Prioritising which home renovations to do first - the importance of identifying wants and needs

When it comes to home improvements, it can be all too easy to fall into the trap of overdevelopment with unnecessary additions. Namely things that are costly to do and don't necessarily increase the value of your property, nor make it more attractive to potential buyers.

When planning home projects, as well as setting an overall budget, it's also advisable to have a prioritisation list of what's important right now (what is needed, for example fixes and structural repairs) and what can wait (categorise these as wants not needs). Anything that you identify as a want and not a need can also be categorised as nice to have and can always be done later if you stay in the property long-term and you have the money to.

For example, say you want - it's never a need, let's be honest - decorative coving, a ceiling rose and a garden pergola. Garden pergolas are highly coveted by many, but are often placed in gardens that are far too small for them and they can overwhelm rather than enhance. If done badly or positioned in the wrong spot, that's concreted in faff for a future homeowner (or yourselves) to deal with. And ceiling roses and coving, whilst you may love them, they may not necessarily work for your home. Firstly they may not suit the age of the property, and if not done properly and you cheap out on lightweight polystyrene dupes, it can end up looking just that... cheap. So it's important to pick your battles and decide what the best use of your time and money is.

How to prioritise which home projects to do first

First, write a list of everything that you would love to do to your home and outdoor space. Additionally, identifying whether aesthetic or practical (say a fix) and also cost (high / low / medium) may also be helpful qualifiers.

For example:

1. Paint bedroom
2. Convert front garden into a driveway
3. Garden pergola
4. New bathroom
5. Bespoke carpentry - dressing room / home office / hallway
6. Complete an unfinished job - say painting / plastering / tiling

Now make another list with column headers Want and Need and start to add in the items from your previous list. This is where your additional qualifiers may come in handy. 

Another factor to consider: What if you do said item on your list, spend lots of money in doing so, and then find the perfect house elsewhere and decide to move? Is the home improvement in question something that will add value to your home? For the amount spent, will you see any ROI (return on investment)? Is it something a new homeowner will love and have them racing to make an offer?

An example list

Need

1. Convert front garden into a driveway - Practical as it would create more parking spaces for friends and family and would also be desirable to a future homeowner. Medium or high cost depending on labour and supplies.

2. Complete an unfinished job - Completing an unfinished job such as a part-painted room isn't necessarily costly (especially if you do the work yourself) but it requires time which we don't all readily have. If you can find the time, getting all the little unfinished jobs done can be really satisfying - especially if it's a space you frequent a lot. Unfinished jobs can be off-putting to a potential buyer so they are always worth thinking about.

Want 

1. Bespoke carpentry - Practical as it would make better use of available space. Potentially high cost so may only make sense if you plan on living there long-term and aren't thinking about moving. Furthermore, the style of carpentry may not appeal to a future homeowner and certainly won't sell the house. Better to use standalone furniture as a cheaper solution for the short term. 

2.  Garden pergola - Aesthetic, largely used to create visual interest. Pergolas in kit form are not cheap since their popularity in recent years, and having something bespoke may not be much cheaper once you factor in labour and materials. For this very reason, a pergola ranks as nice to have in my eyes as it is something you can always add in a later iteration of your garden as it develops. 

What happens when the lines become blurred?

Sometimes it's not always easy to determine the importance of something and identify whether it's a want or a need. Which is when you'll need to think about it more rationally.

Or one can turn into the other. A want becomes a need. 

For example, we decided to condense our outbuildings into one larger offering. It's better positioned in the garden and it offers us a lot flexibility as it's both heated and air conditioned. It's also a very attractive offering to the next owner of this house. It can be whatever you want it to be. A home gym. An office. Playroom. A second living room for the warmer months. Did we need to do it? On the face it, absolutely not. However once one of the original outbuildings came down, the state of it presented a need (crawling with termites and ants in the walls and floor, and the roof wasn't structurally sound) so I'm glad we did it.

Bathrooms are a whole other story. I want to get them done because they're showing signs of age and aren't our style. But there are also practical reasons why we need them done. The shower itself is on the blink and washing my hair in a feeble dribble of water is a joke. Also we had insulation added into one of the downstairs ceilings which felt like a good idea at the time, however as hot air no longer rises to the bathroom above it, the floor tiles and bathroom itself are glacial now, making for a horrible bath/shower experience.

Aesthetically there's nothing wrong with the bathrooms. There's nothing that would be off-putting to a potential buyer. We could sell the house with them as they are. We could easily replace the shower head and hose as a quick, temporarily fix. And when it comes to cost, we have the funds to do up both bathrooms now - but is now the right time? Or do I just give them a quick spruce up with paint and adhesive tiles? That's the question.

Ultimately it's your home and your money. A want doesn't necessarily have to take lower priority than a need if you don't want it to. You can have both. It's more a question of prioritisation - what comes first? Well, that's down to you.

What home projects are next on your list?

Image source: Randy Fath // Unsplash

How to maintain a better work-life balance when working from home

Working from home can be a double edged sword. Sure, you no longer have the commute or need to set your alarm at stupid o'clock any more, but it can also be really lonely. Whilst you can still chat away to your heart's content on Whatsapp or Slack with your colleagues, it's just not the same as being face-to-face. Working from home once or twice a week can be respite from the commute, but for an extended period of time like it has been with the COVID-19 outbreak, it can be increasingly hard. You miss work lunches. You miss Fridays in the pub. There are so many things you want to see and do, but are advised not to. You are home so much that the work-life balance is starting to blur around the edges and you no longer have that separation or discipline. So how do you get out of a funk like this? Try following these simple pointers to help promote a healthy work-life balance when working from home.

Tips for a better work-life balance when working from home

Designate a specific working zone

Whilst it may be tempting to take your laptop into the main living area with the TV on in the background, don't do it. Go hole yourself away in a separate room where you usually wouldn't be. At the end of the working day, remove work emails and alerts from your phone (if applicable), close the doors on the space you worked in, and walk away. This is now your time.

Come up with a plan for co-working arrangements

If you live with a partner, friends or family, what happens if you only have one home office space? Should you both work in the same room? Everybody works differently so it's best to talk this through with your partner / friends / family and be honest wth each other. Here we have a study with a long desk which is perfect for two people working alongside each other, however due to the nature of my partner's work (noisy and on video call constantly), it just wouldn't work. For me to perform at my best, I have to put myself in another room, on another floor. If you have children and they have gone back to school, plan a rota of who is picking up from school on which days and if pre-school, come up with a rota for childcare so you can avoid video call interruptions of this scale and hilarity.  

