Homestyle Gossip

When renovating a house, there are many decisions involved regarding style. These can be hard decisions especially if you are planning on selling the property after it’s finished. Catering to other people’s tastes can be a tricky job. For a bathroom, a simple Scandinavian design could be exactly what you’re looking for. It embodies simplicity, elegance and a little bit of luxury, which is something everyone will love. You may be wondering how you can create this look without appearing to have tried too hard.

Depending on the size of your bathroom, there are a few things you might want to do. Firstly, decide on the colour scheme. For a Scandinavian bathroom you’ll want something natural, and simple. Don’t go overboard with colour. Light coloured wood is an obvious choice for furniture, and even the floors. If you can build furniture into the walls this is even better as it will make a more economical use of the space you have and keep the design simple.

For the walls, tiles are a good choice but opt for larger tiles rather than lots of little ones. Elegant black tiles can look fantastic, or if you have a smaller space, then opt for something lighter. Now for the main event – the suite. When looking at bathroom suites keep relaxation and luxury in mind. A whirlpool bath is a must have, and if you have the space, a separate shower enclosure adds to the luxury. Choose a shower bath suite if your space does not allow for separate shower and bath, this will allow you to enjoy both. Now, for the piece de resistance; if you can afford it, consider getting your very own sauna. You can step out of your sauna into an invigorating waterfall of a shower and round it off with a relaxing soak in your whirlpool. The only danger is that you’ll never want to leave.

If you are looking for a simple way to add colour and depth to your garden design then dahlias are a wonderful choice. These warm and sunny flowers thrive in the heat of summer but will wilt and die as soon as the first frost arrives. They can add a wave of colour to a raised border or provide a stunning display along pathways and drives. If you have a smaller area of landscaped garden then you can also use pots and tubs to display these summer blooms.

To prepare your garden landscape for planting you’ll need only basic garden equipment such as a good planting trowel. Take time to prepare the soil and plant the Dahlias deep into the soil where it is warm. You can find a variety of mulches that can be added to poor soil to improve the quality and make your gardening much more successful.

Dig a hole 6 inches in depth and put the plant firmly in place. Most dahlias will need some support so drive a stake into the ground next to it to the plant. Next fill in the soil up to 3 inches high and then water well. Keep the soil well packed down and over time add soil until the ground is level.

Don’t be over zealous with the watering can as dahlias can rot before they are fully grown. At the height of its bloom the dahlia will need to be given a good soaking of water which usually happens around late summer.

Other summer flowers that will enhance the lines of your garden retreat are the garden canna which come in a rainbow of colours. Other flowering bulbs should be started in May such as anemones, tigridias, tuberous begonias, Nerine lilies, agapanthus and hemerocallis. You can blend these beautiful blooms to create a garden design that is alight with colour.

Organic gardening is hitting the UK by storm. People are taking pride in growing their own produce and cultivating wholesome and chemical free food. The cost saving and benefits to creating your own organic garden are immense. You can look forward to a healthier family, saving money at the supermarket and the satisfaction of picking your own fruit and vegetables. You need only standard garden tools and a little know-how to be a successful organic gardener.

Here’s some tips on organic gardening:

Improve your soil quality

The root to achieving a healthy and successful garden with plenty of thriving garden plants is getting the soil right. You may need to initially prep the soil to get the conditions just perfect for all those luscious fruit and vegetable plants. It can take some time and patience but it will be worth it.

Decide on your garden type and layout

Will you need raised beds due to the quality of soil? Do you want to avoid weeding by using containers? Do you like the idea of row gardening due to its neat look? Decide what is best for you and sketch it out.

Check what you add to your soil

If you want a truly organic garden you need to be sure that anything you add to your soil is organic also. Check out the sources of manure and seeds and ensure that garden plants are organic.

Be sustainable

Make your own compost. Add all the vegetable peelings, yard clippings and old plants.

Avoid chemicals

Think carefully about the use of chemicals. They are toxic for our bodies and damage the environment.

