trick

Paying for the extra fees on a flight is a big no-no, but former check-in agent Ashley Bautista revealed this one travel hack that will guarantee a seat charge at no extra cost

When it comes to travelling for long hours, especially on a plane, comfort is the number one priority to start the holiday on the right foot.

The first challenge comes whilst booking your ticket. Airlines charge for almost everything, including seat selection – and there’s nothing worse than being stuck in the middle seat, or at the back of the plane away from your family and friends, especially on a long-haul flight.

As a former check-in agent at one of the world’s busiest airports, Ashley Bautista revealed what you can do instead to get your seat changed at no extra cost – and it works almost every time.

READ MORE: ‘I’ve been cabin crew for over 20 years – take-off activity is gamechanger for kids’READ MORE: ‘I was forced to quit flight attendant job – my huge bum would get stuck down aisle’

Everyone has a preferred seat, whether it’s the window to take pictures of the sky, the emergency exit row for extra legroom, or the back of the plane to be close to the toilet. For that reason, airlines then began to implement charges for passengers to reserve their seats. The other option is to deal with your allocated seat, which is given based on the weight and balance of the aircraft.

According to MSE, a few airlines allow passengers to select their seats free of charge as soon as they book their flight. For example, Japan Airlines and Qatar Airways do this, with some exceptions. Virgin Atlantic also allows passengers to choose their own seat once check-in opens, and British Airways allows those with checked luggage.

If you’re travelling with a big group, the seat allocation system will always try to seat groups on the same booking together. However, if the bookings are, that’s a whole different story. But don’t worry, it’s not the end of the world.

READ MORE: Flight attendant names the best time to use the toilet during a flight

Ashley’s advice is to head to the airport check-in counter as soon as it opens, and politely ask the agent if there are any seats together available. Unless the flight is completely full, most of the time, the agent will put you together with the person you’re travelling with.

Another secret is that even if the flight appears to be full, airlines often don’t manage to sell their pricier extra-legroom seats or emergency rows. In fact, some airlines keep them empty and assign them to random passengers. So, it never hurts to ask for a seat upgrade.

Of course, there are no guarantees and on some occasions, you will have to wait until check-in closes or all passengers are seated. Then, you can move around as you wish, as long as you’re not causing a disturbance to other passengers on board.

Alexandra Dubakova, a travel expert with FreeTour who has visited more than 30 countries, is always on the move. She has come up with a neat trick to ensure she gets a good night’s sleep

A travel expert has mastered the art of getting a good night’s sleep in a hotel using a simple trick.

Alexandra Dubakova, a travel expert with FreeTour who has visited more than 30 countries, is always on the move.

While jet-setting has a reputation for glitz and glamour, as anyone who has been sent away to a far-flung town in a small central European nation will know, it comes with its challenges. One of them, particularly for those who enjoy their home comforts, is sleeping in a hotel.

Different bedding, the strange whir of a lift mechanism, and a room that is either too hot or too cold can all knock the sensitive sleeper off kilter. Luckily, Alexandra has a trick that can help you sleep through the night.

“Changing time zones, dealing with jet lag and the annoying strip of light between hotel curtains is a nightmare. I always grab the hangers from the hotel room closet and use them to pinch the curtains shut. It creates a blackout room and I get proper rest irrespective of the time zone,” she told the Mirror.

READ MORE: Beautiful city 20 minutes from London with 1,000-year-old market and oldest pubs — not OxfordREAD MORE: The seaside town where residents left overnight and never came back

Sherry Martin Peters, a veteran flight attendant, has similar advice. She told the Mirror: “Some flight attendants travel with rolls of black electrical tape, not to fix anything, but to smother light sources that feel microscopic until you’re sleep-deprived.

“The green dot of a TV on standby. The piercing blue glow of a USB charger. One by one, the light sources disappear until the room looks lifeless. Towels get stuffed under the crack of the door to block out hallway light, because even a sliver of brightness can convince a jet-lagged brain it’s still daytime somewhere, which it usually is.”

The curse of a bad night’s sleep is something that many hotel guests suffer from. In a 2020 paper published in Tourism and Hospitality Research, it was found that only one in three travelers reported being satisfied with their sleep while on the road.

Dr. Rebecca Robbins, assistant professor of medicine at Harvard Medical School and an associate scientist at Boston’s Brigham and Women’s Hospital, has been hired by Hilton as a sleep expert. Recently, she shared her tips for getting a good night’s kip with National Geographic.

Dr Robbins argues that “finding the familiar in the unfamiliar” is key. “The truth is that when we are in an unfamiliar environment, we fundamentally have a harder time unwinding,” she said,

When we’re at home, our bodies are able to relax more easily. When staying somewhere new, our brains are put on higher alert by the different sounds, smells and other sensory factors. One way to trick your brain into calming down is to spray smells with a positive or homely association. There is proof in the process. In 2024, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine researchers and University of Pittsburgh Medical Center published a study that showed familiar scents helped to break negative thought-cycles and overcome depression.

Another cause of bad sleep is a restless mind. While whirring cogs is an ailment that can strike anywhere, the stresses of travel mean you’re more likely to have things on your mind when away. Dr. Robbins suggests writing all of these worries down on a piece of paper as a way of relieving your mind of too many things to think about.

Recreating your routine at home is another top tip for entering the land of nod. “Being religious about these things is actually really important because your brain starts to understand that what comes next is sleep,” the sleep doctor said.

WE all know gardening is good for you.

But did you know that when you’re getting older, it can also help with arthritis?

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Research published in the Journal of Ageing and Physical Activity also found gardeners were 30 per cent less likely to report falls than non-gardeners, with improved gait and balance helping you along the way.

World Arthritis Day is celebrated on October 12th, so why not get out there and garden – safe in the knowledge that you’ll actually be helping your aching joints.

Dr Wendy Holden, Arthritis Action’s Medical Advisor and Honorary Consultant Rheumatologist at North Hampshire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, told Sun Gardening: “Being active and incorporating exercise into your life helps arthritis .

“Even if joints are hurting, they can’t be harmed by exercise.

“Getting outside in the fresh air, being close to nature and nurturing plants also improves both mood and mental health.

“Just remember to pace yourself, take breaks when you need them and make use of many types of adaptive tools available to assist you.”

She added: “Whatever type of arthritis you have, staying active, keeping your joints moving and looking after your sleep and mental wellbeing are all vital to help beat pain.”

Naomi Patrick, Clinical Director at Medella Home Physio & Occupational Therapy, based in Dorset and Wiltshire, added: “Pruning requires controlled movements that work through the full range of motion in shoulders, elbows and wrists.

“These actions can help maintain joint flexibility and may reduce stiffness in people with early-stage arthritis.

“The reaching and snipping motions help maintain the upper body mobility that’s essential for everyday tasks like dressing, cooking and personal care.

“Research shows these movements can be as effective as targeted exercise therapy for certain conditions.

“For those with painful joints, we recommend using lightweight, ergonomic secateurs and taking regular breaks,” she said.

TOP TIPS FOR ADAPTING YOUR GARDENING

Make access easier by using raised beds, vertical gardens, hanging baskets, or containers
Reduce stress on joints and muscles from repetitive movements by using garden tools that keep hands and wrists in a good position
Minimise bending and stress on back, neck and shoulders by using special long-reach easy grip tools – this includes bulb planters
Reduce the amount of weeding you do by applying a weed barrier with mulch
Reduce the amount of force required to trim plants by using power assisted tools

ADAPTIVE TOOLS FOR ARTHRITIS

Essentialaids.com is a website selling adaptive tools for gardeners. They include tools like easy grip gardening tools with arm supports, and long handled tools for those who struggle bending down. Great for easier weeding and digging. From £29.99

Stiga.com has a cordless, battery powered electric pruning shears and saw. I’ve tried both of these and the pruning shears especially, are fantastic for those with limited strength, as they require no effort to cut. From £129

Flexon Guard N Grip Hose, which earned an Arthritis Foundation Ease of Use certification, makes connecting it to outdoor faucets less strenuous on hands and wrists and stops the need for lugging around heavy watering cans.

