Offering a combination of heat and massage therapy, the hot tub can help to heal as well as relax. With jet streams that assist circulation, this is a great option for relieving tension and remedying sore, strained muscles.

Personal Sanctuary

The hot tub is available in numerous styles and materials. Prices vary according to a number of factors, but each model can be easily installed in your garden. Models are available in traditional wooden designs to match the garden furniture, while more modern, sleek and eye-catching contemporary designs add a touch of glamour to your outdoor space.

For simplicity choose an inflatable spa with relaxing warm waters sitting at around 40 degrees and a flexible yet solid structure that never takes up too much space. Keep it in the garden or take it on holiday with you, this is a great choice for the person who rarely stands still.

If you’re looking for a more traditional design choose a lightweight and durable moulded spa. Stay minimal with a low jet count and no optional extras to keep the price low, or choose something with a few more options to make a statement. More seats, massage jets, elegant underwater LED lighting as well as a range of outer styles, including granite finishes, make this a stylish option. For greater durability and efficiency replace friction heaters, which filter the water slowly and can run all day, with water heaters.

However, for something that blends in well with the natural surroundings of a garden, why not try a wooden hot tub made from sustainable sourced woods? Cedar is a popular choice, offering both warmth and durability.

At the more exclusive end of the market, bespoke hot tub models encompassing the latest designs include features such as an iPod Docking Station, invisible speakers, a DVD or CD player and TV screen. Choose to limit the number of water features or add to existing jets with fountains and waterfalls.

Whatever your choice, ensure that your hot tub is enclosed with appropriate screening (typically good-quality fencing) as this will create a private space and it will acts as effective wind break. As a result, you’ll reduce the amount of heat lost from the water and enjoy your purchase all the more.

Camden on the other hand, is said to be the place to shop for alternative clothing, and for emerging designers who want to express themselves. If you are looking for furniture that emphasizes and matches this modern and creative style, the Camden sofa has all these style elements without compromising on comfort and durability.

The ever-changing menagerie of Soho includes media types, tourists, theatre patrons, actors and many shoppers, no matter what age or race. The variety of people living here is very inspirational. And you might want to use these inspirations when furnishing your Soho home. The soho 3 seater sofa gives you something different from usual classic designer sofas and is therefore utterly unique.

Before adding those finishing touches that can aid sleep, you need ensure you have the right bed and mattress. This will be determined by your budget, what storage you would like to be included (if any), the size of the room and thus the bed size it will comfortably take. You may have health issues to take into consideration, including perhaps a bad back or difficulties getting in and out of bed.

The mattress is, in many senses, far more important than the bed. It is really important that you have an understanding as to what is available and that you identify a mattress that will provide the correct level of support. Some beds and mattresses have been designed to work together. This is particularly true of divan beds. You should expect to pay considerably more for the mattress than for the bed frame itself.

If the room will take it, buy as big a bed as your budget and space will allow. Sleeping together in a larger bed will result in a far less disturbed night’s sleep. The most common complaint of those suffering from sleep deprivation is that, as a couple, they disturb each other through the night due to lack of space.

It is largely true that the more that you pay for a bed and mattress, the better the quality and workmanship that has gone into the product. It is definitely worth spending as much as you can reasonably afford when you think about how long you are likely to spend in bed.

There are different styles and sizes of beds, ranging from divans and divans with storage through to simple wooden framed beds, novelty children’s beds and bunk beds. Sizing ranges from a single bed upwards to a super king sized bed.

Mattresses also vary in quality and design with a range of different support levels from soft to firm. Some may prefer the moulded support of a memory foam mattress and topper, others may opt for traditional pocket sprung mattresses. Even if your budget will not extend to a new mattress, you may find that adding a memory foam mattress topper to your existing bed will afford you a better night’s sleep.

