Latest news with #Marks&Spencer
Daily Mirror
2 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Daily Mirror
'My supportive and flattering swimsuit got me so many compliments on holiday'
I took Reebok's sporty and supportive swimsuit away with me and it was the perfect pick for feeling secure and comfortable – so many people complimented me on it I don't know about you, but I find swimwear to be one of the most challenging things to shop for. Trying to find the right fits and shapes for my body can be tricky, and most importantly I need a swimsuit that makes me feel comfortable and confident. So when I snapped up Reebok's Adalia One-Piece Swimsuit, £37.99, and took it along on a girls' trip, I was over the moon when it got so many compliments. The sporty swimsuit is perfect for taking away with you as it covers you for everything from leisurely dips in the pool and relaxing in a hot tub, whilst also keeping you supported whilst you try out a water sport or practice your laps. Whilst I wasn't exactly paddleboarding or kayaking on my trip, I was spending a lot of time lounging around in a hot tub. That meant I needed to feel comfortable and not like I was constantly readjusting everything, which this swimsuit offered. The all-black design is flattering and slimming as well as hiding any lumps and bumps, but the white accents stop it from being too boring or plain. My friends all raved about what a nice fit the Reebok Adalia One-Piece Swimsuit was, and said it look so comfortable and supportive. The cross over straps at the back are my favourite feature, and got a lot of compliments from people. They're stretchy enough to be comfortable whilst also offering extra support for the bust, and show just enough skin without being revealing. The material of the Reebok Adalia One-Piece Swimsuit is thick and stretchy enough to hold you in and support your figure, and doesn't go see through even if you're doing lots of moving around. There are also padded cups in the chest which help give a little extra coverage and support. I've had this swimsuit for almost a year now and have worn it multiple times, and it hasn't lost its shape or gone thin in places. It also washes incredibly well, which is something that cannot be underestimated when you're buying swimwear. My only real gripe is that it's a little short in the body, so if you're tall you might not find it gives you quite as much coverage as you'd like. We have however spotted a similar style at Marks & Spencer, with the Tummy Control Padded Strappy Swimsuit, £35, giving you a similar silhouette with a higher neckline, helping to give your chest some extra coverage. We also love this Speedo Swimsuit Scoop Swimsuit In Peacoat which you can pick up for £34 at ASOS. It has a low scooped back and a high cut leg for a flattering silhouette. However my trusty Reebok's Adalia One-Piece Swimsuit will be coming with me on plenty more holidays and trips away, making it a very worthwhile investment. You can shop it on Amazon for £37.99, or head over to Sports Direct where it's currently on sale.
Times
9 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Times
The sweet sandwich is simply not food
The combination of strawberries, cream cheese and sweet bread arguably makes the sandwich an outright dessert TOM REGESTER F illing and nutritious. Conveniently portable. Capable of being eaten without the mediating instruments of cutlery. Simple, yet susceptible of endless variation. However justly maligned the long history of British cuisine is, the sandwich is one edible artefact this country can take some pride in having bestowed on the world. The culinary conceit of using bread as a wrapper for other foodstuffs is one of those ideas that seems so natural it is hard to believe it had to be invented. Yet one of the sandwich's central strengths — its versatility — is also a source of danger. Its adaptability is easily abused. Does jam, or 'jelly', really belong in a sandwich? Do crisps? Other attempts to extend the genre simply testify to man's overweening hubris. Come winter, the chilly shelves of cafés are now routinely filled with sandwiches that purport to fit an entire Christmas dinner between two slices of bread. The latest attempt to desecrate the legacy of the 4th Earl of Sandwich comes courtesy of Marks & Spencer, where it is now possible to purchase a strawberries and cream sandwich. The 'limited edition Red Diamond Strawberry and Creme on soft, sweetened bread' is even more subversive than it seems. After all, the attempt to transform the savoury sandwich into a sweet snack brings inherent challenges. Here, the combination of cream cheese, sweet bread, and the fact that the sandwich takes the form of a sinister, single sleeve, arguably make the object an outright dessert. M&S, which pioneered the shop-bought sandwich in the late 1970s, is an innovator to be reckoned with. The strawberry sandwich has certainly given the internet's 'clickbait' food influencers something to chew on, as they film themselves sampling the novel delicacy. Yet it is hard not to think Britain's sandwich makers really ought to stick to the bread and butter methods of ages past.
