Don’t stress, do less: 52 ways to make your life easier in 2026

We asked experts in fields from homes to health to horticulture for advice on tasks we can simply stop doing and problems to take off our worry plates

More summer essentials

The dawn of a new year brings visions of an idealised version of yourself. Fresh-faced, we eagerly pile our to-do lists with things we’ve been putting off and ambitions to aim for. But the energy that comes after a few days off quickly disappears as we settle back into the daily grind of school runs and inbox maintenance.

So instead of adding to your to-do list, why not resolve to take something off it?

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* This article was originally published here

Houseplant hacks: should I use ice cubes to water my plants?

Ice cubes offer a slower form of watering, reducing the risk of soggy soil – but are not suitable for most tropical houseplants

The problem
Many a houseplant is killed with kindness; watering every time you look at them can be terminal. Using ice cubes for watering promises slower, more controlled hydration. But does it work?

The hack
Place one or two ice cubes on the soil. The idea is that as the ice melts it slowly releases water, giving the roots time to absorb it and avoiding soggy soil.

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* This article was originally published here

19 rules for doing your laundry better

The completely correct guide to getting your clothes — and more — clean.

* This article was originally published here

Cleaning experts are begging you to stop trying these online ‘hacks’

Stop being a mad scientist with your cleaning products before you blow something up! And knock it off with all the cute, unlabeled jars, too.

* This article was originally published here

* This article was originally published here

Cleaning experts are begging you to stop trying these online ‘hacks’

Stop being a mad scientist with your cleaning products before you blow something up! And knock it off with all the cute, unlabeled jars, too.

* This article was originally published here

You probably don’t need to have your HVAC ducts cleaned. Here’s why.

Under most circumstances, it provides little benefit, and it may create a bigger problem.

* This article was originally published here

Plant ‘tredges’ to boost England’s tree cover, gardeners urged

Royal Horticultural Society’s call backs government aim to increase woodland cover from 10% to at least 16.5% by 2050

Gardeners should plant native “tredges” – foliage between the size of a tree and a hedge – to boost England’s tree cover, the Royal Horticultural Society has said.

Taking inspiration from ancient woodlands could boost wildlife across England’s 25m gardens, according to experts, and help increase native tree cover. The UK’s woodland cover is approximately 10% and the government aims to increase this to at least 16.5% of all land in England by 2050.

Beech (Fagus sylvatica)

Holly (Ilex aquifolium)

Western red cedar (Thuja plicata)

Common yew (Taxus baccata)

Hawthorn (Crataegus monogyna)

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* This article was originally published here

Pack them up or drag it out? When to take down Christmas decorations

While some families box up on Boxing Day, others leave their tree up year round. Although the date may cause disagreement, there’s consensus on how to store decorations

Anthony Hawwa’s home Christmas light display, featuring 7,000 bulbs, might be more extravagant than most but, when it comes to the date of taking them down, he’s a proud traditionalist. He makes sure everything is boxed up and put away just after 7 January, the date Orthodox Christians celebrate Christmas, every year.

“I find it wild that some people take their decorations down on Boxing Day,” says the freelance TV producer, whose annual light shows have made him something of a local celebrity on his street. For the past five years, Hawwa has gone all-out on decorating his two-bedroom cottage in Sydney. Think thousands of LED lights programmed to a carefully selected list of Christmas songs, all controlled by a set of buttons on the fence outside. “The kids in the street love it – every night before bedtime they come and stand at the front fence, pressing all the buttons. One of the kids next door basically made himself the project manager, at one point,” he says.

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* This article was originally published here

Is Your Dishwasher Making You Sick? The Hidden Cause of Upset Tummies

We’d been on an endless run of upset tummies in our house. Nothing drastic, but that constant low-level queasiness that makes you suspicious of everything you eat. At first we thought it was a bug. Then maybe something from the supermarket. But weeks went by, and no matter what we cut out, the tummy troubles continued.

The turning point came when we had an interstate guest stay with us. Within a couple of days, they too were feeling off. That’s when it hit us: it wasn’t outside food, it was something inside our home.

