Well, hello to you, my reader chums! I'm still in awe that I've bought my first home with my partner. It's a dream I've had since I was a teenager, and I'm loving seeing the progress we make every day with decorating and organising, in the space we're creating.

Buying a house was a long process, and I thought I knew more about being a homeowner until I actually did. If you're new to owning a home, here are 5 things I've learned about what being a homeowner means.

Insurance is essential

I knew there would be insurance costs involved with being a homeowner, but I didn't realise the number of insurance types and their costs. The insurance you need by law is building insurance. 

Other insurances I'd recommend include life insurance and income protection. Building insurance covers the repairs for your home in case something goes wrong, and each policy varies. Life insurance covers your life if you die, and all the money goes to the other person on the policy. Whilst income protection helps if you fall ill or lose your job and can't cover the bills.

The level of adulting increases to the max

I love how we millennials use the term adulting, but owning a house is like level 100. Everything is now up to you: ensuring you pay all your bills, keeping on top of life admin, house maintenance and being sensible with where your money goes.

You need to gather a list of handy businesses for household maintenance 

Jobs can always crop up for house maintenance, such as boiler servicing, a broken shower, leaks, DIY, plumbing and electrical problems. You never know what'll happen, even if your house is in the best condition when you buy it. It's best to gather a list of local people who have been recommended and can help you out when you need, and offer you a reasonable price. 

Not everything can get done overnight - it's a process

I wasn't naive and thought we could have the home exactly how we wanted it straight away, but it's good to be prepared that it's a process and takes time and money. From moving in, it'll take you a while to figure out where you want your belongings, cleaning, decorating and organising. Decorating is something that could take years of planning and doing, and saving for as well. You may have an idea of what you want your home to look like, but don't get disheartened if it doesn't happen all at once. Save for it, plan for it, and your vision will come together.

Being financially secure is important, as there's always something to pay for

Being money-sensible is always important, but especially as a homeowner. Costs can always crop up for house maintenance or something breaking, and as you own it, you'll need to fix it. This is why emergency pots and savings come in handy, so always live under your means in case you have some spare cash for any instances occurring.

I hope you enjoyed this post. What have you learned?

Thank you for reading <3

 Well, hello to you, my reader chums! Christmas is an expensive time, from the gifts to days out and family/friends gatherings, there always appears to be something on. You're not alone in worrying about money, how you're going to afford everything and ensure you feel included; it's a lot to take on.

If you're planning Christmas and need some money advice, here is my guide on how to stay on budget this Christmas. 

Have set budgets for everything 

The best way to stay on budget is to actually have a budget. That may sound silly, but it's easy to overspend when you only have loose figures in mind about what you want to spend and what you can spend. Make a list of your budgets for everything, including presents, food, experiences, days out with family and friends and anything else that'll be paid for over the festive period. Knowing how much you are likely to spend can help you be smarter with your spending choices and avoid extra spending. 

Keep a log of everything you buy

I love a spreadsheet and documents to log my spending habits, especially at Christmas, because I find it easy to overspend on others as I want to treat them as much as I can. To avoid this, I log everything I purchase for gifts in a document to make sure I'm on track to spend allocated amounts but not overspend, and also know how much I have left in each budget. 

Give yourself a 'just in case' pot 

Not everything can go to plan, and sometimes there are events, social occasions or last-minute things you forgot about purchasing in the festive season. Create a 'just in case' pot for this instance, as it can be used for anything last-minute or unplanned.

Lower your expectations of what you can do

With the world of social media, it feels like we have to do everything this Christmas, but really, you don't. The magic of Christmas comes from spending quality time together and making things magical ourselves, not what we buy, how much we spend or the fancy places we go. If you're on a budget, lower your expectations, as it can help you handle the disappointment if you're unable to attend certain events.

Enjoy the free and homely plans 

As I said, Christmas is as magical as you make it. You don't need to spend lots of money to have a good time. Think of all the homely activities you can do, such as craft evenings, baking, film nights and quizzes. Also, all the free things to do out there, such as roaming around the neighbourhood and looking at Christmas decorations, woodland walks, wandering around Christmas markets or visiting family and friends at their homes.

I hope you enjoyed this post. What would you add?

Thank you for reading <3

 Well, hello to you, my reader chums! I bought my first home - something I've been dreaming about since I was a teenager. After the longest waiting process (6 months since we put in the offer), we got the keys and were in our home. I'm still in shock. It's our home, and we get to wake up and make it ours even more every single day.

Moving into your first home isn't easy, and I can see why people say it's the most stressful thing you'll ever do. If you're preparing to buy and move into your first home, here are my best tips to do it with ease.

 Well, hello to you, my reader chums! Pregnant mamas, I see and hear you. As I'm now in the third trimester, I can confidently discuss my experience with pregnancy, including the highs and lows, and how my feelings have evolved throughout the journey. 

One thing I've loved about this process is that other pregnant women or mothers have reassured me with their kind words, either in person or through messages I've seen online, which have made me feel better about myself and less guilty about slowing down and taking a step back. I'm sharing some reassuring reminders to hear if you're pregnant.

It's okay and important to rest

Rest is one of the most important things you can do while you're pregnant. If you're a particularly active person or always feel the need to be productive, slowing down and resting brings its own challenges. Let me assure you, though: you need the rest. I know it can be hard to take a step back and rest and prioritise that, but it can really benefit your physical and mental wellbeing.

