Latest news with #Christine
Metro
7 hours ago
- Lifestyle
- Metro
I ditched loo roll to cut costs and pay off my mortgage in just 7 years
A mum-of-two has revealed how she cut costs to pay off her mortgage in just seven years, including cutting her own hair and ditching toilet roll. Christine Lan, 40, may have gone to extreme lengths, but she's now reaping the rewards — now mortgage free, she's got more disposable income, and has recently come back from a family holiday in the Carribbean. 'We're enjoying life,' Christine says. 'We're very fortunate.' Christine is originally from Mauritius, and moved to Montreal, Canada, with her parents in the 1970s. She says her mum and did didn't have much money, so had to make their budget stretch. Christine said: 'My parents are from a tiny island where resources are limited. 'When they came to Canada to start a life for themselves, they were forced to pinch a few pennies.' Her mum and dad would use clever hacks, like using citrus peels as natural air freshners, or popping spring onions in water so they'd sprout new shoots. She adds her 'mum doesn't waste anything', including cutting open toothpaste to get out every last drop. And, her parents' attitude to money rubbed off on Christine, who embarked on a career in acting. 'I started with making my own skincare,' she says. 'I would get oils from the kitchen and buy things like shampoo bars for $10 (£4) for my hair. 'I even cut my own hair because it was costing so much to have someone else do it. 'My frugal life started with skincare and beauty, and then it just trickled down to other aspects of my life. 'I would use menstrual cups instead of disposable tampons, go thrift shopping or charity shopping for clothes, take public transport and walk instead of driving, or have picnics instead of going to a restaurant.' When Christine and her husband got married, they bought a flat together, before buying their four-bedroom townhouse in 2008 for $217,000 (£117,700). With a 25-year mortgage $150,000 (£81,400), they were keen not to have the debt hanging over their heads, and continued to live on a tight budget. It meant they were able to pay it off in the space of just seven years, which split evenly per month, works out at paying roughly $1,786 (£970) per month. 'I continued to cook my own foods, and go charity shopping,' says Christine. 'I also noticed we were spending lots of money on toilet paper, so we purchased a bidet, which has really helped with savings. 'Those are the kinds of things that I will spend money on upfront to save in the long run.' Christine also says that she and her husband routinely audit their monthly expenses, where they make tough decisions about outgoings. She says: 'If you pay for Netflix, can you live without it? Or is there a cheaper alternative? 'Then, also look to see if there are jobs you pay people to do that you can do yourself. 'For example, we do lots of our own DIY.' Christine insists making these changes allowed her to pay off her mortgage in seven years, and take her children — aged 15 and 17 — on expensive vacations to Mexico, Cuba, and the Caribbean. 'When we got married, we didn't really have a lot of money, so in the beginning, we didn't really travel as a family a lot. 'It wasn't until last year that we brought our kids on the plane for the first time.' Now, while they're still not willing to splash the cash, the purse strings have loosened slightly. 'We have started travelling more, and we spend money on electronics as they will last a while. 'We also spend money on our home, like security and motion sensor lights. 'I don't want a fancy purse. I want a nice home.' But Christine, who is also a content creator, says that ultimately, she lives a frugal life not because she's struggling for money, but because it makes her happier. 'Frugality is about being grateful,' she says. 'I find that a lot of people feel like they need the newest shirt or product to feel happy. 'But being grateful for everything you have has brought a lot more fulfilment to my life — and a lot more happiness.' Do you have a story to share? Get in touch by emailing MetroLifestyleTeam@ View More » MORE: Little-known way to get half-price food from Sainsbury's, Asda, Morrisons and more MORE: Should I take a mortgage holiday? The pros and cons if you need a financial break MORE: Exact amount you'll need in savings at age 30 to be able to retire revealed Your free newsletter guide to the best London has on offer, from drinks deals to restaurant reviews.
