Category: Lifestyle

1. Setting Up A Child's Budget Bedroom That Will Last

   Posted on 11:00am Thursday 13th Jul 2017

   Kids grow up so fast! One minute you are cradling a newborn in your arms and the next you have a hormone-laden teen rampaging around your house and eating all your food. Just when you think you have their room perfectly set up, they grow and their needs change. You have to start all over again and this can cost you a fortune on new furniture and paint! Becoming a parent is overwhelming enough without stressing about paint and curtains.

   The solution is to set up your kid’s room in a way that will last them. It can evolve with them as they go through the various stages of childhood. Then you can turn it into a spare room when they leave home!

   Set a budget and stick to it

   Start by trawling the web and the high street for bargains. You do not have to buy everything brand new. You can literally cut your budget in half by looking for used items of furniture. Many items have barely been used and are in perfect condition.

   It is easy to organise getting the items to your own home. You will be surprised at what you can fit into a family car with back seats folded down. For really large items you can use https://www.shiply.com/ to get a quote and compare services. You don’t have to spend hours on the phone and you simply have to fill in one simple form.

   Buying ‘out of season’ is a top tip. Look out for fluffy blankets in the early summer and light throws in the autumn. All you have to do is store them safely until you need them.

   There are plenty of places to pick up used furniture at a mere fraction of their cost new. Try sites such as http://www.ebay.co.uk/ or Gumtree where you can select sellers who live near you.

   It is a mistake to limit yourself to an online search. Why not take a peek on your high street and try to spot some bargains in charity shops. The British Heart Foundation https://www.bhf.org.uk/shop/our-local-shops/furniture-and-electrical-shops has dedicated stores where they only sell furniture and electrical items.

   Recycling is a very cost-effective method. You can adapt chests of drawers and bureaus by giving them a new coat of varnish. If you want to be very artistic, try out a stencil. The kids will love helping you!

   Choose a design that can be adapted

   It is easy to be tempted by cute, miniature baby furniture. Who wouldn’t? However, this is going to last you for a couple of years at the most and so it is not a great investment. Swap it for some larger items that will grow with your kid.

   

   If you choose the right changing station you can easily convert it into shelves or a desk for homework when your child starts school. A bed can be somewhere to sleep plus storage so that toys and books can be packed away.

   Be careful with colour schemes. Choose neutral floor coverings and ceiling paint because they are hard and expensive to change.

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2. How to choose a great hotel for your next trip with your family

   Posted on 9:00am Wednesday 12th Jul 2017

   When thinking about accommodation for your trip, starting the research can be the most difficult step. If you are at a loss and need some advice, then follow our dos and don’ts guide to help you choose the right hotel for your family trip.

    

   Do:

   Establish a budget

   The first, and perhaps most important, thing to do when searching for the right hotel is to set yourself a budget. It is important to set a budget when you are on holiday but also when booking your hotel, so you know exactly what you are looking for. This will take some research, so you don’t set your expectations too high and to ensure you are paying the right price for the area.

   Think about location

   Next, be sure to consider exactly where you want to go on holiday but also what you want to be located in your chosen destination. A hotel out of the centre and away from attractions will be cheaper, but if you have smaller children the commute every day might not be worth it for you.

   Consider everyone’s needs

   When considering a hotel, make sure to take into account the whole family’s needs. Do you want to be near nightlife or do you want a quieter area with a good kids club? Be sure the hotel is family friendly, to ensure you feel comfortable and can meet other families. Choose a hotel that offers the right atmosphere for the whole family.

   Think about room type

   Are you looking for a hotel that can it offer a child’s camp bed? Or if within your budget, do you want a hotel that offers adjoining rooms?

   Consider the food options

   Make sure you decide if you want half board or full board. Full board can be easier with smaller children and means you don’t have to worry about finding a restaurant. However, half board allows you to explore the area and embrace local culture.

   Book well in advance

   Once you’ve considered all these options, make sure to book as early as you can to make sure there are still lots of places for you to choose from. Prices will increase nearer the time, and many hotels will be booked up.

   Don’t:

   Be disheartened

   Make sure you are aware how much research you need to do to find the perfect hotel and don’t be discouraged if you can’t find the right one straight away. Using a site like Toprooms allows you to compare a range of different staycation locations, helping you find the best hotel at the best price.

   Think expensive is best

   The most expensive hotels don’t always offer you the most for your money. Look at exactly what each hotel is offering you and avoid being drawn in.

   Most importantly, don’t stress! It won’t be long before you have found the perfect hotel if you follow our dos and don’ts guide and before you know it you will be jetting off to enjoy quality family time together.

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3. 5 ways for mums to unwind

   Posted on 9:00am Thursday 6th Jul 2017

   As we’ve already established, the end of the summer term throws up some pretty spectacular stresses for the modern-day mother. Amidst the constant stream of school engagements, from the end-of-year play to the school fayre and all that falls in between, it is absolutely essential that us mum’s take time out for ourselves.

    

   I know, I know, cue a chorus of laughter. But, is it actually that unobtainable?

    

   

    

   Finding time for you

    

   Of course, an evening at a silent spa is what your wildest dreams are made of. A weekend away on a cultured city break would definitely be more than ideal. An impromptu dinner reservation at that award-winning restaurant would tick all the boxes too. Nevertheless, calm down a little, reign those desires in a bit. Let’s be realistic. The chances are, if you are both working parents, you need to find time for yourself at home. Create a little sanctuary in your living space, just for you.

