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Financial concerns have surpassed health as the primary motivation for Britons embarking on Dry January, a charity has revealed.

Alcohol Change UK reports that a staggering 17.5 million people intend to begin the new year with a month-long abstinence from alcohol.

While 21 per cent cited saving money as their top reason, closely followed by 20 per cent prioritising improved health, weight loss motivated 15 per cent of participants.

Additionally, 11 per cent of drinkers expressed a desire to enhance their mental health and wellbeing or boost their physical fitness.

Alcohol Change UK’s chief executive Dr Richard Piper said: “Given the current pressure on our personal finances, we’re not surprised to see that saving money is the top motivator for taking a break from alcohol in January.

“People are often shocked to hear estimates of what an average drinker spends on alcohol, which our research suggests is more than £62,000 over a lifetime – that’s a lot of holidays, more than a brand new car or a big chunk off our mortgage.

“Even on a day-to-day basis, our drinking habits add up, and we can easily find ourselves spending more money on alcohol than we’d like – often without us really noticing until we step back and take a break.

“In fact, many members of our community who are actively changing their relationship with alcohol report being surprised by how much money they’re saving in a short period of time, or in other words just how much they were spending on booze beforehand.”

11 per cent of drinkers expressed a desire to enhance their mental health and wellbeing or boost their physical fitness (iStock)

A total of £1.55 billion has been saved since 2018 by drinkers who used the charity’s Try Dry app along with other online tools and groups to take part in Dry January, researchers found.

A closer look at figures from the app which tracks units drunk, calories and money saved while enabling drinkers to log dry days and get tips, found that drinkers also cut their alcohol consumption by 258 million units.

This is around 129 million pints of average strength beer or medium glasses of wine which amounts to approximately two units per drink.

They also avoided 16.2 billion empty calories – which is equivalent to around 80 million 200-calorie chocolate bars.

Some 31 per cent of UK drinkers said they had concerns about the long-term damage their alcohol consumption might be doing to them, a survey of 2,000 people carried out by Censuswide also found.

They also felt that alcohol may be negatively affecting their appearance, fitness, sleep and physical health and 52 per cent of drinkers said they had taken steps to manage their intake in the past year.

Public health minister Ashley Dalton said: “It’s fantastic that millions of people will be taking positive steps towards better health and wellbeing in the New Year.

“As we work to build a healthier nation through our 10 Year Health Plan, initiatives like the Dry January challenge remind us that prevention starts with the choices we make every day, and the evidence shows it can lead to lasting changes.

“Whether it’s improving sleep, boosting mental health or saving money, taking a break from alcohol can make a real difference to our lives.”

Regularly drinking more than 14 units of alcohol a week risks damaging your health, the NHS website states.

The number of units in a drink is based on the size of the drink and its alcohol strength.

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As part of its ongoing commitment to sustainability and purpose-led partnerships, Heineken hosted an intimate dinner on Tuesday, December 16, 2025, in honour of Omoyemi Akerele’s Earthshot Prize win and the Heineken Lagos Fashion Week team. The gathering took place at Vici, Victoria Island, Lagos, bringing together members of the Heineken Lagos Fashion Week team, the Heineken team, and close friends and associates of Omoyemi Akerele.

The evening offered a relaxed setting to celebrate the milestone alongside those who have been part of the journey and supported the work behind the achievement.

The Earthshot Prize recognises solutions that protect and restore the planet, and Omoyemi Akerele’s win stands as a powerful example of how creative industries can contribute meaningfully to environmental progress. Through Heineken Lagos Fashion Week, she has championed responsible production, circular design, and sustainable practices, helping to shift conversations around waste and ethics in African fashion.

For Heineken, the evening reflected a shared commitment to sustainability as a driver of long-term impact. The brand’s partnership with Lagos Fashion Week is rooted in a belief that progress is built through collaboration — supporting platforms that not only celebrate creativity, but also encourage innovation that is mindful of people and the planet.

By honouring Omoyemi Akerele and the Lagos Fashion Week team, Heineken reinforced its dedication to championing initiatives that align with its sustainability ambitions; from reducing waste and promoting circularity, to supporting partners who are building more responsible industries.

The evening served as a reminder that sustainability is not a standalone effort, but a collective journey. One that thrives when global brands and local platforms come together to create lasting change.

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A fan favorite burger spot, Jack in the Box, has closed over 70 restaurants this year, with the potential for even more stores to follow in the days to come.

Earlier this year, the fast food franchise announced plans to permanently close 150 to 200 underperforming restaurants across the U.S., according to a press release. The move is part of the brand’s “Jack on Track” plan, which looked to improve the company’s finances.

Jack in the Box said in April that between then and December 31, it would close 80 to 120 stores. The company has since followed through, shuttering a total of 71 restaurants as part of the “Jack on Track” plan.

