Latest news with #affordable


The Sun
20 hours ago
- The Sun
Aldi's sand-free middle aisle bargain will change your seaside hols forever – & it's £18 cheaper than John Lewis version
THERE is nothing worse than a sandy towel when sunbathing, but Aldi has solved the problem for holidaymakers. The UK supermarket has launched its new affordable summer essentials in the Specialbuys collection. 7 Aldi's summer essential Middle aisle magpies will be excited to know of the latest treasure which will release on July 6. Aldi has launched its new Sand-Free Blanket in a bid to make sunbathing even more relaxing and at the same time affordable. Available for just £6.99 the beach towel is sure to be a summer must-have, especially considering it is a fraction of the price of some of similar products in other high street retailers. Holidaymakers have a choice between ocean blue and sunset orange to add a bit of colour to their packing list. John Lewis have their version of the summer essential which is priced at £25 and comes in a range of colours. And yet, while both other similar quick-drying functionality the Aldi version is a whopping £18 cheaper. How it works To ensure hassle-free sunbathing for holidaymakers, Aldi's beach towel repels sand from its surface. It does this through its micro hole technology which means coarse sand grains, which can irritate the skin and make sunbathing unbearable, can easily fall off the surface. 7 7 What's more the product is lightweight and compact and so it is easy to pack in a beach bag, and saves room for other holiday essentials in the ever-restrictive suitcases. And in case of bad weather (it is the UK after all) the towel comes with pegs and a holes to ensure it stays in the same place. 7 More summer essentials to come The middle aisle is always the place to find some absolute bargains, and Aldi have held nothing back this summer. The supermarket has offered a solution to end the passive aggressive war of the holiday deck chair with its new Backpack Chair or Lounger. For only £24.99, holidayers can either have a chair or sun lounger primed on their back in an easily transportable way. It is almost half the price of similar products available on Amazon and Decathlon. So there's no need to squabble with other tourists for a sun lounger, as Aldi shoppers can now bring their own. And when the sun inevitably moves, so can you. Aldi are also offering shoppers a 2-in-1 Beach Shade for an affordable £19.99. 7 What may cost more than £40 at some retailers, costs less than half of that in Aldi and means protecting yourself from the elements is easy. It comes equipped with eight pegs and two ropes for securing it in place and can fit two adults inside. Aldi has solved some casual summer gripes without needing to tight the purse strings.
Yahoo
a day ago
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
The Most Impressive Wedding of the Year is Happening this Week in Venice. And it's all hosted by JCPenney (Yes, JCPenney).
PLANO, Texas, June 27, 2025--(BUSINESS WIRE)--The most talked about wedding is happening in Venice this week (no, not that one!) — on the canals of Venice, California, that is. The difference? It cost a lot less than the rumored $10 million; try $10,000, and we have the receipts to prove it. That's right. While some eyes are on a high-profile wedding happening this week in Venice, Italy, JCPenney (yes, JCPenney!) is inviting everyone else to celebrate a more relatable love story, one where the only thing extravagant is the joy. The wedding – marrying high school sweethearts who reunited 14 years later, Estefany Gomez and Leonardo Rendon – brought together family, friends and a guest list dressed in this summer's hottest fashion from JCPenney, all without the jaw-dropping price tag. From the fashion to the florals to the reception playlist (hello, free Spotify), we proved what smart shoppers already knew: You don't need a superyacht when you've got super taste. No paparazzi when all your guests have phones. No helicopters needed – we can drive, thanks. No grand orchestra or celebrity DJ – just pure heart. With a stunning backdrop of the Venice canals, the whole event is giving "glamorous" a run for its money and proving that looking and feeling like a million bucks doesn't have to cost it. "We've always dreamed of a California wedding, but with our families living on opposite coasts, it felt out