Latest news with #summerEssentials
CNET
07-07-2025
- CNET
The Best Way to Stop Mosquitos Isn't a Spray or Candle, and It's 13% Off for Amazon Prime Day
Amazon Prime Day Deal: The Thermacell E-Series mosquito repellant system keeps bugs 20 feet away, and it's $5 off (that's a 13% price drop) for Amazon Prime Day right now. The main unit stands about 5 inches tall and holds a 6.5-hour charge while dispensing a DEET-free repellant. Longer, hotter summers mean one thing: longer, itchier, angrier mosquito seasons. And if June's sizzling heat waves are any preview of summer's dog days, you're gonna need more than good vibes and a flickering citronella candle to make it through. I was playing it fast and loose with the usual bug defenses: sprays that smell bad and taste even worse and candles that burn out faster than your will to be outside. Then I met my new summer MVP: the Thermacell. It's a compact, affordable, bug-repelling gadget that's kept my backyard hangouts and balcony beers almost entirely bite-free. Made by Massachusetts-based company Thermacell, this line of mosquito defense devices works by diffusing a scentless, invisible mosquito repellent into the air. The magic? It doesn't smell, doesn't stick to your skin and it actually works. I've been testing the smallest in the lineup, the Thermacell E-Series, with a fast charging dock. For around $40, this little puck creates a 20-foot bubble of bug-free bliss. It's available at REI, Amazon and other retailers, and it might just be the best $40 you spend this summer (that isn't on frozen margarita mix). How does Thermacell work? The rechargeable device releases a trickle of vapor, similar to an oil diffuser, that contains a synthetic version of a chemical found in the chrysanthemum flower. According to Griffin Dill, an integrated pest management professional at the University of Maine I spoke to, these compounds excite insects' neuroreceptors, which dissuades them from feeding. Because of this, you might still see bugs flying around but they're far less likely to bite you. Thermacell's formula is effective in deterring dozens of species of mosquitos, black flies and biting gnats. Thermacell I also spoke with Thermacell Senior Product Director Adam Goess, who performs research and testing in the company's sprawling laboratory in the swamps of Florida -- the mosquito capital of America. As of our speaking, they've found the device to be effective in deterring dozens of species of mosquitos and even black flies and biting gnats. In my testing, it worked just as advertised. I ran the Thermacell around my outdoor dining table and lounge setup on five evenings during twilight when bugs are particularly ravenous. My yard has a pool, so you can only imagine the sort of swarms that descend on the space during summer. Read more: Add These Bug-Repelling Plants to Your Kitchen Today Each time, friends and I waited until we felt the first bites and broke out the Thermacell, placing it in the middle. In all five instances, the bug bites stopped as the mist made its way out of the softball-sized device. While bites were neutralized, we could still see the occasional mosquito darting about. A few drawbacks Pods last for about 36 hours and each one costs $20. David Watsky/CNET Thermacells are fueled by small pods. Those last for about 36 hours when run continuously before you'll need a refill. Refill pods cost about $20, but I found a two-pack, good for 72 hours of repelling, for $22 on QVC. Needless to say I jumped on the deal. Considering the buggiest parts of the evening only last an hour or so, you can stretch a single pod for a month or more if you remember to turn it off when you're done or the bug hour is over. And only use it when you need it, not every time you hang outside. Also, the Thermacell only works when it's charged and not while charging on the dock. So if you've forgotten to charge it before the bugs come, there's no recourse or backup plan and you'll have to wait until it regains some juice. A Thermacell won't work while on its charging dock, so be sure that it's charged before the bug hour begins. David Watsky/CNET Though he hadn't tried the Thermacell himself, Dill said that he had heard good things from colleagues. He steered us away from a few other popular anti-mosquito products:
The Sun
23-06-2025
- Business
- The Sun
Dunelm launches giant 75% off clearance sale on thousands of products with prices starting from 50p
