Top 10 Things to See and Do in Tajikistan
The mountainous Republic of Tajikistan is one of Asia’s best-kept secrets. We reveal all.
The post Top 10 Things to See and Do in Tajikistan appeared first on The Travel Magazine.
A dull kitchen was given an injection of colour and pattern for less than £250
One homeowner spent less than £250 on a pastel kitchen makeover with a gallery wall, transforming the space from drab to fab.
Annabelle Taylor and her partner Joe transformed their dark, lifeless kitchen into a colourful paradise, filled with pastel kitchen ideas.
Pastel kitchen makeover
‘I love anything bold and eye-catching,’ she told sofa start-up Swyft Home. ‘I love being individual and always putting my own spin on everything I do, so decorating my house was going to be no different.’
Image credit: @built.on.love.and.shenanigans / Swyft Home
Before
Before, the room felt small and dark. Annabelle documented its transformation with some clever budget kitchen ideas on her Instagram account @built.on.love.and.shenanigans.
Image credit: @built.on.love.and.shenanigans / Swyft Home
When the couple first moved in, they found the kitchen to be a dark space and were keen to brighten it up. Not only that, but Annabelle longed for more luxurious-looking worktops.
‘I really wanted a white marble surface, however that would have cost a fortune,’ she says. ‘Instead, I found white marble vinyl wrap for £7 a roll and managed to do the whole kitchen for £28!’
If you’re tempted by a marble finish Amazon have included hode marble sticky back plastic in their Amazon Black Friday deals for just £5.49, instead of £7.99.
After
Image credit: @built.on.love.and.shenanigans / Swyft Home
The first thing you’ll notice is all the artworks that flow around the walls, peppered with shelves, garlands and a large neon sign.
‘I recommend shopping around and being imaginative,’ Annabelle says. ‘We did a lot of upcycling after finding things super cheap on Facebook Marketplace. Also try accessorising what you already have, as this can be a great way to give something a new lease of life and transform a space.’
Image credit: @built.on.love.and.shenanigans / Swyft Home
A small pink wood trolley slots neatly into an alcove and is home to pet treats and bowls, while the breakfast bar has had stick-on tiles used underneath to give it a new look.
‘The other big change I made was to our tea and coffee station, which was originally a big set of cupboards that did nothing for the space,’ says Annabelle.
‘I managed to get a free Welsh dresser from my family and used the top part as a shelving system, which I painted using tester pots (to keep costs down).’
Image credit: @built.on.love.and.shenanigans / Swyft Home
Annabelle also attached hooks at the bottom of the shelves to hang some pretty pastel mugs, and used the same stick-on floor tiles as on the breakfast bar for the wall, to give it the look of a splashback.
‘It’s completely opened up the room and transformed the space,’ she says.
Image credit: @built.on.love.and.shenanigans / Swyft Home
On another wall, a fun lemon-print wallpaper has been used and even the appliances fit into the scheme, with a pastel blue microwave taking pride of place, rather than hidden away.
Have you been inspired to give your space a colourful transformation?
The post A dull kitchen was given an injection of colour and pattern for less than £250 appeared first on Ideal Home.
Reading time: 2 min
Utility bills guide – how to handle household expenses
The cost of living is heading only one way at the moment, and sadly, that’s up. And while you may be able to identify things you can cut back on – that scented candle habit, for one – utility bills can often feel like they’re set in stone.
But while it’s true that we have little control over wholesale gas prices or what an individual electricity supplier may charge, there are ways you can get to grips with your household bills and significantly cut your utility bills.
Like any household expense, you need to know which measures you can take that’ll effectively save you money. Cutting your household bills shouldn’t have to mean you sit in a cold dark room, stop showering (!) or refrain from flushing the toilet. But there are things you can do which will have a real impact on your finances, especially when you’re trying to keep your house warm in winter in the midst of an energy price hike.
