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Bulk up on a Budget

CashCatcher — Tue, 21 May 2013 08:00:00 GMT

Do you ever flick through the pages of a men's bodybuilding magazine and worry about how you're going to kick start your new lifestyle? Not because you don't think you have the body for it but because you don't have the budget?

Bulking up on a shoestring can often be difficult. You have to think about filling your fridge and tummy with expensive fresh food, the soaring gym membership, those pricey protein shakes and even new clothes.

There are obstacles to getting the perfect body on a tight budget but, by using a little creativity and taking advantage of deals, you can do it.

Diet

Any seasoned bodybuilder or gym addict will tell you that a good nutritional diet is absolutely essential. Fortunately, this doesn't mean that you have to eat gourmet filet mignon for lunch every day. Veggies are actually a great way to bulk up while keeping the cost down.

So, now you know meat isn't absolutely everything, it's important to remember that you can actually improve your diet by getting the right balance of different foods. To get a protein-packed meal, try combining carbohydrates, such as rice or pasta, with legumes, vegetables, seeds and nuts.

Supplements

The first thing I picture when I think of bodybuilders is protein shakes and energy bars. However, you probably don't need to guzzle quite as many as you think, especially if you're new to it. It's good to have an extra boost after training but don't get carried away with three or four a day.

The cost of supplements can sky-rocket but Myprotein has a great clearance page where you can get your hands on all sorts of goodies for less than you might think. You can save up to £4.50 on Oat & Whey bars which can even be eaten as a meal replacement and get £5 off muscle recovery supplements. You'll save a small fortune by taking advantage of expensive supplements when they're discounted.

Exercise

Although you will have to visit the gym in order to get your body in tip-top shape, you don't need to splash out on a costly monthly membership. These health clubs are likely to have lots of exercise classes and facilities that you're not going to use. Check out the gyms in your local area as there might be one that's more specific to your needs.

It might seem daunting but it is possible to achieve the stronger overall physique you've always wanted without blowing your budget.

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Infographic: Car Haggling Tips from Sainsbury's Bank

Clodagh Foelster — Mon, 20 May 2013 18:29:00 GMT

A recent survey by Sainsbury's Bank found that there are regions in the UK where people tend to haggle the most. Take a look at their infographic outlining this information as well as providing great haggling tips so car buyers can save money on the forecourt.

Car Haggling Tips infographic by Sainsbury's Bank

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Celebrate the Sun with a Garden Party

CashCatcher — Mon, 20 May 2013 08:00:00 GMT

Last summer was the season for garden parties. The Queen's Diamond Jubilee was a huge national event that everyone got involved in. I don't think Britain has ever seen so many garden parties. It may be 12 months on but who's to say we can't experience that joy all over again?

Well, luckily for you, the guys and gals over at Littlewoods have put their heads together and come up with a whole host of fantastic offers. Now you can throw a lavish garden party without having to splash the cash.

Garden

It's not really a garden party without the garden. To make sure that your summer celebration gets off to a good start, you'll need to keep the place looking smart. So, roll your sleeves up and start pulling those weeds and mowing that lawn.

If you're looking for an awesome deal, stop right there. Littlewoods are offering you a completely free mini trimmer (worth £29) when you buy this Flymo 330VX Easi Glide. It's a very reasonable £124 or if you don't have the funds, spread the cost by paying just £1.60 a week.

Furniture

If you're planning on throwing the party of the year, you'll need somewhere for your guests to sit. After all, we can only dance for so long before needing to put our feet up.

You might think this swinging hammock is a little out of your price range but Littlewoods are offering a whopping £90 off so you can get your hands on the ultimate in relaxation for just £129.

That's not all; your garden party guests will also be able to indulge in a little al fresco dining at this Ibiza 6-piece garden set, which is now a cool £249 – that's a saving of £125.

Food & Drink

A garden party isn't complete without plenty of tasty grub and a few drinks. Instead of planning a fancy menu, why not go for a traditional British BBQ? The food will go down a treat with your guests and it saves you having to miss the party.

Get this two-burner Gas BBQ for half price. It was £174 but could be yours for just £87 or as little as £1.12 per week. If you're looking to create a really good impression and make sure that your gathering is the place to be, what about sizzling those sausages in style?

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Top Wedding Jewellery Trends This Season

Clodagh Foelster — Fri, 17 May 2013 08:00:00 GMT

Spring has officially sprung into wedding season. It's that time of year when loved up couples across the country seal their commitment and become newlyweds.

If you're planning a wedding this summer, there's so much to think about, from the table plan to the evening entertainment – no pressure!

