The cost of living on a NARROWBOAT full-time UK! | Life on Lavender Lee - EP 17

In this week's video we sit down with you all and talk money! Is boat life as cheap as we thought it would be? Join us, as we reveal all amidst the cost of living crisis. We also continue our London cruising adventure in search of a quieter spot, after last week's stressful cruise.
🔔 REMINDER - Subscribe to our KZbin channel and click the bell icon to be notified of our future cruises. @IzzieandCiara
📸 FOLLOW US ON INSTA - @izzieandciara
☕ BUY US A COFFEE- Here you can buy us a coffee to support the work that goes into our weekly videos!
buymeacoffee.c...
🎶 IZZIE'S MUSIC- Izzie writes and sings all of our background music! Some of the songs are available to stream on all platforms including Spotify- under Izzie Winter.
open.spotify.c...
👋 IN CASE YOU ARE NEW HERE - Hello! We're Izzie and Ciara! In the autumn of 2023 we moved out of our tiny rented London flat and bought our new home, a 62ft narrowboat called Lavender Lee. Join us as we explore our new life living afloat the UK canal network while we teach ourselves to renovate our home!
🕵️ SOLVING A MYSTERY - For reference, Izzie is the one with curly hair and Ciara has straight hair.
Lots of love,
Izzie and Ciara x
#boatlife #narrowboat #offgridliving #offgrid #slowliving #travelcouple #tinyhouse #narrowboatliving #london #boatlifestyle #renovation #travel #lgbt #costofliving

[@jodi-whitby-artist]

I just simply love watching and listening to your films. Really look forward to them - please don’t stop cos you are creating joy. Thank you and best wishes to you both.

[@IzzieandCiara]

What a lovely comment thank you Jodi! We definitely aren’t going anywhere anytime soon😊x

[@Claudia_K.]

Came for the narrowboats, stayed for the personalities and music! x

[@IzzieandCiara]

Aw how lovely Claudia! Thank you so much glad you’re enjoying xx

[@paulathorneycroft5422]

Love your vlogs, beautiful music. Regarding the gas; we had similar few mths ago, for about a week I kept smelling rotting veg. Turned out to be a leaky gas cylinder. You can easily check this my mixing up some soapy water, pour it over the connector, if it bubbles, it's leaking. This can sometimes be fixed by putting vaseline on the thread, acts like a seal.

[@IzzieandCiara]

This is good to know, will check this as soon as the rain clears up today! Hope you are having a good week - Izzie x

[@the_other_apg]

We're really happy you are going to have more EPs available in the future. It will also be interesting to see some more of Ciara's theatre work if and when possible. Perhaps a kind of 'a day n the life of' type of feature. In the meantime keep doing what you are doing, it always leaves us with a smile on our faces! Dafydd & Ann xx

[@IzzieandCiara]

Hi both! Hope you are having a good week! I think Ciara should also film more of her theatre work, I find it equally as interesting seeing what she gets up to in her working life. Great idea! Lots of love to you both- Izzie x

[@NicoleWinter-gp9ni]

Another charming vlog. I always look forward to your vlogs. Lovely to take a peek at ciara’s job and listen to Izzie singing too!

[@IzzieandCiara]

Thank you moomin for your encouraging comments as always 😊x

[@HelenDrozdz]

Yes, it is lovely for Ciara to get some positive attention too

[@barbohanley3882]

Great video,thanks for sharing,love the music!!🇨🇦

[@IzzieandCiara]

Thank you! - Izzie x

[@tmcmurdo826]

Good evening, Izzie and Ciara. I am so happy to see that my two favorite waterborne adventurers are doing so well. Izzie, I am a fan of Laura Marling, so you had me listening intently to your singing this week. Your cover was wonderful. I am looking forward to being able to access more of your music. Ciara, I am becoming fascinated by your work in the theater and that you were able to hop from one job here in the states to one in London so quickly. My son is visiting this week, so Jodi and I are feeling the joy and comfort of having him home. I hope that you both have a week full of love and warmth as well. As always, love one another. Love from Ohio, Tim

