Author: James Cooper

As winter fades, it’s time to prepare your garden for spring, turning it into a perfect spot for birds and bees. These critters are not just fun to watch but essential for keeping your garden vibrant and helping local wildlife thrive. Here are six simple tips to make your garden the place to be for these helpful visitors.

Choose local plants: Stick to plants that are native to our area. They’re already adapted to the climate, and local pollinators love them. Lavender, foxgloves and wildflowers are excellent choices, providing year-round food.

Add a water spot: A birdbath or a shallow dish with pebbles and water makes a great pit-stop for thirsty bees, butterflies and birds. It’s a small addition that can make a big difference.

Say no to pesticides: Chemicals can harm the very guests you’re trying to attract. Go for natural ways to keep pests at bay, like companion planting or encouraging predators like ladybirds. It’s safer for pets and kids, too.

Build homes: From birdhouses to bee hotels, give these creatures a place to rest or nest in your garden. You can also leave some areas a bit wild to provide natural shelter.

Offer varied habitats: A mix of trees, shrubs and different types of flowers caters to various needs, from food to nesting places. Adding structures like trellises for climbing plants can spice things up.

Use bright colours: Vibrant flowers attract pollinators, so dot your garden with reds, yellows, purples and blues. Not only will it look gorgeous, but it’ll also be buzzing with activity.

Why bother?

Encouraging pollinators in your garden helps plants reproduce, giving you more fruits and flowers. Plus, it supports biodiversity, keeping our environment healthy. Follow these tips, and you’ll enjoy a beautiful garden AND contribute to a thriving, sustainable ecosystem.

Thanks for reading.

It’s been described as a curse of modern times.

It’s omnipresent in most of our everyday lives.

And for some, its impact is dangerous and, in the worst-case scenarios, deadly.

In the tune of the 1990 hip-hop hit – let’s talk about stress.

April is Stress Awareness Month, a perfect time to discover new relaxation and stress relief techniques.

Beyond the usual advice, let’s take a look at some pretty unique activities:

Forest bathing: Immerse yourself in nature with forest bathing, a practice proven to reduce stress hormones and boost mood. A good walk in the woods should do it.

Sound healing: Experience how Tibetan singing bowls and other instruments use vibrations to soothe the mind and relieve stress.

Ecotherapy: Connecting with the earth through activities like gardening or conservation is proven to help people find more inner peace.

Laughter yoga: Merge laughter with yoga breathing for a fun way to reduce stress and improve health.

Adult colouring: The simple act of colouring can focus the mind and provide a stress-free escape. Switch off your phone and get your colouring pencils out.

Virtual reality relaxation: Step into another world with VR. From peaceful beaches to serene forests, VR can transport you away from daily stressors, providing a unique form of relaxation.

DIY craft projects: Engaging in crafts, from knitting to DIY home décor, can be meditative and reduce anxiety. The focus required helps divert attention from stressors to the task at hand, promoting a sense of achievement and calm.

Stress-free property experience

This April, and every month of the year, we’re committed to offering a seamless and stress-free estate agency experience. Whether you’re buying or selling, letting or renting, we aim to simplify the process, ensuring you feel supported and at ease from start to finish.

We might even throw in a bit of laughter yoga for you.

Thanks for reading.

Easter celebrations in Britain traditionally involve hot cross buns, bonnet parades and lots of chocolate.

But how do other countries celebrate this special occasion?

Let’s take a look at some of the different ways people around the world mark Easter.

Finland

While we typically associate witches with Halloween, it’s a very different story in Finland. Young children dress as witches at Easter and roam the streets carrying willow twigs decorated with shiny paper and coloured fabric.

They go from door to door seeking treats and, in return, offer blessings to ward off evil spirits.

Papua New Guinea

The Papua New Guineans have come up with a rather surprising alternative to the Easter egg hunt. Because chocolate doesn’t last long in the sweltering heat, people hide cigarettes in the trees outside local churches.

Following the Easter service, the congregants search out these hidden tobacco items instead.

Greece

You can expect to see an eye-catching bowl of red eggs served on Easter Sunday in Greek Orthodox households. The hard-boiled eggs are dyed a deep, crimson colour by mixing yellow onion skins (the dry outer layer you peel off and usually throw away) with boiling water and a dash of white vinegar.

The red shells represent the blood of Christ, while the egg symbolises rebirth. The cracking of the egg, which is done around the table, represents the opening of Jesus’s tomb.