I'm a 'I must get everything done right now' type person, so leaning into slowing down, napping more, spending more time watching TV and having restful mornings isn't in my nature. But, by reassuring myself and hearing from people around me that it's okay to rest, really gave me the confidence to lean into that and prioritise my body.

You're growing an entire human; give yourself some grace

In case nobody has told you today: growing an entire human is hard work, probably the hardest thing you'll ever do - give yourself a break. If you need to sit down more, sleep more, eat more or say no to plans, that's okay. It's okay if you've done nothing else today other than rest. Growing a human is a lot of work, and that can take all of your energy, which is you being productive. 

Everyone experiences pregnancy differently

Don't compare your pregnancy to everyone else, and also try and avoid taking on board what other people have experienced in pregnancy and tell you, as we're all different. If your friend wasn't sick and you were, if you're in more pain and someone else isn't, if you're hating it and someone is loving it - avoid making comparisons. We're all different; our journey is different. Appreciate and embrace yours, however it looks. You're doing your best, whatever you're going through.

You're valid in all of your emotions

Your emotions are valid, whatever you're feeling. I think we're told that we should be happy and excited, and all the good feelings constantly, when we're pregnant, but that's not a reality. Pregnancy is hard; there are lots of body changes, you don't feel like yourself, and it's a constant source of anxiety. Whatever you're feeling, that's okay. Don't beat yourself up if you're complaining, feeling negative thoughts or not enjoying the process. If those thoughts are bordering on dangerous, though, please talk to a professional. 

It's okay to feel like you're 'moaning'

I didn't think I'd moan as much as I have in pregnancy, but every day or week, something new is happening, new symptoms, pains and emotions. It's okay to let all that honest emotion out and explain how you're feeling, rather than keep it all in.

You're doing an incredible job

Applause for you: you're smashing it. Whatever you're going through today in pregnancy, whether it's good or bad, you're doing an incredible job.

You look amazing

Just know, you look incredible. You're doing brilliantly and you're thriving, mama, you've got this. Take it easy, practice self-love and prioritise your feelings.

I hope you enjoyed this post. How far along in your pregnancy are you?

Thank you for reading <3

 Well, hello to you, my reader chums! Pregnancy is a magical time, but also a challenging journey for expectant mothers. For those around them, whether you’re a partner, family, friends, or colleagues, sometimes you may wonder what the best way is to offer support.

 Well, hello to you, my reader chums! I'm in love with the Italian Riviera, and the 5 days I spent there were an absolute dream. I was obsessed with the food, the gorgeous coastlines, the calm appeal, and the scenery. I would recommend visiting Liguria to everyone and have to admit it's probably become one of my new favourite regions in the country.

If you're planning a trip to the Italian Riviera (Liguria region), here is my guide for 5 days and the best things to see and do.

Day one: Finding your feet in Genoa

• Take a morning flight into Genoa and catch a Volabus into the city centre
• Drop off luggage in the tourist centre and wander around the central area, including Piazza De Ferrari and Via Garibaldi
• Check into your accommodation and figure out your bearings
• Visit the Porto Antico, wander around that area and catch the sunset
• Dinner at Cavour21

Day two: Exploring Genoa's best sights and food

• Buy the 24-hour museum pass for 15 euros to access many palaces and museums
• Visit San Lorenzo Cathedral
• Visit Christopher Columbus House and Porta Soprana
• Walk through the Caruggi area (lots of cute alleyways)
• See San Siro church
• Go to Palazzo Reale, Piazza Ducale, Palazzo Rosso and Palazzo Bianco (all included in the pass and near each other)
• Catch sunset at Spianata di Castelletto
• Dinner at Le Mani Ristorante

Day 3: Boat tour to Portofino

• Book a day boat trip from the Porto Antico port (28 euros each), which stops off at Camogli, San Fruttuoso and Portofino
• In Camogli, enjoy a mooch around the town and swim in the dark pebbly shores
• San Fruttuoso is pretty small - enjoy a drink with the view or chill on the tiny beach
• In Portofino, wander around the colourful streets, grab a gelato (Gelataria San Giorgio) and explore the fancy shops. You can also take a 20-30 minute walk to the Baia di Paraggi beach
• Recharge after a gorgeous boat trip and have dinner at Osteria da Canneto, then take an evening city stroll

Day 4: Day trip to Santa Margherita and Rapallo

• Get the train to S. Margherita Ligure-Portofino station. (4.50 euros one way) 
• Mooch around the city centre and visit Villa Durazzo
• Walk along the promenade and have lunch with a view
• Lunch at Panificio Fiordiponti  
• Gelato spot: Gelataria Centrale
• Spend the rest of the afternoon on Spiagga Libera and go for a swim
• Take the train or bus to Rapallo and have a mooch before heading back to Genoa
• Dinner at Trattoria Rosmarino

• Wander around Genoa and visit the other churches, including Chiesa del Gesu dei Santi Ambrogio e Andrea and the Church of San Matteo
• Get the bus to Corsa Italia and walk along the scenic walkway to Boccadasse Beach
• Spend a while relaxing on the beach and enjoying the view
• Gelato stop: Antica Gelataria Amedo
• Hop on a bus toward Genova Nervi and then walk along the coastline, before getting the train back to Genoa
• Dinner at Antica Isterua Di Vico Palla