Category Archives: Uncategorized

Ready To Get Back To Gardening? Here Are 3 Bulbs You Can Plant In February

Posted on by
Reply

If you have spent your winter days cosy indoors, not thinking about your beloved garden, now is the time to get back out there. While the temperatures are still low, the days are gradually getting brighter for longer and before we know it, spring will be with us.

What better way to prepare for the gorgeous days ahead than to plant some blooms to bring our gardens back to life?

Just think, we are mere weeks away from sitting outside with drinks, snacks and the sounds of nature surroudning us. Bliss.

The bulbs you should plant in February

Lilies

White lilies in full bloom.
White lilies in full bloom.

Often showstoppers in domestic gardens, lilies are surprisingly easy to grow and you can actually get started with them this month. Faith in Nature recommends: “Pop them 15-20cm into the ground now and enjoy their dramatic, highly-scented flowers come summer.

“They prefer to be in a sunny area of the garden, and like their soil well-drained. If the ground in your garden is water-logged, they can be grown in pots – which is also good news if you’re a patio gardener.”

Plus, butterflies and bees love them.

Chrysanthemum plants

Red chrysanthemums.
Red chrysanthemums.

These bold, bright plants effortlessly add texture and colour to gardens and this month, you can get started with planting them for stunning summer blooms.

Gardener’s World recommends: “Pot on rooted cuttings and small plants bought from garden centres into individual 10cm pots and pot on again when their roots have filled their growing space.

“Plant out after all risk of frost has passed, into moist but well-drained soil in a sheltered, sunny spot. Dig plenty of organic matter into the planting hole or apply a general purpose fertiliser. Provide support straight away.”

Galtonias (summer hyacinths)

Galtonia in bloom.
Galtonia in bloom.

Galtonia, also known as summer hyacinths, are a stunning way to punctuate any colourful garden. These flower later in the summer season, bringing some much-needed life to gardens that are starting to wind down ahead of cooler months.

The Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) recommends planting bulbs 10-15cm deep (at 30-60cm intervals) in late winter or early spring.

Ah, it’s so good to be back, isn’t it?

Share Button

Lily Allen Candidly Opens Up About Recent Stay In Mental Health Facility

Posted on by
Reply

Lily Allen has reflected on her recent stint in a mental health treatment centre.

Back in January, the award-winning singer-songwriter announced that she would be taking time out from work commitments, including her hit BBC podcast Miss Me?, to focus on improving her mental health.

“I’m really not in a good place,” she disclosed at the time. “I know I’ve been talking about it for months, but I’ve been spiralling and spiralling and spiralling, and it’s got out of control.”

This week, Lily returned to Miss Me?, where she opened up to her friend and co-host Miquita Oliver about what led to her seeking help.

“I absolutely adore my children and I’m in a situation now where I really have to be my strongest self for them,” she said of her two daughters, 13-year-old Ethel and 11-year-old Marnie.

She continued (as reported by the Daily Mail): “I felt like it was getting harder and harder for me to be able to show up for them in the way that they need me to.

“It was a big decision to have to leave them for a few weeks to go and focus on myself, but ultimately it was for them so that I can get us through this bit. I needed some help to be able to do that. I don’t want them to ever feel like they have to prop me up.

“None of this is their fault and it’s my job to support them and make them feel safe and secure. And I just don’t think I was able to do that because of the emotional turmoil that I was in at the time. But I do feel like I am now… I’m not saying that I’m 100% there or getting it 100% right, or that I ever will, but I’m definitely in a stronger place.”

Lily also described her stay in the facility as “great”, saying she did “lots” of therapy, both individually and in a group.

“I needed some time and space away from everything,” she recalled. “And I did a lot of shadow work – lots of work about my inner child stuff.”

A month before her break from the spotlight, Lily had made headlines when she told her listeners that she had been “not really in a great place mentally” for around the last three years, which had recently begun manifesting itself in her “not eating”.

Reports in the press around this time claimed that Lily and her husband of more than four years, Stranger Things actor David Harbour, had parted ways. Neither Lily nor David has commented on these rumours publicly.

