Latest news with #families
Yahoo
5 hours ago
- Business
- Yahoo
New takeaway café opens at historic Stourhead stableyard
A new takeaway café has opened at the historic Stableyard at Stourhead. The café offers hot and cold drinks, snacks, sandwiches, and ice creams, with outdoor seating available. For the past 300 years, the Stableyard buildings have been used as stables, a carriage house, a granary, staff accommodation, and estate workshops. The café is the latest addition, providing a new experience for visitors. Read more: International food fair to return for biggest event yet Nicola Melville, Food and Beverage Manager, said: "We're so pleased to be able to open up the new Stableyard Café. "It's the perfect spot for those that want to grab a coffee before they enjoy the garden, or for families to grab a snack whilst playing in the Stableyard. "The Stableyard has so much history, and we are pleased to be able to help bring this space to life again." The Stableyard is becoming a popular attraction at the 2,650-acre estate, thanks to the games and activities available for families and children to enjoy in the area. While the café provides takeaway service only, there is ample undercover seating available in the Stableyard for visitors.
The Sun
11 hours ago
- Health
- The Sun
Morrisons own-brand sun cream FAILS safety test – while another supermarket version triumphs, and it's cheaper too
MORRISONS' own-brand sun cream has failed a safety test conducted by experts. Consumer site Which? carried out a series of tests on 15 popular sun creams to make sure they met minimum sun protection levels. While most passed with flying colours, the Morrisons Moisturising Sun Spray SPF30 failed to meet the minimum levels for SPF protection. Which? has labelled it as a "Don't Buy" and said it could be "putting families at risk". The sun cream costs £3.75 for 200ml. It was tested twice and failed to meet minimum protection levels on both occasions. The only other product to fail the test was the Ultrasun Family SPF30, which costs a whopping £28 for 150ml. The expensive sun cream failed to meet minimum UVA protection levels in two tests. It's recommended that you use a sun cream with a minimum SPF of 15, along with a UVA rating of 4 or 5 stars. SPF stands for 'sun protection factor' and it mostly measures how well a sun cream protects you against UVB rays, which cause sunburn and are linked to particular types of skin cancer. The higher the SPF, the greater protection it offers. Meanwhile a sun cream's UVA rating refers to how well it protects against UVA rays. Map reveals where temps will hit glorious 33C this weekend – as revellers soak up the sun in parks, beaches & festivals UVA rays are associated with skin ageing and pigmentation, as well as skin cancer. Which? said it used industry-recognised test methods at independent labs. If a product failed on the first test, Which? repeated the test. The sun creams needed a score of at least 10 to pass the UVA test. But Ultrasun's UVA score was 9.1 and 9.5 in a retest. The SPF test required a score of 30 or more for a pass. However the Morrisons sun cream only scored 25.7 and then 20.7 in a retest. The products that failed to protect properly from SPF or UVA were labelled "Don't Buys". What does the UVA star rating mean? THE star rating for sun cream bottles was developed to illustrate the balanced protection that a product offers against both UVA and UVB rays. The index ranges from 0 to 5 stars. These indicate the percentage of UVA radiation absorbed by the sunscreen in comparison to UVB. The higher number of stars means the more balanced that protection is. You may also see the letters 'UVA' in a circle, which means the product has been approved by the EU. It is another way of saying that the product provides good balanced protection against UVA and UVB. Why should people care about choosing a sunscreen with high SPF and high UV protection? Extended exposure to the sun can lead to skin damage, experts say. There are four types of skin damage: skin ageing, hyperpigmentation, sunburns, and skin cancer. "By protecting yourself from the sun, you reduce the likelihood of damaging your skin," the British Association of Dermatologists says. "Make use of the shade during the hours of high intensity (11am and 3pm in the UK typically), wear clothing that will shade your skin, and use sunscreen with at least SPF30 and either the UVA logo or 4 to 5 stars, making sure you're applying it well and re-applying it regularly." Source: British Association of Dermatologists Natalie Hitchins, Which? head of home products and services, said: "It's really concerning that widely available sunscreens could be putting families at risk by failing to offer the level of sun protection claimed on the packaging. "While shoppers should avoid buying our Don't Buys, our results prove that there's no need to splash