Latest news with #SamFox
Metro
22-07-2025
- Business
- Metro
Should I take a mortgage holiday? The pros and cons of the financial break
If you feel like mortgage payments are overwhelming lately, you're not alone — with unemployment rising, a cost of living crisis and inflation, thousands of UK homeowners are feeling the squeeze. Fluctuating house prices, changing mortgage rates and leasehold reforms are all also contibuting to the stormy atmosphere for homeowners. It's against this unpredictable backdrop, with budgets being stretched left and right, that it becomes tempting, if not necessary, to start looking for some breathing space. Welcome back mortgage holidays! You might remember them as a popular option during the pandemic when almost all of us needed some time to catch our breath financially, and now things are seeming tough again, the idea is catching the eye of many once more. 'Mortgage holidays, also called a mortgage payment holiday, are a financial arrangement where your lender allows you to pause or reduce your monthly mortgage payments for a short, agreed period,' explains property and mortgage expert Sam Fox, from UKMC. Interest still accrues during this time, and you'll need to repay what's been deferred either through higher future payments or an extended term. Not everyone is eligible, and some lenders will ask for written explanations as to why you need a break to ensure that you'll be able to resume payments afterwards. To view this video please enable JavaScript, and consider upgrading to a web browser that supports HTML5 video 'It can be really tempting to go down this road, especially if you have already paid off a large chunk of your mortgage,' Sam adds. 'Some lenders may only permit you to take a mortgage payment holiday if you've pre-built up overpayments to match what you would have paid.' In short, it's by no means a free pass, but it can be a useful tool if used correctly. Think of it as a timeout, not a time-off. You'll still need to catch-up later, so planning ahead is key. Still on the fence? Sam gave Metro a breakdown of the good, the not-so-good and what to be aware of before you decide. Short term financial breathing space Mortgage holidays can be a particularly helpful way to ease pressure when your income takes a temporary hit during life transitions. Obstacles like job changes, temporary illness or maternity leave can cause a strain on your finances, a mortgage holiday can help you to stay on top of other expenses while you adjust, without missing payments. Greater flexibility with finances Taking a short break from your mortgage may give you the opportunity to redirect funds to where they're needed most, whether its emergency costs, a car breaking down, everyday essentials or catching up on other financial commitments. Ease of access If you've managed to build some equity, or can show a short-term drop in income, lenders will typically offer a mortgage holiday much faster (and without affordability checks!). Interest still accrues While you might be taking a break from payments, your lender isn't. Your lender will still be adding interest behind the scenes, so the total amount you owe may grow and result in higher costs later on. Higher repayments later When your holiday comes to a close, your mortgage won't pick up exactly where it left off. This usually means that your payments will go up, or you'll be paying for a bit longer. Credit file impact Even though the break in payments is agreed with your lender, it may still be noted on your credit report, which might make future lenders a little more cautious. More Trending Not suitable for long term issues Mortgage holidays are designed to help with shorter-term set backs. If your income drop isn't temporary, a holiday might just kick the problem down the road and leave you paying more in the long run. There are many banks that offer mortgage holidays to eligible customers. It's always a good idea to chat to a financial advisor to determine the best path to navigate your situation. Below is a list of popular banks, along with their policies on mortgage holidays and additional support for those having difficulty keeping up with payments. All of the banks below also comply with the government Mortgage Charter, whereby customers can reduce their mortgage payments by either increasing the term of their mortgage, or switching their deal to interest only for six months. Clients are also able to lock in mortgage deals four months before their current fixed rate deal concludes, without affordability checks. While Barclays doesn't offer mortgage holidays with their loan agreements, they are able to support customers experiencing financial difficulty by allowing changes to payment dates. This bank allows you to shift payday to up to 25 days after the originally