However, as the company has yet to hit its target number of closed restaurants, more shops could shut within the next few days.

The Independent has contacted a representative for Jack in the Box for comment.

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Jack in the Box closed 71 restaurants between April and December (Getty Images)

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Jack in the Box said in April that it plan to close up to 120 restaurants by the end of 2025 (Getty Images)

At the time of the April announcement, Jack in the Box was operating 2,200 locations across 22 states, most of which are located on the West Coast. California alone had 942 restaurants, making up 43 percent of the company’s total.

When announcing the “Jack on Track” plan in the April press release, the company said that once its restaurant closure program was completed, “Jack in the Box expects to deliver consistent, positive net unit growth, helped by the strong performance of new markets and tremendous whitespace opportunities.”

“In my time thus far as CEO, I have worked quickly with our teams to conclude that Jack in the Box operates at its best, and maximizes shareholder return potential, within a simplified and asset-light business model,” Lance Tucker, Chief Executive Officer at Jack in the Box, said in a statement.

“Our actions today focus on three main areas: addressing our balance sheet to accelerate cash flow and pay down debt, while preserving growth-oriented capital investments related to technology and restaurant reimage; closing underperforming restaurants to position ourselves for consistent net unit growth and competitive unit economics; and, an overall return to simplicity for the Jack in the Box business model and investor story.”

The franchise was also hoping to pay off $300 million in debt in the next two years from closing these locations.

Meanwhile, Jack in the Box isn’t the only chain riddled with issues.

Macy’s also announced plans to close 66 store locations and its iconic Fulton Street location in Brooklyn after 30 years by the end of 2025.

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Dr. Yemi Olawaiye, Executive Director, Yeloto.

Last Saturday, The Food Box Project 2.0, a heartfelt initiative aimed at alleviating food insecurity and fostering community spirit, wrapped up triumphantly in Amuwo Odofin. Organized by Yeloto Incorporated, the event distributed essential food boxes to hundreds of families in need, while creating an atmosphere of unity and celebration through engaging games and generous cash gifts.

In the spirit of festivities, the event drew participation from prominent figures, including, community leaders, renowned advocates of social welfare, and a notable Nollywood Actress, Rekiya Yusuf, known for her tireless efforts in grassroots empowerment.

Their involvement underscored the project’s commitment to sustainable support and highlighted the importance of collaborative action in addressing local challenges.

Attendees enjoyed a vibrant day filled with interactive games that brought smiles to children and adults alike, alongside significant cash gifts that provided immediate relief to recipients.

“This project is more than just aid, it’s about restoring dignity and building lasting connections,” said Dr. Oluyemi Olawaiye, the Founder of Yeloto Inc.

Rekiya Yusuf added, “Seeing the joy on people’s faces reminds us why we do this; together, we can make a real difference.”

The Food Box Project 2.0 successfully reached over five hundred beneficiaries, providing nutritious staples to combat hunger amid economic pressures. Side attractions not only entertained but also encouraged community bonding, turning the event into a memorable gathering of hope and solidarity.

Yeloto extends heartfelt gratitude to all sponsors, volunteers, and participants who made this edition a resounding success. Plans are already underway for future iterations to expand impact across more communities.

The 2025 Food Box Project 2.0 was held in partnership with Symphony of Praise, a community based non governmental organization.

For more information:

Website: https://www.yeloto.org

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Yelotoacf

Instagram: https://instagram.com/yelotoinc

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Sign up to our free Living Well email for advice on living a happier, healthier and longer life

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It’s the dead of winter and the only solace from the frigid cold is a giant coat and the feeling of the sun on your face before it sets before 5 p.m.

But before you step outside, experts warn that you still need to put on your sunscreen. Without it, people can get sunburned, even during the winter months – something one in five Americans said they did not know.

“UV radiation exposure is not related to the outside temperature and is present year-round,” Dr. Konstantinos Chouliaras, a board-certified surgical oncologist at Baptist MD Anderson Cancer Center, explained in a statement.

“Sunscreen is a must. Even on cloudy days, it’s important to apply as the UV rays can still reach our skin,” he said.

Ultraviolet – or UV – radiation from the sun is what leaves us at risk for skin cancer: the most common form of cancer in the U.S. that leads to thousands of deaths each year.

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People may be bundled up during the winter – but experts warn they’re still susceptible to dangerous sun damage. (AFP via Getty Images)

Invisible to the human eye, the rays are also what cause sunburns, wrinkles and skin aging.

Although UV levels are lower in the winter because the Earth tilts away from the sun, the radiation is still damaging and the Earth is actually closer in distance to the sun in the winter despite the tilt.

Rays from the sun hitting snow and ice in the winter can increase the intensity of the rays and your risk for skin damage – just like a day at the beach.

Clouds only reduce the UV levels by about 50 percent, according to the National institutes of Health Medline Plus Magazine.