Wales Online
17 hours ago
- Lifestyle
- Wales Online
Next's 'so comfy' leopard print sandals are 'easy to wear all day'
Next's 'so comfy' leopard print sandals are 'easy to wear all day' The funky statement sandals have a Forever Comfort sole and a flatform wedge heel Shoppers are loving the leopard print sandals (Image: Next ) Every footwear collection needs to include a comfortable yet stylish pair of sandals that can be worn for any occasion throughout the summer months. Next shoppers are currently loving the Leopard Print Leather Strap Buckle Detail Sandals that feature a Forever Comfort sole. Priced at £59, the funky statement sandals are available in sizes three to nine, including half sizes. They are made from pure leather and have a chunky strap design with buckle detailing. Next says the flatform wedge heel provides 'comfort and support with a touch of height'. As well as being ideal for wearing out and about at home, the sandals are perfect for taking on holiday, whether it's a city break full of exploring or a relaxing trip abroad. READ MORE: Shift worker says he's 'literally saved' from 'countless sleepless nights' with supplement READ MORE: Next's £29 summer sandals have shoppers 'obsessed' with their comfort and style We think the Leopard Print Leather Strap Buckle Detail Sandals would look fabulous worn with shorts and a vest top for a stroll on a hot day. Heading out in the evening? Pair them with a floaty dress for dinner plans in the sunshine. For shoppers requiring a wide-fit sandal, New Look is currently offering a 25% discount on its Wide Fit Faux Leather Leopard Print Buckle Strap Sandals. Reduced from £29.99 to £22.49, these are available in sizes ranging from three to eight. Leopard Print Leather Strap Buckle Detail Sandals £59 Next Buy here Product Description The sandals have a Forever Comfort sole and a flatform wedge heel. Those who prefer an ankle strap for added support may be interested in Marks & Spencer's Leather Leopard Print Flatform Sandals. These are priced at £49.50 and come in sizes three to eight. Several Next shoppers have already shared their thoughts on the Leopard Print Leather Strap Buckle Detail Sandals. They've earned an overall rating of four stars out of five. One happy buyer said: "They look great and are so comfy. Nice to have something a bit more funky than a plain colour." The sandals have a Forever Comfort sole (Image: Next ) "These are so comfortable," wrote another delighted customer. "I am on my feet all day at work and these are easy to wear all day. Very sturdy and in my absolute favourite leopard print." Article continues below Sadly one Next shopper was left unimpressed with the Leopard Print Leather Strap Buckle Detail Sandals. They explained: "Far too heavy for me. Very disappointed, I won't be wearing them." In contrast, someone else left a glowing five-star review: "These really are wide fit sandals which is nice - no more cramped toes. Adjustable buckles which are useful and a really comfy sole. These feel really sturdy on the feet."
