Latest news with #homeoffice
The Sun
a day ago
- The Sun
5 Best extension leads
EXTENSION leads are the unsung heroes of the tech world, and a good one goes a long way. Today's models do more than just add sockets, and I've tested the best extension leads that truly earn their place in your setup. 5 They might not be glamorous, but a good extension lead is one of the most useful bits of kit you can have around the house. And while they might seem low-tech, the best extension lead options these days come with smarter features that make them surprisingly handy. Having tested everything from smart home devices to the best video doorbells on the market, I've seen just how much difference the right set-up can make. Many extension leads now come with USB-A and USB-C ports, surge protection, timers, and even voice control. Whether you're building a home office, powering smart devices, or just fed up with juggling chargers, the right lead can make your setup run a whole lot smoother. Read on for my top picks. How I tested I've plugged in and put these extension leads to work over the past couple of weeks, testing how they hold up in a busy household. From simple desk setups to outdoor use, and juggling multiple devices charging at once, I've seen how they perform in real life. I focused on build quality, the variety and usefulness of ports, how well any smart features work, and overall day-to-day reliability. After plenty of hands-on time and careful comparison, these are the extension leads that really stood out. Best extension leads - tried and tested Tapo P304M 5 Tapo P304M Smart Power Strip, £29.99 from Amazon I didn't quite realise how clever extension leads had become until I got hands-on with the Tapo P304M. This one lets you control each of the four mains sockets individually through the Tapo app, which means you can turn off things like a lamp or printer without having to get up. It also works with Alexa and Google Assistant for voice commands and basic automations, and you can even set timers or schedules. There's some neat energy monitoring baked in too, though I didn't find myself using it much day to day. Same goes for voice control, it's clever, but most things I plug in are there to stay, so I rarely found myself actually talking to it. The big miss for me is the lack of USB ports; there are none here. In 2025, that feels like a bit of a slip, especially when so many of our gadgets charge via USB-C. That said, for under £30, it's a great value way to make a standard setup a bit smarter. The 2-metre cord gives you enough reach for most rooms, and you can mount it if you want a cleaner finish. Sockets: 4 mains sockets, USB ports: None, Smart features: Voice control (via Alexa/Google), app timers, energy monitoring, Cable length: 2m, Mounting: Freestanding or wall-mountable, Power switch: Master on/off switches in app Addtam 1.6m Extension Lead 5 Addtam 1.6m Extension Lead, £16.99 £12.34 on Amazon BUY HERE This Addtam lead has quietly become one of my most-used tech bits around the house over the past few years, and it's held up really well. It's compact and surprisingly travel-friendly, with a tough braided cord that feels much more durable than the usual plastic kind. I've used it by the bed and when working on the dining room; and it's the one I'd reach for to pack for trips abroad. Despite the small size, it gives you two mains sockets, plus three Type-A and one Type-C port, which is a brilliant mix for charging everything from laptops to earbuds. The Type-C port is the star here; more devices use it now, and it means you don't need to lug around extra plugs. I would've liked another one, but having at least one is a win at this price. I went with the shortest 1.6m model just to make the sockets behind the bed more accessible, but you can go up to 5 metres if needed. Now that I know how well this works, I'd have no hesitation branching out to Addtam's larger extension leads. VonHaus Tower Extension Lead 5 If your desk or media setup is crying out for more sockets, the VonHaus Tower Extension Lead is a no-brainer. It gives you a whopping eight mains sockets and four USB ports (2 Type-A, 2 Type-C) in a compact, upright design that takes up way less space than a flat bar. I swapped this in from a chunky old lead and immediately doubled my socket count without any clutter. I've got it powering a lamp, smart speaker, and our phone chargers, and it looks tidier than most, with a clean, matte finish. You get surge and overload protection built-in too, which adds peace of mind if you're plugging in expensive gear. My only gripe is it's so lightweight that it can wobble or tip if only a couple of plugs are in play. Still, that's a minor issue; overall, it's a smart, space-saving pick that can easily handle a busy setup without looking like a jumble of cables. Sockets: 8 mains sockets, USB ports: 2 Type-A, 2 Type-C, Smart features: None, Cable length: 2m, Mounting: Freestanding, Power switch: Master on/off switches on tower VonHaus 25m Splash-proof Extension Lead 5 VonHaus 25m Splash-proof Extension Lead, £44.99 from VonHaus For outdoor jobs where a standard lead just won't stretch, this VonHaus 25m splash-proof reel is a proper workhorse. I use it mainly for things like jet washing the patio and running power tools at the far end of a long driveway. With 25 metres of cable, I've never once felt restricted. It's got more than enough reach. The reel