Latest news with #Fabulous
The Irish Sun
an hour ago
- General
- The Irish Sun
B&Q shoppers are racing to snap up £10 buy that elevates your garden and instantly adds privacy
B&Q is selling the perfect budget friendly product to elevate your garden and add instant privacy to your outdoors space. With summer now upon us, and the a planning to spend lots of time relaxing in the garden. 2 B&Q is selling the perfect product to add privacy to your garden Credit: Alamy 2 Ornamental grass is great for adding privacy to your garden Credit: B&Q However, there's nothing worse than sitting outside with a glass of wine and a good book, only to realise that your nosy neighbour is peeking at you over the fence. Putting up a large fence around your garden may seem like the obvious choice to keep away prying eyes, but this can be expensive - and can sometimes lead to Paul CEO of plants and perennials specialists He said: 'Grasses can be used easily to create internal screens or hedges that flower beautifully, move in the slightest breeze, and need little care during the summer months. Read more garden stories "I recommend silvergrass or pampas grass to not only conceal your garden, but to introduce interesting textures. "Their fast growth rate makes ornamental grasses ideal for privacy hedges because new plants can rapidly fill in any gaps.' B&Q's The height of the plant when you purchase it will be 30-45cm, but ornamental grass can grow up to three metres tall. Most read in Fabulous The plant is low maintenance, so won't cause you any stress, plus its feathery plumes will elevate the look of your garden into a stylish haven. The expert revealed that another handy tip to add privacy to your garden is to cover up fences with evergreen climbers. I hate my new build garden being overlooked so found a 5 METRE privacy fence to block out nosy neighbours for under £30 He said: 'If you want to disguise fences, balcony railings or rooftop spaces, evergreen climbers are a fantastic solution. "Star Jasmine would be my top choice, it's a hardy, vigorous grower with glossy evergreen foliage, so it's the perfect all-year-round cover. "In summer, it bursts into fragrant, star-shaped flowers that fill your garden with an enticing scent. "If you don't have a surface to grow against, create a living fence by planting shrubs or small trees close together to make a natural wall of privacy. How to create privacy in your garden CREATING privacy in your garden can be achieved in a number of ways depending on your budget, and the size of your space. Here are some effective ways to enhance privacy in your garden: 1. Fencing Install a tall, solid wooden or vinyl fence. This is one of the most straightforward ways to gain immediate privacy. Or use lattice panels, trellis, or slatted fencing to add a decorative touch while still offering privacy. 2. Hedges and Plants Fast-growing evergreen shrubs or trees like Leylandii, Thuja, or Bamboo along the boundary of your garden can help with privacy. Grow a dense hedge using plants like Boxwood, Privet, or Laurel. It may take time to grow, but it provides a natural and green privacy screen. Use climbers like Ivy, Clematis, or Wisteria on fences or trellises to create a lush, green privacy barrier. 3. Outdoor Curtains Hang outdoor curtains around pergolas, gazebos, or patios for an easy-to-adjust privacy solution. 4. Sound Barriers A water fountain or small waterfall can help drown out noise, adding to the sense of privacy. Or install fencing designed to reduce noise if privacy from sound is also a concern. "Varieties like golden privet hedging or, for a shorter screen, Salix (like Flamingo Willow) are trendy options that work well to cordon off designated areas in your garden.' Salix, or flamingo trees grow tall and quickly, meaning that they are a popular choice for hiding gardens from prying eyes. The trees are native to the UK and are popular due to their bright pink foliage, which is a similar shade to the flamboyant birds they are named after. This makes them perfect for adding a splash of colour to your garden, whilst also ensuring your outdoor space is shrouded from prying eyes. Shoppers have recently spotted
The Irish Sun
2 hours ago
- Climate
- The Irish Sun
Major alert for Irish homeowners over summer fridge hack as temperatures reach 29C
