78 minutes ago My holidays were blighted by moany voicenotes, so I imposed a Whatsapp ban – with mixed results | Poorna Bell

The incessant notifications make me pine for the days when staying in touch required greater effortThough my internal age is set to about 28, the time when I feel profoundly 43 is when I get nostalgic for things rendered obsolete by technology. One of those things was being able to go on holiday without being continually contacted, because the price of sending a text message was the same as a glass of wine. WhatsApp has obliterated that.Over the past year, I’ve noticed how much harder it has been to switch off as a result of the incessant flow of information. I have walked in the Polish countryside foraging for mushrooms under a crisp blue sky, while listening to a friend’s voice note about their work worries in minute detail. After I spent a glorious day out with my 10-year-old niece in Barcelona, eating dumplings and buying stickers, a friend decided to share a non-urgent but emotionally difficult update about a mutual friend’s bad health. While I was in the Maldives, after I had ...

Politics

23 hours ago Gavin and Stacey star who kept Christmas special appearance secret records family’s priceless reaction

Gavin and Stacey star Laura Aikman recorded her family’s priceless reaction after she kept her appearance in the comedy Christmas special a secret.

Society

79 minutes ago Ariana Grande's perfume that 'lasts all day' and 'smells expensive' now £28 at Debenhams

Debenhams has reduced the price of the 'beautiful' perfume from Ariana Grande's popular range, with reviewers quick to praise the long-lasting scent

Economics

2 hours ago Pictured: Father who was 'stabbed to death' in his own home in the early hours of Christmas Day

Mr Price was victim of a suspected attack at the house where he lived with his parents in the quiet Staffordshire village of Norton Canes

Events

3 hours ago Darts today: Day 10 of PDC World Championship matches and order of play

Defending champion Luke Humphires headlines the evening session as the World Darts Championship returns for the first time since Christmas with Gerwyn Price also in action

Politics

82 minutes ago Sales mayhem as thousands queue to snap up Boxing Day bargains at Bicester Village

Frenzied scenes erupted across Bicester Village, in Oxfordshire, as hordes of shoppers joined huge queues to snap up some of the site's biggest discounts ever.

Economics

11 hours ago Emmerdale's Ned Porteous lifts lid on Joe Tate's 'sinister' plans for village after dramatic return

The actor's character made a shock return to the soap this week after a six-year hiatus and hints Joe will be involved in much more drama in the Dales following his hand in Will Taylor's sudden death

Events

8 hours ago Man Utd transfer news: Marcus Rashford asking price revealed as three replacements named

Marcus Rashford's future remains top of Manchester United's transfer agenda and the Red Devils are already making plans to sign a replacement after setting an asking price

Politics

93 minutes ago Sainsbury's shopper gobsmacked after bagging £70 turkey for wild price

A bargain hunter has shared their life hack to get a turkey for a fraction of the price from your local supermarket - but you'd have to celebrate after Christmas Day

Economics

11 hours ago Pictured: 'Loving' father who was 'stabbed to death' in his own home in the early hours of Christmas Day

Mr Price was victim of a suspected attack at the house where he lived with his parents in the quiet Staffordshire village of Norton Canes

Events

9 hours ago Inside story of how it all went wrong at Cadbury's: It has skimmed, trimmed and many say ruined the taste of its chocolate, reveals JANE FRYER. And that's not the worst by a long shot...

John Cadbury - patriarch of Britain's most famous confectionery company and a doggedly good and relentlessly philanthropic example to us all - must be spinning in his grave in the village of Bournville.

Politics

2 hours ago Dunelm shoppers nab 'expensive looking' double bedding set for less than £14 using deal

Dunelm customers are raving about the retailer's 'gorgeous' bedding set that 'washes like a dream' - and you can get it for a fraction of the price using a TopCashback deal

Economics

12 hours ago Heartbroken tributes as dad 'murdered on Christmas Day' named and pictured

Louis Price was described as a "beautiful guy"

Events

18 hours ago Chelsea's title hopes in tatters as Rodrigo Muniz makes Fulham history

CHELSEA 1-2 FULHAM: Rodrigo Muniz came off the bench to score a last-gasp winner for Fulham as Chelsea paid price for sloppy second half after Cole Palmer had given Enzo Maresca's team the lead

Politics

2 hours ago Exact date British Gas, OVO, EDF, EON and Octopus customers must act before energy bills rise

The Ofgem price cap is rising from £1,717 a year to £1,738 - and if you don't have a smart meter, you'll need to send an energy meter reading

Economics

14 hours ago Woman arrested on suspicion of murder after loving dad dies on Christmas Day

Police attended at the home following a report that a man had suffered a cardiac arrest. But when they arrived at around 3.25am on Christmas Day they found Louis Price gravely injured.

