Make your bathroom to oasis of calm

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It might be the smallest room in the house, but your bathroom can be the best.

Even tired bathrooms can look gorgeous, and with a little TLC you can create an oasis of calm in your own home.

We have some easy, but effective tips to help you create a little haven where you can go to escape after a hard day.

Get the colour right
A pale, neutral hue opens up a small bathroom and gives it a clean, contemporary feel. If you like a little colour, consider pale blues and greens as these can create a light airy feel and if you add texture with timber shelving, wicker baskets and waffle towels it will feel far from clinical.

Natural light
Bathroom windows are often small, but they do still offer an element of natural light. They key to success is keeping sills clear and clean and not covering glass with window treatments which blur lines. You can bounce light around the room with the strategic placement of mirrors and using glossy tiles rather than matt options which can be dull and lifeless.

Tile it
When it comes to tiles, there has never been so much choice out there. If you are going to replace tiles, remember it can add up, especially if you need to re-plaster the walls, but at the same time this can totally transform a room and add value to your property. Large tiles can add depth to a room and make it look bigger and smaller coloured tiles and intricate mosaic tiles look beautiful around your bathtub and add an air of glamour. Do remember tiles can be cold in winter, so look at under floor heating if you take this route.

Patterns on the floor
Patterned and decorative tiles are a big thing at the moment. While tiles can be pricey, you can achieved the same effect using a specialist stencil and floor paint. With a wide range of stencils currently on the market, you’ll be spoilt for choice when it comes to creating the perfect palace bathroom. Go for a contrasting colour to your walls, and do a test run to make sure you are happy with the pattern and colours.

Dark tones
Matt blacks and dark greys can look really cool in bathrooms. Used for furniture and accessories, it can be teamed with white walls and pale tiles for a sophisticated, on trend look that won’t age.

Go LED
LED lights are not only eco-friendly but they are also the perfect way to add ambience to your bathroom. From LED mirrors, to LED taps and lighting recessed into ceilings, bath panels and floor tiles, the trend is spreading fast and is one you might want to get involved with.

Freshen up
Reed diffusers in your bathroom take away nasty smalls and make your loo smell like a spa.

Add colour
If nothing else, simply change the colour theme of your bathroom accessories to give it a spring clean. By choosing one statement colour for your soap dispenser, tumbler, toilet roll holder, toilet brush holder, towels, bath mats and shower curtain you will bring the whole room together. We love bright pink, navy and dark grey because they all totally change the look and feel of any bathroom.

Let us know what makes your bathroom sparkle, we would love to know.

Team Pure Beauty

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Give your walls a spring clean

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As the days get longer, the temperatures start to rise and the daffodils show their sunny heads, many of us want to make changes to our homes so they feel lighter and brighter.

Decorating an entire house can be a big job, but by making changes to the walls in your kitchen, living room, bedroom or hallway can have a real impact and create the illusion of complete change.

The way you design your walls can transform cold into cosy, boring into beautiful and take old-fashioned into uber-cool in an instant and we have had a look at how.

Ideas and planning
Before you do anything have a think about the kind of finish you are looking for, what colours and patterns you like as well as how practical your choices are. Social media sites, magazines, weekend supplements and even moving websites can be great sources of inspiration, so use them to work out what would feel best in your home.

Stick it
Peel-off stickers come in a wide range of designs and sizes and instantly transform a wall from a boring background into a world of animals, a space age galaxy or a tranquil garden.

Statements Walls
Broad horizontal stripes or a single wall painted in a bright primary colour can be perfect for playrooms and kids’ bedrooms and give that room a really cool, individual feel.

Map it out
Maps – old and new – not only add a splash of style but they are educational too. You can quite simply paste pages from books, wrapping paper or pictures enlarged on a photocopier, onto a wall and create something totally unique.

Wallpaper
Wallpaper is on trend in the world of interiors right now so there is a lot of choice to decide from. From pure natural woven fibres and light-reflecting metallic paper to hand-blocked papers, three-dimensional designs and digitally printed styles it is hard to know where to start, and sometimes where to stop. Do be aware that wallpaper doesn’t always withstand wear and tear like paint, so be careful where you use it. Vinyl is durable and easy to put up and you can even get washable wallpapers that are wipeable and perfect for families who want a stylish home.stylish home

Mirrors
There are some really beautiful mirrors in the shops but you can also find stunning pieces in antique shops and car boot sales that give a retro feel. Go for a large mirror with a striking framed you will not only add light and dimension to any room but also to add an air of grandeur.

