As autumn rolls in, the air turns crisp and the days invite a little more comfort and calm. It’s time to embrace transitional loungewear that feels as good as it looks – perfect for everything from cosy reading sessions to relaxed work-from-home days.
From birds and hedgehogs to bees and ladybugs, our gardens are teeming with wildlife that need a cosy place to shelter in the winter. Here are some practical ideas & DIY projects that’ll help welcome + protect them in the colder weather…
If you want to save money on window dressings but still want to achieve an opulent interior, here are some tips for planning and measuring your own shutters, blinds and curtains to cut the cost of installation and help you achieve a cosy look for less…
Christmas is coming, so let’s not stress: Here are fifty things you can do between now and the 25th of December to help you spread the chores, have more fun and cut the cost of Christmas this year…
If, like me, you love mid-century modern furniture but don’t want a home that looks stuck in the past, here’s how I’ve created my own ‘modern mid-century’ office in my 1950s home, plus the first steps of my DIY makeover…
Combining pared-back simplicity with beautifully textured finishes, interior designer Peter Irvine has created an authentically Mediterranean-style home that’s full of inspiring DIYs & rustic finds. Tour The White Home here to steal his style…
During these in-between months, it’s not unusual to have warm sunny days & freezing cold temperatures in the UK – all within the same week. Here’s how to make your outfits autumn-ready, so that you can always feel comfortable, whatever the weather…
If you have a garden, it’s lovely to be able to enjoy it during the autumn. On those crisp sunny days, you can head outside knowing that you’ve got a gorgeous space to relax in. Here are some small tasks for your gardening to-do list this season:
When it comes to interiors, few debates are as lively as cluttercore versus minimalism. Both styles can look striking, but which actually looks better in a household where family life, pets and daily chaos are part of the package? Let’s explore…
If you love to save time and money, it’s likely that these handy life hacks will be helpful for you. From home to health, food to fun, here are some low-cost yet effective solutions for cutting the cost of your everyday expenses to help you better your budget…
While we often discuss money, bills and insurance as adults, it’s rare that we involve children in those discussions. Here are some simple ways to include kids in the conversation to give them a head-start with their own finances and future…
If you’ve got debts that you want to tackle, there are two tried & tested ways you can quickly make a dent in what you owe. Whether it’s vehicle finance, credit cards or even the mortgage on your house, it IS possible to pay it off with a smart strategy…
From practical motoring essentials to nice-to-have treats, there are a few things you should always keep in your car to ensure a happy and cosy experience when you head out on the road this autumn…
There’s nothing more annoying than paying for something twice, is there? Yet it’s easily done. Here are some easy ways you can avoid being double-subscribed or over-insured in order to save cash every month…
A visit to the enchanting city of Verona, Italy, doesn’t have to make a large dent in your wallet. With its rich history, timeless architecture and tantalizing cuisine, Verona has plenty to offer that can be enjoyed even on a budget…
Previously, a ‘luxury’ interior meant gleaming marble floors, rare exotic hardwoods & glossy finishes designed to impress. Recently, the definition of luxury has been rewritten, so here’s how to add sustainable touches to your home for a luxe look…
Lots of the little ones in my life are starting nursery school this month, so I thought it would be the ideal time to share some ideas for making the most of this transition from home to school with some money-making tips for the parents..!
