free website stats program Blogs – Page 281 – Wanto Ever

Blogs

Category Added in a WPeMatico Campaign

My parents are Wimbledon legends but I want to make my name in totally different sport after being picked by my country

THE SON of tennis icons Andre Agassi and Steffi Graf has vowed to become a sporting icon, in baseball.

Agassi, 54, and Graf, 55 are among the most highly regarded tennis legends on the planet.

Andre Agassi holding the Wimbledon trophy.
Getty
Andre Agassi is the winner of eight men’s singles grand slam titles[/caption]
Steffi Graf holding the Wimbledon Ladies' Singles Championship trophy.
AFP
While Steffi Graf won 22 women’s singles grand slam titles[/caption]
Andre Agassi, Steffi Graf, and their children posing with pickleball paddles after a pickleball championship.
Getty
However, their eldest child, Jaden, right, has chosen a different career path[/caption]
Baseball pitcher winding up.
instagram @jadenagassi
He intends to make Agassi a household name in baseball[/caption]

American Agassi won eight men’s singles grand slams and is one of just 13 players to win the career grand slam – all four majors.

Meanwhile, Graf won 22 women’s singles grand slams, was ranked the world No.1 for a record 377 weeks and is the only player in tennis history, male or female, to have won each major singles tournament at least four times.

So it would make sense to think that their eldest son, Jaden, might choose to pursue a career in tennis.

However, the 23-year-old instead intends to walk down the path of baseball.

Speaking to WKBN News, Agassi said: “Agassi is a very tennis last name, of course.

“The goal is to try to make it a baseball one.”

Agassi picked up a tennis racquet many times during his formative years but insists he only has a real love for swinging a baseball bat instead.

And despite being born in Nevada, USA, he is now set to represent his mother’s home country, Germany, on the world stage.

JOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUS

It comes after he joined Team Germany ahead of the World Baseball Classic Qualifiers for the 2026 World Baseball Classic set to be held across Japan, USA and Puerto Rico from March 5-17.

The qualifiers themselves started on February 21 and will run until March 6.

Speaking to MLB.com, he said: “I’m so excited [to play for Germany].

“It’s been a dream of mine since I was a little boy to compete on an international scale.

“[I want to] make my mom proud, make Germany proud and do them right.”

Agassi is said to have become an impressive pitcher.

He impressed in the 2024 MLB Draft League with a 2.96 earned run average and was named Player of the Week on July 8, although his college numbers were not overly impressive.

Agassi has previously admitted he wasn’t much good at tennis as he could not keep the ball in.

But he realised he had a real love for baseball when he realised all he wanted to do was hit the tennis ball as far as he could.

He added: “I started playing baseball when I was six years old in T-ball.

“I loved it. I’ve picked up a tennis racquet a good amount, but it was always hard for me to keep that ball in between the lines.

“I just wanted to hit that thing as far as I could. Baseball had my love since day one.

“I entered college with the ability to be a decent pitcher, but I was a thrower.

“And because of lost time I was behind the eight ball.

“But at the University of Southern California I was blessed with some great coaches who began teaching me the art of pitching.”

Agassi’s parents married in 2001 and he also has a younger sister, Jaz born in 2003.

Germany, ranked 17th in the world when the Pool tournament draw was made, will start their games on March 2 in Arizona against China before facing Brazil and Colombia.

The USA qualified for the tournament in the 2023 Pool tournament and last won the World Championship in 2017 after losing to Japan in the 2023 Championship game.

Tennis stars following in parents' footsteps

TALK about pressure…

These rising stars are all making their way in tennis.

But they have got something in common – they’ve got a famous parent who also made their name in the sport.

So who are the players hoping to follow in the footsteps of their tennis mums and dads?

Read More »

I lost my job at 55 so became a saucy model – I hadn’t had sex in 12 years but now I’m in the top 1% on OnlyFans aged 72

WHEN she got laid off from her secretarial job aged 55, she knew that she had to find something way of making money.

But Michelle Hardenbrook wasn’t going to take on a job that only paid £8 an hour, as she says that wasn’t even enough to cover her electricity bills.

Woman in black satin robe.
Michelle Hardenbrook is in the top 1% of creators on adult website OnlyFans
Woman in plaid shirt and gray leggings.
She made her first foray into the sex work industry when she was laid off her secretarial job aged 55
Instagram/terrytowngal1951

Then someone suggested she should consider offering “full body sensuous massages”, she told Soft White Underbelly with Mark Laita.

Michelle was very naive to all things adult industry, having not had sex in 12 years, but looked into it and decided to go ahead.

