Life Style

Ofgem urges Brits to follow one step to keep heating ‘working properly
Life Style

Ofgem urges Brits to follow one step to keep heating ‘working properly

Brits have been advised to carry out a straightforward task to guarantee their heating operates efficiently. Neglecting this simple measure could result in a chillier home and increased energy bills over time.In a message posted on social media platform X, the Office of Gas and Electricity Markets (Ofgem) recommended that people bleed their radiators during winter. The regulator stated: "Make sure your heating system is working as efficiently as it can – bleed your radiators this winter."Radiator bleeding removes trapped air that stops the hot water circulating properly inside them."The Government organisation then directed followers to guidance on radiator bleeding via the Which? website.Consumer experts at Which? clarified: "Radiators need bleeding every few years to get rid of trappe...
Restaurant chain with 500 locations suddenly shuts two branches
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Restaurant chain with 500 locations suddenly shuts two branches

A restaurant chain with more than 500 locations in the UK has suddenly closed two of its branches, leaving fans shocked. Yo! Sushi is known for introducing the concept of conveyer belt sushi to the UK more than 20 years ago. But since the start of this year, some of these restaurants have appeared to close their doors. Most recently, the eatery at Manchester's Arndale Centre, which had been open for 15 years. Glasgow's West George Street restaurant is also 'permanently closed', which was the last Yo! in the city centre. Fans have been left disappointed by the news, taking to social media to share their disappointment.A TikToker in Glasgow posted a video of a poster in the window of the dark restaurant which read 'We are now closed' along with a QR code to find the nearest branch. Accord...
Hobbycraft recalls children’s product with ‘traces of asbestos’
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Hobbycraft recalls children’s product with ‘traces of asbestos’

Hobbycraft is recalling a children’s box of craft supplies over concerns that it could be contaminated with asbestos. The product, a box of mixed art supplies called the Giant Box of Craft, includes vials of colourful sand supplied in the box that may contain substance.The craft retailer has stated that traces of asbestos were detected in some samples and have now withdrawn the kit from their stores. They said: "The product presents a risk to health as the vials of sand included in the set may be contaminated with asbestos."Asbestos is a banned substance because it poses a risk to health even at low levels of exposure. Health effects from asbestos generally occur many years after long-term inhalation of very small fibres. Testing to date indicates that there is Trace Asbestos Detected i...
‘Gorgeous’ £49 earrings similar to Zara Tindall’s £5k pair | Royal | News
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‘Gorgeous’ £49 earrings similar to Zara Tindall’s £5k pair | Royal | News

Valentine’s Day is fast approaching, and Zara Tindall has just delivered the ultimate  jewellery inspiration. Stepping out at the Cheltenham races over the weekend, she turned heads in a striking navy look, finishing the outfit with a bold pair of £5.2k gold link earrings from Australian label Calleija. Zara has collaborated with the brand since 2013, and her gold earrings with detachable links are some of our favourites. Gold link earrings have quietly become a staple in royal wardrobes, favoured by both Meghan Markle and Princess Catherine who have been seen championing the timeless silhouette. If you’re looking to recreate Zara’s look without the luxury price tag, there’s a chic high-street alternative worth snapping up. Abbott Lyon’s interlocking hoop earrings have a similar look an...
Dog owners warned over ‘toxic’ plants you may have at home
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Dog owners warned over ‘toxic’ plants you may have at home

Dog owners are being warned to inspect their houseplants this winter, as some of Britain's most popular indoor varieties can prove toxic to dogs, , and pets don't need to chew them to suffer.Experts say the risk frequently stems from dropped leaves, plant sap and contaminated compost, which dogs may consume accidentally while grooming themselves or investigating their surroundings indoors.Alyssa Ralph, Clinical Animal Behaviourist and Canine Nutritionist from fresh dog food brand Years.com, says numerous owners mistakenly believe plants pose no threat if their dog leaves them alone.She explained: "Many owners assume that if their dog isn't chewing a plant, there's no danger. But toxicity can occur from licking sap or a fallen leaf, or even digging in soil where plant toxins have settled...
NHS says ‘simple’ breathing technique ‘can help ease worries’
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NHS says ‘simple’ breathing technique ‘can help ease worries’

