Homestyle Gossip

Christmas 2009 gave us one of the worst winters we’ve ever had in the UK, with seemingly endless snowfall and icy conditions on the roads. The weather meant it was better for many of us to stay indoors, with the fire on and firmly hold on to a nice warm drink, while other people went outside to work or to build snowmen.

So what are the best drinks to enjoy during the winter, while you sit by the fire and look at the thick blanket of white snow on the ground?

In Britain we’re known as a nation of tea drinkers, and that is one stereotype that we’re comfortable with. A good hot cup of tea certainly serves the purpose of keeping your toes warm when it’s too cold to go outside. There are also a wide range of teas available to drink, rather than just the usual brands that you see advertised on TV by monkeys and men with flat caps.

If tea isn’t to your liking, you could always stay indoors with a good, strong coffee. Many people find that a cup (or usually mug) of coffee is the best way to start the day, whether it’s snowing or not.

Perhaps the best drink for staying warm in winter is hot chocolate. A tall mug of hot chocolate, filled with marshmallows and sprinkled with chocolate flakes, is the ideal way to sit out the cold weather. There’s no need to venture outside, so long as you have an ample supply of marshmallows on hand.

We all love a little retro fashion from time to time, and when it comes to nostalgic gifts from days gone by, what could be better than items of clothing, or clothing accessories from a more extravagant and stylish time?

For example, even in nightwear, yesteryear’s fashion was more tasteful and luxurious than it is today. For women, there are dressing gowns from the Victorian era, with their elaborate flowing trains and their lines, or perhaps an even more elaborate Art Nouveau satin kimono. Retro gifts such as these make you realise just how luxurious fashion used to be, as opposed to the styles we see today.

The same can be applied to men’s nightwear, as stylish nightshirts that flow down to the knees can be bought as nostalgic gifts. They can be purchased in tartan or stripes, depending on the inclination of your man.

One of the most extravagant fashion styles of the 20th century was inspired by Art Deco, and as such there are many Art Deco items available that make excellent retro gifts. For example, what woman’s handbag collection would be complete without a 1920’s inspired Art Deco handbag? The twenties decade was known for its style, and 80 years on the fashion is still just as stylish today.

One of the fashion accessories of days gone by that we rarely see today is the handkerchief. Handkerchiefs make excellent retro gifts, and they can be bought to match any outfit – perfect for when a gentlemen needs to offer a lady a clean handkerchief.

Things were always better in the old days. That’s the sentiment that most of us believe, and usually find ourselves telling younger people at some point in our lives, no matter how much we tried to convince ourselves when were younger that we wouldn’t.

Music was better, TV was better; films were better and generally everything was better when we were younger. Of course, that’s not something that is exclusive to people living in this day and age. People have always harked back to seemingly better times, even in ancient Roman literature, references can be found to people yearning for the ‘good old days’.

It’s not the old days that were better, it’s that we were younger and things from those times remind us of how we were. This is why retro gifts are such a great idea. When you give a retro gift to someone, such as an old game that they would have played with when they were a child, or an old fashioned item that they would have had in their home, you’re giving the gift of memories. Nostalgic gifts such as these remind people of simpler times, happy times, and times when they were young and care free and had a lot to look forward to.

We love retro gifts because they remind us of our youth. They remind us of how we used to be and of friends and family members who may no longer be around. Nostalgic gifts offer so much more than just the gifts themselves; they trigger the emotion of nostalgia.

It is never a pleasant feeling to know that a relative, usually a parent, requires nursing care. We try wherever possible to give them the care they deserve by ourselves, as our parents used to care for us, but often it is not enough. This is especially true when the elderly suffer from dementia, as dementia care is very specialist, and those who require it need round the clock supervision and care.

This is often just not practical to do from home. Thankfully there is an alternative to trying to struggle by, caring for an elderly relative yourself. Professional care homes offer expert nursing care for the elderly, catering to their every need – something that many of us are unable to do ourselves.

When an elderly relative reaches the stage where they require the help that a care home offers them, there are some things you can do to make the transition easier. First of all, it’s important that your elderly relative takes as many photographs, including photo albums and framed pictures, with them. This is important so that they have familiar faces around them and it will help them remember faces and names.

