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Telegraph
4 hours ago
- Lifestyle
- Telegraph
Raise your picnic game with these 15 stylish buys, from £4
A picnic is always a good idea. Given the glorious weather forecast this weekend, many of us will be grabbing blankets, baskets and beverages and seeking out the perfect picnicking spot, be that beach, park or back garden. But before you throw everything into the boot of the car and head for the hills, take a moment to check your kit and ask yourself what little extras might elevate your experience. An excellent blanket, a decent cool bag and a sunshade are all essentials. But to raise your game, reusable napkins, generous drinks pitchers and large trays – or even a folding tray table – are great additions. For extra picnic points, decant crisps, fruit, nuts, etc into prettier containers: the high street shops are full of patterned platters and stylish serving plates this summer. Bring games, speakers and ice packs, and don't forget the bottle opener. Here are 15 picnic picks for your summer 2025 kit list.
Yahoo
5 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
8 Unique Funeral Themes for the Most Meaningful Send-Off
There's plenty of beauty and meaning in a traditional funeral or memorial service, but that doesn't mean the usual funeral style is right for everyone. If your loved one had some specific interests or just a unique perspective on the world, we have some awesome ideas for funeral themes to make your tribute super personal. Everything from the decorations to the eulogies can follow the theme or relate to it, and you'll find this actually makes it easier to plan and create a really meaningful event. For many people, having a theme makes the event even more special and lets you really show what was important to your loved one (or how they loved to have fun). Things like birds and balloons can be very important symbols of letting someone go or fly away, and you can use these symbols as a theme for the entire funeral. Choose decorations that emphasize the air, such as bird cut-outs or ribbons that can move in the breeze if you're outside. Select readings that touch on the subject of birds or other things that fly. You may even want to fly kites together after the service. For someone who valued nature and the environment, a touching tribute can be a funeral with an environmental theme. Choose natural, local decorations that can be reused (living plants, for instance). Serve farm-to-table food that is locally sourced. You can ask guests to donate to an environmental charity or organization instead of giving flowers. If you're hosting a themed funeral, be sure to communicate the theme to everyone who is involved. The time after a loss can be challenging, and no one wants to be surprised. The night sky and all the points of light in it can be very comforting when you're facing the loss of a loved one. Let the stars inspire your funeral theme by decorating with star cut-outs, asters and other star-shaped flowers, and even star charts or space telescope photos. You can use the stars to inspire your readings and also host an evening star-gazing event after the service. Funerals are already formal, but you can take your formality to the next level with a black-tie attire service. Have people dress in gowns and tuxes as a way to show their respect in the most stylish way possible. This is especially fun if the person you're honoring loved dressing up. For an added touch, host a formal cocktail party as a reception after the service. Related: Most funerals are held during the day, but you could host an evening event by candlelight. This can be very touching, especially if you pass candles around and let everyone light theirs. After the service, release sky lanterns together in a safe place to give your loved one a beautiful send-off. It may sound like a weird funeral theme, but centering the whole event around your loved one's favorite movie can be a light-hearted but still very personal tribute. You can use cardboard cutouts of characters from the movie (like Star Wars, for instance), have guests dress in costumes if they wish, and even do readings from movie scenes that seem especially fitting. You could also show a small clip or the entire movie after the service. A special funeral theme for a book lover could involve all things reading related. Have book-themed decorations or flowers made out of book pages. Read parts of your loved one's favorite book at the service, and have guests bring books to exchange with one another. You could also ask for children's book donations to take to a local library or school. Another wonderful and unique idea is to let their cultural heritage inspire your themed funeral. If they're Irish, for instance, you could decorate with flowers like bells of Ireland, read an Irish blessing, sing an Irish song, and serve Irish food. Your loved one's cultural heritage is a rich source of inspiration for everything from the funeral flowers to the food. There are so many wonderful unique funeral ideas to choose from that it can seem a little overwhelming to pick one. This can be even more challenging if you're in the midst of dealing with grief. These tips can help you keep the stress to a minimum and choose a theme that's perfect: Think about what your loved one really appreciated in life. Let that inspire you. Ask a few friends or family members for ideas if you're not sure what you want to do. It can be healing for people to have input. Don't choose a theme that's going to make things more complicated for you or that involves a lot of set-up. One of the great benefits of funeral themes is that they can make the whole process easier. Consider the formality level you want at the service. Some themes are casual, and you may want a more traditional event. Your wishes matter here. Remember that the theme you choose is to honor your loved one, but it's also to comfort the people at the funeral. If you think a theme might be upsetting, consider tweaking it a little so everyone will be comfortable. A memorial service or funeral doesn't have to be totally traditional. There's no rule that says you can't have an event as unique as your loved one. The perfect funeral theme will make the whole event more meaningful and special for everyone involved.