[@IzzieandCiara]

Hi Tim! Hope you had a wonderful week with your son, so happy to hear you are enjoying the comfort of having him home. I love Laura Marling, I have listened to her music since I was a teenager- I think she is a real wonder when it comes to lyrics and definitely an inspiration to my own composing. I will try and persuade Ciara to film a bit more of her work, I also really love learning more about everything that goes on in the backstage theatre world. Love to you in Ohio! - Izzie x

[@shirleygreaves9650]

I really enjoy your vlogs, you’re so cheerful even when things go wrong. Beautiful music.❤

[@IzzieandCiara]

Hi Shirley- thanks for another lovely comment. So happy you are still enjoying the videos! Have a great week- Izzie x

[@stephenhughes4943]

Another fabulous video girls. Thank you. ❤.

[@IzzieandCiara]

Thank you Stephen❤️

[@phoebeana7399]

Omg broken nostalgia

[@IzzieandCiara]

forever in our hearts 🥰💗

[@susansharples8555]

Lovely music, I really enjoy your videos ❤ xxx

[@IzzieandCiara]

Thanks Susan! Have a lovely week xx

[@beckyholmes8519]

Wow what talent you have thank you for sharing your voice and keyboard skill. I love seeing you guys together what a fun time you have great video. Love from Oregon

[@IzzieandCiara]

Hi Becky! Thanks so so much, so happy to hear you are enjoying the video! - Izzie x

[@natashab2304]

So interesting - thanks! And how awesome that you can do your laundry at work 😁 x

[@coraclouden2506]

Great cover song at the end Izzie. With my first boat I was getting through a 13kg bottle of propane a month, but I was in a marina rather than cruising, and had an instant water heater. I also had a bath installed in my boat. It was costly to use so much propane, but I love a long shower and a soak in the 🛀🏾. Ciara, I'd be making use of the theatre facilities too! Have a great week 🤎

[@IzzieandCiara]

Hi Cora! Hope you are having a lovely day, and thank you for another sweet comment. I think us not having a gas boiler/water heater definitely means our gas consumption is low. I miss having baths, I find them so relaxing, but not really doable in our boat or our old flat which only had a shower. Have a great week! - Izzie x

[@martykitson3442]

First time I ever seen you guys, i assume you know the rum wench? Been following Heidi for a year or two you play beautifully Izzy we used to flush a pound of plain bread yeast into our septic tanks twice a year

[@IzzieandCiara]

Thanks for watching Marty! We do know of Heidi! She’s great 😊

[@davidhall4079]

Loving the new music ❤ lot cheaper than a flat in London another great vlog 🎉you make my Sunday 😊

[@IzzieandCiara]

Thanks David! Definitely the cheaper option for us thank goodness. So happy to hear you are enjoying the videos! - Izzie x

[@ianglamb]

Hellooo, great video and living on a boat in London is a complete no brainer as you've worked out. Understand that you're aware of it but please don't forget the slush fund to pay for maintenance, repairs and blacking. Keep-on the great content you canal boat legends ✌

[@IzzieandCiara]

Hi Ian! Definitely a no brainer for us thank goodness. We didn't mention our slush fund as it isn't a set outgoing, but could include our maintenance budget in a separate video, you're right it is incredibly important! Hope you have a great week - Izzie x

[@ianglamb]

@@IzzieandCiara Cheers both & take good care x

[@jamesedwardson605]

Keep up the good work...

[@IzzieandCiara]

Thanks James :)

[@Bumble.and.the.B]

I saw on another boater video that someone recommend to up a bunch of zoflora into the cassette which will apparently hell with smell....

[@IzzieandCiara]

Thanks for the tip! That’s good to know x

[@drtydawg73]

how old are you two? you only look about 16!

[@NicoleWinter-gp9ni]

They are both older than they look 😂. (Izzie’s mum here)

[@drtydawg73]

@@NicoleWinter-gp9ni i should hope so. if i was their parent id be worried sick about them. 😕

[@IzzieandCiara]

Izzie here- I've been living independently for 6 years now- I don't think my Mum has much to worry about now! We are both nearing our mid twenties.

