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Daily Mail
a minute ago
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
EXCLUSIVE The common mistake you're making while drinking champagne - and how to enjoy a glass of bubbly the right way
You're drinking champagne wrong if you reach for a flute every time a bottle is popped, experts have said. The glassware 'does nothing' for champagne and sparkling wines, according to an 11th-generation Austrian glassmaker who has vowed to 'make them obsolete'. Speaking to The Telegraph, Maximilian Riedel recommended swapping it for a traditional white wine glass or a tulip-shaped one with a larger surface area that allows you to savour the wine's aroma before taking a sip. Riedel isn't the only expert with a distate for champagne served in flutes; sommelier Sandia Chang had them banned from Kitchen Table, the two-Michelin-starred London restaurant she runs with her chef husband James Knappett. Apart from their aesthetic appeal, experts insist there's no benefit to drinking champagne or sparking wines from flutes as award-winning drinks writer and broadcaster Helena Nicklin told FEMAIL the narrow glasses add a 'sense of occasion to drinking bubbles'. However, it is true you miss a lot of the flavour, she continued. 'Wine needs space and air to open up after all that time in the bottle, so serving it in a skinny flute is like keeping the mute button on,' Nicklin said. 'While this doesn't matter so much with inexpensive Prosecco or cheap fizz, it's a real shame for those more premium, traditionally-made sparkling wines and Champagnes that have layers of delicate flavours,' she added. She recommends swapping the flute for a tulip-shaped glass that about the same width as a small white wine glass that will give the wine the room it needs to 'breathe while keeping the bubbles in as best as possible'. Yann Munier, a native of the Champagne region and Cellar Master at the G. H. Mumm Champagne house, previously told MailOnline a white wine glass or rounded flute is preferable to a Champagne 'coupe'. 'I recommend a white wine glass or a rounded flute for optimal tasting. Indeed, the Champagne "coupe" (a very flat glass) disperses the aromas and there is not enough height in the wine to see the bubbles. 'So choose a glass in which you can swirl the wine to smell it and with a tighter top.' Munier's top tips for enjoying a glass of bubbly include serving it chilled, but not iced, at around six to eight degrees Celsius as an aperiif. If it's being enjoyed with a main course, the ideal temperature is between nine and 12 degrees. He advises pouring the Champagne slowly while tilting the glass to preserve the bubbles. 'Don't fill the glass completely, two-thirds full is the maximum, leaving enough space for the aromas to develop,' he said. Some of the common mistakes include servicng Champagne 'too hot or cold' or using the wrong glass. 'It's also important to remember that tasting Champagne should be a full sensory experience - take time to look at the colour and feel the effervescence, smell the aromas and savour the complexity of the flavours,' he added. It comes after sales of champagne in the UK slumped to a 25-year low amid the cost-of-living crisis and the rise of sober-curious GenZ. MailOnline reported that 22.3 million bottles of bubbly were shipped to Britain last year, which is the lowest since 2000 when 20.5 million were imported. A decline in sales has led to a significant increase in price with the cost of a bottle soaring by 25 per cent in the last three years alone. At many major retailers, shoppers can now expect to pay more than £40 for champagne. It's hardly surprising then that sales of alternatives such as Prosecco are at an 'all-time-high'. At Waitrose, a bottle of Waitrose Blueprint Prosecco can be snapped up for just £6.39. Indeed, 660 million bottles of prosecco and more than 114.5 million bottles of Cremant, a similar alternative, were sold in 2024. But a bottle of champagne doesn't necessarily have to break the bank; while you may be tempted to splash out on a luxury bottle, Which? has deemed three non-vintage champagnes from supermarket chains Teso, Aldi and Waitrose are better than the leading brand. A panel of four independent wine experts then blind-tasted the selection, scoring them to uncover the best of the bunch. The panel's highest score went to the Tesco Finest Premier Cru Brut Champagne, at 82 per cent. The bottle of bubbly costs just £25 per bottle. It beat Moët & Chandon's Brut Imperial, which scored 77 per cent despite being almost double the price at £44 per bottle. Also scoring above the UK's leading champagne house is Aldi's Veuve Monsigny Premier Cru Brut Champagne, which ranked at 80 per cent. The bottle is priced at £20. The panel liked its aroma of 'crunchy green apples with a suggestion of pecans, spice and butterscotch'. And Waitrose impressed with its Brut NV Champagne, which also scored 80 per cent. The bottle, priced at £25, has 'pleasing peach, pear and apple flavours, and a superb nut and winter spice taste'. Which? also tested sparkling wines, and uncovered some "brilliant" budget options. The cheapest of these, Lidl's Prosecco Superiore Valdobbiadene, scored 80 per cent. 'At £7.49 a bottle, this Great Value option is an excellent alternative to champagne, and perfect for Christmas parties,' the consumer group said.
