7 days agoWorld LeaksComments Off on Vape users fear they’ll take up smoking when e-cigarettes banned to curb nicotine addiction
A QUARTER of vape users fear they’ll take up smoking when the ban on disposable e-cigarettes comes into play.
A study of 1,020 vapers found 39 per cent admitted it’s likely they’ll buy e-cigarettes from unregulated sources which haven’t undergone official safety checks.
SWNS85 per cent of vapers smoked cigarettes before turning to vaping[/caption]
As a result, a third reckon their own nicotine consumption will increase.
But 22 per cent believe the impending law is the motivation they need to get out of their vaping habit.
The research was commissioned by nicotine pouch brand Übbs and retailer, Haypp, ahead of a commitment from the Government for a smoke-free Britain.
As part of this, legislation was announced earlier this year which will restrict the sale and use of single-use vapes in 2025.
While 24 per cent of those polled have tried to give up vaping since news of the ban broke, 26 per cent have turned to alternatives such as cigarettes (36 per cent), pouches (26 per cent) and gum (25 per cent).
It also emerged 85 per cent smoked cigarettes before turning to vaping, with 52 per cent worried they’ll return to the habit.
Steve McGeough, a spokesperson for the nicotine pouch brand, said: “It’s really worrying to hear vapers saying they would seriously consider turning to cigarettes when the ban comes into force in 2025.
“Also concerningly, the findings show how some would even seek out unregulated vapes which is a real worry from a quality and safety point of view.
“Our research is clear, while disposable vapes might be on the way out there are plenty of safe and regulated alternatives out there to try now or when the ban comes into play.
“Nicotine pouches are a popular option which are supporting the UK with their goal of becoming a smoke free nation.”
The study also found 73 per cent haven’t tried vaping substitutes.
Of those, 28 per would be most inclined to try cigarettes, 21 per cent would be open to trying gum, and 25 per cent would be willing to experiment with pouches.
It also emerged 30 per cent are ‘very aware’ of the dangers of using unregulated vapes.
The characteristics of such devices those polled are most familiar with are no nicotine warning labels (41 per cent) and no mention of passing emissions tests (30 per cent).
When looking for alternatives, 52 per cent will prioritise the smell and flavour of the product before the safety and quality assurance (50 per cent), and product discretion (33 per cent).
The research, carried out via OnePoll.com, also found 30 per cent want products which are ‘ready to go’ and 24 per cent believe open system vapes are too faffy.
Anxiety about the battery running out was found to be the most annoying thing about vaping (32 per cent), followed by not being able to freely do it where or whenever they like (30 per cent).
Having to go outside at social events and missing moments with friends is another bugbear (23 per cent), as is not being able to vape on planes (21 per cent).
Markus Lindbald, spokesperson for Haypp, said: “On a more positive note, it’s promising to see how many are attempting to quit vaping ahead of the ban or explore other reduced risk alternatives, like nicotine pouches instead of turning back to smoking.
“The experience from Sweden, which is close to becoming smoke-free, is that nicotine pouches can play a significant role in reducing smoking rates and increase public and individual health.”
7 days agoWorld LeaksComments Off on Two Christmas TV channels launch on Sky TOMORROW and viewers are divided saying it’s ‘getting earlier’
SKY viewers are gaining two Christmas-themed TV channels tomorrow as part of a big channel shake-up.
But for some viewers, it’s simply too soon to get into the festive spirit.
Many believe that anything from Christmas movies, to stocking fillers in the supermarket, shouldn’t be advertised until Halloween has passedGettySkyThe new additions are part of a channel shuffle affecting 12 stations on Sky between 1 and 5 October[/caption]
“Christmas channels are getting earlier, why can’t everything start beginning of November,” one Sky customer wrote in a community forum.
Many believe that anything from Christmas movies, to stocking fillers in the supermarket, shouldn’t be advertised until Halloween has passed.
7 days agoWorld LeaksComments Off on I’m a mega Molly-Mae fan & want to be happy for Maebe – but she’s hugely let herself down with the pricing, it’s a joke
JUST when I thought Molly-Mae could never do anything to annoy me, unfortunately it happened.
Ever since Molly-Mae Hague, 25, walked into the Love Island villa back in 2019, I’ve always been a mega fan.
