It’s fair to say that the vast majority of parents will encounter a time when they catch their teenager doing something they shouldn’t. And, let’s face it, often that will be drinking alcohol.
While usually this is a one off or nothing too serious in reality, sometimes it can prove to be the slippery slope to addiction, which most certainly isn’t just a condition that lies exclusively with adults. Either way, though, something needs to be done about it.
Many parents will take the all guns blazing approach. But is that really the most effective way when it comes to catching your teenager drinking? Particularly if it is developing into an addiction…
Alcohol addiction amongst young people is growing at an alarming rate and you only have to look at the volume of people under the age of 21 entering alcohol addiction treatment clinics to see just how much of a problem it really is.
So, rather than a blazing row and severe discipline, it seems more like a reasoned and serious conversation is in order…
That means remaining calm
When it comes to that conversation, it’s incredibly important to remain calm. You will be angry, you will be upset and you will be disappointed, but it’s important to communicate that in a calm and collected manner, particularly if your teenager is drunk at that moment in time.
It will be worth allowing them to sleep it off and revisit the conversation when they can fully take it in, rather than while intoxicated.
Discover their drinking habits
When you sit them down, you need to uncover their drinking patterns and habits. Is this the first time, or is it actually becoming a problem. Again, honesty is required here so you need to ensure they feel supported enough to talk about it. If you don’t get an honest conversation out of them, then really it’s a worthless exercise.
At this point you can begin to establish the extent of the issue and whether help is needed. While it can feel harsh sending a child to rehab, if it is proving to be a serious issue, then that could well be the best course of action for them in order to live a healthy and happy life.
Share your own experiences
Don’t let the conversation be a one-way street. If they’re being honest with you, be honest with them. It could be that you have your own experiences with alcohol and that will enable you to see that you empathise and care about what they are going through.
Discuss how alcohol has affected you previously, or perhaps other family members and friends. By making the issue relatable, they may be more likely to understand and get the help they need.
Do punish them
While they may be suffering, they also need to know that it’s not ok and punishment could be the driving factor to either stopping drinking alcohol or getting the help they need. Discuss punishments with them and lay out a pathway in which they agree with.
Locking your child in their room for a week is just going to cause hostility. Again, it’s about that two way conversation that works for both of you, enabling them to understand that actions have consequences, but they are in control of those actions.
We all know the feeling – you’re super excited for your date but you have no idea where to go. You want the food and drink to be enjoyable, fairly priced and the restaurant to have the right kind of buzz to set everyone at ease and in the right, romantic mood.
Sure, not everyone enjoys eating on their dates but if you’re both fellow foodies, then I’ve listed a few restaurants I’ve visited recently that have inspired ‘date vibes’ in my brain. While I may have just been dining with friends or family, I’ve made mental notes to return on other occasions. It never hurts to have a few in the bank…
Pizarro Bermondsey is José Pizarro’s second London restaurant and can be found just next door to José’s original tapas bar. Serving up a number of small tapas style dishes, as well as larger plates, there’s good food, wine and atmosphere.
In addition to pan con tomate and the daily-changing croquetas, guests should make sure they order the cod in a traditional Catalan sauce with sautéed baby spinach and presa ibérica.
Its cosy atmosphere emphasised by the mixture of sofas, cushions and seats at the bar, Christina’s offers delicious snacks and carefully curated cocktails for guests to enjoy.
The banana espresso martini is a must-order and both the wild apple spritz and fig leaf colada are the sweet treats you could be looking for. Nibble on cheese and charcuterie boards and the new freshly-baked open sandwiches as you enjoy your drinks.
It could just be me but being taken out for tacos could just be the most perfect dinner date there is. Pair them with a watermelon margarita that comes out of the fruit itself and you’ve got yourself a fun night ahead.
There’s popcorn prawns and jackfruit pibil nachos to start and then you can devour on the likes of lamb barbecoa, barbecue tofu and citrus pork tacos. There’s also corn ribs – whether you choose to eat them on your date or not.
Eclectic food, drinks and decor is what the Soho venue is known for and now Chotto Matte has opened up a second London location in Marylebone. The dark atmosphere and dim lights offer the perfect ambience for a romantic dinner.
