home comforts - sixty plus surfers

Sixtyplusurfers has teamed up with Electrolux to offer two lucky readers the chance to win an Electrolux Rapido Wet and Dry Handheld Cleaner - a sleek and stylish lightweight handheld cleaner with a wheel difference - a unique wheel which helps protect your furniture.

The new Rapido from Electrolux is a lightweight, rechargeable handheld cleaner featuring a unique front wheel action to protect your furniture, making it the 'must-have' handheld cleaner for every household.

The Rapido is fully rechargeable and cordless with an at-a-glance LED charging indicator. All models feature a patented lid making emptying the dust cup a clean and easy process, and the table standing storage unit means it is always to hand for those sudden spills.

It comes with a crevice nozzle and dusting brush to reach every nook and cranny. Useful in the home or the car, the Rapido will give up to 20 minutes of high performance cleaning.

There are four models in the Rapido range - all featuring the unique WHEEL - and all offering outstanding performance, good looks and low noise.

We're giving away two Electrolux Rapido Wet and Dry Handheld Cleaners in stylish transparent blue. Suitable for both wet and dry use, the cleaner has 4.8V power, a 0.5 litre dust cup, and is priced at £29.99.

For more information about Electrolux Floorcare Telephone: 08706 055 055 or click on www.electroluxfloorcare.co.uk

To the Enter the Competition

Just tell us the name of the famous interior designer featured at the top of the page, then send in your name and address to the Sixtyplusurfers inbox by clicking on the hotmail address below: sixtyplusurfers@hotmail.co.uk

* This competition is open to
our UK visitors only

Brighten up your home

Make a Terracotta Herb Garden

Liven up the window sill in your kitchen with this pretty herb garden. Why not try this easy to make project from Plasti-kote

You Will Need

·  Four terracotta pots
·  A box of chalk sticks
·  Small paint brush
·  Masking tape
·  Pencil
·  Newspaper
·  Chalkboard Black spray from Plasti-kote
·  Matt Super White from Plasti-kote

How to Make the Pots

1. Get down to your local garden centre to buy your Terracotta pots or have a root through your shed. If you are using old pots give them a good clean and allow to dry before spraying.

2. Start by masking off the rims of the pots as this area will be left unsprayed. Lay down newspaper to protect the surrounding area.

3. Take the Chalkboard Black and spray to cover the unmasked area. Leave for 15 minutes then apply a second coat.

4. Leave to dry thoroughly for at least 30 minutes. Whilst waiting take the pencil and practice writing the names of the herbs on your scrap piece of paper.

5. Once the Chalkboard paint is dry, write the names of the herbs on each pot using the pencil. If you make a mistake simply rub it off using a damp cloth.

6. When you are happy with the pencilled text simply write over the top with either the chalk or, for permanent lettering make templates for the herb names and use Matt Super White.

7. If you used the Matt Super White you will need to leave the pot for approximately 45 minutes to dry.

8. You can now remove the masking tape and get potting. Great herbs to grow are Thyme, Basil, Coriander, Mint, Parsley, Chives and Oregano. Have fun!

Hints and Tips

· Why not experiment with different coloured letters using either coloured chalk or other colours in the Plasti-kote Super range.

· Always follow the usage instructions on the reverse of all Plasti-kote Spray Paint cans.

Where to buy Plasti-kote Products

Plasti-kote Chalkboard Plasti-kote Satin Super

Plasti-kote Chalkboard and Super White Spray Paint are each available in 400ml cans. Price is £5.99 each.

For more information about the Plasti-kote range click on www.plasti-kote.co.uk or call Telephone: 01223 836 400.

Home Comforts

Create a Designer Bathroom with the Morphosis Jacuzzi® Bathroom Collection

The Morphosis Gamma Jacuzzi

If any bathroom suite can make a statement it's the Morphosis. The glorious fusion of form and function proudly bears the name Pininfarina, one of the world's leading design houses, who were instrumental in bringing such a futuristic design to life. Morphosis is a celebration of the unexpected, of individuality, of gleamingly curvaceous forms in perfect harmony with the free spirit of water. Bathroom suite, whirlpool baths and non-whirlpool bath combine beautifully together for the ultimate in glamour.

