EP25 Confessions of a Shopaholic

Narrowboat DIY doesn't come cheap but thankfully Jo takes great pleasure in spending money, even on white spirit. Join us this week as we get back to renovating our narrowboat into an off grid floating cafe!
For those of you just joining us, welcome! We're Vic and Jo and we've been narrowboating around the UK for the last few years on our 54ft narrowboat Zero. Last year we decided to give up our jobs in the city and add another boat to our fleet in hope of turning it into a travelling cafe and becoming full time boating baristas.
We're DIY novices so taking on this narrowboat self build has been quite the challenge, subscribe to follow us as we blunder our way through building a boat business!
Click here to SUBSCRIBE and follow along with our narrowboat renovation (it’s free): www.youtube.com...
As we mentioned, our brand spanking new Patreon page can be found here: / hollythecafeboat
And find us on Instagram at /Hollythecafeboat for more up-to-date DIY updates and senseless stories.
To watch more narrowboat adventures:
Narrowboating the River Soar: • Ep21 Narrowboating the...
Canoeing on the River Trent - • Ep15 BOAT LIFE: The RI...
Narrowboat Transformation (Paint job completed!) - • Ep18 TRANSFORMATION CO...
Your FAQ’s answered (Narrowboat Q&A) - • LIFE ABOARD: Your Ques...
More narrowboat life - • Ep9 NARROWBOAT life: R...
Or catch up with one of our playlists:
Every video, in order, from the beginning - • All our videos IN ORDER
Painting our narrowboat - • Painting our Narrowboa...
Camera equipment we use:
Main Camera: amzn.to/3i3aI5G
Main lens: amzn.to/3jNVIZI
SD Card: amzn.to/31YvZI6
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GoPro: amzn.to/3gSI0mE
(These are affiliate links btw)
We use Epidemic sound for music, check them out here for a 30 day free trail: www.epidemicso...

[@tommcguire5525]

Wonderful. No feminist remarks from Jo., and total respect from Vic to his lady. That is the way it used to be and just look at the harmony and love born out of it. This is beauty in every dimension and even when Jo's mother carried the dog there was no mention of " can't one of you men do this " You can easily see where Jo gets her superb nature. This is a look back into the way things used to be and it is fantastic. Success !!

[@cababness]

You guys are Fab! I wondered how you proved your bread Jo? I always have trouble finding a warm spot in an old house! I admire your patience with door hanging. That's the one thing I always struggle with in flat pack furniture! I bet looking back on these videos now, this must all seem an age away. Lovely to have a record of all your very hard, but rewarding work. 😊🌻

[@bobothree]

First time viewer. I don't know what this is all about. But I will come back again and again, if only to see that gorgeous girl.

[@tituswumkes93]

You guys are so good to watch, Beautiful, witty, fun, just lovely, You make a lot of people feel good, keep it up, 🙏😍🎶🤰🍸🎼

[@johnsharman7614]

Hope you enjoyed your week off in the peak district Monzel trail I've walked the Monzel trail in Derbyshire but not the P/District. Anything or anywhere is good for a change and now your back baking bread and snacks (banana honey and oats) Yummy! And back to your 2 lovely boats to finish off.👍

[@wdoll3783]

Jo & Vic things are coming along nicely on Holly solar panels & plumbing were quite big jobs!! I love watching Jo make bread and all the cakes and scones, brownies etc. You are sure a wonderful baker, it seems to make you so happy when you are creating such goodies!!. It is great when you like what you do, then it seems fun and you are a natural!! Take Care, Best Wishes for Holly the Cafe Boat, may your business thrive for you both!! 👋 ☕ 😊 🍰 💛 🥧 😃

[@mjallenuk]

The frantic 'shadow wave' was a nice detail ... Very Peter Pan 😎

[@HollyTheCafeBoat]

(-: We've had to go easier on cutting in bits of expensive films but glad to know the references still aren't lost (boys)!

[@mjallenuk]

Seamless 👍

[@MrFroglips69]

Your drive to get Holly done is amazing. Looking back at all that you two have accomplished since starting this project is mind boggling. Your sticktoitness is remarkable. If that wasn't enough Jo bakes cookies and yummy bread.

