3 weeks lost

 Losing three weeks of my life to sickness has been frustrating...most of all the inability to 'do' anything, go anywhere and feeling confined. I was pretty zonked on painkillers and one can only peruse so many magazines! Headaches made any indulgence in real literature impossible.

So, I shopped. 

Online of course...

....just a little....

Here's the deets....

My love of Camilla saw this long kaftan (which was on sale!) pop into my cart. Even though I'm a curvy girl, the style swamps me so I'm going to get it reworked into a sleeved dress.

New season Country Road tempted...and fed my continuing pastel pink obsession with these summer jeans and vase. 

The shoe height on these CR mules are just right for this ol' gal but I think I'll return them for the white colourway which is everywhere this season!

Ordered two of these light fixtures from Beacon Lighting for over the dining table. David picked them up and HATES them. . . Beacon have a great return policy but I'm going to try to 'sell' them to hubby first!

J is growing like no tomorrow. At 12, he is now as tall as me. He seems to have outgrown every wardrobe item in the past three weeks! New CR jeans (he hates the button fly) and a new Tee are a stop-gap till I can take him shopping. 

Whilst I was buying from CR I also grabbed this black smock which will hide my puffed up belly. I think it will look sweet over the pink jeans. The detailing is gorgeous!

My hospital admission was so hurried that I was admitted with only the clothes I was wearing! Mum grabbed these men's flannies for me from Lowes. Super sloppy, soft and warm. Perfect post surgery. Thanks Mummy!!!!

Harold's always has something I 'need'. Cough. A handful of porcupine quills and an emu egg have now been added to my collection of curiosities!

 There is one more thing that I bought from my hospital bed...

It's a biggie and I am very excited about it! I think it deserves its own post though, so stay tuned!

Here's a teaser...

x KL

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You are very welcome and encouraged to comment, I love receiving feedback!

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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whatchaupto?

 We're approximately at the half-way point of the school holidays here. 

Christmas / New Year celebrations and catch-ups with family and friends have dominated the last three weeks, along with lots of lazy sleep ins.

Below is a snapshot...

And here's the extended version for those that like deets!.....

A very well priced outdoor modular from Myer...do I / don't I?
The black and white combo is hard to find, as is the compact shape...
BUT, will it rust....?

POK cutlery tray $199 now $39. Good protection for my new gold cutlery, no?

There are good mags and ho-hum ones. Same goes for individual editions.
THIS one, THIS edition...W.O.W.! Don't miss out!

My head's still being turned by round, equestrian hardware mirrors.....
Have tracked down a 'maybe'. . .

There's good bedlinen bargains to be had...Drooled over this set at Adairs before Christmas and now it's even cheaper. But do I NEED it? (I'm trying to be good!)

I didn't know I needed this ottoman till I spotted it in a wholesaler's 'super specials'.
I think it will look terrific at the end of the Guest Bedroom bed.

David and I are still debating the upstairs flooring choice. Balancing budget / quality / aesthetics and what the heart wants is HARD. An ongoing, and time consuming quandary....

We're still 'puppy-sitting'. No complaints here...am a bit smitten (am cooking the wee thing special meals....WTF!?) J is in LOVE and enjoying every minute...
and he's away from gaming. Hooray!

He even made a dog kennel with David. On the tools. Highly supervised.
Boy heaven!

David goes back to work next week and had intended on doing lots here in his break; but didn't. 
One 'top coat' on the plastered lounge room walls (the last room to be done) was achieved though. Puppy play, beer and chillaxin' (his term!) distracted him somewhat!

The girl's bedroom wardrobes received handles....yay! and I got to vacuum, vacuum, vacuum.
Please note the carpet is temporary glamping....not the finished floor!

Daughter # 2 turned 22, which we celebrated at a Austrian Schnitzel hous and followed up with watching a new Disney production Frozen. Highly recommended.

"....do you wanna build a snowman...."

I've been trying to convince David that this method of Christmas Tree storage is the way to go since...I do it all. He thought I was nuts till I showed him this picture from a like-minded genius.
Maybe next year...

Congrats to my darling friend GB on his recent engagement. Woo Hoo !

Are you feeling pastels? Pink? Dunno why, but I am. Just a wee pillowcase indulgence ATM....

I hate finding a favourite dress is poor quality. I received a refund but I would have preferred to keep the dress. Even pure silk should be able to withstand more than one wear!

The investigation on main bedroom en suite flooring has begun. Marble, yes! White with black, Black with white..? Another quandary!

Nothing like celebrating the new year with an OLD friend! We've known each other for 48 years!
Emptied a few of these!

Love these pineapple lamps. Adairs tempting me again....

Camping; 'Over-safety cautious Mummy style'. Am I helicoptering? J and a mate didn't mind.
 It's a fun sleepover idea!

How's your break been...
Whatchaupto?

x KL

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Bits & Bobs....again!

