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Tag Archives: Frugality

Blog takeover: Ways to Save Money as Parents

11th May 201710th February 2020
how to save money when you have kids

As I’m still away I have another post from a fellow blogger to share today, Jon. He runs The Money Shed which is the UKs largest community website dedicated to earning money from home so is ideal for any stay at home (or not!) parent who wants to earn some extra money! Kids are expensive, no… Read More

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Money: Saving for your kids future

23rd February 201710th February 2020

Sam and I have been thinking about ways we can ensure a happy and hopefully prosperous future for our children. Although our income isn’t as high as it was when I was working full time in hospitality management we still know how important it is to keep some money aside for the future of Athena… Read More

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5 Ways to Improve your Finances

17th February 20173rd March 2020
5 ways to improve your finances

Working for yourself is a tricky business, especially when you do the sort of job like blogging that is uncertain in terms of work load and income! I’m lucky in that I have another steady freelance income but I really do need the two to make any sort of living! We want to try and… Read More

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Frugal tips: 5 ways to fill A Penny Jar

15th September 201610th February 2020

One of the best things I ever did for my finances was start a penny jar. Okay, so… I know that sounds really dramatic… but hear me out on this one! I can be a super neat freak when it comes to my personal possessions. I keep my handbag and purse immaculate; there is not… Read More

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What we plan to do to increase the value of our home

13th June 201610th February 2020
how to increase value of home

We know this isn’t our ‘forever home’, not only does it not have a garden but although it has three bedrooms we use one as a playroom. Our mortgage is fixed for 5 years so we’re hoping to be in a position to sell this house at a profit and buy something that will be… Read More

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Car troubles – repair or replace?

31st May 201610th February 2020

You might have seen me ranting on social media last week about our car breaking down on the way home from a night away. Thankfully we were both in the car otherwise I’d have had a bit of trouble keeping both kids happy whilst waiting for the RAC man to come and rescue us! As… Read More

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Student loans and your child’s university education

28th April 201625th November 2021

The topic of student loans has been a controversial one of late, especially with plans set to come into place from September whereby prospective students will see the current grant they would normally receive be replaced by a student loan. Understandably, it has caused tremendous outrage across the board, with many believing that university education… Read More

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April Showers

20th April 201610th February 2020

So it’s the middle of April and there have definitely been showers, which would be all hunky dory if a) I could drive everywhere we needed to go and not get wet and b) didn’t have a toddler that absolutely LOVES to splash about in puddles! I have a waterproof coat but it is slightly… Read More

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Ways to save on baby essentials

6th April 20165th February 2019

Finding out you’re expecting a baby is one of the most magical things. But often the good news is tinged with a touch of panic when you inevitably start thinking about how you’re going to afford all the things a baby needs! You might sign up to a few newsletters or read a few ‘preparing… Read More

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Close that door!

18th December 201510th February 2020

There is no denying that winter is upon us, and along with it come red noses, colds and the need to wear socks, a personal pet-hate of mine! There are a lot of ways to make sure you keep warm at home, besides ramping the central heating up to top whack and bankrupting yourself when you have… Read More

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Welcome to Scrapbook Blog! I'm Lauren and am too lazy to keep a real scrapbook so I have one online instead! I share where we go, what we do, what we love and much more! For every day life find us on instagram stories

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The lighter evenings are a blessing. The kids hav The lighter evenings are a blessing. 
The kids have been learning to skateboard (I think actually they're Longboards?) recently... And we've sort of (on purpose) forgotten about the family couch to 5k runs... Might start them up again now there's more daylight to play with 🤭
A bright but incredibly muddy walk around @kneppwi A bright but incredibly muddy walk around @kneppwilding estate with family. Not pictured...Arlo elbow deep in mud wearing a white hoody 🫣
A family that runs together... moans about going r A family that runs together... moans about going running together 🙃
It is nice to run in the frosty forest instead the of the windy seafront though. I don't think I'll ever really enjoy running but it is getting easier at least.
Merry end of the year. Merry end of the year.
The magic of little mice, and Christmas trees in g The magic of little mice, and Christmas trees in general, at Petworth House 🐁🐭🌲
Made a start on Christmas shopping at the Makers Market (#buylocal if you can!)
A weekend away to start the festive season off... A weekend away to start the festive season off... Longleat festival of light was a nice way to do it because we got to see gorillas, red pandas, crocodiles and lots more AND the light trail once it got dark. Plus we got to feed sealions and see an Owl show. However back to real life and work and not feeling that festive again. I think it'll help when people start putting lights up on their houses. Haven't really thought about presents for the kids, putting out own tree up (obvs not till December anyway!) or anything else festive-y! 

