Latest news with #summerhack
The Sun
11-07-2025
- Lifestyle
- The Sun
Savvy mum shares ‘summer hack you never knew you needed' – it'll stop bugs invading paddling pools & costs about a QUID
A SAVVY mum has shared a super simple hack that will ensure your paddling pool stays clean this summer. So if you're fed up with waking up every morning to see dead bugs and leaves in your child's paddling pool, then you've come to the right place and will need to take notes. 3 3 3 A content creator who posts online under the username 'Team Brookes', revealed the cheap homeware buy that will stop unwanted pests and debris falling into your pool. You will most likely already have it at home, but if you don't, those strapped for cash can breathe a sigh of relief - as it'll cost you as little as £1.40. Posting on social media, the mother who is from Dudley, revealed why a fitted sheet will be the answer to your paddling pool prayers this summer. Rather than spending ages fishing out branches and flies from her paddling pool, this mum covers her garden buy with a fitted sheet, which stops the pests from entering. Demonstrating her quick and effective trick, which takes a matter of seconds, she said: 'The summer hack you never knew you needed - if your pool doesn't have a pool cover, you can actually use a fitted bed sheet to cover the pool. 'It will stop all the debris and all the bugs getting into your water.' With this idea, all you'll need to do is cover the top of your paddling pool with a large fitted sheet at the end of the day. Then, when you next go to get into the paddling pool, debris and bugs will simply be collected on top of the sheet, making it much easier and faster for kids to get stuck into the summer fun. If you haven't got a spare fitted sheet at home, you're sure to be pleased to know that you can find plenty of different options from a variety of high street shops, but there's loads to choose from on Shein for as little as £1.40. Thrilled with her purse-friendly trick, she then added: 'Much needed to keep the pool fresh this summer, especially with all the flying ants at the moment.' I don't have a garden so made a 10p paddling pool on my balcony - it was brilliant but my downstairs neighbours will never forgive me Parents beam The TikTok clip, which was posted under the username @ teambrookes, has clearly impressed many, as it has quickly racked up 385,500 views, 1,925 likes and 58 comments. Parents were thankful for the simple hack and many eagerly flocked to the comments to express this. One person said: 'Great idea.' Another added: 'Good idea, the insects are such a pain.' How to survive six weeks of school summer holidays IF you are struggling with the six week summer holidays, you've come to the right place... BATTLING BOREDOM: Despite hours of activities and playdates, if your kids are already complaining there's nothing to do, parenting expert Liat Hughes Joshi says: 'Don't feel you have to organise every second of the holidays. Kids benefit from boredom and learn to make their own fun. 'Boredom can trigger creative and imaginative play but you need to encourage kids to get used to not being told how to spend their time. 'Ride out the pleas of boredom. Counter it with comments such as, 'What do you think you could do?' and maybe have a list of 'I'm bored' activity ideas on the fridge.' SCREEN OVERLOAD: It's tempting during the holidays to rely on a digital babysitter but don't let them gawp their whole summer away in front of a screen. Liat says: 'It's unfair to expect older kids to power down but it's important to set some ground rules. 'Set family tech rules together. If you're often distracted by your phone, follow the rules too. Maybe tell the kids they aren't allowed any screen time until they've done set chores, some exercise, or a board game. 'Are there times when you'd like to ban screens completely? Perhaps during dinner or when they have friends over to visit. 'Tech is a battleground for parents, but you have to set boundaries. Stand firm and be prepared to be unpopular.' TOO MUCH TOGETHERNESS: You love your kids, but being with them 24/7 can be exhausting. Do not feel guilty if you need a bit of downtime. Liat says: 'If you're juggling work and household tasks as well as occupying the kids, it's normal to start feeling overwhelmed or jaded and in need of some peace. 'If you can't afford or don't want to send your kids to all-day camps, look for free kids' workshops so you can get on with jobs or have a break for a couple of hours. 'Seeking a spell of quiet every now and then doesn't make you a bad parent — in fact it will probably make you more positive and enthusiastic when you are with the kids.' SCHEDULING CONFLICT: Schedules can go out the window during holidays, but late nights and early mornings can mean tired and unhappy children. Dr Tamara Bugembe, paediatrician and founder of says: 'Children get grumpy, test boundaries and become challenging when routines are broken. 'Sticking to some kind of routine during the holidays is a good idea. 'We release hormones at different times of the day and when regular meal times and bed times are broken, it causes dips and peaks in mood. 'Holidays are about having fun but an early night once or twice a week will make everyone happier.' EXCESS ENERGY: Make sure kids get out in the fresh air to tire them out — and make them healthier and happier. Dr Bugembe says: 'Sunshine also tops up vital vitamin D levels which helps improve bone strength and energy levels in children. Our levels run low in winter so let the kids stock up in warmer weather. 'Letting them run around in shorts and a T-shirt is the best way to top up. Make sure they're wearing sun cream, get outside and have fun. 'Encourage them to try healthy habits such as cycling and walking. They'll hopefully get hooked and want to carry them on when the weather gets colder.' A third described the hack as 'brilliant,' whilst another parent chimed in and commented: 'Great idea, thanks I will be doing this.' Meanwhile, someone else advised: 'Use a dark coloured sheet and the water warms up a little.' To this, the mother replied and wrote: 'Love love love! Will try this!'
The Sun
22-06-2025
- Entertainment
- The Sun
I'm a stinky girl, my 25p hack will keep you smelling fresh all summer long even on the sweatiest of days
SOMETIME no matter how much deodorant and perfume you put on, the summer heat can leave you feeling sweaty and stinky. But thanks to a budget-friendly hack, you can stay as fresh as ever in the hot weather. 2 TikTok user Laura Valentina (@laauravalentina) showed her followers the DIY technique she swears by that leaves her smelling and feeling refreshed in the heat. And for anyone pinching pennies, don't worry because all you need is two kitchen ingredients. "I live by this life hack," Laura told her followers before going on to describe herself as a "stinky girl". She revealed that her mum taught her to use two household items to combat the summer sweats. These secret ingredients are lime and baking soda, neither of which will break the bank. You can pick up a lime for just 24p from Sainsbury's, while baking soda will set you back 59p. And since you only need a miniscule amount of baking soda, this hack will only total around 25p each time you try it out. In the clip, which amassed 1.2 million views, Laura began by slicing her lime in half and dipping it in baking soda. She waited for it to start sizzling, showing her audience the bubbles that formed. The TikToker described the hack as "the best and better than any soap you will ever find". She advised her followers to use it "to get rid of any stink", revealing that she rubs it on her armpits and "everywhere else". According to Laura, this process helps to "get rid of any stench" but also has other beauty benefits. "It also exfoliates with the little grains of baking soda and for all of my stink girls, it will really help you get rid of that stink," she explained. Laura pointed out that it not only eliminates smells but also leaves you smelling like citrus afterwards. Her followers shared their thoughts on the natural hack in the comments section. Top beauty trends for 2025 Hayley Walker, Beauty Expert at Justmylook spoke exclusively to Fabulous about the big beauty trends for 2025. Haircare Hair gloss treatments are a must-have as beauty enthusiasts love the salon-quality shine and enhanced colour delivered by the trending treatment. Hair glosses are multifunctional, as they nourish the hair while offering a vibrant, healthy-looking finish, combining 2025's core trends. This treatment is perfect for those seeking an affordable, at-home glow-up. 2025 will focus on skin repairing and texture-enhancing treatments. Skincare Rejuran treatment, a celebrity-endorsed procedure, will see a rise in demand this year as many seek to enhance their skin's appearance. The procedure entails injecting polynucleotides derived from salmon DNA to enhance skin texture and elasticity. 