Top secret! Personalised and retro gift ideas for your husband…
Here’s some of the personalised and retro gifts I’ve picked up for my husband this year, and I hope they’ll help you get your gift list in order too…
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Shop handmade, local & independent this Christmas with Etsy
If you’re looking for a truly unique gift this Christmas, you’ve got to go handmade. Etsy is a great marketplace to find items that have been crafted by artisans and creatives so that’s where I’ve been shopping this year. Here are some festive gift ideas for all members of the family…
Read More3 Wardrobe essentials that’ll help you stay snug all winter long
Having a fantastic winter wardrobe doesn’t have to cost an arm and leg or include countless new pieces of clothing. By adding just a few extra pieces you’ll be able to sail through the season looking effortlessly cool. Here are the three things you need to get you through the winter without breaking the bank…
Read MoreHow to cut the cost of a Christmas stocking in half
Did you know that the average cost of a Christmas stocking adds up to over £70? Sounds like a lot doesn’t it? That’s why I jumped at the chance to cut this cost by half and share the results of my Christmas stocking haul with you today. Plus, you can win all the items in my retro stocking in my giveaway below so read on to enter the competition…
Read MoreCosy clothing to prepare you for cold and wet winter weather
Fellwalker Alfred Wainwright once said “There’s no such thing as bad weather, only unsuitable clothing.” Seeing as the Met Office have said that the UK has experienced more weather extremes (both hot and cold) in recent years, I’ve decided to prepare myself for a nippy winter ahead. Here’s what you need to stay cosy in the cold…
Read More3 low-cost fashion trends to borrow from your grandparents
Autumn’s here and the new season fashion has hit the shops. If you’re bewildered by the selection, I hear you! I had a quick whizz around the stores and have concluded that A/W18 fashion can be grouped into a few textures/patterns so here’s how to get the look for less this year…
Read More5 Tips to make your printer ink last longer
It’s the little light that fills us all with dread. Today, an inkjet printer might be cheap to buy, but it almost seems cheaper to throw it away and buy a new one that to put in new ink cartridges! Printers can have a thirst that is downright scary, particularly if you use your for printing out photos or artwork with any kind of regularity – here’s some tips for making your ink cartridges last longer…
Read MoreTraditional housewarming gifts to buy or make
Did you know that housewarming gifts have a meaning behind them? Just like anniversary gifts, the present wrap up to congratulate a friend on their new home can have a significant meaning. So here are some ideas for housewarming presents that combine those customs alongside a handy gift or tasty treat…
Read MoreWhy you should buy from makers and microbusinesses
Whether you’re looking for interesting homewares, personalised gifts, handmade fashion or unique art, the best way to find something special is by buying from makers, artists and microbusinesses. Want to know where to find such creative folk? Read on to find out where and why to buy from the people who dedicate their lives to […]
Read MoreHow to find feel-good & low-cost sportswear
When it comes to exercising, there are a lot of excuses that you can find to avoid your daily workout, but your sportswear being too uncomfortable shouldn’t be one of them. If you’ve spent any time doing workouts in the past, you know how important it is that whatever you choose to wear is comfortable, […]
Read MoreHow to save money on your contact lenses, glasses & sunglasses
Eye-wear can be expensive, can’t it? I’ve winced at the price of prescription glasses many times! But this year been I’ve searching for ways to cut costs on my frames, prescription sunglasses and contact lenses. Read on to hear about the bargains I discovered online…
Read MoreWhy handmade jewellery is the best gift ever (& why you should commission a piece for that special occasion)!
If you’re looking for a meaningful present for a special occasion – or just a treat for yourself – you can’t go far wrong with a piece of handmade jewellery. Here’s what happened when I unwrapped a surprise gift…
Read MoreWhere to find vintage kitchen accessories on a budget
If you want to revamp your home on a tight budget here are some ways to shop savvy and get the best deals on retro homewares. Plus, you could be in with a chance of winning a super-cool on-trend belly basket in my giveaway so read on to enter..!
