Other shoppers are now racing to pick one up, as one gushed: “I need.”
A second asked a loved one: “Have u any in if so please save me 2 an let me know.”
Meanwhile, a third cried: “I need a new rug!!! When we going?”
What Can You Get For Under £1 at B&M Stores
Elsewhere in store, a mum has revealed the top B&M buys you can grab now to spread the cost of Christmas shopping.
Kirsty, who jokingly describes herself as ”Christmas crazy”, recently shared the epic haul of goodies she got her teenager ahead of the festive season.
While some people reckon Christmas shopping in September is ”too early” – and even her hubby reckons she’s ”lost the plot” – sorting out the presents months in advance is a great way to spread the cost.
”I start shopping [for Christmas] straight away, soon as the year starts – especially once we get to February, March, April, I’m in full-swing Christmas,” Kirsty told her 29k followers on TikTok.
The monster haul included just some of the items the mum will be treating her 16-year-old daughter to during the festive season.
The majority of the goodies she snapped up as long as six months ago were purchased at B&M and included a range of items.
Mums are also snapping up a £10 festive buy that guarantees an hour of peace from your kids.
How to save money at B&M
Shoppers have saved hundreds of pounds a year by using B&M’s scanner app.
The scanner lets you see if an item’s price is cheaper than advertised on the shop floor label.
Products that are typically discounted are seasonal items and old stock that B&M is trying to shift.
The app is free to download off the B&M Stores mobile app via Google Play or the Apple App Store.
According to one ex-B&M manager, you’ll want to visit your local branch at 10am on a Wednesday too.
Here’s how you can join the B&M bargain hunt:
Download the B&M app for free on any smartphone with an App Store or Google Play.
Once you’ve installed it on your device, click on the option labelled “more” on the bottom, right-hand side of the app home page.
You’ll then find an option that says “barcode scanner”. Click on this and you’ll open a camera screen.
Use the camera to hover over the barcode of the product you wish to check.
If the price comes up as lower, take it to the cash desk and it will automatically scan at the lower price.
You don’t need to sign up to the B&M app to use the barcode scanner.
Sharing pictures of the damaged sleigh, she snapped: “The cardboard is very flimsy.”
As well as this, she claimed: “The sleigh has collapsed to the side.”
Clearly very frustrated with her purchase, which has been described as a “fun way to display gifts” and is hailed as “the gift that keeps on giving,” Emma added: “Definitely not worth the hype!”
Emma’s post has clearly shocked many, as it was posted just 13 hours ago, but has already racked up almost 200 likes and 239 comments.
Forget advent calendars, here’s the new chocolate treat trend parents are doing for Christmas and kids will love them
Big divide
But social media users were left totally divided – while some were thankful for her thoughts, others had “no issues” with their Christmas Sleigh Hamper, which is bound to turn your home into a magical festive scene in seconds.
One person said: “Not buying again. I was crazy to get it from The Range. When you put it away it won’t fold back up. It’s cute but not worth it and very small.”
Looks like it’s been forced together tbh. For the price, it looks amazing, warts and all
Facebook user
Another added: “Thank you, I was going to get one. So glad I saw this post.”
A third commented: “Same happened to mine! Filled it with sweets and it couldn’t take the weight and the legs buckled!”
However, at the same time, one shopper wrote: “I got these two years ago and this will be the third year I’ve used them. Mine are great. No issues with them.”
How to save money on Christmas shopping
Consumer reporter Sam Walker reveals how you can save money on your Christmas shopping.
Limit the amount of presents – buying presents for all your family and friends can cost a bomb.
Instead, why not organise a Secret Santa between your inner circles so you’re not having to buy multiple presents.
Plan ahead – if you’ve got the stamina and budget, it’s worth buying your Christmas presents for the following year in the January sales.
Make sure you shop around for the best deals by using price comparison sites so you’re not forking out more than you should though.
Buy in Boxing Day sales – some retailers start their main Christmas sales early so you can actually snap up a bargain before December 25.
Delivery may cost you a bit more, but it can be worth it if the savings are decent.
Shop via outlet stores – you can save loads of money shopping via outlet stores like Amazon Warehouse or Office Offcuts.
They work by selling returned or slightly damaged products at a discounted rate, but usually any wear and tear is minor.
A second chimed in: “I got two the other day and put them up and all fine.”
