Collaborative postHas the shift into autumn and the accompanying reduction in daylight hours taken it's toll on your mood? Having started painting the shed too late in the day last weekend and finished it in the dark, I can definitely say I'm not a fan of the shorter days!It's understandable why the onset of autumn can impact on our general enthusiasm: those balmy evenings of barbecuing, entertaining and relaxing outdoors are gone for ...
Six tips to help protect your home against flooding
Collaborative postIt’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 postWhen 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 ...
Design tips for creating the perfect home office
Collaborative postDoes your home have a dedicated office space?With more of us working from home than ever before - it’s estimated that by 2020 up to 50% of the UK workforce will be working remotely - the demand on our homes to provide a comfortable, stimulating working environment has never been greater.Even if you don’t work from home, chances are you need to use your home for some form of ‘office’ work on a fairly regular ...
Fun ways to capture children’s artwork
Collaborative postDo 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 postIf 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 postBeing 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 postIs 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 postBoilers: 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 ...
Tool Hire: why renting the right tool for the job makes sense
Collaborative postAre you working on a renovation project or creating your dream home? Having the right tools for the job can make all the difference; if you've ever tried to make do with a tool that isn't quite fit for purpose, you'll probably know only too well just how quickly it can take the joy out of your project. Having said that, buying all the equipment you need can often be very expensive. This is where tool rental could be ...