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…
When I wanted to add more storage to my bathroom, rather than sticking with the plain white ‘off the shelf’ cabinet I found, I decided to personalise it. Here’s how to add a splash of colour and pattern with self-adhesive vinyl…
When it comes to showing our appreciation for the special people in our lives, gifts play a significant role – and I’m not talking about gifts that are over-the-top and impossible to afford, but thoughtful gifts that come from a space of love and empathy. Here are 6 affordable present
Auctions and estate sales offer opportunities for thrifty folk to get great deals on all sorts of amazing items. If you’ve always been interested in this scene, but never had the courage to actually get involved, here’s an introduction to all you need to know to start your thrifting journey…
If you’re looking for ways to boost your wellbeing at home, here are some ideas for bring nature indoors to create a calm and happy home for yourself and your whole family…
If you love the idea of enjoying some time outdoors this summer but just can’t face all the chores that come with maintaining a garden, here are three ideas that’ll help you create a space with zero ongoing effort…
Turn your garden, deck or courtyard into a perfect place for al fresco entertaining with this outdoor sideboard project, upcycled from an old buffet and plenty of reclaimed pallet wood…
As part of my budget porch makeover, I wanted to make a bench that would give us somewhere to sit while taking off wellies in the new ‘boot room’. Here’s how I upcycled some kitchen stools and a piece of scaffold board from a skip…
Whether you’re looking for ways to save money on painting or are interested in the methods we used to prevent dampness in an indoor-outdoor area, the second phase of my porch makeover project can help…
With holidays and hot weather coming up, it can be difficult to stick to your healthy-living plans during the summer months. Here are some tips to keep you feeling great this season…
Have you ever wondered what plywood is used for? From furniture to construction, this versatile material can be used in various ways to give high-quality results. Whether you’re looking for new DIY project ideas or are just curious about its many applications, here are five possible uses for ply…
If you’re planning an exterior spring clean over the coming bank holiday, check out these step-by-step photos to see how I completely revamped my old, stained PVC window frames to make them look as good as new…
If you’re a parent with school-aged children, now’s the time to consider their future choice of schools and, therefore, if you’re going to need to move into a new catchment area. Here are some tips for coinciding your move with the academic year…
If you’ve got teenagers in your family or just want to treat your friends, I’ve come up with this guide to Easter gifts that adults and high-school age youngsters will love.
If you’re planning to renovate some unused spaces in your home – perhaps a utility area, loft, porch or understairs area – there are a few things you should think about before you start planning the building work…
If your children have already been given enough chocolate for Easter, maybe they would prefer a few non-sweet treats? These Easter-inspired gifts are ideal for keeping kids entertained during the school holidays and can teach them a little something too..
Although we may be feeling the pinch of the cost of living crisis and might have less money left at the end of every month, there are some things that you shouldn’t cut from your budget…
Well, actually, the plot expands. We’ve taken on a larger allotment so that we can grow even more of our own fruit and veg this year. Here are our plans for the bigger veggie patch…
Inspiration for living a lovely life on a budget If you want to save some cash for the important things in life, or need to tighten your belt during the cost of living crisis, you’ve come to the right place! And you don’t need as much money as you think to live
Whether you want to revamp your whole wardrobe with a rainbow of patterns or simply want to add a pop of playful colour with accessories, the concept of dopamine dressing can help you make the most of your clothing to brighten up your day…
If you want to treat your mum to something special for Mother’s Day, why not search out a unique gift from small, independent artists and makers?
If you’re looking for inspiration for your life, career or even just your wardrobe, here are three books you should read this year to help you achieve your passions and creative goals.
The February half-term holiday can be a tricky one for keeping children entertained. The winter weather means it’s not always possible to get outside and do something active, so why not try one of these creative, educational and fun activities at home instead?