Someone else beamed: “I got the large one from The Range last year and I’ll be using it again as I found it ok and didn’t have any problems with it.”
Whilst one user observed: “Looks like it’s been forced together tbh. For the price, it looks amazing, warts and all.”
Definitely not worth the hype!
Emma Smith
However, to this, Emma wrote back and claimed: “It wasn’t forced. The cardboard is hard regardless so you’ve got to make sure it’s put in the slots properly.”
Meanwhile, others praised a similar sleigh hamper from B&M.
One shopper shared: “B&M ones are better and cheaper!”
Another agreed: “Got mine from B&M, £5. Sturdy and solid.”
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The £7.99 sleigh hamper is back in stock and many thought it was “amazing”Credit: The Range
A SAVVY mum has shared a “genius” trick to guarantee there are no tears when applying sun cream.
Not only does it make the process much more fun for youngsters, but if your little one hates having sun cream applied, then you’ll need to check this out.
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If applying sun cream to your kids is a bit of a chore and always ends in tears, you’ve come to the right placeCredit: TikTok/@gemmamccartan
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Luckily for you, here’s a quick and easy hack that makes the process smoother, more fun and even better, guarantees no tearsCredit: TikTok/@gemmamccartan
With this simple tip, which has been hailed the “best sun cream hack ever,” you’ll need an unexpected kitchen essential.
Posting on social media, Gemma McCartan, a mum-of-two and full-time content creator from the UK, gave her followers a close-up look at her trick, which involves using spoons when applying spray sun cream.
Alongside her short video, the influencer beamed: “The best sun cream hack for kids EVER.”
She then said: “To the mum who posted this, I love you.”
Read more Fabulous stories
Instead of wrestling her son Max to close his eyes so she could apply the spray sun cream to his face, the youngster instead put two spoons over his eyes.
Gemma was then able to spray his face with sun cream, without it getting in his eyes and causing any tears.
Moments after, the woman’s daughter then did the same, yet again ensuring a seamless application with no irritation of the eyes, whilst at the same time, making the often agonising process much more exciting.
Thrilled with her hack, Gemma later wrote: “It’s been a game changer.”
Clearly beaming with the simple trick, the mother added: “It’s made my day, I had the kids crying on holiday until we found this hack.”
Gemma’s TikTok clip, which was posted under the username @gemmamccartan, has clearly left many open-mouthed, as it has quickly racked up 200,800 views.
Kelsey Parker mum-shamed for admitting she doesn’t put suncream on her kids
Not only this, but it’s also amassed 2,074 likes and 138 comments.
Parents were impressed with the “genius” trick and many thought it was a “great” idea.
One person said: “What a brilliant idea.”
Another added: “That is genius.”
My son has allergies so this is amazing
Gemma McCartan
Whilst a third commented: “Not only practical, it gives the kids a feeling of control over what’s about to happen, so they are more willing to cooperate. Great idea.”
Meanwhile, someone else gushed: “Best idea ever for sun cream.”
The importance of sun cream in your skincare routine
Dermatologist and skincare enthusiast Andrea Suarez – known as Dr Dray – revealed why you should wear suncream.
The one thing you can do that will make the biggest difference – and this matters for all ages – is protecting your skin from the sun, Andrea stressed.
“The vast majority of external aging is due to exposure to ultraviolet radiation,” she continued, not because you’re “not using some jazzy serum or layering 90 different things on your face everyday”.
“If you’re not doing in your 20s, get on that now.”
But she said the use of sun cream alone doesn’t go far enough. Andrea urged that you also wear sun-protective clothing like broad-brimmed hats and long sleeves, on top of not staying out too long in the sun.
Doing this over your lifetime – and all year, not just during the summer or on sunny days – “will reduce the visible signs of photoageing”, Andrea said.
Those are wrinkles, muddled pigmentation and sagging skin.
However, at the same time, one user wrote: “Should have cream on eyelids too as they can burn, I know it stings if it gets in eyes but it’s such a sensitive area so best to have full coverage.”
To this, Gemma wrote back and explained: “Yes but my son has allergies so this is amazing.”
Not only this, but another person asked: “Won’t they get a burnt line where the handles are?”
In response, Gemma confirmed that instead of spraying the sun cream on her youngster’s eyelids, after the fun part, she then uses her finger for a more controlled application, as she acknowledged: “I use my finger to do the sides and lids.”
