More sorting for the holidays

 Did I say last time that the mini toiletries and samples needed sorting? Was I ever right?!

I've been through the stock that seemed to be expanding - I'm sure I used all the odds and ends up, but these seem to have been multiplying unchecked somehow.

Sorting through them I've got a selection ready that are truly only one use left and put them in my swim/gym bag. I reckon if I continue to take them with me when I'm off for a workout - which should be more often now I'm trying to follow my doctor's instructions (more of that next time) - I might just use them up and save myself having to buy any more full sizes to take for a while. I'll probably save the little bottles so that I don't have to hump big containers to and fro and save my back and shoulder too!

I suddenly realised before we went away that I'd forgotten to get a coupe of birthday cards and had run out of shop opening times to get any. There was nothing for it but to get creative...

Don't know if I've shown this idea before, in needing some quick cards I dug up an old favourite or two!

They didn't just solve the problem - I got some quiet calm time before the ironing and packing for going away had to start!

That's it for now - just a quick catch up.

Next time I want to get back to big focus ideas - it'll  be about health and wellbeing and I'm being nagged by the doctor about blood pressure pills and statins - neither of which I particularly want to take so I'm supposed to be concocting a plan to present to the GP next week - let's see what I come up with!

Sorting for the Holidays...

 I felt bad about getting behind again with posting. I seem to manage to get my Substack musings posted on time, but somehow the blog suffers. I think it might be because I tend to let random thoughts flood the Substack pages, while I feel the need to stick to more of a brief here. Am I right to do that? I don't know. I just know that they feel like two different animals to me and I'm happy with that, so I'm carry on and crave your indulgence!

I opened this blog to find that I started a couple of posts, photos and all, so it seemed daft not to complete them and publish, rather than starting again from scratch. This isn't just laziness or some form of eco-writing recycling, honest. I am going to stick to the focus I wrote about last time. However, there are some mitigating reasons...

Firstly we're off on holiday for a few days next week. That means that although I've done the groundwork on the Etsy shop that I was talking about, it's not the most sensible thing to stock it and then go away so I can't do anything about any orders that I might miraculously get. Secondly, the next area for me to focus on is health. 

I've made a whole load of appointments - feet, high blood pressure review, dentist and was going to pat myself on the back about those, but nearly every one has a knock on which needs exploring further - so they'll keep until after the follow ups and the holiday so I can explore in depth. So for this post and the next I'll use up the drafts I've discovered, which, happily, are linked to the holiday anyway.

To begin with I have finished a bit of making - my creative streak has been on hold of late with one thing and another. It's been confined to watching the Great British Sewing Bee - (OMG I have to try making one of those scrap fabric bags.. I'll let you know if I ever find time to do it. 

Still, here's the project I've finished... hooray.

One of the ladies I play tennis with has a holiday let. She's regularly having to refurbish and refresh the fittings and has of late asked for a hand with recycling the old upholstery into cushions. This time she asked for some cushions, but also wanted a draught excluder too. I've never tried that before so...

Here's the cushion (nothing fancy, just a straightforward envelope design).

And the draught excluder just before I sewed up the final seam.

As it happens it was a real recycling project as we were throwing away a feather pillow that had split and it was the perfect filling for the draught excluder. I think I've just about finished clearing all the loose feathers up - they go everywhere. You can't see them here as I made an inner 'sausage' to contain them within the gingham cover.

With holidays nearing I did have a good look at my make up - not that I've got that much, but some of it is a bit old and really needs disposing of.

It was frightening to see how old some of it was. Not good for my skin or eyes, those items are now in the bin. I don't tend to think of the use by dates on toiletries and cosmetics. I should, I know, and perhaps that explains some of the irritation I've been getting when wearing old mascara!

With a much reduced stock, and all the brushes washed and dried I feel much happier about packing it ready to go away..

Now I'll need to move on to all those mini samples I've got - bet they need sorting too!

