Quick note: Some of the links on this page are affiliate links; if you go through them to make a purchase, I will earn a commission. I only recommend products I use myself and think would be useful for other people.
With Christmas approaching, it’s the perfect time to introduce you to our family T-shirt brand—designs lovingly created. We hope you love them as much as we do.
Sustainable Clothing Items For Christmas Gifts…
Let’s talk about the sustainability element
We picked a platform where sustainability was at the forefront of making the products. And the quality in designs and wearability is there. Everything is made from organic materials, using renewable energy. We must all start doing our bit for the environment and it starts small.
Why we started the family business
Who doesn’t love sustainable Clothing Items For Christmas Gifts? Welcome to Roaring Pumpkin Tees. Since experiencing a mental breakdown in 2021, I have made it my mission to share my story, with honesty, to raise awareness of mental health struggles.
My first blog Mummy Conquering Anxiety began when I had an overwhelming feeling I had to start talking about my experience.
THE DIFFERENCE – this is a family project…
If you follow my first, second and third blogs, you will know I refer to my toddler as ‘little pumpkin’. And oh my – she is fierce, feisty, and sassy! Just like her mummy. This business is dedicated to my very own roaring pumpkin. I made her. I’m proud of her. May she always go out into the world and conquer it.
Ready to take on the roaring pumpkin spirit? Check out our lovingly made designs…
Shall we get into the lovely products we’ve created for you all
You never know the struggle someone is facing. I hid my anxiety condition for 15 years. People sometimes feel ashamed to reveal their true feelings or struggles. Therefore, I want everyone to wear the message – Be Kind.
Being Kind can have a massive impact, which you will probably never know about. A kind word or gesture could literally save someone’s life.
Love really does make the world go round. And it was love from family, friends and complete strangers on the internet, that got me through my mental breakdown.
Be kind, make connections, and express love. You won’t regret it!
I kept myself closed for years. But opening myself up, and stepping out of my comfort zone, was the best thing I ever did.
This lovely bear was drawn by my toddler, spruced up a bit using my hubby’s technical skills and brought to life by the skills I’ve self-taught as a blogger.
I tell my little one about having limited channels on the TV. VHS movies, DVD players. She’s had a tablet for a few years, with access to an Amazon & Disney+ subscription. So she doesn’t really understand the struggle.
Unless you’ve been living under a rock, you’ll have noticed that everything seems to be getting more expensive at the moment. And as such, there’s a lot of value in working to keep your costs down to a minimum. After all, while you can’t eliminate some expenses entirely, there are usually things you can do that’ll help to reduce the cost — and that can have a big impact on your overall financial health.
In this post, we’re going to focus on reducing the costs of owning and using a car, which is one of the bigger expenses that people have to contend with. You can’t get the expenses down to zero unless you give up car ownership, but with these tips, you’ll be in a stronger position to handle the many costs.
You might have the day-to-day costs of owning a vehicle under control, but what if something goes wrong? There’s been a 40% rise in the cost of car repairs since 2018, so if you have an incident that requires expert help, then you could find that it has a significant impact on your bank balance. While you can’t always prevent car-related issues, you can minimise the risk by investing in your car’s maintenance. It’s much cheaper to prevent a problem rather than fix one, so be sure to stay on top of your car’s servicing.
Invest in a Reliable Vehicle
Not all cars are created equal. Some vehicles will cost you a lot more money than others. This happens in two ways — either they have poor fuel efficiency (which means more trips to the petrol station) or they’re just unreliable, and constantly need to be taken for expensive repairs. If your current vehicle matches either of those descriptions, then you can reduce your long-term car-related expenses by upgrading to a more vehicle car. Hyundai cars, for instance, are well-known for being reliable and easy to maintain, so consider paying a visit to a Hyundai dealership to see what vehicles they have available. Of course, upgrading your car will bring another advantage, too: you’ll enjoy driving more!
Petrol-Saving Driving
Some cars naturally use more petrol than others. But equally, some drivers use more fuel than others. And it all comes down to their driving style. If you’re accelerating or braking overly aggressively, then you’ll end up using much more petrol than is necessary. Learn the art of keeping your MPG down, and you’ll be doing your bank balance a big favour.
