As more people turn to high-protein snacks, low-calorie foods and diet staples in a bid to slim down after summer’s excess, certain popular choices may be harder for the body to tolerate than people realise, with many mistaking bloating caused by certain foods for weight gain – or assume it is simply normal digestion. “Just because a food is marketed as healthy or slimming does not necessarily mean it suits everyone’s digestive system,” explains Supply Life’s Oliver Goble. “Some foods can trigger bloating, gas and discomfort, particularly when eaten frequently or in large amounts.”

Protein bars

Protein bars are often marketed as a convenient weight-loss snack, but many contain ingredients that can be difficult to digest. “A lot of protein bars contain sugar alcohols, artificial sweeteners or highly processed protein sources that can ferment in the gut. That can lead to significant bloating in some people. Certain ingredients such as pea protein and chicory root fibre can also be common triggers.”

Salads and raw vegetables

Large salads are often seen as the ultimate diet food, but raw vegetables can sometimes overwhelm the digestive system, particularly when eaten in high volumes. “Foods like raw onions, broccoli and large amounts of leafy greens can be surprisingly difficult for some people to break down. While nutritious, they can lead to bloating and trapped gas, especially if gut health is already sensitive. This is one reason some people feel more bloated after eating a ‘healthy’ lunch than a cooked meal.”

Oat-based breakfasts

Porridge and overnight oats are hugely popular with people trying to lose weight, but oats can also cause digestive issues for certain people. “Oats contain fibres and compounds that some people struggle to tolerate well, particularly if they are eating them daily. This can contribute to bloating, fullness and discomfort that lasts throughout the day. Eating very fibre-heavy breakfasts too quickly can also make symptoms worse.”

Identifying trigger foods

Many people trying to lose weight focus heavily on calories without paying attention to how foods make them feel physically. “People often assume bloating is something they have to live with. But in many cases, it can improve significantly once trigger foods are identified. The goal is not to unnecessarily cut out healthy foods, but to better understand individual tolerance levels. All in all, the healthiest diet is one your body can actually tolerate and function well on.” www.supplylife.com

The post No post-summer diet progress? This may be why appeared first on Checklists.

From sending children back while they’re still contagious, to using medication to mask a fever, these well-intentioned decisions can increase the risk of classmates, teachers, and other school staff becoming ill during one of the busiest times of the year. Here, registered nurse Miranda Belcher, explains the five biggest back-to-school mistakes parents make.

1 Sending children back before they’re no longer contagious

“I completely understand the pressure parents feel to get back into a routine, but sending a child back just one day too early can result in several more children becoming ill. Waiting until they’re genuinely ready often prevents much bigger disruptions later.”

2 Masking a fever with medication

“Fever-reducing medication should be used to help your child feel comfortable, not to help them get through a school day. If medication is the only reason they’re able to attend school, they probably need another day at home.”

3 Not informing the school

“Keeping the school informed about contagious illnesses allows staff to track outbreaks, monitor patterns and inform families if multiple children become ill. That communication plays an important role in preventing larger outbreaks.”

4 Forgetting medications and emergency information

“The beginning of the school year is a great time to double-check that inhalers, EpiPens, daily medications and emergency contacts are all up to date. It only takes a few minutes but makes a huge difference if your child becomes unwell at school.”

5 Expecting antibiotics for every cough

“Many of the illnesses children pick up after returning to school are caused by viruses, and antibiotics do not work against viral infections. Taking antibiotics when they aren’t needed won’t help your child’s recovery – and contributes to antibiotic resistance.”

Why illnesses spread so quickly when school starts

“The first few weeks of the school year are always incredibly busy because children are coming back together after spending the summer apart, bringing viruses from different households into one place. Classrooms, canteens, and school buses allow germs to spread quickly, particularly among younger children. Parents naturally don’t want their child to miss school, but sending them back before they’re fully recovered can lead to more children becoming ill, creating disruption for families and schools.”

The illnesses children should stay home with

Some illnesses are far more likely to spread through schools than others, making it important for children to stay home until they’re no longer contagious.

