Make Your Bay Windows More Beautiful with Curved Radiators

Bay windows are a delightful feature in any home but until now they have also tended to limit the number of heating options available, especially when it comes to fitting the right type of radiator.

Image by Thomas Heyman via Flickr

With the advent of the curved radiator such concerns are truly a thing of the past. Curved radiators are well-designed and efficient and they also come with a dazzling array of colours, finishes and features that can really help lift a tired room to new heights.

Heating Problems Solved With Curved Radiators 

As many home owners with bay or curved windows have realised, it can be very difficult to find a radiator that strikes a balance between functionality, aesthetic form and a minimal footprint.

Large traditional radiators look obtrusive and clunky and due to the unusual angles inherent with bay windows, they tend to be installed too far into the room, stealing precious space.

The ideal radiator placement is below the windowsill or as close to a wall as possible. Bay windows and straight lined radiators have tended to make this difficult to achieve.

Curved radiators easily solve this dilemma because they have been designed to fit into spaces that are also curved. This non-linear solution is ideal because annoying dead space is no longer an issue and the room can also be properly heated and enjoyed as it should be.

A Look For Every Taste 

Curved radiators come in an incredible array of colours and finishes, meaning that there is certain to be something to suit every design situation. Whether your taste is classic and ornate, minimalist, sleek and streamlined or loud, bold and contemporary, the range of looks and materials on offer at Radiator Curving Ltd. makes it easy to find a perfect match.

Just a few of the finishes include subdued ivory, gold, copper and bronze metallic sheens, summery fresh yellows or stark blacks and charcoal greys.

Textured surfaces are also available that can help complement fabrics, furnishings and featured décor and there is even a pressed metal scrolled look that just oozes class and style.

Create A Cosy Reading Nook 

These beautiful curved radiators are so well-made that it would be a pity to hide them away but some people choose to do exactly that. With a bit of creative carpentry many home owners have built enclosures around their radiators which still allow their heat to be dispersed throughout the room, but also add an extra level of utility and flexibility to how the room can be used.

Reading nooks and window seats are a perennial favourite and coupling the right kind of radiator with the appropriate clearance and suitable timber, one can make a cosy seat over the top of the radiator right beside the bay window.

With adequate ventilation, such a set up can actually force the heat to be directed outwards instead of upwards and definitely makes for a toasty seat that takes the chill out of a cold winter’s day.

When seeking decorative heating solutions for bay windows, curved radiators are an innovation whose time has definitely arrived. These elegant and sturdy appliances will bring comfort, warmth and visual delight to any home in which they are installed.

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New Releases, Free & Bargain Books Linky 15 April 2016

It's that time of the week again and I hope you have found at least a little time to curl up with a good book.

I read John W Mefford's great new crime thriller "At Large" which had me gripped from start to finish.  It's about one of the most macabre serial killers you can imagine.  You can read my review here and there's a chance to win some of John's books too.

If you're reading pile is dwindling, why not have a look at the fab books on offer this week?

Sharing the Love of Books
Enjoy our selection of New Releases / Free & Bargain Books this week

Click HERE for this week's awesome selection.

Authors please feel free to add your own books
Readers please free to add your own finds
(any genre except erotica welcome)

This weekly link up is hosted by Beck Valley Books & these awesome book loving blogs...
Monday
 Life as Leels | IrishdaisylovesRomance | Book Babble | All Romance Reader
Tuesday
It's My Side of Life | Celticlady's Reviews | First Time Mommy Adventures | Bound 2 Escape
Wednesday
Beck Valley Books | A Library of Reviews | Cinnamon Hollow Reviews
Thursday
Miki's Hope | Taking Time for Mommy | Nicki's Nook
Friday
Ebook Addicts | I Love Romance | A Bit Bookish | Mother Distracted | Colorimetry
Saturday
Totally Addicted to Reading | 3 Partners in Shopping | Angie's Angle | I Creat Purty Thangs | Wishful Endings
Sunday
Lynchburg Mama | LibriAmoriMiei | Ali - The Dragon Slayer | Wondermom Wannabe | My Bizzy World |  Deal Sharing Aunt 

For Pre-orders post - PRE-ORDER / genre / title /author

For New Releases post - NEW / genre / title / author

For Free Books post - FREE / genre / title / author / end date 

For Bargain Books post - SALE / price / genre / title / author / end date
(Strictly no Erotica please.  Steamy romance is fine but watch those covers people, incase any underage child is viewing it!)

