tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27954440995288003292024-02-19T02:06:46.763+00:00Tenant ChicMaking a rented house a home...Katiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09550058687845405403noreply@blogger.comBlogger200125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2795444099528800329.post-44990181772004548892015-11-16T18:33:00.002+00:002015-11-16T18:33:10.556+00:00New blog...<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.524px; line-height: 20.286px;">There are new posts this week on my new blog </span><a href="http://alleged-adult.blogspot.co.uk/" style="background-color: white; color: #055d5d; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.524px; line-height: 20.286px; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">Diary of an Alleged Adult</a><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.524px; line-height: 20.286px;"> </span><br />
<div style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.524px; line-height: 20.286px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.524px; line-height: 20.286px;">
See you there :)</div>
Katiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09550058687845405403noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2795444099528800329.post-77433144088354463022015-10-29T19:02:00.001+00:002015-10-29T19:02:51.522+00:00Diary of An Alleged AdultThere are new posts this week on my new blog <a href="http://alleged-adult.blogspot.co.uk/" target="_blank">Diary of an Alleged Adult</a> <div>
<br /></div>
<div>
See you there :)</div>
Katiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09550058687845405403noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2795444099528800329.post-78051300888075827082015-10-12T21:09:00.002+01:002015-10-12T21:09:45.230+01:00I've movedHi all,<br />
<br />
I've changed to a new blog <a href="http://alleged-adult.blogspot.co.uk/" target="_blank">Diary of an Alleged Adult</a>. My focus has shifted to so much else than decor and DIY I just didn't have enough content for a blog of this genre any more and it didn't fit with my lifestyle any more.<br />
<br />
I hope you'll follow me over there, it will still include DIY and decor but also general lifestyle, food, fitness and more.<br />
<br />
Have a great week!<br />
<br />
KatieKatiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09550058687845405403noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2795444099528800329.post-42554110090261001202015-06-03T17:00:00.000+01:002015-06-03T17:00:01.357+01:00Kili - The restWell I just found this in my drafts! Evidently after the Kili climb I just dropped the blog before I even finished publishing all the posts.<br />
<br />
So today is a post on some random observations and tips I found that don't fit into any previous posts on our trek.<br />
<br />
<b>Altitude</b><br />
I got altitude effects on day 2 mainly nausea and tiredness. I didn't eat anything after breakfast on day 2 apart from one cup of tea which rapidly reappeared, although after getting some anti sickness tablets from the doctor I did manage 3 pieces of pasta for dinner and a few spoonfuls of soup. It was rubbish but I then got over it until summit night, when I felt bad at the start then started feeling better. So for me it seems the effects come on early and bad but then I acclimatise reasonably quickly. I did lose my appetite though for a lot of the trek, I lost weight while there for sure. It will affect everyone differently though, Tom got some headaches and went a bit funny on summit night but didn't get it so bad.<br />
<br />
One thing which does get everyone at some point is lack of oxygen, it makes you get out of breath so quickly. I tried taking deep breaths every few paces on summit night which helped, but it was knackering just stepping over a rock. Little things like putting the sleeping bags away got us out of breath at the higher camps, and we had some silly moments where we didn't have enough oxygen to power out brains fully! We tried to take it slow, walk slowly, move slowly, breathe deep and don't get too over excited. Those who were running about or powering ahead will get it eventually too, so don't feel stupid being the slow one from day 2. Go at your own pace, it's not a race, there's no medal for getting there first.<br />
<br />
Neither me or Tom had Diamox with us as our GP's wouldn't prescribe it for us. The team doctor did have some though and I started taking it on day 2 when I was feeling bad. I did feel better the next day, but can't say whether it was the Diamox or if I just acclimatised. Neither of us really got any of the side effects from it though which was good. I got some minor tingling in my hands the first time but that went away after a few hours.<br />
<br />
<b>The Bathroom Situation</b><br />
This is something there was a lot of discussion about before we left. Kind of obvious but there isn't any running water up there. We had toilet tents with a chemical toilet in them, and there was warm water in a bucket with small bowls to take some away for a wash in camp every night other than summit night.<br />
<br />
I also took a lot of wet wipes, antibacterial wipes, alcohol gel and a nail brush to keep hands clean. We all stank by the time we got back but I felt reasonably clean most nights after a wet wipe bath, a wash of the 'essentials' (we call it 'pits and bits' at work) with some warm water in the tent and a change of socks. I also used the alcohol gel often, definitely before eating and after using the toilet, and washed my hands as soon as we had access to water.<br />
<br />
The other 'bathroom situation' is not having access to a toilet. Working where I do I'm not embarrassed to talk about toilet habits, so here's what I found it to be like:<br />
<br />
Night time - I didn't find this as much of an issue as I had been told it would be, I thought about this part a lot before I left. I heard horror stories of people taking Diamox and having to get up every hour in the night to pee, I suppose it differs for everyone but I found the frequency I needed to go didn't change at all. Tom didn't either. The team doctor Nik told us that Diamox is actually a pretty inefficient diuretic, a side effect of it was found to be that it helped with altitude sickness but otherwise it isn't really used much as a diuretic any more. I only had to get up once on one night, and on summit night but that was only at about 8pm so I don't think it counts. Most nights I got a solid 8 hours sleep, which I was not expecting and I was pleasantly surprised by! I thought about solutions to not having to get up before we went, but none of them were really viable and I decided just to go to the toilet tent. One thing I would say is not to limit your fluid intake but to think about timing and make sure you drink enough through the day to keep hydrated, if you feel dehydrated and down a litre of water before you go to bed you will likely need to pee in the night! I drank most of my water in the day while walking, then stuck to tea or cocoa in the evenings, but this is my usual routine to have the majority of my fluid intake in the daytime any way.<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Having been on climbing days, weeks etc outside it doesn't bother me peeing outside. I actually found this trip better as there were other girls to go and find a good spot with rather then a bunch of guys who can just pee anywhere, and then me being the awkward one everyone has to wait for.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
Girls if you are averse to peeing outside and you're planning on climbing Kili then some tips I had and some I used are:<br />
Put a sanitary towel in, then after you've done the 'squat and shake' it will catch any drips. Take it out when you get to camp and dispose of appropriately. Kind of the best but most disgusting tip I have ever been given.<br />
If you are going to use loo roll in the day take a separate ziplock bag to put used paper in, there were some boulders we visited that had gross wads of loo roll behind them left by other people. Not cool.<br />
She Wees etc - I've never seen the point of them to be honest (and Tom wasn't sure he'd get over seeing me using one!), but if you get one have a practice before you go.<br />
Practice aim. A good quote I heard when discussing peeing during multi pitch climbs (when you are on the wall all day or more than one day) was 'climber or not, every woman at one point in her life will pee on her shoes'. This is true, just try not to get it on your trousers.<br />
A toilet tent in camp is worth it, if you have to pay more for one pay it!<br />
<br />
<b>Extensions</b><br />
We went on a 2.5 day safari after the trek, which was amazing and a once in a lifetime experience. The only issue was we couldn't stay awake for it! I would recommend taking a day or two after the trek before going off on an extension, most companies seem to want to ship you off the day after you get back but it would be worth asking if you could pay for one more night before you leave. We left the morning after we came down from the mountain on our safari, and a day at the hotel just to sleep in, relax and re energise would have made us a bit more up for the safari. The guide must have thought we were idiots, or narcoleptic, as I slept the whole way to the park in the car then kept nodding off between animal sightings. We both were also a bit slow on the uptake, slow moving and generally not very good company. The first night at the safari hotel we went to bed at 8pm and slept for 12 hours. If you are going to Zanzibar or a beach break after then maybe it wouldn't be an issue, you could sleep on the beach!<br />
<br />
<b>Food</b><br />
The food - we just couldn't have asked for more. We got cooked breakfast every morning, porridge, toast egg and sausages or bacon. Lunch was cold one day, but still plenty of sandwiches etc. The rest of the days it was 3 course hot food, soup to start, main of usually pasta but one day we had chicken and chips (On Chris' birthday, he also produced 3 massive chocolate bars for the group!), and then dessert of fruit usually. Dinner was also soup to start, main of pasta usually, one night we had mashed potato though which was amazing, and dessert of either fruit or we had birthday cake 2 nights as there were birthdays in our group. The cooks steamed a birthday cake for both of them and decorated them with their names and candles, cue tears from a few of us! I got a vegetarian alternative every time (not just what everyone else was having but without the meat, which I was prepared for), most nights a whole pot of it too which made me feel terrible because I couldn't eat much of it at all due to losing my appetite. To be honest I'd struggle even at home to eat a cooked breakfast, 3 course lunch and 3 course dinner every day anyway!<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
<b>The Climate</b><br />
The weather was changeable, the first day was tropical, and it got progressively colder. Summit night was cold and it seemed to seep into your bones through the night. However this was the only time we wore our thick jackets and trousers other than at nights in camp. The rest of it you will need lots of layers and some good thermals. Good waterproofs are a must as there are showers and downpours. Also you will spend a lot of time walking through clouds, which is really not as nice as it sounds. See my kit list <a href="http://tenantchic.blogspot.co.uk/2014/11/kili-kit.html" target="_blank">here </a>for what I took and what I used and didn't use.<br />
<br />
I think that will be the last on the Kilimanjaro posts, I'm training for a few different mud runs now, next up being the race for life pretty muddy 11th July with one of our Kili team!Katiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09550058687845405403noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2795444099528800329.post-59269966204118349932015-05-29T20:14:00.000+01:002015-05-29T20:14:03.441+01:00What now?So, I'm a married woman!<br />
<br />
Tom and I had a wonderful wedding just over a month ago and a gorgeous honeymoon in Napa, Hawaii and San Francisco.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtRjgzpy4YgznjbwEpuVyG6zKoSs0SjyirOKhBJ9n0Bum4W-9TSd8lOdfWJZa2g5QD4x4CSIxSycLW8kn49iIiqbTWqYW0aOuO9UtDR7RCuy9l3seISuHAAWwAiRtAbCtEBtMOgg5_gpNe/s1600/SAM_0199+%25282%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtRjgzpy4YgznjbwEpuVyG6zKoSs0SjyirOKhBJ9n0Bum4W-9TSd8lOdfWJZa2g5QD4x4CSIxSycLW8kn49iIiqbTWqYW0aOuO9UtDR7RCuy9l3seISuHAAWwAiRtAbCtEBtMOgg5_gpNe/s640/SAM_0199+%25282%2529.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
<br />
Pictures of the wedding will eventually surface on the wedding page, but we haven't got them yet.<br />
<br />
In the meantime I actually have spare time again (funny how climbing a mountain and getting married within 6 months of each other creates a rather busy life!) so thought I'd check in.<br />
<br />
I'd love to get the blog back up and running, likely with some home projects but possibly a little more lifestyle based too as I have a lot of new interests now. The girl who started this blog 2 years ago is no more! I'm busy training for a few new challenges and I'd love to share a little of that journey with you, it's been a good one and something I never thought I'd do :)Katiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09550058687845405403noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2795444099528800329.post-69319309989492914942014-12-29T16:00:00.000+00:002014-12-31T14:37:05.007+00:00Kilimanjaro - The peopleSo I posted a description of what our trip entailed back <a href="http://tenantchic.blogspot.co.uk/2014/10/kili-done.html" target="_blank">here</a>. However what I remember more than the altitude in metres, the length of the days or the temperatures is the atmosphere and the people.<br />
<br />
We went with a company called Action Challenge, they were really good in the lead up sending us fact sheets and reminders at appropriate times about visas, jabs etc. We also went on one of their training weekends to Snowdonia. So we were confident in them when we left. <br />
<br />
We met our leader Rob and the doctor Nik at the airport, they were both organised and friendly but not too over involved at this point. Being usually very independent travellers I was a little unsure how going on a big group trip would be for us. It was fine though we all got checked in then were left to make our own way to the flight and while there were obviously a few points where we all got together for briefings, food etc before we left for the mountain it was actually very relaxed.<br />
<br />
Once we left they were brilliant, when on day 2 I suddenly got altitude sickness not far from the camp doctor Nik carried my backpack then when we got to camp gave me meds to sort out my sickness. He was very reassuring that I'd be OK (I got it day 2 and was worried that I would just feel this rubbish all the time) as people who get it early tend to get over it sooner, which was right!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQLIBXYmIqBLfsQnFjoH_PlzwGn6G4yAk0RCOHojxZiQ60shzzB-LVpXAZREYFzkUxvskTA1QkzIfe0kA0QZCXBaT8qjwrdGAEt0yT70JOIehevVdyWjwt8gqEe-4vGmr9I-soZxyHwrg8/s1600/SAM6353+3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQLIBXYmIqBLfsQnFjoH_PlzwGn6G4yAk0RCOHojxZiQ60shzzB-LVpXAZREYFzkUxvskTA1QkzIfe0kA0QZCXBaT8qjwrdGAEt0yT70JOIehevVdyWjwt8gqEe-4vGmr9I-soZxyHwrg8/s1600/SAM6353+3.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
The local team were amazing, Action Challenge work with a company called Summit Africa in Tanzania for guides and porters. The head guide Charles was hilarious (not sure if intentionally or not) and kept us motivated. All the guides were fantastic, 2 of them carried my bag for me - without being asked they just saw I was struggling and took it off me. Gasper carried it on day 2, he was also working serving us food at mealtimes as well as being a guide. On summit night he came to the summit with us then served us lunch and dinner afterwards, on day 2 he carried my bag up to lava tower then served us lunch (I felt better after this and carried it myself!). On summit night Raymond carried my bag (I can't really remember when from I know I started out with it but by the summit didn't have it any more) plus kept an eye on me and Tom, helping us up rocky parts and practically holding my hand up most of it! Each break he got out my snacks and water for me, and made sure I had enough to eat. I kept offering him stuff but I think he found my vegetarian sweets a bit weird and preferred Tom's jaffa cakes!<br />
<br />
These guys climb the mountain 2 or 3 times a month, they seemed to have OK kit and a lot of it had been donated by previous trips, we left a lot of stuff for them and Tom gave Raymond his poles. I felt like the recommended £150 tip per person just wasn't enough (especially once it had been divided between the 95 people in the team!), we gave more and a lot from our group did too.<br />
<br />
The porters are another story. These guys carried our holdalls, all the camp stuff (including the toilets) as well as food and water and their own kit up the mountain and back. They also went much quicker than us, we would get to camp and it was all set up. They are paid less than the guides, but the company we went with did seem to look after them (they get a fair wage and also education and the chance to progress to being a guide etc). We did see porters and guides from other groups with less than adequate kit, Tom saw one guide in dress/office shoes on summit night and we saw many in sandals through the trip. If you're going make sure you go with a reputable company who looks after the porters and guides, they really are the hardest working people you will ever meet.<br />
<br />
Our group is talking about organising something to raise some money or get some kit donated for our porters and guides to say thank you.<br />
<br />
This kind of sums up our team really, everyone described it as our 'mountain family'...on day 1 at the hotel we were all awkwardly chatting and getting to know each other. By the last night we all decided to stay at the hotel bar rather than go out as we all wanted to stay together. The psychology of it is probably something to do with a shared hardship, common goal and lack of technology and distractions causing us to bond really quickly....but I just think it's because we had an awesome team!<br />
<br />
I really identify myself as an introvert, I have a small group of very close friends rather than a large circle of acquaintances. I rarely ask for help preferring to do things myself, I struggle in group situations. I prefer to write on here, or Facebook, or just not say it at all, I rarely express my feelings even to Tom or my family. I hate being centre of attention and am very quiet usually until I get to know someone. Well on Kili that all went out the window! After day 2 I felt like I'd known some people in the group for so much longer, I have never cried so much in the space of 5 days, and I talked to some people about things my best friends have probably never heard about! Seriously I am almost crying writing this, I've had some kind of nervous breakdown I swear!<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
I think having a strong group really helped, I felt like I'd be letting the side down if I didn't make it. We were singing and dancing and doing the hokey cokey at Mweka gate. We couldn't understand why everyone else was just waiting in the queue to sign out while we were having a party, but Rob and Nik said most people just have a quick cheers then get on the bus. Someone asked Nik what this 'A Team' was we were singing about, like we were some kind of sports team, and what he'd been giving us...<br />