With even the lowest UV levels on a scale between zero and 15 – with zero to two at the lowest – it takes only an hour to burn, Iowa Health Care notes.

“If you’re outdoors and can see your hand in front of your face, there is enough UV exposure to cause skin damage,” dermatologist Dr. Mona Gohara told Vogue, adding that the snow can reflect up to 80 percent of the sun’s rays back onto the skin.

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People should apply sunscreen of SPF 30 or higher before peak daylight hours, even during the winter, experts say. (AFP via Getty Images)

Experts say the best thing to do is to wear sunscreen between the peak daylight hours of 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. year-round.

The sunscreen should be water resistant and broad spectrum, meaning that it can protect your skin from any harmful UV rays, and should have a sun protection factor, or SPF, rating of 30 or higher.

An SPF rating of 30 reflects 97 percent of UVB rays, which are responsible for producing sunburns and cause the deadliest skin cancers.

Apply the sunscreen 20 minutes before heading outdoors and reapply it every two hours to stay shielded, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency instructs.

Putting it on will protect from cancer and keep your skin looking younger.

“UV exposure is one of the primary causes of premature aging, leading to wrinkles, fine lines, and age spots. By applying sunscreen every two hours, even in winter, you contribute to maintaining youthful and healthy-looking skin,” says Dr. Krishna Gunturu, with the Hartford HealthCare Cancer Institute at The Hospital of Central Connecticut, said.

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So, Christmas is done. You’ve survived the family gatherings, dodged the “when are you getting married?” questions, and consumed enough jollof rice to feed a small village. Your waistband is tight, your social battery is at 2%, and you’re staring at today, Boxing Day, wondering what on earth you’re supposed to do with yourself.

Well, friend, we’ve got you sorted. Whether you’re the type who wants to pretend the outside world doesn’t exist or you’re ready to reclaim your life, here’s your complete guide to making Boxing Day actually enjoyable.

Become One With Your Sofa

Let’s be real, after the chaos of Christmas Day, doing absolutely nothing sounds like a five-star holiday plan. And you know what? That’s completely valid.

The Full Laziness Package:

• Stay in your pyjamas until an ungodly hour (3 PM is perfectly acceptable)
• Watch that series you’ve been meaning to start since October
• Order takeaway because cooking is cancelled until further notice
• Ignore every single WhatsApp group chat notification
• Take strategic naps throughout the day (we call this “recovering”)

The beauty of Boxing Day is that there are zero expectations. Christmas was for showing up and being present. Boxing Day is for horizontal living and pretending your phone is broken.

The Great Escape

Had enough of family time? Need to remember what personal space feels like? Boxing Day is your get-out-of-jail-free card.

Ways to Reclaim Your Peace:

• Go to the cinema (bonus: it’s air-conditioned and quiet)
• Take yourself on a solo lunch date
• Visit that friend you’ve been meaning to catch up with
• Hit the gym and pretend you didn’t spend yesterday eating your feelings

If anyone asks where you’re going, just say “errands.” It’s vague enough to be believable and specific enough to stop further questions.

The Post-Christmas Clean-Up

Alright, some of you are those organised people who can’t relax until everything is sorted. We see you, and honestly? Respect.

Get Your Life Together Activities:

• Do that laundry mountain that’s been giving you anxiety
• Reorganise your wardrobe (all those Christmas gifts need somewhere to go)
• Meal prep for the week ahead (because Monday is coming whether we like it or not)
• Sort through your phone—delete blurry photos, back up important ones

Look, if you clean on Boxing Day, you’re either incredibly productive or avoiding family members. Either way, your space will look fantastic.

The Social Butterfly Route

For those who somehow still have social energy left (who are you people?), Boxing Day is perfect for low-key hangouts.

Chill Social Options:

• Brunch with friends to debrief on Christmas drama
• Game night at someone’s house (bring your own snacks though)
• Beach hangout or outdoor picnic
• Visit friends you didn’t see on Christmas Day
• House party hopping if your area is doing the rounds

The key here is “low-key.” Nobody has the energy for full glam. If you can show up in casual clothes and everyone’s fine with it, that’s your vibe.

Self-Care Sunday (On A Friday)

Christmas can be overwhelming, and Boxing Day is the perfect time to pour back into yourself.

Pamper Yourself Options:

• Face masks, hair treatments, the full spa experience at home
• Read that book you’ve been ignoring
• Journal about your year (we’re almost at the finish line)
• Meditation or yoga if that’s your thing
• Catch up on sleep. Seriously, just sleep

This is your reminder that rest is productive. You don’t have to be doing something every minute of the day.

Plan Your New Year’s Eve

Look, we’re less than a week away from 2026. If you’re the type who needs plans, now is the time to sort it out before everything gets booked up.