Click HERE for this week's awesome selection.

And don't forget you can always add some of your own!

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At What Age Is It Safe For Your Child To Walk To School On Their Own?

With the happy news that 8 year old school boy Connor Beck has been found safe after going missing on his way to school, you can practically hear a collective sigh of relief from parents across the land.

When is the right age to let your child walk to school on their own?

Connor, for reasons yet unexplained spent his day yesterday hiding in a bush next to the school where he was found around 5 pm.  His disappearance had sparked a full scale police search.

But I'll bet his parents are today reviewing their decision to let him walk to school on his own.

This raises the obvious question - at what age is it safe to let your child walk to school alone?

Caitlin is 8 and Ieuan is 7 in June and although their school is a brief 10-15 minute walk away, there is no way I would let either of them go unaccompanied.

And, frankly, after the recent horror stories of April Jones and Milly Dowler, I think it may be a very long time indeed before I feel confident enough to let them go.

For a start, there is the danger from main road traffic, although there is a wonderful lollipop man (are we still allowed to call them that?) who is on patrol close to Caitlin's school.

Although Caitlin and Ieuan are in the same school, they are on different campuses with a 5 minute walk between them.  The daily start and finish times are staggered to allow time for parents and children to walk between the two sites.

Already some parents are letting their Year 3 children (who finish earlier) walk the 5 minute walk between the two sites to meet their parents and siblings, relying on the nous of the child and the supervision of the lollipop man.

There is no denying that, for the working parent, the school run is a hellish dash.  Parking around both school sites is restricted, although you get the usual crew who seem oblivious to the meaning of a double yellow line (the bigger the vehicle, the more colour blind they seem to be, I find).

You also get those who happily do a three point turn in the face of on-coming traffic, forcing everyone to slow down or take evasive action.

Even if it's pouring with rain, there is little point taking a car because parking is incredibly difficult.

Despite the fact that we are lucky enough to have a lollipop man, there have been at least 2 road traffic accidents involving injury to kids in the past year.

So whilst I understand the pressure, personally, I won't take the risk.

And then there is the risk of violent crime.  Now I know that statistically the likelihood of abduction or worse occurring is slim.  But how could you live with yourself if something did happen?  Even knowing it wasn't my fault, I would forever wish I had been there to protect my kids.

But we have to be pragmatic.  We are going to have to let them go at some point, aren't we?  We cannot keep them under house arrest in the event that something terrible may happen.

Already, kids spend too much time inside on iPads because many parents are too terrified to let them play outside unsupervised.

When I was my daughter's age, my sister and I spent most of our time cycling up and down the cul-de-sac we lived in.  The Husband used to play in a nearby quarry with his mates.

So what can we do?

- Teach your kids about "Stranger Danger"

- Consider enrolling your kids in a self-defence class like Tae Kwon-Do

- Buddy up with a fellow parent and keep a look out for each other's kids in the event that you're late picking them up

- Talk to the school about ways to get personal safety on the agenda

- Talk to the Council if street lighting is poor or inadquate

-  Talk to the school bus companies to check that drop off points are as safe as possible.

I am sure that there are many other things that could be done to improve safety for those kids who do walk on their own to school.

Whilst I am against giving young kids mobile phones due to the possible damage to their developing brains from handset radiation, this is one situation where a cheap pay-as-you-go handset may well be worth the risk.

I walked to school on my own when I was about 10 or 11 and that is quite early enough in my book. You may well feel differently or simply be unable to do the school run and get to work on time.

Employers need to step up to the plate here and examine how family-friendly they are.  I find that many firms will happily claim to be "family friendly" but it's a different matter if you have to be late a couple of mornings or have to leave because your child is sick.

Let's be honest.  There is absolutely no reason why many job roles need to be carried out between 9 am and 5 pm.  If you are in a sales role, then that is different but many administrative functions can be carried out on a more flexible schedule.

