Money, midlife and mating.

🎈 Want the BEST Balloon Fiesta views WITHOUT the Ashton Court crowds? 👇

17 years ago, when I first moved to Bristol, I was driving down the Portway and thought someone had spiked my cuppa as I looked up to spot hot air balloons bobbing over the Clifton Suspension Bridge right in front of my windscreen! 🤯

The Bristol International Balloon Fiesta (August 7th - 9th) is part of Bristol culture and everyone should experience the event at Ashton Court at least once.

While Ashton Court Estate is free to enter, these days I prefer to watch the ballons from a distance and avoid the crowds.

Bristol is packed with incredible free vantage points:

🏆 My Top Pick: Perrett Park in Knowle. It’s set on a natural amphitheatre slope with stunning views towards Ashton Court.

📍 Other Epic Spots:

Clifton Observatory (for that classic postcard shot)

Brandon Hill (Cabot Tower views!)

Durdham Downs (plenty of room to spread out)

I’m lucky enough to get a great eyeful right from my front garden in Hengrove!

Check out my photo from last year below - definitely didn't pull off the early morning wake-up call today! 🤣

👇 Over to you, Bristolians: Where’s your secret spot to watch the skies light up? Drop your top locations (and photos!) in the comments! 📸✨

Why does the universe test us by sending two potential romantic partners at once?! 😅

Specifically: Why is it that right before you meet someone who actually has 'Mr Right' potential, the universe decides to drop a massive karmic lesson in your lap first?

Honestly, this happened to me this summer. I literally remember moaning to a mate, "I don’t even go for BAD guys! I’m just bloody unlucky in love, and I’d definitely rather stay single than settle."

Right on cue... enter… The Karmic Lesson.

He had a bucketload of charm, charisma, and enough chat to make my knees go weak.

But over the coming weeks, I realized the actual 3 Cs he needed to show me - clarity, consistency, and communication - were seriously lacking.

I used to think I didn't fall for 'bad boys,' but the truth? I had been mistaking anxiety for chemistry for over 30 bloody years! 🤯

Thanks to a bit of self-reflection (and a lot of internet deep-dives), I finally caught on.

After a few misguided snogs, dates that never materialized, and promises that weren’t acted upon, I officially called it quits and gave another guy a chance. And I’m so, so happy I did.

Enter Mr Torquay. ❤️

We've been on three dates now, chat every day and we're having so much fun. Ladies, consistency doesn't have to be boring!

Quick question for the feed: Has the universe ever pulled this trick on you right before things finally clicked? Tell me I’m not the only one! 👇

Forget dating apps, middle-aged women have found a new love that never nags for s*x, leaves wet towels on the floor or causes unnecessary drama.

Don't just take my word for it, there's a growing trend of women in their 40s, 50s and 60s choosing their dog over a new potential romantic partner.

Surveys by organizations like The Kennel Club and Burns Pet Nutrition show that 60% to 70% of single women would choose their dog over a romantic partner or date.

And in the 45 to 65 age group, over two-thirds (69%) of single women trust their dog's judgment when it comes to a potential new suitor.

Is it any surprise when all women's problems seem to start with men? 🤣

Have you decided to ditch dating and just chill with your dog, cat or other pet animal? I would love to see pics of you and the love of your life in the comments. 😍

dogs over dudes 🐶💖 we’re your all-in-one solution

Enjoy the Roman Baths for just £1 if you’re on Universal Credit, Pension Credit or ESA and take up to 4 children for just £1.

What other UK attractions offer a discount for families on low incomes? Let us know in the comments… 😊

We’re making it easier for more people to experience The Roman Baths.

From 1 April, £1 tickets will be available for UK visitors receiving Universal Credit, Pension Credit, or Employment Support Allowance (ESA). We believe everyone should have the chance to explore 2,000 years of history. That’s why a limited number of £1 tickets will be released each day across all time slots.

For just £1 per person, you – and up to four accompanying children – can enjoy a memorable visit to one of the best-preserved ancient spas in the world.

Whether you’re planning a family day out or discovering Bath’s heritage for the first time, we hope this new offer helps make a visit possible.

Tickets available to book online now for visits from 1 April.

See more: https://www.romanbaths.co.uk/ps1-ticket-roman-baths

Never mind the kids on their summer holidays, ice skating sounds like the perfect way to cool down right now.

And Planet Ice in Bristol has a good deal that could save you money.

DOUBLE DISCOUNTS ARE BACK! ⛸️❄️⁠
Over the Summer Holidays, enjoy amazing savings on public ice skating at Planet Ice, exclusively for Ice Card Members! 🧊⁠
⁠
🟢 All day ice skating⁠
🟢 Half term discos⁠
🟢 3 & 5 day Learn to Skate courses⁠
🟢 SAVE £4.80 off skating sessions - Ice Card Member Exclusive⁠
⁠
🌼 Check out their page and share with a friend who’d love this. ❤️

Planet Ice | Holidays Music & Magic On Ice is coming to Planet Ice Milton Keynes & Bristol. Starring Boyzlife, Brian McFadden & Keith Duffy, plus support. Live music, professional skaters, and unforgettable performances on ice. Book Now!Click Here

Update: Mr Torquay is still in the running 🏃‍♀️

Date three with Mr Torquay is booked for this weekend, and no one has had to phone a friend for help yet.

