Chloe Dobinson

The five dog breeds ranked as most intelligent are the Basset Hound, Golden Retriever, German Shepherd, Poodle and Border Collie. The ranking draws on how quickly dogs learn commands and how reliably they obey them, with canine expert Axel Lagercrantz citing fewer than five repetitions and at least 95% first-time obedience as benchmarks. Border Collies rank first, followed by Poodles, German Shepherds, Golden Retrievers and Basset Hounds, while the piece also notes that temperament, exercise needs and training methods affect a breed’s suitability as a household pet.

A cleaning influencer recommends mixing one cup of water, half a cup of white vinegar and a few drops of lavender or peppermint essential oil in a spray bottle. The diluted mixture can be applied to mattresses, bedheads, bedsides, windowsills and doorways to help repel spiders and dust mites, while the essential oils also provide a pleasant scent. The article notes that dust mites can trigger allergy-like symptoms, but does not provide scientific evidence confirming the spray’s effectiveness.

Lavender grows best in sunny, dry, well-drained conditions and generally needs little or no fertiliser. Excess nitrogen and watering can encourage leafy growth, root problems and fewer flowers. Annette Thurmon recommends applying a thin layer of builder’s sand or pea gravel mulch around—but not directly against—the plant stems to improve drainage, regulate soil temperature, retain moisture and encourage flowering. Dense or fine sand should be avoided because it can compact and impede water flow.

The article presents ten traditional girl names associated with Britain and Ireland, explaining each name’s meaning, cultural or historical origins, and approximate pronunciation. The list includes Welsh names such as Siân, Bethan and Ffion; Scottish names such as Isla, Maisie and Eilidh; Irish names such as Niamh and Caitlin; and widely used British names including Lily and Grace. It also outlines UK naming freedoms and the limited circumstances in which registrars may object to a name.

A recipe for golden, fluffy roast potatoes recommends floury varieties such as Maris Piper or King Edward, parboiling and roughing up the potatoes, then roasting them in melted Cornish clotted cream. The method serves six and involves roasting at 200°C, or 180°C fan, for 45–55 minutes after steaming and seasoning the potatoes.

A canine expert recommends ten ways to help dogs cope with extreme UK heat, including cooling their paws and belly, providing frozen toys or vegetables, creating a cool indoor room, allowing shaded digging, using damp towels, serving smaller or partially frozen meals, moving enrichment activities indoors and checking temperatures after sunset. Owners are advised to watch for heavy panting, excessive drooling, red gums, lethargy, wobbliness and vomiting, and to contact a vet urgently if heatstroke is suspected. Puppies, older, overweight, larger and flat-faced dogs are identified as especially vulnerable.

Airing a duvet outdoors during a dry, sunny and breezy spell can freshen it, reduce moisture and help limit mould, mildew, bacteria and odours between washes. The duvet should be shaken and gently beaten to loosen dust, hung or laid flat, turned periodically, and returned to the bed only once completely dry. Manufacturer care instructions remain important because some fillings require specialist treatment.

Armenia is presented as an under-visited European travel destination with ancient civilisation, dramatic mountain scenery and a distinctive cultural identity. The article highlights Yerevan’s long history and revitalised urban scene, Armenia’s monasteries, khachkars, music, chess tradition and cuisine, and attractions including the Cascade, Matenadaran and Erebuni Fortress. Travel commentators praise the country’s hospitality and preserved heritage, while limited direct flights from London to Yerevan are noted as a potential route for UK visitors.

Security expert Shahzad Ali advises UK holidaymakers to choose inconspicuous, preferably black or worn-looking suitcases rather than brightly coloured luggage, which may attract unwanted attention or be mistaken for someone else’s. He also recommends using a high-quality padlock, adding a subtle identifier, and separating valuables by importance. Documents, cards, phones and cash should stay close to the body, while laptops and tablets should go in carry-on luggage and jewellery should be concealed among clothing in checked baggage.

Ludlow in Shropshire is highlighted as one of the UK's best high streets because it has thriving independent businesses rather than chain retailers or empty shops. The historic market town is praised for its 900-year-old marketplace, specialist food shops, family-run retailers and Ludlow Farmshop. Visitors can also explore Ludlow Castle, the River Teme and Mortimer Forest, making Ludlow an appealing destination for a peaceful UK staycation.

A blueberry muffin recipe from Maple from Canada uses pure maple syrup as the key ingredient for a lighter, fluffier and more crumbly texture. The recipe makes 12 muffins and combines butter, maple syrup, eggs, chia seeds, yoghurt, self-raising flour, baking powder, bicarbonate of soda, salt and blueberries. The muffins are baked initially at 180°C/Gas 4, then at 160°C/Gas 3 for 18–20 minutes before cooling on a wire rack.

