Home Improvements: Tips & Tricks for 2022

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Disclosure - #AD. In the interest of disclosure and transparency, the syndication of this article has been provided and paid for by FBD Insurance.

No matter where you live, your home is your sanctuary. It can be tricky to manage our spaces well, though, especially nowadays when many of us are relaxing, studying and working at home. As things slowly get back to normal, we have a great opportunity to spruce up our spaces with some basic home improvements. These four simple steps from FBD Insurance will help you make the most of your house, turning it into the warm and inviting home you and your family deserve.

1. Take Back Your Space

Some homeowners and renters are lucky enough to have walk-in wardrobes, floored attics and adjoining garages. For the rest of us, storage is an ongoing challenge, with overflowing drawers, piles of papers and boxes of toys dotted around the house.

Installing built-in wardrobes and smart storage solutions is one way to deal with this problem, but there are simple, less expensive options too. IKEA has a large range of bookcases, shelving units, cabinets and cupboards, along with smart tips, display ideas and detailed instructions for those of us who aren’t handy with a screwdriver (www.ikea.com). Their Circular Hub has lots of ex-display products, discontinued furniture and preloved items – helping to reduce your shopping bills and waste too!

2. Upgrade Your Garden

We’re spending more time in the fresh air than we’ve ever done before, so why not make it a comfortable experience? There are lots of home improvements we can do to make our garden suitable for all weather that don’t require a big budget or major renovation skills.

 One simple solution is to add colour with trees, plants, flowers or a carefully-managed lawn. Speak to the experts at your local garden centre if you’re unsure what will grow well in your area. If you have a small space, try planting vertically, with wall trellises or hanging flower pots. Wooden pallets, old ladders or even forgotten furniture like dressing tables offer a cool and quirky way to upcycle rather than buy. Add extra comfort with outdoor rugs, cushions and blankets and build or buy a waterproof chest to store them in.

3. Bring The Great Outdoors Inside

If you don’t have exterior space, there are still lots of ways to bring the outdoors inside. Introducing natural products and textiles to our homes can be a great way to borrow a little of the sense of calm and relaxation that we get from being immersed in the natural environment.

You could start simply, with a couple of indoor plants or a vase of seasonal flowers. If you don’t fancy a regular watering and tending routine, there are great quality fake versions available nowadays that offer colour and cheer without any need for maintenance.

Sheepskin cushions, seagrass rugs or leather seats all remind us of nature, adding interest as well as comfort. Reclaimed timbers and distressed materials lend character to furniture, particularly when used in centrepiece coffee or dining room tables. If you feel like getting creative, keep an eye out for interesting pieces of driftwood at the beach or a curiously-shaped fallen branch in your local forest – these are great ways to add unique style to your home.

4. Freshen Up Your Kitchen

The kitchen is the heart of most homes: there’s always plenty of warmth, comfort and craic to be had there. As a result, they’re often busy places, filled with food, servingware and family flotsam and jetsam. One great way to clear some space is to add hooks to the ceiling or cabinet undersides, using them to hang herbs and store the bigger pots and pans that mightn’t get used every day.

Pouring cereal, rice and pasta into clear glass jars adds a sense of sophistication to the space, while changing out the hardware (knobs, handles and taps) is a simple and often inexpensive way to freshen up your design, adding a splash of colour or a sleek new look.

 Whether you’re a homeowner or renter, a first-time buyer or an apartment-dweller, you’ll need to make sure you’ve got the right home insurance for you. Find a great value quote from FBD Insurance now to get peace of mind that comes with knowing your home is protected.

Michelle

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Packing Hacks For Families On The Move

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Disclosure - This blog has been written and provided by An Post Insurance. #ad

It’s been a while, but many of us are thinking about dusting off our passports, pulling the luggage out of the attic and setting off on long-awaited family holidays. Whether you’re scheduled for a beach break in sunny Spain, a skiing adventure on the Swiss slopes or a fun-filled foray along the Wild Atlantic Way, you’ll be wondering what to pack. There’s nothing worse than opening your case to find one sock and half a swimsuit, so it’s worth taking the time to make sure you do it right – and An Post Insurance have got a couple of handy hacks to help you on your way.

