Latest news with #FYI
Daily Mirror
03-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mirror
Thousands of schoolchildren to join landmark event marking VE Day 80th anniversary
The Great Big Live Assembly will include inspiring stories, historical insights, and messages of gratitude from veterans, historians, and special guests More than 100,000 schoolchildren will come together for a landmark event commemorating the 80th anniversary of VE Day. The Great Big Live Assembly will include inspiring stories, historical insights, and messages of gratitude from veterans, historians, and special guests. The event aims to ensure that new generations understand the importance of VE Day and its lasting impact on the world. Children from 600 schools are expected to take part in a live streamed act of remembrance and gratitude, organisers say. It will include an interview with 108-year-old Frank Chester, a veteran of Operation Overlord and of submarine hunting in the Arctic Convoys. Following the live stream, children will engage with the anniversary through quizzes and follow-up activities. Bruno Peek, Pageantmaster of VE Day 80, said: "This year we are celebrating the 80th anniversary of VE Day on the 8th of May, and the country will come together to commemorate the millions who sacrificed their lives at home and abroad so that we would live in freedom. 'I encourage every primary school to take this brilliant opportunity to hear from one of our few surviving veterans so that their story can be passed down to the generation who will be responsible for peace in the future.' Dr Krish Kandiah, founder of Sanctuary Foundation, a charity that advocates for those who have fled warzones around the world, is hosting the Great Big Live Assembly alongside 16 year old Scarlett Archer from Sky News' FYI programme. Dr Kandiah says: 'VE 80 is a unique moment for us as a nation to look back at the courage and compassion of those who gave up so much for the peace we enjoy today. By hearing from children impacted by war we show that sadly war is not history for many children, but current reality.' 'As the number of those who served in World War II diminishes, it becomes our responsibility to keep their stories alive. 'By bringing young people into the heart of this commemoration, we ensure that their sacrifices are never forgotten.'
NBC News
25-04-2025
- Lifestyle
- NBC News
What are 'recession nails,' and why is everyone doing them?
We don't always have the answers, but we have some people on speed dial who do — which is why we present to you our series FYI where we have experts explain if lip balm is actually bad, how often you should wash your hair and more. We're all trying to be a little smarter about where our money goes — and sometimes, that means cutting back on the 'nice-to-haves,' like weekly salon appointments. But just because your budget's tight doesn't mean your nails have to look like it. Welcome to the era of 'recession nails' — a buzzy trend with real payoff. Whether finding ways to stretch your current manicure or perfect your at-home polish game, it's all about looking polished without blowing your budget. To help you master the art of the money-saving mani, we asked pro nail techs to spill their best tips — from the tools they love to the tricks that keep polish chip-free. How to make your salon manicure last longer If you're going to splurge on a professional manicure, make it worthwhile. 'The best way to extend a salon manicure is to apply a layer of top coat every day — it keeps chips at bay,' says Jessica Dickson, owner of Jessica's Beauty Service. Another pro tip? 'Wear gloves when you're cleaning or doing dishes,' says Chelse Collins, nail technician and owner of The One Beauty Lounge. 'Excess water and harsh chemicals can cause your polish to lift or chip faster.' How to DIY your manicure at home Want to skip the salon altogether? You can still get a great-looking manicure at home — you just need to know a few key tips. Below, our experts share their best guidance: File gently: Use a fine-grit nail file to shape your nails. Avoid using a sawing, back-and-forth motion, which can weaken the nail. Instead, move the file in one direction, starting at the outer edge and moving inward. Focus on your cuticles: 'Whether you're using an orange wood stick, a metal pusher, or an electric file, giving proper attention to your cuticles is essential,' says Collins. 'Make sure they're gently pushed back and any excess is trimmed—this ensures your polish adheres properly and lays smooth.' Just avoid cutting the skin around your nails, which can cause hangnails, and only trim hard pieces of cuticle sticking out, says Dickson. Clean your nails: 'Polish won't stick to a nail bed that's oily or dirty,' says Collins. 'Spray your nails with at least 70% alcohol and wipe them down.' Dickson says to avoid using a cotton ball to wipe, and stick to a paper towel instead — cotton can leave behind fibers. Paint away: When it comes to polish, start with a base coat, which gives your color something to stick to. Then paint on two thin layers of colored polish, followed by a top coat to seal it all in. 'With every layer, run the brush along the free edge (tip) of the nail,' says Collins. 