It’s ski season and our skin will bear the brunt of the cold weather. Skiing exposes our skin to harsh conditions like cold winds, low humidity, and intense sun, which can strip it of moisture and damage its protective barrier. We’ve rounded up the best products from Teoxane, the creators of RHA resilient hyaluronic acid.
To maintain healthy, resilient ski skin, hydration is crucial, and hyaluronic acid plays a vital role as it helps to retain moisture in the skin, keeping it plump, smooth, and protected against the drying effects of the elements.
Teoxane (Teosyal) RHA Serum, £85 Teoxane (Teosyal) RHA Serum contains a potent blend of resilient hyaluronic acid, antioxidants and amino acids, which help to perfect the tone and texture of dull, tired skin within 14 days.
Teoxane 3D Lip, £35 This rich, hydrating and reparative daily lip care treatment features densifying and nutritive ingredients that work together to smooth, nourish, and achieve a plumping effect for the lips.
Teoxane (Teosyal) UVA Shield SPF50+, £55 This very high UVA and UVB protective sunscreen works to prevent UV-induced photoaging and the appearance of dark spots.
I’m obsessed with sunscreen and this one is brilliant.
I admit to a serious coffee addiction and the coffee must be good. A cup of instant just won’t cut it and the more I learn the more I yearn for that perfect coffee experience.
It’s undisputed that for optimal flavour you need freshly ground beans. Simply, flavour begins to fade from within half an hour of grinding, so a home grinder is a must.
There are whole theses on coffee grinder attributes and if you’re regularly grinding coffee for a large family, then perhaps an electric burr grinder would make a good investment, but for one or two coffees at a time, and for travelling, the Peugeot Presto Coffee Mill is hard to beat. It’s neat, attractive and compact, with a removable handle and lid, making it very easy to store or pack. Despite its small size, the bean reservoir can accommodate 30-35g of beans – enough for 0.5 litre of coffee. It’s very simple to use – once the beans are added and the lid firmly attached, just turn the adjustable grind setting ring to whatever you require, whether for espresso machine, cafetière, moka, ibrik, filter or cold brew infusion. To make life easy for the novice, or myopic users such as myself, there are pictures on the grind setting ring which denote the correct setting for each preparation method, and, for experts, the grind sizes in microns are also marked. After that just turn the handle and grind. You’ll see the grounds as they appear in the detachable transparent base. After that, well, make your coffee, sit back and enjoy.
At £84.99 from Peugeot it’s a quality gift and Christmas is indeed coming. I love it and I can’t wait to take it on my next trip. And if you’re looking for more great, quality gifts, do check out the Peugeot website.
By Dr K Thompson, author of From Both Ends of the Stethoscope: Getting through breast cancer – by a doctor who knows
Note: These articles express personal views. No warranty is made as to the accuracy or completeness of information given and you should always consult a doctor if you need medical advice.
The cold weather is terrible for my skin. It gets dry and a lot of products make my skin red and sore. Enter Wonderbalm. Finally I have something I can use which actually works.
Winter can be rough on skin, hair, and everything in between, which is why WONDERBALM (£29) has become the must-have handbag hero for tackling those cold-weather woes. Compact yet powerful, this multi-use balm is a favourite among savvy shoppers and jet-setters alike. Whether it’s soothing dry hands, taming flaky scalps, or acting as an overnight lip mask, Wonderbalm truly does it all (and more).
With a nourishing blend of Olive Oil, Shea Butter, and Orange Peel Oil, it’s designed to deeply hydrate and restore skin and hair while fitting snugly in your bag. It’s no wonder customers rave about its versatility:
“I have psoriasis on my scalp on which can get really bad on my hairline and behind my ears. It can get really dry and flakey and is super embarrassing. I put this product on and instantly the itchiness subsided. Within a day the flaking stopped and was much smoother. Really lovely product and smells great too.”
“I use this on my hands and fingertips. The skin was cracking and was really sore. I have been using now for a few days and I can already see an improvement in the skin.”
“Every night – the best lip balm solution I have found!”
“I can’t stop recommending this product to friends and family! Have swapped out my cleansing balm, lip balms and hand cream for this one product! It really works wonders as an overnight lip mask to avoid any cracking from the cold weather.”
“I absolutely love it! I had really dry knuckles from UK winter and it’s basically gone away now”
“One pot wonder”
“I have been getting a dry, sore patch in between my fingers that has been flaring up occasionally. After using WONDERBALM it was feeling so much calmer and the redness had noticeably subsided.”
