10 supermarket hacks

Hey readers,

Going shopping can be costly when you go with no plan and impulses kick in. We all want to save money so I have put together some tips on how to save money whilst going to do your supermarket shop.

1. List.

The first hack would probably be the most important one and that is to write a list prior to going shopping. It is important to stick to your list and do not buy extra things at the supermarket that you do not need. 

By writing down a list you already have a pre-understanding of what you want so you are prepared to get it and get out. You don't have to waste time looking for things and decided because you already have the plan in place.

2. Brands.

Instead of buying branded items swap to supermarkets own version because at the end of the day most of the time you are paying for the name. Don't be put off by supermarkets own food because it can be just as good but half the price.

3. Stomach.

Make sure when you do go shopping that you don't go on an empty stomach as this will make you want to buy something on an impulse which intern means wasting money.

4. Online.

Check online for supermarket vouchers or offers, preparation is key. A really good app to download is my supermarket where you can search for a product and compare the prices of the different supermarkets to get the cheapest deal.

5. Supermarkets.

A brilliant way to reduce your supermarket shopping is a swap from the main supermarket to a more budget-friendly one such as Aldi or Lidl.
 You will be amazed at how much you save but do be careful when going down the middle aisle as we all know the delights there.

6. Supermarket deals.

You may think when it comes to a supermarket deal where you can buy 3 items for 2 or BOGOF (buy one get one free) you are saving money. Firstly you have to ask yourself do you really need this and if so work out the maths because sometimes it can cost more then actually buying the item singularly.

7. Vegetarian.

Try having meals without meat a couple of times a week can save you money as meat is expensive. There are plenty of delicious recipes that don't need meat so don't be put off and give it a try you might be amazed.

8. Pre-made items.

Save money on buying pre-made items such as vegetables, buying it pre-chopped could cost you more. Also regarding ready meals can add to your budget, it is much better if you have the time and skill to cook from scratch to do it that.

9. Bulk meals.

A cheap way of saving money on the grocery shop is to up the amount of food so that you can batch cook and freeze meals for a later date not only does this method save you money but it also saves you time, win-win.

10. Yellow stickers.

Yellow stickers are where supermarkets knock down prices of food when they want to get rid of it because it is close by it's sold by date. It is ok to buy yellow stickers, people seem scared of buying yellow stickers.  I have done for many years and not been poorly. The date of the food is short-lived so a tip would be to freeze for the food and can use it at a later date.

Hope you have found these tips useful.

Cheers for reading X

Reasons why I love Come Dine With Me

Hey readers,

Can you believe that come dine with me has been on our screens for over  13  years? I for one still one it and it is one of my favourite programmes.

 Come Dine With Me is a programme where five or four contestants compete with one another to get the £1000 reward. each contestant gets a night to host a dinner party at their home. they have to serve a starter, main and pudding. each guest then rates the host on the whole night a number out of ten. the person with the highest score win.

However, this is not just a cooking completion and there so many more reasons to love the show. let me share the reason below.

1. House tour.

 I love it when you see the guest going around people's houses, I am naturally nosey (I blinking love through the keyhole as well for that very reason). I  like seeing how people put their homes together.

2. Narrative.

One of the main elements of the show that makes it so successful is, of course, the legend that is Dave Lamb. He is the abrasive of the show and it is full of beautiful sarcasm and times so well.

3. The contestants.

Well, where do we go with this one, of course, the contestants are great especially hats off to the people that chose who goes on the episode? The variety is really good especially when you know they are going to be a clash. to be fair though it can also be good when getting along. I think the element of surprise is something that helps viewers wanting to come back for more.

4. On-screen drama.

If you have watched come dine with then you ahem to admit it is hilarious when some sort of drama d happens. whether it is a drunk host letting their snake on the table to then poo or the host kicking our the guests because they have had enough it makes great entertainment.

5. Food.

I also like seeing what people come up and seeing it going bear-shaped. Not to mention when you question what the F is that. A couple of my favourites is when a self-confessed barbie wannabe decides to serve a pudding of truffle with the secret ingredients a sausage, I kid you not, lol! Or there was this other person who decided it would be a great idea to layout sushi for her guests on a person layer on the table. the guest would have to take the food off from the naked body, I mean you can't make this sh*t up.

Do you love to watch Come Dine With Me?  love to hear your comments below.

Cheers for reading. X

Living Arrows 9/52 {04/03/2019}

Hey readers,

“You are the bows from which your children as living arrows are sent forth”

by Kahlil Gibran

This picture was taken on Saturday morning when the boys for awhile *shock horror* played nicely together with their Lego that they had to build the previous night.

I was sitting there on the sofa thinking how lovely it is now that they are at the age where they can play on their own independently.

I love just sitting there listening to the random ideas that come out from their mind and express it through play.

One positive about having two children is that they are different and that they are their own person. To see their different ways of thinking is amazing.

They are aged 5 and 7. I am just loving this age as they are becoming their own person with their own identity. Ok admittedly some of it may be influenced by their parents but most of it is there own such as temperament and subjects that they choose for themselves to enjoy.

