Collaborative postCan you believe we’re into October? It feels like the kids only went back to school a few days ago!With half-term looming on the horizon, I’m starting to think about ways to keep the kids entertained. We always have a bit of Halloween-themed craft on the go at this time of year, and I’ll definitely be getting my two helping out in the garden, but my list of ideas will also inevitably involve more than one family ...
Taking the RSPB Wild Challenge: trees, leaves and seeds
Have you been getting outdoors and enjoying nature this autumn? We’ve been trying to make the most of the mild weather, and enjoying all that nature has to offer at this time of year. If you read the blog regularly you’ll know that we’re partnering with RSPB on lots of fun nature projects, and this month we’ve been trying out another of their Wild Challenge activities. RSPB Wild Challenge is all about helping wildlife and connecting with ...
Ideas for enjoying autumn outdoors with children
I just love autumn. The weather is still mild, the sunlight is at a fabulous angle, and nature is visibly changing everywhere you look. My kids love it too; it’s such a tactile time of year with all those crisp leaves, changing colours, and of course the conkers!As September marches on, I’ve been thinking about how to make the most of being outdoors with the kids as much as possible before the colder weather arrives. Autumn is ...
Money saving tips: 5 easy ways to add to your savings
Collaborative postWhen it comes to financial security, we all know that it's a good idea to save something for a rainy day. But that can often be easier in principal than in practice.With most of us already living on a budget and stretching our monthly allowances to the limit, saving for the future can easily slip to the bottom of the priorities list. Saving a little each month is achievable though; you just need to change a few of your ...
What to pack for fun family days out
Collaborative postDo you have a packing list for family days out? It sounds super-organised, but in my experience it’s an absolute must!I’ve had my fair share of disasters in the past, when what should have been fun family days out have suffered from my shoddy packing. I’ve learned from experience that it’s important to avoid lugging around lots of unnecessary stuff, but at the same time you need to take a few essentials to ...
Five easy ways to encourage outdoor play
Collaborative postIf you’re a parent or carer, you’ll no doubt be well aware of the constant presence of screens and the internet in your children’s lives. And you probably spend quite a bit of time and energy trying to strike a healthy balance between screen time and other activities.One really great way to achieve that balance is to encourage outdoor play. Getting kids active outside has so many benefits: it encourages ...
Tips for handling debt
Collaborative postBeing in debt is not something anyone aims for, but a lot of us are probably in exactly that position. According to the TUC, the average UK household has £886 more non-mortgage related debt than they did the year before.If you’re in a situation where your debt is getting worse, or not going down, you need to take action to get it under control. Here are some tips for handling debt to get you started.First steps ...
Ideas for multigenerational days out
Collaborative postThe school holidays are in full swing, have you got any days out planned?I’m very late with the summer activity planning this year. I usually have lots of things planned before the schools break up, but we went camping as soon as term ended, so all my focus was on that trip. Now we’re home I need to get myself organised!Whether you’re juggling childcare, heading off on holiday, or planning a staycation, ...
Nature Craft: making a journey stick
We recently spent a lovely morning exploring nature at the Skylarks nature reserve in Nottingham, which is part of the Wildlife Trusts. One of the activities was making something called a journey stick during a nature walk.I'd never heard of journey sticks before, but apparently they've been around for a very long time. A journey stick is essentially a memento of a nature walk, featuring items collected whilst on the walk; ...
5 fun, low-cost family days out
Collaborative postThe school holidays are almost upon us - are you ready?!I really look forward to having some much-needed downtime as a family at this time of year; everyone is usually pretty frazzled by the time we get to the end of term! But that doesn’t mean we’re going to sit around getting bored this summer; we’ve got a camping trip planned, and we’ll definitely be heading off on a few family days out.You probably know ...