Why It’s Your Next Handbag Hero:
Dry Skin & Scalp Savior: Tackles irritation and dryness with antioxidant-rich Shea Butter and Orange Peel Oil
Compact Travel Essential: Perfect for handbags or carry-ons so there’s no need to pack bulky hand creams or multiple products
Cold-Weather Cuticle Care: Repairs cracked knuckles and soothes eczema-prone skin
Beauty Multi-Tasker: Use it as a cleanser, makeup remover, or an overnight lip and face mask for ultimate hydration
The National Motor Museum at Beaulieu won the ultimate accolade of Museums & Collections of the Year in the 2024 Royal Automobile Club Historic Awards. The trophy was presented to Dr Jon Murden, the Museum’s Chief Executive at the Royal Automobile Club in Pall Mall, London. The awards are an annual celebration of excellence in the UK’s historic motoring & motorsport worlds.
The award category nominees are assessed by an independent panels of specialist judges, handpicked for their expertise. The judges commended the Museum on the renewed focus on the social and cultural history of the motor vehicle. This has been evident with the Museum’s new gallery, Streets Ahead, and other exhibitions and events throughout the year. The “We had one of those” experience outside the Museum at Beaulieu, which enabled visitors to renew memories by sitting in the cars of their youth, was also commended. Beaulieu’s National Motor Museum was a finalist alongside the Tyrrell Shed at Goodwood and the British Motor Museum.
Accepting the award Dr Jon Murden, National Motor Museum Chief Executive said, “We are honoured and thrilled to have won this museums and collections of the year award. It has been a very busy year for us at the National Motor Museum. A year of re-identifying our purpose, telling the story of motoring, channelling the spirit of motoring’s past into a new range of social and cultural stories. It is really gratifying to see that appreciated. This award is a recognition of an amazing team of knowledgeable staff and volunteers who have contributed to our new displays and events throughout 2024.”
Jon Murden says, “The National Motor Museum is embarking on a masterplan that will transform the ways we look after, use, display and interpret our collections, and the stories we tell, all with the goal of making us attractive to successive generations of visitors, making us more sustainable and ensuring our continued economic viability.“
A full calendar of events and exhibitions is held at Beaulieu by the National Motor Museum, including Collection Centre Open Days, Classic Grille Evenings, Meet the Curator events and Transport Torques. Details are available at https://nationalmotormuseum.org.uk/events
The largest and longest-running writer development programme in England is now open for entries, deadline 6 February 2025. Founded and produced by New Writing North with support from Northumbria University and Arts Council England, the Northern Writers’ Awards are now in their 26th year. The awards cover a range of genres including poetry, fiction, narrative non-fiction, young adult, middle-grade fiction and short stories. The submission window for the awards varies but all winners will be announced in June 2025.
The Northern Writers’ Awards deliver crucial support for writers at an earlier stage than most literary awards, usually before an agent or publisher is involved. As such, they have an enviable track record for identifying some of the country’s best unpublished writing, providing a pipeline of new talent to the publishing and broadcast industries.
Will Mackie, Senior Programme Manager (Talent Development) and Programme Leader (MA in Publishing), said: “Launching the Northern Writers’ Awards is always a highlight of the year for New Writing North. We continue to build the reputation of this flagship programme and could not be more proud of the impact of our Awards.We identify talented writers, create opportunities and guide writers towards their individual goals. We act as a bridge between industry and the exceptional artistic talent in the North. This work is made possible through the support of our lead partners, Arts Council England, Northumbria University, Hachette Children’s Group, Channel 4 and a wide range of industry partners and individual donors. I am also grateful for the expertise of our amazing judges and the continued dedication of the highly skilled team at New Writing North.’
Judges for 2025 include the Scottish poet and essayist Kathleen Jamie for the Northern Writers’ Awards for Poetry and the Northern Debut Awards for Poetry.
Kathleen Jamie’s poetry collections include The Overhaul, which won the 2012 Costa Poetry Prize, and The Tree House, which won the Forward prize. From 2021-24, Kathleen served as Scotland’s Makar, or National Poet.
The novelist and poet Kit Fan and interdisciplinary artist Tice Cin will judge the Northern Writers’ Awards for Fiction and Narrative Non-Fiction, the Northern Debut Awards for Fiction and Narrative Non-Fiction and the Northumbria Student and Alumni Award. Tice Cin is a music journalist, DJ, music producer, filmmaker, and author of Keeping the House, named as one of the Guardian’s Best Books of 2021. Kit Fan’s first novel is Diamond Hill, and his poetry collection The Ink Cloud Reader was shortlisted for the Forward Prize and T.S. Eliot Prize.
