When the going gets tough…

…the tough go shopping!

Another stressful week in the house saga this week. At one point it looked like the house sale might fall through as our buyers survey “revealed” a non-existent damp problem and tried to get some money off us. Things are all sorted now (I think) and back on course, but it did put the frighteners on me! On top of this, I’m in the middle of writing quite a difficult chapter on my thesis, and have been up and down to London interviewing government bigwigs about light hearted issues such as climate change, when we all know that Jordan’s new baby’s name is the topic du jour (Princess Tiaamii???????).

So, natch, a little bit of retail therapy has been called for and I’ve bought loads of things for my new house. But, as this is practical, it surely doesn’t count as spending, non? First up is this rather lovely piece of art called London Calling by Neil Dawson. I love this picture on so many counts, not least the title. It really reminds me of the amazing artwork they used to advertise the Tube in the 1930s and 1950s. We even got to meet the artist last weekend, and he dedicated the picture for us. So surely it’s now an investment, therefore an inordinately sensible purchase?

John’s original SDP poster from the 1983 General Election has finally been framed. Given that I’ve been the Labour candidate in the past two local elections, I’m not entirely convinced of its appropriateness

My original Kenner Blythe advert has also got framed! My new house is having a doll/craft room complete with my new sewing machine, and this will be taking pride of place in it. John’s no missing out though, and he’s getting the garage so he can do alpha male things there

And finally, these are soap dishes. How cool!?! We already have the green one, but the new house has an en suite (!), so I bought an extra one to make them match.

And, obviously, none of this really counts as spending money of course! We have found out today that all things being well, we should be off next Friday so my new stuff can finally go in it’s new home. Keep your fingers crossed for me!

I am such a lazy cow!

Blimey, how long am I leaving between blog posts at the moment? No sooner had I got the whole thing started than it has virtually ground to a halt. Well I promise that this will change and I’ll be making more regular posts for the handful of people out there who are interested (hi Mum…).

In my defence, it’s been a manic month! Do you remember how much I was moaning in my last post about the lack of action on the house sale front? Well, what a difference a month makes! We actually sold the house about three weeks ago and finally managed to get out dream house in Leeds! Surveys etc are all done, and are now just waiting on searches before we exchange. I must admit that for someone as impatient as my, I do find the whole process frustrating, but it will so be worth it! Fortunatley the chain is minimal. Our buyer is a cash buyer and our seller is moving into rented property, so it’s only our house and our new house thar are involved in the deal. We’re hoping to be out of here by the end of August. Am very excited about the new house and have got lots of plans for it. We’re replacing two bathrooms, sorting the kitchen out, painting throughout, work on the garden, some electrical work, some plastering and remedial plumbing and that’s about it! Hope to have it all done by xmas, so fingers crossed. I do like DIY though (good job really!)! Oh, we’re also on the look out for a small garden bench as the kitchen has a balcony that overlooks the park and church, and we may actually still get some sunshine to enjoy it! Also had fun buying stuff for it. Have bought some 50/60s light fittings from Belgium and a Danish sideboard from the 70s so far.

And get this! The third bedroom in our new house is being given over to all my work, craft and art stuff so I’m very pleased! A craft room of my own!!! I’ve also been given a sewing machine, so I’m quite excited about tackling some projects with that (although in the first instance I’ll probably be hemming curtains, lol!). It’s meant to be a Christmas present, but we’ll see…

Needless to say that all this excitement has left little time for anything else. I’ve been trying to get stuck into craft projects, but I have had to confine myself to mini projects. Fortunately I have two grateful recipients.

Can’t think of anything else to report at the moment – perhaps I should post a bit more then I’d have more chance of remembering what I’ve been up to! See you all soon x