Jewellery is often one of the most forgotten about aspects of your wedding day. It's so easy to become preoccupied with the thought of your hair, make-up and the dress that jewellery just sinks to the bottom of a very long list. To help you get back on track, I'm here to give you a rundown of the top wedding jewellery trends this year.
If you're looking for something to make you look extra special on the big day, I've got inside information on what's hot and what's not.

Rings

If he hasn't popped the question yet but you're just 'planning ahead', here are some top tips for when he finally does get down on one knee. Engagement rings have long featured the single diamond but why not go for a little twist on tradition by indulging in a snazzy cut. The emerald and cushion cut are both traditionally popular but this year's most popular is thought to be the halo ring, so called because it's typically a stone surrounded by a halo of smaller stones.

You can also add some colour to an otherwise all-white wedding dress and accessories with a coloured ring. Rings with coloured gemstones look notably modern and can even help you achieve that 'something blue' angle you've been worrying about so much.

Earrings

Trends often change rather quickly in the wedding industry but one that appears to be sticking around is chandelier earrings like the ones worn by Keira Knightley. They are a popular trend and one that will finish off your wedding attire in style.

If you're going for a more vintage look (also popular this year), opt for a pair of subtle studs or beautiful drop earrings.

Necklaces

Neckwear is the perfect way to really make a statement so go for something that will stand out – after all you should be the centre of attention on your big day.

It's important to keep in mind the style of your dress when choosing a necklace; sweetheart necklines will work with any necklace but drop styles look amazing, while higher necklines might do well to forego the necklace altogether.

For a more traditional look, you could opt for pearls and modernise them by mixing with other jewels. Or, if your dress is relatively simple you can get away with a more extravagant necklace.

As you can see, there are a number of trends that are set to be particularly hot this season. The most important thing to watch out for is coordination. You want your jewellery to flow from top to bottom, complimenting your dress without taking anything away from it.Add a Comment

Hosting a BBQ on a Budget this Summer

CashCatcher — Wed, 15 May 2013 07:54:00 GMT

Nothing reminds me more of summer than the smell of a barbecue. They have long been a popular way for families and friends to gather together but these days hosting a casual get-together can put a major dent in your bank balance.

It seems a real shame to miss out on this great summer tradition just because you're worried about saving the pennies. Thankfully, I've got some great tips that can keep the cost of your BBQ to a minimum. Whatever your budget, you can enjoy an old-fashioned backyard grill.

Invest in a good BBQ

I'm not talking about thousands of pounds but by purchasing a decent barbecue, instead of using disposables, you'll save cash in the long run. B&Q has a great range, from as little as £25 to £799.99. There are some great options around the £50-£100 mark that will allow you to host BBQ parties for many more years.

_{Blooma Laguna 2 Burner Gas Barbecue with Side Burner, £59 / Blooma Selwynd Half Barrel Charcoal Barbecue £69/Blooma Halleck Kettle Charcoal Barbecue £89}

Plan your grub

You don't necessarily have to create an elaborate menu but by brightening up the basics you'll make a great impression. Instead of just throwing a burger in a bun, prepare a salad with a variety of condiments to make the traditional BBQ food extra-special.

Write a shopping list

Once you've got a clear idea of what you want to serve, it's time to draw up a shopping list. The supermarkets go into overdrive in the summer with BBQ goodies so it's easy to get carried away. If you stick to your list, you won't spend as much money. It might be tough to resist that deal on 500 sausages for the price of 100 but how many bangers do you really need?

Look after your equipment

If you have spent a bit of cash on a new barbecue and all the utensils that go along with it, make sure you look after them so that you can use them again next year. B&Q have numerous covers that fit a wide range of BBQs so there's no excuse not to look after your gear.

_{Large Premium Barbecue Cover, £20 / Weber Standard Charcoal Barbecue Cover 47cm £13 / Weber Q100 Series Barbecue Cover £15}

With a bit of creativity and a little extra thought, you could be entertaining guests in the garden without breaking the bank.

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Give your Home a Makeover for the Summer

MissMoney — Tue, 14 May 2013 08:14:00 GMT

Ahhh....the great British summer! It's a time to head for the beach, update our wardrobe with bold, colourful shorts and pack our freezers with ice cream. This is all necessary of course, how else would we be able to enjoy the summer? Well, how about putting a little more effort into the house? We change just about every aspect of our lives when it hits the summer time, from our daily routines to the contents of our fridge. So, why does this not apply to the décor?

Changing things up inside the house can breathe fresh new life into your home. Take a look at these top ideas and see what you could achieve with a few bits and bobs from House of Fraser.

