List of All Articles with Tag 'lifestyle'

Phoenix has become the largest U.S. city to successfully challenge its population count from the 2020 census

A maker of veggie burgers and plant-based meat products backed by a multinational joint venture expects demand for

Minnesota Democratic Gov. Tim Walz signed a bill Tuesday that legalizes recreational marijuana for people over the age of 21

Robots are on display at the International Conference on Robotics and Automation in London, where visitors can get a glimpse of the future

The middle school-age spellers who make it to the finals of the Scripps National Spelling Bee spend years studying roots and language patterns and poring over the dictionary in order to give themselves a chance to be crowned bee champion

Minnesota Democratic Gov. Tim Walz is scheduled to sign a bill Tuesday that legalizes recreational marijuana for people over the age of 21

The U.S. Coast Guard is searching for a man who fell from a cruise ship off the coast of Florida

Thanks to a boost from the government, leasing — not buying — is becoming the most affordable way to get your hands on an electric vehicle

Easy to make, full of fresh flavour and healthy, tomato salads are perfect whether you’re looking for a light side dish, to jazz up your packed lunch or something super simple for dinner. British Tomato Fortnight (29 May-11 June) is a great excuse to try out some of our favourite tomato salad recipes. Putting together a Buddha bowl, which is infinitely adaptable to whatever you’ve got in the fridge, is a great place to start. The one below uses whizzed up cauliflower in place of rice, for an extra health kick. The roasted tomato, asparagus and feta salad is all about quality ingredients and simplicity, which make a real feel-good dish. Lastly, combine roasted tomatoes with some of the freshest flavours of spring to make a warm salad with purple-sprouting broccoli, halloumi and anchovies. Delicious. Tomato Buddha bowl Using fresh Piccolos, we’ve created this deconstructed “fajita” Buddha bowl featuring “rice” made from whizzed up cauliflower. Delicious. Serves: 4 Ingredients: 2 red onions 2 red peppers Olive oil 2 garlic cloves, crushed 1 x 400g can black beans 2 tbsp cider vinegar Generous pinch smoked paprika 1 red chilli, halved Lime juice, to taste 2 corn on the cob, halved 1 cauliflower, chopped 1 heaped tsp cumin seeds 350g Piccolo cherry tomatoes To serve: 1 avocado, sliced 4 radishes, sliced Small handful coriander leaves Lime wedges Chipotle paste (optional) Method: Preheat the oven to 180C/gas mark 4. Cut the red onion into wedges and slice the red pepper into quarters. Drizzle with olive oil and roast for 30 minutes. Heat some oil in a pan and add the garlic. Fry for a few minutes over a low heat. Drain the black beans, retaining a little of the water they came in. Add the beans to the pan with the cider vinegar and smoked paprika. Add the halved chilli to the pan. Cook the beans for about 15 minutes, adding a splash of the retained can water if they start to dry out. Add a splash of lime juice at the end of the cooking time. Meanwhile, cook the corn in a pan of boiling water for about five minutes until slightly soft but not completely tender. Drain and dry the corn. Pulse the cauliflower in a food processor until it looks like grains. Dry fry the cumin seeds in a non-stick frying pan and then remove from the pan. Add a dash of oil and the cauliflower and fry until toasted. Add the cumin back to the pan. Keep warm.Heat a griddle pan and griddle the boiled corn on the cob halves until nicely charred. Set aside the corn and then char