Renovating a house is never easy and with budget constrictions, it can be even harder but here are some hints and tips on how to renovate a house on a budget to make your life easier. 

1. Find that perfect property


You may be renovating a property you already have or be on the lookout for an existing property to buy. If you are looking for a new property, an auction site is a great place to find a bargain. Be sure to look around the property beforehand, to ensure you know what you are getting into, you don't want to bite off more than you can chew! As long as it's structurally sound then you are winning.  Have a budget in mind for the cost of the property and renovations, give or take 10% and don't go over it, especially if you are buying to renovate and sell on shortly. Online resources such as this DIY renovation guide can help in your planning and decision-making process.

2. Keep original features

It's best to keep as many original features as possible, especially in a period property as this will help the resale value and keep the authentic period look. Timber floors, floor tiles, original doors and windows can all be renovated beautifully. Sand or stain original floorboards, clean tiles and replace broken ones. If the cost is prohibitive always try and get a sympathetic replacement, and avoid plastic doors and windows if at all possible in an older property.

3. Install central heating

Installing central heating or a new heating system will bring the property bang up-to-date. It's always a good idea to shop around to compare prices. Don't forget a bigger house will cost more on installation due to the number of radiators and pipework needed.  Get quotes in writing, detailing exactly what it covers so you can compare like for like. If you have the skills and knowledge to do it yourself you can save even more money but never attempt it unless you know what you are doing, as a botched job could cost you more in the long run.

4. Convert your loft space

A way of adding an extra room without huge building costs is to convert a loft.  A loft conversion can cost anything between £10,000 and £40,000 but adding a loft can add an extra 20% in resale value to your home as well as providing a much-needed extra room in the house. Planning permission is not normally required too but always check. For more information check out this beginners guide to loft conversion. 

5. Rejuvenate or replace windows



Try to keep the original windows especially if it's a period property as this will keep the authentic look and will help retain the resale value. It can be cost-effective to rejuvenate your windows by treating the wood, replacing the latches or replacing panes. However, if you have to totally replace your windows, think of the suitability of the material and the style of the property. Many modern homes have UPVC windows, as they are cheap, durable and help with insulation. Older properties have wooden windows which can look great but can be drafty. If you live in Washington, you might consider Renewal by Andersen windows in Belleview, as they offer a range of replacement options that balance aesthetics and energy efficiency. It's important you get someone who can fit your windows properly, so get quotes from local specialists and go from there. 

Whether you’re in an existing relationship or about to enter a new one, we all want to enjoy the time we spend with our partner and maintain the correct balance of a healthy relationship. For couples who have been together for a long period of time, date nights and time spent together can slip away, but it’s important to not let this happen. Whether your relationship is new or old, it’s important to be open and honest with each other and know what makes one another happy. There are many factors that go into creating a healthy relationship, but whatever stage you and your partner are at, hopefully, I can share with you some of the many ways which help maintain the perfect balance.

Be honest with each other 




When it comes to the more intimate parts of a relationship, it’s really important you’re both honest with each other, especially if you’re entering a new relationship. Knowing how your partner feels about sex and the different forms of contraception, means you’re both on the same page and understand each other’s views. For both men and women, it’s important to use contraception and there are many professionals you can speak to about your options and places you can purchase them from, such as LloydsPharmacy. Sex and contraception isn’t something we should feel embarrassed about discussing with our partner, so it’s a subject we must be open and honest about.

Make time for one another

Spending time together is one of the most important parts of a relationship, especially if you live a hectic lifestyle. Family and work commitments can often get in the way of precious time spent together, but it’s important to set aside time for date nights. Whether it’s a trip to the cinema or cosying up on the sofa and ordering a takeaway, it doesn’t matter what you do together, it all has the same benefits. If you struggle to set time aside then enjoy your time together after the children have gone to bed or ask a family member to have them for an hour or two over the weekend. It really is important to not let your quality time slip away.