'This helps seal the product, prevents cupping, and extends the wear of your manicure.' To help make your at-home manicure dreams come true, we rounded up nail products our experts love — and added a few more recommendations from NBC Select editors. Dickson enjoys this fine-grit nail file, which won't wear down as quickly as most files. The file is made from nickel-coated fiberglass and has industrial chips embedded into it, according to the brand. It is also reusable and washable. This limited-edition kit is a nail lover's dream: It includes four bestselling kur care treatments and four long-lasting, chip-resistant nail colors in flattering, everyday shades. Whether you're going for a full mani or a quick refresh, this set has everything you need for salon-quality nails at home. Another recommendation from Dickson, this cuticle oil is made up of a blend of four natural oils — jojoba, vitamin E, rice bran and sweet almond. The oil helps to nourish cuticles and nails so they are stronger and moisturized, according to the brand. Dazzle Dry Polish 'This polish is a total game-changer,' says Collins. 'It dries completely in under five minutes and lasts for up to 14 days on natural nails.' The polish comes in more than 150 shades and is vegan and non-toxic, according to the brand. Olive & June's Mani System has everything you need for an at-home manicure — including clippers, a file, a buffer, cuticle serum and more. 'During the pandemic, I bought Olive & June's Mani System and watched all of the brand's videos on social media to learn how to properly do my nails,' says NBC Select reporter Zoe Malin. 'I still religiously use Olive & June's products five years later because they're high-quality. I also swear by the quick-dry drops. The first time I used them, I could not believe that it literally took less than 10 minutes for my polish to harden completely.' Essie Expressie Nail Polish 'If I'm not using Olive & June polish, I use Essie Expressies,' says Malin. 'It dries very, very quickly and I like that the brush head is on the narrower side, which helps me be more precise with my strokes.' The polish comes in many colors, and Malin says she keeps them in all her travel bags in case she needs to fix or do a manicure quickly. Manicurist Discovery Kit Manicurist's Discovery Kit has five products — a nail degreaser, base coat, polish, top coat and drying drops. All of the formulas are plant-based and free from toxins. The polish also offers a gel-like effect without a UV lamp, according to the brand. 'This is the only at-home manicure set that actually leaves my nails looking and feeling better than they started,' says Lauren Swanson, NBC Select editorial director. 'The manicure also last for about three weeks without chipping — I usually get bored of the color before the polish chips.' Glamnetic Press On Nails I started using these press-on nails during the pandemic and haven't stopped since. They come in a variety of shapes, lengths and colors. The kit comes with 30 nails in 15 sizes, so you'll find sizes that work for you. You also get a cuticle stick, nail file, alcohol pad and glue. What I like most is how sturdy they are — they don't bend or break — and last up to two weeks. Chillhouse Chill Tips 'I'm a big fan of nail art, but complex designs come with a heavy price tag at the nail salon,' says NBC Select editorial projects manager Rebecca Rodriguez. 'When I decided to save money by doing my nails at home, I didn't want to give up getting fun designs, so I opted for Chillhouse's Chill Tips. They offer many pretty, funky options and you can choose your preferred nail shape.' Rodriguez notes that they typically last for two weeks with the right prep. Meet our experts At NBC Select, we work with experts with specialized knowledge and authority based on relevant training and experience. We also ensure all expert advice and recommendations are made independently and without undisclosed financial conflicts of interest. Why trust NBC Select? Bethany Heitman is a contributor at NBC Select and a journalist who regularly covers beauty, home and lifestyle. For this story, she interviewed experts on recession hair.
NBC News
21-04-2025
- General
- NBC News
How to keep white sneakers clean — and not be afraid of wearing them in the future
We don't always have the answers, but we have some people on speed dial who do — which is why we present to you our series FYI where we have experts explain if lip balm is actually bad, how often you should wash your hair and more. White sneakers are extremely susceptible to scratches, scuff marks, smudges and damage, especially if you do a lot of walking in them. 'They may need more than simple cleaning,' says Vincent Rao Jr., president of shoe restoration company Vince's Village Cobbler. 'Often, they require a full repaint, especially if they are heavily stained.' To avoid having to get your shoes repainted, be careful about when, where and how you wear your white sneakers, and make use of helpful products that keep them protected. Read on for expert advice and product recommendations. How I chose the best products for keeping shoes white When shopping for products that keep white shoes clean, our experts say you should consider the following factors: Shoe type: While you should clean all of your shoes regularly, not every type of shoe can be cleaned in the same way. The material of your shoes — whether canvas, leather, suede, mesh or plastic — determines what product you should use to avoid damaging them. For example, leather shoes benefit from regular conditioning to prevent them from creasing or cracking. Canvas shoes, however, are best cleaned using something like a Magic Eraser or a fabric cleaner like Oxiclean. A range of different product types are included in my roundup. Stain repelling: Several of the products below are protectant sprays, which create a barrier on the surface of your shoes. The spray coats the shoe in a hydrophobic substance, which helps it to repel liquids such as water, and prevents other debris from sticking to it. This also shields your shoes from potential food, ink, and mud stains. I chose sprays that are compatible with various shoe types. That said, sprays are best for preventing stains, rather than