Don't forget to take breaks

I've heard so many stories of people forgetting to take lunch breaks when they work from home, or only grabbing a quick bite to eat. It can be so easy to lose track of time when you are deep in a task. Look after yourself and have a proper nutritional lunch and give yourself the full hour. Besides lunch, get up every so often to walk around and grab some water or a cup of tea. Stay hydrated and keep your body and mind active. I cannot tell you the number of times I have been stuck on something, had a break and a quick walk away from my desk, and then the solution has come to me instantly.  

Do your hours - nothing more, nothing less

This kind of falls in-line with the previous point. Yes, have breaks and a full hour for lunch, but at the same time, don't abuse the system and take an extended lunch break because 'no one can see me'. Whilst a longer lunch is heavenly, it can make it harder to get back into the swing of things, resulting in less motivation and productivity. At the same time, don't overdo it at home or do more hours than you are paid. I am incredibly guilty of this and have been known to start work at 8-something rather than 9.30am and then work past 5.30pm in the past. Finish on time and avoid working late into the night so you get the time you are entitled to in order to unwind properly before starting all over again the next day.

Make sure you have the right access

Nothing sucks more than working from home and discovering that you don't have the right access / permissions / equipment. This in itself will set you back. Make sure you have everything in place ready ahead of working from home.

Get dressed

Whilst it's incredibly tempting to stay in your pyjamas all day, avoid doing this to better your work-life balance. The act of getting dressed sets you up ready for the day and puts you in the right mindset. When the working day is over, go and get changed. Change into either looser, more comfortable clothing like joggers, or your pyjamas. This will help reinforce a sense of routine that work is done for the day and now it's you time.

Get up at a reasonable time

Whilst it's tempting to leave the alarm off completely or set it just before your official start time, don't do it. Logging onto work when you've just woken up isn't the one. If something complex comes in first thing that requires serious attention, imagine the headache that will come your way if you're not ready. When I work from home I usually allow myself an extra hour in bed - so my alarm is set for 7am rather than 6am - as I no longer have the commute. It is so important to have enough time to wake up fully and for much needed you time. Other than the essentials of showering and getting dressed, make sure you give yourself some quality time. Read the newspaper. Sit down and have a proper breakfast. Do a sudoku or morning yoga. Go for a run. Whatever you choose to do, get yourself into a routine and in no time at all, it will come naturally to you.

Try and get outside if you can

This stems from my point earlier about how sometimes taking a break and going for a walk can sometimes encourage new ideas. You don't even have to go far. Go down the road or around the corner. Spend some time in the garden (if you have one). Fresh air can be so invigorating and always perks me up if I'm having a bad mental health day.

The chair you use is so important

Don't let a poor chair be the cause of an early onset of back problems. If you are going to be working from home a lot (particularly with the COVID-19 outbreak), it's wise to invest in a decent chair. We have one decent work-from-home chair in the office which my partner uses, but if I'm home I find myself hopping about from chair to chair as the dining room chairs are only comfortable for so long. If you feel an ache in your back, act on it quickly and don't just 'put up with it'. Change your location and try another chair. Use extra cushions to support your back. If budget allows, order yourself an ergonomic chair or executive chair with padding and a fully supported back (I recently ordered myself this one and it's an absolute dream!). Some companies have a working from home allowance and can provision you with a chair and desk (or budget for them), so it's definitely worth asking around.

Give your day some structure

Start each day with a quick brainstorm of what needs to be done that day and create youself a To Do list. There is nothing more satisfying than ticking things off a To Do list (or is that just me?). Plus if your boss is checking up on you making sure you are actually working, you can come back with a whole host of things you've completed and be smug as. When you approach the end of your working day, if there is anything outstanding or to be rolled over to the next day, note it all down. This is beneficial in two ways. First, it's a weight off your mind and allows you to fully switch off that evening and not think about work. Secondly it means you have the makings of tomorrow's to do list already forming itself (WIN).

Do you have a good work-life balance when working from home?

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11 positive things about this whole experience which will help make us better people

Urgh, where do I start? You low key want to watch the news but you also kind of don't because it's all doom and gloom and you are guaranteed zero news on anything other than the coronavirus. As surreal a situation we find ourselves in right now, it's important to remember that we are all in this together and to keep the faith where possible. I write to you today to try and spread some positivity at this challenging time. Today's topic: How will this uncertain time help better us as people?

Good vibes only

It will make us appreciate more

We take things for granted like going to the shops, seeing people and having access to household essentials like toilet roll and pasta. You will never look at a toilet roll in the same way ever again. I like to think that everyone is full of respect for healthcare workers anyway, but this whole situation will make everyone appreciate these hardworking doctors and nurses - who put their lives on the line every single day - even more.

It will make us more creative and imaginative in the kitchen

I can usually guarantee getting all the ingredients I need and I know what I'm going to cook all seven days of the week. The pandemic has thrown this into disarray for many of us. You can't get your usual ingredients. The shelves in the shops are empty. You can't get a home delivery slot. So at this time it's all about scouring your cupboards, fridge and freezer and being creative. I mentioned here and here how I helped calm my anxiety by taking inventory for everything I had in the fridge, cupboard and freezer so I know what random ingredients I have to cobble up meals with. I also have a spreadsheet with expiry dates to ensure zero food waste. It's all about being organised with a sprinkling of imagination.

It will make us check in with other people more

Normal life is busy, busy, busy and when you reach out to people by text / Whatsapp / social media etc, you don't always hear back. I'm good at reaching out and checking in, but I'm rubbish with the frequency I do it. This whole experience has made me worry about absolutely everyone and I've reached out to friends in other countries as well as here, and I've been in touch with my own family a whole lot more, especially as they are classed as high risk. The other day one of my best friends and I spoke on the phone which we haven't done that in the longest time (we usually just message each other and meet when we can). It was really lovely to talk and it's something I'm set on maintaining. If you haven't heard from someone in a while, I urge you to reach out to them and see how they are doing. You will make their day.

It will make us take better care of ourselves

Washing your hands after using the toilet, handling raw meat, touching bins and etc, and regular cleaning of surfaces at home should be common sense and a given, but sadly it's not to some people. Imagine doing these things and then putting your fingers near your face or worse in your mouth (blergh). This is exactly how bacteria and viruses spread. Whilst I have always been OCD about washing my hands, I have a terrible habit of biting at my nails or the skin around my nails. I've had to be really tough on myself to get out of the habit of putting my hands near my mouth. Hopefully this pandemic will help people be more mindful of their hygiene and / or habits. Including reducing the number of people who travel into work to 'solider on' when they're sick. There is nothing more important than your health and the health of those around you.

It will bring us together

There is a war time feel to this whole situation (just thankfully without the bombs) and however bad it feels, remember we are all in this together. Spare a thought to the vulnerable like the elderly and help out where you can. Get involved in your community (whilst adhering to social distancing of course) and reach out to your neighbours and help each other out. My heart has been warmed with stories of families sharing their supplies with others. Kindness costs nothing. And remember not to buy more than you need or stockpile so that no one is deprived.

It will help us appreciate quality time with the family even more

Not all families eat meals together. With many now working from home, former absent members of the family will be around more and able to join in with meal times for a greater sense of togetherness. As we're going to be spending more time with each other, turn the TV off and talk more. Watch less TV and bring out the board games and jigsaw puzzles. Play charades. There are so many ways that you can enjoy quality time together without needing going to go out or spend money. I've seen so many creative examples from home-schooled children on social media lately. And for those of us separated from our families and living in different households, it will make us appreciate future family gatherings in a whole new light.

It will help us appreciate our homes more

We are after all going to be spending a lot more time at home from now on. With an age of constantly needing to go places, see people, post the countries we've visited and things we've done on social media, we suddenly find ourselves enforced to stay home and not travel. With all the uncertainty and worry out there, we will appreciate our homes a lot more as a safe haven to be. Spending more time in your home than you normally would may help you realise that you actually like being at home and it may be a lifestyle change you make when this all blows over. If you find yourself spending a lot of time in one room (say you really get into cooking), it may encourage you to invest money into a home improvement / reno project rather than that second holiday you think you need. Investing money into your home will add value to your property and your quality of life.

It could change the way people and businesses work

With lots of people working from home for the foreseeable future, this could help companies that frown on working on home in normal circumstances, be more amenable to the idea in the future. Viruses are so easy to contract on the daily commute or from planes after business travel or a holiday. The more workers work from home, the less chance a virus will spread to other people in the workplace and multiply. Instead it will keep it confined to the household it started in and reduce risks of an outbreak. An agreed number of days working from home a week will not only help motivate individuals, but could bring about less annual sick days. I don't know about you, but I feel more rested when I don't have to commute all five days of the week. Also this pandemic could transform how shops and businesses operate - particularly the supermarkets - with more investment in people and resources to help fulfil the increased demand in online shopping.

It will help us take better care of the environment

Forget airborne viruses for just one second. Here in the UK we have had the most glorious weather since people have stopped commuting and have started working from home. Days of non stop sunshine and clear skies is unheard of here in the UK. It's a novelty. The fact that there is less pollution from air travel (less flights), factories (many in lock down) and commuting (cars being used less and no one taking the train into work any more) can't be a coincidence. As cabin fever inducing as staying home can be, you can't deny the good this will do the environment.

It will help us be more prepared in the future

This whole experience has taught me a lot and hopefully this is something we can all learn from. For me personally this has given me the drive to grow my own fruit and veg so I can be more independent in the future. Because if you can't get food and your supplies are running low, how do you survive? As a society, I hope this gives the government a kick up the backside to consider future strategies. At a time where isolation is essential, all stores should be closed. We need to have more of a focus on online food shopping with increased investment in people to meet demand. However such an arrangement is not ideal for individuals like the elderly who may not necessarily be connected online. During a pandemic, we almost need war time rations so we avoid the risk of people overbuying and depriving others. In an ideal situation, each household should be supplied with a weekly aid box. It will take into consideration the number of people - and their ages and health conditions - in each household and provide them with sanitary care, essentials like bread and milk, and healthy, nutritious ingredients like fresh fruit and veg. This will enable families to maintain a healthy diet and will ensure that everyone is on a level playing field.

It will make future cold and flu feel like a walk in the park

It will give us a sense of perspective and however crappy we feel from the common cold or regular flu in the future, we will have a new found appreciation that at least it's treatable and that we are fortunate to have the ability to soldier on and recover from it.

Photo by Allie Smith on Unsplash

The importance of adopting an evening routine and how to get a better night's sleep

Fun fact about me: I have always been a night owl. Often staying awake until the early hours of the morning, binge watching box-sets and films, I would then head to bed and lay there scrolling through social media. It was all too easy to say "just one more episode" or "just 10 more minutes" but it was never the case. I used to be up until the early hours of the morning and always prided myself on my ability to exist on next to nothing sleep. But the facts were I struggled with the mornings. Both with actually getting my ass out of bed and productivity once live and kicking. It started affecting both my writing and mental health. Blog posts didn't flow right and often sat there abandoned and unpublished. The novel I started writing lost momentum. Over time things worsened in that I could no longer physically sleep. I had royally fucked my sleeping pattern and my body could no longer comprehend what sleep was or how to do it.

And the worst thing? I was more than aware of the facts. I was well aware of all the various studies preaching the importance of avoiding screens - be it TV, laptop or phone - right before bed. That it can over-stimulate the mind, exacerbate any pre-existing depression or anxiety that you may have and have links to weight gain. Not necessarily because you're snacking right before bed (although I did this too) but more because the extra hours you spend awake muddles your body clock and affects how your body metabolises food at the end of a day.

TIME FOR CHANGE

A month or so ago I made the conscious decision to shake up my lifestyle and get into an evening routine. It started off as a trial but the changes were so undeniable that I haven't looked back since. I am now sleeping again. My weight is the best it's been for longer than I care to remember. I am a lot more productive during the day and my writing mojo is back. My love for blogging has been reignited and rather than simply picking up where I last left my novel, I got a whole new wave of inspiration for another book which is in the works. Turns out sleep is magical stuff.

Whilst I can't promise that my evening routine is an instant fix for things that may keep your mind buzzing at night  - be it a broken heart or friendship dramas - it's a start. I was pretty cynical about having a routine and how long I'd keep it up for, but it's amazing how a little change here and there can transform your life. So here's a little snippet of a typical evening for me these days:

TIME FOR TEA

Winding down for bed starts about 8.45 sort of time when I start boiling the kettle for tea. I used to drink green tea late at night which wasn't ideal because caffeine. Also can we talk about how annoying it is getting comfy in bed and finding that bit of the pillow that is perfectly moulded to your face and then realising you have the bladder the size of a grapefruit which is pressing into you all like I won't let you sleeeeep. Don't eat or drink anything too late at night. Now that I drink earlier I find that when I get into bed I stay there and generally my sleep is deeper and of a better quality. Favourites in our house are chamomile tea and peppermint tea. Although occasionally I will have a decaffeinated green tea. Or a glass of cold milk which is refreshing as.

SCREEN TIME

I try and finish watching TV by about 9.30. Since mixing up my evening routine and no longer watching episodes right before bed, I find myself falling asleep a lot quicker with a better quality of sleep. Gone are the days where my mind was buzzing after watching a particularly thinky documentary or watching something that ended on a massive cliffhanger where I have to wait a whole week to find out wtf happened. I can still watch these things but by watching them earlier in the evening, they are not the last thing on my mind at night. It gives me time to talk it out on Twitter or with my partner and get it all out of my system.

CANDLELIGHT

To be honest, candles have always heavily featured in my life. Even before I had a proper evening routine. Sitting in a dark room with just the glow of candlelight sets in the sleepy process (well for me anyway!). There's something about a flickering flame which is both mesmerising and relaxing.

CLEAR SHIT UP

Before I head into the bathroom for night time skin care and brushing those fangs, I do mindless things like clearing up, sorting the cat and loading the dishwasher. Dirty dishes in the here and now have no place in tomorrowland and I like to start every day afresh with nothing hanging over me. By doing these things, I am closing another chapter and acknowledging the end of another day.

[INSERT HERE]

Something I'm hoping to add to my evening routine eventually is a spot of yoga / meditation, but I'm still on the lookout for the perfect yoga mat. I used to go to yoga classes regularly but a breast cancer scare a couple of years ago and a biopsy meant certain moves were causing me pain while I was healing and I sadly had to stop classes. I really want to get back into it again but will be starting out at home (hence the search for a yoga mat). I always found that yoga helped ease out all the stresses and strains of the day that manifest themselves into your muscles, making it a very attractive prospect.

PILLOW SPRAY

Before I get into bed I spritz the pillows with a pillow spray to help aid relaxation and sleep. I know that lavender isn't everyone's cup of tea, but I use lavender based pillow sprays the most and find these extra relaxing. I do try and keep it seasonal though and am always on the lookout for new pillow sprays and room sprays. I adore ginger, nutmeg and cinnamon tones around the festive period and more floral notes once it hits spring. Around this sort of time I will ensure that the alarm on my phone is set for the next day, put my phone down, and strictly not pick it up again that day.

READING

Reading is one of the fundamental parts of my new evening routine. I hadn't got stuck into a good book for ages because I was so over tired with my old evening regime that I would constantly be falling asleep on my morning commute. Often waking up on some poor soul's shoulder. There is nothing quite like escaping into a good book.

Lately I've been reading Driven by Dane Cobain and your usual detective story this is not. Although there is a police presence, this book centres about Leipfold, a private investigator. Whilst the police have to abide by police protocol, Leipfold and his apprentice computer whizz kid Maile do not. Leipfold was quite a mysterious character with an apparently colourful past which I would have liked to know more about, but as this is the first book in the Leipfold series, this is maybe something that will be touched upon later. Maile was my favourite character and I could relate to her a lot.

"A car strikes in the middle of the night and a young actress lies dead in the road. The police force thinks it’s an accident, but Maile and Leipfold aren’t so sure. Putting their differences aside, and bought together by a shared love of crosswords and busting bad guys, Maile and Leipfold investigate. But not all is as it seems, as the soon find out to their peril…"

Currently writing my own thriller novel myself, this is one my favourite genres to read. What I really liked about Driven was that I could visualise the characters and that they were plausible. If I can't visualise or get a feel for a character, I literally can't finish a book. I also liked the fact that Driven got straight into the action with the murder and how the momentum kept up. I lose interest quickly in novels where you are strung along for the whole book trying to find out a key piece of information. Driven constantly drip feeds you with new information so although I thought I'd sussed out the murderer early on, I was wrong!

I'm going to keep this short and sweet as I don't want to give too much away, but if you want to try Driven for yourself, there are Kindle friendly versions and paperback copies available here. I love receiving and passing on book recommendations, and Driven is well worth a read. The book itself is light weight and a good size to pop in your bag for the daily commute or holiday (I'm not a fan of heavy hardbacks!). As odd as it sounds, it was probably one the nicest feeling books I've read in a long time, what with it's matt cover and the super soft pages.

By incorporating reading into my evening routine, it offers a degree of escapism and to focus on something away from work and social media dramas before bed. Because seeing bloggers slag other bloggers off on Twitter right before bed is not the one.

LIGHTS OUT

After I reach a good point in my book, the bookmark goes in (usually an old Topshop label because I'm fancy) and lights go out. The old me was guilty of messing about on my phone in bed but now I make more of an effort to spend quality time with Mr Curiouser and Curiouser.

Do you have an evening routine or problems sleeping?

Driven was sent to me for review purposes but all opinions and love of detective stories all my own! Driven is available as a digital copy or paperback here. I opted to review the paperback because I love the smell of new books (or is that just me?)  

Simple life hacks to help make a house a home

What you wear and how you present yourself can say a lot about you, and this same logic can extend through to your home. It doesn't matter if you own your home or rent it, it's a given that you want to come home at the end of a long day to a piece of you - rather than feeling like an intruder in your own home. Owning your property outright means you can delve straight into all manner of home improvements, whereas if you have a landlord or someone else to answer to, there may be restrictions in place preventing you from being able to rip out existing built-in units / flooring, or from painting over those dastardly yellow tinged magnolia walls. If you are in student digs, renting, or anywhere else that holds decorating restrictions, there are small changes that you can make here and there to make your space feel more like your own. And the good news? None of these have to cost the earth.