She ordered a massage table from Amazon, put an ad on Craigslist and ended up taking on 25 appointments in just four days.

After realising there was a market for women her age, she went away and made a business plan – working out how many clients to see per month.

After dipping her toe, Michelle soon realised she wanted to end her “dry spell” in the sexual department, and has since vowed to never go celibate again.

Michelle ended up with 100 regular full service clients, many of whom she got to know well – and even chucked in a freebie on their birthday.

But it was just before the Covid-19 pandemic hit that doctors found an abdominal mass on Michelle, and told her she would have to have surgery.

So she was then forced to re-think again.

“People had mentioned lots of other places online you can make money but I went to OnlyFans and I stuck with that because they don’t dictate how much content you have to put up,” Michelle explained.

They also only take 20% commission – a lot less than some other places.

Michelle then started her own page – put up “a bunch of pictures” and made a “couple of videos”.

By February 2020, she had 3,115 fans on her OnlyFans page – each of whom was paying $12.99 a month – meaning she made a whopping £24,509 in just that one month.

The following month, she underwent the surgery, during which they found a “brick sized growth” on her left ovary – the removal of which led to Michelle going through menopause for the SECOND time.

In September 2023, Michelle was contacted by a company asking to manage her, and by November that year, she’d started a second OnlyFans page.

What is OnlyFans?

OnlyFans is a subscription content service based in London.

As of 2023, it is thought to have more than 220million registered users and over three million content creators.

Sex workers charge monthly fees for access to pictures, videos and more.

While popular for porn, the site isn’t exclusively designed with that in mind – anyone who wants to build up a fan base and charge them for it can set one up.

Celebs like Katie Price and Kerry Katona are popular personalities on the platform.

“Whether you’re uploading tutorials, tips, behind-the-scenes footage or just endless selfies, a lot of your followers would be willing to pay for them,” the company states.

For every subscription that’s sold to a viewer, performers get 80 per cent of the cash while OnlyFans gets the rest.

It isn’t limited to adult content, as it has become popular with physical fitness experts and musicians.

She quickly built up a following on the new page – with 4,100 fans on there, and 219 on the original page.

And her huge success – which has seen her in the top 1% of OF creators on the site – meant that in the six months following November 2023, she had made £142,000.

She now estimates that she’s making around £38,750 a month.

But there are also downsides to being an OF creator.

As well as Michelle’s family disowning her – apart from her disabled son – she doesn’t have many friends, as they wouldn’t “understand” what she’s doing.

My family all disowned me – apart from my son

Michelle Hardenbrook

She’s also been married four times, admitting it’s “like I never learned”, and estimates she’s slept with around 10,000 men in her life so far.

Michelle has also had to deal with several bizarre and disgusting requests from people on OF – such as the man who asked her to do an intimate video with her son, something she refused.

And despite the fact she’s now 72, Michelle doesn’t see herself hanging up her skimpy lingerie any time soon.

“As long as the men are paying to see me, I will continue to pose, and dance, and do all the things that I do,” she concluded.

Older woman in red lingerie and robe.
And she now makes thousands of pounds every single month through her content on the site
Instagram/terrytowngal1951

Read More »

Beloved burger chain which shut ALL locations ‘despite best efforts’ will re-open after fury from staff

A BELOVED burger chain which previously shut all of its locations will re-open after fury from staff.

Cult burger restaurant Almost Famous has reopened two locations.

PBH8J8 Manchester city centre Almost Famous neon sign for the burger restaurant
Almost Famous is known for its towering burgers, wings and loaded fries
alamy

Owner Beau Myers previously revealed the “current economic climate” had proven “too challenging” for them.

And “despite best efforts” they closed all sites in January 2025.

This included its two sites in Manchester, plus branches in Liverpool and Leeds.

In a state of fury, over 100 Almost Famous employees started a union-backed campaign to demand compensation, BBC reports.

One month on and D2, the team behind Liverpool’s popular PINS Social Club have acquired the keys to the Manchester Northern Quarter and Liverpool sites.

D2’s new Managing Director Daniel Kelly has pledged they will “hire as many of the old team as we can”.

As of Friday, February 21 and Monday, February 24, both restaurants have reopened.

The next steps for the Almost Famous branches in the Great Northern Warehouse and Leeds are undecided.

PINS Social Club have not acquired the keys as of yet.

Daniel will be at the helm of the Northern Quarter and Liverpool sites.

He was the former Operations Director at Almost Famous between 2018 and 2022.

Daniel said: “We’re buzzing to get Almost Famous back – hire as many of the old team as we can, get the grills on and the burgers flying out.

