Lifestyle

Unfortunately, when the nights get longer, this time of year can be open season for burglars looking to target your home. Now is the perfect time to review your home security and see what improvements you can make. Here are three tips to improve your home’s security. The simplest measures are the best Some of the most effective security precautions are simple and cost very little – apart...

It’s considered the health epidemic of our times and affects one in nine people*. If left unchecked, it can cause migraines, nausea and hair loss and increase the risk of stroke, heart attack and dementia. And yet, in modern society, stress is often downplayed or ignored. Some people even boast about it (there’s a term for telling everyone how stressed you are; it’s called ‘stress...

Seasonal Affective Disorder, or SAD, is a type of depression. Some symptoms of SAD include low mood, irritability, difficulty concentrating, eating more (and gaining weight), and just feeling tired all day. What causes SAD? SAD is believed to be caused by reduced exposure to sunlight, which is usual in autumn and winter. It can be caused when your body produces too much of the hormone melatonin,...

As the days grow shorter and the chill sets in, it can be easy to feel a bit downcast. But autumn and winter bring their joys, and there’s plenty to look forward to as we enter the final three months of 2024. Here are three things to consider in the coming months that are sure to lift your spirits. Autumn walks in crisp, fresh air  As the leaves turn golden and crunchy, autumn is the...

With the days getting shorter and colder, dopamine décor could be just the thing to liven up your living space and lift your mood during the darker months. So, let’s take a look at this popular design trend and how it can transform a drab and dreary home into something special. What is dopamine décor all about? The idea is to introduce pops of bright delight around the home to stimulate...

Creating a home that nurtures you and your loved ones goes beyond décor, design and furniture layout. A well-balanced living environment can greatly improve your physical, mental and emotional health. Here are three tips to help you create a healthier, happier home. Clear the clutter for mental clarity A cluttered home often mirrors a cluttered mind. Research has shown that clutter can...

There’s nothing quite like becoming a homeowner for the first time. Stepping over the threshold into a place you can call your own is one of life’s memorable moments. However, as well as coming with a host of benefits, home ownership also comes with responsibilities. Unlike renting, where someone else handles the maintenance and most of the upkeep, these duties now fall to you as the...

As UK Savings Week approaches (9 – 15 September), there’s no better time to take control of your finances and boost your savings. The campaign’s hashtag, #TakeTheSavingsChallenge, encourages everyone to find creative and practical ways to save. Yes, saving in the current financial climate can be challenging, but it all adds up. Here are three tips to get you started on your savings...

As September rolls in and children across the UK prepare to return to school, many parents are reconsidering their daily routines. With growing concerns about traffic congestion, air pollution and the rising cost of living, exploring alternative modes of transport for the school run can be a practical and eco-friendly choice. Here are three tips to help you get your kids to school without relying on...

Throughout August we are running our Community Cheerleader campaign. It's where we shout from the rooftops (and blog posts) about the importance of supporting our neighbourhood together. Here's part four of our five-part series, which looks at how we can all take steps to improve the natural environment in our neighbourhood. By making conscious choices and being proactive, we can reduce our...