Safetygloves.co.uk has a whole range of gardening gloves for arthritis from £3

Amazon.co.uk sell Bionic ReliefGrip Premium Leather Gardening Gloves which are good for arthritic hands. From £29.99

New company www.rootup.co.uk has launched a new product perfect for people with limited reach. Called the Growyo Hanger, it is endorsed by thirteen-time gold Chelsea Flower Show winner, Medwyn Williams MBE. The hanger organises individual yo-yos used to lift the branches of heavily-laden plants — such as tomatoes, aubergines, cucumbers and apple trees — allowing users to more easily and efficiently support and train them. £14.99

Also in Veronica’s Gardening Column this week…

Top tips, Gardening news, plant of the week, and a competition to win a year’s subscription to 123Flowers

For more gardening content and competiitons, follow me @biros_and_bloom

WIN! 123 Flowers is a UK-based online florist designed to make flower delivery ‘as easy as 1-2-3’, with a commitment to sustainability and ethical sourcing. They’re offering one Sun Gardening reader a whole year flower subscription.
To enter, visit www.thesun.co.uk/123FLOWERSCOMP or write to 123 Flowers Competiton, PO Box 3190, Colchester, Essex, CO2 8GP. Include your name, age, email or phone. UK residents 18+ only. Entries close 11.59pm. October 18, 2025. T&Cs apply

PLANT OF THE WEEK! CORNUS ‘Midwinter Fire’ AKA Dogwood.
This is a perfect plant to see you through Autumn and Winter. Not only does it provide lovely green leaves over summer and into Autumn – they fall to reveal stunning vivid orange red and yellow stems which look like fire through Winter.

JOB OF THE WEEK Don’t throw away all your raked up leaves – they can be turned into leaf mould – literally chop them up, pack them in binbags hidden away – and eventually after a year or so, they’ll turn into lovely usable nourishing compost.

Joseph Paintsil had a hat trick by halftime and the Galaxy cruised to a 4-1 victory over Sporting Kansas City on Saturday night.

Paintsil scored goals in the fourth, 25th, and 43rd minutes for his first hat trick and the fastest in club history. Paintsil has nine goals this season. Defender Mauricio Cuevas notched two assists for a career-best five this season.

Diego Fagúndez used assists from Paintsil — his fifth — and Gabriel Pec to score his fifth goal and cap the scoring for the Galaxy (5-17-9) in the 60th minute. Pec assisted on Paintsil’s final goal and has eight this season. Fagúndez picked up his third assist on Paintsil’s first netter.

Dejan Joveljić scored in the 28th minute for Sporting KC (7-19-6). It was his 18th goal of the season after scoring 15 times for the Galaxy last season in their championship run.

Novak Micovic saved five shots for the Galaxy.

John Pulskamp had five saves for Sporting KC.

Shapi Suleymanov will miss the next match for Sporting KC after he subbed in in the 70th minute and was tagged with a red card in the 83rd.

Sporting KC travels to play Minnesota United on Saturday. The Galaxy travel to play FC Dallas on Saturday.

Son Heung-min secured his first MLS hat trick on a sliding finish in the 82nd minute and LAFC beat Real Salt Lake 4-1 on Wednesday night.

Salt Lake (10-15-4) has lost four of its last five matches.

Son, who joined LAFC (13-7-8) a month ago from the English Premier League, scored on a breakaway in the third minute for a 1-0 lead. He was left wide open in the middle of the field in the 16th and scored from distance to make it 2-0.

Son ran with Denis Bouanga from midfield on a 2-on-1 breakaway and scored an easy tap-in for a 3-1 advantage. Bouanga scored six minutes later on another breakaway to break a tie with league legend Carlos Vela for the most goals in club history with 94.

RSL missed a penalty kick in the 45th when Rwan Cruz’s attempt hit off the right post and went across the goal line to goalkeeper Hugo Lloris, who had gone the other way.

Teenager Zavier Gozo scored on a beautiful bicycle kick for RSL in the 76th.

A long-wondered game show secret has been revealed by a TV insider, ending much speculation.

Ever wondered how some game show contestants win the jackpot and others who deserve it more don’t? Well, this could be the reason why.

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The TV Insider

Gameshow host Richard Osman has finally answered the question about how some shows stop contestants from winning the top prize.

The Pointless and House of Games star revealed that certain questions are given to those taking part in the programme in a bid to keep cash prizes to a minimum.

On his podcast which hosts alongside Marina Hyde, The Rest is Entertainment, the pair often reveal the secret tricks used by the industry to ensure the success of certain shows and films.

Most day-time and evening gameshows have huge cash prizes, which can sometimes reach six or seven figures.

But most of the time, many contestants, despite showing great promise, only end up with a fraction of the maximum amount.

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The secret trick

The 54-year-old said: “The questions wouldn’t be weighted particularly in that way,” he said. He went on to add: “But lots of formats have ways of ensuring there isn’t a payout.”

He added: “So, you’ll do a final round where you could win or you couldn’t win the jackpot.”

He later went on to explain that the cash prize at the end of each round depends on an algorithm for players.

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Richard said: “You always have an algorithm. Daytime budgets are very small, but in your budget will be a line item for prize money.

“So, when we used to make Deal or No Deal, for example ― and it’s a good example, because it’s all about money ― you’ve got that £250,000 box all the way down to the 1p box.”

Simon Cowell’s million-dollar failure

He also explained that there have been many game show failures.

Simon Cowell once launched a game show in the USA

Wanna Bet? was hosted by tele rating’s safe pair of hands, Ant and Dec, and was based on the idea of the gambling game Red or Black.

However, Osman revealed that in the first four episodes in a row, the contestants ended up bagging the total pot – a jaw-dropping $1 million.

The car crash of a show therefore, only lasted six episodes before it was cancelled, becoming one of Ant and Dec’s rare failures.

He then compared this to his former show Pointless, which offers £16,500 per day.

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It means that if one team walks out with the top prize fund, others will suffer in the following games.

Having hosted hundreds of episodes of Pointless since it aired in 2009, Osman knows a thing or two having tv formats.

Osman was also the brains behind some of our favourite entertainment shows such as 8 out of 10 Cats, Have You Been Watching, Only Connect, Total Wipeout, Prize Island, and 10 O’Clock Live.

DID you know there are rainforests in Britain? Nope – me neither.

But you may well have visited one without realising if you’ve holidayed in Cornwall, Wales or along the Atlantic Coastline.

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Especially if you remember walking through green woodland packed with ferns, moss and lichen – with a really memorable earthy, damp scent.

They once covered more than 20 per cent of the UK – but history devoured them – and now there’s less than one per cent.

So the Wildlife Trust, sponsored by Aviva, has just launched an epic 100-year restoration project to bring them back.

The temperate rainforest restoration programme will restore approximately 1,755 hectares of temperate rainforest across the British Isles. 

Some of the new sites created through this programme include Bowden Pillars in Devon, Bryn Ifan in North Wales, Creg y Cowin and Glion Darragh on the Isle of Man, Trellwyn Fach in Pembrokeshire, and – most recently – Skiddaw in Cumbria.

Garden Designer Zoe Claymore, won a silver gilt medal at RHS Chelsea for her British Rainforest Garden.