Leader Live
a day ago
- General
- Leader Live
School news and photos from Wrexham and Flintshire
Don't miss next week's last edition of the School Report before the new term starts in September. If you would like to feature anything from your school, email Minera Voluntary Aided School, Wrexham After two decades of loyal service, the school's much-loved caretaker, Christine Owen, is hanging up her keys and stepping into a well-earned retirement. Sue Banner (chair of governors), Christine Owen and headteacher Spencer Williams. For 20 years, Christine has been the quiet but constant presence behind the scenes, keeping the school running smoothly, safely, and with a smile. Headteacher Spencer Williams said: "From opening up the school gates before dawn to ensuring every classroom was warm, clean, and ready for learning, Christine has been at the heart of our school community. There is hardly a corner of the building that doesn't bear the mark of Christine's hard work. "But more than that, Christine has been a friendly face to pupils, staff, and parents alike - always ready with a kind word, a helping hand, or a cheerful wave. "Whether fixing a broken shelf, clearing snow in the early hours, or lending a hand at school events, nothing was ever too much trouble. "As Christine begins this new chapter, we wish her every happiness in retirement - whether that means more time in the garden, travelling, or simply enjoying a slower pace of life." Nannerch School Following a pond restoration at the Flintshire school last year, pupils have learnt a lot with pond dipping sessions, funded by the Amphibian and Reptile Trust and Flintshire County Council Council. Pond dipping at Nannerch School. This was a fun and hands-on activity, where children were given the opportunity to find little creatures that lurked beneath the waters. Who would have known so many little creatures lay under that surface? They were fascinated looking through their magnifying tubs, counting legs and watching them move, they even found some little newts of various sizes. Pond dipping at Nannerch School. By the end of the sessions the children were able to identify various species depending on their characteristics, Nannerch Biodiversity Officers of the future. Ysgol Bryn Alyn, Gwersyllt the Wrexham school has been awarded the internationally recognised Green Flag Status by Eco-Schools Wales, marking a significant milestone in their commitment to sustainability and environmental education. The award follows a comprehensive three-year action plan and a rigorous environmental review process, during which students and staff worked collaboratively to improve the school's ecological footprint. Initiatives ranged from reducing waste and promoting biodiversity to engaging with global citizenship and community action. Green Flag Status for Ysgol Bryn Alyn. Assistant headteacher Zoe Cooper said: "This award is a testament to the passion and dedication of our pupils and staff. It's not just about ticking boxes - it's about embedding sustainability into the heart of our school culture. We're incredibly proud of what we've achieved together." Among the standout achievements were: • Waste Reduction: The school introduced double-sided printing, reusable lunch containers, and a uniform reuse hub. Composting and recycling bins were placed throughout the site, and digital communication with parents was prioritised to reduce paper use. • Energy Awareness: A 'Switch-Off Fortnight' campaign encouraged energy-saving habits, while staff were reminded to reduce water and electricity waste. • Community Engagement: Students led litter-picking events both on school grounds and in the wider community, and created posters to raise awareness about environmental issues. • Fair Trade and Global Citizenship: The school joined the Fair Trade Schools Programme and provided Fair Trade tea and coffee in the staffroom. Pupils also explored global environmental challenges through international projects. • Biodiversity and Outdoor Learning: The school grounds now feature wildflower areas, bug hotels, hedgehog homes, and a pond, offering students hands-on experiences with nature. The school's Eco-Committee, made up of enthusiastic learners from across year groups, played a central role in driving the initiatives forward. Their work was guided by the UN's Sustainable Development Goals and supported by Keep Wales Tidy. Ms Cooper added: "Our students have shown young people can be powerful agents of change. They've not only improved our school environment but have also inspired their families and the wider community to think and act more sustainably." Ysgol Bryn Alyn's Green Flag is now flying at the school entrance - a symbol of its ongoing commitment to a greener, cleaner future. Ysgol Rhos Helyg, Rhosesmor The school has been awarded its fourth Eco Schools Platinum Award. The award celebrates their achievement in protecting and promoting wildlife. Eco Schools Platinum Award for Ysgol Rhos Helyg. They have built many wild areas and animal homes, so wildlife on the mountain can thrive in the school. Each class has been busy investigating world issues, such as fast fashion, water, recycling, plastic in the ocean and climate change. The Eco Council and Eco Club enjoyed sharing the school's achievements with the visiting assessor, and felt excited and proud to have been successful with their project. St Anne's Primary School, Caia Park The school community is thrilled to have achieved the internationally recognised Eco Schools Green Flag Award for the third time. Eco