Latest news with #JohnLewis
The Independent
an hour ago
- Lifestyle
- The Independent
Help… I can't stop ‘heatwave shopping' at night!
We're plum in the middle of a British summer heatwave – that blissful time when my overseas friends briefly stop complaining about the cold and recline, lizard-like, in contentment. As a redhead, this is not my time to shine. I should really be hiding in a cave for the duration. Yet while I'm prepared for the sheer stickiness of it all, and the temperatures, I'd forgotten the deathly combination of late-night sleeplessness and heat-induced shopping delirium. As the heatwave began on Wednesday, I headed home to pass out in the muggy heat of my south London bedroom. Instead, by half-midnight and for the next two hours, I was scrolling the internet. On Thursday morning, I discovered that I had bought two balls for the dog, a cotton shirt for myself, and a diaphanous white dress from John Lewis that looked like an audition costume for Star Wars. The screenwriter Mollie Goodfellow, similarly compelled to while away her sleepless hours by online shopping, had bought 'a vintage bomber jacket for an American country club I've never been to'. Here's the important thing: mad heatwave shopping is not about sensible things like portable air con or linen clothing. It's doing what one friend did and buying £150 of smoked fish on the basis that 'we won't be able to eat hot food for months'. It's the friend who opened her door one month later to take delivery of a three-foot-long stuffed panda, at which point the completely forgotten memory of ordering it pinged back to life. Another has simply come to terms with the fact that she will end up wallpapering in summer, as she ends up ordering rolls of it in the middle of the night every time. And for sheer tombola value, credit to my friend who has bought 'secateurs, running sunglasses, vermouth and a leaf blower.' (All of these are real, by the way. If they were made up, they'd all be something sensible but unreachably out-of-stock, like tower fans.) It's not the same as parasomnia, the disruptive umbrella sleep disorder, which can see people genuinely shopping while they are asleep. It's more that the stifling heat and the usual small hours weirdness combine to seemingly short-circuit your brain into buying the oddest things. If you're adding hormones on top, whether pregnancy, post-partum, or perimenopause, things can get even spicier. My friend Grace has form with small-hours shopping anyway, especially as the parent of a small baby, but her heatwave purchase of '200 superglues at 3am' is a personal best: 'I still to this day don't know what I had planned for them,' she said. Grace is usually my benchmark for insane shopping stories, but in heatwave terms, she is easily trounced by the comedian Liz Johnson: 'I once bought a horse, unseen, from Ireland. I regretted my decision when I had to collect it from a service station on the M6 at the crack of dawn two weeks later.' Fortunately, Liz is a vet by day, so her impulse purchase was at least in good hands. When I impulsively bought a horse, sight unseen off the internet – as if this is a common occurrence! – I didn't have a heatwave I could blame. While riding in 2019, I got a concussion. The next day, I bought a horse on Facebook. It was only while booking the transport that I came to my senses. It took me a month and some very strongly worded solicitors' letters to get my money back – and I am happy to say that the horse, very much the injured party in all this, soon found a very capable and non-concussed home. With that in mind, I wish you a very happy heatwave, and suggest those of us prone to small hours scrolling lock our phones away overnight until at least Monday, when the weather, in south London at least, should plummet to a sanity-restoring 23C.
