JULY 2024 BEING THRIFTY

 Being Thrifty in July and August is definitely tricky with the summer holidays, however I'm so glad that I have a summer holiday sinking fund. Even though we are only in the second week of the six weeks holiday having extra money that I put aside has so far been a lifesaver especially for days out. Even though this month we've spent a bit more than usual we have made some savings and investments have been made and a few freebies have also been obtained. 

School Uniform 

School uniform can be so expensive, I've managed to get it all sorted for B and for £50 less than I budgeted for yippy! So here is how I did it.

-  x5 Polo shirts, x2 PE Shorts and x 2 PE t-shirts I got second hand off Vinted which came to just under £20 for all including postage. They were all from different sellers and in great condition.

- School trousers I got from M&S during their 20% off sale. I prefer to get new trousers for B as it's hard to know the fit on him.  I  also don't want to waste money by buying second hand and they don't fit and having to risk buying more and them not fitting either.

- School shoes and jumpers I got new. The shoes we get cost £29.99 from Amazon and last well. The jumpers are new as he needs a bigger size and they have to have the school logo on.

- PE shoes, socks, lunch bag, pe bag and book bag are all items reused from last year as they are still in great condition/fit.

Summer Sandles

I decided to invest in some sketchers sandles as I find them so comfortable with the memory foam insole. They cost me £29.99 in the sale down from £49.99. Being Thrifty isn't always about going for cheap options but investing in quality pieces. 

Vax Spotwash

We needed to clean our sofas, carpet and other soft furnishings and so during Amazon Prime day we invested in getting a Vax Spotwash. We had looked at renting a rug doctor but worked out buying a spotwash was a better investment. A rug doctor was looking at costing £30 for one day whilst we paid £84 for the spotwash that we can use frequently.

No7 Beauty Vault 

I purchased the No7 beauty vault off boots this month. I've wanted to try their skincare products for awhile and at £35 for £127.37 worth of products I felt it was a good time to try out the brand.   Other than the face and eye pallet I'd definitely use the rest of the products that are included in the set so it's a definite win. 

Finding the Perfect Dance Lessons for Your Child: A Parent’s Guide

 *This is a collaborative post 

Choosing dance lessons for your child can be an exciting journey, one that can have a positive impact on their development. Dance is a wonderful way for children to express themselves, build confidence, and stay active. However, with so many styles and schools available, it can be challenging to know where to start. Here’s a guide to help you find the perfect dance lessons for your child.

1. Understand Your Child’s Interests

The first step in selecting the right dance lessons is to consider your child’s interests. Do they enjoy watching ballet, tap, hip-hop, or contemporary dance? Have they shown an interest in a particular type of music or movement? Observing their preferences can give you a clue about which style of dance they might enjoy.

2. Assess Physical Readiness

It’s important to choose a dance style that matches your child’s physical capabilities. Ballet, for instance, requires a lot of strength and flexibility, while hip-hop is more about energy and rhythm. Speak with a potential instructor about your child’s age and physical development to ensure they are ready for the specific demands of the dance style.

3. Research Dance Schools

Not all dance schools are created equal. Look for schools with qualified instructors who have experience working with children. It can be helpful to visit a few schools, observe classes, and speak with other parents to get a sense of the environment. A supportive and positive atmosphere is crucial for your child’s learning and enjoyment.

4. Consider Class Structure and Size

Class structure and size can greatly affect your child’s learning experience. Smaller class sizes often mean more individual attention from the instructor, which can be beneficial for beginners. Also, inquire about the curriculum and whether it includes a balance of technique, performance, and fun activities to keep your child engaged.

Time Management Tips for Busy Adults: Balancing Hobbies and Responsibilities

Being an adult is hard, between work and other responsibilities like parenting and chores. As such, scheduling some much-needed hobby time can easily become a low-priority task. However, this can easily be a slippery slope to burning out. To avoid all of this, make sure to keep reading as we’ll cover some great tips to balance both hobbies and responsibilities. 

Source: Unsplash

Tips for Balancing Hobbies and Responsibilities

Our first tip starts with leveraging idle tasks, such as commuting via train/bus or waiting in queues. For instance, if you’re a gamer, you could try and fit in a gaming session or two during this time. An example would be to check out new casino games available on online platforms. These will range from quick slot games like Medusa’s Stone to table games such as Mini Roulette Gold.