[@PatWilliams-x7s]

Grandma trusts them too. 👍

[@LynnGuthrie-il1yj]

Hi smiley faces 😊😊sommetimes if your gas bottle is getting low it can smell horrible ..beatiful song izzie ..love seeing you both ..you make me smile and make me cry ..have a great week

[@IzzieandCiara]

Hello Lynn! Will definitely keep an eye on the gas bottle :) hope you had a lovely weekend, thank you for watching❤️

[@LeeHour-s1o]

I really look forward seeing you both each week. Beautiful music Izzie. Your voice is enjoyable. Iam happy you are back from America Ciara. ❤

[@IzzieandCiara]

So lovely that we are becoming part of people’s weekly routines! It’s a pleasure- thank you❤️

[@michelewillard405]

Use bio laundry detergent in your cassette, cheaper than the chemical stuff. Most motorhomers do this

[@IzzieandCiara]

That’s what we’re currently using! Does the job in the meantime however I don’t think is as affective on the smell! x

[@ronnielloyd4676]

Oh, I was hoping I'd have a very rare copy of For When I Sleep when Izzi was a superstar! Well, to be fair, in my eyes she is already a superstar so who cares :) Of course Ciara is also a superstar but in a different field :) Love you both :)

[@lesleydonnelly2622]

Great video guys, interesting info about boat costs. Izzie beautiful music as always ♥️♥️

[@IzzieandCiara]

Thanks Lesley, glad you found it interesting! ❤️

[@jodihill668]

This is the first one of your videos I've seen, already subscribed! Izzie's music is amazing and I can't wait to follow your adventures!

[@IzzieandCiara]

Hi Jodi! So glad you have found us, and have enjoyed the video. We can't wait to have you on board our adventures! - Izzie x

[@debraanneclark2188]

Always love watching your videos and thank you for sharing that information about the difference in costs for living on a narrow boat to a rented apartment in makes you realise why so many people are either starting to live the van life or on the water. Safe journeys and happy pride month 🏳️‍🌈🏳️‍🌈🏳️‍🌈

[@IzzieandCiara]

Hi Debra! Thank you for another lovely comment, we hope the information is useful to those considering an offgrid lifestyle and seeing if it is worth it for them! Happy pride month! - Izzie x

[@markrant1460]

Dear Izzie and Ciara Izzie you have such a lovely voice and such a musical talent, thank you for sharing. Ciara, thank you for sharing a bit of your professional life. I have often wondered what it entails. Congrats on the reviews. You had mentioned that you were considering not paying for the rescue and repair service again ie a savings of 32 pounds. Maybe consider putting that 32 pounds towards the annual insurance fee which would save you the 20 odd pounds that could be put towards something else in the future. "look after the pennies and the pounds will look after themselves." lol Hugs to all three of you (you know who you are lol). May your week be full of fun and sunshine. Mark Alberta, Canada

[@IzzieandCiara]

Hello Mark, we hope you are doing well! Glad you are continuing to enjoy izzies music and seeing a bit into Ciara’s work life! Thanks for the tip, we definitely do try to put a pot of money aside for various different boat things but a good idea for sure! Hugs to you in Canada! Have a lovely week 💗

[@markrant1460]

All is well on this side of the world, thank you. OOO I forgot to mention, if you suspect a gas leak mix up a bit of dish soap and water. Then apply it, with a brush, to the joints in the gas line. If you see bubbles then there is a leak. If you don't see bubbles at the joint then no leak. Big hugs to all three and don't lose your beautiful smiles. Mark Alberta, Canada@@IzzieandCiara

[@BoatTime]

omg free showers and laundry?! the dream 😂

[@IzzieandCiara]

Honestly every time I start working a new theatre I’m just like “cool soooooo….does this place have any showers? Just wondering👀”

[@helenbarron1729]

Good morning beautiful ladies. Love your toadstool 🍄 earrings Ciara. Did you buy them online? Have a great day. Best wishes Helen 😀 (& Barney 🐕‍🦺).

