Latest news with #Layla
The Guardian
9 hours ago
- The Guardian
How wedding guests are coping with rising costs: ‘the total will come to £3,000 this year'
By the time Layla had paid for flights, booked a hotel, bought a dress and contributed to the honeymoon fund, her friend's wedding had cost her more than £1,600 – and it is just one of three she is attending this summer. With more couples planning bigger celebrations – often with multiple events, and with some away from home, guests are left footing ever bigger bills. Travel, accommodation, outfits, pre-wedding events, gifts and childcare can add up and push the costs of being a guest into the hundreds, and even thousands, of pounds. So how are people managing? And what does it tell us about the expectations that come with being part of someone's big day? Guests are spending more than £2,000 a year, on average, to attend weddings and civil partnerships, according to research from the Money and Pensions Service (MaPS). The biggest costs, MaPS found, were travel and accommodation, followed by new outfits and gifts. Those aged 25 to 34 – the cohort who are most likely to be invited to several weddings in a year– spend about £740 a time on average, adding up to nearly £4,500 a year. One 33-year-old, who lives in south-east London, went to 11 weddings last year – and his weekends for much of this summer involve hopping between celebrations. 'I love going, but I'm at an age when everyone seems to be doing it,' he says. 'I have four weddings in four weekends over July, and the total for the year is eight.' Three of the weddings, plus a stag do, involve long or overseas journeys. He estimates the total cost of being a guest this year will come to almost £3,000. 'The cost doesn't tarnish the experience for me, but when there are at least a couple of foreign weddings each year then it starts to add up, and to eat into your holiday allowance,' he says. One woman in her 40s, who also preferred to remain anonymous, estimates she has spent £1,750 so far on her sibling's wedding, which will take place in a small city in England next year. The total covers the cost of accommodation for three nights for her and her family, suit hire for her teenage sons, a dress, hair and make up. As a close family member, she says, she 'would like to look half decent' for the photographs, and then there is the price of travel to and from the venue. 'They got engaged in February 2023, then announced the date in June – they have given us two years, for which I am very grateful. I have been saving since the announcement,' she says. 'Life is expensive these days – we live in different cities, and it is their wedding, so their home town makes sense. At least it is not abroad.' Increasingly, couples are opting for multi-wedding formats, which can hike up costs, says Zoe Burke, a wedding expert and the editor of the website Hitched. 'With more and more couples choosing celebrant-led weddings over traditional religious ones, it means the legal bit needs to be done ahead of time [because celebrant weddings are not yet legal in England and Wales],' she says. 'This is where we are seeing couples opting for 'micro weddings' for immediate friends and family – at a register office to do the legal bit, followed by what a 'typical' wedding looks and feels like.' The 'double-do' has left some guests relying on credit to get them through the wedding season. Research by the credit reference agency Experian found that 14% of wedding guests had acquired, or worsened their debt, through attending someone else's celebration. Almost half (46%) said they met the costs of attending weddings, and stag and hen dos, using money they had in a current account. About a quarter said they saved up specifically for the event, and 17% dipped into savings already earmarked for something else. John Webb, a consumer expert at Experian, recommends thinking twice before accepting invitations if it is really going to stretch your budget. 'If you're borrowing money to cover the cost of attending a wedding, make sure you've got a plan to repay it,' he says. 'You should always try to avoid taking credit you can't afford to repay, or putting yourself under extreme financial pressure just to attend.' When couples tie the knot overseas, guests are often left with a much bigger bill. Research from the credit card provider Amex suggests 40% of UK wedding guests will attend a 'destination wedding' abroad this year, with the average cost now £1,956, according to Experian. That is enough to make some guests think twice before ticking 'yes' on the RSVP. About 29% of people in the UK have declined an invitation to a wedding outside the country in the past year because they could not take the time off work, felt the destination was too far away or were unable to afford the transport or accommodation, Experian's research shows. For Ellena, who is 27 and based in Amsterdam, making it to her friend's wedding in London involved careful planning and compromise. 'A destination wedding can have quite the [carbon] footprint, right? So my partner and I were thinking about that. We wanted to get the Eurostar, but it was way too expensive. 'We opted to fly because it was going to save us so much time and so much money,' she says. But there were limits to how cheaply they could travel: 'If you're bringing a suit, and a dress, the carry-on won't do,' she says. Next year, she has been invited to another wedding, this time in Mexico. 