The 'Listed Sisters' give your home a seasonal upgrade

According to a recent consumer home trend survey from HGTV, 60 per cent of UAE residents are looking to redecorate their home interiors this year. Los Angeles-born, Las Vegas-raised identical twin sisters Alana and Lex LeBlanc are co-stars on HGTV's Listed Sisters, where they find fixer-uppers and turn them into dream homes. The duo give us a double dose of advice on styling your home for the current season so you can enjoy it all summer long.

Big, bold and botanical

Lex, an interior designer by trade who graduated from the New York School of Interior Design, says botanicals can easily transform rooms from humdrum to fresh and vibrant. Simple additions, such as indoor plants, can easily add life and colour to any place. Easy-to-maintain plants that thrive in air-conditioned or indoor environments include succulents, herbs, fiddle-leaf fig trees and cascading plants. For the more adventurous, botanical-themed textiles and wall coverings can easily be turned into a feature wall, and will spruce up any space, giving it a tropical, vibrant feel. Pair these lively prints with muted hues, such as grey, brown or deep navy blue, to create a space that channels sophisticated jungle fun.

Subtle touches with jewel tones

Lex also recommends deep blue and green jewel tones on walls and kitchen cabinets. For her, these subtle colour touches are a sure way for aspiring creatives to turn average abodes into fantastic family homes – a notion that real estate mogul Alana agrees with. These changes can also be done on a small budget, adding some much-needed life to lacklustre living rooms. Adding an essential splash of colour can brighten any space, taking homes from grim to gorgeous, and turning dens from dowdy to desirable. Those not able to splash out on a whole new wall of paint can update cabinets, countertops, backsplashes or even appliances to create a more contemporary look. The addition of ultra-chic furniture will help give the rooms the feel of a private retreat that you can enjoy all year round.

Function over trends

The summer sun can be brutal, so this needs to be top of mind when choosing outdoor furniture. Functional furniture layout is important as well. Adding shade elements will give added longevity to outdoor terrace furniture. Bright white upholstery and wicker furnishings work well in tandem to create a sophisticated outdoor lounge for entertaining, while LED rope lights make the outdoors inviting all night long. Also always be sure you select outdoor furniture that can be cleaned easily.

Upgrades on any budget

Opening up a room by removing a wall or two allows seamless living areas, but isn't always possible on every budget. Simple and cost-effective ways to give your home a new lease of life include adding new window treatments or curtains – particularly in main living areas and bedrooms – which automatically provides a fresh take on furnishings and boosts visual appeal. For bathrooms, you can't always create a spacious and spa-like feel with twin vanities, chrome fixtures and marble surfaces. Instead, opt for candles to create mood lighting, and dried flowers such as lavender or myrtle that add subtle aromas while introducing a hint of colour.

Catch Lex and Alana on HGTV’s ‘Listed Sisters’ on Saturdays at 9.45pm on HGTV

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FA CUP FINAL

Manchester City 6
(D Silva 26', Sterling 38', 81', 87', De Bruyne 61', Jesus 68')

Watford 0

Man of the match: Bernardo Silva (Manchester City)

Electric scooters: some rules to remember

Riders must be 14-years-old or over
Wear a protective helmet
Park the electric scooter in designated parking lots (if any)
Do not leave electric scooter in locations that obstruct traffic or pedestrians
Solo riders only, no passengers allowed
Do not drive outside designated lanes

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5	Norway
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No more lice

Defining head lice

Pediculus humanus capitis are tiny wingless insects that feed on blood from the human scalp. The adult head louse is up to 3mm long, has six legs, and is tan to greyish-white in colour. The female lives up to four weeks and, once mature, can lay up to 10 eggs per day. These tiny nits firmly attach to the base of the hair shaft, get incubated by body heat and hatch in eight days or so.

Identifying lice

Lice can be identified by itching or a tickling sensation of something moving within the hair. One can confirm that a person has lice by looking closely through the hair and scalp for nits, nymphs or lice. Head lice are most frequently located behind the ears and near the neckline.

Treating lice at home

Head lice must be treated as soon as they are spotted. Start by checking everyone in the family for them, then follow these steps. Remove and wash all clothing and bedding with hot water. Apply medicine according to the label instructions. If some live lice are still found eight to 12 hours after treatment, but are moving more slowly than before, do not re-treat. Comb dead and remaining live lice out of the hair using a fine-toothed comb.
After the initial treatment, check for, comb and remove nits and lice from hair every two to three days. Soak combs and brushes in hot water for 10 minutes.Vacuum the floor and furniture, particularly where the infested person sat or lay.

Courtesy Dr Vishal Rajmal Mehta, specialist paediatrics, RAK Hospital