Tips To Make Sure You Don't Break The Bank This Christmas

Christmas is a popular time for people to spend way more money than they can actually afford. Christmas quite literally breaks the bank. If you’ve got kids, it’s tempting to buy them everything on their Christmas lists and more, but this can mean a struggle at the start of the new year. Here are some of my tips to make sure you don’t break the bank this Christmas:

Write a List and Stick to it 

Sit down and take the time to write a list. On this list, include who you intend on buying something for, what you’re thinking of buying them, and the amount you’re thinking of spending on them. Then you need to promise yourself you’ll stick to this list. Christmas shopping without a list can be very dangerous for your finances. The smallest amounts can add up. Remember, it isn’t about buying the most expensive gifts for people, but the most thoughtful. You can find lots of helpful gift lists online if you need some inspiration.

Set a Budget

When you have an idea of how much you want to spend on each person, set a budget. Make sure you can afford this budget. If you can’t, work out where you can cut back on certain people/gifts. The earlier you start putting money towards your budget in the year, the better you’ll feel when it’s time to go Christmas shopping. Yes, Christmas shopping in August can be depressing, but it all helps to avoid being broke during the new year.

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Consider Credit Accounts

Obtaining a credit account is an option, although you’ll need to proceed with caution. Providing you pay everything back on time, you can actually help your credit score. However, if you don’t you can get yourself into financial difficulty. The key is not to spend or borrow too much, so know exactly what you can afford. This can help to spread out the cost of Christmas. Some catalogues offer credit accounts for Christmas and other times you might need help, so take a look and see what you think. 

Compare Prices

Before buying something, compare prices in different stores first to see if you can get it any cheaper. Every little helps, especially at this time of year.

Make Stuff Yourself

Why not get your creative head on and make some stuff yourself? This will save you a ton of money, and people will appreciate the thought and effort you’ve put into their gifts a lot more. You could make a food hamper, pamper hamper, cupcakes, a canvas, or anything else you can think of.

Give to Charity

Instead of buying cards for every Tom, Dick, and Harry, why not give to charity in their name? You could even do this instead of buying a gift if you don’t know what to buy. You’ll save money and do good for the world. How could they not appreciate it?

These tips will help you to keep your finances in check ready for the start of the new year. The earlier the plan, and the more effort you put into making rather than buying, the more money you’ll save!

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Fun And Educational Days Out With The Kids

When we take the kids out for the day, we like to look for educational things they can enjoy. A lot of places like museums are free to enter, which is always a bonus. Plus, I like to think that they're learning something on a day out, even if they don't know it. It's not difficult to turn a day trip into an educational experience. Even a trip to the shops can be a chance for them to learn some valuable life skills. 

I like to look for things where they can expand their knowledge and interests. We love visiting castles and museums, in particular, and learning about all the history there. These are some of my favourite activities to do as a family when I want to sneak some education into our trips.

Interactive Museums

Some museums can be boring for kids, but thankfully most of them make an effort to entertain them. The best places to go are the ones that have exhibits that kids can participate in. Even though they should learn to look at and admire things from afar, it's also fun when they get to touch and do an activity. We love our local museum, the National Museum of Wales in Cardiff, but there are many more around the country that are great for kids. For example, there's the Motor Museum in Beaulieu or the Science Museum in London.

Castles and Palaces

We're lucky in the UK in that we have a rich history. Go to America and you won't find many castles! We love visiting castles and palaces on our days out, and you can find them all around the country. Naturally, a lot of them are in slightly more rural places, but there are lots to see from cities too. London's palaces are fun to visit, and there are more of them than you might think. Then there's Edinburgh Castle, which sits on a hill above Scotland's capital. Our nearest castles are Castell Coch and Caerphilly Castle, both of which the kids love.