Throws and soft furnishings

A godsend if you have secondhand / inherited furniture that isn't to your taste. Or if you have pets that shred ALL THE FUR (I'm looking at you, Bailey). I moved into my - unfurnished - house as a first time buyer with ALL THE SHOES but not really anything useful i.e. furniture. Fortunately I acquired an entire living room set from family who simply fancied a change. All of these items were virtually new and in immaculate condition, and as thankful as I was to actually have chairs right from the word go and not be sitting on the floor, the fact still remains that a beige sofa isn't very... me. It's a bitch to keep clean and beige chairs in a room with magnolia walls isn't the one. Future me dreams of replacing them with a grey L shaped sofa or a tan leather affair, but for the time being they can be easily transformed by adding layers of throws and soft furnishings like cushions. What was once a beige cat furr magnet is now covered with a black and white geometric pattern throw (as seen later in this post!) which I'm pretty certain only cost me £5 or less from Primark. For colder evenings, I add extra textures like a rust coloured chunky knit which contrasts nicely against the monochrome geometric fleecy throw. Sheepskin rugs are really versatile as they can be draped on a chair or a bed - not just the floor. Whilst there are pricier options out there, you can also get sheepskin rugs from as little as £20 from IKEA. I also really love those chunky knit blankets knitted with the humongous knitting needles. But no matter what you opt for remember this: don't see it as hiding a piece of unloved furniture - see it more as transforming a piece and making it more you.

Prints & typography

I love an inspiration quote. So a bland looking magnolia wall transformed into a gallery wall of framed motivation quotes... count me in! Choose quotes and artwork that is personal and means something to you. If your accommodation prevents you from nailing things to the wall, choose wall friendly options like command strips or propping frames up on a shelf (I have our family artwork freestanding as seen here). I know from my uni accommodation days that blu tack is not the one (chipped paint on the walls meant I lost a chunk of my deposit. Sad times). Whilst you can buy readily framed quotes online, why not create your own for something extra personal? Frames aren't expensive and can be filled with either handwritten quotes (particularly if you are a calligraphy whizz kid) or something typed and then printed off from the computer. I also like saving pages from magazines and postcards from Paperchase - both of which also frame well.

Flowers

I don’t know about you, but I love having flowers in the house. They are a great way of incorporating some colour into your life if a) you don't have a garden or b) you have decorating restrictions where you live. Plus they make the house smell lovely, don't they?

The other day I had a surprise delivery from Prestige Flowers who very kindly sent me one of their Lomond bouquets from their luxury range. I have dark inky blue walls in the lounge and I find that bright whites or bright colours like hot pink can look sensational against darker walls. So Prestige were spot on with their colour choice! An arrangement of brightly coloured blooms can help lift a dark room that doesn't see a lot of light (because not all of us are fortunate enough to be living somewhere with huge bay windows!)

I love the contrast of the greens (aren't the shamrock blooms beautiful?) against the pinks. The pinks in particular make a bouquet like this the perfect choice for Valentine's Day or Mother's Day. Although to be honest, flowers like these would make me happy all year round! The arrangement filled the house with a beautiful fresh scent and gave the house a spring essence despite the fact it was snowing / sleeting / raining outside. I'm so ready for Spring!

The black gift bag that came with it was a nice touch and would be a lovely way of presenting the flowers if you were invited for dinner somewhere, or to welcome friends into a new home. I liked the high gloss wrapping (also black) and even the box it arrived in was pretty. I'm all too used to boring brown boxes (I'm STILL unpacking from moving house...) and I really liked the chic black and white design. It shows extra attention to detail and pride of presentation at every stage - not just with the flowers themselves.

I was impressed with the condition they arrived in (it can sometimes be a bit hit and miss when flowers are sent by courier) and how they thrived in the days that followed. One thing I did notice unlike other flowers I have had before, is that they drank water like it was going out of fashion. So my advice would be to keep an eye on the water level and keep it frequently topped up so you get a good long use out of your flowers.

Prestige also offer add on items like balloons, fruit baskets, prosecco and so on. They also very kindly sent me Charlie the bear (who for the record Bailey absolutely adores!), a vase, and a box of chocolates - all of which were lovely added touches. I usually avoid the fruity chocolates in chocolate boxes as I can find them a little artificial tasting (also if I wanted fruit, I'd have fruit). But I have to say, the fruity ones I tried were the first I have liked and enjoyed. I think this was because they had a higher chocolate to fruit ratio which I prefer. How cute is the chocolate crown?

So with that, a flower summary: fill your home with fresh flowers and potted plants (pink / purple orchids are a personal favourite of mine!) for an instant injection of colour. Green heavy arrangements can really help lift a neutral space dressed in white or magnolia. Flowers are a great life hack if your living space is one that you don't have permission to paint or make any major changes to, and can really make a house feel more like a home.

Candles

When I first moved into my house, there was a stale smell in the lounge which I couldn't get rid of. I took down and washed the curtains, I hired a Rug Doctor and deep cleaned the carpets, and I washed the walls down with sugar soap. None of these things helped. Then enter the humble candle. Once my living room was a little more put together (read: actually had furniture), I brought out my candles. Candles add a signature scent to your living space rather than eau de previous tenant. And yes, that stale smell in my living room is now a thing of the past (hooray). I don't know about you, but candles instantly make me feel more relaxed. There is something very soothing about watching episodes and films by candlelight. Candles don't have to be expensive, so can be a fairly low cost way of transforming your home. I love Aldi's candles which are a spookily accurate dupe for the Jo Malone candles, but at a fraction of the price. Primark also do some great options.

A huge thank you to Prestige for the flowers (aren't they gorgeous?), the chocolates and Charlie. Prestige have flowers for as little as £19.99 and offer next day delivery (check the site here for order deadlines), weekend delivery, and free chocolates with selected bouquets. I hadn't heard of Prestige Flowers before, but was really impressed with the flowers I received and will definitely be ordering from them again in the future!

What are your favourite ways of making your home feel more homely?

9 ways to combat the January blues and that Blue Monday feeling

If you are anything like me, you may be feeling a bit meh about January and are pining for it to be spring already. After the elation that comes with Christmas, January is when you come back down to earth. And it's not good. Namely that difficult period of going back to work. The shell shock of having to get up when it's still dark outside, and the pain that is commuting.

