switch to plastic-free cleaning: one-week plan and exact products i use

I love projects that take something ordinary and quiet — like a wine bottle tucked on the recycling shelf — and turn it into an object that brings light and personality into a room. This glass bottle pendant light is one of my favourite quick upcycles: you need just one drill, a piece of plant wire (or copper wire), and a little patience. It’s affordable, low-waste, and makes a wonderfully warm, imperfectly handmade light for a kitchen...

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I keep my fiddle leaf fig (Ficus lyrata) by a single north-facing window — proof that you can grow one without a southern suntrap. It hasn’t been flawless, but over the years I’ve learned a few reliable tricks that keep it healthy, happy, and in keeping with my slow, sustainable approach to houseplants. If you have one in similar conditions, here’s a practical, honest guide to making the most of low light while prioritising simplicity...

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I love the ritual of gift giving — the choosing, the little note, the moment someone unwraps something that’s been selected with care. Wrapping, for me, is part of that ritual. Recently I’ve been trying to make that moment even more thoughtful by eliminating single-use wrapping paper and instead using scarves, kraft paper, and foraged decorations. Not only does this reduce waste, it creates a beautiful, tactile presentation that tells a...

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When I started looking for a natural solution to reduce my chronic lower back discomfort, I didn't expect the mattress topper to be the game-changer. After years of swapping pillows, trying different mattresses and experimenting with sleeping positions, I found that the right natural latex mattress topper gave me support where I needed it while adding a resilient, breathable layer that lasted. If you're exploring natural options for back pain...

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I love a table centerpiece that feels effortless, natural and slightly wild — something you can assemble in an afternoon with a few foraged finds, a bunch of dried hydrangeas and a handful of beeswax candles. This seasonal centerpiece leans into texture and warmth: twiggy branches create structure, dried hydrangea heads add soft colour, and beeswax candles give a gentle, honeyed light and a reassuring, slow burn. Below I’ll walk you through...

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I have a soft spot for mantels — even the small ones that sit above compact electric fireplaces. They’re such a great spot to tell a seasonal story: a layered vignette can add texture, light, and a sense of calm without taking up precious floor space. Over the years I’ve learned how to style narrow mantels so they feel balanced, cosy, and safe (especially important when there’s a heat source below). Here I’ll walk you through how I...

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I’ve always been a bit sentimental about my jumpers — especially the wool ones that feel like a warm hug on grey afternoons. Over the years I’ve chosen repair over replacement whenever possible, and visible mending has become my favourite way to give a beloved wool jumper a new life while making the repairs part of the story. In this post I’ll share the tools I use, the techniques I reach for most often, and how to make a visible mend...

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I moved into my first period home with equal parts excitement and trepidation. The sash windows, high cornices and original floorboards felt like pure character, but I quickly learned that decorating and renovating older properties comes with its own set of challenges — especially when it comes to paint. Choosing a low-VOC paint is one of the simplest, most meaningful ways to protect the health of your family and the integrity of historic...

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I love a tiny balcony — the way a single pot of herbs or a trailing fern can transform a narrow strip of outdoor space into a calm, green retreat. When floor space is precious, vertical planting becomes essential, and a macramé plant hanger is one of the simplest, most charming ways to lift your plants into view. In this post I’ll show you how to build a macramé plant hanger for tiny balconies using tools you probably already own. No fancy...

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I love creating cosy corners — small, personal spaces where a good book, a warm blanket and a cup of tea feel like everything you need. Over the years I’ve learned that you don’t need to spend a fortune to carve out a hygge reading nook. In fact, some of my favourite finds have come from charity shops and thrift stores, and with a little patience and a bit of DIY you can create a truly lovely spot for under £100.Why charity shops?Charity...

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