2 weeks agoNewsComments Off on The ideal temperature your bedroom needs to be to prevent mould – plus 4 other hacks to stop black spores growing
IT’S almost mould season.
British houses are particularly susceptible to the toxic fuzz in the winter months as high levels of moisture in the air provide ideal conditions for growth, especially in areas where homes aren’t well-ventilated.
GettyMould can be a particular issue in your bedroom[/caption]
It’s always easier to prevent mould than treat it, so now’s the ideal time to get on top of your antifungal measures.
And according to one expert, you should pay particular attention to your bedroom.
“Having a mould outbreak can be devastating to deal with, especially in your wardrobe where clothes may be ruined beyond repair,” Nic Shacklock, from Online Bedrooms, told The Express.
“It’s a common problem to deal with in the winter months as the colder temperatures mixed with the warmth indoors can result in excess moisture in the air.”
According to Nic, there’s an ideal temperature your bedroom should be at to stop mould in its tracks.
To prevent an outbreak anywhere in the room, he recommends keeping a steady temperature between 17C and 19C.
This is because mould easily grows in colder rooms which suffer from high humidity.
In turn, this can spread through your home and wreak havoc on other rooms.
Fortunately, Nic shared four other hacks to stop spores from spawning and growing.
Firstly, he urged Brits to have vents built into their wardrobes to “help distribute the airflow and reduce humidity”
By improving circulation, you will remove any excess moisture.
This tip is particularly useful for fitted wardrobes directly placed on the back wall, as this slot can become a breeding ground for mould.
Secondly, Nic encouraged mould-conscious Brits to pop their windows open.
Letting in fresh air will not only improve air quality, but also reduce the condensation that causes mould.
What is mould and how to get rid of it?
Mould is more likely to grow during the winter months.
Olivia Young, Product Development Scientist at Astonish revealed exactly why this is.
“Unfortunately, mould is a common problem many people face during winter. It thrives in conditions that are warm and damp, so your bathrooms are likely to be the most affected place.
“That said, during the colder months most rooms in your home could be vulnerable to mould growing.
“This occurs primarily from condensation that builds up on your windows when you’ve got your radiators on.
“If you think about it, when windows and doors are closed, there’s not much chance for the air to circulate and the moisture to make a swift exit.
“This build up is what can cause dreaded mould to make an appearance, especially in bathrooms, as it creates that warm and wet environment that is a breeding ground for mould.
“If left untreated, not only is it unsightly but it can also pose a serious risk to your health, so it’s really important you treat it.
“The key to tackle mould is to act fast.
“Try to come into as little contact with it as you can. So, grab your gloves, tie up your hair and get to work to remove any signs of mould as soon as you notice them.
“To keep mould at bay, there are some simple solutions you can introduce throughout home.
“The first is keep it ventilated. Yes, even in the cold winter months try to leave your bathroom window open for at least 10/15 minutes post shower or bath. This will get rid of any excess moisture quickly preventing mould gathering.
“If you’re having a repeat problem with mould in one particular area, it might be because the humidity levels are too high. You can get a dehumidifier that will help keep the levels low and reduce the risk of mould returning.
“The golden rule to remember when dealing with mould is the quicker you can treat it, the better. If you leave it, it will only get worse so never ignore it!
“To successfully get rid of mould every time, I recommend opting for the UK’s No 1 Mould & Mildew Remover, that effectively removes mould and mildew stains almost instantly, with no scrubbing necessary.”
Thirdly, he backed up a beloved natural hack – using white vinegar.
“A mixture of white vinegar and distilled white water can help to get rid of mould which has already started to form,” Nic shared.
“Take all of the clothes in the wardrobe, dab some of the solution onto a cloth and then lightly wipe the area in a circular motion for the best results.”
Finally, he warned that clothes should always be bone dry before you hang them up in your bedroom.
A common reason why mould builds in wardrobes and chests of drawers is due to clothes still being damp when put away.
2 weeks agoNewsComments Off on My dad got me a sports car & I was so embarrassed by it – people call me spoilt & ungrateful but it was the wrong colour
A WOMAN has confessed she felt embarrassed after her dad forked out to buy her a posh car when she was still a teenager.
Vivienne, who is originally from Columbia but now lives in the UK, took to social media to show off some of the finer things she’s used to.
Vivienne showed off the car she was embarrassed to own at firsttiktok/@viviennetathxoxotiktok/@viviennetathxoxoShe revealed her dad is also building her a mansion to live in[/caption]
Although she confessed she doesn’t feel like she is rich, Vivienne admitted she is used to a certain lifestyle, mostly thanks to her father.
