Best foods for your brain

On average, female friendships last 16 years, which is six years longer than the average romantic relationship, so it comes as no surprise that whether good or bad, friendships have a significant impact on our mental health. Life is too short to have unsupportive or manipulative friends. They might judge you, gossip behind your back or even compete with you. You might not even realise that a relationship has turned toxic or unhealthy. Sometimes we accept emotional abuse from a friend in a way we never would a romantic partner. Toxic friendships are hugely detrimental to our lives and confidence so you need to register the signs early on to be able to nip them in the bud. It is vital to your happiness and wellbeing to walk away from a toxic friendship before it meta-sizes. Scarlett V Clark, founder of the Smart Girl Tribe, says 'toxic friendships are hugely detrimental to our lives and confidence so you need to register the signs early on to be able to nip them in the … [Read more...] about Is YOUR best friend toxic? Take the quiz to reveal the warning signs of a manipulative and controlling relationship

INFLUENCERS are known to score hoards of freebies in exchange for a "shout out" on their huge online platforms. But this tactic recently backfired for one blogger who tried to nab a free takeaway meal, but ended up at the police station instead. Four Legs - a pop-up restaurant operating at pub The Compton Arms in Islington is being praised for its extremely savage response to the blogger who reached out to ask for free food. Not only did the unnamed influencer request a meal for themselves in exchange for a plug on Instagram, but they asked for an extra four meals for their "bubble" too. The influencer reached out to the restaurant via DMs and said they'd post to their Instagram and even pop in for a meal once the venue reopens. The restaurant appeared to go along with the request at first, agreeing to offer the food for free. But in a hilarious twist, the venue directed the influencer to the police station instead, telling them to "report yourself for crimes … [Read more...] about ‘Cheeky’ influencer tries to bag free food but it massively backfires as they ‘end up at the police station’

JODY Wisternoff might be best known as one half of electronic music duo Way Out West alongside one of Britain's original superstar DJs, Nick Warren. The enduring partnership of the two Bristolian talents continues to this day having contributed numerous pivotal moments in electronic music since the 90s. In the same way as Nick’s, Jody’s solo work has also seen great success over the years. His long relationship with Above & Beyond and James Grant’s Anjunadeep label continues this month with the release of Anjunadeep 12 mixed by Jody and label head James. Since the inaugural ‘Anjunadeep 01’ over 10 years ago, the compilation series has proven a hotbed for new talent joining the imprint and has helped break some of the most iconic tracks in the label’s back catalog. Marking a new chapter for Anjunadeep, the compilation sets the tone for what’s to come from the label in 2021. Including some of the best tracks of 2020, ‘Anjunadeep 12’ also showcases 50 new and … [Read more...] about Jody Wisternoff selects ten of the best from Bristol, including tracks from Massive Attack and Portishead

A MUM whose son died in a hit and run road collision, only for the driver responsible to serve just FIVE MONTHS imprisonment, is campaigning for stiffer jail terms. Louise Smyth, aged 49, was widowed 20 years ago, when husband Darren was killed in a motorbike accident after misjudging a bend in a road. It left her to bring up their two sons alone. She later had another son, from a different relationship. Her middle son Matt died aged 25 in a hit and run crash when his motorbike was hit by a delivery driver, who then fled the scene. She collected over 100,000 signatures on a petition calling for the law to be changed, which will be debated in Parliament later this year. Louise, from Duxford, Cambridgeshire, says: “Matt was my middle son, quite shy and quiet - a kind, thoughtful boy still living at home with me when he passed away. "He loved animals and Liverpool FC. He worked as a chef at a pub. Sometimes after a shift, he’d bring me home one of his fabulous brownies … [Read more...] about My son was going to hear his baby’s heartbeat – he was killed by a hit & run driver who served just 5 months in jail

EASY pasta sauces are a staple of my freezer. They can quickly transform a pan of plain pasta into something yummy and nutritious. Having a few sauces ready to grab when you need a quick meal is a great time-saver. New to batching? Here’s a top tip: Try freezing these two recipes in ice-cube trays so you can pop out two or three cubes at a time if you need a single portion. These recipes have hidden veggies and are guaranteed kiddie pleasers. Enjoy! Creamy sundried tomato pasta (Serves 4) Preparation : 5 minutes. Cooking : 20 minutes. YOU NEED: 1 tbsp olive oil 115g frozen chopped onions 1 tsp frozen chopped garlic 1 x 285g jar sun-dried tomatoes, drained of oil 2 x 500g cartons passata 100g cream cheese Fresh basil (optional) METHOD : Heat the oil in a saucepan on a low to medium heat and add the diced onions and garlic. Cook until softened. Add the passata and drained sun-dried tomatoes, bring to the boil then reduce to a simmer and … [Read more...] about Delicious and nutritious pasta sauces you can freeze to make a quick meal