6 Mar, 2025 | Admin | No Comments
Bring coastal vibes into your home with Dunelm’s stylish homeware – with prices from £1.25
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Looking in homeware stores, on Instagram and TikTok, everyone (including us) seems to be falling in love with a ‘coastal style’, even if we do live in a tiny flat on the outskirts of London.
The coastal home trend is all about blending timeless elements with modern touches to create stylish and functional spaces.
At Dunelm, of course there’s a plethora of items to add into your virtual basket – including a soothing colour palette, packed full of breezy blues, crisp whites, and sandy neutrals, which evoke a serene seaside atmosphere… basically like we’re sat by the gorgeous coastline of Norfolk, Cornwall or Margate for that matter.
Natural materials like wood, jute, and rattan are prominently featured, adding texture and warmth to the décor – which we’ve been obsessed with for years.
As expected, Dunelm’s coastal style items offer a perfect blend of elegance, comfort, and sustainability, making it easy to bring a fresh, coastal vibe to your home.
So, until we win the lottery and can afford the homes we’re looking at on Rightmove during our lunchbreak, why not have a look at these gorgeous items that will bring the vibes of the coastline into your home with ease, as chosen by our shopping expert.
Better yet? Prices start from £2 for an adorable Puffin Porcelain Side Plate.
Catherine Lansfield Cove Stripe Duvet Cover and Pillowcase Set
Give your bedroom a serene makeover with wide vertical stripes in striking tones. This fully reversible design, featuring a subtle ribbon, lets you switch up your style effortlessly. Made from easy-care recycled polyester and soft, responsibly sourced cotton, it's perfect for everyday use.
Turtle Scalloped Outdoor Rectangle Cushion
Say hello to your new outdoor essential — the Turtle Scalloped Cushion! Perfect for poolside lounging with its water-resistant coating, and the removable cover makes cleaning a breeze. The chic scalloped design adds a touch of elegance to any outdoor setting, blending style and practicality effortlessly.
Set of 4 Antique Coral Framed Prints
Add a touch of vintage charm to your decor with this Set of 4 Antique Coral Framed Prints. Featuring Johann Esper's sea coral illustrations in sleek black frames, these prints come with textured finishes and are ready to hang. They bring a classic, refined elegance to any space.
Porcelain Ammonite Table Lamp
Illuminate your home with the subtle elegance of the Ammonite Lamp. Crafted from high-quality porcelain in a versatile off-white hue, this lamp draws inspiration from the stunning fossils found along British coastlines. Its modern yet timeless design adds a touch of history and sophistication to any interior.
Schoal Fish Ceramic Decorative Ginger Jar
Elevate your decor with this versatile ginger jar in a dreamy deep blue and white. Perfect as a statement piece on your console or a centerpiece on your dining table, its curved ceramic design features a charming fish pattern. Use it with or without the lid to add a touch of elegance to any space.
Herringbone Jute Border Rug
Enhance your space with the Herringbone Border Rug. Its natural jute and cotton border offer a timeless look, perfect for high-traffic areas. Durable and slip-resistant, it's ideal for busy living spaces and fits perfectly under furniture.
Oswald Pinstripe Wingback Armchair
Unwind in the elegant Oswald armchair, featuring foam and fibre-filled cushions, pocket sprung seats, and a supportive high back. Its classic wingback design, scrolled arms, and oak-finished wooden legs make it a versatile addition to any room. Upholstered in smooth pinstripe fabric with piped edge detailing, this generously proportioned chair blends comfort and style effortlessly.
Purity Large Trunk
Experience the elegance and functionality of the Purity Large Storage Trunk. Crafted with care, its sturdy metal wire construction ensures durability, while the foldable design offers versatility and space-saving convenience. Available in various colourways, this sophisticated storage solution seamlessly blends with any decor.
Clam Shells Cushion
Brighten up your home with the Clam Shells Cushion, featuring a vibrant, handcrafted print of clam shells in summery hues. The plain-dyed cotton reverse, frilled trim, and hidden zip add a touch of coastal charm and sophistication. Made from luxuriously soft 100% cotton, this cushion is both cosy and stylish.
Reactive Grey 12 Piece Dinner Set
Introducing the reactive grey 12-piece dinner set, perfect for modern dining. This set includes 4 dinner plates, 4 side plates, and 4 cereal bowls, each with a unique grey speckle effect. Handle with care in the microwave, as items may get hot. The reactive glaze adds charming color variations, making each piece one-of-a-kind.
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5 Mar, 2025 | Admin | No Comments
Joanie relaunches ‘gorgeous’ collection with Celia Birtwell after sell-out success
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Joanie Clothing recently collaborated with print designer, Celia Birtwell, on a fashion collection – which sold out due to popular demand – and we can see why.
In a bid to fill the Celia Birtwell x Joanie collection shaped hole in our closet, the brand has restocked the 14-piece limited-edition capsule, much to our delight.
Can we get a woop-woop?
Celia Birtwell is one of the most influential textile designers of her generation. She was a muse to iconic artist David Hockney, and the creative partner of fashion icon Ossie Clark. Her distinctive designs shaped the fashion landscape of the late ‘60s and early ‘70s, an era known for its artistic and cultural explosion, which she has called on for her Joanie Clothing collaboration.
