business

More espresso, less depresso. To be clear, these weren’t the words of Angelo Moriondo, the Italian inventor who patented the first espresso machine in 1884, but it’s nice to imagine that he shared the sentiment. Without him, and the inventors that refined his creation, our daily lives – the sour-faced commutes and sunny weekend strolls … Read more

I’ve always owned houseplants – but not, it must be said, always the same houseplants. Of the handful of plants I tend to acquire every year, only one or two survive to see in the next. It’s not that I knowingly neglect them: I try to be attentive to their needs, water them regularly, assess … Read more

Consider a meter If you live in England or Wales, your home has more bedrooms than people and you are not already metered, then switching to a water meter could save you hundreds of pounds each year. You may be able to figure out whether a meter could save you money by using online calculators … Read more

The deliciously fussy-looking devilled egg and its pal, the vol-au-vent, were the ghosts of parties past for several decades before their triumphant revival as retro classics. Not only do these old-fashioned canapés look and taste great, but, as we’re belatedly remembering, the boiled egg, in particular, is a nutritional powerhouse far superior to a mere … Read more

Muted accessories are all very well and stylish, but as April showers descend – and with the world in turmoil – sometimes you need things that are a little more joyful to elevate your everyday. The Guardian’s journalism is independent. We will earn a commission if you buy something through an affiliate link. Learn more. From … Read more

My uncle (RC) died last year and I’m his executor. When I checked his post I was surprised to find a bill from Direct Line addressed to the “executor of RC” stating a “final payment of £148 is overdue” for his cancelled car insurance. This was news to me as my uncle didn’t own a … Read more

I’m a 30-year-old man who met my current partner about eight months ago. I was quite taken with her at first, but, as time has gone on, a few things have been eating away at me. Our sex is dull, dispassionate and unadventurous, mostly just moderately paced missionary. She tells me it’s the “best she’s … Read more

Name: The perfect day. Appearance: Data driven. The perfect day? Huh. Good luck with that. You seem down – is your day going badly? Honestly, it’s a mixed bag. The world is sliding into geopolitical chaos and climate collapse while Jeff Bezos sends Katy Perry into space, but on the plus side, I’ve just made … Read more

A grey male drifts slowly across the moorland. No, not me, but a big, beautiful hen harrier, scouting for love, or breakfast. I’ve only been here 10 minutes, and I’m in a mild state of shock. Aren’t these precious, threatened birds of prey so vanishingly rare that seeing one is hugely improbable? I’m walking with … Read more

What are the best sides to pair with lamb at Easter? “Lamb has a deep, rich flavour; it’s distinctive, but it’s versatile, too,” say Jay Claus and Syrus Pickhaver of Rake at The Compton Arms in north London. “As long as you render the fat slowly and fully, so the flavour is released and the … Read more