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The most welcoming cities in the world revealed

<p>Travel experts at booking.com have shared the top ten most welcoming cities in the world for 2024. </p> <p>In their 12th edition of of the Traveller Review Awards, booking.com shared their picks for the most inviting countries, giving eager travellers new destinations to add to their 2024 holiday bucket list. </p> <p>To determine what cities made the list, nooking.com used more than 309 million verified customer reviews from their site, with the frontrunners of the list boasting exceptional hospitality in all areas. </p> <p>Coming in at the coveted first place is Arraial d’Ajuda in Brazil: a charming beach town known for its calm and serene atmosphere.</p> <p>According to Booking.com’s report, Arraial d’Ajuda is the perfect destination for 67% of travellers who want to rest and recharge when traveling. </p> <p>One small Aussie town made the list, with Daylesford, Victoria coming in at the number four spot. </p> <p>The sleepy but lovely town in the foothills of the Great Dividing Range offers plenty of nature nearby to explore for those looking to switch off. </p> <p>With classic Aussie pubs, great local food, fun shops to explore, and welcoming residents, it's an ideal weekend getaway spot.</p> <p>Check out the entire top 10 list below. </p> <p>1. Arraial d’Ajuda, Brazil</p> <p>2. Ermoupoli, Greece</p> <p>3. Viana do Castelo, Portugal</p> <p>4. Daylesford, Australia</p> <p>5. Grindelwald, Switzerland</p> <p>6. Moab, United States</p> <p>7. Uzès, France</p> <p>8. Mazatlán, Mexico</p> <p>9. Jaisalmer, India</p> <p>10. Fujikawaguchiko, Japan</p> <p><em>Image credits: Getty Images / Shutterstock</em></p>

International Travel

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Official invitation of King Charles’ Coronation revealed

<p>The invitation for the Coronation of The King and Queen Consort has been revealed.</p> <p>Buckingham Palace released the long anticipated card which will be sent out to 2,000 guests for the Westminister Abbey event on May 6.</p> <p>The verified Twitter account @RoyalFamily have shared the intricate design and explained the symbolism behind it.</p> <p>“Designed by Andrew Jamieson, the invitation features the Green Man, an ancient figure from British folklore, symbolic of spring and rebirth, to celebrate the new reign,” the tweet read.</p> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"> <p dir="ltr" lang="en">The official invitation for the Coronation of The King and The Queen Consort has been revealed.</p> <p>Designed by Andrew Jamieson, the invitation features the Green Man, an ancient figure from British folklore, symbolic of spring and rebirth, to celebrate the new reign.</p> <p>1/7 <a href="https://t.co/MpajIk0SQw">pic.twitter.com/MpajIk0SQw</a></p> <p>— The Royal Family (@RoyalFamily) <a href="https://twitter.com/RoyalFamily/status/1643526218564661248?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 5, 2023</a></p></blockquote> <p>The card is a hand-painted watercolour and gouache illustration and will be printed and issued on recycled card, likely representing the King’s lifelong devotion to sustainability.</p> <p>"The Coronation of Their Majesties King Charles III and Queen Camilla,” The invitation reads. "By command of the King the Earl Marshal is directed to invite [name] to be present at the Abbey Church of Westminster on the 6th day of May 2023.”</p> <p>A further look shows two birds on the letter C, bordered by Charles and Camilla’s coat of arms. The Queen Consort’s crest has been updated also, reflecting her status as a Royal Lady of the Order of the Garter, courtiers said.</p> <p>The floral border is thought to reflect a British wildflower meadow with lily of the valley, cornflowers, dog roses, wild strawberries and bluebells, including a sprig of rosemary to symbolise remembrance.</p> <p>The flowers are grouped in bunches of three to reflect that Charles is the third King of his name. The card incorporates a butterfly and a bee, small drawings of a lion, unicorn and a boar from the royal couple’s coats of arms.</p> <p>The invitation is reminiscent of Queen Elizabeth’s crowning ceremony in 1953, which Charles attended at the age of 4; receiving his own colourful invite showcasing trumpeting Grenadier Guards and the lion and unicorn of the royal coat of arms.</p> <p>Although a visually stunning card, some have pointed out that Camilla is referred to as the Queen rather than the Queen consort, causing a stir online.</p> <p>“It also misses the word consort. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/NotMyQueen?src=hashtag_click" target="_blank" rel="noopener">#NotMyQueen</a>," one user wrote.</p> <p>"Uh...QUEEN? Uh... not." another said.</p> <p>"Camilla will never be seen as Queen, no matter how many crowns you put on her head. She is only the Queen Consort as the late REAL Queen decreed." a third added.</p> <p>It is not yet known if Prince Harry and Meghan Markle will be in attendance.</p> <p><em>Image credit: Twitter</em></p>

