These printable bookmarks are designed to be fun, calming, and easy to use, while also giving children something practical to keep and use into 2026.

What’s Included in the Free Printable

This free set includes 4 different New Year–themed bookmarks, each designed in a tall bookmark format that’s ideal for printing and cutting out:

• Happy New Year floral bookmark – a gentle, decorative design with flowers framing the text
• Happy New Year 2026 fireworks bookmark – bold fireworks and stars to celebrate the new year
• 2026 celebration bookmark – fireworks, balloons, and clinking glasses to mark the occasion
• Cheers to the New Year bookmark – a fun, modern design with celebratory lettering and glasses

Each bookmark is black and white, making them perfect for colouring with:

• colouring pencils
• felt-tip pens
• crayons
• fine liners

They also work really well printed on slightly thicker paper or cardstock for durability.

This post contains affiliate links. If you make any purchases after clicking one of these links, I will make a small commission (hopefully enough to keep me in tea all year) – at no extra cost to you! This allows me to keep creating and sharing free tutorials and content for you. Thank you!

I always print my printables directly onto 160 gsm cardstock using my Epson Ecotank Printer rather than regular paper, this way they are a little more durable and the pens do not bleed through to the other side. However, if you do not have a home printer then just pop to a library and use theirs.

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Why We Love New Year Colouring Bookmarks

Bookmarks are one of my favourite printables because they’re:

• Quick and easy to prepare
• Great for encouraging reading
• Useful keepsakes rather than single-use crafts
• Easy to personalise with names, dates, or messages

These New Year bookmarks are also a lovely way for children to:

• Reflect on the year just gone
• Get excited about fresh starts and new goals
• Create something meaningful they can use all year

They’d also make a lovely little New Year gift, slipped into a book or reading journal.

How to Use the 2026 New Year Bookmarks

There are lots of simple ways to use these bookmarks at home or in school:

• As a quiet-time activity during the festive holidays
• For a New Year classroom activity or reading corner
• Paired with a new book as a New Year treat
• Added to a time capsule or memory box
• Used as part of a New Year reading challenge

You could even laminate them once coloured so they last all year long.

How to Download the Free Bookmarks

You can download the 4 free 2026 New Year bookmarks to colour using the link below:

More Free Printables and Activities

If you enjoyed these bookmarks, you’ll find lots more free printables, colouring activities, and seasonal crafts here on Mum in the Mad House, perfect for keeping kids busy while encouraging creativity and learning.

Whether your child wants to remind Santa to “Please stop here”, decorate their bedroom door, or add a festive touch to the playroom, these printable colouring-door hangers are a perfect Christmas Eve activity.

What’s Included in the Free Printable?

Inside the downloadable PDF, you’ll find eight pages of festive, kid-friendly designs to colour, cut out, and hang.

Each page features two door hangers — that’s sixteen different designs your children can choose from!

Some of the adorable designs include:

• A sweet Christmas penguin holding a candy cane (Page 1) 
• A cheerful Christmas elf surrounded by stars and bows (Page 1)
• Classic Santa Claus illustrations in different styles (Pages 2, 3 & 7)
• A cosy gingerbread house (Page 2)
• A cute teddy bear in a Santa hat (Page 3)
• A Christmas tree to decorate with colours (Page 4)
• A smiley gingerbread cookie boy (Page 5)
• A Nutcracker for kids who love ballet or Christmas stories (Page 5)
• A bright Christmas stocking full of gifts (Page 6)
• A happy snowman and adorable reindeer (Page 8)

Every door hanger includes a blank box labelled “Please stop here for”, perfect for adding your child’s name or even “Santa”, “the Elves”, or “Rudolph”!

 Why Kids Will Love This Craft

• It’s creative – Kids can colour with crayons, pencils, paint sticks or markers.
• It’s personal – Their name on the hanger makes it feel truly special.
• It’s festive – Cute holiday characters bring instant Christmas cheer.
• It’s quick and low-mess – The perfect December craft!
• It encourages independence – Children can proudly hang it on their door themselves.