What to order? Wagyu beef gyozas, king crab tacos, red prawn truffles and spicy tuna crispy rice bites are the perfect small plates to start off with – before moving onto sea bass ceviche and various sashimi cuts. The snow crab California and the Sato (sea bass and salmon tartare) rolls are great sharing options, too. While the miso marinated black cod never fails to impress the senses and the stomach, the slow cooked braised beef and crispy duck in honey orange ponzu are also crowd-pleasers.
For those who enjoy the finer things in life, this Mayfair establishment, featuring a menu from two Michelin-starred chefs, could be the ultimate way of impressing a date.
It’s rare for me to hype up a classic margarita but the one at IT London is done very well, although those with a more adventurous sense of taste can opt for seared wagyu with teriyaki sauce, veal cutlet Milanese and Josper grilled scallops, too.
Free-flowing booze alongside your food? Few people would complain. The concept of bottomless brunch is a popular one – and sometimes the venues offer endless breakfast or lunch dishes as well.
Whether you’re a Prosecco person or prefer Bloody Marys and Mimosas, brunch cocktails get everyone in the spirit of things and a lot of fun is to be had in the 90-minute (usually) period. Never has it been so socially acceptable to day drink – we have brunch to thank for that.
With more and more restaurants offering bottomless brunch menus, it can be overwhelming to find the right one – or one in the area of London you require. So we’ve tried and tested a variety so you can make the most informed decision possible.
Best bottomless brunches in London
Bunga Bunga
Often referred to as the home of bottomless brunch, this immersive dining experience provides dinner and a show.
With metre-long pizzas and Aperol Spritzes that keep on coming, if this doesn’t put a permanent smile on your face, the boylesque, circus and cabaret that comes as part of the weekly Buff Brunch most certainly will.
Swingers’ crazy golf bottomless brunch is the latest boozy offering to hit London – featuring bottomless tequila cocktails, crazy golf and street food. Head to the West End location for its new ‘Sunday Set’ which includes 90 minutes of unlimited drinks, a reserved area, a round of crazy golf and epic street food – all for £49 per person.
Say goodbye to the standard eggs benedict and mimosas and feast upon some of London’s most fabulous street food: burgers from Patty&Bun, margaritas and more from Pizza Pilgrims, tacos not just for Tuesday from Breddos and sweet treats from Crosstown Doughnuts. Tequila cocktails will ensure all that good food will get washed down nicely, while the party is sure to get started with tunes from Swingers’ resident DJ. The only consequence? The struggle to work the next day.
This place might as well be offering bottomless food as well as guests are able to help themselves to the Chef’s Traders Table to start with, before choosing made-to-order eggs, an omelette, pancakes or waffles to enjoy while they wait for their mains.
If you’ve still got room, get ready to devour dishes such as lamb shoulder, hake fillets and spiced vegetable roulade (to share for the table) before heading back to the Traders Table to secure a plate loaded with desserts. Wash all four courses down with unlimited bubbles and then pass out.
The ultimate indulgence, this Crazy Brunch is like no other. Perfect if you’re celebrating a special occasion, on a hen do – or simply want to splurge a little bit. One option is to enjoy bottomless prosecco and cocktails for £95 – or guests can upgrade to drinking Veuve Cliquot for an extra £25.
Start with a range of dishes including focaccia, mozzarella, fried squid and courgettes and some salads, before moving onto the main event: pizza. Choose from the iconic Tartufo (usually priced at £48 a la carte), margherita, spicy salami or three-cheese. Just save some space for dessert as tiramisù is on the menu.
As if more adrenaline needed to be injected into a bottomless brunch, Hijingo is the multi-sensory bingo experience that combines live entertainment with bottomless bubbles and cocktails.
Enjoy two hours of bingo on steroids, while munching happily on a brunch main dish of your choice and bottomless Prosecco and beer. The short rib Benedict and Miso Salted Caramel Chicken & Waffles are both pretty special – though not as special as winning on of the three prizes up for grabs on the day.
This Shoreditch Izakaya offers brunch for £35 – with the option to make things bottomless for an extra £25. With food and drink including a complimentary welcome drink and snack upon arrival, followed by a vast selection of seriously good sushi for the table, as well as pork belly skewers and hirata buns, Japanese fried chicken (karaage) and, I’m going to call it, the best miso glazed aubergine you’ll ever eat.