Yahoo
6 hours ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Are you using gift money for a down payment? Read this first.
Saving tens of thousands of dollars for a down payment can be a challenge, especially with today's elevated home prices and the high cost of living. That's why down payment gifts are becoming increasingly common. According to data from Zillow's 2023 Consumer Housing Trends Report, 39% of home buyers who financed their home with a mortgage in 2023 used money from family and friends as a source of their down payment. This is a 12% increase from 2022. However, before accepting a generous down payment gift from your loved ones, you'll want to understand the rules — including how to use the gift money and document it. Learn more: How much down payment do I need for a house? This embedded content is not available in your region. In this article: What is gift money for a down payment? Who can gift money for a mortgage down payment? Down payment gift rules by loan type How to document a down payment gift FAQs Down payment gift money is cash given to you by someone (usually a relative such as your parents or grandparents) to help you afford a mortgage down payment or expenses like closing costs. There are typically two ways someone can gift money to you for a down payment: sending the funds to escrow or gifting them directly to you. Ask your real estate agent or lender which they recommend for your situation. Read more: The average down payment on a house Gift money for a down payment can't come from just anybody. Here are the rules based on the type of mortgage you use. According to Fannie Mae, gift money for a down payment on a conventional loan can only be provided by: A relative, such as your spouse, child, or other dependent, or any other individual who is related to you by blood, marriage, adoption, or legal guardianship A non-relative who shares a familial relationship with you, such as a domestic partner, fiancé, former relative, or godparent The money cannot come from the house's builder or developer, your real estate agent, or anyone else who would have a personal interest in the home sale. Gift money for a down payment on FHA loans can come from the following sources: Relatives Employer or labor union A close friend A charitable organization A governmental agency or public entity with a program offering financial assistance to low- and moderate-income families or first-time home buyers Again, the gift money cannot come from a person or entity with an interest in the sale of the property, such as the seller, Realtor, builder, or broker. The U.S. Departments of Agriculture and Veterans Affairs don't have many restrictions on who can gift you money for a down payment. The only stipulation is that it can't be from an interested party, like the seller, real estate agent, builder, or house developer. Note that while USDA loans and VA loans don't require down payments, gift money can help you start off with equity. Learn more: How to buy a loved one a house with a Family Opportunity Mortgage Rules and requirements for down payment gifts vary by mortgage program. Here's what they look like. If you're using a conventional loan to buy a house, you can typically accept a monetary gift for part or all of your down payment funds. You cannot accept gift money for an investment property. As with any type of mortgage, you must provide a gift letter. If you're using an FHA loan, you can use gift money for the down payment, closing costs, or housing reserves to qualify for the mortgage loan. To use the funds, you'll need to provide a gift letter, a copy of the withdrawal document showing the gift money came from the donor's account, and your deposit slip and bank statement to prove you received the funds. Depending on how the money was transferred, you might need to include a copy of the certified check or proof of the wire transfer. With a VA loan, you can use gift money to pay for various mortgage-related expenses besides the down payment, including the VA funding fee and other closing costs. However, you can't use gift funds to meet the cash reserve requirements while underwriting is underway. Besides a mortgage gift letter, you'll also need to provide a copy of the donor's funds by check or electronic transfer or a closing disclosure showing receipt of the gift giver's funds. You may also show proof of your deposit. When receiving gift money for a USDA loan, you'll need to provide a gift letter, a closing disclosure proving the receipt of the donor's funds, or a copy of the check or electronic transfer. Check with your mortgage lender for more details on the documents required. Learn more: How to buy a home with a 1% down payment If your family member is gifting you money for a down payment, most mortgage lenders will require it to be documented in the form of a gift letter. The exact contents of a gift letter may vary depending on the type of loan, but in general, the letter should include: The donor's name The donor's relationship to the recipient The donor's mailing address and phone number The actual or maximum amount of the gift funds The donor's statement that no repayment is expected Lenders ask for this letter to confirm that the money is a gift and doesn't need to be repaid. This reassures them that you won't add extra debt on top of your mortgage, which could increase your risk of defaulting on the loan. Read more: How down payment assistance programs work No. Gifted money is neither taxable nor deductible on your tax return. However, the person who gifted you cash for the down payment may be required to file tax forms or even pay taxes, depending on the amount gifted. You can gift money for a down payment without paying a gift tax as long as you stay within the IRS exclusion amount, which is $18,000 for 2024. If you plan to gift more than $18,000, talk to a tax professional about the potential tax implications and any forms you need to fill out. Yes, your parents can gift you $100,000 for a house — but they'll have to file a gift tax return to disclose the gift since it exceeds the IRS exclusion amount of $18,000. Filing a return doesn't necessarily mean they'll automatically have to pay taxes. It just means the amount has been counted toward their lifetime gift tax exclusion. In 2024, the lifetime gift tax exemption is $13.61 million. This means your parents can give up to $13.61 million in gifts over their lifetime to each child without paying gift tax. This article was edited by Laura Grace Tarpley.
