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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Shall we solve each other’s simple problems?

465 replies

Merryoldgoat · 26/12/2025 17:46

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?

OP posts:
Thread gallery
21
101trees · 27/12/2025 09:43

HangingOver · 27/12/2025 09:29

I have sunburn and it really hurts. What should I put on it?

Alo Vera gel. Multiple times a day. Put it in the fridge for extra cooling.

Jealous of your sunshine.

BlueyDragon · 27/12/2025 09:48

Smallorveryfaraway · 27/12/2025 09:17

I have an oilcloth one and it stays put all the time, easy to wipe down. I have cloth ones to throw over if I want to, but then I have to wash and iron them. I intend to get a bit of that soft table protector stuff to go under the cloth, I just haven't sorted that out yet. So I'd go for oilcloth.

Another vote for oilcloth, particularly if you have small children. We had an extra piece that we put under my children’s high chairs when they were small which made cleaning up the floor much easier (DS could distribute food over a very wide area…). Definitely get the table protector stuff to go underneath it though, you can buy that online cut to fit.

Shoes: Dr Marten’s Chelsea boots work most of the year. The fleece lined ones are so warm. As seen on several of my colleagues at work. Failing that, silver trainers - again a style much modelled by my work colleagues.

Riding coat: yes yes yes, you will thank yourself for it. DD has the Equidry and loves it. Borrow whatever you are going to buy and check that your horse is OK with it as I’ve known ones that don’t like the flapping behind them; the straps on it should secure it just fine but it’s worth checking before you splash out on something that turns out to be a Horse-Eating Monster.

Tupperware: Very random collection so I am very envious of those of you with organised and co-ordinated Tupperware. Lids have a box of their own and are sorted by size. Boxes are stacked as far as possible. No-one else in the house can put any of it away the way it should be but then I have the opportunity to sigh woundedly and dramatically at everyone as I fix it. Actually it mostly works.

Goth decor: DD also wanted black/red at around the same age and we refused but gave her otherwise free rein of the colour chart for a feature wall. If you do go with it, Polyfilla do a paint that is the only answer to covering it up when she goes off it, other than wallpaper.

Drying towels: if you can get a towel radiator then do. You can buy freestanding ones I think.

Sunburn: Aloe Vera gel is the best thing but any moisturiser/lotion will do to try and get some hydration back into the skin. Put it in the fridge to make it extra cool as that helps too.

FingertipSearch · 27/12/2025 09:57

Ditch bath towels. Everyone gets a towelling bath robe - just need a few hand towels and Towelling turbans for wet hair.

Littlefish · 27/12/2025 09:59

I have these storage boxes from Lakeland.

They are bloody brilliant. 3 different depths of box available, but all with the same size lids. I don’t have any others. They all stack together and the lids fit any box.

https://www.lakeland.co.uk/15649/10-stack-a-boxes-food-storage-containers-750ml

750ml Stack-a-Boxes Food Storage Containers | Lakeland

10 x 750ml Stack-a-Boxes Food Storage Containers & Lids. Colour-coded lids to stack when full & nest when empty. Dishwasher, microwave & freezer safe.

https://www.lakeland.co.uk/15649/10-stack-a-boxes-food-storage-containers-750ml

AWintersDayInADeepAndDarkDecember · 27/12/2025 10:01

Eloquentlemur87 · 27/12/2025 07:07

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

Do you have a brand you would recommend?

Thank you - one benefit of being old, you’ve had years to learn things like this.

At the moment my ‘brands’ are still Carte D’Or but also Arla 1litre Skyr pots, 🥳 although I haven’t tried freezing the Skyr ones.

I liked the suggestion upthread of a Lakeland system where all the containers have the same circular lid but are different heights for different volumes.

comeondover · 27/12/2025 10:01

@TimmyTammys a heated airer with a cover would do it, and they fold down so they take up hardly any space when not in use

GargoylesofBeelzebub · 27/12/2025 10:02

We have a drawer for plastic tubs that works reasonably well. We have just given up on anything other than those takeaway tubs so they all stack inside each other. We have a cull every so often and try to keep the ones that are the same so it’s easier to find a lid. We do also have 3 or 4 ice cream tubs for larger portions but don’t need those very often.

outofofficeagain · 27/12/2025 10:05

My issues

  • how do I get my cats to use the cat flap. They manage with the door propped open but not shut.
  • I don’t have enough kitchen cupboard space and my husband hoards condiments and random cheese or coffee related paraphernalia
  • how do I best clean my dog (spaniel) after a walk so he doesn’t make the entire house muddy. But also doesn’t take half an hour.
GargoylesofBeelzebub · 27/12/2025 10:05

What I need help on are:

  1. bags for life. How best to store. Have tried all in one bag on the back of a door, one of those ikea storage bins. Just can’t seem to keep them tidy
  2. shoes! Despite having 3 dedicated storage units we always end up with 3 piles on front of the storage units.
  3. clean washing. Just mounds and mounds of it.
outofofficeagain · 27/12/2025 10:11

GargoylesofBeelzebub · 27/12/2025 10:05

What I need help on are:

  1. bags for life. How best to store. Have tried all in one bag on the back of a door, one of those ikea storage bins. Just can’t seem to keep them tidy
  2. shoes! Despite having 3 dedicated storage units we always end up with 3 piles on front of the storage units.
  3. clean washing. Just mounds and mounds of it.

