Lifestyle | Staying Safe While Gardening

Gardening is one of the best activities you can undertake to keep you healthy and positive. It’s well known that gardening is perfect for keeping the mind clear, whilst also helping your body stay strong and healthy. There are a lot of gardening tasks that could potentially be dangerous, a family friend recently dropped a pair of gardening shears which then went through his shoe and foot, resulting in a trip to A&E. So it’s really important to take certain safety precautions to ensure you’re safe whilst carrying out your projects.

Protective Clothing 

Before you start your gardening projects, you need to make sure your protected from any risks or dangers. There are so many great protective clothing pieces that will help keep you safe, dependant on the certain tasks you’re carrying out, and you’ll really benefit from investing in them. The different levels of protection are only necessary for certain tasks, such as safety goggles and sturdy shoes will be ideal for trimming bushes, digging and so on. You then have ear protectors to help shield your ears when using loud equipment like your lawn mower, hedge trimmer and digger. Gloves are essential for almost every gardening task, from pulling up weeds, to planting your favourite seeds and cutting back the hedges. You then have the gardening clothing itself, including long length trousers and long-sleeved tops, to keep your skin shielded and protected from both the garden and the sun.

Sun Shielding 

For many people, the warmer days are the best for gardening, as not only do you get to crack on with some essential gardening tasks, but you can also enjoy the beautiful weather. This does, however, come with a slight risk, as too much exposure to sunlight can have a damaging affect. Be sure to apply plenty of sun cream before heading out into the garden, especially on your face, as you may not realise but your skin will be exposed to direct sunlight for a few hours and this can cause burning or skin damage. It may also be a good idea to wear a hat to keep your head cool and protected, whilst also drinking plenty of water to keep yourself hydrated and prevent getting sunstroke.

Equipment Safety 

Investing in some good quality gardening equipment is going to really help you with your gardening projects, but they’re also designed to keep you safe and secure when in use. You’ll find that many tools come with safety locks and covers, to keep you safe and prevent any unexpected problems. It’s so important to make sure you know your tools properly before using them. Make sure you read the instructions or manual thoroughly before you start to use them. With items such as ladder platforms, you’re provided with a secure space to lean, stand or balance, however, if you don’t put this up properly you may find yourself having a fall or breaking the product. Similarly, hedge trimmers and lawn mowers require certain operation, so it’s important to know exactly how to use them so you aren’t faced with any issues you can’t fix.

Physical Health Care 

Everybody is different, some people are able to spend hours in the garden with no break, whereas some find it difficult to work without a break. It’s really important to know your limits and prepare yourself for your gardening tasks. If you know something is going to take a long time, split it up into sections and give yourself dedicated break times. Similarly, if you struggle with heavy lifting or your back is slightly weaker, you should avoid difficult tasks that are going to push you far, or ask for some help with certain elements of the task to keep yourself safe and fit. Gardening is a fun, rewarding pastime, and you don’t want to dampen that by causing yourself any damage.

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Lifestyle | 6 Curtain Trends That Are So Now

Changing the look of your décor does not have to be expensive or complicated. Sometimes, simply changing one or two focal points in the room can transform the whole look and feel of the space. Here are some ideas on how curtains can change your living room or bedroom: quickly, simply and effectively.

1. Beautiful Botanical 

 Introduce a floral theme by changing out your curtains for botanical prints. These can be simple green plants on a white background for a fresh, innocent look, or wildly swirling petals and leaves for a more intense immersion in nature. No matter which you prefer, you are sure to find botanical patterned curtains to suit your taste and budget.

2. Chip on the Old Block 

Curtains – including swags and pelmet covers are a great way to introduce a bold splash of colour into any room. Pick out a colour that harmonises with the room to create a peaceful, tranquil ambiance, or perhaps go for a vibrant contrast to liven things up! Colours that go well include, for example, bright red in a monochrome room, a splash of vibrant turquoise against pastel walls, or understated gold to enliven a dark red, or black wall scheme.

3. Geometric Look with Curtains 

Bold colours and strong lines are features of geometric fabric patterns and these barbaric but cheerful designs are a great way to add instant pizzazz to an otherwise bland or boring space. Because curtains can be fitted to the room, even a fairly chaotic or gaudy fabric will not look overwhelming or dominate the space – instead, it will fill the eye and add interest by contrasting well with the plainer room features. For ready made curtains online (with geometric and many other gorgeous styles) you can check Yorkshire Linen Co. 

4. Shutter the World In 

Shutters sounds like they are meant to keep the world outside, and to a large extent, this is how they are usually employed, teamed with curtains and used as an extra barrier between our homes and the rest of the world. However, take the curtains away, leaving just the exposed shutters and you have a whole new style: all the privacy you could desire, but the ability to see out and free access for a cooling breeze and plenty of sunshine and daylight. Check out Ikea’s range for some great designs.

5. Keep it Natural 

Emphasise any natural features in the room: a striking piece of driftwood, any wood grain furniture, and a neutral earthy colour scheme, by opting for natural fabrics in your curtains. The slightly rougher texture of plain, untreated cotton or linen adds a wonderful yet subtle depth to the décor – great for an understated but interesting theme.

6. Jewel Tones for a Richer Colour 

If you might feel that brighter, deeper colours are too strong to use lavishly in décor, it might be time to step outside your comfort zone! Jewel colours: ruby red, emerald green, sapphire blue, are all great ways to add instant warmth and cheer to any room. Depending on your other décor choices, this can be as subtle or as outré as you like!

What are your favourite curtain trends?

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Lifestyle | How to prepare for an Adventurous Campervan Holiday

Planning your campervan adventure is one thing, but preparing for it is another. They may seem like the same thing, but the planning stages include key steps such as planning your route and figuring out the best ways to go, whilst preparing is all about ensuring you have the essential items to ensure your trip is as good as it can be.
My friends and I attended a few festivals in a campervan, with each of us being picked up along the route, creating a massive adventure. We would drive and collect people during the day and park up and have adventures by night. The campervan could sleep 8 and we would fill it to the brim with people and supplies.

