No Needles, No Problem: The Mess-Free Advantages of Artificial Christmas Trees

 *This is a collaborative post 

As the holidays roll in, the iconic symbol of the season takes center stage in homes across the globe. However, the charm of a live tree often comes with a set of challenges ranging from constant needle shedding to the annual hike and chop for the freshest fir. An artificial Christmas tree presents a compelling alternative, offering the joyous ambiance without the traditional troubles. They blend convenience with aesthetics, providing a solution that can be as festive as it is practical. Keep reading to discover the numerous benefits of opting for an artificial tree this holiday season.

The Hassle-Free Experience of Artificial Christmas Trees

The ease of setting up an artificial Christmas tree is a clear advantage over its live counterpart. Gone are the days of wrestling with a massive tree through your doorway and the aftermath of pine needles scattered across your floors. These faux trees often come in manageable sections that are easily assembled and disassembled, with no need for watering or the worry of drying out.

Beyond the setup, the maintenance of artificial Christmas trees is minimal at best. Owners are spared the daily sweep-up of fallen needles and the inevitable sap stains that come with a natural tree. Furthermore, artificial trees don't require the same level of care to keep them looking fresh throughout the season, providing a consistently vibrant centerpiece for holiday celebrations.

Artificial trees also offer the perks of pre-installed lighting, cutting down on the time-consuming task of stringing lights and troubleshooting bulb outages. This pre-lit feature can greatly reduce the setup time, allowing you to move directly into hanging your cherished decorations. With these trees, the focus shifts from maintenance to enjoyment, giving you more time to spend with loved ones.

The Allergy-Friendly Choice for Holiday Décor

For those who suffer from allergies, particularly to pine, a real Christmas tree can turn the festive season into a time of discomfort. Artificial Christmas trees are a hypoallergenic option that eliminates the allergens associated with live trees. This factor is crucial for ensuring the home stays a comfortable space for all, including guests with sensitivities.

Moreover, natural trees can harbor mold spores that grow during the time they are kept inside. These spores can easily spread through the air, potentially affecting air quality and aggravating respiratory conditions. Artificial trees, devoid of organic material, offer a mold-free alternative, contributing to a healthier home environment during the holidays.

CHRISTMAS 2025 GIFT GUIDE FOR THE KIDS

PR Samples – I received the items featured in this post for consideration on my blog.

*This post also includes affiliate links – if you buy anything via these links I will receive a small payment from the company, this does not affect the price you pay.

On Monday I shared my Christmas Gift Guide for adults and now it's time for my Gift Guide for the kids. You can find last year's gift guide here for further inspiration. 

 With a mix of toys, books, clothing etc I've included a variety of gifts so you can find something for most age groups.

Ubbi | Joinibble Teether | £11.99

Ubbi a place where innovative products are designed and created with parents and children in mind. Under the Ubbi name, you will find unique, quality products that are easy to use, that help to simplify parents' lives while keeping babies as happy and safe as can be.

Ubbi's joinibble teethers are thoughtfully designed for soothing sensitive gums. They are designed in bright colours for catching babies attention. Each 6-sided Joinibble teether is soft and flexible, allowing your little one to easily grasp, tug, and pull for hours of interactive fun. Beyond offering teething relief, these toys help to develop crucial hand-eye coordination and colour recognition. The pieces fit together in various ways, providing endless possibilities for creative play. 

Blade and Rose | Christmas Dress | £18

Blade and Rose are a children's clothing brand that specialises in soft, stylish and sustainable clothing for babies and toddlers. They are known for their trademark leggings that feature playful and quirky designs on the bum. They now offer a wide range of clothing including tops and accessories. 

Their Christmas collection brings the joy of the festive season to life with stylish leggings, tops, socks, and more in festive designs and patterns. The Christmas dress makes the perfect gift for twirling into Christmas. The adorable and colourful red dress features an all over motif design including Tree, Snowman and Gingerbread. The soft, breathable cotton-rich knit feels gentle against delicate skin. 

Pretend to Bee  | Astronaut costume | £35

Pretend to Bee is a small family run business that crafts high quality costumes for children 6 months up to 11 years. Role play is important in early years children for sparking imagination and encouraging learning through play. Pretend to Bee's collection of made-to-last dressing-up costumes, toys and accessories are all designed to be both educational and fun! Since their launch in 2008, they've become a trusted name in the UK’s education sector for Early Years Role Play. Their costumes can now be found across the world in schools, role play centres and museums.

