I want to know how you really feel about homemade presents - is it really the thought that counts or would you feel a little disappointed getting a homemade gift from someone.I think that in some camps there's a bit of a misconception that by giving a homemade gift, you're being a bit tight and trying to save money by doing so (I'm in no way referring to a rather aggressive Facebook thread I read a few days ago here ;-)) whereas in my experience, homemade gifts can, and often do, cost more than a smellies set that you can pick up randomly in the 3 for 2 at Boots.Here's where I'm … [Read more...]

September's my least favourite month of the year to be honest as it's the anniversary of when my brother died and the anniversary of when my Mam found out just how ill she was the year later.  I've also struggled with going back to work this month after being off for most of the Summer ill and we've had all of the usual stress of going back to school and the various bugs and dramas that come with it.So, all in all, it's been a funny old month with more than it's fair share of lows but I think the lows have made us spend more time together and enjoy each other's company more than … [Read more...]

I'm always recommending that if someone wants to save money then one of the first things to do (after meal planning obviously ;-)) is to change energy suppliers for all of their utilities because the chances are that (a) they're not on the best deal they could be on and (b) there's usually some cashback to be earned for switching.I know from the replies I've had to this advice that lots of you go on to change energy suppliers and save money every single month but more of you decide that it's too much hassle and that the savings aren't worth the effort. And I totally get that.But what … [Read more...]