Hedgepick Jam puree. It made three HUGE (Lidl Cherries) jars, and two smaller ones. Probably about 8 lbs jam. Recipe will follow later.
My brain is currently very much in neutral. I wish I could go back to bed, but today we are manning the shop where we have our Unit, so no chance of that! Whilst the steroids were still acting yesterday I decided in advance of redecorating in the sitting room, that a big sort out was needed and I have been taking down pictures - some just boxed away until we eventually move - some to go to the Unit to be sold. I have been trying to persuade Keith that Less is More (HAH!) but he doesn't quite get the idea. He thinks having lots of "stuff" in a house is OK but tbh, I am beginning to think that some people haven't the first clue about how their stuff will look in a house and can't see beyond what is already in a room. The sitting room faces East and is a bit gloomy, and so with less on the walls it shouldn't close in too much. There are certain things of his which I have insisted must go out of sight before another viewing - he's not happy about it, but tough. I don't think he realizes that nothing much has altered in that room (and elsewhere in the house) in the last 10 years, except more has joined what was there already! So, time to sort it out. I just wish we could afford a new neutral carpet and a smaller sofa, but hey-ho, we can't.
P.S. He really isn't keen on my ideas for revamping the shower room either, but that HAS to be done, it really is shabby. The Agents said don't bother, as someone else will want to change it to their taste, and indeed one woman who viewed would have turned it into a larder! Just pricing things up now anyway and looking for bargains on Fleabay.
Isn't it interesting how tastes change in decorating? I've noted in old family photos the hodge-podge of things hung on background walls--mirrors, pictures--nothing properly lined up, tilting at crazy angles.
ReplyDeleteWe've had several listing agents remark that 'less' is usually better--viewers need to imagine the rooms as a space they will personalize with their own belongings.
When we were building homes for resale I chose some variation of off-white for paint--usually a warm cream called 'Country White' or one labeled 'Antique Linen.' I know some would groan over such careful blandness, but it allows for the proportions of a room to stand out, makes a nice play of light and shadows--and repainting wouldn't be the first thing a new owner had to do. I'm astonished at some of the local real estate listing photos--no attempt to get clutter tidied or more personal and mundane belongings removed from view.
I'll admit that in advance of a photo session I have work to do--we don't live as tidily as some would desire!
The living room is the main offender, but I realized that the kitchen could have less to good effect and think I am going to put away all my blue and white china from the dresser and take the bits of blue and white from the bathroom shelf and pack it all away. We are creatures of habit I fear. This house really (and I mean REALLY) doesn't suit the off-white colours. It just looks like a dead fish belly as the light is so poor, hence the use of yellow in the hall and kitchen to cheer it up a bit. The only photos are in the sitting room and I shall put those away before the next viewing.
DeleteSome of the photos I've seen of homes on Rightmove I've thought blimey, they could have put the pile of ironing out of sight, or similar.
Your agent is probably right. But I would guess that cheering a room up a bit would help - some of the stuff moved out and perhaps flowers here and there - it only takes little touches.
ReplyDeleteI always have some delightful posies of flowers in jugs about the place for a viewing - it makes such a difference.
Delete"Being ruthloess" then seeing that bowl of red stuff...thought you'd been on a killing spree!
ReplyDeleteHah! Good one Simon!!
DeleteSimon beat me to it !
ReplyDeleteI was going to say who was the object of your wrath....
cheers, parsnip
Had I been awake enough, I would have noticed the link!!
DeleteOooh, you have been busy :D
ReplyDeleteI've been clearing out and decluttering for months and there's still a lot that will just go to the tip! Just get rid of it all and you'll feel lighter and ready to go and your buyers will feel ready to move in (I hope!).
Would you recommend Peter May's books? Maybe I'll take a peek, although I'm re-reading Harry Potter at the moment.x
I've just hit the main bathroom. My b&w china collection is now replaced with a couple of seaside bits from The Range (a shop which Keith refuses to go into because they "sell such tat." As you can imagine, I am not flavour of the month! But I think it looks nice. New curtains next, but I shall probably make those.
ReplyDeleteIf you are going to try Peter May, read his Lewis trilogy first (The Black House, The Lewis Man, The Chess Men) SO GOOD. I am now reading the just out book with his Enzo MacLeod, a forensic scientist (set in France). So I shall be getting my paws on the forerunners to this.
I only recently discovered your blog and really enjoy following along on your adventures. You are probably correct on your thoughts of less furnishings in rooms so people can imagine their belongings in your home. Here in the US, one of the first things a realtor recommends when listing a house for sale is to remove all clutter and some personal items. The idea is for the viewer to have a clear enough slate to imagine their touches on the home. On the other hand, you could drive yourself crazy trying to figure out what would appeal to the prospective buyer so I guess it's a delicate balance to do enough/not too much. Good luck!
ReplyDelete"Being ruthloess" then seeing that bowl of red stuff...thought you'd been on a killing spree!
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