In the middle of winter, everyone wants to return to warm kitchen after being outside. There’s nothing quite like taking off your boots, sitting at the table and taking that first sip of hot tea after a chilly walk. Whether you’re decorating your first home or planning a renovation, it’s worth putting time and effort into the kitchen and it's an area of the home I have priortised myself. There has been a lot of learning curves and I've learnt a lot along the way so I thought. Below, we’ve shared some of the most practical and stylish ideas for a cosy kitchen this winter. Introduce warm c ..read more

We all know that this time of the year can be very expensive, between sorting out gifts for loved ones, meals out, socialising with friends and making magical memories with our kids, it all adds up and while there is nothing wrong with paying a bit more than usual for a special festive treat or grotto, it can feel like a financially exhausting time, but never fear there is plenty on and around South Wales that is free or low cost to help get the festival excitement going.  * Light of Winter Free Light Trail, Cardiff, 14th Nov - 5th Jan Brighten up your winter – experience 11 illuminate ..read more

It is not unusual for people to feel exhausted at the end of their working week, especially at this time of the year. While there might not be as many manual jobs as there once were, the mental strain that is put on the body has never been greater. Much of this can be put down to continual advances in digital technology, which while sometimes making things more accessible and quicker, also has its drawbacks. It also means that we are working longer & more unsociable hours than before and we don't always get that much-needed downtime on weekends and evenings. Being constantly available ..read more

A great bathroom should be functional. This is a room that serves an important practical purpose, and it’s important it does it well. Good appliances, plumbing and ventilation are therefore essential – especially in busy family households. But style matters too. What’s more, a family bathroom can look the part without compromising on functionality. Let’s consider how this might be done. Incorporate Child-Friendly Features Without Sacrificing Style If you have small children in the house, then you might consider cabinetry and appliances that can withstand knocks and scratches, and which c ..read more

A campervan can provide a tremendously rewarding way to spend a holiday as a family, it's something I've done a few times with my kids and not only is it a fun adventure but also a great way to bond and have some quality family time. If this is going to be your first campervan holiday, however, then you’ll want to take a few preparatory steps before you embark as it's not like a normal holiday and can take a few adjustments to get comfortable.  By getting the planning stages right, you’ll minimise the likelihood of something going wrong, and give yourself the best chance of a memorabl ..read more

One of the most important accessories in any wardrobe are bags, not only because they are practical and serve a purpose but because of the style & sophistication each one can bring. French luxury handbags are more than just an accessory to make your outfit complete, they are historical pieces, showcasing the best of French design and craftsmanship.  Are you fascinated by the history of handbags and how that ties in with French culture and their passion for style and fashion? Below is an exploration of the most iconic pieces of French fashion and how they can change your life for t ..read more

While the flow and spaciousness of open-plan living offer many benefits, it’s not always the most practical layout. Assigning spaces for certain purposes becomes more challenging when walls are removed. But there are still ways to create functional zones without them. Follow our tips to bring more purpose to your open-plan home. Strategic furniture placement You don’t always need walls to separate living spaces, you can do it with furniture. Sofas, tables, shelving units and other additions can be incredibly effective dividers, helping to define spaces without closing your open-plan home ..read more

We all know how important financial literacy is for children and teens as they move forward through their life, we need to prepare them for an increasingly expensive world were budgeting skills are needed more than ever. It's one life skill we cannot ignore and starting from a young age is important and there are plenty of ways to encourage a healthy approach to money that is both engaging and fun for children.  As parents, it's our role to instil a healthy attitude towards money, both for ourselves and our children. I would always recommend putting things in place like Life insurance a ..read more

Christmas is just around the corner, which means that it is about to get busy in terms of gatherings, parties and social plans. While seeing family and friends can be a fantastic mood booster, it's easy to feel fatigued and tired, which can show in your skin. It's really important to still stay hydrated and if possible get enough sleep and look after yourself during this busy time and that includes your skincare.  This post will offer five tips that will help you feel amazing for all your social events and get in the festive spirit. 1. Stay hydrated and stay consistent Winter can b ..read more

One of our favourite places to visit during the summer, but also the colder months, is Cardiff Bay Wetlands, a short walk from the vibrant bay area of the Welsh capital.  It's easy to miss and many people who live in the city don't even know it's there but it's well worth seeking out as it's a lovely quiet and tranquil place to explore and soak in beautiful views across the bay and people off all ages can enjoy it.  The wetlands are completely free to explore and cover 8 hectares of former salt marsh and are now a biodiversity hotspot within the capital and is now home to a variety ..read more