The recent announcement by the Duke of Edinburgh, saying he is due to step back from public engagements, has prompted discussion amongst those of us who may be thinking about retirement. When we're young retirement can seem like an elusive concept, associate… Lire la suite

For many of us our home represents our lives; our accumulated possessions and memories, the different styles and tastes that we have enjoyed over the years, the many stories that have been played out there. The thought of leaving to live somewhere else is often … Lire la suite

I am sure that we have all, on occasion, visited someone's beautiful house and marveled at how perfect it was. Fabulous decor, plush furnishings, expensive fabrics, not a thing out of place. But it could have belonged to anyone, or been a show house in a magaz… Lire la suite

I have always said that I am not an animal person. I guess that it was the way that I was raised. Animals were seen as messy, demanding creatures that cost money and needed looking after. Well, now I know that those things are true, but it is fine. My journey wi… Lire la suite

Pets come with their own agenda. Whether you be rich or poor, king or pauper, a pet is oblivious to all of that and will simply treat you as it sees fit. My experiences have been with stray animals, dogs and cats, and I know that they have added a great deal to my… Lire la suite

Yet another parent has recently appeared in the media to discuss his reasons for wanting to agree a contract with his children before allowing them to have a pet. No doubt parents up and down the country are ruefully smiling as they say through gritted teeth, '… Lire la suite

Every parent wants to do a good job raising their children. There is often either a strong desire not to repeat mistakes they feel their own parents made with them or a determination to replicate the idyllic childhood that they had, committed to giving their child… Lire la suite

Sometimes our relationship with our parents can become strained. We may feel that we are unloved, that another brother or sister is favoured more than us, or there may be a specific reason, perhaps an argument, that has resulted in a subsequent estrangement. It … Lire la suite

For the grown-ups, beaches are great for sun-bathing, surfing, and swimming, but for kids it is more than that. For kids it is a different world altogether. On the beaches, they have all the freedom to use their imagination and to increase the spectrum of their th… Lire la suite

An outdoor kitchen is the ultimate dream for a lot of people who enjoy backyard entertaining. Imagine gathering your friends or family together for a summertime barbecue or a cozy winter cocktail party in the comfort of your own garden. Here are some great tips fo… Lire la suite

There are times in life when being single and alone can be especially tough. We may look around and see all our friends seemingly settled, nest-building and contented, maybe even contemplating starting their own families. We may find ourselves wondering what's… Lire la suite