So, when Joanie Clothing first teamed up with Celia, it sent fans into meltdown.
Celia is best known for her whimsical, ditsy florals, and bold, clashing prints, which she has injected into the timeless dresses and blouses in the Joanie collection.
This limited collection of 12 dresses and two blouses draws inspiration from the 70s era, as they boast a bohemian style, are made from environmentally conscious chiffon and silky satin-feel fabric, and emblazoned with bold prints, which can be worn time and time again.
Fans of Celia’s work will be excited to see the inclusion of the romantic Marie Antoinette print, which was created in the early 1970s, as well as the Delaware print that featured on a number of Ossie Clark designs in the Celia Birtwell x Joanie collection.
Speaking about the collaboration, Celia shared: ‘When I was approached by Joanie, I was delighted to find that an enthusiastic company, run by sharp and savvy women who knew their market, was interested in using my prints.
We were able to sit down and discuss what sort of designs in which colours they thought would work best, and we discussed which clothes best suited which designs. It has been a very harmonious relationship, and I have thoroughly enjoyed working on the collection.’
The Celia Birtwell x Joanie collection will be available exclusively at Joanie Clothing, with prices ranging from £69 to £129, here are our personal favourites from the line.
Shop Our Top Picks From Celia Birtwell x Joanie Collection
Celia Birtwell X Joanie – Delaware Floral Print Ruffle Collar Wrap Dress
This vibrant printed dress is perfect for the summer months, whether you are heading to a wedding, or the office, as it is versatile enough to dress up or down. The short puff sleeves, combined with the A-line skirt, tie waist, V-neckline and floaty fabric, makes this a universally flattering and feminine design.
Celia Birtwell X Joanie – Michaelmas Daisy Print Cape Sleeve Wrap Dress
A wrap dress is an easy-to-wear staple in many wardrobes.But this design is more than just a wrap dress. Yes, it boasts the tie wrap front, but it also features fluted sleeves, and ruffle layered detailing across the shoulders in a pink checked print to contrast the daisy pattern on the body of the dress.This design is midaxi in length and falls midway down the calves.
Celia Birtwell X Joanie – Bouquet Floral Pussy Bow Peplum Blouse
Swap out your classic poplin shirts for a floral pussy bow blouse, which can be styled in various ways.This design has a vintage feel, as it boasts a peplum hem, which is back in trend, a shirred and elastic back panel for a flattering fit, as well as a pussybow neck and pleated frill epaulettes. Fasten the tie into a large bow around the neck, knot loosely, or keep the tie open to show off the V-neckline.
Celia Birtwell X Joanie – Marie Antoinette Floral Print Bell Sleeve Maxi Dress
This five-star dress is one of the iconic dresses from the collection, and a print Celia designed in 1972. The maxi dress boasts a V-neckline, button front fastening, as well as cinched in waistline, while the shirred elasticated back panel ensures a secure fit that is also comfortable to wear for hours on end. It boasts long sleeves, and button cuffs, which you can wear full length or pull up for a voluminous sleeve.
Celia Birtwell X Joanie – Little Rock Cape Sleeve Pussy Bow Button Through Dress
Inject a pop of colour into your spring wardrobe with this sky blue patterned dress.Described as ‘the Elvis Presley-style cape sleeve dress’ as this sheer chiffon fabric features 3/4 length sleeves and a floaty cape that sits over the shoulders.It also boasts a pussybow tie at the neck, which can be tied up or left undone, a button front fastening, as well as an A-line skirt that falls just below the kneecap.
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5 Mar, 2025 | Admin | No Comments
Trench coats never go out of fashion – but M&S’s new design is a must have
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M&S is leading the way when it comes to premium quality and affordable high street fashion, which is what our bank balance and wardrobes need.
From the designer-inspired handbags, to the comfortable underwear, and chic summer dresses, M&S has nailed every category. Now, M&S has launched the Cotton Rich Belted Longline Trench Coat, which we think will fly off the shelves because a trench coat never goes out of fashion.
The M&S Cotton Rich Belted Longline Trench Coat comes in a neutral tone, as well as black colourway, and both retail for £79.
M&S Cotton Rich Belted Longline Trench Coat
Made from a cotton and elastane blend, as well as M&S’ signature Stormwear technology, this trench coat is comfortable, versatile, practical and durable.The water-resistant design has traditional style features, including epaulettes, a smart collar, detachable belt, and double breasted front fastening. The longline design offers more coverage, is timeless and easy to style with all outfits.It boasts a regular fit, and comes in UK dress sizes 6 to 24.This trench coat is available in neutral and black.
We love a trench coat, and live in the outerwear staple year in and year out, which is why we are pleased to see M&S launch a longline version of the hit style ahead of Spring.
The Cotton Rich Belted Longline Trench Coat is exactly what it says on the tin. It has been crafted from a cotton and elastane blend, but also features M&S’ signature Stormwear technology, which means this design is water repellent and will protect you from the elements.
This design features the conventional characteristics we expect from a trench coat. It boasts double front fastening, a collar and lapels, as well as epaulettes on the shoulder, belt detail around the waist, as well as a buttoned cuff. This design also features side pockets, which is always convenient when shopping for a jacket.
