First off, if you have a chandelier, you may be able to dust it, and the bulbs without even getting very close to it. An expandable duster can make this a ridiculously easy, if not altogether pleasing chore. As for your lampshades, they too like a good dusting, and while you are at it, get those bulbs. The worst part, as far as I’m concerned is the amount of dust bunnies that you will be surrounded by after doing this. Which is precisely why you should do this before cleaning your floors.

Just wait till you have done this, you will feel such a sense of achievement you may even be inspired to tackle the window treatments and blinds. Hopefully the memory of how easy these things are will prompt you to do it over and over again.

Here are the ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons of chopped / roasted pistachios
• 2 tablespoons of chopped / dried cranberries
• 1 log of fresh goats cheese
• your choice of crackers

To prepare:

Lay out a mixture of the cranberries and nuts on a cutting board and roll the log on top to coat. And you’re done, no really, you’ve made it. And I would be shocked if your guests do not ask you about how you made it, or tell you it is truly yummy.

Therefore, I scramble to come up with things to do with the random objects that are on their way out the door. Most recently I came upon this ingenious idea, and no admittedly it was not mine. Now, having seen it, it seems so obvious, as many of these repurposing tips do.

So without further ado it here it is. Whether you drink wine, or cook with it, chances are that you have a wine cork or two lying about. Well get it out and make use of it on a daily basis, as a utensil rest. No more goopy masses of sauce on the counter or stovetop. And if it were a really good bottle, or it is connected with a special event, then being reminded of it every time you cook is a bonus.

You should always make sure that only genuine materials used in the repair. For instance, wires should have the British Electro-Technical Approved Board (BEAB) seal. This mark of quality shows a buyer that the wire being bought has been tested and approved by the government or any other governing body. Unapproved wires could be cheaper but using them could create the likelihood of a house fire if the wires melt or if there is a power surge.

You are also advised to carefully read manuals on electrical appliances used in the home. You should also extend this research to knowing the intricacies of the wiring in the house. This will make sure that you purchase the correct fuses, plugs and wiring when undertaking a house repair. Also, this will help you in choosing the correct tools for the job.

Prior planning before starting the project is very important. You need to know the exact specifications of wiring and other materials to be used. This can be things like cable lengths, the right set of tools, correct fuses and plugs etc. It is advisable to have more than what theoretical calculations show. This is because accidents and mistakes can happen that will result in you using more than was initially planned. Having excess electrical supplies will keep you having to stop halfway to get more from your local DIY store. In some cases, you may find that a certain item is not available in the shops. This will allow you to look for alternatives before starting the project. Imagine what would happen if you found that you could not get more of a certain type of wiring halfway into the project? Taking a few minutes to plan will avoid these kinds of complications.

Most people prefer to complete the repair by spending as little money as possible. The most convenient way to get the best materials and tools for the least amount money is by purchasing them online. Internet based stores have options where you can compare tools and materials from different manufacturers which can help you to choose the most affordable option without compromising on quality. On the other hand, if you prefer getting material from a local DIY store, call beforehand to make sure they have the electrical supplies you are looking for in stock.

On a final note, you must not always opt for materials solely because they are cheap. Some cheap or low quality items could eventually lead to added costs in repairs.

Company Profile:

Screwfix is the UK’s largest direct and online supplier of trade tools, accessories and hardware products. With over 30 years’ experience in the industry, we despatch tens of thousands of parcels every week for next day and weekend delivery to tradesmen, handymen and serious DIY enthusiasts all over the UK.

To view the full range of electrical supplies from Screwfix customers can visit our website here – http://www.screwfix.com/c/electrical-lighting/electrical/cat830080.

Both knitting and crocheting are employed today for purposeful uses, and beautification. For example, there are numerous charities and religious organisations that collect knitted blankets or clothes for the sick, homeless, or under privileged babies. Other organisations gather crocheted clothing for shelters and newborns, in addition to hats for patients undergoing chemotherapy. Some of these articles are shipped thousands of miles away to reach those in need. Speaking of which, the practice of making gloves, sweaters, socks and hats for soldiers began back at the time of the Crimean War, and is still performed today for those soldiers in Iraq and Afghanistan. Though most of this is not well known, it is by all means a very good example of the modern day use of these two crafts.

Not to mention the fact that knitters have made sweaters for penguins that have been exposed to oil slicks and are in rehabilitation. In addition, that knitting volunteers have also come to the aid of battery hens that have lost their feathers. Needless to say these handmade materials have withstood the test of time in ways no one could have imagined when they were first created.