getting rid of ones that already exist. This is why I also included shoe-cleaning kits with brushes in this list, which help scrub away set-in stains on shoes without scratching or warping them. The best products for keeping shoes white Best protector sprays for white shoes Jason Markk Repel Spray This spray is water-based and more eco-friendly compared to aerosol cleaners, since it's free of potentially harmful chemicals like VOC and PFAS, according to the brand. To use the protectant, which has a 4.4-star average rating from 4,584 reviews on Amazon, spray the surface of your shoes, then let the solution dry and set. It blocks out elements like water and dirt, and is safe to use on leather, suede, mesh, canvas and nubuck, according to the brand. You can even use the spray for bags, hats and certain clothing, says Jason Markk. The spray bottle is also refillable, so you can easily restock the solution without having to buy a whole new bottle. What we like: Easy to apply, Refillable Something to note: Nothing to note at this time This option has a 4.6-star average from over 5,000 reviews on Amazon. Like the one above, this repellent goes all over the surface of your shoes without altering the color or leaving behind any sticky residue, according to the brand. It's fine to use on white and non-white shoes, including ones made of leather, suede and canvas, according to the brand. It's also good for preventing stains on heels, flats, handbags, wallets, boots, accessories and even furniture, according to Apple. This spray, which has a 4.5-star average rating from 9,580 reviews on Amazon, also uses a hydrophobic (water resistant) coating to protect the outside of shoes, according to the brand. It repels water, oil and other common stains, and prevents dirt from clinging to shoes, according to the brand. All you have to do is spray two coatings onto your shoes — whether leather, suede or nubuck — in a well-ventilated area and let it dry. The treatment provides protection for up to four to five weeks, according to the brand. This kit has both a cleaner and conditioner, as well as lint-free cleaning cloths. The cleaner is ideal for erasing stains and debris from the surface of the shoe, while the conditioner is great for reviving the sheen. In fact, the conditioner is good for polishing many types of leather items, including white shoes with leather uppers. 'For leather shoes, including sneakers and boots, it's crucial to use products specifically designed for leather care,' says Rao. 'A good leather conditioner or a delicate polish can clean and help restore the leather's appearance.' It's safe to use on leather of any color, including white leather, and even faux leather and vinyl, according to the brand. White canvas shoes are a staple during the spring and summer, especially since they're light and breathable, and this cleaning solution is ideal for keeping them clean after several wears. Also suitable for leather and mesh shoes, the formula is made of soap and conditioner, and you only need a few drops to clean a pair of sneakers, according to the brand. With a 4.3-star average rating from 40,189 reviews on Amazon, the solution comes with a bristle brush that you dip in water to lather up and clean your shoes. This cleaning kit has three brushes — a soft, medium and stiff bristle — a bottled cleaning solution and a microfiber towel. You can use the product to clean midsoles, outsoles and uppers, according to the brand. The brushes are safe to use on most materials, such as suede, mesh, canvas and leather, however, each brush is recommended for use on different materials and parts of the shoe. For example, the soft brush is best for suede while the medium brush is best for plastic. All you have to do is dilute a small amount of the cleaning solution with water and use the brushes and towel to scrub away scuffs and marks. This kit has a 4-ounce bottle with a cleaning solution and a small bristle brush for cleaning the uppers and soles of shoes. You can use the brush to scrub away dirt, mud and food stains on shoes made of leather, canvas, suede, vinyl and more without damaging them, according to the brand. Plus, the solution and brush are safe to use on shoes of any color, according to the brand. To clean your shoes, simply dip the brush in water, add a couple squeezes of the solution to the bristles, and scrub the shoes until a lather forms. Mygezi 2-Pack Sneaker Wipes The portable wipes, which have 4.4-star average rating from 4,740 reviews on Amazon, are skin-safe, according to the brand, and perfect for erasing recent stains, smudges or scuff marks on your white shoes. 'If you care about your shoes and want them to look just right, consider keeping a package of shoe-cleaning wipes on you when you're out and about (think: car),' says Melissa Maker, owner of cleaning brand Clean My Space. 'Give them a quick scrub before heading into an event, after walking on a dirty path, while traveling, or after a night out.' While the wipes aren't suitable for suede leather, they're fine for white shoes made from regular leather or mesh, according to the brand, which means you can use them to clean a pair of running shoes or pickleball shoes. Meet our experts At NBC Select, we work with experts who have specialized knowledge and authority based on relevant training and/or experience. We also take steps to ensure that all expert advice and recommendations are made independently and with no undisclosed financial conflicts of interest. Why trust NBC Select? I am a commerce editor at NBC Select who frequently covers kitchen, cleaning, wellness and other lifestyle content. I spoke with cleaning and shoe restoration experts to learn about the best ways to keep white sneakers clean.
