If like me, you work from home, you want to make it a great working environment and one of the hottest interior design trends this year is adding an accent wall to a room. This is surprising since this isn’t a new trend – accent walls have been around for years. And yet, they are still popular.

This is probably because accent walls are a great way to add a splash of color or a bold statement to a room without overdoing it. It’s the perfect way to dip your toes into the water, and it’s great for both offices and your home. If you need some ideas for what to do with an accent wall, keep reading.

Plaster

Yes, you can create an accent wall with plaster. Of course, this is a bit tricker than the other methods on the list, but the results can be amazing. However, we do recommend using professionals to do this for you. The type of plaster that you use also matters. Blue Venetian plaster is a great way to make a statement with your accent wall, especially because it has such a unique look. This is also a very durable material, making it great for accent walls because your wall won’t lose its signature look after a few months.

Paint

Of course, we can’t have a post about accent walls without mentioning paint. While this may be a more traditional way of creating an accent wall, that doesn’t mean it doesn’t work.

Painting an accent wall is also one of the easiest and most affordable methods out there, so it’s certainly a worthwhile option. You can paint the entire wall a solid color, or you can get creative and try painting some patterns. If you’re updating a room, you should certainly consider using paint to add an accent wall to that room.

Tiles

We often tend to think that paint and wallpaper are for walls and that tiles are solely for the floor, but there’s no reason why you can’t tile a wall. In fact, this is a great method for adding an accent wall because it doesn’t just add color and patterns to a room, but it also adds texture. While this style won’t be for everyone, finding the right tile and using it on a wall can transform a room.

That being said, you need to ensure that the process is done correctly, otherwise, it won’t look good. To learn how to tile a wall, click here.

Add a corkboard

While this may sound a bit far-fetched, adding cork to an entire wall can make the room pop. You can get a giant corkboard, or you can use tiles made of cork.

On its own, it creates a wonderful accent wall, but the great thing is that you can also add things to it with thumb tacks. You can add pieces of art for a sophisticated look. If you invest in an instant camera, you can cover the entire wall in photos.

Another benefit is that it’s not permanent, so you can add different things to it as your mood and style change.

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There is so much focus on plastic consumption at the moment that many people are looking at ways to reduce their plastic consumption in their homes. Recycling is a hot topic of conversation right now but not everyone recycles responsibly or does it all. Reducing your plastic consumption is a great way to reduce your carbon footprint. Here are some of the ways you can reduce your plastic consumption in your home. 

Make the switch to shampoo and soap bars

Plastic bottles filled with shampoo and soaps can be one of the biggest uses of plastic in a home. However, making a switch to shampoo or soap bars that often come in cardboard packaging is a great way to cut this plastic usage in your home. It can also be very economical as well. 

Rethink your deodorant 

Deodorant bottles and containers are also common household items that we use that aren't recycled as well as they should be. However, you can buy a reusable deodorant container and just invest in the refills as and when you need to. 

Try bamboo products as a plastic alternative 

There are some great bamboo alternatives to plastic items and one of the common ones you could try is a bamboo toothbrush. You can also use bamboo cutlery instead of plastic cutlery in picnics or takeout foods. 

Change up your toothpaste

Toothpaste containers are not recyclable. This is because it is impossible to ensure they are completely emptied and clean on the inside. So changing your toothpaste to toothpaste tablets or powder can be a great way to be more economical with your usage and also reduce your plastic consumption. Although if you find one that tastes great, please let me know.

Make changes to your laundry routine

No matter what your laundry routine is, you likely use some form of plastic within it. First of all, it might be the bottles in which your detergent or liquids come in. Even if you use the liquid tablets they still arrive in plastic packaging. So it could be time to make some changes to the products that you use. First of all, you could look at powder detergent instead of liquid. This usually comes in a cardboard container. You can also buy eco-friendly products such as the ecoegg. They are a reusable washing tool that you fill with detergent tablets that you can buy refills for. 

Avoid wet wipes 

Wet wipes are another common household item that is not recyclable. Not only do they come in plastic packaging that isn’t recyclable but they also contain elements of plastic within them. Instead, try using reusable cloths. 

Invest in a reusable water bottle and coffee cup

Many people drink water from plastic bottles that they then throw away or head out for take-out coffee only to discard the cup in a general rubbish bin once used. So if you are conscious of your plastic usage then why not invest in a reusable water bottle and coffee cup. This way you can use and refill as many times as you need. 

Seek out plastic-free items when shopping 

Finally, when shopping try and buy the loose items in the fruit and vegetable aisles rather than the pre-packaged items. Seek out plastic-free items so that you can avoid bringing the extra plastic into your home. 

We are all looking for ways to reduce our plastic consumption (not to mention our energy use and carbon footprint) and small steps all add up to a big impact.

You just have to start somewhere.

Disclaimer : This post includes some links, however all products included I have purchased myself and am not being paid to advertise.

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After the past couple of years, you could be forgiven for dreaming of a holiday, so while we are dreaming, have you thought where would go if you won the lottery? If suddenly, you had all the time and money to explore anywhere you could think of, where would you begin? We live in an amazing world! Annually, the world spends billions looking at the planets that make up our solar system to discover the unique and unusual formations that created their surfaces. In reality, many of us do not know about the unique anomalies that create the surface of our own planet. 

