Latest news with #household
Washington Post
4 hours ago
- Health
- Washington Post
Asking Eric: Husband's eating habits disgust spouse
Dear Eric: My husband has eating and sanitary habits that make me cringe. When he prepares his lunch, he licks off the mayonnaise or peanut butter that he has gotten on his fingers and then sticks them in the communal chip bag without washing his hands first. When he eats cereal or salad, he makes this smacking noise that gets in my head. I look for excuses not to sit at the table with him when he eats. Also, he doesn't always wash his hands after using the bathroom which makes the chip bag situation even worse.
Washington Post
a day ago
- General
- Washington Post
Can my 4-year-old and 1-year-old express themselves without screaming?
Dear Meghan: Any advice for kiddos (4½ and 1½) who have trouble expressing themselves without screaming? We try modeling being quiet and explaining the consequences of screaming (hurts our ears), but the volume in our household tends to run way higher than my husband or my nervous system often can deal with.
The Sun
a day ago
- The Sun
5 Best extension leads
EXTENSION leads are the unsung heroes of the tech world, and a good one goes a long way. Today's models do more than just add sockets, and I've tested the best extension leads that truly earn their place in your setup. 5 They might not be glamorous, but a good extension lead is one of the most useful bits of kit you can have around the house. And while they might seem low-tech, the best extension lead options these days come with smarter features that make them surprisingly handy. Having tested everything from smart home devices to the best video doorbells on the market, I've seen just how much difference the right set-up can make. Many extension leads now come with USB-A and USB-C ports, surge protection, timers, and even voice control. Whether you're building a home office, powering smart devices, or just fed up with juggling chargers, the right lead can make your setup run a whole lot smoother. Read on for my top picks. How I tested I've plugged in and put these extension leads to work over the past couple of weeks, testing how they hold up in a busy household. From simple desk setups to outdoor use, and juggling multiple devices charging at once, I've seen how they perform in real life. I focused on build quality, the variety and usefulness of ports, how well any smart features work, and overall day-to-day reliability. After plenty of hands-on time and careful comparison, these are the extension leads that really stood out. Best extension leads - tried and tested Tapo P304M 5 Tapo P304M Smart Power Strip, £29.99 from Amazon I didn't quite realise how clever extension leads had become until I got hands-on with the Tapo P304M. This one lets you control each of the four mains sockets individually through the Tapo app, which means you can turn off things like a lamp or printer without having to get up. It also works with Alexa and Google Assistant for voice commands and basic automations, and you can even set timers or schedules. There's some neat energy monitoring baked in too, though I didn't find myself using it much day to day. Same goes for voice control, it's clever, but most things I plug in are there to stay, so I rarely found myself actually talking to it. The big miss for me is the lack of USB ports; there are none here. In 2025, that feels like a bit of a slip, especially when so many of our gadgets charge via USB-C. That said, for under £30, it's a great value way to make a standard setup a bit smarter. The 2-metre cord gives you enough reach for most rooms, and you can mount it if you want a cleaner finish. Sockets: 4 mains sockets, USB ports: None, Smart features: Voice control (via Alexa/Google), app timers, energy monitoring, Cable length: 2m, Mounting: Freestanding or wall-mountable, Power switch: Master on/off switches in app Addtam 1.6m Extension Lead 5 Addtam 1.6m Extension Lead, £16.99 £12.34 on Amazon BUY HERE This Addtam lead has quietly become one of my most-used tech bits around the house over the past few years, and it's held up really well. It's compact and surprisingly travel-friendly, with a tough braided cord that feels much more durable than the usual plastic kind. I've used it by the bed and when working on the dining room; and it's the one I'd reach for to pack for trips abroad. Despite the small size, it gives you two mains sockets, plus three Type-A and one Type-C port, which is a brilliant mix for charging everything from laptops to earbuds. The Type-C port is the star here; more devices use