VALENTINES DAY ON A BUDGET

Valentines day is now only a few days away. It's a time for celebrating love and the connection with those that are dear to us. You don't have to be in a relationship to celebrate Valentines day. You can celebrate the day with your children, family or friends or even by yourself as self love is important too. Whoever you decide to spend the day with , remember that you don't need to spend a small fortune on gifts and days out as you can do Valentines day on a budget.

Doing Valentines day on a budget can be fun and a way to save money. So here are some ideas of some cheap ways to spend time together with those that mean the most.


Dinner and a movie at home
Dinner and a movie is a date night classic. However, if you book to go to a restaurant and cinema then it can get pricey pretty quickly. Instead set up a candle lit dinner at home and find a film on whatever streaming service you use. If you don't fancy cooking from scratch together, than supermarket dine in deals are a great option for when it's just the two of you. Most supermarkets now offer high quality dine in deals where you get a starter, main, side, dessert and either a bottle of wine or soft drink.


Have a game night
We love game nights in our home. If you have the kids with you,  you can get out a family friendly game to play together. Don't just think board and card games for a game night think video games if they are more your thing and even a murder mystery game is a fun option for adults to get into.


Take a scenic stroll
A simple stroll through a park or woodland is a great way to get away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. Grab a hot drink and enjoy the fresh air together. Whether you opt for an early morning walk or sunset stroll,  being outside together away from screens and chatting is a brilliant way to connect.

LIFE UPDATE/ ROUND UP: JANUARY 2025

January definitely felt like such a long slog of a  month. Having something to look forward to each week has really helped with my mental health this past month. I'm definitely looking forward to when the days start to be more lighter and the weather warms up. It's definitely been a rather dark and cold month. 




Days out

Land of lights Milton Keynes 
As we were visiting Stuart's mum for a few days we booked in advance to go to the Land of Lights in Milton Keynes. It was incredible and definitely worthwhile going to! Its similar to the Winter Illuminations we went to at Yorkshire Wildlife Park a few years ago. So a walking trail where you see a stunning collection of beautiful lanterns and light displays. 


The Arcade Warehouse 
A new arcade place has opened up in Gainsborough so we headed there on opening day. For £5 per person you get to spend 2 hours playing free play arcade games. We will definitely be back and can see it being popular, especially during the school holidays.




Things I've watched and read in January 

Watched 

I've been to the cinema twice in January. The first was with Stuart at the start of the month. We made use of our Amazon Prime benefit of 2 tickets for £10 with Odeon. We saw Sonic the Hedgehog 3 which was brilliant! I feel that each of the Sonic movies have just got better and better.


Then I went on a solo trip to our local cinema that does tickets for £4.99 per person and saw Wicked. I'm so glad I got out of my comfort zone by going on my own and the movie was amazing! I can't wait for the second one to come out later this year. 


I finally got around to watching It ends with us based on the book by Colleen Hoover. Although I liked it i feel the book was better. 


Family movie wise we watched Inside Out 2 which we had got Blake on DVD for his Birthday. 


Last of all I binged watched Missing You over on Netflix which is based on the book of the same name by Harlan Coben. I've surprisingly not actually watched anything else on Netflix in January.

Choosing the Best Home Security System for Your Home

 *This is a collaborative post 


Ensuring the safety of your home is a top priority for many. Selecting the right home security system can provide peace of mind and protect your loved ones and belongings. This guide will help you make an informed decision by outlining key factors to consider.



Assess Your Security Needs

Start by evaluating what you need to protect. Consider the size of your home, the number of entry points, and the value of your possessions. Identify areas that may need extra security, such as ground-floor windows or back doors. Understanding your specific needs will guide you in choosing the right system features.


Types of Home Security Systems

There are various types of home security systems available. The main categories include:


1. Monitored Systems: These systems are connected to a central monitoring service. If an alarm is triggered, the service contacts authorities. Monitored systems provide immediate response but may involve monthly fees.


2. Unmonitored Systems: These rely on local alerts, such as sirens or notifications to your smartphone. They are typically less expensive but may not provide the same level of response as monitored systems.


3. Wireless Systems: These systems use wireless technology for easy installation and flexibility. They are ideal for renters or homes where running wires is difficult.


