Tales from The Shire

Cornish_mum

Hi Fortune, we were hit with the lumber shortage when we had our fence redone, it was a nightmare for the contractor as they just couldn’t secure any panels (eventually they sorted it but the design had to be substantially altered). Hope you all have a good long weekend. CM

Fortune_Smiles

Not quite as bad...

Well the increase in window costs is not as bad as I thought.  The way our quote was structured last year gave us a figure for a single window (high because it included the cost of the fitters coming out to instal a single window) then a lower cost for each window thereafter (because installation time was already covered).  I was using the lower window cost in my calculations.  Prices have still gone up, however, by about £150-£200 per window.  And that still means we've had to increase our budget by 50%.  We've gone ahead though and paid the deposit.  I doubt whether prices will be coming back down and the windows do need replacing, but our emergency fund is looking a little shrunken now.

In other money news, I have started a new business.  The Younger Fortunates bought me some skincare products for my birthday this year and I absolutely love them.  They're natural, vegan, cruelty-free and effective and I was so impressed with them I decided to sell them.  So I've set up a website and FB page and we'll see what happens.  I get a discount on any skin, body, suncare and cosmetics for personal use so I'm offsetting that against my initial investment to make sure I cover my costs.  The worst case scenario will be that I've bought products for myself that I'd usually buy but at a lower price.  The best case is that people will love the products as much as I do and I might make a little commission.

Health-wise, I have an on-going problem with my knee which I think I damaged by kneeling on the hard kitchen tiles to clean the oven (warning - cleaning ovens is a dangerous business and should be avoided 😆)  It's not improving with rest, ice and painkillers so I'm going to have to see if I can get a doctor's appointment.  Not easy at the moment.

I've lost 6.2lbs this month so didn't quite make it to half a stone but it's still good progress.  My god-daughter is getting married at the end of this month (finally - they've had to reschedule twice) and she's invited me to the reception.  So that's a good incentive as I'd like to wear one of the outfits languishing in my wardrobe.  Not sure there's enough time for that so I'll try some things on later and see how far off I am.

We went on an adventure yesterday.  Visited the local antiques centre and found a fire screen.  We've had one on our 'look out for' list for ages as the paint on the wall behind our log burner is cracking from the heat.  Then it was on to lunch at our local brewery.  It was lovely to get out of the house for a bit.  Costs have been met from the home improvement and fun money budgets.

There are going to be some costs associated with my god-daughter's wedding as I'll need a couple of nights away.  I'm very honoured to be asked as numbers for weddings are still very limited.  I've offered to paint a portrait of the couple as a wedding present so only a minimal financial costs there - but a large cost in the time and love I'll put into it 💝.

It's due to rain today so Mr F is having a garage day and I'm going to do a bit of plotting and scheming.

Hope you all enjoy your Bank Holiday.

Fortune x

Cheery_Daff

Glad the windows aren't as bad as expected, and good luck with your new business! Exciting stuff. Glad you managed to get a bit of a trip out, and how lovely to have a wedding to look forward to! 

South_coast

Fortune_Smiles said:

(warning - cleaning ovens is a dangerous business and should be avoided 😆)

Duly noted - knew there was a reason why I was avoiding it 🤣🤣🤣

greent

Ooh - lovely idea for the wedding present- very personal x

savingholmes

South_coast said:

Fortune_Smiles said:

(warning - cleaning ovens is a dangerous business and should be avoided 😆)

Duly noted - knew there was a reason why I was avoiding it 🤣🤣🤣

I avoid it too - you know you can get like an oven liner sheet and put it at the bottom of the oven - that way you can take it out and wash that - no bending needed. Can get at HnB or Am****

Love the idea of you giving the couple a painting

Fortune_Smiles

In the Wars

I've been poorly 😷 hence my absence from my diary.  Just feeling my energy returning now.  It's slow progress but I did, at last, get a good night's sleep last night.

There's nothing much to report because I've spent little and done less.  I've not been able to give Uncle F much support so he is now struggling.  And I won't even start about the garden...

However, I am on the mend and should be able to start getting back on track now.  I have social events in my diary and the weather may even start improving soon.  So lots to look forward to.

Hope everyone is safe and well.

Fortune x

Mrs_Money_Penny

Sorry to hear you have been poorly. Hoping for a quick recovery x

themadvix

Sorry to hear you've not been well Fortune. Glad you're feeling better now though and have stuff to look forward to.

Cheery_Daff

Gosh Fortune, so sorry to hear you've been ill. Glad you're on the mend though. Don't you worry one bit about the garden, it'll be a bit straggly but it'll be fine. And is there anywhere else you can help Uncle F get support from,even if it's just temporarily? So it's not all down to you? 

Hope you're managing to get some rest and are feeling properly better soon xx