Latest news with #MelHunter
The Sun
05-05-2025
- General
- The Sun
Seven ways to turn your ice-cube tray into your kitchen's secret weapon this summer
Mel Hunter Published: Invalid Date, AS temperatures rise, an ice-cube tray is about to become your kitchen's secret weapon. Clever tricks will help you beat food waste, save money and keep cool all summer long with no fancy equipment required. Here are some to try . . . LATTE LOVE: Freeze leftover filter coffee in trays for instant iced coffees. Drop into milk with a drizzle of caramel sauce, if you have it, for a barista-style treat that costs pennies. QUICK DINNER: If you have a little curry paste or pesto left over from a mealtime, put the rest into your ice-cube tray and freeze. For fast future tea-times, you have instant curry paste — just add coconut milk and meat — or for pesto, add to hot pasta with a drizzle of olive oil. If you have chimichurri or salsa verde left over after a steak dinner, freeze the remaining mixture in your ice tray and drop into soups as a topper. TOP TOMS: We all have a few leftover cherry tomatoes and instead of letting them go off and in the bin, pop them into your ice-cube tray. You can grate the frozen cherry tomatoes over a fresh salad or burrata in future. STOCK UP: Reduce homemade stock by half and freeze concentrated cubes. Two cubes plus hot water equals instant flavour boost for risottos or gravy. GRAPE IDEA: If you had a boozy bank holiday, don't bin those wine bottles just yet. Pour the dregs into your ice-cube tray and freeze, ready to add flavour to your next bolognese. HEALTHY HIT: Lemons and ginger going off in the fridge? Blend the juice and ginger together and freeze the mixture in your tray. Busy mum unveils milk ice cube hack for tea - but people can't decide whether it's genius or odd Pop the cubes into hot water when you next feel ill, for an immune-boost healthy drink. TRAY TRICK: To avoid freezer burn, get yourself an ice-cube tray with a lid. Ikea is selling a pack of two for just £3 at the moment. All prices on page correct at time of going to press. Deals and offers subject to availability Deal of the day MAKE your own pud with the Ninja CREAMi ice cream and frozen dessert maker, down to £179.99 from £199.99 at Cheap treat 7 GET your beauty fix at The Dove Summer Revived self tan is down from £4.99 to £2. Top swap CELEBS love the Hermès Chypre sandals, £760 at But we like these sandals, priced £28. Shop & save Dunelm. It was £249, now reduced to £199. Hot right now THE Big Orange Sale is now on at Get up to 20 per cent off flights and up to £200 off package hols with the code ORANGE. PLAY NOW TO WIN £200 JOIN thousands of readers taking part in The Sun Raffle. Every month we're giving away £100 to 250 lucky readers - whether you're saving up or just in need of some extra cash, The Sun could have you covered. Every Sun Savers code entered equals one Raffle ticket. The more codes you enter, the more tickets you'll earn and the more chance you will have of winning!
