
Asda is selling a fun garden décor buy for £60 less than Debenhams – it's perfect for sunny days
HOLIDAY-enthusiasts are sprucing up their homes with a tropical-themed garden accessory.
Summer-loving customers can't get enough of a chic addition to their outer areas - for a slice of the price.
2
Asda is offering a Hawaiian style Tiki Beach parasol courtesy of George Home for just £35.
While Debenhams ' Hula Thatched Patio Tiki Umbrella has been reduced from its original £244.95, it still comes in at £94.95.
The stylish Asda sun shade boasts a raffia effect top and simple push up and down function to make it extra to use.
Adjustable and elegant, it also comes with a carry bag if you want to take it elsewhere.
Fans commented: "I bought this and I absolutely love it. It looks fantastic. Well worth the money."
"I absolutely love this parasol. I was looking for one but didn't want to spend a fortune for it to then break. This is quirky and a very good price. I think I need to buy another one as I love it so much," praised a second happy customer.
"Great addition to the garden. Compliments my restful area and gives it that holiday feeling when looking out from the hot tub," penned another user.
"Loved this tiki parasol. Bought it for my garden. Reminds me of being on holiday at the beach. Very good quality," commended a fourth fan.
"Feels like I'm in Hawaii!!!!" approved another.
Elsewhere, customers have been double impressed by the superstore's garden furniture.
'I only went in for cheese!' shopper admits as she's wowed by new Asda arrivals, including the 'perfect holiday co-ord'
Shoppers have praised Asda's chic summer sets, one of which is on sale for less than £140.
Other happy customers have shared their delight on the George website.
The set, made from corrosion-resistant galvanised steel and weather resistant textoline seating material, comprises a sofa, two arm chairs and a glass-topped coffee table - perfect for sun or cloud bathing.
8 must-have plants to brighten up your garden
Nick Hamilton owner of Barnsdale Gardens has shared his favourite plants and flowers you should consider adding to your garden, borders and pots.
Tricyrtis
A spectacular plant that gives a real exotic feel to any garden with its orchid-like, spotted flowers giving the impression that this plant should be tender but it is 'as tough as old boots!'.
Penstemon
I love this plants genus of because most will flower all summer and autumn. They'll grow in sun or semi-shade in a well drained soil and produce a non-stop display of tubular flowers in an array of colours and colour combination to suit all tastes.
Luzula sylvatica 'Marginata'
With the evergreen leaves edged with yellow it's great asset is that it
will grow in sun or shade in any type of soil and is great as groundcover in the hardest spot to fill - dry shade.
Eryngium x zabelii 'Big Blue'
A stunning, nectar-rich plant that will feed the beneficial insects in your
garden. Leave the flowerheads once they have turned brown because they look stunning with winter frost and snow, extending the plant's interest period.
Sarcococca hookeriana 'Winter Gem'
If you need winter scent then look no further than this compact, evergreen shrub. The scent is stunning and the evergreen leaves create an excellent backdrop for the summer flowers.
Cornus sanguinea 'Anny's Winter Orange'
A dwarf version of 'Midwinter Fire' the very colourful stems create a stunning winter display, particularly on sunny days.
Rosa 'Noisette Carnee'
A very well-behaved climbing rose that is perfect for training over an arch, pergola or gazebo. The small, 'noisette' flowers are blush-pink and produce the most amazing clove scent constantly from June to November.
Sanguisorba hakusanensis 'Lilac Squirrel'
I've never seen a squirrel with a drooping, shaggy lilac tail, but this variety will give your garden an unusual and different look throughout summer. It does need a moisture retentive soil but will grow in sun or semi-shade.