Vomiting and diarrhoea: stomach bugs spread rapidly through classrooms and shared bathrooms, with viruses able to linger on surfaces.

Fever: a fever is often a sign of the body fighting an infection, even if medication temporarily brings the temperature down. 

Strep throat: children should stay at home until they’ve been taking antibiotics for at least 24 hours.

Hand, foot and mouth disease: particularly common among younger children, this illness spreads easily through close contact and shared surfaces.

When children can still attend school

While some illnesses require children to stay home, while others can usually be managed without missing school, including: 

A mild cold without a fever
Seasonal allergies
A lingering post-viral cough
Non-contagious skin rashes 

“Parents sometimes keep children home because they don’t want to take any chances, but not every sniffle or skin condition is contagious. Knowing the difference helps reduce unnecessary absences while still protecting other students from genuine infectious illnesses.” www.nursa.com

The post Back-to-school mistakes that spread illness appeared first on Checklists.

If you’re a dog owner you’ll no doubt be keen to plan some outdoor adventures with your fur baby. Searches for “dog-friendly beaches near me” are increasing, as we look for the perfect coastal spots to enjoy. After analysing Google ratings and reviews for 148 beaches with no dog restriction, we reveal some of the top dog-friendly beaches across the UK.

Durdle Door, Dorset

Taking the top spot is Durdle Door, scoring 8.85 out of 10. Famous for its striking limestone arch and sweeping coastal views, it provides a stunning setting for a scenic dog walk or a classic game of fetch along the shoreline, perfect for making the most of the warmer weather.

Man O’War Beach and Three Cliffs Bay

These share second place, both earning 8.30 out of 10. Man O’War Beach’s calm, sheltered waters make it ideal for a gentle paddle with your dog, while Three Cliffs Bay offers vast sands and rolling dunes, giving more energetic pups plenty of space to run and explore.

Marloes Sands and Cuckmere Haven Beach

Scoring 8.20, this breathtaking stretch of golden sand is framed by dramatic cliffs, perfect for long, peaceful walks with your pet. Completing the top five is Cuckmere Haven Beach, scoring 8.06 out of 10. Here, visitors can enjoy tranquil surroundings alongside views of the iconic Seven Sisters cliffs.

What about the most dog-friendly counties?

Devon

It’s no surprise that Devon, the county also known as ‘Mother Nature’s playground’, is home to the most highly-rated dog-friendly beaches. A whopping 22 beaches out of 148 made the rankings.

Pembrokeshire

In a close second, with a total of 20 beaches, is the county of Pembrokeshire. Bordered by the sea on three sides, it’s no wonder it has a plethora of beaches to offer.

Cornwall

Cornwall places third with a total of 14 highly rated dog-friendly beaches. Home to harbour villages and towering cliffs, you and your pet will never have a dull moment there.

Now grab your beloved pet and off you go. www.showerstoyou.co.uk

The post The UK’s most dog-friendly beaches appeared first on Checklists.

With temperatures reaching record levels, we’re still in for a hot summer over the next few weeks. That means long evenings in the garden, pub terraces, and festivals – and this year many of those moments will come with a fruity twist. Blueberry, raspberry and citrus-infused beers and alcopops are the season’s biggest sellers. They’re refreshing, lower in ABV than some traditional options, and often taste more like juice than alcohol. And that’s precisely why they can be risky: because it’s then much easier to drink more than you intended.

Want to enjoy summer socialising without letting your drinking creep up? Here are five practical, evidence-informed steps to help you cut down, while still taking part in the fun.

1 Track every drink – not just the obvious ones

It’s easy to underestimate intake when drinks taste light and fruity. Start by tracking what you have for a week, noting the type, size and estimated units. Many people discover their “one or two” fruit beers add up over an afternoon. Tracking creates awareness and gives you a baseline, so you can set realistic limits for the rest of the summer. Use a note in your phone, a journal, or a drink-tracking app. Remember to include context (who you were with, where, and how you felt) so you can identify triggers such as heat, boredom or social pressure.