5,4,3,2,1... We have lift off! This Christmas launch your little explorer into space with this high quality astronaut costume. The full-body white astronaut suit costume features pearlescent silver padded arm and leg panels, a colourful woven rocket badge, and three metallic silver 3D star patches for extra cosmic flair. The matching padded silver hood completes the out-of-this-world look. 

Muddy Puddles | 3 In 1 waterproof scampsuit | from £62

Muddy Puddles are on a mission to connect our growing explorers with nature by designing excellent quality, sustainable clothing that protects them in all weathers, is kind to our planet and the people who make them. 

Muddy Puddles best selling 3 in 1 waterproof scampsuits are brilliantly versatile and made for adventures. They are ideal for active, growing adventurers. Breathable fabric keeps little explorers comfortable, while taped seams, dual storm flaps and elasticated cuffs stop the elements sneaking in.

Crafted from hard-wearing, 100% recycled fabric, they have a 10,000mm waterproof rating that fends off the heaviest day-long downpours. The super-soft fleece liner and waterproof outer can be worn together in the cold depths of winter. The outer worn solo is perfect for when it’s wet but mild and the fleece doubles as a snuggly layer for lounging at home. (Design featured above is Blue Bird).

Muddy Puddles | Thermal Base Layers and welly socks | prices starting at £9 for snoods.

Muddy Puddles thermal base layers are a must during the colder months. Young explorers will stay toasty warm in their ultra versatile thermal tops and leggings. The thermal tops and leggings both have a brushed interior that ensures a super soft and snuggly feel on skin whilst the breathable material keeps young explorers cool and comfortable, wicking away moisture after active play so they don’t get too hot. The top also features thumb holes in the cuffs. This keeps the sleeves in place and makes it quick and easy to layer up over the top without them riding up. (Above features the forest green design)

Welly socks are also a must for keeping toes comfy and cosy. These high-performance socks are made in Italy from soft, durable merino wool with Lycra added for a snug, stretchy fit that lasts. The long length is perfect for wearing under wellies or snow boots for an extra boost of warmth, while the fabric’s ability to wick away moisture keeps feet feeling fresh. They also have built-in cushioning and seamless stitching to prevent rubbing, ensuring unbeatable comfort, even after a long day of running, splashing and exploring. (Design above is green lightning).

Manimal Tales | Santa's Visit to your house book| £24 (softcover) £29 (hardcover)

Manimal Tales is a publisher of beautifully illustrated personalised books. They have personalised books for both children and adults. From birthday books to new baby tales, and from bedtime stories to ABC books, they have custom books for all occasions! 

In Santa's Visit to your house it's Christmas Eve and Santa is delivering presents to children around the world. He makes a stop at your house, where your children are fast asleep. Or they were, until Santa accidentally wakes them up! The book can be personalised with up to 4 names as well as their last name and place they live, along with a personal message that is printed into the book. Manimal Tales ship worldwide.

Storydo personalised book | £69

Founders and friends Sonja and Nina both love making family photo books and keeping memories alive. These books can take a lot of time and effort so they came up with the idea of a platform that made it easy and enjoyable for parents to create their unique family story. 

Storydo's book builder is easy to use and it takes about 1-2 hours to create your book. The book is high quality A4 hardcover that contains 60-90 pages with editable text and 1-3 photos. Storydo helps you to capture your family story and they are inclusive, working for all types of families. The books are a great way create more closer and resilient families as well as harnessing the benefits of family storytelling. 

Tales from Port Navas Creek by Guy Beringer | £14.99 each

Tales from Port Navas Creek is a magical trilogy by Guy Beringer. These delightful children’s books bring his seven grandchildren to life as woodland animal heroes, which are set in the beautiful woodland surrounding the iconic Helford River in Cornwall.

Each of the 3 volumes is published in hardback and are beautifully presented making a great addition to your child's bookshelf this Christmas. Note worthy highlights around the trilogy include:

• A rich and magical setting 
• Beautiful illustrations 
• Endearing animal protagonist's 
• Moral adventures
• Puzzles and riddles 
• Suited for readers 6 and up

Plus-Plus | Santa /Holiday tubes | £7

Plus-Plus are an educational building toy made in Demark that strengthen children’s imagination, concentration, and fine motor skills. With Plus-Plus, kids can build everything from animals and vehicles to entire fantasy worlds – the only limit is their imagination.

