The formula is extremely thin, so it doesn’t feel cloying or oily on skin, and it absorbs in a matter of seconds so it’s great for wearing under make-up as you don’t have to wait for it to dry down.
I have super sensitive eyes which are easily irritated by sunscreen and this doesn’t cause me any problems even though it’s lightly fragranced.
It’s also non-comedogenic so won’t cause spots, which is a godsend as I just have to glance at the wrong product and I’ll break out.
Can coloured mascaras help turn back the clock?
It’s a great middle of the road SPF that’s suitable for all skin types.
Luxury
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Trinny London See The Light SPF 50+ Moisturiser has been my go-to everyday sunscreen
Trinny London See The Light SPF 50+ Moisturiser, £46 for 50ml, trinnylondon.com
Since this launched two summers ago, it has been my go-to everyday sunscreen.
It took three years to get the formula right, but it was worth the wait. It feels more like a moisturiser than an SPF.
The packaging looks more like premium skincare than sun protection, as well as PA++++ UVA protection ( the highest level of UVA protection in sunscreens) and SPF50 UVB.
You certainly get what you pay for with this one.
Pick of the week
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Instant tan has had a serious glow up this year
INSTANT tan has had a serious glow up this year.
Utan Instant Tan, £17.99, comes in two versions – cool and warm – with a shade tailored to the hue of your skin for a natural sun-kissed look.
If you’re not sure of your undertones – look at your jewellery; silver tends to suit cool best, whereas gold flatters warm.
The air-brush mist dries in 30 seconds, and washes off with soapy-water.
California invented the motel. More specifically: As automobile ownership skyrocketed in the 1920s and entrepreneurs rushed to open tourist camps and motor courts to house traveling families, a Pasadena architect named Arthur Heineman came up with the word motel — motor plus hotel, right? — and put up a mission-style lodging in San Luis Obispo, midway between Los Angeles and San Francisco. He did this in late 1925.
From these facts, The Times hatched a project to help California travelers plan their next road trip and recognize the motel centennial as an anniversary that resounds throughout pop culture.
After driving 2,500 miles and checking out dozens of places, I’ve come up with 34 lodgings to recommend at various price points. (These days, many prefer to call themselves inns or boutique hotels. Still, if their guest room doors open to the great outdoors and there’s a highway handy, I count them as part of the extended motel family.)
We’re also hoping to help all readers appreciate the up-and-down story of motels — how they soared in the midcentury years, then seeped into pop culture as hotbeds of sex and crime, slumped in the late 20th century and lately have entered a new era.
Today many are going luxurious or doubling down on nostalgia. Some are charging $1,000 a night. Others are sticking to their frugal roots and charging $100 a night. Several have been repurposed by government agencies to house people at risk of homelessness. And some don’t even take overnight guests anymore — they make their way by housing retail and restaurants and supplying all-American scenery for selfies and videos.
In Paso Robles, the River Lodge’s MOTEL sign rises high above the 101 like a rocket about to be launched from wine country.
In Palm Springs, the Trixie Motel has added new oomph to the phrase “over the top.”
In San Bernardino, the Wigwam Motel and its concrete teepees endure, now owned by a family with roots in India and the Inland Empire.
In San Francisco’s Castro District, a new generation runs Beck’s Motor Lodge for an audience the founders never imagined.
In Malibu, the Surfrider staff is standing by to lend you a surfboard or a Mini Cooper to cruise along PCH.
For travelers and admirers of midcentury design, the most welcome news may be that just about every week, another revived California roadside lodging reopens, many of them sporting the bold, space-age shapes and signage that midcentury design geeks know as Googie.
We’re also hoping these stories will help with your next road trip:
Happy traveling.
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The week’s biggest stories
Lyle Menendez, right, and brother Erik listen to a charge of murder conspiracy against them with Leslie Abramson, far left, attorney for Erik, Dec. 29, 1992, in Los Angeles.
(Chris Martinez / Associated Press)
Menendez brothers move closer to freedom
When a Los Angeles County judge resentenced Erik and Lyle on Tuesday, he offered the brothers a path to freedom for the first time since they were given life in prison for killing their parents with shotguns in 1989.