 How to Make Your Christmas Door Hanger

This craft is wonderfully simple and suits children of all ages.

You’ll Need:

• The free printable PDF
• Scissors
• Colouring pens, crayons or pencils
• Optional: Laminator or clear tape for durability
• Optional: Glitter glue or stickers for extra sparkle

Instructions:

1. Download and print the Christmas door hanger sheets.
2. Let your child choose their favourite design (good luck — they’re all cute!).
3. Colour it in using your favourite art supplies.
4. Cut around the outer shape of the door hanger, including the inner circle.
5. For a sturdier hanger, laminate it or stick it to card before cutting.
6. Hang it on their bedroom door, playroom, or even the front door!

 Perfect for Christmas Eve Traditions

These door hangers make a lovely addition to:

• A Christmas Eve box
• Your Christmas countdown activities
• A festive craft afternoon with hot chocolate
• School or nursery seasonal projects

Kids love knowing that Santa will see their special sign — and it adds even more magic to bedtime on Christmas Eve.

 Download Your Free Printable Christmas Door Hanger

Click below to grab your free PDF and start crafting.

These printables are offered for your non-commercial personal use only. Mass-production of this printable is not permitted, even for non-profit purposes. Please do not upload the Christmas Door Hanger to Colour In Printables to other sites – instead, if you want to let people know about these freebies, post a link to this page. Pinning is okay as long as the pin links back to this page. Thanks!

All you need to do is add click on add to cart and the Free Printable Christmas Door Hanger to Colour In pages will be added to your shopping cart. When you are finished click on the orange cart menu at the top right of your page and follow the instructions on the screen. You will not be charged and the free pdf file will be available for you to download immediately and will also be emailed to your inbox.

This post contains affiliate links. If you make any purchases after clicking one of these links, I will make a small commission (hopefully enough to keep me in tea all year) – at no extra cost to you! This allows me to keep creating and sharing free tutorials and content for you. Thank you!

I always print my printables directly onto 160 gsm cardstock using my Epson Ecotank Printer rather than regular paper, this way they are a little more durable and the pens do not bleed through to the other side. However, if you do not have a home printer then just pop to a library and use theirs.

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More Christmas Crafts You Might Enjoy

Here are some other kid-friendly festive favourites from the blog:

• Tea Cup Candles
• Photo Jar Luminaries
• DIY Snow Globe Candle Topper
• Finger Print Mugs
• Picture Tile Coasters
• DIY Coasters Using Cricut Infusible Ink

This set includes a variety of adorable Santa-themed letter pages—both in colour and in black-and-white for kids who love to colour in—as well as printable envelopes ready to cut, fold, and glue. Everything you need to send a little Christmas magic straight to the North Pole!

 What’s Included in the Free Printable Pack

Your download includes (at the bottom of the page):

Santa Letter Templates

From the cute illustrated Santa head designs to prompts that help younger children think about what to write, the pack includes:

• Simple wish-list format with the prompt “I’ve been really good this year! I would love to get…” (seen on pages 1–2 of the letter PDF) 
• More detailed letter version, perfect for older children, with sections for how they’ve behaved, three wish-list items, and a promise for next year (pages 3–4) 
• Blank Santa-head writing paper for doodles, letters, or creative Christmas drawings (pages 5–6) 
• Name and date templates for classroom or memory-keeping (pages 7–8) 

All the pages feature the same sweet Santa illustration, available in both colour and colour-your-own formats.

Printable Santa Envelopes

The matching envelopes (from the second PDF) include:

• A North Pole style envelope template with “To:” and “From:” areas and easy instructions (“Apply glue” marks) on each panel (pages 1–8) 
• Repeated designs so each child can decorate their own

Simply print, cut, fold along the lines, apply glue where directed, and you have a festive envelope ready to post!

