Plates n' Bowls n' Stuff

08/07/2026

Imagine going to a party or hosting a celebration without that little voice in the back of your mind reminding you about the pile of plastic waste it'll create.

Instead, you get to enjoy every laugh, every conversation, and every special moment knowing you've made a kinder choice for the planet.

No guilt. No compromising. No feeling like you have to choose between making memories and living by your values.

Just the feeling of relief that you've found a way to celebrate that feels good in every sense.

You leave the event feeling proud, knowing your choices reflected what matters to you. Your guests have had a wonderful time, and you've shown that being more eco-friendly doesn't mean missing out on the fun.

Because making sustainable choices shouldn't feel stressful or overwhelming. It should feel simple, achievable, and something you can be genuinely happy about.

✨ This is exactly what I help you do 💚

07/07/2026

I help families, friends, community groups and anyone hosting a gathering enjoy their celebrations without the waste of single-use plates, bowls and cups.

Instead of buying disposable tableware that gets thrown away after one use, you can simply hire everything you need from me. It's an affordable, practical and more environmentally friendly option.

And it's not any more inconvenient either - I'll even do the washing up.

As well as hiring out reusable party kits, I'll also be sharing simple, realistic eco-friendly tips that work for everyday family life. Nothing complicated or expensive - just easy swaps, products I've found useful, things I've stopped buying, and little changes that can make a big difference over time.

If you're trying to reduce waste without making life harder (or more expensive!), you're in the right place 💚

If you've got a party, BBQ, picnic, baby shower, birthday or community event coming up, send me a message to see how I can help. And if you'd like more simple eco tips in your feed, make sure you're following along!

07/07/2026

✨Deodeorant 🌎

Here is a really simple eco swap.

It took me less than 10 minutes to make - I only got interrupted by the boys at the end - and this jar will last about 3 months.

Try a tiny bit on your underarm to check if the recipe is suitable for you. If it feels a bit harsh increase the coconut oil and cornflour.

Would you give this a go, or are you sticking with shop-bought deodorant? Let me know in the comments, I love hearing which eco swaps people are willing to try!

03/07/2026

Today is Plastic Bag Free day 💚

It's the perfect time to ditch those single use bags, and make a small change that has a massive impact.

Welcome to Day 3 of Plastic Free July.

Using today’s tip, you’ve got the challenge in the bag - literally. Whether it’s for weekly groceries or picking up a few groceries on the way home, bringing along reusable shopping bags and produce bags for fruit and veggies are great ways to cut down on plastic waste and enjoy some (mostly) guilt-free spending.

Many people find that an effective way to remember bags is to leave a stash in their car, bike, office desk, or by the door to grab on the way out. Pro tip: Returning them to their designated spot after they’ve been used ensures they’re always ready to go.

Access the full Plastic Free July 2026 calendar here: plasticfreejuly.org/resources/assets

01/07/2026

Today, I'm waving the flag for progress over perfection 🥉

Whether we're talking about sustainability, parenting, running a business, or life in general, there can be so much pressure to get everything right.

But the truth is, none of us can do it all.

We can't always make the most sustainable choice. We won't always have the time, energy, budget, or capacity to tick every box.

And that's okay.

What matters is that we try.

Choosing a reusable option instead of a single-use one. Borrowing instead of buying. Making one more conscious choice than we did yesterday. These small actions might not feel like much on their own, but collectively they make a huge difference.

The same applies to life and business too. We don't need to be perfect to make progress. We just need to keep taking the next small step.

So today, I'm waving the flag for giving ourselves a bit more grace, celebrating the little wins, and remembering that every positive change counts.

Because perfection isn't the goal - progress is. 🌱

29/06/2026

Self-employment wasn't something I had always planned.

A few years ago, I was working as a support worker on a zero-hours contract and, for several months, I was given exactly that... zero hours.

With a young family to support, it was a scary and uncertain time, and we found ourselves looking at ways to both save money and work flexibly from home.

