Cameron Brink has long admired Kendrick Lamar, but she never expected to catch the attention of the rap legend himself. The Los Angeles Sparks forward recently shared on her Straight to Cam podcast that Lamar’s camp reached out to her after she showed support for the Compton native at last year’s WNBA Draft, per Billboard. […]
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It has been weeks since the Dallas Mavericks shockingly made the bold move to trade Luka Doncic to the Los Angeles Lakers. To many Mavs fans, it still feels surreal that Doncic is actually no longer a Maverick. That reality is going to hit them harder this Tuesday night when, for the first time since […]
The post NBA rumors: Mavericks’ Luka Doncic weight, conditioning leaks ‘awakened a beast’ appeared first on ClutchPoints.
THE TRAITORS star Nathan Khider has got a taste for the Hollywood lifestyle quite literally during a night out.
The season two star – who was eliminated after being banished by his fellow contestants during the BBC murder mystery – looked like he was having a blast as he spent a night out in London.
Joining a host of BAFTA-winning stars including Tom Berkley and Ross White, Nathan made an appearance at chef Elliot Grover’s ‘A Taste of Hollywood’ party at Cut at BAR 45 in London.
At the event, chef Grover gave his guests an exclusive first look at what he’s serving up at the Oscars ceremony next week.
Among the delectable dishes were some British classics including Toad in the Hole, Fish and Chips, and Knickerbocker Glory.
The group were also able to see BAR 45’s latest exhibition, Icons of the Silver Screen: Legends, Moments, and Memories, as they sipped on drinks and spoke to fellow attendees.
Nathan wasted no time in grabbing selfies with his fellow diners and man of the hour, Chef Grover, as well as having a chat with This Morning’s Ben Shephard.
The Traitors star became pals with the chef after selling his Southeast London home through his business, Nathan K Real Estate.
Speaking of the event, Nathan revealed: “The evening was absolutely spectacular, from the service to the drinks everything was exceptional.
“The food of course was delicious, and everyone was thrilled to see so many British classics on the menu.
“Oscar guests are definitely in for a treat this year!”
This will be Elliot’s third year cooking for the Hollywood ceremony which celebrates some of the best work and performances in film.
Among those attending the event in Los Angeles are nominees Timothee Chalamet, Ariana Grande, Cynthia Erivo, Mikey Madison, Demi Moore and Ralph Fiennes.
His restaurant, Cut at 45 Park Lane, is part of The Dorchester Collection and offers a cool twist on the modern American steak restaurant.
TOASTERS and kettles are two essential residents on your kitchen countertop – and they’re even nicer when they match.
We’ve rounded up the best toaster and kettle deals currently available, from the likes of Smeg, Russell Hobbs and Morphy Richards.
Are there any harder-working appliances in your kitchen than your kettle or toaster? (Okay, your air fryer perhaps.)
Whether your look is minimalist and sleek, or farmhouse cosy and detailed, there are plenty of kettle and toaster appliance deals out there right now.
What’s more, some retailers also offer multibuy kitchen appliance deals on separate toasters and kettles in the same design, so you can create your own set in a style you love.
When it comes to size, larger families (or people who love toast a lot) should go for toasters with a four-slice capacity so there’s less waiting around.
Kettles, too, should be large enough for a round of drinks without you having to refill for every cup.
After that it’s personal preference as to number of presets, width of slots (toasters), or variety of temperatures offered (kettles).
Read on for our round up of the best toaster and kettle deals to be had right now.
Smeg 50s Retro Style Kettle and 4-Slice
Toaster Pastel Pink, £289 (was £319)
The 50s-style American diner vibe means this duo is not only functional – it looks amazing.
Chrome-finish accents and controls coupled with the enamel look elevate these everyday items to more than just regular kitchen appliances.
The four-slice toaster has six wide slots for crumpets or croissants, as well as bread.
There’s six levels so you can have your toast as well done or as pale as you like it and there’s presets for defrosting, reheating and bagels.
The kettle’s 1.7L capacity is enough for seven cups of tea and Smeg says the balanced weight on the spout helps make pouring easier.
And if baby pink isn’t quite your thing, it’s also available in black and two shades of blue.