[@HollyTheCafeBoat]

Thanks Mark! And thanks for sticking with us 👍😊

[@saraanson8917]

Jo - do you have a favorite bread recipe that you would be willing to share? I love your videos - every aspect. I consider myself a certified gongoozler and have enjoyed Foxton Locks in person and any canal boat vlogs I can find, and your videos have been my current binge-watching favorite. Your cooking looks delicious and I'd like to try the bread.

[@rosemary5531]

I've only recently ''discovered'' you and am thoroughly enjoying your videos. I've rarely seen either of you without a smile on your face! You seem to work well together without any falling out or disagreements! (Or maybe you're editing them out!!) Please keep your videos coming. I find them very interesting and entertaining!! Good luck!

[@mungmungie]

I like your little Brompton bike. Nobody imported them when I was looking to buy one, so I ended up with a Dahon. Very handy, but not nearly as good as the Brompton in my opinion. The practical side of living in a narrowboat is interesting to see from the point of view of some one who has never been in one. Making an autumn meal is particularly appropriate for viewers in Canada, where Thanksgiving is celebrated early in October (this year, Oct.12). And yes, we've all had fun with IKEA hinges, I'm sure. Frustrating as all get out, but eventually they work as intended! Can't wait to see the end result with Holly all ready to go!

[@HollyTheCafeBoat]

Hi Peter, Yeah the Brompton is a fantastic addition. I think maybe our country and yours should swap bikes and canoes on a barter system? Glad to hear you're getting Autumn underway in Canada. Thanks for watching Peter!

[@mungmungie]

@@HollyTheCafeBoat I'll trade you a mountain or two! I had to electrify my little bike to get over them. Oh, and beavers. They are really cute and fun, but they can kill you if you mess with them. Sorry about the geese though!

[@i.f.haddock527]

I am a wanna be narrowboater; I have been thinking for 3 years watching various vlogs why no one had a Brompton or two on board - great to see a Brommie.

[@maobfh]

FANtastic! Anxiously awaiting your return.

[@joebiggs4153]

Watching you two is as enjoyable and relaxing as watching Bob Mortimer and Paul Whitehouse fishing. Keep it up shipmates!

[@lynstoneham]

This is so interesting watching you both

[@martinkavanagh196]

Just lovely - I do look forward to your 'inside stories' - Your home crafted foods made me hungry .. Thanks for sharing.

[@HollyTheCafeBoat]

Glad you enjoyed it Martin :-)

[@BeanoBunty]

BOOM. Just discovered this, amazing.

[@davidatkins8753]

Welcome back. I’ve missed you guys.

[@deanyates4891]

You two look like you were born to be together. I wish you all the luck in the world. Oh and love the videos btw keep them coming.

[@HollyTheCafeBoat]

:-D Thanks Dean!

[@apollo11guy]

I've got those same hinges in my kitchen!

[@andrewhenley7691]

Another great video, thanks guys. Holly is going to be fabulous.

[@HollyTheCafeBoat]

Thanks Andrew :-D

[@britdude4508]

Your vids are so interesting; so many different activities in such a short time. I find them more interesting than “cruising” vids. Jo, the closeups of you in the car really show your beautiful features. I suppose Vic is quite a handsome fellow too !

[@johnallen148]

Hi Jo Vic ,nice to see you back but you both work so hard a break must have done you both good ,nice to see holly taking shape how much longer before you are a working caffe how can you work with all that clutter I don’t know lol 😆 looks like you are the door fitter Jo ? Well guys take care keep safe till next time ,John 💐💐🥂🥂🎅🏻🎅🏻🎅🏻🎅🏻😆🌈💜

[@Minikisses20000]

Holly is really starting to take shape inside. So excited for you both. 💕💕

[@HollyTheCafeBoat]

Thanks Kimberly :-)

[@michaelnicholl7517]

Gosh I love you tw so much,. i am glad you have had a break and get back and take your time. The world as it is at the moment will not be rushing to your door. So just enjoy fixing Holly up and enjoy each other while you have the time 😘 because you may be rushed of your feet. may I ask how old are you both, you do not need to answer LOL old man🤗🤗😘😘

[@mickb6285]

Everything is coming together nicely now. If you ever find yourselves cruising in North Yorkshire with any of those biscuits looking for a good home give me a shout. Take care.

[@HollyTheCafeBoat]

We hope to be up there at some point!

