Ta-dah...

Warning!! Photo heavy post ahead.

 

In my previous post, I briefly mentioned that I had decorated Master T's bedroom.

I decided he needed a more grown up look than what he had.

I know he wasn't bothered with what he had but I was.

Here are the pics.

 

I'm sure you can figure out which photos are before and which ones are after.

 

 

 

Cover via Debenhams

 

chest via friend

 

Beach towel via Debenhams and pillow case TK Maxx

 

 

Canvas frames via my shed and wallpaper samples

 

Shelves via boot sale and painted by me

 

Frames via Debenhams. Photo of Mini car wallpaper sample

 

Camera via auction, post box via car boot sale.

 

Little yellow cars via car boot sale

 

 

Mirror very old from my early car booting days, clock via Debenhams, chair free from a friend.

 

Cabinet via charity shop. Radio Christmas present, flag from my brother.

 

Bin via car boot sale.

 

Everything in this room is either second hand or was bought in the sale. The most expensive items were the duvet cover and the beach towel which cost £9 each and the cheapest items were the yellow cars at 20p each and the small frames at 30pence each. In all I spent just about £30 on this room.

 

Unfortunately I never got the chance to take a photo of the whole room but I hope you get the picture.

 

Master T was and still is so excited about his room, I did it all as a surprise. I have never heard so many lovely things being said about me by one person as I did last Tuesday. Words like wonderful, best, amazing (insert word here) I heard them all.

 

Linking up with me and my shadow

A Week Off...

I honestly wish I was a kept woman, this business of waking up at the crack of dawn is just not me but hey what I can I do. I bet you are wondering what I am on about. I was on nights the whole of last week and because of that I got this whole week off. Unfortunately all good things must come to an end so it's back to reality on Monday for both of us. Master T is off school for 2 weeks instead of 1 at this time of the year. The reason for this is his school only closes for 1 week during Easter. I actually prefer 2 weeks this time of the year because the weather is a lot better and most kids are back to school the second week so we can go places without feeling squashed.

 

The weather this week has been absolutely brilliant. On Monday we had the first BBQ of the season after a trip to town.

 

We spent Tuesday at home and I decorated Master T's room as a surprise. We both love it now as it has a bit more colour and feels more homely. I also managed to quickly mow the lawn and catch up on a load of ironing. Wednesday I had some kitchen blinds fitted, went to the hairdressers and took Master T to the movies to watch Epic (thanks to Orange free Wednesday). On Thursday Master T went to the child minders for a couple of hours while I attended a job interview (didn't get the job). I also had an appointment at the dentist which was a waste (long story). On our way back home we got stuck in traffic which was fantastic, can you tell I wasn't driving. I say it was fantastic because it meant we had to slow down, the weather was nice so we got to enjoy it while in the car and it was great watching all the other drivers.

 

Yesterday Master T and I went on a 31/2 hour river cruise on the River Tees (thanks to groupon). The weather did not disappoint and as for the views, they were AMAZING. Master T as usual found time to sulk but I wasn't going to let him ruin my day so I let him and I got on with enjoying the sun on the deck. He eventually got over it and came to join the rest of the other passengers.

 

Today has been a slow day, I have primed and undercoated my dining table ready to paint but haven't settled on a colour yet but for the most part I have pretended to catch up on house work but really scoffed a lot of ice lollies while enjoying the sun.

 

Sorry for the descriptive post but I just wanted to show you how simple this week has been. No rushing for the school run. No shouting at Master T to get a move on. This week has just been enjoyable. I just wish all my weeks would be like this.

These are the 2 last bouquets of my Tulips from my garden. They have really cheered me up

I had plenty of these pink and white tulips over the last few weeks.

 

But this is the only bunch in this colour

I binned these today as they were past their best and started work on the table.

 

I need to find time for my garden as it is a bit overgrown in places especially with weeds.. The flower bed is doing better than I expected as I usually buy reduced plants most of which will have lost their flowers and randomly plant them in the flower bed so most of the time I do not know what or how things will look.

 

Tomorrow I will be taking a trip to the car boot to source out some fabulous plants.

 

I best go to bed now.

xx

 

Painting and decorating...

Every year around spring/summer time I always start noticing bits of the house that need a lick of paint. If I am honest the only thing I had set out to paint were the 5 new doors in my house so I primed and painted them with an eggshell paint on Saturday. It didn't take as long as I had anticipated but painting those doors highlighted other areas that need to be painted i.e door frames and skirting boards. I am not going to do paint them now as it requires a bit of attention which I am not ready to give. While I was on a roll I decided to repaint the kitchen and one wall in Master T's bedroom.