Help and support:

  • Mind, open Monday to Friday, 9am-6pm on 0300 123 3393.
  • Samaritans offers a listening service which is open 24 hours a day, on 116 123 (UK and ROI – this number is FREE to call and will not appear on your phone bill).
  • CALM (the Campaign Against Living Miserably) offer a helpline open 5pm-midnight, 365 days a year, on 0800 58 58 58, and a webchat service.
  • The Mix is a free support service for people under 25. Call 0808 808 4994 or email help@themix.org.uk
  • Rethink Mental Illness offers practical help through its advice line which can be reached on 0808 801 0525 (Monday to Friday 10am-4pm). More info can be found on rethink.org.
Share Button

Donald Trump’s Turn Of Phrase On Ukraine Is Slammed On Social Media

Posted on by
Reply

US President Donald Trump’s choice of words on Ukraine during a press briefing drew criticism — and a stark reminder — on social media on Wednesday.

Trump was recalling a “very good talk” he’d had with Russian President Vladimir Putin, and their reported joint desire to end the Russia-Ukraine conflict as soon as possible, when he was asked if he views Ukraine “as an equal member of this peace process.”

“Hmm, it’s an interesting question,” replied Trump.

“I think they have to make peace,” he continued. “Their people are being killed and I think they have to make peace. I said that was not a good war to go into and I think they have to make peace, that’s what I think.”

Trump’s apparent implication that Ukraine was to blame for the years-long bloodshed prompted critics to remind the president that it was Russia, under Putin’s orders, who invaded its neighbouring country in February 2022.

Share Button

Here’s When To Worry About Discharge (And What’s 100% Normal)

Posted on by
Reply

Let’s get one thing clear: it’s completely normal to have vaginal discharge every day.

Cleveland Clinic explains that we “can’t prevent it because it’s your body’s way of keeping your vagina clean and healthy”.

The fluid helps to prevent us from infection and stops the area from drying out (which would leave it vulnerable to bacteria).

What’s considered a “normal” amount of discharge varies from person to person, but it’s usually nothing to worry about.

However, some colour, smell, or texture changes can indicate an infection.

What are the signs my discharge is abnormal?

According to the NHS, “normal” discharge is clear or white in colour. It shouldn’t have a strong smell, and should usually be slippery – but can be thicker and sticky.

Discharge that smells fishy can be a sign of bacterial vaginosis; thick and white cottage cheese-like discharge can reveal thrush.

Green, yellow or frothy discharge can be a sign of something called trichomoniasis ( a sexually transmitted parasite), while discharge that comes with pelvic pain or bleeding can be a sign of gonorrhoea or chlamydia.

Discharge that comes with blisters or sores can be a symptom of genital herpes.

Your discharge can be heavier when you’re sexually active, pregnant or on the contraceptive pill. It can even fluctuate throughout your menstrual cycle.

When should I see a doctor about my discharge?

You should see your GP if you notice changes to your discharge’s colour, smell, or texture.

You should also speak to a doctor if you notice more discharge than usual, if you feel sore or itchy, bleed between periods or after sex, get pain when peeing, or notice pain between your thighs and stomach.

Otherwise, though, discharge is completely normal ― avoid using perfumed gels or soaps in the area or wash inside your vagina (douching), as this can get rid of the protective effect that discharge offers.

Share Button

‘A Dark Moment In British History’: Labour Slammed Over Illegal Immigration Crackdown

Posted on by
Reply

Labour ministers have been accused of creating “a dark moment in British history” in their latest crackdown on illegal immigration.

Changes announced by the Home Office mean that anyone arriving via an unsafe route, such as across the Channel in a small boat, will be blocked from becoming UK citizens.

The new guidance states: “A person who applies for citizenship from 10 February 2025 who has previously arrived without a required valid entry clearance or electronic travel authorisation, having made a dangerous journey will normally be refused citizenship.”

The controversial move has already sparked a Labour split, with Stella Creasy MP saying it would turn illegal immigrants into “second class” citizens.

Refugee charities have also joined in the backlash against the “deeply damaging” policy.

Kolbassia Haoussou, of Freedom From Torture, said: “Make no mistake, this is a dark moment in British history. If the government really follows through with blocking refugees from getting citizenship, the UK will be taking a huge step backwards.

Refugee Council chief executive Enver Solomon said: “This change flies in the face of reason. The British public want refugees who have been given safety in our country to integrate into and contribute to their new communities, so it makes no sense for the government to erect more barriers.

“We know that men women and children who are refugees want to feel part of the country that has given them a home, and support to rebuild their lives.