“I’ve been part of this brand and I know what it takes to maintain its bigger, better, and make-it-outrageous approach.

“We’re here to bring back the legendary AF experience – killer service, next-level food, and all the chaotic, messy, unforgettable vibes that made Almost Famous, well… Famous.”

Almost Famous was founded 13 years ago at the height of the dirty burger craze and has since served more than a million burgers to guests.

It was known for its towering burgers, wings and loaded fries.

REASON FOR CLOSURE

Speaking last month, Beau Myers said: “It is with broken hearts and tearful eyes that we must announce the closure of Almost Famous.

“The current economic climate has proven too challenging for us to overcome.

“The lingering debt from Covid, rising costs across every aspect of the business, and a tightening in people’s ability to spend on dining out have created an impossible situation.

“Despite our best efforts, we are no longer able to continue.

“Ironically, while our venues remain busy and our reviews are glowing, the financial pressures stacked against us have made it impossible to sustain the business – making this scenario even more heart-breaking.”

He added: “It has been an unforgettable journey, and we hope we’ve been able to create lasting memories, happy moments, and plenty of smiles along the way.

“All we ever wanted was to make incredible burgers and provide good times. That mission drove us every single day.”

HAPPY FANS

After hearing the news that PINS Social Club saved Liverpool’s joint, lots of fans took to Facebook to spread the joy.

One person wrote: “Free state kitchen is the best burger place in Liverpool.”

To which another replied: “I second this. Absolutely tremendous.”

And another replied: “Absolutely correct!”

Meanwhile a post made by Proper Manchester on Facebook had fans commenting: “Good things do happen in the world.”

Followed by a second person: “Been sulking for nothing ahah, just hope they open GN as well cause that’s where we went.”

null
Almost Famous’ sites in Manchester Northern Quarter and Liverpool have reopened
getty

Read More »

New parcel delivery service to rival Royal Mail launches today and it’s cheaper

A MAJOR delivery company has launched a parcel delivery service that is easier and cheaper than the Royal Mail.

InPost, a company with 9,200 parcel lockers in the UK, has today unveiled the service, with prices starting from just £1.99.

Courier handing packages to customer at their door.
InPost has unveiled a parcel delivery service that is cheaper than Royal Mail
Getty

This is much cheaper than the Royal Mail’s lowest price of £3.25.

Until today InPost was only available to customers when they bought goods online or sold items through second-hand websites such as Vinted.

The launch follows criticism of the Royal Mail, which hiked the price of first-class stamps to £1.65 in October.

Customers have also complained that they have waited weeks for parcels to arrive or their item has been lost altogether.

InPost users will be able to send parcels that weigh up to 15kg through the service.

It will cost £1.99 to post a small 8 x 38 x 64cm package.

Medium items of up to 19 x 38 x 64cm will cost £2.59.

Meanwhile, large items of up to 41 x 38 x 64cm will set you back £3.99.

In comparison, the Royal Mail charges £4.09 to send a 1st class parcel, or £3.25 for a second class one.

Prices for tracked 24-hour delivery start at £4.25 while tracked 48-hour delivery starts at £3.39.

Neil Kuschel, CEO of InPost UK, said: “With Send, consumers can send a wide range of items, from special gifts to everyday parcels, with the confidence that they will get to the recipient safely and securely. 

“Whether it’s dropped off at their chosen locker or delivered straight to their home, there are no more queues, no more labels, just a lot of locker love!”

How to use it 

The new InPost “Send” service will allow customers to post parcels from any InPost locker or shop, known as an out of home site.

Their parcel can be delivered to another out of home point or directly to a home address.

How are postage prices decided?

ROYAL Mail typically increases the price of stamps annually.

Normally, it gives customers advance warning of around a month before pushing up prices.

Last year the hike was announced in March.

Royal Mail said it was hiking the price of postage due to the decline in the number of people sending letters.

The number of letters being posted has dropped 60% since 2005 and around 20% since the start of the pandemic.

It also blamed rising inflation for the increase.

To use the service all customers will need is the InPost app and the address of the person they are sending to.

There is no need to print a label as users generate a QR code using the InPost app.

This is scanned at the locker or shop to help track the parcel.

The sender and receiver will be able to track the parcel using the app, which will give them peace of mind.

Deliveries can be made to secure lockers 24 hours a day, seven days a week, which can ensure parcels do not go missing from customers’ doorsteps.

Delivery to a locker can also help to reduce the need for multiple delivery attempts or a “we missed you” note.

The lockers have boomed in popularity in recent years.

InPost has set up 3,000 lockers in the past year alone.

