Shopping, House Progress and other important thoughts...

 A few weekends ago, David completed the construction of a small deck on the middle level at our place. It provides a link between the large entertaining space and stairs, to a wee rear courtyard and a clothes drying area. It also allows access to the external pool W.C and a secondary access to the laundry / lower kitchenette. The Merbau timber still needs to be sealed, the stairs stained to match and a privacy screen added but its another thing to cross off that list! Yay!

In MAJOR NEWS...the lounge room is ready for sanding! We had a professional plasterer here last week and once we trim the windows (goodbye weekend) we'll be all systems go for sealant and paint! The main bedroom en suite ceilings still need a top coat and then they'll be ready to paint too, after which waterproofing can begin! Hallelujah!!!

Post Christmas, my love of Gold has continued unabated...this sweet gold cushion from Castle adds a dash of glitz and comfort to the dining chair I use at the laptop. Whilst I was shopping there (online of course!) I added these pillowslips to my cart for J's bed.

Styled bed (Left) via The Design Files

The bench I ordered has arrived; it's the perfect length for the end of our King sized bed. It will remain in the guest room when we move into the main bedroom though for seating and as a luggage drop zone for guests. It's white linen so until the plaster dust is finito it's staying under packaging wraps!

 Today I bought this cute hand made silver ring by Von Treskow. I have several pieces of their exquisite jewelry and love that this 6 pence ring mixes rose-gold and silver together! I was extra lucky to find it heavily discounted in a one-day sale at a local store.

 I finally tracked down (yes; like a super sleuth! Ha ha!) a gorgeous, leather wrapped round mirror as lusted after HERE. This pic is of it in brown but mine is black. And I got is below cost! 

*happy, happy, happy dance*

I'm thinking of featuring it either in the entry or above the fireplace. ?

I pinned the below, left image, when I first laid eyes on it. It is Olivia Palermo's living room and I coveted both the Hermes tray and the mirror encrusted cushions. I've pinned many more images featuring these two items on my Pinterest boards but now happily own them too. Mine are those pictured below, right!

After my long winded post HERE regarding my newly completed shoe cupboard, I found some US sourced plastic boxes on eBay that fitted all the requirements I needed. I made an initial purchase of ten and am happy with them so have ordered twenty more. Will show you the cupboard again when sorted! I think the Ikea office boxes would have worked equally well but I was swayed by the convenience of online shopping / home delivery again! (I was house-bound with the plasterer all week and awfully impatient, LOL!) Would LOVE Ikea to sell online! *sigh*

Have you noticed the new-season ranges are being released ATM? I'm thrilled to see that leather pants / jeggings are still fashionable (I invested in a pair two winters ago) but would like a new feminine tunic or shirt to go with them. All the items below are from Country Road. I bought this dress and blazer but the blazer was tiny...so unfortunately, back it went. Looking forward to seeing these tops when they're available!

 Country Road has one of their eagerly awaited spend-n'-save promotions on currently too. I made use of it to buy the dress above, the pretty pink tea towel (Yup, a concurring colour addiction as posted HERE) and the beige / black pillowcases seen below, for J. They haven't been delivered yet, (there is no local CR Homewares store so I'm buying online again) but I'm hoping they will go with J's Pony Rider quilt which I bought eons ago (read about it HERE) which needs some pillowcases to go with it. Fingers crossed that at 30 % off, these work!

And I'm toying with this little fox pillow for him too. It's sooo god-damn cute!

Loving the idea of leopard / ocelot print slip-ons for winter. They look super comfy and casual. Now I just need to narrow down the choice!

Just like the decision to buy a new wallet. I'm definitely heading into the need rather than want category for this. A good wallet is usually a long term commitment for me. Any recommendations?

Ceasarstone will soon be releasing their latest range of composite stone surfaces. I am very excited about the Calacatta Classic due for release in July. There could be a new contender for the kitchen island!

 Decisions! Decisions!

Stayed tuned! Exciting times ahead!

x KL

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W. T. F. ?

How long have I patiently waited for my darling Bindi to be hung? 

Waaaay too long!