2 Treat fruity beers like alcoholic drinks, not soft

The brain uses taste cues to regulate consumption. When something tastes like a soft drink it’s tempting to treat it that way. Make a simple rule: fruity beers count as alcohol first. Use visible cues, sip water between drinks, choose smaller glasses or alternate with a non-alcoholic drink. These small rituals slow pace, reduce total consumption, and help your body register the alcohol you do have.

3 Plan ‘stop times’ and set rules

Long summer sessions are the setting where easy drinking turns into over-drinking. Before you head out, set a clear stop time (for example, “I’ll leave by 9pm”) or a limit on portions (“I’ll have two fruit beers, then switch to soft drinks”). Share the plan with a friend so they can help keep you accountable. When you decide the limit beforehand, you remove the moment-by-moment decision-making that often leads to one more.

4 Use tools that work with your social life

Complete abstinence isn’t the only path. Many people benefit from structured reduction. Medication-assisted approaches like the Sinclair Method (TMS) offer a different route: medication-assisted reduction using naltrexone to blunt alcohol’s reward response, paired with behavioural support. Over 90 clinical trials worldwide have shown this approach helps many reduce cravings and unlearn ingrained drinking patterns, while still participating in social drinking.

5 Build coping strategies you could encounter

Research shows many people drink to cope with stress or social anxiety. Identify the triggers that lead you to reach for a drink, whether its boredom, heat, peer pressure, or emotions – and plan alternatives. Non-alcoholic cocktails, distraction activities (such as games, music, or dancing) or brief breathing exercises can replace the automatic habit loop. Practising these alternatives in low-pressure settings makes them easier to use when it matters.

Quick practical swaps and tips

Choose lower-volume servings: opt for cans or smaller glasses rather than pints.
Pick festival-friendly strategies: decide on a daily cap before you buy any drinks.
Keep a visible reminder of your goal: (a note on your phone, or a photo) so temptation meets a prompt.
Enlist a friend: buddy systems work – agree to check in and support each other’s limits

A fruity final thought

Fruit beers are a brilliant summer innovation and very enjoyable when consumed responsibly and mindfully. But because they’re deceptively easy to drink, they create conditions where even well-intentioned social drinkers can overdo it. Fruity beers’ low ABV can be misleading. Lower percentage doesn’t mean safer if you drink larger volumes. The key issue is how palatable drinks affect the brain’s reward pathways: a sweet, juice-like beverage removes a sensory brake that would usually moderate intake. For people already drinking to relieve stress or manage mood, that removal can accelerate dependence. That’s why approaches that address brain reward – alongside behavioural changes – offer a realistic path back to balance.

When to seek professional support

If you find that rules and tracking aren’t working, or you’re worried about cravings, blackouts or increasing tolerance, it’s sensible to seek help. Reduction-focused treatments, including medication-assisted options supervised by clinicians, offer alternatives to total abstinence and can help you regain control while staying socially engaged. Whatever you do, please drink responsibly. www.sinclairmethoduk.com

The post Cut down on drinking this summer – without missing out! appeared first on Checklists.

You’ve teamed up with Matthews Cotswold Flour as its new ambassador. Why?
“I’ve always loved working with good quality ingredients, so when they came knocking it felt like a match made in heaven. I get to create some delicious bakes using ingredients that I know are the best, that I can then share with my audience.”

You’re developing monthly recipes using the flour, kicking off with a Strawberry & Passionfruit Eton Mess Cake Mess. Why that dish? 
“I think it encapsulates what I love to do best – create simple classics, while giving them a unique spin with flavours you might not think to put together.”

What other recipes can we look forward to? 
“I have a pretty spectacular summery chocolate cake recipe coming soon…”

You appeared in Series 14 of GBBO. Why were you keen to be on the show?
“I’ve always loved to bake, and having grown up with the show I decided it was my time to appear. I remember being 10 years old watching the first series, and hoping I could do something similar one day.”

What do you think won the casting agents over – besides your baking?
“I’d like to think my amazing personality had something to with it! And my humility.”