Art

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How to block app invites on Facebook

<p>Got that one annoying Facebook friend who keeps inviting you to play Candy Crush? And no matter how many times you tell them you want nothing to do with their quest for candy, the invites keeps coming in? Here’s what you can do to put a stop to it (and keep the friendship intact):</p> <p><strong>Blocking an app or game</strong></p> <p>When you block an app or game, it won't be able to access any of your Facebook information or send you any requests. If you no longer want an app or game to contact you, please remove it.</p> <ol> <li>Click the downward arrow icon on the top right of your Facebook page. Select Settings.</li> <li>Click Blocking, located in the left column.</li> <li>In the Block apps section, type the name of the app or game you want to block.</li> </ol> <p>If you ever want to unblock the app or game, click “Unblock” next to the app name.</p> <p><strong>Blocking a specific friend’s invitations</strong></p> <p>If you have a Facebook friend that invites you to so many different games and apps that you’ve often wondered if they spend their entire life on Facebook, you have the option to block all invites from a particular Facebook friend. This automatically ignores all future invites from all games and apps sent by the person.</p> <ol> <li>Click the downward arrow icon on the top right of your Facebook page. Select Settings.</li> <li>Click Blocking, located in the left column.</li> <li>In the Block app invites section, type the name of the friend you want to block invites from.</li> </ol> <p><em>Image: Shutterstock</em></p>

Technology

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Major cringe: Bride discovers worst possible typo on invitations

<p>A bride-to-be has shared over on social media quite the embarrassing mistake she sent out on wedding invitations to guests.</p> <p>The woman posted a TikTok video showing off the elegant invite, but failed to notice that instead of directing guests to her wedding website to RSVP, she sent them a link to a popular X-rated adult website.</p> <blockquote class="tiktok-embed" style="max-width: 605px; min-width: 325px;" cite="https://www.tiktok.com/@squidward.tentacles/video/7131461119989894446" data-video-id="7131461119989894446"> <section><a title="@squidward.tentacles" href="https://www.tiktok.com/@squidward.tentacles?refer=embed" target="_blank" rel="noopener">@squidward.tentacles</a> Oops <a title="fyd" href="https://www.tiktok.com/tag/fyd?refer=embed" target="_blank" rel="noopener">#fyd</a> <a title="wedding" href="https://www.tiktok.com/tag/wedding?refer=embed" target="_blank" rel="noopener">#wedding</a> <a title="weddingtiktok" href="https://www.tiktok.com/tag/weddingtiktok?refer=embed" target="_blank" rel="noopener">#weddingtiktok</a> <a title="weddingtok" href="https://www.tiktok.com/tag/weddingtok?refer=embed" target="_blank" rel="noopener">#weddingtok</a> <a title="weddingmishaps" href="https://www.tiktok.com/tag/weddingmishaps?refer=embed" target="_blank" rel="noopener">#weddingmishaps</a> <a title="weddinginvitations" href="https://www.tiktok.com/tag/weddinginvitations?refer=embed" target="_blank" rel="noopener">#weddinginvitations</a> <a title="♬ original sound - Squid" href="https://www.tiktok.com/music/original-sound-7131461115967556398?refer=embed" target="_blank" rel="noopener">♬ original sound - Squid</a></section> </blockquote> <p>"So I got my wedding invitations in the mail today. Super exciting," she said in her video.</p> <p>"Except I made a very large mistake that I'm going to share with you guys so other brides don't make this mistake because I'm sure it's super common."</p> <p>She then shows off her "really cute" RSVP card and admits she forgot she put the adult website in as a placeholder and failed to change it to her wedding website.</p> <p>Fellow TikTokers did however find the bride's mistake hilarious.</p> <p>"I think this is hilarious! I checked my invites 1000 times before I finalised because I did the same thing!" someone admitted.</p> <p>"I love this. I’m dying laughing," a third added.</p> <p>"I put the wrong venue address on mine. And didn’t notice until the week before wedding lol FUN!" another claimed.</p> <p>However, others were left confused as to how she allowed it to happen in the first place.</p> <p>Omg. Who spell-checked this? Anyone?" one commented.</p> <p>"Aren’t wedding invitations kinda expensive to not bother proofreading before ordering and mailing out?" another questioned.</p> <p>Some users also criticised the bride, saying the invitation was riddled with spelling mistakes.</p> <p>"Sis. That card needs to run through spell check," a TikToker wrote.</p> <p>"Do you actually think this is a super common mistake? Or are you being sarcastic...?" another questioned.</p> <p>"Please hire someone to do this for you," a third urged.</p> <p><em>Image: TikTok</em></p>

