Life Style

With spring on the horizon and summer just around the corner, it's a great time to build a staple wardrobe of comfortable yet stylish pieces for the season ahead. Polka dots are having a real moment, and now we've spotted a deal on a chic yet practical dress from fashion retailer Roman.Ideal for everything from holidays and spring evenings through to weddings and events, the Black Asymmetric Polka Dot Overlay dress usually retails for £65 but has been reduced to £50. Shoppers who fancy purchasing the item may wish to keep an eye on the Roman website, as the retailer has recently been offering discount codes for extra savings on some occasions, which are regularly updated online.The dress features an elegant print along with delicate chiffon sleeves that offer coverage to the arms whilst...

One supermarket coffee stood out above the rest, despite some tough competition (Image: Matt Davies)As a self-confessed coffee addict, the opportunity to taste test some instant coffees from the nation's biggest supermarkets and compare them with an iconic brand seemed too good to miss. But it turned out to be slightly more difficult than I'd anticipated.In an effort to keep a level playing field, I bought seven similarly priced supermarket coffees to line up alongside Nescafé. The 300g jar of the classic brand came to £7.25, while alternatives from Aldi, Lidl, Tesco, Asda, Morrisons, Sainsbury's and Marks and Spencer, were all picked up for less than £3.But which was the best? And did any of the cheaper options (albeit for 100g less in quantity) do any better than the tried and tested ...

A UK town's aesthetics has been compared to Italy (Image: Getty)Next time you're considering booking a staycation, you may wish to heed the advice of a travel content creator who claims to have found an idyllic location that will make you "feel like you're in Italy".Following her trip to the destination, Amy Hulley said the enchanting British village is well worthy of your holiday "bucket list" as she took to Instagram to share an insight with her followers. "For a moment I genuinely forgot I was in the UK," she admitted in a video.Tourists can pay an entrance fee to visit the village for the day, or stay over in one of its quaint hotels and cottages. The location? Portmeirion in Gwynned, North Wales on the boundary of Snowdonia National Park.She continued: "Pastel buildings. Arches and...

There's only on-street parking outside the couple's new house (stock image) (Image: Getty)A couple who recently moved to a new house which only offers on-street parking were left scratching their heads after finding an eight word note attached to the windscreen of their car.Parking can be a common cause of grievances and upset among neighbours, be it from people using driveways that don’t belong to them, blocking people in, causing damage and much more. There’s often no shortage of drama when it comes to parking and people can become “territorial” about where they leave their car.In the UK, homeowners have no legal right to park on the street directly outside their property. The RAC states: “It is perfectly legal to park outside someone’s house, unless the vehicle is blocking a driveway...

UK, Essex, woman holding her Cockapoo dog in a green field on an early spring morning (Image: Gary Yeowell via Getty Images)The idea of owning a dog is often filled with images of cosy cuddles, long walks and a loyal companion waiting at the door. In reality, dogs require time, effort and money — and not everyone can handle the responsbility.In fact, certain personality types may find the demands of training, exercise and constant care more stressful than rewarding. A professional canine expert, known as Sam the Dog Trainer, warns that certain people may not be suited to dog ownership due to their personality types despite their good intentions. He said, "I meet and see a lot of people who shouldn't own a dog. If you get offended by what I am about to say, then you shouldn't own a dog."...

Multiple considerations come into play when selecting a canine companion, from looks and temperament to grooming demands and exercise needs. Axel Lagercrantz, CEO of Pets4Homes, Britain's largest pet platform, offered his perspective on low-fuss dog breeds.Drawing upon considerable experience in the pet industry, Axel stated: "Low-maintenance dogs usually have short coats that don't shed much, which means less time spent on brushing and vacuuming. They also tend to have relaxed personalities and moderate energy levels, so you won't need to carve out hours each day for exercise." In Axel's view, four specific breeds emerge as easy options for potential dog owners."If you're looking for an easy-going companion, breeds like the French Bulldog, Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, Dachshund and G...

Golden labrador puppy dog with TV remote control (Image: Getty)Most dog owners will be familiar with the 'puppy blues'. As wonderful as it is to welcome a tiny new furry friend into your family, the reality is that raising a puppy can be a real challenge.Many dog owners speak about the feelings of stress, frustration, and exhaustion which come with having a little ball of chaos running around their home and trying to destroy everything. Some even find themselves questioning whether getting a dog was the right decision in the first place. One owner has opened up about her own experience, saying the reality of having a puppy is vastly different to what she envisaged, reports the Mirror. READ MORE: Dog trainer says 3 breeds are worst behaved and they're really popular READ MORE: Golden ...

Larger breeds frequently require more physical activity and longer walks (Image: meaghanbrowning via Getty Images)Before falling head over heels for an adorable puppy or selecting a dog purely on appearance, there's one crucial element every prospective owner ought to consider: exercise requirements. Dogs vary enormously in shape, size, and energy levels.While some flourish with lengthy runs, daily walks, and hours of activity, others are perfectly happy with a leisurely stroll round the park. Larger breeds frequently require more physical activity and longer walks, making it essential to select a dog that fits your lifestyle. Dr Emma Scales-Theobald, a canine behaviourist and partner at Canine Cottages, explains that one particular breed group demands considerably more exercise.Doberma...

Some of his choices are family favourites (Image: Getty)Many people embrace the saying "man's best friend is his dog", as evidenced by thousands tuning in to watch the world-renowned Crufts 2026. The four-day canine exhibition continues until Sunday and showcases everything imaginable about the animal, from agility and obedience to simply being magnificent specimens of particular breeds.With such events, some may consider acquiring a pet of their own. However, it's crucial that the correct choice is made, and to assist with this, one vet has identified five breeds he would never own himself. Ben Simpson-Vernon, 31, sharing on TikTok, provided a list of explanations for his decisions, which frequently related to health issues in the animals, and acknowledged this excluded some otherwise ...

A number of popular items have been recalled (Image: Getty)Numerous products have been recalled this month by retailers due to concerns over fire risks, illegal ingredients, and asbestos. Shoppers are being encouraged to return these items to shops in order to receive a full refund.Items of concern include a hairdryer that poses a fire risk, two children's toys that may contain asbestos, and a hot tub that's a drowning risk. These alerts, published by the Office for Product Safety and Standards (OPSS), have been posted in the last couple of weeks in shops across the UK and online. Shoppers who have purchased the items can contact the retailer or the OPSS directly if they are concerned. READ MORE: High street retailer with 15 stores across UK announces 3 closures READ MORE: One golden...