The brothers may be another step closer to freedom after Gov. Gavin Newsom withdrew his request for clemency investigations into their case, turning a hearing scheduled in June before the parole board into an opportunity for them to be granted early release.
L.A. council backs $30 minimum wage for hotels
Smokey Robinson under criminal investigation
More big stories
This week’s must reads
More must reads
For your weekend
The new “World of Color Happiness!” begins with a charming pre-show featuring the Muppets.
(Sean Teegarden / Disneyland Resort)
Going out
Staying in
Have a great weekend, from the Essential California team
It’s not the summer destination you’d expect from the head of the Catholic Church, but Pope Leo XIV’s friend has revealed his favourite summer destination
The beautiful holiday destination, the Pope fell in love with(Image: Getty Images)
Surfing, beaches, camping and long road trips – not your typical summer for the man leading a billion Catholics. But for Pope Leo XIV, that lifestyle feels like a second home.
While Rome is now where he lives, it was in Australia where he truly enjoyed spending his down time. The 79-year-old has visited Australia many times and is said to have fallen in love with its lifestyle – its beach culture, vast roads and famous laidback spirit.
A close friend revealed it wasn’t just the beaches he fell in love during his trips, but he genuinely connected with the country’s pace and spirit. Father Banks, originally from Melbourne is a close friend of Pope Leo XIV revealed he visited the country many times and “loved the beaches”.
Father Banks revealed the Pope’s favourite summer destination(Image: Philip Coburn/Daily Mirror)
Banks has lived in Rome for the past 12 years and has witnessed how the Pope’s bond with Australia has grown stronger over time. “He felt very much at home in Australia, as a second home,” he added. “He enjoyed being in our company.”
But it wasn’t only the sun that he enjoyed, Pope Leo also saw the beauty in the country’s scale and silence. “He enjoyed driving from Brisbane to Sydney,” Father Banks said. It was the “the loneliness of the distances” that he was really drawn to.
However his connection with Australia was deeper than holidays. He once visited during World Youth Day – a Catholic gathering, typically held every few years. In 2008, it was hosted in Sydney’s Randwick Racecourse.
The beautiful sunrise in Australia(Image: Getty Images)
Over that time, he also stopped at St Augustine’s College in Brookvale and met students and staff in a warm, down to earth exchange. “He has many great memories of Australia,” his friend added.
Australia is known for the relaxed atmosphere, surf scene and beautiful nature, which may seem a world away from the Vatican, but it seems the contrast is exactly why the new Pope loved it.
The country offered something he often didn’t find elsewhere, a place to slow down and just be – enjoying the outdoors and easygoing attitude. Whether it was the freedom of an open road or the casual warmth of a location conversation, Australia gave Pope Leo something beyond a holiday – it gave him a feeling of home, according to Father Banks.
Pope Leo was appointed last week and as he steps into one of the most powerful spiritual roles in the world, the memories he made in Australia will undoubtedly stay with him.
SOME of London’s biggest festivals face an uncertain future after residents won a court battle to block a major park from hosting events.
Backed by Oscar winning actor Mark Rylance, the campaign has ordered the council to confirm that events will be cancelled this summer.
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Festivals like Brockwell Live and the Mighty Hoopla might be banned from going aheadCredit: Alamy
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Lambeth residents have won a court case surrounding Brockwell ParkCredit: Getty Images
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The campaign was backed by Mark RylanceCredit: Alamy
Brockwell Park in Lambeth has long been a popular site for some of the UK’s biggest festivals.
Hundreds of thousands of Brits flock to the park every summer to attend events including Mighty Hoopla – which was set to host both Kesha and Jade Thirwall this year.
However, residents decided to fight back against the festivals after the park was left in a state they described as a “mud-bath”.
Rebekah Shaman, a member of the Protect Brockwell park group, successfully brought legal action against Lambath Council over the use of the area for events season – which kicks off on May 23.
The High Court was told that the challenge was over the council’s decision to certify the use of the land as lawful, since a change of the park’s use is allowed for 28 days per year.
Mr Justice Mold rule in Rebekah’s favour, since the park would be used as an event space for more than 28 days.
Now, events such as Brockwell Live and the Mighty Hoopla could be banned from setting up in the park.
