Quick Laddering Tights Fix

In a rush on the way to work and you realise your tights have laddered? It’s happened to the best of us – but hairspray can help you out! It can’t fix the ladder itself, but a light spritz of hairspray will stop it from getting worse and save you from the small ladder turning into a huge one. Carry a small can of hairspray in your work bag to rescue you next your tights let you down.

Setting a Face of Makeup

You might have heard this one before, but hairspray can be a great substitute for setting spray when you’re out and about. Go for a light spray across your whole face to ensure your makeup stays in place for the whole night. This works great in a pinch, but try to avoid using it every day – your pores will not thank you for it!

Holding those Eyebrows in Place

This might seem like a wild one, but hairspray can hold your eyebrows in place just the same way that you can use it in your hair. Obviously, don’t just spray the can directly into your eyebrows – this will definitely leave you in tears. Rather, spray some on a spoolie brush and run it through your brows to achieve the desired style. You’ll find your brows stay in place all day!

Getting Rid of Static

Do you ever find that your silk or satin skirt won’t fall right and keeps clinging to your legs? This is because of static energy, and hairspray is the perfect remedy. Spray a small amount on your hands and run them over any static clothing you have to ensure it falls perfectly.

Achieving the Perfect Manicure

This one is so quick and easy – you’ll be surprised you hadn’t thought of it before! After painting your nails, spray a light coat of hairspray over each fingernail from about 10 inches away. Wash your hands after 10 minutes and Voila – your polish will be set and will last all day and night.

Getting Shoes to Fit

Struggling with a pair of heels that are slightly too big for you? It happens all the time, so if you’re worried about slipping out of your shoes while you’re trying to dance all night, we have the perfect solution. Spritz some hairspray on your feet before sliding into your shoes – you’ll find they stay put for way longer, and you won’t need to worry about any Cinderella moments at midnight!

Lacing your Trainers Properly

After a long time, your most beloved trainers can get really worn and the laces can become loose. If you want to keep wearing your favourite kicks but find they won’t stay put like they used to, just give the laces a quick spritz of hairspray once they’re tied. They’ll get rigid and stay tighter for longer.

Pinning your Hair up

Okay, it’s obvious that hairspray will hold up a hairdo, but do you find that hair pins tend to slide out of your hair after a long day? Try this simple hack to make them stay secure in your hair for hours on end. Spray them with some hairspray before sliding them into your hair – your hairstyle will last for as long as you do!

Banishing Red Lipstick Stains

Red lipstick on your favourite shirt – an absolute nightmare! But it doesn’t have to be if you have a can of hairspray to hand. Just spray some on the stain, leave it for a few minutes, then wipe off. If the stain isn’t totally removed, toss it into the washing machine straight away and it should come out in the wash thanks to the hairspray.

Keeping your Shoes Shiny

Have you ever spent ages polishing your shoes only to find the shine goes away in a day? With a light spritz of hairspray after polishing, the shine on your shoes will last way longer, plus it will keep your shoes better protected from scuffs and marks!

Out With the Old

It’s an obvious place to begin, but you always have to start any reorganisation project with a nice big clear-out. Take all your spices out and line them up on your worktop; now it’s time to be ruthless! Are there any spices that have been sat at the back of your cupboard for years? Any seasonings you can’t stand the taste of? Now is the moment to say goodbye. 

Make sure to clean out the containers and repurpose or recycle them wherever possible. You don’t need to toss everything to have a clear-out; try to find a new life for everything in your home!

Check all the Dates

It’s easy to forget, but spices and herbs have expiry dates just like any other foods. Admittedly, they last for a long time, but if you have any spices that are years out of date, they will likely have lost a lot of their flavour and won’t taste as good in your recipes. Toss out any that look off-colour or smell bad to ensure that your spice cupboard contains only top-notch ingredients.

Match Everything Up

It may seem like an unnecessary expense, but if you can afford to splash out a little, matching jars are the perfect way to keep your spice cupboard organised and aesthetically pleasing! They don’t need to cost the world either – these simple glass jars from Amazon are only £14.

Reuse, Repurpose, Recycle!

If you don’t want to spend money on brand new matching jars, consider repurposing old glass jars around your house. Products like baby food jars or sample-size jam jars are the perfect size for spices, and with just a quick scrub, they are ready to reuse. Just print out or make new labels so you know which of your spices is which!

Get Cleaning

While all your spices are out, make sure you take the opportunity to clean every inch of the cupboard or drawer you’re keeping them in. Herbs, spices and seasonings can go all over the place, so use hot water, a little washing-up liquid, and a hot cloth to wipe down the whole area. 

Organise Away

Now it’s time to put everything back. Take this time to think methodically about what spices you use most often, and make sure you keep those ones nearest the front. This way, when you reach for it, your favourite spices will be the easiest to access!