 How to Use the Letter to Santa Activity

This activity is perfect for:

• Home crafts on cosy winter afternoons
• Classroom Christmas activities
• Christmas parties or family gatherings
• Elf on the Shelf setups
• Christmas Eve box additions

Here are some fun ideas to make it even more magical:

1. Colour Your Own Santa Pages

The black-and-white versions are especially great for younger kids. They can colour Santa’s hat, beard and stars before writing their wishes.

2. Add a Christmas Promise

The detailed letter template includes a space to write a promise for next year—brilliant for encouraging reflection and kindness.

3. Post Your Letters

Once your envelopes are made, kids can post their letters:

• In a homemade postbox (a decorated cereal box works brilliantly!)
• At your local post office
• In the special Royal Mail Santa post service .

4. Keep Them as Christmas Memories

If your children are anything like Maxi and Mini, their Christmas letters become the sweetest keepsakes to look back on year after year. The “Name” and “Date” pages make them perfect to save in memory boxes or scrapbooks.

 How to Assemble the Printable Santa Envelopes

1. Print the envelope template on A4 white cardstock for best results.
2. Cut along the outline.
3. Fold the flaps inward along the dotted or straight lines.
4. Apply glue where indicated (“Apply glue” labels appear on every envelope page).
5. Seal the bottom and sides, then pop your letter inside.
6. Fold down the top flap to close!

 Download Your Free Letter to Santa Printables

Click below to download:

• Letter to Santa Writing Pack (PDF) – includes all Santa letter templates
• Printable Santa Envelopes (PDF) – cut-and-make envelopes to complete the activity

These printables are offered for your non-commercial personal use only. Mass-production of this printable is not permitted, even for non-profit purposes. Please do not upload the Free Letter to Santa Printable Pack to other sites – instead, if you want to let people know about these freebies, post a link to this page. Pinning is okay as long as the pin links back to this page. Thanks!

All you need to do is add click on add to cart and the Free Letter to Santa Printable Pack pages will be added to your shopping cart. When you are finished, click on the orange cart menu at the top right of your page and follow the instructions on the screen. You will not be charged and the free pdf file will be available for you to download immediately and will also be emailed to your inbox.

These printable strips make learning the alphabet interactive and memorable. Whether you’re a parent, teacher, or homeschooler, this activity is a great way to encourage early literacy skills while having lots of fun.

What Are Alphabet Paper Rings?

Alphabet Paper Rings (also known as Alphabet Bracelets) are adorable printable strips that feature each letter of the alphabet alongside a corresponding word and illustration — for example, A is for apple, G is for ghost, and Z is for zombie!

Children can colour them in, cut them out, and wear them as alphabet-themed rings or bracelets. It’s a fantastic craft for reinforcing letter recognition, phonics, and fine motor skills in a playful and creative way.

What You’ll Need:

• Our free Alphabet Paper Rings printable
• Scissors
• Crayons, markers, or coloured pencils
• Tape, glue, or a stapler

How to Use the Alphabet Paper Rings:

1. Download and print the PDF on A4 or US Letter-sized paper.
2. Let your child colour in each letter strip with their favourite colours.
3. Cut out the strips along the marked lines.
4. Wrap the strip around your child’s finger or wrist and secure with tape, glue, or a small staple.

Tip: Depending on the size you print them out, these alphabet strips can be used as rings or bracelets—perfect for little fingers or bigger wrists!

Why We Love This Activity

• Encourages fine motor skills and hand-eye coordination
• Supports early literacy and phonics
• Allows for creative expression
• Ideal for classrooms, home learning, or rainy-day fun
• Can be used for letter-of-the-day activities or weekly themes

Download Your Free Printable

These printables are offered for your non-commercial personal use only. Mass-production of this printable is not permitted, even for non-profit purposes. Please do not upload the Printable alphabet paper bracelets for children Prinables to other sites – instead, if you want to let people know about these freebies, post a link to this page. Pinning is okay as long as the pin links back to this page. Thanks!

