Life Style

If one of your New Year's Resolutions has involved wanting to redecorate or renovate your house in 2026, then you might be looking around and realising just how much of a daunting task that actually is. While painting and decorating might seem easy, if you've never had to paint your walls or fit new kitchen cabinets before, it can be incredibly intimidating. However, paying for decorators to come in and do the work for you can be expensive, so it's often best to do it yourself if you don't have the cash to spare.There is plenty of useful information online that will help you along in your DIY journey, ranging from videos telling you how to properly hang a picture frame to advice on what colour combinations are best for your bathroom.But one woman on Instagram has recently shared a paint...

Journalist Katie Oborn did a first-time sage cleanse (Image: Katie Oborn )When January 2026 began, I decided to try out a sage cleanse to freshen up my home and clear out old energy that may be lurking in the corners. It’s not something I’d done before, but with a new year still in its early stages, I thought I’d give it a go as the cold and gloomy month proceeded.After reading that this ancient ritual of burning white sage still “works wonders”, I assumed it was worth a go - and thought it might uplift the atmosphere in my home. I’d first experienced ceremonial incense burning when I went to interview a “witch” a couple of years ago at a quirky shop that had just opened in Plymouth. At the time, practising witch Paul Bryant at witchcraft shop The Cunning Grove burned a combination of c...

Shoppers are snapping up this ‘perfect’ waterproof coat, praising it for having ‘just enough padding’ to make it practical without feeling bulky. Designed for everyday wear, it’s proving popular with those looking for a lightweight outer layer that works for changeable weather and busy weekends.The Willow Waterproof Coat in Dark Navy is up for grabs for £140 from White Stuff and it comes in sizes 6 to 24 as well as both regular and petite sizes. There is also the choice of other colours: Black Print (£60) and Mid Pink for those who want some variety. This practical coat is the kind of throw-on piece that works just as well for dog walks and school runs as it does for casual city wear. Its relaxed shape and classic colourway make it easy to style.The hooded waterproof coat is designed to...

With January in full swing, temperatures are beginning to fall in parts of the UK.It is not just us humans that can suffer in the cold; our pets can too, and it’s important to be aware of the warning signs.A vet from The Pet Health Club, a nationwide preventative healthcare plan for a variety of pets, took to TikTok to offer some tips for both looking out for and preventing hypothermia in dogs and cats.He first outlined the four warning signs of hypothermia – shivering, pale gums, confusion and loss of consciousness.If noticing these alarming symptoms, its vital to take the following steps to ensure that your pet warms up quickly.Firstly, the vet urges owners to dry off their dogs if they are damp. Wet pets, especially in these colder months, can be a recipe for hypothermia.Next, use bl...

Wassailers perform ancient ritual in Tottenham (Image: Tim Merry)If you stand at the bar in a London pub on any given evening it’s not uncommon to see some strange sights. But standing at Ferry Boat Inn, catching sight of a woman wearing a top hat adorned with black feathers, I feel a wave of relief wash over me. I’m in the right place. Tonight will either be brilliant or absolutely terrible. There’s no middle ground when it comes to Morris dancing in a Tottenham car park.I’m here for the winter pagan ritual of wassailing. It’s an evening of revelry held on the 12th night of Christmas to bless apple trees in the hope of a good future harvest by throwing cider on the roots, and singing and dancing to ward off evil spirits. So popular has it become in recent years that events now run thro...

When it comes to traditional girls' names, Britain is really spoilt for choice. Thanks to the unique make-up of the UK, we have several different languages and cultures to draw from, not to mention centuries of history, tradition and mythology.These names all have poetic, musical sounds and often have roots dating back hundreds of years as well as meanings steeped in nature. So if you're on the hunt for a baby name or simply want to know the origin of your own, these are just some that could provide inspiration.Some are quite common in different UK countries — like Ffion and Bethan in Wales — while being much rarer across the wider UK. But all are beautiful. I have included Northern Irish names too to celebrate their beauty, despite it being, of course, part of the UK rather than Britai...

The popular charity shop Cancer Research has announced it will be closing 88 stores by May 2026, with further closures expected in 2027. The charity explained this is due to long‑term financial pressures, including escalating running costs and changing consumer behaviour.The closures are part of a two-year cost-cutting plan to reduce its network to around 320 UK stores and to save £12.4million, which will be redirected towards cancer research. However, the company restructure also involves plans to open 12 “superstores” by 2028. These will be larger shops which will offer customers greater choice and value, according to the charity.Airdrie, 5 Bank Street, ML6 6AFBalham, 168 Balham High Road, SW12 9BWBallymena, 49 Ballymoney Street, BT43 6ANBanbury, 9 Parsons Street, OX16 5LWBarnstaple, ...

With New Year’s resolutions in full swing, many Brits have introduced new skincare and wellness routines to support their appearance and wellbeing. For those in need of updated grooming essentials, one brand has reduced prices across multiple products, with customers able to use the code CREMO25 at checkout until February 15.Cremo is offering shoppers 25% off its entire range, creating the perfect chance to stock up on everyday staples. From razors and replacement cartridges to complete grooming sets, there’s something to suit every preference. Among the bestselling items is the Cremo Barber Grade Razor, which provides a ‘smooth, barbershop shave in the comfort of your own home’ now reduced from £16.95 to £12.72 after code. Each cartridge contains five robust blades, three layers of com...

A vet has shared his top five breed recommendations for first time cat owners (stock image) (Image: Getty)Bringing a cat into your home is a big commitment, requiring careful consideration of how the pet in question would integrate into your lifestyle. To assist potential owners, a veterinarian has compiled his top five breed suggestions for those welcoming their first cat.Whilst the distinctions between cat breeds may appear less pronounced than those between dog breeds, there remains plenty to weigh up when selecting the perfect cat for your circumstances.Certain cats are relatively undemanding and content with a quieter life, whilst others require regular grooming sessions and thrive in busier, more sociable environments.To guide would-be cat owners towards an informed choice, veteri...

Whether you're a paranormal enthusiast or a sceptic, there's no denying the chilling delight of a good ghost tale - and if that interests you, well, there's one village in Kent that's a must-visit. Nestled about five miles west of Ashford, Pluckley is a picturesque and tranquil hamlet with just over 1,000 residents. It gained notoriety in the 1989 Guinness Book of Records as the 'most haunted' village in England.With 12 "official ghosts" and spine-chilling stories at every turn, Pluckley is a treasure trove for those intrigued by the supernatural. From the phantom highwayman at Fright Corner to the perpetually screaming man, Pluckley boasts an array of eerie tales that make it a must-see for any ghost story fans. Given its reputation as a paranormal hotspot, it's unsurprising that the v...