Daily Mail
16 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
She's a uni academic turned Sports Illustrated star. Now Nina Cash, 59, reveals her anti-ageing secrets - and the Australian product she swears by
At an age when many women are being told to 'age gracefully' and disappear from the spotlight, Nina Cash has done the exact opposite. The now 59-year-old is turning heads, breaking barriers and redefining what it means to age well, and it's certainly ruffling a few feathers. After a career in higher education, Nina stunned the world when she ditched the boardroom for the beach and became one of just seven women selected as a Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Rookie in the magazine's blockbuster 60th anniversary edition in 2024. At 57, she walked the runway alongside women less than half her age, completely stealing the show with her silver hair, toned physique, and message of self-love. 'I wanted to show that you don't have to fade into the background just because you're over 50,' she told FEMAIL. 'Age isn't a limitation, it's a superpower.' Since going viral, Nina has used her platform to advocate for pro-ageing - not anti-ageing - encouraging women to embrace every stage of life with confidence. And while her natural glow, glossy grey hair and radiant skin speak for themselves, Nina says it's not just genetics. In fact, the model, speaker and wellness advocate has just revealed the Australian skincare brand behind her luminous skin, and her 360 degree health and beauty philosophy to looking and feeling fantastic at any age. 'I am 59 this year, so to me, pro-ageing is all about celebrating where you are right now, not wishing you were 25, 35, or even 45 again! 'It's about proudly owning your story, your experiences, and your natural beauty, silver strands and all.' After retiring in June 2022, instead of slowing down, Nina decided it was time to rewrite her next chapter. She returned to the modelling world, decades after putting it on pause, and hasn't looked back since. Her bold leap of faith paid off in the most spectacular way, and just 12 months post-retirement, she was strutting her stuff down the Sports Illustrated Swimsuit runway in Miami, where she was later named one of the magazine's 2024 Rookies. Now, with her 'encore career' in full swing, Nina is sharing the beauty secrets that help her look and feel her best. 'Age is a gift that not many receive, so cherish your gift,' she said. 'I'm proud to be part of a new conversation around ageing and I'm all about showing up confidently at every stage.' From the exact serum she swears by, to her glow-boosting rituals and age-defying philosophy, Nina proves that it's never too late to get out of your comfort zone and try something new. When it comes to taking care of her skin, Nina believes in hard-working actives and great SPF protection daily - like any good skincare aficionado. 'I love everything this brand stands for,' she said of Australian brand Bespoke Skin Technology. 'It's sun-safe, gentle, incredibly effective, and designed to support your skin as it is, not fight against it.' In her day-to-day routine, Nina alternates the cleansers and the 'ultra-hydrating Dream Cream ($179) and the Luminosity Revive and Refine Serum ($145) for next-level glow and smoothness.' 'I'm also a big fan of HydraFacial's for a deep cleanse and hydration boost. And when I want a real refresh, I go for microneedling. It works wonders for collagen and skin texture.' HER SILKY HAIR Nina's signature silver locks are just as striking as her smooth skin and toned physique at nearly 60-years-old. And there's one hair product that she can't live without - purple shampoo. 'It's everything for keeping my grey bright and vibrant. No dye here, [but] I'm completely obsessed with Silverist products; they're a total game changer.' HER FITNESS & BODYCARE ROUTINE For her toned body that rivals someone half her age, Nina credits a variety of exercise, especially since menopause. 'I mix strength training, riding a stationary bike, Pilates, and treadmill walks. It's all about finding movement that feels fun and keeps me strong. I'm not about punishment workouts; consistency and enjoyment are key. She also loves dry brushing before showers to get her circulation going, and is a fan of body exfoliation to keep her skin glowing top-to-toe. DIET & WELLNESS They say beauty starts from within, but as a Type 2 diabetic Nina is extremely mindful about what she puts in her body daily. 'I focus on fresh veggies, lean proteins, healthy fats, and lots of water instead of sodas or alcohol. I love food and definitely won't deny myself, but moderation is my magic word. For energy and upping her supplements, Nina's go-to is a nourishing smoothie packed with all the good stuff, especially omega-3s, collagen powder smoothies. Both that and a diet 'rich in leafy greens and colourful veggies has made a noticeable difference in both my skin and my energy levels'. MINDSET & MOTIVATION When it comes to her mental health, Nina credits moving her body with dance as the best happy drug and pick-me-up. 'Dancing it out to a great playlist always lifts my mood. Then I follow up with some pampering skincare, maybe a soothing face mask or a relaxing bath - it's all about hitting the reset button and giving yourself some love.' At 59, Nina is quietly challenging outdated ideas about age, beauty and what life is supposed to look like after 50. More importantly, her story isn't about chasing youth it's about showing up fully, at every stage of life, which is probably why she resonates with some many women worldwide.
