Hardening off and potting on are gardening terms you are likely to hear a lot of, especially at this time of year when people across the country are preparing outdoor spaces for the season ahead. What are they though, and why should you take note? I’ve compiled a guide to some of the most common gardening terms to help you … Read More
Jobs for your spring clean list
When the summer arrives we often want to spend time outside enjoying the sunshine, which is why now is the perfect time for a quick spring clean in your home. Many cleaning jobs needs doing at least once a week, if not more often. There are some though that might get left off the list and are worth focusing on … Read More
Sprucing up your bathroom on a budget
There are many reasons why you might want a new bathroom. Maybe your current bathroom is looking a little dated and dull, or maybe you’ve bought a house and aren’t happy with the bathroom that’s been left behind. Whatever the reason, a brand new bathroom can have a positive impact on your home, but as with the rest of your … Read More
The Joy of Online Learning
Accessible online learning has become an essential distraction for many during the pandemic. It gives a form of relief from the often difficult news reports, and can keep our minds active during periods of time when we are confined to our homes. With more and more courses popping up though, what can you find to suit you? I have written … Read More
The conundrum of dealing with old furniture
Last year I went about the huge task that was clearing out my childhood home. Along with boxes packed full of childhood memories, toys and games, one task really stood out as a tricky one to solve: what to do with the furniture. Most of it was in really good condition, even the older pieces, and I’m not someone who … Read More
Embracing Scruffy Hospitality
I stumbled upon the idea of “scruffy hospitality” via a social media post, and immediately latched on to it. Like many other people, I have found 2021 hard. Really hard. Between a late night immediate lockdown of schools back in January, ill health (mine), deteriorating health (a family member’s), selling my childhood home, and trying to balance the needs of … Read More
The Good and the Bad – Identifying Minibeasts in Your Garden
Minibeasts are common in your garden, and whilst often lovely to look at and think that you are giving everything a haven to live in, not all of them are beneficial. Some should be considered pests that you would be well advised to deal with. How do you tell the difference between the good and bad minibeasts though, and what … Read More
Mid-week socialising? Meet School Night Gin.
The summer is here and this year with it, after a period of enforced abstinence, comes opportunity for social occasions. Like many others, I enjoy doing this not just at the weekend, but also sometimes during the week. Catching up with good friends over a glass of cool iced tonic with a splash of gin in my hand is just … Read More
5 Quick Wins For Saving Money
Somewhere between Brexit and the global Covid-19 pandemic, national short to medium term economic growth feels a little uncertain. You don’t need to delve far into the news to see that it is on the minds of businesses and individuals alike. Even without this nagging on our shoulder though, saving money for emergencies or just to boost a fun pot … Read More
Stepping Your Garden Into Spring
The garden is, by and large, pretty dormant through the winter months. Many flowers have long since died away, fruit trees stand still, and shrubs create a calm spot for mini beasts to overwinter (we’ve found ladybirds hibernating in some of ours). That doesn’t mean that the gardening ceases altogether though. In fact, at this time of year, we can … Read More