November 2019

Collaborative post

It feels like so long since I sat down to write a blog post about what we have been up to, as I have just been so busy. I can not believe that we are now less than two weeks away for Christmas and I am not prepared at all this year (again) I still have shopping to do, although we have most of the children's gifts now - we just need to collect Sophia's bike from Halfords and buy clothes and stocking fillers. I have not written any Christmas cards out yet or bought wrapping paper and we have only just put our Christmas tree up two days ago. We have just been so busy that we haven't had a chance to do anything, so what have we been up to? 

Travel Plans For 2020

Collaborative Post

As 2019 comes to an end I have already started thinking about 2020 and one thing we really want to do is travel more as a family now the children are a bit older (and easier to handle). This year we were unable to have a family holiday as we went over-budget on our wedding so we really want to make up for it next year and hopefully get a few trips in to make up for missing a holiday this year. 

So far we have a two week holiday to Corfu in Greece booked for in the summer which we are all really looking forward too. I can't wait for lazy days by the pool or at the beach as well as days out exploring the local areas of  Kassiopi and Palaiokastritsa which look dreamy and of course a day of shopping in the charming old town. 

Jack And The Beanstalk Pantomime At Whitley Bay Playhouse Review

AD - Press Tickets.

It just wouldn't be Christmas without a trip to the pantomime and as a family, one pantomime that we always look forward to is the one at Whitley Bay's Playhouse. We have been going to see the pantomime here for the past four years and it is always the children's favourite one as it is perfect for young children. This year's panto was Jack and the Beanstalk produced once again by Blue Genie Entertainment and starring Ashleigh Butler and Sully the dog, former X-Factor contestant Molly Scott, Playhouse legend Steve Walls and the return of Playhouse favourites Damian Patton, Dame Patsy Trott and David Burton. 

Settling in our seats we were transported to Happyvale and as soon as the curtains were up the audience was captivated with the singing, dancing and non-stop silliness of the cast. Last year I mentioned that there were not enough jokes for us grow-ups well this year there was plenty, myself and my husband were laughing along just as much as the children with many of the jokes going totally over their heads. 

Things I Loved November 2019

I feel like such a whinge and a broken record at the moment but the last few months have been tough and November was no exception, it is normally one of my favourite months but this November was rubbish. I feel awful complaining when there are people so much worse off than us but it has been really tough, I have been unwell since October as I can't seem to fully shift this awful virus I have had. We have had huge money worries due to a big and unexpected bill which is not helped when I am owed a lot of blog money which is all late - not what you need close to Christmas when you have your children's gifts to buy.  It sounds dramatic but late payments can be so stressful and it has got to the point that it has made me not want to blog anymore. 

I hate being a negative nancy though so I have been thinking of things that made me happy so here are some of the things I loved in November 2019. 

Carrot Ginger Red Pepper And Turmeric Soup Recipe

AD

At this time of year I always crave comforting home-made food, I definitely cook a lot more in the wintertime. As a busy mam (aren't we all busy these days) I am often short on time and don't get to experiment in the kitchen much these days so normally play it safe making meals that we all know and love. However, sometimes it can get a bit boring eating the same foods over and over again. So earlier this week I decided to make a new soup as I really fancied a bowl of warming home-made soup - perfect on cold winter days!

I had been sent some Turmeric from Schwartz and decided to try and incorporate this into my soup recipe and made a carrot, ginger, red pepper and turmeric soup. It was not something that I had ever made before but I was pleasantly surprised with how it turned out as it was comforting but had a little bit of a kick from the turmeric.

Getting On The Property Ladder As A First Time Buyer

Guest Post. 

Everyone knows buying a home is a highly problematic process in this day and age. If it isn't the deposit that takes years to save for, it's the mortgages and getting approved for one in the first place. 

Luckily there are ways to find a home that is perfect for you and at a price that doesn't mean huge expenses. 

How To Encourage Your Teenager To Save More

Guest Post 

Regardless of how old you are saving money can be tough, But, it is particularly difficult when you are a teenager. At that stage of your life, there is so much you want to do and see. The chances are that if you leave them to their own devices they will end up spending an awful lot of money. Buying the latest gadgets and clothes is not cheap. 

It is all too easy for teenagers to lose control of their finances and end up with debts that may take many years to clear. So, teaching them how to keep control of their spending is vitally important. Here are a few suggestions to help you to do exactly that.