Speak about your problems

It’s a given that you both won’t always see eye to eye throughout your time together, that’s part and parcel of a relationship, but discussing your problems is a must. Whether it’s bickering or something more serious, it shouldn’t be something you both sit on and let bubble up inside you. Speaking about your problems means you can squash them, forget about the argument and move on. It’s understandable that forgetting what’s happened is sometimes easier said than done, but making sure both of you try is important and will hopefully solve the issue.

No relationship is perfect but we can all try our best to make it as healthy as possible. Above are just some of the ways in which you can make this happen, but finding out what works best for the both of you is the ideal solution. By following the steps mentioned and getting to know your partner, you’ll be on your way to creating and maintaining a happy relationship.

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If you’re a fan of discovering hidden gems, look no further than the tiny island city-state of Macau. It is an autonomous administrative region of China, able to adopt legislation as a result. New legislation in Macau’s post-millennium era has transformed the peninsula into one of the gaming capitals of the world, but there are much culture and architecture to explore, too.



A former Portuguese colony overtook by Portuguese seafarers who wanted closer trade links between Europe and the Far East, the most charming aspect about Macau is that it’s one of the few destinations where western influences fuse with the Asian way of life. Foodies that want to understand the Macanese cuisine will be enchanted by its simplicity. Macau’s street food culture is the ideal place to start. In fact, some of its street food is so impressive that it has been rated by Michelin.




Macau’s Portuguese egg tart is possibly the jewel in the crown. These baked goods with their delicious egg custard in the middle, complete with crispy crème brûlée topping, are a wonderful mid-morning treat while wondering the back streets of the city.

The city’s other signature street food snack is the pork chop bun, which is soft and fluffy on the inside and crispy on the outside. These varied textures are what make them so special. Keep your eyes peeled to some of the local stores in the Taipa suburb from about 2 p.m. daily when they appear fresh from the oven. Most visitors to Macau liken the buzz around the pork chop bun to the western hamburger in its convenience and popularity.



You don’t have to spend a dime to marvel in the Macanese architecture throughout the city. The beating heart of the city is Senado Square, which is adorned with ornate Portuguese mosaics and murals, along with a majestic water fountain. Formerly the civic centre of Macau, many of the buildings around the square used to be government-run and boast impressive colonial structures of all colours. If it’s colours and history you’re after, no visit to the city would be right without exploring its Chinese temples.




The A-Ma Temple is the best place to understand the fables and legends of Chinese heritage here. If you’re fortunate, you might be able to time your visit with one of the Temple’s colourful festivals or celebrations.

If the hustle and bustle of city life prove too much, the beauty of Macau is that you can escape to its coast for a relaxing day at the beach. The unmistakable Hac Sa Beach is one of the most unique you’ll ever visit, thanks to its rare black sand. It’s due to the raft of minerals that have washed ashore here from the seabed. However, the black sand is steadily replaced by typical golden sand due to soil erosion, so we’d recommend you take a trip to Hac Sa soon before it loses its original appeal.

Finally, did you know that Macau has become the epicentre of gaming in the entire world? Before the turn of the millennium, the city’s casinos were part of the region’s seedy underbelly, operated by gangs and dangerous criminals. However, new regulations from the Chinese government helped to clean up the city’s casino scene for the better. It now turns over four times the amount of gaming revenue as Las Vegas, although it’s difficult to rival Vegas as the world’s overall entertainment capital. If you fancy a slice of contemporary Macanese culture for one night only, you could head to one of the downtown casinos and explore the neon lights, infectious music and vibrant crowds at The Venetian Macao — the largest in the world in gaming floor space.

Of course, if you’re new to the concept of playing casino games or the mechanics of how slot games work, you could always learn en route to Macau by playing a mobile casino app on your smartphone or tablet. Mobile casinos are one of the easiest and fastest ways to play casino games and video slots today, and some casinos even offer welcome bonuses so that you don’t even need to deposit real money to play from the word go.

Although Macau is the most densely populated city on the planet, there is still plenty of opportunities to unwind and experience life like a local. Macanese life can’t be all that bad when you consider life expectancy here is the fourth-highest on the planet. With political stability and a proud colonial history, it’s easy to see why increasing numbers of travellers are flocking to the shores of the Macanese peninsula. Macau is one of the best Asia destinations, I hope you enjoy your Asia vacation!

