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I’ve been using the same denim tote bag on repeat for my hand luggage that’s the perfect size to keep all your travel essentials safe and close at hand – and it’s under £60

When it comes to travelling, I want to make my life as easy as possible. That means hand luggage that’s easy to carry, practical, and lets me get to everything without having to completely unpack it on the plane.

For my last three flights now, I’ve taken Roka’s Portobello Denim Tote Bag (£59.95) as my carry on bag, and it’s proved to be everything I needed. Plus, it looks effortlessly chic and cool, which is always a nice bonus if you’re having to haul it everywhere.

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I’ve managed to fit multiple changes of clothes, a pair of shoes, a water bottle, a laptop, two makeup bags, headphones and a spare jacket into the bag at once with room to spare, making it ideal for long weekend breaks or overnight trips away. But it’s been a lifesaver on long haul flights, giving me plenty of room to pack essentials to see me through the flight without being so tightly crammed that I can’t get to anything.

Having taken backpacks in the past, there’s nothing worse than realising your book or headphones have slipped to the bottom of the bag and you need to pull everything else out to get to them. Whereas the Portobello Denim Tote Bag is long and wide, which makes it easy to rummage around with minimal disruptions.

It is slightly too large to fit into budget airlines “personal items” criteria, but it still fits neatly inside the hand luggage specifications, measuring 48cm x 10cm x 40cm. For reference, Ryanair’s cabin bag size limits are 55cm x 20cm x 40cm, whilst the personal item measurements are 40cm x 20cm x 30cm.

However there are multiple other options of the Portobello bag, including smaller sizes, ones with additional pockets and in a range of colours, so if you want one that’ll fit your flights specifics you can find one on the Roka website. My large denim tote has multiple compartments both inside and out for keeping essentials like passports, money and tickets to hand, not to mention a designated laptop slot for computers up to 15”.

I also love that the Portobello Denim Tote Bag fastens with a large sturdy zip at the top, so you don’t need to worry about anything spilling out. One thing I will mention is that when it’s full, it can get heavy, and as it only has top handles (rather than a cross body strap) it can make it a little tricky to carry around.

You should also watch for the denim dye rubbing off on light coloured fabrics if it has a lot of contact – like when I had my feet tucked under it for almost eight hours on a flight and realised it had stained the toes of my shoes! But popping it through the wash should help get rid of any excess dye if you want to make doubly sure you won’t get any transfer.

There’s also other great travel-friendly totes to shop instead, like Antler’s Essential Tote Bag which you can pick up for £65. It comes in both navy and white, with plenty of pockets and a strap to fix it over your suitcase handle.

You could also shop Lulu Guinness’ Nylon Macy Tote Bag, which is available in both green and navy for £119. The nylon material means it’s easy to keep clean, with a travel-friendly size and straps to slot over your suitcase.

However, my Portobello Denim Tote Bag has proven to withstand just about everything thrown at it, and the denim is so thick and such good quality that it’s never once stretched, snagged or become damaged. Therefore it’s a no-brainer for me; I’ll continue taking it everywhere with me, although it might have to go in the overhead lockers every once in a while.

We’ve put the best pre-made and canned cocktails to the test to see which ones will not only save you time and effort this summer and bank holiday, but also taste delicious

With a long weekend coming up with the summer bank holiday on 25 August, if you’re looking for drinks to serve to guests at barbecues or gathering – and you aren’t a fan of the typical beers and ciders – then pre-mixed cocktails could be a great solution.

In recent years there’s been a huge increase in single serve, pre-made cocktails hitting the drinks aisles; a world away from super-sweet alcopops we probably remember from our youths, these are sophisticated drinks that you’d find in a posh bar, serving bartender-quality classics such as margaritas, espresso martinis and negronis in handy little cans or bottles. This makes them excellent for parties, barbecues and festivals – and many can also be delivered in gift sets or letterbox-friendly packaging, making them also a great present idea for someone who loves good food and drink.