scheduled date, providing customers with some additional flexibility. Santander has a few options if you feel in a bind, offering 'repayment holidays', which work using the same rules as mortgage holidays. You can take a maximum of six repayment holidays during your loan, but interest will continue to accrue. Halifax offers payment holiday's to customers who are eligible, but have some requirements to consider before you can go ahead. Some of their pre-requisites are that you live in the property which your mortgage is associated with, that you haven't taken a previous mortgage holiday for more than six months within the past three years (excluding Covid-19), and that its been over 12 months since you've taken out a mortgage with them. You can see full details of the terms and conditions regarding payment holidays on their website. Nationwide offers mortgage payment holidays to their clients in which they can stop or reduce their payments for between one and 12 months, giving customers some flexibility with repayments. Nationwide considers customers that have previously had a payment holiday, or have previously been converted to interest only ineligible for payment holidays, so ensure that you talk to an advisor before considering either a payment holiday or a mortgage charter as both can impact your credit file. Mortgage holidays can be a real lifeline when used in the right circumstances, offering customers a little breathing space and short-term flexibility with payments while adjusting to a temporary income drop. While they can be a lifejacket, they're not without drawbacks, so make sure you reach out to a financial advisor before diving in, understand all the terms and enter payment holidays with a plan. If you're confident that the financial set-backs you're facing are short-lived, for example a job transition, emergency expenses, maternity or paternity leave, mortgage holidays can act as a perfectly-timed pause button while you get back on your feet. Used wisely, payment holidays can be an ideal break to help you get back on track, without running you off course in the long run. View More » MORE: William and Kate share adorable new video of George, Charlotte and Louis MORE: Alexander Isak odds: Would Newcastle really sell their star striker to Arsenal or Liverpool? MORE: I'm a beauty writer and this is how you get £145 worth of K-Beauty for just £45 Your free newsletter guide to the best London has on offer, from drinks deals to restaurant reviews.
BBC News
10-07-2025
- Entertainment
- BBC News
Music concerts for babies will start in Wolverhampton this summer
Interactive music concerts for babies are to be held across Wolverhampton this summer, the council eight Babies' Adventures in Music (BAM) events will see music performed from around the world, involving an array of instruments at or near several family hubs in the aim of the concerts is to support the wellbeing of babies and their families or carers through a "special musical experience" and "to connect families to services that can support them".They will run from 11 July until 20 August and offer an opportunity for people to relax and have an enjoyable experience with their baby, arts organisation Curiosity Productions added. The group has received government funding through Wolverhampton Family Hubs to put on the BAM will involve "gentle movements and stimulating sounds", featuring singing, harp, accordion and stringed instruments."As parents as well as musicians, we know how positive it is for children to experience live music at a very early age," Sam Fox, a BAM musician said."We have also been researching the impact of our concerts on parental wellbeing with the Public Health Research Officer at Midlands Arts Centre, and will be sharing our findings at the Music & Parental Wellbeing Symposium at the Royal College of Music, London at the end of July."It's great that we can work with the family hubs to bring this special experience to Wolverhampton families, and also help to connect them to services and support.'Jenny Martin, creative director of Curiosity Productions, said the team had been working in the city on various projects for eight years "Kids in Wolverhampton have so much imagination and creativity, we feel honoured to have the opportunity to help them to discover their creative potential."It's fantastic to be giving parents and carers some special experiences with their very little ones too." Follow BBC Wolverhampton & Black Country on BBC Sounds, Facebook, X and Instagram.
Yahoo
17-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Michael J. Fox's Wife Tracy Shares Rare Photo of Their Entire Family on Father's Day: 'Best in the Biz'