So began the detective work. We checked the pantry. We checked the fridge seals. We even wondered if it was the tap water. Finally, after ruling out everything else, we turned to the one appliance we never gave a second thought to—the dishwasher.

And there it was.

The Dirty Secret Lurking in Dishwashers

Dishwashers are supposed to clean, but they’re also warm, damp little caves that can harbour bacteria, mold, and a slimy build-up called biofilm. Over time, this gunk settles in the filter, the door seals, and even inside the spray arms. Every wash cycle then blasts tiny particles back over your “clean” dishes. No wonder our tummies were rebelling.

How We Cleaned Our Dishwasher (and Got Our Health Back)

Once we realised, I got straight to work. Here’s exactly what we did:

1. Pulled out and cleaned the filter – It was, honestly, disgusting. A toothbrush and hot soapy water made quick work of it. 
2. Scrubbed the door seals and edges – I used an old cloth dipped in vinegar and baking soda paste to get rid of black moldy streaks hiding in the rubber. 
3. Unclogged the spray arms – A toothpick helped poke out greasy food particles. 
4. Ran a deep cleaning cycle – First with vinegar, then with baking soda (see the recipe below!). 
5. Let it breathe – Now we keep the door slightly ajar between washes to stop that musty, bacteria-loving damp. 

The tummy troubles? Gone. Every one of us, including our guest, felt better within a week. It turns out our “mystery illness” wasn’t food poisoning or a never-ending virus, but dirty dishes that weren’t really clean.

DIY Dishwasher Cleaning Recipes

Deep Clean Dishwasher Detox

Do this when your dishwasher smells funky or you haven’t cleaned it in a while.

• 1 cup white vinegar 
• ½ cup baking soda 
• Optional: a few drops of lemon essential oil 

Method:

1. Remove and wash the filter with hot soapy water. 
2. Place a cup of vinegar in a dishwasher-safe bowl on the top rack. Run the hottest cycle. 
3. When that finishes, sprinkle baking soda across the bottom and run a short hot cycle. 
4. For freshness, add lemon oil to the baking soda before running. 

This kills bacteria, cuts grease, and leaves your dishwasher smelling like new.

Regular Maintenance Clean

Do this once a month to keep everything running smoothly.

• 1 cup white vinegar 
• 2 tablespoons baking soda 

Method:

1. Wipe down seals and edges with a cloth dipped in vinegar. 
2. Place the vinegar in a small bowl on the top rack. 
3. Sprinkle baking soda across the bottom and run a quick hot wash. 

Think of this as a spa day for your dishwasher—quick, easy, and keeps the germs at bay.

Tips to Keep Your Dishwasher from Making You Sick

• Clean the filter once a week. 
• Do a vinegar/baking soda clean monthly. 
• Check for mold in the door seals regularly. 
• Scrape (but don’t rinse) plates before loading to reduce build-up. 
• Let the machine dry fully between uses. 

If you’ve had a string of unexplained upset tummies, don’t just blame the takeaway. Take a peek inside your dishwasher—it might be the hidden culprit.

Check out these DIY Dishwasher blocks over on our sister site.

 

* This article was originally published here

Ask a Vet: Is it ethical to buy a flat-faced dog?

French bulldogs and other brachycephalic breeds often have difficulty breathing and other serious health problems.

* This article was originally published here

Inside the 17-year lawsuit between a Trump official and his interior designers

A lawsuit between former Trump official Pete Marocco and a Florida design firm has gone on for over a decade, involving complex legal maneuvers and accusations.

* This article was originally published here

* This article was originally published here

Inside the 17-year lawsuit between a Trump official and his interior designers

A lawsuit between former Trump official Pete Marocco and a Florida design firm has gone on for over a decade, involving complex legal maneuvers and accusations.

* This article was originally published here

Don’t stop be-leafin’: how urban greening can help save threatened species

Planting even small pockets of native vegetation can be a boon for wildlife seeking refuge in our cities

• Change by degrees offers life hacks and sustainable living tips each Saturday to help reduce your household’s carbon footprint

• Got a question or tip for reducing household emissions? Email us at changebydegrees@theguardian.com

At the end of our street, in an east coast city, is a huge park that’s easy to miss. Wedged in a valley between dead-end streets, its tall trees and fern-lined creek are a haven for native wildlife – and kids – especially on hot summer days.

