Life's A Picnic

I've Been Busy Helping The Credit Crunch Continue ok!

Imagine there has been an avalanche and someone got caught under it. Then they dug a little hole and shouted, ''Hello out there.''

Well...that'd be me saying hello to anyone interested that I am still living and to carry on and voice my voice about whatever the throat in my head comes out with.

As the title suggests I am guilty of borrowing vast sums from the banks to purchase a new property. Le flat dans Newquay Delboy and who would do a thing like that at the start of this crunchy nut financial situation we seem to be in? Yep. Moi. Me. Le me. Not lay me.

Picnic Cottage didn't sell and so I took it off the market and it's just about to go up for holiday let and probably with www.ownersdirect.co.uk.

.........what happened was.....

Rick Stein's wouldn't be able to pay me enough to cover the mortgages. I looked elsewhere but realised money would run dry by November. I got a call from a family that I used to nanny for in Dorset asking if I could help as their full time was leaving. I promptly and very easily finished furnishing the flat, re packed my belongings, got 2 rooms ready to rent and kept a third for me, for a base. The rooms rented and that nearly covers that mortgage. One less worry.

Then it was time to run back to Picnic Cottage and get it ready for holiday lets. I then spent too much time procrastinating over the choices...to let long term, holiday let and with which company. Months later and with a lot of empty house but still pay the bills later, this weekend is my own deadline. I need to get the income in.

It brought me to Sandbanks where I am lving avec Millie on millionaires row in a 4 bed waterfront cottage with own beach and jetty, lawned gardens, awaits a buyer. It belongs to the family I'm working for.

Millie and I get up at 5.50am to leave at 6.45 to be ready to be at work for 7.15. I don't finish until 7pm ish, get back around 7.30/ 8pm. By then, I don't want to do much I must admit. It's paying the bills, that I can be grateful for. Right now it's what I need.

I have started writing a book. My first proper attempts, but that I need to crack on with. I just have this desire to write. Guess I always have. It feels like 'coming home..only to no home..' just kidding. It does though.

2009. Here it is. Obama changing history. As he said, there has been a shift in the ground beneath us. Anything is possible. For me this year must come a book deal then.

One Fine April Morning

Hmmm, good afternoon. Well, it was the morning when I started working, just I didn't realise whilst sat at my desk it had just merged into the afternoon...just like that, quick as a flash. So much to do, my head is like a washing machine on super fast spin mode! By the end of the month, I might look like a banana...or a nut, as in going bananas, or nuts, for any slow readers. Do not fear. I can hold it all together and it's all exciting stuff anyhow.

Re: The Bug and my naming quandary...thank you 'Miss' Hailey for your suggestion and to 'Rally' Rob too. Appreciated, although not taken up as yet. No prizes Rob, sorry! Bloody hell, where is this gorgeous man who is going to be sending the fresh flower for me each week? He's being a bit bloody slow on the uptake. I mean I thought all you readers out there would be telling him to get in touch. Damn! You're all sacked.

(Ha, ha).

Onto other real stuff. picnic Boat trip today and the sun is blazing. I am training up new skipper Anna this week. She is studying hard downstairs as I write. Frank and Constance are already showing their efficiency with taking over the boat bookings (much better than me!). All this whilst I negotiate buying my new pad in Newquay, selling my house here and the transfers of all business dealing, banking, direct debits, email systems, database, safety systems..bla, bla,bla.

Am I yellow yet??

Hayley and Rob, keep up the thinking!

x

April Snow Showers...(well, it's a title)

Done! Well almost. My Picnic Boat sim card and the booking diary is now with Frank and Constance. Does it feel like a weight off my shoulder? Not quite. Not yet anyhow! Still plenty to be doing. The Picnic Boat goes back in the water tommorrow. Trips start on Wednesday of which i will be skippering and also training up Anna, new skipper and hostess.

To let you know that I now have a new mobile number. B & B inquiries can go to the old 07968 752625 but better to catch me on 01803 752625 for that. Do carry on booking. The house hasn't sold yet, but I know it will, so will carry on until that point.

Meanwhile, Newquay I can't wait. Looking forward to a fresh start and whatever it brings....

Not a 'Plug In' But A 'Plug'

www.millionairemum.co.uk get signed in if you are a Mum and get booked in for the conference. www.mothers_angels.co.uk for Mum's in Torbay that want a helping hand after giving birth. Give Racheee my oldest friend a call on that on 01803 752376.

www.judithmorgan.com for the best business advice around.

www.businessblogangel.com speak with Claire Raikes..she did my blog!

www.greenoakliving.co.uk to improve the look and the value of your home in and around London and Surrey...it's my bro and he's doing such a good job.

www.dartmouthyachtcharters.co.uk speak with Sue or Jody about chartering from this here River Dart.

Plugs...over and out. Good night. That's it. Honest. Apart from hi to Charlie in the BVI, hi to Rosie in Switzerland, Rob in Kingskerwell, Fiona in New York! Bon nuit.

Hit That Hammer Cos it's Sold!

Fan fare please and drum roll. Da, dada, da...da, daa, daaaa. Well, sorry, but I don't know how you'd write a drum roll do I. Why the drum roll?

The Picnic Boat...IS

............SOLD. You want to know where I advertised the business for sale? Two places. www.dartmouth.tv.com and www.thepicnicboat.co.uk blog. That is all.

Congratulations to Frank and Constance on their purchase, almost complete. Frank and Constance are probably my oldest customers. Not eldest, but oldest, in that, they have been coming every year since I started. They have sipped champagne and eaten a lot of lobster. Frank had seen my blog (hadn't you Frank!) and decided he didn't want to miss the opportunity.So, we met and drove down to Noss Marina, where the boat is kept and sat and had our discussion. With the hand shake and price agreed, we effectively and not in boat man's terms, went 'for a spin'.

''Would you like a go at the helm Frank?'' I asked. To which he did and he did. ''How does it feel then? I asked.

''I know it's corny,'' he said, ''but I sort of feel like I belong.''

So, Frank, who has his professional helicopters pilot licence thought that helming the boat made him feel as good as he felt, when he first landed the helicopter on his own. Now ladies and gentleman, I think we can recognise this as a passion and to run this cute little Picnic Boat business, that...is what you need. Constance, you are very important in the cogs of this whole thing too, as is Anna.

Meanwhile as for moi? Plenty to do. I have put the boat through it's annual licence today with the local Harbour Authority. i have also stripped her bare of cover, belongings and started the sanding. She gets lifted out in the morning and I have just 10 days to licker with all lovely things a boat likes such as bilge paint, antifoul, varnish, polish etc. Into the big green ghost filled shed at Noss she goes for some TLC.

On April 6th, my sim card goes over to Frank and Constance, as does my website. (I keep the blog and liz@thepicnicboat.co.uk, I think) then all the paperwork, database and so on. THEN WHAT THE HECK DO I DO???!!!

Well....I think I shall be a self employed skipper on board for a little while. Hmmm. Cool. I'm ready to move on folks but you know what...I can't wait to book the boat, sip champagne and sit with friends on that stern seat and just watch the world go by. Fantastic!!

Ditch The Suit

Hello to you!

Well, the interest into buying The Picnic Boat is picking up and I now have 6 potential buyers who are all doing some sums.Mean while I am still going to do more on line advertising with firms such as www.businessforsale.com and www.daltonbusiness.com, perhaps even an add in The Evening Standard, Country Living and a few others.

DITCH THE SUIT, DITCH THE OFFICE...

If you are reading for regular updates, to let you know that the bookings are rolling in for the summer, which is great. I plan to run the boat trips myself until the business is sold. I then intend on a handover period with whoever buys, to show them the ropes, how the business functions.

Anyone serious about buying should call me 07968 752625 and at cost I will send a buyer's information pack.

Just think, you are fed up with your boring job, it's been year after year now and this year you really want to do something different with your life. You love the water, you love boats, you love good food and adore the Westcountry and you love meeting people. You know how to spot an opportunity when you see one, you have a vision for The Picnic Boat.

On the less selling a business side of things I...

Just Busting

Morning! Well, I'm just busting with stuff to do to get on with 'Plan B'.

I got back home to Devon last night and have been spending my morning getting the house straight, my bags up to my room and finally made it to my desk. I have a million emails and a money spider has just dangled in front of my computer screen (a good sign?).

Hello to you regular readers who have sent me messages on hearing of selling and wishing me well on my move. Remember The Picnic light's not going out completely. I'm keeping Picnic Cottage, I want a book published and thr same ethos will be on it's way to Cornwall.

I've got stacks to tell you, lots to write, but I'm not going to launch into it all now (I need to get back to you with your bookings).

I've just spent 4 days at an Anthony Robbins 'Unleash The Power Within' seminar at Excel and WOW, I'm even more fired up than before. I want to tell you about that, because if anyone of us can attempt to achieve the things he has then, that would be quite something. He is an inspirational man.

I've got bookings to take, number's to work out, a business for sale to advertise, a boat to get ready, a move to Cornwall. It's basically 'all going on'. How cool is that?!!

Please write in if you have advise for me selling, phone if you are interested in buying, get in touch with all your ideas. Will appreciate them.

Have a great day yourselves.

Love Lizzie xx

Plan B

Hello to you all, regular readers and new. Now this may come as a bit of a shock to some of you, so go and get a cup of tea and come back to read the rest. Go on. You can come back in a minute.

The Picnic Boat, as soon as I have finished writing this piece is.....

officially...

FOR SALE.

Get the hankies, actually, get me a bloody hankie will you! It's OK, I don't need one. Let me talk you through this. To all you customers out there who have been on my trips many times and who love coming back each year and introducing friends to one of your favorite things, don't loose faith and keep your bookings.

We all know this year would be my seventh season since set up. During this time I have proudly turned a flicker of an idea into a money making, customer loving, cheese serving, lobster loving, champagne drinking business.I have loved it, loved meeting all you customers, loved my boat Misty and loved The River Dart. You have proposed on her (the boat!), said "I do" on her, danced on her, caught crabs off her (?!), fine dined on her, drank too much on her,scattered ashes off her, laughed on her, swam off her, sang Welsh songs on her, wore Pirate hats on her, taken your baby on her, had your wedding reception on her, your birthday, engagement, anniversary, celebration. So many good times, never to be forgotten.

But, for me, as much as I still love her and love seeing my customers enjoy her, I'm ready for Chapter 2, Plan B, if thats OK by you? I've created this wonderful thing and now would love for someone who can see why and what and how The Picnic Boat is so special and who will carry it on and dare I say it...do a better, more professional job of it than me. Some one to open lots of little Picnic Boats in rivers all over the country, maybe the World! Someone, who's great on customer service, loves food, loves the water, great with the lot basically.

So, The Picnic Boat is for sale as the business that it is. Great customer data base, great advertising in place, existing bookings to carry on, contracts with Voucher Suppliers, boat, new engine, new cover, new heater.It's been on ITV, Channel 4's Home or way, Place in The Sun, written up in Coast, The Sunday Times, Good Housekeeping,The Telegraph and more newspapers and magazines than I'll ever know!

Starting price £50,000 and open to bid's. Proof of turnover available to anyone serious about buying. Selling to the right person, to keep the standards, if not 'up them' a must and the opportunity for me to come and have a trip once in a while too! Buy and start the season or as soon as you're ready.

Why loose it? Well, if you've been following my blog you will know about my divorce and all that stuff that went on. I'll have been in Kingswear for 8 years soon and that's a long time for me to be in one place. As beautiful as the river is, as lovely as my boat is, as great as my customers are, it sort of feels a bit stale to me now. More because of what has gone on and I'm sure some of you will understand that.