Anyhow thanks for reading and hope you have had a good week X

My Sunday snapshot 03/03/2019

What I have been loving in February

Hey readers,

Wow, that is February gone so what have I been loving this month? Let me enlighten you below. 

1. Warmer weather.

Oh yes, I am totally embracing the milder weather. I don't even bother with a coat as I hate wearing as they make me feel claustrophobic. I have even dusted down the old slip-on pumps and not worn socks, let me tell you absolutely bliss!!!!

2) Alan Partridge.

This to me is a biggy as I love Alan Partridge and to see the show with a new layout is awesome, it was one of my favourite comedy show ever. 

3) Daffodils. 

What can I say they remind me of spring, don't cost a lot and brighten up a room. Win-win for me and my boys are uber cute letting me know when each daffodil has opened up fully.

4) Santigold (album title Santigold). 

I love this singer Santigold but searched out the old album and have been listening to the album a lot. Great for having on when Iand out and about walking. 

5) Fitbit. 

I have finally saved my pennies and purchased a Fitbit again. I broke my last one and didn't invest in one again till now after two years I think, lol. Anyhow, it is a great motivator and has helped me become more active with the target of 10,000 and I am a bit of a geek and enjoy looking at my progress through the Fitbit graph. 

6)  Colouring in.

My youngest has been getting into colouring in and I have joined in and taking very seriously. I love it and it is so relaxing. Not to mention the fact that it calms the kids down. Which is brilliant when you have two energetic boys is a blessing in its self because whilst they are colouring they are concentrating which means they are not talking, peaceful bliss.

What have you been loving in February? 

Cheers for reading X 

Slip in the moment

Warm

Hey readers,

My word of the week is:

because I do not know if you are aware but the sun has been shinning a lot. I even dusted down my sandals, bliss to have air circulating around your feet.

  Now, that the temperatures have been mild I have also taken advantage of this factor and washing on the line all week, of course, I had to mention washing because I am a mum right and it feels like I am permanently in and out of the washing machine, lol. 

I am also walking more now that I treated myself last week to a Fitbit, it is a great motivator and much better than the old pedometer. I am definitely been out more and opted to walk instead of not doing any exercise which feels wonderful, of course, it also helps that the sunshine has been out which makes it much more of an enjoyable affair. 

Hope you have had a good week., 

CHeers for reading X

5 places to find royalty free photos

Hey readers,

If your blogger or thinking about doing a blog you may what some nice crisp pictures but your not that good yet or you just don't have to take the time to take them. One way to deal with this issue to use royalty free images which you are allowed to use on your blog without getting into trouble with anyone.

1. Pexels.

This website hosts thousands of photos for you to pick uploaded by talented photographers each day so the database expands with more choice for users to pick the right photo for them. They are all free and can even be used for commercial use as well. All images are Creative Commons Zero License. You can use them on whatever project you are doing whether it is a blog, app, websites etc.

2. Unsplash.

Another website that showcased a beautiful showcase of photos. The site claims to have 100,000 contributors and generates more than 9 billion photo impressions per month on their overgrowing collection of photos. There are all sorts of photos from abstract, colourful, nature, macro, industrial, you name it the sites showcases it all.

3. Pixabay.

Pixabay state that they have over 1.6 billion royal free stock photos, vertical design, clip art and videos. shared by individuals uploading for you to use for free. You can use the images for personal or commercial use.

4. Burst Shopify.

This is a smaller website compared to the above sites but that doesn't mean a great place to find good quality photos for you to use on commercial and personal use. You can use the images for such projects as mug image, means or even shirts for a few ideas. The photos are all royalty-free and that is constantly updating new images to feast your eyes on.

5.  Kaboompics.



This site offers model released images of people which is quite hard to find from I site shares royalty free images. Though there are not as many photo choices as bigger sites it still gets 4 million times been downloaded which indicates a rather popular site to check out. 

Do you use royalty free stock images? What is your favourite sire to use?

Cheers for reading X

Why I like shopping in charity shops.

Hey readers, 

I love charity shopping, it such a cool habit to do. It is so fun because you don't know what to expect because it is so random and such a variety of items.  So, why do I like charity shopping? Well, let me tell you why below. 

1. Money. 

Going shopping in charity shops is a great way to be frugal and save so much money.  Not to mention the fact that you good value as there is still plenty of wear in the clothing. Not only can you get clothing from charity shops but other items such as homeware and children's toys. The shops tend to check beforehand the quality. I would 90% are really good at that with the odd that shop doesn't give a monkeys. However, you can check it before buying anyway so it is absolutely fine. 

2. Unique. 

The items that people kindly donate to charity shops is so varied in the choice that it can be a really fun way of thinking outside of the box in terms of creating pieces for outfits. You definitely going to feel unique because you can pick up something different and create your own style. Most items tend to be out of trend which is good because you know that not everyone is going to wear the same item at the same time, which is refreshing. If you are into vintage clothing charity shops are the place to be as they are a lot cheaper then say Ebay because there is less focus selling the idea of 'vintage'. 

