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THE BEST MICHELIN-STARRED CASINO RESTAURANTS IN THE WORLD

Editorial Team
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THE BEST MICHELIN-STARRED CASINO RESTAURANTS IN THE WORLD

Are your chips down and you’re in need of some edible ones? Done staking big and hungry for a big steak? Hoping to turn white meat into, erm, white meat? Or would you simply prefer to be eating squab rather than be mistaken for a pigeon?

Well, your luck just came in. Because the poker, blackjack and baccarat tables aren’t the only hot seats in the house. As any keen player will know, casinos across the world are as much temples of gastronomy as they are of gaming and you’ll find some incredible dining options in Vegas, Macau and beyond.

Today, we’re considering only the very best, where you can walk away from the floor with your winnings and be dining on caviar, truffles and the rest within minutes. With all that in mind, here are the best Michelin-starred casino restaurants in the world.

JOËL ROBUCHON AT MGM GRAND, LAS VEGAS

We’ve used a little poetic license here, admittedly, because Las Vegas hasn’t actually had a Michelin Guide printed for the past 12 years. In fact, the 2008 and 2009 editions were, curiously, the only time Michelin awarded stars in the city, with the financial crisis affecting tourism in Las Vegas and causing the demand for fine dining in the City of Sin to plummet.

In that 2009 guide, there were 17 stars awarded in total, with the late, great Joël Robuchon’s eponymous restaurant at the MGM Grand the only establishment gaining the coveted 3 stars. Though the Michelin Guide hasn’t returned to the city yet, Joël Robuchon at the MGM Grand remains, and standards have only got higher in the decade that followed. 

Prices, it has to be said, have risen in tandem; you’ll pay around $500 for a 16 course tasting menu of nominally French dishes. In reality, the super creative, technically bulletproof chef created a style all of his own during his illustrious career, and many view his MGM restaurant as the finest realisation of his vision.

The restaurant is open Thursday to Monday, from 5:30 pm to 9:30 pm. With only twelve tables, booking well in advance is recommended.

RESTAURANT GUY SAVOY AT CAESARS PALACE, LAS VEGAS

Photo by Caesars Palace

We’ll stay in Vegas for now, and head just a mile north to Caesars Palace. Though the temperature might be pushing 40°C out there in the desert, you’re going to want to walk off those 16 courses to prepare yourself for the next round, as Restaurant Guy Savoy at Caesars Palace boasts a similarly opulent menu.

A winner of 2 Michelin stars in the 2009 Las Vegas guide, the restaurant is designed to be a replica of the renowned chef’s Paris flagship, with the City of Light and the Neon Capital of the World sharing many of Savoy’s signature dishes. His iconic artichoke and black truffle soup is all present and correct here, and yours for just $75.

To really hammer home the kinship, Restaurant Guy Savoy overlooks Vegas’ famous half-scale replica of the Eiffel Tower. Sadly, the Las Vegas iteration isn’t half the price to match; a celebratory tasting menu will set you back $555. Hopefully, the angel number will bring you some luck back at the tables. Perhaps save this one for celebrating a big win.

Open from Wednesday to Sunday, 5:30 pm to 9:30 pm.

JADE DRAGON AT CITY OF DREAMS, MACAU

The Vegas of the East, as Macau is sometimes known, boasts one of the most revered restaurant scenes in the world, with all of its 17 Michelin starred restaurants within a five mile radius.

If you’re keen to experience Cantonese cuisine served with all the bells, whistles, pomp and tradition intact, then 3 Michelin starred Jade Dragon at City of Dreams is where you should head. 

The setting is as illustrious as what arrives in your bespoke bamboo baskets, with a vaulted ceiling, original artworks and royal golds and silvers adorning the walls, upholstery and crockery. 

The signature Peking Goose, all lacquered finish and skin which shatters like glass (in the best possible way) is a must order. Do be aware that you have to do so in advance. Should that level of foresight slip your mind, then fear not; their Iberico pork collar, grilled over lychee wood, is equally good.

For those looking to shake off the excesses of Macau’s less salubrious side, the signature seasonal healing soups and Peach Oolong tea will see you right. Interestingly, the Jade Dragon’s Dim Sum and tea pairing is particularly revered, and is a great choice for a light lunchtime treat. Prices are admirably reasonable for a restaurant of such repute; six poached lobster wontons, for instance, will set you back 108 HK$, the equivalent of a tenner.

Open every day, for lunch between 12 pm and 3 pm, and for dinner between 6 pm and 10:30 pm.

LE LOUIS XV – ALAIN DUCASSE AT L’HÔTEL DE PARIS, NEXT DOOR TO CASINO MONTE CARLO

Whilst we realise Le Louis XV – Alain Ducasse doesn’t qualify as a casino restaurant per se, we just couldn’t leave this 3 Michelin starred paean to French haute cuisine off our list. Considering the equally iconic Casino Monte Carlo is just a two minute walk across Place du Casino away, we think Le Louis XV could be considered one. Sorry chef.

The first hotel restaurant to ever receive 3 Michelin stars, Alain Ducasse was just 33 years old when he was given that most prestigious of accolades. Now, chef Dominique Lory is at the pass, with his supremely light touch on the plate inspired by the restaurant’s position on the Côte d’Azur. Accordingly, there’s a six course, fish focused lunch menu celebrating the Riviera for €180, a relative snip considering a single course in the evening can set you back the same amount.

Le Louis XV is open for lunch on Saturdays and Sundays, between midday and 1:15 pm, and Thursday to Monday evenings, 7:30 pm to 21:15 pm.   

WAKU GHIN BY TETSUYA WAKUDA AT MARINA BAY SANDS, SINGAPORE

The world’s most expensive city. An iconic casino, the Marina Bay Sands, which boasts one of the world’s largest Swarovski crystal chandeliers and was the world’s second most expensive to construct (the MGM Grand taking the crown). And finally, one of the world’s best Michelin starred casino restaurants, Waku Chin by Tetsuya Wakuda. What could possibly go wrong?

At the Blackjack table, plenty. But under the care of chef Wakuda at his 2 Michelin starred Teppanyaki-Omakase restaurant, you’ll be in very safe hands, indeed. 

At Waku Chin, a tasting menu is served to 25 lucky guests in two sittings each night, at either 5 pm or 8 pm, with prices varying according to what’s in season and what’s arrived fresh to the restaurant that day. Rest assured; whatever you’re served, the food is always impeccable and often playful. The signature here – a cold pasta of Botan shrimp, French truffle, Murasaki uni and Oscietra Caviar – often opens the tasting menu and is sublime.

Chef Wakuda is also the only official ambassador of sake outside of Japan, so expect an incredible selection of premium bottles, some of which you won’t find anywhere else in the world.

And if Waku Ghin is the only blowout of your trip to the Lion City, then check out these 6 IDEAL tips for Singapore on a budget.

SICHUAN MOON AT WYNN PALACE, MACAU

A relatively new addition to Macau’s Michelin starred casino restaurant scene, Sichuan Moon at the luxury Wynn Palace is one of the most exciting new restaurants in the world. 

The creation of acclaimed chef Andre Chiang, Sichuan Moon celebrates the super spicy, fragrant cuisine of China’s Sichuan region and currently is the only place on the planet to receive 2 Michelin stars doing so. 

Menu highlights include an ultra-refined take on Dan Dan noodles served in a teapot (diners are encouraged to pull these symbols of longevity through its spout!) and an visually arresting version of Ma Po Tofu presented nestled in a bay leaf cup.

But if you think a 15 course tasting menu somewhat sells out on the soul of Sichuan food, fear not; chilli oil, preserved, fermented greens, hot and sour soups…lip service (numbed, naturally) is paid to tradition in every bite. Incredible!

Sichuan Moon is currently, though temporarily, closed until further notice, but we expect this groundbreaking restaurant to be back to its best in the coming months.

PACO RONCERO RESTAURANTE AT CASINO DE MADRID, MADRID

Something a little different to finish, and only the second European restaurant to feature on our best Michelin starred casino restaurants list. 

Take the incredible 19th century staircase to the top floor of the Casino de Madrid, and you’ll find an exuberant, often mischievous dining room that reflects chef Paco Roncero’s playful take on the cuisine of Spain. An alumnus of El Bulli, expect that trademark interaction and theatrics across a multi course tasting menu that surprises and delights at every turn.

Tasting menus at the 2 Michelin starred Paco Roncero Restaurante are €165.

The restaurant is open for lunch (1:30 pm to 4:30 pm) Wednesday through Sunday, and dinner on Friday and Saturday (8 pm to 11 pm). 

Should you be planning on gambling during your visit to these casino restaurants, be sure to gamble responsibly. Be Gamble Aware offers confidential help for anyone who is worried about theirs or someone else’s gambling.

5 OF THE BEST SPECIALITY COFFEE SUBSCRIPTION SERVICES

Vicky Clifford Sanghad
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5 OF THE BEST SPECIALITY COFFEE SUBSCRIPTION SERVICES

Can you imagine your day without a cup of fresh coffee? Oooh, don’t start…

Actually, we’re not sure we could start the day without one.

If you answered in the negative to that first question and you’re sailing in the same caffeine-soaked boat as us, then can we assume that you’re something of a coffee aficionado? That you know your arabica from your robusta, your cortado from your cappuccino, and your moka from your, erm, mocha?

That said, even connoisseurs can get complacent. If you’re tired of the same old cup of Joe and feel like you’re missing out on flavour, then a speciality coffee subscription service is a great way to expand your expertise in this fascinating field. It’s also an affordable way to experience some of the world’s best coffee each and every morning.

WHAT EXACTLY IS SPECIALITY COFFEE?

Speciality coffee refers to elite, high level coffee that passes all the required tests set by the Speciality Coffee Association, from the initial phase of seed plantation to the manufacturing of the final product. 