If you’re going for free-flowing booze, choose between bubbles or the restaurant’s signature cocktails: a Coffee Cobbler, the refreshingly moreish and deceptive Summer Cup (we’re excited to see winter’s alternative) and a twist on a Bloody Mary.
Everyone’s favourite Mexican spot has launched a drag brunch, led by a bearded bombshell named Cazeleon – with tunes taken care of by in-hose DJ Reuben.
Choose from either classic, spicy or hibiscus margaritas, beer or prosecco and enjoy feasting on guacamole and tortilla chips, sea bass ceviche, a Mayan-style poke bowl (with chicken or avocado) and pork al pastor with pineapple pico de gallo. Taco time is sacred here and options include fish, chicken and mushroom.
Bottomless brunch at Cabana involves two courses and a choice of bottomless prosecco, spritz cocktails or bloody marys.
Enjoy a selection of starters, including blistered padron peppers, corn ribs, guacamole and cinnamon sugar churros, brought to the table to share. For mains, there’s a choice of churros French toast, a breakfast burger, açai bowl, fried chicken and cornbread, avocado cornbread toast and breakfast tacos.
Okay, so fine, this one isn’t bottomless. But anywhere serving up steaming bowls of poutine deserved a mention. Don’t believe me? Go check West 4th out for yourself.
I’m personally not a pancakes or waffles kinda girl (particularly sweet) so I was frothing at the mouth reading the words ‘breakfast poutine’. Featuring a poached egg, those beautifully fried potatoes are topped with cheese curds, spinach, mushrooms and homemade brown butter (froth, froth) and hollandaise, with the option to add – breathe – maple bacon lardons.
There’s tons of other things on the menu to choose from and a decent cocktail list to work through, bottomless or not.
Hï Ibiza may indeed be the multi award winning world’s number one Superclub but, cards on the table, I’d never heard of it before we perused David Guetta’s summer 2022 programme and saw he had a residency there.
Not that I was previously more supper club than super club, I just hadn’t been somewhere that vast on my multiple trips to the White Isle before.
More of a chilled vibe day club kinda girl usually, the anticipation was monumental leading up to our group visit to Hï Ibiza to watch the legend at work.
Guetta did not dissapoint. Spinning his biggest hits fused with seamless mixes of crowd pleasing EDM and dance pop classics, the Frenchman was en pointe.
My personal highlight was ‘Titanium’ his 2011 smash featuring Sia. Here’s a clip from his You Tube of that very moment, what an electric atmosphere.
Ibiza attracts residencies from world class DJ’s such as the most sought after DJ ever to come out of Arica, Black Coffee. For great background on Black Coffee, his life & work, check out Stephen Bartlett’s recent podcast, Diary of a CEO, with the man himself. He talks about his shows across the globe and namechecks HÏ Ibiza repeatedly.
Fans of HÏ Ibiza who use their euros for tickets to see Black Coffee there could even find themselves watching one of his famous mates joining him on occasion, just like those who turned up on July 16 this year to find Drake swagger on to join him on set! Ibiza – where you just never know what’s going to happen!
Housed in the Playa d’em Bossa area of Ibiza, this evolutionary space has every possible warm up venue in the surrounding locale, setting the scene for the night of your life.
Not for the faint hearted nor the claustrophobic – this vast expanse is shoulder to shoulder standing room only, unless you splash out on the VIP seated areas. Formed of the two main spaces, often you will find none other than Idris Elba commanding the clubroom and global superstar DJ’s owning the theatre.
HÏ Ibiza closes their 2022 season this Saturday, 8th October and it’s advisable to keep your eyes peeled and your email signed up for alerts on the 2023 schedule announcements to bag gold dust tickets to a night you will never forget.
Renowned skincare brand Olverum recently launched three brand new body care products, and we’re here for all of them.
Firstly, the Body Cleanser is uniquely crafted to respect the skin barrier without compromising indulgence and experience. Secondly, the Purifying Hand Wash cleanses effectively and maintains hydration. Finally, the Soothing Hand Lotion restores, protects, softens and smoothes the skin.
