reported the Guardian.

The police have collected documents and materials from various organisations but are yet to question anyone, as the investigation is still in its early stages.

McCormack continued: “We are looking at every criminal offence from manslaughter onwards, we are looking at every health and safety and fire safety offence and we are reviewing every company at the moment involved in the building and refurbishment of Grenfell Tower.”

The police have been inside the tower "from top to bottom" and will be installing a lift on the outside of the building to help with the investigation, but the forensic search may not be complete until the end of the year, McCormack added.

Meanwhile, Whirlpool, which owns Hotpoint, issued a statement to say the company offered its "most profound condolences to the victims, those who have lost loved ones, homes, and possessions, and to their friends and families."

The government has ordered the model of fridge freezer, the Hotpoint FF175BP, to be tested immediately. Consumers who own one have been urged to contact the manufacturer, but haven't been advised to switch it off.

The fridge's model number is generally found on a barcode on a sticker behind the salad container; owners have been advised to call 0800 316 3826 or visit the Hotpoint website.

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Why You Need To Go To Cornwall This Summer

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With white sands, the clearest waters and no need to leave the UK, Cornwall is the ideal (and affordable) summer break. Its rugged, historic coastline is entirely walkable and takes in some of the country's most picturesque beaches. On top of its natural good looks, the county has established itself as a real creative hub, packed with artistry – from galleries to festivals to culinary wonders, and everything in between.

Cornwall isn't just about Newquay, Padstow and St Ives, though: there are hidden gems aplenty, where you can avoid the hordes of tourists and enjoy this unspoilt, proudly independent county.

Penzance

Best for: Chilled-out art lovers who want to avoid the crowds. Penzance is at the end of the railway line and therefore easy to get to, with direct trains from London, Bristol, Manchester and even Glasgow.

Wake up: Artist Residence is a boutique hotel tucked away on the historic Chapel Street. The rooms (pictured) are decorated with original artwork and the hotel comes complete with a (very good) smokehouse restaurant, The Cornish Barn.

Artist Residence, 20 Chapel Street
, Penzance, TR18 4AW. Rooms from £90/night, breakfast included for direct bookings.

Eat: Take a stroll along the seafront to The Tolcarne Inn at Newlyn, where chef Ben Tunnicliffe has made waves with his modern take on fish from the famous Newlyn Fish Market. Expect dishes like roasted hake with saffron, asparagus and crab risotto... we're drooling already.

The Tolcarne Inn, Tolcarne Place, Newlyn, Penzance TR18 5PR

Drink: The Cornish Barn at Artist Residence has a huge beer garden and terrace, great for those long summer evenings sipping on a Cornish Bramble.

The Cornish Barn, 20 Chapel Street
, Penzance, TR18 4AW

Do: Spend a day at the art deco, Cubist-inspired Jubilee Pool, one of Europe's last saltwater lidos. The triangular pool (pictured) is enclosed in pristine white walls, making for the perfect tanning spot while you cool off.

Jubilee Pool, Battery Road, Penzance, TR18 4FF. Open daily from 3rd June to end of September, from 10.30am-6pm (8pm on Tuesdays).

Explore: The Victorian Penlee House is set in semi-tropical gardens, with a gallery specialising in the work of the Newlyn School of art. See works by painters including Walter Langley, Norman Garstin and Elizabeth Forbes.

Penlee House Gallery and Museum, Morrab Road, Penzance, TR18 4HE

Top tip: Try and catch Golowan, Penzance's celebration of midsummer around the summer solstice, where the town comes alive with silk flags and handmade sculptures parade the streets.

Photos: Courtesy of Artist Residence, via @richiet687.

Porthcurno

Best for: Beach bums who want to spend all day in the ocean. The crystal-clear sea here is the ideal bathing spot – you'll struggle to drag yourself out.

Wake up: This cosy Airbnb sleeps five, and you're just a hop and a skip away from the beach.

Escape , Porthcurno. £119/night.

