10 reasons you should move to Liverpool immediately

November 4, 2015, 5:02 am

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Tired of the gruelling commute, extraordinary house prices, or living inland and not by the sea? Chances are, a better life awaits you in Liverpool.

With beaches, parkland, seafront and skyscrapers Liverpool is a beautiful city with exceptional vistas. But the view isn’t the only reason people enjoy living in Liverpool.

Liverpool has all the attributes of any major, cultural European city, but with all the convenience of a small one. Whatever you’re into, Liverpool has something for you.

The city has an unmistakable personality, with a fun loving spirit. Here’s ten reasons you should pack up and move to a new home by the Mersey.

1. The Waterfront

From the moment you see it, there’s just something about it. Liverpool’s Waterfront… Read the full story

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59 per cent of Brits think they make the best tea out of everyone they know

November 4, 2015, 5:12 am

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Modest.

So it turns out we’re a country of big-headed tea snobs, as a whopping 59 per cent of Brits believe they make the best tea out of everyone they know.

In fact, it seems we don’t like other people’s cuppas very much at all, as only 25 per cent of married people thought their partner made a decent brew, while only 1 per cent of us rated our colleagues efforts.

Harsh.

The YouGov survey, which was commissioned by Sykes Cottages, quizzed 2,026 Brits on their tea-drinking ways and also found that (unsurprisingly) our fussiness increases with age.

MORE: Survey reveals milky tea is THE WORST

While 41 per cent of 18-24s claimed they make the best tea, that number sky rockets to 68 per cent in the 55+ age group.

In short: next time you got to make someone a cup of tea, don’t bother.

MORE: Read the full story

15 signs you are in a relationship with pasta

November 4, 2015, 5:21 am

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You don’t need to date because you’re already in love with pasta. 

Ah pasta, one of life’s simplest pleasures.

Sure a lot of people enjoy pasta, and are quite fond of it, but you love it so much that you’re prepared to call it your significant other. Penne, spaghetti, gnocchi, fusilli…you’re a fan of it all.

Plus why have Netflix and chill, when you can have Netflix and a bowl of pasta with a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese instead? No brainer.

1. You have it all the time

Your commitment to pasta doesn’t just end with a pasta salad at lunch time, or a penne arrabiata for dinner, oh no, it goes much further than this. You’ve found ways to have it at… Read the full story

How much of a lady are you? Find out here…

November 4, 2015, 5:49 am

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Country Life, that arbiter of all things gentrified, has published a new list of life skills you most possess if you wish to be a true modern lady.

Having previously offered a list of 39 key skills possessed by all true modern gentlemen – for example, ‘knows when not to say anything’, ‘wears his learning lightly’ – the magazine now offers similar guidance for refined lady-folk, based on the central principle that ‘generosity and graciousness are more important than fine feathers and a lady can come from any walk of life.’

 

The full article appears in the latest issue of Country Life, on sale now. 

How many of the 39 criteria apply to you? Tick off all of the skills and abilities you possess to determine how much of a lady you really are.

Read the full story

8 of the weirdest ingredients in beer across the world

November 4, 2015, 5:59 am

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Guinness have just announced they’re going to stop using fish bladders in their brewing process.

It’s not something that most drinks manufacturers shout about (‘now with added fish bladder’ isn’t really a good USP) – so don’t feel bad if you had no idea your pint (and red and white wine) came with a helping of fish.

It turns out though that using unusual items in the production of beer – whether in the clarification process, like with Guinness, or just to add flavour – is a pretty common practice across the world.

As a result, some weird drinks have come out of the process.

Here are the weirdest ingredients used to make beer.

How many… Read the full story

Men with beards more likely to be sexist

November 4, 2015, 6:03 am

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It’s not been a good few months for the bearded population.

First we found out that their beards are dirtier than toilets. Then we found out that they’re more likely to fight, cheat and steal.

And now it turns out that the ruffians are more likely to be sexist too.

Two Australian professors surveyed around 500 men from two very different cultures, India and the United States, to find out more about the relationship between beards and sexism.

The participants were asked to indicate their agreement or disagreement with different statements about gender roles.

Read the full story

14 things you’ll only know if you spend your life in and out of hospital

November 4, 2015, 6:08 am

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For some, a visit to a hospital is a rare thing, mainly occurring for a random check up or a visit to a relative

For others, you pretty much count the hospital as your second home – with more visits in and out of the place than visits to your own parents’ house.