We’ll talk you through everything you need to know to make sense of your utility bills. From ways to set up payments that best suit your household, to handy hints for keeping on top of those finances, we’ve got it covered, leaving you more cash to spend on home comforts like candles and cushions.
Image credit: Alamy
What are utility bills?
When we talk about ‘utilities’, we usually mean those things we use every day in order to keep our homes working and comfortable. Typically these are electricity, gas and water.
A utility bill is the charge and breakdown of costs that the company or supplier who provides your electricity, gas, water, and so on, sends you. How often you receive a bill from your supplier will depend on what you originally agreed to when you first signed up with them.
As with many other service industries, utility suppliers have moved towards billing their customers online. Typically, an email or text message will remind you when your bill is ready to view. Depending on your individual energy supplier, you can opt for paper statements and household bills to be sent by conventional post.
Generally, whoever’s name appears on a bill is the person (or persons) who are legally responsible for paying that bill. If you are in a rented property it should be laid out in the tenancy agreement where the individual responsibility lies regarding the various household costs and expenses you might incur.
Are phone and broadband utility bills?
In this day and age, broadband is needed for working from home, accessing TV channels, controlling smart home devices such as heating and lighting, and more. So it’s understandable that many consider a broadband to be a utility bill.
You might also, depending on your own particular home setup and where you live, identify other household bills as being ‘utilities’. These might include your landline costs, waste collection and other forms of energy, for instance, oil.
Image credit: Future/ Jon Day
How do I set up utility bills?
When you move property or are switching suppliers, it’s vital to get your billing set up properly from the outset. Knowing beforehand what you’re expected to pay and when can help avoid any nasty surprises. Should you encounter a problem relating to your utility usage at any point, it’s good to be able to refer back to what you originally agreed to.
To set up your utility bills, follow these simple steps…
1. Find out who your current gas and electricity suppliers are
It’s most likely the previous occupier (or landlord) will have contacted the supplier to tell it that they were moving, so you should receive a letter from the supplier requesting your details. If not…
To find out your gas supplier
If you need to know your gas supplier, you can contact the meter number helpline on 0870 608 1524. Those renting a property should be able to get this information from the landlord or letting agent.
To find out your electricity provider
Your first step is to use the ‘find your energy network operator’ tool on the Energy Networks Association website. Simply pop in your postcode, and it will give you the phone number and email of your network operator. You can then get in touch with your operator and they will tell you who your supplier is.
2. Take a meter reading
‘When you move into a new home, you’ll immediately become responsible for the bills.’ says Gareth Kloet, energy expert at GoCompare. ‘Taking a meter reading will allow the energy supplier to know exactly when you took over those bills. It’s a good idea to take meter readings and inform your local water company on the day you become responsible for that property.’
‘It’s a good idea to set up a monthly direct debit, although you can also choose to pay quarterly in most instances.’
To find your meter
Locating your electricity or gas meter should be relatively straightforward. They can be inside or outside a property. If outside the property, they’re usually found inside a plastic or metal cupboard positioned against the exterior wall.
The locations of meters inside a property can vary depending on the age and layout and whether the property has had any alterations to layout or modernisation.
Typically, meters will be housed somewhere inconspicuous – look out for small hatches or cupboards positioned low against a wall. Another good place to look is near the front door or (if you have one) an understairs cupboard.
To take a meter reading
- Your meter will have either one or two counters of numbers. Write down one or both accordingly.
- Write down the first 5 numbers shown from left to right. Ignore any numbers in red.
- If there are two sets of counters, also write down the first five numbers of the second counter, ignoring any numbers in red.
- Ignore any other numbers.
It’s worth taking a photo on your phone of the meter with the digits clearly displayed at the time of taking the reading. The photo will also have a date associated with it, which is useful should you ever have to refer to it.
3. Make a note of your meter number
While you take your reading, take a note of your meter number. These are usually a combination of letters and numbers and identify and link your home to your supply. They are slightly different formats for electricity and gas.
For electricity, it should read: MPAN – Meter Point Administration Number (sometimes known as ‘supply number’ or ’S number’).