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I hate to tell you this but old age creeps up on the best of us. With so many of us living until the age of 80 and beyond, most of us want to live a long life but a healthy life too. So I've scoured some of the research and came up with 10 secrets of healthy ageing, so you can live your best life. 

1. Keep physically active


Regular exercise has a whole host of benefits for the body. As well as being good for the heart, reducing heart disease, and the chance of stroke and diabetes, it has also been shown to improve memory and thinking skills. This study by Harvard found that if you walked briskly for one hour twice a week your memory and thinking skills can improve. Exercise also improves mood, and reduces stress and anxiety. The trick is to find an exercise you enjoy and stick with it. You are never too old to take up exercise after the age of 50, 60 or beyond!

Weight-bearing physical activity is important too. This can reduce the rate of natural bone loss that occurs after the age of 35, so important to women especially. Aim to do exercises such as brisk walking, exercising with resistance bands or using a cross trainer twice a week.

2. Eat your 5 a day

Fruit and vegetables are a great source of fibre, vitamins and minerals. Fibre helps prevent constipation and bowel cancer, and vitamins and minerals are the nutrients your body needs to work properly and stay healthy. If you find it hard to get your 5 a day, try incorporating homemade vegetable soups and fresh fruit smoothies into your diet on a regular basis as well as fruit juice which can count as one of your 5 a day. 

There are many ways of getting fruit and vegetables into your diet, why not try a meat-free day every week to encourage you to be creative in your use of fruit and vegetables? Buy a plant-based cookbook and try it out! Or could also consider going vegan as a healthy plant based diet has many health benefits. 

3. Choose fats wisely




All fats aren't created equally, so avoid saturated fat as much as you can as it can contribute towards heart disease instead use polyunsaturated fat (sunflower and rapeseed oil) and monosaturated fats (olive oil) in your diet.  

There are many benefits of eating foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids such as salmon, trout, or mackerel, and try and eat twice weekly or consider taking an omega-3 supplement.

4. Don't drink too much and avoid smoking

Smoking contributes to heart disease, osteoporosis, emphysema and stroke. If you are a smoker, you can repair some of the damage though, so it's not too late. There are many things such as nicotine patches, nicotine chewing gum and vaping that can help you quit and reduce the risk of smoking to your body. Many DR surgeries can prescribe treatments and give advice to help you stop.

Drinking too much alcohol can increase your risk of cancer, heart disease, liver disease and more. To keep health risks from alcohol to a low level it is safest not to drink more than 14 units a week on a regular basis. There are many things you can do to reduce your alcohol intake such as having some drink free days every week, having a soft drink between your alcoholic drinks, and trying mocktails instead of cocktails.

Bras and pants. They are pretty essential if you are a woman. We all have those faded pants in the wardrobe, our everyday pants, our greying bras and our knickers with no elastic, but sometimes only the best will do. Maybe you want to treat your partner to a glimpse of something sexy, or you want to splurge on a gorgeous set for yourself. 
Win A £50 voucher for UK Lingerie

So it's nearly time. You've found your perfect home and the moving date is looming, but you have to pack all your possessions and now your panicking. Yet packing to move house doesn't have to be that stressful.  Use these packing tips to help you move house and make the experience as smooth and stress-free as possible.

1) Who should pack?



Think carefully - are you going to do it yourself or employing a mover?  It will save you money if you pack yourself. If you employ a professional moving team it can save you time and be safer as they help people move on a regular basis. After all, time is money. You need to weigh up the pros and cons and make an informed decision. 

2) Have a strategy

Think about the time you have and what order you are going to do the packing in. Are you going to do bedrooms first, then work down the house? It's a good idea to pack the rooms you use less first, such as the spare room, garage, shed and so on. Perhaps clear some space and make one of your rooms a packing room.