There are a number of key things to consider when preparing for your adventure, and it’s important to check them before setting out on your trip.

Documentation Requirements 

It may seem like a boring, pointless task, but it’s really important to ensure you have all of the documentation needed to go out on your campervan trip. There are a number of documents that must be onboard with you throughout your trip, which many people overlook or forget to pack. These documents include: VSC, travel insurance, breakdown cover, passports, driving licence, EHIC card and campervan instructions. If you do forget to pack any of these into the glovebox before you head off, you may find yourself in a bit of an awkward situation further down the line, so it’s always better to be safe rather than sorry.

Campervan Checks 

You want to ensure that your campervan is fit and ready for the adventure ahead, as there’s nothing worse than breaking down or finding something that doesn’t work when you’re in the middle of nowhere. Take your campervan to your local garage to have a quick service, double checking that everything is in working order. This will also help to save you some money further down the line. You can then carry out your own checks throughout the campervan, such as making sure all cupboards are empty and the vehicle is ready to be stocked up with the essential items for your next trip.

Legal Requirements 

Just as other vehicles do, campervans have certain legal requirements that must be included. The legal requirements to differ slightly from country to country, so it’s always worth checking before you set off. For the UK, it is a legal requirement for campervans to have an emergency warning triangle, high visibility jacket, GB sticker, breathalyser, spare bulb kit and headlight converters. If your vehicle does not have these, you may find yourself facing a fine, so it’s always worth checking and stocking up on these key items.

Travel Essentials 

There are so many different features now available for travelling via T5 campervan, so it can be difficult to narrow down exactly what you need. Some key items for the actual travel aspect of your journey include paper maps (as you can never solely rely on technology), a satnav, area guides, compass and points of interest books. These items will help to make your travelling go much smoother, as well as help you to plan ahead for your journey.

General Items 

Packing essential items to get by throughout your campervan adventure is a very important step, as you want to ensure you have everything you need to have the best time. Start with the basics, such as clothing, shoes, waterproofs and cosy clothing. Then you can figure out which additional items you’ll need, such as BBQ tools, a picnic kit, camping chairs and table, torches, plastic bowls and plates, cups and so on. Try to think of the essential items you need every day, then you can find an alternative travel style to add to your campervan and help you on your trip.

Have you ever gone on a Campervan holiday?

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Lifestyle | Gardeners Tips for Growing in Your Greenhouse

I am not particularly green fingered, I'm not great at looking after plants. Never ask me to look after your Orchids while you're on holiday - I am like death row for plants. However, I am not bad at vegetable patches and when I was younger I used to love helping my nan and her garden with her greenhouse. One of which was completely taken over by a fig tree!

The moment you get a greenhouse you are opening your garden up to so many amazing opportunities. With the ability to grow your own fresh produce and carry out some challenging projects all year round, you can really put your gardening skills to the test and improve your growing knowledge. To ensure your greenhouse is set up and prepared properly to give you the very best results, there are a few things to consider before you start, so here are some tips from nanny!

The Right Style 

Buying your greenhouse is a big step, you need to take your garden into consideration. There are a few things you need to check before going ahead and making the purchase. It's important to do your research so that you invest in the right style of greenhouse for your needs. There are so many different greenhouse designs that come in different shapes and sizes, so you need to think about the garden space you have available. It’s also worth having a good look at a selection of different greenhouses, to ensure you’re getting the best value for money.

Greenhouse Practicality 

It’s important to consider the practical elements when it comes to choosing your greenhouse, this will ensure you can use it properly and the way you want too. Greenhouses are available in different styles such as a walk-in, lean-to and smaller styles that are more like a small box design than a house. Figure out which one would work best for you.

Walk-in greenhouses are ideal for those intending to carry out numerous projects that require a lot of space and oxygen, whereas a lean-to greenhouse is better for those wanting to undertake smaller projects that can be stored in a smaller space.

Similarly, lean-to greenhouses are best suited to smaller gardens, as they can be positioned neatly against a wall and kept to the outskirts of the garden, whereas a walk-in greenhouse requires a considerable amount of lawn space, along with essential sunlight exposure.

Let it Shine 

Sunshine is an absolute must for any greenhouse, as a generous supply of sun is required for growing. Before you begin your projects, you need to choose the best location in your garden that receives the most amount of light throughout the day and position your greenhouse there. This will help your plants to grow to their full potential.

Plenty of Storage 

Inside your greenhouse, you will have everything from the plants themselves to your gardening tools, bags of soil and a combination of essential items for cultivating various plants. Having an organised greenhouse may be difficult, but that doesn’t mean you can’t have space to keep things in some kind of order.

Greenhouse storage is a must, as it provides you with space to keep things neat and easy to find. Having things stored away will also free up plenty of space, and make the greenhouse area much safer.

Introduce some storage draws, greenhouse shelving and under bench boxes to free up some much-needed growing space for your projects. It will make your life much easier and your gardening tasks will seem much easier to handle.

At the moment my garden isn't big enough to have a greenhouse, I think I'm going to have to make do with window boxes! But one day I would love to have a greenhouse like my nan, filled with figs and other fruit trees. And if anyone has any idiot proof tips for keeping orchids, I would love to hear them!

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Lifestyle | Getting serious about saving as I start a new chapter

I’ve never been great with money. It literally burns a hole in my pocket and I compulsively spend it on nothing. I’m too impulsive to be an effective saver and hate the thought of restricting myself in any way. I have no discipline. At all.

But things are having to change. I’ve had a job since I was 15 years old, I’ve always been employed, even working full time at Uni. I can’t honestly say I know what I did with all the money I’ve earnt in that time, I don’t have much to show for it, but I’ve always had the security of a regular pay check. That’s about to change.