Swipe for various light up things, a massive (singing) tree and animals 🦍🐊❤️
12 years today 💒👰‍♀️🤵‍♂️ 12 years today 💒👰‍♀️🤵‍♂️
Sibling love = Athena looking up how to do things Sibling love = Athena looking up how to do things on Animal Crossing for Arlo. 
The dynamic has definitely changed since she started secondary school, but there are still glimmers.
Roll on next week's school holiday. 🖕 This 8 week Roll on next week's school holiday. 🖕

This 8 week long half term can DO ONE. So fed up with literally pushing Athena out of bed in the morning because she's slept through her alarm. The sheer amount of organising involved when they reach  secondary is nuts... All the different apps, the endless requests for money (by school, not her!) the stress of running out of data when your train ticket is on your phone... The stress of the trains being up the spout, the massive amounts of homework (that the parent app helpfully tells us is not complete even when it is and 'youll know if your child didn't complete it as they'll get a consequence mark' - this hasn't happened because she's a conscientious kid but it means we need to look at Google classroom on top of the bloody shit app!)

Let's not mention spending 60 quid on shoes that gave her blisters so bad on both feet she was hobbling. 

Aaaaargh. Will enjoy a week off from it all, even though I've not got any time off work myself 🙈
Beg to differ Beg to differ
Week one of secondary school has been a success fo Week one of secondary school has been a success for Athena: the trains, the rain, the finding the way round a massive school, the horrific blazer, shirt and tie situation... nothing seems to phase her. She had a week away at camp in the last week of the holidays, didn't miss us at all and had a blast, plus loved being a bridesmaid for her auntie and just seems too grown up! 

Hoping any other new year 7s are getting on okay too!
Sunny Monday evening strolls... We felt like we ha Sunny Monday evening strolls... We felt like we had to get the kids out of the house as we were both working all day 🙀

#eveningsunshine #inthewoods #moonbridge #storrington #sussexwalks
How is this little girl about to finish year 6? A How is this little girl about to finish year 6? A few more days of fun, activities, leavers services and tears to get through and then secondary school is round the corner!
A brief flit to Norfolk to celebrate with @longben A brief flit to Norfolk to celebrate with @longbennett_...just one month to go till 'I do' 👰💒💖
It's still me, Lauren. I just changed my Instagram It's still me, Lauren. I just changed my Instagram name from scrapbook.lives to something that's more 'me' as I don't blog much anymore (at all really I'm just not ready to actually SAY I don't blog anymore 🤭)

Trying to encourage some sunshine by posting holiday pics from Gran Canaria a month ago... Hope it works 🤞 as Athena is off her her school residential today for 3 days of outdoor activities! I've bought her two rain ponchos just in case! 