3) Start in plenty of time

Don't forget to leave enough time to pack. If you have a large home two months before is a good time frame and if you have a smaller home leave at least a month. This is especially important if you work full-time or have a young family. Can you rope in friends and family to help you? 

4) Take less 

Think seriously about what you really need. This is the perfect time to declutter. Create four piles, one to sell, one for charity or to give to friends, one to upcycle and one to throw away. There are plenty of places to sell your items like the local Free Ads, car boot sales, eBay, If you have less stuff to take, you have less to pack. 

5) Packing material



You will need lots of strong boxes. If you are using a moving company they may provide these for you. If not, you can source them from places like Freecycle, local shops especially supermarkets, or buy them from packing companies.  Secure bottom and sides of boxes with packing tape, ensure you don't overfill so they are not too heavy and use bubble wrap to protect your items. Use resealable plastic bags for your bottles to prevent spillage. Fill empty space with old newspapers or material to stop things rattling around. 

6) Label, label, label

Be sure to label each box with the contents, the destination room and any special instructions like FRAGILE or 'THIS SIDE UP'.  Write on the side of the boxes in large lettering, so you can see the labels when the boxes are stacked. 

7) The essential box

This is the box that you want to take with you and not with the moving team if you are employing them. It should contain all the essential items like first aid kit, a kettle with tea, coffee, sugar or squash, non-perishable snacks, paperwork you will need such as bank details, contacts for utility suppliers, takeaway numbers and so on.

So there we go. I hope these packing tips help you, and you have a straight-forward and stress-free move. Have fun in your new home!

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Giving a wedding speech is a true mix of feelings, ideas, emotions, memories and most important of all – words.

Whether you are toasting your new bride, recounting your days with the daughter you have just seen married or doing your best to amuse the audience with previous tales of the groom’s adventures as a young man - a wedding speech matters.

More than any other speech, it becomes an integral part of everybody else’s memories of the day and an epic wedding speech will be part of the great rhythm of sights and sounds they recall when they look back on the event in the weeks, months and years to come.
Prepare to succeed


Gathering material for the speech can begin early, especially if you are party to the groom’s attempts at securing the perfect venue for the wedding. Chateau rental in France can be a mouthful in English, let alone Francais, and it would be amusing to get his recollections of when his French was suitably inadequate. Or what about that time when he went to Germany and ended up in a certain bar... well maybe not!

Even if public speaking is your idea of torture, the words are the most important part. There is a place in life for standard formula speeches but a wedding is not one of them. Even if the speech is halting, unfocused and too long it doesn’t matter as long as the words are personal, meaningful and heartfelt.

Your words are your own



The language should be your own as listeners will be able to tell instantly if you have taken words from elsewhere. You have been asked to speak because you are you; the least you can do is speak as you on the day. You will be happier and more confident using your own words.

The ambience and acoustics of a room also matter tremendously when speaking at a wedding. Mind your surroundings. If the wedding is outdoors or in a fine reception hall, your voice may not carry as far as usual so you might need to use a microphone or other AV equipment. Ask the venue if they provide them.

This is 2018 so don’t be afraid to use technology to help enhance your speech. If you need cue cards or slides then use your Smartphone or device so you avoid the risk of dropping them at an inappropriate time. If you are incorporating slides and video in your speech then your device can also be used as a discrete controller. Again, check with the venue for their policy in advance.

Taste is universal





Be aware of the audience and their tastes. The speech is for the occasion and for everyone, not your own or your friends' indulgence. Tales of the stag holiday might be hilarious to you and the groom but the bride’s parents? Discretion is the better part of valour and the speech can also be used to build and burgeon a reputation of integrity and discretion. Check with the principals if you unsure about any element. They might be perfectly happy to have you share their pet nicknames for each other in front of their nearest and dearest but they may not so ask.

God loves a trier it’s true but an overlooked part of trying is practice. Don’t wing one of the most important speeches of many people’s lives. The more you run through the words, the more familiar you become with the structure and cadence, the more you can improvise on the day if you need to.