From One Thing to Another

 It’s nearly time to go away! Yes, the tennis has started in Rome, we’ve got our tickets and there’s only a week left now. It’s been a difficult one to look forward to this year. Leaving behind what’s going on at home with Mum, and that meaning that my sister doesn’t get a holiday at all (not really any break in her day much either) leaves me feeling guilty and yet very grateful that I’m getting the chance.

Sorting my clothes out ready to go has shown me once again that I have far too many that I’ve been holding onto for no real reason. This dress I got when I was working and travelling a lot. It doesn’t crease, packs easily and is really comfortable. I don’t need it now though and as I’ve already been retired for seven years it’s not so new either.

Having had success with other items for the family on Vinted - that’s where it’s going - along with a selection of others that look great, but that are no longer any use to me - or even fit….

There are some clothes though that, having done good service are past their best and are no good for their original purpose.

This skirt is one. 

It’s a lovely,soft, reversible skirt, but has catches and worn patches so can’t be worn. A leisurely scroll through Instagram led me to some simple mini bag patterns and voila…

This is one from the reverse of the skirt and there’s another of these and two from the main body of it! Now I just need to find the patterns and time to turn some of my other cast-offs from one thing to another!

I’ll let you know how it goes!

Getting it Sorted - Best Foot Forward

 It was daft really. Writing about my sister and her shoes and not starting from there myself. After all, they take up far more room than nail polish and the choices about what to keep and those to throw are far more straightforward.

So, this week the shoe rack has been emptied...

What made the task easier was the fact that the weather has definitely changed so the summer stuff needs storing away - and at least one pair that have still been in use, while only just surviving the ravages of use (and age) isn't worth saving till next year!

I've sorted, thrown and given away some and still have plenty to wear - result - I'm very happy and they are all organised and ready to go.

I also delved into the loft a while back to unearth some rather nice boxes and old wrapping/craft paper. During the recent half term these made it over for one of my sister's childcare occasions when all the relevant parents were working.

They all had individual approaches to covering their boxes with a patchwork of scraps creating their own personal storage boxes. It was not only a fun way to while away a rainy afternoon, but it also cost absolutely nothing as I had the scraps, boxes and PVA glue and found some wooden letters in my card making stores.

 

One great niece chose to cut small pieces choosing the pictures she liked, another decided to go for strips, whilst the 4 year old watched them use the PVA on the paper scraps and they position them onto the boxes. She decided there was a better method. First she pasted a small area of PVA onto the box, then cut out a shape or picture to fit and finally put it onto the pasted surface. It was quick, efficient and far less messy than the other two!

When it came to sticking their coloured, wooden intials onto the boxes, the oldest pair put theirs on the top of the boxes, but the littlest one went for the front 'cos that's where you look to open it!'

(I know the Z is reversed, but that's a normal trait for this particular great niece - as I say, they are all very individual!)

Right, now to tackle this week's Substack offering... I hope you get the chance to check it out. Last week I added the first in the series about helping the process of learning to read with phonics as a building block....

Home Run

 This has got to be the very last word (or words) on the old year...

Just a few more bites to finish it off and I can look towards the next ideas!

So...

Month 12 - Bite 23

The spinning group I go to usually has a Christmas Lunch out. Obviously we couldn't during the restrictions and then when they ended last year we were unsure about crowded restaurants, especially as a number of members are older and more susceptible to bugs, germs and illnesses. We decided to eat in and each bring something alone.

It was such a success that we did the same again this year - here's some of the spread after we'd already started to tuck in!!

Not only did it leave those who act as carers the flexibility to turn up when they could and provision being made for those with specific dietary requirements, but it also allowed us to move around chatting - not necessarily our experience when sat at a long table.

I have a feeling we'll be doing the same again next time round!!

Month 12 - Bite 24

I've just finished wrapping 90 presents! It's not what it seems... The presents were all collected cheaply or free over the year (perfume sample anyone?) or handmade. The wrapping paper was that collected from unwrapping last year. It provided great fun and entertainment during our family get-together without too much cost or waster!