[@belandsteve7458]

We discovered your channel tonight and only bed time stopped our binge watching :) lovely funny original content - a joy to watch; really looking forward to seeing your adventures. 👍👍

[@HollyTheCafeBoat]

Ah fantastic, thanks McKenna! Glad you're enjoying them!

[@FridayTuber]

Lovely 😋 & beautiful vlogging, thanks for sharing this experience.

[@busesandroutes6984]

Ooh exciting. Holly is nearly ready. Could get my flat white before Christmas ❤️

[@juliaharris8751]

Jo, great idea to prep a few days worth of meals. Your bread and cookies looked delicious! You and Vic are so industrious and busy with projects that meal planning after a hard day's work could be a pain. Holly is looking great. Can't wait to see you cruising around on her.

[@SongOfEire]

Wishing you all the best, all the time!

[@grahamlewis6062]

Oh guys there’s so many of us that would just love to give you a hand to ease you load. Keep it up, you are within sight of completion. When you have removed all the ‘extra’ stuff that’s in there and it’s clearer you’ll feel so much better 🌟🌟👍👍💐😃👏👏

[@Smokeysbandit]

Beginning to get really excited each week as you get closer to completion. I could almost smell your bread cooking it looked absolutely gorgeous. You are a great couple just like a match made in heaven. Take care and stay safe. See you in the next one. X

[@espenboholm1112]

on holly every day is a holly day

[@vadmal5210]

Almost there! Lovely :))

[@barbarastevens3053]

Cannot wait to see you moored and making a living somewhere on the canal. All the best wishes in the world to you both for your cafe to be a success.

[@HollyTheCafeBoat]

:-D We can't wait either! Thanks for the best wishes and same to you! :-)

[@davidmills636]

Making such headway - great to see and you look happy as a result

[@yeoldfart8762]

It’s been -6.6C for a couple days first snow on the 14th. Just enough to almost make the ground white.

[@nicothechihuahua3167]

Love you 2 your energy to achieve your goal is inspiring I'm sure you Holly will be amazing when finished. X

[@annettecalder2759]

Great vlog, looking forward to next weeks news! ☺

[@didnot6961]

Great video guys, well done 👍 jo, I’ve got plenty of jobs for you when you’re finished with holly.🇬🇧🇵🇦👍

[@britdude4508]

I forgot to say that your new vid provided a wonderful start to the day!

[@adeden9044]

Watching your vids is one of my weekly treats after a stressful week, they always relax me. Ive watched you from your first vid and enjoyed them all. You are both lovely and enjoyable to watch and its nice watching what you get up too, its always interesting. Much good luck to you both and thank you for sharing all these vids with us xx

[@HollyTheCafeBoat]

Ah thanks Ade, that's lovely to hear!

[@measureoncecutthreetimes8677]

Hi guys. it is all coming together, screw by screw LOL Getting excited for the stuff to all get installed and those final checks by the authorities and you will be off on your adventure. Hope it all goes well with you.

[@HollyTheCafeBoat]

Ah thanks MeasureOnce! You must have been watching since practically our first video!

[@measureoncecutthreetimes8677]

@@HollyTheCafeBoat Yep, wouldn't miss it. Stay safe and well and get out on that Cut and enjoy yourselves!

[@realamerican6101]

Love your videos with all the hard work you have to do you have fun doing so . From a fan from N.W. Indiana U.S.A . Take care Jo , Vic and very one you know .

[@TimVirnig]

I liked the like button because I liked it. Much like

[@HollyTheCafeBoat]

ditto :-D

[@TheBeeryBoater]

Looking good... soon be Cafe o'clock time!!! ;-)

[@kellinigh2398]

We are rooting for you. My husband loves your verve and positive spirt. So do I. The cupboards are 😍 beautiful.

[@HollyTheCafeBoat]

Thanks so much Kelli!

[@yeoldfart8762]

7 degrees C. Not too bad. Our last outdoor music session last Wednesday was 33F when I got in the car to go home. That I think is less than 1C. It’s suppose to be below 0C for the highs next week. The fun has started. Cafe is lookin’ good.

[@HollyTheCafeBoat]

wow that's cold. When will the snow come??