Daily Mail
18 hours ago
- Lifestyle
- Daily Mail
How I save over $600 on my 'recession nails' whilst still enjoying luxe manicures: POLISHED with Elise Wilson
Welcome to Polished with Elise Wilson, where FEMAIL's qualified makeup artist and hair stylist answers your questions, shares advice and trials the up-and-coming beauty and skincare trends so you don't have to. I simply do not care if this sounds vain, but I live my life by the saying, 'If you look good, you feel good'. In this economy, though? It's proving a little bit harder to look 'as good' as I once did because unfortunately, I am an adult, and I have to also pay a lot of bills. It does sadden me a bit that many of us are rethinking the little luxuries we used to take for granted, especially when it comes to our beauty treats. But for me, and I know I'm not alone, there's one small indulgence I've always found hard to give up, and that's getting my nails done. There's just something about a fresh mani that instantly makes you feel more polished, more put-together, and more like you've got your life in order… even when everything else around you is chaos. It's self-care, sure, but it's also confidence in a bottle. However, when I finally crunched the numbers, I realised my regular nail appointments were adding up to well over $1,600 a year. That's basically a designer handbag or a return flight to Europe, sitting there on my fingertips, chipping away (literally and financially) every two to three weeks. So instead of waving goodbye to the salon altogether, I got smarter. I started looking into ways to stretch out the time between visits, reduce the cost of each appointment, and even DIY it when needed - without sacrificing the glossy, groomed look I love. That's when I stumbled upon the term 'recession nails', and suddenly, it all made sense. The idea behind recession nails is simple; it's any type of manicure or nail maintenance that's designed to either cost less up front or save you money over time. It's the art of being a beauty budget queen by cutting back without feeling like you're missing out. Whether it's choosing colours that grow out better, opting for techniques that last longer, or having clever tools and tricks at home to maintain the look yourself, it's all about getting more bang for your buck. And in this financial climate, that's a beauty strategy I can get behind. So if you, like me, still want to treat yourself but don't want to be caught out when your bank statement hits your inbox, please read on. These are my tried-and-tested, money-saving mani hacks that'll keep your nails looking chic without sacrificing your savings. Get an updated Russian manicure I used to be the girl who'd roll into the salon every two weeks like clockwork, shelling out around $65 a pop for a fresh mani. But once I discovered the magic of the Russian manicure with BIAB (Builder in a Bottle), everything changed. This technique involves a super-detailed e-file cuticle clean (which is cleaner, neater, and way more precise), and the BIAB base gives your nails a beautiful, strong overlay that lasts. Yes, it's a little pricier upfront - mine costs $90 - but I only need to get it done once a month, instead of fortnightly. Do the maths, that's a saving of $610 a year. Not to mention, I've reclaimed my time and I'm no longer glued to a nail table every other weekend. Because seriously, who has the time. Schedule fill-ins instead of full sets If you're a fan of acrylics or gel extensions, you'll know how expensive those full sets can get. So, instead of starting from scratch each time, book in for fill-ins. Most salons offer them for significantly less than a fresh set, and they take half the time. Your nail tech will simply refill the regrowth area and reshape your nails. It's like a facelift for your fingertips without the big price tag. For a quick fix, keep press-on nails handy Gone are the days when press-on nails were flimsy bits of plastic from the $2 shop. Today's versions are gorgeous, and some even look identical to salon acrylics. Before I was getting my BIAB, I'd always keep a pack in my drawer at home and at work for last-minute plans or when I didn't have time to get to the salon. They take 10 minutes to apply (I even did mine on a one-hour flight to Byron Bay once), last up to a week when used with proper glue or sticky tabs, and come in every shape and colours imaginable. It's the ultimate emergency mani, and no appointment necessary. Stick to nude-coloured polish A classic nude manicure doesn't just look elegant, it's also a genius money-saving strategy. When your natural nails start to grow out, it's way less obvious with a soft pink, beige or sheer taupe. Bright colours and bold nail art might look cute at first, but they'll betray your budget efforts pretty quickly. There's a reason why 'princess nails', 'soap nails', and the 