4. Wired Systems: Wired systems offer reliable connections and are less susceptible to interference. They require professional installation and are better suited for permanent setups.



Key Features to Consider

When choosing a home security system, consider the following features:


Alarm Types: Look for systems that offer burglary, fire, and carbon monoxide alarms. Comprehensive coverage ensures all potential threats are addressed.


Surveillance Cameras: Cameras provide real-time monitoring and can deter intruders. Decide whether you need indoor, outdoor, or both types of cameras.


Smart Home Integration: Modern systems can integrate with smart home devices like lights, locks, and thermostats. This integration enhances security and convenience.


Mobile Access: Choose a system that allows you to monitor and control your security from your smartphone. Mobile access provides flexibility and peace of mind.


Environmental Sensors: Sensors for smoke, heat, and water leaks can prevent disasters and minimize damage.


Budget Considerations

Home security systems vary in price. Determine your budget before exploring options. Keep in mind that more features typically increase the cost. However, investing in a quality system can save money in the long run by preventing theft and damage.


Initial Costs: Include equipment purchase and installation fees. Wireless systems may have lower installation costs compared to wired systems.


Monthly Fees: Monitored systems usually require a monthly subscription. Ensure you can afford ongoing costs.


Additional Expenses: Consider costs for maintenance, upgrades, and potential repairs.


Professional Installation vs. DIY

Decide whether you want professional installation or prefer a do-it-yourself approach.

Professional Installation: Offers expertise and ensures the system is set up correctly. It may be required for certain wired systems and monitored services.


DIY Installation: Provides flexibility and can save money. Wireless and unmonitored systems are often easier to install on your own.


Evaluate your technical skills and the complexity of the system when making this choice.

MY 2025 READING CHALLENGE

 For 2025 one of my goals is to complete a reading challenge. There are so many different reading challenges out there, however I've decided to make up my own. For my 2024 reading I only set myself a challenge of how many books to read. This year I thought a reading challenge would be a great way to help me to make a dent in my ever growing TBR.


What is my reading challenge ?

My reading challenge is made up of 25 prompts. The goal is to match a one book to each prompt for a total of twenty five books over the year.  

My prompts are related to book covers, themes, characters, titles etc. I've picked them out based on what books I've got on my TBR and I have at least two books that will fit for each prompt so that when it comes around to choosing them I can have fun deciding. 


How it works?

I thought it would be great to share my prompts in a bookish bingo format so that if anyone else wanted to join in with my reading challenge 2025 they can. So if you do decide to join in the info is as follows:

How to create a moving home checklist (that you'll actually use!)

Moving home is, generally speaking, a pretty stressful process to have to go through. It’s absolutely possible to be excited about the prospect of living in a new home, in a new area, but the actual nuts and bolts of moving all your stuff can be a lot to deal with.


There are lots of little strategies that you can adopt to help make things easier. Here, we take a look at a very common one that few people manage to get totally right - the home move checklist. We try to take you through some general pointers, so that you can create one that you’ll actually use.



Make it your own

The problem with taking a template and trying to apply it to your move is that no two moves are the same. You may have to get the whole move over and done within just a few weeks due to time constraints, or you might have months to spread it out over.


Either way, it’s important that you adapt the checklists you find and make them fit your own situation. Pick and choose from the different options you come across, ditching the bad and taking the good to create your own perfect, personalised version. 


Start off with the basics

To start off, you can write down all of the things that you need to get done. From finding a new place to booking a service like Bright Movers, take your time and try to make sure you’re not forgetting anything. You’ll likely continue adding things to this list right up until the day of the move itself, but the earlier the important parts make it on, the better.

MY GOALS FOR 2025

 A new year is here and so as usual I've sat and planned my personal goals for the year ahead. I've set out goals that will challenge me, but are also achievable. 




Read 75 books
Last years goal was 65 and I managed to get through 72. So I've decided to up my reading goal this year, and see if I can get to 75 by the end of 2025.  

Read at least one full series 
One of the book series I own is ACOTR which I want to get through this year. If I only get through that series I'll be happy. However I do have a few others I want to try and get through aswell, so we will see.

