Modern life is rubbish

All the stuff that make today’s lifestyles so convenient can easily be distracting, especially in the bedroom. The very first stage of making your beautiful boudoir is to get rid of any traces of technology and practicality. Ban the TV and relocate the hair-straighteners since there’s no glamour in gizmos and gadgets. Hide as much of the clutter as possible with bedroom storage that will go in drawers or cupboards but display your most prized perfumes and place your rings and necklaces on show with a jewellery tree.

The essence of boudoir

This style evokes an opulent, sensual and rich lifestyle so colours such as purple, pink, gold and black give the perfect look. Your room can be as flamboyant as you desire, but wall coverings will give the most striking change so use pink and purple wallpaper with a strong pattern. Using bold floral prints and stunning damask will give your room a feeling of femininity and extravagance.

Materials play an significant role in the boudoir bedroom. Diverse textures and finishes produce an intimate feel so incorporate plenty of colourful cushions with mixed fabrics created from rich and heavy materials. For an air of sensuality, floaty materials like silks and organza can be draped throughout the room.

If you like the Moulin Rouge style of boudoir, opt for bohemian elegance by including vintage furniture pieces and elegant swagging around the windows. Dress your bed in silk and satin and place candles round the room to spark the romance. Colours to go for include scarlet, gold and black. For a 60s style boudoir, synthetic animal skins with deep pile carpets and fun cartoon’ish furnishings will establish a naughty, fantasy themed room. Choose a blend of black, white and red colours throughout the room.

Lighting the passion

Light plays an important role in creating a sultry ambiance. The boudoir look embraces extravagance and so should your lighting fixtures. Vintage crystal-drop chandeliers are perfect for the dramatic centre piece while antique brass and crystal wall lights controlled by dimmer switch will create the right mood.

Beanbags

Still consider beanbags as overblown floor cushions that are manufactured from cheap material and difficult to get out of? Obviously you have not been introduced to the Fatboy range.

Beanbags aren’t just additional seating options for the living room, they can be used as a sofa replacement in student digs, a chill-out chair for a teenager’s bedroom or even a spare bed if you want to put up your mate overnight. Have one or two of these cool seating options convenient for impromptu events or any time you’ve got more visitors than your permanent seating can cope with.

Hammocks

The simple mention of the word conjures up images of hazy summer days, swinging between two trees beneath the shade of branches while enjoying a long, cool drink. Yet isn’t a hammock just for the warmer months? In fact, it’s not. And before you ask, no you won’t need two trees to tie it to either – at least not with modern hammock technology because a steel-frame manages things.

A hammock can easily be placed in the house as out and should you be short of furniture in your conservatory it’s ideal. When you do need to take it easy in the great outdoors, or when you need something a bit more comfortable than the standard bistro chair and table set in your garden, then a hammock is a good substitute.

Gaming seat

Okay, this one may appear like it’s simply for the gamers and geeks but as a substitute seating choice it’s as adaptable as they come. Should you be of the Playstation or Xbox generation then you may be all too familiar with sitting forward on the sofa, straining to get nearer to the action. Instead of attempting to drag your sofa a couple of inches closer to the box, pull up a gaming seat.

Not only will a gaming chair take care of your comfort while challenging the latest level of Halo, it’s versatile enough to turn into a footstool or an occasional seat for social events if you require further places for friends to park their bums.

Some regular love and attention will ensure your cooker is consistently functioning at its best, its safest and its most effective. Agas are very basic machines which is just one of the reasons why they last so long – the less complicated the operating parts, the longer the lifespan. Any issues that arise with the oven will more than likely have a straightforward solution to correct them. Nevertheless, there are a couple more complicated bits that go into one of these classic ovens.

A few people undertake a DIY service but quickly run into difficulties if they tinker with something that is unfamiliar. Before they know it, a part that was functioning perfectly before it was fiddled with has stopped working resulting in a call to a professional to correct the problem. Not only do they end up without a completely functioning oven, they’ve also had to spend out more than a proper service would have cost.