For gas, it reads: MPRN – Meter Point Reference Number (also referred to as an ‘M number’).
4. Investigate the best tariffs for you
Before you contact your existing supplier(s), visit a comparison website and find the best deal to move to. You may find your existing supplier offers the best rate, or you made decide you want to move. Or you could try and negotiate with your existing supplier to price match’ any better deal you find.
‘There are a bewildering amount of tariffs in the market,’ says Gareth from GoCompare. ‘Fixed rate tariffs, variable rate tariffs, green tariffs, tariffs that match your meter type, for instance, SMART meter, prepayment or standard or economy 7, as well as others that require you to change your meter to qualify for them.’
‘We’d always therefore suggest using a price comparison website to help you navigate your options,’ he says, ‘this will also help narrow down your choices, which is especially helpful if you’ve just moved into a property or if you’re interested in switching to a “Green” tariff.’
‘Price comparison sites will list all of the options available to you in best price order but if “Green” is important to you, they’ll also help you identify these tariffs.’
‘Usually,’ continues Gareth, ‘the SVT (Standard Variable Tariff) is the supplier’s most expensive tariff but recent market changes and the cost of wholesale gas has resulted in the SVT price being cheaper than many fixed rate tariffs, simply because they are protected by the Price cap (which does not apply to fixed rate tariffs).’
5. Contact your current utility provider
Armed with all the best rates available – and as soon as you can – get in touch with your utility supplier. You can then provide them with an initial meter read and confirm your meter numbers. Also, if you have any particular queries about the type of meter you have installed, they should be able to answer your questions.
Then you can either cancel your supply or negotiate a new tariff.
How do I pay my utility bills?
There are lots of different ways to pay your utility bills which can be tailored around your own specific circumstances. It’s important to find the right method for you so that your household bills are manageable and paid on time.
Image credit: Alamy
How do I pay my electricity bill?
Electricity suppliers are legally obliged to offer a variety of ways to pay your bills. These include:
- Online or via mobile app. You pay via your provider’s website. You’ll need to register for a login and provide your credit or debit card details. Most companies also offer mobile apps through which payments can also be made.
- By phone. All providers will accept payment over the phone via a dedicated number. Make sure that the number you are calling is the same one listed on their website and/or on your bill. Do not give your credit or debit card details to any cold callers purporting to be from your supplier.
- Direct debit via your bank. You can set this up with your bank or your supplier (via an instruction to your bank). This authorises your bank to take money from your account each month or quarter to pay your bills.
- Prepay. If you have a pay-as-you-go meter installed in your home, you can top up with credits bought online or at your local corner shop.
- Smart pay as you go. Request for a smart pay-as-you-go meter with your supplier. This allows you to top up without having to access your meter. You can keep an eye on your remaining credit via the portable home screen and top up online.
- Cash or cheque. Go to your bank in person and pay your bill in cash or by cheque. Alternatively, you can send a cheque for payment through the post to your supplier. Check on your bill or online for the correct address. It’s never advisable to send cash through the post.
How do I pay my gas bill online?
In order to pay your gas bill online the first step is to register for an online account. Instructions on how to register should have been given when you first joined your supplier as a customer.
If you don’t have that information, head to the homepage of your supplier. There should be a login section near the top of the page where you’ll be asked for your login details or alternatively, offered the opportunity to register. To complete the process you’ll need your account number and may be required to fill in the details of your method of payment.
Once registered, paying your bill is straightforward. You log into your account and go to the section usually marked ‘Pay a bill’. When prompted, enter your credit or debit card details along with the amount you’re choosing to pay.
Image credit: Future PLC/ Simon Whitmore
What can happen if you don’t pay your utility bills?
If you fall behind in paying your utility bills, the debt can mount up very quickly. If you’re finding it difficult to make your payments on time you should contact your supplier. Most companies should be able to offer some form of payment plan. This will usually be tailored so that you pay off the outstanding debt and continue to pay towards any future bills.