Go for art
Whether you buy from for a local artist, frame prints from the masters or use you kid’s doodles art is a brilliant way to bring your walls to life.

Light it up
Washing walls with light keeps edges bright but also offers a warm glow that lifts an entire room. A picture light not only brighten up a dark space but is a focal point while table lamps spread light across a walls and you will be surprised at the effect under cabinet lighting creates on a kitchen or living room wall.

Prepping your walls
Once you have decided what you are going to do with your walls, you need to make sure they are as clean and smooth as possible.

For a decent base peel away bulging, loose or crumbling plaster, strip off wallpaper and fill in cracks and holes; sanding down the area when it’s dry. Once your walls are ready, prime them using watered-down emulsion and if you are going to be putting up new wallpaper, coat the walls with a sizing solution or watered-down wallpaper paste for a really professional base, then get to work.

Whether you are going for big, bold statements, want to add some warmth or simply need to cover up those sticky finger prints, we hope we have given you food for thought for change.

Team Pure Beauty

Give up stress for Lent

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We know that during Lent you are meant to give up chocolate, wine or something you really love but given how bad stress is for us, why not try to live without it for a few weeks and see how you get on?

It is little surprise that more and more people are dealing with anxiety and stress related issues given the pressure of modern-day living. Celebrity culture, an obsession with selfies and social media on tap 24/7, life is one long hamster wheel and sometimes you need to jump off and see what really matters.

Rather than light up another cigarette or down one more vodka and orange, why not have a look at some alternative ways to deal with stress and see if you can combat it for once and for all.

Move
Exercise isn’t a magic wand that will make your stress disappear, but it can help reduce the intense emotions you might be feeling. A run, brisk walk or bike ride can help you clear your thoughts and find a way to deal with problems in a different, maybe more rational way.

Find a friend
Yes, there are people at work, people on Facebook and mums at the school gates, but us can still feel lonely and this is where real friends, you can trust, come into play. It won’t happen overnight, but try to create a support network of people, you enjoy being with and you will find that as much as they will help you find solutions to problems, you can do the same for them and that’s a pretty good feeling.

Me time
We are often made to feel as if taking time for ourselves is lazy and indulgent but this couldn’t be further from the truth. To be able to fire on all cylinders, it is important to take time out for socialising, relaxing and exercise, time that is just for you. A couple of hours a week doing something you really love, either alone or with friends, can really help you shrug off that dark cloud that has been following you around.

Get a pet
Never underestimate the love of a dog, cat or even hamster. A pet not only gives you a new interest but also a little bit of company, a lot of love and if you do get a dog, you have to take them outside for a walk each day which is good for both of you.

Be a volunteer
It is easy to get caught up in our own problems, so helping others can be a good way to put things into perspective. Visiting an elderly person, donating time at a local hospice or sorting out donations at a food bank are all ways you can give back and you never know, you could make friends and even find a new career in the process.

Go outside
Sitting indoors watching TV, working at a computer screen and drinking in the pub are all pretty sedentary activities where you rarely see the light of day and probably all make you feel worse. A walk, even when it is cold and damp, by the river or a dash around town will not only give you a change of scene but also put fresh air in your lungs and give you a break from the norm. Joining a tennis club, training for a fun run or just getting off the bus a stop early, can be enough to get you, and your mind, out of a stressed rut.

Of course, if you are really struggling talk to a trusted friend or your GP but don’t suffer in silence.

Team Pure Beauty

Keep your pets safe at Christmas

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For many of us ‘Sammy the Spaniel’ and ‘Toby the Tabby’ are as much a part of the family as the kids and grandma.

While you might think the odd human treat shows your pet just how much you love them, it could actually cause catastrophic damage and spoil the festivities for everyone.

We have some top tips on how to keep your furry friends safe and well this Christmas.

The Christmas tree
This might sound totally OTT but if you have pets then it’s a good idea to go for non-toxic decorations – details should be on the packaging. We don’t want to spoil all the fun but if you can, avoid edible decorations because these will be sniffed out, pulled down and eaten. If you go for a real tree make sure you hoover up any needles from the floor and just check the pot for any pet presents!

Lights
Fairy lights are pretty but they can be harmful, so watch out for anyone getting tangled up and if you aren’t in the room, turn them off to save any electric shocks.

Plants
Yes, Christmas plants look pretty and make the house feel festive but holly, amaryllis, poinsettias, mistletoe and pine sap are all poisonous to cats and dogs but they don’t know this and will have a chew anyway.

