Articles by Jo Foster

Many of us will be spending more time at home. With that in mind, our thoughts are turning to the jobs around the house that we could be doing, including decluttering storage space, to make staying home a more pleasant experience. © Natalya / Adobe Stock With adults in the UK spending an average 4 hours 2 minutes online each day during the lockdown (up from 3 hours 11 minutes in Septe...

If you associate knitting with your grandma, you're missing out on a whole host of modern gift ideas. Knitting has been revolutionised in the 21st century into a popular craft activity, enjoyed by around half a million Brits – and due to the pandemic, we’ve all got a bit of extra time on our hands! The art of knitting is around 1,500 years old, originating in the Middle East in the 5th centu...

With autumn firmly upon us and colder weather looming just around the corner, it's time to get your stables ready for the winter. Don't be caught on the hop by a sudden cold snap - prepare your stables early and make sure they are cosy and clean for your horses. © Marie Charouzova / Shutterstock.com   Protect your horse's health It's important to maintain your horse’s he...

The Covid-19 crisis is now threatening one of the UK's great traditions - trick or treating. Every year, children all over Britain look forward to dressing up as ghosts, ghouls and things that go bump in the night, before they go knocking on neighbours' doors, collecting treats and sweets. However, it's highly unlikely this will be happening this year. © Yuganov Konstantin / Shutterst...

When autumn arrives, many of us feel like going into hibernation, only to surface again in the spring! So, what better time to decorate your home to create a warm, welcoming and comfortable living space? Giving your home the autumn refresh it deserves, with some cosy decorating ideas, can cheer up the dullest day and bring you increased comfort - physically and emotionally. Embrace a feeling...

Shoppers have been worried that the annual retail sale extravaganza, Black Friday, may be cancelled this year due to the ongoing coronavirus pandemic. On the contrary, traders are gearing up for a bigger and better event than ever on 27th November, to make up for their losses during the lockdown. Black Friday can be totally manic for any business, whether you own a brick-and-mortar store or ...

Candles have evolved over the years, from being a simple source of light into a scented and decorative home accessory. Although they were used in Ancient Rome, the earliest surviving candles (made from whale fat) originated in China around 200 BC. Candle-making became a craft in England in the 13th century, when the cheapest variety was made from used kitchen fat, giving them a smoky flame. ...

Baking in autumn has a special significance, since we start feeling the need for more "comfort" foods as the weather changes. Fruits such as apples, pears and plums, mixed with cinnamon and spices, feature in warm and comforting bakes, cakes and desserts. Enjoying warm and tasty foods on a chilly autumnal day isn't just comforting emotionally, it can also have health benefits. Eating dessert...

Now that autumn is here and we're likely to be spending more time indoors, it's time to start decluttering your bedroom. Take control of your living space by organising, cleaning and storing your belongings tidily. While it may seem like an insurmountable task to bring some order to your living space, it doesn't have to be. It's well worth a little effort to organise your messy room. ...

Many businesses feel it is beneficial to have employees working from home due to coronavirus. The pandemic has given companies a first-hand experience of working from home - and this has resulted in many of them planning to incorporate it into their future plans. Even after the Covid-19 lockdown, many feel it could be the best way forward in normal times. Bosses have realised there are many ...