Blue Monday is notoriously the biggest day of the year for people pulling sickies. World Travel Market conducted a survey which revealed that 63% of those aged 25 to 44 will be taking the day off on Blue Monday in some capacity, and 77% of those aged 25-44 will be booking a holiday. Because understandably, this is the time of the year where we are fed up of the weather and crave warmer climates.

But we can fight this. Let's fight this together.

I have fixed up a little guide of things to keep us all positive and why January isn't that bad....

No more Christmas songs

Don't get me wrong... I love Christmas songs. But hearing All I Want For Christmas can get a little grating the gazillionth time.

January sales

I don't know about you, but shopping always makes me feel better. Particularly when something you have been eyeing up for ages is now half price. Why not suss out some travel sites and book yourself a wonderful sunshine break in the sales? I discovered last week that Eurostar are doing £29 seats which cheered me up no end!

Great TV 

It may be shocking outside, but I'm more than happy to stay in most evenings wrapped up in blankets on the sofa since it's the time of the year where some of the best series are coming back on the box. Namely Black Mirror (the last episode of the new series was seriously haunting!) and Death in Paradise. It's also kind of a relief to have finally got through all the Christmas specials and now get back to all the non Christmas stuff (I love a good Louis Theroux documentary!)

A clean slate

A complete cliché, but it's true. With a new year comes an opportunity to move forward and start all over. As special a year last year was for me, it also came with its lows. I find myself entering a new year having learnt a lot and leaving toxic people behind.

Reduced advent calendars

Cheap chocolate? Yes please! Need I say more? It's also a great time to pick up luxury beauty and skincare advent calendars at slashed prices.

Normality

Supermarkets and other shops are thankfully back to normal. You no longer have to wrestle people for the last [insert item here] on the shelf. And another plus... you now have your evenings back. You no longer need dedicated evenings for writing cards, wrapping presents or scoping the Internet for last minute Christmas gifts. Embrace and enjoy dolce far niente (Italian for the beauty of doing nothing!).

Lighter days 

The shortest day of the year is officially behind us. Things are only going to get better (and lighter and brighter!). I won't lie, but it was pretty exciting to see patches of blue in the sky when I woke up this morning rather than PITCH BLACK.

50% off food and drink

Yes you heard correctly! Some restaurants are experiencing a slight post-Christmas slump after having had to cater for numerous Christmas parties in December and are offering some pretty sweet deals. Yuu Kitchen is offering 50% off drinks if you book by 31st January. Other London eateries with January deals include Barrio Soho, The Alchemist, The Jam Tree (Chelsea and Clapham branches only), and Hook Camden (for sustainable fish and chips!). Reds True BBQ have a 51% discount on a selection of small plates, mains and desserts. If you fancy Indian, Scene in Manchester has 50% off food from one of their evening menus in January. Or if contemporary Chinese is more your thing, Tattu has 40% off from Sunday to Thursday. Bear in mind that a lot of these offers are only eligible when you book in advance, and some may require you to quote a promotion code or print a voucher to bring with you. It's well worth checking the small print and T&Cs online for your favourite restaurant to see if they have any vouchers and offers this January.

Looking ahead to next Christmas 

Next Christmas is already coming along nicely thanks to the January sales. It's a great time to pick up reduced wrapping paper, cards, Christmas decorations, and party food. Most supermarket canapés and party food are suitable for freezing (check the small print to see if there is a time limit for when they need to be eaten by!), so if you have enough space in your freezer, why not stock up ready for next year? My favourites this year were the Aldi pork belly squares (no longer listed online), the Marks & Spencer pork crackling straws and the Tesco chicken katsu spring rolls. The other day I picked up thank you cards and two packs of Christmas cards for next year for the grand total of £2.49. Next on my list... finding next year's wrapping paper. My top two contenders so far are a classy gold geo print paper and tree wrapping paper which would look beautiful wrapped with red ribbon.

Stay positive this Blue Monday folks!

If you are one of the restaurants or brands featured in this post and your January offer has since expired or changed, do reach out to me at lucy@curiouser-and-curiouser.co.uk so I can keep this page as up to date as possible!

Charity // living on £2 a day with Zamcog & Voucherbox

Recently Voucherbox reached out to me, wanting to spread awareness of how much food we waste and the amount we spend in doing so. Did you know that it costs £2 a day to feed, clothe and educate a child in Zambia? Voucherbox has teamed up with Zamcog to present the £2 challenge.

The #2poundchallenge is all about encouraging bloggers to try living off of just £2 a day and for each blogger that takes part and writes a post on their experiences, Voucherbox will donate £50 to Zamcog. Which is amazingly generous. Working in the city of London, I am only too aware that a typical lunch can cost me £5 or more. And that's just lunch.

For the challenge myself and M. would need to live on just £4 a day (£2 each). The £4 would go towards three meals for two people and some form of snack. To save as much as possible, I made lunch and dinner in bulk so the below takes into account the costs of both of our portions for just one day.

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BREAKFAST

Toast & jam 

x4 slices of toast each - 16p

Butter - 13p 

Jam- 9p

TOTAL = 39p

I bought a loaf of supermarket own brand wholemeal bread which equated to 4p a slice. A very frugal lunch meant that I could stretch to jam as well as butter (albeit in small quantities!)

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LUNCH

Parsnip soup

Parsnips - 30p

Rosemary - free!

Veg stock - 12p

Onion - 6p

Milk  - 16p

Butter - 6p

 TOTAL = 70p

The rosemary was scavenged from the garden which was a good way of being resourceful and thrifty. Being a relatively simple soup with one vegetable and no meat stock, I did worry that it may be fairly bland, but the rosemary was great at counteracting this. This was in fact one my favourite soups I've ever made!

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DINNER

Gnocchi bake

Gnocchi - 38p

Cheese - 24p

Peppers - 39p

x1 tin chopped tomatoes - 31p

Garlic clove - 5p

Tomato puree - 5p

Spinach - 50p

Smoked paprika - 5p

TOTAL = £1.97

Who knew that a £1.97 dinner with the most basic of ingredients could be so full of flavour?! I picked up a value pack of gnocchi for just 75p from the supermarket and I only used half of it as gnocchi is brilliant for being really filling - so you don't need a whole lot of the stuff. Rather than being just a plain and boring stodge, cheese and tomato combo, the veg gave it some extra colour, texture and flavour. I shopped the 'farms' range of supermarket veg which is sourced from local farms and is considerably cheaper. I usually shop this range anyway as it's just as good quality as anything else. Not the prettiest dish to plate up, but that crispy cheese on top was the real MVP!

