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Best UK meal deals 2025 – where to grab a bargain lunch without feeling ripped off
Let’s be honest — lunch on the high street can get pricey fast. One minute you’re popping in for a quick sandwich, the next you’ve spent £7 on something that barely fills a corner. That’s why I’m still a big fan of the meal deal. When done right, it’s the perfect combo of convenience, value, and choice.
Here’s my no-fuss guide to the best UK meal deals this year — where to go, what to get, and how to make sure you’re actually getting your money’s worth.
Tesco meal deal – £3.60 with Clubcard / £4 without
Tesco still leads the way with its mix-and-match meal deal. With a Clubcard, it’s £3.60 for a main, snack and drink — and there’s loads of choice.
My son’s go-to is the Southern Fried Chicken Wrap, a Monster …
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I recycled 5 old lipsticks at Boots and got £5 in points – here’s exactly how it works (and what they’ll take)!
Back to MAC is gone, but I still had a drawer full of old lipsticks. So I tried Boots’ Scan2Recycle scheme. Yes, it’s a little fiddly, but for 5 minutes of effort, I got 500 Advantage Card points – that’s £5 when you spend £10 or more.
Here’s how it went:
You start by signing up at the Scan2Recycle page (just search “Boots Scan2Recycle” or use the link below). Then you have to register each item you want to recycle. That means taking a photo, writing a short description (e.g. “used lipstick, brand X”), and submitting it. I did five old lipsticks – you can mix and match different products.
They approved mine instantly, though it can take up to 24 hours.
Once your products are approved, you’ve got 2 days to take them to …
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Christmas gift ideas under £20
Looking for that perfect present this Christmas? Whether you’re shopping for the adventurer, the foodie, or the beauty lover in your life, this guide is packed with thoughtful and budget-friendly ideas that will bring joy to anyone lucky enough to receive them. Let’s dive in!
1. For the Beauty Lover – Charlotte Tilbury dupe?
💧 Astral Intensive Moisturiser®
- Price: Under £5 for a 200ml tub.
This cult-classic moisturiser has stood the test of time, loved by generations of women for its versatility and intensely hydrating formula. Whether used as a day cream, night cream, or even a makeup base, it offers luxury-level skincare without the luxury price tag. Perfect for those who adore Charlotte Tilbury’s Magic Cream but want to save money.👉 Buy here
2. For the Craft Beer Connoisseur
🍻 Double-Barrelled Craft Beer Tasting …
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How to score cheap tickets to Warwick Castle – my personal experience
Nestled in the heart of Warwickshire, England, Warwick Castle is a fascinating journey through over a thousand years of history. Whether you’re interested in medieval architecture, historical reenactments, or a nice day out with the family, this iconic castle provides a vibrant and engaging experience…but the tickets can be expensive….so here are some ways to reduce costs.
Buy tickets in advance – Advance ticket purchases not only secure your entry but can also come at a discounted price, ensuring you don’t miss out on your preferred visiting day.
Look for vouchers on eBay – I found Cadbury 2for1 vouchers on eBay that were a steal for entry into Warwick Castle. I managed to get four tickets for just £52, saving significantly off the usual price of £120 for same day tickets. Remember these tips when …
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Act now: understanding crucial tax changes for UK Airbnb owners before April 2025
As April 2025 approaches, UK Airbnb owners are facing significant tax changes that could impact their rental income. One of the pivotal updates is the restriction on claiming mortgage interest as a deductible expense. With the introduction of new legislation, I have been helping out a friend who has an Airbnb to understand and use furnished holiday let (FHL) capital allowances. Tax consultancy firms – like Zeal or HMA Tax – are invaluable, offering expert guidance to ensure Airbnb owners maximise their tax efficiency.
What are FHL capital allowances?
