Win a copy of When The Cranes Fly South by Lisa Ridzén in this week's Fabulous book competition
ONCE you've read this beautiful and deeply emotional story, you'll want to pass it on to someone you love.
Bo spends his days waiting for his carers and his son Hans to visit, with his beloved dog Sixten by his side.
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But when Hans wants to re-home Sixten, Bo is crushed and starts to reflect on life.
10 lucky Fabulous readers will win a copy of this new novel in this week's book competition.
To win a copy, enter using the form below by 11:59pm on May 24, 2025.
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Daily Mail
2 hours ago
- Daily Mail
Mystery over 'heartbreaking' message in a bottle that left people in tears is solved as bereaved daughter reveals her late mother's final wishes
The daughter of a woman who always longed to travel has made her dream come true after her death. Single mum of five Wendy Chadwick always dreamed of seeing the world but could only manage holidays in the UK. Earlier this year, Wendy, 51, had started making plans to travel, but passed away suddenly in February. Now her daughter, Cara, has thrown her mum's ashes into the sea, with an accompanying note: 'This is my mum. Throw her back in, she's travelling the world.' Her posts have now gone viral on social media. Cara, 24, from Oldham, says: 'Mum was the glue that held us all together, she gave everything for her kids. We went on holidays to Devon and Wales, and she was always happiest on a beach. She loved the beach in Devon especially. 'She used to say she dreamed of travelling abroad and this year, she finally started to make plans. She didn't care where she went as long as it was sunny and she had sand in her toes. 'Her death was devastating, but I love the idea that now she's seeing the world, just as she'd always wanted.' Wendy, from Oldham, raised her five children, Rachel, 29, Marshall, 27, Cara, Kai, 22, and Callan, 21, on her own. 'She was also a carer for her mother, Audrey, and brother, Richard, both of whom have now passed away. Cara says: Growing up, we had everything she could give us. 'She went overboard at Christmas and birthdays and we always had parties. 'She never missed a school play or an assembly. 'She loved going on holiday, her favourite place was the beach, but she didn't have time or money to go abroad. 'But we had good times in the UK.' Gran of six Wendy dreamed of travelling the world when her children were grown up and this year had finally started planning a trip. Cara says: 'She said she didn't mind where she went as long as she was on the beach and it was hot. We really thought this could be something for her, at long last, after looking after people her whole life.' But in February this year, Wendy was found passed away in her home, from undiagnosed heart disease. Cara says: 'We were shell-shocked. We didn't know she had heart problems, and neither did she. 'My brother and sister went to check on her, and I was on the phone. I heard them scream and I knew Mum was gone.' Cara now says she hopes that her mother is 'bobbing around somewhere warm, enjoying the sun and the sea, and she can achieve her dream at last' Following Wendy's funeral, Cara had originally planned to scatter her ashes on a beach at Butlins in Skegness, where they had happy childhood memories. 'But she then had the idea of throwing the ashes into the sea, so Wendy could see the world. She says: 'It was very emotional, but I knew she'd love it. I wrote a note asking people to throw her back in. 'Incredibly, I saw a Facebook post that someone had actually found her and thrown her back in already. 'Hopefully she's bobbing around somewhere warm, enjoying the sun and the sea, and she can achieve her dream at last.'
