44. Outdoor Shower

Being home on leave gave me the perfect opportunity to get the outdoor shower sorted.  Originally the plan was to do the shower as a surprise for Craig for his birthday but he just happened to be home when the plumber came to quote so the surprise was blown.

The shower is located outside our bedroom and ensuite so Craig has direct access inside and also to the pool.

Step 1: Daniel and Tip had to chase the pipes into the wall, connecting to the pipes in the scullery.

Step 2: Mark from Bathroom Tiles and Decor in Willetton laying the tiles up the wall.  

Step 3: Daniel and Tip came back again to install the taps and shower head.

Step 4: Craig giving the shower a test run (it's freezing outside!)

 

43. The Wardrobe

At last we have had our wardrobe fitted out, almost 4 years after moving into our home!

When we built we had to compromise on some things and our walk-in-robe was one of these things.  To tide us over we had the builder install a shelf and rail on one side of the robe and then on the other we just had two chest of drawers.

Craig spent last weekend removing the shelves.

Then repairing and repainting the walls, which was a bit of an epic tasks it turns out!

This week Mario from Lifestyle Cabinets did the fit out!

The whole thing looks great, I even have jewelry drawers and a rod from which to hang necklaces.  No more tangles!

Now to fill it!

42. The Study

Way back in November we finally got around to sorting out our study.  This post is a little belated update as life just got busy in the meantime.

.

The "study" had become a dumping ground for unloved furniture and the kids' old desks.  It was messy, mismatched and not very conducive to inspiration.  

That's where Pinterest and Dave our Irishman came in :)

The first task was to clear out the room so Dave could actually move.

Aaaahhh a blank slate!

The benchtop is on!

Next the wall shelves.

,

Finished...well almost, I just need a TV on the left and a few of our pictures framed for the right.  

We love this space and I have even been inspired to become a Stampin' Up demonstrator (who would have thought eh?)  So feel free to contact me regarding your papercraft need hahahaah.

http://www3.stampinup.com/au

41. The Kitchen

Well it has been a long time since I wrote anything about our home and to be honest, now that the building process is over, it is probably of no interest to anyone else!  I am going to endeavour to update a few thing though as the blog has become a digital diary and it is fun to look back and see how things have changed.

Ok so today I saw that the lastest issue of Home Beautiful Magazine has a competition in it, Now this magazine was one of my sources of inspiration during the design and building process and I am a long time subscriber...but the real icing on the proverbial cake...a chance to win $10 000!!!!!!  People's Choice is $1000 and there are 14 x $500 vouchers up for grabs at Temple and Webster (drool worthy), so I entered!!!   I really need a bedroom overhaul and update (we still have our original bedhead and bedside drawers...27 years of marriage later

), this could be the sweetener I need to convince Craig that a shopping spree is required.

Anyway, while I had the camera out I thought I might as well add some photos in here so I have them as a record.  Plus I love our kitchen!  One thing I have realised, as I look around our home, is the number of "treasures" we have, gifts or finds that evoke memories of people and places.   Its not so much the "stuff" as the emotions that are associated...maybe I am just sentimental too!

Look pretty amazing, but then again I am biased.

the competition is at 

hb-beautifulrooms.com.au

Voting for the Viewers Choice is from the 12th May so anyone out there in "Blogland" please vote for us.

Flowers fresh from our own garden, we have vases of roses most of the year thanks to our very mild climate (and maybe over watering and over fertilising)

This fan was a Flea Market find by Jake...scrubbed up it now looks amazing above the fridge.  

I have tried the fan in the lounge and study, it is the perfect colour to go anywhere in this house...but I love it in the space above the fridge.

These Ikea chairs were not my first choice...I had my heart set on the wrought iron ones from Le Forge, but that's a Lotto win away.  Recently I saw some industrial type ones that I loved, but without a back, these are just too comfy to trade at the moment.  

We spend most mornings at the bench as it is very rare that we all eat breakfast at the same time,,.when we do, it is usually the weekend and then we use the table or enjoy our bruch alfresco.

This little bird collection started with just one from Claire.  I have always loved the traditional kitsch "Flying ducks" but hadnt been able to find just the right ones, until Claire gave me one for a birthday.  More blooms from our garden, having flowers and plants around the house always makes me feel happy.

Just another angle.  I love the butler's sink!

The scullery and some of my cake stand collection, Murray and Shelley started me on this path and Rhonda has also contributed with gift and ideas where to source things.

Our little compost bin is fantastic and is taken out to our tumbler outside.  It feels good to recycle the scraps and the soil it produces it great for the herb and vege patch.

We picked our first watermelon recently.  It was very sweet.

 

Cake tin from my sister in law, all the way from Italy.  Thanks Rob

Ok, thats it, wish us luck and don't forget to vote please.

40. Afternoon Teal for Audie

On the 13th October we hosted an Afternoon Teal to raise awareness of and funds for, Ovarian Cancer Australia.

This is a charity that is very close to our hearts as my mother was diagnosed with Ovarian Cancer in March 1992 and despite a brave fight, succumbed to the disease in April 1996.

It was a lovely afternoon spent with family and friends. 

The grand total we have been able to contribute is $3708.

This certainly exceeded our expectations and I would like to pay tribute to the generosity of so many people.   It really was a team effort, so thank you all.

xxx

 Putting some bunting to good use.

 We were so lucky with the weather.  A wet weekend before and after, someone was looking out for us that's for sure.

We set up tables inside and out with almost 60 guest expected.

We received a very generous donation of wines from Larry Cherubino Wines

 (thank you for organising that Julie)

Iced tea and "teal" punch.

 Guest enjoying the afternoon.



 More food!

THE CAKE!!

(Thank you for your amazing icing skills Amanda M, great colour blending Kate!)



Merchandise for sale.

We had some fantastic prizes donated to our raffle.

Ladies please be vigilant!

Well it seemed like a good idea, put personally I don't think teal toenails look that great.  It was fun though.

Good advice for everyone.

Ovarian Cancer Australia