of reach," said Estefany and Leonardo. "When JCPenney reached out, we honestly wondered if it could really happen. But they didn't just say yes to our dream — they made every detail possible, from outfitting every guest in gorgeous fashion to the venue and cake, and most importantly, creating memories we'll cherish forever." From the breathtaking $99 gown to the perfectly tailored $350 tuxedo, every detail was a masterclass in affordable style. All wedding elements were provided by JCPenney – from the guests decked out in the newest summer cocktail dresses and suiting, to the tablescapes and decor, wedding bands and fine jewelry, and even the hair and makeup artistry by JCPenney beauty and salon experts. "Most of us aren't planning our weddings with a ten-million-dollar budget or a palazzo on standby," said Marisa Thalberg, Catalyst Brands Chief Brand and Marketing Officer. "At JCPenney, we know that the most memorable celebrations are the ones filled with real moments surrounded by the people we love, and style that surprises everyone, and that's why we're quietly redefining what's possible for couples everywhere – delivering wow-factor memories, minus the jaw-dropping price tag." Check out the full receipt and follow along #TheOtherVeniceWedding. And if you think you can beat our $10K budget, drop us an @ on how you're saving with JCPenney on summer's most glamorous moments. About JCPenney JCPenney, part of Catalyst Brands, is the shopping destination for America's diverse, working families. With inclusivity at its core, the Company's product assortment meets customers' everyday needs and helps them commemorate every special occasion with style, quality and value. JCPenney offers a broad portfolio of fashion, apparel, home, beauty and jewelry from national and private brands and provides personal services including salon, portrait and optical. The Company and its 50,000 associates worldwide serve customers where, when and how they want to shop – from to more than 650 stores in the U.S. and Puerto Rico. In 2022, JCPenney celebrated 120 years as an iconic American brand by continuing its legacy of connecting with customers through shopping and community engagement. Please visit JCPenney's Newsroom to learn more and follow JCPenney on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter. View source version on Contacts Media Contact: JCPenney Mediajcpnews@ Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data


The Sun
a day ago
- Entertainment
- The Sun
Asda's Screaming Devil is the best Whispering Angel dupe & over £9 cheaper – plus 5 other rose wines to try this summer
WITH summer finally here and our purses feeling tighter than ever before, if you're eager to find a rosé wine that's perfect for warm days and super affordable, you've come to the right place. When it comes to rosé, there's no doubt that Whispering Angel has secured itself an A-list reputation. The popular rosé comes with plenty of celebrity backing, with Adele, Lady Gaga and the Beckhams pronounced as big fans of the tasty tipple. But unfortunately for those on a budget, it also boasts a VIP price tag of around £22.50 a bottle. However, luckily for those looking to cut costs on their alcohol stash, supermarkets have released a variety of similar styles that are much more cost-effective. So, with the weather heating up and picnic season in full swing, here, Fabulous' Senior Writer and self-proclaimed wine fanatic, Abby Wilson, tests out six of the high-street's best bottles. Breath of Paradise £10.99, Lidl I was excited to try the latest Whispering Angel dupe that hit Lidl shelves only recently, and while it looks practically the same, I have to say, I was thoroughly disappointed. Yes, it's a nice bottle, but this good-looking blush tribute is not getting a thumbs up from me. This Whispering wannabe might have the vibe of the real thing but unfortunately, it lacks the flavour. If you like wine that's bitter and vinegary, this Provençal tipple could be for you. Yes, it will keep your bank account in the pink, but it lacks depth and to be totally honest, has a nasty acidic taste that quite frankly, tastes cheap. 