If you think that all of these stickers are a bit childlike, then you may be surprised with all of the subject matter that is covered. One wall art shop alone may offer inspirational words, floral patterns, music, animals, countries, tribal, clocks sports, and geometric shapes. Or you can always easily find simple repetitive ornamental pieces like fleur de lis, hearts, or shells.

Much like the craze in the 80’s of the wall border, these spruce up a vacant space in a jiffy. These actually seem easier than the borders of the past, as these you do not have to get exactly straight. Should you apply them a little catawampus, or tilted, it will probably just ad to the quirky appeal. The greatest thing with these is that there truly is something for everyone. If it a tattoo like image, an art deco façade, or just a retro pattern you can have it. Now there truly is no excuse for bare walls.

The steps are 1. Select a premade wreath of dried grapevine, pinecones or whatever catches your eye 2. Pick out your embellishments of ornaments, berries, garlands or ribbons 3. Attach those goodies to the basic wreath, then step back and assess if more needs to be added.

One last thing, I always like to make a couple smaller versions of the large personalised wreath to place in and around the house. It brings continuity to the space, and is easy and cost effective since you already have all of the supplies.

When they unexpectedly stop by to leave their package, they seemingly also find their way inside for a visit. Simply offering them a coffee and a store bought cookie seems weak, so how about providing something more inventive, and impressive.

To do this, do a search for “last minute” appetisers and you will be greeted with numerous recipes that can be whipped up in under ten minutes. The fact that they involve so little effort, and time dedication makes me feel a bit cheeky even referring to them as recipes. Some of my standby items are dips with cut fresh vegetables. Honestly, that actually takes the same amount of time as making a cup of coffee, or tea. Not to mention it is probably one of the healthiest items they will be offered all season.

And if you hand over that emergency gift to them and them pop off to the kitchen you will gain a few extra moments to whip up your snack, and you avoid the response the individual makes to the present. Win, Win.

While I am kidding about shaving your dog or cat, I am also a pet lover and know the on going battle of the shedding all too well. The options I have come across are to a. use a lint roller or brush. The Roller, with the sticky disposable sheets can become pricey if you have a lot to pick up, often. The brush works well on curtains, but I have had difficulty with it on horizontal items, but it might just be the one I have, and not all. Then there is the use of a regular sponge when both wet and dry, or a sponge picked up at the pet store that is marketed specifically for this purpose. The sponge has done the best job for me overall, but then I have large dogs whom I have to clean up after daily.

The prints are all handmade using those old blocks and the overall effect is one that is more than just eye catching. They have actually elevated sports memorabilia to an artistic form that could grace the walls of any home or office. The prints use catchy phrasing, and muted colours, but are outstanding in everyway. I for one surprised that I am such a fan, considering I have no interest in team sports whatsoever. But nonetheless, I am routing this lovely couple, and their home grown business on from the sideliners.

Buying from dreams.co.uk you can rest assured that you are buying a quality mattress, but there are other things you can do to keep your mattress in the best condition. In fact, if looked after properly, a good mattress can last up to ten years.

So here are some tips on caring for your mattress:

Put a cover on your mattress
You should protect your mattress and pillows with washable covers. This will protect your mattress from stains and, as they are easily washable, you know they will be nice and clean. You can also get covers especially for allergy sufferers.

Air your mattress
While it can be tempting to make your double bed the moment you get out of it you should actually pull back the covers for 20 minutes each morning. This allows your body moisture to evaporate and airs the mattress.

Turn your mattress regularly
You should turn your mattress regularly to allow the upholstery and fillings to settle evenly. So you should turn your mattress over (if advised) end to end every three to four months. However, when your mattress is new you should do this more regularly – in fact you should do this every week for the first three months.

Don’t sit on the edge of the bed regularly
If you want to keep your mattress in the best condition don’t make a habit of perching on the edge of your bed and don’t let the kids bounce on it no matter how much they want too.

Unwrap your mattress
When you buy a new mattress, don’t leave it in its plastic wrapper for too long (even if you are not going to use it immediately). You need to remove the polythene as soon as possible as otherwise there could be a build up of condensation which can cause dampness, mildew and rotting.

Vacuum your mattress
You should vacuum your mattress and bed base from time to time to get rid of dust and fluff. However, this should be done with care so as not to damage the mattress or base or pull out any tufts.

Don’t put a mattress on the wrong base
You need to make sure that your mattress matches your bed base and fits your bed base as well. If your bed base is old and your mattress new it might still be quite uncomfortable to sleep on. Whether you want a double divan bed a bunk bed or even a new mattress visit our friends at dreams.co.uk.

Yes, you guessed it, my passion for décor has been temporarily superseded by my lust for baked goods. Admittedly, when I got the craving for cupcakes, I could have just whipped up a an old standby recipe, but where would the fun it that be? Instead, I have gone for something s’more advanced, ok here I go inserting the play on words…I am making s’more cupcakes. First I would like to defend my choice by saying I already had all the ingredients in my cupboard.

All the Yummy Stuff the Recipe Calls For:

1 1/2 cups sugar
1 tsp baking powder
1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 tsp baking soda
1 cup milk
2 eggs
2 tsps vanilla extract
1/2 cup oil
3/4 cup cocoa
3/4 cup crumbled graham cracker
1 bag of regular marshmellows

So you can see, I am justified in at least being pragmatic with the supplies. And did I mention they only need to bake for fifteen minutes? As long as I do not make the ganache and graham cracker topping I should be done with this tangent in under half an hour, or maybe forty-five minutes is more practical. Guess it ultimately depends on how many I ingest upon completion.

I may have the most difficulty explaining the fact that I will end up with sixteen cupcakes. But don’t you worry about that, I’ve got a plan. I am going to give my client at least half of the cupcakes when I give her the update on those Silentnight Mattresses. This could actually be considered a part of my work depending on how one looks at it, as I am “preparing” them for an employer. Would it be too much to say this takes the cake?

Ingredients

3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil

2 cups whole blanched almonds

2 tablespoons fresh thyme

Salt to taste

Ground pepper to taste

Directions

Over medium heat heat oil in a large skillet. Stir in almonds, and cook, until lightly golden and smell wonderful.

Drop in thyme leaves and take off the heat. Add salt and pepper. Smooth out and separate on flat heat proof surface and let cool.

The latest addition to a kitchen model is the heated towel rack, and I for one definitely want one. Considering how much I love the towel warmers we installed in our bathrooms, and how I was not about to go without them when we decorated those rooms, I am not going to skip this opportunity. Though I imagine for most homeowners, it would be a lot easier to include one of these in a kitchen that is just being built, or renovated, I am lucky enough to have wall space for it.

The measurements are usually around four hundred and six millimetres in height by four hundred and fifty millimetres in width, for the smaller version, or four hundred and sixty millimetres in height by four hundred and sixty-six millimetres in width, for the larger. The heat output for the smaller being about five hundred and seventy three BTUs, and the bigger being approximately six hundred and thirty BTUs. Also, note that often, the units are sold with fittings and brackets included, but the valves are available for purchase separately.

Of course they are made in different finishes, just as the ones hung in the bathroom. So, if you have a chrome accented kitchen you are in luck, or if you want something that will blend then neutral colours are available also. It should bring a nice warmth not only to the kitchen towels, but also to the room.

The placement of one of these in my kitchen is something I am really looking forward to, and to be frank, I secretly hope to receive it very quickly. As I mentioned I do not know anyone with a heated towel rack in their kitchen, and I would feel like the cat that got the cream if I were the first in our circle of friends and family to display one.