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Allotment

Allotment update: Frosty days on the plot

Now that it’s winter and the ground is frozen over, what CAN still be done on the allotment? I’ve shared a rather frosty update to let you know how my veggie patch is getting on…

HOME DIY

How to heat your home well this winter with these energy-saving tips

You may think that going without heating for as long as you can is a money-saving solution to the cost-of-living crisis. However, the impact of a cold home on your health and on the property itself means you really should heat your home whenever you can. But that doesn’t mean spending a small fortune on energy. Here are some ideas to help you cut costs AND stay warm this winter…

Living Spaces

10 Things to consider before installing a cosy fireplace

There’s nothing more festive than a real log fire burning in the grate of a fireplace. However, many homes have had their fireplaces removed over the years and no longer have that cosy Christmassy feel. So, if you fancy reinstating your fireplace this winter, here are some facts to consider…

Festive

5 Upcycled (and free!) DIY Christmas wreathes

I love to make wreathes to decorate my doors at Christmas and create something special from garden foliage or leftover materials. Here are a few ideas for different styles of festive wreath to get you started…

MONEY MANAGEMENT

3 Tips for using credit wisely this holiday season

‘Tis the season to shop ‘til you drop, but are your finances prepared for the holiday’s big bill? If not, it may be tempting to borrow money to afford the festivities, but this is a quick way of putting your finances on the naughty list…

Pets

5 Ways to keep your cat happy and healthy all winter long

Winter is a dream for some cats (cosy radiators, yay) & a right pain for others (urgh wet weather). Either way, your pet may need a little extra attention during the winter months so here are some ideas for keeping your cat happy and healthy this season…

Autumn

How to deal with darker days for better physical & mental health

With the clocks going back at the weekend we’ve now got to deal with darker days and the impending winter. And when there’s not as much daylight it’s not particularly good for our mental and physical health. Here are some easy ways to take care of yourself…

DIY

3 Space-saving Christmas trees you can DIY from upcycled materials

Over the years I’ve lived in some rather small homes and it’s been difficult to decorate for Christmas in such a compact space. However, that’s never stopped me from filling my home with festive decor each December and, in fact, I’ve quite enjoyed the challenge of making my own DIY space-saving Christmas trees. Here are three ways to upcycle pallets, pipes and paint to create your own unique festive decor that doesn’t take up too much space…

Festive

Why a DIY or vintage advent calendar is the best way to count down to Christmas…

If you’re as excited about Christmas as I am this year, you’ll be feeling ‘fizzy’ today – which is exactly how I felt when I turned on my laptop and realised that it’s the 1st December! My days just run together at times and I often lose track of the date, so it was a surprise and a joy to discover that today’s the day that I’m officially ‘allowed’ to get excited about Christmas!

Festive

3 Ways to DIY a Scandinavian style star wreath for Christmas

If you want to add some festive touches to your walls but don’t want to go all-out with tinsel and garlands, today’s DIY star wreathes could be the solution. They’re a minimalistic, Scandi-style and look great in both contemporary or rustic homes so here’s how to recreate this simple Nordic look for yourself…

Money Saving Tips

Easy maintenance tasks to help save money on car bills – even unexpected ones

Simple maintenance tasks that to ensure that your car keeps running smoothly. Not only will these fortnightly, monthly and yearly checks help to keep your vehicle in good condition, they’ll also allow you to solve any problems as soon as they arise – and before they become bigger, more costly issues. Here are some vehicle maintenance tips that might help you cut the cost of car ownership:

Festive

100 days to Christmas! How to prepare for the festive season (+ stay stress-free)

Ooh the Christmas countdown has really snuck up on me this year and now it’s just 100 day until Christmas! So? That’s ageeees away, right? Well, in the world of thrifty living and financial planning, it’s actually a great time to start thinking about Christmas and I’ve written a little something to get your festive preparations off to a flying start and help you stay stress-free this xmas…

Festive

Making your money go further this Christmas

The decorations and mince pies are already on sale in many shops around the UK now and, with the nights starting to draw in, thoughts turn to Christmas. And also to the expense associated with the festive season, which for some is a stressful time of year. Here’s how to plan your budget ahead and keep yourself feeling happy about ‘the most wonderful time of the year’…

Happiness

How to stick to your health & happiness goals in darkest winter

The dark days of winter can really drag on, can’t they? I’m starting to feel like January will never end! Even though we start the new year with the best of intentions, it can be hard to feel motivated when it’s another drizzly, grey day. And the snow doesn’t help..!

DIY furniture makeovers

DIY new baby bundle gift basket

If you want to treat a new mum (and give some gorgeous gifts to the little one too) why not create a DIY baby bundle

STYLE ON A SHOESTRING

Thrifty winter wedding outfit ideas

Weddings really are wonderful, regardless of what time of the year they are held, but there is something extra special about a winter wedding. If you’ve been invited to one, here are some ideas for looking your best on a budget…

Beauty

Cruelty-free winter skin care

At this time of year I like to give my skincare routine a bit of a shake up. With all this warm air indoors and cold

Personal development

No wifi for the weekend

When was the last time that you went offline? For me, it’s probably been years. Ever since I got my first smart phone I’ve not

Bedroom

Sleep better & feel better this winter

The average person will spend approximately 25 years sleeping, and with good reason. Whoever said ‘sleep is for the weak’ certainly hasn’t experienced the joys

Autumn

Autumn/Winter Menswear – Styling a tweed jacket three ways

With the Autumn/Winter season in full swing, I thought that today would be a good time to share a menswear styling post with you. As you know, I’m a rather thrifty girl and I like to come up with ways to style my clothing to create many different looks from just one special piece…

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