Amazon is selling £8 bargain gadget that will transform your garden patio in minutes this summer
AMAZON is selling the perfect budget-friendly buy to transform your garden into a haven this summer.
With UK
this week, many Brits will likely be making plans to spend as much time as possible in the garden.
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2
Amazon has the perfect budget buy to brighten up your garden
Credit: Reuters
2
The lights will transform your garden into a magical haven
Credit: Amazon
But before you make any big plans to invite guests over for BBQs or garden parties, you want to make sure your
is looking it's best.
And although you may think that jazzing up your outdoor space will be pricey, Amazon has the perfect budget buy for penny pinchers.
The
oasis
.
They are suitable for both indoor and outdoor use, so you could even use them to decorate the tree at Christmas, giving them year round use.
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The lights are solar-powered meaning there's no need to faff about plugging them in.
Simply string them around your patio, and watch as they automatically turn on at dusk, instantly brightening up your outdoor space.
Plus, the lights are waterproof, meaning you don't have to worry about bringing them inside during adverse
weather
conditions.
And if you're in a rush, the lights are available for next-day delivery, making them perfect for any last-minute
summer
plans.
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Most read in Fabulous
Exclusive
Shoppers have been raving about the lights on the Amazon website, with one person stating: "Good solar fairy lights . Easy to install & they provide a point of interest on a dull fence."
A second person said: "Very bright and colourful and excellent value.
I transformed my garden patio into summer haven for less than £100 with cheap B&M buys including gadget to keep bugs out
"Good quality and worked immediately. Shone all night brightly."
A third person said: "I recently added these garden lights to my outdoor space, and I couldn't be happier with the purchase.
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"The installation was incredibly easy — simply place them into the ground and they're ready to go."
Shoppers have also been raving about Home Bargains' Firefly Hot Air Balloon Solar String Lights , which fans say look "amazing" and night.
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.'
Scanning at £7.99, the solar lights automatically light up at dusk and feature a flame effect LED to illuminate your garden during the summer evenings.
Home Bargains says the lights bring a "magical glow to your outdoor space", while each light comes with a rechargeable battery and is easy to install.
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The retailer adds on its website: "The lights automatically turn on at dusk, providing a warm, inviting ambiance with a stunning flame LED effect.
"No wires or fuss—just let the sun charge them during the day, and enjoy the beautiful light as the evening falls."
And bargain fans are racing to
snap
up £10
The product description reads: "It's a great no-fuss addition to any garden, terrace or gazebo, providing light in those darker corners and colour all year long."
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The faux foliage and rose detailing aim to replicate the look of real climbing plants without the maintenance.
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The Irish Sun
a day ago
- The Irish Sun
I sunbathed naked for the first time at 40 & now I can't get enough – this scorching weekend I'm hiking starker
LAYING out her picnic blanket after enjoying a walk in her local woodland, Estelle Keeber, 42, basks in the dappled shade of the trees and feels thankful she's escaped this weekend's scotching UK sun. The only difference between the mum-of-two and the millions of other Brits heading outdoors as Advertisement 9 Mum-of-two Estelle, 42, loves naked sunbathing in her local woodland Credit: Estelle Keeber 9 Forget about paddling pools and AC, Estelle is escaping the UK heat by naked hiking Credit: Estelle Keeber "My first foray with nudism began when I started "I wasn't initially happy with my 'Our garden is overlooked by houses. I found a spot where people couldn't see me if I was topless. That was the first step to embracing the nudist life.' Now Estelle loves Advertisement Read more real life stories "I fully stripped off for the first time on a nudist beach at age 40," says the body confident mum, who has two sons aged 16 and 14. "It was to mark my landmark birthday and now I am obsessed. 