Meanwhile, Royal Mail is planning to up the number of parcel lockers it has this year.

The company wants to increase its number of out of home drop-off locations, including lockers and parcel shops, to more than 21,000 by the end of March.

What other postal services are available

Several other companies offer parcel delivery within the UK and Northern Ireland.

Among them is Yodel, which charges £2.25 (excluding VAT) to send a package.

To use the service, customers book their parcel delivery online, print the label at home or in store, and post their item.

The parcel will be collected by a driver who will deliver it to your recipient’s door or their local Yodel store within three to five working days.

Meanwhile, Evri charges £2.62 to send a package.

Unlike other couriers, items can be sent overseas to 200 destinations, including the USA, Spain, and Portugal.

To send a package, customers simply visit one of Evri’s 16,000 ParcelShops and lockers or book a courier to collect the item from their front door. 

At DHL prices start at £2.79 and items can be delivered the next day.

The company delivers to more than 220 countries and territories around the world.

To use the service customers simply drop off their parcel at a local DHL Service Point or book a collection with DHLitNow.

Read More »

Wild English island that inspired one of UK’s best kids’ books reopens to public – with seaside campsite stays from £32

AN island that inspired Enid Blyton is reopening to the public for the first time in four months.

Brownsea Island is off the coast of Poole, and owned by the National Trust.

Brownsea Island in Poole Harbour, Dorset, UK.
Alamy
Brownsea Island is reopening to the public next month[/caption]
Two houseboats on a sandy beach.
Alamy
No one lives on the island but 100,000 visit a year[/caption]

Closing every year for the winter, the island is opening to the public again next month.

From March 15, tourists will be able to travel to the island which is a bird-watching haven for enthusiasts as well as being a site know for its red squirrel population.

There are also guided tours of the island, running twice a day, or shuttles that go around the island.

Secrets caves, play parks, a bookshop and a cafe are all on the island to explore as well.

While no-one lives on the island, as many as 100,000 people visit a year.

It is even thought to have inspired some of the Famous Five books, written by Enid Blyton.

The book Five Have a Mystery to Solve featured a place called Whispering Island, thought to be Brownsea after Enid visited.

Also on the island is Brownsea Castle, built by Henry VIII between 1545 and 1547.

It has been run by by John Lewis Partnership since 1963 and is currently only open for employees, as well as their friends and family.

Last summer, it was suggested that the hotel could open for events like weddings and even for overnight stays.

This would be during quieter periods outside of the summer holidays, with up to 20 events a year.

A spokesperson told BBC: “Brownsea Castle is a beautiful, picturesque setting, available for our partners to enjoy.

“We’re exploring options for a small number of people outside our partnership to enjoy the benefits of the scenic location to celebrate their special occasions, such as weddings.”

Brownsea Castle on Brownsea Island.
Alamy
You could soon stay at the island’s castle, currently owned by John Lewis[/caption]
Blue tent pitched in a wooded area near a lake.
Until then there is a campsite on the island
Bell tent set up in a forest.
You can even upgrade to a glamping tent

The hotel is open from the end of January until the week before Christmas.

Until then, you can stay on the island by camping at the Brownsea Island campsite, with prices from £64 for two nights.

While that’s for a basic pitch, you can also splash out on a glamping pod or even a hanging tree tent, some of which have sea views.

Brownsea Island is just a 20 minute boat ride away from Poole Harbour which runs every half an hour in the peak season.

Tickets cost around £13 for the ferry, and non-National Trust adults need to pay an extra £9.50 entrance fee for the island.

Here are five other islands off the coast of the UK you can visit without needing your passport.

And a tiny island you won’t have heard of has the UK’s best beach.

Aerial view of Brownsea Island, Dorset.
National Trust Images/Chris Lacey
It is owned by National Trust so members can visit for free[/caption]

Read More »

Cheapest shop to buy Quality Street Easter eggs this week – and it’s not Tesco or Morrisons

EASTER eggs have landed and many of us are indulging early to make the most of their brief stay.

So, you’re looking for your chocolate fix this week we’ve crunched the numbers to find the best value Quality Street Easter egg… and the place to pick one up might surprise you.

Quality Street Incredible Egg, 379g.
Not known, clear with picture desk
Quality Street has launched a special Golden Collection Incredible Egg this Easter[/caption]

Quality Street has outdone itself with its Easter offering this year, launching an extra large ‘Golden Collection Chocolate Incredible Egg’.

It includes a caramel-flavoured chocolate egg shell studded with chewy fudge and caramel pieces.

And, inside are a mixed bag of all your favourite Quality Street toffee, fudge and caramel sweets.

