Latest news with #Hollie
Scottish Sun
3 days ago
- Lifestyle
- Scottish Sun
I couldn't afford a new patio so transformed my mismatched grey slabs for just £100 – now it's fresh & bright for summer
IF your patio is looking a bit grubby and you're desperate to get it sparkling for summer, fear not, we've got you covered. A savvy DIY fan has shared the quick and easy trick she swears by for making stained patio slabs look brand new - and it's super simple. 2 A DIY enthusiast has revealed the cheap and cheerful way she transformed her mismatched grey slabs to fresh and bright for summer Credit: Instagram/@ the_durham_derwent 2 For just £100, Hollie was able to add style to her garden - and it's left many very impressed Credit: Instagram/@ the_durham_derwent Hollie, a solo homeowner who is known online as 'The Durham Derwent', explained that she couldn't afford to get a new patio, so instead, gave hers a makeover on the cheap thanks to a lick of paint. Posting on social media, the content creator who is from the UK, gave her 20,600 followers a close-up look at her patio before and after its overhaul, leaving many totally stunned. Alongside her post, Hollie beamed: 'A whole new patio would be lovely but for now this budget makeover has made such a difference.' Hollie later explained that her patio glow up cost her just £100. She said goodbye to her 'mistmatched grey' slabs and hello to a 'fresh and bright' patio. As well as looking beautiful, we're sure it bound to leave her guests and any eagle-eyed neighbours gobsmacked. The DIY enthusiast later explained that she used the Sandtex Ultra Smooth Masonry Paint in the shade Sandblast, which you can nab from B&Q or Wickes for just £35. Hollie also confirmed: 'I used 10L for two/three coats across the whole patio, side paths and back steps.' As well as giving her patio a fresh lick of paint, she also bought a stunning set of garden furniture to further add style and a luxe feel to her patio. Not only was Hollie able to keep the costs down, but now she has a patio area that's perfect for summer days and balmy nights. Get your patio sparkling with a £1.49 Wilko buy - as shoppers rave the 'results speak for themselves' The Instagram clip, which was posted under the username @the_durham_derwent, has clearly left many open-mouthed, as it has quickly racked up 127,000 views. Social media users were impressed with the patio's mega makeover and many were in disbelief as they had 'actually thought' Hollie had had "porcelain tiles laid.' How to repair broken patio slabs THE paving specialists at Simply Paving told Fabulous how you can repair broken patio slabs, without the faff. The experts advised: 'If you have a loose paving slab, then it's unlikely it can be lifted straight by hand. Instead, you will probably need a hammer and chisel to prise the paver free of your patio. 'To remove loose paving slabs without damaging your flagstones, carefully chip away at the mortar around the paving slab with the plugging chisel and rubber mallet until the slab comes completely loose. 'Then, slide the spade into the gap left by the mortar and prise the paver free of the patio. "As you lift it up, place a short piece of timber underneath the spade to act as a lever, making it easier for you while protecting the slab underneath. 'When the paver starts to give, place the cylindrical wood underneath it and roll the slab out of the patio.' One person said: 'Oh my gosh I neeeeed to do this! I thought you'd had a new patio laid.' Another added: 'This is amazing!!' It looks so good, much better Instagram user A third commented: 'Wow! That's an amazing glow up! They look great.' Meanwhile, someone else beamed: 'Wow what a difference!' At the same time, another DIY enthusiast chimed in: 'It looks so good, much better." Unlock even more award-winning articles as The Sun launches brand new membership programme - Sun Club
The Sun
3 days ago
- Lifestyle
- The Sun
I couldn't afford a new patio so transformed my mismatched grey slabs for just £100 – now it's fresh & bright for summer