9 Estelle went to her first nudist beach at 40 and fell in love with how freeing it was Credit: Estelle Keeber Advertisement 9 She even loves to picnic and BBQ in the buff Credit: Estelle Keeber 'I found myself at a crossroads as I laid on that sand in Spain. I was a mum to two teenagers, and I decided to make a conscious effort to overhaul my life and improve my confidence. Most read in Fabulous 'I'd broken up with my children's dad in 2015 and trying to make ends meet as a wedding photographer. I knew things had to change. 'But as a mum, learning how to handle my body image was a real struggle. Advertisement 'I had preconceived ideas about naturist or nude beaches including pervy people, but I was wrong. 'I put down my towel and no one looked or cared. There were people of all different shapes and sizes enjoying the sun like me." While Estelle, who lives in Leicester, loves getting her kit off, she does have some limitations. "Of course, I'm always careful not to enjoy my naturist challenges around my sons," she explains. Advertisement 'They roll their eyes at my antics,' she says. 'But, I knew I couldn't encourage other women to be body confident if I didn't walk the naturist walk. 'Now, I love lying in the sun feeling the warmth on my body and getting the maximum dose of vitamin D I can. It's one of the best things I have ever done. I get my kit off as soon as the sun pops its head out." 9 Visiting a nudist beach at the age of 40 was lifechanging for Estelle Advertisement 9 She explains how being naked makes her feel empowered and given her so much confidence as she gets older Credit: Estelle Keeber In January 2024 Estelle started a year-long naked challenge sharing her experiences especially during the summer months on her One of her favourite naked days was a nude spa break in Birmingham. Estelle enjoyed a nude all over body massage, sunbathing, using the jacuzzi, Advertisement 'The spa offered naked dining,' she says. 'That was the most challenging thing for me, walking into a dining room and seeing people eating in the nude,' she says. 'I did not know where to put my napkin or how to deal with food sploshing on my bits." But after her naked spa experience, Estelle admits her 'I realised I was worrying too much about what everyone else thought about me," she adds. Advertisement 'I should simply do what makes me feel good or challenged. Every time I did that, my self esteem improved. 'Once I had embraced naturist beaches and a naturist spa, nothing stopped me." I was shaking when I first took off my clothes looking around thinking I'd be told off by people. Estelle Keeber 42 Estelle has enjoyed another five naked spa visits in Britain in the past nine months. Last Christmas she even attended her first naked Christmas party at a naturist spa. Advertisement 'It was a bit weird topping up your lipstick and walking into a Christmas event au naturel, but it was amazing." And her 12 month challenge was so enjoyable, she's continued it into 2025. "I've attended naked BBQ's and this year I've been a nude life model for art groups and I will be enjoying a spot of naked glamping in the summer. 'It sounds bonkers, but to accept my body I needed to stop hiding and do things which took me well out of my comfort zone,' she says. Advertisement 'I know some people will troll me for my naked challenges. I simply don't care. The overwhelming positive response I get from women is amazing. 'I love sunbathing in the nude. Hiking in the buff is just the same. 'This weekend is International Naked Hiking Day and there's no way I'm missing out. In this weather, to indulge in some revealing rambling wearing just boots, a hat, and some sunscreen is perfect for anyone wanting to try. 'I am proud to be celebrating summer with over forty confidences like this. Advertisement 'It's empowering. I am not doing it to be perved at. I am doing it for me. 'Taking a walk in the sunshine in just a pair of boots is exhilarating. It's not something which should be trolled. 'The first time I went naked rambling was in September 2021. 'I was 41 and went for a two-mile commando wander through forest and bushland. Advertisement 'I was searching for a naturist beach and took the wrong path. "The naked ramble was an impulsive decision. I was alone with just my bag and towel." 9 Estelle is out to enjoy International Naked Hiking Day today. Credit: Estelle Keeber According to Estelle if she'd planned ahead, she might have talked herself out of the buff wander. Advertisement 'My 'in the moment' decision showed I wasn't naked hiking to get clicks on social media; I was doing it to improve how I felt about my body," she explains 'I was shaking when I first took off my clothes looking around thinking I'd be told off by people. 