Ten Easy DIY Home Décor Projects Using Recycled Materials

In the age of sustainability and environmental consciousness, incorporating recycled materials into home décor has become more than just a trend. It's a way of life. 

Not only does it breathe new life into old items, but it also adds a unique touch to your living space. Plus, it's incredibly satisfying to create something beautiful out of materials that might otherwise end up in a landfill. 

If you're looking to spruce up your home while reducing your carbon footprint, here are ten easy DIY home décor projects using recycled materials:

Mason Jar Vases: Don't toss those empty mason jars, turn them into charming vases instead! Clean them thoroughly, paint them in your favorite colors, and adorn them with ribbons or twine for a rustic look. These versatile vases are perfect for displaying fresh flowers or storing small items like pens and brushes.

Wine Cork Coasters: If you're a wine enthusiast, chances are you have a stash of wine corks lying around. Put them to good use by transforming them into coasters. Simply glue the corks together in a square or circular pattern, let them dry, and voila—you have stylish and eco-friendly coasters to protect your furniture.

Upcycled Planters: Give old tin cans, teapots, or even shoes a new lease on life by turning them into planters. Drill drainage holes in the bottom, add some soil and your favorite plants or herbs, and place them in windowsills or on shelves for a quirky touch of greenery.

Fabric Scrap Bunting: Got leftover fabric scraps from previous sewing projects? Use them to create a colorful bunting to decorate your walls or mantelpiece. Cut the fabric into triangles, attach them to a length of twine or ribbon, and hang them up for an instant pop of color.

Newspaper Wall Art: Turn yesterday's news into today's wall art by crafting intricate paper sculptures or simple collages. Experiment with different folding techniques or cut out interesting headlines and images to create a one-of-a-kind masterpiece.

Vintage Suitcase Shelves: Give old suitcases a new purpose by transforming them into stylish shelves. Remove the lid, add a coat of paint or varnish, and attach brackets to the back to hang them securely on the wall. These unique shelves are perfect for displaying books, plants, or decorative items.

CD Mosaic Mirror: Still have a stash of old CDs gathering dust? Use them to create a dazzling mosaic mirror that will add sparkle to any room. Break the CDs into small pieces, arrange them in a pattern on a plain mirror frame, and secure them with strong adhesive for a reflective work of art.

Repurposed Door Headboard: Give an old door a new life as a headboard for your bed. Sand it down, paint or stain it to match your bedroom décor, or use decoupage on it, then mount it securely to the wall behind your bed for a rustic and charming focal point.

Vintage Book Page Art: If you have old books that are falling apart or gathering dust on the shelves, why not turn them into works of art? Remove pages with interesting illustrations or text, frame them, and hang them up to add a touch of literary charm to your home.

Tin Can Lanterns: Create cozy ambiance in your outdoor space with DIY tin can lanterns. Use a hammer and nail to punch holes in empty tin cans in your desired pattern, place a tealight inside, and watch as the candlelight flickers through the holes, casting a warm and inviting glow.

With a little creativity and some basic crafting skills, you and your children, with guidance, can transform everyday objects into beautiful and functional pieces of home décor, all while reducing waste and embracing sustainability. So raid your recycling bin, gather your crafting supplies, and let your imagination run wild as you embark on these easy DIY projects. Your home, and the planet, will thank you for it!

First Time Buyers Home Show Unravels The Mystery Of Homeownership

On Saturday 28th April the Grand Connaught Rooms in London's stylish Covent Garden will once again open its doors to the First Time Buyers Home Show, the one stop shop for anyone thinking about buying their own home.

First Time Buyer magazine, which has been running since 2008 and is the brains behind the show, has helped hundreds of people by giving them advice on home ownership, breaking down the mysteries of shared ownership, mortgages and how best to make the transition from renting to holding the keys to your very own home for the first time.