So it was no surprise when she was a gifted a BMV, but there was only small problem with it.
Talking on TikTok, Vivienne admitted she didn’t like the colour of the luxurious car because it was too “bold” for her taste.
“When I got into college the first car my dad got me was a BMW Z2, but I was also allowed to use his Range Rover and his Lexus 570,” she explained.
“I was always kind of embarrassed when my dad gave this to me as my first car because it was too bold, the colour and everything.”
The orange convertible might not have been to her taste, but Vivienne explained that it was a very popular car where she lived in Cambodia, so it was only the colour that made her stand out.
After sharing the story online, Vivienne went on to explain that she doesn’t see herself as rich, but does enjoy that people view her that way.
“I realised that people always see me as rich and it’s so shocking to me because I never see myself as rich, plus I’m so used to that lifestyle,” she said.
Since she grew up surrounded by other affluent families, she didn’t realise how well off she really was, she explained.
“There were always kids richer to look up to,” Vivienne noted.
People were stunned by how generous her dad was to gift her the sports car in the first place, with many people taking to the comments to ask if he would also buy them a car.
“Will your dad adopt me please, I need a new car,” one said.
“My dad won ‘t even lend me a fiver,” a second joked.
But the car isn’t the only extravagant purchase her dad made, Vivienne also revealed he is building her a huge mansion back in Columbia.
In a separate video which went viral and currently has over five million views, she revealed it’s always been her dad’s dream to built a luxury mansion for her.
She showed off the home, which is still under construction, leaving people’s jaws on the floor.
With huge pillars, a swooping double staircase and gorgeous balconies – it’s clear her dad only wants the best of the best for his daughter.
Before moving to London at 19, Vivienne said she used to live in a posh villa, but confessed she doesn’t have many pictures of it because it wasn’t that impressive to her at the time.
“When you’re privileged you don’t really realise you’re privileged,” she said.
Being raised in such a was gave is why she has such high standards today and will not settle for less than she deserves, she explained.
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2 weeks agoNewsComments Off on Gary Neville starts new job with Man Utd just days after club legend Sir Alex Ferguson was axed by Jim Ratcliffe
GARY NEVILLE is back working for Manchester United in India.
The ex-Red Devils captain has returned to the fold as a freelance ambassador after attending an event at the Minerva academy in Mohali.
PAGary Neville has started a new job with Manchester United[/caption]
GettyIt comes in the same week Sir Alex Ferguson was axed by Sir Jim Ratcliffe[/caption]
Fergie, United’s greatest ever manager, had been a club ambassador at a £2m a year deal since his retirement as boss in 2013.
But the Scot will leave the role as part of the latest cost-cutting by Ratcliffe’s Ineos part-ownership at Old Trafford.
Neville posted on his Instagram stories of his visit to Asia where he attended the Apollo Tyres flagship grassroots football programme.
The 49-year-old is also on United’s stadium taskforce alongside Ratcliffe where they will decide over whether to revamp Old Trafford or build a new 100,000-capacity stadium on the same site.
The Class of 92 graduate, who went on to win eight Premier League titles and two Champions League trophies, interacted with young footballers.
Neville also won 85 England caps and was an assistant coach under ex-Three Lions boss Roy Hodgson.
He later had a three-month stint in charge of Valencia during the 2015/16 season.
MANCHESTER UNITED produced a rousing comeback to beat Brentford at Old Trafford.
Goals by Alejandro Garnacho and Rasmus Hojlund cancelled out Ethan Pinnock’s first-half opener.
The Red Devils’ win will ease pressure on beleaguered boss Erik ten Hag, who this week defiantly blasted reports that he is on the verge of the sack.
On a crucial afternoon for Ten Hag and Co, here’s how SunSport rated each United performer.
ANDRE ONANA – 6 Did not have much to do for a lot of the game but pulled out a good first-half save to deny Christian Norgaard.
DIOGO DALOT – 6 Good display from right-back and almost capped it with a goal when he stormed forward only to have his effort beaten away by Mark Flekken.
MATTHIJS DE LIGT – 6 At the centre of the controversy in first-half injury time as he had to leave the field with a bleeding head wound when Brentford scored from a corner. He was already looking suspect, as was the bandage that was put on his head early in the game in the first place.
JONNY EVANS – 7 Continuing an amazing end to his career at Old Trafford. Man of the Match last time out in the goalless draw at Aston Villa and looked solid again. Great ovation when he came off towards the end.
LISANDRO MARTINEZ – 7 Shifted to an unaccustomed left-back spot but without problems and was particularly good getting forward down the flank.