Agent Sandra Sawicka has been announced as a judge of the Northern Debut Award for Young Adult Fiction and the Young Northern Writers’ Awards. Sandra joined the Marjacq literary agency in 2014, with an interest is genre fiction, including horror, gothic, crime, and Young Adult fiction.
Just a reminder that the Hachette Children’s Novel Awards, for debut writers of middle-grade children’s fiction and early teen fiction, is already open for entries. Submission deadline is 13 January 2025, with two winners receiving £3000 cash prize and a programme of mentoring opportunities within Hachette Children’s Group and New Writing North.
The full suite of awards is made possible by a range of vital partnerships with Arvon, Bonafide Films, Channel 4, Hachette Children’s Group, Rollem Productions, Red Production Company, The Literary Consultancy, Newcastle University, The North Literary Agency, Oneworld Publications, The Society of Authors, ALCS, the Michael Marks Charitable Trust as well as generous donations from individual donors including the Hale family, Andrew McMillan and Benjamin Myers.
Further award categories open in February 2025, including the Tempest Prize for LGBTQ+ writers based in the North, The Finchale Award for Short Fiction, the Arvon Award, the Northern Promise TLC Read Awards and the Sid Chaplin Award for writers from working-class backgrounds.
Christmas is almost here and if you are anything like me you hate shopping. Don’t panic, Frost is here to help. We will have the perfect gift in our pages. You just sit back and scroll.
Anything from L’Occitane. L’OCCITANE Christmas Gift Guide 2024
Advent Calendar.
The Best of L’Occitane. An absolute gorgeous set of the best L’Occitane has to offer.
Le Grand Voyage. A perfect gift with the best skincare. Wow-worthy.
Shea Butter Body Care Collection. I love shea butter and this gift set from L’Occitane is one of the best.
For stuffing stockings. This luxury, independent, cosmetics brand, Doll Smash is gorgeous and such high quality. I love the stylish packaging and the palette leaves you spoiled for choice.
Then luxury, independent, cosmetics brand, Doll Smash have a huge range of giftable goodies. The Expressionism Eyeshadow Palette £42, that features twelve carefully curated and highly pigmented colours with 6 matte and 6 metallic shades is an essential. Secondly is the luxurious and ultra-glossy Crystal Glow Lip Oil £22- enriched with jojoba oil and vitamins to keep lips smooth and moisturized throughout the day, this non-sticky, fragrance free, lightweight, vegan oil is available in four delicious shades and is ideal for stuffing stockings. Frost Loves.
The Perfect Bra: Bravado Designs | Everyday collection | From RRP: £28.00 | Stockist: Bravado Designs
These are so comfortable and I usually hate bras. I actually bought another one after reviewing them.
Give the gift of comfort this Christmas, thanks to Bravado Designs Everyday lingerie collection. With an extensive range of sustainable options made from the softest eco-conscious quality fabrics, Bravado continues to offer comfort with a conscience. Known for their maternity & nursing bras, the lingerie experts support women from pregnancy, through to breastfeeding and beyond. The latest launches include the Balconette bra, offering a feminine and flattering sweetheart neckline, designed to lift from below the breast to accentuate a shapely silhouette. And the Sculpt, a best-selling design for a good reason, the bra will truly elevate the wearers day in more ways than one –seamless, wire-free and engineered beautifully.
Smart Toys & Games | IQ Gears | RRP: £12.99 | Stockist: SmartToys&Games
This is a brilliant gift for kids and adults. We have already had hours of fun with it and there is a lot of levels you can do. Love it.
Get those brains geared-up this Christmas with the award-winning compact IQ Gears! With up to 120 challenges, players 7+ must fit all the gears on the gameboard to make the cogs rotate!
The Puppet Company | ECO Sockettes | RRP: £19.99 | Stockist: The Puppet Company
These hand puppets are beautifully made and children love them. A great way to entertain.
For the big kids of the family, these fabulous, fun, knitted Sockette puppets with a squeaker in the tongue, are sure to get the conversation started around the Christmas dinner table! Designed to be both eye-catching and highly functional, these easy-to-use creations work well alone and look even more striking when used with some of their other Sockette friends! With larger than life characters, they are full of mischief with friendly faces and big mouths. Making a really unique gift, they are now made from recycled materials and embroidered eyes, with no plastic in sight.