So I pestered David over the weekend and this was his effort. W.T.?

Not only does the wire and fixings show (a definite no-no!!!) but they are the same ones that held up the painting that was there before and are too high. If I'd wanted a shoddy job, I'd have done it myself!

 My excitement (shared with you HERE) at finding and purchasing our external lights was short lived. The globes that fit into them are discontinued. W.T.?

Hello...why sell a fitting that no-one can use!!!??? Grrrrrr......

Likewise, my much anticipated eBay bargain I bragged about HERE is a dud. 

A Kate Spade Ice Queen neck piece is NOT wearable if it has three missing diamante! W.T?

Brand New? Pffffttt.

Remember THIS online purchase waaay back in 2011? 

J's entire new bedroom was designed around this 'hero' piece. Why wait to use it in the new room I thought and so unwrapped it. W.T.? Queen size? More a single bed throw. And the pattern is pieced differently too; in large and small font stripes. Ewwh. I do not want to even recall how much I invested in this item.

Sooo...I'm still on the diet. And, I've lost 3 kilos. I am really struggling with it though.

Be kind with your comments....LOL!

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!

The week so far...

 After seriously coveting Erica's (Moth Design) J Crew Flower Lattice necklace for what seems like an eternity, my heart has now been stolen by Heidi's (Adelaide Villa) Kate Spade Ice Queen neck piece. Funny really, because I've never been one for costume jewelry. Never say never....The J Crew one was sold out when I first fell for it but can now be back ordered whilst the sold-out Kate Spade is only available from a few e-bay sellers. Both designs are equally stunning....and would make a perfect Mother's Day pressie. Hint Hint! Eenie-meenie-miney mo?

I can't believe another World's Greatest Shave day is upon us again. This was J's contribution this year. We are huge supporters of The Leukaemia Foundation here after watching my friend, and mother to J's, battle and lose her fight to this disease. I think of Lisa often and hope that a cure can be found soon. 

Read about Bacon Jam on Made By Girl. Made some. (That's my batch mid cooking, above) Super easy and absolutely yum. (I tasted it only to ensure it was edible BTW! - still on my diet!) 

Highly recommend. Deets can be found HERE. 

Everyone in blog-land was super excited about finding ceramic garden stools at The Reject Shop for $40 a few months back. I was too slow and missed out but they revisited this winner and I scored the last two white and a lone black in my local store. Yippee!

If you're after them, better get your skates on!
 

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!

Busy. Busy. Busy.

 The weather here is absolutely dismal as we experience the tail end of a low pressure system that was Western Australia's last cyclone. The good news is that I've been kept busy at the Sydney Trade Fairs, attending Design & Decoration, Reed Gift Fair and a Fashion buying one as a guest of a girlfriend. (Very different but lots of fun!)

 I found lots of inspiration at the Interior's exhibits. Australia seems to be following the US led interest in anything chevron, nail-head trimmed or plushly upholstered. There were scores of different design styles catered for; tribal, Hampton's, french, minimal-modern and traditional.

Some of the stands were spectacular in their execution and showcased not only their products well but their design savvy as well. My favourite 'idea' was the use of large branches (lots of these to be collected after the recent storms!) displayed in umbrella stands or hung over tables. Entwined with fairy lights, fresh flowers and tiny decorations they were stunning! (Keeping this idea on file for my 50th birthday celebration!)

My friend and I stayed at The Sheraton on the Park (upgraded with executive club...Woo hoo!) and did a quick reconnaissance about the traps. O.M.G. My feet were on fire by the end of the second day, even though our wallets were a titch lighter! LOL! Loved David Jones' big mirror sign and you can never beat their food hall! Easter gifts all done and dusted! 

Went for my first foray into Zara. L.O.V.E. My friend stocked up on some great children's wear but the sizing was too small to cater for J and I. I found a gazillion things I loved, but even an XL looked tiny and I wasn't in a try-on / get depressed frame of mind. (Having eaten and drunk my weight in seafood and Moet at DJ's Oyster bar for lunch is my excuse...)