If you’ve been finding it hard to get going in the morning, feeling sluggish in the afternoon or heading to bed earlier than usual in the evening, don’t worry. At this time of year it can be difficult to maintain your energy levels so here are some tips to get
Many of us are feeling the pinch this year, with outgoings increasing and sometimes not quite enough money coming in. So, how do you make savings without giving up the things you need? Here are a few ideas to dramatically cut your costs and still enjoy your home and lifestyle…
At this time of year, I’m usually writing about personal new year’s resolutions and how to achieve your own physical and mental goals. However, this year, I’m suggesting something different – that not only helps you but supports the people you love too…
Houseplants are great for health, productivity and positivity. They brighten a room, release oxygen into the air, remove toxins from the atmosphere and add character to your home or office. But they do tend to cost money. Here are some ways to still grow house plants, without the hefty price
There’s nothing more festive than a real log fire burning in the grate of a fireplace. However, many homes have had their fireplaces removed over the years and no longer have that cosy Christmassy feel. So, if you fancy reinstating your fireplace this winter, here are some facts to consider…
If you’re planning a Christmas gathering at home and want to make your garden look just as inviting as your interior, here are a few ideas for decorating your garden with fairy lights to create cosy ambience and festive feel…
If you’re shopping for gifts for the grown-ups in your life, why not buy handmade pieces or shop with indie businesses this year? You’ll support a small company or independent maker to stay in business and can treat your loved one to a unique gift at the same time…
If you have a property that you’re not using, why not consider renting it out for a duration of time? There are many ways you can make an extra income from your home without investing too much time or money to make it happen. Here are some ideas…
Wallpaper is one of the easiest ways to bring a whole new look to your interior. Just a roll or two can make all the difference with a feature wall that brings impact and colour. Here are three of the hottest trends, and different ways to make them work in
Many budgeting articles will advise you to give up lots of your favourite things if you want to save money. However, it IS possible to reduce your monthly costs without missing out on the essentials for a happy life – here are some pain-free ways to make savings on your
When you’re self-employed or running an independent business, there are so many things that you need to consider when forecasting and recording your expenses. Luckily, there are plenty of ways to cut down on the costs associated with the vehicle you use for work – here are some ideas…
If you’re tackling a home revamp this year, why not consider shopping secondhand for your furniture? It’s certainly a great way to save money and lets you put your own stamp on your interior by creating something completely unique to you. Take inspiration from these talented interior Instagrammers and their
Today’s blog post will help you to see the light – both metaphorically and literally – as your home’s lighting can be a key factor behind what atmosphere it generates. Here are a few particularly surprising ways in which you can take advantage of this…
We all want to enjoy the summer holidays with our families but the costs involved can soon add up. Whether you’re taking day trips or enjoying a staycation, here are some simple ways to save money during the school holidays…
If you’re temporarily moving for work, have inherited a property or have even saved enough money to invest in a second home, why not make the most of your situation and rent out the house or rooms? Here are some questions you should ask yourself before putting your property on
So, you’ve been on a lovely day out with your family, you’ve celebrated a special occasion or you’ve enjoyed the trip of a lifetime – and you took plenty of photos while you were there. But what do you then do with those snaps? Leave them languishing unseen on your
I’ve noticed something that almost all the allotments near me have in common. They’re all packed with upcycling projects. In fact, you’d probably find it hard to find anything new! Here are some of the interesting and amazing upcycles I’ve spotted at the allotment…
If you’ve accumulated a loyal following through your social accounts, blog or vlog, that’s wonderful news. You’ve got an instant audience for anything you get up to, so why not tap into that resource and try to earn some money? That cash can help you to continue making content for
Around the UK the summer holidays are starting and families have a long six weeks of fun stretching out ahead of them. So, what can you do with your kids to fill those days with entertaining, educational and fun activities? Here are some ideas…
Whether you’re heading to a wedding, looking for the ideal birthday gift or simply want to show a friend how much you care, a gift hamper is always a winner. It’s a thrifty way to treat that special someone AND it can be customised to suit their interests. Here’s how
Even though we’re at the height of summer and it’s time to harvest the results of all that spring planting, there are still some crops you can plant in July to make the most of your allotment plot. Here’s what I’ve been sowing and my shed plans…
If you want to find a little more money to cope with the cost-of-living crisis, why not look to your hobbies to find a way of earning more while still doing the things you enjoy? Here are three ideas to get you started…
…and I’m a cheapskate. Okay, that may not be entirely true – I like to spend money as much as the next person – but if you’re wondering why I write this thrifty little blog every day, it’s because I want to help you.