You left in Week 5: Pastry Week. Why do you think the presenters picked you?
“I’m big on calling a spade a spade, and I left because my pies tasted terrible – and they looked atrocious! As I made Ab Fab-inspired pies, I painted Joanna Lumley onto the crust, and she looked like a drunk Ziggy Stardust! I was ashamed to present them to the judges, and they shared my sentiments exactly. Hence, I was given the boot.”

You’re now a food content creator, having amassed over 85k Instagram followers. Why do you think you’ve been successful?
“I’ve put in a lot of work to grow my audience and share genuinely delicious, easy to follow recipes. It’s incredibly rewarding when I do share my bakes that so many people recreate them.”

Companies must send you a lot of products. What’s been the best one to date?
“I must say the stand mixer I received just after my Bake Off appearance was pretty great!”

And the most bizarre?
“I’ve never received anything bizarre – yet!”

Do you get many comments asking for help when it comes to baking?
“Yes – and I absolutely love it! Baking can be stressful for people who might have never done it before, so I’m always on hand for any tips or tricks people might need.”

What do you say to someone who believes they can’t bake?
“Reading a recipe and baking from it is no different to reading a book and following a story. It just takes a little patience, but follow the steps and you’ll have something delicious in no time.”

Tell us a common baking mistake and how you can prevent it from happening.
“Sunken cakes are so common, and my belief is low and slow wins the race. The cake bakes for slightly longer at a lower temperature, and this ensures a perfectly flat rise every time.”

You’ve one celeb to bake for – who and why?
“Joanna Lumley, because I think we’d have a slice of freshly-baked cake followed by a gossip and several martinis. And I can tell her I painted her onto a pie!”

You’re hungover and in need of something to help. What’s your go-to food?
“KFC chicken tenders with gravy. Or a Chinese. And yes, I also get chips with it. I’m a classy lad.”

What do you love to do when you’re not baking?
“My favourite hobby is having an Aperol Spritz sitting near a body of water somewhere.”

Finally, please tell us one fact that no one knows about you – until now…
“I spent my youth baking cakes and being a teacher’s pet by day, and drinking knock-off vodka in fields by night. I like to think it’s made me a balanced individual, but I was probably just a nightmare 15 year old who could apologise to my parents with cake – and an A+ grade in English.”

For more information on Matthews Cotswold Flour visit www.cotswoldflour.com, and follow Rowan on his Instagram account at instagram.com/rowanclaughton

The post Interview: The Great British Bake Off’s Rowan Claughton appeared first on Checklists.

What is considered ‘damaging’?

“We generally consider 85 decibels (dB) the point where hearing damage can begin with prolonged exposure,” explains Arthur van Keeken of Alpine Hearing Protection. “At that level, which is roughly the equivalent to heavy city traffic or a noisy restaurant, regular exposure for over eight hours can start to cause harm. The invisible danger to your hearing quickly increases, because every increase of around 3 dB effectively doubles the sound energy reaching the ear, which means the ‘safe’ listening time drops dramatically. If you’re subjected to 110–120 dB, potential damage can occur in just a few minutes, or even sooner near speakers.”

What is the ‘invisible damage’?

“If your ears are ringing, buzzing, or sounds muffled after a concert, it’s not normal – it can be a sign of invisible hearing damage that has already taken place. Temporary symptoms often signal stress to the delicate hair cells in the inner ear, and once these are damaged, they don’t regenerate. Even if your hearing seems to ‘return to normal’, the cumulative impact can lead to permanent loss over time. With this in mind, here are four ways you can prevent invisible damage to yours this summer.”

Distance matters

“Standing closer to speakers or directly in front of the stage dramatically increases your exposure to dangerous noise levels. Every few metres of distance can make a significant difference to how much sound energy reaches your ears. If you’re attending multiple events for the rest of the festival season, choosing a slightly less intense spot will help protect your hearing without affecting your enjoyment of the performance.”