Month 12 - Bite 25

Time for a bit of reflection on the festivities. This year we've all cut back - some of that is to do with the present financial squeeze that everyone is going through, but much of it is because so many of the family were bug stricken so we were a bit more cautious in food buying and so on. Do you know what? We hardly noticed! So a rethink for next year while we still remember what went well and what could be ditched is due.

We've collectively made a note of what got eaten or leftover and what needs to be budgeted in for next year. As a family we'd already decided to cut down on sweets and treats as we always seem to be 'finishing up' well into January and invariably waste some of the leftovers. There was still plenty left so next Christmas we'll cut back a bit more and probably won't notice it even more!!

Month 12 - Bite 26

Planning for next year now while there's a lull in the frantic nature of everyday life. I love a blankpage, a new notebook or a pristine diary so mine's all ready...

First in go all those dates and reminder, appointments and birthdays. I usually pick up a free calendar from some supermarket or another, this year none were around at the same time as I was looking so I've just printed off the twelve months as individual pages using the calendar app on the phone.

Looks like it could be another busy year!

Month 12 - Bite 27

I'm ready to venture out again. Not too much to restock, just one or two essentials and a quick look at the post-Christmas stock clearance. 

I know I've made a number of cards for next year already, but there were some ridiculous reductions (24 cards for 10p anyone?) on these and on wrapping paper too. I have however resisted the urge to splurge on too many mini gifts so that I don't have a storage and cluttering problem before we put our heads together about what next years get-together game will be - lucky dip, tombola, tree presents - decision yest to be made!

Month 12 - Bite 28

Revisiting the budget I set at the beginning of the year is today's task. I've randomly noted spending for some weeks and I've got all the bills for the year. I'm going to settle down with a nice cup of tea, a pencil and paper and some soothing music to see where I kept to my intentions and where things may have gone awry before I go any further.

Month 12 - Bite 29

With all those facts and figures and the dates in the diary for birthdays, occasions and renewals known so far it's time to plan for finances for 2023.

I know there'll be some changes to the family pot - positive ones as I'm due my pension - I never thought of myself as being a pensioner one day!! We're also planning for a holiday or two and there's new pressures round the corner, but overall looking at the finances this year looks like fun.

Month 12 - Bite 30

And finally - never thought I'd type that and mean it!

The last act of this month is to take some time to think and plan generally. The past year has given me plenty of food for thought and some surprises too. The house is clearer and I can see a path for the home budget. More writing looks possible and I'm going to take some time to form a plan for my next projects...

In all a happy new year looks set ahead....

In other words...

 

For the end of the holiday here's a couple of activities could start back in the library. One uses words from another language and the other the children's own words about their break.

Month 8 - Bite 29

Just to keep those thoughts of holidays and more exotic travel alive (even if you didn't venture abroad) how about learning some words or phrases from another language?

Our library has a selection of languages and methods to choose from - books, DVDs, online videos. Choose your medium and let everyone have a go. You're not looking to become word perfect or grammatically wonderful. The idea is for each of you to learn and remember a number of helpful phrases or interesting words.

Having started with the most basic 'hello' and goodbye', 'please' and thank you' see what they would like to be able to say. It might be that you did get away to a different land and found that there was something you wish you'd been able to say. Well, now you can try it out ready for another time.

Don't forget there are plenty of short video clips, online courses and ebooks that you could try too.

Who knows, it might lead to the whole family going even deeper into a foreign tongue and taking a course to learn more. Doing this together means you'll have plenty of people to practise your conversations with too.

Month 8 - Bite 30

Our library also has a lot of local interest pamphlets advertising some of the attractions and events around here. Have you noticed a rack like this in yours? or in the local tourist information office?

You could round off the holiday by providing the wherewithal for making brochures or scrapbooks about some of the places you've been or events you've attended or things you've done together over the break.

Pictures, writing, photos, downloaded information - they can all go into your family's very personal brochures of their holiday.

While you take the time to create these it will provide the opportunity to chat about everything you've done and to find out what the favourites were. It could be surprising to see what comes out on top. Was it the most expensive outing or the most creative day or just the longest time you had to laugh and have fun?

