In this world of smartphones, tablets and laptops thinking about creating a budget on paper can feel a bit out of sync.   Don’t misunderstand me, I love my spreadsheets and I use one regularly for completing my monthly budget.  However, when I feel that things need to change or I’m getting lazy with it then out comes the pencil and paper version.   Why use a pencil and paper? The main reason that I use pencil and paper to budget is that it really helps me connect with it.  I appreciate that that might sound a little off the wall so let me explain.   When I am using a spreadsheet, I find that many items on my budget are the same every month.  My salary is the same, the mortgage payment, gas, electricity and so many more.  This leads to me copying and pasting and then ignoring these…

A couple of months back my faithful and beautiful Oxford Eves infuser cup developed a crack in the lid.  It had been well used but it was still a sad moment.   However, rather than wallow in the self-pity, I decided I would use it as an opportunity to try out and review some new cups.   Therefore, I present to you the first of my reviews on the WAKEcup reusable hot drinks cup.   [Note:  This product was gifted to me.  This is an honest review.]   How is the WAKEcup as a cup? This cup is stunning.  With a bamboo and metal exterior and metal interior, it is just a joy to look at.  I have taken it to work a few times and it gets lots of comments.   One of the claims on the outside of the box is that you get no plastic aftertaste.  I…

Being asked to review books is pretty much like winning the lottery for me.  I LOVE reading!  Even more than that I love reading books that help me grow.   When I was invited to read and review Manage Your Money Like A F*cking Grown-Up by Sam Beckbessinger, I was excited, to say the least.  A book about money and it’s a bit sweary.  Perfection.   Now I must admit that it took me a while to get around to reading it.  This isn’t because I didn’t want to but more that I read whilst I put my kids to sleep.  Therefore, I am pretty much reliant on my Kindle’s backlight to get any reading done.   However, after rigging up a lighting system in my bedroom, it didn’t take me long to get hooked on this one.  Sam Beckbessinger provides an easy to follow yet rigorous system to sort…

This is a collaborative post with MNFST.   You know me, I love making money.  I’ve made money on holiday, I’ve made money from my stuff and I particularly love making money when sat on my sofa.   Therefore, I am excited to tell you that you can now make money from your social media accounts AND you don’t need to have a massive following.   What is MNFST? MNSFT (Manifest) is an app that allows you to make money by posting to your Instagram stories or feed and your Twitter account.   How do I download the MNFST app? If you follow this referral link, you will be able to download the app from the App Store or Google Play.   How does it work? Once you have downloaded the app, you’ll be asked to connect your social media accounts.  These accounts will then be given a score (called…

A few years ago, I realised that I was having some issues with standard deodorants.  Mostly that they were giving me itchy armpits.   I’m a sensitive little flower and it is not the first time that I’ve had skin related problems.  But it did prompt me to investigate some alternatives.   On my hunt for a deodorant that was kinder on the skin, I learnt that “normal” ones aren’t that good for you.  Plus, there are plenty of healthier and more eco-friendly solutions on the market.   After trying a few options, including a couple of homemade disasters, I found Earth Conscious deodorants and I’ve been a loyal and happy customer ever since.   What is special about Earth Conscious deodorant? Earth Conscious natural deodorant works differently from other deodorants.  It is not an antiperspirant so you will still sweat, but it does stop bacteria from forming.  This is…