The Home Show is free to attend and is open from 10am to 5pm with seminars running throughout the day. Seminars are also free and will cover all aspects of buying your own home. Registration is open now via the website. Sign up for all the latest news on exhibitors and seminars and to register your interest in attending.

Exhibitors at the Home Show include the main sponsor, Barratt Homes who has developments across the south east and around the UK. Also showing how easy it can be to get on the housing ladder are housing associations and housing charities such as Origin Housing, Affinity Sutton, Newlon Housing Trust, Circle and Southern Housing Group. For those in need of financial and legal advice the Law Society, Hodders Law and Nationwide Building Society will be on hand to answer any questions. The list of exhibitors is growing day by day, so keep checking the website for all the latest information.

The calibre of the exhibitors at the show is highlighted by how many have been nominated in the First Time Buyers Readers' Awards which will take place in London on Friday 20th April. The awards highlight achievement in areas such as private development, affordable housing and architectural design. The shortlist has been drawn up by industry experts Lynda Clark, Roger Southam, Kate Faulkner, Sylvia Marshall and Marcus Wilshire.

Lynda Clark, editor of First Time Buyer Magazine said "It's going to be a fantastic event where first time buyers can find out as much as they like about buying their first property. They will be able to find out the difference between the various purchasing options including shared-ownership and shared equity"

She adds "Homeownership is clearly still an aspiration for the majority of young people, even if the reality of doing so may seem like a long way off. Those who come along to the show will be able to discover different ways to a buy a home sooner rather than later and often with a much lower deposit than perhaps they may have realized."

Home Show www.ftbhomeshow.com
FTB Readers Awards www.ftbawards.com
FTB Magazine www.firsttimebuyeronline.co.uk
Grand Connought Rooms www.grandconnaughtrooms.com

Make time with Roman at Home

Britain's luxury online homewares retailer, Roman at Home (www.romanathome.com) have launched a new range of clocks to further expand their collection of finishing touches for the home.

The range includes 4 different design options, including a Large Waterloo Station Clock which, with its 60cm diameter, makes a fantastic focal point for your sitting room or kitchen. It features a traditional design with Roman numerals and sepia colouring for a vintage inspired look.

Alongside the dramatic Waterloo Station Clock, Roman at Home have added some more traditional sized clocks which include a fun cow design, an on-trend cupcake design, and a nostalgic bistro style design. The four contrasting designs mean there is something to suit every home and taste.

Alongside these traditional indoor clocks, Roman at Home has also added a new Double Sided Outdoor Station Wall Clock in a vintage brown, which joins their existing black Outdoor Station Clock. The outdoor clocks are the perfect addition to your garden ready for the summer months and are bound to be a talking point amongst visitors.
The new clocks are all available online from www.romanathome.com

Cow Clock - £12.95

Bistro Coffee Clock - £12.95

Cupcake Clock - £17.95

Large Waterloo Station Clock - £32.50

Outdoor Station Clock - £29.50

These are all available from Roman at Home, either online or take the time to give them a call!

Roman at Home Contact Details

Tel: 08450 525 125

E-mail: info@romanathome.com

Website: www.romanathome.com

Confused.com want to give you £1000 when you purchase home insurance!

Confused.com is offering £1,000 to spend on household bills to four lucky householders who get a home insurance quote through the price comparison site during March.

The giveaway comes on the back of recent Confused.com research which found that 34 per cent of homeowners admitted they have never switched home insurance provide. This is despite the fact 70 per cent of Confused.com home insurance customers could save money on their home insurance premium.

To motivate people to shop around for a better deal, four lucky customers who get a quote on home insurance in March through Confused.com will be randomly selected to win £1,000 to spend on household bills.

Gareth Kloet, Confused.com Head of Home insurance said: "We wanted to say thank you to those people who are looking to get home insurance through Confused.com, by giving them a chance to win £1,000.

