Danielle Farrelly

In 2017 'Hygge' appeared in the Oxford English dictionary. Their definition being "the quality of being warm and comfortable that gives a feeling of happiness." In the depths of winter, Denmark gets about seven hours of daylight, and there is little wonder why they embrace Hygge to get them through the dark months. Here in Ireland, we could also do with feeling that spark of warmth and happiness as the clocks fall back. Here are a few ideas to make your home cosier this autumn.

Danielle Farrelly reviews her family camping adventure on France's Mediterranean coast. Location: La Sirène Campsite in Argelès-sur-Mer on France's Mediterranean coast. Who went: A family of four including two young boys aged eight (Joseph) and five (Alfie). How to get there: The nearest airport to La Sirène is 25km away at Perpignan. Instead, we flew to Carcassonne – saving us about €800.

Doing up your home should be a very exciting time. However, it will induce stress and sleepless nights - and you may many times ask yourselves, 'Were we mad to do this now?' We are near the finishing line for our small extension – here's a few thoughts that hit us along the way. Why am I doing it? Why are you doing an extension? Is it to get more space? Is it for your house to flow better? Do you have a problem with a lack of storage? Do you want a connection with the garden?