    

   When was the last time you really relaxed at home? This doesn’t take wads of cash or even tonnes of time. It’s simply about putting you first.

    

   1.    Get stuck into a good book
   
   A pleasure that is often dropped for the telebox, but is there anything as soothing as curling up with a good book. Pop the kettle on, buy in some biscuits, and make that lost luxury happen. To get you started, how about trying one of these titles:

   • Me Before You, JoJo Moyes
   • Sharp Objects, Gillian Flynn
   • Perfect People, Peter James
   • Shutter Island, Dennis Lehane
   • One Day, David Nicholls

   

   
   Oh, but if you love a classic, Carroll’s Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland, and Dickens’ Great Expectations, should be top of your list.

   2.    Take a relaxing bath
   
   Seriously. LUSH IT UP. Other brands of bath products are, of course, available. But, buy that bubble bar, those bath oils, those body scrubs. Light a scented candle, dim the lights, and just relax. 
   
   What’s more, studies have just revealed that having a bath burns mega calories. So… pour a flute of Prosecco for yourself while you’re at it.

    

   3.  Find a game that you enjoy

       

   I don't mean Monopoly because, let's face it, no one ever found that stress free but there are lots of games to play online. 

    

   As busy mums, sometimes we just want to sit on our sofas of an evening, so a site like Lottoz is all about is eliminating geographical boundaries and leveling the playing field, giving access to amazing jackpots (and the possibility of winning), no matter where they are in the world (and you don't have to fall out with half of your family if you are just participating in a new Euromillions experience online)  

    

   4.    Take pleasure in a furry friend
   
   All dog owners will tell you that dogs make the most fantastic friends. They’re always happy to see you. They’re always delighted with the dinner you serve. They’re forever grateful for even the smallest of treats. 
   
   While it is technically frowned upon to ditch your family to run away with your canine companion, you should definitely invest more time into that bond. 
   
   Enjoy daily walks together, out in the fresh air. Absorb the natural beauty of the nearby British countryside. Just stroking your pet can reduce stress, regulating breathing and slowing heightened heart rates

   .

   5.    Try a little mindfulness

    

   Mindfulness is becoming increasingly popular in schools across the country. That’s right, while we rush about prepping for all those enforced calendar events, our youngsters are enjoying guided meditation and mindfulness sessions on school time.

   Wonderful. Let’s take a leaf out of their book.

    

   

    

   Set aside just five to ten minutes of your day. Download a mindfulness app. Get comfortable and simply let go of those consistent, everyday pressures. It can work wonders.

    

    

   What do you do to unwind?

    

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4. How much should you spend on an end of term teachers gift?

   Posted on 12:00pm Friday 30th Jun 2017

   End of term teachers gifts. Do you think of it as an obligatory thank you or a way to express your gratitude to the person that has helped and nutured your child over the past school year? Some parents love to spend time helping their children create a personal handcrafted present while others contemplate how much should you spend on an end of term teachers gift.

   

   So if you think that your childs teacher has enough mugs and boxes of chocolates and want to buy something, what do you buy that isn't going to break the bank.

   *Disclaimer* if you are my daughters teacher, stop reading now (please).

   1. Earrings - Now I know that not every teacher has their ears pierced but with kind words such as "it takes a big heart to shape a little mind", that make me feel all warm and fuzzy on the inside, whilst still providing a practical gift, this gets a thumbs up from me. The best part, they are currently reduced from £15 to £10 on the Little Keepsake Company website. 

   

   2. Candles - Everyone loves a candle and it is perfect for regifting if the person is really averse to the scent you choose. I adore candles and so was beyond excited to find the copy of the Jo Malone candles were back in at Aldi. £4 instead of £44 - that is a saving which is too good to miss!

   3. Pencil Case - Who says that pencil cases are just for the children? Teachers need to keep their pens in order too and we fell in love with this personalised one from Hope House Press this week. Top tip - if you sign up to the Hope House Press website, you get offers sent to you like we did this week. We used the "SALE" code at the checkout and got this pencil case, personalised and delivered to us for just over £10.

   

   4. Practical Gifts - Hope House Press introduced me to We Are Scamp and their fabulous tote bag which purely states "I am a teacher, what is your superpower". I love this and at £14 it is reasonably priced, practical and perfect to use as a gift bag if you were so inclined!

   5. Wine - After a year of looking after 30 or so "little darlings" I would say that most teachers are due a well deserved drink. Tesco have some online wine exclusives, saving up to £15 if you buy a case (you can always keep a bottle or two for yourself). If you use your clubcard vouchers, this will save even more! 

   At my daughters school some parents like to get individual gifts, whereas some prefer to add to a collection to get the teachers a larger, or more expensive gift. At the end of the day, there is not a right or wrong way or indeed a value than  can be placed on the perfect present but I have loved my daughters teachers this year and hope that they love the gifts we have bought, as much as I have loved finding them (and saving money too).

   As always I’m linking up with Cass, Emma and Becky  in this week’s ‘Five Fabulously Frugal things I’ve done this week linky.

   What have you done to save this week?

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