Recovery time 

“It’s important to give your ears recovery time between events. If you’re attending back-to-back festivals, gigs, and club nights can create repeated stress on your auditory system. Your ears need recovery time after prolonged loud noise exposure, just like muscles after exercise. Build in quieter days between events, and avoiding blasting headphones on the journey home, which only adds to the strain.”

Don’t ignore your body 

“We often see a lot of people seek help too late because hearing damage is gradual. Persistent ringing (tinnitus), needing people to repeat themselves, struggling to follow conversations in busy places, or feeling unusually sensitive to sound, can all be early red flags. The sooner these signs are recognised, the better the chance of preventing further deterioration.”

Invest in your ear health 

“With today’s ticket prices, fans are spending a lot more to see their favourite artists and aren’t thinking about the long-term impact loud music can have. Makeshift solutions like tissue paper, cotton wool, or standard foam plugs can distort sound – and not necessarily protect hearing effectively. Instead choose earplugs that are not only designed for festivals, but that have an advanced music filter that reduces volume evenly across all frequencies, while keeping music clear and speech easy to hear.” www.alphinehearingprotection.com

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Put a garlic clove in your suitcase

Rooted in centuries-old Balkan folk traditions, garlic has long been seen as a protector against negative energy. It’s believed by some that it can help guard against bad luck on your journey. If you pass through border control without complications, tradition suggests it may be thanks to that clove doing its job!

“The superstition of garlic spans a multitude of regions and situations,” says Celebrity Psychic Inbaal Honigman. “From repelling vampires to deflecting the evil eye, the magical properties of garlic are extolled in Bosnia and Herzegovina, Italy, Greece, and as far away as China.”

Board the plane right foot first

Rooted in ancient maritime customs and ancient beliefs, stepping aboard with the right foot is believed to set the tone for the entire journey – quite literally starting the trip ‘on the right foot’. For some, a brief, conscious pause at the aircraft door is also used to symbolically welcome good energy and calm nerves. “Ancient Greeks and Romans believed the right side was associated with positive energy, so beginning with the right foot was seen as bringing better fortune,” continues Inbaal. “Even in Islamic, Portuguese and Hindu traditions, starting things on the right side is believed to lead to more favourable outcomes.”

Touch the outside of the plane before boarding

Tapping the plane’s fuselage is a meaningful ritual for many, believed to bless the flight and greet the aircraft before take-off. It symbolises connection between man and machine, which could help anxious flyers feel a greater sense of control.

“Many veterans may remember tapping aircraft during military flights in times of conflict, which is the likely origin for this superstition,” adds Inbaal.

Spill water behind the traveller as they leave

In parts of the Middle East, a farewell ritual sees travellers sent off with water spilled behind them. While some regions stick to a gentle sprinkling, others toss a full bucket or pitcher of water directly behind the traveller or their vehicle as they set off.

“The superstition is rooted in the idea of wishing for a journey that flows as smoothly and effortlessly as moving water,” continues Inbaal. “It mimics the movement of the tides, and is believed the traveller will journey away from home and then return in peace.”

Avoid numbers 13 (UK), 4 (China), and 17 (Italy)

Certain numbers are believed to carry bad energy, so much they’ve quietly disappeared from hotel floors, airline seat rows and even room numbers around the world. The most widely recognised is 13, long considered unlucky in much of the West, with the 13th guest at the last supper signifying betrayal.

“In China, number 4 sounds almost identical to the word for ‘death’ in Mandarin. In Italy, 17 is feared due to its Roman numeral representation, XVII, which can be rearranged to spell VIXI, a Latin phrase meaning ‘I have lived’ – a reference to the end of life.”

Sit on your luggage before a trip

A Slavic superstition, the brief pause is thought to help travellers gather their thoughts and mentally reset before the journey begins. Traditionally, it was also believed that by lingering, a traveller could confuse lurking evil spirits, creating the impression that no departure was taking place at all.

“This silent pause is from Pagan times and is often linked to the household spirit. It was believed that taking a moment before leaving showed respect for the spirit that protected the home, while rushing out abruptly risked angering it.”