Relationships

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Young fan invites Prince George to her 6th birthday party

<p dir="ltr">When Prince George was invited to a young girl’s sixth birthday he had to politely decline. </p> <p dir="ltr">The nine-year-old Prince was invited to an anonymous girl’s sixth birthday party over the school holidays.</p> <p dir="ltr">However, the Prince had to politely decline and a beautiful letter was written by his mother the Duchess of Cambridge and sent to the young girl apologising for not being able to attend. </p> <p dir="ltr">“The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge have asked me to thank you for your letter, in which you invite Prince George to your 6th Birthday party,” the letter read.</p> <p dir="ltr">"I am sorry that it took so long to reply.</p> <p dir="ltr">"Their Royal Highnesses were extremely grateful for your kind invitation. Having given careful consideration to the possibilities, however, I very much regret that Their Royal Highnesses reluctantly feel they have to decline.</p> <p dir="ltr">"The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge were immensely touched that you should take the trouble to write as you did to their son, Prince George.</p> <p dir="ltr">"It really was most thoughtful of you and Their Royal Highnesses have asked me to send you their warmest thanks and best wishes.</p> <p dir="ltr">"Nevertheless, I hope you enjoy your birthday."</p> <p dir="ltr">The eldest child of Prince William and Duchess Kate Middleton only recently <a href="https://oversixty.com.au/lifestyle/family-pets/prince-george-is-nine" target="_blank" rel="noopener">celebrated his birthday</a> on July 22. </p> <p dir="ltr">In honour of his birthday, Kensington Palace released an adorable portrait of the future king on holiday in the UK earlier this year.</p> <p dir="ltr">“George is turning 9!” the caption simply read with a cake and balloon emoji.</p> <blockquote class="instagram-media" style="background: #FFF; border: 0; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: 0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width: 540px; min-width: 326px; padding: 0; width: calc(100% - 2px);" data-instgrm-captioned="" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/CgSe4v0NTfN/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="14"> <div style="padding: 16px;"> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;"> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;"> </div> </div> </div> <div style="padding: 19% 0;"> </div> <div style="display: block; height: 50px; margin: 0 auto 12px; width: 50px;"> </div> <div style="padding-top: 8px;"> <div style="color: #3897f0; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: 550; line-height: 18px;">View this post on Instagram</div> </div> <div style="padding: 12.5% 0;"> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; margin-bottom: 14px; align-items: center;"> <div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(0px) translateY(7px);"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; height: 12.5px; transform: rotate(-45deg) translateX(3px) translateY(1px); width: 12.5px; flex-grow: 0; margin-right: 14px; margin-left: 2px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(9px) translateY(-18px);"> </div> </div> <div style="margin-left: 8px;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 20px; width: 20px;"> </div> <div style="width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 2px solid transparent; border-left: 6px solid #f4f4f4; border-bottom: 2px solid transparent; transform: translateX(16px) translateY(-4px) rotate(30deg);"> </div> </div> <div style="margin-left: auto;"> <div style="width: 0px; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-right: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(16px);"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; flex-grow: 0; height: 12px; width: 16px; transform: translateY(-4px);"> </div> <div style="width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-left: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(-4px) translateX(8px);"> </div> </div> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center; margin-bottom: 24px;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 224px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 144px;"> </div> </div> <p style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px; margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 8px; overflow: hidden; padding: 8px 0 7px; text-align: center; text-overflow: ellipsis; white-space: nowrap;"><a style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none;" href="https://www.instagram.com/p/CgSe4v0NTfN/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank" rel="noopener">A post shared by Duke and Duchess of Cambridge (@dukeandduchessofcambridge)</a></p> </div> </blockquote> <p dir="ltr">The image shows a huge grin from the young prince as he enjoys a holiday at Norfolk with his family.</p> <p dir="ltr">The photo was taken by the Duchess who has regularly been sharing snaps of her family as they celebrate milestones.</p> <p dir="ltr">Prince George was born on July 22, 2013 at the Lindo Wing of St Mary’s Hospital in London and made his first appearance as a day old baby in his mother’s arms as she left the hospital.</p> <p dir="ltr"><em>Images: Instagram/Getty</em></p>

Family & Pets

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Woman awarded $131,000 after not being invited to work drinks

