Thursday 7 January 2010
Monday 21 December 2009
Thursday 26 November 2009
Tuesday 27 October 2009
Christmas on a budget - let's get planning!
Thrifty and frugal Christmas gift ideas – let's get creative!
I know Christmas can feel like an overwhelmingly expensive season but you have to face it with a thrifty and determined attitude full on. If you put off thinking about it you’ll probably spend a fortune on last minute gifts bought in a rush and panic. Christmas is coming fast so you need to get your kids started on creating their masterpieces now. A child’s drawing makes any relatives gift a special one (think tags, cards, laminated as placemats or rolled with a ribbon.) For the kids I’ve stocked up on gorgeous artists colouring pencils (£1 a pack from Asda) and for all my relatives cotton personalised canvas bags (£3.20 inc postage) from www.vistaprint.co.uk. Gingerbread men, filled photo albums, a special photo enlarged and cheaply framed, a canvas filled with your children’s hand or footprints, homemade cupcakes, a handprint mug (DIY) or perhaps a pot of tulip bulbs. Christmas gifts can be cheap AND Fabulous. Be creative and start your planning!
See www.babybudgeting.co.uk for lots of thrifty tips for parents and a great new book on baby budgeting Becky x
I know Christmas can feel like an overwhelmingly expensive season but you have to face it with a thrifty and determined attitude full on. If you put off thinking about it you’ll probably spend a fortune on last minute gifts bought in a rush and panic. Christmas is coming fast so you need to get your kids started on creating their masterpieces now. A child’s drawing makes any relatives gift a special one (think tags, cards, laminated as placemats or rolled with a ribbon.) For the kids I’ve stocked up on gorgeous artists colouring pencils (£1 a pack from Asda) and for all my relatives cotton personalised canvas bags (£3.20 inc postage) from www.vistaprint.co.uk. Gingerbread men, filled photo albums, a special photo enlarged and cheaply framed, a canvas filled with your children’s hand or footprints, homemade cupcakes, a handprint mug (DIY) or perhaps a pot of tulip bulbs. Christmas gifts can be cheap AND Fabulous. Be creative and start your planning!
See www.babybudgeting.co.uk for lots of thrifty tips for parents and a great new book on baby budgeting Becky x
Thursday 24 September 2009
Birthday Parties on a budget
Birthday parties on a budget
I love birthdays I think they are utterly magic and can make the birthday girl or
boy feel absolutely special. Not much fun for mum and dad though if it leaves
them feeling utterly skint. Here are some of my top ideas for a birthday on a
budget :
The present: Get them what they want if you can afford it but then absolutely nothing else. They will get tons of presents from various people, just one from you is fine. If you can’t afford the trampoline, etc. then ask Grandma and Aunty Mo to go in with you,. Have a clear idea of what your child wants/needs as others will ask you. It's far better they don’t get jigsaws if they hate them and that they do get armbands if this is what they need. Be clear and precise. Remember a course of activities or clothes are also really useful gifts and it is okay that they benefit you too. It all impacts.
The Party
Make your own invites. A sticker or two of your child’s favourite thing, such as a fairy, pirate, rocket or animal on a plain postcard looks so cute, is easy for your child to do and very cheap. Just fill in the details on the back. They will be so proud that they have done their invitations themselves. Always hand deliver where possible and keep the party times shortish, no more than 1-2 hours. After lunchtime naps and before they are too tired is often best.
Food - If you organise the party 2-3.30 p.m you can avoid the need to provide food at all and you could just write ‘Please come to x’s party for Games and Cake on ….’ and that would really cut down your cost (and effort). If you do want to provide food then I would strongly suggest that less is more and simple little sandwiches, a few crisps, apples, raisins, cheeses slices would be fine. Don’t go mad with little cakes and choccy biccies as no one wants their kids wired but do get few treats (always look for offers on chocolate fingers, cookies etc.) Don’t stress about food allergies. Tell parents to help themselves and ask if they aren’t sure. It’s a good idea to keep all boxes in case they need to check ingredients.
Consider having a theme – themes are fun but can be expensive. One year my little boy was really into Thomas the Tank Engine and I ended up buying Thomas cups, tablecloth and napkins all to only be used once then thrown away. A better idea for a theme is fancy dress (encourage home made outfits so no one spends too much!) or a beach party with the sandpit out and some funky sunglasses to make out of card. You could throw a hat party where everyone comes in a silly hat. Fancy dress spreads the effort and can make for lots of giggles and fun preparation even with the littlest kids.