It might be worth talking to your Human Resources Department to see if there is anything that could be done to improve the flexibility of your working hours.

When to let your children walk to school on their own is a very personal (and tricky!) decision but if we talk to the schools, the council and the police (e.g. a local community police officer), much can be done to make things a little safer.

As parents, we should also be working together to look out for one another's children.

And we shouldn't be afraid to speak up and report anything we see that is even vaguely suspicious.

I bet little Connor Beck's parents are hugging him even tighter today.

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Brew Your Own Beer With Brewbarrel & Giveaway

When I was young, home brew was all the rage.  My dad used to make a lethal concoction which he claimed was Elderflower Wine.  My friends used to brew their own beer and wine too.  One particularly inventive friend once made wine from coffee beans.  No I've no idea how.

The Brewbarrel comes neatly boxed

On another occasion, my dad and I went sloe picking to make sloe gin.  Unfortunately we decided to do this at dusk and found ourselves stuck in a hedge looking for pitch black sloes in the pitch black. Trust me, it's not advisable - and my resulting potion tasted much like Calpol.  (Don't ask how I know that).

Anyway, beer, particularly craft beer and home brewing is enjoying a bit of a renaissance and Munich home brew specialists, Brewbarrel.co.uk, recently gave me the chance to test my own skills as a master brewer.  I would say brewing mistress but it's a tad too 50 Shades and it's still far too cold for that kind of malarkey.

The contents of the Brewbarrel Kit

Brewbarrel have developed a home brewing system that is simple, quick and uncomplicated.  The team have re-engineered the home brew process and come up with a way to produce home brew that is customised to your taste.

First you choose the type of beer you would like to brew.  We chose India Pale Ale.  Your kit arrives neatly boxed with a brew barrel and a selection of ingredients.  These are added to the barrel in a specific order as explained by the instruction leaflet.

The only other ingredient you need to supply is tap water!

I have to admit to being a bit daunted but if I managed it, anyone can.

The basic process is this.

Add the malt extract (in the large bottle in the picture) to the barrel.
Add water - a mix of cold and boiling, according to the instructions.
Shake barrel for 30 seconds
Add in hops, yeast and any additional flavours
Add the pressure valve
After 24 hours turn barrel upside down for 10 seconds
Leave to ferment for 5 days
Put in fridge for 2 days
Drink.

And that's it.

The only slight difficulty I had was getting the pressure valve into the top of the barrel.  It does require a bit of forcing and the trick is to turn the valve as you put it in, rather than press it straight down.

After a heavy ironing session and trying not to eat the kids eggs, we found time for a beer

Ideally you will have room in your fridge to chill your beer.  We had to take one of the shelves out but you could get away with putting the barrel in the garage or somewhere equally cool.

When the beer is ready to drink you simply lift the red bolt of the pressure valve to release the pressure and there is a valve on the bottom of the barrel you tilt and turn to pour your beer.

Your home brew will last for a few days in the fridge.

Now the Husband believes I can 'cook'.  Just need to crack housework.

We were a little unsure of how the beer would taste - remembering my father's own lethal home brews I was a bit dubious but the India Pale Ale, although a little cloudy, was really good with a nice depth of flavour and a 'hop-y' taste.

I'm told the cloudiness is fine as it is a Bavarian style beer and it did not detract from the taste in the slightest.

Am I clutching my beer a little too tightly?  Two weeks school holidays can do that to a woman.

Brewbarrel beers are priced between £25 and £30 for a 5 litre keg  (just over 8.5 pints if you haven't managed to go metric like me).

There are quite a few exotic choices too, such as Wheat Beer with Woodruff and Raspberry and there's an Oktoberfest Beer and even a Christmas Beer.

Would I do it again?  Yes I would - particularly for special occasions and I think a Brewbarrel would make a really nice gift for a home brew enthusiast.  With Fathers' Day not too far off (19th June), I think I might encourage my dad to give it a try. At least the pair of us won't have to risk getting stuck in another hedge.

I found making our India Pale Ale easy and good fun and I have a barrel of your choice to give away to 2 lucky winners.

Simply enter via the Rafflecopter widget.  UK entrants only.  The usual terms and conditions apply and the giveaway finishes at 11:59 pm on Friday 13th May.