<p dir="ltr">A waitress has been awarded a whopping $131,000 after not being invited to work drinks. </p> <p dir="ltr">Rita Leher said that she felt “shunned” by her colleagues at a London casino when they didn’t invite her to a cocktail bar.</p> <p dir="ltr">The 51-year-old, who is older than her colleagues and has worked at the casino for 10 years, took stress leave after hearing the plans being discussed in front of her and not receiving an invite. </p> <p dir="ltr">Rita, who also happens to be of African descent, issued a complaint to the employment tribunal on the basis of race and claimed the victimisation was due to her age and ethnicity.</p> <p dir="ltr">“We unanimously agree that being excluded from discussions at work about a social occasion amongst colleagues when one would normally be included would subject an employee to a detriment at work," Employment Judge Sarah Moor said.</p> <p dir="ltr">"A reasonable employee would consider that such exclusion was to their disadvantage because they had lost the opportunity to bond with colleagues on that social occasion.</p> <p dir="ltr">"The occasion was sufficiently linked to work by the fact that it was amongst work colleagues and was discussed at work, and would provide the opportunity for team bonding.”</p> <p dir="ltr">Rita was subsequently awarded £74,113.65 ($131,000) in compensation on the basis of injury to feelings and loss of overtime and financial loss. </p> <p dir="ltr"><em>Image: Shutterstock</em></p>

Money & Banking

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Abdallah family overwhelmed by incredible invitation

<p>Two years following the tragic loss of their three children to a drunk and drugged driver, the Abdallah family say they have been “humbled” and invited to share their story with the Pope.</p> <p>Danny and Leila Abdallah’s daughters Sienna and Angelina and son Antony were killed alongside their cousin in February 2020.</p> <p>The grief stricken parents largely credit their faith in being able to move forward following the tragedy, starting the foundation ‘i4give’.</p> <p>On Saturday, Leila announced via Instagram that she and Danny had been invited to share their story on a global scale.</p> <p>“Danny and I feel humbled and honoured that our Bishop Antoine Charbel Taraby invited us to attend the WMOF 2022 (World meeting of families 2022) all glory to God always.</p> <p>“Our mission is to serve the Lord and our children for the rest of our lives.”</p> <p>“Please pray that we can have i4give on a global platform starting at the Vatican.”</p> <p>“We thank all our fellow Australians for their love and ongoing support, you have showed Danny and I the true meaning of the Aussie spirit and we are grateful.”</p> <p>The family have welcomed a baby daughter in March, naming her Selina.</p> <blockquote class="instagram-media" style="background: #FFF; border: 0; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: 0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width: 540px; min-width: 326px; padding: 0; width: calc(100% - 2px);" data-instgrm-captioned="" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/CeFH6e_hkEF/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="14"> <div style="padding: 16px;"> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;"> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;"> </div> </div> </div> <div style="padding: 19% 0;"> </div> <div style="display: block; height: 50px; margin: 0 auto 12px; width: 50px;"> </div> <div style="padding-top: 8px;"> <div style="color: #3897f0; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: 550; line-height: 18px;">View this post on Instagram</div> </div> <div style="padding: 12.5% 0;"> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; margin-bottom: 14px; align-items: center;"> <div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(0px) translateY(7px);"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; height: 12.5px; transform: rotate(-45deg) translateX(3px) translateY(1px); width: 12.5px; flex-grow: 0; margin-right: 14px; margin-left: 2px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(9px) translateY(-18px);"> </div> </div> <div style="margin-left: 8px;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 20px; width: 20px;"> </div> <div style="width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 2px solid transparent; border-left: 6px solid #f4f4f4; border-bottom: 2px solid transparent; transform: translateX(16px) translateY(-4px) rotate(30deg);"> </div> </div> <div style="margin-left: auto;"> <div style="width: 0px; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-right: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(16px);"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; flex-grow: 0; height: 12px; width: 16px; transform: translateY(-4px);"> </div> <div style="width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-left: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(-4px) translateX(8px);"> </div> </div> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center; margin-bottom: 24px;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 224px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 144px;"> </div> </div> <p style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px; margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 8px; overflow: hidden; padding: 8px 0 7px; text-align: center; text-overflow: ellipsis; white-space: nowrap;"><a style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none;" href="https://www.instagram.com/p/CeFH6e_hkEF/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank" rel="noopener">A post shared by Leila Geagea Abdallah (@leila._abdallah)</a></p> </div> </blockquote> <p>The World Meeting of Families takes place in Rome at the end of June.</p> <p><em>Image: Instagram</em></p>

Family & Pets

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Wedding guest disregards child-free invite