The Trench Coat is longer in length, which is perfect for short and tall frames. The trench coat falls just below the knee and provides slightly more coverage than shorter lengths, yet doesn’t drag on the floor.
M&S’ has paid extra attention to detail as this new creation is lined for extra protection, and it also helps to sit better on the body.
The relaxed fit lends itself to a variety of styling options too. You can wear fully buttoned up, with the belt cinched in at the waist, style unbuttoned with the belt tied around the stomach, or around the back and the jacket worn open.
We all know the trench coat is one of the hardest working items in any closet, as you can wear it for daytime and nighttime wear, for the office, shopping, weekend brunches, to a wedding or other formal occasion.
Shoppers are already obsessed with this outerwear staple, which has garnered over 200 reviews despite only just hitting the shelves.
One shopper commented: ‘A classic trench that will never date. Stylish and elegant, will suit all ages.’
Another gushed: ‘I love the classic styling of this coat. It will be perfect for Spring to slip over dresses on cooler days.’
While a separate M&S customer added: ‘My daughter loves this trench good quality looks so classy and showerproof too.’
We predict this trench coat will sell out rapidly, so you will want to shop quickly to avoid missing out.
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4 Mar, 2025 | Admin | No Comments
Upgrade your cleaning with the GTech AirRAM 3 – and £100 off the latest ‘phenomenal machine’
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Hailed as the ‘best cordless vacuum’, Gtech have once again wowed shoppers in their masses with the new AirRAM 3 Dual Edge-Clean Cordless Vacuum.
With an impressive 4.9 star rating out of 5 already, it collects every bit of dust and dirt like never before.
Usually priced at £419.99, we’ve managed to blag you a code for a whopping £100 off – for a limited time only. Just pop ‘NG85’ in the voucher section and voila, that saving is yours!
AirRAM 3 Dual Edge-Clean Cordless Vacuum
The new Gtech AirRAM 3 is a revolutionary vacuum cleaner that picks up dirt like no other and requires virtually no maintenance. It features Dual Edge-Cleaning Technology, an Auto-Cleaning Filter System, and Anti-Hair Wrap Technology, ensuring efficient and hassle-free cleaning. With a 30-minute runtime, it’s designed to make your cleaning routine effortless and thorough.
The AirRAM 3 stands out with its patented edge cleaning technology, ensuring that no dirt is left behind in corners and along edges. This unique feature, combined with luxurious, stitched leather grips, makes cleaning not only effective but also comfortable and stylish. The vacuum’s voice alert system keeps you informed with real-time updates about battery status, filter cleaning, and more, making it a truly interactive cleaning companion.
One of the standout features of the AirRAM 3 is its Anti-Hair Wrap technology, which prevents hair from tangling around the brush, ensuring hassle-free and mess-free cleaning. Additionally, the Auto-Cleaning filter system eliminates the need for frequent filter changes, making maintenance a breeze.
Navigating around furniture and tight spaces is effortless with the AirRAM 3’s dynamic steering and low-profile handle. This vacuum is built to last, with a durable floor head reinforced with aluminium, designed to withstand the test of time, even in homes with pets. Whether you’re cleaning carpets or hard floors, the AirRAM 3 transitions seamlessly, providing flawless results every time.
Gtech’s revolutionary AirLOC and dirt collection technology ensures efficient dirt pickup without the hassle of blocked tubes. When you’re done cleaning, you can park the AirRAM 3 on its powerful charging base. Its compact and sleek design means you’ll want to leave it on display, adding a touch of elegance to your home.
Users have been raving about the AirRAM 3 – and that’s no surprise! John N describes it as a ‘phenomenal machine, worthy of a six-star rating’.
Mark M calls it ‘the best hoover’ they’ve ever had, while Jacqueline L praises its edge-to-edge cleaning as a ‘game changer’.
Linda S sums it up perfectly, saying: ‘it’s amazing, absolutely fantastic, and she couldn’t have chosen a better machine.’
The GTech AirRAM 3 Dual Edge-Clean Cordless Vacuum – Voice Alert is not just a vacuum; it’s a revolution in home cleaning. Combining award-winning performance with stunning aesthetics, this vacuum is designed to make your cleaning routine effortless and enjoyable.
And with the rise of #CleanTok and more of us taking pride in our homes, this is a vacuum cleaner that you won’t want to live without – trust us.
Ready to transform your cleaning experience? Don’t miss out on the introductory offer and elevate your home cleaning to the next level.
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4 Mar, 2025 | Admin | No Comments
Ugg trainers are here – and we predict they’ll be the shoe of the year
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UGG is best known for its super plush boots, whether it is the Ultra Mini Boot to the Classic Tall Boot, as well as the luxurious Scuffette II slippers.
The fashion brand has continued to expand its array of footwear styles over the years to include the sell-out Tazz and Tasman boots, but there are some new kicks on the block. The latest drop comes in the form of trainers, which we were not expecting, but are pleasantly surprised by.
The new release sees three new trainer styles, including the Lo Lowmel, Lowmel and Retrofi Low trainer.
The 22-piece collection, which spans across the three new styles, are available in various neutral colourways, and available for women, men, as well as children.