the Piccolo cherry tomatoes in the griddle pan. Serve the cauliflower in bowls, topped with the black beans. Arrange the red onions, red peppers, sliced avocado, radishes, coriander leaves, sweetcorn, lime wedges and Piccolo cherry tomatoes on top. Serve with a dash of chipotle paste if liked. Roasted tomato, asparagus, and feta salad This salad is all about quality ingredients and simplicity. Roasted Piccolo cherry tomatoes and asparagus flecked with fennel seeds, lemon zest and feta make a real feel-good dish. Serves: 2 Ingredients: 1 small bunch asparagus, trimmed 400g Piccolo cherry tomatoes, still on the vine Extra virgin olive oil 1 garlic clove, finely sliced 1 tsp fennel seeds 2 sprigs rosemary 30g feta 1 lemon, zest of 1 lemon, and dash of the juice Freshly ground black pepper, to taste Method: Preheat the oven to 190C/170C/gas 5. Place the asparagus and Piccolo cherry tomatoes on a baking tray and drizzle with extra virgin olive oil. Scatter over the garlic and fennel seeds. Lay the rosemary sprigs on the side. Roast for about 10 minutes, or until the asparagus is cooked through. Remove from the oven and crumble over the feta. Add the zest, lemon juice and freshly ground black pepper. Drizzle with a dash more olive oil. You may not need to season with salt as the feta will bring salt to the dish already. Warm salad of roasted tomatoes, purple-sprouting broccoli, halloumi and anchovy Combine roasted Piccolos with some of the freshest flavours of spring to make this easy salad with the addition of chopped anchovy in the dressing. Time: 45 minutes Serves: 4 Ingredients: 200g whole Piccolo cherry tomatoes, off the vine 1 whole garlic bulb 6 tbsp extra virgin olive oil Few sprigs thyme 250g new potatoes, or ideally Jersey Royal, halved 250g block halloumi, sliced 2 tbsp balsamic vinegar 4 anchovies, finely chopped 200g purple-sprouting broccoli, broken into small florets Small bunch fresh mint, chopped Freshly ground black pepper Method: Heat the oven to 170C fan/gas 3 (fan). Put the Piccolo cherry tomatoes in a roasting tin, break the garlic bulb up into cloves and drizzle with a tablespoon of olive oil. Nestle the thyme sprigs in with the tomatoes and roast for 20 minutes. Drain off the liquid to set aside for the dressing. Once cool enough to handle, pop the garlic out of each clove and set aside. Boil the potatoes in a pan of boiling salted water for about 15 minutes, or until cooked through - this will depend on the size of the potatoes. Heat a griddle to hot and griddle the sliced halloumi until nicely browned and cooked through. For the dressing, measure out 2 tablespoons of the reserved Piccolo cooking liquid into a small bowl, add the two tablespoons of vinegar, four tablespoons of olive oil and the chopped anchovies. Whisk together. Heat another tablespoon of oil in a pan or wok and add the broccoli. Cook for a minute, then tip in the drained potatoes, once they are covered in the oil, add the tomatoes and garlic to the pan and stir. Remove from the heat. Arrange the warm salad on four plates, top with the halloumi and pour over the dressing. Finish with a little freshly ground black pepper and the chopped mint. Serve warm. Learn more about British Tomato Fortnight at britishtomatoes.co.uk/british-tomato-fortnight Read More These recipes will keep you hydrated on hot days Try one of these pasta recipes this British Tomato Fortnight Uncorked: How do I keep my wine cool at a picnic? Banging brunch recipes worth getting out of bed for Think pink: Three ways with rhubarb to make the most of the season ‘Indian food is so much more than rubbish chicken tikka masala’

