Great Ormond Street Hospital

Great Ormond Street hospital are organising a charity, fund-raising family 5k race, in Battersea Park on Sunday June 24th. You can go here, to sign up and join. Particpants can skip run or walk or even hop around.  It will be a win win situation - fun, healthy and also raising money for a really good cause. The money  will be used to redevelop vital parts of the hospital so that staff can care for more sick children and will also help provide things like medical equipment, vital research into childhood illnesses, and beds for parents to stay in so they can be close to their children.

Money Saving Tips

I've been asked my British Mummy Bloggers to concentrate my mind on money saving tips. So here are  ten tips that spring to mind: 

1. My daughter recently shared her 8th birthday party with two of her friends. We hired a church hall, found a dancer to teach them a street dance routine, and bought Easter Eggs on special offer at Asda for going away presents. The girls all said it was the best birthday party of their lives, and yes, it really was fun, and stress free because all three mother's shared the tasks and costs.

2. We only hire a babysitter if it's something we both really want to do on one particular evening - a dinner party, a party, a school quiz, a special trip to the theatre. Otherwise we go out separately. I also use a sixth form school girl as my babysitter, so the rate is reasonable. We trust her completely.

3. I only buy clothes for myself on Ebay or during sales.

4. I make use of store cards and vouchers. I buy children's shoes in Trotters so that every fifth pair has %40 off etc.

5. Two weeks ago, I gave up smoking! I only smoked about 1 or 2 a day but even so I'm saving about 20 pounds a month.

6. Buy railcards for train travel.

7. Make sure I use every scrap of food in the fridge and freezer.

8. Turn off lights/Turn the thermostat down.

9. Use cousin's hand me downs for a selection of my children's clothes.

10. Keep a separate account to save for tax.

Note: This post is for Brit Mums Piggy Bank tales competition sponsored by Virgin Money.

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