Mother’s Day Gift Ideas

Some would say that Mothers are a gift from God and most people want to show their mothers just how much they mean to them on Mother’s Day. Pink carnations have long been traditional, and for a Mother’s Day gift idea, a simple vase arrangement of pink flowers with perhaps some fern and ribbon or a pink carnation corsage can mean a lot to her; the more imagination that goes in to the arrangement the better. Special Mother’s Day flowers are a very good idea for wishing our Mother’s a lovely day, just by the very scent of these flowers alone. Perhaps your Mother prefers purple Roses or white Orchids; why not spoil her with these? Since Mother’s day comes in May, perhaps a spring garden arrangement with  Snapdragons, Daisies, Irises and Moss is more fitting as it suits the season. These are just a few ideas, at the end of the day, it’s all down to personal choice and what would make your Mother happiest in the end. For a florist it is a special day for selling gifts and many people like to give large bouquets of flowers to their angel mothers. Florists do their best to provide a good combination of flowers for Mother’s Day and arrange special flower deliveries.

With the dawn of the internet we are now able to order and send flowers anywhere in the world at the click of a button and often with delivery on the same day!  This allows people to communicate emotions and feelings through flowers almost instantaneously with loved ones across the globe. New, more reputable websites, also take the unreliable element out of international flowers delivery. Customers can now choose their bouquets online from the comfort of their homes or offices and availability can instantly be checked with florists in the recipient’s local area.  The thriving opportunities offered by the internet have given rise to a large number of flower delivery businesses throughout the world. Competition, new technologies and improved service now mean that you no longer need to be wealthy to send flowers internationally – it is a heartfelt connection now open to all.

That spread of decorating magazines on the coffee table is not just for show. The subscriber will be familiar with their contents. Not only to find wonderful products to obtain, or spaces to replicate but for news on the home trends. The alerts on what is in and what is out will not go unnoticed, in fact when the time is right she will incorporate those very things into the décor of her place. Obviously, she is not a slave to the interior design directives, but when things could use a little sprucing she recognises it before other do so.

For all you gals out there feel it, here’s the latest on the home decorating scene. It is one to behold, and embrace for it is the kind we celebrate most, the ones easy to bring in and then take out. It is the graphic pattern, and is appropriate in small and large formats. So, you can either take a little action in this direction with a new kitchen sink floor mat with a geometric design, or a stronger presence with a new rug to lie out under the living room furniture, just be cautious when mixing patterns together.

It will be a breeze to find a surplus of items in this style, and the biggest up side might be that it is fun. If your choice is to introduce the style in an economical way might I suggest a new tablecloth, or runner with matching napkins? Even better, just add checkerboard se to napkin rings to any solid coloured table covering and napkins you already own. This will put your on trend item directly in view of those visiting your abode, so there is no chance of them being overlooked. Not too much to overshadow the delicious cuisine you prepared, and not too little as to be missed either. Otherwise, if you are really digging the patterns, and maybe your living room has been begging for some zing, here is your chance. This will do wonders to invigorate any room that is weighted down with neutrals.

The best part is, this is something that a homeowner can tackle on their own. However, it is most certainly understandable if you would prefer to opt out of this activity and to leave it to a professional. Chances are they done this exact sort of thing before, and can do it all in a jiffy.

To get the show on the road you will need to first find a wonderful cabinet, or table with drawers FYI, this is not for storage, but to conceal the plumbing so keep that in mind when evaluating the depth and width of the piece of furniture, along with the drawers. Otherwise, you might just find that you are the proud owner of a lovely old article of furniture, that is not useful for the purpose for which you bought it.

Make no mistake about it, we think this is a grand idea, and involves quite a bit of action on her behalf. Though she will not actually be responsible for obtaining the policy, as we already have one in place, she has to become familiar with the coverage. She must read it from beginning to end, which many fully-grown adults we know never do, and identify the section that provides coverage for the “studio”. By reading our insurance policy, which covers the contents of the garden up to a certain amount, she will become familiar with a policy, no small feat for a teenager.

In addition, she will be responsible for paying a percentage of the policy, as we are referring to the garden “studio” as hers. Of course it will be nominal, a token in fact, that is subtracted from her monthly allowance. Even so, it is yet another lesson, one in budgeting this time. And any decorations that she cares to obtain for the space, or other materials will also have to come from her own funds.

Without agreeing to the conditions that we wish to impose there will be no purchase of the structure. We know better by this point than to buy and then implement guidelines, thanks to the puppy fiasco of 2010. In this instance we are confident that the idea of having her own space, separate and apart from the main house will definitely trump the perceived burden of having to meet our demands.