IRELAND is set to bask in sizzling temperatures this weekend with highs of 29C today. And Irish homeowners are being urged to place an A4 sheet of paper in their fridge to avoid food going off early in the warmer conditions. Advertisement It looks like that today is Meteorologist Cathal Nolan from Ireland's Weather Channel revealed we will experience "very warm or hot weather" until Sunday. And the sizzling conditions can impact directly Speaking to Advertisement Read more in Fabulous The reason behind it could be related to whether the seal around the door is working properly or not - especially if your fridge is a few years old. If your seal is not working properly, households could face an increase in energy bills as your fridge would work harder to keep food cold, or even further damage to the fridge. Homeowners can check if their fridge is working properly using a single sheet of A4 paper. A spokesperson for Advertisement Most read in Fabulous "A worn-out door seal can prevent the refrigerator door from closing properly, causing the cooling system to work harder to keep your groceries fresh. 'This can lead to increased energy consumption and potential damage to your fridge and its temperature settings. Ireland to sizzle in 24C heat as heatwave arrives and Met Eireann reveal hottest areas 'Warm air entering your fridge can overwhelm the cooling system, especially during hot "To check if your fridge door is functioning correctly, use a piece of paper. Advertisement "You can buy paper for as little as 1cent or use any paper you have at home. "Place the paper against the door seal and close the door. When you try to pull the paper out, you should feel some resistance. If the paper slides out easily, your door seal may need replacing.' HEATWAVE Weather chiefs confirmed a "very warm and hot day" is on the cards today with long spells of sunshine. But some isolated showers may develop as the day goes on, possibly becoming heavy at times. Advertisement Met Eireann's "And it will feel slightly milder in the south where highest temperatures will be 20 to 23C in a mainly light south to southeast breeze. "Tonight we'll stay mainly dry, with some lingering showers possible over parts of Ulster and Leinster. "It will be mild, but temperatures not falling below 12C to 17C in the light or variable southerly breeze." Advertisement Saturday will be warm with good sunny spells for most of the country and slightly cloudier conditions in the west. But scattered showers will move in across the country, some heavy and possibly thundery at times. And a heavier band of rain will move in off the Atlantic later Saturday night, bringing longer spells of rain. Sunday is set to be a bright start to the morning, but outbreaks of showery rain will move in from the west in the morning with sunny spells and scattered showers to follow. Advertisement Fresher and breezier than recent days with highest temperatures of 15C to 20C, warmest in the east, all with rather brisk westerly winds. 1 Homeowners are being urged to try this simple hack this summer Credit: Getty
The Irish Sun
3 hours ago
- Lifestyle
- The Irish Sun
How to wash your pillow to kill bacteria & keep them fluffy in hot weather with 35p hack
WHILE you likely wash your bedding regularly, chances are you aren't cleaning your pillow often enough. A budget-friendly hack can help to kill bacteria and leave your pillow feeling fluffier than ever in the hot weather. Advertisement 2 A cleaning expert revealed the budget ingredient she uses to wash her pillows (stock image) Credit: Getty Experts recommend washing your pillows a few times a year as they can accumulate everything from sweat and oils to dead skin cells and dust mites. And with the current bout of scorching weather, now is an ideal time to give them a freshen up. TikTok user Anna Louisa ( She explained that someone told her "half the weight of people's pillows is dead skin cells". Advertisement The reason why your And while the statistics of bacteria on pillows varies by case, this was still enough to kick the cleaning pro into action. "Apparently pillows should be washed at least [every] three to six months to keep them fresh and free of bacteria, skin cells, dirt, oil, and dust mites," she told her followers. She shared her go-to method for anyone who was also inspired to take immediate action. Advertisement Most read in Fabulous Anna recommended keeping your pillows in a pillowcase or pillow protector when putting in the washing machine. She explained that this can help to protect them during the cycle and avoid ripping. Cleaning whizz shares two-second 13p trick to get all the pet hair out of your laundry in seconds To keep the washing machine balanced and guarantee an all-round clean, the TikToker suggested only washing two pillows at a time. For the best results, Anna advised her audience to select a delicate or gentle cycle when washing. Advertisement She also suggested using a small amount of normal detergent and replacing fabric conditioner with vinegar to "make your pillows fluffy and to neutralise any odours". You can pick up a bottle of And you can even speed up the drying process by adding an extra spin to the washing cycle. Laundry tips Catherine Green, sustainable cleaning expert at smol shared her laundry tips. How often should you be remaking your bed? When it comes to your bed, maintaining a hygienic sleep setup can actually improve your sleep quality, helping you start every day better. Most people shed 500 million skin cells per day and a lot of that ends up in bed for dust mites to feed on. And those with asthma or allergies might see symptoms worsen by sleeping on dirty sheets! You want to be washing your sheets once a week - or every 10 days if you don't suffer from allergies and