If you’ve got grown-ups to buy for this Christmas, here are some fun, creative and interesting present ideas that they’ll enjoy unwrapping on the big day. Check out this selection to get your shopping sorted at the start of December…
Teenagers are possibly the trickiest age group to buy gifts for. Who knows what’s cool or not – especially when trends change from one week to the next? Here are some fun presents that’ll delight any teen when they unwrap them at Christmas…
Advent is finally here! It’s time to get those gifts sorted so that you can be fully prepared in advance of the big day. If you’d like some inspiration for some fabulous and fun gifts for children, here are my top picks for this year…
When a home feels a little too cold in winter or a bit too warm in summer, the windows are often part of the reason. These 8 small upgrades can make a big difference without the need to stretch your budget too far…
If you’re renovating your home, installing a new kitchen or updating your appliances, there are some essential “elements” to include that will help to boost the health and safety of your family…
It’s important we take care of our health and wellbeing, but that doesn’t mean dropping huge amounts of money on the latest fad wellness product or expensive gym memberships – here’s how to save money while boosting your wellbeing…
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…
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…
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…
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..!
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
Get your kids into sewing with this easy project to make a gorgeous mermaid tail blanket. Here’s a handy step-by-step guide and a template to help your youngsters get crafty during the school holidays…
This cute knitting project is ideal for kids and adults alike, giving you the chance to get creative together during the half-term holidays. Here’s a simple step-by-step project to show you and your family how to knit your own frog friends…
The winter can be a tricky time to navigate the outdoors – even for a fully mobile person. So, when the wintery weather comes, it can sometimes put off some family members from going out of the house at all. Here are some suggestions to help your loved ones stay safe during those chilly months…
You know what it’s like – you’re just going about your day, week or month as planned, only to find yourself in a situation where you suddenly need money—and don’t have it! That’s why it’s essential to set aside some funds for those unexpected, unfair moments. Here are some tips to do just that…
It may seem impossible to become an author but with all the publishing options available these days, it’s certainly possible if you want to fulfil your dream. You just need to begin your side hustle and here are some ideas to get you started…
Growing your own fruit and veg can be a handy way to cut the cost of your weekly food shop, along with bringing health and nutrition benefits. So, if you’d like to get started on planting up your plot, here are some seeds that’ll feed your family for just a few pennies…
If you want to spread the cost of Christmas, it’s exactly three months away so now is the perfect time to start shopping so that you don’t end up with credit card bills in January. Who’s with me..?
If you’ve got a water ring on your wooden furniture, you may have searched the internet to find out what you can do to repair it. But how do you know what will work? Luckily, I’ve tried out the online hacks so you don’t have to…
If you’re thinking of buying or selling a property this year, it’s helpful to know what the fastest-selling types of home are. Plus, I’ve shared some tips to prepare your home to go on the market that’ll help it sell quickly…
Whether you’re enjoying a staycation at home, heading to the coast for a UK break or travelling further afield, here are some ideas to keep the whole family entertained for a fun summer holiday…
Parents and educators often face the challenge of keeping teenagers engaged and motivated in their learning, especially when it comes to studying at home. Here are some ideas for engaging your teen in a little extra learning during the summer holidays…
Whether you want to earn a little extra money on the side or just want to get involved in the local community by volunteering, teaching sports for the youngsters – and even adults – in your area can be a great way to use your skills…
With Father’s Day approaching it can be difficult to know what gift to get your dad, especially if he’s already received multiple pairs of ‘best dad’ socks over the years! Here are some unique gift ideas that you might not have considered before and that will give your dad a real treat..!