All you need to do is add click on add to cart and the free printable alphabet paper bracelets will be added to your shopping cart. When you are finished click on the orange cart menu at the top right of your page and follow the instructions on the screen. You will not be charged and the free pdf file will be available for you to download immediately and will also be emailed to your inbox.

Click here to download the Alphabet Paper Rings PDF

Extension Ideas for Learning

• Alphabet scavenger hunt: After making each ring or bracelet, go on a hunt for objects around the house that start with that letter.
• Letter of the week wearable: Introduce a new letter each day or week, and let your child wear their letter proudly as a bracelet.
• Storytime connection: Match the letter with a themed storybook (e.g., A is for apple – read Ten Apples Up on Top!).

More Fun Crafts You’ll Love

If you enjoyed this printable, check out these other fun crafts:

• DIY Cord Tacos – Cord Organisers
• Tissue Confetti DIY Decorated Photo Frame
• Button Bracelets
• DIY Daffodil Clay Pots
• The Beginners Guide to Melt and Pour Soap

Don’t forget to share your creations with us! Tag @muminthemadhouse on Instagram or use the hashtag #MadHouseMakes — we love seeing what you create!

And make sure to pin this post for later if you’re saving ideas for your craft stash!

This post contains affiliate links. If you make any purchases after clicking one of these links, I will make a small commission (hopefully enough to keep me in tea all year) – at no extra cost to you! This allows me to keep creating and sharing free tutorials and content for you. Thank you!

I always print my printables directly onto 160 gsm cardstock using my Epson Ecotank Printer rather than regular paper, this way they are a little more durable and the pens do not bleed through to the other side. However, if you do not have a home printer then just pop to a library and use theirs.

No products found.

These Christian Easter printables include everything from word searches and colouring pages to mazes and Bible-themed puzzles—all with an uplifting message centred around the Resurrection.

What’s Included in the Free Religious Easter Activity Pack?

This downloadable activity pack contains 5 beautifully illustrated Easter mats that children can colour, explore, and learn from. These pages are suitable for ages 4+ and are great for individual play or group activities.

What’s Included in the Printable Pack?

This free Easter printable pack contains 3 beautifully illustrated, religious-themed activity mats, all designed to encourage creativity, reflection, and learning.

He Is Risen Activity Mat

Includes a Christian word search, Easter-themed word scramble, and a “How many words can you make from EASTER?” challenge.

Happy Easter Activity Sheet

Packed with connect-the-dots to complete a church, a maze, Bible-themed fill-in-the-blank word puzzle, and a colour-by-grid challenge.

Empty Tomb Colouring Page

A simple and powerful colouring sheet featuring Jesus at the empty tomb—perfect for Easter morning reflections or quiet time.

Answer Sheets Included!

To make things easy for grown-ups or group settings, we’ve also included completed versions of each worksheet so you can quickly check answers or guide younger children.

Why Use Religious Easter Printables?

These mats are a lovely way to talk about Easter in a meaningful way. They encourage:

• Letter recognition and spelling
• Bible vocabulary building
• Fine motor skills through colouring and tracing
• Reflection on the Easter story in a child-friendly way

Why You’ll Love These

• Great for Sunday schools and religious classrooms
• Encourages early literacy and Bible vocabulary
• Lovely for quiet reflection time during Holy Week
• Perfect as an Early Finishers project.
• Easy to print and go—just add crayons or pencils!

These printable mats are best suited for ages 4–10 but can be adapted for a variety of ages depending on the activity. Laminate them to reuse again and again with dry-wipe pens or pop one into an Easter basket as a quiet activity on Easter Sunday morning.

Download Your Free Printable Easter Activity Sheets

These printables are offered for your non-commercial personal use only. Mass-production of this printable is not permitted, even for non-profit purposes. Please do not upload the Easter Worksheets to other sites – instead, if you want to let people know about these freebies, post a link to this page. Pinning is okay as long as the pin links back to this page. Thanks!