Though definitions of speciality coffee do differ between the Speciality Coffee Association of America and the European Association, three minimum requirements form the backbone of the grading system:

  • The coffee should have been hand picked rather than via machine, with the former able to prioritise mature beans
  • The coffee must score 80 or above in the SCA’s 0 – 100 scoring system
  • The coffee must have a maximum of just 5 defects per 350 g

What’s more, the seeds have to be non-GMO, as well as unprocessed, to promise high quality from the beginning of the journey to your morning cup. Farmers need to have knowledge and experience to ensure proper plantation and soil quality, and this is usually achieved in special microclimates within the ‘Bean Belt’ between the Tropics of Cancer and Capricorn, where the climate is most suitable for coffee plants to flourish. Here, you’ll find some of the most highly regarded and prolific coffee producing countries in the world, like Vietnam, Guatemala, Kenya and Ethiopia.

SO, WHAT ARE SOME OF THE BENEFITS OF A SPECIALITY COFFEE SUBSCRIPTION?

Firstly, flavour. These speciality coffee subscription services offer the consumer the chance to taste varieties not available in local supermarkets or on the high street. 

Secondly, discovery. A speciality coffee subscription often comes with samples included in the monthly order. Buyers are asked to complete a questionnaire when first ordering, creating a profile which describes their coffee preferences. Based on the profile, vendors send subscribers different samples to try, which they might later add to their profiles for a more permanent order. 

Thirdly, education. Sometimes, subscribers will be sent a new coffee randomly, opening up a whole new world of delicious discovery. The package usually comes with a newsletter explaining the type they have chosen and its history. 

Finally, savings. Some coffee clubs ask for set memberships in a three-month or six-month period, which come with greater savings on the offered products. Most subscription models offer frequent discounts to reward loyalty and longevity. The longer your subscription, the lower the product price. You may even be sent free coffee samples, which we can’t argue with!

WHAT ARE THE BEST SPECIALITY COFFEE SUBSCRIPTION SERVICES IN THE UK?

We’re glad you asked…

BLUE COFFEE BOX

Working with 59 small batch, UK based speciality coffee roasters, Blue Coffee Box is the ideal coffee subscription choice for those keen to diversify their drinking experience.

Each monthly delivery contains a 227g bag of the good stuff, starting at £7.49. Or, you can order a box of two 227g bags, starting at £14.99. For reference, a single cup of coffee brewed in a cafetiere uses around 7 grams of coffee – 227 grams should get you around 30 cups.

Just choose your preferred roast, grind and coffee drinking schedule, and the team will do the rest, randomly selecting new, speciality coffees with a focus very much on discovery of new roasts and blends. . 

As well as fitting neatly through the letterbox, Blue Coffee Box’s deliveries are completely plastic free, which is really reassuring.

SQUARE MILE ROASTERS

London based Square Mile Roasters know a thing or two about a cup of java; they supply coffee to many of London’s best independent cafes. 

But it’s their speciality coffee subscriptions that we’re interested in today. Available in weekly, fortnightly, monthly, or every 3, 6 or 12 months subscriptions (with discounts on those larger commitments), Square Mile presents their offering as akin to a ‘travelogue’, with exploration of flavour from the comfort of home on offer with every order.

Read: 7 ways to brew the IDEAL cups of coffee from around the world

Choose from filter or espresso, 350g (for single/couple’s use) or 1kg (for families), and frequency of delivery, Square Mile roast your beans to order each and every time, ensuring freshness.

A weekly delivery of 350g costs £14 per delivery. For reference, a single cup of coffee brewed in a cafetiere uses around 7 grams of coffee – 350 grams should get you around 50 cups.

PERKY BLENDERS SPECIALITY COFFEE

Whether you’re amused or irritated by the name here, Perky Blenders coffee shouldn’t be dismissed as a company based on an elaborate pun. Oh no; the coffee on offer here is superb.

Giving you the choice of six speciality blends, delivered every week, fortnight, 3, 4, or 6 weeks, a single 200g bag delivery here costs £6.50. Larger sizes are also available, with reductions on bigger orders – 1kg will set you back £30, for instance. 

Each month the Perky Blenders team adds a new coffee to their roster via a ‘Coffee of the Month’ option, with their subscription model offering you the chance to try a different coffee every month if you’re keen on discovering new flavours from around the world. You’ll also receive tasting notes and information on the producers involved; a nice touch for coffee explorers.

Speaking of which, Perky Blenders also offer an ‘Explorer Pack’; a one off delivery of three exciting speciality blends for you to try. Yours for £19.50.

You can even personalise a Perky Blenders bag with 20 characters of your own choosing, making this the perfect Christmas gift (yep, we dropped the C bomb).

Read: 5 ways to impress your guests with a simple cup of coffee

CARAVAN COFFEE ROASTERS

With coffees roasted and blended to order at their North London roastery, Caravan Coffee Roasters are all about freshness and flavour. 

Each bag of ‘Roaster’s Choice’ (selected depending on seasonality rather than fashion or fad) coffee comes with its own unique set of tasting notes and a brewing guide, with the subscriber able to choose between 250g or 1kg, whole or ground, espresso or filter, and every week, two weeks or monthly – all for £9.45 or £34.20 a bag. 

With so much choice on offer from some of our other speciality coffee subscription favourites, this simplicity is kind of refreshing. Being a member also gives you access to discounts at some of their London cafes, including in Fitzrovia, Exmouth Market and even at the Savoy Hotel.

RAVE COFFEE

If that sort of simplicity sounds appealing to you, then Rave Coffee have streamlined their subscription model even further. The company delivers monthly, sending a different 250g bag of coffee for you to try, all for £7.95. All you have to think about is whether you need beans or ground for a cafetiere, espresso machine or filtertop, and how many 250g bags you need. That’s it! 

5 BOOZY, END OF SUMMER VEGAN COCKTAIL RECIPES TO TRY TODAY

Vicky Clifford Sanghad
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5 BOOZY, END OF SUMMER VEGAN COCKTAIL RECIPES TO TRY TODAY

Quarantini, anyone? Following 18 months of on/off lockdowns and plenty of downtime spent indoors, many Brits have gotten rather skilled at creating carefully crafted cocktails, in lieu of our favourite bars being open and to prevent cabin fever setting in.

But just because restrictions have largely been lifted shouldn’t mean that you stop honing that newly minted mixologist prowess (hey, they did say everyone should learn a new skill during lockdown, right?). Instead, why not diversify your domestic drink mixing game with some fantastic vegan cocktails?

Indeed, some mixers and tonics are unsuitable for a vegan diet, so we’ve decided to create a 2021 vegan cocktail recipe guide using high-quality mixers that boost flavours, but with none of the animal products thrown in.

That’s right; whether it’s egg white in your Amaretto Sour, cream in your White Russian, Worcestershire Sauce in your Bloody Mary, ester gum in your soda or cochineal in your Campari, many common cocktail ingredients aren’t actually suitable for vegans.  

With the number of vegans jumping by 40 per cent last year, and with more people opting for a plant-based or flexitarian diet, it’s nice to have vegan options where possible if you’re keen to be an accommodating, attentive host. 

With summer coming to an end, let’s see the season out in style with these 5 boozy, end of summer vegan cocktails to try today.

REFRESHING GRAPEFRUIT PALOMA

Grapefruit can be an acquired taste, but in a cocktail, it is refreshing and light with a little fizz – perfect for these hazy, lazy last days of summer and a rather sunny September. 

Mixing this drink also creates a beautiful light pink hue that looks brilliant in the sun. Similar to a margarita cocktail, the paloma is a popular drink in Mexico.

Ingredients:

  • 45ml tequila
  • Fentimans soda water
  • 60ml squeezed grapefruit juice
  • 1 tablespoon sugar
  • Kosher salt
  • Cubed or crushed ice

Method:

  1. Run a wedge of grapefruit around the rim of a margarita glass and then dip the glass in salt. Fill the glass with ice to keep it cool.
  2. Mix and stir the grapefruit juice with the sugar and then add the juice and tequila to a cocktail shaker filled half with ice. Shake the cocktail shaker vigorously.
  3. Pour into the margarita glass and top off with Fentimans soda water to taste. Stir and garnish with a slice of grapefruit.

Strawberry lemonade

Full of fruity flavours and with the perfect kick of alcohol, this cocktail might go down just a little bit too easily. The Fentimans Victorian Lemonade has the juice of one and a half lemons in each bottle and is botanically brewed for a unique kick – it is certainly more than just your typical lemonade, which makes this drink extra special.

Ingredients:

  • 35ml berry vodka
  • Dash of sugar syrup
  • 2 strawberries, diced
  • Fentimans Victorian Lemonade, to top up
  • Fresh mint
  • Lemon wedge

Method:

  1. Muddle the strawberries in the sugar syrup. Then, add mint and vodka, and stir.
  2. Add ice and top up with Fentimans Victorian Lemonade. Garnish with mint, lemon, and strawberries.

If you want a smooth sip rather than one with bits in, shake all the ingredients apart from the lemonade in a cocktail shaker and strain into the glass.

Indian summer cup

Having a few people over? Impress them with this aromatic, sweet cocktail that they can help themselves to. Packed with a riot of different flavours but perfectly balanced, this drink is sure to get the party started.

Ingredients: 

  • 1 litre bottle London dry gin
  • 1 litre bottle of vegan-friendly sweet vermouth
  • 240ml elderflower liqueur
  • 240ml peach liqueur
  • 710ml lemon syrup 
  • 460ml apple juice
  • 1000ml chilled vegan tonic water
  • 460ml chilled vegan sparkling water
  • Ice
  • 1 sliced green apple
  • 2 sliced peaches
  • 6 long and thin cucumber slices
  • 30g torn mint leaves

Method:

  1. In a large bowl, combine the gin, vermouth, elderflower, peach liqueurs, lemon syrup, and apple juice. Refrigerate for about four hours until it is chilled. 
  2. When chilled, stir in the tonic water and sparkling water. 
  3. Add ice and garnish with the apple, peaches, cucumber, and mint leaves.