out to keep you and your loved ones safe in the sun as we've found cheap reliable options at Aldi and Lidl." A spokesperson from Ultrasun told Which? it is fully confident in its testing protocols and that its detailed testing processes continue to not only meet, but surpass industry standards. It said its chosen testing protocol is one of the strictest available. Morrisons told Which? that it's looking closely at the data and working with its supplier to carry out additional independent testing. A spokesperson said: "We work closely with our supplier and conduct extensive efficacy and safety testing during product development. "As such, all our sun care products are tested to the relevant industry test standards and are not approved for launch until they meet these standards. During development and production all tested variants consistently achieved an SPF of 30. 'In direct response to this report from Which? we have retested the SPF against the British and International Standard BS EN ISO 24444:2020 and can confirm the product has achieved an SPF value of 34.5 and can therefore be labelled as SPF 30.' Which sun creams passed the testing? Most of the sun creams tested passed - including bargain buys from Lidl and Aldi. The cheapest was Aldi's Lacura Sensitive Sun Lotion SPF50+, which is only £2.99 for a 200ml bottle. It offers very high SPF protection and costs six times less than the Ultrasun version. The product earned a Which? Great Value badge as a result. Another bargain option was Lidl's Cien Sun Spray 30 SPF High, which costs £3.79 for a 200ml bottle. Which? testers found it was a solid option for affordable and reliable sun protection, and also gave it a Great Value endorsement. These are the other products that passed the testing: Boots Soltan Protect & Moisturise Suncare Lotion, £5.50/200ml Boots Soltan Protect & Moisturise Suncare Spray SPF30, £5.50/200ml Nivea Sun Protect & Moisture Lotion SPF30, £7.90/200ml Sainsbury's Sun Protect Moisturising Lotion SPF30, £5.50/200ml Superdrug Solait Sun Spray SPF30, £5.50/200ml Garnier Ambre Solaire Sensitive Advanced Sun Spray SPF 50+, £11/150ml Sainsbury's Sun ProtectMoisturising Spray Lotion SPF50+, £5.75/200ml Boots Soltan Protect & Moisturise Suncare Lotion SPF50+, £5.50/200ml Nivea Sun Protect & Moisture Spray SPF50+, £7.90/200ml And these are the ones specifically made for children that passed too: Childs Farm Sun Cream Fragrance-Free SPF50+, £12/200ml Soltan Kids Protect & Moisturise Lotion SPF50+, £5.50/200ml Which? ran a similar test last year with 26 sun creams. The vast majority passed but the failures were Asda's Protect Moisturising Sun Lotion SPF30 High, Calypso's Press & Protect Sun Lotion SPF30 and Bondi Sands' SPF 50+ Fragrance Free Face Sunscreen Lotion. Asda said it did not recognise the results, while Calypso said its product passed EU standards and regulations in independent testing. Bondi Sands insisted all of its products undergo "rigorous testing" to ensure they meet industry standards.
CBS News
11 hours ago
- Climate
- CBS News
People beat the heat across Massachusetts as more pools are set to open this weekend
Temperatures hit 90 degrees for the first time in Boston this year on Thursday and many families headed out to splash pads to cool down, with more pools set to open this weekend ahead of a potential heat wave. A mad dash toward the splash pad, accompanied by delightful squeals and splashing, as Boston families try to beat the heat Thursday. Long line for wading pool "Luckily we live in walking distance of so many splash pads and playgrounds. That's really, really nice that Boston makes that so accessible," said one nanny. At Artesani Park in Brighton, parents, nannies and kids found themselves in good company: A long line of hot people stretched around the wading pool. "We've been waiting for probably about 35 minutes to get in the pool. It's been pretty hot. We have some pregnant ladies with us so we're a little worried about them," one mother said. 24 pools DCR pools open this weekend More options will open up this weekend, as 24 Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR) pools open across the state Saturday, in addition to the more than 30 beaches with lifeguards. "It's going to be a hot week coming up and we're excited to be able to bring some cooling opportunities to the community. And of course to make that happen in a safe manner we've hired over 580 lifeguards to get through this summer season and we're still looking for about another 50 more," explained DCR's Director of Pool and Waterfront Safety Shawn DeRosa. The state offers cash incentives to lifeguards who work through the summer, and covers the cost of training. DCR is also offering free swimming lessons at 19 pools across the state this summer. Registration for the second and third sessions opens at 8 a.m. on June 30 and July 14, respectively.
