It's time to begin.....

Kakiste

Thanks. I put it through Quidco as well- though annoyingly the £25 I was meant to get in cashback last year didn't actually come through in the end- apparently the company 'disputed it' but then I didn't see it for a few months and they said it was too late to challenge it when I queried it. 

Kakiste

Party on the beach went off without a hitch. I planned a wet weather contingency but didn't need it. Daughter had a lovely time. 

WinterWarrior

I’m glad the party went well 🎈

Kakiste

So she's got the dollhouse- absolutely loves it. I got up early and woke her up 30 minutes earlier than usual so she had time to play with it before school. Cats were thrilled at the abundance of wrapping paper. I'd sent a variety of friends links for various Barbie furniture so she's got stuff for most rooms (and is using her Sylvanian family stuff to furnish the other rooms for the time being. 

In complete total her birthday presents & total party costs came to £70 for my share. Managed to get £55 from my husband (upfront this time!) to cover half the present and some of the party food so I'm happy with that. 

Also arranged another sewing commission yesterday with a friend for £130 labour costs plus material costs, so it's 10 days until payday and I have £200 in my account. I'm going to put at least £100 of that towards the car work that needs doing before the MOT in November.) I'm going into town to pick up fabric for the sewing commission tomorrow after work but tonight I'm going to buy McDonalds for the birthday tea and watch a disney film.

Kakiste

Also out of the £137 I've spent £11 preordering Naomi Novik's new book which is released on the 28th. I was bought the first one for Christmas last year and I've been waiting to find out what happens next as she left the first one on a cliff hanger!  

GeorgianaCavendish

Sounds like an excellent birthday!  

I will have to check out some of Naomi Novik's other books, I've only read 2 (Spinning Silver and Uprooted) but I loved them. 

WinterWarrior

I hadn’t heard of Naomi Novik, but I have added them to my list of books to try, thank you. 

Kakiste

They're specifically the Scholomance series; the first one was called 'A deadly education' and the one released on Tuesday is called 'The last graduate'

It's well written and funny as well s heavily featuring magic which always appeals to me.

I'm currently reading 'My dear Hamilton' which is a excellently researched book about the life of Eliza Schuyler-Hamilton told in 1st person which is really interesting. Love a bit of historical fiction.

Also reading the last of the 'The daughter of smoke and bone' trilogy by Laini Taylor for light entertainment. Cracking series about a war between Taurens and Angels that spills through a dimension into the modern human world and a woman navigating between all three worlds. 

WinterWarrior

Thanks Kakiste. I love magic too. I’m a big fan of Ilona Andrews and Patricia Briggs. I also like Benedict Jacka, Charlaine Harris, Darynda Jones, and lots more…too many to mention 🤣
I’m currently on a magic break as I’m rereading all Bernard Cornwell Sharpe books.

Kakiste

Bernard cornwall is one of my favourite authors.