Chocolate
Uncle Billy might think a little bit of Dairy Milk won’t hurt Frodo but he is wrong. Chocolate contains theobromine which is dangerous for dogs and other pets, so don’t let them tuck in. Also make sure mince pies, Christmas cake and anything else containing raisins are put out of reach and never leave glasses of wine or beer on the floor or you could be in trouble.

Bones
We know that chicken and turkey bones look perfect for your pooch but the reality is that they can splinter and this can cause serious problems for your pet, so wrap them in newspaper and put in the dustbin as soon as you can.

Routine
While the holidays mean you can take a break from your everyday routine, it is important that life is kept as normal as possible for your pets.

Continue to feed at the same time each day, make sure they have access to water and don’t use this as a time to try out new food – it might make life unpleasant for all. You might not feel like going out in the cold, but dogs still need to be walked and you will actually find that a run around the park will tire them out and stop them from being disruptive and hyper when people come to visit.

Presents
If you don’t want your new boots to be chewed or that cashmere jumper to be used as a new bed, get your pet a present too this Christmas. A dog bone, new toy or bright ball will keep them entertained and out of mischief.

A quiet place
If the house is going to be busier than usual and full of strange people, make sure your pets have a safe retreat. Put their bed in the utility room or spare bedroom with their toys and blankets so they have somewhere safe to retreat to when it gets too much.

The rules
Speaking of guests, it is important they know not to pull your pets around, especially if children are coming to the house. Gently explain your rules and also ask people not to open doors, gates or windows as you don’t want your animals to escape and get injured or lost.

If anything does go wrong, call your vet as soon as possible to the necessary treatment can be carried out.

Team Pure Beauty

Soup, the winter smoothie

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Whilst there is nothing better in the summer than a chilled smoothie packed with berry goodness, in the cooler months you might want something that will warm you up as well as fill you with vitamins.

Maybe now is the time swap your blender for pots and pans and your smoothie for soup.

Soups are an age-old staple that nourishes body and soul and helps you use up the vegetables in the fridge that may have seen better days.

Whether you are a liquid lover of soups, stews or chowders, we have put together some super-ideas that are packed with nutritious goodness and fantastic flavour.

Lets start with the classic chicken soup. This feel good favourite can be enjoyed with friends for lunch, as an early supper with chunks of bread and you can keep some in the freezer for when colds strike.

To make one wholesome pan you will need:

5g of organic, salted butter
2 white onions, sliced and diced
2 sticks of finely sliced celery
2 large carrots, sliced and diced
1 yellow pepper, free of seeds and sliced
1.5 litres of chicken stock
450g of cooked chicken (ideally cubed or shredded)
25g of organic plain flour
1 tablespoon of chopped, fresh parsley
Salt and pepper to taste

With your ingredients ready, gently melt the butter in a large saucepan and once hot, fry the onions, celery and carrots until they start to soften. Stir in the flour and cook for around two more minutes.

Slowly add the stock to the pot and gently bring the mixture to the boil, stirring all the time.

Season the liquid with salt and pepper, then simmer for around 15 minutes so that the vegetables are soft, but not mushy.

Finally add the chicken and parsley and simmer for another 30 minutes.

Serve with bread and cheese and feel that goodness get to work.

Homemade vegetable soups are one of the tastiest, healthiest options out there and can be part of any family meal.

Whilst we love this easy to make soup, it is just a base and you can add in pretty much anything else you want to get a bowl that is right for you.

For a big pot you will need:

3 tablespoons of olive oil
3 chopped carrots chopped
2 chopped red onions
½ cabbage that has had the core and outer leaves taken off
1 chopped, trimmed leek
1 chopped courgette
One handful of chopped mushrooms
1 red pepper, sliced and free of seeds
1.5 litres of water
Vegetable stock cubes or powder
A handful of chopped basil leaves (ideally fresh)
A handful of chopped parsley, again fresh is best
1 crushed clove of garlic

Now, let’s get to work:

Heat the olive oil in a saucepan and when hot, add the carrots, and onion and gently fry to remove the water content and create flavour.

Add the cauliflower, cabbage and then stir in the leeks and courgette.

Allow the vegetables to cook for 10 minutes and then add the water and stock before bringing to the boil

Simmer for 15 minutes then add the lovely basil and parsley and finally for the big hit of flavour, add the garlic.

If you can let the soup sit for at least half an hour before serving with bread, cheese and olives.

Got a favourite soup recipe, drop us a line and let us know what is is.

Team Pure-Beauty