While Quality Street is closely associated with Christmas, this special offering is sure to see customers running to clear supermarket shelves this Easter.

The prices charged for the 379g egg vary and are likely to change in the run-up to Easter as retailers vie for custom.

This year Easter falls on Sunday April 20, so you have plenty of time to hunt out the best deals, but if you’re looking to grab an egg this week we’ve checked prices at major retailers.

Do remember this is just a snapshot, and prices can vary from one day to the next, so always compare prices to find the best deal. You can find more on how to do that below.

Morrisons, Waitrose and Ocado are all selling the whopper egg for £12, which works out at £3.17 per 100g.

Although, remember that you’ll need a Morrisons More card to grab the supermarket’s deal in-store or online.

However, this was not the cheapest price on the market with Iceland currently selling the mammoth egg for £10 and Asda taking the cheapest retailer crown with a price of £9.98, or £2.63 per 100g.

Currently neither Tesco or Sainsbury’s are shown as stocking the egg online, but this could change as we get closer to the big day so keep checking back.

B&M stores had also stocked the egg for £12 earlier in the year, but it is not listed online so shoppers will need to check in-store for stock levels and prices.

There are plenty of Easter deals available and these will be changing over the next few weeks.

Last week Cadbury eggs were available for as little as £1.45 for a small egg and £2.50 for a medium-sized egg.

And, a major supermarket slashed the price of Cadbury Creme Egg multipacks.

However, it’s not all been good news with shoppers left outraged as they spot more signs of shrinkflation in stores.

As more eggs are released M&S’ Easter range has attracted a lot of attention, most recently for an ‘awesome’ loaded Easter Egg stuffed with marshmallows and jelly.

How to save money on chocolate

We all love a bit of chocolate from now and then, but you don't have to break the bank buying your favourite bar.

Consumer reporter Sam Walker reveals how to cut costs…

Go own brand – if you’re not too fussed about flavour and just want to supplant your chocolate cravings, you’ll save by going for the supermarket’s own brand bars.

Shop around – if you’ve spotted your favourite variety at the supermarket, make sure you check if it’s cheaper elsewhere.

Websites like Trolley.co.uk let you compare prices on products across all the major chains to see if you’re getting the best deal.

Look out for yellow stickers – supermarket staff put yellow, and sometimes orange and red, stickers on to products to show they’ve been reduced.

They usually do this if the product is coming to the end of its best-before date or the packaging is slightly damaged.

Buy bigger bars – most of the time, but not always, chocolate is cheaper per 100g the larger the bar.

So if you’ve got the appetite, and you were going to buy a hefty amount of chocolate anyway, you might as well go bigger.

Do you have a money problem that needs sorting? Get in touch by emailing money-sm@news.co.uk.

Plus, you can join our Sun Money Chats and Tips Facebook group to share your tips and stories

Read More »

I’m tattooed all over & even removed my NOSE to keep in a little jar… people can’t believe the difference 4 years makes

A WOMAN has left people stunned after sharing her incredible transformation in just four years.

Toxii is covered from head to toe with tattoos, and the top half of her body is almost entirely blacked out with ink.

Side-by-side photos of a woman before and after extensive face and body tattoos.
instagram/toxii.bodymod
Body modification fan Toxii has stunned people with her before and after snaps[/caption]
Before and after photos of a woman with extensive face and body tattoos.
instagram/toxii.bodymod
The above ‘before’ shows Toxii before she embarked on her new appearance, in 2019[/caption]
A heavily tattooed person in a bikini standing in shallow water.
Instagram/@toxii.bodymod
Now she’s confident enough to show her body off in teeny tiny bikinis[/caption]

She’s also got various piercings and body modifications, including having her nose removed, tattooing her eyes and tongue, having implants which look like horns on her forehead, and having her tongue split in half.

But in a post on Instagram, Toxii revealed that she hasn’t always been so alternative, as she shared a snap of what she looked like back in 2019.

In place of the tattoos and piercings was a fresh face, long blonde hair and soft glam make-up.

A stark contrast to her tattooed facade now, complete with raven black locks.

And in the comments section on the post, people were stunned by how much she’d changed in just a short amount of time.

“You were so beautiful before,” one person wrote.

“What on Earth made you do this to yourself?”

“Why do you hate yourself?” another questioned.

As a third said: “I don’t understand how you can make these mods in such a short time.

“I think these decisions are best made over a longer period – it gives the body mind and soul time to adjust to the change and make a healthy choice on continuing.

“This quick impulsiveness breeds discontent and regret.”

“I just think: WHY?” someone else mused.

