Rob's 40th on a budget: a pub function room, a buffet and £340
Forty people, a free function room, a buffet at £6.50 a head and Linda's cake. How we threw …
A week in Northumberland: castles, beaches and a self-catering budget
Our first proper holiday cottage: long beaches, two castles, a boat trip to the seals and a food …
Double figures: Isla's tenth birthday
Bowling, pizza and six ten-year-olds. How Isla's birthday went, what it cost, and an evening looking back at …
Easter in the Dales: three nights in a cottage for less than a hotel
A stone cottage near Hawes, wet walks, a waterfall and too many games of Uno. What three nights …
Half-term on Ilkley Moor: the Cow and Calf with a six- and nine-year-old
A cold, clear day on the moor: scrambling on the rocks, a short walk, a dog that stole …
Alfie's sixth birthday: soft play or the church hall?
Eighteen Year 1s, a church hall, Rob running the games and a dinosaur cake. What we spent against …
Half-term at the Yorkshire Sculpture Park with a flask and a pocket of conkers
A free day out in October half-term: giant sculptures, muddy fields, sheep, a flask of hot chocolate and …
A week at Grandma and Grandad's in Filey
Seven days by the sea at Rob's parents': the Brigg, a wet day in Scarborough, too many chips, …
A ninth birthday sleepover for five girls on £60
Five girls, one living room floor, a film and pancakes in the morning. How Isla's sleepover went, what …