Angela Patrone

Lavender grows best in sunny, dry, well-drained, relatively low-nutrient soil, and excessive watering or nitrogen can produce leafy growth instead of flowers. Gardening expert Annette Thurmon recommends applying a thin layer of builder’s sand or pea gravel as surface mulch to improve drainage, regulate soil temperature, suppress weeds and encourage fuller blooms. The mulch should be kept away from the plant’s stem, and fine sand should be avoided because it can compact and impede water flow.

A hands-on comparison of Fairy Liquid Skip The Soak and Elbow Grease washing-up sprays on greasy air-fryer baskets found that both products broke down grease effectively. Elbow Grease, costing about £1.19 compared with Fairy’s approximately £3.99, produced a more pleasant smell, wiped clean more easily and left no visible marks after rinsing, while Fairy required additional attention and left a few greasy spots. Elbow Grease was therefore judged the better-performing and better-value option.

Japanese maples can develop brown, crispy leaves during heatwaves because of sun exposure and moisture loss. Gardener Ish recommends keeping trees well watered and partly shaded, covering them with frost fleece to create shade and a cooler, more humid microclimate, and applying a one- to two-inch layer of organic mulch to retain soil moisture and regulate root temperature. Mulch should be kept away from the trunk to prevent rot and fungal disease.

A taste test of blueberries from Aldi, Lidl, Sainsbury’s, M&S, Tesco and Waitrose found Lidl to be the overall winner, scoring 10/10 despite being the cheapest at £1.29. M&S came second at 9.5/10, while Tesco scored 8/10. Waitrose received 7/10, Sainsbury’s 5/10 and Aldi 3/10, with the latter two criticised for weak flavour and poor texture. The results challenged the expectation that the most expensive option would be best.

A Liverpool Echo lifestyle reporter reviews the Dreams TheraPur Memory Foam Ice Pillow after using it during several British heatwaves. She says its ActiGel foam, cooling cover and memory foam core kept her cooler and more comfortable than a regular pillow, although it became mildly warm later in the night and did not feel literally icy. The £80 price is considered high, with cheaper alternatives from Silentnight and Marks & Spencer also highlighted.

Citric acid is recommended as a more effective, cheaper and eco-friendly way to remove toilet limescale than bleach or vinegar. Cleaning specialist Sophie advises pouring near-boiling water and half a box of citric acid into the toilet, leaving it overnight, then scrubbing the bowl in the morning. Persistent deposits may require a second treatment, while adding a spoonful of citric acid regularly is suggested as a preventative measure.

Boiling water is presented as a cheap, natural method for removing weeds growing between patio or paving slabs. The advice is to pour boiling water carefully over the weeds, which should wither and die within several days, then remove the remains and help prevent regrowth by filling paving joints and sweeping regularly.

A taste test comparing Weetabix with wheat biscuits from Aldi, Sainsbury's, Lidl, Tesco, Morrisons, Asda, Waitrose and Marks & Spencer found Sainsbury's own-brand version the clear winner, scoring 10/10 while costing £1.46. Tesco scored 9/10 and Asda 7/10, while Morrisons came last with 2/10. Weetabix scored 6/10 and was judged poor value at £3.50, despite its strong texture. The lowest-rated alternatives were criticized for becoming soggy quickly or having bland, unpleasant flavours.

Angela Patrone tests a butcher’s recommendation to cook sausages in the oven rather than frying them. She finds that baking at 180°C fan for 25–35 minutes, turning them halfway through, produces evenly browned, juicy sausages with less mess. Lining the tray with foil also makes cleanup easier, while piercing the sausages is discouraged because it can release their juices and fat.

Appliance specialists at Devon Appliances recommend using white vinegar to remove mould from washing machine rubber seals. The method involves applying vinegar to the seal, scrubbing concealed folds, leaving it for 10 to 15 minutes, wiping away residue, and running an empty hot wash cycle with vinegar in the detergent drawer. Regular cleaning is advised to prevent mould, odours and bacterial build-up, while prolonged exposure to vinegar should be avoided because it may damage the rubber.

Upper-floor rooms can be significantly hotter than ground-floor areas because warm air rises, especially in bedrooms with large windows. The Met Office recommends closing curtains or blinds on sun-facing windows, keeping windows and doors shut during the hottest part of the day, opening them in the evening when temperatures fall, and leaving internal doors open to improve airflow. Bedsheets or towels can serve as temporary window coverings.

