Living Large, on a Small Income, by the Sea.

jwil

Your relief about 'friend' demonstrates that it was absolutely the right decision.

Not long til you get your freedom back.

Humdinger1

@doingitanyway you're navigating a steep learning curve in style! You'll have thought of this I'm sure but might you want to offer a snack pack (fruit and choc perhaps?) if not full packed lunch for a charge? I have 2 showers per day and would struggle to reduce that, a very short one of 1 to 2 mins at night as it helps to wash off the day and give me a good night's sleep. You know best what local rates are; could it be possible to put yours up slightly to cover guests who want to do this? Appreciate that you will only have guests next year if totally necessary.   Love Humdinger xx 

Spendless

Might the xtra showers be due to the weather? One day last week I had 2 showers and a shallow bath because I was so hot and sticky and I also struggle with sleep if I am not cool enough which a shower helps with. Id feel uncomfortable being asked to reduce my showering/bathing, Id also look to increase my rates to take this into account. Just see it as short term pain for long term gain. 

Tresinia511

Dia, I appreciate there is extra cost involved with showers. Maybe it's the hot weather, I wonder if the guest will think she is being inconsiderate in this case ? In summer I also like to have one in morning and one before bed so I'm not sweating my sheets up! I think some guests might think this is a perfectly normal thing and be surprised if challenged.  Too late for this time,  but it may be more practical from a business/ income generator perspective,  to increase the cost in future to slightly to absorb this cost rather than asking guests to shower less?

doingitanyway

Thanks @jwil I agree definitely the right decision

Thanks @Humdinger1 @Spendless @Tresinia511 you all make a good point about showering. Funnily enough I did not speak to her in the end. I couldn't bring myself to. Plus, on reflection, I didn't think she did it every day, so I let it go. I can't increase the price as it is through an organisation who set the rate and it is ridiculously low. I think that is the problem. If I set my own rate I could take into account all the shower and food gripes and price accordingly. I probably won't do it through that organisation again (unless desperate) I have learnt a lot and know where I need to price my own package for next year, when hopefully I will find a better way of doing this. It hasn't been all bad!

Today, I got a quote for the putting up of a shelf, fixing the bath glass into a fixed position, and of course hanging my paintings  He is charging £100 for half a day. I don't think that is bad. I felt comfortable with him so he will be here to do the jobs in mid August

I got a quote to frame a small poster... £130. I have quite a few so I am going to use borderless acrylic instead...

I returned pricey clothes to the PO

I picked up prescriptions today and also had an appointment for my feet alignment (thank you NHS)

I shopped on the way home and bought some fizz, so I can celebrate the return of my home to myself at the weekend 

A busy day, although I over-paid for a poor sandwich as I hadn't taken food with me, or even eaten breakfast...anyway back now and I prepped soup in the soup maker before I left. In the time I have written this it has cooked so off to eat it...

I hope everyone is having a decent enough day with a smidgeon of joy or a bucketful if you hit the joy jackpot  

Tresinia511

Dia exactly right,  as with all business ventures experience  is invaluable to future success.  You appear to live in an area people would visit.  Could you do air bnb? The original concept of airbnb was for room letting before it was hi jacked by greedy individual and corporate companies. Might this be a thing? I know it's very regulated but that's good and would be flexible. Only downside i could foresee, having talked to people who've hosted,  is that you don't get to screen ppl very much.  This could be a deal breaker for you

doingitanyway

Thanks @Tresinia511 I don't like the air B model. I don't think it would suit me. I have an idea that I will work on and hopefully launch next spring 

in_need_of_direction

The builder I use charges £200 per day for an amalgamation of small jobs so your quote seems reasonable to me

doingitanyway

Thanks @in_need_of_direction it is helpful to know that. As you remember from old, I get stressed with trades in my home so booking half a day suits me, even if he is marginally cheaper for a whole day. 

I woke up feeling optimistic. The sun is shining. The last day with my house guest is tomorrow. We have ended on very good terms. I am pleased about that. She is speaking about seeing me next year and I will happily meet up with her. My CC has been paid off. And, not hearing from my 'friend' is nice too.

I'm glad I chased up the handyman. I might not have done it, if I hadn't decided not to buy new art and instead focus on getting the paintings I do have up on the wall. I feel like I am beginning to build a network of trades, all recommended by local people. 

Washing done for the houseguest. She helped peg out (yes, doing washing is part of the deal too!) 

I'm looking forward to an early morning walk on Friday when the guest has gone. I will do a seafront walk in the cool and end up at Mr L to pick up a veggie box

Bringing forward undone to do items to keep them at the front of my mind, until they are gone!

• I need to get an address change as a first step on some life admin. The organisation are beyond dreadful so I will have to deal with this in stages. This is an important frog as it is an INCOME GENERATING FROG

• I keep putting off setting up and using Minted. I know I will be fine once I get going, but I need to start. This is a an INCOME GENERATING FROG and will also help me declutter

• Send a little pressie to a friend

I hope everyone is having a bit of sunshine

Sunshine_girl2

I put off minted for ages , but it is very easy once you get going .