'But within a few minutes the anxiety and worry were replaced. There was no one else around and no one was judging me, 'The breeze on my body, the extra Vitamin D and the sheer freedom of baring all was invigorating, transformative and yes, just a little bit naughty,' she says. Advertisement 'It's something every woman should try even once. " With soaring summer temperatures expected this weekend, Estelle believes it's a great time to try to indulge in some topless or even naked rambling. International Naked Hiking Day is held on the summer solstice, this year the 21st of June, and Estelle is keen to encourage people to embrace a naked hike as a cheeky and fun way to celebrate the day with the most daylight hours. The event began in the US in 1999 and is now celebrated globally. Advertisement In the UK, British Naturism has walks and outdoor gatherings planned in Hertfordshire, Northwest, the Southeast of the country and in London with naked swim events. if someone sees my boobs or bum, I really couldn't give a fig." Estelle Keeber 42 An Ipsos survey found 6.75 million or 14% of British adults describe themselves as naturist. This includes an estimated 2 million women or 30% of naturists who are stripping off using the summer weather as a vehicle for improved body confidence, self-esteem, and mental well-being. Women-only naturist events are now so popular they are sold out months in advance. Advertisement Estelle says: 'Mums like me and women of all shapes and sizes are learning to love their bodies on their terms. 'We're celebrating it by challenging ourselves to try everything from topless sunbathing to naked hiking, gardening and swimming especially in summer.' "Marking International Naked Hiking Day is not just another challenge but a chance to enjoy the great British outdoors when the weather's amazing,' she says. 'I'm not doing it simply to add to a 'click list.' I do this because I enjoy how it makes me feel. Advertisement 'I love encouraging other people, especially women and mums like me to have a go. 'It's natural to be natural. " CAN I SUNBATHE NAKED IN MY GARDEN? It is However, all that changes The law states: "In the absence of any sexual context and in relation to nudity where the person has no intention to cause alarm or distress it will normally be appropriate to take no action unless members of the public were actually caused harassment, alarm or distress (as opposed to considering the likelihood of this)." Barrister She said: "Unless you are in contravention of section 66 of the Sexual Offences Act 2003 - ie 'intentionally exposing your genitals with the intention that someone will see them and be caused alarm or distress - then there is no specific rule against nudity in the UK." The best way to ensure you don't end up in hot water with the police while enjoying the UK sunshine is to exercise some caution. It's also worth considering that somebody may ring your doorbell during your nude It is not illegal to answer the door to your home in your underwear or walk around the house without clothes on but if the nudity becomes a regularity, and if your neighbours complain to the police enough, then they may take action against you. Estelle does warn that naked hiking, especially in potential heatwave conditions, is not without its risks. 'Sunscreen is critical - cover yourself with as much as possible, Advertisement 'Watch out for bugs. There is nothing worse than a bit on your bits and always have a towel to sit down on. You don't want dirt and sand in unseemly places." In Britain, people are within their rights to be topless in public. There's no law against it but if you disturb or annoy anyone then you risk 'outraging public decency.' According to the Crown Prosecution Service, public nakedness must be done in a way that is not intended to cause 'distress, alarm or outrage.' Advertisement During the summer of 2023 one UK police force went as far as to suggest that if you're doing it in your own garden, you should let your neighbours know your plans. 'If I am in my garden, I make sure I sunbathe in a space where people can't see me doing it," Estelle says. 9 This weekend is going to be a hot one, with the capital baking in 31C highs Credit: X @metoffice If you're planning on some naked sunbathing or swimming at a local beach that is possible too. Advertisement British Naturism, the UK's top naturist organisation, has 81 naturist locations, encompassing beaches, resorts, lakesides, and parks where people can enjoy naked hiking, sunbathing, camping, and swimming. 'Check their website or local online maps for the best places to enjoy some safe naked sunbathing, swimming, or hiking," Estelle says. 'Get out there, enjoy a revealing ramble and have some fun in this lovely summer sun," says Estelle. 'Challenge yourself to have a go. Blaze a trail in the buff and enjoy a burst of body confidence." Advertisement 9 Estelle is encouraging other women to embrace their bodies and get naked. Credit: Estelle Keeber