BBC News
10 hours ago
- BBC News
Tribute to 'remarkable' dad who died in crash on A6
Loved ones have paid tribute to an "incredible" dad who died in a collision on the A6 in Miller, 48, was pronounced dead at the scene in Market Harborough on 31 May after a collision involving his Yamaha motorbike and a grey Volkswagen Passat, police said. A 46-year-old man from Leicester was arrested on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving and was released while inquiries a statement released by Leicestershire Police, his family said they were "devastated he has gone too soon". He was described as a "loving partner, son, brother, uncle and friend" and an "incredible" statement added: "Trev would do anything to help others and would go out of his way to go above and beyond, whether this was in work, with family, or with friends."They said his passion was motorbikes but that his son was "his world, and he loved sharing this with him".The tribute added: "As a family, we are all devastated he has gone to soon, but we are so honoured to have been a part of his life."The force previously appealed for anyone with information about the crash - which happened on the A6 between the Harborough Road roundabout and Langton Road - to come forward.
Globe and Mail
12 hours ago
- General
- Globe and Mail
Your daily horoscope: June 20, 2025
You will achieve much more over the coming year if you resist the urge to be imperious and take a more democratic approach to decision-making both at home and at work. You know a lot but you cannot possibly know everything, so listen to advice. Set your own goals today and don't let anyone talk you into lowering them to a level that is too easy for you. As an Aries you like to be challenged because it allows you to show what you can do – and prove you are better than your rivals. A new cycle is about to begin and the good news is it will be one in which you get the chance to expand your outlook on life and reach for objectives you previously believed were beyond you. Set your sights high, then keep going higher. The stresses and strains of everyday living have taken their toll in recent weeks, so promise yourself that you won't do anything too challenging today and over the weekend. Even a livewire Gemini needs to slow things down once in a while. You found it hard to get your own way in recent weeks but as the sun is about to move into your sign opposition to your plans will fade and friends and colleagues will actually be supportive for a change. You have much to look forward to. You may think you have to work harder than ever to earn the respect of partners and colleagues but that isn't true at all. Most of them already think you are wonderful, so sit back and enjoy the well-deserved adulation. The sun's change of signs tomorrow means you will find it remarkably easy to win others round to your way of thinking and acting. With Jupiter and Mars on your side as well you are going to be doing great things over the next few weeks. When dealing with official matters of any kind today you must check the small print carefully, because if you miss something important others won't be inclined to give you a second bite at the cherry. Aim to get it right the first time. A wonderful new phase is about to begin, so strap yourself in and get ready for the ride of your life! With the sun, Mars and Jupiter all on your side there really is no limit to what you can accomplish. Love is in the air as well. By all means aim high today and over the weekend but don't set yourself the kind of targets that even a Sagittarius might struggle to reach. If you fail to remind yourself that you are human now an unexpected event will remind you later on. With so much cosmic activity taking place in the opposite half of your chart you have to accept that in most situations you won't be calling the shots. The good news is you don't have to as those making the decisions are very much on your side. If you find yourself at odds with someone you live or work with today don't turn it into a battle of wills or the sort of winner-takes-all situation that inevitably leaves one side feeling unhappy. Focus on areas where you still mainly agree. With the sun about to move into the most dynamic and creative area of your chart all your senses will be on alert and all your dreams will start to come true. Once you realize you can do no wrong you will want to do everything. Discover more about yourself at
