Melanie Kaidan

An Italian chef outlines three key techniques to improve homemade tomato sauce: using slightly overripe tomatoes, slow-roasting them to deepen flavor, and avoiding refrigeration to preserve taste. A detailed recipe features vine tomatoes roasted with garlic, sugar, tomato purée, olive oil, and basil to create a rich, textured sauce ideal for pairing with pasta such as orecchiette and finishing with Parmigiano Reggiano.

Airlines including Ryanair, easyJet, TUI, British Airways and Jet2 are tightening hand luggage rules, prompting travel experts to advise passengers to avoid packing bulky items such as hairdryers, towels and full-size toiletries. With many carriers restricting travellers to a single small cabin bag, packing efficiently is essential. Experts recommend relying on items provided by accommodation and wearing heavier clothing on the plane to save space and avoid additional fees.

Baked-on grease on oven doors is often resistant to common cleaning methods such as baking soda, vinegar, and various branded products. After multiple failed attempts, a homeowner found that soda crystals effectively dissolved the grease and restored the glass. Cleaning specialists support this approach, noting that soda crystals work well on stubborn, burnt-on grime, offering both dissolving and gentle abrasive action.

A viral TikTok hack showing a frozen açaí bowl being taken through airport security is cautioned against by travel experts, who warn that frozen liquids are still treated as liquids and will be confiscated if over 100 millilitres. UK customs regulations also prohibit many common açaí bowl ingredients, including dairy, nuts and seeds, which could lead to fines of up to £5,000 when entering the UK. Experts advise travellers not to attempt using frozen food to bypass liquid limits to avoid confiscation and penalties.

Airlines such as Ryanair, easyJet, British Airways and Jet2 are tightening hand luggage rules, prompting warnings for passengers to avoid packing bulky items like hairdryers, towels and full-sized toiletries to prevent extra charges. Travel expert Matthew Corrigan advises relying on accommodation-provided items, using travel-sized products and wearing heavier clothing on the plane to maximise limited cabin bag space.

Polperro, a village on Cornwall’s south coast, is highlighted as a picturesque staycation spot with whitewashed cottages, a tranquil harbour and turquoise waters reminiscent of the Mediterranean. Experts describe its Greek island–like charm, narrow streets and coastal scenery. The village’s maritime history, including pilchard fishing and smuggling, remains central to its identity. Its location near Fowey and Looe and access to the South West Coast Path make it a convenient base for exploring Cornwall.

Mary Berry’s fork biscuit recipe offers an easy three‑ingredient method for making buttery, shortbread‑style biscuits suitable for beginners. The process involves creaming butter and sugar, adding flour to form a dough, shaping small balls, pressing them with a fork and baking until lightly golden. Optional flavour additions such as vanilla or chocolate chips can be included, and the biscuits can be served immediately or stored for later enjoyment.

Gardeners are encouraged to plant salvia beneath rose bushes to naturally prevent black spot, a common fungal disease caused by Diplocarpon rosae. Gardening creator Sophie explains that salvias release sulphur as they warm, acting as a natural fungicide. She reports that underplanting her roses with salvia eliminated black spot, and notes that salvias are hardy and easy to propagate through cuttings. Gardeners responded positively to the method, seeking clarification on the salvia varieties best suited for this purpose.

Cleaning enthusiasts recommend using soda crystals to restore white socks stained brown or grey, offering consistent praise for their effectiveness when added to regular washes or used as a pre-soak. Multiple users share positive experiences with the method, describing it as reliable and environmentally friendly. The guidance highlights adding soda crystals directly to the washing machine or soaking socks in a warm solution to remove stubborn organic stains.

Cudillero in northern Spain is highlighted as a scenic fishing village known for colorful hillside houses, fresh seafood, and Asturian cuisine. Visitors can explore its harbour, historic lanes, and panoramic viewpoints, while enjoying local dishes such as Fabada Asturiana, Caldereta de Pescado, and traditional cider. The area offers coastal walks, lush landscapes, and vibrant annual festivals including L'Amuravela.

Travellers are advised to avoid packing certain items in hand luggage, including lithium‑ion powered electronics above specific watt-hour limits, liquid‑classified foods such as jams and soft cheeses, large umbrellas, and protein powders, as these can trigger security delays or additional checks. Experts recommend checking airline and country-specific rules before travelling to prevent disruptions.

Cyprus is promoted as a warm winter destination for UK travellers, offering mild 22C temperatures, year‑round sunshine and a mix of beaches, mountain scenery and cultural attractions. Winter brings fewer tourists, making visits to sites such as the Troodos Mountains, Omodos village and Nicosia’s divided capital more accessible. Activities include hiking, skiing on Mount Olympus, sightseeing and sampling local products such as commandaria wine.

