Instead of ripping out the foundations, why not instead consider a couple of new pieces of furniture to redress and refresh your interior. Of course, whilst your initial instinct might be to go for something cheap and cheerful that looks and feels ok; good enough never lasts.
By spending a little more on luxury furniture however, you could be investing in something that could last for decades and you won't need to change in a year or so when the seats start to sag and the cracks start to show. As we're looking to make a major improvement here, we'll be focusing on the two pieces of furniture that are arguably the most important in any home.
Whilst more doesn't always mean better, the old adage of “you get what you pay for” tends to ring true when it comes to furniture. This is no more true than when it comes to the sofa. Besides your bed, this is probably the piece of furniture you will be spending the most time on, so choose wisely. It's also a piece of furniture that will arguably be taking a lot of abuse, so investing in a strong and sturdy sofa is always recommended.
A good luxury sofa should be flexible enough to be used as a makeshift office, a relaxed reading spot and even the occasional bed (we've all had to spend a night on the sofa before). As a rule of thumb, the more you spend on a sofa, the more durable it will be and the longer it will last. This is only true, however, if you're smart and look past the frills and the big brand names and focus instead on the materials, the frame and the overall build quality. Whilst aesthetics are important, look for build quality first and foremost and materials that will withstand the stains of time.
Without a good bed, a house is just not a home. Most of us will spend at least 30% of our lives in bed, so it's imperative that you invest in a mattress that will provide you with adequate support. The vast majority of modern mattresses use memory foam, which is shaped by the contours of your body over time, forming a sort of 'sleep profile' that essentially makes your bed feel like your bed. A decent mattress means a better sleep and a better sleep means a happier life in your home. It's also a very subjective piece of furniture. Mercifully, we live in an age where it's possible for even the most pickiest of sleepers to find the mattress that's right for them.
Of course, the mattress is not the only component to a good bed. The bed frame is also important, though we would always recommend spending more on the mattress than the frame. Ultimately, the frame is just there to support the mattress. Make sure it's sturdy, but don't push the boat out unless you really want to!
The Sofa
Whilst more doesn't always mean better, the old adage of “you get what you pay for” tends to ring true when it comes to furniture. This is no more true than when it comes to the sofa. Besides your bed, this is probably the piece of furniture you will be spending the most time on, so choose wisely. It's also a piece of furniture that will arguably be taking a lot of abuse, so investing in a strong and sturdy sofa is always recommended.
A good luxury sofa should be flexible enough to be used as a makeshift office, a relaxed reading spot and even the occasional bed (we've all had to spend a night on the sofa before). As a rule of thumb, the more you spend on a sofa, the more durable it will be and the longer it will last. This is only true, however, if you're smart and look past the frills and the big brand names and focus instead on the materials, the frame and the overall build quality. Whilst aesthetics are important, look for build quality first and foremost and materials that will withstand the stains of time.
The Bed
Without a good bed, a house is just not a home. Most of us will spend at least 30% of our lives in bed, so it's imperative that you invest in a mattress that will provide you with adequate support. The vast majority of modern mattresses use memory foam, which is shaped by the contours of your body over time, forming a sort of 'sleep profile' that essentially makes your bed feel like your bed. A decent mattress means a better sleep and a better sleep means a happier life in your home. It's also a very subjective piece of furniture. Mercifully, we live in an age where it's possible for even the most pickiest of sleepers to find the mattress that's right for them.
Of course, the mattress is not the only component to a good bed. The bed frame is also important, though we would always recommend spending more on the mattress than the frame. Ultimately, the frame is just there to support the mattress. Make sure it's sturdy, but don't push the boat out unless you really want to!
Disclaimer: Guest Post.
The problem we can have sometimes is deciding on which set or style are the right option – as it’s fair to say there’s quite a lot of choice on offer. So, to help you with this, we’ve put together this little guide that explains some of the different types of blinds you can get as well as which colours and themes work best in different places.
The Popular Types of Blinds
In terms of the actual types of blinds you can buy there are:
Roller blinds – these are often fabric blinds that can be rolled up or down through pulling or releasing a cord. These can sometimes also be strips of wood.
Venetian blinds – these blinds can be made of wood, plastic, metal and in some cases fabric and are rows of slats that can be tilted back and forth to control light and be fully retracted up when horizontal. These functions are facilitated by a pull cord and a twisting lever.
Roman blinds – these blinds are also fabric and retract through a pulley system in a row of horizontal pleats, like a sort of concertina effect.
These types can be used to adorn any windows in the home.
Different Colour Options
There are no set instructions about which colours should go where, but a good rule of thumb to follow is that bright and neutral tones are best suited to living rooms and areas where you’ll be spending a lot of your time.
Equally, darker colours go better in bedrooms and bathrooms – basically any areas of the home where you might want a little more privacy. This colours guide can help point you in the right direction if you’re still not sure.