She told me: “I didn’t know it at the time – but I played in a British rainforest as a child. The end of my grandparents garden in Devon went into Lidford Gorge which is one of the last existing rainforests.

“In the UK they’re found in the Goldilocks zone – not too hot, not too cold – and by rivers, gullies and gorges, because you also need the moisture from the river creating that ecosystem.”

But there are ways of recreating one in your own garden, she said.

“Even if  you don’t live in an area suited to creating a rainforest there’s other plants that will create the same vibes.

“Create shade with Hazels – they’re a great small tree which gives a real native-feel and perfect for small gardens. Or include hollies, birch or willows.

“Create a water feature – from a little stream with a few rocks or simply as an old-school rock water bowl – to  create that sense of humidity.

“But even if you just did a pond in a pot surrounded by some fun little logs, that will create habitat, that will bring wildlife, and it will create that kind of feeling of rainforest-y wetness.”

It’s easy to make a home made pond – using old washing up bowls. Tesco’s are currently selling one for just £2.75.

First choose a spot that’s sunny but not in direct sunlight all day – otherwise the water will evaporate.

Then all you have to do is put some logs around it, and a few stones, so wildlife can climb in and out easily – almost like a ramp.

Ideally fill it with rain water rather than tap.

And then put in about three water plants – like mini water lillies or water forget-me-not and sit back waiting for the wildlife.

Zoe added: “Then use British classic woodland plants and really focus on ferns – the unsung beautiful heroes of shade gardening – as well as bluebells, foxgloves, primulars, ivy, bananas and – if you’ve got a wet area – moss – which is the jewel in the crown – so your garden will be green all year round.”

For a ‘how to’ guide adapted to all UK gardens – as well as a rainforest-inspired pot combination  – head to www.zoeclaymore.com – and a share of the proceeds will go the Wildlife Trust.

Also in Veronica’s Column this week…

Gardening tips, news, plant of the week and a competition to win a garden border worth £195

PLANT OF THE WEEK! Dierama Wind Nymph Pink – pictured above – clump forming perennial with slender arching stems with soft pink blooms and evergreen foliage. Bees love it. Plant in direct sunlight, likes well drained soil but might need protection in Winter.

NEWS! A dad’s 60-year-old lawnmower has taken its place in gardening history as the UK’s oldest Flymo – after he read a plea in Sun Gardening. 

Pete Goddard’s monumental mower was inducted into the British Lawnmower Museum in Southport, Merseyside, last week after Flymo sent out a request for old mowers. 

The rare blue Flymo was unveiled last month – taking its place in the museum alongside King Charles, Brian May, and Nicholas Parsons’ former mowers.

It came after a nationwide search for the UK’s oldest Flymo to celebrate 60 years since the iconic hover mower was invented.

The 79-year-old retired Highway Maintenance Operative’s Flymo was originally bought in the 1960s by his father-in-law and lovingly maintained across three generations – and still works today.

NEWS! Great Comp Gardens will show off some salvias not released to the general public before – at it’s  annual Summer Show next weekend. 

The seven acre garden in Platt, near Sevenoaks will be at it’s best – with the hot and cool border in bloom, salvias bringing swathes of colour to the perennial borders and the Italian Garden in full flower in time for their annual two-day flagship event. 

The weekend event features a group of talented artists, craftspeople, award-winning nurseries and garden ornamental suppliers plus live jazz bands on the lawn.

Curator William Dyson says: “We can’t wait to share the garden with our Summer Show visitors – it looks particularly splendid in August with the salvias in full flow.

“We’ve also introduced lots of new and interesting plants to the garden this year including a collection of new world salvias that we’ve inherited from Lindsay Pink (a collector in Portsmouth) that people won’t have seen before. 

“We urge people to come along and see our revamped planting schemes which help to showcase new salvias that we have been keeping under wraps until now. There are salvias that I’ve only seen once before and can’t wait to show people. We are mixing in drifts of South American annuals like Cosmos for interest and colour and Tagetes erecta (Mexican marigolds) plus lots of varieties of dahlias.”

For more info visit www.greatcompgarden.co.uk

WIN! Garden on a Roll – which provide ready-made garden border paper templates, and the plants to put them in – are offering three £195 borders at 3m x 60cm of any style – including the  ‘Wildlife border’ for bees and butterflies. To enter visit www.thesun.co.uk/GardenBorders, or write to Garden on a Roll competition,  PO Box 3190, Colchester, Essex, CO2 8GP. Include your name, age, email or phone. UK residents 18+ only. Entries close 11.59pm. August 16, 2025. T&Cs apply

JOB OF THE WEEK! Stake your dahlias, trim your lavenders, take fuchsia cuttings, prune climbing and rambling roses, add tomato food to corn and peppers.

For more gardening content follow me @biros_and_bloom

According to Richard Edwards, a seasoned glamping expert from White House Glamping , a luxury camping site in Herefordshire, there’s a simple and inexpensive solution that can turn your muddy camping nightmare into a comfortable outdoor escape

Mud. The age-old foe of mothers in 90s Persil adverts and campers alike.

When it comes to combining a night in canvas with nature’s premier version of gloop, things can be difficult.

Picture the scene: You’ve spent hours assembling the perfect campsite, your tent is perfectly pitched, and everything feels just right. Then the skies open up with a sudden downpour, turning the ground into a muddy mess. Within minutes, your pristine tent interior becomes a disaster zone, with dirty footprints across your sleeping area and soggy gear everywhere. It’s the kind of scenario that can turn even the most enthusiastic camper’s weekend into a frustrating mess.

But according to Richard Edwards, a seasoned glamping expert from White House Glamping, a luxury camping site in Herefordshire, there’s a simple and inexpensive solution that can turn your muddy camping nightmare into a comfortable outdoor escape.

READ MORE: Tourists slam ‘paradise beach’ as actually being ‘most disappointing in the world’

“After years of helping guests enjoy the great outdoors, I’ve seen every camping disaster you can imagine,” says Richard. “The mud problem is one of the most common complaints, but it’s also one of the easiest to solve with the right approach.”

When it comes to keeping tents spotless, Richard has a secret weapon. A waterproof car boot liner from your local discount shop. This simple and affordable piece of kit can be transformed into the perfect tent entrance mat that keeps mud firmly where it belongs – outside.

“The trick is to lay the liner flat at your tent entrance, creating what I call a ‘mud porch’. It’s basically a doormat that works in the wild. Campers can step onto it, wipe their boots, and leave all the mess behind before entering their tent,” he explains.

The process couldn’t be simpler. Position the waterproof liner just outside your tent door, ensuring it covers the main traffic area. The rubberised surface grips well to most ground types, while the waterproof material means it won’t absorb moisture or become a soggy mess like traditional mats.

READ MORE: Brits ‘scared away’ from Majorca as holiday hotspot left ‘completely dead’READ MORE: ‘I’m an Alton Towers rollercoaster expert and people always make one mistake on rides’

Campers usually just try the shoes-off approach when it comes to coming inside, but Richard explains why this rarely works in practice.

“Asking everyone to remove muddy boots sounds good in theory, but you’re still left with wet socks and nowhere clean to put the boots,” he says. “Plus, it’s not exactly comfortable hopping around on one foot in the rain.”

Traditional camping mats often fall short as well. They’re usually too small, absorb water, and can become slippery hazards when wet. Towels, another common solution, quickly become saturated and useless.

“The car boot liner gives you a proper-sized clean zone that stays functional even in the worst weather,” Richard notes. “It’s also easy to rinse off or wipe clean, and it rolls up small when you’re packing up.”

Richard’s budget-friendly approach doesn’t stop at boot liners. He’s discovered several other unexpected items that work brilliantly in the great outdoors.