A Camping Trip or Two

 When we were younger our parents were very involved with Scouting and for a while I worked for the Association so we have experienced a bit of camping here and there!

It can be great fun for children to try spending time 'under canvas' although you may not have it in your plans to go away, so...

Month 8 - Bite 25

Having a tent and a garden to pitch it in is fine, but not necessary! Give them the materials to make a camp - either indoors or outside. 

All you need is something to make the shelter - a big tablecloth or an old sheet for example. Next they'll need a structure to hand it on - a clothes dryer, a table a washing line - you get the idea. You might have a play tent or screen - anything will do with some added imagination.

Once the den is built they can 'furnish' it with cushions and a duvet (or sleeping bag if you've got one) for the bed and so on. Of course, there's always a danger they'll move in there with as much furniture as they can fit...

Once in there they'll need to at least eat inside to make them feel the experience......

Month 8 - Bite 26

Having and playing with a den or tent is all very well. How much more exciting is it if you actually get to sleep in it?

Okay it may put your living room out of commission for the night, but it's great fun. You could turn it into a family camp too, or even a festival. Add face paints, bunting, music and wild dancing and who needs Glastonbury?!

Here's One I Made Earlier

 Month 8 - Bite 24

So the holiday is well underway and you've had some great fun. The endless stream of good ideas, not to mention the holiday cash may be stuttering just now. However, you were all prepared for this moment..

Remember that box with the stash of downloaded templates, craft materials and so on. Now is it's moment...

                                     

Discovering all that new stuff for making things should inject some new inspiration and cost little or nothing as you've been saving it for a while. It's an idea we try to repeat for each holiday so that there's always a supply of materials for rainy or cash strapped days.

Sometimes the contents include junk materials or cake kits - anything really that helps the entertainment!

Becoming Someone Else

 Now how about a change of character? 

Not literally, obviously. Here's a chance to explore a different creative side.

Month 8 - Bite 21

Why not let the children loose on some old clothes for a dressing up session? Do you have any old gear that you sorted out during your wardrobe purge that they could experiment with. The items don't have to be used for their original purpose. A skirt could become a superheroes cape or a scarf could turn into a sash  or sword belt.

Let their imaginations run riot as they role play themselves through what's available.

Take note of anything they wish they had - 'if only we had something for a tail', 'what can I use as wings?', 'all I need is a witch's hat'. 

That list will come in handy tomorrow!

Month 8 - Bite 22

Now they can design some costumes of their own. That tail could be made of some left over yarn attached to elastic or a belt. This one I made for a World Book Day for the Big Bad Wolf. It took forever to brush, straighten and fluff after I saw a video of how to do it. Yours doesn't have to be so fancy!

Wings could be conjured up from some filmy fabric attached to bent coat hangers or a witch's hat made from card. You can whistle up a stick as a magic wand or a pillow case for a Pharoah's tunic. I love the usefulness of old pillowcases. Just a slit and cut here and there turns them into a variety of costume basics (watch out for more pillowcase stuff in October and December!).

There are plenty of templates online for masks of different varieties and cardboard cut out stethoscopes for budding doctors or vets.

What will your designers go for?

Month 8 - Bite 23

Now they've got costumes and have practised dressing up, what will they do with their new characters. Plan an entertainment. It could be miming or acting out a favourite tale with a narrator telling the story. They might choose to improvise a dramatic scene or two - suggest a few of your own for example Harry Potter and a Wolf go shopping and see a butterfly taking sweets from a shop - what happens next? They may have some ideas for plays of their own or have found a script at the library that they want to act out. Alternatively there's the chance to put on a musical show with them pretending to be a number of different singers or bands.

Photo Shoot

 Month 8 -Bite 19

Time for a walk again! And once more a camera will come in handy...

You can either just go for a walk to see what you can find to shoot and collect as many photos of your trip as possible - the more unusual the better. Try not just taking a picture of a tree for example, try and get a real close up of the bark. Or go window shopping with your phone/camera to see what's on display around you.