Please note:  you MUST be over 18 to enter and I don't need to remind you to drink responsibly, do I?

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Good luck!

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Beck Valley Book Tour: At Large by John W. Mefford

New Release...
Alex Troutt Thriller Series #2
AT Large

The pursuit of the truth. The hunt for a life.

For the first time in months, FBI Special Agent Alex Troutt feels almost normal, hanging out at a local bar with friends after work. Not long into the evening she stumbles over one of the most disturbing images she has ever seen.

And that’s only the beginning.

A body is found in Lowell, the human damage, once again, inconceivable. Hours later, another strike. Pushing heartache aside, Alex immerses herself in the investigation. But with every new clue comes a new twist.

With the killing spree drawing the attention of every intelligence and law enforcement agency in a five-state radius, Alex is forced to partner with an egomaniac from the CIA. Yet, even with limitless resources, every step forward proves to be a step too late, the kill list seemingly endless.

Once the killer makes it personal, Alex is left with no other option—she must confront the person who destroyed her life to try to cease the vicious murders. And when she finally learns the killer’s end game, every second counts if she has any hope of stopping the brutal killings.

The hunt will end. Will Alex?

Available to buy from.....

Amazon.com    Amazon.co.uk    Barnes and Noble    iBooks   Kobo   

My Review

In At Bay, the first Alex Troutt thriller, Mefford introduced us to his new female special agent and I think it's fair to say, he was just getting into his stride.

At Large follows on from the first book to a large extent and the strands of this new story are cleverly interwoven.  

As Alex's memory returns we also get to learn more about her past family life and her marriage and there are certainly some shocks in store.

In At Large we meet a killer who is resourceful, cunning and possibly one of the most violent I have ever read about.  Hannibal Lecter looks like a bit of a pussycat in comparison.

Mefford's writing continues to grow on me and if you like your thrillers gutsy, fast-paced and with more twists and turns than a road through the Alps, you will love this new series of thrillers.

It's great to find a female agent who can hold her own against her male colleagues whilst still being a caring mother and a woman.

Mefford will have you gripped right until the very last page.

I can't wait to read the next installment.

Highly recommended.

Also available
AT Bay (Alex Troutt Thriller series #1)

Alexandra Giordano never knew she had it so good. Until it was all gone in an instant.

As she begins her daunting quest to uncover the black spots on her memory, what she finds isn’t sweet or charming or even pleasant. And that’s when she begins to question everything, including herself.

Her work as a Special Agent for the FBI is only a distraction, serving as a mental metronome…anything to crank the gears of her feeble mind.

And then it happens—a bizarre, ritualistic murder. She loses herself in her work, fully immersed in the investigation. Unable to recall even her own kids, she’s somehow able to formulate coherent theories on what type of person could pull off such a sickening act.

As her mind slowly plugs a few memory gaps, her emotions are scrambled by the reality of her worlds colliding. And the resulting explosion tears her in two.

Can she pick up all the incendiary fragments to solve the twisted crime while she clings to some semblance of sanity?

One woman can only keep so much…AT Bay.

Available to buy from.....

Amazon Kindle    Amazon Paperback    Barnes and Noble    iBooks   Kobo   

About the Author

A veteran of the corporate wars, former journalist, and true studier of human and social behavior, best-selling author John W. Mefford has been writing novels since he first entered the work force twenty-five years ago, although he never put words on paper until late 2009.

John writes novels full of intrigue, suspense, and thrills, but they also evoke an emotional connection with the characters.

When he’s not writing, he chases three kids around, slaves away in the yard, reads, takes in as many sports as time allows, watches all sorts of movies, and continues to make mental notes of people and societies across the land.

John lives in Frisco, Texas with his beautiful wife, three opinionated kids, and a feisty fat cat who rules the world.

Find the author on the following sites...

Website   Facebook   Twitter   Google+   Goodreads   Amazon Author Page

OTHER BOOKS FROM JOHN W MEFFORD

Follow the book tour

I received this book to review through Beck Valley Books Book Tours, all the opinions above are 100% my own.

