Lifestyle

The role of a Health and Welfare LPA when making decisions for someone in hospital

When a loved one is admitted to hospital and lacks mental capacity to make decisions for themselves, having a Health and Welfare Lasting Power of Attorney (LPA) in place can be vital. But even if you are named as their attorney, you may be unsure how and when to use that authority or how it interacts with the views of doctors or next of kin. ‘Being appointed under a Health and Welfare LPA gives you important legal authority, but many attorneys are unsure how far that power goes, especially in a medical setting,’ explains Susan Owens of Borneo Martell Turner..

 Lifestyle
Beauty & Fashion See All

Winter skin survival guide: Stay glowy, not frostbitten

Ah, winter. The season of cosy jumpers, hot chocolates, and (let’s be honest) skin that feels like it’s gone ten rounds with a sandstorm. The icy winds and central heating don’t do us any favours, but don’t panic – you can totally outsmart the season with a few clever tricks. Let’s get your skin glowing, even when it’s snowing. Hydrate Inside and Out We know – drinking water in winter feels like a chore. But your skin needs hydration to stay soft and plump. If plain water is too boring, try herbal teas or warm lemon water (it’s hydrating and..

 Lifestyle
Family See All

Things to do this May half term across Northamptonshire

May half term is here, and as usual, the British weather can’t quite decide what it’s doing, sun one minute, showers the next! If you’re looking for ways to keep the kids entertained (without losing your sanity), we’ve rounded up a brilliant mix of indoor and outdoor activities happening across Northamptonshire this week. Whether it’s bug-hunting in the sunshine or cinema trips on drizzly days, here are some fun family-friendly ideas to keep everyone happy whatever the weather. 1. Enjoy Adventure Play at Wicksteed Park KetteringWicksteed Park is a classic family favourite with over 30 rides and attractions, a huge..

 Lifestyle
Health & Fitness See All

Cancer patient launches fitness-focused charity to support others living with the disease

A Northamptonshire mother diagnosed with terminal cancer is preparing to launch a new charity designed to support others living with the condition through exercise-based initiatives. Victoria Skinner, 38, who has been living with cancer since 2015, is set to unveil The Tor-Rox Foundation at a formal launch event in Northampton on 26 March 2025. The charity, named in part after her nickname, ‘Tor’, will offer financial grants to help cancer patients access personalised exercise and wellness programmes. The mother of five-year-old Isla has raised more than £33,000 through a series of strenuous personal challenges, including a solo Hyrox competition, in..

 Lifestyle
House & Home See All

How to Create a Sleep Sanctuary – The Trend Everyone’s Dreaming About

In a world that feels increasingly chaotic, the importance of quality sleep has never been clearer. But more than just slipping under the covers for eight hours, today's wellness-savvy homeowners are designing their bedrooms to function as full-blown sleep sanctuaries - tranquil, sensory-rich spaces optimised for deep rest and mental restoration. This movement isn’t just about aesthetics; it’s a blend of science, self-care and style. The sleep sanctuary trend stems from a growing awareness of sleep’s critical role in overall health. With studies linking sleep to everything from immune function to emotional regulation and cognitive performance, many people are rethinking..

 Lifestyle
Legal See All

Think DIY Wills save money? Here’s 10 reasons they don’t

With the rising cost of living, it is understandable that many people look for ways to save money including drafting their own Wills. However, creating a Will without legal advice can end up costing you and your loved ones far more than the price of a professionally prepared one. 1. Ambiguous drafting can change your intentions Wills must be precisely drafted. Even a simple phrase can have unintended consequences. For example, stating “I leave my estate to my children equally” may unintentionally exclude stepchildren as the term ‘children’ only refers to biological or legally adopted children unless specified otherwise. 2...

 Lifestyle
Leisure See All

31 Days of Summer: Celebrating Northamptonshire’s best bits, one day at a time

Sometimes the simplest ideas are the ones that stick. This August, the Northamptonshire Tourism Business Network is doing just that – shining a big, sunny spotlight on all the brilliant things to see, do, eat and experience in our county. It’s called 31 Days of Summer, and it’s exactly what it sounds like – every single day, a different local gem will take centre stage. It might be a historic house, an adrenaline-fuelled activity, a cosy independent café, or a family-friendly festival. The only rule? It’s got to be something that shows off the very best of Northamptonshire. From Delapré..

 Lifestyle