Kerstin at angelblue.com

A very exciting month because I decide to buy a flat. Like with so many things in life I had been waiting for the right moment, and for prices to fall! Turning 40 makes me realise that I could wait forever this way and that it is now or never to take that first step up the property ladder.

Needless to say that it is a nervewrecking experience, but I am getting great support from my friends and Rachel's brother Jeremy who is arranging my mortgage.

Deciding where to buy is the next challenge as London is out. Too expensive even in less desirable areas. Just to give you an idea ... the 1-bed flat that Colin bought in Richmond in 1991 has since nearly quadrupled in price! All I can get is a tiny studio appartment, too small.

Cheltenham is suggested but I don't get the right kind of vibes from it. But I am drawn to the west and quite fancy the idea of Bath. So one Saturday Fi and I drive over and view 10 properties. The third one is it! A top floor 1-bed flat in one of the crescents on the westside. It is one of the smaller places we look at but it has the vibes; and a huge loft; and a stunning view over the Green in front of the house, the river Avon which runs next to it and the green hills in the distance.

So now the game begins ... putting in the offer, getting it accepted, survey, a pushy vendor etc ...

In the meantime we go away for a weekend. A girlie trip to Ireland, visiting Dom and Leah in Skerris, near Dublin. We have a wonderful time with the finishing highlight being a ride on the back of a Harley through the beautiful Wicklow mountains. Bliss.