Check The Weather

Sure, it can change last-minute, but there are lots of great apps available to help you gauge what type of weather to expect. There’s a big difference between packing wellies and waterproofs or sandals and shorts, so it pays to check the forecast before you set off. If in doubt, include some lightweight layers, an easily-foldable raincoat and water-resistant shoes. It won’t win any fashion awards, but a cheap and cheerful plastic poncho is always a handy addition to your backpack.

Fill Your Phone

While holidays are back, they’re not without new rules and regulations – all designed to keep us as safe as possible while we travel. It’s important to check the official tourist sites for both your home country and your destination location to make sure you’re up to date with the latest developments. You’ll probably have to prepare some paperwork in advance, so give yourself plenty of time, print originals where required, and keep copies of everything in your phone, from booking confirmations to important contact details. That way, if you’re asked to provide a certificate, a form or your ID, you’ll always have a copy in the palm of your hand.

Start Writing Lists

Yes, it probably does mean you’re turning into your mother, but a list is a traveller’s best friend. Make one for each member of the family, and put the most important must-haves at the top; that way, if you run out of space, it’s no big deal to cross a few items. Once you’ve finalised your list, take a copy with you on your trip, so that you can cross-check it on the way home to make sure you haven’t left anything behind. Much-loved teddy bears have been known to hide under hotel beds!

Pack Smart

Much has changed about flying these days, but luggage limits remain as tight as ever. Invest in a small luggage scale to make sure you don’t face extra charges at the airport. It’s worth leaving a little room too, in case you want to bring home any souvenirs from your trip, such as olive oil, local coffee or a stick of rock. Maybe skip the stinky cheese though, or at least wrap it extra-carefully! Packing cubes are a great way to protect your delicates and keep your small items separate, allowing for easy access to your swim shorts the minute you arrive. If you’re going to use locks, make sure they’re airport-safe, so officials won’t break them off while carrying out routine checks.

Make Sure You’re Covered

That means with sunscreen, mosquito repellent and great value travel insurance too. Accidents can happen, whether it’s something as simple as a lost wallet or as serious as a personal injury. Good travel insurance gives you the peace of mind you need to fully relax on your holidays – if things go wrong while you're abroad, you can rest easy knowing you will get the assistance, cover and care you need. 

That way, you can get on with enjoying your much-deserved break, ordering dessert every night and making memories your family will treasure forever.

An Post Insurance can also protect you in other aspects of your life – including car and home insurance. Find an insurance quote online now.

Michelle

An Post Insurance Travel Insurance is arranged, administered and underwritten by Chubb European Group SE.

One Direct (Ireland) Limited, trading as An Post Insurance is regulated by the Central Bank of Ireland. One Direct (Ireland) Limited is a wholly owned subsidiary of An Post

All the information on this blog is published in good faith and for general information purpose only. While An Post Insurance makes every effort to ensure that the information appearing on this blog is accurate and complete, it does not make any warranties about the completeness, reliability or accuracy of this information, whether express or implied, including but not limited to implied warranties of merchantability, fitness for a particular purpose or non-infringement. Any action you take upon the information you find on this blog is strictly at your own risk. An Post Insurance will not be liable for any direct, indirect or consequential losses and/or damages in connection with the use of, or action taken in reliance on information contained in our blog.

Through this website you are able to link to other websites which are not under the control of An Post Insurance. We have no control over the nature, content and availability of those sites and if you click on links to these websites you will be subject to the terms and conditions of those sites. The inclusion of any links does not necessarily imply a recommendation or endorse the views expressed within them.

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How to Save Money to Buy Your First Car

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Disclosure - [AD] This article has been written and provided by Liberty Insurance. 

Getting your driving license is usually a huge life milestone. The second step towards gaining independence and freedom of movement involves buying your first car. However, it’s a significant investment, meaning it’s common for several months or even a couple of years to pass between both rites of passage. If you are going through this process, some of the tips below might help you save towards your first car.

Five tips for saving up to buy a car

Keep track of what you spend

If you’re not sure where you’re spending your money, it’ll be very difficult to save. So, it might be an idea to record all your daily expenses. You might want to write down all your expenses in a notebook or use applications such as Mint, which might help you track your financial activity by automatically recording each transaction you make from any of your accounts. 

Interestingly, such applications break down your spending patterns. This way, you’ll be able to easily detect those “ant expenses” that aren’t really necessary and that we generally don’t pay attention to, but that can represent a significant chunk of money at the end of the month. Once you know what you’re spending your money on, you can determine which areas to cut out.

Apply an effective savings method

Good intentions often don’t materialise if you don’t have an action plan to put them into practice. It might be helpful to first determine how much money you can save each month and then look at the different savings methods available. The 52-week method, for example, consists of saving 1 euro the first week, 2 euros  the following week, and so on until you reach week 52, in which you’ll deposit 52 euros . In the end, you’ll have saved 1,378 euros. 

Another method for saving money is to divide the money into different accounts. The first, to which you can allocate 50% of your salary, will be used to cover your basic expenses, such as rent, electricity, food and transportation. In the second account, you can deposit 30% of your salary and it will be used to pay for your personal and leisure expenses. The third account, to which you can allocate 20% of your salary, will be dedicated to savings. With this system of compartmentalised accounts, you’ll avoid the temptation of spending the money that’s meant for your savings.

Automate your savings

Some banks provide the option to automate your savings by applying different rules. You might be able to set a limit on the maximum balance in your regular account. This way, when you exceed that amount, the money is automatically transferred to your savings account, either when you receive your payroll or at the end of the month. You might also be able to set a percentage of your income to automatically transfer to your savings every month. 

Another alternative might be to use rounding applications that many banks also make available to their customers. In practice, each time you make a purchase, the application rounds the amount, automatically transferring the remaining cents to your savings account. This way, you’re saving money every time you pay for something, without having to worry about it. 

Wait for the right moment

Saving up to buy a car not only means saving more money, but also making good decisions. Car dealers, like all companies, set a series of sales objectives that usually coincide with the end of a set period, whether monthly, quarterly or annually. If those goals haven’t been met, they might launch more aggressive discount campaigns or might be more willing to negotiate the final price. 

If you don’t mind buying a car in stock, they are also usually cheaper than those ordered from the factory. The only “downside” is that you’ll have fewer customisation options, both in terms of the colour of the car and its finishes and accessories. 

Be open to different options

If you want to save on the purchase of your first car, it might be an idea to look at the different alternatives. Buying a pre-registered new car, for example, can save you between 15 and 20% compared to the price of that same car that hasn’t been registered. These are new vehicles, meaning they haven’t been used, and they’ve simply already been registered by the dealer or manufacturer for commercial reasons. The only drawback is that the warranty period is shorter, since it begins when the vehicle is first registered. 

Used cars represent another interesting alternative when it comes to saving money. These are semi-new vehicles that dealers often use as test cars, so that customers can experience the feeling of driving them before making the purchase. One advantage to buying a used car, in addition to their cheaper price, is that you can drive the car home in just a few days.

While you’re saving for your first car, finding affordable car insurance will also be on your mind. Find a quote for car insurance from Liberty Insurance now. 

Please note the above gives you some practical steps and does not constitute financial advice.

How did you save for your first car?

Michelle

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10 Bucket List Ideas For A Coastal Summer

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Disclosure - This is a collaborative post.

Bucket lists don’t have to be those once-in-a-lifetime activities that you spend hundreds of dollars for. A good bucket list has a balance of great things to do, from the mundane to the thrilling. Whether you live in San Diego or plan to visit this summer, here’s a list of things you can add to your bucket list. The best recommendation is to enjoy San Diego whale watching.

How To Make The Most Of A Summer By The Beach

Living near a coastal area comes with certain expectations, such that you need to be out on the beach when you’re off work. Drop the expectations that life on the coast is always fun. Instead of trying to do everything, choose a few new activities this summer that you can prioritize.  Don’t do the same things you do every summer. Drop a few fun things that you’ve never done on your bucket list.

Activities For The Best Beach Summer

San Diego is the perfect place for a beach summer. There are hundreds of activities in the area and dozens of different beaches to visit. Here are some new ideas for your summer vacation.

Go on a yacht dinner cruise. Enjoy a sunset from the ocean while you relax and let someone else take care of cooking and cleanup.

Take your canine buddy to the dog beach. Ocean Beach has a section where dogs can be off-leash in the ocean. Bring a buddy to help you get pictures.

Plan a time to be at the beach where you can enjoy the tide pools. You’ll need to check the best times for tide pools. Kids aren’t the only ones who are fascinated by the marine life at low tide.

Take a ride along the coast. When was the last time you just drove up the coast to take in the views? Want to be more eco-friendly? Rent bikes and ride around the beach areas.

Explore the artwork and murals near the beaches. Ocean Beach is known for its murals, but many beaches have murals that describe the history of the beach.

Take part in a clean-up day on the beach. These activities can be enlightening and fun.

Take a family photo at the beach. This may sound like a tame idea for a bucket list, but it can be a challenge to get everyone together for a photo op. Once you take it, get it printed out and framed.

Enjoy a sunset on the beach and wait to gaze at the stars. If you can find an area without noise pollution, you’ll see a sky that you’ve forgotten.

Take a local tour that lets you explore a new area. Go whale watching or take a seal tour. These activities can remind you about the challenges to wildlife.

Go fishing off the pier or from the beach.

Remember that San Diego whale watching season 2022 is all year long. The summer months are best for watching the blue whales, but you’ll spot different whales all throughout the year in the San Diego harbour.

Michelle

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Unsolved Case Files Avery Gardner Game Review

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Disclaimer - this is a collaborative post 

We are huge fans of crime shows and we love a good murder mystery or a visit to an escape room. Last year we came across Unsolved Case Files and have been working our way through the range and we have just cracked the case of Avery Gardner. Unsolved Case Files are nothing like I've seen before. The game layout and attention to detail make you feel like you are the detective on the case.

The case of Avery Gardner starts at 4:23am when a man broke into a remote lake house where 19 year old twins Avery and Zoey Gardner were asleep. An unidentified man murdered Avery and abducted Zoey before first responders could arrive. 

Police departments across two states are currently hunting for Avery's killer and her twin sister Zoey, but neither have been found. 

Homicide detective, Angie Cullen, made a breakthrough in the case but then mysteriously disappeared. She left her detectives notebook behind but authorities are not sure what to make of it. 

The killer is on the loose with two lives in his hands. Can you solve the case and get to Zoey and the detective before it's too late?

Each Unsolved Case File comes in an 'evidence' wallet that is sealed and only to be opened by authorised personnel. Once opened you are now the lead detective on the case and have to look through all the evidence given to try and solve three objectives. 

In the case of Avery Gardner your three objectives are 

• Identify the Accomplice
• Identify the Killer
• Find the Detective

The wallet is filled with evidence that you really do need to take the time to read. The instructions ask you to start with Angie's Detective Notebook and then you can pick and choose what evidence to look at next including photographs, newspaper clipping, autopsy report, CSI reports, witness statements, maps.

We usually work in a pair and either read each piece together or split the evidence in two and feedback to each other what we think may be important to the case. 

Once you are confident you have solved the first objective you need to go online. Head to the website address and answer a few questions. If you answer correctly you are then told to open an envelope with further evidence inside and your next objective. If you are wrong then you need to go back and check the evidence again as you may have missed an important detail. Once you have solved all three objectives you have cracked the case.

I would definitely recommend Unsolved Case Files for teens and above. You do need to have patience and enjoy solving puzzles and mysteries. The estimated playing time for each Unsolved Case File is at least 2-3 hours however our first case took us almost double that time. If you are playing in groups it may not take as long as you work together. Once played it is unlikely you will play again as you will have already cracked the case so it is a 'one time' game only. Having said that you can pop all the evidence back in the wallet and pass to family and friends who may enjoy trying to crack the case. 

For more information on Unsolved Case Files and to purchase you can visit their Amazon store. If you would like to be in with the chance to win your own Unsolved Case File then you can enter our giveaway below. All you need to do is visit Unsolved Case Files and leave me a comment saying.. I would like to win the Unsolved Case File of ....

Good Luck

Win Unsolved Case Files

Michelle

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5 Best Beaches You Need To Visit Near Liverpool

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If you are planning on staying in the United Kingdom this Summer then do not fear as you can still have all the fun you would abroad especially if the weather is kind to you. I think when we think of holidays with the nicest beach and blue waters we always assume we have to get there by travelling on a plane. That's not true, the UK has lots of holiday choices to meet all your needs including some of the best beaches with golden sand, water sports, iconic attractions, and even horse riding. Some of these beaches can be found as close as our own Liverpool beaches and on the Wirral Peninsula which is less than an hour away from Liverpool. 

Blundellsands Beach / Crosby Beach

Hall Road, Blundellsands, Liverpool L23 8SY

Crosby beach is ideal for those who like to enjoy the feel of sand between their toes and breathe in the sea air. Located just 6 miles from Liverpool City Centre, Crosby beach is a great place for all ages. 

