Well Hung Curtains - Pole or Track?

Well after following the video mentioned in last weeks post about making curtains its now time to consider how best to hang them. Checking other peoples homes it became clear that there was some choice in how best to fit them.

This feature in Ideal Home was of some help but barely scratched the surface - more focused on curtain fabric rather than the supports to hand them from

For a sleek look many choose to use slim curtain tracks - plastic curtain rail that is not visible when the curtains are drawn although fairly inconspicuous the tracks aren't very stylish whilst the curtains are open as they rarely blend in with the wall paper or paint.

Other fittings include curtain poles which hold large rings that the curtains then hand from. These are available in many different materials and styles - metal and wooden curtain poles and even specially designed poles for bay windows which can look amazing and lift the "old" bay window appearance to become a super chic space.

On careful consideration the decision is often about interior design. You may have spent a lot of time and money having double glazing fitted - new windows or a conservatory building to make your home look great from the outside so its just as important to consider the look and feel of the windows from the inside.

For many contemporary homes curtain poles offer a stylish and affordable solution to window decoration and are fairly simple to fit.

In the same way last weeks post included a video link you can check out this excellent "How to fit a Curtain Pole" video which explains what tools you'll need and give great tips for making sure the pole is the right length and fitted at the perfect height to suit your curtains.

There's also some more suggestions about which type of poles you may consider. Use a price checking site to get the best value curtains and poles
and investigate visiting factory supply curtain fabric warehouses and shops.

Top Tyres on Freelander

Its unusual for the shopping online guide to stray into the "motors" territory - but a blog post caught our eye and suggested remarkable value for money so we thought we should share

This post on www.orlandys-landrovers.co.uk about a Land Rover Freelander using
Rangemaster Tyres traveling the equivalent of five times round the earth without needing to change them surely deserves a mention.

We've all been told countless times that "you get what you pay for" yet so often the temptation of bargain prices for re-mould tyres is irresistible.

At over a hundred pounds each these tyres clearly don't come cheap but if you "do the maths" you'll find that choosing cheap tyres can be shown to be a false economy.

Perhaps the Freelander itself was partly to credit for the outstanding durability of the tyres - it makes sense that a well balanced and carefully driven vehicle - it is the most popular SUV in Britain and if you know what to look for you can pick up a used model at a good price - see the Freelander Used Car Test information at AutoExpress

Investigations show that the Freelander Safety record in Europe is excellent and in its class the freelander has claimed many awards have been made for its economy.

Enough - let the Motor Press do their job and give the low down on Land Rovers top selling SUV explaining the pitfalls and the advantages of buying a Freelander

Supermarket Savings - Funny Price Lables

Amazing offers spotted this week with funny price lables

A litre of Bells at Tesco is a penny cheaper!


And Sainsburys rocked the retail world by not even bothering to change the price in its recent price cutting campaign.


Amazing offers at prices that just won't budge. Thanks orlandy

I feel like a pair of curtains - pull yourself together..

Doctor Doctor - I feel like a new set of curtains.....he told me to pull myself together.

You can buy new curtains ready-made, or make your own - this helpful Video How to make your own curtains will get you started

For a full range of curtain fabrics, ready made curtains and curtain poles visit Terrys Super Fabrics

Consider the following factors before deciding which option is best for you:

Choosing Curtain Fabric

If you make your own curtains, you can choose from an enormous range of fabrics, including the more unusual types and reducing the chance of finding someone else with the same curtains as yours!

On the other hand, ready made curtains come in many textures and colours, so there is heaps of choice if you can't be bothered making your own.

Curtains can be relatively simple to make yourself, but still require knowledges and a certain degree of skill. You’ll also need a sewing machine, unless you can stitch by hand.

It’s easier to buy curtains ready made, and on line stores stock an enormous range so you can choose curtains to that match the décor of your home. See this articled about interior design and the role fabrics play in home decoration
Ready-made curtains include the labour cost in the price, so obviously home-made curtains should be considerably cheaper. If you have a fixed budget, making your own will also allow you to splash out on more expensive curtain fabrics and perhaps pay for someone to professionally hang them once you have selected an appropriate curtain poles.

Tailor to your personal preferences.

You can customise homemade curtains to your exact requirements, which is especially useful if your house has non-standard sized windows. However, ready-made curtains are a good option if your home has standard windows, and you can customise them using accessories.

Curtain Accessories.

You may want tie-backs, pelmets, cushion covers and other matching accessories. Many stores offer an accessory range to co-ordinate with their ready-made curtains. If you opt to make your own, the accessories may be more difficult to make than the curtains.

Quality.

Ready-made curtains have a professional finish. If you make your own, the final look of your curtains is determined by your own skill. This may be an advantage or a disadvantage, depending on your abilities; if you are skilled, your curtains may look fantastic – but if not, they may look ‘home-made’.

Both ready-made and home-made curtains can look very attractive, and the best option for you depends on your own skills and requirements.

Land Rover April Fool?

They're joking surely?

Is Land Rover in Deep Doo Doo?

No sooner had I researched and composed my findings for Land Rovers
but the news is full of what can only be a terrific April Fool Joke - The Best of British motor company is to be owned and run by Tata (India) Automobile Corporation.

Much uproar over on Landyzone - forum for Land Rover Enthusiasts and LandRover Club where there is a genuine feeling of loss. One thread started by a disgruntled Range Rover fanatic pronounced the news at the death toll for Land Rover and that he would seriously consider buying a HyJynx Jizz rather than support this appalling sale.

Forum members have even written to the BBC to ask that the company's UK origins are emphasised in past articles and any future reports broadcast and also include links to the UK website. "There was a time when working at Landrover had a special status but I can only think that the workmanship and quality that the brand became famous for is under threat. The least the British Broadcasting Corporation can do in these troubled times is show its full support"

While we watch and wait to see the outcome owners of these formidable work-horses can hope that the value of their vintage models and classic cars. Already sites are springing up offering authentic genuine Land Rover vehicles collected from around the world. With over 70 percent of land rovers ever built still running the re-importation of these vehicles looks likely to grow as British enthusiasts will want to ensure their firm stamp on Land Rover heritage.