Tag Archives: DIY

Sustainable Living ideas

How To Make Your Own Draught Excluder – DIY Project

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We will soon be entering the winter season, and will all be looking at ways to keep ourselves and our homes warm in the winter. Making your own draught excluder is a great (and cheap!) way of stopping heat from escaping through gaps under doors.

I do love a DIY project and, although I’m a beginner when using a sewing machine, I wanted to have a go at making my own with things I already have at home.

If you’re looking for draught excluder ideas, I’ve got you!

Where should you put draught excluders?

The great thing about making your own is that you can make them to the size that fits your doors or windows. Maybe you have a double-patio door, or maybe sash windows, or your door frame is wider than the average door.

Identifying areas that have a draught and creating a solution will help reduce heat from escaping from your home and could save you money on your heating bills.

What can I use to make a draught excluder?

To be honest, there are so many things you probably already have at home. Old pair of jeans, curtains you no longer need, I’ve even seen one made from a woolly jumper sleeve.

For the stuffing you could use clothing that can’t be donated – socks with holes , clothes with stains (if you have kids, you’ll know what I mean), clothes that are ripped, old pillow padding, bubble wrap, decorative glass beads, plastic packaging.

The idea of a draught excluder is for it to be weighted down. Some use rice or beans for this but I personally am not a fan of using food. However, I prefer to utilise things that I’ve already got lying around the house.

Whatever you use, make sure it’s completely dry.

Can I make an extra long draught excluder for french doors

Of course! You can absolutely make a draught excluder for doors. The great thing about making something yourself is that you can make it any size you want, you don’t have to rely on what you see in the shops.

You’re going to learn how to make a draught excluder.

How you make your own draught excluder heading with an image of a house wrapped in a scarf

How To Make Your Own Draught Excluder – DIY Project

Things you will need

Fabric of your choice

Sewing machine

Scissors

Measuring tape

Stuffing – whatever you choose, make sure it’s dry.

In addition to this, and if you’re feeling brave you could add your own embellishments at the end.

How to make your draught excluder

  • Measure the width of your door and add an extra inch to each end (e.g. if the width of your door is thirty-three inches add two extra inches – total will be thirty-five inches)
  • Cut three strips in the same with (as the door). One strip will be seven inches wide (five inches plus and extra inch either side. The other two strips will be six inches wide (four inches plus and inch on either side). You should, therefore, have something that looks like this.
three pieces of striped fabric
  • Take two of the smaller pieces, place them face to face and pin along one edge and sew
  • Start pinning everything together and sew and you should end up with a sleeve
  • Sew up one side and cut the corners off. Although, this may be a little fiddly, take your time.
  • Do the same along the opposite end but leave a gap wide enough for your hand.
  • Gather everything you’re going to use for the filling – I got old clothes than can’t be repaired and I wouldn’t donate, bubble wrap, ornamental stones (they were given to me three years ago that I never used), rocks. I’ve also go some old pants (I’m not showing my pants!). Have a root around your home, I’m sure you’ll find loads of things you can use.
  • Start stuffing the draught excluder until it’s full. Top tip – when you start filling, make sure you filled the corners first so they’re not flimsy.
  • You should end up with this. Get a needle and thread and sew up the gap

Ta-da!

striped draught excluder at the base of a door

Rather than buying one, you used what you already had in the house, it didn’t cost you anything!

If you’re looking for more easy ways to go green without going broke, you really need to check out this fabulous blog.

Self-care, Sustainable Living ideas

How To Practise Self-Care the Eco Way

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As our lives have become more hectic and demanding, the idea of self-care can embracing a more sustainable way of life can seen out of reach. With relentless schedules and living in a world that operates at a break-neck speed, any spare time we may have is filled with even more responsibilities.

Keeping up with this momentum leaves us very little time to pause and reflect on our own health and well-being as well as the impacts on the environment around us.

Self-care, once seen as a luxury, has changed into a necessity for maintain our mental, physical and emotional health. It’s so easy to neglect ourselves, especially when we have caring responsibilities; caring for children, parents, loved ones.

Self Care Isn't Selfish Signage
Photo by Madison Inouye: https://www.pexels.com/photo/self-care-isn-t-selfish-signage-2821823/

Of course, the irony is that neglecting our own self-care hinders our ability to carry out the many tasks we are trying to juggle.

If you don’t look after yourself, your body will force you to do so. Don’t get to that point.

Additionally, the pursuit of sustainable living can sometimes feel like a tough battle against the conveniences that surround us.

The convenience of single-use products, the attraction of fast fashion, and the enticement of energy intensive technology add up to a lifestyle that tends to work against the planet’s well-being.

Incorporating sustainable practices requires a shift in mindset, one that values the long-term impact over short-term convenience.

From reducing waste and conserving resources to making eco-conscious consumer choices, each step towards sustainable living is a contribution towards safeguarding our planet for future generations.

What’s the self-care solution?

I recognised so much of this in myself and was the main reason I created the 8 Busy Mum Eco Swaps Self-Care Edition digital download

8 Busy Mum Eco Swaps Self-Care Edition digital download

Many personal care products contain toxic chemicals that can harm your health and the environment. If you have a look a the side of any skincare product, how many of the ingredients do you recognise or even pronounce.

Swapping to eco-friendly options, you can avoid these risks and, with cost comparisons, you can see where you could save money (includes voucher codes too)

Ditch the toxins and look after the planet your children will inherit. With the money you could save, your purse will thank you for it too.

Close-Up Shot of a Woman Putting Clay Mask
Photo by Polina Kovaleva: https://www.pexels.com/photo/close-up-shot-of-a-woman-putting-clay-mask-5927810/

Create moments of serenity just for you.