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Edinburgh Reporter
27 minutes ago
- Edinburgh Reporter
Scotland at Home: Why Leisure Is Becoming a Priority in 2025
Home used to be where the day ended. In 2025, for many Scots, it's where the best part of the day begins. After years of re-evaluating how we spend time, catalysed by lockdowns, hybrid work, shifting social dynamics, and a deeper appreciation for domestic life, there's a decisive turn toward designing homes that aren't just functional, but fulfilling. The new frontier of modern living? Leisure. From Glasgow tenements to Highlands retreats, Scottish households are investing in more than heating systems and kitchen refits. They're carving out space for joy, purpose-built areas for games, gatherings, relaxation, hobbies, and off-screen moments that feel refreshingly analogue and grounded in reality. This movement goes beyond aesthetics; it speaks to how people want to feel at home. Photo by PAN XIAOZHEN on Unsplash Leisure Gets Local While global home entertainment trends continue to soar, Statista projects the global market to surpass £150 billion by the decade's end. There's a regional nuance unfolding in Scotland. The movement isn't about flashy installations or Silicon Valley-grade home cinemas. It's about integrating leisure into everyday spaces in meaningful, intentional, and locally resonant ways. A living room that doubles as a games zone. A converted garage that becomes a social lounge. A snug with tactile finishes, a good playlist, and a corner dedicated to actual, real-life fun. Leisure isn't an afterthought, it's designed into the blueprint from day one. The Scottish version of leisure design is more intimate and rooted in real living. These aren't aspirational Instagram builds; they're functional lifestyle choices. It's about slow evenings, shared meals, board games by candlelight, and the rhythm of a household that breathes. Scotland's Unique Take on Stay-at-Home Culture Scotland has always understood the importance of the indoors. With long winters, unpredictable weather, and a rich culture of hospitality, our homes have historically served as hubs of togetherness. Whether it's a shared pot of soup or a spontaneous evening of card games, there's a communal warmth to how we spend time in private spaces. This cultural backdrop is now merging with design ambition. Families aren't just squeezing a ping-pong table into the spare room. They're planning with intent, building in entertainment zones that feel cohesive, curated, and connected to the rest of the home. The room doesn't just have a purpose, it has personality. Scottish clients are increasingly approaching companies like Home Games Room, a UK-based leisure design company, with a clear ask: leisure that looks good and brings people together, not just something to pass the time. Importantly, this demand is spread across demographics. Retired couples, young professionals, and growing families are all driving this interest. The scale may differ, but the motivation remains the same: to make the home more than a container for life and a catalyst for living. The New Meaning of Luxury: Time + Space Ask anyone what they truly want more of, and the answers tend to converge: time and space. These aren't just commodities; they're the new currencies of modern life. As work creeps into dining rooms and the pace of digital life accelerates, there's a growing movement to reclaim home as a site of restoration. Luxury in 2025 doesn't mean opulence, it means having a dedicated area to unwind. A small games nook. A quiet spot for a puzzle. A room where devices go down and conversations pick up. This mindset is driving demand for multipurpose spaces that feel both relaxing and active. In Scottish homes, this could mean a sunroom that doubles as a play area, or a refurbished attic transformed into a retreat for analogue games and music. It could be a cabin at the back of the garden that operates as a seasonal escape or a flexible mezzanine overlooking the main living room. The goal isn't perfection, it's presence. Leisure-focused design doesn't require vast space or a huge budget. It requires intention. The best rooms are not the biggest but the ones used most often. A single well-placed piece of leisure furniture can shift a home's entire energy. Why the Pool Table Still Reigns Among all leisure pieces, few carry the legacy, nostalgia, and versatility of the pool table. It's tactile. It's sociable. And it holds a unique place in the design language of leisure. For many, it's not just a game, it's a ritual. What's changed is the way modern designer pool tables are being imagined. No longer limited to man caves or pub-style game rooms, today's tables are crafted with materials and finishes that align with contemporary interiors. Think walnut frames, slate tops, matte black hardware. The aesthetics have caught up to the emotional value. In Scotland's homes, where decor often blends tradition and modernity, this leisure table fits seamlessly. It's as at home in a rustic stone-floored room as it is in a minimalist new build. In many cases, it becomes a bridge between generations, sparking conversations that rarely happen around a screen. There's also a spatial advantage. Unlike many bulky entertainment items, a pool table creates interaction around it. It encourages flow, conversation, and pause, qualities that lend themselves beautifully to thoughtful interiors. And because it demands presence and engagement, it often becomes a grounding point in the rhythm of a busy household. Designing for Presence in a Distracted World As our homes become more multifunctional, such as offices, gyms, schools, and cinemas, there's a growing desire to anchor them in something human. Not