 My blog has definitely been neglected lately. Just been Busy. Busy. Busy!

It seems that when I do have time to post, it's a 'catch-up' of all the Bits & Bobs that have been happening....anyways, here's another...

1. A visit to my parents on Sunday became a belated, surprise family celebration of David and my 50th birthdays. Mum, my daughter S and sister LL went all out. Very special.

2. The Tree is up, the lights in place and a gold tree skirt circa 1984 (!) was de-moth-balled!  Decoration next...

3. My new tree from The Twig in Terrigal has acquired its Uashmama bottom, as posted HERE. Wish I'd bought the XL size....the large is not quite big enough to scrunch properly. I had planned this as the Christmas table centrepiece but it's too big. Perfect though for the new entertainment unit!

4 & 5. More Christmas pressies. Rachael Ruddick Como leather clutch on sale for $230 $139! Triple J compilation and another male gift ticked off! Yee Ha! Only a few now to go! 

6. Too-good-to-be-true, authentic Prada clutch from U.S retailer. Yup, saw me coming... Eeeek!

7 & 8. Been busy eBaying J's outgrown toys. End of an era. *sob*

9. Etsy purchase. Similar to advert. Bought knowingly faux. Love it anyhow!

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!

Sh*t, Bugger, Bum, Pooh...and repeat!

( ....sorry Mum)

Remember how I debated the pros and cons of a major Camilla purchase HERE?

 

Indecisively, I bought both the long dress and the shirt...after which the perfect compromise, a short, lace-up kaftan was released! (Left, below) 

S.B.B.P.!

 

Then, my 50th birthday celebrations (for which I invested in said clothing) was cancelled.

S.B.B.P.!

And the design above right emerged....

S.B.B.P....and repeat!

all @ 20% off !!!!

W.T.F.!

S.B.B.P. .....*#^%!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I feel much better now,

Thank you

x KL 

Thank you for stopping by my blog. You are very welcome and encouraged to comment, I love receiving feedback!

the weekend, summer wardrobes and my looming 50!

After fishing all day and perfect weather all weekend, we concluded Sunday's R & R with a visit to neighbouring MacMaster's Beach.

 The sky put on a superb light show, (iPhone pic to illustrate above!)  the ice-creams were divine and we were able to 'spot' our house along the ridge at Copacabana!

The temperature here has felt more spring-like of late and I'm tempted to buy a few new season items.

I lived in Kaftan's last summer and am loving my transeasonal, light-weight silk shirt (top right). 

Camilla have released their new season designs and I'm coveting their Jaguar print. 

Um-ing and ah-ing over another long sleeved shirt or the full length kaftan style (perhaps appropriate for my imminent 50th birthday dinner?)
They're pretty exy so I want to get allot of wear from the garment...which leads me to the shirt but long sleeves in summer???
 If it came in a short kaftan style it would be a no brain-er! 
Aghhhhh!

x KL

Thank you for stopping by my blog. You are very welcome and encouraged to comment, I love receiving feedback!

Life

Considering J wasn't having a birthday 'party' this year, (we host one every second year; a cost containment strategy I started as a single Mum many years ago) his 11th birthday has managed to span a week with two cakes and a fun trip with a few mates to see Star Trek Into Darkness with lunch at a local pizzeria.

Mum and Dad have decided to zhush the family home which is 50 years young. New kitchen bathroom, flooring, paint and storage. Exciting! I'll have to get their permission, but hopefully will be able to share the before and afters... Decision 1: Limed Oak Flooring!

*drool*

 Here, the  s l o w  progress continues.... David has finished painting the ceilings in the main bedroom and installed doors, skirting and architraves whilst I've been playing around with some on-line wardrobe planning programmes.

 Is it cold where you are? Winter has hit the Central Coast of Australia with a vengeance today. I'm happily wearing my new boots and living in comfy jeggings (long tunic jumper on top of course!)

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!

Hello Gorgeous!

 School holidays are drawing to an end here, mores the pity. At 10, J is very independent and I can enjoy a lazy sleep-in when there's no school. No chasing him to bed at night is also heaven. We're getting back to routine over the weekend though in prep for Monday!

David has been busy upstairs again....no prizes for guessing what he's still doing! 

Bought these black and white vases after 'um'ing and 'ah'ing for an eternity at Freedom and ordered a designer-copy-cat spine book tower thingy. It takes 12 weeks to get one! I just expected them to pop it in my car. LOL! Live and learn! I serendipitously received a $50 gift voucher too which was unexpected. Not sure what I'll buy with it yet....

Remember my recent post about Juju hats? Mine arrived today.... I love it's texture but I sadly packed it away until upstairs is ready to be decorated. *sigh*

And this absolutely gorgeous, sparkly Anya Hindmarch clutch may or may not be delivered soon. Perhaps in time for Mother's Day? NET-A-PORTER....I lurve you!

x KL 

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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!