Tag: #altrincham
Making Manchester Friends for International Friendship Day
When we’re young, making friends is easy. The whole class gets invited to your birthday party, you play a game of hide and seek, and you’re all BFFs for the next few days. Social interactions are less pressured and more fun, but as we get older, making new friends can sometimes feel impossible. Loneliness is an epidemic of modern life; it’s reported that more than 70% of adults feel lonely often or always. Despite being married, working or having kids, many of us can’t shake that feeling of being totally alone. If you’re someone who struggles to build [...]
Why Self-Managing Your Manchester Rental Could Be a Costly Mistake
Why Self-Managing Your Manchester Rental Could Be a Costly Mistake Not since 2008, when Katy Perry stormed the music charts and Gavin and Stacey ruled the small screen, have interest rates been as high as they are today. As a result, many mortgage holders are looking for ways to trim their outgoings to ease the financial burden. Homeowners are putting DIY projects on the back burner and reducing their spending on holidays and takeaways, while some buy-to-let landlords are toying with the idea of self-managing their rental portfolio (despite the fact agent fees are tax deductible). But while [...]
Why Wabi-Sabi is the Must-Have Interiors Trend of the Year
Forget Scandi style or minimalist chic, the interior trend of the moment is wabi-sabi – an approach to design that’s gentler on the environment and the bank balance. So, what is this concept with the weird rhyming name all about, and could it work for you? Wabi-sabi has been popular in Japan for hundreds of years, where it’s considered more than a design aesthetic but a whole philosophy. Rooted in Zen Buddhism, it celebrates the beauty of nature and all its imperfections. It’s about paring things back and embracing interesting, quirky items, especially ones that have [...]
Choosing a Letting Agent: What Manchester Landlords Need to Know
How can you spot a top letting agent from a master of mediocrity? Read on to find out. Landlords use letting agents for all sorts of reasons. Some need help navigating red tape and lettings legislation, while others want a third party to deal with inspections, inventories and disputes. And some just want peace of mind and to know that their investment property is being managed by a safe pair of hands. Whatever your motivation as a landlord, once you’ve decided to use a letting agent, it’s important to choose a good one. Here are [...]
What Manchester Football Fans Need to Know about the Women’s World Cup
An incredible summer of sport is about to get even better when the Women’s World Cup kicks off next week (20 July). Australia and New Zealand are hosting the tournament, which promises to build on all the excitement and drama of last year’s Women’s Euros, where the Lionesses prevailed. Women’s football in the UK received an incredible boost last July when Leah Williamson led England to victory against Germany at Wembley in front of 87,000 fans. So, can the Lionesses go one step further and make history down under by winning the Women’s World Cup? It [...]
Tenants’ Guide to a Safe and Relaxing Summer in Manchester
At last summer is here, so what are your plans? Have you booked an exciting getaway in an exotic location? Or is the aim to kick back and relax on home turf? Whatever you’ve lined up, it’s worth taking note of the common concerns that can crop up in rented accommodation during the summer. If there’s a garden at your rental property: Check your contract to ensure you understand what’s expected of you in terms of maintenance. Commonly, tenants are expected to carry out general tasks such as watering and mowing – and in summer, you’ll most likely need to [...]
How to Become A DIY Expert Without Leaving Your Manchester Home
If you’ve got wonky shelves or pictures that you keep meaning to put up but haven’t got around to doing, are your DIY skills holding you back? Can’t tell a drill bit from a screwdriver head? We feel your pain. Knowing how to do basic DIY is a huge help, especially if you’re about to move home or you’ve been avoiding certain tasks for ages. Before you start anything, it’s important to have the right tools. Get yourself to a local hardware store and speak to an expert about what you need (try not to get upsold fancy [...]
