Bits 'n Bobs AND a progress report

 School holidays have started here (Whoop! Whoop!) and my gorgeous nieces, aka the Glamourzons, nephew and SIL are visiting. YAY!

We're in a mess house wise, but who cares? ! We're planning on an overseas jaunt to Asia with them next year so we'll be dreaming and scheming....

The house progress is continuing. I'll do a YOTH update soon. At this point there's lots of quote gathering and budget balancing. Boring but practical foundations for getting the house finished! 

The carpet has FINALLY been ordered and although the 6-9 week lead time seems excessive, (slow boat from from New Zealand!) the time frame will probably suit us well.

I chose Cavalier Bremworth Inscape (pictured left) for all the upstairs areas and also for the insert piece in the family room, located on entry level. A less dense, shorter napped version called Verve (above, right) will go in the downstairs bedrooms to help us stay within our newly formed budget. It's the same colour (why they look different in the pics is beyond me) and both are solution dyed nylon for colour fastness and durability.

 The main bedroom robe fit out is complete and I'm slowly 'moving' things into it and unpacking stored clothes (many which no longer fit me...*sob*) 8 bags for Vinnies and counting!

I decided on simple white laminate, without drawers, which was cost effective. I added one drawer only to a 'dressing table' area. (The missing bit on the left in the image above is now fitted!) The drawers in our last home's WIR were used mostly for shoes and since we I have a designated shoe cupboard, I thought the open shelves would suffice. And of course we have bedsides and a beautiful bone-inlay chest in the main bedroom too!

I'm considering fitting the dressing table drawer with jewelery trays for ease of access. The pics on the left below, are from the 'Stackers' range available from Howard's Storage World. My inspiration  image is on the right...

 The range from HSW is limited, but an online search revealed a plethora of configurations available from UK and US stockists via Fishpond.com.au. Has anyone bought via them? Comments?

Some artwork has arrived here too in readiness for the project wrap up....(LMFAO!) 

Frustratingly, I think it's wise to not unwrap the African painting (had been on layby for eons..) nor the recently framed Kara Rosenlund print as they're better protected from the persistent dust as they are. 'Gilbert' has been slotted into a cost-effective  Country Road ready-made frame in preparation for J's bedroom.

Calm Before                                                                                 Muhammad Ali Miami 1961

My recent infatuation with Trevor Mein's photographic artwork and our fiscal predicament led me to purchasing 'Calm Before' on a whim (well, not really... I posted about it HERE) and, oops! 

 It's OK, and will fill a spot, but ultimately, I already know it's no substitute. Which leads me to the Powder room art quandary I posted about recently. 

What do you think of the Muhammad Ali underwater, boxing training artwork??? 

Ticks a few boxes....?

We have found a new tiler (Alleluia!) and I am SO excited about him starting in a few weeks. All further progress seems to hinge on him doing his bit - first! 

Renderers are engaged to start in a week and the scaffolding has been erected in preparation, so we are all systems go with finishing the exterior.

And on a family finale...both our nest leavers are on the move again, so we'll be shuffling and storing lots of additional bits 'n pieces. Gotta laugh....

Never a dull moment!

x KL

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progress, presents and procrastination

Some more PROGRESS to report!

The top balcony off the dining room has its eave soffit lining complete! 

I begged Davey to use lining boards but never won the argument....he thought they would look at odds with the contemporary exterior.  Pffft.  

Anywho, plain and simple they now are. Next up is to waterproof that deck so the last and largest area underneath can be sheeted too.

Our tiler came back to work yesterday and laid the screed in our en suite. My happy dance was short lived though when he informed me of another job he has committed himself to, starting today. Then Davey will occupy him for two weeks and....well, I'm not holding my breath expecting an imminent return...Damn!

 Being holidays here, the pace for J and I has been  s l o w . You know; lazy mornings, no set bed time, mid-day movies and pj days just mooching. School is on the horizon though; high school no less and it's probably time we got back into a better routine. Dave must have thought so too as he surprised me with a 'present' today: Ducted vacuum hose, fittings and motor / barrel.  

Subtle and thoughtful. LOL.

Daughter No. 2 recently turned 23! She loves dinosaurs ( ! ? ) and i think still harbours a quiet dream of being a paleontologist. My eldest daughter organised a surprise family excursion to Taronga Zoo to celebrate coinciding with their Dinosaurs In the Wild exhibition...and Sydney kindly turned on a heatwave for us! It was a wonderful but exhausting day!

The time has come for us to replace my car too. I've been driving a Ford Territory AWD Gia and it has been a wonderful vehicle. Accommodating us all, plus friends with the seven seats when required and a sturdy and spacious 'work horse' for me collecting building and interior supplies. But the girls now live away from home and with access to a Ute and 3 tonne truck as work vehicles, J and I can scoot around in something smaller.

