Shania King-Soyza

Residents affected by smoke drifting from a neighbour’s home or garden may complain to their local council if it substantially interferes with enjoyment of their home or harms health. They should keep a detailed log of the smoke’s frequency, duration and impact, particularly on conditions such as asthma. Councils can investigate complaints as statutory nuisances and issue abatement notices requiring the smoke to stop or be reduced. Tenants may also contact a landlord or managing agent, while leaseholders can approach the freeholder. Cigarette butts discarded into private or communal areas can be reported as littering and may lead to a fine of up to £150.

Roasting broccoli instead of boiling it is recommended as a way to avoid a soggy, bland result and develop more flavour. Erren Hart’s recipe uses garlic, olive oil, lemon, Parmesan, salt and pepper, with the broccoli roasted at 200°C for 20–25 minutes before being finished with lemon and cheese. The dish serves six and works as a side for meat, fish, tofu, chickpeas, pasta or rice; readers also noted that Parmesan may provide enough salt for people limiting sodium.

Pet owners are urged to use pet-safe sunscreen, particularly on dogs and cats with light-colored or thin fur, to protect vulnerable areas such as the ears, nose, eyelids and tummy from painful sunburn and possible skin cancer. Sunscreen should have SPF 30 or higher and must not contain toxic ingredients such as zinc oxide or PABA. During the heatwave, owners should also provide fresh water, shade, ventilation and cooling aids, and must never leave animals in cars or other enclosed spaces. Severe sunburn should be assessed by a vet.

Mouldy soft, shredded, sliced and crumbled cheeses should generally be discarded because mould and potentially harmful bacteria can spread below the surface. Mould on hard or semisoft cheeses such as cheddar, Parmesan and Swiss can usually be removed by cutting at least one inch around and below the affected area without touching the mould. Brie, Camembert and blue cheeses contain moulds that are safe for most healthy people, although pregnant people and those with certain health conditions may need to avoid them. Heating the cheese does not reliably destroy mould toxins.

Shania King-Soyza tests Carina’s three-ingredient scone recipe, which combines self-raising flour, double cream and fizzy lemonade instead of butter and eggs. The carbonation helps the scones rise, while sparkling water with sugar, Greek yoghurt or buttermilk can be used as alternatives. The recipe makes about 12 scones baked at 220°C for 20–25 minutes. Although the result was fluffy, the dough was very sticky and the scones came out thinner than expected, leading King-Soyza to recommend extra flour, baking powder and additional flavouring.

A taste test of five breakfast teas brewed three ways ranked PG Tips first, praised for its balance of richness and smoothness and noted as the cheapest option at about 4.25p per bag. Yorkshire Biscuit Brew came second for its sweet, malty biscuit-like flavour, followed by Tetley for its robust taste, Yorkshire Tea for being dependable but unremarkable, and Twinings last because of its earthy, bitter flavour and lingering aftertaste. Prices ranged from £1.70 for PG Tips to £2.99 for Twinings per 40-bag pack.

A TikTok creator recommends painting garden fences with a large yellow sponge instead of a brush or sprayer, saying the method is faster and reaches uneven areas effectively, though it can be messy. The process involves wearing rubber gloves, dipping the sponge in paint and spreading it across the fence. Before painting, the fence should be cleaned, dried, repaired and protected with nearby surfaces covered; algae removal is also recommended.

A three-ingredient scone recipe combines self-raising flour, double cream and fizzy lemonade to produce light, fluffy scones. The recipe makes 12 scones and involves gently folding the ingredients, cutting the dough and baking at 220°C/200°C fan for 20–25 minutes. Sparkling water with added sugar can replace lemonade, while Greek yoghurt or buttermilk can replace cream, though these substitutions produce less rich results.

Practical measures for keeping homes cool during a heatwave include closing curtains, blinds and shutters before temperatures peak, using reflective window coverings, and opening windows in the evening to create cross-ventilation. The guidance recommends focusing cooling efforts on one or two rooms, avoiding heat-generating spaces such as kitchens, and using electric fans only when needed, with ice placed beneath a fan as a possible additional cooling measure.

A natural drain-cleaning method involving baking soda, vinegar, a cloth, lemon and hot water is presented as a way to loosen minor clogs and remove odours. The method’s fizzing reaction may dislodge small blockages, but experts caution that it is unlikely to resolve serious grease or hair clogs and that baking soda could accumulate in pipes. Baking soda with salt, or salt alone followed by hot water, are offered as alternative methods.

Adding white vinegar and salt to the water used to simmer cut potatoes helps prevent them from disintegrating, removes excess sugars and activates the starches needed for a crisp surface. The recommended method uses Maris Piper or King Edward potatoes, a 10-minute simmer, steaming to dry, and two rounds of frying at 205°C, producing fries that are fluffy inside and remain crisp for longer.