Advent Calendar From Sockshop. Finding matching socks in the morning is always a pain. This advent calendar is joy encapsulated. Brilliant, comfortable socks which are high quality, along with a little fun everyday.
SOCKSHOP Advent Calendars Available for men & women
Priced at £59.99 with 10% of sales going to their partner charity Emmaus
Perfect Books For Children
The Story Orchestra. A Midsummer Night’s Dream. A sound book which is a retelling of Shakespeare’s Classic. As fun as it is entertaining. I love this series and I have a few others in the collection now. Everything about this is perfect, from the illustration to the story.
Spin To Survive Deep Space Danger. A game-in-a-book where you survive on a space ship heading for disaster. It’s thrilling and perfect for family fun this Christmas.
Enter The World of Dinosaurs. Immersive 3D Viewer. See dinosaurs in 3D with this immersive 3D viewer. It has 30 dinosaur cards with facts and observational dinosaur games.
12 Days of SkinCycles Advent Calendar
Another gorgeous beauty advent calendar. The products are premium and full-size. This exclusive 12 Days of SkinCycles Advent Calendar – a curated selection of best-selling products in full sizes, is perfect for anyone who wants to experience the full range of clinical-grade skincare. It’s a luxurious way to count down to Christmas while treating the skin to scientifically backed, rejuvenating skincare. The advent calendar will be available for pre-order by November 1st.
With sustainability and ethics at the core of SkinCycles. Products are PETA-approved and coral reef-safe. They were also awarded the Butterfly Mark for r dedication to ethical beauty practices.
SkinCycles, a cosmeceutical skincare brand that merges advanced dermatology treatments with the luxury of at-home skincare – perfect for Christmas gifting!
The Perfect Gift for Film Fans. The official DC Cinematic book has landed, DC Cinematic Universe, published by DK books. Comprehensive and a great read.
See how DC’s characters, locations, costumes, and weapons have been adapted from page to screen and evolved over the decades. Witness some of the world’s finest actors, such as Academy-Award winners Marlon Brando, Jack Nicholson, Christian Bale, Nicole Kidman, Joaquin Phoenix, Viola Davis, and others transform into the Super Heroes, Super-Villains, and supporting cast for their times.
ShelterBox Book Club
A charity book subscription service with a difference. Every six weeks our 2,000+ members receive a physical book in the post and access to exclusive online events like live Q&As with the authors and discussions with the other members.
It’s no ordinary book club. It’s a community of book worms, passionate about books and ShelterBox’s vision: No one left without shelter after disaster.
A UK based international disaster relief charity that supports people with emergency shelter, and basic items like solar lights, blankets and mosquito nets, when disaster or conflict has torn them from their homes.
The ShelterBox Book Club has been running for 6 years and since then over 90,000 books have been read and nearly £1.5 million has been raised.
It’s a perfect Christmas gift for a book lover. Every 6 weeks members vote their favourite choice from a specially selected shortlist reflecting the countries and cultures ShelterBox has worked in. The book with the most votes is the one that’s posted out to everyone to read.
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Noughty’s 2024 Christmas Gift Shop – Perfect Haircare Gifts for Everyone. Haircare is so mood-boosting and these products are brilliant.
Noughty’s 2024 Christmas Gift Shop, a festive selection of natural, sulphate-free, and vegan-friendly haircare bundles perfect for gifting this season. With products designed for every hair type and concern, cruelty-free gift sets are ideal for Christmas. I loved the Sensitive Scalp Starter Bundle: £22.49 – Instant relief from itching and dryness, fragrance-free and ideal for eczema-prone scalps.
Biovene Barcleona – Great Products and Clean Beauty.
Biovene Barcelona has now launched at Morissons. These make great gifts, and stocking stuffers or add-ons for Christmas!
Biovène Barcelona is a multi-award-winning, socially conscious, brand, which promotes ‘Clean’ Beauty; and where transparency is found in the formulations of products without Sulfates, SLS, SLES, parabens, formaldehyde, phthalates, mineral oil, microplastics, oxybenzone, hydroquinone, Triclosan, Triclocarban and less than 1% of synthetic fragrances. The brand does not test on animals and strives to provide product options that are either vegetarian or vegan.