An epic wedding speech is not plucked from thin air and spun from invisible thread. It is the result of effort, thought, inspiration and love. If your speech has these ingredients then it will be sure to be a success on any terms.


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When it comes to booking your dream holiday, everyone has their own idea of what makes a perfect hotel. Perhaps it’s awe-inspiring views, superb service and state-of-the-art facilities, or a unique location.

Whatever your preferences and tastes, there’s nothing like spending the night somewhere truly special. From easy-going beachside breaks to exciting city escapes, and peaceful alpine retreats, the world’s most impressive hotels and resorts come in all shapes and sizes. Looking for accommodation with the wow factor? Read on.

Glamorous beach resorts



If you’re in need of some rest and relaxation, nothing beats a glamorous beach holiday. Whether it's a cutting-edge hotel on Dubai’s sun-drenched coastline, an overwater villa in the Maldives, or a swanky seaside resort like the Hilton in the Carribean island of Aruba, staying just steps from swathes of pristine sand and sparkling sea is the epitome of luxury.

As well as stunning beachfront settings, many top-of-the-range hotels offer upgrades to make your experience even more sumptuous. For example, high-end holiday resorts in the Caribbean and Thailand offer some of the best swim-up suites in the world, where you can enjoy direct access to the pool from your room.

However, you don’t necessarily have to break the bank to enjoy this level of splendour. Many affordable coastal resorts in popular destinations such as Turkey and Greece come with standout features such as beach clubs, watersports, infinity pools and seafront spas without costing you a small fortune.

Outstanding facilities and service



For many travellers, a hotel’s service and amenities can make or break a holiday. After all, a warm welcome, friendly staff and access to top-notch facilities go a long way towards making your stay comfortable and convenient – and it may even have you returning year after year.

Of course, the standards you expect depend on your priorities and budget. While some people may need fine-dining restaurants and personal butler service for added wow factor, others may find that complimentary refreshments or a helpful concierge team are enough for an enjoyable stay, whilst some look for hotels with entertainment.  It also depends on whether you’re looking for All-Inclusive hotels, which usually include a choice of dining options, drinks and use of facilities in the overall price, or if you want a more tailor-made experience.

The easiest way to ensure you choose somewhere with great hospitality and amenities is by opting for a hotel with a four- or five-star rating. However, it may be that you prefer the intimate atmosphere and attentive service offered by boutique or independent hotels, in which case star rating may not be as important. Before you book, it's worth doing some research and reading reviews from previous guests to find the perfect place to suit your needs and tastes.

Visually appealing hotels



Sometimes, finding a fantastic hotel is as much about the outside as it is about the inside. Whether it's the opulent palaces of the Far East or the grand country mansions and fairytale castles of Europe, some buildings take your breath away before you’ve even set foot inside. We stayed in the Grand Hotel Des Iles Borromees in Lake Maggiore Italy and were blown away by the grandeur. In today’s world of social media and camera phones, the visual appeal of the hotel is becoming a priority for the discerning traveller. Staying in a run-of-the-mill resort is no longer enough – guests now want their accommodation to be unique and aesthetically pleasing.

Energy bills are one of those expenditures that just seem to escalate every year, with energy companies inflicting huge price hikes and cold winters seeming to last an eternity. Throughout the summer, you will hopefully have been saving plenty of money on your heating bills but unfortunately, it will not be long before winter arrives again, so make sure that you are prepared this time and ensure that you are not wasting money that could be saved.

Here are some top energy savings tips that you could use both now and when it gets to the colder nights ahead.

Replace old windows




Windows are one of the places that you lose a lot of heat from your home, especially if there are draughts coming through. Getting new double glazed windows might be costly but they could result in considerable energy bill savings over the years. So get some quotes for window installation service if your current windows are not doing a great job at keeping your heat in.

Get a smart meter

If you have not already had one installed, getting a smart meter is a good idea because it will help you to monitor your energy consumption better. Understanding how much energy you use each day in monetary terms will help you to make better decisions around when you put the heating on and other energy use. You can also use your phone to control your heating if you have a smart thermostat, meaning that if you forget to turn it off you can do so even when you have left the house.

