A look at my current 'to be read' pile

Back in June I shared my to be read pile, and it's changed quite a lot since then as I've been making a big effort to sort through it! So I thought I'd do a little update post. Here's how it looked in June:

And here is how it is currently looking:

Yes that's right, just five books! You may notice that two of the heavy hitters, War and Peace and the Steve Jobs autobiography have vanished. They had been there a long time and I was not realistically going to read them when there are so many other lovely books around. I will hang on to War and Peace because I really would like to read it someday, but I found the Steve Jobs book very dry so that's heading for the charity shop!

The remaining books are:

The Pillow Book by Sei Shōnagon - This is a book that I like to dip in and out of so I like to keep it by the bed.

What I Talk About When I Talk About Running by Haruki Murakami - I enjoy Murakami's books but I've not really got into this one yet, it's not a long book, I just need to make a start.

Demon Copperfield by Barbara Kingsolver - This was a recent World of Books purchase and I'm really looking forward to getting to it because it sounds right up my street. I'm saving it to take on holiday!

A Saunterer in Sussex by A. A. Evans - One of my Dad's books that caught my eye, it's a series of chapters about walks through various locations and landmarks in Sussex. I'm about halfway through, it's quite a dry and old-fashioned read but I'm enjoying it.

The Man Who Mistook His Wife for a Hat by Oliver Sacks - Another book that I'm halfway through. It's an interesting non-fiction read, filled with case histories of patients with different neurological disorders. I put it down because I found that it was getting a bit repetitive, so now I've had a break I'll be picking it up again!

Now this might seem good, but conspicuous by it's absence is my Kindle!

Currently there are 17 items in my To Be Read collection, which is actually better than it was a few days ago when I had a bit of a cull. Most of these books are part of the Amazon First Reads scheme which offers one or two free books a month to Prime members. These are mainly all new books by new authors, and it's a great way to find new writers. Unfortunately I have found that they can be a bit hit and miss, with quite a few more misses than hits. So now that some of them have been out long enough to build up reviews on Goodreads I've been a bit ruthless with removing the ones that are getting terrible reviews, or the ones that haven't grabbed me after the first few chapters.

I have a holiday coming up and I'm hoping to fit in plenty of reading time, I really want to get those Kindle books down, and I also want to get back into the habit of going to the library because I have a huge list of new books that I want to read!

How many watts does a monitor use - A guide for parents choosing baby monitors

This is a collaborative post

When you’re picking out a baby monitor, your mind’s probably racing with a million questions. Somewhere in there, you might start wondering, “How many watts does a monitor use?” It’s a fair worry, especially if you are planning to use a video baby monitor that basically never takes a nap. 

This article outlines the various factors that influence a monitor’s wattage, the comparison between different display technologies, and the reasons behind varying energy consumption of monitors. Furthermore, you will become acquainted with the simplest ways to calculate power usage and the corresponding cost as well as receive some tips that will help you save energy.

Photo credit Isaac Quesada via Unsplash

Understanding the Basics of Monitor Power Consumption

Shopping for a baby monitor is kind of a rabbit hole. You start out wanting to keep an eye on your kid using a video baby monitor, and suddenly you’re comparing energy bills and wondering how many watts does a monitor use by squinting at “wattage” numbers like you’re prepping for a physics exam.

Here’s the deal: Monitors that suck up more watts usually have flashier screens or a bunch of bells and whistles—think night vision, lullabies, the works. But honestly? You probably don’t need a monitor that could double as a disco ball. The lower-watt ones do the basics just fine and won’t make your electric bill weep. Pick something that keeps tabs on your baby without eating too much power.

Key Factors That Influence a Monitor's Wattage

Energy usage of baby monitors can be changed due to multiple factors and understanding these factors will allow you to make better decisions. What features, size, and the type of the display determine how many watts does a monitor use. Extra-function or continuous monitoring, as in the case of a video baby monitor, are usually a higher power consumption source. 

Here’s the real scoop on what actually messes with how much power your baby monitor uses:

Display type and size: Size totally matters. A massive, high-resolution screen? Yeah, it’s gonna suck up way more power than some tiny, basic display. You also need to know the difference between LED, LCD, and OLED—each one’s got its own power-hungry quirks.

Extra features: Monitors with built-in night lights, temperature sensors, or those video baby monitors have a higher power consumption than simpler models. More features equals more energy getting slurped up. 

Volume and alert settings: Crank up the volume or set your monitor to chirp at every little noise? That’s gonna eat a bit more electricity, too. Not a ton, but it adds up.

Connectivity and wireless functions: Wireless devices that use Wi-Fi or Bluetooth? Keeping that connection alive drains a steady trickle of power, so don’t be surprised if your battery cries for help sooner.

Standby and active modes: Some monitors in standby mode hardly use any power, but when you change them to “active,” they consume a lot of power very quickly. 

The Role of Display Technology: LED vs. LCD vs. OLED

What kind of screen your baby monitor rocks actually matters a lot, both for how it looks on your nightstand and how much juice it sucks from the outlet. How many watts does a monitor use can vary widely depending on the screen technology and features.

Let’s break it down real quick:

LED displays: These screens are energy-efficient and bright, making them a popular choice for standard baby monitors. Some models with a video baby monitor feature still manage to keep power use low.

LCD displays: LCDs are widely available and can handle larger screens, but they tend to slurp up more watts than LEDs. Not exactly what you want if you’re chasing efficiency.