After working for various Digital Marketing agencies, I finally realised that working in an agency is not for me. In fact, working in a company no longer feels like a good fit. I am tired of the inflexibility that comes with a 9 to 5, trying to book appointments around work or sitting in an overly air-conditioned office while the sun is shining brightly. I’m tired of not being able to choose which clients I want to work with and having meetings about having meetings. So, at the end of this week, one day before my 32^nd birthday, I’ll leave the agency world and go freelance.

The opportunities are endless, I’ll be able to go to the gym in the mornings, work as a freelance Social Media Consultant and dedicate more time to the blog, something I am truly passionate about despite having neglected it a bit for the last year or so. I’m even thinking about signing Bruno up to a pet modeling agency to make some extra money. I’m feeling positive and really motivated for the first time in ages and as if I have exhaled a breath I didn’t know I was holding.

But with the freedom I gain from working for myself, I lose that of having a guaranteed income. I understand the nature of freelance, some months I’ll no doubt make less than I am now and others more. I lose the security of real sick pay; additional maternity leave and paid holiday.

The reality of all of this means that now, more than ever I must take control of my finances. I need to save money to have back up for slow months, allowances for holidays and security for when Joe and I start our family. Then as if by pure serendipity Plusnet mobile offered to give me a helping hand and provided me with a few things to help.

Plan to prepare or prepare to fail

One of my biggest pleasures is food, working in the center of Brighton I was surrounded by way too much temptation. I was lazy and rarely made packed lunches, or would buy the food but forget to take it. As I’ll be working from home, that will no longer be an issue, I can reduce spend on food and get back to healthy eating. The easiest way to do this is to plan your meals, making this magnetic planner so useful as I can just pop it in the fridge.

Find the best value for money on your food. I can get 5kg of chicken breast for £20, freeze them all up and use them up throughout the month if I use it effectively. Chicken is versatile, I can grill it with vegetables for kebabs, use it in a salad or throw it in a curry and freeze it for a backup meal later in the month.

Food planning goes hand in hand with batch cooking. Save money and eat healthy by snooping out reduced vegetables or meat at your supermarket, and then use them to feel your freezer with food. Veggies are often cheaper than meat so use them to bulk out your dish. Buy Quorn or mince to make chili, lasagne or cottage pie, adding plenty of vegetables to make the meal go further and keep the calories down. Then put it into foil trays or freezer bags and freeze the extra portions for later.

We must consult our means rather than our wishes

Budgeting. The word almost leaves a bad taste in my mouth, but this is going to have to change. Currently, I allow myself to be blissfully unaware of my bank balance, so dangerous. Writing a budget in my book and sticking to it is essential. I guess that to me budget means boring. The idea of not going out for drinks or a meal here and there will make me miserable. As the saying goes (and the title of the handy book Plusnet sent me), The best things in life are free, so it’s time for me to discover them.

I love visiting museums and looking at architecture. When I was younger, Hove museum was on my walk home, which I often visited, spending ages there taking in the history of Brighton. So here is my chance to discover all the stories and art I can in Brighton and Hove’s plethora of museums and galleries.

I can also become more active, taking long walks with Bruno along the seafront, or going on hikes across the downs and taking a picnic along. As a treat, I can swap our Natwest cash back for Cineworld tickets as it’s better value for money, and eat out sticking to a spending limit.

Look after the pennies and the pounds will look after themselves

It’s crazy how quickly loose change transforms into a pleasant chunk of cash. I’d like to think that I could stick to something like the 365-day 1p saving challenge, but I know my limits. The idea is that you fill your piggybank up in line with the day of the year it is. So, on day one you put away a penny, day two, 2 pence, and so forth. The early days are easy, towards the end of the year it’s £3+ a day. However, it soon becomes £667.95.

A more realistic way of saving pennies for a rainy day is to empty your pocket change into your jar every day. Or I could use an app like Moneybox which lets you set a weekly saving target and automatically rounds up every purchase on your card to a pound and transfer the change to a savings account.

Never let your loyalty make you a fool

One thing that I do quite regularly is shop around for my regular services. I am always on top of when it's time to switch my utility bills and shop around to get the best offer. But it's also worth thinking about what other things you pay regularly that you could shop around for. Could you have a better current account? Just because you've been with the same bank since you were 10, doesn't mean you have to be loyal, they don't reward loyalty. The same logic applies to my phone contract since I am going Sim only with Plusnet, paying less than half of what I was paying with O2 and increasing my data from 1GB a month to 3GB.

A river cuts through a rock not because of its power but its persistence

I need to stay motivated to safe, diet and pursuit my freelance career. I can’t get distracted by Netflix, or procrastinate. I need to be focused and driven, things that I feel I have lost in recent years. It’s important to have a PMA (positive mental attitude) going into this new chapter of my life and I’m sure I will use this light box to fill my home office with inspirational quotes.

Any tips for saving, or helping me stay on track would be really appreciated. Please comment below.

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Lifestyle | 5 Ways to Revive Your Tired Kitchen

Credit: Houzz

Since moving into the flat I’ve noticed our kitchen looks tired and dull. The time has come to give it a little update and revive it back to its bright, welcoming state and get rid of the lime green colour scheme that the previous owners went for. As we plan to rearrange the rooms in our flat, and eventually turn the kitchen into a bedroom, there is no point in heavily re-decorating or getting a new kitchen. So here are some great tips on how to refresh your kitchen on a budget.

Introduce Fresh Lighting 

The lighting in the kitchen is really important, as you often find that kitchens are designed to be bright and fresh making the room feel clean and open. Lighting has an amazing way of making a room feel a certain way, and by replacing old bulbs or lighting fixtures with brand new, bright features, you’ll instantly notice a change in the feel of the room. You could even look at introducing some softer lighting in the form of a lamp or sidelight, or add battery powered lights under the cabinets for softer lighting in the evening.

Update appliances 

Trading in tired looking kettles and toasters to update the style of your kitchen is a quick way to refresh the whole area, giving it a brand-new look. Kitchen trends change regularly so simply switching from a steel finish to a copper can transform a kitchen from has-been to be-seen.