Eat: Picnic at the beach, then for an afternoon treat head to Porthcurno Beach Cafe for a cream tea. Remember, when in Cornwall, it's jam then cream.

Porthcurno Beach Cafe, Porthcurno, TR19 6JX

Drink: Take a walk up the coast path to Treen, where you'll find the cosy Logan Rock pub. Go for a local ale and hang out in the beer garden.

The Logan Rock, Treen, St. Levan, TR19 6LG

Do: Porthcurno is perhaps most famous for the Minack – an open-air theatre dug out of the cliffs above the bay. It was created in the 1930s by Rowena Cade, older sister of the feminist novelist Katharine Burdekin. She built the theatre with two aides, cutting out the steps by hand and building the seating and stage with granite from the cliffs. After the first showing of The Tempest in the summer of 1932, over the next 50 years the theatre was expanded up the cliffs by Cade herself. On a good day expect to see basking sharks and dolphins circling the bay behind the stage. Performances this summer include Pride & Prejudice, Treasure Island and Shakespeare's Twelfth Night.

Minack Theatre, Porthcurno, TR19 6JU

Explore: The South West Coast Path stretches 630 miles, around the whole of Cornwall and beyond. One of the most beautiful spots to walk is along the Porthcurno coast – for a manageable distance start at Porthgwarra and work your way eastbound, for a pint of local beer at The Logan Rock.

Top tip: Keep an eye on the tide on Porthcurno beach – when it's low you can walk across the open sand to Pedn Vounder. But don't get stuck there when the tide comes in; the only way out is to swim!

Photos: Education Images/Getty Images, Ashley Cooper/Getty Images.

St Ives

Best for: A bit of everything – this arty town is full of galleries, high end eateries and, of course, ice cream, fudge and the usual seaside haunts.

Wake up: St Ives is expensive, especially if you want to stay centrally. If you're looking for a bolthole right in the heart of the town try The Keep, a converted 16th-century Pilchard Palace just between Tate St Ives and the main beach.

The Keep, 6 Hicks Ct, St Ives, TR26 1HS. From £85/night, season-dependent.

Eat: There are too many to name but a favourite is the Porthgwidden Beach Café. Tucked away from the main beach and tourist traps sits this relaxed restaurant serving up Cornish classics such as crab linguine. For an evening treat try The Black Rock, a family-run intimate restaurant serving the best local ingredients on its short, seasonal menu.

Porthgwidden Beach Café, The Island, St Ives, TR26 1PL
The Black Rock, Market Place, St Ives, TR26 1RZ

Drink: After a day weaving through the tiny streets and dipping into galleries, sit on the harbour front with a craft beer, cocktail or coffee at Hub. It's open late, so bring your dancing shoes...

Hub, The Wharf, St Ives, TR26 1LF

Do: Explore the magical home of Barbara Hepworth, an influential British artist and sculptor who escaped to St Ives in the 1930s and remained until her death in 1975. The house has been converted to a museum and garden where her sculptures sit proudly, just as she placed them, and the working studio is left untouched.

Barbara Hepworth Museum and Sculpture Garden, Barnoon Hill, St Ives, TR26 1AD. Adult entry £6.60.

Explore: The coast surrounding St Ives is stunning. Drive west around the coastal road to The Gurnard's Head for lunch (booking essential) and take a walk across the landscape made famous by Poldark. If you don't have a car, catch the open-top bus in the direction of Land's End.

Top tip: Avoid July and August – the best times of year to swerve the crowds are June and September.

Falmouth

Best for: Cosmopolitan trendies with an interest in history. Falmouth harbour is the third largest natural port in the world (behind Rio and Sydney), famous for landing the news of Britain's victory at Trafalgar and welcoming back Charles Darwin following his voyage around the world. Now a university town with a focus on the arts, it's become a diverse and creative corner, well worth a visit.

Wake up: This little apartment has views for days and is right next to the beach, only a short walk from the town. Stumble out of bed and to the Gylly Beach Café for breakfast.

Sea View Apartment, Falmouth. £79/night.

