Removing stains from your solid wood floors

 

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I love entertaining and having family and friends around, who doesn't, but often little accidents happen when there is a gathering of young and old. Kids will run around, adults will get a little tipsy, there is often food and drink spills so how can you tackle them especially as you have a new solid wood floor and someone spills their red wine. You heart sinks. That's it, it's ruined, and you have a huge bill on your hand to have it fixed. But don't fear, if you act fast there is a chance it can be saved!

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Before you panic and empty your cleaning products cupboard, it's important to assess the situation properly. If you know what's stained your floor, then it's possible that you can contact the manufacture for advice.

 

Like anything, a pale or white stain should be easy to remove. However, a darker stain is a little trickier and sometimes sanding can be the only way to remove it. 

Perhaps the most effective way of removing stains is to use hydrogen peroxide or special stain remover This is affordable and easy to get hold of, it's your most reliable source to get the stain off. Just dab it in a .cloth and place it over the stain and leave it for around 6 hours. The stain should hopefully be gone after this time, however if it's extra stubborn (like red wine) then leave it again for another 12 hours.

In most cases, this should remove the stain. However in cases where the stain is too stubborn and refuses to budge a more drastic measure may be necessary such as sanding your flooring. Most hard floors would not need this as they last 15-20 years if maintained well. It is possible to sand down and refinish a certain area where the stain in, but this can make it look uneven so just be aware and get a specialist to do it.

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How to Plan a Staycation in Your Home

 

Image Credit-Pixabay

Since our recent lockdown in UK, due to COVID-19 pandemic raging around, all our morale’s are very low as taking a vacation is almost out of the question. However, that doesn’t mean that you can’t have some fun, as you can instead plan what is known as a “staycation.” A staycation can be held just about anywhere, regardless of whether you live in the UK, another part of the world or in an L.A. apartment or just close to one of the Washington D.C houses for sale. Unfortunately, many people don’t know how to properly plan for a staycation, as they simply don’t know how to have fun and relax in their own home. So how can you avoid common staycation planning traps? Here are some tips for planning a staycation in your home.

Shelf Chores and Housework

When staying at home for a staycation, it may be tempting to engage in various forms of housework. After all, you are stuck in the house, so what better time to get things done? However, this type of thinking will ruin your staycation. Once you start doing chores and housework, it will be difficult to stop. You want to relax and enjoy your staycation, not ruin it with work and chores. Try to finish all major tasks and chores before you begin your staycation. If that’s not possible, try your best to resist doing chores and housework, and instead simply enjoy yourself. This is your time to relax and be lazy, so enjoy it!

Disconnect From the World

Something that we don’t realize we do when we’re on vacation is disconnecting from the world, as it just happens naturally when you’re on vacation. People aren’t preoccupied with watching the news or keeping up with their social media feeds since they’re engrossed with what is going on during their vacation. This disconnect from the world creates even more relaxation, as you are not hyper-focused on other people the whole time. You need to emulate this disconnect while on your staycation. Doing so means that you need to greatly limit the amount of social media you consume and try to worry over the news a little bit less. Your staycation should be a time for you to relax and be yourself, not worry about outside events out of your control.

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Think of Fun Activities

Just because you’re staying in your home doesn’t mean you have to miss out on fun activities, as you can simply create your own. There are plenty of activities for you to plan with your family. These activities can range from indoor board game night, to outdoor activities, such as backyard camping or you can even set up a tent in your front room if its too cold outside or you don't like creepy crawlies like me. Build a campfire in the garden, cook a meal and huddle in rugs and enjoy the evening.

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Those who have lots of imagination and creativity will be able to come up with lots of ideas to make their staycation that much more enjoyable. You have plenty of time to spend, so why not spend it doing some extremely fun and creative activities?

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Some ideas for the entertainment:

• Set up a cinema in your front room, have lots of cosy rugs, bean bags, popcorn, drinks and nibbles.
• Set up gaming tournament with family teams, monopoly, articulate and pictionary are some fun games to enjoy.
• Have a cook off with family members, make teams and get each team to make a dish which you can enjoy for dinner.
• Host your own Britain’s got talent and get each member to perform, you can vote for the winner.
• Set up a restaurant in your dining room and dress up for dinner.