The other option is to choose a theme before you go out - rather like the other day's bug safari. Anything goes - you could even try to take some snaps that don't show the whole object so that the viewer has to guess what they are looking at...

If you can't go out or the weather isn't being co-operative you could complete your walk indoors finding things to snap around the house ...

Got plenty of images? Then it'll be on to ..

Month 8 - Bite 20

Now it's time to turn your photos into a story. Pick the photos that you want to use and then put them into an order that helps to tell your story. It could simple show the route you took, or be a 'what is this?' quiz if you took some close up or different angle shots. 

You might want to make up a story with the photos illustrating the narrative.

These could be linked together as a presentation to entertain the family or take into school to show what you've been up to. You could add music or a commentary and text. You could have plenty of fun together creating and directing your own piece of artwork!

Look at a Book

 

Do you belong to your local library? I know around here we're lucky to have kept our library service with minimal closures, but that others aren't so lucky. To keep the service open and running we all need to our bit in using them and making sure that the footfall is high.

Month 8 - Bite 16

If you can, visit your local library. Take some time to really look around it and see what's available. Round here it's not just books on offer. There's Lego Clubs, Science Afternoons, Art Events, Speakers, Music, Computers for use, Reading Challenges, Book Clubs, Activity Packs, Table Football (yes really!), Storytimes, Bounce and Rhyme..... and more.

There are other services available online - videos, TED talks, ebooks, magazines, audio loans....

And it's all either free or at a charge that just covers materials used.

Make some notes about what's available - I'll admit that this is a little late in the month if you're following it by date, but once you get into the routine you'll be able to plan ahead. 

When I was little, a trip to the library was one of our first holiday trips so that we could register for a challenge, pick up some 'how to' books and find out what was going on for free so that we could put the dates in the diary.

For today, visiting, signing up if you haven't already and borrowing some books - one or two will do - especially activity books to give you some more ideas for the rest of the break.

Month 8 - Bite 17

Gather the information you got yesterday and start planning. 

Are there any activities or talks you want to book in to or just go along to? What's coming up later on once the holidays are over?

Now's the time to start putting these into your diary for later.

Month 8 - Bite 18

Right then, break out those books you've borrowed. Are you using any of them to look up the bugs from your recent safari? What other activities are you thinking of pursuing? Share your ideas together and plan ahead to get anything you need - craft materials, cooking ingredient, you name it then list it.

What other ideas have you got?

Bug Safari

 Month 8 - Bite 15

Back outside again now.

Time to become a hunter - your prey will be small and your weapon will be a camera (phone) or paper and pencil.

Go for a walk to see how many bugs you can spot...

They might be decorations in others' gardens ..

                                             

Or the real thing in the park or your own patch...

Record what you find in some way and see if you know the name of the creature.

If you don't try looking it up online or try tomorrow's task for some help!

There are also regular surveys and counts that are advertised to help naturalists and other scientists to gauge the health of our bug (and other creature) populations. Earlier this month there was a butterfly count. It's worth looking out for them and many have their own apps or downloadable resources so that you can find out more about your hunted subject...

Of course you could also do a bug safari at home.. and I don't just mean counting spiders hiding around the place. See if you can track down images of mini-beasts on cans, covers and books as well as magazines, comics and toys. They really are everywhere.

Make some noise

Okay I get it, many of these suggestions have been pretty calm or calming and out of doors, so now it's time for some noise!

Month 8 - Bite 14

Go music crazy!

It doesn't matter whether you have any recognisable musical instruments or not - there will be something lying around at home that can be put to work in this activity. And it doesn't have to cost a penny!

Here's a selection I found in the kitchen....

Anything you can bash and bang will act as a drum kit, saucepans, wooden spoons, tin cans, you name it. Then you can use any sealable container part filled with rice or lentils as a shaker. Alternatively use a box or inner toilet roll tube as long as you seal them effectively. Otherwise they could burst and you'll all feel like Cinderella picking up the debris!

You could go a step further and make a stringed instrument to pluck or strum. A sturdy box or container like the plastic one above with different thicknesses of elastic bands round it will be fine.