IF your patio is looking a bit grubby and you're desperate to get it sparkling for summer, fear not, we've got you covered. A savvy DIY fan has shared the quick and easy trick she swears by for making stained patio slabs look brand new - and it's super simple. 2 2 Hollie, a solo homeowner who is known online as 'The Durham Derwent', explained that she couldn't afford to get a new patio, so instead, gave hers a makeover on the cheap thanks to a lick of paint. Posting on social media, the content creator who is from the UK, gave her 20,600 followers a close-up look at her patio before and after its overhaul, leaving many totally stunned. Alongside her post, Hollie beamed: 'A whole new patio would be lovely but for now this budget makeover has made such a difference.' Hollie later explained that her patio glow up cost her just £100. She said goodbye to her 'mistmatched grey' slabs and hello to a 'fresh and bright' patio. As well as looking beautiful, we're sure it bound to leave her guests and any eagle-eyed neighbours gobsmacked. The DIY enthusiast later explained that she used the Sandtex Ultra Smooth Masonry Paint in the shade Sandblast, which you can nab from B&Q or Wickes for just £35. Hollie also confirmed: 'I used 10L for two/three coats across the whole patio, side paths and back steps.' As well as giving her patio a fresh lick of paint, she also bought a stunning set of garden furniture to further add style and a luxe feel to her patio. Not only was Hollie able to keep the costs down, but now she has a patio area that's perfect for summer days and balmy nights. Get your patio sparkling with a £1.49 Wilko buy - as shoppers rave the 'results speak for themselves' The Instagram clip, which was posted under the username @ the_durham_derwent, has clearly left many open-mouthed, as it has quickly racked up 127,000 views. Social media users were impressed with the patio's mega makeover and many were in disbelief as they had 'actually thought' Hollie had had "porcelain tiles laid.' How to repair broken patio slabs THE paving specialists at Simply Paving told Fabulous how you can repair broken patio slabs, without the faff. The experts advised: 'If you have a loose paving slab, then it's unlikely it can be lifted straight by hand. Instead, you will probably need a hammer and chisel to prise the paver free of your patio. 'To remove loose paving slabs without damaging your flagstones, carefully chip away at the mortar around the paving slab with the plugging chisel and rubber mallet until the slab comes completely loose. 'Then, slide the spade into the gap left by the mortar and prise the paver free of the patio. "As you lift it up, place a short piece of timber underneath the spade to act as a lever, making it easier for you while protecting the slab underneath. 'When the paver starts to give, place the cylindrical wood underneath it and roll the slab out of the patio.' One person said: 'Oh my gosh I neeeeed to do this! I thought you'd had a new patio laid.' Another added: 'This is amazing!!' A third commented: 'Wow! That's an amazing glow up! They look great.' Meanwhile, someone else beamed: 'Wow what a difference!' At the same time, another DIY enthusiast chimed in: 'It looks so good, much better." Garden features that add the most value to a house A well-kept garden can add anywhere between 5-20% to the value of a property. carried out a study and consulted 36 estate agents, garden designers and property professionals from across the UK. And the experts revealed the garden feature which adds the most value to a property is a shed. Shed - 82% Patio or paving - 76% Secure fencing, walls or gates - 72% Outdoor lighting - 66% Sturdy decking - 62% Water features eg. fountain or pond - 58% Modern garden furniture - 54% Artificial lawn/grass - 40%
Daily Mirror
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- Daily Mirror
Britain's Got Talent's surprising moments - tearful breakdown to judges' smooch
The final of this year's Britain's Got Talent airs tonight, with the remaining acts hoping to impress the judges, audience and viewers at home. Here, the Mirror has taken a look back at the most shocking moments from the long-running ITV talent show After weeks of acts from across the nation taking to the stage with their vocals, dance moves and peculiar skills, the final of Britain's Got Talent airs tonight. The judges, Simon Cowell, Amanda Holden, Alesha Dixon, Bruno Tonioli, and guest judge KSI, certainly had their hands full as a myriad of acts rallied for a place in the final on Saturday, May 31. The victorious act will walk away with a hefty £250,000 cash prize and a slot to perform at the Royal Variety Performance. The grand final on Saturday will showcase semi-final golden buzzer winners The Blackouts, Olly Pearson, Jasmine Rice, Joseph Charm, and, most recently, Harry Moulding. Joining them, thanks to winning the public vote