Phillip Capper

Nature Walks and Beach Days

Museums and castles can be great trips for rainy days. But when the weather is a bit brighter, or even if it's raining, it's nice to get outside for a walk. We try to stay active and spend some of our family time outside. If you want to get your children interested in nature, going for a walk is a great way to do it. You can find your nearest park or wander off into a forest to explore. There are lots of things you can do, from playing Pooh Sticks to having a scavenger hunt or foraging for edible plants. A walk along the coast can be great fun too - it doesn't have to be a sunny day to enjoy the beach. The kids can peer into rock pools and dig through the sand to see what they can find.

There are lots of ways to make your family days out educational. If you do it right, no one will even notice that they're learning.

*collaborative post

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Things I Think When I'm Ill

We have all had the latest bug this week which has been going round the school like the plague. Caitlin had it and gave it to Ieuan. Unfortunately I have succumbed to it too and, as I lie festering in my bed, unable to move or even think straight,  I find my thoughts are far from productive and, dare I say it, even a bit odd.

Do you think anything like this?

I should get up.

Do you feel really guilty at having to lie down?  Even though I know the Husband is fine looking after the kids, it still feels like my 'job'.  And if he's away on business,  I have to get up.

Have I given it to the rest of the family?

In which case it's likely to go round and round... and round.

Have I failed to bleach / detox / wet wipe sufficiently?

Has the current miasma of dust and spiders webs lurking in certain, ahem, corners created a cauldron for a nasty virus?

via GIPHY

Will it ever go or is this the start of something worse?

That's the thing about being in your 50's.  You do start to become a little more, shall we say, neurotic, about bits of your body starting to malfunction.

Should I reschedule all my meetings now, just in case I'm not well enough to go?

Even if the meetings are days ahead, I still find myself obsessing about not being well enough to go. The idea of being taken ill whilst out and about terrifies me.  The Husband, on the other hand, carries on regardless - and a positive mental attitude must work because he is very rarely ill, and then only mildly.

Do I need to see a doctor?

Ah, the biggie.  I think we probably all rush to see a doctor (if we can get an appointment, that is) when a few days "watch and wait" would probably see the back of the illness altogether - particularly if it is the latest virus which is doing the rounds.

I should eat something.  But I don't really want to eat.

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I find in times of sickness, I can usually manage a glass of milk or a lump of cheddar but that's about it.  We have a sort of family cure of Oasis drink (banned the rest of the time because of its sugar content), cheese & onion crisps and chocolate - which also doubles neatly as a hangover cure - but it does seem to work.

I want to hug the kids but I probably shouldn't in case I pass the bug back to them.

Ironic that at the time you need comfort most you should probably have an "avoid at all costs" sign around your neck.

I need to watch junk TV.

I don't but the mindlessness of morning TV is kind of soothing.

I think though, that when we are under the weather, rather than berate ourselves, we need to be kinder to ourselves - even if that just means an earlier night or cooking a healthier tea (and leaving the wine in the fridge).

Sometimes we don't realise how run down we have become until a bug strikes - and even though we feel horrible, it is a good opportunity to look at our self care and to take a step back and ask ourselves what we need.

Sometimes, we may also need to ask the family for their support in this and that can't be a bad thing because a happy mum is the lynch pin of a happy family!

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Ideas For Making Your Big Day As Memorable As Possible

Each couple wants to make their wedding memorable, not just for themselves, but also for their guests. You will only get married once, which means that making your big day as special as it could be, is crucial.

I know that when I got married, my main concern was that my big day wouldn’t be memorable enough. There was no need to worry, however, as mine and my husband’s wedding is still reminisced about often, by us, and our friends.

The key to making your wedding unique and special, as well as memorable, is planning. If you want a day that is talked about for all the right reasons, here’s what you need to do:

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Serve delicious food

Have you ever been to a wedding where the food wasn’t great? The chances are that the fact the food wasn’t very nice was the thing that you remembered most about that wedding. Believe it or not, one of the best ways to make your wedding a success is with the most delicious food.