CHRISTIAN ERIKSEN – 6 Chosen alongside Casemiro instead of new buy Manuel Ugarte who was on the bench again, but struggled to get into this game although he was involved for Hojlund’s goal. Thankful for the referee’s whistle in the first period calling play back for a foul after missing a sitter.
CASEMIRO – 5 Looked like he was off in the summer but back in the team although looking to be missing a yard and often beaten to the ball.
MARCUS RASHFORD – 7 Does not operate as well on the right but Garnacho was so good down the left. Highlight of his first half was an incredible crossfield ball from right to left to set up Garnacho. Then in the second he provided the assist for Garnacho’s leveller.
BRUNO FERNANDES – 7 Tried to orchestrate something from midfield but looked a frustrated figure in the first period. Then he showed his class after the break with that great little flick to set up Hojlund for his goal.
ALEJANDRO GARNACHO – 8 Had an all action first half after switching from the right to the left but wasted too many chances. Made up for it in the second with a fine finish from Rashford’s cross in a Man of the Match performance.
RASMUS HOJLUND – 7 After getting one in Porto to open his season’s account he is now off and running with his first league goal of the campaign. A cool, clever chipped little finish it was too. The hope will be that starts a much needed run of goals but he needs to see more of the ball.
SUBSTITUTES Joshua Zirkzee (for Hojlund, 74) – 5 Strange change to make after Hojlund had just scored. His replacement fluffed the one half chance he had.
Victor Lindelof (for Evans, 89) – 6 A change that largely gave the fans a chance to acclaim Evans’ performance.
Manuel Ugarte (for Casemiro, 88) – 6 A change that probably should have come earlier.
RexWilliam Saliba was sent off against Bournemouth following a VAR review[/caption]
AFPEx-Premier League referee Mark Halsey has major doubt over the decision[/caption]
It’s a subjective decision, so I didn’t think VAR Jarred Gillett needed to get involved. For the denial of a goalscoring opportunity, we look at four key criteria.
And I had doubts over three of those.
The distance between the offence and the goal was lengthy, the general direction of play saw the ball coming across Evanilson and not in front of him and also the location and number of defenders was questionable.
The likelihood of him keeping or gaining control of the ball would have probably been in the favour of the Cherries forward because David Raya was back-pedalling towards his own goal.
PGMOL chiefs Howard Webb was spotted on TV listening into the VAR comms and that is normal for him to have access — just like the media broadcasters.
There is no way he would have had any input or communication into the Saliba red card.
The Frenchman’s dismissal means he is now set to miss a crucial match in the title race for the Gunners.
Saliba will serve a one -match ban in the Premier League, ruling him out of next Sunday’s clash with Liverpool.
He will then be free to return to league action away to Newcastle on November 2.
Fortunately for Mikel Arteta, he remains available for Tuesday’s Champions League match against Shakhtar Donetsk.
Match Stats
The 23-year-old is also free to face Preston in the Carabao Cup later this month ahead of the trip to St. James’ Park.
Saliba’s red card against Bournemouth is only the second of his career and his first for almost four years.
He was previously dismissed whilst playing for Arsenal’s under-21s in the EFL Trophy back in 2020.
APRobert Jones upgraded Saliba’s yellow to a red card after an on-field review of the incident[/caption]
GettySaliba will miss Arsenal’s home match against Liverpool next weekend through suspension[/caption]
2 weeks agoNewsComments Off on My neighbour saw my Halloween decorations & sent me threatening notes, I worried she would torch my front garden
WHEN Lia Adams-Steele decided to decorate for Halloween she never imagined the backlash she would receive.
The mum-of-two from Bristol spent weeks constructing her Hansel & Gretel themed scene in her front garden of the Longwell Green area of the city, complete with a lifesize gingerbread house and three witch figures.
SuppliedLia Adams-Steele was thrilled with her Halloween display[/caption]
SuppliedShe and her two children had worked for weeks creating the display in their front garden[/caption]
SuppliedShe was horrified to received a note complaining about them[/caption]
However, just days after erecting her display Lia, 37, was horrified to receive a letter from a neighbour complaining about her decorations.
The typed note read: “Dear resident of number [redacted.]
“As a member of the Longwell Green community, I would like to ask you to be considerate of young children and others who may not be comfortable viewing your outdoor displays, which are quite scary and aggressive. Not everyone celebrates Halloween.
“Images of witches/ occult and such like can be offensive and scary to some, and actually gave nightmares to my child, who has to pass these most days.”
The letter goes on to say that while Lia might be ‘free to express herself, unless she is renting’ the family had gone ‘a bit too far.”
Lia admits that the letter came as a shock and even left her feeling ‘quite scared.’
