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MAKE YOUR HOME MORE LIFESTYLE FRIENDLY
By Angela Kelly
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HAVING gone through 2020 as The Year of the Pandemic we now face 2021 as The Year of Change.
So many people have had to stay home for so long during large parts of last year and this year that we are now viewing our lives very differently. Relationships, hobbies and health have all come under close scrutiny.
Forced to confront home vs lifestyle, we’ve discovered that some are not fit for purpose and we may have made the decision that the way forward is to move house.
Covid has thrown several other curveballs our way during the year, too, so many may have had to change jobs, pursue a totally different career or become self-employed. For some, covid has been the catalyst to reevalue lives and recognise that things need to change dramatically.
Whatever the pandemic has brought your way, it’s very likely that this year will represent a chance to move forward and do things differently. For some people, there is the realisation that their home is too small for their needs and only a move to a larger property will do. For others, the plan is to make the current property bigger and more lifestyle-friendly.
This may mean an EXTENSION to your home, either just covering the ground floor or creating two floors with more rooms. The permitted development rules have recently been relaxed and so you may not need planning permission.
It’s important, though, to ensure it’s all done properly so one way is to look for a design and build company that comes highly recommended by someone you know, preferably with work you can see.
The National Association of Building Contractors (NABC) is a good place to start so go to https://nabc.org.uk/ or try other places like Rated People at ratedpeople.com/local/builders which gives you recommendations from other customers.
Individual extensions like ORANGERIES and CONSERVATORIES can also involve a wide choice of local suppliers and installers. Again, try to go on recommendation and see their work first before getting them along for an initial discussion about possibilities.
As well as the cost of building, you will also be looking at a new area to furnish so having in mind exactly what you want to do with this is helpful. It may offer an opportunity to RE-DECORATE and to re-think FURNISHINGS in adjacent areas or even throughout your home.
It may be that your property is too large for you and you want to DOWNSIZE or go to something smaller with a garden or nearby green space.
There are plenty of options open here. You may be considering RETIREMENT LIVING in a pretty rural area or somewhere more central and convenient. Before you start looking, go to Age UK’s site at ageuk.org.uk as they have plenty of advice on what suits you and what to look for as well as the range of options available.
If you’re staying put but changing your surroundings, take an objective look at your LIFESTYLE first. Decide what needs to alter physically to better enhance it and be realistic about what is possible, especially within your budget.
For some couples, grown-up children have moved back home and suddenly home seems a lot smaller! If this arrangement is going to continue for some time, get the advice of a builder on how you can reconfigure your home to suit you all.
INTERNAL CHANGES rather than building extensions might be the answer. Walls could be knocked down, areas re-purposed and fitted units used to free up extra space. We can get so used to our current lifestyle that it takes an objective view to challenge our usual ideas and come up with innovative ones.
Now that so many people have had to work from home, it may be that you need a designated OFFICE in your home. That objective view might well throw up some useful thoughts on turning dead space into somewhere you can happily work. HOME ENTERTAINMENT has had a huge boost during lockdown months and it has never been more diverse or accessible.
It’s also fairly bewildering for the novice so a quick visit to charity the Consumers’ Association website which.co.uk will help you sort your sound bar from your home cinema system and select the right upgrade for you.
Wetroom & Walk-in Shower Specialists
Victoria Mill, Albert Street, Lockwood, Huddersfield Tel: 01484 547110 Fax: 01484 432037
Open:
Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm www.atlasbathrooms.co.uk
Great choices for the smallest room
Thinking of updating your bathroom?Then take a look at the extensive showroom at Huddersfield’ s Atlas Bathrooms of Lockwood. With now even more choice in store,Atlas has invested heavily in the extensive showroom and now has even more displays of bath suites, showers and wet rooms to choose from.
It now has one of the biggest displays of bathrooms and accessories in the Huddersfield area. Spread over two floors it has ranges from top manufacturers including Jacuzzi, Heritage, Roca and Ideal Standard.
There is also plenty to suit all budgets with bathrooms and showers ranging in price from affordable to the luxurious end of the market.
For more information, look at the website www.atlasbathrooms.co.uk or ring 01484 547110.
Again, consider first what you want from an office. As well as somewhere for a desk and your equipment (computer, printer, files etc). You probably need good light and you might prefer a view. Fitted units could well turn a small boxroom into just the place or even part of a larger room into a dedicated workspace. There’s plenty of initial advice online including smallbusiness.co.uk which shows how other small companies have set up home offices effectively.