Dualit Architect Kettle and 4 Slice
Toaster Set, £197.06 (was £217.78)
There’s more than an echo of Dualit’s iconic Classic design to this kettle and toaster set.
The traditional good looks have been given a makeover, resulting in a contemporary, slightly industrial look.
Prepare toast, bagels or croissants just how you like them thanks to the automatic timer and temperature setting.
There’s separate controls for each two slots, as well as bagel and defrost functions.
The rapid boil kettle has a 1.5L capacity and its internal spout filter stops limescale bits falling into your cup as you pour.
Separate side panels in different colours are available for both the kettle and toaster, so you can update the look whenever you wish.
Morphy Richards Accents Kettle And
Toaster Set, £109.99 (was £151.99)
This pyramid kettle holds 1.5L and has a water window so you can boil just the amount you need.
The limescale filter is removable and the rapid boil feature means you won’t be waiting long for your brew.
With four bread slots the matching toaster makes easy work of breakfast time.
It features high lift so you won’t burn your fingers when removing your toast and you can adjust the browning function to suit.
Both are in rich blue with gold accents, bringing a touch of style to your kitchen counter.
Bosch DesignLine Stainless Steel Cordless
Kettle with Toaster, £88 (was £106)
This matching set includes a four-slice toaster and a 1.7L kettle.
The toaster produces an golden finish, even on frozen bread.
Vary the setting for your favourite depth of colour while the handy function will also come in handy on busy mornings.
The kettle features fast boil and has an easy read water window that is visible from both sides.
There’s also a spill-free spout and illuminated on/off switch.
Russell Hobbs Honeycomb Kettle and
4 Slice Toaster, £56.94 (was £80.98)
Add interest to your kitchen worktop with these honeycomb-pattern appliances.
The kettle has a 1.7L capacity and rapid boil function for a speedy cuppa.
It also allows you to boil just one cup in 43 seconds.
There’s a window so you can see how much water is in the jug, as well as internal indicators for 1, 2 and 3 cups.
Extra-wide slots on the toaster are ideal for bagels and pastries, while the high-lift feature prevents burned fingers.
Settings include frozen, cancel and a handy reheat function if your breakfast has gone a little too cold.
Innoteck Kitchen Pro Kettle & Toaster
Set Green, £38.99 (was £49.99)
The extra-wide slots on this toaster are useful for prepping buns for burgers, as well as bread, bagels and crumpets.
Adjust the colour with the browning control to just the way you like it, thanks to its seven different levels.
There’s also defrost and reheat functions, as well as a cancel button.
The kettle holds 1.7 litres of water, enough for all the family’s drinks.
It’s has a quick boil function so there’s no waiting around for your brew and a handy water indicator window.
Geepas 2 Slice Bread Toaster & 1.8L Electric
Kettle Kitchen Combo Set, £25.49 (was £39.99)
This combo is ideal for those on a budget.
The kettle has a 1.8L capacity – that’s enough for six or seven cups of tea – and a one-touch opening lid.
It also has a rapid-boil function so there’s no waiting around when you’re gasping for a brew.
The toaster has seven browning settings for the perfect finish, as well as defrost, reheat and cancel features.
Daewoo Stirling, Pyramid Kettle &
Toaster Set, £50.59 (was £58.99)
Finished in contemporary grey, this toaster and kettle would look great in any kitchen colour scheme.
The 1.7L kettle is big enough for four to six cups, but you can also boil enough water for just one cup if required.
There’s an illuminated on/off switch and a water level window.
The toaster has defrost, reheat and cancel functions, as well as seven levels for browning, ensuring the perfect slice.
A high-lift lever prevents burned fingers when removing the hot toast, which is always helpful.
Tower Ash Grey 1.7L 3KW Pyramid Kettle &
2 Slice Toaster, £64.90 (was £73.99)
Enjoy a single, quick brew with this rapid-boil kettle or prepare a round of drinks for the whole family, thanks to the 1.7L capacity.
The two-slice toaster features seven browning levels to suit all tastes, while there’s also a reheat option to reinvigorate cold toast.
Defrost and cancel buttons complete the functions.
The matte-look, grey finish will also complement all sorts of kitchen decor.