Yet pockets of remnant bushland like this are a rarity in Australia’s rapidly growing cities.

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* This article was originally published here

The best flower delivery in the UK for every budget: seven favourites, freshly picked

In need of a last-minute gift or a showstopping centrepiece? Our expert has tested and rated the most beautiful blooms, including sustainable and same-day delivery options, this Christmas

• The best letterbox gifts

I pride myself on being an excellent gift-giver. And I truly believe the uplifting feeling of finding flowers on the doorstep is hard to beat (unless they’re from an ex who “just wants to talk” – never be that guy).

Flowers are such an easy win for the gift-giver, too. There’s a plethora of online flower delivery services with a range of offerings. Some provide next-day delivery; some will deliver flowers monthly via subscription; some will even slip in a box of chocolates, a bottle of fizz or a candle in the delivery.

Best flower delivery overall:
Marks & Spencer

Best budget flower delivery:
Scilly Flowers

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* This article was originally published here

How to Make a Gift Bag Out of Wrapping Paper

You know that moment when you’ve finally sat down to wrap gifts, the tea’s gone cold, the dog’s under your feet… and you realise you’ve run out of gift bags? Or worse, the present you’re holding is some awkward shape that absolutely refuses to be wrapped nicely. That’s usually when I sigh, rummage through the cupboard, and remind myself that wrapping paper can do more than just wrap.

Turning wrapping paper into a gift bag is one of those old-school, thrifty tricks that never gets old. It’s quick, it uses what you already have, and it looks surprisingly polished when you’re done. Once you’ve made one, you’ll wonder why you ever bought gift bags in the first place.

What You’ll Need

This is a very low-effort craft, which is always my favourite kind. Grab a sheet of wrapping paper — sturdier paper works best — along with scissors and tape. If you want to add handles, you’ll also want ribbon or twine and a hole punch, but those are completely optional.

Getting Started

Lay your wrapping paper flat on the table and place your gift roughly in the centre. You want enough paper to wrap around the item with a bit of extra height at the top. Cut the paper to size — don’t stress about perfection here, this is meant to be easy and forgiving.

Take one long edge of the paper and fold it inward. Bring the opposite edge over the top so the two overlap slightly, then tape the seam down securely. You’ve now created a paper tube, and this will become the body of your gift bag.

Shaping the Bottom of the Bag

With the tube still flat, fold the bottom edge upward. The depth of this fold determines how wide the base of your bag will be, so think about how chunky your gift is before you crease it.

Once folded, gently press the sides inward so the bottom opens into a diamond shape. This step feels a bit fiddly the first time, but it’s what turns flat paper into something that can actually stand up.

Fold the top and bottom points of that diamond toward the centre and crease well. Tape everything down firmly — this base is what holds the weight of your gift, so don’t be shy with the tape.

Carefully open the bag and stand it upright. You should now have a proper little gift bag that holds its shape. If you’re putting in something slightly heavy, slipping a piece of cardboard into the bottom adds extra support.

Drop your gift inside, fluff in some tissue paper, and admire how much easier this is than wrestling with tape and scissors on an awkwardly shaped box.

You can fold the top edge down slightly to create a neat finish, or leave it tall if you like lots of tissue paper peeking out. If you want handles, punch two holes near the top on each side and thread ribbon or twine through, tying knots on the inside.

Add a tag, a bow, or even a sprig of greenery, and no one will ever guess this bag started life as leftover wrapping paper.

Handy Tips From Someone Who’s Made a Lot of These

Thicker wrapping paper is much easier to work with and less likely to tear, especially if you’re adding handles. If your paper is thin, double it up or reinforce the bottom with cardboard. Patterned paper looks lovely, but lining the inside with a contrasting sheet can make the bag feel extra special with very little effort.

This is one of those crafts that’s perfect for last-minute gifting, odd-shaped presents, or when you’re trying to be a bit more mindful about waste. Simple, practical, and quietly satisfying — exactly how I like my crafts.