Complete a reading challenge
I think I'm going to make up my own challenge this year using inspiration from others I've come across.

Refresh the house
Declutter especially in the attic, refresh the paint on the walls and over all just get a bit more organised. This is more a joint thing for both Stuart and I to get done together this year.

 

Continue to grow my emergency fund 
I feel this is so important as you don't know what's around the corner. I like the idea of having some funds to fall back on in an emergency.

REFLECTING ON MY 2024 GOALS

 It's New Years Eve and so it's a time where I reflect on the goals that I had set out at the beginning of the year. I'm actually really happy with how things have turned out as I've managed to achieve the majority of them this year.


Move for Mind

I signed up for Move for Mind around this time last year. I'm so proud of myself for completing this challenge of doing 31 minutes of activity a day for the 31 days of January. It was definitely harder some days than others in regards to motivation. However it's something I can say I achieved and I made a small amount of money for charity whilst raising awareness for mental health.


Read 65 books

I actually managed to read 71 so I'm definitely going to increase my goal for next year. I've read such a great variety of books this past year and will be setting myself more reading challenges for the year ahead.


Have more date nights

Sadly this was one goal that wasn't as easy as we had hoped. Life got in the way and it's something that still needs to happen.


Financial goals:

Save £1000 for an emergency fund

I got pretty close I'm £200 short however I'll continue to be popping money away each month into my emergency fund throughout 2025 to make it grow. Hopefully I won't be needing to use it anytime soon.


Regularly add to my sinking funds

I've got into good habits of adding to my sinking funds this year. Because of budgetting I'm able to put money away into these as soon as I'm paid.

New Year Reflections with a Purpose

With Christmas now over and the closing of the year and the dawn of another, we are presented with a unique moment of reflection and anticipation. It's a natural point in our lives, a critical point where we can evaluate our journey so far and plan the course for our future. Here's how you can mindfully reflect on the past year and set yourself genuine intentions for the new one with your New Year reflection.

  




Taking Stock of the Past Year With A New Year Reflection

 

Celebrate Your Achievements: Every year is filled with both highs and lows. Start by focusing on the positives. Celebrate your successes, no matter how small they might be. These are the moments that brought you joy, taught you lessons, and contributed to your growth.


Acknowledge the Challenges: Not every day was sunshine and roses but that's okay. Life's challenges, setbacks, and failures teach you resilience. They offer valuable lessons. By confronting these experiences head-on, you can gain closure and wisdom.


Express Gratitude: Think of the people who stood by you, the unexpected joys, and even the lessons from the hardships. Expressing gratitude can elevate your mood and offer you perspective.


Dive Deep with Self-Reflection

Ask Yourself Motivating Questions: Engage in a conversation with yourself. Some questions you may wish  to ponder are :

      What were my most significant learnings this year?

      In what areas did I grow the most?

      Were there moments I was inauthentic or drifted away from my values?

      What brought me the most joy and what drained my energy?

 

Journal Your Thoughts: There's power in penning down your feelings, experiences, and thoughts. It helps clarify your emotions, identify any patterns, and serves as a record for you to revisit in the future.

CHRISTMAS HOLIDAY GIVEAWAY

How is it 10 days until Christmas! It's definitely coming around fast! We are mostly organised with only wrapping presents and purchasing our Christmas dinner bits left to do. I'll be putting my email on holiday mode from the 19th until around new year ready for making the most of family time. 

Today myself and a wonderful bunch of bloggers have come together and as a big thank you for your support this year have a wonderful giveaway for you.




Win Big This Christmas! Some of the UK's top bloggers have come together to offer one lucky winner a collection of incredible prizes that are sure to bring smiles to every face in your household.


From thoughtful treats to exciting surprises, this bundle has everything you need to make this Christmas extra special. Entering couldn’t be easier—simply head over to our Rafflecopter link at the bottom of this post for a chance to win.


Don’t miss out—this could be the perfect way to surprise and delight the whole family!

This giveaway is open to over 18 only and age verification will be required. The winner will be chosen at random and contacted via email. Terms and conditions apply.