Homcom Kettle and Toaster
Set, £54.99 (was £96.30)
This stylish toaster and kettle duo feature a textured design in black with pink-colour accents.
The kettle holds 1.7 litres of water, enough to make a large round of drinks.
It has a window so you can see the water level and an illuminated on/off switch, while the rapid-boil feature means you won’t be waiting long for your cuppa.
The toaster takes four slices of bread. It has auto-centring for even browning and seven brown levels.
There’s also reheat, defrost and cancel functions.
Kettles are available from a wide range of retailers, both online and on the high street.
Homewares stores are great places to start looking as they will likely stock a large selection, but supermarkets are also worth a visit.
Online, check out websites such as Amazon, as well as department and chain store websites.
You’ll find toasters anywhere that sells small appliances, including department stores, high-street chains and even some larger supermarkets.
Online, Amazon offers a huge variety of toasters to suit all budgets, as do big retailers such as Argos and The Range.
Don’t forget to check individual brand websites too, especially if you’re after a particular model or have a favourite design in mind.
A kettle should last a fair few years, even though it must be one of the hardest working appliances in any kitchen.
According to research from Magnet kitchens, you can expect your kettle to last between four and five years.
However small appliance brand Morphy Richards states five to 10 years on its website.
The actual length of time will depend on several factors, including how well the kettle is looked after, as well as how often it’s used.
If your kettle starts to leak, takes ages to boil or refuses to heat the water altogether, has broken buttons or a frayed cable, then it’s obviously time to replace it.
Home and kitchen appliances are available from a variety of retailers, including online stores, DIY sheds and homewares shops.
Online retailers such as Amazon and AO stock a huge range of large and small home appliances.
Also check out the websites of individual brands if you’re after a particular model – there’s often deals you won’t find elsewhere and discounts for signing up to their mailing lists.
MORE HOME DEALS
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CONFECTIONERY giants Cadbury and Mars have been blasted for slashing packs of chocolate by almost 11%- without reducing the price.
Sweet-toothed fans blasted the “greedy” firms after discovering the size of popular grab bags had been melted down, becoming the latest victim of supermarket ‘shrinkflation’.
Shrinkflation is when companies shrink the size or quantity of a product while keeping the price the same – usually in a bid to lower costs due to inflating prices.
The shrunken pouches were being advertised as “new” on the shelves at one Tesco store, with the former larger products no longer available to purchase online.
Galaxy Minstrels More to Share pouches have been quietly decreased from 217g to 195g – a reduction of more than 10% – despite maintaining a £2.75 price tag.
It means that sweet-toothed customers are forking out 10p extra per 100g for the crunchy chocolate goods.
And Cadbury favourites such as Oreo Bites, Bitsa Wispa and Crunchie Rocks have been eaten away by 9% whilst the cost has remained at the same £1.75 per bag.
Mum-of-one Alice Treliving, 29, of Wantage, Oxon, told The Sun: “It’s absolutely ridiculous, even the small pleasures are being quietly made more expensive.
“It’s so sad, these packs are specifically designed to be shared between groups of people.
“We used to be able to grab a sweet treat without a second glance, but now we have to double check that we’re getting value for our money.
“It’s these greedy firms, these changes come from the top down and we’re the ones who are ultimately missing out.”
Other affected Mars products include Peanut M&M’s, which have been reduced from 125g to 112g.
While 102g bags of Maltesers have been cut to just 93g.
A Mars Wrigley UK spokesperson said: “At Mars Wrigley, our focus is always on offering great tasting, high quality chocolate at the best possible value.
“We have been actively looking at ways to absorb the rising costs of raw materials and operations, but unfortunately, the growing pressures mean that more needs to be done.
“Reducing the size of some of our products, whilst raising prices, is not a decision we have taken lightly but it is necessary for shoppers to still be able to enjoy their favourite treats without compromising on quality or taste.”
A spokesperson from Mondelēz International said: “We understand the economic pressures that consumers continue to face and any changes to our product sizes is a last resort for our business.
“However, as a food producer, we are continuing to experience significantly higher input costs across our supply chain, with ingredients such as cocoa and dairy, which are widely used in our products, costing far more than they have done previously.