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A SHOPPING fan has claimed to have discovered the Shein “secret of the century.”
So if you are fed up with long delivery times when you order clothes from the online retailer, then fear not, you’ve come to the right place.
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A fashion fan has claimed to have found the ‘Shein secret of the century’Credit: tiktok.com/@nat_albarudi_southern
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So before you place your next order, you’ll need to listen up and take notesCredit: tiktok.com/@nat_albarudi_southern
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Thanks to Shein Quickship, items will be delivered to your door much faster than normalCredit: AFP
Natalie Southern, a fashionista from the UK, has found a very simple way that will enable Shein shoppers to get their affordable hauls delivered to their doors in less than a week.
Posting on social media, the fashion fan revealed her “life hack for the girlies” as she got candid on Shein’s Quickship feature.
Stunned by her findings after browsing Shein’s website, she said: “Please tell me I’m not the only one who’s just realised this on Shein – Quickship.”
Natalie then added: “Who knew that if you wanted your goods from Shein, there was a section where you can order from Quickship, where your goods come in a number of days rather than a number of weeks.”
Following this, the content creator simply confirmed: “I didn’t.”
Thanks to Shein Quickship, shoppers will see items be delivered to their door in as little as three to five working days.
Shoppers will find a variety of items available under Quickship, including epic clearance deals, with clothes that have been reduced by up to 70%.
Quickship comes at no extra cost to Shein shoppers – but of course, standard shipping fees apply – and there are thousands of great buys to browse and choose from.
So if you’ve got an event coming up soon and don’t have time to wait for a new frock, you’ll need to check this out – and fast.
Natalie’s TikTok clip, which was posted under the username @nat_albarudi_southern, has clearly left many open-mouthed, as it has quickly racked up 157,900 views.
Ugly side of fashion giant Shein revealed as retailer slammed by rivals for ‘unfair tactics’ to keep prices low
It’s also amassed 2,926 likes, 188 comments, 596 shares and 4,947 shares.
Social media users were stunned by the little-known Shein feature and many eagerly raced to the comments to express this.
One person said: “Thank you for this video! God send.”
I will be using that from now on as I order off Shein all the time
TikTok user
Another added: “Literally about to make an order!! Thank you, I had no clue this was a thing.”
A third commented: “Wish I knew this 15mins ago.”
Meanwhile, one Shein shopper wrote: “I’ll be shopping even more now! I never knew this!”
What is Shein and is it legit?
Shein is an online-only fast-fashion retailer, based out of China, that has become a number one shopping destination for many around the world.
The company was valued at $66billion in 2023, dwarfing that of popular high street brands Zara and H&M.
The fashion retailer was founded in late 2008, by entrepreneur and marketing specialist Xu Yangtian, also known as Chris Xu.
Shein is a legitimate selling website and is not a phishing scam.
But you may receive a disappointing order or run into shipping issues if you order from the site, according to reviews.
There have been swathes of quality complaints, which makes sense when looking at the price tag.
At the same time, another Shein lover beamed: “I will be using that from now on as I order off Shein all the time.”
However, one user claimed: “Just had a look. Items are so much dearer.”
But to this, Natalie wrote back and confirmed: “But still cheaper than high street shops and I have to be honest, Shein’s options are so much better than what I have on my local high street.”
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According to Michael Bogoyavlenskiy, CEO of Cleaning Express, keeping your bins out of direct sunlight can help prevent foul smells.
And while it’s important to empty your bin every couple of days and make sure to dispose of anything “particularly pungent”, there’s also a variety of cleaning hacks that can banish grim smells.
On a mission to ensure my recycling bin smells fresh this season, I, Abby Wilson, tested three simple hacks.
While the cheapest hack will cost you just 49p, your bin will be so clean you’ll be able to see your reflection thanks to a 55p trick.
Wash this
According to those at Busy Bins, a simple mixture of washing-up liquid and warm water will do the trick to banish seriously bad stenches from your bin.
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Washing-up liquid got rid of strong smells, but needed a bit of elbow greaseCredit: Getty
So, I got my Marigolds on and dived headfirst into the bin – and yes, it was as grim as you could imagine.
In between holding back gags and wiping my watering eyes, I scrubbed the interior of the recycling bin with the purse-friendly two-ingredient solution.
I then gave the bin a quick rinse with a hose and I have to say, it looked pretty good.