Change the cushion covers

You might be surprised at what a difference this can make to your living room. Instead of changing the colour of the walls, just buy some snazzy new cushion covers. Try to either go for a neutral/pastel or a bright and bold colour for a summer look.

_{Linea lime cotton cushion with contrast piping NOW £10 / Living By Christiane Lemieux NOW £ 28/ Pied a Terre Hand Stitched Cushion NOW £21}

Take down the curtains

Ideally, it's great to leave your windows open during the summer but that's not always possible. If you don't want to take down the curtains, swap them for a lighter material and colour.

_{Bedeck Capri curtains, from £100 / Sanderson Richmond curtains, from £175 / Montgomery Imperial curtains (Natural) from £14.40}

Mix up the artwork

Are your walls adorned with family photos and random artwork? How often do you change it? Just mixing up what you display on the walls and buying some new seasonal pieces can really lift a room.

_{Linea Set of 3 Wall Butterflies NOW £17.50 / Linea Love Circus Print Framed Wall Art NOW £35 / Linea Metal Lotus Flower Wall Art NOW £35}

With the British weather being so consistently disappointing, we need to be prepared for summer or we'll be too busy rushing out to the shops and completely miss it. Take the time now to get your home ready for the sunshine so that you can kick back and relax.

Keeping your home cool during the hot months isn't just about opening the window so head to House of Fraser and give your home a serious makeover.

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Keep your Car on the Road for Less

MissMoney — Fri, 10 May 2013 08:00:00 GMT

At a time when many of us are struggling to make ends meet, our cars can seem like an endless drain on our cash. Despite the cost of keeping a car on the road and in good nick, swapping it in favour of public transport is a big 'no-no', well it is for me anyway.

As much as I complain about paying for road tax, insurance, repairs and maintenance, I think I'd rather shell out the cash than have to go back to my teenage years riding the bus to work.

The average cost of keeping a car on the road in the UK is over £5,000 a year so it's no surprise that we're constantly on the lookout for ways to keep that cost to a minimum. If you're in a similar position to me and dread the thought of having to stand at the bus stop in the rain, check out these top tips for keeping your car on the road.

MOT

If your car is more than three years old, it will need an MOT every 12 months. Around 1 in 3 cars fail their MOT because of all sorts of problems, from simple things like your wiper blades to much more serious issues.

Halfords has a great checklist that shows you exactly what you can check yourself before putting the car in to the garage. If you need engine oil, brake fluid, wiper blades, bulbs or even a new battery, Halfords will do the hard work for you with their 'We Fit' service.

Getting all the basics covered before your MOT will reduce the chances of the car failing and will cost you less in the long run.

Service

To make sure your car is in top condition, it should also have an annual service. This delves much deeper than the obligatory MOT but it can wreak havoc with your budget.

If you're anything like me, you won't have a clue about most of the stuff which the mechanics tell you at the garage so it's worth taking someone along that knows what they're talking about. One good tip I do have is to avoid any sundries, such as wipers, coolant and screen wash, as it's often much cheaper elsewhere.

Cleaning

Keeping your car clean might seem like a chore but it can save you money. Ensuring that it's always free from dust and grime will reduce the likelihood of problems with your bodywork. To make sure your paintwork doesn't get nicked or scratched, use wax for another layer of protection.

You can get all the necessary odds and ends for cleaning at Halfords for a reasonable price so there's no excuse not to look after your car and keep it on the road for less.Add a Comment

Pack your Suitcase for less than £50

MissMoney — Wed, 08 May 2013 08:00:00 GMT

It's getting to that time of year when our thoughts turn to the summer. We've had glorious weather this bank holiday but knowing the Great British weather it probably won't last too long. So, if you're planning to escape to sunnier lands but you are operating on a shoestring budget, I'll show you how to get a brand new wardrobe without breaking the bank.

Whether your holiday is in a few short weeks or not until the end of the summer season, you can never buy your holiday clothes too early. In the next couple of months, the price of summer gear will shoot through the roof and you're likely to be left looking at the stuff that nobody else wanted.

One of my favourite shops for summer holiday clothes is Matalan. They have loads of great stuff and it's all reasonably priced as well. But don't forget that you have to be a member to shop there. If you don't have a card, you can sign up for one in store.

Here are my best buys for holiday gear so you can pack your suitcase for less than £50:

Flip flops

Don't get me wrong, I love the feeling of squeezing the sand between my toes but I always end up with burnt feet. The sand can get incredibly hot in the sunny weather so it's always wise to have a pair of flip-flops handy on the beach.

