Countdown to Cosy - a month of ideas to get ready for winter

There are many ways to keep in touch nowadays. You can: phone, text, message, skype or zoom or go slow and send a postcard. There is something really lovely and personal about messages that come through the post. It’s always a thrill to see something that clearly isn’t a bill and it makes me feel loved and connected. Someone is …

One of the topics in the Feel Good Friday section of our Winning at Winter book is about listening to music. The right song can brighten the dullest day. I’ve made a Winter Cheer Up Playlist on YouTube with recommendations from members of the less-stuff Facebook group. It’s really fun to hear other peoples favourites.  If you want to …

It might be grotty outside but if there is just a tiny glimmer of sunshine I encourage you to go and chase it. Why bother? “Consider these 5 Benefits of a winter walk: If you can meet up with friends or go on an organised walk with others that’s even better Walking allows us to safely release the anxiety chemical …

Thrifty every day of the week The Winning at Winter Workbook has a whole section about being Thrifty on Thursdays. Of course you don’t need to limit that to one day a week but the workbook is designed so you can make your own calendar of easy things to do. Here is a little excerpt about finding change which gives …

How many coats do you need? I could make an argument for about 100 different coats. Long, short, fluffy, waterproof, blue, red…. the list could be endless. In reality I wear about 3. A long warm one, a waterproof one and a throw it over anything one. I keep an extra nice one for going out but that doesn’t get …

Bad pants days Starting off with a bad pant day can set me off very badly. You know what I mean by ‘bad pants day’? It’s when your knickers don’t fit right. There is always one pair that sneak in with the others in the drawer and it makes me unhappy and uncomfy when I pick them out to wear. …

Why journal? To slow you down and give you time to think. To help you get things out of your head. To help you remember things Just for the fun of it What to journal about? I like setting myself little challenges to journal or doodle once a day for a week or so. Month long challenges tend to be …

Things you can fix quickly Squeaky floor or bed – try baby powder or cornflour in the gaps Fridge running warm – vacuum the back of it and move it away from the wall a bit more. Scratched CD’s or DVD’s – try a little hair gel rubbed into the scratches. Wash off with water and dry well before playing. …

Coughs and sneezes spread diseases The very best way to stop spreading a cold is to not sneeze on people! Firstly, it’s gross, secondly it is easy to avoid if you have a hanky. Disposable hankies are really popular because they are considered more hygienic but if I ever use one, I use it more than once anyway. A proper …

Bulbs are easy! If you don’t think you have green fingers think again. Some bulbs are really easy to grow and if you plant them in the garden can pretty much be left to their own devices. Start with something simple and slug resistant like a crocus or a daffodil but don’t keep the daffoldil bulbs in the kitchen because …

This is an excerpt from the Eco-Friendly Autumn book which is packed full of ideas that will help you save money and live more sustainably. Join in with the conversation in the less-stuff Facebook group to share your ideas. I’d love to hear how this works for you. Countdown to Cosy is a collaboration with The Frugal Family – check …