Top 6 spring cleaning hacks
Whilst it wasn’t great at getting rid of the tough stains and did require quite a bit of elbow grease (far more than I’d have hoped), it definitely cut through the strong smells.
It looked pretty good too and thanks to this cheap trick, your bins are sure to shine in no time.
While I used proper Fairy Liquid, if you’re on a budget and are looking to pocket pennies where possible, you’ll be thrilled to know that you can nab cheaper dish soap from just 49p from Savers.
Rating: 3/5
Powerful paste
After a couple of weeks, it appeared that my bin had gone back to its old ways and was still looking a bit grim.
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The Pink Stuff made a proper messCredit: www.bmstores.co.uk
While this isn’t something I’ve heard many experts talk about when it comes to bin cleaning, I figured the multi-purpose paste which has been hailed as a “miracle” product that is said to be “tough on stains”, could do the trick.
But after literally five seconds of scrubbing, I was already starting to regret my decision.
Yes, this thick paste is super versatile, but it made a total mess on my bin.
The household items you’re not cleaning often enough
IF you want to ensure your home is squeaky clean, you’ll need to listen up. Below are the household items you’re forgetting to clean, and how to get them sparkling…
Remote Controls: Wipe with a disinfectant cloth. Use a cotton bud for crevices.
Light Switches: Wipe with a disinfectant wipe. Use a mild soap solution for tough stains.
Door Handles: Clean with an antibacterial spray. Wipe down regularly.
Underneath and Behind Appliances: Vacuum or sweep regularly. Mop with a suitable cleaner.
Shower Curtains and Liners: Wash in the washing machine. Use a bleach solution for stubborn mildew.
Kitchen Sponges and Dishcloths: Microwave damp sponges for one minute. Wash dishcloths in the washing machine.
Computer Keyboards and Mice: Use compressed air to remove debris. Wipe with a disinfectant wipe.
It was much more hassle than it was worth and there was far too much faff involved with getting rid of the white residue from my bin.
While I love using this product throughout my home, on my grubby oven and kitchen sink, I’m definitely not sold on using it to clean my bin.
Also, the scent is very faint, so it didn’t work as well as I’d hoped to keep my bin smelling fresh.
Rating: 2/5
Seriously strong
Disappointed with the mess The Pink Stuff made, not only on my bin but all over me too, I reached for a household hero I knew wouldn’t let me down.
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Bleach took the top spot on this cleaning testCredit: Getty
Not only do I use bleach on my loos, but I imagined it would work well on my bin too.
According to the Wheelie Bin Cleaning Service, using bleach, which you can buy for just 55p from Tesco, is a great way to effectively disinfect a bin.
By bin was left so clean I could even see my reflection in it
Abby Wilson
The pros explained that bleach is a “strong cleaner” that “kills many bacteria, viruses, and fungi”, whilst working to “keep bins clean and fresh.”
Not only this, but the experts also recognised that it will “break down tough stains, grease and grime in bins”, whilst also “making bins look new and clean again.”
Eager to let the powerful product do its work, I diluted some bleach with water and threw the solution over the inside and outside of my recycling bin.
I then grabbed a long brush to spread the solution and left it to work for a few minutes.
Moments later, I thoroughly rinsed the bin to get rid of any residue, which is highly important when using bleach as it can be harmful to the environment and wildlife.
As someone who would buy a bleach scented candle if it was available, I was overjoyed with the squeaky clean scent it left behind.
Cleaning hacks for outside
IF you want to get your garden summer ready, you’ll need to check this out.
ALGAE: If your fence is covered in stubborn algae, Mrs Hinch fans swore by white vinegar to get it looking brand new.
MOSS: If moss is causing you problems, soda crystals will do just the trick.
PATIO: IF your patio slabs have seen better days, bleach could be just the thing for you.
Not only was it a cheap cleaning solution, but it definitely smelt the best out of the bunch too.
But that wasn’t all – my bin was left so clean (definitely the cleanest it has EVER looked), I could even see my reflection in it – yes, you heard that correctly.
I highly doubt I’ll be popping outside and peering at my bin to check that my make-up and hair look decent, but if you really want your bins to shine, bleach may just be the thing for you.
Although it left me very impressed, the experts recommend that bleach should not be used for routine cleaning of bins due to environmental concerns and the damage it can do to plastic over time.