InstagramAbigail Wilson, an avid Molly-Mae fan, has confessed her disappointment at the Maebe’s pricing[/caption]
MaebeShe recognised that the pieces appear to be timeless and chic[/caption]
MaebeBut expressed her frustration at the astronomical price tags[/caption]
MaebeShe also shared concern on the lack of clarity on the materials used[/caption]
I’ve watched her vlogs religiously and yes, I’m one of the 8.3 million who avidly follows her on Instagram.
After hearing the news that she was coming out with a fashion brand, of course I was excited.
And after Molly-Mae’s recent glow-down, whereby she essentially re-branded her appearance by ditching fillers and mini skirts for chic styling and expensive bouncy blow dries, of course I presumed that her Maebe brand wouldn’t come cheap.
But as much as I hate to admit it, I’m disappointed.
I want to be happy for Maebe, I really do. And of course, I want to stock up. But I can’t, because the pricing is a joke.
I understand that she’s launched Maebe as a more high class brand. I know it’s not going to be Shein quality.
But with prices varying from £35 to £140, I’m definitely not impressed.
Maebe’s “ultimate blazer” is priced at an eye-watering £140, whilst a very simple, plain white tee is a whopping £35.
Not only this, but a pair of jeans are £90, the “contour popper top” is £50, and a seemingly boring white shirt will set you back a whopping £65.
I know the Maebe items are meant to be good quality, staple pieces that will last you years.
But I’ve had blazers from Zara that I’ve worn over, and over, and over, again and many items in my wardrobe have been in there for more years than I can remember.
£35 from a plain white t-shirt seems shocking to me. I’d rather stock up and buy 10 of them from Primark, or buy a good quality one for £15.99 from Zara.
InstagramMaebe clothes launched at 7pm on Sunday night[/caption]
InstagramBut many fans were shocked at the pricing[/caption]
And £50 for the popper top?! That’s the one that’s got me the most. Popper tops have been all over the high-street recently and I’ve even seen tops that look practically the same from Shein, for £42 cheaper.
And if that wasn’t bad enough, £90 for a pair of jeans? I understand paying £50 for a pair of good quality denims, but £90?! That’s incredibly steep considering you can get Levi’s, a well-established brand that’s been going for donkey years, for just a tenner more.
Not only this, but £140 for a blazer sent shivers down my spine. It’s not a secret that you can nab super stylish, staple blazers from H&M and New Look, for less than half the price.
Yesterday morning, just minutes after the mum-of-one, who recently called it quits with Tommy Fury, the father of her child Bambi, announced the Maebe pricing, fans were sent into a total frenzy.
Many Molly-Mae fans slammed the “outrageous” prices and questioned why the range is “so expensive”.
“Why does Molly-Mae’s new range have to be so expensive?” one shopper moaned on X, previously Twitter.
“Molly-Mae charging an arm and a leg for basic clothes is outrageous,” another slammed.
What are the Maebe prices?
Away Day Top – £55
Away Day Trousers – £60
All Tied Up Shirt – £65
Contour Popper Top – £50
Seam Denim Jeans – £90
Dreamer Pointelle Tee – £35
The Ultimate Blazer – £140
Cosy Cropped Cardigan – £60
A number of social media users questioned whether Molly-Mae “knows her audience”.
“Maebe is way too expensive – £35 for a literal T-shirt,” one criticised.
“Does she realise that a lot of her followers are young girls, uni students or adults that have to pay mortgages?”
Another detractor penned on TikTok: “I’m really disappointed as I thought as her audience is mainly young girls, they would be reasonable.”
Not ‘accessible’ in a cost-of-living crisis
And I agree with the fuming fans. Of course I’m happy for her that Maebe sold out in 24 minutes and appears to be a hit with many, but for me, I’m not impressed.
After working for two years on the “passion project”, Molly-Mae, who is from Hitchin, Hertfordshire, claimed she poured her heart into creating “high-quality pieces” at an “accessible price point.”
But if you ask me, there’s nothing “accessible” about these prices.
Particularly when her fans are predominantly Gen Zs, those mostly teens and twenties, these prices are incredibly steep.