The Sun
04-05-2025
- Entertainment
- The Sun
Five savvy ways to mark the Mexican festival of Cinco de Mayo
Mel Hunter Published: Invalid Date, TODAY'S date of May 5 has serious Mex appeal. The Mexican festival of Cinco de Mayo is an annual celebration of their culture and heritage. 7 So here's some budget food ideas, and freebies, to help you join in the fun. . . HOLY GUACAMOLE: Chipotle is giving away grub today. Download the Chipotle UK app and use code CINCO25 when completing your order in restaurants or for delivery. At all UK locations until the end of the day, get a free portion of tortilla chips and guacamole with your order. TORTILLA TIME: Tango with your tastebuds at Aldi as the new Taste Of Mexico range has landed in stores. Whip up a budget dinner by marinating meat in the new Fiesta Mexican marinade in margarita-style lime, 59p, and snack on new Fiesta tortilla chips in mojito flavour, 95p. There are also nacho cheese pork sausages, £2.49, which make a tasty side dish. Don't forget party decorations from 99p. STRIKE IT LUCKY: Celebrate with a game of bowling at All Star Lanes. If you need a boost to get going, treat yourself to two margaritas for £14, until the end of today. I'm a Taco Bell employee - my Mexican Pizza trick turned out to be the 'crossover we didn't know we needed' KITCHEN FIESTA: Create your own feast at home. At Asda, pick up a Mexican meal kit with crunchy taco shells, seasoning and salsa for £1.84 — just add your favourite meat. You can also make your own tortillas with 250g plain flour, 2tbsp vegetable oil and a pinch of salt. Mix with 150ml warm water, knead and rest for 15 minutes before cutting and rolling into discs and cooking in a dry pan for a few minutes on each side. STAMP 'N' SAVE: At Mexican and South American restaurant Las Iguanas, there's a new loyalty deal to ensure you keep enjoying your favourite foods. Join the Iguana Club, spend £30 when dining and scan the Las Iguanas app to collect an Iguana stamp. Collect three stamps before July 1, 2025, and unlock 50 per cent off food for 90 days. Valid Sunday to Thursday. All prices on page correct at time of going to press. Deals and offers subject to availability. Deal of the day WATCH out for bargains – H. Samuel's sale is now on and you can pick up this super-cool Armani Exchange Spencer watch, previously £199, for £99 at SAVE: £99 Cheap treat 7 USE your Lidl Plus app to get a pack of Harvest Basket Hash Browns, usually £1.69, for £1.39 at Lidl now. Top swap FAKE a tan with the Drunk Elephant D-Bronzi Sunshine Drops, £34, from Boots. Or get the Essence Drop of Sunshine Bronzing Drops for £3.95 at Shop & save NO Iron? No problem. The Steamworks handheld steamer fits neatly in a suitcase and it's a lifesaver on cruises. It was £26, now £19, at Argos. Hot right now UNTIL the end of today, buy two pairs of adult or children's shoes at Clarks and get 20 per cent off. PLAY NOW TO WIN £200 JOIN thousands of readers taking part in The Sun Raffle. Every month we're giving away £100 to 250 lucky readers - whether you're saving up or just in need of some extra cash, The Sun could have you covered. Every Sun Savers code entered equals one Raffle ticket.
The Sun
02-05-2025
- Business
- The Sun
Celebrate for less with four great budget Champagnes
Mel Hunter Published: Invalid Date, IF you are throwing a celebration, a glass of bubbly is the ultimate tipple. But you don't have to spend big for Champagne. 8 You can get fab fizz for a fraction of the cost. Try one of these sparkling alternatives recommended by the experts. FRENCH FIZZ: Only sparkling wine from the Champagne region of France can be labelled Champagne. If it is made elsewhere in France, it is called Cremant. This is created using the same method but, without the Champagne name, it does not command the same premium. Jennifer Deacon at Laithwaites says: 'If you love Champagne but want something easier on the pocket, Cremant is your best friend.' Try Morrisons' The Best Cremant de Limoux, £12.25. Jennifer says: 'Cava is such a smart buy right now. "It's another sparkling wine where the hotter climate brings out fruitier flavours.' Woman shares Prosecco secret code hack and how to know if it tastes like champagne You can currently get Cava Brut for £5.79 at Sainsbury's. CHEAP AND CHEERFUL: Prosecco is made differently to Champagne or Cava, so the flavours are slightly different but it's also a cheaper option. Jennifer says: 'Put very simply — Champagne is made in a bottle, whereas Prosecco is made in a tank. Top tip: look for 'Prosecco DOC' on the label.' Until May 4, Aldi has dropped the price of its Prosecco Spumante DOC to £4.99, down from £6.99 making it the perfect time to stock up. EXPERIMENT WITH ENGLISH: English sparkling wine is getting more popular and is a match for most continental tipples. Get a bottle of Asquith Gardens wine for £17.97 at Asda or Tesco Finest English sparkling is £18.50 down from £21.50 with a Clubcard. Both supermarkets are running buy six, save 25 per cent offers on wine at the moment 8 All prices on page correct at time of going to press. Deals and offers subject to availability. DEAL OF THE DAY SIZZLE your steaks on the George Foreman medium family grill, down from £39 to £29 in the sale at B&M. SAVE: £10 CHEAP TREAT 8 FOX'S milk chocolate chip, white chocolate chip and half-coated chocolate chip cookies are down from £2.50 to £1 at Iceland and The Food Warehouse. WHAT'S NEW? MAKE a date for a bank holiday weekend brunch at Frankie & Benny's, with two dishes for the price of one until 1pm from today until Monday, and then again from May 24 to 26. TOP SWAP 8 8 CHILL in the Seville striped hanging swing chair, £32.99 from or gently rock for less in this rope chair, from B&Q, £19.99. SAVE: £13 LITTLE HELPER IT'S all about Lego Star Wars at The Entertainer. Spend more than £20 in-store until Monday and get a free Star Wars gift. And there's 25 per cent off selected Lego Star Wars sets until May 12. SHOP & SAVE 8 FLEX your Morrisons More card to get Pampers nappy pants for £4.50, down from £11, for various sizes. PLAY NOW TO WIN £200 8 JOIN thousands of readers taking part in The Sun Raffle. Every month we're giving away £100 to 250 lucky readers - whether you're saving up or just in need of some extra cash, The Sun could have you covered. Every Sun Savers code entered equals one Raffle ticket. The more codes you enter, the more tickets you'll earn and the more chance you will have of winning!
The Sun
27-04-2025
- Health
- The Sun
Five budget-friendly ways to aid recovery after you exercise
Mel Hunter Published: Invalid Date, WERE you one of the 92,000 brave souls running yesterday's London and Manchester marathons? Whether you crossed the finish line or are just getting active, recovery is key. Here, fitness guru Rosaria Barreto-Ellis, founder of and for budget-friendly recovery tips . . . REHYDRATION STATION: After intense exercise, your body loses not just water, but essential salts such as sodium and potassium. Instead of pricey sports drinks, make a DIY electrolyte drink by mixing water with a pinch of salt, a splash of orange juice and a teaspoon of honey. Coconut water is a great alternative when it's on offer. PROTEIN POWER: Protein helps repair muscles after running and exercise. Budget options I recommend include low-fat Greek yoghurt, eggs, chickpeas or tuna. For convenience, try a protein shake but look for the unflavoured or supermarket-own versions, which are usually cleaner and cheaper. MAGNESIUM BOOST: Magnesium is a great way to support muscle repair and reduce cramps post-exercise. Affordable sources include spinach, pumpkin seeds, wholegrains and even dark chocolate. Soaking in Epsom bath salts is also a way to absorb magnesium through the skin and there are options on offer at stores for under a fiver. STRETCH 'N' SAVE: A no-cost, easy way to ensure great recovery is by stretching. Prioritise dynamic stretching pre-run (where you keep moving through the stretches) and static stretching post-run (where you hold a stretch). 40 Day Health Challenge expert discusses nausea during exercise Use a tennis ball or water bottle for rolling tight areas. As an alternative to compression gear, elevate your legs for five to ten minutes after exercise, to reduce swelling and improve circulation. SLEEP ON IT: Sleep is an underrated recovery tool. Aim for seven to nine hours a night, and sneak a 20-minute nap the day after a long run. All prices on page correct at time of going to press. Deals and offers subject to availability Deal of the day UPGRADE your picnic in the park with the Strandon folding table and stools set, on offer at Ikea. Previously £45, now £29. Cheap treat 7 REMEMBER these sweets? A pack of Jazzles, RRP £1, is 89p at Poundland now. What's new? EVER fancied a pie and a cheeseburger at the same time – I know I have. Well, you're in luck. The new Pukka cheeseburger pie lands in Morrisons stores today. It's £1.50 for now, RRP £2. Top swap GET ready for a summer of fun by stocking up on holiday essentials now. This Wilko bodyboard is £9.99, but get a similar style, for £6.99 at Home Bargains. Little helper GO to Prezzo today and order a drink to get a main pizza or pasta for 99p. Deal is for up to 12 people, but you MUST pre-book and get a redeem code, at Shop & save Superdrug. Hot right now STOCK up for upcoming birthday parties with cards and wrapping paper starting from 90p in the clearance sale at PLAY NOW TO WIN £200 JOIN thousands of readers taking part in The Sun Raffle. Every month we're giving away £100 to 250 lucky readers - whether you're saving up or just in need of some extra cash, The Sun could have you covered. Every Sun Savers code entered equals one Raffle ticket. The more codes you enter, the more tickets you'll earn and the more chance you will have of winning!