Eat: You can't visit the seaside without tucking into a portion of fish and chips, and Falmouth happens to be home to the best independent fish and chip restaurant in the UK. Harbour Lights opts for local Cornish fish from Newlyn, as opposed to the intensive pre-frozen fish most places use – and you can taste the difference.

Harbour Lights, Arwenack Street, Falmouth, TR11 3LH

Drink: If you take great enjoyment in a lengthy wine list, head to La Cave where they have a huge selection. There's plenty available by the glass, too, so no need to argue.

La Cave Wine Bar & Brasserie, 29 High Street, Falmouth, TR11 2AD

Do: The Maritime Museum in Falmouth is well worth a visit, and it doesn't just begin and end with boats. Don't miss the current exhibition Tattoo: British Tattoo Art Revealed, which explores the rich history of tattooing in Britain, open until January 2018.

National Maritime Museum Cornwall, Discovery Quay, Falmouth, TR11 3QY

Explore: Take a trip up to Pendennis Castle – it might not sound like the most fun but this castle from the 1500s is packed with history. Built by Henry III, it has defended British shores for over 400 years. If castles aren't your thing, get lost in the artsy shops nestled along Falmouth's lanes.

Pendennis Castle, Pendennis Point, Falmouth TR11 4LP

Top tip: Foodies flock to Falmouth for the annual Oyster Festival, celebrating the start of the season. So if you fancy trading your Oyster card for a dozen of the slippery delicacies, book in a visit between 12th-15th October.

Isles Of Scilly

Best for: Those who want a big tick on the bucket list. The stunning beaches and exotic sea life, just 27 miles from Land's End, can easily be mistaken for the Caribbean. It's not the easiest or cheapest to get to but the quickest way is to fly, either from Land's End, Newquay or Exeter, from £140 return. You can also arrive by boat from Penzance, returns from £90.

Wake up: Make the most of staying in one of the UK's remotest destinations by sleeping under the stars on St Agnes (population 73). Camping pitches, bell tents and self-catering are available at Troytown, the islands' only dairy farm, which serves up ice cream to die for (from just nine cows!). The site is right next to the beach, facing the Atlantic Ocean. Be warned: it gets booked up very far in advance, so start planning for 2018...

Troytown Farm, St Agnes, Isles of Scilly, TR22 0PL. Camping from £9.75/night, bell tent from £50/night, self-catering from £55/night.

Eat: There are just three choices on the menu at the rustic Crab Shack on Bryher (pictured): scallops, mussels and crab. But when you're getting some of the best seafood available in the UK, what else do you need? Don your apron (provided) and prepare to get messy.

Crab Shack at Hell Bay, Bryher, Isles of Scilly, TR23 0PR. Booking essential.

Drink: Get lost in the eccentric local artefacts all over the walls at The Mermaid Inn, an ancient pub which welcomes you at the quay of St Mary's.

The Mermaid Inn, The Bank, St Mary's, Isles of Scilly, TR21 0HY

Do: If I had to pick one island to spend the day on, it would be Tresco, where the sea is teaming with starfish and colourful sea life. Hire bikes at the start of your trip and get the first boat over, topping off the day with dinner at Crab Shack on neighbouring Bryher. Tresco is also home to Abbey Gardens – the sub-tropical climate here results in what they describe as "perennial Kew without the glass ".

St Mary's Bike Hire, 24 Porthmellon Business Park, St Mary's, TR21 0JY
Abbey Gardens, Tresco, Isles of Scilly TR24 0QQ

Explore: The islands, of course! The best way to spend a week in the Scillies is to hop between – there are ports on each of the five inhabited islands: St Agnes, St Mary's, Tresco, Bryher and St Martins. Calypso Boat Company offers flexible trips, from seeing three in a day to single trips.

Top tip: If you have a weak stomach, avoid the Scillonian ferry from Penzance. If the weather is anything other than perfect, it's a rocky ride.