The Sun
13 hours ago
- Business
- The Sun
Parents are raving about massive Amazon paddling pool that inflates in 2 minutes & it's been slashed from £35 to £9
LOOKING for a cheap way to beat the heat this summer? Look no further than Amazon for the perfect pool that will keep you cool as temperatures continue to soar. 2 2 The budget-friendly pool has just been slashed in price and is now just £8.99. Reduced from £34.99, that's an incredible 74% off. Families are racing to get their hands on the Bestway 6ft inflatable pool, which is great for smaller gardens. Better yet, the pool is easy to set up and can be ready for water in just 10 minutes. Simply select a level surface, inflate the top ring and fill. And when it comes time to take the pool down the simple flow control drain valve makes for easy draining and disassembly. If you are on the hunt for something slightly bigger, the paddling pool also comes in 8ft and 10ft options. With an average rating of 4.2 stars out of five on Amazon, it's clear families have been loving the pool too. One said: "I love how easy this is to set up and deflate. It does take a while to fill but that's due to the capacity of the pool "It's easy to get in and out of. I will say is when you lean on the side you will loose water." Swimming pool named best in the UK has new £2.5million splash park and soft play "Great, cheap pool. Massive and only need to blow up 1 ring," another wrote. And another happy shopper said: "As 40 year old kid, I wanted to something to enjoy and cool down with a cocktail at the weekend in 32C daytime." They added: "I am also 6 foot. Nice to lay out/slightly float and rest my head on the side. Of course designed for kids! But this could fit 2/3 adults sitting. Or one taller person sprawled out, with a beer gut, perfectly." Not only that, but the shopper noted they had no problems with inflating the pool, and noted it was up for four days "with no issue." More bargain pools for summer The Range is offering an Avenli Prompt Set Pool Set for an impressive reduced price. The budget retailer has slashed the price of its pool offering from £49.99 to just £34.99 . Click and collect is available at no extra cost, which might be a better option if you want to collect for the weekend. The inflatable measures 3m x 3m x 76cm. Asda are offering up a shark themed pool, perfect for animal loving kids and it only costs £15. Shoppers ordering via home delivery and click and collect will be charged £4. Asda's offering measures in at 1.93m x 2.21m x 68cm making it suitable for kids aged two and older. 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.
Yahoo
15 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Mom planned her wedding around her autistic daughter's needs—and redefined what a meaningful celebration can be
On a warm, quiet morning in May, Jodie Bevan helped her teenage autistic daughter Sofia into a soft, simple dress—something she hadn't worn in more than 10 years. Nearby, a teddy bear dressed in a tiny suit waited on the seat reserved just for her. Instead of shaping her wedding around tradition, Jodie shaped it around Sofia. She imagined a day where her daughter would feel calm, included, and loved. Every detail—Sofia's outfit, the timing of the photos, the sensory toy bag at her place setting—was chosen with one purpose: to help her feel good in her body, in the room, in the moment. When Jodie later shared a video of the day, it quickly went viral—garnering 2.6 million views and resonating with families around the world. Every part of the day reflected the way Jodie shows up for Sofia daily—with care, clarity, and a willingness to meet her exactly where she is. She focused on what would help her daughter feel grounded and joyful, knowing that comfort would create space for connection. She arranged for photos to happen early, before the noise and stimulation picked up—just one example of how she designed the day around her daughter's needs. 'Planning our wedding with Sofia's needs first,' Jodie explained in her video. 'We made all of our vendors aware of Sofia's needs beforehand, including the photographer.' Related: Learning and growing alongside my child, a musician on the autism spectrum For many moms of neurodivergent children, milestones like weddings or birthdays can carry a quiet weight. There's pressure to meet expectations or perform tradition—but often, those expectations aren't designed with every child in mind. Jodie's wedding story is a quiet but powerful reminder that redefining milestones through inclusion and emotional safety doesn't lessen their meaning—it deepens it. She shaped the moment around what her daughter needed to feel safe, calm, and joyful. That shift created space for real connection, not in spite of who Sofia is, but in full celebration of it. It's an approach that resonates deeply with so many parents who are trying to honor both the occasion and the child they love. Jodie's video struck a chord with thousands of viewers—especially parents of neurodivergent children who saw themselves in her story. Yazzy Ward: 'My sister has autism and she was my bridesmaid, she's 13 and it was first time she wore a dress in many years and to say she smashed it was a understatement ' Dramaswaff: 'What an angel. She reminds me of Wendy in Peter Pan ' Rjl89: 'You say weddings aren't about perfection but I think this is the most perfect expression of love for your family ' Lisa A: 'That's beautiful and now given me ideas for when my partner and I get married with his daughter being autistic so thank u so much for sharing xx' Ford-MK3 ST: 'We just got married last Thursday. Both my children, ages seven and nine, have autism. We made it all about them, with music playing softly, and my son stood by my side, holding my hand during the ceremony made my day' Related: My son has autism: Here are 5 things you can do to help families like ours thrive Whether it's a wedding, birthday, or graduation, inclusion starts with presence. Jodie's story is a gentle reminder that we can design meaningful experiences by asking a simple question: What will help my child feel most supported in this moment? For some families, that might mean adjusting the schedule. For others, it's choosing clothes that feel good or creating a quiet place to rest. Sometimes, it's as simple as letting go of how things are 'supposed' to look—and focusing instead on how they feel. As Jodie beautifully puts it, 'Weddings aren't about perfection—they're about love. And for us, love meant creating a day that felt good for Sofia, too.'