Use Public Transport
Finally, keep in mind that you don’t always need to drive all the way when you need to get somewhere. In some cases, you don’t need to drive at all. It can be much cheaper to drive a portion of the way before taking a bus or train the rest of the way — for example, if you’re driving into a busy centre. In that scenario, you’d use more petrol standing in traffic and may need to pay for expensive parking. It’s always best to check the most cost-effective way to get somewhere!
Let’s face it, as a parent of a toddler, you have to watch kids’ TV programmes. But honestly, Bluey is my fave and, we as adults, often keep watching it when our little one has run off to the next activity.
I feel seen and heard when watching the Heeler family navigate the trials and tribulations of parenting.
What I love the most, is how they get those magical parenting moments right. So heartwarming. But it’s also full of real-life examples of how frustrating toddlers can be. I feel seen and heard when watching the Heeler family navigate the trials and tribulations of parenting.
I was inspired to write this post by Claire Mac. It was time to share my favourite Bluey episodes. I’ve watched a lot recently!
Quick note: Some of the links on this page are affiliate links; if you go through them to make a purchase, I will earn a commission. I only recommend products I use myself and thinkwould be useful for you.
Charades
Season 2, Episode 11
Episode description
Bluey and Bingo want everyone to play Charades, but Muffin and Socks are too young to understand the rules, which threatens to derail the game. But Nana has her own special rule so everyone is happy!
My thoughts
We are always moaning about how our little one gets away with everything at the grandparents’ house. It’s true. My mum has to remove all chocolate from the fridge before she goes there. She will just help herself and eat it all!
This episode makes me love Muffin, but also realise I also have a child who likes to tantrum a lot. What warms my heart is how they all go along with Muffin and her dance. It’s one of those lovely proud parenting moments, even if she did get her own way.
Grandad
Season 2, Episode 50
Episode description
Grandad is supposed to be resting, but when Bluey and Bingo go to visit him, he makes a run for it with the kids and takes them on a madcap adventure into the bush.
My thoughts
It’s so heartwarming that Chilli wants to look after her dad and there’s a cute moment at the end of the episode. Which actually inspired my toddler to tell me she loved me. I will let you watch and experience it for yourself.
Flatpack
Season 2, Episode 24
Episode description
With Mum and Dad assembling the flatpack furniture, the kids improvise games with the discarded wrapping materials. As the flatpack swing seat takes shape, so does Bluey and Bingo’s mini-world.
My thoughts
We all know about the dramas of flatpacks. Especially with kids. The worst one we’ve done is our little ones’ “big girl” bed.
But this episode makes me all warm and fuzzy inside, about family time. And it’s lovely to see Bluey and Bingo playing together and their sweet moments.
Makes parenting worth it.
Want to learn more about the Bluey characters? How about purchasing this amazing set of weebles? Look at the fun we had with them…
Bluey and Bingo love to video chat with Muffin and Socks so they can all draw pictures together. When Muffin won’t give Socks a turn, the kids discover what happens when you hog.
My thoughts
I belly-laughed throughout the whole episode. And it made us realise we have Muffin living in our house. Not bingo, or Bluey.
This is the episode we watch when my parents come around. it’s also the one my toddler requests the most.
Grannies
Season 1, Episode 28
Episode description
A game of Grannies is fun until Bingo and Bluey can’t agree on one simple question: Can grannies dance? Now they need to video call Nanna to get the answer.
How cool are these Bluey items? A dancing teddy. And I am currently ordering the hoodie for my little one!
My thoughts
“I slipped on my beans” – this is currently my hubby’s ringtone. And he is part of a Bluey Facebook group!
Pretending to be grannies – so comical. I also love that mum joins in for a while, till there is too much mess, then says “go ask dad”.
Writing this post has inspired me to get on the hunt for some creative Bluey activities to do with my little one. Here are a few I found:
It’s Dad’s turn to get the kids ready for school and kindy, but Bluey and Bingo aren’t making things easy! Dad tries to keep everything on track, but can’t help playing along with their games.
My thoughts
I have so much to relate to in this episode. Being late, even when you get up really early. We “talk on the telephone” daily with our little one and I can just imagine her doing something like this in the car.
