Latest news with #picnic
The Sun
20 hours ago
- Business
- The Sun
Flying Tiger is selling ‘genius' 2-in-1 picnic and camping essential – it's only £20 & perfect for a family
FLYING Tiger has launched a foldable picnic box that shoppers are calling 'genius' – and it's only £20. The clever 2-in-1 design doubles up as a table, making it ideal for family outings, beach trips and summer picnics. Spotted in Flying Tiger stores across the UK, including branches in London, Manchester and Birmingham, this handy bit of kit is quickly becoming a go-to for families looking to enjoy the warm weather without breaking the bank. Measuring 28 x 47 x 22 cm, the box is compact enough to carry easily but spacious enough to store all your picnic essentials – from drinks and crisps to sandwiches and napkins. Once you reach your picnic spot, the lid folds out to create a flat surface, perfect for serving food or playing games. Shoppers love the practical design, and parents especially appreciate how it keeps everything organised while providing a clean place to eat. One customer said: 'It's brilliant – we used it at the park last weekend and it made everything so much easier. The kids loved having a proper table to sit around.' The picnic box is made from recycled plastic, adding eco-appeal to its list of features. It's also easy to wipe clean after use, making it a fuss-free choice for outdoor dining. This clever product arrives just in time for peak picnic season. As temperatures rise, more families are heading outdoors to enjoy simple meals in the sun. Parents race to Lidl for middle aisle bargains including 2 in 1 sandpit for £29 To help you make the most of your outing, The Sun's budget-friendly recipes mean you can pack a full picnic without overspending. Try creating your own lunch packs using Valley Spire mature cheese and Birchwood ham from Lidl, or impress with homemade Scotch eggs using just a few Tesco basics. Veggie pinwheels made with leftover veg and ready-roll pastry from Asda are a hit with kids and adults alike. 3
Washington Post
4 days ago
- Health
- Washington Post
8 refreshing pasta salad recipes for summertime fun
Beach picnics have always been a favorite summer ritual of mine — one that almost always includes a new read, fresh fruit and a cooling container of pasta salad. As I'm usually spending the day with friends, I can easily whip up a big batch of it in the evening and trust that it will hold up in a cooler for lunch the following day. Making pasta salad is also a way to use up whatever leftover vegetables and half-opened boxes of pasta are lying around in my kitchen — it's a forgiving, no-fuss meal that welcomes improvisation.
Telegraph
7 days ago
- General
- Telegraph
The best cool boxes to keep food and drinks chilled all day
Whether packing a park picnic or hitting the open road, owning one of the best cool boxes is essential to keeping food and drinks cold on the go. Cool boxes fall into one of two camps: powerless passive models, which rely on thick insulation and airtight lids to lock in the chill, and electric models which plug into a 12V car socket or mains. These operate more like mini fridges and are great for longer trips where ice alone won't last. Prices for cool boxes vary widely. You'll find entry-level models from £50, while rugged, high-performance rotomoulded coolers (think Yeti and Ninja) can command £300 or more. I've tested models from all the leading brands to find the best cool boxes for every adventure. You can read my full reviews below, followed by answers to some frequently asked questions, but if you're in a hurry, here's a quick look at my top five. The best cool boxes: At a glance How to choose the best cool box Insulation and portability are key. Larger coolers may include telescopic handles (like a suitcase, where they can extend and retract) and rugged, puncture-proof wheels to drag over grass and gravel. It's also crucial to check capacity versus weight. A 30-litre chest can be very heavy when loaded. Look for rugged construction and thick, high-grade insulation that can keep contents chilled for days. Consider features like dry zones, cup holders and drainage plugs for ease of use. If you go electric, note the power options: many plug into a 12V car socket or standard mains, while top-tier compressor coolers offer true fridge and freezer settings with digital thermostat controls. Ultimately, the best cool box is one that balances insulation, portability and thoughtful features, ensuring your alfresco feasts stay chilled, whatever the weather. How we test cool boxes To find the best cool boxes, I tested 11 models in real-world conditions, from road-trips to family BBQs, and in controlled home tests. Only