The Bloggers

In order to be able to bring you this incredible giveaway, some of the UK’s top bloggers got together. A massive thank you to our bloggers! The bloggers taking part are:


My Balancing Act | Diary of the Evans-Crittens | Life with Jupiter & Dann | Cats Kids and Chaos | Afshanesque | Pounds and Sense | Best Things To Do In Cambridge | Two Plus Dogs | Norfolk’s Best | The Daily Strength | Birds and Lilies | The Lace | Sand and Sunshine | Everything Enchanting | Joanna Victoria | Kelly's Cosy Life | Jenny in Neverland | Hannah and the Twiglets | You Have To Laugh | Real Girls Wobble | Lifestyle Original | Dog Friendly Things | My Tunbridge Wells | Edinburgers | Sunshine & Selfies | A Suffolk Mum | Sustainable Business | The Amazing Adventures of Me | Side Street Style | Anything and Everything Else | Cyprus Property Blog | The Money Making Mum | The Property Investor Blog


The Perfect Gift for Foodies: FinaMill Rechargeable Gift Set



Upgrade your loved ones' cooking game with the festive FinaMill Rechargeable Gift Set. This set not only adds a pop of colour to any kitchen in its Sangria shade, but it also takes cooking to the next level with its innovative design and features. Whether you're shopping for experienced chefs or kitchen newbies, this gift set is sure to impress.


The rechargeable grinder allows for fast charging and has a  long-lasting battery, making it the perfect addition to any busy kitchen. And with its eco-friendly design, you can feel good about reducing your carbon footprint while cooking up delicious meals.


Not only does the gift set come with the FinaMill grinder, but it also includes 3 different types of FinaPods: 2 FinaPod Pro Plus for everyday spices and 1 FinaPod MAX for larger spices and dried herbs. With a sleek and modern tray exclusive to this gift set, your loved ones will have all the tools they need to elevate their dishes in one convenient package.


Not only is it a practical and unique present, but it also shows your loved ones how much you care about their passion for food. Don't wait—enter our giveaway now! 


Ocoopa HotPal PD Quick Charge Rechargeable Hand Warmer


The Ocoopa HotPal PD Rechargeable Hand Warmer is the perfect addition to our prize bundle, making it an ideal gift for anyone who loves spending time outdoors during the colder months. This hand warmer not only keeps your hands warm and toasty during chilly morning hikes or outdoor activities, but it also has adjustable heat options so you can customise the warmth level to suit your needs.


But that's not all! The Ocoopa HotPal PD Hand Warmer also serves as a backup portable charger using the PD protocol, making it a convenient and versatile gadget to have on hand. It can charge various devices such as lights, earbuds, and smartphones - with lightning-fast speed. In fact, it can charge an iPhone to 50% in just 30 minutes, perfect for those who are always on-the-go. This means you'll never have to worry about your devices running out of juice during your outdoor adventures.


So whether you're gifting this hand warmer to a friend or family member who loves camping, hiking, or simply enjoys being outdoors, or even treating yourself to one, the Ocoopa HotPal PD Rechargeable Hand Warmer is a must-have accessory for any winter adventure. Don't miss your chance to win this amazing prize and make someone's Christmas extra warm and special with our ultimate giveaway bundle!


Opinel Cheese Knife & Fork Set



Looking for a unique and practical gift for the foodie in your life? Look no further than the Opinel Cheese Knife & Fork Set. This set is not only stylish and beautifully designed, but also functional for any cheese lover.


Opinel, known for their iconic French design and quality craftsmanship, brings their expertise to this must-have set for any cheese plate or charcuterie platter. Made from sustainably harvested European wood, the beechwood handles add a touch of elegance to the knife and fork.


But don't let the sleek design fool you, these tools are made to last. The stainless steel blade of the knife is sharp, durable, and easy to maintain, ensuring that it will be a staple in any cheese lover's kitchen for years to come. Plus, the fork serves a dual purpose as a holder for the knife and for easily serving slices from the platter.


This set is not only perfect for holiday gatherings and dinner parties, but also makes a great gift for any occasion. Give the gift of style and functionality with Opinel's Cheese Knife & Fork Set this Christmas!


