Slummy single mummy

Will Untamed cat food please my fussy eaters?

Jo Middleton — Wed, 27 May 2026 11:17:01 +0000

I put Untamed cat food up against my three fussy cats, but what did they think? Read on to find out…

My three cats – Humphrey, Camille and Endeavour – have always been fussy eaters. It feels odd when they’ll happily eat an entire mouse, or fish a piece of buttered crumpet out of my mouth given half the chance, but there we are. Over the years I’ve tried them on all sorts of different foods, hoping to fob them off with cheaper biscuits, but they won’t have it.

(Remember years ago when I told you about my rule of second crappest? Well, the cats aren’t buying it.)

The only food I’ve been able to get them to agree on is a brand of prescription biscuits, which cost about four million pounds per bag. Not ideal. Still, they are all well and happy, which is the main thing.

Here they are as babies

Only then Humphrey – the bottom cat in the picture – got ill. At the end of last year he had an issue with his bladder and urethra, which involved a catheter and not a small amount of incontinence. It was a tricky time, not least for me, who apparently becomes hysterical whenever a pet is mildly unwell.

Sick kids? I’m fine, no worries. Cats? HYSTERIA.

As part of his treatment, he had to change his diet to include wet food, to keep him hydrated. Since then we’ve been doing a complicated arrangement whereby Humphrey is shut in one room, to have what I lovingly call his ‘peen food’ – (you’re welcome) – while Camille and Endeavour eat their biscuits and then wait outside the door just in case there are any leftovers.

All of this long and boring introduction is by way of saying wouldn’t it be nice if there was a wet cat food that I knew was good for them and that they all liked?

It’s at this juncture that Untamed get in touch and ask if I would like to try some of their cat food. Yes please, thank you very much.

A quick check of the Untamed website reveals that my feline trio are in for a treat – human-grade ingredients, 100% real, hand-shredded meats, no grains and B-corp certified. (Okay, they weren’t honestly fussed about the B-corp bit, but it’s nice for me to know.) They offer next day delivery and there’s no freezing or defrosting required, which is good, because the freezer is already full of dog food, and I barely remember to defrost that.

Here it is:

First impressions when our delivery arrived was that the cans are adorable. I appreciate that this is absolutely not the point, but they are very cute. Then I took a look at the ingredients and actually said ‘wow’ out loud. I’m not even kidding. They are not messing about with the ‘human grade’ bit – the chicken breast in jelly is 60% chicken, 39% chicken broth and 1% tapioca.

Look at it – you could make yourself a nice sandwich out of this:

Endeavour is already interested

For their first go they split some of the chicken breast and the wild tuna and salmon, which looked just as delicious. As soon as I started putting it into their bowls they could tell that something exciting was happening.

You can see from the picture that Humphrey, at the back there, is getting a bit of a wild look in his eye. He was Very Keen. In fact he couldn’t even contain himself until I put the bowls down on the floor.

They did all get their own bowl, although suffice to say that they mixed themselves up and all got the wrong name. And did they like it? Of course they did! It was literally chicken and fish. What’s not to like about that if you’re a person, let alone a cat. They absolutely loved it.

Clean bowls all round.

Untamed offer a range of meat and fish options, in jelly, gravy or broth options, so there’s something for everyone. I wanted at this point to be able to say something like ‘Humphrey’s favourite is definitely X’, but the truth is that they all loved all of them.

If you’d like to give Untamed cat food a go you can get a trial box of 12 cans for just £7, with free P&P.

We were sent a box of Untamed cat food for the purposes of this review but all opinions are my own.

The post Will Untamed cat food please my fussy eaters? appeared first on Slummy single mummy.

Will Untamed cat food please my fussy eaters? was first posted on May 27, 2026 at 12:17 pm.

How To Create A Cosy Home Atmosphere With Simple Decorative Touches

Jo Middleton — Mon, 25 May 2026 12:36:10 +0000

Creating a cosy home really doesn’t have to mean redecorating every room or spending a fortune. Quite often, it’s the smaller details that matter most; the way a room is lit, the textures you layer in, the odd personal touch dotted around. A home that feels genuinely warm is usually one where comfort has been prioritised over perfection. Soft lamps, candles and fairy lights can completely transform how a living space feels come evening, especially when harsh overhead lighting is making everything feel a bit clinical and cold.

Whether you’re sprucing up a family living room, trying to make a bedroom feel more restful, or just adding a bit of warmth to a hallway, simple changes really do go a long way. Focus on making the space feel lived-in and personal, rather than chasing some impossibly polished look.

Start with softer lighting

Lighting makes an enormous difference to how a room feels. Bright ceiling lights have their place, cooking, cleaning, homework, but they’re not exactly relaxing. Softer, layered lighting is far more conducive to actually unwinding at the end of the day.

Rather than relying on one overhead light, try mixing table lamps, floor lamps, wall lights and a bit of decorative lighting. It gives you much more control over the mood and means you can adjust things depending on what you’re doing or what time it is.

A lamp beside the sofa turns a corner into a proper reading spot. Bedside lamps make a bedroom feel noticeably more restful. Even a small lamp on a hallway console table can make coming home feel like more of a welcome than walking into a corridor. The idea is pools of gentle light, rather than bathing the whole room in the same brightness.

Add warmth with textiles

Textiles are probably the quickest win when it comes to cosiness. Cushions, throws, rugs, curtains, they all soften a room without requiring any permanent changes, which is always a bonus.

In the living room, layer cushions in different sizes and fabrics on the sofa. They really don’t need to match perfectly. A mix of cotton, velvet, wool or boucle can actually feel more relaxed and interesting than a perfectly co-ordinated set. Throws are especially useful in family homes, where evenings tend to involve films, reading or general sprawling about after a long day.

Rugs make a real difference too, particularly on wooden or tiled floors. They define a space, take the edge off any echo and add warmth underfoot. Even something small, beside a bed or under a coffee table, can make a room feel considerably more finished.

Choose a calming colour palette

Colour has a huge effect on how a home feels. Cosy doesn’t necessarily mean neutral, but softer tones do tend to create a more restful atmosphere. Warm whites, muted greens, dusky pinks, earthy browns, soft greys, all of these can work really well depending on the style of your home.