Fabulous' Deputy Fashion Editor on Maebe
Abby McHale, the Deputy Fashion Editor at Fabulous, has shared her candid thoughts on Maebe…
“LOVE Island isn’t synonymous with grown-up sophisticated style but it will be no surprise to fans of Molly-Mae Hague that this is the theme of her first fashion range.
The 25-year-old influencer and mum to one-year-old Bambi has done everything possible to shed the villa image – swapping bikinis and lip fillers for comfy clothes and barely there makeup.
Recently, she’s even ditched her Love Island fiance, and father of her child, Tommy Fury – amid allegations of infidelity. So it was inevitable that her exclusive clothing collection, maebe, would be as far removed from glamorous bodycon party dresses as possible.
From that perspective, it certainly does not disappoint.
The range, which dropped last night (Sunday) at 7pm on Molly’s new website maebe.co.uk, was tipped to sell out almost straight away. It features tailored oversized blazers, sharp shirts and denim – all in Molly’s signature neutral palette.
A passion project, as she calls it, which has been two years in the making, Molly said she wanted to bring some luxury to her fans, without the price tag. She said she poured her heart into creating “high-quality pieces” at an “accessible price point.”
Accessible? I’m not so sure – the range varies from £35 to £140 so is pricier than the mainstream high street. But it is a price it seems her followers are willing to pay, even if it is a stretch for their budget.
One fan commented on the maebe Instagram saying: ‘I can already feel my bank account emptying’, with another echoing the same thought, saying, ‘I’m going to have no money left.’
A seasoned influencer, Molly knows how to lure her followers in – even before the brand launched yesterday the maebe account on Instagram had over 800k followers.
And at a sold out pop up event in London last week she gave some lucky fans a sneak peek of the collection, hyping fans in the run up to the event with come-ons like “maebe it’s just not worth missing.” Afterwards, she wrote to her 8.3 million followers, saying: “I don’t think I’ll ever get over today. Meeting so many of you and celebrating maebe Store has been one of the best days of my life! I can’t put into words how grateful I am for every single one of you who are on this journey with me.”
Molly, who is from Hitchin, Hertfordshire, knows that the key to her success is her fans – she has built up a loyal following and they are obsessed with her style so much that they want to be just like her.
So now she’s giving back to her ‘community’, allowing them to access clothes designed by her. However, she’s also a shrewd businesswoman. Arguably the most successful contestant to come out of the villa to date, she’s already had six figure clothing deals and a successful beauty range.
She knows that for her fashion brand to be a true success she needs to attract a wider market.
That’s probably why she chose to partner with premium digital magazine Sheer Luxe to have the first exclusive look. This signals who she wants this brand to be associated with – the stylish woman in her mid twenties and upwards, who wants to splash the cash occasionally and prioritises style and comfort.
The vibe is less is more – a capsule collection of luxury items that you can mix and match – unlike when she was creative director of fast fashion brand Pretty Little Thing between 2021 and 2023.
Molly describes her brand as being “inspired by my own journey into womanhood and motherhood.”
That comes through in the pieces – they are timeless, sleek and wearable but with a luxe edge.
The campaign was shot in what looks to be a stately home – the whole vibe is giving wealth, but with clothes that are just about affordable to the masses.
And whilst the designs aren’t groundbreaking, they are smart and, for many, worth the investment.
Standout pieces in the collection include the oversized blazers and the seam front jeans – these are sure to be sellouts. However, other pieces, like the knits and basic tops for example, you can find similar in shops such as H&M and Zara.
In the campaign images featuring Molly herself she looks somewhat glum – and who can blame her after the shock split from Tommy Fury last month – but it’s clear that things are looking up for her.
This project will be a welcome distraction and she is once again in control of the narrative, with this brand marking the start of the next chapter of her life. Molly-Mae 2.0 has arrived.
Now in her mid twenties and a mother (she was 19 when entering the Love Island villa), she’s clearly a career driven young woman with big ambitions – and will slot in quite nicely with the fash pack.
She’s already been mingling with A-list models at Paris Fashion Week, having been invited to the L’Oreal show alongside Kendall Jenner and Cara Delevigne.
And we all know of another Hertfordshire girl who went from pop culture icon to front row royalty. Who’s to say Molly-Mae Hague can’t be the next Victoria Beckham? Anything is possible these days.”