Morphosis Alpha

With the added inspiration of the Pininfarina design team, the greatest whirlpool experience of them all is even more glamorous, even more exhilarating and even more rewarding.

The Morphosis Alpha Jacuzzi

Each Morphosis whirlpool bath offers two distinct hydromassage sensations: the classic Jacuzzi jets, of course, plus extra rotating microjets for a deeply penetrating back massage. Simply turn them on, then personalise their intensity at the touch of a button.

Key Features

· Classic Jacuzzi hydromassage (4 jets)
· Back massage with rotating microjets (4 jets)
· Cromodream
· Hi-Fi Radio
· Electronic adjustment of hydromassage intensity
· Induction charged remote control
· Sanitising system
· Brassware set
· Price is £7,995 including VAT

Morphosa Gamma

As you lie back and relax in your Morphosis Gamma bath, Cromodream® technology wraps you in soft hues, that glow within the bath's canopy and beneath the water in five different colours.

Each of the two whirlpool baths in the Morphosis range weaves together a welcoming blend of invigorating Jacuzzi® hydromassage, the pure theatre of coloured light and the joy of your favourite music. What's more, all these features can be activated and adjusted at the touch of a water resistant remote control that floats.

Key Features

· Classic Jacuzzi® hydromassage (4 jets)
· Back massage with rotating microjets (4 jets)
· Cromodream®
· Hi-fi Radio
· Electronic adjustment of hydromassage intensity
· Induction charged remote control
· Sanitising system
· Brassware set
· Exterior Colour: White
· Price is £6,995

Morphosis Freestanding (non whirlpool)

Seamless, softly flowing contours teamed with outstanding strength are features of the Morphosis freestanding bath. A stunning alternative to the whirlpool baths of the same name, this non-whirlpool bath beautifully complements the Morphosis bathroom suite or makes the perfect stand-alone design statement.

Key Features

· Totally seamless finish
· Wide tap platform
· Superior strength
· Optional Extra: 4 piece brassware set
· Price is £1,650
· 4 piece brassware set is £380

The Jacuzzi bathroom collection includes whirlpool baths, shower enclosures, bathroom suites, brassware, furniture and accessories and is sold exclusively through specialist bathroom retailers throughout the UK.

For more information click on www.jacuzzi.co.uk or call Telephone: 01782 717175.

New Eco Chic Lighting from Osram

New Eco Chic Lighting from Osram

Lovers of lighting know that the clever use of light can transform a room. A fabulous light can be decorative when switched off, and mood enhancing when switched on. It can be bright, white, sparkling and spectacular lifting your spirits and unwinding your mind. It can be dusky, seductive, soothing or rich, restful to the soul, inspiring romance or instilling calm.

And clever lighting doesn’t have to mean energy sapping bulbs that are bad for the environment. Thanks to an exciting new range of eco-chic light bulbs from Osram, your home can be beautifully and interestingly lit, while you feel assured that you’re doing your bit to reduce your carbon footprint and energy bills.

There’s now no need for a guilty conscience every time you switch on your sparkling halogen spotlights or your favourite chandelier – eco-chic light bulbs are the easiest way to green redemption in the home.

Still not convinced? There’s the financial impact to consider too as energy saving light bulbs can help cut down on electricity bills. An attractive prospect at a time when we’re all feeling the credit crunch.

Eco-chic light can be dusky, seductive, soothing or rich, restful to the soul, inspiring romance or instilling calm. Fluorescent, flickering, un-dimmable and quite frankly unattractive Compact Fluorescent Light (CFL)bulbs have been consigned to the dustbins of history.