If repainting isn’t on the cards, introduce colour through accessories instead. Cushions, throws, artwork, lampshades and bedding can all shift the mood of a room without any major upheaval. It also makes seasonal updates far more manageable. Picking two or three colours and repeating them throughout the room tends to give things a cohesive feel, even if the furniture and bits and pieces have been accumulated over years.

Make everyday spaces feel considered

Cosiness isn’t only for living rooms and bedrooms. Hallways, kitchens, bathrooms and dining areas can all feel more welcoming with a bit of thought.

In a hallway, a mirror, a small lamp and some hooks for coats can make the space feel both organised and inviting. A console table with a vase of flowers or a framed photo helps soften what’s often a purely practical area. In the kitchen, a small plant, a ceramic bowl of fruit or a few favourite mugs on open shelving can add real warmth. If you have a dining table, try not to let it become a dumping ground, a simple runner, a candle or a small centrepiece is all it takes to make mealtimes feel a bit more considered.

Bathrooms benefit from this thinking too. Fresh towels, a decent bath mat, a humidity-loving plant and a small tray for toiletries can make the whole room feel calmer.

Bring in natural elements

Natural materials tend to make a home feel grounded. Wood, rattan, linen, stone, ceramic, they add texture and warmth without making a room feel cluttered or overdone, and they work across a wide range of interior styles.

Plants are a particularly simple way to add life to a room, bringing colour, texture and a sense of something being cared for. If you’re not especially green-fingered, snake plants, pothos, spider plants and peace lilies are all fairly forgiving. A few dried flowers or some branches in a vase can also do the job without any maintenance whatsoever.

Display personal items thoughtfully

A home should feel like yours. Family photos, children’s artwork, books, bits brought back from travels, these are what give a space personality. The trick is displaying them in a way that feels intentional rather than just accumulated.

Grouping smaller items together tends to work better than spreading things thinly across every surface. A shelf with a couple of framed photos, a candle and a plant can feel genuinely considered. Children’s artwork looks great in simple frames or as part of a rotating wall display, which keeps things feeling fresh rather than chaotic.

Create cosy corners

You don’t need to overhaul an entire room. Sometimes one good corner is enough. A reading chair with a throw and a nearby lamp, a window seat with cushions, a bedroom nook with a basket for books, small, intentional spots that invite you to actually sit and pause.

Keep clutter under control

A cosy home doesn’t have to be spotless, but too much clutter does make it harder to relax. Baskets, trays and storage boxes help keep everyday items contained without demanding constant tidying. Clearing one or two key surfaces each day, the coffee table, a kitchen worktop, makes a surprising difference to how settled a space feels, even when life is genuinely busy.

The most effective changes are always the ones that suit how you actually live. Warmth, texture, light and a few personal touches, that’s really all it takes.

The post How To Create A Cosy Home Atmosphere With Simple Decorative Touches appeared first on Slummy single mummy.

How To Create A Cosy Home Atmosphere With Simple Decorative Touches was first posted on May 25, 2026 at 1:36 pm.

Exploring the culture of the canary islands with your kids

Jo Middleton — Tue, 28 Apr 2026 15:56:00 +0000

The Canary Islands have a well-deserved reputation for gorgeous beaches, reliable sunshine, and no shortage of things to keep active families busy. But tucked behind all of that is a genuinely rich cultural heritage that most visitors never get round to exploring properly. If you’re heading there as a single parent with kids in tow, it’s well worth mixing in a few cultural experiences alongside the beach days, the islands reward curiosity in a way that not many holiday destinations do.

Taking a cruise to the Canary Islands gives you a brilliant base for doing exactly that. You get the relaxed pace of a beach holiday whilst still having the flexibility to explore local food, history, and traditions at your own speed. Here’s a look at how you can weave some genuine cultural discovery into your family trip.

Discover the History and Architecture of the Islands

The history here stretches back centuries, and you don’t have to look hard to find it. Lots of the islands have held onto their colonial-era architecture, think cobbled streets, sun-bleached plazas, and old stone churches that feel entirely removed from the resort strips nearby.

Las Palmas, the capital of Gran Canaria, has the historical district of Vegueta, which is one of those places that genuinely feels like it belongs to a different era. The Santa Ana Cathedral is worth a visit, and the Museo Canario nearby is particularly good for families, it covers the story of the Guanche people, the original inhabitants of the islands, and it’s the kind of place that tends to stick with children long after they leave.

Over on Tenerife, La Laguna holds UNESCO World Heritage status, and rightly so. It was once the island’s capital, and the colonial buildings, churches, and weekly market have been beautifully preserved. Walking through the old town with kids is a lovely way to spend a morning, unhurried, interesting, and not a theme park in sight.

Experience the Local Festivals and Traditions

The islands have a packed calendar of festivals, and if your trip happens to coincide with one, it’s absolutely worth adjusting your plans to attend. These events aren’t put on for tourists, they’re deeply rooted in local life, which makes them far more interesting to experience.

The Carnival of Santa Cruz de Tenerife is probably the most famous of the lot. Held every February, it’s one of the biggest carnival celebrations in the world, with elaborate costumes, loud music, and street parades that go on for days. Children tend to love it unreservedly.

Less well known but equally fascinating is the Fiesta de la Rama in Agaete, Gran Canaria. It dates back to pre-Hispanic times and involves locals marching through the streets carrying tree branches whilst singing and dancing. It sounds simple, but there’s something genuinely moving about watching a tradition that old still being celebrated with such enthusiasm.

Even outside of formal festivals, smaller villages across the islands often have workshops where children can have a go at traditional crafts. In Lanzarote especially, you can find pottery and weaving sessions that give kids a hands-on connection to the island’s artisanal past.

Taste the Flavours of the Canary Islands

Food is always a good cultural entry point with children, and the Canary Islands have plenty to offer. The local cuisine draws on Spanish, African, and Latin American influences in a way that feels entirely its own.

Papas arrugadas, wrinkled potatoes cooked in heavily salted water, are the dish most associated with the islands. They’re served with mojo, a sauce that comes in both red and green varieties and ranges from mild to genuinely spicy. Most children take to it immediately, particularly the green version.