“So many refugees over many generations have become proud hard working British citizens as doctors, entrepreneurs and other professionals. Becoming a British citizen has helped them give back to their communities and this should be celebrated, not prevented. We urge ministers to urgently reconsider.

“Everyone deserves the chance to settle and fully integrate into society. I’m a survivor of torture, a British citizen, and I’ve even received an MBE from the late Queen.

“I know many people who also want to contribute to Britain, but blocking their ability to become citizens prevents refugees from fully integrating and flourishing in their new communities.”

Citizenship applications are decided on a case-by-case basis and policies are kept under review.

A Home Office spokesperson said: “There are already rules that can prevent those arriving illegally from gaining citizenship.

“This guidance further strengthens measures to make it clear that anyone who enters the UK illegally, including small boat arrivals, faces having a British citizenship application refused.”

Share Button

Robbie Williams Once Dated Selma Blair, And It Didn’t Exactly End On A High Note

Posted on by
Reply

Earlier this week, the Cruel Intentions actor was a guest on Drew Barrymore’s US talk show, where she shared that decades ago, the British star visited her at her home.

“Robbie Williams was over at my house and it was almost a date. A million years ago,” she recalled.

However, when the Angels singer took a brief look in her fridge, he suddenly made his excuses and left, leaving Selma to reach out to a mutual friend to find out exactly what had gone on.

“Oh, your kitchen was empty, and he knew you don’t cook, so that wasn’t gonna work for him,” came the reply, with Selma adding: “Bravo to him for knowing he needed a tummy filled from his woman.”

“I probably had like a bottle of champagne and like a Fig Newton in the fridge from a year ago,” she quipped. “So he judged accurately that I wasn’t the one that was gonna nourish him.”

While primarily known for his music career, Robbie recently made the jump to the film world thanks to his biopic Better Man, which famously has him portrayed on screen at different stages of his life by a CGI chimp.

Robbie has now been married to his wife, the American model and TV personality Ayda Field, since 2010, and the couple share four children.

Watch Selma Blair’s interview on The Drew Barrymore Show below:

Share Button

This Is How Sarah Jessica Parker Really Feels About People Slating Carrie Bradshaw

Posted on by
Reply

It’s fair to say that attitudes towards Sex And The City have shifted over time.

But there’s one other debate relating to Sex And The City that’s also become more heated over time – one relating to its leading lady, Carrie Bradshaw.

Let’s face it, Sarah Jessica Parker’s character wasn’t always the easiest to root for – particularly when it came to her affair with Mr Big while he was married and she was still with her boyfriend Aidan – but modern audiences have been even more scathing about Carrie, taking issue with everything from her self-centredness to her dramatic tendencies and the way she treats other characters in the show.

And it sounds like SJP has taken some of these criticisms to heart.

During the latest episode of her co-star Kristin Davis’ podcast Are You A Charlotte?, the host told Sex And The City showrunner Michael Patrick King: “There’s still people who are like, ‘Carrie’s the worst!’. Or whatever different thing it is that week…”

Kristin then revealed that Sarah Jessica Parker does take these comments “personally”, revealing that before they began working on revival And Just Like That, the Emmy winner confided in her, asking: “What is this thing where people don’t like Carrie? I mean, how could they not like Carrie?”

Share Button

Ed Sheeran Had A Hilarious Reaction To Viral Clip Of Indian Police Shutting Down His Busking Performance

Posted on by
Reply

Ed Sheeran has spoken out after police in India abruptly shut down a street performance of his.

Over the weekend, while on tour in India, Ed popped up in Bengaluru’s Church Street street for a surprise performance.

However, in footage that was widely circulated on social media (including three million views on X alone), a local police officer was seen unplugging the Grammy winner’s sound equipment while he was in the middle of singing Shape Of You, shutting down the performance.

