Our First Flat

Finalising the set decorations - and a work bench

After the fun of the Saturday, Sunday was a much more relaxed affair, concerned mainly with making the lounge look presentable again. We arranged all the ornaments, put up some pictures, decided which books we didn't mind having out (and which we should hide in the spare room!) and generally finished the room. Except the skirting boards of course, which will hopefully be coming along shortly...

Henry also made another trip to Homebase, where he purchased a brand new work bench (thanks to Claire and Dave's Christmas present!), thus making him a real man at last. He celebrated by trying to put up a new shelf in the kitchen, but as soon as we put some books on it, the whole lot came down - part of the walls and all. So we're re-evaluating that one - solution to follow. Hopefully...

New Year, New Painting

Having left the house empty for a good part of the last couple of weeks, it was decided that the plaster work was now dry enough to be painted on. Following the advice of numerous people, we decided to paint a couple of layers of very cheap paint on first, as apparently new plaster sucks in paint like you wouldn't believe. At the same time, seeing as we had all the equipment out, we decided to paint some (supposedly) amazing damp-proof paint on to the walls where we are getting the worst damp. As you can see from the pictures below, the damp had got really bad over the past few weeks, so we're hoping this stuff will do the trick.

Before we could apply the anti-damp paint we had to remove the mildew from the affected walls. It was at this point where we discovered what may prove to be the best cleaning solution ever - Dettox anti-mildew spray. On the recommendation of Sara's mother we bought this stuff, and I can safely say that it works miracles - I'd go as far as to say that if Jesus were reborn today, the three kings would bring him Gold, Frankinsence and Dettox Anti-mildew spray, it's that good!

Obviously painting the new plaster required another movement of the radiator in the lounge. It was much easier the second time round, even without Mark's help, and it went back in place that evening - and worked too! Touch wood.... The rest of the process was pretty straightforward, and leads the way for next weekend when we're planning to paint all the walls and ceiling in the front room, so that once the skirting board is down we can call that room complete.

On Sunday Henry primed the bare skirting boards with wood primer, ready for several more coats throughout the week (if Henry can stand being in the freezing-cold garage for that long after a long day at work!!). We also bought a brand new king-size duvet to go with the new bed, partly to solve the duvet-stealing arguements, but also so that we have a spare duvet for when guests stay.

Painting and Decorating - the onslaught begins!

Day 2 in the flat was spent doing yet more van-loads worth of moving - including the first delivery from the Elliss & Mould garden-centre - plant mangling a guarantee! We also managed to do our first bit of painting - when I say we, I mean Claire - she pretty much did the whole room single handedly, although everyone else chipped in here and there... except Sara, who directed from the sides. As usual.

Highlights of the day including one of Sues amazing (yet massive) casseroles, with enough food to feed the whole street. Although after the tiring day we had, it was greatly appreciated. Low-lights included the realisation that living in two different flats isn't quite as glamorous as it sounds, especially when it means you're hoovering dust balls up at 11 o'clock at night.