Category Archives: Online

8 best pillow protectors to keep your bedding fresh and clean

by Qin Xie

Published on The Independent on 13th June 2021

A great pillow can do wonders for your sleep quality but they can also be costly to buy and replace. So, to prolong its life, consider getting a pair of pillow protectors.

These nifty items are basically covers that go over your pillow but under your pillowcase to improve the hygiene of your bed. Their main benefit is that they offer an additional layer of protection against wear and tear as they can be removed and put into the washing machine alongside the rest of your bedding each week. But, depending on the fabric you choose and the treatment it’s gone through, they can also protect your pillow from sweat and drool, grease from your face and hair and even bed bugs and dust mites.

There are two main styles of pillow protector. One is a single layer of fabric, just like a second pillowcase but without any decorative features, and these are suitable for most pillows. But, if you’re looking for a bit more padding, or have feather or down pillows, quilted pillow protectors will offer better comfort.

Read more at The Independent

8 best travel books that explore more than just a destination

by Qin Xie

Published on The Independent on 3rd June 2021

With the world at a virtual standstill, many of us have turned to armchair exploration to temporarily satiate that hunger for travel and to see the world.

Like all those documentaries of far-flung places and virtual tours of destinations we can’t yet visit, travel books – and especially travelogues – have that transportative power. Even more so, because its slower pace forces us to be more reflective. And in turn, they stimulate our senses and reinvigorate our passion and curiosity.

There’s plenty of choice too, not just in the number of different destinations covered but also in the approaches to storytelling. Some reflect on a monumental event or achievement, others take on the task of self-inspection, a personal journey if you will, and then there are the ones that simply take us on a light-hearted spin.

Read more at The Independent

Eight stylish UK aparthotels to book for your next staycation

by Qin Xie

Published on The Independent on 1st June 2021

With the government’s travel “green list” still looking pretty slim, self-catering properties across the country are booking up fast, with prices surging as a result.

For those who don’t want to check into a hotel, there is a budget-friendly alternative – the aparthotel.

Long seen as the boring but functional alternative to traditional hotels for business travellers, stylish versions more akin to boutique boltholes have been popping up all over the country in recent years.

Read more at The Independent

We tried Waterpik’s ultra plus WP-150 water flosser – here’s what happened

by Qin Xie

Published on The Independent on 19th May 2021

The notion that Britons have bad teeth may be a myth but the reality is that there is plenty of room for improvement.

The results of the last Adult Dental Health Survey revealed that just 69 per cent of adults brushed their teeth twice a day, for example. Even then, the high level of plaque seen in this group suggests that brushing alone is not good enough. To address this perennial problem, dentists recommend also using products such as dental floss to clean between the teeth.

But flossing comes with its own flaws. Getting into those gaps at the back of the mouth can be especially tricky for those who face mobility challenges for example, while cleaning between dental work for those with braces or fixed retainers can prove impossible. And then of course there’s the waste that comes with using a new piece of flossing string or pick every day.

Read more at The Independent

8 best rolling pins perfect for bread, pastry and icing

by Qin Xie

Published on The Independent on 5th May 2021

A decent rolling pin is an essential investment for any budding chef or baker, helping you to produce wrinkle-free sheets of pastry with little or no effort.

Most standard rolling pins are cylindrical, which is great if you’re rolling out dough that you’re going to use a pastry cutter on. Some also come with handles – these reduce the surface area of the roller but make it easier to use.

But if you need a bit more manoeuvrability, when you’re rolling out dimsum wrappers for example, a tapered rolling pin is a much better choice.

Read more at The Independent