Homes

Occupy children on a rainy day by having them cut out large coloured letters from headings in magazines. When new schoolbooks need covering, glue the letters onto plain covers to form their name, grade and subject in an individual and easily recognised way.

Paint your children’s names on their school lunch boxes and drink containers with vividly coloured nail polish. It will stay on through countless washes and can be touched up easily when it chips or wears off.

Put a wading pool under the rotary clothes hoist, then peg a bed sheet over the lines to protect children from the sun while they play.

Keep children’s paintings in a large, two-ring binder when you run out of space on the fridge. Name and on them as they get older.

Coloured popcorn sprinkled over or around plain icing on a child’s birthday cake looks pretty and doesn’t cost much.

Add a few drops of perfume to the water in the steam section of your iron whenever you are pressing clothes.

Australian horticulturist Phillip Johnson has claimed best in show at this year's Chelsea Flower Show with his ecologically sustainable Australian style billabong garden build in the heart of London.

Summer dining should be informal, friendly and relaxed – and where possible, done outdoors. While hosting a party is a fun experience, planning in advance means the night will be less stressful and an enjoyable evening for both you and your guests. The menu Keep it simple A great menu doesn’t need to be finicky. […]

Feeling overwhelmed by how fast Christmas is approaching? If you’re losing track of time and need help organising your thoughts, this Christmas Countdown timetable might just be the answer. Download this chart, print it out and place it on the fridge or in your handbag. It’s the ultimate Christmas checklist for every busy woman. Download […]

Crab apple trees are hardier than a cherry tree and the blossom lasts longer in our harsher climate, too.