logo
I transformed my driveway with a lick of paint after being quoted £10k- trolls say it's ‘ruined' but I have no regrets

I transformed my driveway with a lick of paint after being quoted £10k- trolls say it's ‘ruined' but I have no regrets

The Sun2 days ago

AFTER being quoted almost £10,000 to transform her driveway, a DIY whizz decided to take matters into her own hands.
Kirsty Gore wanted to give old driveway a new lease of life two years ago, but didn't fancy breaking the bank to make it happen.
2
2
But since there was nothing really wrong with the existing drive, she knew she could save some serious cash by giving it a little facelift.
"The thing was, that the actual paving was in good condition but did need a good clean as it does every year," she told followers on Instagram.
Rather than ripping it up, Kirsty saved her hard earned cash and researched to see what else could be done.
It turns out there was a coloured sealant "specifically for this kind of thing."
She opted for a grey colour to fit the existing aesthetics of the home, but there are other colours available too.
A bit of elbow grease, and three coats later the job was basically done.
In fact, the whole thing took under two days to do - that included half a day pressure washing the existing drive to make sure it was completely clean and then dry.
Altogether, the DIY project cost just £300, a whole lot cheaper than an entire new patio would've cost.
When she first showed off the project trolls were convinced it wouldn't hold up, but two years later and she's proved them all wrong.
She explained that a few chips have come away for the first time, but that's down to her pressure washing it every year to keep debris and moss at bay.
I transformed my council house hallway for under £60 - the old laminate has vanished but critics say it 'looks cheap'
For those chips, she has a spare tin to hand to help it look as good as new.
"So it's since cost me £50 to top up in the 2 yrs I've had it. May be different for you as the size of your driveway may differ," she explained in the caption of her viral follow-up video.
After showing off the before and after, fellow DIY fans were amazed by the difference the sealant made.
One wrote: "It does look fabulous a great job."
"Looks so good! I need to sort out my drive asap," a second agreed.
And a third chimed in: "This is such a good idea!! I just jet washed mine last year - who knew what a dirty job that is! Clothes ruined and I was covered in dirt! Satisfying when done though."
"Hard to believe this is two years ago! It turned out so good," another wrote.
10 DIY hacks for under £1 each
These simple and affordable DIY hacks can help you get creative while saving money
Homemade Air Freshener:
Mix baking soda with a few drops of your favorite essential oil. Place it in a small jar with a perforated lid to keep your home smelling fresh.
Upcycled Tin Can Planters:
Clean and paint empty tin cans to use as stylish planters for herbs or small plants.
Custom Phone Stand:
Use a sturdy piece of cardboard or an old plastic credit card to create a custom phone stand. Decorate it with washi tape or paint.
DIY Lip Scrub:
Combine sugar and a bit of honey or coconut oil to make a natural lip scrub. Store in a small container.
Personalised Bookmarks:
Use old greeting cards or decorative paper to create unique bookmarks. Punch a hole at the top and add a ribbon for a finishing touch.
Decorative Mason Jars:
Paint or decoupage old mason jars to use as decorative vases, storage containers, or candle holders.
Easy Cable Organiser:
Use empty toilet paper rolls to organize cables and cords. Decorate the rolls with colorful paper or tape.
Magnetic Spice Jars:
Attach small magnets to the lids of small jars and stick them to a metal board or fridge for easy-access spice storage.
Handmade Coasters:
Cut out squares from old corkboard or felt and decorate them with paint or fabric to create custom coasters.
Natural All-Purpose Cleaner:
Mix equal parts water and white vinegar in a spray bottle. Add a few drops of essential oil for a pleasant scent. Use it to clean surfaces around your home.

Orange background

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Comments

No comments yet...

Related Articles

Surrey Roadsafe launches motorbike safety campaign
Surrey Roadsafe launches motorbike safety campaign

BBC News

time8 minutes ago

  • BBC News

Surrey Roadsafe launches motorbike safety campaign

A major campaign focusing on the safety of motorcyclists and cyclists is being launched in comes as figures reveal 470 motorbike riders and pillions, along with 351 cyclists, were killed or seriously injured on the county's roads between 2022 and Habit for Life campaign by Surrey Roadsafe is targeting all road-users with practical education, advice and tips on how to keep those on two wheels for Life begins on Tuesday and is intended to coincide with the increase in road deaths and injuries during the summer months. A spokesperson said: "These figures have identified a need for greater intervention into the protection of these vulnerable road-user groups, especially around the summer months where peaks in data are evident."The campaign, which is being promoted at public events and social media, encourages people to "adopt habits which could save a life".Surrey Roadsafe is a partnership between the county's police force, county council, fire service and National aims to reduce the number of road deaths and serious injuries, support vulnerable road users, tackle "high-risk routes" and promote safer road use.