Body Cleanser
Created specifically for dry or dehydrated skin, or skin which is compromised after cleansing; our Body Cleanser is soap and sulphate-free. It features a unique complex of 5 mild surfactants, derived from sugar, amino acids and responsibly sourced coconut and palm. A dense, luxurious lather cleanses the body while respecting the skin barrier, to leave skin soft, supple, and nourished with avocado oil.
Fragranced with the celebrated aromatic blend of essential oils synonymous with Olverum’s iconic Bath Oil. The Body Cleanser helps ease stress and relaxes tension in both mind and body.
Purifying Hand Wash
This hand wash is soap and sulphate-free, created specifically for dry, dehydrated, and unsettled skin. Olverum’s unique complex cleanses effectively without disturbing the stability of the skin barrier function, intuitively maintaining hydration, and drawing moisture deeper into the skin.
Soothing Hand Lotion
Deceptively light and fast absorbing hand lotion. With an innovative complex of richly fortifying Shea Butter, Apricot Oil, and Vitamin E it restores the skin’s barrier. Soothing Hand Lotion envelops the hands with an imperceptible, luxurious protective veil leaving them soft, smooth, and supple.
All products are available from Harvey Nichols, SpaceNK, and Olverum. Priced at £26.50 (Body Cleanser 250ml), £22.50 (Purifying Hand Wash 250ml), and £25.00 (Soothing Hand Lotion 250ml).
I feel as though, since the pandemic, a few places have been buzz words for travel. Everyone obviously went to Dubai. Influencers secured territory in Mexico. And the world refell in love with Ibiza.
I was excited to go for many reasons but predominantly due to the fact that I was going to stay at the party hotels: Ushuaïa and the Hard Rock Hotel. Located next door to each other, both are just a few minutes drive from some of the best clubs the island has to offer. As well as hosting their own entertainment events, the two hotels are in prime position to make sure you have the best stay on the island. While the island has more to offer than just a good time, I was ready to experience just that.
Ushuaïa has its tower residence full of rooms, as well as the Club suites and apartments, where during the season, guests can watch David Guetta and Kygo perform their sets right from their rooms. Talk about boujie. Priorities are taken seriously at this hotel, it seems.
The Hard Rock Hotel was the same: aside from the tower (which guests might opt for for more privacy and quiet time), there are swim up suites with private pools, club villas with their own hot tubs and other rooms with a prime viewing spot of the Hard Rock Stage, which hosts various music acts and events, including the popular Children of the 80s party. ABBA Voyager, who?
I was able to get tickets to Ushuaïa’s famous pool party, Ants, and let me tell you, whether you make your way to O Beach or the other clubs, it’s well worth going to this event. From a great DJ line up, to sipping on drinks as you get (fake) ant tattoos to really fit in with the atmosphere, it’s the perfect pre-party before heading to nearby Hï or Amnesia later on.
Right, let’s talk breakfast. Now I know it’s coined the most important meal of the day but, to be honest, I’ve always figured parents made that up to get us to eat before school. Well, Ushuaïa Ibiza is here to scrap that theory entirely. Yes, you’ve got your regular fruit plates, hot food buffet, juicers and omelette stations but there is so much more.
I’m talking a chocolate fountain, a pick n mix Ferris wheel – the works. Fancy a Simpsons-worthy iced donut? They’ve got it. Just come from the club and want a kebab as a form of luxe junk food? It’s made-to-order. Regrets from Amira? Not actually ordering one. I know, I know but I always get distracted by the eggs…
From oysters on the beach to paella poolside, there’s a variety of food choices at Ushuaïa. Fine dining options come in the form of sushi and steak – with vegetarian options also available.
At the Hard Rock Hotel, the beach front restaurant offers dinner and a show – with fun loving costumed characters appeasing both adults and children. The saxophone is definitely favoured at this hotel, with a musician playing top tunes both here and by the pool. If this serenade doesn’t have you wanting to party, I don’t know what will.