The beach itself is the only beach which boasts the iconic sculptures, The Iron Men. Another Place by Antony Gormley. A must see attraction for art lovers. The Iron Men statues are dotted around the beach looking out over the River Mersey. It can also provide you beautiful views of the Albert Docks in the distance. 

Crosby also has a marine lake with clean water perfect and on sunny days you can head over to the newly revamped Crosby Lakeside Adventure Centre to join in with their water activities.  There is a children's play area which has play structures for both younger and older children. There is also lots of open grass space which is ideal if you want to take along a football, games or just enjoy a picnic. 

The coastal walk also offers you the chance to sit back and relax as drinks and snacks are available from pop up food and drink stalls and there are also toilets available here too.

It's a perfect place to maybe meet some of your footballing heroes as some have made Crosby their permanent home.

The beach can be reached by car and public transport with a car park close by and Waterloo train station just a 10 minute short walk away.  

Formby Beach

Formby, Liverpool L37 1YD

The Sefton Coastal path is a popular destination for long seaside walks which lead over the high dunes and low dunes and on to Formby beach. The huge stretch of sand is extremely popular all year round with plenty of space to enjoy a beach day/ Just bring along your deck chairs, parasols and find a great spot for a picnic. Whether you fancy a relaxing hour away from the hustle and bustle, a paddle in the sea or a day of beach fun with the kids Formby beach is a great choice. 

The beach can also be accessed via the National Trust, Formby. Available to both members and non members you can access woodland walks, try to spot red squirrels, picnic areas and public toilets. Please note a car parking fee is applicable to non members. 

Freshfield train station is 1.2 miles away and a 20 minutes walk.

Southport Beach

Southport, PR8 1SB

Southport beach is hard to beat. The seaside resort has everything you need to spend a full day out. The beach itself is huge so you will always find a space to put up you deckchair and set yourself up for the day. It's just a short drive from the  town centre and cars are usually allowed on the beach too so if you don't fancy walking too far you can also drive to find a lovely spot.

Southport Pier is a popular tourist destination. The pier extends out across the beach giving spectacular views of the Irish sea and on Summer days you can usually spot the famous Blackpool Tower and one of the UK's famous theme parks, Blackpool Pleasure Beach. The pier is Britains longest pier which you can walk along and visit the ice cream parlour and enjoy arcade games at the end. You can also take the tram for those who don't fancy the walk. 

Other highlights are a small theme park, marina lake, children's adventure play area close by and lots of high street shops. It really is the perfect place to enjoy a day trip.

Southport beach can be reached by car or is a 20 minute walk from Southport train station.

New Brighton Beach

Ian Fraser Walk, New Brighton, Wallasey CH45 2NW

The promenade sits beside approx 3 miles of sand overlooking the Liverpool port. New Brighton beach is very popular amongst the locals on warmer days and after the resorts £60 million makeover it is attracting lots of tourists now too. 

You will also find some landmarks dotted around the beach including the Perch Rock Lighthouse and The Black Pearl pirate ship Art Installation

The promenade also boasts hotels, cinema, restaurants, a marina lake, shops and an amusement arcade. 

New Brighton beach can be reached by car with lots of car parking options available or by train to New Brighton Train Station. The beach is just a 10 minute walk from the station.

Lifeguards patrol the sandy beaches as at high tide access to Perch Rock Fort can be cut off by the sea. 

West Kirby Beach

South Parade, West Kirby, Merseyside, CH48 0QG

West Kirby Beach may only be small at just 300 metres long but it is very popular during the Summer months as it sits just between 1km of sand dunes and a further 2km of sand flats which can be seen when at low tide. These head towards Hoylake beach, Meols Beach and Wallasey Beach and it's impressive West Kirby Marine lake. 

Paddling and watersports is also a popular choice here as the water is usually clean and safe. 

Hilbre Island Local Nature Reserve is located a km off shore and accessible on foot at low tide. It will give you panoramic views of the North Wales hills in the distance. 

West Kirby Beach can be reached by car with both free and payable parking available within the area and West Kirby train station is just a 5 minute walk away. 

These are five our our favourites beaches which are within easy reach if you are visiting Liverpool or close by. Some of the beaches hold blue flag status and a coastal award for their safe waters. They really are the best way to spend family days and also if you have time you can also enjoy the surrounding area. including the very popular tourist destination, Liverpool. 

Have you visited a beach local to Liverpool? Is there a beach that I haven't mentioned which you enjoy going too? If so we would love to hear about it. I am always on the look out for new places to enjoy with the family. 