Speaking exclusively to Fabulous, she says: “I found it quite scary that someone from nearby wrote a letter like this.
“It worried me that they seemed to know a lot about us and the fact that we were renting.
“I had no idea who the writer was and I worried about what they might do next to be honest with you.
“I thought his person got p***ed off enough to put so much effort into writing a letter what will happen if I don’t take it down?
“I felt really intimidated, I genuinely worried they might burn my display down.”
Lia and her family wouldn’t typically erect such a large display for Halloween but they had decided to join in with a local tradition last year.
She explains: “In the last few years, the whole Halloween thing became a biggie in my area of Longwell Green.
“Local residents created a Facebook page where you can tag your display and it will be featured on the trail map so kids know to trick or treat there.
SuppliedLia said she felt quite frightened by her neighbour’s note[/caption]
SuppliedShe says she worried her neighbour might burn her display down[/caption]
“I was really inspired by other people’s displays and decided we could do something really big this year.”
With the help of her two children, Lia set about creating their biggest spooky display yet – something Lia admits was no easy feat.
“My creative mind just went flying, and I worked out how we could create this Hocus Pocus/ Hansel and Gretel mashup on a budget,” she says.
“We collected pallets and used those to build the gingerbread house from scratch.
“The kids and I used bin bags for the witches bodies and pumpkins for their heads and spent hours painting the house and decorating it with fairy lights.
“It took all of us a couple of weeks to complete around our work and school commitments.
“Neighbours were following our progress and couldn’t wait to see the finished result.”
When they finally finished decorating the overall feedback was overwhelmingly positive, however, it was just days before they received the letter.
Lia admits she was totally baffled by the accusations that their display was too scary.
“Our display was not scary,” she insists.
“There was no blood or body parts anywhere, we had nothing jumping out and scaring children like a lot of the other houses I’d seen.
Fabulous' Commissioning Editor Martha Cliff weighs in on spooky season
WHILE some might be waiting for Mariah Carey to slowly defrost, I couldn’t care less that Christmas is less than 100 days away.
Has everyone forgotten that there are less than 50 sleeps until the best holiday of the year?
I’ve long preferred Halloween to Christmas and spend most of the year mourning the loss of spooky season.
Not that I don’t find ways to include it into my year.
In April I marked the halfway point to the best day of the year with a ‘half-o-ween’ picnic in a cemetery (where else?). Come July I needed to get my fix again and hosted a ‘Summerween’ barbecue complete with watermelon carving and Piña Ghoul-adas.
Christmas fanatics are often horrified by my snowy-season snub, but for me December is just a slew of stress and overspending.
I don’t know about you but wracking my brains for bigger and better present ideas and spending four times the amount of time and money at the supermarket is not my idea of a good time.
With Halloween there is no expectation to spend. Homemade costumes are often head and tails above the ones sold in the shops and when it comes to decorations what is better than a carved pumpkin that can cost just pennies to achieve?
In January kids return to school bragging about what Santa brought them this year, all with the hope of outdoing each other but November 1st is a different story.
Trick or treating is fair through and through. Unless you’re bribing the neighbours, children all receive the same, and whatsmore for free, eliminating any playground bragging rights.
Above all I love the chaos over curation when it comes to Halloween. There’s no obligation to strive for perfection, in fact the rule is the sillier the better. It’s all the childhood nostalgia of Christmas but without the pressure.
So spare me the Christmas spirit, I’ll opt for a fully fledged ghost any day.
“I was so confused by the feedback.”
Lia admits that after receiving the note she seriously considered taking the display down all together.
“I didn’t want to put children through something horrific after all,” she says.
“But ultimately we had worked too long and too hard on this just to take it down again.
“I stand strong by my belief that I hadn’t done anything wrong and I was not doing anything to hurt anyone’s feelings.”
In need of a second opinion, Lia shared the letter on Facebook where it quickly went viral, amassing thousands of likes and 300 supportive comments from all over the world.
She explains: “I just put a question up onto the Facebook group has anyone ever received anything like this?
“I later shared a photo of the display and then asked whether I should take it down.
“Not one of the comments was negative, everyone was so supportive and reassured us that there was nothing wrong with the decorations.
“I even had people from America messaging me on Facebook to reassure me.”
I think holidays are important, I won’t let one person put me off
Lia Adams-Steele
Lia admits that she will be doing a smaller display this year as she is living in a new area but says that other families should not be discouraged.
She adds: “What I would suggest to anyone who would like to do any decoration, do it, feel free.
“Let your mind fly as far as you can, and try to do as many things as you can at home, including your kids.
“It will create memories with the kids and as a family. It’s amazing to create something together.