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SNACKS

Bourbon biscuits

x4 biscuits each = 2p per biscuit

TOTAL = 16p

In an ideal world I would have been snacking on fruit but have you seen how expensive fruit is these days?! Why spend 40p on an apple when you can spend 30p on a pack of 22 biscuits? Chocolate is a lot tastier than fruit anyway. This worked out at 2p per biscuit which were perfect for late morning nibbles and the afternoon slump!

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TOTAL SPEND = £3.22

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What I learnt from the experience is that living on just £2 a day is incredibly hard. Everything has a price and it was interesting seeing the monetary value of a splash of oil and a sprinkle of paprika, because everything adds up. It really made me re-think how much I spend on food and this is something I'm going to continue. This experience has proven that this is possible and that cheap food isn't tasteless or lacking. My shop was done in Tesco - so this proves it is possible in British supermarkets other than Aldi, Lidl or Iceland.

One of the conditions of the £2 challenge was to tag another blogger to continue on the good work. But I don't want to tag just one person - I invite you all to join and contribute towards this good cause. To date over £1000 has been raised which is an amazing achievement.  If you participate in the #2poundchallenge, please do leave links to your experiences in the comments below as I'd love to see other ideas for money saving meals!

7 ways to make your blog / vlog more relatable, so more people subscribe and stay

"Lucy, what pray tell is "relatable content?" I hear you ask. In this sense, "relatable" meaning something that is familiar to your wider audience, so much so, that they identify with your content, maximising levels of engagement. Being relatable is forever important as that's how, why and when people are more likely to return to your blog / Youtube channel / social media accounts. As a mini disclaimer, in no way am I targeting any specific individuals with the below, nor am I bitter / jealous of the people that create this sort of content. It's just that recently I've seen more and more blogs and Youtube channels emulate one aesthetic, with the same blog layout, the same blog design and the same video format. I don't think it's too much to ask, but I want to be seeing content which I can actually identify with. I've been unfollowing more and more blogs and Youtube channels lately which I feel I can no longer relate to. So below are my tips for a more welcoming, relatable blog or vlog -  the types that people are more likely to subscribe to and stick around for.

Stop with the glossy magazine-like content

If I wanted to read magazine type content, I would... pick up a magazine. Same applies to vlogs and videos. If I wanted to watch something of film quality, I would hit up Netflix or Amazon Prime. More often than not, blogs are increasingly adhering to the same layout, the same aesthetic, the same massive pictures which fill your screen. Don't buy that blog template that everyone and their cat has. I know it's tempting to buy blog templates if you're not technically minded, but as so many templates are crazy expensive (I was once quoted £1000+ for one and I was like was Hell No), people turn to the handful of affordable blog template options out there. And voilà, the reason why so many blogs look identical these days. For me personally, the best blog designs are simple and succinct. Blog name as a header, black and white colour scheme, all your content in the middle, and a side bar with all your extras. What more do you need? It's not rocket science, and your design / layout can be easily adapted yourself without having to pay out the nose for someone else to do it for you. Why not teach yourself some simple HTML and CSS? Google search these and you'll find plenty of fantastic tutorials on these. I've unfollowed most of the 'glossier' blogs and Youtube channels lately, because I'm looking for candid videos and pictures, and more natural, simple designs that are less 'fussy'.

Be you. Warts and all

Be realistic. These days we are so used to seeing people present a polished version of themselves. Perfect hair, perfect make-up, model-like poses, photo shoot style photography, and very business like text about what they're wearing today. They have an immaculate home, and stock photos of flat lays for every occasion. Don't be afraid to share your flaws - this is what makes you human. And news flash.... being human makes you relatable. Don't vlog from under your duvet with a full face of make-up on, saying you're about to go asleep (you're clearly not!) And don't feel the need to always have perfect hair, and be dressed up to the nines. Vlog in your pyjamas before you've chosen your outfit for the day. Vlog with wet hair. Remind us how much like us you really are. If you like niche things - like you still love Pokemon - share it. Like how I'm pushing 30 and still adore Kinder Eggs. These quirks makes you unique and interesting.

Don't rely on pictures alone

Don't be one of these blogs that posts 1,456,879 pictures of the same outfit and your face from different - but not all that different - angles with virtually zero text. I don't need to see something from that many angles. If I like what you're wearing, a few pictures will suffice. Plus scrolling past all those massive pictures is hard work. Make life easier for your readers by not going too picture heavy. Instead of all those extra pictures, why not write more? I think I'm in the minority here these days, but I actually follow blogs based on their writing rather than their visual content. I always find it so much easier to relate to someone and warm to someone through their words.

Choose products and brands wisely

If you go from raving about the new season Primark and then later down the line only rave about designer make-up, designer skincare and designer bags... it's too big of a leap and you risk alienating your audience. Whilst it's perfectly ok to dabble in high end goods every so often, if your blog or Youtube channel becomes inundated with these over and over again, people will switch off. I've seen influencers justify these high end buys as an "investment" to help better their blog or Instagram grid. Sorry, but I don't agree. You having designer clothing and including it in your OOTDs doesn't better your look. Someone with true style can carry off a look without having resort to designer everything. Most of your audience won't have access to the funds you do, nor will they receive beauty press samples through the post like you do. They have to spend a hell of a long time saving to afford that dream bag which is passed off as a nothing purchase on YouTube in someone's "look at all my designer bags collection haul". Don't promote unhealthy spending habits to those who can't keep up with the payments. Remember, you are massive influencers - influence for good, not bad.