OLED displays: If you want to use an OLED, expect gorgeous colors, and blacks so deep you’ll lose a sock in them. However, that kind of eye candy needs a lot of power, especially when you throw in extra features. 

Why Gaming Monitors Use More Power Than Standard Displays

Usually, gaming monitors are more power-hungry as they feature fast refresh rates, big screen sizes, and high brightness levels to be able to show detailed graphics. A regular computer or TV screen are simple standard displays that consume less energy unless they are also designed to meet the same performance requirements. 

Besides those displays, there is also a video baby monitor which is a more compact, multifunctional device that includes a screen, a camera, and a microphone for a live watch. When you consider how many watts does a monitor use, the difference becomes clear between high-power gaming models, standard displays, and those that are made for baby care. 

Calculating Your Monitor's Energy Usage and Cost

Parents can get an idea of the baby monitor's energy consumption when they calculate how much it will cost them to run their baby monitor daily. The easiest method is to find out how many watts does a monitor use, then multiply that by the number of hours the monitor is on and by the electricity rate in the house. 

For instance, a video baby monitor running during the night can lead to a considerable power consumption, however, by knowing the figures it is possible to make a budget of the expenses and still have your safety and peace of mind kept. 

The Difference Between Active Use and Standby Mode

A baby monitor uses power differently depending on whether it is fully active or in standby. In active use, the screen and sound run the whole time, which means higher energy demand. Parents asking how many watts does a monitor use should know that standby mode lowers power draw by dimming the screen while still picking up important sounds.

So, if you’re stressing over your power bill (honestly, who isn’t?), knowing the difference between the active use and the standby mode is a game changer. The bottom line is mess with those settings for a bit. You still catch every peep and squawk from the nursery, but you’re not wasting electricity like some kind of rookie. 

Simple Changes to Reduce Your Monitor's Power Consumption

Figuring out how many watts does a monitor use is honestly a lifesaver if you’re trying not to cry at your next electric bill. Tiny tweaks here and there—stuff you barely notice—can seriously drop your energy use, and you don’t have to turn your setup into some boring, bare-bones operation either. Even a smart monitor can be handled in a way that allows it to work effectively and efficiently. 

To put it simply, here are some changes that you can attempt: 

Adjust the brightness and volume. Don’t blast it unless you want your room to lit up like an airport runway. 

Stick the baby monitor at a spot where you don’t need it cranked to full brightness just to see what’s going on. Even those video baby monitors don’t need to be set to 100% brightness mode 24/7.

Turn off the features you don’t actually use. Nobody needs continuous lullabies or disco lights going all day. The less fluff, the more cash you save. 

Conclusion: Making an Informed Choice for Efficiency

Knowing how many watts does a monitor use isn’t just about saving a couple bucks on your power bill—it’s also about making sure your baby’s nursery doesn’t turn into a mini sauna or some sort of electrical hazard zone. Seriously, some of those fancy video baby monitors suck up way more power than those old-school audio ones. However, you do get to watch your little one snooze in real time, so it’s a trade-off.

If you know how much power different monitors use, you can avoid spending too much on a large HD screen monitor, a night vision monitor, or a lullaby playing monotone machine. That way you can keep an eye on your baby, save the power of your home, and avoid the extra cost on your electric bill.

A look at some Christmas themed kits from Rolife

I received these kits in exchange for a review

I love crafting for Christmas - mainly for the enjoyment of completing a craft project but also having some unique finished festive decor that I can bring out every Christmas and admire for many years.

I've been sent some gorgeous miniature crafting kits from Rolife to try this Christmas, and so I'm going to share a quick preview before I start my crafting and share the finished results!

First is this DIY Miniature House - Gingerbread House. This lovely kit comes with all sorts of tiny accessories to build a light-up Gingerbread Bakery shop filled with delicious Christmas goodies. I've always wanted a miniature Christmas village and this looks like it could be the perfect start - I can't wait to begin putting it all together! This kit is a 3 star kit so I'm expecting it to be a little more complex than the basic sets, and I know that I'm going to really enjoy assembling it.

Secondly I will be working on these two kits from the Story Frames Series - Christmas Eve Party and Santa's Toy Shop. These two kits are built inside a deep plastic frame which holds the contents and also a lighting kit. Christmas Eve Party features a lovely little Christmas themed interior with a table set with treats, a Christmas tree, and lots of tiny festive decorations. Santa's Toy Shop is the exterior of a toy shop filled with Christmas treasures including decor and toys.

These Christmas frame kits are both 2 star difficulty kits with an estimated build time of two hours, so I could probably complete these in one sitting. But I'll be working on them a little slower because I want to enjoy every minute of the build process! 

I'll be sharing a full review of the kits when I've completed them, but in the meantime I've made a start on the Christmas Eve Party frame kit. I just love the idea of these frames which can be hung on the wall or displayed standing as part of your Christmas decor. They are packed with tiny details, just look at all these sweet little accessories that will be carefully placed into position. I expecially love the tiny gingerbread house!

Assembling the kit is straightforward with clear instructions to follow. The assembly is broken down into individual stages for each component, so you need to gather everything that you need for that step and then carefully follow the guidance to put it together. The kit is designed to be assembled without glue, with the pieces being adhered using small strips of double sided tape. However I liked to keep some glue handy as I wanted the extra security of knowing that things were firmly glued together.