“I think holidays are important, I won’t let one person put me off.
“In fact it only spurred me on and last Christmas we repurposed the pallets into a manger.”
SuppliedAt Christmas Lia repurposed the gingerbread house[/caption]
2 weeks agoNewsComments Off on Strictly Come Dancing fans stunned as week five eviction spoiler is leaked online – saying ‘the curse has struck again!’
STRICTLY Come Dancing fans have been left stunned after the identity of the couple kicked off on tonight’s results show leaked online.
BBC viewers were irked after a mole let slip the outcome of the eviction – with one exclaiming: “Blimey. Did not see one of those coming at all.”
PAStrictly Come Dancing viewers have been left irked after a spoiler for tonight’s results show was leaked[/caption]
bbcBBC fans said they didn’t expect either couple to be in the bottom two[/caption]
bbcIt came after they claimed Wynne Evans had been ‘overmarked’[/caption]
PAJudge Craig Revel Horwood called for Pete Wicks to be ‘disqualified’[/caption]
Strictly viewers are set for a real shock as the pre-recorded episode airs on BBC One tonight – yet The Sun has decided against naming the unlucky contestant so as not to spoil the surprise.
Two couples are forced to dance again, with the judges then making their decision.
Head judge Shirley Ballas, 64, as always, has the casting vote – but this week it is not needed.
Earlier in the weekend, The Sun exclusively revealed an expert believed opera singer Wynne Evans would be voted off as fans “don’t want scandal.”
Meanwhile, in the live show Craig Revel Horwood demanded Pete Wicks be “disqualified” with professional partner Jowita.
Yet fans who chose to read the spoiler have taken to X to air their shock.
One fan was quick to post: “Wow! No way did the person who was saved deserve to be there, but I thought they might be which was why I voted for them.
“Again the curse of going first and being middle of the leaderboard. Remember to save your favourites – they’re not always safe!”
A second put: “Good decision but did NOT expect the surviving couple to be in the bottom.”
A third then mused: “Ohhh shame, he wasn’t that bad and he was having fun.”
One then added: “Wow shocked at the person in the bottom two who survived I really thought they’d get the votes because of their partner.”
FAN CONCERN
One celebrity who sparked fan concern during the live show was sports star Sam Quek.
The hockey player, 36, performed a Quickstep to Natasha Bedingfield’s Unwritten alongside pro partner Nikita Kuzmin.
Viewers noted Sam was a “little off” in the routine – as did the judges – yet it was her sad reaction that sparked concern.
Alluding to an error in the dance routine, Motsi Mabuse said that it looked like her nerves had got the better of her.
Sam later told Claudia Winkleman that she was upset with her own performance and admitted: “I’m just so disappointed, because that could have been our moment, and we felt it coming into it, I was confident.
“Something happened which people don’t need to know about, because I don’t want to make excuses, that’s not what it’s about, and it’s just delivering in the moment, and unfortunately, I kind of let the side down.”
Fans also reckoned Strictly bosses want Dr Punam out after giving her the “death slot” in the roster – this being performing second.
It came after Wynne and Katya attempted to brush off the drama from last week – where the Go Compare advert star was seen with his hand around professional partner Katya‘s waist during the show, yet later explained it was “a stupid joke that had gone wrong.”
PAThe live show came ahead of Strictly’s Halloween week[/caption]
bbcFans believed Dr Punam, far right, had been given the ‘death slot’ by Strictly bosses[/caption]
We calculated the Look Fantastic calendar offers best value
They usually contain a gift for each day in December – but savvy shoppers could save money by splitting the contents into multiple presents for friends and family.
These calendars contain anything from 12 to 40 skincare, makeup, and self-care products, ranging from travel-sized to full-sized versions of popular products.
Some include luxury candles, face cloths and fragrances too.
Depending on the brand, the upfront cost of advent calendars can range from as little as £45 to up to £260.
But when broken down, the value of the individual items tends to far exceed the price paid for the entire package.
Anita Naik, savings expert at VoucherCodes.co.uk, said: “Each year, retailers run advent calendars with several gifts included, ranging from luxury skincare and beauty to homeware, toys, or even socks.
“The calendars are often marketed to contain products worth hundreds of pounds, but actually cost just a fraction of that price.”
The best value advent calendar
The Sun has ranked the most popular calendars to reveal which one is the best value this festive season.
We’ve found that the Look Fantastic Iconic Beauty Advent Calendar offered the biggest savings – costing £100 for £565 worth of gifts, equating to a saving of 82%.
Mia LyndonThe Look Fantastic calendar came out on top[/caption]
The Sephora Favourites calendar wasn’t far behind, costing twice as much at £199 but packed with more than £1,000 worth of products, saving you 80% on the cost of buying each item individually.
