The Aga experience

Thu, Sep 25, 2008

Many people who have an Aga today lived in houses that had an Aga in the kitchen when they were children. There seem to be lots of pleasant memories from childhood that are associated with having an Aga in the kitchen, and for many such people it is top of their shopping list when setting up home. One friend of mine used to sit up on the shiny lid that is on top of the range (not recommended) when she was a child, and believe it or not she does the same thing some 30-plus years later. I was not brought up with an Aga in the house but both my grandparents and parents had solid fuel ranges and I still remember cooking breakfast in a big black cast iron pan on my grandmother’s red hot range. I also remember the constant need to get logs and logs and even more logs!

Buy beds and get free duvets and pillows at Better Bedding

Thu, Sep 25, 2008

A Galway bedding company is making sure that its customers are as snug as a bug in a rug this winter by offering free duvets and pillows with all beds that are sold.

New range as Gaeilge for Judy Greene

Thu, Sep 25, 2008

World renowned potter Judy Greene celebrates 26 years in business in Galway this year. To celebrate this incredible achievement, Judy Greene is currently producing a new range of pottery featuring the use of the Irish language in association with Gaillimh le Gaeilge.

Free composting demonstration in Clarenbridge this weekend

Thu, Sep 25, 2008

Clarenbridge Lifestyle and Garden Centre will host a composting demonstration this Saturday. The event, organised in association with the Galway County Council and Clarenbridge Tidy Towns committee, follows a previous very successful composting event at the centre.

Have you ever wondered how to compost food waste? If you have failed in the past do you wonder why? The demonstration will be presented at 12 noon and 2pm this Saturday by Mark Molloy from the environmental section of the Galway County Council.

gardening with Anne McKeon

Thu, Sep 25, 2008

The winter garden can be a very peaceful garden offering a break from the routine gardening chores of summer lawn mowing, hedge cutting, weeding, etc.

home ground

Thu, Sep 18, 2008

What is underfoot in the garden is as important as the shrubs, trees, etc, growing in it. Believe it or not pathways and ground surfacing in general can be as decorative as it is functional.

Go Victorian on your bathroom

Thu, Sep 18, 2008

The bathroom is the perfect place to add all the charm and opulence of the Victorian era. The timelessness design of the Adelphi suite has been the best selling collection from the Shires portfolio to date. Combining tradition and quality, the easy clean glaze of the suite brings a modern benefit to make your life that little bit easier.

Conserve energy with CREM

Thu, Sep 18, 2008

CREM’s mission is to promote the conservation and sensible use of our scarce and depleting energy resources. To promote this aim, CREM specialises in providing information through education, assessments, and consultancy on the efficient use of energy in our everyday lives through the services is provides.

CREM Ltd will carry out BER Assessments on your property (see accompanying advertisement) and advise you on how to improve your building energy rating. Building energy ratings are required for all new dwellings from July 2007 and for all buildings sold, leased, or rented from January 2009.

Galway Future Homes & Building Exhibition for November

Thu, Sep 11, 2008

Galway Future Homes & Building Exhibition will return in November with inspiration, ideas, advice, and designs for anyone building, extending, or refurbishing their home.

Take a load off your mind with energy-saving laundry pair

Thu, Sep 11, 2008

Do a full load of washing in just 18 minutes with this energy-saving laundry pair from US manufacturer Maytag.

home ground

Thu, Sep 11, 2008

I find that many people only think of planting bulbs when they see the bright yellow rows of daffodils in flower by our dual carriageways in spring, or when blown away by the magic of bluebells in flower in our local woodlands and so on, again in spring. Now is the time for planting such bulbs, not when they are actually flowering during the spring months of the year. Tiptoeing through the tulips is all well and good provided that they are planted in time during the autumn for February to April effect.

home ground

Thu, Aug 07, 2008

It has been a strange gardening year so far. In my garden at least, plants are beginning to flower that have already flowered earlier this year while some spring shrubs are only coming into flower now. I’m not complaining, though, as flowers at any time are welcome. Another thing that is very noticeable this year is the beautiful scents in my garden. Such a variety of perfumes from lilies, buddleias, etc. They really brighten my days.

Turn your bathroom into a futuristic fantasy

Thu, Aug 07, 2008

The award-winning Strip collection by Aquamass is part furniture and part sculpture, comprising practical bathroom furniture in smooth, elegant curves and born from designer Michel Boucquillon’s desire to create a bathtub collection representing sensuality, warmth, and serenity.

Take the cooler route to a new fridge

Thu, Jul 24, 2008

A new fridge is a major investment, and not one to be taken lightly. With so many models and features now available, finding the fridge that's right for you and your family requires some planning and a good deal of shopping around.

Let Pat McDonnell give your home a colour class

Thu, Jul 24, 2008

Have you ever fretted over what colour to paint your living room? Ever wished that you could get the opinion of a professional designer to pick the perfect colour combination for your home?

gardening with Anne McKeon

Thu, Jul 24, 2008

Though plants should form the backbone of our gardens, including features and decorative objects can add the finishing touches and give an insight to the personality of the gardener.

My garden is just an extension of my own personality with plants as reminders of places visited and people met, with patio furniture made by my father from materials collected by me or gifted to me, pots, ornaments acquired over time, and so on. Every piece in the garden tells a story. What does your garden say about you?

Bathe in luxury in the ‘Stone One’

Thu, Jul 17, 2008

The critically acclaimed ‘Stone One’ bathtub from Aquamass has become a classic well-established icon in bathrooms across the world. Thanks to its line of purity, its curves and rounding shape, its sweet appearance and soft touch, this bathtub is synonymous with emotion, generosity, sensuality, and femininity.

Gain an extra room the easy way

Thu, Jul 17, 2008

Is your home feeling crowded? Are you starting a business and need space for an office, or would you just like to have a spare room for when guests stay over? The extra space needed for you and your family may already be in your home. With Fides Contracts conversions you can seamlessly and cost-effectively extend your living space and add value to your home by converting your garage, your attic, or even your garden shed.

Making the best use out of your existing space and buildings is the most cost effective and easy way to create additional living space. With so many options available all you have to decide is how to best use your new found space. A spare bedroom, a playroom for the kids, a room to entertain in, or even a quiet area where you can retreat to and relax after those stressful days at work, your options are endless!

Blue is the colour

Thu, Jul 17, 2008

The colour blue is, in my opinion, a very classy colour adding a sharpness to any garden setting. It conjures up images on the one hand of Mediterranean holidays, azure skies and seas, while on the other hand reflects the ‘moody blues’. It is in effect a very versatile colour. Mix with it minor shades of blue such as lavenders and mauves and you have a very calming setting, which is of course something that we all strive for in our ‘fast lane’ lives.