'With the engagement, you immediately have all this excitement, and then the day comes around, where you have to start thinking: 'How do I get there? What gift do I get? What do I wear?'' She has not looked into the costs yet, but says: 'We will just make it a holiday, I guess, but we wouldn't have originally gone to Mexico next on a trip.' Assessing your budget and the costs involved early on – to see whether the wedding is feasible – is key, Webb says, and that avoids those awkward last-minute dropouts, or unnecessary debts. He recommends you speak to the couple sooner rather than later. As he says: 'Money conversations can feel awkward, but it's important to be honest about your situation. Most people would rather you be upfront than silently struggle. 'You could suggest joining part of the celebration, such as a local reception, instead of the full trip, or sending a heartfelt message, or gift, if you can't make it,' he says. Burke advises focusing on the main day and not feeling obliged to attend everything. This way, you don't end up resentful or let 'other people spend your money for you', she says. 'This is especially relevant for destination weddings. And you don't have to attend every single hen or stag do, bridal brunch or engagement dinner that you're invited to,' she continues. 'If you can only afford to attend the wedding, then just attend the wedding. 'Honesty means nobody gets hurt. 'I'm not able to afford both your destination wedding and the hen do, so please let me know which one you'd most want me to be at so I can plan for that' is clear and polite, and it perfectly explains your situation.' The same goes for multiple pre-wedding celebrations, Burke says. 'Saying: 'I'm really sorry that I can't afford to attend all three of the events, but I really want to celebrate with you, so please let me know which one is most important so I can prioritise' simply lets them know your situation without going into too TMI [too much information] territory, or making them feel like you resent them for having multiple events.' If an invitation says 'no children', and your childcare costs would be too high, you should let the couple know. She says in this case, she would say something like: 'Thank you so much for inviting me, however, I'm sadly unable to arrange childcare. I hope you both have the best day ever, and I'll be raising a glass to you at home. 'Can't wait to see the pictures!'
The National
18 hours ago
- Entertainment
- The National
Junoon: The Arabic word for madness and obsession - not to mention anger and irrationality
The seventh-century Arabic poet Qays ibn al-Mulawwah is said to have been deeply in love with a woman named Layla. He wrote to her and about her constantly, so much so that after his death, he was referred to as Majnun Layla, which translates to 'the one mad about Layla'. The 12th-century Persian poet Nizami Ganjavi immortalised their tale with his poem titled Majnun Layla. Despite their deep affection, societal pressures and family opposition keep them apart. Layla is married off to another man, while Majnun retreats to the wilderness, composing verses in her memory. Their love, pure, yet tragic, symbolises the agony of longing and the spiritual depth of true devotion. It's often called the "Romeo and Juliet" of the East. Majnoon (or majnun) comes from the word junoon, which is the Arabic word of the week. Junoon means madness and obsession, it can also convey anger and irrationality. Much like al-Mulawwah, a madman is a majnun and the plural is majaneen. Junoon is also used in the context of losing focus and concentration. If a person does something illogical and out of character, an immediate response might be 'inta janait?' which means "have you gone mad"? One idiom that uses the word is 'al junoon funoon', which translates to 'the art of madness'. It's used when seemingly random things coalesce to create something that is beautiful together. Junoon is also the Arabic word used for the faint buzzing sound a fly makes. The word is also found in other languages – it has the same meaning in Hindi and Urdu. It is also the title of the 2015 collaboration album Junun by English composer Jonny Greenwood, Israeli composer Shye Ben Tzur and the Indian ensemble, the Rajasthan Express. Junoon can also be used to express delusions of grandeur disorder, junoon al athama. Delusions of grandeur are false beliefs in one's extraordinary importance, talent or identity.
Evening Standard
3 days ago
- Lifestyle
- Evening Standard
Glastonbury weather is looking good! How to survive camping and partying in the sun
Sounds counterintuitive, but one of the best ways to protect yourself during the hotter hours is to layer up. That means lots of light, cool layers: linen, cotton and as few synthetic fabrics as possible. Shirts – which can be buttoned up or left loose – are a must, as are roomy skirts and shorts. Ideally, you'll be aiming to maximise airflow around your body while protecting your skin. Damson Madder is a good place to shop for loose, flowing items: their Chlo shirt is both patterned and comfy, as is their polka-dotted Layla skirt, which has the added bonus of coming down to knee length.