It contains 40 products including 24 full-size versions from Glossier, Rare Beauty, Charlotte Tilbury and Sephora Collection, as well as an assortment of handbag-friendly travel-sized products.
Other brands selling great value health and beauty advent calendars include Gaia Skincare, Boots, Liberty and Holland & Barratt.
A gift that keeps on giving
Vix Leyton, consumer expert and host of the Spendology podcast, said: “You can get some fantastic, premium stocking fillers from splitting up advent calendars.
“Not only do you get the illicit thrill of opening all the doors, but health and beauty calendars often have at least a couple of full-size products inside, alongside skincare and accessories that individually wrapped look like very thoughtful gifts for anyone in your life that loves a pamper.”
Some Christmas shoppers might go one step further and stack these deals on top of each other, buying several of the top calendars to bag a supply of not just Christmas presents, but birthday gifts for 2025 too.
Many advent calendars also feature high-quality packaging and boxes, negating the need to splash out on fancy gift wrapping.
Be aware that the most popular calendars often sell out early in the season, so start keeping an eye on your chosen brands now.
Leyton said: “Make sure you know what’s in them before you start ticking people off your Christmas shopping lists,”
“Often the brands themselves will be showing off the bundle value versus the RRP, but it’s only a good deal if they’re things the average person actually wants.”
“High-end brands like Liberty London will typically represent the best saving, as well as the flashiest gift – and for the online retailers like Charlotte Tilbury, you can usually find a voucher code floating around to make the calendars even better value.”
The breakdown
Looking at the very high end of the cosmetics market, Liberty London, Fortnum and Mason and Selfridges all sell health and beauty advent calendars for £250 to £265, with all three retailers claiming the true value is more than £1,000.
If these are out of your budget, Boots is selling six different advent calendars this year, ranging from the Soap & Glory advent calendar for £48 (worth £105) to the No7 Ultimate Calendar which costs £175 but is valued at £514.
Buying all six Boots calendars would cost a total of £565 – but would net you £1,741 worth of cosmetics and skincare.
Alternatively, GAIA’s 24 Days of Wellness advent calendar offers more than £300 worth of products for £160, including full-size facial serums and a selection of 100ml products.
Stand-out products include 15ml Face Serum and 15ml Eye Serum, worth £55 each, and the components of Gaia’s Mini Essentials Travel Set which is worth £35.
Holland & Barratt claims that this year’s beauty advent calendar is the wellness store’s best-value calendar to date, with a price tag of £45 but worth £219.23 (a 79% saving). The 25 products include 16 full-size products, such as the cult favourite Weleda Skin Food Cleansing Balm, which are perfect for re-gifting.
It’s not just health and beauty retailers getting in on the advent calendar trend – there are calendars for various interests too.
For example, Bimble & Bolt do a runners calendar and a yoga lovers calendar, costing £39.99 each. Both can be used to fill the stockings of the fitness addicts in your family.
The She Grows Veg advent calendar (£65) includes 25 heirloom seed varieties and is ideal to split into smaller gifts for any gardening fans or experimental cooks on your Christmas list. Alternatively, Mariage Frères’ advent calendar contains 25 different types of tea and costs £49.
If you want to be a bit more risqué, the LoveHoney 24-Day X Womanizer Couple’s Sex Toy Advent Calendar 2024 costs £149, with the sexual wellness company claiming the contents are worth more than £455.
How to bag a bargain
SUN Savers Editor Lana Clements explains how to find a cut-price item and bag a bargain…
Sign up to loyalty schemes of the brands that you regularly shop with.
Big names regularly offer discounts or special lower prices for members, among other perks.
Sales are when you can pick up a real steal.
Retailers usually have periodic promotions that tie into payday at the end of the month or Bank Holiday weekends, so keep a lookout and shop when these deals are on.
Sign up to mailing lists and you’ll also be first to know of special offers. It can be worth following retailers on social media too.
When buying online, always do a search for money off codes or vouchers that you can use vouchercodes.co.uk and myvouchercodes.co.uk are just two sites that round up promotions by retailer.
Scanner apps are useful to have on your phone. Trolley.co.uk app has a scanner that you can use to compare prices on branded items when out shopping.
Bargain hunters can also use B&M’s scanner in the app to find discounts in-store before staff have marked them out.
And always check if you can get cashback before paying which in effect means you’ll get some of your money back or a discount on the item.
And Sunday into Monday will see a bright gibbous Moon high in the sky.
That could pose a problem when trying to see the Orionid meteor shower by creating too much glare.