Opinel Art Deco 4pc Kitchen Knife Set



The Opinel Art Deco 4pc Kitchen Knife Set is the perfect addition to our prize bundle this Christmas. With its simple, versatile and efficient design, these knives make everyday cooking much easier. The set includes four high-quality knives with unique and stylish designs that are sure to impress any recipient.


Each knife in the set has a Sandvik 12C27 stainless steel blade with a high carbon content, ensuring excellent cutting quality and resistance to corrosion. The handles are made from tinted hornbeam and covered in a protective varnish, making them resistant to water for long-lasting use.


The set contains four essential kitchen knives: No.112 Paring knife in purple, No.113 Serrated knife in soft grey, No.114 Vegetable Knife in emerald green and No.115 Peeler in white. These knives are perfect for various tasks such as peeling, slicing, and dicing fruits and vegetables, cutting bread or meat, and even preparing sushi.


The Opinel Art Deco 4pc Kitchen Knife Set is not only practical but also adds a touch of elegance to any kitchen with its Art Deco design. It's an ideal gift for anyone who loves to cook or wants to upgrade their kitchen essentials.


Note: Age verification will be required for all prize winners. Open to UK residents over 18 only.


The Perfect Gift for Coffee Lovers: RISE 26oz Tumbler by Klean Kanteen



As part of our amazing Christmas prize bundle, we are excited to offer the RISE 26oz tumbler with flip lid in Sea Spray. This sleek and stylish tumbler is not only a great addition to any coffee lover's collection, but also an eco-friendly choice.


Made from certified 90% post-consumer recycled stainless steel, this durable tumbler is perfect for enjoying hot or cold drinks on the go. Its Climate Lock™ insulation keeps drinks at the desired temperature for hours, making it ideal for busy mornings or long commutes.


Christmas Negroni Cocktail Prize Pack



Are you looking for a sophisticated and festive cocktail to add to your Christmas celebrations? Look no further than the Award-Winning Christmas Negroni, crafted by Bottle Bar and Shop.

The Winter Solstice Traditions: A Deeper Dive into its Origins and Significance

The winter solstice, is often enveloped in a cloak of mystical charm and profound celestial significance. It has consistently captivated the human spirit since the earliest days of civilisation. This powerful astronomical event, which signifies the moment when we experience the shortest span of daylight and the lengthiest stretch of nocturnal darkness in the entire year, has not merely been a scientific wonder.

Instead, it has intricately woven itself into the very core of cultural, spiritual, and communal fabrics of diverse societies spanning the globe. From ancient rituals performed beneath starlit skies to contemporary traditions that echo the reverence of bygone eras, the winter solstice remains a poignant testament to humanity's enduring connection to the cosmos. In this exploration, we delve into its varied meanings, the rich tapestry of its historical observations, and the myriad ways in which it has been celebrated and revered through the ages.

 



 

Understanding the Winter Solstice Traditions

The winter solstice is a celestial event of great significance that occurs annually between December 20th and 23rd in the Northern Hemisphere and between June 20th and 23rd in the Southern Hemisphere. This pivotal moment in the Earth's journey around the Sun is defined by the specific position and tilt of either hemisphere—North or South—being at its maximum distance away from the Sun. As a direct consequence of this orientation, regions within the affected hemisphere experience the shortest duration of daylight, resulting in the longest night of the year. This fleeting period, where day succumbs to night in its most pronounced manner, has been observed and celebrated by various cultures and civilisations throughout history, drawing attention to the intricate dance between our planet and the star that gives it life.

 

Winter Solstice traditions - Historical Observances of Winter Solstice

Many ancient societies built monuments and developed traditions based on the solstice:

Stonehenge, England:

Beyond its alignment with the winter solstice sunrise, recent archaeological studies suggest that pigs were slaughtered at Stonehenge in December, hinting at midwinter feasts and gatherings.

 

Newgrange, Ireland: 

Older than both Stonehenge and the Egyptian pyramids, the Newgrange tomb is aligned so that on the winter solstice, sunlight illuminates its inner chamber. This annual event draws modern crowds who hope to experience this ancient wonder.

 

  Saturnalia, Ancient Rome:
  Etending the earlier mentioned Saturnalia, Roman poets like Catullus described it as "the best of days," a time when homes were decorated with wreaths, and candles and clay dolls were gifted.