If you want, I can also turn this into a printable, no-nonsense version to keep in your wrapping drawer for next time the gift bag stash mysteriously disappears again.

Do you need a visual guide? Check out this youtube video.

https://www.youtube.com/shorts/pKtHccvFG1M 

* This article was originally published here

* This article was originally published here

How to Make a Gift Bag Out of Wrapping Paper

You know that moment when you’ve finally sat down to wrap gifts, the tea’s gone cold, the dog’s under your feet… and you realise you’ve run out of gift bags? Or worse, the present you’re holding is some awkward shape that absolutely refuses to be wrapped nicely. That’s usually when I sigh, rummage through the cupboard, and remind myself that wrapping paper can do more than just wrap.

Turning wrapping paper into a gift bag is one of those old-school, thrifty tricks that never gets old. It’s quick, it uses what you already have, and it looks surprisingly polished when you’re done. Once you’ve made one, you’ll wonder why you ever bought gift bags in the first place.

What You’ll Need

This is a very low-effort craft, which is always my favourite kind. Grab a sheet of wrapping paper — sturdier paper works best — along with scissors and tape. If you want to add handles, you’ll also want ribbon or twine and a hole punch, but those are completely optional.

Getting Started

Lay your wrapping paper flat on the table and place your gift roughly in the centre. You want enough paper to wrap around the item with a bit of extra height at the top. Cut the paper to size — don’t stress about perfection here, this is meant to be easy and forgiving.

Take one long edge of the paper and fold it inward. Bring the opposite edge over the top so the two overlap slightly, then tape the seam down securely. You’ve now created a paper tube, and this will become the body of your gift bag.

Shaping the Bottom of the Bag

With the tube still flat, fold the bottom edge upward. The depth of this fold determines how wide the base of your bag will be, so think about how chunky your gift is before you crease it.

Once folded, gently press the sides inward so the bottom opens into a diamond shape. This step feels a bit fiddly the first time, but it’s what turns flat paper into something that can actually stand up.

Fold the top and bottom points of that diamond toward the centre and crease well. Tape everything down firmly — this base is what holds the weight of your gift, so don’t be shy with the tape.

Carefully open the bag and stand it upright. You should now have a proper little gift bag that holds its shape. If you’re putting in something slightly heavy, slipping a piece of cardboard into the bottom adds extra support.

Drop your gift inside, fluff in some tissue paper, and admire how much easier this is than wrestling with tape and scissors on an awkwardly shaped box.

You can fold the top edge down slightly to create a neat finish, or leave it tall if you like lots of tissue paper peeking out. If you want handles, punch two holes near the top on each side and thread ribbon or twine through, tying knots on the inside.

Add a tag, a bow, or even a sprig of greenery, and no one will ever guess this bag started life as leftover wrapping paper.

Handy Tips From Someone Who’s Made a Lot of These

Thicker wrapping paper is much easier to work with and less likely to tear, especially if you’re adding handles. If your paper is thin, double it up or reinforce the bottom with cardboard. Patterned paper looks lovely, but lining the inside with a contrasting sheet can make the bag feel extra special with very little effort.

This is one of those crafts that’s perfect for last-minute gifting, odd-shaped presents, or when you’re trying to be a bit more mindful about waste. Simple, practical, and quietly satisfying — exactly how I like my crafts.

If you want, I can also turn this into a printable, no-nonsense version to keep in your wrapping drawer for next time the gift bag stash mysteriously disappears again.

Do you need a visual guide? Check out this youtube video.

https://www.youtube.com/shorts/pKtHccvFG1M 

* This article was originally published here

20 Creative Ways to Use Christmas Sheet Music for Crafts

There’s something magical about Christmas sheet music. Maybe it’s the look of the curling notes on aged paper, maybe it’s the way a favourite carol instantly takes you back to childhood Christmas mornings. Whatever the reason, sheet music isn’t just for playing — it’s perfect for DIY Christmas crafts that bring a warm, vintage touch to your home décor.

Whether you’ve discovered an old hymnal in Grandma’s attic, picked up some vintage sheet music from a thrift store, or simply printed your own carols from free online archives, you can transform those notes into beautiful handmade Christmas decorations, ornaments, and gifts.