Osram - the pioneer of energy efficient light bulbs – has further developed the CFL so that it shines brighter than ever before and you can no longer tell the difference in light quality between an energy saving CFL and an incandescent bulb. The only difference is that CFLs use 80% less electricity and can save you approximately £7 and around 40kgs of C02 per year per bulb. Great news for the planet. And your pocket.

The exciting new eco-chic light range from OSRAM includes The Duluxstar Twist, Duluxstar Mini Ball, Duluxstar Mini Globe, Dulux EL Dim.

Eco-chic light can be bright, white, sparkling and spectacular lifting your spirits and unwinding your mind. Thanks to Osram’s Halogen Energy Saver range – the world’s first energy efficient halogen – brilliant white stylish light and energy saving can go hand-in-hand. You can now replace all those energy sapping spotlights in your kitchen and bathroom with energy saving halogen alternatives. The range uses 30% less energy than standard bulbs and they come in all shapes and sizes – including candles and classic shaped bulbs.

You don’t have to do away with the dimmer switch either – the halogen energy saving bulbs from Osram are fully dimmable, so you can create whatever atmosphere you desire without dimming your green credentials.

Eco-chic light can also be playful and quirky – encouraging mischief or starting a party. Osram is currently light years ahead of anyone else in terms of LED innovation and Parathoms are fun and funky coloured LED lights that use approximately 1 watt of electricity each. The Parathom range comes in both classic and candle shaped bulbs that are perfect for adding a splash of eco friendly colour to any room.

Parathoms come in red, blue, yellow, green and a colour changing option. They can be used indoors or outside to add glamour to your garden. They are shock and vibration proof and are covered with a plastic coating to protect them from the elements.

The Osram range is available from Sainsbury’s and Robert Dyas and other leading retailers.

Tidings of Comfort and Jazz!

The Stressless Jazz chair

For that special person who needs to relax, the classy Stressless Jazz chair could be the perfect Christmas or New Year gift.

It’s undoubtedly a statement piece, with a seventies feel, with simple elegant lines that would look fabulous in a modern setting. Of course it’s extremely comfortable too, which is the whole point of lounging around in the first place!

Stressless Jazz looks great in red, black or white and is available in a selection of other colours too. It comes in two sizes and four top quality leathers.

For nearest stockists call freephone 0800 652 0800 or click on www.stresslessjazz.co.uk

Creating the Perfect Home Office

Create the Perfect Home Office with Fellowes

How do you create a perfect working space at home? Fellowes, a leading provider of workspace solutions offers some helpful advice and tips….

Be comfortable

Whether you are surfing the web or emailing a few friends, it is really important to position your computer, screen and mouse correctly to prevent injury or discomfort. Creating a comfortable and safe workspace is simple but can help protect your back, wrists and neck from unnecessary pain:

1. Look straight ahead
Make sure your monitor is directly in front of you at arm's length.

2. Keyboard in front
Your keyboard should be directly in front of you. Your shoulders should be relaxed with your upper arms free at your sides.

3. Avoid 'mouse shoulder'
Putting the mouse too high or too far away means that the upper arm is forced away from the body when you use it and can place unnecessary strain on the muscles which can affect you from the neck to the upper back.

Make sure you can use your mouse without stretching and with your elbow comfortably bent – consider using a wrist rest like the V-Channel from Fellowes which is designed to alleviate pressure on your wrists and help prevent discomfort.

4. Take care with your chair
When you're seated, your thighs should be at right angles to your body or sloping slightly down. If your chair is properly adjusted your feet should be firmly on the floor, but if it's more comfortable, use a footrest and a backrest. The basic rule is to plant your feet on the floor and support your back.

5. Keep moving
Never forget that the human body is not designed to sit for long periods – try to move around every 45 minutes.

Be safe

Identity fraud is one of the fastest growing crimes in the UK, so protecting your personal information has never been more important. Fraudsters often raid bins looking for bills and statements containing your personal details which can help them steal your identity.

