With heat waves predicted and a sunny summer ahead of us, heat can make life difficult if we’re not prepared for it. Here are some ways to get your home, your pets and yourselves ready for a long hot August…
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The thing that usually puts me off baking my own cakes and desserts is the cost of the ingredients – which is precisely why I’ve decided to put my thriftiness to the test and try to make the cheapest ever chocolate cheesecake…
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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…
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Do you know how hard it is to plan a new kitchen? I can’t believe just how many things there are to consider. To help you if you’re planning a kitchen revamp (and to help myself, TBH) here’s a list of everything you’ll need for a top-to-toe makeover…
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When you’re starting out as a freelancer or launching your own company it’s an incredibly exciting time and here are some business essentials you may want to consider when you become self-employed…
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That first couple of days when you get the keys for your new home are the best – you’ve not yet unpacked so it’s a rare opportunity to thoroughly clean (& even decorate) your home before settling in. Here are some tasks to tackle…
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Although I’m a keen DIYer, home renovations are not the same as home repairs, so it’s certainly something that needs a little more planning than simply getting out your toolbox! Here’s a guide to organising your next DIY project, step-by-step…
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FINALLY. Things have started to happen in our garden. Vegetables are growing – and I’ve actually eaten some of the produce from our plot woo! And there’s even been a harvest of our autumn crop. Here’s my monthly garden update for June…
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It’s likely that we’ll still be wearing masks for many months to come, so it’s important to consider our post-lockdown skincare routine. Here are some natural solutions to help prevent outbreaks of ‘maskne’ – blemishes caused by regular mask wearing…
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Moving house can cost thousands of pounds so, in the spirit of thriftiness, why not stay where you are and put that money to better use? Here are some fab home improvements that’ll increase your home’s value & help to you enjoy living there too…
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Epic home tour of a stunning 19th Century swing-beam agricultural barn, packed full of rustic features and vintage collections, which was rescued and renovated by April and Andy Hershberger…
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If you’re venturing out for day trips this summer, or even going on your first UK holiday in years, there are some essentials you’ll need to take with you for enjoyable and safe days in the sun. Here’s what you should add to your ‘summer essentials’ kit:
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Here’s a quick DIY video that shows you how to upcycle scaffold boards and offcuts of pressure-treated timber to create your own outdoor bench seat for your garden. Using scaffolding is a low-cost source of timber and you can upcycle old planks too…
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I’ve been looking for sustainable & natural flooring for my kitchen. It needs to be moisture resistant, easy to clean, simple to install and hardwearing. Is that too much to ask?? Here are some of the products I’ve discovered during my search for ‘healthy home’ flooring…
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Father’s Day is on Sunday 20th June so you’ve got a couple of weeks to find a lovely gift, tasty treat or fun experience for your dad to enjoy. I’ve come up with all kinds of ideas to suit a variety of your dad’s interests so check them out here…
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When the sun’s shining and the weather warms up it’s wonderful to enjoy the sights and sounds of the season – whether that’s in your garden or from inside your home. Here are 4 ways to achieve that indoor-outdoor vibe in your own home this summer…
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Little ones grow up so fast and their needs change quickly – so if you’re buying new items for every stage of baby’s development, the costs soon add up. So, how can you save money & even get freebies while bringing up your little one? Here are some ideas:
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I’m sure it’s the same for everyone but I feel like our garden is SO behind compared to last year! I’ve finally been able to plant out some of the hardier veggies but we’ve also built a DIY cold frame from pallet wood to keep growing our seedlings…
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If you want to put up some nesting boxes and attract birds into your garden, why not upcycle them with fun colours and patterns before you install them? Here’s how I created my colourful cluster of bird ‘apartments’..!
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When you’re searching for an affordable rental there’s much more to consider than just the monthly cost of rent. Here are 8 things you should factor into your budget when you’re moving into a rental property for the first time…
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We all know money is essential to pay bills, buy things we need & care for the people we love. However, we often fail to realise that our finances are closely related to mental wellbeing. So how does mental health affect our finances & vice versa..?
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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…
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What do you do when you’ve got a shed full of tangled tools and a spare pallet in the garden? Why, pull it apart and build a tool silhouette storage board, of course! Here’s how to DIY your own shed hanging system to organise your essential tools…
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I’ve been trying to replace most of my regular skin & hair products with more natural, organic, vegan or cruelty-free alternatives & have been enjoying the process of researching new brands. Here are some of my bath, body & haircare favourites…
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Have you ever started work on a project only to look up at the clock & realise that 3 hours have passed? If so, you might have been in ‘flow’, which is just one benefit of crafting. Here’s how getting creative can boost your mental and physical wellbeing:
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One of the best things about blogging is that sometimes I will get a message from someone who has read my blog and was inspired by one of my projects. Today I’m sharing some of the awesome upcycles & DIYs that YOU guys have made – aren’t they fantastic??
