Living on a budget - Sarah Coles

Fun and Free Things to Do This Half Term

Half term is a wonderful time to slow down and enjoy some quality moments together as a family. Whether you’re looking for creative activities, mini adventures, or relaxing ways to spend your day, there are plenty of fun and free ideas to make

Get Creative at Home

Unleash your family’s artistic side with simple and engaging craft activities. These ideas use items you likely already have at home, making them both fun and sustainable.

Recycled Material Craft: Turn cereal boxes, milk cartons, and jars into something magical. Create robots, birdhouses, or even a mini city using household recyclables.
Create a Gratitude Jar: Take a jar and decorate it together, then write down things you’re grateful for throughout the week to reflect on later.
Make Friendship Bracelets: Gather some threads or wool and learn to weave colourful designs.
Design Your Own Comic Book: Encourage budding artists to create their own superheroes and storylines.
Put on a Puppet Show: Build puppets using socks or paper bags and design a stage for an entertaining show!

Learn Something New

Half-term is a great opportunity to awaken curiosity and learn surprising new skills as a family.

Learn the Constellations: Bundle up in the evening, lie back, and identify the stars. Use free apps or printable star maps for guidance.
Pick Up a New Language: Learn a few key phrases in a new language together (think “hello,” “thank you,” or “I’m hungry”). It’s an inspiring way to broaden their horizons.
Master a Magic Trick: Learn and perform simple magic tricks that will amaze and delight everyone.
Learn Rope Knots: Practise knots that can even come in handy for camping trips.
Spelling Challenge: Choose 10 harder words kids often encounter, and practise spelling them together in a fun quiz format.

Enjoy Adventures Close to Home

Being outdoors or exploring nearby spaces can lead to unexpected discoveries and plenty of laughter.

Visit the Library: Libraries aren’t just for books—they’re often packed with fun activities for families. Borrow books, puzzles, or even jigsaws.
Birdwatching: Bring out the binoculars (or make pretend ones with toilet rolls!) and spot birds in your garden, park, or nearby woods.
Pooh Sticks Game: Head to a bridge over a stream and race sticks; Winnie-the-Pooh style. A timeless classic.
Climb a Tree: Encourage your little adventurers to experience nature up close by climbing a sturdy tree.
Fly a Homemade Kite: Put together a kite from scratch and see how it soars in a breezy park.

Relax and Recharge

Switch things up with some calming and cosy family time indoors.

DIY Spa Day: Create face masks, soak feet in warm water, and even do some mini hand massages. Perfect for a calming day.
Indoor Camp: Use bedsheets, blankets, and pillows to build a cosy indoor campsite—torch-lit storytelling is a must!
Movie Night: Choose a theme, make some popcorn, and snuggle up for a family film night.
Make Playdough: Create your own DIY playdough with flour, salt, and a pinch of creativity.

Go Big on Experiments and Nostalgia

Make this half-term unforgettable with family activities full of wonder and imagination.

DIY Science Experiments: Recreate rainbows, erupt ‘volcanoes’ with baking soda and vinegar, or grow a simple plant from seeds. Science can be so much fun!
Make a Time Capsule: Fill it with letters, photos, and little mementoes, then bury it in the garden or store it safely for future discovery.
Bake Something Together: From cookies to cupcakes, baking brings the family together—and you get a treat at the end!
Themed Afternoon Tea: Choose a fun theme (pirates, princesses, or space explorers!) and create an afternoon tea that fits the theme.

Take in Nature’s Wonders

Sometimes, the simplest activities leave the most lasting impressions.

Watch the Sunrise or Sunset: Find a good spot, bring some hot chocolate, and marvel at the beauty of the natural world.
Learn How to Skim Pebbles: Head to a lake or beach and see who can master the skill of skipping stones.
Make and Hang Bird Feeders: Use pinecones, peanut butter, and seeds to create bird feeders, and watch local birds flock to visit.
Build a Home Gym Routine: Create a fun family fitness challenge indoors or outdoors—jumping jacks, star jumps, and planks are great places to start.