But then it melts my heart that dad still plays wind up, even though they are late. Toddlers don’t care if we’re late. They have no concept of time. It’s a boring concept for adults. And something we beat ourselves up about. And shouldn’t!
Bluey, Bingo and Dad always take out the bins. Over a few weeks, Bingo tells Dad about a new kid at Kindy who is mean to her and Mum offers some good advice.
My thoughts
The lovely family ritual of putting out bins and talking about emotions. It makes me smile.
In the end, Bingo ends up helping the person who was nasty to her. And what an amazing lesson this is, to teach your little ones and explain why it is important.
Ice Cream
Season 2, Episode 46
Episode description
Bluey and Bingo want a lick of each other’s ice cream. But they are so focused on making sure each lick is fair, they don’t notice their ice creams are melting.
My thoughts
A perfect lesson in learning to share things. Heartwarming. And as always with parenting, dad is required to give up his treat.
Fairies
Season 1, Episode 30
Episode description
Bluey’s house has fairies! Tails are being braided, stickers are everywhere, and Mum’s got a peg beard. Now the family must band together to hunt for these invisible mischief-makers.
My thoughts
I just love dad making a fool of himself in Infront of the neighbours and the family having so much fun.
It’s a dad requirement to make a fool of yourself daily, in order to make your kids laugh.
I also love supporting small businesses and other creatives. Etsy allows me to shop for what I love, whilst also supporting other people.
Sam – Founder of Mummy Conquering Anxiety blog
Yesterday was the first day I remembered how gloomy October can be in the UK. But it’s also my favourite time of year. Autumn, Halloween and the lead-up to Christmas have always excited me more than the summer months.
I have storage boxes full of Halloween and Christmas decor. But it’s old & tired. We are in need of a fall refresh.
Quick note: Some of the links contained on this page are affiliate links and if you go through them to make a purchase, I will earn a commission. I only recommend products I use myself and think would be useful for other people.
Images courtesy of individual sellers on Etsy.
With only two paydays until the main event, it’s time for us all to start thinking about our Christmas Shopping. And narrowing down what we want to buy our loved ones. Personally, I love a unique and quirky gift. I am always on the lookout for something nobody else would buy.
Sam – Founder of Mummy Conquering Anxiety blog
I also love supporting small businesses and other creatives. Etsy allows me to shop for what I love, whilst also supporting other people.
OK, where do I start? The Great British Seaside Holiday. Going on a UK Staycation. I am aware some of my readers may not know what it is. Do not fear, I will explain below. As kids, we visited many places in Britain. Mainly because of lack of money and well, traveling abroad with two kids ain’t fun.
I’m calling it the “British” holiday because that’s mainly where we visited as kids. Since being an adult, we have visited Wales quite a lot and I will talk all about this in future blog posts.
I wanted to discuss this subject because my younger sibling has grown up not valuing this type of holiday as much as I do. My reaction is totally different. These holidays make me really excited and I absolutely love everything about it. Based on our family experience, I suspect other people out there either love or hate it.
If after reading this article, you feel inspired to book your next UK Staycation, I have included all the links you need…
Quick note: Mummy Conquering Anxiety is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program. Some of the links contained on this page are affiliate links and if you go through them to make a purchase, I will earn a commission. I only recommend products I use myself and thinkwould be useful for you.
History of the Great British Seaside Staycation
Butlins is a household name in the UK. My Grandma had the same pictures of my Mum on the beach as us when we were little. The only way you could tell the difference was one set of pictures was black and white, and one was in colour.
I’ve also stayed in a few Pontins holiday parks, for party weekends. Back when I was young and full of energy.
The fascination with this type of holiday began in the 1950s and this article explains the history in more detail.
We have a Haven holiday coming up and also regularly visit Parkdean. With our little one becoming more aware of the world around her, these types of holidays will soon become the norm. I pack up the car with everything we need and the drive is generally about two hours away. Perfect when you have a toddler!
What attracts me to these holiday parks, over a different type of holiday?
1. Bingo
Who doesn’t love bingo?
Quite often these parks will offer linked bingo, where you can win a large prize, and it’s fun, sitting in the entertainment room with the kids zooming around.