<p><em>Image: Getty / Reddit </em></p> <p>Hosting a child-free wedding seems like a good idea for some couples who are hoping to save money and perhaps are looking for a quiet, less rowdy event.</p> <p>It isn't always a popular choice among families, however, and can lead to tension that lasts for years. In this case, a couple has hosted a child-free wedding only for one of the groom's friends to arrive with his four children.</p> <p>"My husband (30) and I (30) got married 2 weeks ago," the bride explains on Reddit, explaining they decided on a child-free wedding "due to venue choice, food choice, alcohol, location" and included this "rule" in every invitation.</p> <p>Her new husband's best friend is a widower and has four children. He took immediate issue with the rule, according to the bride, to the point the groom was worried he wouldn't attend the event.</p> <p>"But about almost an hour into the wedding, we start hearing noise from a distance," she continues. "We look closely and see Leo standing there with his 4 kids dressed nicely," she writes. "He was arguing with the staff about the kids not being allowed."</p> <p>The bride say she felt "horrible" because "the staff were drilling that this an adult only wedding and the kids needed to leave" only for Leo to continue to argue, yelling out the groom's name so he could back him up.</p> <p>"I was so upset and embarrassed but I kept my composure and went over to talk to Leo. I told him to either get the kids somewhere else and come back or just leave," the bride continues.</p> <p>Leo "acted offended" and said this was his best friend's wedding and he was invited to it. "I said I was sorry but the rule is followed by everybody, and everybody should respect that," she continues. "He argued about how he wasn't just a random guest but was family but I said it still applies.</p> <p>"I insisted he make his choice but he doubled down talking about how he couldn't find babysitter and how he shouldn't have to miss his best friend's wedding."</p> <p>It was then the couple had staff escort Leo and his children out of the event.</p> <p>The incident divided guests, especially when Leo and his children were forced to leave the event, which the bride says "led to some of my husband's friends to complain saying Leo has special circumstances because he's a widower and it's essentially my fault for not providing babysitting options for guests".</p> <p>The wedding continued, she explains, but her husband was angry with her: "He said this is his best friend that I just caused to miss his wedding. He said Leo stopped answering his calls (til today) and respond to his messages because of what I did."</p> <p>Her husband is now accusing her of ruining his relationship with his friend when she "could've just made an exception for him and the kids since they were there already".</p> <p>She says before the nuptials her husband was "onboard" with their child-free rule and she was concerned by making an exception for Leo others would have felt "deeply hurt".</p> <p>"What a way to start a marriage," a user writes. "Throwing your wife under the bus<span> </span><em>at the f--king wedding ceremony."</em></p> <p>One person shared a story of a wedding they attended that catered to children separately from the formalities.</p> <p>"Bride and groom paid for 4 sitters and arranged a separate party for kids with a bouncy house," they recall.</p> <p>"It is especially gross that his friends are saying it his her fault for not finding Leo a babysitter," writes another. "Like, this dude is incapable of finding a babysitter for his own children, but they expect his best friend's wife who is planning a whole wedding and totally unaware he didn't have a babysitter to do it for him?"</p>

Relationships

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Can you spot the invitation amongst the brides and grooms?

<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Stretch your brain muscles and test your observation skills with this tricky wedding-themed brain teaser from Cambridge Weight Plan.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">To solve the puzzle, you must spot the invitation among the crowd of wedding guests.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">According to the UK-based puzzle creators, the record time to beat when spotting the hidden invitation is 31 seconds - but can you solve it faster?</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;"><img style="width: 500px; height: 500px;" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/7843249/puzzle1.jpg" alt="" data-udi="umb://media/ee6c4b98548f40529f3bd5ff008180da" /></span></p> <p><em><span style="font-weight: 400;">Image: Cambridge Weight Plan</span></em></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">If you need a hint, take a look at the pink ribbons at the bottom of the image.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Mark Gilbert, a nutritionist at Cambridge Weight Plan, said: “We’ve created our brain teaser to provide brides, grooms and attendees with some light-hearted, challenging fun this month. With the record set at 31 seconds, we want to see who can beat the clock!”</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Scroll down further to find the solution.</span></p> <p><img style="width: 500px; height: 500px;" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/7843248/puzzle2.jpg" alt="" data-udi="umb://media/29d13f20fc574dbb93f899dcc6b897b9" /></p> <p><em><span style="font-weight: 400;">Image: Cambridge Weight Plan</span></em></p>

Mind

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Couple's "cringe and vulgar" wedding invitations go viral