If you are looking for more days out ideas you can visit our Out and About. We try to cover as much of the UK as possible.

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Michelle

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Why Cornwall Is The Perfect Destination For A Family Holiday

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Disclosure - This is a collaborative post.

Planning a holiday in the UK is becoming more and more popular and I can understand why. The UK has so much to offer including stunning beaches, historic castles, gardens and woodlands to explore and theme parks. If you are looking for it all in one holiday then Cornwall is the perfect destination for a family holiday. 

Beaches

It would be hard to visit Cornwall and not stumble across one of its beautiful beaches. There are over 300 beaches to explore and they all vary so you can take your pick. Enjoy miles of golden sands, or you can explore small coves which are perfect for small and big adventurers. Visit one of the many family friendly beaches or if taking your dog you can enjoy dog friendly beaches too. Some of Cornwalls beaches are busier than others however there are quieter ones that are perfect for relaxing and taking in the stunning scenery. 

Castles

Visiting a castle can be fun for all the family and in Cornwall you have 8 to choose from. The most popular choice is Tintagel Castle which is situated on the North Coast. Tintagel Castle is full of history with it said to be the birthplace of King Arthur. The castle provides hours of enjoyment and stunning views of the north coastline and Tintagel beach. Another favourite is St Michael's Mount in the West. St Michael's Mount can be reached by boat or you can walk during low tide. There is lots of history to uncover, a sub-tropical terraced garden to explore and stunning views of Mounts Bay to enjoy.

Animals

A visit to Newquay Zoo is a great choice for animal lovers. Be prepared to see lions, lemurs, penguins, red pandas and so much more. You can also visit the Tropical House which is home to sloths, poisoned dart frogs and species of birds from around the globe. There are also lots of places to spot otters, seals and even dolphins in Cornwall so plan a visit to a coastal reserve.

The Eden Project

Visit the Rainforest Biome to experience the smells and sights of the rainforest. The Eden Project is the size of 30 football pitches and where you discover tropical plants, gardens and waterfalls. Take a walk across the rainforest canopy which takes you above the treetops, smell the orange and lemon tress or enjoy the world class sculpture and art. 

Theme Parks

If a day at a theme park is something you enjoy then you will be pleased to know there is not one but two theme parks in Cornwall. Camel Creek Adventure Park and Flambards Theme park have a huge range of rides and attractions suitable for all the family. They both have indoor attractions to enjoy also on the gloomier days. 

Where To Stay

There is so much to see and do in Cornwall which makes it the perfect UK destination for a family holiday. There is so much choice when it comes to accommodation and you will be sure to find something to meet your accommodation needs and budget.

Cornwall boasts a whole range of hotels, holiday park resorts, campsites and other self catering properties including Classic Cottages. 

There are lots of coastal cottages in Cornwall to choose from. Once you know how big you would like your cottage, whereabouts in Cornwall you would like to visit and your budget you will be sure to find the perfect property. 

Have you visited Cornwall? Leave us a comment below and let us know about your visit. Also if you are looking for more days out ideas you can visit our Out and About. We try to cover as much of the UK as possible, You can always keep up to date with us on our socials, give us a like on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram or if this post has helped you you can Buy Us A Virtual Coffee to say thanks.

Michelle

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Turn Your Living Room into a Livyn Room

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Disclosure - This is a collaborative post. 

The living room is the most relaxed room of the house where you just want to sit, read a book, watch TV or spend time with family - maybe even entertain some friends. That certainly is a lot of activity for a room just to hang out in. If you have a carpet in the room then maybe it sees more than its fair share of traffic over time also.

When you sit down, are you filled with a desire to punch up the room and give it a little life? Is that carpet looking a little faded and you just cannot stand the thought of spending more money on deep cleaning it again? How about something that does not fade or go out of fashion?

Luxury Vinyl Flooring

This is what just jumped into your mind:

“Vinyl is that old flimsy product that looks cheap and tacky.“

It certainly used to be, but throughout the past few decades, it has undergone a complete transformation to become the number one recommendation of interior designers and Residential Painters and Decorators right across the nation. The reasons are plentiful - it's durable, sustainable flooring that you can have your way when it comes to the choice of design. 