While others wondered if there is something darker going on.

“The only explanation for this is the fact that she’s possessed and has a deep strong poltergeist possessing her,” one wrote.

“There is no other need for this much body modification and Satanic rituals to be done without attachment of the ‎Unknown.”

“Very bad – like Satan,” another agreed. “This woman, you going straight to hell.”

Are eyeball tattoos dangerous?

Eyeball tattooing is an incredibly dangerous and rare procedure.

It is unlike other tattoos because it involves injecting ink into the think layer of tissue that covers your eyeball.

The injected ink then spreads throughout the eyelid, however, there is a risk that it could spread beyond the injection sites, and cause permanent damage.

Eyeball tattooing has been banned or restricted in some countries, and many tattoo artists are uncomfortable with carrying out the procedure.

“You look like an alien,” a third wrote.

In another post on Instagram, Toxii showed herself being interviewed by street artist Devon Rodriguez, who asked which of her body modifications had hurt the most in terms of healing.

“What inspired you to get modifications?” Devon asked.

“Because I like to be imperfect and I think that imperfections make you unique.

“Did those hurt, the ones in the forehead?”

To which Toxii replied: “No, not at all. I think that my nose removal was way worse”.

She also revealed it took around “eight weeks” to heal after the operation.

“Did you keep the nose?” Devon asked.

With Toxii replying: “I have all my body parts, in like little jars, yeah.”

Close-up of a heavily tattooed person's face, with the question "How long did it take to heal?" overlaid.
instagram/toxii.bodymod
Her nose removal was one of the most painful things she’s had done, and took eight weeks to heal[/caption]
Close-up of a person's mouth with a black tongue and tattooed lips.
instagram/toxii.bodymod
She’s also had her tongue tattooed black and split down the middle[/caption]
Portrait of a person with extensive face and body tattoos, wearing a black top and necklace.
instagram/toxii.bodymod
In an interview, Toxii admitted she kept her nose in a little jar after it had been removed[/caption]

Read More »

All the cleaning jobs you MUST do ahead of the spring clean – as expert reveals the 10 grossest spots in YOUR home

WITH spring just around the corner, it’s nearly time to bid farewell to winter and welcome in those sunnier days.

And with that, many Brits will be gearing up to spring-clean their homes to let that sunlight in.

Portrait of a woman with long brown hair, wearing a white tank top.
Supplied
Danielle Mason has given her top cleaning tips ahead of spring[/caption]

According to a survey by Thane UK, more than 93% of British households engage in a major spring cleaning exercise at least once a year.

But, unsurprisingly, over half of Brits dread the thought of doing it.

However, that doesn’t have to be the case, as Danielle Mason, a cleaning expert with 20 years of experience, believes that the key is to start now to make your life easier.

She explains: “Why wait for spring to start your spring cleaning?

“Getting ahead now means you can refresh your space, clear out the winter clutter, and step into the new season feeling organised and energised.

“Plus, tackling it early gives you more time to enjoy the brighter days when they arrive!”

Here, in her own words, Danielle reveals her top cleaning hacks that everyone should be doing now, and the 10 grossest areas people always forget about.

Declutter First

Before diving into deep cleaning, take the time to declutter your home.

Go through each room methodically, sorting items into three categories: donate, recycle, or discard.

Be honest about what you use and need; if something hasn’t been touched in over a year, it’s likely time to let it go.

A clutter-free space makes cleaning more effective and gives your home an instant refresh.

Tackle One Room at a Time

Spring cleaning can feel overwhelming, but breaking it down into manageable tasks helps.

Instead of trying to clean everything in one day, focus on one room per week leading up to spring.

Start with high-traffic areas such as the kitchen and living room, then move on to bedrooms, bathrooms, and storage spaces.

Wash Walls and Skirting Boards

Woman wearing yellow cleaning gloves holding cleaning supplies in her back pockets.
Getty
There are areas in your home that should not be missed[/caption]

Over the winter months, walls and skirting boards accumulate dust, grime, and scuff marks.

Use a damp microfibre cloth with mild soap or a mix of warm water and vinegar to gently wipe them down.

Pay extra attention to corners and areas near heating vents, which tend to collect more dirt.

Deep Clean Fabrics

Soft surfaces can trap dust, allergens, and odours.

Launder curtains, upholstery, and bedding, including often-overlooked items such as pillows and mattress protectors.

If your sofa or armchairs have removable covers, check the care labels and give them a proper wash.

For delicate fabrics, consider using a fabric refresher or vacuuming with an upholstery attachment.

Refresh Carpets and Rugs

Carpets and rugs harbour dust, pet dander, and allergens, making regular deep cleaning essential.