'quiet luxury' aesthetic are all over TikTok and Instagram right now. This isn't just about beauty trends, it's a sign of the times. As financial wellness expert Nicole Victoria put it in her recent viral clip: 'These trends don't just appear, they signal something deeper.' Translation? People are tightening their belts… but they still want to look polished doing it. Take supplements to boost healthy nail growth Qsilica Skin, Hair & Nails Capsules ($59), available at Chemist Warehouse If you want your mani to last longer and your nails to grow stronger, start from the inside out. A good supplement routine can make all the difference. Look for ingredients like silica, biotin, zinc and collagen, which are known to support nail strength and reduce breakage. It's a small investment that pays off, especially if it means your nails won't peel, snap, or crack before your next fill. Make your own cuticle oil – straight from your pantry Save money by making your own cuticle oil from pantry staples like jojoba, almond, coconut or even olive oil You know those tiny bottles of cuticle oil at the salon that cost as much as your actual manicure? Skip them. You can make your own using pantry staples like jojoba, almond, coconut or even olive oil. Just rub a drop into each cuticle every night before bed. Trust me your nails will stay hydrated, your mani will last longer, and your bank account will thank you. Use a high-quality top coat If you're going full DIY, do not skimp on the top coat. A good one will make even the most amateur mani last twice as long and save you the frustration of chips within 24 hours. Sally Hansen Miracle Gel Top Coat, $11.37 (on sale from ($18.95) My go-to is Sally Hansen Miracle Gel Top Coat ($18.95), it gives that ultra-glossy gel finish without the need for a UV lamp. Just pair it with your favourite polish and you're good to go. These little hacks have not only saved me hundreds of dollars a year, but they've also changed how I approach beauty in general. It's not about doing less, it's about doing it better. In the age of rising prices and economic uncertainty, 'recession nails' might just be the perfect combination of luxury and logic. Because honestly? Life's too short for bad nails - and way too expensive for bad budgeting. Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this article are solely my own and do not reflect those of any brands or companies mentioned. This content is not sponsored or endorsed in any way.
Daily Mail
5 days ago
- Health
- Daily Mail
Healthy tradie Jacob, 21, felt tired during dinner with his mum - within days he was fighting for his life. This is his warning for all Australians
When 21-year-old apprentice Jacob Blackwell sat down for Easter Sunday dinner with his mum Chelsea, neither of them realised it would be the last time they'd physically speak for months. Within days, Jacob would be fighting for his life - struck down by a rare and potentially fatal strain of meningococcal disease, serogroup B. 'When he left he said he was quite tired,' Chelsea told FEMAIL. 'So I said to him "go home and have a bit of a rest" and I never gave it too much thought.' What Jacob was actually battling was far more sinister - and it progressed quickly. By the next day, he was alone at his home in Maitland, NSW, grappling with a strange wave of 'flu-like' symptoms, far worse than anything he'd experienced before. There was also no tell-tale rash, the most well-known sign of meningococcal disease. Instead, Jacob felt like his whole body ached and experienced what he can now only explain as 'chronic pain'. Over the next few days he was in agony, he was delirious, and he was disoriented. Resorting to Google, he searched for his symptoms online to try and diagnose his mystery illness. But by then, it was already too late. Jacob and Chelsea were very close. They spoke or messaged each other every day. So when she didn't hear from her son for several days and noticed his phone was off, she knew something was wrong. 'On the Wednesday night, he was going to come home and watch the soccer. But he never came home,' she said. 'He would always send me a good night text, so something just wasn't sitting right with me. I thought something must have happened.' Four whole days after their dinner, Chelsea decided to jump in her car and make the hour-long drive from her home in Lake Munmorah, NSW, to Jacob's unit in Maitland to see what was going on. What she found was every parent's worst nightmare. Jacob was lying unconscious on the floor. He was completely unresponsive, his body was severely swollen, and one of his eyes was bulging from its socket. She immediately called Triple-0 and paramedics arrived within four minutes. However his condition was so grave, they initially suspected he'd been the victim of a brutal assault. They even seized his phone for evidence. But as they scrolled through his recent activity, they found his final, desperate google search: 'how to treat a migraine', and realised it might not be as black and white as they first thought. It also painted a heartbreaking picture - Jacob had known he was unwell, but hadn't realised just how sick he was. Because his symptoms didn't match the 'classic' signs of meningococcal disease, it took 24 hours before doctors realised what Jacob was actually fighting. 