design keeps things tidy when you're not using it, and it feels really solid. The sockets come with hinged, IP54-rated covers to keep out water, which gives me peace of mind when I'm sprucing up the driveway. No panic if the jet wash gets a bit wild with a stray blast. This one's not trying to be smart or techy, it's just a well-built, no-fuss lead that does exactly what it promises. It's a bit of a beast, weighing in at 3.47kg, but if you're doing garden work, running a shed, or sorting outdoor lighting, it's a brilliant bit of kit. Best extension leads FAQs What should I look for in an extension lead? Start with what you need: number of sockets, USB ports, and whether a strip or tower suits your space. Prioritise solid build quality, a decent cable length, and surge protection, especially for high-traffic or visible areas. Where can I buy extension cords? You'll find them at most major retailers, Amazon, Argos, B&Q, Screwfix, and Currys, all stock a wide range. Basic leads are everywhere, but if you're after smart features or USB-C ports, Amazon and Currys usually have the best selection. Here's where to look: What are surges? A surge is a sudden spike in voltage, usually caused by power cuts, lightning strikes, or large appliances switching on. They can damage your electronics or even start fires, so surge protection is something to look for in any good extension lead. What are surge protectors? It's an extension lead with built-in tech that blocks power spikes from reaching your devices. If you're plugging in pricey gear like a laptop, TV, or sound system, it's definitely worth having. No one wants their setup fried during a storm. Do extension leads use more electricity? Not by themselves. They only draw power when something is plugged in and switched on. Some smart models, like the Tapo P304M, even show you how much energy your devices are using, which is handy if you're trying to cut down on bills. Can you plug an extension lead into another? That's a no-no, and it has a name: 'daisy chaining.' But it's not as fun as it sounds. It can overload the circuit and pose a fire risk, so stick to one quality lead that can handle your needs safely. What can I not plug into an extension lead? Avoid high-powered appliances like heaters, fridges, microwaves, and washing machines; they should always go straight into a wall socket. Plugging them into an extension lead can overload the circuit and risk damage or pose fire hazards. Are 6-plug extension leads safe? Yes, as long as they're used properly. A single lead designed for six (or even more) sockets is safe to use, provided you don't go over the total wattage limit (usually around 3,000W in the UK).
Yahoo
3 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
I only work 3 days a week during the summer. The rest of the week, I'm offline and enjoying time with my kids.
I've long adapted my career to my children's schedule, and the summer is no different. Since they are now at home all summer, I asked my boss if I could work only three days a week. My boss agreed, so now I spend my other two days enjoying summer with my kids. I've been lucky enough to have a flexible career as a digital director. I'm a contract worker, which has always given me great flexibility, especially while raising my kids. My career has adapted to my kids' schedules at each stage of their development. For example, I could only work through pre-K hours, and when my youngest went to kindergarten, I worked all five workdays. I worked that full-time contract role for one year after my youngest started kindergarten. However, this summer I decided to change my schedule again: I now work only three days a week in the office and spend the other two days at home with my kids (ages 6 and 8) offline. I simply asked my boss for an accommodating schedule I have a history of getting stuff done. When I had surgery, traveled, or had to deal with a sick kid, my deadlines were always met. Since I'm a proven contractor, my boss allowed me to reduce my schedule to three days this summer — Monday, Wednesday, and Friday, and stay home the other two. "As long as everything gets done," my boss said. We agreed the new schedule would not affect my pay because I'm a contract employee. After that, I had to inform the rest of the team of my new schedule, which I announced at the next management meeting. I also had to tell my subordinates. I ensured they knew they could reach me via email or text if it's an emergency. There's no animosity because I have to pick up weekend slack, and I bear the responsibility they prefer to avoid. In return, I get to come and go as I please, work from home, and attend all my kids' events without counting up PTO. Being home with my kids during the summer is worth it I get two days home with my kids, plus holidays and weekends. We usually start our home days — or as they call them, "Mommy days" — by picking up and doing a few chores. I run laundry and do the dishes; they pick up their rooms and do a simple chore like bringing in eggs or taking out the trash. Next, we decide what kind of day we're going to have. Maybe they have a friend over, perhaps they want to play in the backyard, or, if it's an open evening, we'll do something more fun and take an adventure. We might head to a splash pad, swim, hit up a park out of town, go golfing, or visit out-of-town family members. We've gone on train rides, visited museums, and spent the night at my friends' houses with similarly aged kids. As my kids have gotten older, we've become more flexible about what we can do and how long we can be away. It's a privilege to spend this time with my kids during the summer. While it requires some extra work on my part, it's all worth it for that extra summer fun with my boys. Read the original article on Business Insider Solve the daily Crossword