These Havaianas Brasil flip flops are a fantastic buy for just a tenner as they've actually been designed to fit both men and women.

Swimwear

If you're hitting the beach or the pool, you'll want to look fantastic in a really stylish bikini. Get the balance between style and comfort with these gorgeous swimsuits. You can mix and match tops and bottoms for £8 and £5 respectively.

Sunglasses

There can be nothing better than taking it easy in the sunshine but it's not pleasant if you have to squint in order to see properly. Protect your eyes from the strong sun with a good pair of sunglasses. Whether you want wraparounds or aviator style, you'll find a good selection for less than £5 at Matalan.

Luggage

Sometimes the actual suitcase can cost more than its contents! Matalan has a great range of suitcases and hold-alls that won't force you over budget. These Globaltrek Soft 2 Wheel suitcases start at just £15.

So there you have it, some of the 'must-haves' for any summer holiday and all at really great prices. With some smart shopping, you can easily pack for a week's holiday by spending less than £50.

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Treat Yourself to a Budget City Break

CashCatcher — Tue, 07 May 2013 08:00:00 GMT

If you want to get away from the daily grind but don't have the cash or annual leave for a full-blown holiday, a city break is the next best thing. Short breaks to Europe have become increasingly popular, with Paris knocking New York off the top spot for the most visited destination in 2012.

Wouldn't it be lovely to jet off for a few days and leave your work and stress behind? Well, even if you're on a shoestring budget, you should still be able to bag yourself a bargain city break with some clever deal-hunting.

Whether you fancy exploring the local culture and history by visiting museums and galleries, doing a spot of shopping in quaint boutiques and gift shops or simply sitting back and relaxing on golden sands, you'll be able to find a city break to suit you on Hotels.com.

Soak up the culture

City breaks and culture are like two peas in a pod. You don't have to spend hours and hours traipsing around stuffy museums to get a little culture, although that is an option. Many of the great European cities have incredible theatres and fascinating art galleries. The best way to discover a new city is to simply dive straight into the local life. Visit the markets and wander the streets for a really unique and cultural experience.

Let's get it on...

Whisk your lover away on a romantic break for two by jetting off to a gorgeous European city for a few days. Paris is the most obvious choice, being the City of Love but there are other options as well. What about Venice, Verona or even Cologne? You can make it a weekend to remember wherever you decide to go.

Family-friendly

Although city breaks are often marketed at adults, they can be a great way for the whole family to get away together. Don't forget that these cities are homes to millions of children, so you'll never be too far away from a fun activity or attraction. Amsterdam and Belgium are two great destinations for families with young children, whereas Barcelona and Istanbul will impress the teenagers.

Hen & stag dos

If you've been given the responsibility of organising your best mate's hen or stag party, why not show them a really amazing time with a short city break? Whether it's just a couple of close friends or an entire clan, you can all let your hair down and enjoy your freedom while it lasts. Check out Prague or Marrakech for a hen or stag party to remember.Add a Comment

Bargain Buys for Less than a Tenner

MissMoney — Fri, 03 May 2013 08:00:00 GMT

We all know that the economic climate is tough for just about everyone at the moment. So, having a new baby can be a real struggle.

From the moment you visit the hospital for your first scan, the money will start to drain away.

Did you know that the average family spends around £3,000 on a baby in the first year? It's so easy to get carried away with spending when you're planning to start or extend your family. However, with a bit of bargain hunting, you can get those essentials at a fraction of the price.

It can be difficult to strike the balance between saving some cash and getting a quality product. Luckily for you, I've picked out some top bargain buys from Mothercare for less than £10.

Bottles

If you're bottle-feeding your baby, either with expressed milk or formula, you'll need a good stash of bottles. They come in all shapes, sizes and prices. Some are cheap and more likely to shatter, whereas others are incredibly expensive.

We've found a happy middle ground here, with this pack of 4 Mothercare Wide Neck Bottles. They used to be £13.99 but you can now get them for just £7.00. What a bargain.

Bibs

You spend a small fortune on clothing just for your baby to dribble all over it. Make sure you protect those gorgeous tops with a bib.

You can get plain ones for less, but I think this budget-friendly 'I love my mummy' pack is so cute. Get them now for just £3.00, that's a £2.99 saving on the RRP.

Storage

Whether you've already got kids or you're preparing for your first child, you'll soon learn just how important storage is. You will have baby stuff coming out of your ears.

Keep the nursery tidy by stashing your nappies in this adorable Happy Town Nappy Stacker, which was £19.99 but is now just £6.00 – that's a massive £13.99 saving!

