Andrea Blazquez

Coffee grounds combined with bicarbonate of soda are recommended as an effective method to absorb odours and repel pests in cars and around the home. Experts highlight the neutralising properties of both ingredients, noting coffee’s nitrogen content and aromatic benefit. Guidance includes drying used grounds, mixing them with bicarbonate of soda and placing the mixture in areas prone to smells or insects, such as cars, fridges or patios.

New UK baby‑name data from the Office for National Statistics shows Olivia and Muhammad retaining the top spots for girls and boys, while several vintage names such as Marnie are returning to popularity. Parents discussing the trend on Mumsnet describe Marnie as a nostalgic alternative to the traditional Margaret, which many still view as old‑fashioned. New entries to the top 100 include Marnie, Eliana and Gracie for girls, and Vincent, Carter, Stanley and Ruben for boys.

The EU’s new Entry/Exit System has been fully implemented across the Schengen Area, requiring biometric registration for non‑EU travellers and causing long queues and missed flights in some countries. UK authorities advise travellers to allow extra time for border checks, while industry group ABTA urges European border authorities to improve planning and contingency measures as the busy summer season approaches.

A dog named Rolf, rescued from the Yulin Dog Meat Market by the NoToDogMeat charity, continues to search for a permanent home after months of recovery from severe mistreatment. Although still anxious, he has begun to trust caretakers and interact more confidently. Julia de Cadenet, founder of NoToDogMeat, describes his progress and highlights ongoing challenges in caring for the shelter’s 700 animals, encouraging potential adopters to step forward.

Research using UK crime statistics ranks Harrogate as the safest place to live, followed by Wokingham and Chester. Other highly rated towns and cities include Sevenoaks, Horsham, St Albans, Salisbury, Windsor, Guildford and Lincoln, with rankings based on low crime rates, strong community environments and quality-of-life factors.

An 18‑kilometre immersed tunnel connecting Denmark’s Lolland island with Germany’s Fehmarn island is scheduled to open in 2029, significantly reducing travel times for cars and trains between Scandinavia and continental Europe. The €7.6 billion project, partly funded by the European Union, is designed to operate continuously and cut CO2 emissions by diverting traffic to a shorter, faster route. Construction uses large prefabricated tunnel elements assembled on the seabed, with safety features including emergency exits and hard shoulders. The link is expected to improve freight efficiency, increase rail capacity for passenger services, and shorten the Copenhagen–Hamburg rail journey to two and a half hours.

A travel expert highlights Portugal’s Algarve as an affordable and mild winter destination, with walkable towns such as Portimão offering authentic Portuguese charm and average December temperatures around 18C. The region remains quieter than in peak summer and is easily accessible via Faro Airport. Additional praise is given to Cassis in southern France as another appealing winter option, with key attractions in Portimão including beaches, museums and the marina.

Travel expert Simon Calder recommends the coastal town of Cassis in southern France as an ideal and affordable autumn destination for pensioners, highlighting its walkability, mild climate and accessible transport from Marseille. Additional praise from travel blogger Sam describes Cassis as colourful and compact, with dramatic nearby landscapes. Calder also cites Portugal’s Algarve as another affordable and less crowded autumn option.

Alison Hammond describes losing 11 stone by adopting a balanced lifestyle focused on moderation, hydration and regular exercise with a personal trainer rather than following restrictive diets. Her shift began after a pre-diabetic diagnosis, prompting portion control and healthier routines supported by NHS guidance. Fans responded positively to her transformation and message of sustainable habits.

A flower expert warns that several common houseplants, including peace lilies, English ivy, philodendrons and daffodils, contain toxic compounds that can cause pain, allergic reactions or digestive issues if touched or ingested. He advises keeping them out of reach of children and pets, handling them with gloves and disposing of toxic plants safely to prevent accidental harm.

Travel experts warn that common hotel hiding places such as drawers, wardrobes and in‑room safes are among the first areas targeted by thieves, recommending instead inconspicuous options like empty bottles, suntan lotion containers, lip balm tubes or everyday items such as crisp packets. Flight attendant Miguel Munoz supports using ordinary objects or disguised items, while additional advice encourages keeping valuables subtle, using hidden clothing pockets and avoiding risky spots like suitcases, mattresses and laundry baskets.