In order to avoid unnecessary time and financial expense, it is advisable to book regular Aga servicing from an authorised company that employs a team of engineers who are able to service all electric, gas and oil versions to an extremely high standard.

Gas – Any gas appliance on your property must be serviced on an annual basis to ensure it is working safely and a gas Aga is no different. If you have a dual-fuel model, the same is applicable as the burners, pressure, flue system and ventilation will all necessitate annual servicing.

Oil – While gas appliances should be serviced every year, an oil Aga will need servicing every 6 months. A service will check that the fuel rate, oil line and storage tank are operating as they should.

Electric – Electric models ought to be serviced every year to ensure their safety. Should you own a 30amp model a certified engineer will check for safety and operation. 13amp models can be checked every five years.

Once your service is booked in you will must make sure that the oven is cool before the engineer arrives so power it down the previous night – if it’s still hot the service can not be carried out. The engineer will carry out certain actions that are specific to your model and fuel type (see above) but they will also check that all safety devices are functioning.

Any rope seals or gaskets will be inspected and replaced if required. The engineer will adjust the operation of the insulating lids and doors and check the insulation level (this will be topped up if necessary). The engineer will also clean the circulation and/or oven venting fans.

When you look for a company to service your oven, make sure that their engineers have been fully trained and also have OFTEC and GAS SAFE registration.

Potential Aga owners will have any number of questions they want answered before splashing out on one of these iconic range cookers and the best way to get those answers is to visit an Aga showroom where you’ll find experts on-hand to give you all the details. In the meantime, here are just some of the most common questions and answers to help you decide.

Is it true that Aga cookers are always on?

The simple answer to that is ‘yes’ but before you think that will cost you a fortune in fuel let’s just consider how an Aga works. Agas are essentially heat storage devices due to their high levels of insulation within the cast-iron outer casing and hotplates. An Aga maintains a consistent temperature through its thermostat so it uses fuel economically. In fact, the latest environmental research is looking into ways of providing heat storage for homes so the Aga is already ahead of the game.

It used to be the case that an Aga would take hours to reach peak cooking temperature when turned off but the latest technology fitted into these range cookers means they can sit in ‘slumber’ mode when not required and then come up to the correct temperature for times when you need to cook. Also remember that some models provide heat and hot water to your home so that removes the need for a separate boiler.

Is an Aga easy to clean?

In some respects an Aga will clean itself, particularly the oven and hot plates. This is due to the Aga being constantly on which means anything spilt on the plates or oven surfaces will carbonise and then you can simply brush it away (wait until your cooker is off and being serviced to do the inside of the oven and be careful when brushing the hotplates). You may want to employ a professional cleaning company to give your Aga a thorough deep clean.

The other surface of your Aga that will need occasional cleaning is the enamel surface on the front. A damp cloth will remove the worst of any spillages but if left to harden then a proper cleaning solution should be used. Ask your local Aga supplier for a suitable product.

What cookware can I use on an Aga?

An Aga is a long-term investment that should last you a lifetime if cared for properly so apply the same outlook to the cookware you’re going to use on it, and in it. To begin with you’ll probably find your existing pans and dishes are okay but the plates on an Aga can get extremely hot so you should consider buying cookware that has a thick base.

The base of any pan you buy should also be flat so the maximum amount of contact is made with the hotplate to improve heat transfer. Also remember that any pans you buy should be suitable to go into the oven so avoid wooden or plastic handles.

There is specifically designed and manufactured Aga cookware so consider factoring this into your budget when purchasing a range cooker.

Which Aga model should I buy?

This is one of the most common questions and the dilemma is a good one because there are now so many options you’ll be spoilt for choice. Given the right advice from a trained expert, you’ll come away with right range cooker for your home. Get in touch with an Aga specialist such as Edwards and Godding to get the full details and specifications about the Aga range of products.