Renting a Property in Manchester? Find Out How to Get Your Repairs Sorted
Problems in the home are a nuisance. Like when you’ve got a leaky tap and the drip drip drip drives you to distraction, or when your fridge packs up and food goes to waste. When things go wrong, it’s understandable you want them fixed ASAP. But what if you’re a tenant? What’s the best way to get an issue resolved? Repairs and maintenance in a rental property are usually a landlord’s responsibility. As a tenant, you’ve got to wait until they sort it out, so what’s the best way to communicate with your landlord? How can you get them [...]
Guide to Creating a Dog-Friendly Garden in Manchester
Guide to Creating a Dog-Friendly Garden in Manchester Are there hidden hazards in your garden that could make your pooch ill and leave you with costly vet bills? Here’s a guide to keeping your garden safe and secure for your dog. Fencing The last thing you want is for your hound to escape onto the street and get hit by a car or pay an uninvited visit to the neighbours. If your dog is good at jumping, ensure your fence is high enough to contain them. Also, check there are no gaps between or below fence [...]
Keep It Formal – Why You Should Maintain a Professional Relationship with Tenants
As a landlord, it’s important to build a good relationship with tenants. You want them to feel comfortable in their new home and to care for it, pay rent on time, and generally have a successful tenancy period. But what makes a good relationship? Unless you’re renting a property out to friends or family, it’s likely you won’t have met your tenants before. So, while it’s important to introduce yourself and maintain a good line of communication, there is a danger of becoming too friendly with them. And once you’ve crossed that boundary, it could cause a [...]
How Manchester Landlords Can Ensure a Tenancy Gets Off to a Good Start
If you’re a landlord about to settle a new tenant into a property, there’s one phrase that should be your guiding mantra: “Start as you mean to go on”. Because what you do in the early stages of a tenancy will help define what unfolds over the next weeks, months and possibly years. Get things right, and you’ll build the foundations of a long and successful tenant-landlord relationship (the kind that all landlords dream of). Get it wrong, and you could be in for a bumpy ride that absorbs much of your time and energy and leaves you stressed and [...]
Refill and Recycle: How You Can Reduce Waste in Manchester
Recycling is part of our everyday lives: at home, in the workplace, at school, in cafés and restaurants. We’re all more aware than ever of the importance of recycling, but how about stepping up a gear and really trying to reduce our use of plastic? Ask yourself this, and answer honestly. Do you do enough to protect the environment? Well, 16 June is the perfect opportunity as it’s World Refill Day – a global campaign to prevent plastic pollution and help people live with less waste. So, how can you get involved? According to the brains behind [...]
Why Renting in Manchester Could Be the Best Choice for You
The pitfalls of renting are always shouted about: too expensive, dodgy landlords, broken appliances and so on and so on. But what about the positives? With rental reforms on the horizon and changes to eviction rules in full swing, let’s explore why being a tenant is the best choice for some people. According to research by the HomeOwners Alliance, 86% of people want to own their own home. But sometimes, the dream of buying just doesn’t make sense. High interest rates, a lack of savings and additional costs can put that first step on the property ladder out [...]
Why It Makes Sense to Retrofit Your Manchester Rental in Summer
With summer officially starting in a few weeks, most people will have banished all thoughts of winter and the dark, damp days that go with it. But there’s a good reason why landlords should look beyond the sunny skies of the here and now to the colder months. And here’s why. Summer is a good time to get your property ready for winter by making changes that will improve its energy efficiency and reduce heating costs. Here are three reasons why retrofitting in summer makes good sense. Good weather It makes life easier for builders and tradespeople when they don’t [...]
How to Create Window Box Magic at Your Manchester Home
You don’t need to be an expert gardener or have lots of space to create cheery window boxes that are the envy of all your neighbours. All it takes to create a spectacular display that gives your home instant kerb appeal is a windowsill big enough to accommodate a planter box and a little bit of imagination. Choosing your plants Your window box can be as simple or complex as you like depending on your personal taste and gardening know-how. (Check out Pinterest if you’re looking for inspiration.) Some people choose one type of flower or [...]