Michael J. Fox is feeling the love from his family on Father's Day The actor's wife Tracy Pollan shared several photos of their family on Instagram in honor of the holiday The longtime couple is parents to son Sam, 36, and daughters Aquinnah and Schuyler, 30, and Esmé, 23Michael J. Fox is feeling the love on Father's Day. On Monday, June 16, the actor's wife Tracy Pollan, 64, posted several photos of their entire family on Instagram as they celebrated the holiday together. In one photo, Fox can be seen sitting in the center, surrounded by all four of his kids — son Sam, 36, and daughters Aquinnah and Schuyler, 30, and Esmé, 23 – as well as Pollan. Another snap showed the family of six posing together outside, dressed up in dresses and suits. The proud mom also shared individual pictures of Fox with each one of his kids as they spent time together. "You've been slaying this dad thing since day one! Happy Father's Day to the best in the biz, we love you ❤️," Pollan wrote in her caption. Never miss a story — sign up for to stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer, from celebrity news to compelling human interest stories. In the comments, Fox sweetly wrote back to his longtime wife. "Luckiest lucky man on the planet. Love you all so much it makes me dizzy." Back in January, Fox had his family by his side as he received a special acknowledgment. The Back to the Future star shared a photo on his Instagram after he received the Presidential Medal of Freedom from President Biden, showing that he was surrounded by his entire family as he was honored. In the photo, Fox could be seen standing between his wife Pollan and Dr. Jill Biden, who was next to Fox's son Sam and his daughter Esmé. On the other side of Pollan, President Biden smiled as he stood by Fox's twin daughters, Schuyler and Aquinnah. "WOW. Did this happen? Lots of thanks to everybody including Tracy and the kids. I am truly humbled," Fox wrote in his caption. A second post showed another sweet photo of the family of six, smiling together as Fox showed off his new medal. In November, the actor shared a tribute to his daughter Esmé on Instagram in celebration of her 23rd birthday. "Esme, Happy birthday to our renaissance gal," Fox captioned the post. "You do it all." He continued to express his love for her, writing, "Your Dood loves you very much. Who doesn't? Keep living your best life. 😍♥️." Pollan also shared a birthday message for Esmé, writing on Instagram: "I love you @esmeannabelle Happy Birthday!!! I love absolutely everything about you and I am blessed to be able to explore the world with you! You are my heart 💜." Read the original article on People
The Irish Sun
29-05-2025
- Entertainment
- The Irish Sun
Where your favourite Page 3 girls are now…Ted Lasso star to freak health battle & legend with ‘best boobs in the world'
IT launched the careers of Sam Fox, Kelly Brook and Katie Price - and led many more women to bright futures. But the Page 3 glamour girl has been officially consigned to history as the last UK newspaper to feature topless pics calls it a day. 27 Katie Price launched her career on Page 3 Credit: Getty 27 Sam Fox celebrates 25 years of the page Credit: News Group Newspapers Ltd 27 Keeley Hazell was a favourite of lads' mags Credit: Instagram 27 She now stars in Ted Lasso Credit: Getty Images - Getty Ten years after The Sun ditched its own iconic Page 3, The Daily Star has announced it is pulling the pin-ups from its paper. While the world has moved on since its introduction in 1970, the girls who found fame through The Sun's glamour shoots have gone on to successful lives in many different fields, as well as suffering their fair share of heartache. From a successful Hollywood actress to a devastating health battle and a new life on a farm, we look at where your favourite page 3 models are now. Ted Lasso Star Keeley Hazell began her career as a model, working with The Sun as well as magazines such as FHM, Loaded, Nuts and Zoo Weekly, before transitioning to writing and acting. READ MORE FEATURES She was just 17 when she won a national "Search for a Babe" competition, and fast became one of Britain's top glamour models during the Noughties. There was a time when she commanded up to £30,000 for one photo shoot, and her final appearance on Page 3 was in 2009. She then turned to Hollywood, most recently landing the role of Bex in the Apple TV's mega-hit Ted Lasso - and even co-writing one of the episodes. She also starred in Horrible Bosses 2, in 2014. Most read in Celebrity The star, who also campaigns on environmental issues and breast cancer awareness, has dated Joe Cole, David Walliams and most recently Jason Sudeikis. They split in 2022. 