"As we all know, money is a topic of much discussion and many people can't afford to buy those essentials for the home, or even pay some bills. Therefore at Confused.com we wanted to give our customers a helping hand. Not only by saving them money by using our comparison site but by also giving them the chance to win £1,000 to spend on things they need.

"We want people to be aware that they could save hundreds of pounds on their home insurance just by shopping around for a lower quote. 22 per cent of homeowners are under the illusion that switching home insurance is too complicated, but by using a comparison site like Confused.com it means that we do the hard work for them."

FACTFILE:
73.9% could save, 10% of customers saved at least £229.10 against their renewal price (July - Dec 11)

Any Home Can Be A Smart Home

At the heart of a home automation system is the essential wiring that links up all the features that the householder requires.

These features range from an intruder alarm system integrated with lighting control plus control of heating, air conditioning and appliances, curtains, blinds, audio and video - all working together in an intelligent way.

 Once the appropriate wiring is installed, however, householders can choose to start modestly with, say, a basic home security system and add to it in stages to suit their needs and budgets.

As home-owners' comfort standards rise they ask why they shouldn't have the convenient and easily-managed technology in their own homes that they have in their cars. And the answer is - no reason at all.

Here are some of the functions that systems can provide:

Monitor and control security, lighting and heating status from anywhere in the world using a telephone or smart phone app.
Switch on the garden lights automatically based on Time schedules
Create atmosphere with varied lighting scenes
"Magic" a hidden TV from a faux bookcase
Heat up the bath water Hear a reminder on a talking keypad
Open or close the curtains or blinds Have lighting and appliances respond automatically to alarms or security events.
On a computer screen look all around the house
Talk to a visitor at the door before letting them in from a keypad, home phone, or from your mobile when you are out.

An effective security system can be a springboard to providing a wider range of home technology when a multi-function system is installed, transforming the house into an intelligent one.

For example, movements in any of the zones in the house, opening, closing of doors and windows or specific alarms such as Intruder, Fire and Power Failure can be linked to lighting and other sub-systems in the home. The security sensors can do much more within a home automation system. For example, sensors in the home can include Motion, Doors, Windows, Temperature and Light and they act as eyes and ears for the system.

An automated home with integrated security can, for example:

In Holiday Mode, the lights and music switch on at chosen times in the day or night to give the impression that the owners are in when they are out.
When the single control opens or closes the automatic garage doors and gates, the security system is armed or disarmed simultaneously.
Home heating or air conditioning can be switched on or off automatically or adjusted when the security system is armed to Away or Night Mode or by Time Programmes.
Schedules or Time Programmes allow automatic control of security, lighting and other appliances. These can be used to automatically arm the security system and switch off selected lights at night, and, for example, to water the garden.
Automatic adjustment of daylight savings time changes is also a very useful feature for Time programmes as it removes the need to remember to change the time manually.
Motion sensors in certain areas in the home can trigger the alarm in Away mode, but can turn on certain lights in Night mode, and switch them off automatically when motion is not detected for a period of time.

External motion sensors can switch on lights and trigger a recorded warning message.

Lights and Music
The most common component of a home automation system is often lighting, where one of more lights can be controlled by electronic switches, keypads or remote controls. Such lighting systems may be bus-based like KNX (www.knx.org) or C-Bus (by Schneider) where electronic low voltage switches are connected in a bus throughout the house, and the lighting loads are connected directly to relays or actuators rather than through electrical light switches. Bus lighting systems are very reliable and have very extensive functionality.

Lights and appliances can also be connected using the AC outlets and Power Line Technology like X10 and its variants, although this is more suitable for non-essential items like plug-in devices due to problems caused by noise on the power line. Other lighting products communicate by wireless means like Infrared and RF signals. Wireless technologies used in home automation including products complying to the Zigbee and Zwave standards are becoming more widely available.

Sound and entertainment multi-room systems controlled by touchscreens and keypads that also control lighting with mood scenes and underfloor heating are typically installed in higher end homes, though any more modestly sized house can be a candidate for basic automation.