<div class="js-react-hydrator" data-component-name="Twitter" data-component-id="4992" data-component-props="{"itemType":"rich","index":5,"contentIndexByType":1,"contentListType":"embed","code":"

A police officer unplugs Ed Sheeran’s equipment during a street performance in India:

“We have permission to be here, but this policeman is shutting it down. See you later!”

pic.twitter.com/X5MMq7Zlia

— Pop Base (@PopBase) February 10, 2025

","type":"rich","meta":{"author":"Pop Base","author_url":"https://twitter.com/PopBase","cache_age":86400,"description":"A police officer unplugs Ed Sheeran’s equipment during a street performance in India:“We have permission to be here, but this policeman is shutting it down. See you later!” pic.twitter.com/X5MMq7Zlia— Pop Base (@PopBase) February 10, 2025\n\n\n","options":{"_hide_media":{"label":"Hide photos, videos, and cards","value":false},"_maxwidth":{"label":"Adjust width","placeholder":"220-550, in px","value":""},"_theme":{"value":"","values":{"dark":"Use dark theme"}}},"provider_name":"Twitter","thumbnail_height":1280,"thumbnail_url":"https://pbs.twimg.com/ext_tw_video_thumb/1888616685428699136/pu/img/AFSxR-GNCgrP3m2e.jpg:large","thumbnail_width":720,"title":"Pop Base on Twitter / X","type":"rich","url":"https://twitter.com/PopBase/status/1888796896673648865","version":"1.0"},"flags":[],"enhancements":{},"fullBleed":false,"options":{"theme":"news","device":"desktop","editionInfo":{"id":"uk","name":"U.K.","link":"https://www.huffingtonpost.co.uk","locale":"en_GB"},"originalEdition":"uk","isMapi":false,"isAmp":false,"isAdsFree":false,"isVideoEntry":false,"isEntry":true,"isMt":false,"entryId":"67ab30f2e4b0edd177ddb321","entryPermalink":"https://www.huffingtonpost.co.uk/entry/ed-sheeran-reacts-viral-clip-indian-police-busking_uk_67ab30f2e4b0edd177ddb321","entryTagsList":"uk-celebrity,ukmusic,ed-sheeran","sectionSlug":"entertainment","deptSlug":null,"sectionRedirectUrl":null,"subcategories":"","isWide":false,"headerOverride":null,"noVideoAds":false,"disableFloat":false,"isNative":false,"commercialVideo":{"provider":"custom","site_and_category":"uk.entertainment","package":null},"isHighline":false,"vidibleConfigValues":{"cid":"60afc140cf94592c45d7390c","disabledWithMapiEntries":false,"overrides":{"all":"60b8e525cdd90620331baaf4"},"whitelisted":["56c5f12ee4b03a39c93c9439","56c6056ee4b01f2b7e1b5f35","59bfee7f9e451049f87f550b","5acccbaac269d609ef44c529","570278d2e4b070ff77b98217","57027b4be4b070ff77b98d5c","56fe95c4e4b0041c4242016b","570279cfe4b06d08e3629954","5ba9e8821c2e65639162ccf1","5bcd9904821576674bc55ced","5d076ca127f25f504327c72e","5b35266b158f855373e28256","5ebac2e8abddfb04f877dff2","60b8e525cdd90620331baaf4","60b64354b171b7444beaff4d","60d0d8e09340d7032ad0fb1a","60d0d90f9340d7032ad0fbeb","60d0d9949340d7032ad0fed3","60d0d9f99340d7032ad10113","60d0daa69340d7032ad104cf","60d0de02b627221e9d819408"],"playlists":{"default":"57bc306888d2ff1a7f6b5579","news":"56c6dbcee4b04edee8beb49c","politics":"56c6dbcee4b04edee8beb49c","entertainment":"56c6e7f2e4b0983aa64c60fc","tech":"56c6f70ae4b043c5bdcaebf9","parents":"56cc65c2e4b0239099455b42","lifestyle":"56cc66a9e4b01f81ef94e98c"},"playerUpdates":{"56c6056ee4b01f2b7e1b5f35":"60b8e525cdd90620331baaf4","56c5f12ee4b03a39c93c9439":"60d0d8e09340d7032ad0fb1a","59bfee7f9e451049f87f550b":"60d0d90f9340d7032ad0fbeb","5acccbaac269d609ef44c529":"60d0d9949340d7032ad0fed3","5bcd9904821576674bc55ced":"60d0d9f99340d7032ad10113","5d076ca127f25f504327c72e":"60d0daa69340d7032ad104cf","5ebac2e8abddfb04f877dff2":"60d0de02b627221e9d819408"}},"connatixConfigValues":{"defaultPlayer":"8b034f64-513c-4987-b16f-42d6008f7feb","clickToPlayPlayer":"5a777b9b-81fe-41a6-8302-59e9953ee8a2","videoPagePlayer":"19654b65-409c-4b38-90db-80cbdea02cf4"},"topConnatixThumnbailSrc":"data:image/png;base64,iVBORw0KGgoAAAANSUhEUgAAAAEAAAABCAQAAAC1HAwCAAAAC0lEQVR42mNkYAAAAAYAAjCB0C8AAAAASUVORK5CYII=","customAmpComponents":[],"ampAssetsUrl":"https://amp.assets.huffpost.com","videoTraits":null,"positionInUnitCounts":{"buzz_head":{"count":0},"buzz_body":{"count":0},"buzz_bottom":{"count":0}},"positionInSubUnitCounts":{"article_body":{"count":2},"blog_summary":{"count":0},"before_you_go_content":{"count":0}},"connatixCountsHelper":{"count":0},"buzzfeedTracking":{"context_page_id":"67ab30f2e4b0edd177ddb321","context_page_type":"buzz","destination":"huffpost","mode":"desktop","page_edition":"en-uk"},"tags":[{"name":" uk celebrity","slug":"uk-celebrity","links":{"relativeLink":"news/uk-celebrity","permalink":"https://www.huffingtonpost.co.uk/news/uk-celebrity","mobileWebLink":"https://www.huffingtonpost.co.uk/news/uk-celebrity"},"url":"https://www.huffingtonpost.co.uk/news/uk-celebrity/"},{"name":"ukmusic","slug":"ukmusic","links":{"relativeLink":"news/ukmusic","permalink":"https://www.huffingtonpost.co.uk/news/ukmusic","mobileWebLink":"https://www.huffingtonpost.co.uk/news/ukmusic"},"url":"https://www.huffingtonpost.co.uk/news/ukmusic/"},{"name":"Ed Sheeran","slug":"ed-sheeran","links":{"relativeLink":"news/ed-sheeran","permalink":"https://www.huffingtonpost.co.uk/news/ed-sheeran","mobileWebLink":"https://www.huffingtonpost.co.uk/news/ed-sheeran"},"relegenceId":6019493,"url":"https://www.huffingtonpost.co.uk/news/ed-sheeran/"}],"isLiveblogLive":null,"isLiveblog":false,"cetUnit":"buzz_body","bodyAds":["