Keir Starmer rules out new Scots independence vote - and says FM Swinney hasn't even asked for one - as poll warns PM Nigel Farage is threat to union
Keir Starmer rules out new Scots independence vote - and says FM Swinney hasn't even asked for one - as poll warns PM Nigel Farage is threat to union

Daily Mail​

time12 minutes ago

  • Daily Mail​

Keir Starmer rules out new Scots independence vote - and says FM Swinney hasn't even asked for one - as poll warns PM Nigel Farage is threat to union

Keir Starmer effectively ruled out a new Scottish independence vote while he is Prime Minister today - suggesting it wasn't even a priority for the SNP government at Holyrood. The Labour leader said he could not imagine a vote happening during his time in power, even if the nationalists win a majority in the 2026 Holyrood election. And he said that First Minister and SNP leader John Swinney had not raised the issue with him during their recent talks. It came after a weekend poll suggested support for a breakaway has risen amid a surge for Reform north of the border. A Norstat poll found 54 per cent backed the separatist cause, the joint highest ever detected by the firm. The eight-point lead - excluding don't knows - swelled to 16 points if people were asked to imagine Nigel Farage was PM. The Prime Minister was asked by the BBC's Good Morning Scotland programme, if he could imagine another independence referendum during his time as Prime Minister. Sir Keir said: 'No, and nobody's raising that with me as their first priority. 'Certainly, in the discussions I'm having with the First Minister, that is not – we're talking about jobs, energy, security and dealing with the cost-of-living crisis.' Scots voted in an independence referendum in 2014, with the 'No' side securing 55 per cent of the vote. Since then, successive UK governments have rejected the SNP's pleas for a second referendum. Last month Mr Swinney said a 'democratic majority' of pro-independence MSPs following the next Scottish Parliament election should result in another referendum. The Prime Minister said that whatever the outcome in May, an independence referendum is 'not a priority'. The most recent figure of support rose from 50 per cent in the last Norstat poll in January. The highest that support for independence has reached in recent years is 58 per cent, in an Ipsos Scotland poll for STV News in the early months of the pandemic, as Nicola Sturgeon received plaudits for her handling of Covid-19. The figures come ahead of a by-election in Lanarkshire this week, after the death of Scottish Government minister Christina McKelvie. According to polling expert Professor Sir John Curtice, in projections for the Sunday Times, John Swinney was on track to win an unprecedented fifth term in office for his party next year, securing 54 seats. Labour would drop to 20 seats, while Reform would win 18 in their first full political test in Scotland. Meanwhile, the Tories would drop from being the second biggest party to the fourth, with just 17 MSPs, followed by the Lib Dems on 11 and the Greens on nine. Speaking to Good Morning Scotland, Sir Keir also discussed the defence sector in Scotland. He said there are around 25,000 defence jobs in Scotland and the strategic defence review announcements would 'build on that'. The Prime Minister said: 'I would like to see many, many jobs in Scotland. 'Scotland has an incredible heritage and skilled work people in Scotland. 'We've just been looking at some of the frigates which have been built and are being built in Scotland.' He insisted the SNP is 'wrong' in its opposition to nuclear weapons and said 'we're entering a new era on defence and security'.

The herbs and spices that CAN reduce bloating, cut blood sugar or boost memory
The herbs and spices that CAN reduce bloating, cut blood sugar or boost memory