in the semi-finals, are Vinnie McKee, Stacey Leadbeatter, Ping Pong Pang, Hear Our Voice, and nine-year-old dancing sensation Binita. As we watch the 2025 BGT final, we've taken a trip down memory lane and revisited some of the show's most shocking moments... Final withdraw Susan Boyle's 2009 audition remains one of the most unforgettable moments in BGT history. However, Simon disclosed that he offered the singer the chance to withdraw from the final. After capturing the nation's hearts with her rendition of Les Misérables' classic, 'I Dreamed a Dream,' Susan attracted massive media attention, leading music mogul Simon to have a candid chat with the singer. While on Lorraine, Simon explained: "The lead up to the week of the final we sat down with her and her friends. We said, 'Look, if it's too stressful, because it's all over the media...' "She said it was fine, she's going to do it. And I'm thinking, 'Fine, she's going to win.' And I'll never forget it [when they said] 'The winner is Diversity'. "I was on that stage under 20 seconds saying into her [ear], 'We've got an album deal. Literally from that moment." Simon stated that from that point forward, it was up to her when she wanted to make an album and assured that she was "part of the family" now. Tearful breakdown When ten-year-old Hollie Steel appeared on the show in 2009, it was heart-wrenching to watch her total collapse as she forgot the lyrics to her song. Visibly trembling and crying, Hollie ran off the stage to her mother, leaving viewers questioning whether the pressure of the show was simply too much for someone so young. She pleaded for another chance to perform, and producers initially refused, leaving Hollie distraught. She was eventually allowed to try her performance again at the end of the show, but viewers were still incensed at the debacle, claiming she was being exploited. 'Fixing' BGT faced backlash from irate viewers who accused the show of "setting up" singer Jessica Hobson in 2011. A heartbroken Jessica was reduced to tears after Simon and David Hasselhoff harshly criticised her rendition of Beyonce's Single Ladies. Simon dismissed the piano performance as "dated" and scoffed at her "silly dress". When confronted by Ant and Dec about her song choice, she admitted: "I didn't choose what I wanted to sing.. Apparently it was somebody..." but before she could finish, her microphone was abruptly cut off, leading her to break down in tears. This incident left viewers speculating whether the young singer had been deliberately undermined by producers' song selection. Allegations of the show's fixes have mounted with instances of contestants being headhunted rather than spontaneously auditioning. After Kojo Anim secured his spot in the 2019 final, some pointed fingers at judge Alesha Dixon for favouritism, given their friendship. Alesha also had to justify her Golden Buzzer decision for Lifford Shillingford after it was revealed he had toured with her former band, Mis-Teeq, sparking further speculation of insider bias. Sad loss Ashleigh and Pudsey, the dog and owner duo, clinched victory in the sixth series of the show in 2012 and became the first canine act to win the competition. They told the hearts of the nation, and the pooch even starred in his own film, Pudsey: The Movie. Sadly, Pudsey passed away in July 2017, and while Ashleigh now performs with another dog named Sully, she stated he would "never become Pudsey". Infamous smooch The unforgettable moment in 2013 when Simon audaciously kissed fellow judge Amanda's bottom is forever imprinted in our memories. During a performance by 71-year-old Kelly Fox, who sang a cheeky number titled 'Kiss My Ass, Baby' by The All Purpose Blues Band, Amanda couldn't resist shaking her hips, prompting Simon, seemingly moved by the tune, to plant a kiss on her posterior. Post-kiss, Simon cheekily asked Amanda: "I kissed your ass. Did you like that?" To which she responded with gratitude and amusement, saying: "It was a first." Raunchy acts During her audition in 2013, Keri Graham stripped to a scant outfit and presented Simon with an erotic lap dance, sparking complaints. The performance led to disgruntlement among several viewers, with one irate parent tweeting: "Nice family viewing as your child asks 'Mummy, why has that lady got hardly any clothes on, and what is she doing with those men?'" When burlesque artist Beatrix Von Bourbon performed a dance that was deemed too racy in 2012, the show attracted