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Weekend Money
Say Hello To Autumn Tipples And Cocktails
As summer disappears and autumn slowly moves in, it is time to light a fire, snuggle up under a cosy blanket and enjoy a Masons G&T! So what will your Autumn Tipple be?
Image by Concord90 from Pixabay
Why Shear Sheep?
Allison Lee
Smallholding Correspondent
There are several reasons why sheep are sheared. Years ago, one of the main reasons was because the wool was a commodity that could be sold for a good price. Unfortunately, wool only generates a token payment nowadays, and it costs more to shear a sheep than the price received for selling it.
12:00 AM 5th October 2024
Secret to Mastering the Viral Home ‘Closing Shift’ Routine
Image by Ferenc Keresi from Pixabay
Struggling to keep up with household chores? You’re not alone. Cleaning can easily become overwhelming and daunting, with many people turning to TikTok for inspiration and hacks. Maintaining its popularity on TikTok is the ‘closing shift’ cleaning trend.
12:00 AM 5th October 2024
How To Deal With Autumn Anxiety
Image by WOKANDAPIX from Pixabay
As Autumn starts to make its way in with shorter daylight hours, colder weather and the prospect of the long winter months that lay ahead, some people may find themselves feeling a bit low and or even anxious. This is often called Autumn Anxiety. As Autumn turns to Winter people can often find themselves feeling tired, unmotivated, irritable and low.
12:00 AM 5th October 2024
10 Expert Tips To Shield Your Home From Rain Bomb And Arctic Cold
Image credit: Imaginfires.co.uk
Parts of the country are reeling from more than 250% of the monthly average rainfall, leaving many areas vulnerable to the severe conditions forecast by the Met Office. With fresh weather warnings for heavy rain and an Arctic blast set to bring freezing temperatures on October 13, homeowners must act quickly to safeguard their properties.
12:00 AM 5th October 2024
Health
Positive Tips To Boost Your Mental Health Against Britain’s Winter Blues
Darker days and colder nights have arrived and across the nation many will be feeling a winter-related low mood. Mental health expert Noel McDermott explains the difference between the Winter Blues, SAD and depression and looks at how people can boost their mood and rally their spirits in these colder months.
12:00 AM 5th October 2024
food and drink
Cracking Christmas On The Cards For Family-Owned Brewery
Salford-based brewer and pub retailer Hydes is gearing up for a bumper festive period with bookings for 2024 already at maximum capacity for Christmas day dinners. The family-owned independent business reports that Christmas Day bookings for pubs across its estate were already at 75% capacity by July.
2:41 PM 1st October 2024
How Do I Update My Home For Autumn With Colour?
This week we officially turn our attention to the autumn period. For many, it is a time for hunkering down, getting cosy and enjoying comforting food. It’s also a great opportunity for people to assess their homes and make some seasonal switches to their interiors ahead of colder months and darker evenings.
12:00 AM 28th September 2024
food and drink
This Is The Perfect Way To Cook A Courgette
Now that we are in peak courgette season, many of us will be wondering exactly what and how to prepare this versatile summer squash. Google searches reveal that queries for ‘what to do with courgettes’ are up by 250% in the past 90 days across the UK. HelloFresh’s Senior Recipe Developer, Mimi Morley has shared her top tips for cooking the vegetable, along with some tasty courgette recipes.
12:00 AM 28th September 2024
James Bond: 007's Fastest Cars Ranked In New Study
Image by Pexels from Pixabay
A recent statistical analysis has identified the fastest cars driven by James Bond, with the 2007 Aston Martin DBS V12 taking the top spot as the most rapid. Conducted by lifestyle magazine Dailybase, the research assessed top speeds and acceleration times (0-100 km/h) to generate a speed score out of 100. The analysis covered over 150 Bond cars, which were then ranked accordingly.
12:00 AM 28th September 2024
The Most Common Home Insurance Mistakes
Image by Tung Lam from Pixabay
A recent report reveals that 75% of UK homeowners may unknowingly be putting their home insurance at risk, potentially leaving them without coverage when they need it most.
12:00 AM 28th September 2024
Looking Out For Bluetongue
Allison Lee
Smallholding Correspondent
Bluetongue is a notifiable disease currently affecting animals in the UK. Although it affects animals, not humans, and does not pose a public health risk, it is of grave concern to farmers and smallholders with livestock. Bluetongue is an insect-borne viral disease spread by biting midges. The disease causes fever and swelling in animals and, in the most severe cases, death.
12:00 AM 28th September 2024
Haydock Finance Supports My Life Charity To Aid Riders With Cerebral Palsy
My Life Wigan
Haydock Finance, an asset finance specialist, has announced it is continuing its support for the amazing charity ‘My Life’, based in Standish, Wigan. The charity was the first to be chosen as part of Haydock’s employee charity scheme, which enables employees to support a charity or organisation that they are involved or connected with.