All you need to do is add click on add to cart and the free printable digital products will be added to your shopping cart. When you are finished click on the orange cart menu at the top right of your page and follow the instructions on the screen. You will not be charged and the free pdf file will be available for you to download immediately and will also be emailed to your inbox.

Click the button below to download your Free Religious Easter Activity Mats as a PDF:

Download the Easter Activity Mats

More Easter Activities You’ll Love

Looking for more Easter inspiration? Why not try:

• Plastic Bowl Snow Globe Art for Kids
• DIY Daffodil Clay Pots
• Make a Hanging Teacup Bird Feeder
• Free Easter Lapbook Printable (link your Easter lapbook post here)

Pin These for Later!

Don’t forget to pin these Christian Easter Activity Mats so you have them on hand for next year too.

Pin this post on Pinterest

I thought that I would get used to wearing the Modius Headset and it would become a habit after a while, however, I am yet to find that. I think that this is due to the fact that I had to stop using it due to contact dermatitis where the adhesive pads touched my skin. Unfortunately, I have really sensitive skin and it doesn’t like adhesives, however, once the skin healed and I started using the spray barrier (which is like a second skin) the pads haven’t caused any reaction at all. Out of all the team testing the Modius, I am the only one that has had this skin reaction.

Ease of Use

The Modius headset is really simple to use as I stated in my previous post. I was super simple to set up and is pretty much plug and play and as long as you keep it charged (I do it once a week) then there are no issues at all and it is totally mobile, all you need is your phone with the app on and the pads and headset. In fact, the only issue is that you can not use it whilst it is charging!

I think what I find the hardest is setting aside an hour each evening to use it where I am not doing anything as I can not read, sew or be on my phone when using the headset as it makes me feel really nauseous. I wouldn’t feel confident using it whilst mobile. The sensation is like mild seasickness. I can watch TV whilst using it and find if I keep focussed on a fixed horizon line it is much more comfortable. I am currently on level five.

So using the Modius headset isn’t a pleasant experience for me, but in some ways, I wouldn’t want it to be. Losing weight isn’t simple if it was then we wouldn’t be in the obesity crisis and I wouldn’t be overweight. I feel that I need to make an effort to lose weight even if I find it a challenge due to medications that I take to keep me alive!

My Top Tips

• If you have sensitive skin then use a barrier spray. I use Cavilon barrier spray.
• Attach the sticky pads five minutes before putting on the headset so they set and don’t fall off.
• Start low and build up your level slowly.
• I find it easiest to use it on an evening. Try and make it a habit.

Has it worked?

45 days in (with only 30 active days used) I have seen a loss of 1kg which is fabulous especially as I haven’t made any other changes. I know that 1kg might not seem a lot but considering I have not lost any weight or gained any weight in the last 8 years I thought it was a good thing.

I do plan to up my activity but at the moment my chronic illness has left me anaemic and fatigued so I have had to limit what I expend my energy on, however, we have already started taking longer than normal walks as a family.

Have I noticed a reduction in cravings? My weight is not just about input exceeding my output. You also have to factor in medications and that makes judging things a little more of a challenge. I have never been a person that binge eats, but I have noticed that I feel fuller sooner or I think I do! Also, I do not have an urge to eat late at night after using the Modius headset but is that down to it making me feel sick or showing the headset is working, only time will tell.

What I do find a challenge is in this age of body positivity that wanting to lose weight and not being happy with your body is not seen as a good thing. As a parent of two sporty children and the only one in the house that is overweight I really want to see a difference in my weight loss and fitness.

Other bloggers trying it out

Find out how these my fellow bloggers are getting on with their Modius journeys too: Going On An Adventure, Plutonium Sox, The Olivers Madhouse, Soph Obsessed, The Twinkle Diaries, Emma and 3, Emmys Mummy, Mummy Fever and Life According to Mrs Shilts

I have been working with Marks and Spencers over the last few weeks to highlight Make it Matter Day and share the ways we have been trying to #SpendItWell.  I have learned through my life’s experiences that it is really important to recognise the small stuff that makes things better.  Things like fresh bedding!

