The OS Doorstep - a helpful and supportive thread in these tough times

bunbun2

Pooky wrote: »

Just remember to consider the root spread on fruit trees before planting. Don't put them to close together or to close to the house.

I have 8 apples on my tree this year (planted spring 2012), it was a 2 year old tree when I bought it.

when we moved in there were two huge silver birches in the front garden - they quickly went. there was also a cherry tree in the back garden really near to the house - that went too. I don't think the people who planted then thought they would grow!

bunbun2

fairyprincess/floss it's not something I have done with friends. ds is bigger than his friends and these have been in his wardrobe for a while and are about 2/3 years younger than he is. I have looked on facebook and there is a sale page but not very active. I think it is a buyer's market at the moment as things are not selling for much (great for getting bargains not so great if you are selling!)

ginnyknit

Grandma, you read my mind, I have just hung the jacket up to take pics my goodness it looks even shabbier now and certainly not chic.

Bunbun when you lay the stuff out to take pics for fleabay remember to iron them, I know its obvious but it really does make a difference when they look good. Ds has sold loads of his old clothes and raised a lot towards his house deposit just by spending a few minutes every few days putting them on there, mind you he uses his phone to do the whole thing - much quicker (havent a clue how they do it myself )

grandma247

Ginny

Bunbun you can do a free local pick up only. I don't know how to do it but I have picked up items I have won locally.

nuttyp

HI everyone, had a busy few days. Yesterday I was working again and then last night I went on trip doing a mystery shop type thing. We will be reimbursed for the majority of the food - I think we ended up paying for the drinks. It is something we couldn't afford to do if we had to pay for the whole bill.

This morning I took my friend to @ldi, she hadn't much money for food this week. She was pleased to be able to go somewhere cheap and cheerful. I suppose when you factor in she has to catch a bus or get a taxi that's a big part of her shopping budget gone.

I bought an odd roll of wallpaper from wilc0's and today I finally got it put on the wall in the spare room. It is mainly cream with green and brown swirls and flowers. The room looks lovely and fresh. I bought a curtain sample from an expensive made to measure shop for a whole pound. It will make 2 cushion covers and a small table cover. It is lovely thick material.

Oh has decided since we got the 'new' to us from the land of bay tv cabinet for a whole £11. that we can re emulsion the living room to freshen it up. We are also going to buy a couple of rolls of paper and do a feature wall. I will have a very small budget but I like the challenge.

I will update later, take care everyone x

bunbun2

my OH is the one who does ebay, he does it on his phone. I will have a look and see if it's worth it then start trying to persuade him!

fuddle

Anyone watching fill your house for free on C4? I'm irritated by parts of the programme but I'm chuffed the message is getting out there. ANY thing we need re: furniture now will be a repurpose or second hand job.

In 10 years of living together, DH an I have never had a headboard. I've asked on free cycle and very nearly got one last year but apparently it was rotten when she got it out the garage. I'm thinking a few slats of wood pinned to 2 posts and painted/varnished.

Anyone seen Possession? Is she away?

kidcat

fuddle - I have seen headboards that are free standing and also ones pinned to the wall. I see no reason why you cannot make one to attach to the bed yourself, they seem fairly straight forward to do.

FairyPrincessk

Fuddle, my parents have a lovely headboard made from a door. My dad is quite handy with things like that, but I don't think the project was particularly complicated. I've also seen instructions for padded headboards online that look quite simple--any old bit of wood in the right size is covered with padding and then fabric which is stapled or nailed in place. I'm sure a few slats of wood would look lovely. Not really an option when you're moving around rented accommodation, but I have also seen people create really lovely headboard effects by painting the wall behind the bed or putting up curtains that hung from the ceiling to make a fabric layer over the wall. I would love to give some of these a try when I have more leeway about my walls! Please share if you decide to try the project, let us know how it works! As for the programme, I'm not watching. I'm afraid K.A. irritates me--my problem, for sure as many of her programmes seem to be on topics I would enjoy.

I have just received word that my extension is approved! Now all I have to do is stick to my schedule and I will finish this course, finally, in the spring! I'm relieved and excited. I didn't expect to hear just yet, but as I said I suddenly woke up worried about it on Monday. I shall have to bake something nice to celebrate this evening as I think it is probably the last hurdle in this process. My life changed so much a few years ago, and when I started this course I never would have thought it would have gone the way that it has with the surprises, the illnesses, the challenges and the huge life changes--but I've persevered.

Right, its back to work for me now.

nuttyp

Fuddle our headboard is a piece of hardboard with an old quilt used as padding and then I used some nice cream fabric for the cover. It was from a curtain from a charity shop. Bargain but effective!!

Our daughter got one from sense charity shop, it cost her £10.

I have seen people using pillows inside pretty pillow cases and then pinned to a board behind the bed. Easy to change to wash or just for a different look.

For me the challenge of doing some decorating is about getting it done for as cheaply as possible. I love to find bargains, and I nearly always get any wallpaper I may use as roll ends/ sales.

As for furniture, most of mine is sourced from the local paper, supermarket notice boards or land of bay. I have never been able to afford a new sofa, and my current one is a bargain one that was 2 years old and cost a hundred pounds. Its a lot of money to us but this sofa will be with us a long time. It is natural colours so will go with anything. I am proud that my house is filled with items all paid for and not on a 4 year payment order.