<br />
Not wanting to sound like some kind of motivational speaker, or a soppy old git, but the people are what made the trip for me. I had thought the evenings would be me and Tom playing cards in the tent, maybe chatting to some other people. Little did I know there would be charades, headlamp raves, very rude stories involving 3 legged unicorns, laughter, singing, football chants, crying over birthday cakes, crying over wet tents, crying at the summit, crying at the tipping ceremony (must be the altitude, I am not usually a crier!), crying leaving the hotel...no excuse there I was just an emotional wreck.<br />
<br />
Some things I won't forget from our trip:<br />
On summit night Rob said he was going to split us into a faster group and slower group, as some people were struggling to keep up, and Scott just simply said why don't we just all walk slower and go together?<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqtF7LypVj6s6K35pfOTR9T1nRuztS0rPJrPHY4lkl0bLGM_h1cyJJaGquIWu81whuQ15Kusj7xppEaOLRRs3Ul5Cc2Z_RpRszdw-MnhXS-bh1HzL_rGo1iFnEYywMC39NfjVAuuzLAlNM/s1600/SAM_6287.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqtF7LypVj6s6K35pfOTR9T1nRuztS0rPJrPHY4lkl0bLGM_h1cyJJaGquIWu81whuQ15Kusj7xppEaOLRRs3Ul5Cc2Z_RpRszdw-MnhXS-bh1HzL_rGo1iFnEYywMC39NfjVAuuzLAlNM/s1600/SAM_6287.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
Sitting on a rock on summit night the last break we had before the sun came up and saying to someone (I think it was Scott again we must have gone a similar pace) that it wouldn't be long until the sun came up and then it would all be ok. We were going to make it. Then we had to stop talking as I couldn't breathe and talk and I was getting dizzy.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgix0oUMijlhs-Fah7jd7nbDzGzgNa12mncU_OmWN772uiKLc66lyB315dkwyIM2_b6YDu3Txr8nR9XjZIQ0e69-4kiZYNtslusFAgBM8I94Fy2G9FEd9MylWwgCtvw_Nj_jZubx3vaRo-W/s1600/1601224_10152416087721569_7330994935523897229_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgix0oUMijlhs-Fah7jd7nbDzGzgNa12mncU_OmWN772uiKLc66lyB315dkwyIM2_b6YDu3Txr8nR9XjZIQ0e69-4kiZYNtslusFAgBM8I94Fy2G9FEd9MylWwgCtvw_Nj_jZubx3vaRo-W/s1600/1601224_10152416087721569_7330994935523897229_n.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
Georgie being upset because her tent was sodden and she was sleeping on her own anyway so had been cold. 2 other girls Sinead and Anya just got her to sleep in with them. No questions asked.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXQbZErkcQ25kGclO9PnwclG-pjLSSSP4BdpVkP6FbjqF6eIF9SfI2DVE4CojIldMB5clXHD4BIWPjn8Cl2QcRCjVmDrkyPzs8kna_qwGoWxsb03mk1VzyaU5izlhiq-cwutEWCzHz_Tfa/s1600/SAM_6219.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXQbZErkcQ25kGclO9PnwclG-pjLSSSP4BdpVkP6FbjqF6eIF9SfI2DVE4CojIldMB5clXHD4BIWPjn8Cl2QcRCjVmDrkyPzs8kna_qwGoWxsb03mk1VzyaU5izlhiq-cwutEWCzHz_Tfa/s1600/SAM_6219.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
Everyone asking how people were doing who we knew were struggling (me being one of them for a few days) and offering support or snacks or just a well done when we made it to camp.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihejVSJQ7HonVwr9wUBqq3vXPMCQVdEHY7PG7tR9mn74EK6IcWGYXDinkTnIdIk4ZdTDkFGVADsY3nKiTWEF1ouMo4Ni53lobQGzxCFxWEpfgSbaN3PTiDylReH974XDc5_KDx7Hqd79ic/s1600/10612796_464441700363296_1038063106987191483_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihejVSJQ7HonVwr9wUBqq3vXPMCQVdEHY7PG7tR9mn74EK6IcWGYXDinkTnIdIk4ZdTDkFGVADsY3nKiTWEF1ouMo4Ni53lobQGzxCFxWEpfgSbaN3PTiDylReH974XDc5_KDx7Hqd79ic/s1600/10612796_464441700363296_1038063106987191483_n.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></a></div>
Sharing everything, snacks, hand warmers, kit, food, water, as naturally as if it was with my siblings. If someone needed something and you had it you gave it, nobody was keeping score of who gave and who took you just helped out.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGKk7Fqi78OUkSDsBi38pbWFCAirjghgk9pRg9JihywqQJOiYYGwnQgYSgdG2poCZagbuiYEnw2Gs20mzGAmCYpW0bPq0hQeo23NA3ndG2bA78gurlpAzgvVkzrw603F-s8PjWFgMLnZXX/s1600/10626676_334044043444442_17478962860242660_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGKk7Fqi78OUkSDsBi38pbWFCAirjghgk9pRg9JihywqQJOiYYGwnQgYSgdG2poCZagbuiYEnw2Gs20mzGAmCYpW0bPq0hQeo23NA3ndG2bA78gurlpAzgvVkzrw603F-s8PjWFgMLnZXX/s1600/10626676_334044043444442_17478962860242660_n.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
Singing chants, and everyone's theme songs (everyone got a song on day 2, some stuck some didn't - the ones that stuck were the people who weren't doing so good and we would sing them whenever they got to camp or made it to a break point) and keeping morale up. It got as basic at one point as 'when I say team, you say morale'...when it was raining and cold and everyone's tents were wet, but it made us laugh.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWQNu_WQy5I-i98-rMtiZgYuZqmJEq_MXdYE_GcwjXfHkGqMfNkYYX8aIXQ3e0wx5X3zN-vA8V0B71iyyeggtpyohHB53zg0lGVhTcxZsQkPECNx-pIbw-fxVFAL7yCJ12XNzSbRcTOqZH/s1600/1604875_10152308612720728_8963817227752338375_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWQNu_WQy5I-i98-rMtiZgYuZqmJEq_MXdYE_GcwjXfHkGqMfNkYYX8aIXQ3e0wx5X3zN-vA8V0B71iyyeggtpyohHB53zg0lGVhTcxZsQkPECNx-pIbw-fxVFAL7yCJ12XNzSbRcTOqZH/s1600/1604875_10152308612720728_8963817227752338375_n.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
Getting confused on summit night as we stopped for a break near another group and couldn't see anyone I recognised, and Georgie just reaching out and saying we're here (or something I don't actually remember the words), and being so relieved that we were still with the group. I think she was crying, I probably cried. Emotional wreck.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhooPRnAxvE2OcfQcgC2xS5AZFhAucXXe99PXTSd0_FYVdp4YwB9ZW75jMqVcTh-Or-P_-eCbmz9728p_ZL1s2fjbAJnI6M7s21XA4OBkNmT0VmeN2vA9FhK5mzEWfrQzX6G_tajjVgpwOl/s1600/10698551_10152299813160728_9180752357088658563_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhooPRnAxvE2OcfQcgC2xS5AZFhAucXXe99PXTSd0_FYVdp4YwB9ZW75jMqVcTh-Or-P_-eCbmz9728p_ZL1s2fjbAJnI6M7s21XA4OBkNmT0VmeN2vA9FhK5mzEWfrQzX6G_tajjVgpwOl/s1600/10698551_10152299813160728_9180752357088658563_n.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Looking out onto the view from Barafu camp on a clear night, stars above and the lights of Moshi below....all quiet and glorious until someone pipes up from the toilet tent 'There's a window! This is the best poo I've ever had'.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgajDI1ZFp2NZrqK9qkAVWq-O5d5aRpirsRK6AVXPpKdMhePFF2n26ObIWmUgXadGkuKbi7SW6nePMoM08KkTAIsd1842mFEsdM4uXqPbdQ1uQ4O8W_4VauUh-qqie59KP0V1UtEmqfVFbd/s1600/SAM6352+6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgajDI1ZFp2NZrqK9qkAVWq-O5d5aRpirsRK6AVXPpKdMhePFF2n26ObIWmUgXadGkuKbi7SW6nePMoM08KkTAIsd1842mFEsdM4uXqPbdQ1uQ4O8W_4VauUh-qqie59KP0V1UtEmqfVFbd/s1600/SAM6352+6.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
Dancing at the tipping ceremony, and singing ooooh Kilimanjaro and jumping around. So many other we saw just filmed the ceremony, and the dancing when they arrived to camp each day. Get involved, it's so much better!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijr-WXEVArVjRDNWBqzfrkwH6dO9x3KKqktNzTBb8Sw1TylQRgkju-t1OWNFqAJy0eeG8UGQLfwiN3R_XwNrFuzjiI48tn_1sj_bHKiAjboQ8dMbe7WKjdKTOAo-8gFdOqE-luW9ve34Om/s1600/SAM_6330.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijr-WXEVArVjRDNWBqzfrkwH6dO9x3KKqktNzTBb8Sw1TylQRgkju-t1OWNFqAJy0eeG8UGQLfwiN3R_XwNrFuzjiI48tn_1sj_bHKiAjboQ8dMbe7WKjdKTOAo-8gFdOqE-luW9ve34Om/s1600/SAM_6330.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
If you are planning on going I can only hope you get a group like ours, if they aren't then sort it out. Start some singing, give yourself a team name and a chant ('We are the A Team we do what we want' became our mantra), play games in the mess tent, get to know everyone. It makes a long hard trek into an experience.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUHdV1K_9_DxiPmmN5upMnethcWSC3KhRgV1H_NpyDm1x1s3C4LvNDnG5rbO4_-AAwMlBN3KmB3TIh-gRRb8mfylBIHyhcDz96_-dSfjSc0bXV968IPrV8RNFSYiHZLdwm-lnGZcCTFv_U/s1600/SAM6353+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUHdV1K_9_DxiPmmN5upMnethcWSC3KhRgV1H_NpyDm1x1s3C4LvNDnG5rbO4_-AAwMlBN3KmB3TIh-gRRb8mfylBIHyhcDz96_-dSfjSc0bXV968IPrV8RNFSYiHZLdwm-lnGZcCTFv_U/s1600/SAM6353+2.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
It's not too late to sponsor me!</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
www.justgiving.com/katie-kili</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.justgiving.com/katie-kili" target="_blank" title="JustGiving - Sponsor me now!"><img alt="JustGiving - Sponsor me now!" src="http://www.justgiving.com/App_Themes/JustGiving/images/badges/badge9.gif" height="90" width="120" /></a></div>
Katiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09550058687845405403noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2795444099528800329.post-28577887179152523422014-12-20T14:32:00.002+00:002014-12-20T14:39:51.267+00:00Kili - The experienceWhat did I take away from the trip? This seems to have been a regular question, well other than numb toes, sore knees and losing about a stone there were a lot of less physical things.<br />
<br />
<b>Say Yes</b><br />
When I think about the Kilimanjaro 'experience' I count in all the training and fundraising too, as one big take away for me is that I can achieve a lot in my spare time and I can take on a challenge and succeed. One of my lessons from this is to say yes to more. I'm usually quite cautious and retiring and often said no to things or didn't volunteer myself in case it didn't work out. Tom really had to talk me into the Kili climb. However I've learned from this that if you put yourself out there and say yes to things the worst outcome is probably going to be that it doesn't pan out, then you are just back where you were before you started. What's to lose?<br />
Lesson - Fear kills more dreams than failure ever will.<br />
<br />
<b>Perseverance</b><br />
I left not really knowing what to expect, but that it was going to be hard. However it was harder in different ways than I thought. The walking actually wasn't that challenging, we went at a slow pace and depending on the route you probably won't actually walk more than 10 miles in a day other than summit day. My training walks were all 10 miles plus so the distance wasn't an issue for me. What made it hard was the altitude, the terrain and the conditions. We had some wet, cold foggy days. We had nights when the water seeped through the bottom of our tents, and our kit got damp and cold. We walked up seemingly endless steep sections only to go back downhill again. Some of us did it on little sleep, or no food, or feeling breathless and ill. We did it all though, sometimes I felt like crying, and sometimes I did cry, but I made it.<br />
Lesson - Just keep putting one foot in front of the other, and you'll get there.<br />
<br />
<b>Team Work</b><br />
I made it to the summit, but not without a lot of support, moral and otherwise. However I made it, and I made it at the same time as others who didn't need so much help. I can be very insular, and often want to work alone. I tend not to take offers of help when I should. I had to swallow that pride on the mountain though, I had to take advice, help and hand holding. I wouldn't have made it without it though. Plus if I had made it without the A Team and the amount of memories and friends I made it wouldn't have been the same.<br />
Lesson - It's still an achievement even if you have help, and sometimes the journey and who you meet on the way is more important than making it by yourself.<br />
<br />
<b>I can do that...</b><br />
Since we got back I found that my gym classes seemed really easy and I have since changed gym, and I have a lot more confidence when climbing to try routes that are challenging. I'm not fitter than before I left, it's just that I am so much more willing to be challenged. I'm looking up other challenges and my general attitude is 'Psh, I climbed a mountain, I can do <i>this</i>'. Summit night was one of the hardest things I ever did, and the whole experience was so outside my comfort zone that it really made me appreciate what I can do when I have to. We bought a wooden giraffe as a souvenir on the bus back to the hotel. I named him Raymond, after the guide who carried my bags and held my hand on summit night. He lives in the hallway on the bookshelves and when I am leaving for a hard day, or something I don't want to do, then I look at him and remember that I climbed a mountain. I can do this.<br />
Lesson - You can do more than you ever think you can, if you just get that voice in your head that says no to shut the heck up.<br />
<br />
You can read the first 2 posts on the trip <a href="http://tenantchic.blogspot.co.uk/2014/10/kili-done.html" target="_blank">here </a>and <a href="http://tenantchic.blogspot.co.uk/2014/11/kili-kit.html" target="_blank">here</a>.<br />
<br />
Happy Christmas everyone reading, I'll be back before New Year with a post. I have no idea where I'm going next year blog wise...it seems to be a challenge to keep it up but I have a few more Kili things to talk about (I have not shut up about it since we got back) and I hope then I might get back to doing some home improvement things before the wedding completely takes over my life...4 months to go!<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
It's not too late to sponsor me!</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
www.justgiving.com/katie-kili </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.justgiving.com/katie-kili" target="_blank" title="JustGiving - Sponsor me now!"><img alt="JustGiving - Sponsor me now!" src="http://www.justgiving.com/App_Themes/JustGiving/images/badges/badge9.gif" height="90" width="120" /></a></div>
Katiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09550058687845405403noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2795444099528800329.post-67315368472021501882014-11-09T10:00:00.000+00:002014-11-09T10:00:05.544+00:00Kili KitAfter <a href="http://tenantchic.blogspot.co.uk/2014/10/kili-done.html" target="_blank">we climbed Kilimanjaro</a> I took a bit of time to get my thoughts in order on a few things, so there'll be a few Kili posts coming up. I do also have some projects to show you as now we have a bit more spare time I've got some things done!<br />
<br />
Kit was something I thought about a lot before we left, the rest of it is such an unknown, it's really only training and kit I felt I could prepare with! If you're preparing to go, or thinking about it, then you should have a kit list from your company. However we all took too much. We discussed that the kit list from the company we went with had far too much on there. I took things I didn't use, and I gave a lot away to the porters and guides. I finally finished unpacking and washing all our stuff and thought I'd write a post about what I actually used. I'm no expert though and I've only been once this is just how it went for me, so consult the company you're going with if you aren't sure!!<br />
<br />
The absolute essentials I would say are:<br />
Boots - comfortable, well worn in, waterproof.<br />
<br />
Day Pack - comfortable, with rain cover, 30L was fine (our kit list said 30-35L but my 30L was half empty most of the time). You need to be able to carry 3L of water at least, as well as snacks, sun cream, waterproofs, extra layers of clothes etc. Train with the bag on sometimes if you can.<br />
<br />
Coat - Down or equivalent jacket. Warm, warmer the better we both had Montane down jackets and were warm enough.<br />
<br />
Clothes - I took 1 gym type T-Shirt, 1 long sleeve trekking top, 1 pair thermal leggings and 1 long sleeve thermal top, 1 pair of trousers (zip offs), 1 pair waterproof over trousers and coat, 1 pair thick waterproof salopettes, 1 down jacket, 2 fleeces (for layering) and 1 body warmer. I also took 3 pairs of socks, 2 liner socks, one pair of thick summit night socks, and 3 pairs of knickers. I think I did ok here, the only thing I could have maybe done without was the body warmer but it was good for days when it was chilly but not cold enough for the down jacket, and it was an extra layer on summit night (notice in the photos how I am much more padded out than Tom). I would recommend not worrying about multiples of things other than for layering, rather take a variety of things than multiples of one item.<br />
<br />
Accessories - liner gloves and thick ski gloves - essential. Tom didn't use his thick gloves but he is a freak of nature with excessively warm hands. Sun hat and warm hat - Essential especially if like me you are prone to sunburn, I can say I didn't burn at all which is an achievement for a pale redhead spending 6 days solid outside at the equator above the clouds.<br />
<br />
Camera - you want to capture this, our point and shoot was good as we could just clip it on our bag by a carabiner. Some people used phones which weren't as reliable battery wise, some has DSLR's which looked like a pain to carry, but their photos were much better.<br />
<br />
Sleeping bag - We rented 5 season sleeping bags, and used a fleece liner on the colder nights and we were toasty and slept like babies. I slept in my thermals some nights too but Tom didn't and was still warm.<br />
<br />
Sleeping mat - we both took self inflating sleeping mats and they were a godsend. Most camps were on rocky ground, and on 2 nights the tents were wet on the ground, the mats kept us up off the floor even if just by a few mm and they were insulating too.<br />
<br />
Sun cream - 100ml Factor 50 lasted us both as after day 1 you are really only applying it to your face (I decanted it into those flight bottles you can buy from boots), we took spf30 but didn't use it much. We also took after sun which was nice after a day in the sun to put on before we went to bed although we didn't actually get burnt.<br />
<br />
Wet wipes - I took too many (two packs, could have done with one) but they were indispensable for having a 'bath' in the tent after a long day, also for wiping off kit, shoes etc.<br />
<br />
Antibacterial gel and wipes and nail brush - There was water for hand washing in a bucket in camp most nights and I gave my hands a good brush each night with a nail brush and soap, but the alcohol gels were an essential for using before lunch or just through the day. I also used anti bacterial wipes on my hands, and wiped off the end of my camel pack hose and the water bottle mouths with them sporadically. Getting a stomach bug is really not going to help you reach the summit!<br />
<br />
Walking poles - I had never used them before but they were good for the descent, and helpful to steady myself with when I was a bit wobbly. To be honest I wasn't sure about them on the flat ground and sometimes they got in the way on more scrambly parts, but if you get ones which easily fold down they they can just go on the back of your bag.<br />
<br />
Bin liners - We were told to line our bags and also to put our stuff inside bin liners and ziplock bags to keep it dry. However our holdalls were put inside thick plastic bags anyway during transit so they stayed dry, we used the bin liners on two nights though on the bottom of our tents when water was seeping through to keep us dry so they were invaluable. The ziplock bags were useful for keeping things separated and ease of packing as well.<br />
<br />
Lip salve - You will probably get chapped or dry lips.<br />
<br />