Put the broom down after saying goodbye

In many cultures, sweeping isn’t just a household chore. It carries symbolic weight tied to clearing, cutting ties and ‘removing’ energy from a space – in regions including the Caribbean, Latin America, Ukraine and beyond.

“The act of sweeping straight after someone leaves the home is considered unlucky, as sweeping too soon could symbolically sweep away their luck, or even their wellbeing or safe return.” www.casinokhajana.com

The post Travel superstitions that could bring you good luck  appeared first on Checklists.

Treating camping gear as “plug and play”
One of the biggest mistakes first-time campers make is assuming new equipment will just work straight out of the bag. Tents, poles, and sleep systems often require some level of setup knowledge that is not obvious at first glance. A classic issue is arriving at a campsite and trying to assemble a tent for the first time, often in fading light or bad weather. What feels like a simple task at home becomes stressful outdoors.

How to avoid it
Always do a full “at-home test” before your trip. Pitch your tent in the garden or a park, inflate your mat, and set up your sleeping bag. This helps you understand how everything fits together and highlights missing pieces or faults early, not at 10pm in the rain.

Choosing a tent that’s too small
Tent sizing is one of the most misunderstood parts of camping. A “two-person” tent is not designed for comfort, it is designed for two people lying shoulder to shoulder with minimal extra space. This often leads to cramped conditions, nowhere to store bags, and a general feeling of being boxed in. The lack of space also means it’s harder to separate wet and dry clothing/equipment so everything ends up wet.

How to avoid it
Use the N+1 rule. If there are two of you, choose a three-person tent. If there are three people, consider a four-person tent. The extra space is not a luxury – it makes a huge difference to sleep quality and organisation inside the tent. Also consider how far you are carrying your gear. If weight matters, balance comfort with portability.

Underestimating condensation
Many first-time campers think their tent is leaking when they wake up to damp walls or a wet sleeping bag. In most cases, it is not rain getting in, but condensation building up overnight. This happens especially in single-skin tents or poorly ventilated setups.

How to avoid it
Choose a double-walled tent with an inner and outer layer. Keep ventilation points open where possible, even in cooler conditions. Understanding this issue in advance avoids unnecessary panic and gear blame.

Relying on a sleeping bag alone
A very common misconception is that a good sleeping bag is enough to keep you warm. In reality, most sleeping bag temperature ratings assume you are using an insulated sleeping mat underneath you. Without that barrier, the cold ground will pull heat away from your body all night.

How to avoid it
Think in terms of a sleep system, not just a bag. Pair your sleeping bag with a sleeping mat that has a decent R-value (around 4 is a good benchmark). Even budget combinations of bag plus mat will outperform an expensive bag used on its own. You should also invest in a liner for hygiene and added warmth.

Pitching in the wrong location
Where you pitch your tent has a bigger impact than most people expect. A poor spot can lead to water pooling, wind exposure, or even damage to your gear. Beginners often choose convenience over suitability, which can cause problems overnight.

How to avoid it
Look for flat, slightly elevated ground. Avoid dips or depressions where water could collect, and make sure your entrance is on the ‘lee’ side (out of the wind). Check above for loose branches, and be mindful of wind direction. If there is no wind when you arrive, look at trees or grass patterns to understand how air moves across the area. 

Going to bed cold
One of the simplest but most overlooked mistakes is getting into your sleeping bag already cold. Your gear is working to maintain heat, not generate it. 

How to avoid it
Warm up before getting into bed. A short walk or a few simple movements can help. Some campers also use a bottle filled with warm water placed inside the sleeping bag to create initial warmth. Small actions like this can completely change your night. www.cotswoldoutdoor.com

The post How to avoid the mistakes first-time campers make appeared first on Checklists.

Vonhaus Grey Reclining Set of 2 Garden Chairs with Sun Canopies, £84.99

Relax outdoors in comfort with these folding reclining garden chairs, complete with adjustable sun shades. Featuring a sturdy powder-coated steel frame, they’re stylish, while being built for everyday outdoor use.