These simple ideas help turn half-term into a week filled with memory-making moments—without costing you a penny. Whether it’s a creative morning of crafts, learning a new skill, or reconnecting with nature, every activity is an opportunity to bond and share joy.

Looking for more fun ideas? Share your family-friendly tips below or tag us in your half-term adventures—we love seeing what our community is up to together! ❤️

Further Reading: Unforgettable February Half Term Fun, How to Create the Perfect Valentine’s Day on a Budget

For Daily Thrifty Inspiration, Follow Me @thrityhomeandgarden

Mother’s Day on a Budget: Thoughtful & Affordable Ways to Celebrate

Mother’s Day is the perfect occasion to show appreciation for the incredible women in your life. But creating a memorable day doesn’t have to mean extravagant spending. With a little creativity and thoughtfulness, you can craft a truly special celebration that’s both low-cost and meaningful.

Here are some unique and budget-friendly ideas for gifts, activities and food that will make this Mother’s Day unforgettable.

Thoughtful & Unusual Gift Ideas

Forget the generic store-bought card or last-minute bouquet—these heartfelt gifts are designed to stand out and won’t break the bank.

1. A Gratitude Jar

Create a jar filled with handwritten notes of gratitude and love. You can include memories, reasons you appreciate her or simply uplifting messages. Add some decorative touches like ribbons or labels to give it a personalised flair.

2. A Memory Book

Compile a small photo album or handmade booklet filled with cherished memories. Add captions, doodles or little stories about each photo to make it extra special.

3. DIY Voucher Book

Design a booklet of “coupons” for things like a day off from chores, a homemade dinner, or time spent together doing her favourite activity. It’s a practical and thoughtful gift that she can redeem whenever she wants.

4. A Customised Playlist

Create a playlist of her favourite songs or tunes that remind you of special times together. Music has the power to evoke wonderful memories and emotions, making this a surprisingly emotional gift.

5. A Personalised Recipe Collection

If she loves cooking or baking, write out a collection of family recipes or research meals from her favourite cuisines. Present them in a beautifully handwritten notebook or a simple binder.

Creative Activities to Celebrate Together

Activities don’t need to involve costly outings. Instead, focus on experiences that create meaningful memories.

1. Host a DIY Spa Day

Pamper her with a relaxing spa experience at home. Light some candles, play calming music and offer homemade face masks, foot soaks or hand massages.

2. Go for a Scenic Walk

Explore nature trails, parks or even the countryside together. Pack a small picnic and enjoy some quality time surrounded by beautiful scenery.

3. Plan a Movie Marathon

Host a cosy movie day featuring her favourite films or an uplifting series. Make it special with homemade snacks and a comfy setup of blankets and cushions.

4. Capture New Memories

Organise a mini photoshoot in your garden or a nearby park. Use your phone or camera to take some fun, candid shots that you can cherish for years to come.

5. Start a New Tradition

Use this day to start a family tradition—such as planting a flower or herb in the garden each year, or writing a family letter to reflect on special moments and hopes for the future.

Affordable and Delicious Food Ideas

Sharing a meal together often becomes the heart of the celebration. Here’s how to make it special without overspending.

1. Breakfast in Bed

Start her day with a homemade breakfast in bed. Whip up simple dishes like fluffy pancakes, scrambled eggs or fruit salads and present them on a tray with a small flower or note for a personal touch.

2. Picnic in the Garden

Transform your backyard into the perfect picnic spot. Lay out a blanket, bring sandwiches, pastries or even some homemade lemonade and enjoy a relaxed meal together.

3. Bake Together

Spend time baking something special as a team. Try muffins, a simple cake or cookies and enjoy the delicious results of your joint effort.

4. Create a DIY Afternoon Tea

Recreate an elegant afternoon tea experience at home with finger sandwiches, scones, tea, and some affordable decorations like flowers or bunting.

5. Cook her Favourite Dish

Recreate one of her favourite meals at home. You don’t need to be a master chef—a little effort goes a long way when it’s made just for her.

