Blog : Little Lilypad Co

 frog-facebook     frog-instagram   frog-pintrest  frog-twitter

 

The Little Lilypad is a lifestyle blog mostly written by a mum to two beautiful, cheeky and entertaining daughters. It is sometimes written by the Man on the Pad or by one of our baby bloggers. Occasionally we accept guest posts too. There is frequently talk of sustainable living, saving money, lifestyle and travel. It is hopefully helpful, sometimes funny and always honest.

search engine by freefind advanced

 RSS Feed

Category: Money Saving

  1. Top tips to live a more sustainable life in 2021

    Posted on

    2020 was quite a year, especially since most of us were stuck at home for a large part of it. But, being stuck at home opens your eyes- we don’t know about you, but it’s made us want to work on ways to live a more sustainable life. Living and maintaining an eco-friendly lifestyles takes effort, but not that much. The more you learn about the issues that affect our beautiful planet, the more determined you will be to make sustainable choices on a daily. That doesn’t mean you have to change your lifestyle completely, but every little change counts.

    PIN - Top tips for being more sustainable in 2021

     

    Here are 3 ways to live a more sustainable life in 2021. 

    Use a different mode of transportation

    You create about 4.6 metric tons of carbon dioxide when you drive to and from work, which ends up releasing into the atmosphere each year- leading to the greenhouse effect, causing global warming. Do your part by making use of public transport, scheduling a carpool with your friends or co-workers, you can even walk or ride a bike if you’re in close distance to your work place. This isn’t just healthy for the environment, it’s healthy for you as well.

    Shop locally and eat seasonally for your groceries

    Shop from your local farmers' market to get fresh food items that were grown naturally without adding waste or carbon emissions to the environment. You’ll be eating healthier and supporting the community. Eat fruits and vegetables that are seasonal, as you’ll be eating the farm-to-table lifestyle which means you’ll be buying foods that were harvested recently by the local farmers. Not only will the foods be tastier, but you’ll be helping the environment as well.

    Make use of eco-friendly products around your home

    Most of the products that we use at home to clean the house, wash our clothes, or do the dishes contain chemicals that are harmful to the environment. Especially chemicals like detergents, foaming agents, and preservatives. Instead, switch to products that make use of sustainably grown ingredients rather than ingredients that are synthetic so that they don’t harm the planets eco-system. These eco-friendly products are also beneficial to people that have weak immune systems and health conditions as they pose less health risks. After starting to work alongside SaveMoneyCutCarbon last year, we have been making small steps in our sustainable swaps journey and being a member of their Home Club means we get regular updates on the positive impact we can all make. 

    Right then, I am off to use my EcoCoconut Scourer and Ocean Saver cleaning products to get this house clean! 

     PIN - Top tips for being more sustainable in 2021 (1)

  2. Tips to save money in lockdown

    Posted on

    Lockdown has completely changed how we live our lives, but it can be seen as an opportunity to stay home and save money. We are undoubtedly spending less money going out but it is easy to spend money on Amazon or online stores, so we have put together some handy tips to help you save your pennies for your future lifestyle, while saving lives by staying at home. 

    PIN - Tips to save money in lockdown

    1. No matter how much you are currently saving per month, be it £50, £ 100, or more, make a conscious effort to save a little more. If you can, try to double the amount you save. Of course, you can always dip in this pot when needed, but hopefully, this is not a requirement, and you will have a few extra pennies to enjoy once the lock is removed. There are numerous modest methods to mark savings as well as an investment a part of your ordinary life. A Terramundi pot is a simple way to add loose change or pound coins and you have to smash it to get access, so not so easy to dip into. 

    2. If you are craving your favorite takeout but are just off or don't want to spend a lot of money on food, consider making your own "fakeaway" at home. Not only is it likely to be cheaper, but it is also a great way for couples and families to hang out together, and it is probably a healthier version as well. While many gyms across the UK have consistently cancelled membership, there are currently other ways to cut costs, including temporarily suspending their sports membership, from calling Sky to suspending monthly subscriptions.

    3. If you can't resist shopping online for door-to-door delivery, be sure to look for discount codes, deals, and cash-back deals before checking out. However, it is important to resist the urge to motivate yourself. Right now, we are all in a time of uncertainty, and it would be wise to be a little prudent about our frivolous expenses. 

    4. Pay with cash. There is so much talk about a cashless economy but spending physical cash always make you think about how much you are spending, much more than when you are swiping or tapping a card to purchase.

    Lockdown in the UK has become part of life at the moment but saving habits can last through the lockdown and beyond. If you are consistent.

    Good luck! 

    PIN - Tips to save money in lockdown (1)

  3. How to have an eco friendly Christmas?

    Posted on

    The world around us is now becoming more and more cautious about the environment. The usage of eco friendly products is something that everyone is trying to do in order to save the environment. Though Christmas is all about giving presents and being happy, we can all make small changes for a more sustainable Christmas this year.

    PIN - How to have an eco friendly Christmas

    The amount of waste generated during Christmas is ridiculous. While we celebrate Christmas with friends and family, we also have to be careful about not damaging the environment. The best way to do that is by having an Eco friendly Christmas celebration. Here are some ways in which you can have a better Christmas by going green this season. 

    1. Decorate your house with more sustainable options

    Decorating the house is definitely a huge part of getting ready for Christmas. Often while decorating we forget to look at the amount of waste we are creating.

    One way of avoiding this is to go for Christmas decorations that will last for a long time. This way you won't have to throw them out each year and be away from creating a big amount of waste.

    Going for Christmas ornaments made from glass or metal instead of the ones made from plastic can also be a good idea. Not using non recyclable materials to decorate is a good step to take towards an eco friendly Christmas. 