In a world where instant gratification and immediate results are celebrated, both self-care and sustainable living take time. Self-care is about recognising the value of investing in ourselves while being kinder to the environment.

Yes! You can do both!

Filled with DIY self-care recipes for a face mask, feet scrub, hair removal wax and also incorporates other self-care swaps you could make that could save you money in the long run while still caring about the only home we have.

Woman Sitting in a Bathtub with Flowers and Oranges Floating and Drinking Red Wine
Photo by Antoni Shkraba: https://www.pexels.com/photo/woman-sitting-in-a-bathtub-with-flowers-and-oranges-floating-and-drinking-red-wine-6728291/

As we navigate the currents of our fast-paced reality, carving out moments for self-care and embracing sustainable choices not only enriches our own lives but also contributes to a broader shift towards a more balanced and harmonious coexistence with the world around us.

Self-care you deserve

So, in the whirlwind of our busy lives, let us strive to intertwine self-care and sustainable living, creating a tapestry of well-being that withstands the relentless passage of time.

You’re a teacher of self-love. Show your children that self-care isn’t selfish; it’s an act of empowerment and respect. Nurture your well-being, and watch as your self-love inspires a legacy of strength.

In the dance of life, self-care is your partner. It’s the moment you find yourself amidst the steps, embracing your individuality, and celebrating the extraordinary person you are.

Let self-care lead the way and grab your download here

Sustainable Living ideas

DIY Toilet Cleaner Bomb Recipe

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DIY toilet cleaner bombs – Let’s be honest, no one looks forward to cleaning the toilet because it isn’t a fun job but it is one of those jobs that does need to be done.

Have you thought about the harmful toxins found in your toilet cleaner? It’s OK, I didn’t take much notice of the chemicals either.

If you go into the bathroom and have a look at your toilet cleaner, you will see the label is littered with so many chemicals and most of which neither of us have probably never heard of. Of course, this is not good for the environment.

There has to be another way!

DIY toilet cleaner bombs – Let’s be honest, no one looks forward to cleaning toilets because it isn’t a fun job but it is one of those jobs that does need to be done.

Have you thought about the harmful toxins found in your toilet cleaner? It’s OK, I didn’t take much notice of the use of harsh chemicals either.

If you go into the bathroom and have a look at your toilet cleaner, you will see the label is littered with so many chemicals and most of which neither of us have probably never heard of. Of course, this is not good for the environment, especially when you see the following sentence on the label ‘may be harmful to the environment’.

There has to be another way!

And there is – the answer is DIY fizzy toilet bombs!

I’ve been learning how to make my own own cleaning products with natural, dry ingredients. Some have worked well, some not that great.

This blog post will have all the instructions you need for these homemade toilet bombs below will show you how you can make your own DIY toilet cleaner bombs because I’m all for making life easier and this is the easiest way I’ve found to clean!

They are really easy to use because all you have to do is drop one in the toilet bowl, and after it’s done fizzing, grab your toilet brush and you can start cleaning.

I bet you’re wondering – why DIY? if I can just buy them, why would I bother making my own?

  • They are not littered with chemicals
  • You can add your favourite essential oil
  • You can make them into any shape you like (I will come to this!)
  • They don’t pollute the environment
  • You can save money (because who doesn’t want to save money)
  • A great way to avoid plastic packaging
  • And the best part – DIY is fun!

Let’s get started with the DIY toilet cleaner bombs

Here are some simple ingredients you will need :

  • 1 cup Bicarbonate of soda
  • 1/4 cup of citric Acid
  • Silicone molds ice cube tray (mine is shaped as penguins!)
  • Spray bottle filled with tap water
  • 30 – 40 drops of Essential oils of your choice (I have lemon oil)
  • Large Bowl
  • Cup
  • Spoon
  • Knife
do it yourself toilet bomb ingredients

Method for DIY toilet cleaner bombs recipe

  • Add the bicarb soda and citric acid in a bowl and mix
  • Add 30 – 40 drops of essential oil and mix
  • Spray the mixture with water – 2 sprays and mix
  • Keep spraying until you have sprayed the mixture with water about 20 times (two sprays at a time and mix)
  • Don’t over water the mixture because it will start to see some fizzing action!
  • Spoon the mixture into your silicone mold and firmly press down so it’s compact and all the edges are filled. You could use an ice cube trays but I found it easier to use silicone. 
  • Leave for 24 hours in a dry place and out of direct sunlight
  • Carefully pop your DIY toilet cleaner bombs out and store in an airtight jar, airtight container or a glass jar with a lid will do.
Do it yourself Toilet Bombs jar
Do it yourself Toilet Bombs Jar

So that’s it, you can have a go at this DIY recipe at home that works for me. Have fun with these diy toilet bombs and let me know how you get on with these fizzy tablets.

There are so many essential oils to choose from; lavender oil, peppermint oil, tea tree oil. There are some great options available for pure essential oils for your homemade toilet cleaning bombs, all with natural ingredients. Other recipes suggest adding liquid soap, castile soap, and other dry ingredients (or even wet ingredients). Personally, I’ve never seen the need to add anything else, this works well for me and I don’t want to mix too many ingredients!

I’ve seen similar recipes to make bath bombs. I’ve never tried this personally. 

If you fancy another DIY project – here’s how you can make a draught excluder from things you’ve already got at home or how about How to make your own eco-friendly DIY skincare products at home.

If you want more ideas – feel free to check out my social media, follow me on Instagram and keep an eye on my website for more upcoming ideas.