PlayWorks Get Set Grow! Kids Gardening Tools: Pack of 3, £3 

Here’s a bargain a little green fingered one will love! They’ll enjoy getting stuck in with the garden work with this tool set, with a trowel, rake and shovel. It’s also a perfect toy to help aid development, improving their hand/eye co-ordination and social skills.

Barbequick 57cm Heavy‑Gauge Charcoal Kettle BBQ Grill with 36cm Pizza Stone, £149

Made from heavy-gauge steel with a thick chromed cooking grill, this delivers excellent heat retention and even cooking across its entire grate. It also transforms into a pizza oven, thanks to its deep aluminium pizza ring and stone, turning out crisp stone-baked pizzas in minutes. 

Dusk Astro Harvard Lantern IP44 Wall Light in Textured Black, £225.43

A modern interpretation of a traditional lantern in a crisp, slimline box shape, the Harvard Lantern outdoor wall light brings an elegant symmetry to the outside of your home. With an IP44 rating, its textured black powder-coated finish offers a dramatic look with outdoor-grade protection.

Hozelock Multi Plus Spray Gun, £32

This gun has seven spray patterns to handle everything from delicate watering to tough cleaning jobs. Blending air and water, it’s ideal for seedlings and delicate flowers. Plus, with its lightweight ergonomic design and effortless flow control, you could also save up to 50% on water usage.

SmartyPlants Plant Sensor, £39.99

Moisture? Light? Nutrients? Thanks to this smart sensor, your plants can tell you exactly what they need, before they start to suffer. Stick in the soil, connect to the app, then let your plant do the talking, with clear, simple care instructions so greenery can thrive, with no more second-guessing.

Hydro-Herb Basil Kit, £25

Using a recycled wine bottle, watering this kit could not be simpler. Just keep an eye on the water line, and top up when needed, every couple of weeks. It also contains enough organic hydroponic fluid for you to be able to grow your herbs for approximately two years!

Firebloom GP01 Gas Pizza Oven, £199

A compact outdoor pizza oven with real flame cooking, this reaches up to 400°C and features gas-fired real flame cooking. It cooks 12″ pizzas fast, has an adjustable temperature control, as well as a foldable outdoor design if storage is an issue.

She Grows Veg Plant & Prune Bundle, £69.99

The ultimate kit for anyone who loves getting hands-on, this includes sharp, reliable secateurs, complete with a handy holster so they’re always at the ready. There’s also a classic wooden dibber perfect for planting holes, and a spool of garden twine.

Adler Holly Garden Shovel, £39.95

Shovel, spade, trowel – however you want to call her: ‘Holly’ helps you take care of your plants pretty much everywhere. The short handle is perfect for potted plants, but also performs great in your garden or raised beds. We’ve tried her – and we give her a thumbs up!

RHS Benary Vegetables Set of 4 Placemats, £25

Just imagine how great these will look on your outside dining space. Beautifully illustrated with a vegetable print, they’ve a non-slip cork base, and wipe clean surface. Perfect for everyday use, they’re also heat resistant up to 95 °C.

Opinel Le Secateur Hand Pruner, £58

These new Secateurs from Opinel feature stainless steel blades for a clean cut, with multiple options to adapt the pruner to the diameter of the branches – or size of your hand. That’s alongside a protected spring, to prevent dirt clogging the mechanism and pinching.

Smart Store Dry Stackable Plastic Water Resistant Storage Box, from £23

You’ve invested in new gardening essentials, only to realise your storage is limited. That’s where this stackable box comes in. Completely watertight, it’ll also keep out damp, dust, dirt and bugs. Great for the garage, it can even withstand temperatures from -40°C to 70°C.

The post Get green fingered with these gardening musts appeared first on Checklists.

New English Teas Vintage Victorian Tea Tin with 40 English Breakfast Tea Bags, £6

We’re loving the fact that after you’ve enjoyed a cup of tea alongside your finger sandwiches – egg and cress for us, please – scones, and more, you can then store the rest of the bags inside this eye-catching tin. Fitted with a hinged lid for easy opening and keeping your tea fresh, the English Breakfast teabags are full bodied, and work as the perfect pick-me-up in the morning.

