Lifestyle

Survive the summer holidays and the challenge of keeping children entertained with these fun activities that don’t cost the earth. I’m bored! Two words you’re bound to hear over the next few weeks if you have school-aged children. So how can cash-conscious parents keep boredom and mischief at bay for the duration of the summer break? It’s not easy, as popular activities like going to...

This month is Plastic Free July all around the world. The aim is to encourage ordinary people to cut their use of plastic to help the environment.   Here are some easy ways you can join in Plastic Free July.   Avoid single-use plastics   Avoiding single-use plastics is one of the easiest ways to reduce plastic use.   Single-use coffee cups, plastic bags, food wrap and,...

Protect your home and possessions by stepping up security before you go on holiday. Whether you plan to spend your summer holiday lying on a beach or strolling around a sophisticated city, there’s one thing you don’t want to be thinking about. And that’s home security. Because while you may be taking a break this summer, burglars certainly won’t be (burglary rates in the UK spike in July...

July is National Picnic Month, so why not get out there for a picnic or three? Here are some ideas to make your picnics extra special this summer.   Think outside the (lunch) box   While there’s nothing wrong with a park or a beach, an unusual location will make your picnic extra special and more memorable.   How about walking to the top of the highest hill you can manage for...

Ensure your beloved cat or dog stays as cool as a cucumber in hot weather by following these simple tips. When you’re having fun in the sun this summer, don’t forget to spare a thought for your pets. While cats and dogs love to doze off in a sunny corner of a room or garden, they can get too much of a good thing. Animals are less able to regulate their body temperature than humans. This...

Barbecue season is now well and truly upon us. Here are three trending ideas that are sure to brighten up your barbecues this summer.   Smashburgers   A smashburger is an ultra-thin burger that is cooked super quickly.   You can make smashburgers with any kind of meat, or with veggie and vegan ingredients too.   Take a burger – shop bought or homemade – and place...

Cycling is healthy, environmentally friendly and can save you money too. With Bike Week 2025 starting on Monday (June 9), now is the perfect time to get started or get back in the saddle.   Think about why you want to cycle   This is a vital first step to help you choose the most suitable bike for your needs.   If you’re a would-be racer or plan to do longer rides or...

Are you too busy to commit to volunteering every week? Don’t worry, here are three ways you can still give back to good causes. From first aiders and fundraisers to dog walkers and drivers, it’s time to celebrate Britain’s vast army of volunteers. Next week is Volunteers’ Week (June 2 to 8), a chance for us all to recognise the contribution of the nation’s 13 million volunteers. This...

Nothing beats the taste of homegrown vegetables. Here are three summer veggies that are easy to grow in your garden, or in planters or pots.   Lettuce   Lettuce is the easiest veg to grow bar none. Although usually thought of as a garden veg, lettuce will grow just as happily in planters and pots (minimum 15cm soil depth). You can grow it indoors, too.   There are dozens...

If you're weighing up whether to extend your home or move to a new property, here are some tips to help you make the right decision. Many homeowners reach a point where they find themselves at a crossroads. After many happy years in their home, they realise it no longer suits their needs. This leaves them with two options: to renovate/extend their property or list it and find something that's a...