Secondly, you should take in as many of their own personal items as you can for them to have in the care home. If they have their own items, even seemingly unimportant items such as a hair brush or a favourite lamp, then they will feel more at ease with the care home.

It’s also important to visit your elderly relative as often as you can, so that they know their moving into the care home isn’t the end of their family life.

Just after Christmas we all start to feel the pinch of our credit card bills and the expense of presents and indulgence. Despite this, January is traditionally known for the January sales; a time when retailers slash their prices to tempt us into purchasing more items to start the New Year.

Sofas from Sofas & Suff

One of the most common purchases in the January sales is a high quality sofa. While a corner sofa or leather sofa could you set back several hundred, or even a few thousand pounds (depending on your taste), in the January sales you can often by affordable sofas at a fraction of their normal retail price. Sofas can be reduced to half price, 75% off or sometimes even more again.

The savings on sofas you can make in the January sales aren’t the end of the good news either, as many sofa retailers offer extended credit terms so that you could buy a high quality sofa bed in January and not have to pay anything for 12 months, or even receive as much as three years interest free credit.

Some high quality sofa retailers even have the option of choosing your sofa in the store, and receiving next day delivery – depending on the availability of the model that you have selected. So you could buy a brand new corner sofa that is worth hundreds or thousands of pounds, without spending a penny until next year, and have it in your home the very next day for your family to enjoy.

When it comes to buying a large piece of furniture, such as a new sofa, there are many considerations to look at before any choice can be made. The first of which should invariably be the size and shape of the room that you intend to place the sofa.

If you have a large room, with a lot of available wall space that isn’t filled with radiators, then a corner sofa may be an ideal option. Corner sofas are very luxurious and comfortable, allowing you to spread out and relax. However, a corner sofa may not work as well in a smaller room due to the limited space available, where a small sofa and armchair may be a better fit.

Corner Sofas from Sofas and Stuff

Another consideration is how you intend to use the sofa and what your family’s needs are. For example, leather sofas are very popular because of their stylish looks and luxurious feel, plus they can wipe clean with a damp cloth so are in theory easy to maintain. However, if you have children or pets, then a leather sofa may not be practical as they could be scuffed or torn with your children’s shoes or your cat’s claws.

Some of the most practical types of affordable sofas are sofa beds. A sofa bed is ideal if you entertain friends who stay over, or if you have children who have their friends over. Sofa beds give you the option of a spare bed when you may not otherwise have the room for a single or double bed in your house.

Collecting Airmiles is not just about saving enough miles to earn free flights anywhere in the world, although that is why most people collect Airmiles. You can in fact do so much more with your Airmiles, from booking free hotel stays, booking free theatre tickets or even free meals in restaurants.

However, for the truly adventurous you could use your Airmiles to try something completely new with some of the many experience days and free activities on offer on the Airmiles website.

For example, one of the best free days out you could possibly enjoy has to be racing along the snow, being pulled by husky dogs. An instructional video guides you through what to do, before you mount up and set off on your mini expedition.

For those who like their free activities a little less ‘active’, you could try a chocolate making day out. You can learn about the finer points of making chocolate, before trying your hand at the task itself – and yes, eating your masterpiece.

Free days out also cater for drinks lovers, with many wine tasting days and cocktail making courses on offer. You can then wow your friends with your expert knowledge of win, and your bottle twirling skills as you rustle up a quick cosmopolitan.

For those of a musical nature, how about free activities such as cutting your own tracks down at the recording studio? You’ll get your own pressed CD to take home and you may even grab the attention of Simon Cowell if you’re really lucky.

This blog is for all your teens who somehow keep ending up with no credit on your mobile phones. Don’t panic, your days of being stranded in the cold are over! If you often find yourself without mobile phone credit when you most need it…this is for you! Here are a couple of scenario’s where 0800 Reverse would definitely come in use!

1. You missed your ride. For whatever reason, your ride had to leave without you…it’s raining and the next bus isn’t going to come for another 40 minutes…and of course you happen to be carrying loads of bags. Don’t stand around like a lemon for any longer, dial 0800 Reverse and get someone to pick you up.

2. Just as you get in your car ready to go, you realize it isn’t going to start. Your car battery’s dead. Your stranded in the middle of nowhere, and your groceries are badly in need of a fridge . Call 0800 Reverse and call your parents or a friend to come help you out and get you where you need to be quickly.