Give something back

Insects, birds and small wildlife will all abound in your garden attracted by your organic gardening. Be prepared and use safe netting, natural deterrents and raised beds.

These simple three words, I love you, are often struggled with the most. Many people find it difficult to express how they feel in words and often search for other ways to communicate just how much they care for someone. Between lovers ‘I love you’ can be a statement of commitment but there is also the love found between family and friends.

For those of us who want to express their feelings but can’t find the words there are flowers to turn to. Gift flowers have been used since time began to represent how we feel. Each flower has been bestowed with hidden meanings and can be used to communicate our most inner, deepest feelings when words just don’t seem to be enough. When selecting gift flowers it can be sensible to check the meaning of your flower selection to make sure you aren’t inadvertently communicating something negative.

One of the most renowned symbols of love is that of the rose. Its velvety petals and sweet musky scent represent everlasting and enduring love and communicate simply and unmistakably feelings of love, ardour and passion. Depending on the stage of your love you can choose between a variety of colours and arrangements so that your beau is in no doubt as to your feelings.

If you are merely admiring from afar then choose roses in light and pretty colours. Perhaps a mixed bouquet of whites, pinks and oranges. This keeps your flowers lights and romantic and will not scare the object of your affections away. If you have just had your first date then an arrangement of deep pink flowers will keep the romance flowing whether you send them before the date or order online flowers afterwards as a thank you for a wonderful evening. As love deepens and passions develop shower your loved one with deep red roses.

Summer is a fantastic time for flower arrangements. There are a variety of stunning blooms to be had that can be woven and arranged into breathtaking and eye catching bouquets. Summer flowers in the UK speak of the warmth, colour and beauty of this favourite season and when placed in the home they will breathe life into any room. There are some flowers that can only be found in the summer months so it’s ideal to pick these for a truly jubilant summer bouquet.

Sunflower

The sunflower represents the bright colours of summer and is often considered the flower symbol of the warmer months. These large, vibrant and eye catching flowers only bloom to their best effect in the summer time. They make bold and elaborate flower arrangements and are great when used as a table centrepiece.

Aster

Aster is always accompanied by a flurry of butterflies in the garden and can be found in a multitude of colours such as pink, white, purple and blue. Aster is used to symbolise variety, delicacy and patience in flower arrangements.

Sweet Pea

Add these sweetly fragranced blooms to flower arrangements to attract people to its delicate scent.

Daisy

The daisy speaks of innocence, purity and gentleness. It is often referred to as the ‘marker of summer’ and ‘day’s eye’ as it opens to welcome the sun and the closes as the last rays fade away.

Lily

Lilies are guaranteed to lift you and make you smile. A perfect choice for a summer bouquet.

Snapdragons

These flowers are stunning in flower arrangements and look particularly affective in a tall, slim vase.

Welcome the flowers of summer into your home and fill each room and space with summer blooms to delight your senses. They will not only lighten the room but lift your mood to sunny heights.

Many people enjoy feeding birds, encouraging them into their garden with bird food and a wide variety of garden bird feeders and tables to create a visual display as well as feeding the birds. You can buy bird tables from retailers of garden bird supplies which are suitable for placing bird food and water. Here are five tips to help you with bird feeding:

1. Choose your bird table with a practical eye, as a table that has an intricate design may look pleasing to the eye but may be difficult to keep hygienic and to clean.
2. Place your bird feeder or bird table in an area which is away from predators. For instance, don’t place too near to trees as cats and squirrels will use them to gain access to the table or feeder. Some birds like to feed from the ground such as thrushes. Clean up any left over food to avoid attracting vermin.
3. Never provide bird food in mesh bags as this can trap and injure bird’s feet and cause birds such as woodpeckers to trap their beaks. Place the food in a suitable holder which can be purchased from a garden bird supplies retailer.
4. To attract house sparrows and greenfinches use half a coconut filled with fat or bird cakes which you can purchase readymade. This can be fastened to a bracket on a wall or attached to your bird feeder.
5. Place nut feeders and seed feeders around the garden in strategic places so that a variety of birds will be attracted. Seed feeders will attract birds such as tits and greenfinches. Nut feeders should have mesh large enough to enable the birds to feed without damaging their beak but small enough to contain the nuts.