Expand your Storage

If you’re limited on space for your spices, get creative with how you store them! This magnetic spice jar set is only £10, and means you can keep all your labelled spices on your fridge or freezer door, ready to use whenever you need them. These are perfect if you’re struggling for cupboard space but love to keep a big spice collection!

Similarly, you can mount a spice rack on any free wall space you have in your kitchen to save vital cupboard and counter space. Your spice collection will be easy to access while also looking tidy and organised!

Tier your Cupboards

If you struggle to see all the spices you have in your cupboard, consider utilising tiered storage organisers. This one from Habitat is only £6, but it will allow you to see the labels on all your spices, so you’re not scrambling around searching for the spice you need for hours on end!

Keep your Drawers Organised

If you’re keeping your spices in a kitchen drawer, consider investing in a spiceliner to keep all your jars organised. The spiceliner is designed to keep your spice jars steady and stop them from rolling around everywhere. This one from Amazon can hold up to eight jars of various sizes – a worthy investment to keep your drawers tidy!

Keep up the Organisation!

It’s easy to reorganise your spice cupboard, but it’s tough to keep it tidy! Make sure you continually clean up any spills or messes that might happen while cooking, and always have a good supply of your best spices on hand in case you run out.

To save money, consider bulk-buying any spices you use in large quantities. It may seem inconvenient, but you’ll save yourself a lot of money in the long run!

How to Make your Perfume Last Longer

Do you ever find that your perfume begins to fade after just a few hours? Check out this TikTok tip on how to keep your scent going all day long! With just a touch of Vaseline, you can lock in your perfume for hours longer and avoid having to reapply throughout the day.

Easy Eyeshadow Hack

If you class yourself as a total eye makeup novice, this hack is the perfect way to venture into the world of bold eyeshadow looks with minimal risk of mess-ups. Just use your favourite neutrals palette to fill in different areas of your lid, going from light to dark. Then just blend out for a simple but stunning smokey eye!

Perfect Lips Every Time

Want a lip filler look without the pain of cosmetic surgery? Contouring is the best choice for you. With just a tiny bit of powder or stick contour, you can achieve a plumped look in just minutes!

Simple Soap Brows

Soap brows are one of the biggest beauty trends of 2022, so use this simple tutorial to master the perfectly fluffed-up arches and frame your face. Budget-friendly and long-wearing, this tutorial is a super-easy way to stay on-trend and sculpt your brows beautifully.

Fake Tan Contouring

This hack is perfect for summer if you plan on going bare-faced on the beach but want to stay looking snatched all day. Contour your face subtly with fake tan to achieve chiseled bone structure without heavy contour or powders – the easiest way to stay natural and bronzed!

Eyeliner for Hooded Eyes

Do you love a sleek cat-eye but feel like liner doesn’t compliment your eye shape as it should? This tutorial is exactly what you need. If you struggle to line your hooded eyes, MUA @scortezzbeauty recommends the bat wing shape. This liner style will give you the gorgeous cat-eye effect that you want without sitting oddly on your lid – try it out to see if it suits you!

Make your Foundation Full Coverage

This hack is perfect for all my oily skin sufferers out there. If you find your foundation is just not providing the coverage that you need, try adding your favourite setting powder into the liquid foundation before you apply it. You’ll get plenty of added coverage, plus the powder in the foundation will keep any oils at bay for hours on end.

Contouring a Round Face

Contouring can be tough if you have a naturally cherubic face – not all of us can have the chiseled jaw of a Hadid sister! This technique is a great way to provide structure without making it look like you’ve smeared contour everywhere, so test it out and see if it works for your face shape.

Flawless Base

When you need flawless-looking skin that will last all day, try out this simple hack. Translucent powder on the skin before your primer and foundation will ensure your skin stays oil-free and radiant for hours on end, without the need for reapplication or touch-ups.

Blush Placement Tips

Blush can be a difficult one to figure out – opt for the wrong placement and you can easily look like Coco the Clown. Thankfully, TikTok user @stxph.h has some great tips on the best ways to apply blush for a rosy, sun-kissed complexion. Top tip – if powder blush is appearing heavy on your skin, go for a liquid blush instead for a more natural look!

Instant Flawless Brows

Do you find your brows are looking too 2016-y after applying your brow powder or pomade? It might not be your fault – your brush might just be worn out! Check out this useful hack to see how to tighten up your brush and keep your brows looking natural and sleek.

Avoid Cakey Foundation

Are you finding that your foundation is sitting on your skin, rather than blending in seamlessly? Check out this TikTok to see if you’re missing out on any of these key steps! A hydrated base and the right primer are key to a natural-looking base.

