‘Shrubs’ or ‘drinking vinegars’ have a history, interest, health benefits, limitless flavour combinations and a long shelf life. Plus, they have a kick reminiscent to alcohol.

A legend among self improvement books. Timeless ways and tactics in dealing with people, whether in relationships, socially or in business. A lot of it seems obvious and easy but as the old saying goes, ‘things that are easy to do, are also easy to not do’. Or something like that?!...

My neighbour rejected my offer. Bastard. But it’s my fault though for not making it look more attractive or putting it across better. Can’t shake the idea of shrub drinks out of my head. I should look into it further....

Our new dog, Billy, from Bromsgrove Blue Cross Rescue Centre, has joined us. He’s great and he’s also broken down the barriers between my daughter (from a previous relationship) and my girlfriend. I couldn’t be happier.

Did a metal welding course. I’m still thinking about and doing preparation for the business ideas I shared at the start of this blog. Two of which were making furniture out of waste materials and making houses out of shipping containers, both of which would require metal welding.

I’m excited to give my full, formal offer to my neighbour to buy their house on ‘exchange with delayed completion’ deal. I’ve made it quite generous because if he says yes, I can do a full double extension and refurbishment of both of our properties, adding huge amounts of value to both. Then, after that, sell my current home, in order to get the money needed to ‘complete’ the purchase of his.

Author Simon Zutshi was one of the first to bring large scale property educational events and courses to the UK. A bit of a legend in the property investment world and author of this great book. In a similar style to many other property books I’ve read recently, it gives an overview of various strategies and touches on the usual subjects such as HMOs, buy and hold, power teams, deal sourcing and focuses on way to buy ‘below market value’ from ‘motivated sellers’.

This week I went to the PIN (Property Investors Network) meet-up in Bristol. I did this because I need some extra cash for the project I have planned. I thought if I put myself out there at one of these things I might find a handy mortgage broker and I did! Happy days.

Rob Dix and Rob Bence are my current man crush es?! Their property podcast if f**king great. After reading this book by Rob Dix, (given to me by my beautiful girlfriend for Christmas), I immediately read it again! Then I downloaded his follow on book (Complete Guide to Property Investment) on Audible and listened to it. Then immediately listened to it again!

Time for a yearly, restaurant deep clean along with many other thankless tasks that get done when involved in a small, family business