It’s also worth bearing in mind that non-payment of a utility bill can impact your credit score – making it more difficult for you to gain credit or other financial services like mortgages or other loans.
Your supplier has a number of measures available to them to reclaim the monies they’re owed. These can include contacting you by phone, referring your case to a debt collection agency and in some cases taking you to court. In certain extreme circumstances, bailiffs could be ordered to appear at your property to remove items to the value of the debt owed.
What are the best ways to manage my bills?
There are a number of things you can actively do to help keep your utility bills down and prevent them getting on top of you.
1. Set up reminders on your phone
If you don’t have a Direct Debit set up, an easy way to keep an eye on household bills is to set up a monthly reminder on your phone.
2. Find ways to cut your bills for free
Rather than just crank up the thermostat when you’re chilly, try some energy saving tips to keep warm cost-effectively. From putting on a jumper to rearranging the furniture, there are all sorts of cheap or even free solutions to keep your house hot and bills down.
3. Switch suppliers
‘If you’re already on a fixed rate deal, we’d typically recommend waiting until that deal finishes before shopping around,’ says Gareth from GoCompare. ‘That’s because exiting early usually attracts an exit fee.’
‘However, if you’re a new home owner, you’ll be automatically put onto the current supplier’s default tariff (their SVT) and therefore free to shop around at any time.’
As the tariff name suggests, this is a variable tariff which means your supplier can either increase or decrease the price you pay per unit or the standing charges. However, these fluctuations in price are limited by the Ofgem price cap that forces energy companies to not charge more than a maximum unit price.
Often, if you don’t switch or re-negotiate a new fixed rate or payment period with your supplier, you’ll revert to the suppliers standard rate – which can end up costing you a lot more than you otherwise would pay.
‘Normally we would suggest switching for a better deal,’ explains Gillian Cooper, Head of Energy Policy for Citizens Advice, ‘but the situation is very difficult at the moment and there aren’t a lot of good deals out there. We’re advising people to stick with their existing supplier for now.’
‘Given the current situation in the domestic energy market,’ advises Gareth,’ the cheapest option for anyone moving into a new property is to remain on the SVT. This is subject to the price cap, which will be reviewed by Ofgem in February 2022.’
4. Check if you’re entitled to any benefits or grants
‘There’s some financial support available for paying your energy bills, depending on your situation,’ suggests Gillian from Citizens Advice.
‘For example,’ she says, ‘if you’re a pensioner with a low income, or receive Universal Credit or other means-tested benefits, you may be entitled to the Warm Home Discount. This will give you £140 a year to go towards your bills. If you think you may be entitled to this, contact your supplier to find out how to claim.’
The Government recently announced a £500m fund to support households this winter. Keep a look out for announcements about how this could help you. In England, it will be distributed by local authorities. In Wales and Scotland, it will be decided by the Government.’
5. If you’re still struggling to pay your bills…
‘Speak to your supplier in the first instance,’ advises Gillian. ‘They’re obliged to help you come up with a solution. It’s also worth checking whether you’re eligible for financial support, such as the Warm Home Discount.
If you need further support, have a look at the Citizens Advice website or contact the Consumer Helpline on 0808 2231133 for free, confidential advice.’
The post Utility bills guide – how to handle household expenses appeared first on Ideal Home.
Reading time: 13 min
Christmas tree topper ideas to add a festive finishing touch
Your Christmas tree takes centre stage over the festive season, so we’re always looking for the perfect way to finish off the decorations in style. From stars to angels, lights to bows, there are a plethora of Christmas tree topper ideas to suit any style.
Before you think about your decorative tree toppers, first decide which of the Christmas tree ideas you’re hoping to achieve. Modern, traditional, eclectic… whichever you go for, the topper can be used to sum up or enhance the theme shown on the rest of the branches.