I have all of these issues.

bags for life - if they are not the super strong thick ones, I fold them down into triangles (like we used to do with crisps packets). With the big ones, I put them straight back in the car.

Shoes - I’m sure this is about having a different family

laundry - see above. It must involve being stricter but no idea how.

GargoylesofBeelzebub · 27/12/2025 10:13

outofofficeagain · 27/12/2025 10:05

My issues

  • how do I get my cats to use the cat flap. They manage with the door propped open but not shut.
  • I don’t have enough kitchen cupboard space and my husband hoards condiments and random cheese or coffee related paraphernalia
  • how do I best clean my dog (spaniel) after a walk so he doesn’t make the entire house muddy. But also doesn’t take half an hour.

I had a similar issue to your second one. We had jars and jars of chutney and sauces taking up space, and bags and bags of nuts.

I made a real concerted effort to use everything up or be ruthless about throwing out at use by dates.

we had homemade sausage rolls with chutney in them, duck with a sauce made from plum chutney , pulled pork with a rub/sauce made from the random sauces and chutney in the bottom of the slow cooker.

Don’t let them just sit there. Find a recipe to use them up.

Put random cheese and coffee paraphernalia in a box away somewhere and chuck it out if it doesn’t get used within a certain timeframe.

sueelleker · 27/12/2025 10:16

NotDarkGothicMama · 26/12/2025 18:07

  1. Two bath sheets, two smaller towels for each female family members/males who care about their hair, two hand towels for each bathroom.
  1. Chuck anything you have already and buy a new set that completely matches. Store in its own drawer/cupboard.
  1. Black leather Chelsea boots.

My own small problem:

  • I have a selection of old, non-matching sofa cushions. Should I continue to let them annoy me on a daily basis, or replace them? If replace, what colour cushions for a pair of light grey sofas?

Can't you buy or make matching cushion covers?

MylipstickiscalledHugMe · 27/12/2025 10:22

@outofofficeagain you could buy one of those cupboard shelf inserts to make a second layer. There's an expandable (sideways) one on amazon for £6 something

sueelleker · 27/12/2025 10:23

Merryoldgoat · 26/12/2025 19:07

@Misanthropologie

2 Pick a shape and stick to it. Different sizes of the same shape will nest or stack easily, but square Tupperware will never co-exist happily with round Tupperware.

This feels significant… how is this not common knowledge??

I have loads of these boxes from Lakeland. They come in different depths, but the lids fit all of them.https://www.lakeland.co.uk/15649/10-stack-a-boxes-food-storage-containers-750ml

750ml Stack-a-Boxes Food Storage Containers | Lakeland

10 x 750ml Stack-a-Boxes Food Storage Containers & Lids. Colour-coded lids to stack when full & nest when empty. Dishwasher, microwave & freezer safe.

https://www.lakeland.co.uk/15649/10-stack-a-boxes-food-storage-containers-750ml

TheFluffyTwo · 27/12/2025 10:23

Flattering jeans for saddlebags / large thighs but fairly small waist that look smart and are comfortable/soft. Preferably light wash or black.

If anyone has any specific suggestions or links you'll make my Christmas!

Middlechild3 · 27/12/2025 10:24

HangingOver · 27/12/2025 09:29

I have sunburn and it really hurts. What should I put on it?

Old fashioned calamine lotion. Messy, unsightly but works a treat. Much better than the higher priced, temporarily effective modern sprays and creams.

Middlechild3 · 27/12/2025 10:27

Cloudninelau · 26/12/2025 22:21

To Randos, Greenwich is so lovely even at this time of year when the weather is not great. There are some very reasonable priced noodle restaurants that my kids love. Plus a Greggs for a sausage roll and hot choc to warm you up if needed!

My own small problem is I have recently started walking a lot! Lost some weight but my feet are suffering. Very dry skin which has become hard skin in places. What lotion is best and can I ever soften the hard skin up or need to have it removed with a pumice stone? I need a full foot regime to keep them in peak condition!

Go and see a podiatrist every 4 months or so, it'll be approx £40 to £50, ask around for recommendations. Miracle performers. Maintenance in between visits is so much easier.

tinyspiny · 27/12/2025 10:34

@outofofficeagain wrt your dog get a doggy dry bag , put the dog in the bag , you may need to sit with him until he gets used to it . After about 15 minutes give the dog a good rub in the bag with the bag then put your hand in to check if he’s dry or not . Once dry release from the bag . Ours used to just snooze in his . Not all bags are good , we had the original doggy bag which was excellent .
https://oh-my-dog.co.uk/products/the-doggy-bag-xs

sueelleker · 27/12/2025 10:52

MinnieMountain · 27/12/2025 09:10

I want a kitchen table covering that stays on most of the time. Is an oil cloth or a plain cotton one best?