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Why Lambrusco May Be The Perfect Summer Alternative To Rosé

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The official start of summer was the 21st of June, but we've been celebrating with rosé since the very first hint of spring. Now that the days are slowly getting shorter again, however, we're starting to wonder — is there something more than pink wine for this time of year?

It's not that we'll ever quit rosé, of course, but sometimes, it's good to have alternatives. And if you, too, are hunting for a crisp, refreshing option to spice things up, we'd like to suggest Lambrusco. A sparkling wine that is typically red but can also be rosé and even white, it hails from Northern Italy and is another perfect easy-drinking, effervescent wine for hot summer days.

To find out more about Lambrusco, we chatted with winemaker Alicia Lini. To say that wine is in her blood might be an understatement. Her family has been making Lini 910 , a Lambrusco hailing from Emilia-Romagna, for over 100 years. Lini explains that what makes Lambrusco Lambrusco is simple — it's all about the grape. Lambrusco wine is made from the Lambrusco grape. The name isn't regionally protected, like Champagne or Merlot, though the grape is native to the Emilia-Romagna region.

All Lambruscos are meant to be served chilled, no matter the colour, which is another reason it's a summer pick. It's especially great for red wine drinkers who may be reluctant to switch to lighter-coloured wines in the summer. Just how cold is up to you — most experts recommend chilled wines around 49-55 degrees F, which is warmer than a home fridge — but Lini says she likes to enjoy hers "very cold," especially during the summer.

Similar to rosé, Lambrusco is also considered an easy-drinking wine that pairs well with a number of foods. In fact, Lini says that the origin of Lambrusco may have something to do with the richness of other foods from the area, like Parmesan and balsamic vinegar. "Many people in that region traditionally enjoy Lambrusco as a nice, light, sparkling wine that will counterbalance the richness of these foods when paired together," she says. That doesn't mean Lambrusco can only be paired with Italian foods. One of her favourite pairings is with sashimi.

Further cementing Lambruco's reputation as an easy-drinking, everyday wine, it is traditionally drunk out of regular glasses. Your favourite tumblers, Mason jars, or stemless wine glasses are perfect for pouring a cup, though you can also pour it in a flute or wine glass if you want. So whether you're toasting a special occasion this summer or sipping out of a plastic cup at a picnic, Lambrusco is a great accompaniment. We'll definitely drink to that.

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9 Supposedly Normal Pregnancy Things I Have Not Experienced

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The day we saw our baby’s heartbeat for the first time, I was six weeks pregnant, on the dot. We’d been trying to conceive for a full year, and it had been hard — with lots of emotional ups and downs, tons of money spent on pregnancy tests, and one fairly heartbreaking miscarriage. So catching a glimpse of that surprisingly strong thump-thump-thump made our hearts sing (and our inner type As loved hearing the doctor call this foetus an “overachiever,” as it’s not always possible to detect a heartbeat so early). We took the rest of the day off to celebrate, hitting a museum, then heading to local restaurant for a dinner of our favourite Greek food — and almost as soon as we sat down to eat, the nausea began. I could barely touch my food, and the taxi ride home was fairly excruciating. Considering I hadn’t had morning sickness during my first pregnancy, I was sort of comforted (it is, after all, a good sign) — but also filled with a bit of dread. Was I about to embark on 34 weeks of misery? Would all the pregnancy clichés turn out to be true?

In a word: No. In fact, a bunch of pregnancy side effects (both fun- and shitty-sounding) skipped me over completely, much to my surprise.

There’s a weird disconnect here — on the one hand, it’s almost a cliché in itself by now to say that no two pregnancies are alike; but on the other hand, our cultural depictions of pregnancy (and the questions we cannot stop asking pregnant people) still make it feel like there’s basically just one very specific pickles-and-ice-cream way to be pregnant.

Whether you’re pregnant and feeling… I don’t know, excluded from the narrative — or you’d just like to get a taste of truth regarding what pregnancy can actually be like, read ahead to discover 9 supposedly normal symptoms I have not (yet?) experienced over the course of 38 weeks of pregnancy.

