3 Cruelty-Free Duvets + 12 Vegan Bedding Options for an Ethical Sleep

Back when I was redesigning our master bedroom, I had a hard time answering a kind of silly question. Do I want a duvet? Now, is it important whether we fall asleep beneath a duvet, a quilt, a comforter, or a pile of dirty clothing? No. Of course not. What’s important is that we fall asleep in a warm home in a safe neighbourhood where our biggest problem is what type of bedding to buy. I know this. However, there is a dark side to everything – even blankets. Impossible, you say? Read on…

My original reason for not wanting a duvet was that they’re lumpy. No, that’s not the dark part. I’m still getting there. Every duvet I’ve encountered in the past wouldn’t lay flat and what’s the point of making your bed if it looks like there’s a bunch of turtles hiding beneath the covers? (Ummm, I love turtles so that would actually be awesome.) I also tend to like myself a heavier blanket to help calm my wiggly legs and duvets are pretty fluffy.

Tree Branch Mobile

Super charming and whimsical DIY tree branch mobile made with a spray-painted poplar branch, stuffed birds and fishing line.

Along with catching up on blogging in general, I need to catch up on blogging about all the DIY projects I did before my daughter was born. True, I’ve done a few homey things since she came into my life that blessed September day, but for the most part it’s been 16 months of laundry, dishes and more laundry (and of course playing!). The laundry sitch has been particularly hairy of late because our washing machine is on its way out (and BTW, this is our second laundry machine to futz out on us this year).

The first one was nearing that magical ten year mark that somehow in appliance years equals 90 human years, so that was that. Then, we got a replacement free of charge thanks to some lovely family members. Unfortunately, that one didn’t belong to said members originally and thus we don’t know how old it actually was. And now it’s dying too. Sob.

How to Build a Simple Ottoman Toy Box

Instructions on how to build a 36" wide x 36" wide x 18" ottoman toy box. Serves multiple functions as a storage box, a coffee table and a statement piece.

I can’t take all the credit for this DIY project as my most loveable and talented husband was the one who actually built this ottoman toy box combo, but we did design it together (amidst much ruler waving and pencil scribbling) and I selected the fabric and foam padding and wrapped this bad boy (girl?) up.

As is usually the case, the task at hand was not quite as easy as I initially imagined because we wanted as few seams as possible and I couldn’t manage to wrestle all the fabric into my sewing machine facing in the correct direction. The answer? Hot glue gun. It’s like the duct tape of DIYing… except duct tape is probably the duct tape of DIYing. So maybe it’s the duct tape of more delicate DIYing? (And yes, eco-friendly hot glue and eco-friendly duct tape are actual things!)

How To Make a No-Sew Burlap Laundry Sack

Here's an easy, cheap and fun way to make a no-sew DIY laundry bag. All you need is a pillowcase, a burlap sack, some sisal twine and a few safety pins!

Here’s an easy, cheap and fun way to make a DIY hanging laundry bag. (Well, it’s fun if you’re a DIY nerdwad like me). All you need is a pillowcase, a burlap sack, some sisal twine and a few safety pins. (Bonus if they’re old and rusty like the ones I found in my stash. Yes, I have a safety pin stash – don’t you?)

Keep reading for directions on how to make a laundry bag out of a pillowcase and a burlap sack!

How to Make DIY Wooden Rocking Chair Cushions

White rocking chair with patterned cushions in a neutral bedroom.

Sometimes fabric starts it all. When I was working on my daughter’s room – before I knew she was a girl – I was looking for neutral colours and prints that didn’t outright announce: “Hi! I have a penis/vagina!” I’ve talked about my dislike of pink in a previous post. I’m an earth-tones gal through and through. So, when I saw this graphic floral with its greys and greens and browns I just knew I had to have it. (I had to have it so bad, in fact, that I forgot to check the price tag… oops.)

You may recognize the fabric as the background for the baby superheroes artwork from my last post – so, I’d say I got my money’s worth. Even though this fabric features flowers, I don’t find it overly feminine. It actually reminds me of Where the Wild Things Are. Something about the long, snaking, brown and beige vine. It looks like the tail of a beast who just disappeared around the corner…

Super Adorable Baby Superhero Art for a Gender-Neutral Nursery

Want gender neutral, but still unique and quirky nursery decor for your upcoming bundle's bedroom? Check out this hand drawn baby superhero art. Kapow!

When decorating our nursery, I knew that I didn’t want to a) go the whole pink or blue route, and b) spend a ton of money on all the bells and whistles the world tells you that you need when having a baby. I wanted things to be neutral and simple, but still unique and fun.

So I requested some hand drawn baby superhero art from my husband/best friend/partner in all things both criminal and not. And – as always – he delivered something quirky… and friggin’ adorable.

Can you guess who these superbabies are?

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