'Rejuvenation is expected to dominate 2025 skincare trends as many seek to achieve a flawless, youthful complexion. Skincare will also include back-to-basic products for a simplified routine. Ginseng cleansing oil and panthenol cream are among the trending products for 2025. The cleansing oil is excellent for dissolving make-up and impurities without clogging pores and is enriched with nourishing properties to leave the skin feeling and looking refreshed and radiant. Make-up Make-up trends will follow suit to achieve youthful and radiant looks. Under-eye brighteners will be sought-after products for delivering coverage while enhancing natural radiance. This beauty tool will complement natural beauty while improving and brightening dull skin. Make-up looks will be bigger and bolder in 2025 with cluster lashes expected to surge this year. These lashes bring the glam to glamorous looks as they deliver dramatic volume to enhance everyday or special occasion looks. Peel-off lip stains circulated the beauty industry in 2024 and are expected to dominate in 2025. The growing popularity of this product is due to its ability to provide long-lasting, transfer-proof colour to lips, enhancing a natural aesthetic. Additionally, cherry-coded aesthetics are expected to be everywhere this year as the deep, rich hue can be achieved using peel-off lip stains or bold lip looks for a dramatic effect. Nails 2025 will be another year of countless, show-stopping nail trends. Goddess Nails and Aura Nails deserve an honourable mention as these designs channel an ethereal, celestial aesthetic for bold, self-expressing nails. "It also helps to lighten your underarms," pointed out another fan of the trick. "I use key limes and it has officially replaced my deodorant," said another viewer. "The smell is from the bacteria. The lime and baking soda is a great for killing the bacteria and neutralizing the pH," commented a third person. Another TikTok user said they "definitely will use" the homemade hack. "OMG, I've been doing this since [childhood] and I don't have dark spots under my armpits as well," shared another follower.
The Sun
21-06-2025
- Lifestyle
- The Sun
Genius £1 trick will absorb heat & keep your bedroom cool during hot weather – and you don't need to splash out on a fan
A GENIUS £1 trick will keep your bedroom cool this summer meaning you won't need to splash out on a fan. With temperatures soaring in the UK as Brits face the hottest day of the year so far, many of us wonder how to best battle the heat. 1 Experts have revealed simple and practical tips to stay comfortable in your home this summer, even on a strict budget. Corey Sims at CSDB has provided a simple hack to stay cool around the house. She advises to firstly buy a spray bottle at a bargain or DIY store for around £1. With this you can then spray your curtains, dampening them to cool the room. As air blows across the hot drapes, evaporating water absorbs heat and lowers the room temperature. The hot weather also ensures the curtains dry quickly without smelling damp. You can also spray yourself to help stay cool which works in much the same way as sweat that helps our bodies shed excess heat. The water is immediately refreshing and cool when it hits your skin. Another good idea is to keep the spray bottle, or multiple bottles, in the fridge so they are ready when needed. Experts have provided other great ways to keep your home cool all day too. This includes closing your windows and blinds during the day to block the heat and open them early in the morning or at night to let cooler air in. Freezing your pyjamas and bedsheets for at least 20 minutes will also keep them cool and refreshing for when you're ready to sleep. It's also advised not to use the oven and to opt for no-cook meals like salads and sandwiches in what sounds like a perfect excuse for a BBQ. It will keep the heat outside your home and prevent your oven heating your home by a further five degrees. If your home is already hot, it could contribute to heat exhaustion so picky-bits on a hot day is a brilliant go-to for dinner. Finally, you can also create your own DIY mini-air conditioning by placing a bowl of ice in front of your fan. This is great for cooling smaller spots like your favourite chair or the side of the bed.
