A conservatory can be a cost-effective way of adding more space to your home without moving and also increase the value of your home. In this article, I will look at 5 things to consider when buying a conservatory.

1. Research
Think about what you will use the conservatory for. Will you be using it as a dining room, a living room, children's play area or other use? This has implications on the requirements needed and how often you will be using the room, If the room will be used on a regular basis you may need to think about heating and ventilation. Ventilation is extremely important in the summer months as conservatories can become very warm, so consider vents in the roof or windows that open. Make sure you have a lightweight roof to ensure that your space is insulated, yet still bright and airy. You could also consider blinds for the conservatory that will keep the room cool in summer and warm in winter. Of course, all these options add to the cost of the design.

Other research that is important, is to check out conservatory companies. If you do not have a personal recommendation, check out online reviews, click to view listing,  and get some comparison quotes on a like for like basis. 

2. Design


Most people will want the design of the conservatory to complement their home so that needs to be taken into account when planning.   Will your conservatory be more traditional in design such as an Edwardian or Victorian style or will it be more sleek and modern? A lean-to conservatory is one of the simplest and cheapest designs with a single sloped roof with a long wall adjoined to the house. 

If you have a limited budget you may want to consider one of the many styles of DIY conservatories over a bespoke conservatory. Installing a conservatory yourself is the most cost-effective route but does take time and skill. Other options could be to employ a building company to install the conservatory and construct the base. A bespoke conservatory will give you the freedom to design what you want within reason but has obvious cost implications. 

3. Planning 



Adding a conservatory to a house is generally considered to be a permitted development but you should always check the building regulations for your area. You don't want to run foul of planning and then have to demolish the lot. There are some rules that are widespread, for example, you won't be allowed to plan a conservatory higher than the roof. 

It's also important to consider your neighbours as you don't want to build a conservatory that will block their views and have a potential legal battle on your hands.

4. Disruption



Having a conservatory installed can cause disruption to your routine and home life.  The time takes will depend on a manner of things such as if you are having in installed or if you are installing the conservatory yourself. 

If you are having the conservatory installed for you, ask the company for an estimation on installation time. Obviously, this will depend on the size of the conservatory and also whether you are having heating, lighting and other extras installed. allow 12 weeks to be on the safe side.

5. Budget
One of the most important considerations I have left to last is budget. This is because you may have a budget in mind but until you do your research on design, your requirements and potential costs then you cannot really tell how much it will cost. 

You also have to budget for hidden extras such as heating, ventilation, blinds, workmen, furniture and furnishings and don't forget to build in a contingency budget if something unexpected happens. 

Tell me, have you ever considered a conservatory?

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The UK has some beautiful areas so it is not surprising that staycations are becoming increasingly popular. As the pound weakens you don't have to worry about the exchange rate, the hassle of taking a flight, and concerns about security overseas. One of those up and coming tourist destinations that may not be on your radar is Eastbourne - a secret gem on the south coast of England.

A seaside town with culture


Eastbourne is a large seaside town and borough with a vibrant cultural scene. As well as the lovely beaches recommended in the Good Beach Guide it has lots to see and do for people of all ages. 
The town itself has no less than 5 theatres showing everything from West End shows to local comedians and the award-winning Towner art gallery has a range of events for all the family. Kids are looked after with the Eastbourne miniature steam railway, the Redoubt fortress military museum and the Treasure Island adventure park, which has indoor and outdoor adventure areas as well as pirate-themed mini golf. Aha me hearties!

Superb places to eat

If you are like me and always look for great places to eat on holiday you will be spoilt for choice as Eastbourne has some wonderful restaurants. From casual beachside dining with a touch of class at The Beach Deck on the picturesque seafront to fine dining in the Mirabelle restaurant at the Grand Hotel, recently voted one of the 50 best restaurants in the UK by the Independent newspaper. 
One of my favourite places is Season's brasserie, a restaurant, deli and wine bar. Check out their wine tastings throughout the year and their live music events for a great evening of entertainment.  Of course, you also have the option to get a tasty bag of fish and chips from the many fish bars and restaurants along the prom too or a delicious ice-cream from one of the many vendors.

