The Happiness Fund.

I am getting my kitchen redone in a few weeks and have just ordered a swing seat from A**i online for £50 and free delivery.

I am hoping for a good summer as am hoping it will help me eat healthily and lose some weight and stop spending money.

I moved into this chalet bungalow three months ago and am trying to do everything that needs doing using some of the money I made by downsizing. So far two bathrooms have been redone, two bedrooms knocked into one so I have a big bedroom, two doorways blocked up and living room has had the huge stone fireplace taken out to give more room with new lighting and decorated.

Every time I feel guilty spending money I remind myself that it is futureproofing and making the place comfortable and safe. Once everything is done the savings I have made on council tax, water, insurance etc should mean I can afford to manage on mine and DH's pension even though it is halved.

I have been getting everything in sales or offers so far which has been a big help.

Fingers crossed that things do not turn out as badly financially as you feared.

Thanks for the lovely comments pet.

The upstairs and downstairs are like two completely different houses.

The upstairs is a loft conversion and extension and looks modern (but bodged by previous owner) and downstairs is being dragged kicking and screaming out of the 1980's and I want to make sure the electrics and plumbing are safe. The idea is to make sure I can manage the downstairs and then above is a nice private area for when DDs and SIL come over for an evening etc.

Anyone coming over is surprised when they see what has been done so far as "it is modern" but just because I am now in my sixties I don't want to live with patterned carpets, porridge coloured wallpaper and dark furniture.

I have just been trying out a new D***x light and space paint on the replastered areas and it looks lovely and fresh and lightens the downstairs. Every time I think I am making progress one of my DDs comes up with another suggestion

I have been scouring this forum for advice and so far I have been put off I**a (difficult to fit), Wr*n (poor after service) but was warming to the idea of Schr***er if it was in a really good sale.

I was considering a Shaker style or traditional kitchen but accidentally found the builders I have who are very good and they have a friend with contacts to a German kitchen company that I did not think I could afford. In a few weeks I should have an ivory gloss kitchen diner with a breakfast bar and wood look countertops. It looks great on paper so hoping it is as good as it seems. Sorry if I sound like an advert but I am quite excited :j

I am not looking forward to having the kitchen ripped out and a wall removed but it should be worth it. I found that the more research I did the more confused I got but did end up knowing what I did not want IYKWIM.

Sometimes you just have to go with your instincts and if you have a good builder that is a lot of the battle. and Ho**ens for example will give someone in the trade good discounts, even better if you take advantage of their sales. If there are any independant kitchen showrooms near you you could take advantage of them changing the display units and nab a good deal if they have something you love.