Ninja‘s stone air fryer is finally back and available to buy after the popularity of this air fryer skyrocketed earlier in October. Currently in stock on Amazon for £228.99, I’d recommend checking out on this one in double quick time if you’ve had it on your wish list.
Released as part of Ninja’s array of new air fryer colours earlier in the year, this stone shade proved by far to be the most popular, especially with Ideal Home readers. The best Ninja air fryers are renowned for their excellent quality, but these limited-edition colour runs are really adding to the design appeal of these appliances too.
This particular version is an Amazon exclusive, but Ninja also has its own limited edition colours available right now, including the navy cyber space (£229.99 at Ninja). For the neutral lovers, here’s a closer look at the particular stone shade.
Stone Gold has proved a very popular version of this Ninja. It features gilded accents on the handles and interface.
If you have a neutral kitchen colour scheme, appliances that match your design vision is essential. That’s why this stone Ninja air fryer has proved so popular, ranking as Amazon’s bestselling air fryer this month.
Specs-wise, this is the standard Ninja Foodi Dual Zone air fryer that caused so many sellouts way back in 2022 and which we’ve reviewed to great acclaim, but repackaged in colours far more suiting to most kitchens than black.
(Image credit: Ninja)
With two drawers that you can control separately to different temperatures and times, this Ninja is seen by many as an ultimate kitchen upgrade – though it’s not quite as versatile as our favourite air fryer ever, the Ninja FlexDrawer, which impressed our reviewer and has the edge on space and design.
Seeing as this stone gold version is an Amazon exclusive, it’ll be especially enticing to Prime members, as you could have this air fryer in your kitchen as soon as tomorrow.
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We’re certainly hoping that this stone gold Ninja air fryer can stay in stock long enough to feature in Amazon’s upcoming Black Friday sale. After all, there’s nothing better than scoring a bargain on something you’ve had your eye on for a while!
For many gardeners, feeding the birds that visit their gardens can be one of the most enjoyable garden tasks. However, wildlife experts are warning against three food items that you should never put in your bird feeder.
Leaving out food during the autumn and winter can provide a vital energy source for our feathered friends, especially as the RSPB reports that bird species are declining in the UK. There are so many reasons why it is a good idea to learn what to feed birds in your garden, as attracting them not only helps to pollinate flowers, but it can also help with pest control.
However, not all food is good for birds, and some food items should never be included in your bird buffet. So without further ado, these are the three things you should never feed to birds.
1. Apple seeds and fruit pits
It may come as a surprise – birds love a fruity snack, after all – but one thing you need to avoid giving them is apple seeds and fruit pits. This means when feeding fruit to birds, you’ll have to take some extra care when preparing it.
(Image credit: Getty Images/ Arterra)
‘Apple seeds and fruit pits seem harmless to birds, but you should never put them in your feeder. Apples are largely nutritious to birds, when the core is removed, as they provide birds with minerals and vitamins, especially beneficial in winter. However, the seeds actually contain small amounts of cyanide compounds, which can be toxic. When ingested, these compounds can interfere with a bird’s ability to absorb oxygen, potentially leading to serious illness or even death,’ explains James Ewens, gardening and wildlife expert from Green Feathers.
‘Pits from stone fruits like cherries or peaches can pose similar damage to birds. It’s tempting to just open up fruits that are perhaps over-ripened and feed them to birds instead, but these pits also contain cyanide-producing substances and can be a choking hazard, especially for smaller birds. Even if a bird manages to break open a pit, the inner material is the most dangerous part.’
2. Bread
I’m sure most people are guilty of feeding bread to birds, but experts say this is actually a big no-no.
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(Image credit: Getty Images)
‘Bread has low nutritional value to many birds, so it’s best to avoid feeding large quantities,’ explains Dr Elliot Goodwin, Practice Owner and Veterinary Surgeon at Vets for Pets, Hereford.
Bread fills birds up without offering them any benefit, which is why it is best avoided. It can also become a choking hazard for birds and becomes mouldy very quickly, which can be a huge problem for a bird’s health.
‘Toxins in mouldy food can cause illness or respiratory infections such as aspergillus,’ says Dr Elliot.
Aspergillus is a serious lung infection which can be fatal to garden birds. This is why it’s so important to make sure no mouldy food ends up in their feeder, and that you clean your bird feeder regularly, too.
3. Biscuits
It may be tempting to leave our dry foods for birds, perhaps a few old plain biscuits, but this is actually a very bad idea.
(Image credit: Future PLC)
‘We often consider plain foods to be harmless to birds, and while they can definitely eat many foods also suitable for human consumption, sugary or processed food like a biscuit is not one of them,’ says James.