Great places to drink


Did you know Eastbourne has some great food and drink events throughout the year as well? The Beer and Cider By The Sea festival is on the 26th to the 28th of May this year and the Eastbourne Beer Festival is on the 5th to the 7th of October. At both of these events, you can try lots of delicious hearty real ales as well as listen to live music and be thoroughly entertained.

If you love a glass of wine only a few miles from Eastbourne town is Rathfinny Wine Estate in Alfriston where they produce the outstanding Sussex sparkling wine. You can visit Rathfinny for a wine tour or tasting or visit the historic Flint 
Barns on the estate to enjoy coffee and cake, brunch or Sunday lunch. Cheers!

Around the Eastbourne area
If you want to venture further afield, only a short drive from Eastbourne town is Beachy Head, the highest chalk sea cliff in Britain, and the South Downs National Park with beautiful countryside and pretty little villages like Alfriston, only seven miles away.

The Eastbourne holiday guide

So as you can see Eastbourne is a great place to visit. I hope I have whetted your appetite with this guide to Eastbourne and if you would like more information about the area, check out the online Eastbourne Holiday Guide. The guide is extra special as it is full of great attractions, brilliant places to stay and superb places to eat as well as exclusive offers. Go on, have a peek!

Win a stay in Eastbourne



Today on my blog I am giving you the chance to win a lovely prize - a 2-night stay with breakfast and vintage afternoon tea at the Lansdowne Hotel Eastbourne! Entry is easy through the Rafflecopter application below, for full terms and conditions check out the information on the Rafflecopter app. Good luck and I hope you get the chance to visit Eastbourne soon.

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If you have flown long haul you have probably had jet lag at some point.  You know those feelings  - difficulty in sleeping, disorientation, loss of appetite, but jet lag can materialise in a number of other ways too. In this article, I will talk about jet lag, if you can prevent it and treatments for this condition. 




What is jet lag?

Jet lag is a term used to describe a range of temporary symptoms caused by air travel over different time zones due to the disruption in your internal 'body clock' or circadian rhythm. The symptoms materialise when adapting to the different light/dark schedule of a new time zone.


These symptoms can include the following:-

• disturbed sleep pattern 
• nausea 
• loss of appetite 
• difficulty in concentrating 
• disorientation 
• clumsiness 
• headaches 
• indigestion 
• constipation 
• irritability 
• irregular periods

Jet lag is worse when you travel over a number of time zones and travelling east is worse than travelling west. When you travel east you effectively lose time and when you travel west you will effectively gain time and the body adjusts better to gaining time and having a longer day.

In most cases, jet lag symptoms pass in a few days but there are some things you can do to lessen the effects of jet lag in the first place.

Can jet lag be prevented?



It is difficult to avoid jet lag completely when you are travelling over a number of time zones but there are a number of things you can do to lessen the effects on you.

Keep hydrated - make sure you drink plenty of fluids and lay off the caffeine and alcohol which can dehydrate you.

Get plenty of rest - before you go on your journey ensure you try and relax and get plenty of sleep beforehand. 

Avoid sleeping tablets - these won't help your body adjust to the different time zones so are best avoided where possible.

Set your watch to the destination time - when you get on the plane if you set your watch it helps you mentally adjust to the different time zones.

Fly on a Dreamliner plane - a Boeing Dreamliner plane has a pressurised cabin at 6000 feet other than the normal 8000 feet, this means the cabin air is denser and there is more oxygen saturation. This combined with LED lighting that subtly changes with the time zones and superior quality air with 10 per cent more oxygen means less chance of jet lag.

Treatment for jet lag


On arrival stay awake until the local bedtime. If you find that hard try getting some fresh air and go for a brisk walk if it's daylight as this will also help you stay awake. 

Establish a local routine straight away to get you and your body used to the country you are in and the time zone. Eat and sleep at the local time not the time you would at home.

Research has shown that sunglasses may help reduce the effects of jet lag, so wear these to emulate nighttime. 



Consider using Melatonin a naturally occurring hormone. Melatonin which is produced by the body when it is dark has been found to help people sleep and reduce general feelings of jet lag. Melatonin is available on prescription in the UK and online, and widely available over the counter in the US. If in doubt and before taking any medication always check with a Dr first.

Tell me, have you flown long haul? Have you ever experienced jet lag?