By Amazon Sweet & Fruity Strawberry Jam, 98p

Here’s a bargain! Packed with strawberries, this is perfect for slathering on scones – but is it clotted cream first, or clotted cream second? Now there’s an ongoing debate, with the Cornish method differing from Devon. Feel free to do a bit of research to find out which county does what, but remember: at the end of the day, it’s all down to what you prefer.

Rodda’s Cornish Clotted Cream, £3.99

We’re loving the history behind this brand: in 1890 great-great-grandmother, Eliza started making clotted cream in her farmhouse kitchen in the heart of Cornwall. It’s still crafted the very same way, made from 100% Cornish milk of grass grazing cows. Expect a delicious golden crust that’s a symbol of its quality, offering a protective seal for the silky cream below.

Yvonne Ellen Slogan Napkins, £32

You’ve got to have a little etiquette over afternoon tea now, don’t you? And that’s where this set of four 100% cotton napkins comes in. Pastel and embroidered, they bring some quirky charm to the table. And then there’s the four different cheeky slogans… Why not complete the look with the brand’s matching placemats – and throw one of their gorgeous cake stands into the mix?

Snowdonia Cheese Company Sweet & Savoury Afternoon Tea Hamper, £47

Cheese as well as afternoon tea? Yup: this luxurious hamper’s filled with both. Alongside its extra mature Black Bomber and Bouncing Berry cheese truckles, you’ll find Wholemeal & Extra Virgin Olive Oil Crackers and Fig & Apple Chutney. There’s also handmade strawberry jam by England Preserves, Joe’s Tea Co Ever-So-English Breakfast organic tea bags and a box of cocoa-dusted truffles by Belgid’Or.

The Matcha Yaad Strawberry Matcha Tea, £25

Heard about Matcha but not sure what it is? A bright green powder made from finely ground, shade-grown green tea leaves, unlike regular green tea where you discard the leaves, with Matcha you consume the entire leaf. We’re fans – and you will be too when you enjoy this Strawberry variety. With a smooth texture and velvety finish, it’s rich in L-theanine for relaxation, and is both gluten and sugar-free.

Cath Kidston Spring Birds Teacup and Saucer, £16.20

Afternoon tea wouldn’t be complete without sipping your brew of from a proper teacup – sorry standard mugs, you don’t make the cut. This is our choice from iconic Cath Kidston, featuring a scallop-shaped saucer and a delicate spring design (yes, we know it’s summer, but this is still the one for us). Perfect for both everyday use and special occasions, it’s good to know it’s also dishwasher and microwave safe.

The Cornish Company The Pasty & Ale Treat Hamper, £32.95

Other half not an afternoon tea fan but you are? Here’s the best of both worlds. Made or sourced from Cornwall, inside you’ll find freshly-baked plain scones, Rodda’s Cornish Clotted Cream, four Cornish Company Strawberry Jam jars, Cornish tea bags, biscuits, and shortbread. There’s also two freshly-baked medium steak pasties, and two local ales – Tribute from St Austell’s Brewery, and Proper Job IPA.

Birchall Virunga Afternoon Tea Bags, £4.95

This pure origin tea is sourced from Rwandan tea gardens, close to the Virunga National Park. In this region the tea bushes grow slowly, at high altitude and relatively low temperatures, developing greater flavour. As one review said; “A great tea that goes well with afternoon tea or biscuits.” We’ve concur – plus it’s nice to see that 5p from every pack goes towards saving the Virunga National Park.

Klink London 4 Knightsbridge Crystal Glass Champagne Coupes, £25

Fancy a little fizz with your afternoon tea? Well, it’d be rude not to. That’s where this set of four glasses elevates your scoffing and quaffing game. Designed for the kind of celebration that feels both vintage and new, the crystal glass coupes are inspired by the elegance of London’s Knightsbridge evenings. Grab a glass of your finest fizz, then say a toast to the wonder that is afternoon tea. Cheers!

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