The Irish Sun
a day ago
- The Irish Sun
Why you should be turning your fans around this weekend to survive the soaring temperatures – never point them at you
WITH temperatures soaring across the UK this weekend, many of us will be reaching for our fans for some relief from the hot weather. However, according to some experts many of us have been using our cooling devices all wrong causing them to become less efficient and cost us more. Advertisement 1 Directing your fan at you is the worst way to cool down according to experts Credit: Getty Here, energy-efficiency experts Electric fans may make rooms feel warmer when used incorrectly. Rather than positioning them inwards where they circulate hot air within rooms, fans should be directed towards windows to blow hot air outside during a heatwave. Daniel McCowan, Director of Green Improve Ltd, also says that Brits should be 'strategic' when it comes to opening windows. Advertisement Read More on Home Hacks 'UK homes are designed to retain heat,' says Daniel. 'By opening windows during a heatwave, people trap hot air inside the home and worsen the situation.' By strategically opening windows during cooler periods, Brits can avoid overheating and save money on their electricity bills this week. Daniel says windows and curtains should remain closed during the hottest hours, which are usually between 10 am and 4 pm. Advertisement Most read in Fabulous They can then be opened during cooler evening periods to allow heat to escape and fresh air to circulate. If someone opens their windows and allows excess heat into the home, they're more likely to rely on expensive electric fans to cool down. My dream pool was £40,000 so I DIYd my own 18ft version in February all for this summer heatwave - it's saved me £37,000 "Electric fans are an unnecessary expense during a heatwave,' McCowan adds. 'For example, running a 200W fan for 8 hours every night from May through August could add around £53.21 to electricity bills in the UK.' Advertisement 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.
The Irish Sun
2 days ago
- The Irish Sun
I DIY'd a 18ft dream pool in my back garden – it should have cost £40K but I saved a fortune & it looks so good
A SAVVY mum has revealed that rather than break the bank on her dream swimming pool, she decided to DIY it herself. Instead of splashing £40,000 on a deluxe 18ft pool for summer, Natalie Ward, 39, who lives in a detached house in Woking, nabbed bargains from Amazon, Costco, Halfords and even Facebook Marketplace to glam up her garden and create her own luxury chill space. 9 A DIY fan has revealed that rather than paying professionals to build her a £40,000 swimming pool, she DIY'd her own on a budget Credit: tiktok/@natalie_ward15 9 The "wonky" garden was in need of some TLC Credit: tiktok/@natalie_ward15 9 And Natalie wanted a pool for her children to enjoy on hot days Credit: tiktok/@natalie_ward15 Now, Natalie has The entrepreneurial strategist, who is Managing Director of Embur, a high-quality, affordable activewear brand, spent less than £3,000 on her Not only do the other kids from her road come round to enjoy the pool, but it saved her £37,000 by doing it herself and costs less than £1.80 a day to keep it warm too. Now, Natalie has revealed all on her pool transformation to Fabulous, as she explained that while her husband and children gave her a hand during the process, she did the majority of the project herself. Read more pool stories Natalie acknowledged that in February 2025, she decided to transform her garden and put in a pool, as she told us: 'I was on holiday in Spain and I watched this lady on Youtube build her own pool. That kind of planted the seed in my head. I was like 'she can do it, surely I can.' 'I spent the best part of 18 months researching all different things - insulation, pumps and heaters. All this stuff. 'If we did the block liner and everything else, we were looking at around £5,000, which we didn't have or didn't want to spend. 