How to Charge Your Electric Car in Manchester
Electric vehicles (EVs) are everywhere. They’ve been steadily growing in popularity and are now a serious consideration for anyone thinking about buying a new car. So, are you ready to go green and drive electric? It’s estimated that by 2025, the sale of electric cars will overtake that of traditional petrol/diesel vehicles. And in just seven years’ time, the government plans to ban the sale of new petrol and diesel cars completely (although used cars will still be sold). Many potential EV owners are holding back because of the lack of charging points, but is this a [...]
What Manchester Landlords and Tenants Need to Know about Home Security
It’s not just birds, bees and butterflies that come out in force in summer – unfortunately, burglars step up their activity, too. With many people going away on holiday (leaving homes empty) and others opening their windows and doors when temperatures rise, burglary rates spike in summer. So, how can tenants and landlords stay one step ahead of the crooks and avoid the financial and psychological cost of a break-in? The answer is to be vigilant and work together. Tips for tenants Always check that you’ve locked all windows and doors before leaving home. If the [...]
Guide to Garden Maintenance for Manchester Landlords and Tenants
Garden maintenance can be a thorny issue between tenants and landlords, so here’s a useful guide to help avoid confusion. Now that spring is here, there are lots of tasks to be done in the garden, such as watering, weeding and mowing. But if the garden is part of a rental property, who is responsible for doing them? That’s a question that has vexed many tenants and landlords over the years (garden maintenance is the cause of about a quarter of all deposit disputes*). So, here’s an outline of responsibilities for maintaining outdoor areas at a rental property. But first… [...]
What Manchester Landlords Need to Know about Condensation and Mould
How can landlords and tenants combat condensation and mould? Read on to find out. Condensation and mould The two are often bundled together because if you’ve got condensation, there’s a good chance it won’t be long before you’re battling mould. Condensation can be caused by warm air hitting cold surfaces or by lots of humidity in the air. The air cools and droplets form, creating a damp environment – and a perfect breeding ground for mould. Mould grows in black, green or brown spots. It’s most commonly found in bathrooms and kitchens but can thrive in any damp or humid [...]
Five Ways to Be a Great Manchester Landlord
As a landlord in 2023, it’s fair to say there are a lot of challenges on the horizon. From changes to rental rules, tax upheaval, mortgage mayhem… it’s all going on. But the first thing to remember is your tenants and their experience of your property. It’s all too easy to move new people into your vacant rental and forget about them until a problem arises. So why not try and make the tenancy run as smoothly as possible from the outset? In this three-minute read, we look at five priorities a landlord should consider. Create a [...]
How the Cost-of-Living Crisis Is Impacting Manchester Rents
You can’t open a newspaper (or app) without seeing something about the UK rental market. Whether it’s the increase in demand for property, changes to rent rules or landlords selling up – rentals are getting a lot of attention. And one matter that is causing a lot of controversy is the issue of rising rent. In a cost-of-living crisis, the increase in monthly rent is understandably worrisome for tenants, but are landlords really to blame? Owning investment property is a business, and for many full-time landlords, it’s their sole source of income. The same applies to one-off or [...]
How Manchester Landlords Can Manage and Minimise Void Periods
Success as a landlord doesn’t just centre around what you do when your property is tenanted. How you manage your rental when it’s empty is also crucial. All landlords have to contend with void periods – they’re an inevitable part of having a buy-to-let. So, it’s wise to budget for the costs associated with void periods and take precautions to stop them dragging on. That’s because when your property is empty, not only will you be missing out on rent, you’ll also have to cover the mortgage and utility bills (you’ll need to heat your property to [...]
How to Prepare for an End-of-Tenancy Inspection in Manchester
It’s widely recognised that moving house is one of the most stressful (and annoying) life events you can experience. If you’re nearing the end of a tenancy agreement, there are a few things you can do to ensure your check-out inspection goes well and (upon moving out) you get your tenancy deposit back in full. In this quick read, we go through ways to make moving out easier for you and your landlord. Report issues or breakages early Let your landlord or managing agent know in advance of any damage that has occurred – whether it’s [...]