‘These foods are typically high in salt, sugar, and unhealthy fats, and offer little to no nutritional value for birds. Feeding birds processed, sugary foods can cause weight gain, liver issues, or nutritional deficiencies – it’s essential to stick to fully bird-friendly foods.’
Birds – especially robins – love sunflower hearts. Rich in protein they proivide a high-energy source for birds.
RSPB
RSPB Wild Bird Food Super Suet Fat Balls, 50 in a Box
This high-fat treat is made from suet, wheat flour, ground peanuts, millet seed, rapeseed and linseed. It will give birds the energy boost they need over winter.
RSPB
RSPB Feeder Mix 3.25kg
This seed mix contains sunflower seeds, oats, and canary seed. Reviews say it attracts a huge variety of birds to their gardens.
When it comes to feeding birds, the best thing you can give them is food that is similar to what they would consume in the wild. While something may sound like a treat to you, it can have detrimental effects on your garden birds.
Is it too early to start thinking about Christmas? Aldi doesn’t think so, as a new range of stunning festive decor is set to hit its middle aisle. But what we’re excited about is the new Aldi XL Door Bow. With similar designs already selling out at other retailers, I predict this will be a huge hit.
One of the biggest Christmas trends last year (and tipped to remain huge this year) is bows. In particular, XL bows! From door bows to tree toppers, they’re proving so popular they’re likely to be unavailable by December, which is why now is the best time to grab yours, before they all sell out.
Landing in stores on this Thursday (30 October), the Aldi Door Bow (£9.99) is one of the most affordable takes on the trend. But for this Specialbuy, run don’t walk, as I don’t think it will be on the shelves for long.
With so many colours and two materials to choose from, there is a door bow for every style. Plus, at £9.99, this is one of the most affordible XL bows I’ve seen.
M&S
Extra Large Velvet Bow
The M&S XL bows keep selling out and it’s easy to see why. Made from plush velvet and available in rich jewel colours, it’s a glamourous peice of festive decor.
If there’s one thing I’m certain about, it’s that this year XL bows are selling fast. We’ve already seen M&S’s sell-out Christmas bows hop in and out of stock this year as demand surges, and I predict Aldi will be no different (just remember with Aldi, when it’s gone, it’s gone). But, if you’re a fan of the M&S Extra Large Velvet Bow (£29), it is currently in stock in navy blue.
What stands out about Aldi’s XL bow is that it is designed to envelope your front door, taking your Christmas door decorating ideas to the next level. If you’re looking to impress your neighbours this year, a beautifully wrapped front door is the way to do it.
Aldi’s XL bow is available in either mesh material or velvet, and you can choose from the colours: red, green, champagne or grey. There is a colour and style for everyone. If nostalgia is a theme you’re looking to nail, then may I suggest a red mesh bow to wrap your front door? Alternatively, if you’re looking to create a minimaluxe aesthetic, a champagne velvet bow would be perfect.
The Aldi door bow in red mesh.
(Image credit: Aldi)
These bows are designed to attach to your front door easily and still allow you to open and close, as you normally would. However, if this XL door bow is a little too XL for your tastes, Aldi is also selling bow tree toppers for just £2.99. Made from velvet, choose red, cream, green or grey. Plus, these are still big enough to be classified as XL bows for your tree.
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Alternatively, here are three more retailers where I’ve spotted XL bows at great value.
I LOVE FANCY DRESS
Christmas Door Bow
This door bow looks just like Aldi, but it has a diamonte knot for a splash of sparkle. It’s made from mesh material and available in five colours.
Habitat
Habitat Red and Pink Satin Bow Christmas Garland
These large pink and red bows make a playful and bold addition to your festive decor.
John Lewis
John Lewis Velvet Hanging Bow, Red, 60cm
This giant 60cm bow is perfect for adding to doors or the backs of your dining chairs for a statement look.
For an on-trend, stylish Christmas, Aldi always provides the means to achieve this on a budget. Their XL Door bow is fun and looks fabulous. I can’t wait to pick it up myself.
Are you excited for the new Wicked film to hit cinemas? We are now M&S has dropped its second stunning M&S x Wicked collection.
WickedCore had us in a chokehold for the majority of autumn last year, and now that home decor trend is about to be revived once again.
Featuring signature pink and green hues, as well as nods to characters in the films, plus a festive twist, here’s what’s on offer at M&S right now, so you can get your Wicked fix.
M&S
Wicked™ Elphaba Trinket Dish
If you’re short on Christmas gift ideas, any musical lover will this trinket dish.