**FRESH BEDDING** Is there anything better than slipping in between freshly laundered bedding?  Well apart from sharing it with the one you love? I am a total sucker for clean bedding and a big fat mug of tea. This month I’m working with the @marksandspencer who discovered 81% of us think it’s the small things that brighten up everyday life.  They want to encourage us to stop living life on autopilot and embrace the little things.  I have to say I love their advert and have already decided that I am no longer going to keep things for best. I have to admit that it really is the small things that I love such as tea, tea and more tea (loose leaf with a splash of milk if you are asking), peonies (I am yet to get my first bunch of the season), stationery, washi tape and mugs (does anyone else have a thing where they have mugs and cups for certain drinks at certain times of the day? – no!  Just me that is

weird then). I am also partial to a nice bath and a good book!  What are your small things that make you happy?  #SpendItWell #ad

A post shared by Jen Walshaw (@muminthemadhouse) on May 11, 2017 at 2:48am PDT

Visits to the beach with those I love

**THE BEACH** There is something magical about the seaside.  The feel of sand between your toes, the freshness of the sea breeze, the sound of the waves, ice creams, sandcastles and don’t get me started about fish and chips!  The way the vinegar takes your breath away when you add it to your chips.  My mouth is watering just thinking about it!  We are so lucky to live beside the sea and on Sunday we turned off the tech and went to the beach and Liam from @Life_is_crawsome came and took some photos of us.  I love photographs and have them all over the house, but I am usually the one behind the lens.  This month I’m working with the @marksandspencer as they are launch Make It Matter Day on 1st June. It’s a day for everyone to take time to focus on what matters most to them and to make little everyday choices that help us do more of what really matter  #SpendItWell #ad  I can tell you that ditching the usual Sunday Roast and opting for fish and chips (with mushy peas and tartar sauce) was a top choice.  When was the last time you visited the beach?  Where is your favourite?

A post shared by Jen Walshaw (@muminthemadhouse) on May 19, 2017 at 4:53am PDT

And Cake – lots of cake!

*ACTS OF KINDNESS* After the shocking violence of this week, we made a decision as a family to fill the rest of the week with acts of kindness. The boys are off to have their hair cut tonight, so I decided to whip up a batch of cakes and top them with our favourite Percy Pigs to share with our hairdresser and the people in her shop. They are not perfect, it is far too hot for perfect cakes! M&S is encouraging Brits to make the most of every moment, grab life by the horns and break out of living life on autopilot with their forthcoming Make it Matter day next week on June 1st. I think that it is so important to look for the little things that make a big difference, especially when the world feels like such a scary place.  I am hoping that these piggy cakes put a smile on people’s faces today.  What little thing has made you happy today?  #SpendItWell @marksandspencer #ad

A post shared by Jen Walshaw (@muminthemadhouse) on May 25, 2017 at 5:49am PDT

I love this campaign as it has really got me thinking about the little things that make a BIG difference.  We have already stopped keeping things for best.  So that china we got as a wedding gift has been used more in the last three weeks than the previous 23 years, same with the silver cutlery.   Those scented candles that I have been hoarding, well I have been burning them too.  If only I could manage the same with that drawer full of notebooks.

Break out of Auto Pilot

We do appreciate the value of small everyday pleasures, but we don’t often make time for nearly enough of them.  So how can we break out of autopilot and make the most of today?

• Use your best cup, you know the one that you love looking at!
• Stop and smell the flowers – I am a sucker for flowers, but do not tend to buy them very often as I think that I could spend that money elsewhere.  I have countered this over the last couple of weeks by buying plants instead.  They look great and I am hoping I develop green fingers so they last longer than cut flowers.
• Use those cloth napkins that are languishing in the cupboard and light candles at dinner.
• Turn off the TV and eat dinner at the table as a family or if you do that on a regular basis then grab a blanket and have a picnic.
• If you do not normally wear make-up then pop some on for the day.
• Have a go on that zip wire at the park with the kids.