3:08 PM 26th September 2024
Health
Mirrors In Leisure Centres Across The North East To Reflect Important NHS Reminder
NHS messages prompting gym-goers and swimmers to look out for potential signs of cancer are appearing on mirrors in the changing rooms of leisure centres across the North. In the North East, operating under the Better brand, GLL is the not-for-profit social enterprise that runs local centres across the region.
12:00 AM 23rd September 2024
Farriers, Donkeys And Ponies
I will not pretend that my donkeys and ponies love the farrier visits; however, having their feet routinely trimmed is an essential part of their care that must be endured. I always ensure the ponies and donkeys are in their stable, surrounded by familiar things and wearing their head collars before the farrier arrives.
12:00 AM 21st September 2024
Fit By 50: Improving My Relationship With Food And Nutrition
Those of you who've read my columns before will know that I've tried many times to improve my relationship with food and nutrition. I've never seen myself as overweight, but for the past few years I have been. Aside from brief and fragile bursts of progress, I’ve felt bloated, kind of cumbersome when exercising, and with a vague sense that I was short-changing myself.
12:00 AM 21st September 2024
Health
5 Social Media Fitness Trends To Watch
The world of fitness is constantly evolving, driven by new scientific insights, cultural shifts, and the influence of social media.
12:00 AM 21st September 2024
Health
Pet Hates? 1 In 5 British Allergy Sufferers Say No To Animals At Home
photo supplied by Allevia
Whether you’re more a dog or a cat person, the benefits of owning a furry friend are well documented. The Mayo Clinic reports that stroking an animal releases oxytocin, a hormone which helps to combat stress and lower blood pressure. For Brits that suffer from airborne allergies, however, the potential side order of sneezes can offset the benefits of pets.
12:00 AM 21st September 2024
Health
5 Stress-Relieving Habits To Replace Smoking
Image by Ralf Kunze from Pixabay
Quitting smoking can be a giant leap toward a much healthier life, but despite this, it can still be difficult to handle the stress and cravings. To make the journey smoother, online vape retailer Vape and Go has shared five habits that should help reduce stress whilst keeping you away from cigarettes.
12:00 AM 21st September 2024
Health
Stimulating The Body To Recovery
Andrew Palmer
Group Editor
Jowita Penkala & Graham Hermon
Group Editor Andrew Palmer, chats with Jowita Penkala about her enthusiasm for the The Zenni Electrostimulation Method.
11:00 PM 20th September 2024
Only One-In-Six UK Adults Expect A Comfortable Retirement
Image by Greg Montani from Pixabay
Just one-in-three (34%) UK adults have actively made a plan for how they will save for their retirement, new research by My Pension Expert has revealed. The UK’s leading at-retirement adviser commissioned an independent survey of 2,000 UK adults.
5:55 AM 19th September 2024
Expert Shares Best Lighting And Paint Choices For A Home Office Space
A home office is great if you have the space - but what if you don’t? If you live in a flat or shared house, setting up a dedicated work space could be tricky. And, if you're limited on space, your bedroom or living room could be the place for it - but how do you avoid your WFH space being an eyesore?
12:00 AM 14th September 2024
food and drink
The Packed Lunch Is Officially Back, With Almost Half Of Working Brits Making Their Own Sarnies For Work
A new study of office workers reveals as many as 48 percent of working Britons have stopped buying shop bought lunches in favour of a packed lunch. And a classic egg salad (33 percent), ham salad (30 percent) or chicken mayonnaise (30 percent) are the nation’s favourite sandwiches to pack for work – with the only downside being, Brits can’t resist starting their lunch at 12:18pm.
12:00 AM 14th September 2024
Our Wildlife Corridor
I am immensely proud of the work we have done on our six-acre plot of land since moving there almost four years ago. In addition to renovating the property, which dates back to 1691, we have also planted trees and shrubs and created a wildlife corridor to encourage hedgehogs, rabbits and ground-nesting birds.
12:00 AM 14th September 2024
Health
Take Time To Marvel At Majestic Wildlife
Connecting with nature and its wondrous wildlife and birdlife is therapeutic for our health, bringing a wealth of rewards and an enormous wellbeing boost. With almost 630 species of birdlife in the UK alone, the opportunities and magnificent backdrops to enjoy this leisurely pursuit are plentiful – whether it be the golden eagles in Scotland or ravens on the cliffs at Land’s End. Our Time for Life Correspondent, Sharon Cain, and photographer, Steve Hare, have been exploring in Northumberland – an acclaimed bird watchers utopia.