digital. Not transactional. But real. At its core, the movement toward home leisure is about reclaiming presence. It's a response to the fragmented attention spans and screen fatigue that have become part of daily life. Instead of designing spaces around consumption, people are now designing for connection, for experiences that feel slower, more deliberate, and rooted in interaction. This doesn't mean returning to the past. It means blending modern living with intentional choices that create pause points: a space to gather without a screen between you, an activity that doesn't involve logging in, a ritual that happens face-to-face. These small but powerful changes influence how a room functions and how it feels to live in. And for many Scottish households, these are the upgrades that matter most, the ones that invite people back into the moment together. Social Wellness: Connecting Through Play In an era where screens dominate nearly every waking hour, there's a hunger for experiences that feel tactile, physical, and grounded. Leisure that invites movement and social connection is increasingly viewed not as a luxury, but as wellness infrastructure. Gathering around a game table, engaging in friendly competition, or simply sharing an unhurried moment in a dedicated space, these experiences help reinforce bonds. They're proven to support mental wellbeing, reduce stress, and even improve focus. Play isn't just for children. It's a mechanism for coping with pressure, for decompressing at the end of the day, and for creating shared joy. Households that build in space for play often report stronger relationships, clearer boundaries between work and rest, and a greater sense of emotional balance. And unlike tech-led entertainment, these interactions offer something increasingly rare: true presence. No headphones, no passive watching, just people together, doing something real. The appeal lies in its simplicity. According to recent UK consumer research, over 60% of respondents say they feel most connected during shared, low-tech activities like cooking together, playing games, or simply talking without screens. These rituals, not apps, continue to define meaningful leisure. Trends in Home Upgrades Across the UK Recent data from ONS and YouGov suggests that home improvement spending across the UK remains robust, even as other discretionary budgets tighten. People are still willing to invest, but the focus has shifted from resale value to lifestyle value. This includes outdoor garden rooms, hybrid office-leisure spaces, and custom additions like games areas, wellness corners, and indoor-outdoor flex zones. In Scotland, where the weather often drives people indoors, these enhancements are not just desirable; they're practical. There's also a generational element. Younger homeowners, especially those in their 30s and 40s, are more likely to see home as a place for expression and identity, not just shelter. Their upgrade choices reflect how they want to live, not just how they want their home to look on paper. The new wave of Scottish homeowners is blending tradition with experimentation. They're restoring heritage properties with modern leisure features. They're bringing play into the heart of homes designed to last generations. And they're doing it with creativity and care. From Global Growth to Local Living: What the Numbers Really Mean Earlier in this article, we touched on how global home entertainment spending is on the rise, but the real story is what that means locally. For Scotland, this shift is less about high-end tech or automation and more about how everyday homes are being reimagined around experience. While market forecasts show billions flowing into home-based entertainment globally, what's striking in the UK, particularly in Scotland, is how homeowners are adapting those trends to reflect lifestyle rather than luxury. Instead of full-scale theatre rooms or voice-activated environments, we're seeing more interest in adaptable spaces: lounges that double as gaming areas, dining rooms with flexible layouts, and even modest extensions planned specifically with social interaction in mind. These interpretations of 'leisure investment' are significant because they speak to long-term behavioural change. People aren't just reacting to a post-pandemic world, they're recalibrating their homes to match new values: time together, shared enjoyment, creative rest, and emotional reset. In essence, while global projections provide the macro view, the micro-decisions, the furniture choices, layout tweaks, and cultural preferences, reveal how deeply the home leisure movement is taking root. In Scotland, this means crafting spaces that aren't just future-proofed, but feel right now: warm, purposeful, and woven into everyday life. Reclaiming the Weekend: Why Leisure Is a Form of Resistance In a world where productivity is worn like a badge of honour and weekends are often consumed by catch-up tasks, choosing to build leisure into your home is more than design, it's defiance. It's a conscious step away from burnout culture and towards something more restorative. For many Scots, the home is no longer just a backdrop, it's the only environment they can truly control. And in that space, carving out room for leisure means setting boundaries between work and life, noise and calm, hustle and reflection. This isn't about escapism. It's about intentional living. A pool game on a Sunday afternoon, a quiet hour with friends around a games table, a familiar ritual shared with family, these are not small moments. They're stabilisers. In uncertain times, they provide rhythm, meaning, and a sense of belonging. When leisure becomes part of the architecture, it sends a quiet but clear message: this