“Shower curtains make excellent groundsheets for under your tent. They’re completely waterproof and cost a fraction of purpose-made camping groundsheets. Dollar store microfiber cloths are perfect for quick clean-ups, and those cheap plastic storage boxes? They’re ideal for keeping your gear dry and organised,” he adds.

“A simple plastic tablecloth can create an instant clean eating area, and those disposable plastic plates from party shops are more practical than heavy camping crockery.”

A TikTok user has shared a genius packing hack to help you fit more clothes in your case – and it doesn’t involve using packing cubes, which she said “don’t save any space”

For those nipping off on quick holidays this summer, paying extra for a large suitcase in the plane’s hold just doesn’t make sense.

Here’s where a bit of packing savvy comes in handy, be it with a compact wheely case, a rucksack or a holdall that you can take into the cabin with you.

All the rage amongst holidaymakers on social media right now are packing cubes, praised for their ability to keep suitcases neat and make more room. But now, people are discovering an old-school packing tactic does the job equally well – and it’s said to squeeze ‘months’ worth of clothes in.

READ MORE: Little-known plane rule means Brits risk being hit with £53 fines onboard

This smart technique was shown off on TikTok by @joanna. pirog, who ditched her organising cubes for a better, cheaper approach when preparing for a getaway.

She demonstrated with an unfilled suitcase surrounded by clothes she intended to take; she rolled each item tightly and methodically popped them into the bag, reports the Liverpool Echo.

She managed to fit a selection of dresses, tops, t-shirts, skirts and shorts with room to spare and, despite appearing full, Joanna found space for even more by wedging them into small crevices.

According to her, rolling clothes meant she could get three months’ worth of belongings into just one small suitcase.

In her caption, she said: “Packing cubes don’t save space, roll your clothes and you’ll fit so much more!”.

In the video’s comments, people agreed that packing cubes were pretty useless unless you’re carrying a massive suitcase.

“I’m with you on the packing cubes. I just find they make it so much worse,” one viewer said. Another chimed in: “I’m so impressed.”

Joanna pointed out that while she travelled across Europe with her luggage, most airlines didn’t bother to check its weight – but if you do get caught out and it’s too heavy, you could be slapped with a fee to chuck it in the hold.

If you’re looking for another packing trick to try this summer and you don’t want to resort to packing cubes, influencer Chantel Mila has just the thing.

She has recommended standing your suitcase upright, rather than laying it flat on the floor, and packing your belongings vertically in columns.

Not only will this help to maximise space, but you’ll be able to see everything in your case much more clearly, which will make unpacking so much easier when you reach your destination.

If you want ideas and inspiration to plan your next UK adventure plus selected offers and competitions, sign up for our 2Chill weekly newsletter here

Unfortunately, this dietary rule is particularly unfavourable for those who want to eat three large meals daily

Italy, Japan, and Costa Rica might appear very different on the surface, but they are actually connected by a surprising common trait. These countries boast three of the globe’s six exclusive ‘Blue Zones’ where inhabitants are reportedly 10 times more likely to live to 100 than anywhere in the United States.

However, not living in these longevity hubs isn’t a reason to despair. A potentially game-changing key to the residents’ long lives has recently been revealed—it’s all about a strict practice called the ‘80% trick’ or ‘Hara Hachi Bu.’

This dietary rule is particularly unfavourable for those who want to eat three large meals daily. People in Blue Zones usually have a small meal later in the day, deliberately stopping at about 80% fullness, hence the name of the rule.

READ MORE: Seaside village in UK ‘feels like Lake Como’ and has very cheap fish and chipsREAD MORE: Love Islander Demi Jones says she brushed off key symptom before cancer diagnosis

It’s said this practice helps prevent the common ‘food coma’ feelings that can occur after overeating, while also enabling residents to stay active throughout the day. It is mainly practised by Okinawans on one of Japan’s smallest islands, as noted by Blue Zones explorer Dan Buettner.

According to a previous Mirror report, he wrote online: “The secret to eating in moderation in the long run is emulating the environment and habits of the Okinawan people. There is a significant calorie gap between when an American says, ‘I’m full’ and an Okinawan says, ‘I’m no longer hungry’.”

Previous research suggests that they exist in a ‘calorie deficit’, consuming only 1,900 calories instead of the usual 2,000 to 2,500, which is associated with a reduced risk of diseases related to ageing.

These views are echoed by Dr Deborah Lee, a GP at Dr Fox Pharmacy, too. She told the Mirror that eating less may even help to reduce ageing.

READ MORE: Rare 1979 toy figure set to fetch up to £5,000 at auctionREAD MORE: DWP to start ‘monitoring’ bank accounts in 2026 to combat benefit fraud

“Imagine what 80% of your meal would look like, and aim to leave 20% behind,” she said previously. “Calorie restriction is believed to slow the ageing process. Eating less lowers the metabolic rate.

“With less metabolic processes underway, less oxidation is taking place. Oxidative stress probably underpins the development of many of the chronic diseases we see today – heart disease, cancer, type-2 diabetes and dementia.”

Dr Lee suggested that eating slowly can help one adhere to the 80% rule. Research supports this theory, with a 2012 study indicating that slower eating is associated with increased satisfaction and less hunger between meals.

She continued: “Nutritionists believe that when you look at your plate, if you eat mindfully, eating slowly and chewing every mouthful thoroughly, you can feel satisfied by eating only 80% of that is on your plate.

“The diet has many benefits. You don’t have to count calories, and no foods are absolutely forbidden. It can fit in with your work and social schedule. You are still eating large amounts of healthy foods and getting good nutrition.”

Passengers flying with the likes of Ryanair, easyJet, Virgin Atlantic and British Airways may want to take note of a clever hack that can help your bag be one of the first on the carousel

Anyone will know that once you’ve navigated airport security, check-in, and a flight, the wait at the baggage carousel after landing at a destination can feel agonisingly slow.

There’s always that little voice in the back of your mind asking if your bag made it at all, and it can be annoying to stand around for ages waiting for your case to finally appear on the carousel.

However, there’s one easy trick that means your suitcase could be one of the first taken off the plane – and it won’t cost you an extra penny.

Hadleigh Diamond, Commercial Director at SCS Chauffeurs, revealed that a lot of the company’s clients use the same hack to get out of the airport as efficiently as possible.

He explained: Clients regularly tell us that the difference between a good travel day and a stressful one often starts with baggage reclaim. If you’re standing waiting for 30 minutes while the carousel clunks out someone else’s bags, your trip can feel so much longer. But the fragile sticker trick is a game-changer — and it often works.

READ MORE: Experts share 6 easy packing hacks to help you avoid luggage fees on flightsREAD MORE: Fashion experts’ 5-4-3-2-1 packing hack lets you get 30 outfits in one suitcase

“We’ve heard this tip from both airport ground staff and frequent flyers. You don’t need to lie or explain — just politely ask the check-in agent to add a ‘fragile’ sticker to your suitcase. It’s not guaranteed, but more often than not, your bag is among the first out. We’ve seen it work time and time again.”

The reason it works is that airport ground handlers will typically load ‘fragile’ items last into the aircraft’s hold to avoid them getting crushed, and then these get removed first on the other side to avoid sitting under heavy loads. Of course it won’t save you hours of time, but those 20 minutes it might save you could just mean a bit of extra pool time (or getting to your hotel early enough to be one of the first at the buffet!).

For those who are on a tight schedule, it’s worth looking at hand luggage only fares. Airlines will let you bring at least one bag for free, but check the measurements as these differ per airline. For example Ryanair lets you bring one free bag but it must measure no more than (40 x 20 x 25 cm) and fit under the seat. easyJet has a similar policy in which your carry-on bag—including the handle and wheels—must not exceed 56 x 25 x 45 cm. If you want to bring a bigger bag or a second bag, you’ll need to pay extra.