The Sun
2 hours ago
- Lifestyle
- The Sun
Tesco is selling a summer garden BBQ essential and it's £18 cheaper than a John Lewis version
THE summer heat can only mean one thing: It's time to crack out the barbecue. And if you don't have this garden essential on hand, don't worry because Tesco has a bargain buy on offer. Whether you're hosting friends and family or enjoying a solo meal al fresco, a barbecue is a certified summer staple. If you're in the market for a new grill, a compact buy from Tesco proves perfect for smaller gardens. And you won't even have to wait til pay day because this item won't break the budget. Tesco is selling a Small Bucket BBQ for just £12, which is less than half the price of a similar version from John Lewis. The department store has listed a compact Portable Charcoal BBQ for £29.99. That means Tesco shoppers can save a whopping £18 by opting for this buy. This affordable item is constructed with durable steel and features a chrome-plated cooking grill. It also includes a convenient carrying handle, making it easy to store away. Manufacturers emphasised that no spirits or petrol should be used lighting or relighting this grill. Meanwhile, another shop has slashed the price of their grills in time for the weekend heatwave. Expert's warning over common barbecue myths that pose 'dangerous health risk' as Brits' grilling blunders revealed One retailer is selling a popular barbecue for less than £100 this summer. And experts have warned against a common barbecue myth that poses a "dangerous health risk". Another barbecue error could end up costing up £500 during the summer heatwave. Plus, a handy tip helps to repel flies and insects from your grill this summer. And if you'd rather shield from the sun, you can replicate your favourite barbecue snacks in your air fryer. Government advice on BBQ safety The UK Government have issued some guidelines for staying safe whilst using a barbecue: Keep a bucket of water, sand or a garden hose nearby for emergencies. Follow the safety instructions provided with your gas, charcoal, or disposable barbecue. Never use a barbecue indoors, in a tent, under an awning or in a caravan. Use enough charcoal to cover the base of the barbecue, but not more (normally around 5cms or 2 inches). Keep children, pets and garden games away from the cooking area. After cooking, make sure the barbecue is cool before moving it. Empty ashes onto bare garden soil, not into dustbins or wheelie bins. If they're hot, they can melt the plastic and cause a fire. Make sure your barbecue is well away from sheds, fences, trees, shrubs or garden waste. In the countryside or public park areas, only use disposable barbecues where there are specially designated areas and carefully follow the safety guidance. Enjoy yourself, but don't drink too much alcohol if you are in charge of the barbecue. Never use petrol or paraffin to start or revive your barbecue; use only recognised lighters or starter fuels on cold coals. Remember to compare prices It is important to remember to always shop around when buying something like this as you might find a cheaper alternative. Websites like Trolley and Price Spy let you compare thousands of products across different retailers to find the best price. Price Spy even lets you see how much an item has cost over time, so you can see if the current price is a good deal. A quick scan on the Google Shopping/Product tab will also bring up how much retailers are selling a certain item for.
Newsweek
2 hours ago
- Politics
- Newsweek
Anti-Trump Protests Update: 'National Day of Action' Planned for July 17
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. Another round of national anti-Trump demonstrations is being planned across the U.S. for July 17 under the banner of Good Trouble Lives On, a reference to the late civil rights icon, Congressman John Lewis. Newsweek contacted Good Trouble Lives On for comment via email on Friday outside of regular office hours. Why It Matters On June 14,anti-Trump "No Kings" protests took place in cities across the United States on Trump's 79th birthday, which also saw the president attend a military parade in Washington D.C. to celebrate the 250th anniversary of the U.S. Army. The protests took place in hundreds of U.S. cities, with large-scale gatherings reported in major hubs such as Philadelphia; Los Angeles; Austin, Texas; Portland, Oregon; and New York. According to analysis by pollster G. Elliott Morris, they were attended by an estimated 4 to 6 million people. What To Know Good Trouble Lives On demonstrations are being planned for dozens of American cities on July 17 including the likes of New York, Washington D.C, Chicago, Los Angeles and San Francisco with attendees invited to "March in Peace, Act in Power." The name is a reference to Lewis, a Georgia Democrat and an advocate of peaceful protests, who famously called for "good trouble" during the civil rights era. Anti-Trump "No Kings" demonstrators pictured in Los Angeles on June 14. Anti-Trump "No Kings" demonstrators pictured in Los Angeles on June 14. Jay L Clendenin/GETTY According to its downloadable "Host Toolkit" for organizers, the protests have three main goals. These are demanding an end to "the extreme crackdown on civil rights by the Trump administration," "the attacks on Black and brown Americans, immigrants, trans people, and other communities," and "the slashing of programs that working people rely on, including Medicaid, SNAP, and Social Security." Good Trouble Lives On is being supported by a range of other groups including the 50501 Movement, which also helped organize the "No Kings" demonstrations. The 50501 Movement, short for "50 protests, 50 states, 1 movement" was formed in January 2025 to protest Trump and has been involved in organizing a series of national demonstrations beginning on February 5. A series of "No Kings on Presidents Day" rallies took place on February 17 followed by "Hands Off" demonstrations in April and May criticizing federal layoffs and immigration crackdowns. What People Are Saying Speaking to Newsweek, Lorella Praeli, co-president of Community Change Action, which has backed anti-Trump demonstrations, said: "Look around—Trump and his allies are deploying the tools of authoritarianism: silencing dissent, targeting immigrants, punishing oversight, and even staging military displays for personal glorification. These aren't isolated incidents; they're part of a broader effort to delegitimize democratic norms." On its website, Good Trouble Lives On, which "is a national day of action to respond to the attacks on our civil and human rights by the Trump administration," wrote: "We are facing the most brazen rollback of civil rights in generations. Whether you're outraged by attacks on voting rights, the gutting of essential services, disappearance of our neighbors, or the assault on free speech and our right to protest—this movement is for you. "Trump is trying to divide us but we know the power of coming together." What Happens Next It remains to be seen how many people will turn out for the "Good Trouble Lives On" demonstrations and what the organizers plan next.