The KITCHEN may have come into its own as the heart of the home over the last year. It’s already a place families naturally gravitate to so if you’ve spent much of your time here, identify what you need to improve it.
You may need a dedicated TV here, a more comfortable or bigger table and chairs or invest in a large central unit
Today’s fitted kitchens boast user-friendly fitments like hot water taps and specialist appliances amid the streamlined units and clever storage.
Local kitchen stores are a great place to start but don’t forget to have a wish-list of what you want in your new, ideal kitchen and be realistic about what’s possible and what you can afford.
Your BATHROOM may also seem past its best and need improving. If you’re thinking of a new bathroom, the size of it will influence the cost along with the structural changes and the quality of the materials you want used.
If you have a particular look in mind, this can influence the final bill and there may be other costs like re-wiring and new pipework. Check out individual costs like a new toilet, shower, bath, panels and tiles yourself to discover a basic guide even before labour costs are involved.
And we have all definitely come to appreciate open space outside so give your GARDEN a chance to shine in 2021 - whether it’s by buying a hot tub or having a complete re-design.
If you’re looking for garden ideas, try the Royal Horticultural Society’s website at www.rhs.org.uk
They explain how to make the best of small gardens and all gardens, garden designs and styles and how to use plants well plus everything from garden furniture to hedges and boundaries.
How much money could you release from your home?
Tax-free lump sum of cash No requirement to make monthly repayments Maintain 100% home ownership1
If you are a homeowner aged 55+, you could benefit from releasing tax-free cash from your home through an equity If you are a homeowner aged 55+, you could benefit from releasing tax-free cash from your home through an equity release plan. I will tell you everything you need to know about equity release including the effect on the amount of inheritance you can leave, whether it's right for you and if your entitlement to means-tested benefits could be affected now or in the future.
Equity release may involve a home reversion plan or a lifetime mortgage, which is secured against your property. To understand the features and risks, ask for your personalised illustration. 1 You only continue to own your own home with a lifetime mortgage. Only if you choose to proceed and your case completes would a typical fee of 1.95% of the amount released be payable (minimum £1,495). Equity release requires paying off any outstanding mortgage. Equity released, plus accrued interest to be repaid upon death, or moving into long-term care.
To find out more and request your FREE guide, call
07593 788252
Or visit www.hd-financialsolutions.co.uk
hd Financial Solutions is a trading name of Equity Release Associates. Equity Release Accociates are an appointed representative of Age Partnership Limited, which is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. FCA registered number 917442.
Company registered in England and Wales number 12258392. 2200 Century Way, Thorpe Park, Leeds, LS15 8ZB.
For Easy Ways to Update Your Living Room Space visit our website www.50plusmagazine.co.uk
Kitchens Bedrooms Bathrooms
• Massive choice of traditional or modern • Fabulous showroom with 60 displays open 7 days • Owned by JJO Furniture Manufacturers offering very keen prices and a quick turna Financially solid • Project-managed installation. All aspects covered Kitchens Bedrooms• EstabliBathroomsshed over 150 years with four experienced designers Kitchens Bedrooms plus CAD • ‘Buy Bat designer for outstanding Now, Pay Later’ subject t hrooms v o isual a status ids quali is jjopHom K
• Massive choice of trBacup -aditional or352-358 Newchumoderrch Road,n Stacksteads, Bacup. OL13 0LD Tel: 01706 25212 • Fabulous showroom with 60 displaysOswaldtwistle - Oswaldtwistleopen 7 daysMills, Colliers Street, Oswaldtwistle. BB5 3DE Tel: 01254 30 • Owned by JJO Furniture Manufacturers offering very keen prices and a quick turnaround. Financially solid • Project-managed installation. All aspects covered Ulverston - Kitchen House, Brogden/Market Street, Ulverston. LA12 7AH Tel: Blackburn - Blackburn Market Hall, Church Street, Blackburn. BB1 5AF Tel: www.rossendaleinteriors.com 01229 01254 581 6692 See our installations on our site • Established over 150 yea plus CAD designer • ‘Buy Now, Pay rs with four experienced de for outstanding visual aids Later’ subject to status signers Seehow our quality furnitureis made atjjoplc.com/Home/Video See how our quality furniture is made at jjoplc.com/ Home/Video