M&S
Wicked™ Light Up Snow Globe
I’m a sucker for a snowglobe, and this one is stunning. It makes a subtle yet personal addition to your decor.
M&S
Wicked™ Flying Monkey Hanging Decoration
I’m in love with how gaudy this ornament. In my book, it’s so ugly it becomes cute.
Wicked: For Good lands in cinemas on 21 November this year, and following the success of the first film last year, I don’t know many people who aren’t excited to watch it.
It’s likely this micro trend will continue into December, which is why I love to see M&S have given their Wicked collection a festive twist. I’m particularly taken with the hanging decorations, which are perfect for adding a theatrical twist to your best Christmas tree.
While you can opt for a classic Glinda or Elphaba hanging decoration, my personal favourite is the Flying Monkey Hanging Decoration (£8). With blue, glittery wings and the signature green tunic, this decoration is more camp than fearful. Statement baubles have been a popular trend for the past couple of years, as nostalgia has dominated Christmas trends. We all want to inject a little personality into our christmas decor, making this hanging decoration a must-have for any musical lovers.
I’m also a huge fan of the Wicked trinket dishes. For just £5, choose between Glinda or Elphaba to store your trinkets. The dishes feature a pretty metallic design and would be a great stocking filler for any fans.
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And M&S isn’t the only retailer stocking Wicked magic. Here are a few more great choices to shop.
Wicked
Wicked Set of 2 Tumbler Glasses
Add a touch of Oz to your next drink with these monogrammed tumblers.
With notes of pink yuzu, sparkling sea salt, candied flowers, and vanilla bubbles, this is a candle designed for Glinda herself.
Le Creuset
Le Creuset Cast Iron Wicked Elphaba Embossed Round Casserole, 24cm, Artichut
I couldn’t not mention the Wicked x Le Creuset collection. Beautifull and high quality, it’s the ultimate investment piece for fans.
WickedCore lends itself well to the interiors world as pink and green make a surprising colour combination that works well together.
‘Getting the balance of pink and green just right is key, as they’re a duo that contrastingly complements each other, much like Elphaba and Glinda. These colours are full of life, growth, and character, so don’t hold back and make sure you embrace them fully,’ says Andrew Seed, Managing Director at The Odd Company.
‘For a bold, dramatic feel, pair rich emerald greens with equally vibrant shades like fuchsia and hot pink. If you’re after something softer, pastel greens like lime or olive go hand-in-hand with a gentler pink palette—think baby pinks and delicate blush tones.’
Whether you want to embrace a pink and green feature wall, or hang an Elphaba bauble from your tree this Christmas, there’s no denying Wicked is having a moment this winter. Will you be embracing it?
For the third year in a row, Papier released its advent calendar. Known for its beautiful stationery, it’s no surprise that Papier’s stationery advent calendar is the prettiest festive calendar on the market – so imagine my excitement when I managed to get my hands on one of these.
I was already impressed with the designs of the calendars from the prior two years, which sold out by mid-October, but this year’s is by far the best advent calendar design Papier has come out with. The red box that unfolds by untying the bow was inspired by traditional panettone boxes this year.
Papier
Stationery Advent Calendar 2025
‘Our artists and designers spent a year researching and creating products exclusively for the calendar – each one uniquely designed and not available anywhere else,’ says Taymoor Atighetchi, founder of Papier. ‘This year’s design draws inspiration from vintage panettone boxes and the richness of Italian culture, with rich colours of red, gold and dusky pinks. It captures the festive spirit without leaning too Christmas-specific.’
Titled ‘24 Days of Desk Delights’, the calendar is filled with 24 pieces of beautiful stationery goodies, which includes everything from notebooks to thank you cards, bookmarks and more. But all of it comes at a price – a rather high one, as the calendar sells for £140. Aside from the calendar’s good looks, it was the price point that made me want to have a good look at it in person and really dive deep into its content to find out whether it’s worth it.
(Image credit: Papier)
The pros
It’s not just the design of the calendar’s exterior that’s pretty as a picture. Similarly to the Diptyque and Jo Malone advent calendars, the Papier calendar looks even better once you open it up as each day’s treat comes beautifully packaged in a differently patterned and shaped box.
And many of the gifts are both lovely and useful – the set of checked washi tapes which hide inside box no. 15 were among my favourites, as were the coloured pens from box no. 16. This calendar is perfect for anybody that loves beautiful stationery and good design, whether that’s you or one of your loved ones – because it also makes for a great gift.