Any hoo, I've done lots of online shopping for this winter...

I plan to be living in jeggings, ankle boots (posted HERE) and over-sized jumpers.  If your bathroom scales groan like mine do, check out Sussan's and Sportsgirl's offerings. My legs 'll be sporting the metallic, camo and damask trends in ridiculous comfort!!! 

I've also finally succumbed  and got a few 'wish list' items struck off too; YSL Arty ring in rose gold! (net-a-porter), Jasper Conran for Wedgwood Kilim mugs (where else but POK), Chanel print (Jen Ramos) and THE 'cocky' cushion from Katrina and Amy's 'Block' bedroom (bonnie and neil)

Back at La Hacienda, the melamine was delivered for our under stairs linen cupboard and all but one unit has been built and installed. Don't you love that huge electrical main-frame box? Much bigger than expected - if I'd have known it was this size I'd have had the wiring come out of the opposite wall and within the shelving unit to keep the access walkway clear. Live & learn...

 Having a quiet weekend. Davey is unfortunately ill with a Ménière's episode. I think I've posted about this bloody awful affliction before. Four years of total incapacitation. He's had a good run for the last few years but this will be his third and worst bout in the last six months.
Hopefully tomorrow will be a better day.

Whatchaupto?

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!

Rose coloured decisions!

I have loved Rose Gold forever. Waaaaaaay back when I was young, it was deemed 'old fashioned' and I was quite the misfit amongst friends who loved silver or yellow-gold jewelry.

I have few nice silver and yellow-gold pieces but my love of rose gold never wanes. 

As I 've gotten older my jewelry has gotten chunkier along with me (LOL!!!) and the choice of items available in rose gold has increased too. The last few summers I have worn my Triwa rose gold and white watch with my other favourite jewelry pieces (see below) but I'm thinking of adding an all rose coloured over sized watch for winter.

 I have two 'good' watches, a Frederique Constant Rose Gold and black alligator and a stainless steel with diamonds Longines, so I just want a fun watch that isn't going to cost the earth. 

 Some Internet searching has revealed Michael Kors as a contender, especially because they're very well priced if bought from the US.

 I love this one in particular: MK Rose Golden Over sized Chronograph 

 (also pictured top RHS of the four MK pictures).

 What do you think? Fun or O.T.T? Has anyone bought watches from overseas via the Internet?

Are you 'on the hunt' for anything particular for winter?

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!

Is my glass half full or half empty? How to win when you lose!

Sometimes luck / fate / destiny confuses me. Or at least makes me stop and think.

I've had a fine jewelry fetish since I can remember. No faux costume trinkets for me. The real deal all the way! I'd rather have a small cache of precious items than a truck load of fashion items. Don't know why, (To borrow a phrase; 'it's just how I roll'). I so admire and even envy girls who always have the latest jewelry trend pulling their 'look' together but - not for me.

Until recently.

I purchased a summer kaftan from Witchery  and as I was paying was informed they had a $50-off-if you-spend-$150 sale. Nice win! Yee Ha!

Of course, the top was $149! (Duh!)

Sooo, I picked up a silver bead bracelet with medallion that reminded me of the Tiffany one I've been eyeing off for awhile. (See pic above) And it worked out I got it for free. Yippee! (Back to being a winner!)

Now...

I wore said bracelet a few times and LOVED it. I got positive comments and I actually thought I'd cracked my real-only obsession and then 'KL's Law' kicked in.

'KL's Law' is like 'Murphy's' except it's happening to moi!

I was carrying ten-thousand shopping bags of family sustenance upstairs and BAM, the medallion was gone. Just like that. On the wrist in garage. BAM. Non-existent in kitchen. I searched the car, the garage and every one of those ten thousand plastic bag. That medallion had somehow self combusted. 

Now, where's the moral to this story?

Lost freebie - It wasn't Tiffany's.

I think my glass is still half full. Maybe even full. What do you think?

(Or should I drink less wine when posting! LOL!)

x KL

Thank you for stopping by my blog. You are very welcome and encouraged to comment; I love receiving feedback! It helps me get to know you too!