Seafood features heavily across all the islands. Sancocho, a traditional fish stew served with potatoes and vegetables, is a hearty, flavoursome dish that’s well worth trying. And the local goat’s cheese, often paired with a drizzle of island honey, is something of a revelation if you’ve never had it before.

Local markets are the best place to get a proper feel for the food culture. They’re lively, unpretentious, and usually have stalls where you can try things before you commit to buying, which is always appreciated when travelling with picky eaters.

Explore the Unique Natural Environment

The landscape of the Canary Islands is unlike almost anywhere else in Europe, shaped by volcanic activity and a climate that shifts dramatically from one part of an island to another. For children with any interest in the natural world, it’s endlessly fascinating.

Teide National Park in Tenerife is the obvious starting point. Mount Teide is Spain’s tallest peak and an active volcano, and the landscape surrounding it looks more like the surface of the moon than anything you’d expect to find in the Atlantic. There’s a cable car to the upper reaches, and the trails lower down are manageable for most ages. The geology here is a genuine talking point, the colours of the rock alone tend to spark questions.

Garajonay National Park in La Gomera is a completely different experience. It’s one of the last surviving laurel forests in the world, and walking through it feels genuinely ancient. The canopy keeps things cool and misty, even in summer, and the biodiversity is remarkable. It has UNESCO World Heritage status, and it’s easy to understand why.

The marine environment around the islands is equally impressive. Snorkelling trips and boat tours regularly spot turtles, dolphins, and a huge variety of fish, the sort of wildlife encounters that children remember for years.

Learn the Local History of the Guanche People

The Guanche, the indigenous people of the Canary Islands, have a story that deserves more attention than it typically receives. Much of their culture was lost following the Spanish conquest in the 15th century, but there are still meaningful traces to be found if you know where to look.

The Museo Canario in Las Palmas is the most comprehensive starting point. The collection includes pottery, tools, and mummified remains from the pre-Hispanic period, along with interactive displays that are designed with younger visitors in mind. It handles a complex history with real care, and it’s the sort of museum that prompts good conversations on the walk back to wherever you’re staying.

Conclusion

There’s a lot more to the Canary Islands than lying on a beach, enjoyable as that undoubtedly is. The history is layered, the food is genuinely good, the landscape is extraordinary, and the cultural traditions, from ancient festivals to indigenous heritage, give the whole place a depth that repays a bit of curiosity. For families willing to venture a little beyond the resort, it’s a remarkably rewarding destination.

The post Exploring the culture of the canary islands with your kids appeared first on Slummy single mummy.

Exploring the culture of the canary islands with your kids was first posted on April 28, 2026 at 4:56 pm.

Small Bedroom Storage Ideas: Decluttering Your Space

Jo Middleton — Mon, 20 Apr 2026 14:49:05 +0000

Storage always seems to be in short supply. Whether you are navigating a spacious master suite or a tiny box room, the struggle to find a “home” for everything is universal.

Your bedroom should be your personal sanctuary—a place of rest and rejuvenation—not a cluttered chaos zone that triggers a stress response the moment you walk through the door.

Transforming a cramped room into an organised retreat doesn’t require knocking down walls. Instead, it requires a strategic blend of psychological shifts, rigorous decluttering, and the selection of furniture that works twice as hard as standard pieces.

The Hidden Cost of Clutter

The state of your bedroom directly impacts your mental health and physical well-being. When a space is filled with scattered belongings, the brain processes the mess as excessive stimuli, making it significantly harder to “switch off.”

The Stress Response: Research indicates that people who describe their homes as cluttered have higher levels of cortisol—the stress hormone. Your brain perceives clutter as an unfinished task, keeping you in a constant state of low-grade anxiety.
The Sleep Connection: Clutter doesn’t stop affecting you when you close your eyes. Disorganized spaces are linked to poorer sleep quality and longer “sleep onset” (the time it takes to fall asleep). A messy room prompts thoughts of cleaning and chores, preventing the mental relaxation necessary for deep, restorative REM sleep.
Airflow and Hygiene: Beyond the mental load, physical clutter near windows and under furniture restricts ventilation. This can lead to poor air quality and uncomfortable temperatures, further degrading your sleep environment.

Step 1: Declutter Before You Organize

The most common mistake in bedroom organization is buying storage bins for items you don’t need. Organizing without decluttering is simply tidying your excess into neater piles.

The Four-Box Method

To reduce emotional, overwhelm, use the four-box method. Label four containers: Keep, Donate, Bin, and Relocate. * Keep: Only for items you love, use frequently, or have deep sentimental value.

Donate: Items in good condition that no longer serve you.
Bin: Anything broken, stained, or expired.
Relocate: The bedroom often becomes a “catch-all” for mugs from the kitchen or mail from the hallway. This box ensures those items return to their proper place.

The Kon Mari Influence

Adopt the “category” approach. Instead of cleaning the whole room, tackle only “Clothes.” Then move to “Books,” then “Miscellaneous.” By seeing every garment you own in one pile, you realize the sheer volume of what you have, making it easier to be ruthless. If an item doesn’t fit, feels uncomfortable, or hasn’t been worn in a year, it’s time to let it go.

Step 2: Choosing the Right Storage Bed

In a small bedroom, the bed is the most significant piece of real estate. If you aren’t using the space beneath the mattress, you are wasting the most valuable storage “gold mine” in the house.

Ottoman Beds: The Heavy Lifters

Ottoman beds feature a gas-lift hydraulic mechanism that allows the entire mattress base to lift, revealing a massive, hidden cavity.

Storage Capacity: They offer storage across the entire footprint of the bed.
Best For: Large, bulky items that you don’t need daily, such as suitcases, winter duvets, spare pillows, or sports equipment.
Aesthetic: Because the storage is fully enclosed, it looks like a standard bed frame, keeping the “visual noise” to a minimum.

Image source Bedstar: Timberland Wooden Ottoman Bed – Natural. Priced £329

Divan Beds: The Organised Classic

Divan beds consist of a solid upholstered base, usually split into two halves, with integrated drawers built into the sides.

