Sri Lanka’s economy likely shrank at a slower pace last quarter as a rebound in tourism and some

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Spotify updated its exclusive Barbie Official Playlist and added an Easter egg for listeners looking

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Lewis Hamilton was third in opening practice at the Monaco Grand Prix which ended early after Alex Albon crashed out. Hamilton, armed with a major Mercedes upgrade, finished the first running in Monte Carlo behind only Carlos Sainz, who topped the order for Ferrari, and Aston Martin’s Fernando Alonso. Hamilton was ahead of both Red Bulls – with Sergio Perez fourth and world champion Max Verstappen, who complained on multiple occasions about the handling of his Red Bull, sixth. The Ferrari of Charles Leclerc split the Red Bull pair. The red flags were deployed in the closing minutes when Albon lost control of his Williams through the opening Sainte Devote corner. The London-born Thai slammed into the wall, but, despite admitting to banging his knees, he emerged relatively unscathed from the 100mph accident. The same could however, not be said for Albon’s Williams following significant damage to the left-hand side of his machine. After giving up on this season’s car on the eve of the opening race, Mercedes have arrived for the sixth round of the season in the sun-cooked principality with a new concept. The Silver Arrows have abandoned their controversial zero-sidepod design, and introduced a new front suspension, new floor and cooling system in a change of development on a car which has contributed to the longest losing streak of Hamilton’s career. On Sunday, it will be 539 days since Hamilton last stood on the top step of the podium at the penultimate round of the contentious 2021 season in Saudi Arabia. And although Hamilton ended the opening running 0.663 sec behind Sainz, the seven-time world champion and his Mercedes team might take confidence from finishing ahead of both Red Bull drivers. Verstappen and team-mate Perez are the only men to have won a race this year, but their rapid Red Bull is not necessarily suited to the narrow and slow-speed confines of the unique Monte Carlo configuration. Sainz lapped a third of a second quicker than Alonso, with Verstappen 0.872 sec off the pace. Hamilton’s team-mate George Russell was only 15th, 1.6 sec back. Elsewhere, Lando Norris finished seventh for McLaren as Nico Hulkenberg completed the fewest laps after he spun his Haas at the chicane on the exit of the tunnel. Second practice gets under way at 1700 local time (1600 UK). Read More Charity boss speaks out over ‘traumatic’ encounter with royal aide Ukraine war’s heaviest fight rages in east - follow live Lewis Hamilton: Racist abuse of Vinicius Junior really hits home for me Bernie Ecclestone would be surprised if Lewis Hamilton wanted to leave Mercedes Lewis Hamilton insists right decision is made as Emilia Romagna GP cancelled

'It's insane how our disease gets, you know. That could’ve been a career ender,' Bobby Lee expressed in an interview