further backlash. Over 70 viewers lodged complaints to Ofcom, disapproving of its suitability for a family audience. Stunt double dog In 2015, Jules O'Dwyer graced the stage with her dog Matisse and triumphantly won the show. However, there was an uproar among viewers when they discovered a stunt double dog was used instead of Matisse for a tightrope trick, igniting feelings of deception. Jules explained that the real Matisse was scared of heights, which necessitated the use of a stand-in. But viewers were not convinced, as the dogs were identical and the act had been promoted as just Jules and Matisse. Ofcom was inundated with over 200 complaints following the controversial incident, which even led to death threats being sent to the pair. It was ruled that ITV had misled the public, though Jules was not stripped of her £250,00 prize money. Risqué gown Amanda Holden left the audience stunned during BGT's grand finale in 2019 with her choice of a racy, transparent gown. The judge turned heads as she dazzled the crowd in her revealing ensemble decorated with floral patterns. Her bold fashion choice came after Ofcom received complaints the previous week about her provocative wardrobe choices. Twitter, now X, was set ablaze with comments regarding Amanda's attire for the night. One viewer wrote: "Amanda loves to show a bit of t** don't she #BGT." Another added: "Glad you've ignored the uptight critics!". Winner boos Comedian Viggo Venn was left stunned when he was announced as the winner in 2023, following his act of jumping around the stage in a giant balloon and dancing in his iconic hi-vis jackets. He sprinted around the stage in celebration, even knocking over host Ant McPartlin, as he scooped up the £250,000 prize and a spot on the Royal Variety Show. However, the audience's reaction was marred by boos, prompting viewers to share their thoughts on X, formerly Twitter. One user posted: "Very surprised. But Viggo was very funny. Very distasteful for anyone to boo Viggo. Not his fault he won, people voted for him, not anyone else. Made it a sour end thanks to the audience reaction. Well done, Viggo!!!" Another user tweeted: "Sounded like a lot of boos there when #ViggoVenn was announced as the winner of #BritainsGotTalent. I thought he was great, but a shock omission from the final 3, and I think everyone thought the young lad would win. Bit of a deflated, down-beat end to the series #BGT2023 #BGT." One disgruntled viewer remarked: "Did you hear them boo's on @BGT? Quite right too, ridiculous. So much more talent in that final tonight. #BGT2023 should not have made the live shows. Poor winner."
The Irish Sun
5 days ago
- Entertainment
- The Irish Sun
I ditched landscapers and saved £1,000 by transforming my tiny, ugly, average garden – I don't care if trolls hate it
A DIY enthusiast has revealed that rather than splashing the cash on getting the landscapers in to sort out her garden, she and her husband did it themselves. In a bid to cut costs and save money, Hollie Baxter and her partner got to work on a mission to transform their 'small, ugly, average garden'. 2 A DIY fan has revealed that rather than forking out cash to pay a landscaper to transform her garden, she and her husband did it themselves, whilst on a budget Credit: Instagram/your_average_home 2 Using cheap buys from Home Bargains, the couple were able to turn their space from drab to fab Credit: Instagram/your_average_home Using bargain buys from Home Bargains and Tile Mountain UK, the stay-at-home mum-of-three, who was pregnant at the time of filming, took to social media to share a before, during and after process of the garden renovation project. The content creator, who lives in an 'average three bedroom semi-detached home' in the UK and recently gave birth to her third child, a baby boy, explained that she was able to save £1,000 by getting her husband to do the majority of work for her. Alongside the short clip, the blonde beauty confessed that she isn't bothered by what trolls think of her 'This Read more garden stories Prior to getting started on the 'But my 'Whilst I was doing a lot of belly rubbing and project managing, and being extremely helpful, the husband tried so hard to level out this ridiculously gross garden.' Alongside clips of her husband hard at work, Hollie added: 'He did a little raking, a little stamping, a little sanding, a little laying - I swooped in at the end and laid those all-important stones and gave them a