Born in Barcelona, Spain, the brand embraces diversity in gender identity and culture, as it does in its world-renowned inclusive city. Spanning all over the globe, from Europe to the Middle East & America, Biovène Barcelona innovates prestigious products defined as ‘premium’ but accessible and believes beauty should be fair it of religion, ethnicity, or any part of life- it should not be limited the access to life and beauty.
The brand instils confidence and establishes itself as a trusted name by assuring consumers that products are made with integrity and free from harmful ingredients. Available from Morrisons.
We’re hurtling towards Christmas at a rate of knots, and I for one cannot wait. That said, there is much to do before I can relax, which is why I was so delighted to discover Somrus Coffee, a rum based cream liqueur.
Perfect as a gift, the bottle is covered in a stylish Christmassy, indented gold jacket which will not only stand out in the drinks’ cabinet, but as the standout present beneath the Christmas tree.
Certain scents and tastes immediately bring Christmas to mind, and in this respect Somrus Coffee does not disappoint, I will certainly be using it in some Christmas cocktails such as the one’s below, and poured over vanilla ice cream for a no effort Christmas dessert, Looking for words to describe the taste, I found myself instinctively smacking my lips (it helps me think – at least that is what I tell my wife.) Served over ice Somrus coffee is a smooth well balanced well gentle hit of alcohol and yes, lip smacking, with a subtle taste of coffee coming through.
SOMRUS Coffee Cream is part of the SOMRUS range of creams inspired by India and made for the world.’ SOMRUS has three flavours in the range; Mango, Coffee and Chai and has become the world’s most awarded cream since its launch in 2014. SOMRUS is new to the UK, having been a best-selling cream in the US and Global Travel Retail for many years and is marketed as a next-generation rum cream. SOMRUS Creams have a premium rum base, low viscosity, low alcohol by volume (ABV), no preservatives, no artificial flavours and are gluten free. SOMRUS Creams are made in the US with fresh Dairy Cream and 5 x distilled rum.
Somrus Irish Coffee: 1 part Irish Whiskey | 2 parts SOMRUS coffee | 4 parts freshly brewed coffee | Whipped cream – Combine the ingredients in a mug. Garnish with whipped cream.
Somrus Peppermint Mocha: 3 parts SOMRUS Coffee Cream | 2 parts Creme De Cacao | 1 part Peppermint Schnapps | Crushed candy cane | Syrup
Dip the rim of your glass in syrup and roll in crushed candy canes. Combine in a shaker with ice, shake then strain into your prepared cocktail glass and enjoy!
SOMRUS Cream Café Mocha: 1 part SOMRUS Coffee Cream | 3 parts hot chocolate
Combine the ingredients in a mug. Garnish with whipped cream and grated chocolate.
Somrus Coffee Cream Liqueur is definitely at the top of my Christmas list this year.
ABV: 15% for a 70cl bottle | RRP from £19.99. Available to purchase from Amazon and Master of Malt.
In a world where the cost of living continues to climb, finding ways to save money has become more important than ever. In cities like Portland, where expenses are 19% higher than the national average, people might hesitate to spend a large amount of money. But when it comes to your home, the right investments can lead to long-term savings and increased value. These upgrades reduce monthly bills and, at the same time, make your home more sustainable and comfortable.
Let’s explore how spending smartly now can pay off significantly in the future.
1. Upgrade Your Insulation
Proper insulation is the backbone of an energy-efficient home. Poorly insulated walls and attics allow heat and cold to escape, forcing your HVAC system to work overtime. Investing in high-quality insulation ensures that your home stays comfortable year-round while lowering energy bills. Consider eco-friendly options like spray foam or cellulose insulation for maximum efficiency and minimal environmental impact.
High-performance insulation reduces heat transfer, creating a more consistent indoor temperature no matter the season. It also lessens your dependency on heating and cooling systems, ultimately decreasing wear and tear on these appliances.
2. Focus on Your Home’s Siding
Upgrading your siding is a game changer for both energy efficiency and curb appeal. Modern siding materials, such as fiber cement or insulated vinyl, provide better thermal performance, helping to maintain indoor temperatures and reduce heating and cooling costs. Moreover, high-quality siding gives your home a refreshed appearance, complementing Portland’s charming aesthetics. Consulting a professional Portland siding contractor is essential to ensure the job is done correctly and efficiently.
Upgraded siding also protects your home from weather damage, reducing maintenance costs over time. Professionals can recommend materials best suited for your area and ensure proper installation, preventing future issues like moisture intrusion or drafts. Though it’s a substantial investment, the combined benefits of energy savings and enhanced curb appeal make it an excellent long-term decision.