Scandinavian style has long been associated with a chic, pared-back wardrobe. Think boxy oversized blazers, crisp shirting, and no-fuss straight-leg denim. Much like French-girl fashion, it’s a look that’s emulated by people all over the world – but not just sartorially. For our homes, it means a focus on function with clean lines, pale hues, soft lighting, and cosy materials like sheepskin rugs and mohair throws. Ever inspired by confronting frigid Nordic winters, the aesthetic embraces the concept of “hygge” (pronounced ‘hoo-ga’). This Danish and Norwegian term describes a mood of cosiness and “comfortable conviviality” characterised by feelings of wellness and contentment. With autumn creeping in and chilly, lengthy evenings around the corner, here’s how to incorporate Scandinavia’s enduring design principles into your home – just in time to stave off the winter blues. Luxury London-based interior designer Naomi Astley Clarke begins, “your home should promote guilt free and unconditionally relaxed living in a beautiful atmosphere. In this uncertain world and especially when it’s freezing outside, our homes continue to be our security blankets.” To make your sanctuary as hygge as possible, she advises: “first ask yourself – how do I need my space to make me feel? For example, in your bedroom, you’ll want to be calm, cosy, and well rested. Think about the colours, textures, and things that will help you achieve those feelings.” In keeping with the Scandinavian love of the natural world, consider layering your space with a range of organic materials such as blonde and charred woods, linen, waffled cotton, jute, sheepskin, and leather. Astley Clarke adds, “imagine a scheme with timber floors, a plush, deep pile rug, and billowy linen curtains, broken up by mid-century wood furniture. Tall indoor plants in oversized vintage urns bring lush height and depth to the space. And if you’re after a more luxe look, incorporate some mixed metal details and marble finishes." If you’re wondering where to begin in your own sanctuary, consider the lighting. A dazzling overhead light can be quite the mood killer. Instead, varied and layered lighting – a mix of floor and table lamps, wall lights, and pendants – will cast a pleasing glow around your space for the ultimate hygge factor in the darkest months of the year. Lighting design studio, lights&lamps, has just collaborated with lifestyle creator and co-author of Scandi Rustic Reena Simon, on a range of hygge-inspired fixtures in aged brass, natural walnut, and charred wood. The collection features warm-toned bulbs and layered linen shades, designed to soften a light’s brightness and create a tranquil feeling. Once your lighting is sorted, keep the chill away by indulging in some toasty accessories. Drape a couple of throw blankets over the back of your sofa or favourite leather armchair, and layer over fresh bed linen for a final textural touch. If you’re willing to splurge, go for the Tartan Blanket Co’s Neutral Check undyed alpaca to throw in shades of camel, cream, and fog or Forestry Wool’s dusky pink Stream blanket. For some affordable alternatives, look to Zara Home’s velvety chenille and jumper-esque knit throws, or H&M Home’s wool-blend and jacquard-weave blankets. Bo Hellberg, chief marketing officer at Scandinavian modular storage pioneer, String Furniture, shares, “when it comes to Scandi design, there’s often a big misconception: ‘minimalism.’ Although there are parallels, the region’s style is more than just understated, neat, and necessary. Equally essential as pure function is beauty that draws inspiration from Nordic nature” – which isn’t just pale birch trees and blankets of snow. Consider the wildflower garlands that adorn heads, maypoles, and tabletops during Midsommar, the Swedish celebration of the summer season and the longest night of the year. Don’t be afraid to draw on these joy-inducing shades and botanical motifs to accessorise your Scandi-inspired interior. For example, the String Pocket – a compact floating shelf, ideal for holding books, candles, and houseplants – now comes in hues ranging from neon orange and violet to blush, rust, and sage green. A pop of colourful shelving sits prettily against white walls, transforming a blank canvas into a functional focal point. Cushions are another simple way to inject vibrance and interest into an otherwise pared-back furniture scheme. I suggest fabric studio Molly Mahon’s hand block-printed throw cushions. Lately, I’m in love with their frill Strawberry Copper, Chequer Blues, and Piped Luna Pink designs. Coco and Wolf’s frill-trimmed cushions in rambling floral prints also never disappoint. Candles are a key finishing touch to any hygge-fied home, adding to the cosy ambience and engulfing your space in your favourite mood-lifting aromas. As a candle enthusiast, I often spend my lunch break wandering Liberty’s fragrance hall, so I’ve smelled a lot of smells – but lately, nothing has captured my attention quite like Malin and Goetz’s new Strawberry candle. It’s not at all juicy or juvenile. Instead, it highlights the fruit’s green leaves and stem, accompanied by notes of fresh bergamot, pink pepper and warm musk. Unexpectedly autumn-appropriate, it’s an androgynous scent that’s reminiscent of the neck of your favourite sweater after you’ve worn it all day – warm, comforting and familiar. Suddenly I’m addicted to breathing, and there’s nothing I can do about it except keep Strawberry lit and in my vicinity. 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You might have your trusty yoga pants and black leggings in your closet, but how about flare leggings? The quirky wide-leg bottom is a 2023 fan-favorite style. Our favorite soft leggings have been revamped with a subtle or not-so-subtle flare bottom. We've seen it with the transition from baggy jeans to flare jeans, and now the 70s-via-Y2k look has returned for our workout wear. The updated look on the older trend is loved for elongating your legs, bringing a little bit of shape and curviness, and suiting a variety of occasions.

The true beauty of Halloween is just how many ways one can celebrate, especially as an adult. You can pass out candy, or you can drunkenly pass out in your best Barbie costume at your friend’s annual monster bash. Even Halloween decor presents a kind of choose-your-own spooky adventure. They drastically vary in eeriness, cheeriness, and overall appearance. To help cover all your Halloween 2023 needs, we corralled a slew of spooktacular decor of all kinds that scream “This is Halloween!” in the spirit of Jack Skellington. We’re talking pitch-black witchy candles, Stranger Things merch for pop culture lovers, chic spiderweb cheeseboards for those who like to go all out in style, and more. Plus, we threw in a few utterly cute gems for those of us who diverge from the chilling ghostly norms. Trick-or-treat your way through the following best Halloween decorations — they’re worthy of a spot on your mantle, wall, front porch, and anywhere your Halloween-lovin’ heart desires.

TikTok has become a hub for the latest fashion cores and aesthetics. While the styles tend to have short lives, the soft girl aesthetic is here for fall. Though the hyper-feminine, pastel-hued look first appeared last autumn and disappeared to allow mermaidcore to take the stage, it’s made it’s stealthy return. And with #softgirlaesthetic raking over 241.1 million views on TikTok, its reign is strong. Fashion enthusiasts online are scrambling to hop on the bandwagon and curate their own take on the dainty look.

Hi, it’s Lisa, your Pursuits correspondent in Dubai. A year ago, people here were looking at home prices