With autumn evenings fast approaching, here are some ideas to make the most of those drizzly days and dark nights over the next couple of months. These 5 low-cost self-care activities will help to boost your wellbeing on a budget…
Buying a home is one of the most expensive purchases you ever make. Once the deposit, taxes & fees are paid, you’ll also need cash to move & redecorate, so even the smallest savings will come in handy. Here are three ideas that might help…
If you love good food here’s why it’s time to embrace fresh produce, both from a health & sustainability point of view. Whether it’s a main meal recipe or a mid-morning coffee, everything can be improved when you put freshness first…
Heading off to university is an exciting time; however, the transition from home to halls can also be overwhelming. Here are some tips to help you (or the student in your life) enjoy a stress-free move, with finances, food and fun all sorted…
Whether you’re looking to increase the appeal of your home and add value, ready to sell, or simply want to give it a bit of a refresh and make the most of the available space, here are great DIY hacks to help you create a multi-use interior…
Sleep is one of the most powerful tools we have for a better life, but sometimes, upgrading our sleep setup feels financially out of reach. The good news? You don’t need a high-end mattress to sleep like royalty. Here are some thrifty tips…
The school holidays are here and, while there are plenty of things to do outdoors during the summer, when the weather turns, it’s a good idea to have a stash of activities and books to hand to keep teenagers busy on those rainy days…
Sometimes smart, well-judged updates can go much further than a full renovation. That’s certainly the case in your kitchen, where these five upgrades can help to elevate the space without breaking your budget…
Looking for your wedding dress is one of the most exciting moments in your life & I’m here to help you find your dream dress on a budget. Here are 6 tips to ensure you don’t blow your savings while still finding a gorgeous gown…
Whether you’re a Generation X-er planning retirement, a Millennial starting a family or a Gen Z going to uni, money will always be a factor in your life. A recent study gives insights into the generational finance gap & here are the top takeaways…
With so many activities and acts to entertain youngsters around the site, Latitude Festival has proved to be one of the best festivals for family fun in the UK. Whether, you’ve got toddlers or teens, here’s what’s on offer to entertain and amaze them…
If you’re starting at a new school, 6th form, college or university after the summer holidays end, you’ll probably need to get some essential items organised to give you flying start. Here are 4 important items you might need…
Whether you want to create a period interior, mid-century inspired room or sleek, minimalist contemporary decor, there’s one interior design element that’s everywhere at the moment. Here’s why it’s so fabulous & how to get the look for less…
So you’ve booked your summer seaside getaway. The date is nearing and you’re thinking about packing. But what essentials will you need during your British beach break? Here are some ideas from someone who lives by the sea…
If you want to create a garden, you don’t need a huge budget to create something special. You just need to be willing to put in some hard work on a regular basis and consider these three thrifty elements…
While festivals can certainly be frantic and fun, it’s also possible to achieve some peace and relaxation at Latitude. Here’s where to find some brain-boosting and mind-soothing moments at the event…
If there’s a birthday, anniversary or celebration coming up and you want to give that special someone a gift that’s not only ideal for them but is also a frugal option, here’s how sending a selection of treats is the ideal solution…
Step inside the untouched interior of this stunning South Carolina house, filled with mid-century modern details and lovingly restored by Sarah Nielsen. Prepare to fall in love with 1950s design and decor…
With so many self-help books out there, it’s difficult to know where to start. If you want to have a flick through some handy books that’ll help you to improve your life and wellbeing, both physically and mentally, here are a few options for a quick read…
Whether it’s family finances, inheritance, childcare or property ownership, at some stage in life it’s likely you’ll need to consult a solicitor for help with legal family matters. Here’s how can you cut the cost of life admin & ensure the process runs smoothly…
Throughout our lives the way we dress will inevitably change and we might be looking for easy solutions to keep our wardrobes looking lovely whilst providing comfort. Here are some tips for dressing well during perimenopause and beyond…
University is more than just essays, exams and late-night study sessions — it’s where lifelong habits take root. It’s becoming increasingly apparent that how students live, on a day-to-day basis, is just as important as what they learn in the lecture halls…
So often you hear of home renovations and house building projects going massively over the allocated budget. Here are some handy tools to prevent this by working out your costs of materials and labour in advance…
When you raise a glass to celebrate during the summer months, what does your cocktail of choice say about you? Here’s how to make some of the most famous cocktails in the world, along with some insights into your personality that each drink offers…
If you want to get a gorgeous gift for your Dad this Father’s Day, why not choose a delicious foodie treat? Here are five ideas that’ll tempt his tastebuds and feel like a truly personal present, from chocs and snacks to delicious drinks…
If you’re a fan of The Darling Buds of May and want to combine your next holiday to France with a bit of filming location sight-seeing, here’s how you can find those elusive locations in Brittany yourself…