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Binge Your Favourite Shows and Movies

Another fantastic way to spend your staycation is by bingeing your favourite shows and movies. It’s always tempting to watch Netflix when you have work to do or need to be in bed early, but you can never fully enjoy it. When you’re on a staycation, it is one of the rare times where you can enjoy watching your shows without feeling guilty or procrastinating. Catch up on some missed episodes of your cherished show, or try watching a new series altogether. This is your time to sit back and relax, so why not enjoy your short listed entertainment list?

I hope you enjoy some of my ideas, I would love to hear about any ideas you have to enjoy a staycation, please do share them in the comments below.

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Unique gifting ideas for Christmas.

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This year with the unfortunate COVID situation and lockdown, Christmas shopping will be mostly on line. You can buy anything online these days without moving from your armchair. However it is a good to try and support small business as much as you can during these difficult times.You can also purchase some really nice unique and useful gifts. I am sharing some ideas below, do check out these gift recommendations.

Handmade cards, inspirational quotes, custom designed scrapbooks.  

This small business run by Roshni Kanabar Designs designs has some very unique gift ideas. There is a huge range of individually designed custom made cards, inspirational quotes, design prints and the most fabulous personalised scrapbooks for lockdown, travel, weddings, birthdays and christenings. 

In fact you can get any occasion scrapbook personalised made to order. Furthermore all items come beautifully packaged and are available to ship anywhere in the world. They are so elegant that the receiver will be totally thrilled with the gift.

Vegetarian and Vegan Cookery Classes

During lockdown, the sales of cookbooks soared as more and more people started cooking since restaurants were closed. Some people took up cooking as they had more time on their hands, others did it for survival so that they could enjoy varied dishes to eat. The cookery classes are run on zoom, the classes are informal, really fun and you can cook along. At the end of the lesson you will have a lovely dish to enjoy. A variety of recipes such as Indian, Chinese, Thai, Salads and Soups are taught in class. The classes can be booked in a group setting or one to one if you prefer individual  tuition. Gift vouchers are also available.You can find more details about the classes and how to book by checking cook with simply.food

Customised T shirts

You can never have too many T Shirts in your wardrobe, they are so versatile and can be smart, casual, fun and comfortable. I really like T shirts with quotes, inspirational messages and  artwork. Why not check out Pixels, for art inspired clothing and apparel. 

The website you can find Men's T - Shirts and Women's T-Shirts apparel designed by independent artists from all over the world. Each product ships within 3 - 4 business days and includes a 30-day money-back guarantee. There are some really lovely prints and designs to choose from, the choice is enormous and there many styles to suit all tastes.

Gifting should not put any one under pressure, after all it's the thought that counts, not how big or how expensive a gift is. Gifts made at home, cookies, cakes, cards or any thing that is made with love is always more appreciated by the receiver. Do you have any unique gift ideas that you would like to share? Please leave your ideas in the comments below.

**collaborative posts (T-Shirt photos courtesy of  Pixels.)

How Decor-Finishing Touches,

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In my last blog post I wrote all about some things to consider when you are thinking of buying your own property. There are many things to consider, but once you have crossed that threshold and you have managed to make your purchase you should congratulate yourself. Owning your own property and getting your foot on the property ladder is a big achievement and very exciting.

Some people prefer to purchase properties that are run down and have the potential to be refurbished to  their own taste. Properties of this kind can often be cheaper to buy, as they need a lot of work doing.They are great for someone who has a lot of time on their hands and has a vision of redesigning their optimum dream home or someone who is purchasing a property as an investment. The plus side is that you are starting with a blank canvas to make your own, however you would also need to have somewhere to live whilst the major renovations are happening.

Buying a new property or ready refurbished property is perfect for those who don't want the hassle of planning all the decorations, getting workmen to renovate and have the stress of overseeing the whole project. Usually the fixtures, and fittings are neutral that come in new properties, so all you need is to buy the furniture and add the final finishing touches.

What sort of finishing touches do you need?

Rugs and Throws

I love rugs and throws, you can add lots of colour and texture by choosing multicoloured rugs and throws with different prints, trimmings and buttons. The good thing by adding colour with accessories is that you can switch them around for different seasons. This is an inexpensive way to make a change in decor.

Prints and Wall Arts

Plain walls can be jazzed up with wall art and art prints. You can gets prints in various different designs such as abstract, animal prints, architectural, botanical, celebrity and city prints. I love botanical prints with abstract flowers and sketches. It's easy to frame the prints in stylish photo frames to match your home decor and hang them up on walls in your hallway and bedrooms. I also love canvas prints and tapestries, they add a really nice touch to larger wall spaces. 