Games - Do away with PRIZES! They are an unnecessary expense that cause upset at almost every party. Kids want that or this and you get ‘it’s not fair and I didn’t move,’ etc. Not fun at all and just brings out diddy greediness in children too unsophisticated to hide their disappointment. It can also cost you a packet. I tried to do cheap pass the parcel gifts once only to have them looked at with derision by 2 year olds and left behind at the end of the party. These little crayon packs and bouncy balls had cost about £5 in total. Complete waste.
I always say if you can’t compete don’t try. Do something completely different instead. I have a cousin who works at a Steiner school (creative, natural and anti-plastic) and she taught me a variation on pass the parcel that I always use now and it works a treat with little kids. After each layer of paper rather than chocolate or a little gift you have a song title and the group (with parents helping) have to sing the song. Action songs work really well and the kiddies love it. You do need to make sure you know the words though and sing up! An alternative to this is to have a little challenge in each paper layer, e.g. spin round three times or jump on one foot for one minute or shake our neighbours hand. Nothing too hard just simple and fun.
Team obstacle courses are always fun, you could have 3 legged races, and egg and spoon relays (I like relays as no one person wins or loses and they are often more jolly) You could organise a mass treasure hunt with cut out cake pictures hidden round the garden and the prize is everyone gets cake. If you can borrow a huge parachute that you waft about, hide underneath and bounce balls on, that is a lovely thing to play with. You could get some music on and have a bit of a disco. A penalty shoot out is a great fun too. If there has to be a winner a big clap and cheer is good enough. Use your imagination and let the fun unfold.
Party bags - You don’t have to go down the party bag route – it’s an extra expense. You can just give the children a slice of cake and maybe a balloon, say thanks and bye-bye. I have often found unlooked at party bags still in my car a week later.
Cake
If someone you know can bake and will make you a cake as a gift then rope them in quick! Alternately you could always make your own. Cakes can cost a packet to have professionally made and the lovely effect of a gorgeous cake only lasts a few moments. Is it really worth a big expense? If you can’t face making it yourself and can’t find a friend to bake hit the supermarket and ask Grandpa to pay for it as a gift if he will. These cakes are usually quite reasonably priced and large and supermarkets do all the favourite themes.
Have fun, don’t stress and don’t put too much prep in or your child’s special day gets lost in you making a party. Lighten up and smile, they always work out, and really don’t need to cost too much.
The above was an extract from my book How to Afford Time Off with Your
Baby - 101 ways to ease the financial strain (Vermilion) By Becky Goddard–Hill. Only £5.99 (incl. p&p) from Amazon now.
I love birthdays I think they are utterly magic and can make the birthday girl or
boy feel absolutely special. Not much fun for mum and dad though if it leaves
them feeling utterly skint. Here are some of my top ideas for a birthday on a
budget :
The present: Get them what they want if you can afford it but then absolutely nothing else. They will get tons of presents from various people, just one from you is fine. If you can’t afford the trampoline, etc. then ask Grandma and Aunty Mo to go in with you,. Have a clear idea of what your child wants/needs as others will ask you. It's far better they don’t get jigsaws if they hate them and that they do get armbands if this is what they need. Be clear and precise. Remember a course of activities or clothes are also really useful gifts and it is okay that they benefit you too. It all impacts.
The Party
Make your own invites. A sticker or two of your child’s favourite thing, such as a fairy, pirate, rocket or animal on a plain postcard looks so cute, is easy for your child to do and very cheap. Just fill in the details on the back. They will be so proud that they have done their invitations themselves. Always hand deliver where possible and keep the party times shortish, no more than 1-2 hours. After lunchtime naps and before they are too tired is often best.
Food - If you organise the party 2-3.30 p.m you can avoid the need to provide food at all and you could just write ‘Please come to x’s party for Games and Cake on ….’ and that would really cut down your cost (and effort). If you do want to provide food then I would strongly suggest that less is more and simple little sandwiches, a few crisps, apples, raisins, cheeses slices would be fine. Don’t go mad with little cakes and choccy biccies as no one wants their kids wired but do get few treats (always look for offers on chocolate fingers, cookies etc.) Don’t stress about food allergies. Tell parents to help themselves and ask if they aren’t sure. It’s a good idea to keep all boxes in case they need to check ingredients.
Consider having a theme – themes are fun but can be expensive. One year my little boy was really into Thomas the Tank Engine and I ended up buying Thomas cups, tablecloth and napkins all to only be used once then thrown away. A better idea for a theme is fancy dress (encourage home made outfits so no one spends too much!) or a beach party with the sandpit out and some funky sunglasses to make out of card. You could throw a hat party where everyone comes in a silly hat. Fancy dress spreads the effort and can make for lots of giggles and fun preparation even with the littlest kids.
