Life Style

New Year, new reading goals, and that opens up new potential for brand new books – isn't it exciting?It's going to be difficult to top my reading journey in 2025, when I read more than 200 different titles.However, there are plenty of new books that I'm excited to get stuck into now that 2026 has arrived.Readers will be spoilt for choice because there's such a huge variety of literature being published this year. From standalones to non-fiction reads, romances and something a little bit more confronting, there really is something coming soon for everyone.So which titles will I be putting onto my reading list? Here are five books I can't wait to read in 2026...1. Half His Age by Jenette McCurdyAfter listening to 'I'm Glad My Mom Died' and really enjoying it, I can't wait for Jenette's fi...

A man has been praised for his petty revenge on a stranger who  parked in his driveway without permission.Shocked, he decided to teach the entitled driver a lesson they’d never forget - all while hitting the money in their bank account at the same time.He said on Reddit: "Back when I was in high school (around 1966 or 1967), my family lived not too far from Colorado Boulevard in Pasadena, where the Rose Parade occurs every January 1. Huge crowds of people showed up, and parking could get congested."One January 1, someone actually parked in our driveway; they didn’t ask permission, just parked, locked the car, and left."At this time, he says you were able to unlock cars using a straightened metal clothes hanger - and he used this to get inside the vehicle to start his revenge plan.He add...

Working from home certainly comes with its perks, such as no commute and no need for a dog walker. However, it also presents its own set of challenges. For someone like me, living in an old, draughty Victorian house, the winter season is the most daunting.The winter months fill me with dread. While we have the heating on each night, it feels wasteful to crank up the heating during the day when I'm the only one at home, particularly when any generated warmth quickly vanishes once the heating is turned off. Over time, I've tried various products to keep warm - here are the five essentials that I now can't live without.1. Heated throwA heated throw is a fail-safe option. Over the years, I've tested various kinds, but my top pick for working from home is Morphy Richards’ EverCosy Luxury Str...

Brits have endured a properly frosty start to January 2026, with snow, ice and sub-zero temperatures triggering travel disruption and weather warnings across parts of the UK. While the cold snap will not last forever, the Met Office says further wintry hazards, including snow, ice and overnight frost, remain possible through late January and into early February.It is not just the forecasts showing concern. Analysis by SEO company Four Pillar SEO shows Google searches for phrases such as “how to remove snow from driveway” have surged from virtually no interest last month to peak levels in recent days, suggesting households are scrambling for quick solutions as icy conditions bite.Long-term Met Office climate data shows a typical UK January averages around 11 air-frost days, with February...

Whether commuting to work or walking the dog, with the temperature dropping and snow falling in many areas of the UK, a warm and cosy coat is an essential this time of year. And right now, as part of the January sales, shoppers can get 57% off a toasty padded coat from Mountain Warehouse, as it has dropped from £149.99 to £64.99. It's been described as "incredibly warm". Stylish and practical, the discount covers both chic colours (burgundy and grey) and sizes six to 20. However,  sizes 22 and 24 have already sold out.The coat is made from a waterproof outer material, and one shopper said: "I absolutely love this jacket! It's incredibly warm, genuinely waterproof, and fits perfectly. Plus, all of this comes at a very reasonable price – great value for the quality!"Made from a breathable...

A woman has advised people to turn the heating temperature down on their boilers rather than increase it, despite the bitter weather - and experts agree. Keeping homes warm while managing concerns about escalating energy costs is a priority for many, with people turning to social media for guidance and recommendations. One woman shared a "public service announcement" on Reddit after carefully studying her boiler's instruction manual.Boilers heat water which then flows around the property via central heating to warm it, while also providing hot water for taps, baths and showers. The process involves burning fuel to heat water in a heat exchanger, which is subsequently pumped to where it's needed.The method of heat storage differs depending on whether you have a conventional or combi boil...

Thankfully, BBC’s The Traitors is back on our screens to keep us entertained during these long January evenings, and with it is Claudia Winkleman’s stellar wardrobe choices. The star is known for her effortless, offbeat style, and the latest season is no exception. During the first episode, the TV presenter, 53, stepped out in a Saint Laurent oversized peacoat, which retails for a hefty £3,655. It features a roomy, oversized cut and traditional double-breasted front that gives Claudia a perfect blend of smart and cool. It’s a versatile piece that would feel equally at home on set as it does on the school run. On camera, it adds a layer of sophistication to her look, while still feeling practical for the autumn and winter months.Of course, the Saint Laurent version doesn’t come cheap but...

Residents of a small village dubbed the UK's "easiest place" to pass a driving test have voiced their frustrations as their roads have become inundated with learner drivers, transforming their peaceful streets into a "nightmare".Miskin, located in south Wales not far from Cardiff, has reportedly seen an influx of learners from London and northern England, reports WalesOnline, drawn by online chatter about its seemingly simpler test route compared to other places. Despite assertions from test officials that the pass rate at the nearby Llantrisant Test Centre is only marginally higher than the national average, locals argue that the poor driving skills of learners are turning their tranquil Valleys village into a motorist's "hell".One resident, who wished to remain anonymous, expressed co...

A pregnant mum-to-be is feeling stressed after her home was taken over by an insect infestation. Dealing with unwanted pests and creepy crawlies can be a frustrating experience that’s not too uncommon.One woman is struggling to manage a swarm of bugs that have taken over several rooms of her home since the end of autumn. The insects in question? Ladybirds. For the most part, these distinctive, brightly coloured beetles act as natural pest control agents, eating scale insects and aphids which cause damage to gardens.There is an invasive version though - the harlequin ladybird, which comes in many colours and can release a foul-smelling fluid when they feel threatened.The Royal Horticultural Society states: “It was not deliberately introduced to Britain or Ireland, but it became establish...

As 2026 kicks off, expectant parents will be looking forward to welcoming their bundles of joy in the coming months. While those who haven't yet chosen a name will be cracking open the baby name dictionaries in search of the perfect pick. 2025 saw some interesting trends in baby names, with some classic choices experiencing a notable decline in popularity.For girls' names, Elodie, Gracie, and Nova all dropped 64 places, landing in 59th, 62nd, and 64th, respectively, according to babycentre.co.uk. Similarly, in these rankings, Amara dropped 57 places, and Hazel ended up 33 places lower than in 2024, while Evie and Penelope dropped 30.Meanwhile, for boys' names, the biggest fall was seen in the name Aiden, which dropped 49 spots to land at 95. While the classic Thomas dropped 39 spots, an...