NOW FOR THE AUTHOR'S GIVEAWAY

Win both ebooks AT Bay and AT Large
2 Winners!!
Ending on Thursday 14th April at 11.59pm CST

Open Worldwide 

Enter HERE

Good Luck !!

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12 Tips To Beat The Back To School Blues For Mums

I have to admit that, despite the chaos, the noise, the ever-empty fridge and the mounds of washing, I felt quite down once I had dropped the kids back to school after their holiday break.

For those of us prone to depression or any form of anxiety, times like these can be a flash-point where we can be suddenly thrown back into unhelpful patterns of thinking or feeling.

This is because, during a family break, there are so many other things to think about and focus on.

Mindfulness And Mediation May Help.

Happiness is very much about directing your focus. That's why Mindful Meditation is so useful because it teaches you to live in the 'now' and to focus on the current moment.

Lots of us get anxious when we start listing all the things we have to do in our heads and then we find the weight of our responsibilities may trigger a stressful reaction.

Some of us don't even realise the reasons why we are suddenly feeling blue.

But if we know we are likely to feel down once we have delivered our little bundles of joy (or bigger bundles!) to the school gate, we can make sure that we take some time to be kind to ourselves during the early days of the new term - and ideally all the time!

When Your Sadness Interferes With Your Daily Life....

Of course if you are feeling extremely down and it is interfering with your daily life - for example you can't sleep or you are having panic attacks, you should make an appointment with your GP to talk through what it worrying you.

Try to do the same with a trusted family member - or a friend if your problems are caused by a family situation.  I have a list of helpline numbers you may find useful HERE.

There is no shame in admitting that you are struggling to cope.  I have had counselling on previous occasions and found it extremely beneficial.  There is something about hearing yourself discussing your problems that can trigger an 'ah-ha' moment.

You may find yourself admitting to feelings you try to hide even from yourself or finally realise what the true nature of a concern may be.

Psychologically, our habits can often be a smokescreen to hide what we are feeling.  There is a hidden pay-off for sticking firmly to habits that we know are not doing us any good.

We might sit on the sofa eating chocolate not because we are lazy but because we find going out and meeting new people extremely stressful.

We may spend too much time buying make-up or clothes not because we just enjoy these activities but because we are trying to shore up our fragile self confidence by endlessly seeking the 'perfect' outfit or the foundation that will give us the 'perfect' complexion.

The danger of course is that if we don't address our less-than-healthy habits, they can sometimes spiral into bigger problems such as addiction.

Talking through your problems is key.

Time To Be Kind To Yourself

For those of us who are just feeling a little down because our babies are back in school (although I know quite a few mums who have got the flags out!),  here are some quick tips to be kind to yourself.

Treat yourself to flowers

Buy yourself a bunch of flowers and display them in your best vase.  Aldi and Lidl have great, inexpensive bouquets

Visit your local library

Leaving aside the importance of keeping our precious libraries alive, you could stock up on some juicy novels to enjoy in the evenings instead of the endless reality TV shows.

If you are prone to anxiety and depression, some of the current Soap storylines aren't exactly cheering either so you might want to give these a miss for a while.

Or add some Classics to your E-reader

Why not download some of the free classic novels for your Kindle or E-reader.  You could try Jane Austen's "Pride & Prejudice" and spend your time dreaming about Mr Darcy.  There are plenty of free and bargain books to be had on the weekly book linky HERE.

Plan some family activities for the weekend

These don't have to cost money - just a trip to the local beach or park with some sandwiches and a flask would be fun.

Plan a special traditional Sunday lunch

So many families no longer seem to sit down to eat together around a table, or even to have a good, old-fashioned Sunday roast.

Why not make Sunday special with a roasted chicken with all the trimmings followed by an apple crumble or custard, or a vegetarian or vegan feast?

Plan activities for the next school holiday

Have you written down all the school holiday dates with bank holidays and Inset Days?  

Book some activities now or if you are planning to go away on holiday, the sooner you book, the better the availability will be.

There are loads of fabulous places to visit in the UK and there are loads of sites which offer deals on hotel accommodation - or why not try a local B&B?

Clean the house from top to bottom

Cleaning can be very therapeutic.  I'm not suggesting you go all Marie Kondo (in her best-selling book "The Life-Changing Magic Of Tidying-Up") but a sort through of some of the piles of post (admit it, you have them too) and a bit of a dust will burn some calories and lift your mood, particularly if you do it to your favourite music.