Storage Capacity: While they offer slightly less volume than an ottoman, they provide better organization.
Best For: Frequently used items like bed linens, towels, underwear, or pyjamas.
Consideration: You must ensure you have enough floor space on either side of the bed to pull the drawers out fully. If your bed is pushed against a wall, a side-opening ottoman or a “half-divan” might be a better choice.

Image source Bedstar: Silentnight Miracoil Ortho 4FT 6 Double Divan Bed. Priced £449

Storage Headboards: The Table-Replacement

A storage headboard incorporates shelves or hidden cubbies directly into the head of the bed.

The Benefit: This often eliminates the need for bedside tables entirely, freeing up floor space for a walkway or a wardrobe.
Features: Modern versions often include built-in LED lighting and charging ports for phones, keeping cables off the floor and surfaces clear.

Step 3: Maximizing Vertical and Hidden Spaces

When you run out of floor space, look up. Walls are the most underutilized asset in a small room.

Fitted vs. Freestanding Wardrobes: While freestanding wardrobes are cheaper, they often stop short of the ceiling, leaving a “dead zone” that collects dust. Fitted wardrobes run wall-to-wall and floor-to-ceiling, turning every millimetre into storage. Use the highest shelves for seasonal items like holiday decorations or ski gear.

Image source: Bedstar

Floating Shelves: These provide storage without the “heavy” look of a bookcase. Placing a shelf high up near the ceiling can hold a library of books without making the room feel smaller.
Over-Door Solutions: The back of your bedroom door can hold a surprising amount of weight. Over-door hooks are perfect for dressing gowns and bags, while pocket organizers can hold everything from shoes to hair tools.
Corner Units: Corners are often ignored. Corner shelving units or “zigzag” shelves turn these 90-degree angles into functional display or storage areas.

Step 4: Maintaining the System

Even the best furniture won’t help if your drawers are a jumble. Implement micro-organization systems to ensure your hard work sticks.

Drawer Dividers: These are essential for small items. Use them to create “zones” in your dresser for socks, ties, and jewellery.
File Folding: Instead of stacking clothes in high piles (where the bottom item is forgotten), fold clothes so they stand vertically. This allows you to see every item at once when you open the drawer.
Vacuum Storage Bags: For items like winter coats or guest duvets, vacuum bags are a gamechanger. They can compress bulky textiles by up to 75%, allowing you to fit a whole winter wardrobe into a single under-bed box.
The “One-In, One-Out” Rule: Once you have reached your ideal storage capacity, commit to a rule: for every new item of clothing or decor you buy, one must be donated or binned. This prevents “clutter creep” from taking over your sanctuary again.

Conclusion: Your Organised Sanctuary Awaits

Transforming a small bedroom isn’t about having less life; it’s about having more space to breathe. By decluttering with intention and choosing multifunctional furniture—like the cavernous ottoman bed or the precision of a divan—you reclaim your room from the chaos.

Start small. Choose one area—perhaps the space under your bed or that one “junk drawer”—and tackle it today.

The psychological relief of a tidy space is immediate, and the improvement in your sleep quality will be the ultimate reward. Your bedroom should be the place where the world falls away. With these strategies, you can finally make that a reality.

How does the current layout of your bedroom feel—does the furniture feel too “heavy,” or is the main issue simply having too many items for the space?

The post Small Bedroom Storage Ideas: Decluttering Your Space appeared first on Slummy single mummy.

Small Bedroom Storage Ideas: Decluttering Your Space was first posted on April 20, 2026 at 3:49 pm.

Low-Effort Garden Wins for Busy Parents

Jo Middleton — Tue, 03 Mar 2026 20:56:42 +0000

There’s a particular type of person I used to imagine when I thought about gardening. Calm, unhurried, with a trug basket over one arm and absolutely nowhere else to be. That person is not a parent of young children. Parents of young children are the ones scraping dried Weetabix off the counter at 7am, driving someone to football practice and trying to remember if they’ve actually eaten lunch today. Gardening, in that context, can feel like a charming idea that belongs to another life entirely.

But it doesn’t have to be that way. Genuinely. Some of the loveliest outdoor spaces I’ve come across belong to utterly chaotic households, and they work because the people tending them made sensible, low-effort choices from the start. Planting flower bulbs, for instance, is one of those beautifully lazy wins – you do the work once, forget about it completely, and then one morning something improbably cheerful has appeared in the ground. For busy parents, that kind of payoff-to-effort ratio is basically the dream.

Here’s what actually works when you haven’t got much time.

Choose plants that practically look after themselves

Some plants require attention, care and a level of devotion that frankly only the childless can sustain. Others are more or less indifferent to whether you remember they exist. Go for the second kind. Hardy varieties that suit your local climate will get on with things quietly and won’t punish you for a missed watering here and there. It matters more than people think, choosing the right plant for your actual conditions rather than the ones you wish you had.

Stop trying to garden in big sessions

Long, uninterrupted stretches of time don’t really exist in family life. They might theoretically exist on the calendar, then your youngest needs a snack and someone’s lost a shoe and suddenly it’s dark. Ten minutes while dinner’s on, a quick water after the school run – that’s genuinely enough. Short bursts suit gardens better than people realise, and they suit parents almost perfectly.

Keep the layout simple

The magazine gardens with the winding paths and the carefully curated herb spirals are gorgeous, obviously. They’re also a nightmare to maintain unless you’re out there every weekend. Cluster plants together rather than dotting them about – it looks more deliberate, it’s easier to water, and weeds have less territory to colonise. Simpler is nearly always better when time is short.

Use containers wherever you can

Pots are brilliant for busy people. They keep the growing area contained, they hold moisture well, and if something isn’t working you move it rather than having to dig the whole thing up. They’re also useful if your children treat the garden as a running track, because a pot can be shifted out of the blast radius fairly easily. There’s a reason container gardening appeals to people who want results without much fuss.

Make peace with a bit of chaos

The garden is not going to look immaculate. It just isn’t. Soil will be scattered, something will be dug up by accident, and at some point a child will water the flowers with orange squash. If you spend your time trying to maintain a pristine outdoor space while raising small humans, you’ll exhaust yourself and resent both the children and the garden. Let it be a little wild. Honestly, slightly imperfect gardens often feel more liveable and welcoming than the tightly controlled kind.

