Countdown to Christmas: Make Your Own Advent Calendar Ideas

What started off as a simple way to countdown the days to Christmas, making chalk marks on doors in Germany, has turned into a tradition many people, young and old, now take part in in increasingly elaborate ways. You can get pretty much anything hidden behind the cardboard doors or drawers of an advent calendar now, from jewellery to high end cosmetics. The 2024 advent calendar line up even includes a 5ft Lindt offering, featuring 24 full size products for a mere £180 when it is reported the contents are worth closer to £90! One way to get exactly what the person would like without the huge mark-up is to make your own advent calendar.

Make Your Own Advent Calendar Ideas For Children And Adults

Making your own advent calendars makes them more special

Everything you need to know about Christmas boxes: Advent Boxes and Christmas Boxes

Christmas boxes are a fairly recent tradition, but they have quickly gained popularity over the last decade. What started out as more of a homemade thing has now turned into big business with more retailers bringing out new box designs every year and even pre-filled boxes available on Etsy. They can form a really special part of your Christmas tradition whether you give them at the beginning of December as an advent box or on Christmas Eve. If you are looking to introduce one to your family this guide will explain what they are and what to put in them. 

Quick Make Ahead Breakfast Ideas For Busy Family Mornings

One of my biggest hurdles getting the kids out to school in the mornings is getting them to eat something quick and filling to set them up for the day. School mornings are enough of a rush without preparing anything more exciting than a bowl of cereal that gets half eaten. So if your mornings are similar why not try these make ahead breakfasts for smoother sailing.

Making breakfast in advance makes mornings easier

How To Spend Less Money On Matching Family Christmas Pyjamas

It seems to happen earlier each year, the trick or treaters haven't even been around yet, but the matching family Christmas pyjamas are already selling out in the shops.  They make a fun Christmas tradition and super cute photographs, but the price can quickly add up. Love them or loathe them entirely, they seem to be here to stay so here are my top tips for cutting the cost.

When To Give Children Christmas Pyjamas

The thing about Christmas pyjamas is they tend to be, well Christmas themed. While my children will happily wear them in January through to Spring, the best time to wear them is in the run up to Christmas. It is popular to put them in Christmas Eve boxes, but for some families this means they will only get worn once, or just a few times at best. A more recent tradition is giving them to children at the beginning of December with advent calendars or maybe even the arrival of those cheeky elves. This way children can wear them throughout December. Just make sure you plan the washing so they are clean and ready to wear on Christmas Eve.

You can enjoy the matching Christmas Pyjama trend, but spend less

11 Surprising Uses Of Vinegar Around The Home

Vinegar is great for a salad dressing or sprinkling on your chips, but it can also be a really handy product to use around the house. This non-toxic and relatively eco friendly acid is a great option for cleaning a whole variety of items when used in the right way.

Did you know you can use vinegar to clean around the home?

Unlocking Home Resale Profits: Top Renovations for Maximum ROI

Collaborative post. Has the idea of selling your home been at the back of your mind for a while now? Still thinking about how you can get the pounds rolling in? Many homeowners find themselves in this balancing act, trying to decide which upgrades will really pay off when it’s time to sell. Let’s explore some clever home improvement choices that can deliver a solid return on investment, ensuring you spruce up your home’s value without draining your savings.

Via Pexels

How To Clean A Paddling Pool And Keep It Clean

When the temperatures soar, there’s nothing that little ones love more than splashing around in a great paddling pool (see some of our favourites here). But as much fun as this can be, many a parent will tell you that keeping a paddling pool clean is a tall order.

Paddling pools can, unfortunately, harbour harmful germs if not kept clean enough, so it’s important to know how to keep them at their best. Not to mention, a paddling pool just looks so much more inviting when it’s fresh and clean! 

Keep your paddling pool cleaner with these tips

Here are some tips for how to clean a paddling pool: