It may seem as if shops have permanent sales these days,

but January is still the best time for big bargains. Here are

a few advices on how to make your money go further on the high street:

• Stick to styles that work for you: Don’t try something totally different to wear just because it’s on sale at a knock-down price.
• Hung out discounts: Search online usisng price comparison sites such as or www.offeroftheday.co.uk or www.livingsocial.co.uk or www.groupon.co.uk…..there are so many these days, to find out where the good bargains really are.
• Set yourself a budget: January is a tough time financially and that must-have buy might not be such a bargain once you add in interest from your credit card. Use a 0% card or clear your balance in full each month.
• Pay attention to the price: Ignore how much you’re saving; it’s what you’re being asked to pay that’s important. Would you buy it at that price without the discount?!

Good luck and keep shopping locally to support our local community as well! 

Cocktails like Buck’s Fizz, G&T and Mojito are appearing ready mixed in supermarkets – and what could be more convenient?! But be WARNED, say the GHI (Good Housekeeping Institute): you could be paying more than twice as much for something that doesn’t taste half as good as those you mix yourself….  

MOJITO                     BUCK’S FIZZ                     G&T

40ml rum, 20ml lime juice,                 50ml sparkling brut                              150ml tonic water,

10ml syrup, 70ml fizzy water             150ml orange juice                               50ml gin, wedge of

2 mint sprigs (1 serving)                       (1 serving)                                      lemon (1 serving)

Cleaning Silver Jewellery That Does Not Contain Precious Stones:

Before the cleaning process can start, you should remove the item if you are still wearing it and choose a sturdy surface that can act as your work surface. You will need clean tap water, table salt, backing soda and a small deep plate to hold the mixture together. Having prepared the necessary bits and pieces, start by padding the inside of the plate with kitchen foil until the entire inside of the plate resembles an aluminium plate. Add tablespoon of table salt, a tablespoon of backing soda and warm water into the plate. Mix the ingredients together until the baking soda had dissolved in the water. It is very common for the mixture to bubble a lot while the backing soda dissolves. Dunk the silver jewellery in the mix, checking every few minutes if the solution had worked. In most cases, the result of this simple process will bring the silver’s glow back.

Cleaning Silver Jewellery That Does Contain Precious Stones:

If the item contains stones, the method above will prove ineffective, even harmful to the stones. In fact, many chemicals can have an adverse effect on precious stones so always check the label before using cleaning chemicals on your silver jewellery. The most basic (and often the safest) method is using water, toothpaste and a toothbrush. Simply brush the item from side to side using an old clean toothbrush covered in toothpaste and rinse in a bowl of water. If you decide to rinse the item in the sink, be sure to plug the sink before…. so your jewellery does not go down the drain.

There you have it, two simple to use silver cleaning methods using ingredients found in most kitchens.

Blog post by My Sphere Of Life A UK based brand of silver items.

Good Housekeeping tested the domestic Henry HVR200A which scored 77/100 for picking up dust and pet hair from laminate, floorboard and carpet.

Although the Henry is no heavier than many other vacuum cleaners, it can be a little awkward to manoeuvre upstairs due to its bulky build.

New Bags

• As soon as you buy  your new leather bag Scotchgard it. Also continue to feed the leather with a specialised conditioner (Mulberry’s leather nourisher works for me), on a regular basis. Allow 24 hours for the cream to sink in and then buff.

Rainy Days

• Preserve your leather and use a canvas bag on a rainy day. Line it with a discreet plastic liner and valuables should stay dry.

Wet Handbags

• Will it ever be the same again? Don’t be tempted to dry it with a hairdryer or place it near a radiator. Instead stuff it with tissue paper and place it in a dark, warm, aerated cupboard.

Marks on Leather Handbags

• Shine up your leather handbag and get rid of marks with a liberal spray of Pledge. It works a treat!

Pen Marks

• Got biro on your bag? Squirt on a little Elnette hairspray and wipe it away.

Grease

• Been eating greasy food and ruined your handbag? Lighter fluid will get it out in a flash.

When Your Handbag Gets Grubby

• For dark leather apply leather cleaner (www.leathermagic.com) sparingly. Only place a little on your bag with a very clean white (preferably cotton) cloth – old t-shirt do the job. Extremely expensive light-coloured leather bags should always be placed in the hands of the professionals for cleaning.

Marked Suede

• Little stains on suede will come off easily if rubbed with a hard rubber eraser in a circular motion. Keep a stock of products to help nourish and revive your suede including brushes with brass bristles – use a brass brush only on heavy suede.

Delicate Suede

• To brighten up delicate suede use a crepe suede brush, or one made of horsehair, to effectively remove dust and raise the nap. Cover lightly in talcum powder and then brush or vacuum for a new lease of life.

If you are looking for ways to save money and get the most out of your shoes, look after them so your shoes last longer – read on for some great tips!

Rotate

• Try not to wear the same pair of shoes two days running – it gives them time to dry out and consequently your feet well be much healthier.

Tenderise New Leather

• New shoes tend to rub on the heel, so, to soften them up a bit, put the shoe over the arm of a chair, fold a large piece of cardboard in half over the heel and give it a few blows with a hammer. Like tenderizing a steak, your shoes should be soften as a result.

Slippy and Sticky Soles

• If the soles of your shoes are slippy, rub them with a bit of sandpaper. If they’re sticky, give them a shot of talcum powder.

Stains

• WHITE STILETTOS – An eraser will remove stains from white leather. Nail varnish remover will get rid of black spots. and finally, you can cover up grass or oil stains with Tippex.

• BLACK SHOES – Spruce up black leather by rubbing it with the inside of the rind of an orange.

• BROWN SHOES – If you’ve run out of shoe polish, a banana skin acts as a good polish for brown boots or shoes. There’s no need to shine them – simply leave them to dry.

• SUEDE – Bring suede shoes back to life with a good steam over a hot kettle.

• PATENT – Give patent shoes a real gleam with a rub of Vaseline or a spritz of household Pledge.

• RUNNERS – To get stubborn marks off the white bits on trainers, scrub with an old toothbrush and some toothpaste. If that does’t work, try Cif – if comes up a treat.

Shoestrings or Laces

• If the plastic tips come off the end of your laces, burn the ends with a match to seal them tightly.

Smelly Shoes

• Place orange peel in your smelly shoes overnight and they’ll be citrus fresh next morning.

On a Shoestring Budget

• If you re-heel and re-sole your shoes as soon as you buy them, it’ll mean they last far longer. As soles and heels usually come in either black or biscuit, match your sole and heel tips so that they blend in perfectly. Very thin heels always lose the rubber at the end so go for a wider heel if you want longevity.

How To Clean Wood Floors:

Start the cleaning process by dusting the floor using a soft dust mop. Some people tend to use a hoover at this stage, though due to the possibility of scratching the floor you are better of using a dust mop. Professional cleaners will often use a hoover because they are experienced enough in knowing how to prevent damage, but if you are unsure then you cannot go wrong with a dust mop. When you are happy that the surface is dust free, use a damp mop to clean the floor. Remember that wood and water never mix well, so be sure to use a damp mop and never a wet mop. Stains should be removed using a dedicated stain remover. Never use liquids which are not designed for wood, especially vinegar and the like as these might damage the wood. The biggest cause of damage to wooden floors are scratches which normally occur as a result of dragging objects on the floor, instead of lifting, and because of high heels. If you intend on clearing the room before commencing, be sure not to drag anything on the surface.

How To Prevent Accidental Damage:

Prevention is essential in wood flooring care. To prevent damage from heavy shoes and high heels, you can consider asking guests and household members to remove them before steeping on the floor. There are further steps which you can take to avoid damage to the wood. Area rugs which are mounted on the floor offer some level of protection and might also compliment the floor. Furniture pads which are positioned under the lags of heavy objects will keep pressure stains well away. If the wood flooring starts right from the entrance to the house, you should install floor mats so dirt can be absorbed on the mat, rather than left to dry on the wood.

Health and Safety Tips:

When cleaning wood flooring, it is important to follow a few basic safety tips. If the surface is damp, you should make a note of that so people know that the floor might be slippery. Area rugs which are useful for prevent some damage, could also under some circumstances become slippery. If the floor gets much foot traffic, area rugs are not recommended. From time to time you might be looking to wax and stain the floor, a process which can rejuvenate the floor. During this process the floor might become damp and slippery, so you are advised to carry such work when there is little or no foot traffic expected.

Wood floors, especially oak flooring which are made from 100% wood (also know as real wood flooring) can last up to 100 years provided they are cared for. The longevity of the floor will also depend on the quality of the wood, but following the simple tips in this article is a good start.

Article by London based Wood and Beyond for Homesparkle.

Mould & Moisture – Cause for Concern?

Most of us have seen mould or moisture around the home. But did you know that mould is alive?

It grows on wet or damp surfaces. It is often gray or black but can also be white, orange, or green. It can grow out in the open, on places like walls, clothes, and appliances. But you may also find it in more hidden places-under carpets or in walls and attics. Mould often smells musty. Mildew is a common kind of mould. If you live near the ocean or in a damp climate, there may be more mould in your home than in homes in other places.

Mould produces “spores”, tiny specks you can’t see and that float through the air. When you breathe in mould spores, they get into your lungs. This can cause health problems. People with allergies to mould may have reactions. They include watery eyes, runny or stuffed up noses, sneezing, itching, wheezing, trouble breathing, headaches, and tiredness. Mould can even trigger asthma attacks.

We are learning more about the health problems mould cases. Some moulds can cause severe health problems in some people, but scientists disagree about what the problems are. Mould is almost everywhere, but it is not healthy to live where mould is growing. Because mould needs moisture to grow, try to keep your home and everything in it dry.

Here are some places you might find mould:

• In bathrooms, especially around the shower or tub, and on the walls, ceiling, or floor
• In wet or damp basements and crawl spaces
• Around leaky bathroom and kitchen sinks
• In attics under leaking roofs
• On wet clothes that are not dried quickly
• On windows and walls where condensation collects
• In closets
• Under wallpaper or carpet
• In your air conditioner

It’s important to fix any moisture problem in your home right away. Mould can grow fast, so it’s best not to wait. To stop mould from growing, quickly dry or throw away anything that has gotten wet.

Questions to Ask About Mould

How is Your Family’s Health?

Does anyone have allergies or asthma?

Does anyone in your home always seem to have a cold-a runny nose, wheezing, coughing, and headaches?

Do these problems go away when they leave home for a while?

Are there infants, children, or elderly people living in the household?

How Can You Tell if Mould is Growing in Your Home?

Can you see mould growing anywhere?

Is there mildew growing on clothes or towels?

Does any part of your house or apartment smell musty or mouldy?

Do you see color changes on walls or floors that you can’t wipe off?

Is There Moisture in Your Home That Could Cause Mould to Grow?

Has any part of your home been flooded?

Has there been a water leak or overflow?

Has the carpet got wet and stayed damp for more than 24 hours?

Can you see moisture on walls, ceilings, or windows?

Do bathroom walls stay damp for a long time after a bath or shower?

Do basement floor drains ever get clogged and hold water?

Does your basement or roof leak when it rains? (Check the attic floor.)

Does anyone use a humidifier?

Does water collect in the drain pan under the refrigerator or air conditioner?

Do you use unvented space heaters?

Do you live in a humid climate?

Does rainwater drain toward your homes foundation?

If your home is raised, does water pool under it?

Does the air in your home feel clammy or humid?