Type of fabric

The type of care that is required will depend greatly on the type of yarn. If you have an alpaca fibre you will need to care for it differently than cotton. Hand dyed yarns will need additional care in comparison to natural fibres. If you are the one who made the outfit, check the label on the skein of yarn for any special instructions. If you received it as a gift and it is possible, ask the person who made it what it is made of and how it should be cared for. If you are unsure, handle it as if it were regular knitting wools. Regular wool should be hand washed using cold water and lain flat to dry, making sure you shape it before it dries. Washable wool can be washed in the laundry as can cotton, linen and ramie, using the gentle cycle. Synthetic fibres can be laundered with the rest of your clothing.

Washing tips

Although there are some fabrics that can be added to the washing machine, it is recommended that most hand knitted items be hand washed. Knitting wools such as alpaca wool must be hand washed. Start off with cold water and use a mild detergent. You may choose to purchase special detergent designed specifically for wool knitting yarn. This type of detergent contains lanolin that will keep the wool water resistant. Gently agitate the water around the garment and rinse thoroughly. Do not wring the item, as this will cause it to become misshapen. If you cannot hand wash the clothing, wash it on the gentle cycle using cold water. Hand dyed wools should be washed separately.

Drying tips

After all the suds are completely out of the fibre and the water runs clear you can start the drying process. You can gently press the garment to remove excess water but do not wring it. Support the piece and transfer it to a towel and lay it down. Roll the towel and press down gently to remove as much water as possible. Then, place the garment on a large, thick towel and shape it. Gently press the edges into the appropriate shape. If there are any buttons or collars, make sure they are in the proper position. It will typically take an entire day of air drying before the garment is ready to wear or be stored. If after twenty four hours it is still damp, transfer it to a dry towel and repeat the process until it is dry. You can then store it by folding it gently. Do not hang it or the weight will cause it to stretch and become misshapen.

All of these appliances drain electric, gas and water which ultimately costs money and has a major impact on the environment. Here are some tips to make your kitchen more ‘green’ plus some Ethical and fair trade kitchen products for cooking and serving your food.

Ethical cooking tips

• Cook several dishes in one go – If cooking vegetables on the hob, use a tiered steamer rather than lots of pans. If using the oven, use all the shelves.
• When using the oven, try to avoid opening the door too often as the temperature drops by 15°C each time making your oven work harder.
• If cooking with pans, keep the lids on as this will use less gas. When bringing the pan to the boil, adjust the flame to the pan’s diameter to avoid heat wastage.
• Use a microwave to save time and energy.
• Don’t buy too many gadgets – Labour saving devices may look like a good idea but six million end up in landfill each year. If you don’t really need it, don’t buy it.

One product every kitchen needs is a chopping board to prevent damaging your kitchen surfaces when preparing food. The best boards are made from wood but as a natural resource, wood is depleting fast so buy fairtrade bamboo chopping boards. Bamboo is the fastest growing plant in the world and therefore endlessly renewable.

Medium Bambu Cutting Board

For tasting, stirring, serving and eating, ethical kitchen utensils made from organic bamboo look great and will serve the amateur cook in your house for many years. Fairtrade serving bowls made from lacquered coiled bamboo are a stylish and colourful way to present salads and pasta dishes.

‘Give It A Rest’ Utensil Collection

Ethical washing tips

• Wash clothes on cooler settings – For most people that’s 40°C although newer machines will now wash at 15°C. A 40°C wash will use a third less power than one at 60°C.
• Prewash settings are not necessary so don’t use them.
• If you need to buy a new washing machine, choose the smallest one possible for your needs and make sure it has a hot water inlet.
• Dishwashers can be economical if used correctly. A full load on an economy setting can use less water than hand washing although bear in mind the electrical usage. If you’re considering buying dishwasher ask yourself if you really do need one.
• Rather than buying expensive and chemical-laden cleaning products to remove scale from your dishwasher or washing machine, use a cupful of vinegar on a full cycle (without any clothes or dishes inside though!).

Ethical appliance tips

• All new appliances by law must display an energy rating. This is displayed on a scale of A-G with A being the most energy efficient (an ‘energy plus’ model is even more efficient still). If you’re buying a new appliance, always make sure you’re aware of the rating and the materials used in the manufacturing process. Look for CFC and HFC free fridge/freezers and ones with an "R600a" hydrocarbon coolant label.
• When disposing of old appliances, check with your local council for a disposal depot which will reuse, recycle or recondition certain parts. This reduces the amount going to landfill.