Tray-baked Tomatoes with Chorizo and Ricotta

Traybakes are a great option for a weeknight because they are so quick and easy, plus they require minimal clean-up! The flavours in this one are sure to be a hit with the whole family – give it a go and see what they think.

Portuguese Baked Eggs

Okay, you may be thinking, ‘why would I make eggs for dinner?’ – but trust us, this meal is good enough to serve at any hour of the day! Breakfast for dinner is a fun midweek twist that your kids will love, especially with a recipe that’s as delicious as this one.

Garlic and Rosemary Chicken Tray Bake

This tray bake is an excellent choice if you’re cooking for a big group and want to chef up a quick and tasty meal that will please everyone. Top tip – if you’re lacking space in the oven, cook your potatoes separately and just use the oven to cook your veg and meat. No one will notice if you mix the potatoes in at the end!

Fregola Puttanesca

Looking for a hearty meal that you can whip up in an instant? Look no further than this fregola – a pasta made from semolina combined with a rich tomatoey sauce that forms a delicious and low-budget meal. 

Thai Basil Chicken

This is a great recipe for any kids who refuse to eat anything other than chicken! Push the boat out with exciting Thai flavours while staying safe with chicken and pair with some plain rice for a popular weeknight dinner.

Meatballs and Gravy

Meatballs don’t just need to be paired with spaghetti – whip up some simple mashed potatoes and you’ve got a hearty meal for the whole family sorted. This comfort meal will certainly become a family favourite in your household, so give it a try.

Stuffed Peppers

Stuffed peppers are a really impressive meal to prep midweek, and they’re so easy to make. Add a side salad for some extra greens, or opt for a Quorn filling if you’re cooking for veggies. 

Baked Salmon in Foil

You can’t go wrong with this flavour-filled and easy-to-make salmon. This meal allows you to pack in the protein and potassium, plus, since you bake it in foil, the clean-up will be super quick. Pair with some plain rice or a potato salad for a filling and nutritious dinner.

Easy Chicken Fajitas

Kids love a meal that they can get involved in making, so why not try out fajitas this week? Chuck all the ingredients on the table while you fry up the chicken, and let everyone sort out their own fajitas – perfect for a dinner with minimal prep!

Crustless Chicken Pot Pie 

Everyone loves a hearty pie for a weeknight dinner, but the faff of pastry-making is so off-putting. So why not try this crustless version of a chicken pot pie instead? All the deliciousness of a pie without the hassle! If you’re missing the pastry, chuck some Yorkshire puddings in the oven as an easy substitute that will keep the family happy.

Butter Chicken

Try out this surprisingly simple Indian classic on a weeknight evening to wow your family. The flavours are delicious but mild enough for any young eaters, plus you can add some shop-bought naan bread or poppadums for a full-on Indian feast!

One-Pot Chicken and Rice

You can’t go wrong with a simple chicken and rice recipe, especially one with flavours as delicious as these! Whack everything in a pot and leave it to cook away on the stove – hardly any effort or time required.

Sweet Potato and Aubergine Fritters

Don’t be alarmed by the idea of making your own fritters – this recipe is so easy that even the most timid chef could give it a go. Prep the mix ahead of time and just fry up when you’re ready to serve. Pair with a salad or some chips for a delicious veggie meal.

Soy and Ginger Beef Kebabs

Kebabs are such a simple and fun recipe for the summertime, and these ones sure are packed full of flavour. Serve with rice as suggested, or go for a light salad if you want to stay extra healthy.

Chicken Chow Mein

Everyone loves a Chinese takeaway, but what if you could make your own version at home in just 25 minutes? Try out this simple chicken chow mein recipe for all the satisfaction of a takeaway without paying for delivery!

Afghan Pasta

Inspired by the delicious recipe for Afghan dumplings, this meal offers the same full flavour but takes half the time to prepare. Perfect for when you have unexpected guests and want to wow them with a simple but tasty meal on a weeknight.

Chicken and Veggie Stir Fry

The great thing about this stir fry is how adaptable it is. Whatever type of protein or veggies you have in the fridge, or whatever your family is loving at the moment, can all be transformed into a delicious Asian stir fry with this easy recipe.

Italian Chicken Bake

Combine the delicious Italian flavours of pesto, tomato, and cheese for a yummy weeknight treat. This super simple recipe only contains four ingredients and is sure to be a hit with any kids who love any meal to be slathered in cheese. Add a simple pasta salad on the side if needed – you’ll definitely be getting requests for this one again!

Tuna Pasta Bake

Perfect for the night when there isn’t much left in the fridge, but you don’t want to nip to the shops. A tuna bake is quick, easy, and requires ingredients you probably already have lurking at the back of your cupboard. 

