It’s not like me to brag but sometimes you’ve got to sit down, look around and realise what a bad ass you are.

Tonight is one of those nights and I’m not going to apologise for it 🙌🏻

I’m sat here in my newly decorated (a few weeks ago) living room and I’m suddenly filled with pride… for ME!

Anyone that knows me knows that this is a truly rare moment.

I bought this place. On my own. Not even the bank of Mum and Dad can lay claim to helping me (they offer to help, I just don’t let them, ever). I don’t earn much, I’d probably be better off quitting my job, claiming benefits and living in a low rent council house. I’m really lucky I have the choice not to do that, I know many people don’t.

I did ok out of my divorce as I was able to keep the equity we had built up in the old house. I lived there for a few years after he left then I took the leap and decided to sell up and move. A fresh start for us all and closer to a great secondary school. I doubled my mortgage and increased the term to do this. But I did it…on my own.

Sometimes I can’t quite believe it. I’ve only been thinking about the enormity of it this last week after I found out another single mum had bought her rented house and posted herself crying about it on Instagram 🤔😏

It was a well presented home when I moved in. Nothing offensive decor wise. There are some things I’d like to improve one day. A new bathroom would be lovely. An en suite in the loft room would be a treat. An extended kitchen diner would be a luxury. That can all wait. I’ve decorated the kids rooms a year ago and just did the living room during the summer break. I also did this alone. It’s quite tricky pasting wallpaper on the landing then carrying it up the curved stairs to the loft (my sons room) and then hanging it, making sure the brick wall pattern is lined up perfectly. I did that feature wall as I had some paste left over from doing my daughters room. Cutting around sockets and windows. ON MY OWN!

The living room was painting so that was easier. None of those rooms are perfect. I’m sure a decorator would have done a much better job but then I wouldn’t get the satisfaction of showing my children what Mummy has done. What they could do too.

Most importantly I think all of those rooms are beautiful.

I’m proud to let people in.

Most people that have known me pre divorce comment on how warm and cosy my home is. The old one was cold; despite the heating being on.

Last week my son started at the secondary school I had to double my mortgage to be near. One week in and he’s been happy to go to school. I know it’s early days with that but already I know that I will never regret making this move. I’ve lived here for two years and there have been hard times but this home is a place of laughter and love. It belongs to my children, it’s my gift to them.

It’s our happy place.