In For Christmas (More or Less)

Well, it has been a busy weekend, but we have now managed to set up our bedroom ready to sleep there for the first time! We’ve been working on our renovations for years – mostly doing the work ourselves – on weekends and when we can around our full time jobs. We are still farContinue reading “In For Christmas (More or Less)”

Embracing Optimism: Looking at the Bright Side in Life

As the holidays approach, many people may be looking forward to spending time with loved ones. But for those who cannot have the festive season they desire may be feeling a little down in the dumps. Cliches like ‘every cloud has a silver lining’ can give little cheer to those who are in a farContinue reading “Embracing Optimism: Looking at the Bright Side in Life”

Lawn Looking Bad Over Winter?

Are you used to your lawn turning into a muddy mess over the winter months? Fed up of bare patches and weeds in spring? There is a simple solution – get rid of that lawn and replace it with a more eco-friendly, vibrant and biodiverse planting scheme that looks good year round. Lawn care isContinue reading “Lawn Looking Bad Over Winter?”

Don’t Put Off Until Tomorrow What You Can Do Today

We can all sometimes be guilty of procrastination. We can often have the very best of intentions to do something ‘tomorrow’. But that ‘tomorrow’ just may not come. In gardening, and in sustainability in general, putting things off can often mean that we fall short, in spite of our best intentions. I often hear peopleContinue reading “Don’t Put Off Until Tomorrow What You Can Do Today”

Christmas Crackers

One thing I really dislike about Christmas are the cheap Christmas crackers that people buy which are made from plastic-coated papers, nylon ribbons and other non-recyclable elements, and which come with tacky plastic gifts, paper hats and cheesy jokes inside. Many people love to have Christmas crackers on their Christmas tables, and for many, ChristmasContinue reading “Christmas Crackers”

Upcycled Furniture For Our Barn Conversion

Yesterday I spent some time sanding back an old chest of drawers for our new bedroom in the barn conversion or steading conversion that we are working on. This was already second hand when a good friend passed it on to us when we were in need of something to put clothes in a numberContinue reading “Upcycled Furniture For Our Barn Conversion”

Sustainable Christmas Tree Options

If you are thinking about getting a Christmas tree this year, you might be wondering which option would be the most sustainable choice. When it comes to Christmas trees, there are five main options: Choose a fake (synthetic) tree. Get a real, cut Christmas tree. Opt for a living Christmas tree in a pot. MakeContinue reading “Sustainable Christmas Tree Options”

Sustainable Sunday Lunch Idea

Today, we have had a lovely visit from my mum and dad. I made some lunch for everyone and we enjoyed a good chat over a vegetable pie, and an apple and caramel cake. While for many it may be more traditional to enjoy a Sunday roast – you do not necessarily have to eatContinue reading “Sustainable Sunday Lunch Idea”

Sanding Reclaimed Floorboards

Today I had a day off work and we have started lightly sanding the reclaimed floorboards that we’ve laid in the upstairs of our barn conversion. We absolutely love the variation and patina, so won’t be sanding down to a fine finish. We are just sanding to achieve a reasonably smooth finish. This character isContinue reading “Sanding Reclaimed Floorboards”

Make Giving a Habit

Today is ‘Giving Tuesday’ – a time when many charities and non-profits with have a fundraising push and a day on which many people choose to donate. I would, of course, urge anyone to give what they can to the causes they believe in. But charity should not be only about one-off donations on specificContinue reading “Make Giving a Habit”