Christmas tree topper ideas
‘A Christmas tree topper is the final piece to dressing your tree,’ notes Cazz Foster, Stylist at Dunelm. ‘This can be a classic star, fun ornament, or home-made decoration.’ So whatever you’ve got in mind for your tree this year, take a look through these inspired Christmas tree toppers.
1. Tie a bow
Image credit: Marks & Spencer
Who doesn’t love finishing off their presents – or hairstyle – with a bow? Give your tree the same special treatment and use a plush velvet, embellished design to add elegance to your tree.
Pick a bow in the colour you most want to pick out of the baubles on the tree – this will make them appear more dominant and obvious to the eye.
If you can’t find the perfect bow on the high street, then make your own! Ensure you tie the fabric around some thin wire first to keep it pert and shapely for as long as the tree is up.
2. Choose a light-up option
Image credit: Dunelm
Light-up Christmas tree toppers are a fun way to finish off your decoration. But be careful about which one you select.
Stay on the classy side by choosing light in a similar shade to the fairy lights around your tree. if one is white and the other yellow, the clash will irritate you. If your light-up topper has a cord then make sure you’ve explored Christmas tree light hacks to avoid getting into a twist.
Slim, minimalist designs such as this Sliver Star, £5, Dunelm are a great choice because they add a touch of extra sparkle without overwhelming, or looking bare when not switched on.
3. Finish with a flower
Image credit: Future PLC
Make it appear that you know how to decorate a tree professionally by committing to a striking, floral scheme.
Decorate with a relatively small number of baubles in a restrained palette – think maximum three colours – and fill the gaps with faux blooms in your choice of these shades. For the perfect topper, wrap the stem of an artificial rose around the top brand of the tree and, if need, use wire to position it perfectly. Wrap any exposed wires with florists’ tape for a seamless finish.
4. Add some fancy feathers
Image credit: John Lewis & Partners
‘Clips, stems and unusual shapes are a great way to give your tree texture and interest,’ says Jason Billings-Cray, Christmas Buyer, John Lewis & Partners. This is even more applicable when it comes to your choice of Christmas tree topper.
Christmas is a time of celebration, so why not take inspiration from many festivities around the year – and world – and use an array of statement coloured feathers to create a tree topper? Work the feathers in from a few branches down from the top to give the impression that they’re sprouting from the trunk itself.
This style won’t just look great at Christmas – if you through a Roaring Twenties bash for New Year’s Eve, your tree will be right on theme!
5. Include your favourite animal
Image credit: Future PLC
Whether you’ve got an artificial tree, or you’re looking to decorated your real Christmas tree, it’s lovely to add an ode to nature with your decor.
A rustic home scheme is the perfect backdrop for a nature-inspired Christmas tree. Enhance this further by selecting a bauble or clip of your favourite furry friend to take the place of your topper.
Owls, stags and doves are popular choices, but if you’ve got a quirkier sense of style, why not add in a miniature version of your pet. Who wouldn’t love a dachshund at the top of a tree?!
6. Go for a DIY approach
Image credit: Future PLC
For a fun and easy Christmas tree design and topper that the whole family can help with, look to paper decorations.
Fold out paper stars are perfect to let little kids get involved in decorating without the worry of anything getting broken or swallowed. You can play around by mixing and matching shapes and sizes, so long as you stick to one or two colours. For extra impact, choose an oversized option to act as the topper.
The 3-D versions of these paper decs are also a wonderful way to fill the space ;eft at the base of the tree once the presents have been opened.
7. Run a ribbon to the top
Image credit: Future PLC
While the bow is a definite tree topper trend this year, it’s a lot more versatile a decoration than you might have initially thought.
The ribbon technique is perfect for when you’re contemplating small Christmas tree ideas, On these, simply choose a long length of ribbon and wind your way up from the lowest branches of the tree right up to its height, when you finish it in a bow made of the same type of ribbon. You could also layer with different colours of ribbon for an extra striking effect.
This can be done as a replacement to fairy lights if you can’t find any weatherproof options for outdoor trees, or in addition to lights, so long as they’re LED to stop the material from overheating.