“Meanwhile, other costs like energy and transport, also remain high. This means that our products continue to be much more expensive to make and while we have absorbed these costs where possible, we still face considerable challenges.
“As a result of this difficult environment, we have had to make the decision to slightly reduce the weight of some products so that we can continue to provide consumers with the brands they love, without compromising on the great taste and quality they expect.”
Shrinkflation is when manufacturers reduce the size or quantity of a product, while keeping the price the same, explains consumer editor Lynsey Barber.
Prices are rising and food and drink makers are reluctant to pass this on to consumers.
Instead, shrinking the item means the price tag doesn’t change. But shoppers get less for their money.
Some manufacturers have even put UP the price at the same time as making products smaller.
Another tactic used is known as skimpflation.
This is when the recipe of food and drink is changed to try and reduce production costs.
But shoppers still pay the same, or more.
It means shoppers won’t pay more when costs increase for the company making the item – but they will get less product.
Smaller products are easier for customers to digest compared to increasing prices, making it a popular option for manufacturers as it’s less noticeable.
Shrinkflation is causing massive problems for shoppers across the world.
It is when manufacturers shrink the size or quantity of a product while keeping the price the same.
This means that consumers will be paying more per given amount.
Rising the price per gram is a well-oiled strategy used by companies to stealthily boost profit margins or to cement them in times of rising input costs.
Companies will often engage in shrinkflation when their production costs begin to rise.
A heavy hit to profit margins may force the company to simply shrink its products rather than increase the sticker price.
One of the best ways to notice shrinkflation is by spotting a redesign on the packaging or a new slogan.
This may mean the company has made a change and that change may just be the size of the product.
It is mainly seen in the food and beverage industries but can also happen in almost all markets.
It is a form of hidden inflation as shrinkflation often goes unnoticed by customers.
Companies run the risk of turning customers away from a product or brand if they notice they are getting less for the same price.
Most recently, some Christmas chocs were branded the latest victims of the practice.
Which? discovered the festive shrinkflation cuts last December.
Cadbury announced it would bring back its chocolate-filled Mini Snowballs this year. But Which? noticed the family-sized bag had shrunk from 296g to 270g.
Despite this smaller size, the consumer group said its price had increased as fans paid 20% more for 9% less chocolate, compared to this time last year.
It discovered this change at major supermarkets like Asda, Sainsbury’s, Morrisons, and Waitrose.
Unfortunately, this wasn’t the only Christmassy Cadbury product to affected.
The medium Santa selection box fell from 145g to 125g, despite a huge 59% price increase at Morrisons.
Another festive chocolate victim was Nestlé’s Dairy Box, which now has 36 treats instead of 40 in the winter collection.
Elsewhere, Felix Original pouches went from 100g to 85g last year, but the pricier As Good As It Looks ones remained at 100g.
In January, they also were shrunk down to 85g with the cost remaining the same at around £5 for a box of 12 or £15 for a box of 40.
Customers who shop around might be able to find a deal, like in Tesco at the moment the 12-packs are £4 if you have a Clubcard.
But the change in the size has outraged cat owners who have complained on various platforms that they will now have to buy more pouches.
One said on Trustpilot: “Just bought Felix As Good As It Looks from Tesco for usual £5.00 price for twelve, only to discover that the size of pouches has been reduced from 100g to 85g.
A Purina Spokesperson: “As part of our transition into new mono material pouches, all Felix AGAIL skus [stock keeping units] are moving to a new 85g pouch weight.
“This packaging can be taken back to front of store to be recycled in the UK and can be recycled at kerbside in Ireland.
Elsewhere, Febreze caused a stink last November after reducing the size of its air fresheners while charging customers the same amount.
In July, customers were left furious after 600g boxes of Celebrations were slashed to 550g.
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
HOUSEWORK is one of life’s have-to-dos rather than a love-to-do, so anything that makes the job a little more pleasant is sure to get my attention.
The new Ryobi One+ 18V Cordless Stick Vacuum Kit promises to do just that, offering powerful cleaning without a cable — so of course I jumped at the chance to review it.
By buying the kit, you can save £150 compared to buying its elements individually, and you can save an extra £20 until March 17th with The Sun’s exclusive code.