Celebrate the Day with Love and Intention

Mother’s Day doesn’t have to involve expensive gifts or fancy dining. The most meaningful celebrations are often those crafted with love, thoughtfulness and a sprinkle of creativity. With these ideas, you can make this year’s Mother’s Day truly special without stretching your budget.

Remember, it’s not about how much you spend, but about showing her how deeply she’s appreciated.

Further Reading: Unforgettable February Half Term Fun, How to Create the Perfect Valentine’s Day on a Budget

For Daily Thrifty Inspiration, Follow Me @thrityhomeandgarden

Porridge: A Nutritious, Budget-Friendly Superstar

Porridge—it’s warm, comforting and often overlooked. But for health enthusiasts, busy professionals and anyone keeping an eye on their budget, porridge is an absolute game-changer. Easy to prepare, endlessly customisable and incredibly versatile, it turns breakfast—or even other meals—into a nutritional powerhouse.

If you’ve yet to be convinced by this humble dish, keep reading. 😊

The Health Benefits of Porridge

Porridge is made from oats, which are packed with nutrients like fibre, protein and essential vitamins. One of its greatest benefits is the slow-release energy it provides, keeping you fuelled (and full) for hours.

Here’s why health enthusiasts swear by it:

Rich in Fibre: Oats are a fantastic source of beta-glucan, a type of soluble fibre that supports heart health by lowering cholesterol levels.
Keeps You Full: Packed with protein and healthy carbs, porridge helps stave off mid-morning snack cravings.
Balances Blood Sugar: The slow energy release helps avoid spikes and crashes, making it a great choice for anyone looking to maintain steady energy levels.
Gut-Friendly: Oats’ prebiotic properties feed the good bacteria in your gut, supporting overall digestive health.

A Budget-Friendly Belly Filler

Living on a budget? Porridge is as wallet-friendly as it gets. A bag of porridge oats is cheap and can last you for weeks. It’s not only affordable but also stretches to fill up a family, giving everyone a hearty, warming start to the day.

For busy professionals, porridge is a lifesaver. Thanks to its simplicity, you don’t need to spend ages in the kitchen to whip up a nutritious breakfast. With a slow cooker, you can prepare it the night before. Wake up to the irresistible smell of warm, creamy oats and save precious minutes on busy mornings.

Make It Your Own with Delicious Toppings

One of the best things about porridge is how easily you can adapt it to suit your taste buds. Bored of plain oats? It’s time to get creative.

Here are some topping ideas to transform your breakfast bowl:

Fresh Fruit: Banana slices, berries or grated apples add natural sweetness.
Nutty Nutrition: Walnuts, almonds or a drizzle of peanut butter bring healthy fats into the mix.
Spiced Up: A dash of cinnamon or nutmeg provides warmth and depth.
Something Sweet: Add a spoonful of honey, maple syrup or raisins for a touch of indulgence.

Not only does this elevate the flavour, but it’s also a fantastic way to use up leftover ingredients from your fridge or pantry.

Beyond Breakfast – Porridge’s Versatility

Did you know that porridge isn’t just for breakfast? These mighty oats have many delicious uses beyond the bowl.

Here are a few creative ways to incorporate porridge into your life:

Overnight Oats: Mix oats with milk or yoghurt, leave them in the fridge overnight, and wake up to a ready-to-eat breakfast.
Porridge Pancakes: Add oats to pancake batter for a flavourful, healthy twist.
Crumble Topping: Blend oats into your crumble topping mix to make it extra hearty and crunchy.
Baked Oats: Whip up oat-based muffins or bake them into energy bars for an on-the-go snack.

With so many uses, a simple bag of oats can open up countless meal possibilities.

Porridge—The Everyday Superfood

Whether you’re trying to squeeze more time into your busy mornings, stretch your grocery budget or eat more healthily, porridge delivers every time. It’s cheap, adaptable and perfect for anyone who wants a nutritious meal without the hassle.

The next time you’re thinking about what to have for breakfast—or even dessert—give porridge a try. You might just discover your next kitchen staple.

Who knew humble oats could be such a superstar?