Energy Saving - Cost Saving
A key issue in the sustainability and energy conservation debate is how home energy consumption can be controlled, monitored and importantly, reduced. Home energy use can be simply controlled by a home automation system that monitors heating, lighting, appliances, curtains and blinds and adjusts to individual conditions in the house. Greater home energy efficiency can be achieved with daylight controls, occupancy sensors and more accurate control of the heating system. Home heating or cooling settings can be changed remotely by phone or computer if weather conditions change suddenly.

Assistive Living
Forecasts of the increasingly ageing population flag up another key sector where home automation can play a vital part. There are now more over 60's than under 18's in the UK - a common global trend. Assisted living for the older generation, and for those with disabilities, can be provided via buildings with fully functioning interactive smart facilities. The pressure that this growing older population will put on healthcare is predicted by some experts to indicate that breaking point could be close without drastic action.

However smart home automation can alleviate many of these fears by providing a host of benefits. These include an interactive voice menu that can be controlled from any remote or home telephone. The real time status of lights and appliances can be announced before switching anything on or off. Reminder messages and voice announcements can be played back by talking keypads or phone, for example, to remind the user to take medicine, as a wake-up call, or warn if any motion is detected in the home.

Importantly the system can dial out to carers or family members if there is no activity in the home for a longer than usual period of time. The carer can talk to the person in the house via any of the keypads and an emergency button on the keypad can force a dial-out to a helper. And as smart networks develop online contact between the user and their GP becomes interactive as does diagnosis and treatment.

A key concern for older people is that of security in the home. A door station with a camera allows the person at home to speak with the visitor and see them before opening the door. The door is opened via any phone or keypad in the house and if no-one is home the caller is diverted to the home-owner's mobile.

Compare the burglaries...

Tesco Compare has posted a Burglary Infographic on its website to let customers know about the rate of burglaries in different UK areas, and the strategies used by housebreakers.

An innovative approach from Tesco Compare, an Infographic is used to represent information graphically. The new one on the site displays interesting statistics:
Did you know the most likely break-in and burglary victims are single-parent families in urban UK areas?

Alongside revealing UK burglary hotspots, the webpage also displays most sought-after items amongst burglars.

Vikki Macleod, Commercial Director of the comparison website, comments: “Infographics are an innovative way to display statistics by making them easier to understand. We aim to use more imaginative techniques to convey information – and this form of graphic is a great way to achieve this.”

In addition to unveiling most commonly-stolen objects, or when and how burglaries happen, the Infographic may give people an insight into some of the variables insurers base their home insurance premiums on. This, for example, may include the home’s location and its level of security.

What is Tesco Compare?
Launched in 2007, Tesco Compare helps people search for deals from leading car and home insurance providers. But there is more to the comparison site than meets the eye: It can introduce consumers to comparison services for products within money and utilities, and a greater range of insurance products. It also provides links to pet and breakdown insurance providers, and customers can also compare quotes and deals by features according to what is important to them, not just on price.

Summing up, Vikki Macleod, said: “We look forward to continually developing the site by introducing new types of web pages to engage and help customers. By presenting them with interesting information, we intend to encourage greater interaction with Tesco Compare.”

Want to see if you could find a deal on your car and home insurance this winter? Visit www.tescocompare.com

See Hainsworth at the show

Hainsworth, one of Britain’s most prestigious textile mills, will officially launch its new consumer lifestyle brand Scarlet & Argent at Home at Top Drawer 2012 (Earls Court, January 15-17th).

Home at Top Drawer (http://home-london.net/register-now/) is a unique retail buying event showcasing the newest homewares and interior accessories and it will feature stunning collections from the leaders in UK and International design.

Scarlet & Argent – www.scarletandargent.co.uk - is a timeless collection of exquisite woollen blankets, throws and accessories created for the home which celebrate British manufacturing and draw upon traditional processes and heritage designs.