12:00 AM 14th September 2024
food and drink
Why Working In Hospitality Is More Than Just A Job
Woody Barlow
Hospitality Correspondent
In the bustling world of hospitality, there’s one undeniable truth: no two days are ever the same. As a pub owner, I can attest that every shift brings something new—whether it’s the challenge of managing a really busy evening or helping a new team member gain their confidence.
12:00 AM 14th September 2024
Is 13 Lucky Or Unlucky?
Jan Harris
Deputy Group Editor
image by Denis Skley
Friday the 13th happens in a month that starts with a Sunday. In 2023 there were two and in 2024 one is today and the next is in December. A Friday falling on the 13th of the month happens at least once a year but can happen up to three times in one year. Fear of Friday the 13th is called friggatriskaidekaphobia.
12:00 AM 13th September 2024
food and drink
A Dram Of Ireland Travels To The North.
Andrew Palmer
Group Editor
It’s always delightful to try an Irish malt, and Waterford Cuvée Argot (2023) was a pleasant discovery. Cuvée Argot, the 'little brother' to Waterford's Cuvée Concept range, draws flavor and complexity from Ireland's finest natural ingredient, barley, by drawing inspiration from Bordeaux's greatest chateaux.
12:00 AM 7th September 2024
7 Clear Signs A Photo Has Been Edited
Image by Bernd Everding from Pixabay
With approximately five billion photos taken daily worldwide and a growing trend of using filters and editing apps to enhance appearances, it's increasingly difficult to distinguish between real and fake images on social media. Social media marketing experts Viralyft have identified seven major clues that reveal when a photo has been edited.
12:00 AM 7th September 2024
food and drink
Time To Breathe In Barcelona
Spain makes some fantastic wines and for lovers of big reds, Barcelona's restaurants and wine bars are a great place to lose yourself for a few days. Older Rioja wines provide a great lesson in the need to let a wine air before enjoying it. Letting a wine breathe or aerating it will open up its flavours and aromas, turning a good wine into a great wine.
12:00 AM 7th September 2024
Out and about
Expert Shares Money-Saving Tips When Riding The Bus
In a time of rising living costs and ever-increasing environmental awareness, public transport has become a crucial lifeline for many people looking to save money and lower their carbon footprint. While buses remain one of the most affordable and accessible travel options, there are several ways that savvy riders can stretch their pounds and pennies a little further.
12:00 AM 7th September 2024
Dealing With Laminitis
Laminitis is a very painful condition of the feet which can affect any horse or donkey. It is an inflammation and weakening of the tissues known as laminae or lamellae that bond the main bone, known as the pedal bone, to the hoof wall. Laminitis is irreversible and once it is apparent that a horse or donkey is suffering from the condition the damage has already begun.
12:00 AM 7th September 2024
Summer Cleaning Checklist: Household Items You’re Neglecting!
Just weeks after the UK recorded the hottest day of the year, Britain is set to face another heatwave with forecasters predicting the 27 degree spell could be hotter than Morocco. With this in mind, now may be the perfect time to get your home ready for September and it doesn’t have to involve a whole weekend of strenuous work.
12:00 AM 7th September 2024
food and drink
Scrolling And Snacking: Harmful Habits And How To Change Them
Image by Jill Wellington from Pixabay
Many of us want to spend our evenings relaxing and recharging after a long day at work, but are our evening routines actually causing us even more stress? With 41% of adults worldwide experiencing a lot of stress, Northerner set out to discover which common post-work habits could be harming our health and contributing to stress levels, and how to break them.
12:00 AM 7th September 2024
Health
Expert’s Cautious Welcome To New NHS 111 Mental Health Support
Changes to the NHS 111’s 24-hour medical helpline to support people experiencing a mental health crisis have been welcomed by a mental health expert.
12:00 AM 7th September 2024
food and drink
Hydes Showcases Latest ‘Stars’ Of Tv-Based Beer Range For 2024
Salford-based brewer Hydes has launched the final ales of its classic British TV programme-inspired seasonal range for 2024. The brewer will also introduce its latest two ales as part of its celebratory vintage bi-monthly range.
3:09 PM 5th September 2024
Couples Tie The Knot In Style For A Fraction Of The Cost At Breathtaking Stockport Wedding Venue
The Hayloft at the Bluebell suite at The Joshua Bradley photos: Hydes Brewery
A Victorian Stockport pub with its own dedicated wedding and private functions venue is proving a big hit with couples looking to tie the knot and save thousands of pounds on their wedding bill. The Joshua Bradley on Stockport Road in Hyde has its own separate wedding venue on site. The Bluebell at The Joshua Bradley hosts around 15 functions each month including an average of five weddings.
4:07 PM 2nd September 2024
How To Best Deal With Anxiety That Comes With Returning To University
Hundreds of thousands of students are enjoying the last days of Summer before preparing to return to university. For those starting their first year at uni, it can be both an exciting and daunting time not just for the students, but also for the families of those about to kick-off a new chapter in their life.