In recent years, plenty of people have tried to cheat the system. For example, one passenger was hailed as a ‘genius’ after discovering a clever packing hack that meant he could fit 20kg of stuff into his hand luggage, without needing to pay for any extra bags on his Ryanair flight. Others have tried antics such as wearing all of their clothes in one go, or stuffing clothes into a pillowcase to pass it off as a pillow and therefore not technically a bag.

Still, airline staff are wise to these tricks (they’ve seen it all before), so although you may get lucky if they turn a blind eye, if you get caught out you could end up paying some hefty on-the-spot charges, which might be more than it would have cost you to add a second bag in the first place.

Packing for a weekend getaway can be a struggle when you’re trying to keep costs low – but one woman has shared a simple trick to avoid paying cabin bag fees

We all want to score the best deals when jetting off to soak up some sun abroad.

But with major airlines cracking down on luggage allowances, packing for a quick weekend getaway has become tricky — and often expensive — especially when you’re trying to keep costs low.

Luckily, one savvy traveller has shared a clever hack that lets you avoid paying for a cabin or underseat bag altogether.

If you’ve already visited far-flung places like Australia or South America, chances are you might already own the perfect item for this trick.

Instead of splashing out on an extra carry-on, TikToker Nina Edwine showed how much you can actually fit inside an empty travel pillow cover.

READ MORE: Influencer’s travel hack gets you an entire row of seats on plane to yourself

Not only does this keep your clothes safe, but the packed pillow also doubles as a comfy cushion for those long flights. Don’t be fooled by its small size — Nina stuffed the pillow with plenty of clothes.

In her video, the German traveller unpacks a non-padded bra, a strappy dress, multiple tops, a stunning red co-ord, and more — totalling ten pieces of clothing.

She revealed that this stash was enough to put together “more than six” different outfits.

Proud of her budget-friendly hack, Nina said: “Smart trick to avoid paying 50 euros (£42) for cabin luggage.”

While some airlines allow a small free cabin bag, their size restrictions often aren’t enough — making this hack a game-changer.

The clip has gone viral, racking up over 2.6 million views on TikTok, with more than 75,000 likes and nearly 1,900 comments.

“This is actually genius, for real,” one user commented, liked over 4,100 times.

Another was amazed: “Wait, you fit so much stuff in there!”

A third said: “Legendary… how have I never thought of this?”

And one more chimed in: “Love doing this — it saves so much space.”

One fashion-savvy viewer added: “One of those Uniqlo crossbody bags fits loads. Wear it under your coat with a scarf to hide the strap.”

It comes after another influencer shared a simple trick that will help you get an entire row to yourself on your next flight.

Maddie revealed she had signed up for a service called Neighbour Free when she flew with Etihad. In a video posted to her social media platforms, she explained: “I bid on the seats next to me on the plane, and if the flight isn’t completely full when I board, I get the whole row to myself. It’s basically like Business Class in Economy. I can lie down, sleep, all that.”

The content creator was “excited” to discover she had “won” the seats, meaning she had the entire row to herself. Maddie managed to sleep for eight of the 13.5-hour long-haul flight.

When asked how much this luxury had cost her, Maddie revealed in the comments section of her video that she had paid £200 to upgrade to three seats. In response to a suggestion that it might have been cheaper to upgrade to Business Class, she retorted: “Business Class upgrade would have cost £1,900++.”

READ MORE: Hair loss sufferer says hairdresser ‘couldn’t believe’ growth with 55p-per-day supplement

Scott McCormick and his girlfriend Helena Boshwick were due to fly from Birmingham Airport on May 1 to Palma de Mallorca, Spain when they claimed they were bumped from the Ryanair flight

A holidaymaker discovered that a common method to save money on Ryanair flights backfired – when he was booted off without a refund as he ‘hadn’t reserved a seat’.

Scott McCormick and his girlfriend Helena Boshwick, both 33, were due to fly from Birmingham Airport on May 1 to Palma de Mallorca, Spain, for a week-long holiday and gym-mentorship event. Scott said they had not paid to reserve seats – which typically costs between £4.50 and £33 per seat – because it was a short two-hour flight and they didn’t mind if they didn’t sit together.

Everything went as normal, with the couple the first in the boarding queue. Then a Ryanair staff member approached them and asked if they would step aside while the rest of the passengers boarded. The staff member reportedly told the couple the flight was full and that there was only one available seat left.

Have you been on a flight that’s gone wrong? Email [email protected]

READ MORE: One of UK’s busiest airports unveils brand new £100 million upgrade

Scott said the two had a ‘meltdown’ as they had wanted to travel together, but said a staff member claimed it was because they ‘hadn’t reserved a seat’. The gym-owner claims they protested and were finally told that they could both get on the next flight and receive a refund for both tickets.

When the couple went to the check-in desk again, they were reportedly told they still had to pay for one of the tickets, while Scott claims he never received a refund. After sharing his ordeal on social media, many suggested Scott and Helena were singled out because they had not reserved seats – suggesting a technique many use to keep fares low could end up costing people more.

Scott, from Birmingham, West Midlands, said: “We checked in the night before and we didn’t reserve a seat but you normally just get a random one. Me and my partner thought it’s not that much of a problem if we’re not sitting together for a two-hour flight, we’re adults here.

“We turned up, everything went as normal, went through security as normal, went to the gate after waiting a couple of hours and we were the first ones at the gate ready for boarding. The lady scanned our boarding passes and told us to step to the side for a second. That moment was a red flag, I thought, ‘there’s something happening here’.

“We stepped to the side and watched all the people board the flight. I asked her to tell us what is going to happen and she said ‘no’. When everyone boarded, she said, ‘the plane is full, there’s only one seat remaining and we will have to reimburse you for the other seat or you’ll have to get on the next flight.’

“We were having a meltdown at this point. There was no compassion or care whatsoever. After going back and forth we said we’re not going to take separate flights and be in separate countries for hours. We said we wanted to get on the next flight together. They said ‘you can do that, we will fully reimburse both tickets and put you on the next flight for free’.”

Scott claimed that when they went down to the booking desk, one of the tickets was put down as missed flight, meaning they had to pay for one seat on a new plane.

READ MORE: Travel advice for Brits if your holiday company goes bust as another firm loses licenceREAD MORE: Brits ditch Spain and Portugal for scorching countries with cheaper breaks

The couple claimed they had to fork out another £100 for the new ticket and waited around four hours to board the next flight to Palma. The ‘angry’ holidaymaker claims the experience felt like discrimination as he felt the couple got singled out for being young and without kids.

Scott said he will now avoid flying with Ryanair due to the staff’s lack of compassion and empathy. While a Ryanair staff member reportedly told the couple that a refund would be processed for one of the tickets, Scott claims he has still not received it or heard from the company.

He said: “Ryanair should have asked all passengers if anyone would like to volunteer their seats. It felt like discrimination, how do they pick out these people, is it because we’re young and we have no kids so there’s just two of us, is it to do with something we don’t see or understand.

“There was so much of it that was really frustrating, and it’s the lack of care, no empathy. You can be bawling your eyes out and they just don’t care, they’re deadpan. We had to go through check-in again and we had another four and a half hours until the next flight. We paid around £100.

“We just had to get over what happened, it was a terrible way to start a holiday. They said at ticket sales they would be doing this themselves and get everything over and start the process so I haven’t formally complained. I don’t think they did, I definitely haven’t got the money back.

“We just got caught in a big company’s terms and conditions. The biggest stress was at the gate when they said we aren’t going on this flight.

When Scott shared his ordeal on social media, many were shocked to hear that airlines might overbook a flight – though some suggested reserving a seat can help avoid being ‘singled out’ for not getting aboard.

