Life Style

Stephen King has written a lot of amazing books that have left people gobsmacked, confused, and questioning everything about their lives.Known predominantly for his horror works, he’s also branched out to crime, thriller, science-fiction, and more, and fans lap up everything he produces. When you think of your favourite Stephen King book, you likely automatically think of ‘IT,’ or ‘The Green Mile’ - something that’s been made into a film and is seriously popular.But one man was so enamoured with one book in Stephen King’s 2024 short story collection that he said it was the best thing he’d ever written. Taking to the Reddit Stephen King forum, he warned people that there would be spoilers in his post for various books - but he poured his heart out on the thread.“Finished You Like It Dar...

In Chinese astrology, some animal signs in the Chinese Zodiac, of which there are 12, are deemed more compatible than others.The characteristics of each animal sign naturally align better with some other animal signs and can lead to better love matches or, worst case, sworn enemies.Beyond the zodiac sign, the element associated with a person's birth year (fire, water, Earth, metal, or wood) also plays a role in compatibility, including in the 2025 Year of the Snake.According to China Highlights, three signs, including the tiger, monkey, and pig, are considered “enemies” of people born in the Year of the Snake (1929, 1941, 1953, 1965, 1977, 1989, 2001, 2013).Traditional readings depict such rivalries as more specific than just being blanket enemies. The friction can play out in various a...

A rare coin expert has highlighted three coins that have been in circulation for several years that could be worth a sizeable sum due to minting errors.The Coin Collecting Wizard took to TikTok tp point out two different £2 coins and one 50p piece that are worth much more than their monetary value as a result of the anomalies. The first concerns £2 coins minted in 2015."Everyone is being urged to carry out a simple test for the error that could make the coin much more valuable," the expert advised. To check for this, flip the coin - if the 'Two Pounds' inscription on the back is upside down relative to Queen Elizabeth II's portrait, you might have hit the jackpot.Another sought-after £2 piece is the Lord Kitchener World War 1 centenary coin, of which more than five million were produced...

Parents have been opting for more unique baby names in recent years, with the most popular monikers of the year being known to change quite dramatically.Harper, which is the name of David and Victoria Beckham’s daughter, was high on the list of popular baby names in 2024, alongside Maverick and Nova.However, recent data collected by Not On The High Street, one of the UK's largest gifting marketplaces, has suggested that these unique names may be on a decline, with parents instead opting for more traditional, or 'old-fashioned names.Looking at internal personalised sales data taken from the lead-up to 2025, the experts have created a list of what they predict will be the top 10 most popular baby names this year.The top name for girls is predicted to be Amelia, while for boys it's likely ...

If you're looking for a gentler alternative to anti-ageing wonder ingredient retinol, the best bakuchiol serums can help turn back time without you having to worry if they're being too harsh on your skin.Ideal for sensitive skin, bakuchiol helps decrease fine lines and wrinkles, boost skin's elasticity and even skin tone, without any common side effects of retinol, such as irratation and redness. Wondering where to start? Debenhams have reduced a London Botanical Laboratories skincare set that includes a backuchiol serum by a massive 80%. The kit was £178 but shoppers can get it for £35.99. It provides the perfect opportunity to perhaps try a new skincare ingredient out without having to fork out hundreds of pounds.The set contains a 50ml pot of Hyaluonic Acid Anti-Wrinkle Day Cream and...

A man who has devoted the past two years to restoring an abandoned oil rig lifeboat into a habitable abode has revealed how the newly-completed project has changed his life.Johnny Sturgeon set to work on Orla in 2023, having had no previous experience of building work, but now he's the proud owner of a fully functioning floating home. "678 days later, she is finally finished," Johnny began in a TikTok video. "So for the very first time, welcome to the tour of Orla."Enthusiastic Johnny showcased his vessel home's exterior first, revealing he had given it a new lease of life by patching up holes, providing a new lick of paint and installing 1,100 watts of solar panels. He's also added CCTV cameras, new windows, grab rails and signage.Heading inside, Johnny explained that he had removed se...

A dog expert has shared the three breeds he thinks first time owners should avoid.Dogs are a beloved animal often seamlessly integrated into many people’s families. They can provide great company, loyalty, joy and they typically offer unrelenting, unconditional love. Their reputation as “man’s best friend” is entirely understandable.Of course, each dog comes with its own set of behaviour patterns and quirks to be mindful of so it’s important to do your research before taking on the serious responsibility and commitment of pet ownership.Canine behaviourist Will Atherton has cultivated a major following on social media thanks to his regular uploads which offer his insight and expertise. In a recent Instagram video, which pulled in thousands of views, the expert shared his thoughts on thre...

Marks and Spencer's shoppers are full of praise for a new quilted jacket they say is 'versatile'. The Thermowarmth Quilted Jacket costs £35 and is available in three stylish colours; sage, black and beige.The jacket comes in sizes six to 24 and is designed in a regular fit. It is perfect for transitioning from winter into spring, as although it is a lightweight garment, it features 'innovative' M&S Thermowarmth technology, which means the padding keeps you extra warm.You do not have to worry about being caught in a downpour while wearing the garment, as it has Stormwear water-repellent technology to protect you from light showers. The jacket can be worn on its own in warmer months, or layered under a thicker coat when it is chilly.The gorgeous quilted jacket has a flattering basebal...

Chinese new year, also known as Lunar new year, falls on Wednesday, January 29 2025.The event is widely celebrated across Asia and neighbouring countries, though London hosts the largest celebrations outside China.Chinatown is among the most poignant zones in the city for such celebrations, drawing thousands of visitors to Gerrard Street and its neighbouring roads to enjoy the festivities.Folk stories, traditions, food, drink, and costumes are some ways to mark the arrival of the Year of the Snake. This zodiac sign symbolises wisdom, intuition, and transformation and represents elegance and thoughtfulness.Tenants and residents of London’s Chinatown have shared their “golden rules” to ensure good luck and prosperity for the new Lunar year ahead, including one fruit deemed a lucky charm.C...

Many cat owners choose to collar their pet - it can be a useful tool if they're lost and beneficial to wildlife via an attached bell, warning prey they're close by.However, a cat behavioural expert has advised against the idea, outlining three reasons she avoids doing so. Amanda Campion, who has 30 years of experience in caring for our feline friends, took to TikTok to share her important advice."I've got three reasons why colalring your cat may not be a good idea," she began in a video. "It may be controversial and you may collar your cat already, but have you thought about why?"OutdatedIn her first point, Amanda expressed her belief that collars have become "outdated" and are no longer required. "There's no need to collar your cat - you should be microchipping them instead because tha...