So far I've build a little display case filled with festive plates, a corner display shelf, a chair holding a wooden teddy and a couple of small gifts. The thing I love about these kits is that you can work on them when you have time available, as the short steps mean that you can stop and start at any point. I like to keep everything ready, and then when I have a few spare minutes I can put a few pieces together ready to be placed inside the main frame.

I'm going to be very busy working on these kits, ready to have them on display as part of my Christmas decor!

My Autumn themed jigsaw puzzle wishlist

This post contains Amazon affiliate links

I've been struggling lately with browsing for jigsaw puzzles on Amazon. Firstly, many of the puzzles are from "alphabet soup" brands, complete with poorly translated descriptions stuffed with key words. Secondly lots of them look very much like AI generated images with colours that are too vibrant, fuzzy details and they just look a bit off. Now AI does have it's place in the modern world, but for me at the moment that's not in jigsaw puzzles, so I've tried to pick out puzzles from respected brands. They may be a little more expensive but I hope that they are likely to be better quality in terms of both image and construction.

Unfortunately I can't link images from Amazon, so I hope that my descriptions will be good enough to encourage you to take a closer look. If you are searching for some good quality Autumn themed jigsaw puzzles for some puzzling as the nights draw in, I hope that you enjoy looking through my selection!

Galison - Autumn in the Meadow - 1000 piece (affiliate link)

This 1000 piece jigsaw features an illustration of an overgrown footpath which passes through a vegetable patch filled with pumpkins and chickens towards a tiny cottage half hidden by floating autumnal flowers. The colours are gorgeous, and this one looks like it would be pleasantly tricky and very satisfying to put together.

Elena Essex - Sunset Valley - 1000 piece (affiliate link)

Perhaps not quite strictly Autumnal, but with a rich palette of reds and oranges this illustrated scene features rolling hills with colourful cottages nestled in between. This puzzle has plenty of interest and I think would not be too challenging once you had sorted out the different areas.

Galison - Nature in Autumn - 500 piece (affiliate link)

I love a smaller puzzle that can be completed in an evening or two, and jigsaw features images of various flora and fauna which you might see while out and about in Autumn. There's a lot of detail in the pictures and a lovely selection of colours.

Cobble Hill - Country Diary: Autumn - 1000 piece (affiliate link)

This puzzle features illustrations from The Country Diary of an Edwardian Lady and so it's a group of nostalgic paintings along with handwritten inscriptions. There is a huge amount of detail in the image and it seems realistic in the types of things that you might spot in Autumn. The colours are muted in style with the vintage design, and this would be a lovely relaxing puzzle to slot together.

Galison - Autumn in the Neighbourhood - 1000 piece (affiliate link)

Another Galison puzzle with gorgeous Autumn colours, this is a street scene featuring a row of terraced houses framed by trees in their autumnal colours and decorated with wreaths and pumpkins. The houses would be really fun to put together and the beautiful smudged leaves would be a great challenge!

Galison - Autumn at the City Market - 1000 piece (affiliate link)

This Autumn scene features a city skyline with a row of lovely coloured trees across the centre, with market stalls and yellow taxi cabs in the foreground. It's a great contrast between nature and the city, and there are plenty of details to spot with the intricate stalls and the passersby. 

What reading gives me

I've always been a reader. I read quite widely - various genres, historical and modern novels, long and short books, mainly fiction but also non-fiction. I always have a book on the go, as well as a 'to be read' pile on my bedside table, and a notes document detailing the books that I want to add to my collection.  

I've been reading even more lately as I try to replace screen time with books, and it led me to reflect on all the benefits that being a regular reader gives me.

At the moment, I'm really noticing how reading helps with my ability to focus. Not just when I'm actually reading, but I'm finding that in situations when I can't read (for example when I'm exercising or cooking) I'm quite happy to just think my own thoughts. Especially if I'm reading a book which has really grabbed my interest - I'll be thinking about the characters and scenarios.

I love a book that gives me an insight into a different time or culture. Particularly those written by women about women - I like to learn about how life has changed over time. I'm especially drawn to books written and set before the internet and smartphones. Like classic novels where people write long, descriptive letters to each other and spend time together just enjoying each other's company.

I prefer to read in long, uninterrupted stretches, especially in bed at the end of the day. But that doesn't happen very often so I have to find moments when I can - I read while eating lunch, in the car while I wait at school pick up, when I find myself with a few spare minutes during the day. I find it relaxing and a way to switch off from what's around me.

Photo credit Clay Banks via Unsplash

Sometimes reading a book will inspire me to try something new. If I read a book about someone that grows vegetables then then it makes me want to get out in my own garden, or I might feel like trying a new way of cooking or a new craft. I enjoy books about people that make positive changes in their lives and it helps me to think about things that I could change.

There are some books that I turn to when I need some help in stressful times. I have a whole shelf of comfort reading books which are mainly children's books - The Swish of the Curtain series, A Little Princess, the Little House on the Prairie books. I can pick them up, I know exactly what will happen, and can often finish them in just a few sittings. 

Reading is so important to me, and I want to make sure that I'll always be a reader even as screens become more and more addictive!

Weekend gardening

Even though we are well into October it still feels very mild outside. Last week I even had our bifold doors fully open, although I am expecting that to be the last time for this year! Our garden remains full of flowers. We have some beautiful red and yellow canna lilies that have been in bloom since I planted them in early May, and I also have some lovely pink dahlias and purple salvias that both really took off over the summer. I'm so pleased with how I have been able to fill my garden with colour.