\r\n\r\n HPGam.cmd.push(function(){\r\n\t\treturn HPGam.render(\"inline-1\", \"entry_paragraph_1\", false, false);\r\n });\r\n\r\n","

\r\n\r\n HPGam.cmd.push(function(){\r\n\t\treturn HPGam.render(\"inline\", \"entry_paragraph_2\", false, false);\r\n });\r\n\r\n","

\r\n\r\n HPGam.cmd.push(function(){\r\n\t\treturn HPGam.render(\"inline-2\", \"entry_paragraph_3\", false, false);\r\n });\r\n\r\n","

\r\n\r\n HPGam.cmd.push(function(){\r\n\t\treturn HPGam.render(\"inline-infinite\", \"repeating_dynamic_display\", false, false);\r\n });\r\n\r\n"],"adCount":0},"isCollectionEmbed":false}”>

A police officer unplugs Ed Sheeran’s equipment during a street performance in India:

“We have permission to be here, but this policeman is shutting it down. See you later!”

pic.twitter.com/X5MMq7Zlia

— Pop Base (@PopBase) February 10, 2025

According to BBC News, the Lego House singer had acquired permission to perform in the area, which is a popular shopping and entertainment street, but officials claim they rejected this to avoid congestion.

“We had permission to busk, by the way,” he reportedly wrote on Instagram. “Hence, us playing in that exact spot was planned out before.

“It wasn’t just us randomly turning up. All good though. See you at the show tonight.”

Fortunately, Ed seemed to find the humour in the incident.

After reposting a clip on his Instagram story on Monday evening, he quipped that the police officer “prefers Bruno Mars”.

Ed is currently on the Asian leg of his Mathematics tour, which will return to mainland Europe later this year.

The tour actually began in 2022 in support of his album Equals, with his sixth release Subtract coming out while he was still on the road.

Last week, the British singer teased that he had new material coming soon, after revealing he’d been in the studio with pop producer Savan Kotecha, who has previously worked with Ariana Grande, The Weeknd, Lizzo and One Direction.

Share Button