Norway

The Scandis are known for their chill-you-to-the-bone crime dramas, often referred to as Nordic Noir. So, where did this fascination with dark tales originate? Perhaps it’s got something to do with the Norwegian tradition of Påskekrim, which means Easter crime.

It all started in 1923 with a front-page advert in a national newspaper for a book entitled ‘The Bergen Train Was Robbed in the Night’. Many readers were duped into thinking the incident was real, and the ensuing publicity meant the book was a hit.

Since then, canny publishers hoping to cash in have released new crime fiction to coincide with Påskekrim. In recent years, broadcasters have followed suit by airing new crime dramas for people to watch over their Easter break.

From all of us here at Chamberlains, we hope you have a happy and safe Easter break.

Don’t have time to be a domestic god or goddess and give your home a full spring clean?

Well, why not do the next best thing and declutter a few key areas of your property.

Scientific studies have shown that clutter can negatively impact mental health and productivity.

So, by turfing out unwanted and unnecessary items, you’ll face spring with a greater sense of calm and focus.

Here’s a list of things you should purge from your property this spring.

In the kitchen

Raid the freezer and throw out anything that’s been there for more than a year – if you haven’t eaten it by now, it’s unlikely that you ever will, and it’s just taking up valuable space.

Also, go through your pantry and bin out-of-date items such as condiments and tinned food.

Cooking oils can also degrade over time, so if it’s a bit on the nose, it’s got to go.

Now it’s time to turn your attention to your Tupperware drawer. Any plastic containers that don’t have a lid should go in the recycling bin.

Bathroom

Dispose of out-of-date medicines and old cosmetics (which can cause skin and eye irritation). Also, check the expiry date on sunscreen products, which typically have a three-year shelf life. Expired sunscreen can increase the risk of sunburn and skin damage.

If you have a stash of hotel toiletries rolling around in the back of a drawer, ask yourself if you’ll ever use them. If the honest answer is no, give them to someone who will.

Bedroom

One of life’s mysteries is that socks always seem to vanish into thin air.

Where do they go? We don’t know. But it’s time to face facts and ditch that pile of single socks you’ve been holding onto in the vain hope that you’ll be able to make a pair someday soon. It’s not going to happen.

Other items to get rid of include unused coat hangers, underwear that’s seen better days (your lucky pants may have lost their magic) and knackered pillows that are as flat as pancakes (they’re probably harbouring dust mites).

From all of us here at Chamberlains, happy decluttering.

From 18 – 24 March, Food Waste Action Week is happening across the UK.

The initiative shines a spotlight on the issue of food wastage, urging the communities across Teignbridge and the UK to reflect on their food habits and make more sustainable choices.

With millions of tonnes of food thrown away annually in the UK, the need for change has never been more urgent. That’s not good for your pockets – or the planet.

Here are seven practical tips to help you contribute to a more sustainable future.

• Plan your meals: Start by planning your weekly meals. This simple step ensures you only buy what you need, reducing the likelihood of food going unused and eventually wasted.

• Understand food labels: Misinterpreting ‘use by’ and ‘best before’ dates is a common cause of food waste. Take time to learn what these labels mean, and you’ll find yourself throwing away less food.

• Smart storage: Correctly storing food can significantly extend its freshness. Research the best ways to store different types of food, and you might be surprised at how much longer your groceries last.

• Love your leftovers: Leftovers can be the basis for a new meal. Get creative in the kitchen and find ways to give yesterday’s dinner a delicious makeover.

• Portion control: Cooking or serving too much food is a common issue. Be mindful of portion sizes to ensure you’re only preparing what will be eaten.

• Compost food scraps: Instead of throwing food scraps in the bin, compost them. This not only reduces waste but also provides nutrient-rich soil for your garden.

• Get involved locally: Participate in community initiatives focused on reducing food waste. Whether it’s a composting workshop or seeking out talks on sustainable food practices, getting involved can amplify your impact.

By adopting just a couple of these tips, you can play a part in reducing food waste.

Remember, every small action counts towards a larger, collective impact – to quote that famous supermarket catchphrase, ‘Every little helps’.

For further resources, recipes and tips on reducing food waste, the website www.lovefoodhatewaste.com is an excellent place to start.

Thanks for reading.

Property owners are being warned to be on their guard amid a rise in the number of green home improvement scams across the country.