<p>A couple has sparked outrage as their "vulgar" wedding invitations have gone viral on Reddit. </p> <p>The Reddit user posted a photo of the invitations, captioning the image with <span>“My cousin sent this along with her wedding invitations ... I will not be in attendance.”</span></p> <p><span>The invitation says "S*** you need to know" before sharing very aggressive and unusual rules for their special day. </span></p> <p><span>The invitation reads, </span>“Wedding gifts: If you wanted to give us a wedding gift, a contribution to our honeymoon would be perfect.”</p> <p class="css-1316j2p-StyledParagraph e4e0a020">“Dress code: Wear whatever the f*** you want - go butt f*** naked for all we care."</p> <p class="css-1316j2p-StyledParagraph e4e0a020">“Children: Leave your little s**** at home. We want to get f***ed up. (We will turn you away)."</p> <p class="css-1316j2p-StyledParagraph e4e0a020">“Hotels: Google it you lazy f***."</p> <p class="css-1316j2p-StyledParagraph e4e0a020">“Taxis: See above."</p> <div class="hide-print ad-no-notice css-qyun7f-StyledAdUnitWrapper ezkyf1c0"> <p class="css-1316j2p-StyledParagraph e4e0a020">“Parking: Follow the f***ing directions we gave you, dumba**."</p> <p class="css-1316j2p-StyledParagraph e4e0a020">“Questions: Check the f***ing website.”</p> </div> <p><span>The hostile invitation has been slammed online, with many people noting the only polite part of the  message was when they were asking for wedding gifts and donations.</span></p> <p><span>Many users shared their thoughts on the awkward invitations, with one person saying, “So much cringe. Trying far too hard to be cool.”</span></p> <p><span>Another commenter said, “I don’t get why people think swearing is so funny. I mean I have nothing against it. It’s just not particularly clever or funny.”</span></p> <p><em>Image credits: Reddit/Shutterstock</em></p>

Relationships

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Seal of approval: The Queen invites Meghan to attend royal event – without Prince Harry

<p>The Duchess of Sussex is set to complete her first royal engagement without her husband Prince Harry, but she will instead be at the right-hand side of a different royal companion – the Queen.</p> <p>The royal pair are departing for Cheshire today and they will travel on the luxury Royal Train overnight, reported <a href="https://www.thesun.co.uk/fabulous/6522302/meghan-markle-sleepover-royal-train-queen/" target="_blank"><em><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;">The Sun</span></strong></em></a>.</p> <p>The luxury Royal Train has nine carriages and Meghan will sleep in one of the ensuite bedrooms and dine with the Queen in her 12-seater dining room.</p> <p>The trip is a huge honour for Meghan and reportedly even Prince Harry, Prince William and Kate have not yet ridden on board the Royal Train.</p> <p>Generally, a train ride from London to Cheshire only takes around two hours, however, the Queen’s train moves at a much slower pace</p> <p>The Queen opts to take the Royal Train to official engagements when she wants to make the long-distance journey overnight, rather than waking up early in the morning.</p> <p>Meghan’s day with the Queen will consist of watching her officially open the Mersey Gateway Bridge in Widnes and the Storyhouse cultural centre in Chester.</p> <p>The pair will then watch a performance by a dance company called Fallen Angels, which exists for recovering addicts.</p> <p>The royals will then enjoy a medley of songs from the Storyhouse’s latest production A Little Night Music and then, watch local schoolkids perform songs with actors from Swallows and Amazons.</p> <p>Meghan’s bonding with Her Royal Majesty will be concluded with a lunch outing to Chester Town Hall.</p> <p>Described as “Buckingham Palace on wheels”, the Royal Train was launched in 1842 during Queen Victoria’s reign as she disliked travelling by coach.</p> <p>The royal family use the train for extended holidays around the country and it is fitted with a full kitchen staff who cook meals to the standard of the royal palaces.</p> <p>The Queen’s private quarters are 75ft long and is decorated with a plush carpet, paintings of Scottish landscapes and air suspension to avoid a rocky ride.</p> <p>There is a roster of 150 special drivers who are allowed to take control of the Royal Train.</p>

News

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The subtle reference to Meghan’s divorce in the royal wedding invitations