Black cherry bourbon cola

Sweet, simple and a real crowd-pleaser, it’s well known that cola and cherries go well together. Just add bourbon and you’ve created the perfect sundowner style drink for enjoying as dusk falls. If cola makes the whole thing a little too sweet for you, ginger beer or soda water are a more than viable stand-in to change up the flavours. 

Ingredients:

  • 30ml bourbon
  • 15ml cherry brandy
  • 3 black cherries, pitted
  • 1/4 a lime, juiced (and optional wedge to garnish with)
  • Chilled Cola
  • Vegan ginger beer and vegan soda water, optional

Method:

  1. Muddle the cherries and then mix in a cocktail shaker with the cherries, bourbon, brandy, lime juice, and ice.
  2. Strain the cocktail over a glass with ice in.
  3. Top up with cola (and ginger beer and soda water, if desired, to taste) and serve with a wedge of lime.

Raspberry mojito

Everyone loves a mojito, and the best thing about this recipe is that you can simply change the fruit for different flavours in accordance with the seasons – right now, blackberries and figs are both abundant and oh-so delicious! 

Easy to drink and super refreshing, this cocktail is one of the easiest to make.

Ingredients: 

  • 60ml white rum 
  • Vegan soda water 
  • 5 raspberries 
  • 1 lime, freshly squeezed 
  • 1 tsp sugar 
  • Small handful of mint leaves 
  • Ice 

Method: 

  • Muddle the raspberries, mint, and sugar together in the juice that you have freshly squeezed from the lime.
  • Pour the cocktail over ice into a tall glass. 
  • Add the rum while stirring with a spoon. Top up with soda water to taste and serve with mint.

Celebrate the end of summer right with our vegan cocktail recipes, using the finest mixers and tonic that complement the spirits and give them a kick of flavour.

HOW TO LOOK FRESH, EVEN WHEN YOU’RE EXHAUSTED

Vicky Clifford Sanghad
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HOW TO LOOK FRESH, EVEN WHEN YOU’RE EXHAUSTED

There comes a time in every person’s life when it dawns on them; they just feel tired, all the time. Usually, it’s a realisation that hits while you’re staring deep into the mirror, looking for meaning, answers or both. At some point, those visible signs of too many late nights, early mornings, beers, burgers and boisterous brats bouncing on the bed at 5 am become all too patent to ignore.

Fortunately, the modern world offers as many solutions to looking tired as it does causes of being, well, tired. With that in mind, here’s how to look fresh, even when you’re exhausted.

FIRST, DO ALL YOU CAN TO SLEEP BETTER

Prevention is better than cure, as they say, and this precept has never been more pertinent than when considering how bloody exhausted we all look. 

So, before you consider the best ways to cover up those bloodshot eyes or hide the bags under them, it’s first essential you do everything you can to improve the quality and duration of your sleep.

We realise that time is tight and you could be using these fleeting moments to catch a quick nap (actually, don’t; it won’t help with your sleep at all), so we won’t pontificate. Instead, check out this article on the best ways to improve your circadian rhythm and sleeping patterns when you find a few minutes spare.

USE TWO PILLOWS

Whilst we’re on the subject of our beds, if you’re a side sleeper, then it’s recommended that you should be using two pillows to keep your neck and spine supported while you sleep. But did you know that by adding an extra pillow, you’ll help reduce puffiness in your face and around the eyes? The steeper angle makes it easier for any retained water to drain away. 

Should you be a stomach sleeper, it’s generally recommended that you use a flatter pillow and prop your forehead up with a smaller second one.

Read: How to sleep better if you’re a stomach sleeper

INVEST IN AN EYE CREAM

Good eye cream is one of the best investments you can make if you’re concerned about the onset of a certain worn out aesthetic that you just can’t shift. The right one will keep your eyes looking smoother and clearer, even when you’ve been burning the midnight oil. Look for ingredients like peptides and ceramides, which have skin renewal and anti-ageing properties. 

FREEZE SOME SPOONS

Excuse me? Freeze some spoons? Hear us out…

Tiredness is almost always given away by your eyes, with dark circles, bags and puffiness leaving you looking exhausted even when you were tucked up in bed by ten the previous evening. While a great eye mask is good for this, you can also use the frozen spoons trick. 

Keep two spoons in your freezer. Simply take them out when your eyes are looking particularly tired and use the back of them on your eye area to reduce puffiness and tighten the skin. Trust us; it works!

GET PEACHEY

No, we’re not talking about the fruit (although they’re good for you, too) but rather, a peach-toned skin primer and concealer, which is every make-up artist’s number one secret weapon. 

The tone will neutralise the dark circles under your eyes and any blotchy skin areas. Once your foundation or tinted moisturiser has been applied, you’ll look radiant. 

To address those purple shadows, do bear in mind that lighter peach hues are better suited to light and medium complexions, while deeper peach shades and tones that verge on orange tend to work better on darker skin.

FAKE IT ‘TIL YOU MAKE IT

You might not be someone who likes to wear makeup or you might prefer a more natural appearance. Fear not; there are still ways to address that worn out look. 

Your go-to product here is CC cream. It’s a bit like a tinted moisturiser, but can work magic on any skin type, leaving it beautifully hydrated and dewy, and with a subtle hint of colour to even out your skin tone. 

DRINK YOUR WAY TO BETTER SKIN

Water is nature’s ultimate tonic, and one of the best ways to look better from the inside out. Being well-hydrated can make you look and feel more alert, flush out toxins from your body and plump up your skin. Drink a few glasses of water in the morning before you reach for the caffeine and keep your levels up through the day for best results.

DRINK YOUR WAY TO BETTER SKIN

EYE DROPS

When you’re tired, your eyes may feel gritty, uncomfortable and maybe even a little bloodshot. Have some eye drops on standby in your fridge to brighten up your peepers whenever you need to. If you don’t like putting drops in your eyes, there are some brands available which you simply spray on a closed eye, and your natural blinking action will distribute it around your eyes gently and evenly. 

THE BOTTOM LINE

Even if you’re not feeling your best, you can still look as fresh as a daisy with a few handy products and timeless tricks. And hey, if you’re keen to attack the morning with a proper sense of vigour rather than spend it covering up the previous night’s ills, then check out these 8 expert-approved ways to become a morning person.

HOW TO SET UP YOUR HOME OFFICE FOR STRESS-FREE VIDEO CHATS

Vicky Clifford Sanghad
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HOW TO SET UP YOUR HOME OFFICE FOR STRESS-FREE VIDEO CHATS

What was once ‘unprecedented’ is now the new normal; over the past eighteen months, working from home has been assimilated globally by businesses big and small. 

We’ve witnessed (over conference call, of course) an increasing number of companies around the world helping their employees get set up in a home office to reduce the risk of COVID-19 and keep everybody safe. 

And while the world is beginning to return to normal, with it looking likely that office work might be on the cards again for many, some companies have begun to realise the benefits of remote work far outweigh those of forcing staff to attend a central office.

If you are planning to remain a remote worker or are switching to a hybrid model of working, with some time spent at home and some in the office, then setting up a home office conducive to stress-free video calling is a must. 

Indeed, while we’ve all enjoyed the amusing memes and hilarious videos of home workers getting interrupted mid-call by their curious cats or cute children, in reality, a buffering connection, unflattering camera angle or those admitedly funny interruptions can cause real headaches when trying to get work done.

With that in mind, here’s how to set up your home office for stress free video chats.

INVEST IN QUALITY TECH

There’s nothing worse than being on a video call with somebody who can barely see or hear you. No great deal was ever struck in such an instance. Neither did a perfect pitch get delivered or innovation take flight when the technology kept failing.

If you’ve been feeling increasingly frustrated with the built-in webcam on your laptop, or poor sound quality is getting in the way of communication with your team while you’re working from home, then it’s worth investing in some better-quality tech to use for video calling and conferencing. 

Consider using a seperate webcam – which reliably provides a better quality of image and speed of processing – instead of the built-in version. When paired with an investment in a headset with a microphone to keep the sound quality up to scratch, your video calls, from a technological perspective at least, are going to run far more smoothly! 

GET ERGONOMIC FURNITURE

The comfort of your home office will directly impact your video calls and how stressful (or stress free) they are to complete. If you are uncomfortable and need to crane your neck to see the screen or make sure that others can see you, then chances are you’re only going to end video calls feeling stiff and in pain. Let’s be blunt here; ongoing posture issues aren’t going to do anything for your productivity levels. 

Investing in ergonomic office furniture is a must for anybody who’s working from home right now. An office chair that offers lumbar support, for example, will make all the difference to how you feel during those lengthy video calls when compared to sitting on a regular chair from your kitchen.

It might also be worth investing in other ergonomic tech like an adjustable monitor, which you can place at the correct eye-level, and an ergonomic mouse that provides wrist support for an even better experience. All of these simple office design hacks can add to a reduction in stress in the workplace, whether that’s at home or in a central office space.

UPDATE THE LIGHTING

The lighting can make or break your video calls, and if you’ve found that others struggle to see you when you’re appearing on a call, or that the light is too bright and leaving you looking washed out on screen, the good news is that there are a few simple steps that you can take to get better lighting which addresses the problem. 

Firstly, make sure that the light is in front of you and behind the webcam rather than behind you. Wherever possible, use natural lighting from a window, or strategically placed lamps or ring lights if you need to. 

THE BOTTOM LINE

Setting up your home office for a comfortable, stress-free video calling experience is an important part of getting ready for full-time working from home, and can help you increase your productivity and job satisfaction. 

If you’re keen for more tips on making your remote office run more smoothly, then check out these 5 ways to make working from home easy with apps.

HOW TO ENSURE YOUR ELECTRIC VEHICLE’S BATTERY LASTS

Editorial Team
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HOW TO ENSURE YOUR ELECTRIC VEHICLE’S BATTERY LASTS

Increasingly, drivers are switching to electric vehicles rather than using petrol-powered cars, as they are better for the environment and require less maintenance to run. On top of that, government legislation suggests that by 2030, all new cars will have to be electric, indicating a phasing out of traditionally powered vehicles. 