For information regarding bird food or garden bird feeders contact a reputable supplier who can give advice.

There are many bird watchers who enjoy nothing more than to embark on a journey to some of the finest spots in the United Kingdom to observe varieties of garden birds in the UK. There are many locations all over the UK for you to spot common garden birds. For advice you could join a local club so that you can enjoy bird watching with like minded people. Here are five top locations:

Clumber Park in Nottinghamshire is owned by the National Trust and contains many habitats which are perfect for wildlife and bird watching. With farmland, lakes and rivers you will find many species here including Hawfinches which are resident throughout the year as well as Woodlarks. The winter months provide opportunity to spot the more cautious birds such as the Marsh Tit. It can help to bring along some bird food to offer encouragement.
Spurn Point is a location where you will have the chance to spot rare birds. The first observatory for bird spotting was established here, with very good reason.
South west of Lincoln you will find Whisby Nature Park which is run by Lincolnshire Wildlife Trust. If you yearn to hear a nightingale sing or spot a turtle dove this is the place for you.
Gibralter Point is near Skegness and has marshes, scrubs and dunes where you may spot Kingfishers, Robins and Chaffinches.
Leighton Moss is close to Morecambe Bay and consists of freshwater pools and marsh surrounded by woodland. Bearded Tits are just one of the birds that you are likely to see with many woodland birds and water fowl. There are five hides available to visitors.

There are so many locations to spot garden birds in the UK that you will be spoilt for choice. Taking along any necessary equipment such as binoculars, camera and of course, some bird food is advisable for a pleasant day out enjoying nature.

Summer is a great time to sample new recipes for fresh, light, tasty dishes. Try these.

Strawberry, Mango and Cranberry salad

Make a light dressing with balsamic vinegar and olive oil. Toss some mixed green leaves (lettuces, rocket, cress) with the dressing. Add mangetout, sliced cucumber and green pepper if desired.
Sweeten a handful of dried cranberries with a little honey melted in warm water. Slice the strawberries and mango, and mix with the cranberries. Serve the fruit on a bed of the mixed greens.

Trout fillet with chilli

Make a marinade with two tablespoonfuls of olive oil, 1 crushed garlic clove, a red chilli, finely chopped, a teaspoonful of fresh ginger, grated, 3 teaspoonfuls of honey, the grated zest and juice of two limes, a teaspoonful of Thai fish sauce and a teaspoonful of sesame oil. Whisk together, adding seasoning to taste. Soak four trout fillets in the marinade for 15 minutes. Then, shallow fry the trout for 21/2 minutes each side. Serve with green salad.

Rosemary chicken with couscous

Make a vinaigrette dressing with white balsamic vinegar, olive oil, lemon juice, and a pinch of fresh rosemary. Mix together some cooled, pre-cooked chicken, a cupful of couscous, some crumbled Feta cheese, chopped cucumber, Kalamata olives, and sun-dried tomatoes. Drizzle the vinaigrette dressing over the mixture.

Dill potato salad

Dice some cold boiled potatoes. Mix a dressing with cider vinegar, a tablespoon of fresh chopped dill, a teaspoonful of Dijon mustard, and celery salt. Pour the dressing over the diced potatoes. Chunks of hard-boiled egg can be added.

Poached pears

Gently heat half a pint of wine (red or white) in a pan with a dash of fresh orange juice. Simmer the pears (fresh or tinned) in the liquid for 10-20 minutes until moderately soft. Remove the pears and de-core. Poached pears can be served warm or chilled, with added cream, ice cream, raspberries, chocolate sauce, or rice pudding.

Salads are great in summer but there is always the danger that they will become boring day after day during long hot spells. So why not think beyond simple lettuce and tomatoes? Here are some quick and easy recipes for salads with a difference for delicious dining for summer and beyond

Spinach with Strawberries and Pecans

Ingredients:

8 ounces of spinach, torn or small-leafed
1-2 cups of washed, sliced strawberries
½ cup of lightly-toasted pecan pieces
2-3 ounces of coarsely grated cheese ( blue, or goats cheese, goes well.)
For dressing:
1/4 cup of preferred oil
1 tablespoon sugar
2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
pinches dried tarragon, garlic powder and onion powder (or very fine chopped onion)
A shake of dried mustard

Simply toss together the spinach, pecans, strawberries and cheese. Mix the dressing ingredients, shake well, and when blended pour over the salad.

Cucumber with Dill

Ingredients

cucumber, peeled and sliced
1 tablespoon of fresh dill, chopped coarsely
salt and pepper
3-4 tablespoons of unseasoned rice vinegar, or cider vinegar

Just mix all the ingredients in a basin, cover, and chill for at least two hours before serving.

Honeyed Carrots

Ingredients

3 cups of grated carrot
½ cup raisins or dried cranberries
½ cup chopped pecans
1 tablespoon honey
4 tablespoons mayonnaise
pinch salt

Simply mix all together and serve. More honey or mayonnaise can be added, to taste.

Pesto Chicken Salad

Ingredients

3 chicken breasts, cooked and chopped
4 ounces cherry tomatoes
6 ounces cooked new potatoes
2 tablespoons toasted pinenuts
rocket leaves
For dressing:
4 tablespoons pesto
3 tablespoons white wine vinegar
4 teaspoons olive oil
squeeze of lemon juice

First make the dressing by whisking together the ingredients.
Toss the chicken, tomatoes, potatoes and pinenuts in a bowl and mix in the dressing. Serve on a bed of rocket leaves, topped with freshly ground pepper.

Who said salad was boring? Just a few fresh ingredients and a little imagination can leave your taste buds tingling.

Successful barbecues offer a mix of traditional and unusual flavours, to suit all-comers. These quick and easy recipes do just that.

Spicy Corn Cobs

Blend a teaspoonful of curry powder, some drops of Tabasco, and salt and pepper into an ounce of butter. Spread this thinly over cooked corn cobs, and wrap a rasher of bacon around each one. Secure with a cocktail or kebab stick. Cook for 5 minutes.

Stuffed Steak

Using thin minute steaks, spread the selected stuffing over one half of the meat, then fold the steak over, sandwich-style. Secure with a toothpick and brush with oil or melted butter. Cook thoroughly right through. Stuffings can be any combination of breadcrumbs, chopped onion or garlic, red or green peppers, tomatoes, sausage meat, mushrooms, apple, celery, chestnut puree, almonds, raisins, herbs and seasoning.

Traditional Burgers

For delicious basic burgers brush with oil first and do not overcook. To be different, add herbs to the oil, or serve with redcurrant jelly.

Cheesy chops

Brush some pork chops with oil, then coat with mixed breadcrumbs and grated cheese. Cook for 12 minutes. Be careful not to overcook your pork chops as they can become tough.

Kebabs

Traditionally a mixture of meat, onion, tomato, peppers and mushrooms on a stick. Try variations with pieces of frankfurter sausage, cucumber, celery, carrot, olives, mango, apple, orange, and banana.

Prawns

Prawns can be cooked with or without batter. To vary the traditional and tingle your tastebuds further, brush the raw prawns with a mixture of white wine and chopped parsley before cooking for 5-6 minutes

Banana Delight

Cook bananas, in their skins, till blackened. Peel, and sprinkle on lemon and sugar. Serve with whipped cream or ice cream. Chopped nuts, chocolate sauce, or a dash of rum or Bailey’s Irish Cream can be added.