The brand is instilled with a stunning heritage that spans across seven family generations and is synonymous with some of the most iconic moments in British history since 1783.

The company has been a luxury fabric supplier to the world’s royalty for decades, including Queen Elizabeth II. It has exclusively supplied ceremonial woollen cloth to the Ministry of Defence which can be seen on the iconic Royal Guards standing outside Buckingham Palace.

Its cloth covers the famous Woolsack in the House of Lords, features regularly in blockbuster movies such as Harry Potter and was used to make the uniforms worn by Princes William and Harry at the Royal Wedding.
The Scarlet & Argent collection will be launched officially at Home at Top Drawer and is also now available for online sales at www.scarletandargent.co.uk. The range will roll out to major retailers and independent homes and interiors stockists after the show.

There are nine iconic blankets and throws in the launch range which includes Liberty fabric baby blankets, a throw influenced by the colours of the British flag and the Lupton Blanket. William Lupton & Co. Ltd belonged to Kate Middleton’s great-grandmother, Olive Lupton, and became part of Hainsworth in 1958. As a cherished piece of Scarlet & Argent heritage, the Lupton family crest is the inspiration for this blanket.
A team of designers – both in-house and from London – has worked on the launch collection. New lines to extend the brand will be added over the coming months. Once launched in the UK, the brand will be pushed to an overseas market.
Managing Director Tom Hainsworth said: "As an English company since 1783, Scarlet & Argent is a celebration of our Hainsworth heritage, our English roots and our passion for British quality and detail.

"A painstaking amount of research and development has gone into creating our first collection and we cannot wait to launch at Home at Top Drawer. In addition to selling through retailers, we have created a powerful e-commerce site which enables us to sell directly to the consumer for the first time.

"We are extremely proud of our history and everything we have achieved as a company during the past two centuries, but our business strategy going forward is about harnessing the best of our heritage with the best in modern manufacture, technology, sales and marketing.’
Each piece in the Scarlet & Argent collection is created exclusively in our specialist Yorkshire mill, one of the oldest woollen mills in Europe, from the selection of the raw wool to the hand-finished touches.
Tom added: ‘‘We use only the finest natural materials and insist on impeccable finishing – because we know that it is this attention to detail that gives our beautiful woollen blankets, throws and accessories their exceptional quality, their indulgent textures and a special place in people’s homes."

www.scarletandargent.co.uk

The name Scarlet & Argent was inspired by their iconic scarlet cloth, which is worn exclusively by the Queen’s Guards and as the Military’s ceremonial dress. Prince William wore it on his wedding day. As a result, it has become a colour that is synonymous with our founders, Hainsworth. When Scarlet is coupled with Argent, a bright white silver, the colours of the English flag are created.

The Scarlet & Argent Collection
Beautiful in their simplicity, timeless in style and exquisite in their detail, Scarlet & Argent woollen blankets, throws and accessories effortlessly enhance the look of your home to create inviting interiors that exude relaxed elegance and contemporary charm.

Lupton Blanket – William Lupton & Co. Ltd belonged to Kate Middleton’s great-grandmother, Olive Lupton, and became part of Hainsworth in 1958. As a cherished piece of Scarlet & Argent heritage, the Lupton family crest is the inspiration for this exquisite blanket. Price: £450.

Equine Amber Throw – A true statement piece, this beautifully tactile throw is inspired by equestrian heritage style and woven with the iconic Newmarket colour palette of amber, red and navy. Price: £105.

Albion Throw – Inspired by our country’s iconic colours, this beautifully simple tribute to timeless style is created with the exceptional British quality that Scarlet & Argent is so very proud of. Price: £105.

Dale & Moor Throw – Inspired by the Yorkshire countryside’s colour palette, our eco-friendly Dale & Moor Throws are a modern tribute to a traditional wool drying process in which cloth was stretched over wooden tenter frames and pinned in place with hooks. This process is also the historic origin of the saying ‘on tenterhooks’. Price: £75.

