lifestyle blog Archives

saharasplash31 May, 2018

Smart Technology is Making it Easier to Sell Homes

When it comes to selling a property we all want to make it as easy as possible, as well as making sure that we sell for the most money possible. This means that homeowners, whether they have intentions to sell their home in the near future or not, want to know how to make sure that they maximise the value of their home.

One great way that you can try to up the price is with smart technology. Smart technology comes in a variety of shapes and types and each of them have their own benefits, as well as their own ability to influence how much your property sells for.

With so many different varieties out there for you to choose from, it can be hard to realise which is the right smart tech for you. So, to help you out, we have put together the main varieties that you can choose from and why they might just be the right choice for you.

Smart security

Security in your home is not a new thing, in fact, seeing that a property has security is often something that will entice people to buy. However, as times change, so does the expectations of people. This means that the old options of securing your property may not be as impressive as they used to be. Now, there are smarter options when it comes to securing your home. This includes, smart locks, smart alarm systems and of course CCTV that is then linked to your smartphone.

Smart lighting

There was once a time when being able to control your lights at the flick of the switch was impressive, however, this isn’t the case now. Smart lighting is all the rage and this often comes in the form of providing wireless controls for the lights throughout the house, as well as the ability to create a schedule for when you want your lights to be on and when you would like them to turn off, even if you are not home.

Smart smoke detectors

The main focus of a smoke detector is to ensure that you know if there is a fire in your home. Of all the smart tech in your home, this is the one that you are going to want to make sure does its job. Thankfully, smart smoke detectors are available to be installed in your home, not only will these devices alert you to a fire when you are home, but they will also give you an alert when you are out of the house. Thanks to the fact that they are linked to your smartphone.

Smart appliances

It is no secret that we love the idea of making our lives as easy as possible. Smart appliances are definitely a great way to do this. They come in a variety of different types with different features. You could opt for a smart washing machine or a smart microwave, however, one of the most popular is a smart fridge. These often come with an integrated computer system that will be linked to your phone. Allowing you to create a shopping list as you look in your fridge, as well as alerting you to when you are running out of things too.

Smart heating

Heating your home and the energy that it takes has become a huge focus for the makers of smart tech. There are a variety of options out there that you can choose from if you want to heat your home the smart way. You could install a smart thermometer, remotely controlled heating controls (which link to your smartphone) or underfloor heating, which is much more economical than other forms of heating.

So, could wet underfloor heating help you sell your home? Of course, there are a variety of factors to keep in mind when it comes to selling your home, however, there is a good chance that installing underfloor heating, or any of the tech that we have mentioned in this article is going to make your home more appealing to those who are looking to buy.

Not only this, but if you do decide to invest into this tech whilst you live in your home, then you are also going to feel the benefits too. Whether that is reducing your energy bills whilst you heat your home, keeping your home secure, particularly when you are not there or alerting your family to a fire, these are all things that are going to make your life that little bit easier. Which is something that we could all do with in our lives.

Written in collaboration with Underfloor Heating Trade Supplies

If you’re after more home life content, see what an amazing job Fantastic Services did with our shocking oven!

saharasplash19 July, 2017

Best Bras at six months

I’ve heard a lot of pregnancy announcements this past month from personal friends as well as on social media. I’m sure you have noticed a pregnancy bug going round in the blogging industry! Falling pregnant at the start of this year means that while many are entering their second trimester, I am now starting my third. I guess this works in my favour slightly, and so I wanted to do a helpful blog post for those mamas to be out there! This post is all about the best bras at six months.

Bravado Designs

Seamless Nursing bra in Silver Belle

Bravado is an award winning brand specialising in maternity and nursing bras. These bras are designed to go from bump to baby and are so comfy. At 18 weeks I was measured as a 32DD bra size, which is a size S on the Bravado sizing chart for this bra.

Monogrammed Leggings by Dharmabums

Bravado have designed their bras with a clip system so that it’s easy to detach when breast feeding. I love the colour range in this bra, there are so many to choose from!

Price: £30

Bravado Designs

Sweet Pea Nursing bra in Pink Lemonade

Usually pink is not my go to bra choice, but this just jumped out at me and looked so fabulous. I’m wearing a 34 B/C here which fits just right!

Again with the magic straps, this bra is so supportive without having the uncomfy underwire as my bump now reaches higher up my torso. I think it looks like an Easter egg if you look at my bump face on!

Price: £26

Hunkemöller

Ava Padded non underwired bra in Grey

This next set isn’t a specific maternity set, but don’t be put off in buying non-specific maternity bras when brands like Hunkemöller can provide! I adore this set from their non underwired range.

Ava Bra: £25 (size 32D)

Ava Brazilian Brief: £12 (size M)

The detailing is stunning and makes me feel like I’m still stylish- all mums to be shouldn’t have to compromise on underwear when buying the best bras at six months or at any stage. Find exciting brands that work with your new shape and help you to feel great about your body.

I hope this has helped a few of you out who are struggling to find bras whatever stage you are at in pregnancy. Would love to hear your stories in the comments below if you are having trouble, or if you have already tried these particular bras out.

Saharasplash x

PR Samples

saharasplash7 December, 2016

Gluten Free Brunch with Quaker Oats

So I have been sitting on this post like a proverbial hen for a number of weeks now as it has been so crazy busy with all things wedding. Now the bridal bliss has come and gone- far too quick I might add- I’m happy to be going through all the October/November news for you starting off with a Gluten Free Brunch with Quaker Oats.

On the 6th October, the day after my birthday, I had a brunch date at ETHOS with some bloggers and the MD of nutrition at Quaker Oats. The setting was fabulous, who doesn’t love indoor trees?!

ETHOS is a great meat free spot for coeliacs, vegans and healthy food options- they cater for almost every dietary requirement!

The restaurant partnered with Quaker Oats to create some great recipes for us to try out during the brunch. I was so happy to see such a variety of options as people can perhaps stereotype oats as a boring food. This brunch showed us that it most certainly is not boring!

We started out with something quite easy which was make your own porridge- so I mixed mine with strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, chocolate chips and honey.

The next dish was very unusual and exciting. These are oaty croquettes made with oats, broccoli, cheese, eggs and seasoning. These were so tasty and I think I ate three! If you’d like the full recipe then reach out to me on Twitter or comment below!

The next delight was a yummy zesty porridge cake. Baked to perfection, this had apricots and cranberries which sort of reminded me of an oatmeal and raisin cookie but way better.

It is safe to say that Quaker Oats can go a very long way for any household, and I for one am very happy that these gluten free oats are now available in sachet packs or in the big 510g tubes shown below.