Never throw away any information containing sensitive, personal or confidential information about yourself without shredding it first.

A quick and easy way to protect yourself is by investing in a decent shredder for your home office or study. Fellowes offer a range of shredders to suit any size and style of home office including the award-winning P35-C shredder which Good Housekeeping Magazine rated as a Best Buy earlier this year or the DS-1, a Best Buy from Which? consumer magazine.

Fellowes’ top 5 tips for ID fraud prevention

1. Store personal documents in a safe place.

2. Shred or destroy personal documents you are throwing away with a totally secure cross-cut shredder.

3. Check your bank and credit card statements regularly.

4. Regularly get a copy of your personal credit file to check for any suspicious credit applications.

5. Ensure your home computer is protected before you go online.

National Identity Fraud Prevention Week takes place from 6^th to 12^th October 2008, fronted by Adrian Chiles.

If you suspect you’ve fallen victim to identity fraud, visit www.stop-idfraud.co.uk for a useful list of contacts.

Shredders and other office accessories from Fellowes can be found at Argos and Staples.

For more details click on www.fellowes.co.uk

How to Afford a New Kitchen During the Credit Crunch

Get an affordable kitchen from The Used Kitchen Company

How can you afford a new kitchen during the credit crunch? The Used Kitchen Company is your answer.

Established since 2006 The Used Kitchen Company sells brand new ex-display kitchens at a fraction of their RRP. They sell on behalf of Poggenpohl, Alno, Underwoods, Hacker, Bulthaup amongst many more. Often with discounts of from 50% to 75%.

In addition to the ex-display kitchens, they sell a large number of used kitchens on behalf of private clients. Some of these kitchens are only 6 months to 2 years old and immaculate. Others are 5 to 10 years old and still in good used condition.

Get an affordable kitchen from The Used Kitchen Company

In the last 12 months they have been approached by over 50 showrooms and 100s of individuals to sell their kitchens.

All these kitchens are available to view on www.theusedkitchencompany.com

Whatever you are looking for in a kitchen, The Used Kitchen Company will have the answer.

Grand Designs Live Features Celebrity Home Designers

Kevin McCloud

Celebrities from the world of home design and interiors have been announced for this year’s Grand Designs Live taking place at Birmingham’s NEC from October 10th 12th.

Opening the show on Friday 10th October, award-winning TV presenter and author Kevin McCloud will be sharing his expertise with visitors and hosting a number of seminars including ’Design Crimes’ and ‘The house that Kevin built’.

Commenting on the show, Kevin McCloud says, “This year’s Grand Designs Live Birmingham show will be packed full of fantastic interactive features to innovate, inspire and enthuse. Visitors will have access to plenty of celebrity experts as well as 400 exhibitors offering cutting edge products for your home.”

Cooking up tasty treats in the kitchen will be Michelin-starred chef, Jean-Christophe Novelli. The ‘nation’s favourite French chef’ will be showcasing his culinary skills on Sunday 12th October, and visitors can sample his signature dishes menu at the Jean-Christophe Novelli restaurant throughout the weekend.

Jean-Christophe Novelli

Multi-award winning gardener and TV presenter, Diarmuid Gavin will be getting back to basics, demonstrating how easy it can be to design and create your own garden. Visitors can view some of his recent work at his seminar, ‘A Fresh Approach to Garden Design’, on Friday 10th October.

Also sharing their expertise will be eco-friendly interior designer Oliver Heath, BBC’s Restoration expert, Marianne Suhr and editor-in-chief at Stuff magazine, Tom Dunmore.

Whether you are looking for creative ideas for your home or want to learn more about landscape gardening, Grand Designs Live is back in Birmingham for a third year. With over 400 exhibitions and hundreds of products on sale to suit all tastes and budgets, there’s guaranteed to be something for everyone.

To book tickets call the Ticket Hotline on 0871 2305586 or visit www.granddesignslive.com