Many local authorities and also Propertymark, the trade body for estate agents, have warned that people are being duped by rogue traders exploiting anxiety about high energy prices and confusion over green grants.

What to look out for

Often, a cold caller will ring or knock, offering exterior wall and roof coating products with the promise that they will cure damp problems and dramatically cut energy costs.

In reality, the ‘improvements’ guarantee no such thing and, in some cases, exacerbate damp issues, which are costly to rectify.

The work carried out may also be sub-standard, and the rogue trader may demand extra payments for work that wasn’t agreed upon.

The dodgy operator may also falsely claim to be working with the local council and that homeowners can later recoup costs through a green grant scheme.

Not everyone’s a bad guy

To be clear, there are many reliable and trustworthy tradespeople out there carrying out energy-efficient home improvements.

And in recent years, the government has announced several green grant schemes to decarbonise homes.

But you need to ensure the person looking for your business can deliver on their claims.

Do your homework and never take an operator’s claims at face value – no matter how slick or confident they are.

These rogue traders are brazen. For example, six fraudsters, jailed at Nottingham Crown Court last year for fraudulently selling wall and roof coatings, made £10 million and ripped off 62 people before getting caught.

Be on your guard – tips to stay safe

• Be wary of when someone contacts you out of the blue offering a ‘today only’ special deal.
• Never commit to work on the spot. If someone is pressuring you, alarm bells should ring. Take a cooling off period to ask family or building experts for advice about whether improvements are necessary and will add value to your home.
• Check a company’s online presence and read reviews to determine its legitimacy.
• If someone claims to work for the council, call the local authority yourself to verify the claim.
• Get written quotes from three different tradespeople before going ahead with improvements.
• Insist on a comprehensive list detailing the work to be done at your home.
• Never pay for all the work upfront. Pay in agreed stages and, if possible, use a credit card (this offers the best protection).
• If in doubt, trust your instincts.

From all of us here at Chamberlains, stay safe, and thanks for reading.

You’ve likely heard of Dry January, where a commitment to not drinking alcohol during the first month of the year is made.

You may be aware of Stoptober, a campaign that runs throughout October to get people to give up smoking.

But have you come across Dechox before?

Well, it’s a charitable endeavour traditionally throughout March where people pledge to give up chocolate for the month, all in the name of their chosen good cause.

It’s thought to have originally been started by the British Heart Foundation. The ‘challenge’ to give up cocoa-based sugary treats could be a lot harder than people think.

So, with that in mind, here are five tips that might help you.

• Find your why: Identify a strong personal reason for giving up chocolate, whether it’s health-related or for a charitable cause. A clear motivation can keep you focused and resilient against cravings.

• Discover alternatives: Explore healthy snacks that satisfy your sweet tooth without chocolate. Think fruit, nuts or yoghurt. These alternatives can curb cravings and offer nutritional benefits.

• Stay hydrated: Often, our bodies confuse thirst with hunger or cravings. Drinking plenty of water throughout the day can help reduce chocolate cravings and keep you hydrated.

• Get support: Share your challenge with friends or family. Having a support network can provide encouragement, tips and keep you accountable during challenging moments.

• Reward yourself: Set milestones and reward yourself for reaching them – but not with chocolate. Opt for non-food rewards like a movie night, a new book or a relaxing bath. Celebrating progress can boost your motivation to continue.

Good luck if you’re taking on the challenge, and thanks for reading.

From Corgis to cockatiels and Poodles to ponies – there’s no doubt we Brits love our animals.

And is it any wonder why?

Pets make loyal and loving companions, can alleviate anxiety and loneliness, reduce blood pressure and make us laugh.

So, as it’s National Love Your Pet Day today (20 February), we’re marking the occasion with four uplifting pet stories.

Poppy, the paediatric physiotherapy dog

When 13-year-old Evie needed to learn to walk again after a life-threatening respiratory illness, loving Labradoodle Poppy was by her side.

Poppy joined Evie, who has Down’s syndrome, at her weekly hospital gym sessions at Addenbrooke’s Hospital, Cambridge, in December.

When things got tough for Evie, or she needed a little breather, she could stroke or play with Poppy to lift her spirits.

Thanks to the close bond between patient and dog – and the dedication of NHS staff and the charity Pets as Therapy – Evie was well enough to spend Christmas at home with her family.

Peggy, the Chinese Crested / Pug cross

They say beauty is in the eye of the beholder. And in the case of Peggy and her owner, Holly Middleton, this may well be the case.

