Life Style

Marks & Spencer shoppers are praising a soft touch cardigan that has been described as having a 'very flattering fit', making it a popular pick for everyday layering. The lightweight knit is easy to throw on over tops and dresses, offering comfort without feeling bulky.The Soft Touch Waisted Fitted Cardigan is available for £38 from M&S. Available in sizes extra-small to extra-large and colours dark khaki and black, there is a choice for everyone as customers say it fits true to size. This soft touch cardigan is cut to sit close to the body, creating a neat, fitted shape without feeling restrictive, according to M&S. It has a subtle waisted silhouette with a curved hem, designed to skim the figure in a flattering way.Finished with ribbed trims at the crew neckline, cuffs and...

When you have places to get to, an icy-looking windscreen can feel bothersome – especially if you're in a rush. While there have been many online "hacks" to quickly defrost the car windscreen, car experts at the AA (Automobile Association) said "don't fall" for them.The AA noted: "There are a lot of videos out there claiming to have genius ways to defrost your car. But most of the methods don't work or could even cause you extra problems." An example includes using hot water in a sandwich bag to run against the windscreen, which could lead to sticky wipers. Or rubbing half a potato on the windscreen, which might lead to smeary windows that obstruct your view.If you want the "best way to defrost a car windscreen fast", first start the car engine and then crank up the warm air blowers and...

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...

Every dog owner has seen the  heartbreak in their pet's eyes when they step out for even a moment - followed by the sheer joy upon their return.Sadly, we can't explain to our pets that we'll be back soon and that there's no need for them to keep vigil by the door.Nevertheless, there are specific strategies you can employ to alleviate their distress when you must leave home - and it begins with proper training.Explaining what goes through a canine's mind during your absence, TikTok user @pawfyshop revealed: "When you leave, your dog doesn't just 'miss you' - they panic like a toddler who lost their mum.Learn how dogs experience separation anxiety, feeling panic like young children, discover tips to help your pet cope better!"The expert recommends leaving them with a piece of your clothin...

The freezing weather means defrosting your car has become a daily chore, but there's a little-known button combination that could get you on the road far quicker than scraping away at the windscreen for 20 minutes each morning with a credit card (which, incidentally, is seriously not recommended).This method doesn't involve pouring water of any temperature onto your windscreen either. Instead, it simply requires sitting in your vehicle and pressing a specific sequence of buttons until the glass is completely clear and safe to drive."Here is the best way to defrost your windscreen according to a former NASA engineer," explained a representative from @eden_tyres_and_servicing on TikTok.As soon as you're in the vehicle, to kickstart the defrosting process, you should "turn on the car heate...

A dog expert has shown that you absolutely can teach an old dog new tricks. Clinical animal behaviourist Rosie Bescoby has revealed five simple techniques to encourage your beloved pet to embrace new challenges.According to Rosie, who has over two decades of experience working with dogs, contrary to popular belief older dogs never truly lose their ability to learn something new. She explained that providing an elderly pet with new challenges can help their mental wellbeing and strengthen the bond between the dog and their owner, rekindling the emotional connection that can be lost in the ageing process."Where they might not be able to get as much physical exercise as they used to, we're keeping their lives stimulated and enriched by doing so," Rosie said, who collaborated with lifetime ...

A heartwarming three-legged puppy is seeking his forever home in the UK following a devastating accident. Oreo, approximately three months old, underwent leg amputation after being struck by a vehicle while sleeping - and is now learning to navigate life on three paws.Despite his ordeal, the resilient pup has maintained his spirited nature while being characterised as a "very cheeky and playful" puppy.A statement reveals: "He has made a good recovery and is currently being fostered in a home. His rescuer in Egypt will cover his travel expenses to the UK, but thifres will take around four to five months to arrange, so he will be an adolescent when he arrives."He will be neutered before travel and will grow to be around a 20kg, medium-sized dog. He is good with the senior lab that he curr...

A small European country that receives few visitors is made up of 2,000 islands and is a relatively short hop away from the UK.If you're looking to push the boat out and explore somewhere new this year, then perhaps Estonia will float your vessel. The Northern European country tempted 70,000 Brits to make the journey in 2024, according to ETIAS, compared to a staggering 17.8 million that visited Spain. That's 254 times more Brits heading to Spain than to the former Soviet nation. While it might not boast the same pull of sangria, guaranteed sunshine and access to Full English breakfasts, Estonia has a lot else going for it. For one, it's a place a rare natural beauty. Over half of Estonia is covered by forests and peat bogs and the country has more than 2,000 islands.Among them is Naiss...

Driving experts at Rooster Car Insurance has shared their top tips on what to do if your car starts to skid on the icy roads, as drivers are urged to follow easy advice.Driving on snowy or icy roads can be scary, especially if you don't have much experience with it. While it might not seem like a big deal for some, the snowy or icy conditions while make the road more slippery than before, which can lead to drivers losing control of their vehicles.With temperatures across the UK having been freezing for most parts of January, many might have already found their cars skidding on their roads, which can often cause panic for drivers. Luckily, it can be easier to gain back control of your car than you may think.Experts from Rooster Car Insurance have taken to their social media page to shar...

These calming practices can help (Image: Getty)No matter how fabulous your life is, stress is an inevitable part of it. Having good ways to cope with stress is important and according to Joanne Jones, an astrologer at Trusted Psychics, your star sign can shed some light. Your zodiac sign can reflect personality traits and can give insight into common behavioursJoanne said: “Stress manifests differently for everyone. By understanding your star sign’s natural tendencies, you can choose individualised methods that soothe your mind, body, and spirit, without adding extra pressure.” READ MORE: Life in the world's coldest city where people can freeze in ‘minutes’ READ MORE: De-ice your car windscreen in ‘seconds’ with 30p kitchen ingredient Stress is a natural part of life but these techni...