And what’s even more disappointing is that the blonde beauty knows that the key to her success is her fans.
She’s arguably the most famous influencer in the UK and the most successful star to come from the ITVdating show, and she’s built up a loyal following with fans that follow her every move.
And unlike Molly-Mae, who’s estimated to be worth over £6 million, for most of us, we’re living in a cost-of-living crisis.
With the possibility of getting a mortgage seemingly impossible for many first-time buyers, the thought of splashing the cash on Maebe just isn’t an option.
Questions on materials used
Not only this, but whilst I was pleased to hear that the Maebe products are made in “positive” and “safe environments for workers”, there seems to be a lot of confusion with the materials used.
Whilst the Maebe website states that the clothes are made with “higher-quality fabrics”, it’s not clear what this actually means. Is it 100% cotton? 100% wool? Lord only knows.
For instance, the £60 cardigan – which comes in both grey and cream – is only described as having a ‘touch of wool’.
The product description reads: ‘The cropped cardigan is made from a dense compact knit with a touch of wool for a cosy (not scratchy), elevated feel.’
The webpage goes on to say that the item is made of a ‘mixed composition’, without detailing what the other materials are.
Meanwhile, the brand describe their £50 Contour Popper Top as being made of a ‘buttery soft stretch fabric’.
The description adds: ‘Using a buttery soft, heavyweight stretch knitted jersey to contour your body whilst also giving support and a smoothing effect.’
Inside Molly-Mae's life
Take a look at the influencer, business owner and reality TV star's journey to fame
And I’m not the only one that’s fuming about the lack of clarity here either. After browsing the collection online, one X user wrote: “Sus[picious] that Maebe isn’t disclosing their fabric composition or materials.”
Another added on TikTok: “There’s no proof it’s good quality given they don’t describe the material composition. It’ll probably be c****y polyester.”
Whilst a third wrote: “It’s not just that it’s the fact she hasn’t disclosed the materials or composition that have been used to make the fabric and thus people are buying it completely blind to what they are buying at such a large price tag.’”
So, will I be buying anything from Maebe? The only thing I can say to that is Maebe (definitely) not.
Yes, I’ll admit, the majority of the pieces are gorgeous. They’re timeless, chic and incredibly flattering, but is it really anything special?
Whilst I can appreciate they are nice pieces, which I’m sure are great quality, there’s one thing I’m certain of. I don’t fancy being bankrupt just to look as good as she does.
MaebeAbigail claimed that she won’t be purchasing anything from Maebe, despite being a mega Molly-Mae fan[/caption]
MaebeWhilst she praised the ‘timeless’ nature of the designs, she claimed that she couldn’t justify the price tags, especially during a cost-of-living crisis[/caption]
7 days agoTelevision GenreComments Off on Voters in Northern California county to vote on whether to allow large-scale farms
PETALUMA, California — In a part of Northern California known for its scenic coastlines and famous vineyards, hundreds of brown-colored chickens waddle around a large barn at Weber Family Farms. “You provide them with a stress-free environment with water, food and fresh air at all times, make them disease-free – and they’re going to reward […]
7 days agoTelevision GenreComments Off on Creating the future of work through the power of people and AI
The business landscape in the Asia-Pacific region is undergoing a seismic shift, fueled by rapid advances in artificial intelligence (AI). AI is no longer just a trend; AI is fundamentally changing the way companies operate and compete. Organizations are already recognizing that staying competitive in a digital-first world requires embracing AI – with AI spending […]
7 days agoWorld LeaksComments Off on A look into Kris Kristofferson’s unlikely friendship with Taylor Swift
Kris Kristofferson recently died “peacefully” in his home at the age of 88. The singer-songwriter was beloved by many artists and celebrities in the industry, including Taylor Swift. In fact, Kris and the “Cruel Summer” singer developed a special bond over the years before his timely death. Watch the full video to learn more about...
7 days agoWorld LeaksComments Off on Online boutique owner sentenced for nearly $500K in COVID-19 relief fraud
An online shop owner who was found guilty earlier this year by a federal jury of defrauding federal COVID-19 relief programs was sentenced Thursday to serve 90 months in prison.