'So this seemed like a much more affordable option that wasn't one of the pop-up pools with the poles. We wanted something that was more semi-permanent and could just stay there for the next eight to 10 years. Most read in Fabulous 'Where we live, we know people who've got pools and it costs £30,000 to £40,000, depending on size and whatnot. We've spent under £3,000.' The DIY process As a result of her 'wonky garden', she began by hand digging her space to create a flat area for the pool. Mum shares the £64.99 paddling pool that won't leave you puffed out blowing it up & it's perfect for the warm weather She was then offered a digger to help, which made the process much simpler. Following this, the The kids and even young neighbours got involved too, as Natalie highlighted: 'They were excited. They just wanted to dig and make a mess. 'There were points where [children from our road] were grabbing things from the garden and putting them in skips and, you know, trying to earn their swim. 'It was chaos and they loved every second of it.' Most popular DIY jobs homeowners love to do Paint walls New carpet Paint fence Paint ceilings Wallpapering Paint skirting boards New light fitting Re-grout/replace bathroom tiles Hang curtains/blinds Paint/oil interior doors Paint a shed Paint stairs New plug sockets New hard flooring New front door Update kitchen sink Replace kitchen worktops Hang shelves Change/update doorknobs Paint/upcycle garden furniture Natalie and the little ones then got to the water table, which she decided to use as her bottom level of the pool. After this, she put in a gravel board so if she needed to dig out to replace the liner she had a back edge to work from. It took days to make sure everything was level and following this, she laid a ground sheet and 10 packs of Halfords floor mats to help absorb any impact and stop the sand from moving. Next, Natalie covered the bottom with foil insulation to stop it from losing heat through the floor. The following job was to put up the walls, which Natalie described as 'horrendous.' 9 First, Natalie had to level out the area for the pool Credit: tiktok/@natalie_ward15 9 Her little ones and other children in the street were happy to help Credit: tiktok/@natalie_ward15 Once this was done, Natalie realised she had missed a step, so had to take the walls out and undo the metal cross braces to insert liner covers. Natalie confirmed that she was then able to add in the pool - the Bestway UK Hydrium 18ft x 12ft pool - which she purchased from Getting the pool itself in was 'quite straightforward', as she shared: 'Putting it up probably took me four days. It was the prep work that took a load of time. 'It has to be 100% level. That's the bit that takes the time.' Cutting costs Natalie stressed that to 'All the aggregates and stuff that went down underneath, we got from builders' merchants. Then the mats and some insulation underneath we got from Amazon. 'The only other extra thing we've got is the heat pump. Because it's a 20,000-litre pool, it needs to be heated. Otherwise, you're never going to use it - it'd be like getting into an ice bath. 9 She used bargains from Halfords and a builders' merchant Credit: tiktok/@natalie_ward15 9 She nabbed insulation from Amazon and Facebook Marketplace Credit: tiktok/@natalie_ward15 'We've got a 16-kilowatt heat pump on it that I got Keeping 'Some things are a bit faddish, aren't they? You don't want to spend thousands on something that you might find you don't use or decide isn't worth having. You might want to do something else with the space in five years' time, whatever it is. 'I don't really enjoy spending money. So if I could do it on a budget, why wouldn't I?' A two month process While it didn't cost Natalie anywhere near as much by doing it herself, she confessed that the process wasn't easy. 'It took me two months from start to finish. I work from home so the minute I was done for the day, I was in the garden doing stuff. It was pretty full-on. It's been an absolute delight. The children are home from school, they're straight in the pool Natalie Ward 'I was just doing as much as humanly possible in the time we had available. 'We were really lucky with the weather that actually, when we were doing all this digging, it wasn't raining. If it had been raining, we'd have been in a world of trouble, and it would have taken significantly longer,' she admitted. Not only was Natalie doing the pool project during her evenings, but she also used her weekends too, as she continued: 'If I wasn't working, I was doing the pool. 'It was a huge challenge and I don't think I realised just how big of a job it was until we'd finished. But now it's done, I would 100% do it again.' Making the weather bearable Not only is Natalie, who posts on TikTok under the username @ She beamed: 'It's been an absolute delight. The children are home from school, they're straight in the pool. The children in the road see that the kids are in there and ask, 'Can we come in as well?' It's amazing. 