The world seems to get loopier by the minute, so I am delighted to bring you news of one small way in which it is becoming more sane. In fashion, until recently, the only desirable handbag was a new one. “It bags” have come in all shapes and sizes over the years. We have lived through and … Read more
Beach retreat in northern Portugal Chus, who owns the local bar where I used to live in Galicia, shuts every September and decamps to Portugal. This entails a journey of 10 miles to the seaside town of Moledo. On his recommendation we caught the ferry across the wide estuary and reached Moledo within 20 minutes. … Read more
It’s disempowering when your smartphone, laptop or other important gadget runs out of battery. With the flash of a graphic or a plaintive bleep, we lose a way to entertain ourselves, get things done, stay in touch or even get home safely. There’s a time and a place for a digital detox – but what … Read more
Last month, it was my paternal grandmother’s 105th birthday. It’s unlikely that we’ll have many more chances to visit her, so my husband, daughters and I visited the Philippines to celebrate – my first trip since February 2020. Despite being born in the US and having lived here since, I still consider the Philippines home. … Read more
Frankie, 28, London Occupation Aid worker Voting record Used to vote Labour but not a fan of Starmer (austerity, broken pledges etc) and now votes Green Amuse bouche Once, watching the MP Ian Lavery on a mechanical bucking bronco at Labour party conference, Frankie noticed Hugh Grant standing next to her. “I asked, ‘Can I … Read more
For people with hay fever, sunny days lounging on the grass can be anything but pleasant. How can you manage the symptoms without forfeiting summer? As the Met Office issues a “pollen bomb” warning in the UK, allergy doctors advise on the best ways to survive the season. Watch out for the onset Hay fever … Read more
I’m watching a woman standing in her living room in front of a table stacked with woven faux-leather fanny packs. She’s convincing me to use the next two minutes to score a deal on a bag I definitely do not need. A countdown clock ticks down in the corner screen. It’s a classic QVC scene, … Read more
Diffusers are a simple way to keep your home smelling good, whether to mask the many undesirable smells that can pop up or just to give your space a bit of a lift. While scented candles definitely have their place, diffusers can be left unattended so you can be greeted by a lovely aroma as … Read more
Name: American tourists. Age: They come in all ages – from college backpackers travelling around Europe, Asia and South America, to senior passengers on a Caribbean cruise. Appearance: Typically – make that stereotypically, and by no means universally – loud and monolingual. Now possibly less welcome. How so? You know the old thing about the … Read more
The Thursday quiz has taken a brief respite from shouting “chicken jockey” and throwing popcorn at fellow cinemagoers, giving it just long enough to cobble together today’s offering between screenings of the Minecraft movie. Silently waiting for you, like a creeper about to blow up your base, you will find 15 questions that veer from … Read more