You know pretty much everything there is to know about the hospital, what to take, what to expect, what to wear. And there’s so much more, too.

Here’s 14 things you’ll only know if you spend your life in and out of hospital.

1. You regret not taking in baby wipes every single time you need to stay for more than three days

Because the toilet roll feels like sandpaper after a while.

2. Not bringing in your own slippers is the worst mistake

Hello to slipping around in those awful hospital stockings.

3. You’ve heard the phrase ‘sharp scratch’ more times… Read the full story

14 reasons Shropshire is the best place to live

November 4, 2015, 6:30 am

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Shropshire makes time travel more plausible than Back To The Future.

You can spend your days learning to live like a Victorian on a historic working farm, track back to 620AD and then fast forward to one of Shrewsbury’s many modern bars in the evening.

Simply head to an area of local outstanding beauty to hit pause – whatever time tickles your fancy, Shropshire ticks the boxes.

Here’s 14 reasons why Shropshire is the best place to live.

1. Acton Scott’s Victorian farm

Read the full story

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All the festive, funny and downright offensive Christmas jumpers you could ever possibly need

November 4, 2015, 6:30 am

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You might not believe it now but, some time in December, you’ll find yourself close to tears on a Saturday afternoon, knee deep in festive knits, searching for the last decent Christmas jumper on the high street.

Don’t be that person.

You know you’re going to end up having to wear one at some point in the coming weeks, so just accept it and get in early.

That way, you have the pick of the bunch.

And there’s one for every type of person – from the one who loves Christmas, magic and unicorns, to the one who spends the whole Christmas season in a grumpy, hungover fog.

The holiday bling one, £16

Read the full story

Pringles is bringing back all kinds of weird sweet flavours for Christmas, including new salted caramel

November 4, 2015, 6:43 am

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While we’re getting treated to festive pigs in blankets flavour Pringles this Christmas, our crisp-loving friends across the pond are enjoying their own collection of weird and wonderful limited edition options.

Yep, Pringles have brought back some of those weird limited edition flavours – and they’ve introduced a new zeitgeist-y salted caramel option.

If you’re lucky enough to be heading to America, you’ll be able to find the following sweet flavours on the shelves of select supermarkets.

First off, Salted Caramel. Exactly what it sounds like – Pringles flavoured with sweet, buttery caramel and salt. So on trend.

Read the full story

8 scientifically proven reasons why having a dog is good for you

November 4, 2015, 7:03 am

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Dogs are man’s best friends – fact. Some of us love dogs so much we would even classify ourselves as ‘dog people’.

They don’t only provide companionship. Having a dog is also good for your health in a number of ways that are backed up by science.

And here they are listed in full. Along with lots of cute pictures of dogs, of course.

1) They can prevent childhood asthma

Read the full story

Vancouver Police Department shares adorable picture of police dog hanging onto his partner

November 4, 2015, 7:34 am

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At first glance, this might look like a German Shepherd who has got himself in a sticky situation.

But, actually he’s starting his police training and he just needed a little extra support.

While he appears to be hanging on for dear life, he’s actually learning to ‘rappel’ with his partner, according to the Vancouver Police Department.

Also known as simultaneous abseiling.

The police department posted the picture of the world’s cutest police officer, aka PSD Niko, last week with the caption: ‘Hey dad… This rappelling? Yuh, I’m not a fan.’

The department went on to explain: ‘Our canine officers are well trained, well selected, and, most importantly, well loved by their handlers.

‘Rappelling is a vital skill for… Read the full story

21 things you only know if you don’t drink alcohol

November 4, 2015, 7:45 am

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Booze.

Some consider it one of life’s greatest pleasures.

For many, having your first drink is a rite of passage, while others who live to 100 swear by their daily tot of whiskey.

But some of us would rather die young than down such rusty medicine.

Here’s 21 things you only know if you don’t drink.

1. People assume you’re pregnant, on meds or used to be an alcoholic

They can’t just get their heads round the fact you think it tastes like death.

2. You don’t really see the point of pubs

You want to socialise as much as the next person but why can’t everyone bond over something enjoyable like hot chocolate or… Read the full story

These empathy cards are just what we want next time we’re feeling sh*t

November 4, 2015, 8:01 am

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When life gives someone you love lemons, give them one of these cards.

Anyone who has ever suffered a serious illness or bereavement will know that lots of well-meaning people say completely the wrong thing.

From those who compare the loss of your loved one to death of their childhood pet to those who repeat trite stoicims, it can be exhausting, upsetting and utterly infuriating.

