Author: Karen Contrino

Christmas is full of festive traditions, from leaving milk out for Father Christmas and a carrot for the reindeer, to sprinkling ‘reindeer food’ to guide Father Christmas’s sleigh to your home on Christmas Eve.  However, did you know that sprinkling certain reindeer food in your garden doesn’t only guide Father Christmas to your house, but also PESTS! Expert warns against using OATS as Reindeer Food this Christmas Oats are commonly the main ingredient in reindeer food recipes, however, sprinkling oats in your garden can attract pests, such as rats to your garden. Grains, such as oats, wheat and rice are…

The festive period is the most popular time for couples to conceive according to the Office for National Statistics[1] As the seasonal baby boom begins, nine out of ten women will have marginal or low levels of folate – a vital nutrient which protects the foetus[2] According to the NHS, expectant mothers can need up to 10 times more folate during pregnancy than the average adult to help their baby develop normally[3] Dietitian, Dr Frankie Phillips, shares three simple but effective dietary tips for expectant mothers to boost their folate levels Research by the University of Southampton has highlighted a…

Sauce Shop®, the UK’s favourite craft condiments brand launches another two bold limited-edition flavours: Brussels Sprout Kimchi Hot Sauce and Spiced Cranberry Hot Honey. These new creations bring a playful, flavourful twist on typical festive flavours. Sauce Shop® X Aldi Brussels Sprout Kimchi Hot Sauce is a bold and tangy savoury blend that reimagines the classic sprout with a Korean-inspired twist. The secret to Sauce Shop’s range of tasty hot sauces is their signature fermented chillies – taking perfectly ripened chillies, salting them and ageing them for 2-4 weeks for layers of flavour. For their latest creation, they’ve taken things a step further, fermenting…

As we look ahead to 2025, those looking to discover a new destination should head to Muscat – named as one of 2025’s best places to visit by Condé Nast Traveller – which offers the perfect blend of adventure, culture and wellness. Located in the secluded cove of Bandar Jissah, against the backdrop of the Al Hajar Mountains, Jumeirah Muscat Bay is the perfect base for exploring the dramatic landscapes that surround this charming city. Take part in the ultimate physical challenge…  From 10 to 11 January 2025, Jumeirah Muscat Bay will be hosting Omswim 3.2, a unique open-water swimming competition that will feature…

The squadra’s dropped anchor, and we’re almost ready to pull back the curtain on our first restaurant in the UK’s second city… La Bellezza! Nestled in the grand Chamberlain Square of Birmingham, there was no more fitting a spot for this haven to long-lost romance and well-loved Italian prodotti than a city renowned for its foodie devotion.   Creak open the timber door, peek past the seven-metre-long tapestry curtains, and let La Bellezza whisk you away to a romantically wild courtyard in Perugia. Welcome to our hallowed theatre to food, bedecked floor to ceiling with ancient Italian artefacts, over 5,000 vintage bottles…

Interior lighting experts at Pooky have revealed 5 easy ways to make your space look 10x bigger just in time for the hosting season.  Christmas is just around the corner and with it the prospect of hosting loved ones in celebration of the season. Whether you’re welcoming friends and family to your home for dinners and drinks or just gathering around the TV for the Gavin and Stacy Christmas Special, the kitchen is often at the heart of any home gathering. The looming hosting season has many homeowners and renters looking towards fast-tracking their home improvement plans to put their…

With the Autumn Budget just days away, concerns are mounting across all sectors about the rising cost of living and its impact on businesses and entrepreneurs. Health Secretary Wes Streeting has warned of “difficult and big choices” ahead, while Shadow Chancellor Rachel Reeves faces the challenge of addressing a £14 billion deficit in the budget. As the government prepares for this critical financial announcement, there is growing consensus that the budget must go beyond short-term investments and deliver comprehensive reforms across all sectors. Sustainable spending solutions and future-proofing measures have never been more urgent. Businesses are particularly anxious about how…