Mixed Bean Chili with Wedges

Chili con carne is a classic weeknight dish, but if you’re getting tired of it, try combining it with potato wedges for an interesting twist! Such a simple substitution, but a fun way to keep dinner times interesting and new.

Veggie Nuggets

If you’re dealing with fussy eaters who live on chicken dippers or macaroni and cheese, try out these veggie nuggets for tea. When paired with a tasty dipping sauce and some fries, your little ones will struggle to know the difference between these and their Birdseye favourites! 

Tomato and Halloumi Slice

This delicious but simple dinner will impress any pizza-loving kids, and requires very little prep. Buy shop-bought pastry to avoid the hassle of making it from scratch, then just top with halloumi and tomatoes, plus any other family favourites.

Clear-out Time

The best way to start any declutter is to being with a blank slate. This means clearing out all toiletries, towels, and cleaning products – get it all out! Bin any expired toiletries or towels that are past their best, or donate anything unopened and fresh to charity or your local food bank. 

Obviously, you don’t need to throw them away; just pop everything you want to keep in a pile to be organised later. This is also a good time to get all your household together to figure out what toiletries are communal or what belongs to who, so that when it comes time to sort everything, you’ll know the best place to keep specific products!

Wipe Away the Grime

Bathrooms can be magnets for bacteria in your home, so it’s important to give everything a good scrub before reorganising. Wipe down all your shelves and cupboards with a dilute bleach solution to ensure all germs are gone, so you can put all your products back into clean spaces.

Tame your Towels

A towel cupboard can become calamitous if not sorted regularly. It’s not as simple as just chucking clean towels into a cupboard; you’ll find it so much easier and tidier if you have a system. Try to keep large towels together, then group together hand towels and face towels separately. If you find piles of towels becoming messy, try the rolling method; keeping towels rolled up and stacked is aesthetically pleasing while also keeping everything organised.

Everyone gets a Zone

If you have a lot of people using one bathroom, it can become messy so quickly. For this reason, it’s smart to allocate zones to each individual in the bathroom to avoid ending up with a massive pile of toiletries with no owner. Obviously, products like toothpaste or hand soap can be in communal areas, like by the sink. But for individual items like face washes, bath bombs, or medicines, allocated zones can be so useful.

Even if you are limited on room, you can divide up the existing space efficiently. Using labels is an easy and discreet way to divide up the cupboards in your bathroom. Splitting up the space like this can also reduce the amount of cleaning you need to do – each person has to keep their own space tidy, meaning you don’t need to worry about it!

Decant, Decant, Decant!

If you hate the cluttered look of shampoo and body wash bottles all over the place, opt for a set of labeled dispensers to bring some coordination to your bathroom. These can be filled with any product you prefer, and they create a sense of organisation with minimal effort! Refill as needed and enjoy the satisfaction of owning so many matching bathroom accessories.

Utilise all your Space

Even in small bathrooms, there are ways to increase your storage space. Adding extra hooks for towels, investing in a hanging organiser, gluing magnetic strips to the inside of your cupboards to hold hairpins – there’s always a way to get more out of your bathroom! Check out this article for more inventive ideas on how to increase the storage space in your bathroom. 

Organise your Supplies

A bathroom needs lots of cleaning products, and it’s a good idea to designate a specific space in your cupboards for bleach, disinfectant, or cloths. If you have young kids, make sure these products are kept out of reach and away from any other toiletries to avoid dangerous mix-ups.

Also, bear in mind that you don’t need to make snacks from scratch every single day! Your time is likely scarce enough without dedicating thirty minutes to carving out fruit or spreading peanut butter on cucumbers. Don’t hesitate to crack out the Babybels or crisp packets on your busiest days when you don’t have any spare time. Just see these snacks as inspiration for whenever you have a spare minute to try out new recipes and want to broaden your children’s diets.

Oatmeal and Peanut Butter Balls

These are a delicious and protein-filled way to keep your kids energised, plus they only contain five ingredients! Pop these in a sandwich bag and bring them with you on the school run to keep the kids busy on the way to school, or pop them in their lunch boxes for a dessert-y treat.

Banana Bread Muffins

Okay, muffins don’t seem like the healthiest snack you could find, but these ones are way healthier than the sugary supermarket options, plus they contain lots of fibre thanks to the bananas. Kids won’t know the difference either, so you can sneak them a healthier alternative without them even realising!

Frozen Yoghurt

Homemade frozen yoghurt is the best healthy snack for a hot day, and you can whip it up so easily in your own kitchen. It’s healthier than store-bought ice cream or sugary popsicles, plus you can customise it to your family’s favourite fruits – try new flavours and see what is most popular!