Glasses wearers - Take some solution and a cloth, the volcanic dust really stuck to my lenses and I had this tip before I went which I was thankful of. I bought a mini kit from boots which included a wipe, solution and a little tool with spare screws etc. I also took a spare pair of glasses just in case as it would be over for me if I broke my glasses unless someone was willing to literally guide me up there step by step.<br />
<br />
Throat Sweets and Tissues - After summit night everyone had a runny chapped nose and a sore throat. I took plenty of losenges as I had heard about this before we went, they were essential and I gave lots out to others. I didn't take any tissues though and wish I had, I was using loo roll to blow my nose which didn't help with the soreness.<br />
<br />
Meds - I went a bit OTT here but I always do. You need to take painkillers, anti inflammatories, throat losenges, plasters and blister plasters as a minimum. I also took antihistamine cream (I always get bitten and I did use this) and deep heat rub, loperamide capsules as well as immodium melts, some dulcolax, some dressings, stoma pouch extensions (best things for back of heel blisters!) and some antiseptic cream. I didn't use most of it and took too many of each thing, but it would be worse to need it and not have it right?<br />
<br />
What we took which we could have lived without:<br />
Snacks - I would take some but not so many. I lost my appetite from altitude. Plus we were so well fed that I probably would have only needed minimal snacks even if I was eating normally (cooked breakfast, 3 course lunch and 3 course dinner every day!). They were good as a morale boost, on summit night it was nice to have some sweets every time we stopped and I saved my favourite ones until then however for the rest of the week I hardly touched the massive amount of food I took. If I went again I would take a few packets of sweets and 3 protein bars at the most. This will vary per person though on how you eat at home.<br />
<br />
Electronics - We only used the camera. I took my Ipod and never used it, we both also took our phones mainly as back up in case the camera died but didn't use them either. We took 2 spare camera batteries too as we had heard the cold can cause batteries to die. We put our electrical items in our sleeping bags at night though and it was fine so we didn't need them.<br />
<br />
Gaiters - I wore them on summit night but didn't think they really did anything, although my Salopettes had sort of in built gaiters too. Tom didn't wear his at all.<br />
<br />
Ear plugs - We slept well, I used ear plugs briefly on the first night but found them uncomfortable.<br />
<br />
Loo roll - We took a roll of toilet paper each and only used it for drying the bottom of our tent when it got rained on, I would alternate one of these rolls for some packs of nice tissues for noses. There was a toilet tent in camp with loo roll, so we weren't going to use a whole roll each as well over 5 days!<br />
<br />
Cosmetics - There was talc and vaseline on our kit list which we all brought but were a bit mystified as to why. We only used the vaseline afterwards for chapped noses after summit night. We didn't use the talc, some people did on their feet or after a wash on their bodies but only because they brought it. I also took a small pot of moisturiser in case of chapped skin on my face, which I didn't use as I had after sun.<br />
<br />
Cards, a book, ipod etc - We didn't need any evening entertainment as our team was very sociable and we played charades, sang, talked etc in the mess tent most nights. Also you will be tired and going to bed early, so don't need too much entertainment for the down time.<br />
<br />
Hope that's helpful to someone I read a few similar posts before I went and found it useful to compare what others had taken and found useful or not.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
Sponsor me to climb Kilimanjaro! </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
www.justgiving.com/katie-kili</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.justgiving.com/katie-kili" target="_blank" title="JustGiving - Sponsor me now!"><img alt="JustGiving - Sponsor me now!" src="http://www.justgiving.com/App_Themes/JustGiving/images/badges/badge9.gif" height="90" width="120" /></a></div>
Katiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09550058687845405403noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2795444099528800329.post-41964089018273281002014-10-16T11:42:00.003+01:002014-10-16T11:42:21.170+01:00Kili done!We climbed Kilimanjaro last week.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2_7qUJK3pc-absgVJNpL-22Com19vnyp76E5aLFDiuAEp-R7OI7d4r-rMFuUmIQ6K5ty8LGRq4JAM0q5XE4rCwkQz7PkUmHtfNYZYZRS_V9kK0j6AmzGcCEULxF8RRwXpkYP_vPb565Ji/s1600/SAM_6246.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2_7qUJK3pc-absgVJNpL-22Com19vnyp76E5aLFDiuAEp-R7OI7d4r-rMFuUmIQ6K5ty8LGRq4JAM0q5XE4rCwkQz7PkUmHtfNYZYZRS_V9kK0j6AmzGcCEULxF8RRwXpkYP_vPb565Ji/s1600/SAM_6246.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
Still can't get my head around the fact that we have actually done it. It was the hardest but best thing I have ever done.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1R65M9-EaN9BiyBYrh5jA1ZbLud7HB89tb5TX8XyRDcjONuiy21sTUYNbmj_UGwAxM4tp_sYjg3dYp-rsytBCP3-m9oKkBMfg2CKp2lpl-snEU1D0SdH0jnY0G1XEX2vQ3DBuhmKMvf9r/s1600/SAM_6323+(1).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1R65M9-EaN9BiyBYrh5jA1ZbLud7HB89tb5TX8XyRDcjONuiy21sTUYNbmj_UGwAxM4tp_sYjg3dYp-rsytBCP3-m9oKkBMfg2CKp2lpl-snEU1D0SdH0jnY0G1XEX2vQ3DBuhmKMvf9r/s1600/SAM_6323+(1).jpg" height="640" width="480" /></a></div>
I'll do some more in detail posts on kit, best/worst bits, guides porters and tips for anyone maybe considering going or just more interested in the details, but here's a short round up on what happened.<br />
<br />
We flew out to Tanzania on 3/10/14 and arrived on 4/10/14 tired and ready for a nights sleep at a hotel. As usually independent travellers it was interesting to be corralled in with a big group, but we went with the flow. After a briefing and kit check we had some free time to chat to the rest of our group (23 including the leader and doctor). The next morning we were up early and onto the bus, finally on the way! We waited for some time at the gate, waiting for all the bags to be weighed and the paperwork filled out.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgP6orFzR6ftpxoyx3Gv73oRD-jMJ3IgGClIRdtivc0udg3bmkIu6AkESkvKNU63EfRDPgF6YLJBAeAVPlCzWFsutft1reuvGLYUsc42c4NBuio1ydYvreWs_vUBzsXn7BwBj25R5PAHMgh/s1600/SAM_6114.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgP6orFzR6ftpxoyx3Gv73oRD-jMJ3IgGClIRdtivc0udg3bmkIu6AkESkvKNU63EfRDPgF6YLJBAeAVPlCzWFsutft1reuvGLYUsc42c4NBuio1ydYvreWs_vUBzsXn7BwBj25R5PAHMgh/s1600/SAM_6114.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
Day 1. Finally, around 11am I think, we were on the way. Day one was pretty good, getting to know everyone in the group as well as the guides. We walked through the forest and it was steep but not too challenging. We had a pretty lively night at the first campsite, machame camp, with games, singing and dancing, and a headlamp rave. Nobody had any altitude effects too bad yet, we were at 2800m.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXOiH8C-W0ZzYkd1naOZusFbCxlNvIoU_VvPqt7G7WrjdAvgBaPvVKZ-58wSw-ykwnSWwx5iMSEdnYR_jC1w_eDIqjiD1eH5V0ryM_RKylyxQQ2wMxoDHR7ZG0pBj6Df_LykGxLvHZw7Rl/s1600/SAM_6122.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXOiH8C-W0ZzYkd1naOZusFbCxlNvIoU_VvPqt7G7WrjdAvgBaPvVKZ-58wSw-ykwnSWwx5iMSEdnYR_jC1w_eDIqjiD1eH5V0ryM_RKylyxQQ2wMxoDHR7ZG0pBj6Df_LykGxLvHZw7Rl/s1600/SAM_6122.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
Day 2 was harder, both terrain wise and because I started getting some altitude sickness. The terrain was rocky and steep with a lot of clambering, we gained a lot in height that day and got to 3800m that night camping at Shira camp. The sickness came over me pretty fast, I started off feeling ok then after one steep ascent suddenly felt sick, sleepy and dizzy. This didn't go away on resting and I just wanted to lie down. We got to camp for lunchtime though so I had plenty of time to lie down and try (unsuccessfully) to eat and not throw up.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh13JvAvr9PqbYVnU2IXxq8uUihhCx-Tsb3dzxCOgVxrhCzwss-whU5vbsJGFaLpiRt7D_7Q_OTH6ZflSQgg2qURnn6X10vJlZ7Jt8p1bWBCdG0luuZcVabip0wAEQAjhwaI8JJnc-RrRaR/s1600/SAM_6149.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh13JvAvr9PqbYVnU2IXxq8uUihhCx-Tsb3dzxCOgVxrhCzwss-whU5vbsJGFaLpiRt7D_7Q_OTH6ZflSQgg2qURnn6X10vJlZ7Jt8p1bWBCdG0luuZcVabip0wAEQAjhwaI8JJnc-RrRaR/s1600/SAM_6149.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
Day 3. After a good nights sleep at Shira camp and some diamox and anti sickness tablets I felt better the next day, ready for lava tower. This is the highest we would go before summit night, we left Shira camp at 3800m, got to lava tower at 4600m for lunch (where I felt surprisingly ok, having felt rough the whole way up I just magically got over it at some point!) then went back down to 3900m at Barranco camp. This was a hard day, not helped by wet weather and the tents being wet when we got to camp. The team pulled together though and helped each other out. I'll write a post about our amazing team and how it helped us to have such a cohesive and motivating team, it'll be a soppy one guys be warned!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLkBluCzlwqrpDQPDxIY9lZuADHJrMn2RsdrvVkO7tcA0B6uLHbHFWq2rPgSLDOYGfYpbwLx8Jnx-UMixE7j_16R9r58tv-P5CyJvCPG4iBnPVqZ8iFyI3l_WsIvC_yU9OM35i-Cppa_av/s1600/SAM_6201.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLkBluCzlwqrpDQPDxIY9lZuADHJrMn2RsdrvVkO7tcA0B6uLHbHFWq2rPgSLDOYGfYpbwLx8Jnx-UMixE7j_16R9r58tv-P5CyJvCPG4iBnPVqZ8iFyI3l_WsIvC_yU9OM35i-Cppa_av/s1600/SAM_6201.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvZxH-4g6IQ4cVVjkd_Bhf2z3XBYFXJZVptUYj2m7SGPUJuWP1vxsbdC25oHycB9f_vf1kG9AHTYmfIMuyBeqNxoxZneujJDHHNprx0zphyphenhyphenfEQwoPzyYzyt-_EXYSYo7dQCOMgOKTRQ-Wx/s1600/SAM_6216.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvZxH-4g6IQ4cVVjkd_Bhf2z3XBYFXJZVptUYj2m7SGPUJuWP1vxsbdC25oHycB9f_vf1kG9AHTYmfIMuyBeqNxoxZneujJDHHNprx0zphyphenhyphenfEQwoPzyYzyt-_EXYSYo7dQCOMgOKTRQ-Wx/s1600/SAM_6216.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
Day 4. We got up early, and after a rather breathless rendition of happy birthday and a hokey cokey to warm up we were off to climb barranco wall. A few people in our team had found looking at the wall all evening intimidating, being climbers we were looking forward to it! Although it was easier that we are used to (it's a scramble not a climb) the altitude effects made it hard, Tom climbs grade 6C's and is breaking into 7's but even he got our of breath going up Barranco! I thought my heart was going to burst out of my chest at one point. After a photo break at the top we were then off on an undulating up and down through Karanga Valley to Barafu Camp at 4600m. We ate then off to bed early as we had to be up at 12 for the summit.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSOucSTOUGujZJ5NPZTDPhJhcyxas2sipmDR6KYO7QVohbNWyly6-FPQimZ7rYlcPRSroKVSvRhU6G0_48d15lJLswZMvUqN5WB9kveME1QY5L8CH5JPe-ffR0aVIXG_GF0-Lrils9pk7D/s1600/SAM_6231+(1).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSOucSTOUGujZJ5NPZTDPhJhcyxas2sipmDR6KYO7QVohbNWyly6-FPQimZ7rYlcPRSroKVSvRhU6G0_48d15lJLswZMvUqN5WB9kveME1QY5L8CH5JPe-ffR0aVIXG_GF0-Lrils9pk7D/s1600/SAM_6231+(1).jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
Summit Night. This came around fast, we were merrily dancing around the morning before, now we were all eating breakfast at 11pm and offering to share out hand warmers and sweets. This was it. We were off. It was 6 hours of walking in the dark up a steep slope, in the cold, with wind. However, it was a full moon and a clear night, we could see Moshi illuminated below us, and the snake of headlamps going to to the summit. Every stop I tried to soak in the beauty, but to be honest it's a bit of a blur. I remember people being sick (one memorable quote was 'Ed's puking everywhere so we're having a 10 minute break') and people turning back, but our team carried on. We tried to sing and chat like we had on previous days but it was decidedly lacklustre for a while then petered out and we just marched on. But at the breaks we tried to motivate each other, we talked about how the sun would be up soon, and offered sweets and snacks around, or even just gave someone a pat on the back and said 'well done'. Raymond our guide dragged me up a few points, and carried my bag, and kept me smiling at breaks. These guys are incredible. When we heard the sun would be up in half an hour we got quite excited, then once it did come up we basked in it like reptiles!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgj5OH-G7wdInbEYVlnNI2YbtD8PSqoQjuj9YbLSaNvStBe0_NpR9qcEbOekgDKejQ04EpbZh45kj7IyZ4-auWdAs5cZS_zxzlodjpMFbj8LKdpWtb05F3QDS-aON7dDvXRGrgrf7p9pul6/s1600/SAM_6284.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgj5OH-G7wdInbEYVlnNI2YbtD8PSqoQjuj9YbLSaNvStBe0_NpR9qcEbOekgDKejQ04EpbZh45kj7IyZ4-auWdAs5cZS_zxzlodjpMFbj8LKdpWtb05F3QDS-aON7dDvXRGrgrf7p9pul6/s1600/SAM_6284.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
Reaching Stella point seemed the longest part, you can see it for so long but it takes forever to get there. Then it's a little longer to the peak, not a challenging walk but I didn't want to go...we did though. Tom cried, I cried, everyone cried at some point that day I think. We wandered about a bit dazed at the summit.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9xbQ9vTN3f6P7Rk87_dTLJaEyLCbQG0c__ljvemig3iDtfsHNaFkpVDiP0K1pACrV1Vxc-ia1P1x5F_UvIfaFVz69godZQQs6C-IalE2xfPyzV3UNFf_2wxaAS7VaL6aoDzoWfMX__FUa/s1600/SAM_6293.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9xbQ9vTN3f6P7Rk87_dTLJaEyLCbQG0c__ljvemig3iDtfsHNaFkpVDiP0K1pACrV1Vxc-ia1P1x5F_UvIfaFVz69godZQQs6C-IalE2xfPyzV3UNFf_2wxaAS7VaL6aoDzoWfMX__FUa/s1600/SAM_6293.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwdwX5YxY9s9bMRMrVy12s6EjPDN8yyvNhlfReWhCXab_dt5f47pjToftU4FCZ0rXihGIL0UiBbLt9MwR-6kbK-kgsPHxRLNbSQjhF3K_FEk9s7e3lS5L9C4aTBpAir2DKLwnimF7MGu2U/s1600/SAM_6294.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwdwX5YxY9s9bMRMrVy12s6EjPDN8yyvNhlfReWhCXab_dt5f47pjToftU4FCZ0rXihGIL0UiBbLt9MwR-6kbK-kgsPHxRLNbSQjhF3K_FEk9s7e3lS5L9C4aTBpAir2DKLwnimF7MGu2U/s1600/SAM_6294.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
It's a bit of a scrum at the top to get a photo by the sign, so we muscled in and then started the long descent down. Do not underestimate this part, the descent from the summit back to Barafu took hours, my toes were in so much pain that I cried (I have never cried so much in the space of 5 days). Tom fell over a few times. Then it was lunch then another 2 hours down to Millennium camp where we all felt better, it's 3900m still though. We had dinner, then all went off to bed pretty much straight after. Tom and I slept for 10 hours!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUCuPrdMQUWuUYLEMIAbm1iTMVhgtbQ4IeI5SAIi7fC_vnN_RumKPSTXV3qLTdiKqLsU4o7-f8OvfcOH3m9YrU-chyIoFtgauxFb5T8Zea-mmoEY7ouLrIi-QqjQyA7-sT7jg_XI3veKwv/s1600/SAM_6327.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUCuPrdMQUWuUYLEMIAbm1iTMVhgtbQ4IeI5SAIi7fC_vnN_RumKPSTXV3qLTdiKqLsU4o7-f8OvfcOH3m9YrU-chyIoFtgauxFb5T8Zea-mmoEY7ouLrIi-QqjQyA7-sT7jg_XI3veKwv/s1600/SAM_6327.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
Last day. We had the tipping ceremony, and a last dance on the mountain, then it was off down to the bottom. It was a loooong downhill, but we were in high spirits (although mine ran out about an hour from the end when the pain in my feet was almost bringing me to tears, typing this I still cannot feel my toes properly). I had a minor cry when I saw the sign for Mweka gate (not a full on sob just a little tear and a thank you prayer!). We had some Kili beers, champagne, a last hokey cokey and a laugh (we were a loud group!)...then off on the bus.<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkGsMWrSSlNw15fHzngmaA3iZ22zLxUVQRLNHUwZ4bCTtpBhDi_2eIeoFpibuVsQwmYigf-_qc4HAG8b1URJ-IeVjgVX1ofUAlVfxt6IYiG07uAd8kElCakvIlfJvL_mPfM9PogwMsbXZY/s1600/SAM_6331.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkGsMWrSSlNw15fHzngmaA3iZ22zLxUVQRLNHUwZ4bCTtpBhDi_2eIeoFpibuVsQwmYigf-_qc4HAG8b1URJ-IeVjgVX1ofUAlVfxt6IYiG07uAd8kElCakvIlfJvL_mPfM9PogwMsbXZY/s1600/SAM_6331.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a><br />
I'll write a bit more in detail once I organise my thoughts on it, I'd like to write something about the guides and porters, and altitude, and some tips for girls specifically, and on what I took away from this. It will take me a while to get it all down, and it's so hard to describe unless you've been there what it was like....and I don't think I'll be able to accurately describe the 'A Team' we went with :)<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiP2u7E4DIC0NQ-K7YYYWj1tNv8ytqqIVMIxClELnL8x8TlRvIt3qEJkdzfbMqq55r2vjZvUIO0frYU5RDu-_SiPTyVELftPCOtCmQjQII97Ps1pAixFY_cj5jUXNm7LG1V310ieDEAQbRv/s1600/SAM_6247.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiP2u7E4DIC0NQ-K7YYYWj1tNv8ytqqIVMIxClELnL8x8TlRvIt3qEJkdzfbMqq55r2vjZvUIO0frYU5RDu-_SiPTyVELftPCOtCmQjQII97Ps1pAixFY_cj5jUXNm7LG1V310ieDEAQbRv/s1600/SAM_6247.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
It's not too late to sponsor me! </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
www.justgiving.com/katie-kili</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.justgiving.com/katie-kili" target="_blank" title="JustGiving - Sponsor me now!"><img alt="JustGiving - Sponsor me now!" src="http://www.justgiving.com/App_Themes/JustGiving/images/badges/badge9.gif" height="90" width="120" /></a></div>
Katiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09550058687845405403noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2795444099528800329.post-6883243683802209562014-09-16T11:18:00.000+01:002014-09-16T11:18:00.171+01:00A lot of hot airA few weeks ago we had to move all our furniture out of the hallways and the bathroom cupboard. The house looked like this for a day or two...<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKkHYkpb1RkzS1PricsD87WCgeDY8oyDSV6ibIAZ2-MCHYNkYD7ubiupW5gUfflcuunRF9SR0oOck6nIXguqiiQqOVFTHBEivxXxJBBLJhxkj269bKcoaTO2U47anssDHiad9sVcu_U2Ho/s1600/SAM_6046.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKkHYkpb1RkzS1PricsD87WCgeDY8oyDSV6ibIAZ2-MCHYNkYD7ubiupW5gUfflcuunRF9SR0oOck6nIXguqiiQqOVFTHBEivxXxJBBLJhxkj269bKcoaTO2U47anssDHiad9sVcu_U2Ho/s1600/SAM_6046.JPG" height="640" width="480" /></a></div>
We just slid the wardrobe out of the way as we can't really put it anywhere else, we put a blanket under it to avoid damaging the floor.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgk6FKqm_7rXTD28dh5QDVAaPPATQGdqx-YYsbgCrEDCL-J-S-NfAnzyztr6-PBSBf3l5sXqjnOe8DfUU92kXYnAAPcNvrEXLhYBElpuHUaLFtKl8p8cKGPu4mm_nn59AKJybpqmRgFKNzV/s1600/SAM_6048.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgk6FKqm_7rXTD28dh5QDVAaPPATQGdqx-YYsbgCrEDCL-J-S-NfAnzyztr6-PBSBf3l5sXqjnOe8DfUU92kXYnAAPcNvrEXLhYBElpuHUaLFtKl8p8cKGPu4mm_nn59AKJybpqmRgFKNzV/s1600/SAM_6048.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