A Bonne Maman recipe explains how to make six teddy-bear-shaped cookies using flour, sugar, salt, cold butter and water. After chilling and shaping the dough, the cookies are baked at 170°C for 15 minutes, cooled, and assembled with Bonne Maman Conserve spread between two bear-shaped pieces.

UK high-street businesses and charities are announcing a wave of closures amid online competition, changing consumer habits, weak footfall and rising operating costs. The British Heart Foundation plans to close around 150 of its roughly 640 shops by 2028, while Topps Tiles is closing 23 stores and Peacocks is shutting its Pontypool branch. Card Centre is closing its Newport outlet, Merrie England is ending operations at all seven West Yorkshire cafés with staff losing their jobs, and Vale Veterinary Centre has ceased trading at its three South Wales locations.

Aldi is cutting prices on more than 330 food and household products, investing £100 million in the latest reductions and £300 million in price cuts during the year. The changes include savings on steaks, cheese, chicken, fruit and Lacura sunscreen. Aldi is also reinstating its Summer Support Scheme, giving away £50 grocery shops to families daily during July and August. Separately, the supermarket has identified 25 priority locations for new stores and plans to invest more than £370 million toward a long-term target of 1,500 UK stores.

A five-step French toast recipe from Snugburys uses brioche, eggs, whole milk, vanilla and cinnamon, with the bread fried in butter until golden. It is served with warm maple syrup, banana caramel ice cream, and optional roasted nuts or fresh fruit. The article also explains that French toast, known as pain perdu in France, originated from recipes for bread soaked in milk and eggs dating back to the Roman Empire.

A coffee enthusiast tested seven supermarket instant coffees against Nescafé Original. M&S Rich and Smooth ranked first with a score of 9/10 and was considered preferable to Nescafé, which scored 8.5/10. Sainsbury’s came third with 8/10, while Aldi’s Barissimo Rich Roast was the strongest budget option at 7.5/10. Morrisons and Tesco tied for last at 5.5/10, with criticism focused on bitterness, acidity and weak aroma.

Gubbio in Umbria is highlighted as a well‑preserved medieval town known for its Roman ruins, Gothic architecture and quiet atmosphere. The town offers landmarks such as the Roman theatre, Palazzo dei Consoli and Duomo di Gubbio, and features a distinctive two‑person “bird cage” cable car. Travel expert Ed Maughan praises the town’s historic appeal, while visitors describe it as scenic, calm and easily explored without the crowds typical of more famous Italian destinations.

UK heatwaves left many lawns wilted and brown, but gardening experts from The Grass People outline a four‑step recovery method: rake away dead grass, aerate the soil to improve airflow, overseed affected areas, and apply fertiliser once temperatures drop. Proper watering, especially in the early morning or evening, helps hydrate roots and support recovery, with timed sprinklers suggested for consistent care.

A Shropshire man who won £9 million in 2005 struggled with the consequences of sudden wealth, eventually experiencing alcoholism, marital breakdown, reckless spending and financial fraud before dying of a heart attack five years later. He described the win as having ruined his life, with friends recalling his decline and vulnerability, though he ultimately left an estate of nearly £800,000.

Garden experts recommend applying inexpensive white granulated sugar to lawns in summer to break down thatch, enrich soil, suppress weeds, and promote thicker, greener grass. Professionals advise moderate, infrequent use to avoid excessive fungal growth, with approximately 450 grams per 10 square feet applied in dry early-morning conditions. Multiple horticultural specialists highlight sugar’s role in improving soil balance, boosting microbial activity, and strengthening root systems, while cautioning against overuse, especially in shaded or fungus-prone areas.

Extra virgin olive oil is distinguished from regular olive oil by its cold‑pressed production, lack of defects, low acidity and stronger flavour, while regular olive oil is mostly refined, milder and cheaper. Both can be used in cooking, though extra virgin is preferred for dressings, dipping and finishing due to its richer taste, and each has different smoke points to consider when substituting in recipes.

Research from Northgate Vehicle Hire identifies Europe’s most expensive toll routes, with France’s A6/A7 between Paris and Marseille topping the list at £60.50 one way. The Øresund Bridge between Denmark and Sweden ranks second at £54.12, followed by Italy’s Autostrada A1 and Greece’s A1 corridor. North Macedonia hosts the cheapest toll road at £1.43. The report highlights increasing road travel among British holidaymakers and the importance of planning for toll expenses.

Spaghetti Aglio e Olio is presented as a quick, inexpensive pasta dish using six basic ingredients. Phil Bianchi highlights its simplicity and cost-effectiveness, while Phil Vickery adds a tip about incorporating pasta water for better texture. The recipe outlines steps for preparing the garlic-infused oil, cooking the pasta, and finishing the dish with parsley and grated Parmesan.

