Take The Leap And Stay Fit With Top Trampoline

Jan 20 2008 John Amabile

Ask Amabile

Q My kids want a trampoline and thought their wish had come true when wild winds blew a neighbour's into our garden. They want one more than ever now but I don't want to spend too much and how do I prevent ours from being carried off in the wind?

A Argos have an 8ft heavy duty trampoline, that would be perfect. It has a padded cover for safety and if you tether it to the ground it should stop high winds from causing any damage. Plus it is a great way to stay fit. It costs £79.99. For more information go to www.argos.co.uk

Q I am looking for a wooden mirror frame with doors on it. I saw one in a magazine and would like to get one to brighten my windowless hall.

A These are a great feature as they look like window shutters and give an illusion of light. They used to cost hundreds of pounds but now you can give your hall character for just £40 from Matalan. Click www.matalan.co.uk for information or to find your local store.

Q Where can I buy a clear acrylic - NOT glass - DVD and CD rack? I have a lot of glass and acrylic furniture and want something light and bright to match.

A Argos sell a stylish three-tier acrylic CD rack at £39.99. It has clear sides with simple steel rails to hold the CDs and make it look like they are floating. Good design at a great price.

Q Is there such a thing as a dropleaf glass table? I have a modern flat and like contemporary pieces but need the fold-away style for space.

A Check out this glass butterfly table, below, at £295 from Dwell. It has sleek modern styling and fold-away leaves either side to save space. Log on to www.dwell.co.uk or visit their new store in Princes Square, Glasgow.

Q I have been looking for a round mahogany coffee table - with or without a protective glass top - but have had no success tracking one down. Can you help?

A Sterling furniture's Grange range could be just what you are looking for.

Check out www.sterlingfurniture.co.uk for latest news on the web or visit their famous flagship store in Tillicoultry. They have a very wide selection of mahogany coffee tables in a range of designs so I am sure you will spot something in a style to suit your home.

Q Any idea where I can buy tall candelabras? I need eight for a special dinner party but don't want to break the bank.

A IKEA had elegant candelabras in store at Christmas and if you check out your nearest store you may be lucky and find some in the sale. I always stock up on homeware bargains at sale time.

Q Where can I get a black bread bin big enough for two loaves? I've only seen stainless steel ones.

A Check out the range of black ceramic kitchenwares at Next (www.next.co.uk). The breadbin costs just £30 and looks sleek and stylish.

Q I need new door handles for my bedrooms and dining room.

Where should I go to see a good range at competitive prices?

A Colquhoun's Doorstyles have a great range of well-priced handles. It's a one-stop shop for well-dressed doors.

Click on www.colquhouns.co.uk or call 0141 429 7566 for details.

Q I am looking for shelves to sit on top of my radiators as I do not want to damage the walls. Will a shelf like this cut down heat?

A The No-Fix radiator shelf sounds the perfect solution as they fit on top of the radiator without the need for any brackets or wall-fixings. They have a heat-reflective backing which allows heat to be distributed properly. They cost from £19.95 each from the website www.cotswoldco.com

Q I prefer unusual crockery and I'm looking for a tea/coffee set but all the shops seem to have the same things. Any ideas?

A Try G1 Interiors in Trongate, Glasgow, who have a great range of more unusual tableware and crockery - modern, bright and fun but well made. Their snazzy snackware range is only a small bit of the crazy crockery they sell.

Call them on 0141 552 1177 or log on to www.g1interiors.com