Halloween is such an exciting time of year for kids, but let’s be honest — so many activities these days involve screens.  Whether it’s games, videos, or apps, it can feel like everything fun needs technology - that’s why I wanted to put together something a little different this year: a set of free Halloween printables that are completely screen-free, simple, and fun for the whole family.These printables are perfect for rainy autumn afternoons, a bit of quiet time, or even as a low-cost activity before trick-or-treating. All you need is a printer, a pen or two, and some … [Read more...]

With food prices the way they are right now, it seems like our weekly shop is costing more and more every week. Today's post is a reminder of something I'm sure you do but not so sure that you actually do to save money on your supermarket shop each week!Honestly, we love corned beef hash in our house but the cost of a tin in the main supermarkets seems to have rocketed to over £4 a can for the branded products. We have a little farm shop where we get a lesser known brand for £2 a can luckily so I didn't notice the price hike as much until recently when I thought I'd save myself a trip to … [Read more...]

Between work, school runs, activities, and the never-ending household to-do list, family life can often feel a little chaotic. The good news is that a few simple habits can make a big difference. Staying organised not only helps things run smoothly but also frees up time (and headspace!) for the fun stuff.Here are five of my tried-and-tested ways to keep your family life organised...1. Use a Family Calendar Whether it’s a wall planner in the kitchen or a shared digital calendar, having everything in one place is a lifesaver. We actually have our shared calendar on our phone as the … [Read more...]

Is it just me or are packed lunches harder to plan in the Autumn?  In the Summer, it's so easy to pull together a quick salad, a nice sandwich or some sort of cold pasta or rice dish. But in the cooler months, I want something to warm me up at lunch time - comfort food is much needed half way through my work day but I want it to be reasonably healthy, easy to make and not cost the earth.Autumn is the perfect time to switch things up with hearty, seasonal ingredients that keep everyone fuelled through busy school days and work hours. Here's some autumn-packed lunch ideas to brighten … [Read more...]

I've been doing a bit of research this week about the extra things I should be including in our moving house budget and there's things I've read about that I genuinely wouldn't have even thought of if it wasn't for Google! I'm going to share a few of them with you today in the next of my 'Moving House' series of posts...Moving house always costs more than you expect. Even when you budget carefully, there are often extra expenses that creep in along the way. Knowing what to watch out for means you can prepare in advance and avoid blowing your budget. Here are some of the most common hidden … [Read more...]

Going through a divorce isn’t just about the emotional side of things — it also has a massive impact on your money. I know this first-hand, having been through it myself, and one of the biggest shocks for me was realising just how much the financial side can shape your future. From who keeps the house to how pensions and debts are split, the decisions made during a settlement can affect you for years to come.Here are some of the main areas to be aware of, and a few lessons I learned along the way.Splitting Property The family home is usually the biggest asset to sort out, and what … [Read more...]