ABC News
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- ABC News
Late ABC journalist Peter Ryan celebrated for 'long and storied career'
On the wall of Peter Ryan's Sydney home hangs a picture bearing the simple title: "Scoop." The framed and enlarged print of the Penguin cover of the Evelyn Waugh novel of that name often appeared in the background of his live TV reports filed from his home office. The satirical novel about a journalist who, in a case of mistaken identity, finds himself becoming an international news correspondent was a cultural reference point — and possibly a thoroughly-undeserved dig at himself — that Peter could never resist slyly sharing with the ABC's viewers. For anyone sharp-eyed enough to pick up on that small, personal indulgence, Pete's jovial face would always light up with delight as he proudly claimed the joke. It was no small sign of Peter's generous spirit that he welcomed the Australian viewing public inside his home, when, confronted with the challenge of pandemic lockdowns, he transformed his home office into his own remote broadcasting centre, bringing business and finance news uninterrupted to national audiences on radio and television. Of course those days were not without the occasional technical hiccup, which Peter always handled with his customary aplomb, just as he did during one fondly-remembered television live cross when an off-camera voice called out in the middle of the report "Dad, lunch is ready!" Peter embraced working from home with gusto, demonstrating a technological nous, versatility and adaptability that few could hope to match. He would delight in showing off his home "studio" to visitors and he could be paid no greater compliment than when his listeners wrongly assumed he was filing his stories from inside the ABC's Ultimo headquarters. Versatility, adaptability were always hallmarks of one of the ABC's most efficient and multi-skilled content-makers. From his earliest days in the noisy, smoke-filled newsrooms of the 1980s, Peter stepped effortlessly from a world dominated by manual typewriters, telex and fax machines, through to a media landscape fundamentally transformed by the digital and social media revolutions that would follow. As his best mate and long-time colleague, former ABC Foreign Affairs Editor and former AM host Peter Cave said today: "He was a technical wizard." "He set up the TV studio there, he set up the radio studio, and he could work from home," he said. "And he did right through COVID. And as he became ill and couldn't get into the office, he still reported from his home bureau." But Peter was never a stranger to the office where he was long a fixture as part of the ABC Audio Current Affairs team, working to generate agenda-setting news and current affairs on ABC flagship programs AM, The World Today and PM, along with creating bespoke content daily for News Radio, Radio National, the ABC local radio network and the ABC News Channel. His work ethic was always herculean — and his joy in delivering breaking news never diminishing over his long and storied career as a journalist. From his beginnings as a "copy kid" and cadet at Sydney's Daily Mirror where he graduated to covering crime and other mayhem on the overnight news beat, before moving on to what he called his "spiritual home" at the ABC where he quickly rose to become Washington Bureau Chief, a senior news executive, ABC Business Editor and Senior Business Correspondent. A Member of the Order of Australia for his contribution to journalism, he won a Walkley Award for breaking the Commonwealth Bank's money laundering scandal in 2017. His coverage of misconduct in the financial sector was instrumental to the establishment of the banking royal commission, leading to reforms that have affected virtually every Australia in some form or another. Regardless of his many accomplishments, Peter was always genuinely pleased to help others and shared that help far and wide throughout his long career. As Peter himself told his colleagues when his medical retirement was announced last month: "Be kind and caring to people who need it. "As my father once told me — treat people on the way up, the way YOU want to be treated on the way down." It's no small mark of the man that when Peter learned a younger colleague, AM Technical Producer Khem White, was planning to visit a St Vincent De Paul outlet to purchase a wedding suit, Peter insisted on taking him shopping for a "new quality suit". "I'm sure my wife was thankful I wasn't sporting the extra-large, mothball-smelling, pin-striped number. From that day forward I came to realise what a lovely man Peter is and how he will always take the time to make everyone feel valued and important. Even when he would be connecting-in from the Reserve Bank on a busy interest rate announcement day, he would always take a moment to speak to me like an equal," he said. It was that fundamental kindness and decency that characterised Peter's dealings with so many in his orbit. And there were