There are 15 of the boxes to be won to those who send their best ADULTING tips - on anything from dealing with health, money, housing stuff to what to say to friends going through tough situations, any life skills that you didn't learn at school, or embarrassing screw-ups you don't mind sharing - it's all going to be featured (anonymously if you prefer) in the upcoming Being An Adult: The Handbook, to be published next summer.
The best 15 tips or stories will win one of these delicious Hotel Chocolat boxes... Just pop your tips via the form below. Deadline is 01/09/2017, top 15 will be asked for your address and sent a box of Summer Sleekster chocolates direct from Hotel Chocolat.
THANK YOU!
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Make sure everything has a place. Stuff in your house without a place will just lie about and you'll end up with a messy house. Messy house = messy life. If everything has a place you'll know where it all goes and where to find everything. If it hasn't got a place or you can't find one, bin it!
ReplyDeleteSet up a budget and use it, every month! Include an emergency fund that you keep topped up when it has to be used. The best thing I ever did! The fridge will pack up and no you can't predict it (well plan for 2 weeks after the warranty expires :)
ReplyDeleteAlways have a budget for everything
ReplyDeleteGet yourself organised it saves you time & makes everything much less stressful. Everything in its place and a place for everything. Have set places for important things like your important documents/papers and bills. Being organised with your budget is a good thing too, get it written down so its easy to follow, so write down your income and list all your known outgoings to help keep track, writing down when your bills/payment are due on a calendar helps too.
ReplyDeletemy top tips - never lend what you can't afford to lose, treat others how you would want to be treated yourself, honesty is the best policy!
ReplyDeletemy most embarrassing moment is probably getting the date for World book day wrong and taking my then 5 year old daughter to school dressed as Jessie from Toy story . Worst thing was i had to go to work and couldn't take her home to change her clothes so she had to stay in the outfit. Worst Mum Award goes to......
ReplyDeleteYesterday, instead of saying 'congratulations' when an acquaintance told me his wife was pregnant, i found myself sayings 'well done, good work'.
ReplyDeleteExcellent impregnating that man.
Damn my inability to socialise like a normal human being.
When my daughter was little she had a habit of mooning to people in the street which was very embarrassing especially when I was in a busy supermarket, I would have to do my shopping as quick as possible.
ReplyDeleteMy tip is this: if you have a secret you really don't want to get out, then keep it to yourself and don't confide in anyone. Friendships and relationships change over the years and unfortunately, people you might trust today, may not be able to be trusted in the future. I speak from experience, having been let down terribly by someone I once trusted with my life!
ReplyDeleteMeal planning comes in really handy feeding a family. Saves money by only buying what you need also getting the kids involved helps them to eat more varied meals
ReplyDeleteMy adulting advice:
ReplyDeleteMostly, people won't get upset if you rearrange appointments or plans, especially if you do so in plenty of time. Don't put off rearranging because you're worried about their reaction.
You're not at school any more; as an adult, strangers will usually be give you the benefit of the doubt at least once, so use that, and use it wisely and justifiably and don't squander it.
Always save those escaping extra pennies that seem to roll away! Or get sucked up into Hetty the hoover when we are doing a mad rush 5 minutes clean before someone comes over for a cup of tea!!! We can't be bothered to pick them up from the floor because they mean so little, but to our children those 1 and 2p's are money - Big or small, we should save them!
ReplyDeleteNever drink the same amount of alcohol as your friends. They're just better at it!!!
ReplyDeletePretend you know what you're doing when setting rules for the kids, even though you probably don't have a clue, make it look like you do
ReplyDeleteGet pjamas that look like excercise clothes! Then when you roll out of bed to do the school run, the other parents might think you are off to an excercise class not straight back to bed!
ReplyDeleteLove this, you're a winner! Please send your address and contact details to beinganadultthebook@gmail.com
DeleteBuy pjamas that look like excercise clothes so when you have to roll out of bed to do the
ReplyDeleteSchool run the other parents might think you are off to do an excercise class instead of going straight back to bed!
my best tip for adulting is.... dont take what others think of you too seriously it will only lead to spending too much time looking to please others and not enough time living your life..above all just do what makes you happy
ReplyDeleteLove this, you're a winner! Please send your address and contact details to beinganadultthebook@gmail.com
DeleteNo matter how perfect others appear to be , every relationship has its issues and there is no such thing as the perfect couple or parent. Some people are just better at faking it than others and social media helps the fakers fake it! Be kind to others as you never know what secret battles they are facing that may be making them tricky customers or friends. Keep,two plastic bags by the door. One for bits and bobs for charity and one for clothing to recycle. When they are full move them on. One persons rubbish is another's treasure, if you don't love it or need it, pass it on.
