Here are six of the best festive flicks to feast your eyes on over the holiday period.    There’s something reassuring and cosy about snuggling up with a box of choccies and watching a Christmas film with loved ones.    It can be an old favourite you know word for word, or a classic that you’ve never managed to see before. As long as it’s feelgood with a happy ending, then you’re on to a good thing.    Here’s a list of some of the best festive films of all time. How many have you seen?    Elf  Will Ferrell [...]

As a nation of pet lovers, it’s no surprise that dog ownership increased significantly during the pandemic. Unfortunately, so did the number of dog thefts. There were more than 2,000 reported incidents in 2020 and this number is going up.   While dog theft is on the rise, catching those responsible is not. Just 2% of such cases led to suspects being charged in 2020, and concerns have grown so much that the government set up the Pet Theft Taskforce to tackle the issue.   On 14 March, the Stolen and Missing Pets Alliance will hold their annual Dog Theft [...]

We share seven tips from national pet charities to keep pets from suffering stress this fireworks season in this two-minute read. At myhouse Agents, we love pets. And we get to meet plenty of our clients’ furry friends during our daily work across Manchester. According to a 2018 survey by builders, McCarthy Stone, pets made people a lot happier about their everyday lives. 45% of the people they polled said their pet is the main reason they exercise, and a whopping 31% said having a pet gives them a purpose in life. So, now that fireworks season is back with [...]

 Here we look at ways to promote children’s wellbeing. The past year has been challenging for kids, so let’s make them feel special on National Children’s Day (NCD) on Sunday 16 May. The lockdowns of the last year hit children particularly hard. While little ones often say they want to skip school, the reality is many find its structure reassuring. (Sadly, some also feel safer at school than they do at home.) Not only did lockdown mean children couldn’t be with their friends, for many, it also meant less exercise and more screen time – and their mental health [...]

  In this two-minute read, we look at why it’s crucial that consumers shop local. As we emerge out of lockdown, there’s one thing you can do to help Manchester recover from the pandemic – and that’s to shop local. Independent traders are the lifeblood of communities, generating interest and footfall in our high streets and providing local jobs. But after an incredibly challenging year, small businesses need help to stay afloat. The good news is that many of us discovered the benefits of shopping locally during the pandemic. Figures show that 53% of us have shopped locally more in the [...]

In this two-minute read, we show you how to make your Manchester home a healthier place for the planet.   Yesterday was World Earth Day. People across the globe were encouraged to be more mindful about the impact we all have on the planet. But doing our bit for Mother Earth is a process and not an event as this article explains. In our own homes in Manchester, we can continue to do things to help the Earth.  Here are some ideas. Go local 🛍️ The supermarkets are undeniably convenient. If you can though, frequent farmers’ markets. You’ll be [...]

In this two-minute read, we look at how to get ready for the changes that lie ahead as restrictions continue to ease. With the end to our arduous Covid hibernation in sight, it’s time to prepare for life in the “new normal”. While the prospect of restrictions easing is exciting – we can’t wait to eat at The Perfect Match and drink at The Bridge – it will also take a little getting used to. That’s because many of us have grown used to lockdown living: we now work from home, live in tracksuit bottoms, and tell ourselves that cutting our [...]

Skeletons, Kites, and Giant Omelettes – How Different Countries Celebrate Easter 🐰 In this two-minute read, we look at the weird and wonderful ways people around the globe celebrate Easter. We Brits have Easter egg hunts, hot cross buns, and Morris dancing, but read on to find out how people in other parts of the world celebrate Easter. Spooky skeletons in Spain 💀 Visit the medieval village of Verges on Maundy Thursday, and you might think it’s Halloween. Every year at midnight, the locals partake in the bone-chilling La Dansa de la Mort (dance of death). In flickering candlelight, [...]

In this two-minute read, we look at the ingenious ways communities pulled together during the pandemic to spread joy and raise spirits. In years to come, when we talk about living through the pandemic, we’ll no doubt mention face masks, home-schooling, and Zoom meetings. But let’s not forget the countless examples of kindness and resourcefulness that we’ve witnessed in the community over the past 12 months. Here are seven examples of can-do spirit in action. Mutual aid groups 🦮 Since last March, 4,000 mutual aid groups have formed in the UK, providing an army of local volunteers who have [...]

In this two-minute read, we look at how the pandemic has given us a greater appreciation for life’s little pleasures. As tomorrow is the International Day of Happiness, let’s tune out from the negative headlines for a moment and reflect on a few positives. The theme for this year’s event is Keep Calm. Stay Wise. Be Kind – a motto that chimes perfectly with the times. Over the past year – and yes, it’s almost a year since we were told to Stay at Home – we’ve witnessed many examples of calmness and kindness and learned a few important [...]

