StorkUp: Funky, Quirky, Original & Affordable Shopping

Hands up if you find shopping a bore sometimes?! When shopping online (which should be considerably easier than trawling around shopping centres) jumping from place to place, looking for inspiration and endlessly searching for different shops may become wearying after a while.

lego-zipbin-storage-case--playmat
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StorkUp offers an alternative to those who are shopping for baby and children’s items, from clothing to toys and beyond. I have been “watching” StorkUp since it launched as I was intrigued by the one stop shop idea however since those early day the business has grown rapidly, incorporating hundreds of retailers into their catalogue ensuring that there is something for all styles, preferences and budgets.

Cream Bunny All In One
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I might have mentioned once or twice recently that I am very soon (approx. two weeks) going to be becoming an aunt to a niece for the time on “my” side of the family. My sister is expecting her first and this time I will be spoiling a girl rather than boys. I had no idea shopping for girls could be so much fun! My two ratbags are of course loveable boys so there is no pink in sight so browsing this site has been a joyful experience!

There are other stores that give you a wide choice of goods and I’ve used many of them at one time or another however StorkUp seem to have the edge on the more trendy, quirky and unique finds which make shopping for yourself or for others that much more enjoyable.

The site itself is ridiculously easy to use. You may sign up with Twitter, Facebook or your email address, add your children’s details or pregnancy info, start lists for saving items or for those who just want to get down to the nitty gritty of seeing what is on offer there is a big SKIP option so that you can start exploring.

StorkUp-Raspberry Red
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The site is set out very much like Pinterest in a way, enabling you to scroll through hundreds of items quickly and easily. It is simple to customise your searches by keyword, theme, price or even by what is “trending” at the time. A brilliant way to get your shopping done!

Thankfully pink, blue, green, purple and any colour you could want is catered for as I seem to have plenty of friends and family all expecting at the moment.

Whether you are searching for clothing, toys, equipment, interiors or indeed anything related to babies, toddlers and children “just because” or for birthdays and Christmas you won’t go wrong using Stork Up. A huge plus point for me is that StorkUp introduces savvy shoppers to a wide number or independent retailers who perhaps might have been missed otherwise.

I will certainly be hitting the site for Xmas ideas and have already “liked” and follow their Facebook page so that I don’t miss out on news, offers and competitions. This year why not make shopping for new, fun and high quality items from independent sellers and established businesses easier, saving yourself both time and money.

From Small Beginnings
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*Written in collaboration with the mentioned business yet true to my own thoughts, feelings and experiences.

The Future of Buying Property in Thirsk

Today I’m talking about buying houses. Not me personally, I’m pondering more on mortgages and whether my area is a good place for first time buyers. Roy and I had a conversation about this the other day as at some point, presumably, the boys are going to leave home and want to set up on their own. Granted it might not be here in Thirsk (although I’d be chuffed if it was) yet if they did, I have to wonder what options will be available to them.

The housing market has been a mess for years although now the slump seems to be recovering, new affordable properties are being built and mortgages aren’t quite as difficult to obtain as they were.  You can check out the Halifax Mortgage Calculator for more info on this.

Back to Thirsk (my fabulous home town in North Yorkshire); is this a good place for first time buyers? At the moment it certainly seems so. Thirsk, which incorporates the parish of Sowerby where we are is a medium sized rural-“ish” location which is fairly central within the county and has excellent transport links. York is 20 minutes away by train, Teesside, Middlesbrough and the rest of the North is within easy reach and for families or for commuting to work there are endless possibilities.

We have a new building project starting here called the Sowerby Gateway which will be located on the edge of our parish and will include between 100 and 150 new houses. The idea is that this housing will be affordable and will fill a gap that exists at the moment which means that there are two few homes and too many people wanting to buy or even rent. Growing up here in Sowerby I am in the “I wish they wouldn’t build on like this” camp however having two boys I can see why extra housing is needed for the future if not for those in need now.

The boys moving  out and buying their first homes is a long way off however looking at how things are now it does seem as if they will be a better position than many of our generation or older have been when looking for a mortgage and a suitably priced property.

The financial sector recognises the need for more affordable mortgages and lower deposits and there are a range of options more suited to individual needs than there ever has been before. You could potentially set up a new bank account to quality for the best deals however in the long term I would say your loyalty would be based placed somewhere that would help you when needed anyhow!

We think Thirsk is a good place for first time buyers, excellent in fact although the most most affordable properties and best locations mean nothing without the backing and support from a banking establishment that is willing to go that extra mile to secure the mortgage you need. Fortunately more affordable mortgages and banks are on the ball these day and are able to work with potential buyers.

Altogether things are looking good and for the future, I don’t think the boys will have anything to worry about to be honest.

Halifax