Here are 20 gorgeous and creative ways to use Christmas sheet music this festive season — from quick-and-easy paper crafts to keepsake projects you’ll treasure for years.

1. Rolled Paper Christmas Wreath

This is a statement piece for your front door or mantel. Simply roll copies of sheet music into cone shapes, secure with glue, and attach to a cardboard ring in layers until you have a full, ruffled wreath. Add a satin bow, pinecones, or sprigs of faux holly for a classic holiday feel.

 

2. Song Lyric Baubles for the Tree

Clear glass or plastic ornaments are a crafter’s dream. Cut Christmas carol sheet music into thin strips, curl them around a pencil, and slide them inside the ornament. Add a sprinkle of fake snow or glitter for a frosted look. Perfect for a music-themed Christmas tree.

3. Sheet Music Candle Wraps

Give plain pillar candles a festive makeover by wrapping them in printed sheet music and securing them with twine, lace, or ribbon. Always keep the paper outside a glass hurricane vase for safety. The warm flicker of candlelight against the music notes is pure holiday magic.

4. Framed Carol Wall Art

Pick your three favourite carols, mount them on coloured card, and pop them into vintage-style frames. Display above the piano or along your hallway for a touch of musical Christmas décor.

5. DIY Sheet Music Gift Tags

Forget store-bought tags — cut your own from Christmas music pages, punch a hole, and thread with rustic jute or silky ribbon. Pair with kraft paper wrapping for that timeless, old-fashioned Christmas gift wrap look.

6. Origami Paper Stars

Turn sheet music paper into beautiful folded stars for your tree, garland, or table settings. Try 3D origami stars for a more intricate finish.

7. Musical Table Runner

Cover your holiday table in music by gluing printed sheets side-by-side onto a fabric or kraft paper backing. This DIY Christmas table runner makes a unique conversation starter over Christmas dinner.

8. Christmas Song Garland

Cut sheet music into hearts, circles, or Christmas tree shapes. String them together with baker’s twine to create a delicate holiday paper garland. Drape it over your mantel, windows, or even the Christmas tree.

9. Sheet Music Advent Calendar

Make small envelopes from sheet music pages and fill each with chocolates, notes, or tiny ornaments. Hang them on twine with mini clothespins for a rustic handmade Advent calendar.

10. Decoupaged Christmas Ornaments

Use Mod Podge to apply sheet music to wooden, ceramic, or cardboard ornaments. Seal with a clear gloss for a lasting finish. You can add gold edging for a touch of vintage glamour.

11. Caroler Cone Treat Holders

Roll a page of music into a cone, secure with glue, and fill with roasted nuts, chocolates, or peppermint sticks. Hang them on the tree or place them on each dinner plate as a Christmas party favour.

12. Mason Jar Lanterns

Wrap a strip of sheet music around the outside of a jar, tie with ribbon, and pop in a tea light (real or battery-operated). These musical Christmas lanterns cast a cosy glow.

13. Musical Place Cards

Fold sheet music into small tent cards and write guests’ names on them. They make charming DIY Christmas table settings and can double as keepsakes.

14. Festive Bunting

Cut triangles of sheet music, sew or glue them to ribbon, and hang them across windows, shelves, or the mantelpiece. Try adding a dusting of glitter for a snowy bunting effect.

15. Christmas Card Inserts

Slip a carol page inside a handmade card for an extra special touch. Bonus points if the song matches the message of your card.

16. Keepsake Ornament with Family Names

Write the year and family names on a sheet of music, laminate or Mod Podge it, and hang it on the tree. A simple way to turn Christmas music into a personalised ornament.

17. Wrapping Paper Accent Strips

Layer a strip of sheet music over plain wrapping paper, then tie with ribbon. It’s a quick way to dress up gifts and give them a vintage Christmas packaging feel.

18. Musical Centrepiece

Roll sheet music into cylinders, tie with twine, and bundle them in an old jug, tin, or vase. Add fresh pine branches or holly for a festive table centrepiece.