Speaking of poolside entertainment, I’d thoroughly recommend opting for lunch at one of the Bali beds at the Hard Rock Hotel, as it’s the ultimate way to soak up the Ibiza ambience – and the sun. Guests wanting to dress up in the evening can visit Tatel for beautiful inteirors and delicious cocktails. Must-order: the truffle tortilla. Match made in heaven, that. The hotel also has a delightful rooftop bar for after dinner drinks or to simply watch the sunset.
If you’re looking to take some time out and simply relax after a night full of music and dancing, there’s no better place for it than the Rock Spa. A tranquil oasis within the hotel, it is a completely secluded spot featuring saunas, jacuzzis and various treatments. The outdoor pool comes equipped with water fountains and massage beds and is the perfect place to escape the buzz of the poolside areas.
Planes flying into Ibiza soar over both Ushuaïa and the Hard Rock Hotel, and while this is a novelty during the beginning of your stay as you’re sipping on cocktails by the pool, it’s a sight you don’t want to see as you near the end of your trip and are reminded that you’re going home soon. Ah well, time to plan next season!
Booking details
Rates
Hard Rock Hotel Ibiza – B&B doubles start from £183
Ushuaïa Ibiza Beach Hotel – B&B doubles start from £243
It’s the time of year where many of us are missing summer and craving some of that sunshine we got so used to. So why not hop on a plane and go get some of it in Portugal?
It seems as though everyone is well acquainted with the country’s capital, the beaches in the Algarve and the Porto wine region. But have you been to Cascais? I’m here to make a strong case for it as a summer beach destination and as a place to chase the Mediterranean sun towards the end of the year too.
Cascais offers much of what Lisbon does and is just a short drive or train ride from the capital – meaning you can enjoy good food and wine, plus the beach, in no time at all.
Staying at the Grande Real Villa Itália was a perfect choice as it’s a short walk from the town centre but also offers guests the peace and tranquility of being that little bit removed from the buzz. Plus, there’s gorgeous sea and pool views for those whose balconies face that way – it’s a glorious wake up call.
While many might visit Cascais for the day, I found that the few days I had were all too short and am already planning to visit this charming seaside town again. As someone who tries to do all she needs to in a city or town, just in case another visit in the future isn’t possible, that’s saying something.
Currently in bed craving clams and custard tarts, let’s start by talking about the food. Portuguese food is never a let down and Cascais steps up to the plate (quite literally), feeding it’s tourists and locals the best of what the country has to offer.
For a trendy and ambient buzz, Taberna Clandestina is the perfect choice. Offering up various croquettes, meat and cheese boards and carpaccios to start, it’s all washed down beautifully with a glass – or bottle – of vinho verde. The selection of beers and rosé also do not disappoint. For mains, I could not recommend the grilled octopus more, as well as the traditional Portuguese salted cod fish with egg and potatoes.
Seafood fans need to visit two eateries in particular – Azimut – which is a casual beach side dining spot, offering up the traditional way of cooking clams in vinho verde, garlic and coriander or parsley, as well as octopus salad and a mango seabass dish that is impressive to both the sight and stomach.
O Pescador is another casual restaurant that is perfect for dinner. Upon entering, guests feel like they’re walking into a fisherman’s tavern and if the nautical decor doesn’t have you intrigued, the smell you are immediately immersed in will. The menu is vast but forget everything you’ve heard about suspiciously long menus as none of it applies here. From the typical national dish cataplana (of which there are a variety of choices, I chose prawns and fish) to sting ray with plantain, there’s so many options from which to choose and it is all delicious.
Taberna da Praça is worth visiting for the fact that it is situated within the Fortress Nossa Senhora da Luz, alone. When in doubt, order the whole menu, is what I always say, and that’s exactly what was done here. It’s always a good meal when the servers have to play Tetris with the plates and add another table to your sitting. From garlic prawns and fried courgette flowers to a chopped tender meat dish called pica-pau in an addictively-tasting house-made sauce, this focus group found nothing bad to say about any of the dishes. Scrambled eggs come with tomatoes and asparagus, as well as the classic cod fish and the mussels and monkfish stew is truly special.
Now while my writing might suggest otherwise, there are reasons to visit Cascais that are unrelated to food, too.
I was lucky enough to be taken on a tour of the Quinta do Pisão national park, where we learned all about the sustainable initiatives of the nature reserve – as well as being able to walk the Mirandesa donkeys (native to northern Portugal) that live there (sadly, food aside, I am too old and big to safely ride them).