Top & Tail Blanket – With its striking contemporary, masculine design and striking block colours, this blanket exudes confidence and sophistication. Created with the finest quality wool it is luxuriously thick and will give your living space rugged warmth and an urban edge. Prices: £250 and £375.

Chamber Blanket – Beautifully fluffy and sumptuously soft, these luxurious lambswool blankets are the epitome of British quality. Characterised by Scarlet & Argent’s attention to detail they add an instant touch of luxury to your bedroom or living space. Prices: £255, £325 and £395.

Liberty Born Blanket – Woven with luxuriously light and ever so soft merino wool, these truly lovable baby blankets are trimmed with Liberty fabric adding an extra special touch for that extra special little person in your life. Prices: £90 and £105.

Vivid Living Blanket – Living up to their name, our Vivid Living blankets effortlessly inject character and charm into a room. Bold and beautifully textured, this vibrant collection of blankets is expertly woven with a contemporary colour palette and a classic cellular design. Price: £145.

Twill & Granite Throw – The name Twill & Granite derives from the two special weaves we use to create these subtly striped throws. Beautifully textured and woven with only the finest merino wool, Twill & Granite throws exude relaxed sophistication. Price: £150.

Luxury Lifestyle Accessories - Scarlet and Argent’s contemporary collection of luxury woollen and hand-printed accessories are the ideal accompaniment to our stunning range of throws and blankets. Price: Cushions £85, Door Stops £30 and Draught Excluders £40

Nick Knowles tops DIY help list

Presenter of DIY SOS Nick Knowles has topped a list of celebrities members of the public would most like to help them decorate their property. Radio 1 DJ Chris Moyles comes in bottom of the charts narrowly followed by Lady GaGa and Take That front man Gary Barlow.

The results of the survey carried out by FrogTape are revealed in advance of the last bank holiday of the year when thousands of UK householders will use the long weekend to get on with decorating tasks they’ve been putting off. Or need to finish off after starting them at the last Bank Holiday!

The survey showed that 82.62% of those who responded considered painting the walls to be one of the most cost-effective ways of sprucing up the home without having to lay out a fortune.

Women apparently rule the roost when it comes to deciding which colour to paint the home, with 67.55% of wives making the colour choice. (EDITOR: I am colour-blind and my wife is a qualified interior decorator and writer on decorating. It's clear who is qualified to chose paints in our house!)

Says Alan Murray, head of marketing, FrogTape: “A fresh lick of paint is a great way to instantly transform and refresh your home, without breaking the bank.”

The poll found that, on average, people spend only half an hour preparing before undertaking decorating.

Murray advises: “Be prepared to put in some time if you want good quality results and don’t underestimate the time it takes to prepare the room prior to painting. A good quality finish is all in the preparation.”

"FrogTape is a new masking tape developed to ensure paint is kept out and lines are kept sharp. Using FrogTape makes it easy for even the novice decorator to get the job done properly first-time without the need for touch ups."

The survey also revealed more women would attempt to paint a room than men and that women were also less likely to botch a job than their male counterparts.

Nearly two thirds of men admitted they always have a bash at DIY even though they don't think they'll be very good.

The results also highlighted that two thirds of those polled said that the bleak economic climate had made them more likely to attempt jobs themselves rather than hiring a professional tradesman

With Saniflo, home improvement can be a dream, not a nightmare!

Don’t let improving your home become a nightmare. The space saving Sanivite is ideal for installing additional kitchen and utility facilities. A waste water pump suitable for dishwashers, washing machines, tumble driers and sinks it is the perfect solution for any home improvement even when situated some distance from the nearest drain.

There's no need for complicated drainage problems or sollutions. This compact pump is capable of pumping hot, soapy waste water away through 32mm pipe work, offering vertical pumping capacity up to 5m and horizontal discharge up to 50m or a lesser combination of both.