#namechange #newnamestillme #itme
E L E V E N ✌️ Athena had had a brilliant birthday E L E V E N ✌️
Athena had had a brilliant birthday today, a waterpark & exploring sand dunes - as well as basically a week of celebrations (well actually a month - as we gave her a main present of a new Fender acoustic a month ago today so she could use it in her lessons). 
Still amazes me that she's off to secondary school in about 12 weeks, she reached the top of the waiting list for our top choice school this week and we gave her the option to accept it if she wanted to but she is adamant that the school she was awarded (2nd choice) is where she wants to go - even though she doesnt know a soul going there and half her current cohort are going to the other school! She knows her mind and she's not afraid to be out of her comfort zone 🥰🤩 #eleventoday #beautifulbirthdaygirl
A little allotment update. I'm finding it hard to A little allotment update. I'm finding it hard to keep on top of it, in fact I am very much under it: weeds, things that aren't growing and things that are but have been eaten.  I'm working two jobs, trying to sort out the garden at home, volunteering with scouts and all the other life admin stuff that life chucks at us and just find it hard to get there much, but I feel so much better when I've been - so should prioritise it more. The lighter evenings deffo help! 
#allotmentlife #downattheallotment #growyourown
Bluebells 🌱 A little jaunt through the woods this Bluebells 🌱 A little jaunt through the woods this evening with the biggest one and Sam whilst Arlo was at Cubs. There are still so many bluebells about! Hoping the nicer weather sticks around as twilight stroll in the woods is a lovely way to wind down of an evening 🩵💙🩵💙
I have this thing with windows... A selection of I have this thing with windows... 
A selection of lovely and very old windows at Arundel Castle. We spent the day there exploring on Easter Saturday. Will try and remember to share some more photos at some point as the castle really is beautiful. It's ten minutes away and we'd never been inside before, just around the gardens.

Also an excuse to use one of my favourite songs, bonus points if you know what late 90s movie it's from?

#arundelcastle #arundel #visitsussex #westsussexwonders 
#medievalcastles #ukcastles #windowlight #wowwindow
#ihavethisthingwithwindows
Arlo loves a bit of crazy golf so we booked a game Arlo loves a bit of crazy golf so we booked a game at GloBalls as part of his bday celebrations. Eye wateringly bright but lots of fun. We did the Zootopia course (I believe, it was a couple of weeks ago!) but there were 3 or 4 to choose from.
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The lighter evenings are a blessing. The kids hav The lighter evenings are a blessing. 
The kids have been learning to skateboard (I think actually they're Longboards?) recently... And we've sort of (on purpose) forgotten about the family couch to 5k runs... Might start them up again now there's more daylight to play with 🤭
A bright but incredibly muddy walk around @kneppwi A bright but incredibly muddy walk around @kneppwilding estate with family. Not pictured...Arlo elbow deep in mud wearing a white hoody 🫣
A family that runs together... moans about going r A family that runs together... moans about going running together 🙃
It is nice to run in the frosty forest instead the of the windy seafront though. I don't think I'll ever really enjoy running but it is getting easier at least.
Merry end of the year. Merry end of the year.
The magic of little mice, and Christmas trees in g The magic of little mice, and Christmas trees in general, at Petworth House 🐁🐭🌲
Made a start on Christmas shopping at the Makers Market (#buylocal if you can!)
A weekend away to start the festive season off... A weekend away to start the festive season off... Longleat festival of light was a nice way to do it because we got to see gorillas, red pandas, crocodiles and lots more AND the light trail once it got dark. Plus we got to feed sealions and see an Owl show. However back to real life and work and not feeling that festive again. I think it'll help when people start putting lights up on their houses. Haven't really thought about presents for the kids, putting out own tree up (obvs not till December anyway!) or anything else festive-y! 

Swipe for various light up things, a massive (singing) tree and animals 🦍🐊❤️
12 years today 💒👰‍♀️🤵‍♂️ 12 years today 💒👰‍♀️🤵‍♂️
Sibling love = Athena looking up how to do things Sibling love = Athena looking up how to do things on Animal Crossing for Arlo. 
The dynamic has definitely changed since she started secondary school, but there are still glimmers.
Roll on next week's school holiday. 🖕 This 8 week Roll on next week's school holiday. 🖕

This 8 week long half term can DO ONE. So fed up with literally pushing Athena out of bed in the morning because she's slept through her alarm. The sheer amount of organising involved when they reach  secondary is nuts... All the different apps, the endless requests for money (by school, not her!) the stress of running out of data when your train ticket is on your phone... The stress of the trains being up the spout, the massive amounts of homework (that the parent app helpfully tells us is not complete even when it is and 'youll know if your child didn't complete it as they'll get a consequence mark' - this hasn't happened because she's a conscientious kid but it means we need to look at Google classroom on top of the bloody shit app!)