Got any paper drinking straws lurking? Cut one end into an arrow shape and experiment with blowing through it as a whistle.

Now that was just a quick trawl in the kitchen, what else might be lurking around your place that could be pressed into service?

Once you've explored the sounds you can make, create a band. You could always stream a favourite tune and act as the backing band!

 

Bored or Board?

Month 8 - Bite 11

Search out some free entertainment online that doesn't involve computer games!

There's always times during the school breaks (and at weekends come to that) when there's a need for sit down and do something calm! It's good to have a change from frenetic activity or to have something up your sleeve for days with poorer weather or when everyone fancies flopping about at home.

Have a session of surfing the web, not for cutesy videos of other people's pets or numberless gaming apps to use up your tablet's memory, but for downloadables. There's so much available whether that's quiz sheets, colouring pages, games to cut out and play..... Spend some time having a search and printing some examples off.

Be careful though... you won't want to wildly print off pages and pages of stuff which could a) waste paper and resources if it's not used or b) adds to piles of clutter about the place. Be selective about what you need right now and save other material in a folder for printing as needed at a later date.

With some of the materials you might find you only use one side of the paper, well, save it and print on the reverse next time.

With some of the downloads you could make it a paired or team activity and only print one copy.. just saying!

Month 8 - Bite 12

When I was little we always got a compedium of games either at Christmas or for birthdays. I well remember my mild dad becoming a ruthless hunter during ludo! My husband's family spent many hours playing Touring England - we now have our own game of it with a trophy to play for... There are the perennials too, of course, Scrabble, Mastermind and Monopoly (that often had to left out overnight as we never seemed to finish it.

What's in your cupboard? Have you any old favourites from your past that you haven't introduced your youngsters to? If you don't have any try a look around a charity shop or two to see what they have. 

It'll be interesting to see how individuals develop their own game playing characteristics once you get started.

Month 8 - Bite 13

After all that competition it's time for sharing an experience together. Try a film night, complete with popcorn and ice cream.

There will be plenty of films (or maybe some DVDs if you still have the machinery) to stream - even on free to view platforms. Or you could splash out on an old film you enjoyed in the past and see what the younger members of the family think about it.

Set the scene at home with low lighting and a quick 'speech' or 'trailer' about why the film is your choice. You might even make tickets to be exchanged for front row seating!!

Don't forget to ask your band of film reviewers/critics what they thought of the movie at the end....

 

Playing Outside

 Month 8 - Bite 8

Time to get outside - as long as the weather is on your side, although a little drizzle never hurt anyone... much.

Are there any local sports' facilities that are offering free taster sessions? Do a bit of research online to check it out. There will be some teams and organisations that are recruiting new members by throwing their doors open. See if there's anything your crew would like to try. Many of these will be advertised online or in the local press or down at the library so why not take a look?

Month 8 - Bite 9

When was the last time you visited your local park?

We're lucky round here. As well as the usual swings and grassy areas there are tennis courts, mini golf, a skateboard arena and an outdoor gym. Do you know what's on offer near you? Getting out in the fresh air is good for all of you, especially as (generally) whooping around and letting off steam is easier in open areas.

Phone round and see if one or two friends want to meet up and have a play together. Take some snacks and drinks with you and it shouldn't cost much at all.

Month 8 - Bite 10

In all that sorting out did you uncover a ball, racket, bat, or any such thing? You could all play a ball game together today. It could be a traditional game that you all know the rules for, or you could invent your own... With some improvised skittles (plastic milk cartons) or obstacles to go round or through (chair legs, rope laid on the ground) you can make up your own games and rules based on the number of players, time and space available and the skill set of those taking part!

Buying and Selling

 Month 8 - Bite 5

Right, now back to that pile of stuff from the bedroom tidy (and any other items you may have gathered up while the urge to declutter was upon the household.)

Are there any toys or clothes that would be good enough to sell?

