Janet Ramsden

Though the figures state that crime is going down, it is of little comfort to those who have been affected by it. Even a tiny theft can leave people devastated and feeling unsafe in their home, so it is vital that we all take what steps we can to deter thieves and intruders. If your property presents difficulties or obstacles to them, burglars will move along to a softer target. It’s as simple as that.

There are DIY improvements that we can make to the security of our property. You don’t have to employ engineers to install the latest integrated security systems if you can’t afford them. Here are a few essential home security tips you can’t afford to ignore.

Start With The Basics

The first line of defense between your belongings and a burglar is a suitable lock. Three lever mortice locks are easier to pick than five lever alternatives. They are easy to swap if you can use a screwdriver, but a locksmith will not charge much to change them for you. Follow these instructions to change it yourself:

• Remove the handle from one side of the door. It is held on with four screws.
• When the handle is off, withdraw the square section metal bar that runs through the door into the other handle.
• Remove the two screws that hold the lock into the door and remove it.
• Install the new lock in the reverse order.

As you can see, it is a simple and straightforward job.

If your window catches do not have locks, you can replace them with aftermarket products. They fix to the window frames with a couple of screws and are enough to deter a burglar because they will have to break the glass to gain access. That makes an unwanted noise from their point of view.

DIY Burglar Alarm

You can protect your property with a wireless alarm kit. They are widely available online or in stores and are simplicity itself to fit. The PIR detectors are powered by batteries and connect to the control panel wirelessly. All you have to do is fix them in position. In only one day, you can be the proud owner of a sophisticated system that will alert the neighborhood if someone causes an activation.

Security Lighting

If you know how to fit a plug on a cable, you can install a security light with an integral PIR detector. The fittings use five-hundred watt halogen bulbs that are powerful enough to make it look like daytime in your backyard. Intruders prefer to carry out their dirty deeds under cover of darkness. You must connect a piece of 1.5mm flex to the fitting. There are three connections; live, neutral, and earth. When you have done so, drill a hole through the wall and push the cable through into the house. Once inside, put a plug on it and insert it into a socket. It’s a satisfying DIY job because the light is extremely useful in the evenings.

If you take these small steps, those who are up to no good will move elsewhere, and your property will be safe and secure. It will lift some of the anxiety that crime causes and help you sleep better at night. When you consider the low cost of these improvements, we have no excuse for ignoring them any longer. Have you heard the phrase about shutting the stable door after the horse has bolted? Don’t be a victim of crime.

Tim Goodacre

A dining room is unlike any other in the house. It is where we entertain, so it must be an attractive and comfortable place to spend time. It is also a functional space where we gather as a family for at least one meal every day.

If you have a dining room and you don’t know how to decorate and outfit it, you will find some handy tips here. They will inspire you to create a practical and aesthetically pleasing space that will enhance your home.

Here are some creative ideas to help you design the perfect living room.

Decoration

It is one room where you don’t have to worry about creating a feeling of space. If the table and chairs fit comfortably, it is enough. If you want to use flock wallpaper here, go ahead. I spend all of my time advising people not to use wallpaper that has intricate patterns, but this is one room where you can. When people sit around the table, such decoration can make the space seem cosy and intimate. Dark shades are acceptable too. They help to create a romantic or sultry mood in the evenings. People enjoy dining in the dim glow of candlelight, and the dark walls will enhance their experience.

Warm Flooring

When I dish out parenting tips and home design ideas for kids, I mention the benefit of laminate flooring over carpet often. It is an ideal product to use in the dining room because you can mop it clean. The problem is that it can feel cold underfoot in the evenings when you host a dinner party. As in the image, you should place a rug to cover the seating area and keep your guest’s toes warm. If there are no young children living in the house, I recommend that you use carpet in the dining room. It adds to the luxurious ambiance there.

Dining Furniture

Thank heavens the trend for French reproduction furniture is over. I like a dining table and chairs to be chunky and substantial. These days people often make one from recycled scaffold planks and other timbers. It must take pride of place in the centre of the room so that your visitors can move around it with ease. That is why you must consider the size before you buy or make one. It must be of an appropriate scale. Dress the table with a Noritake dinner set, or one from any other leading manufacturer, even when it isn’t in use. It’s not necessary to put all of the cutlery out, just some mats, plates, and dishes. The pieces are attractive, and they enhance the look of the space.

Subtle Lighting Ideas

The main lights must be controlled by a dimmer switch, and strategically placed table lamps will create a mood. Don’t be tempted to fit a rise and fall fitting, they went out of style decades ago. Of course, you should also stand a candelabra in the middle of the table.

You can hang as many pieces of art on the walls as you like in this room. They will help to create a cosy atmosphere, and you dining room will look stunning. Invite your friends around often and be a perfect host. A space that doesn’t get much use is a waste; I’m sure you agree.