Top to Bottom: Mazda 3, Honda Civic, Hyundai i30

The final three contenders are the Mazda 3 Touring, Honda Civic and Hyundai i30 SE.

On moi must-have list is a hatch for rear conversion as a work vehicle. Leather seats too...it's hard to downgrade some features! 5 star safety rating, blue-tooth connectivity, maximum leg room for J when he's a rear seat passenger, rear ventilation, usb or power outlets and enough head room for Davey and J when driving as they're tall. (Yes J too as, in just over four years he'll be a driver and we are buying with the forethought of giving him the car at his first vehicle!)
I'd like SAT nav if possible (own a TomTom so not essential) and don't want heated seats or a sunroof.

We've test driven...talked and slept on 'it'. 

Tomorrow's decision day!

Get in quick with opinions!!!!

x KL

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You may say I'm a dreamer....

 ....but I'm not the only one.

A few months back we took a family weekend trip to Jenolan Caves. 

On the way there, we stopped in beautiful Leura for lunch and supplies. My daughters and I couldn't resist a quick peep inside the local shops too. We were very taken with a window display created using multiple white dream-catchers which were stunning, unlike the abysmal pictures! They obviously stuck a chord, as my daughter A has asked for one for Christmas. 

I get stressed easily and have learnt that the secret to alleviating this is being well organised. 

With most of my Christmas shopping complete, I have frantically tried to source something similar and eventually found a local shop prepared to make a white version, of their design (pictured below) for me.

Cost? Approx $100.

W. T.  F. ?

Guess I'm making one...

Wish me luck!

x KL

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Cute

Now that my two daughters have flown the nest, our predominately female home has become principally male. Having been raised with two sisters, this is a first-time experience for me. And, boy is it taking some getting used to!

My decorating style is quite masculine in many ways but I'm currently being drawn to pastel pink. 

I wonder if it's a subconscious reaction? 

Like-wise, my lack of ankle biters have me pondering all the cute stuff that pops into my inbox. 

Go figure.

Here's the best stuff I've found for those still with pink little cherubs...

 1. Rose gold finish Ellie Cot and pink child's egg chair. Both Incy Interiors. 

a. Cheeky Little Soles soft soled leather cowgirl boots and

b. 'Tip Toey' Joey pre-walker Gold 100% leather booties. Both from Hard to Find.

c. Pink and white spliced Hosk cushion (wonder if my boys could tolerate these?) Country Road.

d. Sheridan's new baby range. All of it. Gorgeous.

2. Boys welcome with this one! Little Green Room. Cubby house / caravan. I want!!!

a.  Hanneke cushion and single blanket, Mikki bedcover. All Country Road.

b. Lucy change table also from Incy Interiors

c. Sequin coat hangers. Etsy

d.  Pink velvet lumbar cushion. Adairs.

And in case you're wondering, yes, of course all items can be bought online!

x KL

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christmas decorations (a bargin hunter's secret)

 Soooo....I've been thinking about Christmas a bit lately and my mind turned to decorations.

I love choosing a different colour / wrapping / decor each year.

Here are some past themes...

I fell in lurve a few seasons ago with some ridiculously priced diamante concoctions from Domayne and, as is this family's custom, purchased one, appropriately themed item, per member each year.

So my little stash of 'special' decorations has grown. And when S & M left the nest, I bought their first Christmas decorations to start their own tree....

And this year, as it's A's first Christmas away from home, I bought her this:

but....for her BF, I needed a duck! and no other icon would do...

So I turned to good ol' Mr Google and guess what?

These $20+ Christmas ornaments are readily available on eBay for <$10, sold as diamante keyrings and necklaces!

Yes! I know! W.T.F?

Hello Mr $5 Duck! I'll look forward to meeting you!

x KL

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You are very welcome and encouraged to comment, I love receiving feedback! 
If you enjoy my ramblings, perhaps consider following by Email, Bloglovin' or Google+.
 Join this site via Google Friend's Connect so I can follow you too!

Holidays...

*Framed my Typo T-Towel (Thxs for idea Katrina!) *We have a hand towel rail! *Mum's 50 yo bathroom tile framed as a reno momento. *The mirror bedsides have made it upstairs!

 The school holidays have finished here in NSW and J has returned to school, unfortunately without much enthusiasm. We had a very lazy two weeks at home. 

Lots of leisurely sleep-ins and pj mooching!

We got a few small chores knocked over and some arty projects completed.

 J and I ventured into Sydney and stayed in Newtown at my daughter's flat for a few days. She cooked up a storm and pampered us no end...We took J to Luna Park on the windiest day... it was looking tired but provided us with lots of fun, nonetheless. The bumper cars and giant slides being faves with J and S's BF, M.