Decide on how you're going to do it and involve those throwing the things away in the process. You might decide on an auction site or social media platform. Do it together and you could offer to pass any profits on to the person that donated them to the 'chuck' pile. Or you might all decide that the proceeds from any sales will fund a special day out at the end of the break.

It might be that there is so much that a table or boot sale is more suitable. Do some research together and plan it, sooner rather than later. Book it onto your calendar and start pricing and packing everything.

Month 8 - Bite 6

Of course you may have some friends and their offspring that have also had a tidy up. What about getting in touch and joining some other like minded souls for a giant clothes and toy swap? That way everyone could enjoy some time together (don't forget some cake), find some new possessions and have a play - and that's only the adults - only kidding!

If the weather's good put some sheets or blankets out in the garden and lay everything out for all to see. You might need some rules (no grabbing your old stuff back, only so many items per participant - you decide), but it's a good way of enjoying part of a day and getting some new stuff for nothing (well apart from the cake).

Month 8 - Bite 7

There will be some items that you would rather donate so ask those who've contributed their off casts where they would like their donations to go. Check that whichever charity or shop is open and receiving donated stock and when the best time is to deliver it. Now do it all together. There's nothing like your goods being warmly received to make children (and adults) want to help again. They might even want to find out a bit more about how their gifts will benefit others once you get home.

Booking it in....

 Month 8 - Bite 4

So the holidays are underway... It's easy to lose track of what's going on, satisfy all the things that need to be done and remember every suggestion that each member of the family has made. So today is about getting the ideas booked in.

First either download or draw up a giant calendar for the month.

Now in pen write in all the appointments and bookings that are already made - birthdays, dentist, trips away that have already been booked, prior arrangements to meet friends/visit granny - all of those sorts of things.

Now begin to fill in the rest with suggestions, ideas and desires! At this stage you might want to make the entries in pencil so that they can be changed. Alongside make a mark in a different colour for each member of the household that suggested or wanted the activity. That way you can be sure there's a fair spread of who wants what.

There may be definite tasks that need to go down - a regular clean up and sort the home day, or a regular trip to the library.

The next job is to make some more bookings. If you haven't got all those essential appointments made then now's the time to start ringing, emailing, online booking, whatever. Dentists, hairdressers, shopping for new school shoes, next term's clothing and so on. Some of these will need to go at the end of the holiday as sure as eggs are eggs someone will have a growth spurt!

So much for the essentials, now for the fun - do friends and family need contacting to arrange time to get together? Do it now and get the dates firmed up. 

Slowly some of those pencilled in days will need to be written in pen and you'll be able to see what's left.

Of course, any of the ideas could change depending on who's available, what the weather's like and any new opportunities that come along. And don't forget to save this calendar once the holiday is over so you can refer to it again next time!

One for the Kids

 Okay, so we're on to Month 8!

Another playful, cuddly elephant for this month. I know I have been trying to make most of these ideas non-particular-month-specific, but as I write schools' out and thoughts of entertaining our younger family are at the forefront of the mind. Especially now my younger niece and her crew are due to arrive from Italy to swell the throng.

I've tried for this month to mix a range of free/cheap activities that we have tried in the past and are planning for now. The age range of our lot is quite wide and not all the activities will appeal to all of them. That's life! Still let's get on with the first batch...

Month 8 - Bite 1

This opening activity will seem a bit odd as we're beginning by thinking of the end of the holiday. No, it's not like in the shops, where as soon as term breaks up the advertising for 'Back to School' starts appearing. While we're all keen and excited we like to start to build a stock for the end of the holidays. Today sees a concerted effort to gather together the first components of the 'end of the Holiday Box'.

There's lots of bits and pieces around - craft stuff, colouring sheets, templates, that between all the family we're putting together. Books that were on sale go into the mix as do any puzzles, games and so on that we pick up in the first few days. The web needs searching for downloadables (you won't believe how much is out there) which are printed off and saved.

As other ideas crop up (along with any special bits and pieces that might get acquired from gift shops or outings) they get squirrelled away too.

All of these get put away ready for the end of the holiday when inspiration begins to wane, other tasks need to be accomplished ready for school or even the weather refuses to co-operate.