The price ranges from £90 for the Kids Lo Lowmel Trainer up to £140 for the Retrofi Low Trainer.
The trainers range from ankle length trainers, to high tops, chunky platform soles, and some feature UGG’s iconic fur detail.
Whether you pair with jeans, a chunky knitted top, a t-shirt and statement jacket, a full tracksuit, or leggings and a jumper is up to you.
Trainers are all we live in from day to night, shopping sprees, running errands, to even some bars and pubs. The main dilemma is we can’t decide between the three styles, plus stock is selling out fast.
Shop Ugg’s New Trainers
Women's Retrofi Low Trainer
The chunky trainer promises optimum comfort for hours of wear.Made from a molded foam footbed and responsive sugarcane EVA midsole, for the desired support and cushioning. The upper section has been crafted from suede and recycled textiles. The shoe has a lace up fastening on the bridge of the foot, while the rubber sole, which is elevated, provides support, flexibility and protection to prevent the wearer from slipping and sliding.Available in three colours, including chestnut, black and ceramic off -white, in UK shoe sizes 3 to 9.
Women's Lowmel Trainer
The Lowmel Trainer is a high top design that comes further up the ankle. The upper has been crafted from a suede and textile hybrid, while a mesh section has been added to help with ventilation. The collar hugging the ankle is padded for extra comfort. The molded EVA footbed, combined with the sugarcane EVA outsole, provides a comfortable fit. The platform sole adds extra height, while the base has grooves to keep you on your toes. These trainers also feature chunky round laces, which are a stylistic feature as well as practical detail; wearers can tie them up to keep their feet in place, or leave them open.
Women's Lo Lowmel Trainer
The Lo Lowmel are very similar to the Lowmel Trainer, but they are lower rise. We would liken them to Nike Dunks.The upper has been made from a combination of suede and recycled canvas that is lightweight and comfortable, while the base features the same sugarcane EVA outsole to mold to the wearer's foot. It also boasts a chunky platform sole to add extra height, as well as chunky laces. Available in four colours, including black, chestnut, grey and off-white.
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Pancake Day, otherwise known as Shrove Tuesday, is today, which only means one thing – pans at the ready.
Some believe the family recipe, which has been passed down through the generations, is the key to tasty, and flippable, pancakes that won’t stick to the pan (or the ceiling).
However, the real secret to the perfect pancake, and easy tossing, is the pan.
A non-stick pan is a game-changer when it comes to Pancake Day, as well as when cooking other meals, as it helps to cook evenly and effortlessly, without leaving any remnants of your feast glued to the pan. A non-stick pan also enhances your flipping availability, and makes for stress-free washing up as you don’t have to scrape and soak the pan for hours. Plus, it means less oil is needed to cook with.
The key to preserving your non-stick pans is to use gentle utensils, as well as cleaning tools and appliances, that won’t scratch the non-stick surface.
Non-stick pans are available in a variety of sizes, but when it comes to Pancake Day we strongly recommend a smaller pan to create the perfectly shaped design, too big and they can turn into a crepe, or it makes it harder to flip.
Whether you like thin crepes or American-style thick pancakes, serve yours with lemon and sugar, maple syrup and bacon, Nutella, or maybe you opt for a savoury alternative, you need a non-stick pan to help you create the delicious morsels.
From Ninja, Our Place to ProCook and M&S, we have found the best non-stick pans to stock your kitchen cupboards ahead of Pancake Day, which falls on 3rd March this year.
Shop The Best Non-Stick Pans
Our Place Mini Always Pan 2.0
A compact version of the cult-favourite Always Pan, the Our Place Mini Always Pan 2.0 is designed for effortless, multifunctional cooking. The mini pan measures 21.6cm, and though it may be small, it’s multifunctional. This design replaces numerous cooking appliances because it doubles up as a frying pan, saucepan, and steamer that you can fry, saute, grill, steam, roast and bake with. Crafted from aluminium with a ceramic non-stick coating, which ensures even heat distribution and easy cleaning, this pan is the perfect design for small kitchens or single servings. Compatible with gas, as well as induction hobs, and safe to use in the oven. It’s robust, durable, and has a longlife, so it’s worth investing in.
M&S Collection Stainless Steel 20cm Small Non-Stick Frying Pan
Perfect for everyday cooking, the M&S Collection 20cm Small Frying Pan combines durability with convenience. Made from stainless steel and M&S’ signature StayNew technology to provide a durable and long-lasting design. The riveted handle provides a secure grip, it has a diameter of 20cm and can hold up to 110ml. Plus, it is suitable for all hobs, including induction, and is oven and dishwasher safe. It is also available in larger sizes for those wanting a matching set.
Ninja ZEROSTICK Stackable 24cm Frying Pan
Built for durability, longevity and convenience, the Ninja ZEROSTICK 24cm Stackable Frying Pan is a space-saving piece of kit ideal for those stuck for storage space.More importantly, the Zerostick technology promises to be 20 times tougher than traditional non-stick pans, and makes it chip, scratch and flake resistant. Made from forged aluminium, with an anodised exterior, and cast stainless steel handles, which ensure an even temperature distribution and that the pan retains that heat. It is suitable for all hob types, is oven safe up to 260°C, and dishwasher safe, plus it looks sleek on the hob or packed away thanks to the dented handle to slot on top of other appliances.
