A resourceful mum has become an internet sensation for sharing a brilliant hack to save money during family outings.
Casey Major-Bunce, aged 33, has discovered a straightforward method to keep food fresh while on the move, effectively avoiding exorbitant expenses incurred during trips.
In what she hails as the “ultimate cost-saving mum hack,” she unveils her technique of utilizing a thermos bottle to maintain food at the desired temperature throughout the day – encompassing items like ice lollies and hot dogs.
In an Instagram video that amassed 13,000 likes, Casey showcases her ingenious idea. She pours hot water into the thermos and subsequently adds frankfurter sausages. This method enables her to craft warm hot dogs while adventuring with her children.
Another clip demonstrates how she employs the same thermos to preserve ice lollies’ chilly state for the duration of the day. She begins by freezing the thermos for an hour before inserting the lollies. Astonishingly, she claims that even six hours after leaving home, the ice lollies remain unmelted.
Casey, a proud mother to Ayron (12), Kaiser (seven), and identical twins Arabecca and Matilda (three), affirms the immense value of this tip.
“As a busy mum, I’ve always embraced life hacks; I’m consistently seeking ways to economize time and money while ensuring my children’s happiness,” Casey, who boasts a following of 217,000 on Instagram, shares with NeedToKnow.co.uk.
She elaborates on the method, stating, “The vacuum insulation ensures the ice lolly remains frozen for an extended period, provided it’s been in the freezer for an hour before emptying and removing the lid.”
Casey emphasizes the financial advantages: “This empowers kids to indulge in their cherished frozen treats at their convenience, without the need to spend significantly at park cafes or on outings.”
The thermos can also be utilized for hot dogs, ensuring that children enjoy a warm lunch option. She acknowledges the children’s particular fondness for the hotdog hack, elucidating, “It not only saves money but also time spent queuing. The hotdogs remain pleasantly warm for over six hours. Pack your condiments in a travel bottle, and you’re good to go.”
Detailing the specifics, she adds, “A regular-sized flask can accommodate up to seven hotdog sausages. Simply add boiling water and drain right before consumption.”
Furthermore, Casey asserts that her ice lolly hack successfully maintains the frosty state for a remarkable six-hour span. She exemplifies this by showcasing how four mini Twisters snugly fit into the thermos.
Her insights have resonated positively with her online audience, with users flocking to the comments section to share their enthusiasm.
One commenter affirms, “I’ve begun employing this trick during the school run for my child and my friend’s kid. It saves us both £2 that we’d otherwise spend at the shop on our way home.”
“Truly ingenious,” another user concurs.
A grateful respondent shares, “Thank you for this suggestion. It’s a novel concept for us! We already use the hot water and hotdogs hack. This is truly brilliant!”
Summing up the sentiment, another user humorously remarks, “That flask resembles Mary Poppins’ bag!”
Expressing the hack’s practicality in various scenarios, an enthusiast points out, “This hack is absolutely genius, especially when you’re at a theme park where hotdogs can cost £4.50 each or more.”