Get Ahead Activities:

• Research NYE events or parties
• Coordinate with your friend group about plans
• Book reservations if you’re doing dinner
• Start thinking about what you’re wearing (but don’t stress it yet)
• Decide if you’re staying in or going out (both are valid choices)
• Check details for a church crossover service if that’s part of your New Year tradition

Or you could do absolutely nothing and wing it on the day. That’s also a perfectly acceptable strategy.

So whether you’re out there conquering the world or becoming one with your mattress, do it with your full chest. There’s no wrong answer here. Just make sure you’re doing what genuinely makes you happy, not what you think you should be doing.

And remember: the Christmas season isn’t over until you’ve finished all the leftovers and taken down the decorations. Since most of us will still have leftovers in February and decorations up until Easter, you’ve got time.

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By the time December fades into January, the festive novelty has worn thin. Instead, the decorations come down, the slogans about “new year, new you” start to settle and we begin to browse purchases that actually earn their keep. Whether it’s warmer layers to offset rising heating costs or a cookbook to cut back on dinners out, there’s no denying January is a season for staying in. And, unsurprisingly, what we’re choosing to shop this winter follows suit.

This is where The Oodie’s Boxing Day sale finds its footing. Running from mid-December through to early January, it offers up to 60 per cent off across the brand’s most recognisable pieces, from its oversized Originals to weighted blankets and plush dressing gowns. Better still, discounts are applied automatically at checkout, meaning no hunting for codes or second-guessing whether you’ve missed a hidden deal.

And the timing couldn’t be better. With several months remaining before winter turns to spring, these pieces are designed to live on sofas, beds and bodies, to support better rest and – chiefly – to provide lasting comfort. Below, you’ll find our top picks for daily wear and long-term use, all with hefty discounts to make your purchase worthwhile.

The one that started it all

(The Oodie)

The Oodie’s Originals are the reason the brand became a global talking point. Part-hoodie, part-blanket (and deliciously oversized), they’re designed to trap warmth without feeling restrictive. The ToastyTek fleece lining delivers heat quickly, while the flannel outer keeps things soft rather than bulky.

With the brand’s promise that ‘one size fits most’ (UK sizes 6-22), the Originals naturally make great Christmas gifts – but their year-round practicality shouldn’t be overlooked.

Details like extended sleeves, a deep hood and an oversized front pocket make reaching for these wearables a non-negotiable on cold mornings and long evenings. Plus, with up to 60 per cent off selected styles during the Boxing Day sale, the Originals make a strong case for investing in warmth you’ll actually use, rather than something that lives at the back of a wardrobe.

Shop Oodie Originals

Science-backed comfort for restful nights

(The Oodie)

Weighted blankets focus on rest rather than warmth alone. Surrounding you with gentle, even pressure, they’re designed to fast track your evening wind-down, leaving you calmer and better rested. What’s more, The Oodie’s versions use premium glass beads for a more balanced weight and are finished with ultra-soft covers that feel inviting rather than clinical.

For those keen to improve their shut eye, the Boxing Day sale offers a lower risk way to test whether weighted sleep support can improve your evenings.

Shop weighted blankets

All day comfort, from bathroom to bedroom

(The Oodie)

The Oodie’s dressing gowns are designed for real life rather than hotel bathrooms. Plush, practical and made for extended wear, they bridge the gap between getting up and fully starting the day. The floors are icy cold, the thermostat hasn’t clicked on for the day – enter, The Oodie’s Sherpa dressing gown.

With the appeal of automatic discounts and limited stock through the sale period, these pieces are often the first to sell through. Our advice? Get browsing early and snap up your size and colour preference before it’s gone. As for us, we’ll be adding the pink bows straight to our basket.

Shop dressing gowns

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Each year, I choose a person who, to me, most embodies the spirit of Nigeria in that moment — our pain, our promise, and most of all, our power. Sometimes this choice surprises people: like when I chose Naira Marley at the height of his polarising fame, or Fisayo Soyombo, whose name many Nigerians didn’t know despite his extraordinary journalism. Sometimes it’s an emerging artist like Rema, right before the world caught up. 

But this year, there is no need to convince anyone. 

This time, we all saw it. We all felt it. 

In 2025, no one captured the mood of the Nigerian soul – its courage, its defiance, its audacity – more than Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan. 

Just days ago, as I write this, I saw her in the news speaking to young women on the International Day of the Girl Child. “Be bold. Be fearless,” she told them. And I thought – if there is anyone in Nigerian public life today with the right to say those words and mean them, it is Natasha. 

Because this is a woman who has stood alone. And done so repeatedly. 

There was the unforgettable moment — now folklore – when, blocked from entering her constituency by what she alleged was state-sponsored sabotage, she didn’t cancel the visit. She didn’t sulk. She didn’t beg. She literally flew over the obstruction and landed by helicopter to rapturous cheers from thousands of waiting constituents. 