'PE With Joe' star When Rosie Jones appeared on Page 3 she won the heart of her future husband, Joe Wicks, eight years before they met in 2016. Jodie Marsh gives health update after saying she's 'fat but happier than ever' now she's quit glamour modelling 27 Rosie was Joe Wicks' 'dream girl' Credit: Jay Mawson - The Sun 27 Rosie stood in for Joe when he was injured Credit: Refer to Caption The gym legend set his sight s on his 'dream girl' and they finally came face to face at a rave where his pal was DJing. The couple wed in 2019 and share four kids - Indie, seven, and Marley, five,Leni, two and 11-month-old Dusty. And she sent viewing figures rocketing with her #PEWithJoe appearance. Wag with a children's boutique 27 Michelle was dubbed the 'new Sam Fox' Credit: News Group Newspapers Ltd 27 She went on to have three children with husband Will Haining Credit: News Group Newspapers Ltd Dubbed "the new She was famed for her 32FF natural boobs in the early noughties, but quit modelling in 2006. Instead, she tried to make it as a pop star - but her debut single I Don't Do flopped at number 89 in the charts. Michelle, now 42, went on to perform on The X Factor's Battle of the Stars in 2008. She also appeared on The Weakest Link and Celebrity Big Brother. The former glamour model - who once worked as a care assistant at a nursing home - opened a children's boutique, TillyFlops, in Oldham, Manchester in 2012. She married Scottish footballer Will Haining in 2007, and the couple have three children. In 2022, she opened up about her daughter's rare medical condition, complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS). The chronic nerve disease left Maddison, now 17, 'screaming in pain' and Michelle revealed the traumatised teen even 'begged to have her leg amputated.' Lara Croft model 27 Nell McAndrew was the model for the computer game Tomb Raider Credit: News Group Newspapers Ltd 27 She went on to run marathons and write about running Credit: nelliemcfitness/Instagram Now aged 47, she went on to model for all of the top men's mags. She later moved to TV and hosted The Big Breakfast in the early noughties, before signing up for her first marathon in 2005. She has run several more since and has set a personal best of 2hours and 54minutes. Leeds-born Nell - who has penned a book about running - has appeared on a series of reality shows including I'm A Celebrity Get Me Out of Here, Family Fortunes and Dancing On Ice. She is married to property developer Paul Hardcastle and they have two children. High-flying actress 27 Lucy Pinder won the 'best boobs' accolade Credit: Alamy 27 Lucy became an actress and hosts a podcast Credit: Instagram/Pinderpix Lucy, now 41, went into the Celebrity Big Brother house in 2009 but was booted off in only the first week. She has since become an actress starring in a series of films, including Age of Kill with former EastEnders actor Martin Kemp in 2015, as well as 2017 supernatural thrillers Suburban Fairytale and Fanged Up. The actress - whose Instagram page captures her love of photography - has also been involved with charities over the years, including Cats Protection and Help for Heroes. She currently hosts a podcast called Smashing Sundays. Last year Lucy, who was previously linked to Marvel actor Chris Evans, confirmed her relationship with Southampton manager Russell Martin. Electronic DJ 27 Jakki Degg was voted the Best Ever Page 3 Girl Credit: News Group Newspapers Ltd 27 Jakki became a DJ in nightclubs Credit: Jakki Degg was crowned The Sun's "Best Ever Page 3 Girl" in 2001. She's since graced the covers of hundreds of lads' mags, and has even starred as a TV actress. She appeared in Is Harry On The Boat? a film based on the lives of holiday reps in Ibiza, alongside Danny Dyer, Ralf Little and Caroline Flack. In 2004, she won ITV's Celebrity 24 Hour Quiz, with her winnings going to the RSPCA. Now aged 47, Jakki quit the modelling industry after a successful decade. She later went off-the-radar to become an electronic DJ, mostly in local UK nightclubs. Health battle 27 Jo Guest poses for a shoot in 1997 Credit: News Group Newspapers Ltd 27 The former Glamour model told This Morning about her debilitating illness Credit: ITV Starting out as a Page 3 girl, Joanne Guest starred in photoshoots with Now aged 53, Jo has since starred in a few documentary-style shows for the Granada Men & Motors channel, such as UK Babes Exposed and Undressed with Guest. In 2007, she was devastatingly With a bloated stomach and in constant pain, Jo gave up sex for more than a year and was forced to sell her used knickers on eBay because she couldn't work. She told This Morning at the time: 'One day I tried to put on my favourite boots and couldn't zip them up - I realised my calves were swollen. "I thought maybe it was down to the change in my lifestyle." Jo - who was eventually diagnosed with ME (myalgic encephalomyelitis) and fibromyalgia - has since re-joined Men & Motors, and stars on their YouTube channel. The bodybuilder 27 Jodie shot to fame