Low-Cost Ways to Have Family Fun in Manchester This Easter
If you’re looking for ways to keep your children entertained this Easter, here are some fun activities that won’t break the bank. These child-friendly suggestions won’t blow your budget but will stave off that familiar phrase, “I’m bored!”. Organise a treasure hunt Take the traditional Easter egg search to the next level by preparing a treasure hunt. Hide clues around your home and encourage your child to play detective. Each clue should direct your child to a new location, where they’ll have to search for the next clue. You can make the clues as simple or complicated [...]
Four Ways to Reduce the Stress of Being a Manchester Landlord
Being a landlord is one of those jobs where there’s no middle ground. It’s either low stress with great tenants and affordable mortgage rates, or it’s the total opposite: high stress, broken appliances, tenancy challenges and ever-increasing costs. When a property is vacant, there’s worry about how long it will take to find new residents. When new tenants move in, there’s the stress of managing the rent payments, and then there’s the constant anxiety about a boiler breakdown or major leak. As April is Stress Awareness Month, there’s no better time to look at a few ways you [...]
Spicy AI Reads Minds for Estate Agents
In a shocking development set to shake the property industry to its foundations, it has been revealed that some estate agents in the UK are secretly using advanced AI technology to read the minds of potential home buyers. The AI technology is said to be so advanced it can predict what a person wants from a home with startling accuracy. According to a leaked document from the Ethical Investigation team from the Federation of Original Language, unscrupulous estate agents have been attaching hidden AI-powered listening devices to their clothing. They then use the data they collect to analyse the thoughts [...]
How to Keep Your Manchester Home Safe
Some days, it’s like your home is a minefield of accidents just waiting to happen. You trip up the stairs with a pile of washing in your arms, you break your favourite mug, and to top it all off, you burn the toast. Not fun. While everyone wants a home that is safe and hazard-free, sometimes little mishaps can cause a whole lot of bother. So, how can we make our homes safer for all? In this quick read, we look at some of the most common accidents that can happen at home and share some tips to [...]
A Guide to Adapting Your Manchester Rental for Older Tenants
Older tenants are a growing force in the private rental sector, so is it time for savvy landlords to proactively target this demographic? It’s one of the most striking trends in the housing sector over the past decade. Between 2011 and 2021, the number of tenants aged between 45 and 64 skyrocketed by 70%, while those over 65 jumped by 38%.* A third of renters are now over 45. And due to high property prices and the challenges of getting a mortgage later in life, many in this group will stay renters their whole lives. What [...]
How to Make Sure Your Manchester Rental Property Is Safe
Many people are under the assumption that being a landlord is an easy ride. Get your tenants in, collect the monthly rent and that’s it, you’re laughing. Sounds like a dream… Unfortunately, it’s far from the truth, as most experienced landlords and agents will tell you. Unless you’re lucky enough to have long-term tenants, every time a new lot of renters move in, there are lots of checks to be made, forms to sign, letters to send and on it goes. One thing that should never be ignored or delayed are your annual safety checks. As a landlord, [...]
Important Reasons Landlords has to do Legionella Risk Assessments in their Rental Property
As a landlord, you have many responsibilities when it comes to the safety of your tenants. One of the less well-known, but still vitally important, responsibilities is ensuring that your properties are free from Legionella bacteria. This is why a Legionella risk assessment is essential for any landlord. Here are some of the reasons why: It's a legal requirement under UK Law Landlords are required to assess the risk of Legionella in their properties and take appropriate measures to control any risks identified. Failure to comply with these regulations could result in legal action, including large fines and even [...]
What You Need to Know if Your Manchester Landlord Decides to Sell Your Rental Property
As a tenant living in a rental property, you need to be aware of your rights. Fortunately, due to recent reforms in legislation, you’re now more protected than ever when it comes to matters of eviction and deposits. But what if your landlord tells you they’re planning to sell the property where you live? First things first, don’t panic. If you’ve signed a tenancy agreement, your landlord must stick to it, even if they’re planning to sell the property. In this quick read, we look at some questions you might have if your landlord decides to sell. [...]