Bacup - 352-358 Newchurch Road, Stacksteads, Bacup. OL13 0LD Tel: 01706 252122 Oswaldtwistle - Oswaldtwistle Mills, Colliers Street, Oswaldtwistle. BB5 3DE Tel: 01254 304068
UlverstonBacup - Kitchen352-358House, Brogden/Market Street, Ulverston. LA12 7ANewchurch Road, Stacksteads, Bacup. OL13 0LD H Tel: 01229 58182Tel: 01706 252122 8Bacup - 352Blackburn -OswaldtwistleBl- ackburn Market HallOswaldtwistle Mills,, Church StreetColliers Street,, Blackburn. BBOswaldtwistle. 1 B 5AB5F Tel: 013DE Tel: 254 66921501254 304068Oswaldtwistle - O
Ulverston - Ki www.rossendaleinteriotchen House, Brogden/Market Street, Ulverston. rs.comLA12 7AH Tel: 01229 581828Ulverston - Kitc
Blackburn - Blackburn Market Hall, Church Street, Blackburn. BB1 5AF Tel: 01254 669215Blackburn - Bl www rossendaleinteriors com
HOW TO CREATE YOUR HAVEN AT HOME
The UK has spent more time at home than normal, and with uncertainty around moving to a new house, Brits have decided to improve rather than move, with many undergoing home improvement projects. In fact, the 2020 Renovation Nation Report stated that spending more time at home inspired 65 per cent of homeowners to invest in renovations to their properties.
Making our home more comfortable, creating a space which we can enjoy all year round has become more important than ever. The 2020 Renovation Nation Report also suggested that the trend for investing in our home is set to continue, as 73 per cent of UK homeowners admit they’ll continue to spend more time at home.
With the home improvement trend set to continue, Eurocell Home, the UK’s leading manufacturer, distributer and recycler of UPVC window and door systems looks at how you can create a stunning living space at home, you won’t want to leave!
Creating an open space
Many homeowners aspire to create a seamless link between the indoor and outdoor space of their homes. Bi-fold doors have become increasingly popular in recent years, they can create a stunning finish to a range of home styles including new builds, modern extensions or period properties. And, with a wide selection of colours and frame sizes to choose from, bi-fold doors can bring your home to life and create a wow-factor!
Bi-folds are perfect for letting natural light flood into the inside living space and can often make smaller homes feel larger, providing you with low-maintenance luxury of modern living.
Increase the floor space
For many, increasing the floor space of your home is highly desirable, whether it be attached to the house, or as a separate space in the garden, there are many different ways to create extra floor space to your home.
Fitting a conservatory is a popular option, as it’s an effective way of increasing the space within your home and creating a statement. Ensure the finish of the conservatory flows with style of your home with perfectly styled doors. French doors are beautifully suited to conservatories and can create an impressive entrance to your garden or a seamless transition through your living space.
A same level extension or lean to is also a good option for increasing floor space, either extended on a kitchen or living room with a large glass frontage, a lean-to extension can create more of an open plan living space.
Home office
A space at home which you can call ‘my office’ is now more important than ever. With many people now working from home, creating a home office can help to separate work and home life.
A desirable home office would include lots of natural light, whether that be from a skylight, patio doors or a big window, natural light can make a huge difference to the working environment. It’s also important to add personal touches to your home office, decorate it to be a style you like, install good lighting and find a way of separating your office from your home life.
Over 20 years’ experience in the Kitchen & Bedroom industry. Marc provides a totally bespoke service, from concept to completion. No two designs are the same.
With access to beautiful showrooms and direct accounts with major manufacturers. From traditional designs to Italian inspired contemporary design, whatever you choose we can deliver to the highest of standard.
Contact Clayhouse Interiors Ltd: 07718 703201 www.clayhouseinteriors.co.uk | info@clayhouseinteriors.co.uk
Clayhouse Interiors Ltd, 35 Woodhouse Lane, Brighouse, HD6 3TH
FULL DESIGN AND INSTALLATION SERVICE Celebrating 5 years at Hebden Bridge!
Luxury Bathrooms Done Properly
We believe that everyone deserves a luxury 2 Carlton Buildings, Albert Street, Hebden Bridge, West Yorkshire, HX7 8ES T: 01422 847021 www.bathroomboutiquehb.co.uk bathroom and we are proud to stock some of the finest global brands in bathroom design.