it now, and it means you don't need to lug around extra plugs. I would've liked another one, but having at least one is a win at this price. I went with the shortest 1.6m model just to make the sockets behind the bed more accessible, but you can go up to 5 metres if needed. Now that I know how well this works, I'd have no hesitation branching out to Addtam's larger extension leads. VonHaus Tower Extension Lead 5 If your desk or media setup is crying out for more sockets, the VonHaus Tower Extension Lead is a no-brainer. It gives you a whopping eight mains sockets and four USB ports (2 Type-A, 2 Type-C) in a compact, upright design that takes up way less space than a flat bar. I swapped this in from a chunky old lead and immediately doubled my socket count without any clutter. I've got it powering a lamp, smart speaker, and our phone chargers, and it looks tidier than most, with a clean, matte finish. You get surge and overload protection built-in too, which adds peace of mind if you're plugging in expensive gear. My only gripe is it's so lightweight that it can wobble or tip if only a couple of plugs are in play. Still, that's a minor issue; overall, it's a smart, space-saving pick that can easily handle a busy setup without looking like a jumble of cables. Sockets: 8 mains sockets, USB ports: 2 Type-A, 2 Type-C, Smart features: None, Cable length: 2m, Mounting: Freestanding, Power switch: Master on/off switches on tower VonHaus 25m Splash-proof Extension Lead 5 VonHaus 25m Splash-proof Extension Lead, £44.99 from VonHaus For outdoor jobs where a standard lead just won't stretch, this VonHaus 25m splash-proof reel is a proper workhorse. I use it mainly for things like jet washing the patio and running power tools at the far end of a long driveway. With 25 metres of cable, I've never once felt restricted. It's got more than enough reach. The reel design keeps things tidy when you're not using it, and it feels really solid. The sockets come with hinged, IP54-rated covers to keep out water, which gives me peace of mind when I'm sprucing up the driveway. No panic if the jet wash gets a bit wild with a stray blast. This one's not trying to be smart or techy, it's just a well-built, no-fuss lead that does exactly what it promises. It's a bit of a beast, weighing in at 3.47kg, but if you're doing garden work, running a shed, or sorting outdoor lighting, it's a brilliant bit of kit. Best extension leads FAQs What should I look for in an extension lead? Start with what you need: number of sockets, USB ports, and whether a strip or tower suits your space. Prioritise solid build quality, a decent cable length, and surge protection, especially for high-traffic or visible areas. Where can I buy extension cords? You'll find them at most major retailers, Amazon, Argos, B&Q, Screwfix, and Currys, all stock a wide range. Basic leads are everywhere, but if you're after smart features or USB-C ports, Amazon and Currys usually have the best selection. Here's where to look: What are surges? A surge is a sudden spike in voltage, usually caused by power cuts, lightning strikes, or large appliances switching on. They can damage your electronics or even start fires, so surge protection is something to look for in any good extension lead. What are surge protectors? It's an extension lead with built-in tech that blocks power spikes from reaching your devices. If you're plugging in pricey gear like a laptop, TV, or sound system, it's definitely worth having. No one wants their setup fried during a storm. Do extension leads use more electricity? Not by themselves. They only draw power when something is plugged in and switched on. Some smart models, like the Tapo P304M, even show you how much energy your devices are using, which is handy if you're trying to cut down on bills. Can you plug an extension lead into another? That's a no-no, and it has a name: 'daisy chaining.' But it's not as fun as it sounds. It can overload the circuit and pose a fire risk, so stick to one quality lead that can handle your needs safely. What can I not plug into an extension lead? Avoid high-powered appliances like heaters, fridges, microwaves, and washing machines; they should always go straight into a wall socket. Plugging them into an extension lead can overload the circuit and risk damage or pose fire hazards. Are 6-plug extension leads safe? Yes, as long as they're used properly. A single lead designed for six (or even more) sockets is safe to use, provided you don't go over the total wattage limit (usually around 3,000W in the UK).
The Sun
a day ago
- The Sun
What broadband speed do I need?