little clean.' Most read in Fabulous Showing off the finished result, the influencer beamed: 'There you go, we've saved £1,000 - I'm still not over this transformation and it's not finished yet.' What was once a very bare garden has since Cheap and easy ways to transform your garden including painting fences black Not only is it now a very light and welcoming space, but it's also super trendy and luxe too. Hollie later confirmed that she bought her white porcelain garden tiles from Tile Mountain UK, while the sleepers were from eDecks. We've saved £1,000 - I'm still not over this transformation Hollie Baxter Meanwhile, to pocket pounds where possible, rather than splashing the cash on pricey stones, Hollie nabbed her Cream Cotswold stones from To add colour to the space, she also planned Laurels - a type of evergreen DIY fans beam The Instagram clip, which was posted under the username @ It's also amassed 564 likes and 50 comments. Garden features that add the most value to a house A well-kept garden can add anywhere between 5-20% to the value of a property. And the experts revealed the garden feature which adds the most value to a property is a shed. Shed - 82% Patio or paving - 76% Secure fencing, walls or gates - 72% Outdoor lighting - 66% Sturdy decking - 62% Water features eg. fountain or pond - 58% Modern garden furniture - 54% Artificial lawn/grass - 40% One person said: 'It's looking amazing.' You guys sure know how to smash a garden transformation Instagram user Another added: 'What a great transformation, it looks brilliant.' A third commented: 'It looks lovely.' Meanwhile, someone else chimed in and beamed: 'You guys sure know how to smash a Unlock even more award-winning articles as The Sun launches brand new membership programme - Sun Club
Business Mayor
21-05-2025
- Health
- Business Mayor
'I'm a dementia expert – these are the most common signs to watch for'
An expert has shared the signs of dementia to watch for (Image: Getty) A dementia expert has shared the signs and symptoms of people should watch for. Around one million people are living with dementia in the UK, but a third do not have a diagnosis. Hollie Wynde from Alzheimer's Society's Dementia Support Line has broken down what people need to know about dementia. This Dementia Action Week (19-25 May), Alzheimer's Society encouraging people to seek help if they spot these signs in themselves or a loved one. Dementia is a group of symptoms and is caused by different diseases that damage the brain. It is progressive, which means symptoms may be relatively mild at first, but they get worse over time. It can affect memory, problems with language and understanding, changes in behaviour and lead to confusion and needing help with daily tasks. Dementia is not a natural part of ageing and is caused when nerve cells in the brain are damaged. Nerve cells carry messages between different parts of the brain, and to other parts of the body. As more nerve cells are damaged, the brain becomes less able to work properly. Signs of dementia to watch for (Image: Getty) Dementia can be caused by many different diseases. These diseases affect the brain in different ways, resulting in different types of dementia. Lifestyle, age, genetics and overall health all play a role. Read More Novel electrochemical sensor detects dangerous bacteria According to Hollie, different types of dementia affect people differently, especially in the early stages. There are, however, some common early signs and symptoms of dementia. Hollie says these include: Memory loss Difficulty organising thoughts or staying focused Problems using words or communicating Problems with vision Getting confused about where you are or what time it is Changes in mood or personality People often start to forget things more as they get older, but for someone with dementia, changes will be different, more serious and will affect their life more. If you're worried about yourself, or someone close to you, you can check your symptoms using Alzheimer's Society's symptom checklist. There are over 200 subtypes of dementia, but Alzheimer's disease is the most common. Around two out of three people living with dementia in the UK have Alzheimer's disease. Alzheimer's disease starts in the brain for years before symptoms start to show. Early symptoms are mild and don't stop someone doing their normal everyday activities. When symptoms progress later, this is when it becomes severe enough to be called 'dementia'.
