YOU’VE survived the six-week long summer hols and can soon wave off the kids to school.
But with just six or seven hours til they’re back home again, it hardly seems enough time to rest and recover.
Whether you’re a stay-at-home parent or are already back at work, you deserve a little thank you to yourself.
Here are my top ‘me-time’ treats for under a tenner.
CHOCOLATE: Make life sweeter. Snap up two large tubs of Celebrations, Heroes, Roses or Quality St for just £7 until September 7. Were £3.99 each
SAVE: 98p when buying two
PEDI PAMPER: For busy parents who are always on their feet. Me To You Cosy Socks & Foot Cream Set, £8.99 at clintonsretail.com
FACEMASK: Get your new term face on. Simple Detox & Brighten Clay Mask Protect ‘N’ Glow 50ml, was £5 now £2.50 at Morrisons
RELAX AND REVIVE: Create your own home spa. Belton & Co Escape Relaxation Gift Set, £8 at Morrisons.com
NAILS: Give hardworking hands some love. Danielle Creations Stay Beautiful Manicure Set, £9.99 at Argos
CUPCAKES: Good things come in small packages. Co-op 9 Rainbow Cupcakes, £2 at The Co-Operative Food
PROSECCO: Indulge in the bubbles. Freixenet Prosecco D. O. C. 75cl, was £12 now £9 at Morrisons
SAVE: £3
CRAFT ALE: Raise a glass to all your hard work. Greene King Great British Ales 6X500ml, £8.50 at Tesco
CRUNCH DOWN THE COST
NEED to claw back the extra cash you spent over summer? Here are seven simple ways to make that money back.
1. Create a post-holiday budget. Look at where you have overspent and calculate how much you need to cut costs to get back on track. Next, spread the amount you need to save over a several weeks to make it more achievable.
2. Track your spending. Whether you use an app like hyperjar.com or notebook and pen, write down everything you spend. It’s a great way to make you think before you buy.
3. Stocktake your kitchen cupboards, fridge and freezer. List what you have left and arrange in date order with items going out of date at the front. Use myfridgefood.com for recipes using up what you already have.
4. Need to buy a big item? Hold out for September payday deals which will offer bumper discounts.
5. Try a no-spend day each week. Extend to two or three days weekly to see how much you save.
6. Eat out without the kids to save cash, Morrisons are offering a full cooked breakfast for half price util September 26. Save up to £2.75 per breakfast.
7. Update your wardrobe for autumn. Check through clothes for the whole family. Keep what works, sell on what you don’t want to make extra money. Items left over? Donate to charity or sell by the kilo to local providers.
Prices correct at time of going to press. Deals and offers subject to availability.
WEBSITE OF THE WEEK
TEACHING your teen to be money savvy? Then start with their stomach.
New free app Smash teaches the UK’s 9 million 13 to 24-year-olds to save money and stay healthy with up to 20% off at selected restaurants and supermarkets.
Users can access discounts on over 300 ‘better-for-you’ products at over 55 high-street food brands, including Zizzi, YO! Sushi, Tortilla and Wahaca to Whitworth’s, Graze, This! and Simply Cook.
Founder Chris Holmes said: “We need to make it easier for young people to find better food that is just as affordable and desirable to eat as chocolate & chips -and this is where Smash helps.”
See smash-app.co.uk
Chris’s Tips for Families on a Budget
1. Eating out? Search out hyper local discounts, Many restaurants offer special flash deals just for a single branch. Vouchercode sites, local papers and magazines or social media for deals.
2. Challenge your children to help you save on the weekly shop. Get them involved in writing the list and set them tasks to swap your usual eats for cheaper but healthier choices.
3. Use offers to challenge your tastebuds and try something new. If you’re brave enough to experiment with food then you can find great deals on options which might end up becoming your new, more affordable favourite.