A few weeks ago I drove past the garden centre and spotted a banner outside saying that the bulbs were in, so we took a trip over and stocked up. I've never bought bulbs before and I got a little carried away! I bought large bags of simple tulips and daffodils, and then I added some fancier varieties. Luckily we do have plenty of beds that still need filling, but I hadn't really thought through the logistics. I've made a start but it's going to take me a couple of weeks to find the time to get them all planted!

Our front garden is looking rather messy as we still haven't decided what we are going to plant along the front border. We took down a large, overgrown hedge and I intended to replace it with something similar, but the longer we've lived without a hedge the more I appreciate not having to maintain it. I'm thinking a row of some kind of low lying shrubs, something to create a border but not be too difficult to keep cut back. In the meantime the bed is just filling up with weeds that I go and pull out every few weeks.

We are also having a lot of weeds growing in the new pebbles at the front. I was hoping that the membrane underneath would hold them off for a couple of years at least, but I think they are just growing on top of it. So we borrowed a weed burning tool from my Mum to see if that would be any good at getting rid of them!

I was very wary because I'm a bit scared of fire, and when I tried using it with my Mum in the summer in her garden it was very dry and we had a couple of occasions where the grass caught fire. So it's definitely a two person job - one on standby with a watering can! It's really satisfying to use, and it's much easier on the back and hands than stooping down to pull the weeds out, so we might look to get one at some point.

I know that the next job will be picking up leaves - there are three large trees that drop leaves into our garden and it's always quite an effort to keep it all tidy. I'm also interested to see what happens to all my lovely plants when it starts to get really cold - I hope that at least some of them survive the winter!

Tips for keeping on top of clutter in the home

Sometimes I feel as though I'm constantly decluttering, and that's because I am! Decluttering isn't something that you can do once and never again. Like housework and gardening you need to keep on top of it, and I thought I'd share some tips that work for me when I'm trying to maintain an organised and calm home.

Have a donation bag or box ready to go

I actually have two. I keep a bag in my wardrobe for clothes, ready for a charity recycling bag to come through the door. If my bag is full before one arrives then I drop it off at a local textile recycling bank. I have a second bag in my spare room for charity shop donations. I usually wait until I've got a decent amount before making a trip to drop them off just to save time and effort, but it is ready to go at any time in case of sudden guests!

Make an effort to pass on difficult items

I think we all have a number of things in our home that we would like to get rid of but don't know the best way to do it. Maybe it's not good enough to give to charity, it's too big to fit in the household bin, or it was an unwanted gift that you feel bad getting rid of. But if you can find a way to remove things these awkward items then it will also remove the pang of guilt that you feel every time you see it, which will make you and your home feel much calmer. 

Declutter clothing while packing for a holiday

When packing, think about the things that you aren't choosing to put in the suitcase. Is it because you no longer wear them, they are uncomfortable or they just don't suit you? I've always sorted out the children's wardrobes when packing because it's a really good opportunity to empty out the drawers completely and see the things that have been outgrown or aren't being worn.

Photo credit Sarah Brown via Unsplash

Match what comes in with what goes out

Some people like a strict 'one in, one out' rule but this doesn't work for me. But if I've brought home a few of a particular item, like books or jigsaws from a charity shop haul or a seasonal Primark shop, then I'll think about where I'm going to store the new items and what I can clear out to make room for them. 

Clear hotspots daily

I have several clutter hotspots in my home. The main one is our kitchen island, but I also have the kitchen worktop nearest to the door and the coffee table in the living room. Every evening I make sure that the kitchen island and coffee table are completely clear. The worktop is a place to store things which may be needed in the next few days, but I sort this through once a week when I do my full kitchen clean. The key thing is to look at the items that build up in these places and make sure that they all have a home that they can be tidied away to. Clutter attracts more clutter, so making an effort to keep surfaces clear stops it all piling up and becoming unmanageable.

Deal completely with laundry as you go along

I do laundry regularly so I am usually on top of it and each load is sorted, folded and put away as soon as it comes off the line or out the dryer. Well, I put mine away at least and I leave piles for other family members to put away at their leisure - but it is in their rooms and not all over the house! Have a routine for the washing, whether that's putting a load on first thing or later in the day when you have time to deal with it.

Photo credit Daniele Bissoli via Unsplash

Sort paperwork as it arrives 

This also includes digital paperwork like e-mails. A lot of our post is junk and it goes straight from the doormat to the recycling. I deal with as much as I can straight away and then the physical papers can be filed or recycled.

Model good habits to younger family members

If you involve children in keeping the home clean and clear then they will hopefully use these systems in their own areas. We've developed habits for having regular clear outs of clothes and shoes, school books, toys and trinkets, as it's much easier to pass on things as you go along rather than letting everything build up. I wrote a detailed post about using the Marie Kondo method with an older child or teenager, and this is something that we return to once a year or so to keep things under control. It's especially important with children because they grow so quickly and their interests change as they get older. I hope that I'm instilling good habits for their future homes!

I hope that this article was helpful, if you have any more tips please do share them in the comments!

Why I like to keep track of the books that I've read

I've been tracking my reading for a long time now - I joined Goodreads back in 2013! I have tried other ways of remembering the books I've read but they just didn't work for me. Before that for a short time I used a physical reading journal but I felt obliged to offer some insightful thoughts about each book, and that put me off. 

When I record a book that I've read I very rarely add a review - instead I just want to keep a note of the title, author, dates read and a vague star rating. My Goodreads star ratings are quite skewed because I don't think I've ever rated a book less than three stars - if a book is that bad I just stop reading it!