Another area you can save money is by cutting back on the amount of maintenance you do around your property. Imagine simply enjoying your home and not planning the next painting job – and who actually likes taking doors off their hinges, painting them, and then the arguments as you try to re-hang them, lining up the screw holes and the attempts keeping the door exactly this many inches off the floor while you do it. UPVC (or unplasticised polyvinyl chloride, as opposed to PVC, or polyvinyl chloride), is gaining popularity in the construction industry, particularly UPVC doors and windows, especially when double glazed windows are installed (or, in older buildings, when single glazed windows are replaced with double glazed). UPVC is also being used in the production of fascias and soffits, meaning less upkeep. And the big plus is that they won’t warp, rot or flake, so what you get is what you’ll have in many years’ time.

You can get quotes to have your older fascias and soffits replaced with newer UPVC, and they come in a range of colours and finishes. Ensure that when you call for a quote, though, the company sources their products locally and not from overseas (especially the states) as this will help keep costs down. And the time and place has to be convenient to you. It would be best, and it would make sense, if the sales person came to you, so they can measure up and give the best price – not something they make up on the phone. They will also be able to answer any questions you have on the spot, which only goes to demonstrate their expertise!

Whether it’s to theme a nursery, update a child’s room or enhance a living space, you can have any style or design, tailored to suit your specific taste and budget.

The Design

As an experienced muralist, all of my murals are drawn free hand with no stencilling or projections involved. This allows me to transfer your ideas directly onto the wall with no scale or design restriction. I can work to all scales and budgets, producing either simple colourful wall murals to enhance a style of room – or completely theme a room in intricate detail. No project is too large or too small, and every project is treated with the same personal care and attention. When producing an interior scheme I can either translate your specific ideas directly or if you would prefer I can produce imaginative design creations for you. You may already have a room decorated and decide you want to take details from a border, curtains or duvet cover and create a mural to finish the room off.

The Price

There are a number of factors to consider that will determine the price of any given mural. The size of the mural, the detail, the wall texture and whether or not there is a ceiling involved – all have an impact on the costs. Prices start from as little as £65.00, so please use my contact page or phone me directly to arrange for a free consultation or guide price over the phone.

I am a fully qualified designer specialising in hand painted murals for interiors. I have always been creative and started painting murals when I was 14 in my own bedroom and then I found all of my friends wanted one. I went on to University and qualified with a Ba Hons in Design – Surface Pattern.

I worked as a designer for commercial companies but when I had my first child I decided that the nursery just had to have a Winnie The Pooh themed mural. As friends started to see my son’s room – my mural business began and it is the most rewarding and satisfying of jobs I have ever done.

As well as painting murals in people homes I have also been commissioned to produce murals for the National Health Service and other commercial properties, which have been featured in the local press.

Following our initial contact by phone, I would arrange to come and meet with you to view the room you intend to have the mural painted in. We would talk through your ideas, and at this stage if you needed inspiration I would also bring along ideas, pictures, and books to look at. For children’s rooms, every child has a favourite cartoon character, theme, TV character or book so this would be our starting point. If your child is old enough I always like to ask what they would like to see in their room so we make sure the mural makes everyone happy.

Once you have decided on the size and design of the mural that’s when I can provide you with an exact cost. My price is always inclusive of all materials and time – so no matter how long it takes me to complete the mural – the price will remain exactly as quoted (prices start from as little as £65).

When I come to paint the mural – the whole design is sketched out on the wall, ceiling or cupboard etc. in pencil first, and it is at this stage that I always make sure the client is completely happy with how the design looks before any painting begins – as once the design is painted changes are hard to make!

Your custom hand painted mural can usually be finished within a few days depending on size and detail level. The paints I use are waterproof and non-toxic and are therefore ideal to be used around children and babies.