Sort through the kids' toys

Get rid of all the broken bits and pieces, incomplete jigsaws and toys they no longer play with.

Old toys can go to charity but it's probably best to check with the kids when they get home to avoid a total meltdown.  

You could encourage the kids to make a bit of extra pocket money to put towards a family trip by selling their old toys.   Perhaps you could have a weekend family car boot sale.

Exercise

A half hour walk a day will help clear your head and give you some focus.  If you don't fancy leaving the house, why not treat yourself to an exercise DVD.  You might feel a bit more confident learning your Zumba moves at home before venturing out to a local class.

Review your childcare

If you work, now might be a good time to check that you have the right childcare.  It's important to feel confident that your child-minders and babysitters are the right ones for your children.

If there are any issues festering or you feel that your kids just aren't happy, take some time to do some research and talk to some of the other mums about who they use and who they would recommend.

Find Some Mum Friends

If you are a stay-at-home mum, it can be difficult to find adult company during the day - particularly if all your friends are at work.  There are numerous "meet-a-mum" sites online where you can look for friend in your area.  Or why not see if any of your Facebook friends live close to you and invite them for a coffee?

Talk To Someone About Any Relationship Problems

It's not surprising that, with the kids out of the way, your focus may turn to the other relationships in your life - particularly your partner and your immediate family. Now may be the time to sort out any niggling disagreements or even seek counselling if a long-term problem is dragging your down.

You may find some useful advice in my regular agony column, Relationship Dilemmas, and feel free to message me if you would like my advice on your situation.

Hopefully these tips will help dispel the feeling of gloom that can descend during the first few days of a new term.

There's Light At The End Of The Tunnel!

And remember, usually, it's only another 5 or 6 weeks till the next holiday when we'll all be stressing about how we're going to fill the time!

Take this time to look after yourself and recharge your batteries so you'll be ready for whatever this term - and the next holiday - throw at you.

How do you cope with the back-to-school-blues?

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Your Top Considerations When Choosing A Care Home For A Relative

Moving your relative into a care home is never an easy decision to make. But sometimes it has to be done. Here are the considerations that should be in the forefront of your mind if you are going through this process.

Staff 

The staff members that work in a care home are the people who your relative will come into contact with each day. You will get a chance to meet them and see them in action when you visit a care home, and this will probably influence your decision massively. No one wants to move their relative into a place that is staffed by people who are unhelpful or cruel. You should do research and read reports that often judge staffing performances on them. You want to make sure that you are not going to have any problems with the staff and their behaviour later on down the line.

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Facilities

The facilities that are offered in the home are also very important. This is what most people focus on when they are looking for a place to move their relative into. It needs to have the right care and medical facilities that meet your relative’s specific health needs and requirements. And you should also ask to see the private living quarters where your relative will be living. It’s not all about what’s on the inside though. Care home providers like http://hc-care-homes.co.uk/ also focus on the outdoors. Elderly people like to be able to get out and spend time outside of the care home. So, it’s good to move them into somewhere with large green spaces.

Costs 

Unfortunately, very few of us are able to simply move our relatives into the very best care homes. And that’s because the very best care homes come with a pretty large price tag attached to them. The costs are never cheap, and it’s up to you to weigh up the pros that the care home offers with the costs. Of course, there are many cheaper options out there that still offer a high-quality service. It’s not always the case that the most expensive places have the happiest residents. You should make a shortlist of places and then compare the prices of them all. You probably won’t be able to afford them all, so compromising will be necessary.

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Your Relative’s Preference

Obviously, all cases are different. But if your relative is in need of specialist care but is still able to take part in the decision-making process, they should have a say. It’s them that will be affected by the decision that is made, so it’s only fair that they have a say in the place where they will end up. They should be with you every step of the way when you are weighing up all the options. They should meet staff members, view the facilities and do everything else that I mentioned above. Before you even start to view the options, you should talk to them about what they want to get out of a care home. Then you can take it from there. Sites like http://www.payingforcare.org/care-home-fees offer more information on care home costs.

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