household values presence. And in 2025, that message feels more radical and necessary than ever. Leisure Isn't a Luxury, It's an Investment If the past few years have taught us anything, it's that time together matters, not in theory but in practice. The spaces we share, the ways we unwind, the objects we gather around, all of these shape our wellbeing and our memories. Choosing to design for leisure isn't a frivolous decision. It's a way of building resilience, joy, and connection into the fabric of daily life. In 2025, Scottish homes will be more than beautiful. They're becoming intentional. And whether it's a single pool table or an entire entertainment zone, making space for leisure is fast becoming one of the most valuable investments a family can make. Because living well isn't just about having more, it's about making more of what we already have. Together, at home. In the company of others. In spaces designed for what matters most. Like this: Like Related


Daily Mail
an hour ago
- Daily Mail
Pregnant Vick Hope shows off her baby bump in a vibrant yellow and red striped mini dress as she poses for new campaign
Vick Hope looked every inch the glowing mother-to-be as she showed off her baby bump in a yellow and red striped mini dress as she posed for a new campaign. The pregnant radio host, 35, recently went on maternity leave from her BBC Radio 1 show is preparing to welcome her first child with DJ Calvin Harris, 41. But Vick has been keeping busy as she promoted Decathlon's 'Summer Tent Pledge' while getting ready for the festival season. The presenter, who loves a festival with her wedding to DJ Calvin even being Glastonbury themed, stunned in the eye-catching dress, which she styled with a denim shirt and fringed jacket. The mum-to-be left her long dark waved tresses loose and accessorised with a number of chain necklaces and gold hoop earrings. From A-list scandals and red carpet mishaps to exclusive pictures and viral moments, subscribe to Daily Mail's showbiz newsletter to stay in the loop. She posed in a field surrounded by tents and pulled a camping festival trolley before carrying a 'No tent left behind' sign', referencing festivalgoers leaving their tents behind as rubbish. Discussing the campaign, Vick said: 'Whether you're dancing at Glasto, on a hilltop, or roasting marshmallows with family, your tent deserves more than one weekend of glory. 'Decathlon's Pledge is brilliant because it simplifies doing the right thing!' The 'Summer Tent Pledge' from Decathlon allows customers to get a full refund in the form of store credit for returning their tent after use. Vick, who also has a home in Ibiza, recently asked the Radio One Big Weekend crowd in Liverpool for baby name ideas. The star threw herself open to suggestions while taking to the stage with co-host Jamie Laing, 36. Vick looked sensational as she showcased her blossoming bump in a vibrant figure-hugging maxi dress with a thigh-high split. She flashed her gorgeous smile as she posed in a field surrounded by tents and pulled a camping festival trolley before carrying a, 'No tent left behind' sign' Discussing the campaign, Vick said: 'Whether you're dancing at Glasto, on a hilltop, or roasting marshmallows with family, your tent deserves more than one weekend of glory. Decathlon's Pledge is brilliant because it simplifies doing the right thing!' Chatting with the audience, Jamie said: 'Vick is about to go on maternity leave, and she wants some help with some baby names, so if you can shout some names to me.' As the huge crowd began screaming out suggestions a giggling Vick replied: 'Ok, I got it.' Vick appeared to be having the time of her life at the festival as she took to Instagram with snaps of herself enjoying with co-host Jamie. The pair caught some of the Liverpool festival's biggest acts including Mel C's surprise performance with Tom Grennan. She even had a chance to let her hair down in the BBC presenter's raised platform, where she danced with the crew. The mother-to-be also had a chance to catch up with her fellow co-presenters Arielle Free, Greg James and Lauren Layfied. She captioned the snaps: 'Final @bbcradio1 Going Home show with just the two of us for a little while, it's been such an absolute blast! 'Thank you for the love and the laughs these last few months sweet sweet @jamielaing, all the team, and of course our amazing listeners. 'Legends, the lot of ya.' Jamie also sent his good wishes ahead of the momentous occasion and said: 'To the sweetest soul, who goes on maternity leave today - what a blast we've had.' It comes after Vick asked the Radio One Big Weekend crowd in Liverpool for baby name ideas last week before heading off on maternity leave The presenter threw herself open to suggestions while taking to the stage with co-host Jamie Laing, 36 Vick and her partner Calvin own several homes, including a farm in Ibiza and a 10-acre estate in the Cotswolds. Vick and Calvin are reported to be in the process of building a mansion on their Cotswolds estate, which is reported to become their main place of residence. The couple tied the knot in September 2023 and only just announced their impending arrival, choosing to keep their relationship largely out of the spotlight. Vick stressed on air that she didn't want to make a big deal out of her pregnancy. She said: 'This is not an announcement, by the way. People keep saying are you going to announce, are you going to announce? And I'm like, I'm not the King. 'I'll be honest, I struggle with anything that's personal or private. I will tell you a story about eating a kebab out of a bin, that's one thing. 'But there's a line and so I've never been that big on sharing. Particularly because I've just been enjoying this privately and quietly.'


