December is here and if you haven’t already jumped at the chance to put up your tree and make your home look as festive as possible, you might be looking for some more affordable and creative ways to decorate your space for the Christmas period. There are so many amazing
If you’re thinking of taking a break over the festive season, I’ve come up with some ideas for a Christmas getaway that you’ll never forget…
I’m feeling super-festive right now and it’s because the Christmas issue of Reclaim magazine is out now! And my Design Icon article this month is vintage baubles, including how to spot the genuine article…
Now that the cold winter months have arrived it’s time to make sure our homes are warm and cosy. Landlords now have to make sure their properties are more energy efficient – good news for us renters as it could save us valuable pounds! Here are a few DIY jobs
If you’re planning to have a real Christmas tree in your home this year, why not choose the eco-friendly and sustainable option of buying local? I took a tour of a Suffolk tree plantation on Friday so here’s why you should consider getting your festive tree from a local producer…
Buying a new home is a really exciting time even if it often feels like it takes forever between finding the house and completing on the purchase. But just because the mortgage company has completed a survey, it doesn’t mean that the house is ready for you. There are several
With every type of information, product and service available on the internet, it’s never been easier to take control of your life and future. Online services can make your life admin easier and even help you change your career so here are five important things you can do online to
Sustainable present ideas to help you stay eco-friendly this Christmas while shopping for gifts and stocking fillers…
When you’re self-employed, the office Christmas party becomes a thing of the past. That’s why I planned my own Christmas party this year at the Cosy Club – here’s why you should do the same…
We’ve seen the rise of the Scandinavian theme, and the downfall of the king-size beds, but the question is, what will the bedroom trends be for 2019? I spoke to Joy Richards, sleep and interior expert at Happy Beds to find out her predictions for 2019 – here’s what she
If you’re on the hunt for your dream job, it can be difficult to see how your experience matches a job description. Here are some of the most desirable transferable skills you should include in your application, as well as some of the amazing careers where you can make use
Did you know that on average Brits take just 26 seconds appreciating their recipes before tucking in? That’s probably how long it takes to take your plate from the kitchen to the dining table and pick up a knife and fork. Today’s blog post is all about slowing down and
Imagine spending your retirement making money by doing a craft you love – wouldn’t that be fantastic? Here’s how you can get started on a craft business straight away…
Pressure cookers and slow cookers are two of the most popular small appliances to have in the kitchen for even cooking and simple preparation. But, what one is the better option for you? Let’s look at some of the common uses and pros and cons of each appliance.
How to weave your own chunky woven storage box from cardboard and wool. Plus a review of Weaving Within Reach craft book – The projects in the book range from homewares to fashion accessories, kitchenware, gifts and soft furnishings. As you can probably tell from the wide range of projects,
Garden water features are known for their visual appeal and can be a relaxing addition to the landscaping around your home. But it’s not all about luxury and aesthetics; when it comes to being innovative and money-saving, water features can help you save and conserve water too, with the help
It’s difficult to get the job of your dreams, isn’t it? First you’ve got to actually find a job you really want to do, then you’ve got to get through the software selection process and then the dreaded interviews. But you’ll only get that far if you have an impressive CV.