5:59 AM 2nd September 2024
Health
Six Unconventional Ways To Quit Smoking
Whether it's for financial or health reasons, brits are desperate to ditch the cigs with searches for "quit smoking" surging 100% over the past week in the UK. However, research has indicated it can take 30 attempts or more to break the cycle, proving its much easier said than done.
12:01 AM 31st August 2024
Lice Treatment In Goats
It is important that you check your goats regularly for lice and treat them accordingly. Left untreated, an infestation of lice will cause extensive damage to the skin and coat. The lice will undoubtedly cause the goat discomfort from infected bites, and they will frantically scratch and rub against fences, shelters, trees, etc., causing inflammation and abrasions.
12:00 AM 31st August 2024
Green Cleaning Product Brand Chuffed To Launch New Yorkshire-Inspired Fragrance
Bio-D has launched its latest fragrance, Yorkshire Rhubarb The new fragrance is available in three products, and pays homage to Bio-D’s Yorkshire roots Ethical cleaning manufacturer Bio-D has introduced a new fragrance to its range of environmentally friendly, vegan cleaning products.
12:00 AM 31st August 2024
5 Things To Remove From Your Bedroom To Help Improve Sleep
Image by Tung Nguyen from Pixabay
Whether it is in the warm weather or out of the summer season, a good night's sleep is beneficial to overall health. In the last month, there has been a 657% increase in Google searches for sleeping in the heat as the UK enters its very *late* first heatwave.
12:00 AM 31st August 2024
Sleeping With Stress: Expert Reveals The Ultimate Guide
photo supplied with permission by Mattress Online
Racing thoughts are the last thing you want when it’s time to sleep. Whether it’s a one-off occasion such as a job interview or your wedding, or prolonged stressors like work, family and finances, heightened cortisol can mean taking longer to drift off, plus a higher likelihood of fragmented sleep.
12:00 AM 31st August 2024
5 Tips To Give The Illusion Of Natural Light In Order To Sell Your Home
photo suplied with permission by Happy Beds
In the current competitive housing market, sellers need every edge to attract potential buyers. According to Happy Beds, a leading UK bed retailer, one feature stands out as the most wanted feature in bedrooms after analysing the 200 most viewed homes on Rightmove: ample natural light.
12:00 AM 31st August 2024
Ilkley’s AMC Design Is Shortlisted As Finalist For International Design Award
A selection of images showcasing AMC Design’s North House project. Photography by David Lindsay
Ilkley- based interior design studio, AMC Design, has been shortlisted as a finalist at an internationally recognised awards programme celebrating design excellence across a broad range of interior sectors. AMC Design’s ‘North House’ project has been shortlisted for the ‘best house with a budget under £1million’ at this year’s SBID International Design Awards.
3:21 PM 28th August 2024
Special Tribute Celebrates Community’s Courage
This year the RNLI is marking a milestone 200th anniversary to acknowledge the remarkable bravery of dedicated crews and volunteers who have saved over 144,000 lives across the UK. The rescue of around three hundred of these precious lives is attributed to the compassionate and courageous community at Hauxley on the Northumberland coast.
12:00 AM 27th August 2024
Study Reveals The Top Ten Dream Engagement Rings Couples Are Falling In Love With In 2024
New data reveals the most desirable engagement rings in the UK. The research, conducted by Ramsdens Jewellery, examined online search data for a list of key terms relating to engagement rings. This included both the stone and cut, such as diamond and princess cut.
12:00 AM 24th August 2024
9 Genius Space-Saving Hacks For Your Home
For many of us, our homes are not always spacious enough to effectively house our daily items. If you live in an apartment, space can be especially tricky to manage whilst still having the furniture you need at home. Extra Room, experts in self storage, wanted to share genius hacks to compactly organise your home.
12:00 AM 24th August 2024
The Exact Reason You Should Be Turning ON Your Central Heating This Summer
As summer temperatures rise, it's easy to neglect our thermostats and forget about our boilers. But, did you know this is the exact time you should be keeping an eye on your central heating? Ideal Heating have urged homeowners to perform regular checks on their central heating systems and explained why you shouldn’t be switching your boiler off completely this summer.
12:00 AM 24th August 2024
Checking The Teeth Of The Animals On Your Smallholding
Allison Lee
Smallholding Correspondent
Although an essential part of caring for the equines, it has to be said that the least enjoyable task is carrying out their dental treatment. Both my donkeys and ponies hate having the dentist call. I can’t say I blame them; the routine trips to the dentist aren’t on my list of favourable pastimes either. However, I hate seeing how stressed and upset they get when the vet arrives.
12:00 AM 24th August 2024
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