ReplyDeleteBoth fab tips! You're a winner! Please send your address and contact details to beinganadultthebook@gmail.com
DeleteMy simplest tip to someone much younger who is struggling at college or university is,Dont impulse buy,Stop and think .Do I need this,If the answers no dont bother.You will have plenty of time when earning and older to splurge.
ReplyDeleteSay no if you want to - now I'm in my late twenties, I appreciate 'not doing things' a lot more than I used to!
ReplyDeleteLove this, you're a winner! Please send your address and contact details to beinganadultthebook@gmail.com
DeleteTidy up after yourself,s simple but golden ;)
ReplyDeleteOrganisation is the key in my eyes!
ReplyDeleteWhatever you do, don't trip over your bed going into bed and face plant a wall, you won't feel it for half an hour!
ReplyDeleteTo remember that although others may look like they have the perfect family and relationships, that everyone has their own issues and struggles. Some are just better than others at covering it up.
ReplyDeleteGetting old is inevitable but growing up is optional - I have learnt 'how to behave in public' but you are never too old to have fun....Take time in your day to watch and learn from the young as much as they learn from us we can still learn from them too! Do not get jealous of your peers and just remember the grass is only greener where you water it!
ReplyDeleteWhatever you do don't trip over your bed and face plant a wall with your nose because you can't feel it for half an hour.
ReplyDeleteAdult advice, always make sure there is a stock of wine at home :-)
ReplyDeleteLearn to cook. Home made meals taste so much better than microwave meals and are way cheaper than eating out!
ReplyDeleteAdults need to have fun too! Keep playing with family, friends, partner. Play builds creativity in adults as well as children.
ReplyDeleteadulating tip - No need to drink alcohol, people use it as a way to de-stress and/or bring more fun and excitement into their life. you be a lot happier when you can be high on life instead of poisoning your body to de-stress
ReplyDeleteisabelle smith
eggplantsingambia@outlook.com
answering when someone asked how i was, replying with my age! he looked at me like i was mad!
ReplyDeleteDon't worry too much about friends that you lose touch with, there's a reason they aren't in your life anymore and you will always meet new people and new friends throughout your life
ReplyDelete2- Reward yourself to make you happier
ReplyDeleteShit day at work? Survived a big interview? Got grilled at a meeting? Reward yourself! Whether your reward is raiding your Champion Sweets stash or cooking your favourite dinner. Rewards are there to help give some positivity when you can’t see it in amongst the task you’re doing. :)
Love this, you're a winner! Please send your address and contact details to beinganadultthebook@gmail.com
Deletebefore leaving the house always always check the bottom of your jeans for yesterdays knickers ;-)
ReplyDeleteDon't let fear of what others might think stop you from being yourself and doing the things you want to do. Research has shown that a common end-of-life regret people have is having lived their life according to others' expectations rather than a life true to themselves.
ReplyDeleteI knew I had become an adult when I enjoyed gardening, I find it really relaxing and I love taking pride in my garden! I knew things had changed when I spent £50 on bulbs instead of new shoes or make up!
ReplyDeleteKeep room in your life for some 'me time', even if it's only a relaxing hour in the bath with candles and a glass of wine, it will keep you sane.
ReplyDeleteWhen someone you know dies its always difficult to know just what to say.....I say "Try to think of them leaving on a train from the station without you on it this time, we are all going to the same destination but you are catching a later train but they will be waiting for you there and be so pleased to see you.
ReplyDeleteLove this, you're a winner! Please send your address and contact details to beinganadultthebook@gmail.com
Deleteavoid talking to partner as you do the children - its a bad habit and not appreciated
ReplyDeleteOne of my top tips is to never lend money that you can't afford to lose to family as it can cause family rifts and make life awkward.
ReplyDeletePlan meals and stick to a food budget, then you can save up to have some treats in the holidays
ReplyDeletePut everyone's clothing and breakfast dishes out before going to bed. It makes the morning rush so much easier!
ReplyDeletehahaha some of these are do funny! im not ready to adult yet - i have 6 kids and im about to hit my 30's bit no, still not ready - when i am i will make sure everyone knows about it :)
ReplyDeletetip..... adults can have fun too...bills will always be there.. do what you want... do what makes you happy, if its sticking to rules that you enjoy then go for it if its breaking the rules now and then ...that's great. Just live a life !
