glugglugplanet sent me 2 packets of reusable silicone drinking straws to review. I shared them with my friend Jo and her son and we set about thoroughly road testing them. What are glugglug straws? glugglug straws are washable, reusable silicone replacements for the polluting plastic straw. They come in two diameters that can be cut to length if you want …
Happerly 7 Day Know Your Food Origins Challenge
With the synchronicity of the internet that only the algorithms of social media can evoke, we were just talking about shopping locally in the Less-stuff Facebook group when this 7 day challenge came to my attention. Happerley is a new way of certifying food producers and suppliers that lets us consumers trace where it came from. They are running a …
What to do with all those pears
The fruit and veg market was selling large bags of pears for 50p so I am officially in a pear glut! They are still pretty firm, with some dodgy outer bits that can be cut off. The less-stuff Facebook group came to the rescue with some great ideas. Thank you to Heather, Angela, Marion, Bróna, Anna and Jenny for all …
More alternatives to clickling like and doing something more interesting instead
This post has more ideas for things to do to avoid Facebook today, enjoy! Something creative – doodling, all you need is a bit of paper and a pen. Something relaxing – www.calm.com is free and gives you a choice of guided meditations from 2 to 20 minutes. If you are not convinced that meditation is for you try …
How to Shop and Save – Guest post by VeryMummy
Do you shop online? The answer is most likely yes. So many people like you and I shop online, I mean let’s face it it’s so easy these days. No shopping bags to carry, coupons and voucher codes can be used for some online shops, no crowds, easy to return items, you can do it after a glass of wine …
3 ways to slow down when you write
Why slow down? Most days I turn the computer on to a hundred or so emails, despite my control methods to stop junk mail. I check Facebook to be met with a barrage of things that need my attention. Twitter, Instagram and Pinterest all lure me to gather more information and ideas and occasionally the phone rings with more pulls …
Will being ethical make you happy?
In 7 months time I’m going back to college to start a MA in design. I did my degree about 25 years ago so I’m a little worried that my brain is rusty. I’ve been dipping into some research for another book about gentle decluttering over the last year though and one google link after the next led me to …
Will making your bed every day make you happier?
I don’t often make my bed properly. I aim to, but there is usually a cat on it when I’m in a bed making mood so I leave it all undisturbed. I love the feeling of smooth clean sheets though and when a friend reminded me of this video I thought it would make a good mini challenge. Adm. McRaven …
Fixing the annoying things with Sugru
Meet Sugru, the world first mouldable glue that turns into rubber. You know those little daily things that annoy you? For me it was the cable of the slow cooker falling into my face every time I moved it off the shelf. The way I’d knock the lead out of the back of the laptop every time I moved it …
Winning at Winter – make it clutter free, frugal, thrifty and fun
I’ve been working on a gorgeous collaboration with upcycling expert Vicky Myers and the very clever Claire Lyons who is the frugal family expert. Between us we have come up with a solution to make winter fun, frugal and environmentally friendly too. It is a workbook full of things you can do to make four winter weeks much better. Winning …
How to use up all those carrots!
Carrots are either in season or almost always available heavily reduced. It is hard to resist a kilo of good food for 20p so here are some ideas for using up all those carrots. This post was written with lots of help from Sarah, Laura, Rachel, Anna, Jacquie, Madeline, Christine, Bróna, Susan and Frances from the less-stuff Facebook group. Raw: …
Zero waste Valentines without the clutter or crap
Valentines day is getting out of hand. From light up plastic roses to teddy bears with heart shaped balloons. Do you really need or want any of that? Do you know anyone who would like these throwaway gifts for more than a week at most? In collaboration with Vicky from Vicky Myers Creations this post has some ideas for Valentines …