Cassiefairy's thrifty little lifestyle blog

When I needed a pair of bedside tables but couldn’t find the mid-century modern style I wanted in the shops, I decided to make some myself. Here's how to DIY a matching pair of bedside units...

You will need: Old slim chest of drawers Thin plywood Wood glue Wood filler Rust-Oleum Surface Primer in White Rust-Oleum Painter’s Touch in Gloss White Set-square Hand saw or jigsaw Drill with a drill bit to match the screws and wood screws Screwdriver Sander and sandpaper Corner brackets Legs and matching screw-plates Step 1 Remove the middle drawers from an old chest of drawers.…

If January has ran away with you and all of a sudden Valentine's Day is just around the corner, don't worry - here are some romantic gift ideas and experiences that you can still order today and receive in time for Valentine's...

Some items have been gifted This year I thought I would do something a little different for my Valentine’s Gift guide – I’m showing you what my husband and I are getting for each other. I know that’s a bit of a spoiler for us both, but hopefully he won’t read this before I get a chance to give him these special treats! I thought it was important to share these ideas now as they can still be…

If you want to be inspired to get out of your comfort zone and try out new adventures in 2024, here are some ideas to bring extra experiences and plenty of family fun into your life this year...

Some items have been gifted My new year’s resolution all started when I saw that a new animated film is being launched by the creators of Minions and Despicable Me. I’m excited to watch Migration – you can watch the trailer here – which I did before deciding on my goal for 2024. The tagline for the film is what particularly caught my eye and it could well be a perfect mantra for this…

If you're travelling around this winter or even just commuting to work or school, it's a good idea to look after your car and make sure the tyres are in top condition, ready for whatever the weather throws at you...

Advertisement feature The winter months can be tougher on tyres than other times of the year. This is the case even if you drive around southern cities, like Brighton or London, let alone more mountainous places, such as the Lake District or Fife. Of course, winters are often colder north of the border, but even if it isn’t freezing, the shorter daylight hours make it harder to avoid hazards on…

If you've been struggling to achieve a deep, replenishing sleep, why not make this year the one where you finally get comfortable? Here's what I've been doing to improve my sleep this new year...

Some items have been gifted Imagine being able to drift off to sleep without any springs digging into your back. Wouldn’t it be nice to roll over without making the bed bounce and dislodging whoever else is in the bed in the process? How lovely would it be to soothe away the aches of the day simply by going to sleep? All those goals are what I’ve been thinking about this year and I’ve decided…

Expanding your home can cost you a hefty slice of your savings, for sure. But does building a home extension always have to be a pricey endeavour? Here are some thrifty tips you can put into action, to save a significant sum...

Advertisement feature 1. The Architect Advantage: Clever Design, Clever Savings Hiring an architect might seem as extravagant as buying a golden toilet for your bathroom, but hear me out. A good architect can design your extension efficiently, ensuring you use every square inch wisely. It’s like having a space-saving wizard by your side, turning nooks and crannies into storage spaces and cosy…

If you want to save money this year, let’s dive into how you can transform your financial habits into a treasure trove of savings...

Advertisement feature Now, I know what you’re thinking – “Oh, another boring lecture about cutting coupons and skipping lattes.” But fear not. I’m here to make this journey fun, relatable and, most importantly, effective. Let’s go! The Budget: Your Money’s BFF First up, we’ve got talk about budgeting. But hey, don’t hit the snooze button yet! A budget isn’t some boring way to shackle your…

Whether you'd like to refresh your whole wardrobe with a variety of new outfits or simply need to replace some seasonal items that have worn out, here are three ideas for getting new clothes without splashing the cash...

Collaborative feature At this time of year it can be tempting to shop for new clothes, especially with all the fashion retailers adding new lines to their sales or offering final discounts. Sure, it’s a cheaper-than-usual way to buy new clothes BUT it’ll still cost you much more to revamp your wardrobe than if you try out some of these thriftier options. 1. Sell before you shop A great way to…

There are all sorts of valid reasons for renovating your property, from needed extra storage space to making room for a relative to move in. Whatever the reason, you should consider the cost of any projects Vs the value they'll add to your home...