the top seven performers made my final list. Insulation performance was my top priority. I filled each cool box with ice packs or freezer blocks and monitored internal temperatures over a 24- to 72-hour period to see how well they retained the cold. Next, I looked at leak proofing. Each box was tested with melted ice water inside and tilted during transport to check for any signs of spillage or faulty seals. As most cool boxes require a journey from A to B, portability and comfort were key. I assessed how easy each box was to lift, pack and carry when full, noting whether handles, wheels or shoulder straps helped or hindered when manoeuvred over grass, gravel and uneven ground. To judge durability, I left cool boxes outside in the sun and rain, bumped them in car boots and inspected closely for damage to the body, hinges and wheels. Finally, I assessed capacity, not just in litres, but how usable the space really was once ice packs and food containers were packed inside. Why you can trust Telegraph Recommended Our thorough, real-world tests will always help you find the best product. No manufacturer ever sees Telegraph Recommended reviews before publication and we don't accept payment in exchange for favourable reviews, nor do we allow brands to pay for placement in our articles. From tents to walking boots, all reviews are based on independent expert opinion and our hands-on testing. Visit our Who We Are page to learn more. The best cool boxes of 2025 1. Best Buy Cool Box: Yeti Tundra Haul Wheeled Cool Box If you're serious about keeping things cold – and I mean properly cold – Yeti's Tundra Haul sets the standard. This is the brand's first wheeled model and it lives up to Yeti's reputation for overengineering, in all the right ways. Designed for weekend festivals or off-grid escapes, it kept ice frozen for more than three days in 18C heat and contents chilled for more than five (even with regular opening for BBQ provisions, thanks to its ultra-thick rotomoulded insulation and freezer-grade gasket seal). Despite its hefty size, it's surprisingly mobile. In testing, the puncture-resistant wheels took rough ground, grass and gravel in their stride, while the aluminium arm offered a comfortable, steady grip for steering. At 45 litres, it's generously sized for groups and gatherings. Although there's no internal divider or dry compartment as standard, Yeti offers add-ons like baskets and dividers to customise your setup. The build quality is exceptional; the latches are satisfyingly tough, and the bear-resistant body (yes, really) shrugged off scrapes, bumps and a heavy downpour. Yes, it's expensive, and you'll need two people to lift it in and out of the boot. But you're paying for quality that could easily outlast your tent, car, possibly even your knees. For anyone who needs fridge-worthy performance without power, this is the one to beat. Key specifications 2. Best Value Cool Box: Igloo Max Cold Pro Feeding a crowd? With space for up to 137 cans, the Igloo MaxCold Pro 85L was the most capacious cool box we tested – enough room for a long weekend away or a very well-stocked BBQ. It's big, yes, but brilliantly usable, too. Despite its size, it's relatively easy to handle, even for me, at 5'5 and five months pregnant. The two oversized wheels and sturdy telescopic handle make it easy to tow across grass and gravel without jittering. Once parked in place, the flat top doubles as a makeshift table, complete with four built-in cup holders. This is perfect for a sand-free beach picnic set-up, without clambering from the car park with hefty kit and caboodle. Performance-wise, it punches well above its price tag. It combines polyurethane insulation (thicker than many premium models) and clever Cool Riser base, which stops heat seeping in from the ground. This delivered over four days of ice retention in a prolonged spell of 20-25C days. The lid also features a quick-access hatch, so you can grab a drink without lifting the whole top and letting warm air rush in. It offers exceptional value for a cooler of this size and spec. No, it's not as rugged as a Yeti or as sleek as a Ninja, but for sheer practicality, the MaxCold is a standout. You'll struggle to find this much space and cooling power for less. Key specifications Capacity: 85 litres Weight: 8.8kg Outer dimensions: 44.4 x 48.5 x 80.2cm 3. Best Cool Box for Camping: Ninja FrostVault Wheeled Cooler Best known for its revolutionary kitchen equipment, Ninja is now turning its attention to the great outdoors and its debut cool box is a confident, clever entry to the market. Ninja's standout feature is its removable, insulated dry zone. This is an internal tray that separates food from ice