Mulch is doing more than you’d think

It’s not complicated – mulch is just a layer of material over the soil. Bark, compost, grass clippings. What it does is hold moisture in, keep weeds down and protect the soil from temperature swings. All of which means less watering, less weeding and less time spent fixing problems. Most of what you need is already kicking around in your garden or compost bin. It’s one of those small things that genuinely reduces effort over time.

Give children jobs they can actually do

Children helping in the garden can go two ways. It can be lovely, or it can add forty-five minutes to a ten-minute task while someone repots a worm. The trick is matching the job to the child. Little ones can water things or pat soil into pots; older children can plant, rake or help tidy up. When they have a stake in it, they’re also less likely to barrel straight through your seedlings on the way to retrieve a football.

Choose plants that keep giving

If you’re planting anything, make it something that earns its space for as long as possible. Perennials that come back each year, long-flowering varieties that don’t need replacing every few weeks – these are the plants worth investing in. Think about what blooms when, so there’s always something doing something. That way the garden keeps looking alive without you having to constantly intervene.

Adjust what you’re aiming for

A garden that works for a busy family doesn’t look like a show garden. It looks like a place where people actually spend time – where there’s grass to sit on, somewhere for a cup of tea, a few plants doing something cheerful. If your outdoor space functions and you enjoy being in it, then it’s succeeding. That’s all success needs to mean. Let go of the idea that it has to be perfect, and gardening starts to feel like a small pleasure rather than just another thing you’re failing to keep on top of.

The post Low-Effort Garden Wins for Busy Parents appeared first on Slummy single mummy.

Low-Effort Garden Wins for Busy Parents was first posted on March 3, 2026 at 9:56 pm.

Mother’s Day when your kids are grown up is still Mother’s Day actually

Jo Middleton — Thu, 19 Feb 2026 11:29:43 +0000

When your children are small, Mother’s Day feels like a very big deal.

You get cards with misspelt words like ‘MUM I LUV YUO’ and possibly a lumpy bowl made out of clay that you have to pretend you’ll use for olives but actually becomes a home for dead batteries in the kitchen drawer.

When your children are 30 and 23, Mother’s Day feels… different.

You’re less likely to get a handmade bookmark with a teabag glued to it, and more likely to get a text at about 4pm saying ‘Happy Mother’s Day!’ followed by a separate text saying ‘Sorry that’s late I’ve been at the gym.’

And that’s fine! That’s how it’s meant to go. They’re grown up, they’ve got lives of their own, and technically speaking you can now have a lie-in without anyone asking you where their PE kit is.

But I do still think it’s nice to recognise mums at any age.

Just because your kids are old enough to own their own homes, doesn’t mean you don’t deserve a little moment of appreciation. You’re still the one who knows where everyone’s passport is. You’re still the one who gets the call when someone’s had a bad day at work or can’t work out how to bleed a radiator.

Mothering doesn’t have an expiry date.

Which is why I think a small, thoughtful gift can still be lovely – especially if, like me, you have to gently remind your adult children that Mother’s Day is coming up by sending them a ‘funny meme’ that is actually a link to the Very website. Very is a veritable treasure chest of gift ideas – super quick and easy for stress free shopping.

For instance, take this gorgeous Yankee Candle diffuser. It has customisable light and mist settings and you can set a timer for up to eight hours, which basically means you can make your house smell like a spa without having to leave the sofa.

You can even set it to cycle through every colour and create your very own light show. I can also recommend it for the kitchen – particularly something like the fresh cotton scent – when you’ve cooked sausages and forgotten to switch on the extractor fan.

I am at the stage in life where ambience is genuinely exciting. Ten years ago I wanted jewellery. Now I want my house to smell faintly of midnight jasmine while I watch Location, Location, Location in peace.

And speaking of things that bring you joy – women’s slippers.

Not the sad emergency slippers you buy in the supermarket when you’ve forgotten your PE kit again as an adult, but proper, luxurious ones like the Just Sheepskin boot slippers. The kind of women’s slippers that say ‘I have raised children and now I will be warm.’

These slippers are so soft that my dog Mako seems to think they are a new friend. I can’t put them on without her wanting to come and lie on them.

Finally, if you want to lean into the ‘I am a glamorous mother with adult offspring’ vibe, then you can’t go wrong with women’s perfume.

Something like Juicy Couture’s Viva La Juicy Sucré feels like exactly the sort of gift your grown-up child might buy if they wanted to say ‘thank you for everything, including that time you drove me to a house party in 2009 and pretended not to see the WKD in my bag.’

Because even when your children are fully grown adults who can legally rent a car and complain about mortgage rates, you are still their mum.

And honestly, I think that deserves at least a pair of slippers.

The post Mother’s Day when your kids are grown up is still Mother’s Day actually appeared first on Slummy single mummy.

Mother’s Day when your kids are grown up is still Mother’s Day actually was first posted on February 19, 2026 at 12:29 pm.

The Ultimate Guide to Rainy Day Activities for Families

Jo Middleton — Thu, 05 Feb 2026 13:31:12 +0000

Let’s be honest: rainy days can feel like a bit of a nightmare when you’ve got kids bouncing off the walls and the weather’s refusing to play nice. But here’s the thing: grey skies don’t have to mean everyone’s stuck staring at screens feeling miserable. With a little bit of imagination and some planning, you can actually turn a soggy day into something the whole family will remember fondly.

The secret? Knowing where to look for inspiration. Checking out available days out deals across the UK is a great starting point. You’d be surprised how many indoor attractions (museums, soft play centres, science centres) offer discounted entry. Most of these places are built with kids in mind anyway, so they’re packed with interactive stuff, hands-on exhibits, and safe spaces where children can explore to their hearts’ content.

Indoor Attractions That Kids Will Actually Enjoy

Museums might sound a bit stuffy, but not all of them are the quiet, “don’t touch anything” type. Science and discovery centres? They’re brilliant. Kids can touch things, play around, and actually experiment rather than just looking through glass cases. Many run special workshops and demonstrations on weekends or during school holidays too, which means you’re learning together while actually having fun.

