Stuff We Like

This month Lisa de Silva explores what to consider when planning a skiing holiday, along with non-skiing activities to suit all ages and interests... Blending adventure and relaxation amid stunning mountain scenery, a skiing holiday offers so much more than winter sport. While many are motivated by the exhilaration of gliding through the powder, there are plenty of other wonderful winter activities to enjoy for non-skiers. In fact, just soaking up the scenery of majestic snow

As the autumn nights draw in, it's the perfect time to cosy up with a new book. Here are some new releases to look out for in October... Drive: A Memoir by Christian Horner For over 20 years Christian Horner built and ran Red Bull Racing, transforming a rookie team acquired for just £1 into one of the leading forces in Formula 1. Inspired by the company’s unofficial motto, ‘No Risk, No Fun’, Horner’s Red Bull rewrote the rulebook, broke longstanding records, won 14 World Cham

Each month Adele Trathan and Sara Whatley look at seven elements of living the life of a natural beauty, helping you to enrich the mind, body and soul in balance and holistic harmony... ESSENTIAL OIL Chamomile Chamomile oil is extracted from the flowers of the chamomile plant and there are two different varieties of chamomile that are generally used: Roman chamomile (Chamaemelum nobile or Anthemis nobilis) German chamomile (Matricaria recutita or Chamomilla recutita) The two

From choosing the perfect venue to the finishing touches, here’s how to bring your dream day together without losing sight of what really matters... Planning a wedding is one of those rare occasions when hundreds of little decisions come together to create one very memorable day. From the venue and flowers to the dress, menu, music and photographs, there is plenty to organise – but having a clear plan makes the whole process much more enjoyable. Whether you are dreaming of a

Before you go and spend too much money on fashion for the new season, it might be a good idea to look at the clothes in your wardrobe that you already own... Autumn always brings the temptation to go shopping, gathering tops, bottoms, knitwear and all manner of other delightful designs, yet in reality, the most stylish seasonal updates often cost very little. Either you can pick them up by being focused on what you really need or, better still, you might already own them! Her

Lisa de Silva explores the traditions, history and latest trends in honeymooning, along with providing some inspiration for this significant travel experience... A wonderful way to celebrate the start of married life, honeymoons play an important role in most wedding plans. Whether you’re looking for relaxation, adventure, culture or indulgent luxury, it’s a chance to spend precious alone time together, making lifelong memories. The history of the honeymoon Originating in 5th

Some towns preserve history in museums. Others seem to have simply carried on living alongside it. Across Europe, there are places where medieval streets are still part of everyday life, ancient walls still shape the town, and centuries-old buildings aren't just monuments—they're homes, shops, cafés and places of worship. For travellers who love history, these five towns offer something rather special: the chance to experience the past without it feeling like a museum exhibit

Five mysterious maps, hidden clues and buried secrets. Can you find the treasure? This week, we're swapping the detective's magnifying glass for a treasure map. Each puzzle contains a clue that should lead you one step closer to the prize. There are two easier challenges, two medium puzzles and one fiendishly tricky treasure hunt to finish. Good luck, adventurer — and remember, the obvious clue isn't always the right one! 🧠 1) The Pirate's Map (Easy) A pirate leaves a map sh

There are some films that feel like complete stories. They have a beginning, a middle, an ending and, most importantly, nowhere obvious left to go. That doesn't always stop Hollywood. Once a successful film becomes a hit, the temptation to return to the same characters and world can be difficult to resist. Sometimes the result is a worthy sequel. Other times, it makes you wonder whether the original would have been better left alone. Here are five film franchises where the fi

Some places are so spectacular, strange or otherworldly that they seem impossible to be real. Towering castles, mist-covered mountains, colourful villages and landscapes that appear to have been created by a computer rather than nature. You don't need a film set or a special effects department to find them. Around the world, there are real places that look as though they've been borrowed from a fantasy story. Here are five destinations where reality might just be stranger tha