FHL capital allowances allow UK Airbnb owners to deduct the costs of certain items purchased for their holiday lets from their pre-tax profits. This includes expenditures on furniture, equipment, and fixtures necessary for the rental operation. To qualify, properties must be available for let for at …
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Family favourite films from £4.99 at Showcase Cinemas
Looking for a budget-friendly way to entertain the family as the summer holidays wind down? Showcase Cinemas is throwing open its doors and rolling out the red carpet for families with a fabulous film lineup guaranteed to bring the laughs, thrills, and a bit of nostalgia—all for a steal of a deal with tickets priced at just £4.99 for kids and £6.99 for adults!
Whether you’re a film fanatic or just looking for a way to spend a rainy afternoon, there’s no better place to be than sitting in front of a big screen, popcorn in hand, diving into cinematic worlds. From classic tales to modern adventures, Showcase Cinemas has curated a selection of movies that are sure to charm both the young and the young at heart.
Here’s what’s playing
- Sing 2 (September 15th-22nd)
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Luxe for less: M&S’s new Gardenia and Vanilla Fragrance dupe for Marc Jacobs scent
Marks and Spencer is captivating shoppers with their Gardenia and Vanilla Eau de Toilette, priced attractively at just £12.50. This scent serves as a cheaper alternative to the much-admired Marc Jacobs Daisy, which sells for £99 at Boots. Enthusiastic customers highlight the M&S fragrance for its rich blend of vanilla and sandalwood with vibrant top notes of gardenia and grapefruit, echoing the luxurious feel of Daisy but at a fraction of the price.
Customer Reviews:
- “Love the packaging, size, and value for money. Scent is beautiful and a clear dupe of Daisy by Marc Jacobs.”
- “Smells more expensive than it is. Have had lots of compliments.”
- “Smells incredible, really good dupe for Marc Jacob’s Daisy.”
- “It smells like the original Daisy by Marc Jacobs; it’s not exactly the same but very similar. This
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Save money on fuel and ease the stress of finding an EV charging point this summer
Driving long distances on summer holidays can be a stressful time for everyone, especially families. With petrol stations changing fuel prices frequently, the best price at one station one day may not be the best price the next. It’s even more difficult to know where the cheapest fuel is when driving in unfamiliar places during the summer holidays. It’s a problem many of us are worried about as a recent survey revealed – more than half of drivers (53%) are concerned about rising prices and the cost of filling up their fuel tank.
Summer holiday driving stress can be compounded if you’ve got an EV car – you may be worried about how and when you are going to charge your car on a long journey. The UK’s network of chargers is growing considerably – …
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Unmissable bargains: dive into Argos’s scorching summer sale
Are you ready to snag some serious bargains this summer? Argos has kicked off its 2024 Summer Sale, and it’s a treasure trove of deals you won’t want to miss! From plush home furniture to must-have outdoor sets, and even top-notch beauty essentials, there’s something for everyone. Let’s delve into the highlights of this summer bonanza, where you can save up to a whopping 50% on selected items.
Home sweet home deals
First up, if you’re looking to spruce up your interiors, Argos has got you covered with up to half price off on selected indoor furniture. Imagine sinking into the luxurious comfort of the Emma Original Mattress (4ft6), now just £423 down from £635. And for the little ones, the Hab Ellis Toddler Bed in crisp white with a handy drawer is now only £132. …
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Strategies for avoiding higher fees due to the new private school tax
The Labour Party’s proposed new tax on private schools has sparked considerable debate among parents and educators. This policy aims to address educational inequality by imposing VAT on school fees, potentially increasing the cost of private education. While some view this as a fair approach to redistribute resources, it presents a significant challenge for many families who are not wealthy but have made substantial sacrifices to afford private schooling for their children. These parents often forgo luxuries and work extra hours to provide what they perceive as the best educational opportunities.
Avoiding increased private school fees
Despite these changes, there are several strategies parents can consider to manage or avoid the increase in private school fees:
Move into catchment areas of top state schools
One effective method is to move into the catchment area of …