It was an iconic moment. Not just of resistance. But of knowing. Of understanding power in a Nigerian context and knowing exactly how to wield it. But the past year took her story from symbolic to seismic. 

When she accused Senate President Godswill Akpabio of orchestrating her removal from the Red Chamber in a saga of raw politics, legal drama, and institutional silence, she refused to back down. 

When she was removed from office, she went to court. 

When colleagues abandoned her – including, strikingly, all the women senators – she marched alone.

When the court ruled in her favour, she walked back into the National Assembly flanked by her husband, flanked by history. 

She was not cowed. She was not quiet. She was not broken. 

And that is why she matters. 

Because Natasha is not just another political actor. She is not another “strong woman” in quotes. She is a Nigerian woman navigating one of the most violently exclusionary, patriarchal spaces in the country and refusing to play small. 

She has done it not just with presence, but with poise. She showed up in court in full glam. She did the hard work of legislating and the soft power of Instagram. She aligned with feminist icons like Oby Ezekwesili and Aisha Yesufu. She showed that power doesn’t have to come at the expense of joy, or femininity, or flair. 

Even when barred from speaking for her constituents in the chamber, she returned home to commission projects, organise interventions, and nurture the same community that stood by her when institutions turned their backs. That loop – the intimacy between Natasha and the people she represents – has remained unbroken. 

Of course, the court case is still ongoing. Of course, we don’t know the full truth of every allegation. But that is not what this honour is about. 

This recognition is not about legal outcomes. It is about spirit. It is about resistance. It is about showing Nigerians – every Nigerian – what is possible when you stand your ground, even if you must stand alone. 

In a year filled with apathy, cynicism, and cooptation, Natasha gave us something rare: a public figure who refused to bow. Who refused to apologise for being visible, vocal, victorious. 

She reminded Nigerians – young and old, wherever they are – that you don’t have to shrink to survive. That even in a rigged game, you can play to win. 

And for that reason, Natasha Akpoti is the Culture Icon for 2025. 

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Stay ahead of the curve with our weekly guide to the latest trends, fashion, relationships and more

Kumail Nanjiani has weighed in on one of the internet’s stranger inventions: a rumour that he was having an affair with Michelle Obama.

In a recent podcast appearance, the Eternals star said a rumour started circulating last year that he was somehow “having an affair with Michelle Obama” even though he had “never met” the former US First Lady.

“I was so excited! My friend, our mutual friend pulled Emily aside and was like, ‘Hey, so I heard that Kumail and Michelle Obama are like doing it.’ And she was like, she wasn’t even upset, but multiple people brought it up to me,” Nanjiani told host Caleb Hearon on the So True podcast.

Emily V Gordon, a writer and producer, is Nanjiani’s wife.

“I have never met Michelle Obama,” the actor confirmed.

Hearon then brought up another long-running Obama internet lore, this time involving the former president himself.

“There’s been this persistent rumour that Barack is stepping out with Jen Aniston,” the host said, admitting that he did not quite know what to make of it when Nanjiani asked if he believed it.

“But what I’m saying is, my friend Kumail, you’re up there with Jen Aniston in terms of affair rumours.”

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Kumail Nanjiani weighs in on rumour of him having an affair with Michelle Obama (Getty)

Assessing the supposed “affair partners”, Nanjiani joked that the Obamas were, in both cases, “slumming it”.

The Big Sick star was quick to add that he meant “no shade to Jen”.

Aniston already cleared up the rumour involving her last year, saying on Jimmy Kimmel’s show that she was “not mad at it”, but it was all “absolutely untrue”.

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Kumail Nanjiani jokes that the Obamas are ’slumming it’ (AFP via Getty)

Earlier this year, Nanjiani shared that he had expected his career in the Marvel Cinematic Universe to take off after Eternals, because he had “signed on for six movies”.

He played the superhero Kingo in the 2021 movie, which adapted the comic about ancient aliens protecting the earth from attack. In preparation for the role, Nanjiani, 47, underwent a physical transformation to gain a muscular, “superhero” physique.

The film, directed by Chloe Zhao, didn’t receive the rave reviews fans and studio executives had hoped for. Eternals is one of the lowest-rated Marvel films on Rotten Tomatoes, with 47 per cent.

“I talked about how I was in this big movie. It came out right after Covid, so I had a year and a half at home to just be like, ‘Oh, when this thing comes out!’” Nanjiani said on the Working It Out podcast, before confirming the “big movie” was Eternals. “But then it came out and it got really bad reviews, and it didn’t do that well. It shattered me too much. That’s when I was like, ‘Oh I need to go to therapy to figure this out.’”

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Stay ahead of the curve with our weekly guide to the latest trends, fashion, relationships and more

Stay ahead of the curve with our weekly guide to the latest trends, fashion, relationships and more

You’ve been given an ugly t-shirt and a book you’ve already read. But if you don’t have the receipts, can you return them? Or what if someone’s given you a gift that’s defective in some way?