after posing for Page 3 Credit: News Group Newspapers Ltd 27 Jodie took up bodybuilding and competed in LA Credit: @jodiemarshtv/instagram 27 She now runs an animal sanctuary Credit: Instagram / jodiemarshtv Former Page 3 girl Jodie Marsh started her career at the world-famous Stringfellows nightclub. She went on to star in a number of reality TV shows, even In 2015, she wed James Placido but the couple split after two years and she went on to swear off men, staying celibate for four years. Years after debuting her famous outfit of just two studded straps over her breasts, Jodie, now 46, decided to turn her attention to fitness and bodybuilding. She won contests in LA and featured in TV shows about her bodybuilding. Since 2020, she has devoted herself to the care of our furry friends, buying Fripps Farm in Essex and opening it as an animal sanctuary. Professional show jumper 27 Leilani poses for a shoot in 2001 Credit: News Group Newspapers Ltd 27 She followed her passion for horses to become a showjumper Credit: Instagram Leilani Dowding, who grew up in a Catholic household in Dorset, competed in Miss Universe and other pageants before becoming a Page 3 model in 1999. In 2005, she starred in a gladiators-style TV show alongside Big Brother's She was briefly married to American actor and restaurateur Richie Palmer, a former husband of actress Raquel Welch. The horse-mad model, 45, has since competed in professional show-jumping competitions and spends a lot of her spare time at the stables. She also ran a clothing boutique and a real estate company in the Hollywood Hills. Most recently, Leilani - who is The couple have since moved back to the UK. Reality star 27 Nicola McClean retired after having her son in 2006 Credit: News Group Newspapers Ltd 27 Nicola is now a mum of two Credit: Instagram Stunning blonde Nicola McLean appeared regularly on Page 3 between 1999 and 2004, but chose to retire after giving birth to her first son in 2006. In a poll, readers voted her as their fourth favourite Page 3 girl of all time, ahead of the likes of Samantha Fox and Katie Price - with whom she had a tense rivalry. After throwing the towel in for glamour modelling, Nicola became a reality TV star, starring with Joe Swash in the I'm A Celeb jungle in 2008 and Big Brother in 2012 and 2017. She has also been a regular panellist on the Jeremy Vine show, on Channel 5. The 44-year-old, who is an avid supporter of animal charity PETA, married footballer Tom Williams in 2009 and they have two sons - Rocky and Striker. They briefly split when Tom cheated on her in Las Vegas in 2014, but reunited a year later. £50m fortune 27 Picture shows Geri Halliwell as a Sun page 3 model at the age of 18. Credit: News Group Newspapers Ltd 27 Geri now lives the high life in her country mansion Credit: Instagram Before she found fame with hit girl band Spice Girls, Geri Horner, dubbed Ginger Spice, posed for a series of racy glamour shots. She also posed for Page 3 in 1990 - just four years before she was discovered by music label Heart Management and joined the Spice Girls. The group became the most successful British pop band since The Beatles, with their first album selling more than 30 million copies. In later years, the band split and Geri launched a solo career. Now 52, she had a string of high-profile relationships with stars like Robbie Williams and David Walliams before meeting her husband, Formula One boss Christian Horner. The couple have a son, eight-year-old Montague, and a daughter, Bluebell, 19, from Geri's previous relationship with screenwriter Sacha Gervasi. In recent years, the once-outspoken Spice has enjoyed spending time at home in her and Christian's Their relationship was rocked last year when Christian was The Red Bull boss was found to have sent a slew of inappropriate messages to a female employee - who he pestered for raunchy snaps - behind Geri's back. But the pair worked through the problems. Geri is said to have amassed a personal fortune of more than £50 million. TV presenter and Love Island winner 27 Jayne was a Page 3 girl in the 1990s Credit: News Group Newspapers Ltd 27 She went on to win Love Island but disappear off the radar Credit: Twitter Model-turned-TV-presenter Jayne Middlemiss landed a spot on Page 3 in the nineties. She then struck the big time after landing a presenting gig on Top of the Pops and on Radio 1. Already a hit on mainstream TV, Jayne went on to famously star in 2005's Celebrity Love Island alongside Calum Best and Rebecca Loos. She Jayne, 54, also won Celebrity MasterChef in 2009 - but has been off-the-radar since. On Twitter, she details her love of yoga, and has described herself as a "music obsessed spiritual junkie" and "a yogini", whatever that means... Our Page 3 girls really have gone on to do great things!