I’ll definitely do this trick again, but for those eager to give it a try, make sure you switch up your cleaning methods, dilute it properly before us and always wear gloves.
Rating: 4/5
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Shoppers have been left totally divided after spotting an iconic noughties trend back on the high-streetCredit: tiktok/@christievian/
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But while many were desperate to live out their “early 2000 dreams”, others slammed the trend as “tacky”Credit: tiktok/@christievian/
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House of CB took to Instagram to announce the newsCredit: Instagram/houseofcb
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The new Sculpt Midi Bandage Dresses will set shoppers back £169Credit: Instagram/houseofcb
The bandage dress first hit the catwalk back in 1989 as the grand finale of Hervé Léger’s runway show, but it wasn’t until the likes of Victoria Beckham and other celebrities went crazy for the dresses in the 00s that they became mainstream.
Women were scrambling to get their hands on the high-street versions of the designer gowns, made with thick strips of fabric which work to “bandage” your shape and flatten out problem areas.
And now, shoppers will again be able to get their hands on the iconic bandage dresses, as they are now back in House of CB.
The much-loved chain took to Instagram to share the exciting news, leaving many totally stunned.
Read more fashion stories
Alongside the social media post showing off the new frocks, the chain penned: “She’s baaaaaack. Shop the birthday bandage collection now and be ready to serve some cake.”
According to those at House of CB, one of the “most iconic party dresses is back for another dance”.
The heavyweight stretch fabric of these £169 Sculpt Midi Bandage Dresses, which are available in a number of different colours and styles, features unique tension properties that contour your body and create curves to envy.
The dresses are now elevated with even more definition around the bust and waistline, as well as flattering halter neck straps and a low scooped back that shows just the right amount of skin.
A fashionista from London named Christie, was gobsmacked to see the figure hugging frocks back in stores and took to social media to share the news with others.
Posting online, the content creator gave her followers a close-up look at the House of CB dresses and gasped: “Bandage dresses are BACK??!!”
M&S’ must-have summer holiday dresses
She then questioned: “I fear I want one?”
The TikTok clip, which was posted under the username @christievian, has clearly left many open-mouthed, as it has quickly amassed 227,900 views, 23,000 likes and 215 comments.
I can’t shake the tacky vibes I get from them
TikTok user
But social media users were left divided by the return of bandage dresses – while some were overjoyed at the news, others slammed the frocks as “cheap.”
One person said: “Love it! I remember I bought my first bandage dress at 20 back in 2007.”
Fashion editor reveals the 90s trends that should stay in the past
NINETIES and noughties trends especially have become a hit with Gen Z – most likely because they didn’t wear them the first time round. Here, Deputy Fashion Editor Abby McHale gives the rundown of some of the trends that have made a comeback that we wish did not.
Disc belts
“A hit with celebrities like Victoria Beckham and Blake Lively, the belt itself did nothing that a belt should actually do – it was a mere fashion statement, not a piece to actually hold anything up.
“And it seems it’s not just me who is enraged by its return, with many taking to TikTok to give their views, saying: ‘Oh no not the disc belt! I don’t think I have the energy for it a 2nd time around’ – I feel you.”
Jelly shoes
“After not being seen on shelves for decades, they’ve made a reappearance and this time they’re not just for kids.
“Coming in a range of colourful patterns, you can get them all over the high street in either flat or heeled versions.
“Not only will you look very childish wearing such shoes, but people will also need to learn that they aren’t the comfiest – blister plasters will come in handy.”
Pedal pushers
“The cropped knee-grazing trouser were all the rage in the 1990s and 2000s, but this time the model fash pack are all over them – with both Bella Hadid and Emily Ratajkowski wearing them out recently.
“The original IT girls, Marilyn Monroe, Audrey Hepburn and Brigitte Bardot helped make the trousers – also called Capri pants – look effortlessly cool and glam.
“Somehow this time round they don’t seem to be having that same effect.”
Another added: “I can live my early 2000 dreams.”
A third commented: “YEEEEESSSS SORRY BUT I LOVE IT.”
However, at the same time, someone else sighed: “I can’t get behind it, I’m sorry.”
Love it! I remember I bought my first bandage dress at 20 back in 2007
TikTok user
A second disappointed shopper slammed: “They’re trying to make 2016 happen but it’s too early. Give it 10 years at least!! This isn’t how vintage and nostalgia works…”
Not only this, but another expressed: “They went away for a reason!”