If you are lucky enough to catch a glimpse, they should be visible across the UK and the US – weather permitting.
Fear not though, as there are more meteor showers due to happen for the rest of 2024.
Wait until December and there’s a huge Ursids meteor shower just before Christmas.
At its peak, we’re expecting a whooping 150 shooting stars per hour.
What's the difference between an asteroid, meteor and comet?
Here's what you need to know, according to Nasa...
Asteroid: An asteroid is a small rocky body that orbits the Sun. Most are found in the asteroid belt (between Mars and Jupiter) but they can be found anywhere (including in a path that can impact Earth)
Meteoroid: When two asteroids hit each other, the small chunks that break off are called meteoroids
Meteor: If a meteoroid enters the Earth’s atmosphere, it begins to vapourise and then becomes a meteor. On Earth, it’ll look like a streak of light in the sky, because the rock is burning up
Meteorite: If a meteoroid doesn’t vapourise completely and survives the trip through Earth’s atmosphere, it can land on the Earth. At that point, it becomes a meteorite
Comet: Like asteroids, a comet orbits the Sun. However rather than being made mostly of rock, a comet contains lots of ice and gas, which can result in amazing tails forming behind them (thanks to the ice and dust vaporizing)
2 weeks agoNewsComments Off on How to challenge a DWP benefit decision if you think it’s wrong
APPLYING for benefits in the UK can be a tricky process with lots of hoops to jump through and confusing rules.
And even then, you can end up with a decision that you don’t agree with.
AlamyYou can challenge a benefit decision if you don’t believe it’s right[/caption]
This could be because your claim is denied, you don’t get the level you expected, or you’re missing certain elements you think you qualify for.
Fortunately, the system allows you to challenge decisions that the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has made, and there’s evidence it’s well worth doing.
For instance, figures released by His Majesty’s Courts and Tribunals Service on 14 March show that 70% of all Personal Independence Payments appeals are won.
That means people are getting much-needed cash that they would have been denied if they hadn’t challenged the government’s decisions.
If you want to challenge a DWP decision, you usually need to apply for a mandatory reconsideration. But first, you need to understand why the benefits office made the decision it did, and gather evidence to show why they’ve got it wrong.
Getting an explanation
If your claim is denied or lower than expected, the first step should be to make sure you understand why. Sometimes, you’ll be sent the reasons in writing, for instance if you are rejected for a Personal Independence Payment claim.
If you haven’t been told why, you can ask the DWP to explain. Sometimes this can happen over the phone, or you can get a written statement of reasons. If you want the information in writing, you can request this and it must be provided.
Either way, you should move fast. There’s a time limit when it comes to asking for a mandatory reconciliation, so if you leave it too long, you might not be able to appeal.
To get the extra info, contact the DWP, HMRC or your local authority, depending on which benefit you’re trying to appeal. You should have the details on your decision letter.
It’s also worth speaking to them and explaining why you think the decision is wrong, sometimes it can be changed without launching a formal appeal.
For instance, if the decision was based on incorrect or missing information, the benefits office may be able to send you a new decision letter or it can explain what you can do next.
If your first language isn’t English, you can get an interpreter.
Turn2Us says that if you do telephone the benefit office, you should make a note of the time and date that you call, who you speak with and exactly what is said. This can be useful if you decide to formally challenge the decision.
If you’re still not happy with the outcome, the next step is usually to start the mandatory reconsideration process.
How long do I have to appeal the decision
Generally, you need to apply for a mandatory reconsideration within one month of your decision letter.
However, Turn2Us says that if you ask for written reasons within one month of the date on the decision letter, the time limit will be extended. The new limit will be:
One month and 14 days from the decision date (if the written reasons are provided within one month of the decision date); otherwise
14 days from the date the written reasons are provided.
However, the charity cautions that this only applies if the reasons were not provided in the decision letter you received. It says: “If you are in any doubt, stick to the usual time limits.”
You can usually get an extension if you have a good reason, for instance, if you’re in hospital or if a member of your immediate family dies.
How to ask for a mandatory reconsideration
If you want a mandatory consideration, you should write to the DWP or other relevant department.
You need to ask for the decision to be reviewed, and include any evidence you have as to why it was wrong in the first place.
You should go into detail, and provide copies of supporting documents where possible, for instance medical reports, doctor’s records, and financial statements.
If you are challenging decisions to do with benefits such as PIP and ESA medical evidence can be extremely valuable, particularly if it contradicts your medical assessment report produced by DWP.
Send the letter by recorded delivery, so you know it arrives safely, and keep a record for yourself.
If you’re challenging a decision around Universal Credit, you can do so through your online journal.