[@IzzieandCiara]

Hello Helen! Ciara bought her earrings from a vintage market in Manchester, so unfortunately not available online. Have a great day! - Izzie x

[@juppster5694]

Such a great job of breaking down your costs of living on a narrow boat! Thank you - really interesting to hear about even though I will never be directly affected (not too many canals in Australia, also I think I'm a bit old for it now 😯😁) If I ever make it back for some short-term navigating on the waterways of Old Blighty I'll have my soundtrack ready to go 👍 I feel Izzie's music would be an essential part of the experience now ❤ Without wishing to be too nosey, is Bandcamp a better option for songwriter/performers than, say, streaming over Spotify? Do you do better again out of CDs or does the hassle and overhead eat into the benefits? Congratulations on a successful show, Ciara 👏 Glad you get to benefit from the resources at work - a washing machine where you don't have to worry beforehand if the batteries are up to it! Woohoo! Looking forward to next week's glimpse of warmth and sunshine, breaking into a cool and foggy Victoria. We just had coldest Melbourne day in five years! Brrrrr 🥶 PS How are the seedlings doing?

[@IzzieandCiara]

Hello! Hope you are doing well! Glad it was still interesting even if you aren't considering narrowboat life soon! Some short term navigation might be nice, where would you like to explore? Bandcamp is far better- with Spotify (which I do have my music up on) is $0.003-$0.005 per stream of one of my songs, which makes it hard to make a living off being a musician if that makes sense! Bandcamp you get to keep most of the money that comes in from the sales, which makes things more achievable for me. Postage/Packaging does eat into that but I still make enough. Unfortunately the weather has been so bad here lately, quite chilly and very rainy so not very summery! Our indoor seedlings didn't thrive- not enough light and the courgettes just died one died who knows why- we will have to try again next year! - Izzie x

[@ytanki]

It is very interesting to hear about your costs, because I don’t have any idea of them and have often wondered, how much it costs. All the best for you and I am looking forward to your next video ❤️❤️🙋🏼‍♀️🙋🏼‍♀️

[@IzzieandCiara]

Hi Anke! Thanks so much, see you next week! - Izzie x

[@Roo-s_Life]

Thank you as ever lovelies ❤xx

[@IzzieandCiara]

Thank YOU Roo 😊xx

[@susanseller5825]

A nice watch and listen thank you. Lovely music to accompany your evening cruise. Good info about your breakdown costs. Was your diesel costs after the rise? as I think its not high, in comparison to our spend when we have a 2 weekly cruise and have a log burner, in March and October times. Happy cruising xx

[@IzzieandCiara]

Evening Susan! Glad you enjoyed the video! Our diesel costs were just from this last winter gone, maybe we were just lucky! We will get a true estimate this year perhaps with our diesel stove running more reliably. We don't seem to get through much diesel for propulsion even though we cruise frequently! - Izzie x

[@SandieKirkwood]

I recommend you have a gas alarm.

[@dave_a81]

Stumbled across your channel today. Great music, great content and lots of information 😊 brilliant Look forward to watching some more of your videos😊

[@IzzieandCiara]

Thanks so much Dave! And Welcome! Glad you’re enjoying 😊

[@philsmith5208]

Loving your vlog again this week, wow the dressing rooms look amazing, do all the performers get so much space and bright facilities?

[@IzzieandCiara]

Hi Phil, thanks so much for your comment, the dressing rooms look very fancy- I am very jealous. I have asked Ciara who says that in this theatre yes, they are very lucky to get lots of space and a lovely dressing room, but it can vary a lot from theatre to theatre. Have a great week- Izzie x

[@mariaetheridge8343]

I've always been a house owner until 2017 when I sold up and moved into rental accommodation. Rent per month was €750 which was putting money into someone else's pocket. Totally acceptable but when I was given notice I decided to buy again. Now I pay a €285 levy every quarter plus my normal living expense... much cheaper and I know it's mine - no more notice giving! I'm almost 80 and live alone... very happily. 😊 The boat is yours and whatever you spend on maintenance is necessarry to be able to keep on moving! 🥂

