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…
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…
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…
It’s time to celebrate International Women’s Day but it’s not just about one day – here are some fabulous accessories and clothing designs that you can wear throughout the year to keep the campaign alive all year round…
Once you’ve chosen to share your life with your partner, it’s time to consider how you wish to propose. I’m sharing some tips in advance of Valentine’s Day to help you get prepared…
Even the most reliable appliances don’t last forever. If you’ve been wondering whether it’s time for an upgrade, here are some key signs that your kitchen appliances might need replacing in the near future…
Want to be your own boss and run a business that you’ve launched yourself? If this sounds appealing to you but you don’t know where to start – or even what type of company to create – here are some ideas to get you started…
If you’d like to boost your health and wellbeing this year, why not consider taking up one of these hobbies? The best thing is they’re super-thrifty activities that won’t cost you a lot to do but will deliver bags of fun and fitness…
Do you wish you could spring out of bed and enthusiastically go about your day with energy and enthusiasm yet sometimes find that your healthy intentions just don’t materialise in the mornings? Here are some tips to help you create a healthy morning routine that’s actually achievable…
There’s usually scope to save money on most of your essentials in life, including your motoring costs. Here are some ideas to help you save money at each stage, from purchasing a secondhand vehicle to keeping those ongoing outgoings low…
Creating a unique and visually engaging profile can help you stand out among other candidates. Highlighting your skills and experience is important, but presenting them in a captivating format is equally vital. Here are some ideas to make your profile unique…
If you love a bit of Christmas crafting in the run-up to the big day, here’s a cute crochet project that’ll help you to make your own string of fairy lights to add a fun retro vibe to your festive decorations…
Choosing the perfect gift for the girl who seems to have everything can be a daunting task. Be it their birthday, Valentine’s Day, Christmas, or simply a token of appreciation, here are some present ideas that they’ll love…
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
Whenever I’m shopping for Christmas, there’s one online shopping hub that I always use to find those unique gifts that you can’t get anywhere else. Have a look at my favourite handmade gifts here…
When you’ve got teenagers to buy for at Christmas, it can be tricky to find something they’ll like or that suits their interests. So, here are some interesting tech treats, arty items and thoughtful gifts that a teen will love…
If you’re considering a Winter getaway, have you ever thought of going on a Twixtmas holiday? Here are 4 reasons why it’s a great money-saving, time-saving and mood-boosting option…
If you love to treat yourself to a takeaway at the end of the working week, why not save some money (and boost your health!) by making your own delicious fakeaway dishes?
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
It’s no secret that I’m a huge fan of The Darling Buds of May – the books by H.E Bates and the original TV Series – so, when planning a holiday to France this year, there was really only one place I wanted to go: Brittany.
If you’ve got friends or extended family visiting you this Christmas, now’s the perfect time to start creating the cosy – and practical – kitchen of your dreams in time for the big day…
If your hallway sideboard or kitchen worktop is currently a dumping ground for bits and bobs, DIYing this useful ‘command centre’ provides the ideal spot for stowing keys, mail and pens and can help the family to stay organised. Let’s DIY..!
Small windows can make a room feel cramped and dark, but with the right curtain techniques, you can create the illusion of larger, more inviting spaces. Here’s how…
If you’re a fan of the BBC tv series The Detectorists & want to scout out some of the Suffolk locations made famous by the show, here’s where I spotted the crew filming in Framlingham and beyond…
If you’re renovating an apartment or building your own tiny home and want to maximise the space, here are some nifty design ideas to help you make the most of every millimetre…
With the evenings drawing in and the weather taking a turn, all those outdoor meet-ups or after-work beer garden gatherings are off the cards. Here are some alternative ideas for activities you can do with friends during those autumn evenings…
Did you know that there’s a National Boyfriend Day? It’s on the 3rd of October and it’s the perfect opportunity to give your loved one a treat and let them know how much you appreciate them. Here are some ideas for every budget…
Our bathrooms are often the smallest rooms in the house but they’re also spaces that are usually filled to the brim with cleaning products, toiletries and bathing essentials. Here’s how you can maximise storage for a tidy look…
If you’re taking a trip to France this summer and plan to drive around the country, there are certain things you must have with you before you make the journey. Plus, there’s no need to overpack if you have these hard-working essentials with you in your suitcase…
If, like me, you’ve become interested in pension planning, you might be keen to read my research on alternative ways that you can boost your income when you’ve retired. Here’s what I’ve discovered on my search for money-making options…
When you’re looking for a gift for that person ‘who has everything’ you’ve got to search for something unique, which is why I like to head to Etsy for inspiration. Here are some of the gifts I’ve actually bought for my friends and family recently…
With temperatures soaring this summer and many of us visiting hotter climates on holiday, it’s important to consider the importance of hydration for our physical and mental well-being in a variety of situations. Here’s why…
Nobody wants to take time off from life. There’s so much to get done. But having the odd “down day” here and there can be tremendously beneficial. Here’s why…
Self-confidence impacts our lives in many ways, from getting a new job to having a successful relationship. A lack of self-confidence could stop you from seizing opportunities or feeling like you’re deserving of a win, so it’s important to deal with these issues head-on. Here are some tips that might