It reminds me of a bit more upmarket Working Men’s Club. When we were young teens, everyone had their parties here and it was right across the street from us. It is now a housing estate. This Guardian article explains how some have remained and adapted to the current times.
2. The entertainment
I must say the quality of entertainment has improved over the years and I am very impressed with the activities we have been able to pre-book for our upcoming Haven holiday.
The joy of getting ready to go out and knowing there will be something to entertain the kids. Family fun for everyone involved and I just love it.
3. Cheap drinks & lovely food
Parking the car up, throwing the bags on the bed, walking to the pub. Can’t wait. We already have a table booking just after our check-in time, haha!
It’s great for us because we know the setting will be child-friendly and we don’t have to worry about disturbing other people who are also trying to have a nice meal. Our little one can make friends, play in the arcades, we can eat and drink, safe in the knowledge she is entertained and looked after.
This is a huge bonus for families with young children!
Pre-children, we also visited as a couple and absolutely loved it. We rented a caravan for a weekend and enjoyed the bar, minus the kid’s entertainment (there is usually a separate entertainment room and the bar is a bit quieter). I did insist on playing bingo though and hubby wasn’t that impressed.
These days we book the top brand of caravan, this allows us to have more bedrooms, bathrooms and overall comfort. As we stay with the in-laws it gives everyone a bit of personal space. Having decking is also a must. Our little one can play outside, but she’s safe in an enclosed space, and it’s also nice to sit there in the morning with a coffee, or a drink at night.
4. Play area for kids
Now I have a child, it’s also beneficial to have a play area and this is usually right outside the bar, making it convenient for everyone to have a good time.
Whilst I love our local park, the play area tends to be far away from the cafe, which I totally get. However, when you’re on holiday it’s a different vibe. It’s accepted there will be children around and everyone has fun together.
It reminds me of the vibe I get in Spain, where families go out more and do things together. Children are welcome everywhere. I am not saying in the UK they aren’t, there is just still this stigma of child-friendly and non-child-friendly places to eat and drink. I totally understand. If we had a date night, I wouldn’t want a screaming child next to me.
Maybe we are all just a bit more relaxed when we’re on holiday, and it’s a great thing.
If you don’t have a holiday planned, you can check out my blog post, which includes 20 ideas for fun activities adults and children can do together…
I’ve made use of the list this year, as this is the first holiday we’ve been on over the summer.
As we usually have a week of school activities to keep the little one entertained, she will need something similar when we go on holiday.
In the past, I’ve booked a bug hunt, nature trail, and slime-making class. This is quality family time spent together and uses up some of her energy.
6. The accommodation
When planning a Great British seaside holiday, there is something that always attracts me to stay in a caravan.
Staying in a caravan isn’t the most luxurious accommodation I’ve ever stayed in, but it’s nostalgic and fun. There is just something about it I love.
These days we book the top brand of caravan. This allows us to have more bedrooms, bathrooms, and overall comfort. As we stay with the in-laws it gives everyone a bit of personal space. Having decking is also a must. Our little one can play outside, but she’s safe in an enclosed space, and it’s also nice to sit there in the morning with a coffee, or a drink at night.
I can picture myself now! Having a sneaky look on Twitter and a lovely coffee, hopefully, before anyone else gets up, breathing in the sea air. I need it after the year I’ve had.
Check out my other blog posts in the holiday section:
We also want a dog to join our family, eventually. When the time is right. This year we have family members joining us with a new puppy and we were struggling to find accommodation to house us all, along with the dog. This caravan site is the perfect solution.
It’s great that some of the parks we visit are dog-friendly. Another bonus of staying in the UK for a holiday is for those who don’t want to leave pets behind.
8. Amusement arcade
When the hubby & I got together, one of our shared passions was travelling to the seaside and spending hours on the 2p machines. We did this even before having a child. It’s something we both did as kids, we’ve grown up loving caravan holidays, and we want our little one to experience the same joy.
But he draws the line at loving the bingo and entertainment as much as I do. That’s why I bring my mum along. Eyes down…
9. Near the seaside
These caravan parks are perfect to use as a base camp to explore other nearby areas.
During our stay, we usually split our time between park activities and going out for the day to the nearest seaside.