Events

20 hours ago Katie Price enjoys day at waterpark with son Harvey and boyfriend JJ Slater on Cyprus holiday

Katie Price, 46, enjoyed some winter sun and slipped into a bikini for a day out to a water park in Cyprus with her boyfriend, JJ Slater, 31, and her son Harvey, 22

Politics

16 hours ago 'Energy saving' Ninja smart kettle with precise temperature control drops to lowest ever price

Now is the perfect time to upgrade your kitchen appliances with this 'energy saving' smart kettle from Ninja as it's plummeted to it's lowest ever price

Economics

14 hours ago Emmerdale airs huge death as villager collapses and dies in tragic soap twist

The Emmerdale star, who has been on the ITV soap since 2019, has been pronounced dead after suffering a heart attack on Christmas Day and collapsing to the floor

Events

21 hours ago Peter Andre and family don matching Christmas PJs as Katie Price celebrates with Kerry Katona

Junior and Princess Andre joined their dad, Peter Andre, for Christmas this year as they all donned matching pyjamas, while Katie Price spent the day with Harvey and Kerry Katona

Politics

16 hours ago Handbag that looks just like designer £2k Miu Miu accessory is under £30 in Boxing Day sale

We've found a way to achieve the designer look without the expensive price tag, with this handbag that looks similar to Miu Miu's iconic Hobo Bag, but costs under £30

Economics

15 hours ago Loving dad 'murdered' in own home in suspected Christmas Day attack named and pictured

Louis Price was killed in a suspected attack at the home where he lived with his parents in the sleepy Staffordshire village of Norton Canes

Events

22 hours ago The 'peaceful' Scottish Highlands waterside lodge you can book for half price this winter

At the moment, a Scottish Highlands lodge on the edge of a loch that has been described as "lovely" and "very peaceful" can be booked at a significantly reduced price.

Politics

15 hours ago 'The best kettle I've purchased' Ninja smart kettle that 'saves on energy' hits lowest ever price

This Ninja Smart Kettle that customers have praised for 'saving on energy costs' thanks to its precise temperature controls, is now its lowest-ever price in this flash sale

Events

22 hours ago Boots Boxing Day sale launches with 50% off designer fragrances and beauty gift sets

Boots has launched its Boxing Day sale days early and shoppers can snap up better than half price deals.

Politics

19 hours ago Save up to 50% on 'so comfortable' footwear as FitFlop axes prices in Boxing Day sale

Fitflop never disappoints when it comes to a standout sale, and the brand's Boxing Day deals are no different. Right now, shoppers can save up to 50% off a range of the brand's best-selling footwear

Economics

23 hours ago The pianist who performs for the sick and dying after being struck by personal tragedy

Joe Cavalli-Price describes how a 'moment of heartbreak has become a movement of hope'

Events

26 hours ago Katie Price's sad present rule and heartbreaking Christmas struggle with son Harvey

Former glamour model Katie Price, 46, finds the festive season a struggle with her eldest child for a surprising reason. The panto star says Christmas can prove even more costly with her eldest in tow

Politics

21 hours ago Boxing Day sales slash the price on iconic fitness wear brands, with up to 60% off

With Boxing Day sales in full swing, now's the time to start shopping all of the must-have fitness wear pieces - and we've found the best deals you won't want to miss

Economics

27 hours ago Woman taken to hospital after being attacked by dog in Scottish village

The woman was walking a dog when she was reportedly attacked by another dog

Events

26 hours ago Wetherspoon announces January sale with pint of beer slashed to just 99p

Wetherspoon has confirmed prices will be cut in 770 pubs from Thursday, January 2 until Thursday, January 16, or from Friday, January 3 until Thursday, January 16 in Scotland

Politics

22 hours ago Martin Lewis MSE explains how to save almost £150 on your car breakdown cover

Martin Lewis reveals how to save up to £150 on your car breakdown cover this winter, with tips on finding cheaper policies and haggling down renewal prices

Economics

34 hours ago Indian Ocean tsunami: how survivors found love after Boxing Day disaster

A rise in the number of remarriages and a baby boom in the years since 2004 gave hope to survivors and helped them cope with the tragedyIt was Mahyuddin’s mother who had pestered him to go out on Sunday morning, 20 years ago. Dozens of relatives were visiting their small coastal village in Indonesia for a wedding party, but a powerful earthquake had struck just before 8am. Buildings in some areas had collapsed. He should go and check on his employer’s office to see if they needed help, his mother said.As he drove into town, he found chaos and panic. The road was heavy with traffic: cars, motorbikes, trucks, all rushing in the same direction. People were running, shouting that water was coming. Continue reading...

Events

35 hours ago Best of the Marks & Spencer Boxing Day sale, including 43% off ‘excellent quality’ faux fur coat

As the Marks & Spencer Boxing Day sale officially kicks off, we've rounded up our favourite pieces from a luxe faux fur jacket to better than half-price wide-leg trousers

Politics

23 hours ago Marks and Spencer expert's top picks of the 2024 half price Boxing Day sale as winter coats, dresses, boots, jumpers and trousers reduced by 50%

Marks and Spencer sales are few and far between, so Fashion Editor Rachel Pugh always keeps an eye out for the M&S Boxing Day sale - here are her top picks for this year

Economics

35 hours ago Grab great discounts in the Boots Boxing Day sale on haircare, makeup and more

The health and beauty retailer is slashing prices across skincare, fragrance, hair and more

Politics

25 hours ago Best New Year's Eve outfits to buy in the sales from Debenhams to H&M and Nobody's Child

If you're looking for the perfect New Year's Eve outfit then you're in luck as some of our favourite brands are on sale. With prices slashed, now is the perfect time to get party prepped.

Economics

35 hours ago Number of Londoners moving out of UK capital falls to lowest since 2013

Research highlights impact of decade of faster house price rises in the rest of the country

Politics

26 hours ago Winner of £7.6m lottery jackpot made 'huge decision' with wife after it became too much

"We were all right. Like other families do, we saved up. It changed our lives but not us as persons... I still look at the price of a pair of socks, you know."

Economics

29 hours ago Boxing Day sales LIVE updates as prices slashed at major UK stores and on Amazon

Our team of money saving, fashion, beauty and shopping experts will bring you the latest updates from the shops

Economics