Our second date was just drinks at his place, but we actually talked about real feelings and laughed until our faces hurt. 😭

The best part? I am completely calm and not at all anxious because he actually texts back and behaves like a normal human.

How to spot an avoidant before you order dessert: 🧁

Since my usual type is so emotionally unavailable I may as well talk to a wall, here are three questions to w**d out the avoidants before you accidentally catch feelings:

‘What does a healthy relationship look like to you?’

If they say ‘easy’ or "drama-free,’ run. It means they will vanish the second you tell them you’ve had a bad day at work. 🥲

‘How do you handle conflict?’

If they say ‘I don’t do conflict,’ that means they just do silent treatment and ghosting instead.

‘Why did your last relationship end?’

If the answer is ‘all my exes are crazy,’ run for the hills. The chances are their behaviour was the cause and you’re dealing with someone who doesn’t even know what accountability and self awareness mean. 😬

Now it’s your turn, what’s your biggest dating red flag? 🚩 Let me know in the comments.

And don’t forget to share this page with your single friends and give me a follow for more dating when you’re middle aged shenanigans. 🤣

My daughter is 19 now but I really feel for skint parents of schoolchildren trying to do fun things during the school holidays that wont break the bank. 😩

So I’m starting a post on all the places kids can get in free and eat free and asking you to add your favourite in the comments.

I haven’t tried BrewDog deal but the one in Bristol is in a lovely spot right by the river so I reckon it’s worth a try.

What’s your favourite place to take the family for a kids eat free deal? Let me know in the comments👇

Summer holidays just got a whole lot cheaper!

I remember dreading the school holidays when my daughter was younger because they can be so bloody expensive.

But the good news is kids can travel on the buses for free this summer, no matter where you are in the UK.

Here’s exactly how to make the most of it

If you are in the West of England:

Children under 16 ride completely free starting 18 July until 6 September. This covers the entire summer holiday across the West of England Combined Authority (Bristol, Bath & North East Somerset, South Gloucestershire, and North Somerset).

The rest of the UK:

The UK Government’s Great British Summer Savings kicks in nationwide. From 1 August to 31 August, teenagers and children aged 5 to 15 can travel for free on participating services across the rest of England. All they have to do is jump on board!

Being able to travel for free means you can have more days out to enjoy the weather.

Now just lets's hope it doesn't start bucketing it down as soon as the school gates close.

Share with a parent who will love this and don't forget to follow us for more money tips.

🚨 FIRST DATE UPDATE: Date number two is officially locked in for this weekend, so I’d say it went pretty well! 🥂

I was a bit anxious about telling him I blog about dating, but after a few shots, I just went for it: “You should know I publicly roast middle-aged men for a living. You’ll get slagged off at some point, but I won’t name you.”

And instead of running for the hills, he just laughed and said: “I’m bound to mess up at some point, I’m only human.”

Absolute legend. Not pretending to be perfect was a massive green flag.

Here is the rest of his scorecard:

No mind games: He actually admitted he liked me and wanted to see me again. Groundbreaking.

Chemistry on both sides: Not just the alcohol talking, I swear.

Emotional maturity: At 45, he actually knows what he wants and isn’t still "figuring it out" like so many other middle-aged men on dating apps ffs.

The dog test: My dog Caramel - aka the REAL love of my life - liked him! (Though she did snap when he tried to sit next to me - it is HER seat). 🤣

We had an absolute blast, but we’ve mutually agreed that date two will involve significantly fewer shots. Middle-aged hangovers in this summer heat are a near-death experience. 🫠

Now it's your turn. What is an immediate dating green flag that makes you think, "Okay, you can stay?” Let me know in the comments! 👇

Please share with your single friends and don’t forget to follow Money, midlife and mating. 😘

FREE BEER & 50% OFF DRINKS FOR ENGLAND V ARGENTINA! 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿🔥🇦🇷

The semi-final is on Wednesday at 8pm, and the pubs are going all out. If you’re heading out to watch the lads, don't pay full price.

Here are 3 massive deals you can use during the game:

🍺 1. Buy 4 Pints, Get your 5th FREE
Proper Pubs (over 200 locations across the UK) is running the 'Straight Through Crew' deal. Pre-pay for 4 draught pints, get a stamp card, and your 5th is on the house.

Where: Massive in the North West (Manchester, Liverpool, Wigan, Bolton, Cheshire), Yorkshire, and the Midlands. (Check your local Admiral Taverns / Proper Pub venue!)

📱 2. 50% Off Your Round + Free Welcome Drink
Stonegate Pubs (under the MiXR app network) have a fabulous app deal.

The Deal: Download the MiXR app, sign up for the Season Pass, and you get 50% off your round, plus a totally free drink just for registering.

Where: Huge sports bars and pubs nationwide (Great Local Pubs, Pubsmiths, and Social Pub & Kitchen venues).

🍑 3. Free Spritz & 2-for-1 Cocktails
Not a beer fan? Slug & Lettuce has you covered.

The Deal: Use the code FREESPRITZ when you order any main meal to get a free Peach Spritz, plus 2-for-1 cocktails all night.

🚨 TIP: It’s going to be absolutely packed. Get down early to grab a table.

Who are you watching the game with? Tag your matchday squad below so they can benefit from saving money too! 👇👇👇