The above Christmas sets make great stocking stuffers. With 100 plus-plus pieces these tubes make great little characters such as Santa. But don't stop there your child can unleash their imagination and create something truly unique in the wonderful mix of Christmas colours. Make reindeer, Christmas trees or whatever else they can think of. 

Thumbs up | Care Bears Digital Pet | £20

Since 2004, Thumbs Up have been sprinkling magic in the world of gifts and gadgets! Not only have they whipped up trophy-tastic creations, but they've also launched some best-selling licensed products that have danced their way into major retailers worldwide. From games to gizmos, they're all about extraordinary fun!

The Care Bears collection brings beloved characters into your everyday life with official homeware, gifts, and collectibles. Perfect for Care Bears fans of all ages, this range captures the caring spirit and colourful charm that has made these characters treasured for generations.

Care Bears lights up the day in this portable Care Bears digital pet. With classic 90s gameplay and fun personalities, kids and retro toy fans alike can enjoy caring for their digital pet through games, feeding, and fun. This virtual pet combines cheerful vibes with collectible design for nonstop play. There are 5 different designs to choose from Funshine bear (above), Grumpy bear, Cheer bear, Good luck bear, and Share bear! 

Wicked Uncle | Flying Bee | £16.99

Wicked Uncle they know what kids like and ensure you gift an age appropriate present sure to be enjoyed. They have scoured the world to find a really useful selection of fun, unusual and different presents for children. They test every potential present for fun, quality and value before it even goes on their website.

The Flying Bee is a fun and entertaining toy that's easy to control with clever induction technology that senses your hand underneath and immediately flies up. Safe and fun, the built-in protection device automatically stops flying if the coptor blade is hit in flight. Flies for about 8 minutes when full charged and charges in just half an hour using the USB lead included. Great fun and quite energetic chasing your bee around indoors - and a real buzz, of course!

Wicked Uncle | Fart Machine | £12.99

This Fart Machine from Wicked Uncle is the perfect fun gift for pranksters. This fun sound machine provides hilarious noises at the touch of a button. Have a laugh on your friends with high-quality recordings as you create foul-sounding effects! The machine features nine different styles of fart to choose from, from the windy to the gurgling. Measuring 8cm, this nifty handheld sound board is great for popping in your pocket and taking anywhere.

CHRISTMAS GIFT GUIDE FOR ADULTS 2025

*PR Samples – I received the items featured in this post for consideration on my blog.

#This post also includes affiliate links – if you buy anything via these links I will receive a small payment from the company, this does not affect the price you pay

Welcome to my Christmas Gift Guide 2025. I've been doing these gift guides for over 12 years now. I love the build up of Christmas and sourcing gift ideas for you guys. You can find last year's guide here if you need further inspiration.

This gift guide features a variety of thoughtful gifts including sweet treats, alcohol, luxury pyjamas,  crafty bits and more.

Boutique Gifts Personalised Hampers | Price Varies 

Boutique Gifts are known for their range of handmade gifts. We especially love their variety of best selling hampers, from letter box gifts to luxury and even alcohol free versions. The above hamper is their wine tasting personalised treat box. This elegant red wine hamper brings together a carefully chosen bottle of Shiraz with a handpicked medley of savoury bites and sweet indulgences, designed for a truly memorable night in. Full hamper contents include:

- Waters Edge Shiraz (75cl)

- Ludlow’s Toasted Peanuts

- Savoursmiths Desert Salt & Black Pepper Crisps

- Abbey Biscuits Traditional Shortbread

- Beech’s British Milk Coconut Macaroons

Clean Co non-alcoholic spirits | £16

Clean Co are a great brand of non-alcoholic spirit alternatives, ideal for those that don't drink. We've been a fan of the brand for years now and they are our go to for alcohol-free gins, whisky, rum and tequila. Their spirits are all sugar free and low in calories too. 

Clean T is made to be mixed just as you would in a classic Margarita. Crafted by their award-winning team of flavour experts, using only the highest-quality ingredients sourced from around the world. Delivering delicious notes of Green Agave, Olive, Sweet Melon, Black Pepper and Cedarwood for a cooling finish. Perfect for an alcohol-free margarita that lets you delight in the night, and still welcome the next day!