Replace the Units 

Sometimes smaller changes aren’t quite good enough for giving your kitchen the updated look you’re going for, and it may be time to bite the bullet and replace the main body of your kitchen altogether. This doesn’t always have to be expensive, there are plenty of cheap fitted kitchens available on the market that enable you to choose the right style for your home. The great thing about this option is that you can always opt to paint your cabinets yourself, which in turn will enable you to save even more.

Create a Dining Space 

Kitchens are becoming much more of a social area within the house, with many people now using them for dining and relaxing, rather than just the traditional cooking. By introducing a dining space to your kitchen, you are able to lift the atmosphere and create an area that can be used for much more than it originally was. This new area will lift the atmosphere really nicely.

Add a lick of paint

Over time the colour of a room can begin to lose its appeal. It doesn’t matter what colour you choose, you’ll almost always find that you become bored of the colour and feel like you need something new. It’s amazing just how much the changing of a colour can transform a room, especially within the kitchen and it’s always a really beneficial step to take.

Can you think of another way to freshen up my new kitchen? All ideas are really appreciated.

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Travel | Getting ready for Croatia

As I type this morning, I am blessed enough to be in my second home in the hills of Estepona, sitting on a balcony terrace overlooking a valley, in the gorgeous sunshine. Although, I’ve just arrived my mind is already thinking of my next trip, a three day get away to Dubrovnik for my sister’s hen party.

Having never been to Croatia before, I am looking forward to exploring somewhere new. I’m a big Game of Thrones fan, and totally thrilled about visiting the fictional city of Kings Landing, and hope that I’ll sit on the Iron Throne. Hopefully I can find another GOT fan among the group to come with me!

 When deciding where to go on the hen, we looked at several destinations, but decided to get a villa in Croatia. The girls have previously been to Split and really loved it, not only is it a beautiful country, filled with history and culture, it’s also one of the few remaining cheap destinations to visit, with a pint costing around £1.45, depending on the exchange rate.

I must say planning this has been fun and given me major wanderlust, Croatia has been growing in popularity with British tourist in the last few years, largely due to it being one of the sunniest places to escape to in Europe. I can’t share what we’ll be doing on the hen as it’s a surprise for Tash, but will share some of the interesting things that I’ve discovered while planning our trip.

Croatia, has several surrounding islands, perfect for island hopping. Day trips to Lokrum Island seem to be a popular choice, especially as it’s a short boat trip from Dubrovnik. Known for it’s stunning botanical garden from the 18th Century, it also has a small salt water lake that has similar properties to the dead sea.

 Visiting Dubrovnik also puts you in a prime position for day trips to Montenegro to do white water rafting or visiting Waterfalls in Mostar and Kravice. Similarly, they have a host of wine tours, boat trips and multiple Game of Thrones themed tours.

If you are thinking of visiting a different part of Croatia, away from Game of Thrones sets, then Porec is an extremely interesting city. Now a world heritage site, the area has been inhabited since prehistoric times, with it officially becoming a city in the 1st century under the Roman emperor Augustus. In more recent times, it was considered part of Italy, until 1947 when it became part of Yugoslavia, and then joined Croatia in 1991 when it became an independent state.

I’ll continue to countdown the days (17) until we fly away to Dubrovnik, and will let you know what we got up to on our Croatian adventure, most importantly I will keep you posted as to whether I managed to sit on the Iron Throne. If you’ve been to Dubrovnik and have any recommendations then please share them with me, we are open to anything!

 

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Lifestyle | 5 Tips to survive your first festival

Festival season is in full swing. Once there were only a handful of festivals, you’d go to Reading, Leeds or Glasto, then slowly over the years the list of music festivals has grown, just look at the interactive map by gogirl.co.uk. Even here in Brighton we have three annual music festivals – The Great Escape, Wildlife and Boundary.

From 16 I’ve been a regular festival goer, attending at least one a year, usually Reading or Download, sometimes both. Each festival has a different vibe, style and purpose, but the rules of survival remain the same. Here are some tips that I have learnt over the years.

Don’t forget or lose your ticket before you get in…

Seems like a no-brainer, but you’d be surprised how often this happens. The first year I went to Reading, my friend accidentally left her wallet on the train. Not only did it have her ticket, but her return train ticket and all her money. Luckily her brother was joining us the next day.

A couple of my friends have also gone all the way to Download (from Brighton) only to realise they left their tickets at home.

Agree a meeting point with you friends

With so many people, stalls, stages and food trucks, it’s easy to lose your friends. Find an easily identifiable landmark and agree to meet your squad here at certain points throughout the day if you split up or were to get lost. This way you also conserve precious phone battery!

Pack something warm

The sun is shining, it’s warm and you’ve been inspired to wear hot pants or short skirts by Coachella attending celebs. But when the sun goes down and you’re camping in a tent the temperature will plummet and you will freeze. With camp fires being banned at most festivals nowadays, if you want to continue partying into the night, your jumper will become your best friend.

Be aware of the sun

Spending a few days dancing away in the sunshine sounds so idyllic, but getting severely sunburnt is not fun, especially if you have a few more days to go. Equally, getting heatstroke while at a festival, and having nowhere to rest but a baking hot tent is actual hell, so be responsible.

Think feet first

The temptation is always there to wear cute little sandals all weekend, but choose comfort. Not only are you going to be on your feet most of your festival experience, but with weather changes, the ground can quickly turn from hard and dry to ridiculously muddy. One year at Reading it rained so much that I lost a shoe to a muddy puddle!

Not to mention the risk of getting your feed stamped on in the crowd or treading on discarded glass or cans.

The key to a great festival experience is to go with the flow, be safe and relax. So if you are off to a festival, then I hope you have a fantastic time.