DUNELM has launched a huge 75 per cent off clearance sale. Thousands of products have seen their prices being slashed, with Dunelm selling some of its products for just 50p. 2 As the weather heats up, the homeware shop has cut the price of several summer essentials. The Santorini 2 Seater Bistro set comes in a beautiful soft green and has been cut down to £59.50 from £119. The brand's pizza oven has been reduced from £89 to £62.30 - in a staggering 30 per cent saving. Dunelm have even reduced the cost of 119 products by 75 per cent. The chic Aliyah Stripe Eyelet Curtains are now on sale for £67.50 after previously costing an eye-watering £270. Also, the Ariella Side table is now retailing for £29.75 despite previously selling for £119. Other products include Disney Buzz Lightyear murals, lampshades, tablecloths, shelves, lamps and decorative plants. Dunelm regularly goes viral for its low-cost homeware. The chain made headlines when it slashed the price of a 'gorgeous' chair by a staggering 80 per cent. Originally costing £99, the pink Elsie Velvet Cocktail Chair was reduced to £19.99. I didn't want to shell out loads for my wedding flowers so nabbed a £16 bargain from Dunelm - the quality's unreal Although it was still retailing for £69.30 on the website, one shopper spotted the huge discount in-store. The eagle-eyed shopper posted her discovery on Facebook, sending customers wild. One posted: "Love the colour if my room was big enough I would go hunting." Another product went viral this summer, with the Grey Sail Parasol receiving rave reviews from Dunelm's customers. One described the £15 buy as "perfect for keeping your shaded in the sun, this sail parasol is stylish and practical." The company wrote on their website: "Made from polyester and metal, this parasol is strong, durable, and easy to clean. "In a grey colourway, this parasol compliments any outdoor space beautifully.' 2
The Sun
13-06-2025
- Lifestyle
- The Sun
Dunelm slashes price of temperature-controlled bedding that's £59 cheaper than John Lewis version as temps to hit 29C
NOW is the perfect time to get your hands on a temperature-regulating duvet as temperatures set to hit 29C. Dunelm has slashed the price of the summer essential by 20 per cent giving you a great excuse to treat yourself. The discount has come at a fitting time, with temperatures set to reach 29 degrees next week. With nighttime temperatures still in the high teens, it's likely to disrupt your sleep routine. However, Dunelm's temperature-regulating duvet might provide a cooler alternative to help you cope with the increased humidity. Dunelm's Fogarty Temperature Regulating Wool All Seasons Duvet has been reduced from £70 to £56 for a double duvet giving you a 20% saving. It is also available in a range of sizes - all of which are discounted - from a single for £48 to a super kingsize for £72. The Dunelm version is a whopping £59 cheaper than an equivalent product at John Lewis. While Dunelm' s double duvet is just £56, John Lewis ' Natural British Wool Light Duvet retails at £115 for the same size. A description on Dunelm's website reads: "This duvet from the experts at Fogarty offers year round comfort." They add: "The fibres are breathable allowing your body temperature to be regulated as you sleep. Therefore, you will be able to use this duvet all year round to keep you cool in the summer and warm in the winter." It is filled with 100% pure New Zealand wool and wrapped in soft breathable cotton to ensure you don't overheat on a hot summer's night. Not only is the duvet good for you, but it is also good for the environment. Using unbleached and undyed cotton helps to reduce the amount of energy, water and chemicals used to produce the item which also maintains the fibres' natural softness. The product is clearly a hit with shoppers as its 500 reviews average out to a 4.6 star rating. One customer wrote: "This product was definitely the right one to help with night sweats. The natural fibres wick moisture away leading to a more comfortable sleep." Another said: "This is the second Fogarty wool duvet I have bought. I've been using the original for a few years and just love it. "Great temperature regulation and a great weight. Bought the second one for the guest bedroom." Others were equally enthusiastic about the product, saying that they had bought more than one for the other bedrooms in their home. A comment reads: "I have bought at least 5 of these and recommended them to my sister! "Wouldn't buy any other duvets please don't stop making them!" Customers seemed impressed at how well the product worked year round as both a summer and winter duvet. Even without these hot, humid nights, some customers have found that it has helped with their quality of sleep as it has reduced their night sweats. The item is available online or in-store. 3
The Sun
10-06-2025
- Lifestyle
- The Sun
Shoppers race to Aldi for £12.99 buy that illuminates your garden and turns it into a Moroccan-inspired space
