I’m a mum-of-four – five hacks to save cash this school term break… & how to make cheesy nachos for a cinema day-out
HAVING to constantly come up with fresh ideas on how to keep the bored school kids entertained during the term break can be exhausting for both parents – and their wallets.
But to make sure you don’t fork out thousands or end up in a debt, one savvy mum-of-four, Casey Major-Bunce, has shared a few easy ways you can save cash this summer.
The whizz took to Instagram, where her profile boasts almost 200k fans, to reveal simple hacks, including how to make a cinema date with your kids less expensive.
Homemade nachos cheese treat
No visit to the cinema is complete without a hearty dish of nachos dripping in a rich cheesy sauce – however, this essential is not a cheap treat.
Instead, the pro advised to whip up your own – and it’s surprisingly easy, saving the family a whopping £46.80 (or an eye-watering £350 if you visit the cinema five times a year).
The recipe calls for just two ingredients – eight slices of burger cheese, as well as 100ml of milk.
Simply tear apart the cheese, mix it with milk and chuck the two in the microwave for a minute.
Give it a good stir and pop inside for a further 30 seconds and top it off with shredded cheddar cheese or Red Leicester, she instructed in the video.
To enjoy it, bring a few cups filled with tortilla chips and a salsa sauce stored in a small container.
As well as taking it to watch the latest movie, Casey said this would be perfect for picnics, days on the beach and barbeques.
Hotdogs on the go
It feels like kids are always hungry, especially when bored, forcing you to spend money on food almost 24/7.
When heading out for a longer walk in the nature, Casey shared how you can bring hotdogs that can be devoured on the go – and there’s no need to stop by a nearby McDonald’s or another restaurant.
Simply fill up your water flask with boiling hot water and chuck in a few sausages – the temperature will keep the savoury treat hot for up to six hours and a normal-sized flask will hold up as many as seven sausages.
Before you head out, remember to take the hotdog buns and condiments too – these can be poured in smaller bottles.
No more lost toys – and lost money
Having kids at home all day also means a major mess on the floor, as the children spend hours playing with their toys.
These often tend to mysteriously disappear, causing frustration to both the young ones, as well as their parents who now have to spend money to replace the toys.
But according to Casey, there is an easy way of preventing this – by using a pool noodle.
Simply pop the swimming essential by the sofa and watch it catch all the toys that would otherwise slide underneath it.
Cash and sanity? Saved, cha-ching.
Kids eat for £1 – or free of charge
Casey also recently revealed where children can enjoy a meal for free or for just £1.
From Beefeater to ASDA, Bella Italia and Premier Inn, the options are numerous and full of scrumptious treats.
Sweet ice cream sticks
The rising costs have also forced supermarkets around the world to up their prices – and sadly, the ice cream department is no exception.
Luckily, the savvy mum has come to rescue, sharing how you can make the delicious treat – and the flavour options are almost endless.
Simply grab your favourite chocolate bar and break it up using a rolling pin.
In a separate bowl, mix 150ml of condensed milk with 300ml of cream and then pour the two into the chocolate bar packaging.
Add as many lollypop sticks as required and freeze for a minimum of six hours.