Meanwhile, one woman penned: “I can’t shake the tacky vibes I get from them.”
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A BEAUTY enthusiast has revealed “the best hot girl holiday hack” that will ensure you never feel floated in a bikini again.
So if you’re lucky enough to be jetting aboard any time soon and want to feel confident in your swimwear this summer, you’ve come to the right place and will need to take notes.
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A young woman has revealed a savvy “holiday hack” to ensure you wave goodbye to bloated daysCredit: TikTok/@juliaglowguide
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So if you’re heading away and want to look fabulous in your bikini, you’ll need to check this outCredit: TikTok/@juliaglowguide
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Julia raved about the Pure Encapsulations Digestive Enzymes which facilitate the normal breakdown of proteins and tripeptidesCredit: Healf
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These supplements “relieve occasional bloating or gas” and work out at just 44p a timeCredit: Getty
In fact, it will work out at just 44p a time – yes, you heard that correctly.
Posting on social media, Julia, who is on a mission to “glow up” her life, revealed the key to staying slender whilst abroad.
The trainee nutritionist said: “Let me give you the best holiday bloating hot girl tip – I used to be that girl who’d go on holiday and be scared to eat all the food that I want, enjoy my time, because I’d constantly feel bloated.
“I just wouldn’t want to be in my bikini – the bloating would get so bad and uncomfortable because I was eating foods my body wasn’t used to.
“And I discovered the best hot girl holiday hack ever that means I can go away, feel comfortable in my bikini, not bloat, enjoy all the food and just have a great time.”
Julia explained that in order to put bloating at bay, she swears by the Pure Encapsulations Digestive Enzymes – supplements containing enzymes involved in the digestion of protein, carbohydrate, fat, fibre, and lactose.
Julia’s favourite Digestive Enzymes contain a high-strength, broad-spectrum mixture of vegetarian digestive enzymes that facilitate the normal breakdown of proteins and tripeptides.
According to the product description, these supplements contain alpha-galactosidase that promotes the breakdown of certain complex carbohydrates, such as raffinose and stachyose, found in some legumes, vegetables, and grains.
In turn, this helps “to relieve occasional bloating or gas.”
I’m a size 16 and I’ve found the perfect summer dress from F&F – it’s so comfy and great for bloated days on holiday
A pack of 30 capsules will cost you £13.49, working out at just 44p per tablet.
Clearly a huge fan of the supplements, the content creator continued: “I cannot tell you how much I love Digestive Enzymes – magic pill, take them 15 minutes before you eat any meal and these help you break down food your body’s not used to eating.
Omg been looking for a solution for this for years
TikTok user
“I can have a pizza and not bloat when I take Digestive Enzymes – trust me, this is worth your investment.”
The TikTok clip, which was posted under the username @juliaglowguide, has clearly left many open-mouthed, as in just three days, it has quickly racked up 235,700 views.
Bloating: Foods to eat and avoid
Eating the right foods can prevent bloating as well as reduce when it occurs.
But it depends entirely on what your symptoms are.
If you are bloated and constipated, eat:
Fruits and vegetables
Bran flakes
Oats
Skin-on potatoes
Dried fruits such as apricots and raisins
If you have trapped wind, avoid:
Cabbage and other cruciferous vegetables such as broccoli and kale
Beans (baked, kidney, butter)
Lentils
These foods, including pulses like beans and lentils, are good to add into the diet slowly as they are high in fibre.
While they are not advisable to help in the moment, they do help in the long-run by boosting gut health.
Try adding them slowly into your diet.
If you are bloated with diarrhoea, you may have a stomach bug and should eat:
Plain foods: bananas, white rice, bread or toast
Boiled potatoes
Oatmeal
Small and frequent meals
Other tips for preventing bloating are:
Exercise regularly
Chew with your mouth shut
Eat smaller more frequent meals than large meals
Avoid fizzy drinks, alcohol or caffeine
Limit processed, sugary, spicy or fatty foods
One person said: “I’ve never heard of these! Thank you.”
Another added: “Omg been looking for a solution for this for years.”
Meanwhile, one woman beamed: “They’re amazing, only thing that’s worked for me.”
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IF your child’s birthday is coming up and the thought of splashing the cash on a lavish cake sends shivers down your spine, fear not, you’ve come to the right place.