Not all independent sellers will have a big range of colours or types of blinds so it’s a good idea to head to an established seller like Direct Blinds. Such providers are likely to have much more choice and can also provide you with useful buying expertise.
Performance Features
Some manufacturers can also offer different performance features like:
Made to measure fitting – you tell the manufacturer the size you want, and these are custom made.
Water resistant materials – ideal for bathrooms and kitchens.
Blackout materials – a great option for bedrooms.
Hopefully with the above you should be able to select a set of blinds that are perfect for your home and your needs. A final tip is to do some literal window shopping or contact sellers and request free samples to get a first-hand look at how a set of blinds would look in your rooms.
Disclaimer: Guest Post.
There once was a girl,
And that girl met a boy,
They found living as two,
Was a life full of joy.
These two happy lovebirds,
This couple, this pair,
Were snug in their nest,
But they thought it quite bare.
So they cuddled up closer,
And made room in their tree,
And their joy overflowed,
When two become three.
I'm growing a human!
Coming Summer 2019
xxx
We really enjoyed the food beforehand and left agreeing that it was one of the best meals we had ever had. When the opportunity came along to head over to the Epping branch, we couldn't say no. This time, my boyfriend's parents Debbie and Terry joined us both which was lovely and it gave a chance for another two people to join The George and Dragon fan club!
I am unsure what the interior looked like before, but it is now stunning. Tucked away on Epping High Street, parking is quite limited and taking two cars made things a little more difficult. However, we managed to luckily get two spaces right outside the restaurant.
The restaurant is definitely living up to the festive themes that are upon us. The lighting was perfect; dimly lighting up the outside front with small trees decorated with twinkling fairy lights. Very cute and it was even cosier inside.
It was a very warm and welcoming greeting from the hosts at front of house who ticked us off a list and asked if we would like to sample cocktails and canapés at the bar or be taken straight to our reserved table. We decided to save our bellies and asked to be seated.
The restaurant is separated slightly with the bar and drinks area on the left and the restaurant side of things on the right. I like the idea of this if you want a quiet meal without having to put up with loud people drinking or vice versa; if you want to enjoy drinks without feeling like you're disturbing people eating.
The interior was super cosy and warm, almost making you feel like you are in a little pub house in the countryside. With a real roaring fire and cosy sofas in the lounge/bar area, we took our next steps to the right and was seated at a nicely sized round table in the corner of the restaurant area.
I liked that we was given 10-15 minutes to settle in and explore the menu and not jumped on and pressured to quickly order something. We ordered a range of soft drinks and a white wine for Ricky's mum. They do have a fantastic botanical gin menu that I tried out at the Brentwood branch, however I didn't want to drink alcohol as it was a Wednesday night!
We started off by catching up with each other whilst trying out the Artisan Rustic Breads (£5.95). A slate of rustic and freshly baked breads arrived with flavoured butter, olive oil and balsamic vinegar to dip into. Also included were some Nocellara olives which Ricky and I particularly enjoyed.
The menu is pretty simple but has enough choice for everyone; from pizza, pasta, seafood, steaks and burgers. Sometimes I find menus can be a little overwhelming with too much choice to choose from, but this one was perfect. There is also a separate vegan menu which I was very pleased to see. Even though I am not vegan, I do sometimes prefer ordering vegan or vegetarian meals, so it was nice to see that they're catering for vegans.
I ordered the Crispy Karaage Chicken (£6.95) which is exactly what I ordered before and I remembered how much I enjoyed it. Crispy and slightly crunchy bites of chicken were accompanied with a pot of katsu chicken curry sauce and ribbons of cucumber, kale and cauliflower cous cous salad. Honestly so recommendable.
Ricky went for the Chargrilled Lamb Koftas (£6.95) which arrived with two koftas on sticks, goat's curd, plum tomato, roasted red pepper, cucumber and a mint salad. This is something I was keen to try myself and will no doubt order next time if I am not tempted by the chicken again!
Debbie went for the Sweet Chilli King Prawn Roll (£6.95) which arrived with the most stunning of food presentations. Julienne vegetables, chilli, coriander and king prawns were wrapped tightly inside a see-through rice paper. Presented alongside a pot of chilli dipping sauce, Debbie said she enjoyed it, but wasn't a fan of the rice paper. However, I was aware that rice paper is big in Japanese food (something I particularly enjoy), so is a bit of a marmite choice.
Terry stayed on the sea food theme and ordered the Lobster and King Prawn Pot (£8.25), which again came beautifully presented. Devon crab is mixed with cream fraiche and was accompanied with toasted ciabatta bread slices for dipping and scooping.
All of our starters were demolished and enjoyed (sadly leaving the rice paper behind), so we was very much looking forward to trying our mains.
Debbie chose her favourite meat; Roasted Pork Belly with Seared Scallops (£18.95). I'm not a big fan of pork, but I must admit it did look rather scrumptious! A beautiful cut of pork belly was presented alongside potato dauphinoise, butternut squash purée, green beans, toasted almonds, crackling and red wine jus. It was reported to be a really delicious main meal and a side of seared scallops was the perfect addition.