Tom's Guide
4 days ago
- Health
- Tom's Guide
Layla Kapok Pillow review 2025: Customized support for an uninterrupted night's rest
Layla is a brand familiar to many Americans, thanks to its wide range of memory foam mattresses crafted to provide premium comfort and support without a hefty price tag. The Layla Kapok is one of the brand's top-selling products, created to be the "one pillow to rule them all" with a fully adjustable memory foam and kapok fiber fill. What makes it stand out from the best pillows we have reviewed is the addition of naturally hypoallergenic and breathable kapok fibers, which are silkier and softer than organic cotton. Here we take a close look at the Layla Kapok pillow, assessing it against core performance indicators such as comfort, support and temperature regulation. If you're short on time, scroll down to find a brief summary: Type: Shredded memory foam and kapok fibersBest for: All sleepersSizes: Queen, kingTrial: 30 nightsWarranty: 5 yearsPrice: From $109 MSRP at Layla As already mentioned, the Layla Kapok pillow is designed to suit all sleeping styles and body types. It comes overstuffed with its foam and kapok fiber fill, which you can remove (and store in the complimentary bag that comes with it) to create the ideal feel, comfort and pillow loft your sleeping position requires. It provides a contouring yet firm support for all sleeping styles, especially for those who sleep on their side. Our lead tester, a combination sleeper (side and back), was impressed by how it perfectly meets her sleep preferences in terms of the loft, support and comfort, which eases the pressure on the neck muscles. We tested the Layla Kapok Pillow during a particularly warm summer with the temperature going up to 27°C (68°F) and found it to sleep neutral. Hot sleepers might, therefore, require a pillow with specialized cooling tech to combat the heat and night sweats. Additionally, we also think the hypoallergenic kapok fill will be a good fit for sleepers who are prone to allergies. The Layla Kapok Pillow starts from $109 for a queen size. Let's now look at the pillow specs and performance in detail: Layla is mainly focused on creating affordable mattresses that offer great comfort and support for the money you pay. While adjustable pillows are made to fit everyone and therefore pricier than the traditional models, the Layla Kapok is definitely more expensive than other brands we've seen. The Kapok model is the most expensive out of the two pillow options offered by the brand, with the queen priced at $109 and the king at $129. However, Layla is also known for its frequent mattress sales, which also mean good discounts on its pillows. The current 'buy one get one 50% off' bundle sale is a great example, dropping the cost of a pair of queen pillows from $218 to $163.50. In terms of benefits, Layla is almost as good as Coop Sleep Goods (which has the top bedding benefits we've seen so far), with a 30-night trial, 5-year warranty and free shipping and returns. Layla Kapok Pillow: from $109 at LaylaThe Layla Kapok Pillow is available in two sizes: queen and king. The MSRP for a queen is $109 while a king is priced at $129. This also includes a 30-night trial, 5-year warranty and free shipping and returns. The Layla Kapok has a fully adjustable fill made of CERTIPUR-US certified shredded memory foam and kapok fibers, resulting in a medium-firm to firm pillow suitable for all sleeping positions and body types. The biggest highlight of the design is the striking grey and white honey-combed OEKO-TEX certified fabric cover, made from 68% polyester, 33% rayon and 1% spandex. The slightly raised hexagonal texture is soft to the touch and comforting enough to enable you to relax. Unlike other options with gussets, piping or frills, the Layla Kapok pillow features a thin seam, adding to its fuss-free construction. The composition is vegan, hypoallergenic and naturally moisture wicking, and resistant from dust mites and other allergens. Kapok fibers are also silkier to touch and softer than cotton, so you get a breathable and contouring blend when incorporated with memory foam. We slept on the Layla Kapok pillow for two weeks testing the core parameters which makes up a good headrest. These are our findings below: Like most adjustable models, the Layla Kapok arrived in a cardboard box, rolled up and sealed in a plastic cover, and came with a cloth bag for storing any fill you remove while customizing it to suit your preferences. The fully-stuffed pillow began to unfurl and expand as soon as it was out of the package. Although there weren't any specific instructions from the brand regarding the expansion time, our tester waited for 24 hours before sleeping on it. Like the best memory foam mattresses, you might also notice some off-gassing in foam-blend pillows too. However, in our experience the Layla Kapok did not have any noticeable smell during the expansion period. Nailing the right amount of fill was one thing I struggled with initially, since I prefer a plush feel to my pillows. It took a while for me to break into the pillow and get adjusted to the medium-firmness it offered. Score: 4.5 out of 5 Being a combination sleeper (side and back), I found the Layla Kapok to be a bit too firm to break into. I then removed about a quarter of the foam and kapok fiber fill, and fluffed it up to evenly distribute the fill and bring it back to its original shape. The pillow