Schools Green Flag Award for St Anne's Primary Wort, education officer for Eco Schools Wales, visited the school for the Green Flag assessment. The Eco Council gave him a tour around the grounds and showed the many actions completed during this school year. The Eco Council thanked the whole school for their hard work, commitment and dedication in making the school a greener, more eco-friendly environment, Mrs Griffiths, who runs the school Eco Council, said: "I'm so very proud of this fantastic achievement which recognises how passionate we all are about caring for our world and all the positive changes we have made in and around our school community." Tim Wort added: "The work you are doing to develop your school grounds is great to see. A real highlight was seeing how well embedded eco initiatives are within the school and how inclusive they are in their nature, getting the whole school involved." Ysgol Ty Ffynnon, Shotton The school's third cohort of Ballet Cymru scholars has come to an end. A group of boys and girls had been studying ballet and jazz for the last two years as part of the DUETS Scholarship programme. Ballet Cymru scholars at Ysgol Ty Ffynnon. The programme is specifically designed to identify talent, provide progression pathways and improve aspiration for young people who would not usually have the opportunity to access and engage with dance, particularly those living in deprived areas of Wales. The children have received a scholarship with a funding of more than £3,000 for the two years. They have taken part in a range of showcases throughout the two years and had opportunities to work with professional ballet members for Ballet Cymru. The children ended their scholarship at Theatr Clwyd, where they were they performed a dance sequence as part of the curtain raiser for the Ballet Cymru performance of Giselle. Children from Ysgol Ty Ffynnon are the only children to take part in this scholarship programme in North East Wales. Prom night Ava Goode, Erin Pearson and Evie Jones, all ready for the Ysgol Morgan Llwyd prom. St David's High School, Saltney Ferry The school has bid a fond farewell to deputy headteacher Roy Smithson, who is retiring after 31 years of outstanding service. Retiring Roy Smithson, deputy headteacher at St David's High School. Roy began his career at the school as a biology teacher, quickly becoming known for his humour, passion for science, and ability to connect with pupils. Over the decades, he's been a mentor, leader, and friend to countless staff and students, always ready with a word of encouragement. A Bolton Wanderers fan, 90s music lover, and keen cyclist, Roy brought energy and warmth to every corner of school life. He created a bond with the pupils in so many different ways, one of these ways was through his love of football. Whether it was lunchtime kickabouts, fiercely contested staff five-a-side games, or the legendary El Clásicos with Year 10 and 11, Roy was always there with his boots, ready to make up the numbers. Headteacher Steve Richardson said, "Roy has shaped lives and led with heart. His legacy will be felt for years to come. "His dedication, compassion, and calm leadership have left a lasting impact on the entire school community. He will be missed by all. "St David's wishes Roy a joyful and well-earned retirement. Thank you, Roy, your boots will be hard to fill." Ysgol Licswm, Lixwm Criw Cymraeg represented the school at the Flintshire Awards Ceremony at St Richard Gwyn Catholic High School, collecting our Cymraeg Campus Arian/Silver Award. Cymraeg Campus Arian/Silver Award for Ysgol Licswm. They also enjoyed a special performance from Guitar Olly, from Britain's Got Talent. Headteacher Sue Clisham said: "The award will be hung in pride of place in the foyer in school. Da iawn pawb for such a wonderful achievement and a big diolch to our Criw Cymraeg members for all your hard work leading us over the last two years to achieve this." Park CP School, Llay The Wrexham school is celebrating its centenary year, marking 100 years of education, memories, and community spirit. Park CP School celebrate 100 years. Throughout their last term term, pupils immersed themselves in the school's rich history, delving into the original log books dating back to 1925. The children have explored what life was like in school a century ago, comparing it to life today and questioning how much has changed - and whether those changes have been for the better. This thought-provoking enquiry has sparked deep conversations about learning, technology, and childhood through the ages. To commemorate this special milestone, the children were photographed forming a giant '100' on the school yard - a powerful visual symbol of a century of education in Llay. As part of the celebrations, a time capsule will be buried in the school grounds, filled with items chosen by pupils to represent life in 2025, leaving a lasting legacy and preserving memories, messages and mementoes for future generations to uncover. The celebrations culminated in a whole-school fun day, bringing together old and new with traditional fairground games and modern bouncy castles for all to enjoy - a nod to the past, and a celebration of the future. Headteacher Rebecca Billington said: "Reaching 100 years is a proud moment for our school and our community. The children have truly embraced the history of Park CP and shown wonderful curiosity and imagination in learning about life 100 years ago. "The celebrations are a joyful way to honour the past while looking forward to an exciting future."