In this two-minute read, we look at some of the milestone moments in British scientific history. It’s British Science Week this week so let’s celebrate the pioneering men and women who have changed the world. As science buffs in Manchester will undoubtedly know, Britain has a long tradition of invention and discovery. The list of breakthroughs made on our shores is long and impressive. We couldn’t possibly include them all here, so we’ve focused on six landmark moments. Oxford AstraZeneca Covid-19 vaccine 💉 There are several Covid-19 vaccines (and we celebrate them all), but the formula developed by Professor Sarah Gilbert and [...]

In this two-minute read, we look at how parents in Manchester can help their children adjust to being back in the classroom. After many long and draining weeks of learning from home, children across the UK are finally returning to school. While weary parents may be glad to see the back of homeschooling, some children may find the transition from front room to classroom daunting. After spending so much time at home, dealing with the hurly-burly of school life might prove challenging for young people. Here are some back-to-school tips from the NSPCC and mental health charity Place2Be.   😴 Sleep [...]

‘The darkest hour is just before the dawn.’ The quote is attributed to the English theologian Thomas Fuller from 1650. It could easily be applied now, more than 370 years on. As the weather turns for the better, the vaccine programme accelerates across the UK, and green shoots of the ‘old normal’ start to spring up, here at myhouse Agents we’re feeling hopeful. A fascinating article published last week predicted that an economic and cultural boom will start when the lockdowns are lifted, and Covid-19 is made much more manageable. Will History Repeat Itself? It happened after the Spanish [...]

A 60-second speed read. The Beatles were right when they sang ‘money can’t buy me love.’ But money can buy you a gift to give to your significant other. The trouble is not all ‘romantic gifts’ are created equally and received gratefully. And with Valentine’s Day on Sunday here are seven presents to avoid. Anything weight-related – Slim-Fast won’t go down too well. Cheap and not so cheerful flowers. The petrol station posies won’t hit the spot. Anything DIY related. A hoover. Seriously? What are you thinking? Expired gift cards. Result – you’ve found a gift card in the [...]

A 60-second speed read. The past 12 months have been a Mount Everest like challenge for most of us. But hope is on the horizon. Here are seven reasons to stay optimistic in 2021. The vaccine rollout continues to gather pace and is vaccinating millions. Several animal species are expected to be saved from extinction. More governments across the globe are committing to cutting carbon emissions. Spring is around the corner – Better weather is coming. The fallout from the pandemic could be that we rebuild our societies in a fairer, more sustainable way. Sociologists predict that many people [...]

In this three-minute read, we explain how renters can avoid getting ripped off by fake landlords. Renters in Manchester should be on their guard against fraudsters using Covid-19 as a cover to swindle people out of their hard-earned cash. Rental fraud is not a new scam – Action Fraud, the UK’s reporting centre for fraud and cybercrime, has been warning about it for years. However, we’re concerned that the increase in property activity being carried out online due to the pandemic could leave renters more vulnerable to this kind of ruse. Just last week, we heard of an attempt at online [...]

In this three-minute read, we look at some of the positive initiatives inspired by Children's Mental Health Awareness Week. Mental health used to be a taboo subject, but thankfully things are changing. This week was Children's Mental Health Awareness Week, and up and down the country, people found interesting ways to engage with young people about the issue. The week's theme was 'expressing yourself' and encouraged young people to find ways to share feelings, thoughts, or ideas through creativity. As one in six young people have a diagnosable mental health issue (figures: NHS), we must encourage open and honest [...]

A 60-second speed read. Children’s Mental Health Week runs until Sunday. And we’re sharing seven super tips on how you can help your little cherubs cope with the strains lockdown can place upon their young shoulders. Listen – Ask them how they are feeling and listen to what they have to say. Support – There have been difficult times for all children during lockdown, so remember a supportive word can go a long way. Involve – Stay involved in what they are doing and show interest in their activities and opinions. Serious – Show their feelings matter by taking [...]

In this 60 second speed read we show our support for a vitally important project which comes with Royal approval. Children’s Mental Health Week (CMHW) is running from Monday 1 to Sunday 7 February. The project’s patron, HRH The Duchess of Cambridge, launched the event with a special video message. The Duchess is a passionate supporter of children’s mental health and spoke about the importance of young people expressing their feelings safely and creatively. It’s in keeping with the theme of this year’s week, which is Express Yourself. The Duchess also spoke about the importance of parents and carers [...]

In this two-minute read, we bring you four news stories to lift your spirits and make you smile.   You can’t lose if you snooze 😴 If you often nod off mid-afternoon, we have good news – a new study suggests napping can sharpen your mind and help ward off dementia. A survey of 2,214 people, published in General Psychiatry, found post-lunch snoozers had better memory recall and improved emotional stability and verbal fluency. All this comes with a few conditions, however. Scientists say it’s best to get your head down after lunch but before 2pm and sleep for no more [...]

