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Special Occasions

6 Affordable & handmade gifts for friends and loved ones in 2023

When it comes to showing our appreciation for the special people in our lives, gifts play a significant role – and I’m not talking about gifts that are over-the-top and impossible to afford, but thoughtful gifts that come from a space of love and empathy. Here are 6 affordable present ideas…

Money Saving Tips

The Insider’s guide to shopping auctions and estate sales

Auctions and estate sales offer opportunities for thrifty folk to get great deals on all sorts of amazing items. If you’ve always been interested in this scene, but never had the courage to actually get involved, here’s an introduction to all you need to know to start your thrifting journey…

Special Occasions

My top 4 non-physical & consumable gifts for Mother’s Day

With Mother’s Day fast approaching at the end of March, now is the perfect time to start shopping for something special for your mum. My approach is always to find a non-physical gift that can be enjoyed over a prolonged period so here are some present ideas that do just that…

Festive

Unique gifts from small indie businesses and crafters

Whenever I’m looking for gifts, whether at Christmas or throughout the year, I always head to local and independent businesses first. If I can find a special present while also supporting a small biz or local maker, all the better! Here are some gorgeous gift ideas from crafters and small brands…

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…

Festive

Sustainable Christmas Gifts for children and teens

Whether you’re buying presents for your family or a Christmas Gift Appeal, it’s a good idea to make sustainable choices when shopping for those presents. I’ve put together this festive gift guide for children to get you started…

HOME DIY

A guide to buying antiques – even if you’re on a budget

Incorporating antiques is great way to add personality to your home. However, most of us haven’t inherited family heirlooms so, if you want to buy a special vintage piece for your home, here are some tips for going antique shopping on a budget…

STYLE ON A SHOESTRING

Upbeat, colourful clothing for an optimistic summer

With more restrictions being lifted it’s no wonder many of us have started refreshing our wardrobe for the new season. If you’re planning to swap your loungewear for leaving-the-house-wear, here’s some colourful, upbeat clothing to inspire you…

LOW-COST RECIPES

How I saved money & reduced food waste with the #FoodSavvy challenge

I’ve been doing the #FoodSavvy challenge throughout February and it’s been an eye-opener. Firstly because I couldn’t quite believe just how much food and plastic I had been wasting before the challenge and, secondly, because I was surprised at how easy it was to change my habits to create a more food savvy kitchen. Here’s what I discovered…

Money Saving Tips

Shopping hacks – how to save money on big ticket items

When you need to invest in big ticket items, such as appliances, sofas, electronics & even cars, it can take a big chunk of money out of your monthly budget. Here are some helpful hacks to cut costs when you’re next shopping for those expensive items…

Money Saving Tips

When you get the urge to shop do these 5 things instead…

I sometimes just get the urge to shop. Even as a wannabe-minimalist and thrifty gal (whose job relies on it!) it is sometimes just too hard to resist the lure of the high street. If you’re trying to stash the cash (like me) but sometimes just get the urge to shop (also like me) here are 5 things you can do instead to satisfy that urge to shop while still saving money…

STYLE ON A SHOESTRING

Guest post: Best tips for bargain fashionistas from a professional

If you’re like me and refuse to pay designer prices but you want to wear the latest trends AND save money, it can be tough to build a wardrobe you love. However, today’s guest blogger explains that there’s no shortage of ways to achieve this on a budget…

HOME DIY

How to find unique interior decor pieces from the Etsy Design Awards

Have you heard about the Etsy Design Awards? If not, I would urge you to check it out today. The list of finalists has been announced and the winners will be chosen in September. It’s a great way to discover new sellers, and here’s what I found when I browsed the shortlisted businesses in the ‘Inventive Decor’ category…

menswear

7 Affordable gift ideas for your favourite fella on Father’s Day

Straight off the back of Mother’s Day, let’s chat about Father’s Day! Let’s face it, when it comes to buying your dad a gift, you probably need to think a bit more out of the box than a traditional tie. But don’t panic – Father’s Day isn’t until 16th June, so you’ve got plenty of time to make some plans. What are some affordable alternatives for Father’s Day this year? Here are 7 gift ideas for your favourite fella…

Special Occasions

Meaningful gifts that mum will enjoy way beyond Mother’s Day…

Mother’s Day is coming up on 31st March so I thought I’d blog some gift ideas in advance to give you time to head to the shop or put in your orders online. There’s something for all tastes and budgets in my gift guide so I hope you’ll find something that your mum will love…

Money Saving Tips

4 Great reasons why you should consider shopping local in 2019

Sometimes it’s hard to avoid spending money with corporate companies. They often offer attractive deals and then there’s the fact that many big chains are conveniently on your high street – or on your screen. But, when you’re presented with the choice, here are 4 reasons why you should choose to shop locally…

Personal development

5 Things you can do online today to improve your future career

With every type of information, product and service available on the internet, it’s never been easier to take control of your life and future. Online services can make your life admin easier and even help you change your career so here are five important things you can do online to boost your future life and business…

STYLE ON A SHOESTRING

3 Wardrobe essentials that’ll help you stay snug all winter long

Having a fantastic winter wardrobe doesn’t have to cost an arm and leg or include countless new pieces of clothing. By adding just a few extra pieces you’ll be able to sail through the season looking effortlessly cool. Here are the three things you need to get you through the winter without breaking the bank…

THRIFTY LIVING

How to buy a new handbag without breaking the bank

I was watching How to Shop Well for Less last week and couldn’t believe how much it’s possible to spend on a handbag! I’ve never spent more than £15, I’m sure! But maybe I’m the exception and many people might not be able to find the bag of their dream on a budget. Here are some ways to shop while staying thrifty…

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’…

Beauty

3 Ways to save money on beauty and cosmetics

Great news! Your beauty and cosmetic routines do not have to consist of costly, overpriced products and procedures. I’ve been blogging about cruelty-free beauty for a few years now and I’ve found that it’s not only an ethical way to shop, but it’s also cost-effective too. That said, you don’t have to splash out for named brands and special formulas when you can DIY some beauty items and get a discount on the rest. Here are a few tips on how you can save money whilst still looking good…

STYLE ON A SHOESTRING

Seven fashion-forward trends to try in 2018

What you wear says a lot about you and can even improve your self-confidence. Not only do the changing fashion trends keep life interesting, but adding new on-trend pieces to your wardrobe can give you a much-needed boost. In case you’re thinking of updating your wardrobe for summer 2018 and are looking for ideas, here are some fashion-forward trends that you might want to try…

STYLE ON A SHOESTRING

Fashion tips for curvy girls

I’ve been looking through a lot of different fashion blogs recently, and one thing really stood out – hardly any of them have articles and

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

party ideas

How to plan a beautiful baby shower

When your pal is expecting her baby it’s a joyous occasion that you may wish to celebrate. Gathering all her friends around for a lovely

LOW-COST RECIPES

Pieday Friday – Kitchen mishaps

Over the years I’ve come realise that I’m quite a clumsy person. I trip over on flat pavements and I bruise myself almost daily by

Cruelty-free Life

Cruelty-free Laundry

In my quest to live a cruelty-free life, there was one thing that I hadn’t really thought about: Laundry. When you think about cruelty-free, you

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