Packing your calendar with experience days has so many benefits to your wellbeing so here are some important reasons why it makes sense to plan some fun new activities throughout the year…
When the weekend rolls around, it sometimes feels like there’s pressure to enjoy the time off with lots of activities and treats. However, you don’t need to splash the cash to have an exciting weekend at home – in fact, you can have loads of fun with just a few pounds. Here’s how…
Having your own personal space is a huge deal, especially when it comes to homes. Ensuring privacy for your family gives them peace of mind and a calm feeling of safety. Here are some simple home improvement ideas that’ll help…
Even though the current financial climate is uncertain, we should all still be looking ahead to the future and planning our next steps. Rather than putting our financial plans on hold, here are five ways that you can make your money work for you…
If you fancy embracing arts and culture this month, here are some highlights from the annual Norfolk & Norwich Festival, which opened on Friday 10th May with countless free events happening throughout the city…
Today I’m sharing a house tour of artist Philippa Jeffery’s peaceful home so that you can be inspired by her beautiful combination of colours and patterns that create a calm, characterful interior.
With two bank holidays and a half-term break, May is a busy month for families. So, I thought I would come up with some ideas to keep youngsters entertained during their days off school…
Regular dental check-ups are not just a recommendation; they are essential for saving money as well as maintaining good oral health. So, the last thing you want is to skip these appointments. Here’s why…
If your busy family life makes it difficult to stay healthy, why not consider doing some fun activities that all the family can take part in? They’ll benefit from the health improvements that extra movement can bring plus you’ll all get a boost to your mental wellbeing…
If you have been invited to the first birthday party of a loved one, chances are you’re wondering what to buy for the little one. Whether it’s a niece, nephew, friend’s child or your own toddler, you want a first birthday present to be something meaningful. Here are some ideas…
Some of the most expensive items to replace are tech products and it’s devastating when your item breaks down. Here’s how to save big on your next tablet, PC, laptop, phones and accessories when the time comes to replace them…
During the school holidays, it can be difficult (and costly!) to entertain children without resorting to screens. Here’s a fun craft project that’ll keep them entertained and help them explore their creativity…
If you want to be inspired to get out of your comfort zone and try out new adventures in 2024, here are some ideas to bring extra experiences and plenty of family fun into your life this year…
Right now there is a debate raging in the car community concerning the sustainability of the vehicles we drive. If you’re considering ditching your old classic in favour of a new electric vehicle, here are both sides of the argument for you to help you decide…
If you fancy taking on a festive knitting project to work on during the dark winter evenings, why not create your own knitted Christmas stocking? Here are the instructions, charts and materials you’ll need to DIY one yourself…
If you want to boost your mood, train your brain and improve your physical dexterity, crafting can help. Getting creative and interacting with new activities and techniques can help enhance your well-being in more ways than one…
Create a custom cupboard to store your cat’s essentials plus, you can even DIY a space for their litter tray so that they can have a little privacy when they use to loo. Here’s how…
Take inspiration from this traditional Cornish stone cottage to create a cosy home that’s ideal for youngsters and grown-ups alike, with just a pop of playful colour…
Whether you’re studying or not, take advantage of that back-to-school feeling in September by setting yourself some goals for the first semester of the new school year…
After a wet and warm summer, the allotment plot was ridiculously overgrown with weeds. Here’s a rather satisfying before and after of the work we’ve done to get it back to being a usable plot, plus some updates on our current produce…
If you’d like to create a calming home but don’t like the starkness of a minimalist interior, take inspiration from interior design consultant Katy Orme’s 1930s home to recreate her peaceful Apartment Apothecary decor.
With the school holidays drawing to a close, many of us are starting to plan our summer holiday for next year already. Here are some easy ways to cut the cost of your next family break.
With many youngsters returning to school at the start of next month, you’ve still got enough time to organise their bedrooms in preparation for the new term. Here are some ideas for storage, study and sleep…
It’s been a while since my last allotment update so today I’m showing you our lovely beetroot harvest and sharing my recipe for preserving them in delicious sweet vinegar. Plus, here’s how the larger plot is coming along…
I know the school holidays have only just started but why not encourage your family to customise their flasks or upcycle their lunchboxes over the summer break? It’s a fun crafting activity that’ll help them get ready for back-to-school…
Whether it’s sunny or rainy, creating a gallery wall with your favourite summery images can help to create a happy home environment and brighten your spirits, especially when you mix in a bit of neon..!
If you’re travelling with children over the school summer holidays, here are some ideas for compact games that you can take with you to play while you’re waiting for transport or when you arrive at your destination…
