Money & Work / Tips & Advice
A right Royal knees up! 6 key tips for planning the perfect Platinum Jubilee party
Celebrate in style with fabulous food, decorations and entertainment. It’s not often we’re gifted an extra long weekend, but that’s what’s happening this year, with a Bank Holiday added on Friday June 3rd to mark the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee. Plus, the usual late May...
One down, 39,136 to go: The explorers who walk every street in their city
You don’t really know an urban landscape until you’ve visited all of it on foot - from slums to beauty spots. Just ask the thousands of ‘every-single-streeters’. There’s no better way to soothe the soul - and get to know a town than striding through its streets. In my...
A moment that changed me: I went to a party – and spent all evening with the host’s puppy
After that fateful night, I bought McNulty, a King Charles spaniel who has been my constant companion for 13 years. I am a ridiculously early person. If possible, I tend to be at least 30 minutes early for everything. These days, this is an excuse to get some extra...
5 ways to treat hay fever without medication
As shortages of some hay fever medicines begin to hit the UK, allergy experts explain best to keep your pollen allergies at bay. Silver Surfers reports that some hay fever medicines are in short supply across the UK, owing to the lack of a key ingredient. Stocks of...
Strawberry fields forever: Six amazing health benefits of eating strawberries and their tops
It’s difficult to resist a perfectly ripe strawberry, isn’t it? In fact, they’re one of the most popular berry fruits in the world - but did you know it’s not just the sweet red part that’s good for us? Atop each juicy strawberry is a leafy top, called the calyx. Each...
‘Revolutionary in a quiet way’: The rise of community gardens in the UK
Royal Horticultural Society sets up first Community Awards as community gardens become more common. The first melon of the season always tastes amazing,” says Lucy Mitchell. “I don’t think anyone has ever taken one home - every year, we just cut them into as many...
‘It hugs your soul!’ 9 dishes to get you fighting fit after an illness, from ramen noodles to spicy tom yum soup
Whether you’re getting over Covid, or just a nasty cold, these comforting recipes from top chefs will lift your spirits. When you are feeling under the weather, eating good, nutritious food can make all the difference. Simple, comforting dishes, such as soup, are a...
Is it cheaper to have a bath or a shower? Your energy questions answered
From boiling pasta to vampire devices, experts explain how you can reduce your bills. With energy bills on everyone’s mind, those little questions about how to cut your use have come to the fore. We asked experts to answer some FAQs. Is it cheaper to boil water for...
Drinking two coffees a day may cut the risk of heart disease and an early death by up to 15%,studies claim
Drinking two to three cups of coffee per day may slash the risk of developing heart problems and prolong your life, studies suggests. The Daily Mail reports that researchers analysed data from nearly 400,000 people in their 50s who did not have heart disease and...
A new start after 60: I worked in a tiny office for 30 years – then I took up falconry and am out in rain, shine and cold’
After decades working in IT, with a window overlooking a car park, Mitch Law took redundancy and now watches his Harris hawk soaring in the wind. The Guardian reports that for nearly 30 years, Mitch Law went to work in the same office - four metres square, with a...
Railway routes: 10 of the best train journeys in Europe – fast or slow
A new book on rail travel across the continent showcases gorgeous scenery, historic routes and adventures at a slower pace. Railways in Europe are many things. With their grand stations, history and evocative destinations, they evoke a timelessness that is absent from...
Rich pickings: Choose a wealthy area and carry a measuring tape. Lessons in furnishing your house for free
After outfitting his home with free finds from the kerb and beyond, Marty Smiley shares his hard rubbish tips and regrets. When our landlord booted us out of our share house last year, a group field trip to Ikea was out of the question. Like many Australians,...