I usually have too many books in my to be read pile to keep track of them separately. Instead I only add a book when I start reading it and I don't update my progress as I go along, I just log that it's finished and select my rating. I like the idea of sharing the information with friends and family like a social media account, but I only have a few friends that use it!

I usually try not to read the reviews that others have left on a book. Often I think that someone will write a provocative review in order to get more views/comments and raise their own profile. I also don't like reading the bad reviews of a book that I've really enjoyed as it makes me wonder if I was just too stupid to notice something negative about it!

Tracking my reading helps me in two ways. Firstly I enjoy looking back on the books that I've read. I don't keep a count for the year or have any other kind of reading goals, but I do like to look back at the end of year summary that Goodreads provides and see some stats about what I've read. My favourite insights are my most and least popular books as shelved by other users, and the average book length.

Secondly, I've lost count of the times that I've gone to add the book I'm reading into Goodreads and discovered that I've already read it. On one occasion I had finished it just three months prior! I'm terrible at remembering the titles of books that I've read, especially if I've read them on my Kindle. Without having a physical book in front of me I'm often not even quite sure of the title of the book that I'm currently reading!

Do you track the books that you've read, and if so how?

Get organised - A guide to heavy duty and warehouse racking

This is a collaborative post

We’ve all been there. That moment you open the door to the garage, shed, or stockroom, and you're met with a mountain of stuff. Finding anything feels like an archaeological dig, and the thought of tidying it all is enough to make you close the door and walk away. But what if there was a simple, effective way to reclaim that space and bring a sense of order to the chaos?

This is where heavy duty racking and warehouse racking come in. While the name might sound industrial, these storage systems are incredibly versatile and can be a game-changer for homes, workshops, and small businesses alike. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know, from choosing the right system to creative ways you can use it to transform your space.

What Exactly Are Heavy Duty Racking Systems?

At its core, a racking system is a structure of upright frames and horizontal beams designed for storing items. Unlike standard household shelves, heavy-duty and warehouse racking are built to handle significant weight and bulk. They are the workhorses of the storage world, designed for durability and strength.

Think of them as the ultimate solution for anything that’s too heavy, awkward, or numerous for your average bookshelf or plastic container. From stacks of inventory for your small business to boxes of seasonal decorations and heavy gardening equipment, these racks are designed to keep things organised, accessible, and, most importantly, safe.

Beyond the Warehouse: Racking in Everyday Life

The term "warehouse racking" can be a bit misleading because its uses extend far beyond large commercial spaces. Many of us could benefit from this level of organisation in our own homes. It’s all about seeing the potential in your space and finding a system that fits your needs.

For the DIY Enthusiast and Gardener

If your garage or shed is overflowing with tools, paint tins, and bags of compost, racking can be a revelation. Imagine having all your power tools neatly arranged, your collection of screws and nails in labelled bins on a sturdy shelf, and your lawnmower stored safely off the floor during winter. You can create zones for different activities—a section for car maintenance, another for woodworking, and a dedicated area for all your gardening supplies.

For the Craft Room Connoisseur

Crafting can accumulate a surprising amount of supplies. Bolts of fabric, boxes of yarn, large cutting mats, and bulky sewing machines can quickly take over a room. Heavy-duty shelving provides the perfect home for these items. You can use clear storage boxes to easily see your supplies, keeping them dust-free and ready for your next project. It frees up your desk space for what it’s meant for—creating!

For the Small Business Owner

Whether you run an Etsy shop from your spare room or have a small stockroom for your business, efficient storage is crucial. Warehouse racking allows you to organise your products logically, making stock-taking and order-packing much faster. It helps you professionalise your operations and can scale with your business as it grows. You can store finished products, shipping materials, and raw supplies all in one organised space.

Photo credit Jacob McGowin via Unsplash

Types of Racking Systems to Consider

Not all racking is created equal. The type you choose will depend on what you need to store and the space you have available.

1. Pallet Racking

This is the most common type you’d see in a large warehouse, but smaller versions are available. It’s designed to store pallets of goods, which makes it ideal for businesses that handle bulk deliveries. The wide bays are perfect for large, heavy items. Even for home use, a single bay of pallet racking in a garage can be perfect for storing things like quad bikes, large tool chests, or even a small boat for the winter.

2. Cantilever Racking

Cantilever racking is unique because it doesn’t have front posts getting in the way. It consists of a central column with arms extending outwards, making it perfect for long, awkward items. If you need to store timber, pipes, lengths of plastic guttering, or even kayaks and surfboards, this is the system for you. It keeps these items off the floor and prevents them from getting damaged.

3. Longspan Shelving

Longspan shelving is perhaps the most versatile option for homes and small businesses. It looks similar to pallet racking but is designed for storing non-palletised items. The shelves are typically made from steel or chipboard and can hold a substantial amount of weight. It's perfect for creating organised storage for archive boxes, product inventory, or heavy equipment.

The Benefits of Getting It Right

Investing in a good racking system offers more than just a tidy space.

● Maximise Your Space: Racking makes use of vertical height, freeing up valuable floor space. You can store more in a smaller footprint.

● Improve Safety: Piles of boxes and precariously stacked items are accidents waiting to happen. A proper racking system stores everything securely, reducing the risk of trips, falls, and falling objects.

● Increase Efficiency: When you can see what you have and access it easily, you save time and frustration. For a business, this translates directly into faster order fulfilment and better inventory management.

