Alright, lovelies, gather round! Today we’re diving into one of the quirkiest and most delightful interior design trends taking the world by storm: Grandma Core. Yes, you heard it right! Forget minimalist Scandinavian vibes or sleek, modern aesthetics. This is all about embracing the cosy, nostalgic charm of your gran’s house. So, dust off those doilies and let’s talk about turning your bedroom into a whimsical, retro haven. First things first, what on earth is Grandma Core? Think floral patterns, knitted throws, antique knick-knacks, and, of course, sturdy wooden beds. It’s about creating a ..read more

Buckle up, because we’re about to embark on a delectable journey through the whimsical world of Japanese snacks, courtesy of the fabulous TokyoTreat! As a self-proclaimed snack aficionado, I’m always on the lookout for the next big thing in the munchies department. So, when I stumbled upon TokyoTreat, a subscription box service that delivers authentic Japanese snacks right to your doorstep, I knew I had to give it a try. Spoiler alert: It did not disappoint. First of all, let’s talk about the sheer excitement of receiving a package from the other side of the globe. It’s like a mini Christmas m ..read more

Summer holidays are the perfect excuse to lounge around by the pool and feel absolutely no guilt about it. But, let’s be honest, lying there all day can get a bit dull, so whether you’re looking spice up your poolside routine with some online slots or explore your creative side, here are five fun activities to try out. 1. Dive into a Good Book Is there anything better than lounging poolside with a juicy novel? The sound of the water, the smell of sun cream, the occasional splash from someone else’s poorly aimed cannonball—pure bliss. If you’re into thrillers, romance, or even something a bit ..read more

We’ve all experienced those frantic bedtime routines—PJs on, school bags packed, and the final push to get everyone’s teeth brushed. With the rising costs of dental care and more practices leaning towards private treatments, the average family can expect to shell out around £650 a year for standard dental check-ups and hygiene treatments. But here’s the good news: many expensive dental procedures like fillings and extractions can be avoided with a solid oral hygiene routine from an early age. Shockingly, children as young as two can require fillings, and around 38% of children under 11 have u ..read more

We’ve all heard the saying, “money can’t buy happiness,” but when it comes to managing debt, a bit of financial relief can certainly bring peace of mind. Many people find themselves overwhelmed by mounting bills, unsure of where to turn. For those feeling the weight of financial stress, Debt Management Plans (DMPs) can offer a lifeline. A recent blog post on MoneyPlus Advice, titled The Success of Debt Management Plans, delves into the benefits of DMPs and how they can help individuals regain control over their finances. It’s a must-read for anyone seeking to understand how to navigate their ..read more

As parents, we’re always looking for ways to provide the best for our children while keeping an eye on the budget. When it comes to technology, the cost can quickly add up, especially if you’re outfitting multiple kids with laptops for school or entertainment. That’s where refurbished laptops come in. But are they a smart choice for your family? Let’s dive into the world of renewed tech and see how it can benefit your household. What Are Refurbished Laptops and How Are They Different from Used? Refurbished laptops are pre-owned devices that have been restored to like-new condition. Unlike simp ..read more

My grandson Joey, who is going to be five next month, (mind blown), has been wanting a pet for quite a long time now, specifically a mouse. Given the amount of trauma that Bee, Joey’s mum, went through when she found a dead mouse in her vacuum cleaner recently, I can’t see it happening any time soon. Luckily for Bee, Joey and probably the mouse, there is an alternative. Little Live Pets, available from Very.co.uk, are a way for children to experience what it means to take care of a pet, without the inevitable responsibility for you as a parent of having to pay for them/look after them/feed the ..read more

The Roomba i3+ robot vacuum was a gift from iRobot. All views my own. One of the only times I lament being single is when I’m doing boring household chores like vacuuming or putting out the bins. It’s because in my mind a husband would be someone with whom I could share housework equally, someone who would say ‘I noticed the kitchen floor needed a clean so be careful in case it’s still wet’ and ‘don’t be silly, put your feet up, I’ll take the cats for their vaccinations, I already made the appointment.’ And then I laugh cynically to myself because I remember that actually being in a relationsh ..read more

A little while ago I posted this picture on Instagram. It was a bit of a spur of the moment picture – I was lighting a candle and realised that I put dead matches back into the box specifically because I once had a boyfriend who used to hate it. Every time he opened a box of matches and found a dead one that I’d put back in, unthinking, he’d get cross. Not cross like he’d pick up the candle and throw it through a window or anything, but genuinely annoyed enough to make me feel like I’d done something wrong. I’ve had a lot of boyfriends who have got that level of cross about stu ..read more

Yesterday at approximately 7.43am I picked a fight* with a terrifying man on a bicycle. He was one of those stocky types, stubbly, about my age, who looks like they spend their Friday nights in Wetherspoons with a copy of the Daily Mail under one arm, ranting to anyone who will listen about YOUTHS. I was innocently walking the dog along the pavement next to a busy main road. It was a normal sort of pavement i.e. just the right size for a woman and her golden retriever, and we were doing very nicely thank you very much. About 100 metres away I saw the man, cycling towards me, on the pavement. I ..read more