Andrea Blazquez

A natural method for reducing odours and deterring pests involves placing dried used coffee grounds mixed with bicarbonate of soda in bowls around the home, particularly on windowsills and near doors. Gardening experts highlight that the strong scent repels insects such as mosquitoes, spiders, wasps and bees, while nitrogen in coffee absorbs odours. The mixture can also be used in fridges, bins, cars and pet areas, with additional guidance provided by TheKitchn and the US Department of Agriculture.

A new study by Sweepstakes Table ranks Bath as the most walkable city in the UK, scoring 99.04 based on climate, proximity of major attractions, and pedestrian safety. Key sites such as the Roman Baths, Bath Abbey, and the Royal Crescent lie within a short walking distance of each other. Visitors frequently praise Bath’s beauty and ease of exploring on foot, while pedestrian casualty data from the Department for Transport and climate metrics from Numbeo contributed to the final rankings. Leeds placed lowest in the walkability assessment.

A rescued dog named Rolf, saved from the Yulin Dog Meat Market by the organisation NoToDogMeat, continues to search for an adoptive home after recovering from severe trauma and injuries. Caretakers describe his slow progress from being completely shut down to cautiously interacting with people. The shelter, caring for hundreds of animals, encourages potential adopters to contact them for more information.

A quick 30‑minute Spanish‑style tray bake combines chorizo‑style sausages, vegetables and smoked paprika, complemented by a homemade aioli. The recipe highlights affordable sausage options from UK supermarkets and notes the nutritional benefits of chorizo, offering a warm, flavourful family meal.

Experts recommend spraying a mixture of white vinegar and water onto front doors and other entry points before March to deter pests that become more active in early spring. Vinegar’s strong scent repels insects such as ants and spiders while providing mild disinfectant benefits. Some households also use the practice as part of a Feng Shui ritual intended to clear negative energy and promote harmony. The mixture should be applied once or twice weekly for best results.

Lloyds, Halifax and NatWest will close numerous branches across the UK in 2026, with Lloyds shutting 95 additional sites and maintaining 610 branches after the changes. Halifax will also close multiple locations as customers increasingly shift to online banking, while NatWest plans several closures in London, Manchester and other regions. All three banks emphasise alternative access options such as mobile branches, community banking hubs, apps and phone services, and note efforts to minimise customer impact and comply with regulatory requirements.

Major UK retailers are continuing large-scale restructuring, with Morrisons planning to close its Rathbones Bakery due to declining sales, increased costs and the loss of a key customer. Poundland is shutting additional stores in February as part of a strategy that will bring total closures to 100, with its UK country manager expressing regret while highlighting special customer offers during exits. River Island has also recently closed 32 outlets after reporting significant financial losses driven by rising operational costs and the shift toward online shopping.

Experts warn against pouring Baileys, mulled wine and other fats, oils and greases down sinks during the Christmas period due to the risk of pipe blockages and fatbergs. Improper disposal can cause significant damage and may require professional repairs, which are harder to access over the holidays. Hot water and soap are advised if these substances are accidentally poured down the drain, while chemical drain unblockers should be avoided.

Baileys Irish Cream can be safely stored at room temperature, as the manufacturer confirms it lasts two years from bottling whether opened or unopened, provided it is kept between 0C and 25C. Refrigeration is acceptable but does not extend shelf life. Consumers are advised to check the best-before-end date on the bottle. Plumbing experts warn against pouring expired cream liqueurs down the sink because their high fat content can cause pipe blockages and contribute to sewer fatbergs.