Prestige Thermo Smart Frying Pan 24cm
The Prestige Thermo Smart 24cm Frying Pan is an innovative design. The aluminium design features a non-stick and ultra hard-wearing layer that has been crafted from real diamonds, which is durable, and scratch-proof. It also boasts a Thermo Smart heat indicator handle, which turns green when the pan is hot enough and ready to use. The soft-grip handle also provides comfort and control when cooking your feast. Safe for all hobs, as well as the oven and dishwasher for easy cooking and cleaning.
Jean Patrique Cast Iron Non-Stick Frying Pan
Designed for high-performance cooking, the Jean Patrique Cast Iron Frying Pan offers superior heat retention and even cooking. Made from cast iron with a non-stick coating, this pan combines traditional cookware styles with modern convenience. It is PTFE and PFOA Free, suitable for all stovetops, as well as the oven (up to 662°C).However, it must be hand washed.
ProCook Gourmet Non-Stick Mini Frying Pan
The ProCook Gourmet Mini Frying Pan features a durable aluminium body with a ceramic non-stick coating, which makes cooking, and cleaning, a breeze. The soft-grip handle ensures optimum comfort and a sturdy grip when flipping pancakes. Suitable for gas, electric and ceramic hobs, as well as the oven. Though the affordable pan must be hand washed after use.
Tefal Taste Twin Frying Pan Set
A versatile set for all your cooking needs, the Tefal Taste Twin Frying Pan Set includes two pans, one measuring 20cm and the other 26cm, which is ideal for those replacing existing appliances or buying brand new longlasting pans. The aluminium pans feature a PTFE non-stick exterior, while Tefal’s signature Thermo-Spot technology is useful to indicate when the pan is hot and ready to use. Also suitable for all hobs.
Tower Cerastone T81242 Forged Frying Pan with Non-Stick Coating
The Tower pan is available in six sizes, ranging from 20 to 32cm, so customers can shop one small design for their pancakes, or the entire set. The body has been crafted from forged aluminium, which, combined with the multi-layered ceramic stone coating provides a non-stick base, and durable design to cook any meal. The bonded steel base ensures even heat distribution, while the stay cool handle protects the budding chef from any injuries in the kitchen.
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4 Mar, 2025 | Admin | No Comments
UK retailer finally launches ‘game changing’ service in stores nationwide
For years, Primark fans have begged for a nationwide Click and Collect option to make their shopping experience easier.
And now, the retailer has finally answered the call.
Following a trial where around a third of stores began offering the service on a limited range (and a rush of orders led the website to crash), it’s set to be launched across the country over the next few months.
Primark has confirmed it will offer Click and Collect in all 186 UK stores by summer, with 18 locations being added to the list last week as part of the staggered rollout.
Customers can browse and order from thousands of products across women’s, men’s, kids clothing and homeware on the Primark website, before picking up their items in store from two days later, at a time that suits them.
The service also gives shoppers access to buys they might not otherwise be able to get in their local store, including Primark’s new adaptive clothing range, specially designed around the needs of those living with a disability.
It’ll come as welcome news for the numerous X users who urged the brand to bring it to their local stores, with @abbigabbitalkswho writing: ‘Primark bringing click and collect?? Need that.’
‘Finally Primark are doing a proper click and collect,’ rejoiced @mxriepriv alongside a happy tears emoji, while @_akabambi added: ‘Primark offering click and collect is so dangerous for my bank account.’
Those who had tried the service sung its praises too.
‘Click and collect is game changing,’ said @JessCCorcoran. ‘No more fighting the folded shelves of either XS or XL.’
New Primark Click and Collect stores
On February 26, 18 Primark locations launched the Click and Collect service as part of a staggered nationwide rollout:
- Basingstoke, Unit 6, The Malls Shopping Centre, RG21 7QU
- Boscombe, 599-607 Christchurch Road, BH1 4AN
- Bournemouth, 48-52 Commercial Road, BH2 5LR
- Cardiff, 48 Queen Street, St Davids Centre, CF10 2EF
- Cheltenham, 201-207 High Street, GL50 3HH
- Cwmbran, Cwmbran Shopping Centre, General Rees Square, NP44 1AH
- Darlington, 12 The Cornmill Centre, DL1 1NH
- Hartlepool, Unit 194A, Middleton Grange Shopping Centre, TS24 7RR
- Llanelli, Unit 11, Trostre Retail Park, SA14 9UY
- Middlesbrough, Unit 1, Bottomley Mall, TS1 1SU
- Newcastle, 78-84 Northumberland Street, NE1 7DF
- Newcastle Metro Gateshead, Central Mall, Metrocentre, NE11 9YG
- Newport, 142-143 Commercial Street, NP20 1LN
- Poole, 198-206 High Street, Dolphin Centre, BH15 1EB
- Salisbury, 44-50 Old George Street, SP1 2AG
- Sunderland, The Bridges Shopping Centre, SR1 3DR
- Swindon, 8-9 Regent Street, SN1 1JQ
- Teesside, Unit 11, Teesside Industrial Park, TS17 7BW
Kari Rodgers, UK Retail Director at Primark, commented: ‘We know that our customers love the convenience that Click and Collect offers, as well as the opportunity to access ranges otherwise only found in larger stores.