One said: “Prepay for a seat, then problem solved. ALL airlines do this.” When someone suggested queuing early to ensure you get a seat, another responded: “Or just book your seat [laughing emoji].”

Airlines tend to overbook flights as not all passengers turn up on the day. When a flight is so overbooked that passengers are denied boarding or offloaded, the airline will usually ask for volunteers. But if no-one comes forward, each airline will deny boarding to passengers in line with its own policies.

Your chances of being bumped may be increased if if you’re travelling alone or without luggage, have paid the lowest fare or were the last to check-in. Airlines are legally obliged to pay you compensation if they deny you boarding or bump you from a flight because they’ve overbooked it.

Ryanair has been contacted for comment.

WE may well be seeing lower slug and snail numbers this summer thanks to colder weather in winter and the recent dry spells.

But mother nature never makes it easy for us. Instead – of course – there’s a new pest in town.

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Aphid levels have rocketed this year – and the RHS reckons it’s top of the list of gardening queries to their hotline.

There’s over 500 different species found in the UK – and can be red, yellow, black, green, brown or pink.

They feed by sucking sap from plants – and can cause severe damage – including distorted growth, sooty mould and plant viruses – and sometimes plant death.

Chelsea award winning gardener Adam Woolcott – and Webb ambassador – gave Sun Gardening some top tips on how to tackle the most common early summer pests.

APHIDS

Physically remove the aphids from the stems and leaves.
Use natural insecticidal soaps.
Blast off with water jets.
Encourage predators such as ladybirds, lacewings, and hoverflies

VINE WEEVIL

Both the adult vine weevil beetles and their larvae cause damage.
Adults — all female — chew distinctive ‘U-shaped’ notches in leaves, particularly on evergreen shrubs like rhododendrons, escallonias, and viburnums.
Underground: larvae feed on plant roots and can kill container plants like Heucheras.
Remove adults at night when they’re most active
Break the life cycle with biological controls such as nematodes (apply in spring and autumn when grubs are active) Chemical treatments are a last resort, but offer longer-term control

LILY BEETLE

The bright red beetles and their larvae are both covered in their excrement. They can strip a plant in days, affecting flowering and bulb health.

Remove beetles by hand where practical
Encourage wildlife into the garden. Birds and ground beetles will eat the larvae
Grow a resistant variety.
Tolerate some damage if you can — total eradication isn’t always necessary.

CATERPILLARS

Especially troublesome in veg patches. Cabbage white butterfly caterpillars love brassicas, while box tree caterpillars are spreading rapidly across the UK, stripping foliage as they go.

Remove the caterpillars by hand if you can and destroy any badly affected plants (if practical) to stop the infestation from spreading.
Use biological sprays like nematodes.
In some cases, hot water and a mild detergent can help. Ecover is on sale at Dunelm for £2.45.
As a last resort, chemical controls can be effective

Also in Veronica’s Column this week…

Top tips, Gardening news, and a competition to win a £250 lawnmower

NEWS KING Charles made a surprise visit to Windsor Flower Show last Saturday. Celebrities including Alex Jones and Kirsty Gallacher were at the one-day show – which had wonderful village fair vibes, vegetable and cake competitions and fantastic floral displays.

TOP TIP JUNE is actually a good time to take Hydrangea cuttings – and get your own plants for free. They’ll have produced some soft green growth – which is what you want. Choose healthy, non flowering shoots that are 10-15cm long and cut just below the node (the leaf joint). Don’t collect cuttings from plants with leaves that are turning brown. And try to collect in the morning if you can.
Remove the lower leaves – leaving just one or two at the top.
Then dip the end in rooting powder or gel – then pop it straight in a pot. You could splash out on seeding and cutting compost – but multi purpose will do – just add a bit of grit or perlite. Then keep them out of direct sunlight and keep moist. They should have rooted within about a month.

NEWS A RARE ‘sheep-eating’ South American plant has flowered in an English primary school for the first time. The Puya Chilensis, with its iconic spike pattern, is normally found in the Andes in Chile. But after it was planted 10 years ago by school horticulturalist Louise Moreton, it has sent out a 10ft spike at Wicor Primary School in Portchester, Hants. It’s called a Sheep Catcher as it would normally entangle wildlife, hold onto it – and then when the animal died – would take the nutrients. Ms Moreton said it was exciting but a worrying sign of global warming.

WIN! Keep your lawn looking its best this summer by winning a Webb Classic Self Propelled Petrol Lawn Mower worth £249.99. To enter visit www.thesun.co.uk/WEBBCOMP or write to Sun Webb competition, PO Box 3190, Colchester, Essex, CO2 8GP. Include your name, age, email or phone. UK residents 18+ only. Entries close 11.59pm. July 5, 2025. T&Cs apply.

TOP TIP IF you want to get more flowers from your sedums (now called Hylotelephiums) and prevent them from collapsing – pinch them out around now. Pinch off around four sets of leaves down – which will make them bushier.

JOB OF THE WEEK Weeds thrive this month – keep on top of them by hoeing. Tie in sweet peas, and give your plants a good feed – liquid seaweed feed is great – and Tomorite works with nearly everything. Give agapanthus a high-potash feed every couple of weeks.

For more top tips and gardening news, follow me @biros_and_bloom

JUNE is a popular time for people to move home, hopeful of being settled before the new school term.

But making sure you get the most out of a move can be stressful.

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However, property expert Liv Conlon – who stages homes for a living – has shared her essential 10 tips for boosting value.

And some cost just pennies but can had hundreds to the asking price.

Liv, 26, is the CEO of multi-award-winning ThePropertyStagers.co.uk, which furnishes more than 400 homes a year, as well as a StagerBoss – a coaching business teaching other women how to do the same.

The Scots mum, who was brought up in Glasgow and now lives in Marbella with son Cash and mum Ali, says: “From posh pillows to hotel-style bedding, the right styling can make buyers fall in love and nudge them above the asking price.

“So before you stick up the For Sale sign, check out these smart, simple ways to get buyers battling to pay more than the asking price.”

FIRST IMPRESSIONS

A buyer decides in 10 seconds whether they are going to buy your home or not – so your entrance and hallway need to make a good first impression.

Make it warm and welcoming. Buy a new door mat that’s only used for viewings, with no dirty shoe marks, and place two identical plants at either side of the door – which is either clean, new or given a lick of paint. Opt for colours such as black or navy blue so it looks ‘classy’, rather than something more ‘out there’.

Clear away the clutter, and lose the smelly shoes and dumped coats.

LIVING ROOM VISION

The living room is the heart of the home – and buyers know it. It’s where they picture relaxing with a glass of wine, watching TV, or hosting friends.

Get this room wrong and you risk turning off even the most interested buyer. Make it feel spacious but not sterile, styled but still homely.

Pull sofas away from the walls to create cosy conversation zones, and use a large rug to anchor the space – this helps define it and adds warmth.

Then ditch harsh overhead lights and go for soft lamps, layered lighting and oversized accessories to give a sense of luxury. Use neutral tones for your sofa and walls, then add depth with textured throws, scatter cushions and artwork.

GO BIG

Tiny trinkets and dinky lamps really don’t cut it when you’re trying to wow a buyer. One of the biggest styling mistakes sellers make is going too small with their accessories – it makes your home look underwhelming.

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If you want to create that lux, showhome feel, size matters. Think
big and bold. Oversized lamps on side tables make a dramatic statement, especially when paired with plush sofas or layered cushions.

Chunky candlesticks, large framed art or statement vases add instant impact – and make the space feel styled, not stuffed.