many, many people in that orbit. "He maintained a meticulous contact book, it was amazing," Peter Cave said. "He could within minutes pull just about any business leader of Australia out of his contact book, get on to them and get them on air." Those contacts, his high regard from the business community and Peter's reputation as a fair and balanced reporter, ensured a steady flow of exclusive interviews. But he was always a fierce and effective warrior against those he saw as responsible for injustice and other misdeeds. A champion of transparency, accountability and gender equity in the boardroom and the workplace, he was always dogged in pursuing the truth and countering disadvantage wherever it existed. Among his many other professional credits, he sat on the board of the Media Entertainment Arts Alliance's Benevolent Fund, which provided help for journalists who had fallen on hard times. Regardless of his accomplishments though, Peter always had time to share a joke, some words of advice and offer a friendly ear to everyone. There are countless journalists who benefited from his advice and mentoring. And at a time when many people's careers are winding down, Peter was throwing ever-more energy and enthusiasm into his craft and his hunt to get the next "scoop". He never lost his zeal for journalism while always being generous and supportive to his colleagues and quick to offer advice, enthusiasm and praise — he always had time to offer his friendship, a word of advice or camaraderie, or just a joke or wry observation. He was the kind of person everyone walked away from feeling better about themselves. Sadly, life just didn't have enough time for Peter and we're all the poorer for it. A lifelong Beatles fan, Peter might have appreciated the words credited to John Lennon: "Life is what happens when you're busy making other plans." Peter had great plans for the years ahead, often discussing his plans for retirement and his desire to devote his future to his two favourite people — his wife Mary and daughter Charlotte. His devotion to them was an inspiration to anyone who juggles the work-life balance and a reminder that the greatest measure of anyone's success in life is the cherished memories they leave behind for those who loved them. Peter was well-loved and will be well-remembered by those whose lives he touched. We will never see his like again and we will miss him deeply.
%3Amax_bytes(150000)%3Astrip_icc()%2Ftal-amazon-one-off-tiny-house-tout-379254bf19e0419a83a68fe0bda23c78.jpg&w=3840&q=100)
Travel + Leisure
5 days ago
- Business
- Travel + Leisure
This 2-story, 2-bedroom Amazon Tiny Home Lets In So Much Natural Light—and It Even Has a Massive Balcony
Have you ever dreamed of a sleek backyard guest house, a private home office that isn't your dining table, or a remote off-the-grid retreat that doesn't require a six-figure budget? If so, then this two-story contemporary Amazon tiny house might just be your fantasy turned into a reality. Designed for flexible living, this compact modern house features two spacious rooms stacked vertically, each measuring nearly 20 feet long. You'll also find a full bathroom with a sink, toilet, and shower faucet included, plus a staircase that leads to a large second-floor outdoor porch, ideal for morning coffee or sunset cocktails. $30,000 $20,000 at Amazon What really sets this tiny home apart is how thoughtfully it's built. The exterior is made with corrosion- and weather-resistant materials, making it suitable for year-round use in just about any climate. It's also sound-insulated between floors to keep things quiet, whether you're using it as a private studio or a shared space. Despite its 'tiny house' size, the interior is surprisingly bright, airy, and functional, thanks to oversized windows and smart design features like built-in storage, 12 electrical outlets, and pre-installed energy-efficient LED lighting. Motion-sensor lights add convenience, while customizable inner walls (think wallpaper) and exterior surfaces (yes, you can paint the outside) give you the freedom to make it your own. All materials come pre-cut and labeled, allowing three to five people to construct the unit in up to 120 hours using basic tools, according to the product description. The structure also includes forklift slots and removable wheels for relocation. Although it's priced at $30,000, this Amazon tiny home costs a fraction of what it would to build a similar structure from scratch. Whether you're setting up a weekend cabin in the woods, expanding your living space at home, or simply craving a quiet getaway you can call your own, this tiny house delivers on both design and function. Still intrigued by the tiny house options on Amazon? Check out the retailer's top-rated options under $10,000. This home has large windows and an open design, so you'll receive a ton of natural light. For under $10,000, this tiny house is a steal, with easy installation and lots of room to customize it to your personal style. With a fully-equipped kitchen, bathroom, and two bedrooms for less than $10,000, this tiny house is a no-brainer investment. It's said to be able to withstand various weather conditions, including wind and snow. According to the description, it's very easy to assemble and disassemble if you need to relocate it. Love a great deal? Sign up for our T+L Recommends newsletter and we'll send you our favorite travel products each week.