Cravings

I ate a shit-load of bacon in my first trimester, but not because I was craving it, exactly — it was because protein was the only thing that gave me some relief from the relentless nausea, and bacon was pretty much the only type of protein that didn’t really gross me out.

I can count on one hand the other “cravings” I had while pregnant: tuna melts (something I crave intensely at all times, pregnant or not, so that doesn’t count), a cheeseburger (on a first-trimester day when I didn’t have any protein at breakfast — makes sense), and a donut (after I walked by a donut stall, considered buying one, didn’t do so, and then couldn’t stop regretting it — something that also seems like a reasonable sequence of events during non-pregnancy).

So yeah, the closest thing I came to real cravings was something much less fun — let’s call it “the only food I can think of to eat right now that doesn’t utterly disgust me.” Luckily, morning sickness cleared up for me around week 13, but at that point, I went back to more-or-less normal eating patterns, with some exceptions (more on that later).

Nesting

To be honest, I’m not totally sure I understand what “nesting” is, but I’m pretty sure it didn’t happen to me. I delayed registering for baby gifts for as long as possible (overwhelming!) and while I did spend a hefty chunk of time on Pinterest looking at nursery ideas, it was mostly because I couldn’t find any that didn’t make me itch from the cheesiness. (Side note: Can someone please explain to me those pieces of framed typography art that say “For Like Ever”?)

Pregnancy brain

If anything, thanks to eating well (post-Bacon Diet), regular exercise, and not drinking booze, my brain has been more on point than usual. In fact, I like to joke that I’m extra smart now because I have two brains. (No one said pregnancy enhances your sense of humour.)

Eating everything in sight

Beyond my lack of fun and kooky cravings, I had another rude food-related awakening during my pregnancy: Starting sometime in my second trimester, I stopped being able to eat very much. If I had a large meal — especially in the evening — I’d feel horribly, uncomfortably full; I even started getting heartburn so badly that I had to take Prilosec (don’t @ me, medication-during-pregnancy shamers).

And the tough part was, I was still hungry: maybe not massively hungrier than my normal pre-pregnancy hunger, but hungry nonetheless. So at night, I just had to eat a little, ignore my rumbling stomach, and fall asleep dreaming of breakfast.

Mood swings

Maybe I’m a robot, but I can’t think of a time when I’ve been more even-keel emotionally than during the past 38 weeks. The main thing I’ve felt is calm: neither ecstatically happy nor especially upset. My dad apparently cries every time someone mentions the baby to him, but my normal tendency to tear up (it runs in the family) has been more or less absent.

Huge breasts

Just like every other rite of passage that’s supposed to involve a sudden swelling in the chestal region (puberty, starting to take the pill), pregnancy has been a massive disappointment for me. That is not to say nothing happened to my tiny boobs — they hurt like motherfuckers for several weeks, particularly in the first trimester. But sadly for me and my voluptuous dreams, that pain wasn’t an indicator of any kind of noticeable growth.

Intense fatigue

On the plus side, my energy levels have been pretty steady — I haven’t been nodding off at 7:00pm the way some of my pregnant friends seem to do. I do get utterly exhausted and feel completely out of it for at least half an hour after a tube commute on a hot day, however. That shit's no joke.

Being unusually horny

I’d rather not go into too much detail about my sex life on the internet, but let’s just say my libido has not changed since getting pregnant, and leave it at that.

Waddling

I am a Very Pregnant Person right now, but the vast majority of the time, you probably wouldn’t know it based on the way I move. I think this is partly because I haven’t gained a whole lot of weight (not intentional — see above re: my inability to eat) and partly because I’ve stayed very active and have kept my back and deep core muscles strong.

Two exceptions: 1) I do waddle if I really need to pee, and 2) I’ve recently had some pubic symphysis pain (which feels like a rusty knife stabbing me in the crotch!) pop up when I’m walking, and the only way to deal with it is to slow wayyyyy down and breathe deeply. That second one is also a fun way to fuck with people on the pacement — nothing like an extremely pregnant person shuffling along, wincing in pain, and blowing air forcefully through pursed lips to terrify a stranger.