'Aldi, are you ok hun' wine pro exclaims as she calls store's £6.99 pink bubbles a 'crowd pleaser' you need to snap up For me, Lidl normally smash it out the park with their dupes, but in my opinion, this is simply style over substance. Unfortunately, it's not giving me a 'Breath of Paradise'. The only thing I'm noticing is a sigh of disappointment. There's not much of a fruity flavour and it definitely needs a bit of lemonade to sweeten it up. While aesthetically it looks the best of the bunch, the taste makes it the biggest loser in my books. Ranking: 1/5 Tesco Finest Provence Rosé £10, Tesco With the cost of our weekly grocery shop rising, there's no doubt that many of our wallets are feeling the pinch. But if you're wanting to scrimp on rosé, the Tesco Finest Provence Rosé may, or may not, be one to try. Where my taste buds are concerned, it's dry, weak and watery, with a somewhat tangy aftertaste. Yes, it's light, but that's about it. 5 delicious supermarket wines under £10 Fizz for popping! Corte Molino Prosecco Extra Dry NV (11% abv), Italy, Co-op, £9.50 Prosecco is always a winner, but not all Proseccos are created equal…the Corte Molino Prosecco Extra Dry NV is an example of the easy-drinking Italian fizz. With its sensational Tiffany-blue label, this delicious sparkler is floral on the nose and delicately fruity on the palate. It's also suitable for vegans. Cheers! Great value red for all your date-night faves CAMPANEO OLD VINES TEMPRANILLO 2023 (13.5% ABV), Spain, Morrison's stores & online from £5.45 A smooth, well-structured red wine with ripe raspberry and cherry flavours complemented by a touch of spice, this gorgeous Tempranillo is a great value alternative to pricier Spanish reds. It goes with Tapas, stews and casseroles and roast lamb, too. Great value white that will go with anything! Andrew Peace Signature Black Label Chardonnay 2024 (11% abv), Australia, Morrisons, £5.50 Making roast chicken, mac and cheese, prawn stir fry, or fish and chips? Or do you need something to go with a decadent dessert? The incredible value Andrew Peace Signature Black Label Chardonnay from Morrisons is hugely versatile. What's more, it's celebrated by critics and is only £5.50 a bottle making it instantly affordable. Eco friendly vegan wine for the planet lover Hidden Sea Shiraz Cabernet Sauvignon 2022 (14.5% abv), Australia, Co-op, £10 Did you know there's a wine brand that actually saves the sea? Lush, black fruit with a touch of spicy oak, this ripe, dark berry-fruit Shiraz Cabernet Sauvignon by Hidden Sea boasts supple tannins that add elegance and complexity. And buying this wine removes the equivalent of 10 plastic bottles from the ocean. Rose for your sweetheart Baron De Ley Rosado de Lágrima Rioja 2023 (13% abv), Spain Asda, £8 (when on promotion) This gorgeous pale pink wine has white blossom aromas enhanced by hints of ripe red fruits. The palate is luscious and fresh, all perfectly balanced. Serve this Provence-style wine chilled as an excellent apéritif and also alongside grilled fish. It's perfect for gifting, too, as the bottle is a beaut! *Note, prices of wine are subject to promotion. Prices correct as of January 27. I'm normally a huge fan of the Tesco Finest range and can't get enough of their epic microwave meals that are perfect for lazy nights, but this own-brand buy hasn't cut the mustard for me. It's said to emit 'delicious stone fruit flavours' and has been hailed as 'crisp and delicate', but I'm not getting any of that with this beverage. The only upside is that it's cheap. You'll be able to enjoy a summer BBQ and toast to all the cash you've cashed with this, so I suppose if I had to, I could force it down if it meant saving a few pounds. Ranking: 3/5 Château Roquefeuille Côtes de Provence St Victoire £14, Tesco If you're after a full body rosé wine, this bottle of Château Roquefeuille Côtes de Provence St Victoire should be one to add to your shopping list. It's got good depth and a nice sweetness, with a fruity flavour of fresh nectarine. As well as having soaring character, with an intense, lasting taste, the expensive-looking bottle is sure to impress your dinner party guests. It's a gem of a wine that's spot on when paired with a summer salad or a creamy pasta for an alfresco meal on a balmy night. At £14, it's not the cheapest of the bunch - but if you've got a Clubcard, you'll need to move quickly, as you'll now be able to nab it for just £12, making it over a tenner cheaper than the real deal. Ranking: 3.5/5 Les Sarrins Côtes de Provence Rosé £15, Tesco For those after a wonder-wine that screams liquid sunshine, look no further. Wine enthusiasts will