So what's Plan B for me then? Well, I'd say my best skills are hospitality, full stop. I'm moving to Newquay, starting a B & B down there, shaping myself up, gonna learn to surf. I'm going to have a go at keeping Picnic Cottage except for rental long term let or holiday let's. I'm off to catch the waves, catch the next wave in my life and whatever that brings on it's ride. I hope it's a good one! I'm buzzing about it, it's leaving me excited. I've got butterflies in my tummy.

Last few comments from me for now are...what's the worst that could happen..... if you want to learn to walk on water, you gotta get out of the boat.......never go through life wondering, what if I'd taken 'that' path, if only I had, what did I miss. You get my drift.

Tell your friends, tell your friends friends, pack up the big smoke, get you and your girlie down to The River Dart, continue the dream life....make your ....Life A Picnic.

Extra last bit..... weeping customers, have no fear, come and visit from far and near, the rugged, salty cliffs, the party nights, the silver surf of Newquay. I'll be expecting you!

Lizzie
x

The Lurve Month

It's February, which means it's the official 'Lurve' Month. Cupid with wing's, arrows fired at great distance. The shops are a red hue and it's time to cash in (well for any of us in business) and for you to  get your 'love', a card, flowers, a present, take him or her somewhere romantic.
Love it? Hate it?
I love it. Love it all in fact, the birthdays, Christmas, making the most out of any day. Sod it! Why not.I know you can AND SHOULD make an effort any time of the year, but at least this prompts us.
So, in light of the above which will be good for you..and good for me....
Get your perfect Valentine a gift from all things Picnic, meaning me (well, not me, I'm not the gift, but something Picnic themed)!
Book up your Romantic Trip for two, book a stay at the Picnic Cottage B & B with dinner in Dartmouth and some special coastal or beach walk. Doesn't have to be on the day you see, you can give the whole thing as a gift. In fact book both and I'll do you a deal. Free bottle bubbly and chocolates?
The Picnic Boat. Unique. Something different. Special Valentine surprise. You get my drift!
Love
Lizzie
x

Post Holiday Season

Happy New Year to you all and do hope that your festive season has been great..or at least bearable?! What will 2008 bring then. Who knows, but I hope it's a better summer and we can all enjoy plenty of sunshine. I hope you can plan some fun stuff to look forward to, whether that be a birthday party on The Picnic Boat, a stay at Picnic Cottage B & B or of course any other great fun things (although if I were you I'd get booking those asap)!

Can I recommend a few special things for you this year. I'm going to..like it or not. Look up something called www.tut.com, I think thats the one, it's Mike Dooleys daily 'Notes From The Universe'. Very inspiring personal messages to your inbox every day. Check it out. Also check out Jason Vales, the Juicemaster detox retreats. Compared to other spa holidays, these ones are very personal, reasonable and effective. that's if you want to give yourself a boost to the New Year. I'm off to do an Antony Robbins 4 day seminar from 22nd - 24th February. Every single person I know that has taken part in his motivational seminars is doing really great things with their lives. Thats on in London, you can still get tickets I think.Why not invest in some fun with www.shaggysheepwales.co.uk and get Chris to organise an activity weekend in Wales for you and a bunch of mates. Jack Jonson is playing Hyde Park in July. I already have my ticket. He is a legend. All good stuff. More suggestions for great things to do are welcome.Send in your comments. What do you want from this year? Hows it going to be different from last year? Can you do something to make a difference?

On the business side of things may I recommend you start your own busines blog. Go visit www.buisnessblogangel.co.uk and give your buisness the boost it deserves. www.judithmorgan.co.uk is also recommended for great business coaching. Do you want ideas to take your business to another level? I reccommend her straight talking, valuable ideas and advice.

On a more local level. Visit Kingswear this year. It's stunning. Fab coastal walks, 2 great pubs, a yacht club with a view to die for and the best Bed and Breakfasts around. There are several. Nonsuch House, you'll never stay anywhere quite as special. David and Holly Jones B & B and Mana From Devon Cookery School.

The Royal Castle Hotel in Dartmouth has a whole list of great events for the year as does The Dart Marina Hotel.

So, work hard, play hard and plan lots of good stuff for 2008 and make  it a good year.

All the best.

Lizzie

x