'Til trash do us part: Taiwan couple embraces garbage wedding shoot
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England recalls James Anderson for the fourth Ashes test against Australia
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Surviving members of the Little Rock Nine raise concerns about history education nationwide
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2023-09-27 07:12
3 NY Jets trade assets Vikings should target in any Kirk Cousins deal
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The Swan hotel review: This decadent yet unpretentious bolthole has the Lake District’s first spa garden
In a nutshell: A family-friendly Lakes bolthole with an exceptional spa and CBD treatments. The neighbourhood Benefiting from a picturesque riverside location, complete with gliding swans, grassy terrace and a 15th-century stone bridge, The Swan is conveniently located at the foot of the Lake District, just 20 minutes from the M6. Lake Windermere is a mile away, with Kendall to the east and Ambleside to the north. For a laid-back induction to the region, hop on the Lakeside and Haverthwaite Steam Railway, located five minutes away, for a slice of nostalgia and some glorious scenery. The look The Swan began life in the 17th-century as a coaching inn, but has evolved dramatically in the intervening years. While the whitewashed main building remains, it has been sympathetically restored and expanded. After suffering significant damage in the 2015 floods, the property was substantially refurbished and remains in top-notch condition, with the smell of new paint still detectable in our room. Inside, floral walls, bold prints and sumptuous furnishings abound, alongside more traditional elements, such as oak beams, wooden floorboards and Chesterfield sofas. The hotel also has its own resident artist and illustrator, Olivia Axson, whose work can be found throughout the property. The vibe Relaxed, unstuffy and family-friendly, you can feel your shoulders drop upon arrival at The Swan. While the calibre of hotels in this part of the world has continued to grow, The Swan retains a pleasantly unpretentious feel without scrimping on quality. While many guests visit for the pampering on offer, the hotel balances the demands of both kids and adults beautifully. The surrounding countryside speaks for itself, with many visitors to the region keen to explore its many peaks, but it’s too polished to fall into the category of a traditional walker’s hotel. Bed and bath As part of the recent uplift, The Swan created 26 new bedrooms, including two Splendid suites, Family suites and a bespoke studio cottage for romantic getaways called The Love Nest. However, all 82 rooms and suites have a contemporary feel with blue and green tones reflecting the natural environment. Statement headboards, soft furnishings and wool blankets accompany rainwater showers, while the Loft suites feature exposed beams, roll-top bathtubs and electric log burners for when the weather gets cooler. Read more about Lake District travel: The ultimate Lake District travel guide How to do the Lake District car-free The best Christmas breaks in the Lake District As with everything in the hotel, the emphasis is very much focused on spotlighting local producers, something that extends from the in-room vegan toiletries courtesy of Bath House, to the sustainable carpets made from local wool. Family rooms are spacious, with bespoke bunk beds for little ones and PS4s to keep them entertained. Even the smallest Cosy rooms are attractive, with almost all rooms throughout the hotel offering views over the river or gardens. Guests planning a romantic night away should opt for the Love Nest, a bright, airy and spacious cottage tucked away within the grounds of the property. Features include a private terrace with outdoor fireplace, double walk-in rainwater showers, roll-top bath and indoor log burner. Many of the rooms offer complimentary access to the Holte Spa, while others require a £20 supplement. Food and drink Eating options on offer at The Swan include the health-conscious SOUL cafe adjacent to the Holte Spa. Here, guests can enjoy light meals such as salads, soups and fish dishes on the outdoor sun terrace, or indulge in homemade cakes and sweet treats. On the other side of the property, the Swan Inn serves up classic pub grub, such as fish and chips, burgers and sandwiches in a bright and cheery space, but it’s the Brasserie that really delivers. We devoured bouncy and tender scallops and locally sourced beef, while a helpful wine list suggests varieties based on your personal tastes, all contributing to an accessible and unpretentious dining experience. Service was warm, personable and prompt, despite a packed dining room. The hotel also offers afternoon tea on the riverside terrace in good weather. Pools, spas and public areas The Swan’s Holte Spa opened to much fanfare in April 2022 as the Lake District’s first spa garden. This multi-million pound extension includes a Finnish sauna, outdoor jacuzzi, and chemical-free hydrotherapy indoor pool that extends outside, with jets and waterfalls to relieve tension. Inside the spa, there are six treatment rooms, experience showers, a sauna and steam room, plus plenty of space to lounge and relax. The spa has partnered with three sustainable brands, including OTO, a leading CBD brand, Ground Wellbeing, a natural and plant-based Irish brand, and Comfort Zone, a B-Corp certified skincare. We opted for the OTO Signature CBD Massage Experience which ranks as one of the best massages I’ve ever had. A dream combination of experienced hands, CBD oils and a bamboo roller designed to iron out muscular kinks induced a profoundly deep state of relaxation that saw me floating back to my room with a smile on my face. Other treatments include a Balancing Ritual specifically aimed at perimenopausal and menopausal guests, and a signature Walkers Massage designed to ease aching limbs after a day on the fells. An onsite health club includes a larger pool, hot tub and sauna which was largely populated by families during our visit. Elsewhere, there are plenty of nooks and crannies to chill out in with a book, play a round of pool, or sip a drink on the riverside terrace. Kids can also enjoy an adventure playground and nature trail. Nuts and bolts Room count: 82 rooms and suites and four cottages. Wifi: Free. Extra charges: Guests in Cosy, Lovely and Fabulous rooms must pay a £20 surcharge for Holte Spa access. Disability access: Four accessible rooms with extra space and walk-in showers. The Swan Inn, Holte Spa, health club and snug areas are all accessible for wheelchair users and all external entrances have ramps for guests. Pet policy: Pet pooches are welcome in selected rooms for a £35 nightly surcharge. Bottom line Best thing: The OTO CBD massage experience. Sublime. I’ve waxed lyrical about it to anyone prepared to listen ever since my visit. Worst thing: While easily accessible, the nearby A590 is a busy road meaning the hotel isn’t the best spot for those seeking a quiet and remote stay. Perfect for: Families and spa fanatics. Not right for: Those seeking a hushed getaway. The hotel is busy and there are plenty of intergenerational families with children around. Instagram from: The outdoor pool at the Holte Spa. More information: swanhotel.com Read more of our UK hotel reviews: Best hotels in London Where to stay in the Lake District Best hotels in Edinburgh Read More The best dog-friendly Christmas breaks in the UK The best Christmas hotel breaks by the sea Why you should explore the Cotswolds by bike Why you should explore the Cotswolds by bike Stay in the heart of the action with this bougie new hotel in London’s Covent Garden How to find a stylish countryside escape without compromising on comfort