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You know how something isn’t a problem until you notice it? A feature so functional that you barely see it but then realise it’s not to your taste or could be improved? Well that’s how I feel about my front door, which is why I’ve decided to revamp it…
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I finally feel like things are happening in our garden now. Looking back over the month of April, I’m actually surprised by how much we’ve got done, even though there’s not much in the way of veggies yet! Here’s the veg we planted & projects we built…
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We’ve decided to bring our kitchen renovation plans forward a little so, not only am I browsing for new units (blimey, there’s a lot of options out there!), but I’m also researching flooring. Here’s my shortlist of materials for my kitchen floor…
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Keeping tech gear and cables organised (and safe) can be tricky, which is why I’ve DIY’d some custom foam inserts to safely store my important photography equipment, tech accessories & hobby kit. Here’s how to spring clean & tidy your office drawers…
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After doing a LOT of research into the ingredients in beauty products I’ve recently switched over to some wonderful natural skincare & cosmetics brands so I thought I’d share my findings with you. Here are some of my favourite organic & vegan products…
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As the world starts ‘getting back to normal’ this month, I thought it would be the perfect time to reflect on the (weirdly!) fun times I’ve had at home thanks to the awesome activities that I’ve enjoyed online. Here are 6 of my favourite virtual events…
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Decluttering & spring cleaning are some of my favourite activities. I love a good clear-out & really appreciate the extra space gained by letting go of lesser-used items. Here’s how to minimise your belongings (& prevent recluttering!) this spring…
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Although it doesn’t look too bad from this photo my old chest of drawers was broken & falling apart so I decided to upcycle it into not one, not two, but THREE new pieces of furniture for my home – and here are the step-by-step projects…
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How have you found working from home? Have you actually enjoyed it? Have you got more work done? Would you like to continue living the laptop lifestyle? If you’ve become a fan of WFH maybe now’s the time to commit & create a home office for yourself…
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If you’re a fan of reading like me, you’ve probably already been practicing bibliotherapy without realising it. And it’s not just about reading self-help books; the enjoyment you get from fiction is can also benefit your mental wellbeing. Here’s how…
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The final task in my budget kitchen makeover is the flooring so I’m looking for a low cost, easy and (hopefully!) reusable method to revamp my old kitchen tiles. Here are some of my favourite options…
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Hooray, the clocks have gone forward, the days are brighter, & the weather is getting warmer. I’m super excited about planting up the veggie patch so this month I’ve been sowing seeds & making plans to attract more wildlife to our garden too…
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In the spring I love to find new ways to spruce up my home; tidying, decluttering and revamping my interior. Of course, I always want any improvements to be as low-cost as possible so here are some thrifty tips to get your home looking fab for spring…
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Get the most out of your existing by furniture by turning a simple coffee table into a two-in-one piece of furniture that converts into a comfy footstool and back again. Here’s how to upholster a padded topper for ANY coffee table…
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With Easter approaching on 4th April, how about treating your little ones to something more exciting (and healthy!) than chocolate? Here’s my guide to more sustainable Easter gifts that’ll keep kids entertained during the school holidays too…
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Take a tour of Lana Rose Interior’s fresh & airy home to get inspiration for your own Scandi-style spring interior. Nicola’s genius upcycling projects will help you stick to your decorating budget while creating peaceful rooms with plenty of character…
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What are your ‘lockdown lessons’? Do you have some fab food hacks or top kitchen tips? I was so chuffed when my own grow-your-own veggie patch project was highlighted by FoodSavvy earlier this week so here’s my lockdown allotment story…
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If, like me, you’re a yoga newbie, here’s your ultimate guide to natural yoga gear for beginners. I’ve researched the most useful yoga mat properties, the best non-toxic mats on the market and, of course, have found the lowest priced versions!
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As we can’t visit our mums on Mother’s Day this year, I’ve had a think about some alternative ways to celebrate on Sunday 14th March. I’ve come up with some lovely letterbox gifts so that your mum can still open her present with you via video call…
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I’m sure you already know how handy upcycling is to help you save money & keep items out of landfill – but did you know it’s really beneficial for your mental health too? Here’s how to use your craft skills to revamp furniture & feel happier…
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I’m not a fan of clichés BUT when it comes to decorating your home, it’s probably useful to have a few in the back of your mind before starting a task. Not only will you save lots of time & effort, but also plenty of money too! Here’s how clichés help…
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After growing our own fruit & veg in our garden for the 1st time in 2020, this year I’m making plans for a kitchen garden that’ll (hopefully) provide all the fresh produce we’ll need. Here’s my monthly veggie plot update for February (with lots of snow!)