Image 1 of 2
(Image credit: Future/Sara Hesikova)
(Image credit: Future/Sara Hesikova)
The cons
The high price point is an obvious con. And as much as I’ve been singing the design’s praises, it being the main selling point too, I was a little bit disappointed about the structural integrity of the calendar.
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Upon opening it for the first time, the calendar came apart at the back (as shown in the picture below) where it was glued together. It goes without saying that my colleague and I, who were opening it, weren’t in any way overly forceful. Of course, it can be fixed by glueing it back together, but I don’t think you should have to do that when paying £140 for an advent calendar.
(Image credit: Future/Sara Hesikova)
The verdict
I do believe that £140 is quite steep. But it is designed and presented as more of a luxury advent calendar. Not to mention it’s still less than most beauty advent calendars on the market, including The White Company’s popular advent calendar which retails for £195. And that’s the advent calendar category that the brand quotes as its inspiration so in that sense, it only makes sense.
So if you are a fan of Papier and/or stationery in general (or know someone that is), then I feel comfortable recommending this calendar to you. It is truly the prettiest calendar I’ve seen all year, and yet, it’s not even the most expensive.
If you’re short on chores this weekend, experts have revealed one task that needs to be bumped to the top of your to-do list. You need to clear any debris from your outside drains.
You don’t need me to tell you that recently the weather has been pretty dire, which is why it is unsurprising that many of us have been looking for ways to stormproof our homes. With more wet and windy weather on the way next week, experts say you need to clear your drains right now.
Clearing your drains after a storm or bad weather is one of the most important things you should do if you want to floodproof your home. It will help prevent any blockages from forming and keep your drainage system working as it should. Here’s what you need to know.
Why you need to clear your drain now
‘After heavy rain or storms, drains can easily and quickly become blocked with leaves, mud and other debris that’s washed in. When this debris builds up, it restricts how easy water flows, and can even cause water to back up into your property or garden,’ says Laurence Barwick-Smith, wastewater and drainage specialist at KEE.
‘In some of the more severe cases, this can lead to flooding or structural damage to your home, but in minor cases, it can lead to standing water around the drains that takes a long time to go down or doesn’t go down at all. By clearing your drains after stormy weather, this helps prevent these issues, allowing for proper water flow that imposes no threat to your garden or home.’
(Image credit: Getty Images)
As a general rule of thumb, you should clear your outdoor drains of debris every few months. But during the winter months, it becomes more important to clear debris from your outdoor drains more regularly as the weather is worse than in summer. Because of this, it’s also a good idea to clear debris from your drains before a storm, or even just when bad weather rolls in.
‘Clearing drains ahead of bad weather is also a good idea as it can prevent flooding if your drains are blocked, as blocked drains will be unable to handle heavy rainfall and can cause water damage to your home,’ explains Jess Thomas, managing director of Drainage Central.
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‘Preventing flooding from occurring in the first place will also help you to avoid having to pay for costly repairs. Prior to a storm or bad weather, you should also inspect the gutters, drains and downpipes for any damage. Loose downpipes and gutters can be damaged and even removed by heavy winds, which can lead to displaced joints or cracking. Damaged areas like this can allow water to escape, or it can create a point where debris can become caught and cause a blockage.’
How to clear debris from your outdoor drains
An easy, cheap method you can use is washing-up liquid to clear your drains. It’s great for breaking down grease and grime in your drain that can quickly become blockages. However, for large pieces of debris, you can remove it by hand.
(Image credit: Getty Images)
‘Always start by wearing gloves that go up to your elbows for safety. Then, start removing visible debris such as leaves, twigs, foliage, and sludge from the drain entrance. You can then use a drain rod or even a pressure washer to try and dislodge any further buildup that’s further down the pipe, if you find that water still isn’t running freely,’ says Laurence.
‘If you have particularly persistent blockages or constant slow draining water, it’s definitely best to call in a professional drainage engineer.’
Haiou
Elbow Length Drain Gloves,
You’ll want to get some elbow-length gloves to wear when clearing your drain to help keep you safe and clean.
Crystals
12 Pcs Drain Rods Set
A drain rod is a large, flexible pole that works by physically breaking up the blockage inside the drain, making it easier to get those hard to reach areas.
Kärcher
Kärcher K 4 Classic Pressure Washer
A pressure can help clear debris from your drain quickly and effienctly. They’re also worth investing in to clean patios, driveways, cars, bikes and garden tools.
Don’t put off this vital autumn job this weekend. Clearing your outdoor drains is not the most exciting or glamorous of tasks, but it is one you need to do now. You’ll thank yourself when the next batch of bad weather rolls in.