ReplyDeletedeclutter your home. You don't need to pay to store items you don't need. You could sell them or donate them to a charity shop. You would then be able to see what you do need and want in your home.
ReplyDeleteLove this, you're a winner! Please send your address and contact details to beinganadultthebook@gmail.com
DeleteMe mum used to always say "never a borrower or a lender be" You can lose friends when somebody doesn't get things back.
ReplyDeleteOrganise your paperwork so you can find it when you need it. Yes it's boring. But so is having to reapply for essential documents in a hurry or not being able to prove you can work in the UK. It doesn't have to be indexed and cross referenced in shiny folders, but having a box or drawer for important papers is an absolute must.
ReplyDeleteLove this, you're a winner! Please send your address and contact details to beinganadultthebook@gmail.com
DeleteMy advice is to when in doubt look for an adultier adult, some one who is more successful at adulting than you xx
ReplyDeleteNeither a borrower nor a lender be.
ReplyDeletewhen moving out start putting household items such as washing powder and toilet rolls etc in a box. buy when on offer in the supermarket this means that your first shop isn't really expensive
ReplyDeleteMy best tip is to learn to value you yourself more and realize when people are taking advantage of you, to be a kind person but always be aware of what is happening; it is okay to say no.
ReplyDeleteSet your meal plans so when you go shopping you dont buy unnecissary stuff you dont need
ReplyDeleteTop Adulting tip: learn to say No, its a tough word to master but you will happier when you do.
ReplyDeleteAdulting tip: No one else has it all figured out either! Some people are just better at faking it on social media. Relax. You're doing fine.
ReplyDeleteKeep on top of your finances so you don't overspend.
ReplyDeleteTry and plan in advance - and build in contingency plans
ReplyDeleteAlways keep some wine chilling in the fridge - that is my adulting and parenting tip haha x
ReplyDeleteadult top - remember even on those tough days the day will end..
ReplyDeleteMy adulting tip is to be kind to everyone you meet and surround yourself by those type of people too. Life will be much happier for you!
ReplyDeleteMy top tip is to not say yes if you want to say NO! Whether that be a NO to going out with the girls when all you really want to do is to stay in and have a quiet night or NO to putting more weight on your shoulders.
ReplyDeleteLove this, you're a winner! Please send your address and contact details to beinganadultthebook@gmail.com
Deletebe well organised
ReplyDeleteWhen you get clothes out of the washing machine, stretch them and smooth them out before hanging them to dry, it helps reduce creases and reduces the need for ironing!
ReplyDeleteLove this, you're a winner! Please send your address and contact details to beinganadultthebook@gmail.com
Deletealways make a list and goals of what you want
ReplyDeleteadult tip, never grow up!
ReplyDeleteStart a pension as early as possible
ReplyDeleteKeep your current account balance low, just enough of a buffer. Move most money in to better yielding savings accounts. Also, when you see the low balance, it discourages impulse buys and makes you be more savvy to build the funds up again (when you do - move more out).
ReplyDeleteLove this, you're a winner! Please send your address and contact details to beinganadultthebook@gmail.com
DeleteI wanted the ground to open up when on a shopping trip to a nearby shopping centre, I had visited the loo, it was after an hour of browsing later that a kindly lady I was notified that I had the bottom of my skirt tucked into my knickers.
ReplyDeleteLet yourself off the hook! Have a lie in or spend all day in your pjs at the weekend, relax. You'll be a better adult and a better parent too!
ReplyDeletekeep a tin with some money in it for emergencys
ReplyDeleteAlways have a back up savings account, you never know when the car will break or the dog will get ill!
ReplyDeleteMy advice is to make sure you have some 'me time' every week - it might just be sitting down and watching your favourite TV programme or relaxing in a bath or it might involve pursuing a hobby you enjoy. Whatever makes you happy, just make time for it!
ReplyDeleteAlways keep vinegar in the house! It is useful for a multitude of sins from putting on your chips to cleaning windows, removing stains from fabric or embarrassing odours from carpets.
ReplyDeleteAdulting tip, live in the now, stop telling yourself youll be happy when you have more money, your own house, a new car etc etc or youll always be waiting on happiness rather than enjoying the moment.
