Great advice
Our experts have all the answers to your questions and queries, so go ahead and ask us anything…
LETTING IT OUT
A ‘We love sharing our place on Airbnb; it’s little effort for what could prove a decent income stream, but check with your mortgage lender as some have restrictions,’ says Elayne Nunan who lets out her WildHearts annex on the South Downs Way. ‘Make sure you’re covered on your home insurance; if not, specialist insurance companies offer cover. The Government’s Rent a Room Scheme lets you earn up to £7,500 per year tax-free from letting out furnished accommodation in your home. This is halved if you share the income with your partner or someone else. Airbnb takes 3% of each booking; the rest goes in your pocket.’
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FAMILY FAVOURITES
A ‘Research A ‘Research shows your continued presence is just as important to your grandchildren’s wellbeing as it is to yours,’ says Tanith Carey, author of What’s My Tween Thinking? ‘If they have access to a family tablet or phone, set up a WhatsApp group to share funny things you’ve seen. Look for opportunities to have a giggle together. Be a good listener and avoid giving unsolicited advice, which they’re likely to hear as criticism. And show equal attention to each grandchild so they feel safe in your love.’
THE EYES HAVE IT
A ‘Some A ‘Some people inherit eye bags, while others develop them due to unhealthy lifestyle habits and the ageing process,’ says aesthetics doctor Dr Sophie Shotter (drsophieshotter.com).
‘Milder cases can sometimes be helped by injecting filler into the surrounding areas as well as the under-eye area. Polynucleotides can be injected to decrease lower eyelid puffiness while smoothing wrinkles and restoring volume loss, or a surgical procedure known as blepharoplasty can remove or reposition the fat beneath the eye.’
FULL BLOOM
A Choose a vase with a wide opening, as narrow ones can trap bacteria, which can cause flowers to decompose quicker,’ says Julian de Bosdari from plant nursery Ashridge (ashridgetrees.co.uk).
‘Trim half an inch off each stem at a 45-degree angle to maximise the surface area for water absorption. Replace water often and if you don’t have flower food, make your own by adding two tablespoons of sugar and two tablespoons of white vinegar to one litre of lukewarm water. The sugar provides energy while the white vinegar lowers the water’s pH, which improves water absorption and helps to remove bacteria. Keep flowers away from fruit bowls, as ripening fruit produces an odourless gas called ethylene, which causes flowers to drop petals more quickly.’