Games - Do away with PRIZES! They are an unnecessary expense that cause upset at almost every party. Kids want that or this and you get ‘it’s not fair and I didn’t move,’ etc. Not fun at all and just brings out diddy greediness in children too unsophisticated to hide their disappointment. It can also cost you a packet. I tried to do cheap pass the parcel gifts once only to have them looked at with derision by 2 year olds and left behind at the end of the party. These little crayon packs and bouncy balls had cost about £5 in total. Complete waste.
I always say if you can’t compete don’t try. Do something completely different instead. I have a cousin who works at a Steiner school (creative, natural and anti-plastic) and she taught me a variation on pass the parcel that I always use now and it works a treat with little kids. After each layer of paper rather than chocolate or a little gift you have a song title and the group (with parents helping) have to sing the song. Action songs work really well and the kiddies love it. You do need to make sure you know the words though and sing up! An alternative to this is to have a little challenge in each paper layer, e.g. spin round three times or jump on one foot for one minute or shake our neighbours hand. Nothing too hard just simple and fun.
Team obstacle courses are always fun, you could have 3 legged races, and egg and spoon relays (I like relays as no one person wins or loses and they are often more jolly) You could organise a mass treasure hunt with cut out cake pictures hidden round the garden and the prize is everyone gets cake. If you can borrow a huge parachute that you waft about, hide underneath and bounce balls on, that is a lovely thing to play with. You could get some music on and have a bit of a disco. A penalty shoot out is a great fun too. If there has to be a winner a big clap and cheer is good enough. Use your imagination and let the fun unfold.
Party bags - You don’t have to go down the party bag route – it’s an extra expense. You can just give the children a slice of cake and maybe a balloon, say thanks and bye-bye. I have often found unlooked at party bags still in my car a week later.
Cake
If someone you know can bake and will make you a cake as a gift then rope them in quick! Alternately you could always make your own. Cakes can cost a packet to have professionally made and the lovely effect of a gorgeous cake only lasts a few moments. Is it really worth a big expense? If you can’t face making it yourself and can’t find a friend to bake hit the supermarket and ask Grandpa to pay for it as a gift if he will. These cakes are usually quite reasonably priced and large and supermarkets do all the favourite themes.
Have fun, don’t stress and don’t put too much prep in or your child’s special day gets lost in you making a party. Lighten up and smile, they always work out, and really don’t need to cost too much.
The above was an extract from my book How to Afford Time Off with Your
Baby - 101 ways to ease the financial strain (Vermilion) By Becky Goddard–Hill. Only £5.99 (incl. p&p) from Amazon now.
Thursday 27 August 2009
How to afford time off with your baby - the book is launched
How to Afford Time Off with Your Baby - The book is launched
by Beckyspaghetti @ 2009-08-27 – 08:37:25
Just wanted to let you know that my book How to Afford Time Off with Your Baby - 101 ways to ease the financial strain by Becky Goddard-Hill has now been released and is for sale on Amazon. I am so excited I really believe this book well have a financially helpful tip for everyone. It considers everything from Christenings to Christamas on a budget and from pregnancy to preschoolers and all the financial considertions these bring.
The book is for every parent whether they have 6 weeks, 6 months, or 6 years off work almost all will have to make financial adjustments. My book is packed with simple, easy to achieve budgeting ideas. I truly hope it helps you worry less so you can enjoy your baby nore.
My background.
Prior to taking 5 years off work on a very low budget with my own children I worked as a social work trainer in child development. I also worked as a Humanistic psychotherapist. I passsionately believe in supportive communites and sharing what we have and what we know. I have 2 amazing children who I was desperate to spend time with and we have learnt to reduce, reuse, recycle and be an active part of our community as a result.
How to Afford Time Off with Your Baby is published by Vermilion and available from Amazon right now for just £5.99 Check out our website at www.babybudgeting.co.uk
by Beckyspaghetti @ 2009-08-27 – 08:37:25
Just wanted to let you know that my book How to Afford Time Off with Your Baby - 101 ways to ease the financial strain by Becky Goddard-Hill has now been released and is for sale on Amazon. I am so excited I really believe this book well have a financially helpful tip for everyone. It considers everything from Christenings to Christamas on a budget and from pregnancy to preschoolers and all the financial considertions these bring.
The book is for every parent whether they have 6 weeks, 6 months, or 6 years off work almost all will have to make financial adjustments. My book is packed with simple, easy to achieve budgeting ideas. I truly hope it helps you worry less so you can enjoy your baby nore.
My background.
Prior to taking 5 years off work on a very low budget with my own children I worked as a social work trainer in child development. I also worked as a Humanistic psychotherapist. I passsionately believe in supportive communites and sharing what we have and what we know. I have 2 amazing children who I was desperate to spend time with and we have learnt to reduce, reuse, recycle and be an active part of our community as a result.