Ryobi One+ 18V Cordless Stick Vacuum Kit, £199.99 £179.99 using code STICKVAC20
For me, cordless vacuums are up there with washing machines and air fryers when it comes to “machines I’m so glad someone invented”.
As a pet parent, my floors take a battering: muddy paw prints, cat fur, constant dog hair (do they ever stop shedding?) food and bits of chewed-up “indestructible” toys.
Unlike some vacuum brands, Ryobi doesn’t put pet hair capabilities front and centre when describing the One+.
However, having tested Ryobi garden products including lawnmowers in the past, I was confident it would cope with my motley crew.
I tested the Ryobi One+ 18V Cordless Stick Vacuum Kit in my home.
I have two dogs and a cat, so it was put through its paces as far as pet hair is concerned, as well as having to deal with regular dust and household bits.
The tools that come with the cleaner were used on furniture and furnishings, as well as the floor.
At this time of year, my guys drag in a lot of mud from the garden, so the vacuum had to prove that it could cope with that, too.
I tested the cleaner on hard floor and carpet, converting it to a hand-held vacuum for the stairs.
Ryobi One+ 18V Cordless Stick Vacuum Kit, £199.99 £179.99 using code STICKVAC20
How much is the Ryobi One+ 18V Cordless Stick Vacuum Kit? It is £199.99 for the cordless vacuum including the battery and charger — a £150 saving on buying the elements individually. You can save an extra £20 using our exclusive discount code, STICKVAC20.
Who’s it best for? Anybody who hates getting tangled in a corded vacuum.
What I loved: The freedom and the convenience.
What I didn’t like: The weight after you’ve been using it for a while (minor niggle).
Ryobi One+ 18V Cordless Stick Vacuum Kit, £199.99 £179.99 using code STICKVAC20
I was impressed.
Freeing all parts of the vacuum from its packaging took mere minutes as nothing was taped, stuck or wired into the box.
Each section felt sturdy – not heavy, more well-made and solid. The hose is metal and even the plastic sections felt substantial.
The leaflet that comes with the cleaner identifies each part but it doesn’t give any written instructions as such — it’s all pictorial.
I thought it could have been clearer with a lot more detail; for example, I wanted to know how long the battery would last on a full charge, but I couldn’t find that information in there.
However, like almost everybody else I suspect, I’ve been using vacuum cleaners long enough to be able to operate one without an instruction manual.
Putting everything together took no time at all; each part logically fits into the next and there’s a satisfying click each time so you know you’re connecting it correctly.
The battery fits into the back of the motor and helps stabilise the cleaner, which, unlike many I’ve tried, stands up on its own.
There’s an on/off switch, a button for either eco or max mode and a button to engage the brush head. And that’s it — simple to operate and so sweet to use.
Ryobi One+ 18V Cordless Stick Vacuum Kit, £199.99 £179.99 using code STICKVAC20
It’s been a while since I’ve used a cordless vacuum and I’d forgotten how handy they are; it’s a dream not tying yourself up in knots with the cable.
After a few minutes of assembly, this baby was ready to go. I had charged the battery in advance so began straightaway with my kitchen floor.
Eco mode was fine for regular dust but didn’t seem to cope with bigger bits of dry mud, so I switched to Max for those and it tackled them admirably.
The brush head moves and changes direction smoothly — there’s a good swivel action — so it’s easy to vacuum around and under furniture.
There’s no need to use the brush roller on hard floors, but on carpet, you want to engage it for the best effect.
Pressing this seemed to give the cleaner added oomph, even on Eco mode. Increase to Max and you’re motoring.
I was a little wary of running down the battery too quickly but it didn’t happen – I didn’t keep going at full whack for very long, but did vary the power throughout cleaning three rooms as well as the stairs, hall and landing.
Ryobi claims a full charge lasts around 40 minutes on eco mode and I would vouch for that; I was amazed at how much I got done before the battery ran out.
Speaking of the battery, one of the best things about this vacuum is that the battery and charger are included in the box and you don’t need to buy them separately, which would otherwise bump up the cost.
As I’ve mentioned, one great thing about this cordless vacuum is it stands up on its own.