In fact, right now, nearly a quarter of all new car sales are electric. Will you be adding to that figure soon? If you are planning to, then it’s important to be aware that any electric vehicles have their own unique maintenance needs, and require special attention if you want them to function at their best and minimise your risk of dangerous driving or breakdowns. 

Since electric cars have far fewer moving parts, there’s a lot less upkeep to be concerned with. While you might not need to worry about checking and changing engine oil and other time-consuming car maintenance tasks, you will need to make sure you’re looking after your EVs battery, brakes and tyres, as well as keeping it clean and tidy. Here are some top tips on how to ensure your electric vehicle’s battery lasts.

PURCHASE SPARE CHARGER CABLES

When you get your EV it will come with a charger cable for you to use, but it’s always smart to get some extra ones as spares if your main cable gets lost or damaged. You can find these from various EV retailers, or shop for EV Charging Cables online. You should be able to find numerous, reliable retailers who can sell you the right cable for your EV model, meaning there will never be hiccups concerning faulty or lost cables.

PARK IN THE SHADE

If you want your EVs battery to last, make sure you’re avoiding leaving it in high temperatures for an extended period. Try to park it in shady areas if you can, in a multi-storey car park or garage at home, if you have one. 

This is recommended as high levels of heat can affect the lithium battery, potentially damaging it irrevocably It might make it difficult for your car to start, too. The same is true if you leave your car out in freezing temperatures during the winter months; try to keep it protected from the elements and the temperature fairly consistent.

DON’T OVERCHARGE THE BATTERY

It might be tempting to leave your car on charge overnight or until it reaches full charge, but unless you are going on a long journey, it’s best to avoid doing this. Instead, figure out how much of your battery power is used for your commute to work, or whatever you use your EV for during your regular daily routine. Only charge it for as much (or a little extra) as you’ll need. If you leave it to fully charge all of the time, the battery will degrade quicker.

Read: 5 reasons to invest in an electric folding bike

DON’T FAST CHARGE IT TOO OFTEN

This is another thing that might be tempting but can be detrimental for your battery long-term. Unless you need to charge your EV battery quickly due to an emergency or you need to make a journey last-minute and don’t have enough charge, don’t use the fast charge option. Just let your battery charge slowly so it doesn’t wear out too soon.

GO FOR REGULAR, SHORT DRIVES

People are encouraged not to drive short distances or too often when using petrol, but luckily an EV isn’t going to have the same negative impact on the environment, so you can do this. It is good for your EV to take it on regular short drives to keep it running smoothly. 

If you are thinking of getting an EV or have just purchased one, use these tips to help you look after the battery and for a more enjoyable driving experience.

THE JOYS OF WORKING IN THE BEAUTY INDUSTRY

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THE JOYS OF WORKING IN THE BEAUTY INDUSTRY

The British beauty industry employs over 250,000 people in the UK, and with many considering a career change post-pandemic, there is clearly something attractive and lucrative in this industry. 

The COVID-19 outbreak may have made some people think twice about joining this industry, but if post-lockdown demand has taught us anything, it’s that there is a huge appetite for beauty treatments.

Whether you’re a hairstylist or a nail technician, there are numerous benefits to working in the beauty industry. In this guide, we will explore some of the top benefits that draw people to this sector year after year. Let’s dive in.

UNLEASH YOUR CREATIVE SIDE

There are few industries in the world where you get to be this creative on a daily basis. Of course, some people might come to you with requests that seem quite boring (just a trim, plain red nails, etc) but you still have an opportunity to put your creativity to work. 

And the best part is that your creativity is going to make someone feel really good about themselves. If you have a naturally creative soul and want to be able to put your artistry to work in everything you do, you should consider a career in beauty. In this industry, no two days are the same, and there’s a lot to be said for that after the last 18 months of monotony. 

ENJOY WORK-LIFE BALANCE

Salon workers will often work shifts, but if you are a freelancer and you rent a chair in a salon, you’ll be able to set your own hours. Need the afternoon off? That’s fine, you simply block off that time and don’t accept any appointments. 

You also have the option to work extra hours one week to be able to take time off the following one. In the run-up to Christmas, for instance, this can be a real saviour as we all need a little extra money around this time. And in the summer, when you want to take time off, you can easily do this without coming back to a backlog of work. 

Of course, there are also downsides to the nature of this type of work, but for some, particularly those with other commitments, this level of flexibility can be liberating.

GET HIGH TECH

If you like your gadgets and technology, you have the opportunity to get your fill in a salon, learning, adapting and modernising your skillset to keep up with the changing times.

Within the beauty industry, you can optimise the way you work using the latest technology and you could see significant increases in your profit and reach. The guys at Salon Iris salon software tell us that by harnessing the power of apps, you can manage everything on one platform, allowing you to check appointments, order salon supplies, send appointment reminders and schedule your next email blast. If you like working smarter, not harder, a beauty career could be just right for you.

TAKE CONTROL OF YOUR EARNINGS

Many beauty salon workers are self-employed freelancers. This means that they rent a chair or work station in the salon and can take control of their earnings. You can set your own rates, drive more sales with discounts, or even offer specialist services like wedding and prom makeup. Essentially, you’ll be working for yourself, which is the dream for so many.

When you work in a normal 9-5 job, you know that your earnings will be the same every month. You might get the occasional pay rise and promotion, but these could be few and far between. Of course, the stability of this is greatly appealing in an uncertain age, but for some, the flexibility of taking complete control of your earnings can be useful. In the beauty industry, this option is always there.

WORK WITH PEOPLE

If you’re a people person, there can be no better role for you than working in the beauty sector. You will work directly with new people every single day, helping to change their life in some small way. 

Cutting hair and doing nails might seem like a small change, but this could give someone the confidence boost they need. If you enjoy working with people, you will love working in the beauty industry. It can also help to boost your confidence if you don’t feel you’re a naturally forward person. After a few weeks in a salon, you’ll be able to strike up a conversation with anyone! 

CONTROL YOUR PERSONAL BRAND

A huge part of working in the beauty industry is about establishing your personal brand. Everyone has a personal brand, whether they’d like to admit it or not, but it’s all about how you use it to your advantage. In the beauty industry, there’s every opportunity of capitalising on yours.

You could focus on your social media presence and become an influencer in your field. If you’re happy to share photos and videos of your best work, you could become an inspiration for stylists all over the world. If you’d like to take things further, working in the beauty industry allows you to build up a portfolio of your work, attracting a more diverse set of clients in the process.

FREE PRODUCTS

If you enjoy getting freebies and samples, this is one of the perks of working in a salon. Companies are always looking for salons to take on their products, so they will send sample sets for you to try out. There’s no obligation to order from them, but you could find some incredible products that your customers will love. And even if you decide not to stock or use them, you still get to try the latest beauty products for free.

And with that, we’re off to the salon to get our nails done. See you in there?

Before you take that leap, check out these 5 things to consider if you’re thinking of a career change.

DO DIVORCES HAVE TO BE MESSY? HOW TO AVOID ACRIMONY

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DO DIVORCES HAVE TO BE MESSY? HOW TO AVOID ACRIMONY

Divorce is widely regarded as one of the most stressful life events one can endure. Ending a marriage certainly isn’t easy, and when there are children involved, it can become even more complex to untangle two lives.

That said, no couple should ever have to stay together just because the alternative is complicated or the life admin involved seems too daunting. While getting divorced is certainly a stressful, time-consuming event, it doesn’t have to be messy. Here’s how to avoid acrimony.

FIRSTLY, WHAT IS THE DIVORCE PROCESS?

The first step to avoiding an acrimonious divorce and keeping things amicable is to understand the timeline of the process. Both parties being informed and aware of the facts prevents surprises; and when one member of the divorce process is blindsided, they might feel deceived. This inevitably leads to tension.

It takes around 4-6 months to dissolve a marriage if both parties agree to the terms. If there are bumps and disagreements along the way, this process can take much longer. To start the proceedings, however, an individual must first determine if there are grounds for divorce.

It isn’t currently possible to simply dissolve a divorce because you both agree to it. Instead, someone must take the blame for the breakdown of the marriage. Generally speaking, there is only one rock solid reason used as grounds for divorce, whether that’s reasonable and responsible or rancorous, and that is that the divorce has ‘irretrievably broken down’. The petitioner (the person seeking the divorce) must prove this to the court, citing one of the following five reasons:

  • Adultery – it’s recommended that the other parties involved in adultery are not mentioned by name in the petition, to avoid acrimony.
  • Unreasonable behaviour – the terms and accusations here should be agreed by both parties prior to the petition being filed, in order to prevent things getting messy, contested, and the process becoming drawn out. ‘Unreasonable behaviour’ is now the most common reason cited for divorce. 
  • Desertion – very rarely used.
  • Separated for two years, with mutual agreement – the most amicable reason, usually.
  • Separated for five years, with no agreement needed – this can be used without the other party’s consent.

One spouse petitions the court for a divorce and provides evidence for one of the above reasons. If satisfied, the court will grant a decree nisi. This is the first step in securing a divorce. 

The couple must then wait six weeks and one day before they can apply for a decree absolute. This dissolves their marriage. Before the decree absolute is signed, the couple must agree to things like a financial settlement and childcare arrangements.

WHEN DO DIVORCES GET MESSY?

There are a number of ways a divorce can go off the rails and get messy. The first hurdle is determining the grounds for divorce. If no party is at fault and the couple decide they want to divorce, the only way to achieve this is by separating for two years. This isn’t practical for many reasons.

To speed up the process, the couple can lay blame on one party. But this can cause animosity between the couple and lead to feelings of contempt further down the line. One spouse would have to admit to either adultery, unreasonable behaviour or desertion.

