Author: Diane

How to recycle old paint

Got half a tin of paint in the cupboard that you’re never going to use again?

If you’re having a clear out whilst getting reading to move you should perhaps think about keeping the paint if it’s still being used in the house. You could leave it for the next people.

Or you could try it on freecycle – you can get rid of almost anything on there! Do a search for your local freecycle group on your favourite search engine.

Or try to find local paint recycling organisations like Community Repaint

It’s much better for the environment for old paint to be reused rather than sent to the tip.

Home of the Future

In the first episode, the family discover what rest and relaxation will be like, as they road test some of the latest sleep-enabling gadgets, designed to help them fall asleep quicker, stay asleep longer, stop snoring, and monitor the quality of their kip. There are even brainwave-controlled meditation games.

The programme also reveals what a fully automated house is like, with everything from the blinds and the lights to the music and the TV controlled from a ‘smart’ device. And forget about a front door key; the house now has a computer-controlled thumb print door entry system!

For the first time, youngest son Leon gets a space all to himself – a bedroom in the garden – while mum Michele tries out the latest driver-aided cars, which do the difficult job of parallel parking for her, and presenter Chris finds out about the future of driverless cars.

There are also robot lawnmowers that cut the grass by themselves and a mini power station installed in the house to provide electricity for the new technological toys.

Watch again on 4onD

Official site for Home of the future

It’s a Sunday night program and is next on Sun 19 February, 7.30pm – but catch up on 4ondemand
There’s a house full of tech gadgets and a real family living in it – the house has BlueGen Fuel-cell CHP!

It says they spent £250,000 fitting the house with gadgets!

The Gables

The Gables dates back
The Gables dates back to 1907 and was built for a member of a well known Warrington Industrialist family. Its distinctive style is Arts and Crafts by a local renowned architect and is redolent of the Tudor style of black and white half timbering with ornate scroll and brick work.

Secret room


Lower Hall is an attractive period farmhouse having been beautifully restored and extended in recent times to provide a superb modern family house
Look on the plan for the secret room. Photo before lists duck room too

Magnus Deo

Fine, detached period house
Magnus Deo is a Fine, detached period house of considerable distinction being a notable landmark in the village. It is believed to date from the early 17th Century and is listed as a building of historic interest, Grade II*, denoting its important contribution to the history of the village. Under the current ownership a major refurbishment project has been undertaken to create a home of style and comfort whilst maintaining delightful character features

Wickes DIY discount

Want a quick but effective way of smartening up your home? If you’re planning
to have a Spring makeover then Wickes can help. For 10 days you’ll be able to
get up to 30% off at Wickes on all tiles, flooring, lighting, decking and on
the Geneva Moulded Doors.

Up
to 30% Off at Wickes
Start date: 10th February 2012 End date: 20th February 2012

DIY expert help from Wickes

There are many reasons why you might want to do some DIY at home.

You might be looking for some insulation to help you cut down on fuel bills,
in which case Wickes can help you there! They’ve got a whole section on
their site about Sustainable homes and how you can help improve your house’s
energy efficiency. They even have an offer on where they can get you free cavity
wall insulation; obviously terms and conditions apply, but if you know your
house hasn’t got it then it’s well worth investigating as it’ll
save you money on your energy bills and you will feel warmer.
They have loft insulation too if you just need to top up your loft, If you’re
not up for the idea of climbing around in the loft then don’t’ worry
as they provide a professionally installed insulation service too. Plus Wickes
have a whole raft of advice on other things too like solar electricity and solar
hot water!
They sell the small stuff too like pipe insulation as well as insulating building
materials if you have a bigger project inside.

If you’re after staying put for a few years in your current house rather
than move you might want to look at getting a conservatory and Wickes have a
great selection of these too.

Maybe you fancy a new kitchen or a new bathroom? Wickes have a great range
of these and with prices of a new kitchen starting from only £399 you’ll
be amazed at the range and quality available. If it’s a new worktop only
that you need they even have a video guide to how to do this! Wickes is a really
useful site with lots of information available to help you do the DIY to make
your house a nicer place!

Perhaps you fancy doing some decorating? Wickes has everything you need to
get that done too! With a fantastic range of wallpapers and paints you’ll
be able to get everything in one place! Once you’ve done that you might
want to think about a new floor and they have everything from laminate to real
wood!