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Sarah Jones
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The Independent
Aug 2026
Best places to buy plants in 2026, from Patch Plants to Crocus
The guide recommends UK online plant retailers for houseplants, garden plants, fruit, roses and gardening supplies. Patch Plants, Dobies, Quirky Plants, the Royal Horticultural Society, Jacksons Nurseries, Beards & Daisies, Hayloft, Crocus, Beth Chatto Gardens, Hortology, Ashwood Nurseries, Pomona Fruits and Peter Beales Roses are assessed by range, specialist focus, website tools, delivery, plant-care advice and notable products. The recommendations cover beginners and experienced gardeners, with options for different spaces, light levels, budgets and pet or child-safety needs.
The Independent
Aug 2026
Best Maternity Bras 2026: Tried and Tested for Support and Comfort
A hands-on review of ten maternity and nursing bras assesses comfort, support, fit, nursing access, fabric quality, style and value. The M&S Body Invisibles non-wired maternity bra is selected as the best overall choice for balancing comfort, practicality and affordability. Other recommendations include Asda for budget shoppers, Momcozy for support, Medela for cooling, BabyGo for sleep, Renue for style and Pour Moi for fuller busts. The review emphasizes choosing soft, breathable, stretchy bras with adjustable fastenings and easy nursing access to accommodate changes during pregnancy and after birth.
The Independent
Aug 2026
Best gifts and toys for three-year-olds 2026, approved by a parenting editor
Parenting editor Sarah Jones recommends 15 gifts and toys for three-year-olds after testing them with her child. The selection covers audio, books, puzzles, imaginative and nurturing play, cameras, crafts, educational toys, bath toys, dressing-up, construction and dolls. The Yoto Mini is the overall favourite for its durable design, portability and screen-free audio library, while the article also highlights the Hobbycraft pirate ship and Connetix magnetic tiles. Recommendations are assessed for price, quality, longevity, developmental value and enjoyment, with cautions including extra costs, small parts, batteries, weight and durability limitations.
The Independent
Aug 2026
Best maternity pyjamas 2026, tested for pregnancy and postpartum
Sarah Jones tests nine maternity pyjamas and nightwear options during her second pregnancy, including warm-weather and overnight use. The M&S Autograph pocket-detail nightshirt is selected as the best overall choice for its softness, roomy fit, lack of a restrictive waistband and suitability through pregnancy and early postpartum recovery. Chelsea Peers is recommended for hot weather and nursing, Stripe & Stare for luxury, H&M for value, and Hatch for labour and hospital use. Across the products, the key criteria are comfort, breathability, bump accommodation, nursing access, durability, style and usefulness after birth.
The Independent
Jun 2026
Best kids and baby clothing brands to know in 2026
A detailed guide to the leading children’s and baby clothing brands of 2026 highlights a wide range of options across high‑street, independent and luxury labels. The recommendations prioritise durability, comfort and style, offering choices from affordable everyday basics to premium occasionwear. The selection balances practical essentials with creative and sustainable designs, helping parents choose reliable and appealing clothing for children at every stage.
The Independent
Jun 2026
Best mattresses for 2026 in the UK, reviewed by a team of experts
A comprehensive expert-led review identifies the top mattresses available in the UK for 2026, assessing long-term comfort, support, firmness, cooling performance, durability and value. Simba’s hybrid luxe stands out as the best overall, while budget, cooling, natural-fibre, firm, and specialist picks provide options for various sleep styles and needs. Testers evaluated each mattress over extended periods using both practical sleep experience and controlled assessments, highlighting key strengths such as pressure relief, motion isolation, temperature regulation and edge support. The guide also explains mattress types, care guidance and recommendations for replacing worn models.
The Independent
May 2026
Best duvets in 2026, tried and tested by bedding experts
Various duvets were tested across warmth, breathability, comfort, price and ease of care to identify the best options for different sleepers and budgets. The Dunelm Dorma full forever duo duvet was chosen as the top overall pick for its year‑round versatility, while Silentnight, Simba, Night Lark, The White Company, Bedfolk, Scooms and Panda each stood out in specific categories. Expert guidance highlighted how filling types, tog ratings and care requirements influence comfort and suitability for different users. The testing team evaluated long-term performance in real conditions to recommend reliable and high-quality duvets across a range of needs.