Before you box up your unwanted presents and head to the shops, here’s what the Australian Consumer Law – the rules on consumers’ rights and business responsibilities – says about asking for a return, exchange or refund under different circumstances.

Can I return gifts as ‘change of mind’ without a receipt?

Australian consumer law generally doesn’t require retailers to accept returns for change of mind alone.

So if you just didn’t like the gift, that’s not enough under the law to be able to ask for the money back.

If a business has a “change of mind” returns policy, they have to honour it. Otherwise, they may get in trouble for “misleading conduct” under the consumer law.

Australian consumer law generally doesn’t require retailers to accept returns for change of mind alone. (Getty Images)

But even for stores allowing change of mind returns, they usually have a list of exceptions, including underwear, beauty products, food and more – so check their rules.

All retailers will want to see some proof of purchase – though not necessarily the original receipt.

What are my rights if the gift’s faulty?

If a product is defective, under Australian consumer law shoppers have a lot more rights than many people realise. It can help to use the phrase “Australian consumer law” so the retailer knows you’re aware of your rights.

What you can ask for depends on whether or not there’s a “major failure” of your basic rights under consumer law, known as “consumer guarantees”.

A “major failure” of a consumer guarantee is when the product:

• is unsafe
• has either one serious problem, or several smaller problems, which would have stopped a reasonable person from buying the product
• is very different from the description, sample or demonstration the purchaser received before purchase
• can’t be used for its expected purpose and can’t easily be fixed within a reasonable time.

In these cases, you’re entitled to your choice of a replacement product or a full refund, if you can produce either a receipt or other proof of purchase.

For other more minor failures that can be remedied, the business only has to repair it for free within a reasonable time. It doesn’t have to offer you a replacement or refund.

However, if you’ve caused damage to the product yourself, you may not be able to rely on the consumer guarantees.

There are exceptions to the consumer guarantees. For instance, some don’t apply to goods sold by auction. And most don’t apply to “non-business” sellers, such as private sellers on Gumtree or Facebook Marketplace.

What if the original packaging is missing or damaged?

If the product is faulty in one of the ways above, you’re still entitled to those consumer law remedies – even if the original packaging is missing or damaged.

But if you’re returning for change of mind, most retailers require the product to be in saleable condition, with packaging intact.

What counts as proof of purchase?

You need proof of purchase to establish your right to consumer guarantees, but this doesn’t have to be a receipt.

Other types of proof of purchase can include:

• a credit card statement
• a warranty card showing the date and place of purchase
• receipt number or reference number given over the phone or internet
• the serial number, if this is stored in the store’s computer system.

The law doesn’t specify exactly what proof of purchase is sufficient. The consumer just needs to be able to reasonably prove they bought the item.

So if was a gift, you’re likely to need some help from the gift-giver.

Importantly, you don’t have to have an original copy: photos and photocopies also count. So if you’re ever buying something expensive, take a photo of your receipt immediately. It can save you time and money later.

About the author

Katharine Kemp is an Associate Professor in the Faculty of Law & Justice at UNSW Sydney. This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article.

Does it make a difference if it was bought online or in a shop?

For faulty products, Australian consumer law rights apply whether the gift was bought online or in a shop.

A guarantee that’s especially helpful for online purchases is that goods must “correspond with the description”.

For example, you would be entitled to your choice of a refund or replacement if the photo advertising a suitcase showed or described a combination lock as a feature, but the one you received had no lock.

What if the store still says no?

If the product’s faulty, it’s illegal for businesses to refer to store policies or terms and conditions that deny your right to consumer guarantees – such as policies saying “no refunds or exchanges on sale items”.

If you think a business hasn’t delivered on Australia’s consumer law guarantees, you may be able to ask for a repair, replacement, refund, cancellation or compensation for damages or loss.

You can read more on the process of making a complaint – starting with the business the item came from.

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Photo Credit: Dede Ashiogwu/Instagram

We’re putting the radio on and singing “Lady in Red, is dancing with me,” and for good reason. Dede Ashiogwu stepped onto the timeline this Christmas in a look that immediately held our attention. The Big Brother Naija star is no stranger to strong fashion moments, but this festive appearance might be one of her most striking in recent memory.

Let’s get into the details. The colour is red — fitting for the season — and the dress, designed by 2207bytbally, makes a clear statement. It features a sculptural strapless bodice with a bold three-dimensional rosette at the bust, finished with crystal embellishments arranged in a heart shape at the centre. It’s the kind of detail that draws you in without trying too hard.

The silhouette is equally considered. The gown falls into a fitted, ruched column that follows the body closely, with gathered satin running down the length of the skirt. Then there’s the cape. A sheer red train flows from the bodice and trails behind her, pooling gently on the floor and lending the look a grand, almost ceremonial feel.