Make the addition of a domestic kitchen or utility easy for yourself and your family. The Sanivite is usually concealed in a kitchen unit but can also be concealed behind a demountable panel to give access if required. Saniflo products provide the perfect solution for a tight space.

Improve your home with Saniflo. Minimum fuss….maximum effect!

For further information call 0208 842 0033 or visit www.saniflo.co.uk

Littlewoods Europe's biggest sale yet?

Littlewoods Europe, part of the Shop Direct Group, the UK's second largest online clothing retailer, has announced the launch of its End of Season Sale. The sale sees over 12,000 clothing and footwear lines in Littlewoods Europe's online store discounted, with savings of up to 75% off. There's also up to 50% savings on homewares and bedding, too!

The End of Season Sale has clothing and footwear for the whole family, plus homeware, including basics like bedding and towels. Customers can expect to see big brand names like, Converse, Bench clothing, Ben Sherman, FCUK, Nike and Adidas on offer with significant discounts.

The End of Season Sale comes at a great time when many people are preparing for the long summer break. Littlewoods Europe believes the prospect of up to 75% discount on leading lines will entice savvy shoppers to shop for some great deals, as well as benefiting budget-conscious households and business owners, too.

A spokeswoman for Littlewoods Europe said: "With the summer holidays approaching, it's a busy time for many of our customers. Whether they are off on holiday or spending time at home with the family, summer can bring with it a lot of expense.

“We think our sale has some great bargains and can help with the seasonal pinch. With over 2000 bedding lines in the sale, we believe these offers from Littlewoods Europe, will be of particular interest to customers in Europe who run holiday lets, when preparing for the peak holiday period."

Littlewoods Europe delivers to customers in the following countries: Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, France, Finland, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain and Sweden. Home delivery is within 10 working days with 28 days home approval guarantee.

Brands within the Shop Direct Group portfolio include Very.co.uk, Woolworths.co.uk, Littlewoods Ireland, Littlewoods Europe, Additions, Great Universal, Choice, Kays, Empire Stores and Marshall Ward.

www.littlewoodseurope.com

Don't let Dad do the DIY!

With Father's Day upon us, it’s time for the women to get out the DIY tools and let Dad take a break from his shed! Hitachi Capital Consumer Finance has revealed that although UK men can talk a good game, they are more likely to hinder the process and cause disasters than women.

A recent survey by the UK’s leading provider of point of sale credit solutions revealed that almost a quarter of men (23%) liken themselves to Nick Knowles’ style of DIY and claim that though they know the basics, it is their female partner who is more likely to shine and get the job done this Father's Day.

What’s more, contrary to popular belief, men are a third more likely to have a costly DIY disaster than women, which is why fathers should put away the paintbrushes and power tools and stay tucked up in bed on Sunday.

And though some women across the country would prefer to get a professional to do the job (16%), 90 % own tools and know how to use them just like their DIY idol Craig Phillips.

In fact, ladies across the country are surpassing men across the board. More than half of women compare themselves to Lawrence Llewelyn-Bowen’s painting skills, Linda Barker’s artistic flair and Charlie Dimmock’s green fingers, yet barely a third of men (33%) admit to the same skills.

Gerald Grimes, manager director at Hitachi Capital Consumer Finance, said: “Sunday’s are the perfect time for sprucing up the home with some family DIY and it’s clear that the nation is keen on practicing their skills and comparing their efforts to celebs. We are seeing a real trend in DIY as consumers look to improve their homes instead of moving and we expect to see a big surge over the Father’s Day weekend. Whether dads get a day off, only time will tell!

Over a quarter (27%) of those surveyed went on to agree that DIY is a cost effective way of doing up the home and over 10% feel that DIY is a good stress buster.

