7 new alternative engagement ring trends to try in 2021 Rosie Fitzmaurice
I got engaged over 18 months ago and I am still on the hunt for the perfect engagement ring. My problem? There is just too much choice. I, like so many people these days, am shunning the traditional white diamond solitaire in favour of something a little different - and the alternative ring options out there have never been cooler.
Alas, I am still yet to decide on The Ring - my own quest rumbles on - but with Valentine s Day around the corner, I ve put my extensive research of the capital s jewellers to good use.
When roses are green: how to buy eco-friendly Valentine’s Day flowers
Stay away from cut flowers this Valentine’s Day with these more
environment-friendly alternatives from local shops
Valentine’s Day is one of the busiest days of the year for the flower industry. What says “I love you” more than a big bouquet of roses, right? But unfortunately, cut flowers in general and roses in particular have quite the environmental footprint.
The flower market is a global billion-pound industry and the market for cut flowers and ornamental plants in the UK alone was valued at £1.4bn in 2019. Most of the UK’s flowers are imported: the majority come from the Netherlands and travels through Aalsmeer’s famous flower market. This means a time-sensitive transportation process, with flowers being refrigerated to they stay fresh until delivery – as they usually only last about a week. In that respect, the same rule applies to flowers as it does to food: the better option is to shop
Recently resettled primate Kataza is to get a girlfriend after funds have been successfully raised to transport her from East London to Limpopo Province.
Cape or chacma baboon Kataza has been relocated from Cape Town to a primate rehabilitation centre in Tzaneen and his luck will be improving further.
He is on track to get a girlfriend after enough funds were raised to transport an East London-based female to the same rehabilitation centre.
TROUBLED BABOON MAKES HEADLINES
Kataza made headlines over several months in 2020 when Cape Town residents petitioned for him to be relocated. Many claimed he was a danger to himself and residents.
By Sonya Hook
| 08 February, 2021
Canned wine brand Hun has closed its first equity crowdfunding campaign 38 days early after exceeding its funding target.
Hun, which claims to be the first canned wine brand to launch a crowdfunding campaign, initially aimed to raise £400,000 but this target was reached less than 24 hours after the public launch.
This led them to set a new stretch target of £600,000, which was reached just over a week later. The funding will be used increase distribution across the UK, expand into new global territories and for new product development.
The campaign received backing from 456 investors with 13% equity offered on a pre-money evaluation of £4million.
Major spoilers ahead for the third episode of RuPaul’s Drag Race UK season 2.
WORDS BY SAM DAMSHENAS
29th January 2021
Another week, another
controversial Drag Race elimination. Despite her triumphant week on the UK season two premiere, Asttina Mandella became the third contestant to sashay away from the competition, leaving fans absolutely – yes, we’re doing italics again –
gobsmacked. On this week’s episode, the ten remaining queens joined forces with their best Judy in a design challenge called Who Wore It Best?
Asttina used the opportunity to showcase her love for cartoons and anime, but ultimately, her ensemble was criticised by the judging panel as too “simple” and “disappointing”. Although Asttina is one of the fiercest entertainters the franchise has ever seen (seriously, her live performances are mind-blowing), she was bested in the lip-sync smackdown by Tia Kofi to the beat of Dua Lipa’s Don’t Start Now. This season?