Pregnant (and formerly pregnant) people: Am I weird? What supposedly normal pregnancy experiences totally skipped you over? Let me know in the comments.

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Rainbow Strobing Is The New Upside Down Liner

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Summer is Pride season, which means beauty so colourful and psychedelic you'll probably need to step your game up to match the intense looks taking over the streets. Whether you're heading to a march this weekend or just looking to show your pride at the office, it's time to incorporate some colour into your everyday look. But not everyone is willing — or comfortable — with rocking a full colour wheel on their cheekbones via some rainbow highlighter or My Little Pony extensions on their head. So we found one trend that's wearable everywhere, incorporates plenty of colour that's Pride-worthy, and still manages to fall under the minimal makeup umbrella. Enter: the rainbow strobe.

If you were digging the "upside down" liner trend, try this: focus the colour on your inner corners. Credit goes to celebrity makeup artist Patrick Ta for showing off how a little bit of vibrant pigment on the inner corners of your eyes can give any look major lift.

Shades Of Blue #magicmikevegas

A post shared by Patrick Ta (@patrickta) on

So how do you do it? Reach for your lilac highlighter, blue shimmer shadow, or any shade of your choice and dab a small bit in the corners, like you would regular highlighter. Not only does it make your irises stand out like traditional strobing, it also doubles as a subtle way to show your support for the month.

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What To Say When Someone Brags About Working Out & You Just Don't Care

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Sometimes, it feels like the Kardashians are trolling us with their workout Snapchats. I'll be minding my own business, tapping through stories, and then I see Kourtney, Khloe, and Kim squatting, sweating, and jump-roping on a basketball court. And then I feel guilty about not working out myself.

Plenty of people post about their workouts on social media, for a number of reasons, and that's their prerogative. In fact, many folks who post workout selfies do so not because they're showing off, but because celebrating small victories helps motivate them to keep going — and maybe they hope that motivation rubs off on some of their followers. But regardless of intentions, sometimes it can feel like their posts aren't meant to inspire you, and are just rubbing their success and discipline in your face. Humblebrags are actually pretty transparent, and a 2015 study found that people really don't like it when someone tries to humblebrag, because it's clearly a self-promotional strategy. So seeing posts like, "I feel amazing after my 10-mile run!!!!" or "Just casually slayed my morning bootcamp and it's not even 6 a.m.!!!!!" can feel like a personal attack, regardless of whether the person meant it that way.

So yes — the workout post can sometimes be the worst. But the truth is, your reaction is probably more about you than it is about them. Even though someone's post or comment might seem obnoxious, think about why you feel so annoyed, suggests Kendra Knight, PhD, assistant professor of communication at DePaul University, who studies communication and relationships. "On one hand, someone's bragging might lead us to engage in a negative self-to-other comparison, resulting in feelings of envy or frustration," Dr. Knight says. For example, if you see a Kardashian Snapping their workout, it's only natural to compare yourself to them, and feel like you're not as fit or motivated as they are.

You might have a gut reaction to roll your eyes and use the sarcastic Kristen Wiig Bridesmaids line, "You dooooo?" or a cool, "Nice" in response. Or you'll feel tempted to send a screenshot of the post to a friend so you can get someone to commiserate, she says. "In our less-assured moments, we might respond to our negative feelings in an antagonistic way; antisocial responses to envy include belittling the other or becoming defensive," Dr. Knight says. "Even if we don't feel envious, it might annoy us that someone is taking time out of our day to detail their physical fitness regimen."

Again, people who dish about their exercise routine truly might not be doing it for your reaction. A 2012 study found that people like to share information about themselves because they find it "intrinsically rewarding." Dr. Knight says it can be helpful to think about something you perceive as humblebragging as a "bid for connection," rather than a way to isolate you. Dr. Knight cites relationship expert John Gottman, who believes that it's crucial to "turn towards" a partner when they seek our attention, interest, or approval through these kinds of bids. To a degree, the same can be said for casual relationships, she says. "In other words, recognise that they are seeking our attention and make an attempt to emotionally connect with them."