For younger ones, soft play centres are absolute lifesavers. Climbing frames, ball pits, slides, tunnels… everything a kid needs to tire themselves out safely. Some even have quiet corners or sensory rooms for toddlers, so nobody gets left out. Worth checking session times beforehand though. Turning up when it’s not packed makes the whole experience much more pleasant.

Art galleries might not be the first thing that springs to mind for kids, but they can be surprisingly good. Many offer family tours or activity packs that help children engage with what they’re seeing. Craft workshops are becoming really popular too: painting, sculpting, building something they can take home. It keeps them busy, sure, but it’s also encouraging them to think creatively and critically.

Keeping It Fun at Home

You don’t always need to drag everyone out of the house. Sometimes the best rainy day activities happen right where you are, and they’re often more relaxed too. Why not set up a themed day? A “science day” could involve simple experiments with things you’ve already got lying around. A “cultural day” might mean exploring music, food, and stories from different countries. It’s all about making ordinary afternoons feel like adventures.

Cooking or baking together works wonders. Even straightforward stuff like decorating biscuits or making homemade pizzas keeps kids entertained while sneaking in some life skills. If you’ve got the space, create a mini obstacle course or organise a scavenger hunt. Physical activity plus a bit of excitement equals happy children. The trick is rotating what you do so nobody gets bored, and they might even start looking forward to rainy days.

Reading together is lovely too, especially if you make it more than just sitting with a book. Use props. Dress up. Act out scenes. Audiobooks are fantastic as well, particularly for older kids who like listening while they draw or do simple crafts.

Combining Learning with Play

Here’s what’s great about indoor activities: they often sneak in learning without it feeling like school. Puzzle centres, family-friendly escape rooms, interactive exhibitions… they all challenge problem-solving skills and teamwork without anyone realizing they’re developing important abilities.

Libraries are genuinely underrated resources. Many host workshops, story sessions, and craft activities that are either free or very low-cost. Even board games at home can teach strategy, patience, and how to get along with others. Games that focus on collaboration rather than competition work especially well for younger children and siblings. Less arguing, more fun.

Exploring Local Indoor Options

Every town and city has hidden gems perfect for rainy days. Indoor botanical gardens, aquariums, local theatre productions designed for families: you might be surprised what’s right on your doorstep. Planning ahead helps. Check timetables, ticket availability, and look into those days out deals again. They can make trying multiple attractions much more affordable and often cover seasonal exhibitions or special events, so even somewhere you’ve been before feels new and exciting.

Tips for a Smooth Rainy Day

Preparation makes everything easier. Pack a small bag with the essentials: spare clothes, snacks, water bottles, tickets or vouchers. That way you’re not caught out. Being flexible with your schedule matters too. Kids might want to spend ages at one thing and rush through another, and that’s fine.

Don’t forget the practical stuff either. Umbrellas, waterproof coats, decent footwear: they make walking between places so much more bearable. Keep a list of your favourite activities somewhere handy. Over time you’ll build up a collection of go-to ideas you can rotate depending on ages and interests. Getting the kids involved in planning helps as well. When they feel like they’ve had a say, they’re usually much more engaged and enthusiastic.

Making the Most of Rainy Days

It’s easy to see rainy days as frustrating, but actually they’re opportunities. Opportunities to bond, to try something new, to discover parts of your area you didn’t know existed. Whether you’re exploring an interactive museum, doing crafts at home, or finding a hidden indoor attraction, there are genuinely countless ways to turn wet weather into an adventure.

The key is simple: plan a bit, keep things varied, and use whatever resources are available to make it affordable. Rainy days absolutely don’t mean being stuck at home feeling bored. With the right mindset, families can embrace whatever weather’s thrown at them, explore new interests, and create memories that last. It’s all about seeing rain as an opportunity rather than an obstacle and keeping the focus where it belongs: on fun, engagement, and spending quality time together.

The post The Ultimate Guide to Rainy Day Activities for Families appeared first on Slummy single mummy.

The Ultimate Guide to Rainy Day Activities for Families was first posted on February 5, 2026 at 2:31 pm.

Why Financial Planning Feels Different When You’re on Your Own

Jo Middleton — Tue, 27 Jan 2026 11:12:07 +0000

Being a mom changes everything about financial planning. Financial planning is not about saving some money or thinking about what you will do when you are retired. It is about making sure your child is safe and has a future. When you are taking care of the money by yourself, every choice you make is very important.

This is because you do not have another income to help you if something goes wrong and you are the one who has to deal with financial problems. Financial planning for moms like you is about creating a safe and stable life for your child.

Being alone means you have to think things through, make plans and be ready for things that you do not expect. With handling everything on your plate, you become stronger and more confident. This is what makes financial planning so important, for being independent.

Being The Sole Provider Changes Everything

The sole provider has a lot of weight on their shoulders. They have to pay all the bills and make sure there is food on the table. It is not easy being the provider. The sole provider has to work hard to make sure everything gets done. Sometimes you feel really stressed out. They have to make sure they are doing a job and that everyone is happy.

As a single mom, you are the primary financial provider for your family and often the only one bringing in money. This fact affects the way you think about money. When it comes to money, you have to think about decisions that other people might not think twice about like changing jobs or buying something expensive. You also have to consider carefully before taking on new financial responsibilities, like loans or credit cards, because single moms have to be careful with money.

This usually means people are more careful with money. You need to have emergency funds for unforeseen expenses. They stop spending money on things they do not really need. They think about what they want to achieve on the run rather than just thinking about what they want right now. Managing money by yourself also helps you trust yourself. You learn more about money.

Budgeting With Responsibilities

Being a mom and making a budget is not about calculations but about the things you really need in your life. Things like taking care of your kids, paying for school, going to the doctor, buying food, paying rent and getting around town take up a lot of your money each month. Then sometimes things happen that you do not expect, like a trip to the hospital, a school event or a repair bill.

That can be really tough on your budget. Single moms have to think about every aspect related to childcare, healthcare, groceries and housing and transportation all the time.

