It is said that love and money are closely aligned, and if it means doing something you love can support you and your family and lead to money, then I completely agree.
In this fast moving high tech age where everything is online, and all about guidelines and virtual reality games – it may be surprising to know that the Cottage Industry is back and stronger than ever.
Back in the day, long before the Internet was even a twinkle in the eye of its creator, family businesses were the norm – mainly due to the convenience of a local community to support it’s trade.
Nowadays of course we have the World as our online community, which is a great advantage as you have the capability to do what you love from the comfort of our own home, and make it work for you.
Arts and crafts like knitting, sewing and crochet are back – and an increasing number of males are participating alongside their partners. Perhaps it is to balance the ever increasing speed of the virtual world and return to a more organic peaceful time with a creative outcome.
Whatever it is that floats your boat, could be your fortune – or at least sustain you and help build your empire, whatever your ambition.
A recent success story of a single mum who started her own business at home (and we are not talking about JK Rowling) is Lizzie whose favourite thing was baking. She had been doing this for a number of years whilst creating her own breads and cakes. One day at a particularly fun coffee morning with other mums, she was commended for her mouth watering pastries, and it was suggested that she try to supply the local bakery.
The rest is history and she now supplies five bakeries, one in her own village and several others within ten miles of her home. This supplies a decent income for both Mum and baby and she is now being approached by potential buyers who are impressed by her talent and are encouraging her to expand.
The Etsy Marketplace is a great online shopping outlet, and business idea in itself, and supports many Cottage Industry businesses from jewellery making to hand made rugs and clothing. If you are a spinner for example and want a place to market your goods, this is a highly supported site from buyers of home made products.
Photo courtesy of: Daniel Acker | Bloomberg | Getty Images
Success in business is mainly down to passion and perseverance, and if you have the first then people will come and then the rest is easy.
So the key is to ask yourself, what are you passionate about. Perhaps your are not the creative type, not everyone is – well don’t despair, there may be something you are missing.
If you have a particular penchant for languages for instance you could set up a home learning circle for French or Spanish or even Chinese (depending on your own knowledge of course).
You may be a whiz kid at social media – there are many who would benefit from your expertise and you could explore running a teaching circle, and earn from those hours of exploration by passing it on to other people.
You may be able to play guitar or piano – have you considered how many people in your local community would love to learn even the basics of a musical instrument – at whatever age. You can earn a great salary from just a few hours a week with this popular pastime.
Hopefully this has set you thinking, and even if you don’t give up the day job tomorrow, it may be inspiring for you to consider how a mini start up doing something you love could change your life and afford you the time and space you have longed for.
This year The Oscars have been the centre of controversy – whether it be racism, age or gender issues – they have certainly evoked emotive dialogue and heated discussion.
A number of stars have even boycotted the event in protest against their claim of discrimination, which proffers the question of its relevance in the grand scheme of things.
But out of muck comes beauty, and an amazing tribute was performed by Lady Gaga surrounded by 50 survivors of abuse from College Campuses all over the US.
With a moving and rather astonishing introduction by Vice President Joe Biden, this music icon performed the strike point of the evening.
Lady Gaga herself has been a talking point of discussion over the years with her dress made of meat and ‘off the wall’ performances, but as she performed her song ‘The Hunting Ground’ we had to take her seriously. She shocked as always, but this time in a great way, she also moved us and performed with such heartfelt sincerity, that everyone at home or in house, was rocked to the core.
Gaga herself had been the victim of sexual abuse, and as she surrounded herself by other victims with writing on their arms like ‘NOT YOUR FAULT’ and ‘UNBREAKABLE’, we knew she was a fiery force of pure passion for all survivors including herself.
(Official Oscar Photographs)
It was the first time that such a ground breaking gesture had been inaugurated at such an iconic event, but it really did go a long way to redeem itself and upstage the storm of its debate.
Performances like this make international events worthwhile, even if they arouse high emotions. Perhaps that is what they are for.
After all we have all been guilty, in spite of our devout political correctness, of occasionally questioning blame on certain victims of sexual abuse.
Wiping it quickly from our minds we make the right noises and say the appropriate sentences, but if you see the performance from Lady Gaga at the Oscars last night – you will never question again.
Caravanning is an ever increasing choice for families and empty nesters as a holiday or even a second home.
It may surprise you to know that the first Caravan site was opened in 1890 in The Isle of Man and it was after that regarded as the ‘rich man’s’ past time, right up until the fifties when it exploded as a more affordable option for families on a tight budget.
With the increased deluxe design of caravans and campervans, and the reinvention of camping sites, it is now more reminiscent of a high end hotel than an episode of Heidi-hi.
It is not that we are against a good karaoke or a camp fire furore, far from it, but the option is yours, and more and more people are making it.
Harvey Alexander, Caravan Club Director of Marketing says ‘Caravanning is a fantastic holiday option. Modern caravans are so luxurious, truly five star. The Club represents one million caravanners and we are delighted to have many celebrity members and ambassadors’.
(Photo courtesy of: www.campingmougas.es)
If you are already a caravanner or are considering it as an investment, it would benefit you to join this well established club. The Caravan Club was first formed in 1907 and it now has an incredible 375,000 family members. It is a pool of information and advice, and if you have a question, rest assured they will know the answer with anything Caravan related. They have access to a multitude of sites, and have experienced all the practicalities of caravanning. Check them out on www.caravanclub.co.uk.
Dame Helen Mirren, Lorraine Kelly, Billie Piper and Jamie Oliver are just a few of the celebrities who are now owners of motorhomes or caravans.
Caravans are now equipped with all amenities, and give us the flexibility to cook our favourite meals, without having to rely on restricted hotel food, select your location or holiday destinations.
You can buy or hire a campervan if you would prefer to tour, which will give you access to the many camp sites throughout the UK and Europe and will give the sense of adventure to explore landscapes, villages and architecture that would otherwise escape you.
If you are travelling with kids, it will give you the opportunity to introduce them to new horizons including the many farms and parks catering for young people with inspiring activities to keep them amused.
Caravanning now adds to the economy by an amazing £6 billion, which is proof in itself. It is evident that this is the way to go, and more and more people are grabbing the concept and making it their own.
July 13, 2026 1811 Sir George Gilbert Scott 1933 Patsy Byrne 1942 Jim McGuinn 1859 Sidney Webb 1940 Patrick Stewart 1944 Erno Rubik 1903 Eric Portman 1942 Harrison Ford 1960 Ian Hislop
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