Life Style

The government has published bank holiday dates for 2026, announcing on X that there will be between eight and 10 days designated as official bank holidays. England and Wales will enjoy eight days off work, Scotland, meanwhile, will benefit from nine bank holidays, whilst Northern Ireland receives the most with 10.Whilst England and Wales observe traditional holidays such as Christmas, Boxing Day, New Year's Day and Easter, Scotland receives an additional day off on 2nd January. Northern Ireland enjoys two extra days - 17th March for St Patrick's Day and 12th July, commemorating the Battle of the Boyne, reports the Mirror.Nevertheless, some dates have attracted criticism for creating an excessive gap during the summer period. Whilst Northern Ireland residents receive a day off for the B...

Major high street chains to shut in 2026 - full list (Image: Getty)UK high streets are set for a challenging year, with more than 150 store closures planned for 2026. Shops affected include banks, fashion retailers, and numerous other businesses, indicating significant changes for both shoppers and workers. From well-known national brands to popular local stores, these closures highlight ongoing struggles in the sector.Many retailers say rising costs, including higher National Insurance and minimum wage increases, are making it hard to stay open. Business rates are also a major concern. You can find the full list of all the store closures scheduled for 2026 below.  Read more: Major budget high street store to close huge store this week Read more: Huge January blow for UK 'ghost town'...

Pets at Home has discovered the most popular dog names of 2025, basing its results on eight million pet owners across the UK; those who have signed up to its Pets Club members will have been included in the newfound research. Whether you're OK with a common name for your pet pooch, or believe yours to be ever-so-original that it can't possibly be replicated, Pets at Home has unveiled the top 10 most recurrent dog names of 2025. And, for those who plan to get a puppy this year, perhaps this list can be used as inspiration on what (or what not) to call your dog. 

While many find solace in a hot water bottle to alleviate menstrual cramps, lugging around a conventional one can be inconvenient. However, Wuka - a British period health brand - offers a wearable hot water bottle that securely fastens around the waist, providing comforting warmth on the move.Priced at £29.99, Wuka's Wearable Hot Water Bottle delivers wrap-around relief whether you're relaxing at home or tackling the morning commute amidst menstrual discomfort. Boasting a length of 77cm - reportedly the longest available - it even features a pocket for warming hands or storing mobile phones and other personal items.Encased in ultra-soft fleece, it features a tie-fastening design for secure wear and an extra-long water bottle that contours the body. It can be applied to the abdomen or ba...

Savvy travellers can enjoy a range of freebies, as well as low prices on summer holidays (Image: On the Beach ) This article contains affiliate links, we will receive a commission on any sales we generate from it. Learn more Holidaymakers dreaming of sunshine, sand and Sangria might want to dust off their flip flops sooner rather than later this year. On the Beach has launched a new set of “Perks” designed to give early birds even more value for money in 2026. The holiday experts are encouraging customers to snap up next summer’s getaways this January, with low prices already live on-site. There is a huge choice of destinations and resorts to choose from, with deposits from £30 per person.Better still, sun lovers who book a 2026 break 60 days or more before they jet off can unlock exclu...

Catherine's earlier look featured a neutral wool coat dress accented with rich brown detailing - a silhouette now thoughtfully echoed on her daughter.The visual symmetry felt intentional, a gentle reminder of how royal fashion evolves through continuity rather than reinvention.Catherine Walker’s involvement only deepened the significance. The British designer has been instrumental in shaping many of Princess Catherine’s most defining style moments as the future Queen.Her designs have consistently balanced restraint with quiet confidence, helping Catherine, 43, establish a signature that feels timeless rather than trend-driven.That same philosophy now appears to be guiding Charlotte’s emerging wardrobe.Last year for Trooping the Colour, Walker also created a bespoke turquoise ensemble fo...

Zara Tindall rang in the New Year at Cheltenham, sparking a royal fashion frenzy and delivered a masterclass in modern race-day dressing. Her look seamlessly blended heritage style with her signature, effortless polish. Stepping out on Thursday, alongside her husband, Mike Tindall, and three young children, the 44-year-old chose a brown plaid belted long coat that immediately commanded attention. Princess Anne’s daughter was photographed wearing L’Agence’s Brown Plaid Kolina Long Coat with Belt, a standout outerwear piece priced at £1,495.The tailored design nipped her in at the waist, and created a clean, flattering silhouette that felt perfectly in tune with the racing setting. Taking to X, one user wrote: “I can't believe it. That teal really works with the browns.” “I have a serious...

The NHS has warned people with a "metallic" taste not to ignore the sign. While there are "lots of possible causes" some may need more urgent medical attention than others.As explained on the NHS website: "A metallic taste is not usually serious. What you can do to get rid of it will depend on the cause."Fortunately, there are ways to eliminate the unpleasant taste. And it could simply be down to medications you're taking, and in some cases, if you're pregnant.Why do I have a metallic taste in my mouth?Common causes include:gum diseasetaking certain medicines, like metronidazole or zopiclonecancer treatments, like chemotherapy and radiotherapycolds, sinus infections and other airway problemsindigestionbeing pregnanta lost or changed sense of smellAs noted by the experts, those taking me...

Christmas has passed, 2026 has arrived, and, somewhat begrudgingly, it's time to get back to normal. For the majority of Britons, this involves taking down our festive decorations and storing them away until next year.But when exactly should decorations come down? Some superstitions suggest keeping decorations displayed beyond the 12th night after Christmas - either January 5 or 6, depending on whether you're counting from Christmas Day or Boxing Day - could invite misfortune throughout the coming year. Some say they should be removed immediately after Christmas on Boxing Day, while others insist they ought to be cleared away before New Year's Day, while others still keep them up well into January.According to English Heritage, medieval custom dictated decorations weren't taken down unt...

The January sales are already underway, with hundreds of discounts available on the high street and online. Shark has some big savings on vacuum cleaners, with up to 40% off selected devices. It is an ideal time for homeowners to upgrade their devices and save some money in the process. One of the biggest savings is £100 off this PowerPro Pet Cordless Stick Vacuum, now £199.99, down from £299.99. Promising ‘powerful suction’ and an ‘exceptional cleaning performance’, this model has anti-hair wrap technology that separates and removes hair from the brush-roll. The stick design makes it easy to manoeuvre and move from room to room. It has a 50-minute run time and is built with ‘FloorDetect Technology’, which senses floor type and adjusts the speed and suction accordingly. The PowerPro Pet...