Styling is kept simple to let the dress speak. Dede wears her hair sleek and straight, pairs the look with minimal jewellery, just a fine necklace, and finishes with a classic red lip that ties everything together. Set against an ornate, cream-coloured carved doorway, the look feels considered and timeless, with the architectural backdrop adding a quiet sense of occasion.

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The Osbourne family gathered for a bittersweet Christmas celebration, the first since the death of patriarch Ozzy, and shared a heartwarming photo from the event.

Kelly, 41, the daughter of Ozzy and his second wife, Sharon, shared a few snaps Thursday on Instagram from their family celebration.

“Merry Christmas from The Osbourne family!!!” she captioned the post, alongside a series of images showing the group in matching plaid holiday pajamas.

Sharon, 73, can be seen standing in the middle, alongside Ozzy’s son Louis, his wife Louise, their kids Elijah and Maia, and several others. Kelly, her fiancé, Slipknot DJ Sid Wilson, and son Sidney are seated on the ground in front.

She shared additional clips on her Instagram Story of Sidney playing with some of his new Christmas gifts, including a mini pop-up stage and microphone.

Ozzy Osbourne died in July at the age of 76. His family shared a photo of their first Christmas without the rock legend. (Getty/kellyosbourne on Instagram)

This Christmas marks the family’s first following the death of Ozzy who passed away i July at the age of 76. His death came years after he was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease in 2019. His official cause of death is listed as a heart attack.

Earlier this month, Kelly honored the legendary Black Sabbath rocker on what would have been his 77th birthday.

“Happy birthday daddy you most certainly did not die an ordinary man! Life without you is hard but not a day goes by that I don’t dedicate my life to loving you and your legacy!” she wrote on Instagram. “I miss you more than anything in the world. I love you until eternity! What I would not give to watch you blow out just one more candle.”

During an appearance on BBC Radio West Midlands, she reflected on the “huge loss” of her father.

“To see the outpouring of love, and respect, and condolence, and just everything this city has given him, is beyond words,” Kelly remarked. She further emphasized: “Birmingham meant everything to my father. It made him, it shaped him. It turned him into the one-of-a-kind man that he was.

“He was the people’s person. He never changed,” she added tearfully. She hailed him as a “working class hero,” adding: “He never thought he was better than anyone else.”

Kelly is the youngest daughter of Ozzy and Sharon. They also shared their daughter, Aimee, and son, Jack. The singer-songwriter had another three other children from his first marriage to Thelma Riley: sons Elliot and Louis and daughter Jessica.

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Prince William and Harry’s former royal butler has shared a fond memory of a “crazy” Christmas party he enjoyed with the royal siblings.

Grant Harrold, also known as The Royal Butler, worked for the King and Queen Camilla, as well as Prince William, Princess Kate and Prince Harry up until 2011.

Speaking exclusively to The Independent, Mr Harrold recalled how William and Harry started a “fun” balloon fight during a sit-down Christmas lunch.

He said: “William started blowing up balloons and sending them over to me. You know where you blow it up and let the air out, and I was doing this back to him, thinking ‘am I supposed to do this?’.

“I was so confused about the situation. He was doing it to his father and then Harry started doing it and they started putting water in to the balloons. It was crazy, but fun.”

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Eleda mi o, how can my spirit sit here while my soul wanders through the streets of Lagos? A few hours earlier, it was traipsing, like Tarzan, through those Isale Eko markets and window shopping. But now, it just meanders through, peering around. 

“Which kain wahala be dis? What precisely are you searching for?” I hissed a sharp rebuke as I side-eyed her.

Then my soul turned, stared at me with an impish smile and mouthed before striding off.

“You can sit there and pretend all you want, but you know what I need right now.”

I stare out the window while cradling the mug. With a start, I realise that the cup has gone cold. 

“How did this happen?” I blurted out angrily. One minute ago, as I picked it up from the barista, it was searing hot. So hot that the cappuccino scalded my tongue and misted my glasses as I tasted it. But now, all I have is a cold cup and a tepid drink. 

“So that is it? My £4.50! Just like that. For a drink I have not even finished,” I mused as I peered inside the cup. 

Meanwhile, the ache in my leg was dispatching feedback. The cold, seeping inside its marrow, urged me to act fast. I stood up to buy another cup. Maybe cinnamon cinnamon-sprinkled latte this time. Then, as I joined the queue, I heard the unmistakable snigger and turned. 

“Why are you wasting money? You and I both know you will derive no marginal utility from that latte.”

“Ah, you are back. Did you derive satisfaction from your steaming pepper soup? And where did you get it eventually?”

“That eatery at Idejo where we go to buy food sometimes. I had yam pepper soup, and you needed to taste the aroma. Here, smell my hands and…”

I swatted her hands as the Barista called out for my order. Ambling back to my table with the drink, I burst out laughing, then quickly reined it in before dem go think say I don kolo. 