North Wales Live
3 days ago
- Health
- North Wales Live
Covid cancellation of routine check up and singing helped save nurse's life
A senior nurse reveals how singing in a choir saved her life after two cancer diagnoses - and the pandemic cancelling a check-up may have also helped keep her alive. Her body was fixed by the NHS yet her mind was broken after two gruelling cancer recoveries but now she feels her life is back on track. As a busy ward manager for a North Wales hospital, Christine Plant knew perhaps more than most about the signs and symptoms of cancer. When she noticed blood in her poo occasionally, she knew the best thing to do was to get an appointment with her GP, and a follow up consultation for a colonoscopy. As a full-time nurse, married with two teenage boys, a very busy and demanding job, Christine, 54, of Conwy, still believed that the demands of her job, perhaps were at the heart of her problems. 'I thought I eat healthy food I had a good BMI, and I don't drink much at all, so I would be ok. But I was told I had rectal cancer, commonly known as bowel cancer and that I would need surgery, a stoma and chemotherapy. "I was 46 and hadn't expected to hear I had cancer, it was a frightening time and my sons who were age 13 and 16 at the time and I felt for them.' Following surgery, chemotherapy and a stoma reversal, Christine went back to work and decided to switch jobs from being a ward manager to specialising as a breast cancer nurse in 2019. But just prior to the Covid pandemic in March 2020, Christine was called for her first routine mammogram. This was cancelled due to COVID. A few months later Christine felt a small pea-sized lump in one of her breasts. Life was busy and she didn't make an appointment at the time. But as the first routine check-up had been cancelled she was called back in the autumn. 'It was September 2020 and I was called for my first routine mammogram. Working as a breast cancer nurse, I knew the protocol - but then I had a recall to say they wanted to see me and it was then I was told then I had breast cancer. "I felt grateful in a way that I was seen in September rather than the March as it may not have been picked up six months earlier and it could have been a different story,' she says. 'Following surgery and radiotherapy to treat the breast cancer. I felt my body was fixed, but my mind wasn't. "I remember going into clinic one day and thinking, I can't do this, I need to change something, my mind wasn't fixed and that's when Tenovus Cancer Care changed everything.' Christine was scrolling through Facebook and came across an invitation for Sing with Us Choirs and that was to change the course of Christine's life. She explained: 'I got in contact with the choir master Andrew Roberts, and he asked me if I knew what type of singing voice I had? "I didn't have a clue! I wasn't even sure I could sing, but that didn't matter, as the main thing was I felt welcomed as soon as I came through the door on that Tuesday night in Llandudno.' 'For the first six weeks of being in the choir I kept expecting someone to tap me on the shoulder and tell me to mime. Instead, I felt lifted in spirit and in my mind. I truly believe that singing in the Tenovus choir has probably saved my life." She added: 'I never thought that singing in a choir would have been on my bucket list, but it was, and If I missed a choir night, I could feel myself going downhill and getting slightly more depressed. 'Having got so much out of the choir, I knew I wanted to give something back and so I decided to volunteer in the Conwy Tenovus Cancer Care shop a morning a week and I love it, I meet so many amazing people.' And for Christine it didn't stop there, having chatted to Andrew about her feeling the need to give back, he suggested she join forces with the charity as a Community Engagement volunteer. Now Christine shares her story to groups, to encourage others that there is light and hope at the end of what can seem like a very dark tunnel. 'I always tell people how the choir made me feel whole again. I come out with a beaming smile every time I go. "Since joining three years ago I have sung in the Tenovus 80th birthday celebrations in St David's concert hall with 400 other choristers, done a firewalk, an abseil, organised a Tea for Ten event, held a dressage event, Canter for Cancer and now organising a fashion show, using clothes and accessories from our shops. "This is all done with the help of family and friends, old and new as we have a strong community here in North Wales.' Since going through two major cancer operations and treatments, Christine is now working as a gynaecology oncology nurse and working with cancer patients. She feels her experience means she can look at things in a different way to perhaps some of her colleagues. 'I listen to patients and If I feel they need help with their mental wellbeing, I do refer them to the choirs." * Christine has been recognised by Tenovus Cancer Care as part of the annual Volunteer Awards in the collaborative section for dedication and commitment to the work she does for the charity in her spare time.