You'll thank me for this one later I promise.

Month 8 - Bite 2

Time to get out of the house and go for a walk. It doesn't matter where or for how long. It's time for a stretch and an explore of what's around locally. With all the to-ing and fro-ing that accompanies the frenzy of the end of the school year a  nice walk and chat is welcome. It provides the chance to talk over what's happened in the past few months, what might lie ahead and what they'd like to do during the break (don't forget to make a note of the ideas - they might surprise you with how simple the things they come up with are). It also creates an opportunity to revisit and remember those facilities and amenities that might exist close by.

Month 8 - Bite 3

An at home day today. A sorting out day! Release them into the wild that is their bedroom(s). 

How about emptying all their cupboards, wardrobes, shelves, bookcases, everything? Now they get to look at all the stuff around. Will they discover toys and games that have been forgotten? Decide there are clothes that no longer fit? Laugh at the thought of ever playing with some things again? See something their sibling wants to throw away that they'd like?

At the end of the voyage of discovery all the items they want to keep can be carefully replaced and stored and it should leave a pile of discards (especially with some encouragement).

What will you do with them.. well we'll get to that later.....

Money, Money, Money...

 And Finally...

It's back to my notebook and cash records for the end of the holiday....

Month 6 - Bite 29

Having recorded all the spending as I go through the holiday it's time to total up where we spent what and how. 

The cash totals help me to work out what we'll need in terms of currency next time and the credit card purchases provide a guide as to how much all the other costs come to.

This time it had been so long since we'd travelled abroad that I took far too much! Mind you, I'm dithering about changing the spare back as a quick check online shows exactly how much worse off I'll be if I simply go and change it back into sterling. Patience is needed for this one as it may be that the conversion rates change, in which case I'll get my cash converted. However, if I think the hit is too much I'll keep my Euros for the next time or until I know someone who is going abroad and would like to buy them from me at a rate that's fair to both of us!

Month 6 - Bite 30

This is something I keep meaning to do and never have, so now's the time. Today's the day to research an easy access account with the best possible interest rate to open. This account I want to keep separate from my other finances and it will have a target too. The target is going to be the total cost of our holiday so that next time (even if I don't reach the full target) financing it will be easier on the day to day household budget.

So, that's this month all sewn up...

My favourite holiday saying though is a true money saver and helps the planet too.....

Take only photographs, leave only footprints...

Don't know who said it, but, boy, were they right!

Water, water everywhere..

 

Now I know it goes against the grain to pay for water at any time, but sometimes there's just nothing for it! So these next couple of bites look at minimising the costs...

Month 6 - Bite 27

The first problem starts with the airport. Because of security rules taking water through into Departures isn't allowed so that's a non-starter. We always take our own water bottles and empty them just before security. That means that we've got a container for filling on the other side.

Unfortunately the water quality and taste at the airport isn't always wonderful. When this is the case it's the inevitable trip to the shops in Duty Free to buy a bottle or two. It's always overpriced, but necessary and at least it gives us a spare bottle for the holiday. These spares we use if we need more than our more robust bottles for a day out. We also fill them for the return trip and ditch both the contents and the bottles before going through to the Departure Lounge coming home.

Month 6 - Bite 28

Once at our destination it's time to get some water for the duration of the holiday. A trip to the supermarket is in order to buy a large pack and fill our bottles on a daily basis. Of course, once out and about they may well need re-filling. Sometimes, as I mentioned, we take a second bottle. There are, thankfully, alternatives. In Rome for example there are drinking water points. We tried these the first time we went to tennis in Rome and the water tasted fine, so that's what we do now. There are also drinking water points around the city so that's a saving.

It doesn't just go for abroad either. Even here in my own neck of the woods there are free, public filling stations for everyone..a great addition to the local facilities.

When travelling within the UK we also tend to take a pack of bottled water when we're unsure about local facilities. Having some already bought at our local supermarket saves on the awful prices for small bottles while away - and our own bottles have now saved us far more than we spent on getting them originally!