● Protect Your Belongings: Storing items off the floor protects them from damp, pests, and damage.

Tips for Choosing the Right Racking

Ready to get organised? Here are a few things to keep in mind before you buy.

1. Measure Your Space: Measure the height, width, and depth of the area where you plan to install the racking. Don’t forget to account for any obstructions like light fittings, doors, or fuse boxes.

2. Know Your Load: Have a clear idea of what you’ll be storing. Consider the weight and size of your items to ensure you choose a system with an appropriate load capacity. It’s always better to go for a higher weight rating than you think you’ll need.

3. Think About Access: How will you get items on and off the shelves? If you’re storing very heavy things on high shelves, you might need a small step ladder. Ensure you leave enough aisle space to move around comfortably.

4. Consider Assembly: Most modern racking systems are designed for easy, boltless assembly. However, it's worth checking the assembly instructions before you buy. It’s usually a two-person job, so you might need to enlist a friend to help.

A Personal Touch: My Racking Project

A few years ago, our garage had reached a critical point. It had become a dumping ground for everything that didn't have a home in the house. We had old furniture, half-used tins of paint, kids' outdoor toys, and my growing collection of gardening tools all competing for space.

We decided to invest in two bays of longspan shelving. We spent a weekend clearing everything out (which was a task in itself!) and assembled the racks along one wall. Suddenly, we had a system. We used the bottom shelves for heavy items like bags of soil and the kids’ go-karts. The middle shelves became home to my tools and pots, organised in labelled plastic tubs. The top shelves were perfect for lighter, less-frequently-used items like Christmas decorations. It was transformative. The garage is now a functional space, and we can finally fit the car in!

Take Back Your Space

Whether you’re a budding entrepreneur, a home improvement hero, or just someone craving a bit more order, heavy-duty racking is a practical and effective solution. It might seem like a big project, but the reward of a well-organised, functional, and safe space is well worth the effort. So, take a look at that cluttered corner and imagine the possibilities.

How to use Hama beads in crafts this Halloween

I love crafting with Hama beads, and I also love remembering some of the many Hama bead crafts that I've shared here on the blog over the years. Today I'm revisiting some of my favourites, all of them Halloween themed crafts.

If you haven't used Hama beads before then you might find this post helpful - Ironing tips for Hama beads.

Start small

If you are new to working with Hama beads or you don't want to purchase too many supplies, start by practising with some smaller pieces. I've created a set of small Halloween art pixel designs which are perfect for all sorts of projects - Halloween party place cards, keyrings, party bag gifts and favours, mini bunting, magnets, pendants...all sorts of things! They are easily made using the basic square pegboard and whatever beads you might have lying around.

Work with what you have

If you already have some Hama bead supplies then it's easy to do some Halloween Hama bead crafting just using what you already own. 

These Hama bead witch designs are made using the princess pegboard. With a bit of imagination the board can be used in lots of different ways to create some spooky witches.

I also repurposed the Hama bead house pegboard to create a Hama bead Halloween house. I just chose colours that worked with a Halloween theme and added a pumpkin and some bats.

If you have a selection of Hama bead pegboards already lying around, think about how they could also be used for Halloween themed designs. Even the basic shapes like circles, hearts or stars can become perfect Halloween decor if you use a spooky colour scheme or glow in the dark beads.

Halloween themed tableware

Following on from the above, another use for the basic circle shaped pegboard is to make some Halloween Hama bead coasters. You can find designs to copy, like the ones in my post, or just work on stripes or concentric circles in Halloween colours.

For your Halloween table you could also make some Halloween themed Hama bead napkin rings. These designs are really simple, using only the square pegboard, and by shaping them slightly when they are still warm from ironing they fit perfectly around a rolled napkin.

Halloween decorations

If you already have some suitable finished Hama bead crafts lying around the house then maybe there is a way that you can re-use them for some Halloween decor. For example, I used the Hama bead witches mentioned above to create some Hama bead witch displays using shoebox lids. We painted the lids black and used glitter and sequins to decorate before mounting the Hama bead witches.

I also used a pattern which I developed for Hama bead sugar skulls to make some Hama bead sugar skull bunting. I love how the sugar skulls use the same template yet they are all individual, and it's also a great way to use up small quantities of leftover beads.

Think about wearable accessories

This same sugar skull pattern can also be used the the tiny mini Hama beads to craft some gorgeous little sugar skull earrings. Great for Halloween themed parties!

You can also use the mini Hama beads to make some little Halloween themed pin badges. All you need to do is create the design and then add a pin badge backing. 

I hope that you liked my ideas for some Halloween themed Hama bead crafting!

Water safety and your business - What you need to know

This is a collaborative post

It’s easy to overlook the importance of water safety in a business. As long as the wet stuff continues to flow, most people happily forget about it and let it get on with its job of heating the pipes and supplying the water for tea time. But in the background, risks lurk – some of them deadly.

Chief among these risks is Legionella, a water-borne bacterium that can cause all kinds of nasty illnesses, including Legionnaires’ disease and Pontiac fever. A bout of illness will result in a visit from the Health and Safety Executive (HSA) and, in some cases, steep fines or even imprisonment, especially if Legionella is contracted. It’s therefore imperative that you understand the law and what you can do to keep your water sources and storage tanks bacteria-free.

Here’s how.