‘With the rollout now due to complete in time for summer, we hope this will help make summer holiday shopping that little bit easier.’
This follows a period of expansion from the brand, where £100 million was invested into upgrading existing stores and opening new ones.
As part of the plan, Primark Westfield Stratford will be doubled in size to a behemoth 81,000 sq ft – making it the second-biggest in the country – and branches in Epsom, Bury St. Edmunds, Teesside Park and Glasgow Fort are due to hit the high street.
The retail giant also announced its first-ever standalone homeware store, due to open in Belfast this month.
Fountain House will feature an even bigger assortment of Primark’s beloved interiors range at the same bargain prices, with reed diffusers for as little as 80p and towels from £1.80 alongside larger furniture items like £50 storage benches and £45 side tables.
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Three months after the birth of my second child, I was home alone with my three-month-old baby son, talking on the phone to my best friend, Melanie.
Ever since we’d bonded at work as administrators in the NHS over our love of all things Disney and a shared obsession with the movie Beetlejuice three years earlier, we’d become inseparable.
We often talked on the phone for hours so that day in July 2019, seemed no different. That is, until I couldn’t get my words out.
Mel said my speech came out slurred and that all of a sudden, I wasn’t making any sense at all. She knew straight away it was an emergency.
Mel had a close relative who’d had a stroke roughly five years earlier so, knowing garbled speech like mine was one of the signs, she knew she had to act fast.
Mel immediately contacted my mum (who lived close by), which meant she got to me within six minutes.
However, when she arrived, my front door was locked. With no other option, because my partner wasn’t close by, and I was slipping away with every minute, she then called 999.
Police and ambulance services arrived and smashed the glass on my front door so they could get to me. By that point I was dead weight and unconscious.
The next thing I remember is waking up on the stroke ward at University College London Hospital on what was my 24th birthday.
When I fully came around the doctor’s told me what happened: I’d had a major stroke.
Apparently I’d gone into cardiac arrest in the ambulance, and then again when we arrived at the hospital. Frankly, I was lucky to be alive.
My first thought was of my kids, but Mel had arranged for my sister to look after my son and my daughter was staying with a friend. She saved them from being alone for what could’ve been a whole weekend.
Then the reality of what I’d just been through hit me, yet I simply refused to believe it.
Having worked in a hospital for so long I thought I knew what a stroke looked like; in my mind I couldn’t possibly have had one. I thought to myself: ‘I’m too young. Everyone else in the stroke ward is in their 70s and 80s!’
Of course, it was then explained to me in detail that a stroke can happen to anyone at any age.
In my case, doctors felt the most likely reason was due to something called a patent foramen ovale (PFO) – a small hole in the heart that exists in everyone before birth and most often closes shortly after being born.
I understood but still couldn’t quite believe it. I’d been walking, talking, laughing and doing all my usual things right up to the stroke. What could’ve possibly changed?
Luckily I recovered well and, anxious to get home to my baby boy, was discharged from hospital two days post stroke.
I was informed of the medication I’d now be on – blood thinners to prevent clots – and of my upcoming hospital appointments including something called a bubble echo study.
Also known as a bubble contrast echocardiogram, the test is essentially an ultrasound combined with an injection of microbubbles to assess the structure and function of the heart. And, as it turned out, I did have a PFO.
Suddenly a lot of things in my life made sense. Throughout my life I had continuously complained of chest pains, I’ve had countless ECGs and exams, and just a few months before the stroke I was told I had an irregular heartbeat.
Now we knew what the problem was, we could fix it. In the meantime though, I had to learn to cope with the after effects of my stroke.
Three months after I was discharged I lost my sense of taste. Then I developed weakness down my left side, which made walking difficult, as well as pain and fatigue.
Three months after I was discharged I lost my sense of taste. Then I developed weakness down my left side
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My memory was also badly affected – I kept forgetting to do the exercises my physio gave me, or I would put food on to cook and forget about it, so it would burn – but I was determined not to let it beat me.
Six months after my stroke, I returned to my job (which, in hindsight, was too soon) and tried to keep up with the demands of looking after my health, family and other commitments like nothing had changed.
Of course, a lot had.
Going from a fully mobile, athletic and energetic mum to struggling with fatigue and doing my usual daily activities was a major change and I didn’t know how to balance it all.
Fortunately, both my family and Mel were extremely supportive – Mel was someone I could lean on, sometimes literally, without judgement – and I also found the charity Different Strokes.
They support working-age stroke survivors by offering peer support, providing a variety of services to help them and their families reclaim their lives, and a Facebook group where survivors can share their ups and downs as well as get support and advice.
Sharing my story to its 8,000 strong community, I received such a warm response and amazing support from other young stroke survivors. I realised I was not alone.
In fact, with their help, I also recognised that I’d been too focused on getting back to work and needed to turn my focus back to my physical recovery.
For the last year, I’ve been working on my health: I go to the gym three days a week and do exercises like hip abductions and grip strengthening for my hands. I also do 30 minute walks on the treadmill, and it’s all made a huge difference.