Here are our favourites…

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9 best pre-mixed cocktails to buy in 2025

Kocktail

The Classic Collection, £32 from Kocktail

Kocktail sells a range of different sized bottles, from 500ml bottles that’ll serve five to single-serve measures in letterbox packaging; we like that these include garnishes and recipe cards too. Passionfruit Martini, Cosmopolitan and Margarita are our personal picks for summer, and they also sell a Summer BBQ Case of six 500ml bottles that’s great for gatherings, saving you £30 compared to buying them individually.

NIO

Sundowner Cocktail Box, £46.75 from NIO (worth £55)

NIO is arguably this market leaders in cocktails by post, delivering its recipes in their unique square packets. While the classics are great (and strong!), NIO also excels at limited-edition collections, including this Sundowner set of nine, and destination-based selections such as Postcards from Japan. They might not be the easiest things to open and drink from if you’re raving in a field, but they do take up very little fridge space.

Boxtails

Party Piece: Cocktail Collection of 6, £39.99 from Boxtails

Perhaps the most ‘party suitable’ of the bunch, Boxtails’ are easy to drink and not too strong – ideal if you don’t want to peak too soon. The measures are also a little larger than most of the others here too. For the best value for money for parties. buy the Mystery Bundle, which gets you 24 cocktails for £144.99: around £6 a drink.

Moth

Moth: Taster Pack, from £26 for 8 from Moth

You’ll probably have seen Moth cocktails-in-a-can; you’ll find them in supermarkets, and they’re what all the cool kids drink at Glastonbury each year. I link them for their ease (you can swig them straight out of the can), their stylish packaging and how well they do the classics, including my favourites: margaritas, palomas and negronis.

Moth sells lots of different bundles, and the Taster Pack is a great option if you want to try a bit of everything. (They work out as one of the cheapest too, at £3.25 a can).

Lockdown Liquor & Co

Piña Colada and Strawberry Daiquiri 500ml bottles, £25 each from Lockdown Liquor

As its name suggest Lockdown Liquor was started during the pandemic, when proper, bartender-mixed cocktails were unattainable, and since then it has gone on to become one of the most fashionable pre-mixed cocktail brands to have on your shelf.

The taste really delivers too; Lockdown Liquor’s Picante is perhaps its most popular, but their two new summery recipes are Piña Colada and Strawberry Daiquiri, and they also do an excellent range of non-alcoholic options. Buy them in 500ml bottles or pick five minis in the Petite Liquor Box.

Perhaps a bit posh (and heavy) for festivals, keep these at home for when you really want to impress guests.

Pimentae

Tommy’s Margarita Cans, £32 for 8 from Pimentae

If you’re a fan of margaritas, spicy or otherwise, you need to know about Pimentae. The brand only makes this cocktail – albeit in a few variations – but it does it really well; these colourful cans go down a dream.

You’ll find lots of options on the website, including 50cl bottles, big bag-in-a-boxes and gift sets.

Edmunds

Build a Box, from £34.95 for 6 from Edmunds

I’ve got a soft spot for Edmunds cocktails as they’re from my home county of Suffolk, and I’m assuming its name is a reference to Bury St Edmunds, where I grew up. I love the little individual bottles with stoppers, and they deliver on taste too. You can build your own boxes, choosing from 11 different recipes, or buy ready-made collections.

Picante

Original Picante Spicy Margarita Fridge Pack, £32 for 6 from Picante

Trendy London fashion and lifestyle brand Picante has introduced its namesake spicy margs (the cocktail of choice for the fashionable crowd), and they taste as good as they look, made with fresh serrano chilli in with tequila, lime juice and agave.

Fever-Tree

Fever-Tree 0.5% Low Alcohol Italian Spritz, £1.90 each from Sainsbury’s

It’s not often that a low-alcohol drink tastes like its original alcoholic version, IMO, but this one really does – it’s sharp, bitter and refreshing, and not too sweet (a rare find with low- or no-alcohol cocktails). Pour into a large round glass with plenty of ice, and enjoy in the sun.

Ed Sheeran is on hand to help Marvel legend Chris Hemsworth with a musical challenge in Limitless season two on Disney+.