This list is so boring it's rather interesting This article discovers there are levels to lockdown boredom and shares with you the World's most boring museum, film, town, and date. A surprisingly interesting 3-minute read. At myhouse agents we're an optimistic bunch and see the lockdown across Manchester as being safe at home rather than stuck indoors. Yes, it can be boring at times, especially when the weather is bad. But nowadays we have plenty of digital distractions at our fingerprints. And we've made use of some of our own spare time to compile a list of the World's [...]

A 60-second speed read on the games people are playing in lockdown. One of the few positives of the lockdowns has been that families living in the same home have spent more quality time together. This ‘together time’ has seen a surge in the number of board games sold. Amazon has just released the top ten games that families across Manchester and the UK have been buying in the battle to banish boredom. Here they are: Monopoly The property classic. Number of players 2 to 6, £14.99. Match and Spell Game and Shopping List Extras Educational learning for ages, [...]

In this two-minute read, we share tales of triumph and generosity from around the UK. Postcards of Kindness✉️ The pandemic has been tough on us all, but particularly so for care home residents. To ease the sense of isolation that many people in care homes feel, an army of postcard writers has sprung up across the UK. Each week, thousands of people write to people they have never met as part of the Postcards of Kindness scheme. Some senders even draw or paint the images on the postcards themselves (flowers, animals, and landscapes are popular subject matters). While the [...]

In this 60-second speed read, we share ten tunes to put a spring in your step despite what’s going on in the world. What do you get when you cross a fashion magazine with a scientist? And no this isn’t a joke from an open mic Zoom night at your local comedy club. Vogue Magazine reported back in the first lockdown that a neuroscientist, Dr Jacob Jolij, claims to have discovered the perfect feelgood song formula. And here’s his top ten. 1 – Don’t Stop Me Now – Queen 2 – Dancing Queen – Abba 3 – Good Vibration [...]

In this two-minute read, we share three short stories to make you smile. We may be in the middle of a winter lockdown, but there are still plenty of reasons to be cheerful. Here are a few upbeat stories from around the world to lift your mood. Animal adoptions on track A campaign to promote animal adoptions has been a hit with Moscow commuters. Thirteen of the city's animal shelters joined forces to turn a standard Metro train into the Tails and Paws train. The Tails and Paws' interior is plastered with photographs of cats and dogs living in [...]

In this 60-second speed read we give you ten things to add to your lockdown to do (or to don’t) lists. If you’re at home with time on your hands at the moment here are 10 ‘little’ jobs you can try. If you’re home schooling, our advice is not to bother with this list and use any spare moments you have to take a well-earned rest. Here goes: Wash the windows inside and out. 🧽 Oil squeaky doors and drawer hinges. 💡Swap over to LED light bulbs Clean behind your radiators. Clear out of date tins from your food [...]

What’s on you’re all-time feelgood movie list? In this 90 second read, we share 10 of the best feelgood movies to make staying at home that little bit more bearable. At myhouse Agents we love a good film, and we think the ones that have made it to this list are bound to leave you with a spring in your step and smile on your face. In no order. ET. - Steven Spielberg’s extra-terrestrial is an all-time classic that is warming the hearts of children and adults nearly 40 years after its release. UP – This Pixar piece of [...]

How you can heat your Manchester home for less during a lockdown🌞 A 60-second speed read that could save you a lot of money. Here’s a question for you. What happens when you have a national lockdown in winter? Well, there a few things but one that’s guaranteed to happen is heating bills rocket. More people are at home whether to work, learn or stay safe, which means the thermostat gets turned up to keep everyone warm for longer than usual. The good news is the National Energy Foundation charity has shared eight tips to keep the costs down [...]

10 Resolutions People in Manchester are Making in 2021 A 90-second speed read to share some resolution ideas to bring some hope in 2021. 99.9 per cent of us cannot wait to see the back of 2020. And what better time to draw a line under this ‘unprecedented’ year than the opportunity to welcome in a new year. And one which brings new hope. Below are 10 of the most common resolutions people have made over the past five years, according to polling website You.Gov. Exercise more. Eat more healthily. Lose weight. Budget finances better. Learn something new. Spend [...]

Our Free Christmas Gift to Children in Manchester In this 90 second read, we announce our free giveaway of a sold-out children’s book and the difference it is making to young lives. Breaking news ……We’ve teamed up with a children’s author and are giving away digital versions of his fast-selling book, Spot the Different. Jerry Lyons originally wrote the book for his then seven-year-old daughter as a bedtime story to show that being different is something to be proud of and to embrace. It tells the story of a young girl called Lucy, who is being bullied at school. [...]

From Mulled Wine to Mistletoe – Four Festive Customs Explained In this two-minute read, we trace the origins of some of the sights, sounds, and smells of Christmas. Christmas is a time of mistletoe and mulled wine, twinkly trees, and messages from the monarch.   And in Manchester it seems like many people can’t wait for the festive break.   So, let’s explore the history behind the enduring Christmas customs many of us enjoy. Why do we decorate Christmas trees? In Pagan times, evergreens were placed in the home to ward off evil spirits and to remind people during [...]