Synthetic rattan garden furniture has become increasingly popular over recent years, and has seen a resurgence in the trends for 2019 - and it’s not at all difficult to see why. The benefits of this particular type of rattan are countless, all whilst looking perfectly Pinterest-worthy and exuding class and style.Not only is synthetic rattan cheaper than the real deal whilst still looking just as good, but there are many other plus points that ...
What to plant now – Container Vegetables
So we’re into April - which means the growing season is well and truly underway and you can really get cracking with sowing seeds. You may not have an allotment or a large vegetable plot in the garden, but there are lots of vegetables that can be grown really successfully in containers. Here are my top container vegetables to plant this month.Carrots Carrots have a bit of a reputation for being tricky to grow, because they don’t like ...
How to create a luxury bathroom on a budget
Think you need a big budget to create a luxury bathroom? Think again! This guest post has lots of clever ideas that won't break the bank.Your bathroom is one of the most important rooms in your home, and is much more than a functional area. Adding opulence and luxury to your bathroom can help to create a space that is both fresh and relaxing – and the good news is that you don’t need a huge budget to realise your dream. Here are some easy ...
Interior lighting: how to get it right
How early in an interior design project do you consider the lighting? I suspect we’re all a little guilty of leaving this particular element of a room re-vamp until the later stages, concentrating instead on things like room layout, paint colours and furniture. But really, lighting should be one of the first things we consider when embarking on an interiors project, because it’s so integral to the finished ‘feel’ and functionality of a room. If ...
The kit you really need for growing seeds
We may still be trying to wave goodbye to winter, but if you’re even remotely green-fingered your thoughts are bound to be turning to what plants you want to grow this year. I’ve already spent a lovely afternoon with the kids planning what to grow on their plots, and a couple of evenings working out what I want to grow in our garden and allotment over the coming months. I've done my seed order and now it’s a case of waiting for the ...
How to Create a Multi-purpose Living Room
Creating a home that suits the whole family can feel like a tough job, particularly if your main living areas need to fulfil more than one function. One person’s style is another person’s pet hate, so creating a homely environment that’s well-balanced to everyone’s quirks can be a challenge. But it can be done!One way to tailor your space to suit the whole family is to create a multi-purpose living room. Get this room right, and it will be ...
10 tips for tackling holiday sea sickness
A guest post today for those of you who are considering a family holiday involving boat travel. We've been on a few family ferry trips to France in the past, and dealing with sea sickness was definitely my top concern when it came to the kids. Thankfully we emerged relatively unscathed, but I know from my friends' experiences that this isn't always the case! This guest post has lots of great tips for helping minimise the effects of sea ...
Garden fencing: which type to choose
Do you have fencing in your garden? Chances are it features somewhere in your outdoor space, whether it’s for the purposes of security, privacy, a decorative feature, or a combination of all of these.Installing or replacing garden fencing can be quite an investment, which makes it all the more important to make the right choice that suits your needs and your garden. If there's a fencing project on your list of home renovations, here’s ...
5. The 10 minute gardener: quick Spring gardening jobs
This week, for the first time in months, I’ve been warm while gardening - which must mean that spring is definitely on the way! With the sun streaming in through the window as I write this, it’s hard to resist the call of some spring gardening; that lovely leisurely pottering that only the warmer weather of spring and summer allows. So far it’s been all about wrapping up warm, concentrating on the task in hand, then heading back indoors for a ...
Do you know how much your home energy is costing?
Something a bit different on the blog today, but still very relevant to family life. This guest post takes a look at energy costs in the home, and has lots of tips and ideas for how to stay in control of your energy bills.According to Ofgem, the amount you spend on energy could account for as much as 8% of your outgoings, and that’s a lot of your money to part with if you don’t fully understand what you’re spending it on.Understanding ...