Oilcloth-it's easy to wipe clean. You can always put a cotton one on top if you want to dress it up for meals. I have one on my dining room table, as I got sick of dusting the wood surface. A damp cloth is much easier to use. Amazon have a good range.

Newname71 · 27/12/2025 10:59

AmberLime · 26/12/2025 18:54

My 11yo daughter (Y6) has produced a Pinterest board for her bedroom which is all red, black gothic, dark, lots of velvet and fabrics. Feels too grown-up for her. But maybe I'm just out of touch (she's a developing goth, I never have been). Decorating starts tomorrow. I've agreed on red walls.

Q: How much goth us too much goth when you're still in primary school? 🤔

Edited

There is no such thing as too much goth. Just go for it. She’ll love you all the more for it!! 🖤
I was brought up in RAF houses where you had a choice of 3 paint colours on wood chip wallpaper. It was miserable. I always let my 2 DS’s do whatever they wanted in their rooms.

AWintersDayInADeepAndDarkDecember · 27/12/2025 11:05

sueelleker · 27/12/2025 10:52

Oilcloth-it's easy to wipe clean. You can always put a cotton one on top if you want to dress it up for meals. I have one on my dining room table, as I got sick of dusting the wood surface. A damp cloth is much easier to use. Amazon have a good range.

I agree.

You can buy oilcloth tablecloths or just buy a length of oilcloth from a fabric shop eg John Lewis (cheaper stores are available) and get the exact length you’d like. No sewing is necessary, it doesn’t fray.

Flowersforyourchocolateprettyplease · 27/12/2025 11:59

MinnieMountain · 27/12/2025 09:10

I want a kitchen table covering that stays on most of the time. Is an oil cloth or a plain cotton one best?

I have a cotton one, gingham and kinda lacy one. They don't show stains easily but also have cossters that can be strategically placed if needed.

I rotate them every two weeks.

Mine:
How long after new plaster can I start painting. Decorator said five months as new heating system also going in.
Apparently walls need to dry and have time to shift and settle.
Very old house if that makes a difference. TIA.

liverpoolnana · 27/12/2025 12:04

YesItsMe44 · 27/12/2025 07:23

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.

I have stitched a short length of fabric as a diagonal stripe.across two corners of the towels, different colours for each person. It meant I could use cheap towels of any colour.

Smallorveryfaraway · 27/12/2025 12:10

@GargoylesofBeelzebub my bags for life live in the car, I have one of those organisers that hook over the front seats and hang on the back, all the bags for life are folded and that's where they live, simply because I only ever need a bag when I'm going shopping and if I'm going shopping then I'm in the car.

Clean laundry? as in waiting for ironing? I do not iron most things, they come out of the tumble drier or off the line and get put away immediately. I tend to choose fabrics that won't need ironing. If it's cotton shirts etc, that really do need an iron, I do it when they come out of the washing machine, and then hang them onto hangers to fully dry overnight, but my preference is to never iron anything and I try not to buy clothes or bedsheets that would need ironing. Or is it some other issue?
I do have laundry rules:

  • if it's not in the laundry basket it doesn't get washed with the exception that if it needs stain removal then it get hung over the back of a kitchen chair so I can see it
  • if it's not dirty it won't get washed even if it's been put in the basket (stops people putting clean stuff back in the basket because they cba putting it away)
  • pockets must be empty, I will not check
  • clean stuff will get put on the bed, you put it away before getting into bed. Tipping it on the floor or moving it to another surface is not acceptable, I won't wash any more stuff unless the previous stuff has been put away
  • any adults can iron their own stuff, it's not rocket science
  • I do a wash when the basket is full, it's not a set day but is normally during the working week. I normally put the machine on just before I start dinner, then it's ready for tumble drying just after dinner, then clean stuff is on beds before bedtime or hung up to dry overnight - on the weekend it'll just be when I have a moment. In the summer I do the wash in the morning, stuff on the line, then in and on the beds before dinner

Shoes - identify what the blocker is and then remove it. Not enough space, or people cba to open the storage units? maybe try open racks or shelving? We have a hall bench with an open rack underneath and that works for us for our day to day shoes but is definitely not enough for the volume, so we also have shoes in baskets and in wardrobes.

MylipstickiscalledHugMe · 27/12/2025 12:16

@TheFluffyTwo Hush Agnes Straight Leg Jeans fit me - I also have wide hips/small waist. They're reduced at the moment (the jeans not my hips ho ho). On the pictures they have the hems folded up but imo they look better unfolded.

@Cloudninelau a very thick layer of vaseline under socks at night, and eat plenty of good fats like omega 3, I swear this is the secret ingredient to avoid dry skin