[@yeoldfart8762]

@@HollyTheCafeBoat Snow could come anytime now. The hope is that it won't come until the ground is frozen down a few inches. Then there's no ice on the roads. The first sticking snow of the year is usually the second week of Oct.Then it stays there until the end of April. 10 F is about my favorite temp in winter. Car starts easily and traction is good. Just spent several hours mixing a song from last weeks session. Time to sleep. Hope the flooding I heard of missed you.

[@philipizzard2584]

Yes it’s got cold all of a sudden and very wet but love the new vlog it’s coming on can’t wait too see this cafe n have tea and cakes hopefully,which canal are you moored on now thanks again

[@HollyTheCafeBoat]

Hi Philip, we're on the Erewash at the moment :-)

[@Videostufftas]

The build is looking great, well done on the door adjustment Jo... all the best from AU. 🙂🙃 ps the bread looked yumo

[@HollyTheCafeBoat]

Thank you! The door still isn't quuuite right but you hopefully the next one will be 😁

[@cindyskaronea2500]

Hi Jo Your oat and banana muffins look delicious! Any chance you could share the recipe? If not, I understand! I really enjoy watching your vlogs.

[@zagcatt]

I am not a shopaholic and the ad every 5 mins was not helping that, so signed up to patreon pronto!. Well worth it. Cheaper than the male grooming kit they were trying to flog me. :)

[@HollyTheCafeBoat]

Ahh it's great to have you as Patreon crew! Thanks for signing up, we'll get some more stuff on there soon!

[@lionelmarytravels6003]

We were only saying last night, that we wondered how you were getting on. Then, low and behold, an update on Holly.

[@wsatnutter9674]

brilliant

[@johnmac6202]

WOW...looking awesome so much work have you guys done, and now the stainless gets fitted. but where do you both get your energy from. and making those cupboard doors fit (Perfectly). when I get back to the UK and get my canal boat I will and work that needs to be done I will call you both (The A team) Blessings. John in New Zealand.. Kaiora mi Tatou... :-)

[@lesleysilverstone2868]

Love the cooking...am impressed with all of that in a small space.....and I still am in love with that stove. So nearly there?? Take care. Hugs

[@HollyTheCafeBoat]

So very nearrrrrlly :-D

[@blueclue57]

I wonder how much practice Jo had as a child with LEGOs? Her assembly skills are very measured, almost cautious. It’s coming together well. No need to worry.

[@espenboholm1112]

like number 401. live the dream.

[@mcauleyrj]

Jo cooks and she installs cabinet doors...what more could a man ask for? Great progresss

[@890zg]

I wanted to jump in my monitor when I saw you screwing the hinges by hand ... out of all the tools on the boat ... lovely vlog you two ... keep safe Goran

[@JohnSmith-bx8zb]

I noticed that you have Bromptons, do you use the trick to use the slightly unfolded bike and bag into a shopping trolly?

[@danensis]

I seem to recall you were due to open in October?

[@HollyTheCafeBoat]

:-D I think we said June at the beginning of the year LOL

[@garywinters2282]

What fuels your cook stove that you were baking bread in?

[@redjacc7581]

YaY!!!!!!!!!!! baking :P

[@julianpowell6355]

I dont suppose you're in a high crime area but I did notice that the doors on Holly had the hinges arranged so anybody could just undo the screws and lift off the doors.

[@paulayala4816]

Looks like the fitting out is coming along nicely, can't wait for the big news next week. The bread and biscuits look yummy I may have to try making those over here. If people wanted to mail you a package where could we mail it to?

[@stevepursglove1224]

Very impressed with your flat pack assembly skills Jo, Holly is looking good. Are You glad to be back at it again. How long do you think it will be until Holly is up and running. Steve

[@donnelson4140]

I’m watching in February 2021. Did you know your Holly, Cafe Boat, shows up on Google Maps?

[@donnelson4140]

P.S. It shows up as a business. You might want to add some info there.

[@janeingram7331]

Hi Jo and Vic - Just wondered - as a newly gluten-free eater, will you offer gluten-free items on Holly? She sure looks beautiful. I think your offerings are going to be quite good since you seem to have the ability to cook many yummy foods. Can't wait to see you up and at them. Best to you, Jane, Philadelphia

[@HollyTheCafeBoat]

Hi Jane! Yes, we'll definitely have gluten free options every day as well as vegan bakes too :-D

[@billstarr7224]

Great vlog. What will you be serving besides coffee on Holly?