These are all browser games, meaning you can access them at any time without having to wait to download an app or update it. Alternatively, if you’re more of a reader, make sure to carry your Kindle on you so you can pull it out at any time to get a few pages in. Or for the craftier people out there, you could keep a crochet kit in your bag at all times.

Our second tip would be to combine responsibilities and hobbies. Let’s say you have a few chores you need to carry out, such as cleaning your house, then some hands-free options would be a better fit. For instance, you can stream some music, or listen to an audiobook or podcast. These will turn any tedious experience into a more enjoyable one.

Summer at Sea Glass Cove by Jenny Kane

 Ad – review. I was sent a copy of this book for review purposes and all thoughts are my own.

Today I am also involved in the book tour for Summer at Sea Glass Cove by Jenny Kane. Jenny Kane is the bestselling author of many romantic fiction series. These include the Mill Grange series, Abi's Cornwall series, and the Another Cup series. She has had bestsellers in the Amazon Romance, Contemporary Fiction and Women's Fiction charts and multiple bestsellers.

About the book 

Welcome to Sea Glass Cove! Marine archaeologist Lauren Sunshine is used to life on the go. Her suitcase is always packed ready to explore the country’s underwater heritage so when a shipwreck is found off the Dorset coast, she is thrilled to be leading the excavation team. Philippa Silver, ‘Phil’ to the folk of Sea Glass Cove, has devoted her life to the Museum by the Sea. But funding is tight, and despite subletting half of the museum to her best friend Jules's sea glassshop, she fears for the museum’s future. Phil hopes the wreck discovery could bring more visitors, but there’s a problem – the museum’s too small to house its treasures. 

ONE SUMMER BY TAYLOR COLE

 Ad – review. I was sent a copy of this book for review purposes and all thoughts are my own.

Today I am also involved in the book tour for One Summer by Taylor Cole. Taylor Cole grew up on a council estate in Devon and is of Armenian heritage, via her maternal grandmother who survived the Armenian genocide as a child refugee. When she was twenty-one, Taylor left university to run away to Cyprus and live in a men's barrack block with her military boyfriend, but returned the next year to finish her BA in English, which she followed with a master's degree in Creative Writing. She lives in Newquay with the military boyfriend-turned- husband, two daughters and an eighty-year-old tortoise called Shelley who was found wandering the streets of Plymouth in 1958.

About the book

Two people. Two pasts. One summer to fall in love.

Felicity’s War by Jean Fullerton

 Ad – review. I was sent a copy of this book for review purposes and all thoughts are my own.

Today I am involved in the book tour for Felicity’s War by Jean Fullerton. Born and bred in East London Jean was a District Nurse by trade working throughout East London. She had published twenty-three sagas, including the popular WW2 RATION BOOK, which like all her books is set in East London. Jean has also written her autobiography A Child of the East End, about growing up in post-war Stepney and Wapping. She is currently working on first book of her new four book WW2 series.

About the book 

1941. Whilst London is battered by air raids, Felicity ‘Fliss’ Carmichael has troubles of her own. Reeling from her fiancé’s betrayal, she flees to her family home at St. Winifred’s Rectory. Though heartbroken, Fliss finds purpose again as a journalist. On assignment, she crosses paths with Detective Inspector Timothy Wallace, who shares her passion for truth and justice - though not necessarily her political beliefs. Despite their differences, an instant spark ignites between them. In a city under siege, Fliss and Tim forge an unlikely bond. But can their blossoming romance endure the perils ahead?

CREATING A MENTAL HEALTH KIT

Taking care of our mental health is crucial for our wellbeing. With busy lives and daily stressors it's important that we have something in place for those times when we are struggling. This is why creating a mental health kit can be valuable for our mental health and wellbeing. 

What is a mental health kit?

A mental health kit or a crisis kit as some people call it, is a collection of both physical and digital resources that are aimed at supporting your wellbeing. It could even be the environment you go to such as creating a garden space that's good for your mental health. Whatever you choose for your mental health toolkit should be personal to you to help bring comfort and support during difficult times. You can purchase custom kits however it's more fun and personal to make your own.