We covered the turtle tank for dust, and just threw all the stuff out of the bathroom cupboard in the bath. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeo2gGXkpGIJE8cOFjw0LFTF8tv8CERDUYuv7hIPFzRXJ0Qy9OUBLIltSnq5PfdamGAZJ2JAIwOENQ9DfGzl1dI9jlNMBWZ09K81VPbdebGhxHyhSEyh1vCW3l5qtf3EpCcYpdjITHXzSC/s1600/SAM_6049.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeo2gGXkpGIJE8cOFjw0LFTF8tv8CERDUYuv7hIPFzRXJ0Qy9OUBLIltSnq5PfdamGAZJ2JAIwOENQ9DfGzl1dI9jlNMBWZ09K81VPbdebGhxHyhSEyh1vCW3l5qtf3EpCcYpdjITHXzSC/s1600/SAM_6049.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Where was all the other furniture? Piled up in the bedroom...</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgePSn5b0KiUk0cMtxlTlBVVVeMAVIWH5r1nlQ0PdEWBy9-n0sv-06-7lzl-TSoLeclx9mAtaw9icd0VM2_GtXtufahSy_Y_Xm9kvB2cRLwwAAzCKRJXVw6lE32ITD01WRiJIZzsT07Tp02/s1600/SAM_6056.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgePSn5b0KiUk0cMtxlTlBVVVeMAVIWH5r1nlQ0PdEWBy9-n0sv-06-7lzl-TSoLeclx9mAtaw9icd0VM2_GtXtufahSy_Y_Xm9kvB2cRLwwAAzCKRJXVw6lE32ITD01WRiJIZzsT07Tp02/s1600/SAM_6056.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
And it was all for this...can you see it?<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbN-Vwk8Br0dS4rQHt7_xJIPz9_S7VPg6HuKKkmhD_kxkBCMHQMyVB2msouk5eLzPX6fYKkbfNIum3AjpW5b3U_QMwqjD29AWLsfCpnI2g3rz7LpsBSsQcXA0mZ68ZXl5_r-cbI4tbwwoA/s1600/SAM_6050.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbN-Vwk8Br0dS4rQHt7_xJIPz9_S7VPg6HuKKkmhD_kxkBCMHQMyVB2msouk5eLzPX6fYKkbfNIum3AjpW5b3U_QMwqjD29AWLsfCpnI2g3rz7LpsBSsQcXA0mZ68ZXl5_r-cbI4tbwwoA/s1600/SAM_6050.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
It's the vent on the top left, we finally got our mould solution fitted!<br />
<br />
Back in <a href="http://tenantchic.blogspot.co.uk/2014/02/if-we-owned-our-flat.html" target="_blank">this post</a> I mentioned the mould problems we have had, and the landlord had promised he would sort something as opening windows didn't seem to be doing anything.<br />
<br />
So 2 weeks ago we had this PIV unit fitted. The part in the hallway is a lot more noticeable!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8WAQJyuHzrrx5WiPyrYsTPSZNaDCt4tnf_5cZUgmX9Zo5YZ9q8ekY2Y-HLd-jCe-RrQIOsCQovlNw3hfCdPGNY78Tz5Nf40TiloR9eFge0m4l8CkPiwHyr7X6NAparuAyF_Ek5mqu3glP/s1600/SAM_6053.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8WAQJyuHzrrx5WiPyrYsTPSZNaDCt4tnf_5cZUgmX9Zo5YZ9q8ekY2Y-HLd-jCe-RrQIOsCQovlNw3hfCdPGNY78Tz5Nf40TiloR9eFge0m4l8CkPiwHyr7X6NAparuAyF_Ek5mqu3glP/s1600/SAM_6053.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
We have a decorator coming to possibly box it in, and tidy up all the plaster and paint. The switch was originally lower down but the landlord wanted it moved higher. Gives us more freedom with furniture and does look neater. Well it will do once it's all tidied up.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-kywcGIEUbH-MPB7dH1pkEhCHCq3pHs_h8aDXDyvcJSimkhe5pHOAG3slmMraXxnAEf3wgshTLvrhosSFlhHuOuMg58hRpqWufdUcVaPHS9cNOG58Z796kh2xDdk2hsZTT8cCCPE1H6DF/s1600/SAM_6054.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-kywcGIEUbH-MPB7dH1pkEhCHCq3pHs_h8aDXDyvcJSimkhe5pHOAG3slmMraXxnAEf3wgshTLvrhosSFlhHuOuMg58hRpqWufdUcVaPHS9cNOG58Z796kh2xDdk2hsZTT8cCCPE1H6DF/s1600/SAM_6054.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
I've cleaned all the walls again and the furniture that was affected. See those light grey/green streaks on the table? They're not wood grain, they're mould. Lush. Everything has been bleached within an inch of its life to kill off the mould (other than the bedroom ceiling as I can't reach it) and fingers crossed it won't be back.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigFHLt1D8JjFbw4Cs1Z7Vdk59ZF9jACBfPX2hfo0fwlYw8LRlwHlrts0-sADBy40mpIfNyb1g2dLHaOd0ugEICF26V-QSv3luB2PS8N_JMVbEZuC4HeiSzL6QVNoSF6tI4L9M2lwTY_zpC/s1600/SAM_6059.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigFHLt1D8JjFbw4Cs1Z7Vdk59ZF9jACBfPX2hfo0fwlYw8LRlwHlrts0-sADBy40mpIfNyb1g2dLHaOd0ugEICF26V-QSv3luB2PS8N_JMVbEZuC4HeiSzL6QVNoSF6tI4L9M2lwTY_zpC/s1600/SAM_6059.JPG" height="640" width="480" /></a></div>
The unit brings fresh air into the rooms which don't have windows to try to get some air movement in the flat and avoid the condensation issues we have been having. I'm not really 100% sure how it works but also it exchanges the air, through the existing extractor fan flue in the hallway. There is a switch we can put on for it to heat the incoming air too so it won't be too draughty in winter. It apparently will work for a 3 bedroom house so we're hoping it will solve our problem. I have noticed that the air in the rooms with no windows feels less stale, but only time will tell over the winter if it helps with the mould.<br />
<br />
The decorator will also repaint the rooms affected by the mould. This is the whole bedroom, one wall in the living room and the bathroom. Apparently the bathroom was just painted in matt paint, so this time it's going to be done in bathroom paint, as it is peeling but with being a basement bathroom with no windows that's to be expected.<br />
<br />
All in all I'm just happy something has been done, it's good to have a landlord who actually acts on issues!<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
Sponsor me to climb Kilimanjaro! </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
www.justgiving.com/katie-kili </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.justgiving.com/katie-kili" target="_blank" title="JustGiving - Sponsor me now!"><img alt="JustGiving - Sponsor me now!" src="http://www.justgiving.com/App_Themes/JustGiving/images/badges/badge9.gif" height="90" width="120" /></a></div>
Katiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09550058687845405403noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2795444099528800329.post-73180806073291177692014-09-13T11:47:00.001+01:002014-09-13T11:47:39.098+01:00Weekend Inspiration4 day weekend! I have Monday and Tuesday off work...just to use up some holiday but it's also our anniversary on Tuesday, so we are off out for a nice meal Monday night at the Daffodil and then out for a hike Tuesday before going to set the menu at our wedding caterers. Today's agenda is clean the flat and relax as I've already been to the gym, and I'm hoping to get a project done tomorrow.<br />
<br />
Onto the inspiration, I've always though having a hammock in the garden would be good but dangerous as I would spend far too much time in it. This set up with fairy lights would be so relaxing in the evenings I would probably end up sleeping out there!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.pinterest.com/pin/182395853632669433/" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQJ52zEfgKzzXfeRz3vtyJeGmq1xkvEXw66TWFhu7YHPmtowHeMMVxyLMiof3bZ7uEjQIsNoQpNhp6rizMqTkn8_x_ipPoNMSdpKWoeChnnOBwX15CNU6wy0vZ9ZpsbteAI42mTmSjlbBu/s1600/hammock+fairy+lights.jpg" height="640" width="426" /></a></div>
This small area of open shelving adds in some functional space to a small kitchen. It would be great for keeping small items off the counter while adding some storage space into a wall where you may not have enough room for cabinets. I also love that you can wash up the bowls etc then dry them and put them back on the shelf without moving.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghRhqPyEAZYzcgKWoHOc0YH1QdV4CCwp_W98vQxt5W9zcDKge_xRPZvB49YbVWOJY7iaXezVfNV9qVdmkRYeU1mjcLRFgp3H-nlUWlyVQ9JSzAwCc6iO91yD7Qyj3LCdI-rP-wphVqpG8b/s1600/small+kitchen+storage+open+shelving.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghRhqPyEAZYzcgKWoHOc0YH1QdV4CCwp_W98vQxt5W9zcDKge_xRPZvB49YbVWOJY7iaXezVfNV9qVdmkRYeU1mjcLRFgp3H-nlUWlyVQ9JSzAwCc6iO91yD7Qyj3LCdI-rP-wphVqpG8b/s1600/small+kitchen+storage+open+shelving.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></a></div>
Pink is not my colour, but I love this coordination here. I would pick maybe green or blue, or yellow...but this house just looks so put together and stylish with the bright pops of colour.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.pinterest.com/pin/182395853632777368/" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgw6r_zBJ6AU08ONpi7qn1dZtXO3faX3_d-YLQisAxE5K0u7RQw4veWHy1yXmtpy1XR0W30BafwchDaHsDSby9M2Tsjvs9YU8hDdUWPAzo0FAyaMuWnoXNueYBlKwk_zIsnAKNsdLqrTSCJ/s1600/pretty+house+exterior.jpg" height="640" width="640" /></a></div>
Have a lovely weekend all, I'm off to make something nice for lunch xx<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
Sponsor me to climb Kilimanjaro! </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
www.justgiving.com/katie-kili</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.justgiving.com/katie-kili" target="_blank" title="JustGiving - Sponsor me now!"><img alt="JustGiving - Sponsor me now!" src="http://www.justgiving.com/App_Themes/JustGiving/images/badges/badge9.gif" height="90" width="120" /></a></div>
Katiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09550058687845405403noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2795444099528800329.post-76657263118971035762014-08-31T10:00:00.000+01:002014-08-31T10:00:01.578+01:00Weekend InspirationI hope you're all having a great weekend? I've been having a busy one so far with a run and hill walk yesterday and then some friends round for pizza and a film, and off visiting family today. Maybe a cheeky run or hill walk too as it's now less that 5 weeks until we climb Kilimanjaro!<br />
<br />
Still been pinning as usual though, so onto the weekend inspiration for this week.<br />
<br />
Green floors. Something I never thought I'd like but these look so glossy and because the walls are white it doesn't seem to be too much. Also how nice is the light fixture?<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.pinterest.com/pin/182395853632525719/" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi211xOoAeJwJcPneTSR6VREnEujCeSUDt6AYgiulWatnlcSuAEoXQcYzeOnr7px3e_vdV-GFkt5sI8RRDqSQ3QPoZlcGa8KnEB-z9ik5KspyJPn7veHHbhvFeMZ5bvEyVlVL9gwIgZhmoz/s1600/green+floors.jpg" height="640" width="486" /></a></div>
I think I pinned this for the headboard, but the coral, gold and neutral colour palette is lovely, if maybe a little feminine for a shared bedroom but you could sub some aqua in for the coral.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.desiretoinspire.net/blog/2012/4/18/massucco-warner-miller-1.html" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiz9utsRn1c34fllF3kQc4E_-NsIR0-U9amidmvCFN2ounZzdfcr4cvzwfUAl4NyydcwPY9sTy26bAcYLUQ20jWbpE41rvXz0XJ16prRWMUn8McGPquNbjyg-G4gJZKzrYm98phC5CjBUA_/s1600/gold+bedroom.jpg" height="640" width="488" /></a></div>
I thought this kitchen and dining area is the perfect mix of rustic, casual and glam for me! The chandeliers add a bit of fancyness, but the space looks relaxed and not too formal. Plus I love the table and the chairs look nice and comfy...<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://veronabrit.blogspot.ca/2012/09/home-updates-restoration-hardware.html" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2sWK62mXo9bKLiMifxiYFP_fRu4_GppdlivAPTrpSQIej7HgtqKL8CMdGt39Xw42TOdeKMPlmjtSwYK18kbaL7QojIkrscME7_fhFuYS-a5WukwhvVIPfCramgU5Z36RuJ-dHSPob6LfB/s1600/rustic+glam+kitchen.jpg" height="640" width="426" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Have a great Sunday everyone xx</div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
Sponsor me to climb Kilimanjaro! </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
www.justgiving.com/katie-kili</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.justgiving.com/katie-kili" target="_blank" title="JustGiving - Sponsor me now!"><img alt="JustGiving - Sponsor me now!" src="http://www.justgiving.com/App_Themes/JustGiving/images/badges/badge9.gif" height="90" width="120" /></a></div>
Katiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09550058687845405403noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2795444099528800329.post-52764469880815052372014-08-23T10:20:00.001+01:002014-08-23T10:20:38.820+01:00Weekend InspirationAnd I'm back in the room!<br />
<br />
Sorry for the unplanned hiatus, I've been sorting lots of things like visas, inoculations and kit for Kilimanjaro. Plus having 6 different inoculation's over the past week has made my body think it is being attacked resulting in horrible flu type symptoms while it tries to fight them all off...thankfully it seems to be getting better today! I've done no exercise since Tuesday and every day counts now it's only 6 weeks until Kilimanjaro so I'm off for a jog this morning (armed with lots of tissues!).<br />
<br />
Not a lot else to report about this week, although we have had some work done on the flat and I will write a post about it.<br />
<br />
As usual more on my <a href="http://www.pinterest.com/katieog/pins/" target="_blank">pinterest </a>page, and here is this week's selection of inspiration pics.<br />
<br />
Along with a trunk to use as a coffee table I am forever on the look out for a sideboard like this to use as a TV unit in our living room. So far not found anything suitable, but I'm not actively looking and after the wedding and Kili maybe I'll actually have some money for furniture and can start looking! In the meantime look at the shape of this one...gorgeous!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://weekdaycarnival.blogspot.co.uk/2013/04/dance-dance-dance.html" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDZ5jW7zx9AWNdwQ34IxBf3Qq7LcgAKEN8ZF29bcX3uKVjCtdYct5a6D5itTk_i0ZSZKiZHKBUF9q9N-_4g7h3m4SqOX1inarm5tL095gcrHU591ezhaU2NhZ4zvE1nYaRu2ifLk8alpUF/s1600/valokuvaaja+riikka+kantinkoski.jpg" height="640" width="440" /></a></div>
This room caught my eye because it is modern and bright but still keeps and celebrates some of the period features. Also the grey toned flooring really adds to the light and bright feel, although I'd have gone with a different light fixture in here probably something metallic and a bit more simple...<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.pinterest.com/pin/182395853632502611/" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtPAAWZ2doFXDdSB5b9cRBVemw1nHg7nXE_oXcbV6dpUAli3pQY5nMR3GRCuRTwfminJoun0x16VMg95KVHJtuXazTAHwl_EaZ7jojW41XhS0oIxI1Wk3z4TGTErAvlZVPJqPiPsqBhSP1/s1600/georgian+livving+room.jpg" height="640" width="478" /></a></div>
This modern dining nook really makes such use of the window, and would make a great versatile space. You can eat there, the kids can do their homework, I would sit there to read (albeit with more cushions) or browse the web. Plus it looks so clean and simple which in a dining/kitchen area is always good for easy maintenance!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.pinterest.com/pin/182395853632503839/" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpjncUdUtyA2o6FxbKA4X0rq2OneglQ39oTlb6llcDZR5cCgtV3BXs-ugrhJgtobxZz_PrYFPHWxKDFmJHe1JX4Q-GlgfRvNEwj1SbzdFQgrEphgrkZGo2I6n0mZFLIrTY47RRzxdQF0Bg/s1600/modern+dining+nook.jpg" height="640" width="426" /></a></div>
Have a great bank holiday weekend UK readers, I'm off for a hopefully not to sniffly run and then a BBQ later, maybe a hike tomorrow then as it's meant to rain all day Monday I'll be cleaning the flat and writing some more posts!<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
Sponsor me to climb Kilimanjaro! </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
www.justgiving.com/katie-kili</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.justgiving.com/katie-kili" target="_blank" title="JustGiving - Sponsor me now!"><img alt="JustGiving - Sponsor me now!" src="http://www.justgiving.com/App_Themes/JustGiving/images/badges/badge9.gif" height="90" width="120" /></a></div>
Katiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09550058687845405403noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2795444099528800329.post-26505312995657229322014-08-06T19:04:00.001+01:002014-08-06T19:04:16.153+01:00GratitudeAnother post on practising gratitude for the little things in life today (the first one is back <a href="http://tenantchic.blogspot.co.uk/2014/06/gratitude.html" target="_blank">here</a>). Just because sometimes it's nice to reflect on the things this week that I am thankful for. I started writing this last week then we got some pretty bad news, hence no weekend post sorry, but I think it's good even when times are bad to think about the little things that make it better.<br />
<br />
<ul>
<li>My messy flat, because it is filling up with all the kit and detritus for Kilimanjaro and the wedding. Kili is 2 months away now! Also because we are too busy to clean it we are now running on a reduced housework 'as long as we have food and the floors are hoovered, the kitchen and bathrooms are sort of clean and we can sit on the sofa and get in the bed then it'll do' system. So yay no dusting. I joke, but the standards are low at the moment guys, do not come round unannounced you are likely to have to climb over backpacks and tents to get in!</li>
<li>We have been doing less climbing (boo) because Tom is resting his ankle, and I need to focus on kili training so cardio and gym and walking. The unexpected benefit of this is that we now get Tuesday afternoons/evenings together. Tuesdays are often Tom's day off, so I get home at just gone 4pm then we have the rest of the evening. It's nice in a busy week to get some uninterrupted time, even if we usually just watch Heroes on Netflix. </li>
<li>Last week on Tuesday afternoon we went for a picnic on the park which Tom prepared, bless him he bought all veggie stuff and a bottle of wine and had it all ready when I got in from work. Plus he'd been researching honeymoon flights and dates all afternoon. It's little things like this that are the reason I'll never have cold feet about marrying him, anyone can buy a bunch of flowers or spend money on presents but the thoughtful things are what matters. </li>
<li>I got 2 free £200 bridesmaid dresses! My dress shop had an offer on that if I bought my dress in July (was going to anyway) then I would get 2 free dresses. So my 2 sisters now have dresses on order, and when we have the money for them we will order the next 2. But <b>£400</b> worth of free dresses!! Plus my dress is ordered and paid for. Can I have a girly squeeee moment?! OK done promise to not do that too often but this wedding malarkey is turning me into a right girl :)</li>
<li>All the walking has really got me out in the fresh air and I am thankful to live in such a beautiful place and be able to enjoy it like this in the nice weather we have been (sometimes) having.</li>
<li>On a more materialistic note we got a <a href="http://www.sonos.com/" target="_blank">Sonos </a>speaker and it is amazing! I was all 'but we have a stereo, why do we need a new thing, I don't understand it, it won't play my CD's and what about radio?' yes I am old and not convinced about digital music and I want radio and disks. However, Tom gets points at work and can then order stuff out of a catalogue for them...so it didn't cost us anything! At the cost of them we would never have bought one (probably, although we now want another play:1 for the other side of the living room and are contemplating buying the 'bridge' so we can move it from room to room wirelessly - amazing - and maybe a Play:3 for the dining room as we could then hear that through the back of the flat) but I would recommend them if you have a spare few hundred quid (also <a href="http://www.justgiving.com/katie-kili" target="_blank">sponsor me </a>if you do). If we got 2 more and built up to getting the playbar over time (it's £500 so a looong time of Tom saving his points!) we could double them up as surround sound. And yeah, I'm converted, and grateful that we didn't pay £169 for it. This post was not sponsored by sonos I am just kind of amazed by this little speaker!</li>
</ul>
I am aware that in comparison to a lot of people in the world my life is pretty awesome, and even when I get bogged down in the mundane (and not so mundane) sagas of modern life I sometimes have to check my attitude and remember that I am thankful to live the life I have.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
Sponsor me to climb Kilimanjaro! </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
