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Photo: frenchfinds.co.uk / Flickr

If you have a chair with a gaping hole where a seat should be, don’t toss it without considering the possibility of making a new upholstered seat. Check to see that there are any holes for hand caning or a groove for webbing. If there aren’t, chances are that a padded seat is required. If you’re keen to take on the project yourself, you’ll need an old pressed wood base or a new piece of plywood, as well as upholstery fabric. (more…)

Photo: Stock.Xchng

Finding the perfect name for your new puppy can be difficult. Your dog’s name should be a reflection of their personality as well as your own. You will need to be comfortable calling your dog’s name with friends, bosses and strangers around so make sure you are happy with what you choose. Also make sure your dog’s name is appropriate to its breed, gender and function (be it a pet, guide dog or working dog). (more…)

Photo: D&T Dept’s buddy icon / Flickr

Having the ability to repair damaged furniture gives one the opportunity to furnish one’s home at a fraction of the price of new pieces. Old pieces also add distinction to a home as their basic construction is often found to be superior to modern factory merchandise. Many philosophies exist as to the best restoration techniques. These include complete renovation, attending to essential repairs only and keeping the original state wherever possible. Regardless of the method, certain precautions should be taken when restoring furniture. (more…)

Photo: Arvee5.0 / Flickr

If you’re feeling as wound up as a coiled spring, we’ve got six almost instant relaxers to reduce the tension you’re feeling. You could try a quick facial massage, some exercise, visualisation, deep breathing, self massage or chanting. These simple techniques can bring deep relaxation which can re-boost your physical and mental energy levels. Choose whatever feels appropriate at the time, for example facial exercises and chanting are best done with the door closed, or even in a lift if you get a chance. (more…)

Photo: Chapendra / Flickr

You’ll need a good electric juicer to make these lemon-flavoured Babycakes beverages, which all make use of agave nectar as a natural sweetener. The agave lemonade recipe was inspired by the lemonade Erin McKenna made in grade school. The drink can then be used, together with yerba mate tea bags, to make her Arnold Palmer. This South American-inspired beverage lifts McKenna’s energy levels ‘without the highs and lows of coffee.’ The lemonade requires lemons, water, agave nectar and ice. (more…)

Photo: Stock.Xchng

Muesli is a nutritious and delicious breakfast dish but it can get boring and bland if eaten every day. However, leftover muesli can be made into many delicious dishes that can be eaten at any time of day. Make muesli exciting for the whole family and stay healthy with this wonderful alternative to fatty snacks. So get baking and make a fabulous muesli bar, biscuit or muffin that is a perfect addition to your child’s lunchbox or your work lunch. (more…)

Photo: ross.grady / Flickr

This curried tomato fish dish is inspired by South Indian cooking where sour tamarind leaves combine with curry leaves to flavour curries. The tomato curry acts as gravy for the fresh fish. The sauce has a hot, sharp taste, consisting as it does of aniseed, coriander, garlic and chilli. Any firm fish can be used in this recipe. The dish can be made a day ahead, which will allow the flavours to be absorbed by the fish. It can also be frozen. (more…)

Photo: Simon Wicks / Flickr

Making a train cake for a children’s party is a lot of fun and shouldn’t take much longer than an hour if all your ingredients are ready. You’ll need two small loaf cakes, a Swiss roll, melted chocolate, wafer biscuits, icing sugar, round chocolate biscuits, some smooth apricot jam and a medium-sized candle. Once you’ve assembled the cake, you could arrange some brightly covered shoe boxes to represent the trucks, which can be lined up behind the engine cake. (more…)

Photo: Leo Reynolds / Flickr

Throwing a pot in this case does not refer to a chef having a tantrum in the kitchen. It is a pottery technique that allows one to create a round pot on a spinning wheel. The act of creating a pot on a wheel can be quite hypnotic, not only for the potter but for the watcher too. Although it seems like an effortless endeavour in the hands of an experienced potter, it requires a considerable amount of practice for a beginner. (more…)

Photo: Jeff Youngstrom / Flickr

Fruit is an essential part of a balanced diet and is a healthy alternative to fatty snacks like chips and sweets. Fruit can be dull and unexciting and is not particularly tempting when hungry or peckish, though. Liven fruit up by preparing it in some different ways and get your children and yourself eating more fruit every day. Choose your favourite fruits or go for something you wouldn’t normally eat and think out of the box. (more…)