A lot of moms use a budget that separates the bills they have to pay every month from the things they can choose to spend money on. They also make sure to save some money in case something unexpected happens. This way, they can deal with things that are not planned without giving up the things that make them happy. Flexible budgeting is important because it helps single moms manage when things do not go as planned. They can still have some money for budgeting and that means they can still have some fun.

Long-Term Planning Becomes Non-Negotiable

Long-term planning is something you cannot ignore when you are on your own. It is necessary to make long-term plans so that you can achieve your goals. You have to think about retirement savings and your children’s education and where you will live in the future. These are not things you can just ignore. Retirement savings and children’s education and future housing security are really important.

You need to plan because you do not have someone to help you with the financial responsibilities. Planning ahead is like a way to protect yourself; it is a way to make sure you are okay financially.

Single moms usually think about insurance and savings plans. Having multiple income sources sooner than other people do. The main goal of moms is not to have a lot of money but to make sure that their child’s life stays the same, even if things change in the future. Single moms want to make sure that their child’s life remains stable, so they think about insurance and savings plans. Having multiple income sources to achieve that.

Using Property as a Financial Safety Net

For single moms, owning a home is a big part of planning for the future. A home gives you a sense of stability. It can also be something that helps you financially in the long run. Owning property means you can build up value in your home and even make money from it over time. This is because property ownership is a way to build equity and create ways to make money as the years go by.

Renting out a property can be an idea. This is because it can give you some money. You can rent out a home or a part of your main home. The extra money you get from renting out a property can really help you. It can help you pay your bills. You can also use this money to save more or to help with plans, like saving for education. Renting out a property is a way to get some income that can be very helpful.

Renting a Property Comes With Responsibility

Being a landlord can be helpful because you get income. It is also a lot of work. You have to take care of the property and deal with the people who rent it. There are laws you have to follow. Sometimes things get damaged. All of these things can cost you money. For a mom, these things are really important to think about. Rental income is good but financial problems can affect a lot of things in your life. A single mom has to be careful with income and the problems that come with being a landlord.

Landlord insurance is really important when you are planning your finances. It helps keep your properties safe from bad things that can happen like damage to the property not getting rent, from your tenants and people suing you. When you have landlord insurance, you have a safety net so if something bad happens out of the blue, it does not mess up your budget or the things you want to do on the run. This insurance gives you peace of mind. That is a big deal when you own rental properties and rely on landlord insurance to protect them.

Financial Planning Is Also Emotional

Managing your money by yourself is not just hard to do; it is also very emotional. You feel like you have to make the choices because it feels like a big deal when a child is counting on you. Managing finances is something that can be really tough. After a while, making a financial plan starts to feel good instead of feeling like a burden. Managing finances becomes something that makes you feel strong and in control rather than something that stresses you out.

When you make a budget and stick to it you get stronger. You feel better about money. This happens when you reach your savings goals and make choices. Financial planning is not about being hard on yourself related to your expenses, but just being able to cater to your financial needs and be able to change when required.

Conclusion

Financial planning is really different when you are on your own because it is not just about money but about your future. For a single mom, managing money is about keeping her family safe, being prepared for the future and feeling okay about any upcoming changes. She wants to build a home where her child can grow up and have a good life without always worrying about money.

A single mom who is raising her child alone desires that financial planning brings her serenity. It is not only by budgeting wisely and setting up long-term goals, but also through the effective use of one’s assets and income protection by means of landlord insurance. Making a big picture out of every step taken becomes a way of life. Being financially free is more than just one person. It is about being strong, confident, and ready for anything life may throw at you.

The post Why Financial Planning Feels Different When You’re on Your Own appeared first on Slummy single mummy.

Why Financial Planning Feels Different When You’re on Your Own was first posted on January 27, 2026 at 12:12 pm.

How growing vegetables with your kids can save money and build confidence

Jo Middleton — Tue, 20 Jan 2026 09:41:41 +0000

Growing vegetables with your children might sound like one more thing to add to an already busy schedule, but for many families it quietly becomes one of the most rewarding habits they build together. Beyond the obvious appeal of fresh food, gardening offers something deeper: it teaches children practical life skills, builds confidence through responsibility, and can make a noticeable difference to the household budget over time.

In a world where food costs keep rising and children are increasingly disconnected from where their meals come from, growing vegetables at home offers a grounding, affordable alternative that benefits everyone involved.

Why growing vegetables works so well for families

Children learn best by doing. Gardening is hands-on, messy, and full of visible progress — all things that naturally appeal to kids of different ages. When children are involved from the start, from choosing what to grow to harvesting the final produce, they feel ownership over the process.

Unlike many activities, gardening doesn’t demand perfection. Seeds don’t always sprout, weather doesn’t always cooperate, and plants sometimes fail. These small setbacks teach resilience in a gentle way, showing children that effort matters even when outcomes aren’t guaranteed.

At the same time, gardening fits easily around family life. It can be done in short bursts, doesn’t require specialist knowledge, and adapts to whatever space you have — a garden, a raised bed, or even a few pots on a patio.

The financial benefits of growing your own

While gardening isn’t a quick fix for saving money, it does help families reduce everyday food costs in realistic ways.

Vegetables like courgettes, salad leaves, tomatoes, peas, beans, and carrots are all relatively easy to grow and often produce far more than a family expects. A single plant can supply weeks’ worth of meals, snacks, or packed lunch additions.

Starting from seeds rather than buying established plants keeps costs lower and allows children to experience the full growing cycle, from tiny seed to edible harvest. Many families choose to begin with a small selection of reliable vegetable seeds so children can see quick results without the pressure of complicated care routines.

Once you’ve grown something successfully, it’s easy to repeat the process year after year with minimal expense.

There are also indirect savings. Children who grow vegetables are often more willing to eat them, reducing food waste and cutting down on rejected meals. Families who grow even a small portion of their own produce may find they rely less on impulse food purchases, particularly during the summer months.

Confidence grows alongside the vegetables

One of the most powerful outcomes of gardening with children is the boost it gives to their confidence. Watching something grow because of their care and effort reinforces a sense of capability and pride.