What do your ceilings look like? My guess is that they’re painted white, possibly textured and definitely without wallpaper, right? Well the latest interiors trend that I’ve spotted all over Pinterest is decorated ceilings. This under-utilised space above your head can now be adorned with images, patterns and effects. So,
There are certain tools no kitchen should be without, especially when cooking hearty meals during the colder months – do you have them in your cupboards?? Read on to find out which kitchen essentials you’ll need to create healthy dinners this autumn…
Many people hold back from replacing their carpet because they are overwhelmed by the decisions involved; plush piles or loop piles? Which fibre should you invest in? How do you know if the colour will suit the room? While it’s true that there are different factors to consider, choosing the
I love a good retro clock. Along with lamps, they’re one of the few household items that I seem to collect. I just can’t resist an interesting clock face, an iconic number style (can I refer to it as a typeface or font when talking about numbers?) or a fun
If you’re happily coupled up and are starting to look at engagement rings, this is the blog post for you! The trouble with engagement and wedding rings is that the price tag is often way beyond our reach. I mean, would you rather spend money on the ring, or the
Walk-in showers can improve the look of your bathroom; they can help to make even a small room feel more spacious and give it a hotel-like atmosphere. Here are 3 ways to incorporate the trend into your own bathroom…
Have you ever flicked through a home décor magazine and wished that your bedroom was just as beautiful as the ones on those pages? We all know that the costs of decorating such bedrooms can be super high so you may feel discouraged about even thinking of giving your own
Macramé is everywhere these days, isn’t it? I can barely open up Pinterest without pinning countless designs for plant hangers and knotted wall art. Today I’m sharing a step-by-step guide to making your own macramé daybed – it’s a rather impressive project but it’s one that you definitely can make
2018 marks 100 years since the end of World War I. From 1914 to 1918, this conflict embroiled most of Europe, along with Russia, the US and the Middle East. In the UK, people from all backgrounds pulled together to contribute towards the war effort, from fighting on the frontline
The seasons seem to change the moment that September hits and that’s when we need to address parts of our health and beauty regime to keep ourselves happy, healthy and looking great throughout the autumn and winter. Here are some easy swaps I’ve made this September to cope with the
Offering holiday accommodation in your spare room is a great way of making a little extra cash. But how do you do it? Here are some easy ways to keep a spare room useful for yourself AND comfortable enough for Airbnb guests.
Thinking about landscaping your garden? Here are 5 things you should consider when before starting your project…
If you’ve been saving for something special lately, or you simply want to make sure that you have some emergency savings in place for a rainy day, the following tips will help you to find more money for your future…
The good news is that your tankless water heater will work to its optimum ability if it is well maintained and taken care of. There are many things that can be done to ensure the smooth running of your water heater this autumn. Follow the manufacturer’s maintenance guide for the
Managing the budget for your small business is one of the main things that an entrepreneur needs to deal with. No matter whether your business project meets the objectives set out in the beginning, and is delivered on time, if it goes wildly over budget, it is not going to
Good sleep is essential – without it, your daily life may suffer so it’s time to make sleep a priority! There are many ways to improve your bedtime routine, such as reading and relaxing before bed and eating sleep-friendly foods, but many people forget one very important aspect: the sleep
If you want to decorate your venue for a party but are trying to stick to a budget, here are some fantastic ideas for decorations that you can make yourself.
Let’s face it; decorating a small bedroom to make it look more spacious is often frustrating and challenging. But honestly, it’s fun once you learn the creative decorating tricks that can create the illusion of space. Today I’m working with House Tipster to bring you some of the tricks of
The world is full of small print and terms and conditions. They ping up when you update your apps and they’re on the back of your bank statements. I bet there are many times when you just don’t read the details and simply accept the terms – they’re just stopping
Are you excited to renovate your bathroom? Have you been waiting to renovate the space ever since you moved in? Before you start ripping out the suite, take a deep breath and make sure you’re ready to get started. The following are some of the things that you will want
You’ve found the ideal apartment in terms of location, price and size, and now you want to put your own stamp on the place. There’s only one problem: your deposit! Any unapproved changes to the apartment could suck you into a vicious battle with your landlord. It doesn’t have to
If you think you’ve got no time for fixing up your home, think again! You may believe that DIY tasks will require too much energy after a long week but the reality is that many updates can be performed over a series of free weekends. Breaking a project down into
If you’ve finished college or university and have started in your career and are looking at buying your first home (or maybe even starting a family) then this blog post is for you! You may think that there’s no need to start investing your money when you’re in your 20s
Great news! Your beauty and cosmetic routines do not have to consist of costly, overpriced products and procedures. I’ve been blogging about cruelty-free beauty for a few years now and I’ve found that it’s not only an ethical way to shop, but it’s also cost-effective too. That said, you don’t
All pet owners want to make sure the pet lives a long and healthy life – and there are a huge number of things that can be done in order to make sure that this happens. Below are just a few tips on how to keep your pets healthy year
