Collaborative post Having gorgeous fluffy carpets in your home is fantastic, but carpet cleaning can be a bit of a nightmare. Fitted carpets can't be removed for cleaning, which makes it all the more important to stay on top of dirt and stains before they really start to impact your carpet's look and lifespan. Spills, pet hair and footprints, dust, fading and general traffic all affect the appearance of your carpet. Obviously dirt and ...
Tips for choosing the perfect real Christmas tree
This post contains affiliate links. Affiliate links will be clearly marked with a * and if you click through and make a purchase, I will receive a small commission from that sale. Are you opting for a real Christmas tree this year? It’s hard to beat the impact of a real tree laden with all your treasured family decorations - even if those decorations are all in one small area thanks to the kids’ creative efforts! A real ...
What to consider when choosing a home alarm system | AD
Collaborative post Do you have an alarm system installed in your home? According to a recent survey of 2,000 homeowners, only a quarter of UK homes have a security alarm fitted. Combine this with the fact that Neighbourhood Watch reports a 30% rise in domestic burglary in recent years, and you can see why it’s well worth considering installing a home alarm system to protect your property, belongings and family members. If ...
Six tips to help protect your home against flooding
Collaborative post It’s fair to say we’re used to lots of rain in the UK, but would your home be prepared if that rain turned into flooding? We’ve all seen the impact of flooding on homes in the news, and while this type of extreme weather can be hard to defend against, that doesn’t mean you can’t take steps to be prepared. And with the wettest months of the year usually falling in autumn and winter, now is a good time to check ...
Money saving tips: 5 easy ways to add to your savings
Collaborative post When it comes to financial security, we all know that it's a good idea to save something for a rainy day. But that can often be easier in principal than in practice. With most of us already living on a budget and stretching our monthly allowances to the limit, saving for the future can easily slip to the bottom of the priorities list. Saving a little each month is achievable though; you just need to change a few of your ...
Fun ways to capture children’s artwork
Collaborative post Do you have kids who love to draw, paint and craft? If the answer is yes, chances are you’ll be struggling to keep up with storing and displaying their creations - there’s only so much room on the fridge, after all! Putting your children's artwork on display is a lovely way to celebrate their skills and give a real family feel to your home. But it’s easy to run out of space and inspiration, so here are some ...
Five easy ways to encourage outdoor play
Collaborative post If you’re a parent or carer, you’ll no doubt be well aware of the constant presence of screens and the internet in your children’s lives. And you probably spend quite a bit of time and energy trying to strike a healthy balance between screen time and other activities. One really great way to achieve that balance is to encourage outdoor play. Getting kids active outside has so many benefits: it encourages ...
Tips for handling debt
Collaborative post Being in debt is not something anyone aims for, but a lot of us are probably in exactly that position. According to the TUC, the average UK household has £886 more non-mortgage related debt than they did the year before. If you’re in a situation where your debt is getting worse, or not going down, you need to take action to get it under control. Here are some tips for handling debt to get you started. First steps ...
How to budget for a switch to part-time work
Collaborative post Is making the switch to part-time work something you'd love to do? There are many reasons why people work part-time. Perhaps you’re returning to work after having a baby, and would like to reduce your hours to spend more time at home with your little one. Or you may be starting to think about retirement, but don’t feel ready to give up your job completely. Alternatively, it could be all about freeing up time to pursue ...
Boiler replacement: what to think about before you buy
Collaborative post Boilers: we tend to take them for granted, don’t we? I know I only really think about ours when it stops working, or when the energy bills arrive! But if you’ve ever suffered through a boiler replacement in the colder months of the year - which is when they tend to break - you’ll know just how vital a boiler is to the comfort and function of your home. The reason boilers tend to break down in winter is because ...