Enthusiasts and interior designers are further exploring the benefits of vinyl over traditional flooring due to growing changes in tastes and trends within the home. Having an easy installation on a flooring option certainly saves time and energy, and Quickstep flooring is certainly a flooring that you don’t necessarily require an expert to undertake.

Safeguards 

Pet proofing your floor is a huge sigh of relief with luxury vinyl flooring as it is manufactured with a scratch guard, meaning every time the dog darts across the floor your floor will not look like an ice rink. 

Children in the room can also pose a threat to regular floors, from food stains or mud trampled into the floor - and especially from playing with toys. A simple clean up with a wet warm sponge will bring the floor back around to its intended look, and no sending the kids upstairs to their room for causing damage.

Caring For

You can install most vinyl flooring via one of two methods; glue down vinyl flooring or click together.

Both are very simple operations and with them able to be designed and manufactured to the specific scale of the room, you won’t need too much trimming around the sides. The glue-down option does require an adhesive, and typically one that is recommended to the particular brand. You can ask your reseller for advice on the best product to use.

It is simpler to replace any section of the flooring should extreme damage occur, making it a totally stress-free operation to undertake. Should it need replacing, the sections are cheap enough to not make a dent in your bank balance too.

Quickstep Livyn looks great, shouts authentic and protects from any number of potential threats, so why not take a look at what it can bring to your living room for the year ahead.

Michelle

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Top 5 Most Luxurious Restaurants in London You Could Visit

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Disclosure - This is a collaborative post 

When it comes to enjoying a fine dining experience, there are plenty of excellent opportunities in London – and, with this in mind, we’ve outlined five of the most luxurious restaurants in London you could visit. After all, there’s a reason it’s so often considered one of the most luxurious and expensive cities in the world; and, with fine dining luxury restaurants like these, it’s definitely clear that London is home to multi-millionaires and billionaires alike.

The Top 5 Most Luxurious Restaurants in London You Could Visit

So, you’ve been looking for the most luxurious restaurants in and around London? Whether you’re looking for somewhere to spend an extra special evening, or if you’re simply curious about how the other half lives, we’ve come up with some of the top five most luxurious restaurants in London to help you find an effective solution overall.

The Ritz London in Mayfair

We’ve all heard of the Ritz. However, for so many of us, thoughts of actually dining in this fine establishment are the things of dreams. Indeed, with a single omelette at the Ritz potentially costing as much as £180 (it’s made from caviar, admittedly), it’s clear to see that this level of luxury is restricted to a very specific few. Indeed, you might need to win the lottery or come into a massive inheritance to enjoy a meal at the Ritz – but if you ever got the chance, it’s sure to be more than worth it.

Hide

As recommended by the Conde Nast Traveller, f you’re looking for a more soothing and calming dining experience, the Hide restaurant in Mayfair might be just the opportunity you need. In fact, though it’s the newest restaurant on this list, it achieved its first Michelin star within half a year of opening; as such, diners can expect a lot when visiting this truly unique, split-floor dining destination.

When visiting, you absolutely have to try the restaurant’s most iconic dish – the Nest Egg – to enjoy the full experience. An irresistibly rich blend of egg yolk, smoked butter, cream, and gently toasted mushrooms, it’s undeniable that the Hide restaurant has firmly established itself as one of the most luxurious and creative in all London – truly a destination for those wanting a luxury, millionaire-worthy dining experience.

Restaurant Gordon Ramsey

Gordon Ramsey – he’s a household name, and with this in mind, it should come as no surprise that the Restaurant Gordon Ramsey offers an equally unparalleled experience. In fact, the restaurant holds three Michelin stars and has done so continuously since 2001 – that’s over two decades!

One of the most notable features of the Restaurant Gordon Ramsey has to be its tiny size; in fact, with only 14 small tables, booking is irrefutably necessary to get a space. All the same, this small-scale experience ensures that every dish is finished to perfection without compromise, and all guests hence know they will be treated to a truly incomparable experience overall. 

Head Chef de Cuisine, Matt Abe, never fails to pull out all of the stops to impress diners, just as his predecessor Clare Smyth had done. It’s this dedication that ensures every dish is cooked to perfection, and diners hence head into the Restaurant Gordon Ramsey with some of the highest expectations possible.

La Dame de Pic

If you have been looking for a luxurious dining experience in London, chances are, you’ll struggle to find a location that’s more sophisticated or sensual than La Dame de Pic. Indeed, it may not be one you’ve heard of in passing, but La Dame de Pic is a truly iconic restaurant that’s in equal parts a restaurant as it is a fine work of art in its own right.