Ed Sheeran is one of the UK’s biggest stars with fans forever curious to know all there is about his life when he isn’t performing.

All three episodes of Limitless season two has dropped on Disney+ has actor Chris Hemsworth finding out different ways that he can live better.

The first episode sees the 42-year-old learning how to play the drums as a bid to improve his brain power but to make the situation even more stressful, he’s got to play at an Ed Sheeran concert.

With The Shape of You back on the small screen, here’s everything there is to know about Ed Sheeran’s life.

Bullying

While he may be a global sensation now, Sheeran wasn’t always popular and grew up struggling with bullying at school.

Speaking to DJ Nihal and rapper Dave, he candidly admitted: “I hated primary school with a passion; I cried every day.

“I’m ginger, so I was instantly ripped into from the day I started school – ginger, had a stutter, and wore huge glasses… just a bit odd.

“I have always looked a little bit quirky and I never had much luck with girls.

“It was always like I looked a bit weird and then when I started playing music every time I would do a gig everyone was like, ‘Oh it’s the ginger guy with the small guitar’, and you get remembered for that.”

Sleeping rough

As the 34-year-old was working on his craft, he left Suffolk to start afresh in London where he would busk and play gigs whenever he could.

It wasn’t always easy though as Sheeran often didn’t have anywhere to sleep and so had to get creative, as he explained in his 2014 autobiography A Visual Journey.

He wrote: “There was an arch outside Buckingham Palace that has a heating duct and I spent a couple of nights there.

“That’s where I wrote the song Homeless and the lines, ‘It’s not a homeless night for me, I’m just home less than I’d like to be.’”

He continued: “I didn’t have anywhere to live for much of 2008 and the whole of 2009 and 2010, but somehow I made it work.

“I spent a week catching up on sleep on Circle Line trains.

“I’d go out and play a gig, wait until 5am when the Underground opened, sleep on the Circle Line until 12, go to a session – and then repeat. It wasn’t that bad.

“It’s not like I was sleeping rough on the cold streets.”

Wife

Sheeran didn’t need to travel all over the world to meet the love of his life as he knew her growing up.

He first met his wife Cherry Seaborn when they were children in Suffolk but only reconnected in 2015 in New York when a mutual friend suggested they spend time together.

This ultimately led to a blossoming romance with a quiet wedding in 2018 and the birth of their daughters, Lyra in 2020 and Jupiter in 2022.

Speaking on The Ellen DeGeneres Show in 2021, Sheeran commented: “I just found that I really didn’t have a purpose outside of [music] because when I was giving myself fixed time of no work, I wasn’t doing anything I enjoyed because I love doing music.

“And [being a dad] has actually given me purpose and something in life that’s actually more important than my job.”

Drugs and alcohol

Much to like many superstars, The A Team singer had taken drugs and drunk excessively, describing himself as a “party boy” to Rolling Stone.

“I was always a drinker. I didn’t touch any sort of like, drug, until I was 24,” he said.

“I remember just being at a festival and being like, ‘Well, if all of my friends do it, it can’t be that bad’. And then sort of dabbling.

“Then it just turns into a habit that you do once a week and then once a day and then, like, twice a day and then, like, without booze. It just became bad vibes.”

It was then two things that led Sheeran to quit his addictions for good: becoming a dad and losing his friend Jamal Edwards.

The music entrepreneur died of cardiac arrhythmia brought on by cocaine use.

Sheeran said: “I would never, ever, ever touch anything again, because that’s how Jamal died.

“And that’s just disrespectful to his memory to even, like, go near.”

Going on to talk about the impact of becoming a dad, the singer added: “I don’t ever want to be pissed holding my kid. Ever, ever.

“Having a couple of beers is one thing. But having a bottle of vodka is another thing.

“It’s just a realisation of, ‘I’m getting into my thirties. Grow up! You’ve partied, you’ve had this experience. Be happy with that and just be done.’”

Next album

The future is looking bright for Sheeran as he is set to release his new album Play on Friday, September 12.

This will be his eighth studio album and the first in a planned series of five symbol-themed albums.