Breeding Grounds

• When it comes to water safety, it’s important to understand where issues tend to arise. As a rule of thumb, water-borne nasties will breed in the following conditions:
• Where there is a supply of stagnant water, typically found in dead legs, water reservoirs and little-used outlets.
• Where the water is not too hot – a temperature somewhere between 20–45°C will encourage bacterial growth.
• Where the pipes and storage places are ‘nutrient-rich’ in rust, scale, or sludge.

Photo credit Sasikan Ulevik via Unsplash

Risk Assessment

The key to keeping on top of water safety and Legionella control is the risk assessment. It’s often the case that a business doesn't have the know-how to do it itself, and so has to bring in an outside specialist like the people at the Water Hygiene Centre to help here.

At a minimum, the risk assessment should:

• Map the topography and layout of the pipes, storage and outlets.
• Identify high-risk areas of the premises that are liable to breed Legionella and other harmful pathogens.
• Test water temperatures to ensure the hot water is being kept at above 60 °C and outlets deliver hot water above 50 °C within one minute, while the cold water temperatures are below 20 °C after one minute of running.
• Evaluate existing control measures (temperature checks, flushing regimes and disinfectant procedures) and update them if gaps in the regime are identified.
• Ensure that water safety compliance documents and records are being maintained properly, stored and auditable.

Review

The risk assessment isn’t a one-and-done exercise. A new risk assessment will need to be carried out frequently to ensure the control measures you have in place are up to the job of keeping your water safe. As such, it’s recommended that a fresh risk assessment be carried out at least every two years.

A fresh risk assessment is especially important if the water system changes (new pipes are introduced or onsite renovations are performed), if Legionella is detected, or if the building has high-risk water systems – hospitals, care homes and hotels fall into this bracket.

Day-to-Day

The good news is that the day-to-day job of managing and controlling water risk is fairly straightforward once the risk assessment has been carried out. The law says that the day-to-day management of the water system should be carried out by a person nominated as the ‘responsible person’ or RP. It’s the RP’s job to perform the control measures and keep on top of the high-risk parts of the premises identified in the risk assessment.

Conclusion

Water safety doesn’t have to be complicated, but it does require a methodical approach to risk management. Indeed, at the heart of any water safety regime lies the risk assessment. Get that right and the day-to-day business of keeping your water supply bacteria-free should be plain sailing.

Enjoying the garden as summer comes to an end

It's time to accept that the long summer is coming to an end. We've been so lucky this year with the weather, and we've really made the most of the our lovely garden that was finished in the spring. The weather this weekend was still really nice, a little bit of rain but it hasn't started to get too cold yet. So I decided it was a good time to make a start on preparing the garden for winter.

I began with the vegetable patch, clearing it all out and tidying up my strawberry and raspberry plants. I hope that they survive the winter! I also have some foxgloves that I planted from seed a couple of months ago. Some are in the borders and some are in pots, I'm keen to see if they survive and how they compare to the seeds which I'll plant in the spring.

We get a lot of fallen leaves in the garden and usually I'm out there picking them all up, this year I'm going to experiment with leaving the ones that fall in the borders and moving ones from the paths to the vegetable patch to see if they help the soil at all.

I pulled up my remaining tomato plants and picked off the last green tomatoes, hoping that if I leave them indoors in the sun then they might ripen. My tomatoes were amazing this year, I think it was a combination of the great weather and the new topsoil that we had added to the vegetable patch. I had so many that for a couple of weeks I was making a big batch of tomato soup every day and stocking up the freezer.

I've packed away some of the garden chairs because they are quite light and they blow around in the wind. But I want to keep my little table and one chair out on our breakfast patio, with the intention of sitting out there whenever it's warm enough. I had a lovely sit with my Kindle after all my hard work.

The canna lilies on the right have been amazing this year. I planted them in May after a recommendation by our garden designer and I wasn't quite sure about them, but they've been incredible. I cut back the flower heads just as they are starting to finish, and more and more kept appearing with plenty of buds still to flower. I know that they will die down soon and I'll have to decide whether to dig them up for the winter or to just wrap them in fleece and keep my fingers crossed for their survival!

I still need to plant my bulbs, I've never bought bulbs before and I went a bit mad at the garden centre a few weeks ago. I'm planning on putting some in the centre of my vegetable patch, which is always an awkward space for growing things as it's difficult to reach from the edges. Ideally I will end up with some lovely flowers which I can pick for the house. Then I'm just going to fill all my borders and spare pots and see what happens!

There's still an apple tree that needs pruning and lots of weeds growing between the stones in our beautiful front garden - I've got lots to keep me busy!

Using ChatGPT to plan a holiday - what's the best way to use it?

I'm currently in the process of planning a big holiday - a several week trip to Japan which will involve travelling around the country to visit many places of interest - and for the first time I'm experimenting with using ChatGPT to help me come up with places to visit and to plan an itinerary. 

I've been having a really positive experience, so I thought I'd share some of the pros and cons, as well as a few tips for anyone thinking of using AI to plan a holiday. 

Advantages of using AI to plan a holiday

ChatGPT is constantly evolving, and is constantly being updated. ChatGPT now has an excellent memory, so even in a separate query it will remember the ages and interests of family members or information like the fact that you are a vegetarian family. So you don't need to keep repeating yourself with each prompt.  

It's perfect for finding a small piece of information quickly, for example the opening times of a particular attraction, without having to trawl through Google search results. Just remember to ask it for for a link that you can use to check the information!

It's brilliant if you are searching for information online which may be in a different language, for example a small local attraction which may not have an English website. 

I found it very helpful for putting together an itinerary based on attractions which are close together geographically without having to hunt everything down on a map. It's also great for suggesting day trips or other places to visit nearby.