We embarked upon one of the hiking trails, learning about how the working farm is responsible for local products via its agriculture, forestry and dairy farming. We were treated to a picnic lunch, as hikers are offered this, as well luxury camping packages, before returning to the shop to purchase some local fig jams and honey.
Embrace the sea air and enjoy views from the harbour on a private boat trip – or climb your way up to the lighthouse and look out onto beautiful sea views. The town itself is adorned with cute trinket shops and cafes, should you wish to grab an ice cream and wander through the streets.
For those wanting a more guided visit of the city, the team at Shortcuts Tourism are your guys – for example, did you know that during World War Two, Estoril, Cascais became a centre point for spies and double agents due to Portugal’s neutrality. The Bond film On Her Majesty’s Secret Service was largely filmed in Portugal and the cast stayed at Palacio Estoril Hotel in 1968. José Diogo, who still today remains one of the Heads of the Concierge Desk, played a small part in the film handing room keys to James Bond, when he was just 18 years old.
A popular excursion for people visiting Cascais is to travel to neighbouring Sintra. A 20 minute drive or 45 minute journey via public transport is all it takes and soon I found myself transported to this medieval-style town. I say this mostly because Sintra is known for its various castles, all of which are worth visiting.
Most people will be familiar with the vibrant red and yellow hues of Pena Palace and I must confess I was slightly disappointed to find out this was not where we would be visiting during our own trip. However, never one to not hold my hands up to being proven wrong, this is exactly what Andre did. We visited the Monserrate Palace and it was absolutely stunning. From the grounds to the beautiful architecture, it is well worth the visit and, once again, I’m already planning another visit to see some of Sintra’s other palaces.
In between a traditional cherry liqueur chocolate cup shot and a ‘Sleepy Pillow’ cake from best known bakery in Sintra, Piriquita, founded in 1862, I also managed to squeeze in a visit to the National Palace and Gardens – so I’m gradually working my way through my list.
Top tip: take a jumper or jacket as Sintra is known for its own microclimate and it’s often far chillier there than in Cascais.
Although lying on one of the beautiful beaches is pretty fabulous, Cascais is a great place to escape for a long weekend – have I convinced you to book your next break here?
Fly to Lisbon with TAP Air Portugal, with flights from £39.12 one way.
It is estimated that roughly a quarter of a million motorhomes can be found on Britain’s various roads. And it is not surprising to see why. Purchasing a motorhome opens up a wealth of opportunities for its owners. Before motoring off, there are a few key things to consider when planning your trip.
Your destination
While the beauty of a motorhome is enjoying the open road, you will need to consider carefully where exactly your destination will be.It is recommended to orientate your planning around appropriate campsites that are both financially viable and within reasonable distances to desired holiday attractions, such as nearby coasts or walking trails.
Planning your routes is also highly recommended before setting off to new destinations to avoid finding yourself travelling in uncomfortable and potentially dangerous situations. For instance, many country roads may be substantially narrow with minimum space for larger vehicles so be sure to do your research beforehand!
The paperwork
Another important aspect to bear in mind is any documentation you will need, particularly if you are travelling outside of the UK. Naturally, you will need your licence and an MOT certificate for the vehicle, but what may require more attention are variable aspects such as any liability cover and insurance for your motorhome – such policies can be influenced by the type and condition of your vehicle, the length of your trip, and who you may be travelling with and you must be sure to carry the documentation of your cover with you at all times.
When travelling abroad, your will also need to ensure that you have your official proof of ID such as a valid passport for all party members, a ‘Crit’air’ sticker if travelling in France, and your V5C certificate.
Essential equipment
The most important equipment you will want to keep in mind are items that will secure your safety. Such items include
Fire and CO2 detector
Fire extinguisher
A gas cylinder (preferably 2)
Essential tool kit for repairs
Wheel clamp
Levelling ramps
Leisure battery
In terms of your own comfort, it is recommended that you buy some basic groceries that you find essential for cooking. Check any lightbulbs and pack spares, include your basic cooking equipment e.g. pots, a kettle, spatulas, etc. and daily essentials such as bedding, clothes rack for laundry, and toiletries.