Forget the fancy equipment

Vlogger protocol states that you need this DSLR, this vlogging camera, a lighting system rigged up in your house, final cut pro, and a macbook to be the top of your game. Which is definitely not the case. I've read plenty of great blogs where the pictures have come from their phone and the quality is every bit as good - proof that you don't necessarily need an expensive camera. More candid photos taken in the moment are a lot more relatable - rather than the heavily posed and pre-meditated ones trying to be all photo shoot which are cropping up more and more on blogs and Instagram. I appreciate that the evenings can be pretty dark, but you don't need pristine lighting. You are not a professional photographer or TV producer. Nor are you a model. When people have lighting rigged up for their videos or blog posts, I automatically assume that that blog is no longer directed to people like me, it's more directed to brands and companies for future potential sponsorship: 'look at me, I have pristine skin. Work with me.' Also there is plenty of good alternative video editing software out there - most free from the Internet - and I will write a separate post on these another time. Macs are more aesthetically pleasing for those "where I work" shots I realise, but macs are not the be all and end all. I wanted one for home use for ages, but I discovered they weren't all that. I use a Dell laptop to work from and I have a widescreen Toshiba laptop better suited for watching movies and TV shows on. Both of which are really good performers, and so much cheaper than a mac. Both of my machines in fact add up to less than that of a single macbook. So in summary, spending lots on fancy equipment doesn't necessarily guarantee better content or better success as a blogger / Youtuber. It's ok to be different. Be you.

Find a balance between luxury and non luxury

Recently I've been seeing more and more blogs and Youtube channels covering luxury holidays that only the small percentile of the population can afford. Particularly when priced at a £500+ a night. Whether it's holiday and travel, or anything else luxe, always strive to find a balance between luxury goods and services, and then ones that the majority of your readership / listeners can afford and actually experience. If you've one of the lucky few who have recently been whisked away on an all expenses paid trip to some tropical island somewhere, don't overload your Instagram with smug holiday pics. By all means post pictures, but don't go crazy - a few will suffice. Go overboard with the pics and you risk alienating your audience. Balance anything luxe and particularly expensive, with content that is less 'flashy'. For example if you've recently been on a luxury holiday, why not go away for a few days to the countryside? Show your audience that you are just like them (most of them being more likely to go away for day trips and weekends away in the same country rather than ramping up the air miles and heading abroad!).

Be realistic

I've seen it all. I've seen lookbooks of girls in the snow wearing heels and no coat, and I've seen girls 'pop down the road' dressed to the nines. As good as these pictures look, this just isn't realistic or relatable. This is more like the sort of photo shoot you see in a magazine and that's where they should stay - in a magazine. I've loved the normcore look of late as it's more universal and accessible. If you're popping down the road to the post office, you don't need to wear a ball gown. Jeans, flats and a sweater will suffice. My favourite lookbooks of late have been blue jeans, white Stan Smiths, knitwear and delicate jewellery. Simple but effective. Think of it as off duty model. Whilst it's nice to dress up every so often, more of your audience will relate to you if you dress in the sorts of things that you can easily buy and that are easily accessible to everyone. The fact that Primark haul videos do so well on Youtube is no coincidence. Realistic and relatable is key.

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And here concludes my seven tips on how to prevent your audience from going AWOL. Again I will reiterate, that the above is not intended to be a whinge or attack on bloggers / vloggers / any specific individuals. I am just sharing what personally makes me more likely to unsubscribe from an account - whether it be Instagram, a blog or Youtube. I don't want to see glossy, I don't want to see perfection. I want to see normalcy on my newsfeed. Because normal is relatable.

Why you don't need to go to the gym to be healthy

With holiday season upon us, many of us will be striving for the perfect beach body. However gyms are costly affairs and not all of us can afford it. L&G recently conducted a survey and found that when faced with financial difficulty, one of the first cuts that people make is their gym membership. However there are other ways to have a glowing complexion, stay in shape and generally be healthy. And it doesn't have to cost the earth. Here's my guide to living a healthy lifestyle on the cheap: 

1) Go for a walk - walks are not only good for the body, but they're also great for the mind. I find that if I visit a picturesque place, this will keep me distracted for hours and I'm more likely to walk a farther distance.

2) Get that vacuum cleaner going - studies show that with regular housework you can burn 50,000 calories a year!

3) Sex - exercises every muscle in the body and keeps your heart rate up. As if we needed an excuse(!)

4) Buy less takeaways - make your own! Takeaways can be packed with salt, so by making your own you can control what goes into it. Whilst I do still indulge in takeaway pizza every so often, there's nothing better than creating your own pizza dough:

5) Cut back on booze - drink in moderation. I only drink occasionally now and my complexion is so much better for it.

6) Find out about free clubs / groups in your area - look for ads in the local paper or enquire around at work. My company offers free activities like football, tennis and yoga. I attend the yoga classes and it's had such a positive impact on my physical and mental health.

7) Don't deprive yourself - if want that doughnut, have that doughnut. If you deem something is "forbidden" you'll keep snacking on rubbish - and lots of it - to satisfy that sugar craving. Save yourself a lot of time and torture, and just have the doughnut. Having one once in a while doesn't hurt anyone.

8) Borrow fitness DVDs from family and friends - rather than going out and spending money, I've had a night in before with friends and we've done one of those dance-yourself-fit DVDs. It's a great laugh. Remember, laughter releases endorphins - "feel good" hormones.

9) Get an early night - studies have shown that staying up late can affect the way your body burns fat. It's important to get a good night's sleep as this is the time when your body repairs core muscles. An article I read the other day suggested that staying up late with a" blue screen devise" such as a smartphone or laptop, could induce hunger pangs making you prone to late night snacking. Allocate time before bed to "wind down". Switch off the electronics, treat yourself to a relaxing bath, light some candles and read before bed. This is as change I've made lately and I feel better for it.

10) Make simple changes to your diet - reduce the number of sugars you have in your tea. Order hot chocolate without cream. Go for tomato based pasta sauces rather than creamy cheese based ones. But as I pointed out in bullet point number 7, remember not to deprive yourself. You can still eat these things, just in moderation. I still eat biscuits like no one's business however I make sure I have fruit and unsalted cashews with me at work to snack on when I hit my afternoon slump.

11) Take the stairs - I rarely take the stairs at work, but it's the best way of toning those glutes!

12) Never skip meals - especially breakfast. Breakfast is the most important meal of the day. It establishes your energy and blood sugar levels for the day. Porridge is great as it will slowly release its energy across the morning, keeping you fuller for longer, so that you're less likely to indulge in as many snacks before lunch.

13) Bring a packed lunch rather than buying on the day - that way you can control what goes into your food. Lots of people mean well when they go for a salad - however most shop salads / restaurant salads aren't that low fat because of the high sugar levels in the dressing they use. I prefer to create my own salads and wraps, using a splash of balsamic vinegar or lemon juice for flavour.

How do you keep fit?