La Dame de Pic was launched by Anne-Sophie Pic, who came from a long line of Michelin-starred chefs and internationally acclaimed culinary experts. As such, her uncompromising dedication to quality ensures that every diner knows just what to expect when they walk through those majestic doors – and this ensures that La Dame de Pic surely deserves a spot on this list.

Sketch Lecture Room and Library

It might not be quite as iconic as the Ritz, but few locations offer quite the same luxury as the Sketch Lecture Room and Library. Indeed, designed with a palette of deep reds and creams, this stunning property was even listed in the Michelin guide 2020, and for good reason! 

The stunning Grade II listed architecture perfectly compliments the refined and sophisticated feel of the interior; from studded ivory leather walls to luxury velvets and silk, there’s no expense spared for this truly iconic property. As such, if you can afford the meal prices, few celebrations are quite the same as a meal at the Sketch Lecture Room and Library – and, with a full 7-course meal on offer, you certainly won’t leave feeling hungry.

There’s no shortage of fine dining opportunities in London. Nevertheless, choosing that one perfect restaurant can seem like a challenge, in many cases; still, today’s top five picks are surely among the most luxurious restaurants in the big city.

While their prices ensure they typically remain reserved for just millionaire lottery winners and CEOs, there’s still something quite magical about the thought alone. And, after all, there’s no reason you can’t enjoy some time in the big city with these five fine luxury restaurants, too; you might just need to sacrifice a large lump on your savings in exchange for these once-in-a-lifetime dining experiences.

Michelle

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A To Z Date Ideas

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I know it doesn't seem that long since Christmas but Valentines Day is just around the corner. One of our resolutions last year was to make more time for each other, and spend time together as a couple. We did really well and managed lots of date days and nights. It's so nice to step away from life for even just a few hours and spend quality time with each other. 

This year we will be doing alphabet dating again (we did it a few years ago) and the aim is to try and schedule at least 2 date days or nights in each month that begin with the letters of the alphabet  by the end of the year you will have completed 26 different dates. It's a great way to think of new things to do together and if you need inspiration there are so many ideas.

A

Afternoon Tea

Aquarium

Art Gallery

Arcade 

Air BnB

B

Bowling

Beach

Bike Ride

Bingo

Boat Ride

Bar Crawl

Baking

C

Cinema 

Clubbing

Casino

Concert

Comedy Club

Camping

Castle

D

Driving Experience

Dancing

Driving Range

Dinner Date

Double Date

E

Exercise Class

Explore A New City

Escape Room

Eat Out

Experience Day

F

Ferry Ride

Football

Foot Golf

Fish n Chips

Fishing

Film Night

G

Games Night

Golf

Ghost Walk

Glamping

Go Karts

Go Ape

H

Hiking

Horse Riding

Helicopter Ride

Hop On / Hop Off Bus

I

Ikea

Ice Skating

Ice Cream

Indoor Climbing

J

Jacuzzi

Jog

Jigsaw Puzzle

Junk Food Night

K

Kayaking

Karaoke Bar

Karting

Kite Flying

L

Live Music

Lattes

Lazy Day

Lunch Date

M

Monopoly

Museum

Movie Night

Massage

Mountain Biking

Mini Golf

Murder Mystery Night

N

Nature Walk

National Trust

Night In

Night time Walk

O

Outdoor Adventure

Opera

Outdoor Cinema

Orienteering

P

Paintballing

Picnic

Park

Pamper Day

Pub Lunch

Q

Quiz Night

Quesadillas 

R

Running

Riverboat Cruise

Roller Skating

Rafting

Re-enact Your First Date

Retail Therapy

S

Stargazing

Swimming

Sleep

Seaside

Scavenger Hunt

Spa Day

T

Theatre Trip

Ten Pin Bowling

Treasure Trail

Theme Park

Tennis

U

Unplug and Unwind

V

Visit Somewhere New

Visit Old Friends

Vineyard

W

Wine Tasting

Welly Walk 

Whisky Tasting

Walk

Walking Tour

Water Park

X

Xbox Night

Y

Yoga

Yes Day

Z

Zoo 

Zip Wire

I'll make sure I pop back and update you on what dates we chose and if you have any different ones I can add to my list let me know? I am always looking for inspiration. Good luck and have fun!

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Michelle

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