The next issue that many couples face is in untangling their finances. Joint bank accounts, homes and even shared businesses can cause a lot of conflict in a divorce. Deciding who is entitled to what after a divorce can be very difficult, particularly if one spouse isn’t entirely honest about their finances. 

And finally, debates over children and custody are another reason for a divorce to get ugly. While some couples manage to land on the perfect arrangement for their children straight away, others may feel they should be entitled to more time with their children or more support from their ex-spouse.

Often, it is not one issue but a combination of problems that makes a divorce more difficult. For example, a disagreement about money may spill over into childcare arrangements. And when feelings are hurt when one spouse has to take the blame for the divorce, this can also damage the smooth running of proceedings.

COULD A NO-FAULT DIVORCE HELP?

A straightforward way to avoid a messy divorce is to allow couples to end their marriage amicably. At the moment, this is only possible after a two-year separation. However, the introduction of the option of a no-fault divorce on 6th April 2022 could help couples to keep things friendly.

This would remove the need for couples to place blame for the breakdown of their marriage, and instead focus on untangling their lives in the fairest way possible. Couples would apply for such a divorce jointly, with no option to contest the divorce once the process begins. This path to divorce would also include 26 weeks of reflection to ensure they are not throwing in the towel prematurely. All of this is designed to prevent acrimony, animosity and drawn out legal proceedings. 

8 GREAT REASONS TO RENOVATE YOUR HOME

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8 GREAT REASONS TO RENOVATE YOUR HOME

A big home renovation project represents one of the most ambitious, aspirational undertakings a property owner can make. But words like ‘ambitious’ also hint at the difficulties involved; nothing aspirational ever came easy, after all.

Home renovations can be a costly and time-consuming affair, full of unforeseen obstacles and hurdles that seem to get forever higher, which is why families are often hesitant to commit to one. 

However, while renovations may be complicated, there are plenty of good reasons to allow the prospect of one to percolate, ready to be consumed by the whole family when you present them with these 8 great reasons to renovate your home.

MAKE THE HOME WORK FOR YOUR INTERESTS 

From the outside, the average home is the same in many parts of the world – four walls, a few windows, a front door. Hey, it’s even one of the first things a child can draw capably; suggestive of just how identikit properties are.

While we all tend to do much of the same things in a house – cooking, eating, sleeping, socialising, working from home, quietly comprehending the ending of it all –  not everyone uses a room in the same way. Everyone has different interests and hobbies and we think that the inside of your home should reflect this.

Living in a space that reminds you of your hobbies and what you love to do most can help embed your hobby into your everyday life, transforming your lifestyle.

Maybe you love to rock climb and would like to renovate the outside of your home a create a rock climbing wall (hey, we did mention ambition earlier)? Or perhaps you’re a keen cook and need space to display all your cookbooks and have somewhere to store your expansive larder of cooking ingredients? Or maybe you’re a musician. In that case, a room designed with acoustics in mind might be a good idea. Tailor your renovation aspirations to your hobbies and you’ll reap the benefits.

EMBRACE BIOPHILIC DESIGN 

Biophilic design in architecture has been gaining increasing traction in interior design circles for some time now and its influence in modern home design is only set to continue. 

As explained by Homes and Gardens, “Biophilic design plays on our evolutionary need to be close to the natural world, and is often described as ‘architecture of life’.’’ 

By increasing our connection with nature, biophilic design could even make us happier and healthier. It’s said to improve our wellbeing and expedite healing, enhance creativity and improve clarity of thought…and who doesn’t want that?

So how can you incorporate biophilic design into the architecture of your home? By renovating it to have good natural light and ventilation is a good place to start. This can be achieved via the additions of windows, skylights and doors. You could also add a living wall indoors, adding that sense of green nourishment to your home.

HELP THE ENVIRONMENT 

Reducing our carbon footprint is, quite plainly, something we all should be doing. Urgently. Indeed, we all should be rapidly ramping up our efforts to minimise our individual impacts on the climate crisis.

One of the best ways you can do this begins domestically. Not only is an eco-friendly house good for the environment, but it also saves you money, too. 

Improving your house’s insulation, investing in renewable energy options like installing solar panels, or introducing rainwater collection buckets to your roof and garden are just three ways you can do this. Making the house more energy or water efficient may also end up paying for itself in a few years, and all of these investments are good for the environment on top of being good for your wallet. Now that’s an aspirational home renovation project we can get on board with.

Read: 4 tips for future-proofing your house  

CREATE A CHANGE OF STYLE

Most people spend their entire lives living in roughly the same interior style. If their home is contemporary when they move in, it stays that way for the duration of their stay. But for some, a change could be just the thing to breathe new life into the home.

Changing the style of your home, though, is a great reason to renovate and pulls together disparate ideas and desires into one clean focal point. Just think of the opportunities! You could add Danish sideboards, new drapes, or even Georgian windows. 

When you change the style of your home, you also change how you feel when you live in it. Don’t be afraid to experiment with trends that reflect your spirit and values.

ADAPT TO CHANGES & FUTURE PROOF YOUR HOME

A renovation can also be used to make your home more kid-friendly, more accessible to the elderly, or make it function better as a home-office environment. In other words, if you have a major life change coming up such as kids or an elderly relative moving in, making relevant renovations can help make the transition a lot smoother. 

Forward planning and foresight should also be a consideration when renovating your home. It should be as adaptable as possible to accommodate the inevitable yet unpredictable lifestyle changes that the passing of time brings. Should you be playing the long game, then particularly important is to consider the concept of ‘Aging in Place’ and making your home more livable for your golden years. 

And while the over specialisation of your house can make it harder to sell later, with some patience you will be able to find a buyer willing to pay a premium for a home that already comes with these adaptations. 

Read: 5 ways to future proof your later life

Speaking of changes….

CREATE A WORK FRIENDLY ENVIRONMENT 

Over the past eighteen months, working from home has been assimilated into our lives. If you are planning to remain a remote worker or are switching to a hybrid model of working, then tweaking your home to create a more work friendly environment has many benefits. 

We’re not just talking about setting up a permanent desk in the corner of your home, but rather making some structural changes that will make working from home more enjoyable.  

When it comes to working from home, light and bright is best.  To make your home office as productive a space as possible, then you should consider adding a whole new source of natural light. While knocking through a section of wall or installing a new window is a big job, make no mistake, it also represents a smart move in the long run.  

Read: How to boost the natural light in your home office

Or perhaps you can convert an unused loft space into an office, which can add value to your home. Speaking of which… 

IMPROVE THE VALUE

Renovations both big and small can also be made in preparation to sell the property. Repairs and changes that improve the property’s kerb appeal, add an extra room or amenity, or simply modernise an existing space, can all be used to improve the sale value of the house. 

Cleveland home buyers Favour Home Solutions tell us that a cellar or loft conversion can boost a property’s value by up to 30%. Other home renovation projects worth investing in include a kitchen renovation or extension and a bathroom refit.

Online house ads are much more common these days too, so it’s good to make changes that make the house look good in pictures, such as improving the interior lighting and adding a few pieces of decoration here and there, can have a big impact. 

Read: Add value to your home with these 5 interior hacks

MAKE THE HOME SAFER

From improving fire safety to dealing with structural problems, all the way to getting rid of mould or damp, there are plenty of safety concerns that warrant renovating a room or even an entire house. 

You may find that you can easily get rid of mould in the kitchen while changing the fixtures, or that it’d be easy to replace old support beams in the basement while waterproofing it. The more you can get done while you have people working on renovations, the better. In the long run, the investment will likely save you money.

Also consider burglar-proofing your home, by installing new locks and alarms. We’ve got more on that here. Do check it out!

A NEWBIE GARDENER’S GUIDE TO THE BEST GREENHOUSES

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A NEWBIE GARDENER’S GUIDE TO THE BEST GREENHOUSES

Gardening is perhaps one of the best hobbies you can try. It helps keep you active, provides you with a daily dose of sunshine, and lifts up your mood. If you’re a gardening newbie, there’s nothing more fulfilling than having your own green space to cultivate and harvest fresh produce.  But before starting your planting journey, there are a few things to keep in mind to have the best and most ideal greenhouse set-up. 

With this useful guide, a novice grower can weed out unnecessary worries and stresses in kickstarting their planting project.  

DECIDE HOW MUCH SPACE YOU NEED

Whether you’re planning to build your own, or if you intend to buy a greenhouse kit, the first step in your greenhouse gardening journey must be made by deciding how much space you need. Consider long-term goals rather than focusing on the ‘now,’ as you may be bound to regret your decision later. 

In most cases, those who decide to build a conservatively-sized greenhouse end up having to build another one. So, as much as possible, add an extra allowance of space to your original plan.

CHOOSE THE RIGHT BUILDING TYPE  

Once the space requirement has been identified, a newbie grower should choose the most ideal structure for the greenhouse. Check out these do-it-yourself greenhouse building plans and try to find which material is best for your space and climate: 

  • Metal Greenhouses 

These structures often come with an aluminium frame, making them equally strong yet lightweight. Capable of carrying loads many times their weight, metal greenhouses are ideal for newbies who don’t have a vast planting area and want to optimise their green space.    

  • Polycarbonate Greenhouses

For newbie gardeners on a budget, polycarbonate may be the best solution. It’s the cheapest of the lot yet packs durability and flexibility. Greenhouses made from this material enjoy better light diffusion than glass and enhanced protection from ultraviolet rays. Generally speaking, polycarbonate makes the best small greenhouses, because of the material’s adaptability and pliable nature.

  •  Wooden Greenhouses

A well-controlled environment is key to a successful greenhouse. A wooden structure allows for great absorption of heat and light during the day. Additionally, it can retain heat when the temperature drops. With wood, you can ensure that the plants are well insulated, warm, and safe, even during the winter season.  

BUILD YOUR OWN VS. GREENHOUSE KITS

After choosing the best greenhouse building material, it’s time to decide whether you’re up for building your own greenhouse. While building your own greenhouse structure may be a more appealing option, this would require carpentry and crafting skills. 