I stuck to laughing at myself in the warping mirrors!

What did you get up to in the holidays?

x KL

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our worst nightmare....

As a parent, having children moving out of home is a momentous event. 

You're proud of them and want to support their independence whilst so very slowly letting go of previously firmly held, apron strings.

Second daughter, A experienced a murder, then two hour siege outside her new home yesterday.

OMG!

She was thankfully at work when the shooting was occurring but none the less, it's been a shocking experience for a 21 year old.

I want her home. But wrapping her in cotton wool is no answer.

The reality of the society we live in just came slamming into her 'happy bubble' of new found independence.
So. Unfair.

And the Central Coast, in my view, has lost it's relative isolation from the big bad world. 

So. Sad.

x KL

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Dear Julia: Sandwichgate Alibi

My baby boy has safely returned from his Year 5, three day excursion to the Australian National Capitol, Canberra. He left before dawn on Wednesday and it has been a very, very long three days without him.

He visited Parliament House but I've just unpacked his bags and you'll be happy to hear that his Wednesday lunch has returned uneaten. Julia's dodged missile was not from Copa....LOL!

He otherwise ate well, survived two nights without us, and only lost a beanie!

He LOVED visiting the National Museum and the Australian War Memorial but the Australian Institute of Sport enthused him most. He reckons the basketball players were "six metres tall!"

The school trip crammed a visit to the National Gallery, Questacon and the National Science & Technology Centre too!

I am so proud of my son, after his first independent journey and for also receiving high praise from his accompanying teachers. 

And apparently the cold I prepared him for never materialised...
I'm off to see if he'll grant me another cuddle...

x KL 

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Moving. Dining. Thoughts. Quandary

Daughter No. 2 has just signed her first lease on an apartment!!!

 I'm excited for her but at the same time am silently sobbing inside. Just like I did with the first nest leavers, S and M.  Mwaaah!

Life and growing up happens in a blink of the eye...

In prep for the imminent move she's on a buying frenzy and has bought, amongst other things, this terrific dining suite from one of my best friends as posted HERE.

 It residing temporarily in our future dining space though, has been a bit of a shock.
It is a large eight seater suite and looks minuscule in the area.

We currently have a twelve seater Antique, Edwardian Banquet Table as our family meals table (contracted to seat 6 downstairs) but I'm now concerned it too will look small, even in its extended form, in the new upstairs space! Keeping the table is a definite. David collected antiques waaay before we met and I respect that they are precious to him. (hence the three car garage sized, purpose built, storage area filled to the brim on the lowest level!)

Sooo... do I buy something more suited to this space and add this table to storage or  'make do'?

I was contemplating custom making something but realistically, we'll be downsizing next move and would have no need for a table which I predict may need to be 3.5 - 4 metres in length to 'look' right. 

Life throws spanners at you every which way doesn't it?

x KL 

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Tilly

We have taken delivery of a little girl Moodle, Tilly for some friends who are away on holiday. Due to Cyclone Evan, their trip to Fiji was pushed back a few days and we get to baby sit till Sunday. J is totally in love. I'll let you know how I feel after tonight, this being Tilly's first night away from her mum.

x KL

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The travelers return!

Tonight my middle daughter A, (in red jacket) boards for home from Japan! Yay!!!!

On Wednesday, The nest leavers, S (in black coat) & M (the long haired boy) return with M's mate Q. Snitched these pics from their Facebook pages, he he! Amazing the technology that allows us to view near instant pics and have free mobile conversations (Viber) with children on the other side of the world!

Thought you'd enjoy these pics Nana!

x KL

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旅行計画：大阪

Travel Plans: Osaka, Japan!

My eldest daughter, S and her boyfriend M (the nest leavers) have been busy planning for the last four months, another trip to Japan. This will be S' third trip to the country and M's second. M's best mate Quinn is going with them too and .....as of two days ago, so is my second daughter, A!

 They leave on November 22 - nothing like a last minute decision! Yikes!

Organising a passport for A (this is her first overseas trip) was the least of our problems.

I'm madly running round trying to purchase a merino spencer out-of-season and trying to get her travel insurance sorted. Adding one extra to the already booked hotels has been the biggest nightmare, with A at this point staying in a different hotel, some distance away, for the first two days in Osaka. Definitely NOT ideal and hopefully this can be resolved soon.

It will be the most amazing experience for my girls; an incredible opportunity to create shared lifelong memories. I am so happy to see them choosing to travel, their organisational and negotiating skills, independence and confidence all blow me away!

Am so very proud of them both!

x KL

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Bits & Bobs

This Bed Bath N Table soap dispenser's not a bad match for our marble is it? I'm thinking I might get another for the guest en suite. 

J's finally spent all his birthday present money. 

How do you say no after "...but Mum, it's my own money." Thank God for blu-tack!