Brush up your vehicle knowledge
It is highly advised to familiarise yourself with the electrics and working components of your motorhome. While based at a campsite you are likely to be given access to a mains electric supply, however, understanding how the ‘leisure battery’ works will allow you to manage your backup power effectively. Be sure to carry your vehicle handbook for any reference should you need it.
Owning a motorhome can open up plenty of travel opportunities for you. And by following the guide above, you should be all set to make the most of these.
Making your home comfortable for your family is extremely important. It ensures that everyone has everything they need. It also creates a sense of unity and stability for your family. By taking the time to think about your home’s design from a family perspective, you are building a foundation that will last for years to come. However, many people, particularly first-time homeowners, don’t know much about which home improvement projects will make the biggest difference in your home’s value and your family’s quality of life. Fortunately, there are plenty of resources that can help. If you want to learn more, keep reading for a basic guide to making your home perfect for your family.
How can you make your home perfect for your family?
It’s essential to take the whole family into account when improving your home, which includes your pets. If you have a dog or several, you should think about purchasing some cozy large dog beds. Dog beds can provide a safe place for dogs to sleep. This is especially necessary for dogs that have a lot of energy and like to move around a lot during their sleep. Dog beds can also help to keep dogs warm, especially during the winter months. From a practical perspective, a dog bed can protect furniture and floors from being scratched or damaged by providing them with their own place to rest and relax.
A pool installation is a solid investment for the whole family. Not only will it provide hours of fun and enjoyment, but it can also increase the value of your home. Plus, a pool is a great way to stay cool and get some exercise during the hot summer months. Just make sure you work with a quality contractor, like the experts at Hopkins Custom Pools. These skilled pool builders can design and install a custom pool that is the perfect size for the whole family. You can also add other features like decks, a portable spa, and rock walls.
One of the best ways to make your house feel like a home for the whole family is to personalize your decor. This can be as simple as adding some of your favorite family photos or pieces of art or creating space for activities that everyone enjoys. For example, if your kids love spending time reading in your living room, add a comfortable chair and a few good books.
What else can you do to improve your home environment?
If you want to protect your family’s safety and comfort at home, you should take steps to protect your indoor air quality. Indoor air quality is one of the primary aspects of a healthy home. Poor indoor air quality can cause a variety of health problems, from asthma and allergies to respiratory infections and heart disease. There are many things that can affect indoor air quality, including mold, dust, pet dander, and smoke. The good news is that there are many things you can do to improve indoor air quality, including purchasing air purifiers, vacuuming, and using a dehumidifier.
Upgrading to a smart thermostat will give you even more control over your indoor climate and environment. One of the best things about a smart thermostat is that it can allow you to save money on your energy bills. Smart thermostats are able to do this by learning your habits and adjusting the temperature accordingly. Smart technology may seem complex, but smart thermostats are actually easy to use. Most of them come with a touchscreen display that makes it easy to adjust the temperature. In addition, many of them also come with built-in Wi-Fi, which allows you to control the temperature from anywhere.
Creating an environment that is perfect for your family is a good idea. You should prioritize creating a warm and welcoming atmosphere in your home. You can do this by adding some personal touches to your home. You can add photos of your family, paintings, or even just some cozy furniture. You also need to think about specific needs to address, which may involve accessories for your pets. If you want more recreational space to play together, installing an in-ground pool is a good investment. No matter what approach you take, everyone in your family should feel happy in your home. Follow the tips in this article, and you’ll be well on your way to designing your dream home.
Whether you’re a regular at the tables at your favourite casino or never set foot inside one, you’ve dreamed about the thrill of hitting the jackpot. However, until one wins at the best paying online pokies in Australia, one does not anticipate victory. In other words, they won’t know what to do with the money until after they get it, and until then, they’re just sitting on it, waiting for the right opportunity to blow it on something they don’t need. While there are many methods for jackpot winners to spend their money, the following are the most effective. The order of events:
Triumph
Identification
Tax issue
Receiving money
Winning
When you win, everyone will turn to see what you’ve done and eventually gather around you as they also try to sort out how much money you’ve won. Do not get up in a flurry of excitement; the casino personnel will be around to verify your victory in a second or two. When a machine is successful, the casino is notified by a signal. Someone is dispatched immediately to double-check the device and your win to ensure it hasn’t misfired (just in case!). If this occurs, the casino will often compensate the player by providing them with special casino bonuses and other benefits.