Taking to Instagram, the singer shared: “Play was an album that was made as a direct response to the darkest period of my life.

“Coming out of all of that I just wanted to create joy and technicolour, and explore cultures in the countries I was touring.

“I made this record all over the world, finished it in Goa, India, and had some of the most fun, explorative creative days of my life.

“It’s a real rollercoaster of emotions from start to finish, it encapsulates everything that I love about music, and the fun in it, but also where I am in life as a human, a partner, a father.”

Halsey stars in the new Western thriller, and the singer’s young co-star has opened up about working with her

Pop sensation Halsey has made her cinema debut in Americana, a Western thriller that’s been described as ‘Tarantino-esque’.

Landing in cinemas next Friday, the film also features Euphoria stars Sydney Sweeney and Eric Dane.

The plot follows timid waitress Penny Jo (Sweeney) and military veteran Lefty Ledbetter (Paul Walter Hauser), who join forces to get their hands on a rare Native American artefact.

Their quest puts them in the firing line of Dillon MacIntosh (Dane), a merciless criminal working for an antiquities trader.

As the story unfolds, viewers meet Mandy Starr (Halsey), a desperate woman fleeing her dangerous past with her son Cal, played by emerging talent Gavin Maddox Bergman, reports the Mirror US.

Now, Gavin, who was a pre-teen during filming, has revealed heart-warming stories about working with Halsey.

Speaking exclusively to the Mirror’s Screen Time team, the now teenage actor said: “Halsey is such a kind person. She’s very generous and we actually found that we have a lot of shared interests, specifically with art.”

He went on, divulging a thoughtful gesture from the singer: “My 12th birthday was on set and she went out of her way to get me a six-pack of Crumbl cookies as a surprise.”

But the pop star’s kindness didn’t end there, with Gavin also revealing a heart-warming wrap present he received from the chart-topper.

“She got me an iPad because I hadn’t had any devices like that. She wanted me to get into digital art and she was very kind for getting me that,” Gavin told us, adding: “That was awesome. It was a really thoughtful gift.”

Prior to rubbing shoulders with the Colors singer, Gavin had already been acquainted with her chart-topping tracks.

“My mom and I love her music,” said the young actor. “We used to listen to her on the radio and we became pretty big fans.”

So when he learned he would be appearing alongside her on screen, it was “very, very exciting”.

Elsewhere in our conversation, the budding film star also revealed what attracted him to the role of Cal.

“I saw this lonely boy, who just wanted to find his space in the world. And that’s what we do as kids, we try to find belonging and connection,” he explained.

Sarah Jessica Parker left home decor enthusiasts on a mission trying to hunt a lamp that costs less than a tenner – but we’ve listed some other alternatives you’ll also love in case you miss it.

When you think of Sarah Jessica Parker, you probably think of her iconic role as Carrie Bradshaw – the extravagant main character of hit 90s show Sex and the City. However, Carrie and Sarah couldn’t be less alike, as Carrie is usually seen spending thousands on lavish furniture and designer shoes, while Sarah opts for things that are a little more simple.

From book recommendations and food recipes, it seems the actress enjoys opting for home furnishings that don’t cost an arm and a leg. In a recent Instagram upload, she showed off her recent purchase, a pleated IKEA lamp that costs less than a cinema ticket or your daily commute to work: £9. Yes, that’s right, a total bargain.

It comes amid news that Sarah Jessica Parker has already moved on from And Just Like That as finale looms.

The iconic pleated table lamp, known as KUDDLAVA on the site, is made from at least 50% recycled plastic, with a decorative knob of solid wood, making it the perfect addition to any living space without a hefty price tag – which is why it’s already going viral.

And if it’s good for Carrie Bradshaw, it will be for anyone. The KUDDLAVA is the kind of piece that fits almost anywhere, from bedside tables to reading books and even in a living room.

For more stories like this subscribe to our weekly newsletter, The Weekly Gulp , for a curated roundup of trending stories, poignant interviews, and viral lifestyle picks from The Mirror’s Audience U35 team delivered straight to your inbox.