3. Charity. 

You know when you buy from a charity shop the money that you pay for the items goes straight to the charity and causes that will benefit greatly for your contribution to buying items from the charity shop. 

4. Environmental.

Buying from the charity shop means that you are recycling old items and reuses them, meaning less material is being used and affecting the environment whilst doing this. With regards to throw away fashion, it means it is more sustainable and that you are not just buying more clothes but instead buying old clothes but are new to you. 

Do you like charity shops? I would love to hear your thoughts in the comment section below. 

Cheers for reading X 

Companies that reward you for recycling

Hey readers,

Do you want to get some cash for old items that you do not use then one way to do this is to exchange your old items for new? Not only do you get some cash but also recycling will help the environment win-win.  

There are many companies that now offer money for the exchange of old items and below are a list of some companies that offer this service. 

H&M. 

So H & M offer a point service where you drop a bag of old clothing and doesn't matter about the condition you can still get rewarded. Every bag you hand into H&M you can get a £5  voucher off your next £30 shopping in H&M. 

Lush. 

Lush are very good with reducing packaging on their items. With your empty tubs, you can return 5 empty containers and you can get a free Lush fash mask. 

Mac Cosmetics.

Mac is promoting ways to reduce waste and you can be part of the Mac recycling programmes (which has been running for many years). What you have to do to receive a reward is to return six empty man containers and Mac also collect 'primary packaging'  that material that encases the product. You can return the recycled items to a Mac store or online. For your reward in returning the item, you get a MAC lipstick for free. 

Windows.

Windows offers you a Microsoft reward card when you return computers or games and then you can buy something new in store. 

Colgate.

Colgate since last year has started doing a recycle reward scheme in conjunction with Terracycle.  For each shipment of waste over 200 grams, the sender will receive TerraCycle points, which can then be redeemed to the charity, non-profit or school of the sender’s choice. One kilogramme of waste will earn 100 points, worth £1 – so the larger the shipment, the greater the reward, making it beneficial for large organisations and councils to sign up and create community collection points.

Costa. 

Costa coffee gives 25p off your coffee when you bring in your own reusable cup instead of using a Costa disposable one. 

Tesco.

If you have any old ink cartridges knocking about then take them to Tesco as they will reward you in points for recycling old ink cartridges. The points vary from 25-100 Clubcard points. There is also a minimal of 100 cartridges each year for Tesco card holder. 

M & S. 

M & S have teamed up with Oxfam where if you donate branding clothing or soft furnishing you can get £5 off voucher a £35 M & S shop.

  

Monki.

Monki offer when you hand in your old clothes and textile items a 10% off voucher in one purchase. Bear in mind that the voucher lasts up to 6 months as a way of saying thank you. 

Do you do recyling? Is there a place that offers rewards that I havent mentiuoned. Love yo hear tour comments in the comment secition. 

Cheers for reafing X 

My Sunday snapshot 24/02/2019

Half term

Hey readers,

My word of the week is 

because we have just had a week off school for half term holiday. My eldest really enjoys the break and rest from school as he has told me. 

Both boys have had some extra swimming lessons so that has helped burn up some energy. 

But let's not forget the homework, which I feel is relentless but we cracked on with it to get it done. 

We have also been to the dreaded dentist

 I had really bad intrusive thoughts over the fear of all my teeth falling out.

 I had a new dentist and he was really understanding. He understand and talked me through what was happening which helped my anxiety a lot. 

The boys loved the dentist and the novelty of the dentist chair lol plus they even got free balloon, simple pleasures and all that hey. 

Hope you have had a good week. 

Cheers for reading X 

Chocolate Rice Krispie cakes recipe

Hey readers, 

 Looking for a fairly easy recipe to do with kids then check this one out - chocolate Rice Krispies cakes. On a side note, it would be perfect for Eater time as well. 

Ingredients. 

❉ 120g /4 oz unsalted butter. 

❉ 6 tablespoons of golden syrup. 

❉ 1 bar of 100g of dark chocolate. 

❉1 bar of 100g fo milk chocolate. 

❉ 180g/6oz of Rice Krispies. 

❉ A handful of cacao nips. 

❉ A bag of chocolate micro eggs. 

Method. 

1) melt the chocolate in small bursts in the microwave or over a Bain Marie (in a bowl over a saucepan of simmering water).

 

2) Add the butter, cut in to small pieces, stir until melted. 

3) Add the syrup, stir. 

4)  Add a handful of cacao nips into the mix. 

5) Add the Rice Krispies and stir into the chocolate mix, gently. 

6) Spoon into 24 bun cases. 

7) Add the micro chocolate eggs on top of the mixture. 

8) Leave to cool. 

9) Eat!!!

Cheers for reading X 

Twist

I see the light, 

you thought 

you owned me,

turns out

I am smarter than you 

think. 

You forget 

I have a brain,

you try,

twist it around, 

controller, 

not now, 

I have seen the light 

for what you are.