International Women’s Day – The Women Who Inspire Us
International Women’s Day is an event marked around the world – in the news, all over social media and in most schools. And so, it should be. Accelerating equality, raising awareness around discrimination, and helping women feel safe and celebrated is something we should all be doing more of. This year’s IWD theme is about embracing equity and recognising women’s different circumstances. So, here we look at some of the UK’s most impressive women of the last ten years (there are so many, we had to narrow it down!). Queen Elizabeth II Whether or not you’re [...]
Eight Reasons Why Manchester Landlords Should Refurbish Their Buy-to-Lets
“If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it.” That’s the view some landlords take on the question of renovating a buy-to-let. They do the absolute minimum in terms of maintenance and repairs and only manage to meet their legal obligations by the skin of their teeth. The décor is shabby and tenant turnover is high, but hey, they’re saving every possible penny, so they feel rather pleased with themselves. So, is this the best way to get the most out of your property investment? We’d argue that instead of running your buy-to-let down to its bare [...]
The Ultimate 2023 Guide to a Fashionable Manchester Kitchen
The kitchen is the heart of the home, so does it really matter what it looks like? Well, according to interior design trendsetters, it definitely does. So, what’s the latest in kitchen fashions? Whether you’re considering a complete kitchen renovation or just want to add some of the latest designs into your cooking area, we’ve got the 2023 guide to making your space on trend. In this quick read, we explore the latest trends and look at some cheaper ways to update your kitchen. Colours that pop White shiny cabinet doors are a thing of the [...]
Want to Live Happily Ever After? Don’t Fall for This Common Property Fairy Tale
As 26 February is Fairy Tale Day (yes, it’s a real thing), let’s look at the most common property fairy tale and how falling for it can cost you time and money. We love a good fairy tale as much as the next person. Whether it’s a frog that morphs into a prince or a feline in fancy footwear, these stories have stood the test of time for a reason – they’re imaginative and entertaining. But when it comes to helping people make their next big property move in real life, we think it’s best to save the [...]
How to Find a Letting Agent in Manchester: Six Questions to Help You Spot a Good Agent
Fed up with self-managing your buy-to-let and want a top-notch professional to do it for you instead? Here’s how to find the best letting agent in your neighbourhood. So, you’ve decided to get a letting agent to manage your rental. You can’t wait to hand the burden of regulatory red tape and admin over to an expert but are faced with a dilemma. With so many agents out there, how do you find the best one? The last thing you want is to sign a contract with an agent and find that they never pick up the phone, [...]
How Struggling Parents Can Bank on the Community
You’ve no doubt heard of food banks, but do you know what a baby bank is? Read on to learn how baby banks work and if you could start your own. For many expectant parents, the prospect of welcoming a new life into the world fills them with delight – and anxiety. While they can’t wait to cuddle their new bundle of joy, they’re also worried about the cost of bringing up a baby. Parenthood is an expensive business with clothing, nappies, bedding, toys and a buggy all adding up. And over the past year, the rising [...]
How to Manage Multiple Rental Properties
How do portfolio landlords deal with the multitude of tasks and mountains of red tape that come with managing several properties? Read on to find out. Owning a portfolio of rental properties can be a great way to earn income and build up a tidy nest egg for the future. But be warned: you can’t afford to wing it. If you’re disorganised with deposits, rent payments, inventories and maintenance, you’ll wind up out of pocket. And if you don’t keep up with the hundreds of rules and regulations that apply to landlords, you could be fined [...]
The Anti-Valentine’s Day Guide for Manchester
If you’re a hopeless romantic, look away now. In this three-minute read, we look at why Valentine’s Day isn’t romantic at all and how you should spend it instead. Love is in the air… and every shop window, every restaurant, down every supermarket aisle and even in petrol stations (for those partial to a wilting bunch of flowers). Yes, it’s Valentine’s Day. The ultimate ‘holiday’ designed to make you miserable. Whether you have a significant other or you’re a smug singleton (honestly, having a bed all to yourself without someone snoring or drooling in their sleep is [...]