 

Master T will be 11 at the end of this year and I think it's time I gave him a gown uppish room in terms of deco. I have just about everything I need to make his room a lot nicer than it is now but some work is required. I have been looking for a curtain that matches the deco but haven't found anything in the right colour or size. I had all but given up when I walked into Primark and saw a duvet cover in exactly the colour and design I required. I didn't even hesitate paying the £9. Now all I need to do is dust my sewing machine and start making a curtain.

 

This past week has been a good one. I have been listening to my body and sleeping a bit more. 3 years of not going to bed when I want too because there is an assignment to write are over. Sleep is good and refreshing. I have also noticed in the past week that I have been eating a bit more. Hope the pounds don't start piling.

 

Hope you all enjoyed the weekend.

xx

And Breathe...

Sorry lovely people I have been AWOL. University and assignments kind of took over my life since I last posted. I had a few back to back assignments and they needed to be done. Today I handed in my last assignment which means no more academic work. Fingers crossed I pass. I still have practical's/placement  to do till the end of September at 371/2 hrs a week so still full time. (No rest for the wicked) but I would rather have that any day than write assignments. It is way better than juggling academic and placements at the same time me thinks. After handing in my assignment I met some friends and we went out to lunch to celebrate.

 

I am going to take things easy and try to gather my thoughts in the next few days. My head is filled with so many things that I have neglected over the last 2/3 years and I feel I have the time and energy to tackle them now.

 

Hope you have all been enjoying whatever it is you were doing in my absence.

xx

 

Will be back soon

30 Ways To Save £1

Just thought I would join in the Money Supermarket pound saving tips.

1) Hand wash bra's and tights, they will last longer.
2) Save money on a window cleaner and fancy window cleaning products and clean your windows with free newspapers and water.
3) Look after your appliances so they last longer i.e wipe and dry your microwave after use to avoid water collection which can damage your oven.
4) If you have to buy potted herbs from the supermarket, repot them when you get home so you can enjoy them longer.
5) Buy pre-loved items to save money
6) If you have to buy new items shop around and use cash back websites.
7) Never go shopping hungry you will spend more
8) Pop some snacks in your bag when you leave the house, that way when you get peckish you won't be tempted to buy expensive snacks.
9) Learn to cook from scratch
10) Menu plan
11) Go shopping a day later than you would usually and try using up what you already have in your cupboards.
12) Go shopping with a list to avoid buying unnecessary items.
13) Have one meat free day a week.
14) Grow your own fruit and vegetables.
15) Find free things to do in your local area, go to the park or visit free museums.
16) Use bicarbonate of soda and vinegar for cleaning.
17) Use half the recommended washing powder when doing your laundry.
18) Wash your own car, a rag, water, bucket and a drop of washing up liquid is all you need.
19) Store food properly it prevents waste.
20) Buy Christmas and birthday presents throughout the year when they are a fraction of the price.
21) For items that you will probably only use one for example wallpaper stripper ask friends if they can lend you one.
22) Set a budget and know your income and expenses in and out to avoid small surprises.
23) For shorter journeys walk instead of using the car.
24) Stopping and starting the car wastes fuel. Try setting off early to beat the traffic it not only reduces fuel cost but stress levels.
25) Take your own snacks to the movies.
26) Not all items need to washed on a long cycle or in warm water. Were possible use a shorter cycle at a low temperature.
27) Clean muddy and dirty shoes as soon as possible they will last longer.
28) Car share to work and on the school run.
29) If you want to catch up with friends but can't afford to go out or make a meal for everyone. Ask everyone to bring a dish to share and their favourite tipple.
30) Buy a brand cheaper than you would normally and try cheaper cuts of meat or even goat meat, it's a lot cheaper.

What are your top tips when it comes to saving money?

Lifes Little Pleasure...

Lie ins

Relaxing

Cheap wine

Watching movies

Family and old friends

Brief encounter with the sun 

Spending time with Master T

Hot water for long baths and showers 

My house finally beginning to feel like home

Opinions aren't facts so I can take them or leave them

Glancing in the mirror and briefly seeing Master T in me (Shocker)

 

Some of the things I have been enjoying this half term

xx

RED...

Something to brighten up these gloomy days

New washing basket.

 

Ruby and Millie make-up case.

 Apple shaped paper weight with sticky notes.

I love this.

 

Hope you all have something cheering you up in this cold weather

xx