Shall we solve each other’s simple problems?

[Merryoldgoat]

So. I have a whole load of shit I’m dealing with that cannot be easily solved.

However I also have a variety of very straight forward issues that I could do with people helping with - so how about we all solve each other’s simple stuff??

Things I need help with and would appreciate answers from people who know:

1. How many towels do I need for a family of four?
2. What is the best way to keep Tupperware properly organised?
3. What shoes do I need to be smart in all weather?

TIA?

Put a thick rubber mat on the bottom, it prevents slipping. You can also get adjustable racks on Amazon for this, but I find the rubber mat works best.

1. I bought a full length riding coat. it keeps me dry in even the most torrential rain. I don't wear it that often, but when I do it's wonderful. People passing have commented on how impressively snug I look in even the worst weather. Its not that breathable so not everyday practical but I love it.
2. how about those zip up net bags for washing laundry. Or cotton draw-strings like old school gym bags

I’d now suggest to hop along to Canary Wharf for lunch into early evening for Museum of Docklands, the new nature bit by Eden project, a bit of a riverside walk, and the light installation tour, plus loads of good food options. Enjoy the trip!

You probably only need access to your products for a few minutes in the morning and evening, so they don't have to be out on display all day. Store your bottles/jars/tubes upright in a deep drawer to maximise use of the space, label the tops so that you can easily pull out what you need, replace after use.

Or you could use a wall-hung cabinet with your stuff at eye level but behind a door. A large shallow bathroom cabinet works for me (mine is in the bathroom, but it dosen’t have to be) or a hanging washbag with several compartments.

My family are from the tropics and will be spending next December in London, Germany and Czech Republic. We have no idea about winter gear and will be travelling as light as possible.

What comfortable weatherproof walking shoes should we all have and what are you supposed to wear on your legs to keep them warm? Also, is a good quality long puffer jacket enough as the outer layer?

https://www.lookfantastic.com/p/eucerin-urearepair-plus-10-urea-foot-cream-100ml/11115981/

How about an off black feature wall?

I have two bath sheets each, and two hand towels per sink. Also have one spare bath sheet for visitors and seasonal hand towels for the downstairs loo.
DD has one of those special head towels for wet hair.
Glass is better than plastic for storing food, and mine just nest inside each other. The lids I keep lined up inside an old ice cream tub.

Uniqlo! Get the stuff in January in the sales.
Don’t wear jeans in winter, they make your legs so cold. Thermal leggings are the best.
Think layers: thermal vest, T-shirt (long sleeves), and always always wool jumpers.
Uniqlo puffer jackets are good and don’t take much space.
Boots are expensive, maybe get trainers and wear thermal socks with it, since you’ll only use them a few times?
Hats and gloves and scarves!

In England it’s not too bad cold wise, we have a ‘damp’ cold, wear whatever. I rarely bother with umbrellas these days, they’re a pain in the neck, I have waterproof coats and wellies, but you’re probably better off with umbrellas, cheaper.

Please solve my pan nightmare. They stack on top of each other (pan with the lid upside down on the top) in the cupboard under the sink, and every time you touch one they all fall inside one another. It’s a nightmare, there must be an easier way, but i’m restricted by the U bend.

There is no solution for this except to suck it up and buy a new hob. Non induction electric hobs are awful. Sorry.

Paint them before; undercoat if they are new and didn’t come undercoated and also one coat of your colour. you’ll need to fill along the top with something (decorators caulk maybe?) when you fit them otherwise you’ll have tiny gaps (or big ones depending on your walls!) so you need to do the final coat in situ

I’m in love with this… the price is ridiculous but the fact it all folds away and the chair is storage too genius! I can’t see anything similar enough that’s cheaper but I am also space poor and sick of using the dining table…

https://www.dunelm.com/product/frankie-velvet-compact-dressing-table-set-with-mirror-and-stool-1000279509?defaultSkuId=31005931

I second the Tupperware from Lakeland - it’s so easy to stack. I’ve only got a small house and small kitchen and therefore a small Tupperware cupboard.

I’ve posted this on the decluttering thread on housekeeping but then I found this thread too! How do people store shoes and boots? My wardrobe needs a good declutter and organise

@AWintersDayInADeepAndDarkDecember this is mind-blowing! Thank you for an excellent tip!

Do you have a brand you would recommend?

I love this so much!

I'd go into dunelm and buy a load of cushions in diff colours and designs. I'd suggest a rich velvety patterned fabric choice to make it look more high end. Bring them home n trial them in situ. Then pull colour you like best from cushion and get a paint shop to colour match

Agreed! Do the under and first top coat before, then the final coat once they are up. This way you don't need to go all the way down to the floor on the final coat (no-one will notice the last 1cm of skirting has only one top coat). Bonus: make sure the caulk is flexible and can be painted, don't use transparent over the top of paint - it goes yellow over time and looks awful.

I did this on my bedroom skirting as I have carpet already installed.

My problems:

1. I have a half height wall in my bedroom, plain white plasterboard - it's actually a stair bannister in a loft conversion. I'd like to pannel it in something oak wood, but not sure what. I'm not sure about the acoustic slatted walls anymore, some look nice but some look very cheap.

1. What do I do today for a day out? East Anglia, toddler + DH. National trust or train ride to somewhere? Toddler not loving the cold after overly long cold Xmas day walk.

1. What to store ever increasing toddler arts and crafts supplies in ? Currently in a cupboard.

I also had everyone pick a color for "their" towel when the kids were young so there was no arguing over who's is on the floor, or who's stopping wet towel was out in the hamper, etc.

@101trees train ride. Can you stop somewhere with a nice cafe for an hour then get the train back?

Plastic drawers for the craft stuff.

Can you take it back? You're going to be stuck with it for years and there's no way I'd be willing to go from induction to 'normal'.

Cracking idea for a thread - should be a weekly ‘let’s solve each others simple
problems’ thread!

My problem - I need to lose weight and focus on my health but just can’t stick to anything for more than a few days!

how do you get motivated and more importantly STAY motivated to get healthy and fit?

I have four sets of towels each comprising

1 bath sheet
1 bath towel
1 hand towel
1 old towel for the floor

They all match and when they're dry after washing I roll all four up together into a big sausage and put in the cupboard ready to pull the next roll out on Saturday morning for the change.

I also have a microfibre towel for curly hair drying method.

Kilim cushions go with everything. I have lots and love them. You can get them on Etsy reasonably priced for what they are and buy the inners bargainfully from Dunelm. Here is an example seller:

Kilimpillowgallery - Etsy UK