8. Double up with two tree topper designs
Image credit: Future PLC
There are enough decisions to be made around the holidays, so if you can’t choose which of your favourite Christmas tree toppers to go with – use them both!
So long as one option can hang, and the be tied or be placed on top, two designs can sit in happy harmony. You can create the illusion the two toppers are linked by choosing similar materials and colours, or go for a contrast to make your bold choice obvious.
This is also a great idea if you’re using a bauble rather than a traditional tree topper, as a beautifully tied bow behind it will help take up the empty space.
9. Choose a classic star
Image credit: Cox & Cox
Stars are a perennial favourite of many households for a reason – they’re a classic choice that can be used for many years to come.
When choosing your star, it’s clever to opt for a fairly simply woven or metallic design. This way, no matter what theme your tree or living room take for Christmas in the future, your tree topper will work with the style.
10. Add a heart to the top
Image credit: Future PLC
Christmas is a time for family and friends to gather, so a simple heart hung from the top of your tree is the perfect way to sum up the season.
If your decoration has too wide a string to hang neatly, or there aren’t any close enough lower branches to rest it on, use some thin wire in a matching colour to tie directly onto the top.
11. Top with an angel
Image credit: Future PLC
Another traditional choice – the angel, or a fairy, is a sweet way of finishing off your family Christmas tree.
A benefit of these toppers is that they typically can simply be places on top of the tree, meaning you don’t have to twist, tie or attach anything extra.
There are any number of angelic toppers on offer, so there will absolutely be one to match your style.
12. Embrace the fun
Image credit: Wilko
For the young – or simply young at heart – novelty toppers are always an option!
Perfect for a girl’s bedroom or a playroom, this artificial Christmas tree design shows off a statement topper. ‘A unique Christmas tree topper set. A striking tree topper which features eyelashes, ears, flowers and a horn – a trend that is sure to grab everyone’s attention this Christmas!,’ says Wilko.
Only issue is that we’re ever-so-slight jealous of the eyelashes this unicorn has managed to achieve…
How do I choose a Christmas tree topper?
‘It’s important to choose a tree topper that is to scale with your tree,’ says Sylvia James, interior designer at HomeHow.co.uk. ‘Leaving it until the last minute without any thought will result in a topper that is disproportionate and using the same one with a different tree is lazy.’
‘Invest in a few different shapes and sizes and continue adding more to the collection as the years go by.’ Your design should reflect or echo the theme of the tree decorations, or any Christmas style you have running through the room.
Also remember you need a topper which fits! Ideally you want a good few inches of space between it and the ceiling, so you may have to bend or cut the top branch to make your choice of topper sit correctly.
Do you put the tree topper on first or last?
Christmas tree toppers should be the second thing added following the lights. Although we think of the topper as ‘finishing’ the tree, by leaving it to the end to put on, you’re risking knocking off precariously balanced baubles or getting the cord of a light up topper stuck in between decorations.
Another thing to consider that if you put the topper on last and then realise there’s not enough room between the tree and the ceiling, it’s a fair bit trickier to deal with.
What is the most popular Christmas tree topper?
The two most common Christmas tree toppers are far and away stars and angels. And different sources will suggest that one is more popular than the other, but there’s no definitive answer.
‘People in Scandinavian countries tend to use the same tree topper to complete their Christmas tree year after year,’ muses Sandie Wallman, Founder of Nordic House.
‘It can often be a family heirloom and stars are always popular.’ We typically think of stars as being more traditional, however, the tradition of using Christmas tree toppers began in Germany in the 1800s. The Rauschgoldengel, or the tingled angel, was a shiny golden foil angel that became popular during this era,’ say the experts at Balsam Hill.
‘The advent of patriotic accents in Great Britain eventually saw flags, such as the Union Jack, making their way to the tops of numerous Christmas trees.’
The post Christmas tree topper ideas to add a festive finishing touch appeared first on Ideal Home.
Reading time: 9 min
Advertisement