ITV2 has and revealed the first 10 contestants who will be heading to Majorca to take part in the summer season of Love Island. Commercial estate agent Catherine Agbaje, semi-professional footballer Tyrique Hyde and model Ella Thomas are among the islanders who will enter the Spanish villa when the new series starts on Monday, June 5. We’re set for another summer of romantic recouplings, dramatic dumpings and bombshell arrivals, but it’s important to remember that this brand of ‘reality’ TV doesn’t always reflect the real world. Especially when it comes to body diversity. Love Island contestants lounge around in swimwear all day, meaning there’s more of a focus on their physiques than on other shows. While for some viewers, the clothing (or lack thereof) doesn’t make a difference, it’s understandable if you do find that you compare yourself unfavourably to the scantily-clad islanders. “It depends really on the way that we do that comparison, whether it’s positive or negative,” says Lowri Dowthwaite, lecturer in psychological interventions at the University of Central Lancashire. “We do know that there’s a big link between that kind of negative comparison and people feeling bad about themselves or feeling that they’re not good enough.” There may also be a gender divide when it comes to comparison and body image. Dowthwaite says: “Women have a tendency to be to compare themselves a lot more. Rumination around that as well tends to be higher in women… and that can be quite damaging.” Indeed, a 2019 YouGov survey found that 75% of Love Island viewers agreed with the statement ‘it is important for me to look physically attractive’, the majority of which (43%) were aged 18 to 29. “When people are younger, I think naturally we are much more self-conscious and much more preoccupied with the way that we look,” says Dowthwaite. “As people get older, past 30 or 40, the preoccupation gets a bit less. I definitely think it is a bit of a thing that affects the younger people.” In turn, this ‘compare and dispair’ mindset can affect our behaviour or self-esteem. “People get drawn into that negative self-evaluation, where they maybe focus in on one particular part of their body that they’re not happy with. In extreme cases, it might have an impact on dieting,” Dowthwaite continues. Although she points out: “We can’t definitely say that the media and what we see causes eating disorders, because it’s too complex to say that. I think it’s about how we consume [TV] helpfully.” So how can viewers enjoy Love Island in a balanced, body positive way? Remember it’s not always realistic First of all, remind yourself of all the technical trickery that goes into making glossy TV shows. “It’s filmed in a way with lighting whereby it’s going to accentuate people’s features, there’s a lot of editing that goes into it as well,” says Dowthwaite. Same goes for the glamorous promo materials: “It’s photographed in such a way that, you know, it’s not real life – real people have flaws, we all have flaws.” Plus, these contestants have had weeks or months or get ready for their ‘big TV reveal’. “They might have gone through rigorous regimes to get themselves looking as good as they can possibly look,” she says. It’s not healthy to try to have the same figure as someone who is, for example, naturally very thin: “If you’re not genetically meant to be that slim, then you’re not going to be.” Monitor what you’re consuming With reality shows that are designed to keep you hooked, it’s easy to forget how they might be affecting your mood. “You need to become conscious of it,” says Dowthwaite, who recommends keeping a diary of what you’re viewing in terms of TV or social media and monitoring how it makes you feel. “If you find that you’ve consumed lots of things like Love Island and things that are appearance-based and you’re feeling quite low and moody… there’s probably a correlation between that.” Seek out body positivity To counteract the effects of unattainable reality TV ideals, it can help to follow body positive Instagram or TikTok accounts. “We need to see more of that, I think, in the media, to help people to not be so self-critical,” says Dowthwaite. “And to kind of appreciate that we’re all different shapes and sizes – and that’s good.” Focus on other activities Ultimately, it’s not healthy to derive your self-esteem from your looks, which is why you need to remind yourself that there’s more to life than having a Love Island-level body. “What are you good at? What talents do you have? What interests do you have? What are your strengths? Those kinds of things are a lot more important,” says Dowthwaite. If you’re feeling down about yourself, switch off the telly and take part in some mood-boosting activities. “Exercising and using your body to do things that you enjoy, like going for walks in nature, or doing yoga or horseback riding or whatever it is you’d like to do, that’s a way to have a healthier relationship with your body,” Dowthwaite recommends. “Moving your body in the great outdoors is just an excellent way to kind of feel that all that stuff doesn’t really matter that much.” Love Island returns to ITV2 and ITVX on Monday June 5. Voting for the first coupling up opens at 8am on Thursday on the Love Island app. Read More Charity boss speaks out over ‘traumatic’ encounter with royal aide Ukraine war’s heaviest fight rages in east - follow live Dating ‘green flags’ to look out for on Love Island – and in your own life Crackdown on vape adverts targeting kids – what parents can do How to make a small garden feel bigger