Rebekah and her lawyers wrote a letter addressed to the council which asked if the “event has been cancelled” and ordered them to clear any fencing or infrastructure.
The draft letter from Goodenough Ring solicitors said that Brockwell Live does not have planning permission and cannot benefit from permitted development rights, and that a planning application could not be decided for at least three weeks.
The letter read: “It follows that not only do the Brockwell Live events not have planning permission, but permission cannot be obtained until after they are concluded.”
It continued: “As there is no planning permission for the Brockwell Live event, the event has to be cancelled.”
Billy McFarland Quits Fyre Fest: Festival Brand Put Up for Sale After Second Attempt Fails
Goodenough Ring has asked for a response by 10am on May 19.
A Lambeth Council spokesperson responded by saying: “We are currently assessing the impact of this judgement and determining next steps.”
Residents took Lambeth Council to London’s High CourtCredit: PA Media
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Residents have complained that the festival’s infrastructure damages the parkCredit: Getty Images
The Oscar nominated performer said: “Wonderful news. Brockwell park will be open to all for free again this summer. No walls. No trucks.
“The grass, and trees, and plants will have a chance to recover from the years of abuse.
“Now let’s help revive the beloved Lambeth country fair as it used to be, open to all. Congratulations to all who worked so devotedly to achieve this decision.
“Every small victory for nature makes a difference.”
However, the event’s cancellation is a blow to London’s beleaguered events industry.
Critics of residents’ associations have said that noise complaints have led to the closure of several major London locations.
The Spanish capital is a vibrant city with plenty to see and do, and it’s also one of the ‘most budget-friendly’ city break destinations in Europe, according to travel insurance experts
Crowds of tourists on Gran Via Avenue in Madrid(Image: Alexander Spatari via Getty Images)
Madrid, Spain’s capital and a hive of activity, has been crowned as one of the “best budget city break” locations for those looking to escape during the summer. Characterized by its energetic streets, Madrid is also celebrated by Spain’s tourist board for its “welcoming and diverse” atmosphere, affirming it as an ideal spot for every type of traveller.
Research by travel insurance gurus at Quotezone pinpoints Madrid as offering one of the most wallet-friendly getaways on the continent, standing out as the sole Spanish metropolis in the line-up and trumping other European hotspots like Athens, Vienna, Rome and Paris when it comes to saving those pennies.
The selection was made by weighing up elements critical to frugal globetrotters – think tourist levies, snooze spots prices, cost for nosh and a pint, public transit fares, and how far you’ll need to trek from the tarmac.
As visitor taxes hike up elsewhere, Madrid’s lack of this surcharge is a notable highlight. The city also scores points for its reasonable food scene.
Despite having its share of swanky eateries, the capital doesn’t disappoint when it comes to more modestly priced meal choices, reports the Express.
You won’t have to splash out much in Madrid, with an average spend of about €14 (circa £12) for dining delights, the study reveals.
A sunny street in Madrid old town(Image: Alexander Spatari via Getty Images)
And, for those desiring a bevvy to sip in the sun, the typical price tag for a brew sits at around €3.50, which equates to near £3, albeit a tad steeper than the likes of Zagreb, where a local ale will set you back just about £2.50.
However, in contrast to the average pint price of £5.90 found in London, Madrid’s beer comes across as a significant money-saver.
As noted by Quotezone, a single public transport ticket in Madrid costs just €1.50 (around £1.30), representing a budget-friendly way to traverse the bustling cityscape.
Madrid offers a wealth of activities regardless of your holiday preferences; from its vibrant streets lined with a myriad of shops and global cuisine restaurants to bars and a pulsating nightlife.
History buffs will revel in the numerous museums and the plethora of historic buildings that can be found throughout the city.
“Madrid’s authenticity is hard to beat,” remarked the Spanish tourism board. “It is welcoming and diverse. Madrid is, without a doubt, one of Europe’s most interesting cities.”
This sprayer is made for small to medium jobs like fences, sheds, decking, and garden furniture.
You don’t need any fancy sprayable paint either – it works with normal fence paint, oil, varnish, stains, and wood treatments.
It’s got some cracking features to make the job easier.