Associated Press
18-04-2025
- Business
- Associated Press
Florida's First Flower Child to Open May 13 in Lakewood Ranch's Center Point at Waterside
SARASOTA, FL, UNITED STATES, April 18, 2025 / / -- Flower Child, the beloved fast-casual restaurant known for its happy, feel-good eats and drinks, will open May 13th in Lakewood Ranch. Marking its first location in Florida, Flower Child will bring a garden of deliciousness to Center Point at Waterside's premier outdoor shopping and dining destination this spring. 'We couldn't be more excited to open our doors in Sarasota,' said Sam Fox, founder of Fox Restaurant Concepts. 'Whether guests are stopping by for a quick, nourishing bite or gathering with friends over a meal that fuels both body and soul, we're thrilled to bring Flower Child to the vibrant Lakewood Ranch community.' With its commitment to fresh, high-quality ingredients, warm hospitality, and a feel-good atmosphere, Flower Child has gained a devoted following across the country. The menu features a variety of customizable bowls, wraps, salads, and mix-and-match veggies, grains, fruits, and proteins, making clean eating both convenient and crave-worthy. Whether guests are vegetarian, vegan, paleo, gluten-free, or simply looking for a nourishing meal, Flower Child offers an inviting and flavorful dining experience. Fan-favorite dishes include the Mother Earth Bowl, featuring ancient grains, sweet potato, portobello mushroom, avocado, cucumber, broccoli pesto, charred onion, leafy greens, red pepper miso vinaigrette, and hemp seed; the gluten-free Mac & Cheese made with aged white cheddar and parmesan; the Chicken Enchiladas with guajillo chile, smoked gouda, poblano cream, organic black bean, roasted corn, and avocado; and the Flying Avocado Wrap with smoked turkey, gouda, romaine, tomato, and avocado hummus. Located at 6532 University Parkway, the 3,500-square-foot restaurant will be Flower Child's 41st location nationwide. Bringing a fresh burst of color and health to Sarasota, the new Flower Child location will continue the brand's mission of serving made-from-scratch meals with no freezers or fryers. Guests can choose to dine in, have meals delivered, or grab a quick bite through the convenient to-go window. Designed to be as welcoming as the food is wholesome, the Sarasota location will feature Flower Child's signature bright and airy aesthetic, creating the perfect space to gather over handcrafted meals. Adding to the vibrant atmosphere, a hand-painted lemon tree mural on the exterior symbolizes Flower Child's fresh, uplifting spirit and seamlessly blends into the restaurant's inviting design. Guests can enjoy dine-in and patio seating, catering options, and a seamless ordering experience through the Flower Child app, which offers pick-up, curbside pick-up, delivery, and exclusive rewards. Additionally, Flower Child is now hiring numerous positions for both the front and back of the house. The concept is looking for positive people passionate about hospitality, healthy living, intuitive eating with a go-getting attitude. Those interested can apply in person at Flower Child's upcoming Job Fair on April 21 – May 3 from 10am – 6pm daily, closed on Sunday, April 27. For more information on Flower Child and its menu, visit ### About Flower Child Flower Child is a fast-casual restaurant designed to inspire and support healthy lifestyles. As a part of Sam Fox's Fox Restaurant Concepts, the multi-location restaurant provides made-from-scratch meals accessible to various dietary needs. Flower Child's menu offers customizable bowls, wraps, salads, different mix-and-match veggies, grains, fruits, and healthy proteins. It's clean eating with convenience. Known for its cheerful staff and uplifting dining environment, Flower Child has locations in Arizona, California, Colorado, Georgia, Indiana, Maryland, Nevada, North Carolina, Oklahoma, Texas, Virginia, and Utah. For more information, please visit or follow @eatflowerchild. About Fox Restaurant Concepts Our story begins with Sam Fox, a man passionate about hospitality and endlessly inspired by food and design. He opened his first concept, Wildflower American Cuisine, in Tucson in 1998, and today has innovated and operated dozens of ever-evolving brands, including Culinary Dropout, Flower Child, North Italia, Zinburger, Blanco Cocina+ Cantina, Doughbird, The Henry, and more. More than 25 years later, FRC has grown into a team of nearly 6,000 employees in more than 60 locations spanning the country. The Fox Restaurants team is a community of creative thinkers passionate about bringing big ideas to life, creating fantastic community experiences, and sharing stories over incredible food. For more, visit Grant Chungo Playbook Public Relations +1 540-270-2580 email us here Legal Disclaimer: EIN Presswire provides this news content 'as is' without warranty of any kind. We do not accept any responsibility or liability for the accuracy, content, images, videos, licenses, completeness, legality, or reliability of the information contained in this article. If you have any complaints or copyright issues related to this article, kindly contact the author above.