If someone says something to your face, or sends you a personal message about their workouts, and you have to respond, what should you say? "Resist the urge to assume that they are trying to demonstrate superiority," Dr. Knight says. "Even if they are, becoming defensive just plays into their hand." Instead, "turn towards" them and acknowledge that they are talking about something they care about, and say something encouraging, she says. You don't have to gush, but Dr. Knight suggests you say, "Cool, good luck," or "You must be working very hard to reach your goal."

At the end of the day, humans want to be seen, Dr. Knight says. "Although sometimes they go about it in an awkward way, it's not necessarily an affront to you." Even though it's not your responsibility to praise someone for their workout, "fortunately, it doesn't cost very much to give somebody a little praise." If seeing the Kardashians' posts about working out are pissing you off, just unfollow them. As for the people you actually know IRL, the good news is if you do take the time to answer them, "it might fill up the person enough that they will leave you alone," Dr. Knight says.

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All The Best Style At Glastonbury 2017

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Last year may have been a bit of a washout thanks to the dismal weather (and the devastating Brexit result, which also dampened the mood) but with a promising weather forecast for Glasto 2017, don't expect to see many plastic ponchos, mud-splattered wellies and rain-soaked ensembles.

The best way to look good at a festival is to have a bloody good time. Glasto isn't Coachella or Couture Fashion Week so we're not interested in outfits that are so polished and contrived that you can’t dance until dawn or run around having fun in them. Instead we're looking out for the girls encapsulating the festival spirit with their fun, carefree and idiosyncratic style. From Alexa Chung to Adwoa Aboah and all the fashionable faces in between, here's our roundup of the best looks from Glastonbury 2017.

Alexa Chung wears an unbuttoned polka dot shirt over a white tee and AG jeans, finished off with a rubberised Hunter coat and ankle boots.

Photo: Getty Images.

Sienna Miller braves the overcast weather in a multicoloured miniskirt, Sorel rain boots and an embroidered jacket while BFF Poppy Delevingne wraps up in a pink hoodie and Levi's Trucker jacket.

Photo: Getty Images.

Suki Waterhouse wears a cropped Tommy Hilfiger red zip up over a white T-shirt with ripped Tommy Jeans shorts and knee-high Hunter wellies.

Photo: Getty Images.

For day three, Adwoa Aboah blends in with the mud and grass in wide-leg camo trousers, a rain jacket and a 'Respect' beret, not dissimilar to the one she wore in the AW17 Dior show. Berets are back in a big way.

Photo: Getty Images.

Clara Amfo wears a Paige jacket, Topshop skirt, eBay T-shirt and Converse.

Stella McCartney wears a denim shirt dress and Stella McCartney flatforms (obvs) while her husband, Alasdhair Willis, wears a navy shirt with swallows from Stella's debut menswear collection.

Photo: Getty Images.

Millie Mackintosh masters monochrome in a 'Quality' white T-shirt from her own collection, worn under a black military jacket with black denim cut-offs and Taylor Morris sunglasses.

Photo: Getty Images.

Brighten up an all-black outfit with rainbow accessories. We love model Adwoa Aboah's '90s electric blue sunglasses and bubblegum pink Hunter backpack.

Photo: Getty Images.

A Breton top should feature in every summer wardrobe. Suki Waterhouse teams her Chinti and Parker striped cashmere jumper with a waterproof, wellies and denim shorts.

Photo: Getty Images.

Poppy Delevingne dresses down for day one of Glasto in a hoodie and Anine Bing leather jacket.

Photo: Getty Images.

Alexa Chung teams a red and black lumberjack jacket with a Stetson, black jeans and Hunter wellies and a Hunter backpack.

Photo: Getty Images.

Margot Robbie wears a star-studded Chinti and Parker hoodie, denim shorts and wellies.

Photo: Getty Images.

