Post 199

I can't believe I've been able to yatter on for 199 posts since January last year! 

The past week has been virtually child free (DD2 forgot that their work shifts clashed on two days so the grands had two sleepovers) but very productive. Following a visit to the nearest Scrapstore last Monday we came home with a car laden with goodies including some paint .... I've been nagging encouraging the OH to do some decorating for ages so what better time.  The whole of the downstairs needs a freshen up so we started with the kitchen .... there's not much money in the kitty at the mo so thriftiness was the word of the day.  I wanted to get rid of the tiles that we put up 15 years ago when the extension was built and you should have seen his face!  Thought we were heading for argument number one just 10 minutes into the work but I left the room, shut my gob and let him get on with it.  We spent just £52 in B & Q on some white emulsion for the ceiling, plain white tiles for the cooker & sink splashbacks (just £6 in the bargain corner), plaster, paintbrushes, a new roller and some more odd bits and I remembered I had a lovely Laura Ashley swag curtain in my stash from the car boot last year which was just £3.  The dresser top has had a coat of LA Linen eggshell, everything has been cleaned and I've had a good de-cluttering and we are feeling rather pleased with ourselves.

These two soppy dates looked on in bewilderment with that 'can we come in yet' look on their faces

and even Zachary Binks had to get in on the act .... once I'd cleared the bottom of the larder cupboard in he got!

I'm just psyching myself up for the return of the children tomorrow and crossing everything for good weather and no more downpours like last week.

At some point during the coming week I will write post 200 and announce the giveaway so keep your eyes peeled x