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Lifestyle | #TrulyScrumptious Liverpool One

Joe and I are going away a lot this year, the usual family holiday to Spain, followed by my sister's hen party in Croatia, her wedding (also in Spain) and a weekend away in Prague. These are all great, and I can't wait to jet off, however, not only do they completely rinse my bank account, but all my annual leave is basically taken in 6 weeks, leaving me with very little for later on this year. So maybe it's time to think about Staycations in the UK.

I honestly haven't explored the UK, in fact, apart from our trip to Edinburgh a few years ago, I've maybe traveled north of London a handful of times. So maybe once Joe is driving we could become a bot more adventurous and take a weekend road trip further a field. Top of my list is Liverpool.

I've always thought it would be lovely to pop up to Liverpool for a weekend, go on a Beatles tour, or visit some of the museums during the day, then experience the famous nightlife. Joe would want to go Mackenzie's Whisky Bar, we could catch a comedy show and then hit a few bars.

On the Sunday we could take a wonder around Liverpool ONE and treat ourselves to a #TrulyScrumptious late lunch at Reds True BBQ to fuel our trip home with one of their True BBQ Feasts or some of the loaded fries.

If you have been to Liverpool please let me know what you would recommend doing on a weekend trip there. Or if you can recommend somewhere else to take a staycation to, that would be amazing - especially if it is dog friendly :)

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Lifestyle | New house, let the #DIYDisasters begin

After months and months of waiting, delays and boring paperwork, Joe and I are finally in our new flat. We are still ages away from being fully 'moved in' as such. With unpacking to complete, furniture to buy and a healthy bit of up-cycling and DIY to be done!

Joe is quite accident prone, he has had many near misses on ladders, including propping one on an un secured door and it falling forward, luckily the door didn't fall fully open, so he didn't get hurt. But we are never far from injury, a friend's son accidentally dropped garden secateurs which went through his trainer and foot. I've also known people have much more serious accidents, like falling through a glass roof and severing the tendons in their arm, so it's good to know you can turn to services like Slaterandgordon.co.uk/personal-injury for piece of mind. But let's face it, we want to avoid injury at all costs, so here are some safety tips to avoid #DIYDisasters from happening to you.

Use protection

Think about the task you are under taking and how you can protect yourself from injury. Could wearing gloves stop you from getting a splinter? Or do you need goggles to stop things from getting your eyes?

Assess the situation

Before you start anything asses what needs to be done. Can you lift the materials by yourself? Do you need support going up a ladder? If a job needs two people then wait until someone can assist you. Or if you are doing something like painting the outside of your house and you are going to have a ladder on the street, then try to avoid any busy periods your street might have, like school pick up time.

Leave the dangerous stuff to professionals

Certain things are best left to professionals, electrical jobs for example. It maybe cheaper to to follow a YouTube tutorial to do the work, but one wrong move could cost you your life. Not to mention, just because you haven't got hurt completing the job, it could still cause injury years later, or under the wrong circumstances.

Have you got the right equipment?

It maybe tempting to go for cheaper materials or tools when completing your own DIY project. Not only can his result in less aesthetically pleasing results, but if could effect the stability of a structure if you use a weaker product or shorter nails.

Just keep breathing

If you are painting, or using some sort of solvent or spray make sure that there is enough ventilation in the room so that you don't in hale too much, or make yourself ill.

Here's a great infographic to give you more safety tips. 

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Lifestyle | So, I’ve won the lottery, how would I spend it? #Whatif

I know I’m not the only person that thinks about winning big on the lottery. In the last few months it’s something that’s been on my mind a lot. I have been daydreaming about not having a 9 to 5 and taking the opportunity to work for myself or build my own empire. Joe says I think about winning the lottery a bit too much, but I think it is up there with my weird obsession of surviving a zombie apocalypse (Thank you Walking Dead).

We do play the Euromillions occasionally, but I’ve just discovered Lottoland, which now means I can bet on the Irish Lottery and the American Powerball, giving me more chances to win.

I’ve always said if I won a lottery jackpot, I would work in some capacity. Having had a job since I was 13, I’d get bored without having the structure of working and the sense of purpose that it gives you. I’d use my new-found freedom to invest more time and money into my blog and do some volunteer work at a charity – most likely helping at an independent animal shelter. I’d also like to invest in property around Brighton and if I won a massive jackpot like the Euro millions, I would use it to create more affordable housing, something that is quite limited in the South East.There has been a shift in my mentality the last few years about how I’d spend a massive jackpot winnings. I used to dream of constant holidays, private jets and huge mansions, while I like the idea of living the lush life, I also have become aware of how having money does not solve life’s problems and doesn’t equate to happiness (think of King Midas!).

Obviously, not having to worry about money is a great relief, and being in the position to help my family and friends would be great. But, I’d like to think that I’d be a philanthropist, because I believe that when you have so much, you should help those in need. Part of me finds it hard to comprehend how people can go out and spend £100,000s on a night out when other are struggling to make ends meet. I would invest in my community, whether it was helping to build bigger premises and raise funds for local hospices or creating scholarships at private schools, something that I was a lucky benefit from when I was younger.

Regardless of how big the win, the basics remain the same, I’d buy a nice house, most likely in Hove, where we live now. Nothing too big or over the top, as its just Joe, me, Sega (catto) and Bruno (doggo) right now, but it needs to be big enough for us to start a family in the future. I’d also like to have enough room, so that visiting friends and family have somewhere to stay as well as a home office for me. I’ve always wanted a house with a utility room and larder, something that is not realistic now, considering the current cost of property. I also love the idea of having an Aga in a large homely kitchen, to host my enormous family in winter. I imagine us sitting chatting and laughing around the table, drinking red wine and eating a home cooked hearty roast. The kitchen would lead onto a fair-sized garden, so that in the Summer we could all sit outside, having a BBQ and drinking Rosé spritzers.

We’d also grow Joe’s Barbershop, we do plan to open some more shops around Sussex, but it would be great to see some further afield. Maybe, even extending them to Spain. We could also expand the brand to fashion, selling clothes, accessories and male lifestyle products, with the aim of getting them into department stores.

