Saturday 29 August 2015

Chelsea Physic Garden joins September's Totally Thames Festival event



CHELSEA Physic Garden is holding a Totally Thames Festival event on September 17 to highlight the historic garden's relationship with Old Father Thames.

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Frankfurt Motor Show: new Astra, Sportage and electric Audi SUV



THE latest crop of cars to be unveiled at the Frankfurt Motor Show in September include a new Vauxhall Astra and Kia Sportage, plus an innovative Audi concept car.

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Six of the best: Presents for pampered pets



It's important to treat your pets lovingly, but why not have a bit of fun at the same time...

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Yanks and Limeys: WW2 soldiers reveal relationship



AT HOME, on the battlefield and in the corridors of power the Second World War alliance between Britain and the United States was groundbreaking.

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Hue and cry over Land Rover Defenders



YOU won’t find many people that are sadder than us about the Land Rover Defender going out of production later this year.

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Honda needs to Jazz it up



FOR a car that was never meant to set your pulse racing with excitement the Honda Jazz has done remarkably well for itself.

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Lives remembered: Anna Kashfi and Colin Fry



MARLON Brando once described his first wife as “probably the most beautiful woman I’ve ever known”.

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The Saturday briefing: Knowledge is power



IS THERE anything you are desperately yearning to know?

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4 rules for packing the perfect carry-on for a weekend away

This weekend I'm in Greece. Here's the complication with that - when you are going away for a weekend and you only have carry on baggage allowance, you are met with a lot of challenges. This weekend I'm packing for a three nights out and three days out and about. That isn't easy... only it completely is if you're ready for it. Back in the day you'd see me carrying a 50 lb suitcase to accommodate for such an event. These days, after taking nearly 35 flights in the past six months, I consider myself a seasoned professional and thought I'd pass on the tricks of my trade. So here are four rules I swear by when packing for a weekend away. 

1. A dress a day keeps the checked-in bag at bay.
Ladies, this one's for you and it's one I've lived by since day one of my travel chaos. Dresses are the way to go. I pack dresses for every occasion- day, night, travel and more. They are the lightest and easiest option. Truly, they weigh nothing, and they are an easy on and ready to go ensemble. Just throw a variety of accessories in your bag - necklaces, earrings, etc - and your looks are instantly updated. The LBD can see at least two wearings with this practice in play! 

2. Wearing what you can.
While wearing dresses everyday and night is well and good, you will want some pieces for layering. These pieces I wear on the plane. I layer when I fly. Sleeveless shirt, long sleeved shirt, cardigan and more, depending on the weather, all on my person as I board the plane. It's freezing on those jumbo jets so why not use your own body to carry half your carry-on? Leaves more room in the case for other things, right?

3. Access the toiletries situation ahead of time.
Headed to a hotel or B&B? Make sure you check ahead of time to see what amenities are provided. You'll most likely be supplied with shampoo, conditioner, body lotion and body wash. That's the shower kit sorted. Take some time to investigate whether things like razor and dental hygiene kits are available from reception. One less thing for you to worry about packing! The rest? Two tips - pack the makeup and buy everything else at the airport in small bottles. When you're done, you just leave them behind, leaving more room in the suitcase for your return... which brings me to my next tip. 

4. Leave room for future purchases. 
Now I know this seems impossible, as you already travelling so light, but try and leave a little bit of room in the suitcase. Chances are you'll be headed somewhere where you will be tempted to purchase. So the last thing you need is to worry about how the heck you're going to get it home, right? I do have two schools of thought on this. If you're road tripping, naturally this isn't a problem. If you're flying, however, you are limited- constantly. So, leave a little space. You'll thank yourself for it. I usually do this by packing, unpacking, assessing what I really need and don't need in the case and then repacking.

For more great tips, from the pros, on packing for carry-on only, check out Expedia's Summer tips!

Written in collaboration with Expedia.




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Hidden charms: Seductive lingerie fashion



BE irresistible in one of these seductive and gorgeous sets of lingerie.

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Topshop, Office and Monsoon: The mint and yellow things we want this week



THERE'S something for every budget in this week's must-haves.

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Cheryl on the changes in X Factor: It’s a whole new family



THE X Factor returns tonight with a brand-new line-up.

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Actor Lenny Henry on his own scripted drama: I wanted to write something that was real



FEATURING in his own scripted drama – loosely based on the events of his childhood – was an incredibly personal journey, reveals actor and comedian Lenny Henry.

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High Definition: The 8 best contouring make-up products



SHAPE and define your face with these clever contouring products.

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Prickly subject: Alan Titchmarsh's tips on growing Eryngium



ERYNGIUM is a late-summer star that’s easy to grow – simply scatter seeds on to well-drained soil.

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The long and short of it: Skirt fashion for autumn



SEVENTIES style is back in a big way, with zips, buttons and tassels adorning minis and midis.

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Homebase, Amara and Achica: Create an alfresco living space



EXPERTS predict an Indian summer. Make the most of it, says Victoria Gray.

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An epic culinary adventure: Terry and Mason’s Great Food Trip



SIR TERRY WOGAN and London cabbie Mason McQueen embark on an epic culinary adventure.

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Actress Amanda Redman: TV bosses don’t seem to find people of my decade interesting



AMANDA REDMAN chooses her roles carefully, but she couldn’t resist Britain’s favourite hardman.

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Friday 28 August 2015

King of infidelity: Founder of Ashley Madison Noel Biderman



He’s the founder of the world’s leading adultery website who claims he’s a faithful husband. But have hacked emails exposed the Ashley Madison boss as a love cheat?

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£525,000 for ‘beach hut’ with a 3-bedroom secret



CUNNINGLY disguised as a beach hut, this Tardis-like property is one of Britain’s most luxurious seaside homes with a price tag of £525,000.

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Shortage of properties forces prices to rocket



MASSIVE demand from homebuyers in a barren property market is driving up prices by £3,000 a month, official figures have revealed.

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Oldest slimmer in town...Betty, 92, sheds 7st as she gets the gym bug



PROOF you are never too old to slim – meet Betty Jones, 92, who has lost seven stone after becoming an exercise fanatic.

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Number 4, Bobby Moore: Britain's most famous Bingo calls explained...some will shock you



WE'VE heard them for decades, they're some of the most famous phrases around and now here's a quick guide to exactly where some of the best Bingo calls came from.

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Keep the colour blooming: The growing season isn't over yet



THERE are still around 10 weeks of good growing season left so don’t let the garden tail off.

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