You can adjust the paint flow for precise painting and switch the paint jet to suit what you’re working on.
The gun’s detachable, so it’s dead easy to clean, refill, or swap attachments, and has a decent 1.4-litre capacity.
It can reportedly spray a whole fence panel in under two minutes.
We’ve not tried it ourselves, but over 4,300 people on Amazon have, and they’ve left it with an average 4.5 out of 5-star rating.
“Wish I’d purchased this sooner!” one happy shopper writes. “If you’re looking for a fence/decking sprayer to do the job – this thing is more than adequate!
“Best £50 I’ve spent in a LONG time!! Fantastic product, easy to use and most importantly – a major time saver!!!”
Another said: “Excellent coverage. Powerful and lightweight. Totally impressed with this machine.
“I still can’t believe how good it paints and how fast. In no time we have garden benches and fence panels that look as good as new.”
One more added, “Works like a dream… Brilliant!
“I was dubious about getting this as I had tried pump-type sprayers before, but they were useless. The results were brilliant, quick and easy.”
If your shed, fences, or garden furniture need sprucing up, now’s the time to sort it out – ahead of the summer months.
MCDONALD’S has opened its biggest site in Europe in a major Brit holiday hotspot – and it’s come just in time for the summer holidays.
The fast-food giant has launched a huge location in the airport of sun-drenched Majorca – and it measures up at over 10,000 square feet.
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Europe’s biggest McDonald’s has opened in MajorcaCredit: Jam Press/McDonalds
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It measures up at a whopping 10,765 square feetCredit: Jam Press/McDonalds
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It is part of a new renovation in Module A or Palma de Mallorca Airport in SpainCredit: Jam Press/McDonalds
The big Maccies includes eight digital kiosks, eight production lines as well as table service and McCafé products.
The launch of the massive site marks the company’s largest on the entire continent.
Around 750,000 Brits travel to Majorca every summer, so the chain will be sure to endure its fair share of hungry Brit holidaymakers.
The enormous branch is located at Level P30, Module A Airside of Palma de Mallorca Airport in the Spanish island.
It measures up at a whopping 10,765 square feet.
The terminal has also recently undergone refurbishment work to improve passenger comfort and security, and retail space.
The new site is part of this extraordinary renovation in Module A.
And it is seemingly very exclusive to Brits – as the McDonald’s will only be available to non-Schengen countries, according to What’s The Jam.
This means most European countries won’t be able to access it – paving the way for Brits and other international visitors to raid the kiosks.
The incredible new branch has reportedly created 200 new jobs, on top of the 1,000 workers already employed in the Balearic Islands.
Chief Restaurant Officer of McDonald’s Spain Ángel Castillo said: “This opening represents a new milestone and another example of our commitment to the Balearic Islands.”
He called the region “an area of strategic interest for the company where we already have over 20 restaurants“.
The spokesperson continued: “We are thereby contributing to the Spanish economy and the creation of quality employment, fulfilling our mission of supporting the communities where we operate.”
There are already 43,500 McDonald’s locations in over 100 countries worldwide.
And the biggest McDonald’s on the entire planet is located in Orlando, Florida.
Known as the Epic McD, this behemoth fast-food chain measures in at a whopping 19,000 square feet.
GREGGS has launched its summer menu for 2025 and it includes a new bake and biscuit-inspired iced latte that fans will go crazy for.
The high street favourite has added a wave of new options to its shelves, with new spicy chicken sandwiches, summer drinks and sweet treats joining the line-up.
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The new menu includes a biscuit-inspired iced-latteCredit: Greggs
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A Red Pepper, Feta and Spinach Bake is also joining the menuCredit: Greggs
Available in shops nationwide from tomorrow, May 15, the new menu includes a Red Pepper, Feta & Spinach Bake, which has already been dubbed “lush” by excited followers on Instagram.
The Mediterranean-style pastry will cost £2.10.
For coffee lovers, the new Caramelised Biscuit Latte is proving to be the star of the show.
Available hot from £2.75 or iced from £3.10, it’s inspired by the popular Lotus Biscoff biscuit.
Greggs has also upped its hot sandwich offering, introducing a new Korean Chicken range.