Read MoreTop ideas for last-minute Christmas gifts
Yes, you may have been rather disorganised and got into the Christmas spirit too early this year – but even if you haven’t done all your present shopping, there’s no need to panic. The Christmas countdown is well and truly on, and with just a couple more shopping days until the big day itself, there’s […]
Read MoreHow to encourage your teens to wrap up warm this winter
With temperatures falling drastically, there is no way one can ignore pulling out their warmest clothes including coats, sweaters, gloves, socks, and hats. But it’s no surprise if you spot your teenager hanging out in freezing weather in just a hoodie – sometimes paired with shorts. In fact, the more you tell them to cover up […]
Read MoreAffordable gift guide for husbands
Okay, I admit it. I’ve not bought a single Christmas gift for my husband yet. I’m guessing that next week will be a busy one for me as I scramble around to fill that stocking. You would imagine your husband is one of the easiest persons to shop for, but it might take longer to decide […]
Read MoreMy meaningful gift guide – How to find a special gift that they’ll love
This year, I’m planning to treat my family and friends to some meaningful gifts. Sure, I could head out onto the high street and get sucked into all the hustle and bustle of buying presents on a grand scale. But often this results in me not quite finding the ideal gifts for the people I […]
Read MoreChristmas decorations – The top two trends for 2017
Looking for ideas to decorate your home this Christmas to get into the festive spirit? I’ve been doing my research (early, of course!) and I found some fantastic tips from Personalised Gifts Shop. They’ve compiled a list of the biggest and best Christmas decorations trends this year and I can’t wait to share them with you. It’s […]
Read MorePusheen: Why do we love this cat so much?
Pusheen the cat started life as an internet sensation, and has quickly become the head of a soft toy empire in her own right. As one of the world’s most famous internet cats, people love Pusheen cat soft toys because of her love of junk food, her slightly chubby physique, and her passion for lazing […]
Read MoreThe ultimate ‘Pomegranate Noir’ scented candle sniff test
Have you heard about the candle that shoppers going wild about this summer? It’s a budget version of the Jo Malone ‘Pomegranate Nioir’ scented candle and it’s available – wait for it – in Aldi. But how good can this low-cost replica really be? Of course, as a thrifty blogger, it’s down to me to […]
Read MoreTuesday Shoesday – Where to find summer shoes for under £5
Okay, I admit it – I’ve been browsing the summer sales. Every year I try to resist, but when I see those footwear bargains start pinging up in my browser, I get easily distracted from work and start to shop. But if you knew what kind of deals I’d found, I’m sure you’d be doing […]
Read MoreTruly personal gift ideas for Father’s Day
It can be hard to find a unique gift for “the man who has everything” but don’t fret – I have the solution. Personalised gifts. I don’t just mean something with your dad’s name on it, I mean choosing all the elements of the design to create a truly unique gift. From shirts to socks, and […]
Read MoreMore than chocolate eggs – Easter gifts ideas
With Easter fast approaching, my thoughts have turned to chocolate eggs and rabbit-shaped iced biscuits. I love making marshmallow ‘nests’ with my niece and nephew, and an Easter cheesecake is a must in our household. But this year, I thought I’d consider some Easter gifts that are more than just edible treats. I’d love to […]
Read MoreTop 3 dress trends for spring/summer 2017 and how to wear them
The sun is out – hip hip hooray! For me this means the start of the spring/summer season and that means a slight shift in my wardrobe. It’s no longer the weather for woolly jumpers and thick jeans – which can only mean one thing; dresses are back! Today I’m sharing my picks of the […]
Read MoreMap Geek – Make it personal with romantic maps
If you’ve been following my blog for a while, you’ll already know what a geek I am when it comes to maps. Old, new and anything inbetween – maps are intriguing, enticing and informative. I’m the kind of person who wanders over to information maps on footpaths or in city centres and looks like a total tourist, […]
Read MoreMy advent calendar – 12 days to a beautiful Christmas
Yes, I still have an advent calendar every year, even at my age. I’ve had chocolate calendars to countdown the days until Christmas for as long as I can remember. And I probably had a printed cardboard calendar even before then. I love opening a door every day, bring me one step closer to the […]
Read MoreA pile of poo and a goat – festive gifts that help others
I’m not even going to say the ‘C’ word yet but I know that many of you are already planning – and buying – your seasonal gifts. In fact, I’m heading out to the high street tomorrow to gather some stocking fillers myself so I know that (if you’re at all like me) you’re already […]
Read MoreAn Amsterdam Affair book launch & interview with author Amanda Addison
I have some very exciting – and much anticipated – news to tell you today. The latest novel from award-winning writer Amanda Addison has finally landed on Kindles all around the country. An Amsterdam Affair was launched on Amazon on Thursday and I’ve been lucky enough to interview Amanda to find out her inspiration behind the novel and […]
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