The Independent
4 hours ago
- The Independent
Neon dreams and nature scenes make for two very different home decor trends in 2025
Home decor's got a split personality this year: Call it 'city glow' and 'cottage flow.' At the two international design fairs that I attended — Maison et Objet in France, Ambiente in Germany — acres of exhibition booths were full of Art Deco furnishings, island-vibe rattan seating and lighting, and lots of emphasis on sustainably produced materials. But a couple of aesthetics drawing crowds were especially interesting. Capturing the 'city glow' One was an exuberant urban vibe I'm nicknaming 'city glow.' It's full of highlighter-hued throw pillows, edgy surrealism, street art and hefty, Brutalist-style furniture — lots of sharp-cornered steel or concrete consoles and lamps that loomed over rooms — as well as rugs and wallcoverings covered in graffiti-style motifs or swaths of vibrant color. Gretchen Rivera, an interior designer in Washington, D.C., sees it as a look that resonates especially with 'younger generations who grew up with digital influences. There's surrealist art, energetic colors and playful, almost toy-like design.' Interior designer Anton Liakhov in Nice, France, agrees: 'For a generation clamoring for creativity and self-expression, it's loud and in-your-face.' For surface colors, look at Benjamin Moore's spicy orange Bryce Canyon or the bubblegum-pink Springtime Bloom. Daydream Apothecary has a whole collection of neon wall paints for intrepid decorators. Sisters Ana and Lola Sánchez use art as a bold form of self-expression at their luxe brand Oliver Gal, in South Florida. It's known for its handcrafted, statement-making pieces — including large acrylic gummy bears, graphic surfboards and wall art inspired by fashion, pop culture and modern surrealism. The result is a vibrant, edgy aesthetic. A new collection, Rococo Pop, introduces rococo-inspired frames in high-gloss acrylics paired with playful graphic imagery. 'We wanted to take the opulence of 18th century rococo,' notes Ana Sánchez, 'and give it a cheeky, pop-art punch.' 'These frames are like little rebels in ballgowns — elegant, over-the-top and totally unexpected,' adds Lola Sánchez. The style, her sister says, 'celebrates contrast. Old World charm meets modern mischief.' Following the 'cottage flow' The other impressive decor style at the design fairs was very different from the urban look. I'm calling this one 'cottage flow,' and Liakhov describes it as evoking a 'peaceful sanctuary, where you can play around with textures that are anchored in, and in tune with, nature.' Think nubby woolen throws in mossy hues. Softly burnished wooden tables. Vintage quilts, and dishware. Gingham and garden florals. Landscape prints. Imagery of birds and woodland animals on textiles and wallcoverings. Etsy's 2025 spring/summer trend report showed that searches for 'French cottage decor' were up over 26,000% compared to 2024. 'I see people embracing a slower pace to life where they can,' says New York-based interior and decor designer Kathy Kuo about the country cottage style. 'The past two decades or so were dominated by a glorification of fast-paced 'hustle culture' — trends like cottagecore and coastal grandmother are evidence that the pendulum's swinging toward taking pleasure in simpler, more nature-adjacent things in life, whether or not you actually live in a country cottage,' she says. Paint colors are also reflecting the trend. A calming sage green called Quietude is HGTV Home by Sherwin-Williams' color of the year. Little-Greene's collection has names like Rolling Fog, Tea with Florence and Hammock. Mixing the styles Watching design show visitors excitedly discovering new finds among the aisles, I thought THIS is what's fun about home decorating: You can think as creatively as you like when it comes to your own home. You're all about high-octane city nightlife? Come this way. Scottish crofts, Scandi cabins and cozy porches more your thing? Right over here. And if you want to mix these two aesthetics? Go for it. There's space to blend elements of both, says Kuo. ' Design trends are so fluid. I absolutely see the potential to merge these into each other,' she says. 'Many city dwellers love time in nature and have an affinity for a more rustic look, while still feeling called to honor their urban environment in their home. I see plenty of modern interior design motifs that are sleek and urban on the surface, but in the details, they're infused with organic textures and biophilic elements.' 'Really, the best designs are the ones that are personal, rather than perfect,' she adds. You could display an array of contemporary glass bowls on a curvy walnut credenza. Mix botanical patterns in vibrant, unexpected colors. Soften room elements like a sleek table and industrial-style lamp with boucle or velvet cushions and a fluffy rug. Pair polished concrete floors with vintage-inspired wallcovering. If you don't want to mix elements in one space, consider using sliding partitions from one room to another. You'll create a little style 'journey.' If the recent international design fairs are any indication, you're going to find loads of fun home decor in stores over the coming months. Get ready to flow. ___ ___ For more AP Lifestyles stories, go to