A homemade spray made from equal parts vinegar and washing-up liquid is presented as a way to deter or kill ants around homes and gardens. Cleaning creator Courtney says the mixture eliminated ants from her patio within 30 minutes. The article recommends spraying entry points and ant routes, then reapplying weekly, every few days during infestations, and after rain.

Adding red wine vinegar to tomatoes alongside extra virgin olive oil and flaky sea salt can improve their flavour, particularly when supermarket tomatoes taste bland. The vinegar supplies sharpness and acidity, while salt draws out sweetness and moisture. Chefs Connon Robson and Justin Tsang support the pairing, which can be served over toasted sourdough with basil after resting for about 30 minutes.

Chefs and nutrition experts recommend replacing mayonnaise in tuna salad with a tahini-based dressing for a creamier, nuttier and less greasy result. The recipe combines tahini with water, Dijon mustard, olive oil, lemon juice, honey and seasonings, then mixes it with tuna, vegetables and optional apple and cashews. The filling can be served in sandwiches, wraps, pasta, with crackers or over lettuce, and leftovers should be refrigerated for up to a day.

Angela Patrone describes using Monty Don’s recommended scarification and aeration techniques to remove moss and weeds from an overgrown lawn. Instead of working by hand, she used a VonHaus Scarifier and Aerator 2000W, cutting the grass, scarifying it in several directions, and then aerating the soil in under three hours. The lawn was left looking bare but prepared for overseeding and top dressing.

Oven baking is recommended as a less messy alternative to frying or air frying sausages. Cooking at 200°C, or 180°C fan, for 25–30 minutes, turning halfway through, is said to cook sausages evenly while allowing the skin to caramelise and the juices to remain inside. The method suits pork, beef, Cumberland sausages, chipolatas and most traditional butcher’s sausages.

Replacing regular milk with buttermilk can produce lighter, fluffier scones because its reaction with baking powder helps the dough rise. Lizzie Crowther’s Mary Berry-inspired recipe uses self-raising flour, baking powder, butter, sugar, egg and 100–140ml of buttermilk, with adjustments made for dough consistency. The scones are baked at 200C/180C fan for 12–15 minutes and served with cream and jam.

Chefs say milk is unnecessary in scrambled eggs because a small amount of water creates steam that makes the eggs lighter and fluffier. The recipe recommends using about one or two teaspoons of cool water per egg, seasoning with salt and pepper, and cooking the mixture in butter over medium heat. Removing the pan while the eggs are still glossy helps prevent overcooking, while omitting milk preserves a stronger egg flavor and deeper golden color.

Lifestyle reporter Angela Patrone describes using one scoop of soda crystals bought from Home Bargains alongside detergent to remove yellow stains from a machine-washable pillow. She recommends checking the care label, washing the pillow with other white laundry at the appropriate temperature, optionally using laundry sanitiser, and drying it flat in direct sunlight to enhance whitening.

A Liverpool Echo journalist reports that hanging old CDs on string around her garden successfully deterred pigeons. The reflective discs were placed on a fig tree, near roses and along a fence, then moved after five days so the birds would not become accustomed to them. After a month, she had not seen pigeons returning to the garden. Pest-control specialists say that reflective objects moving in the wind can frighten pigeons, while crumpled aluminium foil may provide a similar alternative.

Soda crystals replace white vinegar as the preferred method for softening towels, dissolving residue and improving absorbency. A hot wash, extra rinse, and air-drying enhance results, and fabric softener is avoided due to buildup. The method is inexpensive and relies on a natural product available at Home Bargains.

Using uncooked rice water diluted with regular water provides nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium that support peace lily growth during summer. Allowing the rice water to ferment slightly improves nutrient availability. Weekly use of the diluted mixture strengthens roots, enhances leaf health and encourages abundant flowering.

A shopper who normally buys groceries at Sainsbury’s and Aldi increasingly visits Marks & Spencer specifically for its individual 0% fat Greek yoghurts with fruit compote, praising their taste, protein content and low calories. She prefers the peach flavour and finds them superior to similar options from Aldi and Fage, making them a regular part of her weekly shopping.

Extra virgin olive oil is distinguished from regular olive oil by cold-press production, higher flavour quality, and stricter standards, including acidity levels below 0.8 percent. Regular olive oil is refined, milder in taste, and more affordable. Both types can be used interchangeably in cooking, though extra virgin is preferred for raw uses such as dressings and dipping to showcase its stronger aroma and flavour.

Slugs and snails can be deterred naturally by surrounding pots, raised beds or individual plants with copper mesh, which creates a mild electrical charge the pests avoid while also acting as a physical barrier. Gardening creator Miriam recommends the method as a chemical‑free, pet‑safe and durable solution that can protect plants for multiple seasons. The mesh can be used around container edges, over drainage holes or shaped into protective rings around vulnerable plants.