If you are looking to start your next project our in-house design team will work with you to design a room which truly speaks to your style and tastes, making it the favourite room in your home.
BEAUTIFULLY DESIGNED AND EXQUISITELY CRAFTED BATHROOMS Whether it’s a main bathroom, en suite or cloakroom our knowledgeable staff can advise you on our vast range of products to suit your needs. We offer a free survey and Virtual Worlds design service, which together with our highly skilled installers will transform your dream bathroom into reality.
Beautiful Bespoke Bathrooms
It’s important to us that we offer something different to our competitors; quality brands across the range of aesthetics, excellent levels of customer service and a passion for design which will translate into the bathroom of your dreams. We sell full bathroom suites, tiles, mirrors, storage solutions, furniture and brassware and have an extensive range of products available to view in our showroom and we also specialise in bespoke wet floor shower areas. Everything we stock is of the highest quality and is, ultimately, timeless in its design.
Hand Selected Premium Suppliers BEAUTIFULLY DESIGNED AND EXQUISITELY CRAFTED BATHROOMS We carefully select the suppliers to work with before we stock them in our showroom. Whether it’s a main bathroom, en suite or cloakroom our knowledgeable staff Whether contemporary or heritage brands, the key factor for us is the quality of the product; can advise you on our vast range of products to suit your needs. if we would have it in our homes, we offer it to you. Our brands span the full price-range, so whatever your budget we will have a brand to suit you and your personal tastes. We offer a free survey and Virtual Worlds design service, which together with our highly skilled installers will transform your dream bathroom into reality.
PAUL FOSTER
GREAT BRITISH CHEFS.
Paul Foster is the owner and Head Chef at Salt in Stratford-upon-Avon.
From the industrial reaches of Coventry to sunny California, Paul Foster has made a name for himself cooking well-executed food with a focus on taste. His signature style of taking humble ingredients and giving them a gastronomic twist has seen him well placed as head chef at restaurants across the UK.
MUTTI VEGAN CHICKPEA AND TOMATO BHUNA
A quick, flavourful vegan curry that’s delicious either on its own or as part of a larger spread, this recipe from Paul Foster takes top quality tomatoes and chickpeas and cooks them in a spice-tempered oil with plenty of lime juice for freshness and acidity.
Ingredients • 3 large onions, chopped • 200ml of sunflower oil • 1 star anise • 5 cardamom pods • 1 tsp cumin seeds • 1 stick of lemongrass, bashed • 1 knob of ginger, 2 inches long, half chopped, half grated • 4 garlic cloves, chopped • 2 limes, zested and juiced • 1 tbsp of curry powder • 400g of Mutti Polpa chopped tomatoes, (1 tin) • 2 tbsp of Mutti Concentrato tomato purée • 300g of chickpeas, drained from a tin • salt • 1 handful of coriander, finely sliced • basmati rice, and/or flatbreads, to serve
Method
• Pour the oil into a large heavy-bottomed saucepan and place over a medium heat. Add the star anise, cardamom, cumin seeds, lemongrass, garlic and the chopped ginger.
Fry for a few minutes until very fragrant and the ingredients turn golden, then remove from the heat and set aside to cool slightly
• Pass the oil through a fine sieve into a clean pan, discarding the solids. Place the pan back over a medium heat and fry the onions for 5 minutes until soft but not coloured. Pour in enough water to just cover the onions, then leave to simmer until the water has evaporated and the onions start to release the absorbed oil, stirring regularly
• Add the curry powder and cook out for 2 minutes, then stir in the tomato purée and cook for a further minute.