slush. It's ideal for keeping sandwiches, fruit or chocolate cool but dry. During testing it worked flawlessly. Below, drinks and ice packs stayed cold and contained, and even after 48 hours, cubes were still holding their shape. While it didn't quite match Yeti or Igloo's marathon performance, it's more than sufficient for long weekends or family trips. Build quality is excellent. The lid clamps down with solid latches and remains completely leak-proof when tipped and shaken (a rare find, even with pricier models). The telescopic handle and rugged wheels handled bumpy terrain with ease, though fully loaded, it's not the lightest to lift. It's an investment, though the performance and smart design features go a long way to justifying the cost. Key specifications Capacity: 61 litres Weight: 17.8kg Outer dimensions: 48 x 93cm 4. Best Small Cool Box: Stanley Adventure Series Easy CarryLunch Cooler For anyone after a reliable, no-nonsense cooler that's perfectly sized for day trips or packed lunches, the Stanley Adventure Series Easy Carry Lunch Cooler delivers exactly what it promises. With a compact 6.6-litre capacity, it fits sandwiches, snacks and or nine cans comfortably. I also loved the adjustable bungee on the lid, which offers handy storage for your Stanley Quencher or Food Jar flask. In testing, it kept contents chilled for over 24 hours with just a couple of ice packs, thanks to its double-wall foam insulation. The gasket seal prevented spills and leaks, even when full of ice water, and the durable plastic body survived drops onto pavement and gravel without damage. Portability is a huge plus. Weighing just under 2kg and with a comfortable, sturdy handle, it's easy for everyone, even younger kids, to carry. Larger 15.1-litre and 28.3-litre models are also available, but this cool box is a top choice for everyday use and day trips. Key specifications Capacity: 6.6 litres Weight: 1.76kg Outer dimensions: 21.9 x 28.3 x 33.8cm 5. Best 12V Cool Box: Halfords 12V Electric Coolbox If you're after an affordable electric cool box, this 24-litre model from Halfords is hard to beat. It connects to your car's 12V socket, chills contents up to 16C below ambient temperature and stashes neatly behind a seat, leaving the boot clear for camping stoves, tents and portable BBQs. In our tests, it operated like a mini fridge on the move, keeping provisions crisp and cool during a four-hour road trip which turned into seven hours thanks to bank holiday traffic. In our tests, it maintained a steady chill for over 24 hours when powered, though insulation drops relatively quickly once unplugged. You'll want to get perishables in the fridge, as it's best used continuously with power. It's compact to store securely and light enough to carry one-handed, though the hard plastic shell feels a little flimsy and the lid seal isn't watertight, so skip the loose ice. Still, for weekends away or long drives, it's a dependable, fuss-free option. Key specifications Capacity: 24 litres Weight: 4.4kg Outer dimensions: 42.5 x 30.5 x 42.5cm 6. Best Cool Box for Gifting: Fieldbar Drinks Box Score: 8/10 We like: Premium design in multiple colourways Portable Great for gifting Made using recycled materials We don't like: Not fully leakproof Smaller capacity £179 Buy Now Price at Fieldbar Cool boxes, historically, haven't been much to look at – functional rather than fashionable. Newcomer Fieldbar flips that on its head. Designed in Cape Town and hand-assembled in the UK, this is a drinks cooler you won't mind having on display. From its classic trunk silhouette to its range of heritage-inspired colourways, it's more Soho Farmhouse than Skegness. Beneath the smart exterior is a surprisingly capable cooler. The thick, insulating walls and tight lid kept bottles and cans chilled for a full 24 hours in our test, using just one bag of ice. Unlike Yeti or Ninja, it isn't cut out for multi-day wilderness trips (nor does it pretend to be), but for garden parties, beach picnics and boat days it's spot on. Inside, there's space for two wine bottles and six cans with ice, and the hinged lid snaps shut with a reassuring click. The leather carry strap is comfortable and the shockproof body can withstand knocks and scuffs, though it's not watertight, so avoid tipping once full. Looking for a great gift for the guy who has everything? Make it this. Key specifications Capacity: 10 litres Weight: 1.8kg Outer dimensions: 28 x 25 x 18cm 7. Best Cool box for Portability: Hi-Gear Cooler with Integrated Handle At less than £80, Hi-Gear's electric cooler is a budget-friendly way to keep food and drink chilled without relying on replenishing ice packs. Inside, there's no awkward divider or intrusive power