Start by vacuuming thoroughly, then spot-clean any stains using a gentle carpet cleaner or a bicarbonate of soda and vinegar solution.

If your carpets need extra care, consider renting a steam cleaner or hiring professionals for a deep clean treatment before spring allergies set in.

Sanitise High-Touch Areas

Woman cleaning a window.
Getty
Don’t forget about the areas above eye level[/caption]

Germs and bacteria accumulate on frequently touched surfaces like light switches, remote controls, door handles, and cupboard handles.

Wipe these areas down with a disinfectant wipe or a spray made with diluted surgical spirit.

Don’t forget about mobile phones, keyboards, and tablets—they’re some of the germiest surfaces in the home!

Clean Out Kitchen Appliances

Your kitchen appliances work hard year-round, so give them some TLC.

Empty and wipe down the fridge, tossing out-of-date items and organising the shelves.

Descale the kettle and coffee machine with vinegar and water, degrease the oven and microwave, and don’t forget to check the dishwasher filter for trapped food particles.

Don’t Forget the Air

After months of closed windows, indoor air can become stale.

Start by changing your extractor fan filters to improve air quality and efficiency.

Dust ceiling fans and vents, as these collect a surprising amount of buildup over time.

Finally, open windows for fresh air circulation, letting in natural light and a refreshing spring breeze.

10 Grossest Areas People Forget to Clean

By Danielle Mason, who has 20 years of experience

Under and Behind the Fridge
Crumbs, dust, and spills accumulate over time, attracting pests and creating bad odours.

Shower Curtain & Liner
These collect mildew and soap scum but are often overlooked. Wash or replace them regularly to keep your bathroom fresh.

Toothbrush Holder
One of the germiest places in the bathroom, filled with bacteria and toothpaste residue. Rinse and disinfect it weekly.

Dishwasher Filter
Food particles and grease build up, leading to unpleasant smells and reduced efficiency. Remove and clean the filter every few weeks.

Washing Machine Seal
The rubber gasket traps mould, mildew, and detergent buildup. Wipe it down with white vinegar and leave the door open to air dry.

Light Switches and Remote Controls
Touched daily but rarely cleaned, making them germ hotspots. Wipe them down with disinfectant regularly.

Under the Sofa Cushions
Crumbs, dust, and even lost items hide in the cracks. Remove the cushions and vacuum thoroughly.

Kitchen Sink & Plughole
Food residue builds up, causing bad odours. Pour boiling water, bicarbonate of soda, and vinegar down the drain to freshen it.

Ceiling Fans
Dust piles up on the blades and gets redistributed into the air when turned on. Use a microfibre cloth or pillowcase to clean them easily.

Doormats
They trap dirt and bacteria from shoes but are rarely washed or vacuumed. Shake them out weekly and deep clean them every month.

Head to her Instagram pages for more cleaning information @missmasoncleaning @daniellemasonuk

Read More »

Who Wants To Be A Millionaire viewers fuming after star uses three lifelines on ‘easy’ question – would you have got it?

WHO Wants To Be A Millionaire viewers were left raging after a contestant burned through all three lifelines on a question they deemed ridiculously easy.

Host Jeremy Clarkson returned on Saturday night for a star-studded edition of the popular game show.

Woman sitting at a game show podium.
ITV
The Olympic legend burned through three lifelines on a question viewers thought was a breeze[/caption]
Screenshot of a contestant on Who Wants to Be a Millionaire answering a question about 1980s films.
ITV
She was asked which 1980s film had sequels titled Afterlife and Frozen Empire[/caption]
Jeremy Clarkson on the set of Who Wants To Be A Millionaire?
ITV
Even host Jeremy Clarkson was stumped[/caption]

Olympic champion cyclist Dame Laura Kenny and Channel 4 News anchor Krishnan Guru-Murthy tried to win up to £1 million for their chosen charities.

However, ITV viewers were left gobsmacked when the Olympic legend burned through three lifelines on a question they thought was a breeze.

The five-time gold medalist stormed through the early rounds but hit a roadblock at £16,000 when asked which 1980s film had sequels titled Afterlife and Frozen Empire.

Despite having Ghostbusters as an option, she turned to host Jeremy Clarkson, 50:50, and even phoned a friend – leaving fans at home in disbelief.

Jeremy admitted that he was not 100% certain either, but ruled out The Terminator and Top Gun.

Fans flocked to social media to slam the blunder, with many insisting they knew the answer straight away.

One viewer raged: “How the heck did neither this Olympian or Jeremy Clarkson know that Afterlife and Frozen Empire are Ghostbusters movies?