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Sleep is one of the most important things you can do to maintain a healthy immune system. Considering the health concerns posed by the pandemic, it’s a good idea to naturally boost your immunity so here some are ways to get a better nights sleep…
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Even though half-term is finishing soon, many youngsters will continue to be home-schooled next week. So, if you need some ideas to keep your kids entertained and educated over the coming month, here are some activities and lessons you might want to try…
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It’s less than a month until Mother’s Day on Sunday 14th March so, if you’re thinking of buying something unique or personalised for your mum from independent makers, that gives you 4 weeks to choose a handmade gift. Here are 8 of my favourite Etsy shops:
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If you’ve ever said “all my money is gone by the end of the month, so how on earth am I supposed to save?” it’s because the little things all add up. Here’s why the conveniences of modern life are stopping you from saving money & what you can do about it:
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If you enjoy a good book and a cuppa while soaking in a bubbly bath, today’s DIY is for you! Here’s how to build your very own bathroom storage stand using offcuts of scaffolding and upcycled broom handles to create a bath-side spot for your tea..!
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Whether you’re celebrating together or apart, Valentine’s Day will certainly be different this year. Here are some ideas for long-distance dates and romantic at-home activities you can enjoy ‘virtually’ during lockdown in February 2021…
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If you’ve set some new years resolutions or are working toward an epic goal in 2021, today’s post aims to help you achieve a happy medium with your plans that lets you be optimistic about the future while making the most of every day…
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If there’s one thing I always need more of its storage, so I’ve come up with a simple DIY project to revamp old drawers to create sliding under-bed boxes on wheels. Here’s how to decoupage the inside & add upcycled handles to stow away toys, books & shoes:
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Seeing as we’ve had nearly a year of mask-wearing, you’d think I would’ve already settled on a favourite face mask to suit my needs. But, as a glasses wearer, I’ve found it tough to fight the fog! Here’s what I’ve tried & some solutions for spectacles…
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This time last year, we built our first veggie patch in the garden with the intention of growing our own fruit and veg. Now, in the frosty mornings of January I’m outside digging & indoors sowing. Here’s how we got on last year & our 2021 progress so far:
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To make the most of the understairs cupboard I’ve transformed the door into a ‘doorganiser’ – a place to store essentials, create a weekly planner for the family & write shopping lists. Here’s how to make your own door organiser by upcycling DIY offcuts…
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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…
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One of the things I’ve enjoyed this winter is going to virtual events. I don’t have to go out in the cold, defrost the car & drive to a venue to enjoy quality live entertainment. Here are some fab low-cost & FREE shows that are available online this month:
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If the darker days of winter leave you gloomy, you’ve been having trouble sleeping or simply need some more me-time, journaling can help. It’s important to focus on self-care at this time of year and here’s how writing a diary can help with your wellbeing:
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Many of us are working from home this month & although it’s tempting to wear your comfy PJs all day or even stay in bed to work on your laptop, that’s not the best way to look professional or feel motivated. Here’s how to stay cosy while working remotely:
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If you’re working remotely or have got kids studying at home, you might want to DIY a desk to make home-working easier. Or you can use it as a console table to tidy up the keys, cash & post that accumulate in your entryway. Grab an old drawer & let’s DIY..!
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If you want inspiration for a cosy home that can easily take you from winter into spring, Amy from Cuter Tudor has kindly allowed me to share some photos of her beautifully styled home to provide all the design inspo you need for a transitional interior…
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Last year I discovered just how handy those empty tubs of chocolate can be after Christmas, especially if you have lots of fairy lights to put away like we do. They’re fab storage for LED lights & decorations & all it takes is a little bit of adjusting…
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When you’ve got a spare half-hour and fancy watching something festive why not re-watch some classic Christmas TV shows?! Here’s a handy list of all the seasonal episodes of your favourite TV series & sitcoms ready for you to enjoy this December…
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Beautifully decorated for Christmas with twinkling fairy lights, homemade decorations and cosy corners for curling up in, this barn is exactly where I’d like to be right now. Take a peek inside this warm & welcoming renovation to inspire your festive decor…
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Welcome to my festive pallet project! I’ve DIYed a friendly freestanding snowman to adorn your lawn and the best part is that he doubles-up as a family game. I’ve teamed up with DIY website ManoMano to show you how to make this dapper snowman for yourself.
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December is usually full of festive events, pantos & Christmas light switch-ons but this year I’ve found some are some fabulously festive entertainment you can enjoy from the comfort of your own home while supporting performers & local theatres – enjoy..!
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