Flooring is an often overlooked part of our homes but it’s also one of the things that really makes a room look tired if it’s not kept in good condition. Here are some tips to maintain your floors and save money in the long term…
With students returning to college, 6th form and university for the summer semester now seems the ideal time to share some studying tips for exam season. Here’s some advice for completing your coursework and timetabling your revision this summer…
The Jubilee may be over but there’s no need to bin the bunting just yet. In fact, royal-themed homewares are having a moment in the world of interiors right now. Here’s how to make regal style work for you all year round…
With energy prices already increasing and set to rise even higher this winter, now is the ideal time to start making plans to reduce your costs and budget for your bills. Here are some ideas on saving energy (and saving money) to get you started…
Wouldn’t it be great to make some extra cash on side? Even if you don’t think you’ve got the skills to launch a creative business, I’m here to show you otherwise. Here are three side hustles you can try out and maybe make a bit of money from your creativity…
For many schools around the UK, the half-term holiday begins on 28th May so I thought I would share some activities to keep youngsters entertained. Here are some ideas for imaginative play, indoor and outdoor fun and even some educational activities…
I’ve recently stocked up on some more natural skincare, cosmetics and haircare products – some are old favourites and others I’m trying out for the first time. Here’s what I’ve bought and what I think of these organic and cruelty-free options…
Support independent creatives and artists this spring by shopping for unique Mother’s Day gifts and cards. I’ve put together a list of makers that I’ve shopped with in the past so I hope you’ll find something fab for your mum here…
Now, I’m not talking wood-chip wallpaper here although, that said, embossed pattern anaglypta wallcoverings ARE making a comeback in period homes. Instead, I’m talking about bringing subtle, natural textures into your room with a variety of contemporary finishes, all of which can be achieved with wallpaper…
If you didn’t make any New Year’s resolutions (or if you did but stopped in January!) that doesn’t mean you can’t make a start on your goals for the year right now. Here’s why it’s better to begin your New Year’s resolutions in February anyway…
With half-term approaching (or already begun in some parts of the country) I thought I would share some activities and ideas for keeping little ones entertained during the school holidays…
After years of talking about it, months of planning and weeks of installation, my newly remodelled kitchen is complete! Of course, I tried to save money at every stage of the renovation process so here’s how I got the floor of my dreams for a fraction of the cost…
There’s nothing better than an old family photo to bring a sense of history to your home – but what if those ancient snaps are damaged or discoloured? Here are some ideas for repairing them and including those precious memories in your interiors…
Whether you want a cute way to celebrate Valentine’s Day or simply want to capture some memories with your significant other, a couple’s photoshoot is a fun activity to plan, and you can DIY it – here’s how…
Even though I’ve got a very small bathroom compared to many other homes, we’ve managed to make it a bit feel more spacious with some easy design tricks that give the impression of a bigger room – here’s how…
Today’s blog post tackles some of the more ‘traditional’ new year’s resolutions that many of us make – to be more healthy and to make time for self-care. Here’s how to make sure you keep up those great wellbeing goals all year round…
Take a tour around artist Katharina’s cosy and Christmassy German home to inspire your own festive decorating this December…
After a tough 20 months, you may want to cut the cost of Christmas 2021. That’s why I’ve provided are some thrifty tips for you – both my own and from the experts – to help you save money on gifts, decorations and entertainment…
If you’re anything like me, you’ll be staying at home more now that the evenings are darker and the days are chillier. So, rather than slumping in front of a boxset, why not do something to boost your career during the extra time you’re spending at home? Here are some
Whenever I enter a lottery, competition or raffle I start to wonder what it would be like if I won. I mean, you’ve got to be prepared, right?! So, today I’m sharing my thoughts on how my life would be different after that big win – I’ve surprised myself with
If you’re a small business owner like me, you’ll probably want to reach lots of customers and get some valuable word-of-mouth marketing. Here’s how to create engaging content that your audience will love to share…
As it’s the start of half-term, I thought I would pull together a few ideas of things you could do if you’re having an at-home break in the UK this autumn – especially on those rainy days…
As someone who ended up with quite a lot of student debt after graduating from university, I would have certainly done a few things differently – here’s my advice for organising your finances while you’re a student…
Although these three lifestyles offer very different ideas they also have one important thing in comment – and that’s helping you to cut costs. Here’s how to adopt a ‘less is more’ mentality and save money as a thrifty essentialist minimalist…