Veggie Wraps

Getting your kids to eat raw vegetables may sound like an impossible task, but these healthy wraps are so tasty that even veggie-hating little ones can enjoy them. Their colourful appearance will be popular with younger kids, and you can add in any vegetables that you know your kids will like. Offer a tasty dip like hummus or garlic sauce to make it more appealing to any hesitant eaters in your house.

Apple Sandwiches

These are a fun novelty for little fingers to get involved with making and enjoying. Once you’ve cored the apples and laid them out, give your kids the option of what to spread on top – whether it’s raisins, chocolate chips or coconut, let them make it their own so they can explore and try new things!

Fruit Skewers

This is another way to let kids get involved and customise their own snacks. Once the fruit is all cut up and the skewers are laid out, you can let everyone make their own rainbow skewers with the ingredients they like most.

Cucumber Rolls

These cucumber rolls are fun to look at and even more fun to eat! The bright colours make these a great afternoon snack for a summer’s day or a picnic, plus they’re full of healthy veggies. They require no cooking, so they’re super quick to whip up and require just a few cheap raw ingredients to make.

Fruit and Nutella Rice Cakes

Okay, Nutella might not be the healthiest ingredient in the world, but when paired with some healthy fruit and fibrous rice cakes, you can have a fun and well-balanced dessert. Using all the different ingredients, your kids can decorate their own rice cakes with fun faces or designs to add some fun to mealtimes.

Raspberry and Yoghurt Bites

These raspberry and yoghurt bites are a tasty snack for all ages! They require virtually no cooking or prep, just wash your raspberries and fill them up with whatever yoghurt you love. For a fun mix, put chocolate chips in a few of them to add some extra sweetness.

Peanut Butter and Jelly Bars

Peanut butter and jelly might be an American classic, but kids everywhere love this sweet and savoury combo. This snack requires some effort, but it’s great if you get a spare afternoon to enjoy some baking. These would be a deliciously sweet addition to any lunchbox – just make sure you make enough for the whole family to enjoy!

Pizza Puff Snacks

This is a more filling snack that could definitely pass as a tasty lunch for the kids. It may seem ambitious, but if you buy you’re puff pastry from the supermarket, it can be really quick to make. Let your kids pick their favourite pizza toppings to go in them and they’re sure to be a hit.

Fresh Fruit Popsicles

This is another great recipe idea for a hot summer’s day. You may have to invest in popsicle moulds, but it’s worth it if you make these over and over again this summer for the whole family. Experiment with different flavours and see what you love!

Cheese Twists

These are a popular snack for the whole family! Simple and quick to whip up, these cheese twists are the perfect accompaniment for a family movie night. Add a tasty sauce on the side for some added flavour, just enjoy them as they are.

Coconut and Banana Bites

These are the perfect snack for an after-dinner treat on a weeknight. The sweetness of the dates combined with the healthy oats and bananas will make this a success with kids and parents, plus they’re so quick to make.

Roasted Pumpkin Seeds

If your kids are craving crisps or salty snacks, try out roasted pumpkin seeds as a healthy alternative. These are sure to run out quickly if a bowl is left out on the kitchen table. They can be seasoned according to your preferences, and they can be enjoyed by the whole family!

The Ordinary High-Adherence Silicone Primer – £5.20

It’s so important to use a good anti-oil primer to keep your whole face mattified all day. This silicone primer from The Ordinary has a cult following for a reason – it contains a blend of silicones that will keep your skin looking matte all day without drying you out or leaving your skin looking dull. Even if you’re not going for a full face of makeup, this can be used to minimise the appearance of texture and pores, leaving you with glowing skin all day!

L’Oréal Paris Infallible 24hr Matte Cover Foundation – £9.99

It can be so hard to find a drugstore foundation that doesn’t make your skin shiny after a few hours of wear. This L’Oréal foundation is a classic on the high street, and it’s easy to see why. With its long-wear guarantee to resist heat, sweat, and water, this is the perfect choice for anyone working long shifts or partying into the early hours. Plus, with SPF 18, you’ll be protected from UV rays all day!

Maybelline Fit Me Matte & Poreless Oil Control Setting Powder – £6.99

Maybelline knew what they were doing when they formulated this setting powder. With this as the final step of your makeup routine, you’ll stay matte all day with no reapplication required. Top tip – if you struggle with oil throughout the day, try using a damp beauty blender to press your setting powder into your T-zone for maximum mattifying results.

Revolution Blusher Reloaded – £4.00

You may assume that any powder blush is acting as an anti-oil step of your routine, but it’s actually a good idea to invest in an anti-oil blush like Revolution’s Blusher Reloaded. Not only is this colour range huge, they’re also buildable and blendable, so it’ll be the perfect addition to your makeup collection!

e.l.f. 16hr Camo Concealer – £6.00

This e.l.f concealer has become a highstreet cult classic which is frequently lauded as a dupe for Tarte’s Shape Tape. If you need a concealer that will stay in place all day and give maximum blemish and dark circles coverage, this concealer is for you. Top tip – for even higher coverage, apply your concealer and leave it to set for a few minutes before blending.

