Champagne Lifestyle on a Lemonade Budget - 2021

sugarbaby125

My 1st Champagne moment was going to visit my elderly aunt in the care home that she resides in. I had to book a slot for the visit and I had to take a lateral flow test last night, so that I had a text on my phone to prove that I was negative from the NHS. I could not stay long, because of ongoing Covid restrictions, but it was so lovely to finally visit her. She has cognitive and physical health issues, but she enjoys the interaction. She does not recognise me, she constantly thought I was my sister M, but I did not mind. We even had a laugh together about it.   

My 2nd Champagne moment was receiving my Boots online order. I bought 6 boxes of Bassets adult multivitamins on buy one get one free and saved myself £16.50. I also bought 2 No7 Lash Impact mascaras that were half price saving me £13.50. I then got the No7 Limited Edition Bronze Heat face and eye palette worth £25 for free as I had purchased 2 No7 products. I also got free delivery worth £3.50.   

sugarbaby125

My Champagne moments yesterday evening were all as a result of my return to Karaoke. I had a lovely evening. There were so many other singers there, most of whom were known to me. I only sang 2 songs, but I was singing along with the other singers.   

phoebe1989seb

Some lovely champagne moments there, Sugarbaby....how nice for you both that you were finally able to visit your aunt 😊

Well, my *artwork* (an acrylic painting onto an existing contemporary painting of an Italian lake scene) is finally finished...yay!!!

I took advantage of the autumnal turn in the weather to concentrate my efforts on being creative indoors, as gardening was too grim a prospect in the rain 🙄

We were given the art by one of DH's clients who was upsizing/having a declutter and as it wasn't remotely to our taste I had no qualms about *losing* it! 

First, I gave the whole large canvas a couple of coats of white, then - having already identified the picture I wanted to reproduce - I drew it out onto the prepped base. I made some alterations to the design, such as swapping the raven in the inspiration piece for my preferred choice....an owl 😃

I'm actually pleasantly shocked by the result and because it passes muster, I'm going to hang it in the (as yet undecorated) guest room between a pair of circular convex mirrors DH found at a recent car boot sale for £20 😃 

For the purpose of my pics below I've mocked them up on the unboarded stud wall.

If we'd splashed out on the original art on which my homage is based, it would have set us back just shy of £500!!! Instead, my outlay has been a couple of tubes of paint to supplement those I already have and some new brushes....total spend less than £30 - so a great champagne moment (not to mention being very MSE!) 😄

Wednesday2000

That is great Phoebe.

phoebe1989seb

Thank you, Wednesday 😄

How are you feeling now? And is there any news on your house move?

Mypet106

I have just brought Thrifty ways for modern days preloved from awesome books with free postage plus as I am moving into my own home at the age of 59 I have supported 2 local charities by buying solid wood furniture from them at a fraction of the price of new furniture. So well chuffed.  

Wednesday2000

I'm okay Phoebe, still sad about my dog of course, but I think it was his time to go as he had so many health issues.

I went out to a lovely nature reserve yesterday evening with a local group. I have joined two local groups now. I did a 3 hour walk.

Myself and another woman were well ahead of everyone else on the walk and it struck me how much I have recovered from fibromyalgia as I was practically bed bound back in 2017/2018 and yesterday we kept having to stop so the rest of them could keep up.

I have a supper club meetup Friday night for a group of us and a nice couple I have met are bringing me three vegan dishes they cooked for me to have. They are so sweet. I am also meeting them Saturday and we are seeing live music at a cafe.

I think getting out and about it is helping me as it is stressful losing a pet and having a house move at the same time. As far as I know everything is moving along okay with the move. *Fingers crossed* so will keep you all updated! Lol.

helensbiggestfan

Sorry not posted. I’m ok but not feeling too well at the moment.  Will be back soon. Xx

Wednesday2000

helensbiggestfan said:

Sorry not posted. I’m ok but not feeling too well at the moment.  Will be back soon. Xx

Oh no, I hope you are okay.xxx

mrs_slapshot

Morning all. Just popping on quickly with an update. Not read the thread for ages as a close family member was diagnosed with terminal cancer in the middle of June, and I’ve been up to visit them (they live 200 miles away)  and support a few times over the last few weeks. Very emotionally and physically draining for me and as you can imagine, devastating for them. Hopefully they start chemo in a couple of weeks but this won’t cure, it may give them more time but we have to see how they react. 

The diagnosis has made me reconsider my current position and lifestyle  and I’m thinking of leaving my paid employment and having a few weeks off before looking for something part time. I’d look to pay off my mortgage with my pension funds from the last few years. 

I’ve also had a lot of issues with a painful shoulder which has impacted a lot on me!
 On a more positive note, my office should be fully decorated and carpeted by the beginning of September, my hall is then being decorated and my kitchen is being replaced at the end of September!
Am currently camping with friends, leaving soon to spend a few days with my cousin in North Cornwall. Been good to read your updates.