There's a bit of an occurring theme here, but myself and the two others all went for 9oz Rib-eye Steak (£21.95) and I am so glad I did. I always get nervous about ordering steak incase it's not cooked how I like it. However, I am pleased to report back that the waitress listened and the chefs delivered three beautifully cooked steaks to our table. Succulent, easy to cut using provided steak knives and not too chewy.
The steak comes with twice-cooked chunky chips (very large and very yummy), crispy onions (almost like a tiny onion loaf, but not as sickly), grilled mushroom, confit tomato and baby kale. I ordered mine with my favourite peppercorn sauce (additional £1.95) which I love to pour over steak and chips. Gosh, I want another plate of it!
After feeling pretty stuffed and disgusted with ourselves, of course we ordered desserts when the waitress came back over to offer us the next round of food. Although, Terry was sensible and went for a coffee instead.
Ricky went for his favourite (he never orders anything different and actually ordered this at the other branch)... the Warm Belgian Chocolate Brownie (£6.75) which arrived warm, with warm chocolate sauce and a few scoops of vanilla ice-cream.
I can't say too much myself, as I also ordered a personal favourite; the Melting Chocolate & Peanut Bomb (£7.95). However, this one is different and slightly more sickly, but delicious with a sticky toffee pudding inside a chocolate shell and peanut butter ice-cream inside of that; delivered with a pot of hot chocolate sauce that the waitress has to pour over (for safety reasons), which melts the shell right before your eyes.
Just to add a little more naughtiness, on the side are some scoops of vanilla ice-cream and whipped cream. It's safe to say that I was unable to eat it all, but boy was it scrump-diddly-umptious!
Finally, Debbie ordered the Apple & Blackberry Crumble (£5.95); something I was rather tempted to order myself, but chocolate and peanut butter got the better of me. She said it was a lovely crumble, served with hot custard and a Demerara crumble. I sadly forgot to photograph this. Told you the chocolate got the better of me!
Once again, The George and Dragon pulled it out of the bag and we left all feeling and discussing how impressed we were with the food and service. I am already looking forward to re-visiting and exploring more of the menu.
Visit: The George and Dragon, 208 High Street, Epping, Essex, CM16 4AQ. I would recommend booking a table beforehand which can be done online or by calling 01992 579493.
Disclaimer: A complimentary meal was provided, but I was not obliged to post a review. All content is my own.
Getting Halloween over and done with always makes me happy because it means the end of October and the start of the Christmas festivities. This year will be extra special as it's mine and Ricky's first Christmas in our beautiful house, so I am super excited about buying our very first tree and choosing all of our own decorations.
A recent OnePoll found that 30% of 1000 participants think that seeing the first Christmas TV advert is what signifies the start of Christmas. A 23% of those people said that starting their Christmas shopping was the start of Christmas for them and 10% of people said eating their first mince pie of the year was the beginning of Christmas.
Mince pies are definitely one of my weaknesses around this time of the year and it doesn't help that they are available in the supermarkets as early as late September. I'm not alone with 30% of Brits choosing Mince Pies as their favourite festive sweet treat. I love eating mine in all different ways; whether it's warmed up in the microwave and demolished on its own or paired with some vanilla ice-cream or double cream for an evening treat. Yum, yum.
* Now available in most major supermarkets.
A box of 6 Mince Pies are priced at £1.50 (RRP) and there's several other varieties in the range for 2018. Choose from the traditional or 6 Iced Top Mince Pies (£1.50), 4 Gluten Free (£2.50) and for £3.00 there's even a 12 Mince Pie Variety Box which has something for everyone!
Even Elsie demolished one!
This all recently got me thinking about what Christmas means to me and now what it will mean as I now have my own little family of 2 and all past traditions have now come to an end. Christmas would usually involve waking up with my sister at our parents house and spending all day in our pyjamas until we got a little dressed up for Christmas dinner later on. Bacon sandwiches would be enjoyed in the morning before opening presents and I was always the present giver; putting all the gifts in individual piles.
I think I should be able to persuade Ricky to let me start putting up Christmas decorations around the third week of November. We don't have any specific plans for Christmas just yet, but with both families to see, we will probably spend Christmas Day at home and enjoy it as our second but our first in the house and then spend the next few days with each family.
Mr Kipling kindly sent us over a hamper of festive goodies to get us in the mood and it did exactly that when we opened it. Inside was a gorgeous grey, knitted blanket which matches the colour theme of our living room perfectly. With a festive smelling candle, board game and Christmas films included; we are already well in the mood for Christmas in this house hold.
Tonight, I am off to start my Christmas shopping and possibly pick up some decorations for the tree! This is the most excited I have been in ages!
Disclaimer: This post is in collaboration with Mr Kipling and contains sponsored content. All words and opinions are my own.
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