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
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…
Sleep is something we all need but that some of us find difficult to achieve. Aside from lifestyle elements that might keep you awake – children, work patterns, caffeine – there are other important factors that can have an impact on your ability to sleep soundly. Here are some tactics
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 your home heating needs a refresh, don’t wait until the winter to get it up to speed. For a thrifty upgrade, you need to be sorting out your system in the summer – here’s why:
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 you’re setting up a small business or want to grow your start-up with a cash injection, it’s important to find the right kind of financial support, with the accessibility, repayment timelines and rates to suit you. Here are some funding avenues to consider when you’re turning your side hustle
If you’re thinking of giving your kitchen a revamp but without the huge expense, you can do it yourself with just a bit of flatpack DIY and lots of samples of paint! Here are some things to consider when renovating your kitchen…
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…
When a couple has been together a long time, it can be hard to know what wedding gift to buy them to celebrate the occasion. Here are some ‘his & hers’ present ideas that the bride and groom will actually find useful for their wedding day, honeymoon and beyond…
If you cringe every time a plumber’s van pulls up, this blog post is for you because saving money on plumbing doesn’t have to be a pipe dream. Let’s dive into practical tips, smart DIY moves, and strategies for finding the right plumber – all designed to keep more cash
If you have a small bedroom and feel like you need more space, here are five ways that you can easily and cheaply make the most of the room you have so that it feels more spacious…
Spring cleaning isn’t just for your house. It can be for your garden too, especially if you haven’t used your outdoor space all winter. Here are some quick and easy ways to refresh your backyard to make the most of it this Spring…
Over the winter we often like to keep our bedrooms warm and cosy, with thick duvets and blankets, but there are so many benefits to refreshing your rooms for spring, including better sleep and a healthier space. These free or low-cost ideas will help you to achieve that crisp, fresh
While I love to give Easter eggs to my loved ones over the bank holiday weekend, I also enjoy the opportunity to do something a little different. That’s why I’ve come up with some alternative Easter gift ideas for kids and adults this year…
After reading all about the BBC TV Licensing Moments That Connect Us Campaign, it got me thinking about the TV-related moments that have been important in my life – both from a young age and very recently. Here are mine – and I’d love to hear about yours…
So often, it’s the smaller DIY jobs that get overlooked in a home. It’s possible to go for weeks, months or even years without touching up that paint or filling that hole. Why not make this weekend the time you tackle those tasks once and for all? Here’s my snagging
When you’re searching for a new home and are putting your hard-earned savings into the property, how can you be sure it’s a good investment? Here are some ways to avoid buying a money pit…
For some of us having a job just isn’t enough. What we want is a career that is meaningful to use, and often the best way to do this is to find a job where we can make a difference, and genuinely help others. The good news is many possible
When I needed a pair of bedside tables but couldn’t find the mid-century modern style I wanted in the shops, I decided to make some myself. A small chest of drawers and some mid-century style screw-in legs from an old planter were all the materials I needed to create my
If you’ve been struggling to achieve a deep, replenishing sleep, why not make this year the one where you finally get comfortable? Here’s what I’ve been doing to improve my sleep this new year…
Let’s chat about something that’s on everyone’s mind as we stride into this year: saving money. When you know how, it’s easy to transform your financial habits into a treasure trove of savings this year…
There are all sorts of valid reasons for renovating your property, from needed extra storage space to making room for a relative to move in. Whatever the reason, you should consider the cost of any projects Vs the value they’ll add to your home…
Venice, often called the “Floating City,” is a destination that captivates travellers with its romantic canals, historic architecture and unique charm. Here are some tip to save money on your trip…
If, like me, you prefer to choose handmade gifts and artisan pieces created by local makers, November is the perfect time to start your Christmas shopping to make sure your customised presents are ready by the big day…
If you’re considering reducing your possessions and embracing a minimalist lifestyle, there are many benefits – including saving money every day. Here are 3 reasons to consider letting go of some of your belongings if you’re moving house or want to cut costs.
Even though it might appear to make sense to buy rather than rent, to move to an area where property is cheaper or to downsize to save money on your mortgage, there may be some hidden costs you should consider before buying a house – is the move worth it?
Even though we’re often reluctant to talk about Christmas too early, September is the ideal time to make a start on your festive prep. In fact, you can save money if you start your planning early – here’s how…
At this time of year, everything seems to be about ‘doing it before Christmas’. The celebration provides a handy marker to complete your goals before the end of the year. But what if moving into a new house is your goal? Here are some ways you can achieve it before
Did you know that many insects hibernate in the colder months? So, why not build them a bug hotel to take shelter in during the autumn and winter? This cool cloud-shaped DIY bug hotel is easy to make from recycled metal cans…
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…
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…
If your patio chairs or garden benches are looking a little worse for wear after years in your backyard, why not give them a fresh makeover with some seaside-inspired stripes? Here’s a step-by-step video to show you how I upcycled my Adirondack seats for summer…