www.justgiving.com/katie-kili</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.justgiving.com/katie-kili" target="_blank" title="JustGiving - Sponsor me now!"><img alt="JustGiving - Sponsor me now!" src="http://www.justgiving.com/App_Themes/JustGiving/images/badges/badge9.gif" height="90" width="120" /></a></div>
Katiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09550058687845405403noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2795444099528800329.post-90249640649404435332014-07-30T19:19:00.000+01:002014-07-30T19:19:23.397+01:00Moving House – Part 2 – Viewing<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Time for part 2 in the moving house series (you can find part 1 </span><a href="http://tenantchic.blogspot.co.uk/2014/06/moving-house-part-one-finding-new-place.html" style="font-family: inherit;" target="_blank">here</a><span style="font-family: inherit;">), again I'm not an expert or a letting agent, I'm </span>just<span style="font-family: inherit;"> someone who has rented a lot of different places and has some experiences to share. If you have any questions or tips of your own </span>leave<span style="font-family: inherit;"> them in the comments!</span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<div class="ecxMsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 16.866666793823242px; margin-bottom: 1.35em;">
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit;">You’ve found a place you can afford, accepts whatever you need accepting (pets, smokers, children etc) and you like the look of, time to go and see it! What should you bear in mind when looking around?</span></div>
<div class="ecxMsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-bottom: 1.35em;">
</div>
<ul>
<li style="line-height: 16.866666793823242px;"><span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit; text-indent: -18pt;">It’s a good idea to take someone with you even if you’ll be living there alone, as it’s good to get a second opinion, Tom often asks questions I wouldn’t think of and vice versa. Definitely don’t go alone if you’re meeting someone from the paper etc (i.e. not a reputable letting agent) as you do not know that this person is genuine so meeting them alone in a strange house is not a sensible idea.</span></li>
<li style="line-height: 16.866666793823242px;"><span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit; text-indent: -18pt;">Don't be afraid to take your camera or to ask to take photos on your phone, if you are viewing a lot of places it helps to compare them if you have some pictures (real ones not the agent ones that sometimes make rooms appear larger or miss out not so nice parts).<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigtG2T7ueaxpOoMH1c3TomWK_tBcYSaKL466pbyijHo-6vGiRRwUDCVKwtPyT96cwYHjKk2e-C7VMQDcwOuyUKMSoAIFXklXp6BpOQjgthO7mz2SJpW2KJZDus44iHcp0ZAa3Din7ch9Fu/s1600/SAM_2532.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigtG2T7ueaxpOoMH1c3TomWK_tBcYSaKL466pbyijHo-6vGiRRwUDCVKwtPyT96cwYHjKk2e-C7VMQDcwOuyUKMSoAIFXklXp6BpOQjgthO7mz2SJpW2KJZDus44iHcp0ZAa3Din7ch9Fu/s1600/SAM_2532.JPG" height="640" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pictures from our viewing, trying to capture the size and shape of the rooms</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjGsVoRoMzzYfRdHTHa-mbuooh-QXf2M_G6RVsWjYY9TreTUQabDIb7HrWOeIxFCvvwM20EAMvgOZYSpt6IjOyZcdt0SxLvDB_36K0BiAmeotyxi_CTtJxwAtaUs3V2EeWibJlzN2nZcB9/s1600/SAM_2531.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjGsVoRoMzzYfRdHTHa-mbuooh-QXf2M_G6RVsWjYY9TreTUQabDIb7HrWOeIxFCvvwM20EAMvgOZYSpt6IjOyZcdt0SxLvDB_36K0BiAmeotyxi_CTtJxwAtaUs3V2EeWibJlzN2nZcB9/s1600/SAM_2531.JPG" height="640" width="480" /></a></div>
</span></li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li style="line-height: 16.866666793823242px;"><span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit; text-indent: -18pt;">Ask for measurements or take a tape measure with you, also measure your larger furniture (if you’ll be taking it with you) before you go on any viewings and take those measurements with you. If you are really set on taking a certain piece of big furniture (for example our sofa is quite huge so if we moved now we’d need a good size living room) see if there is a place it would fit.<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKYoX5iK5yrB6V8cWVPVNYQtIeGxizFhyphenhyphenC1HXUJDRQdDvXU8D2oAsex-G-wbTHB0F7Yr3NedlU5stdG4RGxQNlP8StW9pW_zsnNVWc8oDxs9eJAmNpwPokhu61V05zbnHf8EU5s_VT25kk/s1600/SAM_2533.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKYoX5iK5yrB6V8cWVPVNYQtIeGxizFhyphenhyphenC1HXUJDRQdDvXU8D2oAsex-G-wbTHB0F7Yr3NedlU5stdG4RGxQNlP8StW9pW_zsnNVWc8oDxs9eJAmNpwPokhu61V05zbnHf8EU5s_VT25kk/s1600/SAM_2533.JPG" height="640" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Me measuring the bedroom at our second viewing</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</span></li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit; text-indent: -18pt;">If you find somewhere you like, ask when the next viewing is before making any snap decisions. For example we often view places quite late in the evening so are likely to be the last viewing they have that day – giving us the opportunity to go away and think it over and call first thing if we want to take it.</span></li>
<li style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit; text-indent: -18pt;">If they have another viewing straight after you or have someone else interested you might have to think a little quicker, if you really love the place and are sure you want it then it’s your decision to go for it if you want to. I’d recommend at least going away and thinking about it for a little while though, even if it’s just an hour!</span></li>
<li style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit; text-indent: -18pt;">Walk around the local area after or before the viewing, to see what’s near to the property like shops, bus stops etc. It also helps to get a feel for the area and how safe it is and what the neighbourhood is like. You could use this as your time to think it over, just an hour wandering around to make up your mind.</span></li>
<li style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit; text-indent: -18pt;">Don’t feel rushed on the viewing, I have experienced this in some places where you get a 2 minute walk through of the property then you feel like the agent or landlord is waiting for you to get out! It might be that they have another viewing booked or just don’t allow enough time, but make sure you have a good look around and ask any questions. Book a second viewing if needs be.</span></li>
<li style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit; text-indent: -18pt;">Some agents might ask for an ‘administration fee’ or some other name for a non refundable deposit which stops them showing anyone else the property and pretty much just holds it until you sign the contract. I paid this on my first rental and have never done it again. It’s better to have the deposit ready and be able to confidently say ‘I’ll take it, cancel your other viewings’. I have been asked for this fee again and said no, I’d rather just get the deposit paid and the contract signed rather than pay them £200 to not show it to anyone else when I’ve already said I’ll have it! You do hear stories as well about unscrupulous agents taking this payment then still showing the property. Really if you have said you want the property, you have the deposit ready and are ready to sign the contract then there is no reason to pay this</span></li>
<li style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit; text-indent: -18pt;"><span style="line-height: 16.866666793823242px;">Ask questions, it seems like loads of questions to ask when you’re there but it’s better to know everything before deciding on taking a place rather than moving in and finding something you really need </span></span><span style="line-height: 16.866666793823242px; text-indent: -18pt;">isn't</span><span style="font-family: inherit; text-indent: -18pt;"><span style="line-height: 16.866666793823242px;"> there, think about things like:</span></span></li>
</ul>
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit; line-height: 16.866666793823242px; text-indent: -18pt;"><ol>
<li><span style="font-family: inherit; text-indent: -18pt;">Look at the heating and cooling systems and energy efficiency, where is the boiler? Is it pretty new? Are the radiators new or do they look old? When were they last replaced and serviced? Does it have night storage heating (I</span><span style="font-family: inherit; text-indent: -18pt;"> </span><i style="background-color: transparent; font-family: inherit; line-height: 20.82666778564453px; text-indent: -18pt;">hate</i><span style="font-family: inherit; text-indent: -18pt;"> </span><span style="font-family: inherit; text-indent: -18pt;">night storage heating)? Is there air con? Are the windows double glazed or single? Are there any draughts around the doors or windows? You don’t want to move into a nice affordable place just to find it costs a fortune to heat or cool!</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: inherit; text-indent: -18pt;">Think about amenities and services - can you change utility provider (this should be a yes by law in the UK)? Who is the current provider? Is there a phone line and internet? If so where are the plugs for them? Is there cable/satellite/freeview? If not could you get it installed if you wanted to.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: inherit; text-indent: -18pt;">Think about questions other than the physical aspects of the property, like when would they want the rent (monthly usually) and how do they want you to pay (usually direct debit)? How often do they do inspections? What is their policy on repairs (timeframe, amount etc)?</span></li>
</ol>
</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Next in the series will be signing on the dotted line, some tips on signing the contract. I also am </span>working<span style="font-family: inherit;"> on </span>finishing<span style="font-family: inherit;"> the bedroom up so I can show you some after photos, and we might be finally getting our damp solution </span>fitted<span style="font-family: inherit;"> next week!</span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit;">Sponsor me to climb Kilimanjaro! </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit;">www.justgiving.com/katie-kili </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit;"><a href="http://www.justgiving.com/katie-kili" target="_blank" title="JustGiving - Sponsor me now!"><img alt="JustGiving - Sponsor me now!" src="http://www.justgiving.com/App_Themes/JustGiving/images/badges/badge9.gif" height="90" width="120" /></a></span></div>
Katiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09550058687845405403noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2795444099528800329.post-34453601947601995112014-07-27T17:29:00.000+01:002014-07-27T17:29:24.799+01:00Weekend InspirationI have had a wonderful weekend, a training walk yesterday around local hill enjoying the views and sunshine...then a day at the local outside pool today with my sisters and niece. Also had a personal training session Friday and another booked for tomorrow so feeling good. Just over 2 months until Kilimanjaro now and starting to feel ready!<br />
<br />
A photo from the top of the hill, the path is steep but not very long (not many mountains locally that I can practice on unfortunately!) so I went up and down a few times to really work my legs out, this was taken while I was quietly dying after the last go!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3VFWRRRrHUqw_MLM0xkp910bSkTvJA83Do2A-aOpzcw5BqOYuyEE8Qbr2JYD8W9hoabO-8Pcc6k0FAKZtsntF46zQmFAsZu0pMN393ifQOVk3IAqy6yPRM59GtLGO1vfh8PSK8POm415E/s1600/2014-07-26+13.44.02-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3VFWRRRrHUqw_MLM0xkp910bSkTvJA83Do2A-aOpzcw5BqOYuyEE8Qbr2JYD8W9hoabO-8Pcc6k0FAKZtsntF46zQmFAsZu0pMN393ifQOVk3IAqy6yPRM59GtLGO1vfh8PSK8POm415E/s1600/2014-07-26+13.44.02-2.jpg" height="362" width="640" /></a></div>
Still been pinning of course, although I actually tend to do most of my pinning and other web browsing in the week, like on the bus to work so most of these aren't actually from this weekend but I'm sure most of them have been on the web for months or years anyway!<br />
<br />
Like this pin which has been around in various guises for years...but I like it and I love a good map (last week we had maps in weekend inspiration too!) plus me and Tom love to travel and have lots of plans for places to go. I like that you could add to this over the years, either by adding more frames or extending it to a larger one.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.pinterest.com/pin/182395853632428165/" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIayK04H16crAB9q54rne4JU8eEzcet3kr-cB0kGYmO9W_G5_b3W0STNQJrozAvtCqegMkUIaS7F8-ZtAWuipV7BkhQ5TM6C2kjxru44no7iUu9JU1xNT5K8brdJLmUtryyIkzrWaawMaf/s1600/map+hearts+in+frame.jpg" height="640" width="640" /></a></div>
This started as a wedding pin, but doesn't really fit in to what we're going with (I went a bit inspiration crazy at the start and just pinned everything I liked but now trying to narrow it down!) and it would be nice in a home. Especially if you are the kind of person who changes décor for the season, it would be a nice autumn/winter item for a mantel or table layout. So cheap too, just some glasses and some twigs!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.pinterest.com/pin/211387776230852571/" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLoR4JAnJfjI5c-ti1iEiOAeYRauJYyPD4im8RvseWdkYSP3aStcbvUnUEkiwW2BqOHgSoZB9P8YYekYhU5i03pzWkB4jJsz-VRV9h2X0D6z975FvO-X5mnjXcnyju3MDwpGUwqnAeoX6_/s1600/vases+with+twigs.jpg" height="640" width="498" /></a></div>
I don't actually know where this is because the pin leads to a warren of Tumblr reblogs...and the source is not quoted on half of them...but just look at these houses! I'd have a little greenhouse/sunroom going on in those glass windows!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_1I6Nlv1-oGRTHD48A0DOqWu-Xq8CgS-KA3B9KuneRX2UEMAgW-HTan0g-Ikr1SmjMpdJDWZkiQSdxzlvGY_XzvN1gFw3TJl73WM8hkpk5RWvD4pwhaxmktlayhYD-kJv9vivZLC17W8l/s1600/glass+fron+houses.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_1I6Nlv1-oGRTHD48A0DOqWu-Xq8CgS-KA3B9KuneRX2UEMAgW-HTan0g-Ikr1SmjMpdJDWZkiQSdxzlvGY_XzvN1gFw3TJl73WM8hkpk5RWvD4pwhaxmktlayhYD-kJv9vivZLC17W8l/s1600/glass+fron+houses.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></a></div>
Have a lovely Sunday evening all, I'm off to shower and put some leave in conditioner in my hair and apply some aftersun...I love the feeling after a weekend of being outside in the sunshine but my skin and hair disagree!<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
Sponsor me to climb Kilimanjaro! </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
www.justgiving.com/katie-kili</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.justgiving.com/katie-kili" target="_blank" title="JustGiving - Sponsor me now!"><img alt="JustGiving - Sponsor me now!" src="http://www.justgiving.com/App_Themes/JustGiving/images/badges/badge9.gif" height="90" width="120" /></a></div>
Katiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09550058687845405403noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2795444099528800329.post-13922218400834041262014-07-23T16:00:00.000+01:002014-07-23T16:00:01.355+01:00This year's garden<span style="font-family: inherit;">This year I decided to keep our garden a bit more simple. It was nice last year but needed a lot of watering and up keeping...this year I have neither the time or the money (or to be honest the inclination) to replant it all.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">So I decided to just tidy it up and replant some things and call it done..to be honest anything was better than the before.</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5ieedgG6QhkSfRADK6dfRsym1Kd_sdP3kKtiOv5mHOwS_PiDPbcYPpNM3MOc6QjQte1BNuM-dITnOTmae6apfWIqD3giFfcXUy6W9gdkZ8WYCV9m8fVqbBvJ8JyOp3Pw95912zhz8WaDL/s1600/2014-06-14+15.20.02.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="color: black; font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5ieedgG6QhkSfRADK6dfRsym1Kd_sdP3kKtiOv5mHOwS_PiDPbcYPpNM3MOc6QjQte1BNuM-dITnOTmae6apfWIqD3giFfcXUy6W9gdkZ8WYCV9m8fVqbBvJ8JyOp3Pw95912zhz8WaDL/s1600/2014-06-14+15.20.02.jpg" height="362" width="640" /></span></a></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4t32paby9vU5V_wkcKvQEGJkmelNiudQ6UutdfQY9kBpF22aHOhpqjt0xmp8sWLYeLeRX8KLElAJljUgXkJggHtnqBrWt1tjuHMaqbviuBpLpUjOobb4S92-U1puKlfO-RAsHo2ukBC6q/s1600/2014-06-14+15.20.10.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="color: black; font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4t32paby9vU5V_wkcKvQEGJkmelNiudQ6UutdfQY9kBpF22aHOhpqjt0xmp8sWLYeLeRX8KLElAJljUgXkJggHtnqBrWt1tjuHMaqbviuBpLpUjOobb4S92-U1puKlfO-RAsHo2ukBC6q/s1600/2014-06-14+15.20.10.jpg" height="362" width="640" /></span></a></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Dead plants and empty pots. Stylish.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">It felt a little crowded before to be honest so I wanted to keep it at 'less is more' this year. We had a few pots that were here when we moved in, and when they had their garden redone the landlords said that we could give them back any pots that we didn't want as it looked like they were getting in our way (and to be honest some of them were). So some of their pots went up onto their garden, and ours got emptied, we had this many left!</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1p4qgUdYv23i5d9NIYLxbOeUU3tb8jemwFCiJOsdXUBZ6GBIGP1L_0LmV0PfA8n9VCPuEbG9_1RuwAmnXiTktmnZHvx5e3G7_Ac2v4sIsbwDpGKfn_fy_sjwhc-mier2r8UbsaEps9GTS/s1600/2014-06-14+16.10.52-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="color: black; font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1p4qgUdYv23i5d9NIYLxbOeUU3tb8jemwFCiJOsdXUBZ6GBIGP1L_0LmV0PfA8n9VCPuEbG9_1RuwAmnXiTktmnZHvx5e3G7_Ac2v4sIsbwDpGKfn_fy_sjwhc-mier2r8UbsaEps9GTS/s1600/2014-06-14+16.10.52-1.jpg" height="640" width="362" /></span></a></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Plus Minty who will not let me take a garden photo without her (evidenced <a href="http://tenantchic.blogspot.co.uk/2013/03/outside.html" target="_blank">here</a>, <a href="http://tenantchic.blogspot.co.uk/2013/05/were-ready-for-sun.html" target="_blank">here </a>and <a href="http://tenantchic.blogspot.co.uk/2013/05/progress.html" target="_blank">here</a>). They are now next to the barbecue, I didn't throw them out as they were expensive to buy and when we get a bigger garden might be handy.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">I re-potted some of the larger plants into bigger pots, and then moved them all up onto the nieghbours/landlords garden (they were on holiday so I took the opportunity to steal some space) and I cleaned the concrete. I bought the cleaner back with the stuff from <a href="http://tenantchic.blogspot.co.uk/2013/06/finished-garden.html" target="_blank">this post</a>, but I never got round to using it. You can see in that post and the pics above that the concrete was pretty stained and dark, I wanted to clean it up a bit for this year. I just brushed this solution on (I forgot to take a pic/note of the stuff but it was from the 99p store and called 'Path Brite' or something similar) and left it for a while (the bottle was really not specific on how long!)</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFhNYns_wTjcdWLP-0wpMOo6BdOaCHkT1a92J0-4GtMvauzXZKye1_8hDmL1X9dHYwCJ6co4mMUHd7IDGwwPT7ofA38-n-xw6y-CKD7UM5oIJVj7gVPwYIH6PRkeUwwKAUX96j0_tMd_yn/s1600/2014-06-14+17.09.01.