Life Style

As January arrives and households across the UK attempt to restore order after the festive season, shoes often become the first items to be tucked away. Wet boots, muddy trainers, and everyday footwear are shoved into cupboards, baskets, and corners, with the aim of a tidy hallway and a fresh start for the New Year.But storage experts warn that the way shoes are stored in winter can quietly create damp problems and unpleasant odours that linger long after the cold months pass. Adam Oakley, a storage expert at Door to Store, says the biggest mistake happens right at the front of the house.“The most common place people store shoes in winter is the worst possible one. Under-stairs cupboards and enclosed hallway cupboards trap moisture, and that’s where damp and bad smells begin,” he said.U...

Adopting a rescue dog can be a significant decision. It often takes time for these dogs to find their forever homes and the right owners who can transform their lives.Prospective adopters should understand that it may take some time for the pet to adjust, establish a peaceful routine, and feel at home. Now a Reddit user recently shared a heartwarming story about a dog who was just a day away from being put down but was given a second chance at life - and five years later, they wouldn't change a thing.In the r/dog forum, which has a community of 478,000 members, the user posted: "I rescued my dog from being put down. Five years later, he rescued me too."Two photos were shared; one which showed the dog behind bars at the animal shelter, hoping for a second chance.The second image beautifu...

Britain's high streets face a turbulent period ahead, with over 150 shop closures pencilled in for 2026. The casualties span banks, fashion outlets and a host of other businesses, signalling major upheaval for consumers and employees alike. From household names to beloved local favourites, these shutdowns underscore the persistent difficulties plaguing the retail landscape.Numerous retailers cite escalating expenses, particularly increased National Insurance contributions and minimum wage rises, as key factors forcing them to pull down the shutters. Business rates remain another pressing worry, and many consumers choose to purchase online in this day and age. Now, a favourite high street charity shop, Cancer Research UK, which currently has 600 shops, has announced the closure of 88 of ...

As the dark and dreary days of January well and truly set in, many people often experience a slump in their mood and energy levels, succumbing to the winter blues. The icy temperatures certainly don't help either.However, there's a silver lining. A flower expert suggests incorporating certain uplifting blooms into your home could help elevate spirits and instil a sense of optimism in the New Year.Colour has long been recognised for its potent influence on our psyche, with the right hues in your home evoking feelings of joy, satisfaction, intrigue, and contentment.Keeping this in mind, Shelley Davis, a flower expert at Flying Flowers, has revealed her top picks for winter blooms, selected for their 'mood-enhancing colours' and aesthetic appeal.The Green Chinese Evergreen can bring a touc...

Underneath, Lena wore a Reiss cady knitted roll-neck dress in oatmeal, another well-chosen repeat that prioritised warmth and comfort over trend.She finished the look with a Seed Heritage heart barrel bag, priced at around £30, which was the only new addition and felt like a child-friendly novelty rather than a deliberate fashion statement.Together, the looks sent a subtle but powerful message about investment dressing for children. Zara appears to be building wardrobes designed to grow with her children, not be discarded after a single outing.Her eldest, Mia Tindall, 11, wore a navy bow-print dress from high-street favourite Zara, a piece she has been seen in before. The choice was telling: familiar, wearable and intentionally not new. It reflected a family attitude that values repetit...

With Britain enduring a bitterly cold spell, countless households are turning to hot water bottles to stay warm both day and night. While they're an economical and efficient way to ward off the chill, figures from RoSPA reveal that in 2024 alone, almost 1,000 people were treated in burns units across England and Wales following hot water bottle-related incidents.Dr Richard Anderson, head of learning and development at High Speed Training, said: "Hot water bottles are a fantastic way to beat the chill, and with energy costs remaining a concern, they are more popular than ever. However, like any household item that utilises high heat, they aren't without risk."Check the age of your hot water bottleIt is advised to replace hot water bottles every two years, as the rubber material degrades ...

People suffering from Rosacea have been warned that this month could trigger a flare-up. This is a long-term skin condition that primarily affects the face, and while exposure to the outdoors can be an issue, many may not realise that indoor environments can also cause trouble.According to experts at Rosacea.org, "seasonal changes in the weather affect rosacea sufferers." In fact, in a National Rosacea Society survey of 852 survey respondents, nearly 90% said their condition is affected by the change in seasons.It notes: "Cold weather is a major trigger for many people with Rosacea. Exposed skin is vulnerable skin."However, it also warned that "too much indoor heat can also be a trigger for many, so be sure to adjust your thermostat to a temperature that won’t cause you to overheat."Whe...

Dog trainer and behaviour expert, Mr Will Atherton, has disclosed the three dog breeds he "rarely" encounters due to their low propensity for developing problematic behaviours. Labelling it as the "best [dog breed] in the world", Mr Atherton expressed his delight in working with Labrador Retrievers. The most frequent yet easily rectifiable issue with Labrador Retrievers is their tendency to pull on the lead.This behaviour, according to Mr Atherton, "stems from them just being so loving and wanting to meet people [and] go see all the dogs and play with them". He assures that any issues of lead pulling or jumping up at people can be easily addressed with the right training, reports the Express."It's dead easy to dial those things in," he confidently stated."Next up is the English Mastiff,...

A public speaking expert has revealed a clever technique to boost confidence and reduce how often people say 'um' during conversations. Matt Abrahams explains the approach centres on what's known as 'landing phrases'.The Stanford Graduate School of Business lecturer discussed on the Huberman Lab podcast how we can eliminate 'filler words' that often make speech appear uncertain and less refined. He confirmed it's a strategy he personally employs.The expert, who presents the podcast Think Fast Talk Smart, explained to renowned podcaster Dr Andrew Huberman: "The best way I know to reduce filler words (especially the ones that are most annoying, and those are the ones that sit in silence, so I'm done speaking, um, and then I start speaking again - those are the ones that really stand out) ...

Brits have been advised to puit straw in their garden to save a huge amount of time that would have been spent on a tedious task. Vince Braun, founder and CEO of HealthiStraw, a Canadian company specialising in sustainable wheat straw products, said it is the "single biggest time-saver for any gardener". He advises putting a thick layer of straw mulch around plants and garden beds. "This natural barrier blocks sunlight from reaching weed seeds, preventing them from sprouting in the first place," the expert said. "A two to three-inch layer of quality wheat straw (like GardenStraw) can reduce weeding time by up to 75%.“Most gardeners spend hours each week pulling weeds, but proper mulching eliminates that chore almost entirely,” Mr Braun added. “The straw also retains moisture, so you're ...