Pour in the tomatoes and chickpeas, give everything a good stir, then leave to simmer gently for 30 minutes
• When ready to serve, stir in the grated ginger along with the lime zest and juice. Season with salt, garnish with the coriander and serve with rice and/or flatbreads
MUTTI TOMATO, PANCETTA AND TRUFFLE JAM WITH PARMESAN PUFF PASTRY STICKS
Crispy, buttery pastry sticks flavoured with Parmesan are the perfect dippers for this seriously luxurious tomato jam, bolstered with rich pancetta and a generous dollop of black truffle paste. An incredible make-ahead snack when you’re entertaining (or just fancy treating yourself before dinner
Ingredients • 50g of sunflower oil • 100g of pancetta, finely chopped • 1 banana shallot, finely diced • 1 garlic clove, finely chopped • 2 sprigs of fresh thyme, leaves picked • 400g of Mutti Pelati peeled tomatoes, (1 tin) • 100g of light brown sugar • 1 bay leaf • 20g of black truffle paste • 100g of puff pastry • 30g of Parmesan • 1 egg, beaten • salt
Method
• Place a heavy-bottomed saucepan over a medium heat and add the sunflower oil. Fry the pancetta for a few minutes until just beginning to crisp, then turn the heat down to low • Add the shallot, garlic and thyme, then cook gently for 5 minutes until softened but not coloured. Drain the tomatoes from the juice (reserving the liquid) and cut into quarters. Add the tomatoes to the pan along with the juice, bay leaf and sugar • Cook gently for around 1 hour, stirring occasionally, until the mixture thickens to a jam-like consistency • While the jam cooks, prepare the pastry sticks. Preheat an oven to 200°C/gas mark 6. Roll out the puff pastry to the thickness of a £1 coin, then brush liberally with the egg and grate over the Parmesan • Cut the pastry into 1cm-wide strips and twist from both ends. Place the sticks on a non-stick baking tray (or a baking tray lined with baking paper) and bake for 8-10 minutes, until golden. Leave to cool, then store in an airtight container until needed • Once the jam has reduced and thickened, remove from the heat and stir in the truffle paste. Season, then leave to cool before serving with the pastry sticks
IMPORTANT QUESTIONS TO ASK A FUNERAL DIRECTOR.
PART 3 OF 3
When deciding which Funeral Director to work with, some people have said they feel uncomfortable asking too many questions. However, a good Funeral Director would these conversations and here are some questions you might want to ask?
Do you have a price list that we can look at before we choose to use your services?
Funerals can be very expensive, and it is important to spend money on things that you value.
It can be difficult to obtain prices as many Funeral Directors are reluctant to tell you their prices until you meet them. We believe a Funeral Director should be open about their prices and display them on their website so you can see their costs before making any final decision.
What do you call embalming?
Do you recommend it, and is it necessary?
Embalming should never be forced upon you as it is rarely absolutely necessary. There are different ways that someone’s body can be looked after once they have died. A good Funeral Director will gently discuss these options with you so that you can make an informed choice that is right for you and your family.
Our service is located opposite Calderdale Royal Hospital and we are available 24/7. If you have any questions then please call 01422 400430, email nicola@fullcirclefunerals.co.uk or visit www.fullcirclfunerals.co.uk
MUTTI LAMB SAUSAGES IN TOMATO SAUCE WITH BACON SAUERKRAUT
Ingredients • 12 lamb sausages • 500g of Mutti passata • sunflower oil, for frying • 2 sprigs of rosemary, leaves picked and finely chopped • 1 small onion, finely chopped • 2 garlic cloves, finely chopped • 1 tsp sweet smoked paprika • 250ml of white wine • salt • 400g of sauerkraut • 8 smoked streaky bacon slices, finely chopped • 50g of unsalted butter • 2 sprigs of fresh thyme • 2 garlic cloves, finely chopped • 1 chicken stock cube
Method
• To make the tomato sauce, add a dash of oil to a saucepan and cook the onion and garlic until softened and beginning to colour. Add the smoked paprika and rosemary leaves, cook for a further minute, then pour in the white wine. Bring to a simmer and reduce by half
• Add the passata, bring to the boil, then season, turn down to simmer and cook gently for 20 minutes. Preheat an oven to 180°C/gas mark 4
• Meanwhile, make the sauerkraut. Sauté the chopped bacon in the butter over a medium heat until crisp. Turn the heat down, then add the garlic and cook for a minute or 2 until fragrant. Pick the thyme leaves, then add these to the pan too
• Add the sauerkraut and crumble in the chicken stock cube along with 100ml water. Cover the pan and leave to simmer gently for 30 minutes, stirring regularly
• Add a dash of oil to a frying pan and sear the sausages so they’re a nice golden brown all over. Pour over the tomato sauce so it is around halfway up the sausages, then cover with a lid or tinfoil. Transfer to the oven and bake for 20 minutes, until the sausages are piping hot in the centre
• Serve the sausages in the sauce with the sauerkraut on the side
www.medicarechemists.co.uk
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