3. Install Energy-Efficient Windows
Old or single-pane windows are often ignored culprits of heat loss. Replacing them with double or triple-pane energy-efficient windows prevents drafts and improves insulation. Look for windows with low-emissivity (Low-E) coatings and tight seals. Though the initial investment may seem steep, the reduction in heating and cooling costs will quickly balance the expense.
Energy-efficient windows also offer noise reduction and increased UV protection for your interiors, preserving furniture and flooring. These windows add to your home’s value and can greatly enhance comfort levels by eliminating cold drafts in winter or excessive heat in summer.
4. Switch to LED Lighting
Lighting accounts for a substantial portion of a home’s energy use. By replacing incandescent bulbs with LED alternatives, you can reduce your energy consumption by up to 75%. LEDs also last much longer, meaning fewer replacements and less waste. This simple upgrade has one of the fastest returns on investment.
Modern LED bulbs come in various designs and brightness levels, making it easy to find an option that suits your home’s aesthetic. Moreover, smart LED bulbs can be controlled remotely or programmed for schedules, providing extra convenience and energy efficiency.
5. Add a Smart Thermostat
Smart thermostats, such as Nest or Ecobee, let you control your home’s temperature remotely and adapt to your routine over time. These devices optimize heating and cooling schedules, ensuring you only use energy when needed. The result is not only lower energy bills but also a more comfortable living space tailored to your preferences.
With advanced features like motion sensors, these thermostats can adjust temperatures automatically when rooms are unoccupied. They also provide detailed energy reports, helping you identify areas for further savings. The initial cost is quickly recouped through the reduced energy usage they facilitate.
6. Opt for Solar Panels
Solar energy is one of the most sustainable ways to power your home. While it’s true that solar panels require a major chunk of your budget, many states offer tax incentives and rebates to make it more affordable. Over time, generating your own electricity reduces your dependence on the grid and can even earn you credits for excess energy.
Solar panels also contribute to reducing your carbon footprint. Advances in solar technology have improved efficiency and durability, ensuring your system delivers value for decades.
7. Upgrade Your Water Heater
Traditional water heaters often waste energy by constantly heating water. Switching to a tankless water heater or a high-efficiency model ensures you use only what you need when you need it. These systems also take up less space and have a longer lifespan, adding to their overall value.
Tankless water heaters heat water on demand, eliminating standby energy losses. High-efficiency models are often eligible for rebates, further offsetting initial costs. The result is reduced water heating bills and an endless supply of hot water tailored to your household’s needs.
8. Seal Air Leaks
Air leaks around windows, doors, and ductwork can lead to significant energy loss. Simple solutions like weatherstripping, caulking, or adding door sweeps can drastically improve your home’s energy efficiency. These small fixes are inexpensive and easy to implement but offer noticeable savings over time.
Sealing air leaks also improves indoor air quality by keeping out pollutants and allergens. When paired with proper ventilation, this upgrade ensures a healthier living environment while reducing energy consumption.
9. Install Low-Flow Fixtures
Reducing water usage is just as important as cutting down energy consumption. Installing low-flow faucets, showerheads, and toilets reduces water bills without sacrificing performance. Many modern fixtures are designed to maintain high pressure while using less water, making them a practical and cost-effective upgrade.
Low-flow fixtures also help conserve water resources, a critical consideration in areas facing water shortages. With sleek and modern designs available, these fixtures blend functionality with style, enhancing both savings and aesthetics.
10. Improve Your Landscaping
Strategic landscaping can help lower energy bills by providing natural insulation. Planting shade trees around your home reduces heat in the summer, while evergreen shrubs act as windbreaks in the winter. Native plants also require less water and maintenance, saving money on irrigation and gardening.
Thoughtful landscaping doesn’t just reduce energy costs; it also boosts property value. Incorporating permeable paving and rain gardens can manage stormwater effectively, further enhancing environmental benefits. Investing in professional landscaping ensures a design that complements your home while maximizing energy savings.
Saving money doesn’t always mean cutting corners; sometimes, it means making smart investments. Each of these home upgrades not only reduces your monthly bills but also increases the value and comfort of your home. While the initial costs may feel overwhelming, the long-term benefits far outweigh the expenses. By thinking ahead and taking proactive steps, you can achieve a home that’s both economical and sustainable.