Daily Mail​

time13 minutes ago

  • Daily Mail​

The herbs and spices that CAN reduce bloating, cut blood sugar or boost memory

Could sprinkling cinnamon on your porridge help cut blood pressure? Does adding fresh parsley to your salad count as one of your five-a-day? Emerging research suggests that herbs and spices aren't just a delicious way to pep up the taste of food – they might also bring a raft of health benefits, from better heart health and blood sugar control, to improving our gut microbiome, the community of microbes that supports our digestion and strengthens our immunity. Although much of the research into herbs and spices is still in an early stage – and often uses concentrated extracts or large doses you wouldn't get from a normal meal – there are signs that everyday amounts could give your long-term health a boost. Take something as simple as oregano. Many of us use it to add interest to a spag bol, but it's a powerhouse of nutrition. Gram for gram, it provides more polyphenols – antioxidant compounds thought to cut inflammation, which is linked to serious diseases such as cancer – than so-called 'superfoods' such as blueberries and cacao. Humble cloves, peppermint, star anise and celery seed also contain similar quantities. One recent study found that adults at risk of cardiovascular disease who ate nearly 7 g of mixed herbs and spices (about 3 tsp) daily for four weeks experienced an increase in a group of gut bacteria previously linked to better gut and overall health. The benefits were thought to be due to the high quantities of polyphenols and fibre in the mix, according to the researchers, writing in The Journal of Nutrition in 2022. Further analysis from the same study, published in 2023 in The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, showed that the same dose also reduced systolic blood pressure (the top number in your reading) by about 2mmHg, and diastolic blood pressure (the bottom number in your reading) by 1.5mmHg, after just four weeks. Small, incremental reductions could, over time, add up to a meaningful improvement in heart health. While herbs and spices don't count as one of your five-a-day (as we use them in such small amounts), regular use could be an easy and tasty way to improve your overall health. So which should you focus on? Here is my guide to the herbs and spices worth trying, backed by the latest evidence. Cinnamon This popular spice has been linked to better blood sugar control, especially in people with pre-diabetes or type 2 diabetes. In a 2024 study published in The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, people with pre-diabetes who consumed 4g of cinnamon (about 1½ tsp) daily for four weeks had better blood sugar control throughout the day. These findings echoed those from a major review of 35 studies published in 2022 in the journal Critical Reviews in Food Science and Nutrition, which showed that cinnamon modestly lowered blood sugar and improved cholesterol levels in people with type 2 diabetes or metabolic syndrome. Regularly eating cinnamon may help a little, but it's what the rest of your diet looks like that really matters for blood sugar control if you have pre-diabetes or type 2 diabetes. One thing to note – most cinnamon in shops is the cassia type, which contains a compound, coumarin, that can be harmful in large amounts. Ceylon cinnamon (usually labelled as 'Ceylon' or 'true cinnamon') is a safer option if you're using it regularly. Turmeric A golden-hued spice often used in curries and lattes, turmeric has long been celebrated for its potential health properties – a few studies show its active compound, curcumin, could be a powerful anti-inflammatory and antioxidant. For example, a major review of previous studies, published in 2024 in the journal Prostaglandins and Other Lipid Mediators, found that curcumin significantly lowered markers of inflammation, such as C-reactive protein in people (with an existing health condition) taking supplements containing on average 8g of curcumin a day, compared to people not taking the spice. Because curcumin is poorly absorbed, supplements often combine it with piperine, a compound found in black pepper that can increase curcumin's absorption by up to 2,000 per cent. Regularly cooking with a few teaspoons of turmeric – ideally with a good grind of black pepper – could still have long-term incremental benefits. Ginger The compounds that give ginger its kick – gingerols and shogaols – have been shown to affect several processes in the body, including those involved in inflammation, nausea and how our immune system responds. One of the best-known uses for ginger is easing nausea, and research backs this up. Clinical trials have found that ginger supplements can reduce nausea linked to pregnancy, chemotherapy and recovery after surgery. In a 2024 study in the Journal of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, people going through chemotherapy who consumed 1.2g (around ½ tsp) of dried ginger a day reported less nausea and vomiting and lower levels of fatigue, compared to those who took a placebo. If you're cooking with fresh ginger, there's no need to peel it, just rinse and grate it as usual. Or add a teaspoon of dried ginger to your morning yoghurt. You can also freeze root ginger – this makes it easier to grate. Peppermint With a strong, intense flavour and high levels of menthol, the compound in this specific type of mint is thought to give it gut-soothing properties. Peppermint oil is one of the most researched natural remedies for irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), and it seems to work in a few helpful ways. Its main active ingredient, menthol, helps relax the muscles in the gut wall, which can ease cramping, bloating and pain. It acts like a natural antispasmodic, calming the overactive gut contractions often seen in IBS. People with IBS who took peppermint oil capsules were twice as likely to feel better and had less pain than those who took dummy capsules, according to 2019 research published in the journal BMC Complementary and Alternative Medicine. A cup of peppermint tea might offer gentle comfort, but it's the concentrated oil (found in most pharmacies) that has shown the strongest benefits. Cloves Best known for their use in spiced bakes and mulled wine, cloves also have a long history as a natural remedy for toothache. Whole cloves were traditionally chewed to ease tooth pain – a practice that now seems to be backed by modern research. A 2006 trial published in the Journal of Dentistry found that clove gel was just as effective as 20 per cent benzocaine (a common numbing gel) at reducing pain from a dentist's needle. The effect is thanks to eugenol, a compound in cloves that acts like a natural painkiller by blocking nerve signals. So if you are suddenly hit with toothache and are unable to get to a dentist or pharmacy, chewing on a clove may provide short-term relief, though it can cause irritation for some. Rosemary Originating from the Mediterranean, this herb may give your brain a lift. Men who took 1g of rosemary extract daily for four weeks showed improvements in mood, energy and mental sharpness, according to one study, published in 2020 in the journal Nutrients. While that dose is unachievable when cooking with fresh or dried rosemary, it doesn't mean the herb isn't worth adding. Finely chop rosemary and coat vegetables before roasting, or rub onto chicken or lamb with garlic and olive oil. Delicious!

DOWNLOAD THE APP

Get Started Now: Download the App

Ready to dive into the world of global news and events? Download our app today from your preferred app store and start exploring.
app-storeplay-store