A different person will look at the decision, and decide whether it should be overturned or changed.
Sometimes, the DWP will ask for more information or extra pieces of evidence. If this happens, you should send things through as quickly as possible.
If your mandatory reconsideration is successful, you’ll be sent a new decision letter. If the decision doesn’t change, you’ll also be told by post.
You can choose to appeal if you’re still not happy with the outcome you get.
How to take an appeal further
The next steps depend on which benefit you’re applying for. However, in almost all cases you need to act within a month.
We have explained what to do for each benefit below.
Budgeting loans
If you want to challenge a decision around a budgeting loan, you need to ask the Independent Case Examiner’s office to do a review. The ICE is an independent organisation that’s completely separate from the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP).
Contact the ICE office in writing asking it to look at the decision again. You need to include your:
Name
Contact details
National insurance number
Details of the benefits you applied for
The date of the decision
Information about why you disagree with the decision and evidence to back this up.
The ICE will decide whether the decision should be changed.
Employment and Support Allowance
If you’re making an appeal regarding ESA, you might want to skip the mandatory reconsideration process.
Turn2Us says this applies if you already getting the payment, you’re appealing a decision that says you are fit for work, and the decision is not based on you having failed to return your ESA50 questionnaire or attend an assessment.
It must also be either:
The first time you have been found fit for work at an assessment, or
You have been found fit for work at a previous assessment but since then had an assessment where you were found to have limited capacity for work.
The reason for going straight to appeal is that you can keep getting your benefits during the appeal, but you can’t when going through a mandatory reconsideration process.
If you’ve been through the mandatory reconsideration and aren’t happy with the outcome, you can still choose to appeal either online or by post.
You can also write to HM Courts and Tribunals Service at the following addresses:
England and Wales: HMCTS SSCS Appeals Centre, PO Box 12626, Harlow, CM20 9QF
Scotland: HMCTS SSCS Appeals Centre, PO Box 13150, Harlow, CM20 9TT .
Northern Ireland: The Appeals Service, PO Box 2202, Belfast, BT1 9YJ.
The First Tier Tribunal will decide if you are entitled to a benefit and can change a decision. However, it’s worth knowing that its decision could leave you worse off so it is often best to seek advice first.
Universal Credit
If you believe the DWP has calculated your Universal Credit using the wrong income, you need to raise a Real Time Earnings (RTI) dispute. You can do this by leaving a note in your journal.
Further appeals follow the same process as for an Employment and Support Allowance claim.
Personal Independence Payment
If you’ve tried a mandatory reconsideration for your PIP claim and you still aren’t happy, the next step is to go to a tribunal. You normally need to do this within a month.
You need to explain which decision you’re challenging, what you think the outcome should have been, and why you disagree with the DWP’s decision.
PIP is awarded based on points, so you need to include information about how many points you think you should have been scored for each activity and medical evidence where possible to back up your claims.
Turn2Us says you can also apply for judicial review if the way a decision was made was wrong or very unfair.
Council tax support
If you’re challenging a decision on council tax support you need to send a letter or email to your local authority instead of DWP. You should include your council tax reference number, why you think the decision is wrong and any documents that back up your argument.
The next step is to make an appeal. This could focus on whether you are entitled to a reduction in your council tax, or how much you have been awarded under the local Council Tax Support scheme.
You can get a copy of the appeal form or complete it online from:
If you’re challenging a child benefit decision, you need to speak to HMRC not DWP, but the mandatory reconsideration process is the same.
If you’re still not happy with decision, you might be able to go to tribunal, although not all decisions can be appealed.
For instance, you cannot appeal against a decision about who gets child benefit if you and the other parent could not agree and had equal priority.
If you are appealing, you need to write directly to the Tribunal Service.
In England, Wales and Scotland, you use the appeal form SCS5 on the Gov.UK website. There are also SSCS5 guidance notes to help you fill the form. You need to include the mandatory reconsideration notice that you received from HMRC.
Like with council tax challenges, appeals around housing benefit need to go through your local authority first, not DWP. However, the mandatory reconsideration process is the same.
If you then go on to appeal the decision, it will be looked at by an independent tribunal, which is separate from your local authority or the Housing Executive. You can appeal without having to ask for a reconsideration first.
The First Tier Tribunal will decide if you are legally entitled to a benefit and can change a decision if they think it is wrong.
2 weeks agoNewsComments Off on US intel docs showing Israel preparations for airstrike in Iran leaked online: report
The document is marked top secret and is only meant to be seen by those with proper clearance in the US and the “Five Eyes” – Australia, Canada, New Zealand, and the United Kingdom.