wear nightclothes. Bedding builds up with sweat, skin cells and oils quickly, even if it doesn't look dirty. Using an effective detergent like What temperature do smol recommend then? For your regular weekly washes I recommend washing most loads at 20°C for 30 minutes. It's gentler on fabrics, slashes energy use, and still delivers excellent stain removal with the right detergent. A colder wash can actually be more effective if you opt for a bio detergent as its enzymes need cooler water; too hot and they lose their ability to digest stains. A wash at 60°c (unless you have silk sheets) every now and again can help kill off dust mites and other nasties. What's the difference between bio and non-bio detergent? Bio detergents contain enzymes, which are especially good at breaking down tough stains like food, grass, or sweat. It's best used in mid to low temperature washes (ideally between 20-40°C) as anything hotter can cause them not to work effectively. Non-bio skips the enzymes, which in turn makes it more suitable for those with sensitive skin or allergies. Although non-bio doesn't contain enzymes, it's still great at removing stains and keeping your clothes clean, you just may need to use a slightly higher temperature setting to aid with the cleaning process. Make sure you allow the pillows time to fully dry to avoid any bacteria or mould growing. Advertisement And remember to always check your pillow's care label and follow the directions accordingly when it comes to washing and drying. According to Anna, most pillows can be washed in the washing machine using this method, including scatter cushions. A laundry expert revealed the top ways to wash each type of pillow at home. Read more on the Irish Sun There is also a step-by-step guide available for Advertisement Or you can opt to 2 According to the TikToker, your pillow gets heavier over time as it accumulates your sweat and dead skin cells (stock image) Credit: Getty
The Irish Sun
3 hours ago
- Lifestyle
- The Irish Sun
The 35p hack to banish flies from your home this summer mixing kitchen staple with soap – it works in minutes
EXPERTS have revealed a 35p hack to banish flies from your home this summer. Summer is finally here, and according to the , a 2 flies can be a real pain in the summer Credit: Getty 2 Flies are attracted to the scent of vinegar Credit: Getty However, although there are so many positives to summer, from warm weather to longer days, it also has its downsides, such as the emergence of Fruit flies are also a real problem during summer, as they are attracted to foods which decay quicker in heat. Chasing them around with rolled-up newspapers and makeshift fly swatters can seem an endless task, and can ruin your summer's evening. Read more pest stories However, according to experts there is a simple purse friendly hack you can use to banish the critters. All you need is some big standard washing up liquid and some vinegar. Healthline writes: 'A mixture of vinegar and dish soap can help you trap flies such as fruit flies .' To try out the hack, simply mix equal parts water and vinegar in a glass. Most read in Fabulous Then, add a few drops of washing up liquid to the mix. Cover the glass with clingfilm, and then poke some small holes in the top. I'm a plumber and your spider problem could be caused by your toilet 'Flies will be attracted to the vinegar in the glass and will fly through the holes", Healthline said. "However, the dish soap causes the flies to sink instead of being able to land on the vinegar.' Flies are attracted to the scent of the vinegar as it is similar to that of decaying fruit. Vinegar also contains acetic acid, which is a chemical that builds up during fermentation. Keep pests out all summer IF you want to ensure that your home is pest free this summer, here's what you need to know. Hornets and wasps - hate the smell of peppermint oil so spraying this liberally around your patio or balcony can help to keep them at bay. Moths - acidic household white vinegar is effective for deterring moths. Soak some kitchen roll in vinegar and leave it in your wardrobe as a deterrent. Flying ants - herbs and spices, such as cinnamon, mint, chilli pepper, black pepper, cayenne pepper, cloves, or garlic act as deterrents. Mosquitoes - plants, herbs and essential oil fragrances can help deter mozzies inside and out. Try eucalyptus, lavender and lemongrass. You may already have a bottle of vinegar in the kitchen, but if not, you can pick it up from Sainsbury's for as little as 35p. If you don't want your home to smell of vinegar, This Morning pro, Nancy Birtwhistle, recently shared a "They [flies] hate the smell of citrus and they hate the smell of cloves," she said, explaining how easy it is to keep them at bay. With this in mind, she suggested creating a DIY method to deter the pesky insects. All you need to do is cut a few lemons in half and then stick the cloves into the juicy part. Although the fresh scent is lovely for us humans, the flies can't stand it and will find somewhere else to go.
