Modern blinds create privacy

My windows have needed a little updating for a while. Some were stuck in the 80s, some were looking ragged and some have just never been dressed.

I have used Hillarys blinds before to fit roller black out blinds and the excellent service I had from them 10 years later hasn't changed a bit. 

This is the modern replacement for a white roller blackout.  My teen daughter doesn't need total black out any more but they showed us how to turn them upwards to get maximum darkness still in the early summer mornings.  Before the blackout had to be up or down so no privacy if you wanted daylight.  It's lovely to have the choice of daylight and privacy that comes from venetians.

Hillarys do attention to detail, making sure that my blinds for a side by side window and door hang at exactly the same place, that the rods are exactly the same length.  When I asked for this type of blind he took the time to explain what the limitations were in terms of necessary gaps and the other option such as blinds with perfectfit for frames.

But I knew what I wanted.

And I got exactly that.

My living kitchen now looks much more like a room than it did before with the windows dressed and it feels so much more private.  Being able to shut myself in at night is lovely.

Some rooms need more than venetians though, something a bit warmer.  I opted for Romans in the music room.  They have really opened up the window.  I was amazed by the extra light in the room without the heavy old curtains.  The pattern is matched when you have split windows like this, so the pattern follows through properly when they are folded or fully down.  This is something I wouldn't have thought to ask about but I think you would notice the difference if you had them from a company that doesn't do it.

It's good to be able to choose which side the controls go on too and it's worth thinking that through, you don't want to be leaning over furniture to do something that could be done easily from the other side.

I like having the chap come measure me up and then come fit, it is easy for me as I'm pretty useless with a screw driver but if you have the confidence to put in a few screws then there is a Web-Blinds service from Hillarys sister company.  It give the same quality product and you can do the fitting yourself.

Hillarys are currently running a pin and win competition on Pinterest, the top prize is a £500 Hillarys voucher.   That would buy a lot of venetians!   If you are on Pinterest and are interested in entering, all you need to do is follow Hillarys and ‘pin’ your favourite image.



This is a sponsored post, however I bought and all my own blinds prior to agreeing to doing this post and I was very happy to do it because of how pleased I was with my new blinds and the service I received.

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Pop and Go knickers, the pant solution for back problems.

When my sciatica is at it's worst my right leg just doesn't work properly, I have to tug it around and lift it from just above my knee.  When this is happening I can't get to my toes.  This was also a major issue pre and post micro-discectomy.  It's bad enough having to ask your partner to help put socks on and tie up shoes but having to ask him to pull up my knickers for me because I couldn't bend down was just about the lowest point for me.

With Pop and Go knickers you don't have to be able to reach your feet.  No more flicking your pants over your toes and stretching them wildly as you contort yourself to pull them up without actually bending over. Nope!  Pop and Go Knickers have side fastenings.  This means you can put them on without moving.


I tried the high legs and the bikini briefs.
 



I've  never been one for smalls, I prefer big and comfy, so I wasn't surprised I preferred the larger high legs in terms of comfort but I did find the bikini brief clasps slightly easier than the side studs to get them on and off.  I think this is like finding the best way to put on a bra, once you have your way it'll be easy.  I enjoyed trying the full monty style of removal but it didn't totally work, the fastenings must be purposely undone, they aren't going to just pop off, so no worries there.

The material is soft and slightly stretchy, it has the comfort of Lycra with the feel of cotton.  It is a clever material made to last and I particularly like the fresh feel, fast dry idea.  They will rinse and dry quickly. Or wick away any sweat fast.  This is handy given the hot flushes I suffered as a result of the steroid injections into my back.

The original marketing idea for these knickers is travel, and I can see why. They would be fantastic for festivals. You can change them without removing your trousers which makes for a less embarrassing moment if tent sharing with friends.

Whilst these retail starting from £17.99 for 2 pairs, for the pant problems I had post op they are worth it.  For camping I would spend a little extra and get the quick dry material. Either way I am as impressed with them as  thought I would be when I first saw them.  A brilliantly clever idea that has been put together well.  Comfy, easy to get on and off and wash well.  What else do you need from a pair of knickers.  Maybe a travel bag to keep your spare pair in?!  Yes, they come with that too!

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Car Insurance Renewal

Car insurance renewal can be such a painful time.  First there is the impending doom feeling knowing it is almost upon you as the first of the spam mail starts to arrive. Then the more serious quotes from all the companies you took quotes from last year arrive, finally the renewal notice lands on the door mat.

So the big weigh up starts, the cost to me of a day of ringing round, typing in and repeating the same information over and over again against just renewing.

And slowly the notepad fills with scribbles, that one is cheaper but the excess is higher, that one is cheaper again but there is no legal cover. That's the one, no that's not got the bump on I had. And on it goes.

Car insurance comparison websites come into their own here.  They give you a level playing field and an easy way to see the quotes.

Usually this leaves me with the feeling that it's not worth swapping insurers and yet again I renew. But they give me the peace of mind that I am not paying over the odds.

In fact every year I end up changing my pet insurance provider because of the vastly differing quotes insurance comparison websites show.  So it's well worth shopping around.  For me it's pets, for you it could be cars.

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