The Sun
25-04-2025
- The Sun
Five savvy tips to slash the cost of travel on your next holiday – from apps to schemes
Mel Hunter Published: Invalid Date, TELLY'S Race Across The World teams speed between checkpoints using the cheapest and fastest travel routes. But you don't need to be haring around in the latest BBC series to want to save money. Travel cheaply by doing your homework and, unlike the tech-free contestants, using websites and apps. TOLL ORDERS: Motorway fees apply in Spain, Italy and France, while Belgium and Germany are largely toll-free. France's toll roads can cost you up to £110 if you travel from Calais to the Spanish border. To cut costs, use Google maps and click the 'avoid tolls' button. If sticking to fast roads, search for the cheapest options at CITY SAVERS: Work out how to use public transport in a new city using the 'get me somewhere' function on the Citymapper app. To avoid extra charges, switch off mobile data and plan your route when you have access to wifi. COMMUTE FOR LESS: Family travel expert Natalie Smith (@frugal_mum_uk) takes the train from the suburbs when visiting big cities. She says: 'It's cheaper than parking, and less stressful. When we visited Rome, we got a 24-hour travel pass and travelled in from a town called Vitinia — seven Euros for adults, free for kids under 11.' TICKET TO RIDE: Travelling by train is an adventure in a different country, but you need to know how to get the best value fares. Research where you're going, looking for special explorer tickets and family passes. In Italy and Spain, use local services instead of fast intercity routes. You can compare routes at Rail Europe and Trainline, though watch for booking fees. LOCAL SCHEMES: Natalie says she's been able to save more by getting free or discounted travel deals through tourist schemes in Austria, Germany and Switzerland. Always ask at the tourist office or your accommodation for local travel tips. All prices on page correct at time of going to press. Deals and offers subject to availability. Deal of the day 6 SUMMER just got a lot more fun with the double swing and slide playset from The Range, down from £129.99 to £99.99. Cheap treat GET ready to bare a bit more skin with some Aveeno products reduced by a third at Boots including moisturising body lotion down from £6.29 to £4.72. Top swap 6 GIVE yourself a glow with Charlotte Tilbury Hollywood Flawless filter, £39 from John Lewis, or get a radiant face with ELF Halo Glow filter, £15 from Boots. Shop & save CO-OP members can grab a super saver deal – two pizzas, a side and a four pack of Pepsi Max or Peroni – for £10 (£12 to non-members). Hot right now GET a free cuppa at any branch of Bird & Blend Tea this weekend, choosing from its new range of Earl Grey teas with flavour twists. PLAY NOW TO WIN £200 6 JOIN thousands of readers taking part in The Sun Raffle. Every month we're giving away £100 to 250 lucky readers - whether you're saving up or just in need of some extra cash, The Sun could have you covered. Every Sun Savers code entered equals one Raffle ticket. The more codes you enter, the more tickets you'll earn and the more chance you will have of winning!