The Irish Sun
5 hours ago
- Entertainment
- The Irish Sun
I'm 50 and tried gorgeous new co-ord from Dunnes Stores for cute summer look as temperatures soar with prices from €25
A FASHION fan has tried a gorgeous new co-ord at Dunnes Stores for a cute summer look after it landed on racks. Monica, @ Advertisement 2 Monica is a big fan of the new arrival 2 The outfit is perfect for a summer event She said: "Isn't this co-ord beautiful? "It is made of cotton so is super fresh to wear and the oversized stitched flowers on the trousers and top makes this outfit super chic and so pretty to wear. "I added a boho style blouse with similar flower pattern in case it gets colder but I have to say that I prefer without it, this would be more my style… is this yours too?" The Gallery Sylvie Sequin Top is a bargain at just €25 and comes in sizes 8 to 20. Advertisement READ MORE IN FASHION The retailer said: "Crafted from a lightweight cotton, this top features an intricately stitched oversized flower motif that creates a striking three-dimensional texture. "The straight neckline and thick shoulder straps offer a neat, structured silhouette. "Gallery is available exclusively at Dunnes Stores." The Gallery Sylvie Sequin Trousers are priced at €35. Advertisement Most read in Fabulous Their description reads: "Crafted from a lightweight cotton, these wide leg trousers are cut to a cropped fit for a breezy feel. "Featuring an elasticated waistband and side pockets, they are designed with an intricately stitched oversized flower motif that creates an eye-catching three-dimensional texture. 'I adore this colour', cries Dunnes Stores fan as she tries on €40 'ultra-feminine' dress "Gallery is available exclusively at Dunnes Stores." A number of Monica's followers took to the comments to praise the piece. Advertisement One said: "This is SO chic and fresh! The embroidery makes the whole outfit feel elevated but still wearable. Totally your vibe — and honestly, I'd skip the blouse too." Another added: "The floral detail is beautiful." Meanwhile, The Gallery Cornelli Sleeveless Jacket is a bargain at just €25. Advertisement And shoppers can choose between two colours – baby blue and navy. It is available in sizes XS to XXL. 'It fastens with five hook-and-loop closures and has a ribbed neckline and hem. Advertisement 'Gallery is available exclusively at Dunnes Stores.' The retailer has paired the jacket with a basic white t-shirt and blue jeans for a casual day look. Meanwhile, a fashion fan has tried on a One Irish shopper gave fans three fun outfits to try on Instagram using the Savida Bella sequin skirt. Advertisement Yvonne O'Connor, who uploads under the user Wearing a size 12 in the set, she said 'It's much better than I thought it was going to be and perfect for anyone who likes their arms out.' The fashion fan switched it up with an oversized white T-shirt and some low-top trainers for a more chic day-to-day look. And finally, Yvonne is stunning in a pink blazer and kitten heels for a 'beautiful look' – for a unique outfit this Advertisement Many of her followers rushed to the comments to compliment her style, calling her new looks 'Gorgeous' and 'Beautiful'. Shop the look as the top costs just €30 with the matching skirt retailing for €35. Sizes range from XXS up to XXL, so everyone can shine this summer. Both items are available online and in stores. Advertisement And shoppers can get a more The new Mia satin dress features a stunning back detail for just €40. The midi dress is designed with a daring low cut front in a deep navy blue. With the back of the dress featuring a striking cross over style, the latest arrival is also the perfect wedding guest fit. Advertisement It ranges in sizes from XXS-XXL, but fans will have to be quick as only smalls, mediums and larges are left online. THE HISTORY OF DUNNES STORES DUNNES Stores opened its first store on Patrick Street in Cork in 1944 - and it was an instant hit. Shoppers from all over the city rushed to the store to snap up quality clothing at pre-war prices in Ireland's first 'shopping frenzy'. During the excitement, a window was forced in and the police had to be called to help control the crowds hoping to bag founder Ben Dunne's 'Better Value' bargains. Dunnes later opened more stores in the 1950s and began to sell groceries in 1960 - starting with apples and oranges. The retailer said: "Fruit was expensive at the time and Ben Dunne yet again offered Better Value than anyone else in town. "Over time, our food selection has grown and that spirit of good value has remained strong. "Now we offer a wide range of carefully-sourced foods from both local Irish suppliers and overseas." The retailer's first Dublin store opened its doors in 1957 on Henry Street and a super store on South Great Georges Street was unveiled in 1960. They added: "In 1971, our first Northern Irish store opened, and many others soon followed. "Expansion continued in the 1980s in Spain, and later into Scotland and England." Dunnes now has 142 stores and employs 15,000 people.