'It's lovely and it's making the weather bearable as well. They're obviously getting to cool down after school. Five ways to keep your kids cool in the heat IT can be really difficult - and costly - to keep kids cool when it's hot outside. But Fabulous Digital Senior Reporter and mum-of-two Sarah Bull shares five ways to help, and they won't break the budget either. Strip them off It might sound simple, but stripping kids off at home can really help them regulate their temperature when it's warm outside. Just remember to regularly apply suncream, as more of their skin will be exposed to the sun. Cool down bedrooms before nighttime When it's hot outside, it can be difficult for kids to go to sleep - especially if their bedroom feels like an oven. If you have a room that's not in direct sunshine, keep the windows open to let in a breeze. It's also a good idea to keep the curtains closed, to prevent the room from heating up. Wear a hat Another simple technique, but one that really works. Make sure that if your kids are playing outside, they've got a hat on. It keeps their face and head shielded from the sun, and also helps if you've got a little one who struggles with bright sunlight. If your tot struggles to keep a hat on, try one with a strap that goes under the chin to help. Avoid the car The car can be one of the hottest places during a heatwave, and often takes a long time to cool down. If you have the option, it's better to stay at home rather than taking kids out anywhere in a hot car. Stay hydrated This is always important, but even more so in a heatwave. Make sure you're regularly reminding your kids to have a drink, and top them up with cool liquids whenever you can. Use ice too to ensure it's as cold as it can possibly be. 'All the kids walk out of school grumpy and miserable, with faces like they've had enough. We get home, they're straight in the pool, and their whole attitude changes. 'They're happy, they're having fun, and they've cooled down quite significantly as well. In this weather it's amazing. 'In a world where kids are attached to screens 24/7, you can't have a screen in a pool. You have to engage, you have to be present, you have to play. 'Having the children at home during half terms means they won't be stuck on a screen. I would much rather they were out playing, having fun, exercising. It's about their quality of childhood as well as the benefit of just having a pool.' Less than £2 a day to run Natalie claimed that her pool costs 'next to nothing' to run, as she acknowledged: 'Our house has solar panels - by utilising that, when we run the pool it costs us next to nothing. 9 It cost her less than £3,000 in total Credit: tiktok/@natalie_ward15 9 Not only did she save £37,000 in the process, but it costs her "next to nothing" to run too Credit: tiktok/@natalie_ward15 'The most we've spent in any one day this month is £1.80, and that was a day when we had the dishwasher, tumble dryer, washing machine, and pool all going at the same time. 'The only other thing is the chemicals and treating the water. You buy multifunctional chlorine tablets with everything you need in them, and a five-kilo box costs about £30. I get through one bucket in three months.' Natalie claimed that while she is only paying £30 a month for chlorine tablets, it used to cost her £30 each time to take her family of four to a local swimming pool. As a result, she is 'definitely' saving money in the long run and advised those eager to do the same to simply 'do it'. Parents aren't allowed to take children out of school during term time, holidays aren't always an option, so why not invest in your home and garden? Natalie Ward So if you'd love a similar swimming pool in your back garden and aren't sure where to start, Natalie shared her advice. 'Join pool groups on different social media channels and learn from people who've already done it. 'Everyone's got things they would potentially do differently or things to take into consideration. Do your research before you start digging and before you buy the pool. 'The cost of the pool is one of the cheapest parts. It's the heating and the groundwork that then costs more,' she stressed. Not only this, but Natalie also advised: 'Our summers are getting hotter, the cost of going abroad is increasing. Parents 'So why not invest in your home and garden? Holiday at home, take the week off work, and enjoy it.' U nlock even more award-winning articles as The Sun launches brand new membership programme - Sun Club