How to Afford Time Off with Your Baby is published by Vermilion and available from Amazon right now for just £5.99 Check out our website at www.babybudgeting.co.uk
Tuesday 14 July 2009
Baby playdates on a budget: Five top tips
Simple ideas are often those that give life ease and joy. For you and your small child these are everyday ideas to make part of your day to day (friends optional.)
1. Swimming is cheap and generally adored. Good for you full of giggles and lots of lovely bonding. Check out at your local leisure centre when their parent and toddler sessions are and pop along. Take your own lunch for after there is often somewhere to feed your baby. Swimming courses for babies can be costly and problematic; colds, injections, appointments and Grandma visiting can all get in the way and you can miss more than you make. Ad hoc pay as you go reduces wasted expense.
2. Parks – fabulously free and fantastic fun I have spent many hours on the park. To ring in the changes my little girl has pushed her dollies and her brother’s cars down the slides and swung her teddies in the swing. We have hit the park at 8 in the morning and taken breakfast, we have had a 10-baby strong teddy bears picnic there. We celebrated Earth day with tree rubbings and a book swap and lots of other families. Find all your local fab parks and make the very most of them.
3. A walk somewhere beautiful…. a great chance for a toddle, or push ride, fresh air, sight seeing, duck feeding, perhaps chatting things over with friends and getting some exercise. Scout out any lovely local walks and make them part of your play date routine. Taking a little picnic blanket, a flask, snacks and a ball make it all the more fun! Waiting for the sun is a complete waste of time grab your rainmac and some wellies and embrace the elements.
4. Open up you r home, stick on the kettle and don’t be proud, babies are just happy to play with other baby toys. If you have a play date over a lunchtime ask your friends if they want to bring their packed lunch to have at yours this saves anyone rushing away at lunchtime but saves lots of work and cash out for you. My bath is held up by parcel tape and I still have people round. You don’t need to be proud or worry few people care as much as you do about the state of you house. If its good enough for your baby its good enough for anyone.
5. Lastly parent and toddler groups may seem scary but be BRAVE and head on in. You will soon settle in and be an old timer. For 50p- £1 you get juice, biscuits, craft, a story, singing, new friends for baby and for you, different toys to play with, a change of scenery and a regular rainy day activity. The best way to make friends is offer to help hand out drinks or stay at the end to clear up. Put on a big smile tell people their child is cute and ask how old they are (the chid I mean!) you will soon be deep in conversation and may make some fab new friends.
1. Swimming is cheap and generally adored. Good for you full of giggles and lots of lovely bonding. Check out at your local leisure centre when their parent and toddler sessions are and pop along. Take your own lunch for after there is often somewhere to feed your baby. Swimming courses for babies can be costly and problematic; colds, injections, appointments and Grandma visiting can all get in the way and you can miss more than you make. Ad hoc pay as you go reduces wasted expense.
2. Parks – fabulously free and fantastic fun I have spent many hours on the park. To ring in the changes my little girl has pushed her dollies and her brother’s cars down the slides and swung her teddies in the swing. We have hit the park at 8 in the morning and taken breakfast, we have had a 10-baby strong teddy bears picnic there. We celebrated Earth day with tree rubbings and a book swap and lots of other families. Find all your local fab parks and make the very most of them.
3. A walk somewhere beautiful…. a great chance for a toddle, or push ride, fresh air, sight seeing, duck feeding, perhaps chatting things over with friends and getting some exercise. Scout out any lovely local walks and make them part of your play date routine. Taking a little picnic blanket, a flask, snacks and a ball make it all the more fun! Waiting for the sun is a complete waste of time grab your rainmac and some wellies and embrace the elements.
4. Open up you r home, stick on the kettle and don’t be proud, babies are just happy to play with other baby toys. If you have a play date over a lunchtime ask your friends if they want to bring their packed lunch to have at yours this saves anyone rushing away at lunchtime but saves lots of work and cash out for you. My bath is held up by parcel tape and I still have people round. You don’t need to be proud or worry few people care as much as you do about the state of you house. If its good enough for your baby its good enough for anyone.
5. Lastly parent and toddler groups may seem scary but be BRAVE and head on in. You will soon settle in and be an old timer. For 50p- £1 you get juice, biscuits, craft, a story, singing, new friends for baby and for you, different toys to play with, a change of scenery and a regular rainy day activity. The best way to make friends is offer to help hand out drinks or stay at the end to clear up. Put on a big smile tell people their child is cute and ask how old they are (the chid I mean!) you will soon be deep in conversation and may make some fab new friends.
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