Professional gardener Joseph Clark warns that watering potted plants from the top can allow water to run down the gap between the soil and container, leaving the root ball dry. He recommends placing pots in a water-filled tray so moisture is absorbed through the drainage holes, while checking soil moisture manually when top-watering. For large plants, he suggests burying a smaller pot in the centre of the container and watering into it. Watering during cooler parts of the day and checking soil about one-third of the way down can also help plants remain healthy.

Rubbing tumble dryer sheets over skirting boards, stairs, blinds and window woodwork may reduce dust buildup because of their anti-static properties and the coating they leave behind. A homemade spray using water, white vinegar, olive oil and a small amount of washing-up liquid is also suggested to clean surfaces and make dust adhere less easily, although regular cleaning will still be necessary.

A chef shares a method for making oil-free sautéed mushrooms using butter and soy sauce to boost umami flavor. The recipe includes mushrooms, garlic, thyme, seasoning, and soy sauce, cooked until golden and served on buttered toast with optional added mushroom sauce.

Testing five cleaning methods showed that a simple mixture of washing-up liquid and warm water effectively removes grease from kitchen cabinets with minimal effort. Dawn dish soap performed best, with Fairy washing-up liquid cited as a UK equivalent produced by Procter & Gamble. Regular cleaning, proper ventilation, and using splatter guards help prevent future grease buildup.

A visit to Go Greek Yogurt’s new London store showcases its traditionally crafted Greek yoghurt and frozen yoghurt, praised for its creamy texture, strong flavours and reasonable pricing. The reviewer highlights the variety of flavours and toppings, favouring banana and chocolate options, while nutritionist Kristen Stavridis emphasises the product’s high protein, probiotics and overall health benefits. The brand’s expansion from the US to Europe marks a significant milestone, and the store launch includes a promotional giveaway.

Experts warn that using clothes pegs when drying laundry outdoors can cause dents, creases, stretched fabric and colour fading due to concentrated pressure. Fashion specialists advise avoiding pegs for delicate items and using indoor drying racks placed outside to reduce heat-related wear. Sunlight can naturally freshen and whiten clothing, especially when combined with white vinegar, though some fabrics may stiffen and need brief tumble drying. Proper hanging techniques, shaking garments, and avoiding overcrowding help minimise creases and prevent stretching.

A sandwich expert recommends using smoked back bacon instead of streaky bacon to make a better bacon sandwich, arguing it offers both crispness and meatiness. Thick, soft white sandwich bread is advised to balance texture and hold the filling. The method includes pan‑frying the bacon until crisp, buttering the bread generously, layering four slices of bacon, adding ketchup or brown sauce, and serving immediately.

A home cook prepares a lasagne-based dinner for seven people using Sainsbury’s ingredients, keeping the total cost to £26.28 by selecting low‑priced items and making sauces from scratch. The method outlines ingredient choices, cost breakdowns, and steps for cooking the meal, showing how careful shopping can make a hearty dish affordable for a large family.

Expert guidance challenges the common belief that everyone needs two litres of water daily, noting that hydration needs vary by age, health and environment. Nutritionist Federica Amati recommends drinking in response to thirst and warns against routine use of rehydration salts due to sodium levels. The NHS suggests six to eight cups of fluid daily, while Nuffield Health advises basing intake on body weight, with higher needs during heat or physical activity.

A spontaneous trip from London during a heatwave led to a quiet visit to Folkestone’s Sunny Sands beach, known for its rare golden sand and serene atmosphere even at peak evening hours. The author highlights the beach’s calm setting, family‑friendly features and nearby attractions, as well as seasonal dog restrictions. Additional nearby beaches and straightforward travel options by road or rail make Folkestone an accessible coastal escape.

Regular toilet cleaning prevents stains and limescale buildup, with a key step being pushing water down the bowl to expose the waterline for more effective cleaner application. After allowing cleaner to sit, scrubbing under the rim and along the waterline improves results. Limescale can be controlled with periodic descaling, while rust stains caused by iron in water require acid-based products such as CLR, cleaning vinegar or lemon juice.

Several UK beaches accessible by train are highlighted as convenient destinations during a heatwave, offering scenic coastlines, swimming spots and easy transport links for day trips or short breaks.

Energy regulator Ofgem will raise gas and electricity prices by 13 percent from July 1, increasing the cost of running televisions and related entertainment equipment. A typical TV using around 100 watts for four and a half hours a day costs about 12 pence daily or £42.89 per year, excluding additional devices and the TV licence fee. Power usage varies significantly by screen size, age and type, with larger or less efficient models consuming more. USwitch advises choosing smaller, energy‑efficient TVs to reduce electricity consumption.