pack to work around, so you can quickly de-camp your picnic provisions (or 38 canned cocktails, if you're hitting a festival this summer). Plug it into a 12V car socket while you drive, then switch seamlessly to mains power once you've pitched up. After being unplugged, it held its temperature better than other electric models, so don't fret if impromptu pit stops prevent you from getting from A to B on schedule. We've all been there. The design is fuss-free and lightweight, with a smooth plastic interior that's easy to wipe clean. We found the lid stayed firmly shut in transit, though the internal fan was a touch noisy at full power and the built-in cable storage could be better thought out. There's barely space to fit the cord back in without a wrestle. That said, for a cooler that plugs in and actually performs, this Hi-Gear cooler is an exceptionally capable pick for the price. Key specifications Capacity: 28 litres Weight: 7.1kg Outer dimensions: 46 x 31 x 43cm Cool Box FAQs How long do cool boxes stay cold? Most passive cool boxes stay cold for around 48 hours with ice packs. Premium models with thick insulation can last up to five days. Electric cool boxes will stay cold as long as they're plugged in. How do cool boxes work? Passive cool boxes rely on insulation and ice packs to keep contents cold. Electric models use thermoelectric or compressor systems, much like a fridge, and need to be plugged into a power source. Where should you put ice packs in a cool box? Always place ice packs on top of your food and drink – cold air sinks, so this helps cool everything more efficiently. For longer trips, add a few underneath as well. Are electric cool boxes better than passive ones? Not always. Electric cool boxes are great for long car journeys or camping with access to power, but they're not ideal for off-grid adventures. Passive models are simpler, lighter and ideal for day trips or picnics.
Yahoo
27-05-2025
- Yahoo
Gas & groceries: community reacts to Memorial Day prices
Many people choose to spend Memorial Day the same way, firing up the grill for a cookout with friends and family. Over at Presque Isle, dozens of families found a spot to set up a picnic, but first, they paid the grocery bill for the holiday food essentials. 'Over $100. Over $100,' said Armyani Thompson, Presque Isle picnicker. 'Is that good or bad in your eyes?' asked reporter Tyler Gallagher. Meadville residents commemorate Memorial Day with parade, ceremony 'It was pretty good, you know, inflation, but it's alright. It was alright,' replied Thompson. 'I would say $35 to $40. We got some hamburgers, cheeseburgers, got some chips, some mini pops, and some deviled eggs,' said Keith Gebhardt, another picnicker. Gebhardt said the eggs were definitely the most expensive during his grocery trip, but all in all the final price was pretty good. After speaking with people at Presque Isle, we went to a grocery store to see exactly how much some popular holiday picnic items would cost. Erie families celebrate Memorial Day remembering loved ones For eight burgers and 10 hotdogs, the final price comes out to around $37, including ketchup, mustard and buns, and that's from buying the cheapest option for each grocery prices play a role in Memorial Day picnics, gas prices also have an impact on holiday travelers visiting their families. 'I spend about 100 bucks a week on gas, and I go through a whole tank of gas once a week. It's gotten a lot worse. I used to spend maybe like $70, and now it's like $100, so it's pretty bad,' said Malaki Swanson. But at least for the month of May, gas prices have been staying steady for Memorial Day travelers. Cans for Wishes remembers wish kid in record breaking drop-off AAA reports that the current average price of regular gas in Erie County is $3.351, which is about 50 cents less than the average last year at $3.864. That average for Erie County is only a little bit above the state average, which sits at $3.294. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
26-05-2025
- Yahoo
Man shot, killed at picnic in Clairton; another man detained
A man was shot and killed at a picnic in Clairton. Allegheny County Police said officers were called to the 300 block of Division Street at 9:32 p.m. for a reported shooting. A man who was shot was pronounced dead at the scene. Another man was detained. Police said the shooting happened after an argument at the picnic. Officers said there is no threat to the public. Anyone with information is asked to call the Allegheny County Police Tip Line at 1-833-ALL-TPS. Tips can be made anonymously. Download the FREE WPXI News app for breaking news alerts. Follow Channel 11 News on Facebook and Twitter. | Watch WPXI NOW