The Sun
18-06-2025
- Climate
- The Sun
How to get a warm paddling pool instantly WITHOUT lugging buckets from the kitchen OR using the kettle
PUTTING a paddling pool up over the summer is all fun and games until people are complaining that the water is too cold. Thankfully there is an easy hack to get your pool full of warm water in minutes. 4 4 While many people rely on an outdoor tap with cold water to add the water, you should go directly from the warm tap inside. If your hose doesn't attach to your inside tap, a mum shared how she gets around this issue. TikTok user @healthandlovingmyself shared how you simply need to fill up a watering can with warm water, and put the hose inside the nozzle. The water will then travel down the pipe and fill up your pool with the hot water. The best part of the hack is you don't need to spend hours lugging buckets of warm water outside - and don't need to constantly refill the kettle. Many people were very impressed with the hack and wondered why they hadn't thought of it before. One person wrote: 'I was 40 years old.. Thnx.' Another added: 'Smart.' However, one user commented: 'The water bill.' And a second said: 'More fun when its cold.' The clever way you can ensure your paddling pool is kept warm BIN BAG HACK We previously shared how a woman has come up with the ultimate hack to heating up the water in her chilly paddling pool - and it just requires a bin bag. She told Tyla how she was fed up of going back and forth with kettles to keep the water warm outside. Lainey Thomson decided to instead place a bin bag on the top to attract the heat from the sun. 4 She revealed: "I did this because I only have a cold outside tap and I was using buckets and the kettle to warm up the pool. "By putting black bin bags on top it attracts the sun and it warms it up very quickly. Within about 45 minutes the water is warm and stays warm all day in the sun." The idea was first floated on the Mrs Hinch Made Me Do It Facebook group, when one woman asked for advice to heat her 8ft freezing cold paddling pool. One person advised: "Fill with cold from outside tap then cover with black bin bags. Leave for an hour!" 'The sun is drawn to the black bags and heats it up. Works a treat every time," one person commented.
The Sun
16-06-2025
- Health
- The Sun
It's too hot to sleep so I made my own DIY air conditioner for just £1 & it cools down the whole room in seconds
THERE'S nothing worse than trying to fall asleep in a hot and stuffy room. However, a simple hack may be able to help, keeping you cool and refreshed throughout the night. Since most UK households don't have air conditioning, many resort to using fans or other gadgets in the warm weather. However, fans only help to cool down your body temperature, not the temperature of the room. If you want to elevate this and feeling an instant cooling effect, a simple step can help. The official TikTok account for Iceland Foods shared a handy hack for creating a DIY air conditioner in your home. "Is anyone else finding it impossible to sleep at night in this heat?" they asked. The Iceland Foods rep told TikTok users to try a "viral DIY air con hack" using thieir fans "for a much-needed gust of ice-cool air". They revealed that three simple steps can be taken to transform your fan into a "homemade air con". First, the home experts recommended placing a handful of ice cubes in a bowl. They then placed the bowl in front of their fan and turned it on. According to the TikTok video, this will help you to "stay cool" in the summer heat. And it won't cost you much, a 2kg bag of ice will set you back just £1 while the cost of running your fan overnight can be broken down with a simple step. Is this self-cooling can the future for Coke and beer? This trick works creating a localised cooling effect, similar to a personal air cooler. According to experts, ice absorbs heat from the surrounding air as it melts. This is why placing ice in front of a fan can help to lower the air temperature. The fan then helps to circulate the cooled air, ensuring that the cooling effect isn't limited to just the area directly around the ice. And while this hack have the same effect as an actual AC unit, it can provide a noticeable and refreshing breeze in the immediate area. How to keep cool in hot weather Most of us welcome hot weather, but when it's too hot, there are health risks. Here are three ways to keep cool according to the NHS... Keep out of the heat if you can. If you have to go outside, stay in the shade especially between 11am and 3pm, wear sunscreen, a hat and light clothes, and avoid exercise or activity that makes you hotter. Cool yourself down. Have cold food and drinks, avoid alcohol, caffeine and hot drinks, and have a cool shower or put cool water on your skin or clothes. Keep your living space cool. Close windows during the day and open them at night when the temperature outside has gone down. Electric fans can help if the temperature is below 35 degrees. Check the temperature of rooms, especially where people at higher risk live and sleep. It is also more cost-effective than running an air conditioning unit. However, it is also worth noting that this method can increase the humidity in your room. And a doctor has revealed the exact time to shower to keep cool in the hot weather. Plus, six methods for keeping cool in the hot summer conditions, including repurposing your hot water bottle. Or there are savvy steps you can take to keep your space cool without breaking the budget. 2