Metro
19 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Metro
I helped create M&S picky bits — here's my hack for the ultimate dinner
It's June 27, which means it's officially National Picky Bits Day… at least, it is according to M&S. The retailer is proclaiming today a holiday of sorts in honour of its new summer range being released, which includes 50 new items perfect for picnics, grazing boards and girl dinners. Top picks from the new selection include everything from Marmite and Cheddar Sausage Rolls to Coronation Chicken Pies, Grilled Turkish Olives and topped dips. And there's even a theme song for the day, as X Factor star Diana Vickers and songwriter Chiara Hunter (Ki and Dee) have teamed up on a track about picky bits, which some have joked is the 'anthem of the summer'. But how did Marks & Spencer become the self-proclaimed 'home' of picky bits and who comes up with the ideas for the new products? Metro spoke to Taron van der Berg, a product developer who has worked for M&S for almost two years, to find out everything you need to know. According to Taron, who worked on creating the new range, the team came up with a whopping 250 ideas for different picky bits when planning the new range for summer 2025. This then had to be whittled down to the 50 that have been released, with some suggestions being tucked away to be used at Christmas time. The focus this year was to create a range that looked vibrant, inviting and visual, so that customers would be able to really 'feast with their eyes'. 'We want to set trends and really challenge ourselves to do this when creating a new product,' Taron explained. 'For picky bits, we start by looking at what was popular last summer as well as customer feedback and data. 'We don't just look at the UK though, we work closely with our suppliers and travel to places like Spain, Turkey and Greece to source exclusive ingredients and jump on trends elsewhere in the market that people might see when they go on holiday. Then we bring them to M&S.' But there are a few rules that have to be followed when coming up with ideas for the perfect picky bits. 'It's got to be delicious, but it also has to be bite-sized and convenient,' Taron says. 'You want to be able to walk into a store, chuck food in your bag, head over to a table or picnic spot, lay it all out and be able to dig in. 'We also have to think of the experience, as having a picnic can be a bit of an occasion with good food, conversation and perhaps a tinnie or some wine. You'll need to be able to eat some of it with your hands and some with wooden cutlery but it can't all require a spoon.' Some of the most popular new items in the range include the dips, and while houmous has always been a staple at M&S, the topped dips offer something a little different. A key example is the Ploughman's Dip (£3.50), which features a soft cheese and cheddar dip, topped with a spiced vegetable and apple chutney, ham hock, silverskin onions and parsley. 'We knew our customers already loved our Ploughman's Pot, so we sat down and were like what variation of this could we make that they'd love even more, so we ended up with the dip and also a spicy Ploughman's Pot.' There's also a new Topped Chicken Shawarma Dip and a Whipped Spicy Nacho Cheese one. 'I believe anything can be a dip, it's something I challenge myself to think about every day,' Taron adds. And when asked if we might ever see the beloved sauce from the discontinued M&S Pizza Dippers turned into a dip, she said: 'Never say never, watch this space.' But the best part about the topped dips is that they're incredibly versatile – you can dunk crisps into them, or you can get a little more creative. 'A few people have told me they've been using them as bagel or sandwich fillings, especially the Chicken Shawarma one as it's got everything you need in it.' Taron also shared a few other hacks for the new products as it turns out they can be used as more than just picky bits – they could help you create the ultimate dinner. 'They're not just picky bits, they're ingredients. For instance, some of our pepper pots, like the new Sunburst Orange Peppers, are really good if you chop them up and put them in a salad,' she suggests. 'We've also launched balsamic onions, which are great for snacking, but similarly, if you're making a pasta dish, you can chop those up and add them to that. 'I also like to take the Red Pepper & Walnut Dip and put it straight on a plate, you can do the same with the aubergine one. Then I take some broccoli or steamed veg and put that over the top and drizzle with a little olive oil. It becomes a beautiful deconstructed salad. 'The Whipped Herby Feta Dip would also pair nicely with some steamed broccoli, maybe throw some seeds on top and olive oil. It'll go down really well.' If you prefer to stick with a more classic picky tea, then you could always make a 'charcutable', which is something Taron loves to do when having people over to eat. For this, she covers her dining table in greaseproof paper, then lays everything out on top of it, straight on the table, like a giant charcuterie board. More Trending What you put on the table will depend on who is eating and where you are, but she recommends starting with some olives, as they're 'super easy to snack on'. 'You definitely need a dip,' she continues. 'Grab a Topped Chicken Shawarma and then you'll need a dip carrier. We've got some amazing new crisps, but the pitta chips also go really well with the chicken. 'Next, you'll want some kind of pastry, like a sausage roll and then add some pots, perhaps meat and cheese, some peppers and the new bean ones – the Giant Butterbeans with a Caesar-style dressing would be perfect. View More » 'This way, you've got a bit of everything, there's good variety and you can try and please all your guests.' Do you have a story to share? Get in touch by emailing MetroLifestyleTeam@ MORE: McDonald's just made major change to the Filet-O-Fish for first time in 50 years MORE: Underrated UK village is a foodie heaven with three Michelin-starred restaurants MORE: Bowling, burgers, fries and drinks: 10 unmissable Time Out deals Your free newsletter guide to the best London has on offer, from drinks deals to restaurant reviews.