Scottish Sun
21 hours ago
- Lifestyle
- Scottish Sun
Home Bargains shoppers rush to buy £5 cooling gadget that's a must-have for the hot weather and cheaper than John Lewis
READ on to see what other heatwave bargains can be found right now at the home store. BARGAIN BUY Home Bargains shoppers rush to buy £5 cooling gadget that's a must-have for the hot weather and cheaper than John Lewis Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) SHOPPERS are racing to Home Bargains to buy a £5 cooling gadget that's a must-have for the hot weather, and cheaper than those at John Lewis and Dunelm. The Pifco Cordless Neck Fan is scanning at just £4.99 at the discount home store, and fans are raving about it online. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 1 The Pifco Cordless Neck fan is currently on sale for £4.99 Credit: Facebook A picture of the store's new Star Buy was posted by a shopper in Chelmsford to the popular Bargain Lovers Facebook group, with hundreds of fans tagging their mates and leaving their reviews of the product. One user wrote: "Oohhh I need this", while another said: "These are really good." Another fan wrote: "My mum's got this and she loves it." However, not all shoppers were impressed with the product, with one replying to the post: "They are horribly noisy (neck fans generally, not just these ones). I only used mine a couple of times." Another urged shoppers to "avoid avoid avoid", adding "mine rattles like an empty coal truck". One shopper warned that long hair can also get caught in the portable fans. Brits will be rushing to buy cooling gadgets to try and beat the heat this weekend as the UK is set for temperatures of up to 33C, and the neck fans are already proving popular with online shoppers. Another neck fan - the Pifco Hands Free Wearable Fan, also at £4.99 - is sold out on the Home Bargains website in both black and white. Home Bargains is one of the cheapest retailers selling the neck fans right now, with the popular gadgets also available at John Lewis and Dunelm. The John Lewis ANYDAY neck fan, available in white and grey, is scanning at £15 - three times the price of the Home Bargains version. Stop Making This Air Conditioning Mistake: How to Slash Your Summer Energy Bill Dunelm's Status Neck Hanging Fan is also selling for £15, available both online and in stores. Other cooling gadgets available at Home Bargains right now include the Pure Baby Clip-On Stroller Fan fro £3.49, perfect to " keep your little one cool on the go", according to the retailer. Meanwhile, the Pifco Mini Hand Held Fans are selling for just 99p. You can also get a three-pack of Pifco Water Mist Spray Fans for £5.97. How to bag a bargain SUN Savers Editor Lana Clements explains how to find a cut-price item and bag a bargain… Sign up to loyalty schemes of the brands that you regularly shop with. Big names regularly offer discounts or special lower prices for members, among other perks. Sales are when you can pick up a real steal. Retailers usually have periodic promotions that tie into payday at the end of the month or Bank Holiday weekends, so keep a lookout and shop when these deals are on. Sign up to mailing lists and you'll also be first to know of special offers. It can be worth following retailers on social media too. When buying online, always do a search for money off codes or vouchers that you can use and are just two sites that round up promotions by retailer. Scanner apps are useful to have on your phone. app has a scanner that you can use to compare prices on branded items when out shopping. Bargain hunters can also use B&M's scanner in the app to find discounts in-store before staff have marked them out. And always check if you can get cashback before paying which in effect means you'll get some of your money back or a discount on the item. Other heatwave bargain finds When it comes to fans and other gadgets to help beat the heat, there are plenty of bargains to be found on the high street right now. Shoppers are raving about this B&Q fan for less than £50 that's "so quiet you can barely hear it", so it's perfect for light sleepers. For those looking to spend a less to keep cool in the heat, Dunelm is selling a Mini Multi-Coloured Handheld Fan for just £1.50. The retailer has also slashed the price of its temperature-regulating duvet, offering a 20% discount. The Fogarty Temperature Regulating Wool All Seasons Duvet is currently available for £56 - down from £70 - with shoppers saying it has helped them keep cool during humid summer nights. If you're trying to work out which is the best hand held fan to buy ahead of the anticipated UK heatwave, we've reviewed the products from a range of high street retailers to find our favourite. Do you have a money problem that needs sorting? Get in touch by emailing money-sm@ Plus, you can join our Sun Money Chats and Tips Facebook group to share your tips and stories