Shop around

Staying with the same energy provider for years will usually cost you more than if you do some research once a year to find out the best deals. Just like there are comparison sites for insurance policies and holidays, there are also comparison sites for energy suppliers. So take a look at the different rates that are currently available and make the switch if you can find a better deal.

Turn your thermostat down

Even a very small reduction in your thermostat temperature can have a really big impact on your bill. So make sure that you are wearing warm clothing in the home rather than cranking up the heating more on the cold days. You can also be more sensible with keeping doors shut in the rooms that you are using in order to keep the heat inside. Buying thermal curtains can also be very effective in preventing the loss of heat.

Buy energy efficient appliances




When it comes to buying a new washing machine or fridge, buying one with a high energy efficiency rating will also save you plenty of energy over time. Even if you have to pay a bit more for the appliance, you will soon make that money back in savings.

Be smart with your water

If you are on a water meter then it will definitely pay to be more careful about your water. Simple changes like not leaving the tap running whilst you clean your teeth or having a shorter length shower will see your water bills go down. It can be tempting to get the hosepipe out in the hot summer weather but it could end up costing you a small fortune filling paddling pools or watering the plants. You can try and collect rainwater to help with watering your plants instead of running the hosepipe, using a collection system or even just use some buckets in your garden to catch the rain ready to use in a dry spell.

There are several factors you need to take into consideration when designing a home office. In simplest terms, you need to factor in the office equipment and the space available, to make an organised and efficient environment.

The lighting should be enough so that you improve your working experience. When it comes to choosing furniture, you should ensure you buy the right office chair which will allow you to sit for long without developing back complications. It is necessary to choose a location where you will incur few interruptions. At home, family members like to involve you in everything they do. To stay productive, you need to design the office in such a way you can eliminate noise among other interruptions from other family members. So let's discuss all this in more detail.

Buy the right office equipment





Working fast and efficiently is important to increase productivity, so why not utilise the right office equipment to help you with this? Try to invest in machines which employ the latest technology so that you can stay productive in your home office, For example, photocopiers can be extremely useful, and many can be used to scan documents or FAX as well, and label machines can be utilised if you have a number of packages to post every week. You can even print from your smartphone with the latest devices. It is necessary to compare different equipment available in the market so that you can buy the best your budget allows and use it in your home office.

You should also remember that the ergonomics of your office setup contribute to how comfortable and productive you would be. Consider any current issue that you have and find a solution for it. For example, here are some of the best lumbar seat cushions that will help if you experience back pain.

Install enough lighting

For your home office to serve you well, you need to invest in the right lighting. There are different lighting fixtures out there but try to go for those which will improve the aesthetic appeal of your office as well as provide enough light to allow you to enjoy your office space. Create an atmosphere with different types of lighting, suitable for people and for the task at hand. Daylight bulbs can help create a bright efficient work environment, and spotlights are great for a desk to see detail. Sometimes you may have to utilise a dark corner so invest in the right lighting which will not expose you to eye strains as you work in the office.

Check on privacy considerations



It is hard to stay productive in an environment full of noise and other interruptions. It will be easier for you to work and concentrate in a space that’s quiet and not distracting. For instance, choose a room where guests will not see you unless you get out of the office to welcome them. If you live with your family, why not get a sign to show you are working such as 'Do Not Disturb' or 'Work in Progress' and inform them they can only come in if it's urgent? Setting boundaries like this will help you get work done.

Design your office without any obstructions

Ensure the setup of your office does not expose you to accidents, and this is especially important if you have staff working for you or if you have young children around. For example, chairs and tables should be arranged carefully to allow space where people can pass easily. Avoid letting cables hang loosely which can entangle people as they enter the office. All computers and the printers should be installed in strategic places where they utilize the best available space in the home office and are out of the reach of young ones and pets. You can buy cabinets and shelves which you can use to keep you organised, think 'a place for everything and everything in its place'. A pinboard or memo board can be useful as well as filing cabinets, pen organisers and in and out trays.