Children learn:

Responsibility, by remembering to water and check plants
Patience, by waiting weeks or months for results
Problem-solving, by noticing changes and responding to them
Independence, by taking charge of small tasks

For children who struggle with confidence in academic settings, gardening offers a different kind of success — one that isn’t measured by grades or comparisons with others. Progress is visible and personal, and success feels earned.

Even young children can take on meaningful roles, from planting seeds to picking vegetables for dinner. Older children often enjoy tracking growth, planning meals around harvests, or experimenting with new varieties.

Making gardening accessible for busy families

You don’t need a perfectly planned garden or lots of spare time to make this work. In fact, simplicity is what makes gardening sustainable for families.

Start small. Choose a handful of vegetables that are forgiving and quick to grow. Focus on plants that fit naturally into meals your family already eats, rather than trying to grow everything at once.

Let children make choices, even if they don’t always seem practical. If a child is excited about growing something unusual, that enthusiasm often leads to greater involvement and care.

Keep expectations realistic. Not every seed will grow, and not every plant will thrive. Treat these moments as learning opportunities rather than failures. Children quickly pick up on adult attitudes, and a relaxed approach helps them feel safe to try.

Building food awareness and healthy habits

Gardening encourages children to think differently about food. When they’ve watched a carrot grow from seed, they’re more curious about how it tastes. Vegetables stop being anonymous items on a plate and start to feel familiar and earned.

This connection often leads to:

Increased willingness to try new foods
Greater understanding of seasonality
Respect for effort involved in food production
Healthier long-term eating habits

For families trying to encourage balanced diets without pressure or conflict, gardening offers a gentle, positive influence that works alongside everyday meals.

Creating shared family routines

Gardening naturally creates shared moments that don’t revolve around screens or structured activities. Checking plants together, harvesting produce, or cooking with home-grown vegetables becomes part of family rhythm rather than a scheduled task.

These routines are especially valuable for children who benefit from predictability or calm transitions. Gardening provides a space for conversation, quiet focus, and collaboration, often without the pressure of performance.

Over time, these small shared experiences build stronger family connections, reinforcing the idea that meaningful activities don’t have to be expensive or complicated.

A skill that grows with them

One of the lasting benefits of growing vegetables with children is that it equips them with a skill they can carry into adulthood. Understanding how food grows, how to care for plants, and how to be patient with natural processes builds practical confidence that extends beyond the garden.

Whether children continue gardening long-term or simply take those lessons into other areas of life, the experience leaves a mark. They learn that effort matters, that mistakes are part of learning, and that small actions can lead to meaningful outcomes.

Growing vegetables with your kids won’t transform family life overnight, but it quietly supports confidence, responsibility, and financial awareness in ways that feel natural rather than forced. Over time, the combination of shared effort, visible progress, and practical rewards makes gardening one of the simplest and most effective activities families can grow into together.

The post How growing vegetables with your kids can save money and build confidence appeared first on Slummy single mummy.

How growing vegetables with your kids can save money and build confidence was first posted on January 20, 2026 at 10:41 am.

I Bought Noise-Cancelling Headphones Because My Dog and Cats Have Declared War on Sleep

Jo Middleton — Sun, 18 Jan 2026 20:27:12 +0000

I love my pets. I really do. I would defend them with my life. But I would also like to say, calmly and without drama, that they are the loudest creatures I have ever lived with and I am fairly sure they are doing it on purpose.

My dog does not simply move in the night. She performs. There is licking. There is dramatic repositioning. There is the sound of someone digging for treasure, despite the fact she is lying on a perfectly good bed. My cats, meanwhile, are convinced that 5.12am is a perfectly reasonable time to begin their daily attempt to tunnel into my bedroom by clawing up the carpet outside the door.

Sleep, as a perimenopausal woman, is already a delicate thing. A rare bird. Something you must not startle or it flies away, never to return. Add animals who treat nighttime like an interactive sound installation, and suddenly you are awake, furious, and Googling “can you rehome cats at dawn”.

So I decided to try something new. Not earplugs. I’ve tried those. Earplugs fall out, make my ears itch, or amplify the sound of my own breathing so I lie there convinced I am Darth Vader. No, I wanted silence. Or as close to it as science could manage.

Enter QuietOn.

QuietOn make noise-cancelling earbuds specifically for sleep. Not music. Not podcasts. Not whale noises. Just actual, grown-up, “please stop the world making sounds” silence.

The first thing to say is that these are not like normal headphones. There’s no Bluetooth faff. No apps. No pairing. You put them in, switch them on, and they quietly (ironically) get on with the job. Which, frankly, is all I ask of anything after 9pm.

They’re tiny, lightweight, and sit completely inside your ear, which means you can sleep on your side without feeling like you’ve shoved Lego into your head. This matters when you are already too hot, too tired, and one loud lick away from losing your mind.

And do they work?

Yes. Yes they bloody do.

They don’t block everything – I can still hear my alarm, which is good because otherwise I would simply sleep forever – but they absolutely take the edge off the low-level, constant noises that stop you drifting back off. The digging. The licking. The shuffling. The cats staging a dawn protest outside the door.

Instead of snapping awake every time something rustles, I now stay asleep. Or at least fall back asleep much faster, which at this stage of life feels like winning the lottery.

The real test came at 5am, aka Prime Carpet Destruction Hour. Normally, this is when I lie in bed listening to claws on floor and thinking violent thoughts. With the QuietOn earbuds in, the noise faded into the background enough that my brain didn’t latch onto it. I stayed under the duvet. I slept. The cats, presumably furious, continued their work.

Are they cheap? No. Are they worth it if sleep is already hard and the world insists on being noisy? Honestly, yes.

If you live alone with animals who behave like they pay rent, or you just want to mute the general chaos of life long enough to rest, these are genuinely impressive.

Will they stop your pets being feral? No. Will they make you less aware of it, calmer, and better rested? Absolutely.

And at this point, that’s all I’m asking for.

I was sent a pair of QuietOn headphones for the purposes of this review.

The post I Bought Noise-Cancelling Headphones Because My Dog and Cats Have Declared War on Sleep appeared first on Slummy single mummy.

I Bought Noise-Cancelling Headphones Because My Dog and Cats Have Declared War on Sleep was first posted on January 18, 2026 at 9:27 pm.