Do you own one of these gizmo's?

 It's a splatter guard and I can't believe that I'm a year-off-a-half-century and have only just discovered them! 

J 'discovered' how to make fire with a magnifying glass. Great. Thanks Daddy and Grandad!

Still dreaming of a black (and white) kitchen!

And this one has 'my' splash-back window, stainless steel and marble benches and Mr Starck's ghost stools that I'm planning too!!!
*sigh*

x KL

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Bits & Bobs

You know Spring is definitely here when she can bring forth such beautiful blooms from neglected winter gardens. We don't have any gardens yet.... the house is still perched on a building site but this Australian Native Rock Orchid has given us a beautiful display after being unceremoniously dumped on site. And these orchids below were also hiding in a pile of weeds. Amazing!

 

We went to the State Theatre in Sydney last night to see comedian, musician and wonderful entertainer, Bill Bailey. A terrifc show and great Father's Day present for David. Our first nest-leavers and daughter No. 2 came as well which was perfect. Check out the chandy! Gob-smackingly gorgeous!

We are enjoying some perfect Spring weather here...

Hope you are too!

x KL

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Bits & Bobs

We celebrated J's 10th Birthday, again on Sunday. Although his birthday was in May, he missed out on a promised and keenly anticipated party with his friends because we were overseas. He chose a Laser Tag party and invited all the Year 4 boys, two good girl friends and a couple of other mates. J and I designed Lanyard VIP Access Invites which were J's idea and all the kids loved.

Two hours of mayhem and it was all over...with no cleaning up! Yay!

 Thanks to Sara Lee, I was able to create a Halo / Army inspired birthday cake very easily!

 I also learnt that you don't send a child to the hairdressers with their father with no prior styling direction. A number 3! In winter? Eeeek! Below is J with the 'spoils' of his event!

Been EBay-ing some designer clothing that no longer fit's J and a few other bits and bobs. Sold some, not all. I underestimated postage costs so made only a few dollars. Not sure if it's worth the effort really. Here's the postage pile ready to go!

Now The Terrigal Project is complete, David is focusing his attention on a new build at Point Frederick. It's at the exciting stage....choosing fixtures and such. Here is a picture of the stair style we have suggested. Nice, Eh?

I helped the middle child complete her Tax return and now have to get the business' ready for our accountant. Office work is sooo tedious and boring. 

Hope you're set for a more exciting week! 

(Am loving following the excitement of Katrina Katrina from The Block and AM The House That AM Built in New York!)

x KL

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Family Time...

 After 'losing' the first week of the school holidays with David back and forth to hospital, we decided to take some 'family time' with a brief trip to the Hunter Valley. Another family came with us which was great as J had some same-age company.

Thought I'd share a trip synopsis!

We stayed at the Mecure Resort which had the most gorgeous open fires and a terrific pool table which kept J and his mates occupied for hours.

It is a stone's throw from the Hunter Valley Gardens which has been on a planned destination 'wish list' for quite some time. The gardens feature a 'Snow Time' event at this time of year and it was great fun! Snow ball fights, ice-skating, tobogganing and 'snow-boarding'; all courtesy of faux snow!

Amazingly, we didn't get to spend time in the magnificent themed gardens as it started to rain heavily after we finished up in the snow garden. Another trip definitely needed!

J and David squeezed in some fun at the Aqua Golf driving range though. One of our friend's won a free lunch so we headed to Harrigan's Irish Pub for some tummy warming fare and a roof!

 Of course no trip to The Hunter would be complete without a few wine tastings. We visited McGuigans, Tempus Two and Brokenwood (3 out of 120 Cellar Doors available) before the children called a halt with cries of boredom!

(But not before they each consumed their own body-weight in sampled cheese and sorbet!)

I think an adults only Hunter weekend will be added to that 'get-away' wish list too!

I fell in love with the architecture and facilities at Tempus Two, pictured above and below.

We spent a beautiful winter morning checking out the cute shops in the HVG village. The British Lolly Shop was a universal favourite with everyone!

And we popped into the Potters Brewery for lunch on the scenic tour home. Great food and atmosphere! It is on the site of the Hertiage listed Brickworks which are still standing within the grounds and had another welcoming mammoth fireplace!

I really enjoyed our mini break. I spied a gazillion stunning country cottages which has reignited my love of this very Australian and heart warming architecture style.

The 'Farm' dream is definitely growing legs!

J is back to school next week and I only have days before The Terrigal Project is due for handover. I'll take some snaps to share. Carpets are in, Spotted Gum floor sealed and bathroom fit-outs complete! Count down commencing!

x KL

Thank you for stopping by my blog. You are very welcome and encouraged to comment. I love receiving feedback! I also love watching a new pretty picture box added to my followers - would love you to join me so I can get to know you too!