Choose a venue for the reception that comes highly recommended for its yummy food. Look for somewhere that not only serves tasty food, but that also presents dishes well and has a high hygiene rating. We’ve all heard that story about the wedding where every guest came down with food poisoning - don’t let your wedding go the same way.

Hire a band

Yes, hiring a DJ might be cheaper than booking a band, but every couple has a DJ. If you want your big day to stand out, hiring a live band could be the way to go. No one is going to remember another party with a DJ, but one with a fantastic live band will be easily remembered.

Not only will hiring a live band make your wedding more memorable, but it will also give a better atmosphere. People will be more inclined to get up and dance if you have a band playing, instead of a DJ.

Pick somewhere unique for your wedding

While a church or hotel is a great location for a wedding, picking somewhere a little more unique could be a good idea. Art galleries, museums, beaches, and all sorts of other places, can make great wedding venues.

If you want to wow your guests, you need to choose a location that’s different to the norm. Weddings abroad can be a good option, as they are not only unique but also incredibly memorable. No one forgets attending a wedding on a tropical beach, do they?

Be creative with traditions

While following traditions can be nice, if you want a celebration that’s memorable, get creative. For example, instead of giving each guest a glass of bubbly for the toasts, give them a cocktail instead. Or, instead of having traditional music or entertainment, opt for something a little bit different.

When it comes to making your wedding day as enjoyable and memorable as possible, thinking outside the box is key. If you take the time to come up with some unique ideas, you can ensure that your wedding is as memorable as possible.

*PR collaboration

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What To Do With The Kids Around Cardiff This Weekend

I find that unless I plan something to do in advance, we end up getting up far too late and then wasting the morning - and potentially the rest of the day.  It's good to kick back at the weekend and spend some quality time together, isn't it?  But without spending a fortune.

Here are some ideas for this weekend.  Just click on the image for further information.

Dyffryn Gardens, Vale of Glamorgan (Free Entry To National Trust Members)

Dyffryn Gardens, St. Nicholas, Vale of Glamorgan CF5 6SU

Visitor information is available on the Dyffryn Gardens Website HERE.

Caerphilly Castle (Free Entry To Cadw Members)

For further information about Caerphilly Castle go to www.cadw.wales.gov.uk.

Castell Coch, Tongwynlais, South Wales (Free Entry To Cadw Members)

Photo courtesy of Cadw

Castell Coch is a 19th century Gothic revival castle built above the village of Tongwynlais in South Wales. 

Treetop Adventure Golf, St Davids Shopping Centre, Cardiff

Mini golf in a tropical rainforest!

Further information is available at www.adventuregolf.com.  

National Museum of Wales, Cardiff (Free Entry)

Further information can be found at www.museumwales.ac.uk/cardiff/.  

Cosmeston Lakes Country Park & Medieval Village, Penarth (Free Entry)

The country park has a variety of habitats covering over 100 hectares of land and water and is home to a reconstructed 14th century medieval village, where costumed guides show visitors around the period furnished buildings. 

St. Fagans Natural History Museum, Cardiff (Free Entry)

Bute Park & Arboretum, Cardiff

Credit:  bute-park.com

Bute Park offers an extensive area of mature parkland within Cardiff's city centre, including play areas and 3 cafes

Roath Park, Cardiff

Roath Park is a large Victorian park with lake, botanic garden, adventure playground, cafe and sports facilities.

and if you're looking for somewhere family friendly to eat, why not choose one of these?

Which attractions would you add to this list?

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Do You Have What It Takes To Become A Landlord?

So, you’re thinking of becoming a landlord. It isn’t easy. You might think that all you need to do is get a buy to let mortgage and you can start seeing that extra income in your account each month, but that isn’t the case. If you want to become a landlord, a lot more thought needs to go into it. Here are some tips you can use and valuable advice:

Choose a Reliable Company to Help You

A reliable company will always make your experience as a landlord that much easier. It’s up to you whether you want to do this or not; you might not think it’s necessary when you only have one property to handle. While this is true, you need to bear in mind that it’ll be up to you to handle emergency calls in the dead of the night. If you find a reliable company to help you, they’ll sort any issues out as fast as possible and all you need to do is pay. They can help you with lots of different things, so it’s a case of discussing your needs and setting something up that suits your budget.