[@IzzieandCiara]

Hi Maria! Hope you have had a good week. Glad taking the leap back into buying your own place paid off for you. We feel very lucky to have a place to call our own, and to be able to decorate it however we please! - Izzie x

[@edwardhoughton2565]

Early days of Kate Bush nice voice Xx

[@IzzieandCiara]

Thank you Edward! Have a lovely week xx

[@billballard2019]

Hello! I have a question: what is the purpose of the pin that fits into the tiller arm. Best I can tell, is doesn’t join two pieces of the tiller arm together - or does it?I’m very curious to know what it’s for. Lovely episode by the way, as per usual. Cheers!

[@IzzieandCiara]

Hi Bill, from our understanding it just holds the tiller arm in place while you are cruising, so you don't pull it off! Thanks so much, hope you have a wonderful week - Izzie x

[@billballard2019]

@@IzzieandCiara, ah! Clarity is a wonderful thing! Thank you! You two have a wonderful week as well!

[@KewiCampervan]

❤

[@firefly24601]

I wish Amazon Music would pick up your music Izzy. That way i could have your music as part of my playlists!

[@IzzieandCiara]

Hello! I think my music is on Amazon music, I had a check this music and I can see it up there- can you not see it if you search Izzie Winter? Let me know and I will do some investigating. Have a great week- Izzie x

[@firefly24601]

@@IzzieandCiara Oh! It's there! I think I was spelling your first name with a Y instead of IE, and getting a different artist. 💜

[@annjarvis9300]

I we are sure your facts and figures will be helpful to others thinking of getting a boat you both tc now luv from the oldies 🤗🤗🌺🌷🌹

[@IzzieandCiara]

Hi Ann! We hope it will be useful to other people considering boat life. Have a great week! - Izzie x

[@janwhitley3895]

Informative vlog- ❤️ from NZ

[@IzzieandCiara]

Thanks Jan!

[@katie2412]

Hi Izzie and Ciara I just found your wonderful channel today ! yay 🎉 Been watching Boat Time and Holly The Boat Cafe, and ThisTinyLife for many years. I am a Brit living in California. My friend lives on land up in Oregon, and suggested I tell you about The Cinderella Incinerator Toilets, they replaced their Compost Toilets with the Cinderella Toilets and have been really happy with them. I know you have lots and lots of renovation expenses coming up, so this maybe a ridiculous suggestion, as they are quite expensive ☹️ Thank You for your lovely music 🎶 and great energy 💌💌💌

[@IzzieandCiara]

Hi Katie! So happy you have found our channel. Great to get to know a bit about you are where you are! We have definitely heard about incinerator toilets- definitely not a ridiculous suggestion- but have heard that they can use a fair amount of electricity to get the job done, but maybe we should look into it a bit more. Thanks for such a lovely comment, have a great week! - Izzie x

[@katie2412]

@@IzzieandCiara Thank You 😊 look forward to chatting more I sent your channel in to a number of friends today I think your channel will grow quite quickly, your voices and original music are beautiful, your honesty about the challenges, while sharing your joy for life … is Fab 🥰

[@dharmakelleherauthor]

I find your videos on boat life so interesting. You two are such a delight. I was wondering how Izzie finds the acoustics in the boat for recording their music, particularly vocals. Do you have to do a lot of noise reduction? Or are the recordings on the boat more for composing rather than final production quality? Just curious. Keep up the awesome videos. Love you both!

[@IzzieandCiara]

Hello Dharma! Thank you so much! In terms of acoustics on the boat, the space isn't ideal but is definitely better than our old flat with incredibly high ceilings, that created a horrible echo in recordings. I definitely have to pick my moments in terms of when I can record vocals in terms of background noise from outside- it is definitely easier in the countryside. The recordings I do on the boat are sometimes final production quality, but for my own solo releases I tend to bring these tracks to an external producer who I will work with to create a final more professional version- with far better equipment than my own and better recording studio. Love to you! - Izzie x

[@dharmakelleherauthor]

@@IzzieandCiara That’s cool. The production quality of your music is absolutely amazing.

