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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:
FenellaFudge · 07/07/2009 17:42

Just checked, the bargainous 75p buckey-wuckey is 42 litre.
It was only the yellow that was reduced, but quite a nice yellow.

TrillianAstra · 07/07/2009 17:49

You could use it for storing bought cakes...

PrincessToadstool · 07/07/2009 17:49

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

BalloonSlayer · 07/07/2009 17:53

I bought more pegs so I can do more than 2 loads of washing a day.

This brings the profound joy of the empty washing basket, once as mythical as the unicorn in our house.

That is until DH gets home and thinks - oh good, as the washing basket is nice and empty I can chuck in my dressing gown, my towel, my jeans...

ProfYaffle · 07/07/2009 17:54

Trillian, your link made me shudder. mil has those things and bangs on about them endlessly [grumpy]

PrincessToadstool · 07/07/2009 17:55

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

TrillianAstra · 07/07/2009 17:55

I'm sorry. I thought I had a lovely cake tin and wanted to share the loveliness with the world. That's all.

Starbear · 07/07/2009 17:58

A cardigan that's just right in all weathers.
Don't do links but grey one from M&S with satin buttons. Jeans that fit around the waist. Glass dessert bowls ceramic bowls are for breakfast and soup not strawberries & ice cream Took me 8 years to buy them!!!! Didn't want to waste money but hey! I love them.
Moondog Also a trug fan here but I hate it when my DH uses it to keep sand & cement for 4 months as the bag burst{sad]

ProfYaffle · 07/07/2009 17:59

I know I'm a grumpy old sod about the caketin thing, me, mil and kitchen related chat are not a good combination

FabBakerGirlIsBack · 07/07/2009 18:01

I am having a crap day and one of those cake tins would cheer me up a bit.

callmeovercautious · 07/07/2009 18:29

I can't believe I actually smiled at the sight of the cake tin

My top tip - clear anything child related from your bedroom - we just did this and it is amazing I have my dressing table back (at long last!)

CarmelitaMiggs · 07/07/2009 18:36

Weeny first aid bag (plasters, wasp spray, germolene) in handbag. I flipping love it when they fall over now.

And handcream everywhere: glove compartment, all handbags, bedside table, next to TV remote etc.

cyteen · 07/07/2009 19:02

Another ex-highchair abuser here. I just love walking by it now and seeing it all sparkling clean [tragic beyond belief emoticon]

Re. surfaces, I cleared and dusted the top of my dresser at the weekend and I feel, seriously, as if someone has hoovered a tiny corner of my soul. I had no idea how much that pile of neglected paperwork, old magazines, loose breastpads and stray make-up was bugging me. Now it's all clean and organised and I can see the nice photo of my brother instead of having to peer round stacks of crap

nickytwotimes · 07/07/2009 19:13

QUite an uplifting wee thread this.
Cathartic just reading it!

Me ans dh have been clearing cupboards in preparation for moving lately and I can't tell you how much nicer it is.
[utter saddo]

moondog · 07/07/2009 19:21

I need to see that cardigan.I am always after the perfect cardie.

The orderly house is so true.
It calms the soul.

Hassled · 07/07/2009 19:23

"I cleared and dusted the top of my dresser at the weekend and I feel, seriously, as if someone has hoovered a tiny corner of my soul." - now that should be quote of the week .

I need lots of my soul hoovering, and I may well start with the top of the chest of drawers where receipts, those spare buttons that come with clothes, and makeup languish.

cyteen · 07/07/2009 19:29

Oh god, the spare buttons. In their little plastic sheaths.

moondog · 07/07/2009 19:34

Buttons issue is an easy one.Assign sturdy old biscuit tin for the purpose.Job done.

cyteen · 07/07/2009 19:36

Biscuits don't hang around in our house long enough to need a tin

Hassled · 07/07/2009 20:13

What you need to do is buy biscuits in a tin, eat them quickly and then use the tin for buttons. So the biscuit eating is really only for the good of your soul, plus your bedroom will look tidier, other than the fact there will now be a biscuit tin in it.

whomovedmychocolate · 07/07/2009 20:27

Clean out your knicker drawers, if it doesn't fit, has gone grey, saggy or is just horrid throw it away or give to local parachute collectors if you are particularly generously upholstered!

cyteen · 07/07/2009 20:27

It would make a nice matching pair with my Quality Street tin sewing box...

FabBakerGirlIsBack · 07/07/2009 20:54

Is so true. When I spent hours cleaning and tidying the lounge and dining room, and moved some furniture around, it made me feel lighter and calmer to see it so tidy.

Taking all the magnets and stickers off the fridge has made a ridiculously huge difference too.

TheProfiteroleThief · 07/07/2009 21:00

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

TrillianAstra · 08/07/2009 17:35

I've just ordered a new book from Amazon by an author whose other books I have liked. (well one set was rubbish but the others were soooooo good).

My life is definitely improved.

Getting post of any kind that's not bills is pretty exciting actually.

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