Don’t Assume Your Property Will Always Be Occupied

So, you think the money is just going to keep rolling in every month? That’s highly unlikely. There will be times your property is not occupied, whether that’s for a few weeks or a few months. You should have money in reserve in preparation for this, so you don’t end up left in the lurch. It all depends on how long it takes to get somebody living there again - a company could help you with that too.

Ensure Your Property Meets the Standards Expected and is Safe

You can’t just rent out any old property. If you’re going to do this legally, you need to make sure your property meets the standards expected and that it’s safe for the occupants. If not, you could get in big trouble. You’ll need to arrange for it to be checked over as often as required and make the repairs necessary. You may need to arrange something small like communal dish installation, or something more complicated like an appliance replacement. Whatever it is, you need to make sure it gets done in a timely fashion.  

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Go Out of Your Way to Be a Good Landlord

Not only do you need to be a good landlord by following the rules and making sure everything is legit; you need to make sure you’re a good landlord to your tenants. Keep them informed on things they need to know about, wish them a merry christmas. Buy them some wine when they move in. When they like you, they’ll be more likely to respect your property and give you lots of notice if they decide to move out. You should get your rent on time too!

So, do you still think you have what it takes to become a landlord? It can be a lucrative opportunity but only if you do it right!

*PR collaboration

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Some Great Gift Ideas For The Men In Your Life

Whether the man in your life's birthday is approaching, or you want to buy Christmas gifts for your male relations early, here are some gift ideas to help you out.

Pro BBQ Tools
Most men love preparing food on a barbecue, so why not buy them the professional tools to make the job easier? There are all kinds of interesting barbecue tools, from skewers to tenderisers. It doesn’t matter that winter is approaching. The tools will be in use as soon as the winter is over, and the first signs of spring are in the air! They’re pretty cheap to buy at this time of the year too, so you can find yourself a bargain that your husband will love. What’s not to like about that?

A Personalised Dock

There are loads of great docks that are used to play music or store your phone. They help to keep your phone or iPod safe, and you don’t have to rush around the house in the morning trying to look for it. But don’t buy a boring, generic dock, you can buy a personalised one instead. There are lots of different types of personalised wooden gifts that you can buy if you don’t want to buy a dock. You could buy them a personalised chopping board if they like to cook a lot. Or you could buy a knife rack.

A Leather Wallet

Every man needs a strong leather wallet to keep their cash and cards in. If they haven’t replaced their old wallet for years, it might be a good idea for you to buy them a new one. It’s something that is useful and stylish - if you pick the right one that is. When looking for a gift for someone who’s hard to buy for, choosing something that will offer them a solution to a problem they have is always a good idea. They’ll definitely get lots of use out of the wallet, so it won’t be one of those gifts that sits forgotten in a drawer.

A Sports Car Experience

Even if the man in your life can’t afford to buy his own sports car, he might still dream of driving around a track in one. If he daydreams about crossing the finish line as the checkered flag waves at the Grand Prix, why not buy him a sports car experience? This is a once in a lifetime chance for him to drive a sports car around one of the country’s leading race tracks. Imagine how much they’d love the chance to drive a Lamborghini! It’s the kind of gift that they’ll never forget, so it’s something to consider.

Image Source

A Portable Camera

If he likes to cycle or take part in other extreme sports, you should buy him a portable camera like a GoPro. These are very small cameras that can be attached to what you’re wearing and monitor what you do. They create some pretty interesting video footage when you’re taking part in extreme sports. The latest GoPro cameras are now able to shoot footage in 4K, making them incredibly advanced for their size and their price.

*PR collaboration

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