Needless to say, becoming familiar with building and contents insurance is definitely something adults must do, and this will be a step in the right direction for her becoming a responsible young adult in the future. We think this is rather crafty on our behalf, and think it would be a fantastic exercise in maturity for any family. Feel free to copy, and good luck with it.

Thus, any old folding chair is not an option, as ancient Aunt Gerdie, and outspoken Grandpa Joseph deserve better than a cold aluminium seat. What is required is a solid, yet comfy chair that can be easily stowed away. So right away you know you want a folding chair that is upholstered, or has a mesh back and seat. Otherwise your relatives will feel more like they have been banished to detention for having behaved badly than welcomed guests. The ones made with mesh will be more lightweight and that is good for carrying them, but when dealing with older people, some weight can be useful for safety reasons. In sum, avoid those made of plastic, or have no cushioned sections.

Colours

Before you begin decorating you should decide on an appropriate colour scheme. Opt for subdued tones reminiscent of the countryside, such as shades of brown, yellow, rust and green. Textured British made carpets in a soft shade of beige are a great choice for your flooring and will look great with a broad range of wall colours and furnishings. Add a pop of colour with icy blue, which will work well on accessories (such as candles) or as a subtle feature in your wallpaper.

Furniture

Comfort is key when it comes to furnishing your country cottage. Wood tones on bookcases, coffee tables and rocking chairs will fit perfectly with the theme and colour can be added with plump cushions and soft throws. For something a little brighter, consider painting distressed furniture in white, mint green or light blue. To get this right takes some preparation but there are plenty of guides to furniture painting online.

Soft furnishings

Opt for soft furnishings that accentuate the cosy romantic feel of the room. Lace and floral designs are ideal and the patterns you choose don’t necessarily have to coordinate. For example striped cushions mixed with various floral patterns will work well as long as they are from the same colour group. In the bedroom, a handmade patchwork blanket will look great thrown across the bed or draped over an armchair.

Accessories

To complete the look, don’t forget the little details. Hang copper pots and pans in the kitchen and, if possible, install brass taps for the sinks to contrast the wooden tones and soft colour palette. Decorate dressers with family photos placed in distressed photo frames or add a touch of colour with candles. Fresh flowers are an instant way to bring the outdoors in and brighten up any room.

One of the most interesting trends this year is the global traveller. A blend of cultures, themes and materials, it’s about collecting and bringing beautiful pieces together from all over the world.

Search the Souk

Ideally we would all be able to pair the stunning silk hand-embroidered rug we sourced in Malaysia with the clay pot picked up at a fabulous little market in South Africa, but in today’s economy, expensive travel is just not an option for the majority of us.

Eastern promise

Take these Starbay Malindi baskets from Barker and Stonehouse for instance. Beautifully rendered in rattan with leather trim handles, a cloth inner lining and brass hardware, they are sturdy and practical but have a gorgeous eastern look about them.

Put them on the floor next to your contemporary sofa to keep your magazines and books in. Or fill with elegant silk orchids or vibrant flowers and place either side of chest of drawers in a bedroom for instant glamour.

Layering and mixing cultures

Remember, the traveller trend is all about mixing cultures and influences, so don’t be afraid to experiment.

Layering decorative patterns and rich colours will give you an eastern feel so go for plenty of silks in hot colours such as fucshia and gold in between delicate prints and bolder designs. Bright colours look particularly striking against minimalist pieces so experiment with rich silks on your contemporary sofa, or runners on your dining table.

Magic carpet

To give your traveller’s paradise a touch of tribal style, try a rug with a Navajo or Ikat pattern. The Royal Kashqai rugs are a special order item from Barker and Stonehouse and come in a range of traditional and tribal designs. The Kash-06, with its earthy tones and eye catching Navajo-esque pattern is a beautiful piece and will look stunning against a background of colour and cultural influences.


Decorative items or souvenir pieces are key to this look so use lots of pots and ceramics in your displays.

The jagged edge and gradual colouration of Barker and Stonehouse’s Rough cast bowls lend them a rustic feel, perfect for a centre piece on your dining table, or fill with tea lights and place on a chest of drawers.

World traveller

Finally, displaying world maps on your walls, or even better, showcasing a decorative globe will boost your traveller credentials.

So, whether you long for the open seas and distant shores or are more of a homebody at heart, this season, give your home that well-travelled look.