Limescale, not regular use, is usually responsible for persistent brown toilet stains that bleach cannot remove. Lifestyle blogger Kristi recommends dropping two Alka‑Seltzer tablets into the toilet bowl, allowing them to fizz for 15 to 30 minutes, then brushing to eliminate limescale and rust with minimal effort. The tablets contain citric acid and sodium bicarbonate, which break down mineral deposits. A 20‑pack costs £4.90 at Boots, making the method a low‑cost and efficient cleaning alternative.

Advice from a gardener explains that trimming English lavender in July can encourage a second bloom later in summer. Lavender should be pruned twice yearly, with a spring cut before bud break and a summer trim before flowering. Proper technique involves removing only flowerheads, avoiding cutting too far into woody stems, and adjusting pruning intensity based on plant age to maintain healthy growth and fuller blooms.

A comparison of Sainsbury’s two own‑brand carbonara ready meals finds the budget Italian Style version lacking in flavour and overwhelmed by sauce, while the pricier Taste The Difference Pancetta & Three Cheese Carbonara offers better balance and noticeably stronger cheese flavour. Despite costing more, the premium option is judged the only one worth buying due to its superior sauce quality.

Design experts highlight paint colours that can make interiors appear cheap and potentially reduce property value, identifying bright red, teal, pure white, dark brown and mint green as problematic shades. They argue these colours can feel outdated, overwhelming or harsh, and may create an unappealing or inconsistent atmosphere. Softer tones, warmer hues and whites with subtle undertones are advised to achieve a more refined, harmonious and upscale look.

Hard, stiff towels caused by mineral deposits and detergent residue can be softened quickly by soaking them in a hot-water bath mixed with citric acid. The method, recommended by cleaning specialists at Smol, dissolves mineral scale, neutralises alkaline residue and restores softness without odour. Towels should then be rinsed thoroughly and dried, while avoiding excessive detergent or laundry powder to prevent future buildup.

A cleaning influencer recommends adding half a cup of baking soda to a warm 40C wash to dissolve detergent buildup and restore stiff towels to a soft, fluffy texture. The method requires using less detergent than usual and relies on baking soda’s ability to break down residue, leaving towels feeling cleaner and fresher.

Citric acid is recommended as an effective natural method for removing stubborn toilet limescale. TikTok creator Jottie explains that mixing citric acid with warm water and applying it to the bowl dissolves mineral deposits within minutes, while cleaning specialist Lynsey Crombie supports its use as a safe alternative to commercial cleaners and advises allowing it to sit longer for best results.

Major UK supermarkets have issued multiple food recalls following Food Standards Agency warnings about undeclared allergens, contamination risks and the presence of salmonella. Morrisons recalled pasta, crisps and cashews due to mislabelled allergens and possible glass contamination, while Prepworld withdrew mixed fruit packs sold across several chains after salmonella was detected. Fox's Burton's Companies withdrew a widely sold chutney over potential metal fragments, and Waitrose removed hot cross buns with undeclared barley. Shoppers are instructed not to eat the affected items and to return them for refunds.

Expert gardeners recommend using strongly scented plants such as lavender, rosemary, marigolds, mint, chrysanthemums and peppermint, along with essential oils, to deter rats from gardens. Guidance includes applying homemade peppermint spray, using lemon, citronella and eucalyptus oils, and placing garlic cloves at entry points. Maintaining a tidy garden and disrupting rodent hiding spots are also emphasised as effective prevention methods.

Tests of four natural weed‑killing methods found that rock salt combined with boiling water and a white‑vinegar solution were the most effective, both visibly damaging weeds within hours and allowing for easy removal. Lemon juice showed no results, likely due to rain, and boiling water alone only wilted but did not fully kill an established dandelion. Salt and vinegar proved reliable for quick, low‑cost, chemical‑free weed control, while the other methods offered limited or situational effectiveness.

Six Tesco own‑brand lasagne ready meals, both chilled and frozen, were compared across price ranges, revealing substantial differences in flavour, texture and seasoning. The premium Tesco Finest Lasagne Al Forno proved disappointing, while several mid‑range and budget options outperformed expectations. Tesco’s chilled Beef Lasagne and the Finest frozen version tied for second place, each praised for balanced sauces and good texture. The top‑rated meal was the Tesco Vegetable Lasagne, highlighted for its rich roasted vegetables, strong flavour and generous cheese, despite needing slightly more seasoning.