Identification
You won’t need to provide identification because you already did so when you entered the casino unless you’re playing at a facility that doesn’t demand this (which is very unlikely). No matter where you live if you plan on wagering at a casino, you should always bring some form of government-issued photo identification.
Minor Victories
In the case of more minor victories, the process is usually short, and there is even a potential that you may receive your real money right away. Winnings in the millions might be a little more perplexing for the gamer and the best online casino. In countries that impose taxes on players’ earnings, the latter is preferable since it results in a lower effective rate of taxation. Sometimes the rules vary from one online casino to the next, especially when it comes to living dealer games and slot machine gaming. There is a potential that if you win at a casino website, you won’t immediately get your real prize because of the site’s payout policies. And here, you can also learn about what to do in case of winning at a cruise ship casino.
You may need to make many withdrawals at different times to get all of your earnings out of some internet gambling since gamers are only allowed to take a specific amount of cash each week or month. Keep in mind that the rules and restrictions of the casino website you choose to play at may let you get the whole of your earnings the very moment you request a transaction.
Tax Issue
If you win too much, is it too much? If you’re a UK resident and you win big at a casino, brick-and-mortar, or virtual, you do not pay taxes on your earnings. Once upon a time, this was the case; however, in 2001, the initial betting charge was repealed, allowing British bettors to keep 100% of their earnings. However, tax is paid in some countries and territories if the winnings exceed a certain threshold. These taxes can range from one per cent to twenty-five per cent. This implies that you may have to forego part of your gains if you take your undefeated run to Las Vegas and try to surpass the odds at specific foreign tables.
You’ll have to take some time before you can cash in your winnings, regardless of winning £20 out of a $5 deposit, or £2 million in an internet gambling event. The casino must verify the legitimacy of the gain, notify upper management, and handle any necessary documentation, including tax forms, to ensure whether you are required to pay taxes on your profits. Although you may be impatiently waiting for that $2,000,000 check, rest assured that it is on its way.
You Have Made It to The Big Time!
To win millions is no small achievement, and the casino will undoubtedly take note of your success. Media outlets in your area and fellow fans are not going to provide you with much of a buffer. The only thing that draws in more bettors than a winner is the optimism and motivation they provide. The press has plans for you, and you may expect to be interviewed about your massive victory and the goals you have with the cash. The facility will probably be quite enthusiastic about hearing about your win and may urge you to participate in promotional activities. You’re not obligated to pose for photographs or do interviews if you don’t want to. Still, most people who win anything significant are so excited by the attention that they gladly engage.
The Typical Course of Action for The Expenditure of Prize Money
Winning is typically a fun and enjoyable affair, not just in gambling but in other life experiences as well. Here are some of the activities most gamblers do after scoring big on a gambling match:
Have a party. After all, what’s the purpose of reeling in “the big one” if you can’t even take some time to savour it? Feel free to gather some pals, put in an alcohol order, and celebrate your good fortune.
Get out from under. Winning the lottery is a great way to get out from under whatever financial burdens you may have accumulated over the years. Have you earned a mountain of credit card debt, for instance? Do you have a mortgage or vehicle payment that you’re late on?
Take the trip of a lifetime. Do you often fantasise about jet-setting off to a warm, faraway island, where you can relax on powdery beaches and swim in iridescent waters? Or, perhaps you’d rather indulge in Europe’s finest cuisine and learn about the continent’s rich cultural history.
It’s essential to prioritise your health. Dental work like implants, for instance, is often classified as “cosmetic procedures,” meaning that the health service does not coat it. Furthermore, you may have been on your own if you have a medical condition that doctors in countries other than Canada can only treat.
Reasons to start a college fund. Do you raise a family? If so, they may, at some point in the future, express an interest in furthering their education, which can be a significant financial commitment. Increases in the cost of higher education appear set to continue.
Invest. The smart way to invest your winnings and multiply your earnings! It is also a good idea to seek the guidance of a financial expert.