Four Ways to Make Maths Fun for Your Kids
Helping your child understand basic maths concepts doesn’t have to be a chore or a bore. Follow these four tips to discover how it can be child’s play. Maths is like Marmite: some people love it, while others loathe it. But there’s no escaping the fact that it’s a crucial life skill. That’s why schools across the country will celebrate Number Day this week (3 February) by hosting maths games and competitions*. A solid grasp of functional maths is vital for managing day-to-day finances and accessing educational and work opportunities. (It’s not just accountants and bankers [...]
How to Be More Productive in 2023
If you’re feeling sluggish after a few weeks back at work post-Christmas, here are some tips to boost your productivity and give you more of that most precious commodity – time. Did you finish up in 2022 feeling knackered and overwhelmed by your never-ending to-do list? If so, you’re not alone. According to a study in the journal Nature, most people say they feel persistently “time-poor – like they have too many things to do and not enough time to do them”. And this problem isn’t just frustrating – it can be exhausting and lead to poorer mental [...]
It’s National Walk Your Dog Month
Whether you’ve got a pooch who wears fancy jumpers, a big blonde Labrador or a tiny handbag-sized companion, this month is all about them. If you didn’t know before, now you do: January is National Walk Your Dog Month. All you doggy people are probably a bit baffled, as being responsible pet owners you walk your four-legged companions daily – but what with the cold, dark days ahead, it could be tempting to delay your dog walk or cut it short. Walk Your Dog Month started in the USA, with the aim of preventing behavioural problems and obesity. [...]
Why Property Management is Value for Money for Landlords
As a landlord, you might have invested in property for additional income; maybe it’s a way to save for your future, or perhaps you’re an accidental landlord and had to rent your property out due to a change in circumstances. Whatever the reason, it’s a safe bet that you want to make a good return on your investment. But while you’re happy to use a letting agent to find tenants, when it comes down to it, you just can’t bring yourself to pay them to manage the property for you. This might just be one of your biggest mistakes. In [...]
Charity Begins at Home in Manchester This Winter
The month of December is filled with fun, festivities and food for most of us, yet for many others it is cold and lonely. And in the current cost of living crisis, it can feel more overwhelming than ever. Charitable donations in the winter months are essential. By making a small contribution, you could make a huge difference to individuals and families facing an otherwise bleak winter. In this quick read, we look at how you can help. Food If you want to donate locally, then foodbanks are always looking for donations. More and more people are [...]
Your Alternative Guide to the World Cup
Can’t stand football? Wouldn’t dream of tuning into this year’s World Cup in Qatar? Here’s a list of four things you can do instead. If you’d rather watch paint dry than the World Cup, then we’ve got you covered. Here’s a guide to tuning out when the tournament is on. Blitz your Christmas shopping This is your chance to be one of those smug people who has all their Christmas shopping sorted weeks before 25 December. The football kicks off on 20 November, with the first two rounds of matches taking place at 10am, 1pm, 4pm and 7pm [...]
How to Spread Love Not Hate on Social Media
Over the years, social media has become a major part of our daily lives. We post status updates, like pics, create videos and reels, learn hacks to clean or decorate our homes… the list is endless. Unfortunately, as social media has grown, so has the number of trolls and keyboard warriors. Nasty comments, abusive messages and online bullying are all common complaints for young, old and famous social media users. The issue of toxic online behaviour is in the spotlight this week due to Social Media Kindness Day – a movement set up in memory of late TV [...]
Tips for Keeping Manchester Pets Happy on Bonfire Night
Remember, remember the 5th of November… when the sky lights up, the bangs and booms of fireworks disturb your TV time, and your poor pets are driven to distraction by noise and flashing lights. Yes folks, it’s Bonfire Night and whilst we all enjoy oohing and ahhing at pretty fireworks, spare a thought for pet owners who have to work extra hard to keep their little (or large) loves calm. Here’s our quick guide on keeping your pooches and other pets safe and sound during the festivities. Doggy den Before the noisy night, create a safe space [...]