The Independent
Apr 2026
Our favourite Simba mattress just got a rare 30% discount
Simba is offering up to 30 percent off its product range during a May Day sale, including significant savings on the highly rated Simba hybrid luxe mattress. Long-term testing highlights strong comfort, support, durability and temperature regulation across the range. Additional discounted products include the hybrid pro, hybrid essential, hybrid pillow and hybrid mattress topper, all positively reviewed for performance and value.
The Independent
Apr 2026
Best supermarket coffee, taste-tested by a caffeine lover
A range of supermarket own‑brand coffees was tested across beans, ground, instant and coffee bags, with M&S and Morrisons leading for higher‑end brewing and Waitrose and Sainsbury’s offering strong convenient options. Each product was evaluated for aroma, flavour, aftertaste and value, with recommendations tailored to different preferences and brewing methods. The review highlights dependable choices for shoppers seeking quality, affordability and ease at home.
The Independent
Mar 2026
Best storage beds 2026, tried and tested
A comprehensive comparison of storage beds evaluates quality, design, capacity, ease of use and comfort across ottoman, drawer and divan models. Button & Sprung’s Camelia leads for craftsmanship and generous storage, while budget and style-focused picks from Ikea and Dusk offer strong value. Options from Dreams, Simba, Mirage, Loaf and The Dormy House provide varied mechanisms, customisation and aesthetics to suit different spaces and needs.
The Independent
Dec 2025
7 best pregnancy support belts and bands 2026, tried and tested
A comparative review of seven pregnancy support belts and bands tested for comfort, fit, support and design. The Lola & Lykke core relief belt ranks as the top overall choice for its strong support and added hot–cold pack, while Jojo Maman Bebe offers both a medical‑grade option for backache and an active band for exercise. Other strong performers include Babymoov’s sleep‑focused belt, Carriwell’s gentle support band, BabyGo’s affordable multi‑part belt and Belly Bandit’s comfort‑focused upsie belly. Each product is assessed for fabric quality, adjustability and overall effectiveness in easing pregnancy-related discomfort.
The Independent
Dec 2025
Best luxury Christmas crackers 2025, tried and tested
Chase & Wonder’s candle-filled crackers were rated the most luxurious for their craftsmanship, premium materials and unique gifts. Hotel Chocolat’s chocolate-filled minis offered the best budget option, while Kaneo’s velvet-finish refillable crackers stood out for sustainability and personalisation. Rockett St George’s rock ’n’ roll designs provided a bold alternative, Mrs Alice delivered glamorous glitter-finished options, Moth included cocktail-filled crackers, and Nancy & Betty offered colourful plastic-free designs. Each set was evaluated for design, quality, value, contents, usability, fun factor and sustainability.
The Independent
Nov 2025
Best artificial Christmas trees for 2025, tried and tested
A range of artificial Christmas trees was tested for realism, quality, ease of assembly and value, with Balsam Hill models earning top praise for premium materials and lifelike appearance. Budget-friendly options from M&S, Very Home, John Lewis, Next, Cox & Cox and Habitat offer alternatives across different sizes and styles, including slim, snowy, coloured and outdoor-friendly designs. Key considerations highlighted include price, assembly, durability, realism, and added features such as pre-lit options, hinged branches and storage accessories.
The Independent
Oct 2025
Best mattress deals in the Amazon Prime Day 2025 sale, according to an editor
A roundup of the best mattress and bedding deals available during Amazon Prime Day 2025, featuring discounted models from Simba, Nectar, DreamCloud, Dormeo and other leading sleep brands. Recommendations are based on hands-on testing focused on comfort, support, breathability and value. Several children’s mattresses and cooling mattress toppers also receive standout praise, with many products dropping to their lowest prices of the year during the four‑day sale event.
The Independent
Oct 2025
Maybelline lash sensational sky high mascara is over 50% off for Amazon Prime Day 2025
A major Amazon Prime Day discount drops Maybelline’s Lash Sensational Sky High mascara to £6.39, prompting strong endorsement for its lengthening, lightweight tubing formula and effective wand design. The mascara is highlighted as a long‑time favourite praised for boosting lash length without clumping or flaking, with viral popularity and celebrity use adding to its appeal. The writer encourages stocking up during the sale due to its reliability and significant savings.
The Independent
Sep 2025
How often should you change your mattress? Expert advice
Recommendations emphasise replacing a mattress roughly every seven to ten years, with earlier replacement advised if signs of discomfort, wear, or reduced support appear. Experts note that lifestyle changes, frequent use and physical changes can shorten lifespan. Proper care such as regular airing, rotating and using a protector can extend durability. Children’s mattresses require replacing more frequently due to growth needs. Several mattresses are recommended based on comfort, support and performance, including models from Simba, Nectar, Hypnos and Panda.
The Independent
Jun 2025
The signs of breast cancer that aren’t a lump
Early signs of breast cancer beyond lumps include changes in breast size or shape, rashes, nipple discharge, skin indentation, persistent pain, texture changes, swelling, enlarged veins, and inverted nipples. Jessie J’s recent diagnosis highlights the importance of awareness. The NHS advises monthly self‑checks and prompt medical attention for any changes, noting that early detection improves treatment outcomes.
The Independent
Jun 2025
Jessie J: What are the early signs and symptoms of breast cancer you should look out for?
Jessie J disclosed her early-stage breast cancer diagnosis and upcoming breast surgery, prompting renewed focus on breast cancer awareness. Survey data highlighted widespread gaps in women’s knowledge of early symptoms and lifestyle-related risks. Guidance from the NHS outlines key signs to monitor, including breast changes, skin alterations, nipple discharge, persistent pain, and swelling. Early evaluation by a GP is recommended, as many symptoms have non-cancer causes but early detection improves treatment outcomes.
The Independent
Nov 2024
How to have an eco-friendly Bonfire Night
Guidance for reducing the environmental impact of Bonfire Night focuses on burning only natural materials, protecting wildlife by assembling bonfires on the day of lighting, choosing less polluting fireworks, selecting weather conditions that minimise air pollution, and avoiding harmful sky lanterns in favour of biodegradable versions.
The Independent
Aug 2024
Meghan Markle's entire outfit sells out just days after attending Audi Polo Challenge 2018
Meghan Markle’s appearance at the 2018 Audi Polo Challenge led to a rapid sell‑out of her gingham Shoshanna dress, Madewell x Biltmore Panama hat, and Sarah Flint sandals, with retailers listing the items as out of stock and some offering waitlists. Similar surges in demand have followed other public outings, including her Black Halo dress and Marks & Spencer jumper, reflecting a pattern of strong consumer influence often compared to the “Kate effect.”
The Independent
Aug 2024
How to start running 2024: Best running shoes, tech and more
Guidance for new runners highlights the benefits of running, methods for building up to a 5k, and a beginner-friendly weekly training plan. It reviews essential gear such as jackets, leggings, sunglasses, and running shoes, recommending top-performing products for various needs. Expert advice emphasizes gradual progression, proper footwear, and consistency. Technology tools, including running apps, watches, and headphones, are recommended to help track progress and stay motivated.
The Independent
Aug 2024
Emma original mattress review: We put the memory foam bed-in-a-box to the test
The mattress uses three layers of adaptive foams designed to contour the body, regulate temperature and minimise motion transfer. Delivery and setup are straightforward, with minimal off‑gassing and a removable washable cover. Testing found the mattress softer than expected but supportive for all sleep positions, offering good cooling performance and stability. A 200‑night trial and 10‑year warranty add value. The review concludes that the mattress offers strong comfort, practicality and overall sleep quality.