need to get their hands on a bottle of Les Sarrins Côtes de Provence Rosé, which has a sharp but round flavour. It's more than just a copycat - its deep flavour almost gave me goosebumps (in a good way). It covers all bases - it's a brilliant all-rounder wine that is sure to be liked by many at your next outdoor function. It'll get you ahead of the A-list but that's not all, as it's also a lovely bottle that's perfect for picnics and pre-drinks in the garden. Yes, it's not a mega bargain, but it's refreshing, elegant and gluggable, making it brilliant for those looking for a luxury pale pink wine that will dance on your tastebuds. Ranking: 4/5 La Balconne Organic Provence Rosé £18, M&S 11 If you can't afford to splash the cash on Whispering Angel, here's a wannabe that is well worth raving about. The La Balconne Organic Provence Rosé has been hailed by M&S bosses as 'elegant' and 'charming', and I have to say, I agree. It reaches near the top of the dupe test with flying colours. It has a light but luscious flavour, with a nice tang that had me reaching for more. It's floral and fruity, with mouth-watering tastes of berries and wild herbs. Celebrities with their own wine brands Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie - Château Miraval (Côtes de Provence) Cameron Diaz - Avaline (Low-intervention, made of organic grapes) Sarah Jessica Parker - Invivo X (Collaboration with a New Zealand winery) John Malkovich - Les Quelles de la Coste Rosé IGP Vaucluse (Cabernet Sauvignon and Pinot Noir blend) Drew Barrymore - Carmel Road Julianne Hough and Nina Dobrev - Fresh Vine Wine Rosé (Low-sugar blend of Pinot Grigio and Pinot Noir) Jon Bon Jovi (with his son Jesse and French wine-maker Gérard Bertrand) - Hampton Water Rosé Kylie Minogue - Kylie Rosé Post Malone - Maison No. 9 Danica Patrick - Danica Rosé Gordon Ramsay - Elegante Rosato Lisa Vanderpump - Vanderpump Rosé Graham Norton - Graham Norton's Rosé (Blend of Pinot Gris, Pinot Noir, and Sauvignon Blanc) Sting and Trudie Styler - Tenuta Il Palagio Beppe Rosato Toscana IGT Ridley Scott - Mas des Infermières Rosé Nicki Minaj - MYX Light Rosé Mary J. Blige - Sun Goddess John Legend - Legend Vineyard Exclusives (LVE) Rosé Jay-Z - Ace of Spades Rosé (Sparkling) Paul Oakenfold (Spokesperson) - Domaine Bertaud Belieu It's been described as 'delicate yet complex' and for me, that's spot on. Yes, it's the most expensive of the bunch and isn't that much cheaper than the OG, but it's definitely worth it if you want something that's similar to Whispering Angel but not quite as pricey. Not only does it taste great and is suitable for vegetarians and vegans, but to top things off, it's also a gorgeous bottle too. Ranking: 4.5/5 Screaming Devil £12.97, Asda But if you're eager to nab a rosé that's bold but not too sharp, with a strong flavour that hits you straight away, look no further. This Screaming Devil Côtes de Provence not only has a great name, but is of great value too. It's just like the costly celestial sip, but thankfully, a lot cheaper. This high-class bottle will save you an impressive £9.53 and not only that, it's also sure to make summer picnics in the park much more straightforward too. Thanks to the handy glass stopper, there's no need for a corkscrew, so you'll never find yourself desperately Googling hacks to remove a cork again - phew. It's a lovely, modern bottle and has a sweet and refreshing flavour of white peach. As well as being vibrant, this thirst slacker from Asda is sure to ruffle the feathers of the big-name bottle, and has a tasty zest that left me pouring a second (and third) glass within a matter of minutes. So if you can't make it to the South of France this summer, this dupe-tastic buy is a real winner and one that you'll definitely want to stock up on this season. Ranking: 5/5 Unlock even more award-winning articles as The Sun launches brand new membership programme - Sun Club 11


Irish Times
a day ago
- Health
- Irish Times
Six of the best budget sunscreens for summer 2025