How to Prevent a DIY Fail at Your Manchester
Will your next home improvement project end in success or a desperate call to the DIY SOS team? Here are five tips to avoid bungling the job. Repairing and refurbing your own home can be immensely satisfying – and save you lots of money. But not every DIY task finishes well. One in eight ends in a mishap, while half of all DIYers confess to calling in a professional to rectify a mistake.* From crooked countertops and fudged fireplaces to botched bathrooms and dodgy driveways, it’s amazing how – even with the best intentions – things can go [...]
Five Reasons to Eat Chocolate
Once you’ve read these five facts, you won’t feel quite so guilty about indulging in chocolate again. A two-minute read. Humans have enjoyed the delights of chocolate for thousands of years, starting with the Mayans, who drank it as a hot liquid (and even used it in wedding and baptism ceremonies). Fast forward to today, and chocolate is a 120 billion pound global industry. The Germans are the top chocolate consumers per capita, followed by the Swiss, Estonians and Brits.* But there’s no getting around it, chocolate gets its fair share of bad press as it is high [...]
Grow Your Own Veg in Manchester
Grow Your Own Veg in Manchester Growing your own veg might sound like a lot of work, but it’s actually a great way to save money and enjoy a healthier diet. And as this month is Organic September, there’s no better time to dig out that trowel and start sowing some seeds. Organic September is 30 days dedicated to chemical-free, totally natural, eco-friendly farming. Its aim is to raise awareness of why buying organic produce can really make a difference to the climate. So, what better place to start than your own garden/herb pots/windowsill? This quick read [...]
Back-to-School Guide for Manchester Parents
As term time approaches, those endless days of trying to entertain your bored and restless kids are almost over. No more surly teenagers sleeping until 2pm, no more grumpy children hounding you for snacks – it’s time to get ready for school. This back-to-school guide looks at some easy ways to get the September term off to a good start. Reduce screen time When there’s nothing to do, or it’s raining outside, screen time quickly becomes a way to keep the kids entertained (and out of the way). But as school looms ahead, getting them into a [...]
International Dog Day: Let’s Celebrate Our Canine Companions
It’s International Dog Day next Friday – a chance to celebrate our cute, cuddly, devoted and dribbly four-legged friends. From loyal Labradoodles and plucky Pointers to cheeky Chihuahuas and dinky Dachshunds, the UK has a long and proud history as a nation of dog lovers. There are 13 million pooches in the UK, up from 7.6 million in 2010, thanks to a massive rise in dog ownership during the pandemic*. And famous canine admirers include Henry VIII (who favoured Spaniels, Beagles and Greyhounds) and Winston Churchill, who was a Poodle man. And then there’s Queen Elizabeth II [...]
Style Your Manchester Home with Instagram
In this quick read, we’ve pulled together some of the most popular interior design profiles on Instagram to give you some inspiration. Are you fed up with bland magnolia walls, wilting pot plants and tired kitchen cupboards? Then grab your phone and click onto Instagram. It’s a hotbed of aspirational interior design, décor on a budget and tips on how to make the most of small spaces. Here are six of the best accounts to follow. @budgethomedecor_uk The name of this profile gives it away – beautiful home ideas that are affordable and easy to get hold of. [...]
The Safe Way to Let Manchester Children Play in Your Street
We all know that kids these days spend more time indoors (often on screens) and less time running around outside. If you’re a parent or carer frustrated by this trend, read on to learn how some parents are fighting back through a scheme called Playing Out. What is Playing Out? Playing Out was set up in 2009 by two mums dismayed that their kids couldn’t play out on the street like they did when they were growing up. The pair asked their local council for permission to temporarily close their road to traffic to allow the children to [...]