“The latter literally came out last year! Such an easy question it could have been a thousand pound one.”

Another added: “Was ‘Afterlife’ not a bit of a clue as to what the answer might be?” 

A third penned: “She should have phoned a friend and he would have said who you going to call and she would have said Ghostbusters.”

A fourth chimed in: “Using the lifelines on these questions is just madness.”

A fifth wrote: “Stop faffing about! It’s Ghostbusters!!!” 

Despite the blunder, Dame Laura still walked away with £8,000 for her chosen charity, The Ectopic Pregnancy Trust.

Not quite the million-pound jackpot – but a solid effort!

Who Wants To Be A Millionaire? Celebrity Special is available to stream on ITVX.

Hardest Quiz Show Questions

Would you know the answers to some of quizzing TV's hardest questions

  • Who Wants To Be A Millionaire – Earlier this year, fans were left outraged after what they described as the “worst” question in the show’s history. Host Jeremy Clarkson asked: “From the 2000 awards ceremony onwards, the Best Actress Oscar has never been won by a woman whose surname begins with which one of these letters?” The multiple choice answers were between G, K, M and W. In the end, and with the £32,000 safe, player Glen had to make a guess and went for G. It turned out to be correct as Nicole Kidman, Frances McDormand and Kate Winslet are among the stars who have won the Best Actress gong since 2000. 
  • The 1% Club – Viewers of Lee Mack’s popular ITV show were left dumbfounded by a question that also left the players perplexed. The query went as follows: “Edna’s birthday is on the 6th of April and Jen’s birthday falls on the 15th of October, therefore Amir’s birthday must be the ‘X’ of January.” It turns out the conundrum links the numbers with its position in the sentence, so 6th is the sixth word and 15th is the fifteenth word. Therefore, Amir’s birthday is January 24th, corresponding to the 24th word in the sentence.
  • The Chase – The ITV daytime favourite left fans scratching their heads when it threw up one of the most bizarre questions to ever grace the programme. One of the questions asked the player: “Someone with a nightshade intolerance should avoid eating what?” The options were – sweetcorn, potatoes, carrots – with Steve selecting sweetcorn but the correct answer was potatoes.

Read More »

Rangers ‘put coach in charge of training as two assistants follow Philippe Clement OUT of Ibrox’

IT’S day one of the post-Philippe Clement era at Rangers.

With the Gers now searching for a new permanent manager, there’s a need for someone to step up to lead first team affairs.

Photo of Philippe Clement, sacked as Rangers manager.
PA
Philippe Clement has been sacked as Rangers manager[/caption]
Issame Charai, Rangers FC assistant manager, juggling a soccer ball on the field.
Getty
Issame Charai is taking training this morning[/caption]
Rangers assistant manager Issame Charai with Stephan Van Der Heyden and Alex Rae.
Willie Vass
Stephen van der Heyden and Alex Rae have reportedly left the club[/caption]

For now, that man appears to be Issame Charai.

The 42-year old was appointed assistant manager to Clement just a month ago.

The Rangers Review are reporting that Charai is the man who will lead first team training at Auchenhowie today.

The report also claims that coaches Alex Rae and Stephan van der Heyden have also LEFT Rangers.

They both worked under Clement during the Belgian’s entire spell in charge.

That spell came to an end when Clement was sacked last night in the wake of Saturday’s dire 2-0 defeat to St Mirren at the weekend.

Those exits leave Charai as the most senior first team coach left at Rangers.

While he’s taking training, it has yet to be confirmed whether or not he will be installed as the club’s official interim manager.

Charai joined Rangers following the exit of Clement’s previous assistant, Andries Ulderink.

An experienced coach, Charai was in charge of Morocco’s under-23 team between 2023 and 2024 and led them to the U23 Africa Cup of Nations title.

Charai spent his entire playing career in Belgium and after a spell coaching in Saudi Arabia, spent several years back in Belgium as No2 to Marc Brys at various clubs.

The Moroccan national job was his first job as a No1 and he most recently worked as assistant at Strasbourg in France.

Rangers chiefs are of course locked in takeover talks with supremos from the San Francisco 49ers.

That will likely lead to a delay in any permanent manager being appointed.

In terms of that permanent gig, SunSport revealed last night that former Gers defender Russell Martin is one of the names in the frame to land the role.

He’s available after departing Southampton earlier this season.

Former Rangers manager Steven Gerrard was installed as the early bookmakers’ favourite following the decision to sack Clement.

Keep up to date with ALL the latest news and transfers at the Scottish Sun football page

Read More »