MONEY MANAGEMENT

Should we be worrying about the effect of rising interest rates on borrowing?

The Bank of England’s base interest rate has been changing rapidly over the last year, with more fluctuations likely in the coming months. But how much will the prime rate affect your personal borrowing? Do you need to worry about it now when the rates might change again in the future? Here are some things to consider…

Allotment

Allotment update: The plot thickens

Well, actually, the plot expands. We’ve taken on a larger allotment so that we can grow even more of our own fruit and veg this year. Here are our plans for the bigger veggie patch…

travel

The ultimate guide to honeymooning in Greece

At this time of year, it seems like weddings are everywhere. It’s the start of the season when brides and grooms start to plan the details of their wedding and honeymoon. So, if you’re getting married this year, I hope that this guide to visiting Greece will help you decide on your travel destination.

Bedroom

How to DIY that holiday home look in your own bedroom

It’s so lovely to escape for a short break every once in a while, but just what is it that makes a holiday home feel so relaxing? And how can you DIY that look and feel in your own house? Here are some tips to achieve that getaway vibe on a budget…

Home buying

How to downsize your home to save money on bills

Downsizing might not be an option for all of us to save money on our bills but, if you’re living in a property that’s bigger than you need, you may want to investigate the option of moving house and cutting your costs at the same time. Here are some things to consider…

Money Saving Tips

4 Simple ways to live a more frugal lifestyle this year

Many of us are feeling the pinch this year, with outgoings increasing and sometimes not quite enough money coming in. So, how do you make savings without giving up the things you need? Here are a few ideas to dramatically cut your costs and still enjoy your home and lifestyle…

DIY furniture makeovers

DIY project: Chair repair

Whether you’ve got an old heirloom or a tatty seat that needs refinishing, repairing a chair is a project you can tackle yourself. It’s always handy to have extra seating so here’s a step-by-step guide to repair and revamp any old chair…

Side Hustle Business

Tips to launch & grow your small business this year

Whether you’re just starting out in business, have been running your side hustle for a while or just have a spark of an idea, it’s never too early to begin thinking about ways that you can build your independent business to achieve your goals.

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…

Festive

Merry Christmas everyone

I’m taking a break for Christmas so I wanted to wish you all a very merry Christmas and a brilliant new year!

Family

How to encourage your family to play games this Christmas

It would be nice to enjoy a bit of family time over Christmas but, these days, it’s more likely that each member of the family will be glued to their own phones or devices rather than spending time together. Here are a few suggestions to get your family to spend some quality time together this Christmas…

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…

Garden

The best houseplants to buy on a budget

Houseplants are great for health, productivity and positivity. They brighten a room, release oxygen into the air, remove toxins from the atmosphere and add character to your home or office. But they do tend to cost money. Here are some ways to still grow house plants, without the hefty price tag…

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…

Family

Christmas gift guide for kids – educational gifts and games

If you’re looking for special gifts for the children in your life, this gift guide has some of the most adorable, fun and educational gifts available this year. So, if you want to want to teach kids about recycling, magnetic forces, bees or being creative, here are some ideas to inspire your shopping.

Thrifty gifts

Christmas gift guide for adults – handmade and indie businesses

If you’re shopping for gifts for the grown-ups in your life, why not buy handmade pieces or shop with indie businesses this year? You’ll support a small company or independent maker to stay in business and can treat your loved one to a unique gift at the same time…

Home tours

Home tour of a cosy period school house in Devon

How do you update a period school house without losing its character and charm? Take a tour around this 1890s home belonging to Abby of @another_old_school_house and be inspired by its cosy interior and elegant ambience.

