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Little ways to improve life thread

84 replies

CherryChoc · 07/07/2009 15:14

I was thinking the other day how little things that you do/see every day can really make a difference to your whole mood etc. And I realised that recently I've made a few very small changes that have made me less stressed and happier, just silly things like I was getting really fed up with our tiny airer which barely held half a load of washing. With the nice weather, and buying a new airer, I no longer get frustrated with the washing because I can do as many loads as I can fit into one day and not have them drying all around the house for (what seemed like) weeks.

The second thing I did was buy DS some nice, brightly coloured vests so that even though getting him dressed is still stressful (he hates it) I at least get cheered up by looking at the nice yellow vest with a fish on it rather than a plain white one.

Realising this made me suddenly understand what the "Hanging a lovely washing" thread was about - the little ways that everyday activities can brighten up your day or irritate you, depending on how you approach them.

So - the point of this thread is that you can post about little silly insignificant things which are irritating/stressing/boring/depressing you and get suggestions on how to make them less annoying.

OP posts:
moondog · 07/07/2009 15:24

Buying some trugs.
It has transformed my life-seriously.
So easy to put crap in the car for picnics, trips to beach, overnight stays.

stillstanding · 07/07/2009 15:29

Changing your linen once a week. Very boring but makes all the difference. Clean sheets make my day!

Sort out clutter - find a (hidden away) space for what you need and charity-shop the rest.

moondog · 07/07/2009 15:32

Ironing your clothes.
Cooking properly.

Spero · 07/07/2009 15:36

Sorting out cutlery draw
buying little shelf for kitchen cupboard so you can see the tins etc more clearly

TrillianAstra · 07/07/2009 15:38

Moondog I have no idea what trugs are but thought you said 'buy some drugs'!

moondog · 07/07/2009 15:39

I want that little shelf.
Like a step, yes?

moondog · 07/07/2009 15:40

Trugs are brill

So are drugs, but not much time for them these days!

Spero · 07/07/2009 15:43

Yes, like a little step, a dear little step to happiness.

I hadn't realised how pissed off my kitchen cupboard was making me. Now I just open it so I can look at my little shelf and I sigh happily.

Drugs? Pah.

modrin · 07/07/2009 15:44

i have bunting up in my garden and i love it it makes me feel holidayish ( i that a word?)all the time no one can see it but usa nd the nest door neighbours if they hang out the bedroom window as our garden is private but it isjust so lovely

doggiesayswoof · 07/07/2009 15:45

Sorry - but sorting out clutter and cooking properly are not small things - they could be enormous changes for some peple (ie me)

Little things... I am aiming very low atm

Clean the high chair straight away. I used to leave it, rush on to doing something else, then forget about it and go to put ds in it for the next meal and it would still be manky

Seriously - keeping on top of that one cheers me up no end.

Hassled · 07/07/2009 15:45

Sort your household admin/bill paying etc. Just get it done - make that dentist's appointment, sort the pile of crap paperwork that hangs around the telephone. It is cathartic and you will feel so much better for it.

TrillianAstra · 07/07/2009 15:46

It's a bucket, I don't think I get it.

I just tidied my cupboard full of cans today

JackieNo · 07/07/2009 15:46

Every time I went out of the door at the back of the kitchen, I'd get annoyed by all the crud that had been in the door frame ever since it had been put in. So on Sunday I hoovered it out, and now I glance down and smile, instead of feeling like a slattern. (I still am a slattern, but I don't feel like it for that split second as I'm going out of the back door).

doggiesayswoof · 07/07/2009 15:47

Oh dear - I love those trugs moondog. I must resist

Hassled · 07/07/2009 15:48

Cleaning my fridge did give me a completely disproportionate sense of happiness - it was all sparkly and full of nice things for a few days. Now it smells a bit and is full of skanky leftovers again.

doggiesayswoof · 07/07/2009 15:48

Agree Hassled. Piles of paper lying around are massive energy sappers.

happystory · 07/07/2009 15:51

moondog, my local shop sells them and advertises them 'as the most useful tub in the world!'

NOT just a bucket!!

TrillianAstra · 07/07/2009 15:55

Maybe the magical bucket is something I'll understand better when I'm a grown-up

CherryChoc · 07/07/2009 15:56

Ooh they look useful moondog

Okay list of things which is annoying me and needs sorting:

  • The fitted sheets will not stay on the mattress, especially on DH's side but I notice it on my side if DS has fed a lot in the night. I am thinking it ought to be easy enough to sew a bit of elastic across the corners - is that the best thing to do?
  • I need to buy some pull-ups for DS because it's a battle trying to change his nappy ever. I would prefer washable ones though. He is 9 months and 8.8kg (19.5lbs)
OP posts:
Spero · 07/07/2009 15:59

What is a magic bucket?

I am losing interest in my shelf now

smackapacka · 07/07/2009 16:00

The thing that makes me happy is for the 2 days DD is at the CM I finish work at 4 but don't collect her until 5.30. I can have a leisurely dog walk in that time and pick up a full and tired child. mmmmm.

wastingmyeducation · 07/07/2009 16:11

doggie, I'm with you on getting the highchair cleaned! It used to get me down, but once DS was safe on the floor (wouldn't randomly fall over and hit his head on the tiles) I would pop him down to potter around while I clean the highchair off.
I have a stack of flannels, and after a meal use it to wipe his face and hands and then pop him on the floor and clean the highchair off. Sweep the floor and we're done.

stressed2007 · 07/07/2009 16:15

those trugs or something very similar were tesco for about £4 a few weeks ago.

stressed2007 · 07/07/2009 16:17

and totally agree about paperwork - I am not joking I have been trying to clear mine and DH's for about a year!

FabBakerGirlIsBack · 07/07/2009 16:20

Meal planning makes things a bit less stressful for me.