<p><span>The final details are coming together as Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s wedding on May 19 draws closer.</span></p> <p><span>One of the latest details to be revealed about the wedding are the traditional invitations that have been sent to guests, with <a href="http://www.dailymail.co.uk/femail/article-5553565/Prince-Harry-Meghan-Markle-wedding-invite-includes-subtle-nod-divorce.html" target="_blank"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong>MailOnline</strong></span></a>’s etiquette expert William Hanson noticing one subtle reference hidden in the copy. </span></p> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"> <p dir="ltr">The invitations follow many years of Royal tradition and have been made by <a href="https://twitter.com/BarnardWestwood?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@BarnardWestwood</a>. They feature the Three-Feathered Badge of the Prince of Wales printed in gold ink. <a href="https://t.co/cd7LBmRJxO">pic.twitter.com/cd7LBmRJxO</a></p> — Kensington Palace (@KensingtonRoyal) <a href="https://twitter.com/KensingtonRoyal/status/976828794249076737?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 22, 2018</a></blockquote> <p style="text-align: center;"><span> </span></p> <p><span>On the invites issued in Prince Charles’ name, Meghan is referred to as “Ms” Markle, where as in 2011, the Duchess of Cambridge was referred to as Miss Catherine Middleton.</span></p> <p><span>“The royal household, in particular the Queen, has never before acknowledged the honourific Ms – regardless of whether it was being used to signify a divorced woman or one who did not feel her marital status was of importance,” said Hanson.</span></p> <p><span>“It was first used in connection to Meghan in the November engagement announcement and since then has been used throughout the royal household's communications, on press releases, invitations and social media.</span></p> <p><span>“I would imagine Meghan herself has asked to be styled accordingly and that there is no slight intended on Prince Harry's fiancée. It is another subtle sign that the royal household is moving with the times."</span></p> <p><span>Meghan was previously married to film producer Trevor Engelson, with the pair marrying in 2011 after seven years of dating.</span></p> <p><span>Three years later the couple divorced citing irreconcilable differences, with some claiming it was due to clashes in their work schedules.</span></p> <p><span>Prince Harry and Meghan’s invites were shared with the public last week and were produced by company Barnard &amp; Westwood, which has held a Royal Warrant for Printing and Binding by Appointment to Her Majesty The Queen since 1985.</span></p> <p><span>The invites read, “His Royal Highness The Prince of Wales KG KT requests the pleasure of the company of....... at the marriage of His Royal Highness Prince Henry of Wales with Ms Meghan Markle at St George's Chapel, Windsor Castle on Saturday 19th May, 2018 at 12 Noon followed by a reception at Windsor Castle.”</span></p> <p><span>It is expected that 600 guests will attend the wedding service and then enjoy a lunchtime reception at St George’s Hall, held by the Queen.</span></p> <p><span>Later, 200 guests are invited to a private reception at Frogmore House given by Prince Charles.</span></p>

Relationships

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Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s wedding invitations revealed

<p>Not long to go now! Less than two months out from their big day, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle have finalised their wedding invitations.</p> <p><img width="600" height="400" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/7816717/dy5kmyaw0aa8qtr_600x400.jpg" alt="DY5kmy AW0AA8Qtr" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"/></p> <p>“His Royal Highness the Prince of Wales K.G., K.T. requests the pleasure of the company of [invitee name here] at the Marriage of His Royal Highness Prince Henry of Wales with Ms Meghan Markle at St George’s Chapel, Windsor Castle on Saturday 19th May 2018 at 12 Noon followed by a reception at Windsor Castle,” the invitations read.</p> <p>The dress code for the ceremony is “Uniform, Morning coat or Lounge Suit” for men and “Day Dress with Hat” for women.</p> <p>The couple turned to the prestigious printing company Barnard &amp; Westwood, which has held the Royal Warrant for printing and bookbinding since 1985.</p> <p>The honour of printing the invitations was given to 24-year-old Lottie Small, who only recently completed her apprenticeship at the workshop and said she was “unbelievably excited” to be given the important job.</p> <blockquote class="twitter-video"> <p dir="ltr">Using American ink on English card, the invitations are printed in gold and black, then burnished to bring out the shine, and gilded around the edge. <a href="https://t.co/gQpC6tDot0">pic.twitter.com/gQpC6tDot0</a></p> — Kensington Palace (@KensingtonRoyal) <a href="https://twitter.com/KensingtonRoyal/status/976829471050420224?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 22, 2018</a></blockquote> <p>In a nod to the couple themselves, the invitations are printed in American ink on English card and gilded around the edge. They were printed using a process known as die stamping, on a 1930s machine affectionally dubbed “Maude”.</p> <p>“The invitation features The Three Feather Badge of The Prince of Wales,” Kensington Palace revealed. “The names of invited guests are added later by a calligraphy printer.”</p> <p>Managing director of Barnard &amp; Westwood, Austen Kopley, said the company was “thrilled” to be making invitations for “a truly special occasion”.</p> <p>“We are incredibly honoured to continue our longstanding work for The Royal Family, and to be involved in such an important moment for the couple and their family and friends.”</p> <p>Around 600 guests are expected to attend the May 19 service at St George’s Chapel in the grounds of Windsor Castle.</p> <p>Tell us in the comments below, will you be tuning in to the royal wedding?</p> <p><em>Image credit: Kensington Palace/Twitter.</em></p>

News

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5 beliefs that invite true love