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="color: black; font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFhNYns_wTjcdWLP-0wpMOo6BdOaCHkT1a92J0-4GtMvauzXZKye1_8hDmL1X9dHYwCJ6co4mMUHd7IDGwwPT7ofA38-n-xw6y-CKD7UM5oIJVj7gVPwYIH6PRkeUwwKAUX96j0_tMd_yn/s1600/2014-06-14+17.09.01.jpg" height="640" width="362" /></span></a></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Then rinsed it off and brought all the pots back down, it looks a bit better now, the concrete is definitely cleaner. I could do with a pressure washer for some of the marks, but as a quick fix it has worked well!</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgr8-zXc711rysz_OvVFoZc5A6N8qUUNasa1iemo8BYdLKU-y3JhVpsxEQMkcfBROtBOzUF9GflFMmCx2BbgpzBkjAe8Fw1E3j96rGVxosGRNEnO-pKY5qJFW46ru2QGmgrDS67amZFAXQi/s1600/2014-07-13+20.00.51.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="color: black; font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgr8-zXc711rysz_OvVFoZc5A6N8qUUNasa1iemo8BYdLKU-y3JhVpsxEQMkcfBROtBOzUF9GflFMmCx2BbgpzBkjAe8Fw1E3j96rGVxosGRNEnO-pKY5qJFW46ru2QGmgrDS67amZFAXQi/s1600/2014-07-13+20.00.51.jpg" height="362" width="640" /></span></a></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">The large plants are all that I've kept, and I like that they will keep coming back year after year.</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLS_0JmtHFZ-_EU0GfPCGyJg3O9ib5REQYx82VOyqYZSQJlZXkcpPQvItfMj3kKSKqg8XzMgdwqhfKjPSn4zuNYLt62_FiWw8tarp-33YKKQR_mRQFF3z7lfiM7KGl5saDh0adnhA3Bl_i/s1600/2014-07-13+20.01.36.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="color: black; font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLS_0JmtHFZ-_EU0GfPCGyJg3O9ib5REQYx82VOyqYZSQJlZXkcpPQvItfMj3kKSKqg8XzMgdwqhfKjPSn4zuNYLt62_FiWw8tarp-33YKKQR_mRQFF3z7lfiM7KGl5saDh0adnhA3Bl_i/s1600/2014-07-13+20.01.36.jpg" height="362" width="640" /></span></a></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 20.82666778564453px;">I have some mixed lettuce to plant in the long planters as we do miss having salad stuff to hand, we have just not gotten round to it and it’s too late for much else now. Other than that this is it for this year. I like the more minimal feel, with the lighter concrete and fewer but larger plants I think it looks more airy and bright. Last year we had a lot of plants and it got a bit crowded.</span></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdfBdnj1xKlKbp5Vm_EIv8Bt-x_c5RBxDLiT-_pJW5ZRT9omgmNmyM1naLkcpflVkSnzKi7YLBzoZuuccvNkqTezSGYxvdYRCFX1XLXQXudYzzBIb5Gp4JMladFvYdsJfCrsVnf10DWluR/s1600/2014-07-13+20.01.55.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="color: black; font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdfBdnj1xKlKbp5Vm_EIv8Bt-x_c5RBxDLiT-_pJW5ZRT9omgmNmyM1naLkcpflVkSnzKi7YLBzoZuuccvNkqTezSGYxvdYRCFX1XLXQXudYzzBIb5Gp4JMladFvYdsJfCrsVnf10DWluR/s1600/2014-07-13+20.01.55.jpg" height="362" width="640" /></span></a></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">The plant on the right was given to us by Tom's Nanna, it had sat in the plastic pot we got it in until now but just in the couple of weeks since being re-planted it has grown well. I have no idea what it is but I'm told it will do well anywhere, so that's good!</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3UwyndNJw_caa_YgVpv6RyufpQ1fCXxpBg8MBhnejM03sXDAbUlqEa8R21N8MQqTTxTuoE_mMfA-vPc23CEOs3LRiWqpfm-dUvAfJpB3g45apQn0TvO7NaF7o4tjJv2ySG-t5_hmg3pSZ/s1600/2014-07-13+20.02.04.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="color: black; font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3UwyndNJw_caa_YgVpv6RyufpQ1fCXxpBg8MBhnejM03sXDAbUlqEa8R21N8MQqTTxTuoE_mMfA-vPc23CEOs3LRiWqpfm-dUvAfJpB3g45apQn0TvO7NaF7o4tjJv2ySG-t5_hmg3pSZ/s1600/2014-07-13+20.02.04.jpg" height="362" width="640" /></span></a></div>
<span style="background-color: white; line-height: 20.82666778564453px;">It is also a lot less to water, and although my black thumb only seems to apply to indoor plants and I manage to keep outdoor ones reasonably healthy it is still a bonus to only have 6 plants to water rather than 20! I’m still using the watering globes, but some of them now have 2 as I had spares, which means even less watering. This is the one downside to potted gardens that they need more watering than a normal planted garden as they don’t have any groundwater to use…don’t get carried away and plant loads of pots then curse it for the rest of the summer when you have to water them all every night! Upsides are no weeding, no lawn mowing and no digging borders though so on balance I don’t mind a few extra refills of the watering can.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">This is the best shot to show just how little room we have to work with, and how much space we have gained by thinning out the plants a little.</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqWPVx5J9cY0mRdUBTCtEKmWbsTwVLnZ7CbQQck34sjVl5JcPxSgIqyt57IC2dZzcbNzEnmoLWZN7rnJjhNWuD75XWPbnkhRkUQEl_Of6bIDCJoQIrpsdnVWkxVOAYcilyjnpwjriivB_Y/s1600/2014-07-13+20.02.43.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="color: black; font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqWPVx5J9cY0mRdUBTCtEKmWbsTwVLnZ7CbQQck34sjVl5JcPxSgIqyt57IC2dZzcbNzEnmoLWZN7rnJjhNWuD75XWPbnkhRkUQEl_Of6bIDCJoQIrpsdnVWkxVOAYcilyjnpwjriivB_Y/s1600/2014-07-13+20.02.43.jpg" height="362" width="640" /></span></a></div>
<div class="ecxMsoNormal" style="background-color: white; line-height: 20.82666778564453px; margin-bottom: 1.35em;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Next year I might add in a couple more flowering plants to bring in some colour, and some more edible things, but I like that the plants we have now should last us and they have all come back well this year, again I didn’t get a photo of the clematis flowers but it flowered well again this spring.</span></div>
<div class="ecxMsoNormal" style="background-color: white; line-height: 20.82666778564453px; margin-bottom: 1.35em;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">We have also decided to get rid of our bikes as we never use them, so that will free up a bit of space. I realised when I was tidying that I’d kind of forgotten they were even there so we obviously don’t have much need for them!</span></div>
<div class="ecxMsoNormal" style="background-color: white; line-height: 20.82666778564453px; margin-bottom: 1.35em;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Now we just need to get the gas on the BBQ refilled and we are ready for some summer evenings outside with a BBQ and a cold glass of something!</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Sponsor me to climb Kilimanjaro! </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">www.justgiving.com/katie-kili</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">
<a href="http://www.justgiving.com/katie-kili" target="_blank" title="JustGiving - Sponsor me now!"><img alt="JustGiving - Sponsor me now!" src="http://www.justgiving.com/App_Themes/JustGiving/images/badges/badge9.gif" height="90" width="120" /></a></span></div>
Katiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09550058687845405403noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2795444099528800329.post-66578581238170387872014-07-19T17:35:00.004+01:002014-07-19T17:35:59.976+01:00Weekend InspirationPretty standard week around here, work, gym, climbing...we're out for a meal tonight with friends then going to walk to Tom's mum's tomorrow for a training walk, about 10 miles I think so wish us luck! We'll be getting dinner at the end of it so I'm sure we'll manage :)<br />
<br />
I had planned to go out all day to the local lido to sunbathe and swim as we have had glorious weather all week...then it rained all day. So I've been cleaning, post writing and doing yoga, sometimes it's nice just to have a day at home. Just time for a quick inspiration post today then before I go and get dressed (which I better hurry up and do, can't go out in my flat cleaning/yoga clothes now can I).<br />
<br />
This pretty collection of plates is worth displaying<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.pinterest.com/pin/182395853632408154/" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEge1gbWDiU3vYIMkihHFffjkBJ94FetKyKgoQpJjQBy2R1PbCmHAYqo_cffVuVKSNuCrYUE261-8pfAl2cQLEEbuckao0OHy3hctZ_XWkn7hr1Ev2Lc668Np79Oix4fE6RJGdKlQISs7pmN/s1600/floral+plates.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></a></div>
I love using maps in decor, and these would sit well on a mantel or hung above a desk. You could also use pins to mark where you've travelled to.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.pinterest.com/pin/182395853632408154/" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgU4U6vbFVZInZH2eLG6sgy8nW3R3f-W5sntl4Yfx_mdgjmSwHxYBEUAvgqeJJdAWZ1zOXVf_lqloWNvqBhRaUlYPvOJHijYZyInmK_fmDUF9uzpob46tpm9Evh-BkhUOucEZM2sRPo3B-J/s1600/map+canvas.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
This house...oh my. Click through on the picture for bigger images these seem to all be coming out really small, it's worth the look!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://drawingfrommemory.com/_blog/Flurries/post/Architecture_in_LA_-_Stahl_House/" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8kUYuVW_P5mvJskKef0rfGk51eFiEXktpXuKRLtFM_YcJ5JFGtzC6ll2npD0Hv8GAeuisXe6WLCRtXfKvJYLc-3O3t_kuucqt-41lRlbAO00SQ7T3fuZlVWfcyu3jaDDGR6kC3RddpSCp/s1600/stahl+house.jpg" height="640" width="136" /></a></div>
Have a wonderful rest of the weekend all, may your plans not be washed out by thunderstorms!<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
Sponsor me to climb Kilimanjaro! </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
www.justgiving.com/katie-kili </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.justgiving.com/katie-kili" target="_blank" title="JustGiving - Sponsor me now!"><img alt="JustGiving - Sponsor me now!" src="http://www.justgiving.com/App_Themes/JustGiving/images/badges/badge9.gif" height="90" width="120" /></a></div>
Katiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09550058687845405403noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2795444099528800329.post-90697976485537892662014-07-12T10:29:00.001+01:002014-07-12T10:29:31.561+01:00Weekend InspirationAh the weekend has arrived, and I am so glad it has! I have an ever growing to do list, and am checking things off today like empty the hallway of the junk that has accumulated in there since my fete...and pay for Kilimanjaro and my wedding dress! So big things going on today...and I WILL take photos of the garden and our new bed to share on here.<br />
<br />
In the meantime it's time for weekend inspiration, I've fallen off the bandwagon with these lately but I like them so trying to get back on it!<br />
<br />
This industrial feeling, high ceilinged kitchen with the open stairs above is dramatic enough, but those windows!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.pinterest.com/pin/182395853632336897/" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLWIDa3LFgHtqixWFk9ML_aUOmkkn9BE9tVuNRB9vxSupFHVmZ73QkTSBRdQbzhIfsAioX3DkCNh-qa5Zst64GOinb57DaVelRewnOH85p8t_YjYaaemT_NzBZXVTJ5W4G-XCbtRhL8IRJ/s1600/industrial+kitchen.jpg" height="640" width="438" /></a></div>
This bohemian feel kitchen is so different to the one above, but I love the rug on the painted floor...and the white cabinets with open shelving...and the colourful back splash...and the shelf along the wall at eye height, perfect for displaying photos or recipes!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.pinterest.com/pin/182395853632360454/" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjr12M068IXtxDoS4C9rV64dwqmU0ZzqxUm7pCXoBrm8Tatxj8HMyt4xSviWe9UwqJ0VM7muBORsvwO_e5ExD_5pfaTiqgXBwNugdP3urPyznnoR_h3qVoNc6GsDh683GnlYMxKI2nIt8Na/s1600/bohemian+kitchen.jpg" height="640" width="608" /></a></div>
This appears to be kitchen week...another different style, but another one I like (I seem to be a bit of a kitchen magpie, just taking bits I like from different styles). This one looks sleek and elegant, and the island with a sink in it is my ultimate dream kitchen item. I love the light fixtures, and the pantry through on the right. I'd have a different tile here, maybe a plain white or a penny tile in a silver colour...something cleaner looking anyway.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVhh2Rf_4uceJ_RO-WPxriQQLMN0Wfl9sfjtRYtOfM1zbMywGLQ4vIHDiPjqNYo6I2r6Dlp-8DVY5VzxfrH3WC6LnLVXoY0uhkefdm6BKWwV2bYeq247IT33zDNi8kUg4JtDjIy7Hz7TDs/s1600/elegant+kitchen.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVhh2Rf_4uceJ_RO-WPxriQQLMN0Wfl9sfjtRYtOfM1zbMywGLQ4vIHDiPjqNYo6I2r6Dlp-8DVY5VzxfrH3WC6LnLVXoY0uhkefdm6BKWwV2bYeq247IT33zDNi8kUg4JtDjIy7Hz7TDs/s1600/elegant+kitchen.jpg" height="640" width="608" /></a></div>
OK, I'm off to eat then for a productive few hours! Have a great Saturday whatever you're up to xx<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
Sponsor me to climb Kilimanjaro! www.justgiving.com/katie-kili </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.justgiving.com/katie-kili" target="_blank" title="JustGiving - Sponsor me now!"><img alt="JustGiving - Sponsor me now!" src="http://www.justgiving.com/App_Themes/JustGiving/images/badges/badge9.gif" height="90" width="120" /></a></div>
Katiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09550058687845405403noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2795444099528800329.post-8241079274580843462014-07-03T18:11:00.002+01:002014-07-03T18:11:28.647+01:00Excuses ExcusesOk so I didn't say the radio silence would get any better, but I promise I do have projects brewing! I need to tidy up and take after photos of the garden then I can post our quick (and free) upgrade for this summer... but it's meant to rain all weekend so that's probably not going to happen until next week. We also have a semi constructed bed, it just needs finishing off then I am so looking forward to <strike>not having to sleep on a mattress on the floor </strike>taking last photos and sharing it.<br />
<br />
So, I thought I would talk about what has been keeping me so busy!<br />
<br />
The Wedding:<br />
At the moment we are having a wedding week. We tend to sway between wedding focus, and Kilimanjaro focus.<br />
<br />
I've been dress shopping! I'm going back to order it tomorrow! And I am trying to contain my excitement! Seriously I had the most girly bridal moment ever complete with crying mother. I'm not a girly girl at all but it actually made me feel like a princess.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSk22mTML5AVpiyH-pVoJC1PkisnQekirP-mh1Gyck3tisGjD-ltfJCmP76fcW87CkVbfC4hDtqMJ0js8FwnvtWGmGG20t-5mFu0TDasVJximepQ87SGLEkyMYx_-E2aJStXXMX0F6OvP4/s1600/3d765484e68bc6b7_wedding.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSk22mTML5AVpiyH-pVoJC1PkisnQekirP-mh1Gyck3tisGjD-ltfJCmP76fcW87CkVbfC4hDtqMJ0js8FwnvtWGmGG20t-5mFu0TDasVJximepQ87SGLEkyMYx_-E2aJStXXMX0F6OvP4/s1600/3d765484e68bc6b7_wedding.jpg" height="334" width="640" /></a></div>
I went to a new shop and a vintage shop, and I will write up my experiences of both...but I went with new in the end. I really didn't have any preference but 'the one' found me in the end.<br />
<br />
We sent of a load of enquiries to bands on Sunday, as we want live music. Tom is kind of dealing with that at the moment as he knows more about bands than me, and he <i>may </i>have better taste in music.<br />
<br />
We also went to the court to declare our intention to marry, which basically involves establishing that neither of us are illegal immigrants, and we aren't related to each other or already married to someone else. This also means we have confirmed our booking with the registrar and can start planning the actual ceremony which is cool.<br />
<br />
Now I have picked the dress I have started looking at bridesmaid dresses, hair and makeup and my accessories. Not that I will buy any of it soon but it's good to be able to start looking.<br />
<br />
After this I will probably scale back on the wedding things until we are back from Kili, Tom has a few things he might start looking at but we have a lot of the things booked that we want to for now. It's starting to take shape and it's quite exciting to see it all coming together.<br />
<br />
Kili:<br />
Back in <a href="http://tenantchic.blogspot.co.uk/2014/06/weekend-inspiration.html" target="_blank">this post</a> I told you about our jam packed week of training, I then came back and went straight into my usual training routine...then I got ill. I should have given myself a rest when we got back, but I felt really strong and wanted to keep the momentum and good energy up. I had a course of antibiotics and good rest last week (no exercise at all until Friday!), and now I'm back on it.<br /><br />I am loving my new fitness level, and the side effect of losing weight and so much more body confidence, but it is a commitment. I have something on most nights after work. I am feeling strong though, my climbing has also come on in leaps and bounds as I'm generally fitter (and lighter). I also just feel better, when I'm not hurting from some self inflicted bruise or ache.<br /><br />We have now decided to go self funding for the trip, as we failed miserably to raise the cash in time. Although I am STILL trying to give out raffle prizes (people, if I ring you, ring me back!) and finishing off fundraising things, we are now just raising money through sponsorship and 100% goes to the charity.<br />
<br />
We are nearly there on kit, but we still have a few expensive trips to go outdoors ahead of us...we have boots (if I can get mine to stop making my toes go numb...weird), bags and some clothes but we need lots more like sleeping bags, puffa jackets, waterproof jackets, thermarest sleeping mats and just lots and lots of little things like more thermals, more socks, better sunglasses, better hats and gloves, better holdalls...<br />
<br />
We also need to get our visas and jabs, and booking my jabs at the GP seems to involve some kind of quest in which I need to fill out a form with my life history and travel itinerary and wait a WEEK for someone to ring me back, to not be able to tell me even what jabs they think I need or how much it will cost. I have to make an appointment to come in to discuss that (WTF was the point of the form then the week long wait?) which they couldn't do, so I have to ring back. So basically they rang me to say they don't know what I need, they can't make me an appointment and they don't know how much it will be. OK cheers then, could I not have just made this appointment a week ago? Then I will have ANOTHER appointment for the jabs if they have to order them in. Hey here's an idea, why not sort out what I need from the form YOU made me fill out, then order them in...I think I'm going to go private. Then change GP practice. It's things like this that give the NHS a bad rap, <i>my </i>department is not run anything like that FYI.<br />
<br />
I had to send my passport off too as I realised it expires in Feb, and I need 6 months on it when I go to Kili in October...then once that's back I need to apply for the visa so fingers crossed the delays at the passport office don't mess this up for me or I might be taking a trip to London in September to get the visa in person!<br />
<br />
All in all pretty busy, add in a relative in hospital this week and it's been a manic one! I'll be glad when the weekend arrives and I can tidy up my messy flat and hopefully take some after photos and get some actual projects on here...stranger things have happened.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
Sponsor me to climb Kilimanjaro! </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
www.justgiving.com/katie-kili </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.justgiving.com/katie-kili" target="_blank" title="JustGiving - Sponsor me now!"><img alt="JustGiving - Sponsor me now!" src="http://www.justgiving.com/App_Themes/JustGiving/images/badges/badge9.gif" height="90" width="120" /></a></div>
Katiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09550058687845405403noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2795444099528800329.post-48952091264435248462014-06-18T16:00:00.000+01:002014-06-18T16:00:00.318+01:00GratitudeI saw a post on twitter the other day (I didn't actually note down who it was sadly) on weekly gratitude. Just someone listing what they were grateful for that week. This week when a lot of people I know are going through some really tough times I've been really examining my little life and I think it's good to practice gratitude for the small things. Even if you're having a bad week there's usually something small you can be grateful for.<br />
<br />
These are things I'm grateful for this week:<br />
<br />
<ul>
<li>Sunshine, or at least warm non raining weather.</li>
<li>My courtyard garden and its new look (update soon)</li>
<li>All the things keeping me busy, the Kilimanjaro climb, the wedding and now the 18 month course I've signed up for at work - because they are all amazing opportunities although this year will be epically busy!</li>
<li>A quiet life, although we have lots on we don't have a lot of drama and stress and I'm grateful for quiet evenings in, shared goals and being a team when it does get tough.</li>
<li>Flashing my first 6A route in the boulder room :) I've been climbing 6A's for a while now but always had to work on them and did one first try this past week. Not a great achievement or anything near but definite progress for me!</li>
</ul>
<br />
I am of course grateful for the big things like a roof over my head, my family, Tom, my job etc but I think it's a really nice idea to think about the things that we are grateful for that seem smaller or more trivial, as these are often overlooked and it's the small things that make up a life! I might make this a regular post (maybe not weekly but semi regularly) to try to keep the vibe positive around here.<br />
<br />
What are you guy's grateful for this week?<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
Sponsor me to climb Kilimanjaro! www.justgiving.com/katie-kili</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.justgiving.com/katie-kili" target="_blank" title="JustGiving - Sponsor me now!"><img alt="JustGiving - Sponsor me now!" src="http://www.justgiving.com/App_Themes/JustGiving/images/badges/badge9.gif" height="90" width="120" /></a></div>
Katiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09550058687845405403noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2795444099528800329.post-38716141464749076082014-06-13T16:00:00.000+01:002014-06-13T16:00:00.820+01:00Moving House Part one – Finding a new place<div class="ecxMsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 1.35em;">
<span style="color: #444444;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="line-height: 20.82666778564453px;">I decided to start a new regular series on moving house, another 4 parter. To be honest it was mainly because of lack of anything else to post at the moment, as home projects have taken a back seat. However a lot of my other projects are wrapping up and I hope to get at least some garden work done this weekend so I should have a courtyard update soon!</span></span></span></div>
<div class="ecxMsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 1.35em;">
<span style="color: #444444;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="line-height: 20.82666778564453px;">I'm not an expert on moving home but I think with the amount of times we've done it in only 5 years of living together we are getting close enough! We've lived in 4 properties over 5 years, our average is 1.5 years per place (some longer some shorter)...I hope we won't move again until we buy somewhere now! I thought it would be good to share the experiences we've had. </span></span></span></div>
<div class="ecxMsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 1.35em;">
<span style="background-color: white; color: #444444;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="line-height: 20.82666778564453px;">So </span></span><span style="line-height: 20.82666778564453px;">you've</span><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="line-height: 20.82666778564453px;"> decided you want to move or been given notice by your landlord to leave, what’s the next step? If </span></span><span style="line-height: 20.82666778564453px;">you've</span><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="line-height: 20.82666778564453px;"> been given your notice, first take a deep breath and don’t panic! The first time we were given 2 months notice I was so upset that we had to move (even though I </span></span><span style="line-height: 20.82666778564453px;">didn't</span><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="line-height: 20.82666778564453px;"> love the place we were in) as I thought we’d never find a place in time, but we were actually out with time to spare!</span></span></span></div>
<div class="ecxMsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 1.35em;">
<span style="background-color: white; color: #444444;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="line-height: 20.82666778564453px;">A few hints and tips </span></span><span style="line-height: 20.82666778564453px;">we've</span><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="line-height: 20.82666778564453px;"> found along the way when house hunting:</span></span></span></div>
<div class="ecxMsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 1.35em;">
</div>
<ul>
<li><span style="background-color: white; text-indent: -18pt;"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: inherit;"><span style="line-height: 16.866666793823242px;">Sit down and think about where you want to move, and what you need from your new place. We make a list of </span></span><span style="color: #444444;"><span style="line-height: 16.866666793823242px;">absolutely</span></span><span style="color: #444444; font-family: inherit;"><span style="line-height: 16.866666793823242px;"> essential requirements (cost, location, size and area are often the main ones) then a second list of things that would be nice but you could live without or work around (near shops, off road parking etc).</span></span></span></li>
<li><span style="background-color: white; text-indent: -18pt;"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: inherit;"><span style="line-height: 16.866666793823242px;">Stick to your essential requirements (for us </span></span><span style="color: #444444;"><span style="line-height: 16.866666793823242px;">compromising</span></span><span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="line-height: 16.866666793823242px;"> on them has only lead to being dissatisfied after moving in), but don’t be too fussy on the rest especially if you have a deadline to move. For example somewhere must meet all of our essential requirements for us to book a viewing. We decided this time we wanted at least a one bedroom so discounted any studios, it must have central heating, so we didn't bother </span></span><span style="line-height: 16.866666793823242px;">looking</span><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="line-height: 16.866666793823242px;"> at </span></span><span style="line-height: 16.866666793823242px;">anything</span><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="line-height: 16.866666793823242px;"> with night </span></span><span style="line-height: 16.866666793823242px;">storage heating and so on</span><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="line-height: 16.866666793823242px;">. The ‘would be nice’ list comes second, it’s fantastic to find somewhere that meets the requirements of both lists but it is just not always possible. We managed to meet nearly all of our 'would be nice' points and our essential list and we are the happiest we've ever been with a property.</span></span></span></span></li>
<li><span style="color: #444444; font-family: inherit; text-indent: -18pt;"><span style="line-height: 16.866666793823242px;">Call or email all your local letting agents and let them know your requirements, and start getting the local newspapers (or steal the classifieds/property section from someone who does) and look in there every day. Obviously you may be in more of a hurry if </span></span><span style="color: #444444; text-indent: -18pt;"><span style="line-height: 16.866666793823242px;">you've</span></span><span style="color: #444444; font-family: inherit; text-indent: -18pt;"><span style="line-height: 16.866666793823242px;"> been given your notice, so look at every available place to find advertisements – Local papers, property websites, do a search engine search for your area, classifieds websites as well as lettings agents.</span></span></li>
<li><span style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: inherit; line-height: 16.866666793823242px; text-indent: -18pt;">Also tell everyone you know that you’re looking for a new place, I knew 2 people at work who live near where we wanted to move to so they were looking out for ‘to let’ signs in their area for us.</span></li>
<li><span style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: inherit; line-height: 16.866666793823242px; text-indent: -18pt;">If you both work set aside a day per week for viewings so you can just book in a viewing without having to keep checking with each other and calling agents back.</span></li>
<li><span style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: inherit; text-indent: -18pt;"><span style="line-height: 16.866666793823242px;">Being clear on </span></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #444444; line-height: 16.866666793823242px; text-indent: -18pt;">what</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: inherit; text-indent: -18pt;"><span style="line-height: 16.866666793823242px;"> you want will save time when viewing, we found that there were a lot of places out there to let and we had to narrow it down a bit otherwise we would have spent hours looking </span></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #444444; line-height: 16.866666793823242px; text-indent: -18pt;">round</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: inherit; text-indent: -18pt;"><span style="line-height: 16.866666793823242px;"> flats that weren't suitable. </span></span></li>
<li><span style="color: #444444; text-indent: -18pt;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="line-height: 16.866666793823242px;">Try not to get caught in the trap of thinking ‘I’ll just move there for now then look for somewhere else’, if </span></span><span style="line-height: 16.866666793823242px;">you've</span><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="line-height: 16.866666793823242px;"> been given a deadline to move it can be scary but persevere looking for somewhere. We had real trouble finding somewhere to take us with pets and I considered moving into somewhere like a studio temporarily then moving once the 6 month or year contract was up – but that would just mean more upheaval and a year of living somewhere we </span></span><span style="line-height: 16.866666793823242px;">didn't</span><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="line-height: 16.866666793823242px;"> like. 2 of us plus 2 cats and 2 turtles in a studio is not </span></span></span><span style="color: #444444; text-indent: -18pt;"><span style="line-height: 16.866666793823242px;">something</span></span><span style="color: #444444; font-family: inherit; text-indent: -18pt;"><span style="line-height: 16.866666793823242px;"> I would like to try but I got near to considering it.</span></span></li>
<li><span style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: inherit; line-height: 16.866666793823242px; text-indent: -18pt;">However, if it gets really close you might need to think about temporary accommodation, like staying with family or friends and storing your stuff while you carry on looking. </span></li>
<li><span style="color: #444444; font-family: inherit; text-indent: -18pt;"><span style="line-height: 16.866666793823242px;">Or take a good harsh, honest look at your list of essentials, is it too long? Is something always an issue? Do your expectations match your budget? If not one of them needs to change. Do you </span></span><i style="color: #444444; font-family: inherit; line-height: 16.866666793823242px; text-indent: -18pt;">really </i><span style="color: #444444; font-family: inherit; text-indent: -18pt;"><span style="line-height: 16.866666793823242px;">need hardwood floors and fireplaces and is that holding you back being on your </span></span><span style="color: #444444; text-indent: -18pt;"><span style="line-height: 16.866666793823242px;">absolutely</span></span><span style="color: #444444; text-indent: -18pt;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="line-height: 16.866666793823242px;"> essential list when your budget isn't getting you those period feature properties? Get to the reality of what you really need, budget, bedrooms and pets would be all I </span></span><span style="line-height: 16.866666793823242px;">really</span><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="line-height: 16.866666793823242px;"> need if I was struggling to find better, the rest (new fittings, nice decor, near shops etc) is 'would be nice'.</span></span></span></li>
<li><span style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: inherit; line-height: 16.866666793823242px; text-indent: -18pt;">Make sure you ask all the relevant questions to you before going to look at somewhere, like price, area, pets allowed, size etc. Don’t assume just because the agent is calling you that it’s suitable, as sadly I often found this not to be the case. We moved for the first time with pets last time and although when I registered with all the agencies I told them we had cats we often got calls back about places that didn’t accept pets! One agent was very keen and sent me weekly emails of properties they had ‘selected’ for us, but when I called back to make enquiries about them most of the time nearly all of them were not suitable being either too expensive, not allowing pets or not in the area we’d asked for!</span></li>
<li><span style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: inherit; line-height: 16.866666793823242px; text-indent: -18pt;">Ask for the full address and look it up before you go, we asked for areas in the suburbs between Gloucester and Cheltenham or in Cheltenham, but there are areas within this that are not so desirable. For example, we got a call for a house, 2 bedroom with a garden and a driveway etc, within our price range and available now. I booked the viewing and looked up the address on Google maps only to find it was in an area that I did not want to live in (locals might know where I mean!) so I cancelled it.</span></li>
</ul>
<br />
<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="line-height: 20.82666778564453px;">Feel free to add any more tips in the comments, I hope that’s helpful it’s really just some common sense guidelines for looking for rental properties. Next up will be </span></span><span style="line-height: 20.82666778564453px;">viewings</span><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="line-height: 20.82666778564453px;">. </span></span></span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: inherit;">Sponsor me to climb Kilimanjaro! www.justgiving.com/katie-kili</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: inherit;"><a href="http://www.justgiving.com/katie-kili" target="_blank" title="JustGiving - Sponsor me now!"><img alt="JustGiving - Sponsor me now!" src="http://www.justgiving.com/App_Themes/JustGiving/images/badges/badge9.gif" height="90" width="120" /></a></span></div>
Katiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09550058687845405403noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2795444099528800329.post-11770663973877906242014-06-08T11:36:00.000+01:002014-06-08T11:36:02.460+01:00Weekend Inspiration<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Well we had a jam packed week, we did a night summit of mount Snowdon last Saturday to simulate summit night of Kilimanjaro. It was really worthwhile and we both managed well but we were knackered after, mainly due to having to get up and do the climb at midnight!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgnSOZshafg6AcxMChyL1M2rOrZB9S5omfjR9nJjxMaomcb9VIYcqJfP-tf2DtTHEcxx_Ogq_ATsoOcZSEgd0C0AuQKo45vPxr5-25ciGCQt1ORKekoZZIBUpztDjPaBfx_7dz1LlMDVZx/s1600/SAM_5927.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgnSOZshafg6AcxMChyL1M2rOrZB9S5omfjR9nJjxMaomcb9VIYcqJfP-tf2DtTHEcxx_Ogq_ATsoOcZSEgd0C0AuQKo45vPxr5-25ciGCQt1ORKekoZZIBUpztDjPaBfx_7dz1LlMDVZx/s1600/SAM_5927.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
However it meant we got to the top at sunrise so it was well worth it.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAkpVUq0EGKmsbT5kAUI45N2lqRiju4suAG08i4P8XStjAace4ETQHhSsZLhEend7WfwI6NwmJaWcCpirmY1O50O7mzVkjET47314v8FvjxQJKtCI71-pn3xcnVsta_3SbtoNd1tABJb7r/s1600/SAM_5936.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAkpVUq0EGKmsbT5kAUI45N2lqRiju4suAG08i4P8XStjAace4ETQHhSsZLhEend7WfwI6NwmJaWcCpirmY1O50O7mzVkjET47314v8FvjxQJKtCI71-pn3xcnVsta_3SbtoNd1tABJb7r/s1600/SAM_5936.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
Then we were home for one night then off for a week of camping and rock climbing in the Peak District at Stanage Edge. It was an amazing week, we got loads of climbing done despite some wet weather, with only one day spent at an indoor centre in Sheffield due to the rain. It wasn't particularly hard climbing we were doing, as Tom was trying out leading outside for the first time so we took it steady, but it was a really enjoyable week just to be outside climbing all day :)<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7INOdN5j1FbI1gh-SdDTVELNGxVv_I1AIZqZauoF5tHomjRmDcTJjngwo402YGEHtJSdNMu3H8IMvCLw-n1LMcZaL8R9ncSZEtw4m5yr7KVyv5l0znXo-JMntAT0FAYXo5WgeKJlRBbva/s1600/SAM_6002.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7INOdN5j1FbI1gh-SdDTVELNGxVv_I1AIZqZauoF5tHomjRmDcTJjngwo402YGEHtJSdNMu3H8IMvCLw-n1LMcZaL8R9ncSZEtw4m5yr7KVyv5l0znXo-JMntAT0FAYXo5WgeKJlRBbva/s1600/SAM_6002.JPG" height="640" width="480" /></a></div>
I actually feel I progressed this week with my climbing, but more in my head than on grades or difficulty. As I said they weren't technically hard routes, but some had big gaps to bridge, or big moves to go for, and I did all of them without wussing out. I'm well proud of that as fear is what often holds me back, that panic that seeps in and makes your hands not want to cooperate with your mind, now I feel like I finally have a handle on it and I had to have a few words with myself on some climbs but I finished all of them.<br />
<br />
I think this is the inspiration for this week - You can do more than you think you can. Believe me you really can. You are stronger than you would ever imagine. This week I've climbed a mountain, and been up and down a cliff face more times than I can remember, and spent an all day session at an indoor centre and finished all the routes I tried there. I'm feeling pretty battered, sunburnt and bruised but also pretty damn invincible and like I have made some massive achievements. This time last year I had only just started climbing, I certainly never thought I would ever even sign up for a climb like Kilimanjaro, let alone be feeling ready for it by now! I'll also be back to my usual training schedule next week (gym Mon, climbing Tue, rest Weds, running club Thurs, gym Fri, rest sat, climbing Sun) which I actually enjoy now, anyone who knows me knows this would not have been enjoyable for me even 6 months ago! I hated PE at school and have pretty much been inactive since then, up until last year. So that pipe dream you've had of doing something big? Do it. You really could make it, and worst thing that could happen? You could try and fail. So what? As long as you give it the best you can that's great - at least you'll know.<br />