    1. Pay special attention to the way you wrap presents 

    This is another part where a lot of waste gets generated unknowingly. How you decide to wrap your gifts can be another important thing in being environment friendly. 

    You can always use reusable paper bags instead of the traditional wrapping paper or plastic bags. If you want to be with it, you can use fabric to wrap your Christmas gifts as well. 

    Even if you do end up deciding on wrapping paper, use something that can be recycled easily. Top tip: Remember if it stays crumpled when you scrunch it, then it can be recycled, if it doesn't then it can't!

    LLP Sustainable Christmas wrap

    1. Select eco friendly or long lasting gifts for your loved ones

    Going Christmas shopping is another occasion when you have to think about being eco friendly and choosing the correct presents. Anything that can potentially harm the environment should be avoided as much as possible. 

    Just like decorations, think of Christmas gifts that will last a long time.Avoid things made from any kind of non recyclable and disposable material if you can.

    We have recently been working with SaveMoneyCutCarbon and they have a *Sustainable Swap Box and Home Club membership as a great gift idea, so the recipient will be saving money and helping the planet from the moment they open the box!

    1. Using reusable utensils if you plan to host a party

    Christmas dinners are also a very common part of celebrating this holiday. If you plan to host a party at your house, you have to make sure it is as eco friendly as possible. 

    Make sure you use reusable silverware to serve the food. Plastic utensils often end up in the trash and thus increase the waste you produce.  

    Search online on how you can be as sustainable as possible during these social events. Set a good example so you inspire others to have an eco friendly Christmas as well. 

    1. Last but definitely not the least - your Christmas tree!

    Yes a lot of people don't buy a tree but if you do, make sure you buy the best one for the environment. Find some eco friendly alternatives if you want. 

    Using a natural tree is always a better choice as the trees made from plastic can cause a huge damage to the environment. It is also easy to recycle the live trees without affecting the environment much. 

    Choose a tree which has a reduced carbon footprint as an extra measure to be eco friendly this festive season.

    Conclusion:-

    Collectively, if we all make small changes then we can make a big impact at Christmastime and beyond.

     

    * Note: We have been gifted a SaveMoneyCutCarbon Sustainable Swap Box but had no obligation to write or advertise their products. The inclusion within this post is purely on its merits.

    PIN - How to have an eco friendly Christmas (1)

     

  4. Ways to make money during quarantine

    Posted on

    Most of the population except for the emergency service and key workers are currently staying at home. The COVID-19 outbreak is growing continuously in the entire world. Even though a large number of companies are closed, the need for money is still growing. If you are also someone who is looking for side hustle ideas, this is the most ideal post for you. 

    After researching and keeping in mind a lot of different aspects, we have gathered a list of some of the best side hustle ideas. This post will help you understand these ideas and choose the one most suitable for you. Without further ado, here is a list of some fantastic side hustling ideas while stuck in quarantine. 

    Create an online business

    Many people prefer buying most things online now. From selling written content to selling hand-made goods, there are tons of businesses to do. 

    You can choose an idea of the things you love to do or your hobbies. As long as you are ready to put in efforts, you can earn a decent amount through these businesses. 

    Blogging laptop

    Give lectures online

    If you are interested in teaching others some of your skills, you can definitely try a hand at this. There are tons of companies that pay their employees to give lectures online. 

    You have the freedom to decide what topics you want to teach. The pay depends on the number of hours you invest every day. If you think you are really good at something and want people to learn about it as well, this is an ideal path for you. 

    Take surveys online for some extra cash

    If you have ever googled about online cash earning sites, you might be already aware of this. Many businesses today use surveys to study their customers and improve their product quality.

    These surveys are super easy to take and revolve around general questions. They can take up to 10 minutes to 1 hour to complete. Again, the amount you earn depends on the number of surveys you take each day. Payout is generally after you reach a specific amount. 

    Start a blog with a topic you love

    Blogging is one of the most popular ways to make money these days. You can set up a blog about almost anything as long as the content is interesting and fun to read. 

    You can create a blog on websites like Wordpress or Blogger. It does take some time to build up the audience and start earning. Patience is very important for blogging. Once you get the hang of it, blogging can be a great way to earn.

    Become a freelance writer

    If you are not patient enough to wait a few months for your blog to get famous, this is another way to earn through writing. Content writers are always in high demand because new information is needed every day. 

    Companies are ready to pay a lot for excellent content which is 100% unique and fresh. Websites like Fiverr.com, Freelancer.com, etc can be a good place to start. You can also sell your writings on social media.

    Sell Graphic Design Services

    If you are looking for something fun and creative to do, this might be a better option for you. It is important that you have basic knowledge of design tools like Canva or Adobe Photoshop. 

    You can assist people by creating their company logos, banners, social media profile photos and many other things. Creating custom designs can enable you to earn from the comfort of your own house. 

    Start your own Youtube Channel

    Youtube is a big saviour for all of us these days. Youtube is another great way to use your skills to get paid. You can make a video about anything you are passionate about and get started. (Just ask my 8 year old who wants her own channel!!)

    Youtube

    Having a good understanding of how to edit a video is definitely needed to be successful in this. You can make videos about cooking, reacting to your favourite music, talking about your life and many other things. You can do a little bit of research about what is more popular on Youtube and do those kinds of videos. There is no limit stopping you except your own creativity. 

     

    These are all the ideas that are possible to implement while staying at home. Most of them don’t need much investment and some are even free to start. Take a look through this and decide what you like. You can think about how you want to start and plan it out before actually starting. 

    Hope this article helps you find something you love and start earning as soon as possible. Wish you the best of luck and stay safe!

    Pin for later!

    Making money online - PIN