The Sun
21 hours ago
- Business
- The Sun
Home Bargains shoppers rush to buy £5 cooling gadget that's a must-have for the hot weather and cheaper than John Lewis
SHOPPERS are racing to Home Bargains to buy a £5 cooling gadget that's a must-have for the hot weather, and cheaper than those at John Lewis and Dunelm. The Pifco Cordless Neck Fan is scanning at just £4.99 at the discount home store, and fans are raving about it online. 1 A picture of the store's new Star Buy was posted by a shopper in Chelmsford to the popular Bargain Lovers Facebook group, with hundreds of fans tagging their mates and leaving their reviews of the product. One user wrote: "Oohhh I need this", while another said: "These are really good." Another fan wrote: "My mum's got this and she loves it." However, not all shoppers were impressed with the product, with one replying to the post: "They are horribly noisy (neck fans generally, not just these ones). I only used mine a couple of times." Another urged shoppers to "avoid avoid avoid", adding "mine rattles like an empty coal truck". One shopper warned that long hair can also get caught in the portable fans. Brits will be rushing to buy cooling gadgets to try and beat the heat this weekend as the UK is set for temperatures of up to 33C, and the neck fans are already proving popular with online shoppers. Home Bargains website in both black and white. Home Bargains is one of the cheapest retailers selling the neck fans right now, with the popular gadgets also available at John Lewis and Dunelm. The John Lewis ANYDAY neck fan, available in white and grey, is scanning at £15 - three times the price of the Home Bargains version. Stop Making This Air Conditioning Mistake: How to Slash Your Summer Energy Bill Dunelm's Status Neck Hanging Fan is also selling for £15, available both online and in stores. Other cooling gadgets available at Home Bargains right now include the Pure Baby Clip-On Stroller Fan fro £3.49, perfect to " keep your little one cool on the go", according to the retailer. Meanwhile, the Pifco Mini Hand Held Fans are selling for just 99p. You can also get a three-pack of Pifco Water Mist Spray Fans for £5.97. How to bag a bargain SUN Savers Editor Lana Clements explains how to find a cut-price item and bag a bargain… Sign up to loyalty schemes of the brands that you regularly shop with. Big names regularly offer discounts or special lower prices for members, among other perks. Sales are when you can pick up a real steal. Retailers usually have periodic promotions that tie into payday at the end of the month or Bank Holiday weekends, so keep a lookout and shop when these deals are on. Sign up to mailing lists and you'll also be first to know of special offers. It can be worth following retailers on social media too. When buying online, always do a search for money off codes or vouchers that you can use and are just two sites that round up promotions by retailer. Scanner apps are useful to have on your phone. app has a scanner that you can use to compare prices on branded items when out shopping. Bargain hunters can also use B&M's scanner in the app to find discounts in-store before staff have marked them out. And always check if you can get cashback before paying which in effect means you'll get some of your money back or a discount on the item. Other heatwave bargain finds When it comes to fans and other gadgets to help beat the heat, there are plenty of bargains to be found on the high street right now. Shoppers are raving about this B&Q fan for less than £50 that's "so quiet you can barely hear it", so it's perfect for light sleepers. For those looking to spend a less to keep cool in the heat, Dunelm is selling a Mini Multi-Coloured Handheld Fan for just £1.50. The retailer has also slashed the price of its temperature-regulating duvet, offering a 20% discount. The Fogarty Temperature Regulating Wool All Seasons Duvet is currently available for £56 - down from £70 - with shoppers saying it has helped them keep cool during humid summer nights. If you're trying to work out which is the best hand held fan to buy ahead of the anticipated UK heatwave, we've reviewed the products from a range of high street retailers to find our favourite.