As essential as daily sunscreen is, it remains one of the most commonly abandoned steps in even the most diligent skincare routines. Often it comes down to texture, finish, or compatibility with make-up – or simply not finding one that suits your skin tone or feels pleasant enough to apply (and reapply). At this time of year, however, there's no room for negotiation. So, here's a round-up of six excellent, affordable sunscreens – including four for under €20 – that work across a range of skin types and scenarios. La Roche Posay Anthelios UVAIR SPF50 La Roche Posay Anthelios UVAIR SPF50 (€26 from Meaghers Pharmacy) The latest addition to La Roche-Posay's Anthelios range, UVAIR SPF50 (€26 from Meaghers Pharmacy) is a new-generation sunscreen that ticks several boxes at once. It's ultralight, fluid in texture, and absorbs into the skin within seconds – making application quick and enjoyable. What sets it apart is its unique ability to hydrate without being overly dewy. Instead, it settles into a soft, slightly matt finish, making it especially well-suited to oilier skin types – or even as a primer before make-up. Beauty of Joseon Relief Sun: Rice + Probiotics SPF50 Beauty of Joseon Relief Sun SPF50 (€18.99 from Boots) There are very few Korean sunscreens I've tried and didn't like – but this one might just be my all-time favourite. Beauty of Joseon Relief Sun: Rice + Probiotics SPF50 (€18.99 from Boots) combines skin-loving, soothing and moisturising ingredients with high-level protection in a dreamily light, luminous formula. If you have dry or dehydrated skin – or simply love a dewy finish from your skincare – this one's for you. The ultra-thin texture layers beautifully under make-up, making it as functional as it is indulgent. READ MORE The Ordinary UV Filters SPF45 Sun Protection Serum The Ordinary UV Filters SPF45 Sun Protection Serum (€19.90 from Arnotts) Brand new and very impressive from The Ordinary, UV Filters SPF45 Sun Protection Serum (€19.90 from Arnotts) is an exceptionally lightweight, serum-like sunscreen that suits all skin types but shines especially bright for dry or dehydrated skin. I love the pocket-sized packaging, and the formula itself is beautifully light and quick to absorb. It's non-irritating, making it a great option for sensitive skin, and it plays perfectly under a full face of make-up. CeraVe AM Facial Moisturising Lotion SPF50 CeraVe AM Facial Moisturising Lotion SPF50 (€17.50 from For normal, combination or dry skin – or for skin that just needs a little extra TLC – you can't go wrong with CeraVe AM Facial Moisturising Lotion SPF50 (€17.50 from It's fuss-free, fast-absorbing, and gentle enough for sensitive skin, making it ideal for quick application on the go. Plus, the ceramide-rich formula helps to soothe and strengthen the skin barrier. A great all-rounder that does exactly what you need it to. Caudalie Vinosun Invisible High Protection Stick SPF50 Caudalie Vinosun Protect Invisible High Protection Stick SPF50 (€18 from I love a good sunscreen stick – especially one that works for all skin types. Caudalie Vinosun Invisible High Protection Stick SPF50 (€18 from Cult Beauty) is dry, non-greasy and incredibly easy to apply. It's particularly brilliant for the neck and chest, especially if you wear a lot of white shirts or T-shirts – this won't transfer or stain your clothes. It's a pleasure to use and makes reapplying sunscreen on the go quick and fuss-free. Since it's a stick, it's important to apply enough for full protection – about five passes per area should do the trick. Sculpted by Aimee Sun Mist SPF50 Sculpted by Aimee Sun Mist SPF50 (€22 from Reapplying sunscreen over a full face of make-up used to be tricky and often disappointing, either disturbing your base or leaving behind a sticky, greasy finish. Sculpted by Aimee Sun Mist SPF50 changes all that – it's completely transparent, dry-touch and refreshingly cool on the skin. Best of all, it leaves no trace and doesn't budge your make-up. It's ideal for quick touch-ups and stress-free reapplication throughout the day. [ Sunscreen: All you need to know to pick the best SPF for your face, scalp and body Opens in new window ] This week I'm loving … Brow Aid IllumiLift Eye & Brow Hydrogel Mask Brow Aid IllumiLift Eye & Brow Hydrogel Mask (€9 for a single, €32 for a pack of five from A rather genius new launch from the excellent Irish brand Brow Aid, IllumiLift Eye & Brow Hydrogel Mask (€9 for a single, €32 for a pack of five from soothes and refreshes the eye area and brows while nourishing hair follicles with a potent blend of ingredients – including Hyaluronic Acid, Niacinamide, Caffeine, Ceramides, Vitamin C, Retinyl Palmitate, and more. It feels instantly cooling and depuffs the entire area around your eyes and brows.