Most cordless vacuums I’ve encountered don’t, and it can be a pain having to try and balance them against walls or cupboards so that they don’t fall over.
The Ryobi initially seemed top-heavy and didn’t look like it was going to stand up, but once you attach the battery it seems to even out the weight a bit and it’s pretty stable.
Ryobi One+ 18V Cordless Stick Vacuum Kit, £199.99 £179.99 using code STICKVAC20
I also loved how easy it was to convert the cleaner to handheld, as well as the power it has in handheld form.
It may sound a bit over the top but I almost squealed with delight at how well it sucked up dog hair from the stairs.
Admittedly I was using Max mode, but it made a tiresome job much easier and quicker.
Usually, I’m balancing a full-size corded vacuum against my legs while I struggle with the hose attachment, getting ever more overheated with every stair I clean.
My only tiny gripe is the weight when you’re using handheld — the vacuum seems to get heavier the longer you use it — but honestly, that’s nothing when compared to the convenience. And the whole process is much faster than it was before.
The kit includes a good selection of additional tools, too; the usual crevice tool, but also a mini brush head and a weird-looking micro crevice tool with 16 separate straws.
I found the mini brush head great for vacuuming the stairs, but of no use for removing dog hair from the sofa sadly.
This is not a Ryobi thing. I have yet to find a pet-hair attachment that works, and that goes for every big-name brand vacuum I have owned over the years.
Ryobi One+ 18V Cordless Stick Vacuum Kit, £199.99 £179.99 using code STICKVAC20
The vacuum kit costs £199.99 and while that’s not cheap, it does come with a battery and charger.
You can also buy the bare tool, without the battery, for £179.99, but then you would have to pay at least another £50 for a battery, while a charger would set you back at least £48.
There’s also the cost of accessories if purchased separately – the mini brush head is another £34.99 and the micro crevice took is £9.99.
Taking all that into account, the kit is great value for money, and you can save an extra £20 using our code, STICKVAC20.
This is an impressive machine.
I had forgotten how convenient cordless cleaners are to use, and just how easy they make the whole process of vacuuming.
Previously any cordless model I’ve had has been a second vacuum, with my main cleaner being a traditional corded upright.
At first, I thought this would be the same – it didn’t seem to have quite the same power as my regular vacuum. However, because it is so convenient, I found myself using it more, rather than leaving the dreaded task until the weekend.
For that reason, I think the Ryobi would work as an only vacuum, especially if you’re pet-free.
Even in my three-pet household, the floors looked cleaner and the aged carpet looked more fluffed up.
I will be getting rid of my oldest corded vacuum while the other one will be relegated to second place, after the Ryobi.
St. Louis Blues goaltender Jordan Binnington is getting linked to another team as the NHL trade deadline approaches. The Edmonton Oilers are reportedly interested in getting Binnington, per NHL Trade Rumors. The Oilers have made a lot of headlines in recent weeks for reportedly wanting another goalie. Another player the Oilers have taken a look […]
The post NHL rumors: Blues’ Jordan Binnington linked to Pacific Division team appeared first on ClutchPoints.
Draft day is fast approaching for the Atlanta Falcons, who must decide what to do with Kirk Cousins. A step in the direction of a decision came from General Manager Terry Fontenot, who revealed no trade is imminent for the backup quarterback. Fontenot said the Falcons are good at the QB position, according to a […]
The post Falcons GM Terry Fontenot reveals no Kirk Cousins trade is imminent appeared first on ClutchPoints.
Although NFL insiders have justified Matthew Stafford making north of $40 million, don’t tell that to former quarterback Chase Daniel. On the Scoop City Podcast with Dianna Russini, the two went back and forth about the Los Angeles Rams and Stafford’s potential contract. After Russini asked Daniel about the $40 million, he gave quite the […]
The post Former QB believes $40 million for Rams’ Matthew Stafford is a ‘travesty’ appeared first on ClutchPoints.
The NHL has a long and storied history, with the league being around since 1917. We have never seen a faster or more entertaining brand of hockey than what is currently on the ice. However, that doesn’t mean there haven’t been some great players to play in the league over its 106-year history. Today, we […]
The post 25 greatest NHL players of all time, ranked appeared first on ClutchPoints.