Advertisement feature Some of reasons for renovating are obvious, others may be more unique. For example, perhaps you have a keen interest in using a high-end jacuzzi-like bathtub for those long and warm evening soaks, and so you prioritize your family bathroom before anything else. Or, maybe you want to entertain more readily, and so knock through your living room wall to create an open-plan…

Right now there is a debate raging in the car community concerning the sustainability of the vehicles we drive. If you're considering ditching your old classic in favour of a new electric vehicle, here are both sides of the argument for you to help you de

Advertisement feature Right now there is a debate raging in the car community concerning the sustainability of the vehicles we drive. If you’re considering ditching your old classic in favour of a new electric vehicle, here are both sides of the argument for you to help you decide… On one side we have the advocates of the electric vehicle (EV), who state that this type of transportation is…

Planning a trip this year? If so, you'll want to avoid these five travel mistakes to make sure that your holiday is enjoyable without stretching your budget to the limit...

Collaborative feature Planning a trip this year? If so, you’ll want to avoid these five travel mistakes to make sure that your holiday is enjoyable without stretching your budget to the limit… Today is Blue Monday, the day that happiness levels fall to the lowest of the year. A combination of the cold, grey weather, the Christmas festivities being over and the mid-month, still-far-from-payday…

If you're considering moving house this year, perhaps there's another option? If you're solely planning to move in order to gain more space, perhaps one of home improvement projects will help improve your square-footage AND add value to your property...

Collaborative feature If you’re considering moving house this year, perhaps there’s another option? If you’re solely planning to move in order to gain more space, perhaps one of home improvement projects will help you to improve your square-footage AND add value to your property… Sometimes, the home you previously loved and that suited your family’s needs is no longer working for you. When that…

As cold therapy gains mainstream popularity for its wide-ranging health and wellness benefits, more people are looking to incorporate ice baths into their routines. Here are some ways you can create your own affordable ice bath oasis at home...

Advertisement feature But before you start creating your first cold spa at home, a word of warning from ColdPlungeFacts.com: While cold plunges offer numerous health benefits, they should be approached with caution. Individuals with heart conditions or high blood pressure should consult a healthcare professional before attempting cold water immersion. Safety first always applies to cold water…

This gorgeous apartment is just made for parties, which makes it the ideal home tour to share before new year! Be inspired by the dark decor, jungle-like environment and glowing neon lights...

I love a bold interior and this home tour from @Knackered Mavis is right up my street. The dark green colours on every surface, cheeky artwork and fun furnishings make it look super-fun: the kind of place I’d love to celebrate the party season in! I’ve gradually been filling my own home with neon lights and light-up signs and now have about six of them – ranging from text to a cactus. So it’s no…

Advertisement feature Understanding how to navigate your home expenses is a good step towards financial empowerment, whether you’re a first-time homeowner in the UK or looking to refine your financial strategy. Let’s delve into the complexities of budgeting, focusing on UK homeowners new to the world of financial planning. From determining your income and expenses to mastering the art of…

Venice, often called the "Floating City," is a destination that captivates travellers with its romantic canals, historic architecture and unique charm. While the city's beauty is undeniable, it's no secret that Venice can be a pricey place to visit...

Advertisement feature While the city’s beauty is undeniable, it’s no secret that Venice can be a pricey place to visit. However, with a little bit of planning and some insider tips, you can experience the magic of Venice without breaking the bank. In this article, I’ll show you how to save money on your trip to Venice. Let’s go! Book Tickets in Advance to Doge’s Palace One of Venice’s most…

When I found this wide-framed dressing table mirror at a car boot sale for only a couple of pounds, I knew that it was the ideal size to create a light-up Hollywood mirror using solar-powered fairy lights. Here’s how you can create this glamorous look you

Add a touch of vintage Hollywood glamour to your interior with a bulb-lit mirror. And the best part is that you can DIY one yourself! A wide frame is essential for this project, as the wood needs to be wide enough to drill holes that are the same diameter as the bulb covers. You could use fairy lights with smaller bulb covers if you want to recreate the same look on a narrower or smaller…