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.

Aga has recognised their iconic range cooker is no longer just the oven of choice for countryside living. There is also a demand among city dwellers and those living in smaller properties but sometimes space or energy supply will not permit a larger heat storing Aga.

The gas and electric Aga

When you want a cooker that complements both traditional and contemporary styles of kitchen, and you want the versatility and efficiency of a conventional oven, then the duel fuel Aga should be considered as a serious contender.

As the name ‘duel fuel cooker’ suggests, it is a combination of gas fired burners and an electric Aga oven. This type of oven, known generally as a ‘conventional oven’, is the most popular in the homes of Britain and across the world. Duel fuel has become the common choice due to the versatility that multifunction electric cooking can offer, along with the controllability and quick reaction of gas fired burners. Recent research suggests that people with duel fuel cookers also see a decrease in their energy bills.

If you’re familiar with the look of the heat storage Aga range cookers then you’ll know the housing is cast iron, the surfaces are protected by enamel and the oven doors are side opening with slam-catches. The conventional Aga oven offers that same classic build and with a variety of options to suit your needs.

Conventional Aga cooker

For the smaller kitchen, the 4:2 Aga has three burners, a conventional oven, a fan oven and a high-performance ceramic grill all housed in a convenient 60cm wide casing that is designed to fit between standard kitchen units.

For the bigger family or anyone fuelled by hosting dinner parties there’s the 6:4 Aga with six gas burners and four electric ovens (one conventional oven, a fully programmable convection oven, a simmering oven and a separate, state of the art ceramic broiler). If you don’t have gas fitted at your property, this oven can be all electric with a ceramic hob instead of burners. As always, the unit is constructed using durable cast iron and enamel.

Aga durability

Due to the quality materials used to build Aga cookers they are among the most durable products available. Chances are you’ll never need to buy another conventional oven again and with regular servicing your Aga should last a lifetime. Given that on average people will buy three or four conventional ovens in their life, the cost benefits are pretty obvious. And of course, you get a great looking cooker in your kitchen to show off to friends and family!

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.

There are many people that knit to make money and then there are those that knit for their family members and to give as gifts to either family or friends. The most wonderful kind of knitting comes from the heart, and each year, thousands of enthusiasts knit babies booties, shawls and gorgeous cardigans that they then donate to raffles, maternity wards in hospitals and for local charities.

If knitting has been your hobby for a long time, chances are you are familiar and confident with all types of knitting patterns, knitting accessories, knitting kits, and have worked with various types of wool knitting yarn.

Over the years you will have developed your own personal taste when it comes to choosing the type of wool knitting yarn that you find the most enjoyable to work with. This could also be true in regards to the knitting patterns that you use, as once you are really happy with one particular brand of pattern, chances are you will look for future patterns by shopping with this brand in mind.

For beginners that can’t wait to get their hands on a pair of needles to enjoy this wonderful hobby and start creating, you might find it worthwhile to start searching for your knitting patterns, wools and accessories online. A lot of information is currently available on the web, so you will not only be able to gather your supplies for the best price, you will also have access to tips and tricks as well.

These suggestions can often be invaluable to a beginner, as they are the result of many years of trial and error. Instead of making those mistakes as you go, you will have been pre-warned! You will of course still make mistakes, such as dropping a stitch or misreading the pattern, but hopefully this will only be occasionally and dwindle to rarely, as you become more experienced.

When selecting your wool knitting yarn, it is important to have a look around at some of the latest trends in knitting, even though you may already have a favourite. Choosing something different such as alpaca wool yarn, could really add a whole other dimension to your future projects. The possibilities of Alpaca knitwear is really only limited to your own creativity! Beginners could start with an alpaca scarf, or a pair of alpaca socks. For the more advanced knitters, there are some really new and fresh patterns around, and very soon you could be looking extremely snug and cosy in your hand knitted alpaca coat!

Searching online will provide you with the greatest range of top quality alpaca wool yarn, or any yarn for that matter, and it will also ensure you see the widest range of colours and ply’s available. The worlds oldest hobby just keeps on getting better and better as the years go by.

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!

The need to care for such leather finishes has lead to the creation of specialist leather care products such as Liquid Leather which clean, soften, protect and restore all leather articles from jackets, handbags and saddles to car and domestic seating. The Liquid Leather products are available with Scotchguard ™ for water and dirt repellence and the latest formulation even adds the traditional "smell" to new and old leather products. A full spectrum of leather colours can be treated with Liquid Leather and the range also includes specialist leather furniture care products such as Scuff Master leather dyes which are able to cover unsightly "scuffing" or rubbing that can often result in areas of heavy or continual usage.

Soap and water MUST NOT be used to clean leather as it will shrink and harden it. Greasy, waxy oils, pastes and balsams will attract dust and dirt which adheres to the finish. Liquid Leather is recognised as the best way to care for and preserve your cherished leather products, a fact that is borne out by the impressive list of those who use it.

The Liquid Leather products are manufactured by Gliptone Leathercare UK and are used or sold around the world by: Rolls-Royce, Jaguar, Ferrari (Maranello Concessionaires), Aston Martin, TVR, Bristol Cars, Saab GB, the largest leather furniture manufacturers and retailers including DFS, Furniture Village, hundreds of furniture repair technicians plus most of the "CE" accredited made to measure motorcycle leather clothing manufacturers. Liquid Leather is the only product recommended by the Rolls Royce Enthusiasts Club Interior Care and Renovation Seminars.