Mixing Style And Security In Your Home: The Basics

What came first, style or substance?

Creating a balance between beauty and practicality is never easy. In many ways, the two are complete opposites and don’t mix. Of course, to have one without the other is foolish and boring. Safety is essential in the home, as is living in a comfy, cosy interior space. Thankfully, there is a variety of tips and tricks you can use to mix style and security without compromising either. From window designs to lighting, you shouldn’t be disappointed with the range. So, if you are looking for inspiration, you have come to the right place.

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Trendy Barriers

Burglars are great at seeing an opportunity and grabbing it with both hands. Anything they can spot through the window is a potential gift for thieves. Simply moving it out of sight is a simple solution, yet it might not be on the table for lots of homeowners. If you are one of them, use accessories to create a barrier and prevent crooks from window shopping. Swapping blinds for ready made eyelet curtains is one helpful hint, as is hanging art and decorating with plants. All of these allow you to fill space while mixing colours and textures.

Lighting

Everyone knows about the impact of lighting from a security standpoint. All you have to do is illuminate the exterior and the interior and it forces thieves to take risks. And, they hate gambling because they can end up on the wrong side of a pair of handcuffs. But, lighting can be stylish and chic as well as bright and bold. On the outside, use lanterns or lamps to create a warm, deep glow that goes from the front door to the end of the drive. Inside, opt for automated spotlights. That way, you can control the lighting from anywhere in the world to throw burglars off the scent.

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Entry Points

Hopefully, you by now that doors and windows are the property’s weak spots. If you don’t, keep up! Entry points give access to anyone who tries their luck, which is a scary thought. The good news is that you can strengthen the doors and windows by replacing them. How does this add to the style? In the process, you can opt for a new colour or style. Some people, for example, prefer hardwood over uPVC as it’s rigid and inflexible but dominating. Modern double glazing is also pretty and durable at the same time.

Wiring

Properties have alarm systems to stop unwanted criminals breaking and entering. The problem with an alarm is the loose wiring. Burglars are professionals and understand how to dismantle a security system in minutes. To prevent this from happening, the wires need hiding or boxing off. From a style point of view, this is an added bonus because the lack of clutter adds to the elegance of your home. People that box off wires can also mix textures to great effect.

Is your home stylish and secure? With these tips, there are no excuses to answer no.

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Love is in the Air

Considering that January seemed to take the age of man to get through, it comes as a surprise to me that suddenly we are approaching Valentine's Day.

Whilst Cupid has not struck his arrow for me, I confess that I do love to see happy couples on Valentines Day.  Love is everything and is best when you have a special someone to share it with.

What are your plans for Valentines with your partner?  For me, large costly gestures have never been required.  Buying flowers for example seems to quadruple in price which I think is insane.  

Love is shown in actions and the way that you feel.  I would prefer a lovely, thought about card than a throwaway (although expensive!) bunch of red roses.

Today +Simply Be are allowing me to host a competition to win this gorgeous lingerie set in time for Valentines Day.

SimplyBe Lingerie

The bra is available from a 36C through to a 48DD.  The midi briefs run from a 12 to a 26.

This competition opens at 12.00 tonight and will close at 12.01am on Monday 12th February 2018 so the winning entrant can receive their prize prior to Valentines Day.  UK only

a Rafflecopter giveaway

A Guide To Dressing Plus-Size On Holiday

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Many of us want to look as great as possible on holiday. At first glance, being a plus-size woman can seem limiting when it comes to choosing holiday clothing, but actually there’s a lot of clothing options out there whether you want to cover up or go full fashionista. Whether you want to go with form fitting or full and flowing, there are so many options available now. Here are just a few examples of what to pack to make an impact.   

Maxi dresses

Maxi dresses are perfect for a holiday in the sun. They come in all styles, colours, patterns and shapes. From dresses that you can team with sandals and go out for an afternoon excursion to the kind that you can style with heels for a evening out and a few local cocktails. Everything from your height to you shoulder width can affect how well a dress fits. I love to buy beautiful patterned dresses that are form fitted to the waist and then lovely flowing material. For a week's holiday I would normally take three that will work for a multitude of occasions.

Sundresses

Sundresses are another essential item. I tend to go with the cheap and cheerful kind when I just want to throw something over my swimsuit when the beach and fancy going for a walk. You can also get some lovely dresses that again, you can put over your swimsuit/bikini (when you have dried off of course!!) and take yourself out to lunch whilst still looking stylish with a fabulous pair of sandals.

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Wide leg trousers

For years I avoided wide leg trousers because I thought that they would not suit my plus size shape. Last year I decided to try a few options and absolutely loved them. My favourite way to wear them is with a high waist and complement them with a sleeveless top or blouse.

Playsuits

Whether you go for the shorter version or full length, playsuits are perfect for a holiday in the sun. Light, airy and if you buy intelligently; easy to take on and off. I recommend replacing buttons with a popper option. Much, much easier to deal with and less fiddly.

Swimwear

Swimwear is the most challenging item of clothing to pick out. A lot of it comes down to confidence – you’re always going to be a bit exposed when wearing a swimsuit. However, there are some tricks that can help.

Many plus size swimsuits use ruffling, shirring or special prints. These features can also be used to accentuate the parts of your body that you want to show off and also those parts that you want less emphasised. Colour overlaps can help those with a spoon shape, whilst drop skirt ruffles can help those with a pear shape. On top of swimsuits, there are also swimdresses and tankinis to consider which can help to look flattering on certain body shapes. You may even be willing to try a high waist bikini. Take your time to try different swimwear to find something you feel most happy in.

*Collaborative post