<p><em><strong>Monica Parikh is a lawyer, writer and dating coach.  Deeply interested in love and relationships, she recently started <a href="http://www.schooloflovenyc.com" target="_blank"><span style="text-decoration: underline;">School of Love NYC</span></a> to help men and women develop happier and healthier relationships.  </strong></em></p> <p>In September of last year, I travelled to Portugal, alone. One night, while eating dinner, an older couple beckoned me to join their table. The wife – a woman in her 70s with long, silver hair cascading over her shoulders – asked me what I do for a living. I told her I was a dating coach and a writer.</p> <p>Amused by my answer, she pointed to her husband and said, "We just got married two years ago." I smiled, anticipating a wonderful story. No stranger to heartbreak, this woman had survived an emotionally abusive marriage while raising four children.</p> <p>"I eventually mustered the courage to leave my ex-husband," she said. "But those years broke me. I spiralled into a deep depression and ended up in a mental hospital."</p> <p>"I'm so sorry to hear it," I said.</p> <p>"Oh, don't be sorry!" she said. "It was such a blessing — finally, I had some peace and quiet! It gave me a wonderful opportunity to heal and put myself back together."</p> <p>In the years that followed, she lived on her own terms. She left a career in nursing to drive a mobile library. She tended an organic garden. She ushered her last child into adulthood. Finally, fully at peace with herself and her own life, she met John — a widower who had been living on his own for almost a decade.</p> <p>I asked where they had met. Her answer surprised me:</p> <p>"Where else? The Internet! I was on a website called 'Plenty of Fish,'" she said. "He kept emailing me. I'd finally had enough and said, 'Let's meet!' And, we’ve been inseparable ever since."</p> <p>I asked her what drew her to John – a quiet, good-humoured and reserved man.</p> <p>"He was kind," she answered. "And I knew that life was better savoured with a companion. Now, we travel through Europe, staying at $10-a-night hostels. I feel like a kid again!"</p> <p>I asked John what had attracted him to his wife. He said, "She is alive. And despite the challenges that she has faced, she is still optimistic and happy."</p> <p>People often ask, "What is the best age to find love?" In my opinion, love has no sell-by or expiration date. I have clients in their 50s, 60s, and 70s who have wildly successful relationships. The key to their happiness? A deep understanding and acceptance of the following principles:</p> <p><strong>1. Age is nothing but a number.</strong></p> <p>Have you ever met a 20-year-old who lacks vitality and spends his days glued to Facebook, or a 60-year-old with the joie de vivre of a teenager? If so, you understand that age is relative.</p> <p><strong>2. Opportunity is everywhere.</strong></p> <p>This week, I consulted with two potential clients — both in their early 60s. One sees a world of scarcity — she laments that men only want younger women. The other sees a world of abundance. She crafted a captivating online profile, signed up for classes in which she can expand her social circle, and says “yes” to all invitations. Guess which of these two is NOT sitting home on Saturday night?</p> <p><strong>3. Experience enriches love.</strong></p> <p>While young love is wonderfully innocent and sweet, mature love can be more satisfying and is often a beautiful counterpoint to loss and heartbreak.</p> <p><strong>4. Life breaks everyone. The courageous see possibility in failure.</strong></p> <p>A new client lost her husband to brain cancer and nursed him until the end. She has every reason to be bitter but instead is using her experience to teach others how to be caregivers. After 29 years off the market, she is excited to date. She radiates gratitude, optimism, and strength. It’s not surprising that men are drawn to her vivacious spirit.</p> <p><strong>5. Dating is a skill you learn, and it's never too late.</strong></p> <p>Some people get lucky — they meet their soul mate early. But most others will experience a fair share of failure along their journey. Failure isn’t a problem unless you get mired in pessimism and fail to learn from your mistakes.</p> <p>Make no mistake — there is a right way to date. To have a successful relationship, you have to get real and work to build up your self-esteem. But the good news is that with diligence and effort, you can always turn your love life around. Plus, it’s an investment that will keep you young.</p> <p> </p> <p><strong>Related links:</strong></p> <p><a href="http://www.oversixty.co.nz/lifestyle/relationships/2016/01/confessions-of-senior-online-dater/"><strong><em><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Confessions of an online dater</span></em></strong></a></p> <p><a href="http://www.oversixty.co.nz/lifestyle/relationships/2015/08/unexpected-places-meet-someone/"><em><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;">7 unexpected places to meet someone</span></strong></em></a></p> <p><a href="http://www.oversixty.co.nz/lifestyle/relationships/2015/10/costs-of-online-dating-scams/"><strong><em><span style="text-decoration: underline;">The shocking costs of online dating scams</span></em></strong></a></p>

Relationships