There are movie endings that simply wrap up the story, and then there are endings that make you mentally replay everything that came before. A brilliant final reveal can transform a familiar scene, change the meaning of a character's actions, or leave you questioning what you thought you knew. Here are five films whose endings didn't just conclude the story – they changed the way you saw the entire movie - naturally, major spoilers ahead! 1. The Sixth Sense (1999) For most of

Five cases. Five sets of clues. Can you think like a detective and work out what really happened? Forget fingerprints and forensic laboratories for a moment. This week's puzzles are all about logic. Each case gives you a handful of clues, and your job is to put them together to reach the only sensible conclusion. There are two easier cases, two medium challenges and one fiendish final investigation. Ready, detective? 🧠 1) The Missing Painting (Easy) A painting disappears fro

Every great film has a hero. But sometimes, despite the writers' best efforts, it's someone else who walks away with all the attention. Whether they only appear for a handful of scenes or spend the entire film stealing the spotlight, these characters had so much charisma that audiences couldn't wait for them to return. In some cases, they even became more popular than the actual lead. Here are five movie characters who made every second of screen time count. 5. Captain Jack S

There’s an art to the long lunch. It isn’t rushed, it isn’t eaten at a desk, and nobody’s checking the time. Instead, it’s about fresh local food, good conversation, another glass of wine you hadn’t planned on ordering, and the simple pleasure of watching the world go by. Europe has perfected this leisurely tradition, and some places seem made for lingering over lunch long into the afternoon. If you're looking for destinations where slowing down is positively encouraged, thes

Secret codes, double agents, and impossible missions. Do you have what it takes to complete this week's briefing? Welcome, Agent. Your mission, should you choose to accept it, is to solve five spy-themed puzzles before reading the answers. Keep your eyes open—one tiny clue can change everything. This week's edition includes two easy puzzles, two medium challenges, and one final mission that will test your powers of deduction. Good luck! 🧠 1) The Secret Meeting (Easy) Two und

Summer in Britain isn’t just about sunshine—it’s about traditions that return year after year, bringing communities together in wonderfully unique ways. From quirky competitions to spectacular displays of history and pageantry, these events have become part of the fabric of a British summer. Whether you’re planning a staycation or simply looking for an excuse to explore somewhere new, these five traditions are well worth travelling for. 1. Royal International Air Tattoo Every

One of the funniest things about rewatching old TV shows as an adult is realising that the "cool" character isn't actually cool at all. As kids or teenagers, we admired their confidence, wit or rebellious streak. Years later, with a little more life experience, it's easier to spot the red flags. Some were selfish, others were arrogant, and a few were simply exhausting to be around. Here are five TV characters who seemed like icons at the time—but lose a little of their shine

Europe's coastline is dotted with world-famous destinations, but popularity often comes at a price. Packed beaches, souvenir shops, and endless queues can sometimes overshadow the very charm that made these places famous in the first place. Fortunately, there are still coastal towns where fishing boats outnumber superyachts, local cafés serve regulars alongside visitors, and life follows the rhythm of the sea rather than the tourist season. Here are five European coastal town

When people dream of a Mediterranean holiday, their minds usually jump straight to Greece’s whitewashed islands or Italy’s glamorous coastline. But the Mediterranean is far bigger—and far more diverse—than its most famous destinations. Beyond the headline-grabbing hotspots are places with crystal-clear water, beautiful old towns, outstanding food, and a fraction of the crowds. If you're looking for a Mediterranean escape that feels a little more under the radar, these five de

Campfires, tents, and a few puzzling mysteries to solve beneath the stars. Whether you're a seasoned camper or someone who prefers their wilderness adventures from the comfort of an armchair, these outdoor-themed brain teasers are sure to get your mind working. This week's collection features two easy puzzles, two medium challenges, and one harder conundrum to finish. Pitch your tent, grab a torch, and see how many you can solve before checking the answers! 🧠 1) The Missing