A mother has revealed that rather than forking out hundreds of pounds for a personalised cake for her daughter’s birthday, she DIY-ed a supermarket buyCredit: TikTok/@mummyandmylaa
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For less than £20, Amy was able to celebrate her child’s birthday in styleCredit: TikTok/@mummyandmylaa
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Amy nabbed the Pretty in Pink Lambeth Cake from WaitroseCredit: Waitrose
But in a bid to save cash, one savvy mum took matters into her own hands and was able to cut costs by DIY-ing her little darling’s birthday dessert.
Posting on social media, a mother named Amy shared a step-by-step tutorial of how she DIY-ed her daughter Myla’s pink birthday cake – and it cost her less than £20.
So if you’re on a budget and your purse is feeling tighter than ever before, then you’ll need to listen up.
The pink coloured golden sponge cake, which is filled with raspberry jam and topped and decorated with pale pink and dark pink buttercream, cost Amy just £18.
Then, using some pink icing and ribbons she already had, she was able to personalise the cake – and we think it looks incredibly professional.
Alongside a short clip shared online, the influencer penned: “Making my daughter’s first birthday cake, saving £100s!”
Showing off the box-fresh vintage-style cake, which is decorated with whirls and swirls of piping, Amy beamed: “Come with me to DIY my daughter’s first birthday cake for only £18!”
Amy confirmed that she used letter cutters to cut out “Myla is one” in pink icing, which she placed on top of the cake.
Following this, she attached pretty pink bows, which she already had from Shein, and was able to stick these to the cake with cocktail sticks.
The simple chocolate cake recipe using only TWO ingredients – it’s sweet and you won’t even need to put it in the oven
We think Amy’s DIY cake looks brilliant and is a great way for those strapped for cash to save money, without having to scrimp on the celebrations.
The TikTok clip, which was posted under the username @mummyandmylaa, has clearly left many open-mouthed, as it has quickly racked up 178,600 views.
Not only this, but it’s also amassed 2,782 likes, 31 comments and 780 saves.
Social media users were impressed with the jaw-dropping cake and many eagerly raced to the comments to express this.
Time-saving mum hacks
Morning Routine
Nighttime Preparation: Set out clothes for yourself and the kids, pack lunches, and organise backpacks before bed.
Effortless Breakfasts: Keep simple, healthy breakfast options on hand, such as overnight oats, smoothie packs, or pre-made breakfast burritos.
Meal Planning
Weekly Meal Prep: Dedicate time each week to plan your meals to eliminate daily decision-making.
Bulk Cooking: Prepare larger quantities and freeze portions for future use.
Hands-Off Cooking: Make use of slow cookers or Instant Pots for easy, unattended meal prep.
Ready-to-Use Veggies: Purchase pre-chopped vegetables or chop them all at once to save time during the week.
Household Chores
Daily Laundry: Do a load of laundry every day to prevent a buildup of dirty clothes.
Continuous Cleaning: Encourage kids to clean up after themselves and perform small cleaning tasks throughout the day.
Efficient Multitasking: Fold laundry while watching TV or listen to audiobooks/podcasts while cleaning.
Organisation
Family Command Centre: Set up a central hub with a calendar, to-do lists, and important documents.
Daily Decluttering: Spend a few minutes each day decluttering to maintain an organised home.
Organised Storage: Use bins and baskets to keep items neat and easy to locate.
Kid Management
Prepared Activity Bags: Have bags packed with essentials for various activities (e.g., swimming, sports).
Routine Visuals: Implement visual charts to help kids follow their routines independently.
Task Delegation: Assign age-appropriate chores to children to foster responsibility and reduce your workload.
One person said: “Love that. Wish I hadn’t already ordered a cake almost the exact same.”
Another added: “This is genius!”
A third commented: “Super cute!”
Not only this, but another parent beamed: “Omg that cake is adorable, I wish I knew about it before!”
This is genius!
TikTok user
At the same time, one user wondered: “What it nice? I worry that supermarket cakes can be dry inside as they are sat on the aisle for a while.”
To this, the content creator replied and confirmed: “Not dry at all!!!
“Honestly, it tasted AMAZING, no regrets!!!”
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HYDRANGEAS are beautiful when they bloom, but are yours looking rather brown and crispy?