Although some internet providers offer broadband download speeds well over 1,000 Mbps, not everyone needs such blistering speeds. Depending on your household, and the number of connected devices, you may hardly notice the difference if you chose a slower connection instead. Monthly prices for broadband at different speeds can vary significantly, so opting for a slightly slower connection could save you money. However, it's essential to select a connection that meets your needs. Below, we explain what speed might suit your home. What is broadband speed? Broadband speed refers to the rate at which data is transmitted over your internet connection. When you stream Netflix or join an online Zoom call, your device downloads data, and the speed at which this occurs is known as the download speed. Likewise, there is also an upload speed. When you upload and send data across your broadband connection – like sending photos via WhatsApp - the rate at which this information is transmitted is known as the upload speed. (AD) FIND THE BEST BROADBAND WITH USAVE Searching for the best broadband deal online can be a real hassle. Save yourself the stress by using usave's comparison tool, which compares tariffs across a wide range of providers. Click on the link below, and enter your postcode to see what's available in your area. Compare broadband with usave - see deals What download and upload speed do I need? This largely depends on your household's internet usage, and the number of devices connected to your broadband. Gaming and video streaming tend to require greater download speeds than sending an email. Likewise, regularly uploading folders full of videos to the cloud will be quicker with a faster upload speed. But if your home only uploads small attachments via email then there isn't a great significance on a fast upload speed. What is the average broadband speed in the UK? According to Ofcom, the communications regulator, the average maximum download speed across the UK was 223 Mbps last year. Compared to 2023, that's a 53 Mbps increase. This is well above what Ofcom and the government considers a 'decent' broadband connection – which stands at a download speed of 10 Mbps and an upload speed of 1 Mbps. If you don't have the technology in your area to accommodate decent broadband speeds then you might have the right to request an upgraded connection. If you're looking for a new broadband provider, we list some of the best broadband deals here. For Sky specific deals, make sure to read this article. What broadband speed do I need for streaming? The broadband speed you need for streaming depends on the number of people in your household and the resolution of the shows that you're streaming. Providers like Netflix and BBC iPlayer have outlined their minimum speeds, but don't forget that they're just the minimum. You shouldn't aim for them as an average. If there are two or more people streaming at once in your household, you'll need a connection well above these minimum speeds. With that in mind, Netflix says that it needs a connection of at least 3 Mbps for its services at 720hp resolution to run. But if you wish to watch something in ultra-high definition (which is 4K), you will need a speed of at least 15 Mbps. Other streaming services require similar bandwidth connections. Disney Plus needs a connection of at least 25 Mbps to run its shows in 4K. Meanwhile, BBC iPlayer requires 5 Mbps for its best quality. What broadband speed do I need to work from home? Working from home won't likely be as intensive as online gaming or streaming. However, if you're constantly on video calls throughout the day then you'll need a reliable connection with a decent speed. 4 Microsoft says its Teams function needs anything between 0.1 Mbps and 4 Mbps to function properly – with a lot depending on what you'll be using. An audio call without video needs 0.1 Mbps while if you share your screen you'll need the full 4 Mbps. Other services, such as Google Meets, have the same connection requirements. What is a good internet speed for gaming? The best internet speed for regular gaming will typically be faster than what is required for video streaming. Like companies that offer streaming services, gaming companies offer information about the minimum connection speeds required to play their games. Remember that these are just the minimum, and you may need a higher speed. For example, if someone in your home is streaming an ultra-high-definition Netflix show and you want to play a high-speed game, you'll need speed, like a fibre connection, to play. 4 Xbox requires a connection of 3 Mbps, but they say that the better your connection, the better your gaming experience. PlayStation says it needs broadband speeds anywhere between 5 Mbps and 38 Mbps. Typically, a 5 Mbps connection will only be able to run its cloud gaming services, and a 15 Mbps connection will run this at a 1080hp resolution. Meanwhile, 38 Mbps will allow you to stream games at 4K resolution. What is a broadband speed guarantee? When you sign a contract with your broadband provider, it'll include a broadband speed guarantee. This is a promise that, at the very least, it'll offer a set download and upload speed. If it fails to offer these speeds, then you need to get in touch with your broadband provider and ask for them to rectify the issue. If it isn't rectified in a certain timeframe, normally 30 days, then you can leave your contract penalty free. Providers like Sky, Virgin Media, and BT all offer broadband speed guarantees.
Washington Post
2 days ago
- General
- Washington Post
Asking Eric: Daughter's boyfriend declared himself king of the house
Dear Eric: My daughter has a 'live-in boyfriend' who, since he moved in, thinks he is the king of the household. He is very disrespectful to me, her dad and her stepmom. I tolerated the stuff he said about her dad, and I tolerated him skipping paying my daughter his share of the mortgage for a few months. But when it got so she almost lost her house, I was very upset to say the least.