Other holiday parks, booking sites & hotels I want to mention
As I am usually the event planner in the family, I’ve spent many hours researching holidays and know quite a bit about when prices spike and what facilities are available in which parks.
The Great British seaside holiday, happens to be my area of expertise, simply because it’s where we visit the most as a family. When you go abroad, the work is taken care of for you, but these types of holidays need someone organised at the helm.
I frequently use Hoseasons, as their website has a large range of bookings at other caravan parks. You can also filter by holiday type, whether it be adult-only with hot tub, child-friendly, activity parks, cottages, or large houses. They also have a range of special collections you can search by. If you sign up for their email list, you also get sent regular offers.
I’m also a huge fan of Booking.com. The biggest selling point of Booking.com is free cancellation. With what’s going on in the world recently, this is a huge benefit. It gives you peace of mind if for any reason you’re unable to travel.
We have a Village hotel near us and it’s where we go if we want some child-free time to relax. What I love about their hotels is the layout. Everything you need is onsite. You just park the car up and get ready to relax and indulge.
They have a Starbucks, a pub, a restaurant, and leisure facilities including a swimming pool, gym, and classes. A spa. Room service, rooms you can upgrade to with a coffee machine and sky package.
What more could you possibly want?
The pandemic & its impact on UK holidays
The pandemic caused a whole different take on the British holiday. All of a sudden, people couldn’t travel outside the UK and therefore had no choice but to book a holiday in this country.
This article provides some practical guidance on how to ensure you are covered when booking a holiday.
Due to the high demand for UK holidays, we struggled to find suitable accommodation for this break, at a reasonable price. We had to compromise on the location and duration of the stay, but I am looking forward to a break and that’s what matters.
Hopefully next year we can get back to our usual routine, of going abroad, with some holiday parks scattered throughout the year, so I can get my bingo fix!
Before I pack up my car & get going…
Do you have any holidays coming up? Tell me about them below or add me on social media – for updates on mine.
I can’t wait to hear from you.
Feel like booking a stay at Village Hotels?? Click below…
While no one expects to go through a divorce when marrying their partner, it unfortunately does happen. At the end of the day, things can change and your relationship may also deteriorate over time, sometimes through no fault of either party.
Whatever the reason for the separation, there are tips to help ensure the separation is handled with as little pain as possible. Here are some helpful tips to handle your separation, should you be going through one right now.
Acknowledge you’ll have different feelings about the separation
It’s important to remember that there are two people involved in the separation and when it comes to handling that separation, it’s important to remember that you will both handle it differently.
Depending on the reasoning for the separation, you may find that you or your partner are feeling things differently from the other and that’s okay. It’s beneficial to acknowledge and process these feelings individually and to remember that everyone will react differently to a separation.
Provide yourself with time to grieve the separation
It’s highly important to find the time to grieve for the separation. After all, a separation is often a form of loss that can be hard to process. It’s useful to give yourself the time to grieve the separation and to mourn all the months or years you’ve experienced with your significant other. Not to mention all of the married years you might have had or will no longer have.
Grief is a real part of separation and it’s something to acknowledge and go through.
Don’t go through it alone
When it comes to a divorce, it’s important that you’ve got yourself a support network. These individuals are going to help guide you through the process and offer that shoulder to lean on or cry on, should you need it.
Don’t go through it alone and when you feel like you need the help, ask for it. It’s of course, hard to speak to anyone but your ex-partner about the situation and how you’re feeling. However, it’s something that you want to give yourself plenty of support with. While a divorce lawyer is good to have, they’re not going to be the person you call late a night for a chit-chat.
Try to communicate calmly with your ex-partner
Communicating with your ex-partner will often be needed, especially if children are involved. With that being said, try to communicate calmly with your ex-partner. Avoid speaking if things have gotten heated recently or you’ve come to a point where every conversation is resulting in an argument.
Give the time needed to cool down or for your ex-partner to cool down before attempting to talk again.
Take care of yourself throughout the process
Finally, take the time to look after yourself. A divorce or separation of any kind can be tough on your mental and physical well-being. Be kind to yourself and take the time to take care of yourself throughout the ordeal that is playing out.
A divorce or separation is never a happy process, so make sure you’re looking after yourself and using these tips for your benefit.
