OUR HOME GOALS FOR 2025

 A fresh new year is here and so it's time for setting those goals. We don't have many big jobs for our home this year as we need time to save up for the main project the attic. So whilst we are saving there will be smaller things we are planning to do around the home as well as snagging lists.

Replace our front wall

The one big job this year is replacing our front garden wall. It's unfortunately needing to be sorted out sooner rather than later. We have made the decision to knock down the wall and replace it with fencing instead. There is a house near us that has done this which is where we got the inspiration from. 

HOW TO KEEP WARM IN BED IN WINTER

Sleep is so important and what's also important is during the cold winter months being able to hibernate for 8 hours or so and be cosy and warm. Our bed should be a place for relaxation and comfort. Although it can be hard to maintain the perfect temperature throughout the year, here are some things you can do to help during these cold winter months ahead.

Your Duvet 

The tog rating of your duvet determines how thick it is and suitability for the season. So during cold months a tog of 10.5, 13.5 or 15 is ideal for providing more insulation and traping in the heat. 


Blankets/throws

Blankets and throws are ideal especially if you are unable to store second duvets to swap out with the season. Not only are you able to get them in so many varieties of designs such as floral, chequered or faux fur they add an extra layer of warmth. Plus they are easy to move around if you want to take them to snuggle up on the sofa.


Mattress protectors

You won't need to swap out your mattress protector during the winter however adding an extra layer is an effective way of adding insulation to your bed. You can replace the covering of your mattress protector for one with a soft touch filling.

How to Make Your Home More Energy Efficient

 If you are committed to doing what you can to help the environment, being more energy efficient is a must. There are many things we all can do to help reduce our energy consumption from the little things to the big. Some of the bigger ways require a bit more planning and the  initial investment that's worth it in the long run. By completing some of these ideas featured below you are not just helping the environment but also helping to lower your bills. 

Upgrading Appliances 

When it comes to appliances newer ones tend to be more energy efficient. This is especially so when it comes to boilers. Appliances now come with a label that shows us what there energy efficiency is, A+++ tends to be the best to look out for. It's also wise to only buy appliances that fit your needs for example there is no point of buying a large fridge/freezer if a smaller one suits you better. A bigger fridge/freezer will cost more to run even if it's a better energy efficiency than a smaller one. Don't forget the smaller items such as low energy light bulbs, kettles and tvs. When it also comes to disposing your old appliances make sure that you do so correctly such as at a store or recycling point. 


Insulation 

When it comes to Insulating your home there are lots of cheap options such as using draught excluders and putting thick curtains up. However one of the best things to consider investing in is getting a professional out and getting loft/wall insulation. We had ours done a few years ago and it's definitely made such a difference! Our homes energy performance has gone up from an E to a C and we definitely have noticed a difference in the winter months. 

How to properly Store away your Patio furniture

 Now that the colder months are here we are starting to use our garden less often. So with that said it's important to look after our patio furniture. Within this post I'm sharing with you how to care for and store your garden furniture during the colder months ahead.

Clean before storing

The first thing you are going to want to do is clean your garden furniture before you store it away. The last thing you want to do come summer is have to clean off the grime and dirt of last year. If your garden furniture has removable cushion covers or other upholstery than this can simply be popped into the washing machine. As for metal, wood or rattan furniture use warm soapy water and a sponge to gently scrub away any dirt and a light setting on your hose is a good way to get rid of the soap suds. Ideally pick a day that's both sunny and windy to speed up the drying process.

Slimming World Super Speed Soup

Back when I did Slimming World in 2013 a recipe that was rather popular was Super Speed Soup. Soup is one of my go to lunches during the autumn/winter months and the Super Speed Soup is still one I like to make.


Not only is the Super Speed Soup healthy due to being made with lots of vegetables and great for getting in your five a day. It is also super simple to make and easy to batch cook and freeze.



You will need a very large saucepan or at least two pans  as it makes a lot. 

KEEPING COOL IN YOUR GARDEN THIS SUMMER

 If we are lucky to be blessed with gorgeous sunshine during the summer months we try and make the most of being outside. No matter what though sometimes there are days when it is just too stifling but you don't want to miss being outside. So that's why you need to come up with some ways to keep cool whilst in your garden. 

 


These options for keeping cool in your garden this summer depend on the space you have. We have a small yard so can only have a few of these however if you are blessed with a big garden than you can probably have all of these depending on your tastes.