During the last lockdown I devoted my time to stripping wallpaper and repainting most of the house. It was hard work, but it was worth it, and I am very happy with the results. Now I am focusing on building my reiki business and home schooling, but there is something missing.

I need a project. Which is where my mind returns to the house and garden. I need to continue where I left off, finishing the rough edges and adding my personal touch to the home. But I don’t know where to start. I feel like the garden needs some attention this year, but I am no gardener, much less a landscaper. Where do I begin?

Do you have any ideas or suggestions? In the garden, for example, I would like to landscape it a bit differently. If we could afford it, I would love to install a hot tub and shady area for me to sit outside (I burn very easily). My daughters would love a swing set and/or garden play area. But I don’t want to interfere with the established plants and trees that we have. The house was built in 1959, it is your average 3-bedroomed semi-detached property. I would love to put in new windows and doors, get rid of the dark brown we currently have, and make it look more contemporary. We also need patio doors in the dining room, in place of the window.

About eighteen months ago I had a multi-fuel stove installed in our living room, filling the space where the old back boiler used to be. It looks fantastic and it heats the room beautifully. If you are considering getting a log-burning stove, I highly recommend it. It does take some effort to clean and tidy, you do get a lot of ash settling on the mantle shelf, but that’s a small price to pay for a cosy evening at home during lockdown.

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