In our hustle-driven culture, where productivity and output often dominate our sense of self-worth, it’s all too easy to dismiss hobbies as mere ‘luxuries.’ We’re trapped in a relentless loop: wake up, work, manage household chores, perhaps attend to kids, sleep and then repeat. But let’s pause and think: when was the last time we did something purely for the joy of it? Not because it was another item on our to-do list, but because it made our soul sing? As a seasoned parent and mental health advocate, I’ve come to understand that nurturing our personal interests isn’t just beneficial, it’s essential. Our passions and hobbies aren’t silly pursuits; they are lifelines to our inner selves.
When our lives feel overburdened, as they often do, the idea of dedicating time to a hobby can seem like a far-fetched dream. Yet, it’s in these moments of mental exhaustion that we need these sanctuaries the most. Engaging in a hobby is akin to whispering to your soul, “I see you, and you matter.” Diving into a book, strumming a guitar, painting, dancing, or even tinkering with gadgets allows us a mental escape. This escape isn’t about running away from reality but rather grounding ourselves in it. It reminds us of our multifaceted nature. We’re not just workers, parents, or caretakers; we’re creators, dreamers, and explorers. The key is for you to be realistic about how much time you have available, it doesn’t have to be extravagant; it needs to matter.
The Therapeutic Power Of Interests
Research has consistently shown the myriad mental health benefits of engaging in hobbies. These pursuits release dopamine, our brain’s ‘feel good’ medicine. Activities like gardening, for instance, have been proven to lower cortisol levels, the hormone related to stress. Hobbies also foster a sense of accomplishment. When we bake a cake, finish a knitting project, or master a new song on the piano, we experience a surge of pride and fulfilment. These moments are not only therapeutic; they are transformative. They allow us to navigate our vulnerabilities and emerge with purpose.
Finding Your Passion In The Midst Of Chaos
For many people, the idea of ‘finding their passion’ can feel overwhelming. It is a really difficult question to answer, so if you’re someone who hasn’t yet discovered that spark, here are a few ideas to help:
Childhood Recall
Often, our true interests lie buried in the memories of our younger selves. Think back to what you loved doing as a child. Did you enjoy scribbling stories, building things, or perhaps dancing in your room?
The ‘Flow’ Test
As difficult as it may seem, try to reflect on moments when time seemed to fly by, and you felt wholly engrossed in an activity. That’s your ‘flow’ state, a good indication of a potential passion.
Start Small
Your hobby doesn’t have to be grand or elaborate. Begin with short, manageable sessions. If you’ve always wanted to write, start with a journal or short stories. If art calls, try doodling or basic sketching.
Community Connection
Joining clubs or online communities related to your interest can provide encouragement and support. Sometimes, shared passion can be the best form of therapy. Plus, there might be hobbies out there that you didn’t even know existed. Online communities can be a revelation in this sense.
An Invitation To Embrace Your Inner Self
If there’s one thing I want to leave you with, it’s this: You are deserving of joy, fulfilment, and moments of pure, undiluted happiness. Your hobbies, no matter how big or small, are your soul’s way of connecting with the universe. They aren’t just distractions or luxuries; they are integral to your being.
When Passion Meets Purpose
It’s a beautiful realization when what fuels our soul can also fuel our livelihood. Perfecting a hobby not only enriches our spirit but can pave the way for unexpected career opportunities. Let’s take photography as an example. What starts as a weekend fascination with capturing sunsets can evolve into a professional gig. Be it wedding photography, wildlife documentation, or fashion shoots. Many have found their career niches by simply following their heart’s interest. Now you could argue that you’d need to invest in your setup, but through secured loans, you have every opportunity to get everything you need to live your dream and pay it off as you go. Embracing your hobby might just lead you to a vocation where every working day feels like an extension of your passion. Remember, when passion meets purpose, magic happens. It’s the home of true happiness.
In the grand scheme of things, let’s not lose our unique characteristics. They add colour, texture, and beauty to the larger picture. Take a step back from the grind. Revisit that old guitar gathering dust, pick up that paintbrush, put on your dancing shoes, or even venture into the kitchen to whip up a storm. Remember, your passions are the rhythm that keeps you moving.