Finally, Joe and I could have a real honeymoon, we’d take a good few weeks off and travel around the world, I would love to go to Mexico again, I’m totally fascinated by the Mayans and would love to explore more of their pyramids and towns, and scuba dive in some shipwrecks off the coast. We could then go on to South East Asia to visit our family in Singapore, using it as a base and island hop, visiting more family in Bali and then on to Vietnam and Cambodia. Our final stop would be Hong Kong, somewhere Joe is desperate to go, before flying back home.

What would you do if you won the lottery?

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Brighton | Things I love about Brighton #PostcodePride

I'm sure I have said this a thousand times before, but I'm known for repeating myself, so I will say it again... I love Brighton. Apart from my uni years in Southsea, which is at least by the sea, I've got no experience of living anywhere else. People always talk bout Brighton being diverse and multicultural, it's definitely fair to say that we live in a small bubble, just look at the election result map.

When doing a recent address look up for our move I realised that it's hard to talk about my #PostcodePride without reeling off an endless list of restaurants, tours, shops, views or activities to do, so I am going to try my hardest.

Food

The Brighton restaurant/food game has really stepped up a notch in the last few years, with independent start ups appearing everywhere, Street Diner is a regular home to many of our finest food start ups. If you are in Brighton on a Friday between 11am and 3pm, pop along to Brighthelm Gardens, on Queens Road (the one leading down from Brighton station to the sea).

They have a plethora of foods, that will suit all taste and dietary requirements, with stalls catering for vegan and celiacs and cuisine ranging from Paella to cakes. One of my recent lunch break trips, led me to discover Steak Expectations, who served up this mouthwatering Steak and pomegranate flat breads. 

Steak Expectations - perfectly cooked Steak in Flat Bread with pomegranate salad. #expectsteak @expectsteak

A post shared by Lifestyle blogger | Lilla (@lillaloves) on May 12, 2017 at 5:43am PDT

We won't be silenced

Brightonians are quite political, we like to stand up for what we believe is right, stand up for those who have no voice and to stand up against inequality. This means that there are regular (peaceful) protests, against everything from fascism to breast feeding awareness protest. The biggest protest recently was against President Trump's Muslim Ban and his visit to the UK. 

Very briefly joined the protest. I'm so proud of my home town coming together to protest the #muslimban, our pathetic excuse for a prime minster and President "wankface". Being of Iranian heritage this has filled my heart. #buildbridgesnotwalls #lovetrumpshate

A post shared by Lifestyle blogger | Lilla (@lillaloves) on Jan 30, 2017 at 10:23am PST

Street Art

Whether it pays the bills or not, Brighton has a huge art community who like to get very creative, we are home to Jamie McCartney and his Great Wall of Vagina, after all. We love open house season; it's a great way to to find an excuse to day drink while nosing through peoples houses and admiring their home galleries. 

We are also home to a hell of a lot of graffiti. Banksy used the Prince Albert pub as a canvas to paint his controversial "Kissing Coppers" in 2004 and we are also home to MSK crew member Aroe, Cassette Lord and my personal favourite Minty, pictured below. 

Another @mintyonline special. #meditating #stormtrooper #starwars #graffiti #graffitiart #urbanart #igposseart #igpossestreetart #streetart

A post shared by Lifestyle blogger | Lilla (@lillaloves) on Sep 7, 2016 at 10:12am PDT

The Pavilion

I have a soft spot for the Pavilion, I spent much of my teens sitting in it's gardens enjoy it's beauty with my friends, I still go there sometimes on my lunch break. Summer days spent on the lawns sun bathing with a picnic hamper is a delight, there's a small cafe that does cakes, sandwiches and jacket potatoes.

The tour of the Pavilion is something I strongly recommend, it's history is truly fascinating, and if you get the chance treat yourself to a traditional High Tea, although be warned it's has a dress code, which states "wearers of t-shirts or jeans may not be permitted entry".

That's not all that the Pavilion has to offer, as based within it's grounds is the Brighton Museum and art gallery. It hosts exhibits for every one, from Brighton football fans to fashionistas.

The majestic Pavilion, looking like it's spring already, while the guys get it ready for summer. #brighton #pavilion

A post shared by Lifestyle blogger | Lilla (@lillaloves) on Feb 14, 2017 at 7:02am PST

The Sunsets

Having spent many a summer on the beaches of Brighton and Hove, there is one thing that can't be beaten, watching the sunsetting from the seafront. After a day on the beach a lovely stroll along the shoreline at low tide while the sun sets is so idyllic. But they are equally beautiful to watch with friends, sipping a rosé spritzer on the pebbles or at one of the many bars.

Sunset from the Marina #skyporn #sunset #sunsetbeach #Autumn #winteriscoming #brighton

A post shared by Lifestyle blogger | Lilla (@lillaloves) on Oct 30, 2016 at 10:35am PDT

If you are thinking of popping down to Brighton, then please ask me anything - I love helping people discover the best kept secrets of Brighton.

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Lifestyle | The rising popularity of scooters

There was a time when scooters were seen merely as something that only kids used, but that perception has changed massively. In the modern world, scooters are used by many different people and for many different reasons. They are used by small children who haven’t learnt to ride a bike yet, as well as used by commuters wanting to get to work quicker than it takes them to walk. Furthermore, there is a whole load of highly skilled scooter riders that perform tricks and even go on to become professional scooter riders. While BMX riders and skateboard riders have long been welcomed into the stunts/tricks community, scooters are now also becoming a very high-profile activity.

Such is the popularity of scooter stunts, there are numerous festivals and competitions held all over the world to celebrate the excellence of the scooter. Scootfest is one of the most popular scooter events in the UK, and it looks like the popularity is soaring at a rapid pace.

It is not just stunts that make scooters great, they are also one of the most convenient ways to travel relatively short distances. Many people including commuters are turning to scooters as a more convenient alternative to cycling a few miles of a journey. For people who travel by public transport but still have a considerable distance to travel to get to their workplace, they are ideal. They are easy to carry and lightweight and taking them on public transport is much easier than trying to get a bike on a train and some transport companies don’t allow bikes onto their vehicles.