Wales Online
20 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Wales Online
I tried the M&S strawberry and cream sandwich and have one recommendation
I tried the M&S strawberry and cream sandwich and have one recommendation Marks & Spencer's new strawberries and cream sandwich is perhaps its most unusual yet, combining ingredients you wouldn't normally see in a sarnie M&S' new sandwich is inspired by a popular Japanese dessert (Image: Billy Labrum/Reach PLC ) Marks & Spencer's latest sandwich offering might just be one of its most unique concoctions to date. It's safe to say that the sweetened sandwich had some mixed reviews. The packet only includes half a round of sandwich, and offers strawberries in a filling made of creme fraiche and sweetened full-fat soft cheese. The bread is a kid of sweetened brioche rather than normal sandwich loaf. And it turns out that some people are absolutely in love with it, while others thing the superstore has lost its mind. M&S says its Red Diamond Strawberry & Creme Sandwich is inspired by a Japanese fruit sando, a type of sweetened sandwich that has become popular in Japan. Express reporter Brian Dillon decided to give it a go himself and although he loved the first few bites, he felt very differently by the end and recommends anyone wanting to experience a Japanese fruit sando should head to a proper Japanese cafe or bakery instead. He writes: "I decided to try it and I enjoyed the first few bites - but I felt quite different by the end. "The supermarket's limited edition Red Diamond Strawberry & Creme Sandwich has hit shelves across the country ahead of Wimbledon, and shoppers might be surprised to find it amongst other lunchtime staples. Article continues below "M&S describes it as a "game-changing" treat inspired by Japanese desserts. I first looked for it in the dessert fridge but it was nowhere to be found. For the latest restaurant news and reviews, sign up to our food and drink newsletter here "Once I headed to get my usual lunch sandwich, there it was amongst the chicken Caesar wraps and prawn mayo sandwiches. I was apprehensive. "A dessert sandwich isn't something I dream about. When it came to the first bite, what struck me was how rich it was. The sandwich consists of strawberries, crème fraîche and sweetened full-fat soft cheese. The first bite was immensely sweet, and it was delightful. Express reporter Brian Dillon trying the new, limited edition sandwich (Image: Billy Labrum/Reach PLC ) "As for the bread, it was an experience on its own. A brioche-style bun provided the spongey vessel necessary for such a delectable dessert sandwich. "The bread was certainly interesting. The brioche-style bun was spongy, the only kind of bread you could have used for a dessert like this. "While the first bite was scrumptious, it got less enjoyable the more I ate it. As you can imagine, thick slices of brioche-style bread with a generous helping of cream proved to be a lot to digest. I was very full afterwards, despite how small this treat actually looks. By the end, it was quite sickly. "Kudos go to M&S for the fresh strawberries inside. "At £2.80, I wasn't expecting the fruit to be this plump. In fact, all of the ingredients were delightful, and each tasted like high-quality M&S stuff. But when all of it is put together into a sandwich, it becomes too much quite quickly. "I'm glad to have had it and I would recommend trying it yourself, even if you want to eat it in a couple of goes. But would I buy it again? There are things in life I'm happy to experience just once. My advice: share it to avoid an uncomfortably full tummy. "The sandwich is a limited edition, so it is available for a short time. I think you should get your hands on it while you can. "The dessert is inspired by Japanese Sandos, which are sweet sandwiches, so it's a great introduction to a new dessert that is gaining some traction in the UK. Article continues below "However, I reckon it might be best to go to a Japanese café or bakery to try the real deal rather than your local M&S!"