felt perfect for both the positions and especially for side sleeping. After the slight readjustment, it seemed to provide the right loft and support, to bridge the gap between the ears and shoulders, while lying on the side. Since there weren't any clear guidelines on setting up the pillow for each position, we reached out to Layla directly. We learned that while side and back sleepers may need to remove only a little (amount not mentioned), stomach sleepers might have to remove much more to flatten it out and ensure it does not compromise a healthy spinal alignment. In comparison with the Coop Original Adjustable pillow I reviewed previously, the Layla Kapok is by no means a plush pillow. This could be because of the difference in the type of fiber used. While this might be considered a major drawback, especially for those who prefer a softer and fluffier pillow, it is also one of the advantages the Layla has over the Coop Adjustable, since the latter tends to flatten or shift easily. As an objective test to gauge its comfort and support, I placed a 10lb (roughly equivalent to an adult head) kettlebell on the center of the pillow. After waiting for five minutes, I removed the weight. The pillow took over seven seconds to return to its original shape and firmness. This is line with our experience of sleeping on the Layla Kapok, which overall maintained its support and shape consistently, and required only minimal fluffing up during the testing period. Score: 4 out of 5 Most memory foam pillows are known to retain heat, unless they also feature organic cooling materials or specialized tech. The Layla Kapok is made with a combination of memory foam and breathable and naturally moisture-wicking kapok fibers, but lacks other dedicated cooling tech to beat the heat. I tested the Layla Kapok Pillow when the temperatures were soaring high up to 27°C (68°F). Even with the Sijo Airyweight Cooling mattress protector, I did wake up one morning feeling hot and stuffy, due to the sunrise-facing position of my bedroom. Conclusion? The Layla Kapok basically sleeps at a neutral temperature and will not cater to extremely hot sleepers or warm weather. Score: 3.5 out of 5 While we should remind you that your pillows need to replaced every one to two years, it's important that the one you sleep on every night is built to last. Let's now look into whether the Layla Kapok passed this test. While the two-week testing period is insufficient to understand whether it will stand the test of time, based on the construction and use of premium materials, we think the Layla Kapok pillow is made to last. Our tester also didn't notice any sagging or flattening, which is a common failing in other memory foam-blend pillows. It proved to maintain its support, comfort and shape overall, without the need for frequent fluffing or readjustments. Score: 5 out of 5 The outer polyester cover of the Layla Kapok pillow is machine-washable. Pop it in a cold water cycle and tumble dry on low heat. The inner fill layer, however, is spot clean only. While you can fluff it up by hand, the brand also recommends putting it in the dryer for five to 10 minutes on the lowest heat setting, every so often. Score: 4 out of 5 During our two-week testing period, our combination sleeping tester was convinced that the Layla Kapok Pillow is best suited to side and back sleeping. The fully adjustable foam and kapok fiber fill will be a perfect fit for anyone who prefers a firm pillow that supports their head, neck and shoulders. Unlike the Coop Original Adjustable, this does not flatten or shift easily during the night and requires minimal fluffing to maintain its shape and support. However, we recommend that stomach sleepers opt for a softer model such as the Tempur-Cloud, which is designed for that specific position and hence comes ready to be slept on. Our reviewer also thought that the Layla Kapok slept at a neutral temperature throughout the testing period. Hot sleepers, therefore, might need something designed specifically for cooling, like the Casper Hybrid with Snow Technology, as the breathability of the kapok fiber would prove to be insufficient in handling extreme heat or night sweats. Overall, we think the Layla Kapok is a strong choice for sleepers in search of a low-maintenance and consistently supportive adjustable pillow that offers generous sleep benefits for its price. ✅ You're a side sleeper: You'll need little to no adjustment, since the Layla Kapok perfectly bridges the gap between your ears and shoulders while lying on the side. ✅ You prefer a medium-firm supportive pillow: Unlike other plush adjustable options that tend to flatten easily, the Layla Kapok maintains its shape and medium-firm support for longer. ✅ You want extra benefits: The Layla Kapok pillow comes with a 30-night sleep trial and 5-year warranty, so you can try it stress-free before committing. ❌ You like a plush pillow: The Layla Kapok remains medium-firm no matter how much fill you remove, so if you prefer a plush pillow, this might not be right for you. ❌ You're a stomach sleeper: You'll have to remove a good quantity of the fill to achieve the loft and comfort that's ideal for stomach sleeping. It's easier to opt for dedicated models like the Tempur-Cloud instead. ❌ You're a hot sleeper: Made from a memory foam and kapok fiber fill, you'll not find it to be the most cooling option, especially if you're prone to overheating or night sweats.