2023-11-16 19:38
Saturday Night Live alum Leslie Jones reveals she had three abortions in her twenties
Leslie Jones has opened up about her experience with abortion in her new memoir. In her book, Leslie F*cking Jones: A Memoir, which was released on 19 September, the Saturday Night Live alum revealed that she terminated three pregnancies throughout her early to mid-20s. In an excerpt obtained by Page Six, Jones wrote she became pregnant multiple times during her on-again, off-again relationship with a man named Richard Brooks. The first time she had an abortion was when she was 18 and Brooks was 27. According to the outlet, Jones said that their relationship lasted “too many years” and they did not use birth control. By her mid-20s, the comedian had undergone three abortions when she came to the realisation that abortion “is not a birth control method”. “My mom got sick early in my life and she wasn’t there to teach me about [sex education],” Jones wrote, noting that her mother suffered a massive stroke when she was young. The Ghostbusters star added that she wished she had been taught properly about pregnancy prevention and admitted she just “didn’t know any of that stuff”. She eventually learned how to practice safe sex and prevent pregnancy through educational services offered by Planned Parenthood. “I still give money to them to this day,” Jones said about the non-profit. “When I went to Planned Parenthood, I finally learned how to prevent pregnancies and take care of myself. Thank God for those people and what they do.” Speaking about her choice not to have children, Jones recently revealed to People that she developed a fear of childbirth early on, after watching a video in her ninth grade health class. “I remember running all the way home and I looked right at my mom and said: ‘I will never do that!’” Jones recalled. These days, she’s remained steadfast in her decision to be child-free, saying: “I didn’t get married and have kids, but I don’t know if that’s what I wanted. I’ve always wanted to take care of myself.” Jones has previously spoken out against conservative legislators passing restrictive abortion laws across the United States. In 2019, she criticised Alabama’s Human Life Protection Act, which sees women who are the victims of incest or rape unable to get abortions. During an appearance on SNL’s “Weekend Update” segment, she dressed up as one of the characters from the dystopian TV series, The Handmaid’s Tale, to slam the abortion ban. “We are all handmaids now,” she said. ”My name actually is OfJost. But I don’t know how much of a good babymaker I’m going to be, because my eggs are dusty as hell. But I’ll give it a shot.” Jones then took off the robe to reveal a shirt with the word “Mine” on it and an arrow pointing down. She proceeded to speak how the abortion law is only the start of women’s rights being taken away. “The next thing you know, I’m at Starbucks and they won’t take my credit card because I’m a woman, instead of the regular reason which is I don’t have no money on me,” she said. Jones then showed a picture of the 25 white, male Alabama state senators who passed the vote. “Why do all of these weird a** men care what women choose to do with their bodies?” she asked. “When women have a choice, women have freedom,” Jones continued. “The fact that nine states are doing this means this really is a war on women. You can’t tell me what to do with my body.” In June 2022, the US Supreme Court voted to overturn Roe v Wade when it ruled in favour of the state of Mississippi blocking abortion at 15 weeks of pregnancy. The ruling struck down a 50-year precedent established by the landmark Roe v Wade court case, which had guaranteed federal protections for abortion access since 1973. Since then, more than a dozen states have banned abortion or issued restrictions to abortion access. Read More Leslie Jones criticises Alabama abortion ban on SNL: 'This really is a war on women' Planned Parenthood resumes offering abortions in Wisconsin after more than a year Women who were denied emergency abortions file lawsuits in three states: ‘Torture no one should have to face’ US prepares for potential end of Roe v Wade - live When will there be a Roe v Wade decision? Why these prosecutors are refusing to enforce anti-abortion laws
2023-09-20 03:24
Ukraine war: Zelensky says Ukraine needs more time for offensive
Ukraine's president says in an interview his country would "lose a lot of people" if it attacks now.
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Eugenio Suárez delivers in 10th inning, Mariners sweep Angels with 3-2 victory
Eugenio Suárez had an RBI single in the 10th inning, and the Seattle Mariners completed a four-game sweep of the Los Angeles Angels with a 3-2 victory
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Why was Sha'Carri Richardson banned from Tokyo Olympics? Track star set to win big at World Athletics Championships
Richardson will head to Budapest next month to compete at the 2023 World Athletics Championships as the undefeated favorite in the 100-meter flat
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German brewery has high hops for powdered beer
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Activist investor Elliott pushes for changes at Goodyear, shares jump
By Svea Herbst-Bayliss (Reuters) -Activist investor Elliott Investment Management L.P. disclosed a large investment in Goodyear Rubber & Tire Co
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GM to invest more than $1 billion in two Flint, Michigan, plants
General Motors plans to invest more than $1 billion in two manufacturing plants in Flint, Michigan in order to to prepare them for production of the next-generation internal combustion engine heavy-duty trucks
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