Have you noticed that wood marquetry is making a comeback? I’ve spotted countless mid-century pieces with a variety of shapes and patterns adorning the wood. If you’d like to recreate this look in your own home without spending a fortune, you can upcycle your furniture yourself and here’s how…
Do you dream of having a fresh, bright and colourful home just like the Love Island villa? Today I’m taking garden design inspiration from the Love Island complex and finding ways to recreate this Mediterranean paradise in your own garden here in the UK – starting with lots and lots
If you’re planning on landscaping your garden or installing features like a pond or patio, here’s my tips for doing it on a budget – with photos of my own attempts at salvaging a shed for the garden…
What’s the quickest and easiest way to update your floors with a splash of colour or a sprinkling of fun pattern? Why, vinyl of course! Things have come a long way since those stick-backed vinyl tiles of your childhood and there are plenty more options in terms of design than
I learned how to cook pretty early on in my life and I think that all children should learn how to prepare frugal recipes. After all, being able to make a meal is a life skill that they’ll always need in the future and, if you’re going to be cooking
Whatever you spend your money on — whether you head to a coffee shop on a morning during your commute or like to have a few drinks on the weekend; your lifestyle could be costing you quite a bit. Here’s how to make savings on those consumables…
I’m finally making a start on my garden. This will be the second summer we’ve lived in our house and last year was completely taken up with renovating the interior. But now my attention has turned to the garden and the landscaping I’d like to do out there. But what
Life is already busy enough as it is, without the constant need to pop into the shops whenever you run out of household essentials. However, if you stock up with the following five handy and healthy items, you’ll not only save precious time, you’ll also help your budget stretch further…
My home renovation is finally back on track and I’m about to start work on my hallway. In today’s blog post I’m gathering inspiration for a scandi space…
It is no secret that different generations like different things. Not only does this pop up in fashion choices, but also in the style they have in their homes. So, with this in mind, what are the most popular design choices of different generations and how do you get the
Advertisement feature in collaboration with EDF Energy. As always, all thoughts and opinions are my own. When you’re running a home and working practically every hour, it’s a pleasant surprise to find something that simplifies your life, rather than taking up time and energy that you just don’t have. That’s
The average Brit spends £345 per year on their garden, however you don’t have to spend a small fortune to add colour and vibrancy to your garden this summer! Here’s how…
Save some essential cash with these useful wedding music hacks, and you’ll find there are ways of still having all the live music you want on your big day without blowing your budget…
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…
Stuck at home on a rainy day or in one of those moods when you feel like you have all the energy in the world yet you have nothing to do? Grab your tablet or laptop and your beverage of choice: we’ve got some learning to do!
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..!
I think it’s time to celebrate women in business and I want to show you how your skills can lead to exceptional success. ECommerce is a hot topic in the business market, especially for people who want to make an extra income with a side hustle, so read on to
My two little bundles of fluff, Cookie and Muffin, have got themselves quite a profile these days. Not only are they the real stars of my blog (let’s be honest) but they’re actually getting more features than I am these days – here are some of the publications that have
If you want to reduce the running costs of your home and enjoy lower gas and electricity bills, here are four ways to save money quickly and easily…
Ahh isn’t it nice when the sun shines? Don’t you just want to sit out in the garden and watch the world go by? Here are some ideas for making your own bench (using pallets – a big win for upcycling!) and finding lovely garden furniture if you’re on a
If you want to make a big change in your kitchen but don’t have the time (or money!) to completely remodel the room, here are some quick updates you can do in a weekend that’ll make a big difference…
There are some garden updates that every homeowner can benefit from and that’s especially true if you’ve been neglecting your garden for a while. Here are 5 ideas to help you get the most out of your garden this spring…
When it comes to their wedding day every bride to be wants to make their day as memorable as possible, so I’m sharing some of the unique ways you can make your day special without it costing a small fortune…
One of my favourite reads of last year was Spark Joy by Marie Kondo. Much like her first book The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying, this book shares the KonMari method of decluttering to make your home an organised, tidy and more peaceful place. She advocates only keeping the things you
Have you been admiring lovely loft apartments from afar? Do you want to recreate that airy, industrial look for yourself? Here are some ideas for getting that loft vibe on a budget…
A small garden doesn’t mean it can’t be stylish and functional. Working with what you’ve got, these easy improvements will make a big difference and help you maximise the usable space. Here’s how…
Unexpected expenses can appear from anywhere — and most of the time, we aren’t financially prepared to deal with the issue. Whether it’s a broken-down car or a faulty boiler to repair, it all adds up. For that reason, I’ve made some suggestions on how to make extra savings that’ll
It is fair to say that wood is one of the best building materials you can use. But how can you use it to best effect when DIYing your home? Here are some tips on using joinery in your project…
GDPR Cookie Consent with Real Cookie Banner