Peggy was crowned Britain’s Ugliest Dog last year. And she certainly is distinctive.

Hairless, apart from a white thatch of fur on her head, Peggy’s tongue permanently hangs down the side of her mouth.

But Holly won’t hear a bad word said about her. She told Sky News: “I think she’s really cute, I don’t think she’s ugly.”

Zebby the cat

Put your paws together for Zebby, National Cat of the Year 2023.

The moggie who lives in Derbyshire with owner Genevieve Moss is a hearing cat.

He alerts his deaf owner to noises around the home and provides endless cuddles and snuggles.

Genevieve, 66, says Zebby is her best friend and saviour and means she never feels lonely.

Alpacas Raymond, Rodney and Roy

Who says you can’t have a pet if you’re a clean freak?

Cleaning guru Sophie Hinchliffe (known as Mrs Hinch on social media) has a spotless abode and three alpacas.

Raymond, Rodney and Roy spend much of their time in the garden but regularly come into the kitchen for treats. (Alpacas like raisins, apparently.)

Sophie says her ‘furry boys’ have made her home complete. She told the Guardian her alpacas provide her with a sense of calm and contentment.

Are you a pet lover? If so, share a photo below of your furry, feathered or scaly friend.

Random Acts of Kindness Day is this Saturday 17^th February.

The idea of a day to perform random acts of kindness began in America in 1995.

It’s spread globally and is a great opportunity to show how small, thoughtful actions can have a significant impact worldwide and closer to home in Teignbridge.

Here are six easy ways to spread a little happiness and strengthen the bonds within our community.

• Support local businesses

Start by supporting local shops and services. Whether buying a coffee from the local café or choosing a local craftsperson for your next project, your custom helps sustain the livelihoods of those in our community.

• Share a compliment

Never underestimate the power of a genuine compliment. Whether praising a neighbour’s garden or acknowledging a colleague’s hard work, a kind word can go a long way in brightening someone’s day.

• Donate to a local charity

Consider donating to a local charity or food bank. These organisations do incredible work, and your contribution, big or small, can make a real difference to those in need.

• Volunteer your time

Giving your time can be incredibly rewarding. Volunteer at a local school, community centre or charity shop. Even a few hours can have a significant impact.

• Help a neighbour

Simple acts like helping an elderly neighbour with shopping or offering to walk someone’s dog can foster a stronger, more caring community.

• Pay it forward

Buy a coffee for the person in line behind you, leave a book in a public place for someone else to enjoy, or simply hold the door open for others. These small gestures of kindness can create a ripple effect of goodwill.

Let’s use Random Acts of Kindness Day as a feel-good springboard to spread smiles and kindness throughout our community, not just on 17^th February, but every day.

Together, we can make Teignbridge a happier, more connected place for everyone.

The irony of our technology-driven world, where we’re constantly connected, is that many people have never felt more disconnected from others – including their neighbours and community.

One social commentator described modern life as suffering from ‘an epidemic of loneliness’.

One simple yet potentially life-changing solution to this problem is volunteering.

Offering your time, energy and skills locally isn’t just about lending a helping hand; it’s a two-way street that often improves your life and that of those around you.

Why volunteer?

Volunteering locally bridges gaps in society. It’s about more than just doing good; it’s a catalyst for community cohesion and bringing people together. It creates a sense of belonging, identity and collective responsibility. It’s an opportunity to step out of your comfort zone, learn new skills and build invaluable relationships.

The benefits to you

Aside from the warm glow of helping others, volunteering offers tangible benefits. It’s a fantastic way to enhance your CV, particularly if you’re eyeing a career shift or re-entering the workforce. The skills and experiences gained are as diverse as the volunteering opportunities available. Plus, it’s a proven mood booster, combatting feelings of isolation and enhancing mental wellbeing.

How to get involved

Getting started is easier than you think. Local charities, community groups and councils are constantly looking for volunteers. Decide what you’re passionate about and find a cause that aligns with your values.

Social media and online searches are a great place to start looking for opportunities to help.

Whether helping at a local food bank, mentoring young people or supporting environmental initiatives, YOU can make a real difference.

So, what’s stopping you?

Now is the time to step forward and play your part in shaping a stronger, more connected community across Teignbridge.

Your skills, enthusiasm and time are invaluable resources.

Remember, every little act of volunteering can add up to make a big difference.

Let’s come together to create a community we’re all proud to be part of.

Volunteer today – your community needs you.