If you are looking for some ideas for decorating your walls with, why not check out for some really cool and amazing artwork from Fine Art America

Cushions 

I adore scatter cushions, these are a great way to add extra colour and cosiness to any room. I have a little alcove in my bedroom where I have a little storage box with a seating over it. It is lovely to have cushions there to add colour.

Wall Hangings, buntings and Garlands 

Wall hangings, buntings  and garlands in bright colours made with pompoms and colourful fabrics give a really Moroccan  feel to a room.

Lamps, lights, candles and plants 

Lamps, lights, candles and plants all add a nice touch to a room. These can  give a room warmth and you can create a lovely ambience.

All these decorative finishing touches will really enhance make your living space and give it your own personality. Do you have any ideas that you use for decorating your home? Do share in the comments below.

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Some things to consider when buying your own home.

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Buying your first home can be exciting and at the same time very daunting. There are many things to consider. First of all it would be a good idea to create a spread sheet to add up all the costs. Next start to do your research, buying a house needs lots of consideration and creating a budget to check the finances is very important.

What are the main things to consider?

Mortgage arrangement fee

Look for a mortgage lender that will be willing to lend you the money. You will need to have proof of documentation such as payslips, credit checks and references too. There will be a mortgage fee which you will have to budget for. 

Valuation fee

You will need to pay the lender a fee to carry out a valuation for the property. There is a charge for this which you will need to set aside. This cost will vary depending on the purchase price.

Legal fees

You will need to appoint a solicitor to work on your behalf and you will also need to include conveyancing fees.

Stamp duty

This is the fee that a buyer has to pay if the property is more than £125.00 and it is to cover the land tax and the stamp duty. There is no stamp duty payable for first time buyers for the first 300,000 pounds on any home costing up to 500.000 pounds.

Survey charges

You need to get the property that you are planning on buying surveyed to ensure that it is sound and there are no major structural problems with it. You will have to pay this fee for each property you are considering to buy, in case a sale falls through.

Removal Costs

You will need to pay removal fees so budget for this expense too. You will need to roughly estimate how much luggage you have and then check with removal company for an estimate. This depends on the amount of items you have that  needs to be moved. Removal companies also offer a packing and unpacking services at additional costs.Make sure you budget in prices for boxes, crates, tissue paper, brown paper, string, brown tape and bubble wrap.

 

 

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Home repairs

Wiring - get an electrician to check that the wiring is sound and safe.

Plumbing - check for dripping taps, flow and water pressure.

Heating - have the boiler serviced to ensure it’s in good working order.

New kitchen installation - you can get estimates to have a kitchen fully fitted or just give it a makeover by just changing cupboard doors and giving it a coat of paint.

Building bedroom furniture- you can do this your self or appoint specialists to do this.

Check List

You will need to list all the renovations that are needed and put them in order of urgency to action.

Check the quality of the decorations such as painting/wall papering and if they need immediate action or are they something you can live with and can change in due time.

Carpets or flooring- You will need to decide if the floors are in good condition. Some types of flooring to consider are tiled floors and wooden floors, such as hard wood and parquet laminate flooring. They are a good investment, and they are easy to maintain, hard wearing and great for any type of floor space.

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Parquet Laminate flooring is a type of wood flooring made from small blocks or strips of wood which are laid to create a regular and geometric pattern. Parquet flooring can be made from oak, walnut, cherry, lime, pine and maple. It is laid in regular and geometric, angular shapes. You will see squares, triangles and lozenges featuring strongly in traditional parquet flooring. These can be very stylish and can really enhance the floor space in any room.

Furniture and extras

You will need to make a list of all furniture that you will need and prioritise them into as what is needed foremost.

• Dining table and Chairs
• Wardrobes
• Storage

You can get second hand furniture to keep you going in the interim, or ask family and friends if they have items they are replacing and no longer need. Think of up cycling old furniture to save costs. Check out some great ideas to furnish a new home on a budget.

Once you have looked into all these factors and created your spread sheet for the budget you will need, you can start to save up the deposit for your optimum property. 

Are you a home owner or are you thinking of purchasing your own home? Do share your tips in the comments below of any other useful suggestions.

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