'There was no rash on his body, so I didn't look at him and think, "oh my gosh, this must be meningococcal",' Chelsea said. By then, the bacteria had already caused catastrophic damage to his body and his brain; doctors warned the family to prepare for the worst. Jacob was rushed into intensive care, where he would remain in an induced coma for over two weeks, completely paralysed, unable to move, speak or communicate. 'There's no other way of putting it, than absolutely heartbreaking and terrifying,' Chelsea said of seeing her son in that state. 'We had no idea what the future looked like. When it comes to the brain, they just don't know, so they couldn't give us too much information.' Meningococcal disease is rare, but is a serious illness that usually causes meningitis (inflammation of the lining of the brain and spinal cord) and/or sepsis. People with the disease can become extremely unwell very quickly, like Jacob, and five to ten per cent of patients with the disease die, despite rapid treatment. Even more concerning is that between five and 25 per cent of people in the community carry meningococcal bacteria at the back of the nose and throat without showing any illness or symptoms. As well as a typical red, spotted rash, symptoms of can be non-specific which means that it can be hard to identify. They may include anything from sudden onset of fever, joint pain, nausea and vomiting, headaches and sensitivity to bright lights. From the age of six weeks old, Australians can be vaccinated for free against strains A, B, C, W and Y of the disease, which significantly reduces the risk. However, vaccines are not 100 per cent effective and do not protect against all strains of the bacteria. Jacob spent 22 days in ICU and a total of 230 days in hospital fighting the deadly disease with everything he had. But life is far from how it was before. 'I couldn't speak, and although I consciously knew what was happening, I couldn't get any words out,' Jacob said of how scared and vulnerable he felt at that time. He described the first three days out of his coma as the hardest. 'I was just crying non-stop, and there was a moment of like, okay this is not a dream, this is real,' he said. Once he was fully conscious again, the trauma of his coma left him with PTSD, and he continues to manage physical and emotional scars of the trauma every day. Now 23, Jacob is still recovering, supported full-time by Chelsea, who has become his carer, therapist, and advocate. He walks with the aid of frame, is easily fatigued and has significant difficulty speaking, but he has come a long way in his rehabilitation - impressing medical professionals. 'From the moment I found him, it's just been terror up until probably six months ago, and we started to realise that he's actually doing really well,' Chelsea said. Now, Jacob is back living with his mum, has the support his wider family best friends around him, and is getting himself back into sports and activities he loves. This month Jacob returned to one of his great loves, swimming, in a symbolic milestone on his recovery journey. He was joined in the pool by Olympic gold medalist Libby Trickett and Paralympian Jay Dohnt, a fellow meningococcal survivor, who helped guide Jacob back into the water. Jacob's case is terrifying because it's not unique. Meningococcal disease is rare, but it is fast, brutal and often misdiagnosed. Already this year, 56 cases have been reported across Australia with winter as peak season for transmission. Worryingly, new research shows nearly half (48 per cent) of young adults aged 18-24 can't name even one symptom of meningococcal disease. Even more concerning is one in four parents of children aged zero-to-four are also unable to identify a single sign. 'People think it's a rash,' Chelsea said. 'I really want to get out there that every case is so different.' 'If you're worried about any of your friends or family, urge them to get themselves check out.'
Daily Mail
5 days ago
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
'I'd see him again... as a friend': They were almost perfectly matched from their hobbies to their shoes - but this is the reason why this week's Blind Date didn't end in love
Every week, FEMAIL asks two singletons to report back from their blind date. Today, Elisha and Henry, both 24, recount their lunch, where they bonded over their love of nerd culture and Doctor Who...