For most people, cars are expensive, and it can be a hassle trying to find a car you can rely on without breaking the bank. When you’ve got a family, your car can make a world of difference; without it, life can be pretty tough. That’s why it’s important that when you’re looking to buy your car, you take it seriously. Taking more time when deciding on the right car for you can save you heaps of money, and a lot of stress when it comes to maintenance.
Buy it used
First things first, if you’re looking to save money on a car, you shouldn’t go for something new. You might have the idea that surely a new car is more reliable – but that’s not always the case. There are plenty of hold models that hold up just as well as a new car would and could be more reliable than newer models of car. Just because someone else has driven it, doesn’t make it any less useful for what you need it for.
Used car shops have plenty of choices for you, and it would be a good idea to shop around so you have a good selection of cars to pick from. Check which ones have what you’re looking for, like affordability, space, and so on, and then do your research. You don’t have to make a purchase the same day you visit a dealership, so take your time with it and make sure you decide on something great.
Make it an investment
Just because you’re spending out on your car, doesn’t mean that you’re losing that money. While it’s true that some cars will go down in value over time, there are plenty of models that are still sought after, and you might even see the value of your vehicle go up after you’ve made the purchase. It would be worth taking a look into which models hold their value. Of course, you’re not guaranteed to make a profit on your investment, but it would be good to know that you have the potential to make some money back when it comes time to sell it in the future.
Sure, it’s not saving you money right this moment, but there’s no way to tell whether or not you’re going to need that money in the future. It’s a good way to get more from your money, without losing out on its value.
Consider the cost of owning the car
It’s not just the main price tag that you should be looking at when it comes to saving money, it’s the amount of money it’s going to cost you to run it. You need to make sure that you’re not buying a car with very low fuel efficiency, or else you’re going to be paying a lot more to keep it fueled for everyday use. While you might save some money on the initial purchase, if you’re making daily commutes, travelling with family, or just getting a lot of use out of it in general – you’re not going to save any money.
Everyone loves a beautiful home that feels like it could feature in the next Elle Decor Magazine. It wouldn’t matter how long it takes; the challenge is where to start. Some reports suggest that home improvements are more popular as people spend more time at home, with UK homeowners spending £55billion on renovations since March 2019. If you want to join this train, here are a few ways to make your home look more stylish.
High and wide hanging curtains
It doesn’t matter where you live or your home design; curtains are always a must-have. They can serve a multipurpose function, including providing privacy, blocking light, or boosting your home aesthetics. How you hang your curtains can add a lot of style to your home. So instead of hanging your curtains close to the window frame, do it “high and wide.” This means mounting the rod as high as possible so that the curtains gently kiss the floor when draped. Consider using a curtain rod that extends about six inches beyond your window frame for maximum impact.
Throw in some area rugs
It is normal to feel like your home lacks a final piece even after deciding on your theme. However, throwing in a rug is a simple solution. For example, after choosing the ideal sofa for your living room, you can add a rug as a centrepiece that brings the overall room decor together. Your area rug can make a significant impression when it covers a large part of your floor. It can be tough to pick the correct area rug, and some other considerations to make things easier include style, material, pattern, and care requirements. Whether you prefer natural materials or patterned designs, there is a rug for everyone to make a dramatic statement and make your home look more stylish.
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Pick the right paint colour
Choosing a paint colour is one of the trickiest decisions you will make when you want to make your home look stylish. This is usually the case when the rest of the décor is centred around the colour pallet. Some colours can instantly transform your home and make it look and feel stylish. However, you have to decide if you want bold or soft colour schemes. Colours such as grey, beige, and yellow never go out of style and can complement nearly everything. Parquet Flooring can make your fantastic paint colour stand out.
It is easy to focus on your home’s interior to make it look stylish. However, your exterior can drag your effort if left unattended. Naturally, your home exterior will degrade faster from exposure to various weather conditions. However, adding some green, front door décor, and stylish outdoor lighting can set the stage for what’s inside. Uniqueness is key to making your home stand out from the neighbouring houses. And while style can be personal, other general improvements like cement rendering can enhance your home exterior and make a statement.
Achieving a stylish home can be challenging, especially on a budget. Yet it is not impossible if you know where to look. The tips discussed above can help you achieve your dream home.
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