Japan’s technologically advanced and highly maintained public toilets rank among the world’s cleanest and most innovative, offering features such as free access, bidets with adjustable settings, and sound masking. Norway’s architecturally designed facilities, particularly at the Stegastein viewpoint, are highlighted for scenic appeal, while Paris leads major cities in toilet density through its free sanisettes. The UK faces declining public toilet numbers, with Exeter holding the highest per‑capita availability domestically, while Chiang Mai records the highest global per‑capita count.

Guidance from the Royal Horticultural Society explains how to control or remove ivy that becomes invasive or damages walls and fences. Recommendations include regularly cutting back stems, partially removing outer growth to avoid disturbing masonry, and fully extracting larger central stems when complete removal is needed. Eliminating the stump and major roots prevents regrowth, though repeated cutting can weaken the plant if the stump cannot be dug out. Ivy can pose structural risks, while other invasive plants like Japanese knotweed may require professional treatment.

July is identified as the ideal month for propagating lavender, with expert guidance advising gardeners to select straight, healthy stems without flower buds and make clean cuts at the leaf nodes. Cuttings should be placed between soil and the pot rim, kept lightly misted, and positioned in a sheltered, sunny location until new leaves appear. Lavender requires careful management during hot weather despite being drought tolerant, as extreme dry or wet conditions can cause stress, making good drainage and avoiding overwatering essential for healthy growth.

Price reductions on tea bags at Aldi, Sainsbury’s and Tesco changed weekly supermarket rankings, making Morrisons the most expensive basket for the first time in a year and placing Aldi as the cheapest. Retailers disputed the comparability of the analysis, emphasising their own value claims and promotional offers. The updated basket totals showed small but significant shifts across all six major UK supermarkets.

Scarborough in North Yorkshire is highlighted as one of England’s best seaside destinations, praised for its dramatic coastline, historic castle, sandy beaches, and proximity to the North York Moors. The town offers a variety of attractions including the Scarborough Fair Collection of vintage rides, the Jurassic-focused Rotunda Museum, and two contrasting beaches suited for families or quiet relaxation. Its heritage, natural scenery, and range of activities reinforce its reputation as one of the country’s finest coastal resorts.

A Greek family method for making exceptionally creamy tzatziki recommends salting and straining full‑fat yoghurt for at least 15 minutes and draining grated cucumber for an hour to remove excess moisture. Georgina Hayden explains that these steps, drawn from her mother’s and grandmother’s approach, intensify the dip’s texture and flavour. The recipe combines strained yoghurt, drained cucumber, garlic, dried mint, black pepper, olive oil and lemon juice, producing a thicker, more traditional Greek-style tzatziki.

Mersea Island in Essex is gaining popularity as a remote British seaside destination, with searches rising sharply. Known for seafood, beach huts, and coastal walks, it offers watersports, a local vineyard, and family-friendly activities. Parkdean Resorts promotes the island as an appealing alternative to overseas travel, reflecting growing interest in smaller British islands.

Clacton-on-Sea is highlighted as one of the lowest‑rated seaside towns in a Which? consumer survey, receiving poor marks for its seafront and lack of peace and quiet despite praise for its gardens and annual airshow. Tripadvisor reviews are more positive, with many visitors commending the beach’s cleanliness, family‑friendly atmosphere and amenities, although others criticise the town’s condition, facilities and overall appearance.

A DIY expert suggests placing a clean 1p coin in a fruit bowl as a simple, low‑cost method to discourage fruit flies during hot weather. While the copper in the coin may help reduce flies, it is not guaranteed, and maintaining a clean kitchen with no overripe fruit or food waste remains the most effective way to prevent infestations.

Research comparing summer travel costs across Europe highlights Blackpool as the only UK destination in the top ten most affordable locations for 2026, ranking ninth overall. The seaside town stands out for low attraction prices and comparatively inexpensive fuel. Blackpool Pleasure Beach receives strong visitor reviews and offers discounted advance ticket options. In contrast, cities like London, Brighton and Falmouth are noted for high accommodation costs. Albania ranks as the most affordable destination internationally, followed by Prague, Porto and Madrid.

Experts warn of increased rat activity in warm weather and recommend prevention measures such as sealing bins, removing food sources and reducing clutter. Peppermint oil may help deter rats when applied to cotton balls placed near entry points, but eliminating attractants remains the most effective strategy. Persistent infestations should be professionally assessed to prevent population growth.

Heart specialists highlight apples, avocados, blueberries and oranges as fruits that can help lower the risk of heart disease due to their fibre, antioxidant content and heart‑healthy compounds. Cardiologists explain how these fruits support blood pressure, cholesterol and arterial health. The article also outlines major risk factors for heart disease and advises lifestyle measures, including balanced nutrition, physical activity, weight control and smoking cessation.