Life Style

There are lots of supermarkets to pick from in the UK, with some offering better savings than others, helping to make food affordable for Brits. With the likes of Lidl and Aldi now proving to be many people’s go-to supermarkets, it’s no wonder one of them has kicked off 2026 as the UK’s cheapest supermarket.Consumer champion Which? has found that Aldi was the cheapest supermarket for a basket of 89 popular grocery items in January. As millions look to make their money go further, the analysis shows a basket of essentials at Aldi was £22.91 less than at Morrisons.Meanwhile, the same basket of goods at Sainsbury’s was £29.94 more expensive, and Tesco’s total came in at £22.18 higher.Rival Lidl wasn’t far behind the Aldi shop, however, with just £1.79 separating the budget chains.Most nota...

A supermarket has been revealed as the second most expensive after raising price of essential item (Image: Oscar Wong via Getty Images)A leading supermarket has climbed to become the second most costly retailer for basic groceries following a price hike on a popular cupboard staple. Each week, Manchester Evening News monitors the cost of a standard shopping basket containing essential items across the six major supermarkets to track price variations.This week Tesco, which kicked off the year pledging to maintain competitive pricing on household brands, has switched positions with Morrisons to become the second priciest after raising the cost of its budget Stockwell tea bags from 88p to 92p per box, representing a 5% increase from the previous week. The increase pushes Tesco's total for ...

Cats have a mind of their own (stock) (Image: Getty)People have been left unsure whether to laugh or cry after learning why their cats love to knock items off tables.The realisation came after a confused cat owner asked on Reddit: "Explain like I’m five - why do cats love to push things off tables?"However, they were not at all prepared for the response, which left them questioning how they interact with their pet moving forward.According to PetMD, there are three common reasons behind this troublesome behaviour.The first - which caught many owners by surprise - is that humans may have unknowingly "reinforced" it. Read more: Blue tits will flock to your garden if you make 1 easy change A statement reads: "No one loves their cat spilling a water glass onto the floor. But pet parents mi...

If you're putting together an extra special look for  Valentine's Day, there's no better time than the day of love to try some ultra-glamorous makeup, too. Charlotte Tilbury recently unveiled a special Valentine's themed mystery box that's perfect for the occasion, and we've found a way for makeup enthusiasts to save nearly £150 by combining two deals – for one day only.Charlotte's Mystery L.O.V.E Look includes a selection of products to help you create a fabulous date night makeup look, from skincare to makeup and even fragrance. They all come packed in a heart-shaped red makeup bag in a glossy red shade, perfect for Valentine's Day and beyond. According to the brand, the items inside this online-exclusive set are collectively worth £215, but it currently sells for £95. For today (Febr...

The woman lives in a remote village with stunning waterfalls at the bottom of the Grand Canyon (Image: Getty)The Grand Canyon is one of the world's most renowned natural wonders, drawing millions of visitors from across the globe each year. One woman has revealed how she actually lives at the bottom of the vast canyon, sparking fascination and astonishment about her way of life.Located in north-west Arizona, the Grand Canyon extends for 277 miles and is a vast gorge sculpted by the Colorado River. Ancient red rock formations enhance its appeal and beauty, and it has operated as a National Park since 1919. The destination proves popular with tourists seeking spectacular views, hiking opportunities, and even white water rafting adventures. READ MORE: World's tallest bridge is higher than...

When you need to keep the cost of your weekly shop down, you have to be smart about where you're going. I've spent years trying out different supermarkets to see where I get the most for my money, and it's often Lidl that comes out on top. I'm lucky enough to have a Lidl just around the corner from where I live, so I'm basically never out of there. And because of this, I've tried my fair share of the offerings that line the shop shelves. But if I had to narrow it down to one thing I couldn't live without, it's easy - the cupboard staple was my top-purchased item last year according to the Lidl app, I use it every day, and it's less than £3. The absolute highlight of my morning is making a coffee and enjoying it before I start work. Investing in a coffee machine has no doubt saved me hun...

People should ask their doctor to run this test (Image: Getty)People have been urged to ask their doctor to check their blood if they are experiencing unexplained tiredness and forgetfulness. It could help spot a common problem before many of the major warning signs ever appear.Dr Karan Rajan, an NHS surgeon, said: "If you've been told that your iron is normal - but you still feel exhausted, forgetful and have a low mood -  this is what you should ask your doctor to check on your blood panels. The first thing to drop isn't iron in the blood, it's the 'storage iron'."The medical expert claimed that having a doctor examine your ferritin levels might be the "earliest and most sensitive" way to gauge how depleted your baseline iron levels are. He claimed that tests could detect a deficiency...

Confusion around parking rules recently surfaced on Reddit, where one frustrated driver wrote:“I’ve seen so many people parking like a***holes, and so many people stopping and parking in disabled bays while able-bodied and without a Blue Badge.“I’ve seen people pulling onto the pavement over double yellows. I’ve seen people parking on pavement islands in the middle of the road. Do they really get away with it that easily?”According to Rule 248 of the Highway Code, drivers must not park on a road at night facing against the direction of traffic flow unless they are in a recognised parking space.Breaking this rule can result in a fine of up to £1,000 for cars, and up to £2,500 for goods vehicles or minibuses. Both the police and local councils have the authority to issue these penalties.D...

The Chinese New Year on February 17, 2026, will inaugurate the Year of the Fire Horse. Janine Lowe, a Chinese astrology expert, explained that for 12 months, the Horse's energy “amplifies the Horse’s natural independence and restlessness, creating a powerful drive for freedom, self-expression, and breaking away from limitations”.“Historically and socially, Fire Horse years often coincide with upheaval, cultural shifts, and bold collective movements, where people feel compelled to challenge authority, redefine identity, and push for radical change,” she told Parade. According to the astrologer, there are four animal signs that will be the luckiest in February 2026, when the Lunar New Year will take place. Is yours one of them?GoatThose born during the Year of the Goat will find the Year ...

Queeni was abandoned in a stranger’s garden (stock) (Image: Getty)A heartbreaking dog has been left in a stranger's garden with a gut-wrenching message from her devastated owner.Scared and confused, poor Queeni doesn't understand why she has been abandoned - but it is hopeful to find a new home soon.Once her story was posted on social media, Facebook users shared their sympathies for her previous owner, who reluctantly made the decision to give her up.Her heartbreaking note, attached to Queeni, stated: "Hi. Sorry for dropping Queeni in your yard this morning, but I can no longer care for her."Please take care of her. She is good in the home, loves going outside in the yard, plays with her plastic bone, and likes to watch TV with you. Read more: Resident livid after spotting neighbour'...