We are on holiday this week with our besties and their four boys.  We are having a brilliant time and I am so much more aware of the small stuff that is making this holiday so good for everyone involved.

• Children of all ages and gender playing football and cricket on the grass area outside our mobile home.
• Lazy starts to the days with fresh croissants and tea.
• The sound of the crickets at dusk and watching the stars as I relax on the veranda when the boys are asleep.
• Family water fights.
• French bread and cheese (need I say more)!
• Laughter – lots of it mine and everyone else’s.
• Being able to read a book from start to finish.
• Diablos – Grenadine and Lemonade for the uninitiated.
• Free wifi – essential with tweens and teens.
• Icecreams.

I would love to know how what small changes you might make today to get out of autopilot.

Disclosure: I am working with Marks and Spencer in a paid relationship.

So Mothercare and Hubbub have got together to launch the #GiftABundle campaign, which calls on parents to pass on outgrown baby clothes to local families.

In the run-up to Mother’s Day, the #GiftABundle initiative is asking parents to gift quality unwanted baby and children’s clothing to other local families in need over the next four weeks.  Bundles of six items of good-quality clothing for children up to three years old can be handed in at selected Mothercare stores across the UK. The clothing will then be beautifully gift-wrapped and distributed to other local families.

I adore this idea and campaign, especially when you consider that the average UK family spends £11,000 clothing each child to the age of 18 and also that a third of the surveyed parents admitted to throwing baby clothes in the bin because they needed the space or didn’t know what else to do with them.

For more details of participating Mothercare stores, tips for making your children’s clothing last longer and ideas for running your own #GiftABundle campaign locally visit www.mothercare.com

I am sure you have been there.  You know you could get a better deal by changing your energy provider, but you just can’t be bothered, or you feel that the hassle of changing outweighs the benefit you will receive in savings. I used to be that person.  Honestly I did. Back when I had money to spare, before we had children and we had two full time incomes coming in to our home.

I have also been in the position of not knowing if my credit card would bounce when I was trying to buy nappies after I had my mastectomy and MadDad had to take unpaid leave, which left us in a financial pickle. I was too scared to open the envelopes and check the bank statement. I lived with a permanent feeling of anxiety.

I am not going to pretend that I am totally reformed, but it was having children that made me realise that I needed to take our finances in hand and deal with using the money we had wisely.

I started by making four pouches, one for food, one for fuel, one for dinner money and the other for fun, and at the beginning of the month I drew out the minimum money needed and popped it in each envelope.  I arranged for our bills to all be taken as direct debits at the beginning of the month and stopped burying my head in the sand.

Now I can tell you which months the car insurance, house insurance and even the pet insurance is due. I have a spreadsheet that tells me when our mobile phones are due for renewal and even our broadband. I decided that information is power and took some time to produce a list of all our bills and when they go out.

We are no way financially perfect, we still go into our arranged overdraft now and then and have debts that we are paying off, but I am realistic and try to live within my means.

I have learned that the small luxuries enable me to make big savings. So I shop at Aldi and Lidl, but still buy great tea and coffee. I have learned about value, rather than just cost and am not against buying something that is more expensive but will last longer. Hey, just look at the boys high chairs, which are Stokke Tripp Trapps, bought when they were 6 months old and still being used as chairs at the table and they are nine and ten!

I am really excited to be part of the Institute of Inertia and hope to bring some down to earth knowledge and understanding to the panel.

Why not find out what type of person you are when it comes to managing household bills and general finances. Is your head in the game or buried in the sand?

Take the Institute of Inertias Where’s Your Head At? quiz and then leave me a comment and let me know.

Disclosure: I am a paid member of the Institute of Inertia Panel