It’s seen movie nights, Sunday naps, and perhaps even a few toddler acrobatics. Your favourite fabric sofa has certainly earned its place in the living room—but it’s probably looking a bit worse for wear. Rather than hide the stains under a throw or pretend the dullness is “vintage charm”, why not give it a proper refresh? With a bit of bicarbonate of soda, you can bring your sofa back to life—naturally, affordably, and without any harsh chemicals.

How to deep-clean a fabric sofa and make it look like new

Tucking into a juicy mango is a treat on its own—but did you know you can turn the leftover seed into a thriving houseplant? Growing a mango tree at home might sound like a tropical fantasy, but with a few simple tools and a little patience, you can sprout a mango seed and watch it develop into a beautiful (and surprisingly low-maintenance) plant.

Easy tricks to sprout a mango seed and grow your own plant at home

Orchids are famous for being both beautiful and temperamental. You water them, give them light, and still… nothing. No flowers, just leaves staring back at you. But here’s a surprising trick many growers swear by: placing your orchid in complete darkness for 48 hours can shock it back into bloom.

Why you absolutely need to put your orchid in the dark to make it bloom

When squatters took a summer holiday, a frustrated homeowner in southern France seized the chance to reclaim her property. Now, instead of relief, she’s facing the possibility of seven years in prison and a €100,000 fine.

Squatters go on vacation, homeowner empties the house—and faces a huge fine

Cutting down on single-use plastics can feel overwhelming, but some swaps are surprisingly simple. A few years ago, I decided to stop buying plastic wrap for food storage. Once I found practical alternatives, I realised I didn’t miss it at all — and my leftovers stayed just as fresh.

You don’t need plastic wrap in your kitchen—here are the best alternatives

Summer meals on the patio can quickly turn stressful when uninvited wasps decide to join the party. These insects are drawn to the smell of food, sweet drinks, and even floral perfumes — but they’re also influenced by color. Knowing what shades to wear (and which to avoid) could make the difference between a peaceful lunch and a flurry of buzzing around your head.

The color that can help keep wasps away

Not all insects are destined for long lives — some burn bright and fast, living only long enough to feed, reproduce, and ensure the next generation. Here are ten examples of insects with remarkably short lifespans, each with its own unique role in nature.

Top 10 insects with the shortest lifespans

Burglaries remain a persistent problem, and thieves are constantly refining their techniques to get into homes without being noticed. But there’s a surprisingly simple and inexpensive way to spot — and possibly deter — an intruder: a glass of water placed in just the right spot.

The simple glass-of-water trick to help prevent break-ins

Hedgehogs may look well-protected under their coat of sharp spines, but these charming visitors to our gardens face more threats than you might think — including one predator you may never have noticed.

The unexpected predator that hunts hedgehogs in your garden