People struggling to drift off at night may find relief after trying an NHS technique. Whilst worrying thoughts can strike at any hour, they become especially troublesome at bedtime when you're attempting to get a good night's rest ahead of a busy day.The NHS recommends meditation as a tool to help 'ease worries or other troubling thoughts', such as when you're trying to fall asleep. The method could also help people experiencing similar feelings at other times of the day.The NHS Better Health website explains: "Meditation is a practice that can help prepare our bodies and minds for a restful night's sleep. It can help us to fall asleep faster, sleep longer and even deeper. You may have heard it being referred to as 'sleep meditation'."Meditation exercises can enable us to relax, unwind...
Simple ‘tennis ball’ test acts as useful dementia indicator
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Simple ‘tennis ball’ test acts as useful dementia indicator

People can test this themselves at home using tennis balls (Image: Getty)People can try to spot one of the early signs of dementia by trying to complete a test using nothing but a tennis ball and their hands. Whilst it may seem peculiar, a few minutes spent doing the test could uncover crucial information about the state of your cognitive health.Research has found that weak grip strength correlates with heightened risks of mental decline and developing disorders like dementia. Although this home-based assessment cannot definitively diagnose dementia or other neurological issues, it provides a distinctive "window" for medical professionals to recognise when something appears to be a problem.Known online as Dr Bing, Dr Baibing Chen is a dual board-certified neurologist and epileptologist....
Princess Kate’s latest wool roll-neck is under £40 | Royal | News
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Princess Kate’s latest wool roll-neck is under £40 | Royal | News

Roll-neck jumpers are a cornerstone of Princess Catherine’s winter wardrobe, and her latest appearance in the north of England saw her wear a surprisingly affordable option. Spotted wrapped up for a wellbeing walk in the Peak District, she leaned into a chic, outdoorsy aesthetic, layering a fitted roll-neck beneath classic country separates for a look that felt practical yet elegant.Royal style fans can now shop her exact knit, as Princess Catherine wore the merino roll-neck from House of Bruar in a rich racing green shade. While that particular colourway has now sold out, the good news is the jumper is still available in navy  – a colour favoured by Catherine – in sizes small to extra-large, alongside several other hues, including a mint tone.Crafted from 100% merino wool, the roll-nec...
Never throw away old newspaper – it has important garden use this Jan
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Never throw away old newspaper – it has important garden use this Jan

People are urged to keep old newspapers and cardboard to use in their garden (stock image) (Image: Getty)Any home-gardeners are urged to save old newspapers and cardboard, as these can help you get your garden blooms sprouting before it's time to plant them outside.Whenever you've finished reading a newspaper, most people will throw them in the recycling before the next one arrives, as it's usually something you only read once. Same thing goes with cardboard, which usually also gets recycled after it's served it's initial purpose.But now, one gardener named Simon Akeroyd has urged people to save these, as they can make for a great way to get your plant sprouts growing before it's time to bring them outside. And you can start doing it now.While it might seem a bit too early to start thin...
M&S fragrance that ‘smells like Jo Malone’ drops to 60p with clever deal
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M&S fragrance that ‘smells like Jo Malone’ drops to 60p with clever deal

With Valentine's Day fast approaching, Marks and Spencer has launched a limited edition fragrance that fans are likening to a Jo Malone scent. Whether you're in search of a present for a fragrance lover, or simply looking for a new signature scent for the day of love, we've found a way to grab the fragrance for less than a pound by using a clever deal.The newly-launched Pear Blush Eau de Parfum is already a bargain at £16, but shoppers can get it for much cheaper by joining TopCashback, reports the Liverpool Echo. The money-saving website is offering new members and new M&S customers a free £15 sign-up bonus as well as cashback on any purchase of £15 or more. This reduces the price of the perfume to just 60p after cashback. Existing M&S shoppers also benefit from the discount, w...