Geopathic stress is natural radiation from the Earth that comes to the surface, but is altered along the way by electromagnetic fields caused by underground water, collections of certain minerals or fault lines. This radiation can be responsible for conditions ranging from infertility, cancer, migraines, joint pain, Chronic Fatigue Syndrome and insomnia. The World Health Organisation also recognises Sick Building Syndrome is a result of geopathic stress.

Practitioners are available that can rid buildings of this radiation, or alter the building or its contents in such a way that the radiation is longer an issue. One such method is ‘dowsing’. In dowsing, a dowser uses tools and intuition to seek something (for example a water source, in ‘water dowsing’) – in this instance, the unconscious mind seeks the radiation that is infiltrating a building or room. Once the streams of radiation are found, methods are used to rid the radiation or move it, or alter the room or building so that the geopathic stress is no longer an issue. For example, if someone is suffering from insomnia, a dowser locates any geopathic stress and may find that the bed is lying on a geopathic stress line. By simply moving the bed, the sufferer will find they not only sleep better, but they have increased energy levels and become headache free. Another method that can be used in healing sick buildings utilises channelled energy to eliminate the negative energy (this can also be used on a person). This is known as ‘vortex healing’.

Another healing method is the ‘Alexander Technique‘. This is used to treat people, usually suffering from physical pain and/or stress caused by poor posture. By gaining awareness of how we stand, walk, sit and move in general, we can prevent issues that may arise as a result of poor habits, such as slouching. With this technique, the patient is taught to ‘treat themselves’ by monitoring their posture with a view to curing and preventing problems caused by it. It has been said that after learning how to use this method, patients not only find their pains have decreased (or disappeared), their overall posture is improved and they find more energy and suppleness. This then extrapolates to all areas of their lives.

These healing properties – the Alexander Technique, dowsing and vortex healing – can all work together to help heal sick minds, bodies and buildings. In the fast-paced world we live in today, we need all the help we can get!

1. I am clumsy.
2. I live in a teeny tiny apartment.
3. I love hats.

The second of these means I need storage that allows me to tuck things away where no-one can see them, and that does not take up too much room. The first means that I tend to bump into things (or drop things). Door knobs are my favourite, and my upper arms are a tribute to the many door knobs in my humble abode. The last means I need places to hang my hats. But with the clumsy situation taken into account, anything too sticky-outey just results in more black and blue testimonials.

So it was with sheer joy I came across a site where my passion for hats could be proudly displayed without fear of bodily damage. Hooks! Moreover, hooks that could tuck away when not in use! I was in seventh heaven, and ordered several just on first visit. My favourite is the ‘Black and Blum’ – the name reminds me of the various bruises I currently wear. It’s two smart looking-hooks with a little mirror above them, so as I jauntily don my hat before I head out the door I can check that there’s no stray hair sticking out at a weird angle, ready to embarrass me. Practical and handy!

I have several of these in my bedroom – I can hang five hats at once, and when I am wearing one of them the hook flips back into the bracket so I can’t gouge myself on it. Safe and practical. They’re easy to put up, too; essential for someone like me with two left hands full of thumbs.

Stuck above the mirrored hooks on the back of my front door (the one I use to check how my hat looks before I head out) is this. Never again will I lose my glasses, and when I check my hat (and teeth for bits of leftover breakfast) I can grab my sunnies. I no longer have to hunt around the bottom of my handbag searching for the glasses case – or, worse still, the glasses by themselves (getting scratched by car keys, loose coins and stale minties). Speaking of handbags (yes, you guessed it) I have a hook for the handbag I use from day-to-day, plus the ones I rotate through. Hey, I am female.

But my absolute favourite, the piece de resistance, is this little number I have above my phone in the kitchen. It holds all my bits (keys, mobile phone, purse and makeup bag) so when I am choosing a handbag to take out I can simply grab everything in the cubby, throw them in the bag and go. Everything I need is in the one place, and yes – there is a hook each for my hat and bag. Notice a common theme? Perhaps I should add 3. I love hooks to my list above…