NBC News
08-04-2025
- Lifestyle
- NBC News
'Recession Hair' is chic, strategic — and won't bleed your wallet dry
We don't always have the answers, but we have some people on speed dial who do — which is why we present to you our series FYI where we have experts explain if lip balm is actually bad, how often you should wash your hair and more. You're not alone if you've been extra worried about money lately. All this talk about a potential recession has many people scrambling to find ways to cut back and save. For some, that means shopping sales; for others, it means minimizing how often they do costly things like getting their hair colored. So many people are interested in saving money at the salon, and it has inspired a beauty trend called 'recession hair.' The recession hair is really for those who want to continue to color their hair but don't want to save by trying at-home dye kits. It involves having your hair colored in a way that allows you to extend the time between trips to the salon, allowing you to go less frequently and save money. We turned to top hair stylists to learn more about this trend. Here's what they had to say. What is recession hair? Recession hair is a term focused on making low maintenance, low-cost hair color choices, says William Whatley, celebrity hairstylist and creative education director for Scruples. There are ways to do this, but most people do it by having their hair colored in a way that allows more blending at the roots, so you don't need as frequent touch-ups. 'I've also seen it dubbed recession blonde or recession brunette, and it's one of the hottest trends of the season,' says Angela Calisti, a celebrity hairstylist at Beauty Social Salon in New York City. 'It usually involves a darker, more brown-tinted shade that showcases a natural root, achieved by missing one's touch-up appointment.' The reason for this: If you have slightly darker hair, going lighter from the root to the tip can mean lots of upkeep. 'While exact cost depends on where you get your color done, upkeep for blonde hair can be quite the investment and oftentimes the more expensive option because of the frequency of salon visits you need to maintain it,' explains Calisti, who adds that going a bit darker at the roots and blending into a lighter shade is helpful because grow out won't be as noticeable. How to ask for recession hair If you ask your stylist for recession hair, there is no guarantee that person will know what you mean. Instead, the stylists we spoke to suggested asking the person doing your color for specific techniques that will allow you to visit the salon less frequently. Here are some of the common terms our hair stylists say you can ask for: The root stretch: 'This softly blends your natural hair color into your existing lightened strands, creating a seamless grow-out,' says Calisti. 'Adding lowlights at your appointment can enhance depth and prolong the time between touch-ups.' Balayage: This technique blends highlights and roots for a more natural look, says Whatley. 'Unlike foiling close to the roots, which can create noticeable lines, balayage focuses on the mid-lengths and ends, providing a softer, more natural blend,' adds Calisti. 'This service can last a year.' Gloss: Skip the highlights and enhance your color with a quick gloss — it can keep your blonde or brunette hair looking rich, says Calisti, who also points out that getting a gloss tends to be more affordable than highlights. How to go longer between salon appointments Beyond making smart choices at the salon, there are a few ways you can extend the lifespan of your color. Here is what Whatley recommends: Skip the shampoo: Washing your hair daily can cause color to fade faster. Instead, wash every other day or even less frequently if you can. Pick the right formula: When you wash, use a sulfate-free shampoo, which can also prevent fast fading. Avoid hot water: Using hot water in the shower can wash the color out of your hair. Stick to tepid water instead. Meet our experts At NBC Select, we work with experts with specialized knowledge and authority based on relevant training and experience. We also ensure all expert advice and recommendations are made independently and without undisclosed financial conflicts of interest. Why trust NBC Select? Bethany Heitman is a contributor at NBC Select and a journalist who regularly covers beauty, home and lifestyle. For this story, she interviewed experts on recession hair.
Yahoo
07-04-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Knoxville considers allocating $1 million on housing for youth aging out of foster care
KNOXVILLE, Tenn. (WATE) — Officials with Knoxville's Housing and Neighborhood Development (HND) Department proposed allocating $1 million to create 18 units of supportive housing for youth aging out of foster care, a Knoxville spokesperson said. In April 2021, Knoxville officials learned they would receive over $4 million from the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development. In September 2022, the city asked for the public's input deciding how to spend it. Parole declined for East Tennessee man convicted of attacking family Originally, the city government decided to spend $2.9 million on affordable rental housing, $1 million providing supportive services and just over $175,000 on administration and planning. However, HND now proposes that, instead of supportive services, they spend $1 million making affordable rental housing for young people who have aged out of foster care. They specifically want to help young people 'who are at-risk of homelessness,' the revised plan states. See the proposed revision on the city website. For the project, the city will rehabilitate 'an existing senior facility into an 18-unit community dedicated to serving youth through Foster Youth to Independence (FYI) vouchers,' according to page 30 of the revised proposal. The units will be studio apartments. Knox County Mayor Glenn Jacobs calls tariffs 'a terrible idea,' but says they can be used as 'leverage' The city plans to hold a public meeting about this on Wednesday at 6 p.m. at the Public Works Service Center. People can also register to attend virtually on the city website, but they must do so at least 15 minutes prior to the meeting. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