Gardeners are encouraged to use used tea bags as a low‑cost, environmentally friendly method to improve lawn health and deter pests. Expert Chris Ware explains that tea bags enrich soil, retain moisture, and help support root growth while their scent repels slugs, snails, cats, and foxes. The approach offers an affordable alternative to chemical treatments, with additional suggestions such as using banana peels to boost plant nutrients.

A viral TikTok tip showing how to freeze an acai bowl to pass airport security is flagged as ineffective and potentially costly, with experts warning that frozen liquids are still treated as liquids and subject to the 100‑millilitre limit. UK travel rules also prohibit bringing items such as dairy, fruit, seeds and nuts into the country, and breaching these restrictions can lead to fines of up to £5,000. Experts advise avoiding transporting acai bowls or similar foods in hand luggage to prevent confiscation, spillage or customs penalties.

A simple apple cake recipe by baker Edd Kimber is highlighted as a quick and easy bake featuring apples, sultanas and a demerara sugar topping. BBC Good Food describes it as ideal for teatime or dessert, requiring minimal preparation and baking time. The article outlines ingredients and step‑by‑step instructions, recommending the cake be served warm with custard.

A quick 15‑minute tomato sauce is presented by Italian chef Roberta d'Elia, emphasizing over‑ripe tomatoes, slow roasting, and freshness for the best flavor. The recipe outlines ingredients and a simple roasting method, finishing with basil and serving suggestions such as pairing with orecchiette and Parmigiano Reggiano.

A study by credit card provider Aqua found Torquay to be the most affordable UK weekend staycation destination for autumn, costing about £74 for two people. The seaside town ranked ahead of Blackpool and Portsmouth due to favourable weather, scenic coastal walks and tranquil wildlife experiences. Travellers praised its relaxing atmosphere, harbour, pubs and restaurants, with reviews highlighting its peaceful views and welcoming environment.

A hotel worker known as Halee urges travellers to turn off the lights and use a phone torch to check beds, mattresses and surrounding areas for signs of bed bugs before unpacking. She advises inspecting folds, edges, and underneath the mattress, avoiding placing luggage on the bed, and washing clothes immediately after returning home to prevent infestations. The guidance aims to help holidaymakers avoid bites and potential pest issues during hotel stays.

A food blogger’s method for achieving quick, fluffy baked potatoes with crispy skins uses a microwave to soften the potatoes before baking. Becca Hayes advises choosing suitable potato varieties, pricking them to prevent bursting, microwaving for six to ten minutes, then oiling and salting the skins before finishing in the oven. The technique speeds cooking while producing the desired texture, with butter recommended as a final topping.

A cleaning expert outlines a simple method to restore skirting boards using warm water mixed with a small amount of washing‑up liquid or multi‑purpose cleaner. The process involves dusting, wiping with a damp microfibre cloth, and drying thoroughly to avoid damage. The technique aims to remove dirt and scuff marks easily without harsh chemicals.

A quick air‑fryer recipe produces four fluffy egg cups in about 15 minutes using eggs, vegetables, cheese, cream and seasoning. The mixture is divided into greased ramekins, cooked at a low temperature to keep the eggs moist, then finished at a higher heat to melt and brown the cheese. Optional additions include bacon or sausage for extra protein.

El Gouna, a luxury Red Sea resort north of Hurghada, offers warm October weather, short flight times from the UK and a range of high-end hotels and activities. Highlights include desert safaris, kitesurfing at Mangroovy Beach, diving on renowned reefs, vibrant dining areas such as Abu Tig Marina, and custom fragrance-making at Norshek. Excursions to Luxor provide access to historic sites including Karnak Temple and the Valley of the Kings. Flights and accommodation are described as affordable, with easy travel connections from UK airports.

A writer who grew up in several Spanish towns highlights Oviedo as a lesser-known northern gem noted for its cleanliness, cultural traditions, historic landmarks, and lush green environment. The city’s food culture is emphasised, including Fabada, cachopo and a strong cider tradition along Calle Gascona. Various renowned restaurants and bakeries are praised for showcasing Asturian cuisine, while the old town and surrounding natural sites are recommended for walking and exploration.

Travellers are warned against following a viral TikTok trend involving freezing acai bowls to bypass airport liquid restrictions, as UK security rules still classify frozen liquids as liquids and may lead to confiscation. Experts note that the contents of such bowls, including dairy, fruit, nuts and seeds, also violate UK customs regulations, risking fines of up to £5,000 when returning to the country.