Last summer I was even able to take my kids on outings to Thorpe Park and Kew Gardens, and recently we went on the London Eye and to Shrek World.
These activities would have been impossible a few years ago as I just wasn’t physically strong enough. But now I’m getting there.
Know the Signs – Be Stroke Aware
Strokes are on the rise in people under 65. In fact, around one in four strokes now happens in working-age adults. Knowing the signs and acting quickly can save lives – as Tayler’s story shows, having stroke aware friends and family can be vital. Here’s what to be aware of:
- Balance: Sudden dizziness or loss of coordination.
- Eyes: Blurred or lost vision in one or both eyes.
- Face: One side of the face may droop.
- Arms: Difficulty lifting one or both arms.
- Speech: Slurred, garbled, or lost speech.
- Time: Act FAST – call 999 immediately if you notice these signs.
For help and guidance after a stroke, visit Different Strokes here.
As proud as I am of my progress though, I still want to raise awareness – especially as Black and Asian people are twice as likely to suffer from a stroke and often have strokes at a younger age.
That’s why I now volunteer with Different Strokes’ Black and Asian Stroke Survivors Project, to encourage people to raise their own medical concerns with their GP.
I had chest pains for years, which I had mentioned to doctors, but I never got the attention I should have until my stroke.
I’m fortunate that my PFO has now been fixed, but if it had been detected earlier and closed, I probably wouldn’t have had a stroke in the first place. All of us, doctors and the general public, must do more to be stroke aware.
I’m only here today thanks to Mel’s quick thinking. Without her, I could’ve been dead. There’s no sugarcoating that one. She saved my life and I’m thankful for that every day.
Do you have a story you’d like to share? Get in touch by emailing jess.austin@metro.co.uk.
Share your views in the comments below.
2 Mar, 2025 | Admin | No Comments
No-one prepared me for what would happen after eating disorder recovery
Defeating my eating disorder has undoubtedly been the biggest achievement in my life to date.
I say ‘defeating’ – and that’s very much what I identify it as – but anyone with the illness will know that it never truly goes away.
That’s one of the things I was warned of when I began my fight back against bulimia nervosa, which I had suffered with since a light-hearted comment about my ‘chubby’ body from a friend when I was 13.
17 years later, after huge health implications including messed up electrolytes that landed me in hospital several times, I was ready for this crux in my life to be gone.
It was not easy, but then I never expected it to be. After a few failed attempts over the years to get a handle on it, this time I really meant it after a hospital doctor’s warning that it could end up killing me.
With an extremely supportive wife and family by my side along the way, I attended therapies, spoke to nutritionists and gradually began to hack away at the feelings of self-loathing.
I kept positivity diaries, I upended my diet and I repeatedly congratulated myself on every small step, even if this was just managing to keep a snack down.
For myself – and every lived experience is different – getting into the mindset of knowing how important this was to those who loved me became a driving force to success.
What started off as their reluctance to ‘guilt’ me turned into them being my biggest cheerleaders.
For my mum, who I had confided my eating disorder in just a year into the notoriously secretive condition, she has been on this hellish journey with me.
In many ways, it’s just as difficult for those around you. Every day feeling that this person who means everything to you is putting their life at risk must be all-consuming, yet there are so many fluctuating rules on what you can and can’t say.
How do you support someone through this without applying pressure, without using incorrect terminology sometimes, or without crossing lines that could set things back a stage?
It’s impossible.
So when I found myself at a place where I could finally eat three meals a day and consistently let them digest, the relief for my wife and my family was palpable.
I can’t lie, I basked in their joys, their congratulations, their compliments and their pride in me.
Being called amazing and an inspiration was like nectar – it meant the world and still does.
Drunk on this, it was everything I needed to keep going and regain normality.
For the next weeks and months, I would either boast about how this week had ‘no incidents’ and receive a similar response.
Other times, a family member or a friend might tentatively ask ‘and how is it all going?’
I would be able to then give them the good news.
Of course, that can’t last forever and nor did I expect it to. What I didn’t expect was how alone I started to feel a couple of years down the line when I no longer had this excitable cheerleading.
It’s no longer big news, why should it be?
But no matter how far you get into a recovery period, the voices in the back of your mind, telling you you’re worthless, pointing out a roll of fat or encouraging you just to treat yourself and have one binge – it’s always there.
Sometimes, it’s simply apparent and dormant, other times it’s screaming into your ears and you can think of nothing else.
And that’s why a recovery will still always be a fight. The voice is often easier to beat down, certainly moreso than when it had you in its full grip, but it’s an undeniably hard way of life when it creeps in again.
So that’s where the relapse came in. Relapses are all part of the recovery process, as medical experts will tell you. This is especially true in the early stages and, so long as you get back on that bike, they are expected and not a big deal.
BEAT
However, this one was different. It took just one bout of depression induced by my bipolar disorder to spiral. I naively thought the voice was gone, but it was back with a vengeance.
My mind was telling me, ‘wow you really DID get fat again, didn’t you?’ Whether that was true or not meant little to the demon in my brain.
One incident became many and, terrifyingly, I feared I was back to square one. Were it not for the understanding and support of my wife, maybe I would still be there.