What I knew for certain was that I wanted to be at home with my little ones. I didn't want to miss the milestones, the school events, or the everyday moments that matter.

Taking my first step into self-employment opened up a whole new world for me. I discovered a community of supportive, encouraging people, and I fell in love with the flexibility that comes with building something of your own.

Over time, I've realised that our businesses should grow and evolve as we do. The path that first introduced me to self-employment isn't the path I'm continuing on, but I'm incredibly grateful for what it taught me and where it led me.

Now, with Plates n' Bowls n' Stuff I'm creating something that feels completely aligned with who I am, what I love, and the kind of life I want for my family.

For me, self-employment has never been just about earning money. It's about freedom, flexibility, being present for my children, and building a business that genuinely reflects my values.

29/06/2026

For those of you looking to get started on your eco journey, why not begin this Wednesday by taking part in Plastic Free July? 🌍

It’s a great opportunity to make a few simple changes that can have a big impact over time. Check out the Plastic Free July page or website for easy first swaps and practical ideas to get you started.

Remember, it’s not about being perfect - it’s about making small, sustainable changes that work for you and your family. Every little step counts! ♻️✨

Will you be giving it a go this year?

July 1 is just two days away!

From cafes in New Zealand to community groups in Paraguay, and from offices in London to families in Perth, people around the world are counting down the hours. We can’t wait to see what people are pledging this Wednesday for the month of July.

We’re excited to make this year the biggest and most impactful yet, and prove that taking small steps together makes a world of difference.

To help create a world record attempt for “The Most People Refusing Single-Use Plastic in One Day,” visit plasticfreejuly.org/pledge this Wednesday and make your pledge.

Many people are setting alarms so they don’t miss their chance to be part of making history. ⏰

29/06/2026

If you are local to Costessey and would love to make a difference to the community - this lovely group meets on the last Sunday of every month for just 1 hour. x

🦔 A huge thank you to our amazing Hampdens Hedgehogs volunteers! 💚

Another fantastic community litter pick this morning, with our brilliant volunteers collecting 7 bags of litter from around the Hampdens.

As always, there were some unusual finds! This month's discoveries included:
🚧 A road barrier
👗 A dress
⚽ A football
🏴 An England football
🕶️ A pair of sunglasses
📚 GCSE Revision Books ( ripped up!)

It wasn't just litter we spotted either! Our volunteers were treated to some wonderful wildlife sightings, including two deer, plenty of butterflies, grasshoppers, beetles, and lots more nature along the way. 🦌🦋🌿

Every piece of litter removed makes a difference—not just for the people who live on our estate, but for all of our wildlife neighbours too. Cleaner green spaces mean safer habitats for hedgehogs and the many other species that call the Hampdens home.

A massive thank you to everyone who gave up their Sunday morning to help. Together we're making a real difference, one bag at a time. 💚🦔

Were you at today's litter pick? We'd love to hear your favourite wildlife spot or strangest find in the comments! 👇

27/06/2026

✨ You can only pick ONE...

When planning a party, what's most important to you?

💰 Budget-friendly
🎨 A gorgeous theme and decorations
📝 Being super organised with everything covered

Comment 1, 2, or 3 below 👇

Or tell me if I've missed your biggest priority! 💚

15/06/2026

🦔♻️ Don't Forget – It's nearly Litter Pick Time!

Our monthly Hampdens Hedgehogs litter pick is taking place on Sunday 28th June.

We'll be meeting at 11am and spending just one hour helping to keep the Hampdens Estate clean, tidy, and safe for both people and wildlife.

Whether you're a regular volunteer or thinking of joining us for the first time, everyone is welcome. It's a great way to meet neighbours, get some fresh air, and make a real difference to our community.

Just one hour of your time can have a huge impact! 💚

Come and be part of this wonderful community and help us make Costessey a true Village of Wildlife.

📅 Sunday 28th June
🕚 11am–12pm
📍 Britannia Way Hampdens Estate

We'd love to see you there! 🦔♻️