You do not have to wait for civilian space travel to see these sites. With modern technology, we can travel around the world. We can literally cross the world within hours, and there are wonderful otherworldly sites all over the world.

Hallerbos Forest, Belgium

In the tiny country of Belgium, you will find the Hallerbos Forest. Each year in April, the forest bed blooms with a carpet of bluebells. In full bloom, it looks more like a painting than a real forest, and people travel to see it because it is said to look and feel magical. Deer and other animals are often seen in the forest and seem to have little fear of people as long as they stay on the provided paths. It is as if they know they are safe at that time, even from humans.

Gough’s Cave, Cheddar Gorge

Here, you'll find lovely reflective pools. There are also unique formations of stalagmites and stalactites. The beauty of the rock formations and the sounds of the cave give it a mystical atmosphere. The cave is less than an hour's drive away from Bristol.

                                                                       

Faroe Islands                                                         

Halfway between the UK and Iceland are 18 volcanic islands known as the Faroe Islands. These islands have been settled at least since the Viking’s days. They look as though they would belong to Scotland, but the Faroe Islands are actually the property of Denmark. Canoeing and hiking are just two of the favorite things to do on these beautiful islands of mountains, valleys, and the sea.

List of other leading attractions to the “Weird but Wonderful”

18th- century Painshill Park Grotto in Surrey

Just a short train ride from London, this 18th-century gardens park is a fairy-tail grotto covered in hundreds of thousands of crystals! This is truly a unique site. Where else would it be seen anywhere in the world?

Fingal’s Cave, Island of Staffa, Scotland

Located on the uninhabited island of Staffa is Fingal’s Cave. It is made of hexagonal columns of basaltic rock. It is a strange but beautiful sight. The quiet of the empty island and the beauty of the cave is eerie. If the sea is mild you can pass it by boat but it is not impossible to reach the cave on foot.

The Brimham Rocks, North Yorkshire

Created several hundreds of years ago, these stacked rock formations seem to defy gravity. Each formation has its own name such as The Eagle and The Dancing Bear.

“Dinosaur Egg Beach”, Porth Naven

The landscape of this beach has become very popular due to the unusual deposits of boulder deposits there. The rocks look like smooth eggs that range from the size of a hen’s egg to three feet or more in length. They form a stunning scene that looks very much like you would expect a dinosaur nest to resemble. The area has become so popular that the stones are now legally protected by the National Trust.

The Isle of Lewis, Callanish prehistoric stone circle

This mysterious stone circle is said to be over 5,000 years old. There are many legends that surround them. Some folks believe they were used as an astronomical calendar. Others believe folklore that they were petrified giants that were turned to stone when they refused to turn to Christianity. They are a sight to behold.

 When you think about the vast UK, the differences in climate, customs, and histories of people, it is easy to understand why exploring the UK would be like exploring otherworldly places.  When you discover the treasures hidden in the earth, sun-baked soils, rain-soaked forests, and the sea, you can understand why one culture has nothing in common with its sister country. Yet, we are one planet. We are one world. We must fix all of the illnesses of the planet, or we all fail.

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Veganuary is a new concept that encourages people to try a vegan diet throughout the month of January but what happens as January ends?

With there being a lot more focus on sustainability one way you can do that is reducing or even stopping any meat and meat product consumption within your household. However, going completely vegan may seem like a bit of a challenge. So if you have enjoyed vegan choices during Veganuary or you are hoping to making more of a switch to vegan here are some of the tips to help you stick with it. 

Be organised

One of the best things you can do is to be organised with your food and drinks shopping lists. Make a note of products you use regularly and then do online shops so that you won’t be caught out buying something in a store that isn’t vegan. Some of the hardest things to spot are the items that are not obviously vegan, such as alcohol, for example. Shopping online gives you the chance to check the finer print to ensure the products you are buying are vegan. 

Meal plan and batch cook

Another temptation you might find is those days and evenings when you are unsure what to cook or you have prepared something in advance. Those are the times people are more likely to call for a takeout option or be more tempted to not make a vegan meal. Instead meal plan and batch cook where possible. Don’t give yourself an opportunity to fail. 

Cookbooks can be useful 

Often people find it difficult to stick with a vegan diet because they are unsure of what to cook or don’t feel as inspired in the kitchen. This is where cookbooks can be useful. One option would be to invest in a decent vegan cookbook but if you are wanting to just try things out then a great option is to check out your local library. You might be surprised what cookbooks are there and it will give you the incentive to try some out before the book needs to be returned. Plus if you like the book you could always buy it. 

Let people know what you are doing 

It is important to let your friends and family know that you are embarking on a vegan diet and lifestyle. If you can, try and get the whole family on board as this can make it easier when cooking meals and provides you less temptation. Your friends can also encourage you and help you to stay on track. 

Is this just about the food or the lifestyle?

Something to think about is whether Veganuary is just about the food and drink you consume or is it about the lifestyle? This means making further changes such as the things you wear or have in your home. Many people start with food and drink and progress on to other areas of their lives. You need to ensure that you think about whether the things you have are made from animals or animal products. 

Making more sustainable and vegan food choices doesn't have to be overwhelming, making small changes can make a huge difference to you and the planet.

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