Well, if yours could do with some TLC and you aren’t sure where to start, you’ve come to the right place as we’ve got all the handy tips and tricks you’ll need.
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A gardening guru has revealed the real reason why your hydrangeas are looking brown and crispyCredit: Getty
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Not only this, but if you want to ensure your flowers bloom this month, you’ll need to take note of these two errors you must avoidCredit: Getty
Hydrangeas are known for their big, beautiful cluster flower heads, but it appears that many gardeners often do not know how to care for them properly, which can prevent them from flowering.
With May in full swing, hydrangeas are just beginning to grow again, and gardeners often fertilise or prune them now to help encourage bigger blooms in the future.
However, a gardening pro has revealed the big mistake people must avoid if they want their hydrangeas to bloom this month.
Not only this, but Heather Stoven from Oregon State University, also shared the real reason why hydrangeas can sometimes look a bit worse for wear.
Read more gardening stories
Heather revealed the two gardening jobs that must be avoided, as she recommended: “Avoid pruning; the resulting lush new growth will be sensitive to further damage from heat waves later in the summer.
“Also avoid fertilising as excess fertiliser can attract pests to the plant.”
It may seem obvious to fertilise plants to get more flowers, but according to Heather, now that we’re in May, it is far too early to feed hydrangeas.
Fertilising hydrangeas now will result in weak growth that is unlikely to survive in the heat.
Not only this, but it will also attract insects who look for softener foliage that is easier for them to eat.
Many hydrangeas have already formed their flower buds and pruning them now will risk cutting off the blooms, meaning you will not get any flowers at all.
How to get rid of garden weeds in minutes – and what not to do
Doing so will stress out the plant when it is actually growing, further causing damage.
However, according to the pro, hydrangeas are thirsty plants due to their big leaves which can quickly lose water.
As a result, the biggest mistake many gardeners make is not watering them enough in May.
Gardening tips and hacks
It is crucial to water hydrangeas properly to help establish strong roots so they can retain more water once summer arrives.
If hydrangeas do not get enough water while they are growing new roots, then the plant will not be strong enough to grow flowers and can even die if under too much stress.
Heather acknowledged: “If not enough water is available in the soil, or it is lost to the atmosphere faster than it can be replaced, then the plant tissue where the water can’t reach will die.
Water plants deeply prior to the heat event so that the root zone is well hydrated
Heather
“This is why we see so many brown, crispy leaf edges. It is also possible for high heat itself to cause tissue death.”
According to Heather, the best way to help hydrangeas at the moment is to water them deeply and keep the soil hydrated.
Having said that, you will need to make sure you are watering at the right time.
Top 5 Spring Gardening Jobs
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Nick Grey, Gtech Inventor and CEO shared the tasks to crack on with as Spring arrives.
1. Clean your garden
Make sure to clear away all leaves, soil and plant debris from your patios and flower beds; this creates a healthier environment for new growth, especially as we get into the summer months. Gtech’s Garden Safety Kit includes durable gardening gloves and safety glasses; perfect for comfortability whilst tackling those outdoor tasks.
2. Weeding
Early Spring is the best time to tackle weeds; if you can introduce some regular weeding into your routine, you can guarantee a tidy garden all year round.
3. Hedge maintenance
Spring is the ideal time to tidy up overgrown hedges and shrubs, as regular trimming ensures healthy growth and reduces pest issues. Using a tool like the Gtech Lightweight Hedge Trimmer can help to keep your greenery looking sharp and neat.
4. Composting
Starting a compost heap this spring is a pro-active, cost-effective way to harness nutritious soil for your plants and recycle organic waste that will benefit the overall health of your greenery and foliage.
5. Look after your lawn
Lawn care is hugely important in assuring your garden stays looking beautiful. Make sure to rake away any excess leaves and trim your grass routinely.
It is better to water hydrangeas in the morning as the hotter weather later on in the day will cause water evaporation, meaning a large proportion of moisture will not make it to the soil.
Watering hydrangeas in the morning allows them to absorb water more efficiently and ensures roots are hydrated throughout the day, which in turn will help them grow stronger and healthier.
Heather advised: “Water plants deeply prior to the heat event so that the root zone is well hydrated.”
If you choose the right time to water hydrangeas and do it consistently, this will ensure you help these beautiful plants grow to their full potential so you get lots of lovely big blooms once summer arrives.
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