Updated 4:04pm 13 February 2012:

Get involved

RSS news for you | Forums
Send your stories

Powered by Google

Beauty: Take it as red! Sep 05 2011

IF THERE is one ‘must-have’ look this autumn, it’s red lips, according to celebrity make-up artist Ariane Poole.Read

Fashion: Seasonal style SOS Sep 05 2011

Help! What's a girl to wear this autumn? Look no further than our special trend guide to the new season.Read

Shopping: Ten years of Touchwood Sep 05 2011

The economic downturn has hit retailers hard – but one Midland shopping centre is still attracting new customers. Consumer Editor Emma McKinney reflects on Touchwood’s ten years in business.Read

Shopping: Seduced by some smooth talking Aug 22 2011

WHEN the blurb landed on my desk, it sounded too good to be true – a new cream that can blast your wrinkles by 15 per cent.Read

Shopping: How to beat big squeeze Aug 22 2011

Consumer Editor EMMA McKINNEY discovers how to save cash by becoming an 'intelligent shopper'.Read

Shopping: Rise of the shoe size Aug 15 2011

Women’s feet are getting bigger – but many are too embarrassed to admit their shoe size. Consumer Editor EMMA McKINNEY reports on how high street stores are stepping up to the demands of bigger feet.Read

Shopping: Snap up back to school bargains Aug 08 2011

IT may feel like the summer holidays have only just begun, but the new school year is less than four weeks away. Now’s the time to snap up those essentials so your ‘angels’ start the new term in style. Consumer Editor EMMA McKINNEY teamed up with Merry Hill shopping centre in Brierley Hill to find some of the top school uniforms and accessories that won’t break the bank.Read

Shopping: Raise your mugs to a bostin' idea Aug 01 2011

Quirky crockery bearing famous Brummie phrases has helped turn around a pottery firm’s fortunes. Consumer Editor EMMA McKINNEY finds out about its new range, created in support of Birmingham Children’s Hospital.Read

Shopping: Flower power Jul 25 2011

Decorate your home with florals for an on-trend look – and now there are DIY lessons to help you do it, writes Consumer Editor Emma McKinney.Read

Shopping: Pound shop is proving quids in Jul 18 2011

While high street giants collapse, Consumer Editor EMMA McKINNEY discovers how a Midland retailer is cashing in on the economic down-turn.Read

Shopping: No longer a retail desert Jul 11 2011

New owner Paul Lewis has transformed the fortunes of The Oasis in the city centre. Consumer Editor Emma McKinney reports.Read

Fashion: Crafty looks for the free-spirited Jul 04 2011

THE latest trend for craft fashion has a lovely handmade, DIY feel to it.Read

Shopping: Small steps see shoe sales soar Jul 04 2011

As retail bosses this week celebrate Birmingham’s small shops, Consumer Editor EMMA McKINNEY disovers the city’s top independent footwear firms taking big strides to success.Read

Fashion: Flights of fancy Jun 27 2011

Flamingos, red admirals, parrots...bird and butterfly prints rule the roost on the high street this summer. Read

Shopping: New lease of life suits us just fine! Jun 27 2011

Consumer Editor EMMA McKINNEY discovers how a once failing Birmingham shopping arcade is turning around its fortunes.Read

Shopping: No more high street blues Jun 20 2011

Empty shop units are a familiar sight in the Midlands. But one Solihull entrepreneur tells Consumer Editor EMMA McKINNEY that retailers need to stop moaning about the recession – and be more ‘forward-thinking’ instead.Read

Fashion: Push the boat out for Dad Jun 13 2011

Show your dad you care this Father's Day with a great new outfit.Read

Top 10 gifts for Father's Day Jun 13 2011

SUNDAY will mark Father’s Day, giving everyone the chance to show their dad just how much they love them. But it need not break the bank.Read

Shopping: Ian's driving up the value of art Jun 06 2011

As money-conscious consumers choose to invest their cash in masterpieces, Consumer Editor EMMA McKINNEY meets one artist enjoying the current boom in trade.Read

Fashion: Beauty and the beach Jun 06 2011

It's the final term at school and so the countdown begins – grab your sun cream, shades and a good book, and get ready to hit the beach.Read

Quick Links

Get involved

We want your local stories, videos & pics.

Earn while you shop

Cashback

Avoid the crowds and shop online

Style File blog

Style File blog

Fashion and beauty news, reviews and info

Home

Home

Find inspiration for your home

Family Life

Family Life

News on issues affecting families.

Brum mum blog

Baby blog

Laura Yates' take on motherhood

e-newsletters

Newsletter

Receive the latest news direct to your inbox.

Food and Drink

Food

Ideas for eating out and eating in this weekend