Clothes

One of the biggest outlays for new mums and dads (oh, and not forgetting the grandparents!) is clothing. Whether it is baby-grows, t-shirts or vests, the cost soon mounts up....especially because you end up changing them ten times a day.

You can get your hands on loads of fabulous t-shirts from Mothercare for just £4 each or buy two for £7.

As you can see, with a bit of smart shopping you can buy for your baby without breaking the bank. Keep an eye out for the Mothercare clearance page for loads more bargain buys for less than a tenner.
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Top PS4 Launch Titles

CashCatcher — Thu, 02 May 2013 08:00:00 GMT

After the disappointment of the PlayStation 3, it's no wonder that Sony have spent the last couple of years trying to right some wrongs. So, with the launch of the Sony PlayStation 4 on the horizon, have you thought about whether you'll be splashing out on a new console?

A spokesman for PlayStation said that the hardware had been adjusted to ensure that programmers are able to develop great titles. This has led to the creators of the PS4 bragging that the console will have some seriously exciting games for fans to get their teeth into when it launches.

To help you decide whether to plump for Sony's latest offering, we have looked at some of the top PS4 launch titles. You can pre-order all of these games now at Zavvi.

Destiny

This game works slightly differently to most video games as it also delivers on a social level as players can explore a connected world and share their adventures with their friends. The players fight against aliens to protect the last city on Earth and reclaim their territory. Developed by the same people behind Halo, the PlayStation version of Destiny will feature exclusive content.

Knack

This is going to be the token children's game for the PS4 but it's actually a surprisingly good game, even for the older ones. Children's games, particularly launch titles, aren't usually a hit with the adults, but they can be major hits if they are done correctly. Fortunately, it seems that Knack
might be one of the better games for the younger demographic so it could definitely be worth buying if you've got kids to please.

Diablo III

This next title will be based on the popular PC version and will include upgrades such as the Paragon levelling system and some legendary items. This PS4 version will have a new UI and camera perspective. Given the game's success, it's no surprise that PlayStation is plumping for this title at its launch.

Driveclub

As we've already touched upon with Knack, no console launch is complete without at least one game from each genre. GT6 would have been the more obvious choice for the racing game but Sony has opted to go with DriveClub. It has lots of incredible visuals to the extent that the realism is a little disconcerting. This is a 'must buy' for any petrol-head gamer.

If you're planning to get your hands on the PlayStation 4, pre-order these top launch titles from Zavvi now to get huge discounts on the RRP.Add a Comment

Celebrating National Pet Month

MissMoney — Wed, 01 May 2013 08:00:00 GMT

Did you know that April was National Pet Month? I didn't so I'm a little bit gutted I've missed out on four weeks of spoiling my furry friends. At the same time, I'm now super-excited as it runs until 6th May 2013.

My pampered pooch is one of the most treasured things in my life. I think that's how most people feel about their animals and the reason behind National Pet Month. It has been introduced to celebrate the positive impact that our four-legged friends can have.

Around half of all the households in the UK have at least one pet, with one in four having a dog and one in five having a cat. That's not all though, around 200,000 of us have less common pets, such as snakes.

If you can't get enough of your pets, why not take advantage of what's left of National Pet Month
and start pampering?

Here, I will show you how to shower your animals with much-needed affection without breaking the bank. When it comes to your pets, they don't care about designer branded clothing and 'blinged up' bowls, they just want you to pay them in love.

Swap a trip to the groomers for a little home pampering.

Many animal lovers think that their pets deserve a serious pampering at the groomers or at a crazy pet spa day. In reality, you can fork out on a decent set of tools and some luxury shampoo and treat your pet at home.

They'll look absolutely gorgeous once again and probably enjoy it more than any expensive grooming session.

Cook up a storm in the kitchen

There are loads of gourmet pet foods out there but many of them cost an arm and a leg. One of my favourite ways to treat my dog is to cook him something myself. The internet is a great resource for pet-friendly recipes so treat them to a homemade meal.

Pick up things on sale at the supermarket and show your pet how much you love them with a delicious home-cooked dinner. I bet there won't be a single scrap left!

Clock up some miles

One of the many positive impacts that owning a pet can have, particularly a dog, is increased levels of exercise for the owners. People with cash to splash might think that a dog-friendly treadmill is the perfect way to make sure your mutt is getting enough exercise but it's nowhere near as fun as chasing a stick in the park.

The very best way to spoil your pets for National Pet Month is to spend time with them and show them some love – and that's easy even for people on the tightest budget.Add a Comment