NYX Professional Makeup Glitter Primer – £8.00

If you’re going all out with a makeup look for a party or festival, NYX’s glitter primer is the only option. Oily skin can often mean appliques like gemstones or glitter won’t stay on your skin, but with NYX’s primer, you don’t need to worry about your look falling apart while you’re on the go. The lightweight formula will leave your skin feeling clean and clear while ensuring your look stays fresh all day, no matter how hard you party!

Barry M Cosmetics Lid Lock Eyeshadow Primer – £3.74

Do you find that your eyeshadow looks amazing for the first hour you wear it, but eventually turns to an oil slick on your lids? Oils can build up around your eye area and mess up all your hard work, leaving smudges everywhere and ruining your makeup look. To avoid this, go in with a tough eyeshadow primer before you begin applying any makeup. Top tip – start with a layer of e.l.f’s Camo Concealer to make your eyeshadow really pop on your lids!

Revlon Volcanic Stone Oil-Absorbing Roller – £12.99

You might have seen this Revlon roller taking TikTok by storm a few months ago. It literally works like magic and leaves your skin oil-free after one swipe. This volcanic stone absorbs your oils without irritating your skin or messing up your makeup. It may sound too good to be true, but check out the reviews for yourself – people swear by this one!

Eyeko Black Magic Liquid Eyeliner – £16.00

Liquid eyeliner can be a recipe for disaster if you have oily skin. A sleek cat-eye flick can turn to panda circles in a matter of hours, especially if you’re using the wrong eyeliner. The Eyeko Black Magic liner is one of the more expensive options on this list, but people swear by it as a holy grail product for oily skin sufferers. If you’re keen to try some more adventurous liner looks, start out with this product for the best chances.

NYX Professional Makeup Setting Spray – £6.40

If you’re not already using a setting spray before you head out the door, it’s definitely time to start. A setting spray can stop oils emerging on your skin, so you can avoid needing to reapply or touch up throughout the day. This NYX setting spray is a great option to stay shine-free and keep your look fresh all day.

Mixed Berry Overnight Oats

Overnight oats are a great healthy option for anyone in a rush. When combined with berries and bananas, oats are a delicious morning meal that will keep you going right through until lunch. If you’re really pushed for time, prep these the night before, then just grab one on your way out in the morning and eat on the go!

Breakfast Wraps

Burritos and wraps are a great option if you want a really hearty breakfast in minimal time. Just make loads of these on a Sunday night, then pop them in the freezer and take one out every day to thaw in the fridge overnight. Then, just pop them in the microwave for a few minutes until they’re heated all the way through, and you’ve got a tasty breakfast ready in minutes!

Banana Pancakes

Pancakes may sound like a huge chore for a weekday morning, but these simple banana pancakes are a quick and easy way to have a luxurious breakfast in record time. Just make the simple batter the night before, pop it in the fridge, then in the morning, fry them up and go! Keep it simple with maple syrup or sugar on top, or even a few fresh strawberries for an added healthy bonus.

Breakfast Cookies

These breakfast cookies will definitely be a hit with any kids in your household. Imagine all the convenience of a biscuit, but combined with healthy ingredients like oats, bananas, and apples – that’s the joy of a breakfast cookie! Learn how to make these and put a spring in your step in the morning.

Cinnamon Breakfast Loaf

This is a super easy and long-lasting breakfast meal that all the family will love. Pair a slice of this delicious cinnamon loaf with a piece of fruit to create a nutritious and simple breakfast that you can take to work with you.

Granola Bars

Granola bars are a delicious snack you can eat at any point in your day, but they’re especially convenient for a quick breakfast fix! The great thing about this recipe is that it can be tweaked and personalised based on all your favourite flavours – the sky’s the limit!

Quiche Cups

If you’re looking for a good savory option, these nutritious quiche cups are an easy and delicious choice. They’re so convenient to grab as you rush out the door, plus they contain plenty of veggies to keep your energy up all morning – give them a go and see what your family thinks.

Spinach, Tomato and Feta Frittata

If you’re a fan of omelets but find you don’t have the time to whip them up first thing in the morning, these simple frittata squares are perfect for you. Bake your frittata in a big dish on a Sunday night, then just divide it up into single portions and reheat in the microwave throughout the week.

Overnight French Toast

This simple French toast recipe is sure to be a hit with everyone in your house, and it’s super easy to make too! Make it all the evening before, then just pop it in the oven for twenty minutes in the morning – top with some fresh fruit and you’ll have a delicious breakfast to keep you going all day!