Irish Times
6 days ago
- Lifestyle
- Irish Times
How to destress your space with small changes for a calmer home
For many, a calm and tranquil home sits high on the wishlist, but often, the reality is quite different. Daily life brings clutter, unfinished jobs and small design frustrations that quietly add to the pressure. The good news is that small, thoughtful changes can have a big impact – such as moving an appliance, clearing a surface, fixing what's broken. These simple steps can help a home feel more zen. Here are some practical ways to reduce stress at home by focusing on how spaces are used day to day. No big overhauls, just subtle shifts. Finding purpose When starting any home improvement, the most important question isn't what it should look like, it's how you want it to feel. READ MORE Do you want the space to energise or calm? To encourage connection or allow focus? Too often, people begin with paint colours or Pinterest boards before thinking about the purpose of the space, but the atmosphere should come first. A bedroom, for example, has very different emotional needs than a home office or living space. One is about rest and recovery, the other might be about clarity, focus or creativity. A living area might need to transition between relaxing with family in the evening and entertaining friends at the weekend. If you don't design with these intentions in mind, the space may never quite feel right. Simplify Before diving into any design change, it's worth taking a step back and observing how you actually live at home. Track a typical day, or better yet, a whole week and pay attention to the routines, movements, and moments that feel stressful or awkward. These daily frictions are often small, but they add up. [ How to futureproof your home in a cost-effective way Opens in new window ] One client I worked with a few years ago did exactly this and made a surprising discovery. Mornings in their house always felt chaotic, and they couldn't figure out why. After tracking their routine for a few days, they realised the kettle and coffee machine were positioned directly above the cutlery drawer, so every time someone was making tea or coffee, they were blocking access for the person trying to get spoons for cereal. It created unnecessary bottlenecks and tension at a time of day that's already under pressure. By simply moving the appliances, the mood in the mornings shifted dramatically. It sounds almost too simple, but unless you stop and observe your habits, these design mismatches often go unnoticed. We get used to working around them, even if they're causing low-grade stress every day. Take on to-dos Do you want the space to energise or calm? Design by Optimise Design Sometimes the things that stress us out at home aren't dramatic, they're simply unfinished. A DIY job that was started but never completed. A broken drawer. The flickering light bulb you keep forgetting to replace. These low-level annoyances quietly chip away at our calm. Even if you've stopped consciously noticing them, your brain is still logging them as 'to-dos,' creating a subtle, but constant sense of pressure. Taking an hour to make a list and then slowly working through it can bring an immediate sense of control and relief. It's not about perfection, but about reducing background noise in your mind. And then there's clutter. It's one of the most common and underestimated stressors in the home. In today's world, it's incredibly easy to accumulate things and much harder to carve out the time to assess what's actually needed or valued. But research backs up what many of us feel intuitively: clutter makes it harder to focus, can increase anxiety, and even elevate cortisol levels. One study by the University of California, Los Angeles, found that women who described their homes as 'cluttered' had higher stress levels and a lower overall sense of wellbeing. [ Interiors: Good design is as much about what you leave out as what you put in Opens in new window ] Decluttering isn't about being ruthless or overly minimal, it's about clearing space for what matters. Start small: a single drawer, a shelf, a countertop. Create one clear, calm zone and build from there. You'll not only lighten your home but also your mind. Reflection of you Before diving into any design change, it's worth taking a step back and observing how you actually live at home. Design by Optimise Design When redesigning a home, one of the most important measures of success is whether you actually feel at home in the end result. It should be a reflection of you, not a carbon copy of your inspiration images or someone else's taste. It's easy to get swept up in trends or perfectly curated Instagram accounts, but the most comforting spaces are the ones that feel lived in, loved, and personal. Ask: does this space reflect how I live and what I love? Do I feel relaxed here? Does my family? Put your stamp on your space. Choose colours you're naturally drawn to. Hang art that tells your story. Keep the things that make you smile, whether it's a holiday souvenir, a ceramic bowl from a class, or a slightly wonky lamp that's followed you through three homes. As Marie Kondo says, surround yourself with things that 'spark joy'.