Let's not mention spending 60 quid on shoes that gave her blisters so bad on both feet she was hobbling. 

Aaaaargh. Will enjoy a week off from it all, even though I've not got any time off work myself 🙈
Beg to differ Beg to differ
Week one of secondary school has been a success fo Week one of secondary school has been a success for Athena: the trains, the rain, the finding the way round a massive school, the horrific blazer, shirt and tie situation... nothing seems to phase her. She had a week away at camp in the last week of the holidays, didn't miss us at all and had a blast, plus loved being a bridesmaid for her auntie and just seems too grown up! 

Hoping any other new year 7s are getting on okay too!
Sunny Monday evening strolls... We felt like we ha Sunny Monday evening strolls... We felt like we had to get the kids out of the house as we were both working all day 🙀

#eveningsunshine #inthewoods #moonbridge #storrington #sussexwalks
How is this little girl about to finish year 6? A How is this little girl about to finish year 6? A few more days of fun, activities, leavers services and tears to get through and then secondary school is round the corner!
A brief flit to Norfolk to celebrate with @longben A brief flit to Norfolk to celebrate with @longbennett_...just one month to go till 'I do' 👰💒💖
It's still me, Lauren. I just changed my Instagram It's still me, Lauren. I just changed my Instagram name from scrapbook.lives to something that's more 'me' as I don't blog much anymore (at all really I'm just not ready to actually SAY I don't blog anymore 🤭)

Trying to encourage some sunshine by posting holiday pics from Gran Canaria a month ago... Hope it works 🤞 as Athena is off her her school residential today for 3 days of outdoor activities! I've bought her two rain ponchos just in case! 

#namechange #newnamestillme #itme
E L E V E N ✌️ Athena had had a brilliant birthday E L E V E N ✌️
Athena had had a brilliant birthday today, a waterpark & exploring sand dunes - as well as basically a week of celebrations (well actually a month - as we gave her a main present of a new Fender acoustic a month ago today so she could use it in her lessons). 
Still amazes me that she's off to secondary school in about 12 weeks, she reached the top of the waiting list for our top choice school this week and we gave her the option to accept it if she wanted to but she is adamant that the school she was awarded (2nd choice) is where she wants to go - even though she doesnt know a soul going there and half her current cohort are going to the other school! She knows her mind and she's not afraid to be out of her comfort zone 🥰🤩 #eleventoday #beautifulbirthdaygirl
A little allotment update. I'm finding it hard to A little allotment update. I'm finding it hard to keep on top of it, in fact I am very much under it: weeds, things that aren't growing and things that are but have been eaten.  I'm working two jobs, trying to sort out the garden at home, volunteering with scouts and all the other life admin stuff that life chucks at us and just find it hard to get there much, but I feel so much better when I've been - so should prioritise it more. The lighter evenings deffo help! 
#allotmentlife #downattheallotment #growyourown
Bluebells 🌱 A little jaunt through the woods this Bluebells 🌱 A little jaunt through the woods this evening with the biggest one and Sam whilst Arlo was at Cubs. There are still so many bluebells about! Hoping the nicer weather sticks around as twilight stroll in the woods is a lovely way to wind down of an evening 🩵💙🩵💙
I have this thing with windows... A selection of I have this thing with windows... 
A selection of lovely and very old windows at Arundel Castle. We spent the day there exploring on Easter Saturday. Will try and remember to share some more photos at some point as the castle really is beautiful. It's ten minutes away and we'd never been inside before, just around the gardens.

Also an excuse to use one of my favourite songs, bonus points if you know what late 90s movie it's from?

#arundelcastle #arundel #visitsussex #westsussexwonders 
#medievalcastles #ukcastles #windowlight #wowwindow
#ihavethisthingwithwindows
Arlo loves a bit of crazy golf so we booked a game Arlo loves a bit of crazy golf so we booked a game at GloBalls as part of his bday celebrations. Eye wateringly bright but lots of fun. We did the Zootopia course (I believe, it was a couple of weeks ago!) but there were 3 or 4 to choose from.
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