[@brianoleary639]

u guys make me happy :)

[@IzzieandCiara]

we are very VERY happy to hear this brian!!!! 🥰💗

[@julie9242]

Hi Girls, Hope your both well. Try putting the cassette nozzle in the down position when emptying and then press the button. The angle helps with emptying. Just a thought. Have a great week 😁X🐰x

[@IzzieandCiara]

Hi Julie! Thanks for the tip, we will give it a go. Have a great week! - Izzie x

[@andrewflett89]

Another nice episode. Glad you found a better place to stay. That's the advantage of living on a boat, you can always move to someplace better. Looking forward to the next video. Good luck!

[@IzzieandCiara]

Hi Andrew! Hope you are having a nice week, we are much happier in this mooring spot thank goodness. Thanks for watching and commenting! - Izzie x

[@Leigh-r4k]

Very enjoyable, omg the music his beautiful I would purshase that so relaxing. It's so nice to see your travels Thanks Lee

[@IzzieandCiara]

Thanks Lee! Will be sharing more about the music in the next couple of weeks! - Izzie x

[@Bumble.and.the.B]

Are you considering also getting a multi fuel stove fitted ? Hopefully that might help to make that lart a bit cheaper.... x

[@IzzieandCiara]

We have thought about it- and depending on how our diesel stove behaves this year it might be on the cards! x

[@carolynbotting8658]

You two are such a pleasure to watch, always up beat and smiling, your both so talented in your own right, look forward to Sundays! ❤from🇨🇦

[@IzzieandCiara]

Hi Carolyn, thank you for such a lovely comment, we love making and sharing our videos with everyone! Hope you are having a lovely week - Izzie x

[@Cheekymonkey1]

Good night Carla and lzzle I love you too for what you are doing for us on your you tube channel I hope you are all well and enjoying your adventures aboard your narrow boat I love watching your videos of you and your adventures on your narrow boat please keep your videos going on your you tube channel please keep safe and warm also your music is on Spotify I down loaded your album

[@IzzieandCiara]

Good morning! Thank you for your comment as always❤️ and thanks so much for supporting Izzies music! Have a lovely week xx

[@sharon2180]

Just love your music, so uplifting.....thank you

[@IzzieandCiara]

Thank you so much Sharon 💗💗

[@samwright8599]

I think boat time have proved it's a finacial reward. I know they upload twice a week and then did patreon, but Ben and Emily did etsy and music, I think theres definitely ways to make it work financially that might take the sting out. I mean it's still better then renting. Slow life is so appealing. But whatever you do, you both have jobs. This was a really nice upload. I'm looking forward to the CD. Xx

[@IzzieandCiara]

Hi Sam! You're right there are so many different ways to make it work financially, still sort of navigating what that will look like for us. Thanks for another lovely comment- Izzie x

[@samwright8599]

@IzzieandCiara you're welcome my loves xxxx

[@SuperTonywilliams]

Beautiful film and music as always, thank you x

[@IzzieandCiara]

Thank you so much Tony, that's very kind of you 💗

[@jellyb1945]

Love your bag, where is it from? ❤

[@IzzieandCiara]

If you mean the colourful green and yellow rucksack, it’s from Lucy and Yak! - Ciara x

[@jellyb1945]

@@IzzieandCiara yes it’s amazing thank you - loved the video as always you guys are fantastic ❤️❤️❤️

[@JonMadsen70]

:)

[@IzzieandCiara]

❤️

[@FlashGormless]

Hi just get a spray bottle and fill it with soapy water, then spray it over the gas valve if it bubbles continuously then you have to tighten the valve nut simples! :) RCR have really over priced themselves, in my oppinion not worth the money.

[@IzzieandCiara]

Hello! We will give this a try today just to double check that everything is as it should be. Thanks so much! - Izzie x

[@FlashGormless]

@@IzzieandCiara If you look in the bottom of the gas locker you will see a hole. Thats the drain hole so if there is a gas leak in there it is taken out the boat so don't worry to much. Gas falls down it doesn't rise up it's heavier than air.