19. Sheet Music Snowflakes

Fold and cut sheet music into delicate snowflakes. Use them to decorate windows, hang from branches, or scatter across your Christmas table.

20. Layered Shadow Box Display

Create a shadow box Christmas display using a favourite carol as the background. Layer in paper-cut silhouettes of nativity scenes, angels, or winter landscapes for a 3D effect.

Extra Crafting Tips for Working with Christmas Sheet Music

• Make copies of vintage music so you can craft freely without damaging originals.

• Age your pages by brushing them lightly with coffee or tea for that antique patina.

• Mix textures — pair paper with lace, twine, or metal embellishments for a richer look.

• Always seal decoupage projects to protect from wear and handling.

Using Christmas sheet music in crafts is more than just pretty — it’s deeply nostalgic. It’s about the songs we’ve sung, the memories they hold, and the charm of something handmade. Whether you’re creating DIY Christmas gifts, decking out your home with a vintage holiday theme, or just looking for a cosy afternoon project, these sheet music ideas hit all the right notes.

* This article was originally published here

The best cordless leaf blowers in the US to cut down time without bothering neighbors

Battery-powered leaf blowers from Ryobi, Ego and Stihl quickly clean up leaves with no gas, no smell, and dramatically less noise

• In the UK? The best leaf blowers: 10 favourites to speed up raking – plus smart ways to reuse your fallen leaves

• Sign up for the Filter US newsletter, your weekly guide to buying fewer, better things

Electric leaf blowers are on track to soon outsell their obnoxious gas counterparts, and for good reason. They’re easier to start, require almost no maintenance, and many run quietly enough for early-morning yard sessions without bothering the neighbors.

Cordless models offer the ultimate freedom to roam untethered, but they come with tradeoffs in power, weight, runtime and of course cost. To find the model that balanced these best, I tested seven models across the price spectrum on dry leaves, damp leaves, pine needles, and general yard debris. Throughout testing, I paid close attention to control, comfort and how long each battery maintained usable power.

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* This article was originally published here

Festive stress getting to you? A potter in the garden is the ideal antidote

Escape from the Christmas mayhem to spruce up pots and outdoor furniture, sow sweet peas, or even paint a fence

I suspect you’re not thinking about the garden much this month. After all, we’re 12 days away from Christmas. Perhaps you’re wrapping presents or running school fairs, or maybe you’ve stumbled upon this while having a little scroll in the queue for a grotto somewhere. It’s difficult to even be outside and at a loose end during daylight hours at the moment.

In case you’re feeling a little overwhelmed, what if you went out into your green space or garden, and started having a bit of a potter? Nothing fancy; goodness knows, I don’t put my garden “to bed” as tradition would dictate – chopping down perennial growth and sweeping up leaves and laying a thick black blanket of mulch over neatly edged beds. But rather a gentle ramble, picking up the plastic flowerpots that have blown about the place and finally emptying that sad pot of desiccated summer annuals into the compost bin. You’ll probably feel a bit less chaotic, possibly even a little festive, afterwards.

Continue reading...

* This article was originally published here

* This article was originally published here

Festive stress getting to you? A potter in the garden is the ideal antidote

Escape from the Christmas mayhem to spruce up pots and outdoor furniture, sow sweet peas, or even paint a fence

I suspect you’re not thinking about the garden much this month. After all, we’re 12 days away from Christmas. Perhaps you’re wrapping presents or running school fairs, or maybe you’ve stumbled upon this while having a little scroll in the queue for a grotto somewhere. It’s difficult to even be outside and at a loose end during daylight hours at the moment.

In case you’re feeling a little overwhelmed, what if you went out into your green space or garden, and started having a bit of a potter? Nothing fancy; goodness knows, I don’t put my garden “to bed” as tradition would dictate – chopping down perennial growth and sweeping up leaves and laying a thick black blanket of mulch over neatly edged beds. But rather a gentle ramble, picking up the plastic flowerpots that have blown about the place and finally emptying that sad pot of desiccated summer annuals into the compost bin. You’ll probably feel a bit less chaotic, possibly even a little festive, afterwards.

Continue reading...

* This article was originally published here