(EDITOR: As my wife's late father was a Master Builder and she has qualifications in interior design, decorating, garden design and gardening, I know my place as chief tea maker!)

Candles for food lovers!

Scented candles may be common in many homes (EDITOR: In almost every room, here!) but none are as delicious and unique as Cook with Lisa’s fabulous foodie creations. The dessert themed collection not only smells fantastic - the recipe for each yummy dish is detailed on the label so you can rustle up the real thing, should you want to!

Whether you choose Apple Pie, Shortbread, Raspberry Sorbet or Pineapple Flambé - within minutes of lighting the candle your house will radiate warm and welcoming scents.

Lisa Roukin, creator and talented cooking teacher, was inspired by the comforting smells of her childhood, which many of us will be able to relate to. “There are many aromas that remind me of my childhood food memories, certainly the ones that my Mum and Grandma used to make,” explains Lisa.

“My love of food began at an early age as our kitchen constantly had wonderful food smells that would run through the house. Even walking back home from school I could smell freshly baked shortbread from the street. I loved watching my Mum and Grandma make their special Apple Pie, then waiting by the oven for it to finish baking.”

Our sense of smell is so powerful when it comes to evoking memories from the past that within a few minutes of lighting one of Cook with Lisa’s candles you will be transported back in time to a carefree and happier place.

The manufacturing process was very important to Lisa so she personally developed the fragrances after decided on a range of scents to suit every palate. She has covered the spicy (Apple pie), warm (Shortbread), fresh (Raspberry Sorbet) and tropical (Pineapple Flambé).

And if you want to recreate those flavours yourself for real, Cook with Lisa’s candles have the unique twist of a tried and tested recipe on the label that means you will be able to experience the delicious dish! (EDITOR: And see if the smells your cooking creates matches the candle!)

Each candle has a 50 hour burn time and is handmade in the UK with British sourced ingredients. The candles do not contain any animal products so are suitable for vegetarians too.

They can even be a zero calorie fix for dieters who want to experience their favourite desserts without needing to taste them.

And if you are looking to sell your house this year it's worth remembering the smell of freshly baked goodies is proven to get buyers hooked, so a Cook with Lisa candle could really make a difference without the need to tidy up the kitchen afterwards!

Cook with Lisa candles are available from www.cookwithlisa.com/shop for £14.99.

Home-buyers urged to seek out new “quality mark”

The Law Society is urging home-buyers to look out for the new Conveyancing Quality Scheme (CQS) logo when seeking a lawyer to handle the legal aspects of buying a home.

The new scheme is a mark of excellence for residential property lawyers that has seen hundreds of law firms seek to secure the new status mark, which recognises high-quality in conveyancing.

Since opening for applications in January almost 900 firms have applied to obtain the new status, with over 100 so far having passed the rigorous assessment process in order to achieve CQS status.

Law Society President Linda Lee points out: “In the same way that you used to use a CORGI or, as it is now, GasSafe registered engineer, to install a gas boiler, the CQS is a quality mark that is recognition of high residential conveyancing standards solicitors provide.

"Buying a home is generally regarded as one of the largest purchases of anyone’s life, so it makes sense to use a solicitor. Firms that have secured CQS status have gone through a robust assessment process to achieve it.

"As the costs of moving home or arranging a mortgage rapidly increase it may be tempting to seek cheap conveyancing quotes, but as Which? recently said, using a “reliable and efficient” solicitor rather than looking for the cheapest option is essential. With CQS the public can easily identify those firms who have met the exacting CQS standards which reflect the professionalism residential property solicitors provide.

“There is so much to think about when buying a home that little research is undertaken into which firm should handle the legal aspects of the process. CQS allows consumers to identify high quality easily in the knowledge that these firms have undergone a thorough assessment in order to become a CQS member and are subject to  ongoing assessment in order to remain a CQS member."

To find a CQS firm in your area visit www.lawsocietyapproved.com/Conveyancing.aspx