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So today I have another fabulous and oh so sexy competition for you. This time you have the chance to Win £75 with The Diary Of A Jewellery Lover, Zena’s Suitcase and Ickle Pickles Life and Travels. 



To celebrate spring and the gorgeous weather our readers can win this lovely prize,  £75 via PayPal to spend on whatever you want. Maybe you want to buy some new clothes for a weekend away, or want to spend a day at the races, or you may have a big birthday celebration or summer wedding. You can spend the money on whatever and whoever you like. Perhaps a meal out or day out with the family?

Simply answer the question in the comments ‘What would you spend the money on?’  If you like the prize (and who wouldn't!?) you can come back daily and gain more entries, so don't forget to bookmark this page.

The competition ends at midnight on 31 May 2017 and is open to people Worldwide.

So, don't forget to enter and while you are here check out my other competitions running too.

Good Luck and keep your fingers crossed.

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As listed on The Prizefinder, Loquax, Super Lucky, Competition Database

Paris might be considered the city of romance, but London is the undisputed winner when it comes to hip bars and restaurants. From SOHO to Shoreditch and even less popular boroughs such as Southwark and Lambeth have a lot to offer when it comes to dining, pubs and restaurants. And what is more romantic than a cosy dinner with your date or an anniversary visit to a fancy restaurant with your partner? Right. However, if you want fancy food you can even do the online ordering for restaurants if you want a romantic meal in the comfort of your own home.  Here are 5 of the most romantic restaurants in London for you and your partner to discover.

Old Bank Of England 

When you are looking for flooring for your home there are so many options out there it can be confusing. This post will take you through some of the main options and look at the pros and cons of the different type of flooring materials out there. 

Firstly before you start you need to think about the look you want to achieve, the type of room it is, and how much footfall the area gets. This can all impact of the material chosen for a room. Your budget and the size of the area needed to be covered are also a major consideration. Then you can compare different materials.
Hardwood


Hardwood flooring is very durable and warm underfoot and is the perfect choice for a traditional and classic look. It is particularly good for high-traffic areas such as hallways. Oak and cherry wood are a popular choice and more exotic woods are now coming into vogue too.

Hardwood flooring is however expensive and not ideal for bathrooms and kitchens due to the moistness in the air which can affect it. 

Laminate

Laminate flooring is flooring that is simulated to look like another material. It is a popular choice as it is cost-effective and when fitted by professional laminate installation experts offers good levels of waterproofing, making it easy to clean with a mop whenever needed.

The beauty of laminate is that it can be made to look like wood, stone, and other types of materials. If you want a metal or leather-looking floor, then why not?

Vinyl


Vinyl flooring is one of the most popular choices due to its cost-effectiveness and ease of installation.

If you want wood in your bathroom or kitchen then consider wood effect vinyl flooring as it is durable and the moisture doesn't affect it unlike hardwood flooring.  It is also easier to keep clean and softer underfoot than some other options like concrete and stone. 

Concrete

Concrete flooring if the ultimate durable flooring option for a home. It is particularly suitable for garages and workhouses as it's very low maintenance and difficult to damage. A concrete floor can last a hundred years or more if it is looked after and maintained.

It is, however, cold underfoot, not easy to install and messy to put down. You would need a workman with experience to fit a concrete floor.
Carpet


Carpet is a popular choice as it is warm underfoot, provides cushioning and helps muffle noise. It also has the benefit of helping to save energy through insulation. Carpets can also be fitted with relatively little experience if you are trying to keep costs low.

Carpets can be more difficult to keep clean than other types of flooring, especially light coloured carpets and those with a long pile. If you buy a carpet with a stain guard in this will help with upkeep and maintenance.

Tiles

Rather than being one type of material, tiles can be made of a number of different materials including porcelain, ceramic and stone. Tiles can also be made of cork, vinyl, lino and carpet. Mosaic tiles can also add a design feature to a room.

The pros and cons of tiles depend on the type of material used. Porcelain tiles are impervious to water and this means they make a great option for kitchen and bathrooms. Ceramic tiles are very hard, easy to maintain but are cold underfoot. Stone tiles are hard wearing and hygienic but expensive to buy. Tiles are generally easy to fit and slot into place without much difficulty. This means that if you need to replace a tile it can be done quite easily.