You may be great at cultivating a living organism, but if you’re not handy with drills, hammers, and other power tools, it may be best to skip creating a greenhouse building and choose to buy a kit. There’s a great range at UK retailer South West Greenhouses here that you should check out, especially if you’re near the area. 

As you can see, there are greenhouse kits available for just about anyone, depending on the size, material, and design. With so many options available, it can be challenging to choose a few greenhouses that best fit your requirements.    

The kit comes complete with everything a newbie needs. As such, you can assemble your very own structure within a few hours, even if you’re not a skilled do-it-yourself woodworker. All you have to do is connect and snap the parts and pieces together.  

Clearview 4′-8″ x 6′-4″ Sussex Greenhouse at swgreenhouses.co.uk

KNOW WHAT MAKES THE BEST GREENHOUSES 

Size and style aside, the key to having one of the best greenhouses is to efficiently manage the elements that impact plant growth. A greenhouse needs to have a controlled environment in order for the plants to thrive. For these, you need to know the must-have greenhouse tools for beginners.  

Additionally, here are a few ways to manage your greenhouse environment for optimum plant growth:

  • Heat  

Too much and too little heat are definitely a no-no for your greenhouse garden. If you live in areas where it can get too hot or too cold, think about the style and location of your structure before kickstarting your project. What’s more, you need to invest in additional temperature-regulating tools to make your plants happy. 

Greenhouses located in cold environments, for instance, need to have heaters. This ensures that they remain warm even while it’s freezing outside. Conversely, greenhouse structures positioned in warm climates could use some shade and roll-up covers to reduce heat retention.   

  • Water 

Position your greenhouse near a water source because plants grown in these special spaces require more fluids. That said, it can be easy to overwater your greenhouse plants. In order to prevent too much water from eventually choking up your vegetation, consider installing a drip irrigation system to control watering times more appropriately. 

  • Air  

Proper ventilation is crucial to your plants as it helps regulate temperature, moisture levels, and air circulation—particularly the exchange of carbon dioxide and oxygen. That’s why the best greenhouses come with natural ventilation through design or add-in features such as adjustable roofs or sidings. If you have money to spare, invest in electric vents that can automatically open and close, depending on the ambient temperature.    

Adequate airflow can also promote pollination in plants such as rice, corn, and oats. So, improving your greenhouse’s ventilation means you’ll be hitting two birds with one stone.    

  • Light 

Sunlight supplies the energy needed for photosynthesis—the process by which plants produce their own food and give off oxygen as a by-product. That said, you’d want your greens to have access to natural sunlight even during the winter. 

In order to make gardening an all-year-round chore, don’t let the absence of sunlight stop you. Hang a grow light inside your greenhouse to ensure your plants stay healthy, no matter the season.     

  • Plants 

No greenhouse is ever complete without plants. So, as a newbie gardener, choose easy-to-grow herbs, vegetables, and fruits, as well as flowers, to make up for an enjoyable experience. 

Start by planting herbs that you often use in the kitchen, such as basil, parsley, and oregano. For vegetables, greenhouse staples include lettuce, broccoli, tomatoes, carrots, and pepper. Berries, lemons, and oranges, as well as roses, petunias, and violets, are likewise worth cultivating.     

Put The Green In The House

Choosing the right greenhouse structure and the things that go with it can be frazzling for a newbie; but not if you know the basics of what makes a functional greenhouse. 

From the size, style, and key components, a greenhouse is also an investment if you’re serious about your gardening hobby. And speaking of investment, you’d better make sure that your hard-earned cash is well-spent by choosing not only the best but the most ideal greenhouse for your needs and plant preference.       

5 COMMON EXTERIOR DESIGN MISTAKES YOU SHOULD AVOID

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5 COMMON EXTERIOR DESIGN MISTAKES YOU SHOULD AVOID

Hey, we don’t wish to be presumptuous here, but since you’ve alighted at this article, we’re going to be. Perhaps you’re here because your home desperately needs some repairs and renovations? Maybe some fresh front-lawn flowers, windows, or a new roof to enhance its function and appeal could do the trick? Or, will a fresh lick of paint be all that’s required?

Although these changes may be beneficial for the home, enabling you to increase its value, it’s important to look at the flip side, too; not implementing safe and visually satisfying exterior design could inadvertently reduce your home’s value. To ensure that this doesn’t happen, you need to know what to avoid. So, what common exterior design mistakes are undermining your renovation efforts? Here are 5 major exterior design mistakes and how to avoid them. 

CHOOSING YOUR PAINT COLOURS FIRST

Colour plays a significant role in improving the exterior layout of your home; however, it isn’t the first thing you should prioritise, even if you’re in the famously vibrant Notting Hill, Bristol’s Clifton or the gorgeous Portmeirion in Wales. 

Instead, you may want to consider some factors such as the theme of your home, its architectural style, and its location, prior to arriving at the potential colour of the facade. 

Before picking a colour, be sure to reconsider the other elements, if possible, leaving painting until the final stages of any renovation process to ensure you make the right choice and everything looks synergetic.  

A BOLD, EXAGERRATED OUTDOOR SPACE

Understandably, you’ll want your outdoor space to look stylish. However, this desire can lead many homeowners to incur expensive costs as they go overboard to achieve a bold and exaggerated outdoor space, which offers little ROI as such a singular style can be unappealing to potential house buyers.

Instead, a more subtle design is more likely to attract positive attention and enhance that all important kerb appeal.

GETTING STUCK IN THE PAST

Manchester based property development gurus Salboy tell us that ‘’older buildings that have been refurbished and renovated to be more modern and appealing’’ tend to be attractive to property investors, as you can enjoy the character of a period property and the functionality of a more modern home simultaneously. 

A common mistake homeowners make is to get stuck in the past, refusing to renovate the exterior of their property because they are keen to retain its character and charm. Sadly, this can lead to structural issues going unattended and worsening. 

INCONSISTENT HEADER HEIGHTS

It may not seem like much, but having varying heights can affect the appeal of your home and its value. Many homeowners underestimate how vital it is to ensure the header of your doors, windows, and transom heights complement each other to create a unified appearance. Inconsistent header heights make your home look skewed and unpresentable. 

APPLYING STONE VENEER IN WRONG PLACES

A standard exterior design mistake that homeowners tend to make is placing stone veneers in the wrong places. Make sure that the stone has a corner to allow for a more natural look. Without a corner, the stones look too superficial and unappealing. To be safe, it would be helpful to find stone pieces with three corners to run perfectly along other planes and sides of the building. To make your stone veneer even more appealing, be sure you stick to one pattern and type of stone instead of integrating multiple materials and styles, the latter of which can look mismatched.

Now that you know the mistakes you should avoid, what have you got to lose? There are so many creative ways to renovate your home’s exterior to increase its appeal and value. Good luck! 

WHY GLASS IS SUCH AN IMPORTANT MATERIAL IN THE DESIGN OF YOUR HOME & BEYOND

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WHY GLASS IS SUCH AN IMPORTANT MATERIAL IN THE DESIGN OF YOUR HOME & BEYOND

You know what they say about people in glasshouses, right? Those stones should certainly be left unthrown. Or, that to be truly progressive, you have to smash the glass ceiling. Or, as Tennesse Williams put it; ‘’When you look at a piece of delicately spun glass you think of two things: how beautiful it is and how easily it can be broken.’’

With all this talk of fragility, it feels like glass is being done something of a disservice. But have you ever stopped to consider just how many things are made from the magic, typically transparent material? From windows to bottles, tables to whole structures, this ancient material is one of the world’s most widely used due to its incredible formability, versatility, and, despite its reputation for breaking, its incredible safety record. Glass is non-reactive, non-leaching and completely impermeable to both liquids and gases. 

Take a look around the room now; suddenly, you’ll notice that the material is everywhere. Hey, it even forms the screen that you’re reading these very words on! Considering the amazing versatility of glass, here’s why it is such an important material in design. 

CAPTIVATING WINDOWS

Talking about windows in relation to design may seem strange, as most windows are very simple affairs consisting of nothing more than a sheet of glass encased in a wooden frame. 

However, all of this changes when you consider the stunning stained glass windows that grace countless churches and cathedrals across the world, as well as public buildings and stately homes. 

Whatever your religious beliefs, or lack thereof, there are few things as relaxing as sitting down in a shadowy stone church and resting your eyes on a beautiful, colourful window. Try it for yourself, next time you have the chance, or if you’re feeling bold, install a stained glass window design into your own property.

GLASSES

Are we talking about the tumblers you drink your water from? Or the things you wear on your face to help you see? Such is glass’s ubiquity that some items are simply named after the material. 

The glasses that people wear to help them see more clearly are a particularly fascinating example of the material’s versatility because they are not only transparent, but also scratch resistant and can be designed to be incredibly thin, presenting a more attractive option than plastic lenses. 

BRIGHT OFFICES

Glass, in combination with iron or steel, has long been a very popular choice of material for architects designing the exterior of office buildings and other public buildings, from the pioneering Crystal Palace of 1850s London to the many skyscrapers, such as the Gherkin in Westminster, Dubai’s Burj Khalifa, or Shanghai Tower in China. These structures have redesigned countless cities’ skylines in the 20th and early 21st centuries, and without glass, many urban centres would be unrecognisable today.

More recently, glass walls and partitions have become a popular choice for office interiors too, as designers seek to brighten up workplaces while maintaining a degree of organisation and focus, which cannot be achieved with basic open-plan spaces. 

glass partition for office

With so many offices being made of glass both on the inside and on the outside, demand for commercial glass repair is bound to increase, and some companies have started glass work apprenticeships for young people interested in this craft. A career working with glass? It’s certainly clear that there’s a future in the industry. Move over, drab office walls – your time is up!