ThinK Wine | Price Varies 

ThinK Wine is the home of Prosecco and sparkling wine with reduced calories and reduced sugar.  Established in 2020, Katherine Jones, the innovative mind behind ThinK, dedicated two years prior to crafting and refining a Prosecco and Pinot Grigio Sparkling Rosé with fewer calories and less sugar, all with no compromise on taste. Driven by her personal struggle with sugar, Katherine identified a gap in the market for enjoyable, low-sugar bubbly alternatives. 

As well as full sized bottles of both Prosecco and sparkling Rosé ThinK Wine also offer mini's and cans that you can purchase in packs of 6, 12 or 24 which make the perfect Christmas gift option.

Saffire Chocolates | Truffles Selection | prices starting from £11.50

At Saffire Chocolates, they believe chocolate should be an experience. Crafted with care, full of flavour, and made to be savoured. Nestled in the heart of Norfolk, Saffire Chocolates artisan chocolate company is built on a passion for quality, creativity, and craftsmanship.

They handcraft a luxurious range of artisan treats, including their signature chocolate truffles, smooth milk chocolate bars, and indulgent champagne truffle balls. Every piece of Saffire chocolate is handcrafted in small batches using the finest cocoa traced ingredients. From carefully selected coca blends to locally inspired flavours, their creations celebrate the beauty of simplicity and the art of indulgence.

Their truffle selection starts at £11.50 for a box of 6 Chocolates up to £32.50 for a box of 24. Each box features a curated selection of gourmet chocolate truffles, made with the finest ingredients and artisan techniques. Choose from classic milk chocolate, rich dark chocolate, or unique seasonal flavours and both alcohol and alcohol free options.

Gift Hampers International | Pretty In Pink gift hamper | £73

Gift Hampers International sell a wide range of luxury hampers across multiple countries within the EU as well as the UK. Making them a handy gift option for a loved one in another country this Christmas. From beautifully curated food and drink hampers, to wine and spirits gifts, there is something for everyone.

The Pretty In Pink gift hamper from Gift Hampers UK is a gorgeous selection packed in a chic pink gift box. A sparkling rosé prosecco sets the tone for a joyful occasion, perfectly paired with buttery shortbread, sticky toffee cookies and creamy chocolate delights. Sweet treats like coconut clusters, strawberry fudge, prosecco-flavoured gummies and gourmet popcorn add a playful touch, making this hamper as fun as it is indulgent. 

Full hamper contents includes:

• Bottega Poeti Rosé Prosecco DOC 75cl
• Furniss Cornish Shortbread with Strawberry Pieces 180g
• Great British Desert Collection Sticky Toffee Pudding Cookies
• Joypouch Coconut Clusters 100g
• Joe & Seph's Chocolate Fudge Cake Popcorn 30g
• Buttermilk Strawbellini Fudge 100g
• Ask Muy & Daddy Prosecco Bears 55g
• Monty Bojangles Milk Perfectly Creamy Chocolate 150g

Danilo |Pinch of Nom 2026 Calander | £10.99

A calender always makes a useful gift for keeping organised. Danilo has a wide range of lifestyle themed calanders for 2026. As well as Pinch of nom there is the floral charm of RHS, stunning animals of BBC earth and more designs. The Pinch of nom official calander for 2026 has a mouthwatering recipe for each of the 12 months to try. Available from retailers including WH Smith, Sainsbury's, Calendar Club, ASDA, Morrisons, Waterstones, The Works, Tesco,

#Amazon & Danilo.com. 

Goodeehoo | A5 Nicobar notebook | £12.99

Discover Goodeehoo's range of vegan-friendly stationery and thoughtful gifts for the organised individual. At Goodeehoo they are passionate about crafting beautifully designed, affordable products, including bags, stationery, and gifts. 

For planning, for journaling, for work or play an A5 Nicobar notebook is the ultimate must have. It's the perfect size for work or home. Available in 10 colours this luxury notebook is finished with faux soft grain cover and smart secure clasp.  The A5 notebook is also made with 100 single sheets of 100gsm lined paper.  For an extra £3.50 you can add personalised initials debossed with silver/gold foil or without foil.