It features a Korean Crispy Chicken Burger from £4, a BBQ Chicken Wrap from £3.80, and a Spicy Korean BBQ Chicken Baguette from £3.60 – all part of its Hot Sandwich, Wedges & Drink Deal.
A new Chicken, Sweetcorn and Red Onion Pizza slice is also joining the menu, priced from £2.40, available as part of Greggs’ after-4pm Pizza Deal.
On the sweeter side, there’s a Lemon Meringue Muffin from £1.55, which can be paired with a hot drink in a meal deal.
Customers can also pick up Plenish wellness shots, with Ginger Immunity and Turmeric Recovery options both priced at £1.55 and a fat-free Greek Style Yogurt with Strawberry Compote, priced from £1.55.
The new menu is available for in-store purchase, click and collect via the Greggs app, and delivery through Just Eat and Uber Eats.
Greggs posted the announcement online with the caption: “Babe wake up, Greggs summer menu just dropped!!”
Fans shared their excitement for the new menu.
One customer wrote: “That biscuit latte looks so good”, others agreed saying: “the latte looks amazing”.
A third said: “could really go for that lemon muffin”.
Whilst another added: “need that chicken sandwich, yum”.
But not everyone is thrilled by the new launch.
Comments were quickly flooded with complaints from fans asking where the vegan options were.
“This is so disappointing, where’s the vegan stuff?” one user asked.
Another added: “Give the vegans what they want for gods sake.”
Customers were hoping the veganuary menu signalled a long-term commitment to expanding Greggs’ vegan offering, but many have been left disappointed by its absence from the summer launch.
Greggs new summer menu items and prices
All items will be available in shops nationwide from Thursday May 15
Drinks Caramelised Biscuit Latte (hot) – from £2.75 Iced Caramelised Biscuit Latte – from £3.10
Sweet Treats Fat Free Greek Style Yogurt with Strawberry Compote – from £1.55 Lemon Meringue Muffin – from £1.55 (Part of Sweet Treat & Hot Drink Deal)
Wellness Shots Plenish Ginger Immunity Shot 60ml – from £1.55 Plenish Turmeric Recovery Shot 60ml – from £1.55
Hot Food (Part of Hot Sandwich, Wedges & Drink Deal) Korean Crispy Chicken Burger – from £4.00 Korean BBQ Chicken Wrap – from £3.80 Spicy Korean BBQ Chicken Baguette – from £3.60 Red Pepper, Feta & Spinach Bake – from £2.10
Cold Sandwiches (Part of Cold Sandwich & Drink Deal) Korean BBQ Chicken Flatbread – from £3.50 Roast Chicken Salad Sandwich – from £2.75 Roast Chicken Salad Roll – from £3.30 Roast Chicken with Honey Mustard Mayonnaise Oval Bite – from £3.50 Cheese & Onion Roll – from £3.30
Pizza (Available after 4pm – Part of Pizza & Drink Deal) Chicken, Sweetcorn and Red Onion Pizza – from £2.40
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Fans have shared their excitement over the new Korean Chicken BurgerCredit: Greggs
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The Greggs Chicken Salad Roll will be a cold meal deal optionCredit: Greggs
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The Chicken Mayo Salad Sandwich will retail for £2.75Credit: Greggs
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The Cheese and Onion Roll will also be a cold meal deal optionCredit: Greggs
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The new menu includes a Korean Chicken BaguetteCredit: Greggs
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It will also offer a Korean Chicken Wrap alternativeCredit: Greggs
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The Korean BBQ Chicken Flatbread will retail for £3.50Credit: Greggs
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The new Caramelised Biscuit Latte is also available as a hot drinkCredit: Greggs
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Customers can also purchase a Yogurts with Strawberry CompoteCredit: Greggs
PARENTS know all too well that keeping kids entertained over the summer holidays can be pricey.
The cost of childcare alone can cost around £1,039 for the six weeks of the break, and that is not to mention days out and other activities.
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The cost of summer holidays can be expensive for parentsCredit: Getty
And many activity camps for children can be costly too, but that does not mean your child has to miss out.
There are loads of free classes available for families across countless areas in the UK.