TABLEWARE

One of the most common uses of glass is, of course, tableware. Glass is obviously employed to make tumblers and jars, vases, carafes, oven dishes, bottles, bowls, and those vessels we love to sip a decent claret or cocktail from, but tableware is where this material truly shines within an interior design setting. 

A staple of Scandinavian interior design, glassware is an easy and economical way to add cosiness to your living space. The fact that it reflects natural light makes it the ideal choice for those centrepieces that live at the intersection of decoration and functionality. Add a glass bowl filled with fruit, a glass candle holder, or a glass vase filled with colourful flowers to your kitchen, dining, or coffee table and watch the whole room brighten up!

CURIOUS ORNAMENTS

Finally, no discussion of the role of glass design would be complete without mentioning the weird and wonderful glass ornaments which adorn mantlepieces and windowsills around the country and the world. 

From funky ornamental fish to tennis players. all the way to panthers and clowns, it appears that you can buy figurines of almost any kind crafted using the traditional glass blowing technique perfected in Murano, Venice, over the centuries. Just keep your glass treasures well away from your toddler, as they cost a pretty penny.

THE IDEAL GUIDE TO SELLING A FINANCED VEHICLE

Editorial Team
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THE IDEAL GUIDE TO SELLING A FINANCED VEHICLE

Can I sell a car with outstanding finance? It’s a question many have pondered. First things first; doing so without telling the buyer of the vehicle that the debt isn’t yet paid off is illegal. 

Do so, and you’ll be committing fraud. And this goes for cars purchased using outstanding hire purchase (HP) finance and outstanding PCP finance. This is because the lender is the legal owner of the car until that finance is settled.

But if you bought the car with a personal loan, you’re well within your rights to sell it, as you are the legal owner of the vehicle. 

Phew, things got pretty serious back there. But if everything is above board and you bought the car with a personal loan, then you’ve come to the right place; here’s the IDEAL guide to selling a financed vehicle. 

GET AN ONLINE EVALUATION

As we mentioned in that sometimes snappy, sometimes ominous introduction, if you bought the car with a personal loan, you can sell it, even before you’ve paid off that loan. 

That doesn’t mean that selling it is the best option you have; you first need to find out if this is a financially viable, sensible decision. The easiest way to see the bigger picture here is to get an online evaluation so you have an estimate in terms of the current value of your vehicle, the state of your loan repayments, and what you might stand to lose or gain when selling a financed car. 

Research and potential costing values should be one of the first things you check before going forward, all in order to avoid a costly sale instead of a profitable one. 

BUDGET TO PAY THE SETTLEMENT AS SOON AS YOU SELL

To avoid causing yourself any financial problems, you need to budget to settle your debt as soon as possible so that you don’t end up with more costs at hand. Factor the money you’ll receive for the sale into your loan payments, making sure there’s plenty left over to cover interest, any time you lose and travel costs you accrue conducting the sale, as well as any charges for early repayment of the original personal loan, too. 

Then, ready the lump sum to settle that loan the moment you sell your vehicle, to avoid any further interest payments.

DETERMINE THE MARKET VALUE

From a profit and loss perspective, determining the market value of your vehicle is in your best interests, allowing for you to negotiate from a position of strength (or know that you’re coming from one of weakness, and planning accordingly).  

No one wants to walk out of a car finance deal with less than they paid in the first place or needing to end up paying more, for that matter, just for the deal to go through. Try and get the best evaluation possible in the market without being scammed into selling at a lesser value than it is worth. 

CALCULATE YOUR PROFITS

After calculating your profits, you will at least have a way forward with selling your car, allowing you to plan for your next move, whether it is getting another car immediately or saving up while shopping around for a new or used vehicle that suits your current needs and state of pocket. 

MAKE YOUR DECISION

After getting the online evaluation, budgeting to pay your settlement as soon as you sell, determining the market value, and calculating your profits, your decision will be much more transparent and easier to make as all of these factors will contribute towards making an informed one. 

This is not an overnight process, and patience is required. That said, there are some obvious advantages; for one, it’s a fairly simple, hands off affair that doesn’t require much of your involvement, since most of the proceedings will be handled by the dealership. What’s more, most financed vehicles are generally still in excellent condition, and when combined with ways to reduce vehicle depreciation, facilitating a sale is straightforward.

As such, if you are on the buying end of things, you are also not getting a run-down vehicle. There is usually positive equity on the car for the buyer, which will make your life easier when you are taking it over. Another thing to consider is to make sure that whatever amount you are selling the car for is not less than whatever you owe, and you are not left with a hefty payment still to give the bank. 

*This article is not intended to replace financial advice, but rather, to inform and entertain. For any financial advice, always consult a qualified accountant first*

THE BEST COMPETITIVE DATE NIGHT IDEAS FOR LONDONERS

Editorial Team
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THE BEST COMPETITIVE DATE NIGHT IDEAS FOR LONDONERS

Ideal if you’re looking for a fun date night in the capital. 

Those first few dates with a potential love interest can be stressful. With both sides feeling their way, testing the water, and trying their hardest to show their good side, some of the more traditional first date venues actually make the least sense. 

Many fear the prospect of sitting across from each other in a restaurant, attempting to strike up a friendly, flirty conversation in an environment akin to a job interview. Others find it understandably difficult to get that initial spark to ignite when sitting in silence in a cinema, theatre or concert. Indeed, it’s any wonder traditional relationships ever got off the ground when conducted in such romance-sapping settings.                         

Instead, for those first, second or third dates, why not try a more relaxed or unconventional setting? Dates with a little competition involved are always fun and frivolous, and represent a great litmus test for any chemistry between you.

Moreover, they provide natural breaks and prompts in conversation, awkwardness is easier to navigate, and the spirit of rivalry fosters a connection between the two that naturally leads to flirting.  

You can also see how someone reacts to winning and losing, which is hugely important – if they scream in your face and do a little dance or victory lap…well, perhaps ghosting is allowed on this occasion.

Yep, dates with a little healthy competition can be a very good thing. So without further ado, here are some competitive date night ideas for Londoners. 

SWINGERS CRAZY GOLF – IDEAL FOR MINI GOLF AND EXCELLENT STREET FOOD 

Get your head out of the gutter; we’re not talking about that kind of event. A little too niche a suggestion for a first date, perhaps…

Nope, swingers it’s all about crazy golf and a playful place to take your date. Indeed, the spirited nature of the game can put those date night nerves to bed, fast. What’s more, it’s easy to be coy and flirtatious when you’re playing a game of crazy golf….’show me how to perfect that swing’ and all that.  

At Swingers, it takes around 30 to 40 minutes to play 9 holes. This means that if a date isn’t going well, you have the opportunity to leave after a round and exit a bad date early, no questions asked. On the other hand, if the date is going well, you can suggest a quick bite to eat…

Amazingly for a crazy golf venue, you’ll find some of the best street food vendors in town here; Patty & Bun, Breddos Tacos, Pizza Pilgrims, Made of Dough and Hackney Gelato are all under one roof, feeding hungry swingers. They also do pretty darn good cocktails with a menu featuring over 40 alongside premium beers, wine, mocktails and soft drinks. 

Swingers has two central London locations, one in the West End on Prince Street and one in the heart of the city in Browns Buildings. A recent study revealed that the top choice of dates for twentysomethings was mini-golf, so if you’re in this age group, this date night idea suggestion will probably go down well. 

Read: Why Swingers Crazy Golf Experience is IDEAL for a first date in London. 

THE CLASSIC PUB QUIZ – IDEAL FOR GETTING YOUR FRIENDS’ APPROVAL

Let’s get quizzical! If the first couple of dates have gone well and you’re looking to introduce your newfound love interest to your friends, then consider the classic pub quiz, which is a tried-and-tested ice breaker and heaps of fun, too.  

What’s more, a pub quiz offers you a chance to show off your smarts; that is, provided you’re good at trivia and have any! You can also figure plenty about your partner at their suggested team name ideas; any with derogatory undertones should be a red flag, for a start.

Some of the best pub quizzes in London include:

  • The Lexington, Islington
  • The Spread Eagle, Homerton
  • The Pineapple, Kentish Town
  • Vaulty Towers, Waterloo
  • The Star of Bethnal Green
  • The Boogaloo, Highgate 

That said, there are pub quizzes, usually hosted on a Monday or Tuesday night, all over London, meaning you won’t have to cross several zones to get to a good one!

And if you exit the competition early, why not bring a pack of custom printed playing cards along with you and organise a game while you finish off your drinks? Card games and pubs go together like beer and salty snacks after all.

If you forget your pack of cards — or your date doesn’t show — there’s always solitaire on your phone to pass the time.

BOUNCE AT OLD STREET – IDEAL FOR PING PONG 

Bounce, with venues in Old Street and Farringdon, has become something of a London Institution, with friends, couples, blind daters and first timers heading here for a few rounds of ping pong and cocktail or two, every night of the week. 

Interestingly, the Farringdon outpost occupies the basement site where the game of ping pong was first trademarked, but it’s the Old Street venue we love the most, with its rows of ping pong tables conducive to competition and courting. Indeed, Bounce is a pretty noisy venue (all those balls bouncing…) which offers you an excuse to scooch closer to your date and whisper in their ear. Perfect!

The food here is a fantastically fully loaded carb-fest – which after a few rounds of ping pong, you’ll feel like you’ve earned. The menu is mainly about pizzas – for many, the perfect sharing date food and much more intimate than having your own individual plates.

Moreover, since you can eat a pizza slice with just one hand, the other hand is free for holding over the table. If you don’t like pizza (not everyone does) then there’s some loaded nachos and fried chicken for you to get messy with. Sides include gorgeously crispy potato puffs and some popcorn cauliflower with a BBQ glaze. Perhaps don’t wear white, hey? 

Oh, you can even play beer pong here, too! And if that sounds like your kind of thing, you could head on to Belushis, which has sites in Hammersmith, Greenwich, Camden and Shepherd’s Bush, and beer pong at each of them.

Booking a table in advance for Bounce is essential, by the way; it gets busy. 