Image: JoyBot

Scootering is increasing in popularity; therefore, manufacturers are producing high-quality stunt scooters for future scootering world champions to practice on. With Scootfest and Scoot GB aiming to grow and sustain participation within the sport, people are looking towards District Scooters due to their creative designs, lightweight nature and capability to perform stunts and tricks that’ll kickstart their scootering careers. If you aspire to be like world champion Jordan Clark, www.skates.co.uk can provide you with a mountain of professional, stunting District Scooters, such as the C Series Scooters, where the decks and bars were built for such extreme sports, stunts and tricks.

Bikes can be very costly in comparison and a lot harder to maintain with the frequent possibility of punctures, wearing down of brake pads and chains that need oiling. Scooters are a great low maintenance option that suits you if you are looking just to get going and not worry about whether it is going to cause you issues along the journey.

Scooters are also incredibly easy to ride, and you can keep the pace you want. With cycling, if you have to stop and start constantly, it can become awkward to use, especially in major cities or towns; however, with a scooter, you can simply start and stop easily. What is there not to like about scooters? They are convenient and reliable and could add some fun to your daily journeys as well as provide some extra exercise to your routine. If you have not bought yourself a scooter yet, then you are missing out on all of the fun!

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Lifestyle | 5 of the biggest interior design trends for 2017

If you’re invested in making your living space stylish, characterful, and current, you’ll no doubt want to keep your finger on the pulse of interior design trends.  2017 has gifted us so far with a great many fascinating design innovations and re-vitalised some well-worn styles in amazing ways.  Read on for five of the most exciting interior design trends so far this year.  

Bare wall finishes

We all know the importance of a good backdrop.  In 2017, it’s all about bringing the outside in and stripping things back to basics, with the bare wall look (shown here on Pinterest).  This gives a striking look to any room, and a definite inner-city ‘studio loft’ feel that will impress your more bohemian friends.

Lagom

‘Lagom’ roughly translates into Swedish as ‘in moderation.'  The Huffington Post mentions here how the lifestyle trend can apply to day-to-day life, though regarding interior design, it’s a little more featureful than minimalist and less-cluttered than cosy.  It’s all about achieving that ‘Goldilocks’ balance between too much and too little, and lagom-inspired homes marry together features of relaxation and practicality in perfect harmony.

Smart features

As The Huffington Post points out, smart gadgets are increasingly changing the landscape and capabilities of our homes.  From touch sensors on lights and taps to wireless speakers so sleek and stylish that they double up as ornaments, digital technology is opening up a whole new world of design possibilities.

Vintage

Just because we’re powering forward into a digital future doesn’t mean we’ve lost sight of the past.  In 2017, vintage décor is as ‘in’ as ever.  Jo Leevers of The Guardian highlights the character of vintage features and furnishings (bare walls feature largely in her piece, too!)  This year, we see elements of décor that hark back to the 50s, 60s, and 70s, in particular, with vintage-style vinyl record players, rotary dial telephones and even pinball machines and jukeboxes making a comeback.

Jewel colours

In 2017, it seems pastel may be slightly passé.  Design lovers are studding their homes with vivid jewel colours, achieving a right royal look with bright ruby reds, sapphire blues, and bold emerald greens.  The braver amongst us might be using these colours liberally, outfitting our homes like an opulent silk gown, while others may be using the jewel tones sparingly and letting them glitter in a more demure setting.

We’ve barely scratched the surface of all 2017 has to offer when it comes to interior design, and as we move into summer and beyond, things will surely continue to change and evolve with the seasons.  If you’re thinking about revamping your living space, you’ll want to take advantage of interior design services that are truly in touch with the latest trends.  You’ll find that Kia Designs is in touch with your own personal taste, and works to blend fashion seamlessly with your own vision to create a tailored, stylish and completely professional look that’s yours alone.

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Lifestyle | How a messy girl can achieve a clutter free bathroom

So we are in the final stages of buying a flat, we currently live in a fair sized house and will need to downsize... a lot. Currently we have people living with us, so our bathroom is over run with bottles of half used shampoos left over from people long gone, and multiple body-washes. Not ot mention I am a total product hoarder. It really is time for me to tackle the problem and come up with an action plan for the new flat.

Have a clear out

My first step will be to rid the bathroom of those half-empty bottles of products that have most likely been sat there for months, and if I'm honest with myself,  I don’t really like either. It’s far better to have a few products that you really love and use every day. It’s also a good idea to only keep your favourite towels and bath mat, instead of using old ones in rotation that just don’t seem to do your bathroom any favours.

Stylish storage solutions

Having a good clear out will help determine if your current storage set-up works for you. Do you need more or less storage space than originally thought? If you find that you need more storage, there are plenty of options available to organise your bathroom. Vanity units are a great choice as they combine a sink and storage into one space saving design. The cupboard underneath the sink means you can keep toiletries hidden away yet close to hand.

Other storage ideas can include shelves, wall cabinets and baskets. A new mirrored cabinet fitted above the sink will instantly update your bathroom and give you somewhere to store your everyday essentials. Baskets and shelves offer an affordable solution, and are great for keeping items neat and tidy.

Tackle one area at a time

If your bathroom is like mine, it's full of clutter leaving you unsure where to start, it’s a good idea to tackle one area at a time. Begin by clearing out the vanity unit or cabinet, keeping the items you really like and use on a regular basis. 

Do the same thing for shelves and surfaces, and get rid of anything that’s been sat collecting dust and serves no purpose in your bathroom. It's also worth remembering that products can have a shelf life, so make user that you bare this mind during the cull. Work your way around the bathroom until you’ve covered all areas and removed the clutter.