Prezzee Gift Card | £5-£500

Stuck with what to get someone who has everything this Christmas? A gift card from Prezzee complete with a personal voice or video message and greeting card is sure to bring a smile to their face.  To personalise your gift further you can customise the e-gift card with a photo. A Prezzee gift card gives the recipient the chance to choose from a variety of retailers making it a flexible gift option. There are over 200 retailers to choose from too.

Max Spielmann | photo text print & frame | starting from £20

Personalised gifts are always a popular choice no matter the occasion. Max Spielmann have a wide range of unique gift options to choose from including canvasses, photo books, cushions, blankets, keyrings and more. If you have a store nearby some products may be offered on a same day service. Please do check in advance though especially as it gets closer to Christmas and more busy. 

The photo text print and frame makes a wonderful personalised gift this Christmas. Both portrait and landscape options are available for your photo. Prints/frames are available in 3 sizes - A4, A3 and 50 x 49 cm. The frames are available in black, white, rustic wood and light wood. Both the prints and frames are excellent quality and are sure to last for years to come. Please note that frames bigger than A4 do not include a back stand - only wall hooks for hanging.

Craft Buddy | Festive Best of British' Set of 8 Cards | £29.99

Craft buddy sell a wide range of crystal art kits. If you are looking for an early gift then these sets of 2025 limited edition festive crystal art cards are sure to be popular. From glittering London landscapes of telephone boxes and taxis, majestic steam trains to Highland cows, and cute robins. This unique set combines traditional scenes with a shimmering modern twist, making each card a keepsake in its own right. 

These card kits are ‘partial’ crystal designs, meaning that the main subjects and selected accents will sparkle, but the detailed illustrations show through giving a stunning contrast and texture. All tools are included, and each card has an easy to follow template to show you where to match your coloured crystals too. 

Craft Buddy | How the Grinch Stole Christmas scroll kit | £18.99

Craft Buddy have released for Christmas 2025 a range of The Grinch products. This scroll kit is selling fast and, like the cards a partial crystal design so that detailed illustrations show through with accents adding a bit of sparkle. The canvas is a flexible scroll that is 40x50cm, light weight and comes easy to hang with string, and top and bottom wooden hangers in white wood. The How The Grinch Stole Christmas' Crystal Art® Scroll Kit  features the beloved Grinch from Dr. Seuss.  The design captures him in a classic Santa costume, standing proudly in front of an overstuffed sleigh brimming with presents. Max, his loyal dog, sits comically atop the gift sack wearing his signature single reindeer antler, adding even more charm to the scene.

If you are looking for non Christmas themed designs Craft Buddy sell a wide range of other characters such as Disney, Harry Potter, Marvel and other themes such as flowers, animals etc.

 

Innocent Bones | Love by the moon cross stitch kit | £26

At Innocent Bones they make cross stitch kits for creative souls. They have a passion for designing patterns that capture the mystical, the magical, and the mysterious. Based in north east England in their cosy studio they hand make all their kits , from winding the bobbins and cutting the fabric, to packing every single order and subscription boxes.

"Live by the sun, love by the moon" is a celestial themed design with a colourful pallette. This counted cross stitch kit includes:

• Printed design chart and guide to cross stitching

• Full skeins of DMC stranded cotton embroidery floss

• 18 count white Aida

• Backing fabric

• 8 inch wooden embroidery hoop

• Round point tapestry needle.

As well as an array of different cross stitch kits Innocent Bones also has a subscription box for £24.99 every two months. This is another great Christmas present option for awaking creativity. The subscription is called mood boxes which the recipient will receive themed products that are carefully selected.

CHRISTMAS ADVENT CALENDAR'S FOR 2025

 *PR Sample – I received the Swizzels advert calender to be featured in this post.

#This post also includes affiliate links – if you buy anything via these links I will receive a small payment from the company, this does not affect the price you pay

December 1st and the official start of the countdown to Christmas is now under a month away! So I am sharing some of the advent calendars that I have come across this year. There are always new and exciting advent calendars that come out each year but these are a few I've seen that have piqued my interest this year.

Cadbury Biscoff advent calendar 

You can't beat a chocolate advent calendar especially one from Cadbury. This year I had to get the Cadbury Dairy Milk/Lotus Biscoff calendar. The combination of Cadbury Dairy Milk and Biscoff is one of my favourite combinations so it's a must have calendar for me. 