What no-one warns you about is the battle that comes into play when everyone has ‘lost interest’. The novelty of beating the eating disorder is gone. Everyone has moved on, but for me, I was still there sometimes.
Recalling the relief and elation from others that I enjoyed at the start, I couldn’t dare tell anyone I was relapsing. I didn’t want to break their hearts.
My wife knew, but for anyone else, I kept up the pretense that this was gone, I was ‘better’.
If anyone would have asked, I’d have downright lied.
It lasted a number of months and I had all but given up until an epiphany. I don’t know if it was a sudden fear for my health again. Or the change in medication for my mental health that appeared to be positive. Or the desire to make my wife proud.
But something snapped again – I knew it was now or never; if I let this continue one step further, I’d be back to square one and, at 35-years-old, I felt I’d be in no place to start all over again.
I am not fully back to where I was and this is the first time I will admit that to a wider circle. But I am getting better.
That determination is back and the nasty voice is waning.
Most importantly of all, I still beat my eating disorder. A relapse will never take that away from me. My status hasn’t changed – I am in recovery. I always will be.
I won’t let a blip beat me and, before long, claiming that I am totally fine will be the absolute truth again.
Do you have a story you’d like to share? Get in touch by emailing jess.austin@metro.co.uk.
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Everyone knows about the dangers of black mould, but what about its pal, pink mould?
The pinkish-reddish-toned bacteria – yes, bacteria, not technically mould – loves the moist, damp conditions of an English winter. And while you may have spotted it and decided it’s an issue for another day, one doctor is warning that it’s actually a ‘now problem’.
Taking to TikTok, Dr Karan Raj warned his 5.3 million followers that if not dealt with correctly, the slime, also known as serratia marcescens, can have some pretty icky side effects for humans.
Explaining why you’re most likely to find it in and around your shower, he said: ‘It enjoys munching on fatty deposits like those found in soaps and shampoos, hence why it likes to hang out in the bathroom.’
And although it is mostly harmless, the doctor noted that it’s best to get rid of it as soon as you spy it, so you don’t accidentally get it in ‘your eyes or open wounds’.
This is because any contact with your eyes can result in an eye infection, including conjunctivitis, which the NHS describes as an inflammation of the conjunctiva and eyelid, causing redness, itchiness and sometimes pus.
Dr Suzanne Wylie, GP and medical adviser for IQdoctor echoes Dr Raj, saying this slimy substance can cause ‘opportunistic infections’ if not dealt with.
‘Skin infections, urinary tract infections (UTIs), and conjunctivitis have been linked to serratia marcescens, especially in hospital settings,’ she tells Metro. ‘Inhaling or coming into frequent contact with the bacteria may also contribute to mild respiratory irritation in some people.’
Thankfully, for the majority of people, these risks are short-term and mostly limited to skin or respiratory irritation. However, Dr Wylie warns if you or someone in your home with pink mould is immunocompromised, you’ll want to take your pink mould situation more seriously.
‘In vulnerable individuals, prolonged exposure or infection could lead to more serious complications, such as persistent respiratory issues, urinary tract infections, or, in rare cases, bloodstream infections,’ she explains, adding that in some cases, it has even been linked to hospital-acquired sepsis.
With this in mind, people undergoing chemotherapy, organ transplant recipients or people with chronic illnesses like diabetes should be extra cautious around the bacteria, and have it removed as soon as they notice it.
Elderly people, infants and young children, as well as people with respiratory conditions, should also follow these guidelines.
Everything to know about 'pink mould'
What is pink mould?
Pink ‘mould’ isn’t actually mould, rather a bacteria called serratia marcescens.
Where is pink mould found?
The bacteria thrives in warm and damp areas, so it’s most commonly found in bathrooms, particularly showers, baths, benches, sinks, and toilets.
What are the effects of pink mould?
The bacteria’s side effects aren’t typically too worrisome. However, if it ends up in your eye or an open wound, it can cause an infection.
If you are immunocompromised, elderly or suffer from respiratory conditions, it could also result in chest and gut infections, urinary tract infections (UTIs), and sometimes pneumonia, a lung infection, or sepsis.
So now that we know all about the bacteria itself, how does one go about getting rid of it?
Multiple cleaning products are on shelves that can help, but if you’re not up for a trip to the shops, this home remedy is just as effective.
The experts at Rubber Duck Bathrooms suggest mixing a slightly runny paste of washing-up liquid and baking soda in a bowl and using it with a scrubbing brush to remove the build-up of pink bacteria.
Alternatively, Dr Wylie advises using a ‘non-abrasive bathroom cleaner, white vinegar, or a diluted bleach solution’ and a damp cloth while wearing gloves and a mask to down the surface.
Once it’s gone, you can also do things to prevent its return, like regularly washing shower curtains.
Or, after every shower or bath, wipe down those surfaces and tiles in your bathroom with a towel or squeegee.
It’s also recommended to improve ventilation, which can be as simple as opening your bathroom window for 10 to 20 minutes after a hot shower or bath to let the damp air out.
And of course, you should regularly clean your bathroom and any other room with conditions that encourage the growth of pink mould.
Do you have a story to share?
Get in touch by emailing MetroLifestyleTeam@Metro.co.uk.