DON’T LOO-SE OUT

Bathrooms are an important room but are often forgotten about when it comes to staging. The key to success with styling this room is to compliment not clutter.

You can do this by adding simple styling accessories, layers and textures. Consider pops of colour in your accessories, such as a soap dispenser or a toothbrush holder, which you can pick up for as little as £3 in places like Home Bargains. This draws the eye and helps your images jump off the page.

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Add textures with towels and bath mats, but also through the type of glass or ceramic in your accessories. Small touches can have a big impact.

RIGHT RUG

Rugs are the unsung heroes of home staging – they define spaces, add texture and instantly warm up any room. In large, open-plan layouts, rugs create natural boundaries between living,
dining and kitchen zones, making the space feel organised and inviting.

Don’t overlook the ‘forgotten’ spaces – utility rooms, hallways or entryways can be transformed with a well-chosen rug to feel cosy and purposeful.

Rugs can tie together the design elements, especially through colour and texture, in a space while providing a cosy and inviting atmosphere.

They can also significantly reduce noise levels by absorbing sound – a quieter home is always more appealing to buyers.

ALL WHITE

Five-star hotels use crisp, white bedding for a reason, as it exudes luxury and cleanliness, and it immediately puts a viewer at ease.

Patterned or busy linens can feel cluttered and overly personal, turning off potential buyers. Investing in high-quality, bright white sheets creates a serene, spa-like oasis that invites buyers to imagine themselves unwinding there.

The clean, neutral backdrop also lets you introduce pops of colour and texture with cushions and throws – easy updates that make the room feel stylish without overwhelming the senses.

GET DRESSED

Layering is the secret to making your home feel styled, warm and high-end – without overdoing it.

In the bedroom, start with white sheets, then double up on duvets: one laid flat, the second folded neatly at the end for a boutique hotel look. Use feather insert cushions -not flat polyfills – and build texture with velvet throws, faux fur or quilted finishes.

In the living room, mix cushion sizes and textures on your sofa – linen, boucle, chunky knit – to add depth. Coffee tables and
sideboards should be styled too: think a stack of hardback books, a sculptural candle and one standout vase. Keep it intentional, not cluttered.

STAR OF THE SHOW

Not much beats getting ready at a dressing table. The feeling of space and time – rather than catching a quick glimpse in the closet mirror before rushing out the front door.

Create that same feeling in your bedroom by setting up a designated space in your bedroom to put on make-up and style your hair.

This can be a dual purpose area that could also double up as a work from home space too. To add real luxury, add a table standing mirror, and opt for a mirrored dressing table if your budget allows.

CLEAR OFF

Nothing puts buyers off faster than clutter. It makes rooms feel smaller and chaotic. When people view your home, they’re not just looking at the space – they’re imagining their life in it.

That’s hard to do if every surface is piled high with post, toys or toiletries. Start by stripping back.

Clear kitchen worktops, bedside tables and bathroom counters. Invest in clever storage: ottomans with lift-up lids, under-bed boxes and baskets for toys or blankets.

Hide away anything personal or bulky. Less stuff equals more space.

MIRROR IMAGE

Create symmetry in your rooms with matching bedside tables on either side of the bed. Not only does this add practicality and storage, but it instantly makes the room feel more polished.

Then, top each table with oversized, identical lamps – these create drama and a high-end vibe without breaking the bank.

Symmetry tricks the eye into seeing order and elegance, making your
bedroom feel like a five-star retreat buyers won’t forget.

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IF your bins are kicking up a nasty smell, fear not, you’ve come to the right place.

With summer right around the corner, the warm weather can cause your bins to emit ghastly, unwanted odours.

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But to stop your dirty recycling from marinating in the heat and causing your neighbours to squirm, experts have revealed a variety of simple tips and tricks to keep your bins fresh all summer long.

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. 

You probably already have at least two of these buys in your cupboards already, but don’t worry if your purse is feeling tighter than ever before, as all three are super affordable.

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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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.

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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So I searched for something a bit stronger and bought myself a tub of The Pink Stuff, which you’ll find for only £1.50 from Poundland, Sainsbury’s and Dunelm. 

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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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. 

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 

Unlock even more award-winning articles as The Sun launches brand new membership programme – Sun Club

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LIDL shoppers say they’ve been getting hidden freebies through the discount supermarket’s loyalty app.

Customers have been raving about the free finds they’ve managed to get through the Lidl Plus app, including doughnuts, fresh fruit and pasta.

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It’s all through the app’s Coupon Plus feature, which lets shoppers unlock rewards and freebies when they spend.

Several shoppers have been sharing their bargains on the Extreme Couponing and Bargains UK Facebook Group, with one saying: “Today checked my app so free doughnuts (2) free grapefruit free vine tomatoes free 600g of strawberries saved about £7.00.”

Another shared a photo of a receipt showing they had got muffins, a punnet of strawberries and pasta.

“All free with my Lidl coupon plus rewards,” they said proudly.

A third person said they had got coupons for free fruit, veg and a bakery item on their app despite not spending anything at Lidl yet this month.

A fourth said they received a free kilo punnet of strawberries.

Lidl has said the coupons in its app are tailor-made for each customer based on their shopping habits.

To get the vouchers you should head to the Coupons Plus section of the app and make sure you activate the coupons before you head to the till.

The offers seem to change over time but one example is getting a free bakery sweet treat when you spend £10 in a month.

Shoppers have also shared an extra little-known tip that can help you get the most out of your coupons.

One social media user said that when you have a free item in the coupons section of the app, you should click on the picture of the item and scroll down to where it says ‘item number’.

If you click on this, it should show you the complete list of any items you can claim for free with the coupon.

That means you’re not just limited to the free item seen in the picture.

What other offers can you get through the Lidl Plus app?

If it’s your birthday you can get a free doughnut from the Lidl bakery section.

There’s no minimum spend required and the coupon is valid for seven days from your birthday.

All you need to do to get the offer is register your birthday when you initially sign up to the app.

Other offers you can get through the Lidl Plus app include a 10% off voucher when you spend £250 in-store in a month.

This could be particularly helpful for larger families doing their weekly shops at Lidl.

There is also currently a chance to win £5,000 through the app.

Shoppers who spend £30 in one transaction with Lidl Plus from now until June 18 will be entered into a draw to win the cash.

One winner will be announced every day and you can enter multiple times.

WHAT could you do with a square meter in your outside space?

Turns out – quite a lot – says Gardeners’ World presenter Nick Bailey – who’s spearheading new campaign Make a Metre Matter.

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He wants to get Sun Gardening readers involved too – supporting wildlife and sustainability – and making the planet a better place.

“There’s 20 million gardens in Britain. If 20 million people just dedicated one metre, that’s quite a lot of metres isn’t it?,” he told me.

“There are loads of ways you can make a meaningful difference, including growing plants for pollinators, growing veg to cut down on food miles and creating a compost heap.”

Nick’s created a Headline Show Garden for BBC Gardeners’ World Live later this month – with lots of Make a Metre Matter ideas to take home.

He added: “You can grow nine lettuces in that space. You could grow four compact courgettes and supply your family with more courgettes than you could eat for the summer.”

Currently Asda are selling courgette seeds for £2 – and you can get them in the ground now.

“You could choose to put acid compost in there and put four blueberries in there ” he said.

“Within your first harvest you’ve made your money back.”

“Equally you could just sow some British native wildflowers, which could be as cheap as £2 to £3 for a packet.

“It will give you a brilliant long run of colour from May through to October,  with lots of interest for pollinators.

“You could also create a square metre pond. In the first month you’ll have about 10 species in the pond.

“A year down the line you’ll have 20 plus species and it just goes up and up and up.

“Insect and bees will come and feed from there, you’ll support birds, you’re supporting the aquatic life itself.