Who doesn’t want clearer, healthier looking skin? When you are running around all day being super mum, it can be difficult to have that youthful glow. Having healthy, clear skin is important for many. But, for busy mums it can seem like an impossible dream. There are some great ways to ensure that your skin is in superb condition. You don’t have to break the bank to achieve this either. Simply make some changes to your skin care regimen so that you have beautiful looking skin that everyone will be envious of.

With thanks to Luke Lehrfeld for the image

1.    Quit Smoking
Quitting smoking has a number of advantages. Your skin looking amazing is one of them. Smoking causes skin to lose its elasticity; this can leave you looking pale and withdrawn. What is more, smoking contributes to fine lines that can leave you looking older than your years. Aside from having a detrimental impact on your health, smoking can cause a multitude of skin problems too. So, if you want to know what is good for your health and your skin, it’s time to ditch the cigarettes.

2.    Use Good, Quality Moisturizing Creams
Using a good quality moisturizer is critical to your skin looking good. You should aim to use products like Skinception stretch mark cream on your body and cold creams on your face. Moisturizers can act as a cleanser and a toner. They are much gentler to your skin than using harsh abrasive cleansers. A cold cream can rid your skin of dirt that clogs pores. No one wants to be prone to blackheads. A stretch mark cream will ensure that fine lines and scars are reduced. You don’t need a wealth of skin care products in your cosmetic bag. You need quality over quantity. Your skin will look fabulous in no time at all.

3.    Drink More Water
While it may seem like common sense to drink more water, so few of us do this. With the kids in tow, it may seem that caffeine is our best friend. But, try to limit your coffee intake. This can age the skin dramatically. Drink a liter of water per day and ensure that your skin is positively glowing. You will look radiant and beautiful in no time at all. Plus, you will be less prone to breakouts and dull skin. You will feel more energetic and lively. Who knew that the humble glass of water could improve your lifestyle?

4.    Be Gentle on Your Skin
So many of us are harsh to our skin. This is a beauty no-no. The key to having glorious, healthy skin is to use fewer chemicals. Using harsh chemicals and cleansers can leave the skin looking damaged and raw. It’s time to be gentle on your skin to see its appearance improved. Avoid using strong soaps and harsh scrubbing techniques. Make sure that you use skin care cosmetics that complement your skin tone. You don’t want to be left oily or dry by using inappropriate skin care products. The key to your beauty success is to use skin appropriate creams.

As much as we love our men, their wardrobe tastes may leave a lot to be desired. You have probably looked through his wardrobe and thought ‘what the heck is that?’ It’s okay; we have all been there. If the man in your life needs some hot tips on how to dress, you are just the woman to do it. Here are some fantastic tips that you can utilize to make your kids daddy, cool.

Image has been sourced from Jordan B via Flickr

What is the Occasion?

Do you have a big event coming up? If so, you can’t go wrong with a dapper suit. Stick to classic black, in a tailored style, for maximum impact. He doesn’t need to invest in a tux, but a perfect suit that fits in all the right places is sure to wow. Add a crisp white shirt and a pencil thin tie. He will look the epitome of cool and sophisticated.

You may just want to update his general, day-to-day style. You cannot go wrong with a classic pair of dark denim jeans and short sleeve shirts. These look sophisticated and fashionable. What is more, this won’t is too much of a culture shock to him. If your man is used to dressing in comfy jogging bottoms and over-sized t-shirts, decking him out in skinny jeans isn’t going to work. You want to make sure that he feels comfortable in his new attire, but also update his retro-look.

Starting Small: Don’t Frighten Him!

You don’t want to overwhelm him with new wardrobe choices. You should seek to start small. Make small, subtle changes that he is sure to love. Is he a fan of a printed tee? If so, you can start by updating and modernizing the t-shirts in his collection. Aim to get him a new t-shirt every week. These subtle changes will make sure that he doesn’t feel like you are trying to change him. Add jeans, denim, shirts and ties when you see fit. Don’t remove his entire wardrobe in one foul swoop. He will notice and may be offended. Starting small is the key to yours, and his, fashion success.

Shoes Matter

For women, we love shoes. Men, on the other hand, are less than enamored with shoes. Update his sneakers with a cool pair of Converse. He will look down to earth and comfortable, but oh-so-fashionable in the process. In terms of more formal shoe wear, a classic pair of brogues is suitable for any occasion. Opt for black or brown and keep the wackier colors for the younger generations. Tan looks sophisticated and smart and will take him from office to date night in no time at all.

Compliment His New Clothes

Complimenting his new finery will ensure that he wears your carefully selected clothes all the time. Tell him that he looks handsome in his new clothes. He will be sure to wear them time and time again. After all, we all love compliments your husband or spouse is no different. That will make sure that your efforts are not wasted, and he looks the embodiment of daddy cool.