ALDI has yet another bargain option to jazz up your garden ahead of summer. The bargain supermarket chain is offering up a double pack of solar Marrakesh crook lanterns for just £12.99. The metal lanterns comes in black or bronze colour and stands at 15x15x15cm. Six LED lights have on and off switches in the pack of two stylish lanterns. The Moroccan cut outs in the lanterns will add a chic lighting pattern across any garden. It's also very easy to use, the lanterns just need to be left out into the sun during the day to recharge so that they're ready to go in the evening. The solar recharge is also a great, eco-friendly option for those who are environmentally conscious. But anyone keen on the lanterns better rush to Aldi to snap them up because they're only while stocks last. As Brits get ready for summer by revamping their garden, many are also rushing to Aldi for the perfect accessory to keep them cool in the summer months. A Dyson dupe known as the Ambiano Bladeless Fan has made a welcome comeback just in time for the warmer weather. The German supermarket has re-released the bladeless fan to help you keep cool - but it won't be there for long. The modern design bladeless fan has three speed settings, high, medium, low, plus three modes: normal, nature and sleep. Aldi is selling a cheap $4.49 item that will transform your garden into a colorful summer paradise You can customise your sleep with the various modes and tailor it to your own temperature needs during the day - and most importantly, for a good night's sleep at bedtime. There's a handy timer (from 1 – 12 hours), a seven colour LED lighting ring, fixed and oscillation function, swivel control and a remote control. Part of Aldi's Specialbuys, the chic Design Fan comes in at £39.99 making it much easier on the bank balance than rivals. More Aldi middle aisle buys IF it's middle aisle buys that you're looking here, some of the new items you won't want to miss. Shoppers recently went wild for Aldi's new 'pregnancy and menopause essential' - and it's only £6.99. Garden enthusiasts raced to nab a £6.99 buy that will add style to any garden in an instant. A £12.99 garden find left shoppers open-mouthed - but you'll need to sprint to nab it. If you're looking to light up your garden this summer, you won't want to miss this £8.99 solar light. Plus, with its bladeless design, it's safe around little people or pets. The sought-after accessory is also incredibly quiet and makes only 56 decibels of sound. Ready to fly off the store's middle aisles once again, the affordable, sleek gadget comes in £200 cheaper than the Dyson original and £30 cheaper than Lidl 's own. 3
The Sun
20-05-2025
- Business
- The Sun
Amazon shoppers rush to buy this £130 JBL speaker called ‘perfect for summer' – on sale for £74
NO barbecue or beach day is complete without the perfect soundtrack, and I've found the ideal speaker for the job. Right now, shoppers are racing to grab the JBL Flip 6 on Amazon, where it's been slashed from £129.99 to just £74.20. JBL Flip 6 Portable Speaker, £129.99 £74.20 BUY FROM AMAZON I spotted this gem climbing its way up Amazon's best selling portable speakers list, and the healthy saving is clearly driving its popularity. JBL is a household name in audio, known for its reliable, high-quality sound, and this model is among its best. The JBL Flip 6 isn't cheap though; it'll usually set you back around £130, so to nab it for less than £75 is a bargain. With over 1,000 purchases in the last month alone and an impressive 4.7-star rating, it's a summer essential shoppers are sold on. I haven't tested the Flip 6 myself, but having tried its successor, the Flip 7, I can confidently say JBL knows how to make a speaker sound great. The Flip 6 shares many of the same features that make the newer model a hit, so you can expect solid performance without splashing out a fortune. It can deliver bold, powerful audio with a two-way system that handles deep bass and crisp highs beautifully, but it's also built to keep up with your outdoor lifestyle. You won't have to stress about splashes or sand ruining your speaker, as its IP67 waterproof and dustproof design means you can bring it pretty much anywhere. With up to 12 hours of playtime on a single charge, it's ideal to chuck in your bag and have on hand for long days out or weekend trips. The real deal clincher here is grabbing a trusted brand like JBL for under £100, that's a serious win, especially when it packs such impressive audio and durability. Shoppers agree, with over 3,500 five-star reviews singing its praises. One reviewer applauded the speaker, saying, 'Great sound for its size and good battery life. And being waterproof too, it makes for the perfect summer speaker.' Another highlighted the bass, praising it as 'punchy and powerful, adding a vibrant energy to every track' without distorting at higher volumes. A third couldn't get over the battery life, saying, 'I have never got even close to draining it, even after days of usage.' Last week, I also came across an impressive saving on another essential item for on the go. A £23 Anker portable charger was down to just £8, making it a handy backup to keep your speaker going when it's running low.