Below we round up the best classes for kids this summer that cost nothing at all.
FREE FOOTBALL COACHING
McDonald’s runs free football classes for children aged 5 to 11 years old.
The programme lasts for 10 weeks and usually runs for an hour.
The event is hosted at local stadiums across the UK.
The sessions, which are open to all abilities, are running from March to July.
They are delivered by FA-qualified coaches at more than 1,600 locations nationwide.
You can find out more by visiting www.mcdonalds.com/gb/en-gb/football/fun-football-centres.
FREE COURSES FOR TEENAGERS
Islington Council runs a number of free courses for teenagers and young adults through its Summerversity scheme.
Freebies for parents worth £2,900
In the past, classes have included archery, football camp and photography lessons.
You can book a maximum of eight courses to keep your teenager entertained over the holidays.
You can sign up by visiting www.summerversity.co.uk/
Of course you will need to live in the London borough to get access to the scheme.
But if you don’t it may be worth ringing up your local council to see if it runs a similar event.
FREE BOXING CAMP
Sporting Aid in Waltham is running a free boxing camp for those aged 10-16.
The event is run every Saturday at 12:00pm at the Waltham Cross Playing Fields Car Park.
No prior experience is required so it may be a great way for your little one to be introduced to the sport.
You can sign up for the event by visiting www.eventbrite.co.uk.
FREE SUMMER CAMP
Music charity Vache Baroque runs a completely free summer camp for children in St Giles.
The event runs from Monday 18 – Friday August 22 and includes a hot meal. It is for children aged 9–14.
Children will participate in a number of activities including singing, arts and crafts and circus skills
They can also take part in an optional performance with professional orchestra in its summer circus-opera on Sunday September 7.
You can find out more by visiting, vachebaroque.com.
What help is available for parents?
CHILDCARE can be a costly business. Here is how you can get help.
30 hours free childcare – Parents of three and four-year-olds can apply for 30 hours free childcare a week. To qualify you must usually work at least 16 hours a week at the national living or minimum wage and earn less than £100,000 a year.
Tax credits – For children under 20, some families can get help with childcare costs.
Childcare vouchers – If your employer offers childcare vouchers you can get up to £55 a week in tax and national insurance savings. You pay for your childcare before your tax contributions are taken out. This scheme is open to new joiners until October 4, 2018, when it is planned that tax-free childcare will replace the vouchers.
Tax-free childcare – Available to working families and the self-employed, for every £8 you put in the government will add an extra £2.
SHOPPERS are hot footing it down to B&M to buy pretty and on-trend garden plants scanning for just £10 at the checkout.
The bargain shop is selling the social media garden must-have just in time forsummer.
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B&M is selling Salix Flamingo plants for only £10
People couldn’t believe their eyes after a fellow Flamingo Tree fan let everyone know in a Facebook group, Bargain Lovers, they were being sold for the cheapest price yet.
Delighted users started commenting and tagging their friends in.
One person wrote: “That’s a great price they are lovely shrubs so pretty.”
Meanwhile, another added: “Love these, £10, right bargain.”
Another let her friend know about the deal and simply said “quick”.
The pink Salix Flamingo Trees, known for their brightly-coloured foliage, are just £10.
They are also selling small hedge plants which were being sold for £4 last year.
They’re the cheapest on the market right now, with B&Q selling its 17cm trees for a pricier £24.99.
If you can’t find the Flamingo Tree in B&M, The Range is also selling them for £15.
Wilko‘s deal on the plant, like B&Q, is also more expensive than The Range, charging £17 for a 40cm tree.
5 ways to save money in B&M
On eBay you would have to pay £9.95 for a mini plant – an amount which could almost get you three when shopping at B&M.
It comes as a reminder to always compare prices before buying a product, which you can do through websites like Trolley.
The flamingo plants are currently unavailable to view online – meaning you’ll have to visit your local store to see if they stock it.
It’s important to bear in mind that prices may vary between locations.
If you want to find your nearest B&M store, you can use the Store Finder tool on its website.
They have 280 outdoor plants and trees to browse online, such as a rose bush for £23.99.
Another quick way to cut costs is by visiting at the right time.