Welcome to Social Buzz, a daily column looking at what’s trending on social media platforms. I’m Caitlin Fichtel,

In the face of mounting pressure from labour shortages, supply delays and skyrocketing energy prices, celebrating British produce is more important than ever. If you’re in a supermarket during the next two weeks, look out for a British Tomato Fortnight sticker. Running until 11 June, the campaign hopes to shine a light on locally grown varieties and encourage consumers to buy British. Not only is that a boon to your carbon footprint and your health, but also to your plate – juicy and packed full of flavour, British toms are an extremely versatile cooking ingredient. They go especially well in this pasta puttanesca, which takes no more than 30 minutes to get onto the table, as well as the tomato, lemon zest and sage risotto with burrata – ultimate comfort food that’s balanced by the natural sweetness of the whole toms. Lastly, in the saffron chicken, tomato, orzo and squash stew, the toms are left whole and added it right at the end for a delightful sweet note. Get stuck in. Piccolo pasta puttanesca This dish doesn’t take much longer than the 30 minutes needed to roast the Piccolo cherry tomatoes. Perfection. Serves: 4 Ingredients: 750g Piccolo cherry tomatoes Olive oil 300g spaghetti 3 garlic cloves, finely chopped 1 red chilli, finally chopped 1 tsp tomato purée 100g pitted black olives, roughly chopped 8 anchovy fillets in oil, drained, roughly chopped 2 tbsp capers, drained 1 heaped tbsp chopped fresh basil To serve: Freshly grated parmesan Fresh basil, to garnish Method: Preheat the oven to 200C/180C fan/gas 5. Tip the Piccolo cherry tomatoes onto a baking tray and drizzle with a tablespoon of olive oil. Roast for 30 minutes. Cook the spaghetti according to packet instructions. Heat a dash of olive oil in a saucepan, add the garlic and red chilli and cook for a few minutes until aromatic. Add the tomato purée and cook for another minute. Remove the roasted tomatoes from the oven, pour any excess liquid into a bowl and set aside. Add the tomatoes (along with the chopped olives, anchovies and capers) to the pan with the garlic and chilli. Sprinkle over the chopped basil. Add a splash of the excess tomato liquid if necessary. Drain the spaghetti and serve with the puttanesca sauce topped with freshly grated parmesan and extra basil. Tomato, lemon zest and sage risotto with burrata The ultimate in comfort food, this risotto really packs in the flavour, balanced by the natural sweetness of the whole Piccolos. Serves: 4 3 tbsp olive oil 2 shallots, finely chopped 2 garlic cloves, finely chopped 1½ tbsp tomato purée 280g risotto rice, such as Arborio Knob of butter 100ml white wine 1 litre stock (made with 1 vegetable or chicken stock cube) 1 lemon, zest only 10 sage leaves, chopped 50g Parmesan, finely grated 250g Piccolo cherry tomatoes, left whole, stalks removed if preferred 115g burrata, divided into quarters 1 heaped tbsp toasted pine nuts Extra virgin olive oil, for drizzling Method: Heat the oil in a large pan. Add the shallots, stir well then cover and cook over a low heat until soft and lightly browned. Add the garlic and tomato purée and cook for another minute. Stir in the rice with a knob of butter, continue to stir and cook for another minute. Pour the wine into the pan and bring to a simmer. Cook for a minute for the rice to absorb the liquid. Add a quarter of the stock and cook to allow the liquid to be absorbed – keep adding more stock as it is absorbed. Stir from time to time. Add the lemon zest and chopped sage. Cook uncovered, stirring from time to time, for about 20-25 minutes, or until the rice is tender and very creamy. Finally, stir in the Parmesan cheese. Meanwhile, heat another pan with a dash of olive oil and cook the tomatoes over a high heat until softened. Divide the risotto among four plates, topped with the Piccolo cherry tomatoes, a quarter of the burrata for each serving, some toasted pine nuts, and a drizzle of olive oil. Saffron chicken, tomato, orzo and squash stew Piccolo cherry tomatoes are left whole and added right at the end of this stew to retain their shape and add a delightful sweet note. You will not be disappointed! Serves: 4 Time: 40 minutes Ingredients: 2 tbsp olive oil 1 onion, finely chopped 4 garlic cloves, sliced 2 boneless chicken breasts, cut into chunks (about 400g total weight) 1 small butternut squash (about 600g/1lb 4oz), peeled and chopped Generous pinch saffron 500ml chicken stock 150g orzo400g whole Piccolo cherry tomatoes Salt and freshly ground black pepper Small handful roughly chopped flatleaf parsley, to serve Method: In a large pan, heat half of the olive oil, then fry the onion for five minutes, or until the onion is softened. Add the garlic and cook for a couple more minutes. Remove from the pan. Add the chicken to the pan and cook on all sides until nicely browned. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper Add the chopped squash and cook for a further few minutes. Add the saffron and chicken stock and return the onion and garlic to the pan. Cook at a simmer for about 5 minutes. Increase the temperature to a boil, tip in the orzo and turn the heat back to a simmer. Cook for a further 10 minutes, adding a splash more water if it starts to dry out. Tip in the Piccolos and cook for a further few minutes to soften. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper, and serve garnished with parsley. Learn more about British Tomato Fortnight at britishtomatoes.co.uk/british-tomato-fortnight Read More These recipes will keep you hydrated on hot days Uncorked: How do I keep my wine cool at a picnic? Banging brunch recipes worth getting out of bed for Think pink: Three ways with rhubarb to make the most of the season ‘Indian food is so much more than rubbish chicken tikka masala’ This vegetarian kebab won’t have you missing meat