“It doesn’t have to be a big space to make a big impact.”

If you’re inspired to make a difference – you can register your meter to be entered into a Gardeners World prize draw to win a £1k voucher to spend at Crocus or two runner up Crocus prizes of £500.

Visit www.Gardenersworld.com for more information. Gardeners World Live takes place at Birmingham NEC from June 12 – 15.

Also in Veronica’s Column this week…

Top tips, news and a great competition to win a £100 Westland plant feed bundle.

TOP TIP Salvias are coming into their prime right now – especially the Mexican hardy shrubby ones like Hot Lips, Limelight and Amistad.
To ensure you get the best blooms all summer, we’ve got some top tips from expert William Dyson, from Great Comp Garden in Kent

• Grow them in pots, or in your borders – they like free draining soil and sunshine.
• If you give them an extra chop in mid to late of July – cutting a third of the growth-  they’ll spring back and reward you with tons of flowers until November.
• Companion plant with perennials to give a cottage garden look
• Or make a statement in a large pot.
• Don’t let them get too dry – they do like to be watered,
• Don’t feed them with nitrogen plant food because you’ll get more leaves and less flowers.

Great Comp’s summer garden show is on August 9 and 10.

NEWS! The Beardy Gardener – an award-winning garden designer, broadcaster and mental health advocate, is hosting his first ever Garden Gathering on June 21 at the Longstock Park Nursery on the Leckford Estate, near Andover. 

The event supports Andover Mind’s ‘Garden for Mind’ initiative, a therapeutic green space dedicated to enhancing mental health and wellbeing.
The Garden Gathering promises a vibrant day filled with expert-led workshops, live demonstrations, plant sales, and family-friendly activities. For more info visit www.beardygardener.com/garden-gathering

NEWS! The National Garden Scheme gives visitors unique access to over 3,500 exceptional private gardens across the UK while raising money for nursing and health charities. Visit the website to find a garden near you open this week.

WIN! Thanks to Westland  – we’re giving away two amazing plant feed bundles worth over £100 each. Each one contains Boost Boost All Purpose Granules, plant feed, Big Tom, Rose feed, bug gard and others. To enter visit www.thesun.co.uk/WESTLANDBOOST or write to Sun Westland Boost competition, PO Box 3190, Colchester, Essex, CO2 8GP. Include your name, age, email or phone. UK residents 18+ only. Entries close 11.59pm. June 28, 2025. T&Cs apply.

JOB OF THE WEEK You can move a lot of houseplants outside now to make space or give them a bit of a boost with natural light. Water hanging baskets daily, start deadheading roses.

TOP TIP – if you, like me, are struggling with blackfly right now – make a spray of washing up liquid (Ecover is best) and water – and give them a good soaking. 

FOLLOW ME for more top tips and news @biros_and_bloom

MILLIONS of households could slash their water bills by up to hundreds of pounds a year.

But many Brits aren’t aware of the discounts they could be entitled to.

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All water companies in England and Wales now offer social tariffs to help lower-income customers.

But because each company sets its own rules, the support varies wildly depending on where you live.

Despite the growing cost of living and rising utility prices, millions of eligible people still aren’t claiming the discounts available.

Last year, consumer watchdog CCW said more than two million households had received help with their water bills, but millions more could be saving and aren’t.

Some of the biggest discounts are available through schemes like WaterHelp, run by Thames Water, which offers a 50% reduction.

The reduction is for households earning under £21,749 a year (not including disability benefits), or where bills account for more than 5% of net income.

There’s also WaterSure, a national scheme available to water meter customers on means-tested benefits.

If you have a medical condition that needs extra water or you have three or more children under 19 living at home, you could get your bill capped at the average annual charge.

With Thames Water, for example, that cap is currently £423 a year.

The average annual water and sewerage bill for a Thames Water customer is currently around £864.

So that means if you qualify for WaterHelp, you get 50% off your bill and would therefore save £432 a year.

What’s available at other providers?

Other providers offer even bigger savings.

Southern Water gives customers up to 90% off bills through its Essentials Tariff if they earn under £22,010 and have less than £16,000 in savings.

Wessex Water, South West Water, and Bournemouth Water also offer generous reductions, in some cases 85% or more, depending on your circumstances.

Meanwhile, Anglian Water, Essex & Suffolk Water, and Northumbrian Water offer discounts of up to 50% for households earning less than £23,933 or receiving Pension Credit.

In many cases, discounts kick in if your water bill makes up more than 3% of your income after housing costs.

To find out if you’re eligible, check your supplier’s website or give them a call.

Some schemes ask for proof of income or benefits, while others carry out a short financial assessment.

If you’re unsure who supplies your water, you can find out using this tool.

On top of that, many water firms also offer emergency grants to help with arrears, and free water-saving gadgets like tap aerators and shower timers to help cut your usage.

And with suppliers like Thames Water proposing price hikes of nearly 60% over the next six years, now’s the time to act.

Don’t wait until your bills go up, check if you can get help now and start saving.

If you’re struggling with the cost of living, it’s always worth checking what benefits you could be entitled to.

Do you have a money problem that needs sorting? Get in touch by emailing [email protected].

Plus, you can join our Sun Money Chats and Tips Facebook group to share your tips and stories

Lisa Hogan has been in a relationship with Jeremy Clarkson for eight years – and has figured out how to use their show, Clarkson’s Farm, to stop him interrupting her

Jeremy Clarkson’s partner Lisa Hogan has been opening up about the subtle techniques she uses to ensure he doesn’t interrupt her on camera. Former Top Gear host Jeremy, 65, has been in a relationship with 50-year-old actress Lisa since 2017.

The couple have given fans an insight into their relationship thanks to the camera crews that follow Jeremy while making his hit Amazon Prime documentary series, Clarkson’s Farm. The series follows the motorhead after he bought a farm in the Cotswolds and documents the trials and challenges he faces while trying to turn a profit from the investment.

While Jeremy is often shown to be learning as he goes, Lisa can be seen as something of a rock for him, appearing in episodes where she gives sage advice or support as crops fail and local politicians make life on the farm difficult.

As fans will know, Jeremy is reasonably opinionated, and he is not one to be known for holding back. However, it seems Lisa has devised a smart way of ensuring she can voice her own thoughts on the show without fear of being interrupted.

Speaking to the Mail on Sunday, she explained: “I’ve worked out that when he’s wearing a mic, he can’t interrupt me. So that’s when I go for it.”

She explained she has discovered a way to avoid arguing with him, adding: “I’m more conniving than that. Why argue with someone like Jeremy? He’s so eloquent. I have to be a bit more… nimble. I like the long-term diplomatic approach.”

Lisa also gave insight into her partner’s personality when the cameras are not rolling. She said: “He’s always incredibly inquisitive.

“His mind is always on the move. He’ll come in fizzing with energy about the smallest thing. I like that.

“I used to let my son stay up to watch Top Gear, but I never really watched it myself. I knew him more from his writing. I always loved his columns. I thought he was bright – and probably amusing. And I think he thought I’d be amusing.”

Lisa has long supported her man and frequently praises him during interviews. In 2023, she gushed to Lad Bible about her partner and the impact he has had on the farming community: “He’s really loved, but I’m really proud of him for doing this.

“And creating such a movement within agriculture, where people like I would have gone by and I wouldn’t have known what a tramline is. And now I do. You just look at the country in a different way, I think.”

Jeremy has become an unexpected hero of the farming world after inviting cameras to document his attempts to turn his land into a viable business. He has battled adverse weather conditions that have ruined crops, and battled local council rules to open his farm shop.

He has also been praised by farming communities for highlighting the industry’s difficulties and giving fans an insight into the highs and lows of life in the country.

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