[@HollyTheCafeBoat]

Thanks Bill! Lots of cakes and savoury bakes at first and then we may start doing some more substantial things, we're going to see how it goes!

[@lyndaplancarte4895]

Just found you two last week and have been going back to the beginning watching your videos. You mentioned about measuring several times due to the difficulty of measuring the walls due to the slant. Why, in the designing of these boats, were the walls not designed straight? It would have been easier for storage and doors...any info on that?

[@brianfraser2495]

The angled side walls are stiffer than they would be if they were square and boxy. Also, the narrower top reduces top weight and improves the boat's stability. Given a narrowboat's proportions compared to an open water cruiser, this is of some concern.

[@darrielj1]

Hello, and welcome back from your well deserved holiday. I am sure you have answered this, but what vidoe editing software do you use?

[@HollyTheCafeBoat]

Hi DAJeffree, thanks. For these videos we use a programme called Adobe Premiere. To be honest I'm not that familiar with the software myself. We used to both be TV editors and then we'd use a programme called AVID. But Premiere's pretty good for what we need.

[@darrielj1]

Thank you. I am currently in a stage 4 lockdown in Melbourne, Australia, but look forward to dropping by Holly for a coffee when I am next in England.

[@gfloyd2002]

WE DON"T GET TO SEE THE STAINLESS ON?? Fine, I'll watch next week, too.

[@HollyTheCafeBoat]

Haha, we daren't unwrap it!

[@chevyimp5857]

Excellent love a nice bit of stainless .. but looks like you have a fair bit of trim work left to finish around your windows,hatches ,raw edges etc.. hopefully the interior will be the equal of that very fine exterior.. really appreciate your video's.. thanks

[@HollyTheCafeBoat]

:-) yes lots of trim to go on, we've saved that job for last. Should only take us 5 minutes *eye roll*

[@timothyquinntully881]

What type of cookies did you make, they look really good. Love ya.

[@Leonard_Smith]

Somehow I get the impression that Vic got the better part of the deal on this one...

[@HollyTheCafeBoat]

I'd have to agree with you there Leonard 😊👍

[@bobhunter7767]

What's the recipe for your banana oat biscuits?

[@HollyTheCafeBoat]

Hi Bob! It's 3 very ripe Bananas, 4 tables spoons of peanut butter (or almond butter), 1 tablespoon of melted coconut oil, 4 table spoons of maple syrup (we put a bit less syrup in and they still taste sweet enough!) and 180g of oats (or I just pour in enough to make a sticky mixture). 😊👌

[@bobhunter7767]

Thanks, I asked because I have three over ripe bananas to use today, and those biscuits looks more interesting than the usual banana bread.

[@bobhunter7767]

Made today, very good, I might add some dried fruit next time, and cook them cooler but longer

[@lisakessler5749]

💕

[@jamesfoley6555]

🙏✝️🕊🙏

[@janeingram7331]

Gee whiz, who's the person that gave a thumbs down? What is your problem?

[@pocketchange1951]

👍👌🇨🇦❤,,,

[@thedogfather5445]

Just reported the porn link that keeps coming up on your comments from Memm M. Some people eh!

[@frankburns3871]

Any chance you remember the link?

[@HollyTheCafeBoat]

:-D Yeah I think that's a robot commenter, thanks for the vigilance!

[@thedogfather5445]

@@frankburns3871 this is the user - kzbin.info/door/W0hYBrw52qvcEVS0en5OWg

[@frankburns3871]

@@thedogfather5445 It's great the Cafe Boat is making it's way into the Korean market!

[@taysmith6710]

to many ads

[@frankburns3871]

Any chance Joanna has a Onlyfans site? We see way too much of Victor. No offense Vic but it's Marilyn Monroe people remember not James Dougherty. Who edits these videos anyway? Lol

[@redjacc7581]

OMG no bike helmet :( be safe

[@naughtysquirrellyndatee96]

Oh!! You got me. I said to myself “why is she making bread and biscuits?” Then I remembered.. cookies🤣.. they both look very good 😋

[@HollyTheCafeBoat]

Haha you've just reminded me of what biscuits mean to you, delicious little clouds of tastiness!