Indian Express
4 days ago
- Business
- Indian Express
‘Next big thing' of fashion industry arrested for alleged $300 million investor fraud
She was once hailed as the next big thing in fashion – a visionary who's changing how women shop, rubbing shoulders with brands like Ralph Lauren and Ann Taylor, and speaking at TED Talks. Now, Christine Hunsicker, the founder of CaaStle (once called Gwynnie Bee), a company that promised to make renting stylish clothes as easy as streaming a movie on Netflix, has been arrested on fraud charges, accused of deceiving investors out of a jaw-dropping $300 million. According to prosecutors in New York, Christine's success story was built on a web of lies. They say she faked documents, invented financial audits, and spun tales about CaaStle's booming revenue and massive cash reserves—when, in reality, the company was on the verge of collapse. 'Christine Hunsicker defrauded investors of hundreds of millions of dollars through document forgery, fabricated audits and material misrepresentations about her company's financial health,' said US Attorney Jay Clayton, laying out the allegations, ABC News reported. The timing couldn't be worse. CaaStle had just filed for Chapter 7 bankruptcy, meaning it was shutting down for good. Prosecutors argue the company's failure wasn't just a bad business model—it was Christine's alleged pattern of deception that sank it. They claim she told investors the company was raking in hundreds of millions while hiding that it was nearly broke. Christine, 48, had once been a darling of Silicon Valley and the fashion world. Her idea of renting out trendy clothes online was a hit, and big-name brands jumped on board. But behind the glitzy marketing, things were falling apart. Even after the CaaStle board kicked her out as chair and told her to stop fundraising, she allegedly kept pitching to investors with false numbers. By April 2025, she quietly stepped down as whispers of misconduct grew louder, followed by a wave of civil lawsuits. On Friday morning, Christine turned herself in to face a laundry list of charges: wire fraud, securities fraud, money laundering, making false statements to a bank, and even aggravated identity theft. These could land her in prison for 20 to 30 years, with the identity theft charge alone carrying a mandatory two-year sentence. Her lawyers, Michael Levy and Anna Skotko, aren't buying the prosecution's story. In a statement, they said Christine has been open and cooperative with investigators, and they're ready to fight back. 'Although Ms. Hunsicker has been fully cooperative and transparent with both the US Attorney for the Southern District of NY and the SEC, they nonetheless have chosen to present to the public an incomplete and very distorted picture in today's indictment. There is much more to this story, and we look forward to telling it.'
Daily Mirror
5 days ago
- Entertainment
- Daily Mirror
Christine McGuinness reveals 'exhausting' fight for her children after Paddy divorce
Christine McGuinness admits the fight to create a more accepting and understand world for her three autistic children is incredibly tough, but she's not prepared to give up until things change Christine McGuinness received her autism and ADHD diagnosis four years ago and has since become a fierce advocate for other neurodiverse families. The former Pilgrimage star, who separated from her comedian husband Paddy McGuinness in 2022, says she'll never stop fighting to make the world a better place for people like her and three autistic children, twins Leo and Penelope, 12, and eight-year-old Felicity. Speaking exclusively to OK!, 37-year-old Christine said: "I try not to look too far ahead because it upsets me. I have to separate being a carer and a mum. I'll take my emotions out of it as a mum, and become a carer. I've got to make sure my children have help and support, and help people understand the need to be patient, to celebrate and support them. I'm not the only autistic mum with autistic children — there are thousands of families with exactly the same fears." Christine is currently working with home builders Barratt Redrow, who have committed to building 100 new accessible and inclusive play areas every year. 'I'm raising three children to one day live without me, and those are three children I can't live without, and that breaks my heart. But it's what makes me keep going and keep fighting. I feel extremely fortunate that I can try and help make changes that other people don't even think about. 'As a mum of three autistic children I know the struggle of trying to find places that are suitable for them. Not just suitable because of what there is to play with, but spaces where they feel safe, wanted and understood." Heartbreakingly, Christine said she feels like a "failure" when she's not able to give her autistic children the same experiences as some other families. "You feel like a failure when you're not getting your children out and about enough, and your children aren't picking up social cues, and learning to play with others and communicate." Christine first spoke out about her experiences in the BBC documentary she made with her then husband Paddy, titled Paddy And Christine McGuinness: Our Family And Autism, and delved into the subject further in Christine McGuinness: Unmasking My Autism. Her overall goal, she says, is to spread awareness, increase education and, ultimately, make the world a more accepting place for every neurodiverse child and adult. "As a parent you do anything to support them so they can grow up as independent as possible," she added. "You'll always find a brick wall that you want to bash down and you get to a point where you're exhausted – but the fight for your children never, ever stops." UK housebuilder Barratt Redrow has committed to delivering up to 100 new accessible and inclusive play areas a year, ensuring play for all children is the standard, not the exception. Find out more at