The AI can pick out some less well known information, for example more niche attractions, that wouldn't come up in the first few pages of search engine results. It finds even the most obscure information incredibly quickly.

Some negatives to using ChatGPT to plan a holiday

If you've asked for an itinerary make sure that all the days are included - I had an attempt that missed out an entire day. 

The AI may draw to your attention to the fact that an attraction is closed on a certain day, yet still plan for you to visit on the day when it's closed.

Opening hours or ticket prices may be incorrect, and it may suggest visiting places such as restaurants that have now closed down.

Restaurant suggestions in particular can be a bit random and it's difficult to see why a particular venue has been suggested over others that are just as good or more suitable.

Depending on how you phrase your initial prompt, the AI may pick out something small and run with it. For example, I mentioned shopping as a possible interest among several others and was presented with a three day itinerary which included only shops, rather than any famous sights.

Photo credit Finn Mund via Unsplash

Some tips for using ChatGPT to plan your travels

In your initial prompt, enter as much detail as possible. For example - ages of travellers, interests (history, art, nature, transport...), the type of place that you want to visit (museums, shops, landmarks, places to take a good selfie, ways to experience local cuisine...), attractions that you definitely want to visit and the sights that you aren't bothered about, whether you will have a car or will be using public transport.

Make sure to add in your travel plans, for example flight or train details, and whether any of the dates in your itinerary are fixed, for example if you have booked tickets to an event. Ask the AI to suggest quieter days or times to visit large attractions, and ask whether there are any public holidays or local events to be aware of.

When the AI comes back with suggestions you can keep a thread going and all the information you've received so far will be stored in the chat. For example further prompts like 'do you have any other suggestions that are more suitable for teenagers', 'how about some places with historical significance' or 'what else could I do while I'm in this area'.

You can ask for summary reviews, like 'what do people think of this attraction' or 'is this a popular place to visit with teenagers'.

Finally, check every detail before you leave. In particular opening times, transport links, admission costs, process for purchasing tickets and so on. I've found ChatGPT to be generally accurate, but you can't rely on it entirely! You can also always ask the AI for a link to an official website where you can verify the information.

I hope that this article is helpful - next time you are planning a holiday see whether ChatGPT can help you out!

How to make eating on-the-go as healthy as possible

This is a collaborative post

Rushed mornings, late trains, dashing to pick up the kids, meetings that cut into your lunch ‘hour’ - most days don’t leave you with quite as much time as you’d like to eat a healthy, balanced diet. Being healthy on the move doesn’t mean eating a perfect, warm, healthy meal with a knife and fork for every meal - it’s about making the best choice that’s actually available to you. Let’s take a look at what some of those choices are.

Nutritional bases

The quickest way to stay full is to go with a base of protein and fibre. In a café, that might be eggs on toast with a side of spinach rather than a lone pastry; in a supermarket, it could be a low-fat yoghurt pot or cooked chicken with a grain-and-veg salad, instead of a beige triangle of white bread and crisps. 

If you’re pulling into a service station, then you could go towards something like chilli, soup, or sushi plus edamame. The point is to look at the options in front of you, assess which option is the healthiest, while also picking something that you actually enjoy.

Carry some healthy snacks

A handful of small items can really make healthy snacking a whole lot easier. Pack a spoon, a foldable container, a source of protein that doesn’t go bad (like some John West tuna), a couple of oatcakes, a mini nut butter and an apple in your bag before you leave your home. 

Suddenly, a plain yoghurt becomes a proper snack, a side salad becomes lunch, and a basic smoothie stops being little more than sugar in a cup. It takes almost no space, and saves you from the emergency that leaves you feeling tired and potentially even hungrier.

Photo credit Dana Sarsenbekova via Unsplash

Don’t be overly rigid

On a more general note, most dieticians would agree that the most important thing when it comes to eating well is not to be overly rigid. The most important thing is that you eat well over a long period of time, not that you eat a ‘perfect’ (but largely unpalatable) diet for just a few months, before ultimately cracking. 

If this means having the odd sweet snack, that’s totally fine. You just want to make sure that the majority of your food sources also contain healthy amounts of protein, fibre, fat and carbohydrates, so that your body is getting the building blocks it needs to keep you healthy and happy. 

Timing is important

That being said, it’s far more likely that you’ll crack and eat something sugary if you wait to eat until you’re absolutely starving. Stave off that extreme hunger with smaller snacks - nuts, oat cakes, rice cakes - and you’ll have a much more pleasant experience overall.

Eating healthily while on the go isn’t all that hard. What it does require, however, is a bit of forward thinking, and some adaptability. If you’re regularly in a rush, then those desperate bouts of hunger shouldn’t be unpredictable - plan just a little bit in advance, and you’ll make life so much easier for yourself.

Felt leaves for Autumn craft, styling them as bunting

A couple of years ago I made these embroidered felt autumn leaves. I love them! I really like the contrasting autumnal colours, the little beads that look like dew drops, and the varied shapes of the leaves. Usually I display them for autumn in a bowl on the sideboard, but this year I had a think about some different ways to style them as part of my autumn decor.

I decided that this year I would use the felt autumn leaves as bunting over my mantlepiece. I have some miniature wooden pegs in my craft stash so all I did was hang a length of thin ribbon and use the pegs to clip the leaves at intervals. 

My autumn decor is a little minimalist, but here's what it could look like, with a little help from ChatGPT!