Did You Know

HOW TO…NAIL THAT STRESS-FREE DINNER PARTY

• Plan ahead! Try to have at least one of the courses made ahead of time. • Double check if your guests have any dietary requirements. • Keep table decorations simple - they're there for the food and your company, not the décor. • Don't put pressure on yourself to make everything.

Allow a few shop-bought items. • Cook something you are confident at making and

don't plan a complex recipe unless you've tried it before. • Plan your meal according to the season - lighter dishes in the hotter months & vice versa. If you can, go for a theme so the flavours flow seamlessly eg Turkish, Italian • When seated with guests relax your shoulders, talk slowly and smile – you’ll have everyone believe you’ve totally got this in hand.

Go wide!

Wide leg trousers are on trend this autumn! They look great paired with a little vest and shrug or layered for an ideal outfit when it gets a little cooler.

Liberty’s Fashion, Orpington

SAVE THE SHARKS

The government is to introduce a world-leading ban on shark fin trade, banning the imports and exports of detached shark fins and products containing them in a bid to promote shark conservation. Endangered and overfished species including shortfin mako and blue shark are among those to benefit from greater protection. And in another first, the UK is leading a global campaign, supported by over 80 countries, for at least 30% of the world’s land and ocean to be protected by 2030.

A new study by Mecca has revealed that, on average, Brits only spend 2.4% of the year with family, compared to 10.3% on their phones (equivalent to 900 hours a year).

ALL SCHOOLS TO RECEIVE CARBON DIOXIDE MONITORS

Education settings will be provided with carbon dioxide monitors, backed by £25 million in government funding. CO2 monitors will soon be provided to all state-funded education settings so that staff can quickly identify where ventilation needs to be improved. Letting fresh air into indoor spaces can help remove air that contains virus particles and is important in preventing the spread of Covid-19.

A TON’S THE LIMIT

The limit on contactless payments is set to rise this month as the government aims to encourage people to spend more in shops. Shoppers will be able to pay up to £100 using their contactless cards from 15th October according to trade body UK Finance.

A study by Duette found that one in three of us hide money in the home, and that almost two thirds of Brits will stash up to £1,000. Our favourite places to hide the cash are: • In a bedside table • In the bed • Inside the wardrobe • In a safe • Hidden in clothes or shoes