Daily Mail
5 hours ago
- Daily Mail
The Valley's Nia Sanchez and Danny Booko welcome fourth child as they reveal sex and old-fashioned name
Nia Sanchez and husband Danny Booko have proudly welcomed baby number four to their growing family - and revealed that newborn's name and gender on Thursday. Sanchez, 35, and Booko, 41 - who both star on the Bravo series The Valley - are also parents to son Asher, three, and twins Isabelle and Zariah, almost two. The mom-of-four jumped to her Instagram page to give adorable first glimpses of the little one - who is a girl named Adelaide Nicole. The name Adelaide, in English, is derived from the German name 'Adelheid,' meaning 'noble kind' or 'nobility.' Nia opened up about the special meaning of their daughter's moniker during an interview with Us Weekly, while also getting candid about how the birth of their fourth child was a 'full circle moment.' In the joint post that was also shared to Danny's account, the couple posed for a sweet snap while inside a hospital. Sanchez could be seen cradling the newborn in her arms while sitting in a chair as her husband stood closely next to them. Nia and Danny held big smiles on their faces and in another image, Booko laid a gentle kiss on his wife's head. She additionally included a short reel while holding Adelaide and gave her followers a look as the baby's tiny fingers wrapped around one of hers. The reality stars paused for another moment with their newborn baby girl while standing inside the hospital room. The pair stood closely together as Sanchez held the little one who was swaddled in a warm blanket with a beanie placed on her head. Booko also had the chance to bond with their fourth child as he lovingly carried her and gave her a gentle kiss. In the caption of the latest post, Nia penned: 'Sweet little memories from Adelaide's first moments of life. We are absolutely in love! Birth story coming soon.' While talking to Us Weekly, the couple confirmed the name of their fourth child and explained the meaning behind the moniker. Nia's great-grandmother had been named Adelaida and Adelaide - which is German origin - also means both noble and kind. She additionally included a short reel while holding Adelaide and gave her followers a look as the baby's tiny fingers wrapped around one of hers In the caption of the latest post, Nia penned: 'Sweet little memories from Adelaide's first moments of life. We are absolutely in love! Birth story coming soon' In regards to the middle name, the reality star told the outlet that Nicole is also her mom's middle name. 'We wanted to honor her because she has been such a pivotal part of helping us raise our children.' Their son Asher and twins have already embraced the role of being older siblings to the newborn. 'They always want to hold her and sing songs to her. They are already great older siblings!' Sanchez gushed. Nia also expressed how the 'first moments' of Adelaide's life were 'so sweet and intimate.' 'In our previous birth experiences, we've had a lot more people in the room. And we've always had a doula. This time, it was just us with our doctor and two nurses. This birth was extra special because Danny was able to deliver the baby.' Late last year in December, the couple - who tied the knot in 2015 - announced that they were expecting baby number four. Nia and Danny had previously discussed either having two or four children and she later explained, 'We both come from families of four, so having four little ones of our own feels very full circle.' In December 2024, Sanchez revealed to Us Weekly at the time that becoming pregnant with baby number four had been a 'surprise.' She said, 'I was shocked but I knew that Daniel would have a full mix of emotions. So I told him on his birthday - exactly a week after I found out.' Before discovering she was pregnant, both Nia and Booko had already planned on trying to have another child in 2025. 'We had a plan. This was a little bit earlier than our plan,' the Bravo star explained. 'But we figured this baby needed to come at a certain time. Just a little earlier than planned. I think we're just gonna go for a football team.' Nia has been open about her struggles with infertility - including in an episode of The Valley which aired back in April. 'On our fertility journey, we went to a fertility doctor, [and] that's when I was diagnosed as having unexplained infertility,' Sanchez recalled to her co-star Kristen Doute. 'Unexplained infertility is when they look at your ovaries. They look at your uterus. Everything is fine, so doctors are like, "There's nothing wrong with you. You are infertile. We just don't know why."' Nia revealed that it had taken nearly two years for her to conceive their first child. 'I can like feel it in my heart, like I remember the disappointment every single month that you're praying for a baby and it's not coming...' Before her time on The Valley, Sanchez had notably won the Miss USA pageant back in 2014. Since last year, she has taken on the role of a main cast member on the Bravo series The Valley - alongside other stars such as Brittany Cartwright, Jax Taylor and Luke Broderick.
