I just got caught in an absolute downpour on my way back form lunch. What is going on with this weather? I was lucky, or clever, because I brought a small umbrella with me, but there were loads of people caught short, so many girls in summer dresses getting absolutely drenched!

It was sunny this morning, then it absolutely chucked it down, and now the sun's out again - it's crazy!

We were promised a heatwave ages ago that didn't amount to anything, and then we were promised another one, which hasn't happened either. Is that it for our summer this year?

Photo: artisticana (Flickr)

I have spent a lot time on my garden so far this year to get it ready for the summer so it looks nice.

I bought an amazing new water feature that is very relaxing to watch, painted all my fences, planted some new flowers and shrubs, including a rose bush and also put some new lighting in.

I bought the lights from outdoor lighting UK and they look great.

What I asked for was lights that will highlight the key features in my garden like my new water feature and my rose bush and they really do.

Of an evening it looks magical and I am now just waiting for the warm summer evenings when I can sit outside with a glass of wine and enjoy my garden.

Picture: ledsolargardenlights.com

Do you ever dream of just rolling in a big pile of money? I know it sounds odd - but everyone must have thought about it at least once!

Imagine winning the lotto onsdag and then having a huge cheque delivered to say you are a winner! The feeling must be amazing. All the dreams and things you have wanted to do can now be ticked off the list!

Including rolling in a big pile of money!

Picture: istockphoto.com

I'm still considering some of my potential investments, but something I am now investing in, is my niece. She's a digital designer and really dedicated to creating a successful and lucrative career for herself.

At the moment however, things are a bit tight for her; being a graduate trying to get freelance work and search for the perfect full-time job is not an ideal way to live.

So I've helped her further her career by paying for some vfx tutorials that will really help her develop her skills, but will also put her ahead of her competition in the jobs market.

Employers receive hundreds of applications for jobs, and most applicants will have a solid degree qualification and a fair amount of experience. But if you have extra training that you've sought out yourself, rather than tagged as part of your university course, you have much more chance of standing out.

Photo: Riggzy (Flickr)

It's always hard to judge when is the best time to start up a new business venture, make a new investment, or take the plunge into a new financial opportunity, especially with the financial uncertainty we've had in recent years.

A friend came to me with an idea for a new business venture, and I'm very keen but I want to make sure it's a good idea before I go steaming ahead. I don't want to say too much about what it is just yet, but I think if executed well it could be really lucrative for us.

I currently have money tied up with a private wealth management company called Rowan Dartington, who invest the money for me and I see the return. They already help me manage a couple of investments, so maybe they can advise me on starting up something new too.

Photo: drewleavy (Flickr)