When you’re shopping for a birthday gift for a child, it’s sometimes difficult to know what type of toy will be suitable for them at each stage in their development. Here are tips for buying the right toys to suit their age & improve their abilities…
If you love the luxury of a hotel but can’t wait to get back into your own bed after a getaway, here are some simple tips and decor tricks to help you bring that luxurious hotel vibe home with you…
This is a fun idea for your next party – painting pots and planting them up with pretty plugs! Here’s how to plan and prepare for a birthday gathering with your friends or family, from the youngest children to grown-up gardening fans…
Looking stylish doesn’t mean you have to drain your savings or chase every new trend. Often, the most fashionable people aren’t the ones with overflowing wardrobes – but those who’ve learned to work creatively with what they already own. Here’s how…
Whether you’re a first-time buyer or are taking the next step on the property ladder, there’s something you should consider before you make that move: should you get the help of a mortgage adviser or do it yourself? Here are the pros & cons…
Would you like to experience lower stress-levels, quieter days and dark-sky nights? The perhaps moving to the country is for you. Here are some ways that living in a rural village can be beneficial to your well-being…
If the lovely weather has got you yearning for some garden-based fun with your friends or family, here are some ideas to help you plan the perfect games day and save some money at the same time…
If you’re planning a proposal and need to save for that special ring, today’s post might come in handy. I’m sharing five ways that you can budget, save up and shop savvy for an engagement ring, ready to propose to the person you love…
With this year’s fabulous Norfolk & Norwich Festival in full swing, I’ve browsed the event listings and have put together my top must-see events that’ll help to keep you entertained over the coming few weeks…
Whether you’ve just launched a start-up or have an established indie business, here are some ideas to help you streamline some of your work-related operations to become safer and more sustainable…
If your home is full of belongings but doesn’t have enough storage, it can quickly become cluttered. Here are some tips for finding extra storage in your home (that you didn’t know you had) in order to reduce the stress of excess stuff…
If your beloved childhood bear is missing an eye or has lost a limb, don’t despair. It’s possible to repair it yourself with just a few supplies. Here’s how I completed a bear repair for my niece and nephew…
Take a tour around this gorgeous North Carolina home, packed with antiques, art and storied pieces. Then discover how to recreate the look for yourself on a budget with my thrifty tips…
If you’re looking for fun ideas of crafts to do and sweet treats to bake over the long Easter bank holiday weekend, here’s a round-up of top activities, creative makes and yummy bakes to try with your family…
Now that the sunny seasons are approaching it’s the perfect time to consider what you can do to improve the warmth, comfort and energy efficiency of your home. Here’s what you can do and why it’s a good idea to tackle these tasks during warmer weather…
If you’re going to invest in a piece of clothing, why not make it something you can wear throughout the changing seasons, thereby reducing its ‘cost per wear’ and helping your wardrobe to work smarter? Here’s how I’m styling my new trench for Spring, Summer and Autumn…
Children love to claim their own space as they grow up so, when your youngster asks to decorate their bedroom, here are some tips to help you create a personality-packed place that they’ll love, along with the practical benefits of the project…
Let’s face it – some days, getting dressed up in something nice feels like a chore. With a few simple tweaks, you can elevate your daily look and feel more confident in what you wear…
No matter where you’re going in the world, there are a few things you’ll need in order to make your getaway easier and more relaxing, especially if you’re travelling with your family. Here are ten travel essentials I make sure I’ve got in my suitcase…
Rising energy prices are putting serious pressure on small businesses, making it harder to control operating costs. So how do you stay profitable if you’re running an independent business? Here are some actionable ideas for cutting the cost of your business bills…
A well-organised interior can help you to feel calmer and lets you enjoy your home more. That’s why I’m sharing some practical tips to achieve a clean, minimalistic look with plenty of clever storage; I want you to enjoy your downtime in a comfy but clutter-free space. Here’s how…
Whatever your Mother’s style – fashionista, gardener, homebird, foodie or nature lover – it’s easy to find a special treat for her at a great price. Check out these gorgeous gift ideas for your mum and get your hands on them in time for Mother’s Day…
Managing your family finances can seem like a daunting task, but it doesn’t need to be overly complicated. By implementing a few simple strategies, you can take control of your finances, save more effectively, and even find new ways to make money…
It has been a while since I last posted an update on my home renovation so I think it’s about time that I shared the next DIY tasks on my list – which will hopefully inspire you in your own interior decor projects…
If you want to grow your own veggies or fancy adding a splash of colour with spring flowers but don’t have much space in your courtyard or balcony, here are some tips on planting up a small space to achieve your gardening goals…
If you’re interested in learning more about our planet and climate change or want to make sustainability issues interesting for your children and teens, here are five fascinating books filled with practical ideas and plenty of wisdom…
Filled with splashes of colour and plenty of playful painted pieces, Julie Choi shows that it’s possible to create a unique home on a budget by upcycling and DIYing the design yourself. Take a tour of her interior to see how it’s done…