Dealing With Mould – Actions Steps

• Keep surfaces clean and dry-wipe up spills and overflows right away.
• Store clothes and towels clean and dry – do not let them stay wet in the laundry basket or washing machine.
• Don’t leave water in drip pans, basements, and air conditioners.
• Check the relative humidity in your home. You can buy a kit to do this at a home electronics or hardware store. Stop using your humidifier if the relative humidity is more than 50%.
• If the humidity is high, don’t keep a lot of houseplants.
• Wipe down shower walls with a squeegee or towel after bathing or showering.
• Cut down on steam in the bathroom while bathing or showering.
• Run a fan that is vented to the outside or open a window.
• Run a fan vented to the outside when cooking.
• If you have a dryer, make sure it is vented to the outside.
• Use a dehumidifier or air conditioner to dry out damp areas.
• If you use a humidifier, rinse it out with water every day. Every few days, follow the manufacturers directions for cleaning it or rinse it out with a mix of ½ cup chlorine bleach (Sometimes called sodium hypochlorite. “Clorox” is one brand.) and one gallon of water.
• When you use your air conditioner, use the “auto fan” setting.
• Throw away wet carpeting, cardboard boxes, insulation, or other things that have been very wet for more than two days.
• Increase airflow in problem areas – open closet doors and move furniture away from outside walls where mould is growing.

Other Ways of Dealing With Mould Problems

• Move your furniture around once in a while.
• Prevent moisture from collecting on windows by using storm windows. If you live in a flat, talk to your landlord about putting on storm windows.
• Keep people with asthma or allergies sway from damp areas of your home.
• Use downspouts to direct rainwater away from the house. Make sure your gutters are working.
• Slope the dirt away from your house’s foundation. Make sure the dirt is lower six feet away from the house than it is next to it.
• Repair leaking roofs, walls, doors, or windows.
• Cover window wells if they leak.
• After cleaning up mould, using a high efficiency (HEPA) vacuum or air cleaner may help to get rid of mould spores in the air. You may be able to borrow a HEPA vacuum. Call your local or state health department to ask.
• If you find an area of mould greater than 15 square feet, it’s best to hire a professional to get rid of it. (You can find them listed under “Fire and Water Damage Restoration”.)
• Remove small children, people with long-term illnesses, and older people from the home until it is cleaned up.
• Clean up mould with a mix of laundry detergent or dishwashing soap and water OR chlorine bleach with soap and water. Do not mix chlorine bleach with any product that contains ammonia!
• If you think mould may be causing you or your family health problems, see a doctor.

How do I Clean Up Mould?

Protect yourself when cleaning up mould. Wear long sleeves and pants, shoes and socks, rubber gloves, and goggles to protect your eyes. Open a window to let in fresh air while you’re working.

Throw away things like carpet or mattresses, wallboard (drywall), ceiling tile, insulation, or cardboard boxes that have been wet for more than two days. Wrap anything you’re going to throw away in plastic to stop mould from spreading. Cleaning up mould puts the spores in the air so it’s a good idea to war a respirator. Keep small children, elderly and sick people, and anyone with allergies or asthma away during cleanup.

Clean hard surfaces with a mix of laundry detergent or dishwashing soap and water. You may have to scrub with a brush. Rinse the area with clean water and dry quickly by wiping away the water and using a fan. Chlorine bleach will kill mould growing on surfaces. It does not kill mould spores in the air and dead mould can still cause allergic reactions. If you use bleach, follow these steps:

• Scrub the surface first with water and detergent.
• Water down the chlorine bleach – use about one cup bleach to ten cups of water.
• Spray or sponge the bleach on the mouldy area. Leave it on about 15 minutes, then rinse the area and dry quickly.
• Never mix chlorine bleach with products that contain ammonia or acids because you will make a deadly gas!
• Keep chlorine bleach out of the reach of pets and children.
• Remember, chlorine bleach takes the colour out of most fabrics and rugs. Be careful not to spill or splash.

Your local health department can provide more information on mould. Renters should talk to their landlords. Some home insurance policies will pay to fix mould damage. Fire and Water Damage Restoration professionals can help you fix the damage. Cleaning up a big mould problem may cost several hundred pounds or more.

Testing for Mould

You may have heard about so-called “toxic” moulds that can cause severe health problems. This may cause worry if you know that mould is growing in your home. See your doctor if you think mould is causing health problems for you or your family. Many experts agree that health problems come more from the length of time you’ve been in contact with the mould and the amount of mould in your home than the type of mould in your home.

No matter what kind of mould you have, you need to get rid of it and fix the moisture problems that made it grow. Most experts think it’s better to spend your time and money on cleaning up the problem than testing. So act quickly to get rid of the mould and moisture by following the action steps in this chapter.