Bedroom

3 Hottest wallpaper patterns to try & how to do it your own way

Wallpaper is one of the easiest ways to bring a whole new look to your interior. Just a roll or two can make all the difference with a feature wall that brings impact and colour. Here are three of the hottest trends, and different ways to make them work in your home…

Side Hustle Business

Checklist of things to consider when setting up a small independent business

It can be an exciting time when you’re starting up a small, independent business however, there are certain things you’ll need to consider from the off, such as paperwork, finance and operating factors. Here’s a handy list of the things you should look at when you set up your own business…

Money Saving Tips

4 Pain-free ways to cut the cost of your monthly bills

Many budgeting articles will advise you to give up lots of your favourite things if you want to save money. However, it IS possible to reduce your monthly costs without missing out on the essentials for a happy life – here are some pain-free ways to make savings on your bills…

Cruelty-free Life

Natural, vegan and plastic-free beauty treats for autumn

As we head into a new season (and begin to prepare for the busy festive rush!) I’ve come up with a list of lovely beauty treats that we all deserve to enjoy this autumn. Whether you need hydrating skincare for the changing weather or even just relaxing day to yourself, these treats are recyclable, cruelty-free and natural. Enjoy..!

Money Saving Tips

7 Ways to cut the cost of running a vehicle for your freelance business

When you’re self-employed or running an independent business, there are so many things that you need to consider when forecasting and recording your expenses. Luckily, there are plenty of ways to cut down on the costs associated with the vehicle you use for work – here are some ideas…

Home office

How to turn your office space into a home away from home

If you’re spending more hours in the office than out of it, you might as well make it comfortable and an enjoyable place to spend your time. Whether that’s your working-from-home office or your small business office, it IS possible to create a homely feeling while you work…

Home buying

How to continue saving a deposit for your first home during the cost of living crisis

If you’ve been trying to save for your future home and now the cost of living crisis has hit, you might be thinking that it’s no longer possible to put aside any cash for your deposit – or for any other goal you have. But there ARE still ways that you can keep saving and organise your finances to make your homeowning dream a reality…

Autumn

3 Ways to minimise the cost of your autumn wedding

If you’re planning a wedding for this autumn or next, congratulations! Whether you’ve got a defined budget to stick to or simply want to create your dream wedding for a fraction of the cost, here are some thrifty tips to help you achieve that…

DIY

5 Amazing upcycles by inspirational interior Instagrammers

If you’re tackling a home revamp this year, why not consider shopping secondhand for your furniture? It’s certainly a great way to save money and lets you put your own stamp on your interior by creating something completely unique to you. Take inspiration from these talented interior Instagrammers and their 5 amazing upcycles…

Autumn

Party hosting tips for an early autumn get-together

September is the ideal time for an early autumn gathering. It’s not too hot and not too cold – the ideal Goldilocks weather for an outdoor meet-up with your family and friends before the winter comes. Here are some ideas for hosting a cosy garden party this autumn…

Days Out

How to save money on family days out this summer

We all want to enjoy the summer holidays with our families but the costs involved can soon add up. Whether you’re taking day trips or enjoying a staycation, here are some simple ways to save money during the school holidays…

Home buying

A handy guide to the 4 types of debt and how to manage them

You might not realise it, but there are many different types of debt – and not all of them are bad. It’s therefore important to understand the kinds of debt available so that you can make informed decisions about the best ways to borrow money when you need to…

Home buying

5 Questions to ask yourself before renting out your property

If you’re temporarily moving for work, have inherited a property or have even saved enough money to invest in a second home, why not make the most of your situation and rent out the house or rooms? Here are some questions you should ask yourself before putting your property on the rental market…

Art & Photography

Creative ways to actually use your photos rather than keeping them unseen on your device

So, you’ve been on a lovely day out with your family, you’ve celebrated a special occasion or you’ve enjoyed the trip of a lifetime – and you took plenty of photos while you were there. But what do you then do with those snaps? Leave them languishing unseen on your phone? Maybe now’s the time to do something creative with them instead…

Blogging

Ideas for making money as a blogger, vlogger or influencer

If you’ve accumulated a loyal following through your social accounts, blog or vlog, that’s wonderful news. You’ve got an instant audience for anything you get up to, so why not tap into that resource and try to earn some money? That cash can help you to continue making content for your followers and give you the extra time and resources to do so – here are some ideas…

Birthdays

How to DIY a customised gift hamper for any occasion

Whether you’re heading to a wedding, looking for the ideal birthday gift or simply want to show a friend how much you care, a gift hamper is always a winner. It’s a thrifty way to treat that special someone AND it can be customised to suit their interests. Here’s how to make one yourself…