Since SJP shared it with her millions of followers, the product is now flying off the shelves. But don’t worry – if you’ve missed the KUDDLAVA lamp, there are plenty of alternatives, and we’ve listed a couple of them for you to have a look at.

Akita Blue Table Lamp, Matalan – £35

Matalan’s ValueLights Akita Blue Tablet Lamp with Blue Tapered Shade is a gorgeous addition to any living space. Sleek, simple, yet its subtle blue colour brightens up the room. It’s easy to clean up, and the best thing about it is that it comes already assembled. Buyers can also purchase the entire set, which is available on their website.

Ultimate Sugar Pumpkin Collection

£64.50

£54.50

Buy Now on The Body Shop

LC White Texture Lamp, George at Asda – £31

A white ceramic table lamp, perfect for your home. Asda’s LC White Texture Lamp is very minimalistic, yet it adds a touch of sophistication without overpowering other furniture. It’s the one piece that’s needed to complete the home decor, without needing to spend a fortune.

Pleated Lampshade, H&M– £39.99

This beautiful Pleated Lampshade by H&M is made of linen and cotton. Cosy and visually appealing, ideal for homeowners looking to make their living spaces aesthetically pleasing without overdoing it. It also comes in two colours: beige and white.

This brand new beauty box is perfect for this time of year, with five skincare and make-up products worth over £100 – and here’s how you can get your hands on it for under £10

Beauty boxes, whether they’re monthly subscriptions or one-off purchases, are a fantastic way to indulge in new beauty products, often for a fraction of the individual cost. And a new one has just hit the market that will extend your summer glow for less than £10.

We’ve had an exclusive first look at the latest offering from OK! Beauty Box’s monthly subscription service – the Sun Down Edit – which contains five stunning skincare and make-up products designed to hydrate and enhance your skin’s glow. The total value of the five products comes to over £100, but newcomers to the monthly subscription can snag this box for just £8.99.

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After your initial box, the OK! Beauty Box costs you £15 per month. In return, you’ll receive a monthly box filled with new products worth at least £80 delivered straight to your doorstep, reports OK!.

OK! Beauty Box is also one of the most user-friendly beauty subscription boxes out there. You can easily skip a box if it doesn’t tickle your fancy, pause your subscription for up to three months, or even cancel if you no longer wish to receive them.

“Love this box, what a treat,” one satisfied customer wrote about a previous OK! Beauty Box, adding “so worth it.”

This month’s Sun Down Edit is absolutely spot-on for this time of year, whether you’re jetting off on holiday and need some top-notch beauty products to pack, or you’ve just returned and want to keep that sun-kissed glow. Inside, you’ll discover a travel-friendly body wash and lotion, a cooling shimmer gel for your limbs, a hydrating sheet mask, and a luxurious copper eyeshadow stick.

Here’s a sneak peek inside:

• Delilah Stay The Night Smooth Shadow Stick in the shade Copper Beach – 0.073g full-size, worth £32.50
• Wild Science Lab Somerset Rose Body Wash – 40ml travel-size, worth £8
• Wild Science Lab Somerset Rose Body Lotion – 40ml travel-size, worth £8
• Erth Skin Glow Fusion Shimmer Gel – 100ml full-size, worth £39.99
• Beauty Pro Squalane Nourishing Facial Sheet Mask – 1 mask full-size, worth £5
• A voucher to redeem for two copies of OK! Magazine – RRP £9.20

Everything inside is incredibly easy to use, suitable for all skin types and tones, and is the perfect little pick-me-up if you’re already missing the soon-to-be-over summer.

If you’re willing to splash out a bit more and are searching for a truly lovely treat for someone special this summer, Liberty London’s The Well Travelled Kit makes a stunning gift. It’s priced at £110 but boasts a total value of £409, featuring luxury brands like NEOM, Sunday Riley and Mirror Water inside a beautiful Liberty print case.

Another great choice is the Boots Minis Bag Get Holiday Ready, valued at £124.50 but available for £32, packed with travel sizes of MAC, Laneige and Sol de Janeiro bestsellers.