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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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:
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:
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…
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’..!
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…
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..?
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…
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:
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??
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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!
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…
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!)
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…
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…
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:
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:
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…
If you’ve set some new years resolutions or are working toward an epic money goal, 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…
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:
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…
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:
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…
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:
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:
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:
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…
Christmas can be busy at the best of times so I’ve come up with some ways that we can use modern technology to make December easier than ever. From gift shopping to entertainment, there are so many festive things you can enjoy without lifting a finger…
For me, Christmas always evokes a feeling of nostalgia so I’ve raided my childhood toybox to decorate my Christmas tree with retro toys. Here’s how to upcycle any small plastic animals or metal cars to create festive decorations for your tree…
Yes! You CAN enjoy a fun & fulfilling Christmas without spending a fortune – you just need to get a bit creative with your time & money. And I’m here to help you! Here are some seasonal step-by-step guides & money-saving tips for a cracking Christmas…
If you’ve found yourself with free time during lockdown this year, you might be thinking of setting up a side-hustle to make extra money, or may even be planning to launch your own business. Here are some tips for getting started with your indie biz…
I’m excited to tell you that on Sunday 15th November is the Makers Market From Home Christmas Bonanza so I’ll be doing all my Christmas shopping with indie businesses from the comfort of my own home. Here’s some of the talented Etsy makers involved…
If you’re at home this month, why not take this time to get organised and start your Christmas shopping? My gift guide focuses on activity-based presents for kids and teens. I hope you’ll find some inspiration for your own festive shopping right here…
The clocks have gone back, the days are darker & the weather is colder. But that doesn’t mean we have to feel chilly all winter long. I’ve got some tips for staying warm at home without incurring extra heating costs…
With the clocks going back at the weekend we’ve now got to deal with darker days and the impending winter. And when there’s not as much daylight it’s not particularly good for our mental and physical health. Here are some easy ways to take care of yourself…
In today’s post, I’m admitting to some rather messy habits I have but I want to share them for good reason – I think they actually save me both time and money every day. Do you do any of these hacks or have any similar time-saving tips? Let me know!
If you’re running a small business, it sometimes feels like social media and advertising takes up all your time – and even stops you doing the work you actually want to do! Here’s 3 ways you can grow your audience without giving up all your spare time…
Comedy, markets, theatre, workshops – there’s plenty of things you can do at home this winter. If you’re looking for ways to stay entertained from the comfort of your own home, here are a few fun ideas for enjoying your weekends and evenings…
It’s Backcare Awareness Week so I thought I would share my own experiences of pain, posture and preventative measures in today’s blog post, including the ways I’ve set up my work and sleep environments to help…
Did you know there’s an International Coffee Day?? The celebration was set up by the International Coffee Organization and it launched on 1st of October 2015. So, every year since, we’ve been giving a big cheer for coffee on the first of the month of October!
In honour of Recycle Week, I’m sharing my tips for enjoying tech in a sustainable way & without the hefty price-tag. Plus, I’ve upcycled & personalised a refurbished phone so I hope you’ll try out this easy DIY decal project too…
Even if your travel plans are currently on-hold it doesn’t stop you from dreaming about future trips. In fact, looking forward to a something can be beneficial to your mental health. Here’s how to make exciting plans without spending a penny…
If you’ve got a glut of tomatoes all ripening at once (yes, this is me!) here’s a delicious recipe to turn them into an autumnal spiced chutney. I’m already excited to open up a pot this winter to enjoy with my Christmas cheeseboard!
Seeing as the majority of items in my home & wardrobe are second-hand (or rescued from a skip), Recycle Week gives me a chance to shout about all the fab things you can make from unwanted furniture or waste materials – such as these fun upcycling DIYs…
We all have goals for our careers & professional lives, but how many of us have money goals too? As a big #MoneyTwitter fan, I’ve put together some ways you can plan, save and achieve your future money goals…
With many of us back in working-from-home-mode now’s the time to think about how your employer can support you, cover your expenses & help you work from home in comfort…
Our living spaces seem to get smaller during the cooler months, don’t they? I think it’s because we’re indoors more & can’t use our gardens as much if the weather is bad. Here’s some ideas to make your living room more cosy & liveable for autumn…
It’s only 99 sleeps until Christmas! And you know how fast those days go. So I thought I would share a quick blog post about saving money for Christmas 2020, and how you can make some extra cash to add to the piggy bank…
Many people – freelance or otherwise – are choosing to work from home if they can. While this may minimise the impact on our physical health, our mental health could suffer – so it’s important to know how to get the support you need if you’re staying in…
I feel very lucky to be able to bring you a sneak peek of ‘Weekend Makes: Hoop Embroidery’ craft book, share this cute step-by-step beaded honey bee project AND give you the chance to win a copy of the book for yourself!
When you look around your home do you ever you feel unsettled, tired or even sad by state of the space? If you’ve got clutter in your rooms, this can have an effect on your emotional state – here’s why it happens & how you can improve it…
With children all around the country going back to school or college this week or next, I thought it would be the ideal time to dip into the psychology behind helping your teenager feel confident this term…
If you’re planning a bit of a road trip this summer, important to give your car a check-over before you make any long journeys, and especially after it’s sat idle for any length of time. Here’s how…
If you haven’t got much space but want to create a summery display in your garden, why not plant up a wheelbarrow? You could also encourage children to get involved in planting up their own mini ‘fairy allotment’ garden. Here’s how…
It’s a summer of extremes, isn’t it? We’ve had scorching hot days alongside epic thunderstorms. It’s been uncomfortable for us humans, so I can only imagine how my fluffy cats are coping in the heat. Here are some hacks for helping your pets to stay safe:
As your parent ages, they may need additional support. With your assistance, they can be safe, healthy and comfortable. If you want to look after your mum or dad after they retire, focus on the following areas…