Behind each of the 24 doors there is a mini chocolate treat - 12 plain Dairy Milk and 12 Dairy Milk Biscoff. You can find this calendar in most supermarkets. I got mine when doing my food shop in Aldi in the special buys section. Another great thing is that they are always affordable.

*Swizzels  advent calendar 

If sweets is more your thing over chocolate than countdown to Christmas with Swizzels. My husband is more of a sweet lover so this is his calendar for 2025. We love that there is a great mix of favourites included.

Packed with 24 of its much-loved treats and showcasing a fresh, festive new look for 2025, this advent calendar is ideal for families and sweet lovers alike. Inside, you’ll find a delicious selection of Swizzels favourites: from Love Hearts and Squashies to Drumstick Chews, Refreshers, and more. At £6 it's a great budget choice too.

Minecraft Advent calendar book collection

Book advent calendars are a popular choice whether you make your own up by wrapping up 24 books to countdown to the special day or buy an already made one like the above.

The best Christmas getaways in Europe for 2025

If you’re dreaming of twinkling lights, crisp winter air, and magical festive experiences, a Christmas getaway in Europe might be just the ticket. Whether you’re after traditional markets, a snow-covered chalet, or something a little off the beaten path, the continent comes alive with festive cheer in December.

Here’s our pick of the best Christmas getaways in Europe for 2025. They’re perfect for couples, families, or solo adventurers looking to make the season extra special.

Classic European Christmas markets and city escapes

Few things capture the magic of Christmas like the old-world charm of Europe’s festive markets. Vienna leads the way with its imperial architecture and elegant Christmas markets, which start in mid-November. Sip spiced punch under the Rathaus and shop for handcrafted decorations beneath glistening lights.

In the Czech capital, Prague, snow-dusted rooftops and the scent of roasted chestnuts turn the Old Town into a festive postcard. Head to the main square for traditional pastries like trdelník and listen to carol singers beneath the giant tree.

Meanwhile, Strasbourg, often dubbed the “Capital of Christmas,” is home to one of Europe’s oldest and most atmospheric markets. Visit from late November to soak up the Alsatian charm and enjoy mulled wine, bredele biscuits, and fairy-tale scenery.

MOTHERS DAY GIFT GUIDE 2025

*Ad- This Mother’s Day Gift Guide 2025 contains gifted items.

 Mother's Day here in the UK falls on the fourth Sunday of lent. This year it falls on Sunday 30th March. As usual I've compiled some great gift ideas to show Mum how much you appreciate her.

Prezzee Gift Card | £5 - £500

A gift card from Prezzee makes a great Mother's Day gift option due to it's flexibility. It allows your Mum to choose from a wide range of retailers so you know that she can choose from a store of her choice and get something she loves.

Not only that but you can personalise a Prezzee eGift Card with a personal video or voice message and a greeting card - you can even customise the eGift Card with your own photo!

Pocket gifts |  AB crafts by Alison | Various prices 

These cute pocket gifts/pins/brooches from AB crafts by Alison make the perfect little gifts. These are ideal for little ones who want to buy something for Mum with their pocket money. Think glitter, fun, and items with a quirky sense of humour. 

fabÜ Supplements | Price Varies

 

Show Mum that you care about her wellbeing by gifting her some supplements from fabÜ. fabÜ Supplements are designed to support women's health and are formulated with active ingredients tailored for your specific needs and optimised for your wellness. fabÜ combines the world’s best botanical extracts, herbs, plants and mushrooms with vitamins and minerals that make a real difference. So give Mum the gift of feeling her best this Mother's Day whether she's looking to improve her gut health, skin & hair, boost her immune system or even to reduce stress. 

fabÜ R & R is a natural formula crafted to deliver deep relaxation and rejuvenating sleep for unstoppable energy and focus. The fabÜ gut culture rebalances your gut flora and revitalises your digestive system. fabÜ gut culture, is designed to promote gut health and overall well-being using potent probiotics and natural fibres.

Carel printed pure linen tea towels | home-landing | £16.50 each

Home-landings stunning pure linen tea towels are a great addition to Mum's Kitchen. The Carel has a beautiful array of multi-coloured spring / summer flowers intermingled with deep green foliage that decorates the fine pale cream linen tea towel. It’s truly a bright and bold design and is trimmed with a border of individual stripes in gorgeous bright colours. The linen tea towel is absorbent and lint free, excellent for drying, polishing glassware and crockery. 

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.

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.

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.

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.