One ex-manager told The Sun this is around 10am on a Wednesday, when staff slash the price of items to as little as 10p to clear excess stock and make way for new products.
Deals expert Tom Church said to keep an eye out for red sticker products as well.
It’s worth signing up to Facebook pages dedicated to hunting for bargains from B&M and other discounters too.
SHOPPERS are racing to Lidl to grab a garden lighting essential that’s perfect for summer evenings – and it’s up to £8 cheaper than similar buys at other big-name stores.
The Livarno Home LED Parasol String Lights are on shelves for just £7.99 and have got garden lovers buzzing online.
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Livarno Home LED Parasol String Lights are on shelves for just £7.99Credit: Facebook/DanswayGiftsandBargainsUK
They feature 72 twinkling mini LEDs, eight vintage-style bulbs, and give off a warm white glow – perfect for adding atmosphere to your patio or balcony.
There’s also a six-hour timer, so you can set them and relax without worrying about turning them off.
They’re designed for outdoor use and stretch 3 metres, so they’re ideal for wrapping around parasols or fencing.
The lights sparked a flurry of excitement on social media after one eagle-eyed shopper posted: “LED Parasol lights spotted at LIDL..!”
The post quickly racked up comments, with one fan writing: “Perfect. Hope they still have them tomorrow.”
Another tagged a mate and said: “I now fully understand why you were so excited… these look awesome!”
A third added: “Ooo these are so cute!!!”
But not everyone was glowing with praise.
One unhappy customer hit out: “This is the most disappointing product I have EVER bought from Lidl.
“The cabling is short, no means of fixing & if you do waste 2 hours of your life persevering in fixing these lights, they then interfere with the operation of the parasol & the cables are sliced.
“Save your money, don’t bother!!!”
Five simple ways to save cash at Lidl
Still, plenty of shoppers reckon they’re a steal – especially compared to similar options:
Amazon’s Smart Garden Altuna Luces DE Cadena 72 LED – £14.50
Parasol String Lights 80 Warm White LED Garden Timer Lights – £15.99
That means you could save up to £9 by choosing Lidl’s version.
Remember to compare prices
It is important to remember to always shop around when buying something like this as you might find a cheaper alternative.
Websites like Trolley and Price Spy let you compare thousands of products across different retailers to find the best price.
Price Spy even lets you see how much an item has cost over time, so you can see if the current price is a good deal.
A quick scan on the Google Shopping/Product tab will also bring up how much retailers are selling a certain item for.
Lidl reduces items at the start of the day, and the best deals can be found between 7am and 8am, when most stores open.
Shoppers can often find cooked meats, salmon fillets and breads reduced by 30% or more.
Not only does Lidl have its own range of reasonably priced alcohol, it also has its own knock-offs of branded favourites – so say cheers to its bargain booze.
Everyone knows about the “Middle of Lidl” – it’s here where you’ll find a load of random stuff you didn’t realise you needed, at decent prices.
But if you are hoping to avoid spending more than you planned, you can check what will be in the “Middle of Lidl” on the supermarket’s website in advance.
The Middle of Lidl is refreshed every Thursday and Sunday.
Shoppers can also keep tabs on what’s appearing in the “Pick of the Week” section on the Lidl website.
The discounts happen every Thursday and are usually on fruit, vegetables, and meat.
How to bag a bargain
SUN Savers Editor Lana Clements explains how to find a cut-price item and bag a bargain…
Sign up to loyalty schemes of the brands that you regularly shop with.
Big names regularly offer discounts or special lower prices for members, among other perks.
Sales are when you can pick up a real steal.
Retailers usually have periodic promotions that tie into payday at the end of the month or Bank Holiday weekends, so keep a lookout and shop when these deals are on.
Sign up to mailing lists and you’ll also be first to know of special offers. It can be worth following retailers on social media too.
When buying online, always do a search for money off codes or vouchers that you can use vouchercodes.co.uk and myvouchercodes.co.uk are just two sites that round up promotions by retailer.
Scanner apps are useful to have on your phone. Trolley.co.uk app has a scanner that you can use to compare prices on branded items when out shopping.
Bargain hunters can also use B&M’s scanner in the app to find discounts in-store before staff have marked them out.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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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