Further Reading: How to Shop Smart and Thrifty Mastering the Art of Budget Food Shopping, Leftover Porridge Pancake Recipe

How to Shop Smart and Thrifty: Mastering the Art of Budget Food Shopping

Food shopping is one of the biggest weekly expenses for many households, but saving money doesn’t have to mean sacrificing quality. With a little planning and a few clever hacks, you can stretch your budget further while still bringing home delicious, wholesome meals. Whether you’re on a tight budget or just love a good bargain, here are some top tips to help you shop smarter and get the most value for your money.

1. Never Shop When You’re Hungry

One of the golden rules of budget shopping is to avoid going to the supermarket on an empty stomach. Hunger is your wallet’s worst enemy, as it can lead to impulse purchases and overstocking snacks you don’t really need. Plan your shopping trips after a meal or have a healthy snack beforehand to avoid unnecessary splurging.

2. Make a Shopping List (and Stick to It!)

Before heading to the store, take stock of what’s already in your pantry, fridge and freezer. Then, make a detailed shopping list based on what you truly need. Lists help prevent impulse buys and overspending. Pro tip: Arrange your list in order of the shop layout to streamline your trip and save time!

3. Check Prices and Offers Online

Before stepping out, spend a few minutes browsing the websites of your local grocery stores. Many supermarkets highlight deals and discounts online, so you can plan where to shop and spot big savings in advance. Some stores even have apps with personalised discounts or rewards that can give you an edge.

4. Shop with the Yellow Sticker in Mind

Many supermarkets reduce items close to their sell-by date with bright yellow stickers—this is a budget shopper’s paradise! Timing is key, as reductions often happen at specific times during the day. A little research into when your local shop tends to discount items can help you snag incredible deals. Items like bread, meat, and produce can often be frozen and stored for future use, so don’t hesitate to stock up on these bargains.

5. Swap and Save

Flexibility is your secret weapon for frugal shopping. If a recipe calls for an expensive ingredient, don’t be afraid to make substitutions. For instance, if spinach is £2 but kale is on offer for £1, it might be time to experiment. The same principle applies across categories—choosing store-brand products over big-name brands can add up to huge savings over time.

6. Choose Seasonal Produce

Buying seasonal fruits and vegetables is not only cheaper but also means your produce is fresher and tastier. Markets and greengrocers often have better deals on seasonal produce than big supermarkets, so it’s worth popping in to compare prices. Plus, seasonal eating helps to reduce your environmental footprint.

7. Take Advantage of Freezer-Friendly Offers

We all love a good deal, especially when it’s a buy-one-get-one-free (BOGOF) or a multibuy offer. Take full advantage of such deals on freezer-friendly items like meats, fish and vegetables. Batch cooking and freezing meals like soups and casseroles is also a fantastic way to save time and make bulk purchases work for you.

8. Shop During Off-Peak Hours

Timing matters when it comes to smart shopping. Many stores introduce fresh discounts late in the evening or first thing in the morning to make room for new stock. If your schedule allows, visiting the grocery store during these off-peak hours can get you priority access to the best reduced-to-clear deals.

9. Think Long-Term, Not Just Weekly

When planning your meals, think about ingredients that can stretch across multiple recipes. For example, a whole chicken can provide meat for several meals, as well as a base for homemade stock. Similarly, versatile staples like rice, pasta and lentils are not only cost-effective but can be adapted to so many dishes.

10. Bulk Buy Smartly

For non-perishable items like canned goods, rice or toilet paper, consider buying in bulk. Many stores offer better per-unit prices for larger quantities. Just ensure you have enough storage space and that you’ll actually use everything before it expires.

Final Thoughts

Smart and thrifty shopping isn’t just about saving money—it’s about being intentional with what you buy, reducing waste and making thoughtful choices that benefit your household and the environment. By incorporating these tips into your routine, you’ll find that your food bills can drop significantly without compromising on quality or variety.

Now, it’s time to take these money-saving hacks to the aisles. You’ll be amazed at how far you can stretch your budget when you shop with strategy!

Further Reading: Save Time and Money with Batch Cooking, The Benefits of Growing your Own Vegetables