ReplyDeleteI wish I'd been taught how to say No in school
ReplyDeleteIt’s rare that you get a choice in anything in school. I was told where to sit, what to read, when to eat & when to go home. I didn't get the chance to say no to any of that unless I want to be in detention
Whenever any of the girls at work say they are moving out of there parents I tell them to enjoy but stay away from store cards and credit cards - I learnt the hard way many years ago.
ReplyDeleteRemember to reward yourself
ReplyDeleteI am so used to talking on the phone to my Mum that today when I spoke to someone professional I hung up with ok speak to you soon love you. I could have died!!!!
ReplyDeletekeep fit and healthy in your early years, and your later years should be fine :)
ReplyDeleteDon't get depressed by gorgeous lifestyle photos on Instagram, etc. Their life isn't really like that all the time (or even, in some cases, at all!).
ReplyDeleteHazel Rea - @beachrambler
adult advice - take time each day to give yourself some me time. It will keep you de-stressed and sane
ReplyDeletePlan meals if you are trying to save money, I dont actually often do this as im useless but I really want to start lol
ReplyDeleteSave, get a standing order set up to take a % of your wage as soon as it comes in. You'll be amazed at how fast it mounts up & you won't even miss it!
ReplyDeleteAlways save those escaping extra pennies that seem to roll away! Or get sucked up into Hetty the hoover when we are doing a mad rush 5 minutes clean before someone comes over for a cup of tea!!! We can't be bothered to pick them up from the floor because they mean so little, but to our children those 1 and 2p's are money - Big or small, we should save them!
ReplyDeletePlan ahead and book days out online in advance! MichelleD
ReplyDeleteNo matter how easy it looks on TV or Youtube Videos, DIY will always take twice as long and cost twice as much as you think. The old adage of measure twice cut once should really be ... measure all you like, you know you'll still have 2 spare rolls of wallpaper and half a dozen unopened tins of paint left over. That's just life.
ReplyDeleteBuyout own person, and don't let people tell you what to do.
ReplyDeleteGo to the doctors if you know you have a problem and other people are trying to tell you there's nothing wrong with you. You know your body best and it's best to get checked out sooner rather than later.
ReplyDeleteLove this, you're a winner! Please send your address and contact details to beinganadultthebook@gmail.com
Deletedont be scared to say NO
ReplyDeleteSpend time listening to your children whatever their age. My parents always seemed too busy and I craved a listening ear whilst growing up. I also believe its important to have family mealtimes together as much as we can sat to a table with no TV or mobile phones to distract. This gives time to listen to each other, discuss days and share moments.
ReplyDeleteNever ever impulse buy. If you see something you really like, think about it carefully, and if you still feel the same way about it after a week, then go ahead! Chances are you will have changed your mind & saved yourself loads of money :)
ReplyDeleteSleep on it
ReplyDeleteTidy up after yourself and close that door!
ReplyDeleteAlways have something to look forward too
ReplyDeleteWell this is tricky as I am apparently the cleverest idiot my husband has ever met!! I seem to have zero common sense and I am super clumsy too. Leave me to my own devices and all hell breaks loose. The other day my husband went to help put up a fence panel in dad's garden (true Adulting!) and I hoovered up while he was out. Except I was actually calling him panicking that the hoover had sucked my iphone cable clean off the plug! Tuesday - off husband goes to work away and I break the carbon monoxide alarm whilst trying to change the batteries!
ReplyDeleteWhere my adulting excels is cooking and budgeting. I have worked at an accountancy practice for 21 years and I am obsessed with numbers and saving money! I have spent years learning how too cook cheaply for my family. Lentils. Add them to any 'wet' meal - bulks out/replaces the meat and are full of protein and cheap as er chips! Get an allotment or share one, or just have a veggie patch/herb garden at home. It's a great hobby and so cheap - very educational for the littlies at home. I make cheap healthy snacks for school pack ups too, that pass the lunchbox police! This makes me feel very adulty, and quite smug too!
Love this, you're a winner! Please send your address and contact details to beinganadultthebook@gmail.com
DeleteTo remember everyone else is just winging it too!
ReplyDeleteLove this, you're a winner! Please send your address and contact details to beinganadultthebook@gmail.com
Deletemy most embarrassing moment is probably when i went to a school reunion and picturing my friends still as they were years ago, i got chatting to friends i remembered straight way and was introduced to an old friend who remembered as the largest girl in th school..my first comment to her was wow haven't you lost weight? omg if looks could kill
ReplyDelete