Emily McDowell learnt that the hard way when she battled cancer in her 20s.

Now 38, she has created a range of empathy (note: no sympathy) cards to help put the situation right.

The range initially launched earlier this year, but Emily’s just launched a second, equally kick ass, new range of cards. Check them out…

Takeaway your pain

Read the full story

Here’s why dogs tilt their head to the side

November 4, 2015, 8:02 am

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Occasionally, our hours spent staring at cute photos of dogs online are interrupted by one pressing question: why do dogs tilt their heads to the side?

In glorious news to us all, science has the answer. So nothing will ever stop our procrastination and sobbing (puppies make us a bit emotional) time again.

According to Mental Floss, the reason dogs do the head-tilt is actually pretty sweet: they’re trying to show us they care.

For dogs, tilting their head to the side is their way of conveying empathy, or an attempt to empathise.

Read the full story

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Magical wooden bench moulds to your body as you sit, lie down, and never move again

November 4, 2015, 8:43 am

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When it comes to snuggling up an getting cosy, a wooden bench doesn’t exactly spring to mind.

At least, not compared to massive sofas and massive pillows you can sink into. UNTIL NOW (in caps, because this is very important).

Sitskie‘s Block Benched Armed is a wooden bench that moulds to your body as you sit, lie, and snuggle on it. Through magic.*

*Design.

This limited edition Ribena Winter Spice is 100 per cent cosy

November 4, 2015, 8:53 am

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The nights are drawing in. The weather’s getting ever more miserable.

But salvation is here, in the form of this brand new limited edition Ribena Winter Spice.

The first Ribena specifically designed to be drunk hot, Ribena’s signature blackcurrants have been infused with nutmeg, cloves, cardamom and cinammon, meaning it tastes just like mulled wine (minus the hangover).

The Ribena press office told us: ‘it is the perfect hot treat for some quality “me-time”’ – and we all know what ‘me time’ means, eh, eh…

Ribena Winter Spice will be available in 600ml (RRP: £1.69) and 850ml (RRP: £2.49) bottles at major supermarkets nationwide from September for a limited period only.

MORE: Toffee… Read the full story

Someone’s created anti-selfie pills to rescue us all from our self obsession

November 4, 2015, 9:04 am

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Finally, a way to help those poor souls suffering from the plague of selfie addiction. Also known as narcissism, or intense thumb strain.

Some kindly genius has created anti selfie tabs: pills that will release people from the clutches of their all-consuming desire to turn the camera on themselves.

They make the perfect gift for friends, the relative you wish had never discovered Facebook, and that blogger you secretly hate but follow on Instagram to critique every photo they share.

Have the wedding of your self-obsessed dreams with a bedazzled wedding selfie stick

Sure, they’re just mints, and have no actual power to eliminate picture-taking cravings. But the second your chosen… Read the full story

Would you let your mates set you up with dating app Hitch?

November 4, 2015, 9:08 am

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Think you’re a better matchmaker than Patti Stanger?

Fascinated by your mates’ Tinder but already in a relationship?

Or maybe you just wish your friends would pull their fingers out and help you find The One.

Well there’s an app for that.

Hitch, a dating app which maintains ‘friends know better’, lets you and your mates set each other up.

Like Tinder, you log in using your Facebook account, but you need to be invited by a friend first, or use the code 3B53F to access it.

After that you’re free to set up five people per day.

You pick a friend who you want to set up then, like Tinder, the app then suggests potential matches – but these are only friends and friends of friends.

You make the match… Read the full story

Ladybird Books For Grown-Ups – a word with the authors

November 4, 2015, 9:09 am

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Ladybird books have long been popular with young readers – and now a new series of books for adults is paying homage to the classic imprint. 

If you grew up in Britain in the 60s, 70s or 80s, you’ll almost certainly be familiar with the look of these beautifully illustrated books, which feature artwork from original Ladybird titles.

Comedy writers Joel Morris and Jason Hazeley, whose previous credits include The Framley Examiner, Charlie Brooker’s Screenwipe and That Mitchell and Webb Look, were given access to Ladybird’s archive to create a series of titles that includes The Ladybird Book of the Hipster, The Ladybird Book of the Hangover and How it Works: The Husband.

We got in touch with Joel and Jason to ask them about their work.

How would you describe the books, to someone who had no idea what they were or why they existed?

They’re exactly what’s on the cover: Ladybird Books For… Read the full story