Fellow Suicide Squad star and Glasto best bud Cara Delevingne goes for double denim (wearing a Levi's Trucker jacket like big sis, Poppy) finished off with biker boots.

For her second day on the farm Margot Robbie donned a Mickey Mouse jumper over leggings and wellies.

Photo: Getty Images.

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Jeremy Corbyn Attacks Sexism, Racism & Homophobia In Stirring Glastonbury Speech

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Glastonbury 2017 has already given us awesome performances from Lorde, Dua Lipa, Radiohead, Charli XCX, and more. Meanwhile, Cara Delevingne, Adwoa Aboah, and Alexa Chung are bossing it when it comes to festival fashion. But they all have an unlikely rival for Glasto's biggest hero: Jeremy Corbyn.

Before he even drove down to Somerset, the Labour leader's presence was being felt at Worthy Farm. Spontaneous chants of "Oh Jeremy Corbyn!" broke out in the entrance queue, at a silent disco, and even during Radiohead's Friday-night headline set. The Times journalist Caitlin Moran suggested on Thursday that "Corbynmania" was already sweeping the festival.

This afternoon, Corbyn made his eagerly anticipated appearance on the Pyramid Stage. At 4pm, he drew a huge crowd to hear a 14-minute speech in which he attacked prejudice and called for greater equality within our society.

"Racism is wrong, divisive, and evil within our society," he told the crowd. "Racism in any form divides, weakens, and denies us the skills and brilliance of people who are being discriminated against – in just the same way that sexism does, be it in lower pay for women, less opportunities for women, or less aspirations. We need to challenge sexism within any form in our society."

Corbyn continued: "And we need to challenge homophobia, to challenge all the discrimination that goes on – and to ensure that the society we want to build is one that is inclusive for all."

During his speech, he also urged society to do more to tackle global warming, and sent a very unambiguous message to Donald Trump. "If you can see that far, look on the wall, right over there, that surrounds this wonderful festival," Corbyn told the crowd. "There's a message on that wall, for President Donald Trump. And you know what it says? Build bridges, not walls."

Corbyn then ended his speech with a rousing statement of hope: "Let us be together and recognise another world is possible, if we come together to understand the power we've got and achieve a decent, better society where everybody matters."

Watch Corbyn's stirring speech in full below.

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Why Playing Glastonbury Was Such A Big Deal For Katy Perry

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There's no denying Katy Perry is one of the defining pop stars of our generation. She's sold an estimated 100 million records, given us globe-conquering hits like "Roar," "I Kissed A Girl," and "Firework," and even played the biggest gig going: the Super Bowl halftime show.

But her performance tonight on Glastonbury's iconic Pyramid Stage was still a landmark for the singer. "This makes me feel cool," Perry told the crowd after singing her second song of the evening, recent single "Chained to the Rhythm".

"I don’t ever really feel cool," she continued. "Am I cool yet? What is cool? Who cares, there's so many people here! I didn’t know if you even liked me."

She went on to charm the crowd with renditions of songs from her latest album, Witness, as well as huge hits like "California Gurls," "Teenage Dream," "Dark Horse," and of course "Roar."

Although Perry was rightly thrilled to be performing at Glastonbury, it's worth noting that she wasn't on stage as a top-billed headliner. This year's trio of headline slots went to Radiohead, Foo Fighters, and Ed Sheeran.

In fact, the last 10 Glastonbury festivals have given headline slots to just three female artists: Adele (2016), Florence and the Machine (2015), and Beyoncé (2011), and gender parity is a widespread problem on the UK festival scene. According to a Press Association study , over the last decade, just 14% of headline acts at the UK's biggest music festivals have been all-female or included at least one female member in their lineup. Meanwhile, just 27% of headline acts have included at least one BAME member in their lineup.

Glastonbury and many other music festivals are clearly events which celebrate all kinds of different performers - Jeremy Corbyn, a politician, just bossed it on Glasto's Pyramid Stage. But it's surely about time that this commitment to equality was reflected right at the top of their lineups: year in, year out.

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