Then there are the artistic items made of knitting and crocheting. Apparently, there is something called graffiti knitting or crocheting, where practitioners make decorative material items to enhance their surroundings. Which is where my interest was peaked. I decided to meld the old practice and this very edgy approach together, to make a graffiti inspired, knitted blanket for my sofa. Having virtually no experience with either crocheting or knitting this is a monumental undertaking for me, but not one that will be fleeting. As I now know that once I have swaddled my couch, I can then become involved with one of the donation programs. If I actually find that I am any good at it I might even join a knitting guild or club.

No worries, make yourself this quick and sensible selection. Gather your favourite type of low fat pudding, your favourite fruit, and a handful of healthy nuts. The example I can share is the one I made last night for myself, which is the inspiration for this recommendation.

I used vanilla bean low fat pudding as the base, as it would not have been enticing enough on its own. I had blue berries, and peach available, so I mixed those in along with some chopped walnuts. I must concede that I drizzled a bit of maple syrup on top, but it is not necessary, and I could have skipped it. Having just written this, I am actually considering making another right now. So good.

Though we know these slipcovers for pillows exist, for some reason we feel compelled to replace the pillows altogether to bring in new textures, patterns and colors to our homes. But, those cases can be much cheaper, and thus can allow for your budget to stretch further. Since pillow manufacturers have take to making some pillows look as if they involve slipcovers by using buttons, and other closures, nobody will be certain if what you have on display are or are not the pillows you already owned, just made over.  This means you can take your bedroom from one theme, or color combo to another with minimal effort, and expenditure. Cha Ching!

Of course Beeny made it look relatively simple, and the result was stupendous. As such I was sure that I would be writing about having made my own accomplished bed here today. To put things into perspective before I carry on with this tale of disillusionment, I should mention that I have reupholstered furniture before, including headboards. And I say this because, for my own ego I need to acknowledge prior successes before I can admit recent defeat.

I think in some crazy way that maybe it was because I strayed from Allsopps tutorship that things did not come to fruition for me and my handmade leather bed. But my husband likes to remind me that I in fact have never met the woman, and is certain even if I had that she would hold no grudge against me if I had learned a thing or two from another source. Now, I know of course he is speaking sense, but I think because of my loyal nature I am unable to shake that feeling, or I am really desperate for an excuse at this point for why my attempts went so badly.

In sum, I think it suffices to say that I was unable to replicate the grand bed that Beeny made in front of thousands of viewers. What I was left with was something I did not feel comfortable keeping around. For visually, it was a bit of a disaster, and for safety reasons it was unsuitable for accommodation. Now that I have purged my embarrassment, I am eager to make a pact with myself that all future leather beds in our home will be store bought, and lay this tale of woe to rest.

To start one grilling menu I personally have relied upon on more than one occasion is the following: main course – grilled spare ribs, sides- creamy sweet potato salad, garlic French bread, exotic fruit salad, dessert- banana split station. Go with an easy marinade for the ribs, and if you want to mix things up, use it on chicken also. I prefer not to buy premade garlic bread, but in a pinch it should not let you down. The exotic fruit salad elevates the standards of this meal completely, but the ice cream bar makes everyone feel like a kid again.

Some deep south variations found in Mississippi that you might prefer include homemade biscuits and gravy, coleslaw and Mississippi Mud pie. These will make your barbecue a true southern style event. It is up to you as to which direction you want to take it in.

Try to avoid sleeping on your back or on our front. Lying on your back can create pressure on a major vein called the inferior vena cava. This vein returns blood from the lower body to your heart resulting in light-headedness or numbness if it is squashed. Lying on your back can also put pressure on your back and intestines creating discomfort.

Lying on your front is not recommended because it can cause pressure on the child you are carrying. Do not be alarmed if you find yourself on your front, but try to avoid it. In the later stages of pregnancy it becomes impossible to roll on to your front as your ‘bump’ is in the way, so this problem becomes irrelevant.

The recommended position to sleep in for a pregnant lady is on their left side. This allows for the maximum blood flow to the baby. In addition it will improve the kidney function of the mother. Your kidney is situated on the right of the body meaning that lying on the left relieves kidney pressure. This improved kidney flow will help to reduce swelling.
It is suggested that early on in your pregnancy you should train yourself to sleep on your side, ultimately making it easier later on. The best arrangement on your side is with your knees up and a pillow or blanket placed in between your knees. You will get hours of sleep in this position. In addition a bunched-up pillow or a rolled blanket at the small of the back may help to relieve some of the pressure later on in the pregnancy.

Everybody twists and turns whilst sleeping so do not panic if you come out of your desired position. Simply, if you wake, move back to your side and resume sleep. With a comfy memory foam body hugging mattress found at bedstar.co.uk you will soon be sleeping better than you were before you were pregnant. Check out the memory mattresses available at dreams today, dreams is the home of discount beds and fantastic offer on all things sleep