3. Designated Driver…Drunk Driver more like! Just what you need, your at a party and your ride home has decided to get completely wasted, and your over the legal limit to drive as well. Don’t risk it by drinking and driving, instead, dial 0800 Reverse and someone’s number and get them to come and take you home.

4. Your running late for work..again! Except after the last warning, you can’t afford to be late again, the tube’s are all over the place and with no credit on your phone, you can’t call a cab. Don’t panic…0800 Reverse call someone you trust to come and assist you!

These are just a few reasons where reverse calling is useful. It’s simple, safe and hassle free…and don’t forget, you can always pay people back, but when your stuck in that moment and you don’t know what to do…don’t panic, just dial 0800 Reverse followed by the number you want to call and problem solved!

Teens often find themselves without credit…again….even though they told you they topped up £10 last week. If you find your often worrying yourself sick about your kid’s whereabouts and having to try your luck at calling persistently and hoping they will eventually answer, then 0800 Reverse is the answer to your problems! There’s never an excuse for not being able to get in touch with family and friends in time of need…credit or no credit! This means you, the parents can feel a lot more at ease. Here are a few reasons when it would be a good idea to reverse call charge. Pass these onto your kids!

1. You missed your ride. For whatever reason, your ride had to leave without you…it’s raining and the next bus isn’t going to come for another 40 minutes…and of course you happen to be carrying loads of bags. Don’t stand around like a lemon for any longer, dial 0800 Reverse and get someone to pick you up.

2. Just as you get in your car ready to go, you realize it isn’t going to start. Your car battery’s dead. Your stranded in the middle of nowhere, and your groceries are badly in need of a fridge. Call 0800 Reverse and call your parents or a friend to come help you out and get you where you need to be quickly.

3. Designated Driver…Drunk Driver more like! Just what you need, your at a party and your ride home has decided to get completely wasted, and your over the legal limit to drive as well. Don’t risk it by drinking and driving, instead, dial 0800 Reverse and someone’s number and get them to come and take you home.

4. Your running late for work..again! Except after the last warning, you can’t afford to be late again, the tube’s are all over the place and with no credit on your phone, you can’t call a cab. Don’t panic…0800 Reverse call someone you trust to come and assist you!

These are just a few reasons where reverse calling is useful. It’s simple and hassle free…and don’t forget, you can always pay people back, but when your stuck in that moment and you don’t know what to do…don’t panic, just dial 0800 Reverse followed by the number you want to call and problem solved!

So to all parents out there, remember to tell your kids about this. It’s so simple, just dial 0800 7383773 (reverse) and easy to remember! It will make you and your kids feel safer, knowing they can contact you in case of an emergency, regardless of having mobile phone credit or not.

Same old Christmassy concerns!
You have found the perfect presents for the whole family. Mum and Dad have a gift for two anyway so that really isn’t complicated. Plus, your mother will always try to let you know what she wants!
It’s the same story each year, Mum opens her gift and can’t think of anything else to say then: “Oooh, you shouldn’t have…” Yeah, we’ve heard it all before.
One of the most difficult gifts to find is definitely for the grandparents. Think about it, you’re never too sure of what they already have, of what they really want and especially which “20th Century” contraption they know how to use! Tough choice! You obviously don’t want to get them each year the same kind of present.
Here are some good ideas you should really consider when buying a gift to your grandma or grandpa.
Remember to always personalize it as much as you can! Granny doesn’t care about an expensive gift. She prefers sentimental and simple things which will remind her of her grandchildren!
One of the best gifts is pictures! You could maybe compile them into an album or if you really wish to bring your grandpa or grandma up-to-date you could go for a digital frame!
One other very traditional gift is the “I love my nanny” mug. Perfect for her morning tea or coffee. Or if again you want to cross boundaries: go for the “My Grandma rocks” one! You will sure earn some brownie points and be on the top of her “best grandchild” list!
The very special touch would be to add some great tea or coffee.
Whittard of Chelsea offers a great selection of tea gifts including gorgeous tea pots and china!
Hope Santa will bring you some great presents this year!
Merry Christmas and happy holidays!