Clean and tidy up

Once you’ve decluttered your bathroom, give all the surfaces a good clean. Take your time and focus on achieving a sparkling clean space, you’ll be surprised the difference this can make to the overall look and feel of your bathroom. Tidy up the remaining items, fold up towels and place toiletries neatly on a shelf, or keep them hidden away in a vanity unit or cabinet. With less clutter, you’ll soon see how much easier it is to clean your bathroom.    

A new routine

Clearing out clutter from your bathroom provides a great opportunity to rethink your morning and evening routines. If you feel rushed when getting ready on those busy weekday mornings, streamlining your routine and even reducing the number of products you’re using can ease the stress. 

If everything you need is in one place, then you’ll find it easier to get ready, rather than wondering where on earth your deodorant has gone! You could try removing all but the essential items from the bathroom and see how it feels to use a much more simplified space.

The small details

Once your bathroom is free from clutter, you can then see if what you have in the space is doing its job well. For example, if you’d love to enjoy a relaxing soak in the bath more often, you could place a small stool close by to keep your towel and bathing essentials close to hand. Or, if the toiletries around your basin still feel a little dis-organised, you could add a small basket or tray to group them together in a better way.

De-cluttering your bathroom may seem a little daunting at first, but the effort will be so worth it!

Do you have any bathroom storage/decluttering tips? anything to make moving into our first flat easier is much  appreciated!

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Lifestyle | Last Minute Mothers day gift guide 2017

Another year, another mothers day. Not only am I thankful to have a fantastic mother, who has always wanted the best for me, supported me and loved me, no matter how hard I have made it. She's been a fantastic role model and I honestly believe that I will be happy in life if I achieve even a fraction of the happiness that she has. Mummy dearest is on holiday with my dad, so my sisters and I will be treating my nan this Sunday. But that doesn't mean my mum won't get a pressie! Here are a few things I've got my eye on for her:

Bloom &Wild

My mum loves having flowers in her house, she has a lot of dried and silk ones, but really appreciates a good bouquet of flowers. She loves light colours, nothing too bright or colourful. She's also really good at arranging flowers and I think would love a Bloom & Wild subscription.

Ugg Slippers

Mum can be super glam, and has been called a yummy mummy more than once, but she is a comfort girl at heart. I know she loves her warm snuggly Ugg boots, and I think the slippers would be a lovely gift for when she's working from home, or having a Netflix day.

A good handbag

I guess this Kate Spade bag is more my taste than my mums. But she loves a designer bag, over the years she has collected a few, that give us all bag envy. 

Neom Sleep Kit

I've heard great things about this kit, and know that my mum often finds it hard to sleep (mainly because my dad is a champion snorer!). But what a lovely gift, the contents aim is to help relax your body and and bring you to the calm that you need in order to get a quality night sleep.

Wine Glasses

My mum loves a good old bottle glass of wine. She is a very sociable women, and regularly has guest over, which also means, that a lot of glasses get accidentally broken. Why not be a good daughter and help her replenish her collection?

Perfume

What person doesn't love being gifted a good fragrance? My mum is currently in obsessed with Estee Lauders Aerin fragrances, created by Estee Lauders daughter. But other great choices out there are Kate Spade, Walk on Air  and the classic Chanel no. 5.

Novelty Mum Mug

No Mother's day is complete without a novelty Mum mug!

Cherish your mummy this year, and spoil her rotten.

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Lifestyle | More Bathroom Decorating Ideas

Image: HomeTalk

Cabinet designs to add style to your bathroom 

When designed and decorated with flair and style in mind, a bathroom can be an elegant, classy space for your home. However, as a room that also accommodates a great deal of storage, the visual appeal of your bathroom can be quickly lost to clutter.

A bathroom cabinet can be a great unit for holding your all-essential items. By carefully choosing a design that fits with your bathroom decor, they can be so much more than a storage space and add a real sense of style to the room.

Here are some popular cabinet designs, from Pebble Grey, which are worth considering to add a stylish quality to your bathroom.

Wooden and furniture styles

A popular trend in the world of bathroom cabinet design has been the furniture style, which is when a cabinet resembles a piece of wooden furniture. This could include a vintage oak dresser or Victorian chest of drawers, standing on shaped legs. Not only does this provide a beautiful set piece for your bathroom, it also offers many options for storage, such as attractive cupboards and drawers. 

Wooden cabinets like this can give your bathroom a classy, rather than trendy, look. Wood can also be a good choice of material for a cabinet as it fits well with common bathroom colour schemes, such as different shades of brown. It can also be easy to match with other furniture in your bathroom, like your bath, shower and sink.

Glass and mirrored designs 

If you’re looking for a trendy yet sophisticated look for your bathroom, a glass cabinet can be a good choice. Glass cabinets can blend well with other details in your bathroom, such as tiled walls, chrome surfaces and your bath and basin taps. Different types of glass doors can also add to the softness and style of the space, from transparent and tinted to frosted designs.  

In addition to this, aside from making a cabinet multifunctional, a mirrored design can bring more light into your bathroom and create the illusion of space. The reflection of light and decor in the mirror can also accentuate your use of colour, while reflected images of furniture can emphasise the themes and styles you use and make the room look bigger. 

Tall designs and open shelving 

If space is an issue in your bathroom that you feel hinders your use of style, fitting a tall cabinet to hold your storage can work well. These design can be effectively placed in the corner of the room, while providing a sleek set piece to grab people’s attention when they enter. Tall cabinets can also emphasise the height of the room, creating depth, while drawing the eye upwards. This is ideal if you want a guest to notice an attractive ceiling light fixture.

Alternatively, cabinets that come with open shelving can give the styles in your bathroom some variety, creating pleasant line and shapes. With attractive items, such as colourful luxury towels and toiletries, on display, they can be aesthetically pleasing on the eye too. Open shelves can also be used to expand to the style of your other bathroom furniture and fittings, like by placing an open shelved cabinet alongside a vanity unit or next to a bath wall. 

There are many ways to add style to your bathroom. When it comes to bathroom cabinets, the various designs, from wood to glass, can help create the look you desire.

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