Banana and Blueberry Breakfast Muffins

Muffins are always an easy and crowd-pleasing option for the whole family. This particular recipe contains blueberries and bananas, but you can experiment with lots of different options, including savory ingredients. Grab one of these for breakfast or just take it as a healthy snack for the day.

Breakfast Bowls

Breakfast bowls are an amazing way to get a hearty meal sorted with relatively little effort. Sort out all the individual ingredients the night before, then pop them into individual bowls and keep them in the fridge or freezer. Reheat when necessary, then top with some fresh avocado for a delicious and healthy breakfast.

Chocolate Chip Breakfast Squares

These delicious chocolate chip breakfast squares are an excellent fibrous breakfast, plus they only require seven ingredients to make. Whip up a batch in twenty minutes and you’ll have delicious on-the-go breakfast for a whole week – although you might have to make extra batches once your family realise how delicious they are!

Smoothie Packs

This one might seem insanely simple, but it’s worth bagging up individual portions of smoothie ingredients to chuck into a blender in the morning. Faffing around with different amounts and proportions can take ages, so by sorting out all your ingredients the night before, you can put them in your blender and add your milk, water or juice to get the perfect morning smoothie in half the time!

Pineapple and Bacon Breakfast Bake

This could be an acquired taste, but if you’re a fan of Hawaiian pizzas, you’ll love this easy breakfast bake. Combine sweet pineapple with savory bacon for a unique spin on a breakfast classic. Prep everything the night before and just portion it up in the morning and reheat for a tasty morning meal. 

Greek Breakfast Casserole

Get some delicious Greek flavours into your breakfast with this simple casserole recipe. Mix up all your fresh ingredients and cook for 50 minutes, then just divide up and freeze if needed – it’s so simple!

Pretty Little Thing Black Leather Double Strap Mule Sandals – £16

These simple but classic sandals are a holiday must-have. Whether you’re strolling to the nearest beach or exploring the city’s sites, these sandals will keep you cool and comfortable all day. Even better, they’re made from real leather, so they will last well and won’t dig into your feet after a long day of walking!

Matalan Tan Double Buckle Mule Sandals – £12.50

Matalan’s affordable summer sandals are a versatile option for day and night looks. The buckle detailing adds a chic flair that elevates the sandals to look super expensive. Dress them down with shorts and a top for a casual look, or style with a dress for the perfect dinner outfit. 

Missguided Peach Tie Strap Sandals – £19

These peach sandals will add the perfect pop of colour to any of your summer looks, not to mention the tie-up detail is so flattering. The woven strap is unique, so you’ll definitely stand out among the crowd! At just £19, plus up to 45% off with a student discount, these are too good to pass on.

H&M Pink Block Heel Sandals – £17.99

These statement sandals a clear choice for a girl’s night out in summer. These bright heeled sandals are perfect for dinner and drinks on the beach – just style them with a neutral skirt and top combo or an oversized blazer for an on-trend going out look.

Pretty Little Thing Black Thong Flatforms – £18

Flatforms are the sneakiest way to add a few inches to your height without anyone realising. These black flatforms are perfect if you want to feel a little more statuesque while hanging around the pool or beach. Plus, they don’t put a strain on the arches of your feet like a regular heel does, meaning you can feel taller without the pain of high heels! 

Zara Havaianas – £19.99

If you’re looking for top quality sandals at a reasonable price, look no further than the Zara collaboration with Havaianas. Available in pink or white straps, these simple flip flops are perfect for chucking in your beach bag or car for a trip to the coast. Havaianas are known for their great quality, so these flip flops should last you a lifetime.

George at Asda Tan Dalmatian Print Mule Sandals – £8

Shopping in supermarkets for your holiday clothes may seem like an odd choice, but stores like Tesco, Asda and Sainsburys are working really hard to keep up with the latest trends while staying affordable and attainable. These dalmatian print sandals are a great example of a wearable but trendy sandal that can suit anyone. Just the small print detail makes these sandals unique without making them too loud, so you can rewear them for loads of summers to come!

Pull & Bear Rubberised Sandals – £17.99

Inspired by the Yeezy 2022 summer range, these rubberised sandals are perfect for anyone wanting to keep up with the latest trends while lounging by the pool. Stay comfortable while making a statement with these rubberised sandals from Pull & Bear – style them with a neon bikini for the ultimate summer 2022 statement!

Pretty Little Thing Chocolate Wide Fit Strappy Sandals – £18.50

These heeled sandals are another great going-out option for any holiday. With a small block heel, these sandals will add a hint of glamour to your look while still being comfortable enough to walk in for a long time. Pair these with a simple midi dress for a timeless look that radiates effortlessly chic vibes.