SIMPSON’S-IN-THE-STRAND – IDEAL FOR ENGLISH FARE & A GAME OF CHESS 

After something more grown-up? Well, let us introduce you to Simpson’s-in-the-Strand, an altogether different type of London institution. This is the historic “home of chess” and was once London’s greatest chess club. 

It’s also home to one of London’s oldest and most iconic restaurants, and dinner here is a spectacle. Victorian silver domed carving trolleys are wheeled to your table and provide the most tender slices of meat; a choice between roast rib of Scottish beef or Welsh lamb, with all the fixings included, of course. 

The tradition of carving meat tableside here began as a way to not disturb chess players mid-game, and continues to this day. That said, after a renovation of both decor and menu in 2017, the restaurant has updated its menu slightly; you can now have Beef Wellington with your sliced beef.

Joking aside, there’s some lighter touches on the menu if you’re keen for your date to stay on the sharp side of sluggish; the sea trout with Scottish mussels and samphire is particularly good.

After dinner, move on to the bar, complete with chess-themed decor. Though chess boards aren’t provided, you could bring your own mini travel chess set and have a game of speed chess. You don’t want to upset the bartender with a 7 hour tactical struggle, after all.

And if you’re still peckish, order their signature roast beef and Yorkshire pudding sandwich while you play.

Right now, Simpson’s in the Strand is temporarily closed, but we hope to see them reopen later in the year.

VISIT A BOARD GAME BAR  – IDEAL FOR SENDING YOUR HUGGING HORMONE SKY HIGH

Did you know that playing a board game with a romantic partner releases oxytocin which is associated with trust, sexual activity and relationship building? In fact, often referred to as the “love hormone or “hugging hormone ”, levels of oxytocin increase during hugging and orgasm.

But that’s not all; a study found that couples who play board games have an improved love life, with research suggesting that couples who play board games interact more because they are competing and talking about the game, and with more interaction, more oxytocin is released.  

So now you know this invaluable piece of scientific research, you’re probably wondering where to play board games in London, right?

Well, in Haggerston you’ll find London’s first dedicated board game cafe, Draughts. There’s also one in Waterloo on Leake Street. With opening hours of 10 am until 11 pm, you can get truly immersed in the fun and frolics of an old school board game here, and this kind of date is ideal for one of London’s many, many rainy days. 

The collection at Draughts is extensive, with stone-cold classics like Monopoly and chess rubbing shoulders with more esoteric options like Killer Bunnies and the Quest for the Magic Carrot. The food menu is all cleverly curated finger food (Korean chicken wings, tacos….) and is perfect to pick at while never breaking stride on the board. 

Perhaps the best part, though, is that this back-to-basics gaming will cost you only a £5 entry fee, after which play is unlimited. The beers, sadly, aren’t free.

Other great board game bars where you can play games on the table and footsie under it include: 

  • Loading Bar, Stoke Newington and Peckham 
  • The Library Pot, Richmond
  • The Ludoquist, Croydon
  • Escape Bar, Stratford, Sherpherd’s Bush and Dalston
  • Scooter Cafe, Waterloo
London date night ideas

ALL STAR LANES – IDEAL FOR AN AMERICAN INSPIRED DATE

First things first; dates should be fun, not full of friction and failing conversation. And let’s state the obvious here for a moment; bowling is fun. 

Whilst it might feel a bit presumptuous to be kicking off your shoes and getting cosy on a first date, All Star Lanes might just be the most fun you can have donning borrowed shoes.

You can also check out your date’s socks, which we feel offers something of a glimpse into their soul. Are they matching? Mismatched? Holes in them? Or are they wearing some god awful novelty socks with Sponge Bob Square pants on them? Or worse, they’re mismatched and novelty, with Homer Simpson on one sock and Thomas the Tank on the other. Hmmm, this sounds like we might be speaking from experience. Let’s move on…

At All Star Lanes, you can pay £35 per person for their Drink, Dine and Bowl package, which includes two courses from their American diner inspired menu, a cocktail, and of course, an hour’s worth of bowling. Otherwise, it’s £15 for a lane and a regular game. 

Hey, you can even do a spot of karaoke while you’re here. What’s not to love?

There are four locations in London; White City, Brick Lane, Holborn and Stratford. Though booking a lane in advance is highly recommended, they do keep a few free for walk-ins. Do be aware that during peak times, lanes are reserved for those who are dining.

THE BOTTOM LINE

Is there anything better for encouraging banter and bonding than a competitive date? We haven’t found it. And hey, if things go well, maybe the loser can pay for the next date? 

PREFAB HOMES: HOW TO BUILD YOUR OWN HOME WITHOUT ANY CONSTRUCTION EXPERIENCE

Editorial Team
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PREFAB HOMES: HOW TO BUILD YOUR OWN HOME WITHOUT ANY CONSTRUCTION EXPERIENCE

A lot of people dream about building their ideal home. Even if you’ve never mixed cement or studied an architect’s plans, the desire to create something from nothing is appealing. 

The stats back up this thesis statement. According to a survey carried out by the NaCSBA and the Building Society Association (BSA), 32% of people in England are interested in building their own homes.

However, of those people, only 9% said they could actually see themselves doing it. Generally, this is because most people don’t have the necessary knowledge, skills or experience required to undertake a self-build project. That’s some serious work and we don’t all have Kevin McCloud on speed dial, after all.

Indeed, once you scratch the surface of what’s required, you’ll see that there are so many potential pitfalls and stumbling blocks, ready to turn that dream build into a nightmare faster than you can say ‘timber!’

Of course, the majority of people who build their own homes don’t actually get their hands dirty; the concept of ‘build’ here is more a metaphorical one, with delegation from the sidelines more likely.

Since you’ll likely not doing the building work yourself, you’ll need to employ the right people to get this done. Then, of course, there’s the planning process. 

Firstly, you need an architect. Then, you’ll need to liaise with local planning officers and manage the project. Throw in electricians, plumbers, gas safety engineers, and a whole host of other legal requirements, and things are going to get complicated. And we all know what ‘complicated’ means in this context, right? Yep, expensive. 

Basically, even if you don’t want to get your hands dirty, it’s going to be a stressful, time-consuming experience. But with modern innovations like 3D printing leading to a growing number of different options for home building, nothing is impossible anymore. 

Today, we’re exploring prefab – or flatpack – homes, and how to build your own home without any construction experience. Let’s dive in…

CONSIDERING CUSTOM BUILDS

Building your own house shouldn’t necessarily mean getting your hard hat on and your soft hands dirty. Increasingly, those looking for fast, simple solutions to the traditional hurdles of a new-build are opting for a custom-made home, such as those available at Moncasa granny flats. 

A custom-build will ease the stresses and strains involved in planning your ideal home from scratch as you have a preplanned design to work with – blueprints and all. This mitigates a huge amount of the potential cost of material mix-ups, extra labour and the inevitable going over budget and schedule that blights so many projects of this kind.

OFFSITE BUILDING MAKES LIVE ONSITE EASIER

So what are the most common types of custom-build out there? Well, self-builders are increasingly turning to prefabricated structures and modular units to make things easier. 

Instead of relying on builders to construct things from scratch, you can use premade products tailored to your specifications and drop them into place, with prefabricated homes able to deliver to a building site in an almost complete state.

Clients are able to discuss their preferences with a company’s architect who will then apply them to one of the standard modular frames used by the team. The house then gets built in a factory, shipped to the appropriate location, and dropped in place. No messy building sites, no unexpected snags. Just the home you ordered, ready to go.

OPTIONS, OPTIONS

This strategy of using prefabricated builds doesn’t have to stop when you move inside. In fact, the potential for prefab homes goes far beyond the foundational.

Generally speaking, prefab or flat pack homes are divided into three categories: 

  • Bare bones – much like an IKEA chest of drawers, the structural elements of the home (such as the walls, doors and floors) are delivered, and you, the homeowner, has to assemble them. 
  • Basic build – the structure of your home are constructed by a company, but you are responsible for fitting the rooms and decorating.
  • A turnkey project – everything is done for you, including individual rooms.

Regardless of the option you choose, you will need to own the land you are building on. You will also need to pay for any land excavation and new foundational elements required for the build, obtain planning permission, and cover the connection of all amenities, such as gas, electricity and communications.

Read: 5 beginner’s tips for planning your IDEAL home build

ROOM SPECIFIC

For those basic build projects we mentioned, the homebuilder does have a fair amount of autonomy over the style and type of room they have installed. 

Hydrodiseño, leaders in prefabricated bathroom pods based in Spain, tell us that you can also now get prefab rooms built, with customers specifying the style of their bathroom or kitchen unit or choosing a stock design. Then, everything is made in a specialist factory and shipped, ready to be installed onsite. Ultimately, this is likely to save the homeowner time, work and money. 

PREMADE REDUCES YOUR FINANCIAL AND TIME COSTS

So how does this type of building save you money? Well, let’s take a prefab bathroom pod’s price as an example.

Though it may sound cutting edge and complex, using a prebuilt design can actually work out cheaper because you save on a variety of hidden costs. When you build a bathroom from scratch, you need a plumber for the pipework and units. You’ll also need a carpenter, an electrician, a flooring specialist, and a tiler, at the very least.

As well as the cost of employing these skilled tradespeople, you need to coordinate them, which isn’t easy. Therefore, even with something as small as a bathroom, the time and financial costs can stack up. 

On the flipside, prefabricated bathroom pods come with all the necessary pipework, tiles, flooring, and units, and a prefab bathroom pod’s price starts from as little as £1,000. An entire unit of a prefab, multi-bedroom log cabin or annexe begins in the region of £25’000. Wow!

THE BOTTOM LINE

Half the battle with building your own home is time management and hidden costs, and this is why prefabricated structures and units are becoming increasingly popular. 

With the advent of 3D printing and other modern manufacturing techniques, building a home from scratch has become increasingly straightforward and affordable. Long may it continue!

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