Khaleej Times
19-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Khaleej Times
How a Dubai dad turned his daughter's joy into heartwarming children's book series
Safder Nazir never imagined that a quiet weekend, writing at his desk, would mark the beginning of a legacy. But in 2023, the seasoned tech executive and father of five published The Adventures of Layla, a heartfelt children's book inspired by his youngest daughter. Layla, now eight, was born with Down's Syndrome — and it's her joyful spirit, fierce determination, and magnetic presence that shaped not only the pages of a book, but the very soul of a family. 'I wrote it for her — and for children like her,' says Nazir, 53, who has called Dubai home since 2003. 'Layla is a gift. I wanted the world to see her that way too.' The Adventures of Layla isn't a book about disability. It's a celebration of curiosity, courage, and slices of experiences from Layla's life. The first story, Layla at the Beach, is based on one of her favourite places and her unique experiences — from packing her backpack to finding a disability parking space. The upcoming sequel, Layla and the Party, recounts a touching moment when Layla lost her helium balloon and simply said, 'Why can't Daddy get it back when he can do everything?' 'These are the moments that stay with you,' says Nazir. 'They're funny, profound, and entirely her.' Though many know him as the senior vice president for public sector at a global tech firm, few realise Nazir's quieter role as an author capturing tender memories in prose. The books subtly weave in themes of inclusion, resilience, and diversity — not by making them central, but by celebrating Layla simply as the star of her story. A father's purpose For Nazir, Father's Day isn't just a date on the calendar — it's a time for reflection. His journey into fatherhood began decades ago in Manchester, England, where his two elder daughters were born and raised. He moved to Dubai with his wife Carla, a teacher, in 2003, building a life grounded in love, values, and spirituality. Together, they raised five daughters: Raihaanah (25), Sumayyah (23), Ameerah (18), Safiyyah (16), and the youngest, Layla. Nazir and Carla were in their mid-forties when they discovered they were expecting Layla. 'We thought we were done,' he chuckles, recalling the surprise when Carla informed him she was pregnant again. 'But Layla was always meant to be. I believe every soul destined to be born will arrive, no matter what we plan.' Like many older parents, they were offered advanced prenatal testing. One test suggested their daughter may have Down's Syndrome, and termination was suggested as an option. Nazir's response was immediate and resolute: 'That was never an option.' And so, Layla arrived — reshaping not just his schedule, but his soul. From her earliest days, Layla began redefining expectations. Though initial concerns included a hole in the heart, possible developmental delays, and other challenges, she defied most of them with courage and light. 'She might not be the fastest runner in school,' Nazir says, 'but she's strong in spirit, and she loves physical activity. She has changed all of us. Her presence influenced everything — even my eldest daughter's career path.' A late talker, Layla spoke her first word at four. Inspired by her sister's speech and language therapists, Raihaanah pursued the same path and now works with the National Health Services in Manchester. Sumayyah is following her own calling in dentistry, after a degree in biomedical science. Ameerah, also influenced by Layla, is studying to be an occupational therapist, 'We raised them with one principle: serve your community. That's where gratitude and fulfillment come from.' The idea of legacy runs deep in Nazir's parenting. From teaching his daughters how to assemble furniture and handle car repairs to ensuring one-on-one bonding time — he's instilled confidence and independence in every daughter. 'He is their only male role model and he is determined to be the best one possible,' says Carla. Their household was built on small rituals with big meaning. One conundrum he faced was which child to greet when he returned home from work. He solved it by lining them up — youngest to eldest — so that there would be no complaints. 'This is a path we follow for everything,' laughs Nazir. 'Youngest to oldest.' The heart of the home Despite the challenges of raising a child with special needs, Safder exudes calm and certainty. 'I never worried too much. I don't stress about milestones or timelines. My belief is that each child comes with their own provision — their own destiny. My job is to do my part and raise them with love, respect, and guidance.' Layla isn't just the youngest — she's the heartbeat of the family. Her laughter fills their home, and her resilience reshapes perspectives. One of their favourite pastimes as dad and daughter, was running together in their compound — from one lamppost to the next. 'I taught her to pace her breath, to keep going. On sports day, it became a prompt for her when we shouted out: just one more lamp-post.' Managing five daughters across different life stages hasn't been easy — but it's been deeply enriching. From errands and road trips to solo meals, Safder ensures they get individual quality time. Even now, with three daughters living abroad, the family remains closely knit. 'They come home often — and always make time for Layla.' In their home, Layla isn't treated as someone different. She's included in everything, encouraged to try, and celebrated for being exactly who she is. A digital legacy Beyond his books, Nazir is quietly compiling a digital archive of Layla's life — short videos, reflections, milestones. Not for likes or views. 'It's for her to look back, to see how far she's come. To believe that she can do anything.' And she already is — in her own time, in her own way, cheered on by a father who sees her not through the lens of limitation, but love. 'I dote on all my daughters,' Nazir says. 'But Layla… she's different. She's changed me. She's taught me patience, perspective, and joy in the simplest of moments.'