Items to include in a mental health kit

Creating your own kit can be fun as the possibilities of what you can include are endless.  It doesn't have to be a physical box either as it can be a room, a drawer, a bag etc. The key is to have it to suit your needs. Below are some ideas of things to include:

Best Practices for Packing Electronics in an Extra-Large Suitcase

 *This is a collaborative post 

Packing electronics in an extra-large suitcase can be a daunting task, especially with the ever-evolving travel regulations and the delicate nature of tech gadgets. To ensure your devices arrive safely at your destination, the key is to use protective cases and cushioning materials effectively. For travelers opting for an extra large suitcase from Eminent or another reliable brand, investing in good packing organizers can make a significant difference in maintaining order and preventing damage.

Choosing appropriate packing organizers is essential. They help in categorizing and securing items, ensuring that your electronics, accessories, and cables are not jumbled up. Properly insulated compartments, padded sleeves, and hard-shell cases can safeguard sensitive gadgets like laptops, tablets, and cameras from impact during travel.

•  
• Key Takeaways
• - Use protective cases and padding for all electronics.
• - Invest in packing organizers for better item categorization.
• - Ensure all devices are turned off and data is secured.
•     

  Selecting the Right Suitcase and Packing Organizers

  A suitable suitcase coupled with effective packing organizers can significantly enhance the overall travel experience by ensuring electronics are safely and efficiently packed. Focus on the right mix of suitcase features and packing tools to make the most of your packing space.

  The Ideal Suitcase for Electronics

  When choosing a suitcase to pack electronics, it’s crucial to consider size, weight, and durability. Opt for a suitcase that is spacious yet lightweight. Look for designs with multiple compartments to help organize gadgets and accessories.

  High-quality carry-on suitcases can be particularly useful if you want to keep your electronics close by during flights. Handles and wheels that are sturdy and easy to maneuver are essential for easy transport. Suitcases made with water-resistant or water-repellent materials provide an extra layer of protection for delicate items.

  Brands like Amazon Basics offer affordable options with decent quality, while Gonex and Calpak deliver more stylish and durable choices. Prioritize models with a lifetime guarantee for peace of mind.

  Organizing with Packing Cubes and Compartments

  Effective use of packing cubes and compression bags can help maximize your suitcase's capacity while keeping electronics organized and protected. Packing cubes come in various sizes and designs, such as expandable cubes and those made from breathable mesh or water-resistant nylon.

  For tech gear, consider organizers that include specific compartments for cables and chargers. The best packing cubes often feature space-saving designs and materials made from recycled materials, making them both functional and eco-friendly.

  Travel organizers designed specifically for tech gadgets, like the carry-on caddy and grid-it organizer, can further streamline packing and ensure easy access to essentials. 

HACKS FOR FREQUENT FLYERS

Embarking on adventures abroad can be lots of fun whether you do so with family, friends or you're a solo traveller. If you are a frequent flyer than you know that travel as well as exciting can be pretty exhausting too. This is why, with the right hacks you can make your experience seamless. 

Booking flights, navigating airports, knowing your rights with flight delays/cancellations and increasing your comfort, with the hacks I'm sharing below you are sure to make your travels more enjoyable.

Packing Smart 

Before heading off on your adventures it's all about packing smart. Packing efficiently helps to save you time and stress. Use packing cubes in your luggage and roll up clothing to maximise space and minimise creases. Invest in quality hand luggage for your carry on and always pack spare clothes and essentials in them in case there are any delays or your luggage is lost. Another item you may want to consider packing is a GoPro Hero 12, which is a must have addition for your family adventures. 

Booking your flights

Join loyalty programs to earn points on your flights. Travel credit cards are also a great way to accumulate points on everyday purchases. This is a must for frequent flyers as you could get offers such as upgrades to business class etc.

JUNE 2024 BEING THRIFTY

 Being Thrifty this month has included a few birthday freebies. I've also come across some other offers and ways that have helped to keep costs down this month. I would have used restaurant freebies but unfortunately both Stuart and I were poorly so unable to use them before they expired. Hopefully next year I'll be able to use more of the freebies offered.

Amazon 

This month I spent my Amazon panel voucher towards to pants for B as he was really in need of some. Underwear is something I always buy brand new.

Shoes for a wedding 

I got some shoes to wear to a wedding in August for under £8 including postage. The great thing is I can wear them at other times and the heel isn't high so I can walk in them easily.

B's outfit for a wedding

I've purchased some trousers, a shirt and shoes for Blake to wear also off Vinted saving money instead of buying brand new.