<br />
Now I am home and spending today tackling the washing pile, and cleaning up the mould we are still getting inside as the unit that was promised hasn't been fitted yet...must get onto that...<br />
<br />
P.S I am doing the climb for charity, if any of you would like to sponsor me below :)<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
Sponsor me to climb Kilimanjaro! www.justgiving.com/katie-kili</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.justgiving.com/katie-kili" target="_blank" title="JustGiving - Sponsor me now!"><img alt="JustGiving - Sponsor me now!" src="http://www.justgiving.com/App_Themes/JustGiving/images/badges/badge9.gif" height="90" width="120" /></a></div>
Katiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09550058687845405403noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2795444099528800329.post-26033113350910284022014-05-31T12:00:00.000+01:002014-05-31T12:00:00.098+01:00Inspections<span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit;">Yes I am still alive, and no I've no real excuse other than events just overtook me in May. I held a fundraising fete on the 17th, which raised about £500 (yay!) for Maggie's but it took a lot of organising on top of my full time job and training so something had to give and it was the blog. Also I'm not going to promise this will not happen again as I'm off to climb a mountain today, a night summit of Snowdon to practice for summit night of Kilimanjaro...then we have our engagement shoot...then we have a week away climbing...and we still have to raise money for our charities and also save up to pay for the trip to Kili. So yeah, sorry in advance for the irregular posting this summer...it has to be all paid for in July so maybe it will get better then...</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit;">In the meantime here is a post in inspections...</span><br />
<br />
<div class="ecxMsoNormal" style="line-height: 20.82666778564453px; margin-bottom: 1.35em;">
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit;">We had our inspection a couple of months ago, so while I was preparing for it I thought I would share the process. What do you need to do to prepare for an inspection?</span></div>
<div class="ecxMsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 1.35em;">
</div>
<ul>
<li><span style="background-color: white; text-indent: -18pt;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="line-height: 16.866666793823242px;">Your landlord or lettings agent needs to give you notice, verbal or written and the notice period will depend on your contract but ideally they should at least give you a few days to a month (you should be expecting it already ideally as they should have already told you at what intervals you need your inspections when you moved in), they can’t just turn up unannounced or on a day you have said </span></span><span style="line-height: 16.866666793823242px;">isn't</span><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="line-height: 16.866666793823242px;"> convenient and say it’s time for an inspection. Also you should be present for the inspection, a landlord or agent should not access your home when you </span></span><span style="line-height: 16.866666793823242px;">aren't</span><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="line-height: 16.866666793823242px;"> there.</span></span></span></li>
<li style="line-height: 20.82666778564453px;"><span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit; line-height: 16.866666793823242px; text-indent: -18pt;">Repairs wise before the inspection I tend to just do things like fill and paint and holes or scuffs on the walls (from hanging pictures etc not massive cracks or anything you might want to show them those!), clean any carpet marks and generally do any little repair things I have been meaning to do. You obviously will need to tell them about any damage you have caused not try to hide it, but an inspection is a good prompt to do any small maintenance or repair jobs like painting over wall scuffs or replacing light bulbs.</span></li>
<li style="line-height: 20.82666778564453px;"><span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit; line-height: 16.866666793823242px; text-indent: -18pt;">There should be a certain amount of leeway for reasonable wear and tear, so don’t worry about getting rid of every mark, scuff or chip. Obviously living in a place you will inevitably make some mark on it, although ‘reasonable’ can be hard to define I’d say generally any small marks on skirting boards or doors, or any small scratches on hard floors or small marks on carpets are acceptable. However large marks on walls or floors (like paint spills, animal wee, carpet tears) or any things that you have actually broken are damage rather than ‘wear and tear’. You’ll need to agree with your landlord what you are going to do to rectify any damage.</span></li>
<li style="line-height: 20.82666778564453px;"><span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit; line-height: 16.866666793823242px; text-indent: -18pt;">Think about any problems you have been having or anything you want to show the landlord. As well as them looking over the property this is a good time to show them any problems, and a good chance to ask any questions face to face.</span></li>
<li><span style="background-color: white; text-indent: -18pt;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="line-height: 16.866666793823242px;">Obviously don’t leave any big problems until the inspection, contact your landlord or agent as soon as they arise. When I say ‘problems’ I will ask them about at the inspection it’s just little non urgent things </span></span><span style="line-height: 16.866666793823242px;">I've</span><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="line-height: 16.866666793823242px;"> been meaning to ask them about like the loo seat is a bit wonky is it ok if I get a new one or will they, or to let them know that the bedroom window gets a lot of condensation and that might be a mould issue down the line…not things like there is a massive crack running down the bedroom wall or the oven </span></span><span style="line-height: 16.866666793823242px;">doesn't</span><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="line-height: 16.866666793823242px;"> work.</span></span></span></li>
<li style="line-height: 20.82666778564453px;"><span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit; line-height: 16.866666793823242px; text-indent: -18pt;">I tend to email any issues to the landlord before the inspection so they know what to expect, and often can start looking into things beforehand and we can have a talk about possible solutions at the inspection. I find this helpful (some might not), we tend to communicate via email with our landlord so when we set up the date I just send the main things I want to talk to them about so if there are any things on there we can sort out or get started on before the inspection it speeds it up.</span></li>
<li style="line-height: 20.82666778564453px;"><span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit; line-height: 16.866666793823242px; text-indent: -18pt;">They don’t need to look at any of your personal stuff, should go without saying they don’t need to look inside your furniture or through your things. However if they want to look at walls or carpets that look like they might be damaged but hidden by furniture you might need to move some things around. If it is heavy furniture and you can’t move it there and then you might need to arrange for them to come back.</span></li>
<li><span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit; line-height: 16.866666793823242px; text-indent: -18pt;">An inspection should be professional so you shouldn’t need to feel worried or intimidated about it,</span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit; line-height: 16.866666793823242px; text-indent: -18pt;"> </span><i style="font-family: inherit; line-height: 20.82666778564453px; text-indent: -18pt;">but</i><span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit; line-height: 16.866666793823242px; text-indent: -18pt;"> </span><span style="background-color: white; text-indent: -18pt;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="line-height: 16.866666793823242px;">I once had one from a letting agent who made no effort to talk to me about the property, just arrived and barged around from room to room noting all the smallest marks or ‘potential damage’ (stuff like having washing drying inside will cause mould, although there was no mould as I’m careful to open windows if drying inside – and there was no garden or tumble dryer at this property), and asked rather rude questions like ‘did I always leave dirty washing up out? Was I aware that could cause an infestation?’ like we were stupid or living in a pigsty (There were a few bowls from breakfast on the counter not washed up and it was only mid morning, the rest of the place was clean). I always have Tom home for inspections as well, if you live alone and do feel nervous about the inspection having a friend or family member there to back you up or just for moral support might help. I can be quite assertive and I know my rights so </span></span><span style="line-height: 16.866666793823242px;">didn't</span><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="line-height: 16.866666793823242px;"> feel intimidated but I was really shocked by the attitude.</span></span></span></li>
<li><span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit; line-height: 16.866666793823242px; text-indent: -18pt;">It is also good to have a copy of the landlord or agents notes or to take your own, so that you can remember everything that was discussed.</span></li>
<li><span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit; line-height: 16.866666793823242px; text-indent: -18pt;">Cleaning – I often have a little clean before people come round any way (I think a lot of people do!), and the flat is relatively clean most of the time. You shouldn’t need to scrub the place from top to bottom before an inspection but I tend to just make sure the kitchen and the bathroom are clean, dust and run the hoover and mop round. I also empty the litter tray before and make sure there aren’t any litter tray smells lingering (I do that just before anyone comes round though as I am paranoid about the flat smelling of cat wee). Generally just make the place presentable, as long as the place is at an acceptable level of cleanliness (I.e. no stains on the carpet or piles of rubbish) you shouldn’t need to worry about the odd bit of dust or stray laundry, you do live there after all it’s not a show home.</span></li>
<li><span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit; line-height: 16.866666793823242px; text-indent: -18pt;">If you don’t have time to clean much right before the inspection then just make sure that the floors, walls, windows and fittings are in good condition. The landlord or agent should be focussing on the stuff that they are responsible for, like the actual walls, floors and ceilings as well as kitchen counters, fittings etc. Your possessions shouldn’t be of any concern to them. If the place is messy but clean (i.e. the carpets and counters are clean and there are no marks on the walls, but you have loads of laundry to do and the bed isn’t made) then that will do.</span></li>
<li><span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit; line-height: 16.866666793823242px; text-indent: -18pt;">If there is something that needs doing, how do you work out who is responsible for it? Generally anything caused by you like damage to walls, flooring, windows, fixtures and fittings you are responsible for repairing or paying to get repaired. Anything that is generally faulty like an oven, boiler or shower that has stopped working (not from damage by you) is the landlord’s responsibility, as well as of course any structural issues and general repairs or maintenance (like boiler servicing and electrical or plumbing issues).</span></li>
<li><span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit; line-height: 16.866666793823242px; text-indent: -18pt;">Get a verbal agreement at the inspection of what needs to be done, and who is responsible for it, sometimes you or the landlord might need to go away and get a professional to come back and look at something so get a timeframe agreed on when this will happen. Make a note of these timeframes in your notes from the inspection, some agents even bring a form that you fill out with the inspection notes, any damage, any repairs and what needs to be done and you both sign. After the inspection if things aren’t moving along then refer to the notes from the inspection and remind the landlord of what was agreed.</span></li>
</ul>
<br />
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit;">That's all of my little tips on inspections, feel free to add your own in the comments and I will hopefully be back soon!</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit;">Sponsor me to climb Kilimanjaro! www.justgiving.com/katie-kili </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit;"><a href="http://www.justgiving.com/katie-kili" target="_blank" title="JustGiving - Sponsor me now!"><img alt="JustGiving - Sponsor me now!" src="http://www.justgiving.com/App_Themes/JustGiving/images/badges/badge9.gif" height="90" width="120" /></a></span></div>
Katiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09550058687845405403noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2795444099528800329.post-1083949793381936672014-05-05T16:00:00.000+01:002014-05-05T16:00:00.620+01:00Renting with pets – Part 4 – Long term<div class="ecxMsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 1.35em;">
<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: inherit;"><span style="line-height: 20.82666778564453px;">Last in the </span></span><span style="color: #444444;"><span style="line-height: 20.82666778564453px;">renting</span></span><span style="color: #444444; font-family: inherit;"><span style="line-height: 20.82666778564453px;"> with pets series today. So you’re all settled in with your pet, but as a tenant what do you need to think about long term?</span></span></span></div>
<div class="ecxMsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 1.35em;">
</div>
<ul>
<li style="line-height: 20.82666778564453px;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: inherit; line-height: 16.866666793823242px; text-indent: -18pt;">Toilet habits – Obvious really but keep the litter tray clean, change the litter regularly and use a mat underneath to protect floors. For dogs or larger animals if they go outside make sure to clean up after them regularly to keep any grass in good condition. You might need to reseed the lawn sometimes if any yellow patches come up from animal pee.</span></li>
<li style="line-height: 20.82666778564453px;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: inherit; line-height: 16.866666793823242px; text-indent: -18pt;">Carpets – Pets like dogs and cats will put a bit more strain on carpets. There will be inevitable accidents, muddy paw prints and puke so make sure you always have a good spot cleaner to hand, I also shampoo our carpets once or twice a year (depending on how dirty they get). You can rent carpet cleaning machines from DIY stores for a pretty reasonable cost to give them a really deep clean, I’d definitely recommend doing this before you move out. Rugs are also great for protecting problem areas.</span></li>
<li style="line-height: 20.82666778564453px;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: inherit; line-height: 16.866666793823242px; text-indent: -18pt;">Our cats are pretty good at using the scratching post and not clawing the carpet or furniture, make sure you provide them somewhere to scratch though as they will scratch something to sharpen their claws and you don’t want it to be the door frames or carpet! Sometimes they won’t use a post and would prefer to use a tree or fence post – you might need to discourage this dependent on your property. There are lots of different scratching posts or mats available, if they won’t use a post try a mat and vice versa. If they really won’t use the pet store ones and prefer wood then you could DIY something or set up a piece of wood they are allowed to scratch. They will often go back to the same place so for example if they seem to like a certain fence post just rig a plank to it and they can scratch that rather than the fence.</span></li>
<li><span style="background-color: white; text-indent: -18pt;"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: inherit;"><span style="line-height: 16.866666793823242px;">Smells – litter trays, wet dogs, water in tanks, pet food left out in hot weather etc can all make some unpleasant smells. You will </span></span><span style="color: #444444;"><span style="line-height: 16.866666793823242px;">probably</span></span><span style="color: #444444; font-family: inherit;"><span style="line-height: 16.866666793823242px;"> need to vacuum more often now you have pets (I used to hoover just once a week now try to at least twice a week) or bath/groom your dog more regularly. We change the litter as often as we need to, to try and avoid the cat wee smell. Also due to not having our own bin and sharing with the landlords we use litter tray liners, we just pick up the liner and its contents and put it into a small bin liner, then tie the top and take it out to the bin – this keeps the smell at bay until the bins are collected. We use a freshening powder in with the cat litter, and also have a plug in and air freshening sprays in the bathroom for if it does get a bit whiffy. We try to air the place as often as we can, although being a basement flat it’s nice to get some fresh air anyway. We change the water often and clean the filter weekly on the turtle tank. You may also need to use febreeze on carpets and curtains, I use ‘shake n vac’ type carpet deodorising powders every now and then to freshen carpets and rugs.</span></span></span></li>
<li style="line-height: 20.82666778564453px;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: inherit; line-height: 16.866666793823242px; text-indent: -18pt;">Heavy tanks or vivariums can mark floors, a rug or floor protective mat underneath will help catch any water and protect the floor. We need to get a new tank and when we do I’m thinking of this, as our current one seems to be ok but a larger heavier new tank might leave dents in the floor.</span></li>
</ul>
<br />
<span style="background-color: white; line-height: 20.82666778564453px;"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: inherit;">Pets are the best way I’ve found to make a house a home, enjoy them!</span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: inherit;">Sponsor me to climb Kilimanjaro! www.justgiving.com/katie-kili</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: inherit;"><a href="http://www.justgiving.com/katie-kili" target="_blank" title="JustGiving - Sponsor me now!"><img alt="JustGiving - Sponsor me now!" src="http://www.justgiving.com/App_Themes/JustGiving/images/badges/badge9.gif" height="90" width="120" /></a></span></div>
Katiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09550058687845405403noreply@blogger.com1