The Sun
2 days ago
- Business
- The Sun
Shield your whole garden from prying eyes with ‘sturdy' £24 Dunelm buy that you can easily set up in an afternoon
DUNELM is offering a new budget-friendly gazebo that's proving popular with shoppers looking for simple garden shelter and privacy this summer. The 3m x 3m White Gazebo is currently priced at £24.50, reduced by 30 per cent from its original price of £35. It's available both in-store and online across the UK, including locations such as London, Birmingham and Leeds. Made from metal and polyethylene, the gazebo comes with nylon connectors and guy ropes included. It requires self-assembly and weighs just over 6kg, making it relatively easy to set up and move around. Fans flocked to the comments section to share their thoughts, with many praising the gazebo's affordability and practicality. One shopper said: 'Very good value for money. "Sturdy, did the job well – bought as it was raining and needed the shelter.' Another added: 'Really good – bought it for my niece's wedding night-time party.' Others highlighted their satisfaction with previous purchases from Dunelm, with one writing: 'Great value for money, still yet to put up. "Always been pleased with past gazebos purchased, they do the job.' Dunelm shoppers are scrambling to their local store and their 'massive sale' kicks off with posh glasses for 89p and £8 gadgets to keep the Spring chill out The gazebo is part of Dunelm's spring and summer garden range, which includes several low-cost seasonal items. A waterproof garden storage bench has been listed at £69, down from £99, while a rattan-effect bistro set is available for £75. Outdoor festoon lights with ten bulbs are priced at £15. The gazebo is designed for outdoor use and is suitable for occasional shelter during events or gatherings. Dunelm says it should be wiped clean with a damp cloth and advises users to secure it properly using the provided guy ropes. How to find gardening bargains Doing up your garden to enjoy on warm and sunny days needn't cost the earth. Sun Savers Editor Lana Clements explains how to get a top deal on items for the garden… You can bag big savings on plants, shrubs and flowers, as well as gardening tools and furniture. Many retailers have flash sales across entire seasonal ranges – often these promotions tie into payday at the end of the month or Bank Holiday weekends, so keep a lookout. Sign up to mailing lists of your favourite brands and you'll be first to know of special offers. It can be worth following retailers on social media too. Use a price comparison site to search out the best value items. And keep a close eye on the specialbuys at Aldi and middle of Lidl drops which drop a couple of times a week and usually mean great value seasonal items for your outdoor areas. If you are not in a hurry to buy an item, try adding it to the shopping cart online and leaving it for a couple of days. Sometimes big brands will try to tempt you into the sale by offering you a discount. And always check if you can get cashback before paying. It's especially worth using sites such as Topcashback, Quidco and app Jamdoughnut when buying bigger ticket items such as garden furniture as you'll get a nice kickback. 2