Lifestyle

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...

We'd all like to live in a home with oodles and oodles of space but that's not always possible. So, here are some easy ways to make even the smallest space seem bigger.   Mirror, mirror on the wall   Mirrors are the easiest way to create a feeling of more space. The secret is clever positioning. It's best to place mirrors so that they reflect light from your windows or in a key location...

Whether you have a garden, patio or terrace, these quirky ideas will help transform your outdoor space.   Here are three ideas if you want to turn your conventional garden or outdoor area into something out of the ordinary.   Create a fun, Tiki-inspired space   Tiki culture hails from the South Pacific. With a bit of imagination, you can bring that relaxed, easy-going vibe to your...

We all know humans find moving stressful, but it can make cats and dogs anxious, too. Here are three ways to make relocating easier for your pets. If you’re a pet owner preparing to move house, it’s important to consider the needs of the four-legged members of your family. Cats and dogs can find moving unsettling and sometimes become withdrawn, destructive or anxious. To help your beloved pet...

Are you running out of ways to keep the kids (and yourself) entertained these school holidays? Here are three things you can do this Easter weekend that are fun and won’t cost a lot of cash.   Easter egg rolling   Egg rolling is an ancient tradition.   Hard boil some eggs (for at least 10 minutes) and decorate them. Small children will love bright colours and funny...