ASOS Jelly Heeled Mules – £18

The jelly sandal trend is here to stay this summer, so join in with these fun but classy sage green sandals! Versatile enough to wear the beach or out to dinner, these are the perfect summer shoes to chuck into your suitcase and wear with anything. Plus, if you’re new to ASOS, you can use code HIFRIEND to get up to 15% off your first purchase!

Plan, Plan, Plan!

The most expensive way to do your grocery shopping is to wander around and grab whatever you fancy off the shelves without any list or plan for what you need. If you’re looking to keep your costs down, the smartest thing you can do is plan your meals for the week ahead, then write a concise list. This way, you’ll know exactly what you need when you walk into the supermarket, saving you time and money!

Consider an Online Shop

Similar to writing a shopping list to avoid unnecessary purchases, an online grocery shop is a great way to get exactly what you need without any distractions. No sneaky bags of chocolate or crisps on special offer to tempt you as you walk down the supermarket aisles – just the necessities, nothing extra. You’ll save yourself a trip to the shop, meaning you can most likely cut down on petrol costs too – what’s not to love?

Timing is Everything

Think carefully about when you choose to do your weekly food shop – it could be making a surprising difference in your spending! Obviously, if you have to work around school runs or work schedules, it can be difficult to organise, but it can be worth it. The best time to shop is in the run-up to closing time, which is normally around 6 pm to 8 pm. At these times, supermarkets tend to reduce a lot of items to get rid of them before the day is over, so shop around these times whenever possible.

Avoid the Big Brands

It is a simple tip that you likely know, but big brands are often so much more expensive than their own-brand counterparts for no real reason. With most household essentials, like cleaning supplies, baked goods, or cupboard staples, you can opt for the cheaper alternative and rest easy knowing that you could be saving up to 38% on your weekly shop!

Avoid Smaller Shops

It may be convenient, but popping to your local convenience store is a quick way of spending way more than you need to on a weekly basis. Smaller shops can’t provide the discounts that big supermarkets can, so wherever possible, ensure that you limit your grocery purchases to a big weekly shop.

Choose your Supermarket Wisely

It may seem obvious but think carefully about where you are doing your food shop every week. Check out this helpful comparison of all the biggest supermarkets in the UK and think about what you could be saving. Even if there’s a Waitrose just down the road, it may be a better choice to walk that little bit further to Lidl or Asda to save yourself some extra pounds!

Don’t Shop While Hungry

You might not have realised it before, but shopping while hungry can often lead to some extravagant and unnecessary spending. An increased appetite can result in impulsive purchases, particularly of overpriced, big-brand goodies. Make sure you head to the shops when you’ve had a big meal to ensure you don’t pick up loads of snacks and extra food that you don’t need!

 Look for Reduced Items

Be sure to look out for the cheapest possible options by browsing the reduced foods section. Supermarkets often price down food that is a day or two away from expiry, despite it being perfectly edible and safe. If you have a meal planned for the same evening, there’s nothing wrong with taking advantage of some good reductions!

Similarly, lots of supermarkets price down fruit and vegetables that are misshapen or oddly sized. This ‘wonky’ produce tastes just the same as any other normal fruit and veg, but is a fraction of the cost. If you’re chopping everything up anyway, it doesn’t even matter what it looks like, so be sure to save money by opting for wonky veg!

Buy less Meat

This is a more general money-saving tip, but brushing up on some delicious meat-free meals is a great way to save money and diversify your mealtimes. Meat is probably the priciest part of your food shop, so try cutting down on it for a few nights a week. It’s a great way to try new meals, plus veggie dinners can be a healthier option than many meals containing meat. Check out some options here and try something new this week!

Join Reward Schemes

Make sure that you are signed up for any reward schemes, coupons, or cards that you can get at your local supermarket. Tesco Clubcards can reduce your final shopping bill a huge amount, and a My Waitrose card offers customers exclusive discounts on unique items every week. Take advantage of these schemes wherever possible and you can save a ton!

Make use of your Freezer

Doing your weekly food shop will be a lot easier if you make full use of your freezer. This way, you can buy discounted products that are near their expiry date, but prolong their shelf life by popping them straight in the freezer once you are home.

Similarly, bulk buying frozen fruit for smoothies or frozen veggies for quick weeknight dinners can save you money and space in your fridge, so head to the freezer aisle and take advantage of what’s on offer!

Try to Eat Whole Foods

This advice depends on how much time and cooking skill you have, but it is often cheaper to buy raw ingredients and use them to create inventive dishes rather than buying pre-prepared dishes that can be put in the microwave or oven. After the initial expenses of spices or other basic cupboard staples, you’ll find yourself saving money and improving your cooking skills over time!