Fill Your House for Free-Episode 4

We’ve been away for a few days, technology and wi-fi free, in a friends caravan, so I missed this week’s episode of Fill Your House for Free. BUT via the wonders of modern technology, I have now caught up on 4OD, so here is my little round up of some of the brilliant re-use and … Continue reading →

Zero Waste Ice Lollies

Apologies in advance if this post puts an end to this glorious sunshine. It has been HOT! And sunny. And generally more like Summer than I remember a Summer being for a little while. Hurray! We have however, been eating a reasonable number of ice lollies, and I am sure that we have seen a resultant … Continue reading →

Fudge Fiasco

In a slightly ill-judged effort, I tried to make fudge last week, whilst also trying to make scones and gift bags for the teachers at BigSmall’s school. It’s a recipe I have used before, but for some reason (too much rushing and a too small pan I think!) it failed to set. Even after 24hrs … Continue reading →

Trench Cake

Not the most appealing of names for a cake I will admit! I saw this recipe in this week’s Waitrose Weekend, and thought it looked worth a try, especially as I had all the ingredients. It is part of an initiative spear-headed by Francis Quinn, of Great British Bake Off fame, encouraging bakers to recreate … Continue reading →

#makedoandmendhour 24th July

Here we go with the weekly roundup of our #makedoandmendhour Twitter chat (every Thursday 8-9pm!!) Pics we shared: 1. Before and after of some re-painted cupboards from @NearlyHere 2. Shopping bags made from brolly ‘skins’ @SueArcher6 3. The shopping bags cunningly rolled up and secured using the original tags from the brollies! More genius from … Continue reading →

Quick and Easy Gift Bags

It’s that time of year again-end of the academic year, and frantic rushing around trying to think of gift ideas for teachers to show your appreciation for all their hard work with your little darlings. I find this really hard-I want it to be something that they like, that won’t end up in next year’s … Continue reading →

Fill Your House for Free-Episode 3

I really hope that you have all been enjoying Kirstie Allsopp and team, as they introduce a whole new audience to the wonders of Upcycling and Buying Nothing New in Fill Your House for Free! Episode 3 was jam-packed, as usual, with some great ideas-some easily replicated by you and I, and others perhaps needing … Continue reading →

Jumper to cardi

I’ve finally done it! It’s been on my list for ages, and I even had a jumper ear-marked for it, and now I have finally done a jumper to cardi transformation 🙂 And here’s a how-to if you want to have a go too! What you need: Old woolly jumper-ideally a large jumper at least … Continue reading →

Just ask!

You may have noticed my delight at the return of Fill Your House for Free to our screens. Whilst watching this week, Kirstie was wafting around a lovely house filled with all kinds of impressive upcycling and free finds. Including a spiral staircase, and a cast iron bath. Both of which the builder hubby managed to … Continue reading →

Homemade Cheese Straws

Whilst on our way back from town the other day, SmallSmall spied the jaunty red awning of a certain High St baker, and asked for a cheese straw. For some unknown reason, instead of saying “Yes” and handing over 60p an having a contented child (for five minutes), I responded with “Noooo, you don’t want … Continue reading →