How Manchester Homeowners Can Take Their Garden to the Next Level
If you’re planning to entertain friends or family at home this summer, check out the latest must-have garden gadgets and accessories. A two-minute read. Spending time in your own garden, be it pottering around alone or entertaining family and friends, is one of the true joys of summer. And there’s a host of products on the market to help you make the most of the experience. Here’s a list of what is proving popular at the moment. Garden fireballs – Fire pits were a hit last summer, but this year, it’s all about the fireball. Like a [...]
Why We Can’t Get Enough of Property Shows in Manchester
Hands up if you’ve ever lost a couple of hours sitting on the sofa watching a property show? Whether it’s a 30-minute fix or a full-on binge, programmes about other people’s homes are fascinating. Entire cable channels are dedicated to home renovations, property sales, flipping houses and so on. We just can’t seem to get enough of them. In this quick read, we look at some firm favourites and why they’re so good. Homes Under the Hammer (BBC 1) Daytime TV is like a warm, snuggly blanket. It’s easy watching and seemingly endless. Homes Under the Hammer [...]
Forgot to Book a Holiday? Places to Go in the UK
And just like that, it’s the summer holidays again. Six painful weeks of keeping the kids entertained, and the house in one piece. Oh, and to add to this woeful mix, you’ve forgotten to renew your passport and got no sun-drenched holiday planned. If that sounds like your situation, keep reading, because it’s an ideal time to book a staycation. No passport needed, possibly a bit of sun, and plenty to keep the entire family amused. While we’re all familiar with the big tourist spots around the UK (yes Devon and Cornwall, everyone knows how lovely and picturesque [...]
Manchester Food Banks Need Your Help
The cost of living crisis is affecting more people than ever, and sadly, it’s set to get worse, as more and more households are turning to food banks to supplement their supplies. Research by the Trussell Trust – a support network for food banks across the UK – found that 2.1 million emergency parcels were distributed between April 2021 and March 2022, a 14% rise from the previous year. With these statistics in mind, what can you do to support your local food bank? In this quick read, we offer a few ways to help. Donate [...]
How to Smarten Up Your Kitchen on a Tight Budget🔨
Discover how to make your kitchen look fresh and modern without spending a fortune in this two-minute read. Smartening up your kitchen is an excellent way to wow buyers and add value. If you can’t afford a full-scale high-end refurbishment, try these cost-saving DIY tips. Before you start When we’re emotionally attached to a property, we often gloss over its flaws. But it’s important to think about the impression your home will make on buyers. Remove all clutter and analyse what your kitchen really looks like. Is it warm and welcoming, or washed out and a bit grubby? Identify [...]
Top Tips to Keep Children Safe at Home
Make child safety a priority in your home by following these useful tips. A two-minute read. Children are bundles of energy, who love to run, jump, touch and taste. Unfortunately, sometimes this curiosity can lead to accidents at home. Each year, about 450,000 children aged under five attend A&E due to an accident at home*. With Child Safety Week starting on Monday (6 June), the Child Accident Prevention Trust has some handy advice for parents and caregivers. Button batteries These small lithium batteries, found in household products like calculators, remote controls, watches and toys, are about the [...]
Why Manchester Parents Should Support Walk to School Week
Find out why it’s time to ditch your car and walk to school with your children instead. A two-minute read. Want to reduce carbon emissions, traffic congestion, and the risk of childhood obesity? Then step right up and out for Walk to School Week (16 to 20 May). Next week’s event, organised by the charity Living Streets, encourages children and their carers to leave the car at home and do the school run on foot instead. So, why all this emphasis on swapping four wheels for two feet? Here are just a few benefits associated with walking [...]
Is the Internet Frying Your Brain?
What impact do constant scrolling and swiping have on your ability to focus, reflect, and connect? A two-minute read. If you can’t read two pages of a book without getting twitchy or struggle to go for an hour without checking social media, then you’re not alone. A recent study by tech giant Microsoft found that the human attention span has shrivelled by 25% in just a few years. It’s just one of a growing number of studies suggesting that in the digital age, our ability to focus is decreasing. Over the past two decades, the internet has [...]