“What is funny?” My soul presses forward

“This, all this. Imagine spending more than £10 for coffee and yet, no pleasure. It’s not even like I have taken anything. You know if this were in Lagos, the aroma alone would start caressing your nostrils before the pepper soup arrives?”

“I know, right? And by the time your order arrives, you are already salivating. In fact, you would have used your eyes to eat another patron’s own.”

“Patron? Must you use big-big words for everything?”

“Okay, give me another word for patron.”

“Customer. You say,  another customer. Don’t be speaking all these your highfalutin words here, na Naija we dey.”

“Naija bi bawo?” I glance outside at the sterile grey weather.

“Ehn, is it not me and you? You know it is only the body that is here; we are already in Lagos drinking pepper soup.”

“You and who? I thought you already had your yam pepper soup? Why did you come back so soon anyway?” I glared at her again as I gulped a mouthful of the foamy latte.

“Ah, if I didn’t come back by now, you would have created a panic in here.”

“Panic?”

“Yes ke, imagine that I was still out there, roaming through Lagos and enjoying myself by drinking in the sights and sounds. You no think am? By now, the paramedics would be trying to resuscitate you.”

“You mean, I would have been …?”

“Yes ke, what are you without me? If the soul flies away, the spirit simply returns home, and they will just carry the body away.”

“I really am not in the mood for your theatrics. I just want to be left in peace.” I muttered 

“Ha ha, to do what? Keep wasting money on a drink which offers no utility? When you could have followed me to Lasgidi to eat real food?”

Taking off my spectacles, I cast my eyes towards the window, lost in thought. What precisely am I doing here? In this strange land, where the sun is very stingy, a land where the sun is more grey than blue. How did I get here? 

A cough and a stirring reel me back to the present. It was my soul. Now, she sat across from me, eyes folded on her chin, peering at me intently.

I matched her stare.

“You okay?” She whispers, reaching for my arms.

“No,” I whisper, plaintively.

“Ogini?”She gives me that I-can-see-into-you look, as she caresses my hand.

“I would give anything now for a hot bowl of point and kill from that woman at Ọgbà.”

“Let’s go home”, she stood up and pulled me into her for a tight embrace. 

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The new owners of the real-life house featured in the 1990 holiday classic Home Alone are restoring it to its former glory after a sleek, ultra-modern renovation sparked backlash from fans of the film.

The iconic Winnetka, Illinois, home — used as the McCallister family residence in Home Alone and its 1992 sequel Home Alone 2: Lost in New York — was purchased earlier this year for $5.25 million. The buyers are now in the midst of a renovation project aimed at recreating the warm, colorful interior seen in the original movie.

“Our vision is to bring back the warmth and just the love from the movie,” Scott Price, the project manager overseeing the renovation, told NBC5 Chicago in a recent interview. “There were so many great colors, and it just made you feel like family and like home, and we want to bring that magic back.”

The house underwent a major renovation in 2018 that replaced its cozy aesthetic with a bright, minimalist design — a change that was widely criticized by fans who felt the home had lost its character.

While Price did not say how long the interior renovation would take, he confirmed that some changes would also be made to the home’s exterior.

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The Home Alone house in Winnetka, Illinois, was purchased in January for $5.25 million (anarchosyn/CC BY-SA 2.0)

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The project manager in charge of the renovation says he plans on bringing back the ‘warmth’ and ‘love’ from the holiday classic (20th Century Fox/Kobal/Shutterstock)

The five-bedroom, six-bathroom mansion spans roughly 9,000 square feet and was originally built in 1921. It features four fireplaces, two laundry rooms, two hot tubs, a wet bar, a recreation area, a gym, a private movie theater and an indoor sports court.

The home’s exterior famously served as the McCallister family house in both Home Alone films.

John Abendshien, who owned the property at the time the movies were filmed, recently spoke to The Independent about what drew him to the house when he first saw it in 1989, before purchasing it for $875,000.

“I cannot explain it to this day, but when we pulled up and looked at it, something about that place just captured my heart,” Abendshien said. “For one thing, I really love natural light, and that home has an abundance of windows. I just liked the shape of it. True confession, we pretty much bought the house from the curb.”

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The ‘Home Alone’ crew using potato flakes to simulate snow outside the Winnetka home (John Abendshien)

Although Abendshien said he sometimes felt like he was living in a “fishbowl” as the franchise gained popularity, he described that period as a blessing. He sold the home in 2012 for $1.6 million.

In the 35 years since, the tale of eight-year-old Kevin McCallister (Macaulay Culkin) defending his home from a pair of dim-witted robbers by any means necessary has cemented its status as a beloved Christmas staple. It is rewatched by millions of fans every year, for whom the grand McCallister house has become as familiar as their own homes.

To this day, hundreds of visitors come to the home each day, with roads often needing to be closed off during the holidays to deal with the serious traffic.

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