Times
3 hours ago
- Times
Best women's designer sunglasses for 2025
Are you cat's eye or square; classic or avant-garde? Anything goes this season. Keep scrolling for the best women's designer sunglasses to shop now. • This article contains affiliate links that can earn us revenue Drawing inspiration from the shape of Vivienne Westwood's own glasses, these oval-shaped frames feature a classic tortoiseshell interior and gradient lenses that provide UV protection as well as a clever anti-glare tint. The sunglasses, which are also handily scratch and impact-resistant, are part of the luxury house's latest sun collection which references vintage styles with its offering of baroque-inspired frames and intricate embellishments. £185, Vivienne Westwood Keep the frames classic — this small, square shape is universally flattering — and you can play with experimental coloured lenses. While yellow has a cool 1970s feel, this blue tint is a more modern choice for the sunny months ahead. £447, Prada at Fenwick Founded in 1846, the Spanish luxury house Loewe was previously exclusively a leather making company and over 170 years later, it's still a firm favourite for designer bags. However, the brand is making a name for itself in the sunglasses sphere with its playful silhouettes, colourful frames and tongue-in-cheek designs. With their slightly oversized aviator shape and gradient lenses, this pair is the perfect compromise of classic yet contemporary. £335, Loewe at Mytheresa Two accessories in one, Bottega Veneta's black aviators feature curled metal temples with teardrop details at the end of each arm, inspired by the brand's bestselling drop earrings. £490, Bottega Veneta King of oversized eyewear, and a personal advocate of the aviator shape, Tom Ford is dominating the sunglasses space. You're spoilt for choice when it comes to classic frames. However, this pair, aptly named the Icon, are truly timeless. Crafted from glossy, marbled tortoiseshell, the frames are finished with the brand's signature 'T' gold hardware at the sides. £545, Tom Ford at Net-a-Porter Made in Japan and showcasing Gucci's favourite Rosso Ancora red colour, these acetate frames have an oversized, rounded shape that's synonymous with the large lenses of the 1970s. £460, Gucci Founded in 2014, the LA-based label Jacques Marie Mage designs frames that are all handcrafted in the brand's Japanese studio using an extensive 300-step design process. The angular, chunky acetate frames even featured as part of Kendall Roy's quietly luxurious wardrobe in the hit television series Succession — hardly surprising given its track record for using lavish flourishes such as 18-carat gold within its sunnies. £1,100, Jacques Marie Mage at Net-a-Porter A bit Seventies, a bit Iris Apfel — a lot fabulous, these Valentino women's sunglasses can do no wrong in our eyes. Plus, the oversized, square shape is large enough to keep you incognito on holiday. £465, Valentino at Mytheresa Made in Italy, Celine's squoval (a squared-off oval shape) sunglasses feel splendidly Sixties and are ideal for those adventurous types who don't want to stick to black or brown frames. £400, Celine at Mytheresa Far from basic black shades, Dior's luxury sunglasses take inspiration from the house's classic Lady 95.22 bag with a quilted 'Cannage' finish and gold-tone hardware on the arms. £460, Dior at Mytheresa If super oversized frames feel too audacious you're in luck as super skinny shades inspired by the silhouettes of the 1990s are very much back on the menu. These Cartier rectangle frames have undergone the luxury treatment with signature Panthère de Cartier hardware — including panther heads finished with enamel spots and green crystal eyes — at the temple. £1,130, Cartier at Net-a-Porter An alternative to the classic square, round and oval shapes on offer, Saint Laurent's Lou Lou design features large heart-shaped frames for a hit of playful nostalgia. £315, Saint Laurent at Fenwick